Christina rocks the 2014 category challenge

Welcome to my 2014 category challenge, now complete with theme!



All my categories will be titles of songs that I really enjoy, although some of them are guilty pleasures (I'm afraid Styx will make an appearance...). Music is my other true love and all-consuming hobby, so I'm really glad I was able to make this theme work for my challenge!

I'm planning to do a stepped challenge with 14 categories (one book in category #1, two in #2, etc.), which means I'm aiming for 105 books total. I plan to start on January 1 and end on December 31. Rock on, and happy reading!

1. You're My Best Friend - Queen (listen)
A Jeeves & Wooster omnibus. I think they are totally best buddies.



1. P.G. Wodehouse -- The World of Jeeves

2. Please Mr. Postman - The Marvelettes (listen)
Letters.



1. Charlotte Mosley, ed. -- The Letters of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh
2.

Candidates:
Charlotte Mosley, ed. -- In Tearing Haste: Letters Between Deborah Devonshire and Patrick Leigh Fermor

3. The Kids Are Alright - The Who (listen)
Children's classics that I somehow never read. What were my parents thinking?



1. Lois Lowry -- The Giver
2.
3.

Candidates:
Norton Juster -- The Phantom Tollbooth
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry -- The Little Prince

4. Over the Hills and Far Away - Led Zeppelin (listen)
I haven't read Tolkien in several years at this point, and I need my LOTR fix!



1.
2.
3.
4.

Candidates:
The Hobbit
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King

5. London Calling - The Clash (listen)
Books published by the Bloomsbury Group. Bloomsbury is in London, so it works, right?



1. Frank Baker -- Miss Hargreaves
2.
3.
4.
5.

Candidates:
E.F. Benson -- Mrs. Ames
Rachel Ferguson -- The Brontës Went to Woolworths
Ada Leverson -- Love's Shadow
D.E. Stevenson -- Mrs. Tim of the Regiment

6. Golden Years - David Bowie (listen)
Mysteries published before 1960, a.k.a. the Golden Age! This category will accommodate the annual Vintage Mystery Challenge at My Reader's Block.



1. Rex Stout -- Fer-de-Lance
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Candidates:
John Dickson Carr -- The Hollow Man, 1935 (October)
Georgette Heyer -- A Blunt Instrument, 1938 (author month - June)
Michael Innes -- Death at the President's Lodging, 1936 (May)
A.A. Milne -- The Red House Mystery, 1922 (August)
Mary Roberts Rinehart -- The Circular Staircase, 1908

7. Blitzkrieg Bop - The Ramones (listen)
Books about or set during World War II.



1. D.E. Stevenson -- The Two Mrs. Abbotts
2. Kathryn Miller Haines -- The Girl Is Murder
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

Candidates:
Laurent Binet -- HHhH
Jessica Brockmole -- Letters from Skye
Kate Lord Brown -- The Beauty Chorus
Wes Davis -- The Ariadne Objective: The Underground War to Rescue Crete from the Nazis
Christopher Fowler -- Full Dark House
Kathryn Miller Haines -- Winter in June
Pam Jenoff -- The Things We Cherished
Ben Macintyre -- Double Cross: The True Story of the D-Day Spies
Leo Marks -- Between Silk and Cyanide: A Codemaker's War, 1941-1945
David McCullough -- In the Dark Streets Shineth: A 1941 Christmas Eve Story
Nancy Mitford -- Pigeon Pie
Rebecca Rischin -- For the End of Time: The Story of the Messiaen Quartet
Corrie Ten Boom -- The Hiding Place
Jo Walton -- Farthing
Elizabeth Wein -- Rose Under Fire
Sara Young -- My Enemy's Cradle

8. Mr. Roboto - Styx (listen)
Sci fi, speculative fiction, dystopias, etc.



1. Chris Wooding -- Retribution Falls
2. Max Barry -- Lexicon
3. Lois McMaster Bujold -- Young Miles
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Candidates:
Ann Aguirre -- Wanderlust
Rachel Bach -- Fortune's Pawn
Kage Baker -- In the Garden of Iden
Iain M. Banks -- Consider Phlebas
Alden Bell -- The Reapers Are the Angels
Adam Christopher -- Empire State
Philip K. Dick -- Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? (September)
Jasper Fforde -- The Woman Who Died a Lot
Karen Lord -- The Best of All Possible Worlds
Tahereh Mafi -- Shatter Me
Elizabeth Moon -- Trading in Danger
Diana Peterfreund -- Across a Star-Swept Sea
Bee Ridgway -- The River of No Return
Connie Willis -- Miracle and Other Christmas Stories (author month - December)
Connie Willis -- Uncharted Territory (author month - December)
Ben H. Winters -- The Last Policeman
Chris Wooding -- The Black Lung Captain

9. Private Eyes - Hall and Oates (listen)
More mysteries. I certainly can't limit myself to ONE mystery category!



1. Mary Miley -- The Impersonator
2. Ellis Peters -- The Raven in the Foregate
3. Hannah March -- The Complaint of the Dove
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Candidates:
Elizabeth Bailey -- The Gilded Shroud
Rhys Bowen -- Naughty in Nice
Rhys Bowen -- The Twelve Clues of Christmas
Barbara Cleverly -- The Last Kashmiri Rose
Anna Dean -- A Woman of Consequence
Julianna Deering -- Rules of Murder
Ariana Franklin -- Mistress of the Art of Death
Tana French -- In the Woods (June)
Ann Granger -- The Companion
Kerry Greenwood -- Cocaine Blues
Laurie R. King -- The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Stefanie Pintoff -- A Curtain Falls
Kate Ross -- The Devil in Music
Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö -- Roseanna (April)
Cynthia Smith -- Noblesse Oblige
Richard Stark -- The Hunter (July)
Frank Tallis -- A Death in Vienna
Nicola Upson -- An Expert in Murder
Patricia Wynn -- The Spider's Touch

10. Got to Get You into My Life - The Beatles (listen)
Books published in 2014. This was a category I really missed having in 2013!



1. Alan Bradley -- The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches
2. Katie Heaney -- Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date
3. Sarah Addison Allen -- Lost Lake
4. Elizabeth Blackwell -- While Beauty Slept
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Candidates:
Seanan McGuire -- Indexing (Jan 21)
B.J. Novak -- One More Thing: Stories and Other Stories (Feb 4)
Deanna Raybourn -- City of Jasmine (Feb 25)
Marie Brennan -- The Tropic of Serpents (Mar 4)
Kristan Higgins -- Waiting on You (Mar 25)
Julie James -- It Happened One Wedding (May 6)
Morgan Matson -- Since You've Been Gone (May 6)
Jennifer Echols -- Biggest Flirts (May 20)
Lauren Willig -- A Summer Engagement (Jun 3)
Lauren Owen -- The Quick (Jun 17)
Rainbow Rowell -- Landline (Jul 8)
Lauren Willig -- The Mark of the Midnight Manzanilla (Aug 5)
Stephanie Perkins -- Isla and the Happily Ever After (Aug 26)
Seanan McGuire -- The Winter Long (Sep 2)
Gail Carriger -- Waistcoats & Weaponry (Nov 4)
Robin LaFevers -- Mortal Heart (Nov 4)
Naomi Novik -- Temeraire #09
Maggie Stiefvater -- Raven Cycle #03

11. Magic Man - Heart (listen)
Fantasy, including sword & sorcery, urban fantasy, paranormal creatures, magical powers, etc.



1. Emma Newman -- Between Two Thorns
2. Susanna Kearsley -- The Shadowy Horses
3. Polly Shulman -- The Grimm Legacy
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Candidates:
Leigh Bardugo -- Shadow and Bone
Carol Berg -- Guardians of the Keep
Lois McMaster Bujold -- The Curse of Chalion
Rae Carson -- The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Kristin Cashore -- Graceling
Claudia J. Edwards -- Eldrie the Healer
Jasper Fforde -- The Last Dragonslayer
Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett -- Good Omens (October)
Emily Gee -- Thief with No Shadow
Emma Jane Holloway -- A Study in Silks
Barry Hughart -- Bridge of Birds
David Liss -- The Twelfth Enchantment
Melina Marchetta -- Finnikin of the Rock
Juliet Marillier -- Child of the Prophecy
Juliet Marillier -- Shadowfell
Seanan McGuire -- Discount Armageddon
Vera Nazarian -- Cobweb Bride
Jennifer A. Nielsen -- The False Prince
Naomi Novik -- Blood of Tyrants
Ludmilla Petrushevskaya -- There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby
Terry Pratchett -- The Light Fantastic
Catherynne M. Valente -- The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making
Elizabeth Willey -- The Well-Favored Man
Patricia C. Wrede -- Shadow Magic

12. Born to Run - Bruce Springsteen (listen)
Books set outside the U.S. and U.K. This category will accommodate the 2014 GeoCAT.



1. Elizabeth Hay -- Late Nights on Air
2. Matt Beynon Rees -- A Grave in Gaza
3. Lorna Goodison -- By Love Possessed: Stories
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

Candidates:
Ismail Kadare -- Broken April (Albania - April)
Timeri N. Murari -- The Taliban Cricket Club (Afghanistan - May)
M.M. Kaye -- Death in the Andamans (Andaman Islands - June)
Maria Semple -- Where'd You Go, Bernadette (Antarctica - July)
Shūsaku Endō -- Silence (Japan - September)
Carlos Ruiz Zafón -- The Shadow of the Wind (September)
Roberto Ampuero -- The Neruda Case (Chile - October)
Graeme Simsion -- The Rosie Project (Australia - November)
Chinua Achebe -- No Longer at Ease (Nigeria - December)
Nicholas Drayson -- A Guide to the Birds of East Africa (Kenya)
Johan Harstad -- Buzz Aldrin, What Happened to You in All the Confusion? (Norway/Faroe Islands)
Patrick Taylor -- Pray for Us Sinners (Ireland)
Marieke van der Pol -- Bride Flight (New Zealand)

Also, books from this list.

13. Fell in Love with a Girl - The White Stripes (listen)
Romance and chick lit.



1. Julia Quinn -- Just Like Heaven
2. Katherine Reay -- Dear Mr. Knightley
3. Sarra Manning -- Unsticky
4. Caprice Crane -- With a Little Luck
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

Candidates:
Hester Browne -- Swept off Her Feet
Sophie Flack -- Bunheads
Cynthia Harrod-Eagles -- Kate's Progress
Kristan Higgins -- Fools Rush In
Kristan Higgins -- The Next Best Thing
Kristan Higgins -- Somebody to Love
Kristan Higgins -- Until There Was You
Julie James -- Love Irresistibly
Jessica Park -- Left Drowning
Jennifer E. Smith -- The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight
Shannon Stacey -- Exclusively Yours

14. Reelin' in the Years - Steely Dan (listen)
Historical fiction. This can also include books with parallel storylines, as long as one of them is historical.



1. Georgette Heyer -- The Spanish Bride
2. Kate Quinn -- Mistress of Rome
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Candidates:
Margaret Atwood -- Alias Grace (April)
Louis Bayard -- The Black Tower
Lucinda Brant -- Midnight Marriage
Elizabeth Chadwick -- The Greatest Knight
Julianne Donaldson -- Blackmoore
Julianne Donaldson -- Edenbrooke
Amanda Grange -- Henry Tilney's Diary
Sara Gruen -- Water for Elephants (group read - August)
Candice Hern -- A Proper Companion
Cecelia Holland -- Railroad Schemes
Emery Lee -- The Highest Stakes
Kate Morton -- The Forgotten Garden
Baroness Orczy -- I Will Repay
Sharon Kay Penman -- Lionheart
Sharon Kay Penman -- The Sunne in Splendour
Deanna Raybourn -- A Spear of Summer Grass
Cheryl Sawyer -- The Winter Prince
Ciji Ware -- A Cottage by the Sea
Louisa Young -- My Dear I Wanted to Tell You (August)

Bonus: CATs in the Cradle - Harry Chapin (listen)
My picks for the 2014 Random, Geography, and Mystery CATs will go here. I probably won't do every CAT every month, but I'll try to participate as much as I can!



January
RandomCAT (Janus): The Impersonator by Mary Miley, Between Two Thorns by Emma Newman
GeoCAT (US, Canada): The Impersonator by Mary Miley, Late Nights on Air by Elizabeth Hay, Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay, Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout
MysteryCAT (detective novels): Fer-de-Lance by Rex Stout

February
RandomCAT (children's lit): The Giver by Lois Lowry
GeoCAT (Middle East, North Africa): A Grave in Gaza by Matt Beynon Rees
MysteryCAT (series): The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches by Alan Bradley, A Grave in Gaza by Matt Beynon Rees

March
RandomCAT (birds): The Raven in the Foregate by Ellis Peters, The Complaint of the Dove by Hannah March
GeoCAT (Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean): By Love Possessed: Stories by Lorna Goodison
MysteryCAT (children's, YA): The Girl Is Murder by Kathryn Miller Haines

April
RandomCAT (poetry):
GeoCAT (Eastern Europe):
MysteryCAT (Nordic):

May
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (South Asia):
MysteryCAT (classic, Golden Age):

June
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (islands, bodies of water):
MysteryCAT (police procedurals):

July
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (polar regions):
MysteryCAT (noir, hardboiled):

August
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (Western Europe):
MysteryCAT (British):

September
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (East Asia):
MysteryCAT (book-themed):

October
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (South America):
MysteryCAT (global):

November
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (Australia, Oceania):
MysteryCAT (historical):

December
RandomCAT:
GeoCAT (Sub-Saharan Africa):
MysteryCAT (cozies):

Love your categories and, especially, your theme!! You're right, no duplicates. I can't believe that I didn't work in a Heart song. I was thinking of Alone for a standalone mystery category but decided against that category.

Looking forward to following your 2014 reading.

Linda, at least we have a shared love of Queen! :)

Great theme, great categories. Good luck!

Love the theme! I've had "Golden Years" in my head for a while recently. And I really like that cover of the London Calling single!

I'll be especially interested in your World War 2 category as I'm aiming for a number of those kinds of books in my 20th Century category. However, I'm also planning quite a few nonfiction WW2 books. That'll probably continue into 2015, at least.

You've got some interesting categories and some great possibilities planned! I'll have to star your thread to see what you end up reading (especially in the new in 2014 category)l

Great theme. Often enough in France, we have a hard time to follow lyrics and we'll like a song for the rhythm, melody or voices even if the song has no real meaning ;)

Looking forward the Blitzkrieg Bop, Mr. Roboto, Private Eyes and Oates and Born to Run categories.

The Got to Get You into My Life category is a great idea to add without too much guilt new books when the TBR is still so high :)

@ 19 -- Thanks, HRO!

@ 20 -- rabbitprincess, I've had a Bowie song on the brain lately, too ("The Man Who Sold the World"). Great minds! :)

@ 21 -- Linda, I tried to do a WW2 category in the 2012 challenge but wasn't able to complete the challenge, so I'd love to "get it right" this time! :) I only have one nonfiction book slated for that category (Double Cross), but I'm definitely open to reading more -- I'll have to check out your thread for ideas!

@ 22 -- Thanks, Miela!

@ 23 -- electrice, I have no patience when it comes to new releases, so I definitely needed a category that would allow me to read them without guilt!

As usual, Christina, we are going to have quite a few categories in common. I am having a war category of which more than a few will probably end up being set in WWII, also Sci-Fi/Dystopias, YA, Classic Mysteries, Mysteries - well, you get the picture! :) Looking forward to following your thread next year.

@ 25 -- DQ, I anticipate a crossfire of book bullets! :)

I love your categories! Yeah Styx! We seem to have the same taste in music. Oh...I like your book candidates too!

Thinking about getting creative this year. May have categories based on my favorite TV characters.

Thanks so much for starting this group.

@ 27 -- craso, I can't take the credit for starting this group; I believe it was Eva. But thanks for the theme compliment! Your TV characters idea sounds very interesting as well...and now I'm thinking about 2015... :)

Fun categories!

Sounds like fun! Some nice tunes here, er, I mean books.

And there's another thread where I come away with a bunch of tunes stuck in my head - great theme!

->2 christina_reads:
LOL - check out Freddie's shorts!

@ 29 -- Thanks! I certainly had fun coming up with songs that would work.

@ 30 -- Haha, I'm glad you enjoyed the tunes books!

@ 31 -- Sorry about that, Eva! :) And yeah, that picture makes me giggle.

Already seeing some books in your potentials which look interesting. Some great songs too!

Ooo, only just spotted that you have a WWII category, as I do! My "maybe" list is pretty slim on that front (ha!*groan*) at the moment so I will definitely be popping back for recommendations.

great fun theme

@ 33 -- Thanks, dudes22! Of course the "candidates" are subject to change...it's hard for me to stick to a reading plan that I made 4-5 months in advance!

@ 34 -- Jonny, looks like we'll be able to trade some good WWII recs!

@ 35 -- Thanks, psutto! Off to look at your thread...

Another year - another challenge. Looking forward to see what goodies you put on your turntable.

Thanks, mamzel! :) Off to check out your thread now!

You have some interesting categories that I will be keeping an eye on especially letters, mysteries and fantasy.

@ 39 -- Thanks, Zozette! I'm definitely going to read the specific candidates I listed for my "letters" category, but who knows what I'll end up with for mysteries and fantasy? I certainly have more than enough options to keep me busy!

*Gasp* You never read The Phantom Tollbooth!?!?!? You MUST read it next year! MUST, I SAY!

Also, make sure to read at least one Mary Roberts Rinehart mystery. She's not quite another Agatha Christie, but she's still very good. I like The Man in Lower Ten and The Window at the White Cat, although Lower Ten is probably the better of the two.

@ 41 -- I know, casvelyn -- it's shocking! But don't worry, I am definitely going to read it in 2014! :) And I do plan on reading at least one Mary Roberts Rinehart book; it'll be either The Man in Lower Ten or The Circular Staircase...possibly both! I will also keep The Window at the White Cat in mind. Your comparison to Agatha Christie motivates me even more!

Ooh, vintage mysteries and Jeeves & Wooster. You've got some great reading ahead!

I'm definitely looking forward to next year, cbl_tn...too bad I still have to get through the 2013 challenge first! :)

>42 christina_reads: Rinehart was marketed as the "American Agatha Christie." She invented several now-common, almost stereotypical, mystery tropes, specifically:

- "The butler did it"--Rinehart never used this phrase, but she did invent the idea
- "Had I But Known"--Where a character says at the end of the book, "Had I but known you were looking for a tall man with a scar on his face, we could have caught the murderer ages ago!"

She also provided one of the inspirations for Batman when she wrote a play about a masked bad guy known as The Bat.

Rinehart had breast cancer and a mastectomy, and talked openly about them in an era when neither cancer nor breasts were discussed in polite company. She used her position as a well-known writer to encourage women to have regular breast exams.

Personally, I think she was a pretty cool lady.

@ 45 -- casvelyn, you had me at American Agatha Christie! :) I'm excited to read some of her books...hopefully one in which the butler did do it!

Great music song theme, Christine! Heart, Styx, David Bowie, The Who all take me back, as does good old Bruce. Thanks for the reminder I need to add some songs to my iPod... I just love how I am taking song bullets instead of book bullets, for now anyways! ;-)

Yay, good to see you here, Lori! And I'm glad I could send you song bullets, even if you are immune to my book bullets thus far. :)

Now that the CATs for next year are taking shape, I've set up a place for them at #16 above. I'm getting more and more excited for 2014!

Private eyes, they're watching you. They see your every move.... Ah. Memory Lane.
Nice theme! And I'll be watching for your reviews!

Thanks, Victoria -- good to see you here! :)

Now that we're getting closer to the start of this challenge, I'm tweaking my categories a little -- nothing major, just moving the numbers around a bit. My most significant change is turning my "Born to Run" category into a place to put all my GeoCATs. This way I don't have to worry about where I'm going to squeeze in all those global reads -- they'll just get their own category!

A great idea to tweak your categories to fit the 2014 CATs. Oh wait, I just did the same thing! Obviously we are both genuises. ;)

I'm quite excited about the upcoming 2014 CATs, I think I will be sourcing a lot of my reading with these in mind.

Obviously! :) I'm already starting to plan my 2014 reading pretty precisely, allotting specific books to specific months. I just hope I don't burn out on all the structure before the challenge even starts!

I'm with you there. I'm avoiding my shelves as much as possible because what I really want to do is see which books I have will fit in the various CATs. I love to plan, but prefer to read spontaneously -- I'm great at making lists of books, which end up being the books I don't read.

RG, I'm torn. Part of me really loves the structure and organization and list-making. But part of me feels like it's all too much, and I'm reading just to complete the challenge instead of reading for enjoyment. So while I'm super excited about my 2014 challenge, I think I'm going to do something really simple in 2015 so that I'll have time for idle reading (and maybe even re-reading!).

I love to plan and make lists as well but I rarely stick to what I have planned, as things come up as we go along that cause me to choose different books. It's always fun to compare my projected list to my list of actual reads at the end of the year.

DQ, same here! Or rather, I usually end up reading SOME of the books I've planned, but I get distracted by a lot of new and shiny things as well! I'd say the ratio is about 40% planned, 60% spontaneous. For 2014, though, I'm doing more planning than usual because of the CATs and other (non-LT) challenges that I'm doing. Hopefully I've left enough room for some unplanned reads!

I did a full category challenge in 2011 (so rather restrictive--I finished my 121st book at 11:45 pm December 31), and became less restrictive in 2012 and 2013. For me, I need balance. If I don't feel like I'm trying to accomplish a reading goal that is actually somewhat difficult, I get distracted by LT, Netflix, Hulu, my cats, my video games, and practically everything else and don't read. If my challenge is too hard, I get frustrated and quit. I pick my categories so that they reflect what I want to read anyway--you'll notice that I actually have the same categories every year, just changing the theme--and use the challenge to make myself actually pick up a book. I love reading, I consider myself to be an avid reader, I just need some motivation to get off the internet and actually read something.

@ 59 -- Striking that balance is tricky! Like you, I'm easily distracted by TV and the Internet, so I feel like I need challenges to keep me motivated. But I don't want reading to turn into an obligation, since it's something I really love to do. I think it's great that you've kept the same categories over the years, and that you've really tailored them to what you like to read!

I like to do some planning, especially for the CATs, to see what I already have in the TBR pile and where I might need to plan for the library. The GEO CAT this year is going to require a bit more planning for me.

@ 61 -- For those of us participating in the CATs, a lot more advance planning seems to be necessary!

Fun categories, and I look forward to following your reading in 2014!

@ 63 -- Thanks! I'm chomping at the bit to get started...can't wait until January 1!

Great categories - and candidates! Looking forward to following your reading plan!

Thanks, Vivienne!

Awesome theme, songs, and picks, Christina!! Can't wait to follow along!

Edit: 56-59--ooh, story of my life! :p

Thanks, punkypower! Sorry, no Monkees songs this time. :)

Girlie, with your song picks, we'll be fast friends! ;)

"Magic Man," Led Zeppelin's "Babe, I'm going to Leave You," and Queen's "Somebody to Love" are in my top 10 all-time favorite songs. For kicks, rounding out are Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin," The Doors' "Soft Parade," The Monkees' "Pleasant Valley Sunday," Pearl Jam's "Black," Deep Forest's "Soul Elevator," Amanda Brown's "Dream On," and AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds (Done Dirt Cheap)" round out the list.

Are those 15 songs your favorites, or favorite artists, or fit?

Great music for a great theme! Looking forward to seeing what you end up reading.

@ 69 -- YES, "Somebody to Love"! One of my all-time faves as well. Also, my book blog is titled You Book Me All Night Long, so it appears that we do have a similar taste in music! :)

@ 70 -- Thanks, Paws! I'm really excited about all my options, even though there are far too many of them...

I've bookmarked your blog! It looks lovely! :D

@ 72 -- Why thank you! :) A lot of the reviews are duplicates of what I post here, but I try to mix up the content a bit.

I posted this in the 2013 group already, so I apologize if you're seeing this twice. Just want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas!


glitter-graphics.com

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Very nice!
Merry Christmas!

Beautiful! Thank you for posting it. Merry Christmas!

Thanks, Laura and Caroline. Hope you both had a wonderful holiday! I'm enjoying spending time with my family -- and having a little vacation from work!

Today I finally finished my 2013 Category Challenge, with just one day to spare! Check it out here: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. Now that I can start off the new year with a clean slate, I'm even more excited for the 2014 challenge!

Hi Christina! Just checking out your new thread. I like your theme. Cats in the Cradle as a CAT category ---genius.

Thanks, Violet! Yeah, I don't have particularly strong feelings about "Cats in the Cradle," but I couldn't NOT use it for the CATs!

glitter-graphics.com

Time to kick off my 2014 challenge! My first book will be The Impersonator by Mary Miley. Happy New Year to all -- I hope everyone is enjoying his/her first read of 2014!

Nice categories! Loved the bonus category - the title and the accompanying CAT challenge books had me laugh, it's so appropriate!

Good to see you here, Samantha_kathy -- thanks for stopping by!

Love the glitter-graphic! Happy New Year to you too :)

Book #1: Mary Miley, The Impersonator
Category: Private Eyes (1/9)
CATs: Random (Janus: two-faced/double-dealing main character); Geo (Canada/USA: set in 1920s USA)

Leah Randall is a talented but impoverished actress who has worked on the vaudeville circuit her whole life. During the course of one performance, she notices a strange man watching her intently. Eventually this man, Oliver Beckett, approaches her with an astonishing proposal. He tells Leah the story of his niece, Jessie Carr, heiress to a substantial fortune, who vanished from her home several years ago without a trace. Leah bears a striking resemblance to Jessie, so Oliver proposes a scheme: Leah will pose as Jessie and return "home" to claim her inheritance, which she will then split with Oliver. At first Leah wants nothing to do with it, but when she is fired from her vaudeville act and can't get other work, she eventually reconsiders. With Oliver's help, she assumes Jessie Carr's identity and travels to the Carrs' home in Oregon. But the more time she spends with the Carrs, the more she becomes determined to discover what really happened to Jessie all those years ago.

If you read that plot summary and thought, "That sounds an awful lot like Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey," well, you'd be right. The premise is exactly the same -- Miley even acknowledges that Tey's novel was the main inspiration for her own -- but I enjoyed Miley's novel in its own right. I especially liked the period details about vaudeville, speakeasies, and other highlights of life in the 1920s. There were even references to some Supreme Court cases of the era, which I appreciated as a law school survivor. I also liked Leah's narrative voice: she's plain-spoken, independent, and very aware of both her talents and her flaws. The thing is, though, Brat Farrar is still by far the superior book. Miley's novel is a bit disorganized at times, including several subplots that are more distracting than intriguing. I also hated the romantic aspect of this book; it was unbelievable and underdeveloped. I did enjoy the book overall and found it very readable, but if the premise sounds interesting to you, you should really just read the original instead!

Book #2: Julia Quinn, Just Like Heaven
Category: Fell in Love with a Girl (1/13)
CATs: none

Lady Honoria Smythe-Smith is desperate to be married. Though she is part of a large, affectionate family, things have been very quiet in her parents' house ever since her brother Daniel fled England after seriously wounding a man in a duel. Honoria longs to start her own family and once again feel surrounded by love; and as an added bonus, once she is married, she'll no longer have to perform at the Smythe-Smiths' infamous musicales. Meanwhile, Marcus Holroyd, the Earl of Chatteris, is Daniel's best friend and has always felt more at home with the Smythe-Smiths than with his own distant family. Marcus and Honoria have always been friendly, but when a sprained ankle and a dangerous illness throw them together, they both begin to suspect that their relationship is deepening into something more.

I basically picked up this book for two reasons: 1) It shares a title with a really great Cure song, and 2) I'm a sucker for ridiculous British surnames. Fortunately, I ended up enjoying it quite a bit! Marcus is a delightful hero; he comes across as proud and brooding, but only because he feels shy and socially awkward (shades of Mr. Darcy!). And Honoria is a sweet girl with just enough humor to keep her from being insipid. Somewhat unusually for a Regency romance, most of this book doesn't take place during the London Season; rather, Honoria spends a good portion of it nursing Marcus back to health from a life-threatening fever. Some might find the sickroom scenes tedious, but to me they underscored why Marcus and Honoria make such a great pair. All in all, I'd definitely recommend this light, quick read to fans of Regency romances, and I'll probably pick up something else by Julia Quinn in the future.

Wow, I am so impressed with your set up here.

I can barely begin to comment on all your speculative reads, suffice to say that I enjoyed Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's-- The Little Prince. I found it odd, and oddly refreshing! And I am loving some of your band choices too :) *fellow music fan*

And (again), well done on your reading so far!

@ 87 -- Thank you! I'm looking forward to The Little Prince...it seems to be beloved by so many, yet for some reason I never read it as a child. Hopefully I will love it just as much as an adult!

Book #3: Chris Wooding, Retribution Falls
Category: Mr. Roboto (1/8)
CATs: none

Darian Frey is a freebooter and small-time criminal whose most treasured possession is his airship, the Ketty Jay. His so-called "crew" is disorganized and questionably competent, and they all have something to hide. Crake, a daemonist whose magical skills have made him an outcast, is crumbling under the weight of a guilty consience. Jez, the new navigator, can't let anyone know about her mysterious secret abilities. The ship's doctor, Malvery, is a drunk, and outflier pilot Harkins has been completely traumatized by the Aerium Wars. Frey and his motley collection of renegades travel around taking odd jobs, but they barely make enough money to live on. That is, until Frey is presented with the opportunity of a lifetime: steal the cargo of a particular airship and receive fifty thousand ducats as payment. The offer seems too good to be true, and it is -- the target airship turns out to be carrying the heir to the Archduchy, who is killed when the Ketty Jay attacks. Now Frey and his crew are on the run, but Frey is determined to discover who set him up and why -- even if it means losing the freedom and detachment that are so precious to him.

This book, quite simply, was a ton of fun! I picked it up at a Borders going-out-of-business sale because the premise reminded me of "Firefly," and if you enjoy that type of space Western with a healthy dose of grim humor, I think you'll really enjoy this book! The plot is predictable but packed with action, and the pacing is great, but my favorite part of the book was definitely the characters. I really liked the way Frey was portrayed; he's definitely no hero -- selfish, misogynistic, irresponsible, and entitled -- but he does grow and change throughout the course of the novel. I loved the other characters too, particularly Crake and Jez, both of whom I'd like to learn a lot more about! I think one weakness of sci fi/fantasy/adventure novels is that they tend to make the characters too heroic or powerful right from the start. But in this book, nobody is a hero until (arguably) the very end; the characters actually develop throughout the book. For this reason, the book really exceeded my expectations, and I'm thrilled to discover that it's actually the first book in a series! It can be read as a stand-alone, but I will definitely be continuing to read about the Ketty Jay and its swashbuckling crew!

>89 christina_reads: It seems fun, I don't know if I should be happy to add a new book to the BB list when it's the first of a series ?

@ 90 -- I know, it's always daunting to add a new series to the TBR list! But Retribution Falls can be read as a stand-alone if you want. All the plot points are resolved, and there's really no reason to keep going unless you want to spend more time with the characters -- which I do!

Well good to know, if I like them as much as you, I will of course continue :)

Happy New Year, Christina. Your review of Retribution Falls caught my attention and I was already to add it to my wishlist when I realized that I actually have the book sitting on my shelves! Good to know that it's a fun read.

Love the review. As I was reading the summary I also thought of Firefly. Glad to know I wasn't the only one. It sounds like it was a good read!

@ 92 -- Hope you enjoy Retribution Falls if and when you get to it. I'll put my BB gun (ha) down now!

@ 93 -- DQ, that's hilarious! You should pick up the book sometime...it really did exceed my expectations!

@ 94 -- Laura, I think that if you like one, you'll like the other! And now I'm thinking it's time to re-watch "Firefly"...

As always any book of your goes on my never-ending wish list, Christina! ;) Great review!!

Have you read anything else by Chris Wooding? I loved Malice and I have it's sequel, Havoc, and other books, Poison, The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray, and probably a couple others are on my wish list as well.

@ 96 -- No, I haven't! I will have to check out some of his other series now! The Black Lung Captain is already on my wishlist...

*tries to dodge book bullet*

I do love Firefly - especially the humor. Funniest torture scene ever.

@ 98 -- BookLizard, words you'd never expect to hear in the same sentence! :) But so true...

Ah, Firefly! My favourite part will always be Wash playing with the dinosaurs. "Ah! Curse your sudden but inevitable betrayal!"

So Ah! Curse your sudden but inevitable book bullet for Retribution Falls! ;)

Great review of Retribution Falls, Cristina! I agree, it is such a fun read - what a crew of misfits!

@ 100 -- Haha yup, that's a great scene! "And we shall call it…this land."

@ 101 -- Didn't realize you had also read it, Lori! Have you read any more in the series? I'm eager to get my hands on a copy of The Black Lung Captain now!

No, I was meaning to check out The Black Lung Captain from the library but I got sidetracked by other books and then completely forgot about it until I saw your review.

@ 103 -- Lucky you, having Wooding's other books available at your library! Looks like I'll have to purchase it...but I don't really mind! :)

#89 Chris Wooding...I'll have to keep that author in mind. I've never heard of him before. Thank you for the review of Retribution Falls. I thought of Firefly as well. I just started watching the show on Netflix. Loved the episode titled Shindig.

Hi Christina, I will have to pass on your latest read, but glad you enjoyed it! I have piles of books all glaring at me at present, vying for that coveted space in my hands. It is all I can do not to just start a bunch at once just to keep them happy :)

I like the idea of a stepped challenge! I should do that next year.

@ 105 -- Caroline, this was my first encounter with Chris Wooding, but it won't be my last! So glad you are enjoying "Firefly"…I really liked "Shindig" as well. :)

@ 106 -- Haha, I know what you mean! I have dozens of books clamoring for my attention…hope I will get to them all eventually!

@ 107 -- Kgodey, this is my second year doing a stepped challenge, and I'm really liking it! This way I can read a few long/challenging books in my small categories, and then I can fill up my bigger categories with light/fun books.

Yes, you got me with that book bullet for Retribution Falls. It's interesting reading. Different from watching Firefly because you get to glimpse inside the characters' heads more - takes some of the fun and surprise away, but still funny and adventure packed!

@ 109 -- And, sadly, Jayne/Adam Baldwin is not in the book. :) But I still enjoyed it -- hope you do too!

>89 christina_reads: - it is very reminiscent of firefly isn't it? I have, as yet, not got round to any more in the series

@ 111 -- Pete, I probably wouldn't have given Retribution Falls a second glance if not for the "Firefly" connection, but I'm glad I did! I really do need to seek out more books in the series.

Do you know I have Firefly on DVD and I don't think I made it through the season? **puts up my Ravenclaw shield** edit: I will go back to it eventually, I've yet to finish Carnivale or Sopranos. I think it's finding out spoilers. Buffy and Six Feet Under are the only shows I've been able to soldier through after the plethora of spoilers.

When I saw Adam Baldwin in Angel and Firefly, my brain could not compute as the same guy who played Animal Mother in Full Metal Jacket!!

Does this mean you guys are Buffy fans as well??
http://www.buzzfeed.com/adambvary/buffyverse-characters-ranked-worst-to-best?s=m...

http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/ranking-every-episode-of-buffy-the-vampire...

I could take or leave Buffy, yes there is some good TV in there, but also there is some very bad TV in there - I did watch it when it was on, not really revisited it since though

Book #4: Elizabeth Hay, Late Nights on Air
Category: Born to Run (1/12)
CATs: Geo (Canada/USA: set in 1970s Northwest Territories)

This novel centers around a small group of people working at a radio station in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, Canada. Harry is a once-promising radio man who has returned to Yellowknife after a disastrous attempt at television. Eleanor, the station's receptionist, has no life of her own but is keenly observant of the lives of others. Gwen has recently moved to town and is hoping to learn radio production at the station. And newcomer Dido is a natural on-air talent who catalyzes various shifts in the station's social atmosphere. All these characters have been drawn to Yellowknife for different reasons, but they are united in their fascination and love for the austere beauty of northern Canada. As they develop new friendships, romances, and animosities, they also discuss the history, mythology, and current concerns of the Canadian frontier -- especially as a proposed transnational pipeline threatens its very identity.

I picked up this book for its setting, and I think it does a wonderful job of immersing readers in the unique world of the Canadian North. There are lovingly detailed descriptions of weather, scenery, and wildlife; digressive anecdotes about Canadian history, especially the many European explorers who attempted to survive the brutal winters; discussions about the relationship between white settlers and native peoples; and nostalgia for a fading way of life. Hay cleverly uses the debates and hearings surrounding the Mackenzie Valley Pipeline as a framework for her story; the possible destruction of the northern ecosystem parallels the slow destruction of radio as the primary medium for storytelling due to the arrival of television. The novel is somber and contemplative in tone, and the focus is on character and setting much more than on plot. But for anyone interested in books with a unique and vividly described setting, I would definitely recommend this!

@ 113 -- Punkypower, you still have some great TV ahead of you, then! And don't forget the movie "Serenity" either!

I never really got into "Buffy" either...it wasn't on my radar when it first came out. A couple years ago I watched the first 2 seasons (or so) and enjoyed them fairly well, but for some reason I never felt tempted to continue. Maybe I'll get back to it someday.

Book #5: Katherine Reay, Dear Mr. Knightley
Category: Fell in Love with a Girl (2/13)
CATs: Geo (Canada/USA: set in contemporary Chicago)

Samantha Moore has been in and out of foster homes her whole life. Now, at age 23, she's living at a group home called Grace House, but she'll soon have to leave unless she can find a way to go back to school. One day she gets a surprising offer: if she can get into the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, an anonymous donor will pay her tuition and living expenses. The only condition is that she must write regular letters detailing her educational progress to the donor under the name Mr. Knightley. Samantha is reluctant at first, particularly because she feels much more connected to fiction than journalism. Indeed, her closest friends growing up were the classic novels that kept her company through dark times, and she frequently hides in the world of books when real life is confusing or difficult. Still, Sam agrees to the deal, and through her letters to "Mr. Knightley," she is finally able to face her past -- and her future.

Despite what the title might suggest, this book is not a Jane Austen spinoff; rather, it's a contemporary reimagining of Jean Webster's novel Daddy-Long-Legs. My overall opinion is that the original is far better, but I can't get into more depth without SPOILERS for both books, so skip the rest of this review if you don't want to know how they end! … OK, so if you're still with me, what happens is that Samantha eventually falls in love with "Mr. Knightley," who turns out to be the handsome mystery novelist who's been keeping Sam company throughout the book. He knows everything about Samantha, whose letters to him have been more like a diary, yet he doesn't confess his true identity until the very end of the book. There's this huge power imbalance between him and Sam, and the book never really addresses it, and I just couldn't buy it as a romantic or satisfying ending at all. For some reason I didn't mind it as much in the original – maybe because of the time period in which it was written? So I had a huge issue with the core of the story, and I also didn't like the author's writing style. It's a very readable book, and if you like Daddy-Long-Legs you may enjoy this one too, but I was disappointed.

The description in Late Nights on Air is indeed lovely! Glad you liked it.

113> I'm a Buffy fan, but I came late to the game. Didn't start watching it until it aired weeknights on FX. I have it on DVD - might have to watch it soon.

I caught Daddy Long Legs from your third sentence. I can see why it might not have worked as a modern retelling since a recent reread of Daddy Long Legs had me skeeved out by the age and power imbalance, and I could justify it with the thought that things were different back then. I wonder if there'll be a retelling of Dear Enemy, with all of the eugenics bits still there?

Yeah...I was not entirely comfortable with the romance in Daddy-Long-Legs, but it was even worse in Dear Mr. Knightley! I haven't read Dear Enemy yet, but it's on my Nook. I had heard that eugenics were involved in some way, but I don't know any more than that. I seem to remember someone on LT reading Eva Ibbotson's A Countess Below Stairs and being disgusted by the portrayal of eugenics in that book. I didn't mind it there because it was so obviously portrayed as being wrong. Will be interested to see how it plays out in Dear Enemy!

Well, I'm behind on reviews already, which is no big surprise...but while I'm collecting my thoughts on Fer-de-Lance, Lexicon, and The Two Mrs. Abbots, here are a couple of interesting bookish items:

1. Texts from Jane Eyre. I don't think I have ever laughed at anything this hard in my entire life.

2. Kristen Stewart is going to star in a movie called "Equals," which is apparently based on 1984. Yes, this is a real thing. And the Guardian is not happy about it.

I have a hard time understAnding how and why they are still casting Ms Stewart in movies. I haven't been able to detect any range of emotions. She has one look which I have to describe as a snarl.

>122 christina_reads:: The Equals movie makes me sad. Time to rewatch the John Hurt/Richard Burton 1984.

Love the music pics - & that one of Queen. John looks quite, well, a victim of the fashion of the times. And now I understand why the later Freddie Mercury said he looked "ridiculous" in his earlier years with Queen. Um, those shorts are bad.

Good points about Dear Mr. Knightley. At first, I was thinking I had to read it because it is set at my alma mater, but I remember the power imbalance bothering me a little bit in Daddy Long Legs, although like you I forgave it because of the time it was written/set in. In modern times, it seems kind of creepy rather than romantic.

Oh my. Kristen Stewart should never be cast in anything, let alone something so significant as that! What in the world were they thinking?!

126. I'm with you. Never be cast in anything ever.

#89 by @christina_reads> I really loved Retribution Falls and the second one Iron Lung Captain was a hoot too.

@ 123 -- Well, to be fair, she is also quite good at lip-biting!

@ 124 -- Haven't seen that version of 1984 either, but I'm sure it's better than "Equals" will be! Ms. Stewart described the plot of "Equals" as "a love story of epic, epic, epic proportion." So, you know, just like the book!

@ 125 -- Freddie loves his short shorts! And yes, the thing that only slightly bothered me in Daddy-Long-Legs became a huge, glaring problem for me in Dear Mr. Knightley. Creepy, indeed!

@ 126, 127 -- I will join you both in the Kristen Stewart not-a-fan club!

@ 128 -- Good to know that the sequel to Retribution Falls is just as good! I'm definitely going to need to get my hands on it soon!

Book #6: Rex Stout, Fer-de-Lance
Category: Golden Years (1/6)
CATs: Geo (Canada/USA: set in 1930s New York City); Mystery (detective novels)

This novel introduces the famous detective team of Nero Wolfe, an eccentric genius whose skill in detection is rivaled only by his fondness for orchids, and Archie Goodwin, his streetwise secretary. Although they live in comparative luxury, Wolfe and Archie have not been immune to the effects of the Great Depression, and they certainly won't turn down any opportunity of making some hard cash. So when a worried Italian woman comes to their doorstep asking them to track down her missing brother, they are eager to take the case. Due to Wolfe's obese build and strange fears of the outside world, he refuses to leave his home; so it's up to Archie to investigate the man's disappearance. He soon discovers, however, that the missing Italian man is just one piece of a much larger puzzle involving the sudden death of a prominent university professor. While Archie collects evidence, Wolfe applies his considerable talents to solving the mystery.

This is my first encounter with Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin, but it certainly won't be my last! I loved Archie as the narrator; his wry, amusing voice reminds me of the fast-talking banter of the great screwball comedies of the 1930s. It was great fun to see the investigation through his eyes, as he applies his own special brand of persuasion to the various suspects and interested parties. Nero Wolfe, by contrast, is significantly less interesting, since the inner workings of his mind remain largely mysterious. He did have some funny moments, though, and I liked his extremely formal patterns of speech. He and Archie make a nice contrast in that regard, since Archie is full of contemporary slang and has an almost aggressively casual tone. As for the mystery itself, it is quite well-plotted, even if the solution isn't very surprising. The only thing I disliked was that the book keeps going after the culprit's identity is revealed. For me, the fun of reading a mystery is trying to solve it; once the solution is discovered, I don't want to read a long denouement about how the guilty party was finally caught. So I thought the end dragged a bit; but other than that, I enjoyed this mystery and look forward to reading more in the series.

I have read a small handful of Nero Wolfe novels when I was a teenager and remember liking them. Probably due to the updated TV show they used to be quite big and accessible even until the 1980s (at least in Germany). Must admit though that I haven't come across any one of those in ages. Reading your review reminds that I probably should explore them again further.

Nero Wolfe is a fun series and I especially love the 1930's time period in these early ones. Archie Goodwin is a great character.

Still in the process of dropping stars for 2014. Plop! I'm slightly tired of steampunk, but your review of Retribution Falls and the Firefly reference make it sound too good to pass up. You're causing BB overkill with this one, how many of us are hit by now? 20?

@ 131 -- I'll have to check out the Wolfe TV show!

@ 132 -- DQ, I really love the '30s time period too! It was fun for me to catch the Prohibition references. :)

@ 133 -- GM, I guess I have gone on a shooting spree with Retribution Falls! But it is a really fun book, and I hope you like it if you decide to read it. It's not really steampunk, if that helps -- at least, I certainly wouldn't characterize it that way!

Book #7: Max Barry, Lexicon
Category: Mr. Roboto (2/8)
CATs: none

Emily Ruff is a teenager living on the streets of San Francisco, subsisting on the change she earns by fleecing people at cards. So when she is approached by a mysterious organization that wants to send her to a special boarding school, all expenses paid, she jumps at the chance without asking too many questions. When Emily arrives at the school, she learns that its purpose is to train poets, an elite group of individuals who can use words to “persuade” people to do anything. Emily learns that people can be divided into segments based on their personality type, and each segment responds to a unique set of words. The poets want Emily because they have ascertained that she is more than usually persuasive. Meanwhile, Wil Parte is on the run, accompanied by a renegade poet called Eliot — but he doesn’t know who he’s running from or why they’re looking for him. Both Emily and Wil must eventually face violence and impossible choices as the connection between their stories becomes evident.

I picked up this book because I loved the premise, which is essentially that words have power (something book lovers already know!). Max Barry has imagined a world in which the masses can be controlled by an elite few with words alone — a world that is frighteningly close to our own. For me, the book’s biggest strength is how plausible it is; with our private lives increasingly made public through the Internet, it’s very easy to imagine governments and other powerful groups using that private information for their own ends. The book also reads extremely quickly and is chock-full of action. However, it was a little too graphic for me, in terms of both sex and violence. And more importantly, I feel like Barry missed a great opportunity to explore some interesting philosophical questions in the novel. Clearly the poets are to some extent sinister, and the villain of the book is quite obviously the villain; but even the so-called heroes do a lot of morally questionable things, and their behavior is never really called to account. The book has a happy(ish) ending, and I just don’t think it’s justified. Still, this is a fun read if you’re interested in the premise, but I’d recommend getting it from the library rather than buying.

There are a couple Wolfe TV series. I enjoyed watching the one with William Conrad and Lee Horsley in the early 1980s, but I loved the series starring Timothy Hutton and Maury Chaykin that ran from about 2000 to 2002.

@ 136 -- Thanks for the tip! I'll look for both series on Netflix/at the library.

>135 christina_reads: I watched the one with William Conrad/Lee Horsley at the time. Had never even heard of the other one until now although it appears to have a run for a good while. Hmmm, something else to check out.

Book #8: D.E. Stevenson, The Two Mrs. Abbotts
Category: Blitzkrieg Bop (1/7)
CATs: none

Warning: SPOILERS for Miss Buncle's Book and Miss Buncle Married.

This third book in the "Miss Buncle" series jumps forward in time to explore life in an English village during World War II. Barbara Abbott, née Buncle, now lives in Wandlebury with her husband and two adorable children. The war apparently has little effect on her life, except that there is less food available at the market. But Barbara's niece by marriage, Jerry Abbott, is dealing with the fact that her husband Sam is fighting somewhere in Africa; in the meantime, she has opened her home to soldiers and evacuees. But despite the privations and worries of wartime, there are still plenty of opportunities for gossip and romance! Sullen Lancreste Marvell has fallen in love with an unsuitable woman; famous authoress Janetta Walters is coming to Wandlebury to speak at the village bazaar; and Jerry's brother Archie finally seems to be ready for marriage. Finding herself in the midst of these entanglements, will Barbara be able to engineer a happy ending?

I'm so happy that Sourcebooks is re-releasing D.E. Stevenson's books! I really loved the first two "Miss Buncle" books, and this one is also quite fun and charming, though it definitely suffers by comparison. The problem with this book is that it lacks cohesion; there are several little plots going on, but they are largely independent of one another. Some plots also seem to peter out with no resolution; for example, in the beginning of the book, an old friend of Barbara's comes to visit, and it seems as though she is going to be a big part of the story, but then she vanishes about halfway through the book. Ultimately the biggest story is about Archie's courtship, which is quite sweet, but it's not really developed in much depth. I did like reading a World War II novel that isn't really about the war, but nevertheless the war affects many aspects of the characters' lives. The happy, wholesome picture of village life in this book was most likely vanishing at the time Stevenson wrote the novel. Overall, I'd recommend this book to people who liked the other "Miss Buncle" books and are looking for a nice comfort read.

Today was my first day back at work after quite a long weekend! I took last Friday off because my piano (!!!) was being delivered, Monday was a federal holiday, and yesterday was a snow day. So I had lots of glorious free time to spend reading and watching TV! All the discussion about Retribution Falls (above) got me in the mood to re-watch "Firefly," which is just as funny and dark and awesome as I remember! :)

I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come over and visit your thread. I love your categories, especially as the musical choices include a lot of my favourites too!

Lexicon sounds interesting, but if you didn't love it, I probably won't either.

Let me know when you decide to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns and Shadow and Bone. Both are on my TBR list.

I can recommend both Graceling and The False Prince.

So many potential Book Bullets on your list. Why don't you read a few mysteries so I won't be tempted for a while? ;-)

@ 141 -- Glad to see you here, mathgirl! I had a lot of fun coming up with appropriate songs for each category.

@ 142 -- I do think Lexicon is worth a read if it sounds interesting to you...but I definitely don't advise getting the hardcover! Good to know you liked Graceling -- it's been on my shelf for years at this point! And I will let you know if/when I decide to read The Girl of Fire and Thorns or Shadow and Bone. I have heard really good things about both of them, but I still don't really know how my fantasy category is going to shape up!

Book #9: Emma Newman, Between Two Thorns
Category: Magic Man (1/11)
CATs: Random (Janus: frequent traveling between worlds)

This novel follows three different characters as their stories intertwine in a fantastical world. First there's Sam, a middle-aged drunkard with marital problems who find himself running afoul of powerful creatures that he never knew existed. Then there's Cathy, the daughter of a noble family in the Nether, a world that mirrors our own world (known to those in the Nether as Mundanus). Folk in the Nether are patronized by various Fae overlords, so they have access to magic -- but they are also beholden to the dangerous, capricious Fae. Cathy desperately wants to escape her life in the Nether and has been studying at Cambridge in Mundanus, but eventually her family and her Fae patron catch up with her. And finally, there is Max, an Arbiter whose job is to protect mundanes from Fae interference. But something is wrong with the Arbiters in Bath and London, and it just might be connected to a Fae-based power struggle in the Nether.

I think my summary of the plot is pretty confusing; but to be fair, the book itself is pretty confusing too! If you like a lot of world-building, though, you'll probably find a lot to enjoy. The Nether is essentially a world that is connected to the Fae (although its inhabitants are all humans), and it has the general atmosphere of 18th- or 19th-century England. Cathy is desperate to escape to Mundanus because she doesn't want to be forced into an arranged marriage and become some man's property. I found her story easiest to follow, and therefore I enjoyed it the most, although I think Cathy is a bit of a Mary Sue. Max is a more interesting character -- I liked the idea that Arbiters' souls are disconnected from their bodies so that they can remain emotionless and therefore uncorruptible. Nonetheless, I'm still not entirely clear on what Arbiters do, and obviously there is much more to be revealed in the sequels. In fact, my biggest complaint with the book is that it's really just a setup for the subsequent books; none of the storylines are really resolved. Still, I liked the world-building enough that I will probably give the next book a chance.

>126 .Monkey.:/127 Oh my. Kristen Stewart should never be cast in anything
I have only ever seen her in the BioPic about Joan Jett and thought she was really really good- is the word on the street that she is a bad actor? Or is she disliked because she two-times the guy actor from the vampire movies?

>135 christina_reads: you have me with that review- actually also because it is the one I heard reviewed on the radio a while ago and then promptly forgot the title of! I have been trying to think o fit for ages- good old LT, I knew there'd be someone here to give me the heads up! It sounds great.

@ 145 -- Glad I could help you out! :) Hope you enjoy Lexicon when you get to it.

#145 - I thought Kristen Stewart was great as Joan Jett in the Runaways movie. I also really liked her in Speak and The Panic Room. I haven't seen her in anything else.

I've actually heard she didn't do bad in the Joan Jett one, someone had commented that the color of her hair reflects how she'll do hahaha. But no, most of the movies she's done she's been terrible in, including those miserable sparklevamp ones. There's memes that went 'round about how she's only got one expression that her face can do (seriously, forever & always with the blank look!! Whaaaat?!) and the like. She's just, not normally a good actress. Maybe it takes a special director to get her to come alive, or something, but, I'd never put money on her actually doing a decent job.

148. those miserable sparklevamp ones Haha! I'm totally going to refer to Twilight this way in the future.

Strangely enough my Beloved - who isn't much into anything pop culture but is used to geek speak from me - just mentioned the other day that she doesn't know what anyone would see in Kristen Stewart. Apparently she watched that SNOW WHITE adaptation with her.... and yes, apparently she was awful in it.

QED :-)

Ah yes, that's one of the bulk that she was supposed to be horrible in. In protection of my sensibilities, I've refrained from watching. ;P

Getting caught up here Christina and very happy to see that you recommend Late Nights on Air! I have that one sitting on my TBR bookcase.

Oh dear.... I was hoping the third 'Miss Buncle' book would be better. I absolutely loved the first, Miss Buncle's Book, enjoyed the second, Miss Buncle Married but found that one was already a tad strained in the story telling. *sighs* I do want to investigate more of Stevenson's books - she was quite the prolific writer!

I must say, I'm loving the Kristen Stewart discussion! I don't think I've actually ever seen her in anything…except I think I saw part of "Speak" on TV once and wasn't very impressed with her. She has nailed the sullen lip-biting look, though!

Lori, I did enjoy Late Nights on Air -- a very nice read for a lazy afternoon! And yes, I think the "Miss Buncle" books get progressively worse, unfortunately. :( I do have some more Stevenson on my shelves, though -- The Young Clementina and Mrs. Tim of the Regiment. I plan to read at least the latter this year, so I'll be sure to report back!

Book #10: Susanna Kearsley, The Shadowy Horses
Category: Magic Man (2/11)
CATs: none

Verity Grey is a young archaeologist who has recently quit her job at the British Museum and is looking for freelance work. Her former colleague (and ex-boyfriend) Adrian tells her about a potential job in the coastal town of Eyemouth, Scotland, but he is vague about the details. Nevertheless, Verity is intrigued enough to travel to Eyemouth for an interview. There she learns that the head of the expedition, wealthy archaeologist Peter Quinnell, is hoping to find traces of the Ninth Roman Legion, which appeared in Britain in the second century A.D. and then vanished from history. Verity is excited to be part of such a potentially major find -- until she learns that Quinnell has no tangible evidence that the Ninth ever passed through Eyemouth. Rather, he is basing his expedition on the word of an eight-year-old boy who is said to have the second sight. Verity is extremely skeptical at first; but the longer she spends in Eyemouth, the more she becomes convinced that something supernatural is at work.

I was surprised to discover that, unlike many of Susanna Kearsley's other novels, this book is not a work of historical fiction; all the action takes place in the present day. Aside from that, however, The Shadowy Horses definitely has a similar feel to Kearsley's other books. There is a young, intellectual heroine who is fascinated by history; a story in the present that closely parallels a story in the past; various supernatural elements (in this case, a ghost!); and a romance. These are all things that generally appeal to me in books, but once again, I found myself unable to get emotionally involved with this novel. There is just something about Kearsley's writing that keeps me at a distance; though her books (including this one) are very readable, I'm never on the edge of my seat, dying to know what will happen next. A lack of dramatic tension, perhaps? Anyway, I did enjoy this book -- the bits about archaeology were especially fascinating, though probably a bit outdated now -- but it wasn't anything more than a pleasant read for me.

After the discussion of Nero Wolfe TV adaptations last week, I thought I'd mention my latest discovery. If you get Me-TV in your area, this week's Friday night movie is Nero Wolfe, a made-for-TV movie from the 1970s. I've never heard of it before so I don't know how good it will be. I'm planning to watch it.

@ 155 -- Thanks for the tip! I'm not sure if I get Me-TV, but I'll try to find out before tomorrow evening. :)

January recap:

The first month of 2014 is over! When did that happen? I've had a productive month, reading-wise. To reach my challenge goal, I have to read about 9 books in a month; in this one I've read 11, so I'm happy! Here's what I read in January:

1. Mary Miley, The Impersonator -- "Private Eyes" 1 of 9
2. Julia Quinn, Just Like Heaven -- "Fell in Love with a Girl" 1 of 13
3. Chris Wooding, Retribution Falls -- "Mr. Roboto" 1 of 8
4. Elizabeth Hay, Late Nights on Air -- "Born to Run" 1 of 12
5. Katherine Reay, Dear Mr. Knightley -- "Fell in Love with a Girl" 2 of 13
6. Rex Stout, Fer-de-Lance -- "Golden Years" 1 of 6
7. Max Barry, Lexicon -- "Mr. Roboto" 2 of 8
8. D.E. Stevenson, The Two Mrs. Abbotts -- "Blitzkrieg Bop" 1 of 7
9. Emma Newman, Between Two Thorns -- "Magic Man" 1 of 11
10. Susanna Kearsley, The Shadowy Horses -- "Magic Man" 2 of 11
11. Charlotte Mosley, ed., The Letters of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh -- "Please Mr. Postman" 1 of 2

Total # pages: 4,121 (I'm curious to see how many pages I will read this year.)

Favorite book of the month: Retribution Falls -- I really, really liked this action-packed novel about swashbuckling sky pirates, and I’m excited to read more in the series!

Least favorite: Dear Mr. Knightley -- I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and the Daddy-Long-Legs-inspired plot REALLY didn’t translate well to the 21st century.

And now, onward to February! I've already got a stack of books ready, so I just need to figure out the order. I'm definitely starting with The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches, though, which fits perfectly with the series MysteryCAT!

Looks like a great reading month! Hope you enjoy The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches -- I'm 38th on the library holds queue so have a bit of waiting to do yet :)

I just checked my library hold queue for The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches and I am sitting at position 47 of 136 in the hold queue, but they have 27 copies in circulation. I am on vacation and out of town for 10 days as of the 6th and I am torn as to whether I should freeze my position in the hold queue or let things run and fingers crossed, my hold won't be ready for pick up until I return home. I don't need these kinds of nail-biting decisions.......... ;-)

That is a nail-biter!

Maybe try bribing the first person on the list so you could take it with you ;p

> 160 & 161 - LOL! I have resorted to monitoring the library site twice a day, and can monitor it through my iPod Touch while I am away. It wouldn't be such a tough decision if it was an e-book, as I can download those from anywhere in the world when they come available, but all 27 copies are in print format. Darn it!

@ 158 -- RP, I've begun The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches…I'm not that far into it yet, but so far so good!

@ 159 -- Ooh, that's a tough decision, Lori! When are the currently-checked-out books due? If there's going to be a huge influx of returned copies while you're on your trip, I would freeze your hold so that you don't get bumped back to the end of the queue. But it's definitely hard to predict these things!

I just picked up The Dead in their Vaulted Arches at the library today, and now that I've finished corrected my last final exam, I will reward myself with a good long reading session in bed. I wouldn't let myself pick up the book until the correcting was done!

162> Does your library allow you to suggest purchases? Mine does and you can ask to be put on the request list if they decide to buy it (which they usually do). If your library uses Overdrive, then The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches is available for them to purchase as an ebook.

I don't really read mysteries and I don't like reading series out of order, but I just love the title of The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches so much, I might have to read it anyway.

> 163 - Well, I am now at position 44 (moved three spots since yesterday afternoon) and six of the books currently out are due back in the next 3 days so I think I will stick to my plan of monitoring the site for the next couple of days and see if I get close to the magic 27 number (same postition number as number of books in circulation). I will then freeze my hold.

Of course, the tricky part of this game is I don't know how many holds ahead of mine may also be 'frozen', allowing the next in line to jump over the frozen spots.

> 165 - yes they do allow suggestions. I should have thought of that months ago and placed my suggestion when they were placing book orders. They are not overly quick when it comes to making suggested purchases. They currently have the audiobook on order. BC has a electronic library cooperative for downloadable e-books and audiobooks that a number of the libraries (including mine) are a part of but even the cooperative only has the audiobook and its not available for patrons of my library. Each library in the cooperative decides which books in the collection they want to help cover the costs of and as my local library has its own rather substantial downloadable ebook and audiobook collection, they decided to not make the cooperatives Bradley books part of what they contribute to cover costs for. It makes sense but very frustrating all the same. ;-)

@ 164 -- It's a good one, raidergirl3 -- hope you enjoy it!

@ 165 -- BL, I hesitate to recommend that you read The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches without having read the other Flavia books. I think it can probably be done without outright confusion -- Bradley is pretty good about recapping the important facts from previous books -- but you'll miss out on a lot of the character development and relationship dynamics between the different characters. If you do decide to read it, I'll be interested to know what you think as a newcomer to the series!

I second Christina's suggestion to read the whole series. This one starts with a real wallop that is stronger, I think, with a feeling for the characters.

I should be sleeping right now, but I just had to share that I bought this:



The fact that I already had 3 other copies of Pride and Prejudice is irrelevant.

"Lock up your daughters..... Darcy's in Town!

Love it!

That's so funny. And notice how the guy even looks like Colin Firth.

Just what market were they aiming at?

Bwah!! I know the feeling, christina!!

Is it the full book? I had seen the pulp series for another book, but wash' sure if it was the original or edited?

Cracks me up! :p

@ 170 -- Lori, I know, right? Especially because most of the mothers don't WANT their daughters locked up, because then how would they catch a man?

@ 171 -- RG, the Firth resemblance is brilliant! I especially like the oh-so-noirish cigarette dangling from his lips.

@ 172 -- Tricia, I'm pretty sure the target demographic is me! :)

@ 173 -- punkypower, it is the complete and unabridged novel. Pulp! The Classics is re-issuing a lot of classic novels with pulp covers, and they're all pretty amazing!

Shouldn't we be locking our daughters away from Wickham, not Darcy?

Also, I'm pretty sure they hadn't invented cigarettes yet when Austen wrote.

@ 175 -- You're right, but who wants to see Wickham (boo, hiss!) on the cover?

->174 christina_reads:
Those covers are great! Except, am I the only one who thinks the hound of the Baskervilles is a Chihuahua...? :)

Bwahahahaha! The Picture of Dorian Gray has a man on the cover that looks suspiciously like Ryan Gosling...

178. Omg, you're right!

Also, apparently Tess of the D'Urbervilles is Marilyn Monroe.

Those covers are awesome! "Hey, girl, I'd sell my soul for you." Way to take an Internet meme and apply it to litter-a-cher.

Gatsby looks like Robert Redford.

That's who he reminded me of!

Humphrey Bogart on Wuthering Heights.

For Tess, my first thought was Marlene Dietrich.

Those are hilarious! Someone had a blast designing them, as did the copywriter. She's…no angel is inspired.

Robinson Crusoe looks like Charles Manson and I don't remember Scrooge ever swinging a mace! Very cool if totally inaccurate!

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the covers! :) They may not be terribly accurate, as some of you have pointed out, but they're definitely a lot of fun!

Book #11: Charlotte Mosley, ed., The Letters of Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh
Category: Please Mr. Postman (1/2)
CATs: none

"I want to write a sad story of a man who gave up drink and hated all his chums. It is me." -- Evelyn Waugh, 12 November 1944.

Nancy Mitford and Evelyn Waugh were two of the most popular and respected authors of the early and mid-20th century; they were also lifelong friends who kept up a correspondence lasting more than two decades. This book is a collection of their letters to each other, which are full of jokes, literary allusions, and most of all gossip. They each had a very pointed, satirical sense of humor that was frequently directed at members of their own social set -- and quite often at each other. In many ways they couldn't be more different: Waugh was very conservative, old-fashioned, and staunchly Roman Catholic, while Mitford was a spiritually indifferent socialist living as an expatriate in Paris. But their correspondence reveals that they understood one another and shared a deep, affectionate friendship. Through their discussions of current events, important people, and of course books (both their own and other people's), Mitford and Waugh's letters provide a unique window into their age.

It's taken me a long time to write this review, because how can one "review" a collection of letters that weren't (necessarily) meant to be public? All I can say is that I enjoyed reading them. I've read a few books by each of these authors -- Mitford's The Pursuit of Love and Love in a Cold Climate, Waugh's Brideshead Revisited and A Handful of Dust -- but otherwise I didn't know much about either of them. I do think some level of familiarity with their work is helpful, but you definitely don't have to be an expert in order to enjoy these letters. They're often hilarious (how I shrieked, as Nancy would say) and also have some interesting discussions about literature. I want to read more of their books now! Of course, their chatter about mutual friends and acquaintances was hard to follow, although the editor did a fairly good job of identifying people in footnotes; but I still enjoyed this collection overall. If you're interested in early- and mid-20th-century literature, this might be a good book to seek out.

Book #12: Alan Bradley, The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches
Category: Got to Get You into My Life (1/10)
CATs: Mystery (series: Flavia de Luce #6)

***Warning: MAJOR SPOILERS for previous books in this series!***

At the end of Speaking from Among the Bones, Flavia and her family received the shocking news that her mother, who disappeared many years ago somewhere in Tibet, had been found. This book begins with the de Luce family waiting at the train station for Harriet's body to come home. Though Flavia is shocked and grieving, she can't help wondering why Winston Churchill himself has come to pay his respects. Then there's the man on the platform who whispers a mysterious message into Flavia's ear and falls to his death on the tracks minutes later. Or was he pushed? As Flavia tries to sort out her feelings about her mother's death, she can't help but dig into the secrets of her family's past -- which, of course, turn out to be much bigger and more important than she ever imagined. Not only does she eventually solve the case of the man who died at the train station, but she discovers shocking information about Harriet's death -- and about her own future destiny.

I've enjoyed the Flavia de Luce series from the start, but this book is definitely my new favorite. The mystery plot is only so-so; the backstory of Flavia's mother is rather predictable, and the villain of the book doesn't have a terribly coherent motivation for some of the events that take place. Still, there is definitely more to be learned about the de Luce family's past, and I'm sure additional solutions will be revealed in future books! I also think some of the secondary characters got short shrift in this installment; I wanted more of the vicar, the inspector, Adam Sowerby, and the other denizens of Bishop's Lacey. But despite these nitpicks, I think this book got the most important thing exactly right: the reactions of Flavia and her father and sisters to Harriet's death. This novel is a story of bereavement and grief much more than a mystery story, and in that light I think it's fantastic. If you're a fan of this series, you definitely won't want to miss this installment! I can't wait to see what's next for Flavia and the rest of the de Luces.

Book #13: Sarra Manning, Unsticky
Category: Fell in Love with a Girl (3/13)
CATs: none

Grace Reeves has always known that she wanted to work in fashion, but her big dreams have been replaced by bitter reality. At 23 years old, all she has to show for herself is an unfinished degree, a terrible job that barely pays enough to live on, an abusive boss, and a mountain of credit card debt. In short, Grace is stuck and can't seem to find a way to change things. But that all changes when a wealthy older man named Vaughn presents her with a shocking offer: He wants her to become his mistress. He will give her a monthly sum and an additional clothing allowance; in return, she must be at his beck and call, accompanying him to various social events and making herself available...in every way. At first Grace is shocked and repulsed, but eventually she rationalizes that she can't turn down so much money, especially when she already finds Vaughn attractive. But as they embark on their "arrangement," Grace and Vaughn both find themselves changing in ways they never thought possible.

I finished this book several days ago, but I still find myself processing it, which is not something that usually happens to me with chick lit! At first glance, this is a Cinderella story, but it's a very dark, complex take on that idea. I'm still not sure how I feel about Grace and Vaughn's relationship. It can certainly be seen as unhealthy or even abusive: Vaughn is very controlling, and while he is never physically violent with Grace, he tends to treat her as an object he's bought and paid for. On the other hand, as we learn later in the novel, Vaughn does have reasons for being the way he is. Both he and Grace are very flawed characters who have extremely low self-worth. I admire what Manning did here, which was take two damaged, unlovable people and show them learning to love each other. This is definitely not a feel-good romance, but it feels more realistic than many books in the genre. It's also a very addictive read! So I'd definitely recommend it as a thought-provoking look at love and romance, but be aware that many aspects of this novel are uncomfortable, to say the least.

ETA: I accidentally posted this before I actually finished writing it! Full review is up now.

I will have to admit to a certain reluctance to read novels with abusive or controlling male characters for whom excuses are made.

RG, I certainly can't blame you! As I said, this book left me with very conflicted feelings, but that's part of what made it an interesting read for me. Obviously it is not a book for everyone, though!

I did sound all cranky and judgmental, though. Just like Anne Bronte.

Haha, I love that comic sooooooooooo much (and totally think that Anne is the best Brontë)!

Also, I didn't mean to say that you're wrong for feeling the way you do (quite the opposite, really!). You have me thinking back to the book, wondering whether and to what extent Manning makes excuses for Vaughn's behavior. I can definitely say that the message of the book is NOT "Love conquers all, and a controlling guy will totally change and start treating you well if only you stick around long enough." There's no attempt to sugarcoat what he's doing. To my mind, Manning made him just sympathetic enough that I could understand why Grace (who also has very significant issues) would stick around.

I think part of why I enjoyed this book so much is that it really delves into the nature of love, whether it can really exist in these circumstances (sex for money, contractually defined relationships), to what extent the characters are using each other, whether they can actually sustain their relationship over the long term...no easy answers in this novel. If I were part of a women's book club, I'd love to read and discuss Unsticky with them, because I think it would yield some really interesting conversations!

>144 christina_reads: (yes I am that behind) Emma Newman is a local author, she even has my favourite bookshop featured in the 2nd book (I think, it could be the 3rd though) I haven't picked up the sequels yet am interested in what others think of them....

Haha, don't worry, Pete, it happens to us all. :) Very cool that Emma Newman is a local author for you! I do want to read the sequels to Between Two Thorns at some point, but it will probably be quite a while given the magnitude of my TBR pile!

Book #14: Lois Lowry, The Giver
Category: The Kids Are Alright (1/3)
CATs: Random (children's lit)

Eleven-year-old Jonas lives with his parents and sister in an idyllic place called simply the Community. The Community is governed by a set of Rules covering all aspects of life, which results in a peaceful, orderly society. Everyone has a specific role to play in the Community, with the Elders evaluating the children on their twelfth birthday in order to determine how they will serve the Community as adults. Jonas is looking forward to his Ceremony of Twelve with great excitement, wondering which job he'll be assigned to perform. But when the fateful day finally arrives, Jonas is stunned to learn that he's been chosen for the most prestigious and mysterious job of all: he will be the Community's new Receiver. At first Jonas doesn't even know what being the Receiver entails, but he soon learns that it will isolate him from everyone he knows, even his family. And as his training with the former Receiver (now called the Giver) continues, Jonas realizes that the supposedly benevolent Community is hiding some very dark secrets.

Despite the fact that this book came out during my childhood, I somehow never read it before. So I was a bit nervous that I wouldn't enjoy it, reading it for the first time as an adult. Fortunately, my fear was groundless -- I thought this was an absolutely fantastic book! Of course, some of the more sinister aspects of the Community will be unsurprising to adult readers, who have presumably encountered other dystopian novels and can guess what's coming. But Lowry does such an amazing job of peeling back the seemingly perfect facade of the Community bit by bit, slowly revealing surprising tidbits of this allegedly ideal world. I also really loved the character of Jonas, who reacts to his new discoveries in such an understandable way. I practically got chills at the scene where he gets his list of Rules for how to be the Receiver -- it perfectly encapsulates the confusing new world he's been thrust into. Finally, I liked the ambiguity of the ending; Jonas decides to take a stand, but the outcome of this decision remains uncertain. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes dystopian novels!

Book #15: Matt Beynon Rees, A Grave in Gaza
Category: Born to Run (2/12)
CATs: Geo (Middle East/North Africa: set in Palestine); Mystery (series: Omar Yussef #2)

Omar Yussef, a middle-aged teacher at a school in Bethlehem, is accompanying his boss Magnus Wallender on an inspection of the UN schools in Gaza, along with James Cree, another UN official. Almost as soon as they cross the border, however, they are confronted with injustice and violence: a professor who exposed corruption at his university has just been arrested and will likely be killed, unless Omar can prevent it from happening. Meanwhile, a lieutenant in a Palestinian military group has just been killed, and the presumed culprit is part of an arms-smuggling organization called the Saladin Brigade. But when Omar speaks to the alleged murderer, he begins to wonder whether the man is actually guilty. As Omar and his colleagues investigate these issues, they realize that the two crimes might be connected. At the same time, they are drawn deeper and deeper into a rivalry between military leaders who are fighting for control of Gaza; as a result, their own lives may be in danger.

As with The Collaborator of Bethlehem, the strength of this book is its depiction of life in contemporary Palestine. Rees uses his journalistic background to portray the conflicts, corruption, and political turmoil of this region in an extremely vivid way. At the same time, he illustrates the lives of ordinary Palestinians with great sympathy, showing how they try to do their best in very difficult circumstances. Read as a mystery novel, the story isn't particularly compelling; although Omar Yussef does solve the lieutenant's murder, that investigation is secondary to his discovery of how the various crimes and acts of violence are linked together. I liked learning a little more about Omar Yussef's past in this installment of the series, as well as seeing more of his friendship with the Bethlehem police chief. There are also a few new characters that I'll be interested to follow in future books. Overall, this is a book and series I'd highly recommend for its setting, and I will probably seek out the third Omar Yussef mystery at some point.

Just catching up with your thread, and saw that really awesome Pride and Prejudice cover!!

I'd also read The Giver for the first time recently, and I agree with your comments. I also thought it was a fantastic book that can be appreciated as much by adults as by children.

Thanks for stopping by, mathgirl! Have you read any of the sequels to The Giver? I'm interested in possibly trying them, but I think they were written much later, so I am a little bit wary...

Am totally interested in The Giver now. Sigh - more books to read. :)

@ 201 -- Sorry! Well, not really. :) But the good news is, The Giver is really short! And it's worth the 2 hours of your life, I promise!

Book #16: Katie Heaney, Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date
Category: Got to Get You into My Life (2/10)
CATs: none

Katie Heaney is a 25-year-old writer for popular websites such as BuzzFeed and The Hairpin. Also, she has never been in a relationship -- or, as she colorfully puts it, "Not one boyfriend. Not one short-term dating situation. Not one person with whom I regularly hung out and kissed on the face." In this memoir (of sorts), Katie reminisces about her non-romantic history, from her first optimistic but doomed crush in elementary school to the humiliation of having no one to "couples skate" with during her 7th-grade field trip to the roller rink. She remembers her hopeless crush on the popular boy in high school, her romantic misadventures in college, and her almost-relationship in grad school that never quite worked out. Through it all, Katie maintains a tongue-in-cheek tone as she describes her own social awkwardness, how being dateless for so long has (and has not) defined her, and the relationships that truly matter most in her life, which are her friendships.

I picked up this book both for the topic and because I think Katie Heaney is hilarious. Overall, I really enjoyed the book, even though I think some of her other writings -- particularly her Reading Between the Texts series -- are much funnier. Basically this is a book that won't surprise you: If you're interested in the premise and enjoy the author's sense of humor, you'll like it. I found a lot of the anecdotes very relatable, especially those hopeless middle- and high-school crushes and the endless over-analysis that accompanies them (he said hi to me at lunch -- what does that mean?!?!). But one of the most enjoyable aspects of the book, to me, was that her pursuit of romance turned out to be more of a quest for friendship; my favorite scenes were between her and her best friend Rylee, whom she obviously loves dearly. All in all, this is a fun, light read that doesn't take itself too seriously. Recommended for plane or beach reading.

In other book-related news, B.J. Novak -- best known for his role as Ryan Howard on the U.S. version of "The Office" -- just came out with a collection of short stories called One More Thing. He's currently on tour promoting the book, and last week he came to a bookstore in my area! He signed my book and graciously took photos with everyone who showed up:


(I am the one who is not B.J. Novak.)

I haven't read the book yet, but the few stories I've sampled so far are very funny! Maybe I'll get to it later this year, since it would fit into my "Got to Get You into My Life" category.

I seldom buy new books, but I did get a Chapters gift-card for Christmas, and the BJ Novak book is calling to me. Quite loudly actually. Love the picture! He's so adorably geeky.

Great picture! :D

@ 205 -- Yes, "adorably geeky" about covers it. :) I kind of wanted to ask him if he really NEEDED those hipster glasses…

@ 206 -- Thanks! The "photographer" (a.k.a. teenager who worked at the store) took several pics of his thumb before getting that shot. :)

Book #17: Lois McMaster Bujold, Young Miles
Category: Mr. Roboto (3/8)
CATs: none

This omnibus of two novels and a novella tells the story of Miles Vorkosigan's first adventures. In The Warrior's Apprentice, Miles has just flunked out of the Imperial Academy, where he'd hoped to distinguish himself like his father, the Prime Minister of Barrayar. Instead, he consoles himself by going on a mission to help his bodyguard's daughter (and secret love), Elena. Of course, things quickly go wrong, and he finds himself at the head of a troop of space mercenaries. In The Mountains of Mourning, Miles is sent to a remote Barrayaran village to investigate the murder of a deformed child, a case that has special meaning for him. And in The Vor Game, Miles rejoins his army of mercenaries after a simple intelligence-gathering mission goes awry -- with Gregor, the Emperor of Barrayar, in tow. Miles just can't seem to stay out of trouble; but his brilliant strategic mind always keeps him one step ahead of his enemies.

I read the two books about Miles' parents, Shards of Honor and Barrayar, several years ago and really liked them. So I'm glad I finally picked up these next books about the beginning of Miles' career. I liked all three stories a lot, mostly because Miles is such a wonderfully entertaining character. In these books he's often immature, and he still has a lot of growing up to do; but he does start to change for the better when he encounters some of the harsh realities of being a commander. Miles has a tendency to bluff his way from one situaton to the next, and he eventually learns that this approach often has dangerous consequences for his subordinates. I think the weak link in this omnibus is the first half of The Vor Game; not much happens that's relevant to the later plot, and there is also a loose end with a corpse in a drainpipe that I wish had been more developed. But overall, I really enjoyed these books and would recommend them to anyone who likes space opera. I look forward to reading more about Miles and his adventures!

Christina, I've seem some really good reviews of One More Thing and that, along with a reading goal of reading more short stories, will probably mean that this book ends up in my TBR.

DQ, I hope you enjoy it if you do read it! I'm getting more and more excited about it...will probably read it in April. :)

200> Gathering Blue was really good. So was Messenger, but it's different. It's been a while since I read them, so hard to remember/describe. I haven't read Son. Yet.

I like your coat! Also B.J. Novak is very cute. Bet that was fun -- meeting Novak in a killer coat.

@ 211 -- Good to know, BookLizard! I will probably seek out the rest of the Giver series at some point...just probably not this year! :)

@ 212 -- Thanks, RG! That coat was a lucky buy...found it at TJ Maxx, and I've gotten a ton of compliments on it!

>203 christina_reads: Short, fun books are always welcome between more long, sad ones, so thanks for the review :)

@ 214 -- electrice, Never Have I Ever is perfect for that! And I agree...I always need to read something fun and frivolous after I've finally finished a difficult book.

Hi! We finally got internet set up at our house and I can do more than barely manage my thread. Love your categories and might pirate a few book ideas from them :).

Loved your review of The Giver! I totally agree that it is just as enjoyable for adult reading as for YA. I would be really interested to see what you think of the entire series since Lowry has finally published the end of the story. I had mixed feelings about that, given that the endless discussion of whether Jonas escapes or dies at the end... is now over. My favorite book in the group is Gathering Blue.

@ 216 -- Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad to know that you enjoyed the sequels to The Giver...yet more motivation to read Gathering Blue before too much time goes by!

Book #18: Sarah Addison Allen, Lost Lake
Category: Got to Get You into My Life (3/10)
CATs: none

The tiny vacation resort of Lost Lake in Suley, Georgia, means different things to different people. For Eby Pim, it's a tangible reminder of her happy life with her now-deceased husband, George; but it's also an increasingly burdensome property to maintain, and Eby has decided to sell it. For Eby's longtime friend and constant companion, Lisette, Lost Lake is a refuge, and she vows she'll never leave. And for Kate Pheris, widowed one year ago and just now waking up from her grief, Lost Lake is a memory of the best summer she ever had. When Kate impulsively decides to revisit Lost Lake with her daughter, Devin, she is immediately drawn to Eby and the other colorful inhabitants of the surrounding town. Kate and Devin's arrival also catalyzes several important changes in Suley, including the resolution of a long-buried tragedy and the banishing of an old ghost. Eventually Kate is able to help Eby create a new future -- and maybe even find one for herself.

As a longtime fan of Sarah Addison Allen, I couldn't resist buying her newest book immediately (in hardcover, no less!) and devouring it as soon as possible. Fortunately, this book contains all of SAA's trademark elements: a community of strong women with interconnected lives, decades-old secrets that are gradually revealed, understated romance, and a hint of magic. I especially loved the flashbacks to Eby's life with George in Europe; they were so romantic and lavishly described that they made me want to hop on the next plane to Paris! I wasn't terribly fond of the storyline with the alligator...I don't want to spoil the book, so I'll just say that the magical element was a bit too prominent for me. Overall, this is not my favorite SAA novel (that would be The Sugar Queen), but it is a lovely, relaxing read that I would definitely recommend to fans of this genre.

I am trying to hold out for a library copy of Lost Lake to read but it is getting more and more difficult to wait, especially as my local library still shows that copies are "On Order". Whaaaa...!!!!

I'm not sure what the rationale is for listing titles as On Order vs Arrived... sometimes they seem to be On Order for a REALLY long time, and sometimes the "Arrived" lists contain titles that are still listed as On Order. And then you think you're safe not suspending the hold when you go on vacation, and the book arrives while you're away :-/

Glad to hear SAA's new book was not a disappointment. It's on my list. :) I also love The Sugar Queen.

> 220 - LOL ... and so darn true! What is up with that?!

Lori and nittnut, hope you enjoy Lost Lake! And I agree re library holds...the system really doesn't seem to make any sense sometimes!

220> The On Order is easily explained - there has to be a record in the system so people can place holds on the title. Libraries try to order books they know are going to be popular early enough so they'll have them available to the public on the publication date - that's why it may seem like they're On Order for a really long time, but it's usually "only" a few months.

My library system uses "In Processing" instead of Arrived when the books arrive and are being inventoried or labelled or whatever else needs to be done to them.

Go by the book's publication date when deciding whether or not to suspend your hold. Sometimes a library will order just one copy of a book, but when they see that there are 100 holds on it, they'll go out and buy several more copies on the day it's published so people don't have to wait forever for it.

219> You might want to check with your local library - orders do sometimes get lost in cyberspace.

223> Every library system is different when it comes to holds. If your system includes different cities and towns, then they probably give preference to their own patrons before those from other towns. So if town A buys a book, and town B doesn't, everyone on the waitlist from town A will get it before anyone from town B - even if the folks from town B have been waiting longer.

>224 BookLizard:: Thanks for the info! Your library system is clearer about on order/in processing/arrived books. If I click "Show availability details" beside a book that is "On Order", it may actually say that it's in "Collection Management" (instead of at a specific branch), which I assume means the books are all being processed.

For really popular authors I've seen some very bare-bones placeholders in the catalogue: e.g. "Untitled Stephanie Plum", if they know that a new Plum book is coming out and want to get copies in early.

Book #19: Georgette Heyer, The Spanish Bride
Category: Reelin' in the Years (1/14)
CATs: none

Brigade-Major Harry Smith is a Rifleman in Wellington's army, fighting Napoleon's forces in Spain and Portugal. He participates in the Siege of Badajos, a long and drawn-out battle that results in plunder, rape, and violence when the allied British and Portuguese soldiers finally conquer the town. As Harry tries to maintain order and discipline, he is approached by two Spanish women who are seeking protection from the carnage within the city. As soon as he lays eyes on the younger of the women, Juana, he falls instantly in love with her, and she with him. Against the advice of Harry's comrades, they marry immediately, and Juana accompanies her husband throughout the rest of the Peninsular campaign. As she "follows the drum" and experiences life as a soldier, she demonstrates the courage and fiery temperament that make her a perfect match for Harry. Together, the Smiths witness history as they eventually see Napoleon's final defeat at Waterloo.

I am a huge fan of Georgette Heyer's Regency romances, but I found that I had to approach this book with entirely different expectations. Although the novel features two young, passionate lovers, it is much more about military history than it is about romance. Harry and Juana Smith were actual historical figures, and Heyer got most of her information from Harry's journals, as well as from other comtemporary accounts including Wellington's own dispatches. As a result, there is a lot of great historical detail in the book, but not a lot of plot or character development. While Harry and Juana are very vivid characters, their journey is not the focus of the book. I think the trick to enjoying The Spanish Bride is viewing it as a work of military history with a few romantic touches. If you approach it that way, you'll find it very readable and entertaining. But if you go into it expecting a tale of romance and suspense with the Napoleonic Wars as a backdrop, you'll find it extremely dull! So overall, I'd recommend this book if you're interested in the time period, but you have to adjust your expectations.

@ 226 -- Forgot to mention, I really wish The Spanish Bride had included some maps! There are a lot of detailed descriptions of battles, and it was very hard for me to visualize the terrain and so forth. I know Heyer didn't include maps when the book was originally published, but surely Sourcebooks could have scrounged some up, right?

February recap:

This was a short month, but it sure felt long! I managed to stay on track with my yearly goal by reading 9 books this month, although I didn't finish the Wodehouse until about 11:30 p.m. yesterday! But anyway, here's what I read in February:

1. Alan Bradley, The Dead in Their Vaulted Arches -- "Got to Get You into My Life" 1 of 10
2. Sarra Manning, Unsticky -- "Fell in Love with a Girl" 3 of 13
3. Lois Lowry, The Giver -- "The Kids Are Alright" 1 of 3
4. Matt Beynon Rees, A Grave in Gaza -- "Born to Run" 2 of 12
5. Katie Heaney, Never Have I Ever: My Life (So Far) Without a Date -- "Got to Get You into My Life" 2 of 10
6. Lois McMaster Bujold, Young Miles -- "Mr. Roboto" 3 of 8
7. Sarah Addison Allen, Lost Lake -- "Got to Get You into My Life" 3 of 10
8. Georgette Heyer, The Spanish Bride -- "Reelin' in the Years" 1 of 14
9. P.G. Wodehouse, The World of Jeeves -- "You're My Best Friend" 1 of 1 -- CATEGORY COMPLETE

Total # pages: 3,910 (grand total: 8,031)

Favorite book of the month: I had so many great reads this month that it’s hard for me to pick just one, but I think I have to go with The Giver. It’s a very well-written dystopian novel that reveals the flaws in its society with incredible care and precision.

Least favorite: I actually liked everything I read this month, but I’d probably say A Grave in Gaza, just because it was a little heavier than I was looking for at the time. But it’s still a very interesting book, and definitely worth reading!

OK, time to March onward!

Book #20: P.G. Wodehouse, The World of Jeeves
Category: You're My Best Friend (1/1)
CATs: none

This book is an omnibus of short stories describing the adventures of Bertie Wooster, an amiable but dim aristocrat in early 20th-century England, and Jeeves, the consummate gentleman's gentleman. Bertie is a friendly soul who just wants to be left alone to enjoy himself. Unfortunately, he has plenty of friends and relatives who are continually making demands on him, both financially and emotionally. His terrifying Aunt Agatha holds him in contempt, yet she is constantly trying to "improve" him and set him up with equally terrifying young females. His friend Bingo Little is always falling desperately in love with some girl or other, and for some reason he always approaches Bertie for help. Though Bertie is not overburdened with brains, he has a generous heart and usually wants to help. Good thing he has Jeeves, whose gravity and intelligence always manage to get Bertie and his friends out of whatever scrapes they're in.

What can I say about Jeeves and Wooster that the entire world hasn't said already? Wodehouse has a very specific style and brand of humor, and literally nobody does it better than he does. Bertie's narrative voice is an utter joy to read, showcasing his own lack of intelligence but also satirizing the pretentious language of some popular fiction at the time. Strangely enough, his friends and family all think of him as the village idiot, but he's probably smarter than most of his friends -- definitely wiser than poor Bingo, for example! And the interplay between Bertie and Jeeves is wonderful; Jeeves always appears completely respectful and subservient, yet he dominates Bertie mercilessly (for his own good, of course!). I definitely recommend the story "Bertie Changes His Mind," which is narrated by Jeeves and demonstrates how skillfully he is able to manipulate his employer. My one caveat is that you should pace yourself while reading this book, because the stories are all very similar and could become tedious after a while. But I loved it and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys British humor and wants a good belly laugh!

Wodehouse is such fun! I can't read him in public though because I laugh too loud ;)

RP, that is definitely a hazard with Wodehouse!

Ah, I love Jeeves. Such great novels (and short stories). I agree with RP about the danger of reading them in public, though. Not advised. Wodehouse IS great for reading on days when you're not feeling 100%. Few way better to cheer yourself up than with a splash of Jeeves & Wooster. :)

Quiz for Jane Austen fans! http://www.buzzfeed.com/jennaguillaume/which-austen-hero-is-your-soulmate

I got Mr. Darcy! :) But would have been quite happy with Mr. Knightley or Mr. Tilney also!

Well, that was cute. What does my direwolf pick have to do with my Austen soulmate? Made me laugh anyway.

So, I got Mr. Edmund Bertram. Mansfield Park is an Austen I have not yet read, but he does look cute in the picture. I think I picked the wrong breeches, though.

ETA I picked some different breeches and got Mr. Darcy. Score!

I got Edward Ferrars, the Dan Stevens version. Since I really like that adaptation of Sense and Sensibility, I am satisfied with the result... although David Morrissey as Col. Brandon would have been even better :D

I got Darcy. *swoon*

Fun quiz! I got Edmund Bertram.

I got Edward Ferrars. Not my favorite Austen hero, but he'll do.

I got Edward Ferrars too. Also not my favorite hero. And what do direwolves have to do with it?

Edward Ferrars must be the one they give you if you like anything serious, maybe? I got him, too.

>235 rabbitprincess: And Colonel Brandon will always be Alan Rickman. Always.

That Edward Ferrars will have to spread himself around as I got him as well!

I got: Mr. Henry Tilney! Description below:

"Perhaps the most fun of all Austen’s heroes, Henry Tilney is sensitive and sweet, loves to dance, has a fantastic sense of humour, and knows a thing or two about fashion. Plus, if you have a habit of saying or doing stupid and embarrassing things, he won’t make you feel bad – and will only tease you a little bit."

Yup... my kind of fella. ;-)

I got Edmund Bertram, too, and couldn't place him at first. I think Mansfield Park is my least favourite, maybe I should revisit it now.
And yes, Ridgway Girl, Alan Rickman is the one and only Colonel Brandon!

>233 christina_reads: Ok, I got Mr. Knightley, didn't know that I had a thing for older gentlemen, LOL !

244> Since all the men are from the 1800s, I think we ALL have a thing for older gentlemen! ;-)

@ 245 -- But they are still young in our hearts. :)

Book #21: Ellis Peters, The Raven in the Foregate
Category: Private Eyes (2/9)
CATs: Random (first birds of spring)

In December of A.D. 1141, the Benedictine Abbey of Sts. Peter and Paul in Shrewsbury welcomes a new parish priest to Holy Cross Church in the Abbey Foregate. The former priest was a kindly old man much beloved by his parishioners, so everyone is nervous about what to expect from the newcomer. Father Ainoth soon confirms the monks' worst fears: although he is a scholar and a scrupulously holy man, he is extremely harsh with his congregation and soon stirs up bad feeling in Shrewsbury. When his drowned corpse is found in the river near the mill, it's up to Brother Cadfael, herbalist and amateur detective, to solve the mystery. Cadfael also acquires a new assistant, supposedly the nephew of Father Ainoth's houskeeper, but it soon becomes obvious that the boy is more than he seems. Meanwhile, both the abbey and the town continue to be affected by the ongoing civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud.

This book is the 12th installment of the Cadfael series, and anyone who likes the series will enjoy this book as well. Once again Cadfael finds himself in the position of having to solve a murder, aid a pair of young lovers, uncover a political secret, and hide that secret from the local authorities in the interest of a higher justice. As a longtime fan of the series, I can't help but love every Cadfael book, but I must admit that the prose does occasionally veer toward the purple end of the spectrum. Also, because Peters sticks to almost the same formula in every book, I found the plot pretty predictable. I was a bit disappointed that the murder and the political intrigue weren't more closely connected; I thought more could have been done with certain aspects of the story to make the plot more exciting. Still, I love the series and definitely plan to read the remaining eight books. They're wonderfully relaxing reads if you enjoy a medieval setting!

Book #22: Elizabeth Blackwell, While Beauty Slept
Category: Got to Get You into My Life (4/10)
CATs: none

This loose retelling of Sleeping Beauty follows the fortunes of Elise, a peasant who dreams of a better life. Growing up, she listened to her mother's stories about working at the king's palace and fantasized about going there herself one day. When a tragic outbreak of the pox kills most of her family, Elise decides she has nothing to lose and sets out to follow her dream. But working at the palace turns out to be more complicated than Elise anticipated. She sees that the king and queen, though apparently blessed with both love and riches, are devastated by their childless state -- especially because the king's brother has a jealous eye on the throne. She also observes the complicated relationship between the queen and Millicent, a relative of the king's who lives in the palace and has a reputation for witchcraft. When an heir to the throne is born at last, Elise is caught up in the turmoil that ensues; eventually, she is the only person who can ensure the future of the kingdom.

I'm a big fan of fairy tale retellings, so I was excited to find a copy of this book at the library. Overall, I really enjoyed it, but I would caution fantasy lovers that it's much more of a historical novel than a fairy tale. There's hardly anything supernatural in the book; although Millicent plays the part of the evil fairy in the Sleeping Beauty tale (and even curses the newborn princess), her ultimate strike against the royal family has nothing to do with magic or sorcery. But I love historical fiction, so I very much enjoyed this magic-less tale. And many elements of the Sleeping Beauty story were still incorporated into this book; I especially liked the burning of the spinning wheels. Elise got on my nerves sometimes -- she's a bit too judgmental and superior for my liking -- but ultimately I was interested in the story she told. The ending, in particular, packs a real punch! So all in all, I'd recommend this book to fans of historical fiction or fairy tale retellings.

Book #23: Kathryn Miller Haines, The Girl Is Murder
Category: Blitzkrieg Bop (2/7)
CATs: Mystery (children's/YA)

Fifteen-year-old Iris Anderson is having a hard time. About a year ago, her Pop returned from Pearl Harbor with a missing leg, which meant he was no longer able to do the active work required by his business as a private investigator. As a result, Pop and Iris have moved from their old affluent neighborhood to a poor area on the Lower East Side, and Iris has to go to public school instead of the elite private school she formerly attended. Hoping to get closer to her only surviving parent (her mother committed suicide shortly after Pop returned from the war), Iris tries to help Pop with his cases, but he forbids her from having anything to do with the PI business. When one of the boys at Iris' new school goes missing, however, she can't help but do a little sleuthing. Along the way, she makes a few friends at her new school, including the unpopular Pearl and the glamorous, fast-talking Suze; but as Iris navigates her way through various cliques and social minefields, how will she know whom she can really trust?

If you enjoy Haines' Rosie Winter mysteries, you'll feel right at home in the world of this novel, set in the fall of 1942. The book isn't about World War II, yet the war permeates almost every aspect of Iris' life, from the slang used by Suze and the other cool girls at school to the disturbing racisim and anti-Semitism espoused by some of the characters. (These attitudes are definitely not condoned by the book, however; they simply mirror the atttitudes of many Americans at that time.) I liked Iris as a protagonist; her problems are specific to her era yet also universal, as she struggles with her own identity, fitting in, and building a relationship with a distant parent. Her voice is occasionally too precocious for a 15-year-old, but I found that flaw forgivable since she's so entertaining. As a mystery, the book is very weak; Iris doesn't spend much time investigating anything, and she's not even the one who solves the case! So I'd recommend this to someone looking for an interesting YA book about World War II, but it's not a great read for a mystery fan.

Book #24: Caprice Crane, With a Little Luck
Category: Fell in Love with a Girl (4/13)
CATs: none

Classic rock DJ Beryl "Berry" Lambert claims she doesn't believe in luck; but thanks to her gambling-addict father, she has a superstition for almost every occasion. She wears a horseshoe necklace at all times, is appalled when someone opens an umbrella indoors, and believes bad luck comes in threes. So when perpetually single Berry goes on two promising first dates that both end in disaster, she's convinced that her next boyfriend will be equally unlucky. But then she meets Ryan Riley, a successful "relationship expert" who works at her radio station, and their on-air squabbling soon takes a flirtatious turn. Ryan seems like the perfect guy -- witty, handsome, and tolerant of Berry's superstitious quirks -- but she is convinced that he'll eventually reveal himself as bad-luck boyfriend number three. Is Berry doomed to be perpetually unlucky in love, or will she meet her match at last?

Ever since I read and really liked Crane's first novel, Stupid and Contagious, I've been hoping to enjoy her subsequent books just as much, but I've always been disappointed. Sadly, With a Little Luck is no exception; it's a decently-written chick lit novel, but that's about all I can say for it. Maybe part of the problem was that I couldn't relate to Berry at all. Her belief in random superstitions is just so extreme, and while it's understandable that she would have baggage given her past, she seems determined to sabotage every good thing in her life. I also didn't particularly warm to Ryan, who is a fairly two-dimensional character throughout the book. I couldn't figure out what makes him tick or why he's interested in Berry at all. Even as a person who loves fluffy romance, I still have to believe that the hero and heroine would fall for each other, and that just wasn't the case here. If you're a chick lit fan, you could do worse, but you could also do a lot better.

Book #25: Lorna Goodison, By Love Possessed: Stories
Category: Born to Run (3/12)
CATs: Geo (Mexico/Central America/Caribbean: set in Jamaica)

As the title suggests, this collection of short stories is loosely focused on the theme of love, but not just romantic love: there are stories of friendships, parent-child relationships, and love requited and unrequited (mostly the latter). The stories are also pictures of life in Jamaica, chronicling the country's postcolonial poverty, class warfare, desperation, and ambition. But while the setting is clearly and specifically delineated, the stories in this book also explore universal themes. In "The Helpweight,"a successful woman meets her ex-husband again after he has been in England for many years, but she is shocked when he asks for a favor. In "Shilling," a teenage girl daydreams about her crush, but when he finally notices her, the reality is far different from her fantasies. And in "The Big Shot," a man who has worked all his life to escape the grinding poverty of his childhood is suddenly confronted with his past.

I think this is the first book I have ever read by a Caribbean author, so it was an entirely new experience for me. I loved the fact that these stories paint such a vivid picture of life in Jamaica, from the weather to the food to the patterns of speech. Several of the stories are written in dialect, and the characters' speech patterns vary depending on their level of education. While some of the phrases and spellings were unfamiliar to me, I really felt immersed in the world of these stories. Goodison is also a beautiful writer; she has a talent for conveying a lot of information without ever explicitly saying it. I found the endings of the stories especially impressive because they provide just enough closure without tying everything up too neatly. As with most short story collections, some were better than others, but I can't think of any that I really disliked. (My favorites are the ones I mentioned in the first paragraph.) I would definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Jamaican or Caribbean literature!

While Beauty Slept sounds like my kind of read, especially if it reads more like a historical fiction than a fairy tale.

If I am not mistaken, Jamaica is one of the countries for my Commonwealth challenge, so I will keep Goodison's short story collection in mind.

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Little late to the party, but those Pulp covers are great. & yes, the hound sure does look like a chihuahua. & Othello as Mr T???

Interesting review of By Love Possessed. A few years ago, I had the Carribean as my location category and had a list so long of works I couldn't get to them all. I found myself reading a lot of post-colonial fiction, and being surprised because I'd never thought about what it would be like to be living in a post-slavery, post-colonial world. I didn't get to much modern works. I'm putting By Love Possessed on the WL.

>252 lkernagh: Lori, I definitely recommend While Beauty Slept!

>253 cammykitty: Glad you enjoyed the Pulp covers…some of them are pretty ridiculous! Hope you enjoy By Love Possessed when you get to it.

I'm sure I will, when I get to it. Sigh, might be a while.

>255 cammykitty: Ugh, I know! I keep seeing all these great recommendations on LT and thinking, "There's no way I can fit that into this year's challenge!" But I'll get to them someday...I hope!

Book #26: Hannah March, The Complaint of the Dove
Category: Private Eyes (3/9)
CATs: Random (first birds of spring)

In 1760s England, private tutor Robert Fairfax is charged with escorting his pupil, Matthew Hemsley, to London for a bit of town polish. But Fairfax is apprehensive: how can he introduce Matthew to the worldly, sophisticated atmosphere of London while at the same time protecting him from bad influences? Unfortunately, during their very first trip to the theater, Matthew instantly falls in love with the beautiful and popular actress Lucy Dove. Though she is a sweet and talented girl, her profession is most unsuitable, so Fairfax hopes that Matthew's infatuation is only temporary. But Matthew gets into even bigger trouble when Lucy is murdered shortly afterwards, and he is found at the crime scene under very suspicious circumstances. When Matthew is actually arrested for the murder, Fairfax knows it is his duty to clear his pupil's name -- which means launching an investigation to discover the real killer.

I discovered this series by accident at a library book sale where the second and third books were available for 25 cents each, so of course I had to track down the first book as well! I was intrigued by the concept of a Georgian mystery, since I haven't seen many novels set in that era (especially compared to the much more popular 19th century!). Fortunately (or perhaps unfortunately, given the magnitude of my TBR list already), I've discovered a new mystery series to enjoy! I loved the period detail: the crush of theatergoers more interested in each other than in what's happening onstage; the elaborate wigs, patches, and high heels worn by aristocratic men and women alike; the rudimentary knowledge of medicine, including the ingestion of mercury as a cure for venereal disease. It's a fascinating time period, and March really brings the era to life. I also liked Robert Fairfax as a sleuth, and I look forward to seeing how his complex character will develop in subsequent books. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries!

You got me, Christina. I love historical mysteries and you are so right, I can't think of any others that are set in the Georgian time period.

Oooh, Georgian time mystery you say? *adds to TBR list*

Oooo, you're making my TBR list grow again! Georgian medicine!!! My fav bit is the tape worms swallowed as dieting aids. Yuck! But I'm assuming they were already dead, and therefore not harmful.

Yay, I was hoping to get a few people with that Complaint of the Dove book bullet! >260 cammykitty: Tapeworms as diet aids? That is horrifying...but also makes sense in a way. I'm just glad healthcare has advanced since those days!

Book #27: Kate Quinn, Mistress of Rome
Category: Reelin' in the Years (2/14)
CATs: none

In the late first century A.D., Thea is a Jewish slave girl living in Rome after the rest of her family committed suicide during the siege of Masada. Thea's owner, the spiteful Lepida Pollia, misses no opportunity to berate and abuse her; so when Rome's most popular gladiator, Arius the Barbarian, falls in love with Thea and spurns Lepida's advances, Lepida immediately takes a brutal revenge. This novel follows the stories of Thea, Arius, Lepida, and several other characters as they all try to better their fortunes, with varying degrees of success. Eventually, Thea uses her talents as a singer and musician to perform before the most fashionable crowds in Rome, where she catches the eye of Emperor Domitian. As the emperor's mistress, she becomes the most powerful woman in Rome; but the more she learns about the enigmatic emperor's true nature, the more desperate she becomes to escape her fate.

This is one of those books that hooked me almost immediately, and I found it compulsively readable. Ever since I took Latin in high school, I've been interested in the setting of ancient Rome, and this book explores so many aspects of life at that time, from social mores to military strategy to fashion. It's a truly fascinating time period, and Quinn takes full advantage of the drama it provides. Indeed, the book is almost too melodramatic at times; it's very much a soap opera, complete with fake deaths, illegitimate children, and even an orgy. The love story between Thea and Arius is often sweet but occasionally becomes a bit too over-the-top. I feel like I should also mention a particular review on Amazon, which pointed out several flaws in plot logic and historical accuracy. But personally, I really enjoyed the novel overall, and I'll definitely seek out the sequels at some point. If you like your historical fiction gory, sexy, and extremely dramatic, I highly recommend this book!

262> Not a book bullet, but now it's on my radar.

Great to see another Cadfael fan. I went through quite a spell at the library reading those wonderful books.

>263 BookLizard: Fair enough! Might be a fun vacation read sometime.

>264 raidergirl3: I love Cadfael! I'm making my way through the series very slowly, but I definitely plan to read all 20 someday!

One of these days I will start Cadfael!

Hope you like him as much as I do, RP!

Book #28: Frank Baker, Miss Hargreaves
Category: Blitzkrieg Bop (1/5)
CATs: none

When Norman Huntley and his friend Henry are on holiday in Ireland, they decide on a whim to visit the exceedingly ugly church of the village of Lusk. As their tour guide rhapsodizes about the church's history, he mentions one of its former clerics. Intending to make a joke at the tour guide's expense, Norman pretends to have heard of this cleric from a (fictional) common acquaintance, Miss Constance Hargreaves. He immediately -- with assistance from Henry, who plays along -- invents an entire personality and history for Miss Hargreaves, and after a while, the two young men almost believe she is real. But nothing can prepare Norman for the shock of discovering that a woman calling herself Miss Hargreaves is coming to visit him, and she is completely identical to the made-up description he and Henry had concocted! Miss Hargreaves soon embarrasses Norman with her eccentricities, and he begins to wish he could get rid of her -- but how can he do so? And if he is really responsible for her existence, should he?

When I first picked up this book, I expected it to be a light, fluffy comedic tale, similar to most of the other early-20th-century British fiction I've read. I mean, the synopsis almost sounds like something out of P.G. Wodehouse! But while this book does have its comic moments -- like everything that comes out of Norman's father's mouth! -- it's actually much more serious than it sounds. Norman's reaction to learning that he has (presumably) created another human being runs the gamut from shock to amusement to horror. He's often quite cruel to Miss Hargreaves when she doesn't show him the love and respect he feels are his due. In this sense, I think Baker was making a point about the dangers of playing God: Norman created Miss Hargreaves and is therefore in some sense responsible for her, but he is too proud and impatient and flawed to fulfill his responsbilities. Overall, this is an odd little book that raises some fairly serious philosophical questions. Recommended if the premise sounds interesting to you!

If you like your historical fiction gory, sexy, and extremely dramatic, I highly recommend this book!
LOL Good description. :)

The first quarter of 2014 is over, which means it's time to move to a new thread!

(A pretty picture was supposed to be here, but so far I can't get it to work. Ah well, maybe tonight I can fix it on my home computer!)

Anyway, just click the nifty thread continuation link below if you want to come and visit. Hope to see you there!