brenzi's 2012 Reading - Winding Down 2012

“And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.”
― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

MY NON-FICTION CHALLENGE THREAD

OTS - Off the Shelf (purchased at least 6 months ago)

L - library book

NF - Non-fiction

Books Read in 2012

86. The Middlesteins - Jami Attenberg - L - 4 stars
85. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating - Elizabeth Tova Bailey - eBook - 4 stars
84. Mrs. Somebody Somebody - Tracy Winn - OTS - 5 stars
83. Tigana - Guy Gavriel Kay - L - 4.4 stars
82. The End of Your Life Book Club - Will Schwalbe - L - 4.2 stars
81. Read This! Handpicked Favorites From America's Indie Bookstores - Hans Weyandt - 3.5 stars
80. A Tale of Two Cities - Charles Dickens - UK - eBook - 4.7 stars
79. Wild Dogs - Helen Humphreys - OTS - Canada - 4.5 stars
78. Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town - Stephen Leacock - OTS - Canada - 4 stars
77. Team of Rivals - Doris Kearnes Goodwin - NF - e book - 3.5 stars
76. The Maytrees - Annie Dillard - 4 stars
75. More Baths Less Talking - Nick Hornby - NF - 4.3 stars
74. The Grass Dancer - Susan Power - 4.2 stars
73. The Round House - Louise Erdrich - L - 4 stars
72. Kings of the Earth - Jon Clinch - OTS - 4.5 stars
71. The Joy Luck Club - Amy Tan - 5 stars
70. Iron and Silk - Mark Salzman - OTS - China - NF - 4 stars
69. Song of Solomon - Toni Morrison - 4.2 stars
68. Tunneling to the Center of the Earth - Kevin Wilson - OTS - 4.8 stars
67. Grendel - John Gardner - L - 3 stars
66. The Beautiful Mystery - Louise Penny - L - Canada - 3.5 stars
65. The Crying of Lot 49 - Thomas Pynchon - 3 stars
64. City of Women - David Gillham - ER - Germany - 4.3 stars
63. The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald - 5 stars
62. The Garden of Evening Mists - Tan Twan Eng - Malaya - L - 4.5. Stars
61. Winesburg, Ohio - Sherwood Anderson - e book- 3.5 stars
60. NW - Zadie Smith - UK - L - 4.5 stars
59. A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson - OTS - NF - 4.1 stars
58. My Antonia - Willa Cather - OTS - 4.5 stars
57. Wide Sargasso Sea - Jean Rhys - OTS - 3 stars
56. Summer - Edith Wharton - e book - 4 stars
55. Sugar Street - Naguib Mahfouz - Egypt - 4 stars
54. The Warden - Anthony Trollope - e book - 4 stars
53. In the Shadow of the Banyan - L - 4.8 stars
52. Columbine - Dave Cullen - OTS - NF - 5 stars
51. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn - Betty Smith - OTS - 4 stars
50. Palace of Desire - Naguib Mahfouz - OTS - Egypt - 4 stars
49. The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie - Muriel Spark - OTS - UK - 4 stars
48. Escape From Camp14:One Man's Remarkable Odyssey from North Korea to Freedom in the West - L - Blaine Harden - NF - North Korea - 4 stars
47. Juliet in August - Dianne Warren - ER - Canada - 4.8 stars
46. When I Lived in Modern Times - Linda Grant - OTS - Palestine - 4 stars
45. Palace Walk - Naguib Mahfouz - OTS - Egypt - 5 stars
44. The Age of Miracles - Karen Thompson Walker - L - 3.7 stars
43. The Septembers of Shiraz - Dalia Sofer - Iran - OTS - 4 stars
42. Finding Nouf - Zoe Ferraris - Saudi Arabia - OTS - 3.6 stars
41. The Pickwick Papers - Charles Dickens - UK - ebook - 4 stars
40. Gone Girl - Gillian Flynn - L - 4 stars
39. The Missing - Tim Gautreaux - OTS - 4 stars
38 The Memory Chalet - Tony Judt - NF - OTS - 4 stars
The Balkan Trilogy - Olivia Manning - OTS - 4.4 stars
37. Friends and Heroes - Greece
36. The Spoilt City - Romania
35. The Great Fortune -Romania
34. I Shall Not Want - Julia Spencer-Fleming - L - 4.5 stars
33. Bring Up the Bodies - Hilary Mantel - UK - ER - 7 stars
32. The Spirit Catches You and You Fall Down - Anne Fadiman - NF - OTS - 4 stars
31. Salvage the Bones - Jessmyn Ward - L - ebook - 4.5 stars
30. Remarkable Creatures - Tracy Chevalier - OTS - 4.6 stars
29. Broken Glass Park - Alina Bronsky - Germany - OTS - 4.1 stars
28. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green - L - 4.2 stars
27. A Wreath of Roses - Elizabeth Taylor - UK - 4 stars
26. The Leopard - Giuseppe Di Lampedusa - Italy - OTS - 3.7 stars
25. The Song of Achilles - Madeline Miller - Greece - L - 4.6 stars
24. Voyagers of the Titanic - Richard P. Davenport-Hines - NF - ER - 4.2 stars
23. Binocular Vision - Edith Pearlman - 4.3 stars - L
22. Sovereign - C. J. Sansom - UK - 4.6 stars - OTS
21. There But For The - Ali Smith - UK - 3.5 stars - L
20. Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption - Laura Hillenbrand - Japan - 5 stars - NF - OTS
19. All Mortal Flesh - Julia Spencer-Fleming - 4.3 stars - L
18. A View of the Harbour - Elizabeth Taylor - UK - 4.5 stars - OTS
17. Gillespie and I - Jane Harris - Scotland - 4.8 stars - L
16. How to Breathe Underwater - Julie Orringer - 3.5 stars - OTS
15. The Artist of Disappearance - Anita Desai -India - 3 stars
14. Silk - Allesandro Baricco - France/Japan - 4 stars - OTS
13. Emma - Jane Austen - UK - 4.3 stars - OTS
12. Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 - Max Hastings - 5 stars - NF - e book - L
11. The Frozen Thames - Helen Humphreys - UK - 4.5 stars - L
10. Bleak House - Charles Dickens - UK - 5 stars - e book
9. Bossypants - Tina Fey - 3.5 stars- audio - NF
8. The Scapegoat - Daphne duMaurier - France - 4.5 stars - OTS
7. The Orphan Master's Son - Adam Johnson - North Korea - 4.3 stars - L
6. Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader - Anne Fadiman - 4 stars - NF - L
5. Old Filth by Jane Gardam - UK - 4 stars
4. The Observations by Jane Harris - Scotland - 4.5 stars - OTS
3. Cleopatra: A Life by Stacy Schiff - Egypt - 4.2 stars NF - OTS
2. White Teeth by Zadie Smith - UK - 4.3 stars -OTS
1. Sorry by Gail Jones - Australia - 4.5 stars

BOOKS THAT CAME INTO THE HOUSE THIS MONTH

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba - eBook
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert Pirsig - eBook
Continental Drift by Russell Banks - Hamburg Book Store
The Berlin Stories by Christopher Isherwood - Hamburg Book Store
A Room With a View by E. M. Forster - Hamburg Book Store
Drawing Conclusions by Donna Leon - Orchard Park Book Sale
The Colour by Rosé Tremain - PBS
Vladimir's Mustache by Stephan Erik Clark - eBook
The Boy Kings of Texas - Domingo Martinez - eBook
The Burgess Boys - Elizabeth Strout - ER book
The Polysyllabic Spree - Nick Hornby - AMP
The Book of Fires - Jane Borodale - PBS
The Missing of the Somme - Geoff Dyer - gift
Wilderness Tips - Margaret Atwood - PBS
Just Kids - Patti Smith - eBook

November Summary

The Round House by Louise Erdrich – the 2012 National Book Award winner tells the story of thirteen year old Joe Coutts who is forced to seek justice for the brutal crime committed against his mother. This coming of age story shows how messy the process can sometimes be. Beautifully written.

The Grass Dancer by Susan Power – was read for my literature course. A series of tightly bound stories centered on a Sioux myth, they are woven together intricately to form the tapestry that exposes the Sioux myth as fact. Separately, as they originally appeared in The Paris Review and The Atlantic Monthly, the stories provide a glimpse into the history of the Sioux but taken as a whole, in this novel, they are a compelling look at the Sioux people and their impact on the land that is America. Traveling back and forth in time from 1860 to 1995, the one constant is the character of Red Dress, whose impact on the tribe, especially the women, is quite powerful. Power is a new author to me and I will be looking for more of her work.

More Baths, Less Talking by Nick Hornby - Simply delicious! I mean what’s not to love? It’s a book about books for God’s sakes, everybody’s favorite kind of book. Or at least my favorite kind of book. And Nick Hornby has a wonderful way with words which left me guffawing on almost every page of the book. The book itself is a compilation of the columns he writes for Believer magazine, “Stuff I’ve Been Reading.” Each chapter begins with two lists: Books Bought and Books Read and as all of you understand, seldom is there any overlap between the two categories.

The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan – another book read for my literature class. I first read this book twenty years ago and loved it then and I’m happy to say that nothing much has changed. Tan is still funny and the book still draws a wonderful picture of mothers and daughters and what can be be a tentative yet loving relationship. Wonderful!

The Maytrees by Annie Dillard – another book read for my literature class. This slim, poetic novel tells the story of a decades-long marriage between Toby Maytree, a carpenter and metaphysical-minded "poet of the forties and fifties," and Lou Bigelow, a bookish, stoical beauty resembling Ingrid Bergman. The couple meet in Provincetown after World War II, marry, have a son named Pete, and live a serene, unencumbered existence among the dunes of Cape Cod. Then, after 14 years of marriage, betrayal: Toby, in the grip of midlife discontent, decamps to Maine with the couple's close friend Deary, a drum-playing free spirit. The ending is very reminiscent of a Wharton novel and if you don’t care about spoilers I can tell you which one. Haunting, spare and poetic prose. Lovely.

Team of Rivals by Doris Kearnes Goodwin was a really, really long book, crammed with many superfluous details about how Lincoln chose his cabinet from among his political rivals. Save yourself a lot of time by seeing the movie.

Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town by Stephen Leacock – a charming little book about the lives of the residents of a small Ontario town in the years following the turn of the twentieth century. At turns funny, heartwarming and delightful.

Wild Dogs by Helen Humphreys tells the story of a group of people whose dogs have been taken from them by questionable family members and are now running wild with a pack of dogs in the woods. Every night the dog owners stand on the edge of the woods calling their dogs. Humphreys’ trade mark poetic prose moves the plot along as the themes of loneliness and memory provide a satisfactory resolution to the narrative.

MY BUDDY

Planned December Reads

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay

That's it for now. We'll see what spontaneous reads I can fit in this month:)

But it's not too soon to get started on these:

BEST OF 2012

Bleak House by Charles Dickens
Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 by Max Hastings
Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption by Laura Hillenbrand
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Bring Up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel
Palace Walk by Naguib Mahfouz
Juliet in August by Dianne Warren
Columbine by Dave Cullen
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
The Joy Luck Club by Amy Tan (reread)
My Antonia by Willa Cather
Tunneling to the Center of the Earth by Kevin Wilson
Gillespie and I by Jane Harris
The Balkan Trilogy by Olivia Manning
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Mrs. Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn

That's not to say I won't add to this in December but this gives me a start.

First, am I first? And I so many of your threads behind? Early New Year's resolution: try to stay current. You've had an interesting reading month in November.

book bullets:

The Round House - I need to read more Erdrich. My daughter has the audiobook of the Birchbark House playing in the background as I speak.

More Baths, Less Talking - just sounds like a hoot

Wild Dogs - love Helen Humphreys, and this sounds like a fascinating premise for a dog lover

edited to fix touchstone

You certainly are first Lisa. Helen Humphreys can't write fast enough for me. More Baths, Less Talking is making the rounds. It's a nice diversionary read.

Whoopee.. I made it to the top 10. Nick Hornsby is one of my favorite authors. Thanks for recommending More Baths, Less Talking, Bonnie. It's definitely made it's way to my obese wish list.

I love the pics of your little buddy. What a cutie! Did you have his fur trimmed? he's looking very neat. :-)

Hi Bonnie,
I love Helen Humphreys too. Wild Dogs was interesting...different...kinda wierd. I liked it!

Picture #1 - I approve ;-)
YAY December!

Bonnie - What a lot of good reading you've done this year. I love the wrap-up threads at the end of the year, and it's fun to scroll through the lists of books read. I've definitely added many to my list on your recommendations -- no pressure. :)

Hi, Bonnie! I got way behind on your old thread. I think I'll just start out fresh on this one. Love the Grinch quote!

Hi, Bonnie. Love the topper picture. Love your little buddy picture, too. I just had a session of belly rubbing with my bud, Greta Garbo, and I find it is hard to type with a miniature schnauzer on my lap. So, I dumped her off, and fed her dinner. She is happy. I am too.

What a great list of books. I know where to come when I want inspiration.

>6 cameling: The Hornby is making the rounds Caro and I don't think you'll be disappointed. That picture is of Buddy in his summer haircut. These days he looks more like this:

He's still darling looking, whichever coat he has on. I just want to give him a big hug and kiss on that adorable nose.

Nice new thread, Bonnie! I love the thread topper and the quote that you featured up there - perfect! And Buddy! What a charmingly sweet face he has!

>7 -Cee-: Hi there Cee. That's one of the best things about Humphreys: every book is very different from the last. I like that and of course her absolutely gorgeous prose doesn't hurt either. And yes, yay December

>8 BLBera: Thanks Beth, I enjoy looking back and thinking about the top books. Sometimes a book stays with me for a long time and even though it may not be a 5 star book it's one I feel I should include on the list. I get almost all my book recommendations from other 75ers and I have you to thank for more than a few including More Baths, Less Talking. So thank you very much:)

>9 tymfos: Hi Terri, good to see you!

>10 maggie1944: I could see where a Schnauzer on your lap would make typing difficult Karen haha. Pomeranians as a rule don't like to be on your lap. They just like to be near you, so Buddy is happy sitting next to me on the couch or in his bed next to my chair. Makes typing a lot easier LOL.

>12 cameling: And he would reciprocate Caro. He gives great kisses haha.

>13 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, Dr. Seuss always says the right thing, doesn't he? Buddy is a charmer:)

Hi Bonnie- Love the December thread! It looks like you've had a great reading year. Let's keep it rolling!

Hi Mark and thank you. I've had a great reading year thanks to the great recommendations I've gotten from the 75ers including you of course:)

Happy New Thread, Bonnie! Buddy is a dog of many faces, I think. And you have had a great reading year. I can't believe that I've read all 3 of your proposals for December, and I love them all. Meanwhile, I'm trying to prod myself into trying Palace Walk again. I've started it twice, and while I can tell that it's good, I just wasn't in the mood either time. Can't say what December will bring.....

Happy new thread brenzi :) Love your photos from Buddy, he just looks so cute and handsome :). Lots of very nice reading done this year.

Wish you a lovely weekend!

>18 LizzieD:. Hi there Peggy, you've loved them all? Well that can only bode well for me I guess;-). I loved Palace Walk although I can't say I thought much of the way he treated his wife and children. Originally I thought it was an indication of the times, in Egypt. But then his other male friends didn't treat their family in the same way so....

>19 drachenbraut23:. Hi Bianca, and I hope your weekend is going well too. I've gotten great reading suggestions from other 75ers so the hits will just keep on coming I guess:)

Hi Bonnie - nice new thread. I meant to say on your last thread that I've added Wild Dogs as a possible for my 'dog' category in my 13 Category challenge for next year.

Thanks Rhian, Wild Dogs is a very sad dog story, as long as you're aware of that.

I love your buddy..and you too!

I liked Wild Dogs; the only book I haven't enjoyed by Helen Humphreys is After Image. And, by the way your dog looks anything but wild...

I love the photos in the beautiful new thread :)
Just trying to keep up.. failing, but trying...

Nice opening photo, Bonnie!

I've read two of Nick Hornsby's books that were similar the one you just read, The Polysyllabic Spree and Housekeeping vs. the Dirt, which I think you would also enjoy.

The Round House is on my Christmas wish list, so hopefully I'll get it and read it early next year.

>23 Whisper1: Hi Linda, it's safe to say that Buddy is not wild. If you look Pomeranian up on Wikipedia it says they are the only dog that doesn't need a yard, so perfect for apartment living. When we are outside in the summer, he comes with us and runs around a bit but pretty soon we find him laying down in the garage waiting to go in hahaha. I'm wondering what you didn't like about Afterimage. I didn't think she could write a book I didn't like.

>24 mckait: Thanks Kath, I understand completely about trying to keep up. Most of the time I'm behind on just about everyone's thread.

>25 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, I need to look for the other Hornsby books because I loved the one I read. I know our library doesn't have them. I liked The Round House but I think you'd like some of Erdrich's other more complex novels even more. Even her 2009 Pulitzer finalist The Plague of Doves would appeal with its multiple narrators and back and forth in time approach.

I try to live by this rule;-)

Stopping in. I love the photo at the top of your thread--that's what I want my thread to look like! And I was thinking about the Grinch passage, too (but you beat me to it).

It seems pressure is mounting to get hold of More Baths, Less Talking. I keep seeing amazing reviews.

#27 Hmmm... now that I am getting older I should keep this in mind :-)

But.. Eat the Rich? OIC LOL
Using touchstones, I find the author is P.J. O'Rourke!

>28 AnneDC: Thanks Anne, I enjoyed More Baths, Less Talking much more than my present book, Read This!: Handpicked Favorites from America's Indie Bookstores which is basically just lists of book recommendations based on nothing much that I can determine. Just OK while the Hornsby book was quite engaging. Feel free to use the Seuss quote. It's not like I originated it;-) and it really does say it all, doesn't it?

>29 -Cee-: Haha Cee, the title of the book didn't even register with me. That's too funny!

See if you find some January 2013 spontaneous reads! You never know, the numerous suggestions might make a Believer (heh) out of you.

Love #27.

The photo and quote in #1 made me smile.

Sunday *smooch*

Hi Richard, I love that short story thread and have added my own suggestions. Hmmm just wondering, is a Sunday smooch any different (better?) than a smooch on any other day;-)

That is a lovely nostalgic photo to start off your December thread, Bonnie. I'm old enough to remember shopping downtown. Quite a different experience from shopping in Target!

I see several on your Best Books list that I need to read. I'll start with Remarkable Creatures since I bought a nice copy of it in Joplin.

Bonnie - Love the month's review that you posted atop your latest thread. Congratulations on it by the way and I like the idea of a little more spontaneity in book choices. I have been sorting through my unread shelves all weekend, ostensibly trying to find a bit more space and reminded myself of how much reading I still have to do.

Hmm.. I have a shirt that says
I WOULD RATHER BE DISLIKED FOR WHO I AM, THAN LIKED FOR WHO I AM NOT
I guess if I were to drop dead in the middle of a trashy novel...I just would :P I wear it to sleep in...
LOL

I guess if I were to drop dead in the middle of a trashy novel...I just would :P I wear it to sleep in...
LOL

Hahaha!

>33 Donna828: Nostalgic indeed, Donna. In my hometown, the downtown shopping area looks like a war zone with boarded up buildings and nary a car in sight. It's downright depressing! All of the shopping takes place far away from there at the outlet mall, Target and Walmart. I don't live there anymore, but I have family that does and there's just no reason to go downtown anymore.

Oh yes, do read Remarkable Creatures which had me mesmerized throughout.

>34 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, I will have pictures later this week of my new bookshelves but in getting ready for them I had to do a lot of shelving and every time I picked up a book that I'd forgotten I had, I would say to myself, "I'm going to read this next." Needless to say, they can't all be next but it's been fun coming across books that I had, at one time, been higher than a kite about. Then, somehow, they were left in the dust as other books sought recognition. I really have to read more of the books off the shelves next year. I can't just keep putting up new shelves. I'm running out of wall space. LOL

>35 mckait: That is priceless Kath LOL.

>36 labfs39: I know, hysterical.

The Sunday Smooch is the toe-tappin' spine tingler. Delivered by the movie star fantasy of one's choice.

What is this malarkey about not putting up more shelves? More wall space needed? Build more walls!

I read Grass Dancer last month and thought it was terrific. Glad to see it has another fan.

>39 richardderus: I'm glad you clarified that because it makes it all the more satisfying Richard. Build more walls?? At this point in my life I should be considering downsizing not building more walls.

>40 swynn: Hi swynn, I have to wonder why Susan Power is not more well known. I had never heard of her before the literature course I took. In a way, she writes just as powerfully as Louise Erdrich but not nearly as prolific. She does have a book of short stories, Roofwalker that I plan on looking for.

Hi, Bonnie! Just caught up the last half of your last thread. Belated congrats on reaching 75. And I think I'm having a very similar reaction to Team of Rivals as you did.

I've adopted a "chapter a day" approach.

Hey Bonnie! Been a long time since I've been on LT threads but I'm finally caught up with you!

Congratulations on reaching 75!!! Yay!!

Hugs to little Buddy & happy belated Thanksgiving!

>42 tymfos: A chapter a day will get you there eventually Terri. My problem was that I'd be reading and I would find that in the time I normally would have knocked off a hundred pages with TOR I'd have read maybe 20-25 pages. It was maddening! Good luck getting through it.

>43 TinaV95: Thanks Tina, catching up is hard to do (is that a Neil Sedaka song? haha).

That winter scene up top looks so inviting! Almost inviting enough for me to forego summer and head there....almost.

>18 LizzieD: I want to read Palace Walk as well, it has been calling me for an age

Hi Bonnie, looking forward to see you read all those December ones and reporting back !

Give up summer!!?? No way Megan. I hope you get to Palace Walk, to the whole Cairo Trilogy really:)

Back again, just reading through. If Megan would read Palace Walk with me, I'd be glad. Of course, I have to finish something else before I can start it again.

Hi Peggy, of course you do. That's usually my problem...there are always books in the way of my getting to other books; goes with the territory I guess:)

Just popping in to say helo and pretend to be catching up....

Just wanted to say thanks for the Helen Humphreys recommendation. I read Wild Dogs in two sittings and immediately went back to read the first section again. It was beautifully crafted, with each narrator speaking in a distinctive voice and adding a new perspective to the story. I loved the various relationships and how they developed and the prose was spare but profound. I think it will be one of my top reads of 2012!

Another recent winner I just finished was Winter in Madrid. I wasn't sure if C. J. Sansom could pull off a contemporary mystery (his Shardlake series is terrific) but this one was perfect historical fiction: great background, characters in whom it was easy to become invested, and a plausible yet exciting story.

Hope all's well with you - we're still recovering from Sandy but making progress.

>49 mckait: Hi Kath, good to see you here!

>50 vivians: You are very welcome Vivian. I am completely taken in by Helen Humphreys. Have you read any of her other books? I highly recommend all that I've read: Coventry, The Lost Garden, and The Frozen Thames, which, with it's unbelievable art work is just an incredible piece of work. It's hard to believe she isn't more well known.

Uh oh, now you've done it. Winter in Madrid is now on the teetering tower but I don't think I'm understanding. Is it a contemporary mystery or historical fiction? Either way, I'm destined to read it. I love the Shardlake series and am due to read the fourth one in January. Thanks for the rec!

I didn't realize you were in the area effected by Sandy. The news coverage is just shocking. I hope you have heat. When they show the people who are still w/o heat it's heartbreaking.

Uh...branch library, of course. Tee hee..

Very funny photo! I sent it to our branch librarians. (Wonder what they would look like?)

LOL! Visual pun - love it!

Love that picture!!

Vivians it is good to know you enjoyed Winter in Madrid - I have it here. Bonnie, it's set in the Spanish civil war so it is closer to contemporary than the Shardlakes!

Hi Lisa, Joe and Cushla, I couldn't resist that little...thing...visual pun, as Joe says. I think your branch librarians will probably love it Lisa but I can't really picture a branch librarian. Thanks for the info on the latest Sansom Cushla.

Thanks for clarifying my confusing post about Winter in Madrid Cushla! There is a new CJ Sansom (2012 I think) called Dominion} but I haven't heard anything about it.

Bonnie I've read Coventry and have The Frozen Thames out from the library now. So I'll gladly join the ranks of Helen Humphreys fans.

I'm thinking of starting a thread in 2013 but am not sure if I have the commitment to maintain it! I love reading others though, and have widened my reading - both quantity and quality - as a result.

#57 - well, you're welcome to continue with us in 2013 no matter what. But a thread only has to be as time-consuming as you want it to be. I update mine every few days, and only get into longer conversations every so often.

>57 vivians:
I'm thinking of starting a thread in 2013 but am not sure if I have the commitment to maintain it!

Hahaha, well Vivian, I'm the wrong person to ask because I have actually likened the start of a new month (when I have to start a new thread because of a self-imposed rule that I thought would be a nice thing---start a new thread for each month? what a great idea!) as similar to having to do homework. In other words, with dread! I don't know what my thread will look like next year. I waver between having the same set-up (until my alter-ego says, "Are you out of your mind??") and having a very bare-bones one where I wouldn't have to do so much darn work. I guess it'll all depend on my mood at the end of December.

I love reading others though, and have widened my reading - both quantity and quality - as a result.

That will probably continue as long as you follow threads of people whose taste mimics your own. I read very few books that I don't at least like, more likely love, since I started following threads. What ever you decide, I am glad you are in this group and speak up occasionally:-)

>58 drneutron: Hi Jim, I'm glad you have such a level head. I wish I did;-)

So I finished A Tale of Two Cities and I've been sobbing uncontrollably ever since. That's right...I had never read it before. Shocking, but true. I recognized the opening paragraph. Who wouldn't? (It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...) And I'd heard of Madame DeFarge and Sydney Carton and of course I'd heard the closing lines (It is a far, far better thing that I do, than I have ever done; it is a far, far better place that I go to than I have ever known.) But everything in between was completely new to me.

Admittedly, Dickens is an author who strongly felt, "Why use one word when ten will do?" Yes, the book is filled with words. Overflowing, you might say. Not as many as Bleak House or even The Pickwick Papers both of which I read earlier this year. But it was all worth it to get to the last few chapters. The man knew how to build suspense! Talk about turning pages furiously into the night! But my, oh my, what an ending.

But why am I telling all of you about it? I'm sure you know what I'm talking about because I AM THE LAST PERSON ON EARTH WHO HADN'T READ A TALE OF TWO CITIES.

Now I can say that I am in with the crowd that is part of the intelligentsia. Pass me another box of tissues, will you.

Bonnie, you echo my *ToTC* reading experience as a young person. It was the worst book I ever read (until the end when...) it was the best book I ever read. Then I didn't read another until I was in my 30s. Love my Dickens!

Don't you love a great book which moves you to strong emotions? I love having a great good bawl at the end of a fine, long, and engaging novel.

>61 LizzieD: Oh Peggy I thought of you many times as I read the book. But how did you ever wait so long until reading more of his books? Until this year I had only read Great Expectations in high school and I don't remember a thing about it so I think I'll read it again. Next year I will definitely read David Copperfield and Our Mutual Friend. I suppose you're jealous that I have so much Dickens to look forward to;-)

>62 maggie1944: Exactly right Karen. It's just one of the wonderful things about being a reader.

Umm, I still haven't read AToTC, Bonnie, so you aren't the last person!!

>64 katiekrug: Stealing my thunder Katie??;-) I was clinging to that distinction LOL.

Bonnie- Yes, you were number 1 on my thread! Good timing. I'll have to pass a good book onto you. LOL.
We watched Homeland. It was good. I'm not sure it's as consistent as that 1st season but it's still very enjoyable. 2 eps left!
How is The end of Your Life Book club? If you don't love it, I will.......eat a book or something.

Bonnie you and Katie are not the only two people on Earth - me too! And I haven't started it yet. But it lurks on my Kindle for when the last 160 pages of TOR are finished.

Bonnie, I am so glad you loved A Tale of Two Cities. *sob* I read it in high school and remember loving it. That was when I first learned I was a book geek. I rated it at 4.5 stars when I joined LT based on my fuzzy memory of it. I'm only part way through Part Two, but I'm loving it all over again. Still a book geek!

I haven't read AToTC either, but your emotional post has me thinking.... :)

>66 msf59: Since you and I appear to be the only ones on LT watching Homeland I will say that I was a little disappointed when Carrie went back into the building. That was just to far-fetched. I just started The End of Your Life Book Club and I've already listed a bunch of book titles that have been mentioned. I'm pretty sure I'm going to enjoy it so thanks for the rec.

>67 cushlareads: Well Cushla, hurry up and plow your way to the end of TOR. You've only got the good part left;-)

>68 Donna828: Hello there fellow book geek! As you can see Donna, I'm not a very good GR member. They just posted the Book 3 thread today and I'm done with the book. I'm terrible at GRs but I keep trying.

>69 TinaV95: >69 TinaV95: Hi Tina, welcome to the crowd LOL.

Count me among the throngs who read ToTC in high school, or was it junior high school? But I haven't read any Dickens in a long time and am clearly due for a re-read. He would be a great winter author, if we could just get some of that white stuff to come visit for the holidays!

If it makes you feel better ...

I have never read A Tale of Two Cities. Excerpts, but never the whole thing cover to cover.

And I was an English major.

It's a selection of my RL book club next spring, though, so I guess I'll read it then.

>71 Linda92007: Hi Linda, He would be a great winter author, if we could just get some of that white stuff to come visit for the holidays!

Shhh, don't mention that four letter word that, unfortunately, if it drops in for the holiday doesn't leave for months. Talk about over-staying your visit!

>72 swynn: Wonderful that you will get a chance to read it swynn. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

A Tale of Two Cities, read 1972, was the genesis of my loathing for Chuckles. Hated it, from best, worst, to far far better.

With a roiling, seething, unquenchable loathing.

Glad you liked it, though!

There is apparently no hope for you in the Dickens' oeuvre Richard so far be it from me to try to change your mind. There are many other books for you to enjoy:-)

>75 brenzi: And that's the glory of reading! So so so so so many choices!! *swoons*

Bonnie - I am more in your camp on "Chuckles" than RD's but I have struggled with him since joining LT - Attempted re-reads of Dombey and Son, Martin Chuzzlewit and Our Mutual Friend have all floundered somewhat. A Tale of Two Cities is up there with my favourites of his though and I recall it being a little less verbose than some of the others I mention above.
Have a great weekend dear lady.

>76 richardderus: Absolutely Richard, and the choices multiply daily. Life is good!

>77 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I haven't read any of the Dickens you mention but I can't imagine why you are struggling this time around. David Copperfield and Our Mutual Friend for the first and second quarters in 2013 and then I'm not sure which ones I'll read next. Great weekend to you to my friend!

*slipping in to read your thread, and then off to do same elsewhere* Have a great weekend!

I haven't read A Tale of Two Cities either.

*rips up Intelligentsia membership card*

Hi Bonnie,
I read A Tale of Two Cities when I was in HS and for the life of me can barely remember it. I remember liking it but I'm betting it would be a whole new experience for me now.
Hmmmm...

>52 brenzi: Love the "Branch Library"!

Hi Bonnie - It's been a while since I read A Tale of Two Cities, but I remember sobbing, also. What a powerful ending.

Madame DeFarge. *shudder* Now there is a character.

I am possessed of a sister who, when I read this book back when, was a compulsive knitter. I called her "Madame DeFarge" until she smacked me one.

She felt guilty, so I got an afghan that xmas. Score! (It fell apart four years ago, after a multitude of washings and many moves.)

Fun story! I'm sorry the afghan finally died the death.

I was, too, Lisa. It looked very little like the xmas 1972 afghan, except to me of course. Plus it was deliciously warm!

Wow, look at all these lovely visitors. Howdy Karen, Darryl, Cee, Beth, Lisa and Richard!

>79 maggie1944: And a great weekend to you too karen!

>80 kidzdoc: *rips up Intelligentsia membership card* Oh Darryl nonsense, you already have a lifetime membership, silly.

>81 -Cee-: Hi Cee, if you're like me, anything read that many years ago has been completely and totally forgotten so it would be like reading a new book.

>82 BLBera: Oh yes Beth, breathtakingly powerful. I actually just went back and reread the last chapter to see if I was mistaken about the power it exhibited but no, very, very powerful.

>83 labfs39: That scene with Madame DeFarge and Miss Pross challenging each other has got to be one of the best descriptions of a cat fight that has ever been written, Lisa.

>84 richardderus: Yes Richard dear, being called Madame DeFarge was not the most complimentary thing you could have said haha. Too bad about the demise of the "DeFarge afghan."

**SWOON!**

And how on earth do they get to those books to peruse their shelves. Don't they want to be reminded of good ole friends, or notice a TBR book that's been waiting, too long, much too long? It is a beautiful room, but really books must be more reachable!

Love the library branches!! :) Great job, Bonnie!

>89 maggie1944: IDK Karen. Stilts? Ah well, just looking at that room brings a smile to my face. My God, look at the light!

>90 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb, good to see you here!

Yes, you are right - the light does appeal greatly! It is a beautiful room.

Hi Bonnie and Buddy! I've been lax about visiting thread lately so just popping in to a few this morning to catch up a bit. I'm enjoying AToTC too! I read it 30 some years ago and there is quite alot I've forgotten, so it's basically a new read to me. Hope all's well with you and the family.

>92 maggie1944: Breathtakingly beautiful, Karen!

>93 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, yep, thirty years ago would mean a brand new read to me as well. I hope you end up loving it as much as I did.

All caught up here, Bonnie! I read AToTC back on high school and fell in love with the story. Last year I reread it, and while I didn't love it as much as I did when I read it the first time, it still held up. My very favorite by Dickens is A Christmas Carol. We read it together every year - never gets old! Hoping you had a great weekend!

Hi Bonnie. Just getting caught up. I'm still in Book One of A Tale of Two Cities while I spend most of my time trying to make progress in Team of Rivals which I'm liking much better after seeing the movie. I'm looking forward to spending more time with AToTC after reading your comments! I'm about halfway through The End of Your Life Book Club which I think is great. So I've been following pretty much in your footsteps these days. :)

>95 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, I'm planning on reading A Christmas Carolin a couple of weeks. I've read that one before. But I still have a slew of Dickens to look forward to. We celebrated my hubby's birthday today so it was a great weekend.

>96 phebj: Hi Pat, I'll finish up The End of Your Life Book Club tonight and it's been very good. Hmmm, your last three books are my last three books. Great minds and all that...

Bonnie I'm in Book One of ATOTC too (you, me and Pat are triplets this week) but will have my hankie ready for the end of the book.

Hi Bonnie! And Happy Birthday Hubbie!! : )

I had to come by and read your thoughts on A Tale of Two Cities and they are very much the same as mine. I loved this book and I cried buckets at the end. The last chapter of the book was sheer perfection. Before reading this my favorite Dickens was Oliver Twist or The Christmas Carol, but now it is definitely A Tale of Two Cities.

>98 cushlareads: You will definitely need your hanky Cushla but right now, days and one book later, i'm still thinking about that book.

>99 Berly: Thanks Kim, it was a fairly low key celebration.

>100 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I'm having a hard time whether this tops my former favorite Bleak House and will have to let a little more time pass before I decide. I've still not read Oliver Twist so I'm happy to see your comment.

Hmmm, I wouldn't mind this kind of "two feet of snow..."

Bonnie, I'm about half way through AToTC and I'm surprising myself and just how much I'm enjoying it so far. :)

I read A Tale of Two Cities long ago... still have it.. and may someday read it again. I read it once on my own and once with the kids but it has been a very long time.

*waves * *runs*

>103 jolerie: Hi Valerie, Well if you're enjoying it so much at the halfway point the last few chapters will knock your socks off:)

>104 mckait: Hi Kath, I hope you do get a chance to read it again.

81. and 82.

Read This! Handpicked Favorites From America's Indie Bookstores by Hans Weyandt 3.5 stars



The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe 4.3 stars

I wrapped up two books about books this weekend, as different as night and day. In
Read This! Handpicked Favorites From America's Indie Bookstores by Hans Weyandt several individual bookstore owners listed fifty of their favorite books, books that they would recommend to happy readers coming in to their stores. That sounds like a bounty of wonderful titles, right? Well yes and no. While I’m happy to read suggestions offered by Ann Patchett in her introduction, like the Icelandic title Independent People, which I have sitting on my shelf, I’m not so anxious to read titles offered by unknown bookstore owners scattered across the country. So the best I can hope for from these lists will be to offer some options when I spot titles I’ve already read and loved and assume some of the other titles will be just as good.

The End of Your Life Book Club, on the other hand, was a memoir that looked at the books read by the author and his mother while they sat together as she was treated for pancreatic cancer. I know what you’re thinking…hopelessly sad and maudlin; but no, somehow hopeful and uplifting and a loving tribute from a son to his mother. MaryAnne Schwalbe lead a full and active life, even after being diagnosed with Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer, and traveled the world on behalf of refugees the world over. You can tell as you read about their discussions around every kind of book from the ridiculous to the sublime, that this woman is much admired and loved by just about everyone who knows her. She’s devoted her life to helping others and her son has chosen to highlight her life through the books they read together during her last months on earth.

”I was learning that when you’re with someone who is dying, you may need to celebrate the past, live the present and mourn the future, all at the same time.” (Page 130)

Some of the books they enjoyed together:

Continental Drift by Russell Banks
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery*
People of the Book by Geraldine March*
The Lizard Cage by Karen Connelly*
Murder in the Cathedral by T. S. Eliot
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson*
Death in Venice by Thomas Mann
Too Much Happiness by Alice Munro
In Other Rooms, Other Wonders by Daniel Mueenuddin*
Suite Francaise by Irene Menirovsky*
Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout*
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner*
Kokoro by Natsume Soseki

* Books I have also enjoyed

Bonnie- I'm glad you liked both "books on books". I did too! In the first book, I liked the best of the best suggestions and I hand-picked some of those. Otherwise, it was just to many books weed through.

I really understand your issue around the Read This! suggestions, though it's a bit deflating as I'd never thought of that....

>107 msf59:. Hi Mark, it's pretty easy to love books on books but its even better when the suggestions are useful and can lead to satisfying reads.

>108 richardderus:. Hi Richard, I don't think I did a great job of explaining what I considered a drawback. When you're just looking at lists of books, with no context, it's hard to find that useful. Does that make more sense?

It makes perfect sense...no context makes meaning hard to find.

I'm really pleased you enjoyed aToTC so much Bonnie! I might reread David Copperfield next year too. It used to be my favourite Dickens book before it got overtaken by Bleak House but I haven't read Copperfield for years and years.

#83 "Madame DeFarge. *shudder* Now there is a character." Oh yes!

>110 richardderus: Well put Richard.

>111 souloftherose: Hi Heather, I would suggest that the suspense Dickens established with the Madame DeFarge/Miss Pross confrontation while the Evremonds and the doctor race across France to escape. I was on the edge of my seat unlike any thriller I've read.''I'm really looking forward to David Copperfield

Hi, Bonnie! I love the branch libraries and the two feet of snow!

That room in the photo is lovely, but impractical.

HI Bonnie (And buddy!)
Love the grinch quote at the top! I stole it to put on facebook today :)
Hope life is treating you well

>113 tymfos: Hi Terri, yep that room is impractical, I'll admit it. But I would love to be sitting in it with the sun sreaming in and a favorite book in hand....heavenly.

>114 ChelleBearss: Hi there Chelle, life is treating me very well, I must say. That Grinch quote belongs to the masses so steal away.

Hi Bonnie - The End of Your Life Book Club is getting a lot of attention here recently. I agree with your comments; it was not so much about dying as about a life well lived. Lists of books can be fun, but you're so right -- without context, they're just lists.

Hey Beth, I'm not sure why Read This! failed to charm other than the fact it contained not much more than lists. As I put some distance between myself and the reading of The End of Your Life Book Club I find I am still thinking about the book and the two protagonists. I really had grown fond of them.

LOL @ 2 feet of snow :) trying to catch up a bit....

I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE!

I am reading this book: Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay, a Canadian author, I believe. I am usually, almost always, a huge fan of Canadian authors. For instance, here's a few I've enjoyed:

Joseph Boyden - Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce
Helen Humphreys - Coventry, The Lost Garden, Wild Dogs
Wayne Johnston - The Colony of Unrequited Dreams
Robertson Davies - The Deptford Trilogy
Margaret Laurence - The Stone Angel, A Jest of God
Louise Penny - Three Pines series
Stephen Leacock - Sunshine Sketches of a Little Town
Rohinton Mistry - A Fine Balance
Joy Kogawa - Obasan
Karen Connelly - The Lizard Cage, Burmese Lessons
Patrick deWitt - The Sisters Brothers
Lawrence Hill - The Book of Negroes
Nancy Huston - Fault Lines
Ann-Marie McDonald - Fall on Your Knees
Alistair MacLeod - No Great Mischief
Anne Michaels - Fugitive Pieces

And there are many others that I have on my shelves that I can look forward to. But back to that book up there at the top of the post. Tigana....it's a genre that I never thought I would enjoy...ever...my first ever HISTORICAL FANTASY and 160/676 and I can't put it down! So my question is this: Those of you out there who read this kind of book, where do I go next? Should I stick with this guy Kay? This book is soooooo good.

>118 mckait: Hi Kath, no snow here yet and that's a good thing:)

Hi Bonnie- I hope you enjoy Tigana. I made a deal with Valerie, so I plan on reading it in February for FF.
I started Charles Dickens: A Life and I'm so impressed. It's shaping up to be another NF winner. Now, I wish I would have read more Dickens. I've only read 4 or 5, which is to bad.

Wow, you're really tempting me to try Tigana and I'm also someone who virtually never reads fantasy. I'll be really interested to read your review when you're done.

>121 msf59: Well, barring a complete turn around I am going to say I will probably love Tigana Mark. You gotta love LT. Who else could have gotten me to go out on a limb and try a genre I never in my life would have tried??!!

As far as Dickens goes, I plan to continue exploring the master next year. After two more, David Copperfield and Our Mutual Friend, I'll read the Tomalin bio (I assume that's the one you're reading). That was my plan for this year but I have to stretch it out into next year. Somehow, some other books got in the way and wrecked my plan haha.

>122 phebj: Well, it'll be awhile before I write a review Pat. The book is 676 pages long. But it's shaping up to be another addition to my Best Reads of 2012!

Yes, it was the Tomalin book. I thought you had read it already! It's excellent. I think it would be more enjoyable, the more Dickens you have read.

>102 brenzi: LOL!

Um, I have never read A Tale of Two Cities. I have it on my nook, though...for one of these days.

Your 'best of' list reminded me that I STILL have to get to Gillespie and I.

I never, ever read fantasy, so of course you have me very curious, Bonnie. But there's no Kindle version for the US or copy at a local library, so I can't take a peek. Guess I'll just have to wait for your review!

Wow. I need to sit down after that bombshell.

>126 Linda92007: I had no time to read today Linda and I'm going out for dinner so will not read much tonight either and I'm missing my book. I can't explain it. Hmmm, I was able to get a library copy. It'll be awhile until I write a review because its a chunkster.

>127 richardderus: Hmmm, I can't tell if that's pure sarcasm or not Richard; so hard to determine true meaning in this forum. Anyway, it is a bombshell to discover that there is an entire genre that's been opened up for my enjoyment. Never would have happened w/o LT and the 75ers (particularly Valerie). Yay!!

You make Tigana sound so good! I love historical fiction and I love fantasy, but I don't think I have ever read a historical fantasy! Added to the WL!

Hi Bonnie!
Hopping through your thread and found so many different and interesting things. I hoped, I could join The Tale of Two Cities group. Unfortunately, my little bit of spare time didn't allow me to do so :(. However, I loved your description of the book, which made me chuckle. At least I know now, that I will need a box of tissues when I read it.

Glad to hear that you enjoy Tigana. One of the best books I have read this year so far. Guy Gavriel is such a great storyteller. If you like to try some more in the historical fantasy genre, I could recommend the Sevenwater series by Juliet Marillier, Avalon series by Marion Zimmer Bradley, Eon by Alison Goodman. Well, there are many more, but these are the ones which come spontanously to my mind.

Wish you a great weekend.

Hi Bonnie - I picked up a copy of Tigana after Valerie raved about it. I hope to get to it next year. I'm not super familiar with the genre, but the Game of Thrones books might count as historical fantasy. They have a bit of the feel of medieval England to them and the fantasy is pretty light (at least in the first two which are the only ones I've read). Anyway, I've really enjoyed them and am always saying to people, "Yes, technically it's fantasy, but it's soooo good!"

>128 brenzi: No, no sarcasm, amazement. You and I are the two non-fantasy readers on Planet LT...and now I'm alone.

It truly IS a bombshell.

Back up to post #26 regarding After Image. Here are my comments (review). I remember thinking it didn't stand up to The Frozen Thames and wild Dogs

http://www.librarything.com/work/143367/reviews

>129 ChelleBearss:. Hi Chelle, I really didn't know what to expect from historical fantasy. When I say I thought it was out of my comfort zone, I mean way, way, wayyyyy, out of my comfort zone. As in I never expected to be reading it in a million years, that far out.

>130 drachenbraut23:. Hi Bianca, I am so happy to hear that you loved Tigana. That bodes well for me. And thank you for all the suggestions for further reading. Duly noted.

I hope you do get a chance to squeeze in A Tale of Two Cities T some point because I am having a hard time getting that book out of my mind.

>131 katiekrug:. From your description Katie it sounds like Game of Thrones is definitely in the same genre. I know what you mean about telling people that yes, it's fantasy but its so good. Those of use who've never tried the genre are a hard bunch to convince;-)

>132 richardderus:. Now you see, Richard, I would have guessed you were a fantasy lover. Not sure why. I don't think you're alone. I bet Darryl wouldn't be caught dead reading fantasy haha. (And I dont think he'd mind my saying so.). I've actually really broadened my reading across several genres since I became part of the 75ers. Before LT, I seldom read biographies and very little NF at all really. And series were non-existent as far as I was concerned.

>133 Whisper1: Thanks Linda. I will check out that review.

Bonnie
I agree! Like you before joining LT and finding this group, I was mainly stuck on historical fiction or in depth history books. I also liked biographies.

Now, my horizons are all over the place and I love it.

Bonnie - I'm not a fantasy reader, either. Hmm. I might have to rethink this genre.

>136 Whisper1: Isn't it unbelievable Linda? I am so happy to find compelling reading in genres that I never would have tried before LT. Life is good:-)

>137 BLBera: Well if you do Beth I hope you're as pleased as I am:-)

Bonnie (and Linda) - I do agree that LT has broadened my reading horizons too. I was averse to SF dor example (this despite loving Doctor Who and Tolkein as a child) and I have tried with varying degrees of success to get over that. I have also been put onto many wonderful authors and books by our community of studied recommendations. Your wonderful reviews are a reliable guide to me
in fairness as to whether I will like a book or not - don't recall not agreeing thus far.

Have a lovely weekend.

Yes, more reading, better books, broader selection, good information on where to find bargains, and then: free books, too. And reliable informants as to what to read next, what to give as a gift, and what to avoid like a plague. Good friends, lovely ideas for food and drink. Furniture ideas. Vacation coaching. What more could a girl want?

LT is definitely a fine addition to my life.

>139 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, SF is an area I've been afraid to tread so we'll have to see if someone can talk me into that. One genre at a time I guess LOL. Good to know we agree on many books my friend:)

>140 maggie1944: What more could a girl want? I hear ya Karen. I'm trying to remember how I decided what books to read before LT and I'm drawing a blank.

Bonnie, that is funny that you draw a blank. I do, too. But I am of the mind that it doesn't matter. All that matters now is for me to work my TBR pile down, and write some little basic book reviews from time to time.

Hmmm...Tigana. I wouldn't describe myself as a non-fantasy reader but I do tend to stick to rereads and children's lit in this genre and almost never am motivated to seek out something new. But based on your enthusiasm I can already see a home for this one in my 2013 categories.

Wonderful review of A Tale of Two Cities. I too was planning to read that Tomalin bio this year, and also Pickwick Papers but I guess neither one is going to happen at this late date.

Have a lovely weekend wind-down, Bonnie.

>142 maggie1944: Hi Karen, I've been reshelving books all day so I hear you about working on whittling down what's on my shelf. Yet I keep requesting library books and buying more books. What's wrong with me? I'm turning over a new leaf next year. Yessiree, I'm reading the books on my shelves. No guffawing out there. Cut it out!

>143 AnneDC: Hi Anne, yep, more Dickens on the menu for next year that is for sure. And I'm still enjoying Tigana but have not done much reading since Friday afternoon. I just can't get those babies out of my mind. Maybe because I ran so many lock-down drills in the years since Columbine and recognize how frightened those five, six and seven year olds would be just during a drill that my heart is in my throat as I think of them facing that monster. I can't concentrate right now on doing much reading or anything else much either.

Bonnie- Just checking in. I think this tragedy will be with us for a long time. So sad. Stop by my thread, I have a Challenge favor for you. I LOVED the Dickens bio. Try to slot that one in for '13.
ETA-Thumbs for the poster!!

Hi Mark, I planned on reading the Tomalin this year but I haven't read enough of Dickens' works so hopefully next year I will get to it. A challenge huh? Must check that out.

Bonnie, I know what you mean about not being able to concentrate. I am so glad I do not have TV in my house any longer however I do listen to a little public radio, and even with that I find myself crying. I so identify with the Principal of the school and the teachers who put themselves between the shooter and their children. I hope no one in my presence criticizes teachers any time soon or I might just take their heads off, verbally. And I can do it, too. Not a part of my personality that I like, but it is there.

Hi Karen, I don't think we'll hear much about that for some time . It was certainly overload on TV until I couldn't take it anymore and resorted to my DVR cache. So depressing.

Stopping by to say hi! It's nice to see another Canadian writer fan! :) I must admit I've never read Guy Gavriel Kay. Bravo to you!

Hi Deb, good to see you. Yep I have yet to meet a Canadian writer I didn't like.

Hi Bonnie- I just ordered a used copy of Tigana, so I'll be ready for Feb 1st!! I take it you are still enjoying it?
We watched the finale of Homeland last night. It was a good ending. I know how much you love the show but I think it lost something this season and had many inconsistent moments. It ended with so many questions, that I still would like to see what they do in Season 3. Thoughts?

>134 brenzi: I really didn't know what to expect from historical fantasy. When I say I thought it was out of my comfort zone, I mean way, way, wayyyyy, out of my comfort zone
I hear you!
I am exactly the same, but it is good to hear there is hope for me yet.

I surprised myself by reading two chunky Dickens' this year. A Tale of Two Cities and Great Expectations. I was able to follow the story of Two Cities better, so, hence, enjoyed it more.

>152 msf59: Hi Mark, I am still enjoying Tigana but have had little time for reading between a.) busy holiday preparations and, b.) trouble concentrating because this shocking school shooting knocked the H out of me and I can't concentrate. It's still very good but its almost 700 pages and I still have probably 200+ to go.

Re: Homeland: yes there were many inconsistencies and yes, I will still be watching Season 3. I'm glad David Estes is gone---did not like him at all. I love Saul so it may be interesting to have him in charge. But he must know Carrie helped Brodie escape, don't you think? Wonder how he'll handle that? Anyway, I loved this review of the season finale.

>153 LovingLit: Hi Megan, yes there is hope for you and anyone else who just enjoys excellent storytelling that is very well-written. Ahh Dickens...yep I'm looking forward to reading more of him next year.

Bonnie- That is a very good review of the finale! Thanks! The saul angle is very interesting and one I did not consider. I would like to see Season 3 tighter and more focused.

So the good news is, we will both be watching next year. We're either gluttons for punishment or eternally optimistic Mark. I'll go with the latter.

Too good not to share!

HA! PRICELESS!!

I thought so too, Richard:)

>145 brenzi: graphic - yeah, exactly

>156 brenzi: Love it!
I knew the world could not end yet - I have too many books to read!

I can credit Canadian (and other) LTers for introducing me to many wonderful Canadian writers. How did I choose books before LT? I'd wander around book stores hoping the good ones would jump out at me. Didn't happen often. The old truth being "you can't judge a book by its cover". The LT crowd makes finding a good book (or 2 or more) almost foolproof :-)

Isn't it great how we all can credit LT with adding to our book pile Cee? And you're right, the recommendations are foolproof, or nearly so. You really can't beat it.

So that's what happened. Huh.

83.



Tigana by Guy Gavriel Kay 4.4 stars

It’s hard to believe that, at this advanced stage in my life, I could be enticed to sample a new genre, one I was convinced would never, ever appeal to me. But when an LT friend dared me to read Guy Gavriel Kay’s historical fantasy, it was with some trepidation that I took on the challenge. I figured I’d give it fifty pages to make it appear that I’d at least given it the old college try before dumping it for something more in my comfort zone. Instead something totally unexpected happened. After fifty pages I noticed that I was very anxious to get back to reading. Well, I thought to myself, that must be just a quirk. I’ll read another fifty just to make sure I really hate this book. What are all these complex characters doing here? Maybe I should give it a little more time. This writing is, well, pretty darn close to sublime. What’s a girl to do? I was so sure this would never work out, but now, well, I was pretty much loving it. And so on I went for 676 pages. Apparently, unbeknown to me, I’m a fan of historical fantasy. Who knew?

As the author says in his Afterward,

”Tigana is in good part a novel about memory: the necessity of it, in cultural terms, and the dangers that come when it is too intense….The world today offers more than enough examples of both pitfalls: ignorance of history and its lessons, and the refusal to let the past be the past.” (Page 674)

He advanced this theme through an epic novel about a people robbed of their beloved homeland by a despotic king who used sorcery and torture to achieve his ends. He even went so far as to make the name of that country anathema to be spoken or even remembered.

Fast forward twenty years and a small passionate group of brave men and women initiate a treacherous campaign to take back their beloved country, Tigana. So I learned a lesson from this delicious narrative: never underestimate the power of a new genre to make you an enthusiastic fan.

Fun review, Bonnie. It is indeed nice to know that there are always genre surprises out there for us. I had a moment like that when I read Persepolis. I thought graphic novels were simple and not for me, but I was very pleasantly surprised and ended up reading a dozen or so that year.

Bonnie- What a nice review of Tigana. I really admire the fact that you have taken chances on books, you would have never tried, BLT. This magical place has changed all our reading lives, mostly for the better. I'm looking forward to reading Tigana in February. Hope you are having a good Sunday and Merry Christmas to you and your family.
ETA- I picked up a new copy of Bleak House for the TBR shelf. I loved the way this one sounded, in Tomalin's excellent bio.

Bonnie, dropping by to wish you a merry Christmas.

>163 labfs39: Hi Lisa, I read exactly two GNs and then never felt compelled to read any others. Maybe the new year should include Persepolis among a few other GNs.

>164 msf59: Thanks Mark, Bleak House was a five star read for me earlier this year. I hope you like it as much as I did.

>165 SandDune: Hi Rhian, and Merry Christmas to you too:-)

Historical fantasy, huh? Good for you, Bonnie. Who knows, I might pick up a book by Guy Gavriel Kay next year. You haven't steered me wrong yet!

Have a wonderful Christmas. Were you one of the "lucky" ones that got snow in this last round? We got a dusting but not enough for Santa's sleigh! It's a good thing he's magical. Lol.

I have Guy Gavriel Kay on my shelves of TBR books - big sigh. I really must stop buying books until I have more of the Books On My Shelves read!

BTW, I did pick up a Graphic Novel version of The Hobbit and read it. I loved it. I loved the art, and I loved being about to review the story relatively easily and quickly. Now if I can just manufacture the time to go see the movie!

I, too, join others in wishing you and yours the very best of holidays, and that you have and receive everything you wish for this year!

>161 brenzi: - Some people may actually believe that.... :)

Merry Christmas Bonnie!

>168 maggie1944: I really must stop buying books until I have more of the Books On My Shelves read!

Well now, there's something that never occurred to me Karen;-) Maybe I should try that sometime LOL. And I return your wishes for a wonderful holiday for you and all your family.

>169 Copperskye: Haha I'm sure there are Joanne. And Merry Christmas to you and your family:)

Sending hugs and a big ol' green thumb for your review of Tigana!

Merry Christmas Bonnie!!!

Hello brenzi, so glad to see that you enjoyed Tigana. So, I hope we will be able to tempt you to try a little bit more of this genre *smile*

Just want to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas *wave*

Merry Christmas, Bonnie!!!

(I love #156 & 161!)

Just stopping by to wish you a beautiful Christmas, Bonnie!


glitter-graphics.com

Hang on...are we still here then? Oh good, the world hasnt ended....lol...loved the funnies up there about that.

Happiness and peace to you and yours at this time of year. I have two very tired little boys fast asleep now from a busy Christmas Day :) Lovely. I have had a great few days. I hope you do too.

Merry Christmas, Bonnie!

glitter-graphics.com
Have a wonderful day, Bonnie!

Just dropping by with some Christmas cheer from me and the Moomins (another great LT find). You were the first person to tell me about the 75ers and I'm so grateful for that reference. Hope your Christmas is merry and bright!

Merry Christmas Bonnie!

Merry Christmas, Bonnie! Wishing you a fabulous holiday full of fun!

A belated Merry Christmas, Bonnie! I hope that your festivities are continuing, you hottie you. Another thumb for your review of Tigana. I think it's an especially difficult book to review because if you get into any detail at all it sounds dumb, and it's well-nigh impossible to capture the charm of the book. You did very well. And I'm thrilled that you enjoyed it. It's my favorite fantasy, hands down.
GG Kaye is more or less wonderful. I have stayed away from the 2nd and 3rd volumes of his Fionavar Trilogy. Otherwise, he's good. I loved his Byzantine duo, Sailing to Sarantium and Lord of Emperors. Explore and enjoy!
(I also have thought of you since the Newtown massacre. I know that you of all of us have the greatest feeling for what it would be like to have been in that situation. And I know that if you had been principal, you would have tackled the madman too. VERY glad that you've retired and are here.)

Hello to all my wonderful visitors. Richard, Chelle, Bianca, Cee, Terri, Megan, Darryl, Lynda, Pat, Cushla, and Mamie. Thank you for all your well-wishes. I've been caught up in holiday hoopla and have had scant time for LT. I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas holiday. Thank you for all your well-wishes.

I've also been getting in snatches of an absolutely terrific short fiction collection---Mrs. Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn. Think Bonnie Jo Campbell Jr.

>182 LizzieD: Thanks so much Peggy. And thank you for all the suggestions for following up my read of Tigana. I thought you'd be able to tell me where to go next and I didn't even have to ask. I think I'll be participating in Mark's Fantasy February!

And thank you so much for your good wishes re: the Newtown massacre. When will we ever learn in this country? how many more innocent lives have to be lost before we solve this problem. And then, just a couple of days ago, a nut case just about an hour away from here in Rochester, set his house on fire, as well as several others in his neighborhood, and then sat in wait with his assault weapons aimed at the first responders and killed at least two. And of course the firemen had to hold off since they were being fired at, and several houses burnt to the ground. Heaven help us!

>184 brenzi: heaven help us indeed. We heard about the Rochester thing here in NZ too. :(
Thinking about all the good in the world can help a bit, so I am aiming to try that this coming year.

You're right Megan. Lots of good is done in the world and that's a good plan to try to focus on it. But it seems like these people are competing to see who can perform the more outrageous deeds. Oh you killed innocent little children?? Well, I'll kill volunteer firemen who are racing to save people from a fire I set myself! Hah!! Beat that!! It's disgusting.

Indeed.

Hi Bonnie. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas.

I chuckled reading your review of Tigana as I've had a few similar experiences over the years on LT, reading a book you couldn't have imagined yourself trying and loving it. I can't claim that with Tigana specifically as I've been an addict of Kay's books since I picked up The Summer Tree back in the 80s, but the sentiment is the same.

I've become much more open to the concept of "maybe I'll like it" than I used to be...an attitude that may be tested in a few days since I've decided to join the Infinite Jest group read. *smile*

Oh, The Summer Tree. I loved the Fionovar Tapestry. It just got better and better, IMO. The Darkest Road was a killer. I haven't read it in years though - I finally had to throw it away because it was so worn out. It's more fantasy than historical fantasy though, Bonnie.

I've added Tigana to my list. I also have A Song for Arbonne which is another historical fantasy, but I haven't read it yet.

>189 labfs39:: I agree, Lisa. I'm not one to cry over books but I got a little choked at the ending of The Darkest Road. My old paperbacks finally dissolved and I picked up a set of hardbacks. Have you read Ysabel? If not, you may want to...some old friends you might like to say hello to...

As for A Song for Arbonne, I have it on my list for a re-read in early 2013. Ever since Under Heaven came out a few years ago, I've been re-reading my way through his historical/fantasy blends. I've finished second (or third) readings of Tigana, The Last Light of the Sun and The Lions of Al-Rassan, so Arbonne is next. Then maybe onto the Sarantium duo.

Bonnie - I am sorry that my absence of internet over the holiday didn't allow me to wish you the best of the season in good time, but it is forwarded belatedly but every bit as wholeheartedly now! To my favourite reviewer and eagle-eyed book spotter wishing you a wonderful holiday and a splendiferous 2013.

>188 TadAD:/190 Hi Tad, I'm glad I gave you a chuckle. I am now officially a Kay fan and it looks like I have plenty more of his books in store for me. Yay! It's looking like i need to read these in some kind of order. Is that right?

I keep going back and forth about the Infinite Jest GR. I've got my nice new copy of the book that i picked up at the Borders closing sale and I keep picking it up and thinking should I? Or shouldn't I? I can't decide. The Anna Karenina GR is going on at the same time. Gah!! Decisions!

>187 labfs39:/189 Hi Lisa, wow, I guess I didn't realize how prolific Kay was but it looks like I will have plenty more to choose from. Do you think The Summer Tree is a good place to start?

>191 PaulCranswick: Hi there Paul, no apology necessary. I had trouble getting around to the threads myself. Thank you so much for your good wishes. I will find my way over to your thread at some point tonight I hope.

84.



Mrs. Somebody Somebody by Tracy Winn 5 stars

I’m a fan of the short story; a fairly big fan. I’m not sure why there are so few of us left in the world but it seems that everybody wants the novel. They wonder if the author is incapable of making their story longer so it could be a novel. They miss the point. The perfectly executed short story is a thing to behold. Thank goodness Tracy Winn (along with Edith Pearlman and Kevin Wilson) ignored those short story critics and produced pitch-perfect collections that I had the pleasure of reading this year.

Winn’s book has been sitting on my shelf since the summer of 2010 when I picked it up at a little Seattle bookstore. It’s one of those books that I will forever wonder why I waited so long to read. Exploring life in the mill town of Lowell, Massachusetts in the years following WWII through the present, the ten connected short stories took my breath away with their gritty, tenacious characters and the clever way the author makes the connections. The first and last stories are connected in a way I would have never imagined. After I finished the first story, the title story, I thought I had probably read the best one of the lot. Until I read the second one, that is. Then that was the best. But wait one minute…that third story was really, really good too so that must certainly be the best…But…well, you get the idea. It’s a remarkable collection, written in stunning prose that depicts a community rising and falling on the economic woes of a declining mill town.

Here, for instance, is how the title story opens:

"Lucy Mattsen was nobody - like all the women I worked with - until the day the baby fell out the window. It was break time at the mill. Us girls from Knitting leaned on the railing over the North Canal, airing out our armpits and sharing smokes. The baby was bare except for diapers. It fell like a bomb in the newsreels."

What a powerful opening! What can you do but continue reading?

And how about this part from the story entitled ”Another Way to Make Cleopatra Cry.” Poor Kayleen is trying not to end up in another foster home. She’s had her fill but things aren’t looking too good. Her father is in jail and Dawn, whose purse was left on the roof of the car when they took off, is not really her mother.

”After we’d been to Clint’s Mart---where, without the purse, we couldn’t buy the salt off the back of a potato chip---and back home again, Dawn said, ‘How in a two-timed, toss off of a life am I going to do ANYTHING NOW? And how could anyone, any one woman, be as crazy as your mother must’ve been, to name a scrawny-armed, moth bitten child Cleopatra? Doesn’t everyone know Cleopatra was beautiful and had black hair?’ Dawn said this because she knew it was the one and only thing that could make Cleopatra cry. Dawn was crying mad herself, pink, like we couldn’t see her standing there in her clappy-flap heels and T-shirt. ‘You shit-for-dirt jack-licks get out there and don’t come back until you’ve found my bag, that, or else, grown up. That means you, Kayleen.’”(Page 108)

Did I mention gritty? Winn writes about class and socio-economic status throughout the book. But the stories go beyond these points. They carefully depict the all too human desire for love and the ways in which it is often thwarted. Very highly recommended.

Wow, Bonnie! Great review of Mrs. Somebody Somebody. This will immediately land on the WL. I have never read Winn. Is this your first Winn try?
BTW- I did receive my copy of Tigana. So I am ready for FF! My used copy came in the MM format. I was hoping for a trade paperback size. Oh, well!
I've also been meaning to get to Infinite Jest. It won't be happening in January. LOL. I would LOVE to get to it in '13 but it's not looking good. Sad face.

I second Mark's "wow" of your review. I've never delved into short stories but you make this collection sound fantastic! Wish listing it! :)

ETA: Big thumbs up!

Hi Bonnie, I noticed a few people adding Mrs Somebody Somebody to their libraries and now I see why! Nice review!! I read it as an ER book back in April 2010 and thought it was a smart and perceptive read and noted that my favorite stories were the first and last. I was sorry that it didn't get more attention and I'm glad to see you liked it!

Great review of Mrs. Somebody Somebody, Bonnie. And belated holiday greetings!

>195 msf59:. Thanks Mark, as far as I can see Winn has not written anything else. As a matter of fact, She said in an interview that it takes her about a year to get a ss right. At that rate she should have a ten story collection ready in 2016! Hah!

I will be reding my second Kay novel for Fantasy February. And I can't decide about Infinite Jest so well see if I attempt to squeeze it in. That GR is tempting.

>196 TinaV95:. Thank you Tina. If you've never attempted any ss this would be a good place to start or perhaps In Other Rooms Other Wonders or Binocular Vision or Tunneling to the Center of the Earth...so many good ones to choose from.

>197 Copperskye:. Thanks Linda, and the same to you.

>192 brenzi:: The Summer Tree is a fine place to start as long as you realize that it's a bit different from Kay's other works. It's much more straight fantasy. The only other one of his own books that I'd put in that category is Ysabel. Btw, it's not standalone—it's a single story across three volumes (with The Wandering Fire and The Darkest Road).

If you prefer the ones that are historical fiction with a fantasy twist, then a rough guide would be:

Tigana - medieval Italy
The Lions of Al-Rassan - Spain of the Reconquista era
The Last Light of the Sun - Vikings in Great Britain
A Song for Arbonne - medieval Provence
Under Heaven - China during the An Shi uprising
Sailing to Sarantium & Lord of Emperors - Byzantine Constantinople

Wow that's certainly a lot to chew on Tad. Thank you for putting the effort into putting that together. That list will go straight onto my wiki.

Just checking in, Bonnie. Hope you're enjoying the holidays. Sounds like a lot of good reading. Binocular Vision has been sitting on the tbr waiting for me for a while now.

pssst Bonnie over here

I've now read Tigana too and loved it but I can't say so too loudly because I've got my rep to maintain but I'm also halfway through The Lions of Al-Rassan and it's terrific too but keep it between us K?

Just popping in to visit and sort of catch up...

Not a short story fan myself. In fact, I may have forgotten how to read altogether..
;P

>202 jnwelch: Hi there Joe, there are so many great short story collections I wouldn't even attempt to tell you where to begin but Binocular Vision would be a good place to begin. Did you know about THIS THREAD where Richard gathered together a bunch of short story readers. Great suggestions there.

>203 richardderus: B-b-b-but you said....and just like that you've catapulted over me Richard and are now ahead of me in the Kay oeuvre. But if you're keeping it a secret (and what better thread for maintaining secrecy) then I can still assume my superiority in the historical fantasy field. Oh and pay no attention to that post left by Tad up in #200; mere drivel and not to be taken seriously.

>204 mckait: Hi Kath, I don't know if there's anything I could say to entice you to try a great short story collection but I find being open to other genres rather liberating. But if you've forgotten how to read, that's another story altogether haha.

Bonnie

I'm stopping by to send all good wishes for a lovely New Year!

85.



The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elizabeth Tova Bailey 4.2 stars

The author of this very short memoir contracts an autoimmune disease while in Europe on assignment. The severity of it leaves her bedridden for years and sometime during the early stages of the disease a friend brings her a potted violet plant to which a common garden snail (Neohelix albolabris) has attached itself. Slowly the snail emerges from the shell and the author begins to examine how it carries on its daily activity. She has compiled her journal entries from this time of her life into this brief memoir.

I cannot do justice to the prosaic nature of this scientific account other than to say that I was charmed from beginning to end. There is no whining over the fact that she contracted a devastating illness, actually very little information about the illness at all until the last couple of pages of the book. Its discourse is predominantly about the way the snail conducts its life and how we might emulate some of its characteristics. The book is absolutely loaded with quotable passages, framed around the life of the snail. Since the author could barely move in her bed, she had plenty of opportunity to study the snail (which she chose not to name) and its habits. What she learned from the snail could, well, fill a book.

”It was in Tony Cook’s chapter in ‘The Biology of Terrestrial Molluscs,’ titled ‘Behavioural Ecology,’ that I found the sentence that best expresses a snail’s way of life: ‘The right thing to do is to do nothing, the place to do it is in a place of concealment and the time to do it is as often as possible.’”

”Given the ease with which health infuses life with meaning and purpose, it is shocking how swiftly illness steals away those certainties…Time unused and only endured still vanishes, as if time itself is starving, and each day is swallowed whole, leaving no crumbs, no memory, no trace at all.”

Beautifully written, full of insight and thoughtful contemplation on what a quiet solitary life can mean I found this memoir to be poignant and charming. Highly recommended

>206 Whisper1: Thanks so much Linda and may the New Year bring you a pain free time so that you can enjoy all that life offers.

Given the ease with which health infuses life with meaning and purpose, it is shocking how swiftly illness steals away those certainties…Time unused and only endured still vanishes, as if time itself is starving, and each day is swallowed whole, leaving no crumbs, no memory, no trace at all.

Oh. Oh my goodness. How...simply perfect...that sentiment is. Beautifully chosen, Bonnie. Book becomes must-read.

Drat your eyes.

>209 richardderus: Well you'll finish it in about a nanosecond Richard so it's not like it'll interfere much with anything else going on in your life so you can stop dratting my eyes. And where, BTW, is your review of Tigana?

I'm too embarrassed to post one, if you MUST be so public about it, because it would be mostly fanboy gush. Caroline gave me the book, I was grumpy when I first tried it and snapped churlishly about it, and now admitting I was wrong just seems...well...no.

I enjoyed The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating when I read it earlier this year too! What a gem!

And I just realized that I haven't read nearly enough short stories this year. I'll have to remedy that in 2013!

Great review of The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating. So many LTers have recommended this book. I really need to get a copy.

>211 richardderus: Afraid to admit you're wrong?? Hmmm maybe you were also wrong about The Beautiful Mystery and Gone Girl and.....

>212 porch_reader: Hi Amy, yes actually i had you noted as the recommender for this little gem so thank you. There are so many wonderful short story collections out there that I hope you're able to squeeze something in next year.

>213 phebj: Thanks Pat, I think I picked it up as a Kindle Daily Deal some months back.

Bonnie, I also picked up the snail book as a daily deal...and there it sits. You make me want to start reading it immediately! But I am going to keep practicing delayed gratification.

I do plan to read one of my e-books in January as part of your TIOLI challenge. The oldest book I have is We Die Alone but I'm not quite sure it I bought it six months or more ago. I'll have to do some detective work.

I bought that one at the same time Donna and I'm pretty sure that was in February so you are safe. I haven't read it yet either so if somehow I can squeeze it in I will join you but I'm already booked solid so IDK.

Hi Bonnie! I thought about you yesterday as we drove through Buffalo on the way home from Niagara on the Lake. Wish you and yours a wonderful 2013 and more adventures in reading.

Well... I don't know about the others... but The Beautiful Mystery left me cold and annoyed :(
I am glad her next book is in Three Pines.

Tigana...? must investigate..

Morning Bonnie- Good review of "Wild Snail". I remember this one when it first came out and then it fell off my radar but it is back on, thanks to you. Have a good Sunday.

The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating was among the Kindle Daily Deals for yesterday and I debated and debated, but didn't bite. (Really Linda, over just $1.99? Well, I did buy 11 other books.) Having read your review, I am now sorry. Bonnie, I hope you and your family have a Happy New Year!

HI Bonnie,
what a great review of The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating and I love the quote you choose, which Richard pointed out quite nicely as well. The Book is gone straight onto my wishlist.



I wish you a very Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Bonnie. I look forward to following your reading journey in 2013 -- even though every time I visit your thread, I pick up more recommendations!

>217 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, Gee I wish I would've know. I could've met you at Tim Horton's for a cafe mocha. Darn. Happy New Year to you and your family as well.

>218 mckait: Yes Kath, I agree, cold and annoyed and I thought it was downright boring; that's one of the ones on my Greatest Disappointment list for 2012.

>219 msf59: Thanks Mark, it's a very quiet contemplative book and a very fast read although I found myself slowing down just to appreciate the beautiful writing. Happy Sunday to you too!

>220 Linda92007: Holey Moley Linda, you found eleven books to buy in yesterday's Daily Deal? I wonder what I missed? I didn't buy anything yesterday. Hmmmm... I must not have been paying attention. Happy New Year to you and your family too.

>221 drachenbraut23: Thank you Bianca, I hope you're able to squeeze this one in because it's a little gem. Happy New Year to you and your family too.

>222 BLBera: Hi Beth, I'm more than happy to add to your expanding WL;-) Happy New Year to you and your family too.

216: Oh good, I don't have to do any detective work now. I bought two books from yesterday's DD that were on my WL and had to use great restraint not to buy more. I know you want titles, Bonnie: Running the Rift and A Wedding in Haiti.

Wishing you and your family a marvelous 2013. Thank you for all the great comments and reviews this past year. I'm looking forward to many more.

>214 brenzi: Heresy! Apostasy! I stand by my screech of fury at Gone Girl. For me, The Beautiful Mystery gave a really important push to the series in the events of the last chapter. I admit that I wasn't enrapt by the music parts. I don't care much about music, so "neumes" were completely uninteresting to me.

Besides, I'm the one who wrote a crow-eating review of Pride and Prejudice, as well as JUST rated a comic book...sorry, graphique nawvelle...at 4.5 stars.

So there nyah!

>225 Donna828: Boy oh boy, I don't know how I missed that yesterday Donna. Running the Rift is on my WL so I definitely would have snapped up that one. Thank you for the kind wishes for 2013. I'm hoping to be able to keep up with your fast moving thread and insightful comments.

>226 richardderus: OK, OK so you made one mea culpa for one Austen book and you've decided you like comic books (sorry, not my cuppa and I have tried a few). Where's the love for Dickens? When will you go back and reread some of those Richard? And The Beautiful Mystery was just plain boring. There I've said it.

The "love" for Chuckles the Dick? Ew!! That's just perverse. No right-thinking unaddled adult or child could like Dickens! Drugs. It's the drugs. Sad but true.

RD should be cast in our pantomime version of A Christmas Carol - a few roles spring to mind of course (since he has a dodgy knee) but the starring role would suffice him to be sure.
To the Queen of reviews, Happy New Year. Looking forward to more of the same in 2013.

Popping in to wish you a happy 2013!! Keep up the good work: I always find something new to read over here. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating is added to the list. : )

Me, too, wishing you a very happy, and full of good books, 2013! The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating really does sound like a book I will love! On to the WL it goes!

Happy New Year, Bonnie. Running the Rift and A Wedding in Haiti were two of my favorites in 2012.

Happy New Year, Bonnie!

I'm another one who loved Running the Rift, Bonnie.

Happy New Year!

Hi Bonnie, I just picked up The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating in an ebook sale.

Happy New Year!!

Happy New Year, Bonnie!

>228 richardderus: Hmmm, apparently there's no movement here.

>229 PaulCranswick: Astute observation Paul and I do believe the starring role would be perfect for Richard;-) Thank you for the good wishes and I offer the same for you and your family.

>230 Berly: Thanks Kim and the same for you and your family. That little book kind of sneaks up on you. I hope you manage to squeeze it in.

>231 maggie1944: Thanks Karen, and the same good wishes for you and your family too.

>232 BLBera: Ahh that's where I heard about those two books. I'm hoping they will be among the monthly deals Amazon offers tomorrow. Happy New Year to you too.

>233 katiekrug: And happy New Year to you too Katie!

>234 jnwelch: That's right Joe. Now I remember. You're all just rubbing it in now LOL. I was apparently asleep at the wheel haha. Happy New Year to you too.

>235 Copperskye: Happy New Year to you too Joanne!

>236 phebj: Happy New Year to you too Pat!

86.



The Middlesteins by Jami Attenberg 4 stars

Edie Middlestein has spent her entire life chasing the Big Mac. Something has been missing from her life since she was a child and she has used food to fill up the void. Now a diabetic suffering from massive complications Edie’s life is a mess. After thirty years of marriage, her husband leaves her when he determines that there's no room for both him and (well-over 300 pound) Edie’s obsession with food, in this marriage.

But there’s more to this engaging story than food obsession. Edie’s family loves her and they have a difficult time coming to terms with their father for abandoning their mother when she is so sick and surprise, surprise, Edie ends up with a boyfriend who is crazy about here just the way she is.

Attenberg tells the story with humor and compassion and tackles what is a real problem in America today in a way that allows the reader to consider all the thorny questions that accompany the question of obesity today.

I came by to say Happy New Year and stumbled upon a 5 star review of a book I've never heard of. It's never safe...See you in 2013!

238. Wish listed The Middlesteins. Sounds great!

Bonnie--Best Wishes for the New Year.

Still hoping to get to Western New York sometime. In any event, a family reunion for the Adironacks is in the works for the summer of 2014.