Paruline is reading and birding in 2014!
Talk 2014 Category Challenge
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1paruline
I’ve got two hobbies: reading and birdwatching.
Birdwatching gets me outside, recharges my batteries, can be done at all seasons, and is a great way to meet new people. It is how I witness the common becoming the extraordinary.
Is there a way to combine my two loves? Why, with this challenge of course!
Btw, I encourage everyone to take a look at what is maybe my favorite video on youtube.
The magic starts at 0:22.
Birdwatching gets me outside, recharges my batteries, can be done at all seasons, and is a great way to meet new people. It is how I witness the common becoming the extraordinary.
Is there a way to combine my two loves? Why, with this challenge of course!
Btw, I encourage everyone to take a look at what is maybe my favorite video on youtube.
The magic starts at 0:22.
2paruline
Common Loon - Canada
From Wikipedia: This diver is well known in Canada, appearing on the one-dollar “loonie” coin and the previous series of $20 bill, and is the provincial bird of Ontario. Also, it is the state bird of Minnesota.
The voice and appearance of the Great Northern Loon has made it prominent in several Native American tales. These include a story of a loon which created the world in a Chippewa story; a Micmac saga describes Kwee-moo, the loon who was a special messenger of Glooscap (Glu-skap), the tribal hero; native tribes of British Columbia believed that an excess of calls from this bird predicted rain, and even brought it; and the tale of the loon's necklace was handed down in many versions among Pacific Coast peoples. Folk names include big loon, black-billed loon, call-up-a-storm, ember-goose, greenhead, guinea duck, imber diver, ring-necked loon, and walloon.
This category will be for books by Canadian authors or for books set in Canada.
1. Arcane 17
2. La petite et le vieux
3. Louis Riel: a comic-strip biography
Possibilities:
The beggar maid
The stone angel
The book of negroes
Emily of New Moon
From Wikipedia: This diver is well known in Canada, appearing on the one-dollar “loonie” coin and the previous series of $20 bill, and is the provincial bird of Ontario. Also, it is the state bird of Minnesota.
The voice and appearance of the Great Northern Loon has made it prominent in several Native American tales. These include a story of a loon which created the world in a Chippewa story; a Micmac saga describes Kwee-moo, the loon who was a special messenger of Glooscap (Glu-skap), the tribal hero; native tribes of British Columbia believed that an excess of calls from this bird predicted rain, and even brought it; and the tale of the loon's necklace was handed down in many versions among Pacific Coast peoples. Folk names include big loon, black-billed loon, call-up-a-storm, ember-goose, greenhead, guinea duck, imber diver, ring-necked loon, and walloon.
This category will be for books by Canadian authors or for books set in Canada.
1. Arcane 17
2. La petite et le vieux
3. Louis Riel: a comic-strip biography
Possibilities:
The beggar maid
The stone angel
The book of negroes
Emily of New Moon
3paruline
Northern Wheatear - Africa
From Wikipedia: The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest journeys of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice, and desert. Birds breeding in eastern Canada are thought to fly from Baffin Island and Newfoundland via Greenland, Ireland, and Portugal to the Azores (crossing 3500 km of the North Atlantic) before flying onwards to Africa.
This category will be for books by African authors or for books set in Africa.
1. Aya
2. Half of a yellow sun
3. Heart of darkness
Possibilities:
Things fall apart
Midaq Alley
The heart of redness
From Wikipedia: The Northern Wheatear makes one of the longest journeys of any small bird, crossing ocean, ice, and desert. Birds breeding in eastern Canada are thought to fly from Baffin Island and Newfoundland via Greenland, Ireland, and Portugal to the Azores (crossing 3500 km of the North Atlantic) before flying onwards to Africa.
This category will be for books by African authors or for books set in Africa.
1. Aya
2. Half of a yellow sun
3. Heart of darkness
Possibilities:
Things fall apart
Midaq Alley
The heart of redness
4paruline
*Golden Pheasant - Asia
From Wikipedia: It is native to forests in mountainous areas of western China, but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Despite the male's showy appearance, these hardy birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark young conifer forests with sparse undergrowth. Consequently, little is known about their behaviour in the wild.
This category will be for books by Asian authors or for books set in Asia.
1. Nip the buds, shoot the kids
2. Rashomon et autres contes
3. Forbidden Journey: from Peking to Kashmir
Possibilities:
Half of man is woman
The sound of waves
Some prefer nettles
From Wikipedia: It is native to forests in mountainous areas of western China, but feral populations have been established in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Despite the male's showy appearance, these hardy birds are very difficult to see in their natural habitat, which is dense, dark young conifer forests with sparse undergrowth. Consequently, little is known about their behaviour in the wild.
This category will be for books by Asian authors or for books set in Asia.
1. Nip the buds, shoot the kids
2. Rashomon et autres contes
3. Forbidden Journey: from Peking to Kashmir
Possibilities:
Half of man is woman
The sound of waves
Some prefer nettles
5paruline
American Goldfinch - New authors
This was the first bird I identified by myself as a ten?-year old child, with the help of a Peterson field guide of course! From Wikipedia: The only finch in its subfamily that undergoes a complete molt, the American Goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. Its breeding season is tied to the peak of food supply, beginning in late July, which is relatively late in the year for a finch.
This category will be for new authors.
1. Of love and shadows - Isabel Allende
2. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
3. Quicksand - Nella Larsen
Possibilities:
A.S Byatt
Saul Bellow
This was the first bird I identified by myself as a ten?-year old child, with the help of a Peterson field guide of course! From Wikipedia: The only finch in its subfamily that undergoes a complete molt, the American Goldfinch displays sexual dimorphism in its coloration; the male is a vibrant yellow in the summer and an olive color during the winter months, while the female is a dull yellow-brown shade which brightens only slightly during the summer. Its breeding season is tied to the peak of food supply, beginning in late July, which is relatively late in the year for a finch.
This category will be for new authors.
1. Of love and shadows - Isabel Allende
2. Midnight's Children - Salman Rushdie
3. Quicksand - Nella Larsen
Possibilities:
A.S Byatt
Saul Bellow
6paruline
Snowy Owl - Sci-fi and fantasy
This species has such an otherworldly vibe! From Wikipedia: Snowy Owls nest in the Arctic tundra of the northernmost stretches of Alaska, Canada, and Eurasia. They winter south through Canada and northern Eurasia, with irruptions occurring further south in some years. Snowy Owls are attracted to open areas like coastal dunes and prairies that appear somewhat similar to tundra. They have been reported as far south as the American states of Texas, Georgia, the American Gulf states, southernmost Russia, and northern China. The Snowy Owl is the official bird of the Canadian province of Quebec.
This category will be for sci-fi and fantasy.
1. Catching fire
2. The probable future
3. Life as we knew it
4. The dead and the gone
5. The left hand of darkness
6. Howl's moving castle
7. Ella Enchanted
8. Doomsday book
Possibilities:
The age of miracles
To your scattered bodies go
This species has such an otherworldly vibe! From Wikipedia: Snowy Owls nest in the Arctic tundra of the northernmost stretches of Alaska, Canada, and Eurasia. They winter south through Canada and northern Eurasia, with irruptions occurring further south in some years. Snowy Owls are attracted to open areas like coastal dunes and prairies that appear somewhat similar to tundra. They have been reported as far south as the American states of Texas, Georgia, the American Gulf states, southernmost Russia, and northern China. The Snowy Owl is the official bird of the Canadian province of Quebec.
This category will be for sci-fi and fantasy.
1. Catching fire
2. The probable future
3. Life as we knew it
4. The dead and the gone
5. The left hand of darkness
6. Howl's moving castle
7. Ella Enchanted
8. Doomsday book
Possibilities:
The age of miracles
To your scattered bodies go
7paruline
Common Raven – Non-fiction
From Wikipedia: For a bird, they display ability in problem solving, as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. Ravens are one of only four known animals (the others being bees, ants, and humans) who have demonstrated displacement, the capacity to communicate about objects or events that are distant in space or time from the communication. Ravens are the only other vertebrate to share this with humans. Other research indicates that juveniles are deeply curious about all new things. They are also one of only a few wild animals who make their own toys. They have been observed breaking off twigs to play with socially.
This category will be for non-fiction.
1. Your inner fish
2. The man who mistook his wife for a hat and other clinical tales
3. An enchantment of birds: memories from a birder’s life
Possibilities:
On looking: eleven walks with expert eyes
From Wikipedia: For a bird, they display ability in problem solving, as well as other cognitive processes such as imitation and insight. Ravens are one of only four known animals (the others being bees, ants, and humans) who have demonstrated displacement, the capacity to communicate about objects or events that are distant in space or time from the communication. Ravens are the only other vertebrate to share this with humans. Other research indicates that juveniles are deeply curious about all new things. They are also one of only a few wild animals who make their own toys. They have been observed breaking off twigs to play with socially.
This category will be for non-fiction.
1. Your inner fish
2. The man who mistook his wife for a hat and other clinical tales
3. An enchantment of birds: memories from a birder’s life
Possibilities:
On looking: eleven walks with expert eyes
8paruline
Rock Pigeon World War I
From Wikipedia: Homing pigeons were used extensively during World War I. In 1914 during the First Battle of the Marne, the French army advanced 72 pigeon lofts with the troops. A Blue Check hen named Cher Ami, was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre with Palm" for heroic service delivering 12 important messages during the Battle of Verdun. On her final mission in October 1918, she delivered a message despite having been shot through the breast or wing.
The Dickin Medal, the highest possible decoration for valor given to non-human animals, was awarded to 32 pigeons.
This category will be for books about World War I.
1. Return of the soldier
2. C'était la guerre des tranchées (It was the war of the trenches)
3. Under fire
Possibilities:
Storm of steel
The wars
Devil in the flesh
From Wikipedia: Homing pigeons were used extensively during World War I. In 1914 during the First Battle of the Marne, the French army advanced 72 pigeon lofts with the troops. A Blue Check hen named Cher Ami, was awarded the French "Croix de Guerre with Palm" for heroic service delivering 12 important messages during the Battle of Verdun. On her final mission in October 1918, she delivered a message despite having been shot through the breast or wing.
The Dickin Medal, the highest possible decoration for valor given to non-human animals, was awarded to 32 pigeons.
This category will be for books about World War I.
1. Return of the soldier
2. C'était la guerre des tranchées (It was the war of the trenches)
3. Under fire
Possibilities:
Storm of steel
The wars
Devil in the flesh
9paruline
Wood Thrush - Translated works
From Wikipedia: The Wood Thrush has been reported to have one of the most beautiful songs of North American birds. The male is able to sing two notes at once, which gives its song an ethereal, flute-like quality.
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This category will be for books not written originally in English or French.
1. The Swarm
2. The Master and Margarita
3. The good soldier Svejk
4. Invisible cities
Possibilities:
Embers
The tigers of Mompracem
From Wikipedia: The Wood Thrush has been reported to have one of the most beautiful songs of North American birds. The male is able to sing two notes at once, which gives its song an ethereal, flute-like quality.
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This category will be for books not written originally in English or French.
1. The Swarm
2. The Master and Margarita
3. The good soldier Svejk
4. Invisible cities
Possibilities:
Embers
The tigers of Mompracem
10paruline
Wilson’s Phalarope - Women authors
From Wikipedia: The typical avian sex roles are reversed in the three phalarope species. Females are larger and more brightly coloured than males. The females pursue males, compete for nesting territory, and will aggressively defend their nests and chosen mates. Once the females lay their eggs, they begin their southward migration, leaving the males to incubate the eggs.
This category will be for women authors.
1. To the lighthouse
2. The namesake
3. The Bell Jar
4. Excellent women
5. The witch of Blackbird Pond
6. The Persian Pickle Club
Possibilities
Castle Rackrent
From Wikipedia: The typical avian sex roles are reversed in the three phalarope species. Females are larger and more brightly coloured than males. The females pursue males, compete for nesting territory, and will aggressively defend their nests and chosen mates. Once the females lay their eggs, they begin their southward migration, leaving the males to incubate the eggs.
This category will be for women authors.
1. To the lighthouse
2. The namesake
3. The Bell Jar
4. Excellent women
5. The witch of Blackbird Pond
6. The Persian Pickle Club
Possibilities
Castle Rackrent
11paruline
Black Robin - Book club
Faith in humanity – restored! From Wikipedia: There are now around 200 black robins but in 1980 only five survived on Little Mangere Island. They were saved from extinction by Don Merton and his Wildlife Service team, and by "Old Blue", the last remaining fertile female. The team increased the annual output of Old Blue (and later other females) by removing the first clutch over every year and placing the eggs in the nest of the Chatham race of the Tomtit, a technique known as cross-fostering. The Tomtits raised the first brood, and the Black Robins, having lost their eggs, relaid and raised another brood.
This category will be for the selections from the book club at work. It kind of fizzled out in 2012 and I’ve been trying to get it going again this year.
1. Qui de nous deux
2. Le bruit des choses qui tombent
3. La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes
4. Royal Assassin
Possibilities:
Man
Faith in humanity – restored! From Wikipedia: There are now around 200 black robins but in 1980 only five survived on Little Mangere Island. They were saved from extinction by Don Merton and his Wildlife Service team, and by "Old Blue", the last remaining fertile female. The team increased the annual output of Old Blue (and later other females) by removing the first clutch over every year and placing the eggs in the nest of the Chatham race of the Tomtit, a technique known as cross-fostering. The Tomtits raised the first brood, and the Black Robins, having lost their eggs, relaid and raised another brood.
This category will be for the selections from the book club at work. It kind of fizzled out in 2012 and I’ve been trying to get it going again this year.
1. Qui de nous deux
2. Le bruit des choses qui tombent
3. La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes
4. Royal Assassin
Possibilities:
Man
12paruline
Archaeopteryx - pre-20th century books
From Wikipedia: The first remains of Archaeopteryx were discovered in 1861, just two years after Charles Darwin published « On the Origin of Species ». Archaeopteryx seemed to confirm Darwin's theories and has since become a key piece of evidence for the origin of birds, the transitional fossils debate, and confirmation of evolution. Indeed, further research on dinosaurs from the Gobi Desert and China has since provided more evidence of a link between Archaeopteryx and the dinosaurs, such as the Chinese feathered dinosaurs.
This category will be for books older than 100 years.
1. La Celestina
2. Le père Goriot
3. Rob Roy
4. Oroonoko
Possibilities:
The vicar of Wakefield
The Monk
Dead souls
From Wikipedia: The first remains of Archaeopteryx were discovered in 1861, just two years after Charles Darwin published « On the Origin of Species ». Archaeopteryx seemed to confirm Darwin's theories and has since become a key piece of evidence for the origin of birds, the transitional fossils debate, and confirmation of evolution. Indeed, further research on dinosaurs from the Gobi Desert and China has since provided more evidence of a link between Archaeopteryx and the dinosaurs, such as the Chinese feathered dinosaurs.
This category will be for books older than 100 years.
1. La Celestina
2. Le père Goriot
3. Rob Roy
4. Oroonoko
Possibilities:
The vicar of Wakefield
The Monk
Dead souls
13paruline
Northern Gannet - En français
My ancestors came from France to North America in the 1640s. I thought the Northern Gannet was appropriate for this category since it nests on both sides of the North Atlantic. From Wikipedia: Northern gannets dive vertically into the sea at velocities of up to 100 km/h and the structure of their bodies is adapted for this practice.
Some breeding colonies have been recorded as being located in the same place for hundreds of years.
This category will be for books originally written in French.
1. W, ou le souvenir d'enfance
2. La nausée
3. Le rivage des Syrtes
My ancestors came from France to North America in the 1640s. I thought the Northern Gannet was appropriate for this category since it nests on both sides of the North Atlantic. From Wikipedia: Northern gannets dive vertically into the sea at velocities of up to 100 km/h and the structure of their bodies is adapted for this practice.
Some breeding colonies have been recorded as being located in the same place for hundreds of years.
This category will be for books originally written in French.
1. W, ou le souvenir d'enfance
2. La nausée
3. Le rivage des Syrtes
14paruline
Arctic Tern - Travel
From Wikipedia: The species is strongly migratory, seeing two summers each year as it migrates from its northern breeding grounds along a winding route to the oceans around Antarctica and back, a round trip of about 70,900 km (c. 44,300 miles) each year. This is by far the longest regular migration by any known animal.
This category will be for books with a travel theme.
1. Assassination Vacation
2. L’usage du monde
3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
From Wikipedia: The species is strongly migratory, seeing two summers each year as it migrates from its northern breeding grounds along a winding route to the oceans around Antarctica and back, a round trip of about 70,900 km (c. 44,300 miles) each year. This is by far the longest regular migration by any known animal.
This category will be for books with a travel theme.
1. Assassination Vacation
2. L’usage du monde
3. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail
15paruline
Black-throated blue Warbler - Whatever I want to read
I love this species: its colours, its habits, its song, its plumpness. I’m always happy when I see one. From Wikipedia: The Black-throated Blue Warbler is sexually dimorphic; the adult male has a black face and cheeks, deep blue upperparts and white underparts, while the adult female is olive-brown above and light yellow below.
It builds its nests in thick shrubs and the closeness of its nesting sites to the ground make it a favored species for the study of warbler behavior in the wild.
This category will be for spur-of-the-moment books, bookbullets or books that fall into my hands at the library.
1. The inimitable Jeeves
2. Nou3
3. Saga 1 and 2
4. The arrival
I love this species: its colours, its habits, its song, its plumpness. I’m always happy when I see one. From Wikipedia: The Black-throated Blue Warbler is sexually dimorphic; the adult male has a black face and cheeks, deep blue upperparts and white underparts, while the adult female is olive-brown above and light yellow below.
It builds its nests in thick shrubs and the closeness of its nesting sites to the ground make it a favored species for the study of warbler behavior in the wild.
This category will be for spur-of-the-moment books, bookbullets or books that fall into my hands at the library.
1. The inimitable Jeeves
2. Nou3
3. Saga 1 and 2
4. The arrival
16mamzel
Very nice theme! I was just looking through a book about birds in my county to try and identify a bird I have seen getting drinks from my pool. The closest I get is a black phoebe but I don't think that's it. Another visitor I get is the scrub jay. I know when my persimmons are ripe because they are out there squaking up a storm.
I will be happy to visit your thread and see your beautiful birds, er, books.
I will be happy to visit your thread and see your beautiful birds, er, books.
17rabbitprincess
Awww, the black robin is so cute! Love the theme. Will definitely be winging my way here often :)
18paruline
Mamzel, you're in a great spot for birds! I saw lots of neat species on my last trip there: Acorn Woodpecker, Pygmy Owls, Steller Jays, California Quail, and so many raptors!
Ahahah! I saw what you did there. Welcome to my thread, rabbitprincess.
Ahahah! I saw what you did there. Welcome to my thread, rabbitprincess.
19lkernagh
The little black robin in super cute and I love the pic of the Snowy Owl..... Love Owls!
Great video! Now I know what a murmuration of starlings is. We have starlings here on Vancouver Island but I have never encountered a murmuration.
Great theme for your challenge!
Great video! Now I know what a murmuration of starlings is. We have starlings here on Vancouver Island but I have never encountered a murmuration.
Great theme for your challenge!
20RidgewayGirl
I'll be following your books in translation category with great interest. You're set for parts of the GeoCAT.
Loved the picture of the Arctic Tern. Amazing how those birds can journey so far.
Loved the picture of the Arctic Tern. Amazing how those birds can journey so far.
21paruline
#19, I've never seen such numbers either, but of course starlings are everywhere.
#20, Yes I might participate in the GeoCAT this year. Terns are pretty cool.
#20, Yes I might participate in the GeoCAT this year. Terns are pretty cool.
22DeltaQueen50
What an extraordinary video! I've always regarded starlings as rather common and ordinary, who knew they could dance across the sky like that! Excellent categories to match your birds, looks like 2014 will have lots of great reading for you.
24March-Hare
Common Loon...now this is a category with many uses.
27-Eva-
Great theme - I was hoping there would be an erotica category headed by a picture of a booby, but then I am extraordinarily childish. :)
28paruline
I thought about it. There are also several species of Tits and Nuthatches - so many possibilities! :-D
30rabbitprincess
>28 paruline:: One time an unexpected news headline about Great Tits made me injure myself laughing :P
32PawsforThought
People who don't have a naughty sense of humour (and a naughty mind in general) are boring. Life is so much more fun like this!
Great theme, by the way.
Great theme, by the way.
33RidgewayGirl
Except for the inappropriate giggling, of course. There have been at least two occasions in which my SO was discussing something seriously, made a poor word choice and had to deal with three people collapsing into hilarity.
34-Eva-
My old boss tended to pronounce "ours" as "arse," which constantly made me and my Irish coworker break out in annoying giggles. :) There's nothing wrong with being childish!
35Carmenere
Hi paruline! The murmuration video is awesome, to say the least! and what an entrance it is to your '14 challenge categories. I'm just a backyard birdwatcher and I rarely see any feathered creature other than the typical variety at our birdfeeder but they are fun to watch. Love your category pics too. Good luck!
36ELiz_M
I'm not a birder at all, but I love the theme. And it looks like you have some fantastic books planned!
37electrice
Salut Paruline, un thème intéressant et des catégories qui s'harmonisent parfaitement ! Je suivrai avec plaisir les lectures de 2014 mais plus particulièrement celles concernant le Canada, l'Afrique, l'Asie, les traductions et bien sûr en français :)
38BookLizard
Wow! Great video to go with a great theme.
39Samantha_kathy
Very creative! I like birds, but I am terrible at birdwatching - recognizing birds is difficult for me and forget about distinguishing bird songs. Many a teacher has tried to get me to recognize even the basic sounds, but has failed. I can recognize common birds, most of them landing in my yard or a nearby pond, but other than that...
40paruline
Hi Carmenere, Eliz _M, electrice, BookLizard and Samantha_kathy! Thanks for visiting my thread!
Don't worry about identifying species Samantha_kathy, I often think birding is like reading: it's not the numbers that counts, but the enjoyment you get out of it :)
Holiday season has been pretty busy and I'm only just now settling into the new year. By the way, I received some books for Christmas:
- The return of the soldier by Rebecca West
- Excellent Women by Barbary Pym
- Le brave soldat Chveik by Jaroslav Hasek
- The Warbler Guide by Tom Stephenson (trivia: Paruline means warbler in French)
- and a gift card for a local bookstore chain
Here are my plans for January:
- write my reviews for The Swarm, Catching Fire and La Celestina.
- read the January selection for my book club.
- finish Return of the Soldier.
- read something for the GeoCAT.
Don't worry about identifying species Samantha_kathy, I often think birding is like reading: it's not the numbers that counts, but the enjoyment you get out of it :)
Holiday season has been pretty busy and I'm only just now settling into the new year. By the way, I received some books for Christmas:
- The return of the soldier by Rebecca West
- Excellent Women by Barbary Pym
- Le brave soldat Chveik by Jaroslav Hasek
- The Warbler Guide by Tom Stephenson (trivia: Paruline means warbler in French)
- and a gift card for a local bookstore chain
Here are my plans for January:
- write my reviews for The Swarm, Catching Fire and La Celestina.
- read the January selection for my book club.
- finish Return of the Soldier.
- read something for the GeoCAT.
41aliciamay
Thanks for your encouragement of birding : ) It is one of the hobbies I would like to get to some day. Maybe sooner rather than later since I saw an unrecognizable bird (to me anyway) in my back yard the other day. The husband and I went to watch a flock of Swifts' annual roosting in a school chimney last year, marginally like the amazing video you posted. Oh, and looking forward to your reads too!
42Kristelh
I am currently reading The Good Soldier Švejk. I enjoy birds very much, couldn't really call myself a birder because I don't keep lists or journals but I love seeing them, listening to them and the changes in bird sounds through the seasons. Right now its very cold in Minnesota and rather quiet.
43mamzel
I've been listening to our birds here who are quite different than our summer singers. No mockingbirds or hummingbirds. I don't know what they are but they are not at all upset by our brilliantly clear and moderate days.
44paruline
hi aliciamay! I understand perfectly about hobbies that one would like to get to some day. I'm in awe of all the creative people on the LT threads that do craft or travel around the world...
Kristelh, I understand about the cold weather! But keep your eyes open for Snowy Owls on road signs or along fields, it's an invasion year. Granted, we travelled a lot during the Holidays, but I saw seven Snowy Owls without looking too hard while we were driving between Montreal and Quebec City.
Hi mamzel, I'm glad you get to enjoy clear and moderate days! I miss California!
Kristelh, I understand about the cold weather! But keep your eyes open for Snowy Owls on road signs or along fields, it's an invasion year. Granted, we travelled a lot during the Holidays, but I saw seven Snowy Owls without looking too hard while we were driving between Montreal and Quebec City.
Hi mamzel, I'm glad you get to enjoy clear and moderate days! I miss California!
45Erratic_Charmer
Hello paruline! What beautiful categories you have :) My favourite bird local to where I live in the UK is the wren. They're normally hard to spot as they're quite small and usually shy, but I've been lucky recently. I even got scolded by one a couple of weeks ago - they make a funny sort of flatulent raspberry noise when they're irritated :p
46Kristelh
front page of our local paper, "Snowy Owls sighted in Kandiyohi County". Artic birds have been spotted in large numbers across the country. I hope I get to see one or more.
47paruline
#45, Hi Erratic_Charmer! We used to share the Wren with Europe but they split it a few years ago and now it's a different species. Such plumb bundles of nerves, these ones! Love them.
#46, Hope you get to see one!
#46, Hope you get to see one!
48paruline
Since January 1st, my free time on LT is spent reading threads and not adding to my own. Time to remedy that:
1- The Swarm
Whales attacking ships, swarms of jellyfish near popular beaches, worms eating up the ocean floor... Weird things are happening in the ocean and it's up to an international team to find out what and how to stop it.
What I liked:
- No character was safe, the death count was pretty random so that kept my interest.
- Lots of strong female characters in all kinds of fields: science, military, politics, industry.
- Science!
- The tsunami scene was appropriately scary and awesome at the same time.
What I didn't like:
- It was too long by about 200 pages. The whole section in Cape Dorset didn't add to the story imo.
- The science delivery was ackward. There was always a journalist or a student on hand that could ask questions and could be taught important scientific theory.
- The science delivery was boring. My eyes glazed over multiple times; and I have a background in biology, I should eat these things up!
- The Bechdel test was only passed at page 596. I checked.
3/5
1- The Swarm
Whales attacking ships, swarms of jellyfish near popular beaches, worms eating up the ocean floor... Weird things are happening in the ocean and it's up to an international team to find out what and how to stop it.
What I liked:
- No character was safe, the death count was pretty random so that kept my interest.
- Lots of strong female characters in all kinds of fields: science, military, politics, industry.
- Science!
- The tsunami scene was appropriately scary and awesome at the same time.
What I didn't like:
- It was too long by about 200 pages. The whole section in Cape Dorset didn't add to the story imo.
- The science delivery was ackward. There was always a journalist or a student on hand that could ask questions and could be taught important scientific theory.
- The science delivery was boring. My eyes glazed over multiple times; and I have a background in biology, I should eat these things up!
- The Bechdel test was only passed at page 596. I checked.
3/5
49paruline
2- Catching fire
Second instalment in The Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss and Peeta have to deal with the repercussions of their defiance of the Capitol. They will go back into the arena, and this time their competitors will be experienced killers.
I like this instalment better than the first one. Better world building and loved the descriptions of the Capitol politics.
4/5
Second instalment in The Hunger Games trilogy. Katniss and Peeta have to deal with the repercussions of their defiance of the Capitol. They will go back into the arena, and this time their competitors will be experienced killers.
I like this instalment better than the first one. Better world building and loved the descriptions of the Capitol politics.
4/5
50Kristelh
>48 paruline:, I agree, it is a fast read but could have been a shorter book.
51paruline
#50, Yep. Shorter would have been better I think.
3- La Célestine (La Celestina)
This book is at the crossroad between orality and novel and as such, as mostly been presented as a play. Short and with snappy, witty dialogue, this is an interesting look into the social interactions (of that time) between men and women, and between masters and servants.
Oh, and Celestina is a great character!
3.5/5
3- La Célestine (La Celestina)
This book is at the crossroad between orality and novel and as such, as mostly been presented as a play. Short and with snappy, witty dialogue, this is an interesting look into the social interactions (of that time) between men and women, and between masters and servants.
Oh, and Celestina is a great character!
3.5/5
52GingerbreadMan
Oh, I love the loon! (Storlom in Swedish) Love the sound, love the black forest lakes where it swims, love the beauty of it! Great theme! Also glad to see more endorsement for the Hunger Games, as I plan to finally read them this year.
53paruline
Hi GingerbreadMan! Welcome to my thread.
Yes, Canada and the Scandinavian countries share a lot of the boreal forest species. When I was a graduate student, I remember there were lots of research collaborations with Uppsala University because of that.
Yes, Canada and the Scandinavian countries share a lot of the boreal forest species. When I was a graduate student, I remember there were lots of research collaborations with Uppsala University because of that.
54paruline
4- Return of the soldier
During WW1, a soldier suffering from amnesia returns home, having forgotten his wife and the last fifteen years of his life.
I expected to be blown away, based on most of the comments of this book. However, the (unreliable?) narrator grated a bit on my nerves. She either was very concerned about superficial appearances or gave deep, almost mystical, meaning to the most mundane of gestures.I would love to read the same story but from the point of view of the other characters.
All that said, the ending was poignant and gave a new meaning to the book's title.
4 out of 5
During WW1, a soldier suffering from amnesia returns home, having forgotten his wife and the last fifteen years of his life.
I expected to be blown away, based on most of the comments of this book. However, the (unreliable?) narrator grated a bit on my nerves. She either was very concerned about superficial appearances or gave deep, almost mystical, meaning to the most mundane of gestures.I would love to read the same story but from the point of view of the other characters.
All that said, the ending was poignant and gave a new meaning to the book's title.
4 out of 5
55paruline
5- Qui de nous deux?
Non-fiction journal entries from Gilles Archambault, spanning a few months after his wife of 52 years died.
I've got something in my eye... Snif.
3.5 out of 5
Non-fiction journal entries from Gilles Archambault, spanning a few months after his wife of 52 years died.
I've got something in my eye... Snif.
3.5 out of 5
56paruline
6- Louis Riel: a comic-strip biography
Who would have thought that Canadian history could be thrilling? This is the story of Louis Riel (complete with a bibliography). Hero for some, traitor for others, he unified the Metis populations of Manitoba and negotiated with the federal government for the Metis' rights. When that didn't work out, he lead several rebellions, before being captured and hanged.
3.5 out of 5
Who would have thought that Canadian history could be thrilling? This is the story of Louis Riel (complete with a bibliography). Hero for some, traitor for others, he unified the Metis populations of Manitoba and negotiated with the federal government for the Metis' rights. When that didn't work out, he lead several rebellions, before being captured and hanged.
3.5 out of 5
57soffitta1
Great categories. I have never got round to reading La Celestina, though it was one of my uni lecturer's favourites, she kept talking about it. One day...!
58paruline
It's not very long, and well worth a couple of evenings of your time.
Hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
Hope you enjoy it when you get to it!
59paruline
7- Le bruit des choses qui tombent
Antonio Yammara, a young professional living in Bogota, befriends Ricardo Laverde at a pool hall. When Ricardo is gunned down in front of Yammara, Antonio looks into the past of his friend and of his country. How did it come to this?
Although the ending was too abrupt for my taste, I was interested in learning about Colombia, the Cartel wars of the 1980s and how they affected the psyche of the people.
3.5/5
Antonio Yammara, a young professional living in Bogota, befriends Ricardo Laverde at a pool hall. When Ricardo is gunned down in front of Yammara, Antonio looks into the past of his friend and of his country. How did it come to this?
Although the ending was too abrupt for my taste, I was interested in learning about Colombia, the Cartel wars of the 1980s and how they affected the psyche of the people.
3.5/5
60rabbitprincess
J'ai vu un oiseau hier et j'ai besoin de l'aide afin de l'identifier! J'ai réussi à prendre deux photos:
(pardon the low quality of the second photo; it was too cold to go out on the balcony so I had to take the picture through our grubby windows)
I did a preliminary search on whatbird.com and think it might be a merlin or a broad-winged hawk, but I'm not sure. Your thoughts? :)
(pardon the low quality of the second photo; it was too cold to go out on the balcony so I had to take the picture through our grubby windows)
I did a preliminary search on whatbird.com and think it might be a merlin or a broad-winged hawk, but I'm not sure. Your thoughts? :)
61BookLizard
It's cool, whatever it is! Apparently we have a bald eagle in Boston. I've seen them in Louisiana, but not here.
63RidgewayGirl
My SO is a bird spotting fiend, especially with birds of prey. I'll show him the pictures when he gets home tonight.
64paruline
Hi rabbitprincess! That's a great observation! I'll try my best to identify the bird.
First, we can rule out the Merlin because the wings don't extend very much near the tail. Merlins have really long, pointy wings. So, your bird is definitely in the Hawk family.
I'm also ruling out the Broad-winged Hawk because the tail is too long and the belly is a rusty colour while the Broad-winged Hawk has browner stripes on the belly.
We're left to choose between Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Both can be found in Ottawa in winter. The best identifying features are size (which can be tricky to determine without a reference point), the shape and markings of the tail, and the relative sizes of the eye and legs. The Sharp-shined Hawk also has more of a grey hood while the Cooper's Hawk has a grey cap.
This little cartoon shows a Sharp-shinned Hawk on the left and a Cooper's Hawk on the right.
Based on your pictures, I'm going to use the tail to identify the Hawk and I'll venture that it's a Sharp-shinned Hawk because the tail seems squarish and the white markings are not that prominent.
Trivia from Wikipedia: As common in Accipiter hawks, females are distinctly larger in size, averaging some 30% longer, and with a weight advantage of more than 50% being common. Typically, males will target smaller birds, such as sparrows and wood-warblers, and females will pursue larger prey, such as American Robins and flickers, leading to a lack of conflict between the sexes for prey.
First, we can rule out the Merlin because the wings don't extend very much near the tail. Merlins have really long, pointy wings. So, your bird is definitely in the Hawk family.
I'm also ruling out the Broad-winged Hawk because the tail is too long and the belly is a rusty colour while the Broad-winged Hawk has browner stripes on the belly.
We're left to choose between Sharp-shinned Hawk and Cooper's Hawk. Both can be found in Ottawa in winter. The best identifying features are size (which can be tricky to determine without a reference point), the shape and markings of the tail, and the relative sizes of the eye and legs. The Sharp-shined Hawk also has more of a grey hood while the Cooper's Hawk has a grey cap.
This little cartoon shows a Sharp-shinned Hawk on the left and a Cooper's Hawk on the right.
Based on your pictures, I'm going to use the tail to identify the Hawk and I'll venture that it's a Sharp-shinned Hawk because the tail seems squarish and the white markings are not that prominent.
Trivia from Wikipedia: As common in Accipiter hawks, females are distinctly larger in size, averaging some 30% longer, and with a weight advantage of more than 50% being common. Typically, males will target smaller birds, such as sparrows and wood-warblers, and females will pursue larger prey, such as American Robins and flickers, leading to a lack of conflict between the sexes for prey.
65rabbitprincess
Yay! Thank you so much for the information! I knew you would know ;) We've heard it around the neighbourhood fairly often but never actually seen it. If he or she comes by again I'll try to get more photos.
And I love how in the second photo it looks like it's wearing a little scarf! :D
And I love how in the second photo it looks like it's wearing a little scarf! :D
66lkernagh
I had to go take a second look at the second photo and it does look like the little guy is wearing a scarf!
68paruline
8- Assassination Vacation
Everything you never thought to ask about the assassinations of US presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley.
Funny, full of digressions, and informative.
3.5/5
Everything you never thought to ask about the assassinations of US presidents Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley.
Funny, full of digressions, and informative.
3.5/5
69paruline
January recap:
Canada - 0
Africa - 0
Asia - 0
New authors - 0
Sci-fi and fantasy - 1
Non fiction - 0
World War I - 1
Translated works - 1
Women authors - 0
Book club - 2
Pre-20th century books - 1
En français - 0
Travel - 1
Whatever I want to read - 1
Total books read: 8
Total by women authors: 3
Total by authors of colour: 1 (South American)
Total translated works: 3
February resolutions:
- write my review of Arcanum 17 - done
- finish Old Goriot - done
- read my book club's February selection - done
- read something for P.G. Wodehouse month - reading now
- read something for Black History month
- reread Field guide to the birds of the West Indies in preparation for my trip to Cuba! - reading now
Canada - 0
Africa - 0
Asia - 0
New authors - 0
Sci-fi and fantasy - 1
Non fiction - 0
World War I - 1
Translated works - 1
Women authors - 0
Book club - 2
Pre-20th century books - 1
En français - 0
Travel - 1
Whatever I want to read - 1
Total books read: 8
Total by women authors: 3
Total by authors of colour: 1 (South American)
Total translated works: 3
February resolutions:
- write my review of Arcanum 17 - done
- finish Old Goriot - done
- read my book club's February selection - done
- read something for P.G. Wodehouse month - reading now
- read something for Black History month
- reread Field guide to the birds of the West Indies in preparation for my trip to Cuba! - reading now
70rabbitprincess
Cuba! Exciting! Hope you see lots of lovely tropical birds while you're there :)
71GingerbreadMan
I spent most of the summer of 99 in Cuba. A long time ago now, and most likely a rather different country, but I often think about it. Where are you going?
73paruline
It's going to be a family vacation in Varadero. I expect to spend the week mostly on a beach chair, reading a book and sipping mojitos. I hope to be able to hire a birdwatching guide fo half a day during that week.
Maybe see this little guy:
Or this one:
If it was only me though, I'd love to stay at a casa particular in Matanzas and rent a car to do day trips everywhere. Maybe one day...
Maybe see this little guy:
Or this one:
If it was only me though, I'd love to stay at a casa particular in Matanzas and rent a car to do day trips everywhere. Maybe one day...
74BookLizard
Beautiful little birds. Good luck finding them.
75-Eva-
How great - have a fantastic time in Cuba and have a mojito for me too!! Cuba is on my bucket-list. :)
76paruline
Still have to wait a couple of weeks but for sure I'll have a mojito (or two, or three) for you ;)
78paruline
9- Arcanum 17
Mmmmmm well, okay then. I guess it helped to know that André Breton was a surrealist.
The book can be divided into three major sections (which are all jumbled btw).
1- A lyrical description of a visit to Rocher Percé and the bird sanctuary Île Bonaventure, a trip he made with a woman who just lost her daughter.
2- A manifesto about how to change society after WWII. Basically, after what he sees as the complete failure of male-dominated values for centuries, he proposes to give precedence to what he calls 'feminine' qualities like creativity, impulsiveness, love, and irrationnality. He also advocates giving more importance to art, poetry and love (a precursor of the hippie society?).
3- A completely surrealist description of a dream/hallucination centered around Mélusine and the Star Tarot card. Now Mélusine is a very ancient folkloric figure in France, and I guess in this case she represents all those feminine attributes that Breton wants to incorporate into society.
2.5/5
Mmmmmm well, okay then. I guess it helped to know that André Breton was a surrealist.
The book can be divided into three major sections (which are all jumbled btw).
1- A lyrical description of a visit to Rocher Percé and the bird sanctuary Île Bonaventure, a trip he made with a woman who just lost her daughter.
2- A manifesto about how to change society after WWII. Basically, after what he sees as the complete failure of male-dominated values for centuries, he proposes to give precedence to what he calls 'feminine' qualities like creativity, impulsiveness, love, and irrationnality. He also advocates giving more importance to art, poetry and love (a precursor of the hippie society?).
3- A completely surrealist description of a dream/hallucination centered around Mélusine and the Star Tarot card. Now Mélusine is a very ancient folkloric figure in France, and I guess in this case she represents all those feminine attributes that Breton wants to incorporate into society.
2.5/5
80paruline
10- Le père Goriot (Father Goriot)
When Eugene de Rastignac first moves to Paris, he is seduced by the riches of the upper class, and decides to become a social climber. What checks his machinations is the example of self-effacing, doting, old Father Goriot, who becomes destitute while helping his daughters.
My first book by Balzac but certainly not the last. Fascinating.
4/5
When Eugene de Rastignac first moves to Paris, he is seduced by the riches of the upper class, and decides to become a social climber. What checks his machinations is the example of self-effacing, doting, old Father Goriot, who becomes destitute while helping his daughters.
My first book by Balzac but certainly not the last. Fascinating.
4/5
81paruline
11- La petite fille qui aimait trop les allumettes (The little girl who was too fond of matches)
Revelations upon revelations with this first-person account of someone raised in total isolation with a mystical, authoritarian father. Fantastic writing!
4/5
Revelations upon revelations with this first-person account of someone raised in total isolation with a mystical, authoritarian father. Fantastic writing!
4/5
82paruline
12- D'amour et d'ombre (Of love and shadows)
Great characters, rather thin story-line. A journalist and her friend photographer uncover a crime perpetuated by the military in a dictatorship.
4/5
Great characters, rather thin story-line. A journalist and her friend photographer uncover a crime perpetuated by the military in a dictatorship.
4/5
83lkernagh
Oooohhhh.... I am really looking forward to seeing what you think of Soucy's The Little Girl Who Was Too Fond of Matches! I read that one back in 2010 - English translation by Sheila Fischman - and that is all I am going to say here!
84paruline
I have to think about my review because I don't want to write any spoilers, but let's just say I thought the writing was a.ma.zing.
85paruline
My reviews are up for Father Goriot, The little girl who was too fond of matches and Of love and shadows!
86paruline
13- The inimitable Jeeves
The perfect beach read. Jeeves resolves the romantic entanglements of his master Bertie Wooster and his friend Bingo Little. Right ho, Pip pip... Did people really talk like that?
Now I have to track down the BBC series.
4/5
The perfect beach read. Jeeves resolves the romantic entanglements of his master Bertie Wooster and his friend Bingo Little. Right ho, Pip pip... Did people really talk like that?
Now I have to track down the BBC series.
4/5
88rabbitprincess
I celebrated by looking at these fantastic pi artworks: http://www.theguardian.com/science/alexs-adventures-in-numberland/gallery/2014/m...
Actually I saw the article and thought "Oh, that's interesting" but didn't realize it was Pi Day until my BF mentioned it when I got home from work :P
And I hope you like the Jeeves and Wooster TV series when you get to it! Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are the perfect pairing.
Actually I saw the article and thought "Oh, that's interesting" but didn't realize it was Pi Day until my BF mentioned it when I got home from work :P
And I hope you like the Jeeves and Wooster TV series when you get to it! Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie are the perfect pairing.
89BookLizard
I had never heard of a raisin pie before but it sounds good. Sun-Maid has a recipe and they make it sound so easy . . .
90paruline
>88 rabbitprincess:, the artwork is fantastic :)
>89 BookLizard:, it is pretty yummy and easy. Just cook raisins in a mixture of cornstarch, brown sugar and spices and put this filling into your crust. Mmmmm....
>89 BookLizard:, it is pretty yummy and easy. Just cook raisins in a mixture of cornstarch, brown sugar and spices and put this filling into your crust. Mmmmm....
91paruline
I'm a bit in a reading slump right now. Can only seem to manage graphic novels. And I've got a couple of reviews to complete but, you know, meh.
I'm still reading the threads though :)
I'm still reading the threads though :)
92DeltaQueen50
Hope the slump is gone soon, but graphic novels are a great way to keep reading when other things aren't working.
93lkernagh
My dad loves raisin pie! As for the BBC Jeeves and Wooster series, we have the DVDs and they never fail to amuse, regardless how many times we re-watch them. The casting is excellent!
Sorry to see you are in a reading slump. I recommend some mindless but still entertaining TV/Movie viewing for a week.... that tends to clear my head and make me happy to go back to reading books. ;-)
Sorry to see you are in a reading slump. I recommend some mindless but still entertaining TV/Movie viewing for a week.... that tends to clear my head and make me happy to go back to reading books. ;-)
94rabbitprincess
Boo reading slumps! Hope something catches your fancy soon. But GNs are a good way to pass the time as well!
95paruline
Thanks for the kind comments DeltaQueen50, Ikernagh and RP!
I'm slowly making my way through To the lighthouse. In the meantime, reviews!
14- The Master and Margarita
The devil and his accolytes visit Moscow. Mayhem ensues.
The book is full of thinly-veiled references to the chaos caused by the government at that time. I'm glad my copy had footnotes because a lot of the social commentary would have gone over my head.
Very interesting.
3.5/5
I'm slowly making my way through To the lighthouse. In the meantime, reviews!
14- The Master and Margarita
The devil and his accolytes visit Moscow. Mayhem ensues.
The book is full of thinly-veiled references to the chaos caused by the government at that time. I'm glad my copy had footnotes because a lot of the social commentary would have gone over my head.
Very interesting.
3.5/5
96paruline
15- It was the war of the trenches
This is no comic book for children. WWI is rendered gruesomely through a series of short illustrated stories, most ending in death. Common themes include the shooting of soldiers by their own commanding officers for not running fast enough toward machine-gun fire, the deliberate maiming that soldiers inflict to themselves to get out of the trenches, and the racism and classism experienced by the soldiers.
4/5
This is no comic book for children. WWI is rendered gruesomely through a series of short illustrated stories, most ending in death. Common themes include the shooting of soldiers by their own commanding officers for not running fast enough toward machine-gun fire, the deliberate maiming that soldiers inflict to themselves to get out of the trenches, and the racism and classism experienced by the soldiers.
4/5
97-Eva-
>95 paruline:
Good choice to pick an annotated version - there is so much veiled stuff in that novel.
Good choice to pick an annotated version - there is so much veiled stuff in that novel.
98paruline
16- Aya de Yopougon
Unlike her friends who want boyfriends and parties, Aya is studying to be a doctor. However, she can't help becoming involved in the shenanigans of her friends and family.
A nice look into life in 1980s' Ivory Coast.
4/5
Unlike her friends who want boyfriends and parties, Aya is studying to be a doctor. However, she can't help becoming involved in the shenanigans of her friends and family.
A nice look into life in 1980s' Ivory Coast.
4/5
99paruline
17- Là ou vont nos pères (The arrival)
A moving (ha! pun) wordless graphic novel about a man who tries to build a new life in a strange but welcoming country.
Beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended.
5/5
A moving (ha! pun) wordless graphic novel about a man who tries to build a new life in a strange but welcoming country.
Beautiful illustrations. Highly recommended.
5/5
101mamzel
Does the French title translate to "Where Our Fathers Go"? If so, I love that - so poetic. And I agree on how outstanding it is!
102paruline
>100 lkernagh: I hope you like it!
>101 mamzel: Yes, that's a good translation. I agree it's outstanding, I even read it to my children and they were quite taken with it.
>101 mamzel: Yes, that's a good translation. I agree it's outstanding, I even read it to my children and they were quite taken with it.
104paruline
April resolutions:
Finish To the lighthouse- DONE!
Finish The namesake - DONE!
Finish The bell jar - DONE!
Read something for my Asia category
Read something for my Non-fiction category
Read Man by Kim Thuy for my book club
Finish To the lighthouse- DONE!
Finish The namesake - DONE!
Finish The bell jar - DONE!
Read something for my Asia category
Read something for my Non-fiction category
Read Man by Kim Thuy for my book club
105rabbitprincess
Good plan! Bonne lecture!
106BookLizard
Good luck finishing To the Lighthouse - I'd try to finish The Bell Jar first so you'll feel some sense of accomplishment. I've been reading American Gods for several weeks now. Hoping to finish in April.
107paruline
18- To the lighthouse
After four 3-weeks renewals at the library, I finally finished this! On the one hand, I don't think my brain is wired in a way that I can enjoy this novel. On the other hand, I have yet to find a better cure for insomnia! Seriously, every. time. I picked it up, I started nodding off after 5 pages.
2/5
After four 3-weeks renewals at the library, I finally finished this! On the one hand, I don't think my brain is wired in a way that I can enjoy this novel. On the other hand, I have yet to find a better cure for insomnia! Seriously, every. time. I picked it up, I started nodding off after 5 pages.
2/5
108rabbitprincess
Wow, you get four 3-week renewals? I think we get only three at my library.
109paruline
Technically, it's three, but since no one had requested it, the librarian let me bring it back and renew it a fourth time. I'm a special snowflake :)
110BookLizard
One of my libraries allows 5 renewals. The other library system is more confusing - every library has different loan periods and different renewal rules and it goes by the "owner" of the book. So if I'm on a waitlist for a book and get a copy from another library, it goes by that library's rules and not the rules of my library where I borrowed it.
111lkernagh
>107 paruline: - Seriously, every. time. I picked it up, I started nodding off after 5 pages.
LOL! I have to admit that, compared to Mrs. Dalloway, I did To The Lighthouse a bit of a slog at times myself. Beautifully written but sometimes you want Woolf to get on with the story already! ;-)
LOL! I have to admit that, compared to Mrs. Dalloway, I did To The Lighthouse a bit of a slog at times myself. Beautifully written but sometimes you want Woolf to get on with the story already! ;-)
112paruline
>111 lkernagh: I had been looking forward to reading To the lighthouse since I read (and loved) The lost garden, in which it features prominently. Part of my rating might be due to disappointment.
Of the three Woolf I read, I kinda liked Mrs Dalloway, loved Orlando and was put to sleep by To the lighthouse. I'm sure I'll read more of her books, but maybe not in the near future.
Of the three Woolf I read, I kinda liked Mrs Dalloway, loved Orlando and was put to sleep by To the lighthouse. I'm sure I'll read more of her books, but maybe not in the near future.
113lkernagh
>112 paruline: - I agree. The Lost Garden was a great story but I guess I don't see To the Lighthouse in the same light as Humphreys does. ;-)
I have made a note to look into Orlando as that one does look like something I might enjoy.
I have made a note to look into Orlando as that one does look like something I might enjoy.
114paruline
19- The Namesake
I just flew through this novel about an Indian American as he tries to define himself, caught as he is between the Indian culture of his parents and the American suburbs.
4/5
I just flew through this novel about an Indian American as he tries to define himself, caught as he is between the Indian culture of his parents and the American suburbs.
4/5
115paruline
20- Nou3 (WE3)
A dog, a cat and a rabbit have been trained to work as government assassins. When the project is cancelled, their trainer releases them against orders. They now have to be found and 'terminated'.
This is not a cute graphic novel; although the animals speak a few words, they are not anthropomorphized and have no qualms about dismembering and gutting their enemies.
Artwork was fine, not mind blowing. All in all, an ok read.
3/5
A dog, a cat and a rabbit have been trained to work as government assassins. When the project is cancelled, their trainer releases them against orders. They now have to be found and 'terminated'.
This is not a cute graphic novel; although the animals speak a few words, they are not anthropomorphized and have no qualms about dismembering and gutting their enemies.
Artwork was fine, not mind blowing. All in all, an ok read.
3/5
116paruline
21- The Bell Jar
The story of a young woman's descent into clinical depression and of her stay in an asylum. Well written but I couldn't be made to care about the protagonist. Her thought patterns and lack of empathy, even if brought on by her depression, were just too alien to me.
3.5/5
The story of a young woman's descent into clinical depression and of her stay in an asylum. Well written but I couldn't be made to care about the protagonist. Her thought patterns and lack of empathy, even if brought on by her depression, were just too alien to me.
3.5/5
117paruline
APRIL RECAP!
Much better than March with 3 books and 1 graphic novel read; I think this reading slump is over!
Much better than March with 3 books and 1 graphic novel read; I think this reading slump is over!
118paruline
May resolutions:
Finish W or the memory of childhood - done!
Read Half of a yellow sun - done!
Read Excellent women - done!
Read Nip the buds, shoot the kids - done!
Read Your inner fish - currently reading
Post my review for The Bell Jar - done!
Finish W or the memory of childhood - done!
Read Half of a yellow sun - done!
Read Excellent women - done!
Read Nip the buds, shoot the kids - done!
Read Your inner fish - currently reading
Post my review for The Bell Jar - done!
119rabbitprincess
Looks like a good May! And I'm glad the reading slump wore off :)
120clfisha
Just coming out of my reading slump.. feels like a year for them! Some nice graphic novels read, I loved The Arrival (love all his comics to be honest) and Aya is good, havent tracked down the rest in the series yet. I think I like We3 artwork more than you, loved some of the layouts!
121Nickelini
I hope you get to Your Inner Fish because I have no idea what that means and look forward to your comments.
122paruline
>119 rabbitprincess:, I think it was To the lighthouse that was sapping all my reading energy. It was dispiriting how much I wasn't enjoying it.
>120 clfisha:, I'll have to track down Tan's other comics then! I thought some of the layouts of We3 were interesting but they felt like polaroids shots to me, which disrupted (again for me) the flow of the story.
>121 Nickelini:, I've been meaning to read Your inner fish since the book came out. And now, they're making a series from it! Kind of like Neil Degrasse Tyson's Cosmos series but focusing on human evolution.
>120 clfisha:, I'll have to track down Tan's other comics then! I thought some of the layouts of We3 were interesting but they felt like polaroids shots to me, which disrupted (again for me) the flow of the story.
>121 Nickelini:, I've been meaning to read Your inner fish since the book came out. And now, they're making a series from it! Kind of like Neil Degrasse Tyson's Cosmos series but focusing on human evolution.
123Nickelini
Kind of like Neil Degrasse Tyson's Cosmos series but focusing on human evolution.
oooh, I'll watch that. thanks for the heads up.
oooh, I'll watch that. thanks for the heads up.
124paruline
22- W, ou le souvenir d'enfance (W, or the memory of childhood)
Fantastic read! Two stories told in alternating chapters. The first, an adventure story about the people of W, who live out the Olympic ideal. MajorWhat started as kind of utopian dream quickly descends into horror, with "athletes" starved, beaten and even killed if they don't win and with 80% of women killed at birth with the remaining 20% gang raped at 14 during "competitions" . The second, the memoirs of the author, starting with the very first impressions of toddlerhood until the age of about 12.
At first, these two stories don't seem to have much in common, but as the book progresses, you begin to see how they mirror and augment each other. Highly recommended.
4.5/5
Fantastic read! Two stories told in alternating chapters. The first, an adventure story about the people of W, who live out the Olympic ideal. Major
At first, these two stories don't seem to have much in common, but as the book progresses, you begin to see how they mirror and augment each other. Highly recommended.
4.5/5
125paruline
Mini reviews!
23- Half of yellow sun - two sisters navigate relationships while trying to survive the Nigerian-Biafran war. Wonderfully evocative and informative even if the end is a bit too open-ended for my taste. Absolutely recommended. 4/5
24- Excellent women - Mildred is one of those excellent women, always overlooked while working to prop-up others (usually men) or their communities. Her inner-life, longings and infatuations are covered through this gently humourous story, and make the reader crave a nice cup of tea. 4/5
25- Nip the buds, shoot the kids - A group of delinquent juveniles are brought to a rural village to escape the city's bombings and are promptly abandoned by the villagers following an epidemy. The children are then free to act as they please within the confines of the village --> Metaphor for life? 3/5
23- Half of yellow sun - two sisters navigate relationships while trying to survive the Nigerian-Biafran war. Wonderfully evocative and informative even if the end is a bit too open-ended for my taste. Absolutely recommended. 4/5
24- Excellent women - Mildred is one of those excellent women, always overlooked while working to prop-up others (usually men) or their communities. Her inner-life, longings and infatuations are covered through this gently humourous story, and make the reader crave a nice cup of tea. 4/5
25- Nip the buds, shoot the kids - A group of delinquent juveniles are brought to a rural village to escape the city's bombings and are promptly abandoned by the villagers following an epidemy. The children are then free to act as they please within the confines of the village --> Metaphor for life? 3/5
126paruline
MAY RECAP!
How is it already June?
Canada - - 1
Africa - - 2
Asia - - 1
New authors - - 1
Sci-fi and fantasy - 2
Non fiction - 0 - reading 1 now
World War I - 2
Translated works - 2
Women authors - - 3
Book club - 3
Pre-20th century books - 1
En français - - 2
Travel - 1
Whatever I want to read - 3
Total books read: 26
Total by women authors: 10
Total by authors of colour: 6
Total translated works: 6
June resolutions:
- focus on female sic-fi and fantasy month
- write my review of The probable future
- finish Your inner fish
- read my book club's June selection
In other news, May has been busy, what with the spring migration and tending my (admittedly tiny) garden. I'm therefore hopelessly behind all your lovely threads.
I'm also switching jobs in a few days and am going to lose access to the internet. No more writing a quick comment during my break :-(
Very sad also to hear about the passing of Maya Angelou. I've only read the first volume of her autobiography but was mightily impressed with both the story and the writing.
Less sad but also a bit upsetting: the site Lists of bests which I used extensively for my (many many many) lists is closing down. If anyone can recommend a good alternative, I'm all ears.
How is it already June?
Canada - - 1
Africa - - 2
Asia - - 1
New authors - - 1
Sci-fi and fantasy - 2
Non fiction - 0 - reading 1 now
World War I - 2
Translated works - 2
Women authors - - 3
Book club - 3
Pre-20th century books - 1
En français - - 2
Travel - 1
Whatever I want to read - 3
Total books read: 26
Total by women authors: 10
Total by authors of colour: 6
Total translated works: 6
June resolutions:
- focus on female sic-fi and fantasy month
- write my review of The probable future
- finish Your inner fish
- read my book club's June selection
In other news, May has been busy, what with the spring migration and tending my (admittedly tiny) garden. I'm therefore hopelessly behind all your lovely threads.
I'm also switching jobs in a few days and am going to lose access to the internet. No more writing a quick comment during my break :-(
Very sad also to hear about the passing of Maya Angelou. I've only read the first volume of her autobiography but was mightily impressed with both the story and the writing.
Less sad but also a bit upsetting: the site Lists of bests which I used extensively for my (many many many) lists is closing down. If anyone can recommend a good alternative, I'm all ears.
128rabbitprincess
No Internet?! Nooooooo! But I hope the new job is interesting.
129-Eva-
Congrats on the new job! I'll second >128 rabbitprincess: - hope the job is so engaging that you won't miss it!
131paruline
Hi Lori, rabbitprincess, eva and wolfy! It's not really a new job, I'm being affected to another division. But since I'm going to work with confidential data now, my computer will be part of an internal network. Access to the web is on separate computers on another area of the floor; they want to make it as hard as possible to mistakenly put the confidential data "out there".
I'm really looking forward to the change though!
I'm really looking forward to the change though!
132-Eva-
Ooh, secret stuff! Wishing lots of great "new" coworkers for you - that is the most important thing, in my mind at least.
133lkernagh
Sounds like an interesting change and I echo Eva's wish about new coworkers to work with.
134paruline
Where has June gone?
As I expected, the fact that I don't have access to LT at work means I'm not as present here as I'd like to be. BUT! I really like the new job, good people, interesting files, feeling like a secret agent with all the confidential information...
Besides that, I've started biking to work. The first couple of weeks were tough, since it's about 24 km every day. And I had spent the winter doing, well, nothing. But I've settled into it nicely and when the weather is fine there is no better way to start the day.
We've also kept busy by taking the kids strawberry picking (which means we ate lots of strawberry cobblers, strawberry pies, and strawberry jam, mmmmm). We celebrated Canada Day by going to the museum (free! on July 1st) and getting our faces painted and going on a picnic and letting the kids loose on those bouncing structures.
As I expected, the fact that I don't have access to LT at work means I'm not as present here as I'd like to be. BUT! I really like the new job, good people, interesting files, feeling like a secret agent with all the confidential information...
Besides that, I've started biking to work. The first couple of weeks were tough, since it's about 24 km every day. And I had spent the winter doing, well, nothing. But I've settled into it nicely and when the weather is fine there is no better way to start the day.
We've also kept busy by taking the kids strawberry picking (which means we ate lots of strawberry cobblers, strawberry pies, and strawberry jam, mmmmm). We celebrated Canada Day by going to the museum (free! on July 1st) and getting our faces painted and going on a picnic and letting the kids loose on those bouncing structures.
135paruline
Reviews!
26- The probable future - Some magical realism in this story about a line of women, each discovering a "gift" when they turn 13. Very sensual book, full of nature and sounds and smells and taste and rain and bees and flowers. The only thing I didn't like was that the deadbeat husband finally changed when a woman 'really' believed in him. Weird message in an otherwise story full of strong women.
3.5/5
26- The probable future - Some magical realism in this story about a line of women, each discovering a "gift" when they turn 13. Very sensual book, full of nature and sounds and smells and taste and rain and bees and flowers. The only thing I didn't like was that the deadbeat husband finally changed when a woman 'really' believed in him. Weird message in an otherwise story full of strong women.
3.5/5
136paruline
26- Life as we knew it and 27- The dead and the gone - Book 1 and 2 in The Last Survivors series. These don't need to be read in order since the characters don't overlap even though they face some of the same issues.
The moon has been knocked out of orbit by a comet, which brings about freak tides and tsunamis, wakes up the volcanoes and changes the climate. Gas stations and grocery stores are running empty, epidemics are raging, communication satellites and electricity stop working. What are teenagers to do? Hang on to their family and try not to die.
4/5
137paruline
28- Howl's moving castle - The Witch of the Waste curses Sophie so that she ages 70 years and becomes an old woman. Sophie then takes refuge in Howl's moving castle and proceeds to work a little magic of her own while disturbing the life of the wizard Howl, who may or may not be a villain. Very enjoyable.
3.5/5
138paruline
29- Au commencement était le poisson (Your inner fish) - Non fiction about the history of the human body. Each chapter covers a particular aspect, such as the inner ear, the bilateral symmetry, the eye, or even the cranial nerves and looks at the precursors of those in reptiles, fish, jellyfish, sponges, bacteria, and fossils. Clear and amusing, with great explanations of genetics, fossils and development.
3.5/5
139paruline
30- La main gauche de la nuit (The left hand of darkness) - A few years ago, I read The dispossessed and was blown away. I've been itching to get back to the Hainish cycle ever since. And I was not disappointed.
An ambassador comes to the planet Winter where the inhabitants are hermaphrodites, neither male nor female until they mate. What does this mean for a society, for the relationships between individuals? Genly, our ambassador, will have to face prejudice and combat his own. The text is also interspersed with stories and legends from Winter and these were probably my favorite parts. Except for the crossing of the glacier. And well, everything else in fact.
I only wished that even if the book was written from the point of view of Genly, the male pronouns hadn't been used as default when discussing the hermaphrodite. How would our perception change if the female pronouns had been used instead?
4/5
140paruline
31- Ella Enchanted - In the original Cinderella story, the heroine always seemed a little bland to me. She was nice, yes, and beautiful, yes and? Well, not much else.
In this delightful retelling, Ella is cursed at birth with an obedience charm. She has to do anything anyone commands, whether it's standing on her head or killing someone. But she's stubborn, and funny and loyal, and has a gift for languages and getting in trouble, and will certainly not let a little thing like a curse keep her from finding her happily ever after. She goes on a quest to break the spell and find her agency, and will meet ogres, giants, elves, fairies, centaurs, and evil stepsisters. Great fun!
4/5
141paruline
32- Rashomon et autres contes - Only 24 pages, but this short story impressed me. A unemployed man takes refuge from the rain in a desolate area and spies an old woman stealing the hair from cadavers.
Each sentence was carefully crafted and painted a vivid picture in my mind. Absolutely recommended.
4.5/5
143DeltaQueen50
My granddaughter and I are reading Ella Enchanted together and I think I am enjoying it every bit as much as she is. A very fun story.
144rabbitprincess
Wonderful to see you and mysterymax today!! :D And I enjoyed reading your reviews just now as well. Have a good weekend!
145mysterymax
It was wonderful to see you again! Looking forward to the photos. And I forgot to mention an excellent WWI book I read this year - The Cartographer of No Man's Landby P. S. Duffy. It's the story of a man from Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia and his family.
146paruline
>142 Nickelini:, yes it's very dramatic!
>143 DeltaQueen50:, I'm kicking myself for not having read it when I was a teenager.
>144 rabbitprincess: and >145 mysterymax: Loved seeing you too! I'm still digesting that cake :) I'll try and post the pictures tomorrow.
>143 DeltaQueen50:, I'm kicking myself for not having read it when I was a teenager.
>144 rabbitprincess: and >145 mysterymax: Loved seeing you too! I'm still digesting that cake :) I'll try and post the pictures tomorrow.
147-Eva-
Great to hear the new job is working out!
>140 paruline:
I've seen the movie, which is quite charming, so the book goes on the wishlist.
>140 paruline:
I've seen the movie, which is quite charming, so the book goes on the wishlist.
148mysterymax
photos! photos! photos!
150electrice
>138 paruline: Evolution is fascinating, it's going on the BB list.
151paruline
A week ago (has it been already a week?), rabbitprincess, mysterymax and myself had our Second Annual International Librarything Summit. Because it happened twice, it's now a tradition right?
(Sorry for the back light)
We met at the Oh So Good cafe in Ottawa, and ingested a large number of calories. Mystery Max came bearing gifts. She went through our wishlist and I received The Persian Pickle Club and rabbitprincess got a book of Dr Who quotes.
Close up of my chocolate raspberry truffle cake. Mmmmmmmmm.
Look at me, positively giddy to meet up again with both mysterymax and rabbitprincess!
(Sorry for the back light)
We met at the Oh So Good cafe in Ottawa, and ingested a large number of calories. Mystery Max came bearing gifts. She went through our wishlist and I received The Persian Pickle Club and rabbitprincess got a book of Dr Who quotes.
Close up of my chocolate raspberry truffle cake. Mmmmmmmmm.
Look at me, positively giddy to meet up again with both mysterymax and rabbitprincess!
152rabbitprincess
Yaaaaay! That was a great visit. :)
153mysterymax
I still think about my carrot cake and can hardly wait until next year.
155DeltaQueen50
Ohh, looks like a good (and yummy) time was had by all!
157paruline
>152 rabbitprincess: I think so too!
>153 mysterymax: Me too :)
>154 lkernagh: They were! We could hardly finish them though: so rich...
>155 DeltaQueen50: Definitely!
>156 -Eva-: Can't go wrong with either chocolate or raspberries!
>153 mysterymax: Me too :)
>154 lkernagh: They were! We could hardly finish them though: so rich...
>155 DeltaQueen50: Definitely!
>156 -Eva-: Can't go wrong with either chocolate or raspberries!
158mysterymax
I think it is safe to say that any LTer that will be in the Ottawa area the first week in July next year would be welcome!!!
159paruline
33- Heart of darkness and other tales
Well, ok then. Narrator goes to the Congo, encounters horrific exploitation of natives, meets and tries to bring back one of the violent, crazy, exploiter. Is disgusted by the whole situation. Becomes sick and goes back to Europe. The end.
There, I saved you the trouble.
3/5
Well, ok then. Narrator goes to the Congo, encounters horrific exploitation of natives, meets and tries to bring back one of the violent, crazy, exploiter. Is disgusted by the whole situation. Becomes sick and goes back to Europe. The end.
There, I saved you the trouble.
3/5
160paruline
34- Saga
Badass Romeo and Juliet in outerspace. Nice artwork, interesting story. I will definitely track down the rest of the series.
4/5
Badass Romeo and Juliet in outerspace. Nice artwork, interesting story. I will definitely track down the rest of the series.
4/5
161AHS-Wolfy
Good to see more positive comments on Saga as it's a series I definitely want to track down at some point.
162-Eva-
>160 paruline:
I just checked that out from the library - looking forward to seeing what it's all about!
I just checked that out from the library - looking forward to seeing what it's all about!
163christina_reads
>159 paruline: The horror! The horror! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)
165paruline
35- Midnight's children
Took me a while to get through this sprawling, meandering novel. Born at midnight on the day of India's independence, Saleem's fate will mirror his new country's history. In addition, his telepathic powers allow him to contact other 'Midnight's children', also born in the first hour of their country's birth, and also born with magic powers.
I learned a lot reading this book. I was constantly on Wikipedia looking up food, politicians, cities... I mean, who knew that Bangladesh used to be part of Pakistan? Only several BILLION people, that's who!
Recommended if you like slowly developing stories, magical realism, or immersion into another culture.
3.5/5
Took me a while to get through this sprawling, meandering novel. Born at midnight on the day of India's independence, Saleem's fate will mirror his new country's history. In addition, his telepathic powers allow him to contact other 'Midnight's children', also born in the first hour of their country's birth, and also born with magic powers.
I learned a lot reading this book. I was constantly on Wikipedia looking up food, politicians, cities... I mean, who knew that Bangladesh used to be part of Pakistan? Only several BILLION people, that's who!
Recommended if you like slowly developing stories, magical realism, or immersion into another culture.
3.5/5
166paruline
36- The man who mistook his wife for a hat and other clinical tales
The brain is explored through clinical cases. Even more interesting than the described brain's (mal)functions, were the patients themselves and their inspirational dedication to live lives full of meanings.
Interesting and moving.
4/5
The brain is explored through clinical cases. Even more interesting than the described brain's (mal)functions, were the patients themselves and their inspirational dedication to live lives full of meanings.
Interesting and moving.
4/5
167lkernagh
>166 paruline: - The title of that one caught my eye, as did the rating, so on the future reading list it goes!
168rabbitprincess
I'll have to request The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat from the library when I get back from vacation!
169-Eva-
>166 paruline:
One of my all-time favorite books that. I think it's time for a re-read soon.
One of my all-time favorite books that. I think it's time for a re-read soon.
170paruline
>167 lkernagh:, >168 rabbitprincess:, It's very readable, hope you like it!
>169 -Eva-:, There are several more books by Sacks at my local library. They are now all on my TBR pile.
>169 -Eva-:, There are several more books by Sacks at my local library. They are now all on my TBR pile.
171-Eva-
Awakenings is great and if you haven't seen the movie with Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, I recommend that one too!
172paruline
>171 -Eva-: I saw it years ago and remember that it was quite good!
173paruline
37- Le brave soldat Chveik (The good soldier Svejk)
The good soldier Svejk goes through jail, asylum, interrogation, church, and army in the most patriotic way possible. Which gets mistaken at every turn for complete and utter idiocy, or even sometimes for treason.
As a reader, I also oscillated between thinking Svejk was simple-minded or a genius manipulator. A great satire, where no institution is safe.
4/5
The good soldier Svejk goes through jail, asylum, interrogation, church, and army in the most patriotic way possible. Which gets mistaken at every turn for complete and utter idiocy, or even sometimes for treason.
As a reader, I also oscillated between thinking Svejk was simple-minded or a genius manipulator. A great satire, where no institution is safe.
4/5
174-Eva-
>173 paruline:
I've been meaning to read that one for pretty much forever, but it now seems that my copy has gone on a walk-about. :( Putting it on the wishlist, I guess...
I've been meaning to read that one for pretty much forever, but it now seems that my copy has gone on a walk-about. :( Putting it on the wishlist, I guess...
176christina_reads
>175 paruline: Haha, don't worry -- three reviews behind is nothing! I'm four behind right now, but there have been times when I was eight or ten behind!
177RidgewayGirl
There's a cafe in Prague named after Svejk, with some of the classic illustrations from the book on the walls.
178paruline
>176 christina_reads:, time does have a way to creep up on us
>177 RidgewayGirl:, I've always wanted to go to Prague. If I ever do, I'll try and check out that cafe!
>177 RidgewayGirl:, I've always wanted to go to Prague. If I ever do, I'll try and check out that cafe!
179paruline
September recap!
Lots of reading, not a lot of reviewing. I've continued with the Saga series and still planning to read the 3rd volume. I've also attended too many book sales and came home with 15 used books this month. And I bought a Kobo!
Plans for October:
- write my reviews of September books
- read Rob Roy for the group read
- read something Halloweeny - I'm thinking The witch of Blackbird pond
- finish some library books - I've got a pile! L'usage du monde, An enchantment of birds, Possession
- prepare my 2015 challenge
Lots of reading, not a lot of reviewing. I've continued with the Saga series and still planning to read the 3rd volume. I've also attended too many book sales and came home with 15 used books this month. And I bought a Kobo!
Plans for October:
- write my reviews of September books
- read Rob Roy for the group read
- read something Halloweeny - I'm thinking The witch of Blackbird pond
- finish some library books - I've got a pile! L'usage du monde, An enchantment of birds, Possession
- prepare my 2015 challenge
180DeltaQueen50
Congrats on the Kobo. Is this your first e-reader? If so, welcome to the world of dangerous one-button book buying! Sounds like you have a full October planned - reading wise. :)
181rabbitprincess
>179 paruline: Muahaha!!!! I enjoy being an enabler at used book sales ;)
182paruline
>180 DeltaQueen50:, yes, it's my first e-reader. I resisted buying one for the longest time, but a coworker was selling hers for the right price. I'm hoping to use it mostly to read free classics. So far, I like the one-button downloading ;)
>181 rabbitprincess: :D
>181 rabbitprincess: :D
183ELiz_M
>179 paruline: Oooooh, a Kobo. When my nook finally dies I am definitely getting a Kobo glow. I just can't bring myself to do so while I have an ereader that is completely functional.
Possession is an excellent read, a little dense, but wonderful.
Possession is an excellent read, a little dense, but wonderful.
185paruline
39- Saga vol 2
Even though I found some of the story lines a little too rushed, I still enjoyed the world building and the art. I will continue with the series.
3.5/5
Even though I found some of the story lines a little too rushed, I still enjoyed the world building and the art. I will continue with the series.
3.5/5
186paruline
40- Le feu (Under fire)
You know what the worst thing depicted in that book was? It was not the mud, or the rain, or the bombardments, or the cold, or the death and suffering. It was the fact that the soldiers were convinced that their sacrifices were worth it because WWI would be the last war. That just broke my heart.
4/5
You know what the worst thing depicted in that book was? It was not the mud, or the rain, or the bombardments, or the cold, or the death and suffering. It was the fact that the soldiers were convinced that their sacrifices were worth it because WWI would be the last war. That just broke my heart.
4/5
187paruline
41- Le rivage des Syrtes (The opposing shore)
At this late hour where the children had abandoned the living room, the house seemed almost deserted, and a the few books on my night table called to me, as every night, with the intimidating laissez-faire and the time-honoured abandonment of a secret club, whose members have free reign over their domain; of these books, several of which could be found on the 1001 books to read before you die list, I selected The opposing shore; I felt sharply that I entered a closed world; the air itself of the quiet bedroom - extremely darkened by the opacity of the drapes, which rendered every movement somber and deliberate in these sleeping quarters, in spite of oneself - imparted a volatile essence, of the kind that flees when alerted, and which made one aware of the subtil distillation of time itself - indeed, a time that, instead of devouring itself, decanted and thickened like an old wine, with that spiritual succulence that stays on the tongue: from semi-colon to semi-colon my eyes traveled, and one could say that instead of being confined by them, that the unending sentences brought me a gothic sense of tension and expectation, like stepping stones over those rotten marshes that give the putrid wood the eternity of solid rock, and I allowed the storyline to develop its life - a life that touched the underworld of the decaying war-hungry city and imperceptibly interrupted its immaterial sap.
4/5
At this late hour where the children had abandoned the living room, the house seemed almost deserted, and a the few books on my night table called to me, as every night, with the intimidating laissez-faire and the time-honoured abandonment of a secret club, whose members have free reign over their domain; of these books, several of which could be found on the 1001 books to read before you die list, I selected The opposing shore; I felt sharply that I entered a closed world; the air itself of the quiet bedroom - extremely darkened by the opacity of the drapes, which rendered every movement somber and deliberate in these sleeping quarters, in spite of oneself - imparted a volatile essence, of the kind that flees when alerted, and which made one aware of the subtil distillation of time itself - indeed, a time that, instead of devouring itself, decanted and thickened like an old wine, with that spiritual succulence that stays on the tongue: from semi-colon to semi-colon my eyes traveled, and one could say that instead of being confined by them, that the unending sentences brought me a gothic sense of tension and expectation, like stepping stones over those rotten marshes that give the putrid wood the eternity of solid rock, and I allowed the storyline to develop its life - a life that touched the underworld of the decaying war-hungry city and imperceptibly interrupted its immaterial sap.
4/5
188RidgewayGirl
I liked your paragraph about The Opposing Shore. Does that mean I'd like the book?
189japaul22
>187 paruline: what a creative review! I'll keep that on my radar for a 1001 books book to be read.
190paruline
>188 RidgewayGirl: It's not all like that, there are some dialogues and I always looked forward to picking it up.
>189 japaul22:, Thanks! I had fun writing it.
>189 japaul22:, Thanks! I had fun writing it.
192mamzel
I love it when a writing style can inspire us to imitate it. I think it shows how much it got under our skin.
193mysterymax
Just to let you I am thinking of you guys up north.
195paruline
Where has October November gone? Seems like every time I go on LT, I'm more interested in trying to keep up with everybody's thread than in updating my own. Oh well.
Here are a couple of quick reviews.
42- Rob Roy; I wasn't familiar at all with the story. Found the plot a bit confusing, especially with the scottish dialect, but it wasn't as dry as I feared going in and the female characters were great. 3/5
43- L'assassin royal (Royal Assassin); flew through this 600-pages story of the king's bastard being raised to be an assassin. Fully developed characters, fascinating world building. A very good fantasy. However, I was disappointed to learn that this book is the first in a 13(!) books series. I don't know if I want to commit. 3,5/5
44- L'usage du monde; Non fiction travelogue. In the 60s, the author went from Belgrade, through Turkey and Irak to end up in what was then the center of the world, Kabul. Very interesting. 3,5/5
Here are a couple of quick reviews.
42- Rob Roy; I wasn't familiar at all with the story. Found the plot a bit confusing, especially with the scottish dialect, but it wasn't as dry as I feared going in and the female characters were great. 3/5
43- L'assassin royal (Royal Assassin); flew through this 600-pages story of the king's bastard being raised to be an assassin. Fully developed characters, fascinating world building. A very good fantasy. However, I was disappointed to learn that this book is the first in a 13(!) books series. I don't know if I want to commit. 3,5/5
44- L'usage du monde; Non fiction travelogue. In the 60s, the author went from Belgrade, through Turkey and Irak to end up in what was then the center of the world, Kabul. Very interesting. 3,5/5
196paruline
45- The witch of Blackbird pond; With a title like that, I thought this would be appropriate for an Halloween read. Except that I did not like the heroine very much and it wasn't very scary. Doesn't help that it suffered compared to the wonderful Ella Enchanted that I read earlier this year. All right I guess for a YA novel. 3/5
46- Oasis interdites (Forbidden Journey); Ella Maillart was quite the explorer! I'm filled with admiration for this woman who went through the deserts of China (from Peking to Kashmir) in 1935. Her sharp sense of observation, her resilience, her openness and respect toward the people she meets and their world and her wonderful turn of phrases make this a very good travel memoir. 4/5
47- An enchantment of birds; For a couple of weeks, I birdwatched vicariously through this non-fiction account of the author's encounters with different bird species. Each short chapter covers a species, its natural history and peculiarities. Even though the author is Canadian, the fact that he lives on the West coast means that most of the species seemed exotic to me. 4/5
197paruline
48- Oroonoko; I... don't know what to say. The strongest, noblest, most intelligent African prince is taken prisoner and sold into slavery. Noteworthy for a negative portrayal of slavery and of white slave masters but very hyperbolic and very 17th century. 3/5
49- La petite et le vieux (Mister Roger and me); Thank you, thank you to VivienneR and vancouverdeb for putting this wonderful book on my radar! With humour and sensitivity, we follow the tribulations of young Hélène growing up in the 80s in a working class neighbourhood of Limoilou. She lies about her age to be able to get a job delivering newspapers, learns about the world of adults from her no nonsense mother (LOVE her) and gets to know her new neighbour, Mister Roger. One of my best reads of the year and a total surprise. Highly recommended! 4,5/5
198RidgewayGirl
No, The Witch of Blackbird Pond isn't at all a horror novel! It is one of my favorites, though. I liked Kit and thought her struggle to adjust to an alien way of life were well-written. And Nat. Every girl who read that book at an impressionable age is forever looking for Nat. He's the American colonial version of Gilbert Blythe.
199paruline
#198, I can understand that it would be formative if read at the right age. But coming at it from an adult perspective unfortunately meant that it didn't really make an impression.
200rabbitprincess
Merry Christmas! It was great to see you at our LT summit again. Hope we can do some more book shopping next year ;)
201lkernagh
Stopping by to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and all the best in 2015!
203paruline
This time of year is always really busy, what with the cooking, and partying, and traveling and trying to read just. one. more. book. for the challenge. And of course, both the 2014 and the 2015 challenges are going strong, with people either finishing or starting their challenge.
I need to wrap up this thread and write some reviews but let's just say that I'm really happy with my reading year and that I reach my tiny goal of three books per category.
I need to wrap up this thread and write some reviews but let's just say that I'm really happy with my reading year and that I reach my tiny goal of three books per category.
205ELiz_M
Congratulations on reaching your goal! Have a happy new year and lots of amazing reading and bird watching in 2015!
208paruline
50- Harry Potter and the Goblet of fire (reread)
I've been reading chapters of this book to my son and one evening, after he had gone to bed, I just kept reading. It's as good the second time around and remains a favorite of the series.
5/5
I've been reading chapters of this book to my son and one evening, after he had gone to bed, I just kept reading. It's as good the second time around and remains a favorite of the series.
5/5
209paruline
51- Doomsday Book
In the near future after time travel has been mastered, historians visit and observe first hand different time periods. Young Kivrin wants to be the first to visit the very dangerous 14th century. She succeeds but something goes wrong.
Why, Connie Wilis? Why must you play with my emotions like this?
4,5/5
In the near future after time travel has been mastered, historians visit and observe first hand different time periods. Young Kivrin wants to be the first to visit the very dangerous 14th century. She succeeds but something goes wrong.
Why, Connie Wilis? Why must you play with my emotions like this?
4,5/5
210paruline
52- Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail
Phew, this book brought back fond memories of the mid-90s, especially since I spent so much time in a tent back then. She captures pretty well the 'on the trail' feeling, and I admire the fact that she doesn't make herself a sympathetic character. I will probably go see the movie.
3,5/5
Phew, this book brought back fond memories of the mid-90s, especially since I spent so much time in a tent back then. She captures pretty well the 'on the trail' feeling, and I admire the fact that she doesn't make herself a sympathetic character. I will probably go see the movie.
3,5/5
211paruline
53- Villes invisibles (Invisible cities); I almost abandoned this, not because it wasn't good, but because I felt I could not give it the attention it deserves. This is on my reread list. 3.5/5 for now.
54- Persian Pickle Club; Thanks to mysterymax for giving me this story about a quilting club set during the Depression. Friendship, hardships and secrets. 3,5/5
55- Quicksand; Have you ever been young? A woman? A member of a minority group? Wondering how to increase your level of happiness? You will find some timeless and sometimes uncomfortable truths in this impressive slim novel. 4/5
And that completes my challenge! I'll write the year's summary later today.
212paruline
Christmas haul!
The long ships
Cider with Rosie
Wise children
Je suis là by Christine Eddy (no touchstone). Several years ago, my very best friend got a C-section that went horribly wrong. Now quadraplegic, blind and with no short term memory, she lives in a long-term care facility, which is unfortunately far from my house. This is a fictionalized account of her life both before and after the surgery. I expect to cry a lot when I read it, but I'm also strangely looking forward to it?
The long ships
Cider with Rosie
Wise children
Je suis là by Christine Eddy (no touchstone). Several years ago, my very best friend got a C-section that went horribly wrong. Now quadraplegic, blind and with no short term memory, she lives in a long-term care facility, which is unfortunately far from my house. This is a fictionalized account of her life both before and after the surgery. I expect to cry a lot when I read it, but I'm also strangely looking forward to it?
213paruline
Challenge recap!
Total number of books: 55
Female authors: 25
Male authors: 28
Both male and female authors: 2
Visible minority authors: 10
Books not originally written in French or English: 9
Favorites of 2014:
The Arrival
Rashomon
Ella Enchanted
La petite et le vieux (Mr. Roger and me)
W, ou le souvenir d'enfance (W, or the memory of childhood)
Doomsday Book
Opposite of favorite:
Arcanum 17
Nausea
To the lighthouse
Total number of books: 55
Female authors: 25
Male authors: 28
Both male and female authors: 2
Visible minority authors: 10
Books not originally written in French or English: 9
Favorites of 2014:
The Arrival
Rashomon
Ella Enchanted
La petite et le vieux (Mr. Roger and me)
W, ou le souvenir d'enfance (W, or the memory of childhood)
Doomsday Book
Opposite of favorite:
Arcanum 17
Nausea
To the lighthouse
214rabbitprincess
Great stats! Haha I like your "opposite of favourite" listing :)
215VioletBramble
>209 paruline: - LOL. Good review of Doomsday Book. If you should continue with the series don't worry about Willis playing with your emotions as much with the other books. None of them have the emotional impact of Doomsday Book (IMO)
>212 paruline:- that sounds like one really botched C-section. I hope the book isn't too difficult a read for you and that it's able to depict your friend as the person that you knew and know.
Happy Reading in 2015!
>212 paruline:- that sounds like one really botched C-section. I hope the book isn't too difficult a read for you and that it's able to depict your friend as the person that you knew and know.
Happy Reading in 2015!
216paruline
>215 VioletBramble:, thanks, you're so sweet. The C-section was just complications that led to a blood infection, that led to cardiac arrest, that led to lack of oxygen to the brain. I miss her and I wish I was near her.
