MickyFine's 2013 Literary Adventures, Part the First

I'm back once again for another year of reading and chatting away! Feel free to join in the conversation (book-related or not) and make yourself comfortable.

January
1. A History of Reading - Alberto Manguel
2. North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell
3. The Spies of Warsaw - Alan Furst
4. Ella Minnow Pea - Mark Dunn
5. Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne (re-read)
6. Okay for Now - Gary D. Schmidt
7. Lost in a Good Book - Jasper Fforde
Favourite read(s):


February
8. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making - Catherynne M. Valente
Favourite read(s):

March
Favourite read(s):

My rating system:

/ = Ran screaming in the other direction (aka did not finish)
* = Suffered through it for reasons I'm still not sure of
** = Had far more flaws than virtues
*** = A read I don't regret but could use some improvement
**** = A good, solid read that I might revisit
***** = Loved it beyond reason and will probably re-read in short order

Hi Micky! Wow, that is a beautiful picture. :)

Great picture!

I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll be reading this year.

Welcome back!

Where's Mo? I don't want to invade his space.

Why hello, Micky. Fancy meeting you here.

Happy new year, Micky! The London Eye looks beautiful! At least, I think that's the London Eye... Doctor Who teaches me a lot. I like your rating system - I should probably finesse mine to be something other than "loved it, five stars!" and "hated it, one star."

So cool that you are going to London in May! I lived there for about 6 months in 2008 when my then-boyfriend-now-husband was stationed abroad. It's such a beautiful city with so much to do and see. Jealous! I'm looking forward to your London-esque books!

Hi Micky! That is a beautiful photo. Where is it? I've got you starred. Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Micky! Hope your 2013 is off to a great start.

Happy New Thread!

Happy New Year, Micky! Love the opening pic - so perfect for New Year's! Consider your thread starred!

Beautiful photo up top! Thread is starred!

Hi, Micky! I'll be the echo once again and say, "Beautiful photo!" It really is. :) Oh, and nice thread. ;) What's on the TBR list?

Happy new year!

Hey!.... happy new year.... lookin forward to thread stalking you again this year.... with a few comments thrown in here or there... happy reading!

Dropping by to say hi! And Happy New Year.

Bright blessings for a new year!

Gorgeous photo of the London Eye. Looking forward to reading about your reads!

Happy New Year, Micky! Cool photo up top.

What a beautiful photo, Micky! I'm back for another year of takin BB hits and hangin out with Mo!

Got you starred! Happy New Year :)

>3 Ape: Hi Stephen! It is gorgeous isn't it?

>4 Samantha_kathy: Thanks, Samantha!

>5 drneutron: Thanks, Doc! Lovely to see you as ever.

>6 richardderus: Mo is on a brief family vacation and won't be back until next week, Richard. So feel free to settle down wherever you like. :)

>7 norabelle414: It is a shocker, Nora. ;) Nice to see you!

>8 ErisofDiscord: Yup, that is the London Eye, Eris. Feel free to borrow and adapt my rating system as you like. Mine is an adapted version of someone else's from LT. :)

>9 RosyLibrarian: Aw, thanks Marie. I am super excited for my trip to London. I even have a countdown widget on my phone. :D I'll try and pick some good London-esque books to keep you entertained.

>10 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerri! Thanks for the star. That's the very beautiful London Eye. :)

>11 porch_reader: It's been a good one so far. Thanks, Amy!

>12 foggidawn: Thanks Foggi. :)

>13 lkernagh: Thanks for the star, Lori! :)

>14 TinaV95: Thanks, Tina.

>15 saraslibrary: It's only nice for now, Sara. I'm sure you and Stephen will fix that very quickly. :P As for what's on the TBR, right now I'm reading A History of Reading and I've got a copy of North and South winging its way to me (well vanning its way to me actually) at my branch. :)

>16 London_StJ: Right back at ya, Luxx. Lovely to see you as always. :)

>17 lovelyluck: Feel free to stalk away, Jennifer. Always nice to see you. :)

>18 avatiakh: Hi Kerry! Hope the year's been good to you so far.

>19 Morphidae: Thanks so much, Morphy. Wishing the same for you and yours this year.

>20 PawsforThought: Thanks Paws. :)

>21 jnwelch: Happy New Year, back at ya, Joe. Always lovely to see you around these parts. :)

>22 LauraBrook: Laura! Glad to see you. I promise I'll work on the BBs for ya. As for Mo, he's off visiting relatives this week but he'll be back next week and free for cuddles. ;)

>23 curioussquared: Thanks, Natalie! Nice to see you. :)

Hi Micky! I found you and have you starred!

Hello from one Canadian librarian to another.

>25 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie! Thanks for the star. :)

>26 Deedledee: Hi Dee! Welcome to my thread. What part of Canada are you from? And what kind of library do you work in?

I work in a public library in N.S. Best job in the world!

HI Micky! Love the opening photo!

Hey Micky - I'll be in London in March! Really looking forward to it even if it is for work...

>28 Deedledee: Awesome! :) I'm very jealous of the new central library they're building in Halifax. You within visiting distance of it?

>29 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle! Thanks!

>30 katiekrug: That will be fun. You'll have evenings at least. :)

Ohmygod. St. Clair. I'm blushing just reading about him. I'm only on page 50.

Howdy do, Miss Micky Ma'am.

>33 richardderus: Welcome to the St. Clair fan club, Nora. *swoons*

>34 MickyFine: Very well, thank you Sir Richard. I'm scared of peeking at your thread already. What are you on? Six? Seven?

Yeah, I'm really jealous of Halifax's new library too, but I'll be there when it opens. They did have a virtual tour of the new building on their website but I can't find it now.

I saw the virtual tour on CBC's website. I've been drooling over the plans for that library (and the planning process) since I first started working for my library, as my research project as an intern was all on library spaces. :)

Happy New Year Micky!

Thanks for coming by to wish me for the New Year. Just pottering around LT slowly. Bet no-one else has said anything about the stunning photo up top ;0)
Wishing you and your family the very best for 2013. Happy New Year!

Ooooh, pretty pictures! I'll add my star to the pretty ones threaded through those trees... *carefully Blu-Taks an extra one on Mo's nose for good measure*

So when will you be in London? I'm there for a few days at the end of February, staying with my daughter and her partner. We are already planning things to do as this time I won't be stuck with children who insist on spending the day on the lions in Trafalger Square.

>37 jadebird: Thanks, Ren! Nice to see you. :)

>38 humouress: Hi Nina! Lovely to see you. Yeah, that photo at the top has been getting plenty of compliments. Mo's starting to get jealous. ;)

>39 elliepotten: Thanks for the stars, Ellie. Mo really likes his based on the way he's chewing on it. :D

>40 avatiakh: I'm going for two weeks in May, Kerry. My list of things to see is already huge. And my levels of excitement are already crazy. Have a countdown widget on my phone and everything. :)

Book 1


A History of Reading - Alberto Manguel

A collection of loosely related essays on a variety of elements encompassed within a history of reading.

Manguel's style is free-flowing easily segueing from one historical period to another while exploring a single theme such as being read to. This is no history textbook moving in an inexorable march from early texts to modern reading, but instead a slow and enjoyable meandering from one time period to another in the beginnings of an exploration of this act that is only of interest to those who are already readers themselves. Favourite chapters included those on women as readers and forbidden reading. An enjoyable read, Manguel's book is a small foray into the history of an act that continues far beyond the last page.

Rating: ****

>42 MickyFine: Another one for the wishlist!

I know how you feel, in 96 days until I go to Paris! *squeee*

If you're going to be in London ...

(Well, look, don't tell anyone else, but my secret hideout is Forbidden Planet, at the Tottenham Court Road end of Oxford Street. I am so overdue for a visit.)

Hi Mickey, just passing through to wish to you a rather belated Happy New Year and to drop a star so I can find my way back for future visits!

Just added A History of Reading to my wishlist but saw that my mum has it in her LT library, so if I remember when I next see her, I shall be borrowing it :)

>43 cbl_tn: You're the first recipient of a BB on my thread, Carrie. :)

>44 Deedledee: Oh man, I loved Paris. How long are you going for?

>45 humouress: I may just take a peek in there, Nina. Thanks for the hint. :)

>46 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy. Thanks for the star!

>47 lunacat: Sounds like a good plan. :)

I thought about getting a jar to collect all the bullets I have to extract after I'm hit, but then I decided that's what my bookshelves are for!

#49

You keep bullets on your bookshelves? I can think of far better uses for the shelves personally ;)

Hmm, got hit by a bb. That History of Reading sounds good, Micky. Thanks for the good review.

>50 lunacat: Only book bullets!

>49 cbl_tn: Lol.

>51 jnwelch: Glad it struck your fancy, Joe. :)

Hi Micky! *Hugs* I don't know why I've been lurking so much. A History of Reading looks intersting, and I would be super excited to go to London as well! You don't think I can fit in your carry-on, do you?

Hi Stephen! You should stop with the lurking. Because I'm always happy to see you! History of Reading was good and I think you might even like reading it (I know, we're bringing the end of the world closer with every book in common but there's only so much I can do to prevent it because I'm not willing to stop reading all together).

116 days until London! However, even if you could fit in my carry-on (and believe me, there's no way you would fit in the backpack I plan to bring as carry-on) how would you get from Ohio to Edmonton?

Your thread is one of the first I read in the morning, and I visit multiple times per day, but for some reason I never have anything to see. Obviously you leave me speechless, or perhaps this environment is simply far too sterile... :P

I don't think books about books/reading count towards apocalyptic doom-bringing. If you convince me to read a book with a person on the cover though, we might have a problem on our hands.

Awww, that's so sweet that you come to my thread first. Thanks, friend. :) I think it's probably a combo of the sterile environment and me leaving you speechless. ;) Or else you're really just coming here to hang out with Mo...

And now I have a goal for this year. Convince Stephen to read a book with a person on the cover. *plots*

Even if you find a book that has a person on the cover, is something that I would like, and that my library actually has...it doesn't mean I won't find an edition with a less offensive cover. :P

But still, in essence, you will be reading a book with a person on the cover. So I would win. :P

Would a skeleton still be considered a person? Because I'm sure there are some science books out there with plenty of corpses or skeletons on them. Just being evil helpful, as always. :)

Micky: Well, in that case, I probably read books with people on covers all the time. My issue is that, when I see a person on a cover, I immediately decide I don't want to read it. I'm a prejudice bastard, I know.

Sara: Skeletons are fine, for sure! :)

>60 saraslibrary: I think you can be evil and helpful all at the same time, Sara. It's not an either/or equation. At least in your case. :P

>61 Ape: I just worry you're missing out on fabulous books just because there's a person on the cover. It makes me a bit sad, that's all.

---------

Does anyone who hangs out here watch the Lizzie Bennet Diaries on YouTube? Seriously fangirling after today's episode and would love some company.

>62 MickyFine: I worry about the books Stephen is missing too.

63. Me three.

Even if it was a good book (unlikely) the experience would be marred by having to look at people every time I read it. Would you sooner I didn't read a good book, or read a good book and hated it? :P

62 - I do! I've only been lurking here before but I loved today's episode, too!

Stephen, can't you just cover up the cover while reading the book? I do if it's a terrible cover. And if there are pictures of frogs in it.

But frogs are cool! Much cooler than people.

#61-62: So if skeletons are ok, is Micky still going to pick a book out for you?

#63: I worry about the books Stephen actually reads. ;)

#64: That's what I was thinking. Well, the covering up bit, not the frog bit. (Frogs? Really? But they're so cute!)

68 & 69. Frogs are evil creatures of the devil. They must be avoided at all times.

See? I feel similarly about most people. :P

71. You can't feel that way about all people all the time or you wouldn't be on here chatting to us. If this were a frog forum, I'd avoid it like the plague.

I am very behind on checking in here, Micky. Please forgive me :)

Glad to see you enjoyed A History of Reading. Have you tried any of Manguel's other books? If not, I can recommend The Library at Night.

Stephen could try e-books - they don't really have a cover :D.

Yeah, that's why I said 'most' people, LTers seem to be in a small minority. ;)

I prefer dead-tree books, half the fun of reading is having the book in my posession. I would be very sad if my book collection went poof and transformed into an electronic database. :(

>75 Ape: Amen.

pshaw, I say. I don't much care what format a good book is in, it's the reading that's important for me. :) But to each his/her own.

The Lizzie Bennet diaries look like they could be fun, Micky. I'll watch some tomorrow and see whether I'm a fanboy who can join you. I'm a big Jane Austen fan, which may help.

I love reading, of course I do, but I also love books. I love being in libraries full of books, getting lost in the shelves, and paging through books I've never heard of before. There is nothing more satisfying than browsing a library, a physical one, with shelf after shelf filled with wonderful, lovely books. I love reading, but it is only half of my passion. If physical books disappeared forever I would still love reading, but a part of me would forever mourn the loss of that aspect of my obsessive bibliophilism. :)

79. You and me, both. There's nothing like an actual, physical book.

What a great opening photo! Happy New Year!

>65 Ape: Even if it was a good book (unlikely) Well, there's the aforementioned prejudice. Honestly, I'd love to do a blind study with you. Give you a bunch of (paper) books wrapped in brown paper with strict instructions not unwrap and see which ones you liked and disliked and see if you're missing out or if the marketing cues that go with covers with people on them are a actually a fair indicator of what books you'll like.

>66 bluesalamanders: Yay, Blue! Thanks for de-lurking! Totally rewatched Lizzie's vid today after watching the new one from Lydia. This is the first adaptation where I've liked Lydia and it just makes me sad with what I know is coming for her. But Lizzie and Darcy are so adorable!

>68 Ape: Also, frogs are cooler than people it's true, Stephen. But that's because they're cold-blooded. Look! I made a science joke!

>69 saraslibrary: I don't know Sara. Maybe if we can get him to agree to the blind test we can try a different method.

>73 alcottacre: Hi Stasia! Lovely to see you. I have read The Library at Night and am very fond of it. I think I may have one or two other Manguel books floating around on the TBR list as well.

>78 jnwelch: I'll be really interested to see what you think, Joe.

>81 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! Back at you!

Enjoying the discussion about print and electronic books.

82 - I can't stand Lydia, myself. I haven't watched her videos because I can barely stand it when she appears in Lizzie's. I agree that Lizzie and Darcy are adorable, though. I love how they've updated everything; every time I thought "how could they possibly update this part?" they do something really clever and it just works.

I just watched the first episode of The Lizzie Bennett Diaries, and the first two Twitter exchanges, and I think I may be hooked.... Thanks, Micky, thanks a lot ;-)

82: I think it's more about genre than anything, and a large percentage of the books I don't want to read just so happen to have people on the covers, such as romance, YA romance, love-inspired romance, and erotic "romance." And biographies.

85. But there a difference between the type of covers romances novels tend to hand (and I hate those types of covers) and just any cover featuring a human being.

I forgot 'girly YA books.' I think that covers every genre that has human models on the cover, yes? I don't mind drawn people, it's actual people that repel me.

Lots of science fiction and fantasy have people on the covers. Also at least some fiction. Is there a genre that doesn't have people on the covers? It depends more on the publisher's style, surely.

Hi Micky, just cruising through to wish you a happy weekend. Saw the cold temps for you *Brrrr!*. Did you get slammed with the snow fall this week like Calgary did or was that just the southern part of the province?

>83 bluesalamanders: I have to admit early Lydia was not my favourite character. But the ones she did with Mary really helped her grow and the way they've dealt with her has put her relationship with Wickham into a really different context in terms of her motivations. Wickham remains a dirtbag. But I digress. The series is really great and, like you, I've been so impressed with how they've maintained a faithfulness to the narrative while putting the story in a new context.

>84 katiekrug: You are absolutely welcome, Katie. Feel free to drop by and fangirl about it any time. ;)

>87 Ape: *throws hands up in air* I give up, Stephen.

>88 bluesalamanders: I agree, Blue. Cover art goes through serious trends. Just compare 80s covers with current covers. HUGE differences.

>89 lkernagh: Hi Lori! It is on the cold side up here (although these are temperatures I associate with January) but we haven't gotten much in the way of snow. Just a few light dustings. Sure you nice and snug in the temperate zone. ;)

Book 2


North and South - Elizabeth Gaskell

When her father has a crisis of faith and leaves his position as a parish priest in the lush community of Helstone in southern England, Margaret Hale finds herself transplanted to the strangely foreign community of Milton in northern England. In this bustling, industrial town, Margaret encounters the rough and striving John Thornton, a local mill owner, with whom she regularly clashes. In Milton, Margaret develops a greater awareness of the social injustices between the owners of industry and their workers and also discovers that there may be more to her relationship with Mr. Thornton than either of them ever expected.

Gaskell's novel is a fascinating combination of Victorian romance and a contemporary exploration of the social upheavals that came along with the Industrial Revolution. Margaret and Mr. Thornton are both well-drawn characters each with a realistic combination of virtues and flaws. Watching their clashes and growing realization of their feelings is a delight. Interspersed is a narrative exploring the conflict, so associated with the Industrial Revolution, between the labourers and their employers. While Gaskell's views are unlikely to gibe with modern sensibilities, in Nicholas Higgins she creates a character that moves beyond caricature of the lower class and imbues him with emotion, intelligence, and ultimately makes him a sympathetic figure. A great read whether the politics, the romance, or both are of most interest.

Rating ****

I loved North and South when I read it last year. I found it a very smart, romantic read too. If you haven't seen it already the BBC version is tons of fun. Two words: Richard Armitage!

North and South has been on my tbr list for a while. I really liked the BBC Production. It's a bit like Pride and Prejudice and Technology.

>92 RosyLibrarian: I watched the first episode before I started reading the book and really liked it. Looking forward to watching the rest of the series. :D

>93 inge87: Hmm, I think I saw the novel more as a cousin of Dickens and George Eliot, rather than Austen. But you should definitely give it a read, Jennifer. :)

*throws hands up in air* I give up, Stephen.

...

...I WIN!!! *Does victory dance*

(waves dollar bill @ Stephen) Victory dance = sexy dance, right? :P

I was going to suggest wrapping a book with people on the cover with a dust jacket (maybe even one that disintegrates), and sending it to Stephen as a kind of SantaThing (bit late). And then he'd read it (and half-way through, the jacket would fall off - and voila - people!).

Must investigate those diaries; they look interesting.

Bwahaha @ 97. I think everyone's in a plot against Stephen to read a book with a person on the cover. Beware, Stephykins! ;)

Your coming to London all I'm thinking is 'meet up'

96: I don't think I'm capable of being sexy, but I'll take your dollar anyway. :)

97: You'll have to ask LTers who have tried to send me books how difficult it is to get my address out of me.

#91: One of these days I am going to have to watch the BBC production of North and South. I very much enjoyed that book (and Cranford) too.

>94 MickyFine:, I've read Mary Barton, so I can definitely see the Eliot and Dickens aspects. I'll definitely read North and South eventually; I just need to find a copy first, since no library has one locally.

>95 Ape: *pulls out umbrella* Um Stephen? I don't think that was a victory dance. Looks like it might have been a rain dance. *points at rain cloud that has materialized above Stephen's head*

>97 humouress: Like your thinking, Nina. :)

>99 BBGirl55: Well, I'll be there in May. :)

>100 Ape: I feel like if we recruit Richard he'll help us in this experiment. Beware, Stephen!

>101 alcottacre: From what I've seen so far, Stasia, it's a good production. And it is on Netflix (at least, it's on the Canadian version of Netflix which is Netflix Lite so I'm sure it's available on the American version) if you have it.

>102 inge87: Cross-posted. Just have to ILL it, I guess. ;)

I'm sure Richard has unsuccessfully tried to send me a book or 2 in the past himself.

*Waves arms frantically trying to shoo away rain cloud*

Personally, I put a few books in the mail a month addressed thusly:

To: Stephen
Middle of nowhere
Logan-ish or something, Ohio

The postman doesn't like me much anymore.

Probably because you forgot the zip code. And stamps. :P

#100: I want change back!

Nora: That's probably incredibly specific enough to arrive, sadly. :P

Sara: Okay! *Drops penny into pants*

>105 Ape: Well, you've turned the rain into snow. Not sure that's an improvement, Stephen.

>106 norabelle414: Lol, makes sense to me Nora. :)

>107 saraslibrary: I'd ask for 99 cents back, Sara. ;)

North and South sounds great, Micky. Nice review.

*Dumps jar of change into his pants*

>110 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I think it might be one you'd enjoy.

>111 Ape: You know, we've eliminated the penny here in Canada, Stephen.

>112 MickyFine: That's already on my list of Reasons Canada is better than the US. It's true, there are things besides hot men on that list.

As for all the change down Stephen's pants... um, you can keep it. o_0 I'm not that poor. Yet.

#112: You've eliminated the penny? I hate to tell you guys, but they're still being made. Er, wait. You mean the Canadian penny or the U.S. penny?

*Sigh* Fine, that's okay, my feelings aren't hurt or anything.

*Walks out of the door dejectedly, his pants jingling with every step*

>113 norabelle414: But I assume not that many other things, Nora. ;)

>114 saraslibrary: I'm talking about the Canadian penny.

>115 Ape: Stephen, you don't have to leave. You just have to give Sara a receipt for that victory rain snow dance.

Nora gets all the good looking guys on her thread and I wanted one all my own (not Canadian so no infringement, don't worry). Just finished watching North & South so I think I'll just have a bit of Mr. Thornton.

Or Stephen could just dance some more and penny music. :)

#116: Bah. You Canadians and your confusing ways. Just make the damn pennies. :P

Oh yay, someone who likes clothed men! *Swoons*

Here is your receipt, Sara. *Drops receipt into pants*

116 I knew we were getting rid of the penny but I wasn't sure how that was going to work. Thanks for posting that link!

>118 saraslibrary: No thanks. You did see we're saving $11 million dollars a year by not making pennies, right?

>119 Ape: I do like clothed men. Although something amazing happens when he undoes his top button. O_o



>120 ChelleBearss: No problem, Chelle! I learned stuff myself. :)

Oh, hello there Mr. Armitage!

>122 PawsforThought: Right? A Google images search of his name comboed with North & South leads to lovely, lovely things. *swoons*

Yes, but a world without pennies? What do you guys toss into wells and fountains? Buttons? Tires?

Can you believe this is him as a dwarf?

>124 saraslibrary: In case you've forgotten, we've got lots of coinage up here. Nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies, and toonies. We'll find some kind of change to toss into a well or fountain. And worst come to worst, we'll borrow some of those American pennies. ;)

>125 RosyLibrarian: Make-up and CGI does amazing things. Also, I still find him charming even as a dwarf.

Yes, I know you have lots of loonies up there. :P

we'll borrow some of those American pennies -- You do realize this means war, right? ;) War of the Pennies! And since we have more than you guys.... take that! (chucks a handful of pennies @ Micky)

(I kind of prefer him as a dwarf. The longer hair suits him.)

Sara, no! We can manufacture pennies and ship them to Canada for fountain-tossing, it could become a lucrative export for our country! ;)

The other problem with no pennies is no more souvenir pressed pennies. What will people do without flattened zinc-alloy mementos of their favorite vacation spots?

>127 saraslibrary: Thanks, Sara. :P And no throwing pennies. They hurt! *rubs welts*

>128 PawsforThought: Yeah, um. I prefer Mr. Thornton to him. But to each their own. ;)

>129 Ape: Which still wouldn't offset what you guys spend in a year manufacturing pennies.

>130 inge87: I feel like those aren't as big a thing up here. But I could be wrong on that front.

Micky: Yeah huh, we'll sell them to you for $10 for a packet of 5. With no other way to make wishes at wells, you'll just have to be happy with it. :D

>132 Ape: Stephen, were you not paying attention. We have plenty of coins with which to make wishes. And haven't you heard? The bigger the value of the coin, the more it improves your chance of getting your wish. :P

Book 3


The Spies of Warsaw - Alan Furst

Jean-François Mercier is the military attaché at the French embassy in Poland. But in the Europe of 1937, increasingly aware of Hitler and the Nazis in Germany, Mercier's role is less that of paper pusher and attender of political soirées and more of a spy. In a dangerous game of outwitting the enemy, Mercier must constantly watch his step, and his back, as he does his best to strengthen his country's position in the forthcoming, and inevitable, war.

This novel was a bit of a mixed bag. Furst is brilliant at evoking late 1930s Warsaw, and Europe more generally. He deftly crafts small scenes between characters that are tiny illuminations into these individuals and to the subtleties that made up the spy game in the late 1930s. But in terms of an overarching plot, the novel didn't always hold together. This wasn't necessarily a bad thing as Mercier was an interesting character to follow but on occasions I wasn't quite sure where the novel was going. And then I found myself anxious towards the end of the novel because the resolution of one of the larger conflicts had not felt like a real resolution, leaving me to await the other shoe which never arrived. Not bad if you enjoy pre-war spy novels, but there are more satisfying spy novels out there.

Rating: ***

On a side note, I'm really interested to see the BBC miniseries that's been made based on this novel with the very, very lovely David Tennant. It hasn't aired on this side of the pond yet but when it does I'll probably post some thoughts about it.

Furst has been on my radar for a while but I haven't read any of the Night Soldiers series yet. Have you read other books in the series? Were the earlier books better?

>135 cbl_tn: I haven't read any of Furst's novels before, Carrie, this was my first.

The Furst sounds interesting, I'll have to check it out! And, THANK YOU SO MUCH for posting photos of Richard! We've been secretly dating for a few years now.

Hello, MI-5


and Robin Hood


and, what may be my favorite, on The Vicar of Dibley

OMG, you guys, I found this one while trolling for pictures and it makes me far too happy...



Swoon!

I still say we make pennies and sell them to Canadians. They'll buy anything. :P

lol @ We've been secretly dating for a few years now. Thanks for the pics, Laura! I vaguely know who he is (I've seen him on DVD covers, but I haven't seen him anything . . . I think).

Awwwwww, man. The horrible naked men have spilled over onto your thread Micky! *Shudders*

*Dodges out a window and hides in the bushes*

Sara, he's a pretty good actor if you can find anything of his that would appeal to you. Of course, MI-5 is a great series, but it can be hard to follow if you've missed a few episodes (or seasons, oops) like me. Still, pretty to look at though.

Stephen, we can still totally see you in the bushes.

141. I should really get back into watching Spooks (or MI-5 as you Americans call it). It's a great show and I loved watching it. Fell off my radar after Matthew Macfadyen left and I've just never picked it up again. I've got too much catching up to do on other series right now but I'd really like to get to it later on.

142: I did the same thing, Paws. After Matthew left, I just couldn't get into Spooks again. I did watch parts of some episodes with Mr. Armitage in them, but I was so confused (and I thought that one of the main characters was killed but then in the next episode he was alive again?!?) that I know I'll, like you, have to catch up with the series after I'm through with a few others.

Matthew was amazing, wasn't he? *sigh*

Stopping in for smoochification purposes.

Mission Accomplished. That is all.

>137 LauraBrook: Thanks for those pics, Laura! I'm fighting a bit of a cold and that makes things so much better. All of those shows have been put on my to watch list by a friend of mine. Will probably be getting to them sooner rather than later.

>139 saraslibrary: We only buy anything if it's terrible planes, submarines, or helicopters for our military. Otherwise, we're far more discerning in our tastes, Sara. :P

>140 Ape: One half naked picture of Richard Armitage does not constitute a spillage of naked men in my thread, Stephen. Would you like some hot chocolate while you're hiding in the bushes? It's supposed to get much colder in the next day or two.

>141 LauraBrook: I agree, Laura. Always good to look at. :D

>145 richardderus: Smooches back, Richard. Maybe I'll peek my head in at your thread and then be terrified by the sheer volume of posts and come back to cuddle with Mo and my security blanket. ;)

Ditched


Finale - Becca Fitzpatrick

I can't do it anymore. I've been keeping up with this series but this final installment has finally broken me. It's a thinly disguised copy of Twilight (which admittedly I do like) with different supernatural creatures but the characters and plots were wearing thin for me. After rolling me eyes one too many times, I've ditched this book with no regrets. Didn't even bother to skim the ending to find out what happens to them.

Rating: /

Sometimes, you just need to throw in the towel for a series. Although I'll admit that I'm more likely to continue a bad book if it's in a series I'm reading than if it's a stand-alone. Hope your next book is better!

Good job putting down a book you didn't want to read!

Hear hear! Glad you ditched that boring book, life is too short!

147: If that is a picture of the 'finale' I don't think he was very successful. :(

Forgot to add, Micky, that Robin Hood (Jonas Armstrong) himself isn't too hard on the eyes...



Actually, the rest of the cast isn't too shabby either. It may be a tad ridiculous, but I loved it.

Oh, Stephen, what are we going to do with you?

Glad to see you gave up on a crappy read. Too many good books in the world to waste time on one you don't want to read!

>148 Samantha_kathy: Often with a series, if I can't stick it out, I'll skim to at least figure out how it ends. But I really didn't care for this one anymore. Thanks for the well wishes, my next two reads were both great.

>149 norabelle414: Thanks, Nora. :)

>150 LauraBrook: It definitely is, Laura.

>151 Ape: Oh Stephen. All the titles of the books in the series had a slight musical theme. Not what you're implying. :P

>152 LauraBrook: Yeah, I think I'm going to like that show when I get to it. ;) As for Stephen, I suggest putting him in a corner surrounded by romance novel corners for an hour. That should be sufficient punishment.

>153 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Chelle.

Book 4


Ella Minnow Pea - Mark Dunn

Ella Minnow Pea lives with her family on the small island of Nollop, not far from the coast of South Carolina. This small independent nation is named for Nevin Nollop the ingenious creator of that impressive sentence: "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." However, when the letters of this well-known sentence slowly begin to fall off the statue of the island's namesake, the island's High Council takes it as a sign from Nollop that these letters should be eliminated from the alphabet. The ramifications of this decision are widespread and leave Ella to try and save her friends, her family, and ultimately all of the people from Nollop before all the letters fall off.

I've always had a weakness for epistolary novels and Dunn uses them to great effect. He also relishes in language as the citizens of Nollop write in a way that their contemporaries in America have lost. Anyone who has even the slightest love for the English language will be charmed by the slightly eccentric but charming turns-of phrase he includes. The underlying message of the narrative is never heavy-handed and while the book is thought-provoking it is also entertaining with bright sparks of humour interwoven. An absolute delight from start to finish.

Rating: *****

Book 5


Winnie-the-Pooh - A.A. Milne (re-read)

I picked this up for the monthly storytime that I do with some friends of mine (and fellow librarians) at work to find a chapter I particularly wanted to read. Of course, I couldn't resist re-reading the whole thing. Suffice it to say, if you have yet to spend any time with Christopher Robin and his bear of Very Little Brain, Winnie-the-Pooh, along with all their other friends in the Hundred-Acre Woood you should. You'll never regret it.

Rating: *****

<3 Winnie. One of my first literary loves and a collection of Winnie-the-Pooh stories was also one of the first books I read on my own. (One of the great editions with E. H. Shepard illustrations).

It came up in conversation with my parents recently and my mum and I recited a passage from it at the same time (we didn't mean to but great minds think alike).

I'm glad you enjoyed Ella Minnow Pea. I read it several years ago and I remember being awed by Dunn's creativity as more and more letters dropped out of the alphabet. It must have been as much fun to write as it is to read.

>157 PawsforThought: I have to admit my strongest childhood memories of Pooh are from the Disney film. But re-reading it this time, I noticed some of the things that were discussed in one my children's literature classes during undergrad.

>158 cbl_tn: His skill is insane. I can only imagine the difficulty of writing some of the last letters where I had to murmur to myself in order to make sense of them.

I thought I'd pop over and return the visit. I must say I've enjoyed all the eye candy... Glad you enjoyed Ella Minnow Pea as much as I did.

I haven't read the Pooh series since I was a child and it was a favorite. I will have to put the three books on the list for this year!

Yes, the eye candy is particularly delicious right now. :)

I find the Pooh books actually hold up quite well as an adult. They're still quite charming. Hope you enjoy your re-reads when you get to them.

Hi Micky - just trying to catch up a bit. I have Ella Minnow Pea on the TBR shelves and think I might move it up a bit.

Hope you're having a great weekend!

It's definitely worth moving up, Katie. I look forward to your thoughts. :)

As for my weekend it was great. I got most of my way through the first season of BBC's Robin Hood and played board games with a bunch people I work with. Lots of fun.

163. Sounds like a really good weekend.

Ooooh, which board games?

I can never tell if Stephen's seriously interested or just being perverted. Either way, glad you had a good weekend, Micky. :)

Backing up... I don't know if I've read that Winnie the Pooh book or not. Must dig around in my library when I get a chance. And I'm with you on my only memories of Winnie the Pooh being from the Disney movies, though I did have a scratch-and-sniff Pooh book back in the day that strangely smells like my old dog's shampoo. Odd.

Ummmm, BOTH! :D

What'd you think about Robin Hood? It's a smidge cheesy perhaps, but the teenager in me found parts of it pretty swoon-worthy. Also, I have a copy of the soundtrack because I'm that kind of gal. (That would be the nerdy, soundtrack-obsessed kind of gal, the more obscure the better, generally speaking.)

168. Yes, a bit cheesy perhaps, but parts of the cast is very nice to look at! ;)

169: Yes they are!!!!! :D

>164 PawsforThought: Thanks, Paws. :)

>165 Ape: We played Crappy Birthday, Bausack, and Apples to Apples.

>166 saraslibrary: It's the first of the Winnie-the-Pooh books. It's one I read as a kid and then had a lot of fun re-reading in a children's literature course in university. My non-canon memories of Winnie-the-Pooh are from the Disney TV series. Particularly the Christmas special with the mole.

>167 Ape: Of course. :P

>168 LauraBrook:-70 I finished the first season last night and my opinion is generally positive although it does have it's cheesy moments. The attractiveness of the actors (particularly a certain Richard Armitage) goes a long in making up for that. However, I do have some occasional moments of exasperation with the lack of reality in some plot points. For example, *SPOILERS* Robin carting a baby around during swordfights and on horseback would have resulted in the kid dying from shaken baby syndrome. Also, Marian being capable of jumping onto the back of a horse two days after abdominal surgery?! Puh-lease. *END SPOILERS* But I definitely enjoy it even with the mockable moments. I'm interested to see where the plot goes in season two.

171. You could always make up a drinking game! Have a drink everytime Robin and/or one of his Merry Men does something unrealistic. It'd make the show even more fun to watch! ;)

I could but I don't drink. And I'm trying to cut down on candy, otherwise I'd use this conversion system and make up a game.

Exchange the sweets for something healthier. Dried fruit or nuts or something.

But that's no fun. ;) I have a terrible sweet tooth.

I'll be adding both your recent reads to my wish list -- thank you very much! :)

Every time something unrealistic happens, you have to drink something with caffeine. If it's not fun for you, it certainly will be for us. :D

Fair point, in the spoiler section. It's entertaining cheesiness with lovely lads, though. Could you do a square of chocolate or something? You might only have 4 an episode, which wouldn't be horrible. If you're doing a marathon viewing of the season, though....

177. Brilliant! We'll have so much fun!

>176 TinaV95: You're welcome, Tina! Hope you enjoy them.

>177 Ape: This is a terrible idea. I usually watch the show in the evening aka the worst time for me to imbibe in caffeine.

>178 LauraBrook: Typically, I watch anywhere from 2-4 episodes in a sitting. Which could get dodgy. And on weekends, if I have nothing to do I watch... a disgusting number of episodes. ;)

>179 PawsforThought: You say that only because an ocean separates us. :P

Book 6



Okay for Now - Gary D. Schmidt

Doug Swieteck is no chump. Even though he's moved from New York City, where he once threw a ball around with Joe Pepitone, to stupid Marysville. And even though he goes into the Marysville Free Public Library, he's not reading. Because, in case you don't remember, he's no chump. But when he sees the paintings in the library's copy of Audubon's Birds of America, Doug begins on a path that will change his definition of chump.

Schmidt's novel is an intriguing insight into Doug's life in a family that is the definition of dysfunctional against the background of the late 1960s. Doug's voice is extremely distinctive and images from Audubon's book are interwoven with the narrative to great effect. The exploration of Doug's character is a fascinating one. My only complaint is that some of plot elements that came out towards the end of the novel were a little to easy. Overall, however, the book was a great journey to watch Doug grow up.

Rating: ***

I'm going to be AWOL for most of the weekend. So I'll just put this here to keep my thread warm while I'm away. :)

Mmmmm.... toasty.

That's some good Stephen repellent. I don't see him anywhere. :P

Aww, the original Pooh books. They're so endearing and sweet, it makes my teeth hurt.

Yep, that's what I think of when I think of Pooh. Or Poo. However you want to spell, it still sounds gross. ;)

Drive by wave Micky, and to check out your thread warmer..... ;-)

>183 LauraBrook: Yes, it did stay nice and warm in here while I was away. :)

>184 saraslibrary: Yup, I've scared him away once again. Doesn't take much really. Who said I couldn't be terrifying? ;)

>185 dk_phoenix: No fondness for them, Faith?

>186 saraslibrary: You're odd, Sara. Very odd.

>187 lkernagh: Wave back, Lori. Glad you're enjoying the thread warmer. :)

Book 7



Lost in a Good Book - Jasper Fforde

Thursday Next is back and dealing with a plate overflowing with unlikely problems. With her husband eradicated from reality by the Goliath Corporation, a newly discovered lost Shakespeare play, and an apprenticeship in Jurisfiction (the police force within books) with Miss Havisham, Thursday has her hands full. Nevermind that someone is also trying to kill her with coincidences and she needs to figure out why the world is going to turn into pink goo in just a few days.

Liking these books is a no-brainer for me. Weird alternative reality, plenty of literary references, time travel, and quirky characters make them a delight from start to finish. I will definitely be picking up the next book in this series much sooner than I got around to this one.

Rating: *****

Hoooooray Thursday Next!!!

I just pulled that one off of my shelf an hour ago! Here's hoping I remember enough stuff from the first book since I read it years ago, pre-LT. Nice to see your 5 star review, Micky!

>190 norabelle414: :) Indeed, Nora.

>191 LauraBrook: As long as you remember the general outlines of the plot, Laura, you should be ok.

Starting with Lost in a Good Book, Jasper Fforde posts "special features" for all of his books on his website. They are oh-so-funny.

http://www.jasperfforde.com/lostmusing.html

Oh, durrrrr, I forgot all about checking his website. Thanks for the reminder, Nora!

>194 LauraBrook: I forgot too! I have a ton of special features for The Woman Who Died a Lot and The Last Dragonslayer to read!!

Thanks for that, Nora. I'll definitely take a peek at that. :)

#188: You're terrifying; I'm odd. Yep, sounds about right. ;)

Hi, Mickey. I've been wary about visiting, because there are so many posts to catch up on - but I've been missing out on Robin Hood. Never mind, I've caught up now, with the added benefit that I got them all in one shot; and now I'll come by more often. :0)

Must pick up my Thursday Nexts again.

I've been thinking about listening to the audio version of Lost in a Good Book next month. It's very different from my usual book selections, but I really enjoyed The Eyre Affair when I read it last year and I want to continue with the series.

>197 saraslibrary: It does, doesn't it. Weird.

>198 humouress: Glad you came in, Nina, and were richly rewarded. ;) You should get back to Thursday Next, she's well worth going back to.

>199 cbl_tn: I'd be interested to see what you think of it as an audio, Carrie. I'm not much for audiobooks myself but I respect everyone who can follow an entire novel that way.

Just stopping by to thank you (and your thread) for introducing me to The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. I started watching over the weekend, and they're a lot of fun.

Home sick for the second day in a row (stupid cold). Finished second season of Robin Hood. Have many spoiler-related feels. Also, couldn't bring myself to watch more than one episode of third season and thus read synopses on Wikipedia to satisfy my completist streak.

>201 inge87: You are more than welcome, Jennifer. Always happy to introduce someone to the awesomeness of the LBD. :)

Glad to see your reading more Fforde, I'm on The Woman who Died a lot curently the only Fforde book i have not read. And what was your opinion of the last LBD.

I'm having a peek at the LBDs, too, though I've only got as far as the second, or third.

>204 BBGirl55: I'll probably pick up the next Fforde (for me) later next month, but I have a couple reads before I get to that one. As for the latest LBD I really loved it. *SPOILER ALERT* I particularly enjoyed Darcy's face when Lizzy put her hand on his shoulder and Darcy being Fitz. Ashley Clements is also doing a great job of showing Lizzie developing more understanding for Darcy and his quirks. *END SPOILERS* I can't remember if you watch Lydia's videos. I swear every time I watch some of the more recent ones, I have to go back and watch Lizzie to stave off the sad.

>205 humouress: Oh Nina, you have so much to look forward too! And I know she can be irritating, but I highly recommend watching Lydia's vids too when you get to that point. They definitely add important things to the story line. :)

Thanks to over-the-counter cold medicine (the kind with scary labels that warn about permanent liver damage if I exceed the recommended dosage) I'm back at work today. Although one of my friends at work came into my office, looked at me, and told me I should have stayed home again today. So apparently I'm not as better as I thought. :P

I'm with you Micky Lydia's videos are tedeus but worth watching to get other little bits of story.

206 - Darcy being Fitz was fantastic. Have you seen today's video? Eep!

>208 bluesalamanders: I know! I'm excited because we're getting close to some of the best plot bits and sad because it means we're getting closer to the end. And I don't want it to be over... :( I'm going to end up with the vlog equivalent to TEABS when the series ends.

Cold seems to be on the decline although I'm still taking the heavy-hitting cold meds so it's a bit hard to tell for sure.

Here is hoping your cold recovery is fast. You could always come off the cold meds to see, but I am not a fan of finding myself sick, once again, because I 'thought' I was better and came of the cold meds too soon so best to just not listen to that suggestion and just take care of your self!

HI Micky
Hope you are starting to feel better!

Thanks Lori and Chelle. Been off the cold meds for over twenty-four hours and feeling pretty close to human. Should be over the whole thing by the end of the weekend for sure. :)

January Summary




Books read: 7

Fiction: 6
Non-fiction: 1

Library: 5
Mine: 2

Re-reads: 1

Female authors: 1
Male authors: 6

Pages: 2,281

Average rating: 4.14

Favourite book(s): Ella Minnow Pea and Lost in a Good Book were both charming in their own ways. And North and South gets a nod as well for adding Mr. Thornton to my list of attractive fictional men.

Great to hear you're recouperating. Boo colds!

And I'm really keen to read Jasper Fforde - even more now.

good summery Micky

#214 Jasper Fforde must be read I garante anjoyment, word play, time travel and intrege.

>214 PawsforThought: Thanks, Paws. I'm thrilled to put this cold behind me (especially as it's my second in three weeks). You should definitely pick up The Eyre Affair sooner rather than later. They're just delightful from beginning to end.

>215 BBGirl55: Thanks!

I read The Eyre Affair years ago and I don't recall it doing a lot for me. Should I try the next?

>217 Morphidae: I'd say the quality is about the same from the first to the second book, Morphy. So if you weren't super wild about it the first time, I say give the second one a try but Pearl rule it if it still falls flat for you. :)

Book 8



The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making - Catherynne M. Valente

When the Green Wind comes to her kitchen window riding the Leopard of Little Breezes, September doesn't hesitate or look back when he asks her to come with him to Fairyland. Upon her arrival, September discovers that Fairyland is both delightful and terrible, makes friends with a Wyverary, a Marid named Saturday, and sets out on a path that will change both Fairyland and herself.

I fell in love with this book from the opening page. A brilliant and complex fairytale, Valente weaves a narrative reminiscent of some of my favourite classic children's books, Peter Pan and Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. The language is rich and beautiful, effortlessly creating fantastic images, delightful dialogue, and establishing a narrative voice that's thoroughly charming. And speaking of charming, September is a delightful heroine to follow as she encounters an amazing cast of characters that it is impossible not to love. The illustrations heading up each chapter are also a delight and bring Fairyland to life with grace and detail. A great fairytale for those full of heart or, like our heroine, September, the somewhat heartless.

Rating: *****

219. Oh, that sounds like a fantastic book. Straight to the TBR list.

I'm excited because we're getting close to some of the best plot bits and sad because it means we're getting closer to the end. And I don't want it to be over.

I caught up on the last two or three today, and this pretty much sums up where I stand. It's killer waiting for the new videos to be posted, but I'll be heartbroken when there are no videos at all.

#219 ok thats going on the TBR.

>219 MickyFine:, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making definitely sounds like a fun read. It looks like the public library has it, so I may just pick it up the next time I'm over there.

#219: I've been eyeballing that series for awhile at work, but you know me. I'm waiting for someone to donate a copy so I can buy it. Anyway, I'm glad you like it! :) Looks good.

>219 MickyFine:: Alright; I get the hint. Since so many people like it - onto the wish list it goes.

>220 PawsforThought: Yay!

>221 London_StJ: I hear you. Maybe we can start a support group after the series ends? :) Also, making sure you've seen the videos from Pemberley Digital?

>222 BBGirl55: Double yay!

>223 inge87: Triple yay!

>224 saraslibrary: Borrow it from work and buy it when it gets discarded. Good plan in my books.

>225 humouress: Glad you've succumbed to peer pressure, Nina. ;)

Micky. Would you believe that I wrote an elaborate, well-thought-out post on your thread this morning, after getting caught up, and then clearly forgot to press "post" before navigating away? It's true.

Anyway, the gist was that I greatly enjoyed your reviews, I'm planning on reading North and South at some point soon, and I'm about to start Palimpsest by Catherynne Valente, which is a bizarro urban fantasy novel that is a bit outside my comfort zone, but I'll read it anyway. I'm glad you thought so highly of The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making.

>219 MickyFine: That one that it already on the shelves but maybe I can get to it for Fantasy February :)

I do believe you, Kerri. I've had those moments myself. Glad you've enjoyed the reviews. When you do read North and South I highly recommend following up by watching the miniseries. And I may try Valente's adult novels after I read the other book in the Girl Who... series.

>228 Tanglewood: Cross-posted, Michelle. I highly recommend squeezing it in for FF. :)

226 - I actually haven't seen any of the "spin offs," so maybe I can prolong my joy a little more - are they as good? I know it's all part of the same story...

#226: Yeah, but I'm weird about reading library books, even stuff at our own branch. It's all so used and gross. I think Stephen has officially turned me into a germophobe.

232> I have a librarian friend who is as germophobic as you sound. She won't read many library books of the popular variety either. She will get them for academic things where the use is pretty low.

I have to confess I'm a germophobe when it comes to library books. I do feel a bit justified; when I volunteered to help out at my son's school library, it was mostly reshelving (which takes forever when it comes to primary school kids), and I always wash my hands afterwards. Though they do clean them (the library books) periodically, I can feel the grime on my hands, and when I wash them, the water always turns grey.

ETA - clarification

>231 London_StJ: I think they are. I'm pretty fond of cousin Mary who crops up in Lydia's videos. And Charlotte's little sister is adorable. And Gigi does the videos for Pemberley and I think she is just delightful. So yes, I recommend watching them.

>232 saraslibrary: Weirdo. ;)

Ok guys, I'm just going to point something out to you. The books you buy at the bookstore, probably just as germy as the ones you get from the public library. Just putting that out there.

235 - I've gotten some pretty grimy books from Amazon.com, so I'm with you on that one

Eww to thinking of germy books! :(

Excellent Fairyland review and I'll go thumbs-up it next!

>235 MickyFine:: Ewwww!

Um - any comments on e-books re germs? This may now be the only way I can continue reading ...

>237 TinaV95: Sorry. Thanks for the thumb, Tina. :)

>238 humouress: Well, ebooks should be pretty germ-free, Nina. The device you read them on though... ;)

>235 MickyFine: that is funny... i used to work at Barnes and Noble and those books can be down right nasty... Homeless people used to come in all the time and sit in the comfy chairs and page through the books... and then all the starbucks customers with their yummy cookies and finger lickin good goodies whoa... not to mention all the people who go to the bathroom and don't wash their hands afterward.... so library or bookstore germs everywhere.... e-book! (as long as your children don't get a hold of it)

#233-234: Glad to know I'm not the only one!! :) Most people really don't know that 99.9% of the items are not cleaned ever (well, unless patrons do it on their own--or you do it, humouress :).

#235: :D Leave it to Micky to make me feel so wanted. (blows raspberries)

Re: germs on books either at libraries or bookstores, I think it depends on the books. Kids books, for instance, are nasty, especially at libraries. I've watched kids stick books down their pants, in their mouths, chew on them, lick them....you get the idea (and horrible mental image). Romance/erotica books I'm kind of iffy on, too, especially when I stumbled across a book on women's g-spots that had "water" damange on it. o_0 Still, I'd rather buy a used book than check out a book at our library. I know our patrons too well.

#238-239: That's what I was going to say--plenty of germs on the reading device.

#240: Bathroom book--love it! :) Yep, there are those fun customers who just love to browse and leave mysterious food-prints on pages.

My local library has Purell dispensers. It doesn't remove the smell of homeless on the premises, but it's better than nothing.

You know that books are basically bacteria-free in comparision with other things we touch daily, right?
Coins, door handles, bus or tube rails...

Books are not to be feared - not even by hydochondriacs.

I agree, Paws. Germs don't really phase me much but fear of germs on library books would be really low on the list if they did.

Having worked with small children for the better part of the past 5 years, I'm pretty unfazed by germs in general. I do have a mini-bottle of hand sanitizer in my bag for use during flu and norovirus season (a.k.a. NOW) but I only use it if I have legitimate reason to belive someone's ill.

I'm still going to read real books and buy used books and go to the library. After my nausea settles down, that is ;)

>245 PawsforThought: Yeah, I pull out the hand sanitizer occasionally but usually only when I've been out in public, am about to eat, and don't have a place to wash my hands.

>246 TinaV95: Sounds like a very good plan, Tina.

Follow the blue link over to the NEW THREAD. :)

I've popped over to your new thread, but in order to keep it germ-free, I'll just make this comment here.

I didn't used to buy books at Borders, because (while admirable in theory) their 'anyone can read our books in the store' policy meant that a) effectively, I'd have been buying germ-covered second hand books (at full price) and b) with all the readers scattered all over the floor, I couldn't navigate my huge stroller (the one that the baby carrier slots into) through the aisles.

And now, of course, I can't buy books at Borders anymore.