brenzi's 2014 Reading - Opening Round
This topic was continued by brenzi's 2014 Reading - Too Excited to Read (much).
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2014
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1brenzi
”Elsewhere the sky is the roof of the world; but here the earth was the floor of the sky. The landscape one longed for when one was away, the thing all about one, the world one actually lived in, was the sky, the sky!” Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop
BOOKS READ IN 2014
L - library book
NF – Non-fiction
8. Mr. Britling Sees It Through - H. G. Wells - 4 stars
7. An Officer and a Spy - Robert Harris - L - 5 stars
6. When We Were Bad - Charlotte Mendelson - 4.5 stars
5. The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz - Mordecai Richler - 3 stars
4. The War that Ended Peace - Margaret MacMillan - NF - L - 4.6 stars
3. William: An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton - 4 stars
2. Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather - 4.8 stars
1. Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink - NF - 5 stars
Currently Reading:
Books that Came into the House this Month:
Why Shoot a Butler? - Georgette Heyer
MY BUDDY
2brenzi
2014 marks the centenary of World War I and much of my reading will be centered on that so in that vein here is some of the artwork from the war period.
Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967)
"How to Die"
Dark clouds are smouldering into red
While down the craters morning burns.
The dying soldier shifts his head
To watch the glory that returns;
He lifts his fingers toward the skies
Where holy brightness breaks in flame;
Radiance reflected in his eyes,
And on his lips a whispered name.
You'd think, to hear some people talk,
That lads go West with sobs and curses,
And sullen faces white as chalk,
Hankering for wreaths and tombs and hearses.
But they've been taught the way to do it
Like Christian soldiers; not with haste
And shuddering groans; but passing through it
With due regard for decent taste.
Siegfried Sassoon (1886-1967)
"How to Die"
Dark clouds are smouldering into red
While down the craters morning burns.
The dying soldier shifts his head
To watch the glory that returns;
He lifts his fingers toward the skies
Where holy brightness breaks in flame;
Radiance reflected in his eyes,
And on his lips a whispered name.
You'd think, to hear some people talk,
That lads go West with sobs and curses,
And sullen faces white as chalk,
Hankering for wreaths and tombs and hearses.
But they've been taught the way to do it
Like Christian soldiers; not with haste
And shuddering groans; but passing through it
With due regard for decent taste.
3brenzi
Favorite Books of 2013:
FICTION
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Galore by Michael Crummey
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Let Him Go by Larry Watson
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
A Dance to the Music of Time First, Second, Third and Fourth Movements – Anthony Powell
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
The Colors of Infamy by Albert Cossery
NON-FICTION
Hellhound on his Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Hunt for His Assassin by Hampton Sides
River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candace Millard
Book that Had the Biggest Impact on Me (and yet I am embarrassed to say I loved it)
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. Dunn is either a genius or the most depraved human being on the face of the planet. How else to explain a book that is both repugnant and thoughtful, repellent yet moving, unsettling and also thought provoking. Easily the most bizarre, stomach-turning, freakishly off the wall book I’ve read….ever. While reading it I felt, at turns, both guilty (for continuing with the reading right up until the end) and victimized (by a writer whose lovely turn of a phrase and obvious skill as a writer of shining prose roped me in like no one’s business). And now that I’ve finished I find that I’m torn by this book of opposites. What does it say about me, as a human being, that I wasn’t repulsed enough by the subject matter to ditch this book? The power it held over me was palpable.
The Year of the Anthonys---Trollope and Powell
What a treasure trove of literary excellence I stumbled into this year. Under the excellent guidance of Liz, the writing of Anthony Trollope came alive and my love of Victorian literature quadrupled. The only problem, if you can call it that, is that each novel is 800 or 900 pages in length. I read Barchester Towers, Dr. Thorne, Framley Parsonage and The Small House at Allington in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series and Can You Forgive Her?, the first book in the Palliser novels and in 2014 I hope to complete the Barsetshire novels and continue on with the Palliser books.
Thanks to the GR, I was able to complete the 12 novellas in Anthony Powell’s A Dance to the Music of Time. After a whole year of listening to our intrepid narrator Nick Jenkins tell us all about the lives of his friends and acquaintances, as far back as his childhood in the early 1900s through his school days and onto WWI and WWII and right up through the unsettled 60s. Characters have moved in and out of the spotlight for twelve months now and most of the characters we have come to know have, naturally, died over the course of Nick’s lifetime. Nothing I have ever read can compare to this reading experience. Filled with references to classic literature and artists from across the world and through time the mind boggles when trying to understand how Powell constructed this series. And I’m sure much of it went right over my head but I might catch it when I reread it in a few years from now. A true 5 star read.
The Year I became Pymish
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Virago Group for implementing the Barbara Pym Centenary whereby we read one Pym novel a month throughout 2013. What a find! I now have all of her books on my shelf and will be able to reread in the future to see if I am still under the Pym spell. Endearing characters, dry humor, biting satire and an understanding of female psychology that you don’t often find in literature. Simply delicious.
Most Gut-wrenching Read (Ever)
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala - On December 26, 2004, Sonali Deraniyagala was vacationing at a hotel on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, with her family---her husband, two sons and her parents---when a tsunami hit. By the end of the day she knew that the rest of her family had been swept away leaving her as the only survivor. In haunting prose, her memoir explains how she managed to get through those first few days after the tragedy, vaulting between disbelief and acceptance, until final acknowledgment and preservation of the memories of the wonderful years she shared with her family. It will tear your heart out and fill you with admiration for this very courageous woman.
Biggest Surprise of the Year
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert – after being totally and completely under-whelmed by Gilbert’s exhaustive naval gazing in Eat, Pray, Love I swore I would never be gazing at another of her books. But after seeing several gushing reviews of her new book, I decided to take a chance and WOW! What a book!
Alma Whitaker is born on the cusp of the 19th century to a family of wealth in Philadelphia. Gilbert weaves the scientific with the human interest stories that surround Alma with a driving narrative that is hard to resist. Across the globe and through the century, from Peru and London to Holland and Tahiti, Gilbert doesn’t miss a beat with a driving narrative that made this book hard to put to down. Brilliantly researched, passionately written, I did not want this book to end.
Book of the Year
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Ask Kate Atkinson to write a story and she produces a thing of beauty, filled with compelling plot lines and unforgettable prose that will have you furiously turning pages. Imagine the delight then, in opening her 500+ page tome and finding not one story, but story after story, covering two world wars and most of the twentieth century. I didn’t come up for air for days, happily intoxicated in all that Atkinson offered.
Ursula Todd was born on February 11, 1910 and immediately died because of the umbilical cord that was wrapped around her neck. And then Ursula is born on that same date and grabs life by the horns as she embarks on a life where she dies again and again.
”She had been here before. She had never been here before. There was always something just out of sight, just around a corner, something she could never chase down---something that was chasing her down. She was both the hunter and the hunted….She knew that voice. She didn’t know that voice. The past seemed to leak into the present, as if there were a fault somewhere. Or was it the future spilling into the past. Either way it was nightmarish, as if her inner dark landscape had become manifest. The inside became the outside. Time was out of joint that was for certain.” (Page 505)
Unquestionably a tour de force for what has been a favorite author anyway. A book about how the little things in our lives can make an enormous difference. Remarkably unforgettable.
FICTION
Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
Galore by Michael Crummey
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Let Him Go by Larry Watson
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
Quartet in Autumn by Barbara Pym
A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny
A Dance to the Music of Time First, Second, Third and Fourth Movements – Anthony Powell
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood
The Colors of Infamy by Albert Cossery
NON-FICTION
Hellhound on his Trail: The Stalking of Martin Luther King, Jr., and the International Hunt for His Assassin by Hampton Sides
River of Doubt: Theodore Roosevelt’s Darkest Journey by Candace Millard
Book that Had the Biggest Impact on Me (and yet I am embarrassed to say I loved it)
Geek Love by Katherine Dunn. Dunn is either a genius or the most depraved human being on the face of the planet. How else to explain a book that is both repugnant and thoughtful, repellent yet moving, unsettling and also thought provoking. Easily the most bizarre, stomach-turning, freakishly off the wall book I’ve read….ever. While reading it I felt, at turns, both guilty (for continuing with the reading right up until the end) and victimized (by a writer whose lovely turn of a phrase and obvious skill as a writer of shining prose roped me in like no one’s business). And now that I’ve finished I find that I’m torn by this book of opposites. What does it say about me, as a human being, that I wasn’t repulsed enough by the subject matter to ditch this book? The power it held over me was palpable.
The Year of the Anthonys---Trollope and Powell
What a treasure trove of literary excellence I stumbled into this year. Under the excellent guidance of Liz, the writing of Anthony Trollope came alive and my love of Victorian literature quadrupled. The only problem, if you can call it that, is that each novel is 800 or 900 pages in length. I read Barchester Towers, Dr. Thorne, Framley Parsonage and The Small House at Allington in the Chronicles of Barsetshire series and Can You Forgive Her?, the first book in the Palliser novels and in 2014 I hope to complete the Barsetshire novels and continue on with the Palliser books.
Thanks to the GR, I was able to complete the 12 novellas in Anthony Powell’s A Dance to the Music of Time. After a whole year of listening to our intrepid narrator Nick Jenkins tell us all about the lives of his friends and acquaintances, as far back as his childhood in the early 1900s through his school days and onto WWI and WWII and right up through the unsettled 60s. Characters have moved in and out of the spotlight for twelve months now and most of the characters we have come to know have, naturally, died over the course of Nick’s lifetime. Nothing I have ever read can compare to this reading experience. Filled with references to classic literature and artists from across the world and through time the mind boggles when trying to understand how Powell constructed this series. And I’m sure much of it went right over my head but I might catch it when I reread it in a few years from now. A true 5 star read.
The Year I became Pymish
Thank you, thank you, thank you to the Virago Group for implementing the Barbara Pym Centenary whereby we read one Pym novel a month throughout 2013. What a find! I now have all of her books on my shelf and will be able to reread in the future to see if I am still under the Pym spell. Endearing characters, dry humor, biting satire and an understanding of female psychology that you don’t often find in literature. Simply delicious.
Most Gut-wrenching Read (Ever)
Wave by Sonali Deraniyagala - On December 26, 2004, Sonali Deraniyagala was vacationing at a hotel on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, with her family---her husband, two sons and her parents---when a tsunami hit. By the end of the day she knew that the rest of her family had been swept away leaving her as the only survivor. In haunting prose, her memoir explains how she managed to get through those first few days after the tragedy, vaulting between disbelief and acceptance, until final acknowledgment and preservation of the memories of the wonderful years she shared with her family. It will tear your heart out and fill you with admiration for this very courageous woman.
Biggest Surprise of the Year
The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert – after being totally and completely under-whelmed by Gilbert’s exhaustive naval gazing in Eat, Pray, Love I swore I would never be gazing at another of her books. But after seeing several gushing reviews of her new book, I decided to take a chance and WOW! What a book!
Alma Whitaker is born on the cusp of the 19th century to a family of wealth in Philadelphia. Gilbert weaves the scientific with the human interest stories that surround Alma with a driving narrative that is hard to resist. Across the globe and through the century, from Peru and London to Holland and Tahiti, Gilbert doesn’t miss a beat with a driving narrative that made this book hard to put to down. Brilliantly researched, passionately written, I did not want this book to end.
Book of the Year
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
Ask Kate Atkinson to write a story and she produces a thing of beauty, filled with compelling plot lines and unforgettable prose that will have you furiously turning pages. Imagine the delight then, in opening her 500+ page tome and finding not one story, but story after story, covering two world wars and most of the twentieth century. I didn’t come up for air for days, happily intoxicated in all that Atkinson offered.
Ursula Todd was born on February 11, 1910 and immediately died because of the umbilical cord that was wrapped around her neck. And then Ursula is born on that same date and grabs life by the horns as she embarks on a life where she dies again and again.
”She had been here before. She had never been here before. There was always something just out of sight, just around a corner, something she could never chase down---something that was chasing her down. She was both the hunter and the hunted….She knew that voice. She didn’t know that voice. The past seemed to leak into the present, as if there were a fault somewhere. Or was it the future spilling into the past. Either way it was nightmarish, as if her inner dark landscape had become manifest. The inside became the outside. Time was out of joint that was for certain.” (Page 505)
Unquestionably a tour de force for what has been a favorite author anyway. A book about how the little things in our lives can make an enormous difference. Remarkably unforgettable.
4brenzi
So what’s the plan for 2014?
The Virago Group’s WWI Themed Reading – 2014 is the centenary of the start of WWI. I’ll be reading both fiction and non-fiction. The thread for it is RIGHT HERE. if you’d like to join in.
January – William: An Englishman by Cecily Hamilton
February – Mr. Britling Sees Through It – HG Wells and/or maybe The War that Ended Peace by Margaret McMillan
March – One of Ours by Willa Cather
April – What Not by Rose Macaulay
May – Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally
June – Diary Without Dates by Enid Bagnold
July – The Happy Foreigner by Enid Bagnold
August – Not So Quiet by Helen Zenna Smith
September – Home Fires in France by Dorothy Canfield
October – Fighting France by Edith Wharton
November – The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussel
December – Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson
Mark’s American Author Challenge:
January - Willa Cather – Death Comes for the Archbishop
February – William Faulkner - Light in August
March – John Steinbeck - Grapes of Wrath
April – Russell Banks – Continental Drift
May – Eudora Welty – Delta Wedding
June – Henry James - The Portrait of a Lady
July – Mark Twain – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
August –Richard Ford – The Sportswriter
September –James Baldwin – Go Tell it on the Mountain
October – Edith Wharton – Fighting France
November – Ray Bradbury – Dandelion Wine
December – John Irving – A Prayer for Owen Meany
Group Read of The Raj Quartet – March, May, July, September
Everything else will be of the spontaneous variety.
The Virago Group’s WWI Themed Reading – 2014 is the centenary of the start of WWI. I’ll be reading both fiction and non-fiction. The thread for it is RIGHT HERE. if you’d like to join in.
January – William: An Englishman by Cecily Hamilton
February – Mr. Britling Sees Through It – HG Wells and/or maybe The War that Ended Peace by Margaret McMillan
March – One of Ours by Willa Cather
April – What Not by Rose Macaulay
May – Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally
June – Diary Without Dates by Enid Bagnold
July – The Happy Foreigner by Enid Bagnold
August – Not So Quiet by Helen Zenna Smith
September – Home Fires in France by Dorothy Canfield
October – Fighting France by Edith Wharton
November – The Great War and Modern Memory by Paul Fussel
December – Lawrence in Arabia by Scott Anderson
Mark’s American Author Challenge:
January - Willa Cather – Death Comes for the Archbishop
February – William Faulkner - Light in August
March – John Steinbeck - Grapes of Wrath
April – Russell Banks – Continental Drift
May – Eudora Welty – Delta Wedding
June – Henry James - The Portrait of a Lady
July – Mark Twain – The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
August –Richard Ford – The Sportswriter
September –James Baldwin – Go Tell it on the Mountain
October – Edith Wharton – Fighting France
November – Ray Bradbury – Dandelion Wine
December – John Irving – A Prayer for Owen Meany
Group Read of The Raj Quartet – March, May, July, September
Everything else will be of the spontaneous variety.
7Crazymamie
Hi Bonnie!
8cbl_tn
Hi Bonnie! I'm glad you're continuing with the Trollope reads this year! I'm enjoying the congenial company in the group reads.
You have an adorable reading buddy. I'm enjoying the novelty of reading with a little dg curled up next to me. It makes every book better!
You have an adorable reading buddy. I'm enjoying the novelty of reading with a little dg curled up next to me. It makes every book better!
9richardderus
Such a terrific book, Death Comes for the Archbishop. By a long long lead, the best of Cather's books.
10LovingLit
Hi Bonnie! Yours is the first 2014 thread I am visiting- yay, a new year of reading about reading, as well as reading ahead :)
I love the look of your reading plans, it is so exciting to plan what treats are ahead. Good luck!
I love the look of your reading plans, it is so exciting to plan what treats are ahead. Good luck!
11lyzard
Hi, Bonnie - Happy New Thread! So glad to hear you want to continue with the Trollope reads this year - at the moment it looks like we'll be picking up again in March.
12brenzi
>5 drneutron: Hi Jim! I wouldn't miss it:-)
>6 rosalita: Hi Julia, I think a bunch of us are reading it and I'm really looking forward to it as I loved My Antonia and O Pioneers!.
>7 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie!
>8 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie, I'm loving Trollope too much to stop now haha. Oh yes, a little reading companion adds a great deal to the overall reading experience.
>9 richardderus: Hi Richard, I'm looking forward to it.
>10 LovingLit: Hi Megan, I haven't visited any 2014 threads yet so you're ahead of me haha. a new year of reading about reading Very well put.
>11 lyzard: Hi Liz, I will be chomping at the bit by then and suffering from Trollope withdrawal. LOL
>6 rosalita: Hi Julia, I think a bunch of us are reading it and I'm really looking forward to it as I loved My Antonia and O Pioneers!.
>7 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie!
>8 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie, I'm loving Trollope too much to stop now haha. Oh yes, a little reading companion adds a great deal to the overall reading experience.
>9 richardderus: Hi Richard, I'm looking forward to it.
>10 LovingLit: Hi Megan, I haven't visited any 2014 threads yet so you're ahead of me haha. a new year of reading about reading Very well put.
>11 lyzard: Hi Liz, I will be chomping at the bit by then and suffering from Trollope withdrawal. LOL
13Matke
Stopping by to star and to say I too look forward to more Trollope. I might try a wee head start on L.C.of B. as it is huge.
15PaulCranswick
Lovely to see the Queen of Reviews back in place.
16porch_reader
Hi Bonnie! What a great 2013 wrap-up. I must read Geek Love soon. Your description of it is intriguing. And your plans for 2014 have me intrigued as well. I can't wait to follow along.
17brenzi
>13 Matke: Hi Gail, and by "huge" do you mean even more huge than all the other Trollope's we've read that were mostly 800-900 pages? Geesh!
>14 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, great to "see" you.
>15 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, how could I not be in place?? Where would I go?
>14 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, great to "see" you.
>15 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, how could I not be in place?? Where would I go?
18msf59
Hi Bonnie- Congrats on your 2014 thread! You will always be one of my favorite LTers. You write great reviews and I adore your book selections. I love your 2013 book summary. I NEED to do that as well. I was surprised to see A.K. on the best of list and elated to see the Marra.
How is the Fink coming?
How is the Fink coming?
19lyzard
Can You Forgive Her? is 830 pages in my Penguin edition, The Last Chronicle Of Barset is 862. It's longer than the other Barset novels, but comparable with the Palliser novels.
20brenzi
>16 porch_reader: Thanks Amy, it's great to see you. If you're going to take the plunge and read Geek Love prepare to be shocked. Haha
21brenzi
>18 msf59: Hi there Mark, wow, you sure know how to flatter a girl. AK? That was a 5 star read for me. I've only read the first chapter of Five Days at Memorial because I've been tethered to this laptop for most of the day haha.
>19 lyzard: What's 32 pages when you're in the land of Trollope, Liz?? haha
>19 lyzard: What's 32 pages when you're in the land of Trollope, Liz?? haha
22katiekrug
Hi Bonnie - love your 2013 wrap-up lists and reflections. I forgot how much you loved Geek Love - I need to pull it off my shelf and put it on the "Sooner Rather Than Later" pile...
23brenzi
Thanks Katie, oh yes, if you own Geek Love you really should give it a shot. You'll be able to tell right away how warped you are haha.
25Cait86
Looking forward to your reading for the year! I think your review just may have convinced my to read the new Gilbert book.
26Chatterbox
Finally located you... and here's a star!
28jnwelch
Hi, Bonnie! Starred, of course. I'm another Death Comes for the Archbishop fan. Having read that one, I'm going to try The Professor's House in January.
What a great year of reading you had! I'm going to try to get to some of your favorites over the course of '14, like A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. I'm envious that you got your hands on Five Days at Memorial; I've been trying without success to land that one at the library.
What a great year of reading you had! I'm going to try to get to some of your favorites over the course of '14, like A Constellation of Vital Phenomena. I'm envious that you got your hands on Five Days at Memorial; I've been trying without success to land that one at the library.
29cushlareads
Hi Bonnie. I love your plan. I've just started the Margaret Macmillan book and chapter 1 is already very good.
And I have got to rad Lif after Alice's. Oh my goodness. iPad madness. I just typed... "I have got to read Life after Life.". Really I did. Anyway, I do. It's on my Kindle too.
And I have got to rad Lif after Alice's. Oh my goodness. iPad madness. I just typed... "I have got to read Life after Life.". Really I did. Anyway, I do. It's on my Kindle too.
30markon
Happy New Year Bonnie! I may have to try Gilbert's Signature of all things, though I didn't read Eat, pray, love.
31brenzi
>24 cameling: Hi Caro!
>25 Cait86: Hi Cait, oh I do hope you enjoy The Signature of All Things. That was a wonderful book. I still have Alma on my mind.
>26 Chatterbox: Hi Suzanne:-)
>27 wilkiec: Hi there Diana!
>28 jnwelch: I'll be interested in what you think of The Professor's House Joe, as I have that one sitting on my shelf too. I have had a great year of reading which I am sure has everything to do with LT. Love this place.
>29 cushlareads: And I have got to rad Lif after Alice's OK Cushla. If you say so. LOL. While you're at it, why don't you read Life After Life? I think you'd like it. Yes, I'm looking forward to the MacMillan book and there;s only one person ahead of me on the hold list:)
>25 Cait86: Hi Cait, oh I do hope you enjoy The Signature of All Things. That was a wonderful book. I still have Alma on my mind.
>26 Chatterbox: Hi Suzanne:-)
>27 wilkiec: Hi there Diana!
>28 jnwelch: I'll be interested in what you think of The Professor's House Joe, as I have that one sitting on my shelf too. I have had a great year of reading which I am sure has everything to do with LT. Love this place.
>29 cushlareads: And I have got to rad Lif after Alice's OK Cushla. If you say so. LOL. While you're at it, why don't you read Life After Life? I think you'd like it. Yes, I'm looking forward to the MacMillan book and there;s only one person ahead of me on the hold list:)
32brenzi
>30 markon: Hi there Ardene. I am foisting that book on everyone. Apparently, you're the latest. LOL. Happy New Year to you.
33phebj
Bonnie, I love the set up of your new 2014 thread! Thanks for the summary of the books you loved in 2013. I also forgot how much you loved Geek Love. A RL friend recommended that to me years ago and I've just never gotten around to it but I will soon.
35phebj
Bonnie, is it anything like The Girls by Lori Lansens? That was a very unusual topic that I really got into.
36brenzi
>35 phebj: Hmmm.......no. That was a sweet, if not highly unusual story with characters who possessed redeemable qualities. Most of that is missing from Geek Love.
38Linda92007
Impressive 2013 wrap-up and plan for 2014, Bonnie!
39EBT1002
Hi Bonnie! Dropping off my star so I can follow you. Ha ha.
You know, Ilana said that your Buddy gives her Coco a run for the money for cutest dog on Earth. She has a point. What a face!
You're in for a treat with Death Comes for the Archbishop. I might try to join in for some of the WWI reads - must go check out the group.
Happy New Year!
You know, Ilana said that your Buddy gives her Coco a run for the money for cutest dog on Earth. She has a point. What a face!
You're in for a treat with Death Comes for the Archbishop. I might try to join in for some of the WWI reads - must go check out the group.
Happy New Year!
40lauralkeet
Hi Bonnie and Happy New Year! I'm really looking forward to the Virago Great War Theme Read as well. I'm delighted you'll be joining in.
41BLBera
Hi Bonnie - Happy New Year. Starred, of course. I loved your comments on your 2013 reading.
42brenzi
>37 phebj: Hmmm my work here is done;-)
>38 Linda92007: I don't know about impressive Linda but just enough of a plan to allow for lots of unexpected spontaneous reads I hope:-)
>39 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, I'll be the first to admit that Buddy has charmed many people but he pretty much maintains his somewhat aloof personality. I'm looking forward to Death Comes for the Archbishop. Happy New Year!
>40 lauralkeet: Hi Laura, it the Virago theme read should be great fun. I'm certainly looking forward to it. Happy New Year.
>41 BLBera: Thanks Beth, Happy New Year right back atcha.
>38 Linda92007: I don't know about impressive Linda but just enough of a plan to allow for lots of unexpected spontaneous reads I hope:-)
>39 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, I'll be the first to admit that Buddy has charmed many people but he pretty much maintains his somewhat aloof personality. I'm looking forward to Death Comes for the Archbishop. Happy New Year!
>40 lauralkeet: Hi Laura, it the Virago theme read should be great fun. I'm certainly looking forward to it. Happy New Year.
>41 BLBera: Thanks Beth, Happy New Year right back atcha.
43mckait
I make no promises regarding keeping up.. sheer folly, that.. but I do promise to at least lurk ...
.
Happy New Year, and Happy New Thread !
.
Happy New Year, and Happy New Thread !
44Copperskye
Happy New Year Bonnie!
I still have to work on my 2013 favorites list but I see that at least a couple will be duplicates from your list.
It looks like you will have a lot of interesting reading ahead of you in 2014 and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
I still have to work on my 2013 favorites list but I see that at least a couple will be duplicates from your list.
It looks like you will have a lot of interesting reading ahead of you in 2014 and I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts!
45ChelleBearss
Happy New Year Bonnie and Buddy! Hope you have a wonderful 2014!
46brenzi
>43 mckait: Hi Kath, I understand completely. It's fairly futile around here so just go with the flow. Happy New Year to you!
>44 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, I have a hard time limiting my favorites. That was never a problem in the days BLT (Before LT). I'm much happier now but those favorite lists are tough. Happy New Year!
>45 ChelleBearss: Thank you Chelle. Buddy thanks you too but he's too shy to say haha. Happy New Year to you too.
>44 Copperskye: Hi Joanne, I have a hard time limiting my favorites. That was never a problem in the days BLT (Before LT). I'm much happier now but those favorite lists are tough. Happy New Year!
>45 ChelleBearss: Thank you Chelle. Buddy thanks you too but he's too shy to say haha. Happy New Year to you too.
48RebaRelishesReading
Dropping by to drop a star and looking forward to the coming year.
49lit_chick
Wow, what a fantastic opening thread, Bonnie! Happy New Year, friend, and happy reading!
50Nancy618
Happy New Year, Bonnie! I starred your awesome new thread so I can try to keep up....but, as usual, I'll mostly be lurking! I really enjoy your reviews and your lists always inspire me.
51brenzi
>47 phebj: Very cool Pat. And happy New Year to you too!
>48 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba!
>49 lit_chick: Gee thanks Nancy! And Happy New Year to you as well!
>50 Nancy618: Happy New Year Nancy! I do love my lists haha.
>48 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba!
>49 lit_chick: Gee thanks Nancy! And Happy New Year to you as well!
>50 Nancy618: Happy New Year Nancy! I do love my lists haha.
52msf59
Happy New year, Bonnie! You know I will be following you around all next year, so please do not call the police. Hugs, to my pal.
54arubabookwoman
Happy New Year Bonnie! Hope you are "enjoying" (if that's the word) Five Days at Memorial as much as I did. (My three oldest children were born at that hospital btw).
I might try to join in the group read of The Raj Quartet since I've been wanting to reread it. It's one of my favorite books, and this would be my third reading.
I might try to join in the group read of The Raj Quartet since I've been wanting to reread it. It's one of my favorite books, and this would be my third reading.
55Smiler69
Happy New Year Bonnie! I need to try to keep up with you and Buddy this year. I promise I will at least try. One way or the other I always get to benefit from your wonderful reviews, so I look forward to more of those. Will come back to catch up on the last 54 posts I've already missed.
56PaulCranswick
For the Queen of Reviews, wishes for a wondrous 2014 are duly ordered and despatched from the tropics for you. xx
57SandDune
Happy New Year Bonnie. I love your summary of 2013 at the top. I'll be another one starting on Death Comes for the Archbishop very soon.
59cameling
Happy New Year, Bonnie!
I think I need to try and give Life After Life another go. I picked it up just before Christmas but I couldn't get into it and put it back into my book bag.
I think I need to try and give Life After Life another go. I picked it up just before Christmas but I couldn't get into it and put it back into my book bag.
61brenzi
>52 msf59: Happy New Year to you too Mark. No need to worry about the police. Not from me at least. LOL
>53 TinaV95: Hi Tina, we're going to have quite a group reading Death Comes for the Archbishop. Happy New Year to you as well!
>54 arubabookwoman: Five Days at Memorial is eye opening if nothing else Deborah. It's also compulsively readable. Three times with The Raj Quartet must be a charm. I'm looking forward to it. Happy New Year to you!
>55 Smiler69: Hi Ilana, you are too kind. I will look forward to seeing more of you this year. Happy New Year!
>56 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. The tropics sound pretty good to me about now. We woke up to about 8" of snow and the temperature hovering around 10 degrees F. Brrrrrrrr. Happy New Year!
>57 SandDune: Thanks Rhian. Oh boy, another one for Death Comes for The Archbishop. Happy New Year to you!
>58 rosalita: Belated?? The year's just starting isn't it. You wont be belated until February at least Julia haha. Happy New Year to You!
>59 cameling: Oh Caro, you must give it a try again. You must have been distracted or in a book funk in some way. LOL Happy New Year!
>60 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. Happy New Year to you too!
>53 TinaV95: Hi Tina, we're going to have quite a group reading Death Comes for the Archbishop. Happy New Year to you as well!
>54 arubabookwoman: Five Days at Memorial is eye opening if nothing else Deborah. It's also compulsively readable. Three times with The Raj Quartet must be a charm. I'm looking forward to it. Happy New Year to you!
>55 Smiler69: Hi Ilana, you are too kind. I will look forward to seeing more of you this year. Happy New Year!
>56 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. The tropics sound pretty good to me about now. We woke up to about 8" of snow and the temperature hovering around 10 degrees F. Brrrrrrrr. Happy New Year!
>57 SandDune: Thanks Rhian. Oh boy, another one for Death Comes for The Archbishop. Happy New Year to you!
>58 rosalita: Belated?? The year's just starting isn't it. You wont be belated until February at least Julia haha. Happy New Year to You!
>59 cameling: Oh Caro, you must give it a try again. You must have been distracted or in a book funk in some way. LOL Happy New Year!
>60 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. Happy New Year to you too!
63RebaRelishesReading
Happy, happy 2014!!
64brenzi
Thank you Reba and Peggy! It will be hard to top 2013 as far as reading goes but I certainly will go down swinging LOL.
65Donna828
Happy New Year, Bonnie. You can be assured that I'll be hot on your heels all year deciding which of your books I should read next. I loved your nod to the two Anthonys in your superb 2013 summary.
66brenzi
Thank you Donna. And when you're not hot on my heels I'll be hot on yours. I'm really going to try to read more of the books I already own, either the dead tree variety or the electronic variety. That said, I have very little hope of sticking to my guns once the prizes start or the next "hot" read comes to my attention.
67ctpress
Hi Bonnie - Happy New Year - Hope you'll enjoy Death Comes for the Archbishop - loved it when I read it about two years ago. Wonderful pictures of your Buddy. I like the look in his eyes, affectionate and bewildered? :)
68kidzdoc
Welcome back, Bonnie! I'm glad that you're enjoying Five Days at Memorial, as it was my favorite non-fiction book of 2013.
69brenzi
>67 ctpress: Hi there Carsten and Happy New Year! Buddy affectionate and bewildered?? Haha good description.
>68 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, Five Days at Memorial is shaping up to be a 5 star read with around 80 pages left. What a riveting read and what a way to start off the New Year.
>68 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, Five Days at Memorial is shaping up to be a 5 star read with around 80 pages left. What a riveting read and what a way to start off the New Year.
70brenzi
I bought wayyyyyyyyy too many books last year. 159 and I've only read a few of them. (I've checked off the few I've read.). And I realize a few of them are ER books but the point is they came into my house. Gah!! I know I'm no Paul but I have got to read more of the books on my shelf. So that's my New Year's Resolution: read more books off the shelf. I only read a paltry 34 last year.
BOOKS THAT CAME INTO THE HOUSE IN 2013:
JANUARY
Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 Laura M. Mac Donald- PBS ☑️
The Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Armin - PBS
Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places - Bill Streever - Kindle
Palladian - Elizabeth Taylor - PBS
Strength in What Remains - Tracy Kidder - PBS
The Best American Short Stories 2012 - Tom Perrotta - Kindle
Company of Liars - Karen Maitland - PBS
The Eyes of Venice - Alessandro Barbero - Talking Leaves Bookstore
How It All Began - Penelope Lively - Talking Leaves Bookstore
FEBRUARY
Frenchman's Creek - Daphne Du Maurier - PBS
Home From the Vinyl Cafe - Stuart McLean - PBS
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia- Mohsin Hamid - ER☑️
The Curse of Chalion - Lois McMaster Bujold - Kindle
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian - Sherman Alexie - PBS
The Wreath (Kristin Lavransdatter I) - Sigrid Undset - PBS
Two Days in Aragon - M. J. Farrell - PBS
MARCH
The Rising Tide - M.J. Farrell (Molly Keane) - PBS
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison - PBS
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond - PBS
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven - Sherman Alexie - PBS
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby - Orchard Park Book Sale
Faithful Place - Tana French - Orchard Park Book Sale
Good to a Fault - Marina Endicott - Orchard Park Book Sale
Lost in Shangri-la - Mitchell Zuckoff - Kindle
Tales of the City - Armistead Maupin - Kindle
River Town - Peter Hessler - Kindle
Waiting for Sunrise - William Boyd - Kindle
Transatlantic - Colum McCann - ER☑️
Before I Go to Sleep - S.J. Watson - Kindle
Dancer - Colum McCann - Hamburg Book Store
The Last Stand - Nathaniel Philbrick - Hamburg Book Store
The Life of Margaret Laurence - James King - Hamburg Book Store
Less Than Angels - Barbara Pym - Kindle☑️
April
A Very Private Eye: An Autobiography in Letters and Diaries - Barbara Pym - PBS
The Judge - Rebecca West - PBS
Agent ZigZag - Ben Macintyre - PBS☑️
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont - Elizabeth Taylor - PBS
Kikwaakew - Joseph Boyden - Kindle
The Shell Collector: Stories - Anthony Doerr - Kindle
Whose Body? - Dorothy Sayers - eBook
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: An Essay - David Foster Wallace - Kindle
The Frozen Thames - Helen Humphreys - Amazon☑️
The Shutter of Snow - Emily Holmes Coleman - PBS
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath - PBS
Hellhound on His Trail - Hampton Sides - Barnes and Noble☑️
Imagined Lives - John Banville - Amazon
Son of the Morning Star: Custer and The Little Bighorn - Evan Connell - PBS
Destiny of the Republic - Candice Millard - Talking Leaves Bookstore
Crime and Punishment - Fyodoro Dostoyevsky - Talking Leaves Bookstore
May
The Other Side of the Bridge - Mary Lawson - PBS
A Glass of Blessings- Barbara Pym - Kindle☑️
Clouds of Witness - Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Complete Mapp and Lucia - E. F. Benson - Kindle
Burmese Days - George Orwell - Kindle
The Man Who Loved Children - Christina Stead - Kindle
The Uninvited Guests - Sadie Jones - Kindle
Painter of Silence - Georgina Harding - Kindle
The Best Short Stories of All Time Volume 1 - Kindle
Exodus - Leon Uris - Kindle
Quartet in Autumn - Barbara Pym - gift☑️
The Professor and the Madman - Simon Winchester - Kindle
Go Tell It on the Mountain - James Baldwin - PBS
The Good Muslim - Tahmima Anam - PBS
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway - Kindle
Tender is the Night - F. Scott Fitzgerald - Kindle
Gone With the Wind - Margaret Mitchell - Kindle
A Farewell to Arms - Ernest Hemingway - Kindle
This Side of Paradise - F. Scott Fitzgerald - Kindle
Strangers on a Train - Patricia Highsmith - Kindle
The Light Between Oceans - M. L. Stedman - Kindle
The Ghosts of Nagasaki - Daniel Clausen - Kindle
June
Big Rock Candy Mountain - Wallace Stegner - PBS
The Birth House Ami McKay - Kindle
Sons for the Return Home - Albert Wendt - Kindle
Full House - M. J. Farrell - PBS
Singapore Grip - J.G. Farrell - gift
In the Garden of Beasts - Erik Larson - gift
Reading Like a Writer - Francine Prose - gift
The Risk of Darkness - Susan Hill - PBS
Crampton Hodnet - Barbara Pym - PBS
The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks - PBS ☑️
July
Juliet Naked - Nick Hornby - Orchard Park Book Sale
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Juniot Diaz - Orchard Park Book Sale
Canada - Richard Ford - Kindle
Late Nights on Air - Elizabeth Hay - PBS
A Few Green Leaves - Barbara Pym - AMP☑️
An Unsuitable Attachment - Barbara Pym - PBS☑️
Black Diamond -Martin Walker - PBS
Between the Woods and the Water - Patrick Leigh Fermor - Kindle
The Bedside Barsetshire - Compiled by Lance Tingay - Abe Books
The True Deceiver - Tove Jansson - Talking Leaves Books
Transit- Anna Seghers - Talking Leaves Bookstore
The Interestings - Peg Wolitzer - LT friend
Five by Endo - Shusako Endo - LT friend
Savage Continent - Keith Lowe - Kindle☑️
Who was Changed and Who was Dead - Barbara Comyns - Abe Books
August
Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories - Simon Winchester - Kindle
Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West - Stephen Ambrose - Kindle
A Door in the River: A Hazel Micallef Mystery - Inger Ashe Wolfe - Kindle
Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin - PBS
Hot Time in the Old Town - Edward P. Kohn - PBS
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury - Kindle
Dandelion Wine - Ray Bradbury - Kindle
A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer - Kindle
The Daughters of Mars - Thomas Keneally - Kindle
Housekeeping vs. the Dirt - Nick Hornby - Abe Books
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood - Kindle
4:50 From Paddington - Agatha Christie - Kindle
Tilt-a-Whirl - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
September
Scenes From Village Life - Amos Oz - Kindle
Mad Mouse - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
Whack a Mole - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission - Hampton Sides - PBS
The Edwardians - Vita Sackville-West - PBS
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith - Kindle
An Academic Question - Barbara Pym - Abe Books
Let Him Go - Larry Watson - ER☑️
The Blue Flower - Penelope Fitzgerald - Hamburg Bookstore
A Handful of Dust - Evelyn Waugh - Hamburg Bookstore
The Way Things Are - E. M. Delafield - Hamburg Bookstore
Chatterton Square - E. H. Young - Hamburg Bookstore
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd - Jim Fergus - Hamburg Bookstore
My Brilliant Friend - Elena Ferrante - Talking Leaves Bookstore
Proud Beggars - Albert Cossery - Talking Leaves Bookstore
October
Lawrence in Arabia - Scott Anderson - Kindle
I'm Not Complaining - Ruth Adam - PBS
The Bolter - Frances Osborne - PBS
The Last Crossing - Guy Vanderhaeghe - PBS
Cafe on the Nile - Bartle Bull -PBS
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls- David Sedaris - author event
Miss Buncle's Book - D. E. Stevenson - Kindle
The Polish Boxer - Eduardo Halfon - Kindle
Room - Emma Donoghue - Boston Library sale
Great House - Nicole Krauss - Boston Library sale
Play It as It Lays - Joan Didion - Boston Library sale
1776 - David McCullough - Boston Library sale
The Persimmon Tree and other stories - Marjorie Barnard - PBS
The Ariadne Project - Wes Davis - ER ☑️
November
One of Ours - Willa Cather - Abe Books
11/22/63 - Stephen King - Kindle
Ordinary Grace - William Kent Krueger - Kindle
December
The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley - Kindle
Unnatural Death by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Lord Peter Views the Body by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed - Google Books
Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain - Google Books
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - Kindle
Company Parade by Storm Jameson - PBS
No Fond Return of Love by Barbara Pym☑️
A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash - Kindle
Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto - Kindle
Grain Brain by David Perlmutter - Kindle
Speedboat by Renata Adler - Amazon
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife - Sigrid Undset - PBS
The Orchardist - Amanda Coplin - Kindle
If on a Winter Night's Traveler - Italo Calvino - Kindle
The Good House - Ann Leary - Xmas Swap
The Clearing - Tim Gautreaux - Xmas Swap
BOOKS THAT CAME INTO THE HOUSE IN 2013:
JANUARY
Curse of the Narrows: The Halifax Explosion of 1917 Laura M. Mac Donald- PBS ☑️
The Enchanted April - Elizabeth Von Armin - PBS
Cold: Adventures in the World's Frozen Places - Bill Streever - Kindle
Palladian - Elizabeth Taylor - PBS
Strength in What Remains - Tracy Kidder - PBS
The Best American Short Stories 2012 - Tom Perrotta - Kindle
Company of Liars - Karen Maitland - PBS
The Eyes of Venice - Alessandro Barbero - Talking Leaves Bookstore
How It All Began - Penelope Lively - Talking Leaves Bookstore
FEBRUARY
Frenchman's Creek - Daphne Du Maurier - PBS
Home From the Vinyl Cafe - Stuart McLean - PBS
How to Get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia- Mohsin Hamid - ER☑️
The Curse of Chalion - Lois McMaster Bujold - Kindle
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian - Sherman Alexie - PBS
The Wreath (Kristin Lavransdatter I) - Sigrid Undset - PBS
Two Days in Aragon - M. J. Farrell - PBS
MARCH
The Rising Tide - M.J. Farrell (Molly Keane) - PBS
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison - PBS
Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond - PBS
The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven - Sherman Alexie - PBS
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby - Orchard Park Book Sale
Faithful Place - Tana French - Orchard Park Book Sale
Good to a Fault - Marina Endicott - Orchard Park Book Sale
Lost in Shangri-la - Mitchell Zuckoff - Kindle
Tales of the City - Armistead Maupin - Kindle
River Town - Peter Hessler - Kindle
Waiting for Sunrise - William Boyd - Kindle
Transatlantic - Colum McCann - ER☑️
Before I Go to Sleep - S.J. Watson - Kindle
Dancer - Colum McCann - Hamburg Book Store
The Last Stand - Nathaniel Philbrick - Hamburg Book Store
The Life of Margaret Laurence - James King - Hamburg Book Store
Less Than Angels - Barbara Pym - Kindle☑️
April
A Very Private Eye: An Autobiography in Letters and Diaries - Barbara Pym - PBS
The Judge - Rebecca West - PBS
Agent ZigZag - Ben Macintyre - PBS☑️
Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont - Elizabeth Taylor - PBS
Kikwaakew - Joseph Boyden - Kindle
The Shell Collector: Stories - Anthony Doerr - Kindle
Whose Body? - Dorothy Sayers - eBook
A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again: An Essay - David Foster Wallace - Kindle
The Frozen Thames - Helen Humphreys - Amazon☑️
The Shutter of Snow - Emily Holmes Coleman - PBS
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath - PBS
Hellhound on His Trail - Hampton Sides - Barnes and Noble☑️
Imagined Lives - John Banville - Amazon
Son of the Morning Star: Custer and The Little Bighorn - Evan Connell - PBS
Destiny of the Republic - Candice Millard - Talking Leaves Bookstore
Crime and Punishment - Fyodoro Dostoyevsky - Talking Leaves Bookstore
May
The Other Side of the Bridge - Mary Lawson - PBS
A Glass of Blessings- Barbara Pym - Kindle☑️
Clouds of Witness - Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Complete Mapp and Lucia - E. F. Benson - Kindle
Burmese Days - George Orwell - Kindle
The Man Who Loved Children - Christina Stead - Kindle
The Uninvited Guests - Sadie Jones - Kindle
Painter of Silence - Georgina Harding - Kindle
The Best Short Stories of All Time Volume 1 - Kindle
Exodus - Leon Uris - Kindle
Quartet in Autumn - Barbara Pym - gift☑️
The Professor and the Madman - Simon Winchester - Kindle
Go Tell It on the Mountain - James Baldwin - PBS
The Good Muslim - Tahmima Anam - PBS
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway - Kindle
Tender is the Night - F. Scott Fitzgerald - Kindle
Gone With the Wind - Margaret Mitchell - Kindle
A Farewell to Arms - Ernest Hemingway - Kindle
This Side of Paradise - F. Scott Fitzgerald - Kindle
Strangers on a Train - Patricia Highsmith - Kindle
The Light Between Oceans - M. L. Stedman - Kindle
The Ghosts of Nagasaki - Daniel Clausen - Kindle
June
Big Rock Candy Mountain - Wallace Stegner - PBS
The Birth House Ami McKay - Kindle
Sons for the Return Home - Albert Wendt - Kindle
Full House - M. J. Farrell - PBS
Singapore Grip - J.G. Farrell - gift
In the Garden of Beasts - Erik Larson - gift
Reading Like a Writer - Francine Prose - gift
The Risk of Darkness - Susan Hill - PBS
Crampton Hodnet - Barbara Pym - PBS
The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks - PBS ☑️
July
Juliet Naked - Nick Hornby - Orchard Park Book Sale
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - Juniot Diaz - Orchard Park Book Sale
Canada - Richard Ford - Kindle
Late Nights on Air - Elizabeth Hay - PBS
A Few Green Leaves - Barbara Pym - AMP☑️
An Unsuitable Attachment - Barbara Pym - PBS☑️
Black Diamond -Martin Walker - PBS
Between the Woods and the Water - Patrick Leigh Fermor - Kindle
The Bedside Barsetshire - Compiled by Lance Tingay - Abe Books
The True Deceiver - Tove Jansson - Talking Leaves Books
Transit- Anna Seghers - Talking Leaves Bookstore
The Interestings - Peg Wolitzer - LT friend
Five by Endo - Shusako Endo - LT friend
Savage Continent - Keith Lowe - Kindle☑️
Who was Changed and Who was Dead - Barbara Comyns - Abe Books
August
Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories - Simon Winchester - Kindle
Undaunted Courage: Meriwether Lewis, Thomas Jefferson and the Opening of the American West - Stephen Ambrose - Kindle
A Door in the River: A Hazel Micallef Mystery - Inger Ashe Wolfe - Kindle
Giovanni's Room - James Baldwin - PBS
Hot Time in the Old Town - Edward P. Kohn - PBS
Something Wicked This Way Comes - Ray Bradbury - Kindle
Dandelion Wine - Ray Bradbury - Kindle
A Blunt Instrument - Georgette Heyer - Kindle
The Daughters of Mars - Thomas Keneally - Kindle
Housekeeping vs. the Dirt - Nick Hornby - Abe Books
The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood - Kindle
4:50 From Paddington - Agatha Christie - Kindle
Tilt-a-Whirl - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
September
Scenes From Village Life - Amos Oz - Kindle
Mad Mouse - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
Whack a Mole - Chris Grabenstein - Kindle
Ghost Soldiers: The Epic Account of World War II's Greatest Rescue Mission - Hampton Sides - PBS
The Edwardians - Vita Sackville-West - PBS
The Cuckoo's Calling - Robert Galbraith - Kindle
An Academic Question - Barbara Pym - Abe Books
Let Him Go - Larry Watson - ER☑️
The Blue Flower - Penelope Fitzgerald - Hamburg Bookstore
A Handful of Dust - Evelyn Waugh - Hamburg Bookstore
The Way Things Are - E. M. Delafield - Hamburg Bookstore
Chatterton Square - E. H. Young - Hamburg Bookstore
One Thousand White Women: The Journals of May Dodd - Jim Fergus - Hamburg Bookstore
My Brilliant Friend - Elena Ferrante - Talking Leaves Bookstore
Proud Beggars - Albert Cossery - Talking Leaves Bookstore
October
Lawrence in Arabia - Scott Anderson - Kindle
I'm Not Complaining - Ruth Adam - PBS
The Bolter - Frances Osborne - PBS
The Last Crossing - Guy Vanderhaeghe - PBS
Cafe on the Nile - Bartle Bull -PBS
Let's Explore Diabetes with Owls- David Sedaris - author event
Miss Buncle's Book - D. E. Stevenson - Kindle
The Polish Boxer - Eduardo Halfon - Kindle
Room - Emma Donoghue - Boston Library sale
Great House - Nicole Krauss - Boston Library sale
Play It as It Lays - Joan Didion - Boston Library sale
1776 - David McCullough - Boston Library sale
The Persimmon Tree and other stories - Marjorie Barnard - PBS
The Ariadne Project - Wes Davis - ER ☑️
November
One of Ours - Willa Cather - Abe Books
11/22/63 - Stephen King - Kindle
Ordinary Grace - William Kent Krueger - Kindle
December
The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley - Kindle
Unnatural Death by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Lord Peter Views the Body by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club by Dorothy Sayers - Kindle
Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed - Google Books
Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain - Google Books
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt - Kindle
Company Parade by Storm Jameson - PBS
No Fond Return of Love by Barbara Pym☑️
A Land More Kind than Home by Wiley Cash - Kindle
Amsterdam: A History of the World's Most Liberal City by Russell Shorto - Kindle
Grain Brain by David Perlmutter - Kindle
Speedboat by Renata Adler - Amazon
Kristin Lavransdatter: The Wife - Sigrid Undset - PBS
The Orchardist - Amanda Coplin - Kindle
If on a Winter Night's Traveler - Italo Calvino - Kindle
The Good House - Ann Leary - Xmas Swap
The Clearing - Tim Gautreaux - Xmas Swap
72DorsVenabili
Hi Bonnie! I look forward to following your reading.
"Pymish" - I love it! 2013 was my introduction to Pym (I read three) and I now love her. Quartet in Autumn is definitely my favorite so far. I gave it to my niece for her birthday and she's now a convert (and also sort of flabbergasted that she'd never heard of her.)
"Pymish" - I love it! 2013 was my introduction to Pym (I read three) and I now love her. Quartet in Autumn is definitely my favorite so far. I gave it to my niece for her birthday and she's now a convert (and also sort of flabbergasted that she'd never heard of her.)
73brenzi
>71 lit_chick: I know Nancy, but I need to start reading them haha. I need to give up using the library I guess. That's really my downfall. When the Booker longlist comes out I'm doomed because I usually drop everything and get those books from the library.
>72 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerrie! I had never read anything by Barbara Pym before 2013. What an indoctrination! And she seems to have such broad appeal even though I would never have guessed that her excellent women and righteous rectors would have such broad appeal.
>72 DorsVenabili: Hi Kerrie! I had never read anything by Barbara Pym before 2013. What an indoctrination! And she seems to have such broad appeal even though I would never have guessed that her excellent women and righteous rectors would have such broad appeal.
74Copperskye
That's a lot of books to fess up to, Bonnie... :)
Thank goodness for the kindle books - they are so much easier to squirrel away!
Thank goodness for the kindle books - they are so much easier to squirrel away!
75michigantrumpet
Hello Bonnie! A little late to the thread but very new to the group. So sorry I missed the Anthony Powell discussion last year. HUGE fan and loved Dance to the Music of Time. Bought his biography late last year. Hoping to get to it soon. hope you're staying warm.
76brenzi
>74 Copperskye: But, but, but...look at November Joanne. If I can keep each month to November's number I'd be all set. That said I've already bought three for January LOL. Kindle books are such a guilty pleasure simply because no one knows anything about them. That one click is dangerous though.
>75 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne and welcome, we were a small but active group that discussed Powell's magnum opus. I personally will reread it in a few years because I'm sure I missed some things. Now I have to look for some of his other books. Any suggestions??
>75 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne and welcome, we were a small but active group that discussed Powell's magnum opus. I personally will reread it in a few years because I'm sure I missed some things. Now I have to look for some of his other books. Any suggestions??
77brenzi
End of the Year Meme:
Describe Yourself: A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Describe how you feel: Civil to Strangers
Describe where you currently live: The Small House at Allington
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: Empire of the Summer Moon
Your best friend is: Queen Lucia
You and your friends are: Excellent Women
What's the weather like? Isaac’s Storm
You fear: The Man Without a Face
What is the best advice you have to give?: How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
Thought for the day: A Glass of Blessings
How I would like to die: We Die Alone
My soul's present condition: Alias Grace
Describe Yourself: A Constellation of Vital Phenomena
Describe how you feel: Civil to Strangers
Describe where you currently live: The Small House at Allington
If you could go anywhere, where would you go?: Empire of the Summer Moon
Your best friend is: Queen Lucia
You and your friends are: Excellent Women
What's the weather like? Isaac’s Storm
You fear: The Man Without a Face
What is the best advice you have to give?: How to get Filthy Rich in Rising Asia
Thought for the day: A Glass of Blessings
How I would like to die: We Die Alone
My soul's present condition: Alias Grace
81Whisper1
Happy New Year Dear Bonnie.
I've added Wave to the tbr pile. I imagine it is a very gut wrenching book to read. My last book in 2013 was also very difficult. The Rape of Nanking caused a few days of serious thoughts about the good and evil of humankind.
I very much look forward to following your thread and the wonderful reviews posted therein.
I've added Wave to the tbr pile. I imagine it is a very gut wrenching book to read. My last book in 2013 was also very difficult. The Rape of Nanking caused a few days of serious thoughts about the good and evil of humankind.
I very much look forward to following your thread and the wonderful reviews posted therein.
82PaulCranswick
Loved the list of books that you put up and 159 titles is not to be sniffed at.
"Doing a Paul" does seem to have entered group speak for the excessive accumulation of reading materials. Of course Paul S actually brings home quite as many books as I do, so sharing in his name I get mistaken for indulging in his habits too occasionally, hehehe.
Have a lovely weekend.
"Doing a Paul" does seem to have entered group speak for the excessive accumulation of reading materials. Of course Paul S actually brings home quite as many books as I do, so sharing in his name I get mistaken for indulging in his habits too occasionally, hehehe.
Have a lovely weekend.
83vivians
Hi Bonnie - and a belated happy New Year! We just returned from an eye-opening trip to Peru and enjoyed every day, from jungle to Inca ruins to the bustling city of Lima. Three of the four kids were with us and that in itself was pure joy. I'm behind on everything, including setting up a new thread on LT, but just wanted to wish you the best for a happy and healthy 2014.
84Chatterbox
I love the title "Books that Came into the House". It implies that they snuck in, uninvited, while your back was turned, and completely against your wishes...
85brenzi
>78 EBT1002: Well when you put it that way Ellen....LOL
>79 cbl_tn: Thanks Carrie!
>80 lit_chick: Haha I love that Nancy, especially since it was one of my favorite books.
>81 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I actually got rid of my copy of The Rape of Nanking after Donna reviewed it. I can usually read just about any man vs. man accounts but that just sounded too raw. Happy New Year to you too.
>79 cbl_tn: Thanks Carrie!
>80 lit_chick: Haha I love that Nancy, especially since it was one of my favorite books.
>81 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I actually got rid of my copy of The Rape of Nanking after Donna reviewed it. I can usually read just about any man vs. man accounts but that just sounded too raw. Happy New Year to you too.
86brenzi
>82 PaulCranswick: Uh, sure Paul. Just keep telling yourself that and I'm sure it'll come true haha.
>83 vivians: Your trip sounds absolutely wonderful Vivian, including the inclusion of most of your family. You should post pictures on your thread. So in 2013 you traveled to both Alaska and Peru. I'm not jealous. Really, I'm not;-) Happy New Year to you too.
>84 Chatterbox: You weren't expecting me to take responsibility for those acquisitions, were you Suzanne? The Amazon one-click is responsible for most of them and I have no responsibility whatsoever;-)
>83 vivians: Your trip sounds absolutely wonderful Vivian, including the inclusion of most of your family. You should post pictures on your thread. So in 2013 you traveled to both Alaska and Peru. I'm not jealous. Really, I'm not;-) Happy New Year to you too.
>84 Chatterbox: You weren't expecting me to take responsibility for those acquisitions, were you Suzanne? The Amazon one-click is responsible for most of them and I have no responsibility whatsoever;-)
87BLBera
Hi Bonnie - You have a lot of good reading ahead of you. Good luck. I would like to have half my reading this year come from the shelf, but those new books from the library are soooo appealing.
I've heard a lot of good things about Five Days at Memorial. On to the list it goes.
I've heard a lot of good things about Five Days at Memorial. On to the list it goes.
88rosalita
Oh the devilish Amazon One-Click, official Killer Of Best Intentions since 2000-whenever the Kindle was born. I shake my fist in its general direction (while using my other hand to click the button, of course)!
89brenzi
>87 BLBera: Yep it's the library books for me Beth. They're the real problem. And already they're backed up where I know by the end of the month I will be faced with a bunch of them and that will be the end of my plan. At any rate, it's a nice problem to have.
>88 rosalita: Hi Julia, you seem to have hit the nail on the head re: the Amazon one click, maybe by using your third hand?;-)
>88 rosalita: Hi Julia, you seem to have hit the nail on the head re: the Amazon one click, maybe by using your third hand?;-)
90brenzi
1.
Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death at a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink 5 stars
The fact that this book will change forever the way you think about disasters and the individuals who do (and don’t) survive them goes without saying. The idea that, in the end, you will know an awful lot about what happened in the Memorial Medical Center in the five days following the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, and yet not know exactly what really happened is because the author, Sheri Fink, is a physician/investigative journalist who is at the top of her game. Her heart-pounding narrative reads like a terrific novel.
After the floodwaters rise around the hospital, the power fails, the heat is suffocating and the staff must arduously determine which patients can be safely evacuated by either boat or helicopter. The conditions in the hospital are ghastly, the staff is exhausted and questionable decisions are made. Should the sickest patients go first or last? Should elderly patients with DNRs be considered expendable just because they have a Do Not Resuscitate order? At the end of five days, those patients who are still alive are finally evacuated. But months after the event, some staff members are arrested and charged with deliberately injecting patients with drugs that would hasten their deaths.
As the facts are weighed and the evidence is collected, the author drives the conversation towards the inevitable questions: how can we be better prepared for disaster? What do we need to address about end of life care? How much do we value human life?
Absolutely riveting and oh so thought provoking. Very highly recommended.
Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death at a Storm-Ravaged Hospital by Sheri Fink 5 stars
The fact that this book will change forever the way you think about disasters and the individuals who do (and don’t) survive them goes without saying. The idea that, in the end, you will know an awful lot about what happened in the Memorial Medical Center in the five days following the arrival of Hurricane Katrina, and yet not know exactly what really happened is because the author, Sheri Fink, is a physician/investigative journalist who is at the top of her game. Her heart-pounding narrative reads like a terrific novel.
After the floodwaters rise around the hospital, the power fails, the heat is suffocating and the staff must arduously determine which patients can be safely evacuated by either boat or helicopter. The conditions in the hospital are ghastly, the staff is exhausted and questionable decisions are made. Should the sickest patients go first or last? Should elderly patients with DNRs be considered expendable just because they have a Do Not Resuscitate order? At the end of five days, those patients who are still alive are finally evacuated. But months after the event, some staff members are arrested and charged with deliberately injecting patients with drugs that would hasten their deaths.
As the facts are weighed and the evidence is collected, the author drives the conversation towards the inevitable questions: how can we be better prepared for disaster? What do we need to address about end of life care? How much do we value human life?
Absolutely riveting and oh so thought provoking. Very highly recommended.
91qebo
90: I've had my eye on this since Darryl's rave review. Waiting for the paperback.
3: I saw the movie of Eat, Pray, Love on TV not long ago, and it sure was not a recommendation for the book; insipid navel-gazing IMO. But The Signature of All Things is exactly my sort of thing...
3: I saw the movie of Eat, Pray, Love on TV not long ago, and it sure was not a recommendation for the book; insipid navel-gazing IMO. But The Signature of All Things is exactly my sort of thing...
92brenzi
Hi Katherine, you will not be disappointed in either Five Days at Memorial or Gilbert's book. The protagonist and her father are both groundbreaking scientists and I know you have great interest in that area.
93Crazymamie
You got me with your very first read of the year, Bonnie, so I will not be coming back - you each just get one book bullet. Kidding, totally kidding. Although drastic measures might be needed to keep my WL from exploding this year. And your thread is dangerous - very dangerous. Adding my thumb to your excellent review.
I am also trying to focus on making my way through last years book purchases. I totally agree with both you and Julia about the evil powers of Amazon one click. Completely addicted to that!
I am also trying to focus on making my way through last years book purchases. I totally agree with both you and Julia about the evil powers of Amazon one click. Completely addicted to that!
94LovingLit
>81 Whisper1:/85 I heard about The Rape of Nanking a while ago here in this group and decided that none of my reading needs would be met by reading this book. I am really cross at myself for flicking through it at a 2nd hand book sale and seeing some of the photographs, as now these are stuck in my brain.
This kind of human vs human violence and hatred is what I most dislike reading about, even if it is important to know and understand the source of it.
>90 brenzi: starting off the new year with a bang! 5 stars- yay.
I really really want to read this book.
This kind of human vs human violence and hatred is what I most dislike reading about, even if it is important to know and understand the source of it.
>90 brenzi: starting off the new year with a bang! 5 stars- yay.
I really really want to read this book.
95rosalita
Thank heavens I already have "Five Days at Memorial" on my shelves, or your excellent review would have forced me to acquire it.
96msf59
Hi Bonnie- Great review of Five Days. And 5 stars? Very nice. I am so jealous you have a copy. Snickering softly...Hope you are having a fine weekend.
97brenzi
>93 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie. Anyone who doesn't think Amazon is brilliant at marketing ploys is completely out of their mind. There's a good reason they are what they are. And you are perfectly welcome to add anything you'd like from my books read. Be my guest haha.
>94 LovingLit: Hi there Megan! The Rape of Nanking is certainly not for anyone with a weak stomach or for anyone who can't accept how truly awful man can be to his fellow man. I'm sorry you looked at the photos. I never opened the book. Yeah what could be better than starting the year with a 5 star read?
>95 rosalita: Thanks Julia. You're in for a treat:-)
>94 LovingLit: Hi there Megan! The Rape of Nanking is certainly not for anyone with a weak stomach or for anyone who can't accept how truly awful man can be to his fellow man. I'm sorry you looked at the photos. I never opened the book. Yeah what could be better than starting the year with a 5 star read?
>95 rosalita: Thanks Julia. You're in for a treat:-)
98brenzi
>96 msf59: Thanks Mark. You can see how long it takes me to write a post haha. Yes I was lucky to get a nice soft cover paperback from an illusive LT friend which I am passing on to another LT friend. And so it goes on...
100EBT1002
Hi Bonnie. I've had Five Days at Memorial on hold at the library for a while now. I'm anxious for it to come available.
101brenzi
>99 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Wouldn't that be wonderful if all our reads were 5 stars? I have to say I've come a lot closer to that since I've belonged to the 75ers. Not all 5 stars, but consistently really good books.
>100 EBT1002: Well when you get it Ellen, I think you're going to like it. Really, really eye-opening.
>100 EBT1002: Well when you get it Ellen, I think you're going to like it. Really, really eye-opening.
102lauralkeet
All right. 5 stars from you, and accolades from Darryl. I really need to read Five Days at Memorial.
104lit_chick
Woot! Sounfs like a stunning read, Bonnie! How fabulous to begin a new year with a selection worthy of five perfect stars! Happy to add my thumb ...
105brenzi
>102 lauralkeet: Hi Laura. I was completely ensconced in this book from the first page. And my head was spinning as I thought about the ramifications of the story.
>103 scaifea: Hi Amber and welcome! Sorry about the BB on your first visit but what the hey, we've come to accept that about this group haha. I hope you love it too when you get to it.
>104 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. It is wonderful to start off with a five star read. Last year it was Barchester Towers:-)
>103 scaifea: Hi Amber and welcome! Sorry about the BB on your first visit but what the hey, we've come to accept that about this group haha. I hope you love it too when you get to it.
>104 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. It is wonderful to start off with a five star read. Last year it was Barchester Towers:-)
107AnneDC
I finally make it to the end of this thread, and what do I get? A book bullet. Five Days at Memorial sounds excellent.
I see we have the same book of the year. I usually can't narrow my favorites down to one but this year I could.
I love your 2013 summary and spent quite a lot of time perusing your list of books that snuck into the house. You can kind of tell which Kindle books were on sale based on how many of us bought them. I've been tracking books I've purchased for several years now, but I like the way you've listed them by month with source and format information all together. Something to think about for 2014.
I see we have the same book of the year. I usually can't narrow my favorites down to one but this year I could.
I love your 2013 summary and spent quite a lot of time perusing your list of books that snuck into the house. You can kind of tell which Kindle books were on sale based on how many of us bought them. I've been tracking books I've purchased for several years now, but I like the way you've listed them by month with source and format information all together. Something to think about for 2014.
108Whisper1
Bonnie, knowing that I've read a lot about New Orleans and the after math of Katrina, I rec'd. a copy of Five Days at Memorial as a gift from dear friends.
I've put off reading it because the stories that abound are just too, too sad. I return to New Orleans each May for a publication conference. It is a wonderful learning experience for the students who accompany me. It is wonderful to see the city rebuilding more and more each year I return.
I've put off reading it because the stories that abound are just too, too sad. I return to New Orleans each May for a publication conference. It is a wonderful learning experience for the students who accompany me. It is wonderful to see the city rebuilding more and more each year I return.
109tymfos
Hi, Bonnie! I love your meme answers, and your list of books acquired last year is amazing! There are so many good ones there just waiting for you to devour them . . .
Five Days at Memorial was truly a powerful read. Your comments are spot on.
Five Days at Memorial was truly a powerful read. Your comments are spot on.
110thornton37814
Another excellent review of Five Days at Memorial. Soon!
111LovingLit
....just to continue on the topic....
Five Days at Memorial is def on my hit list now, the fact that it is real will I am sure make all the difference to this tale.
Five Days at Memorial is def on my hit list now, the fact that it is real will I am sure make all the difference to this tale.
112cushlareads
Great that you started the year with a fantastic book, Bonnie! I will look for it in the library (I am being good so far this year and not clicking on my Kindle. Much.)
113BLBera
Hi Bonnie - I hope the weather is treating you kindly; it looked like you were expecting the mother of all snows.
114porch_reader
Hi Bonnie - I just skimmed your review of Five Days at Memorial. I have it on my Kindle and I hope to get to it soon. The five star review makes me want to move it up on my list! I'm glad you started the year with a good one!
115Copperskye
Got snow?
118brenzi
BLIZZARD REPORT❄️⛄️
Oh. My. God. Although we often get heavy snowfall, strong winds, bitter cold temperatures, total whiteouts and just plain weather that sucks, we haven't had an actual, National Weather Service BLIZZARD in 21 years. It was a doozy and the blizzard title stuck with us all day Monday and Tuesday. The NYS Thruway was closed from Rochester through Buffalo and all the way to the Pennsylvania State Line for two days. In addition most of the arterial highways around us were also closed. Luckily we never lost power and we were fine until around noon Monday when we lost the Internet!!!. I discovered that I apparently have an Internet addiction. I was fine reading the lovely and very evocative Death Comes for the Archbishop but I was lost without my LT fix!!
Presently I am at the library which has just re- opened because the Internet device that Verizon was over- nighting to us on Monday is still not here. According to the tracking information, they don't know when it will be delivered and they're blaming it on Delay Beyond Our Control. Hmph. The weather today is bright and sunny with no wind to speak of. Honestly, after experiencing 60 mph gusts anything less than that is just a breeze.
Ok I just checked my Fed Ex tracking number again and it says the item is on the truck to be delivered so I will cross my fingers that it gets delivered sometime before the end of the day.
As far as storms go, this one does not rate very high in my book. By taking early precautions and closing vital roads the sticky problem of vehicles being stuck and ultimately abandoned on major highways was avoided. Oh boy, the stories that came out of other storms because of that one thing. My sister was stuck in a bar overnight after being forced to abandon her vehicle in one storm. Apparently people were so bored after drinking the place dry that they were playing ping pong with a balled up sheet of paper and their hands as paddles. Haha. We won't have any stories like that out of this "blizzard." With so many roads closed most businesses closed too. We ended up with a couple feet of snow that was redistributed by the winds.
I will be back when my internet is restored to answer each of you personally but thanks for visiting and know that I miss everyone tremendously 😃
Oh. My. God. Although we often get heavy snowfall, strong winds, bitter cold temperatures, total whiteouts and just plain weather that sucks, we haven't had an actual, National Weather Service BLIZZARD in 21 years. It was a doozy and the blizzard title stuck with us all day Monday and Tuesday. The NYS Thruway was closed from Rochester through Buffalo and all the way to the Pennsylvania State Line for two days. In addition most of the arterial highways around us were also closed. Luckily we never lost power and we were fine until around noon Monday when we lost the Internet!!!. I discovered that I apparently have an Internet addiction. I was fine reading the lovely and very evocative Death Comes for the Archbishop but I was lost without my LT fix!!
Presently I am at the library which has just re- opened because the Internet device that Verizon was over- nighting to us on Monday is still not here. According to the tracking information, they don't know when it will be delivered and they're blaming it on Delay Beyond Our Control. Hmph. The weather today is bright and sunny with no wind to speak of. Honestly, after experiencing 60 mph gusts anything less than that is just a breeze.
Ok I just checked my Fed Ex tracking number again and it says the item is on the truck to be delivered so I will cross my fingers that it gets delivered sometime before the end of the day.
As far as storms go, this one does not rate very high in my book. By taking early precautions and closing vital roads the sticky problem of vehicles being stuck and ultimately abandoned on major highways was avoided. Oh boy, the stories that came out of other storms because of that one thing. My sister was stuck in a bar overnight after being forced to abandon her vehicle in one storm. Apparently people were so bored after drinking the place dry that they were playing ping pong with a balled up sheet of paper and their hands as paddles. Haha. We won't have any stories like that out of this "blizzard." With so many roads closed most businesses closed too. We ended up with a couple feet of snow that was redistributed by the winds.
I will be back when my internet is restored to answer each of you personally but thanks for visiting and know that I miss everyone tremendously 😃
119lauralkeet
Bonnie, thanks for checking in! I heard about the NY State Thruway this morning and thought of you. I'm sorry you've been experiencing Internet/LT withdrawal and I hope things are back to normal for you soon. Meanwhile, happy reading!
120Linda92007
Bonnie, I'm glad you weathered the storm with only internet withdrawal to complain about. Thanks for keeping the blizzard on your side of the state!
121qebo
118: I discovered that I apparently have an Internet addiction.
This was news?
Hooray for storm preparation; sounds like the storm could've been serious business otherwise.
This was news?
Hooray for storm preparation; sounds like the storm could've been serious business otherwise.
122msf59
Hi Bonnie- Thanks for checking in. Good luck with that blizzard. And being away from the internet.....shudders!
123rosalita
My sympathies, Bonnie, on the loss of internet at your house. I would rather lose electricity and heat than the internet, which is rather sad I suppose. But I get antsy being cut off from the world; it's like wearing a blindfold. Here's hoping the outage is a blip on the radar.
124BLBera
Bonnie - I'm glad you weathered the storm without a problem. Good luck with getting connected again. You do have more reading time... :)
125Whisper1
The weather in our area is record breaking. It is highly unusual to have -25 wind chill factor. I think I've discovered that I'll weather retirement quite well. These last months of recovery taught me that I'm ok staying home, getting things organized and have wonderful mornings of tea and books.
I hope your internet is up and running soon.
Stay warm....
I hope your internet is up and running soon.
Stay warm....
126Donna828
Oh Bonnie, losing the internet is the worst. I've had several interruptions in the past few months and have gotten very cranky about it! This winter has been miserable so far and still two months to go. Where is global warming when we need it!
I've had Five Days at Memorial on the WL since Darryl reviewed it. I like beginning the year on a high note, too. I'm on my third very enjoyable book thus far. I hope our reading year continues in this vein.
I've had Five Days at Memorial on the WL since Darryl reviewed it. I like beginning the year on a high note, too. I'm on my third very enjoyable book thus far. I hope our reading year continues in this vein.
127lit_chick
Good grief! The East is just getting hammered by winter this year! And losing the internet, too. The nerve!
Take care, Bonnie. Thinking of you. See you soon : ).
Take care, Bonnie. Thinking of you. See you soon : ).
128richardderus
Patiently (!) awaiting news of Bonnie's reconnection....
129Copperskye
Oh boy, Bonnie, too much snow and too little internet is a bad combination. I'm glad you checked in!
131kidzdoc
Great review of Five Days at Memorial, Bonnie. I hope that you're back online soon!
132brenzi
Finallllllyyyyy....Why would the Fed Ex delivery man wrap a plastic bag with our device in it around our mailbox instead of coming to the door...........LAST NIGHT at 4:44?????????? Of course when I went out to go to the store this morning and saw the bag hanging there I was like WTH??? It's still not working right so I hope we don't lose it again but I thought I'd hop on and get to as many of you as possible:
>106 jnwelch: You will find this one very enlightening Joe:-)
>107 AnneDC: Welcome back Anne, it's so good to see you. Life After Life certainly deserved the designation as Book of the Year and I'm glad you thought so too. You're right, some years are easier than others. I'm fairly embarrassed by that long list of Books Thatsneaked Came Into the House, regardless of the organization employed. If only I read more on the level of Suzanne or some of the other extreme readers. I like this quote which I've had on my Profile Page for a few years:
"It would be a good thing to buy books if one could also buy the time to read them; but one usually confuses the purchase of books with the acquisition of their contents." Arthur Schopenhauer, 'On Books and Writing' (1851) in A Book Addict's Treasury
>108 Whisper1: Hi Linda. Five Days at Memorial is certainly not an uplifting read, but I found the questions it raised to be very thought provoking and important for us to consider going forward. I've never been to New Orleans myself.
>109 tymfos: Hi Terri, oh sure, it's a great list of books. No question about that. But I'm a slow, plodding reader and if I read every minute, of every day for the next year I probably couldn't read them all haha. Must find your thread because you seem to have slipped through the cracks.
>106 jnwelch: You will find this one very enlightening Joe:-)
>107 AnneDC: Welcome back Anne, it's so good to see you. Life After Life certainly deserved the designation as Book of the Year and I'm glad you thought so too. You're right, some years are easier than others. I'm fairly embarrassed by that long list of Books That
"It would be a good thing to buy books if one could also buy the time to read them; but one usually confuses the purchase of books with the acquisition of their contents." Arthur Schopenhauer, 'On Books and Writing' (1851) in A Book Addict's Treasury
>108 Whisper1: Hi Linda. Five Days at Memorial is certainly not an uplifting read, but I found the questions it raised to be very thought provoking and important for us to consider going forward. I've never been to New Orleans myself.
>109 tymfos: Hi Terri, oh sure, it's a great list of books. No question about that. But I'm a slow, plodding reader and if I read every minute, of every day for the next year I probably couldn't read them all haha. Must find your thread because you seem to have slipped through the cracks.
133brenzi
>110 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. Get ready to have your eyes opened!
>111 LovingLit: Hi Megan. You couldn't make this stuff up. It's that kind of book.
>112 cushlareads: I actually started with two great books Cushla. Death Comes for the Archbishop was also superb and I hope I can put a review together soon. What? No one-clicking? How did you get the monkey off your back??;-)
>113 BLBera: mother of all snows Nah, not even close Beth. I think the way they handled this storm really made the difference.
>114 porch_reader: Hi Amy. I don't think you'll be disappointed in Five Days at Memorial:-)
>115 Copperskye: We do Joanne. But I've seen more. Lots more. haha.
>116 Matke: Thanks Gail. I know all about teetering towers haha.
>117 mdoris: Hi Mary and welcome. I hope you find the book to be a fascinating eye opener like I did:-)
>111 LovingLit: Hi Megan. You couldn't make this stuff up. It's that kind of book.
>112 cushlareads: I actually started with two great books Cushla. Death Comes for the Archbishop was also superb and I hope I can put a review together soon. What? No one-clicking? How did you get the monkey off your back??;-)
>113 BLBera: mother of all snows Nah, not even close Beth. I think the way they handled this storm really made the difference.
>114 porch_reader: Hi Amy. I don't think you'll be disappointed in Five Days at Memorial:-)
>115 Copperskye: We do Joanne. But I've seen more. Lots more. haha.
>116 Matke: Thanks Gail. I know all about teetering towers haha.
>117 mdoris: Hi Mary and welcome. I hope you find the book to be a fascinating eye opener like I did:-)
134brenzi
>119 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura, I don't think I will ever be able to happily sustain a lack of internet access for any period of time. I'm online way too much. LOL
>120 Linda92007: Thanks for keeping the blizzard on your side of the state! Uh, you're welcome Linda...I guess. I didn't have much to say about it. LOL
>121 qebo: Hooray for storm preparation; sounds like the storm could've been serious business otherwise. It really did make a difference this time Katherine. I believe it was three years ago when people were stuck on the thruway between the city and the southern suburbs overnight and Gov. Cuomo came out and said that he would work to make that the last time (as long as there were some advance notice). This was the first test of the new system which was coordinated with individual towns where driving bans or advisories were put in place. It really forced people to pretty much stay home, if at all possible. Made the difference I think.
>122 msf59: Thanks Mark, shudder just about covers it. LOL
>123 rosalita: I would rather lose electricity and heat than the internet Me too Julia. Some things are just too vital to give up easily. Haha.
>124 BLBera: Thanks Beth. And you're right about more reading time.
>125 Whisper1: Yep, it sounds like you're all set for retirement Linda. Will it be soon?? I love it. Really love it.
>126 Donna828: Where is global warming when we need it! Uh you're asking the wrong person Donna. I know the experts say that it's warming that's been measured over decades and not by individual events. I know we were spoiled by the mild winters we've had over the last couple of years but sheesh. Our heating bills may bankrupt us this year.
>127 lit_chick: Love that gif Nancy because it really says it all. It's been a terrible winter so far.
>128 richardderus: Here I am, here I am Richard:-)
>129 Copperskye: Yes too much snow and too little internet is a horrible combination Joanne. On a high note, we'll be in the 50s on the weekend. Can spring be far behind?
>130 wilkiec: Hi Diana, all connected for now anyway:-)
>131 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. It was your review and Terri's review way back when that made me want to read Five Days at Memorial and Mark who made it possible. Love LT!
>120 Linda92007: Thanks for keeping the blizzard on your side of the state! Uh, you're welcome Linda...I guess. I didn't have much to say about it. LOL
>121 qebo: Hooray for storm preparation; sounds like the storm could've been serious business otherwise. It really did make a difference this time Katherine. I believe it was three years ago when people were stuck on the thruway between the city and the southern suburbs overnight and Gov. Cuomo came out and said that he would work to make that the last time (as long as there were some advance notice). This was the first test of the new system which was coordinated with individual towns where driving bans or advisories were put in place. It really forced people to pretty much stay home, if at all possible. Made the difference I think.
>122 msf59: Thanks Mark, shudder just about covers it. LOL
>123 rosalita: I would rather lose electricity and heat than the internet Me too Julia. Some things are just too vital to give up easily. Haha.
>124 BLBera: Thanks Beth. And you're right about more reading time.
>125 Whisper1: Yep, it sounds like you're all set for retirement Linda. Will it be soon?? I love it. Really love it.
>126 Donna828: Where is global warming when we need it! Uh you're asking the wrong person Donna. I know the experts say that it's warming that's been measured over decades and not by individual events. I know we were spoiled by the mild winters we've had over the last couple of years but sheesh. Our heating bills may bankrupt us this year.
>127 lit_chick: Love that gif Nancy because it really says it all. It's been a terrible winter so far.
>128 richardderus: Here I am, here I am Richard:-)
>129 Copperskye: Yes too much snow and too little internet is a horrible combination Joanne. On a high note, we'll be in the 50s on the weekend. Can spring be far behind?
>130 wilkiec: Hi Diana, all connected for now anyway:-)
>131 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. It was your review and Terri's review way back when that made me want to read Five Days at Memorial and Mark who made it possible. Love LT!
135LizzieD
Brrrr. I'd like to stay longer Bonnie, but it's just too cold. HOWEVER! I'd know that this was your thread anywhere and without any ID. Mighty happy to be back for another year.
136LovingLit
>118 brenzi: My sister was stuck in a bar overnight after being forced to abandon her vehicle in one storm.
Oh no! It'sa tragedy my greatest dream come true :)
I remember a lock-in in a bar once in the UK (where draconian laws dictated that bars shut at 11pm). It was ridiculous but felt very exciting. We didn't quite get as far as drinking the bar dry though.
The fed-ex guy wrapping your letter box is either extreme dedication to the job, or quite weird. :)
Glad you got your device in the end.
Oh no! It's
I remember a lock-in in a bar once in the UK (where draconian laws dictated that bars shut at 11pm). It was ridiculous but felt very exciting. We didn't quite get as far as drinking the bar dry though.
The fed-ex guy wrapping your letter box is either extreme dedication to the job, or quite weird. :)
Glad you got your device in the end.
137phebj
Bonnie, I saw this the other day and thought of it again when you mentioned your "apparent" addiction to the internet. I have to say I totally identify with it.
139msf59
Those Fed-Ex guys! You just can't trust 'em! Glad you are connected. I am wrapping up the wonderful Death Comes and I'll be starting Bleak house. Double, Yah!
140lauralkeet
Bonnie! I saw your comment on my thread about William, An Englishman. I have commented further on my thread, but wanted to come over here right away and say don't let my 3 stars affect your reading experience. 3 stars is still a respectable read. It was actually on the "high side of 3" if that makes any sense. Meaning, nearly a 3.5.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the book when you finish.
I'm looking forward to your thoughts on the book when you finish.
142brenzi
>135 LizzieD: B-b-b-but Peggy, we're going to be in the 50s this weekend so, not so cold at all. Plus my son in Raleigh says it was 9 degrees there the other day. That's pretty darn cold.
>136 LovingLit: Hi Megan, I remember a lock-in in a bar once in the UK (where draconian laws dictated that bars shut at 11pm Well the closing time here is 4:00 a.m so...not so draconian, I guess and great for getting plastered too;-)
>137 phebj: OMG Pat, that's perfect LOL.
>138 scaifea: Hi amber, yes we got an e-mail from Verizon saying the problem was resolved so I guess it's taken care of. Fingers crossed.
>139 msf59: I loved Death Comes for the Archbishop Mark, and still hope to put together a review because I had such an emotional response to it. Bleak House is wonderful:-)
>140 lauralkeet: Not to worry Laura. I did end up liking it more than you but it wasn't perfect, certainly. I'm getting backed up with reviews while I try to catch up on threads so I don't know when (or if) I'll get to a review. That's a book I would have never known about w/o LT and specifically the Virago Group.
>141 wilkiec: Thanks Diana. And I hope your weekend is perfect for you too:-)
>136 LovingLit: Hi Megan, I remember a lock-in in a bar once in the UK (where draconian laws dictated that bars shut at 11pm Well the closing time here is 4:00 a.m so...not so draconian, I guess and great for getting plastered too;-)
>137 phebj: OMG Pat, that's perfect LOL.
>138 scaifea: Hi amber, yes we got an e-mail from Verizon saying the problem was resolved so I guess it's taken care of. Fingers crossed.
>139 msf59: I loved Death Comes for the Archbishop Mark, and still hope to put together a review because I had such an emotional response to it. Bleak House is wonderful:-)
>140 lauralkeet: Not to worry Laura. I did end up liking it more than you but it wasn't perfect, certainly. I'm getting backed up with reviews while I try to catch up on threads so I don't know when (or if) I'll get to a review. That's a book I would have never known about w/o LT and specifically the Virago Group.
>141 wilkiec: Thanks Diana. And I hope your weekend is perfect for you too:-)
143richardderus
Happy news that your internet connection is back to normal. Except now we'll all be expecting Visitations. No more reasons not to, after all.
*Bambi eyes*
*Bambi eyes*
144PaulCranswick
You're back on line so I came rushing over in expectation of reading the review of the book you've just finished.
I'll wish you a wonderful weekend whilst you are composing one of your masterpieces. I have a great excuse to come and see you again shortly. xx
I'll wish you a wonderful weekend whilst you are composing one of your masterpieces. I have a great excuse to come and see you again shortly. xx
145brenzi
>143 richardderus: Mission accomplished Bambi;-)
>144 PaulCranswick: Haha Paul, I am happy to have your visits whenever I can get them but I am still working on my review for Death Comes for the Archbishop. Hopefully, I will get to William: An Englishman as soon as I can but you must realize that most people don't wait for my reviews with bated breath haha.
>144 PaulCranswick: Haha Paul, I am happy to have your visits whenever I can get them but I am still working on my review for Death Comes for the Archbishop. Hopefully, I will get to William: An Englishman as soon as I can but you must realize that most people don't wait for my reviews with bated breath haha.
146TinaV95
I loved Death Comes for the Archbishop! Can't wait to see what I'm sure is going to be a beautful review. :)
147brenzi
>146 TinaV95: Oh my goodness Tina. You're making me blush. Thank you.
148brenzi
2.
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 4.8 stars
I’ve read many books that packed an emotional wallop but this one, written by Willa Cather in 1927, is so spare and beautifully evocative, that the very emotional last chapter was unusually hard to handle. Once again I find Cather to be a master of creating a sense of place and, in this case, the place is the American southwest instead of the American prairies, the more well-known setting of My Antonia and O Pioneers!.
Cather tells the story of Father Jean Marie Latour, who in 1848 accepts an assignment as a missionary priest in wild and beautiful New Mexico. During the next forty years he comes to love the beautiful yet harsh land of the southwest as well as the Mexican and Indian people he comes to know. Accompanying Latour is his fellow priest and lifelong friend Father Joseph Vaillant. It’s the relationship between these two men that is the underlying theme and Cather chooses to tell the story through a series of vignettes that portray the land and people of the Southwest in a way that only Cather can.
Some of the vignettes paint a portrait of the people, warts and all. Lovely Magdalena, who warns the two priests with a finger across the throat, that her husband may well kill them. They rescue her from the man that has brutalized her and take her to the convent where she happily lives her life with the caring, compassionate nuns while her husband meets a very different fate. Or Dona Isabella, the wife of a wealthy American who passes away leaving her his fortune. However, his brothers contest the will and she does not want to reveal her actual age in court because she has maintained that she is ten years younger. The priests manage to convince her to tell the truth so that she doesn’t lose her fortune and yet still maintains her vanity. Padre Martinez is a local priest that is an unabashed womanizer and the father of several children. Latour has to figure out how to rein in the popular cleric. Finally, the close relationship between the two priests is strained when Father Vaillant asks to be allowed to leave Santa Fe to evangelize the poor people around Tucson. Although it is a deep disappointment to him, Latour allows the friend he loves to follow his calling.
Towards the end of the book, when Latour is feeling his age and the loneliness that is his constant companion, Cather’s prose is delicious:
”Beautiful surroundings, the society of learned men, the charm of noble women, the graces of art, could not make up for the loss of those light-hearted mornings of the desert, for that wind that made one a boy again. He had noticed that this peculiar quality in the air of new countries vanished after they were tamed by man and made to bear harvests. Parts of Texas and Kansas that he had first known as open range had since been made into rich farming districts, and the air had quite lost that lightness, that dry, aromatic odour. The moisture of plowed land, the heaviness of labour and growth and grain-bearing, utterly destroyed it; one could breathe that only on the bright edges of the world, on the great grass plains or the sage-brush desert.” (Page 273)
I’m not sure how Cather built up the emotion that culminates in the last chapter but make no mistake: it’s there. It’s palpable. And it’s beautiful. Very highly recommended.
Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather 4.8 stars
I’ve read many books that packed an emotional wallop but this one, written by Willa Cather in 1927, is so spare and beautifully evocative, that the very emotional last chapter was unusually hard to handle. Once again I find Cather to be a master of creating a sense of place and, in this case, the place is the American southwest instead of the American prairies, the more well-known setting of My Antonia and O Pioneers!.
Cather tells the story of Father Jean Marie Latour, who in 1848 accepts an assignment as a missionary priest in wild and beautiful New Mexico. During the next forty years he comes to love the beautiful yet harsh land of the southwest as well as the Mexican and Indian people he comes to know. Accompanying Latour is his fellow priest and lifelong friend Father Joseph Vaillant. It’s the relationship between these two men that is the underlying theme and Cather chooses to tell the story through a series of vignettes that portray the land and people of the Southwest in a way that only Cather can.
Some of the vignettes paint a portrait of the people, warts and all. Lovely Magdalena, who warns the two priests with a finger across the throat, that her husband may well kill them. They rescue her from the man that has brutalized her and take her to the convent where she happily lives her life with the caring, compassionate nuns while her husband meets a very different fate. Or Dona Isabella, the wife of a wealthy American who passes away leaving her his fortune. However, his brothers contest the will and she does not want to reveal her actual age in court because she has maintained that she is ten years younger. The priests manage to convince her to tell the truth so that she doesn’t lose her fortune and yet still maintains her vanity. Padre Martinez is a local priest that is an unabashed womanizer and the father of several children. Latour has to figure out how to rein in the popular cleric. Finally, the close relationship between the two priests is strained when Father Vaillant asks to be allowed to leave Santa Fe to evangelize the poor people around Tucson. Although it is a deep disappointment to him, Latour allows the friend he loves to follow his calling.
Towards the end of the book, when Latour is feeling his age and the loneliness that is his constant companion, Cather’s prose is delicious:
”Beautiful surroundings, the society of learned men, the charm of noble women, the graces of art, could not make up for the loss of those light-hearted mornings of the desert, for that wind that made one a boy again. He had noticed that this peculiar quality in the air of new countries vanished after they were tamed by man and made to bear harvests. Parts of Texas and Kansas that he had first known as open range had since been made into rich farming districts, and the air had quite lost that lightness, that dry, aromatic odour. The moisture of plowed land, the heaviness of labour and growth and grain-bearing, utterly destroyed it; one could breathe that only on the bright edges of the world, on the great grass plains or the sage-brush desert.” (Page 273)
I’m not sure how Cather built up the emotion that culminates in the last chapter but make no mistake: it’s there. It’s palpable. And it’s beautiful. Very highly recommended.
149Copperskye
Once again, Bonnie, a wonderful review!
150richardderus
Your quoted paragraph makes me tear up every time I read it. It is a perfect distillation of Cather's theme of life being a series of doors shutting, of losses and takings-away, and that the noble soul's response to that isn't bitterness or anger but wistful remembered love.
151kidzdoc
Great review of Death Comes for the Archbishop, Bonnie. I'll have to read it one of these days...
152brenzi
>149 Copperskye: Thanks Joanne. I know you know how wonderful this book is.
>150 richardderus: I swear Richard, I was overcome by emotion while reading that last chapter and it just seemed to sneak up on me. Her writing is just beautiful.
>151 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. I'm sure you can just add it to the books on your TBR that you are definitely going to read this year, can't you;-) LOL
>150 richardderus: I swear Richard, I was overcome by emotion while reading that last chapter and it just seemed to sneak up on me. Her writing is just beautiful.
>151 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl. I'm sure you can just add it to the books on your TBR that you are definitely going to read this year, can't you;-) LOL
153brenzi
This looks like fun so I thought, why not?
Bonnie's Reading Bingo
More than 500 pages:
Forgotten Classic: William: An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton
Book that became a movie:
Published this year:
Number in the title: Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital - Sheri Fink
Written by someone under 30:
Book with non-human characters:
Funny Book:
Female Author: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Book with a mystery:
One-Word Title:
Book of short stories:
Set on a different continent: When We Were Bad by Charlotte Mendelson
Non-Fiction: The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan
First book by a favourite author:
Heard about online:
Best-selling book:
Based on a true story:
Book at the bottom of TBR pile:
Book my friend loves:
Book that scares me:
More than 10 years old:The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
Second book in a series:
Blue cover:
Bonnie's Reading Bingo
More than 500 pages:
Forgotten Classic: William: An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton
Book that became a movie:
Published this year:
Number in the title: Five Days at Memorial: Life and Death in a Storm-Ravaged Hospital - Sheri Fink
Written by someone under 30:
Book with non-human characters:
Funny Book:
Female Author: Death Comes for the Archbishop by Willa Cather
Book with a mystery:
One-Word Title:
Book of short stories:
Set on a different continent: When We Were Bad by Charlotte Mendelson
Non-Fiction: The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan
First book by a favourite author:
Heard about online:
Best-selling book:
Based on a true story:
Book at the bottom of TBR pile:
Book my friend loves:
Book that scares me:
More than 10 years old:The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
Second book in a series:
Blue cover:
154kidzdoc
>152 brenzi: I don't own Death Comes for the Archibishop, so I can't add it to my TBR list. Yet.
156BLBera
Hi Bonnie - As always, nice review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. You are so conscientious with your reviews. Book bingo looks like fun.
157phebj
Great review of Death Comes for the Archbishop Bonnie. I'm so glad you loved it. I generally never re-read books but that is one I'd consider reading again.
158msf59
Bonnie- Outstanding review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. You nailed it perfectly. I finished it today. It was wonderful. I can't believe how fresh it still sounds. Cather Rules!
159Whisper1
Bonnie, Thumbs up for your wonderful review!
It is long on my tbr list. I think I need to make a list of 50 must reads in 2014 and Death Comes for the Archbishop would be on that list.
I hope you are warm and dry. We had a wicked rain storm today, accompanied by thunder...Yes, thunder in January.
It is long on my tbr list. I think I need to make a list of 50 must reads in 2014 and Death Comes for the Archbishop would be on that list.
I hope you are warm and dry. We had a wicked rain storm today, accompanied by thunder...Yes, thunder in January.
160Oregonreader
Bonnie, I really enjoyed your review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. It's been several years since I read it but I remember clearly being transported to the place and the lives of the characters she creates. I'll have to add it to my list of books to be reread.
161LovingLit
Your review of the Willa Cather book, has me veeeerrrry interested....even if I didn't really care for O Pioneers! that much. Maybe I was expecting too much....
*off to thumb*
eta: the bingo category "A book you heard about online".....would be most books for me :)
*off to thumb*
eta: the bingo category "A book you heard about online".....would be most books for me :)
162lauralkeet
>154 kidzdoc:: I'm with Darryl. I've been sorely tempted by all the LTers reading it this month. I thought I had a copy, but it turns out I have Oh Pioneers!. Which I should also read.
163alcottacre
#90: I just got a copy of Five Days at Memorial from the library the other day. I am just hoping I have a chance to squeeze it in before it is due back. Glad to see you thought so highly of it, Bonnie.
164Linda92007
Great review of Death Comes for the Archbishop, Bonnie. I am definitely going to read this. It will be my first by Cather, as for some reason I was never interested in reading My Antonia or O Pioneers!.
165ctpress
I have to join in - great review - yes, indeed it is a beautiful and powerful ending - I'm looking forward to a reread of Death Comes for the Archbishop at some point.
166brenzi
>156 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Conscientious? Not really. I finished the book last Sunday and have finished another book since which I haven't yet written a review for. But when a book speaks to me, like DCFTA did, I find it a lot easier to write about it. Books that are just so-so are a lot harder. And I haven't really figured out how to wite a plausible hatchet job when I hate a book. LOL
>157 phebj: Thanks Pat. I think this would be a good book to reread too.
>158 msf59: Thanks Mark. It certainly seem to have, if not universal appeal, at least LT appeal haha. I haven't heard anyone say it was just ok.
>159 Whisper1: Thanks Linda. Yep, we had heavy rain and thunder yesterday too. Quite a change from the sub-zero temps of just a few days ago. I need to make a list of 50 must reads in 2014 Oh boy, that would be quite a list but DCFTA would certainly be one that should be included.
>160 Oregonreader: Thanks Jan. Cather does seem to have an innate ability to transport readers to whatever setting she decides to explore.
>161 LovingLit: Thanks Megan. Hmmm I actually really liked O Pioneers! so maybe Cather isn't for you. She writes very strong women characters, although this book dealt more with men.
eta: the bingo category "A book you heard about online".....would be most books for me I know. Really. What does it mean that the first three books I've read this all fit into one category or another? I may be done with Bingo fairly shortly. Maybe it's meant more for people who only read a few books every year haha.
>162 lauralkeet: I think you probably would enjoy this one Laura for just the reason you cite---all the 75ers who seem to be loving it.
>163 alcottacre: Five Days at Memorial is an eye-opening expose Stasia. I hope you manage to read it with your busy schedule.
>164 Linda92007: Thanks Linda. I hope you find this Cather to your liking. BTW, I now have 2/3 of Kristin Lavransdatter and hope to get the last part soon so that I can get started on it. I'm looking forward to it.
>165 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. This one is a good candidate for a reread.
>157 phebj: Thanks Pat. I think this would be a good book to reread too.
>158 msf59: Thanks Mark. It certainly seem to have, if not universal appeal, at least LT appeal haha. I haven't heard anyone say it was just ok.
>159 Whisper1: Thanks Linda. Yep, we had heavy rain and thunder yesterday too. Quite a change from the sub-zero temps of just a few days ago. I need to make a list of 50 must reads in 2014 Oh boy, that would be quite a list but DCFTA would certainly be one that should be included.
>160 Oregonreader: Thanks Jan. Cather does seem to have an innate ability to transport readers to whatever setting she decides to explore.
>161 LovingLit: Thanks Megan. Hmmm I actually really liked O Pioneers! so maybe Cather isn't for you. She writes very strong women characters, although this book dealt more with men.
eta: the bingo category "A book you heard about online".....would be most books for me I know. Really. What does it mean that the first three books I've read this all fit into one category or another? I may be done with Bingo fairly shortly. Maybe it's meant more for people who only read a few books every year haha.
>162 lauralkeet: I think you probably would enjoy this one Laura for just the reason you cite---all the 75ers who seem to be loving it.
>163 alcottacre: Five Days at Memorial is an eye-opening expose Stasia. I hope you manage to read it with your busy schedule.
>164 Linda92007: Thanks Linda. I hope you find this Cather to your liking. BTW, I now have 2/3 of Kristin Lavransdatter and hope to get the last part soon so that I can get started on it. I'm looking forward to it.
>165 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. This one is a good candidate for a reread.
167Donna828
Bonnie, thank you for a superb review of a book I have already read. I may have to begin a Reread List and put Death Comes... on it! Oh my, I envy your anticipated read of Kristin Lavransdatter. It was one of the group reads that got me hooked on LT years ago. I'm not even sure they called it a GR back then...maybe just several people reading and commenting on it. Ah, the "good ol' days"!
ETA: I think my review of The Wreath was one of my earliest reviews...written in September of 2008.
Me again! I stand corrected. My first reviews were written in March of 2007. They were much shorter than recent ones!
ETA: I think my review of The Wreath was one of my earliest reviews...written in September of 2008.
Me again! I stand corrected. My first reviews were written in March of 2007. They were much shorter than recent ones!
168jnwelch
Lovely review of Death Comes for the Archbishop, Bonnie. And excellent quote. Her sensitivity to the particulars of surroundings in the desert, the plains, etc., and her ability to so evocatively describe them, make for some of the best reading ever. There's a large section set in cliff dwellings in New Mexico in The Professor's House that I likewise loved. Thumb from me.
169lit_chick
Bonnie, that is a fabulous review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. I find it so rare that an author is able to pack such an emotional punch as you describe Cather has done in the final chapter. I've got O Pioneers! and My Antonia on my WL, and I can see I'll need to add this one as well. Book bullet! And thumb!
170brenzi
>167 Donna828: Thanks Donna. I wrote my first LT review on March 23, 2009, about a month after I joined and two years after you did. That was 322 reviews ago. Speaking of short, here it is:
Restless: A Novel by William Boyd
My new favorite author! Excellent double whammy as two stories are told intermingling at the end. Eva Electorskaya was a WWII spy, unbeknownst to her daughter, until her mother hands her her memoirs and tells her to read. She then goes about the task of finding the spy who betrayed her mother 35 years ago. Full of suspense, intrigue and a wonderful English writing style that will keep me looking for more of his books.
I didn't know you had already read Kristin Lavransdatter. Now I'll look forward to it even more:-)
>168 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. And guess what I have sitting on my shelf. Well, lookee here---The Professor's House. Will I be able to resist the urge to read it right away or should I start rationing the Cathers?? In March, I will be reading One of Ours for the Virago WWI Theme Read. Can't overload on Cather. Not possible. LOL
>169 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Sorry about the gunshot wound. Hopefully, you will make a quick recovery so that you can be ready for the next one;-) They fly around with fair regularity in this group.
I find it so rare that an author is able to pack such an emotional punch Yep, totally agree with that. But it wasn't too long ago that I was struck by one of these punches---Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things.
Restless: A Novel by William Boyd
My new favorite author! Excellent double whammy as two stories are told intermingling at the end. Eva Electorskaya was a WWII spy, unbeknownst to her daughter, until her mother hands her her memoirs and tells her to read. She then goes about the task of finding the spy who betrayed her mother 35 years ago. Full of suspense, intrigue and a wonderful English writing style that will keep me looking for more of his books.
I didn't know you had already read Kristin Lavransdatter. Now I'll look forward to it even more:-)
>168 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. And guess what I have sitting on my shelf. Well, lookee here---The Professor's House. Will I be able to resist the urge to read it right away or should I start rationing the Cathers?? In March, I will be reading One of Ours for the Virago WWI Theme Read. Can't overload on Cather. Not possible. LOL
>169 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Sorry about the gunshot wound. Hopefully, you will make a quick recovery so that you can be ready for the next one;-) They fly around with fair regularity in this group.
I find it so rare that an author is able to pack such an emotional punch Yep, totally agree with that. But it wasn't too long ago that I was struck by one of these punches---Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of All Things.
171phebj
Hi Bonnie. I read the first two parts of the Kristin Lavransdatter trilogy but haven't gotten around to the third one. I really should try to finish it up this winter so I realize how easy our winters are compared to the Norwegian ones. How's your weather these days?
172katiekrug
I just started Death Comes for the Archbishop today and already love it. Your review was wonderful, Bonnie!
173thornton37814
I am so happy to see so many people enjoying one of my top reads for last year (Death Comes for the Archbishop).
174Oregonreader
Bonnie, I'm a huge fan of William Boyd as well. I think my favorites are An Ice Cream War and Brazzaville Beach. Each of his books are so different but each so well written (except Armadillo which I found flat).
176brenzi
>171 phebj: I'm really looking forward to Kristin Lavransdatter Pat. It's been raining heavily since last Friday but there's some snow and cold weather in the forecast for later this week so there's probably lots of winter left.
>172 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. Enjoy the ride:-)
>173 thornton37814: It's taking the 75ers like wildfire Lori:-)
>174 Oregonreader: Ordinary Thunderstorms is the only other William Boyd book I've read Jan, although I have a couple in my possession including Waiting for Sunrise and Any Human Heart, which I started once and then got distracted by another book. Must try to read one of those this year.
>175 BLBera: Happy to oblige Beth haha.
>172 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. Enjoy the ride:-)
>173 thornton37814: It's taking the 75ers like wildfire Lori:-)
>174 Oregonreader: Ordinary Thunderstorms is the only other William Boyd book I've read Jan, although I have a couple in my possession including Waiting for Sunrise and Any Human Heart, which I started once and then got distracted by another book. Must try to read one of those this year.
>175 BLBera: Happy to oblige Beth haha.
177DorsVenabili
#90 - Great review of Five Days at Memorial! I abandoned the audiobook, but plan to read it in print very soon.
#148 - And a fantastic review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. I had an identical reaction.
#148 - And a fantastic review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. I had an identical reaction.
178brenzi
Thanks Kerri. I don't do well with audio books so there have been a few that I've abandoned but I hope you get another chance to read Five Days at Memorial. It's quite the eye-opener.
It looks like it's almost unanimous re: Death Comes for the Archbishop. What a book!
It looks like it's almost unanimous re: Death Comes for the Archbishop. What a book!
180EBT1002
#179: That is cool. I'm pleased to see To Kill a Mockingbird so largely represented.
I have my copy of Five Days at Memorial from the library and really want to read it before it's due. I think there is a queue so I can't renew it....
I have my copy of Five Days at Memorial from the library and really want to read it before it's due. I think there is a queue so I can't renew it....
181brenzi
Hi Ellen, I hope you are able to squeeze Five Days at Memorial in. In that map ^^^I think I would have liked to see All Quiet on the Western Front more prominently displayed.
182brenzi
3.
William: An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton 4 stars
I finished this book quite a while ago but am just now putting somewhat of a review together. My first WWI book.
”It was a very solemn little moment; man and woman, affianced lovers, they dedicated themselves to their mission, the uplifting of the human race. They were spared the doubts which would have assailed wiser heads as to the manner of accomplishing their mission; and as they say side by side on the bench, with their hands clasped, they knew themselves for acceptable types and forerunners of the world they were helping to create….Man and Woman, side by side, vowed to service.”
William Tully has found the perfect mate in Griselda Watkins. They are both fully committed Social Reformers whose ideas about a perfect world are in perfect sync with each other. They meet at a conference where he is the keynote speaker. She is a suffragette of the highest order and they soon decide to marry and spend their honeymoon in the Belgian Ardenne at the home of a fellow Social Reformer who will be in New York. It is the end of July 1914 and as much as the two believers consume reading material that pertains to the causes they adhere to they seem to know little about the news of Europe at large. They arrive at their love nest and are catered to by a farmer’s family who do not speak English. They choose to receive no newspapers and have no idea what is going on until, three weeks into their holiday, they discover their caretakers have up and moved out, lock, stock and barrel. As they wander through the forest near their cabin they are stopped by some German soldiers and their rose colored glasses are smashed to smithereens as they discover what live is like while being held by the enemy.
I liked this book about the unsuspecting and completely naïve couple but asked myself if it was actually possible for two people to be so unaware of the news that was engulfing Europe at this time. After their capture by the Germans, their lives take a nasty turn and the results take on a fairly predictable trajectory. The writing and the biting satire was quite well-done so the only thing that kept me from really loving this book was this question about their absolute naiveté. These two people who “believed (quite rightly) in the purity of their own intentions and concluded (quite wrongly) that the intentions of all persons who did not agree with them must therefore be evil and impure.” In the end, they met their match.
William: An Englishman by Cicely Hamilton 4 stars
I finished this book quite a while ago but am just now putting somewhat of a review together. My first WWI book.
”It was a very solemn little moment; man and woman, affianced lovers, they dedicated themselves to their mission, the uplifting of the human race. They were spared the doubts which would have assailed wiser heads as to the manner of accomplishing their mission; and as they say side by side on the bench, with their hands clasped, they knew themselves for acceptable types and forerunners of the world they were helping to create….Man and Woman, side by side, vowed to service.”
William Tully has found the perfect mate in Griselda Watkins. They are both fully committed Social Reformers whose ideas about a perfect world are in perfect sync with each other. They meet at a conference where he is the keynote speaker. She is a suffragette of the highest order and they soon decide to marry and spend their honeymoon in the Belgian Ardenne at the home of a fellow Social Reformer who will be in New York. It is the end of July 1914 and as much as the two believers consume reading material that pertains to the causes they adhere to they seem to know little about the news of Europe at large. They arrive at their love nest and are catered to by a farmer’s family who do not speak English. They choose to receive no newspapers and have no idea what is going on until, three weeks into their holiday, they discover their caretakers have up and moved out, lock, stock and barrel. As they wander through the forest near their cabin they are stopped by some German soldiers and their rose colored glasses are smashed to smithereens as they discover what live is like while being held by the enemy.
I liked this book about the unsuspecting and completely naïve couple but asked myself if it was actually possible for two people to be so unaware of the news that was engulfing Europe at this time. After their capture by the Germans, their lives take a nasty turn and the results take on a fairly predictable trajectory. The writing and the biting satire was quite well-done so the only thing that kept me from really loving this book was this question about their absolute naiveté. These two people who “believed (quite rightly) in the purity of their own intentions and concluded (quite wrongly) that the intentions of all persons who did not agree with them must therefore be evil and impure.” In the end, they met their match.
183NanaCC
>182 brenzi: Bonnie, You had much the same reaction to William, An Englishman as I did. I did have to suspend belief a bit about the couple's naivete, but thinking about the difference in communication at that time compared to now, I am willing to do that.
184-Cee-
Hi Bonnie!
Love your favorites of 2013. Many are still on my TBR list.
"Can't overload on Cather. Not possible."
I so agree with you on this. I only meant to read one of her books for January. So I read Shadows on the Rock which was wonderful. Somehow I just stumbled into reading another: One of Ours... about halfway through it. I'm LOVING it!
Love your favorites of 2013. Many are still on my TBR list.
"Can't overload on Cather. Not possible."
I so agree with you on this. I only meant to read one of her books for January. So I read Shadows on the Rock which was wonderful. Somehow I just stumbled into reading another: One of Ours... about halfway through it. I'm LOVING it!
185brenzi
>183 NanaCC: Hi Colleen. Oh yes, suspension of disbelief was certainly required. But I do that all the time and have no trouble doing it. I'm reading Margaret MacMillan's The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 right now and I'm hoping she'll reveal how unprepared everyone was for war. At any rate, I liked Hamilton's book.
>184 -Cee-: Hi Cee. I will be reading One of Ours in March so I'm glad you're loving it. I'm glad you have some of those favorites on your TBR:-)
>184 -Cee-: Hi Cee. I will be reading One of Ours in March so I'm glad you're loving it. I'm glad you have some of those favorites on your TBR:-)
186richardderus
Whisking through on my broom, trailing smooches
187phebj
Bonnie, I really liked your review of William: An Englishman but will probably not read it. There are literally a ton of WWI books I'm interested in reading. I may start Testament of Youth soon (as soon as I can find it that is)!
188lauralkeet
Great review of William, an Englishman, Bonnie. I'm off to thumb it!
189BLBera
Hi Bonnie - Interesting cloud. Hitchhiker is certainly emphasized? I, with Ellen, am happy to see To Kill a Mockingbird so prominent.
190lit_chick
Wonderful review of Wiliam: An Englishman, Bonnie. I'd question the absolute naiveté too. Like Laura, I'm off to thumb it!
191brenzi
>186 richardderus: Hi Richard. Smooches right back atcha:-)
>187 phebj: Thanks Pat. Testament of Youth was a 5 star read for me a few years ago. I'm almost positive you will like it.
>188 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura!
>189 BLBera: Yes Beth, Hitchhiker is one I've never read. I wonder what I've been missing. Hmmm.....
>190 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Over on the Virago thread, a couple of people pointed out that communication back in 1914 was not anything like it is today. That;s true, but many people today have no idea what's going on as far as world news is concerned so I think I probably expect too much out of people. There are people today who don't have any idea who their U.S. senator is so why expect this young couple in 1914 to have any idea their country was at war. LOL.
>187 phebj: Thanks Pat. Testament of Youth was a 5 star read for me a few years ago. I'm almost positive you will like it.
>188 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura!
>189 BLBera: Yes Beth, Hitchhiker is one I've never read. I wonder what I've been missing. Hmmm.....
>190 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Over on the Virago thread, a couple of people pointed out that communication back in 1914 was not anything like it is today. That;s true, but many people today have no idea what's going on as far as world news is concerned so I think I probably expect too much out of people. There are people today who don't have any idea who their U.S. senator is so why expect this young couple in 1914 to have any idea their country was at war. LOL.
192brenzi
Whoa! Look at THIS.
Hilary Mantel to publish new short story collection.
The double Booker-winner will set the literary world alight with a collection of short fiction due in September, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher.
Now with a provocative title like that I wonder what she's got in mind....
Hilary Mantel to publish new short story collection.
The double Booker-winner will set the literary world alight with a collection of short fiction due in September, The Assassination of Margaret Thatcher.
Now with a provocative title like that I wonder what she's got in mind....
193PaulCranswick
Bonnie - I am not sure that I can quite let you get away with the overly modest view of the reception to and anticipation of your reviews.
I waited a few days to see if there was any response to your reviews of Cather and the William, An Englishman book. I think that there is a consensus from the deluge of posts that my view is reciprocated across the group.
Have a lovely weekend. xx
I waited a few days to see if there was any response to your reviews of Cather and the William, An Englishman book. I think that there is a consensus from the deluge of posts that my view is reciprocated across the group.
Have a lovely weekend. xx
194markon
Excellent reviews of Death comes for the archbishop and William: and Englishman. I found myself wondering about the title in relation to your saying it was about a couple.
Also, I agree Death comes for the archbishop is worth a reread. Unfortunately, I have too many on my plate already . . .
Also, I agree Death comes for the archbishop is worth a reread. Unfortunately, I have too many on my plate already . . .
196tymfos
That was a marvelous review of Death Comes for the Archbishop. I found myself tearing up there in the last chapter when I read it. And then the next morning, I learned that someone I knew had died a peaceful death overnight, and somehow it all sort of fit together.
Oh, you're doing the Book Bingo, too! I discovered it via Lori's thread (lkernagh), and decided to try it.
Oh, you're doing the Book Bingo, too! I discovered it via Lori's thread (lkernagh), and decided to try it.
197Cait86
>192 brenzi: - Great announcement! However, I do wish she would just focus on the third Cromwell book!!
198brenzi
>193 PaulCranswick: Well thank you so much Paul. You say the nicest things:-) I hope your weekend is going swimmingly.
>194 markon: Thanks Ardene. The book is more or less about William's life but his marriage to Griselda is key to all that takes place after it.
>195 lit_chick: Personally I can't wait to find out Nancy:-)
>196 tymfos: Thanks Terri. I found myself tearing up there in the last chapter when I read it. And then the next morning, I learned that someone I knew had died a peaceful death overnight, and somehow it all sort of fit together. That's so beautiful.
>197 Cait86: Oh me too Cait. I'm planning on rereading the first two in conjunction. I did read that it will open with Cromwell on the gallows.
>194 markon: Thanks Ardene. The book is more or less about William's life but his marriage to Griselda is key to all that takes place after it.
>195 lit_chick: Personally I can't wait to find out Nancy:-)
>196 tymfos: Thanks Terri. I found myself tearing up there in the last chapter when I read it. And then the next morning, I learned that someone I knew had died a peaceful death overnight, and somehow it all sort of fit together. That's so beautiful.
>197 Cait86: Oh me too Cait. I'm planning on rereading the first two in conjunction. I did read that it will open with Cromwell on the gallows.
199Donna828
That is interesting about a short story collection from Ms. Mantel. What a provocative title! It sounds like she needed a break from Cromwell.
200LovingLit
>192 brenzi: well, I like the title. Not that I would support the murder of a person, but maybe an assassination of her character.
201brenzi
>199 Donna828: Hi Donna. Maybe she did. The article brought out that she was also very involved in the theater production of Wolf Hall/Bring up the Bodies. I like to think she's an author at the top of her game and her brain is just teeming with ideas.
>200 LovingLit: Hi Megan. Hmmm I hadn't thought of character assassination but you may have hit the nail on the head.
>200 LovingLit: Hi Megan. Hmmm I hadn't thought of character assassination but you may have hit the nail on the head.
202mckait
oh dear.... Kristin Lavransdatter is back! I wish ou the joy of it.. it really is a good book, but for some reason, I am so DI+ONE with KL.
Five Days at Memorial. I keep eyeing it at work, but fear grimness at this moment in time. I know where to find it though and suspect I will read it this year...
I'm glad you're having fun with your reads..
Five Days at Memorial. I keep eyeing it at work, but fear grimness at this moment in time. I know where to find it though and suspect I will read it this year...
I'm glad you're having fun with your reads..
203msf59
Hi Bonnie- It looks like I've been neglecting you. I am sorry. It looks like you've been reading some fine books. I finished Bleak House and thought it was very good, but boy, does he gets repetitive. That is my only complaint about his work. Next up, is Tinker Creek, because Megan twisted my arm. Have you read Dillard?
204brenzi
>202 mckait: Hi Kath. If it's grimness you fear, you'd better stay away from Five Days at Memorial. I'm afraid it's fairly grim indeed. But it's also very thought provoking. I expect I'll read KL sometime this year.
>203 msf59: Hi Mark. I know Bleak House was long but I just loved it. Trollope is also very long but I love him even more than Dickens. They wrote for serialization and were paid by the word I think. Or something like that. I have read two Annie Dillard books: The Living which I absolutely loved and The Maytrees which I really liked a lot.
>203 msf59: Hi Mark. I know Bleak House was long but I just loved it. Trollope is also very long but I love him even more than Dickens. They wrote for serialization and were paid by the word I think. Or something like that. I have read two Annie Dillard books: The Living which I absolutely loved and The Maytrees which I really liked a lot.
205lit_chick
Have to echo your sentiments here, Bonnie. I adored Bleak House despite its length, but I love Trollope even more than Dickens.
206brenzi
Hi Nancy. I honestly don't notice the length when I'm reading those books. I'm totally consumed by the narrative
207Chatterbox
Wait, I'm an extreme reader?? Hmm, I wonder if that's an extreme sport, along with bungee-jumping?
Having read Dan Baum's most excellent Nine Lives about Katrina, I'm not sure I'm ready for another Katrina book, however great. I know everyone is raving about this, but it may not be for me. (Five Days at Memorial, I mean.)
Having read Dan Baum's most excellent Nine Lives about Katrina, I'm not sure I'm ready for another Katrina book, however great. I know everyone is raving about this, but it may not be for me. (Five Days at Memorial, I mean.)
208ctpress
Wow - I wouldn't have guessed To Kill a Mockingbird would shine so brightly. Seems I've read a lot of the popular titles, but still no Mockingbird. Keep thinking Mockingjay, don't know why :)
209brenzi
Hi Carsten. Mockingbird is certainly no Mockingjay LOL. I can certainly highly recommend the former, one of my all-time favorites. I think you probably enjoy it as well:-)
211Donna828
Bonnie, I am going to join you and Nancy in your preference for Trollope over Dickens. It is a slight preference but AT makes me laugh more than CD. And we call him "Chuckles"!
Oh my, I was getting depressed until I read the good news about children understanding emotions and the opportunity of becoming an international expert. Let's see, I could be an expert in sob stories because of my love for the depressing side of literature!
Oh my, I was getting depressed until I read the good news about children understanding emotions and the opportunity of becoming an international expert. Let's see, I could be an expert in sob stories because of my love for the depressing side of literature!
212brenzi
>207 Chatterbox: Hi Suzanne. I didn't see you up there. And did Isay you were an "extreme reader"? I couldn't find it in the thread anywhere but you have to admit, who better in this group to fill that description than, well, you? No one comes close LOL. And we're all jealous. And when I lurk on your thread and see all the great books you read I completely forget that I can't possibly read all these books because I'm not, er, Suzanne. Haha. I haven't read any other books about Katrina so this one provided just the right amount of information.
213brenzi
>211 Donna828: Hi Donna, well I'll bet there are many others who would join you, me and Nancy LOL, in the Trollope fan club. And I very happily join you on the dark side of literature:-)
214Whisper1
Bonnie, the image you posted regarding readers, or I should say lack thereof, is sad.
I'm saddened by the fact that so many of the very bright students I supervise are not readers. Reading a book for an English class is very difficult for them...sad, sad, sad.
I'm saddened by the fact that so many of the very bright students I supervise are not readers. Reading a book for an English class is very difficult for them...sad, sad, sad.
215lit_chick
Yes, Lies, Damned Lies, and Statistics! And those are frightening ones. Love Donna's quip about becoming an expert in sob stories, LOL.
216Oregonreader
Bonnie, your statistics on reading are eye-opening. I'm mostly surrounded by readers and wrongly assume most people are.
I should be qualified to be an international detective with the amount of mysteries I've read!
I should be qualified to be an international detective with the amount of mysteries I've read!
217BLBera
Hi Bonnie - Yes, these statistics seem amazing, because we are all readers. Yet, looking at my students, I can easily believe them.
218brenzi
>214 Whisper1: It's very concerning isn't it Linda? What in the world is the future going to look like?
>215 lit_chick: I'm going to be an expert on what led to WWI if I don't finish this book soon Nancy. Or at least I will feel that way LOL.
>216 Oregonreader: I'm not surrounded by readers Jan but those statistics do come as a surprise. I'd like to know the story behind them but I might get too depressed by them. I imagine young people would rather be on Twitter and FB than have their nose in a book.
>217 BLBera: Well you would know Beth. It's a bit disheartening, isn't it?
>215 lit_chick: I'm going to be an expert on what led to WWI if I don't finish this book soon Nancy. Or at least I will feel that way LOL.
>216 Oregonreader: I'm not surrounded by readers Jan but those statistics do come as a surprise. I'd like to know the story behind them but I might get too depressed by them. I imagine young people would rather be on Twitter and FB than have their nose in a book.
>217 BLBera: Well you would know Beth. It's a bit disheartening, isn't it?
219brenzi
The Pulitzer-winning Indian/American Jhumpa Lahiri also laid into America's literary culture, saying that it was "shameful the lack of translation, the lack of energy put into translation in the American market". "It is embarrassing, to me, and I think just getting out of America for a little while makes you much more conscious of that," said Lahiri, who currently lives in Italy and has not read anything in English for the last two years.
Well that's interesting. Read about it right here.
Well that's interesting. Read about it right here.
220scaifea
Well, according to those statistics, Charlie is an extreme reader already! Ha! Also, I don't believe that last one, not one bit. It would take much more than an hour a day for longer than seven years for me to feel like an expert in my field, at least...
221brenzi
Hi there Amber, I think they forgot the part where 47% of all statistics are lies haha. But I certainly believe that Charlie is an extreme reader:-)
222BLBera
Hi Bonnie - I find it really interesting that Lahiri, who writes in English commented as she did. Hmm. Thanks for sharing the article.
224SandDune
#222 I find it really interesting that Lahiri, who writes in English commented as she did. With her background (she wasn't brought up in India) I'd be quite surprised if she wrote in anything else. After all she is effectively an American writer who has been brought up in the US. I think her point on translations is that by missing out on translated literature from other countries we (the UK is equally bad at this) are missing out on insights and perspectives from those countries, so we get a view of the world that is very skewed towards those countries where English is spoken.
225Chatterbox
222 + 1 more.
Good for her...
What I find surprising is her surprise. And in point of fact, I think there's a tremendous amount of stuff that IS translated, which, when you set aside the large number of writers choosing to write in English, is noteworthy.
A fifth of the books I've read so far this year have been translated: from Arabic, from Danish, from Norwegian, from French and from Russian. I have two ARCs of new novels translated from Chinese awaiting me, as well as one translated from Italian. My wishlist includes several more. From where I set now, I can see among my TBR tomes an Italian crime novel, some Henning Mankell books, a novel by an Argentian writer and a stack of French novels (most of which have been translated, although I'm reading them in the original) as well as a few novels by Mario Vargas Llosa.
Probably there are plenty of interesting and fascinating books that don't get translated or get translated much later than they should be. (I've relished Andrei Kurkov's books, for instance.) But I suspect there also is plenty of stuff that's on a parity with what is published in the US and UK; where the difference is less a matter of caliber and more a matter of culture. Which is a separate issue: should we be reading more widely than we do? Probably. I'd agree with the idea that we should read to expand our horizons. But given that the "average" reader might read perhaps two novels a month, and might prefer something that makes few demands on them, it's a bit simplistic to suggest that they dig out the new new thing from Murakami, or the latest Romanian novelist to make a buzz. A segment of the reading world will always do that.
What really annoyed me about this were some of the sneering comments about writing in English being a "lazy" option. Really?? I speak two languages fluently, read three and can skim a newspaper in two more. Writing WELL in English requires no less effort than it does to write well in any other language. If people who are able to write well in English choose to do so (as the complaining individual, an author whose book I couldn't finish, has done at times), well, they're making a choice not to rely on translators because whenever you translate, something of the author's intent gets lost.
As far as the fact that: American writers were "too isolated, too insular". Americans "don't translate enough and don't really participate in the big dialogue of literature" -- splutter, splutter. Well, if that were really true, presumably there would be no demand for American books overseas, because non-US readers wouldn't be able to relate to them at all?
Admittedly, there's a lot of mindless writing being published in English -- and French, and Spanish, and other languages. And that makes up a significant part of what is being translated. But this criticism ignores or overlooks the fact that if translated literary fiction sells, there will be more of it. Off the top of my head -- Keigo Higashino, a novelist who has written acclaimed mysteries in Japanese. Two have been translated & published, one in 2011 and 2012. An unknown name to English-language readers, but the publisher took the risk. I don't know whether readers responded -- I'm not seeing any plans for a third book.
I agree that everyone should probably keep an eye open for new stuff, and not be put off simply because a novel has been translated. And there certainly are ramifications from the fact that the pool of readers who are able to afford to buy books easily is so dominated by those for whom English is a first language or a fluently-spoken second language. But Guo's suggestion that there is "unequal competition" and that money needs to be put in to raise that platform to a level playing field -- well, it strikes me as, in its own way, as being just as elitist as suggesting that English is the natural language for global literature. There's no guarantee that a Vietnamese or Portuguese novel will be of any higher caliber, just that it's likely to be different.
Can you tell that the tone of the criticism annoyed me? I'm not surprised that Lahiri writes in English -- de facto, it's her first language -- but to privilege non-English works simply because of their language strikes me as just as simplistic as the reverse.
*wearily climbing down from podium*
Good for her...
What I find surprising is her surprise. And in point of fact, I think there's a tremendous amount of stuff that IS translated, which, when you set aside the large number of writers choosing to write in English, is noteworthy.
A fifth of the books I've read so far this year have been translated: from Arabic, from Danish, from Norwegian, from French and from Russian. I have two ARCs of new novels translated from Chinese awaiting me, as well as one translated from Italian. My wishlist includes several more. From where I set now, I can see among my TBR tomes an Italian crime novel, some Henning Mankell books, a novel by an Argentian writer and a stack of French novels (most of which have been translated, although I'm reading them in the original) as well as a few novels by Mario Vargas Llosa.
Probably there are plenty of interesting and fascinating books that don't get translated or get translated much later than they should be. (I've relished Andrei Kurkov's books, for instance.) But I suspect there also is plenty of stuff that's on a parity with what is published in the US and UK; where the difference is less a matter of caliber and more a matter of culture. Which is a separate issue: should we be reading more widely than we do? Probably. I'd agree with the idea that we should read to expand our horizons. But given that the "average" reader might read perhaps two novels a month, and might prefer something that makes few demands on them, it's a bit simplistic to suggest that they dig out the new new thing from Murakami, or the latest Romanian novelist to make a buzz. A segment of the reading world will always do that.
What really annoyed me about this were some of the sneering comments about writing in English being a "lazy" option. Really?? I speak two languages fluently, read three and can skim a newspaper in two more. Writing WELL in English requires no less effort than it does to write well in any other language. If people who are able to write well in English choose to do so (as the complaining individual, an author whose book I couldn't finish, has done at times), well, they're making a choice not to rely on translators because whenever you translate, something of the author's intent gets lost.
As far as the fact that: American writers were "too isolated, too insular". Americans "don't translate enough and don't really participate in the big dialogue of literature" -- splutter, splutter. Well, if that were really true, presumably there would be no demand for American books overseas, because non-US readers wouldn't be able to relate to them at all?
Admittedly, there's a lot of mindless writing being published in English -- and French, and Spanish, and other languages. And that makes up a significant part of what is being translated. But this criticism ignores or overlooks the fact that if translated literary fiction sells, there will be more of it. Off the top of my head -- Keigo Higashino, a novelist who has written acclaimed mysteries in Japanese. Two have been translated & published, one in 2011 and 2012. An unknown name to English-language readers, but the publisher took the risk. I don't know whether readers responded -- I'm not seeing any plans for a third book.
I agree that everyone should probably keep an eye open for new stuff, and not be put off simply because a novel has been translated. And there certainly are ramifications from the fact that the pool of readers who are able to afford to buy books easily is so dominated by those for whom English is a first language or a fluently-spoken second language. But Guo's suggestion that there is "unequal competition" and that money needs to be put in to raise that platform to a level playing field -- well, it strikes me as, in its own way, as being just as elitist as suggesting that English is the natural language for global literature. There's no guarantee that a Vietnamese or Portuguese novel will be of any higher caliber, just that it's likely to be different.
Can you tell that the tone of the criticism annoyed me? I'm not surprised that Lahiri writes in English -- de facto, it's her first language -- but to privilege non-English works simply because of their language strikes me as just as simplistic as the reverse.
*wearily climbing down from podium*
227Nancy618
>226 katiekrug: Me, too.
231ChelleBearss
Hi Bonnie! Those are some interesting statistics ... wonder if any are true? If so then that's pretty sad!
Hope you are enjoying your winter!
Hope you are enjoying your winter!
232LovingLit
*not weighing in on the Lahiri debate*
OK I am, but just to add....
There are so many translated books available now! So many that with some of them, it isn't even obvious that their original language was not english. So if that is the case, maybe her beef is with the fact that translated works are not what are the most popular.
>225 Chatterbox: But given that the "average" reader might read perhaps two novels a month
lol
My RL bookclub members can't manage one a month, let alone two. I am beginning to wonder where all my RL reading friends went.
But I agree, Suzanne, who says people have to read translated literature? I wonder if in Italy, Lahiri is reading only works written in Italian....
OK I am, but just to add....
There are so many translated books available now! So many that with some of them, it isn't even obvious that their original language was not english. So if that is the case, maybe her beef is with the fact that translated works are not what are the most popular.
>225 Chatterbox: But given that the "average" reader might read perhaps two novels a month
lol
My RL bookclub members can't manage one a month, let alone two. I am beginning to wonder where all my RL reading friends went.
But I agree, Suzanne, who says people have to read translated literature? I wonder if in Italy, Lahiri is reading only works written in Italian....
233TinaV95
Just passing by to say to Bonnie...
Ha! Told you so.... I knew your review of Death Comes for the Archbishop would be fantastic! Off to add my thumb to what I imagine are masses already there!
ETA -- I was #16. Sixteen thumbs??? Sheesh, woman. ;)
Ha! Told you so.... I knew your review of Death Comes for the Archbishop would be fantastic! Off to add my thumb to what I imagine are masses already there!
ETA -- I was #16. Sixteen thumbs??? Sheesh, woman. ;)
234brenzi
>222 BLBera: - 230 Hi Beth, Richard, Rhian, Suzanne, Katie, Nancy, Joe, Nancy, and Julia.
Suzanne raises some interesting points. First, I am surprised, as I look at my shelves, at the books I always assumed were translated but, as it turns out, were actually written in English, such as Things Fall Apart and Mornings in Jenin. And I thought the remarks by Lahiri smacked of "elitist writer speaking from far above the peons who aren't worldly enough to read translated works." She should be thanking her lucky stars that those people choose to read her books rather than substituting translated works instead. There's just so much reading time in a day.
I think we live in a sort of bubble here on LT where we assume the rest of the world reads the way we do. Most people don't read as broadly or as or as voraciously as we do. No one I know reads much of the classics beyond what they got in high school to say nothing of translated literature. If I posed that question to people I know they would look at me cross-eyed before sputtering out a question as to whether it was a mystery I was talking about. I've made the mistake of questioning those I know who actually do read only to find out that in most cases they don't move beyond mysteries. That's all they read. So to expect that these people are going to dip into translated literature is beyond the pale. It's not going to happen and Lahiri is crazy to think otherwise.
That said, I am trying to read more translated literature and have a couple of shelves full including many Europas and NYRB publications. But I am not likely to take a chance on a foreign author that I have never heard of. There has to be some kind of recommendation.
>231 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle. Yep those statistics are fairly depressing. Speaking of depressing, I'd like this winter to end...NOW.
>232 LovingLit: You must have the same friends I do Megan. They're lucky to read one book a month. As a matter of fact, I have a friend who recently joined a Book Club and after the first month complained that she went to a meeting w/o having actually read the book and the members told her yes, she really did have to read the book. LOL. I don't know if she went back or not.
>233 TinaV95: Thanks Tina. I think those thumbs speak to the popularity of Death Comes for the Archbishop right now in our group. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it. LOL
Suzanne raises some interesting points. First, I am surprised, as I look at my shelves, at the books I always assumed were translated but, as it turns out, were actually written in English, such as Things Fall Apart and Mornings in Jenin. And I thought the remarks by Lahiri smacked of "elitist writer speaking from far above the peons who aren't worldly enough to read translated works." She should be thanking her lucky stars that those people choose to read her books rather than substituting translated works instead. There's just so much reading time in a day.
I think we live in a sort of bubble here on LT where we assume the rest of the world reads the way we do. Most people don't read as broadly or as or as voraciously as we do. No one I know reads much of the classics beyond what they got in high school to say nothing of translated literature. If I posed that question to people I know they would look at me cross-eyed before sputtering out a question as to whether it was a mystery I was talking about. I've made the mistake of questioning those I know who actually do read only to find out that in most cases they don't move beyond mysteries. That's all they read. So to expect that these people are going to dip into translated literature is beyond the pale. It's not going to happen and Lahiri is crazy to think otherwise.
That said, I am trying to read more translated literature and have a couple of shelves full including many Europas and NYRB publications. But I am not likely to take a chance on a foreign author that I have never heard of. There has to be some kind of recommendation.
>231 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle. Yep those statistics are fairly depressing. Speaking of depressing, I'd like this winter to end...NOW.
>232 LovingLit: You must have the same friends I do Megan. They're lucky to read one book a month. As a matter of fact, I have a friend who recently joined a Book Club and after the first month complained that she went to a meeting w/o having actually read the book and the members told her yes, she really did have to read the book. LOL. I don't know if she went back or not.
>233 TinaV95: Thanks Tina. I think those thumbs speak to the popularity of Death Comes for the Archbishop right now in our group. As a matter of fact, I'm sure of it. LOL
235brenzi
4.
The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan 4.7 stars
It was going to be a short war…forty days beginning to end…a blip on the way to bragging rights for the nations that came out on top. Of course it didn’t work out that way but then nothing in the years that led up to WWI worked out as planned.
Margaret MacMillan’s recently published book is a tour de force of narrative non-fiction that provides a very readable history of the people who ultimately made the decisions and the events that took place in the decades before 1914 that ultimately led to war. As a reader who knows very little about the intricacies of the war, I came away with a much more cogent view of what happened. Consensus has always been that the Germans were to blame but MacMillan takes the idea that the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, caused the war and turns it on its head by showing how the Germans were hemmed in by the alliance formed by Great Britain, France and Russia.
I was struck by the step by step account that MacMillan laid out: the alliances formed, the development of war plans years ahead of time, the build-up of naval forces and the development of dreadnoughts, the arms race, the divergent political views, the increased importance of the oil fields in the Middle East, the growth of Socialism and the peace movement, the secret pacts, the amplified significance of public opinion, the role of accident in history and the fascinating figures that were brought vividly to life. Those characters included, on the British side a young Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, King Edward VII, and Queen Victoria; in Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II, vonMoltke the Younger, the Chief of Staff and Alfred von Tirpitz who oversaw a massive naval building program; in Russia, the Tsar Nicholas II and his wife; and in Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz-Joseph and the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination proved to be the tipping point. All of these people contributed to the long lasting peace that Europe had been enjoying during the 19th century and the final demise of that peace in 1914, when Europe began the process that “laid waste to itself.”
In her introduction, MacMillan opines:
”Most of the copious literature on the events of 1914 understandably ask why the Great War, broke out. Perhaps we need to ask another sort of question: why did the long peace not continue? Why did the forces pushing towards peace---and they were strong ones---not prevail? They had done so before, after all. Why did the system fail this time? One way of getting at an answer is to see how Europe’s options had narrowed down in the decades before 1914.” (Page xxxiii)
She goes a long way toward making the case for what might have been had cooler heads prevailed and she does so in a very engaging narrative. Very highly recommended.
The War that Ended Peace: The Road to 1914 by Margaret MacMillan 4.7 stars
It was going to be a short war…forty days beginning to end…a blip on the way to bragging rights for the nations that came out on top. Of course it didn’t work out that way but then nothing in the years that led up to WWI worked out as planned.
Margaret MacMillan’s recently published book is a tour de force of narrative non-fiction that provides a very readable history of the people who ultimately made the decisions and the events that took place in the decades before 1914 that ultimately led to war. As a reader who knows very little about the intricacies of the war, I came away with a much more cogent view of what happened. Consensus has always been that the Germans were to blame but MacMillan takes the idea that the German Kaiser, Wilhelm II, caused the war and turns it on its head by showing how the Germans were hemmed in by the alliance formed by Great Britain, France and Russia.
I was struck by the step by step account that MacMillan laid out: the alliances formed, the development of war plans years ahead of time, the build-up of naval forces and the development of dreadnoughts, the arms race, the divergent political views, the increased importance of the oil fields in the Middle East, the growth of Socialism and the peace movement, the secret pacts, the amplified significance of public opinion, the role of accident in history and the fascinating figures that were brought vividly to life. Those characters included, on the British side a young Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith, King Edward VII, and Queen Victoria; in Germany Kaiser Wilhelm II, vonMoltke the Younger, the Chief of Staff and Alfred von Tirpitz who oversaw a massive naval building program; in Russia, the Tsar Nicholas II and his wife; and in Austria-Hungary Emperor Franz-Joseph and the Archduke Franz Ferdinand, whose assassination proved to be the tipping point. All of these people contributed to the long lasting peace that Europe had been enjoying during the 19th century and the final demise of that peace in 1914, when Europe began the process that “laid waste to itself.”
In her introduction, MacMillan opines:
”Most of the copious literature on the events of 1914 understandably ask why the Great War, broke out. Perhaps we need to ask another sort of question: why did the long peace not continue? Why did the forces pushing towards peace---and they were strong ones---not prevail? They had done so before, after all. Why did the system fail this time? One way of getting at an answer is to see how Europe’s options had narrowed down in the decades before 1914.” (Page xxxiii)
She goes a long way toward making the case for what might have been had cooler heads prevailed and she does so in a very engaging narrative. Very highly recommended.
236richardderus
Thumbs-upped and wishlisted, Bonnie. What a tempting-sounding target but the wrist-sprainers are gettin' to me....
237brenzi
Thanks Richard. Yep it's a real wrist-sprainer and it's one of the reasons I have a nice, short little number up next:-)
238lit_chick
Bonnie, as always, your review is fantastic! I remember from a first-year history course that the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand was the tipping point, but that's really all I know/remember about the multitude of causes behind WWI.
I need a short book after a wrist-sprainer, too. Enjoy!
I need a short book after a wrist-sprainer, too. Enjoy!
239Oregonreader
Great review, Bonnie. I'm definitely adding this to my wish list. I became interested in WWI after reading Barbara Tuchman's The Proud Tower which covers the same time period.
240Linda92007
Excellent review of The War That Ended Peace, Bonnie.
242Donna828
Your latest book sounds fascinating, Bonnie. Thank you for that comprehensive review. Have a good week end. Some brave little robins told me that spring is on the way!
243msf59
Hi Bonnie- How are you? Some good discussions going on over here, as usual. Good review of The War That Ended Peace. I have been neglecting my historical nonfiction. I need to remedy that.
I am so glad you are tackling A Game of Thrones. It's an amazing read. I was not much of a fantasy reader, other than the LOTR books, until I picked this one up. It was a game-changer. And the HBO series is pretty damn good too.
Did you say you saw the BBC version of Bleak House? I've been watching it and it is fantastic.
I am so glad you are tackling A Game of Thrones. It's an amazing read. I was not much of a fantasy reader, other than the LOTR books, until I picked this one up. It was a game-changer. And the HBO series is pretty damn good too.
Did you say you saw the BBC version of Bleak House? I've been watching it and it is fantastic.
244kidzdoc
Nice review of The War That Ended Peace, Bonnie. I just received The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark, but I may want to read MacMillan's book as well.
245thornton37814
Sounds like an interesting WWI book.
246souloftherose
Finally stopping by to say happy 2014, Bonnie! And you got me with Death Comes for the Archbishop and The War That Ended Peace. My Cather pick for this month's AAC has been O Pioneers! which I'm really enjoying.
247LizzieD
My head is whirling so much that I may just stagger back into lurk. You have now assured my reading *Archbishop* this year, I think. I won't join you in New Orleans or that WWI doorstop, but I do have a copy of Restless that I want to get to... And you may count me among the readers of *K.Lavransdatter* who enjoyed it at the time and will likely not go back. I also doubt my ever getting to *Master of Hestviking*, but that could change.
Anyway, hooray for your reading and reviewing!
Anyway, hooray for your reading and reviewing!
248brenzi
>238 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Make no mistake, it is a longgggg book and not a book that I succumbed to skimming, as I sometimes do with NF. But when I am reading a long book I often get tired of it before I get to the end so I decided I would take a break midway and read some mindless fiction but it never happened.
>239 Oregonreader: Thanks Jan. I'm planning on reading The Guns of August in a few months which will pick up where this one left off. I understand it covers the first three months of the war. By then the deluge of new WWI books will probably be out.
>240 Linda92007: Thanks Linda!
>241 qebo: Well if you're interested in the reasons for WWI, the events and people that led to it, then this is the book for you Katherine:-)
>242 Donna828: You are very welcome Donna. If a robin dared to stick his head out around here, he be buried by the latest squall. I don't see any sign of spring, nope, none at all. maybe this will spell it out more succinctly:
>239 Oregonreader: Thanks Jan. I'm planning on reading The Guns of August in a few months which will pick up where this one left off. I understand it covers the first three months of the war. By then the deluge of new WWI books will probably be out.
>240 Linda92007: Thanks Linda!
>241 qebo: Well if you're interested in the reasons for WWI, the events and people that led to it, then this is the book for you Katherine:-)
>242 Donna828: You are very welcome Donna. If a robin dared to stick his head out around here, he be buried by the latest squall. I don't see any sign of spring, nope, none at all. maybe this will spell it out more succinctly:
249brenzi
>243 msf59: Thanks Mark. You have been neglecting your historical non-fiction? Shame, shame;-) And yes, I am really looking forward to Game of Thrones and am glad I picked it up when it was a cheap eBook. And yes, I loved the BBC production of Bleak House. It was wonderful!
>244 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, I wavered between the two and opted for this one based on....who knows. It was very good but I'm sure the one you have is just as good. I don't think I'd be up to reading two that cover basically the same material with a different POV.
>245 thornton37814: Hi Lori, very, very interesting:-)
>246 souloftherose: Hi Heather. It's great to see you. I loved O Pioneers! when I read it a couple of years ago and My Antonia which I read last year. I guess I haven't met a Cather book that I didn't like haha. Not yet anyway. The Professor's House will be my next Cather.
>247 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. I hope the head spinning stops soon. I suffer from on and off vertigo and it's not pleasant LOL. Master of Hestviking??? Not familiar with that but I'm looking forward to Kristin Lavransdatter:-)
>244 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, I wavered between the two and opted for this one based on....who knows. It was very good but I'm sure the one you have is just as good. I don't think I'd be up to reading two that cover basically the same material with a different POV.
>245 thornton37814: Hi Lori, very, very interesting:-)
>246 souloftherose: Hi Heather. It's great to see you. I loved O Pioneers! when I read it a couple of years ago and My Antonia which I read last year. I guess I haven't met a Cather book that I didn't like haha. Not yet anyway. The Professor's House will be my next Cather.
>247 LizzieD: Hi Peggy. I hope the head spinning stops soon. I suffer from on and off vertigo and it's not pleasant LOL. Master of Hestviking??? Not familiar with that but I'm looking forward to Kristin Lavransdatter:-)
251PaulCranswick
Good review of an obviously good history of the origins of the First War, Bonnie. I have almost finished my trek through the minefield of Europe immediately prior to 1914 in The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War and will finish it today. I think.
As to Suz's comments I pretty much concur (not that much room was left for disagreement!) but I would point out that the role of translator is critically important in assisting a book's acceptance in a language it wasn't original written in. I found that this is most pertinent with poetry and I have decided that, other than the Nobel winners, I am not going to read any more translated poetry as it is often turned to gibberish in the wrong hands.
Have a lovely weekend.
As to Suz's comments I pretty much concur (not that much room was left for disagreement!) but I would point out that the role of translator is critically important in assisting a book's acceptance in a language it wasn't original written in. I found that this is most pertinent with poetry and I have decided that, other than the Nobel winners, I am not going to read any more translated poetry as it is often turned to gibberish in the wrong hands.
Have a lovely weekend.
253brenzi
>250 rosalita: Thank you Julia. Yep, it's a good (but longgggg) one:-)
>251 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. Oh yes, the translator is very important. That's the reason I opted for the new Pevear/Volonsky translations of Crime and Punishment and Anna Karenina rather than settling for what I had which was the Garnett translation. That's too bad about the translated poetry.
>252 LovingLit: Yes, Megan, good way to put it as you bask in the sun LOL.
>251 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. Oh yes, the translator is very important. That's the reason I opted for the new Pevear/Volonsky translations of Crime and Punishment and Anna Karenina rather than settling for what I had which was the Garnett translation. That's too bad about the translated poetry.
>252 LovingLit: Yes, Megan, good way to put it as you bask in the sun LOL.
254EBT1002
#248: BRRR!!
Hi Bonnie! I'm adding The War that Ended Peace to my wish list. Nice review and it sounds approachable enough.
The statistics about reading are interesting. I assume they are close enough to true. I'm always surprised by people for whom reading is either something they used to do when required, or something they do occasionally because one book caught their eye. I used to feel like I "should" have a hobby that produced something. I tried making jewelry, knitting (twice), cross-stitch.... I made a few earrings and I completed one cross-stitch piece for my beloved MIL, but I always, always came back to reading. I'm glad I finally gave myself permission to just like reading more than any other activity.
I'm almost done with Five Days at Memorial and it's a great read.
Hi Bonnie! I'm adding The War that Ended Peace to my wish list. Nice review and it sounds approachable enough.
The statistics about reading are interesting. I assume they are close enough to true. I'm always surprised by people for whom reading is either something they used to do when required, or something they do occasionally because one book caught their eye. I used to feel like I "should" have a hobby that produced something. I tried making jewelry, knitting (twice), cross-stitch.... I made a few earrings and I completed one cross-stitch piece for my beloved MIL, but I always, always came back to reading. I'm glad I finally gave myself permission to just like reading more than any other activity.
I'm almost done with Five Days at Memorial and it's a great read.
255scaifea
Morning, Bonnie!
I'm enjoying the translation discussion going on here - you won't get any arguments from me about how important a good translation is!
I'm enjoying the translation discussion going on here - you won't get any arguments from me about how important a good translation is!
256Linda92007
>251 PaulCranswick: I have read some excellent translated poetry, but would agree that it is difficult to know in advance. I have several times attended fascinating talks involving both the poet and their translator, who had obviously worked closely together. The translators were quite candid about the special difficulties of translating poetry (rhyme, rhythm etc.). Fady Joudah, who is both a translator and a poet himself, made an observation that I thought was both lovely and astute: “Translation inhabits another spirit in addition to that of the poet.”
257jnwelch
I made it halfway through Guns of August and bogged down, but you may inspire me to finally finish it, Bonnie. I think I was just reading it at the wrong time. I liked Five Days at Memorial a lot, too. She's an adept reporter.
258brenzi
>254 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Good to hear that you're enjoying Five Days at Memorial. I finally gave myself permission to just like reading more than any other activity. Well yeah, of course you did. Haha. I just wish I either had more time for it or could read a lot faster, maybe on a par with Suzanne. Maybe then I could make a dent in these piles of books.
>255 scaifea: Hi Amber. I never understood why the translator was listed as one of the authors until I stopped to think about it and, yes, they are definitely one of the authors:-)
>256 Linda92007: That's a lovely quote Linda.
>257 jnwelch: I've had a copy of The Guns of August with really small print for a long time so I may break down and download a Kindle copy. I'm looking forward to that one Joe in May or June. I'm glad you liked Five Days at Memorial too.
>255 scaifea: Hi Amber. I never understood why the translator was listed as one of the authors until I stopped to think about it and, yes, they are definitely one of the authors:-)
>256 Linda92007: That's a lovely quote Linda.
>257 jnwelch: I've had a copy of The Guns of August with really small print for a long time so I may break down and download a Kindle copy. I'm looking forward to that one Joe in May or June. I'm glad you liked Five Days at Memorial too.
259phebj
Hi Bonnie. Great review of the WWI book. I want to read one but there seem to be so many choices and they all seem like good books. I may end up just buying one at Powell's this weekend.
260michigantrumpet
Hello Bonnie -- crawling out from under my rock to get caught up on some threads. Interesting discussion especially about translated works.
I've officially been struck by BB. Just put a hold request at the library for Five Days at Memorial. Only 37 people ahead of me!
I've officially been struck by BB. Just put a hold request at the library for Five Days at Memorial. Only 37 people ahead of me!
261brenzi
>259 phebj: Thanks Pat. There are boatloads of books about WWI, most of which are very long, so I hope you find one that you enjoy.
>260 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne. Five Days at Memorial is an eye-opening read:-)
>260 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne. Five Days at Memorial is an eye-opening read:-)
262brenzi
My LT pals seldom steer me wrong. Thank you to Laura and Peggy for recommending this one:-)
6.
When We Were Bad by Charlotte Mendelson 4.5 stars
Oh my. Charlotte Mendelson, you sly one, you. Who knew that the erstwhile Booker nominee had written a novel that would totally consume me in the reckless manner that it did? The fact that I could barely stand to set it down for a minute only added to the overall satisfaction of a tightly written narrative, filled with witty observations and characters that you come to care about even though they have few redeeming characteristics.
Claudia Rubin is at the height of her powers: wife, mother, rabbi and moral authority for all, she is holding forth at the wedding of her oldest son, Leo, when the unthinkable happens. He bolts and runs off with none other than the wife of a fellow rabbi. Oi, the embarrassment! But that’s just the start as her family begins to unravel and Mendelson is there to report every misstep and unpeel the layers, one by one. Never has a mother’s suffocating hold on her family been more deservedly challenged. She is so consumed by this incident that she fails to notice that her oldest daughter, Frances, is in the throes of post-natal depression. Youngest son Simeon is in a drug fueled haze and daughter Emily brings an unusual young man home (or is it a woman?). Meanwhile, patriarch Norman has been working, secretly, on a bombshell book that will bring him much more notoriety than anything his much more famous wife has published.
Claudia takes everything in stride and Mendelson describes her philosophy with an astonishing eye for detail:
”Claudia, running her fingertips over the plaster, thinks of skiing. A terrible sport: the ice, the pain, the slicing metal. It has, however, one thing in its favour. It demonstrates perfectly how best to lead one’s life. Simply the image of herself speeding over metaphorical moguls while other people, more earnest and dangly earringed, plough through the snowdrifts, emoting, discussing, sharing, has always cheered her.” (Page 216)
This is a wonderful literary comedy that will remind you of the ramshackle lives of people you know and will make you laugh out loud. Very highly recommended.
6.
When We Were Bad by Charlotte Mendelson 4.5 stars
Oh my. Charlotte Mendelson, you sly one, you. Who knew that the erstwhile Booker nominee had written a novel that would totally consume me in the reckless manner that it did? The fact that I could barely stand to set it down for a minute only added to the overall satisfaction of a tightly written narrative, filled with witty observations and characters that you come to care about even though they have few redeeming characteristics.
Claudia Rubin is at the height of her powers: wife, mother, rabbi and moral authority for all, she is holding forth at the wedding of her oldest son, Leo, when the unthinkable happens. He bolts and runs off with none other than the wife of a fellow rabbi. Oi, the embarrassment! But that’s just the start as her family begins to unravel and Mendelson is there to report every misstep and unpeel the layers, one by one. Never has a mother’s suffocating hold on her family been more deservedly challenged. She is so consumed by this incident that she fails to notice that her oldest daughter, Frances, is in the throes of post-natal depression. Youngest son Simeon is in a drug fueled haze and daughter Emily brings an unusual young man home (or is it a woman?). Meanwhile, patriarch Norman has been working, secretly, on a bombshell book that will bring him much more notoriety than anything his much more famous wife has published.
Claudia takes everything in stride and Mendelson describes her philosophy with an astonishing eye for detail:
”Claudia, running her fingertips over the plaster, thinks of skiing. A terrible sport: the ice, the pain, the slicing metal. It has, however, one thing in its favour. It demonstrates perfectly how best to lead one’s life. Simply the image of herself speeding over metaphorical moguls while other people, more earnest and dangly earringed, plough through the snowdrifts, emoting, discussing, sharing, has always cheered her.” (Page 216)
This is a wonderful literary comedy that will remind you of the ramshackle lives of people you know and will make you laugh out loud. Very highly recommended.
264lauralkeet
Oh, I haven't thought about that book in a while. I really enjoyed it. Great review, Bonnie.
265brenzi
>263 qebo: Thanks Katherine:-)
>264 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I know you enjoyed it. And so did Peggy. LOL
>264 lauralkeet: Thanks Laura. I know you enjoyed it. And so did Peggy. LOL
266BLBera
Bonnie - Nice review - as usual. I've had my eye on this one for a while, too. I hope I can get to it sooner.
267richardderus
Unless someone invents a way for me to leap into a book so I can KILL HER, I think Mendelsohn's main character would cause me too much pain to read about.
268lit_chick
Charlotte Mendelsen is another one I've missed entirely. Thanks for another great review, Bonnie. When We Were Bad sounds delightful, among other things. I love the metaphorical moguls. Thumb-up, my friend : ).
269RebaRelishesReading
Thanks for your review of The War that Ended Peace. It's on my wish list now. I read Paris 1919, McMillan's book about the negotiations and treaty that ended WWI, a few years ago. It was excellent and I ended up in a brief email correspondence with her just before she moved from Canada to the U.K. Lovely lady, great writer.
270brenzi
>266 BLBera: Thanks Beth. I've had this book sitting on my shelf for a couple of years and have no idea what took me so long. I was surprised at how good it was.
>267 richardderus: Got it, Richard. Actually, I would appreciate that ability for many books I read where one character or another just makes me want to tear my hair out. But I understand your point completely.
>268 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. It's a left over from an Orange Prize short list in 2007 I think. So good.
>269 RebaRelishesReading: OH Reba, lucky you carrying on an e mail correspondence with Margaret MacMillan. She's a wonderful writer and I am planning to read Paris, 1919 when I'm finished with my reading about The Great War. It will be the perfect wrap-up.
>267 richardderus: Got it, Richard. Actually, I would appreciate that ability for many books I read where one character or another just makes me want to tear my hair out. But I understand your point completely.
>268 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. It's a left over from an Orange Prize short list in 2007 I think. So good.
>269 RebaRelishesReading: OH Reba, lucky you carrying on an e mail correspondence with Margaret MacMillan. She's a wonderful writer and I am planning to read Paris, 1919 when I'm finished with my reading about The Great War. It will be the perfect wrap-up.
271EBT1002
Hi Bonnie!
I'm slapping When We Were Bad right onto my wish list. Thank you for that.
And I brought The Polish Boxer home from my office today (yes, it's gotten so bad that sometimes I leave acquired books at the office).
I'm slapping When We Were Bad right onto my wish list. Thank you for that.
And I brought The Polish Boxer home from my office today (yes, it's gotten so bad that sometimes I leave acquired books at the office).
272LovingLit
>262 brenzi: oh dear. Hit fair and square. Thanks (I think) :)
273brenzi
>271 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. You are very welcome. I have a library book that's a 7 day book that I won't be able to renew so as soon as I finish that I can move on to The Polish Boxer. Just say when.
>272 LovingLit: BOOM! I hope you like it Megan:-)
>272 LovingLit: BOOM! I hope you like it Megan:-)
274rosalita
OK, you got me with that one, Bonnie. When We Were Bad is such a good title I'm delighted that the book lives up to it.
275PaulCranswick
Julia is right, Bonnie, great title; great review too.
Have a lovely weekend my dear.
Have a lovely weekend my dear.
276katiekrug
Just getting caught up here, Bonnie. The MacMillan book does indeed sound good. I am currently listening to Catastrophe 1914: Europe Goes to War by Max Hastings. He is very much in the "It was Germany's fault" camp.
277jnwelch
I like that review of When We Were Bad, too, Bonnie. But like Richard, I think it would drive me crazy to read it.
278brenzi
>274 rosalita: Yes they're bad Julia. Also hysterically funny. Enjoy:-)
>275 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. At the end of this weekend I'm settling into the Super Bowl.
>276 katiekrug: Hi there Katie. Interesting about Hastings opinion. I really loved his Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 but he is certainly a military historian and MacMillan is coming from a different perspective. Both interesting though.
>277 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. It may not be for you but I can almost guarantee you would laugh.
>275 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. At the end of this weekend I'm settling into the Super Bowl.
>276 katiekrug: Hi there Katie. Interesting about Hastings opinion. I really loved his Inferno: The World at War 1939-1945 but he is certainly a military historian and MacMillan is coming from a different perspective. Both interesting though.
>277 jnwelch: Thanks Joe. It may not be for you but I can almost guarantee you would laugh.
279brenzi
The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz by Mordecai Richler
Before I read When We Were Bad I read another book about Jewish families and I've been mulling it over for over a week now. Apparently my love affair with Canadian authors
Maybe Montreal was a different place in the late 1940s/50s when young Duddy Kravitz was taking on the world. A poor, motherless Jewish boy, he had big dreams; most of all he wanted to fulfill his grandfather's mantra: "a man without land is nothing." In order to do so, he knew no bounds. Nothing would or could stop him in his quest for money and power. In the wake of his brash single-mindedness he leaves the detritus of his actions: the teacher's disabled wife who dies trying to get to the phone with Duddy at the other end delivering a crank call, an epileptic friend, put behind the wheel of a delivery van by Duddy, who suffers a tragic accident, a devoted girlfriend, taken advantage of to the extreme, and on and on. Duddy took advantage of everyone in his way as his quest for money and land consumed him.
To say he was unlikable is an enormous understatement. He's detestable. He displayed not a single redeeming quality and the way Richler told the story apparently was employed in order to emphasize that this book was a character study and no more. The book was told almost from beginning to end, with nothing but dialogue. Short, choppy sentences were meant to illustrate the life that Duddy leads. Very little narrative thrust was spent on describing the setting or even the other characters, whom we learn about through Duddy's descriptions.
At the end, when you think there might be a resolution or at least a comeuppance to his horrible treatment of others we're left seeing that the author provided none for this dismal character. So what do you get out of a book that has no scintillating prose and a protagonist that you detest? I’m not sure but I’m still thinking about it over a week after finishing the book.
280porch_reader
Hi Bonnie! When We Were Bad is going straight to my TBR list. Who can pass up a review like that! But I think I'm going to take a pass on The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz. I actually have a book by Mordecai Richler on my shelf. I was in Montreal for work and had just a few minutes for book shopping, so I asked the clerk for good local authors and he recommended Richler's Barney's Version and Elizabeth Hay's Late Nights on Air. I liked the Hay, but still haven't picked up the Richler.
281richardderus
>279 brenzi: St. Urbain's Horseman was a better version of the story, IMO. Duddy is a shit and a cheat and I don't like him. Jake and what's-it, the twin cousins in Horseman, are more nuanced than Duddy, even though Richler is never going to be accused of finely etching his characters.
282brenzi
>280 porch_reader: Hi Amy. You made the right choice. LOL Actually though, Richler is liked by many people but I guess he just didn't appeal to me. Oh I own Late Nights on Air and hope to get to it soonish.
>281 richardderus: Hi Richard. Well, I'll keep that one in mind but I didn't think his writing was very engaging at all.
>281 richardderus: Hi Richard. Well, I'll keep that one in mind but I didn't think his writing was very engaging at all.
283lit_chick
Excellent review of The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravtiz, Bonnie. Have not read any Richler since university; not in any rush to do so either, especially after your honest review. 
That said, Barney's Version is one I might pick up at some point.
I can second the recommendation for Late Night on Air. Thoroughly enjoyed that one, set in Canada's far North. Many moons ago I lived in our North (though not where the novel is set), started teaching there actually … and I loved Hay's portrayal. It's genuine.
That said, Barney's Version is one I might pick up at some point.I can second the recommendation for Late Night on Air. Thoroughly enjoyed that one, set in Canada's far North. Many moons ago I lived in our North (though not where the novel is set), started teaching there actually … and I loved Hay's portrayal. It's genuine.
284lauralkeet
Looks like I can skip the Richler. Thanks for sharing the experience with us, Bonnie.
285mckait
When We Were Bad sounds intriguing... I may have to take a look at it!
It looks as if life is being kind :) good that!
eta
thumbed!
It looks as if life is being kind :) good that!
eta
thumbed!
286brenzi
>283 lit_chick: Thanks Nancy. Now I'm looking forward to Late Nights on Air even more. I do try to be honest and Duddy just didn't work for me.
>284 lauralkeet: You are very welcome Laura:-)
>285 mckait: Life is being very good to me Kath. Read on.....
>284 lauralkeet: You are very welcome Laura:-)
>285 mckait: Life is being very good to me Kath. Read on.....
287Chatterbox
LOL re your views on Duddy. I concur, he's the epitome of a dislikeable "hero", and I do think that the more you know about Montreal's odd pre-1970s cultural mix (Anglo aristocracy, the Jewish community, the Francophones) the more context you have for the story. Do try another Richler -- why not sample Oh Canada, Oh Quebec, which is a bleak and yet hilariously opinionated view of the Great Schism between anglo- and franco-Canadians, written in the context of the efforts to craft a constitutional accord.
Book bullet with the Charlotte Mendelson novel; it is en route to me via the library.
Book bullet with the Charlotte Mendelson novel; it is en route to me via the library.
This topic was continued by brenzi's 2014 Reading - Too Excited to Read (much).
