Morphy Gets Her Groove On - Part 3

This is my second 75 Books Challenge. I read about 250 books a year, so I'm not worried about meeting the challenge!

First thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/130083
Second thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/132781

I mostly read fantasy, preferably urban, but also enjoy general and genre fiction, historical romance, classics, popular non-fiction, and will honestly try any genre at least once.

I have more challenges and lists than I know what to do with and am not going to list them here except as notes to the books I've completed.

My best books of 2011 are:

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by McKillip, Patricia
Bridge of Birds by Hughart, Barry
Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Wells, Rebecca
Garden Spells by Allen, Sarah Addison
Soulless by Carriger, Gail
What I Eat by Menzel, Peter and D'Aluisio, Faith
Ready Player One by Cline, Ernest

My favorite books from the last five years are:

Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh
Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
The Stand by Stephen King
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
Katherine by Anya Seton
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

My 12 in 12 challenge categories:

1. Family Science Fiction Read
2. TIOLI Most Popular Books
3. Prior Year Challenges
4. 1001 Fantasy Books to Read Before You Are Turned into a Newt
5. US 50 State Challenge
6. Around the World in 80 Sleuths
7. Reading Romances Challenge
8. The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Ultimate Reading List
9. LT Recommended
10. Off the Shelf
11. Nonfiction
12. Most Popular Books by Year by GoodReads

http://www.librarything.com/topic/127722

95. The Children's Blizzard by David Laskin

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #21 (got 1st qtr, due in April), 50 State Challenge, TIOLI Most Popular, Ellie's Challenge

Summary: About a blizzard in the Upper Midwest in 1888 that killed hundreds of people, including many children

Opinion: While I found the history of meterology and the culture of the time and area interesting, the fictionalized accounts of what was going on in people's heads was annoying. Also, the stories about kids and teachers got repetitive and there were too many names to keep track of - not a problem I usually have but the families were too similar to keep separate.

Rating: 6

96. Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #16 (Major Arcana), to complete bibliography

Summary: Organs are being harvested from deadbeats with surgical precision

Opinion: I feel like I'm repeating myself so I'll keep it short. Love the relationships Eve has, even the combative ones. I like how she deals with both people and her own demons while sorting out a mystery. I'm beginning to wish, however, that Roarke had more to do. He's starting to feel tacked on as sex partner and computer hacker. Still, I love this series and enjoyed this particular caper.

Rating: 8

97. Touch the Dark by Karen Chance

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #1 (rolling last letter), Reading Romance Challenge, 50 State Challenge

Summary: Cassie is a clairvoyant who is being sought by several groups of paranormals

Opinion: I was recommended this book because I love urban fantasy but this one lacks the usual sense of humor or hope that I like. The characters and world-building are interesting enough that I'll hesitantly try the next one. This one felt mostly like introduction to the world so with any luck there will be more story coming up.

Rating: 6

98. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #7 (started before April), Good Reads Popular, LTMP

Summary: College student takes care of a rich woman's four-year-old boy in New York City

Opinion: Meh. It was an interesting look into the culture of the wealthy but I found the main character to be a total doormat. I wanted to smack some sense into her.

Rating: 6

99. Love, Come to Me by Lisa Kleypas

Genre: Romance

Notes: To complete bibliography

Summary: Romance set in post-Civil War US

Opinion: I had trouble at first as I don't care for the time period, the heroine seemed too young and wishy-washy, and the hero was too alpha. But I pressed on and the character growth really made the book. I also liked how most of the book was about how they dealt with marriage and slowly grew into the relationship rather than being "we're in wuv!" right away or only at the end.

Rating: 7

100. Lean Mean Thirteen by Janet Evanovich

Genre: Mystery

Notes: To complete bibliography

Summary: Stephanie's ex-husband is missing and she is the prime suspect

Opinion: Starting to feel too much the same. I think I'll take a long break from them. Stephanie can only be too incompetent and undecided for so long before it becomes grating. Still chuckled throughout most of it though especially when it came to grandma.

Rating: 6

101. The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: Reread

Summary: A territory requests a Queen and Cassie, an ugly duckling, is Kaeleer's answer

Opinion: Normally I don't comment on re-reads but I have to say that I enjoyed it more the second (third?) time. I'm not sure why but perhaps I was comparing it too much to the first three books and was expecting the same type of relationship dynamics. These are different, not bad, just different.

Rating: 8

102. Shalador's Lady by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: Reread

Summary: Cassie and her court come into their own after leaving Theran behind

Rating: 8

*waving as she wanders on by, down the trail of threads*

103. Twilight's Dawn by Anne Bishop

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #9 (April vowels), reread

Summary: A group of short stories in the Black Jewels world

Rating: 8

104. Unraveled by Courtney Milan

Genre: Romance

Notes: Random

Summary: A poor seamstress and a magistrate in 1800s England

Opinion: It was okay. I prefer Milan's novels over this novella. It lacked the richness of world and relationship building. Also, while the characters were okay, I never really warmed to them. I did like that it wasn't a total "happily ever after" ending. The hero is damaged and remains so though the heroine helps him be more open and engaged.

Rating: 7

105. Servant of the Empire by Janny Wurts and Raymond Feist

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #10 (cultures), reread

Summary: A Ruling Lady and a slave from another world combat a vicious enemy

Opinion: For some reason it didn't engage me as much this time. Not sure why. Perhaps I wasn't feeling as sympathetic to Mara's scheming.

Rating: 7

106. A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

Genre: Classics

Notes: TIOLI #13 (multiple movies), 1001 Fantasy

Summary: The adventures of star-crossed lovers, bumbling actors and manipulative fairies

Opinion: I enjoyed the bumbling players, especially Bottom. He's so clueless! I found the parts with the lovers less intriguing and rather irritating at times.

Rating: 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader by Bathroom Readers' Institute (Bathroom read)
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
Good News Bible by various (for literary/cultural reasons rather than religious)
Dewey by Vicki Myron

On Deck:
The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers

You're blowing right through these books :-)

Actually, I was more REALLY behind in posting - like since mid-April!

Morphy - delurking to say congrats on your new thread and on passing 100 books - INCREDIBLE! I love reading your reviews because they almost always make me laugh:

"I'm beginning to wish, however, that Roarke had more to do. He's starting to feel tacked on..."

" I wanted to smack some sense into her."

Hope you are having a good weekend. I have five of your favorite reads that you posted up top in my TBR, so looks like I have some excellent stories coming my way.

Congrats on the new thread!

Hiiii Morphy!

Too many books here to say much. I haven't read Anne Bishop yet but have the Black Jewels omnibus sitting and waiting patiently for me.

Morphy - signing in again for your third installment. Again piles and piles of books only a handful of which I will ever get around to. Interesting that you throw Will in among the futuristic stuff - talk about back-to-the future.
Congratulations dear lady for whizzing past 100 with your usual aplomb!

>5 Morphidae: Yes, the Cassie series does get much better. I found the first one meh too.

>7 Morphidae: I've been investigating Kleypas' books since I really enjoyed one of hers. I'll put that one on the list!

Do you recommend Courtney Milan in general?

Checking in to lurk :) I've been meaning to read Anne Bishop's books for a while.

>19 Crazymamie: Short and pithy, that's me, Crazymamie.

>20 leahbird: Thanks for stopping by, atlargeintheworld!

>21 Ape: Quick everyone! Hide the bananas!

>22 avatiakh: & 25 Kerry and Melis, if you like dark, intense, sensual fantasy, the Black Jewel series should please.

>24 Cynara: Okay, I'll try the next Cassie then, Cynara. I've rated other Kleypas higher. Try the wallflower set, starting with Secrets of a Summer Night first. Yes, I like Milan. Start with Unveiled.

lurker *sliding on by*

Re. Cassie: you'll never believe it now, but the best character in the series? Pritkin. Yep.

Thanks for the recommendations! I'll see if my library has them in the database. They have a ton of romance, but I hate having to hunt through the (uncatalogued) paperback racks.

>28 Cynara: I reserve library books online then let THEM find the book. LOL!

My favorite romance of all time is Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux. For historical romance, my favorite is Katherine by Anya Seton.

Yeah, but you can't do that with the uncatalogued paperbacks. They have plenty of catalogued ones, but not always the ones I want, particularly if they're backlist.

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm always on the lookout for good romance.

I agree with you on A Midsummer Night's Dream . . . the lovers are definitely not the highlight. Thankfully there's plenty of other entertainment going on!

>15 Morphidae:&31 Me too! Bottom is the best. Well, Puck's pretty fun too.

I often get mad at the aristocrats snarking off during the mechanicals' performance. If you can't say anything nice, at least don't say it loud enough that we can all hear it, you jerks.

>33 Cynara: The aristocrats snarking off was one of my favorite parts! LOL.

I wasn't bothered so much by the snark; it's such a human response when we watch other people performing. Mystery Science Theater 2000 was a hit for a reason.

Trying to think if I would ever want to play Titania...

When I was 5, my best friend's mom took us to a local production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. I didn't understand much, of course, but we thought Bottom was hysterical, and the whole thing was so magical that, to this day, it's my favorite Shakespeare play. Sigh. I really hope we can find a nearby production in a couple of years for Charlie...

107. Surely You're Joking, Mr. Feynman! by Richard Feynman

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI#3 (NMSP), LTMP, Ultimate Reading list, 111 Nonfiction, Random

Summary: Memoir type essays about a physicist

Opinion: From reviews and recommendations I was expecting more humor. It was cute in some ways, but in general, was just interesting and amusing essays on his life. Sometimes he expected you to know more physics than the usual person does. And he wasn't a very good writer. They read like high school essays at times, "What I Did Last Summer."

Rating: 6

108. Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter, Circus of the Damned - The Scoundrel by Laurell K. Hamilton

Genre: Graphic Novel

Notes: Next in series

Summary: Anita Blake in graphic novel form

Opinion: I'm never sure what to say about these. I don't read a lot of graphic novels so don't have a lot to compare them to. I don't see the characters much like they are drawn but I do enjoy the visuals.

Rating: 7

109. Loyalty in Death by J. D. Robb

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #18 (word reversed - eat/tea), to complete bibliography

Summary: Eve and Roarke need to stop a terrorist group

Opinion: I'm not sure why but this one wasn't quite as enjoyable. Still, this remains one of my favorite series.

Rating: 7

110. In Great Waters by Kit Whitfield

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: Calico, Random

Summary: Alternate history where English royalty are half merpeople

Opinion: I liked the idea of merpeople, how they became royalty and how they dealt with being on land. I liked the alternative history. Also, I liked most of the parts where Henry is trying to understand with how landspeople think and act.

I was sort of meh on the characters. In some ways, they weren't very likeable. I didn't DISLIKE them, I just didn't warm to them.

SPOILER:
I found the part where the author implied that Henry was the one being burned manipulative and it turned me off.

The world-building, alternative history, and Henry's transition to being landbound were pluses and the hard to like characters and manipulation were negatives. Also, there was a bit too much tell instead of show.

Rating: 7

111. Tea with the Black Dragon by R. A. MacAvoy

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #5 (Black or White), 1001 Fantasy

Summary: Short fantasy novel about a woman trying to find her missing daughter with the aid of a mysterious gentleman

Opinion: I liked Martha at times. She had a kick-ass attitude and I really appreciated it when she wouldn't succumb to the kidnappers but I found her too bland when they first set out to find Elizabeth. I also got a grin out of her playing with the remote car. I could sympathize with Elizabeth a little but in general found her an unlikable character. Fred was my favorite character. I love nerds.

I think Long could have been written a little deeper though I really liked how dragonish he was when searching for Martha. It took me a bit to become involved in the story. It didn't grab me at first. It took until Martha disappeared for me to become really interested.

Lastly, it couldn't seem to settle on what type of story it was. It was too plodding to be a thriller, too straightforward to be a mystery, and had too little interaction between the main characters to be a romance.

Rating: 7

112. A Respectable Trade by Philippa Gregory

Genre: Historical Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #18 (word reversed tab/bat)

Summary: Historical novel about the slave trade in 1800s Bristol, England

Opinion: I almost quit 150 pages into this book. Not because of the writing but because of the subject matter. I can only read about people being horrid and cruel to each other so much before I say enough. I called another member of the book club and she said to try another 100 pages and I did. I was able to finish the book after that but other than the main black character, Mehuru, there wasn't one decent character.

Rating: 5

113. Dewey by Vicki Myron

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library or librarian), Off the Shelf, 50 State

Summary: An adorable abandoned cat takes over a library in Iowa

Opinion: While a bit more memoirish than I was expecting, this is still a great book. I smiled throughout the stories of Dewey's antics. He was quite the personality and I enjoyed reading about him.

Rating: 8

114. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #19 (library/librarian), Around the World in 80 Mysteries

Summary: A Jewish librarian from London tries to run a mobile library in backwater Ireland

Opinion: Ugh. All this book was about was people being mean and snarky to a wimpy door mat. The mystery got "solved" two pages from the end by the "villian" basically saying, "Oh, it was me." Ish.

Rating: 5

115. Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Genre: Children's

Notes: 50 State, LTMP

Summary: A young boy finds a run away dog and tries to hide it from an abusive owner

Opinion: Normally children's books don't do it for me but this one had enough emotional depth to keep me engaged without being saccharine or weepy.

Rating: 7

116. Aunt Dimity's Death by Nancy Atherton

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #4 (75ers name - AuntieCatherine), LT Recommended, Random

Summary: A woman inherits from someone she thought was a fictional character

Opinion: A bit of romance. A bit of rags to riches. A bit of mystery. A bit of historical fiction. A lovely bit of fluff. Definitely going to read more of this series.

Rating: 8

117. Love Comes Softly by Janette Oke

Genre: Inspirational

Notes: TIOLI #4 (75er's name - LibraryLover23), LTMP, Ultimate Reading list, Random

Summary: A widowed and pregnant pioneer woman gets a second chance

Opinion: This is the third inspirational fiction book I've read and they've all been lovely. I'm not Christian, but I do appreciate stories of faith as long as they don't thwap you upside the head with it. This is a little like Little House on the Prairie plus a Hallmark romance.

Rating: 8

118. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

Genre: Fiction

Notes: LTMP, Random

Summary: An assassin is hired to kill the president of France

Opinion: I listened to this on audiobook. The first third or so was slow. I really wasn't that interested in that much French history. Once the story of the Jackal got going though, it was pretty good. By the time the last chapters came along, I was reluctant to stop the CD.

Rating: 7

119. Wicked Bugs by Amy Stewart

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #3 (NMSP), LT Recommended, Ellie's Challenge, Random

Summary: Nature essays on dangerous, destructive, and deadly bugs

Opinion: Do not read this book while eating. You have been warned. Interesting and gross by turns but by the end of the book it was feeling a bit repetitive. Also, I would have liked to have known the size of the bugs in inches, not millimeters. I don't know millimeters!

Rating: 7

You've been busy reading since your last report!

On the personal front, I went to see a weight management doctor last week. We did some tweaks to my diet (more fruits and vegetables, add nuts, remove juice), added some medication for anxiety and mood stabilization plus will be seeing a therapist. In the last week I've lost ten pounds. Guess it's working. Whoo hoo!

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
Uncle John's Bathroom Reader by Bathroom Readers' Institute (Bathroom read)
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
Good News Bible by various (for literary/cultural reasons rather than religious)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers
Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott

On Deck:
Notes from a Small Island Bill Bryson
Book Smart by Jane Mallison
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

>51 Morphidae: Congratulations- there is nothing easy about getting your weight under control.
I've wishlisted wicked bugs, it really looks fun!

I saw the author of Shiloh once and learned that the book was based on a true story of having found a stray. Sweet story.

I agree totally with you about the Case of the Missing Books. What a ridiculous book. I'm afraid I might insult the Irish member of our book group when I let fly how I really felt about that book.

Glad to see you're progressing in your weight management plans, Morphy!

Have you read any of Francine Rivers works? She is an unapologetic Christian writer, but IMO, one of the best writers of that genre (or the fiction genre in general). If you look in my catalog, you will find my favorites, except I see that one is missing from there, I must have read it before I joined LT. Anyway, Redeeming Love and Leota's Garden are excellent for characters who grow and change their views.

Congrats on the 10 pound weight loss!

#51 Great news Morphy on the tweaking of your diet. I am making little or no headway - two gyms I never go to; diet plans that go by the wayside; a fairly stressful working existence; still 50% bigger than when I first came to these shores.
Agree (see it does happen sometimes) with your analysis of The Day of the Jackal - the first parts of the novel are a bit plodding but he comes good later in the novel. I still think The Odessa File is the best thing he's done.

I love the premise of In Great Waters; it's too bad that the book seems to be only average. Maybe I'll eventually give it a try anyway.

Also, congratulations on the weight loss!

Wow, 10 pounds in a week! That's pretty amazing! I changed my diet and have been working out for two months, but my weight always stays the same. Hopefully you can keep a managable, healthy weight. :)

Wow, you are doing well with the diet and the reading! yay!

I really liked those Aunt Dimity books. I should see what one I'm on and add them to my summer reading. Perfect fluff for the beach

I so loved Wicked Bugs! I read it last year and convinced a couple people to read it, and it seems they are spreading it along as well. :) Will you be reading Wicked Plants too? It's also very good, and possibly a bit more diverse than the bug one, if not only because it's a little shorter (I think.)

I agree with you on The Case of the Missing Books, what a door mat! I know people in small towns can be wary of newcomers but they are rarely spiteful and so totally underhanded. It's too bad, since the premise sounded so fun.

If only the "librarian" had been a wee bit more believable; and if only the town had a few more kind souls mixed in with the spiteful, bitter, and angry S.O.B.s

>53 C4RO: C4RO - Wicked Bugs is certainly fun!

>54 maggie1944: Karen, the back of my edition Shiloh had a neat chapter with pictures of the area and the story of the real Shiloh.

>55 MrsLee: MrsLee, looks like I'll have to check some of Francine Rivers' works out. Which one should I start with?

>56 ronincats: Thanks, Roni! It's such a battle.

>57 PaulCranswick: Paul, I may check out The Odessa File one of these days.

>58 _Zoe_: Zoe, it's worth a shot. You may like it more than I.

>59 The_Hibernator: Hibernator, it's going to be a long road but I'll get there eventually.

>60 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I love books that are a sheer joy like the Dimity book.

>61 Ape: Stephen, Wicked Bugs got on my list because of your recommendation so I'm sure I'll read Wicked Plants, too.

>62 leahbird: & 63 I really wanted to like The Case of the Missing Books because of the premise but the people absolutely sucked.

120. Hospital Sketches by Louisa May Alcott

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI Popular (12 in 12)

Summary: Letters from Alcott while she was a nurse during the Civil War

Opinion: I'm just grateful it was short. While I was very interested in the culture and medical techniques of the time, the florid and flighty writing style made this a difficult read.

Rating: 4

121. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #4 (75er's name - IslandDave), 111 Nonfiction (12 in 12)

Summary: Bryson travels over Great Britain before leaving for America

Opinion: Imagine a bore at a party bitching about his neighborhood. And all the suburbs around his neighborhood. For hours. All the restaurants suck. All the motels are dirty. Customer service is awful, ad nauseum. Bryson's usual humor is missing and he comes across as a total jerk. I'm not quite sure how I finished this. Maybe because I'm used to so much better from him.

Rating: 3

122. Uncle John's Bathroom Reader by The Bathroom Readers' Institute

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #18 (word reversed - room/moor)

Summary: Short trivia essays focused on American pop culture and history

Opinion: It is what it is. It's trivia. It kept me interested in five minute bursts for about five months. Everything from Watergate to the Beatles, from the history of certain foods to the origin of cliches, etc.

Rating: 7

123. Aunt Dimity and the Duke by Nancy Atherton

Genre: Mystery

Notes: TIOLI #18 (word reversed - dim/mid)

Summary: An American woman gets caught up in a Duke's schemes when he convinces her to restore a garden

Opinion: This was a disappointment after how much I liked Aunt Dimity's Death. I didn't care much about the characters, the story was disjointed, and there was little joy or humor. She could have done so much more with the story. I hope this is just a sophomore slump. I'll give the third book a try. Keeping my fingers crossed…

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
Good News Bible by various (for literary/cultural reasons rather than religious)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

On Deck:
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Hounded by Kevin Hearne
Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn

I did it. I can't believe it. I finished reading the Bible. It took a year, but I did it.

And I'm SO grateful I never have to open that book again.

Congratulations!

Congratulations!!!!

Congrats! I had to read large chunks of it for my Religious Studies classes, but I definitely didn't read it all. There are parts that are quite interesting (especially from an Anthropological point of view) but it sure is tedious, repetitive, and contradictory in a LOT of places.

Anyway, BRAVO for sticking with it!

>66 Morphidae: Have you read Bryson's one on Australia, Morphy, In a Sunburned Country? I've got it and was going to read it, but I wonder whether it's up to the quality of his others. I'm going to avoid his one on G.B. after reading your reaction to it.

I gave In a Sunburned Country a 6 out of 10 and A Walk in the Woods and At Home both 7 out of 10 for comparison.

OK, thanks. That does help.

Hahaha Bryson has been lionised in parts as a great wit - exposed as a plonker by Morphy. I agree with you - he is not funny at all.

I had the same reaction to his book about driving around America. There were some funny bits, but mostly he was just grousing. It was about things I find annoying too, but hey, if I want to bitch about the increasing corporatization, etc. of the US, I'll talk to my dad.

The one about hiking that long trail that goes along the Adirondacks (?) did have some hilarious parts.

>71 _Zoe_: - 73 And a more violent, hate-filled, intolerant, judgmental, boring book I don't think I'll ever read. I certainly don't understand how a religion supposedly based on love and compassion originated from it.

>77 PaulCranswick:-78 It seems Bryson is uneven. Sometimes he comes across as funny. Sometimes as a complaining git. My first experience with him was A Short History of Nearly Everything which I really liked.

124. Good News Bible by Anonymous

Genre: Religious

Notes: 111 Nonfiction, LTMP

Summary: Does it really need one?

Opinion: I read this because it is so much a part of the American culture and it's an important piece of literature. I certainly didn't enjoy it. I'm giving it a neutral rating as I simply can't get past my numerous religious objections.

Rating: 5

125. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: LT Recommended

Summary: Two people are groomed to compete in a very special circus but things never turn out the way you expect

Opinion: Delightful and I especially loved how the circus itself was a character, too. Yet I can't help but feel this could have been a 9 or 10 with just a little bit more. I'm not sure what would have given that extra push, perhaps more in-depth characterization and a little less time, person and point-of-view hopping? As it was, it felt like convenience store chocolate. Yes, it's chocolate, but…

Rating: 8

126. The Bible for Dummies by Jeffrey Geoghegan

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: Dewey, King

Summary: Supplementary book for those of us who are religious dummies

Opinion: I wanted more meat but I suppose I shouldn't have expected it from a Dummies book.

Rating: 6

127. Hounded by Kevin Hearne

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: Recommended by MrMorphy

Summary: A 2100 year old druid living in the SouthWest has to battle a old foe

Opinion: I gobbled this up in one sitting. Rarely has an author made me laugh so hard. If you like contemporary fantasy with an irreverant set of humor, you will adore this as much as I do. I can't wait to get my hands on the next in the series. Think Dresden without all the angst.

Rating: 8

128. The Waste Lands by Stephen King

Genre: Horror

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - Uncle Stevie's Happy Fun Books), to complete bibliography

Summary: Ongoing story of the Dark Tower

Opinion: I'm not quite sure what happened. I read a near 600 page book and can't really tell you there was much of a plot. There was lots of characterization and world building, but there was next to no plot. Odd… just odd.

Rating: 6

129. Deadlocked by Charlaine Harris

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #14 (One Word Title/Female Author), next in series

Summary: As the Sookie World Turns

Opinion: It's just more Stackhouse soap opera. As in the last book, there wasn't a plot that threaded the book together, more of a bunch of vignettes. I think Harris has run out of steam with this series. It's just as well that this is supposedly the next to last book. I think I know who Sookie will end up with and I'll be content with that.

Rating: 6

130. Covet by J. R. Ward

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #14 (One Word Title/Female Author), to complete bibliography

Summary: A construction worker who was once special ops gets a heavenly assignment

Opinion: Decent enough read but I'm spoiled with the Brotherhood books and this series opener is missing its charm and emotional pull.

Rating: 6

131. Slave to Sensation by Nalini Singh

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - enjoyable trash), to complete bibliography

Summary: A psy is supposed to be emotionless yet Sasha has them to overflowing especially when it comes to the leopard changeling Lucas

Opinion: Average paranormal romance. I think it's an interesting world but more needs to be done with it before I'd call it a good thing.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh

On Deck:
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
Spilling Clarence by Anne Ursu
Salt by Mark Kurlansky

I immediately went to add Hounded to my wish list, only to find it already there based on a strong recommendation by tapestry (David). The library has a sound recording of the second book, but no first book available in any form whatsoever. *sigh* Guess I'll pick up the Kindle, which has 2 bonus short stories.

After watching and loving the first season of True Blood, I felt I had to read the Sookie books because books are always better, right? Well, I wasn't impressed with the book. It was weird and not nearly as compelling as the show, for me. I haven't read any of the others since and your review makes me feel that was probably the right decision.

I was the same with the Sookie books. I once attempted Covet but couldn't get into. I think I was hoping for something like the Brotherhood and was thus dissapointed. I think with Hounded I couldn't get into the humor. But I'm glad you liked it :) Happy reading

>89 ronincats: I don't think you'll regret it. It's an absolute hoot.

>90 leahbird: The first in the series wasn't her strongest book. They got better over the next three to four to six books, then lost their sparkle again.

***

On a personal note - I HAVE FREAKING LOST ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY FIVE FREAKING POUNDS.

OH YEAH.

*does happy Snoopy dance surrounded by a chorus line of Roomba minions*

Wow! That's a lot of weight! Good job!!!

Congratulations on the weight loss- that is a major achievement.
Nalini Singh occasionally gets a bit of media attention here as she's probably the only New Zealand writer who continually hits the New York Times best-sellers list, but I'm not tempted to read paranormal romance unless it really is good.

I really admire you for getting through the bible even when you weren't enjoying it. I like to think I'll read it all one day, but I can't quite imagine when.

Also, congratulations on the weight loss! That is amazing. The difference is definitely very noticeable in the pictures on your blog. And it's great that you're determined to do it without surgery.

I also thought Covet wasn't as good as the Brotherhood books.

and holy crap, 125 lbs is amazing!

Congratulations! 125 lbs is an amazing accomplishment!

That is an amazing feat, Morphy! Congratulations! Keep up the good work.

If you want a bit more meat than the Dummies book mentioned above, you might try something like Halley's Bible Handbook or Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible, both of which are classics. Halley gives an overview of each book and a little more information as well. Henry does a similar thing but tends to give a little more on each chapter.

congratulations, Morphy! You should be pround of yourself.

I like the sound of Hounded - I'll have to look for a copy.

Well done Morphy!!! You have almost lost pound for book more weight than you have read books - 125/131 - I know from my own personal struggles post cycling how difficult it is to shed pounds - will try to use your inspiration as I'm going to the Men's Refinery to restart my treatments tomorrow.

125 is absolutely amazing. Sometimes I wish I loved running as much as I love reading.

>99 thornton37814: Lori, I'm also using The Complete Bible Handbook by John Bowker but it's on the other end of the spectrum. Too apologetic and dry. I'd like to find something that's relatively easy too read AND it more of a historical and cultural look at the Bible.

>101 PaulCranswick: Paul, actually with today's weigh in I'm at 132 pounds lost so I'm ahead of my read books! 132/131!

There is a book called What the Bible Is All About for Young Explorers that is written for a middle school audience. It's a Bible handbook for their age which is based off Henrietta Mears' What the Bible Is All About which was written for an adult audience. The young explorers one is very easy to read. It may be a bit more simple than what you want though. You might find Mears' book works. I see that there is a visual edition of it published in 2007 that is still available. Mears was well-known for her work in Sunday Schools, and her handbook is another classic that is quite readable.

I don't know. Those still seem too evangelical. I'm not Christian.

I agree, it's really hard to find a good bible study book that tells you what YOU want to know. I'd like to find a good one that describes a lot of the historical context without being too evangelical. :)

>103 Morphidae: Morphy - hooray! Slow down your reading a bit my dear or there is a chance you'll disappear!

Morphy - That is so awesome about losing 132 pounds! Just incredible! As always, I loved reading through your reviews. Your take on Hounded has me intrigued: Think Dresden without all the angst.! Plus, if MrMorphy recommended it...

Congrats on the weight loss, Morphy. Amazing. I bet that feels good. Hmm, Dresden without all the angst. That is intriguing.

>107 PaulCranswick: Paul, LOL! If only my reading and weight loss were related!

>108 Crazymamie: Crazymamie, yeah, that's so something that he so rarely does, I just had to check it out. And it's not so much that he recommended it to me as he kept talking about it. And was so excited when I said I'd try it! He was cute when I would laugh too, "Where are you at? What part are you reading?"

That's so sweet! I'll read it then just so that you can tell him he is influencing readers on LT! Tell him he's a trend setter!

Just delurking to say well done with the weight loss. That must have required such dedication .

Congratulations on the weight loss. I should take you as a role model . . . I've been struggling with mine all my adult life.

*applause* Outstanding weight loss triumph, Morphy!

I've got that Bowker book but must admit to not having read it. I studied a couple of religion papers at uni, and collected a few books but I don't think I can suggest anything suitable. Bowker and The Oxford Bible Companion, and Testament: The Bible and History all probably dry as dust.
Just found the Readers Digest Bible through the ages on my shelves, it might be worth a look.

*bows to Morphy's self mastery*

WOOHOO for losing the weight *and* finishing the Bible! Amazing feats of strength and will on both parts!

Let's see, my top fiction books of the 21st century:

Soulless by Gail Carriger
The Help by Kathryn Stockett
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
World War Z by Max Brooks
I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline

The Best of 1990s has two of my favorite books of all time:

The Stand by Stephen King
Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux (romance)

Also:

Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
White Oleander by Janet Fitch
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card (series SF)
Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop (series fantasy)
Storm Warning by Mercedes Lackey (series fantasy)

You know I like Garden Spells, Morphy. I also got a big kick out Ready Player One, and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Ender's Shadow was much better than I expected, although he lost me later in that alternate series.

I LOve your lists! I read and loved four books from your top ten of the 21st century, so I'm thinking I need to make my way through the rest of the list.

>192 Morphidae: I confess, when I first read that, I thought you had lost money and was a little confused why you were so excited. Clearly, I need more coffee this morning. ANYWAY, a big CONGRATULATIONS, that's a fantastic accomplishment!

Okay, for those of you not in the US. I've lost 9.43 stone. Whoo hoo! :D

Woohoo, woohoo! Awesome achievement.

For those of us struggling on the path, do you have any words of wisdeom?

Morphy - hahaha stones is still imperial measurements. 132 pounds is 60 kilos. In any evaluation that is one hell of a performance!

>123 Morphidae: Ha, the sad thing is I'm in the US. :)

You really are going to hate this but it comes down to:

Eat less.
Move more.

There are no magic bullets.

You need lots of lots of patience. It takes a long time. A really long *(*&^$$&()#* time.

And I journal my food every day. Every bite gets recorded. Even on the "ugly" days. No matter what my calories are, it seems like if I track, I lose. If I don't track, I don't lose. Just being aware of what I'm eating really helps a lot.

Also ADD food. Add more fruits and vegetables. Add a handful of nuts a day. Eat them first. Getting that nutrition in is very important to satiety.

I don't starve myself or restrict my food. I eat anything I want. I just don't eat EVERYTHING I want. Portion control is key! There are VERY few foods that I can't control myself over. They don't come in the house. (Entemann's chocolate donuts and Pepperidge Farm Chesapeake cookies are evil.) But meanwhile, I eat full fat cheese, cookies, candy, etc. But I have a single serving. One ounce of cheese, 2 Oreos, 1 snack-sized Mound, etc.

Final tip: don't drink your calories. Get rid of soda, juice, wine, etc. For the same amount of calories, you can eat a lot of food. For instance, a glass of apple juice is about the same as 1 1/2 apples!

Thanks, Morphy.

As you say, no secret weapons--but I know I have gotten lax about several of your points including the journaling. And exercising. (I have tendonitis in my foot and I haven't replaced my exercise with a non-weight bearing program. Sigh.). And then, I've gotten a little lax about veggies..... thanks for the wake up call. Need to tighten up the ship and get on with the journey.

I think the calorie drinking is a really major one, especially for teens these days. Some people feel like drinking a whole bunch of juice is healthy, but it causes SO many calories to flow through your system!

I think it's really great that you've had the patience to get all that weight off. It's really difficult--especially if it's weight that's been around for a while.

My 80s list:

Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey
Magician: Apprentice and Magician: Master by Raymond Feist

132. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #16 (Continent - Europe, Germany), 1001 Fantasy (12 in 12), LTMP

Summary: A story of two boys in parallel worlds - one in the real world and one in Fantastica - and how they interact

Opinion: I thought this was charming though a bit simplistic at times. The movie seemed to stick pretty close to the first half of the book and it was nice to be able to "see" the characters.

Rating: 7

133. Spilling Clarence by Anne Ursu

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #18 (four letter first name), WCC Book Club (12 in 12)

Summary: The people of a small town are affected by a drug spill that unlocks all their memories

Opinion: This was disappointing as I thought it would be more about how the town was affected, what the company did, etc. Instead, it was more a "literary" novel about just a few people and the affects of the drug were rather vague. It got an extra point for a mostly happy ending.

Rating: 5

134. Night Huntress by Yasmine Galenorn

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - torture), next in series

Summary: Delilah has to help her sisters find the next seal and fight off a demon lord

Opinion: Interesting enough fluff. I'm only really continuing the series because my husband is liking it and it's one of the rare time we can read together.

Rating: 6

135. Hexed by Kevin Hearne

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #6 (dedication to father)

Summary: A 2100-year-old druid has to fight off an evil coven of witches before they take over Tempe, AZ

Opinion: Not as good as the first one as it felt a little too frantic and it was a bit darker but still a lot of fun with laugh out loud humor. Another series my husband and I are sharing which is very nice.

Rating: 7

136. How to Marry a Millionaire Vampire by Kerrelyn Sparks

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #8 (more letters from 2nd half of alphabet), @Series

Summary: A dentist is rescued from the Russian mob by a vampire looking to have his fang repaired

Opinion: Average vampire romance, nothing to separate from the pack. Missing humor and emotional impact. This is the second Sparks I've read, and the last.

Rating: 5

137. The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #6 (dedication to father), LTMP, Ultimate Reading List, GoodReads Popular (12 in 12)

Summary: Fictionalized account of author's time spent at Vogue as the editor-in-chief's assistant

Opinion: I don't get the appeal of reading about doormats being abused by nasty bosses. After The Nanny Diaries and this one, I'm done. Thankfully Weisberger wrote an otherwise interesting book that has a sense of humor.

Rating: 6

138. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #2 (goofy title)

Summary: A ballroom dancer, trained since birth to be a crytozoologist, attempts to keep Manhattan from being ravaged by a dragon

Opinion: This is the first book I've read by McGuire and I liked it enough that I'll try more by her. She has a sense of humor that I enjoy and the characters were unique. Loved the sentient mice!

Rating: 7

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Salt by Mark Kurlansky
The Bone People by Keri Hulme
On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

On Deck:
A Free Life by Ha Jin
Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

>137 Morphidae: Morphy, I really like her Toby Daye series--not as heavy a sense of humor, but great characters and McGuire really knows her Celtic mythology and uses it appropriately, unlike so many urban fantasies.

When I complained that The Case of the Missing Books was another case of a doormat being abused by mean people my RL book group convinced me of two things: one, I could look at it as if it were a Saturday Night Live skit and that might make the premise more worthy of laughter; and two, many small towns, especially in northern Ireland where there has been much sad "troubles", have just such mean people. So, I'm a little less irritated by the Missing Books one, but I understand not wanting to read more of the like.

>139 ronincats: ronin, I'll have to check it out. My husband is really getting into urban fantasy and he likes Celtic mythos.

>140 maggie1944: maggie, I don't think it's restricted to small towns. In fact, both the books mentioned were set in NYC!

oh, yes, you are totally right. But I think small towns are well known for having enough mean people to make someone think they needed to move away to get away from the mean. In a large place, like NYC, you just go down the block...

Monthly Weight Management Update:

I have my monthly follow-up with the doctor today and I've lost... ready for this? Thirty-three pounds!!!

I am in awe of better living through pharmaceuticals. Since starting Topomax I haven't had ONE binge and in one month have only been over my calorie range three times. I am one happy camper.

The only bad side effect is the fatigue. If I want to get anything accomplished during the day it has to be by noon or I can just forget it. By 2 or 3pm, I'm tired. By 5 or 6pm, I'm exhausted. And by 7pm, I'm being poured into bed.

Oh, congrats, Morphy! I'm so excited and happy for you!

Congrats on the weight loss, sorry about the fatigue ... hope you feel better soon.

Yay!

Congrats on the weight loss! I bet you'll feel the fatigue was all worth it once you're down to your goal weight and healthy! Just keep working at it!

Sorry to see your side affects are tiring you out so much. Did the doctor think that would wear off the longer you take the meds?

I don't know. I'll ask her this afternoon.

For the best of each decade, the 70's are easy. I have exactly one book that got a 9 or 10!

The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip

That's one of my favorites, Morphy, for sure. Have you read her Od Magic? I love that one too and just finished a reread.

Congrats on the continued weight loss. Sorry about the side effects, but soon, as your body adjusts to the loss, you should have increased energy from that to start counterbalancing the medication.

No, I'm a little leery of trying any else by McKillip after being very disappointed by the Riddle-master of Hed trilogy.

The doc said that there wasn't much that could be done about the fatigue other than to lower the dose although the fatigue might get better as time goes on. So, I'll wait another month and if it's not better I'll half my morning dose.

Meanwhile, more lists!

Best books of the year I've read published 2000-2011:

2011: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
2010: What I Eat by Peter Menzel and Faith D'Alusio
2009: Soulless by Gail Carriger
2008: The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer
2007: Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
2006: World War Z by Max Brooks
2005: I am the Messenger by Markus Zusak
2004: To Light a Candle by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
2003: Stiff by Mary Roach
2002: Making a Literary Life by Carolyn See
2001: The Curse of Chalion by Lois McMaster Bujold
2000: Essential Spirituality by Roger Walsh

Best books of the year I've read published 1990-1999:

1999: Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop
1998: Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman
1997: Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood by Rebecca Wells
1996: Callahan's Legacy by Spider Robinson
1995: Nine Parts of Desire by Geraldine Brooks
1994: Storm Warning by Mercedes Lackey
1993: Guilty Pleasures by Laurell K. Hamilton
1992: Sweet Liar by Jude Deveraux
1991: Jack the Bodiless by Julian May
1990: The Stand (Extended Version) by Stephen King

Best books of the year I've read published 1980-1989:

1989: To Marry an English Lord by Gail MacColl
1988: The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro
1987: Daughter of the Empire by Raymond Feist and Janny Wurts
1986: Callahan's Secret by Spider Robinson
1985: Uhura's Song by Janet Kagan
1984: Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
1983: The Non-born King by Julian May
1982: Crystal Singer by Anne McCaffrey
1981: The Many-Colored Land by Julian May
1980: Firestarter by Stephen King

Best books of the year I've read published 1970-1979:

1979: A Woman of Substance by Barbara Taylor Bradford
1978: The White Dragon by Anne McCaffrey
1977: Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
1976: Telempath by Spider Robinson
1975: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
1974: The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia McKillip
1973: Time Enough for Love by Robert Heinlein
1972: All Creatures Great and Small by James Herriot
1971: Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey
1970: 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

Hey, Morphy. I hope the meds stop being such a challenge as well as a gift. Don't you just hate that when something is good, but bad at the same time. I do know that some of my meds do "settle in" and cause less discomfort after I get used to them. Hope that works for you.

Best books of the year I've read published 1960-1969:

1969: Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut
1968: A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
1967: From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
1966: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes
1965: Dune by Frank Herbert
1964: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl
1963: Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
1962: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
1961: Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert Heinlein
1960: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Best books of the year I've read published 1950-1959:

1959: Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank
1958: Night by Elie Wiesel
1957: The Naked Sun by Isaac Asimov
1956: My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
1955: Gift From the Sea by Anne Morrow Lindbergh
1954: Katherine by Anne Seton
1953: The Borrowers by Mary Norton
1952: Charlotte's Web by E. B. White
1951: Foundation by Isaac Asimov
1950: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis

Best books of the year I've read published 1940-1949:

1949: 1984 by George Orwell
1948: I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
1947: Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown
1946: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
1945: Stuart Little by E. B. White
1944:
1943: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith
1942: The Poky Little Puppy by Janette Sebring Lowrey
1941: Little Town on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
1940: My Friend Flicka by Mary O'Hara

Best books of the year I've read published 1930-1939:

1939: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
1938: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winfred Watson
1937: On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder
1936: Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell
1935: Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
1934: Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
1933:
1932: Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
1931: The Good Earth by Pearl S. Buck
1930: The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

Best books of the year I've read published 1920-1929:

1929: All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
1928:
1927:
1926: Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne
1925: Carry On, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse
1924:
1923:
1922:
1921:
1920:

Best books of the year I've read published 1910-1919:

1919:
1918: My Antonia by Willa Cather
1917:
1916:
1915:
1914:
1913:
1912: Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster
1911: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
1910:

Best books of the year I've read published 1900-1909:

1909:
1908: Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery
1907:
1906: Call of the Wild and White Fang by Jack London
1905: A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
1904: The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum
1903: Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin
1902: As a Man Thinketh by James Allen
1901:
1900: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

I'm going to add a challenge for myself to fill in the missing slots so I have books I've read for all years in the 20th century. I'm starting by adding Stuart Little for 1945 to Mount TBR.

Nice lists! As I was scrolling down I was thinking to myself, "Oh, I bet she wants to fill in those gaps now!"

Hee hee. Yep. I wasn't planning on it but then I got all twitchy. I need another list to fill like I need a hole in the head, but I am what I am.

that's a great challenge Morphy! I bet it took a lot of work to figure out those lists
I agree with a lot of your choices too! You have some great books there. And I'm glad to see Ready PLayer One on a list as I just checked it out of the library!

I am loving your lists Morphy. I hadn't realized the Wizard of Oz was published in 1900. I would have put it in the 1910s if i had been asked.

I had a hard enough time trying to come up with my best 10 for 20th Century writers so I am totally in awe at your organizational prowess at keeping track of your lists. Amazing!

What fun those lists were and what memories the older ones (especially) brought back!

I am loving all of your lists! We share quite a few favorites. And filling in the holes is such a great idea - can't wait to see what you pick!

>152 Morphidae:: I hope you do decide to try another McKillip in the future. I adore all her books except Riddle master; I haven't found any of her others to be as vague and obscure as that. And the male/female relationships are less annoying too.

I am afraid to look too closely at your lists as I fear my tbr pile will grow astronomically!

In McKillip books, I also really liked The Forgotten Beasts of Eld, enjoyed Alphabet of Thorn, and didn't particularly appreciate Winter Rose.

ETA: Oh, and I wish I had detailed enough records of my reading to produce the sort of lists you've made. Maybe one day LT will at least be able to show my reading by publication year for the past six years....

Happy birthday to meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...

We're going to Benihana's for dinner with some friends to celebrate. Yum!

Happy birthday Morphy!

Happy birthday!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Morphy!!

Felicem Diem Natalem!!

Happy birthday! Watch the flashing knives... :)

Happy Birthday, Morphy! Hope you have a great day.

Hope your birthday was a happy one! :)

and many more!

Hope you had a wonderful day Morphy.

Thanks for all the birthday wishes!

Morphy -
First and foremost timezones allowing HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Secondly love the organisation of your 20th C lists great fun and a lot more effot touchstoning all of them rather than my lazy cut and paste from my spreadsheet.
Thirdly - another 33 pounds - that goes with the 132 to make 165 pounds shed, right? Way to go Morphy!

No, no, no. LOL. The 33 brought me to 138 pounds total lost.

Still soooooooooooo impressive

139. The Bone People by Keri Hulme

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #4 (New Country - New Zealand), Booker, TBR Next (12 in 12)

Summary: A young mute boy, a drunk and a loner come together in New Zealand

Opinion: I almost quit this book but pushed through past the first 50 pages and was able to get into the writing style but it was never easy. Often I had to re-read a paragraph to understand what was happening and who was thinking what. I would have rated this lower as the characters were often unlikeable but something connected with me, perhaps their hope and spirit in spite of their brokeness.

Rating: 5

140. Eating Mindfully by Susan Albers

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: 888, Challenges (12 in 12)

Summary: How to End Mindless Eating and Enjoy a Balanced Relationship with Food

Opinion: I've read far too many self help books, been to too much therapy and read too much about weight loss to have gotten much out of this. Perhaps someone with less experience would have gotten more, therefore, the average rating.

Rating: 5

141. On the Edge by Ilona Andrews

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - chicks rule)

Summary: Between the real world and the world of magic lies the Edge

Opinion: Not as much fun as the Kate Daniels series but good enough that I'll read more by this husband/wife team. The romance had no emotional oomph and the resolution seemed tacked on. I really liked the world-building though.

Rating: 6

142. Home from the Sea by Mercedes Lackey

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #1 (third word, three letters)

Summary: Continuation of the Elemental Masters series based on the selkie myths

Opinion: Fluff, sheer fluff. I don't think we'll get another really good series out of Lackey. Maybe she's been doing this too long. There was barely a plot to speak of, more little episodes. Nothing really terrible happened and all was resolved with relative ease. But it's okay. I was smiling by the end. Sometimes you just need a happy little story.

Rating: 7

143. Living with the Dead by Kelley Armstrong

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #1 (third word, three letters)

Summary: A PR agent gets caught up the world of the supernatural when the celebrity she represents is murdered

Opinion: I'm not sure what didn't sit right with me. The story felt a bit disjointed. It wasn't smooth. Maybe. I mean, it was a good enough story and I finished it in one day. But it was rather cotton candy-ish. You know you ate something but it had no substance.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Salt by Mark Kurlansky
A Free Life by Ha Jin

On Deck:
Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Two to Conquer by Marion Zimmer Bradley

I like the other Edger books, but I couldn't get in to Kelley Armstrong.

144. A Free Life by Ha Jin

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #16 (Continent - 2, Asia)

Summary: A Chinese immigrant and his family try to follow the American dream

Opinion: My definition of a literary novel is miserable people being miserable. This isn't quite that bad. It's more like average people having a decent life but they aren't very happy about it. I found the differences in cultures interesting though.

Rating: 5

145. Hammered by Kevin Hearne

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: Next in series

Summary: Atticus keeps his oath to help kill Thor with dire results

Opinion: I loved the first book, liked the second book and could barely stand this book. I did not like Attiucus' decisions and morals in this story and unless there are some major repercussions in the next in the series, I won't be reading any more by Hearne. Also, most of the humor of the first two was missing. Very disappointing.

Rating: 5

146. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

Genre: Fiction

Notes: TIOLI #5 (automobile), LTMP, Ultimate Reading List (12 in 12)

Summary: Bond attempts to bankrupt a Soviet bad guy through a cut throat game of baccarat

Opinion: This is not the movie Bond. He's mean and near amoral. It was an interesting read but I doubt I'll read any others by Fleming.

Rating: 6

147. Dead Reckoning by Mercedes Lackey and Rosemary Edghill

Genre: Fantasy/Steampunk/YA

Notes: TIOLI #19 (zombies)

Summary: A trio of teens fight against zombies in the Old West

Opinion: Meh. Lackey is losing her touch. I have the feeling she's coasting at this point. I can't even call it a rehash of her old plots at this point. There's little charm and I found I didn't care what happened to any of the characters. There were also a few Too Stupid To Live moments.

Rating: 6

148. The Very Virile Viking by Sandra Hill

Genre: Romance

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - unapologetic smut)

Summary: A Viking with nine kids meets up with a real estate agent from modern day LA

Opinion: Adorable story. Don't go into it expecting any logic though. And you'll have to suspend your disbelief big time. But it was fun and heart-warming and I smiled throughout. Even the sex was entertaining and I'm pretty jaded. I'll give Hill another try just because I felt so good when I was done.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
Salt by Mark Kurlansky
God's War by Kameron Hurley

On Deck:
Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James (yes, I have succumbed)
Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

I've found that I've not been too fond of any collaborations with Rosemary Edghill, whether with Lackey or with Andre Norton. But I actually haven't read any of her solo work. I'll pass on this one. But have you read Lackey's early urban fantasy? Burning Water, Children of the Night and Jinx High? On the cusp of horror, high body counts, but I still liked the characters and story line. And Sacred Ground is similar, but with a Native American PI instead of Diana Tregarde, a Wiccan.

That's too bad about the Hearne book--I was actually looking for these based on your earlier reviews.

I've read everything by Lackey except for the ones with Eric Flint set in Venice.

I'd still recommend the first Hearne. It's a lot of fun and good as a stand alone. Just stop there.

I'm sorry Hearne is turning out that way :(

>200 Morphidae: - book #148 - that is a truly gutsy hysterical title!

I haven't been able to read any of Lackey's more recent books, either solo or collaborations. She seems to have been getting lazy with her prose and plotting. But I will always love her for introducing me to Talia and co :-)

Recent ATC (artist trading card) projects:



Larger pics can be found in my gallery.

http://www.librarything.com/gallery/member/Morphidae

>204 Kassilem: Melis, me, too. I was so excited to find a new author.

>206 Sakerfalcon: Sakerfalcon, I keep reading everything she writes because I keep hoping for another Arrows. I know, it won't happen, but one can always hope.

The cover for The Very Virile Viking is nightmare inducing...

Nuh uh. Yummy.

Morphy, do you read www.smartbitchestrashybooks.com? I heard about the Very Virile Viking from them.

"It's all about the subtext"

I used to read them but I stopped when I cut down on several blogs. Thanks for the link though!

Wow, Morphidae, you are an absolute reading machine! I've been thinking about diving into Brandon Sanderson books and it seems you really liked them. I may give the Mistborn series a shot....

congrats on all your reading accomplishments!

210: But...but his pecs are so big and...errr, bulbous. I'm pretty certain he's housing cute little baby xenomorphs in there, reading to burst out at any second.

>214 Ape: Wow, those are big pecs, aren't they? I didn't get up past the abs.

His right bicep is bigger than the left, though. He needs to balance his workouts better...

Isn't he just flexing that arm?

haha Oh, that must be it!

Ewwww. I like my fantasy guys scrawny, actually.

one look at that cover and I'd avoid that author entirely. Ugh.

Oh...the abs... *Checks* OMG they're LOPSIDED! :P

Actually, I seriously saw a commercial for some sort of exercise/get-into-shape-in-3-seconds scam things were one of the speakers had completely out-of-whack abs. I'm guessing the person who painted them on did it sideways. It was hilarious. If I ever catch it again I'll have to make a note of which commercial it is.

Stephen: You're right, the abs are lopsided, but that's only because he's lifting his right shoulder while flexing the biceps of that arm while gently gripping his sword...

Ohhhhh...riiiiight...a man's abs deform when he gently grips his sword. Well OBVIOUSLY I wouldn't know anything about that kind of thing.

(Y'know, because I don't have abs...)

:P

Men with deformed bodies gently gripping their 'swords'? Sounds like Stephen's thread in here...

I like the "gently gripping"!

Oh, you know what they say - don't judge a book, etc. Those of us who enjoy romance can be quite appalled by the cover illustrations.

@226 - that may be, but for those of us who hate romance, a cover like that one is a perfect.

224 - Amber that is a classic - hahaha

Morphy wishing you a lovely weekend and I hope you update your reading in time for the month end!

Well, I was going to update on Sunday or will that be too late?

No Morphy - I will be doing my own updating early on my Monday (which is your Sunday).

149. Salt by Mark Kurlansky

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: TIOLI #13 (amusing tag - boring as shit), LTMP, Dewey Decimal Challenge (12 in 12), Ellie's Challenge

Summary: A World History

Opinion: Some nonfiction tells a story. Other nonfiction spews facts and trivia. Unfortunately, Salt is much more the later than the former and, therefore, was a rather tedious read. I liked all historical the pictures though.

Rating: 5

150. God's War by Kameron Hurley

Genre: Science Fiction

Notes: Calico (12 in 12)

Summary: Dystopian fiction about an ex-government assassin on a world caught in a religious war

Opinion: I had a hard time finishing this book. The setting of a world that has been at war for hundreds if not thousands of years over religion plus unlikeable and unrelatable characters made this an unpleasant read. Plus you are simply dropped into the world with no explanation of history, science or vocabulary and you are left floundering trying to figure out what is going on.

Rating: 4

151. Memory of Fire by Holly Lisle

Genre: Fantasy

Notes: TIOLI #23 (of title), to complete bibliography

Summary: Two women get swept up into another world

Opinion: Decent fantasy read. I will try the next in the series. Nothing special but the plot kept my interest and I liked both the female leads though I also found them a little annoying at times, so they are definitely not perfect people.

Rating: 7

152. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James

Genre: Erotica

Notes: TIOLI #23 (of title)

Summary: A college girl attracts the eye of a domineering millionaire

Opinion: I got this book because I don't mind erotica and the buzz was high, so I was curious. After the first couple of pages, I didn't know if I could continue, the writing was so juvenile, but, man, it was like a bag of potato chips. You get started and you just can't stop even if you know they aren't good for you. Cliches abound and if she bit her lip one more time I felt like wanted to smack her. But I kept wanting to know what happened next. I have the next book requested at the library.

Rating: 7

153. Finally Thin by Kim Bensen

Genre: Nonfiction

Notes: Random, TBR Next

Summary: How I Lost Over 200 Pounds and Kept Them Off and How You Can Too

Opinion: I've been hunting around for years trying to find a book by someone who has lost at least 200 pounds and has good advice. Either they haven't lost a lot of weight. Or it's mostly memoir and very little help. Or they've lost the weight through surgery or in an unhealthy manner.

This was just what I was looking for. About a third of the book is about how she gained 200 pounds, lived as an obese person and finally lost and maintained the weight. The second third gives sound advice on how to lose weight that allows that we are all unique people and that one size does not fit all. The final third is recipes.

About the only thing I didn't like was her reliance on highly processed low-fat and no-fat foods. I personally believe they aren't very healthy. But in general, this is the best book I've found on the subject.

Rating: 8

154. Kiss the Dead by Laurell K. Hamilton

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Notes: Next in series

Summary: Ongoing story of Anita Blake

Opinion: After twenty-one books, I guess there just isn't much more story to tell. I started off liking that the first half of the book was police procedural-type story but then in the second half it devolved into sexcapades and relationship drama and the actual plot got wrapped up in the last few pages in a rushed fashion. I'm just glad that Anita is much less angsty about everything and it's more the people around her that have the angst. Still, the series is old and has run its course. It's time to end it for sure.

Rating: 6

~~~~~

Currently Reading:
The Arabian Nights by Sir Richard F. Burton (SantaThing)
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving
Downbelow Station by C. J. Cherryh
The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick

On Deck:
Tongues of Serpents by Naomi Novik
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
Rereadings by Anne Fadiman

I've completed my second set of 75 with 150+ books and am on track for 300 this year. I think I'll do it!

Well done Morphy, way to go.

>235 Morphidae: I am glad you found a book which can provide some ongoing support for your trek. I agree with you that the processed foods, and those which try to fool you into "thinking" you are getting the sugar or the fat you "want" all the while feeding you imitations made of who knows what, are both dangerous traps. I love my butter so I'm trying to think of how I can reduce the amount of real butter I eat to a level where the weight I want to be is achievable. A great challenge. Worthy of brave, courageous, and persistent people, like you and me. (-:

Congrats on passing the 150 book mark, Morphy! I read Salt last winter, and it was one of those books I'd pick up for a chapter here and there between other books. Lots of interesting information, not so interesting reading.

Double woot for your double 75!!!!!!

I need more applause support in my weight loss efforts. If you have the time and inclination, stop by and give me a boost at my blog: http://lessismorph.blogspot.com/. I try to update a few times a week.

I can't comment on your blog but you have come incredibly far. Kudos to you and keep up the good work.

I think the amount of weight you have lost already shows such determination. There are bound to be some weeks where you don't do as well as others but you're still going in the right direction.

wow congrats on hitting double 75! You rock!

DID NOT FINISH:

Rereadings by Anne Fadiman

What I thought were going to be fun and breezy essays on re-reading old favorites were instead eye-crossing, dry as a desert, literary critiques best suited for college courses. SNORE! I got through four or so before quitting.

>247 Morphidae:: That's a shame, as Ex libris was delightful. At least I know not to add Rereadings to my tbr stacks.

Hi Morphy! So I love your description of Fifty Shades of Grey! I was thinking of a YA novel when I got it (Between Shades of Gray), so imagine my surprise when I started reading it... LOL. Congrats on the second 75 and the weight loss. Awesome in both categories!

I'm really looking forward to reading Salt eventually! I don't generally like stories in my nonfiction so I'm no less eager to read it...eventually. I'll definitely have to try to get around to it... ...EVENTUALLY...

:P

Thanks for that review of Fifty Shades of Grey! I've been considering reading it too because of all the hype, but all the negative reviews have been acting as a deterrent, so I'm glad to hear that it has some redeeming qualities too.

I read your blog regularly, but I usually feel like I have nothing really to say. I'll try to post general encouragement more often.

We're moving over here, folks!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/139572