fuzzi's Annual 75 Books Read or Bust Thread

I've done it before, I can do it again!

Welcome back!

Thanks!

Here's a link to my "reading register" for 2014:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/162424#4416800

Fuzzi, I am sure you can do it again and I'm glad you're here to try. I'll make more of an effort to keep up with you in 2014.

Hi, fuzzi ~ just stopping by to bookmark. I'll have to check out your reading register for 2014. I'm always so impressed with people who are organized, because I'm not at all. If I were the kind to make New Year's resolutions, that's one I'd make (to get organized).

Hiya Paul and @Storeetllr, glad you stopped by!

I believe that organizational skills are inherited, not taught. My dh is hopeless, but our son, like his mom, suffers from OCD ATDS, aka Attention to Detail Syndrome. We can't help it...it's sort of like being a sheepdog, LOL.

Hi fuzzi! I've starred your thread and hopefully can keep up.

Yay new threads!

Meant to say that I really like your ticker!

Hi Fuzzi!

Woo! I've got groupies! :D

Thanks @Storeetllr, I was trying to be different.

Hi fuzzi :)

::waves::

Another fuzzi groupie here. We're working on the costumes.

Happy New Year, fuzzi!

Hi, Fuzzi. Dropping a star...

(16) Catching it! :)

(15) Same to you, @rosalita...and all!

Fuzzi, wishing you the most wonderful of new years filled with books, joy, love and all that your heart desires.

Thank you, Paul. :)

Happy New Year, fuzzi! Here's wishing you a 2014 filled with good books, good friends, and good cheer!

A very Happy New Year to you, Fuzzi!

Happy New Year, fuzzi!

*adjusts Carmen Miranda fruit-hat* Joe, are you *sure* these are the right groupie costumes? This darn thing is backless and all my shoulder hair gets caught in the sleeves.

Hi fuzzi, see you around.

Thanks for stopping by, I'll cya all around!

>23 richardderus:: But Richard, you look so fetching in that one.

Stopping by to put in my order for my outfit (but not the Carmen Miranda one - that's obviously taken).

fuzzy, I actually came by to wish you and your family the best of health and happiness for the New Year.

Thank you, @humouress, that was so thoughtful of you.

Sorry about your hat, richard...I was kinda hungry...

#1 Sylvester and Other Stories by various authors


A charming collection of fun and interesting stories, aimed at the younger set.

#2 War Horse by Michael Morpurgo



Joey is taken from his mother at a young age and sold to a harsh man prone to drunkenness. However, his new owner has a son who quickly wins over the young horse, and they become fast friends...until war breaks out.

Much like Black Beauty, War Horse is told from an equine perspective, and is a good solid story. At first I did not think much of this book, but once Joey finds himself in France among the ruin brought about by warfare, I felt the story picked up and I began to appreciate it.

A fulfilling read, and not just for kids.

I like your review of "War Horse", fuzzi, even if I might never read it. I have a friend who hates "kid-jep" books (meaning books that feature kids in jeopardy as the plot line) and similarly, I have an aversion for pony-jep. I hated the scene in "The Never Ending Story" when the horse gets caught in quicksand. I mean, literally could not look at the screen until it was over.

War Horse SPOILER *********

DO NOT READ BELOW*********
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Neither the horse nor the boy die.
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END SPOILERS**********

I have never watched "The Neverending Story", and couldn't get far into the book...

Let's see if this works

I just learned this and haven't yet used it.

spoiler at the beginning of the text and end with /spoiler with the pointy brackets around them.

OK, the preview looks good. Let's see how it looks in the real post!

I've been down with a nasty virus the last few days, so I haven't yet said Happiest of New Year's!

ETA--Yay!

Great! Thank you for sharing that nifty html, Janet. Sorry to hear you've been sick.

Hi, fuzzi ~ Good review of War Horse! I started watching the film adaptation but just could not get into it. I don't like stories where animals or kids are placed in jeoparty either ~ much too stressful for me ~ so probably won't be reading it.

Nice tip on how to insert spoilers, Janet! Feel better!

I did watch the movie - not bad, but a bit predictably tear-jerker. It actually reminded me a lot of Black Beauty - the ups and downs of the horse's life (though with rather more shooting at him!). And I'm very glad that I knew the "horse" in the No Man's Land scenes was animatronic - I saw an online article about it before we went to the movie.

Is the book the original, or an adaptation of the movie? I'm more interested in the former, but I suspect I'll be reading it...

The book was written as original, then someone decided to make the movie.

OK, I just got bulleted...

And there's a sequel, too...

Farm Boy

Um, help this clueless person here...what is "bulleted"?

So sometimes when I open up someone's thread, blue text jumps out at me and shoots right onto my TBR. That's a book bullet, and that event is being bulleted.

LOLOL, okay, gotcha.

Sort of like the books that jump into our arms as we browse Barnes & Noble Booksellers?

Yep, exactly. :)

ooh, I like the spoiler code. I'll have to use that.

A lot of BBs flying around these days! I know I've been bulls-eyed a number of times in the past couple of days.

>39 fuzzi: That happens to you too?

Interesting article about the difference between reading on paper (books) and on an electronic device:

The studies show that....PAPER WINS!

Since the 1980s, there have been more than 100 comparative studies in the United States, U.K. Taiwan, Sweden, Norway, France and Japan to explore differences of how people read and comprehend on paper versus screens. While technology has continued to improve, it still hasn’t reached the comprehension level of traditional paper users. What we have learned from these studies is that readers prefer real paper over its electronic counterpart and achieve high levels of comprehension and retention with paper.

In the article, researchers agree that “screen-based reading can dull comprehension because it is more mentally taxing and even physically tiring that reading on paper. E-ink reflects ambient light just like the ink on a paper book, but computer screens, smart phones and tablets shine light directly on people’s faces. Prolonged reading on glossy, self-illuminated screens can cause eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision. In an experiment by Erik Wastlund, then at Karlstad University in Sweden, people who took a reading comprehension test on a computer scored lower and reported higher levels of stress and tiredness than people who completed it on paper.”

See more here:

http://twosidesus.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/scientific-american-why-the-brain-pre...

I have a bog standard kindle with e-ink screen and wouldn't trade it in for a tablet for anything. I still prefer the feel of real books but the kindle is more convenient, portable, and often cheaper - particularly for out of copyright works which I get for free usually. I have a kindle app on my phone so I could access all the same books there, but I've never used.

#44> Yes, there's a huge difference between reading on an e-ink reader and reading on a tablet, phone, or computer. The former is must more "paper-like" experience. After reading that article, it seems most of the criticisms are pointed toward computer/tablet type screens and not e-ink screens.

Some of the other e-book criticisms detailed in the graphic I would definitely agree with, such as it being easier to flip back and forth in a paper book, and it being harder to tell just where you "are" in an e-book. I've experienced e-books where the end came as a complete surprise because I hadn't realized how close I was to the end. That of course can't happen with a paper book.

I will always prefer tree books. My Kindle is the e-ink sort and I find it tremendously easy to read on. I find it *horrible* for books I want to review, however. I can never get the effin' highlight I want!

My tablet is good for reading magazines and newspapers. Books, not so much.

OK; I have to ask. What is e-ink? I just assumed it was how you read any old e-book. I've just got a Kindle Paperwhite, but I haven't read the manual yet. Does that use e-ink?

Yes, the Kindle Paperwhite uses e-ink. Basically, e-ink refers to any e-reader that is not backlit like a computer screen. I can't fully explain the technology behind e-ink, except that it uses a tiny electrical charge to "arrange" the pigment particles to form the words on the screen. Because it doesn't shine light through the display, it's less fatiguing to use for long periods of time, and there's less glare on the screen so you can use it outdoors. Since it doesn't emit its own light, you can't read in the dark (just as with a paper book), although the newer e-ink readers like the Paperwhite have added a light source that shines on top of the screen, thus providing illumination without the fatiguing properties of a backlight.

I hope that makes sense, as I am not a scientist. If anyone can chime in with corrections or additions, please do!

Ah, I see. Thanks.

What Richard says in >46 richardderus: on e-reader highlights. They've got to make that easier to do and use going forward.

My MBH and I have Paperwhite with the lighting Julia describes in >48 rosalita:, and we love them - except for highlighting. They're easy on the eyes, and you can read them at night in the dark.

(48) Thank you, that makes sense to me!

Since I'm always "bonking" my forehead with my iPad (I get sleepy), I am going to find a piece of styrofoam and cut it to make a little bumper for the top of my iPad.

Hopefully that will eliminate the raised welts on my forehead...

Wikipedia article on electronic paper, which is the generic name for the technology used by E-Ink: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronic_paper

>50 jnwelch:: What's the issue with highlighting? I've just received a Paperwhite, and I can highlight passages on it.

Have a wonderful weekend, Fuzzi!

It's going back through finding highlights that's the problem for me. There doesn't seem to be any way to sort them so they just appear in a long list in the order you highlighted

>53 humouress: Highlighting itself is clunky. Going back to a specific highlight is a lot more work than it should be, and in fact is unpleasant.

Ah. I haven't got that far yet. I'm only on my second book on the Kindle, and I don't think I highlighted anything in the first one.

Well, I'll find out; though I don't have anything to compare it against (except manually hunting through pages in a paperback - I don't mark interesting passages apart from noting the page number).

#3 Dewey the Library Cat: A True Story by Vicki Myron



A gentle and loving look at a special feline. This version is aimed at younger readers, but was suitable for an adult read.

(54) @wilkiec, thanks, you too!

Being an egalitarian reader, I can say that, though I usually prefer printed paper books, in some cases ~ like when the book is long and holding it is unweildy, when I want to take a bunch of books with me on a trip, when I want a book to keep and don't want to spend a lot of $$ on it ~ an eBook is better. Also, with my aging vision, even with glasses, paperbacks are no longer fun to read, and hard-covers ~ even shorter books ~ are too bulky to carry around in my purse. I don't like reading books on a computer due to the eyestrain factor. Plus, I'm usually too tempted by the internet when I'm on a computer or tablet. Reading on my iPhone is not an option. If I can't read paperbacks, trying to read what's on that tiny screen would be ridiculous!

I prefer paperbacks, now, because they are lightweight. Sometimes my arms/wrists get tired from holding a hardcover book. :(

E-Ink makes no sense to me but I am glad I don't have e-stains on my e-hands.

War Horse was a good, if sentimental, read given excellent treatment by the Hollywood film of it. Read it on conventional means i.e. a proper book and reckon I enjoyed it the more for doing so, Luddite that I am. I also agree that paperbacks are the thing for muscle-less characters like myself.

Have a lovely weekend, Fuzzi.

Thank you, Paul, you too. :)

#4 Nerilka's Story by Anne McCaffrey



I reread this book on a whim and for a challenge.

Nerilka is one girl in a large family that is suddenly struck by worldwide tragedy. Ashamed of her father's lack of compassion, selfishness, and hypocrisy in the situation, she leaves her home with the intention of assisting in the recovery efforts of a nearby settlement that has also suffered.

I appreciated how the author told a story through the eyes of a woman who, despite her privileged background, was determined to serve and assist those in dire need.

I assume you've read Moreta: Dragonlady of Pern?

Roni is proposing a group read of Anne McCaffrey's works for next year, if you're interested.

Found you and starred you, fuzzi!

Hi @connie53!

(65) Yes, I've read most of Anne McCaffrey's Pern books, although I sort of drifted away after All the Weyrs of Pern. I reread the original Dragonriders' trilogy and the Harperhall one, too, on a fairly regular basis. However, I never warmed up to Moreta. :(

#5 I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins

I've read Jerry Jenkins' books before such as Left Behind and Riven, but it had been a few years since I'd picked up any of his works. I was pleased to find I, Saul as interesting and enjoyable as others I have read.

While not a sweat-producing type of mystery/suspense story, the narrative still had me wanting to read "just one more chapter" to find out how things would turn out.

Dr. Augustus Knox is summoned to Italy by an old friend, by means of cryptic text messages that convey danger, risk and an urgent need for assistance. Joined by his fiance, Sofia, Augustus and his friend try to stay a jump ahead of those who would do anything for possession of an archaeological treasure beyond their wildest dreams, anything including murder.

Good read, recommended.

67> I like Moreta, and Nerilka. And Dolphins isn't bad. But Renegades and later - I read them once, don't ever need to read them again. I forget which was Weyrs - is that Robinton's end? And the Todd McCaffrey ones are just awful - in-universe inconsistencies (OK, Anne had a few, too) that drive me nuts. I read the first two and deliberately decided I was done with Pern, not reading any more new ones.

Fuzzi - I have to admit to being completely lost by the talk of Pern and McCaffreys and so on, but it is entertaining nonetheless.

Have a lovely weekend.

Thank you, @PaulCranswick. I get lost with Harry Potter talk...but PLEASE don't stay away because of Pern...I'll probably soon read something of more interest to you. :)

Jennifer, yes, that's the one...All the Weyrs of Pern. I don't think I read Dolphins of Pern, although I might have. I never warmed up to the Dragonsdawn and other "early" Pern books. While I appreciate Anne's gift of Pern, I think it went on too long, at least for me. To each his/her own.

#6 Keep a Silver Dollar by Marjorie Reynolds

Marc seems to have it good: an only child of a well-off family, living on a horse farm and with access to equestrienne events and training. However, his father is an overbearing, highly critical perfectionist, pushing Marc to do what he thinks is best for his son, and is never satisfied with his son's efforts.

And then Marc sees a horse "ruined" for never satisfying his owner, and he understands why Silver Dollar refuses to obey. When an opportunity arises, he acquires the horse, despite knowing how his father will react.

This book and another one by author Marjorie Reynolds (A Horse Called Mystery), are thoughtfully written books about adolescence. They "ring true", sound and feel as if the author has also experienced what her characters do. The reader can empathize with Marc, and his mother, and even the wise and talented groom, Backus, as they deal with a family member with unrealistic expectations. Not just for kids, recommended.

hahaha don't worry Fuzzi I have absolutely no intention of staying away. xx

I get lost with the Pern talk, too, fuzzi, but that's okay. Hope you have a relaxing weekend.

The first Pern book I read ~ Dragonflight ~ is my favorite. I've read all the others written by Anne but the first is the only one I have ever reread. I started one by Todd which I couldn't finish. It's sort of the same for me with the Darkover and Dune books ~ I read all those written by Marion Zimmer Bradley and Frank Herbert, but just did not care for the ones written subsequently.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

@PaulCranswick, thank you for that sentiment. :)

@Storeetllr, as I might have mentioned before (most likely!), I like the dragonrider and Harper Hall trilogies the best, but in each case, liked the first two books much more than the third. Strange.

And thank you and Joe for the weekend wishes. I found a plumber to fix my kitchen sink leak, and when he said he could come on Saturday morning, I was pleased but panicked! Why? Because I knew my kitchen and house was in dire need of a thorough cleaning as I've been slack lately due to health issues (sinusitis and allergies).
I managed to give it a "lick and a promise" last night, so I felt better about having someone come by, even a professional tradesman!

The sink no longer leaks, parts for the leaking toilet are ordered, the cat shelter has been cleaned, and homemade chicken soup is simmering...now I'm going to relax, and maybe read some. Aside from church tomorrow, I have no plans to stir from my home until Tuesday...when I return to work. :)

#7 Gate of Ivrel: Fever Dreams by Jane Fancher and CJ Cherryh

This graphic novel is a continuation of Gate of Ivrel: Claiming Rites, and both are based upon CJ Cherryh's superb novel, Gate of Ivrel. The artwork and adaption are both very good, although the story is not quite as clear as was the first. Recommended.

Oh! I loved Cherryh's Gate of Ivrel! Can't wait to read the graphic adaptations!

ETA glad to hear the plumbing's been seen to and all is well in your world, at least until Tuesday.

The graphic novels were published 25 years ago, but I just found out about them last year. You can find them used, try bookfinder.com. This particular one I found on ebay. Sad news: they only did the first two... :(

Edit: try getting them from the author herself!

http://www.cherryh.com/www/gate.htm

If they have any left, they'll even sign them for you!

#8 The Second-Chance Dog: A Love Story by Jon Katz

I borrowed this book from our public library on a whim...although the cover might have had something to do with it.

Author Jon Katz tells us about his escape to upstate New York, of loss, and gain, and of Frieda, the unmanageable canine companion of a special friend, Maria. He also points out the importance of second-chances in life, whether for man or dog.

Nicely written: entertaining, touching, and recommended.

I borrowed this book from our public library on a whim...although the cover might have had something to do with it.

Aha! Now I see a connection: The Second-Chance Dog: A Love Story was an ER book I requested, but did not win...no wonder it caught my eye on the "new reads" book shelf!

#9 The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

This was one of "the classics" that I chose to read in 2014. And I am glad that I did.

The Scarlet Pimpernel has history, action, romance, devotion, evil, and suspense all stirred together in a light-hearted romp through England and France during the time of the French Revolution.

Can the famous Pimpernel be warned in time of his betrayal by one close to him? Or will the dastardly representative of the bloodthirsty French Republican government, Chauvelin, triumph, and bring his quarry to meet Madame Guillotine? Keep reading to find out...

#10 Never Count Apples by Joyce Stranger

Dan and Anna have been forced off their land due to construction of a new motorway. For generations the Leighs have lived there, tending a house and farm, but all that is gone now. Dan and Anna Leigh find themselves many miles away, rebuilding their lives, coping with the anger and frustration that they are experiencing due to the actions of the government.

But then the animals start showing up, needing attention and care...and suddenly life begins to be more like the one they had to leave behind...

Joyce Stranger writes about people and situations, trials and joys, life as it really is. I like her characters, and how they are just like the rest of us, coping with life whether in good or bad times.

Good read, engaging characters, lots of animals, a winner!

#11 A Walk in the Dark by Joyce Stranger

Steve Drake is an accomplished shepherd and dog trainer, busy preparing his farm and house for the arrival of his soon-to-be bride, Mara, when his selfless act saves lives, but leaves him blind. No longer able to run the farm or care for his flocks, Steve rejects Mara, and wallows in self-pity...until he boards with Anna Leigh and her ever growing menagerie of animals.

I enjoyed this story of trial, and growth. As with her other works, the author fleshes out each of her characters so that they appear to be real, people with depth and background. You come to care for each of them, sympathizing with their issues. Recommended.

#12 Frightful's Mountain by Jean Craighead George

A worthy successor to My Side of the Mountain, this book tells the story of Frightful and her offspring. Sam and the rest are back as well, but this time the emphasis is on the Peregrine falcon.

#13 Three-ten to Yuma by Elmore Leonard

This is a collection of short stories in the "western" tradition. As a fan of Louis L'Amour, I expected something similar to Louis' works, and while each story had an interesting plot with developed characters, they were and yet were not the same as classic Westerns. For one, Elmore Leonard doesn't always let the reader know what will happen next, but leaves the epilogue to the imagination. There are twists in the plot, too

I really enjoyed these stories, and plan to read more by this author.

#14 Boomerang Hunter by Jim Kjelgaard

Another good nature read by Jim Kjelgaard, this time in the wilds of Australia.

What I appreciate from stories by this author is their authenticity, they "ring true" depicting man and dog surviving in the wilderness against the odds. I was a little disappointed in the ending, it seemed to be abrupt, but then I recalled that this particular book was published after Kjelgaard's death, which might explain the slight "unfinished" feel. Still, definitely worth reading.

#15 Blood of Ten Chiefs by various authors

This volume is a blend of fantasy, nature and real life emotions. The world created by Wendy and Richard Pini is expanded by several authors including Lynn Abbey, Piers Anthony, CJ Cherryh, Nancy Springer and Janny Wurts, just to name a few. If you've never experienced the World of Two Moons, aka Elfquest, or if you're well acquainted with the Wolf Riders, you should appreciate and enjoy this collection of stories.

Wow, you've been busy writing reviews! #15 sounds like it would appeal to me, though I don't know Elfquest or Wolf Riders. Maybe an intro to that/those series?

The entire series is available online, to read for free at Elfquest.com.

The artwork is superb, but the story lines are wonderful, with well developed characters. A friend of mine introduced me to Elfquest in 1988 and I've never stopped loving it.

I don't allow myself to read a book without reviewing it...so I usually get it done in 24 hours.

Huh. I'll have to check Elfquest.com out!

Huh. I didn't know that - I own the full first series, does the stuff on the website include the spinoffs? I never did manage to find all of the far-future one (Renegades), or Ember's story, or...yeah. I'll have to check that out.

The Elfquest website has ALL the past issues, but you'll need flash to read them. Since I usually surf on my iPad, I can't access the issues, but I do have all the single copies and compiled editions at home. The only ones I don't have are the last few of the Barry Blair series ("Evergreen" was ever-not-good imho), and I think I skipped some of the later issues of "Rogue's Challenge". Oh, and I don't have The Sword and the Searcher, which I read online.

I loved the Holiday Special... :grin:



Seriously, this one story is fantastic, but you need to have the background to understand the animosity of these two.

Oh, while I'm reminiscing on Elfquest, let's all drool over Wendy Pini's talent:





There's one more that I just cannot find online, but it's in this book:



and it's of Cutter facing down three wolves.

Enjoy!

Edit: here it is!

Wow, can't believe how behind I am on threads.

I remember being enthralled by The Scarlet Pimpernel when I read it - although I never read any of the sequels.

We seek him here, we seek him there,
the Frenchies seek him everywhere

Or at least that's how my 40 year ago memory recalls it.

I enjoyed The Scarlet Pimpernel, too, fuzzi. My daughter loved it, and did read a whole bunch of the sequels.

At the time I read it, I didn't know there were any sequels. (Small town libraries and all that).

We were visiting my grandma & other relatives in very small town North Dakota when my favorite aunt loaned me the book to read. When I fell in love with it, she gave me the book.

Somewhere along the line I've enjoyed a movie version or two of it.

I just read The Scarlet Pimpernel for the first time, and found out:

1. There was more than one movie adaptation
2. There are sequels to the book

LT is just full of information. :)

Janet, your memory is good...I'm pretty sure that's the "poem" recited in the book.

My favorite adaptation was the one that starred Jane Seymour and Anthony Andrews, with Ian Kellen as Chauvelin.

I was trying to remember when I first saw Andrews acting...and thanks to imdb.com, I now remember!

I saw him in "Upstairs Downstairs", "The Dutchess of Duke Street" and probably "Ivanhoe".

From today's work at the cat shelter:


This is Augusta.

She is about 9 or 10, and has spent her entire life in the shelter...she's NEVER been adopted since she was a young cat.

Why? She gets scared when faced with strangers, aka doesn't "show well", but she's a real love-bug to us.

Aw, beautiful cat! I'm sorry people don't see the sweetness inside her, but it takes awhile to get to know a kitty (or person, or dog, or bird), and most people don't have/take the time. I'm glad she's got good friends at the shelter who give her love and hugs.

ETA that's a great portrait of Augusta, fuzzi. Did you take it? Really great capture of light and pose.

Wasn't Anthony Andrews also in the TV adaptation of Brideshead Revisited, along with Jeremy Irons? *goes off to check* Yes, he was! It was aired in 1981 ~ man, that was awhile ago! Here's the link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brideshead_Revisited_(TV_serial)

Oh, Augusta is *beautiful*! Poor little soul.

Augusta sounds like she has the same personality as my Sally. I never have to worry about Sally going too far outside because she comes running back in when there are strangers around and hides when anyone visits. She is quite affectionate with my son and I, so fits in very well to our family.

Mary, yes, I took the photo. Thank you.

I recall Brideshead Revisited, but never watched it.

(104) One of the ladies who founded the no-kill shelter has said that Augusta would probably be unhappy elsewhere, as the shelter and volunteers are all she's ever known.

#16 North Carolina is My Home by Charles Kuralt

Not heavy enough to be a typical "coffee table book", yet this volume is loaded with trivia and reminisces of what it is like to be from North Carolina. The numerous photos are beautiful, too.

That is probably true about Augusta. We got Sally when she was less than a year old which is why she was able to bond with us but she doesn't want to have anything to do with anyone new.

I love Augusta. She has a real sweet aura!

>99 Storeetllr: That's my favorite film/tv movie of The Scarlet Pimpernel, too. Anthony Andrews nails it.

#17 The Frugal Gourmet Cooks American by Jeff Smith

This is an older cookbook with an twist: the recipes are either original from early America, including Colonial times, early pioneers, west-bound settlers, etc., or have been recreated from information left in historical documents. There's a wealth of historical commentary here, and this book includes a glossary. It makes a nice addition to a casual cook's kitchen...someone like me.

Frugal Gourmet Cooks American sounds wonderful! I will have to find it and maybe buy it for the historical value (since I am not much of a cook). I have a cookbook handed down from my great grandmother ~ it features recipes of First Ladies ~ published in 1887 (The White-House Cook-Book by F. L. Gillette). It's falling apart and the pages are crumbling at the edges, so I can't really read it, but the little I've seen of it is fascinating. (I know I need to see what I can do about conserving it, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.)

I have another of his cookbooks, and a couple by James Beard as well. I don't always follow the recipes, as I'm a "seat-of-the-pants" type of cook, but I glean information to use in what I do cook.

What a treasure you have! Perhaps you could scan the pages before they are lost?

My sister is the cook in the family (though I make a mean curry, if I do say so myself, and the best greek chicken ever), and she often ignores our cookbook collection and gets ideas on the internet, then, like you, does her own thing.

ETA that's a good idea (the scanning), though it's a really big book! I think I'll see what I need to do to keep it from deteriorating further. It's more a family keepsake than anything particularly valuable.

It's valuable for family. My eldest sister asked me to go through my recipe cards, and scan any that were in our mother's handwriting. My sister then made cookbooks as wedding presents for her daughter, and mine. Now they have their Nana's recipes in her own handwriting. As our Mom has been gone for almost 20 years, it is a very special present!

What a lovely idea! I may have to find the recipes I have in my mom's handwriting (she's been gone over 40 years now) and scan them for my sisters and nieces.

#18 Animals Do the Strangest Things by Leonora Hornblow

A fun romp through a book full of animals! Each animal has two or more pages describing their "strange" behavior in an easy to understand but not boring format. The drawings are smile-producing, too.

#19 At the Edge of Space by CJ Cherryh

I completed the first book in this series of two...why was I surprised that it was very good?

The first book is Brothers of Earth, which takes us into unknown space, with a human stranded on a planet of beings on the verge of war.

As I read, I found myself thinking, "This is like a SciFi/Fantasy version of Shogun"!

Ms. Cherryh, please consider that comment as a compliment.

Sounds like a very nice compliment, indeed.

#20 The Chosen by Chaim Potok

This was one of my mother's favorite books, but despite recommendations from her and others, I never read it...until this week. What a shame.

The story is of two Jewish teens during World War II: one is Hasidic, the other is of a more liberal sect, and yet, they find common ground and become friends.

This was a fascinating read, both due to the author's knowledge and understanding about the Jewish faith and his ability to submerge the reader into the culture of the time. You feel for Danny, raised by a rabbi father who does not speak to him except when debating Talmud, destined to follow in his father's position despite interest in a more secular occupation. The story is told from the perspective of Danny's friend, Reuven, whose father is also a Jewish scholar, but an antithesis of all that is Hasidic.

I lost a lot of sleep this past week, not wanting to put a marker in my place in order to get some sleep. Highly recommended...and don't wait thirty years to read it, as I did!

Loved The Chosen, fuzzi. So glad it grabbed you like that. My Name is Asher Lev is another one of his I loved.

Book bullets, Lor. I know there are some Chaim Potok books in one of the uncataloged boxes upstairs, but I have not yet read any. Your review has put at least one onto my 'must read this year' list.

Thanks for the kind comments.

Janet, I've started reading The Promise, book two, and will let you know how I like it.

Joe, I also have My Name is Asher Lev on my shelves, unread. I think I'll be on a Chaim Potok marathon for the foreseeable future, rest of the month?

Good review of The Chosen. I am going to put it on my Wishlist where I HOPE it doesn't languish for 30 years. It better not, because if it were to languish for 30 years, I'd never read it, what with my current age and the anticipated length of my life. Also need to read (reread?) some Cherryh.

That's the way I am, too, fuzzi - if I find a new author I like, I'll often read a bunch of his/her books then and there. A Chaim Potok marathon would make for a lot of good reading!

(123) Mary, read both! Need a recommendation re: CJ Cherryh?

Joe, my marathon will have to be three books or less...I have to stop buying more books, at least for a couple of weeks. There's no place to put them...

Thanks, fuzzi ~ I've read a lot of Cherryh's stuff, so I just need to figure out which series I haven't gotten to yet.

Re no place to put books, that's what libraries are for! (I borrow most of the books I read these days, or get them on Kindle, for that very reason.)

#21 Find Momo by Andrew Knapp

What fun!

Find Momo is a book I won through LT's Early Reviewer program, and a book that I plan to keep. The author has compiled photos of his Border Collie, "Momo", hiding in different settings...sort of like a canine "Where's Waldo". It's not always obvious where Momo is hiding in each picture, but if you give up, the answers are at the end of the book.

Enjoyable for all ages!

Adding The Chosen to my wishlist - thanks for the review!

And I'll be looking for Momo on the library shelves!

I'm glad to recommend good books!

#22 The Promise by Chaim Potok

This book continues the story of two friends, Danny the Hasidic and Reuven the Orthodox Jew, who we first met in The Chosen.

Reuven is studying to become a rabbi, but struggling with open hostility from his teachers who oppose modern methods of explaining difficult passages in the Talmud. Without their approval, he cannot become a rabbi, yet he will not be dishonest about his beliefs in order to achieve his goals.

Danny is a psychology student at Columbia University. Part of his studies include working with emotionally and mentally disturbed children. When the son of Reuven's mentor and friend requires evaluation, Danny finds himself doubting his knowledge and abilities.

Excellent novel about people and their relationships, especially when complicated by polar opposite beliefs in religion.

WOW WOW WOW, three books in a row!!!

I'm currently reading The Peace Child, and cannot put it down.

I don't know how I missed it, fuzzi, but I don't think I ever read The Promise. Thanks for the helpful review. Onto the WL it goes.

Find Momo sounds like fun, too.

Find Momo is a blast, really!

You read The Chosen but not The Promise?

Have fun!

#23 Peace Child by Don Richardson

From the first pages, this book not only held my attention, but occupied my thoughts when I was not reading it.

This book immerses you first into the native Sawi culture, and then adds the stories of those who arrive with medicines, modern tools, and a desire to help stop the practices of headhunting and cannibalism practiced there.

Fascinating book. Recommended.

#24 Beloved Bride by William Potter

This is a delightful book of letters written by General "Stonewall" Jackson to his wife, during the time he served in the Confederate army. The editor of this little book has added pertinent information about the history surrounding the time these letters were penned, fleshing out the characters and the culture. But the best part of this book, for me, was the sweetness, affection, and endearing prose exhibited by Jackson in the missives penned by him, and sent to his wife, Anna.

>16 Crazymamie:
I've added Animals Do The Strangest Things to the tbr pile.

I see you are reading many four star books! When that happens, it is joyous.

The string of 4 star books has been great, @Whisper1...but I hit a "why did I pick up this book?" read yesterday. I will finish and review it, and go on to something much better.

4 "greats" out of 5 books isn't bad, fuzzi, though too bad you had to hit a snag with your last one.

Yep, and here's the stinker...

#25 Logan's Run by William F. Nolan

I decided to read this based upon my enjoyment of the campy/cheesy movie by the same name. This book is totally unlike the movie. Much of it is not only poorly written, but terribly dated. Although I finished reading the story, I did not enjoy it.

>139 fuzzi:: Uh oh. Well, I *love* the movie for it's cheese factor, but I think I'll skip the book. Sorry that you had to suffer through it!

No problem, thanks for the sentiment.

After reviewing Logan's Run, I noticed that I am not alone in my opinion: not a few reviews really panned the book.

#26 Dot for Short by Frieda Friedman

Yippee! I love it when a book from my childhood turns out to be as good a read as an adult, if not better. Such is the case with Dot for Short.

Dot is ten years old, and lives with her two sisters and younger brother on Third Avenue in NYC, circa late 1940s. Her sisters are tall and pretty, her brother is energetic and funny, but Dot is the small, "plain", insecure sibling. However, she has a caring heart. When faced with adult issues, she makes plans to help those she loves, if it means doing something unusual, something outside her "comfort zone".

I loved my reread of this story from my childhood: the children could be from today, with similar fears and worries. I enjoyed a look back, too, at an era before television.

#27 My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

Superb.

The author has drawn a detailed and convincing portrait of a gifted child, driven to draw, paint, and express himself through art, to the bewilderment and anger of his parents. This is not a simple story, but deep, reflective, and full of inner turmoils of a young man who cannot hold back his flood of creativity, even though it may shatter the world of his family, his heritage, and his faith.

#28 Amy and Laura by Marilyn Sachs

Amy and Laura are excited: after almost a year, their mother will be coming home from the hospital! But things are not the same, their mother is in a wheelchair, and their father has forbidden them from saying or doing anything that might upset her. To make matters worse, Amy's teacher "hates" her, and the school bully has set her sights on Laura!

I enjoy stories about children that are truly about how they act, and feel, and Marilyn Sachs is an author who captures what it is like to be an adolescent.

Enjoyable read.

Okay, looks like Asher Lev is going on the Wish List. The list keeps getting longer and longer. There are so many books I want to read before I die that I may never be able to actually, you know, die.

... There are so many books I want to read before I die that I may never be able to actually, you know, die. ...

Sounds like a plan, hmm?

#29 Kym by Joyce Stranger

This book is about a Siamese cat, as told by his "mother", author Joyce Stranger. From the time he came home, a tiny yet feisty kitten, Kym was special, talkative, daring, and too eager to use up his nine lives. The author shares her memories of Kym with humor, pathos, and love. Recommended.

#30 Cuckoo's Egg by CJ Cherryh

Note to Self: never pick up a CJ Cherryh book, that is close to being finished, near bedtime...

This is a reread, at least I think it is, but aside from a positive feeling when I saw the cover, I have NO recollection of any of the plot or characters. I still have a positive feeling, but now I can elaborate WHY.

Thorn is different: smooth skinned, immobile ears, and in other physical attributes, but the respected warrior Duun raises him from infancy, with patience, and affection. As Thorn grows, he is taught a Way, the Way of the Hatani, the warrior-judging class, despite his appearance, despite his obviously not being the same species as those around him. Dunn has his reasons to raise Thorn in this manner, reasons that eventually will come to light when Thorn grows old enough to be seen as a threat to some, a danger to those who would not hesitate to use assassination against him.

Excellent story, well-developed characters, and a twisted plot that does not reveal itself fully until the final pages. Highly recommended.

#31 Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini

This week my intent was to read Captain Blood, considered a classic, and a book that's been sitting on my shelves/e-reader for far too long.

I enjoyed Captain Blood, partly for the story, and partly for the verbal fencing. I loved how the title character was able to handle those who were under the impression that they were "somebody". Even the uncle of the love interest, Arabella, can't match wits or swords with Peter Blood.

The arrogance of the aristocracy of the time period is well portrayed, and the passages describing the battle tactics and life on the ship were interesting. None of the descriptions were distracting from the plot, which sailed right along. I was surprised to discover that this book was over 300 pages...it read much like a substantially shorter story.

Recommended.

>149 fuzzi: I so enjoyed reading Captain Blood a couple years ago. Pure storytelling, no fancyings-up or unnecessary artification. *aaahhh*

And the verbal sparring, loved it!

I probably should rent the Errol Flynn movie for a re-watch, it's been years.

Another fan of old-timey Captain Blood here. Tons o' fun. Glad you had a good time with it, fuzzi.

I've been meaning to watch the old Errol Flynn movie again some time; I have no memory of whether it was at all faithful to the book.

Joe, the movie is fuzz(y) in my mind, but as I was reading the book, I kept thinking, "Yep, that's in the movie".

There's a lot more in the book than in the movie, as one might expect.

It's a great movie, but not particularly faithful to the book: it eliminates anything we might roughly classify as "political" (i.e. Peter's relationship with / battles against the Spanish, his service with the French) and bumps up the romancing and swashbuckling.

These aren't complaints, you understand; merely observations. :)

#32 Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Forty plus years after reading Treasure Island, I have finally completed my second book by Robert Louis Stevenson, Kidnapped.

Protagonist David Balfour is the heir to his uncle's estate, but his uncle doesn't want to share, so he arranges for his nephew to be taken to the Carolinas as a slave. Sometimes plans just don't follow through as we'd like, and David finds himself on the run, trying to survive long enough to get home and enact revenge.

Good story, should be interesting and/or readable for youth and up.

Note: I gave this book three stars: the story moved along nicely, although the Scottish words used throughout the text had me skipping to the glossary in the back of the book, a lot.

#33 Carol by Frieda Friedman

Carol is unhappy with the way things have changed: she used to live in a house surrounded by green grass and trees, but now that her father is working in the city, her whole family has moved into a small and uncomfortable apartment. At first other children in the neighborhood want to be friends, but Carol's pouting and brooding over her current circumstances has alienated them. Will Carol stay friendless until she's old and cranky, like the downstairs neighbor, Miss Tyler, who is always complaining about everything, and never has anything good to say?

I liked this book, partly because of the way Carol is portrayed, as a little bit of a snob, who can't see that her own selfishness is keeping her from making friends. The author has created a character and situation that is a little deeper than many children's books, but without a "preachy" feel to it.

#34 The Christmas Dog by Melody Carlson

Betty is feeling lonely: her children live too far away to visit her, her granddaughter doesn't communicate, her friends are busy with their own families, and Christmas just around the corner isn't helping. Her new neighbor is also making it hard to be neighborly, and when a filthy and hungry dog shows up on Betty's steps, she just knows it's Jack's way of aggravating her further.

Despite it being predictable and not terribly well-written, I did enjoy this story, as a sweet and simple tale about love lost, and found again.

#35 Wild Brother by Mary E. Patchett

Mary Patchett was raised in the wild areas of Australia's Outback, and her knowledge of the terrain, weather, and creatures is very evident in her works. In Wild Brother, she tells the tales of the people of the Outback, and those of the wildlife, especially the dingos, the golden wild dogs, hunted and trapped mercilessly for their ravages upon the sheep herds.

What I like about this author's style is that she portrays nature (and man) as they are, without "Disney-fying" them. There is a cruel dingo hunter, who takes delight in enacting petty revenge upon animals, yet the other people, who also try to eliminate the wild dogs, do so without ill-will, but out of necessity.

I really liked Wild Brother, and plan to read more books by this author.

If you appreciate the straightforward nature/animal stories of Rutherford Montgomery, you should enjoy this book.

#36 Port Eternity by CJ Cherryh

This is a short novel about what happens when a ship gets lost in between galaxies, in a 'no man's land', and is unable to escape. The characterizations of the engineered servants and the "born" owners is interesting, and develops as the story progresses. I found myself sucked in and wondering how it was all going to turn out. I dropped it 1/2 a star for a less than satisfying ending, not typical of this author. Recommended.

Hi, fuzzi ~ I've been meaning to get over here and thank you for recommending Shogun. I've been listening to it on audio and, though it's long and sometimes glacially slow reading, I'm enjoying it very much and, now that I'm nearing the end, am even feeling a bit sad to know it's almost over.

Hope all is well with you!

>160 Storeetllr: I am SO glad you're enjoying Shogun! There are a few books that I reread every 2-3 years, and Shogun is one.

Is your audio version unabridged?

Oh, lord, I HOPE so! It's about 50 hours long. *checking* Yes, it's unabridged.

I think I'm learning some Japanese just listening to it.

I learned a few Japanese words by reading it, like 'dozo' and 'miru'.

Hai!

#37 The Bambino and Me by Zachary Hyman

What a fun read this was, even for someone raised as a Red Sox fan!

A young boy idolizes Babe Ruth, but has never had the opportunity to see him play. On his birthday, he receives two presents: one is two tickets to go to see the Yankees and Red Sox play...but the second is a Red Sox jersey and cap, which his mother forces him to wear to the game! What's a young Yankee fan to do?

Loved the story, loved the illustrations, and I am looking forward to another book by Zachary Hyman, coming out later this year, called Hockey Hero.

#38 The Janitor's Girl by Frieda Friedman

Sue likes their new home in Manhattan, and is looking forward to making friends with other girls from school. But her older sister worries that their father's new job, being the apartment building's superintendent, aka janitor, might keep them from making friends.

This entertaining and sweet story of growing up in the city, in the 1960's, was a pleasant read.

#39 Cry of the Heart by Mary Elwyn Patchett

A somber look at the life of a cattleman and his family, in the Australian outback.

The author, Mary Elwyn Patchett, doesn't sugar-coat the harsh existence of people and animals in the unforgiving wilderness, but weaves a good story. I was reminded of The Thorn Birds as I read, another story full of the knowledge of the life people have and continue to live in many harsh corners of the world.

If you can't handle how cruel man and "nature" can be, I would suggest you skip this book. However, in skipping Cry of the Heart, you would miss a good "read". And you'd never meet Mu, and Juli.

#40 Wild Horse by Glenn Balch

I have to start this review by saying I really enjoy books by Glenn Balch. His "horse/dog" books are not geared down to children, but can be read at either a juvenile or adult level.

I've read a couple books in this series but never book number 1, Wild Horse (aka The Stallion King). From the early pages of the story, I can see where the author set the stage for several books to follow. We meet Ben and Dixie, Steve and their parents who own the Tack Ranch. In this book we also are introduced to the horse trainer, "Gaucho" from South America.

The story, about a young man (Ben is about 13) and his younger sister, Dixie (love her independent spirit!) who monitor a wild horse herd several miles away from their ranch, in the wilds of Idaho. A new stallion has taken over, a huge black horse with obvious good breeding. They name him "King", and are cheered by the idea of his progeny helping to improve the "broomtails/scrubs" breeding of the area.

But when men arrive with intent to either capture or kill King, Ben and Dixie try to come up with a plan to save him.

Good story, nice characters, not sweet but real. Recommended.

... so many book bullets ...

>168 humouress: yep, I get those too, when I visit threads by other LT'ers...

...thanks for stopping by! :)

Hmmm! An animal author I didn't know, and his style sounds good. Is there such a thing as an author bullet?

>170 jjmcgaffey: why not? I've gotten hit by a few here... :)

#41 Swamp Cat by Jim Kjelgaard

Andy Gates lives on his own land, deep in the swamps. While he manages to make enough money trapping and doing odd jobs, he plans a way to make the swamp pay better. His main obstacle is Luke, a man who can't let go of the feud between their families. Andy's main ally and friend is Frosty, an extraordinarily independent cat.

Good read, with lots of information about wildlife.

I wanted to poke in and see how you are doing!?

>173 mellymel171328: hi! My father had surgery on the 16th, and we're taking care of him at home. I thought the situation would give me more opportunity to read, but it hasn't.

I am rereading Jane Eyre in my "spare time".

How are you doing? :)

Hope your dad is doing well, fuzzi.

>175 humouress: thank you, he is doing better! The nurse came and checked him yesterday.

He's walking strongly with his walker, and doing his exercises faithfully.

He'll be going back to the doctor for a post-surgical follow up appointment next Friday, May 9th.

That's good news, fuzzi. I'm glad he's doing better, and keeping at it with his exercises. Hope you get more opportunities to read soon.

>174 fuzzi: Reading and post-surgical care don't tend to go together, unfortunately.

>176 fuzzi: That's great that he is doing well and doing his exercises. John's Mom did not do her execises after her hip surgery and has paid ever since with mobility issues.

Remember to take good care of yourself, too.

Thank you for your kind words and concern. :)

End of April stats:

6 books read and reviewed, total of 41 in 2014
3 ROOT books read and reviewed, total of 12 in 2014

Real life has been severely curtailing my reading, but I'm not giving up!

Come on May!!!

You're doing excellently well, considering the RL demands on your time and attention and emotional energy. Very very happy that dad is walking well and, crucially, doing his exercises.

Thank you, richard. I really appreciate it.

I still have the midnight to 6am shift, making sure he gets to the bathroom and back to bed okay. Most nights he wakes me up at least three times, and I'm still working full time...

...zzzzzzzzzzzzz...

#42 Horse Show Hurdles by Joan Houston

Horse Show Hurdles is a worthy continuation of Joan Houston's first book, Jump-shy. It's summer again, so Cynnie and Tam are back in Vermont visiting with their uncle. The Leroy stables has become the popular place to be, so after a dispute with the owner of the Wilby Stables, Uncle Peter moves his nieces' horses to Leroy's. Cynnie is thrilled due to her friends already being there, but Tam's loyalties are to Frank Wilby and his stable hand, Steven. The climax comes at the annual horse show, when Tam "grabs the reins" of a serious problem in an effort to protect her "big" sister.

I enjoyed this sequel almost as much as the previous book. All the characters are back, although the younger sister, Tam, is showing more maturity than her sibling, who can't say "no", no matter what the cost. The people are real, as are the situations, and the result was a very enjoyable read. I'll be looking for a copy of this book to add to my library for a future reread.

#43 Henry Reed's Journey by Keith Robertson

Henry Reed is back again, with his friend Midge and her parents, as they traverse the US from California to NJ. As usual, Henry doesn't intend for incidents to happen, but somehow each quiet day turns into an adventure, somehow...with an accidental gold rush, a bruising at Disney Land, and adoption by a Hopi tribe...just to name a few.

I've read three of the Henry Reed stories, and have enjoyed them for the humorous situations that Henry, the first person protagonist, gets himself into. While written in the late 1950's, some aspects of the stories might seem dated, but don't detract from the overall fun. Recommended.

#44 Early Birdy Gets the Worm by Bruce Lansky

Early Birdy wakes up before her nestmates, and decides to find her own breakfast. Instead of a meal, she discovers that getting the worm wasn't as easy as she thought.

This is a cute book for pre-readers, with only bright and colorful pictures to tell Early Birdy's story. It brought a smile to my face, and should bring joy (and countless re-readings!) to young children.

#45 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

This currently has 568 reviews here on LT. What can I add to this huge resource of plot description and critical analysis?

How about how it made me feel?

I love quality dialogue, especially back and forth verbal sparring, and appreciate how the use of dialogue can help the reader come to truly know the characters he/she is reading about. Jane Eyre is like that. As I read this story, I felt as if I personally knew these people, their faults and shining moments. The extensive but not inappropriate use of (somewhat) archaic vocabulary within this story added another layer of depth to the book. Miss Bronte's writing style also made me smile, laugh, shake my head in wonder, and even "tsk tsk" when the characters did something unseemly. These were real people to me, and I wished I could join them for an evening of conversation and sharing.

Superb.

>186 fuzzi: Oh, lovely thoughts on Jane Eyre! It's one of my all-time favorites and I'm glad that you enjoyed it, too!

>187 scaifea: I love it when other readers enjoy a book as much as I do!

#46 Lost Horse by Glenn Balch

Horse-runner Tom Sample shows up at the Tack Ranch one day, with a smirk on his face and a stranger in tow, Andy Blair. Andy's thoroughbred colt was stolen several years back, and he's never given up hope that he'd be found one day. Tom suggests that the wild horse, King, is Andy's long-lost colt, and offers to catch the wild stallion...for a fee, of course.

Ben and Dixie try to come up with a plan to keep King free and wild. Barring that, they intend to do anything to protect the wild herds from injury or worse, as Tom and his gang strive to capture King, no matter what it takes...including killing wild horses...

Nice review of Jane Eyre! Can't believe I haven't read that one yet!

>190 countrylife: thank you. It is going to be on my best of 2014, for sure.

Have you watched any of the movie/television series? If not, I extremely highly recommend the 1983 version with Timothy Dalton. It is the closest to the book, imo, and others opinion as well. :)

>188 fuzzi: Me, too! :)

>191 fuzzi: Thanks for the rec! I've added that version to my queue.

>193 countrylife: you are most welcome.

I love the wordplay:

"Am I hideous, Jane?"

"You always were, Sir."

LOLOLOL...

#47 The End of the Outlaws by Mary Elwin Patchett

This is the seventh in the "Ajax" series, about a young girl and her adventures growing up in the Australian Outback. The first few chapters are about the protagonist as a very little girl, before she got Ajax, her half Dingo companion. I thoroughly enjoyed the prequel chapters as well as the main story about cattle rustlers.

The Ajax series is autobiographic: the author really did have many, if not all of the experiences as written. The stories sound authentic, which makes them that much better. Recommended...if you can find it (I got my reading copy through an online lending library).

#48 Dave and His Dog, Mulligan by Jim Kjelgaard

Dave is 17, son of a game warden, and planning to follow in his father's footsteps. He finds himself in the desert with a rich game hunter, both trying to track down a man-killing lion with the help of Mulligan, Dave's mixed breed dog.

In this story we find ourselves in one of Jim Kjelgaard's favorite places: the wilderness, but instead of the piney woods of Pennsylvania, this time we are in the desert. The story is interesting, and kept my attention for the duration of the read. Kjelgaard's characters know the wilderness, the animals that live there, and the way a person must act in order to survive. Entertaining and recommended.

#49 Buck, Wild by Glenn Balch

This is the last book that Glenn Balch wrote, and it ranks with the best of his works. Told entirely from the perspective of a wild horse in contemporary Idaho, it is neither romantic or tragic, just realistic.

The story starts with the birth of a little yellow foal, the product of a range stallion and a wild mare in the mountainous areas of Idaho. As we read, we see Buck grow, survive, and overcome obstacles that wild horses face daily in order to live another day. Not Disney, but not depressing, either. Recommended.

#50 Haunt Fox by Jim Kjelgaard

This was an engaging and fun read from cover to cover. Star is a young fox with wits and brains to match or exceed the humans and dogs in his home area. Due to having an uncanny ability to confound those who hunt him, and leaving six-toed tracks in the snow, local trapper Dade Matson refers to Star as a Ha'nt (Haunt/ghost) fox. The name sticks, and those who enjoy running their dogs against a fox take up the challenge.

Realistic, but not explicit, this is a thoroughly entertaining story for kids or adults.

Sounds like a good one, fuzzi. Looks like you've been having some nice reads.

Happy Memorial Day! Hope you've been having a good weekend.

>199 jnwelch: thank you, Joe. I've had a good, busy weekend. We went to the new X-men movie this afternoon, and enjoyed it.

I hope to get back to your threads, soon. :)