DeltaQueen's 75 Book Challenge for 2013 - Part One

I am excited to be back home and to be finally setting up my first thread for the year. I have decided to give myself a little art appreciation education and open each of my threads with artwork that has caught my eye for one reason or another.



Claude Monet, 1895
Sandviken Village in the Snow



Paul Gauguin, 1879
Effect of Snow

Currently Reading:




Penrod by Booth Tarkington
A Long and Winding Road by Win Blevins
The Sandman Vol 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman

BOOKS READ

January

1. The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie (256 pages) - 4.0 ★
2. Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden (304 pages) - 4.2 ★
3. Double Crossing†† by Meg Mims (264 pages) - 2.0 ★
4. The Missing by Jane Casey (496 pages) - 3.7 ★
5. Domain of the Dead†† by Iain McKinnon (216 pages) - 3.5 ★
6. I Was Amelia Earhart†† by Jane Mendelsohn (160 pages) - 4.0 ★
7. Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith (480 pages) - 4.1 ★
8. The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli (272 pages) - 3.3 ★
9. My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell (288 pages) - 5.0 ★
10. The Sandman Vol 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman (232 pages) - 4.5 ★
11. Hunter by Joy Cowley (176 pages) - 4.3 ★
12. Insurgent by Veronica Roth (592 pages) - 4.1 ★
13. Tilt-A-Whirl by Chris Grabenstein (321 pages) - 4.0 ★
14. Brighton Rock - Graham Greene (324 pages) - 4.5 ★
15. Fright by Cornel Woolrich (256 pages) - 4.0 ★
16. An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor (320 pages) - 3.8 ★

February

17. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah (229 pages) - 4.4 ★
18. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (563 pages) - 5.0 ★
19. Lord Peter Views the Body by Dorothy Sayers (256 pages) - 3.8 ★
20. The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville (326 pages) - 4.1 ★
21. Ice Forged by Gail Z. Martin (563 pages) - 3.1 ★
22. The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis (217 pages) - 4.0 ★
23. The Scorpio Races†† by Maggie Stiefvater (410 pages) - 2.0 ★
24. The Help by Kathryn Stockett (534 pages) - 4.3 ★
25. The Sandman Vol 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman (160 pages) - 4.0 ★

I decided to keep track of pages read this year:

Am I first? Found and starred you, Judy!

Hi Carrie, just got home this afternoon and have been setting up my 2013 threads and, of course, checking the TIOLI threads. We have a joint read this month with Agent 6.

I'm second then! I am looking forward to all those book bullets you send my way!

Two of my favourite artists featured by one of my favourite threaders. Welcome back Judy and I look forward to marvelling at your reading progress this year as usual.

Happy New Year, Judy. I look forward to following your reading.

I have the audio of Agent 6 downloaded and ready to go as soon as I finish my current audiobook!

Hi Judy, welcome back and thanks for the opening art. I know the artists, of course, but those paintings are unfamiliar...and gorgeous.

Darn, I'd love to join you and Carrie on Agent 6 but I still need to read The Secret Speech first. I'm always behind it seems!

Hi Judy - good to see you back. Happy New Year!

Love the paintings up top! Welcome home.

Happy New Year, Judy. Betty Zane was my last finish for 2012 and I loved it. I wouldn't have tried it had I not read your review of the other one, so thank you for that! I have downloaded the next book.

Hi Judy, beautiful opening pictures and a great idea to open your threads. Again I am looking forward to your reading this year :)

Lovely paintings, although a bit too much like the view out of my windows at the moment. Perhaps I'd appreciate them more if it were summer... ;)

I'm excited to follow you again this year and discover what you're reading!

Welcome back!

Hi Judy hope you have a wonderful new year!

HI, Judy! Love the artwork!

I've actually been on LT pretty much all day and only now have I gotten over here to the 75ers. The 2013 Challenge has exploded this year with tons of new people participating and extra challenges to track. I think I am going to have to set up a schedule of alternating days for this challenge and the category challenge, otherwise the only reading I will be getting done this year will be thread reading!

#9 - Hi Lori, I hope to get around the 75 Challenge threads a little tonight and then more tomorrow.

#10 - Happy New Year, Paul, great to see you.

#11 - Hi Beth and Happy New Year to you, too. I am looking forward to following your reading again as well.

#12 - I have ordered Agent 6 from the library but probably won't get to it until later on next week. As usual I have overbooked myself and will have to scramble to fit it all in!

#13 - Hi Donna, I wish I knew more about art and artists. I actually have been introduced to many new artists right here on LT, it's amazing the things other LTers have to teach us. I love the softness and blurred lighting in both pictures above.

#14 - Happy New Year, Katie.

#15 - Thanks, Roni. I always enjoy visiting my Mom but it is nice to get home and get back to normal. We did a lot of visiting while I was in Victoria and along with that came too much food. I am looking forward to some simple dinners of soup and crusty bread in January.

#16 - Hi Susan, I am glad you liked Betty Zane, I think it was my favorite of the three Frontier Books, probably since the main character was a female. The next book, I think it is called Spirit of the Border is one I read years and years ago. I will be interested in what you think of it.

#17 - Hi Bianca, I will look forward to your comments. I think 2013 is going to be a great reading year and I expect my wishlist will grow by leaps and bounds once I get out to everyone's threads!

#18 - I can imagine you are getting a little tired of seeing snow, Amber. We haven't had any yet, just a couple of quite frosty mornings, so those pictures are my way of enjoying some snow. (Not that I want it to snow, I am quite happy with our milder, rainy weather).

#19 - Thanks, Jim. As I am sure everyone tells you, this is a great place you started for us all to enjoy.

#20 - Hi Susie. I have high hopes for 2013, let's hope it's a good year for everyone. I would love it if the weather behaves, the crazies stay at home, and armies don't go on the march. I think the world deserves a quiet, peaceful year.

#21 - Hi Terri, thanks.

And now to catch up on the two books I have read so far this year.

1. The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Classic Crime
AlphaCat: The Letter "A"



The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie is the first in her Tommy and Tuppence series that follows this young couple’s adventures. In this book, World War I is over and both Tommy, who has returned from the fighting, and Tuppence, who left her quiet home in a country vicarage and spent the war in various jobs, are finding peace time a little boring. They need to work but as members of the lost generation, they are also looking for something beyond the daily ho-hum life of the upper class. Craving excitement, they decide to set themselves up as paid adventurer’s, willing to take on just about anything, little knowing that their first case will involve international espionage, kidnapping and murder.

An altogether fun book to read, the two main characters are delightful, and make excellent foils for each other. If you are a fan of Agatha Christie, I think you would enjoy reading about this young couple as they battle Bolsheviks and revolutionists, and come to realize how important they are to each other.

Originally published in 1922, The Secret Adversary is a light, short read, a little dated to be sure, but I enjoyed the concept, timing and setting immensely. High in entertainment value, this is an enjoyable book to curl up with for a few hours and escape to a different time and place.

Have a great weekend Judy!

2. Tomorrow When the War Began by John Marsden - 4.2 ★
13 in 13 Category: Hans Christian Andersen/George Orwell - Tales of Fantasy & Magic and Dystopian Stories
AlphaCat: The Letter "M"
RandomCat: A New-To-Me Author
TIOLI #7: "B" in Title or Author's Name



Tomorrow When the War Began by Australian author John Marsden is the story of a group of Australian teenagers who go into the bush for a few days of camping and return to find their country invaded, their town captured and their families held as prisoners. They have a choice to either surrender, or flee back into the hills.

I felt that the author was able to capture the bewilderment, suspense and adventure of this situation as we read of how these teenagers cope. As a group they work through the stress, terror and desperation. While there is plenty of action to be had, Tomorrow When the War Began strikes me as more of a character study. The author develops his characters throughout the book, and by the end, these are very different people then they were when they first started out on their camping trip.

The book is presented as a journal written by the main character, Ellie. We see the events through her eyes, and the author never lets us forget these are teenagers, as her written account gives as much attention to the age old teen questions of “Who is interested in who”, and “Does he/she like me?”. As the account is written by Ellie, what we hear about is strictly what Ellie sees and knows. As she openly admits, she didn’t take any interest in current affairs so we never learn why the country is invaded or even who the invaders are.

By the end of the book, these eight teens have come to realize that their lives have changed, probably forever and they must make a final decision, do they hide or do they fight? As this is the first book in the series, everything is not neatly wrapped up but the author gives us a powerful, poignant ending. I am looking forward to the next book and continuing on with this adventure.

Hi Paul, I plan on a quiet weekend with, hopefully, lots of reading time. Wishing you a great weekend as well!

Judy,

Delurking to say thanks for last year's review of The Windup Girl, which I put on my TBR list partly on your recommendation (the Hugo and Nebula helped too).

I don't think I liked it quite as well as you did, but I did like it -- especially the careful worldbuilding. Thanks for the recommendation!

Hi Judy, finally managed to find you amongst all the threads. I read about 5 of the Tomorrow series books and then the Ellie Chronicles and enjoyed them all.

Hi Judy, great review of Tomorrow when the war began sounds definately like a fab read to me.

I read The Windup Girl last year and was extremely dissapointed. I felt this book had such great potentials and he just didn't go for it. I still thought it was a good read and I very much enjoyed the world he portrait, but I just thought it could have been much, much better excecuted.

Wish you a great weekend!

Oh, The Secret Adversary! One of my favorites. So much so, in fact, that our own border collie is named after Tuppence (she was my birthday present to Tomm(y) a few years back and was named accordingly, as they make an adorable crime-solving team).

Hi Judy - Your year is starting off strong both The Secret Adversary and Tomorrow when the War Began both sound great.

Hi Judy, I'm finally getting caught up with you. I liked both of the opening paintings and realize I associate both these painters with scenes of warmer weather so it was interesting to see their winter landscapes. Tomorrow When the War Began sounds interesting. I may look for that one at the library. I admire your ability to participate in two challenges at the same time here on LT.

Hi Judy, Happy New Year to you,also. Looks like you are not doing too bad,either.

Hi Judy, I'm already behind in making it around to threads but I'm dropping off a star. Those are gorgeous paintings you've posted up top, and ones I'm not familiar with. Happy New Year!

Hi Judy! I have now found your thread over here. Like you, I am finding it a bit difficult to stay on top of the explosion of threads this week between both the 75 and the 2013 groups.

Great pics at the start of your thread. I am partial to the Monet but only because the blue tint to the winter scene seems appropriate.

Thread now starred so I can find you again.

Today we finally packed all the Christmas decorations away and got the house back to normal. I also worked on some laundry and spent a little time earlier on LT. But most importantly (to me) I set aside a couple of hours of lazing on the couch and reading - sheer bliss!

#27 - Hi Swynn, I'm glad you enjoyed The Windup Girl, although if I remember "enjoy" might not be the proper word. Have you tried any China Mieville? He is another master at world building, I read Perdido Street Station last year and I am looking forward to discovering more of his books.

#28 - Hi Kerry, I am trying to remember who first directed me to the Tomorrow Series - I know it was last year and the person had just read the last book in the series, I don't suppose it was you was it? I try to write down who I get my recommendations from, but sadly I didn't in this case. I owe them a big thank you as I can see I will enjoy the whole series.

#29 - Hi Bianca, it seems people either love The Windup Girl or feel let down by it. Sorry it didn't work for you.

#30 - Amber, I love that your dog was named after an Agatha Christie character! I always thought if I got another cat, I would love to call her Agatha. I think giving your pets literary names is cool.

#31 - Hi Beth, unfortunately the run of good books ended with my next one (review to follow). :( Oh well, lots more on the TBR pile!

#32 - Pat, I loved the fact that these painters who I also associate with warmer seasons/climates did some winter works as well. I started with the Category Challenges about 4 years ago and then added the 75ers group 3 years ago. I am a planner and list maker so the category reading really suits me. Of course I keep my categories fairly broad and rarely ever stick to my lists! There's quite a few of us that tackle both challenges so we know all about crazy!

#33 - Hi Cindy, great to see you here. I've planned to read 16 books this month - but we'll see if I get to all of them.

#34 - I think I will be running behind for the rest of the year, Anne. This is great format as it allows us to communicate with each other at our own speed, eventually we'll get to everyone.

#35 - Hi Lori, I think my biggest surprise this year so far is how the Category Challenge has exploded, lots of new faces over there. I expect the new year's rush over here, but now am finding it on both challenges! So many book lovers - it's a wonderful thing!

Speaking of wonderful things, I have come across this meme on various threads and love all the different responses. I remember doing this at the beginning of last year as well. All the answers are filled in by using book titles of books read in 2012.

Describe yourself: Lazybones

Describe how you feel: All Shall Be Well

Describe where you currently live: Faithful Place

If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: The Land of a Hundred Wonders

Your favorite form of transportation: The Holy Road

Your best friend is: The Cotton Queen

You and your friends are: Beauty Queens

What's the weather like?: The Land of Summer

You fear: A Sickness In the Family

What is the best advice you have to give?: Don’t Look Back

Thought for the day: The Water’s Lovely

How I would like to die: A Superior Death

My soul's present condition: Great Expectations

Judy, I love your meme! It's almost like you picked your 2012 reading list with the meme in mind!

Hi Carrie, it is amazing how these book titles fit into this meme. I've seen some really good ones posted on various threads, including yours!

3. Double Crossing †† by Meg Mims - 2.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Dora Saint - My Choice
AwardsCat: 2012 Spur Award for Best First Novel
AlphaCat: The Letter "M"
RandomCat: A New-To-Me Author
TIOLI #3: Not Published by a Big Six Publisher



My first disappointment of the year, Double Crossing by Meg Mims simply did not measure up to what I hoped for. This is a 2012 Spur Award winner for Best First Novel, and I was expecting a much better book than I got. The story was predictable, the characters one dimensional, and to make matters even worse, there is obviously meant to be a sequel as the storyline was pretty much left hanging.

The plot sounds like it might have come from an old 1950’s TV western involving as it does the missing deed to a gold mine, a young, headstrong heiress torn between a earnest young missionary and a wild Texan cowboy. The action takes place mostly on trains as the various characters travel west from Chicago to Sacramento. There were a few characters that were introduced along the way that I am sure will be appearing in future books.

That this book is a Spur Award winner led me to believe I was going to be reading a well written, intriguing story but what I read was more of a light romance with Christian overtures that happened to take place in the 1870’s. I could have accepted that much more graciously if the writing had shown more promise. Instead I can definitely state that I will not be following along with this series.

I've found you both places now, Judy. It is going to be hard to keep up with so many threads!

>36 DeltaQueen50:: I've thought for years that if we ever get another cat I want to name her Mrs. Matuschek, the strongly-present but never seen wife of the shop owner in one of my all-time favorite movies, The Shop Around the Corner. Not quite literary, I know, but still, I love that name.

Judy, as you liked The Secret Adversary, you might also like the "Partners in Crime" TV series, from the 1980s, which has a number of different stories featuring Tommy and Tuppence (I'm not sure whether all of them were from the original novels). It stars Francesca Annis and James Warwick, and appears occasionally here on the channels devoted to old reruns, but is probably also on the film rental services in different countries. I taped all the episodes a few years ago and loved them, and it's also fun to look at the 1980s production values compared to the much swisher look of today's dramas.

>37 DeltaQueen50:- Thanks for reminding me of that one Judy will post mine on my thread!

Hello Judy! You're starred! Glad you enjoyed the John Marsden - that book especially is on the reading list for so many schools here. There is also a movie - which is on DVD now, I think. I plan to read more Australian writers myself this year - but I read to be transported elsewhere, so we will have to see. It is embarrassing when so many LTers have read more Australian novels than I have! Happy to be reading over your shoulder this year!

It's amazing how you can usually find books to fit that meme. I know we did it last year, but it's fun to do it again with a new set of books. Somehow a few of the questions got left off on some of the memes. Yours and Cheli's seems to be shorter than the one I completed.

#25: I own that book and really need to get it read! I am going to have to see if I can locate my copy. Thanks for the reminder, Judy.

How frustrating! I had written a long reply and had just about finished when I hit the wrong button and poof it was gone. Have to start all over again.

Today I spent the day with my granddaughter. She was to have started back to school today, but convinced her Dad that she wasn't well. She probably did have a tummy upset but after a quiet morning on the couch, she was much better this afternoon, but not, she assured me, well enough to go to school. We read some fairy tales.

I also went on-line and spent all my Christmas gift cards in one fell swoop. I spent something along the lines of $100.00 on books, and will list them here when I receive them.

#41 - Hi Dejah, the secret is not to put any pressure on yourself, visit when you can but don't stress over it if you can't get to everybody, we are wonderfully patient here, but isn't it great that our only real complaint here is our own difficulty to keep up!

#42 - I love that name as well, Amber.

#43 - I checked with my library and they have Partners in Crime, Set 1 and 2. I will add them to my list of "must sees". Thanks for the info, Susan.

#44 - I will be by your thread later, Susie, to check out your answers.

#45 - Hi Prue, glad to have you along! I hope to discover some more Australian and New Zealand authors this year as I am also going to be doing the Commonwealth Challenge, reading books set in the various Commonwealth countries. Luckily this one has no time limit!

#46 - Hi Lori, I did notice that the one I copied didn't have the bottom question that many do have. I will have to come and copy your last question and fill it in over here!

#47 - Hi Stasia, good news that you already have the book, and now I can be patted on the back for encouraging you to read one from the shelves!

And now I am off to do my rounds.

Hi Judy- I didn't know you had a '13 thread up! Well, I found you now and I'm looking forward to following you around for another fun reading year. Are you game?

#49 Hi Mark, great to see you here. I am so game - looking forward to a great year of reading and discovering new books and authors.

4. The Missing by Jane Casey - 3.7 ★
13 in 13 Category: Kate Atkinson - Women of Crime
AlphaCat: The Letter "M"
RandomCat: A New-to-Me Author
TIOLI #2: An Author I Hadn't Heard of Before LT



More of a psychological study than a murder mystery, The Missing by Jane Casey explores what happens to a family when a child goes missing, never to be found. This devastating event shaped the main character, Sarah Finch’s life when her twelve year old brother left the backyard one day and never returned. Now, many years later, Sarah, a grown woman, still lives at home with her alcoholic mother.

One day while out running, Sarah discovers a murdered child’s body. This child happens to be one of her own pupils. The book explores in depth how Sarah copes with this tragedy and the resulting pressure and stress of being caught up in a murder investigation.

A very readable book, The Missing almost pulls off what the author intended. There were a few things that I found hard to accept, in particular some questionable police procedures and the attraction that Sarah seemed to exude towards the opposite sex. Sarah is not a very likeable character, she is so insecure and passive that I felt like shaking her a few times, but considering the traumatic childhood and the lasting damage she sustained, she did ring true. There were no real likeable characters in the whole book, which I found difficult as I like to have an emotional connection with the characters I read about.

The Missing is this author’s first book and as I felt the good definitely outweighed the bad, I will be trying her next offering which is the first in a series about a female detective constable.

That one sounds rather interesting, Judy, though the lack of likeable characters would be a minus for me, too.

Hi Judy - The Missing sounds interesting. Great review. Casey sounds like an author to watch.

Judy, I'm glad you added the state of your soul to the meme. Great Expectations is the perfect answer! You are off to a 'great' beginning of your reading year!

I've been working on catching up on the various threads this morning, and not doing a very good job of it. The more behind I get, the more I tend to just lurk. Lovely to come to my thread and find I have had some visitors. Big waves to Terri, Beth and Donna. I am puzzling over trying to find that perfect balance between LT and reading time. (If anyone knows the secret - do tell!)

Today I am picking my granddaughter up after school which will keep me busy in the later afternoon. It's actually not raining here today and I am wondering if we can squeeze in a walk - a good way to use up some of her excess energy and it certainly does me no harm to get out and get some exercise!

Great review of The Missing, Judy, but without likeable characters, I think I'll give this one a miss. I need to like at least 1 person in my novels. :-)

What's the title of the first in her series about a female detective? (silently groans because I need a new series like I need a bunion on my foot)

I'm glad I'm not the only person having trouble keeping up, Judy. I'm getting bad about posting on threads because I'm so far behind. The posts on which I often want to comment are so old that just about everyone has forgotten them. That does tend to encourage lurking.

Gah, I don't know how I missed starring your new thread!
I'm here now :)

#36: I finished reading the John Marsden books long before I joined LT so it wasn't me who was reading them last year, maybe kiwiflowa?

#58: Yes, I've been mainly lurking on most threads that I visit. I now feel good about it as it makes less for the rest of you to read! I've spent so much time this month reading threads that I almost stopped reading books.

#57 - Hi Caro, The first book in her series that features DC Maeve Kerrigan is called The Burning. I have it on my shelf but don't know when I will get to it, but I have been assured by Eva over on the 2013 Category Challenge that it's pretty good.

#58 - Oh, that exactly what I am finding too, Lori. By the time I get to a thread and want to post something, the coversation has moved along. At least I'm not the only one!

#59 - Hi Chelle, glad to see you. It's a bit of a scramble at the beginning of the year to find and star the threads that you want to follow. I'm happy that you tracked me down!

#60 - I don't think it was Lisa either, Kerry, this just serves me right I should have taken more care to write down who recommended this series.
I guess we are all doing our fair share of lurking. I'm sure we will all find our rhythm before too long.

5. Domain of the Dead†† by Iain McKinnon - 3.5 ★
13 in 13 Category: H.P. Lovecraft - The Dark Side
AlphaCat: The Letter M
RandomCat: New-to-Me Author
TIOLI #6: Downloaded to my Kindle at Least 6 Months Ago



Ok, it’s no secret that I have a thing for zombie books, and Domain of the Dead by Iain McKinnon gets high marks for being a real page-turner. This book had an interesting setup, an exciting story line, and characters that I could root for. So what’s the problem? The way the book ended was a big one for me, reading more like the end of a chapter than the end of a book.

This is the story of a small group of survivors some 8 years after the zombie apocalypse. These people managed to hold up in a food warehouse and keep the walking dead at bay, but now the food is running out and more and more zombies are showing up outside the warehouse every day. One morning, Sarah, gets up and decides this will be the day she will end her life. She goes up on the roof but before she can jump she hears and then sees a helicopter.

Rescued by a military group and ferried out to a huge ship, things are starting to look much brighter for the survivors, but wait a moment, this is a research ship and what are they researching? You guessed it, zombies. When things go wrong, and you know they were going to, the close confines of a ship is probably not where you want to be.

Did they make it? Well, I really have no idea as the book ended right in the middle of the action so even though I wasn’t happy, I had to immediately buy and load the next book onto my Kindle. I guess this is a brilliant marketing technique, but it sure makes me see red. This book would have been a solid 4 star read, but the ending knocked it back to a 3.5.

With one exception (My Life as a White Trash Zombie) I don't like zombie books, but you've caught my attention with your review of Domain of the Dead - it actually sounds kind of fun. I suppose if I've found one zombie book/series I like, there may be another. Thanks!

Hi, Judy. Glad I don't have a thing for zombie books--saves me from a lot of book bullets! I hate books that stop in the middle too, unless they have given me fair warning ahead of time.

My local library does not have the Jane Casey book that you read, but it does have The Burning, so I am going to give that one a try. I have never read anything by her either.

Hi Judy - What a scary cover (says one who is not into zombies)!

I second that --- scary cover!!

Hi Judy, the zombie books sounds like fun. It's pretty cheap for the Kindle ($4) but also available from the kindle lending library, so I may give it a shot!

Judy - I am so late to this party! I had your 2013 challenge thread starred and your ROOTs thread starred, and just realized that I didn't have your regular thread starred - I had to go to the threadbook to find you!! So sorry! Already you have snagged me with a few book bullets - added Tomorrow, When the War Began to my WL and Domain of the Dead to my TBR since I can borrow it from the Kindle library (thanks for the info, Katie!).

Wishing you a fabulous weekend!

Hi Judy, I only found recently that I seriously enjoy zombie books. Well, it started when my son got me last year to watch "The Walking Dead" series with him. Since, then I have read quite a few which I enjoyed at different degrees. However, your review of Domain of the Dead sounds fab, so off it goes onto my wishlist.
And what a scary cover it has got.

Wish you a great weekend!

I was quite surprised to check in here and see so many visitors, I thought the zombie book would keep most away! :)

#63 - Just be prepared Dejah, if you like it you will have to buy the second book right away!

#64 - Hi Roni, I don't mind some things left hanging when I know there is a sequel, but honestly, this one really left me dangling!

#65 - Stasia, I think The Burning is supposed to be better than The Missing, so hopefully, a good read.

#66 & 67 - Hi Beth and Carol, that's the best reason for reading these types of book on an e-reader, you don't have to walk around in public with those gruesome covers on display!

#68 - Hi Katie, I thought it was great fun. I use these books to ease between my more serious reads. Although sometimes I am more in the mood for a Georgette Heyer lighter read. It's great to have so much choice.

#69 - Hi Mamie, glad to see you here. I think there may be some threads still out there that I haven't gotten to yet this year, and then with multiple challenges, well, well, it's certainly easy to get lost in the shuffle! You have yourself a great weekend as well.

#70 - Hi Bianca, I don't know what it is about zombie books in particular for me. I do read other types of horror, but always come back to the zombies. My brother says it's because I think I could at least outrun a zombie. I think it may be partly because I love survivor type books and there is often a strong element in that with zombie apocalypse stories.

Have a great weekend everyone. I plan on doing very little. We are going to sample the new Thai restaurant in the neighbourhood tomorrow night, so I don't even have a lot of cooking to do.

I've been reading the Jane Casey detective series books, and quite like them -- definitely worth trying if you quite liked this early book. And you scored a book bullet with the "tomorrow" series; I've added this first one to my Kindle.

Judy - your last read seems to have made up for having one of the least attractive covers ever!
Have a lovely weekend.

#72 - Hi Suzanne, I hope you enjoy Tomorrow When the War Began when you get to it.

#73 - Paul, yes, at least it was a read that held my attention and was fun (until the ending). I have already purchased the next book in the series and I think it's cover may even be more gruesome!

6. I Was Amelia Earhart†† by Jane Mendelsohn - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Edgar Rice Burroughs - Tales of Adventure
AwardCat: 1997 Short List for Orange Award
RandomCat: New-to-Me Author
AlphaCat: The Letters A & M
TIOLI #2: An Author I Hadn't Heard of Before LT



I Was Amelia Earhart by Jane Mendelsohn was a strange reading experience. Instead of a outward look at the life of Amelia Earhart, this was more akin to being inside Amelia Earhart looking out. The book details her last flight, but with intense yet random thoughts on her marriage that was more like a business partnership, her complicated relationship with her navigator, her feelings about flight and flying, and her uncanny awareness that this would be a doomed flight. Then upon an emergency landing on a small Pacific island that they call “Heaven” the two embark upon a journey of self-awareness and acceptance of each other and their fate.

This book was on the 1997 Orange Prize Short List, and I can understand why this was so just from the beautifully descriptive writing but as it takes place all in the main character’s head, very much as thoughts come and go in our own heads, it was also disjointed, choppy and fragmented. I found this so personal that at times I forgot this was only fictional speculation, it felt much more like I was spying on her diary.

Both compelling and poetic, I Was Amelia Earhart has left me wanting to know more about the real life of this aviatrix that was for a short time America’s Darling. I will now be on the hunt for a non-fiction account of her life that will help to fill in the blanks.

I Was Amelia Earhart does sound like an unusual book.

#74 -- ha, read it already. I did like and have downloaded the sequel to see what happens. Not as powerful as The Hunger Games, perhaps, and it keeps reminding me of the film "Red Dawn" with Patrick Swayze, but with less excitement about blowing people up; it's more thoughtful than that.

#76 - Hi Lori, yes, unusual and at times surreal. I am now going to be on the lookout for a book on Amelia Earhart that Carrie (cbl_tn) reviewed last year, Finding Amelia by Ric Gillespie. Need to read something factual about her.

#77 - Glad you enjoyed it, Suzanne.

7. Agent 6 by Tom Rob Smith - 4.1 ★
13 in 13 Category: Henning Mankell & Ariana Franklin - International & Historical Crime (this book fits both)
AlphaCat: The Letter A
Reading Through Time Monthly Challenge: The Cold War
TIOLI #1: No Duplicate Letters in Title



Agent 6 is the final volume in Tom Rob Smith’s trilogy about the life and career of Leo Demidov, and he ended it with a very good read, a thriller that paints a vivid picture of the paranoia, lies and propaganda of a Communist Russia emerging from the Stalin years and navigating their way through the cold war years. This book covers a great deal of territory, both in timing and location. The story starts in the early 1960’s and carries us through to the 1980’s. In terms of location we are taken from Russia to America, Afghanistan and back to America as Leo’s life follows it’s complicated course.

Leo’s life is imploded by an traumatic event, and he tries to unravel the secrets and discover what really happened, but truth is virtually impossible to find in Soviet Russia, and Leo takes a final step toward total disillusionment toward the state he once served so blindly. Of course during the cold war, the other side was far from perfect and lies and manipulation were the order of the day.

Overall I loved the broad strokes of this story, but felt it lacked the moody atmosphere and the heart of the first book in the trilogy, Child 44. Leo goes through so much that by the end of Agent 6 it is hard to view him as a normal man, his feelings and concerns strike one as more a vehicle for the author to hang his interpretation of historical events upon. This book did excel in the action sequences and in particular the Afghanistan setting was fascinating as one could see the groundwork for future terrorism being laid.

#75: I get to dodge that particular BB as I have already read it.

#79: I still have not managed to read The Secret Speech yet although I really liked Child 44. I really must get on the stick!

Morning Judy- Good review of I Was Amelia Earhart. That one might just land on the WL. Like, Stasia, I stalled out reading the Secret Speech, after some lackluster reviews. I do own it though. I LOVED the 1st one though. Glad to hear agent 6 was solid.

Wow, Judy, already onto your 8th book! And here I am muddling along on my third book ! You are amazing with your reading pace! Love the art at the top of your thread! Isn't it nice that we had a few sunny days! We have crocuses breaking through the ground here and my husband reports to me that the tulip Magnolia trees already have buds - but I am not quite sure that I believe him on that one -so I shall have to get out on a walk and observe for myself...:)

Hey Judy - Just wanted to say "hi" and thankd for the reviews!

Good morning to all, we woke up this morning to find a layer of white on the ground, just a skim and hopefully, it will soon disappear. The forecast is for it to stay clear but warm up a little which would be nice.

When I opened the door to actually feel what it was like outside, a couple of packages fell in. These are the first of my books orders that I placed last week.

My haul today consists of:

The Coroner's Lunch by Colin Cotterill
One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson
King's Man by Angus Donald
An Irish Country Courtship by Patrick Taylor

#80 - Hi Stasia, I loved Child 44, then was rather disappointed with The Secret Speech. This last one, Agent 6 was much better for me than the Secret Speech but didn't come up to the level of the first one.

#81 - Hi Mark, with so many good series and trilogies out there, I am glad to have put this one to bed, so to speak. Although I have been fooled time and time again thinking the author really meant trilogy, when in fact the books just kept on coming.

#82 - Deb, I hope the buds aren't actually forming yet as this blast of icy weather we are having may do them some harm. I remember losing all the buds off our Camillia tree one year. I have so many books that I want to get to that I wish I could read even faster!

#83 - Hi Dejah, and your welcome! :)

"When I opened the door to actually feel what it was like outside, a couple of packages fell in."

What a lovely start to your day! And nice bunch of books it was, too! Can't wait to see what you think of The Coroner's Lunch. Happy Monday, Judy!

I'm with Mamie - I'm interested to see what you think of The Coroner's Lunch. I'm trying to get to the next book, Thirty-Three Teeth this month.

I love it when UPS delivers books...

Thanks again for the exciting review on The Domain of the Dead got it on my kindle now. :)

Nothing like books falling into your house to start the day. Nice haul!

Have you started The Coroner's Lunch? Have you started The Coroner's Lunch? I'll be back to ask again.

Judy, I'm glad to hear that Agent 6 was "a very good read." I'll be a good girl and read the disappointing Secret Speech with the reward of Agent 6 in mind.

It sounds like mark wants you to read The Coroner's Lunch! I want to get started on this series soon as I've heard such praise from those who have read it.

ohhh lovely book order! What a good way to start the day!

I guess my order is going to come in on dribs and drabs as today only one book "fell" into the house. Blackfly Season by Giles Blunt joined my TBR shelves.

Today was one of those days that I felt like I didn't get anything done. A little reading, a little crochet, a little LT. My granddaughter was here for dinner and she seems extra hyper today. Had a terrible night's sleep last night so hopefully I will go to bed early tonight and get a good nights rest.

#85 - Hi Mamie, I love finding those little brown packages, even today when there was only one book, it was still nice.

#86 - Dejah,I have heard so much about The Coroner's Lunch and the rest of the series that I hope my expectations aren't too high.

#87 - Hi Bianca, I hope Domain of the Dead delivers the right amount of thrills and chills!

#88 - You got that right, Terri. Now I am looking forward to tomorrow to see what arrives!

#89 - Hi Mark, I am determined to get to it sooner rather than later. I actually hope to fit it in during March. It will fit into my Global Crime Category for my Category Challenge.

#90 - I'll be interested in what you think of both these books when you get to them Donna. I'm the same way with Cotterill's series, haven't heard one bad thing about this series! (And Mark obviously likes them!:))

#91 - Hi Chelle, one of best ways to start the day!

I'm jealous of your book deliveries. I was expecting one to arrive today but it won't (it didn't make out 'Out for Delivery'). Grrrr.....

#93 - Ah, but Dejah, you still have the anticipation of a new book coming!

One more book arrived today, Flesh and Bone by Jonathan Maberry, the third part of a zombie trilogy.

8. The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli - 3.3 ★
13 in 13 Category: Patrick O'Brian - Historical Fiction
Reading Through Time Quarterly Challenge: The Renaissance
TIOLI #14: Author Has A 3-Part Name



The Smile by Donna Jo Napoli tells the story of Elisabetta, a young girl of the city state of Florence, Italy in the 1490’s. Elisabetta is on the brink of womanhood and plans are swirling around for a party to introduce her to society and set the wheels in motion for her to find a rich husband. This girl will grow to womanhood during turbulent times and although she meets and falls in love with a young man from the powerful Medici family, changes occur which make him no longer acceptable as a suitor.

Torn from her young lover and forced to marry another, she finds peace and contentment with her children whom she loves but she never quite forgets her first love. She does have a reliable friendship with Leonardo Di Vinci and has served as a model for him over the years. Eventually, Leonardo accepts a commission from Giuliano de’Medici to paint a portrait of the girl he never forgot.. Elisabetta becomes immortalized as the Mona Lisa.

This YA book is rich in historical detail and her portrait of both the city of Florence and the chaotic times is well researched. Bearing in mind that this is a YA book, the love story was fairly convincing, although somewhat bland. While Elisabetta springs to life on these pages, some of the other characters remained distant and unapproachable. I think this was a wrong choice for me as what I found lacking are elements that I would have gotten with a adult version of this story, more drive, more details and more passion.

** I am giving this book a rating of 3.3 stars, but not posting this review to the books’ pages, as I do not think this is a fair reflection of the book, more a reflection of my choosing the wrong genre of book for this story.

Didn't get a lot of sleep last night, due to arthritis issues, so I am having a lazy day. Not planning on doing anything except spend time on the computer and getting in some reading time.

Two books arrived today, well to be truthful, three books arrived, but I made the stupid mistake of ordering a book in Spanish. The two that I ordered that I will be able to read are Dreams Beneath Your Feet by Win Blevins, and Butcher's Crossing by John Williams, both books are set in the American West.

> 95 what I found lacking are elements that I would have gotten with a adult version of this story, more drive, more details and more passion. LOL - excactly. Still very interesting review of The Smile Judy :)

I have read the first book in the zombie trilogy by Jonathan Maberry Rot and Ruin and quite enjoyed that one, the other two are still on my TBR.

Sorry, to hear that you had an awful night - arthritis can be extremely unpleasant - so hopefully, you are going to have a better one tonight {hugs}.

#23 Serendipity - I just finished The Secret Adversary too! I agree it's a really fun read - I've always had quite a big soft spot for Christie's Tommy and Tuppence books although they seem generally less popular than her Poirot's and Marple's.

#75 I Was Amelia Earhart sounds interesting and unusual Judy - I'll look out for it.

#96 Hope you sleep better tonight and the arthritis issues ease up.

Sorry to hear that your arthritis is bothering you, Judy. Wishing for you sweet and peaceful sleeping tonight. In the meantime, your plan for the day sounds like a fabulous one! And your book order made me smile - I once ordered the large print edition by mistake and then had to return it and wait all over again for the right edition to be delivered.

Oh my goodness, Judy! I don't know how this happened. I thought I was here but perhaps it was your ROOTS thread I visited. Anywho, you're off to a sensational start and I'll be stopping in more frequently, now that I've found you.

Have you started The Coroner's Lunch? Have you started The Coroner's Lunch?

Well, I totally blew today. I did sit down and finish a book, but next thing I knew I was lying down and had slept for a couple of hours. Hopefully this won't ruin my chances for a good night's sleep tonight.

#97 - Hi Biance, I have to get going on the Jonathan Maberry series, I took the first one over to my family thinking my brother would read it but somehow my 91 year old Mother picked it up and she obviously liked it because at Christmas she was asking me if I was going to read and pass on the second one soon!

#98 - Heather, I am quite looking forward to reading my next Tommy and Tuppence. I love reading about the 1920's and since she actually wrote them in the 20's I know they're authentic to detail.

#99 - I am quite peeved at myself over the Spanish book. I guess I will have to return it, but when I checked they don't have that book in English. Spanish or German are my choices. It's originally an English book, so I will have to now put it on my secondhard book list and keep an eye out for it. In case you are wondering the book is Shalimar by Rebecca Ryman and according to the cover I have it's "Una historia de amour y espionaje en la India del siglo XiX"

#100 - Welcome Lynda, so many thread on so many difference challenges, it's hard to keep track of everybody. I'm glad you found your way over here though.

#101 - Hi Mark, first comes Fantasy February, then comes The Coroner's Lunch in March.

This is the first of the books I received through Mark's Christmas Swap, sent to me by Bazrah (Cee) - excellent taste and a perfect choice for me.

9. My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell - 5.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Pierre Burton - Non-Fiction, Memoirs & Bios
AphaCat: The Letter A
TIOLI #8: Part of a Limited Series or Trilogy



Gerald Durrell’s tales of his eccentric family’s time on the Greek island of Corfu is quite simply a wonderful book. In My Family and Other Animals he describes the years that his family lived there with humorous and interesting stories involving the havoc created by mixing these unique people with the strange creatures that he brought home. His eldest brother, Larry, is none other than author Lawrence Durrell, and he in particular, springs vividly to life on these pages.

Gerald was ten when his family went to live on the island and he was immediately captivated by the variety of both flora and fauna to be found. Many creatures, from scorpions to magpies, found their way back to the family’s villa, and much chaos and hilarity ensued. But beyond these stories, he also manages to describe the island’s beauty with descriptive ease, and introduces many varied and unforgettable supporting characters.

Obviously the writing talent was shared in this family, as Gerald’s gifted writing shows remarkable warmth and enthusiasm, and his comedic timing is spot-on. Fresh, fun and engaging, I fell in love with both the book and the family. How could you not feel affection for a family that calls their strangely crafted boat Bootle-Bumtrinket and their two young puppies, Widdle and Puke?

Judy- Sounds like a plan! LOL. First Swap book and it was 5 stars? Very nice. My Family and Other Animals does sound excellent.

Lovely review - adding that one to my WL! And WahHOO for a 5 star worthy Swap book - good work, Cee!

Hi, Judy. Oh come on, surely you can't wait until MARCH to start The Coroner's Lunch? It's not going to take that long to read...

Oh, you've discovered Gerald Durrell! I grew up with that book and its successor, Birds, beasts and relatives - wonderful stuff. I'd forgotten Bootle-Bumtrinket though, what a great name - and Widdle and Puke!

Was it on your last 2012 thread that you read Call of the Wild - I read that one in childhood too (and Black Beauty - I don't think the cruelty was too difficult to handle - it was part of the point of the books (certainly Black Beauty) to make people angry and put a stop to some of those cruel practices.

But now you must read The Coroner's Lunch.

Judy, I love your review of My Family and Other Animals. It's one of those well-loved books that I've never got around to. I must remedy that!

Judy I just thumbed your review of My Family and Other Animals. If it wasn't already there from when Ilana reviewed it, I would have put in on my WL.

I'm sorry you're having issues with arthritis. It's been frigid down here for weeks and I haven't been able to do my usual walks so I'm starting to feel pretty creaky.

Hope you're feeling better soon!

Nice review - and I see you are a hot reviewer now!

Spent a quiet day at home today, got caught up with my house cleaning and spent some time reading. My son-in-law gave me a bunch of scallops (I know they don't come in bunches but wasn't sure how to describe them), he also gave me some crabmeat that he had in the freezer. I added some shrimp to the mix and made a delicious Seafood Strata for dinner tonight, Yummy! No books arrived today, but I know there are still quite a few out there somewhere on their way to me.

#107 Ok Roni now I have to admit my ulterior motive for waiting for March to read The Coroner's Lunch. In March it will fit a challenge called AlphaCat that is ongoing this year over at the Category Challenge. Every month we have three separate challenges or "Cats" as we call them. One is randomly set by the host for that month (RandomCat), one is based on two literary awards (AwardCat), and one is based on two letter of the alphabet (AlphaCat). In March the letters will be C and O. See it's all about the challenges for me! ;0

#108 - Hi Genny, I've already ordered Gerald Durrell's next book about Corfu, it should be arriving any day now. I loved Black Beauty when I was a girl, many tears were shed over that book. Yes, I read Call of the Wild in December and loved it as well. Strange that I missed that one when I was younger, although I do think we had the Classic Comic Book of it around the house.

#109 - Susan, I think you would love this book.

#110 - Pat, this is a real inspired LT book. I added it to my wishlist because of Ilana's review as well. Then I got it from Cee.

That does seem to be the secret of arthritis, don't stop moving. I've been trying to move around more and not stay in one position (like sitting at the computer for hours), for me the worse time is when I get into bed at night.

#111 - And it's all thanks to you, Cee. :)

10. The Sandman Vol 2: The Doll's House by Neil Gaiman - 4.5 ★
Year Long Group Read of The Sandman Graphic Novels
13 in 13 Category: Neil Gaiman - Graphic Novels
TIOLI #22: A Book That is Mostly Filled With Pictures



Dark, weird, twisted and ambitious, Sandman could only have come from the mind of Neil Gaiman. In The Sandman Vol 2: The Doll’s House, the story of Morpheus continues. He is the dream master and after being imprisoned for years he is trying to set things right in his kingdom. While he was absent, a few dreams and nightmares have escaped into reality and he must hunt them down. In a parallel story, we are introduced to Rose Walker, who unbeknown to herself, has become a dream vortex and threatens to rip apart Morpheus’ world and destroy mankind.

I was hooked into this story right away, even the prologue and side story in the middle were fascinating as they both reveal small bits of Morpheus’ character. I am sure I missed many of the references but still I greatly enjoyed this volume. The verbal contention between Rose and Morpheus, and then again with Morpheus and his sibling, Desire, about “who are the dolls and who are the manipulators” is something I will carry away with me to ponder at leisure. I also love how all the obscure threads in the story eventually entwine into the whole and bring the reader a few AHA moments.

Brilliant yet violent, I felt this volume ran closer to horror than the first but there is much to recommend and very little, unless you can’t handle the violence, to the negative. I would have given this 5 stars but I can’t help but think there may be better ones yet to come. I can’t wait for Volume 3!

Very pleased to see that you think that Tom Rob Smith return to form with number three. As you did I thought the first superb and the second a bit of a disappointment so I'm now looking forward to number three.

Top ten memoirs of all time? - Not sure exactly but I do think My Family and Other Animals would be on my list.

Have a lovely weekend.

I love that you're loving The Sandman series; it holds a dear place in my own heart. (And yes, there are even better episodes to come!)

#114 - Hi Paul, although I liked Agent 6 more I think overall it resembles the second book in that they are both more spy thrillers. Child 44 remains in a class of it's own. Just want to be clear.

#115 - Amber, I am part of the year long group read of this series and I am looking forward to discovering even more issues. I don't know if I always catch all the nuances that Gaiman adds to these books, so it is great to have some Sandman experts along to point things out to a newbie like me.

11. Hunter by Joy Cowley - ★
13 in 13 Category: J.M. Barrie - YA and Children's Literature
Commonweath Tour: New Zealand
TIOLI #1: No Duplicate Letters in Title



In 1805 Hunter is a young Maori slave who has the unique ability to see with his inner eye, allowing him to find game for the tribe. He is also plotting his escape and biding his time until the right opportunity reveals itself. While on a hunt for the elusive Moa bird that he sees in a vision, that opportunity arises. But he is also experiencing a new vision, seeing a flying canoe that holds three children, one, a young girl with golden hair and blue eyes. When the flying canoe crashes on the beach, Hunter finds he must stay close and risk re-capture in order to come to the aid of this “moon maiden” and her two younger brothers.

Flash forward to 2005 and Jordan and her two younger brothers are on their way home from spending some time with their aunt in Wellington. When their small charted plane crashes, she must learn how to survive and keep her brothers safe in the wilderness of Southern New Zealand. Listening and allowing an inner voice to guide her, they are able to sustain themselves and keep hope alive.

Hunter, the winner of the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year 2006 is a riveting story by Joy Cowley that brings two worlds together and gives us an inspired message of how the human spirit can be connected through past generations. The author skilfully allows tension to mount in both stories as Hunter in turn becomes hunted yet cannot leave as the shadow children need his advice on food and medicine. As both a survival story and in introduction to Maori culture this book is highly readable.

Mmm yesterday's dinner sounds yummy! I have no idea what a bunch of scallops would be called but we usually go by the pound here. Nate gets them from a friend at work who fishes off PEI and brings us a few pounds at a time. Delish :)

Hi Judy - I'm woefully behind on the threads but all caught up here now! Hope you have a lovely Sunday.

#118 - Hi Chelle, it was delicious! We are seafood nuts and I especially love shellfish of any kind.

#119 - Hi Katie, I am just about to launch myself into LT and try to catch up as well. It's an ongoing battle. One day away and you fall behind!

Hi Judy! I am also dreadfully behind on the threads! And no scallops for me - I found out the hard way that I am VERY allergic to them.

#121 - Morning Mamie, that's too bad about the allergy. Is it all shellfish or just scallops you have to beware of?

Just scallops as far as I know. Which is a shame because they are so delicious.

Happy Monday to all. Hubby and I rushed out this morning to go and renew our passports which are expiring at the end of the month. Don't have any exciting trips planned, but we are back and forth across the border all the time as we have relatives in Northern Washington state.

My lovely mail lady brought me a couple of nice packages this morning:

Good Graces by Lesley Kagen
Aberystwyth Mon Amour by Malcolm Pryce
Regeneration by Pat Barker
The Last Breath by Denise Mina
Birds, Beasts and Relatives by Gerald Durrell
Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson

I think there just a few more to come that I ordered with my Christmas gift cards and money.

#123: Oh that is a shame, Mamie. :(

Judy, I loved Miss Buncle's Book when I read it a couple of years ago. I'm so glad it's back in print. It was one of my mother's favorite books.

Hi Carrie, I am really looking forward to Miss Buncle's Book, I love the cover as well. Of course, now I have my eye on the sequel!

12. Insurgent by Veronica Roth - 4.1 ★
13 in 13 Category: J.M. Barrie - Children's Lit and YA
TIOLI #8: Part of a Limited Series or Trilogy



Insurgent by Veronica Roth is her second instalment of a planned YA trilogy that was opened by the amazing Divergent. I found this entry a little less amazing, but nevertheless, still a very good read. After the events of the previous book, the factions find themselves on the brink of full scale war with ideologies being reaffirmed, secrets being both hidden and exposed, and choices that must be made both by the factions and the individual members.

Tris must learn to deal with her own individual guilt, despair and shifting relationships. She and Four are together but do they really trust one another? I found Tris a little hard to take in this book, she came across as self-important, demanding, and all too ready to hold back important information. Her inner grief and guilt made her make some questionable choices, at times I wanted to shake her, especially when she acted as if her feelings and opinions were so much more important than anyone else’s.

The story moves along at a quick pace, with lots of action and excitement, but I felt the overall plot was very slow to develop. Much of Insurgent felt like repetition and the reveal of the big secret at the end of the book was rather hazy and unclear. My hopes for the third volume are that Tris and Four can develop a lasting relationship that can reach beyond her stubbornness and constant closing off from emotion, and his overriding desire to protect her at all costs. I am interested in where the author plans to take us with this story and how the reveal at the end of this book will be carried over into the next.

Hi Judy. Another thumb added to your review of My family and other animals. I loved, loved, loved Miss Buncle's Book so I really hope you enjoy it.

Judy - Nice review of Insurgent. I still need to get to that one. I loved the first book in the series.

#128 - Hi Heather, I am looking forward to Miss Buncle's Book, from the reviews I've read it sounds like something I will love.

#129 - Hi Mamie, as is usual with most trilogies, there was a small slump, but I expect the series to bounce back and I am looking forward to the third volume.

13. Tilt-A-Whirl by Chris Grabenstein - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Lawrence Block - Men of Crime
TIOLI #11: First or Last in a Series



I was pleasantly surprised with Tilt-A-Whirl by Chris Grabenstein. I was expecting a fast paced but shallow thriller but instead found something quite different. Yes, it was fast-paced but I found much more depth here that I was expecting. John Ceepak, a retired military policeman, has come to work in the small town of Sea Haven. He was brought in by the Chief of Police who was an old army buddy. The story is told by his partner, Danny Boyle. Danny is a local boy and only works for the police force during the busy summer months.

One Saturday morning as Boyle and Ceepak meet up at the Pancake House before starting their shift, they see a young girl wandering down the street screaming. She is covered in blood and finally blurts out that her daddy has been murdered while the two of them were sitting on the Tilt-A-Whirl in the unopened amusement park down the street. Her father turns out to be a well-known billionaire and the case takes many twists and turns before it is closed.

I really enjoyed this book with its unique setting of a seaside resort town along the New Jersey shoreline. The author has woven a clever plot and it takes a lot of humour and downright police plodding for Ceepak and Boyle to solve the case. I am looking forward to the next volume in this series and learning more about these characters, in particular John Ceepak, a main character that I feel we have barely scratched the surface of.

You are reading some great books. I;ll be back to add some on the tbr pile. I checked my library and found that I own a copy of I Was Amelia Earheart. I hope to read that one soon.

I'm sorry you struggle with arthritis issues. Not fun at all!

Tilt-A-Whirl sounds intriguing - I think I'll give that one a try! Thanks!

Great review of Tilt-A-Whirl Judy. I'll keep that one in mind when I'm at the library. I'm reluctant to start series because I'm so bad at following through and finishing them.

I just got Miss Buncle's Book out of the library today, after reserving it last year. It's about number six on my TBR list, though - I had better get cracking!

#133 - Hi Dejah, I was thinking about you last night as I watched the movie "John Carter". Hope you like Tilt-A-Whirl when you get to it.

#134 - I know Pat, taking on a new series often gives me a pause too, not so much due to the following through, but simply as I am following so many already. Unfortunately in today's publishing world, it's hard to find books that aren't part of a series or a trilogy. Even stand-alone books, if popular, often branch out into trilogies.

Today my mail lady brought me the last book that I had ordered with my Christmas funds:

Last Tango in Aberystwyth by Malcolm Pryce.

It's quite mild with some weak sunshine here today so I hope to get out an enjoy a short stroll. Have a nice day everyone!

Judy- I liked Insurgent a little less than you did. I think it began to drag and became a bit repetitive. I will still tune in on the last one.
Did you hear they are making Divergent into a film?

Are Insurgent and Divergent part of a trilogy? Are they all out? I've had the first one on my list for a while.

Hi, Judy! Thanks for dropping by while I was under the weather. I appreciate it!

*waves* Just stopping by, taking in your reading! Haven't managed Divergent or Insurgent yet, but the first one is on the shelf and waiting for me...

#137 - Mark, I probably rated Insurgent higher than I would have if I hadn't loved the first one so much. I certainly hope she closes the trilogy with a strong book. I also hope the film is very good, as it will be compared to The Hunger Games and be judged as though cashing in on the success of that film.

#138 - Hi Beth, yes they are part of a trilogy and according to the author's website the third volume will be out this fall.

#139 - Hi Roni, I hope you are feeling better now, that was a rough week for you.

$140 - Welcome, Faith (waving back). Divergent is very good, an exciting and fast read. Thanks for dropping by, I love visitors!

14. Brighton Rock by Graham Greene - 4.5 ★
13 in 13 Category: Graham Greene - Authors I Want To Try
TIOLI #7: B in Title or Author's Name
Commonweath Tour: England



Brighton Rock by Graham Greene takes you on a trip to the seedy, underside of Britain’s premier seaside resort town in the 1930’s. Here we meet such characters as the rising gangster Pinkie Brown, a 17 year old, ruthless sociopath. Fred Hale, knowing he is targeted as Pinkie’s next victim but unable to escape his fate. Rose, young, innocent and naïve, as a witness that could incriminate Pinkie, he must shut her up either by marriage or murder. And the big-hearted Ida Arnold, generous, motherly and a stickler for the truth. She lives large and makes no apologies. Wanting to find out the truth behind Fred’s death, she becomes obsessed with saving Rose.

On the surface this is a book about Pinkie trying to cover his tracks and having everything escalate out of his control. But just like the glitz and glamour of the resort town, there is a lot going on underneath the surface. A superb character study, as we delve into the mind of Pinkie Brown and see a young boy who never had a chance, a product of poverty and neglect, he was destined to end up as he did. His relationship with Rose is both dark and twisted, yet gives a glimpse of tenderness now and again as well. Graham Greene also touches on religion, contrasting how Catholicism influenced both Rose and Pinkie, yet non-religious Ida appears to have the stronger moral core.

The unique vision of Graham Greene has resulted in a book that is both complex yet thrilling. Timeless, entertaining and thoughtful, I highly recommend Brighton Rock.

Just dropping through to say hi, Judy.

While I'm sure I've read one or two of Greene's works back before LibraryThing, that isn't one of the ones I've read. Onto the list it goes!

I keep wanting to like Graham Greene, but I haven't managed it yet. I think I'm a literary wimp....

Okay, Judy, as usual you've hit me with a couple of book bullets - adding both Tilt a Whirl and Brighton Rock to the list. I did not know that the last in the Divergent trilogy was supposed to be out this Fall - hooray for that! Like you, I hope she finishes strong - I was so disappointed with the last book in The Hunger Games trilogy, although I know a Lot of people loved it. Wishing you a lovely Monday!

Hi Judy - Great review of Brighton Rock. It's a Greene I haven't read, but it is now on my list.

We were out and about today with chores that needed to be done like getting the oil changed in the car, meeting with our financial advisor, and some Wal-Mart shopping. I have two books that I was hoping to finish in January and I think I will get them done. Then I plan to start on my first fantasy read for February, Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore. Looking forward to it.

#143 - Hi Roni. :)

#144 - I'm the same. Lori. I am pretty sure I have read Graham Greene but which one(s) has been lost in the mist of time. I was a little nervous about tacking him, but actually found the book very readable.

#145 - Hi Dejah, I'm a literary wimp as well. I try to stretch my horizons now and again and usually I've been surprised at how approachable many of the "classics" are. Not that I am ready to pick up any of those formidable Russian authors quite yet!

#146 - Hi Mamie, at least Brighton Rock isn't a series! My brother has the 1947 movie ready for us to watch next time I visit, apparently Richard Attenbourough gives a stellar performance.

It's disappointing when a well-loved trilogy ends on a slightly sour note. I was ok with the ending of the Hunger Games, but I always felt that there needed to be another book between the second and third ones. It felt rushed.

#147 - Hi Beth, Brighton Rock has certainly whetted my appetite for more Greene.

Hey Judy - did you notice that Heather got The Secret Adversary into TIOLI #11? I'm glad she managed it; I'd been trying to figure out what book I could squeeze in reading in order to add it.

The only Russian authors I've ever had much success with are playwrights - mostly because plays are short....

Hi Judy
I'm spending some time tonight to visit threads.

Thanks for the wonderful review of Brighton Rock

#149 - Thanks Dejah, I will go and it as a joint read.

#150 - Welcome Linda, and thanks.

Hi, Judy! Glad you enjoyed Tilt-a-Whirl. There is, indeed, more to that book than one would expect from a surface look. I love the John Ceepak character and the New Jersey shore town setting.

Brighton Rock sounds interesting. I may check it out.

Hi Terri, I am definitely looking forward to my next John Ceepak book!

15. Fright by Cornel Woolrich - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle - Classic Mysteries
TIOLI #1: No Duplicate Letters in Title



Life is pretty good for Press Marshall. Living in New York, he has an up and coming job, and now a beautiful fiancée. Then one night she cancels on him at last minute due to family concerns, and finding himself on his own, he goes out on the town and wakes up the next morning with no knowledge of how he spent the night. Fright by Cornel Woolrich, is the story of how Press Marshall pays for that one night. Hounded beyond his control by the woman that he slept with, paying her off constantly only to see her come back for more. When he opens the door to her on his wedding morning, it’s the last straw. Leaving her strangled body on the floor, he begins his long descent into darkness, unfortunately drawing his innocent wife with him.

I found this to be a total page turner. The main characters’ internal anxiety, his need to control every situation, his total paranoia, contrasted with the calm exterior he was showing to his wife and the outside world. There were some head-scratching moments about what was actually going on here but the final outcome was well worth the wait.

A dark story of the agony one man puts both himself and others through. There is a strange fascination in reading about a man spiralling downward through such despair and desperation. This is a noir thriller that is rich in melodrama and emotional intensity, and although slightly dated, still manages to give the reader a thrilling ride.

Stopping by to say hi, Judy! Love the art work at the top of your thread.

I. simply. cannot. keep. up. with.the. threads. this. year....Some interesting reading and thoughtful reviews Judy - I read and loved Brighton Rock aeons ago. Firly recently I read The Quiet American and loved loved loved it.

I just returned The Quiet American to the library; the cds were in too bad a shape to follow the story. Glad to hear that it was a winner with you Prue. I'll try again in a different vein.

#155 - Hi Deb, since we don't get any snow (of which I am thankful) I enjoy looking at pictures that feature snow.

#156 - Hi Prue, I have been having trouble keeping up as well. Some of the longer threads have just about defeated me. Doing lots of lurking instead. I am eager to sample some more by Graham Greene, The Quiet American is definitely among that number.

#157 - Hi Cindy.

16. An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor - 3.8 ★
13 in 13 Category: Xinran - Global Reading (Ireland)
Commonwealth Tour: Ireland



The fourth entry in his Irish Country series, An Irish Country Girl by Patrick Taylor is a little different from the first three. Usually set in the 1960’s, in this volume we step even further back in time to the 1920’s and learn of the girlhood of Maureen Kincaid, housekeeper to the doctors of Ballybucklebo.

On a blustery Christmas day, Mrs. Kincaid invites the children carollers in and tells them a tale of her own young days. At fourteen, she was a farmer’s daughter living in County Cork, and beginning to build dreams for herself. One Christmas she learns that she is developing ‘the sight’ when she has a visitation from the Banshee and is given advance warning about the death of a young neighbour, a young man who was walking out with her sister, and who laughed at the warnings not to cross the dark fairies. After the carollers leave for their own homes, she remembers more about her past, how she met, married, and became the young widow of Paudeen Kincaid.

Told with his usual charm and verbosity, this book explores the mythology of Ireland, the dark fairies, the banshee, even touching up the selkies. Weaving through this tale of magic is the story of a young girl coming to age and taking her first steps to independence. I enjoyed this walk down memory lane, but look forward to getting back to the regular characters and events in the village of Ballybucklebo This series would fall under the category of lighter reading, but I do have to say, I found this entry almost a little too light for my taste.

Yes, that does sound a bit light, perhaps even a bit whimsical -- perhaps not for me...

Glad to see you are discovering Durrell!! Indeed, you're reading some stuff I read when I first ventured into the world of grown-up books (I was about 9 or 10, I suppose).Although Graham Greene was my late teens -- still too young to really grasp all the nuances.

Hmm, must track down some Cornel Woolrich. I know I like those of his tales that were turned into noir movies.

Oh, and Lawrence Durrell also wrote a short book about Corfu, Prospero's Cell. A kind of literary travel guide/memoir. Shameful that I have never been after reading all of that...

Hi Judy, you're really moving through the books this month. Of course this is probably normal for you. I've only managed to complete 3 books so far. I see you're reading A Long Way Gone now. I'll be interested in what you think of it since I have a copy waiting to be read.

#160 - Hi Suzanne, I was a big reader when I was younger but obviously there were authors that I missed along the way. I am looking forward to reading the next two in Gerald Durrell's trilogy. And I will be on the lookout for Prospero's Cell as well as I would now like to sample some Lawrence Durrell as well. Cornell Woolrich is interesting, of the two I have read, both had some flaws but both grabbed me and swept me up in the story so I was able to overlook the plot holes and just enjoy the tale.

#161 - Hi Pat, I should be off reading right now, but I keep lingering here on LT expecting Madeline to post the February TIOLI Challenges. I did however finish an afghan that I've been working on since before Christmas for my granddaughter and I'm going to try and import a picture of it to post here.

Judy- Sadly, I have still not read Woolrich. I'll have to remedy that one. I have had An Irish Country Girl on my WL but it has fallen off, probably during one of my many different literary sojourns. Whew, it's back on.

Mark, Woolrich is well worth tracking down. I was just over at your thread and now I am all fired up to go and see Zero Dark Thirty. Should be easy to convince hubby so hopefully we'll go Saturday night.

I will start with a picture of an afghan that I made in November, this is one that I had started years ago and then put down and forgot about. I ended up ripping it apart and starting over.



I think the flash from the camera has thrown the color off. It is a dark burgandy and actually matches the blinds in the background exactly.

This one I finished today and is for my 8 year old granddaughter.



This one was a lot of work, but I am quite happy with the way it turned out, although it didn't photograph as well has I hoped.

Oooh Judy - what a clever girl you are! Gorgeously cosy afghan! I have zero crochet skills alas - though my ever-talented mother created a crochet poncho for me when such things were 'groovy'.

I love how you incorporated hearts into the afghan for your granddaughter!

That's the trouble with crochet, Prue. All you can make are baby clothes and blankets, and a few afghans. Clothing for adults doesn't work, they usually end up looking like period pieces from the 1960's or 70's!

They are both beautiful! I am in awe of your skill. I particularly admire the one for your granddaughter. Is it a gift for a particular occasion?

And you left no comment? Pouts and shuffles away.......You guys will love the film!

Judy - Those are both beautiful! Your granddaughter is gonna love her gift!

Beautiful afghans, Judy! Do you combine crocheting with audio books?

Hi everyone, I suspect that many of us are lurking around LT this evening in the hopes that Madeline posts the TIOLI Challenges for February.

#170 - No special occasion, Dejah. I completed one for her older brother in November so it was her turn to get something made for her.

#171 - LOL, sorry Mark, I've spent so much time on LT today that I was afraid people would begin to be sick of hearing from me! I'll probably be heading over to your place shortly and I be sure to leave a message.

#172 - Thanks, Mamie. I have enough wool left from her afghan to make a matching doll afghan for her.

#173 - Hi Pat, I haven't listened to an audio while crocheting yet, but I would like to. My last audio was A Tale of Two Cities in December but I was feeling under the weather at the time so mostly I just laid on the couch and listened to it.

I am throwing books in the BlackHole left and right. I need to stay away from your thread, Judy! :)

Beautiful afghans. I am cold tonight. Could I borrow one?

Those are both gorgeous, Judy! I love the hearts and the color of that afghan--your granddaughter will love it!

Oh, lovely afghans!

Gorgeous colours of afghans, Judy! And yes, I think that you would very much enjoy Alys, Always! Try it!

I love the afghans, Judy, and particularly the hearts pattern in the one for your granddaughter. What a wonderful gift. And she gets one for her doll, too!

Alys, Always was one of my top reads for 2012 - definitely worth trying!

The TIOLI Challenges went up last night and I went crazy adding books! I think I've listed 17 books altogether, which I am sure I won't be able to do. I read 16 books in January, and February is much shorter. Oh well, I'll have fun trying! :)

#175 - That's the joy of having a personal black hole, Stasia, you will never be able to fill it up! I hope you were able to get warm last night.

#176 - I will be giving her the afghan later on today, Roni. I think she will be pleased, especially when I tell her that I am also going to make a matching one for her doll.

#177 - Thanks, Amber.

#178 - Hi Deb, as you know in our damp climate, it's nice to have a warm afghan to snuggle into! Don't know when I will get to Alys, Always but I have definitely added it to the library list.

#179 - Hi Susan, great to hear that Alys, Always was one of your top reads, you just helped to nudge it a little closer to the top of the list!

Now, I'm off to put my money where my mouth is and actually get started on some February reading! I'll be back later to catch up on some of the threads.

Judy - That is so sweet about the matching afghan for her doll - how fun! She is going to love that!

And the TIOLIs for this month are awesome - I am having trouble controlling myself!

I love the afghans. There are a lot of wonderful crochet patterns on Pinterest. My crochet skills will have to improve if I attempt them. A lady at church has offered to help me a bit.

Hi Judy - Beautiful afghans. I wish I could crochet like that. I did just learn to hook rugs. I've been begging old T-shirst from my family. I find needlework very relaxing.

> 75.

Nice review of I Was Amelia Earhart. I agree with a lot of what you said in it. I read it several years ago now, I believe.

I see you're reading A Long Way Gone. One of my former students read that for a project, and she found it very hard to put down.

Here is my first thread if you want to come visit :)

HI Judy!
Great job on the afghans! they look quite comfy

I missed the afghans the first time around - awesomely beautiful.

I should post some pictures of my ruffle scarves on my thread.

Lovely afghans! I have never progressed much beyond a single crochet (hehe). I have books (!) to learn crochet, but need to settle down to it. Your afghans are very inspiring to me!

Karen O.

Saturday again! This year seems to be flying by. I am going to be seeing my granddaughter later on, and will be giving her both her and her doll's afghans. I need to hunt around of another project now.

Tonight we are going to see "Zero Dark Thirty" and I am a little nervous about sitting for so long, that's often when my arthritis kicks in. But I am looking forward to the movie and dinner out.

#181 - Hi Mamie, I hope you are enjoying your weekend, I know it's going to be a busy one. I think Camille (my granddaughter) will probably love both afghans, but I expect she may be more thrilled with the doll's one!

#182 - Good luck with the crochet lessons, Lori. The best thing about crochet is how easy it is to rip it out and redo. Knitting is much harder to pull apart with all the stitches needing to be picked up on the needles.

#183 - Morning Beth, I agree - needlework is relaxing and gives my hands something to do while watching TV. I had stopped doing anything for so long, I had forgotten how much I enjoy it.

#184 - Esquiress, A Long Way Gone isn't easy to read, what this boy went through is heartbreaking, but he tells his story in a straightforward, honest way and it is fascinating.

#185 - Hi Chelle, we use the afghans all the time. I like to keep the house on the cool side in the evening as I can't sleep if it's too warm. So we turn the heat down and bundle up under the afghans when we watch TV or read.

#186 - Yes, you should post your handwork, Esquiress. I love to admire other people's crafts. It's amazing how talented some of the people here are. Roni and Amber immediately come to mind. :)

#187 - Hi Karen, we must have posted at the same time. Thank you. I hope you give crochet a try, it's pretty easy to experiment with different stitches and if it's not working to rip it out and try again. The instruction books are pretty straightforward and often pictures are included which I find help a lot. Let us know how it going.

Judy- Good luck at the movies! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. My FIL has issues with sitting to long in one spot too but he had no problem watching this riveting film. He thought it flew by.
I've had A Long Way Gone on my WL for ages. I do not know why I didn't bump it up.

Have fun with your granddaughter, Judy! I'll be interested to hear what you think of Zero Dark Thirty.

I'm looking forward to hearing what your granddaughter thought of her afghans - was she more excited about the doll's afghan after all?

As for this month's TIOLI Challenges, I've got a possibles list that is completely impossible! I haven't actually posted them all to the wiki because I know there is no way I can read that many books this month - not if I plan to work, memorize lines and show up for rehearsal and performances! It's so much fun to the about the options, though isn't it? I'm trying to give priority to shared reads - I want to bump that number up.

How was the movie?

I'm also waiting for a report on your granddaughter's reaction to her afghans, Judy. I finished another scarf during the basketball game today--have to get a photo taken of the last three and post it.

I don't think I've got all the books I have pulled put on the TIOLI either. I just added one, but I think this is the one that I pulled from the box when I went to get another one from that box so it's one that I decided to add on impulse, knowing it would fit. I just forgot to add it after I pulled it.

Hi Mark, Pat, Dejah, Roni and Lori.

My granddaughter came and spent the afternoon with us today, as her brother and father are watching the Super Bowl and her Mom had to go to work. She loves her afghan, but yes, I think she may have been more thrilled that her doll received a matching one. She immediately took both upstairs to her bedroom and set hers up on her bed, and the doll's up on the doll's bed. It's fun when something so simple can still please them so much.

We did go an see "Zero Dark Thirty" last night and we both really enjoyed it. Mark was right (isn't he always!), you don't notice the time going by at all. What I'd love to know is how accurate this account is. The main actress, Jessica Chastain, was very good, in fact I thought all the actors were excellent, you are able to get immersed in the story without being distracted by the acting.

Lori, I have to restrain myself cause I could still be adding books to the challenges. There were so many that fit the books I have!

*waving* at Judy

17. A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah - 4.4 ★
2013 Category Challenge: Pierre Burton - Non-Fiction
Alpha-Cat: The Letter B
Commonwealth Tour: Sierra Leone
TIOLI #8: Washington Rolling Challenge



What I most admire about Ishmael Beah is his unflinching and unselfpitying manner of telling his story in A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier. His individual story of being a child who lost almost everything in a vicious war speaks for children caught in the same manner around the world. Losing his country, his family, and his friends, alone and wandering at twelve years of age, he is picked up and turned into a small killing machine, a child soldier. Given drugs, food, clothing, guns and ammunition, they are turned loose upon the country to kill and scavenge for their superiors.

By the time he was brought to the rehabilitation centre in the capital city, it was almost too late. Reawakening his humanity, finding relatives for him to live with, and starting to feel safe once more, only to have war break out again. Seeing the horrors start up again and knowing he had to escape or be dragged back into it, he managed to get himself across the border. Having been taken to America to speak at a UN conference, he was lucky to have people in America that worked hard to get him out of Africa and were able to bring him to the states to complete his education.

I could go into superlatives about this book, but would rather simply say it was a genuine and emotional read.

Very nice review, Delta.

#196 - Waving back at Stasia.

#198 - Thanks. Esquiress!

Stopping by and dreaming of spring, Judy! Enough rain for you yet??? :)

Hi Deb, I'm definitely getting very tired of all this damp weather. I think we deserve a nice break of 3 or 4 sunny days. There is however, a real spring feeling in the air so I am also hoping we don't relapse back into winter.

Hi Judy!
Awesome afghans! I've knitted a few over the years, but I just can't crochet to my satisfaction... and I love crochet patterns so much better.
How on earth do you read so much AND make afghans???? I'm impressed.

Hi Cee, I mostly did the crochet work in the evenings while I watched TV, and the reading is done in short bursts throughout the day. I find I usually am only good for about 30 - 40 mins. at a time, except when I go to bed at night, then I seem to be able to read for an hour or more!

18. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore - 5.0 ★
2013 Category Challenge: J.M. Barrie - YA & Children's Lit
AlphaCat: B
TIOLI #4: Book Title Contains a Popular Fantasy Title Word
Fantasy February



Bitterblue is the third volume in Kristin Cashore’s Graceling series and a book I have long been anticipating, having loved both the previous books. I wasn’t to be disappointed either, Bitterblue hooked me right from the first line as I was drawn into the world of this diminutive Queen and the problems that beset this magical realm,

Many favorite characters from pervious books, like Katsa and Po, make an appearance as the story unfolds, and the author introduces us to some great new ones, such as the head librarian, Death, along with his cat, Lovejoy. The story is about the young Queen Bitterblue, trying to rebuild her country and her people after forty years of her father’s sadistic and cruel rule. Everything is not as it seems and she realizes that she must first understand the secrets about the horrible things that her father did in order to uncover what is happening now.

Bitterblue is not a teen-angst love story or a light hearted fantasy, the author does not shy away from adult issues of torture and abuse, both physical and mental. Her world-building is excellent, and her characters are unique and have their own individual voice. I loved the main character. Bitterblue is far from perfect as she stumbles along, but she is intelligent and learns from her mistakes and you can see a thoughtful, caring ruler emerge as she acquires knowledge and strength. There is a romance between a commoner boy and the Queen, but it is deftly handled and isn’t the main focus of the story. I loved this book and wonder where this author will take us next. Wherever it is, I plan to be along for the ride.

Wow! Five stars - I need to get to those books. Very nice reviews here, Judy. And I was happy to hear that your granddaughter loved her afghans - knew she would!

Judy- I am so glad you enjoyed Zero Dark Thirty. If you remember, I just read the Navy Seal memoir, describing the Bin Laden raid and the movie nailed it perfectly. I have a feeling the earlier "investigation" part was fairly accurate too.
Good review of A Long Way Gone. I've had that one on my WL for ages. Time to find a copy. Also good review of Bitterblue. 5 stars? Wow. I need to read Fire.

#205 - Hi Mamie, yes, I think you would love the Graceling series. Has Abby read them? As she is a fan of the Hunger Games, I think these books would appeal as well.

#206 - Zero Dark Thirty was so good, Mark, that at times I forget it was a movie, it felt so real. The actual raid on the Bin Laden strong house had me on the edge of my seat, even though I already knew the outcome.

I've been tied up for the last couple of days with doctor's appointments and today I have both grocery shopping and I need to spend some time on my husband's accounting. This is the time of year that I have get his books ready for the accountants and do up the tax slips for his employees. I know I am falling way behind on the threads, but hopefully I will be able to catch up later on in the week.

Abby has not read them, Judy. Craig has read the first one, which is why I think we have a copy of it around here somewhere. I am thinking that he read it because a patient of his recommended it - he likes to do that, and it's always fun to see what he comes home with! Good luck with your errands and chores - Craig has taken all of the kids out for BBQ, so I have the house all to myself!! *does happy dance*

I have had Graceling in my tbr pile for nearly two years now. I really need to get to this series. Your description reminds me a lot of the YA series I just finished, the four books of the Seven Realms by Cinda Williams Chima--" is not a teen-angst love story or a light hearted fantasy, the author does not shy away from adult issues of torture and abuse, both physical and mental. Her world-building is excellent, and her characters are unique and have their own individual voice. I loved the main character. * is far from perfect as she stumbles along, but she is intelligent and learns from her mistakes and you can see a thoughtful, caring ruler emerge as she acquires knowledge and strength. There is a romance between a commoner boy and the Queen, but it is deftly handled and isn’t the main focus of the story.

I have not read any of the Graceling series but I think my daughter has. Your excellent review of Bitterblue makes me think I need to rectify that!

What wonderful afghans. I know how to knit, but never learned to crochet.

#208 - Well, since you have the first book already, Mamie, then both you & Abby should give it a try. I love having the odd evening to myself, not hving to cook dinner and just do what I want to - which is usually reading!

#209 - I will have to add the Cinda Williams Chima series to my wishlist, Roni. The best YA fiction is the kind that doesn't talk down to the reader, that's one of the reasons The Hunger Games, Graceling and Divergent are popular with all ages.

#210 - Hi Anne, like Mamie, since you have the book in the house already give it try, it's a great series. I knit as well, but find I have to concentrate more as knitting usually involves counting stitches. When my girls were in their teens, they kept me busy knitting sweaters for them.

19. Lord Peter Views the Body by Dorothy Sayers - 3.8 ★
13 in 13 Category Challenge: Arthur Conan Doyle - Classic Mysteries
TIOLI #4: Book Title Contains a Popular Fantasy Title Word



A collection of short stories, Lord Peter Views the Body gives us insight into the character and abilities of Dorothy Sayers delightful detective, Lord Peter Wimsey. I found the stories entertaining and educational in regards to this “Between the Wars” time period. Each of the stories has a unique title such as “The Piscatorial Farce of the Stolen Stomach” or “The Undignified Melodrama of the Bone of Contention” which served to draw the reader in.

As with most short story collections some are stronger than others. Each reader will have his own favourites, I personally loved “The Learned Adventure of the Dragon’s Head” with it’s antique book-collecting, treasure hunt and the glimpse we get of Lord Peter as the family man. From the dark and gruesome tale of “The Abominable History of the Man With the Coppered Fingers” to the more light-hearted “The Bibulous Business of a Matter of Taste” there is truly something for everyone in this collection.

Although I do prefer a full length novel, spending time with this man-about-town was a pleasure, and learning of his mauve pajamas and pink silk dressing gown, just makes me like him more. This interesting assortment of twelve stories illustrates Dorothy Sayers writing ability, and why she is one of the foremost authors from the Golden Age of British Crime Fiction.

Hi Judy - Nice review of the Sayers collection. One nice thing about the stories is when I feel like a Wimsey fix, I can pick up a story. What a lot of good books you've read so far this year. I loved A Long Way Gone when I read it.

Wow - 5 stars with a librarian and cat in Bitterblue.

I'm definitely going to be reading Bitterblue some time this year, because I'm loving Graceling!

#212 - Hi Beth, I never thught of short stories as a quick fix, but I can certainly see how that works! I always find that the best non-fiction books often lead me to want to learn more and A Long Way Gone has certainly done that.

#214 - Hi Lori, yes, a very interesting librarian and a rather strange cat!

#215 - I'm glad you are enjoying Graceling, Es and, lucky you, having Bitterblue in your future.

20. The Ghosts of Belfast by Stuart Neville - 4.1 ★
2013 Category Challenge: Lawrence Block - Male Authors of Crime
AlphaCat: N
Commonwealth Tour: Northern Ireland
TIOLI #17: Nominated for the Dilys Award



The Ghosts of Belfast are the twelve people that Gerry Fegan murdered while in the service of the IRA. He has served his time in prison, but these ghosts travel with him, never letting him forget. They cry out for vengeance and want Gerry to appease them by murdering the ones who gave the orders that resulted in their deaths.

This first novel by Stuart Neville is a blend of crime, thriller and paranormal that deals with the themes of guilt and redemption. It’s well written and gives the reader many tense moments. The story grabbed me right from the start and I wondered how this one was going to end. With the introduction of Marie McKenna, I was briefly afraid that the author was veering away from the idea of this solitary, dark and more than slightly crazed killer looking for his perceived salvation but eventually the plotlines came together seamlessly.

Over and above the main story, this book takes a hard look at the violent history of The Troubles and how this history still casts a long shadow. The Ghosts of Belfast is a gritty, emotional and at times brutal story, and an excellent introduction to this promising author.

Good review of The Ghosts of Belfast Judy. Thumb from me!

Thanks, Pat. It's always great to find a book that had a slightly different twist on things, and The Ghosts of Belfast certainly had that!

Good review, Judy! Adding that one to my list.

#220 - Hi Mamie, it's a good one!

21. Ice Forged by Gail Z. Martin - 3.1 ★
13 in 13 Category: Hans Christian Andersen - Fantasy
RandomCat: Frosty February
TIOLI #9: Author Shares Last Name with a Movie Star/Entertainer
Fantasy February
LT Early Review Program



Ice Forged by Gail Z Martin is the first book in the epic fantasy series called The Ascendant Kingdoms Saga. Being the first book, it devotes much of it’s time to setting the scene, creating a back story and introducing the characters. Lord Blaine McFadden has been sentenced to spend the remainder of his life in the arctic penal colony of Velant, while back in his homeland war has broken out. This is an almost medieval society but they rely on the power of magic for many things. When something goes horribly wrong with the magic, the homeland is almost destroyed and the penal colony finds itself isolated and alone.

Overall, I found this book to be a mixed bag. I loved the idea of the colonists struggling to survive in such harsh conditions, but unfortunately this wasn’t the book the author had in mind. The first half of the book was about bringing a group of characters together, the second half about having these characters return to the homeland to help restore the magic. I found my interest being watered down by having two main characters to focus on. At over 500 pages, this book dragged at times and I thought the introduction of vampires overly complicated the story. One reoccurring thought kept coming back to me. If this is a society where many had magic abilities, why had it not progressed beyond a feudal lifestyle.

Ice Forged is very readable with plenty of action and likeable characters but it just didn’t have that special spark that I was hoping for. I would say this is a book that would appeal to avid fantasy lovers, but it isn’t going to make you hold your breath with amazement.

Hello Judy - going to add another shameless plug for the joys of Alys, Always - really well written, amusing in places, and overall disquieting (but not in a Gone Girl way...very subtle)

I must have missed your thread in the beginning of the year, but here I am. :) I'm looking forward to seeing what else you end up reading!

Hey Judy! before I read the details regarding the afghan I quickly thought you were hiding under it, reading a good book and wanting solitude. What a lovely gift it is for you granddaughter, she'll cherish it. I can crochet a chain of stiches which we used to wear as bracelets in grade school. My talent as never matured beyond that. So I admire the work in a beautiful piece like yours.
I listened to the audio version of A Long Way Gone, narrated by Beah. What an amazing story he told. Clearly, one of my favorite books that year.

I've been dealing with a sick husband for the last few days and that's been keeping me busy. I know he's in a bad way since he isn't going to work, or watching TV, just lying on the couch all day. Right now I am keeping my fingers crossed that I don't pick it up as well.

#223 - Hi Prue, Alys, Always has been duly added to the wish list, and I also still have Gone Girl to get to as well. So many books ....

#224 - Hi Melissa, glad you found me. I overbooked myself for February and doubt if I will get through all the books I have sitting on my bedside table, but right now I am enjoying The Help and a good British mystery, The Armada Boy.

#225 - Lynda, I'm really missing doing any handwork right now, when I get a chance I have to get out and pick up some yarn and try one of those fancy scarves that are so popular right now. A Long Way Gone has certainly made quite an impact on me, and I am hoping to read more about this subject.

Hope your husband feels better soon and that you manage to escape unscathed by whatever ails him!

Hi there! I've given your review a "thumbs-up" and added the book to my personal TBR. Thanks for the recommendation!

Karen O.

Judy, the mesh yarns are Sashay by Red Heart and Starbella by Premier Yarns. I think there are some others, but these are the ones I've seen at Michael's. Hope your hubby gets better quickly and that you don't catch it and can get out to get some yarn. In the meantime, READ!

>229 ronincats:: There's also Bernat Twist & Twirl and Pirouette. I'm a bigger fan of Pirouette and Sashay than Starbella, but Starbella has so many color options that it's hard to pass up. And the new Starbella Flash is pretty awesome.

Hi Judy, interesting review on Ice Forged by Gail Z. Martin. I did read her other two series last year and absolutely adored them. So, I probably will have a go at that one as well, once I can lay my hands on them.

Got hit by quite a few book bulletts here, have to save them :) in my black hole.

I love the pics of your two Afghans - maybe a very silly question, but why to you call blankets "Afghans"? I have noticed that on other threads as well.

Judy, I lost track of your thread somewhere along the way, but I've got you back now! I'm intrigued by 'The Ghosts of Belfast'. I may have to put that one on the library wishlist.

Just making sure that I stay caught up here, Judy. Hope you are enjoying a lovely Wednesday!

Hi Judy,
Hope hubby is all better and you are still feeling good.
Your review of Bitterblue hit me with 3 BBs! Can't just read one of a trilogy! ouch, ouch, ouch ;-)

Sorry to see that your hubby is sick. Hopefully he feels better quick and doesn't spread the germs to you.

As some of you have probably guessed, I caught the virus and have been flat on my back for the last few days. I have mostly been sleeping but have managed to get a few books completed. Now I have to catch up on the posting.

A giant wave to all who dropped by, Pat, Karen, Roni, Es, Bianca, Julia, Mamie, Cee and Chelle I will be dropping by your threads as soon as I can and catching up with everyone.

I haven't been able to get out for any wool yet, but hope to hit Michael's this week sometime. My interest in things dropped to mostly just sleeping and reading, so I am looking forward to picking up some craftwork soon.

22. The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Kate Atkinson - Women Authors of Crime
TIOLI #1: Book's Final Page Includes A 7



The second entry in her Wesley Peterson series, The Armada Boy by Kate Ellis gets high marks for it’s clever mingling of past and present. The basic theme of history repeating itself is played out quietly, in fact, one of the things I like best about this book is it’s quiet subtlety, this author does not underestimate her audience.

A murdered American Vet found on the site of an archaeology dig leads DS Peterson and his boss, DI Heffernan back into the past when this coastal area had been evacuated while the Americans practiced their D-Day landings. Meanwhile, Peterson’s friend, archaeologist Neil Watson is studying another invasion, that of the Spanish Armada over 400 years ago. The past, it appears, is a crucial element to the solving of this case.

Kate Ellis does not rely on action or thrills in her stories, she allows her characters to work through the process, each step of the investigation is performed, from forensics to witness interviews, all the while allowing her characters sift through the clues and put the pieces together. I personally love this blend of modern detective work with it’s slight historical twist and I look forward to exploring more of this series.

Hi Judy- Sorry to hear that you're not feeling well. I hope the worst is behind you. Gentle hug!

Thanks, Mark. I am feeling so much better today but both hubby and I are finding our "get-up-and-go" is sadly missing and we get tired very quickly.

23. The Scorpio Races†† by Maggie Stiefvater - 2.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: J.M. Barrie - YA & Children's Lit
TIOLI #5: Missing One of the Five Main Vowels
Fantasy February



I have to say firstly that I did not like Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater, and now I have learned she is not an author for me as I equally did not like The Scorpio Races either. Perhaps it was because I wasn’t feeling well when I read it or the fact that I am not a huge fan of horses, but I just could not get into this book.

I’ll start with the good points, the author conceived of an original story, built a beautiful and atmospheric setting to place her story in, and peopled it with well developed characters. On the other hand, the story developed way too slowly for me, the build up to the actual action took over 350 pages. The races were very well done, but only lasted about 15 pages, By the time the action started, I had already lost interest in the outcome. I never became invested in the characters, and found the romance a little bland. I wasn’t able to get lost in the story as I constantly felt the author’s manipulation.

A lot of people have read and loved this book so I believe I am in the minority with my nay-saying, but The Scorpio Races has simply left me relieved that it’s over and off my Kindle.

Sorry to hear that you caught the virus as well, but I'm glad you are both feeling better. I know well that it can take some time for your get-up-and-go to get back.

Oh, you poor thing with your virus! At least you got some reading in...

Hi Roni and Es, there's nothing worse than lying around feeling sorry for yourself! That's why I am so glad that I can usually lose myself in a good book. Both hubby and I are becoming aware that we just don't bounce back the way we used to, everything seems to take longer when you get older. The last couple of days here have been beautiful, mild and sunny with that spring feeling in the air, which just make me feel more sorry for myself being stuck inside. I am looking forward to getting back to walking on a more regular basis.

24. The Help by Kathryn Stockett - 4.3 ★
13 in 13 Category: Dora Saint - Reader's Choice
Reading Through Time Monthly Challenge: Civil Rights
TIOLI #2: Celebrate American History Month



I really don’t have much to add to the thousands of reviews that have been posted on this book. I found this a very readable book. Filled with interesting characters, some very sympathetic and others downright mean. I think the author captured a tiny piece of the American south in the 1960’s and parlayed that into a very good story.

Black/white relations in America, and in particular the south, is a very deep and intricate subject. The Help shines a light on one small corner, and being of an age to remember the early sixties well, definitely makes me cringe at the casual racism that was accepted as the norm. What this book does make me feel is glad. Glad that people were starting to question the system, and starting to make some changes.

Well written and engaging, The Help folds itself around actual historic events and really captures that moment in history when America was on the brink of enormous change.

I like this review. I still haven't gotten around to reading The Help.

Hi Judy - I hope you're feeling better. I caught something this year and was sicker than I have been in years. Good reviews. I have heard good things about Kate Ellis; I'll have to look at her books. I haven't read The Help yet either. My sister lent me her copy a year ago, so I imagine I'll get to it sometime this year.

Hope you're feeling better Judy..I did enjoy the Shiver series but did not enjoy The Scorpio Races I just couldn't wrap my head around the "horses".

I'm sorry you've been ill but glad you're feeling a bit better, Judy. I think you summed up 'The Help' very well indeed. It wasn't perfect, but I found it very engaging to read.

Sorry to see that you ended up catching the bug! Sending you healthy vibes!! *health*health*health* (hope that worked! :)

#245 - Hi Es, I was dragging my feet on reading this book for some time, I think I had heard too much about how this was the "one book you should read", and how "important" this story is. Actually, it's a good read with a interesting story and some excellent characters. I don't think we can judge it's "importance" at this stage of the game, time seems to have a way of setting the important books apart, and I admit to having some doubt that The Help will go down in history that way.

#246 - Hi Beth, even with a flu shot this has been a bad winter for me, I was sick before Christmas and now again. I had been hanging onto my copy of The Help for some time as well (see above), but I'm glad I read it and now I want to track down a copy of the movie.

#247 Hi Susie, I am a lot better than I was, but still find myself getting tired easily. I expect it will take me a while to get back to full energy. I think I have now sampled enough of Maggie Stiefvater to know she just isn't an author for me.

#248 - Hi Julia, I'm glad I have read it and surprised that there's still a few people out there who haven't got to it yet - I thought I was the only one!

#249 - Just keep those vibes coming, Chelle! I've improved so much just today that I am sure I will be back to normal in a few days!

25. The Sandman Vol 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman - 4.0 ★
13 in 13 Category: Neil Gaiman - Graphic Novels
Sandman Group Read
TIOLI #4: Title Contains a Popular Fantasy Title Word



The Sandman Vol 3: Dream Country consists of four stories and the inclusion of the script for the first story, Calliope, which I found both interesting and enlightening. As Gaiman says in the introduction, who doesn’t want to see behind the illusion. And illusion is precisely what Dream Country appears to be about.

Dream Country has a much different feel to it from the other two books as it seems to veer away from Morpheus and his story, and although he is in the book it is more as a sideline character. Of the four original stories, I thought A Midsummer’s Night Dream was outstanding with A Dream of a Thousand Cats being my second favorite. The “Be Careful What You Wish For” story, Calliope gives us the most insight into Morpheus as he and Calliope obviously share a rocky past, and a son as well. The final story was my least favorite, but it did feature Morpheus’s sister, Goth girl, Death with whom I am quite taken with.

Clever, complex and at times slightly creepy, this volume adds to the development of the labyrinth that is the Sandman collection and while I probably preferred The Doll’s House, I think this well imagined work is a worthwhile read and an integral part of the series.

Hi Judy! Sorry to hear you've been unwell. But here's to a full recovery soon!

I also have not yet read The Help, despite having the book on my shelf for several years....

Morning, Judy! So sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. Hope you are feeling better each day - sending you some feel good mojo! And some lovely reviews you have for us! The Kate Ellis looks good - I will have to see if our library has the first book. Sounds like Scorpio Races could sit on my shelves a bit longer without my regretting it. And The Help! I LOVED that book!

>250 DeltaQueen50:: That's a great way to sum it up, I think. Time will tell.

Good morning, Katie, Mamie and Es , I am feeling a little better with each day and feeling my energy levels rising. I hope to spend a little more time on LT today catching up somewhat.

I have started my next thread and I hope you will all follow along as I move my main residence over there.

I forgot to renumber my new thread so I guess I am having two first threads this year. I better give you a link:

JUDY's NEXT THREAD