Cheli's Journey to 75 2nd Qtr.

Hi, everyone - I'm moving on to another thread before the thread police get me and I'm at a good break point. I hope you will all visit frequently and keep me company as I travel through my histories and mysteries this year. You Can See what I've read so far on Thread #1.




2012 I'm continuing the following challenges:

US Presidents Challenge (So far I'm finished through Andrew Johnson so this year the Reconstructive Presidents are on tap.)
European Challenge
50 States challenge

and besides the 75 book Challenge I will also be participating in

12 in 12 Challenge - 112 books - 12 categories with 12 books (with 32 overlaps)
TIOLI challenges - each month a different set of challenges
BOMBS Challenge - (Books Off My Book Shelves) 80 books that I already own (either ARD (Antique Reading Device) or e-book NOOK or Net Galleys - Downloaded)

I can't think of not being part of 75ers - between all the fun conversations, TIOLI, group reads, and I'm sure surprises to be found. I love sharing my reads with everyone here.

Here's the link to my introduction http://www.librarything.com/topic/129148/message#3
Here are the books that I am hoping to read in 2012:
If I've struck them out, I actually got them read this year!

A Beautiful Blue Death
A Deadly Dealer
A Fatal Appraisal
A Fountain Filled with Blood
A Killer Collection
A Killer Stitch @
A Murderous Glaze
A Precious Jewel
A Secret Affair
A Trick of the Light
Affairs of Steak
Alexander Cipher
An Honest President
Andrew Johnson : a biography
Atlantis Code
Battered Body
Benjamin Harrison : America's 23rd president
Body in the Tower
Book of Lost Fragrances
Books Can be Deceiving %
Border Lord and the lady @
Burn
Chester A Arthur Conspiracy
Chili Con Corpses
Colfax massacre and the death of Reconstruction
Contrary blues
Count of Monte Cristo
Crunch Time
Curse of the Pharaohs
Dark Angel/Lord Carew's Bride %
Dead Cat Bounce @
Deadly Yarn
Death Comes to Pemberley
Death Threads
Diva Runs out of Thyme @
Dragonfly in Amber (Outlander)
Eat, Pray Love
Elegance of the Hedgehog
Embroidered Truths
Emperor's Tomb scheduled for June
Evil in Carnations (Flower Shop Mysteries, No. 8)
Exodus Quest
Faithful Place by Tana French
First Rule of Ten
Forgotten Garden
French Pressed @
From the Towpath to the White House James Brisbin
Frozen Thames
Garden Intrigue
Getting Away is Deadly
Gilt by Association
Girl of His Dreams
Great Expectations
Hanging by a Thread @
Heir Condition
Help
Heretic's Daughter
Heroes of Olympus
Hunger Games
Impeached : the trial of President Andrew Johnson and the fight for Lincoln's legacy
Irish Country Doctor scheduled for June
Iron Lake
Jane & the Unpleasantness at Seagrove Manor @
Jar City scheduled for June
Just Desserts #1
Killer Plot
Killer Weekend
knit Fast, Die Young#2
Knit Two#2
Lies that Bind %
Lord Sunday
Maine Event
Maisie Dobbs (2003)
Middlemarch
Murder at the Mimosa Inn
Murder by Mocha
Murder Most Frothy
Murder with Puffins %
Murder on the Rocks
Murphy's Law
Necromancer
Pirate King
Postmistress
Pillars of the Earth
President is a sick man
RECONSTRUCTION PRESIDENTS
Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos %
Romanov Prophecy
Royal Flush
Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President
Sarah's Diary - Nook %
Sarah's Key
Set Sail for Murder
Shifting Tide (William Monk)
Silent Mercy
The Sisters
Snowman
Something's Cookin'
Superior Saturday
Sword of God
Tenderness of Wolves
Them Bones
Third Secret
Through a Glass, Darkly: A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery
Too Many Murders
U.S. Grant : American hero, American myth
Uniform Justice
Viognier Vendetta
Warden
Warlock
West from Appomattox : the reconstruction of America after the Civil War
Wolf Hall

Nice list of books! I'm taking a break from the USPC this month - I'm up to Hoover, but having trouble getting motivated to tackle the Great Depression. :)

I've decided to take my time as I'm going through history and probably won't hit the great depression for a few more years (2015 maybe?).I'm hoping to finish up the 19th century this year and in 2013 concentrate on the beginning of the 20th and start of WWI. 2014 I'm thinking WWI and the roaring 20s so that it place me at 2015 for the great depression. I know very little about it so I don't want to rush it. So the goal of finishing the Presidents by 2016, doesn't seem like I'll make it. Maybe 2020 LOL!

Dropping by for a quick wave to you, Cheli. Looking forward to getting to meet you this June!!

Challenge Book #33

Title: Superior Saturday ★★★
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Setting: the House
Main Characters: Arthur Penhaligan, Suzie Turquoise Blue, Lady Saturday
Series: yes, #6 Keys to the Kingdom
Dates Read: April 2
Number of pages: 278
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Math class

Arthur Penhaligan , Rightful Heir of the Architect, has successfully defeated 5 of the immortal Trustees (Monday through Friday). But now he must tackle the two strongest of the Trustees and starting with Superior Saturday, the most powerful Sorceress in the House. Saturday is attempting to destroy the Lower House while reaching for the Incomparable Gardens above the Upper House occupied by Lord Sunday.

As Arthur prepares for his next adventure, he realizes that Superior Saturday's actions are threatening his home on Earth and he has to stop time there to prevent a nuclear attack. Every time Arthur uses his magical powers from the Keys he has in his possession, he gets closer and closer to losing his humanity and turning into a Denizen. He struggles with this loss of identity, trying to do what is needed but trying to maintain his personality and humanity as well.

While searching for the 6th part of the Will, Arthur makes use of the special talents of the rats who can travel between realms easily, after determining where the Will is, he proceeds on his quest. Arthur must succeed before Saturday destroys the House and therefore the secondary Realms which include Earth.

This book was my least favorite of the series in that there was little originality to the story. Garth Nix seems to be patterning the books on the Seven Deadly sins and this book would have Saturday being the sin of Lust. A bit of a stretch with his "yearning" to reach the Incomparable Gardens and Sunday's position of power. It seems that if Saturday was the most powerful Sorceress, we would have had a great deal more action and struggles than what appeared here.

Still a fun read and a decent prelude to the finish.

That's quite the list of books you hope to read. Curious how you came about that list? Are they ones you already own or from your wishlist?

Actually my list is a combination - some I own, others I've borrowed from my sister Tina (tututhefirst) and others I've seen at the library or bookstore and covet them. At the beginning of the year I make a list of the books that I would like to read and then try to work them into my actuals one month at a time. The TIOLI Challenge is extremely helpful in that case, because I try to see what they may have in common and then I structure a challenge to get them read that month. This month I'm trying to catch up on my Young Adult books, next month (don't tell anyone - shh!) I'm creating a challenge for all my unread/unreviewed galleys - I have about twelve - and I really need to get them done so I will push myself with the challenge. Then in June (shh!) my books will take me travelling to places I've never been before.

By the end of the year, if I've been good, 80% of the books on the list will have been read and I will have met my challenges!

So, Chelle, the list is really a work in progress, books on, books off. Those that don't get read this year will be transferred to the new year and start working their way to the top of my TBR mountain.

Wow, that is a pretty good system, very organized
Mine is willynilly, I just look at my shelves until I find something that interests me

Good thing I spotted you! If you use the continuation feature, the star carries over, but you only get that if you get to post 200.

Glad you're here Lori!

I never quite get to 200 each quarter. So I just make a marker on my old thread leading to the new one, hopefully then no one gets lost.

I think I've gotten so used to the stars automatically populating that I just missed the continuation note, Cheli. I'm not getting much reading done this week. I'm too distracted by the 1940 census.

Challenge Book #34

Title: Lord Sunday ★★★½
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy

Sertting: the House, Imcomparable Gardens
Main Characters: Arthur Penhaligan, Suzie Turquoise Blue, Lord Sunday
Series: yes, #7 Keys to the Kingdom
Dates Read: April 3 - April 4
Number of pages: 320
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Audio Stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Leftover

Arthur Penhaligan is nearing the end of his quest. He has conquered all the immortal trustees except for Lord Sunday and has in his possession the first six keys to the kingdom. Arthur is still struggling with his transformation from human to denizen.

The story which completes the adventures of Lord Arthur, the rightful heir of the Architect, has numerous twists and turns not just for Arthur but his friends as well.

The interesting conclusion definitely brings the finale of the series to an unexpected but satisfactory end. Loved the series.

Your TIOLI Challenge should certainly help you with your quest to catch up on YA books. I'll be looking forward to your May and June Challenges - I have mine planned, too!

Last night I went to my first Seder dinner for Passover. My Jewish friend and I are very accepting of each others religions and I had called her on Wednesday just to remind her that the Christians would be celebrating Good Friday and normally would not eat meat. As She said "Oy!" and scrambled to adjust the menu for the Christians. When I arrived, I told her that I appreciated sharing her religious traditions, and so I wanted to share one of our common Easter traditions of the current day...I handed her a Chocolate Bunny and told her that she had to eat the ears first! We both laughed until the tears flowed!

Happy Passover and Happy Easter!

Challenge Book #35

Title: Hunger Games ★★★★½
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Fantasy
Subject: government control, manipulation
Setting: Panem
Main Characters: Katniss Everdeen, Peeta Mellark, Gale Hawthorne, Cinna, Haymitch Abernathy
Series: yes, #1 Hunger Games
Dates Read: April 5 - April 6
Number of pages: 485
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech class

There have been so many reviews telling the plot/story of the Hunger Games, I'll forego that and just give my impressions.

I was reluctant to read this book because there seem to be so much hype that I couldn't believe that it could live up to it. So when I "read" this book I was extremely surprised. The story is told in the first person character of Katniss Everdeen. I listened to an audio version narrated by Carolyn McCormick and felt that I was really experiencing the events through her eyes. I felt the horror of hearing her little sister's name called, the disgust at the behavior of Haymitch Abernathy, but most of all I really felt her aloneness when she was fighting for her life.

The writing was superb, the characters well-defined, story engaging - all in all, a truly excellent book, IMO. Glad I've got the next one already in my hot little hands because I loved this one!

Challenge Book #36

Title: Body at the Tower ★★★½
Author: Y.S. Lee
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Setting: London, England
Main Characters: Mary Quinn, James Easton, Mr. Harkness
Series: yes, #2 The Agency series
Dates Read: April 1 - April 7
Number of pages: 337
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, NOOK Stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Class schedule, English Lit

In the second installment of the Agency Mary Quinn is disguised as a young boy and working at the construction site of Big Ben. Bricklayer Wick has been found at the base of the clock tower and investigation by the police has not turned up any indication of what happened, so the Agency has been hired to find out.

A special safety inspector has been hired to determine what needs to be done to get the site back on track, and Mary may be compromised because the inspector is none other than an old acquaintance James Easton. Will he see through her disguise? If so, will he give her away?

The action in the book is pleasantly spread along with the personal dilemma for Mary. This series seems to be perfectly designed for young adults with hidden agendas of moral quandaries.

> 7

next month (don't tell anyone - shh!)...

Discovered! LOL!!

> 14

Hooray for inviting the many "who are hungry and want to eat" to Passover seder. This year the seder we normally host on the second night of seder was hosted by my younger son and his soon bride-to-be (a recent convert to Judaism). Her Christian parents and younger sister (plus a handy-dandy Jewish boyfriend of the younger sister!) all came to the seder totaling 22 people (the most we've ever had in the 40-some years we've been doing a joint seder with a second family). To have guests at the seder to whom to explain our traditions adds a further layer of meaning to it and is a real joy.

When I was a kid, one of my father's customers (my dad was a door-to-door salesman) used to make homemade Easter eggs and send them home for us. They were vanilla cream on the inside and bitter chcolate on the outside. As they needed to be refrigerated, they were covered with plastic wrap and kept in our refrigerator all through Passover. I remember sneaking bites of them throughout the holiday (even though the were not kosher for Passover!). I don't remember my parents ever saying anything about that, though. Maybe my bites were really little? :)

Hope your respective holidays were truly happy, everyone!

P.S. The Jewish boyfriend found the afikomen!! :)

It sounds as though lots of people had great weekends - whatever they celebrated!

I'm glad you enjoyed The Hunger Games, Cheli. I was a reluctant reader, too, especially as I don't read all that much YA. I have to say, though, that since I've been on LT, I've read a whole lot more of it.

On that subject, I'm hoping to read a few for your TIOLI Challenge this month. Several people seem to be reading Cinder, so I may give that a try, but I'm really hoping my library gets Grave Mercy in a timely manner. It's a popular Challenge; thanks for posting it!

Dejah,

Thanks for the intro(I think) to Grave Mercy, I've added it to my wishlist! I thought my own thread was safe BBs, now by friends are bringing them to me!

Happy to have been of service!

Challenge Book #37

Title: Traitor in the Tunnel ★★★★
Author: Y.S. Lee
Genre: Young Adult Historical Fiction

Setting: London, England Buckingham Palace
Main Characters: Mary Quinn, James Easton, Queen Victoria, Prince Edward,Lady Dalrymple, Amy Tramer, Octavius Jones
Series: yes, #3 The Agency series
Dates Read: April 7 - April 11
Number of pages: 380
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Netgalley Stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: English Lit

Mary Quinn, in the third Agency mystery by Y.S.Lee, has grown and matured to the point where she is set in as a domestic at Buckingham Palace to find a petty thief. What she finds because of her position, is romance and friendship from an unexpected source. Her abilities to uncover items that others wouldn't have found, give her an advantage which definitely is essential for the climax in the book.

The series is fun and engaging. The characters, especially in this book, are extremely entertaining and heartrending all at the same time. What will happen in the future, we will have to wait to see but at least we know that the Agency will be there to back Mary if that's what she wants.

Love the series, want more!

Challenge Book #38

Title: Elegance of the Hedgehog ★★½
Author: Muriel Barbery
Genre: Fiction
Subject: philosophy
Setting: Paris France
Main Characters: Renée Michel, Paloma Josse, Kakuro Ozu
Series: no
Dates Read: April 8 - April 12
Number of pages: 325
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: Audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Foreign Languages

7 Rue Grenelle, an exclusive address in 'bourgeois' Paris is the home to two totally different yet similar characters. Renée Michel is the concierge who has lived at the address where she works for much of her life and Paloma Josse, a highly intelligent 12 year-old, who has decided to commit suicide when she turns 13 because she sees only that adults are forced to compromises, renouncing their ideals, and betraying the principles of their youth.

Renée lives a life of fear - the typical French Concierge is expected to be uninteresting and spend their time watching television - Renée is the opposite, a highly intelligent, well-read bibliophile who is interested in philosophy.

When another tenant dies and Kakuro Ozu moves in. Both Renée and Paloma befriend the newcomer and here is where the intergenerational communications on philosophy expand. Without words they both appear to realize that each is hiding in their own way - Renée is hiding her true intellect pretending to be what is expected of a concierge and Paloma is hiding her intelliectual abilities at school so that she can fit in.
***SPOILER***
Renée eventually shows Paloma that life is worth living because of the beauty that can be found in numerous different areas. Her tragic death at this point does prevent Paloma from going along with her suicide plans.

Normally I don't like the change of viewpoint so frequently, but in this book it did work. The characters seemed to be stereotypes rather than well-rounded personalities all in all. That said, I really didn't like this book. Maybe it was the setting, maybe it was the characters, maybe the philosophies, maybe it was translation. I really don't know.

That YA book by Lee sounds interesting. I'll have to see if our public library has those.

I've got the Hedgehog book out of the box and lined up to read before the end of the month. All I can say is that I hope I liked it better than you. I've had enough of those low star reads for the month already!

Challenge Book #39

Title: Tuesdays with Morrie ★★★★
Author: Mitch Albon
Genre: Memoir
Subject: Death, illness, acceptance
Setting: West Newton, MA
Main Characters: Mitch Albon, Morrie Schwartz
Series: no
Dates Read: April 13 - April 14
Number of pages: 127
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Lunch

Haven't had a book move me to tears in a long time, this one did.

This small little book is a marvelous testament to the human spirit. Here was a man, a philosophy professor, who was literally dying inch by inch in his body and yet his spirit was indomitable. As his life was shrinking away from ALS, Morrie spent his time explaining to his former student what was important in life and what wasn't. His teaching was spiritual yet realistic. Love, according to Morrie, was the most significant act and forgiveness of self - well, according to him " for all the mistakes you've made, for all the things you did you shouldn't have, for all the things you should have done, don't get stuck on your regrets."

The lesson he was teaching is one that is hard to learn, but definitely worthwhile to hear.

"The last class of my old professor's life took place once a week in his home by a window in his study where he could watch a small hibiscus plant shed its pink flowers. The class met on Tuesdays, no books were required. The subject was the meaning of life. It was taught from experience. The teaching goes on."

I don't usually read books like this but I'm definitely glad I read this one. I learned a few important items.

Challenge Book #40

Title: The First Rule of Ten ★★★½
Author: Gay Hendricks, Tinker Lindsay
Genre: Mystery
Subject: con artists, buddhist monk, ex-cop
Setting: Los Angeles, CA and surrounding area
Main Characters: Tenzing Norbu,
Series: #1 A Tenzing Norbu Mystery (Dharma Detective)
Dates Read: April 13 - April 19
Number of pages: 312
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Net Galley stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge:

The first Rule of Ten is "If you're open to learning, you get your life lessons delivered as gently as the tickle of a feather." Sounds very philosophical, right? Something from the Dalai Lama? This is how we begin the story of Tenzing (Ten) Norbu, a former Tibetan monk turned LA Cop, now private investigator. He didn't accept the tickle, instead he got hit like a sledgehammer with a bullet grazing his head. Deciding that his life as a Police Homicide cop is over, he begins to put together his plans to be a PI.

The very first day, however, he's presented with a mystery that seems to be "tickling" him. Barbara Mazey, a total stranger comes to his door searching for his landlord. Unsure about giving the information out, she leaves but comes back to haunt him when he is contacted by his old police partner to identify her body.

The mystery continues to evolve, placing Ten in danger as well as some of the people that he meets during his investigation. Trying to decide how to proceed Ten meditates frequently remembering that "life demands that we face the consequences of our actions, and sometimes it boils down to a series of sweaty 10 minute conversations that you're willing to have or not."

I loved this mystery. The writing was clean, the characters were well-developed yet left room for growth. The details/aspects of his life as a monk were so well incorporated that I wanted to say More! More! Quite frequently. Looking forward to the next installment.

Challenge Book #41

Title: U. S. Grant: American Hero, American Myth ★★★
Author: Joan Waugh
Genre: History

Setting: USA
Main Characters: Ulysses Simpson Grant
Series: no
Dates Read: April 8 - April 20
Number of pages: 373
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Public library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: History Class

I'm not going into a full review of this book basically because the three parts - his life, his reputation, and his effect on history was IMO, though well-written, lacking in enough details to make a full review worthwhile.

What this book did document was the successful way that Grant directed the entire Union forces after taking charge in 1864. It seems that so many believe that Grant was an unfeeling man because of the vast numbers of soldiers that were killed in the battles nearing the end of the war, but his own words show how he felt the necessity of being victorious. "we all felt, even those who did not object to slavery, that it was a stain on the Union that men should be bought and sold like cattle...We were fighting an enemy with whom we could not make peace. We had to destroy him. No convention, no treaty was possible--- only destruction."

This book did show the difficulties that Grant went through to complete his memoirs. He had been diagnosed with threat cancer and his last years were filled with tremendous pain and discomfort. Completing the books which told his viewpoint of the war became, after his death, a massive bestseller which provided financially for his wife, Julia, and his family.

This book did not give sufficient details of the presidency of Ulysses Grant, however, it did justify the stature in which he was held in the hearts of his countrymen.

Are you doing the audies? I thought at first it looked like fun, but if I understand it correctly, I'd have to listen to all the books in a chosen category in order to vote, and I couldn't get excited about any category enough to read all the entries.

No, I'm passing on it.

Challenge Book #42

Title: Murder Most Frothy ★★★½
Author: Cleo Coyle
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: mistaken identity, greed, embezzlement
Setting: The Hamptons, NY
Main Characters: Clare Cosi
Series: yes, #4 Coffeehouse mysteries
Dates Read: April 20 - April 23
Number of pages: 257
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Math class

Clare Cosi is the manager of the Village Blend Coffeehouse in Greenwich Village and because of the success she has, a friend, David Mintzer, an entrepreneur, wants her assistance in his new restaurant in the Hamptons. So Clare takes on the position of Coffee steward at David's new restaurant. While "catering" his 4th of July party, one of the staff members appears to be accidently murdered because of his resemblance to David.

Trying to convince David and the local police that the entrepreneur is the actual target and being unsuccessful, Clare sets out to find the killer herself. Along the way, Clare finds herself in several uncomfortable situations.

This fourth installment of the Coffeehouse series is a bit light on plot but with the familiar supporting characters ( Madame Dubois, Joy, and Matt) following Clare's adventures is still fun.

Challenge Book #43

Title: The Atlantis Code ★★★
Author: Charles Brokaw
Genre: Mystery
Subject: lost civilizations, Roman Catholic church control
Setting: Russia, Africa, Spain
Main Characters: Thomas Lourdes, Leslie, Natashya, Cardinal Murani
Series: #1 Thomas Lourdes
Dates Read: April 14 - April 24
Number of pages: 312
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Net Galley stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Foreign Languages

Indiana Jones meet Da Vinci Code - well, not quite.

This is a intriguing story about the possible finding of the lost city of Atlantis and those that are fighting each other to get there first.

The clues to the actual location are apparently distributed through out the world with symbols that are from a forgotten language - enter Thomas Lourdes, a Harvard linguist professor who gets caught in the middle to decipher the code.

However, the characters are a bit stereotypical - Lourdes is brilliant and supposedly the only person who can solve the riddle, Leslie is the overly ambitious TV reporter, and Natashya is a female Rambo. The bad guys are so plain and ordinary you know from the start exactly how they will end.

However, even though the characters left room for improvement, the action of the book was extremely entertaining and has the reader rooting for Lourdes and his band of misfits. It was fun.

Challenge Book #44

Title: Beekeeping for Beginners ★★★
Author: Laurie R. King
Genre: Short Story

Setting: England
Main Characters: Sherlock Holmes, Mary Russell
Series: yes, 1b
Dates Read: April 25
Number of pages: 73
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Nook stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Homework

So many times when we read a book we are given story from one viewpoint and often wonder what the other characters are thinking. Laurie R. King's first book in the Mary Russell series and all subsequent books are from Mary Russell's point of view but here in this book, we see and feel Sherlock Holmes perspective. Having read the Beekeeper's Apprentice - the meeting and developing relationship between Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes - told by Mary, this added little account of the events by Sherlock Holmes just makes their blossoming relationship that much more fun. Highly recommended to the followers of Mary Russell.

*waving* at Cheli - before I get behind again

Challenge Book #45

Title: The Necromancer ★★★½
Author: Michael Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Subject: monsters, evil, magic
Setting: San Francisco, Shadow Realms
Main Characters: Josh and Sophie Newman, Nicholas and Perenel Flamel, Dr. Dee
Series: yes, #4 immortal Nicholas Flamel
Dates Read: April 19 - April 28
Number of pages: 403
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech class

This 4th book of the Flamel series picks up immediately after book 3 with the twins arrival in San Francisco and the official introduction of Aunt Agnes.

Sophie and Josh are at odds as to who they should support Dr. Dee or the Flamels. We are also introduced to a few new immortals - Aoife (Scathatch's twin sister), Billy the Kid, Prometheus, Virginia Dare, and Niten.

The immortals are having their own problems - Scatty and Joan are trapped in a pre-historic shadow Realm, Saint Germaine, Palamades, and Shakespeare are running from the Dark Elders while trying to free Joan and Scatty, and Dee and Machiavelli are in deep trouble with the bosses because they haven't gotten the twins. So since all immortals are looking after themselves, who is there to keep Josh and Sophie safe?

This book supplies a great deal of background for the mythological creatures/immortals and their masters, the Elders. The tension builds as the life in the Flamels begins to drain to desperate levels and the twins are put at odds.

Challenge Book #46

Title: The Warlock ★★★★
Author: Michael Scott
Genre: Fantasy
Subject: monsters, evil, magic
Setting: San Francisco, Shadow Realms
Main Characters: Josh and Sophie Newman, Nicholas and Perenel Flamel, Dr. Dee
Series: yes, #5 immortal Nicholas Flamel
Dates Read: April 28 - April 29
Number of pages: 385
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Math class

The 5th book of the Flamel series shows the true danger that threatens Josh and Sophie as well as the humani world. All the mythological creatures of yesteryear have been imprisoned on the Island of Alcatraz and Dr Dee with Virginia Dare are gaining help from Josh to loose them on the city. When it is revealed the reason why Josh is acting the way he is, the immortals are drawn to trying to warn him but are unsuccessful, they must defend the city and the humani instead.

As Nicholas and Perenel's auras start to die as they age, the reader wonders if they will survive long enough to complete their destinies and help the twins to save the world?

Many twists and turns await the reader as the characters themselves change and evolve.

I was so caught up in the story that I had to start the next one immediately after finishing the 4th installment. A tremendously fun series!

Challenge Book #47

Title: Murder with Puffins ★★★
Author: Donna Andrews
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: Art, conservation, hurricane preparedness
Setting: Monhegan Island, Maine
Main Characters: Meg Langslow, her parents, Michael, Victor Resnick
Series: yes, Meg Langslow #2
Dates Read: April 28 - April 30
Number of pages: 292
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes,
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: homework

This is the kind of homework I wish I'd had when I was in school. Staying up late at night trying to finish a well-written cozy mystery is far more fun than writing a paper.

Meg and Michael have been overwhelmed with family interruptions and decide to escape to her Aunt Phoebe's cottage only to find on their arrival that her parents, brother, and Aunt are already in residence and that their romantic weekend will be with Hurricane Gladys and her relatives instead. That can't be the only thing that goes wrong, of course, so after Meg's father has a conflict with Victor Resnick, an artist and old beau of his wife's, suspicion seems only natural when Dad disappears at the same time as Gladys comes ashore and Victor is killed.

The interjection of the birdwatchers throughout the story adds humor and whimsy while Meg and Michael wander the island trying to solve the murder and clear her family from suspicion.

My only problem with the story was the constant repetition of the "trudging through mud and fall leaves". Yes, if you are outdoors in the rain before a hurricane and after, it is going to be muddy and trees will have lost leaves. Once or twice was enough, it wasn't necessary throughout the book.

Hopefully, good weather in the next installment!

APRIL RECAP
I'm still on the roll that started in February and hopefully, I will just keep going. April I actually did better than February and March with 15 books - best since Winter of 2009! I'm finally settling back into my retirement with books and needlework, but I am fitting in other activities as well. Here's my report on April:

April: 4 pre-owned: 9 borrowed: 0 new: 2 ARC - 15 books.
Best of the Month: Hunger Games
Least Favorite of the Month: Elegance of the Hedgehog

Here's what I read this month:

Superior Saturday ♫ ★★★
Lord Sunday ♫ ★★★½
Hunger Games ♫ ★★★★½
Body at the Tower ★★★½
The Agency: The Traitor and the Tunnel ★★★★
Elegance of the Hedgehog ♫ ★★½
Tuesdays with Morrie ♫ ★★★★
First Rule of Ten ★★★½
U.S. Grant : American hero, American myth ★★★
The Atlantis Code ♫ ★★★
The Necromancer ♫ ★★★½
Beekeeping for Beginners ★★★
Murder Most Frothy ★★★½
The Warlock ♫ ★★★★
Murder with Puffins ★★★


Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
1 books History
0 book Health
1 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 1
Youth/Children: 7
Mystery: 5
Historical Fiction: 0
Classic: 0

Books for next month:

The Postmistress &
Pirate King ♫
The Winter Palace &
To Darkness to Death ♫
The Lola Quartet :
The Third Coincidence :
Collateral Damage :
Burn ♫
Lucifer Code &
All Mortal Flesh ♫
Temple Mount Code &
The Solitary House :
Gone to Ground &
Tongues of Serpents ♫

Cheli, I've really enjoyed the Nicholas Flamel series. I feel each book starts out a little slow, but by the time I'm halfway through, I can't wait to finish.

Isn't there one more book in the series?

I saw on TIOLI that you're reading more of the Reverend Clare/Russ Van Alstyne series. I LOVE that series. Hope you're loving it, too!

Karen O.

The Flamel series and the Rev Clare series are two that I wanted to get all caught up this year. This month I have To Darkness and To Death and All Mortal Flesh on the radar. I'm not sure when The Enchantress is supposed to be released, but I'll be watching.

Actually, I have the 12 year old son of a friend who tells me when the Flamel books are available. He reads them first, then I read them and we have our own little book group discussion. We do lunch one day while Mom and Dad play golf. I'm his favorite babysitter. I sent him toward the Garth Nix Keys to the Kingdom books as well as Rick Riordan and the Percy Jackson series.

That is so cool! It would be great to discuss the books with someone of that age group (the target audience, right?).

Karen O.

Hey Cheli!

As always, what interesting reading you've been doing!

I'm not familiar with the Nicholas Flamel series - is it YA?

Murder with Puffins isn't my favorite Meg book either, but I'm glad you enjoyed it. It was nice to have that as a shared read last month - I didn't have many. Since neither of us got to Pirate King, I hope we both manage it this month.

Enjoy your reading!

Karen and Dejah,

Yes, the Flamel series is YA. I noticed it a few years ago when I was researching the background for Harry Potter. Now I enjoy them with my young friend. It's very interesting to see them through the target audience as you call them, Karen.

Now I'm in the middle of Pirate King - love Laurie R King's books. I may direct my young friend onto Holmes next.

Challenge Book #48

Title: The Pirate King ★★★½
Author: Laurie R. King
Genre: MYSTERY
Subject: captivity, pirates, early film making
Setting: Portugal, Morocco
Main Characters: Mary Russell, Sherlock Holmes,Randolph Fflytte, Geoffrey Hale, Captain La Roche
Series: yes, #11 Mary Russell series
Dates Read: May 1 - May 6
Number of pages: 120
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Math

"Honestly, Holmes? Pirates?"

The opening words of the latest installment of the Mary Russell series, show the reader that we are in for some fun rather than the heavy dramatic volumes of the last few books. We see again the frivolity of the earlier adventures even though Holmes doesn't really surface until mid story.

How many of us have accepted just about any dutiful activity to avoid time with the in-laws? Mary Russell heads off to perform a favor for Inspector LeStrad to escape two weeks with Mycroft Holmes when he comes for a visit. She heads out to be the assistant to a filmmaker who is taking the story of Gilbert & Sullivan's "Pirates of Penzance" and putting it on film. Rather than trying to film in London, the production is headed to Portugal to hire actors to be the pirates.

Russell is overwhelmed with Stage mothers for the many little blonde actresses and the pirates that are hired to play actors who are playing pirates. When they arrive in Morocco however, they women are imprisoned separately from the men and here is where the fun begins.

When I started this book I had great expectations but was disappointed as it progressed at the beginning however, once Mary Russell is joined by the magnificent Sherlock Holmes the book takes off. The dialogue was entertaining throughout and the situations were recollections of the old Russell and Holmes of the early adventures.

The light hearted antics were a pleasant change from the previous books but I hope that Ms. King will return to the deeper mysteries showcasing Holmes and Russell's talents in the future.

Challenge Book #49

Title: The Uncommon Reader ★★★½
Author: Alan Bennett
Genre: FICTION
Subject: reading
Setting: London, England, UK
Main Characters: Queen Elizabeth, Norman
Series: no
Dates Read: May 1 - May 6
Number of pages: 120
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: English Lit

What a delightful book - the Queen of England accidentally visits the traveling Bookmobile, takes out a book (feeling obligated) and discovers that she really enjoys the activity of reading. Forgetting her responsibilities on several occasions, she frequently is brought to task for canceling engagements and even reading along the motorcade route instead of waving to the crowds.

Light-hearted and fun!

Challenge Book #50

Title: The Postmistress ★★★½
Author: Sarah Blake
Genre: Historical Fiction
Subject: WWII beginning, Jewish refugees, US preparedness, London Blitz
Setting: Europe pre-WWII, Franklin Massachusetts
Main Characters: Frankie Bard, Will Fitch, Emma Fitch, Harry Vale, Iris James
Series: no
Dates Read: April 24 - May 8
Number of pages: 322
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, loaned from Tina
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Extra curricular activites

This story had three central figures - all female - Frankie Bard, a news reporter, Emma Fitch, wife of the town doctor, and Iris James, the postmistress of Franklin, Massachusetts. Even though the title of the book points to Iris as the lead, IMHO, the book is more about Frankie and her reports of the coming of World War II and how events can effect people differently.

Emma is a new bride brought by Will Fitch to his hometown of Franklin MA where he is going to setup his practice. Emma is a very insecure young woman who is fearful of being alone. When Will loses a patient he decides that he needs to do something more worthwhile and heads to London in 1940 to offer his services to the English. Every day he sends a letter back to Emma who grows more frightened as the time grows longer that Will is away.

Frankie Bard works with Edward R Murrow at the BBC broadcasting the news back to the States. She tells human interest stories such as a small boy that she encountered during one night of the Blitz and wen she walked him home, they found the house had been hit by a bomb. Her account was heard by Emma and Iris in Franklin and they were touched by her story.

Their lives come together when Frankie is caught in the underground during a nightly attack and is seated next to Will Fitch. They talk and when they leave in the morning, Frankie watches as Will is hit by a car and he dies in her arms. She picks up the letter that he was going to mail home and she carries it with her the next few months, never sure whether she should mail it or not.

Immediately after Will's death, Frankie is told that she can go on assignment to Germany, France, Belgium to see what is happening with the exodus of the European Jews and to interview them. The ensuing accounts are riveting.

Returning Frankie appears to have shellshock from the experiences and since she still holds the letter she goes to Franklin for R&R where she meets Emma and Iris and the other residents of the town who are unsure of whether there is anything that they need to be concerned about. Frankie seem very true to life - wondering what happened to the people that she had met along the way however, no effort was made to try to resolve that lack of information.

Not having lived at the time that this story is set, I was moved by Frankie's accounts but also found it hard to believe that in actuality, the Americans did not seem to really care what was happened in Europe since we were not involved in the war at this time. Even today we seem to have that same blind eye that is turned to horrors in other nations until we can't not see it.

I thought we were supposed to learn from history.

Thanks to Tina for the loan of the book and Stasia for the recommendation.

glad you enjoyed it.

Challenge Book #51

Title: To Darkness and to Death ★★★★
Author: Julia Spencer-Fleming
Genre: MYSTERY
Subject: family estates, conservation
Setting: Millers Kill, NY
Main Characters: Clare Ferguson, Russ Van Alstyne, Sean Reed
Series: yes, #4
Dates Read: May 8 - May 10
Number of pages: 311
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech Class

Clare Ferguson, Episcopal priest, ex-army copter pilot, is called in to help with a search and rescue when Millie van der Hoeven is reported missing by her brother, a recluse at Haudenosaunee, the van der Hoeven estate. Millie is expected at the big event that evening to sign over the van der Hoeven estate for preservation. The impact to the environment is highly beneficial but the effect on local logging will effect the employment of many in Millers Kill.

The reader is supplied with all the information - what happened and where is Millie, the specifics of an assault and exactly who's to blame. But certain details are left for Clare and Russ to unravel along with the frustration related to their relationship.

Definitely a good addition to the series.

Glad you continue to like this series, but you'd better get cracking...new one due out in August!

So i'm behind in a series....what else is new?

Actually I have All Mortal Flesh on tap for this month, and the following ones set for June and July so I might be ready for the new one on time.

Challenge Book #52

Title: Collateral Damage ★★★★
Author: H. Terrell Griffin
Genre: Mystery
Subject: reprisals for old actions, camaraderie
Setting: Florida
Main Characters: Matt Royal, Logan Hamilton, Jock Algren, J.D. Dawson
Series: yes, #6 Matt Royal
Dates Read: May 9 - May 12
Number of pages: 352
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, NetGalley for review
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Class Schedule

Matt Royal is a retired lawyer who lives at the beach on a Florida Key. One morning there is a knock at his door and his visitor is an old army buddy, Charles Desmond (Doc) who saved his life in Vietnam. Doc is here to ask Matt to help him find the person who murdered his son on the beach.

Enlisting the help of another friend, Jock, who is very high in a Federal Agency who can delve into areas that Matt has no access, and working with the local authorities, Matt uncovers connections of Desmond's son's murder with 2 other murders that occurred on the same day. Fighting off 2 separate attempts on his own life, concerns deepen when the local detective that he was working with disappears at the same time as his client.

The action is fast paced, the writing makes the reader feel the hot breezes of the keys as well as the sweltering humidity. Kept on the edge of your seat until the very end, the reader is given a great ride even though the clues are openly presented and the solution easily devised. It's still a great read.

Initially, I was a bit concerned because this is the 6th book in the Matt Royal series and I have not read any of the previous adventures but that will be remedied, most definitely. However, it does well as a stand alone mystery with just a few references to previous adventures that don't seem to effect the story other than character definition.

uh oh.. hit a reading funk.... come on everyone... help me!
Tell me I need to be reading!

You need to be reading! ;-)

Take a walk, or do something strenuous, like laundry, vacumming, etc then you'll be exhausted and have to read.

OR............sit down and work on your needlework. I always find that as soon as I pick up the needles, I want to be reading (hence the audio book!). Or just get some book you NEVER thought you'd want to read and if it's good great! If it stinks, then maybe you'll be more ready to read something waiting patiently.

Yes--do something different, or read something different. Don't let your reading turn into a chore.

Karen O.

Actually, I haven't been completely not reading. The only book that I have been reading is a 600+ page bio of Ulysses Grant and it is fascinating but because it's so "heavy" both in weight and content I can't read it for long periods of time. But I'm almost finished - only 37 pages left. Tomorrow for sure and then I'm going to have to try to do it justice in the review. Then I'm planning on trying to finish the Anna Pigeon adventure Burn which is on audio - I'll try to finish my cross stitch piece before the end of the month. I'm ahead of the rate I need to be at to reach my challenges this year, but it just seems like I'm falling behind.

54>> tutu - remember I don't vacuum? :-)

Challenge Book #53

Title: Grant ★★★★★
Author: Jean Edward Smith
Genre: Biography
Subject: Ulysses S. Grant
Setting: USA
Main Characters: U.S. Grant, William Sherman, Robert E. Lee
Series: no
Dates Read: May 1 - May 23
Number of pages: 628 + 72 of footnotes
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Public Library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: History Class

Ulysses Grant is more frequently remembered as the Union General who defeated Robert E. Lee in the American Civil War than as a two term President after that war. But the two are so inter-related - Grant's popularity because of his military success lead to his election and his position as the Commander-in-Chief in later years protected the legacy of the Union victory.

Ulysses Simpson Grant neé Hiram Ulysses Grant was the son of a tanner. He attended West Point at the same time as William Tecumseh Sherman, George Thomas, Rosencrans, and Ewell who all served under him in later years as well as James Longstreet who he would fight against. In his early Army career during the Mexican-American War, Grant learned his style of command - sensible discipline, calmness in the face of adversity, and orders in the fewest well-chosen words. Grant also saw the value of a well-planned attack including preparations related to management of supplies as well as manpower. They were lessons he repeated call upon in future years.

When the Civil War broke out, Grant was no longer in the military but volunteer to prepare a regiment using his quartermaster skills of the Mexican War. He was eventually given command of the Illinois volunteers. His command style and training showed his understanding of the difference between regular soldiers and volunteers and achieved the best results.

His first successes were on the Western Front, capturing Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Nashville, then becoming Commander of the Army of The Tennessee went on to the battles of Shiloh and Vicksburg. "Vicksburg was Grant's great victory in the West and the turning point of the war, but as one historian noted, the triumph at Chattanooga proclaimed his military genius."

Recognizing his abilities as a leader, Lincoln brought him east to assume command of the Army of the Potomac and take the battle to defeat Lee's Army of Northern Virginia. Been named General in Chief, Grant had no "army" that he specifically commanded. His was to issue commands to the other Generals. This caused issues at several battles. While fighting to gain Petersburg, "the fault was not in Grant's plan, but in faulty execution. Corps Commanders were sluggish, orders executed late, halfheartedly, reinterpreted, or not done at all."

The battles that followed were bloody and costly. The toll in dead and wounded at the battles of Cold Harbor and the Wilderness had Northerners wondering of Grant should be replaced, but Lincoln wouldn't budge and on April 9, 1865 the war ended for all intents and purposes with Lee's surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia.

Grant went to Washington where after Lincoln's assassination, he worked with President Johnson on Reconstruction. Johnson wanted to try Lee for treason, Grant balked stating "I will never consent to his arrest. I will resign the command of the army rather than execute any order to arrest Lee or any of his commanders so long as they obey the law." He felt that the terms of the surrender needed to be honored and would not be a party to prosecuting any of the officers in the Confederate Army as long as they follow the terms their parole. Johnson realizing Grant's popularity with the people, backed down.

The surrender terms at Appomattox were thought by many to be too lenient. However, Grant was following Lincoln's directions "with malice toward none, with charity for all" so his generosity to the Confederates started the healing process - "Appomattox was Grant's finest hour, his determination to protect those who surrendered there, ranks a close second."

Grant was a brilliant commander but had his flaws as well. Since feelings were that he would be the next President, many tried to ingratiate themselves with him. After the war, he accepted houses in Galena, Ohio and Philadelphia as gifts from a grateful nation as well as a testimonial check for $105,000.

Because President Johnson was not happy about the expectations of Grant's future, Grant lost the support of the Commander-in-chief and frequently had to travel a fine line between the President's favor and that of Congress to get Reconstruction progressing.

Grant's diplomacy was demonstrated in the areas of management of the Southern states, British relations due to the suit for damages caused by the Confederate's Alabama damages, and French occupation in Mexico. He also showed the same ability to choose capable "lieutenants" when creating his cabinet.

As a President, not only did he have to continue with the Reconstructive process, deal with the rising of the Ku Klux Klan, protect the rights of the freed slaves, and prevent an economic collapse on the Gold Market but he did it all honorably.

Perhaps not being a politician was beneficial because when he vetoed the Inflation Bill, his party believed that he had killed their chances in the next election. What his veto showed was that he was opposed to unredeemable paper currency. He took the necessary steps to stabilize the currency and save the nation's credit.

Grant's last crisis came with the election of his successor. Because of the Reconstructive process still ongoing, three states election results were in contention. It was necessary to pass legislation to create a committee of fifteen to determine which elector votes would be counted. The committee consisted (at Grant's suggestion) of 5 Democrats, 5 Republicans, and 5 Justices from the Supreme Court (they did make a decision on a presidential election prior to 2000). With the committee's decisions, Rutherford Hayes was elected by 1 vote over Governor Tilden. Thus, Grant was instrumental in calming another Constitutional crisis.

The last years of his life were not easy. He was involved in a Wall Street debacle which wiped out his entire fortune, and was only saved by the offer of Mark Twain to publish his memoirs. Fighting throat cancer, he completed the task only a few days before his death. His funeral was a major event attended by not only those he had commanded but also those he had fought against. The nation grieved for the man who had led the Union to victory.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I read Adams by David McCullough and this book ranks right up there with it.
I rarely give a book a ★★★★★ rating but this book was so well-written and so informative, you could see that it was thoroughly researched. Granted, the content is very heavy, but the manner that the information is dispersed, makes it a very easy read that holds your interest even if you know the outcome.

This is definitely the Grant book for you to read. What a fascinating man - so humble and yet calm and responsible.

looks like this is the one to put on the list for when I get to Grant!

definitely, this one I would actually even think about rereading sometime, it was that interesting.

The sections concerning the battles actually made the strategy understandable along with good maps.

Challenge Book #54

Title: Burn ★★★
Author: Nevada Barr
Genre: Mystery
Subject: Child prostituton, psycologial recovery
Setting: New Orleans
Main Characters: Anna Pigeon
Series: yes, #16
Dates Read: May 14 - May 28
Number of pages: 579
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech Class

I just logged my 1100th book as read in LibraryThing, I wish it had been better. I am a big fan of Anna Pigeon, Nevada Barr's Heroine who works for the National Park service and moves from park to park in each of her adventures. However, it's hard to identify the City of New Orleans in my mind as a National Park - it's really just Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - more an historic landmark/area than National Park, IMO and Anna isn't even working there, she's on vacation.

The story centers around a woman who is hiding from the law because they suspect her of murdering her husband and children. Anna somehow becomes involved with the woman -posing as a man - who is searching for her children because she believes that they are still alive. They get immersed with child pornography rings and so it goes.

Not one of Anna's best.

Too bad the book wasn't better, Cheli! But big congratulations on reaching 1100!

Karen O.

Challenge Book #55

Title: The Third Coincidence ★★★★
Author: David Bishop
Genre: Thriller
Subject: political assassinations
Setting: Washington,D.C.
Main Characters: Jack McCall, Commander LW, President Schroeder
Series: no
Dates Read: May 25 - May 29
Number of pages: 288
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, NetGalley Download
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Class Schedule

A Supreme Court Justice is found dead in his chambers. Because of his age, a heart attack is suspected but when a second Justice is found with his throat cut and a Federal Reserve Governor meets an untimely death in a car crash, the President wants an investigation and calls on his friend, Jack McCall who is a special Director at the CIA. McCall creates a special taskforce with members from the CIA, FBI, and MPD and together they work to find who is threatening the elite members of the Supreme Court and Federal Reserve. Commander LW of the American Militia to Restore Representative Government sends his threats and demands for the non-elected elite to stand down or he will kill them all.

The nation is frightened, no one wants to be a nominee for the vacant position, putting their names on the hit list. With the assassination spree continuing, resignations occurring and no replacements, the Supreme Court cannot sustain a quorum. Will the nation fall into anarchy before the killer is found and stopped?

This book kept me on the edge of my seat throughout, wondering if this ever happened in the real world, how we as a nation would react - would we demand immediate results or realize that someone that managed to accomplish something this devious would be difficult to track down and capture? It was well-written and seemed well-researched and the characters were well-developed. My only nit to pick was the change in viewpoint was sometimes too jumpy, but once I realized it had changed, there was no problem. This could have been related to the download format from Net Galley. But all in all, a great read.

Thanks to Net Galley and Oceanview Publishing for giving me the chance to read a great book.

OOO.....that sounds like a great premise....let's hope it never happens for real, but it sounds like a good one. I just bought it for our downloadable collection at the library based on your recommend.

Challenge Book #56

Title: All Mortal Flesh ★★★½
Author: Julia Spencer-Fleming
Genre: Mystery
Subject: marriage separation, personal communications
Setting: MillersKill, NY
Main Characters: Russ VanAlstyne, Clare Ferguson
Series: yes, #5
Dates Read: May 30 - May 31
Number of pages: 322
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Speech Class

Linda van Alstyne is dead. She is founded dead in her kitchen, stabbed and mutilated. Who is the prime suspect - none other than Chief of Police Russ van Alstyne and so the state police are "called in" to head the investigation. Russ continues to try to find the murderer and runs into trouble.

Throughout this book I was torn as to who I really wanted to be the murderer. We know in our hearts that it can't be Clare or Russ, but then who? Russ seemed so terribly broken-hearted even though he professes that he loves Clare. So where is it going, how can there be a satisfactory solution?

As the story begins to head to resolution - the clues start mounting up and it is easy to foresee the outcome. But the ending - oh, no I didn't see that one coming!

May RECAP
Well, May saw a major funk after three months of major reading. I had 10 days when I only read at bedtime so the number of books were reduced from the last few months. But here's the wrapup:

May: 0 pre-owned:8 borrowed: 0 new: 1 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Grant
The worst of the month - Burn

Here's what I read this month:

Pirate King ♫ ★★★½
The Uncommon Reader ★★★½
The Postmistress & ★★★½
Collateral Damage : ★★★★
To Darkness to Death ♫ ★★★★
Grant & ★★★★★
Burn♫ ★★★
The Third Coincidence : ★★★★
All Mortal Flesh ♫ ★★★½

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
1 books History
0 book Health
0 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 1
Youth/Children: 0
Mystery: 7
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 0

Books for next month:
Sprinkle with Murder
Shakespeare's Landlord ♫
Balkan Escape
Wolf Hall Group Read
Summer of Fire
Irish Country Doctor ♫
True Justice
Enchanted April HRBG and Lilies Book Group - group read
Calamity Jayne
Contrary Blues
Rutherford B. Hayes
The 19th Wife: A Novel ♫
Jar City
Emperor's Tomb ♫

Challenge Book #57

Title: Sprinkle with Murder ★★★★
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: friendships, competitive businesses
Setting: Scottsdale, ARIZONA
Main Characters: Melanie Cooper, Angie DeLaura, Tate Harper, Christie Stevens
Series: yes, #1
Dates Read: May 31 - June 2
Number of pages: 240
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Nook stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Geography Class

Fairy Tale Cupcakes - just the name of the business for the main characters of this new cozy series makes my mouth water and long to taste the scrumptious-sounding confections this minute. But that's not the best part. The best part of this book is that the mystery is well-written, the central characters are believable and the secondary characters are humorous and entertaining.

Melanie and Angie have been friends since grade school and with the help of their friend Tate, they open their dream - the Fairy Tale Cupcakes bakery. Tate is engaged to Christie Stevens and he has persuaded her to have the girls make cupcakes rather than a regular wedding cake. Neither Mel or Angie are "fond" of Christie but because of their friendship/partnership, they make all efforts to appease this bridezilla. But 'tragedy' occurs and Melanie is the one to find Christie dead with a sample cupcake in her hand.

To prevent the repercussions on their business, Melanie and Angie have to find out who really did kill Christie before their customers are all scared away.

I loved it. I have Buttercream Bump off, the next in the series sitting on the shelf so I'm set to continue this funny and yummy series. Thanks to Linda P for the recommendation.

Glad you liked the cupcake mystery, Cheli. I read it late last year but still haven't gotten around to the second one, Buttercream Bump Off. Please let me know if you're reading it and I'll try to join in.

You probably already know this but I was excited to see that Laura Childs finally has a new Cackleberry Club mystery due out this year. Due out in December, I think.

Probably not until next month if I can fit it in.

Well, so far I've been very industrious this week. I did some cleanup in the basement Monday, straightened all my bookshelves Tuesday, and Water Aerobics this morning. I think I am entitled to a lazy afternoon reading, who agrees with me?

It sounds good to me, Cheli.

After Friday, I am off til June 18th and I plan to get a lot of reading and lounging around done, either here or in St Louis.

I had treated myself to the Nook Touch in March, right before they came out with the Nook Glow Touch and I was able to trade in my regular Touch for the GLOW and got it on Saturday. My husband loves it because he can sleep better without the light on - go figure - but now I can read late into the night and not disturb my sweetie!

Last week, I went golfing with Tim, no I didn't play, I just went along for the ride. Fortunately, the weather got a bit wet so we had to quit and go inside. I was a bit sore the next day and worried that I had screwed up my back again with all the bumps, but after a few days of rest, I'm still able to walk and stand pretty much pain free. I thought I was going to have to go back to the doctor but (crossed fingers) so far so good.

Yesterday I started a new set of water aerobics classes. The water was a bit chilly so you really wanted to keep moving and the instructor definitely put us through our paces. When I got home, I was pooped. I'm grateful that I don't have anything on the agenda today other than getting my nails done. I think my heating pad, recliner and I are all going to get reacquainted today.

So glad to hear good things about the NOOK GLOW.....I'm definitely trading mine in as soon as I can get to a big city with a B&N. and yes....enjoy your day off---you deserve it. I just washed and waxed all the pantry, hallway, greatroom and kitchen floors....it's finally stopped raining and the muddy tracks were just too much. Lisa and Jon (my daughter and Sil for those of you not my sister cheli) are due to arrive for the weekend in about 5 hours. They are stopping on the road for din-din so I don't even have to cook. I'm kiicking back, gonna try to clear out LT threads so I won't be too far behind when they leave.

Tomorrow nite we're going to see "Best Exotic Marigold Hotel" and go out to eat.....can't wait. Rest of the time will be spent loafing and reading.

Loved that movie, Tina. Enjoy!!

I understand that there's a book. I might look for it.

Challenge Book #58

Title: Shakespeare's Landlord ★★★
Author: Charlaine Harris
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: impulses, self-defense
Setting: Shakespeare, Arkansas
Main Characters: Lily Bard, Claude Friedrich, Marshall Sedaka
Series: yes, Lily Bard #1
Dates Read: June 2 - June 7
Number of pages: 224
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Geography Class

Lily Bard has a past. She's been living in Shakespeare, ARK for 3 years, working to clean the homes of many of the residents of this little town. Trouble threatens to expose what she's hiding when she witnesses a hooded figure wheeling a mysterious bundle into the nearby park. When she goes to investigate, she finds the area landlord dead.

This was a simple little cozy. More time was spent on Lily and her relationships with the town residents than maybe was necessary. The main characters and secondary characters do need a bit more development but since this is the first in the series, there's time. The mystery was light but entertaining. Hope for improvement in future installments.

Challenge Book #59

Title: Summer of Fire ★★★½
Author: Linda Jacobs
Genre: Fiction
Subject: marriage separation, personal communications
Setting: Yellowstone National Park
Main Characters: Clare Chance, Steve Heywood, John Deering, Devon Chance
Series: yes, #1
Dates Read: June 3 - June 10
Number of pages: 483
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, Nook stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Geography Class

Actual events are frequently used as the backdrop of fiction. In this novel the wildfires in Yellowstone National Park in 1988 are the driving force for the adventures told.

Clare Chance is a firefighter from Houston who volunteers to help fight the inferno that Yellowstone has become. Because of her background she is set the task of training the soldiers that are sent by the Army to assist.

The battles of the characters against the fires and their inner demons makes for good reading.

This was the first book that I read that was a Freebie from Barnes & Noble's Free book Friday. I have to admit that I was pleasantLY surprised at the quality of the writing and story. It was the first in a series set in Yellowstone. I hope to see these characters again though from reviews of the other books In the series, they don't appear prominent.

Challenge Book #60

Title: Balkan Escape ★★★
Author: Steve Berry
Genre: Mystery
Subject: danger
Setting: Bulgaria
Main Characters: Cassiopeia Vitt
Series: yes, #5.5 Cotton Malone
Dates Read: June 12
Number of pages: 20
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Overdrive
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Lunch

This was just a short story where Cassiopeia Vitt is caught in an unfortunate circumstance that could turn very deadly. It is a prelude to the Cotton Malone Emperor's Tomb which hopefully I will get to this month.

Challenge Book #61

Title: Rutherford B. Hayes ★½
Author: Dale Whitaker
Genre: History
Subject: Biography of President Hayes
Setting: Ohio
Main Characters: Rutherford B Hayes
Series: no
Dates Read: June 1 - June 12
Number of pages: 558
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, public library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: History Class

Trying to find biographical information on the 19th POTUS isn't easy so when I found this book available and with more than 120 pages, I thought I had finally found what I was looking for. Unfortunately, not so. This book was primarily a collection of the correspondence and early political speeches of RB Hayes. The early part of his life is adequately covered - his military service during the Civil War, and his start in political life. He served three non-consecutive terms as the governor of state of Ohio after being elected to Congress directly after the Civil War. But the book stops just before he takes office as the President and mentions his death in 1893.

Unless you enjoy the long winded speeches of the political arena, this is not a book that I would recommend.

You are zooming right along this year, Cheli. I'm going to be lucky to get to 100 books, I think.

I had three months where I really was "zooming" but now I'm slowing down to my normal pace of about 10 books a month. April was my best month with 15 books and nearly 5,000 pages and I'd like to do that again this month, but just like you, baseball has taken some of my reading time.

The O's are doing well, so I got to stick with 'em. I can do audio while I watch, so I do "read" during the games unless it's getting really tight. I noticed that the Cubbies are not have a great start, what's up with that?

Hi Cheli! I just wanted to let you know that I have your thread starred, and I look forward to seeing what you read next. ^_^

I noticed in your other thread that you've read The Killer Angels - hooray! I have not read that book, but I have watched the movie based off the book, called "Gettysburg." That movie is one of my all-time favorites, and it helped Joshua Chamberlain to become one of my personal heroes. Have you watched it?

80>> I'm not really into movies - rarely get there.

This afternoon, Linda (whisper1) and I, with our spouses, met up and shared a absolutely tremendously enjoyable afternoon. Linda and I have been sharing our back pains for nearly a year and decided that since we were doing better now was the time to get together. Columbia PA was chosen as our destination (exactly halfway between her house and mine). We met a small little tavern-like grill, had lunch, allowing ourselves to get comfortable together (it didn't take long - like instantly!) and we talked and talked. Then we headed down the street to the National Clock and Watch Museum (my husband Tim is a big clock enthusiast.) and library. We were amazed at all the beautiful and intricately designed clocks and watches. We all definitely recommend a visit to this little known but beautiful museum. So many items to see we could do it again!

Will post pictures tomorrow!

What a wonderful, wonderful time! It was great to be together. Thanks for making all the plans!

Yes, let us do this tour again....

Sounds terrific. I hope to meet both of you at some point. Cheli, perhaps if/when I attend Malice Domestic. I'm due...haven't been to it in years.

Meetups are such fun. It was nice to include the spouses and do something they would enjoy. I'm eager to see the pictures.

I sat down this morning to post some pictures and realized that all the people pictures were taken on Linda's camera. Tim is not a people picture person. So I only got 1. But I made a video of the pictures that we took that show all the amazing clocks. We'll have to wait for Linda's pics for all the people shots. Here's the one shot of Linda, myself, and Will outside the library at the museum.
FYI - The huge clock that is in the first dozen or so pictures was advertised in the 19th century as the 8th wonder of the world. It really was amazing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtDu3I_2toc

incredible Cheli...What a wonderful day! It was so great to meet you.

Here we are courtesy of Whisper's camera.

What a wonderful picture of both of you! So glad you two finally met up.

Challenge Book #62

Title: Contrary Blues ★★★½
Author: John Billheimer
Genre: mystery
Subject: Federal subsidies, fraud, extortion
Setting: Contrary , West Virginia
Main Characters: Owen Allison, Mary Beth Hobbs, Stony Hobbs, Stuart Hobbs, Purvis Jenkins, Dwight Armitage
Series: yes, #1
Dates Read: June 4 - June 17
Number of pages: 278
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no , Public Library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Geography Class

Okay, it's filled with stereotypes - hillbillies, moonshine, less than smart individuals, revenue runners, etc. but it was still fun!

Contrary, West Virginia has been receiving a federal grant for 4 years for buses to run in their town, but this year when the DOT sends an auditor he ends up dead. Well, the audit has to be finished so DOT sends another - Owen Allison - to Contrary to finish up and he ends up un the middle of a can of worms that nearly gets him killed too.

The problem is just a "small clerical error" on the request changing 2 buses to 20 buses and the DOT didn't notice so they been sending $500,000 a year. Well, the town of Contrary didn't want to live up to its name so they kept the extra funds and used them for other things. Trouble comes when a "disabled" veteran wants a bus ride to his "job" of guarding the local still.

Well, you can see how this is filled with the stereotypes but they are woven in so humorously, you just keep going with a smile on your face.

An absolutely entertaining read - and perfect for my West Virginia state visit!

It must have been the week/weekend for meetups! DC had theirs June 9-10, Kansas City had theirs June 14-15, and Whisper1 and I had ours on June 16th! And we all had a great time!

Thanks LibraryThing for bringing us all together!

Cheli - thanks to you and Linda for sharing your photos with us. Agree that a debt of thanks is owed to the creators of this site - what a wonderful resource it is for meeting like-minded and warm hearted people.

nice! I love looking at LTers ( and their mates) :)

Cheli, I don't know how I lost the star on your thread, but I found you and was pleased to see the pictures of the meet-up you and Linda had on the weekend. It looks like you had a wonderful time! I would love that museum and will try to keep it in mind if I ever make it to Pennsylvania. But, no book-buying? Off to find Linda's thread in hopes of more pictures.

I've got you starred this time. You'll have to try harder than this if you really want to lose me for good!

5AM - up and not sleeping, why? not insomnia, I know how that feels, this is pain.

I have tried to find a position where every part of my body is comfortable and I can relax enough to go to sleep. Tonight/this morning this is not happening. I have lived with back pain for most of my life ever since a car accident in 1977, yes no typo 1977. I've been to all types of doctors, physical therapy, drugs, and I thought I'd finally found a level of pain that I could live with - but tonight the rest of my body revolted. It wasn't pain in my back that kept me awake, it was all the other aches and pains put together. My knee ached, I'd find a position where it was comfortable and my calf cramped. I eased them and my shoulders got shooting pains, resolve that and I literally got a pain in the neck. Then I started all over. Finally, I just gave up. No use laying there - came down to my massage chair in hopes of drifting off with the massager running on high.

Just tell me, what's like not to have any pain? I can't remember.

Challenge Book #63

Title: Calamity Jayne ★★★
Author: K.C. Bacus
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Subject: ineptitude
Setting: Iowa
Main Characters: Tressa Jayne Turner, Rick Townsend, Joe Townsend
Series: yes, #1
Dates Read: June 18 - June 20
Number of pages: 326
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: no, Public Library
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Geography class

Tressa Jayne Turner is accident prone. She also seems to manage to get herself into, shall we say, unusual situations. In this introductory story, Tressa manages to inadvertently "steal" a car without realizing it and then finds a dead body in the trunk when she goes to change a flat tire.

Since she finds the body and then loses it, she has to prove to everyone she knows that she hasn't lost her mind and so sets out to solve the murder that hasn't been recorded yet.
It was a fun story but I have a hard time with somebody being that dumb. Also the cover of the book has this straight haired blonde while through out the book Tressa complains about her unmanageable curly hair.

Challenge Book #64

Title: Wolf Hall ★★½
Author: Hilary Mantel
Genre: Historical Fiction
Subject: Thomas Cromwell
Setting: England
Main Characters: Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour
Series: no
Dates Read: June 10 - June 23
Number of pages: 640
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes, audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Extra curricular activites

Wolf Hall is one of those books that shows that not everyone will feel the same about any one book. The majority of readers appear to gush over this book, extolling the writing and the narrative manner, but I found it tedious, constantly trying to follow the story as it was told even though I knew the story quite well.

My English teacher from high school would have been horrified at the poor sentence structure and unidentified pronouns throughout. It was an interesting concept using Thomas Cromwell as the central character, but for me, the book fell flat.

I am so sorry about your pain, Cheli, and I pray that it'll ease up. I'm glad that it means you survived that car accident, though - those type of accidents are the most frightening.

Challenge Book #65

Title: The Enchanted April ★★★½
Author: Elizabeth von Arnim
Genre: Fiction
Subject: Italian holiday, shared quarters
Setting: San Salvatore, Italy
Main Characters: Mrs. Lotty Wilkins,Mrs. Rose Arbuthnot,Lady Caroline,Mrs. Fisher,Mellersh Wilkins, Mr. Briggs
Series: no
Dates Read: June 24 - June 27
Number of pages: 361
Off the Shelf (pre-2012)? Source?: yes , audio stockpile
Category for 12 in 12 challenge: Extra curricular activites

"To Those Who Appreciate Wisteria and Sunshine" - how enticing can an advertisement be than to lore you in with the thought of flowers and sunshine? So four unrelated ladies decide to rent an Italian castle for 4 weeks to escape from their everyday lives.

Four ladies so uniquely different - Lottie is a demoraliized house wife who decides that this is what she wants to do with her nest egg. Having met Rose Arbuthnot, who is of like mind, they advertise for two additiinal ladies to share the cost of the rental and head off to Italy for the month of April. Each lady has her own reason for avoiding their normal home environment, and friendships are formed as well as lives repaired amid the flourishing gardens and idyllic setting.

The writing brings a sense of peace to the reader as we picture the buzzing bees, blazing flora, and the puffing floating clouds on the hill overlooking the Mediterranean. There are also moments of amusement as well as self-analysis.

A great beach read IMHO.

JUNE RECAP
I was involved in two group reads in June so I didn't get as many books read as I would have liked but they were fatties!

June: 2 pre-owned: 6 borrowed: 1 new: 0 ARC - 9 books.
Best of the Month: Sprinkle with Murder
The worst of the month - Rutherford B. Hayes

Here's what I read this month:

Sprinkle with Murder ★★★★
Shakespeare's Landlord ♫ ★★★
Summer of Fire ★★★½
Balkan Escape ★★★
Rutherford B. Hayes ★½
Contrary Blues ★★★½
Calamity Jane ★★★½
Wolf Hall ★★★
Enchanted April ★★★½

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
1 books History
0 book Health
0 book memoirs
Fiction:
Novels: 2
Youth/Children: 0
Mystery: 5
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 0

Books for next month:
True Justice
Irish Country Doctor ♫
The 19th Wife: A Novel ♫
Jar City
Emperor's Tomb ♫
The Girl Below &
Summer Breeze &
Rutherford B. Hayes: Warrior and President
The Winter Palace &
Gone to Ground &
The Colfax massacre and the death of Reconstruction
Alexander Graham Bell
Queen's Vow
Lucifer Code &
The Solitary House :
Temple Mount Code &
Pillars of the Earth ♫
From the tow-path to the White House: The early life and public career of James A. Garfield ..

Quarterly totals
Books Read Owned 10 (Pages: 3,546)
Books Read Borrowed 8(Pages: 2,047)
Audio Books heard 15 (163¼ hours, equivalent 5,867 ages)

Total Completed
8 books, 9 e-books and 16 audio books - 11,460 pages
29 fiction; 4 nonfiction

Genre Summary

Nonfiction:
3 books History
0 book Health
1 book Memoir

Fiction:
Novels: 5
Youth/Children: 7
Mystery: 16
Historical Fiction: 1
Classic: 0

My new thread for 3rd Quarter is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/139276

Thinking of you. I am so sorry you are in pain. I hope today is a better day. It is amazing how one incident such as a car accident can change a life so very dramatically.

Opps...I'm heading over to your new thread.