Karspeak (year 3)
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2014
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1karspeak
Hi, all, here we go again! Please drop by anytime!
Last year my favorite fiction read was Orphan Master's Son, and my favorite NF was Hot: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth. This past Nov and Dec I read the following:
The Weather Makers
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
The Xenophobe's Guide to the Czechs
Eleanor and Park
Dust
Maze Runner
And the Mountains Echoed
Beautiful Ruins: A Novel
The No Sweat Exercise Plan
Still Life with Woodpecker
Hyperbole and More
Culture Shock! Morocco
Hyperion
Last year my favorite fiction read was Orphan Master's Son, and my favorite NF was Hot: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth. This past Nov and Dec I read the following:
The Weather Makers
Where'd You Go, Bernadette
The Xenophobe's Guide to the Czechs
Eleanor and Park
Dust
Maze Runner
And the Mountains Echoed
Beautiful Ruins: A Novel
The No Sweat Exercise Plan
Still Life with Woodpecker
Hyperbole and More
Culture Shock! Morocco
Hyperion
2karspeak
January
1. Speaking From Among the Bones
2. Midnight Riot
3. Code Name Verity
4. The Rosie Project
5. Life After Life
February
6. The Year of the Flood
7. Sold
8. The Sorcerer's Apprentices: a Season in the Kitchen of Ferran Adria's el bulli
March
9. MaddAddam
10. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
11. On the Beach
12. Dauntless
April
13. Me Before You
14. The Autistic Brain
15. Lexicon
May
16. French Kids Eat Everything
17. Not Even Wrong
18. The Rook
19. Mighty Be Our Powers
June
20. The Bloodletter's Daughter
21. Brilliance
22. The Beekeeper's Apprentice
23. The Windup Girl
24. Why Big, Fierce Animals Are Rare
July
25. Brat Farrar
26. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
27. Culture Shock Portugal
28. Carly's Voice
29. Annabel Scheme
30. Ido in Autismland
31. The Martian
August
32. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
33. China Mountain Zhang
September
34. Night Film
35. Graceling
36. Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time
37. Hounded
38. The Noonday Demon
39. I Am Malala
October
40. Orphan Train
41. A Path Appears
November
42. Lock In
43. The Girl With All the Gifts
December
44. Winter Blues
45. A Girl Named Zippy
46. The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons
47. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance
48. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
1. Speaking From Among the Bones
2. Midnight Riot
3. Code Name Verity
4. The Rosie Project
5. Life After Life
February
6. The Year of the Flood
7. Sold
8. The Sorcerer's Apprentices: a Season in the Kitchen of Ferran Adria's el bulli
March
9. MaddAddam
10. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
11. On the Beach
12. Dauntless
April
13. Me Before You
14. The Autistic Brain
15. Lexicon
May
16. French Kids Eat Everything
17. Not Even Wrong
18. The Rook
19. Mighty Be Our Powers
June
20. The Bloodletter's Daughter
21. Brilliance
22. The Beekeeper's Apprentice
23. The Windup Girl
24. Why Big, Fierce Animals Are Rare
July
25. Brat Farrar
26. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
27. Culture Shock Portugal
28. Carly's Voice
29. Annabel Scheme
30. Ido in Autismland
31. The Martian
August
32. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic
33. China Mountain Zhang
September
34. Night Film
35. Graceling
36. Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time
37. Hounded
38. The Noonday Demon
39. I Am Malala
October
40. Orphan Train
41. A Path Appears
November
42. Lock In
43. The Girl With All the Gifts
December
44. Winter Blues
45. A Girl Named Zippy
46. The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons
47. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance
48. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry
11karspeak
1. Speaking From Among the Bones (LT Rec)
Finally, a book read! And a very fun one, too. This was my first Flavia de Luce novel (but not the first in the series). This British mystery novel with an extremely precocious 11-year old girl as protagonist is, in a word, delightful. I read it because it was on so many LTers Top Five list for 2013. I was worried it would be too YA, but it felt like an adult novel told through the lens of an 11 year old's perception. It was brilliantly done, and the writing/tone was absolutely pitch-perfect throughout.
Finally, a book read! And a very fun one, too. This was my first Flavia de Luce novel (but not the first in the series). This British mystery novel with an extremely precocious 11-year old girl as protagonist is, in a word, delightful. I read it because it was on so many LTers Top Five list for 2013. I was worried it would be too YA, but it felt like an adult novel told through the lens of an 11 year old's perception. It was brilliantly done, and the writing/tone was absolutely pitch-perfect throughout.
12UnrulySun
Oh YAY! I'm glad you enjoyed Flavia. You should start from the first one now since there's a lot of backstory you've missed.
13karspeak
Kathy, I think I am going to save them up and slowly dole them out to myself when I need a cheer-me-up read!
14karspeak
2. Midnight Riot (LT rec)
Well, this was a very fun read, as well!! As one reviewer put it, it's CSI crossed with Harry Potter (plus lots of London flavor thrown in). And the writing was very clever but concise. Fun!
Well, this was a very fun read, as well!! As one reviewer put it, it's CSI crossed with Harry Potter (plus lots of London flavor thrown in). And the writing was very clever but concise. Fun!
16karspeak
>11 karspeak:--Oops, it's a Canadian not British novel!
17karspeak
3. Code Name Verity (LT Rec--#7 from Top Five Books of 2013)
Wow, this was SO good, such a page turner! It's about 2 young women who become friends in Britain during WWII. One becomes a pilot, and one becomes a secret agent, and things happen... I had avoided reading this despite the glowing reviews because it is listed as a "teen and YA novel." But I really enjoyed it and didn't find it juvenile in the slightest.
Wow, this was SO good, such a page turner! It's about 2 young women who become friends in Britain during WWII. One becomes a pilot, and one becomes a secret agent, and things happen... I had avoided reading this despite the glowing reviews because it is listed as a "teen and YA novel." But I really enjoyed it and didn't find it juvenile in the slightest.
18qebo
14: That looks like fun.
17: Yeah, I keep seeing glowing reviews and skipping past, but now I've added it to the wishlist as a reminder.
17: Yeah, I keep seeing glowing reviews and skipping past, but now I've added it to the wishlist as a reminder.
20RBeffa
You have convinced me I should give Code Name Verity a try. It sounds very good. I'll look for it on my next visit to the library.
21karspeak
Ron, I look forward to hearing what you think of it!
4. The Rosie Project (LT Rec--#23 from Top Five Books of 2013)
This is a story of a man with Aspergers and his search for a wife. Along the way he ends up learning a lot about himself, his relationships, and lots of social rules he has never picked up on before. This is a light and engaging story that is fun to read, although it is a bit Hollywood-ized. I stayed up late to finish this one (and all of the other books so far this year--I am on a roll!).
4. The Rosie Project (LT Rec--#23 from Top Five Books of 2013)
This is a story of a man with Aspergers and his search for a wife. Along the way he ends up learning a lot about himself, his relationships, and lots of social rules he has never picked up on before. This is a light and engaging story that is fun to read, although it is a bit Hollywood-ized. I stayed up late to finish this one (and all of the other books so far this year--I am on a roll!).
22qebo
21: I downloaded the e-book based on several positive reviews. I'm saving it for an interlude when I need a break. At the moment, I have two non-fiction in progress that I want to finish this month, and two or three group reads imminent, so I can't afford to procrastinate.
24karspeak
5. Life After Life (LT rec)
This was supposedly LTers overall fave read last year. I had mixed feelings on it, although I did enjoy it overall. The depictions of living in London during WWII were fantastic, and all of the times that the main character's life started over/repeated resulted in stronger characterizations of her and her family. And I like the idea of how very minor decisions or incidents can drastically alter the course of one's life. But it also dragged on for me quite a bit, and the plot didn't quite make sense to me, including the ending. But I enjoyed it.
6. The Year of the Flood (LT rec)
This is the second novel in Margaret Atwood's enviro-dystopic trilogy. I actually didn't care for the first book Oryx and Crake, but so many LTers spoke highly of the second book that I thought I would give it a go. And I really enjoyed it. I found the characters in this book much more likable and less negative, which allowed me to enjoy Atwood's environmental plotting and future world-building more. Which really is SO well done. I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy!
This was supposedly LTers overall fave read last year. I had mixed feelings on it, although I did enjoy it overall. The depictions of living in London during WWII were fantastic, and all of the times that the main character's life started over/repeated resulted in stronger characterizations of her and her family. And I like the idea of how very minor decisions or incidents can drastically alter the course of one's life. But it also dragged on for me quite a bit, and the plot didn't quite make sense to me, including the ending. But I enjoyed it.
6. The Year of the Flood (LT rec)
This is the second novel in Margaret Atwood's enviro-dystopic trilogy. I actually didn't care for the first book Oryx and Crake, but so many LTers spoke highly of the second book that I thought I would give it a go. And I really enjoyed it. I found the characters in this book much more likable and less negative, which allowed me to enjoy Atwood's environmental plotting and future world-building more. Which really is SO well done. I look forward to reading the final book in the trilogy!
25scaifea
I sort of accidentally read The Year of the Flood first, and I think that if I had read Oryx and Crake first, I may not have continued with the trilogy. Which is a roundabout way of saying that I agree with you that YotF is better...
26Cait86
I liked Oryx and Crake quite a bit, but I haven't been compelled to pick up the sequels yet - probably should, since both you and Amber like YotF better!
27karspeak
>25 scaifea:&26--I'm starting MaddAddam this week!
7. Sold (Book Club)
This was a quick read, and it was exactly what I thought it would be--a sad, first-person fictional account of a girl being sold into the sex trade in Calcutta. In Half the Sky I had already read similar true accounts, so I didn't see the point (for me) in reading it. But at least it was quick and well-written.
7. Sold (Book Club)
This was a quick read, and it was exactly what I thought it would be--a sad, first-person fictional account of a girl being sold into the sex trade in Calcutta. In Half the Sky I had already read similar true accounts, so I didn't see the point (for me) in reading it. But at least it was quick and well-written.
28karspeak
8. The Sorcerer's Apprentices: a Season in the Kitchen of Ferran Adria's el bulli
For hard-core foodies only, I wish this had been shortened quite a bit! My husband loved it, though.
For hard-core foodies only, I wish this had been shortened quite a bit! My husband loved it, though.
29karspeak
9. MaddAddam
Hmm, I didn't care much for this final book in the Oryx and Crake trilogy. The plot dragged and not much actually happened. But some of Atwood's ideas in this series were downright brilliant, so this trilogy was still worth a read for me.
Hmm, I didn't care much for this final book in the Oryx and Crake trilogy. The plot dragged and not much actually happened. But some of Atwood's ideas in this series were downright brilliant, so this trilogy was still worth a read for me.
30karspeak
10. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
Cute and fun.
Cute and fun.
31karspeak
11. On the Beach (LT rec)
This is a post-apocalyptic (in this case post-nuclear) novel published in 1957. I thought it well conveyed the plausibility of a worldwide nuclear disaster, and I'm sure the novel hit very close to home with the Cold War audience. But I wasn't convinced by the characters' reactions to their impending doom. They all seemed a bit too calm about it. The scientific/plot aspects succeeded more than the humanity aspects. But I'm still glad I read it.
This is a post-apocalyptic (in this case post-nuclear) novel published in 1957. I thought it well conveyed the plausibility of a worldwide nuclear disaster, and I'm sure the novel hit very close to home with the Cold War audience. But I wasn't convinced by the characters' reactions to their impending doom. They all seemed a bit too calm about it. The scientific/plot aspects succeeded more than the humanity aspects. But I'm still glad I read it.
32karspeak
12. Dauntless (friend rec)
This was a very fun space opera, with particularly good space battle scenes. Fun!
This was a very fun space opera, with particularly good space battle scenes. Fun!
33karspeak
13. Me Before You
This has great Amazon reviews, but it was just too schmaltzy for me. I regret the time I wasted reading that book.
This has great Amazon reviews, but it was just too schmaltzy for me. I regret the time I wasted reading that book.
34karspeak
14. The Autistic Brain
I read Temple Grandin's book Thinking in Pictures years ago, and I was excited to hear about this, her latest book, which discusses the current science (as of a year ago) behind autism. Temple Grandin is a well-known author who has autism, but it was her intelligence and scientific mindset and background that made this book such a good read for me. Recommended if you want to have a better scientific understanding of autism and have only read experiential accounts thus far. I don't think I gained much applicable new information (I work with many children on the spectrum). But I really enjoyed it, and it did crystallize some concepts for me.
I read Temple Grandin's book Thinking in Pictures years ago, and I was excited to hear about this, her latest book, which discusses the current science (as of a year ago) behind autism. Temple Grandin is a well-known author who has autism, but it was her intelligence and scientific mindset and background that made this book such a good read for me. Recommended if you want to have a better scientific understanding of autism and have only read experiential accounts thus far. I don't think I gained much applicable new information (I work with many children on the spectrum). But I really enjoyed it, and it did crystallize some concepts for me.
35karspeak
15. Lexicon (LT rec)
I so enjoyed this book, on so many levels. I like that it is a good, well-written novel with fun and original ideas interwoven skillfully with the plot. Below is part of the product description from Amazon, which maybe explains it better:
Max Barry’s Lexicon is that rare thing: a thriller as high-octane as they come, driven by a brilliant and original plot that connects very modern questions of privacy and data collection to centuries-old ideas about the power of language.
I so enjoyed this book, on so many levels. I like that it is a good, well-written novel with fun and original ideas interwoven skillfully with the plot. Below is part of the product description from Amazon, which maybe explains it better:
Max Barry’s Lexicon is that rare thing: a thriller as high-octane as they come, driven by a brilliant and original plot that connects very modern questions of privacy and data collection to centuries-old ideas about the power of language.
36karspeak
16. French Kids Eat Everything
This NF book was quite good. It was interesting to watch the author and her children adjust to and eventually embrace the French cultural rules about food, then re-adjust when they moved back to Canada. It was well-written, and it also had a lot of French cultural insights (since a love of food is such an integral part of their culture). I would particularly recommend this to parents of young children or soon-to-be parents.
This NF book was quite good. It was interesting to watch the author and her children adjust to and eventually embrace the French cultural rules about food, then re-adjust when they moved back to Canada. It was well-written, and it also had a lot of French cultural insights (since a love of food is such an integral part of their culture). I would particularly recommend this to parents of young children or soon-to-be parents.
37karspeak
Speaking of food, I am going to start occasionally mentioning favorite recipes or meals that I cook. I won't post recipes unless someone requests one specifically. My stand-outs from the past few weeks are as follow:
--grilled lamb chops with Nigella Lawson's mint sauce via alexandracooks.com
--rhubarb cake--an old recipe from my friend Ian
--quick zucchini saute from smitten kitchen
--baked french toast from Pioneer Woman--it's a good feed-the-troops dish and it is made the night before then baked in the morning
--a dessert of French blue cheese topped with grated lemon zest and chopped, fresh basil, and served with a few amarena cherries, but I think high-quality cherry jelly would work just as well. It doesn't sound good but it was delicious and easy! This recipe is from Frenchie in Paris, which just published their cookbook in English.
--grilled lamb chops with Nigella Lawson's mint sauce via alexandracooks.com
--rhubarb cake--an old recipe from my friend Ian
--quick zucchini saute from smitten kitchen
--baked french toast from Pioneer Woman--it's a good feed-the-troops dish and it is made the night before then baked in the morning
--a dessert of French blue cheese topped with grated lemon zest and chopped, fresh basil, and served with a few amarena cherries, but I think high-quality cherry jelly would work just as well. It doesn't sound good but it was delicious and easy! This recipe is from Frenchie in Paris, which just published their cookbook in English.
38karspeak
17. Not Even Wrong
This is a well-written account by a father whose two and half year old child is diagnosed with autism. He also researches some historical figures who were probably autistic, such as Alan Turing.
This is a well-written account by a father whose two and half year old child is diagnosed with autism. He also researches some historical figures who were probably autistic, such as Alan Turing.
39karspeak
18. The Rook (LT rec)
This novel set in London involves a supernatural, secret branch of the British government. It reminded me very much of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement from the Harry Potter series, but for adults. The whimsical and self-deprecatory humor throughout also reminded me a lot of the Harry Potter books. It felt a bit long (it's 512 pages), but it was an entertaining read.
This novel set in London involves a supernatural, secret branch of the British government. It reminded me very much of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement from the Harry Potter series, but for adults. The whimsical and self-deprecatory humor throughout also reminded me a lot of the Harry Potter books. It felt a bit long (it's 512 pages), but it was an entertaining read.
40karspeak
19. Mighty Be Our Powers (Bill and Melinda Gates' Top 10 Books to Recommend for the TED Crowd)
This is the story of Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian woman who helped organize Christian and Muslim women to demonstrate together, helping to oust the Liberian tyrant Charles Taylor. Leymah won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. This book does a nice job describing Gbowee's life and struggles up through the present day.
This is the story of Leymah Gbowee, a Liberian woman who helped organize Christian and Muslim women to demonstrate together, helping to oust the Liberian tyrant Charles Taylor. Leymah won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2011. This book does a nice job describing Gbowee's life and struggles up through the present day.
41karspeak
I also wanted to mention AmazonSmile. It has your same account settings and info as Amazon, but a small percentage of the cost of your order is donated by Amazon to a charity of your choice. I thought some other LTers might want to know about it!
42karspeak
20. The Bloodletter's Daughter (book club selection)
This historical fic novel is set in the 17th century in what is now the Czech Republic. Emperor Rudolf II of the Hapsburgs has a bastard son afflicted with madness. The son is sent to a town to be treated by bloodletting to balance his humors. This triggers an event which will ultimately help lead to the emperor's downfall. These are the bare bones of the novel and are historical facts. This novel was alright. Historical fiction is a tricky genre for me since I always have trouble knowing how accurate the minor details and descriptions are, insofar as the historical record can tell us. Recommended only if you are really into historical fiction or have a particular interest in this area or time period.
This historical fic novel is set in the 17th century in what is now the Czech Republic. Emperor Rudolf II of the Hapsburgs has a bastard son afflicted with madness. The son is sent to a town to be treated by bloodletting to balance his humors. This triggers an event which will ultimately help lead to the emperor's downfall. These are the bare bones of the novel and are historical facts. This novel was alright. Historical fiction is a tricky genre for me since I always have trouble knowing how accurate the minor details and descriptions are, insofar as the historical record can tell us. Recommended only if you are really into historical fiction or have a particular interest in this area or time period.
43karspeak
I just got back from vacation, so I have lots of books to add!
21. Brilliance (friend rec)
A near-future thriller with the fun premise that 1% of the population are born with savant skills which begin to disrupt governments and economies. It turned too cheesy for me by the end, though.
22. The Beekeeper's Apprentice (sister rec)
Years into his retirement, Sherlock Holmes meets a young woman whose mind is as sharp as his, and he trains her in all of his sleuthing methods. She recounts her training and their first few cases together, as well as their developing mentor-mentee relationship. The author keeps to the spirit and tone of the original Sherlock Holmes books. This was a fun read. Recommended, although it might only appeal to female readers.
21. Brilliance (friend rec)
A near-future thriller with the fun premise that 1% of the population are born with savant skills which begin to disrupt governments and economies. It turned too cheesy for me by the end, though.
22. The Beekeeper's Apprentice (sister rec)
Years into his retirement, Sherlock Holmes meets a young woman whose mind is as sharp as his, and he trains her in all of his sleuthing methods. She recounts her training and their first few cases together, as well as their developing mentor-mentee relationship. The author keeps to the spirit and tone of the original Sherlock Holmes books. This was a fun read. Recommended, although it might only appeal to female readers.
44qebo
>43 karspeak: The Beekeeper's Apprentice
I read this and one or two more in the series some years ago, then faded away. Kinda regret it, because I've seen positive reviews of recent installments, but it's up to #12 now.
>40 karspeak: Mighty Be Our Powers
Onto the wishlist.
I read this and one or two more in the series some years ago, then faded away. Kinda regret it, because I've seen positive reviews of recent installments, but it's up to #12 now.
>40 karspeak: Mighty Be Our Powers
Onto the wishlist.
45karspeak
23. The Windup Girl (Hugo and Nebula winner)
This is an eco-post apocalyptic novel set in Bangkok. The envisioned future world seemed particularly creative to me, but the plot/characters didn't blow me away as much, perhaps because I didn't really connect with/like any of the characters?
24. Why Big, Fierce Animals are Rare (Amazon or LT rec?)
This was very good, definitely recommended if you enjoy reading about biology or ecology. The author tackles a different question in each chapter, such as why aren't there more species on the earth, or why aren't there more large predators. I found his answers and musings informative and clear. And the author didn't get bogged down by minutiae. It is an older book, but that doesn't diminish the author's insights.
This is an eco-post apocalyptic novel set in Bangkok. The envisioned future world seemed particularly creative to me, but the plot/characters didn't blow me away as much, perhaps because I didn't really connect with/like any of the characters?
24. Why Big, Fierce Animals are Rare (Amazon or LT rec?)
This was very good, definitely recommended if you enjoy reading about biology or ecology. The author tackles a different question in each chapter, such as why aren't there more species on the earth, or why aren't there more large predators. I found his answers and musings informative and clear. And the author didn't get bogged down by minutiae. It is an older book, but that doesn't diminish the author's insights.
46karspeak
>44 qebo: I was underwhelmed by Mighty Be Our Powers. While she is very candid about her life, and the book is decently written, I didn't learn anything useful and was not "inspired." I can't pan it, exactly, but it was disappointing.
47qebo
>23 karspeak: The Windup Girl
I had pretty much the same reaction. I would've preferred more megadonts, less Emiko.
Why Big, Fierce Animals are Rare
Another BB. Maybe I should stay away from this thread.
I had pretty much the same reaction. I would've preferred more megadonts, less Emiko.
Why Big, Fierce Animals are Rare
Another BB. Maybe I should stay away from this thread.
49karspeak
25. Brat Farrar (LT rec)
An enjoyable mystery/suspense classic.
An enjoyable mystery/suspense classic.
50karspeak
26. Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore
Very fun. This is like a mix between Ready Player One and The DaVinci Code, with a dash of Cryptonomicon and Hitchiker's Guide for good measure. Light, fun, entertaining, well done.
Very fun. This is like a mix between Ready Player One and The DaVinci Code, with a dash of Cryptonomicon and Hitchiker's Guide for good measure. Light, fun, entertaining, well done.
51RBeffa
I'm glad to see you liked Jack Campbell. I've only read one of his books, but liked it a lot. Some months back I saw a set of his books at the used shop for a price I couldn't resist and scooped them up. haven't read them yet. Dauntless and the others are sitting there on my scifi to read shelf just waiting for me. I had done really well with my informal books off the shelf reading esp last year but this year I have been a total fail at it. So many books have caught my eye and I've bought quite a few or borrowed from the library. I need to get to work on the shelves. I read a prequel story to Windup Girl a couple years ago. I think it was called Yellowcard Man. I liked it quite a bit for the dystopian future it imagined. I have Windup Girl but have not gotten to it. I'm really sorry to hear it disappointed. It got a lot of praise.
52karspeak
>51 RBeffa: Dauntless had the best space battle scenes I've ever read, and apparently Campbell's understanding/use of physics in his books is remarkable, too. It is a very quick read, so that will help you clear at least one book from your shelves quickly;).
53karspeak
I just got back from a trip, so I have lots of books to add!
27. Culture Shock Portugal
I read Culture Shock Korea years ago when I moved to S. Korea, and it was excellent. Culture Shock Portugal, however, was boring and not very informative about Portuguese culture. Disappointing, and not recommended.
28. Carly's Voice (autism/professional dev)
This is about a girl with severe, nonverbal autism. Around age 9 she began communicating by typing, and now she is able to reveal her humor and intelligence and strong verbal skills. She had been considered possibly mentally retarded and severely developmentally delayed in all areas until she began typing.
There are now quite a few books out that tell similar stories (such as Ido in Autismland, reviewed below, and I Am In Here). At least one of these books should absolutely be required reading for any professional working with children with severe autism or any parent of a child with severe autism. These accounts have radically altered my understanding of at least some cases of severe autism, and now I have a lot of homework to do to learn how to better help these children and their families.
29. Annabel Scheme
I read this because I loved this author's book Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. Alas, Annabel Scheme, Sloan's first novel, was not nearly as good. Still kind of entertaining, but not very good, either.
27. Culture Shock Portugal
I read Culture Shock Korea years ago when I moved to S. Korea, and it was excellent. Culture Shock Portugal, however, was boring and not very informative about Portuguese culture. Disappointing, and not recommended.
28. Carly's Voice (autism/professional dev)
This is about a girl with severe, nonverbal autism. Around age 9 she began communicating by typing, and now she is able to reveal her humor and intelligence and strong verbal skills. She had been considered possibly mentally retarded and severely developmentally delayed in all areas until she began typing.
There are now quite a few books out that tell similar stories (such as Ido in Autismland, reviewed below, and I Am In Here). At least one of these books should absolutely be required reading for any professional working with children with severe autism or any parent of a child with severe autism. These accounts have radically altered my understanding of at least some cases of severe autism, and now I have a lot of homework to do to learn how to better help these children and their families.
29. Annabel Scheme
I read this because I loved this author's book Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore. Alas, Annabel Scheme, Sloan's first novel, was not nearly as good. Still kind of entertaining, but not very good, either.
54karspeak
30. Ido in Autismland (autism/professional dev)
This is a book of essays written by Ido, who has severe nonverbal autism. He was considered mentally retarded and spent hours doing ABA training (very structured tasks with rewards) to try to master basic concepts such as colors, numbers, etc. Unbeknownst to everyone but him, he knew all of these concepts but couldn't control his body to point to the correct object or picture to demonstrate his knowledge. Finally, around age 10ish, I think, he began to point to letters to spell out words to communicate.
Now, in these essays, he talks about all of those years when he was "locked inside himself" and "despairing." When he was cognitively tested, he scored above average in math and verbal skills. Now he is mainstreamed in all of his high school classes (with an aide) and making A's and B's.
Ido's essays tend to be a bit repetitive in content, such as when he is working through his anxiety about attending high school, but the overall content is still amazing. Ido thinks that many of the kids with severe, nonverbal autism have what equates to locked-in syndrome. He thinks the Rapid Prompting Method, which helped him, could be of help to many other children. Sobering and very thought provoking.
31. The Martian
Did you enjoy the movie Apollo 13? Are you a bit of a science geek or a reader of sci-fi? If you answered yes to both of these questions, this book is for you. It's like Apollo 13 magnified times ten, with seemingly very solid science and physics underpinning the story. Basic plot: an astronaut gets stranded on Mars--how will he survive, let alone be rescued? I really enjoyed this, I sacrificed a lot of sleep to finish this!
This is a book of essays written by Ido, who has severe nonverbal autism. He was considered mentally retarded and spent hours doing ABA training (very structured tasks with rewards) to try to master basic concepts such as colors, numbers, etc. Unbeknownst to everyone but him, he knew all of these concepts but couldn't control his body to point to the correct object or picture to demonstrate his knowledge. Finally, around age 10ish, I think, he began to point to letters to spell out words to communicate.
Now, in these essays, he talks about all of those years when he was "locked inside himself" and "despairing." When he was cognitively tested, he scored above average in math and verbal skills. Now he is mainstreamed in all of his high school classes (with an aide) and making A's and B's.
Ido's essays tend to be a bit repetitive in content, such as when he is working through his anxiety about attending high school, but the overall content is still amazing. Ido thinks that many of the kids with severe, nonverbal autism have what equates to locked-in syndrome. He thinks the Rapid Prompting Method, which helped him, could be of help to many other children. Sobering and very thought provoking.
31. The Martian
Did you enjoy the movie Apollo 13? Are you a bit of a science geek or a reader of sci-fi? If you answered yes to both of these questions, this book is for you. It's like Apollo 13 magnified times ten, with seemingly very solid science and physics underpinning the story. Basic plot: an astronaut gets stranded on Mars--how will he survive, let alone be rescued? I really enjoyed this, I sacrificed a lot of sleep to finish this!
56karspeak
Yikes, it's been a very busy summer, with lots of travel and a visit from relatives, but things should settle down now.
32. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (Book Club selection)
A very well done autobiographical graphic novel. I found it more tragic than comic.
33. China Mountain Zhang (LT rec)
A lovely novel which also happened to be sci fi.
32. Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic (Book Club selection)
A very well done autobiographical graphic novel. I found it more tragic than comic.
33. China Mountain Zhang (LT rec)
A lovely novel which also happened to be sci fi.
57karspeak
34. Night Film (LT rec)
This was a clever suspense novel that was fun but, at 640 pages, too loooong. I finally started skimming parts so that I could finish it and figure out how it ended. The feel to this was modern Alfred Hitchcock, with lots of psychological twists and turns, and various paradigm shifts, all with a noir feel to it. I was worried that this would turn into a horror book, but it veered away from that. I found the main character unbelievable (really, an experienced investigative journalist can't get rid of some pesky kids who want to join the case?), but, all in all, a clever book.
This was a clever suspense novel that was fun but, at 640 pages, too loooong. I finally started skimming parts so that I could finish it and figure out how it ended. The feel to this was modern Alfred Hitchcock, with lots of psychological twists and turns, and various paradigm shifts, all with a noir feel to it. I was worried that this would turn into a horror book, but it veered away from that. I found the main character unbelievable (really, an experienced investigative journalist can't get rid of some pesky kids who want to join the case?), but, all in all, a clever book.
58karspeak
35. Graceling (LT rec)
This is a light fantasy book that is character driven with a strong female main character and a strong romance component. Not my cup of tea, but I think many women who like fantasy/romance would enjoy it.
This is a light fantasy book that is character driven with a strong female main character and a strong romance component. Not my cup of tea, but I think many women who like fantasy/romance would enjoy it.
59karspeak
36. Overwhelmed: Work, Love, and Play When No One Has the Time
The author of this NF book is a Washington Post journalist and mother of two school aged kids and a wife. She realized that she was going a million miles an hour to juggle everything and still not getting it all done. So, she decided to try to find a better way to live and balance family and work, and she wrote a book about it. The first two parts, "Work" and "Love," felt very similar to me to Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. These parts discussed such issues as how the workplace is still biased against women with children, how most marriages are still quite unequal in the division of childrearing and housework, and how some countries, such as Denmark, are doing really well at addressing these issues. The third part of the book, "Play," was my favorite. The author discussed the value and scarcity of leisure, how women have always had the least leisure time, how to seek out leisure pursuits, how to be a bit less technologically plugged in, how to chunk your time instead of multitasking to be more productive, how to use small bits of time to calm yourself so you are not as harried, and so forth. I recommend this book for women who constantly feel too busy or overwhelmed by their never-ending to-do lists. It's geared more toward working mothers, but the last section, especially, would apply to anyone.
The author of this NF book is a Washington Post journalist and mother of two school aged kids and a wife. She realized that she was going a million miles an hour to juggle everything and still not getting it all done. So, she decided to try to find a better way to live and balance family and work, and she wrote a book about it. The first two parts, "Work" and "Love," felt very similar to me to Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg. These parts discussed such issues as how the workplace is still biased against women with children, how most marriages are still quite unequal in the division of childrearing and housework, and how some countries, such as Denmark, are doing really well at addressing these issues. The third part of the book, "Play," was my favorite. The author discussed the value and scarcity of leisure, how women have always had the least leisure time, how to seek out leisure pursuits, how to be a bit less technologically plugged in, how to chunk your time instead of multitasking to be more productive, how to use small bits of time to calm yourself so you are not as harried, and so forth. I recommend this book for women who constantly feel too busy or overwhelmed by their never-ending to-do lists. It's geared more toward working mothers, but the last section, especially, would apply to anyone.
60karspeak
37. Hounded (LT rec)
This is the first book in the Iron Druid series. Fun, light urban fantasy that is also decently written and thought out. It reminded me of the Mercy Thompson series, except with a male protagonist.
This is the first book in the Iron Druid series. Fun, light urban fantasy that is also decently written and thought out. It reminded me of the Mercy Thompson series, except with a male protagonist.
61karspeak
38. The Noonday Demon
This exhaustive (400+ pgs) NF book on depression was clearly a labor of love by the author, who is remarkably intelligent, articulate, and caring. It won a very well-deserved National Book Award. I was amazed at the breadth of the author's research. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about depression.
39. I Am Malala (Book club)
This was a "meh" read for me. It felt like the intended audience is people who have never read anything about the Taliban or the struggles of that region, although I understand it was just a lovely girl telling her story.
This exhaustive (400+ pgs) NF book on depression was clearly a labor of love by the author, who is remarkably intelligent, articulate, and caring. It won a very well-deserved National Book Award. I was amazed at the breadth of the author's research. Highly recommended if you want to learn more about depression.
39. I Am Malala (Book club)
This was a "meh" read for me. It felt like the intended audience is people who have never read anything about the Taliban or the struggles of that region, although I understand it was just a lovely girl telling her story.
62karspeak
40. Orphan Train
An enjoyable novel that mostly traces the life of a young Irish girl in the 1920s who is put on an "orphan train" heading west out of NYC. It is not great literature, but I found the girl's story quite touching. I hadn't heard of the orphan trains before reading this novel.
An enjoyable novel that mostly traces the life of a young Irish girl in the 1920s who is put on an "orphan train" heading west out of NYC. It is not great literature, but I found the girl's story quite touching. I hadn't heard of the orphan trains before reading this novel.
63japaul22
>62 karspeak: My Mother in law passed this book along to me but I haven't made time for it yet. Your description makes it sound like what I would expect - not high art but an interesting story.
64karspeak
>63 japaul22: Exactly
65karspeak
41. A Path Appears
Finally, another book to add, I've been in a bit of a reading slump.
I had really been looking forward to reading this latest book, recently released, by the same authors as Half the Sky. Overall, it is a well-written and well-thought out book about charitable giving, and I definitely learned many things from reading it. I was disappointed that they didn't cover AT ALL any environmental charities. But still worth a read if you are interested in learning more about charitable giving.
Finally, another book to add, I've been in a bit of a reading slump.
I had really been looking forward to reading this latest book, recently released, by the same authors as Half the Sky. Overall, it is a well-written and well-thought out book about charitable giving, and I definitely learned many things from reading it. I was disappointed that they didn't cover AT ALL any environmental charities. But still worth a read if you are interested in learning more about charitable giving.
66karspeak
42. Lock In
43. The Girl With All the Gifts
Both of these were entertaining. Both are set in the near future and involve an unusual illness which affects a significant part of the population. They probably won't stick with me, but I enjoyed them both.
43. The Girl With All the Gifts
Both of these were entertaining. Both are set in the near future and involve an unusual illness which affects a significant part of the population. They probably won't stick with me, but I enjoyed them both.
67RBeffa
Even tho I enjoy Scalzi as a writer I haven't read Lock In yet and probably won't for a while. I thought "The Girl With All The Gifts" tried very hard to be a "literate" zombie novel but didn't quite reach where it wanted to go. I think the end part bothered me but it isn't fresh in my mind. As you say, "probably won't stick with me" since it is already fading from my memory!
68karspeak
44. Winter Blues
This is a comprehensive and very helpful/practical book about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), written for people who may have or do have SAD. The author is a research psychiatrist with extensive research and clinical experience. Recommended. Thank goodness this is my last winter in Germany!
This is a comprehensive and very helpful/practical book about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), written for people who may have or do have SAD. The author is a research psychiatrist with extensive research and clinical experience. Recommended. Thank goodness this is my last winter in Germany!
69karspeak
Here are the books I added to LT's Top 5 Reads of 2014 List:
1. Lexicon
2. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore
3. China Mountain Zhang
4. The Noonday Demon
5. A Path Appears
I am glad LT is doing a Top 5 list again this year, I got lots of great book recs from it last year!
1. Lexicon
2. Mr. Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore
3. China Mountain Zhang
4. The Noonday Demon
5. A Path Appears
I am glad LT is doing a Top 5 list again this year, I got lots of great book recs from it last year!
70karspeak
45. A Girl Named Zippy: Growing Up Small in Mooreland, Indiana (Book Club selection)
This was well written and a nice, humorous memoir that reads like a novel. Harkens back to simpler times.
This was well written and a nice, humorous memoir that reads like a novel. Harkens back to simpler times.
71karspeak
46. The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons (Friend Rec)
An entertaining, well-written book for the layperson about how the human brain works. The writing is a mix of Oliver Sacks and Simon Winchester. I had already read quite a few books on neurology (Oliver Sacks, etc), but this was still definitely worth a read. Recommended if you find the human brain interesting. The last 2 chapters (human language and human consciousness) were weak, but the rest of the book was excellent.
An entertaining, well-written book for the layperson about how the human brain works. The writing is a mix of Oliver Sacks and Simon Winchester. I had already read quite a few books on neurology (Oliver Sacks, etc), but this was still definitely worth a read. Recommended if you find the human brain interesting. The last 2 chapters (human language and human consciousness) were weak, but the rest of the book was excellent.
73karspeak
>72 scaifea: Thanks, Amber, same to you!
74karspeak
Yesterday I made pulled pork with carne adovada sauce, served inside baked sweet potatoes--yum! Two other stand-out recipes from the past few months were chicken wraps with Thai peanut sauce (from Pioneer Woman) and spicy skirt steak with cinnamon (from Great Food Without Fuss cookbook). I have been eating a lot of diet-y food for the past few months, so I haven't had as many "keeper" recipes as usual.
75karspeak
47. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance (Vorkosigan Saga Book 14) (series)
This is the third book in the Vorkosigan series that I have read. This series is a fun, VERY character driven, usually space opera, series. The world building is well done, and the plots are well done, too, but characterization is still always the main focus. This series gets quite a bit of LT love, and for good reason. I will keep dipping into the series from time to time for a fun reading romp. I think it would usually appeal more to female readers.
48. The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (Book club selection, LT rec)
This is a fun novel about a cantankerous bookseller on a New England island who gradually opens up to others and finds his life intertwining again with the lives of others through a series of events. Many, many book references and very clever/sharp lines throughout the book, especially in the first half of the book. I actually liked him better when he was cantankerous, and the book got a tad schmaltzy for me by the end, but still worth a read for me.
This is the third book in the Vorkosigan series that I have read. This series is a fun, VERY character driven, usually space opera, series. The world building is well done, and the plots are well done, too, but characterization is still always the main focus. This series gets quite a bit of LT love, and for good reason. I will keep dipping into the series from time to time for a fun reading romp. I think it would usually appeal more to female readers.
48. The Storied Life of AJ Fikry (Book club selection, LT rec)
This is a fun novel about a cantankerous bookseller on a New England island who gradually opens up to others and finds his life intertwining again with the lives of others through a series of events. Many, many book references and very clever/sharp lines throughout the book, especially in the first half of the book. I actually liked him better when he was cantankerous, and the book got a tad schmaltzy for me by the end, but still worth a read for me.
