ccookie's going to 'TRY FOR 75' in 2012

My favourite books

Children's Books

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst
Are You My Mother by P.D. Eastman
The Five Chinese Brothers by Claire Huchet Bishop
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff
Just Grandma and Me by Mercer Mayer
The Little Fat Policeman by Margaret Wise Brown
Love You Forever by Robert Munsch
The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Adult Books

The Cat Who Went to Paris by Peter Gethers
Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel (read in 1980's and again in 2012)
Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey
Girl With a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (June 2012)
A Lesson Before Dying by Ernest J. Gaines
Looking for Rachel Wallace by Robert B. Parker (years ago and again in 2011)
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (read years ago and again 2012)
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides
The Road by Cormack McCarthy
The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence (May 2012)
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman

*********************************

**** Books read so far - 2012 ****



1. Aesop Revisited by Ethan Russell Erway (LT Giveaway)
2. One for the Money - Janet Evanovich

Total Books Read for January - 2



3. The Alienist - Caleb Carr (Kobo)
4. February - Lisa Moore (library)
5. The Gilded Age - Mark Twain (Kobo)

Total Books Read for February - 3



6. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (Kobo)
7. Changing My Mind - Margaret Trudeau
8. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel
9. Come, Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant (library)
10. Lethal Secrets: The Shocking Consequences of Donor Insemination- Annette Baran
11. Nurses Three: First Assignment - Jean Kirby
12. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey (Kobo)
13. Promise of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst (Library)
14.Three from Galilee by Marjorie Holmes
15. The Three Little Pigs (Disney's Wonderful World of Reading) by Disney Book Club
16.Three Singles to Adventure by Gerald Durrell
17. What Nurses Know ... Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - Lorraine Steefel (LT)

Total Books Read for March - 12



18. 1984 by George Orwell (Audiobook)
19. Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey
20. Daisy Miller by Henry James (Kobo)
21. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz
22. The Fourth Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders
23. Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield (Kobo)
24. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green
25. Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly (Audiobook)
26. Straight by Dick Francis (Kobo)
27. The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck (Kobo)
28. Secrets of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst (library)
29. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (Kobo)
30. War Horse by Michael Morpurgo (Kobo)

Total Books Read for April - 13



31. 11/22/63 by Steven King (Kobo)
32. Booked for Murder by Tim Myers (Kobo)
33. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens (Audiobook)
34. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark (library)
35. The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence (Kobo)
36. To the Nines by Janet Evanovich (Kobo)

Total Books Read for May - 6



37. Arthur, High King of Britain by Michael Morpurgo (Library)
38. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (Audiobook)
39. The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracey Chevalier
40. The Grapes of Wrath - by John Steinbeck (Kobo)
41. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (Kobo)
42. The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes (Library)
43. The Pearl by John Steinbeck (Kobo)
44. Pontius Pilate by Paul L. Maier
45. Robin of Sherwood by Michael Morpurgo (Library)
46. Trudeau Albums
47.Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats by Bradley Greive

Total Books Read for June - 11



48. Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (Kobo)
49. Household Tales by the Brothers Grimm (Kobo)
50. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (Kobo)
51. The Queen's Confession by Victoria Holt (Kobo)
52. Secret of the Seventh Son - Glen Cooper (Kobo)

Total Books Read for July- 5



53. Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll (Re-read) (Kobo)
54. Dracula by Bram Stoker (Kobo)
55. Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Kobo)
56. The Island of Dr. Moreau (Kobo)
57. The Red Pony by John Steinbeck (Kobo)
58. Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carroll (Kobo)
59. Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman

Total books read in August: 7



60. Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman
61. Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte (Kobo)
62. Bitten by Kelley Armstrong (Kobo)
63. Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (Kobo)
64. The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells (Kobo)
65. Little Brother by Cory Doctorow (Kobo)
66. The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula LeGuin (Kobo)
67. The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury (Kobo)
68. The Mysteries of Udolpho by Ann Radcliffe (Kobo)
69. No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey
70. Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs (Kobo)
71. Push by Saphire (Kobo)
72. Robert B. Parker's Lullaby by Ace Atkins (Audio)
73. The Witches by Roald Dahl (Kobo)

Total books read in September: 14 (includes one young children's book)



74. Crimson Joy by Robert. B. Parker
75. Carrie by Stephen King (Audio)
76. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
77. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
78. The Shining by Stephen King

Total books read in October: 5



Total books read in November: 0



79. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone - J. K. Rowling
80. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - J. K. Rowling
81. The Graveyard - Neil Gaiman

Total books read in December: 3

Reading now:

The 12 Step Prayer Book by Bill P
Alcoholics Anonymous: Large Print
Fifteen by Beverley Cleary
Fledgling by Octavia Butler
Life by Keith Richards (Audio)
Get Off the Unicorn by Anne McCaffrey
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
Merlin Dreams by Peter Dickinson
Playmates by Robert B. Parker
The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo
Twenty-four Hours a Day by Anonymous
Villette by Charlotte Bronte

FOR LATER:

2001: A Space Odyssey by Arthur C. Clarke
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
The Devil in Pew Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Julian Schnabel
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
The Falls by Joyce Carol Oates
First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
In Dubious Battle By John Steinbeck
Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Light in August by William Faulkner
Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
Marion Bridge by Daniel McIvor
Mists of Avalon – Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Red and the Black by Stendhal
Shipping News by Annie Proulx
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Tenth Chamber by Glenn Cooper
Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
Tortilla Flat by John Steinbeck
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Valley of the Horses by Jean M. Auel
The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell
Yseult: A Tale of Love in the Age of King Arthur by Ruth Nestvold

Welcome! Nice start.

Thanks, drneutron. The idea of 75 kind of scares me but 'one book at a time'. And I know that 75 is not carved in stone!

Just finished Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Trying to read some of the classics of English Literature, you know.

First line:
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, 'and what is the use of a book,' thought Alice 'without pictures or conversation?'

I found this book intriguing and boring at the same time. I think that I have been contaminated by the movies and television shows so the book seemed too 'plain'. Not enough colour. It is one of the few times that I can say that I enjoyed the movie more than the book; usually it is the other way around.

I did find that the change of topics from chapter to chapter frustrating but when you see that the whole thing is a dream, well, that is how dreams work isn't it? Not much connection between one thing and another, jumping from scene to scene.

If I was going to read this to my children I would choose some kind of a Disney version because I think that the graphics, in this case, add a valuable dimension to the reading experience.

I am glad that I read it but it will never be a re-read, unless I have a grand-child!

Three Singles to Adventure - done

First line:
In a tiny bar in the back streets of Georgetown four of us sat round a table, sipping rum and ginger beer and pondering a problem.

Thus begins Three Singles to Adventure, an account of Gerald Durrell's animal collecting expedition to British Guiana (now Guyana) in the 1950s.

This was Durrell's second book and the first of his works that I have read. I have many others on my shelves, inherited from my mother who was a great lover of animals.

It is fun to read all of the misadventures as they collect fauna for zoos in Great Britain. A good read!

Finished Three from Galilee by Marjorie Holmes.

First line:
Hannah had been restless all night.

In this book, Holmes creates an imaginary childhood and youth for Jesus, the Christ with his mother and father Mary and Joseph.

Because this is fiction it allows for some imaginative directions that may or may not make sense to all based on your religions interpretation of Jesus life.
Since these are 'what might have been' I found it easy to suspend any disbelief about what I was reading and relax and just enjoy this for what it was.

I did find it interesting the way that Holmes wound 'bible stories' into this part of Jesus' life, for instance one of his brothers left home stealing his inheritance and returned many years later like the prodigal son.

An enjoyable read. I am ready to pass this book on to someone else now.

My planned reads:

1. 1984 by George Orwell (completed April 11)
2. Black Horses for the King by Anne McCaffrey (completed April 20)
3. Daisy Miller by Henry James (completed April 8)
4. The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz (completed April 16)
5. The Fourth Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders (completed April 26)
6. Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield (completed April 30)
7. King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table by Roger Lancelyn Green (completed April 27)
8. Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich (completed April 4)
9. Straight by Dick Francis (completed April 27)

Great to see you here, ccookie! April! Wow- it's not long now , is it! Hard to believe!

Thanks for the welcome Vancouverdeb. Have you been here long?

March reads: Just finished re-reading Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean Auel which I read when it was first published over 30 years ago. I remembered it as being one of my favourites and I was not at all disappointed in the re-read. I am going to start Valley of the Horses immediately with the plan being to read them all in sequence. One and two will be re-reads but the rest will be brand new.

Just finished Come Thou Tortoise by Jessica Grant.

The Winnipeg Free Press describes this as a "funny and sad and splendid first novel.”. I thoroughly enjoyed it and found Audrey to be a totally believable character. She is devastated by the death of her father, missing her tortise who is home waiting for her return and then 'loses' her uncle too. It is funny, and touching and wonderful. I normally don't care for talking animals but in this case hearing Winnifred's take on her life is really funny. I would recommend it.

Last book for March, I think. I just finished Promise of the Wolves which I absolutely loved. It reminded me so much of Clan of the Cave Bear by Auel and I happened to be re-reading this at the same time. Similar scenarios in both books, not belonging, always feeling not good enough, brutal beatings etc etc and then triumph in the end and yet sadness and sorrow permeate both worlds. As mentioned before I usually don't care for talking animals but in this case it worked for me. I raced through this book in the last 10 days or so which is a fast read for me. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoyed the Earth's Children series. You won't be disappointed. Now I have to get the sequel from the library.

I bought myself an MP3 player the other day and just finished listening to Love in a Nutshell by Janet Evanovich and Dorien Kelly. I don't want to say it was bad but, to me, it was baaadd. No character development, not much of anything really. I just didn't care. And I have absolutely loved, I mean, loved, Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series. Oh, well, can't win them all! Full review found on here: http://www.librarything.com/work/11598024/reviews/84395524

Today I added another one to my 'currently reading' pile. Secrets of the Wolves by Dorothy Hearst.

After reading Promise of the Wolves last month (for the Reading Through Time Chronological Challenge Category - Pre-history), I just had to start the sequel right away. Loved that first one. I know others didn't care for it but I thought it was wonderful.

This weekend I participated in the Easter/Passover/April Readathon from Friday noon to Sunday midnight.

I read from 12 different books as I am wont to do, and managed to complete one book, Daisy Miller. by Henry James. Granted, it is a novella only 48 pages but I didn't think I would make it.

This is an odd little book. Written in 1878 it chronicles a young American girl’s willful yet innocent flirtation with a young Italian. She is outgoing and flirtatious and refuses to change her ways in order to fit into a culture and society to which she does not belong.

I understand that, for its time, it reflected absolutely scandalous behaviour on the part of this young woman and yet for today's time Daisy's behaviour is quite 'normal'.

As a social commentary, it doesn't fit with contemporary situations and yet is a very sad reflection on the concept of arrogance on behalf of those who believe that they are the arbiters of 'good behavoiur'. There are many today who would criticize those that don't fit in instead of applauding them for being such free spirits.

I can't say that this is going to go down in history as a great read but I am glad that I read it.

I just finished listening to 1984 by George Orwell on my brand-new MP3 player that I bought for the sole purpose of 'listening to books'

My son studied this book in high school but somehow I had not ever read it and I can't imagine why!

I found it to be riveting. I was struck by a number of concepts. The horrifying concept of "Big Brother is watching" carried out in the extreme for these Party members who can do nothing that is not observed by the ever-present tele-screens. This is evident today in that we are tracked by governments, credit cards, reward cards, social networks, market researchers, GPS's, cell phones etc. So much of us is known out there in the world.

Also, I was struck by the emphasis on changing history by changing the records of it. There are some who would deny the Holocoust and have written that it did not happen as recorded. North American Aboriginals and Afro-Canadians and Americans would dispute the versions of their cultural history written by white, privileged men.

I was thoroughly involved in Winston's life and cared a great deal about what happened to him. I was shocked and devastated at some of the events that happened in his life.

I can see why this is a book that is read by many of our young people as part of their high school curriculum. It was a great read. I enjoyed this book very much but because of its sad (and terrifying) nature, I don't expect that I would re-read it so 4.5 stars. I would highly recommend it.

Starting to listen to David Copperfield on my MP3... so far so good!

Finished the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz which I read for the '2012 has 12 Months' challenge - the number 'four' in the title.

I found this little book to be a simple and powerful read.

The four agreements: Be impeccable with your word, Don't take anything personally, Don't make assumptions, and Always do your best. These are not new concepts to me but are presented in a new way.

I purchased this book quite a few years ago and never read it. I am wondering, now, what my life might have been like had I read it when I got it. Simple concepts but often hard to put into practice. but, already, these concepts are being applied and making a difference. I am going to re-read it immediately because I think that the more I remember these things the better off I will be

Got a bunch of books at the church rummage sale last week. Don't know why I am buying more books !!

Blue Diary - Alice Hoffman
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood- Rebecca Wells
The Diving Bell and the Butterfly- Julian Schnabe
The Falls- Joyce Carol Oates
The Girl With a Pearl Earring - Tracy Chevalier
The Hidden Pierre Elliot Trudeau - Richard Lackenbauer John
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
My Antonia - Willa Cather
Private Pleasures - Lawrence Sanders
The Shipping News - E. Annie Proulx
The Song of the Lark - Willa Cather
The Stone Diaries - Carol Shields
Vagabond - Bernard Cornwell
AND
LooneySpoons for my friend who, just two days before, happened to mention wanting it.

A good haul! 13 books for $11.00 - can't beat that.

Discovered the Steinbeckathon and will start The Moon is Down for the April group read.

I am literally slogging through Roger Lancelyn Green's book King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table which I am determined to finish and absolutely hating.

At the same time I was reading Black Horses for the King which I really loved. I just finished it.

Anne McCaffrey does a wonderful job describing the life of 5th century Britain at the time of King Arthur (in this case, Lord Artos, The Comes Britannorum).

This is the story of a young man, Galwyn, who comes into Lord Artos' service as a translator and helps him purchase horses to take back to Britain to train as strong mounts for the armored warriors to fight the Saxons.

Written for young adults, but equally enjoyable for this 59 year old, it depicts Galwyn's training as a farrier and the realistic issues of the early development of horse sandals (horse shoes) to protect the delicate hooves of these Libyan beauties.

I love Anne McCaffrey's Pern novels and found her writing here to be equally captivating. I really wanted to see what happened to this young man and the horses he is responsible for. There is one nasty character in the book, an 'enemy' of Galwyn and I really enjoyed the way that Galwyn deals with him close to the end of the book.

Do not read this looking for knights of the round table or Guinivere and Lancelot. This is about a young man's love of horses his care for them and for the master that he serves. (4 stars)

Hi Cathy
I liked Black Horses for the King too and your review is right to the point, thumbed it.
You might also like Rosemary Sutcliffs Sword at Sunset, the story of Arthur without magic or magicans. The story of a leader who gathers man to fight the Saxons.

> 23 Thanks, Anita. Someone else suggested Rosemary Sutcliff's series. With two recommendations I will have to try it in July when the Reading Through Time Chronological Challenge is doing Arthurian Britain. Thanks again!

Finished Secrets of the Wolves.

Didn't find it as gripping as the first installment Promise of the Wolves but will look for the third one.
Full review at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/11175512/reviews

Finished Things Fall Apart. Liked it. Full review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/5061284/reviews/84439169

Finished The Fourth Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders.

This book has a beautiful opening line:
~ The November sky over Manhattan was chain mail, raveling into steely rain ~

However, the book does not live up to it's promise. It isn't a terrible book, just not very exciting and / or suspenseful. I see from other reviews that most people consider this to be the weakest of the five Edward X. Delaney books so I will probably give another one a try.

See full review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/445440/reviews/77468894

At the end of April I finished The Moon is Down by John Steinbeck and I really loved it.

Short, but powerful!

I read that this was written as propaganda to encourage the occupied countries in Europe to engage in resistance activities against the Germans.

Reading it from my perspective, I found this book to be so much more than that. Steinbeck did a good job of actually humanizing the invaders and allowing the reader to see that the 'bad' guys are pretty much the same as the 'good' guys.

‘Their talk was of friends and relatives who loved them and their longings were for warmth and love, because a man can be a soldier for only so many hours a day and for only so many months in a year, and then he wants to be a man again, wants girls and drinks and music and laughter and ease, and when these are cut off, they become irresistibly desirable. And the men thought always of home.’

His language is beautiful.

I can't wait for more Steinbeck! Onward to the Grapes of Wrath

Full review is at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/2977710/reviews/84897971

I managed to finish King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table but I did not enjoy it at all. I literally slogged through most of it.

I think it was partly the old style English. The brevity of the stories bothered me. Each chapter is devoted to one mythological episode such as 'Sir Tristam and the Fair Iseult' or 'Sir Gawain and the Lady Ragnell' and these stories, to my mind, all run together with not enough character development to make me actually care about what happens to any of them. Each one basically involves one Knight killing another Knight, usually by beheading, to save the lady.

I know this is written for children but I can't imagine being able to get through this until much later in life.

There is one thing that I enjoyed about this book and that was the wood-cut illustrations which were, I thought, quite unusual

April read:

Straight by Dick Francis

Didn't love it, but it was enjoyable. Will read another of Dick Francis' novels soon. Have lots on my shelf inherited from my mother.

Full review at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/42955/reviews/84085064

My planned reads:

11/22/63 by Steven King (Kobo) completed May 30
Booked for Murder by Tim Myers (Kobo) completed May 22
A God Against the Gods by Allen Drury abandoned
Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (Kobo) completed June 27
The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (Kobo) completed July 31
Mysteries of Udolpho by Anne Radcliffe (Kobo and Audio) abandoned May 27
Pontius Pilate by Paul Maier completed June 30
To the Nines by Janet Evanovich (Kobo) completed May 29
Trudeau Albums completed June 23

First line:
~ Although extraordinary valor was displayed by the entire corps of Spartans and Thespaians, yet bravest of all was declared the Spartan Dienekes ~

I finished Gates of Fire by Stephen Pressfield at the end of April.

Pressfield did some pretty heavy research about the Spartans and their warfare tactics. I understand it is pretty accurate.

However, reading this just confirms for me the tragedy of war. I can't imagine the life that these men and their squires lead. I am taken by their discipline and commitment. However, I am saddened as I am any time that I read about war and, what I believe to be, the senseless loss of lives. And so many lives were lost at this battle.

I don't think I would read this again but I did enjoy it. (3.5 stars)

full review can be found here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/3251965/reviews/84034294

Finished War Horse by Michael Morpurgo at the end of April.

I loved this book. I don't usually care for books that take an animals point of view but this worked for me.
Full review at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/696577/reviews

The Bourne Identity I was reading this one 'just for me' and just today realized that this fits for the 75 books Challenge - May: Murder & Mayhem. Bonus!!

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook David Copperfield read by Irishman Tadhg Hynes. He has a great voice with a lovely Irish accent and it was easy to listen to him. The narration captured me right from the beginning.

Charles Dickens certainly has a way with words. To read such detailed descriptions of the lifestyle of the times fascinating. Stories gave me much food for thought.

http://www.librarything.com/work/7489/reviews/84458157

Finished The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark.

I started this book in April for the TIOLI challenge #22: ‘One Spark Lights the Month: Read a book by Muriel Spark’ but did not finish it until May 2012 when it, coincidentally fit the TIOLI Challenge #4: Username challenge: Read a book derived from a 75er's username (souloftherose)

This is a portrait of six young women coming of age and falling under the influence of a idolized teacher. And a portrait of the teacher Miss Jean Brodie who unduly and perhaps dangerously influences 'her girls'.

Full review is at:

http://www.librarything.com/work/26164/reviews/85097420

I finished The Stone Angel by Margaret Laurence and I loved it!

I read this book after my 25 year old son shared with me his reactions to it. I figured anything that touched him in that way was worth reading. He did not lead me astray.

I was engaged with Hagar right from the beginning and found the writing to be realistic and beautiful. I am impressed with Margaret Laurence's capacity to write realistic dialogue and to get inside the head of a much older woman.

A wonderful read. I look forward to reading more of Margaret Laurence's works.

Full review:
http://www.librarything.com/work/32445/reviews

I just finished Booked for Murder by Tim Myers which I read for the 2012 has 12 Months sub-challenge of the 12 12 group - read a book about an emerald (the birthstone for the month of May) AND for the 75 Books Challenge for TIOLI Challenge #10: Read a book with a word in the title suggesting violent death AND for the 75 books Challenge - May: Murder & Mayhem

I would not have picked up this book on my own but someone on LT recommended this series.

It is a short kinda fun read but not really much depth to it although I did like the two protagonists. The answer to the mystery was not revealed until the very end and I didn't find it terribly satisfying. I liked the writing style. I consider this to be a beach read. Light, airy, easy to read, not requiring a lot of focus. I liked it but it wasn't great. (3.5 stars)

I finished To the Nines by Janet Evanovich. Read for TIOLI 75 Book Challenge #4: Username challenge: Read a book derived from a 75er's username - To the Nines (souloftherose)

Stephanie is at it again with her wonderful cast of supporting characters. I like Evanovich's light writing style and her ability to get ideas across with few words. And she is FUNNY! Like one of the other reviewers I found something lacking in this one; it seemed I didn't care quite as much. Nevertheless, I laughed and chuckled all the way through especially around the 'vaseline guy' and Grandma Mazur. I love the relationships between Stephanie and Morelli and Stephanie and Ranger and will be sad should the sexual tension between them change. I love that both men recognize that they each care for her and take turns protecting her from the stalker. And, although I felt that the mystery was a little to 'pat' I did find the resolution very intense and suspenseful. All in all, a good read. On to 10 Big Ones. (3.5 stars)

Back on May 22nd I finished David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this audiobook read by Irishman Tadhg Hynes. He has a great voice with a lovely Irish accent and it was easy to listen to him. The narration captured me right from the beginning.

Charles Dickens certainly has a way with words. To read such detailed descriptions of the lifestyle of the times fascinating. Stories gave me much food for thought.

Full review is to be found at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/7489/reviews/84458157
(4.5 stars)

On May 30th I finished Stephen King's 11/22/63.

Loved this book! I have always liked Stephen King's writing style and his storytelling and I think this is one of his best. And I get a kick out of the concept of time travel and how changes in the past might or might not influence the present.

I found this gripping; many times I could not put it down. I was desperate to know what would happen next.

I would highly recommend this book. A great read. My full review is here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/11022382/reviews (4.5 stars)

Yeah, I loved this one too...

Planned reads for June:

FOR THE TIOLI CHALLENGES:

Challenge #1- Read a book whose third title word has exactly 3 letters

1. Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck (and)
~ A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hill-side bank and runs deep and green ~ Completed June 12

2. Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats by Bradley Trevor Greive (are)
~ I suggest you sit down and if you've not already done so, cover your dog's ears ~ Completed June 17

Challenge # 4 - Read a book visiting a state or country you've never been to before in a book's setting

3. The Girl With A Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier (Holland)
~ My mother did not tell me they were coming ~ Completed June 24

4. The Pearl by John Steinbeck - This takes place in La Paz, Baja, California on the Gulf of Mexico.
I am reading this for the 12 12 Group Challenge to read a book with the birthstone of the month in the title
~ Kino awakened in the near dark ~ Completed June 25

5. Arthur High King of Britain by Michael Morpurgo - takes place in the Scilly Islands off the southwestern tip of the Cornish peninsula of Great Britain
~ The boy left home at first light, enough food and drink in his rukshack to last him the whole day ~ Completed June 4

6. A God Against the Gods by Allen Drury - takes place in Egypt. I am reading this one for the Reading Through Time Challenge- Quarterly theme read: Ancient and Biblical times
~So do I sign myself, remembering the small, wizened modest man who gave me life, thinking thereby to give him in return a fame of which he never dreamed in all his seixty humble years a s a farmer: Amon-ho-tep, son of Hapu risen very high and destined , as we all declare so stoutly on our tombs and monuments, to live forever and ever . . . ~ abandoned

Challenge #5 - Read a book with a title which contains a brand of automobile (make or model)

7. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins
~ Extracted from a Family Paper - I address these lines—written in India—to my relatives in England ~ Completed July 30

Challenge #8 - Read a book with a title that has equal or more letters from the second half of the alphabet than from the first half, initial articles and subtitles excluded

8. The Queen's Confession by Victoria Holt (8/11)
~ The only real happiness in this world comes through a happy marriage ~Completed July 30

9. Pontius Pilate by Paul Maier (5/8)
~A salvo of trumpet blasts echoed across Rome, saluting the sunrise on the first of April, A.D. 26 ~ completed June 30

10. Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck (7/13)
~ To the red country and part of the gray country of Oklahoma, the last rains came gently, and they did not cut the scarred earth ~ Completed June 27

11. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum (9/16) AUDIO
~ THE NEW YORK TIMES, FRIDAY, 11 JULY 1975
Front page: Diplomats said to be linked with fugitive terrorist known as Carlos ~ completed June 16

Challenge #9 - Read a book from a Legacy Library

12. Walden by Henry David Thoreau
~ When I wrote the following pages, or rather the bulk of them, I lived alone, in the woods, a mile from any neighbor, in a house which I had built myself, on the shore of Walden Pond, in Concord, Massachusetts, and earned my living by the labor of my hands only ~ abandoned, I may pick it up later

Challenge #15 - Read a Book With One of the Words from the Bridal Rhyme in the Title: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, Sixpence, Shoe

13. Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes
~ Now she sits alone and remembers ~Completed June 30

Challenge #17- Read a book with a prominent tag that appears in bold on another 75-er's tag mirror and doesn't appear at all on your (250-tag) tag mirror

14. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel
~ So now get up ~ abandoned

Challenge #21 - Read a book featuring a legal professional
15. Trudeau Albums . I started this last month for the TIOLI Challenge #9: Read a nonfiction work set during the first 23 years of your life and didn't finish it but Trudeau was a lawyer before he was a Prime Minister so it fits here for this month.
~ The story has almost assumed the quality of a hallowed myth ~ Completed June 23

Challenge #23 - Read a book whose title contains the word "of."
16. Robin of Sherwood by Michael Morpurgo ~ There had never been a storm like it ~ Completed June 4

Robin of Sherwood by Michael Morpurgo

This book is apparently written for 9 to 14 year olds but I certainly enjoyed it. This would be a little intense for very young children.

I did not find this quite as fun to read as the other Michael Morpurgo book I just finished, Arthur, High King of Britain, but, nevertheless I give it a 3.5 rating. Michael Foreman's beautiful water colour illustrations enrich the reading experience.

Arthur, High King of Britain by Michael Morpurgo

First line:
~ The boy left home at first light, enough food and drink in his rukshack to last him the whole day ~

I liked this one. Like Robin of Sherwood, also by Michael Morpurgo, this book is written for children age 9 to 14. I am trying to read a variety of works about King Arthur and these stories of the Knights of the Round Table and Queen Guinevere were simply and clearly told. It was easy to read and understand unlike another Arthur Book I read by Roger Lancelyn Green that I found tedious and boring. This one I raced through. And Michael Foreman's water colour illustrations are incredibly beautiful. Again this would be a bit intense for very young children.
(4.0 stars)

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck

First Line
~ A few miles south of Soledad, the Salinas River drops in close to the hill-side bank and runs deep and green ~

Tragic. Beautiful.

This book is about unfulfilled dreams. Dreams of independence, Dreams of a better life. Of security. Of self-respect. Acceptance. Fame. Love.

Each character is striving to find something they do not have or to be something that they are not. And each one is powerless over their circumstances.

There is anger, bitterness, jealousy, hate, ignorance, loneliness, prejudice, and inhumanity.

And, yet, there is love, compassion, companionship, kindness.

I am in awe of John Steinbeck.

Profound storytelling in very few words.

5.0 stars

A few days ago I finished The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum. Did not exactly love it.
full review here;
http://www.librarything.com/work/4805/reviews

Why Dogs Are Better Than Cats by Bradley Trevor Greive

Lovely photos. Humorous descriptions of the different qualities of cats and dogs. I had fun with this one; See review at:
http://www.librarything.com/work/9065336/reviews
(4 stars)

Planned Reads / Possible reads for July

FOR TIOLI Challenges:

Challenge #3: Read a book set in one of the countries or regions that comprise the traditional Middle East

The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (plan again for September)

Challenge #7: Read a book of *more than 300 pages* with *a multiple word title*

East of Eden by John Steinbeck. I am also reading this for the Steinbeckathon group read for July (ongoing -hope to finish by mid-Sept)

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. I started this one in May for the Reading Through Time challenge - Historical Crime; carried it thorough June for the TIOLI Challenge #5 - Read a book with a title which contains a brand of automobile (make or model)and am now moving onto July with it. I actually love it but it is slow going! This is also a 1001 read. (Completed July 30)

The Queen's Confession by Victoria Holt - started this one in May for the TIOLI challenge to read a book with a title that has equal or more letters from the second half of the alphabet than from the first half and for the Reading Through Time challenge for June- A book about the French Revolution. (Completed July 30)

Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel. Started this in June for the tutored read but am nowhere near finished. (gave up on this one. I am not sure I will pick it up again but I might try. So many people love it)

Challenge #8: Read a book where the author's initials form a commonly used abbreviation or initials or acronym.

The Winter King by Bernard Cornwell. (BC- Before Christ). I am also reading this for the RTT Quarterly Theme Read - Arthurian Britain and the RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft. (ongoing - I will try again in Sept)

The Devil in Pew Number Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo. (RNA - Ribonucleic Acid) I am also reading this for the 12/12 challenge to read a book with the number of the month in the title (seven for July) (never started)

The Golden Notebook by Doris Lessing (DL- Disabled List). Reading this for the 1001 group read (abandoned, tedious, tedious, tedious)

Secret of the Seventh Son by Glenn Cooper (GC- Government of Canada) I am also reading this for the 12/12 challenge to read a book with the number of the month in the title (seven for July) Completed July 31)

Yseult: A Tale of Love in the Age of King Arthur by Ruth Nestvold (RN- Registered Nurse) - I am also reading this for the RTT Quarterly Theme Read - Arthurian Britain and the RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft. (I will try again in mid Sept)

The Witches by Roald Dahl (RD- Research and Development) which I am also reading for the RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft. (Completed Sept 3)

Challenge #10: Read a book by an author whose surname could also be a first name

The Mists of Avalon by Marian Zimmer Bradley - also for the RTT Quarterly Theme Read - Arthurian Britain and RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft (ongoing)

Challenge #11: Read a book with a title that includes one or more colors of the olympic rings

The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo (ongoing)

Challenge #12: Read a Western

Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry (never started but will try again later)

Challenge #15: Read a book with a picture of something that can be carried by the wind on its cover

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury (never started but will try again later)

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini(never started but will try again later)

Challenge #18: Read a book where the author's Surname is also a Place name

Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (Armstrong, British Columbia, Canada) also reading for RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft (Completed July 30)

Life by Keith Richards (Richards, TX) (ongoing)

Catching up !

Trudeau Albums - completed June 23rd.

I started this book in May for the TIOLI Challenge #9: Read a nonfiction work set during the first 23 years of your life and didn't finish it. However, Trudeau was a lawyer before he was a Prime Minister so it fit June's Challenge #21 - Read a book featuring a legal professional

First line:
~ The story has almost assumed the quality of a hallowed myth ~

This is a coffee table picture book that I gave to my mother many years ago and inherited it back from her when she passed away. I finally got it read and really enjoyed looking through it and remembering when. More than pictures, it has essays written by prominent Canadian journalists and authors.

Full review is at: http://www.librarything.com/work/9161904/reviews

The Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracey Chevalier - completed June 24th, read for June's Challenge # 4 - Read a book visiting a state or country you've never been to before in a book's setting (Holland) and for the 12/12 Challenge to read a book with the birthstone of the month (Pearl)in the title

First line:
~ My mother did not tell me they were coming ~

Loved this book:
full review at: http://www.librarything.com/work/5128/reviews

The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Completed June 25

The Pearl by John Steinbeck was read for June's TIOLI Challenge # 4 - Read a book visiting a state or country you've never been to before in a book's setting (Takes place in La Paz, Baja, California on the Gulf of Mexico). and I was also reading it for the 12 12 Group Challenge to read a book with the birthstone of the month in the title (Pearl)

I thought this was a beautifully written tragic story. Steinbeck is brilliant!

Full review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/2977712/reviews

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck - completed June 27

I read this for the TIOLI June Challenge #8 - Read a book with a title that has equal or more letters from the second half of the alphabet than from the first half (7/13) AND for the Steinbeckathon group read.

Steinbeck writes of sad things. Poverty, hunger, the downtrodden. Yet, his works are filled with universal truths.

I am, so enjoying Steinbeck! Thanks LT for the Steinbeckathon!

Review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/8488/reviews

On June 30th I completed The Old Gringo by Carlos Fuentes for the for the Fun with Fuentes: Group Read of The Old Gringo AND for the TIOLI Challenge #15 - Read a Book With One of the Words from the Bridal Rhyme in the Title: Old, New, Borrowed, Blue, Sixpence, Shoe

First line:
~ Now she sits alone and remembers ~

This was an odd book. But I liked it!

Full review is here:

http://www.librarything.com/work/84298/reviews/86220931

I finished reading Pontius Pilate by Paul L Maier on June 30 and am finally getting around to reviewing it! This was not the greatest book but I enjoyed reading it. It did get a little boring in the fourth quarter. (3.5 stars)

Full review here:
http://www.librarything.com/work/225874/reviews

My planned / possible reads for August:
Challenge #1: Read a book by a new-to-you author chosen from a list of author names generated at “Literature-Map"
Dragons of Autumn Twilight by Margaret Weis (from Anne McCaffrey) (Abandoned- Margaret Weis is no Anne McCaffrey)

Challenge #4: Read a book where the Title either begins with the same letter as the one above or ends with the same letter, alternating.
Light in August by William Faulkner
This is also for the 2012 has 12 months challenge (read a book with the month in the title) (ongoing)

Challenge #5: Read a book that was recommended to you by one of your parents, or is/was a favourite of one of your parents
Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
(Re-read completed Aug 9 - Read years ago at my Mother's recommendation. It was on my favourite list and is still)

Challenge #8: Read a book published as a Virago Modern Classic
Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte
I am also reading this for the 1001 group read Completed Sept 6

Challenge #10: Read a book with a title that includes an object that changes colors naturally
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
This is also a 75 book challenge group read
(Stalled - but will try again in Sept)

Challenge #12: Read a "Scandicrime", a mystery or thriller written by an author from Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland or Iceland
The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo (Norway)
I started this last month for Challenge #11: Read a book with a title that includes one or more colors of the olympic rings, but did not finish it. (Ongoing)

Challenge #13: Read a book where the first letter of the title words can be rearranged to make a single word
First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough (firm)
I am also reading this for the RTT theme of Ancient Rome
(Stalled - but will try again in Sept)

Challenge #14: Read a book whose title includes one or more of the colors from your country's flag.
The Red Pony by John Steinbeck
This is also the Steinbeckathon group read for August Completed Aug 31

Challenge #16: Read a book with a cover that is boring, uninteresting, uninspiring, or mostly brown
East of Eden by John Steinbeck
I started this last month for the July Steinbeckathon but didn't finish it. It is a llllooongg one, but wonderfully written

Challenge #17: Read a book with an embedded first name in either the title or author's name
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carrol (Completed Aug 2)
Dracula by Bram Stoker (Ula) (Completed Aug 9)
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (Ken) (Completed Aug 17)
The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells (Isla) (Completed Aug 28)
Through the Looking Glass by Lewis Carrol (Completed Aug 2)
I am reading these for the Fantasy and Science Fiction course I am taking through Coursera.org

Challenge #19: Read a short work such as a short story or an essay with a title which follows an alphabetical sequence

So far, these are the short stories I have added to challenge #19

Country of the Blind, The Star by H. G. Wells - from The Country of the Blind and Other Stories Completed

Annabel Lee; The Bells; The Black Cat; The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar; The Fall of the House of Usher; The Oval Portrait; The Raven; The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe - from The Portable Edgar Allan Poe (Completed)

Dr. Heidegger's Experiment by Nathaniel Hawthorne - from Twice-Told Tales (Completed)

The Artist of the Beautiful; The Birthmark; Rappaccini's Daughter by Nathaniel Hawthorne - from Mosses from an Old Manse (Completed)

A Weekend with the Angels- E. B. White; The Rather Difficult Case of Mr. K*A*P*L*A*N by Leonard Q. Ross - from An Encyclopedia of Modern American Humor (Completed)

THanks for your congratulations on the 'Bragging and Backslapping' thread. You're not too far off reaching 75 either, I see - and throwing yourself into the TIOLI challenges in a big way!

I haven't read many of your August proposed reads, but did recently re-read Frankenstein, and read and re-read both Lewis Carrolls many times in childhood - and I enjoyed East of Eden years ago too. I haven't got into any (re)reading of Steinbeck so far this year despite the Steinbeckathon - I have no copies to hand and am trying to stick with reading books already on the shelves. But it looks as though you've really enjoyed the Steinbeck reads...

Hi Cathy,

finally managed to track you thread down *grin*. After all this month hanging around I only saw today that there is a thread book. Lovely thread you got, and some nice reading so far as well.

> 58
Thanks, drachenbraut23.
I see your posts all over the place. Nice to meet you.
Cathy

Planned / possible reads for September. I know there are too many here. The problem is I never know what I am going to be in the mood for.

Challenge #2: A to Z - Read a book whose author first name includes an "a" and last name includes a "z":
The Devil in Pew Seven by Rebecca Nichols Alonzo

Challenge #6: Read a series book by an author who has written more books in another series:
The Winter King (Book 1 of 3 in the Warlord Chronicles by Bernard Cornwell (he has written 23 Sharpe books). Started last month for Challenge #8: Read a book where the author's initials form a commonly used abbreviation or initials or acronym. (BC) I am also reading this for the 2012 Reading Through Time - Themed read - Seasons and for the for the July to September - Chronological RTT Challenge - Arthurian Britain
The Mists of Avalon (Book 1 of 7 of the Avalon Series by Marion Zimmer Bradley (She has written over 25 Darkover books.) I am also reading this one for the July to September - Chronological RTT Challenge - Arthurian Britain

Challenge #7: Read a book about a school(s), or in which a significant part of the action takes place in a school:
Push by Sapphire. I am also reading this for the 2012 has 12 Months (the subchallenge of 12 in 12): the author's name includes the birthstone of the month Completed Sept 5

Challenge #8: Read a book with a portrait on the cover:
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman. Started last month for Challenge #3: Read a book set in one of the countries or regions that comprise the traditional Middle East
Little Brother by Cory Doctorow - Also reading this for the Coursera Science Fiction course
The Witches by Roald Dahl Completed Sept 3

Challenge #9: Magic 9 - Read a book with 9 words in the title or a word in the title or author name that is 9 letters or longer:
East of Eden by John Steinbeck - started in July for the Steinbeckathon
In Dubious Battle By John Steinbeck - also for the Sept Steinbeckathon
Bitten by Kelley Armstrong
A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs - also reading for Science Fiction course Completed Sept 6
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury - also reading for Science Fiction course

Challenge #10: Read a book by an author who commonly published using his or her initials:
The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells Completed Sept 2

Challenge #11: Read a standalone book by an author best known for writing a series, or a series book by an author best known for writing standalone works:
No One Noticed the Cat by Anne McCaffrey Completed Sept 8

Challenge # 12: Read a book that has been on your TBR pile for at least six months--with a buddy who has also had the book on their TBR pile for at least six months!
The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula Le Guinn

Challenge #14: Read a Book Written During or About the Victorian Era (1837-1901):
Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte - started last month for Challenge #8: Read a book published as a Virago Modern Classic Completed Sept 6

Challenge #18: Read a book that is part of a publisher series:
Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - also reading this for my Science Fiction course Completed Sept 9

Challenge #20: Read a book from a "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list: The Red and the Black by Stendhal. I am also going to read this for the 1001 group read

I finished three short works so far this month.

The Invisible Man which I was reading for September's TIOLI Challenge #10: Read a book by an author who commonly published using his or her initials AND also reading for my Coursera Science Fiction course

The Witches by Roald Dahl which I started reading in July for the RTT challenge to read a book about witchcraft and finished it for September's TIOLI Challenge #8: Read a book with a portrait on the cover

Push by Sapphire which I was reading for September's TIOLI Challenge #7: Read a book about a school(s), or in which a significant part of the action takes place in a school

Goodness knows when I will get to the reviews but I will, I promise

Starting on my reviews. I think I will wait until I have done a bunch and then post the list and the links.

On Sept 6 I finished Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte which I started reading in August for the TIOLI Challenge #8: Read a book published as a Virago Modern Classic AND for the 1001 group read and completed it as part of September's TIOLI Challenge #14: Read a Book Written During or About the Victorian Era (1837-1901)

And I also finished A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs which I was reading for September's TIOLI Challenge #9: Magic 9 - Read a book with 9 words in the title or a word in the title or author name that is 9 letters or longer AND for the Coursera Science Fiction Course

Finally posted reviews for the following:

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (4.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/30888/reviews/84115711

Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong (4.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/45003/reviews/86866250

Household Stories by Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm (3.5 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/1901525/reviews/89155648

Some nice reviews up there. I just finished A Princess of Mars today. What did you think about that book?

I joined you with Bitten for this months TIOLI.

I'll post my review of A Princess of Mars hopefully later this week. It was an ok read. Interesting for its time I guess. I found the characters a little hard to take. John Carter just a bit TOO good and the Princess - just a bit TOO in need of rescuing all the time! No feminism there!

Haven't actually started Bitten but it is definitely on the books for this month

I was pleasantly surprised by A Princess of Mars because I expected it to be much worse than it was. :)

yeah, it wasn't awful. Just not great either. Have you seen the movie, John Carter? I hear it IS awful!

I haven't seen it, no. :)

Finished Herland = Charlotte Perkins Gilman which I read for my Coursera Science Fiction Course and fit it into TIOLI Challenge #18: Read a book that is part of a publisher series:

Review coming!

Nice reviews! Thumbed them! :)

3 more reviews up!
Only 13 more to go!!

The Queen’s Confession (3.5 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/68044/reviews/83601991

Secret of the Seventh Son (4.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/8104932/reviews/86866075

Through the Looking Glass (3.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/39116/reviews/89701415

Hi Cathy,

nice reviews up there. I have got The Library of the Dead by Glen Cooper on my TBR pile. Do you know that one as well?

I have finally posted my reviews for:

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (4.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/8294/reviews/88242851

Dracula by Bram Stoker (4.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/883/reviews/89177239

Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman(5.0 stars)
http://www.librarything.com/work/38566/reviews/88241106

10 more to go!

Again, loving your reviews!

Nice reviews Cathy, waiting for your review on Herland.

Yes, I like your reviews. :)

Thanks, everyone for the thumbs up for my reviews. I kinda thought they were a little lame. It doesn't pay to be a month behind!! :-)

More reviews:

The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
http://www.librarything.com/work/3968/reviews/88242883

The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells
http://www.librarything.com/work/21214/reviews/89155523

The Red Pony by John Steinbeck http://www.librarything.com/work/34547/reviews/84899005

Cathy: I don't think Griffin was a homicidal maniac to begin with...but he was certainly already a sociopath.

I was scarred for life by The Red Pony. Why oh Why did my dad think I'd like that book?! I'm sure it was very well-written and I might like it now...but Steinbeck is a little too depressing for me. And I was VERY sensitive to such things when I was a kid.

Planned / possible reads for October

1. Read a book found through LT’s Random Tag Generator:
Crimson Joy (completed Oct 3)
Playmates (did not start)
- both by by Robert B. Parker (Spenser series)
The Glass Castle by Jeannette Wells - shared read (completed Oct 15)
The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo - shared read (ongoing)

3. Read a book first released for publication over 100 yrs ago or in 2012
Villette by Charlotte Bronte (also reading this for the 1001 Group Read) (ongoing)

6. Read a book with a title word that starts with "un"
Get Off the Unicorn by Anne McCaffrey (did not start)

8. Read a book by a dead author
East of Eden (ongoing) and Tortilla Flat (did not start) by John Steinbeck. Also I started East of Eden in July for the Steinkeckathon and Tortilla Flat is for the October read
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Also for the Halloween Theme ad for the RIP challenge (completed Oct 10)


9. Read a book about survival, or with a word which indicates survival in its title
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman (did not start)

10. Read a book published under different titles in different territories
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Canada) (US -Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) by J. K.Rowling (did not start)

11. Read a book with a word in the title or author associated with a cemetery
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. This also fits the Halloween group read and the RIP challenge (ongoing)

15. Read a book from ALA's Top 100 Banned/Challenged Books 2000-2009
Beloved by Toni Morrison (did not start)

16. Read a book that has two or more 4's in it's ISBN
Fifteen by Beverly Cleary. Also reading this for the Reading Through Time Challenge to read a book that takes place in the 50's (did not start)
Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler. Also for the Halloween theme read and the RIP Challenge (did not start)
Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Also for the RTT Theme read for Medieval Times (ongoing)

17. Read a contemporary book set in the 1970s
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold (ongoing)

Question.... What group is doing a Halloween group read?

Hello Cathy,
you have got some nice reads planned for October. I read already The Dovekeepers which is one of my favourites of this year. Fledgling and The Lovely Bones are good reads as well.
Wish you a lovely weekend :)

Tina,

Sorry, I didn't see this post until just now.

the 75 Books Challenge - October's Theme - Halloween Reading!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/142342

Never in my wildest imaginings did I ever imagine that I would actually read 75 books in one year. Yesterday I read book 75 for this year. And it is only October 4th. Might make it to 100? What do you think?? Mind you the fall looks pretty busy so I guess I should just look at anything over 75 as bonus books!!

Congrats! As I said on the Bragging thread, I hope you make it to 100. I've never hit 120, and this year I seem to be roughly on track if I can make up some lost ground from September!

Wow! Congrats on your 75!!

> 86 and 87
Thanks !

Congrats on reading 75! Great work!