Roni 'ncats Relishes 2012: Books and Arts and Crafts Part 9
This is a continuation of the topic Roni 'ncats Relishes 2012: Books and Arts and Crafts Part 8.
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2012
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1ronincats
May I wish the best of holidays to all! To my Christian friends, Merry Christmas! To my Jewish friends, Happy Hannakuh! (Starts today!). Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Holidays, as we all celebrate the brotherhood/sisterhood of humanity and Peace on Earth, Good Will to All!
The Festival of Lights (a ship parade)
The Hotel del Coronado at Christmas
and the San Diego skyline at Christmas
The Festival of Lights (a ship parade)
The Hotel del Coronado at Christmas
and the San Diego skyline at Christmas
2ronincats
Goals for 2012:
To read 150 books. MET, currently 158
To read 50,000 pages. MET, currently 51,733
To acquire fewer books than I read. Looking good, currently 70. However, 56 of the read books were library books, so I have read 104 of my own books. Still looking good.
To read 30 books off my own shelves that were there prior to 2012. Woefully behind, currently 16.
To pass books on to other through donations and swaps--in other words, they left MY house and went elsewhere: 68
To read 150 books. MET, currently 158
To read 50,000 pages. MET, currently 51,733
To acquire fewer books than I read. Looking good, currently 70. However, 56 of the read books were library books, so I have read 104 of my own books. Still looking good.
To read 30 books off my own shelves that were there prior to 2012. Woefully behind, currently 16.
To pass books on to other through donations and swaps--in other words, they left MY house and went elsewhere: 68
3ronincats
Books read in 2012
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
January
1. The Night Circus# by Erin Morgenstern (387 pp.)
2. Cannery Row# by John Steinbeck (196 pp.)
3. Darkship Thieves% by Sarah A. Hoyt (479 pp.)
4. Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair (447 pp.)
5. The Family Trade% by Charles Stross (308 pp.)
6. Maxwell's Closet+ by Steven Belskie
7. The Goose Girl# by Shannon Hale (400 pp.)
8. Salt: A World History+ by Mark Kurlansky (450 pp.)
9. A Proper Companion+ by Candice Hern
10. Organized Simplicity+ by Tsh Oxenreider (256 pp.)
February
11. The Pride of Chanur* by C. J. Cherryh (224 pp.)
12. Crochet Master Class+ by Leinhayser and Weiss (191 pp.)
13. Troubled Waters# by Sharon Shinn (391 pp.)
14. Tuesdays at the Castle# by Jessica Day George (225 pp.)
15. Chanur's Venture* by C. J. Cherryh (312 pp.)
16. The Kif Strike Back* by C. J. Cherryh (299 pp.)
17. Chanur's Homecoming* by C. J. Cherry (398 pp.)
18. The Peach Keeper# by Sarah Addison Allen (271 pp.)
19. Enna Burning# by Shannon Hale (317 pp.)
20. The Wild Ways# by Tanya Huff (295 pp.)
21. Midnight in Austenland# by Shannon Hale (272 pp.)
22. Timeless by Gail Carriger (386 pp.)
23. Oath of Fealty* by Elizabeth Moon (471 pp.)
24. Kings of the North* by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
25. Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon (451 pp.)
26. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children# by Ransom Riggs (348 pp.)
27. The Hidden Family% by Charles Stross (309 pp.)
March
28. Firebird # by Jack McDevitt (375 pp.)
29. Undone Deeds by Mark Del Franco (323 pp.)
30. Murder of a Royal Pain % by Denise Swanson (248 pp.)
31. Finding Clarity + by Kim Novak ((242 pp.)
32. Lord Pete %r by Dorothy Sayers (481 pp.)
33. River Secrets # by Shannon Hale (290 pp.)
34. A Gift of Dragons #+ by Anne McCaffrey (304 pp.)
35. Ready Player One # by Ernest Cline (372 pp.)
36. Glory in Death # by J. D. Robb (293 pp.)
37. Blood Maidens # by Barbara Hambly (244 pp.)
38. The Cruellest Month # by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
39. The Genesis of Science # by James Hannam (355 pp.)
40. Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead + by Christiana Miller (330 pp.)
41. Among Others # by Jo Walton (302 pp.)
42. A Discovery of Witches # by Deborah Harkness (579 pp.)
43. The Kingdom of Gods % by N. K. Jemisin (600 pp.)
44. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, & Politics in the Book of Revelations by Elaine Pagels (177 pp.)
45. The Coroner's Lunch # by Colin Cotterill (257 pp.)
46. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie # by Alan Bradley (373 pp.)
47. Petty Treason # by Madeleine Robins (316 pp.)
48. Entangled + by Barbara Ellen Brink (340 pp.)
Books read in 2012--2nd Quarter
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
April
49. The Screwtape Letters* by C. S. Lewis
50. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers (511 pp.)
51. James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon# by Julie Phillips (405 pp.)
52. The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels (151 pp)
53. Her Smoke Rose Up Forever# by James Tiptree, Jr. (520 pp.)
54. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire (344 pp.)
55. Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch (389 pp.)
56. Solstice Wood by Patricia McKillip (278 pp.)
May
57. A Princess of Mars* by Edgar Rice Burroughs (146 pp.)
58. The Closing of the Western Mind by Charles Freeman (403 pp.)
59. Tea With the Black Dragon* by R. A. MacEvoy (166 pp.)
60. Jesus, Interrupted# by Bart Ehrman (292 pp.)
61. A Sensible Lady+ by Judith Lown (187 pp.)
62. The Curse of Chalion* by Lois McMaster Bujold (442 pp.)
63. The Hallowed Hunt* by Lois McMaster Bujold (470 pp.)
64. Paladin of Souls* by Lois McMaster Bujold (456 pp.)
65. House of Many Ways* by Diana Wynne Jones (404 pp.)
66. Magic Under Glass# by Jaclyn Dolamore (225 pp.)
67. Who Fears Death% by Nnedi Okorafor (386 pp.)
68. Illegal Magic+ by Arlene Blakely (227 pp.)
69. Religion Explained# by Pascal Boyer (330 pp.)
70. Thirty-Three Teeth# by Colin Cotteril (256 pp.)
71. The Master of Heathcrest Hall by Galen Beckett (718 pp.)
June
72. Changes# by Mercedes Lackey (326 pp.)
73. Daughter of Smoke and Fire# by Laini Taylor (418 pp.)
74. An Undeniable Rogue+ by Amanda Blair (320 pp.)
75. Dandelion Wine* by Ray Bradbury (184 pp.)
76. The Marriage Bargain+ by Sandra Edwards (190 pp.)
77. Curricle & Chaise+ by Lizzie Church (251 pp.)
78. Od Magic* by Patricia McKillip (315 pp.)
79. 97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman (227 pp.)
80. Ridiculous+ by D. L. Carter (325 pp.)
81. oh. my. gods.# by Tera Lynn Childs (264 pp.)
82. Hell: A final Word by Edward William Fudge (173 pp.)
83. Make-Believe# by Elizabeth Goudge (267 pp.)
84. The Scent of Water* by Elizabeth Goudge (222 pp.)
85. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance+ by Lois McMaster Bujold (400 pp.)
86. The Bible Repairman and other Stories# by Tim Powers (170 pp.)
87. A Breath of Eyre# by Eve Marie Mont (331 pp.)
88. Disco for the Departed# by Colin Cotteril (247 pp.)
89. One Dog and His Boy# by Eva Ibbotson (282 pp.)
90. White Cat# by Holly Black (310 pp.)
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
January
1. The Night Circus# by Erin Morgenstern (387 pp.)
2. Cannery Row# by John Steinbeck (196 pp.)
3. Darkship Thieves% by Sarah A. Hoyt (479 pp.)
4. Gabriel's Ghost by Linnea Sinclair (447 pp.)
5. The Family Trade% by Charles Stross (308 pp.)
6. Maxwell's Closet+ by Steven Belskie
7. The Goose Girl# by Shannon Hale (400 pp.)
8. Salt: A World History+ by Mark Kurlansky (450 pp.)
9. A Proper Companion+ by Candice Hern
10. Organized Simplicity+ by Tsh Oxenreider (256 pp.)
February
11. The Pride of Chanur* by C. J. Cherryh (224 pp.)
12. Crochet Master Class+ by Leinhayser and Weiss (191 pp.)
13. Troubled Waters# by Sharon Shinn (391 pp.)
14. Tuesdays at the Castle# by Jessica Day George (225 pp.)
15. Chanur's Venture* by C. J. Cherryh (312 pp.)
16. The Kif Strike Back* by C. J. Cherryh (299 pp.)
17. Chanur's Homecoming* by C. J. Cherry (398 pp.)
18. The Peach Keeper# by Sarah Addison Allen (271 pp.)
19. Enna Burning# by Shannon Hale (317 pp.)
20. The Wild Ways# by Tanya Huff (295 pp.)
21. Midnight in Austenland# by Shannon Hale (272 pp.)
22. Timeless by Gail Carriger (386 pp.)
23. Oath of Fealty* by Elizabeth Moon (471 pp.)
24. Kings of the North* by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
25. Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon (451 pp.)
26. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children# by Ransom Riggs (348 pp.)
27. The Hidden Family% by Charles Stross (309 pp.)
March
28. Firebird # by Jack McDevitt (375 pp.)
29. Undone Deeds by Mark Del Franco (323 pp.)
30. Murder of a Royal Pain % by Denise Swanson (248 pp.)
31. Finding Clarity + by Kim Novak ((242 pp.)
32. Lord Pete %r by Dorothy Sayers (481 pp.)
33. River Secrets # by Shannon Hale (290 pp.)
34. A Gift of Dragons #+ by Anne McCaffrey (304 pp.)
35. Ready Player One # by Ernest Cline (372 pp.)
36. Glory in Death # by J. D. Robb (293 pp.)
37. Blood Maidens # by Barbara Hambly (244 pp.)
38. The Cruellest Month # by Louise Penny (311 pp.)
39. The Genesis of Science # by James Hannam (355 pp.)
40. Somebody Tell Aunt Tillie She's Dead + by Christiana Miller (330 pp.)
41. Among Others # by Jo Walton (302 pp.)
42. A Discovery of Witches # by Deborah Harkness (579 pp.)
43. The Kingdom of Gods % by N. K. Jemisin (600 pp.)
44. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, & Politics in the Book of Revelations by Elaine Pagels (177 pp.)
45. The Coroner's Lunch # by Colin Cotterill (257 pp.)
46. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie # by Alan Bradley (373 pp.)
47. Petty Treason # by Madeleine Robins (316 pp.)
48. Entangled + by Barbara Ellen Brink (340 pp.)
Books read in 2012--2nd Quarter
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
April
49. The Screwtape Letters* by C. S. Lewis
50. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers (511 pp.)
51. James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Life of Alice B. Sheldon# by Julie Phillips (405 pp.)
52. The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels (151 pp)
53. Her Smoke Rose Up Forever# by James Tiptree, Jr. (520 pp.)
54. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire (344 pp.)
55. Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch (389 pp.)
56. Solstice Wood by Patricia McKillip (278 pp.)
May
57. A Princess of Mars* by Edgar Rice Burroughs (146 pp.)
58. The Closing of the Western Mind by Charles Freeman (403 pp.)
59. Tea With the Black Dragon* by R. A. MacEvoy (166 pp.)
60. Jesus, Interrupted# by Bart Ehrman (292 pp.)
61. A Sensible Lady+ by Judith Lown (187 pp.)
62. The Curse of Chalion* by Lois McMaster Bujold (442 pp.)
63. The Hallowed Hunt* by Lois McMaster Bujold (470 pp.)
64. Paladin of Souls* by Lois McMaster Bujold (456 pp.)
65. House of Many Ways* by Diana Wynne Jones (404 pp.)
66. Magic Under Glass# by Jaclyn Dolamore (225 pp.)
67. Who Fears Death% by Nnedi Okorafor (386 pp.)
68. Illegal Magic+ by Arlene Blakely (227 pp.)
69. Religion Explained# by Pascal Boyer (330 pp.)
70. Thirty-Three Teeth# by Colin Cotteril (256 pp.)
71. The Master of Heathcrest Hall by Galen Beckett (718 pp.)
June
72. Changes# by Mercedes Lackey (326 pp.)
73. Daughter of Smoke and Fire# by Laini Taylor (418 pp.)
74. An Undeniable Rogue+ by Amanda Blair (320 pp.)
75. Dandelion Wine* by Ray Bradbury (184 pp.)
76. The Marriage Bargain+ by Sandra Edwards (190 pp.)
77. Curricle & Chaise+ by Lizzie Church (251 pp.)
78. Od Magic* by Patricia McKillip (315 pp.)
79. 97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman (227 pp.)
80. Ridiculous+ by D. L. Carter (325 pp.)
81. oh. my. gods.# by Tera Lynn Childs (264 pp.)
82. Hell: A final Word by Edward William Fudge (173 pp.)
83. Make-Believe# by Elizabeth Goudge (267 pp.)
84. The Scent of Water* by Elizabeth Goudge (222 pp.)
85. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance+ by Lois McMaster Bujold (400 pp.)
86. The Bible Repairman and other Stories# by Tim Powers (170 pp.)
87. A Breath of Eyre# by Eve Marie Mont (331 pp.)
88. Disco for the Departed# by Colin Cotteril (247 pp.)
89. One Dog and His Boy# by Eva Ibbotson (282 pp.)
90. White Cat# by Holly Black (310 pp.)
4ronincats
Books read in 2012--3rd Quarter
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
July
91. Tooth and Claw# by Jo Walton (253 pp.)
92. Our Mutual Friend+ by Charles Dickens (880 pp.)
August
93. A Confusion of Princes+ by Garth Nix (352 pp.)
94. Redshirts by John Scalzi (314 pp.)
95. Across the Great Divide+ by Patricia Wrede (352 pp.)
96. The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow (317 pp.)
97. The Ill-bred Wife by Rosemary Edghill (248 pp.)
98. Deathless# by Catherynne Valente (349 pp.)
99. The House of Wisdom# by Jim al-Khalili (289 pp.)
100. Colin Firth: The Man who would be King+ by Sandro Monetti (304 pp.)
101. The Blue Sword* by Robin McKinley (248 pp.)
102. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (336 pp.)
103. Ink and Steel# by Elizabeth Bear (427 pp.)
104. Hell and Earth# by Elizabeth Bear (419 pp.)
September
105. Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch (298 pp.)
106. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling# by Maryrose Wood (267 pp.)
107. Po's Story% by Peter Dickinson (208 pp.)
108. Mana's Story% by Peter Dickinson (211 pp.)
109. Wolf Wing% by Tanith Lee (229 pp.)
110. Wanderlust% by Ann Aguirre (312 pp.)
111. Anarchy and Old Dogs# by Colin Cotterill (272 pp.)
112. Flora's Fury# by Ysabeau Wilce (517 pp.)
113. Clemency Pogue, Fairy Killer by J. T. Petty (120 pp.)
114. A Rule Against Murder% by Louise Penny (365 pp.)
115. Blood and Iron* by Elizabeth Bear (430 pp.)
116. Wrapped# by Jennifer Bradbury (309 pp.)
117. World Soul by Liz Williams (311 pp.)
118. Whiskey and Water# by Elizabeth Bear (431 pp.)
119. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag# by Alan Bradley (384 pp.)
120. Immortal in Death# by J. D. Robb (320 pp.)
121. Birth of the Firebringer* by Meredith Ann Pierce (202 pp.)
122. Dark Moon% by Meredith Ann Pierce (238 pp.)
123. The Son of Summer Stars% by Meredith Ann Pierce (250 pp.)
Books read in 2012--4th Quarter
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
October
124. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman# by Robert Massie (574 pp.)
125. The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde (401 pp.)
126. Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (373 pp.)
127. The Face in the Frost* by John Bellairs (174 pp.)
128. Oath of Fealty* by Elizabeth Moon (471 pp.)
129. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter (309 pp.)
130. Kings of the North* by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
131. Echoes of Betrayal* by Elizabeth Moon (451 pp.)
132. 1Q84+ by Haruki Murikami (946 pp.)
133. Dracula+ by Bram Stoker (408 pp.)
134. New Amsterdam+ by Elizabeth Bear (272 pp.)
135. Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire (353 pp.)
136. Illuminations+ by Mary Sharratt (288 pp.)
137. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch (288 pp.)
138. The Inconvenient Duchess+ by Christine Merrill (380 pp.)
139. Family Magic+ by Patti Larsen (466 pp.)
140. Opal Fire+ by Barbara Annino (313 pp.)
141. The Bewitching Season by Lynn Collum etal. (254 pp.)
142. The White City+ by Elizabeth Bear (182 pp.)
November
143. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency# by Douglas Adams (247 pp.)
144. A Beautiful Friendship# by David Weber (352 pp.)
145. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance* by Lois McMaster Bujold (422 pp.)
146. The Disappearance# by Philip Wylie (405 pp.)
147. Ethan of Athos* by Lois McMaster Bujold (237 pp.)
148. The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech (320 pp.)
149. The Ginger Star by Leigh Brackett (186 pp.)
150. The Hounds of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (182 pp.)
151. The Reavers of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (208 pp.)
152. The Crown of Embers# by Rae Carson (410 pp.)
153. Travels with Charley# by John Steinbeck (246 pp.)
154. Needle* by Hal Clement (207 pp.)
155. The Christmas Rat by Avi (133 pp.)
156. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin (754 pp.)
December
157. The Demon King# by Cinda Williams Chima (506 pp.)
158. Dodger by Terry Pratchett (360 pp.)
159. Through the Eye of a Needle* by Hal Clement (195 pp.)
160. The Snow Child# by Eowyn Ivey (386 pp.)
161. Redoubt# by Mercedes Lackey (330 pp.)
162. The Hobbit* by J. R. R. Tolkien (317 pp.)
163. The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaardner (160 pp.)
164. Palace of Stone# by Shannon Hale (321 pp,)
165. A Regency Christmas V* by Mary Balogh etal. (351 pp.)
166. One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (117 pp.)
167. So B. It by Sarah Weeks (243
168. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (130 pp.)
169. Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Wrote Her by Melanie Rehak (384 pp.)
170. The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima (586 pp.)
171. How Reading Changed my Life by Anna Quindlen (81 pp.)
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
July
91. Tooth and Claw# by Jo Walton (253 pp.)
92. Our Mutual Friend+ by Charles Dickens (880 pp.)
August
93. A Confusion of Princes+ by Garth Nix (352 pp.)
94. Redshirts by John Scalzi (314 pp.)
95. Across the Great Divide+ by Patricia Wrede (352 pp.)
96. The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow (317 pp.)
97. The Ill-bred Wife by Rosemary Edghill (248 pp.)
98. Deathless# by Catherynne Valente (349 pp.)
99. The House of Wisdom# by Jim al-Khalili (289 pp.)
100. Colin Firth: The Man who would be King+ by Sandro Monetti (304 pp.)
101. The Blue Sword* by Robin McKinley (248 pp.)
102. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (336 pp.)
103. Ink and Steel# by Elizabeth Bear (427 pp.)
104. Hell and Earth# by Elizabeth Bear (419 pp.)
September
105. Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch (298 pp.)
106. The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: The Mysterious Howling# by Maryrose Wood (267 pp.)
107. Po's Story% by Peter Dickinson (208 pp.)
108. Mana's Story% by Peter Dickinson (211 pp.)
109. Wolf Wing% by Tanith Lee (229 pp.)
110. Wanderlust% by Ann Aguirre (312 pp.)
111. Anarchy and Old Dogs# by Colin Cotterill (272 pp.)
112. Flora's Fury# by Ysabeau Wilce (517 pp.)
113. Clemency Pogue, Fairy Killer by J. T. Petty (120 pp.)
114. A Rule Against Murder% by Louise Penny (365 pp.)
115. Blood and Iron* by Elizabeth Bear (430 pp.)
116. Wrapped# by Jennifer Bradbury (309 pp.)
117. World Soul by Liz Williams (311 pp.)
118. Whiskey and Water# by Elizabeth Bear (431 pp.)
119. The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag# by Alan Bradley (384 pp.)
120. Immortal in Death# by J. D. Robb (320 pp.)
121. Birth of the Firebringer* by Meredith Ann Pierce (202 pp.)
122. Dark Moon% by Meredith Ann Pierce (238 pp.)
123. The Son of Summer Stars% by Meredith Ann Pierce (250 pp.)
Books read in 2012--4th Quarter
* indicates re-read, # indicates library book, + indicates Kindle book, % indicates Book Off The Shelf (BOTS)
October
124. Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman# by Robert Massie (574 pp.)
125. The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde (401 pp.)
126. Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (373 pp.)
127. The Face in the Frost* by John Bellairs (174 pp.)
128. Oath of Fealty* by Elizabeth Moon (471 pp.)
129. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter (309 pp.)
130. Kings of the North* by Elizabeth Moon (478 pp.)
131. Echoes of Betrayal* by Elizabeth Moon (451 pp.)
132. 1Q84+ by Haruki Murikami (946 pp.)
133. Dracula+ by Bram Stoker (408 pp.)
134. New Amsterdam+ by Elizabeth Bear (272 pp.)
135. Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire (353 pp.)
136. Illuminations+ by Mary Sharratt (288 pp.)
137. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch (288 pp.)
138. The Inconvenient Duchess+ by Christine Merrill (380 pp.)
139. Family Magic+ by Patti Larsen (466 pp.)
140. Opal Fire+ by Barbara Annino (313 pp.)
141. The Bewitching Season by Lynn Collum etal. (254 pp.)
142. The White City+ by Elizabeth Bear (182 pp.)
November
143. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency# by Douglas Adams (247 pp.)
144. A Beautiful Friendship# by David Weber (352 pp.)
145. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance* by Lois McMaster Bujold (422 pp.)
146. The Disappearance# by Philip Wylie (405 pp.)
147. Ethan of Athos* by Lois McMaster Bujold (237 pp.)
148. The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech (320 pp.)
149. The Ginger Star by Leigh Brackett (186 pp.)
150. The Hounds of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (182 pp.)
151. The Reavers of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (208 pp.)
152. The Crown of Embers# by Rae Carson (410 pp.)
153. Travels with Charley# by John Steinbeck (246 pp.)
154. Needle* by Hal Clement (207 pp.)
155. The Christmas Rat by Avi (133 pp.)
156. Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin (754 pp.)
December
157. The Demon King# by Cinda Williams Chima (506 pp.)
158. Dodger by Terry Pratchett (360 pp.)
159. Through the Eye of a Needle* by Hal Clement (195 pp.)
160. The Snow Child# by Eowyn Ivey (386 pp.)
161. Redoubt# by Mercedes Lackey (330 pp.)
162. The Hobbit* by J. R. R. Tolkien (317 pp.)
163. The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaardner (160 pp.)
164. Palace of Stone# by Shannon Hale (321 pp,)
165. A Regency Christmas V* by Mary Balogh etal. (351 pp.)
166. One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (117 pp.)
167. So B. It by Sarah Weeks (243
168. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (130 pp.)
169. Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Wrote Her by Melanie Rehak (384 pp.)
170. The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima (586 pp.)
171. How Reading Changed my Life by Anna Quindlen (81 pp.)
5ronincats
Books acquired in 2012
This will be only dead tree books and books for which I actually paid money on my Kindle. All the free Kindle books don't count.
January
1. The Shadow of Saganami by David Weber (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
2. Disappearing Act by Margaret Ball (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
3. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Kindle-Amazon) $14.99
4. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale (Kindle-Amazon) $.99 READ
5. Impossible Things by Connie Willis (PaperBackSwap)
6. Ashes of Victory by David Weber (paperbackswap) (replace)
7. War of Honor by David Weber (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
8. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penney (library sale) $1.00
February
9. Crochet Master Class by Leinhayser and Weiss (Amazon-Kindle) $15.99 READ
10. Undone Deeds by Mark del Franco (Amazon) $7.99 READ
11. Timeless by Gail Carriger (Amazon) $7.99 READ
12. Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon (Amazon) $16.58 READ
13. Reading the Old Testament by Lawrence Boadt (PBS)
14. The Princess Bride by William Goldman (PBS)
March
15. Dragondrums by Anne McCaffrey (BookMooch) (replace)
16. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers (ER) READ
17. Solstice Wood by Patricia McKillip (PBS) READ
18. Buddha by Karen Armstrong (PBS)
19. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, & Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels (Amazon) READ
April
20. The Master of Heathcrest Hall by Galen Beckett (B&N) READ
21. Green Belt Kakuro (B&N)
22. Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch (Mysterious Galaxy) READ
23. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire (Mysterious Galaxy) READ
24. 97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman (gift) READ
25. The Bird Catcher by Laura Jacobs (gift)
May
26. The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin (ER)
June
27. Dead Cold by Louise Penney (BM)
28. The Hounds of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
29. The Reivers of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
30. The Ginger Star by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
31. Hell: A final Word by Edward William Fudge (ER) READ
32. Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya (Amazon)
33. A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix (Amazon Kindle) READ
34. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold (Amazon Kindle) READ
July
35. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (MG) READ
36. REdshirts by John Scalzi (MG) READ
37. How Reading Changed my Life by Anna Quindlen (Abilene yard sale)
38. Timothy's Quest by Kate Douglas Wiggins (Abilene antique store)
39. Turquoise Unearthed by Joe Lowry (Abilene Indian Arts Center)
40. Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie (Abilene Indian Arts Center)
August
41. The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow (ER) READ
42. The Aware by Glenda Larke (PBS)
43. World Soul by Liz Williams (MG)
44. Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch (MG) READ
45. The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper (MG)
46. The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris (PBS)
47. Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen (PBS)
September
48. The Becoming by Jeanne Stein (PBS)
49. Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer by J. T. Petty (PBS)
50. A Bewitching Season by Lynn Collum etal (PBS)
51. The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech ((PBS)
52. Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths by Karen Armstrong (PBS)
53. The Exile and the Sorcerer by Jane Fletcher (PBS)
54. The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder (PBS)
55. Nancy Drey and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak (PBS)
56. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter (ER)
57. No Quarter by Tanya Huff (Adams Avenue Bookstore)
58. The Quartered Sea by Tanya Huff (Adams Avenue Bookstore)
59. The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde (Amazon)
60. Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (Amazon)
61. Dodger by Terry Pratchett (Amazon)
62. Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire (Amazon)
63. Moon over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch (Victoria)
64. To Ride Hell's Chasm by Janny Wurts (PBS)
65. Once on a Time by A. A. Milne (PBS)
66. The Warlock's Curse by M. K. Hobson (gift)
67. The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (MG)
68. Uncharted Territory by Connie Willis (BM)
69. Murder Most Crafty by Maggie Bruce etal. (gift)
70. Tripoint by C. J. Cherryh (PBS)
This will be only dead tree books and books for which I actually paid money on my Kindle. All the free Kindle books don't count.
January
1. The Shadow of Saganami by David Weber (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
2. Disappearing Act by Margaret Ball (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
3. 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami (Kindle-Amazon) $14.99
4. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale (Kindle-Amazon) $.99 READ
5. Impossible Things by Connie Willis (PaperBackSwap)
6. Ashes of Victory by David Weber (paperbackswap) (replace)
7. War of Honor by David Weber (PaperBackSwap) (replace)
8. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penney (library sale) $1.00
February
9. Crochet Master Class by Leinhayser and Weiss (Amazon-Kindle) $15.99 READ
10. Undone Deeds by Mark del Franco (Amazon) $7.99 READ
11. Timeless by Gail Carriger (Amazon) $7.99 READ
12. Echoes of Betrayal by Elizabeth Moon (Amazon) $16.58 READ
13. Reading the Old Testament by Lawrence Boadt (PBS)
14. The Princess Bride by William Goldman (PBS)
March
15. Dragondrums by Anne McCaffrey (BookMooch) (replace)
16. Hide Me Among the Graves by Tim Powers (ER) READ
17. Solstice Wood by Patricia McKillip (PBS) READ
18. Buddha by Karen Armstrong (PBS)
19. Revelations: Visions, Prophecy, & Politics in the Book of Revelation by Elaine Pagels (Amazon) READ
April
20. The Master of Heathcrest Hall by Galen Beckett (B&N) READ
21. Green Belt Kakuro (B&N)
22. Touched by an Alien by Gini Koch (Mysterious Galaxy) READ
23. Discount Armageddon by Seanan McGuire (Mysterious Galaxy) READ
24. 97 Orchard by Jane Ziegelman (gift) READ
25. The Bird Catcher by Laura Jacobs (gift)
May
26. The Killing Moon by N. K. Jemisin (ER)
June
27. Dead Cold by Louise Penney (BM)
28. The Hounds of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
29. The Reivers of Skaith by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
30. The Ginger Star by Leigh Brackett (PBS)
31. Hell: A final Word by Edward William Fudge (ER) READ
32. Crafting with Cat Hair by Kaori Tsutaya (Amazon)
33. A Confusion of Princes by Garth Nix (Amazon Kindle) READ
34. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Bujold (Amazon Kindle) READ
July
35. The Long Earth by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter (MG) READ
36. REdshirts by John Scalzi (MG) READ
37. How Reading Changed my Life by Anna Quindlen (Abilene yard sale)
38. Timothy's Quest by Kate Douglas Wiggins (Abilene antique store)
39. Turquoise Unearthed by Joe Lowry (Abilene Indian Arts Center)
40. Reservation Blues by Sherman Alexie (Abilene Indian Arts Center)
August
41. The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow (ER) READ
42. The Aware by Glenda Larke (PBS)
43. World Soul by Liz Williams (MG)
44. Midnight Riot by Ben Aaronovitch (MG) READ
45. The Doomsday Vault by Steven Harper (MG)
46. The Cloister Walk by Kathleen Norris (PBS)
47. Sword of the Rightful King by Jane Yolen (PBS)
September
48. The Becoming by Jeanne Stein (PBS)
49. Clemency Pogue: Fairy Killer by J. T. Petty (PBS)
50. A Bewitching Season by Lynn Collum etal (PBS)
51. The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech ((PBS)
52. Jerusalem: One City, Three Faiths by Karen Armstrong (PBS)
53. The Exile and the Sorcerer by Jane Fletcher (PBS)
54. The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaarder (PBS)
55. Nancy Drey and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak (PBS)
56. Constantine the Emperor by David Potter (ER)
57. No Quarter by Tanya Huff (Adams Avenue Bookstore)
58. The Quartered Sea by Tanya Huff (Adams Avenue Bookstore)
59. The Woman Who Died a Lot by Jasper Fforde (Amazon)
60. Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller (Amazon)
61. Dodger by Terry Pratchett (Amazon)
62. Ashes of Honor by Seanan McGuire (Amazon)
63. Moon over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch (Victoria)
64. To Ride Hell's Chasm by Janny Wurts (PBS)
65. Once on a Time by A. A. Milne (PBS)
66. The Warlock's Curse by M. K. Hobson (gift)
67. The New Moon's Arms by Nalo Hopkinson (MG)
68. Uncharted Territory by Connie Willis (BM)
69. Murder Most Crafty by Maggie Bruce etal. (gift)
70. Tripoint by C. J. Cherryh (PBS)
7LizzieD
Happy New Thread, Roni! You and I are engaged in the same task except that I'm simpler than you, and I'm finished.
What gorgeous pictures!!!! What an exciting place to live!
What impressive reading you've done this year! I'm sidling out in shame.
What gorgeous pictures!!!! What an exciting place to live!
What impressive reading you've done this year! I'm sidling out in shame.
8ronincats
Hey, Peggy! What have I told you about this being a NO SHAME zone? Off to look at your new thread now.
9ErisofDiscord
Loving the pictures! As someone who is very fond of San Diego, I'm happy to see it all Christmas-fied. :)
11RebaRelishesReading
Happy new thread. Love the beautiful holiday pics of our home town and also very much like your holiday wish. May we concentrate on the brotherhood/sisterhood of humanity throughout the year.
12humouress
Happy new thread. Merry Christmas in advance.
I like the new pots; I wouldn't have thought of that sweet pink for something as ... solid as a pot, but it works. Snazzy mug handles.
Nice photos. (For some reason, the ship parade come out wider than my screen)
I like the new pots; I wouldn't have thought of that sweet pink for something as ... solid as a pot, but it works. Snazzy mug handles.
Nice photos. (For some reason, the ship parade come out wider than my screen)
14cameling
I love that photo of the brave little Christmas tree on the beach. I can just see it being whipped around when the wind comes through.
15HanGerg
Hi Roni!
Just checking in after a quick catch up on the threads. How I admire all your crafty achievements. I love your ornamental hooks, but am I missing something obvious - what do you use them for???? I think they'd be great worked into jewellery.
Just checking in after a quick catch up on the threads. How I admire all your crafty achievements. I love your ornamental hooks, but am I missing something obvious - what do you use them for???? I think they'd be great worked into jewellery.
17ronincats
Good morning, all! Just finished a frittata I made with yellow bell pepper, sweet onion, mushroom, feta cheese, and the left-over garlic shrimp from the other night--yummy!--and feel ready to face the day. Looks lovely outside, not a cloud in the blue, blue sky and 65º. Time to sweep the leaves off the deck again, like we did earlier in the week.
Don't we have a lovely place to enjoy, Reba?
Ooh, Nina, you like my handles! Thank you! Pulling handles is still tricky for me--I'm going to be pulling a big one for my teapot next week, so wish me luck. Merry Christmas to you, too. And the boat picture is too big. I once knew how to resize a picture for the thread--I will try to look that up in our how-to thread today and fix that.
Amber, you know we'd love to have you!
I liked that one too, Caro. I found it while I was looking for one with lighted-up palm trees, and thought it captured the spirit.
Hannah, the ornament hooks are for Christmas ornaments on the tree. I need a Christmas ring, however, and think I'll play around some more and make me one with some of the same wire and beads.
Thank you, Lucy. I thought my husband was going to be agitating for a tree all week, and he hasn't said a word, even though we rearranged the living room last weekend to create a space for it. Probably Monday or Tuesday, though--I'm ready!
Don't we have a lovely place to enjoy, Reba?
Ooh, Nina, you like my handles! Thank you! Pulling handles is still tricky for me--I'm going to be pulling a big one for my teapot next week, so wish me luck. Merry Christmas to you, too. And the boat picture is too big. I once knew how to resize a picture for the thread--I will try to look that up in our how-to thread today and fix that.
Amber, you know we'd love to have you!
I liked that one too, Caro. I found it while I was looking for one with lighted-up palm trees, and thought it captured the spirit.
Hannah, the ornament hooks are for Christmas ornaments on the tree. I need a Christmas ring, however, and think I'll play around some more and make me one with some of the same wire and beads.
Thank you, Lucy. I thought my husband was going to be agitating for a tree all week, and he hasn't said a word, even though we rearranged the living room last weekend to create a space for it. Probably Monday or Tuesday, though--I'm ready!
18ronincats
Book #159 Through the Eye of a Needle* by Hal Clement (195 pp.)
Occurring a little over 7 years than Needle (book #155) in book time, this was written 28 years later by Clement, as pointed out in his Apology/Foreword. His apology is for using the incorrect word "symbiote" instead of the correct one, "symbiont". But there are other signs that this book was written in a different time frame than the first. The biggest one is the presence of female characters in key roles, even represented as more intelligent than our male protagonist (same as in the first book, but now with a degree in chemical engineering, as he's just graduated). Instead of a pack of boys to share his adventures as in the first book, two feisty girls nearly take over, with support from the adults in on the secret. I have never felt that this book was, however, quite at the same level of suspense as the first book, despite the actions of a sociopathic 11 year old in this book, and have never been sure as to whether this is because saving Robert's life is of less import to me as finding the fugitive alien, or simply the now-familiar setting. Still a fun book.
20RebaRelishesReading
Indeed we do live in a great place. We went to Bertha's in Old Town for lunch. I was sitting there in the sun enjoying wonderful food and content to the center of my bone marrow.
The two blue mugs in front really remind me one a favorite of mine that I paid pretty big bucks for at Heath Ceramics many years ago. How much more special to be able to make it yourself.
The two blue mugs in front really remind me one a favorite of mine that I paid pretty big bucks for at Heath Ceramics many years ago. How much more special to be able to make it yourself.
21ronincats
Just so anyone interested can see the mugs to which you are referring--this is the batch I brought home yesterday.
22cushlareads
Gorgeous pottery, Roni!
24divinenanny
Happy new thread :D
25Chatterbox
Happy holidays!!
27RosyLibrarian
I'm drooling over your frittata description...
28LizzieD
That's quite a successful batch, I think! Love the bigger cup and the green pot. (I'm potty for green.)
29Donna828
What great thoughts to begin your Christmassy thread, Roni. And you've done a super job of reaching most of your goals for 2012. It's been a real joy watching your achievements for the year, including all the beautiful jewelry and pottery you have made.
30jnwelch
Hah! Liking your Christmas tree up top, Roni. What a lovely part of the world you live in.
31DeltaQueen50
Hi Roni, I've enjoyed catching up here and seeing all your lovely creations. Those ornament hooks are fantastic, I bet there could be a market for those. I'm struggling with getting into the spirit of Christmas this year, perhaps after we finish trimming the tree, I will be feeling a little more festive.
32ronincats
Ooh, visitors! Welcome, welcome to Cushla, Katherine, Sara, Suzanne, Morphy, Marie, Peggy, Donna, Joe, and Judy! You are all thoroughly appreciated.
Well, today did not end up being the day I planned. We did not get our walk with the dog, or buy the Christmas tree, or get out to buy Lego Duplos for a great nephew. We were all ready to start our walk when my husband got a call from the nonprofit he is volunteering with asking if he could come in for a bit. 4 hours later...then he had to go pick up a friend. So I put earring posts on the glass for earrings to go with bracelet and necklace for one niece after cleaning the kitchen, and otherwise just futzed around, since I was expecting him home any time. Tonight I worked on the current infinity scarf while watching the Voice. And now I'm heading to be with a book to read--if I can just decide which one.
Judy, I'm working on building ideas and inventory with the idea of doing a stall in a craft show next holiday season. So the ornament hooks are for family, but with the idea that I will do some for sale in the coming year. Hope your festivity arrives soon, now that you are feeling a little better.
Well, today did not end up being the day I planned. We did not get our walk with the dog, or buy the Christmas tree, or get out to buy Lego Duplos for a great nephew. We were all ready to start our walk when my husband got a call from the nonprofit he is volunteering with asking if he could come in for a bit. 4 hours later...then he had to go pick up a friend. So I put earring posts on the glass for earrings to go with bracelet and necklace for one niece after cleaning the kitchen, and otherwise just futzed around, since I was expecting him home any time. Tonight I worked on the current infinity scarf while watching the Voice. And now I'm heading to be with a book to read--if I can just decide which one.
Judy, I'm working on building ideas and inventory with the idea of doing a stall in a craft show next holiday season. So the ornament hooks are for family, but with the idea that I will do some for sale in the coming year. Hope your festivity arrives soon, now that you are feeling a little better.
33bluesalamanders
I like the mugs, too, roni. The shape is great - they look like they'd be perfect to hold cupped in your hands on a cold day - and the glazes are lovely.
34dk_phoenix
I think the greenish-blue glaze is my favorite of the ones in that image! Just gorgeous.
35sibylline
Those big mugs are sooooo my kind of coffee mug! >33 bluesalamanders: nails it!
36Storeetllr
Hi, Roni ~ I'm sure you've probably already read it, but, if you haven't (and you have a Kindle), Amazon has The Grand Sophy for $1.99 today. Just thought I'd mention it.
BTW, love the first pic on the thread!
BTW, love the first pic on the thread!
37ChelleBearss
HI Roni!
I always feel like there needs to be snow for it to really feel like Christmas here, but your holiday photos up top make me wish for Christmas at the beach!
I always feel like there needs to be snow for it to really feel like Christmas here, but your holiday photos up top make me wish for Christmas at the beach!
38ronincats
Thanks, blue and Faith and Lucy--hope my nephew and his wife like them as much as you!
Amy, that's one of my favorites, but thanks for the heads up.
Hannah, we have to work to get the Christmas spirit here, with no white Christmas, but I think we succeed.
We are FINALLY heading out to get the tree in a few minutes, but here are my last two projects. The purple-blue neckwarmer still needs its buttons, but I just finished the blue infiniti scarf at bedtime last night.
Amy, that's one of my favorites, but thanks for the heads up.
Hannah, we have to work to get the Christmas spirit here, with no white Christmas, but I think we succeed.
We are FINALLY heading out to get the tree in a few minutes, but here are my last two projects. The purple-blue neckwarmer still needs its buttons, but I just finished the blue infiniti scarf at bedtime last night.
40ronincats
Well, Kerry, to tell the truth, I didn't get any reading done yesterday. But I usually crochet while watching TV.
42ronincats
Tree is up with lights on, and we are getting ready to leave for a dinner concert with Aaron Neville.
43dk_phoenix
Aaron Neville! What a concert that will be, I bet. Let us know how it goes!
44ronincats
It was a great one! What a voice! He sang so many great songs, including this one:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4pv8H03Xag
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4pv8H03Xag
46TadAD
I like that bottom left mug—the breaking of colors around the rim came out quite nicely—and the shape is the kind of mug I like: hefty.
Feel free to send it to me...I can PM you my address. ;-D
Have you tried the blue glaze completely over the green? They look like they might give an interesting depth.
I've been experimenting with some combinations of glaze colors the last couple of classes. I tried a blue over a green on a serving bowl and really liked the result with just the hint of green on break edges:
My latest experiment is on a lamp base. It's actually four colors: a temoku base, with a light green (the tannish/yellowish color you see), a teal (becomes the gray color) and a light blue (the bluish highlights). I think the surface really shows a lot of life! For some reason the lighter portions make me think of a Turner painting.
Feel free to send it to me...I can PM you my address. ;-D
Have you tried the blue glaze completely over the green? They look like they might give an interesting depth.
I've been experimenting with some combinations of glaze colors the last couple of classes. I tried a blue over a green on a serving bowl and really liked the result with just the hint of green on break edges:
My latest experiment is on a lamp base. It's actually four colors: a temoku base, with a light green (the tannish/yellowish color you see), a teal (becomes the gray color) and a light blue (the bluish highlights). I think the surface really shows a lot of life! For some reason the lighter portions make me think of a Turner painting.
47ronincats
Yay! A rainy day here in San Diego! At last! My plants are just drinking it up. You can just see them contentedly relaxing, as if in a spa. So this morning's plans are to put my ornaments on the Christmas tree and to wrap gifts and box them up for mailing tomorrow.
Thank you, Amber!
Tad, those are fascinating glazes! I really like them both.
Our teacher encourages us to only put the pours on the top third of the piece, as if the second coat is at the bottom, it slides down and glues the piece to the kiln shelf. The mugs are actually cappucino over caramel steam--I love the iridescences and other colors that emerge in the firing.
Thank you, Amber!
Tad, those are fascinating glazes! I really like them both.
Our teacher encourages us to only put the pours on the top third of the piece, as if the second coat is at the bottom, it slides down and glues the piece to the kiln shelf. The mugs are actually cappucino over caramel steam--I love the iridescences and other colors that emerge in the firing.
48TadAD
>47 ronincats:: Ah, perhaps her glazes are runnier than ours. We do a have one or two that run a fair bit. With those, we wax up a fair bit and then do very quick dips (~2 secs on first, ~1 sec on second). But, we still have to be careful for just the reason you mention.
For the "stodgier" glazes, as long as there's a 1/8" waxing around the bottom, we're usually good.
For the "stodgier" glazes, as long as there's a 1/8" waxing around the bottom, we're usually good.
51ronincats
I think your teacher does more with the technical side of glazing than mine, Tad. I haven't used waxing yet.
Thanks, Ardene. And I agree with you and Brenda, Tad's glazes ARE amazing!
Well, it's been a little slow around the thread lately. (I feel like Garrison Keillor opening a Lake Woebegone segment.) I am going in to finally put the ornaments on the tree right now. But I did get all the family gifts wrapped and shipped out yesterday! Hurrah! Now I have Christmas cards to do.
I'm currently in the middle of The Snow Child and started my reread of The Hobbit last night. Also in Chapter 8 of The Social Conquest of Earth.
Thanks, Ardene. And I agree with you and Brenda, Tad's glazes ARE amazing!
Well, it's been a little slow around the thread lately. (I feel like Garrison Keillor opening a Lake Woebegone segment.) I am going in to finally put the ornaments on the tree right now. But I did get all the family gifts wrapped and shipped out yesterday! Hurrah! Now I have Christmas cards to do.
I'm currently in the middle of The Snow Child and started my reread of The Hobbit last night. Also in Chapter 8 of The Social Conquest of Earth.
52qebo
51: Chapter 8 of The Social Conquest of Earth
I've bumped this to 2013. I had to slip another book into the queue for a RL event, and I'd rather read this book when I'm not pressed for time. I'll hit 75 with little room to spare, and that little room will be your summary of The Closing of the Western Mind as 76.
I've bumped this to 2013. I had to slip another book into the queue for a RL event, and I'd rather read this book when I'm not pressed for time. I'll hit 75 with little room to spare, and that little room will be your summary of The Closing of the Western Mind as 76.
53LauraBrook
Hi Roni! Great pieces as usual, both ceramic and fiber. And your tree looks so lovely and happy in your home. :) Hope this is finding you well!
Tad, impressive stuff! I wish I had half of the ceramic talent that you and Roni have!
Tad, impressive stuff! I wish I had half of the ceramic talent that you and Roni have!
54PaulCranswick
Roni - You crossed my mind on Friday and particularly your admonition about not buying from the Sci-Fi shelves. I picked up The Once and Future King by TH White from those self same shelves during my lunch break. They had it pegged as a fantasy but for a died-in-the-wool Englishman, the Arthurian legends are historical novels!
Have a lovely weekend.
Have a lovely weekend.
55AnneDC
Hi Roni! I guess this is still sort of a new thread, new to me at least. I love your beautiful pictures of San Diego and your tree is lovely too. And it's always nice to see your latest pots--amazing.
I keep looking at The Snow Child and The Social Conquest of Earth but so far have not picked either one up.
I keep looking at The Snow Child and The Social Conquest of Earth but so far have not picked either one up.
56humouress
>46 TadAD:: Gorgeous colours, Tad.
>52 qebo:: qebo, you might have to expand that little room; her summaries are almost a book in themselves!
>52 qebo:: qebo, you might have to expand that little room; her summaries are almost a book in themselves!
57qebo
56: I feel morally obligated to make it #76: http://www.librarything.com/topic/137995#3452080 . On vacation next week, so it's manageable.
58ronincats
Katherine, I am honored--and looking forward to your review! (No pressure!) The Social Conquest is much, much dryer.
Thank you, Laura. Good to see you here.
Paul, I'm not at all sure I'll let you use The Once and Future King to meet your science fiction obligation!
Anne, I'm in the last section of The Snow Child and moving slowly because I am antsy--knowing that this story usually doesn't have a happy ending. I'm going to try to power through it today.
Hey, Nina, glad you came by!
Here are the mugs I brought home on Saturday. And I finished assembling my first teapot, but it will be 4 weeks before it is dry, fired, glazed, and fired again and home.
And I went to the library to pick up a bunch of my holds that had come in: Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey, The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima, Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin, and Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale. Fortunately fairly fast, light reads, all. AND on the 10¢ table, look at what I found for my elementary school library--chapter books just like my librarian had asked for!
Thank you, Laura. Good to see you here.
Paul, I'm not at all sure I'll let you use The Once and Future King to meet your science fiction obligation!
Anne, I'm in the last section of The Snow Child and moving slowly because I am antsy--knowing that this story usually doesn't have a happy ending. I'm going to try to power through it today.
Hey, Nina, glad you came by!
Here are the mugs I brought home on Saturday. And I finished assembling my first teapot, but it will be 4 weeks before it is dry, fired, glazed, and fired again and home.
And I went to the library to pick up a bunch of my holds that had come in: Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey, The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima, Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin, and Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale. Fortunately fairly fast, light reads, all. AND on the 10¢ table, look at what I found for my elementary school library--chapter books just like my librarian had asked for!
59ronincats
Book #160 The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey (386 pp.)
First of all, this is a beautifully written book. The author is a native Alaskan and her love for this country and its wildlife is evident in her evocative descriptions throughout the book. It is also a good winter book, although not, I think, a Christmas book. A February book,that would be about perfect. Or maybe to be read in the heat of summer for a virtual cool-down.
But it is based on a Russian folk-tale, and we all know those cannot end happily. There is a bittersweet acceptance of the end--it is not drear and empty--but it foreshadowed the whole book for me, despite the beauty.
61scaifea
Four weeks?!? I have to wait four weeks to see the teapot!?! Sigh. I'm so excited and impatient! :)
Love the mugs! And what a great haul for the library! Love stopping by your thread - always something cool going on around here.
Love the mugs! And what a great haul for the library! Love stopping by your thread - always something cool going on around here.
62TadAD
>58 ronincats:: I like the mugs. The one on the left seems a good tea mug and the one on the right what I'd want for cream soups. :-) I'm looking forward to seeing your teapot.
>59 ronincats:: I set it aside. As I said elsewhere, I've got too many books going for comfort and this one was not only the most recently started, it seemed the most deserving of attention. I'm pretty much a sap for happy endings...and, as you say, Russian folk tales don't go there very often. So, I'm anticipating (n the strict sense, not the "looking forward happily" sense) a bit of sorrow on my part when I resume. What a dour people, literature-wise!
>59 ronincats:: I set it aside. As I said elsewhere, I've got too many books going for comfort and this one was not only the most recently started, it seemed the most deserving of attention. I'm pretty much a sap for happy endings...and, as you say, Russian folk tales don't go there very often. So, I'm anticipating (n the strict sense, not the "looking forward happily" sense) a bit of sorrow on my part when I resume. What a dour people, literature-wise!
63ronincats
>60 qebo: --or in the taste of the beholder? ;^D
Yes, Amber, we ALL have to wait 4 weeks. *sigh* Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, Tad. Re: The Snow Child--yes, when I wrote the review, I was thinking that this didn't seem the book for you right now.
Book #161 Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey (330 pp.)
This is book 4 in the Collegium Chronicles, which follows the adventures of Mags in the days when the training of Heralds was moving from individual apprenticeship to an institution, the Colleges we encounter in Lackey's earlier books (written earlier, chronologically later). May I say that I think I've outgrown Lackey? There is nothing wrong with her stories here--they seem quite similar to the earliest ones that I loved back when, the Arrows of the Queen trilogy, but that is part of the problem. There was a time when I gobbled up any new details about Valdemar--now it all seems the same.
Yes, Amber, we ALL have to wait 4 weeks. *sigh* Thanks for stopping by.
Thanks, Tad. Re: The Snow Child--yes, when I wrote the review, I was thinking that this didn't seem the book for you right now.
Book #161 Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey (330 pp.)
This is book 4 in the Collegium Chronicles, which follows the adventures of Mags in the days when the training of Heralds was moving from individual apprenticeship to an institution, the Colleges we encounter in Lackey's earlier books (written earlier, chronologically later). May I say that I think I've outgrown Lackey? There is nothing wrong with her stories here--they seem quite similar to the earliest ones that I loved back when, the Arrows of the Queen trilogy, but that is part of the problem. There was a time when I gobbled up any new details about Valdemar--now it all seems the same.
64curioussquared
63 - I feel the same way about the Collegium Chronicles, Roni. Honestly, though, I don't know if I'd say the fault is entirely on us as readers - I've always felt for some reason that the Collegium Chronicles just aren't quite up to the standard of some of Lackey's old stuff. It might be just what you said - even though these books are supposed to be the story of the founding of the Collegium, they feel suspiciously like stories we've heard before.
I'll probably read Redoubt out of habit, but it might be awhile :)
I'll probably read Redoubt out of habit, but it might be awhile :)
65ronincats
I'm getting this series from the library, Natalie, as they become available. At least they are quick and tolerable reads!
Book #162 The Hobbit* by J. R. R. Tolkien (317 pp.)
I read The Lord of the Rings several times before I ever first read The Hobbit, and this has always seemed very much a lightweight compared to the depth and gravitas of LOTR. But on its own, it is an enchanting adventure tale for children, from its occasional authorial asides to its non-stop action, and I have enjoyed refreshing my memory prior to seeing the movie (hopefully later this week). I am also quite intrigued by the decision to put some of the backstory, to be found in the appendices to LOTR, into the movie itself, which will give it more depth.
Book #162 The Hobbit* by J. R. R. Tolkien (317 pp.)
I read The Lord of the Rings several times before I ever first read The Hobbit, and this has always seemed very much a lightweight compared to the depth and gravitas of LOTR. But on its own, it is an enchanting adventure tale for children, from its occasional authorial asides to its non-stop action, and I have enjoyed refreshing my memory prior to seeing the movie (hopefully later this week). I am also quite intrigued by the decision to put some of the backstory, to be found in the appendices to LOTR, into the movie itself, which will give it more depth.
66cameling
Roni, I've a mind to watch the movie on Thursday this week and am also brushing up on the story with a re-read of The Hobbit. I've heard conflicting reviews of the movie from friends. One who's read the book said he was underwhelmed by the movie, and 2 others who had not read the book, loved the movie, but said that it's going to be another trilogy!
67sibylline
We totally enjoyed the movie and now I plan to reread The Hobbit which will probably lead to another Tolkien feeding frenzy...... oh well....... The dwarves singing, it made the hair go up on my neck, beautiful......
68ronincats
I know, Lucy--I'm fighting off the almost overwhelming desire to drop off my other reads and immerse myself in Middle Earth immediately!
Caro, I think we'll probably also go see the movie on Thursday, and it's gotten pretty good reviews on LT from Tolkien lovers, such as Lucy above--looking forward to it so much!
Caro, I think we'll probably also go see the movie on Thursday, and it's gotten pretty good reviews on LT from Tolkien lovers, such as Lucy above--looking forward to it so much!
69Morphidae
Lackey has certainly lost her touch. I don't think that it's re-hashed plots but rather she's just phoning them in now. It makes me sad.
70DeltaQueen50
Hi Roni, waving as I pass through.
71quinaquisset
I've been getting the Valdemar books through the library too. What I've noticed is that she will tell you exactly what her characters are thinking and feeling, rather than showing it. It slows down the narrative a lot. It's possibly good for younger folk who don't process thinkings and feelings very well. I'm a bit scared to go back to her earlier stuff to see if it was happening then also, but I doubt it--those books moved.
I also read Dodger recently and enjoyed that as well, although I don't know my Victorian historical figures very well if they weren't in Doctor Who.
I also read Dodger recently and enjoyed that as well, although I don't know my Victorian historical figures very well if they weren't in Doctor Who.
72avatiakh
I've already seen The Hobbit twice! My daughter wanted to see it again, so we did. We'll probably watch the extended dvds of tLotR over the weekend.
73ronincats
The movie is scheduled for tomorrow morning! I'm looking forward to it, especially after hearing all of your reactions--Caro, Lucy, Kerry, I'm looking at you!
Morphy and QQ--yes, such a pity, after the excitement of her earlier writing. Glad you liked Dodger too, QQ.
Hi, Judy--hope you are feeling better, and that your weather is improving!
Book #163 The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaardner 160 pp.)
I don't know who recommended this last year--both calm and Kerry have it in their libraries so they are possibilities--but this translated and abridged edition is a lovely little Norwegian Christmas fable for youngsters. My first formal Christmas reading this year, this was a great one to start with!
Morphy and QQ--yes, such a pity, after the excitement of her earlier writing. Glad you liked Dodger too, QQ.
Hi, Judy--hope you are feeling better, and that your weather is improving!
Book #163 The Christmas Mystery by Jostein Gaardner 160 pp.)
I don't know who recommended this last year--both calm and Kerry have it in their libraries so they are possibilities--but this translated and abridged edition is a lovely little Norwegian Christmas fable for youngsters. My first formal Christmas reading this year, this was a great one to start with!
74ronincats
Finished last night at bedtime:
Book #164 Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale (321 pp.)
This is the sequel to the original Princess Academy, and an interesting follow-up to the usual "happily ever after". There were a few slow parts for me in the middle of the book, but overall I'm quite happy with where Hale went with the story.
We went and saw The Hobbit movie today, and enjoyed it. We saw the regular version--no 3D or IMAX or fast frame--and I couldn't tell the seams with the shaggy ponies. I always pictured Radagast as a big, quiet man, and the rabbits gave me the giggles. But it was quite enjoyable--the time flew by without us noticing it, and my husband, who hasn't read any Tolkien but really loved the LOTR movies, was definitely thumbs up on this one as well. The good thing about them stretching it out to 3 movies is that we get to anticipate spending that much more time in Middle Earth.
Boxes arrived from the Midwest and so it finally looks like Christmas under our tree! And I mailed off the Christmas cards today too.
Book #164 Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale (321 pp.)
This is the sequel to the original Princess Academy, and an interesting follow-up to the usual "happily ever after". There were a few slow parts for me in the middle of the book, but overall I'm quite happy with where Hale went with the story.
We went and saw The Hobbit movie today, and enjoyed it. We saw the regular version--no 3D or IMAX or fast frame--and I couldn't tell the seams with the shaggy ponies. I always pictured Radagast as a big, quiet man, and the rabbits gave me the giggles. But it was quite enjoyable--the time flew by without us noticing it, and my husband, who hasn't read any Tolkien but really loved the LOTR movies, was definitely thumbs up on this one as well. The good thing about them stretching it out to 3 movies is that we get to anticipate spending that much more time in Middle Earth.
Boxes arrived from the Midwest and so it finally looks like Christmas under our tree! And I mailed off the Christmas cards today too.
75RosyLibrarian
I liked Hale's Austenland, but I haven't given these a try. Thanks for the recommendation, have a wonderful Christmas!
76ronincats
Her YA are very different from her Austenland books, but still quite enjoyable, Marie. Same to ya!
Book #165 Regency Christmas V* by Mary Balogh etal. (351 pp.)
Some light Christmas re-reading, this volume must be one I haven't read as many times as some, as I didn't remember ANY of the stories, rather a nice surprise. Short story romances set in the Regency period at Christmas--no surprises but fun Christmas feelings.
Book #165 Regency Christmas V* by Mary Balogh etal. (351 pp.)
Some light Christmas re-reading, this volume must be one I haven't read as many times as some, as I didn't remember ANY of the stories, rather a nice surprise. Short story romances set in the Regency period at Christmas--no surprises but fun Christmas feelings.
77sibylline
Ah, Roni, As Gimli would say: What are we waitin' for? I got out my annotated Hobbit last night and fell right in. I can't decide though, whether I shouldn't just read it once and then look at the notes. Most of it I do know. I was given this book a few years ago and have never read it from cover to cover. And I now have all the Christopher background material books and am dying to read them all...... hmm I don't do the Challenges because I like reading mostly randomly but maybe I could have a few resolutions?
78PaulCranswick
Roni we have had a huge book fair in KL in the last week and I of course indulged. Thought of you when I bought Odd John by Olaf Stapledon which seems absolutely died-in-the-wool sci-fi.
Thinking of you again in wishing you a very happy Christmas. x
Thinking of you again in wishing you a very happy Christmas. x
79Storeetllr
Hi, Roni ~ Stopping by to wish you a very Merry Christmas!
81avatiakh
Roni - so pleased that you and your hubby enjoyed The Hobbit. Your Christmas themed reads look lovely and relaxing. All the best for the holidays.
82ronincats
Lucy, I find some annotated works really add to a work, and others just seem superfluous. Let me know which one The Hobbit is, please, when you finish it.
Paul, I left a message for you on your thread of elation at the SIX or SEVEN science fiction or fantasy authors you purchased among your restrained purchasing, but the most exciting is Ursula Le Guin!
Hi Amy and Rhian and Kerry. I will get around to everyone's threads tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, to wish you the best. Thank you for thinking of me and visiting here!
Book #166 One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (117 pp.)
I wanted something new and Christmasy so I borrowed this from the Amazon Prime Kindle Lending Library. This is a light fluffy romance with a Christmas theme, and of course a happy ending.
Paul, I left a message for you on your thread of elation at the SIX or SEVEN science fiction or fantasy authors you purchased among your restrained purchasing, but the most exciting is Ursula Le Guin!
Hi Amy and Rhian and Kerry. I will get around to everyone's threads tomorrow, on Christmas Eve, to wish you the best. Thank you for thinking of me and visiting here!
Book #166 One Snowy Night Before Christmas by Pamela Fryer (117 pp.)
I wanted something new and Christmasy so I borrowed this from the Amazon Prime Kindle Lending Library. This is a light fluffy romance with a Christmas theme, and of course a happy ending.
84drachenbraut23
HI Roni, I wish you a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year :)
85ronincats
Thank you so much, Hannah and Bianca! What lovely graphics!
Book #167 Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin (288 pp.)
Another lovely fable grounded in Chinese folk tales. I still love Where the Mountain Meets the Moon more, but I don't know if it was because I liked the story itself more or if I enjoyed discovering the novelty of her technique for the first time. This one was also highly enjoyable and suitable for third grade on up. Its story-telling technique would make either of these great read-alouds.
Book #167 Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin (288 pp.)
Another lovely fable grounded in Chinese folk tales. I still love Where the Mountain Meets the Moon more, but I don't know if it was because I liked the story itself more or if I enjoyed discovering the novelty of her technique for the first time. This one was also highly enjoyable and suitable for third grade on up. Its story-telling technique would make either of these great read-alouds.
86ronincats
Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics
Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics
Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics
Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics
Mind me not! I am simply playing around trying to decide which graphics I am going to load down your threads with as I come around today wishing you one and all, regardless of faith or belief, a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All.
88DeltaQueen50
Oh it's so bright and sparkly here. Have a very Merry Christmas, Roni, and since I'm going to be away, have a Happy New Years as well. I'll catch up with you on the 2013 Challenge when I get back.
93ronincats
O, special holiday wishes to all my lovely visitors--Caro, Judy, Katherine, apachecat, Ellen, Ilana, and especially Coco!
Book #168 So B. It by Sarah Weeks (243 pp.)
This is one I wouldn't have found without Linda's (Whisper) recommendation. Thank you so much, my dear. I found it very engaging and am so glad you directed me that way.
Book #168 So B. It by Sarah Weeks (243 pp.)
This is one I wouldn't have found without Linda's (Whisper) recommendation. Thank you so much, my dear. I found it very engaging and am so glad you directed me that way.
97RosyLibrarian
Merry Christmas, Roni!
98phebj
Just dropping by (and delurking) with some Christmas cheer from me and the Moomins (another great LT find). Although we don't share alot of the same books, I love visiting your thread to see all your art work.
99ronincats
Anne, calm, Darryl, Marie, Pat--welcome and thank you for the Christmas wishes! It's been a good day so far--I got 4 books, including one of essays by Diana Wynne Jones that my library doesn't have that I've been wanting.
101ronincats
I found the tan cat and the shark immediately. I think the gray cat is on the table behind the dog bed and in front of the clock. Now, I had no difficulty locating Posey at all!
We made our traditional visit down to Seaport Village this afternoon, and here is a picture of the sunset on the bay.
We made our traditional visit down to Seaport Village this afternoon, and here is a picture of the sunset on the bay.
103scaifea
Whoa, you took that picture yourself? It looks like a print ordered from a shop! Amazing! Meanwhile, We've got the majority of last week's 14 inches still on the ground here, and the predicted 10-14 inches for my parents may keep us from getting there tomorrow. Sigh.
105apachecat
Roni amazing sunset photo and I am going to have to keep searching for the grey cat....Merry Christmas
106sibylline
You got it Roni - the fun thing is that when I took the photo I had NO IDEA any other pets except the dog were in it. The shark is a remote controlled dirigible that is a gift for my nephew, but requires several days (and lots of tooth-gnashing) to assemble.
And that is a very wonderful photo.
And that is a very wonderful photo.
108ronincats
Brenda, the tradition actually arose years ago, because the husband always wants to get out of the house, and wandering down there, we found out that the shops there are required by their contracts to be open every day of the year, so it was the only place around that had activity on Christmas. Yesterday, I saw lots of drug stores, liquor stores, pizzarias, and neighborhood markets open, in contrast to back then.
Yes, Amber, that is my own photo. Thanks, Pat and apachecat and Lucy--I took a batch, and missed some even more spectacular ones a bit later because we were driving in the car.
Piyush, always good to see you here!
Last night at bedtime, I finished up
Book #169 A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens
After watching two of the movies this season, I wanted to reread the book as well. I was surprised, as always, by some of the florid language Dickens tosses in here, but the story itself is marvelous, again as always.
Yes, Amber, that is my own photo. Thanks, Pat and apachecat and Lucy--I took a batch, and missed some even more spectacular ones a bit later because we were driving in the car.
Piyush, always good to see you here!
Last night at bedtime, I finished up
Book #169 A Christmas Carol* by Charles Dickens
After watching two of the movies this season, I wanted to reread the book as well. I was surprised, as always, by some of the florid language Dickens tosses in here, but the story itself is marvelous, again as always.
109LauraBrook
So glad you had a lovely Christmas, Roni. Merry Belated!!!!
110quinaquisset
Thanks to you Roni, I also received the Diana Wynne Jones essays. The few I've read so far have been very thoughtful and full of insight. Happy New Year!
111ronincats
Thank you, Laura!
QQ, I'm so excited that you got it too. I haven't had a chance to start it yet, but would love to share reactions with you.
Book #179 Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak (314 pp.)
This book was recommended by Richard, and was very interesting and informative. It is now wending its way to my sister to keep, since she was the big Nancy Drew fan.
QQ, I'm so excited that you got it too. I haven't had a chance to start it yet, but would love to share reactions with you.
Book #179 Girl Sleuth: Nancy Drew and the Women Who Created Her by Melanie Rehak (314 pp.)
This book was recommended by Richard, and was very interesting and informative. It is now wending its way to my sister to keep, since she was the big Nancy Drew fan.
112drachenbraut23
Hi Roni, I agree with everyone else that it is a beautiful Christmas tradition to visit the lake and I also loved the picture, we usually take a long walk on Christmas Eve as well just after we put up our Christmas tree :). I have got So B. It on my wishlist for next year.
113dk_phoenix
The book of Diana Wynne Jones essays looks fab! On the list it goes.
114RebaRelishesReading
Hi Roni - sounds like you had a nice Christmas! I love that you got the Nancy Drew book. Those were my all time favorite books as a pre-teen/young-teen. The aunt for whom I was named sent me one for each birthday and each Christmas and I couldn't wait for them to come.
115souloftherose
#65 That looks like a lovely edition of The Hobbit Roni! I'm wondering if I can squeeze in a reread of LOTR next year too...
#74 I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the film. I'm hoping to see it this weekend but I can't decide whether to go 2D or 3D.
#85 Starry River of the Sky sounds lovely - I really enjoyed Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and I'm hoping my library gets a copy of her new book.
#99 Lovely books! I've heard very good things about the DWJ essays and hope to treat myself to a copy this year.
#101 Wow - very different to the weather here :-)
Slightly late in wishing you a Merry Christmas and slightly early in sending my good wishes for the New Year!
#74 I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the film. I'm hoping to see it this weekend but I can't decide whether to go 2D or 3D.
#85 Starry River of the Sky sounds lovely - I really enjoyed Where the Mountain Meets the Moon and I'm hoping my library gets a copy of her new book.
#99 Lovely books! I've heard very good things about the DWJ essays and hope to treat myself to a copy this year.
#101 Wow - very different to the weather here :-)
Slightly late in wishing you a Merry Christmas and slightly early in sending my good wishes for the New Year!
116brenpike
I liked Girl Sleuth when I read it several years ago. I think anyone who is/was a Nancy Drew fan would enjoy it.
117HanGerg
Hi Roni! Just stopping by to admire the Christmas bookhaul, wish you a belated Happy Christmas and an early Happy New Year! I'm just in transit from one set of relatives to another and may not be around for a few days, but I wanted to say how much I've enjoyed our interactions in 2012, and look forward to many more in 2013.
119markon
Roni, Happy New Year!
(and my apologies for missing your name over on my thread in the holiday greetings.)
(and my apologies for missing your name over on my thread in the holiday greetings.)
120jnwelch
I liked Shannon Hale's Austenland and its sequel, and also her Goose Girl and Rapunzel's Revenge, Roni. But I suspect Princess Academy is probably too not-crotchety-old-guy-appropriate. I'll check with my daughter on that one.
She liked Girl Sleuth a lot, too. Back in the day I used to read the Nancy Drews to her, and we both had a good time.
I really liked So B. It, too, and, like you, have Linda to thank for it.
She liked Girl Sleuth a lot, too. Back in the day I used to read the Nancy Drews to her, and we both had a good time.
I really liked So B. It, too, and, like you, have Linda to thank for it.
121ronincats
Hi, Bianca! While our respective scenery is very different, isn't it great that we can get out and enjoy it?
Faith, I was so happy my mom chose it off my Amazon wishlist for me. It isn't the kind of book my library was likely to get. I'm not going to start it until after the new year, though.
Reba, glad you are back safe and sound. My sister is a huge Nancy Drew fan and that book is now going to her as part of her birthday present.
Heather, we went with 2D for The Hobbit. I have a tendency toward motion sickness and my husband doesn't like the idea of wearing those glasses... Maybe Faith and you and I could do a group read of the DWJ essays book, if you both get copies. I think that would be a fun one to discuss as we go along.
Brenda, I hope you are right, because then my sister will love that part of her present!
Hannah, the same thing to ya! What a lovely thing to say--I appreciate it. Safe travels!
Lucy, Richard originally gave it good reviews, which led to me requesting it from PaperBackSwap.
Ardene, Happy New Year to you as well, and I wasn't really upset, you know!
Joe, yes, I concur--I would think the Princess Academy books might not be up your alley--although neither one is just a romancy type of book. There quite a bit of practical politics in it as well.
Faith, I was so happy my mom chose it off my Amazon wishlist for me. It isn't the kind of book my library was likely to get. I'm not going to start it until after the new year, though.
Reba, glad you are back safe and sound. My sister is a huge Nancy Drew fan and that book is now going to her as part of her birthday present.
Heather, we went with 2D for The Hobbit. I have a tendency toward motion sickness and my husband doesn't like the idea of wearing those glasses... Maybe Faith and you and I could do a group read of the DWJ essays book, if you both get copies. I think that would be a fun one to discuss as we go along.
Brenda, I hope you are right, because then my sister will love that part of her present!
Hannah, the same thing to ya! What a lovely thing to say--I appreciate it. Safe travels!
Lucy, Richard originally gave it good reviews, which led to me requesting it from PaperBackSwap.
Ardene, Happy New Year to you as well, and I wasn't really upset, you know!
Joe, yes, I concur--I would think the Princess Academy books might not be up your alley--although neither one is just a romancy type of book. There quite a bit of practical politics in it as well.
122ronincats
Well, I'm participating in the readathon this long holiday weekend, and have been reporting over on that thread, but here are the books I've finished.
Book #171 The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima (586 pp.)
This is the second of the four books in the Seven Realms series, and continues to be an interesting plot with good world-building and well-developed characters. Now I'm waiting for the final two books to come in to the local branch of the library for me. This series reminds me of the Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner both in the occupation and ages of its two main protagonists and in the relationship between them, but is in no way derivative and has its own very rich setting.
Book #172 How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen (81 pp.)
This short book is chock full not only of quotes by famous people on reading, but also of statements by Quindlen on the role reading played in her life that resonated so strongly with me that I will probably be quoting them for years!
"...those of us who read because we love it more than anything, who feel about bookstores the way some people feel about jewelers."
Book #171 The Exiled Queen by Cinda Williams Chima (586 pp.)
This is the second of the four books in the Seven Realms series, and continues to be an interesting plot with good world-building and well-developed characters. Now I'm waiting for the final two books to come in to the local branch of the library for me. This series reminds me of the Thief series by Megan Whalen Turner both in the occupation and ages of its two main protagonists and in the relationship between them, but is in no way derivative and has its own very rich setting.
Book #172 How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen (81 pp.)
This short book is chock full not only of quotes by famous people on reading, but also of statements by Quindlen on the role reading played in her life that resonated so strongly with me that I will probably be quoting them for years!
"...those of us who read because we love it more than anything, who feel about bookstores the way some people feel about jewelers."
123ErisofDiscord
I missed a whole beautiful thread! Gah, shame on me. All the scarves, cups, and pots you made from a while back are gorgeous, and I'm happy you had a good Christmas. I'm also glad that you like The Snow Child, and also The Hobbit film. I want to see it without 3D or IMAX, as I suspect that those formats would give me a headache. Seeing The Dark Knight Rises and Skyfall in IMAX was one thing, but I don't think I could take it with those 48 frames per second that The Hobbit was shot it.
124porch_reader
#122 - I love that Anna Quindlen quote! I definitely prefer bookstores to jewelers. Happy New Year, Roni!
125Donna828
85: The new Grace Lin book has such a lovely cover. Is it as beautifully done on the inside as the Mountain book? That one was a big hit with my granddaughters last year...or was it two years ago? Time flies!
I also loved the sunset at Seaside Village, Roni. I would love to go back to the Scandinavian store there.
Happy New Year to you! What is the possibility of a Kansas meetup in 2013?
I also loved the sunset at Seaside Village, Roni. I would love to go back to the Scandinavian store there.
Happy New Year to you! What is the possibility of a Kansas meetup in 2013?
126ronincats
Unfortunately, Donna, the Scandinavian shop finally gave up the ghost. It had gone downhill somewhat, no longer carrying the marvelous china and figurines and concentrating on cheaper stuff that, frankly, wasn't nearly as attractive. My library edition of the new Grace Lin book has the neat chapter headings and drawings, but only one full page illustration, so not as beautifully done as the first. I'm hoping to make the Johnson County book sale this year.
Amy, I'm with you! Bookstores over jewelry stores any day!
Eris, you missed a whole thread? How could you? ;-) Have you seen The Hobbit yet?
I've finished up a couple more scarves during basketball games, and have a few more projects on the way.
Cold and wet tonight, already 47 degrees outside. I've wasted the whole day playing Facebook games and reading LT threads. I tried to start a new book but didn't get sucked into it.
Amy, I'm with you! Bookstores over jewelry stores any day!
Eris, you missed a whole thread? How could you? ;-) Have you seen The Hobbit yet?
I've finished up a couple more scarves during basketball games, and have a few more projects on the way.
Cold and wet tonight, already 47 degrees outside. I've wasted the whole day playing Facebook games and reading LT threads. I tried to start a new book but didn't get sucked into it.
127ronincats
And I'm going to go ahead and post the end-of-the-year meme before I change my mind AGAIN.
Using book titles read in 2012, answer the following questions. Feel free to borrow!
Describe yourself: A Sensible Lady
Describe how you feel: : Ridiculous
Describe where you currently live: : The House of Wisdom
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: : Across the Great Divide
Your favorite form of transportation: : Dragon Ship or Curricle and Chaise
Your best friend is: : A Proper Companion
You and your friends are: : Among Others or A Beautiful Friendship
What's the weather like?: : One Snowy Night Before Christmas
Your favorite meal is: : The Coroner’s Lunch or Tea With the Black Dragon
Your favorite entertainment is: : The Night Circus
What gift would you like to receive?: : A Gift of Dragons
You fear: : The Closing of the Western Mind or Echoes of Betrayal
What is the best advice you have to give?: : Make-believe
Thought for the day: : Who Fears Death?
How I would like to die: : Glory in Death
My soul's present condition: : Finding Clarity
Using book titles read in 2012, answer the following questions. Feel free to borrow!
Describe yourself: A Sensible Lady
Describe how you feel: : Ridiculous
Describe where you currently live: : The House of Wisdom
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: : Across the Great Divide
Your favorite form of transportation: : Dragon Ship or Curricle and Chaise
Your best friend is: : A Proper Companion
You and your friends are: : Among Others or A Beautiful Friendship
What's the weather like?: : One Snowy Night Before Christmas
Your favorite meal is: : The Coroner’s Lunch or Tea With the Black Dragon
Your favorite entertainment is: : The Night Circus
What gift would you like to receive?: : A Gift of Dragons
You fear: : The Closing of the Western Mind or Echoes of Betrayal
What is the best advice you have to give?: : Make-believe
Thought for the day: : Who Fears Death?
How I would like to die: : Glory in Death
My soul's present condition: : Finding Clarity
128PaulCranswick
Happy New Year Roni - The last year has been fun - the new year promises to be funnier.
130The_Hibernator
HAPPY NEW YEAR RONI!
132RebaRelishesReading
Just dropping by on this glorious day to wish you a very happy 2013. I look forward to following your reading and crafting.
133cameling
glitter-graphics.com
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. I can't wait to see what new and beautiful pottery, knitting and jewelry you'll create in 2013 in between your enticing reads.
135EBT1002
I love your soul's present condition. :-)
Happy New Year, Roni! See you over in the 2013 group!
Happy New Year, Roni! See you over in the 2013 group!
138ronincats
Paul, Joe, Rachel, Pat, Reba, Caro, Anne, Ellen, Brenda, and Peggy--thank you all so much! You are all what makes LibraryThing and the 75ers so very special.
Here's to a great new year ahead, everyone!
December Stats:
14 books read, 4002 pages (308 pp. average)
10 new books (6 from the library)
4 rereads
NO books off the shelf
1 science fiction, 7 fantasy, 2 children's, 2 fiction, 2 romance
9 female authors, 5 male authors
3--England
1--Norway
10--USA
I'm working on my end-of-year stats and will post them soon, but I'll also post them in my new thread, which I will be setting up soon in the 2013 group. Tomorrow morning I'll do a final read through of the 2012 threads, then start starring the new year's group threads. Happy New Year!
Here's to a great new year ahead, everyone!
December Stats:
14 books read, 4002 pages (308 pp. average)
10 new books (6 from the library)
4 rereads
NO books off the shelf
1 science fiction, 7 fantasy, 2 children's, 2 fiction, 2 romance
9 female authors, 5 male authors
3--England
1--Norway
10--USA
I'm working on my end-of-year stats and will post them soon, but I'll also post them in my new thread, which I will be setting up soon in the 2013 group. Tomorrow morning I'll do a final read through of the 2012 threads, then start starring the new year's group threads. Happy New Year!
139ronincats
2012 Stats:
172 books read, 55,982 pages (326 pp. average)
142 new books read
62 library books
16 books off my shelves
64 new purchases
30 re-reads (off my shelves)
Science fiction: 29 (17%)
Fantasy: 76 (44%)
Children's: 15 (8%)
Nonfiction: 19 (11%)
Fiction: 9 (5%)
Romance: 12 (7%)
Mystery: 14 (8%)
I was very pleased at the increase in nonfiction this year!
Country of origin:
US 137
England 27
Canada 4
Ireland 1
Australia 1
Japan 1
Norway 1
Author gender
Female 118
Male 53
Combo 1
Format
Hardback 74
Kindle 34
MMPB 40
TPB 20
Year Published:
2012 40
2011 30
2010 17
2000-2009 45
1990-1999 11
1980-1989 10
1970-1979 6
1960-1969 4
1950-1959 3
1940-1949 2
1917 1
1897 1
1865 1
1843 1
ACQUISITIONS
95 books
48 read, 47 tbr
Cost: $423.83 ($4.46 average)
Source:
Amazon 28
B&N 2
Mysterious Galaxy 8
Adams Avenue Bookstore 3
Early Reviewers 5
Gifts 8
BookMooch 3
PaperBackSwap 31
Miscellaneous 7
Genre:
Science fiction 22
Fantasy 39
Children's 5
Nonfiction 22
Fiction 3
Mystery 3
Romance 1
Note: I actually placed 203 books on my Kindle this year, but I am only counting the 22 for which I paid any sum, no matter how small.
DEACCESSIONED:
70 books physically out the door
BookMooch 27
PaperBackSwap 19
school library donation 18
public library donation 6
172 books read, 55,982 pages (326 pp. average)
142 new books read
62 library books
16 books off my shelves
64 new purchases
30 re-reads (off my shelves)
Science fiction: 29 (17%)
Fantasy: 76 (44%)
Children's: 15 (8%)
Nonfiction: 19 (11%)
Fiction: 9 (5%)
Romance: 12 (7%)
Mystery: 14 (8%)
I was very pleased at the increase in nonfiction this year!
Country of origin:
US 137
England 27
Canada 4
Ireland 1
Australia 1
Japan 1
Norway 1
Author gender
Female 118
Male 53
Combo 1
Format
Hardback 74
Kindle 34
MMPB 40
TPB 20
Year Published:
2012 40
2011 30
2010 17
2000-2009 45
1990-1999 11
1980-1989 10
1970-1979 6
1960-1969 4
1950-1959 3
1940-1949 2
1917 1
1897 1
1865 1
1843 1
ACQUISITIONS
95 books
48 read, 47 tbr
Cost: $423.83 ($4.46 average)
Source:
Amazon 28
B&N 2
Mysterious Galaxy 8
Adams Avenue Bookstore 3
Early Reviewers 5
Gifts 8
BookMooch 3
PaperBackSwap 31
Miscellaneous 7
Genre:
Science fiction 22
Fantasy 39
Children's 5
Nonfiction 22
Fiction 3
Mystery 3
Romance 1
Note: I actually placed 203 books on my Kindle this year, but I am only counting the 22 for which I paid any sum, no matter how small.
DEACCESSIONED:
70 books physically out the door
BookMooch 27
PaperBackSwap 19
school library donation 18
public library donation 6
140souloftherose
Happy New Year Roni - those are some impressive stats!
142ronincats
Thank you so much, Heather and Ren.
If anyone is looking for my new thread, here it is:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/147155
If anyone is looking for my new thread, here it is:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/147155
143ronincats
And finally:
Best Fiction Books of 2012
Night Circus
Ready Player One
Best Children's Book of 2012
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
(This is the first of the series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place but it's the only one I've read so far.)
Best Series of 2012
Paladin's Legacy series by Elizabeth Moon
Toby Daye series by Seanan McGuire
Connor Gray series by Mark Del Franco
Best YA Series of 2012
Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima
Best Non-fiction of 2012
The Closing of the Western Mind by Charles Freeman
James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Lives of Alice Sheldon by Julie Phillips
Best Fiction Books of 2012
Night Circus
Ready Player One
Best Children's Book of 2012
The Mysterious Howling by Maryrose Wood
(This is the first of the series The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place but it's the only one I've read so far.)
Best Series of 2012
Paladin's Legacy series by Elizabeth Moon
Toby Daye series by Seanan McGuire
Connor Gray series by Mark Del Franco
Best YA Series of 2012
Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima
Best Non-fiction of 2012
The Closing of the Western Mind by Charles Freeman
James Tiptree, Jr.: The Double Lives of Alice Sheldon by Julie Phillips
