Steve the Curmudgeon (scvlad) 2014
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2014
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1scvlad
This is my fourth year with this group. Last year I failed to hit the 75 book goal. I plead a dissertation, a long vacation, and several other big commitments over the year. But honestly, I don't care much; it's the striving, not the achieving right?
I also read a few behemoth books last year which might be part of the reason I didn't get to 75 (Song of Ice and Fire anyone? Huge books of American history and WWI?). As I calculate it, if I'd read some shorter books, I could have hit at least 73. So as a secondary goal, I think I'll try to focus on the number of words I read over the year. Last year I did about 7 million. This year, I'll shoot for 8 million with a 'stretch' goal of 9 million. That's about 67 300-page books of 400 words/page. Add in a few graphic novels and I should be able to reach 75. The 'stretch' would be exactly 75 books even without the graphics.
My grading scale looks like this:
- Just say no
- Some might like it, but it's not my thing
- I don't regret reading it, but once was probably enough
- A good solid book, well worth the time; might read again
- Great book; I'm almost certain to read it again
I also keep track of what kinds of books I'm reading. So:
n = nonfiction
f = fiction
p = plays and poetry
g = graphic novels and comics
r = reference
{X} = the number of words read (not including indeces, etc. - fiction and non-fiction only)
Thus, an entry looks like this:
01. n01. A Nonfiction Book of Some Kind by An Author {5,000,000}
I discovered last year that I read more fiction than any other category (no surprise), but that I still read a pretty healthy dose of other stuff. More specifically, last year I read:
- 34 works of fiction, of which 19 were mysteries, 12 were historical fiction (all of which were also mysteries), 15 were science fiction, fantasy, or steampunk, and 5 were George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire;
- 13 works of nonfiction, all of which I would call history in some sense, though 2 were as much analyses of the opera 'Tosca';
- 15 graphic novels or comics, Asterix and Tintin being the most common;
- 1 work of poetry.
I also read a smattering of books in Italian, and hope to do a little better at that in the coming year. And I've just arbitrarily decided that any Italian books I read in 2014 will count as two 'regular' books, since they will take me at least twice as long to read and use at least twice as much brain power.
Here are a few highlights from 2013:
The Hell Screen by I. J. Parker. Murder and mayhem in Heian Japan. This historical mystery series can be a little spotty, but this is a good one.
Pogo: The Complete Daily & Sunday Comic Strips, Vol. 1 by Walt Kelly. If you have not read this classic comic strip, you should. Honestly, this volume of early strips is not his strongest work - it gets better with time - but it's still a must read.
The Rise of American Democracy by Sean Wilentz. A huge look at American history from the presidency of Washington to the beginning of the Civil War. Excellent.
A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin. The best (so far) of his Song of Ice and Fire. The whole series is worth reading, but this is the most fun of the bunch.
Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick. An excellent look at the politics of revolution in the American colonies.
Sacred Games by Gary Corby. The third of a mystery series set in ancient Greece. The series started strongly, and by this book, the third, is very strong indeed.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. The surprise of the year for me. A first novel by a promising young writer set in the future of an alternative universe where psychic powers are real.
Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King. A second read for me. A classic of popular history relating the construction of the dome of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore and the remarkable man who built it.
So why 'the Curmudgeon'? Because I'm kind of a grumpy gus, I don't comment on other people's lists very often, and I don't comment on non-book stuff here at all. I like to think of myself as the strong, silent, focused type. But I do look through other peoples' posts and know that some people look through mine too, and I appreciate it. So join me if you like; I may not comment much, but I'm looking through what you're reading.
I also read a few behemoth books last year which might be part of the reason I didn't get to 75 (Song of Ice and Fire anyone? Huge books of American history and WWI?). As I calculate it, if I'd read some shorter books, I could have hit at least 73. So as a secondary goal, I think I'll try to focus on the number of words I read over the year. Last year I did about 7 million. This year, I'll shoot for 8 million with a 'stretch' goal of 9 million. That's about 67 300-page books of 400 words/page. Add in a few graphic novels and I should be able to reach 75. The 'stretch' would be exactly 75 books even without the graphics.
My grading scale looks like this:
- Just say no
- Some might like it, but it's not my thing
- I don't regret reading it, but once was probably enough
- A good solid book, well worth the time; might read again
- Great book; I'm almost certain to read it againI also keep track of what kinds of books I'm reading. So:
n = nonfiction
f = fiction
p = plays and poetry
g = graphic novels and comics
r = reference
{X} = the number of words read (not including indeces, etc. - fiction and non-fiction only)
Thus, an entry looks like this:
01. n01. A Nonfiction Book of Some Kind by An Author {5,000,000}
I discovered last year that I read more fiction than any other category (no surprise), but that I still read a pretty healthy dose of other stuff. More specifically, last year I read:
- 34 works of fiction, of which 19 were mysteries, 12 were historical fiction (all of which were also mysteries), 15 were science fiction, fantasy, or steampunk, and 5 were George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire;
- 13 works of nonfiction, all of which I would call history in some sense, though 2 were as much analyses of the opera 'Tosca';
- 15 graphic novels or comics, Asterix and Tintin being the most common;
- 1 work of poetry.
I also read a smattering of books in Italian, and hope to do a little better at that in the coming year. And I've just arbitrarily decided that any Italian books I read in 2014 will count as two 'regular' books, since they will take me at least twice as long to read and use at least twice as much brain power.
Here are a few highlights from 2013:
The Hell Screen by I. J. Parker. Murder and mayhem in Heian Japan. This historical mystery series can be a little spotty, but this is a good one.
Pogo: The Complete Daily & Sunday Comic Strips, Vol. 1 by Walt Kelly. If you have not read this classic comic strip, you should. Honestly, this volume of early strips is not his strongest work - it gets better with time - but it's still a must read.
The Rise of American Democracy by Sean Wilentz. A huge look at American history from the presidency of Washington to the beginning of the Civil War. Excellent.
A Storm of Swords by George R. R. Martin. The best (so far) of his Song of Ice and Fire. The whole series is worth reading, but this is the most fun of the bunch.
Bunker Hill by Nathaniel Philbrick. An excellent look at the politics of revolution in the American colonies.
Sacred Games by Gary Corby. The third of a mystery series set in ancient Greece. The series started strongly, and by this book, the third, is very strong indeed.
The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon. The surprise of the year for me. A first novel by a promising young writer set in the future of an alternative universe where psychic powers are real.
Brunelleschi's Dome by Ross King. A second read for me. A classic of popular history relating the construction of the dome of Florence's Santa Maria del Fiore and the remarkable man who built it.
So why 'the Curmudgeon'? Because I'm kind of a grumpy gus, I don't comment on other people's lists very often, and I don't comment on non-book stuff here at all. I like to think of myself as the strong, silent, focused type. But I do look through other peoples' posts and know that some people look through mine too, and I appreciate it. So join me if you like; I may not comment much, but I'm looking through what you're reading.
2scvlad
THE COMPLETE 2014 BOOK LIST, BY MONTH
JANUARY
01. f01. The House of the Vestals by Steven Saylor {84,000}
02. f02. Ioric by Steven Brust {75,000}
03. f03. Tiassa by Steven Brust {75,000}
04. g01. Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham and others
05. f04. Jhegaala by Steven Brust {81,000}
06. g02. Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love by Chris Roberson and others
07. g03. Cinderella: Fables are Forever by Chris Roberson and others
08. g04. Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham and others
{315,000}
FEBRUARY
09. f05. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien {537,000}
10. r01. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull {100,000}
11. g05. Fables: Snow White by Bill Willingham and others
12. f06. A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor {115,000}
13. f07. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien {137,000}
14. r02. The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad {25,000}
15. f08. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien {147,000}
16. f09. Valediction by Robert. B. Parker {50,000}
17. f10. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall {79,000}
{1,190,000}
{RT=1,505,000}
MARCH
18. f11. Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor {113,000}
19. 01. The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens {23,000}
20. f12. Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor {203,000}
21. f13. The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien {76,000}
22. f14. The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor {120,000}
23. f15. The Case of the Man who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall {77,000}
{612,000}
{RT=2,117,000}
APRIL
24. f16. A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor {167,000}
25. f17. Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson {118,000}
26. f18. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall {95,000}
27. f19. Rubicon by Steven Saylor {112,000}
28. f20. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood {55,000}
29. f21. Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson {140,000}
30. f22. Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Saylor {94,000}
{781,000}
{RT=2,898,000}
MAY
31. f23. The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall {83,000}
32. f24. Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson {135,000}
33. f25. The Marathon Conspiracy by Gary Corby {112,000}
34. n02. Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens {30,000}
35. f26. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch {105,000}
36. f27. A Mist of Prophecies by Steven Saylor {110,000}
{575,000}
{RT=3,473,000}
JUNE
37. n03. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times by Thomas R. Martin {109,000}
38. f28. The Judgment of Caesar by Steven Saylor {113,000}
39. g06. Daggers Drawn by Kevin Kallaugher
40. f29. The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon {95,000}
41. g07. Asterix Omnibus 7 (Asterix and the Soothsayer, Asterix in Corsica, Asterix and Caesar's Gift) by Goscinny and Uderzo
42. f30. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch {104,000}
43. f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
44. f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
{665,000}
{RT=4,138,000}
JULY
45. f33. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith {163,000}
46. f34. Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis {117,000}
47. n04. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman {116,000}
{396,000}
{RT=4,534,000}
AUGUST
48. p01. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
49. g08. Red Sonja: Queen of the Plague by Gail Simone
50. g09. Detective Comics: Faces of Death by Tony S. Daniel
51. g10. Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
52. g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scot Snyder
53. f35. Italian Short Stories edited by Raleigh Trevelyan {99,000}
54. g12. Batman: Death of the Family by Scot Snyder
55. g13. Batman: Zero Year by Scot Snyder
56. g14. Batgirl: The Darkest Mirror by Gail Simone
57. g15. Batgirl: Knightfall Descends by Gail Simone
{99,000}
{RT=4,543,000}
SEPTEMBER
58. g16. Batgirl: Death of the Family by Gail Simone
59. g17. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 1 by Gail Simone
60. g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
61. n05. Empire of Sin by Gary Krist {126,000}
62. f36. The Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor {85,000}
63. g19. Fables: Camelot by Bill Willingham and others
64. n06. Seeking Sicily by John Keahey {92,000}
{303,000}
{RT=4,846,000}
OCTOBER
65. g20. Asterix Omnibus 8 (Asterix and Great Crossing, Obelix & Co., Asterix in Belgium) by Goscinny and Uderzo
66. f37. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco {231,000}
{231,000}
{RT=5,077,000}
NOVEMBER
67. f38. Hawk by Steven Brust {102,000}
68. f39. The Fire Gospel by Michael Faber {41,000}
69. f40. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie {124,000}
70. f41. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie {111,000}
71. f42. The Princess Bride by William Goldman {104,000}
72. f43. The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson {126,000}
73. f44. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein {130,000}
{738,000}
{RT=5,815,000}
DECEMBER
74. f45. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters {201,000}
75. n07. Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey {190,000}
76. g21. Saga, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan
77. f46. Among Others by Jo Walton {98,000}
78. g22. The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
{489,000}
{RT=6,305,000}
JANUARY
01. f01. The House of the Vestals by Steven Saylor {84,000}
02. f02. Ioric by Steven Brust {75,000}
03. f03. Tiassa by Steven Brust {75,000}
04. g01. Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham and others
05. f04. Jhegaala by Steven Brust {81,000}
06. g02. Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love by Chris Roberson and others
07. g03. Cinderella: Fables are Forever by Chris Roberson and others
08. g04. Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham and others
{315,000}
FEBRUARY
09. f05. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien {537,000}
10. r01. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull {100,000}
11. g05. Fables: Snow White by Bill Willingham and others
12. f06. A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor {115,000}
13. f07. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien {137,000}
14. r02. The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad {25,000}
15. f08. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien {147,000}
16. f09. Valediction by Robert. B. Parker {50,000}
17. f10. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall {79,000}
{1,190,000}
{RT=1,505,000}
MARCH
18. f11. Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor {113,000}
19. 01. The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens {23,000}
20. f12. Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor {203,000}
21. f13. The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien {76,000}
22. f14. The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor {120,000}
23. f15. The Case of the Man who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall {77,000}
{612,000}
{RT=2,117,000}
APRIL
24. f16. A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor {167,000}
25. f17. Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson {118,000}
26. f18. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall {95,000}
27. f19. Rubicon by Steven Saylor {112,000}
28. f20. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood {55,000}
29. f21. Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson {140,000}
30. f22. Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Saylor {94,000}
{781,000}
{RT=2,898,000}
MAY
31. f23. The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall {83,000}
32. f24. Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson {135,000}
33. f25. The Marathon Conspiracy by Gary Corby {112,000}
34. n02. Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens {30,000}
35. f26. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch {105,000}
36. f27. A Mist of Prophecies by Steven Saylor {110,000}
{575,000}
{RT=3,473,000}
JUNE
37. n03. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times by Thomas R. Martin {109,000}
38. f28. The Judgment of Caesar by Steven Saylor {113,000}
39. g06. Daggers Drawn by Kevin Kallaugher
40. f29. The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon {95,000}
41. g07. Asterix Omnibus 7 (Asterix and the Soothsayer, Asterix in Corsica, Asterix and Caesar's Gift) by Goscinny and Uderzo
42. f30. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch {104,000}
43. f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
44. f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
{665,000}
{RT=4,138,000}
JULY
45. f33. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith {163,000}
46. f34. Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis {117,000}
47. n04. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman {116,000}
{396,000}
{RT=4,534,000}
AUGUST
48. p01. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
49. g08. Red Sonja: Queen of the Plague by Gail Simone
50. g09. Detective Comics: Faces of Death by Tony S. Daniel
51. g10. Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
52. g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scot Snyder
53. f35. Italian Short Stories edited by Raleigh Trevelyan {99,000}
54. g12. Batman: Death of the Family by Scot Snyder
55. g13. Batman: Zero Year by Scot Snyder
56. g14. Batgirl: The Darkest Mirror by Gail Simone
57. g15. Batgirl: Knightfall Descends by Gail Simone
{99,000}
{RT=4,543,000}
SEPTEMBER
58. g16. Batgirl: Death of the Family by Gail Simone
59. g17. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 1 by Gail Simone
60. g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
61. n05. Empire of Sin by Gary Krist {126,000}
62. f36. The Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor {85,000}
63. g19. Fables: Camelot by Bill Willingham and others
64. n06. Seeking Sicily by John Keahey {92,000}
{303,000}
{RT=4,846,000}
OCTOBER
65. g20. Asterix Omnibus 8 (Asterix and Great Crossing, Obelix & Co., Asterix in Belgium) by Goscinny and Uderzo
66. f37. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco {231,000}
{231,000}
{RT=5,077,000}
NOVEMBER
67. f38. Hawk by Steven Brust {102,000}
68. f39. The Fire Gospel by Michael Faber {41,000}
69. f40. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie {124,000}
70. f41. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie {111,000}
71. f42. The Princess Bride by William Goldman {104,000}
72. f43. The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson {126,000}
73. f44. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein {130,000}
{738,000}
{RT=5,815,000}
DECEMBER
74. f45. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters {201,000}
75. n07. Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey {190,000}
76. g21. Saga, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan
77. f46. Among Others by Jo Walton {98,000}
78. g22. The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
{489,000}
{RT=6,305,000}
3scvlad
2014 BOOKS BY GENRE
FICTION
f01. The House of the Vestals by Steven Saylor {84,000}
f02. Ioric by Steven Brust {75,000}
f03. Tiassa by Steven Brust {75,000}
f04. Jhegaala by Steven Brust {81,000}
f05. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien {537,000}
f06. A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor {115,000}
f07. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien {137,000}
f08. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien {147,000}
f09. Valediction by Robert. B. Parker {50,000}
f10. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall {79,000}
f11. Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor {113,000}
f12. Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor {203,000}
f13. The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien {76,000}
f14. The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor {120,000}
f15. The Case of the Man who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall {77,000}
f16. A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor {167,000}
f17. Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson {118,000}
f18. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall {95,000}
f19. Rubicon by Steven Saylor {112,000}
f20. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood {55,000}
f21. Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson {140,000}
f22. Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Saylor {94,000}
f23. The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall {83,000}
f24. Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson {135,000}
f25. The Marathon Conspiracy by Gary Corby {112,000}
f26. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch {105,000}
f27. A Mist of Prophecies by Steven Saylor {110,000}
f28. The Judgment of Caesar by Steven Saylor {113,000}
f29. The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon {95,000}
f30. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch {104,000}
f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
f33. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith {163,000}
f34. Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis {117,000}
f35. Italian Short Stories edited by Raleigh Trevelyan {99,000}
f36. The Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor {85,000}
f37. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco {231,000}
f38. Hawk by Steven Brust {102,000}
f39. The Fire Gospel by Michael Faber {41,000}
f40. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie {124,000}
f41. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie {111,000}
f42. The Princess Bride by William Goldman {104,000}
f43. The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson {126,000}
f44. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein {130,000}
f45. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters {201,000}
f46. Among Others by Jo Walton {98,000}
NONFICTION
n01. The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens {23,000}
n02. Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens {30,000}
n03. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times by Thomas R. Martin {109,000}
n04. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman {116,000}
n05. Empire of Sin by Gary Krist {126,000}
n06. Seeking Sicily by John Keahey {92,000}
n07. Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey {190,000}
REFERENCE
r01. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull {100,000}
r02. The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad {25,000}
PLAYS AND POETRY
p01. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS
g01. Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham and others
g02. Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love by Chris Roberson and others
g03. Cinderella: Fables are Forever by Chris Roberson and others
g04. Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham and others
g05. Fables: Snow White by Bill Willingham and others
g06. Daggers Drawn by Kevin Kallaugher
g07. Asterix Omnibus 7 (Asterix and the Soothsayer, Asterix in Corsica, Asterix and Caesar's Gift) by Goscinny and Uderzo
g08. Red Sonja: Queen of the Plague by Gail Simone
g09. Detective Comics: Faces of Death by Tony S. Daniel
g10. Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scot Snyder
g12. Batman: Death of the Family by Scot Snyder
g13. Batman: Zero Year by Scot Snyder
g14. Batgirl: The Darkest Mirror by Gail Simone
g15. Batgirl: Knightfall Descends by Gail Simone
g16. Batgirl: Death of the Family by Gail Simone
g17. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 1 by Gail Simone
g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
g19. Fables: Camelot by Bill Willingham and others
g20. Asterix Omnibus 8 (Asterix and Great Crossing, Obelix & Co., Asterix in Belgium) by Goscinny and Uderzo
g21. Saga, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan
g22. The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
FICTION
f01. The House of the Vestals by Steven Saylor {84,000}
f02. Ioric by Steven Brust {75,000}
f03. Tiassa by Steven Brust {75,000}
f04. Jhegaala by Steven Brust {81,000}
f05. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien {537,000}
f06. A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor {115,000}
f07. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien {137,000}
f08. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien {147,000}
f09. Valediction by Robert. B. Parker {50,000}
f10. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall {79,000}
f11. Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor {113,000}
f12. Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor {203,000}
f13. The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien {76,000}
f14. The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor {120,000}
f15. The Case of the Man who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall {77,000}
f16. A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor {167,000}
f17. Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson {118,000}
f18. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall {95,000}
f19. Rubicon by Steven Saylor {112,000}
f20. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood {55,000}
f21. Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson {140,000}
f22. Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Saylor {94,000}
f23. The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall {83,000}
f24. Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson {135,000}
f25. The Marathon Conspiracy by Gary Corby {112,000}
f26. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch {105,000}
f27. A Mist of Prophecies by Steven Saylor {110,000}
f28. The Judgment of Caesar by Steven Saylor {113,000}
f29. The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon {95,000}
f30. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch {104,000}
f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
f33. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith {163,000}
f34. Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis {117,000}
f35. Italian Short Stories edited by Raleigh Trevelyan {99,000}
f36. The Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor {85,000}
f37. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco {231,000}
f38. Hawk by Steven Brust {102,000}
f39. The Fire Gospel by Michael Faber {41,000}
f40. Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie {124,000}
f41. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie {111,000}
f42. The Princess Bride by William Goldman {104,000}
f43. The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson {126,000}
f44. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein {130,000}
f45. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters {201,000}
f46. Among Others by Jo Walton {98,000}
NONFICTION
n01. The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens {23,000}
n02. Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens {30,000}
n03. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times by Thomas R. Martin {109,000}
n04. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman {116,000}
n05. Empire of Sin by Gary Krist {126,000}
n06. Seeking Sicily by John Keahey {92,000}
n07. Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey {190,000}
REFERENCE
r01. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull {100,000}
r02. The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad {25,000}
PLAYS AND POETRY
p01. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
GRAPHIC NOVELS AND COMICS
g01. Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham and others
g02. Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love by Chris Roberson and others
g03. Cinderella: Fables are Forever by Chris Roberson and others
g04. Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham and others
g05. Fables: Snow White by Bill Willingham and others
g06. Daggers Drawn by Kevin Kallaugher
g07. Asterix Omnibus 7 (Asterix and the Soothsayer, Asterix in Corsica, Asterix and Caesar's Gift) by Goscinny and Uderzo
g08. Red Sonja: Queen of the Plague by Gail Simone
g09. Detective Comics: Faces of Death by Tony S. Daniel
g10. Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scot Snyder
g12. Batman: Death of the Family by Scot Snyder
g13. Batman: Zero Year by Scot Snyder
g14. Batgirl: The Darkest Mirror by Gail Simone
g15. Batgirl: Knightfall Descends by Gail Simone
g16. Batgirl: Death of the Family by Gail Simone
g17. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 1 by Gail Simone
g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
g19. Fables: Camelot by Bill Willingham and others
g20. Asterix Omnibus 8 (Asterix and Great Crossing, Obelix & Co., Asterix in Belgium) by Goscinny and Uderzo
g21. Saga, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3 by Brian K. Vaughan
g22. The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang
4scvlad
2014 PLANS(?)
I would like to re-read some old favorites this year. A partial list includes:
The Lord of the Rings
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Gödel, Escher, Bach
The Demon-Haunted World
Arcadia
Dune
And a few others in the TBR pile:
The Winds of Marble Arch
Bloodlands (I tried, but just couldn't finish!)
Grant: Memoirs and Selected Letters
Marcus Aurelius: A Life
The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun
Now whether I actually read any of these is a completely different issue. I may end up reading mysteries all year long ...
And of course I should by trying to keep up on my Italian studies...
I would like to re-read some old favorites this year. A partial list includes:
Guns, Germs, and Steel
Gödel, Escher, Bach
The Demon-Haunted World
Dune
And a few others in the TBR pile:
The Winds of Marble Arch
Grant: Memoirs and Selected Letters
Marcus Aurelius: A Life
The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun
Now whether I actually read any of these is a completely different issue. I may end up reading mysteries all year long ...
And of course I should by trying to keep up on my Italian studies...
8MickyFine
Pleased to see one of my favourite curmudgeons back again this year. Happy New Year, Steve!
9rosalita
Steve, I don't really see you as a curmudgeon but rather a focused fellow with a plan. I've picked up a number of recommendations from you last year, and I'm sure there will be more this year. Happy New Year!
11tloeffler
I will second you on the Pogo book. I have never been so excited to see a book in a store as I was to see that one!
12leperdbunny
Interested to see what you read this year, Steve! Happy New Year!
13scvlad
01. f01. The House of the Vestals by Steven Saylor {84,000}
Well that's the first one of the year! A nice, easy book of short stories, all mysteries featuring Gordianus the Finder. They all take place in the 7-8 years after the first novel in this series, in about 80-73 BC in Rome. Nothing incredible here, just fun stories.
Well that's the first one of the year! A nice, easy book of short stories, all mysteries featuring Gordianus the Finder. They all take place in the 7-8 years after the first novel in this series, in about 80-73 BC in Rome. Nothing incredible here, just fun stories.
14michigantrumpet
Waving hello and starring! Marianne
15cameling
Hi Steve and a happy start of the new year to you. I applaud your plans to re-read Guns, Germs and Steel. That was part of my plan last year, but I failed spectacularly and it remains languishing on my re-read shelf. I need to make a concerted effort to get cracking onCollapse which has been left in my TBR Tower for far too long.
16scvlad
Hey Caroline. I took a stab at Collapse and never made it through. Maybe if I read GGS it will inspire me ...
17scvlad
02. f02. Iorich by Steven Brust {75,000}
Another easy read for the beginning of the year. I read a review that Brust always seems more comfortable when Vlad returns to Adrilankha and I think that's true. These seem to be the better books in the series. I like Brust's story telling; he lets out details and plot in dribs and drabs and makes you think; I appreciate that.
If you have read others from this series, there's not much I'm going to bother telling you; it's a decent contribution to the canon. If you have never read any of this series, don't start here.
Another easy read for the beginning of the year. I read a review that Brust always seems more comfortable when Vlad returns to Adrilankha and I think that's true. These seem to be the better books in the series. I like Brust's story telling; he lets out details and plot in dribs and drabs and makes you think; I appreciate that.
If you have read others from this series, there's not much I'm going to bother telling you; it's a decent contribution to the canon. If you have never read any of this series, don't start here.
18scvlad
03. f03. Tiassa by Steven Brust {75,000}
This was nice. Really a series of short stories with a common device (a silver tiassa) linking all of them. It covers the time from Vlad's early days, to 'the present'. (Did I say this was another Vlad Taltos novel?) Fun.
Brust needs to get a move on though. As far as I can tell, there are 20 books planned in this series and he's only up to 14. He started in the mid-1980's so that's only about one book every 2 years. In twelve more years either he or I could be dead. If the series wasn't finished by then, I'd be irritated!
This was nice. Really a series of short stories with a common device (a silver tiassa) linking all of them. It covers the time from Vlad's early days, to 'the present'. (Did I say this was another Vlad Taltos novel?) Fun.
Brust needs to get a move on though. As far as I can tell, there are 20 books planned in this series and he's only up to 14. He started in the mid-1980's so that's only about one book every 2 years. In twelve more years either he or I could be dead. If the series wasn't finished by then, I'd be irritated!
20scvlad
04. g01. Fables: Cubs in Toyland by Bill Willingham and others
A decent addition to this series. Willingham tells a good tale and is a master of unexpected endings. I enjoyed this. I won't comment more; if you're reading Fables (and you should be) you'll like it well enough. If you're not, start at the beginning, get through the first book, and by the time you're through the second you'll be liking it well.
A decent addition to this series. Willingham tells a good tale and is a master of unexpected endings. I enjoyed this. I won't comment more; if you're reading Fables (and you should be) you'll like it well enough. If you're not, start at the beginning, get through the first book, and by the time you're through the second you'll be liking it well.
21scvlad
05. f04. Jhegaala by Steven Brust {81,000}
Well I am off to a rip-roaring start this year aren't I!? My fifth book and only 11 days into the year!
I like Brust, as I've said before. He's an easy read. And now, with this book, I've caught up on Vlad Taltos. One day I'm going to have to go back and read all the books again in chronological order so I can remember details. We'll see. Maybe next year ...
Well I am off to a rip-roaring start this year aren't I!? My fifth book and only 11 days into the year!
I like Brust, as I've said before. He's an easy read. And now, with this book, I've caught up on Vlad Taltos. One day I'm going to have to go back and read all the books again in chronological order so I can remember details. We'll see. Maybe next year ...
22MickyFine
>20 scvlad: This whole reading randomly thing I'm doing is hard sometimes, because I really do want to try Fables sooner rather than later.
23scvlad
>22 MickyFine:. Get onto it Mick. But don't stop at book one. The first one is not the best.
24scvlad
06. g02. Cinderella: From Fabletown with Love by Chris Roberson and others
Not the strongest of the Fables franchise, but not bad. Maybe because it's not a Willmingham one. But I love the idea of Cinderella as a super-spy ...
Not the strongest of the Fables franchise, but not bad. Maybe because it's not a Willmingham one. But I love the idea of Cinderella as a super-spy ...
25scvlad
07. g03. Cinderella: Fables are Forever by Chris Roberson and others
Similar feelings as the last one. I'll keep reading the series though. It's fun.
Similar feelings as the last one. I'll keep reading the series though. It's fun.
26scvlad
I have officially started my The Lord of the Rings re-read. I'm not sure how many times I've already read this; more than 5, less than 20, but beyond that I'm not sure.
This isn't any old re-read though. I'm reading the 50th anniversary corrected text this time (on my iPad), and am also going to go through the iTunes U course offered by the Mythgard Institute - about 20 lectures. So that means extra time will be needed for listening as each lecture is about 1.5 hours. I hope it'll be fun. I also have a slew of other reference books to supplement my reading. But for these reasons (i.e. I need time to listen to lectures at the right times in the book, etc.) I expect this will not be a fast read. But that's ok. I plan to savor it ...
Therefore it's even possible I'll do some other reading in the meantime. Keep your eyes open!
This isn't any old re-read though. I'm reading the 50th anniversary corrected text this time (on my iPad), and am also going to go through the iTunes U course offered by the Mythgard Institute - about 20 lectures. So that means extra time will be needed for listening as each lecture is about 1.5 hours. I hope it'll be fun. I also have a slew of other reference books to supplement my reading. But for these reasons (i.e. I need time to listen to lectures at the right times in the book, etc.) I expect this will not be a fast read. But that's ok. I plan to savor it ...
Therefore it's even possible I'll do some other reading in the meantime. Keep your eyes open!
27scvlad
Oh, by the way. Here is a very interesting article about the passive in English. It says, essentially, that everything you think you know about the passive is wrong. Enjoy!
Fear and Loathing of the English Passive
Fear and Loathing of the English Passive
28thornton37814
Interesting article about the passive.
29scvlad
Wasn't it though? I'm not sure I understood all of it on the first read. Need to read it again ...
30drneutron
Oh, wow. Your reread of Tolkien combined with the iTunes U course sounds great! Let us know how it is!
31scvlad
08. g04. Fables: Werewolves of the Heartland by Bill Willingham and others
Like the other two I just read, this is not part of the Fables 'canon' but is a spin-off story. I liked it better than the Cinderella books but it still is not as good as some of the other stories I've read. I have to say I was not crazy about the art either. I'm not sure why; just not my style.
Just in case you're squeamish, there is a lot of violence and gore in this (and also a lot of nudity - werewolves don't wear clothes you know).
Like the other two I just read, this is not part of the Fables 'canon' but is a spin-off story. I liked it better than the Cinderella books but it still is not as good as some of the other stories I've read. I have to say I was not crazy about the art either. I'm not sure why; just not my style.
Just in case you're squeamish, there is a lot of violence and gore in this (and also a lot of nudity - werewolves don't wear clothes you know).
32scaifea
>25 scvlad:: You'd think she'd be a bit cold in that outfit, no?
>27 scvlad:: As a Latinist, I say Yes! Passives are good things!
>27 scvlad:: As a Latinist, I say Yes! Passives are good things!
33scvlad
>32 scaifea:: Well you know, it actually, kinda, a little makes sense in the context of the story. Anyway this is supposed to be a James Bond spinoff and you know, that means blondes and bikinis.
As for passives, viva! I'm now convinced they are maligned. But I will continue to not overdue them ...
As for passives, viva! I'm now convinced they are maligned. But I will continue to not overdue them ...
35scvlad
The Lord of the Rings update: I'm through book one (to Rivendell) and into book two (the Council of Elrond). It's still great.
I'm finding the Mythgard Institute to be just OK though. I'm reminded of why literature courses always drove me a little nuts in school: for each moment of genuine insight, you had to wait through 1/2 hour of routine and not particularly insightful chatter. I think in that respect, I'm too much of a scientist and not enough of an arts guy. I'm not interested in listening to discussion and hearing what everyone has to say: I want to get to the meat and hear about the (hopefully) interesting stuff that I haven't already thought of. And then get on to the next topic.
In this course the 'lecturer' (he's actually trying to moderate an online discussion at the same time) is OK, but not very directed and easily distractible. His 1.5 hour lectures could easily be 0.5 hours if he focused a little better. I listened to the first two lectures in full, but for the third and fourth I skipped through quite a bit; and yet I don't think I missed much. I'm not sure I'm going to stick with him yet. I may just skip around and see what I come up with.
On the other hand, I've got The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by my side as well the Atlas of Middle Earth and I find them both helpful and interesting. Neither of them are books that you read right through, but I'm finding that skimming through them to find the valuable bits (to me at least) works well.
My Tolkien-mania gene may be activated: that means I may have to go onto the Silmarillion in the near future and then into the Unfinished Tales shortly thereafter. From there, who knowns where I'll stop ...
I'm finding the Mythgard Institute to be just OK though. I'm reminded of why literature courses always drove me a little nuts in school: for each moment of genuine insight, you had to wait through 1/2 hour of routine and not particularly insightful chatter. I think in that respect, I'm too much of a scientist and not enough of an arts guy. I'm not interested in listening to discussion and hearing what everyone has to say: I want to get to the meat and hear about the (hopefully) interesting stuff that I haven't already thought of. And then get on to the next topic.
In this course the 'lecturer' (he's actually trying to moderate an online discussion at the same time) is OK, but not very directed and easily distractible. His 1.5 hour lectures could easily be 0.5 hours if he focused a little better. I listened to the first two lectures in full, but for the third and fourth I skipped through quite a bit; and yet I don't think I missed much. I'm not sure I'm going to stick with him yet. I may just skip around and see what I come up with.
On the other hand, I've got The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by my side as well the Atlas of Middle Earth and I find them both helpful and interesting. Neither of them are books that you read right through, but I'm finding that skimming through them to find the valuable bits (to me at least) works well.
My Tolkien-mania gene may be activated: that means I may have to go onto the Silmarillion in the near future and then into the Unfinished Tales shortly thereafter. From there, who knowns where I'll stop ...
36scvlad
LotR update: I'm not going on with the online LotR class offered by the Mythgard Institute in iTunes U. It's just not my thing. The professor, Corey Olsen, is a knowledgeable guy and clearly knows the work backwards and forwards. But it's just too slow for me. Each class is 1.5 hours and there is just not enough that interests me in each to sustain my interest for that long.
This has always been a problem I've had with English classes and literature; see above. It's strange in a way, because I clear likely reading fiction and like making connections, etc. But there it is.
I will say that this might TOTALLY be YOUR thing! If you are the type to like discussions, like to go into books in depth, etc, you might really like these sessions. They are free and the recordings are decent. I could see a sizable number of people in this group really liking them.
This has always been a problem I've had with English classes and literature; see above. It's strange in a way, because I clear likely reading fiction and like making connections, etc. But there it is.
I will say that this might TOTALLY be YOUR thing! If you are the type to like discussions, like to go into books in depth, etc, you might really like these sessions. They are free and the recordings are decent. I could see a sizable number of people in this group really liking them.
38scvlad
Hello Tamara. Doing well here and going to do some more Fables and Roma reading soon. And I hope you like Brust. As for reading ....
Ahhhhhhh! And so ends the 481,103 words of The Lord of the Rings! (Not including the appendices.) Still one of my very favorite works. I just find it to be an incredibly complete work. Heroism, humor, melancholy, and of course language; it's got it all. I still have to read the appendices (can't skip those!) but they'll be done soon. And I'm happy to say that The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion was a nice addition. I'll say more about it in a while...
Ahhhhhhh! And so ends the 481,103 words of The Lord of the Rings! (Not including the appendices.) Still one of my very favorite works. I just find it to be an incredibly complete work. Heroism, humor, melancholy, and of course language; it's got it all. I still have to read the appendices (can't skip those!) but they'll be done soon. And I'm happy to say that The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion was a nice addition. I'll say more about it in a while...
39scvlad
09. f05. The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien {537,000}
I love TLotR. I am one of those who consider it to be one of the great works of 20th century literature and I don't understand those who 'don't get it'. The imagination of Tolkien is a wonder. His use of language, both real and created, is incredible. And his characters, both small and large and despite their 'heroic' mold are real to me. Frodo's feelingsof failure and loss despite ultimate 'success' are human, as is the melancholy of the Elves for those things gone and never to be regained. And the message that all things change, even in victory, is a true and under-appreciated one (likely informed by Tolkien's time spent serving in WWI and observing WWII).
I won't see the movies. For me Tolkien is the epitome of written and spoken language and to make his works into film just doesn't make sense to me. I don't want to see how Peter Jackson envisions Tolkien's world; I prefer to imagine it with him without the presence of a mediator.
I estimate that I've read TLotR between 10 and 15 times, and every time is a pleasure. The slow pace of this read was great and was well-informed by additional reading material (more in a coming post). It's nice not to be encumbered by wanting to see what happens next, so that one can just enjoy the writing.
Did I mention that I love the poetry? I think Tolkien is an under-appreciated and inventive poet, and I love his return to old styles and structures as much as his own stylistic invention.
If you haven't read it, what's wrong with you! Even if you 'don't get it' at least find out what the fuss is about, OK?
(Technical matters: 481,103 (complete text including prologue) + ≈6000 (Note on text, note on 50th anniversary edition, forward to the second edition) + ≈50,000 (appendices) ≈ 537,000)
I love TLotR. I am one of those who consider it to be one of the great works of 20th century literature and I don't understand those who 'don't get it'. The imagination of Tolkien is a wonder. His use of language, both real and created, is incredible. And his characters, both small and large and despite their 'heroic' mold are real to me. Frodo's feelings
I won't see the movies. For me Tolkien is the epitome of written and spoken language and to make his works into film just doesn't make sense to me. I don't want to see how Peter Jackson envisions Tolkien's world; I prefer to imagine it with him without the presence of a mediator.
I estimate that I've read TLotR between 10 and 15 times, and every time is a pleasure. The slow pace of this read was great and was well-informed by additional reading material (more in a coming post). It's nice not to be encumbered by wanting to see what happens next, so that one can just enjoy the writing.
Did I mention that I love the poetry? I think Tolkien is an under-appreciated and inventive poet, and I love his return to old styles and structures as much as his own stylistic invention.
If you haven't read it, what's wrong with you! Even if you 'don't get it' at least find out what the fuss is about, OK?
(Technical matters: 481,103 (complete text including prologue) + ≈6000 (Note on text, note on 50th anniversary edition, forward to the second edition) + ≈50,000 (appendices) ≈ 537,000)
40scvlad
10. r01. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull {100,000}
This was a very nice addition to the above. It contains a host of information, starting with a nice, brief history of the writing of TLotR and its publication and reception. It ends with Tolkien's own summary of the work, and here he elaborates some of his themes. The rest of the book is reference, taking each chapter and essentially annotating the text. Some of the annotations are finicky - changes made between the editions, or errors in the text - and others elaborate more detail from other sources, such as Tolkien's letters, other books, and unpublished writings. Much can be skipped - I'm somewhat but not completely interested in the derivation of words and names - but there are lots of gems as well. One of the points that I'd never caught before is how he switches from the formal 'you' to the informal 'thee/thou' in key passages to show the relationships between characters and what they are feeling.
Well worth it if you ever plan to read TLotR more than once.
(Technical stuff: Figuring out how many words I read was a disaster. First, the page lengths vary markedly - some I estimate at a couple of hundred words, others at approaching 500. And then I didn't read every word by any means. The 100,000 figure is a ballpark estimate that might be way off.)
This was a very nice addition to the above. It contains a host of information, starting with a nice, brief history of the writing of TLotR and its publication and reception. It ends with Tolkien's own summary of the work, and here he elaborates some of his themes. The rest of the book is reference, taking each chapter and essentially annotating the text. Some of the annotations are finicky - changes made between the editions, or errors in the text - and others elaborate more detail from other sources, such as Tolkien's letters, other books, and unpublished writings. Much can be skipped - I'm somewhat but not completely interested in the derivation of words and names - but there are lots of gems as well. One of the points that I'd never caught before is how he switches from the formal 'you' to the informal 'thee/thou' in key passages to show the relationships between characters and what they are feeling.
Well worth it if you ever plan to read TLotR more than once.
(Technical stuff: Figuring out how many words I read was a disaster. First, the page lengths vary markedly - some I estimate at a couple of hundred words, others at approaching 500. And then I didn't read every word by any means. The 100,000 figure is a ballpark estimate that might be way off.)
41scvlad
11. g05. Fables: Snow White
A quick Fables volume. It takes place contemporaneously with the last volume, and in fact with the recent 'Fairest' volume I read too. A little confusing as such. But this was a pretty good one. Two stories, one pretty funny, the other pretty serious, both well done.
A quick Fables volume. It takes place contemporaneously with the last volume, and in fact with the recent 'Fairest' volume I read too. A little confusing as such. But this was a pretty good one. Two stories, one pretty funny, the other pretty serious, both well done.
42scvlad
12. f06. A Gladiator Dies Only Once by Steven Saylor {115,000}
A nice series of mysteries set in the last days of the Roman Republic. What makes them nice is Saylor's very detailed knowledge of life in Rome at the time. Key characters include Cicero and hot big shots of the day. An easy read and worth the time.
A nice series of mysteries set in the last days of the Roman Republic. What makes them nice is Saylor's very detailed knowledge of life in Rome at the time. Key characters include Cicero and hot big shots of the day. An easy read and worth the time.
43rosalita
Steve, you've been doing some "fantastic" reading for Fantasy February! The gladiator book sounds interesting.
44scvlad
>43 rosalita:. Julia. It's fun. Not the best mystery, but pretty good from the history standpoint.
And yes, definitely on a fantasy kick recently. But more precisely on a Tolkien kick. I go through this phase every few years ...
And yes, definitely on a fantasy kick recently. But more precisely on a Tolkien kick. I go through this phase every few years ...
45rosalita
At the risk of being banned from your thread, I will confess that I have yet to read any Tolkien. I know, I know! But until I joined the 75ers and starting getting book recommendations from all of you, I thought I didn't like fantasy. Now that I know I do if it's good fantasy, I should give the old boy a try.
46scvlad
I won't ban you, Julia, but you really should give the old boy a try. This is the BEST fantasy. And, I think, good literature to boot.
Read The Hobbit first. Don't necessarily expect to get blown away. It's a nice story but it's definitely a 'childrens book'. But read it to better understand The Lord of the Rings which is definitely a grown-ups book and is definitely his master-work.
Read The Hobbit first. Don't necessarily expect to get blown away. It's a nice story but it's definitely a 'childrens book'. But read it to better understand The Lord of the Rings which is definitely a grown-ups book and is definitely his master-work.
47rosalita
OK, Steve, I'm putting The Hobbit on my list of books to read this year. I'll let you know how it goes.
49scvlad
13. f07. The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien {137,000}
Tolkien's other great work. In some ways, it's a little disappointing; after all it's simply a summary of Tolkien's world and history. Worth reading? Or course! But so much is left unsaid! Many of the stories told here scream for more detail. And of course, in many cases there is more detail, for this is the summary of Tolkien's life work, and many of these stories were written in his youth. We can of course read those stories now, due to the work of his son Christopher, and they are worth reading for true Tolkien fans; but the Silmarillion represents his latest and most complete view of how they all fit together. It's such a shame that he didn't live long enough to put all the details in place.
But anyway, there is no guarantee that if you enjoyed The Lord of the Rings you will enjoy this as much. It's a very different work; more distant and 'legendary'. But it's still worth it to learn more about Tolkien's world.
{Technical stuff: text 130,115 + introductory stuff 7,650≈ 137,000}
Tolkien's other great work. In some ways, it's a little disappointing; after all it's simply a summary of Tolkien's world and history. Worth reading? Or course! But so much is left unsaid! Many of the stories told here scream for more detail. And of course, in many cases there is more detail, for this is the summary of Tolkien's life work, and many of these stories were written in his youth. We can of course read those stories now, due to the work of his son Christopher, and they are worth reading for true Tolkien fans; but the Silmarillion represents his latest and most complete view of how they all fit together. It's such a shame that he didn't live long enough to put all the details in place.
But anyway, there is no guarantee that if you enjoyed The Lord of the Rings you will enjoy this as much. It's a very different work; more distant and 'legendary'. But it's still worth it to learn more about Tolkien's world.
{Technical stuff: text 130,115 + introductory stuff 7,650≈ 137,000}
50scvlad
14. r02. The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad {25,000}
This is a reasonable spot to take credit for this. It's a nice companion for the hard core Tolkien fan and does help in understanding the geography of Middle Earth. The maps in the books are fine, but these are a little bigger and a little more detailed. The accompanying text is useful and summarizes facts/points found in numerous sources which can be helpful.
{Awarding myself 25,000 words though it's not the kind of book you read right through ....}
This is a reasonable spot to take credit for this. It's a nice companion for the hard core Tolkien fan and does help in understanding the geography of Middle Earth. The maps in the books are fine, but these are a little bigger and a little more detailed. The accompanying text is useful and summarizes facts/points found in numerous sources which can be helpful.
{Awarding myself 25,000 words though it's not the kind of book you read right through ....}
51scvlad
15. f08. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth by J. R. R. Tolkien {147,000}
So this is getting into hard-core Tolkien territory. It's a collection of his later, unpublished writings that bear on the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings. As such, it's spotty. Nothing here was ready to be published and as such it's incomplete and a little rough in spots. But there are gems. The story of Aldarion and Erendis is wonderful, and it's a shame that it was never completed. The same for The Fall of Gondolin. The latter is completed in a much earlier version, which is some comfort, but that version is clearly not completely reconciled with Tolkien's later works.
So, if you love Tolkien, this is worth reading. But it he doesn't absolutely fascinate you, you can skip it.
{Technical stuff: does not include the Tale of the Children of Hurin as there is a more recently published long version of it}
So this is getting into hard-core Tolkien territory. It's a collection of his later, unpublished writings that bear on the Silmarillion and the Lord of the Rings. As such, it's spotty. Nothing here was ready to be published and as such it's incomplete and a little rough in spots. But there are gems. The story of Aldarion and Erendis is wonderful, and it's a shame that it was never completed. The same for The Fall of Gondolin. The latter is completed in a much earlier version, which is some comfort, but that version is clearly not completely reconciled with Tolkien's later works.
So, if you love Tolkien, this is worth reading. But it he doesn't absolutely fascinate you, you can skip it.
{Technical stuff: does not include the Tale of the Children of Hurin as there is a more recently published long version of it}
52DCavin
The Demon-Haunted World
- good book, hope you enjoy it. It really made me change how I think and perceive things. I miss Sagan.
D
- good book, hope you enjoy it. It really made me change how I think and perceive things. I miss Sagan.
D
54scvlad
16. f09. Valediction by Robert B. Parker {50,000}
A good Spenser novel, though perhaps a little too much navel gazing by Spenser. The mystery is good enough though.
A good Spenser novel, though perhaps a little too much navel gazing by Spenser. The mystery is good enough though.
55rosalita
For a man of action, Spenser certainly does do a lot of navel-gazing, doesn't he? It must come with the territory of having a psychiatrist for a girlfriend.
56scvlad
>55 rosalita:. *like!*
57scvlad
17. f10. The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall {79,000}
I must admit that I was charmed by this. Someone in this group had posted that they had read a later book in this series (I'm sorry I can't remember who) and it sounded interesting so I ordered the first one from the library. Glad I did.
Vish Puri is the owner of Most Private Investigations in Delhi and is the 'Indian Sherlock Holmes'. He's chubby, vain, and rather fun. He has interesting employees, and an interesting family. And he moves through the wide variety of life in India, from the sordid and destitute to the rich and corrupt. Never having been there, I assume this is a fairly realistic portrait.
There are three cases going on simultaneously here, the main one which is interesting, the secondary one which shows his humanity, and the third one which is not his case, but his mother's.
Delightful! I'll keep reading the series.
I must admit that I was charmed by this. Someone in this group had posted that they had read a later book in this series (I'm sorry I can't remember who) and it sounded interesting so I ordered the first one from the library. Glad I did.
Vish Puri is the owner of Most Private Investigations in Delhi and is the 'Indian Sherlock Holmes'. He's chubby, vain, and rather fun. He has interesting employees, and an interesting family. And he moves through the wide variety of life in India, from the sordid and destitute to the rich and corrupt. Never having been there, I assume this is a fairly realistic portrait.
There are three cases going on simultaneously here, the main one which is interesting, the secondary one which shows his humanity, and the third one which is not his case, but his mother's.
Delightful! I'll keep reading the series.
59DCavin
Quick question: how do you figure your page counts. I've looked on line and there are so many methods (multiply by 250, 350, 375).
60scvlad
Hi Derek. Generally, I fake it. To estimate the words in a book, I do it the old fashioned way: I count a page and multiply by the number of pages. Then I've arbitrarily decided that a 'page' is going to be 400 pages; therefore I divide words by pages. Voila!
It's all nonsense of course: my word estimates are probably way off. I just hope they're right to about 10,000 words or so. And deciding that there are 400 words to a page is simply a nod to my iPad, where generally one page in the font at which I tend to read is about 425 words or so.
What I would really like is some source that would tell me how many words a given book is. Can't find one though. A few isolated books, sure: The Lord of the Rings for instance. But in general, it's just not information that is out there.
It's all nonsense of course: my word estimates are probably way off. I just hope they're right to about 10,000 words or so. And deciding that there are 400 words to a page is simply a nod to my iPad, where generally one page in the font at which I tend to read is about 425 words or so.
What I would really like is some source that would tell me how many words a given book is. Can't find one though. A few isolated books, sure: The Lord of the Rings for instance. But in general, it's just not information that is out there.
61DCavin
Thanks. I've used ARBookfinder a few times, but that mainly has popular/famous/classic books.
62scvlad
18. f11. Arms of Nemesis by Steven Saylor {113,000}
Not the greatest of mysteries but not bad. The best part of this series is the history. Saylor gives a nice picture of Roman life in the late Republic. The mystery here was decent if not fantastic. I suspect I'll continue to read this series, but once will probably be enough.
Not the greatest of mysteries but not bad. The best part of this series is the history. Saylor gives a nice picture of Roman life in the late Republic. The mystery here was decent if not fantastic. I suspect I'll continue to read this series, but once will probably be enough.
63scvlad
19. n01. The Missionary Position by Christopher Hitchens {23,000}
I don't want to comment too much on this. What I will say is that I don't like zealots. Mother Teresa was a zealot, to the point where she ignored the physical needs of the poor so as to 'administer' to their spiritual needs (including secretly baptizing them without their knowledge). Hitchens argues that the truth is different from the myth and I am always a fan of truth (as much as it can be known).
I don't want to comment too much on this. What I will say is that I don't like zealots. Mother Teresa was a zealot, to the point where she ignored the physical needs of the poor so as to 'administer' to their spiritual needs (including secretly baptizing them without their knowledge). Hitchens argues that the truth is different from the myth and I am always a fan of truth (as much as it can be known).
64scvlad
I just started Bloodlands, which seems apt considering what's happening in Ukraine right now.
65scvlad
OK, so I'm reading Bloodlands which is a history of, essentially, the murder of an awful lot of people by Stalin and Hitler in Poland, Ukraine, Belarus, and surrounding areas. So far I've read about the famine in Ukraine of the early 30s - caused by Stalin's policy of 'collectivization' where starving peasants were viewed, through their deaths, as propagandizing against Stalin's policies (3.5 million Ukrainians dead) - the Soviet Terror agains the 'kulaks' in the late 30s - i.e. those Ukrainians who had the nerve to survive the famine and Gulags, thereby undermining the government - and the Terror against the 'nationalists' - who were engaged in a non-existant plot by Poland to undermine the Soviet government - (700,000 more executed - mostly Poles and Ukrainians) - and I still have only just barely got to the German (and Soviet) invasion of Poland in 1939. Total so far: about 4.2 million dead. Many more to come.
On the other hand, the understanding I'm gaining of Soviet politics and foreign policy is good. The interplay between idiology (misspelling intentional) and practical politics is fascinating. As is the policy of the Soviets in terms of actually making quotas for the number of people to be executed in each region in order to 'secure the state'. God, the 30s was a horrible time.
I need a break. Time for a little historical fiction slash mystery and then I'll come back to Eastern Europe in WWII.
On the other hand, the understanding I'm gaining of Soviet politics and foreign policy is good. The interplay between idiology (misspelling intentional) and practical politics is fascinating. As is the policy of the Soviets in terms of actually making quotas for the number of people to be executed in each region in order to 'secure the state'. God, the 30s was a horrible time.
I need a break. Time for a little historical fiction slash mystery and then I'll come back to Eastern Europe in WWII.
66MickyFine
>65 scvlad: I'm curious now from your comments: how much is European history covered in high school in the US? Because I spent most of grade 12 history covering Europe from WWII through to the end of the Cold War so the Stalinist purges in the Ukraine (while horrifying) is something I've known about since I was 17 or so.
67scvlad
>66 MickyFine: Mick, I'm actually the wrong person to ask. I spent my high school years in Ottawa! On the other hand, I don't ever remember covering the Cold War or Stalin. I took some history classes, but by later high school they were optional, and I was more focused on earlier European history.
I did know about this stuff, vaguely (after all my father is an eastern European immigrant and about as anti-communist as you can get), but not in any kind of detail, so in that respect this is an eye opener. I certainly did not know this kind of detail and the whys and wherefores behind the purges.
Were you in school in the west? I kind of wonder whether there was more of a focus out there because of the large immigration of Ukrainians to the area? Or is that simplistic?
(By the way, I was in the last class in Ontario that had to complete grade 13.)
I did know about this stuff, vaguely (after all my father is an eastern European immigrant and about as anti-communist as you can get), but not in any kind of detail, so in that respect this is an eye opener. I certainly did not know this kind of detail and the whys and wherefores behind the purges.
Were you in school in the west? I kind of wonder whether there was more of a focus out there because of the large immigration of Ukrainians to the area? Or is that simplistic?
(By the way, I was in the last class in Ontario that had to complete grade 13.)
68MickyFine
I did go to school in Alberta. I don't know if I would have had more focus on this issue in my history classes as I did the IB program in high school and the curriculum for that is pretty set. But I may have been more aware of the Ukrainian purges because of the large number of classmates I had with Ukrainian heritage. As for grade 13, you poor sod. I have a couple friends (Ontario exports) who were in the same boat.
69scvlad
Actually, grade 13 was remarkably fun. For some reason it seemed to be a much less pressured year than the rest of high school. I mostly enjoyed it.
70scvlad
20. f12. Catilina's Riddle by Steven Saylor {203,000}
The best so far of this series. The mystery, once again, is OK. But the setting is what makes it. It is the year of Cicero's consulship and Catalina threatens the security of Rome. Or does he? That's the major point of the book, which turns out to be a reflection on politics, vilification, and ambivalence. I quite enjoyed it!
This could easily be read on its own without reference to the other books in the series.
And now, back to 1940s eastern Europe ...
The best so far of this series. The mystery, once again, is OK. But the setting is what makes it. It is the year of Cicero's consulship and Catalina threatens the security of Rome. Or does he? That's the major point of the book, which turns out to be a reflection on politics, vilification, and ambivalence. I quite enjoyed it!
This could easily be read on its own without reference to the other books in the series.
And now, back to 1940s eastern Europe ...
71scvlad
I continue to try to read Bloodlands but it's just so damn depressing! I mean, it's well written and interesting, but it's about DEATH! It's about how the Soviets and the Nazis killed 14 MILLION people in a span of 12 years. Deliberately! Not counting actual soldiers! Or civilians killed during bombing raids! I just can't do it without some breaks. So I'm stopping again at the beginning of 1942 and am going to find something a little more fun.
72MickyFine
I don't blame you for switching it up. That cannot be easy reading. Kudos for you for going back to it at all.
73scvlad
21. f13. The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien {76,000}
This is the biggest of the stories of the 1st age of Middle Earth that Tolkien wrote and is very good. It's a tragedy and relates the sorrows of Túrin Turambar while he tries to be a good person, but is overcome by fate.
The real tragedy is that Tolkien, even though he had a vast mythology which existed in his head, completed nothing aside from his two published works (Hobbit and TLotR) and so everything else has to be stitched together from his many drafts. His son Christopher manages to do a good job here of making a complete and readable story. It's a little more readable that the version that exists in the Unfinished Tales but is very similar. I only wish that more complete versions of some of his other big tales existed, especially the Fall of Gondolin and the tale of Beren and Lúthien. Oh well.
This is the biggest of the stories of the 1st age of Middle Earth that Tolkien wrote and is very good. It's a tragedy and relates the sorrows of Túrin Turambar while he tries to be a good person, but is overcome by fate.
The real tragedy is that Tolkien, even though he had a vast mythology which existed in his head, completed nothing aside from his two published works (Hobbit and TLotR) and so everything else has to be stitched together from his many drafts. His son Christopher manages to do a good job here of making a complete and readable story. It's a little more readable that the version that exists in the Unfinished Tales but is very similar. I only wish that more complete versions of some of his other big tales existed, especially the Fall of Gondolin and the tale of Beren and Lúthien. Oh well.
75scvlad
22. f14. The Venus Throw by Steven Saylor {120,000}
Pretty standard for this series. OK mystery, good history.
Pretty standard for this series. OK mystery, good history.
77scvlad
>76 Kassilem:. If you like history, look it up!
78scvlad
23. f15. The Case of the Man who Died Laughing by Tarquin Hall {77,000}
I like this series. So far, they are just straight good mysteries. Here, the goddess Kali kills a prominent skeptic in broad daylight. India is amazed! Of course Vish Puri doesn't buy it and investigates. This alone is a pretty good mystery, but then Hall unexpectedly more-or-less solves it 2/3 of the way through the book and puts in a twist at the same time. Nice.
The people are also fun. Puri's confederates are just fun characters. And of course Mummy-ji has her own mystery to solve.
I like this series. So far, they are just straight good mysteries. Here, the goddess Kali kills a prominent skeptic in broad daylight. India is amazed! Of course Vish Puri doesn't buy it and investigates. This alone is a pretty good mystery, but then Hall unexpectedly more-or-less solves it 2/3 of the way through the book and puts in a twist at the same time. Nice.
The people are also fun. Puri's confederates are just fun characters. And of course Mummy-ji has her own mystery to solve.
79michigantrumpet
>78 scvlad: Nice review. Is this something I could read as a stand alone book, or do I need to have read everything up to this point?
80scvlad
>79 michigantrumpet: They are very easily readable as stand-alone books. There is no background story which progresses from book to book. Really, they are kind of like Sherlock Holmes stories - they are readily readable in isolation. By the way, this is only the second book in the series, so I might be overly generalizing, but my hunch is what I have said holds true.
81michigantrumpet
Thanks! I'm in the middle of Hurricane Katrina with Five Days at Memorial. after I finish that and an ER I need to review, I suspect I'll be in the mood for some lighter fare...
82scvlad
>81 michigantrumpet: *like!*
83scvlad
24. f16. A Murder on the Appian Way by Steven Saylor {167,000}
This series keeps getting better. The strength, again, is not in the mystery but in the history and the characters. Late Roman republican politics is great stuff, and it's here in all its glory!
Here, Publius Clodius, the great rabble rouser, is murdered a day outside of Rome on, obviously, the Appian Way, setting off days of rioting in Rome. But no one really knows what happened. Gordianus the Finder sets out to find out. But even when he knows the answer, things don't quite fit ...
This series keeps getting better. The strength, again, is not in the mystery but in the history and the characters. Late Roman republican politics is great stuff, and it's here in all its glory!
Here, Publius Clodius, the great rabble rouser, is murdered a day outside of Rome on, obviously, the Appian Way, setting off days of rioting in Rome. But no one really knows what happened. Gordianus the Finder sets out to find out. But even when he knows the answer, things don't quite fit ...
84scvlad
25. f17. Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson {118,000}
This was a very pleasant surprise. It was a book I just grabbed off the library shelf as it was next door to something else I was taking out and looked vaguely interesting. I'm glad I did; it's my first surprise hit of the year.
The time is 1780 in a small village outside of London. The wife of a local landed gentry (literally landed - he is a naval commodore) finds a body on her land with its throat cut. She turns to the local recluse, who has an interest in cutting up dead bodies, for help. And off they go, delving into local politics and the hidden past to figure out who was murdered and why. A few more murders and a couple of plot twists later, they of course succeed, but the journey to the solution is a worthwhile one.
This was fun for many reasons. First, the style is appropriate to the setting - relaxed and giving a flavor of the writing of the time. Second, the characters are fun, if perhaps a tad too modern. Mrs. Westerman, our heroine, is an independent, no-nonsense, competent woman. Crowther, our hero, is somewhat Darcy-like though much less prideful (or is he the prejudiced one?). Other woman are probably a little more independent than the times might find appropriate, but that's OK with me. Third, the history is good. The American Revolution plays an important role in the story and is well painted (from the British side), and the time in England is well described (there are anti-papist riots going on in London, for instance). Both events are portrayed accurately (I assume - I know it's true for the American events and assume it's true of the British events too), yet realistically. Fourth, it's fresh. One of the wonderful things about Mrs. Westerman's and Crowther's partnership is that there is no romantic interest at all. They respect each other and end up trusting each other, but she is happily married (though her husband is away) and he shows no interest in crossing that boundary. For some reason, it just seems so very grown up that, in a novel, two people of opposite sex can actually be friends but not lovers.
Not to worry though. There are other romantic possibilities. The other half of the story takes place in London with a different cast of characters. Their story, is of course, related (I'm not giving away any spoilers - the relationship is obvious early on) and there are the possibilities of love and family there, though also tragedy.
A lovely book. There are a couple of more in the series and I will probably go find them, though with a little hesitation: I don't think this was meant to be the first of a series, and I worry that follow-ups will therefore be disappointing. But I'll take the chance ...
My review is here.
This was a very pleasant surprise. It was a book I just grabbed off the library shelf as it was next door to something else I was taking out and looked vaguely interesting. I'm glad I did; it's my first surprise hit of the year.
The time is 1780 in a small village outside of London. The wife of a local landed gentry (literally landed - he is a naval commodore) finds a body on her land with its throat cut. She turns to the local recluse, who has an interest in cutting up dead bodies, for help. And off they go, delving into local politics and the hidden past to figure out who was murdered and why. A few more murders and a couple of plot twists later, they of course succeed, but the journey to the solution is a worthwhile one.
This was fun for many reasons. First, the style is appropriate to the setting - relaxed and giving a flavor of the writing of the time. Second, the characters are fun, if perhaps a tad too modern. Mrs. Westerman, our heroine, is an independent, no-nonsense, competent woman. Crowther, our hero, is somewhat Darcy-like though much less prideful (or is he the prejudiced one?). Other woman are probably a little more independent than the times might find appropriate, but that's OK with me. Third, the history is good. The American Revolution plays an important role in the story and is well painted (from the British side), and the time in England is well described (there are anti-papist riots going on in London, for instance). Both events are portrayed accurately (I assume - I know it's true for the American events and assume it's true of the British events too), yet realistically. Fourth, it's fresh. One of the wonderful things about Mrs. Westerman's and Crowther's partnership is that there is no romantic interest at all. They respect each other and end up trusting each other, but she is happily married (though her husband is away) and he shows no interest in crossing that boundary. For some reason, it just seems so very grown up that, in a novel, two people of opposite sex can actually be friends but not lovers.
Not to worry though. There are other romantic possibilities. The other half of the story takes place in London with a different cast of characters. Their story, is of course, related (I'm not giving away any spoilers - the relationship is obvious early on) and there are the possibilities of love and family there, though also tragedy.
A lovely book. There are a couple of more in the series and I will probably go find them, though with a little hesitation: I don't think this was meant to be the first of a series, and I worry that follow-ups will therefore be disappointing. But I'll take the chance ...
My review is here.
85scvlad
Oh, and a Bloodlands update. I think I finally have to admit that I'm not going to finish this. It is an extraordinarily well researched book and is an amazing account of the atrocities that went on in eastern Europe in the 30s and 40s. It's a valuable work.
And I just can't do it. First, it's kind of dry. I mean, it's a recounting of mass shootings and death factories and they start to run together. Second, it's sad. I mean, I know I should learn about this stuff, but it god-awfully depressing!
And the fact is, I just feel like reading easy historical fiction / mysteries these days - they make me happy.
So, one day I'll return to some history and other non-fiction (not to mention Italian studies), but for the time being I'm going to set Bloodlands aside.
And I just can't do it. First, it's kind of dry. I mean, it's a recounting of mass shootings and death factories and they start to run together. Second, it's sad. I mean, I know I should learn about this stuff, but it god-awfully depressing!
And the fact is, I just feel like reading easy historical fiction / mysteries these days - they make me happy.
So, one day I'll return to some history and other non-fiction (not to mention Italian studies), but for the time being I'm going to set Bloodlands aside.
86MickyFine
>84 scvlad: That one does sound good. I'm not quite hit but if I happen to see it on the shelf, I might just pick it up.
>85 scvlad: Excellent call, Steve.
>85 scvlad: Excellent call, Steve.
87scvlad
>86 MickyFine: Thanks Mick. I suspect you might enjoy Instruments of Darkness well enough. And thanks for the moral support. ;-) Even though it IS true that I hate not finishing books I've started ...
88scvlad
26. f18. The Case of the Deadly Butter Chicken by Tarquin Hall {95,000}
Well, dog my cats! Two really good mysteries in a row! Hall continues to write what I think are really nice books. The characters continue to be fun and the spirit is light in general. This is his most complex plot yet and gets into the underworld of Indian Cricket. What sets this book on a little higher plane though is that he takes a look at India-Pakistan relations and specifically at the Indian partition of 1947 and its effects. And by including Puri's own family in one of his plot narratives, he makes it personal and affecting.
Oh, and it has recipes!
Much recommended.
Well, dog my cats! Two really good mysteries in a row! Hall continues to write what I think are really nice books. The characters continue to be fun and the spirit is light in general. This is his most complex plot yet and gets into the underworld of Indian Cricket. What sets this book on a little higher plane though is that he takes a look at India-Pakistan relations and specifically at the Indian partition of 1947 and its effects. And by including Puri's own family in one of his plot narratives, he makes it personal and affecting.
Oh, and it has recipes!
Much recommended.
89scvlad
This seemed like a very appropriate topic for this group, so I bring it to your attention:
Where are America's Librarians?
"If you’re trying to use this information to judge whether libraries will become a thing of the past, you might be interested to know that librarians are getting older. According to the American Library Association, the median age of a credentialed librarian was 39 for men and 41 for women in 1980. By 2005, it had risen to 51 for men and 52 for women."
Where are America's Librarians?
"If you’re trying to use this information to judge whether libraries will become a thing of the past, you might be interested to know that librarians are getting older. According to the American Library Association, the median age of a credentialed librarian was 39 for men and 41 for women in 1980. By 2005, it had risen to 51 for men and 52 for women."
90MickyFine
Ugh! I know this article doesn't quite get there but I'm going to rant a bit about one of my pet peeves which the article nears. If I hear one more article arguing that there are going to be tons of jobs in the library field soon because of the "greying out" of the profession, I will scream. It's just not happening. The sheer amount of competition for jobs on this side of the border is insane (and we only have 6 library schools in the country). And most of the libraries I've worked in have staff that are under 40. Admittedly, that's not many and they've all been public but I know within my cohort that there are still people 3 years out of library school who don't have a library job, never mind a permanent one. Sorry, just one of my frustration points.
91scvlad
Rant away; I'm happy to listen. Is there any possibility there are differences on each side of the border? I can't imagine why there would be but I'm just wondering. Or are bigger librarians libraries driving the increase in the mean age? Is it possible that especially large libraries, e.g universities or something, tend to have older staff?
(Oops! I don't think librarians' weight has anything to do with anything ...)
(Oops! I don't think librarians' weight has anything to do with anything ...)
92scvlad
27. f19. Rubicon by Steven Saylor {112,000}
A string of good mysteries! This is the best Gordianus novel yet. The thing that makes it so is that this time the mystery is top notch. There's a wonderful twist that totally makes it. The time is early in the Roman civil war between Pompey and Caesar. Caesar has just crossed the Rubicon and Pompey is fleeing Rome but has to pay a quick visit to Gordianus because his young nephew is missing. Little does he know that Gordianus has just found him dead in his own house.
A string of good mysteries! This is the best Gordianus novel yet. The thing that makes it so is that this time the mystery is top notch. There's a wonderful twist that totally makes it. The time is early in the Roman civil war between Pompey and Caesar. Caesar has just crossed the Rubicon and Pompey is fleeing Rome but has to pay a quick visit to Gordianus because his young nephew is missing. Little does he know that Gordianus has just found him dead in his own house.
93MickyFine
>91 scvlad: I think it's very likely that university libraries are driving up the average age. All those tenured librarians.
95scvlad
>94 wilkiec: 10Q!
96scvlad
28. f20. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood {55,000}
So after a string of very good mysteries, this one just didn't do it for me. The heroine is Phryne Fisher, who I ran across for the first time on Netflix a few weeks ago. The show that's based on these books is OK and I decided to pick this up. Phyryne is a 1920s flapper. She came into money though the effects of a lot of heirs dying in the war and is now returning to her home in Melbourne, Australia where she gets into a good deal of trouble.
My problem with this book is that Phryne is just too perfect - too beautiful, too talented, too smart, too ingenious, too modern. It's all just too much. And I can only read so many descriptions of the wonderful outfits Phryne wears. And for my tastes, in this book at least, there is not enough flavor of the time. The whole thing could have taken place in another country in the present without that much rewriting.
That said, it's an easy read and entertaining enough. But I'm not sure that I'm going to bother reading further in the series ...
So after a string of very good mysteries, this one just didn't do it for me. The heroine is Phryne Fisher, who I ran across for the first time on Netflix a few weeks ago. The show that's based on these books is OK and I decided to pick this up. Phyryne is a 1920s flapper. She came into money though the effects of a lot of heirs dying in the war and is now returning to her home in Melbourne, Australia where she gets into a good deal of trouble.
My problem with this book is that Phryne is just too perfect - too beautiful, too talented, too smart, too ingenious, too modern. It's all just too much. And I can only read so many descriptions of the wonderful outfits Phryne wears. And for my tastes, in this book at least, there is not enough flavor of the time. The whole thing could have taken place in another country in the present without that much rewriting.
That said, it's an easy read and entertaining enough. But I'm not sure that I'm going to bother reading further in the series ...
97scvlad
29. f21. Anatomy of Murder by Imogen Robertson {140,000}
I like this author and I like this series. We are once again in Georgian England (1781) with our heroine Harriet Westerman and our hero Gabriel Crowther. Harriet has had a major life change since our last visit, as her husband has returned from sea! But he is not well. She's trying to take time away from him, for his health, by traveling to see her friends in London. Luckily (kind of), a body has just been found in the Thames and a Mr. Palmer, chief spy in the Admiralty, comes to Crowther and Westerman for some discrete help, as the victim may be a spy who was passing information to the French.
Again, I like the relationship between the two lead characters who are close but not romantically involved. I think it's refreshing and a wise choice for Robertson to leave the romance to the more minor characters. I also like the characters themselves: they are well drawn and human, but nice people who you would like to be friends with. The setting is well drawn and the feel of Georgian London is convincing. A lot of the setting for this novel is in the world of English opera, and it's fun how Robertson has woven in the history of the castratti, and other singers of the day.
Again, there are dual but related stories happening simultaneously and Robertson takes the opportunity with more characters from the various circles of London city life.
Minor, possible spoiler:One concern: By the end of the novel, it's clear that Robertson has opened up a number of avenues that she could choose to take in the continuing story of her characters. Some of those avenues worry me. I hope she doesn't fall victim to making conventional choices!
This series is the surprise highlight of my year so far! (Even more-so than Vish Puri!) Highly recommended!
I like this author and I like this series. We are once again in Georgian England (1781) with our heroine Harriet Westerman and our hero Gabriel Crowther. Harriet has had a major life change since our last visit, as her husband has returned from sea! But he is not well. She's trying to take time away from him, for his health, by traveling to see her friends in London. Luckily (kind of), a body has just been found in the Thames and a Mr. Palmer, chief spy in the Admiralty, comes to Crowther and Westerman for some discrete help, as the victim may be a spy who was passing information to the French.
Again, I like the relationship between the two lead characters who are close but not romantically involved. I think it's refreshing and a wise choice for Robertson to leave the romance to the more minor characters. I also like the characters themselves: they are well drawn and human, but nice people who you would like to be friends with. The setting is well drawn and the feel of Georgian London is convincing. A lot of the setting for this novel is in the world of English opera, and it's fun how Robertson has woven in the history of the castratti, and other singers of the day.
Again, there are dual but related stories happening simultaneously and Robertson takes the opportunity with more characters from the various circles of London city life.
Minor, possible spoiler:
This series is the surprise highlight of my year so far! (Even more-so than Vish Puri!) Highly recommended!
98michigantrumpet
>96 scvlad: Good review. Still up in the air about the book. I find the cover art very attractive and enticing. No flappers toddling about imbibing gallons of those newfangled cocktails?
99scvlad
>98 michigantrumpet: I like the cover art too. There are definitely cocktails. No prohibition in Australia! I'm still a little up in the air about whether I'll read more too. Greenwood is easy to read. But I think there are other things that I may rather read - e.g. see the above!
100scvlad
All the Great Prizes by John Taliaferro
I don't know if this one is abandoned with prejudice or without. All I can say is that I've not having much luck with non-fiction this year.
This biography of John Hay, personal secretary to Lincoln, assistant secretary of State to Hayes, and secretary of State to McKinley (edit: and TR), should be a good read, but I'm just finding it a slog-fest. The simple fact is that I find it too long. He's an interesting person, I think, but I'm just not sure he sustains 500+ pages. Or maybe it's the author. I don't know. All I know is that I WANT to like this book, but am finding that I'm really having to make myself sit down and read it, and that's not how it should work.
'Nough said. Back to ancient Rome.
I don't know if this one is abandoned with prejudice or without. All I can say is that I've not having much luck with non-fiction this year.
This biography of John Hay, personal secretary to Lincoln, assistant secretary of State to Hayes, and secretary of State to McKinley (edit: and TR), should be a good read, but I'm just finding it a slog-fest. The simple fact is that I find it too long. He's an interesting person, I think, but I'm just not sure he sustains 500+ pages. Or maybe it's the author. I don't know. All I know is that I WANT to like this book, but am finding that I'm really having to make myself sit down and read it, and that's not how it should work.
'Nough said. Back to ancient Rome.
101michigantrumpet
>99 scvlad: "...But I think there are other things that I may rather read "
Amen! So many good books out there to expend too much time on the questionable and mediocre.
Amen! So many good books out there to expend too much time on the questionable and mediocre.
102scvlad
30. f22. Last Seen in Massilia by Steven Saylor {94,000}
I didn't find this to be the strongest in this series. Gordianus is looking for his missing son, thought to be in Massilia. The problem is that Massilia is under siege by Caesar ...
I didn't find this to be the strongest in this series. Gordianus is looking for his missing son, thought to be in Massilia. The problem is that Massilia is under siege by Caesar ...
103rosalita
>101 michigantrumpet: Yep, one of the things I'd most like to change about my reading habits is my tendency to read books that I am lukewarm about, especially series books. Sometimes I find myself in the middle of a book thinking "Why did I think I needed to read this?" The older I get the more aware I am that I will never read all the books I really want to read, so why am I wasting time with 'meh'?
104scvlad
>103 rosalita: With you. This last book I read (102 above) was fine, but I have to say if that was the only book in the series that I had read I probably would not have bothered reading more. But because I know that Saylor is capable of better (and because the history is fascinating) I'll continue with the series.
I find it especially hard to put down non-fiction books that are 'meh'. Often I'm reading them because I am interested in the topic, so I get torn between that and the writing which clearly isn't doing it for me. What to do? Find a better author on the same topic? See if it gets better in the next few pages? Just slog through?
I find it especially hard to put down non-fiction books that are 'meh'. Often I'm reading them because I am interested in the topic, so I get torn between that and the writing which clearly isn't doing it for me. What to do? Find a better author on the same topic? See if it gets better in the next few pages? Just slog through?
105michigantrumpet
>103 rosalita: and >104 scvlad: I hear you both! I figure I've got about another 20 years of reading left, barring loss of eyesight, mind, etc. If you multiply that by the average number of books read ... Suddenly I'm thinking, do I want to waste one of my last XXXX number books on this dreck? I'm still a bit of a completist, but I'm getting better at putting the book down in favor of something else.
106rosalita
>104 scvlad: & >105 michigantrumpet: We should start a support group! Steve, I am totally with you on the non-fiction dilemma. When it's a topic I'm interested in but the book isn't holding my attention, it's hard to know whether to stop or keep going. Unless the writing is truly terrible I usually slog through.
107scvlad
>106 rosalita: A support group! I love it!
"Do you know that your current book isn't worth your time? Are you reading it anyway? We can help! Get in touch with other readers like you who are struggling to kick the 'completist' habit! Because life is too short to keep reading what you don't love! Join now!"
"Do you know that your current book isn't worth your time? Are you reading it anyway? We can help! Get in touch with other readers like you who are struggling to kick the 'completist' habit! Because life is too short to keep reading what you don't love! Join now!"
108scvlad
>106 rosalita: Oh, and I agree that my tendency has been to slog through too. But that may be changing. The last couple of books like that I've put down.
109michigantrumpet
Sign me up!
111scvlad
31. f23. The Case of the Love Commandos by Tarquin Hall {83,000}
I mean, you have to love this one just from the title right? What, you ask, is a love commando? A love commando is one of a special and secret Indian society whose goal is to help young men and women marry who they please, rather than who their families pick for them. In the opening pages, Facecream, Vish Puri's number one undercover operative and love commando, is helping a young woman break away from her Thakur father so that she can marry the Dalit she loves. But something goes wrong and she needs Vish Puri's help to unravel it all. And so begins this tale of love, caste, politics, and science. And of course Mummy-ji has her own mystery to solve too ...
Well done as always. But I have to admit to one growing concern: I hope that the author is not perpetuating Indian stereotypes. I like and admire the characters, but I hope that his writing accurately reflects the corruption and idiosyncrasies of Indian society rather than what westerners expect Indian society to be. If there are any Indians out there who have read these books, please let me know whether you find them condescending and/or insulting. I'd like the real story ...
I mean, you have to love this one just from the title right? What, you ask, is a love commando? A love commando is one of a special and secret Indian society whose goal is to help young men and women marry who they please, rather than who their families pick for them. In the opening pages, Facecream, Vish Puri's number one undercover operative and love commando, is helping a young woman break away from her Thakur father so that she can marry the Dalit she loves. But something goes wrong and she needs Vish Puri's help to unravel it all. And so begins this tale of love, caste, politics, and science. And of course Mummy-ji has her own mystery to solve too ...
Well done as always. But I have to admit to one growing concern: I hope that the author is not perpetuating Indian stereotypes. I like and admire the characters, but I hope that his writing accurately reflects the corruption and idiosyncrasies of Indian society rather than what westerners expect Indian society to be. If there are any Indians out there who have read these books, please let me know whether you find them condescending and/or insulting. I'd like the real story ...
112scvlad
>106 rosalita: >109 michigantrumpet: >110 drneutron: Any ideas for names for our little group?
Completer's Anonymous
Put Down That Book!
It's OK to Not Finish
No Time for Boring Books
Completer's Anonymous
Put Down That Book!
It's OK to Not Finish
No Time for Boring Books
113rosalita
Most of the names I've come up with would work better as slogans that group names:
If You Don't Love It, Let It Go
Compulsive Page-Turners Anonymous
But this one I like:
Friends of Nancy P. (aka Nancy Pearl, she of the famous Pearl Rule for abandoning book, and a nod to Alcoholics Anonymous folks referring to themselves as Friends of Bill W.)
If You Don't Love It, Let It Go
Compulsive Page-Turners Anonymous
But this one I like:
Friends of Nancy P. (aka Nancy Pearl, she of the famous Pearl Rule for abandoning book, and a nod to Alcoholics Anonymous folks referring to themselves as Friends of Bill W.)
114scvlad
>113 rosalita: I had to look that up, but now that I have, I like it! I'm not sure I completely agree with it (honestly not sure, I might), but I like it!
115rosalita
Steve, I don't necessarily agree with the actual Pearl Rule because I think every book is different in terms of how much you need to read before you can abandon it with a clear conscience. But to the extent that it's become a "thing" among readers, it might make the name catch people's fancy.
116michigantrumpet
All good names for our group! TRying to work on a name using the acronym DROPIT, but no luck so far.
Friends of Nancy P. has a nice ring to it. You guys crack me up.
Friends of Nancy P. has a nice ring to it. You guys crack me up.
117scvlad
32. f24. Island of Bones by Imogen Robertson {135,000}
Another excellent tale of Crowther and Westerman. Once again, Georgian England (1783), this time in the Lake Country. The rebellions earlier in the century (which I knew nothing about) play a role. Other reviewers thought that this is the best of the series so far, but I have to say I'm grading a notch below the previous two. Whatever. It's great.
Another excellent tale of Crowther and Westerman. Once again, Georgian England (1783), this time in the Lake Country. The rebellions earlier in the century (which I knew nothing about) play a role. Other reviewers thought that this is the best of the series so far, but I have to say I'm grading a notch below the previous two. Whatever. It's great.
118scvlad
>116 michigantrumpet: et al. I haven't yet decided whether I'm going to start a thread or just laugh and pretend ...
119scvlad
Can I express my curmudgeonliness here for a second?
You know what I hate? Novels with titles like: Snakes in the Grass: A Novel. Or How I Learned to Love Siberia: A Novel.
I mean, c'mon! Is it really that hard to tell that a 300 page work of fiction is 'a novel'? Do they have to stick it in the title and on the cover? How stupid is the average reader that the publishers think someone is going to pick up My Big Fat Ghost and after starting to read it think 'Oh my god! It's fiction! I never would have bought this if I had realized it wasn't true!'
Or is it some kind of prestige thing? 'I've written A NOVEL and I want everyone to realize it! Because it's A NOVEL and I'm A NOVELIST which means that I am superior to all other writers!' Even though I doubt this explanation - I suspect that it's the publishers who tack on the 'description' not the writer.
Anyway, my rant is now over. But seriously, publishers: just stop it, already!
You know what I hate? Novels with titles like: Snakes in the Grass: A Novel. Or How I Learned to Love Siberia: A Novel.
I mean, c'mon! Is it really that hard to tell that a 300 page work of fiction is 'a novel'? Do they have to stick it in the title and on the cover? How stupid is the average reader that the publishers think someone is going to pick up My Big Fat Ghost and after starting to read it think 'Oh my god! It's fiction! I never would have bought this if I had realized it wasn't true!'
Or is it some kind of prestige thing? 'I've written A NOVEL and I want everyone to realize it! Because it's A NOVEL and I'm A NOVELIST which means that I am superior to all other writers!' Even though I doubt this explanation - I suspect that it's the publishers who tack on the 'description' not the writer.
Anyway, my rant is now over. But seriously, publishers: just stop it, already!
120rosalita
Oh, I definitely think we should have a thread! I mean, if you feel like it. :-)
I don't know why they do that either, Steve, but it annoys me as well. There's a whiff of pretension about it, as you noted. I always promptly edit out the 'A Novel' part in my LT library of course, but oftentimes it's right there on the book cover staring me in the face.
I don't know why they do that either, Steve, but it annoys me as well. There's a whiff of pretension about it, as you noted. I always promptly edit out the 'A Novel' part in my LT library of course, but oftentimes it's right there on the book cover staring me in the face.
121MickyFine
>119 scvlad: I'm finding it handy as all get out right now as I browse publisher catalogues. Titles can be vague and as I only select for non-fiction it saves me seconds of looking for the smaller text with details on each title.
122michigantrumpet
>119 scvlad: Ha! That made me laugh. Although >121 MickyFine: has a point.
123scvlad
>120 rosalita: >121 MickyFine: >122 michigantrumpet: Mick, your point it taken as I never browse catalogues like that. But I still reserve the right to be curmudgeonly.
>120 rosalita: I'm getting there ....
>120 rosalita: I'm getting there ....
124scvlad
New Thread! Tell your friends! Friends of Nancy P.
125scvlad
33. f25. The Marathon Conspiracy by Gary Corby {112,000}
Not the strongest book (I think) in this series taking place in and around classical Athens but still a fun read. Corby is a funny writer and if nothing else these books are very educational. I'll read them all again one day ....
Not the strongest book (I think) in this series taking place in and around classical Athens but still a fun read. Corby is a funny writer and if nothing else these books are very educational. I'll read them all again one day ....
126scvlad
And now that I've got that one posted, I think I'm going to make another attempt at a work of non-fiction...
127michigantrumpet
Thanks for setting up the thread! I'll start banging the drum!
128scvlad
34. n02. Six Amendments by John Paul Stevens {30,000}
So first of all, it's not really a book. It's more of a pamphlet. It's only about 75 pages of real text padded out with the full text of the constitution and a bunch of unneeded illustrations. (I've only included the word count for the main text.) Yes, that means it's overpriced.
Other than that, I have mixed feelings. I agree with each of the amendments Stevens proposes though I would word none of them as he does. Some should be uncontroversial, such as an amendment that makes it clear that state agents need to enforce federal laws (i.e. an anti-"anti-commandeering" rule), and another that allows citizens to sue states for damages (though he doesn't say it, the 11th amendment really is a travesty and should beappealed repealed). Others would be more controversial but shouldn't be, such as fixing political gerrymandering (did you know it should be pronounced with a hard 'g'?) and allowing the government to regulate campaign financing. Finally, the last 2 would create way too much controversy but I agree with them: clarifying the 2nd amendment to make it clear that the federal government can regulate guns, and abolishing the death penalty.
Unfortunately, I find the writing a little convoluted and less simple than it could be; that is, the arguments could be presented more clearly.
All in all, it's thought-provoking, but if you already have opinions about these issues it probably won't change your mind.
Oh, and congratulate me! I finally finished another non-fiction book!
So first of all, it's not really a book. It's more of a pamphlet. It's only about 75 pages of real text padded out with the full text of the constitution and a bunch of unneeded illustrations. (I've only included the word count for the main text.) Yes, that means it's overpriced.
Other than that, I have mixed feelings. I agree with each of the amendments Stevens proposes though I would word none of them as he does. Some should be uncontroversial, such as an amendment that makes it clear that state agents need to enforce federal laws (i.e. an anti-"anti-commandeering" rule), and another that allows citizens to sue states for damages (though he doesn't say it, the 11th amendment really is a travesty and should be
Unfortunately, I find the writing a little convoluted and less simple than it could be; that is, the arguments could be presented more clearly.
All in all, it's thought-provoking, but if you already have opinions about these issues it probably won't change your mind.
Oh, and congratulate me! I finally finished another non-fiction book!
130susanna.fraser
Congratulations! I'm somewhere on the hold queue for that one from my local library, so I'll get to it sometime this year.
131scvlad
>130 susanna.fraser: I would say it's definitely a 'read but don't buy' kind of book.
132michigantrumpet
>128 scvlad: Congratulations on #34 read this year! Justice Stevens has always been a favorite of mine.
133scvlad
35. f26. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch {105,000}
I'm still not sure which title to use. One is English, the other American. Whatever. This was fun because by the time I picked it up to read I'd forgotten why I'd put it on my reading list. So the brief story is that magic exists in modern London. Yes, it does sound a little like Harry Potter but it's not. It's funny and pretty well written. A romp. I'll read the rest in the series probably.
I'm still not sure which title to use. One is English, the other American. Whatever. This was fun because by the time I picked it up to read I'd forgotten why I'd put it on my reading list. So the brief story is that magic exists in modern London. Yes, it does sound a little like Harry Potter but it's not. It's funny and pretty well written. A romp. I'll read the rest in the series probably.
134rosalita
I'm glad you liked Rivers of London, Steve. The rest of the series is also solid, but I should warn you that the most recent book ends on a rather huge cliffhanger so if you hate that sort of thing take your time getting there until the next book is out. :-)
135scvlad
>134 rosalita: Nah. I'm fine with cliffhangers. But thanks for the warning.
136scvlad
36. f27. A Mist of Prophecies by Steven Saylor {110,000}
The continuing adventures of Gordianus the Finder. The Civil War is raging and everyone in Rome is uncertain. Gordianus becomes involved with a young seeress. Or is she something else? Another decent entry in this series. Again, the history is more interesting than the mystery. And I'm not sure I'm really happy with what the author is doing with Gordianus. But you'll have to read the book to find out why.
The continuing adventures of Gordianus the Finder. The Civil War is raging and everyone in Rome is uncertain. Gordianus becomes involved with a young seeress. Or is she something else? Another decent entry in this series. Again, the history is more interesting than the mystery. And I'm not sure I'm really happy with what the author is doing with Gordianus. But you'll have to read the book to find out why.
137scvlad
37. n03. Ancient Greece: From Prehistoric to Hellenistic Times by Thomas R. Martin {109,000}
I studies some ancient history in school and have kept up to some extent with Rome. But I've done far less well with Greece. Some of my other reading this year prompted me to pick this up to refresh my memory. It's a nice survey of very early settlement in the area, through the archaic and classical periods, and into the times of Alexander and after. It covers all the periods reasonably well if not in loads of detail, it's well written and easy to read, and is a good starting place for more reading. Look, it's a basic Greek history textbook. But it's a nice one. Recommended for those who want a readable overview.
I studies some ancient history in school and have kept up to some extent with Rome. But I've done far less well with Greece. Some of my other reading this year prompted me to pick this up to refresh my memory. It's a nice survey of very early settlement in the area, through the archaic and classical periods, and into the times of Alexander and after. It covers all the periods reasonably well if not in loads of detail, it's well written and easy to read, and is a good starting place for more reading. Look, it's a basic Greek history textbook. But it's a nice one. Recommended for those who want a readable overview.
139scvlad
39. g06. Daggers Drawn by Kevin Kallaugher
Ok, so if you've ever read The Economist you've run across Kal. He's a friggen brilliant cartoonist. Great drawing and really funny. This is a collection of his works from 35 years with the magazine, and it's great. Funny, insightful, fun. A must read if you are a fan.
Ok, so if you've ever read The Economist you've run across Kal. He's a friggen brilliant cartoonist. Great drawing and really funny. This is a collection of his works from 35 years with the magazine, and it's great. Funny, insightful, fun. A must read if you are a fan.
140scvlad
40. f29. The Jewels of Paradise by Donna Leon {95,000}
First. This is the first book I've ever read because of an album of music. A few years ago Ceclia Bartoli, an incredible Italian mezzo, put out an album of music by Agostino Steffani, an important baroque composer born in Italy but who spent much time in Germany. He is now best known for influencing Handel but he was quite important in his own right and was a 'major minor' composer. He was also a religious figure and apparently a spy for the Vatican. He gave up most of his composing later in life for diplomacy, apparently. Bartoli approached Leon and said 'hey, this guy's life might make a great novel!' and Leon took her up on it, producing this.
I found the book to be, in a word, disappointing. The writing is good and I didn't mind the slow pace too much. I was happy to learn a little about 17th-18th century music (not that I learned too much) and politics (a little more). I like the musicologist as heroine. (The story revolves about her trying to tease out what Steffani was all about.) But the ending was poor. It just plopped out and sat there and was unsatisfying on so many levels. I won't say "don't read it", but I also don't recommend it unless you're particularly interested in baroque opera.
First. This is the first book I've ever read because of an album of music. A few years ago Ceclia Bartoli, an incredible Italian mezzo, put out an album of music by Agostino Steffani, an important baroque composer born in Italy but who spent much time in Germany. He is now best known for influencing Handel but he was quite important in his own right and was a 'major minor' composer. He was also a religious figure and apparently a spy for the Vatican. He gave up most of his composing later in life for diplomacy, apparently. Bartoli approached Leon and said 'hey, this guy's life might make a great novel!' and Leon took her up on it, producing this.
I found the book to be, in a word, disappointing. The writing is good and I didn't mind the slow pace too much. I was happy to learn a little about 17th-18th century music (not that I learned too much) and politics (a little more). I like the musicologist as heroine. (The story revolves about her trying to tease out what Steffani was all about.) But the ending was poor. It just plopped out and sat there and was unsatisfying on so many levels. I won't say "don't read it", but I also don't recommend it unless you're particularly interested in baroque opera.
141michigantrumpet
You are doing some great and interesting reading here, Steve. I *love* the isdea about being inspred to read a book by a music album. Steffani seems a fascinating character. Too bad the ending was so disappointing.
ETA: Have you read Liebestod? Someone gave me a copy, but I haven't read it as yet.
ETA: Have you read Liebestod? Someone gave me a copy, but I haven't read it as yet.
143scvlad
41. g07. Asterix Omnibus 7 (Asterix and the Soothsayer, Asterix in Corsica, Asterix and Caesar's Gift) by Goscinny and Uderzo
Good, solid, mature Asterix. Good stories, good writing, good illustrations.
Good, solid, mature Asterix. Good stories, good writing, good illustrations.
144scvlad
42. f30. Moon Over Soho by Ben Aaronovitch {104,000}
A good second book in this series featuring Peter Grant, London constable and apprentice wizard. Sets up later books in the series and leaves us with a nice little teaser at the end.
A good second book in this series featuring Peter Grant, London constable and apprentice wizard. Sets up later books in the series and leaves us with a nice little teaser at the end.
145scvlad
I just got back from a 'business' trip, so I'm a little behind:
43. f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
44. f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
These were both quite good and each continues its respective series. Circle of Shadows is #4 in the Crowther/Westerman series and Whispers Under Ground continues the adventures of constable Peter Grant in a magic-filled London.
The first continues to be the more impressive series of the two. Robertson's writing is very good and her plots are very well constructed. This novel takes place in the fictitious German principality of Maulberg and involves false accusations of murder, Freemasons, and the return of an infamous opera singer.
The Aaronovitch series also continues well though it's not quite as impressive. In this one, there are strange happenings in the London underground ...
43. f31. Circle of Shadows by Imogen Robertson {154,000}
44. f32. Whispers Under Ground by Ben Aaronovitch {90,000}
These were both quite good and each continues its respective series. Circle of Shadows is #4 in the Crowther/Westerman series and Whispers Under Ground continues the adventures of constable Peter Grant in a magic-filled London.
The first continues to be the more impressive series of the two. Robertson's writing is very good and her plots are very well constructed. This novel takes place in the fictitious German principality of Maulberg and involves false accusations of murder, Freemasons, and the return of an infamous opera singer.
The Aaronovitch series also continues well though it's not quite as impressive. In this one, there are strange happenings in the London underground ...
146rosalita
The fourth Aaronovitch, Broken Homes, gets the series back on track in my opinion. I'll have to look for that other series based on your stellar review.
147michigantrumpet
Just popping in for a quick hello. You really started something with your Nancy Pearl Thread!
148scvlad
45. f33. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith {163,000}
Another good effort by J. K. ... er, Robert Galbraith. Cormoran Strike is a very likable London private eye, and Robin is his trusty sidekick; kind of. Anyway, here Galbraith delves into the world of publishing and authors. A good read (even though it took me a quite a while to finish it).
Another good effort by J. K. ... er, Robert Galbraith. Cormoran Strike is a very likable London private eye, and Robin is his trusty sidekick; kind of. Anyway, here Galbraith delves into the world of publishing and authors. A good read (even though it took me a quite a while to finish it).
150scvlad
>149 drneutron: (S)he's a good writer. Always worth reading.
151michigantrumpet
Private eyes and publishing? A very promising premise. (I've become quite alliterative this morning!)
Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of good reading.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend full of good reading.
152scvlad
>151 michigantrumpet:. Yes indeed! Thucydides and Tom Stoppard! You too!
153scvlad
46. f34. Enemies at Home by Lindsey Davis {117,000}
Lindsey Davis is back in prime form with this one. The first book of this series starring Flavia Albia, Didius Falco's adoptive daughter, I found a little slow. This one however is a very well structured who-done-it that that keeps dribbling out clues throughout the whole book, and ending satisfactorily. Flavia, like Falco, is something of a smart ass, but has her own personality. I get the sense of a little more depth and loneliness in her, and that is well portrayed in this novel. Her co-star, the plebein Aedile Manlius Faustus, is also back (no surprises) and I like him too. Albia's family makes a few cameos as well, bringing us up to date with the Falco family, for better and for worse.
Well worth reading, and I'll continue to read these as long as they are published.
Lindsey Davis is back in prime form with this one. The first book of this series starring Flavia Albia, Didius Falco's adoptive daughter, I found a little slow. This one however is a very well structured who-done-it that that keeps dribbling out clues throughout the whole book, and ending satisfactorily. Flavia, like Falco, is something of a smart ass, but has her own personality. I get the sense of a little more depth and loneliness in her, and that is well portrayed in this novel. Her co-star, the plebein Aedile Manlius Faustus, is also back (no surprises) and I like him too. Albia's family makes a few cameos as well, bringing us up to date with the Falco family, for better and for worse.
Well worth reading, and I'll continue to read these as long as they are published.
154scvlad
And now that I've finished that (except for the page counts), a short general note.
This has been a slow reading month for me and I really don't expect it to pick up again any time soon. Many reasons for this:
1) Work has picked up.
2) I've got more non-fiction on my plate and I always read non-fiction more slowly. Right now I'm tackling Thucydides's History of the Peleponnesian War. It's surprisingly readable, but that doesn't mean I'm reading it fast. I took a break to read Lindsey Davis, and may take another one later ...
3) I'm watching too much 'Orange is the New Black'.
4) There are other things going on, in a good way. Summer cookouts, vacation planning, dinners with friends, etc, etc
So for the first time all year, I'm not so sure that I'm going to be able to stay on track to read 75. And you know what? I'm OK with that. Life is good.
This has been a slow reading month for me and I really don't expect it to pick up again any time soon. Many reasons for this:
1) Work has picked up.
2) I've got more non-fiction on my plate and I always read non-fiction more slowly. Right now I'm tackling Thucydides's History of the Peleponnesian War. It's surprisingly readable, but that doesn't mean I'm reading it fast. I took a break to read Lindsey Davis, and may take another one later ...
3) I'm watching too much 'Orange is the New Black'.
4) There are other things going on, in a good way. Summer cookouts, vacation planning, dinners with friends, etc, etc
So for the first time all year, I'm not so sure that I'm going to be able to stay on track to read 75. And you know what? I'm OK with that. Life is good.
155michigantrumpet
>154 scvlad: Good excuses, every one of them. Mind if I borrow one or two? Hope you have a great weekend!
156scvlad
>155 michigantrumpet: Borrow all you want.
So here's the plan starting August 1st. I'm preparing for a trip to Italy in October, so back to reading in Italian and trying to do some listening too. That will put a dent in my reading. Too bad. I may read a little of something else too, but it will be non-fiction - no getting sucked into a good novel - those get saved for the plane trips. In fact I probably should read some Italian history and culture to get well prepared. While I'm at it, it would be loverly to drop a few pounds.
So here's the plan starting August 1st. I'm preparing for a trip to Italy in October, so back to reading in Italian and trying to do some listening too. That will put a dent in my reading. Too bad. I may read a little of something else too, but it will be non-fiction - no getting sucked into a good novel - those get saved for the plane trips. In fact I probably should read some Italian history and culture to get well prepared. While I'm at it, it would be loverly to drop a few pounds.
157MickyFine
Oooh, Italy. Are you going just for a vacation or are there other motives for the trip? One day I'll make it there and probably eat my weight in pasta. :)
158scvlad
>157 MickyFine: This is pure vacation. It's our second time and we loved the first time. We're off to Sicily this time. Good food, cool history, amazing ruins, incredible architecture ... Very much looking forward to it.
As you may have noticed I intentionally keep my 'real life' separate from my 'book life' here (I'm actually a little stunned by how much people reveal about themselves on this site - anyone can see your posts, guys! LT doesn't even have the security of Face Book!), but I may break my rule and post some pictures when I get back.
As you may have noticed I intentionally keep my 'real life' separate from my 'book life' here (I'm actually a little stunned by how much people reveal about themselves on this site - anyone can see your posts, guys! LT doesn't even have the security of Face Book!), but I may break my rule and post some pictures when I get back.
159rosalita
>158 scvlad: I want to go back to Italy, too! Have fun.
160MickyFine
>158 scvlad: Sounds like it'll be a fantastic trip. Of course, you can always post pics without you, or your family, in them. Plenty of privacy that way. Except for the Italian landscapes. :D
161scvlad
>159 rosalita: >160 MickyFine: Landscapes it is! (But I've got a few more months to go yet, so you'll just have to wait ...)
162scvlad
47. n04. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman {116,000}
I have very mixed feelings about this one. So let me try to explain.
First, if you know the Netflix show, yes the show was based on this book. Yes Piper was based on a real person, and yes some of the episodes in the show are based on some of her experiences. But they are very different. The show is fiction. The book is very different. For a start it's much less exciting. Sorry, no lesbian sex. No fights, no stranglings, no deaths. Done.
I appreciate that Kerman wrote this in part to bring some much needed light onto the US prison system which really is travesty. And sometimes she does this well. But sometimes she's awfully self-indulgent. E.g.
The other thing I thought was a lost opportunity was to give us a really good picture of the women who inhabit prisons. She talks about the many friends she made but never gives us a very deep picture of any of them. Her focus is always about their effect on Piper.
On the other hand, it was an easy read and kept me reading, so it deserves some praise. Definitely a three star book.
I have very mixed feelings about this one. So let me try to explain.
First, if you know the Netflix show, yes the show was based on this book. Yes Piper was based on a real person, and yes some of the episodes in the show are based on some of her experiences. But they are very different. The show is fiction. The book is very different. For a start it's much less exciting. Sorry, no lesbian sex. No fights, no stranglings, no deaths. Done.
I appreciate that Kerman wrote this in part to bring some much needed light onto the US prison system which really is travesty. And sometimes she does this well. But sometimes she's awfully self-indulgent. E.g.
I had only the most tenuous idea of what might happen next, but I knew that I would have to be brave. Not foolhardy, not in love with risk and danger, not making ridiculous exhibitions of myself to prove that I wasn't terrified - really, genuinely brave. Brave enough to be quiet when quiet was called for, brave enough to observe before flinging myself into something, brave enough to not abandon my true self when someone else wanted to seduce or force me in a direction I didn't want to go, brave enough to stand my ground quietly. I waited and unquantifiable amount of time while trying to be brave.or
I hadn't been so happy to put on a pair of shoes since I found a pair of peep-toed Manolo Blahniks at a sample sale for fifty dollars.Eesh!
The other thing I thought was a lost opportunity was to give us a really good picture of the women who inhabit prisons. She talks about the many friends she made but never gives us a very deep picture of any of them. Her focus is always about their effect on Piper.
On the other hand, it was an easy read and kept me reading, so it deserves some praise. Definitely a three star book.
163scvlad
48. p01. Arcadia by Tom Stoppard
Arcadia is, I believe, my most favorite play ever. I think it is one of the great masterworks of the 20th century. It is funny, complicated, heart-rending, erudite, romantic, subtle ... It's all there.
It is an amazing mixture of science (Newton and chaos theory), literature (Byron and the romantics), landscape architecture, history (Regency England), math, love, lust, seduction, betrayal ... I honestly can't find all the pieces in it. I have seen the play twice, listened to it once, and read it quite a few times. I think reading is the best experience. Though I love seeing it sometimes the words fly by so quickly that you miss things. It's lovely to be able to read and review at your leisure.
Anyway I'm not going to try to write much else. I'll just say that no matter what your tastes I suspect you'll find something in this play to love. Read it.
Arcadia is, I believe, my most favorite play ever. I think it is one of the great masterworks of the 20th century. It is funny, complicated, heart-rending, erudite, romantic, subtle ... It's all there.
It is an amazing mixture of science (Newton and chaos theory), literature (Byron and the romantics), landscape architecture, history (Regency England), math, love, lust, seduction, betrayal ... I honestly can't find all the pieces in it. I have seen the play twice, listened to it once, and read it quite a few times. I think reading is the best experience. Though I love seeing it sometimes the words fly by so quickly that you miss things. It's lovely to be able to read and review at your leisure.
Anyway I'm not going to try to write much else. I'll just say that no matter what your tastes I suspect you'll find something in this play to love. Read it.
164karspeak
>48 scvlad: I'm very intrigued, I added it to my pile!
165scvlad
>164 karspeak: It's well worth it. And it's only a play so you can read it in an afternoon.
166karspeak
>165 scvlad: Perfect.
167MickyFine
>163 scvlad: With a rave like that it has to go on The List. :)
168scvlad
49. g08. Red Sonja: Queen of the Plague by Gail Simone
Not bad for a blood-and-gut, swords and sorcery tale out of Hyrkania. Nice to see a comic heroine not JUST wielding T&A. (And even when she does it's with humor.)
Not bad for a blood-and-gut, swords and sorcery tale out of Hyrkania. Nice to see a comic heroine not JUST wielding T&A. (And even when she does it's with humor.)
169scvlad
50. g09. Detective Comics: Faces of Death by Tony S. Daniel
About 1/3 of the way through I realized that I've read this before. It's OK. I like the art and the story, so far, is complex and reasonably interesting. Unfortunately it's definitely going to need a volume 2 to finish up the story...
About 1/3 of the way through I realized that I've read this before. It's OK. I like the art and the story, so far, is complex and reasonably interesting. Unfortunately it's definitely going to need a volume 2 to finish up the story...
170scvlad
51. g10. Batman: The Court of Owls by Scott Snyder
52. g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scott Snyder
I'll stick with my initial assessment from a couple of years ago. These are very good Batman stories with good writing and good artwork. If you're a fan, then these are must reads.
52. g11. Batman: The City of Owls by Scott Snyder
I'll stick with my initial assessment from a couple of years ago. These are very good Batman stories with good writing and good artwork. If you're a fan, then these are must reads.
171scvlad
53. f35. Italian Short Stories 1 edited by Raleigh Trevelyan {99,000}
Yay! Finally some more Italian literature! These are stories by 20th century masters. They are definitely 'advanced' Italian at least as far as I'm concerned. But they are good stories, and there is something about reading in another language that makes you pay more attention to syntax and how words are used. It was a struggle but worth it.
Yay! Finally some more Italian literature! These are stories by 20th century masters. They are definitely 'advanced' Italian at least as far as I'm concerned. But they are good stories, and there is something about reading in another language that makes you pay more attention to syntax and how words are used. It was a struggle but worth it.
172michigantrumpet
Lovely review of "Arcadia". I saw a production in 1996 at Boston's Huntington Theater. LOVED it. Stoppard plays certainly keep one on one's toes.
Thrilled you are going to Sicily. What a wonderful dream trip. I'm officially jealous.
Also struck by your comments about 'real life' versus LT life. There has been a fairly active discussion over on my thread on just this topic.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/178346#4817762
Thrilled you are going to Sicily. What a wonderful dream trip. I'm officially jealous.
Also struck by your comments about 'real life' versus LT life. There has been a fairly active discussion over on my thread on just this topic.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/178346#4817762
173scvlad
>172 michigantrumpet: Thanks MA. I admit I'm a little (lot) behind on my thread reading these days.
174scvlad
54. g12. Batman: Death of the Family by Scott Snyder
Scott Snyder did some really nice stuff for this series. This is another strong one featuring our favorite villain, The Joker. The art work is good, and the writing/story really very good. And just check out that scary cover!
Scott Snyder did some really nice stuff for this series. This is another strong one featuring our favorite villain, The Joker. The art work is good, and the writing/story really very good. And just check out that scary cover!
175scvlad
55. g13. Batman: Zero Year by Scott Snyder
Scot Snyder continues to do good things with Batman. This is the 'creation' story for Batman - rebooted of course - and it's good. A nice twist at the end too.
Scot Snyder continues to do good things with Batman. This is the 'creation' story for Batman - rebooted of course - and it's good. A nice twist at the end too.
176scvlad
56. g14. Batgirl: The Darkest Mirror by Gail Simone
My wife laughed at me about this one. More later.
My wife laughed at me about this one. More later.
177scvlad
57. g15. Batgirl: Knightfall Descends by Gail Simone
So despite my wife laughing at me for reading Batgirl, I enjoyed this one and the one above. Gail Simone is one of the few women writers of these kinds of things, and I wanted to see what she could do. She does nicely. Good plots, nice twists, and good characters.
So despite my wife laughing at me for reading Batgirl, I enjoyed this one and the one above. Gail Simone is one of the few women writers of these kinds of things, and I wanted to see what she could do. She does nicely. Good plots, nice twists, and good characters.
178michigantrumpet
If we let our significant others' derision to deter us, I suspect nothing would ever get done! ;-)
179scvlad
58. g16. Batgirl Vol. 3: Death of the Family by Gail Simone .
Yup, still reading comic books. Another nice story by Gail Simone. Links into the rest of the Gotham World in this tail that involves all the characters of the extended Bat Family in some way.
By the way, I am still reading other things. Like The Name of the Rose. The problem is that I'm reading it in Italian (Il Nome della Rosa) and it is going v--e--r--y----s--l--o--w--l--y. If I manage one page in single day I'm doing well. It is surprisingly enjoyable however ...
.
Yup, still reading comic books. Another nice story by Gail Simone. Links into the rest of the Gotham World in this tail that involves all the characters of the extended Bat Family in some way.
By the way, I am still reading other things. Like The Name of the Rose. The problem is that I'm reading it in Italian (Il Nome della Rosa) and it is going v--e--r--y----s--l--o--w--l--y. If I manage one page in single day I'm doing well. It is surprisingly enjoyable however ...
180scvlad
59. g17. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 1 by Gail Simone
60. g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
The superheroes of the world are aged now and live together, good guys and bad, in the town of Tranquility where they all get along pretty well. However, the past sometimes comes back to haunt them. So the Sheriff has to take things in hand.
These are nice stories by Gail Simone. The premise is fun, and she writes good characters and good plots. The characters most definitely have some depth and she nicely explores how the oldsters relate to their grandkids. My only complaint is that some of the art work is bleh. Women, not even stylized women, look like they're portrayed here. Oh well. Still worth a read.
60. g18. Welcome to Tranquility, Volume 2 by Gail Simone
The superheroes of the world are aged now and live together, good guys and bad, in the town of Tranquility where they all get along pretty well. However, the past sometimes comes back to haunt them. So the Sheriff has to take things in hand.
These are nice stories by Gail Simone. The premise is fun, and she writes good characters and good plots. The characters most definitely have some depth and she nicely explores how the oldsters relate to their grandkids. My only complaint is that some of the art work is bleh. Women, not even stylized women, look like they're portrayed here. Oh well. Still worth a read.
182scvlad
61. n05. Empire of Sin by Gary Krist {126,000}
This was my vacation reading. Well worth it. My review is also published as an early review.
The author writes about a 30 year period of New Orleans history, from 1890 through 1920. This was the period of the famous (and infamous) Storyville, the restricted red-light district of the city where every vice was available, tolerated, and mostly legal. It's also where jazz was born. Krist paints intersecting portraits of vice and the fight against it, the birth of a new music, organized crime, some specifically heinous crimes, and important persons of the day.
I liked it. Starting, I worried that it was going to be a hobbled together, over-told history, but it did not turn out that way. The pieces all fit together nicely and the reader ends up with a very good idea of what the time, area, and people were like. Personally, a little to my surprise, I found that by the end I was rooting for the members of the 'Ring' - the politicians and other prominent business men who supported the status quo - against the puritan and prohibitionist prisses of the early century. Krist makes the very nice point that it was these same zealots against 'white slavery' (i.e. prostitution), alcohol, dancing, and music that also most heavily supported the importation of Jim Crow segregation to New Orleans which had a tradition of being more tolerant (though by no means perfectly so) of racial mixing.
For those who enjoy well-told local history, this is a very nice work that you should enjoy. I am not knowledgeable about NO at all, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
This was my vacation reading. Well worth it. My review is also published as an early review.
The author writes about a 30 year period of New Orleans history, from 1890 through 1920. This was the period of the famous (and infamous) Storyville, the restricted red-light district of the city where every vice was available, tolerated, and mostly legal. It's also where jazz was born. Krist paints intersecting portraits of vice and the fight against it, the birth of a new music, organized crime, some specifically heinous crimes, and important persons of the day.
I liked it. Starting, I worried that it was going to be a hobbled together, over-told history, but it did not turn out that way. The pieces all fit together nicely and the reader ends up with a very good idea of what the time, area, and people were like. Personally, a little to my surprise, I found that by the end I was rooting for the members of the 'Ring' - the politicians and other prominent business men who supported the status quo - against the puritan and prohibitionist prisses of the early century. Krist makes the very nice point that it was these same zealots against 'white slavery' (i.e. prostitution), alcohol, dancing, and music that also most heavily supported the importation of Jim Crow segregation to New Orleans which had a tradition of being more tolerant (though by no means perfectly so) of racial mixing.
For those who enjoy well-told local history, this is a very nice work that you should enjoy. I am not knowledgeable about NO at all, but I enjoyed it quite a bit.
183scvlad
May I take this opportunity to recommend one of my favorite (used) book stores in one of my favorite towns? Herridge Books in Wellfleet on Cape Cod. It's not quite in the 'business district' of the town, but it's on the main route into the town center and is worth stopping at. They have a lovely selection especially of local authors, nautically-themed books, and local history. It's one of my first stops every time we're in town.
185scvlad
62. f36. The Triumph of Caesar by Steven Saylor {85,000}
A nice ending to this series - if you don't count the prequel that the author has now written. But this is a nice set of books, if not spectacular. As I've said before, the history makes them and this one is no exception. Set at the pinnacle of Caesar's career when he celebrated four back to back triumphs in Rome.
A nice ending to this series - if you don't count the prequel that the author has now written. But this is a nice set of books, if not spectacular. As I've said before, the history makes them and this one is no exception. Set at the pinnacle of Caesar's career when he celebrated four back to back triumphs in Rome.
186scvlad
63. g19. Fables: Camelot by Bill Willingham and others
The 20th in the Fables series. This one doesn't work quite so well as a stand-alone novel. It's clearly setting up future volumes. But it's still well-written, etc.
The 20th in the Fables series. This one doesn't work quite so well as a stand-alone novel. It's clearly setting up future volumes. But it's still well-written, etc.
187scvlad
64. n06. Seeking Sicily by John Keahey {92,000}
This is a nice collection of essays about Sicily. They cover history, culture, literature, food, geography, etc. The style is personal and easy and the author clearly, for whatever reason, has fallen in love with the island. Probably required reading for anyone planning a trip there.
This is a nice collection of essays about Sicily. They cover history, culture, literature, food, geography, etc. The style is personal and easy and the author clearly, for whatever reason, has fallen in love with the island. Probably required reading for anyone planning a trip there.
188scvlad
65. g20. Asterix Omnibus 8 (Asterix and Great Crossing, Obelix & Co., Asterix in Belgium) by Goscinny and Uderzo
Asterix is always 5 stars, but I admit that these are not the best stories in the bunch. They are Goscinny's last and still quite good; unfortunately, after this, the series suffers from Goscinny's loss. What I did note with these stories though is just how good Uderzo's illustrations are. The perspectives are really quite amazing, and the detail is wonderful.
Asterix is always 5 stars, but I admit that these are not the best stories in the bunch. They are Goscinny's last and still quite good; unfortunately, after this, the series suffers from Goscinny's loss. What I did note with these stories though is just how good Uderzo's illustrations are. The perspectives are really quite amazing, and the detail is wonderful.
189michigantrumpet
>183 scvlad: Lovely photo, Steve! Every time I get to the Cape I end up stopping in West Falmouth. I need to keep going -- obviously!
190scvlad
66. f37. The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco {231,000}
Yes, I'm still here. It's been a very busy month with a big long book and a big long vacation during which I read almost nothing. But, The Name of the Rose ...
Great book. Full of big thoughts, erudition, mediaeval flavor, mystery ... It's much less of a chore the second time even thought the first time was 20 years ago (or more). And in fact, I decided that I'm going to dig into the Italian version once again while the story is fresh in my mind.
So, this was a slow month for me, and I don't anticipate things picking up soon, but I've decided I just don't care. My priorities are shifting away from meeting an arbitrary reading goal right now and towards other things, like language learning and some other stuff at home. I'm way behind on other people's threads too, but I'll be looking through them again some time soon. Hope all is well with everyone!
Yes, I'm still here. It's been a very busy month with a big long book and a big long vacation during which I read almost nothing. But, The Name of the Rose ...
Great book. Full of big thoughts, erudition, mediaeval flavor, mystery ... It's much less of a chore the second time even thought the first time was 20 years ago (or more). And in fact, I decided that I'm going to dig into the Italian version once again while the story is fresh in my mind.
So, this was a slow month for me, and I don't anticipate things picking up soon, but I've decided I just don't care. My priorities are shifting away from meeting an arbitrary reading goal right now and towards other things, like language learning and some other stuff at home. I'm way behind on other people's threads too, but I'll be looking through them again some time soon. Hope all is well with everyone!
192michigantrumpet
>190 scvlad: Nice review there, Steve. I also did a re-read after a distance of about 20 years. Nice to read on the kindle/e-reader this time -- much easier to look up all the archaic terms and translate the occasional Latin.
Sometimes, one has to dispense with artificial constructs (i.e., reading goals.) Seems you're focusing on the underlying purposes of those goals, such and intellectual stimulation and enhancement.
Happy Friday!
Sometimes, one has to dispense with artificial constructs (i.e., reading goals.) Seems you're focusing on the underlying purposes of those goals, such and intellectual stimulation and enhancement.
Happy Friday!
193scvlad
68. f39. The Fire Gospel by Michael Faber {41,000}
I can't help but feel like I missed something here. It was fine, just not as good as I was expecting.
The basis of the plot is that an Aramaic language expert finds a set of scrolls written shortly after Christ's death that have a major impact on how the world looks at Christianity. I dunno, but somehow I was just expecting ... more. I felt like the novel had a beginning, middle, and no end. And that's why I'm left feeling that I must have missed something. This is part of the 'Myths' series and is somehow supposed to use some myth as a basis. But I'm not sure how it's doing that.
Oh, and another thing: This is the first book I've read that was clearly written by an Englishman but that was set in North America. Unfortunately he didn't appropriately research American (and Canadian) idioms, and thus there were some glaring problems. E.g. the newscaster who says, "And now for sport" instead of 'sports'; and something along the lines of "I need to go to the A&E". Not a North American expression and would just confuse most of us who call it the "ER" or "ED". And that was how I felt about the book: rushed.
Whatever. It was fine but I ain't reading it again, so 3 stars.
I can't help but feel like I missed something here. It was fine, just not as good as I was expecting.
The basis of the plot is that an Aramaic language expert finds a set of scrolls written shortly after Christ's death that have a major impact on how the world looks at Christianity. I dunno, but somehow I was just expecting ... more. I felt like the novel had a beginning, middle, and no end. And that's why I'm left feeling that I must have missed something. This is part of the 'Myths' series and is somehow supposed to use some myth as a basis. But I'm not sure how it's doing that.
Oh, and another thing: This is the first book I've read that was clearly written by an Englishman but that was set in North America. Unfortunately he didn't appropriately research American (and Canadian) idioms, and thus there were some glaring problems. E.g. the newscaster who says, "And now for sport" instead of 'sports'; and something along the lines of "I need to go to the A&E". Not a North American expression and would just confuse most of us who call it the "ER" or "ED". And that was how I felt about the book: rushed.
Whatever. It was fine but I ain't reading it again, so 3 stars.
194scvlad
69. f.40 Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie {124,000}
Another excellent book for the year. This is hard SF in my book, in that we are talking about intergalactic empires, alien intelligence, AI, all the good super-far-in-the-future stuff. On the other hand, it's kind of space-opera-y since the 'science' is pretty shallow. The interstellar gates, the implanted intelligence, the communications - it's all pretty sketchy.
But the story is great. The main character is a space ship - how cool is that! But of course it's a little more complicated. The novel is three interconnected stories. The first, in the past, is how our main character came to be as she is; the second is the present and the finding of a needed companion and weapon; and the third is the bringing together of everything that came before.
Short-short version: intergalactic empire; reformism vs. conservatism; redemption; revenge; love; complex personalities.
A great read and will deserve a second read at some point in the future.
Another excellent book for the year. This is hard SF in my book, in that we are talking about intergalactic empires, alien intelligence, AI, all the good super-far-in-the-future stuff. On the other hand, it's kind of space-opera-y since the 'science' is pretty shallow. The interstellar gates, the implanted intelligence, the communications - it's all pretty sketchy.
But the story is great. The main character is a space ship - how cool is that! But of course it's a little more complicated. The novel is three interconnected stories. The first, in the past, is how our main character came to be as she is; the second is the present and the finding of a needed companion and weapon; and the third is the bringing together of everything that came before.
Short-short version: intergalactic empire; reformism vs. conservatism; redemption; revenge; love; complex personalities.
A great read and will deserve a second read at some point in the future.
195scvlad
70. f41. Ancillary Sword by Ann Leckie {111,000}
I liked the first book in this trilogy so much that I went straight to the second. I liked it marginally less than the first, but still enjoyed it very much. Interesting universe and interesting plot ideas. And a really good protagonist. Who can't love the chronically angry ship ...
It's a shame that the next book in the series is not yet published. I'm going to have to just be patient, not something I'm particularly good at ...
I liked the first book in this trilogy so much that I went straight to the second. I liked it marginally less than the first, but still enjoyed it very much. Interesting universe and interesting plot ideas. And a really good protagonist. Who can't love the chronically angry ship ...
It's a shame that the next book in the series is not yet published. I'm going to have to just be patient, not something I'm particularly good at ...
196scvlad
71. f42. The Princess Bride by William Goldman {104,000}
I'm sure there are people who don't like The Princess Bride but I'm not sure what planet they live on. It's also the only instance I know of where the book is as good as the movie. Maybe because they were both written by the same guy. Anyway, if you've never read, wake up and join the rest of the world. It was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
I'm sure there are people who don't like The Princess Bride but I'm not sure what planet they live on. It's also the only instance I know of where the book is as good as the movie. Maybe because they were both written by the same guy. Anyway, if you've never read, wake up and join the rest of the world. It was a re-read for me and I enjoyed it just as much the second time.
197MickyFine
>196 scvlad: Cary Elwes' memoir of making The Princess Bride, As You Wish just came out this fall. I haven't read it yet, but I'm on the holds list for it. Might interest you. :)
198scvlad
>197 MickyFine: I've seen that it's out there. I'm considering it ...
199scvlad
72. f43. The Paris Winter by Imogen Robertson {126,000}
I got snookered. I bought this thinking it was the next Crowther and Westerman novel. It turns out it's a 'one off' with a completely new set of characters, a different setting, and at a different time. On the other hand, surprises are nice.
Maud is a middle class English woman living in Paris in the 'Belle Epoque' of 1909 and is learning to be an artist. Unfortunately her money is running out and she's not doing well. But her luck changes: she's aided by one of the models at the atelier in which she's studying and by one of her rich fellow students and finds a place with a brother and sister who need a companion and English teacher. Maud's life changes drastically, and for the better. And then the author changes everything ...
I like Ms. Robertson's writing a lot. Her setting are detailed and rich, her characters well drawn and interesting. The plot is a little predictable in spots, but not so much that I wasn't left guessing enough. The historical setting is interesting, and I learned a good bit about Paris in 1909 and 1910. Well worth it.
I got snookered. I bought this thinking it was the next Crowther and Westerman novel. It turns out it's a 'one off' with a completely new set of characters, a different setting, and at a different time. On the other hand, surprises are nice.
Maud is a middle class English woman living in Paris in the 'Belle Epoque' of 1909 and is learning to be an artist. Unfortunately her money is running out and she's not doing well. But her luck changes: she's aided by one of the models at the atelier in which she's studying and by one of her rich fellow students and finds a place with a brother and sister who need a companion and English teacher. Maud's life changes drastically, and for the better. And then the author changes everything ...
I like Ms. Robertson's writing a lot. Her setting are detailed and rich, her characters well drawn and interesting. The plot is a little predictable in spots, but not so much that I wasn't left guessing enough. The historical setting is interesting, and I learned a good bit about Paris in 1909 and 1910. Well worth it.
200rosalita
>196 scvlad: I'm sure there are people who don't like The Princess Bride but I'm not sure what planet they live on.
Well, one of them lives on Planet Iowa although I have to say that for me the book was much better than the movie, which I kind of loathe.
Well, one of them lives on Planet Iowa although I have to say that for me the book was much better than the movie, which I kind of loathe.
201scvlad
>200 rosalita: Well, I forgive you I guess. You SHOULD like the movie, but I can't force you can I? ;-)
202rosalita
>201 scvlad: Believe me, I am bewildered by my dislike for the movie because all of my dearest friends who share my tastes and sense of humor love it! It's just one of those shameful secrets that will keep me from ever being confirmed by Congress a Cabinet post (Secretary of Reading, maybe).
203scvlad
73. f44. Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein {130,000}
This has been going around LT and the 75ers threads for some time. A WWII story with two intriguing heroines. Worth a read. I don't think I have anything else to say about it that probably has not been said before.
This has been going around LT and the 75ers threads for some time. A WWII story with two intriguing heroines. Worth a read. I don't think I have anything else to say about it that probably has not been said before.
204scvlad
74. f45. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters {201,000}
I have to admit that I'm very unsure how to rate this. First, Sarah Waters is a very good writer. She is deft, her characters are wonderful, and she's just a pleasure to read. I'm just not sure what I think of this book though. The premise of the book (maybe) is one I (maybe) have trouble with. Anyway, I'm just not sure.
The short version: a country doctor in the later 40s becomes entangled in the lives of the failing county squires of the area. The old house is a wreck and is failing as much as the family. And the house may be a character in the story.
If any of you have read this, I'd be very interested in your take on what happened here? Was Dr. Faraday the 'extended presence' hinted at? Was it something else? Was the family just disturbed? Waters clearly leaves this question unresolved, but I'm inclined to think that the last image of Faraday looking at his own reflection in the house window suggests that he was 'to blame' for the events, which started after all when he became involved with the family. However, there are certainly points arguing against this ...
I have to admit that I'm very unsure how to rate this. First, Sarah Waters is a very good writer. She is deft, her characters are wonderful, and she's just a pleasure to read. I'm just not sure what I think of this book though. The premise of the book (maybe) is one I (maybe) have trouble with. Anyway, I'm just not sure.
The short version: a country doctor in the later 40s becomes entangled in the lives of the failing county squires of the area. The old house is a wreck and is failing as much as the family. And the house may be a character in the story.
205Kassilem
>203 scvlad: I couldn't get into Code Name Verity when I first tried it but maybe I should give it one more try. :)
206scvlad
>205 Kassilem: It's good. I'm wondering if I should have given it half a star less - it's not exceptional though I thought it was quite good - but it is the kind of book that makes you think for a while after you're done with it.
207rosalita
>204 scvlad: Ooh, I just picked up a used copy of that one at an LT meet-up. I didn't click on your spoiler but I hope I like it more than you do. I buy so few books these days I always hope they'll be at least 4 stars when I do.
208scvlad
>207 rosalita: Rosie, don't get me wrong; I liked it, I'm just not sure what to make of it. It's a little different from what I normally read. I like Sarah Waters a lot though; she's a pleasure to read. When you do finish it, let me know what you think.
(And I know your name's not Rosie, but it just seemed so natural ...)
(And I know your name's not Rosie, but it just seemed so natural ...)
209rosalita
>208 scvlad: I've never read Sarah Waters but I've heard lots of good things about her, so I'm looking forward to diving in. Someday. I really need to stop buying books and not reading them.
Oh, and I'm happy to be called Rosie. :-)
Oh, and I'm happy to be called Rosie. :-)
210scvlad
>209 rosalita: I like Sarah Waters a lot (as I see I've said before). The best of her books were Fingersmith and Tipping the Velvet and though I'm enjoying her other works well enough, I'm still waiting for a new book book from her that strikes me like those two did. Let me know what you think.
212scvlad
Yay! SantaThing is here! Once again I got fooled into opening it early - I thought it was another package from Amazon. And there might be more coming ...
But, good job Santa!
But, good job Santa!
213susanna.fraser
>212 scvlad: Thanks, Santee! It was a pleasure to pick for someone I knew from the Talk threads. Which books arrived?
214scvlad
Hey SF! I wasn't going to spill the beans publically yet, but since the delivery was 'signed' in the package I knew it was you. The Battle: A New History of Waterloo came, as did Lois McMaster Bujold. They both look great!
215susanna.fraser
>214 scvlad: There's definitely more to come! I hope you enjoy them all.
217scvlad
75. n07. Isabella: The Warrior Queen by Kirstin Downey {190,000}
This is a biography/history of Isabella of Castile; you know like in Ferdinand & Isabella. The author argues, very effectively, that it really should have been Isabella & Ferdinand, as she was the real ruler of Castile, the bigger of the two kingdoms (Ferdinand was the consort), and she was the more effective ruler of the two. Besides being a nice, easy to read biography, it's also a nice survey of the times, with good chapters about the Muslim invasions, the discovery of the Americas, the Inquisition, politics in other areas of Europe, etc, etc.
This is a biography/history of Isabella of Castile; you know like in Ferdinand & Isabella. The author argues, very effectively, that it really should have been Isabella & Ferdinand, as she was the real ruler of Castile, the bigger of the two kingdoms (Ferdinand was the consort), and she was the more effective ruler of the two. Besides being a nice, easy to read biography, it's also a nice survey of the times, with good chapters about the Muslim invasions, the discovery of the Americas, the Inquisition, politics in other areas of Europe, etc, etc.
218scvlad
76. g21. Saga, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan and others
Fun. Easy read but very interesting. A combination of SF and fantasy with a neat story line so far and a lot of promise. I'll buy the rest of them.
Fun. Easy read but very interesting. A combination of SF and fantasy with a neat story line so far and a lot of promise. I'll buy the rest of them.
219scvlad
76. g21. Saga, Vol. 2 by Brian K. Vaughan and others
I'll write more when I get through the whole series ...
I'll write more when I get through the whole series ...
222scvlad
>221 scaifea: Thank you scaifea! And to you!
223scvlad
So more about Saga. It turns out that the first three volumes are a story arc, so I've grouped them together into one 'book'. It's good. A space opera where the galaxy exists in a state of chronic war between two 'species' of humans. Two enemies fall in love and have a kid. That's simply not acceptable, so they are on the run from both sides.
The universe seems pretty rich, the characters are good, the plot fresh. A combination of magic and technology makes it fantasy-like, as do the animal-human characters. The art work is very nice. My only complaint is the cost - each volume is really kind of expensive for what you get. Unfortunately, I think I'm hooked. I look forward to seeing where this long saga goes.
The universe seems pretty rich, the characters are good, the plot fresh. A combination of magic and technology makes it fantasy-like, as do the animal-human characters. The art work is very nice. My only complaint is the cost - each volume is really kind of expensive for what you get. Unfortunately, I think I'm hooked. I look forward to seeing where this long saga goes.
225karspeak
>223 scvlad: I'm intrigued by Saga, as well, I'll try it in 2015.
227scvlad
This is not what I normally do, but let's assess the Christmas Haul.
First up, SantaThing with great thanks to Susanna Fraser:
Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines
Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization by Richard A. Billows
The Battle: A New History of Waterloo by Alessandro Barbero
The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang and others
They all look great. I've thought about getting the Marathon book for a while, but the others were completely off my radar, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they're like.
And then I'm afraid I went on a bit of a splurge recently, mostly on my iPad:
Saga volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Brian K. Vaughan
Among Others by Jo Walton (currently reading)
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (looks great and won lots of awards)
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (not sure how I've never read this before)
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (great writer)
Frey by Melissa Wright (a mistake, actually, but hey it was free)
The Elements of F*cking Style by Chris Baker and Jacob Hansen (just looked like a hoot)
Dr Mütter's Marvels by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz (saw a review - looks cool)
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin (great writer, interesting time)
The Moth edited by Catherine Burns (just looked like fun)
Jumbo: This Being the True Story of the Greatest Elephant in the World by Paul Chambers (I have a connection to Tufts University where Dumbo now resides)
I think that's everything. I have to admit I'm feeling a little guilty about this. It's not like I was even buying second hand books. So, no more book buying for at least 6 months!
First up, SantaThing with great thanks to Susanna Fraser:
Cordelia's Honor by Lois McMaster Bujold
Libriomancer by Jim C. Hines
Marathon: How One Battle Changed Western Civilization by Richard A. Billows
The Battle: A New History of Waterloo by Alessandro Barbero
The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang and others
They all look great. I've thought about getting the Marathon book for a while, but the others were completely off my radar, so I'm looking forward to seeing what they're like.
And then I'm afraid I went on a bit of a splurge recently, mostly on my iPad:
Saga volumes 1, 2, 3, and 4 by Brian K. Vaughan
Among Others by Jo Walton (currently reading)
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (looks great and won lots of awards)
A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin (not sure how I've never read this before)
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters (great writer)
Frey by Melissa Wright (a mistake, actually, but hey it was free)
The Elements of F*cking Style by Chris Baker and Jacob Hansen (just looked like a hoot)
Dr Mütter's Marvels by Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz (saw a review - looks cool)
The Bully Pulpit by Doris Kearns Goodwin (great writer, interesting time)
The Moth edited by Catherine Burns (just looked like fun)
Jumbo: This Being the True Story of the Greatest Elephant in the World by Paul Chambers (I have a connection to Tufts University where Dumbo now resides)
I think that's everything. I have to admit I'm feeling a little guilty about this. It's not like I was even buying second hand books. So, no more book buying for at least 6 months!
228scvlad
77. f46. Among Others by Jo Walton {98,000}
Possibly my last book of the year and quite lovely. A slow-paced homage to the SF and fantasy of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The author is just slightly older than I am, so I recognized many, though certainly not all, of the references. And the story is a lovely tale of a teenage girl becoming herself. With magic. And fairies. A Hugo or Nebula winner, I can't remember which, and well worth reading.
For those of you who've read it, I spent most of the novel wondering if Mor was delusional. I was a little surprised and delighted that the author chose to just let everything be at face value.
Possibly my last book of the year and quite lovely. A slow-paced homage to the SF and fantasy of the 50s, 60s, and 70s. The author is just slightly older than I am, so I recognized many, though certainly not all, of the references. And the story is a lovely tale of a teenage girl becoming herself. With magic. And fairies. A Hugo or Nebula winner, I can't remember which, and well worth reading.
229karspeak
>77 scvlad: Looks good, I will add it to my list. It won both a Hugo and a Nebula, I think.
230scvlad
I lied. I bought one more book. My excuse is that it's a music score: A Spring Symphony by Benjamin Britten. But that's it! I swear!
231scvlad
78. g22. The Shadow Hero by Gene Luen Yang and others
A good superhero GN if not a great one. The back story (the real story behind the making of this book, that is) is quite interesting though. Apparently during WWII a Chinese-American wanted to write stories about a superhero named the Green Turtle, who operated in China against the Japanese. But his publishers would not let him write about a Chinese superhero. So the Green Turtle was ambiguous - in the original comics of the 40s (5 issues) his face was never shown. So he might have been Chinese or white. And his backstory was never explained.
This novel creates his backstory. It assumes that the Green Turtle was a Chinese American who makes a deal with an ancient Chinese god giving him some (not many) super powers. A few lovingly rendered stereotypes - the tiger mom who pushes her son to be a superhero, for example - make it fun and an easy read.
By the way, this was a SantaThing book - the first one I've read so far. Looking forward to the rest!
A good superhero GN if not a great one. The back story (the real story behind the making of this book, that is) is quite interesting though. Apparently during WWII a Chinese-American wanted to write stories about a superhero named the Green Turtle, who operated in China against the Japanese. But his publishers would not let him write about a Chinese superhero. So the Green Turtle was ambiguous - in the original comics of the 40s (5 issues) his face was never shown. So he might have been Chinese or white. And his backstory was never explained.
This novel creates his backstory. It assumes that the Green Turtle was a Chinese American who makes a deal with an ancient Chinese god giving him some (not many) super powers. A few lovingly rendered stereotypes - the tiger mom who pushes her son to be a superhero, for example - make it fun and an easy read.
By the way, this was a SantaThing book - the first one I've read so far. Looking forward to the rest!
232scvlad
I'm not going to take credit for this yet. Like the earlier three volumes, this is clearly the beginning of a longer arc and the story is not even close to complete. So I'll take the credit once the other volumes come out and I complete them. My initial impression is that this arc is not quite as strong as the first, but it may be too early to tell.
New Year's Eve today! Tomorrow I'll wrap up this thread and start in on new one for 2015.
233scvlad
YEARLY WRAP-UP
tl;dr: I read 78 books. I failed to meet almost every other goal I set. Oh well!
So I got through 78 books:
- 46 works of fiction
- 7 works of non-fiction
- 1 play
- 22 graphic novels
- 2 'reference' books which I read while reading the Lord of the Rings
Of the 46 works of fiction:
- 22 I would classify as historical fiction, mostly mysteries of some kind
- 15 as SF and/or fantasy
- 7 as pure (contemporary) mystery
- 2 other things (short stories, etc)
Of the 7 non-fiction works:
- 3 were history
- 1 a travel book
- 1 about the law
- 1 autobiographical story
- 1 a book of essays about Mother Theresa
Of the 22 graphic novels:
- 2 Asterix compilations
- 6 Fables books
- 8 Batman-like books (still my favorite superhero)
- 8 other things
I chalked up an official 6,305,000 words. That is an underestimate, as I read large chunks of at least 3 books that I didn't finish and didn't count. So I'm probably approaching 7,000,000 words for the year.
Many of the reading goals I set at the beginning of the year I did not meet. Oh well. But I did re-read The Lord of the Rings and other books of Middle Earth. Yay!
Best books of the year:
Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson - definitely the surprise hit of the year
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie - good SF
The Vish Puri series was quite a bit of fun
and of course all things Tolkien
All together, a good reading year.
My 2015 thread is here.
tl;dr: I read 78 books. I failed to meet almost every other goal I set. Oh well!
So I got through 78 books:
- 46 works of fiction
- 7 works of non-fiction
- 1 play
- 22 graphic novels
- 2 'reference' books which I read while reading the Lord of the Rings
Of the 46 works of fiction:
- 22 I would classify as historical fiction, mostly mysteries of some kind
- 15 as SF and/or fantasy
- 7 as pure (contemporary) mystery
- 2 other things (short stories, etc)
Of the 7 non-fiction works:
- 3 were history
- 1 a travel book
- 1 about the law
- 1 autobiographical story
- 1 a book of essays about Mother Theresa
Of the 22 graphic novels:
- 2 Asterix compilations
- 6 Fables books
- 8 Batman-like books (still my favorite superhero)
- 8 other things
I chalked up an official 6,305,000 words. That is an underestimate, as I read large chunks of at least 3 books that I didn't finish and didn't count. So I'm probably approaching 7,000,000 words for the year.
Many of the reading goals I set at the beginning of the year I did not meet. Oh well. But I did re-read The Lord of the Rings and other books of Middle Earth. Yay!
Best books of the year:
Instruments of Darkness by Imogen Robertson - definitely the surprise hit of the year
Ancillary Justice by Ann Leckie - good SF
The Vish Puri series was quite a bit of fun
and of course all things Tolkien
All together, a good reading year.
My 2015 thread is here.
