Delta Queen's 2014 Reading - Part One

Welcome one and all. I am excited to kick off another year here on the 75 Challenge. My name is Judy and I love to read. My reading taste is pretty varied in both fiction and non-fiction, and I extremely susceptible to book bullets as my ever-growing wishlist and groaning TBR shelves will attest.

I love vintage art and have decided to use pictures of vintage magazine covers and/or posters that have caught my attention to head up each of my threads.

Books Read




Pages Read

Currently Reading



Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson
Cinder by Marissa Meyer

2014 BOOKS READ

JANUARY

1. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (324 pages) - 4.2 ★
2. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (541 pages) - 4.5 ★
3. Ru by Kim Thuy (141 pages) - 4.2 ★
4. A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye (142 pages} - 3.5 ★
5. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott (170 Pages) - 4.0 ★
6. One of Ours by Willa Cather (326 pages) - 4.1 ★
7. The Food of Love by Anthony Capella (310 pages) - 3.3 ★
8. The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout (320 pages) - 3.4 ★
9. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston (353 pages) - 2.8 ★
10. Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came To America by Ruth Gruber (295 pages) - 4.2 ★
11. The Tall Men by Will Henry (228 pages) - 4.0 ★
12. The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell (175 pages) - 5.0 ★
13. The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman (705 pages) - 4.2 ★
14. The Passage by Justin Cronin (879 pages) - 4.6 ★
15. Hart of Empire by Saul David (337 pages) - 3.1 ★

FEBRUARY

16. The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes (428 pages) - 2.8 ★
17. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie (310 pages) - 4.0 ★
18. Victory by Susan Cooper (186 pages) - 3.3 ★

My thinking here is perhaps I can keep my buying obsession in check if I list all my purchases in black and white. I won't go pointing fingers at the people who hit me with the desire to shop. The fault is entirely my own.

Books Purchased in 2014

January

1. Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block
2. Ashes by Ilsa Bick
3. Shadows: The Ashes Trilogy by Ilsa Bick
4. Monsters: The Ashes Trilogy by Ilsa Bick
5. American On Purpose by Craig Ferguson
6. Shadows in the Grass by Beverley Harper
7. Footprints of Lion by Beverley Harper
8. Think of a Number by John Verdon
9. Hawk Quest by Robert Lyndon
10. The Bone Garden by Kate Ellis
11. Prey To All by Natasha Cooper
12. A Hidden Affair by Pam Jenoff
13. Scapegallows by Carol Birch
14. The Moon In the Water by Pamela Belle
15. Wintercombe by Pamela Belle
16. Clean Cut by Lynda La Plante
17. Creeping Ivy by Natasha Cooper
18. Die A Little by Megan Abbott
19. The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis
20. A Few Acres of Snow by Robert Leckie
21. O Pioneers by Willa Cather
22. Song of the Lark by Willa Cather
23. Fault Lines by Natasha Cooper

February

24. Daughters of the River Huong by Uyen Nichole Duong
25. Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt
26. The Officer's Lover by Pam Jenoff
27. Whispers In Autumn by Trisha Leigh
28. Winter Omens by Trisha Leigh
29. Betrayals in Spring by Trisha Leigh
30. Summer Ruins by Trisha Leigh
31. Bloody Harvests by Richard Kunzmann
32. Salamander Cotton by Richard Kunzman
33. Into the Far Mountains by Fred Grove
34. Princess of the Silver Woods by Jessica Day George
35. The Ladies Maid by Dilly Court
36. Reality Check by Peter Abrahams

Wow, having been away I am so far behind with everyone. I will be working on catching up on the threads over the next few days. I am also behind in my reading, but I just didn't have a lot of reading time while I was away. Should have a book or two to report on soon.

I did very well for myself over Christmas with the following books being added to my TBR shelves:

Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indridason - from my Secret Santa
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
In the Shadow of the Banyan by Vaddey Ratner
Good Bait by John Harvey
Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
Roy & Lillie by Loren D. Estleman
The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally
All Change by Elizabeth Jane Howard
The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas - Group Read starting in March
The Dain Curse by Dashiel Hammett
A Brother's Blood by Michael C. White

I'm so glad you are finally all set up. Nice book haul!

Hooray!! You're here, Judy!! Now we can begin.

Yay! Judy's back!

Happy New Year Judy! I'm looking forward to seeing what you'll be reading this year!

Welcome back! Mamie just ratted you out let everyone know where your thread is, so you may get some visitors...

I just got back home today as well, so came first to your thread because it was a manageable size. I feel so far behind on the 2014 threads!! Happy New Year and I hope you are enjoying Barrayar. I pulled Shards of Honor off my shelves as soon as I got home today, and will start it tonight.

Wow, lots of great reading ahead, judging by that Xmas haul! Welcome back to the fray, Judy...

Judy is here now! Woohoo!

Happy New Year and glad you are set up. The Cordelia's Honor thread is up and running here http://www.librarything.com/topic/162708

Hi, Judy! So glad that you're here!!

Judy, you had me worried there for a while. I'd be lost a little without my guru.

Trusting that your New Year will be wonderful including the first weekend thereof. xx

Hi Judy! I think I missed that you were away. Glad you're back. :-)

I saw your last post over on your 2013 thread and did a quick scan of the 2014 group to find you! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and trip to the island! Looking forward to seeing what you read this year.

I've being spending most of my evening planning my TIOLI Challenges, and now I am ready to start catching up on everyone's threads. It may take me awhile to catch up with everyone but it will happen!

#9 - Hi Lori, I hope you had a lovely holiday. I was thrilled with the books that I received. Obviously someone was paying attention to my Christmas wishlist!

#10 - Happy 2014, Mamie, I think it's going to be a fun year. I am looking forward to seeing how everything is going down in Georgia. And I believe Abby has a thread this year as well, I'll have to look her up.

#11 - Happy New Year, Katie. I'm looking forward to all the BB's that I will be getting over at your place.

#12 - Hi Carrie, it's going to be a busy year for sure with us having 14 Categories to fill, not to mention the Commonwealth Challenge, the TIOLI's and the Reading Through Time, and the Cat Challenges! Definitely going to have to do a fair amount of preplanning.

#13 - Hi Jim, I am well rested and eager to get started here on the best damn site on LT!

#14: Glad you had a safe trip, Roni. I am about a third of the way through Barrayar, found it a little slow to start with but I am now totally involved with the characters.

#15 - Happy New Year, Suzanne. I was really surprised to get the Exlizabeth Jane Howard book as it was such a recent addition to my wishlist, but my Mom also read the original 4 books and probably was behind the purchase of this one.

#16 - Hi Roberta and thanks for the link. I will check in there ASAP.

#17 - Hi Amber, I hope you and your family had a great holiday. We certainly enjoyed having the grandchildren here on Christmas morning.

My name is Judy and I love to read.

Yes indeed, and we love to talk about reading with you! So glad you are here now; I hope your vacation was everything you wanted it to be.

#18 - Paul, I had a great visit with my family but I am also very happy to be home again. Tomorrow morning my husband and I are taking the grands out for breakfast, then I hope to spend the rest of the day alternating between reading and LT. Housework will just have to wait till Monday!

#19 - Hi Pat, and Happy New Year, looking forward to another great reading year.

#20 - Hi Lori, I had a great trip home which also unfortunately meant very little reading time but I expect I will get caught up on my reading now that I am at home. My husband has packed away most of the Christmas decorations and kept things pretty tidy so there aren't too many chores waiting for me. :)

#22 - Hi Julia and Happy New Year. I think it's going to be another great reading year with lots of variety. I had a nice visit with everyone at home and was very pleased to see my sister showing improvement. She's had all the various tubes removed, is feeling better and has even gained a little of her appetite back. Overall she has lost almost 50 pounds.

Hi, Judy ~ I've been checking daily for your 2014 thread. Glad you're back and started one! Happy New Year!

Welcome back, Judy and a very Happy New Year :)

Hi Judy and happy new year!

Happy New Year and Welcome back, Judy! Glad you had a nice trip and now home safe and sound and with a bunch of new reading material too!
Your thread topper looks great! I love the artwork on the Palais Nouveaute cover.

Hi Judy! Happy New Year. Your Christmas book haul looks excellent. I've got the first of the Cazalet Chronicles on my Kindle and I'm thinking of making it my first fiction read of the year.

Found you and starred you, Judy. I love those old magazine covers. There's a cozy cafe I go to occasionally where they've framed old magazine covers and posters from the early 30s - 50s. I just love looking at them.

Swinging by to star your thread, looking forward to seeing what you read this year! Happy New Year!

Good news about your sister, Judy!

Hi, Judy. Good to see you back. Dropping by to wish you and your family the best of health and happiness for the New Year.

As Sunday evening winds down to the sound of Lilly's murmurs as she dreams...most like of chasing neighborhood cats and playing in the snow today, and the sound of Will snoring where he fell asleep on the couch, it's just me and LT...What a wonderful evening.

Happy New Year Dear Judy! I wish all the best for you.

I've had just about a perfect day today. Started with being taken out for brunch by my hubby and with the grandchildren coming along. Then lots of LT time which has enabled me to just about catch up, I even snuck in about 30 mins of reading. This evening is the start of Downtown Abbey which I am looking forward to, even though I am still a little peeved at how the last season ended.

#25 Hi Mary, I think I actually set up my thread when I got home yesterday before I even unpacked!

#26 - Piyush, it is wonderful to have you visit my thread, I was over to yours today and dropped a star. We do seem to have a lot of books in common.

#27 - Diana, 2013 was a little bumpy so I am truly hopeful that 2014 will be a great year for all of us.

#28 - Lynda, I absolutely love that Palais Nouveaute cover, I would love to have a print of it!

#29 - Susan, I highly recommend the Cazalet Chronicles, I was so excited when I found out that she had added a fifth book recently. Then I was thrilled to actually get it for Christmas. Knowing me though, I will probably horde it, especially as the author has just passed away. The first four books were also done as a television mini-series for Masterpiece Theatre and are well worth searching out after you have read the books.

#30 - Happy New Year, Caro. I haven't quite got to your thread yet, I usually start at the back and work my way toward the front and those with the most popular threads such as yourself, Paul, Mark etc. are usually the last ones I get to visit. Hopefully I will be by later this evening.

#31 - Hi Susie, I sure hope you had a great holiday season. :)

#32 - I know, Julia, we are very hopeful. She has a test coming up that somehow checks her body and lets them know if there is any evidence of cancer left. At that point they decide on the next steps, but they have already told her that she will probably have to have radiation.

#33 - Hi Nina, thank you. That sand and blue skies are a welcome sight. Even though we have no snow and much milder temperatures than most of Canada, we are far from beach weather!

#34 - Linda, it sounds like a wonderfully cozy evening, I have a husband who snores on the coach when he naps but I really miss having a pet to snuggle up with. Let's all hope that 2014 only brings us good things.

I couldn't resist filling out this meme using books that I read in 2013:

Describe yourself: The Trader’s Wife

Describe what you feel like: Million Dollar Baby

Describe where you currently live: The Devil's Oasis

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Where Earth Meets Sky

Your favorite form of transportation: The Long Ships

Your best friend is: Mrs. Miniver

You and your friends are: Remarkable Creatures

What’s the weather like: Ice Forged

You fear: The Bloody Chamber

What is the best advice you have to give: Wish Upon A Star

Thought for the day: Kindness Goes Unpunished

How I would like to die: At The Mercy of the River

My soul’s present condition: A Thousand Shades of Blue

>25 Storeetllr:, 36 Priorities, Judy!

What a lovely Sunday! I just started watching Downton Abbey and am still on Season 1, so I couldn't watch tonight's season premier. Hope to be caught up soon though so I can watch along with everyone.

Great answers to the meme!

Oh, that *does* sound like a lovely day!

I think I will soon break down and put together some answers for that meme, too...

Happy belated holidays! I'm looking forward to seeing what you read this year.

So glad you participated in the meme. It's fun to see everyone's answers each year.

Judy I'm glad you are joining in on the Vorkosigan group read.

Happy New Year Judy!

Today I spent most of my time over at the 2014 Category Challenge here on LT. I did spend some time reading as well and have finally completed my first book of the year. I have no idea when I am going to fit real life activities like housework and grocery shopping in as it's a full time job trying to stay current here.

#37 - Exactly, Mary. And right now my priority seems to be LT and reading. ;)

#38 - I like doing this meme every year using just the books from the previous year. It's fun seeing how your answers shape up.

#39 - I will drop by your thread, Amber, to see your answers.

#40 - Hi Melissa

#41 - Lori, it is fun to see how our books fit into that meme.

#42 - Roberta, I am totally hooked on the Vorkosigan series after just completing the 2nd book, Barrayar. I am going to miss Cordelia as the main character though.

#43 - Thanks, Rachel, and all the best to you as well. :)

1. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
14 in 14 Category: 14 Is The Atomic Number of Silicon - Sci-Fi Books
Vorkosigan Group Read
TIOLI #16: Book Has Ugly Cover
Reading Bingo: A Book with a Female Heroine



Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold continues and completes the story of Captain Cordelia Naismith and her husband, Aral Vorkosigan, now Regent of Barrayar. Where the first book was a space opera of adventure and love, this book is richer in content and detail using the internal politics of Barrayar as a launch pad to continue the adventures of this couple, now expecting their first child. One thing that has carried over from the first book is the perfect fit this couple make. This is a mature relationship built on mutual respect, honor and love.

I loved how this couple work together to solve their problems and in Barrayar they have some major decisions to make and, mostly, Aral stands firmly with Cordelia. Of course there came the one time when Aral wavered and Cordelia felt impelled to go off on her own adventure leaving him behind to worry over her safety. To my delight when he tells her not to do something like that again, she tells him to make sure that she doesn’t have to.

I have to also make mention of the wonderful supporting characters, some old friends from the first book and some new ones that help to flesh out the story. My personal favorite is the damaged Bothari and I am glad to note that he has been given a position that should keep him in the forefront of the next book. My only complaint is that this is the last book with Cordelia being front and center as the main character. As the series continues, the focus will now be on her son, Miles. I will miss the brave, competent but, oh so human Cordelia.

As much as I liked the first book, this second book is even better and has set a very high standard for the remainder of the series.

Great review of Barrayar, Judy! Makes me want to read this series even more.

Somehow missed your answers to the meme that's going around. Very amusing, especially "What’s the weather like: Ice Forged." Seems to be the same in a lot of the U.S. so far this year!

Book number one finished, and you are up and ready to walk the path to many more wonderful books.

#45 Good to see the glowing review, Barrayar will be my next Vorkosigan book, once I finish Shards of Honour, hopefully in the next couple of days.

Great MEME answers, Judy. I do hope that the weather is not too Ice Forged where you are.

>36 DeltaQueen50:: I'm seeing everyone's answers to this meme all over LT. Apparently it's a tradition to end the year, so maybe I should do it, too? Not sure I read enough in 2013 to do that, though.

>46 Storeetllr:: Read it! READ IT! And join us in the group read.

#46 - Mary, if you have been thinking of reading the Vorkosigan series, this is a great time as there is a Yearly Group Read happening. I am going to try to read one of the series every other month so Warrior's Apprentice will be next for me in March.

#47 - Hi Linda, I admit I feel better knowing I have my first book under my belt. I think I am feeling the pressure of this year's Category Challenge, needing to read 14 books a month and knowing that I often get distracted by non-challenge books is worrying me a little.

#48 - Piyush, this is shaping up to be a really great series, isn't it.

#49 - Hi Paul, my weather answer is a little off base as here on the West Coast we are considered the banana belt of Canada. So although we have nowhere near the warm temps. that you have, we are milder than the rest of Canada. No snow or ice here but today we are having lots of rain.

#50 - Hi Nina, this is my second year of completing the meme. It is fun to try and fit your books into the answers.

Hi Delta Queen - don't you feel a little bit guilty about the rain and the 6C weather while the news is full of the frigid weather from Canada all the way down to Florida. I know I do.

#52 - Hi Meg, I was just saying over at Lori's (Ikernaugh) thread that I was feeling a little guilty. She lives in Victoria so she is with us in the banana belt. Of course, I don't feel so gulty that I am willing to give up our balmy weather!

2. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson - 4.5 ★
14 in 14 Category: British Fortnight - British Crime
January MysteryCat: Detectives
January RandomCat: Janus Rules
TIOLI #6: Author Born In Yorkshire
Reading Bingo: A Book With More That 500 Pages



“Boxes within boxes, dolls within dolls, worlds within worlds. Everything was connected.”

These words taken from it's pages perfectly describe the entwining feeling one gets when reading One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson. A series of coincidences and chance encounters make for one very riveting read. This is the second Jackson Brodie book and I found it to be surprising, multi-layered and quite an addictive read.

Jackson has come to Edinburgh at the time of the Festival to be with his actress girlfriend, Julia whose time is totally engaged in rehearsing for a play that is about to open. With so much free time on his hands, he spends his time wandering the streets of Edinburgh. He soon witnesses a road-rage incident and then a murderous attack that eventually leads to more mayhem and murder. As the body count rises, Jackson soon finds himself more than an innocent bystander.

Expertly written with razor sharp insight, humor and emotion, Kate Atkinson has delivered another great crime story where the pages seem to turn by themselves.

3. Ru by Kim Thug - 4.2 ★
14 in 14 Category: House of 14 Cats - Books for the Cat Challenges
January GeoCat: USA & Canada - Focus on Immigration
Reading Through Time Monthly Theme: New Beginnings
TIOLI #17: A Book Set Where I Live
Reading Bingo: A Book With a One Word Title



Ru by Kim Thuy is a compilation of vignettes where each page is a separate story, complete within itself, telling of the stress of living under the communists in Viet Nam, the horrors of escaping by boat, the filth and hopelessness of the refugee camp that they found themselves in, and the many adjustments they had to make as a family and as individuals to fit into their new life in Canada.

This is not a linear story, but as the reader continues through the book, it’s beautiful, lyrical writing paints a clear picture of both this woman’s experiences and her inner feelings. There is a dream-like style to the writing and at times I felt like I was intruding on a very personal vision.

Ru is a story about the emigrant experience and with it’s original perspective it was very easy to forget that this is a novel not a true memoir. It is also very easy to conclude that the author drew on her own experiences to create this very intimate account. I believe that this will be a book that stays with me, and that these small stories told with grace and dignity will often be recalled.

I've been meaning to read the Jackson Brodie series for a long time ,I have however seen the TV show with Jason Isaacs and really enjoyed it.

#56 - The Jackson Brodie books are really good, Susie, and picturing Jason isaacs as Jackson makes them even better!

I agree, the Jason Isaacs series was great, even though they didn't exactly parallel the books. Definitely captured the spirit, I thought. I wish they would do more.

#58 - Oh I do too, Julia. He was the perfect person to cast as Jackson Brodie.

Judy, you are off to a great start in terms of book buying and reading. I hope 2014 is a wonderful year for you and your entire family. Loved the family photo on your last thread.

# 60 - Thanks Donna, right now I am hoping to end each month with more books read than bought! Of course I do have a nice credit sitting on my Visa that I have been whittling away.

4. A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye - 3.5 ★
14 in 14 Category: Clayton's Choice - Books Picked By My Grandson
TIOLI #11: Two of Something In the Title
Reading Bingo: A Book With Non-Human Characters



A Cat in the Window by Derek Tangye is a charming book that tells the story of Monty the cat. Monty comes to the Tangye’s in the early days of their marriage, and even though Jeannie was a cat lover, it took some convincing for Derek to agree to allow a cat into the house. Of course, eventually Derek became Monty’s biggest fan.

This book also chronicles how this couple gave up their busy life in London and settled down on a remote flower farm on the rocky coast of Cornwall. Derek Tangye went on to write a series of books about their life at Minack and the various animals that shared that life with them, but for me, Monty remains special.

Yes, A Cat In the Window is an unabashedly sentimental look at the calming rhythm of times past, yet Derek Tangye effortlessly re-creates the beauty and magic of this special place and gently draws his readers in.

Judy it looks like you are off to a great reading start! I am about two-thirds of the way into Shards of Honor. I'm loving their interaction.

Hi Judy - Wow! I find you - you are now starred - and you've already read four books. I love Atkinson. Ru and The Cat in the Window also sound great.

Judy, for some reason I've only just found you! Looks like you've done some great reading already.

Have a wonderful weekend, Judy!

#63 - Hi Roberta, I think you will love Barrayar even more. Their mature and shared relationship is a big highlight of this series for me!

#64 - Hi Beth, glad you found me. The threads are very busy right now and it's a full-time job to stay current. I think I am off to a great start on my reading year. :)

#65 - Hi Rhian, LT is a busy, busy place these days. I'm glad you were able to find me!

#66 - Thanks, Diana, you have a great weekend as well.

Because I am crazy and can't resist a reading challenge, I have decided to add these Bingo Cards to my threads and see how I do. The first is the regular challenge and the second is the YA challenge. I will use books I have read this year to fill these out and I will not use any book more than once.



* B1 - A Book with More than 500 pages = One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson (541 pages)
* I1 - A Forgotten Classic = One of Ours by Willa Cather
* N1 - A Book Made Into A Movie = The Tall Men by Will Henry
* G1 -
* O1 -

* B2 -
* I2 - A Book With Non-Human Characters = A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye
* N2 -
* G2 - A Book With a Female Author = The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman
* O2 - A Book With a Mystery = The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout

* B3 - A Book with a One Word Title = Ru by Kim Thuy
* I3 -
* N3 - FREE SPACE
* G3 -
* O3 - A Book of Non-Fiction = Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came To America by Ruth Gruber

* B4 -
* I4 -
* N4 -
* G4 -
* O4 - A Book From the Bottom of Your TBR Pile = Hart of Empire by Saul David

* B5 -
* I5 - A Book That Scares You = The Passage by Justin Cronin
* N5 -
* G5 -
* O5 - A Book With a Blue Cover - The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes



* B1 - A Book With A Female Heroine = Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold (Cordelia)
* I2 - A Book With a Break-up = The Food of Love by Anthony Capella
* B3 - A Book Set in the Past = The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston

Judy, you are crazy for doing those Bingo challenges, but we love you for it!

I saw those bingo cards yesterday too and thought of doing something with them here at the library.

#69 - I know, Julia, crazy that's me! (runs off, cackling to myself)

#70 - I'll give it a try, Susie, but my priorities are still all the LT challenges that I am working on.

I'm doing the bingo as well, Judy--just plugging in what I'm reading. So far I've read 5 books and found a place for them all on the first bingo board! That won't last...

So glad you loved Barrayar! When I read it later this month, I'll use it to fill the square "Read a book your friend loves". ;-)

Hi Judy- I did not know you started your 2014 thread! Bad Mark! Happy New Year, my friend. I am looking forward to sharing another whole reading year with you. You remain one of my favorite LTers!
Glad you loved the 2nd Jackson Brodie.

#72 - Roni, please feel free to use me as your Bingo reference. In fact perhaps when I read Paladin of Souls next month I will use it for my "Book your friend loves"!

#73 - Welcome to my thread, Mark. We're having some crazy, busy days on LT right now! I am certainly looking forward to sharing this reading year with you as well.

Sounds like a plan!! But it would also fit the Second Book in a Series if you didn't use Barrayar for that one.

Have you read other of the Tangye books, Judy? I stocked up on them years ago, but them somehow never read 'em -- it was the combination of Cornwall and cats that triggered the mass purchase. I may even have bought many of them in Fowey....

#75 - Barrayer went down as a "Book With a Female Heroine."

#76 - Suzanne, I have read quite a few of the Derek Tangye books, they are great comfort reads, and although quite different in subject matter, remind me somewhat of the Miss Read books, harkening back to a quieter, gentler time. I love his descriptions of the coast of Cornwall, in fact, his books made Cornwall a number one dream destination for years.

Love the bingo challenge! I may just put one up myself. :) I can't really resist fun things like that either

Hi Melissa, I love the simplicity of it, and it shouldn't be too hard to fill. Hope you join in. :)

On my way over :)

Hi Judy - I love the idea of the bingo challenges.

Love the reading BINGO idea Judy. If I had not set myself some impossible tasks already I would have joined you as it looks to be great fun.

Have a lovely weekend in sub-tropical Vancouver, with or without any bananas.

Bingo! I just had to say it. That looks like so much fun. Will there be prizes? Too bad my short story collection has one word in the title. Hmmm, I am so tempted to add a Bingo board to my thread even though I know the only prize will be that of completion!

Have a great week end, Judy!

#68 I have seen this Bingo, this is the Canadian Random House Publication Bingo, right? The Indian arm doesn't do such cool things, need to poke them.

Hope you're having a great weekend Judy!

#81 - Hi Beth, I am going to treat the Bing Challenge as simply a fun addition to my reading, I'm already participating in quite a few challenges, but my priority will remain the 75 Challenge and the Category Challenge.

#82 - Hi Paul, I hope you are having a lovely weekend as well. I know you are tackling a few challenges of your own this year. I use the challenges as a way to help me choose books from my TBR and wish list as I am notoriously indecisive, and these challenges help to firm up my decisions.

#83 - That's the biggest downside to the Bingo Challenge, Donna. I want to be able to shout out Bingo at the top of my lungs and collect a prize. Oh well, maybe I will reward myself with a book for every line completed.

#84 - Piyush, feel free to grab a copy and start playing!

#85 - Thanks, Rachel, we are having a fairly quiet weekend, but I will be cooking dinner for my daughter and son-in-law on Sunday. They are coming over to help set up the Smart TV I got for Christmas. My biggest concern is to get it set up correctly before Downtown Abbey comes on!

5. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott - 4.0 ★
Category: 14 is the Age of Emmancipation - YA and Children's Literature
TIOLI #20: Author's First Name is Elizabeth



“I have been smashed and put back together so many times nothing works right. Nothing is where it should be, heavy thumping in my shoulder where my heart now beats.”

I had heard Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott described as disturbing but I really didn’t think it would bother me but, people, believe me when I say this book is very disturbing. A stark look at a young girl’s life after she has been abducted by a pedophile. She lives a life of terror and abuse that is very hard to read about. I think the author deserves kudos for delivering such a honest look at this brutal subject but the fact that this book is published as a YA is astonishing. I am not convinced that this is a YA book, at the very least I believe that a young girl would need a fair amount of discussion to understand what is going on here. I would definitely say this this is a book for the upper reaches of the YA audience.

The author pulls no punches as she tells Alice’s story in a unique style that is both riveting and effective. We are drawn into the mind of this young girl who has suffered not only physical and sexual abuse, but also has been physically forced to maintain a child’s body. Alice knows that there was a previous girl before her, and she knows that when that girl got too old she was murdered. Instead of scaring her, Alice longs for her time of release. When her abductor comes up with a plan for the two of them to kidnap another child, she is willing to go along with it in order to see the end of her suffering. It is chilling to read of how she helps to set up a young girl that she meets playing in a park, but at the same time, one can understand how she has been conditioned to help this monster.

I did not find that the author crossed any boundaries of taste, this is a difficult subject but one that we all know does happen. This is a short book but Living Dead Girl will be a book that I will not easily forget, and as a mother and grandmother I can only say that we can’t be vigilant enough with our young.

> 86 - BINGO!!!

You're right, it would feel good to shout out "Bingo" when you get it. Maybe post a nice big image on your thread when bingo is reached..... that is about a close to shouting out in this wonderful on-line world that I can think of. :-0

It is absolutely pouring with rain at the moment and I dread the fact that I need to venture out in it and grocery shop. Happy weekend, Judy!

Maybe you all need to set up a separate Bingo thread. Then whoever gets it first, can shout it and win!

#89: Lori, there is already a separate Bingo thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/164058

Ok, I'm off to check out the Bingo thread!

Judy, have you assigned Shards of Honour to any TIOLI challenge?

Hi Judy! I was 60 messages behind but am all caught up now (though there may have been some skimming done...). Your review of One Good Turn reminds me that I have the last Jackson Brodie still to read - I will save that for when I need a guaranteed good book to escape into (who am I kidding? I always need that!). I listened to Living Dead Girl a few years ago and it was very disturbing - maybe even more so having a voice read it to me *shudder*.

Happy Sunday!

#92 - Nina, since I read Shards of Honor last year, I didn't need to find a listing for it this month. I did list Barrayar under TIOLI #16: A Book that has an Ugly Cover which may work for Shards of Honor as well since Sci-Fi books of a certain era as usually pretty ugly!

#93 - Hi Katie, it's always good to have a few authors that you know are going to deliver a great story when you really need one and Kate Atkinson is definitely one of those for me.

Brrr ... I think listening to Living Dead Girl would make it all the more real and distrubing.

6. One of Ours by Willa Cather - 4.1 ★
14 in 14 Category: 14 Points for Reconstruction - War and It's Effects
American Author Challenge
January Random Cat: Janus Rules
TIOLI #15: A Book Set During the WW I Years
Book Bingo: A Forgotten Classic



One of Ours by Willa Cather was originally published in 1922 and won a Pulitzer Prize in 1923. This is a book that tackles America’s place on the world stage before and during World War I and in a more intimate way, it is the story of a young American man who found his place of belonging upon the battlefields of France.

Claude Wheeler was often dissatisfied with his life. He was the son of a wealth Nebraska farmer, and at the story’s opening is attending classes at a religious college, but he is unhappy with the level of teaching. When he comes home, however, he feels a misfit in the small prairie town. When circumstances put Claude out in the fields he is discontented and longs for a different life. A definite pattern emerges around Claude and when he woos and marries Enid, this pattern continues. Personally, I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for Claude as I felt he made no effort to make any changes in his life, he just seemed to drift.

When his wife decides to go to China to nurse her ill missionary sister, he closes up his house and moves back home where is he generally fussed over by his mother and the family housekeeper. He becomes interested in current events and when America enters the war, Claude volunteers. As Lieutenant Wheeler, he matures into a much more likeable person, he becomes responsible and caring toward his men, interested in life and what is going on around him.

While Willa Cather does impart a sense of romance into her war story, I understand that this book was written as a tribute to a cousin that died during the war. Overall I enjoyed this story and can attest to the fact that her books stand the test of time. However, for me, her writing strength still remains the picaresque and vivid descriptions she paints of the American landscape.

Found you!! And starred of course.

Hi Judy. Good review of One of Ours. So far I've read My Antonia and Death Comes for the Archbishop. Next for me will be O Pioneers! because I already own a copy of it. For some reason, I'm not overly drawn to One of Ours even though she won the Pulitzer Prize for it. I remember in my Hemingway class of several years ago, the teacher mentioning that Hemingway criticized Cather for this book on the assumption that a woman couldn't possibly know what it was like to go to war.

Judy> Hopefully I'll managed to read One of Ours in the future. I picked another Cather for the American Authors Challenge.

Hi Judy! Good review of One of Ours. I like the fact that she tries different things. I have so many of hers to get to.

Judy, your review of "Living Dead Girl" was compelling. It sounds like a challenging book to read. The Cather, on the other hand, sounds lovely.

#96 - Welcome, Connie. :)

#97 - Hi Pat, I really liked One of Ours but I would have to say that My Antonia remains my favorite Cather so far. I had read that she was criticized for glorifying the war. I certainly wouldn't say that as a woman she couldn't write about war, I understand that she visited some of the WW I sites and did her research, the parts of the book that dealt with the war, I found realistic and well-written.

#98 - Lori, I was surprised at the amount of choice there is when it comes to Cather's body of work. She was quite prolific and what's more her work seems valid today, and since One of Ours was written in the early 1920's that's saying something.

#99 - Mark, you picked a good one as the lead-off to your American Author Challenge. She seems to have universal appeal.

#100 - Hi Julia, thank heavens Living Dead Girl was a very short story, I don't think I would have been able to immerse myself in that story for much longer than the few hours it took to read it. And yes, One of Ours on the other hand was a joy to get lost in.

95: Judy, that is a great review of One of Ours. I am reading it at a snail's pace. Claude has just enlisted. I'm ready for him to quit whining and get a backbone! It's Cather's exquisite writing that is carrying the book so far.

Judy - I love your reading so far. I finished Shards of Honor and will read Barrayar next month. I've committed to Cordelia's Honor and Young Miles for my personal 2014 Challenge category. I may read more but I'll consider my that portion of my challenge complete.

I've joined the Bingo too. There are so many great group reads and challenges this year!

I consider myself a fairly quick reader, but I turned on the computer around 10:00 am this morning and I just now finished catching up on the threads over at the Category Challenge (it's now 1:50 pm here). I am about to start on the 75ers threads. I think my biggest obstacle to my reading books this year, is my reading of threads!

Of course, I could try coming to LT less often, but as I have said before, I am noisy and like to know what's going on!

#102 - Donna, I have now read only 2 of Cather's books, but consider myself a fan. I had known about her western trilogy for eons, but now I have been surprised to learn of the diversity of her subject matter. It's nice to know that I can draw on her body of work for some time to come before running out.

#103 - Roberta, I have a science-fiction category in my challenge, but I didn't just want to read the Vorkosigan series, so I am going to alternate reading Lois McMaster Bujold with other sci-fi authors every month, so I will be reading six of the Vorkosigan books this year.

And you are so right that there are some great group reads and challenges this year!

Good luck on your added BINGO challenge, Judy. I copied both cards too but for me it's an unofficial challenge and completely off the books cause I've got so many other challenges going. It will be fun to see if what I read fits a block now and then.

as I have said before, I am noisy and like to know what's going on!

Gee, Judy, I don't think of you as noisy at all. You are usually the quiet one unless you have something delightfully insightful to say. Unlike me, who can blather on about nearly anything. ;-)

#106 - Lynda, I am not going to knock myself out trying to complete the bingo cards, just take it as it comes. I am very indecisive in RL and all these various challenges actually help me chose what I am going to read next. It beats playing eenie-meenie-minie-mo!

#107 - Julia, I can be on the quiet side although I have times when I can't be shut up. I do howeve, dearly like to hover in the background and take everything in.

EDT: Doh!!! I just realized that I meant nosy (as in wanting to know what's going on) but typed noisy, so now I understand where you were coming from, Julia, and I thank you for the "insightful" comment!

I don't comment on every thread I read through ~ I'd be on the computer from the minute I awaken in the morning until I closed my eyes at night. Even just commenting occasionally takes a lot of time, but, like you, I'm nosy interested in what everyone's up to and can't seem to help myself. I do need to get off now and get to the two book which are due back to the library on Friday.

BTW, I've read only four Cather novels (My Antonia, The Professor's House, Death Comes for the Archbishop and Song of the Lark) and enjoyed them all, though I think My Antonia has got to be my favorite, mainly because I read it for a class and had to read it very carefully so I could analyze it for my thesis as opposed to gobbling it up like I normally do with books.

109 - Hi Mary, I think it will be hard to top My Antonia, that was one of those reads when all the ingredients came together so perfectly. I totally fell in love with that book.

7. The Food of Love by Anthony Capella - 3.3 ★
14 in 14 Category: 14 Days Paid Vacation - Global Reading
TIOLI #1: Title Contains Something Found In The Kitchen
YA Book Bingo: A Book With A Break-Up



The Food of Love by Anthony Capella is a light romance, a re-telling of the Cyrano de Bergerac story. It is also a tribute to Italian food and cooking. This is a book that is very difficult to read on an empty stomach as every other page concerns the cuisine of Rome. The plot is simple, waiter Tommaso wants to meet and bed the lovely American art student, Laura, who in turn has been disillusioned by Italian men and been advised to look for a chef, the idea being a man who slices, dices, braises and roasts is more apt to be a sensitive, sharing partner. Tommaso has a friend, Bruno, who is a chef, and thus begins the deception. Laura thinks all this wonderful food coming from the kitchen is the work of Tommaso, Bruno falls hopelessly in love with Laura and inspired by his love produces masterpiece after masterpiece, and Tommaso eventually tires of both the deception and of staying faithful to one girl. With a few other plot twists thrown in, The Food of Love was a enjoyable read that made my mouth water for an Italian meal.

I thought that was a delightful little book.

Everyone's talking about Italian food (well, you and Paul)! Cut it out - you're making me so hungry!

That does look like a fun read, though...

#112 - Hi Connie, I was really in the mood for a light read and The Food of Love fit perfectly. I have also read 2 other books by this author and really liked The Wedding Officer, but The Various Flavors of Coffee didn't work for me at all.

#113 - Amber, I'm going grocery shopping today and it's no accident that tortellini are on my list! BTW, Charlie's soup was a big hit last night, delicious.

8. The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout - 3.4 ★
14 in 14 Category: Agatha & Friends - Classic Crime
January MysteryCats: Detectives
January GeoCat: Canada & The U.S.A.
TIOLI #12: Lead Investigator is a Detective
Book Bingo: A Book With a Mystery



Once again I had an enjoyable visit with Nero Wolfe, Archie Goodwin and all the characters that make up these wonderful detective stories. The League of Frightened Men will probably not go down as one of my favorites of the series, but any book that had Archie Goodwin as a main character, a roadster as a means of transportation, and calls a gun a “gat” is alright by me.

This second book of the series was more of a psychological study of a group of men who are bound together by an tragedy that happened during a hazing incident at university. Now one by one this group of men are dying and all are receiving anonymous notes that they are sure come from the hazing victim. The story was a little too drawn out and slow moving for me, however I enjoyed the amusing banter between Wolfe and Archie, although I felt at times that Archie was being a little thick and should have realized that a genius like Nero Wolfe would be two steps ahead of everyone else. I will definitely be continuing on with this series.

Yayyy Judy! Found you! Starred you! I'm going to do Death Comes for the Archbishop as my January Cather - but I have One of Ours on my shelves. She is almost unknown here in Australia - I have never seen her books in a bookshop and certainly not studied at school. Such a pity because I think the appeal of her novels is universal. Thank you LT for introducing me to her! I just love how much the scope of my reading has widened since I joined this amazing group.

*waves*

Hey, Judy, I can't recall off-hand -- do you do e-books? Just FYI, I spotted one on sale for $1.99 in various formats that I think might be right up your alley. I found the premise of the puzzle one of the more original ones I've seen in my mystery reading, and gave it 4 stars when I read it. It's John Verdon's Think of a Number. Not a perfect book, but the mystery really grabbed me so much that I still consider it a memorable read 2 years later. I made some more remarks about it on my thread, and my review of it is posted.

I finally found your thread! I'm sorry I didn't find it sooner, but now I have it starred and will be following.

As my husband takes Thursdays off, we spent a busy morning running errands. I also finally watched the made for TV movie of Still Life based on the Louise Penny book. I quite liked it and although there were some bits left out of the film, the story was much as I remember it from the book.

#116 - Hi Prue, a lot of people are reading Death Comes for the Archbishop this month, and I see it's getting a lot of very good reviews. Most people have been very pleased with their Willa Cather selections, she seems to be an author that appeals to many of us. My reading has certainly broadened since joining LT as well. I never have to wonder where my next read is going to come from, instead I wonder how I am ever going to fit it all in!

#117 - Waves back to Roberta. :)

#118 - Hi Terri, yes, I have three different e-readers and a very itchy finger, expecially when it comes to book bargains. Think of a Number looks interesting and I have downloaded it to my Kindle. Thanks for letting me know about it.

#119 - Hi Abby, glad to see you here, draw up a chair and make yourself comfortable.

Hi Judy - Your bingo has really caught on! Another great review of One of Ours. I'm going to have to check that one out. It's a Cather I've never heard about before.

#122 - Hi Beth, One of Ours won the 1923 Pulitzer Prize and is a Willa Cather book that certainly deserves to be better known.

Hi Judy, just cruising through, trying to stay caught up!

Judy, Living Dead Girl sounds very disturbing. Your review is great. I admire you. I can't read that kind of book. I agree with you, it really doesn't sound like a YA book, but, increasing YA books cover some very difficult subjects.

#123 - Hi Katie, trying to stay caught up is a full time job right now!

#124 - Lynda, someone did point out to me on my other thread that in many cases adults find books like that more difficult to read than teens. Teens often have a attitude of "this can never happen to me", whereas adults know this can and does happen. I don't know if I am explaining it very well, but young people often act as if they are invincible - which is exactly what scares parents so much!

9. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston - 2.8 ★
14 in 14 Category: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue - Historical Fiction
TIOLI #20: Author's First Name is Elizabeth
YA Reading Bingo: Book is Set in the Past



The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston is the second book in her historical romance series that is based on the Darcy’s, a well known name from Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice. I can assure you however, that these books will not bring Jane Austin to mind as, other than character names, they are quite different. Unfortunately instead of the charm that I found in the first book of the series, I found this story to be quite tedious.

The story jumps all over Europe as Alethea escapes her pervert of a husband, She and her maid disguise themselves as young men and flee to the continent to find sanctuary with one of her sisters. Along the way they fall into the company of Titus Manningtree, who sees through her disguise and also deduces exactly who she is. Impressed by Alethea’s courage and pluck he watches out for her and eventually ensures she returns safely to England without a scandal breaking out. Eventually, her wicked husband is removed from the picture and these two are then free to declare their love for each other.

I have a soft spot for good historical romance, but this book was over-written, over plotted and just plain unbelievable. I will not be continuing with the series as all this mediocre read did for me was make me wish that I had plucked a Georgette Heyer novel from the shelf instead.

Sorry the Darcy book didn't turn out well. I'm always leery of derivative fiction because it's usually hard to successfully bring it off, and it is especially disappointing when the original is well-loved.

Willa Cather's One of Ours is one that I shall be looking out for certainly Judy. Just my thing I reckon and having enjoyed most of My Antonia this month I think I could handle some more of her.

As you probably remember historical fiction is another of my likes but I am glad you read Alethea Darcy before me as I am now sufficiently warned to go nowhere near it.

Have a lovely weekend, Judy

>114 DeltaQueen50:: I'm so glad that the soup was a hit - it certainly was in our house!

>125 DeltaQueen50:: That's a great point about teens being tougher-skinned readers - I've seen the progression happen in myself, in that I can't read as darkly as I used to.

All caught up here, Judy, and I had fun doing it! Wishing for you a weekend full of fabulous!

I too am nosy, Judy, and want to know what is going on but I only have a limited amount of time to do it so I quickly get behind on all the posts. Following every thread that I am interested in takes quite a while. I enjoyed your reviews on the Rex Stout books. It has been years since I read one of those mysteries and I remember how much I liked Archie Goodwin's voice. I will have to hunt for a Rex Stout mystery at my local library.

Once again I find myself behind here as I haven't had much free time this weekend.

#127 - Hi Mary, yes, I am usually very much against that type of fiction, but I did enjoy the first book in this series. Unfortunately I didn't find that this second book lived up to the promise of the first. I do think I have learned my lesson though and will leave the Jane Austen fan-fiction books alone from now on.

#128 - Paul, I think you would very much enjoy One of Ours. And yes, definitely give a pass to Miss Alethea Darcy, she really not worth wasting any time on.

#129 - Amber, that soup will be going into regular rotation at our house. My husband and I both loved it. I don't mind dark fiction, but I do think it has the ability to get under my skin much more now than when I was younger.

#130 - Hi Mamie, hoping the same for you! :)

#131 - Hi Familyhistorian, I have gotten behind again and will spend most of this coming week trying to catch up. I elected to do some reading this weekend and stay off the computer. Rex Stout is a fairly new author for me, but I really enjoy the books especially the setting and will be reading on in the series. Archie Goodwin is now a leading contender for one of the fictional characters I would like to invite for dinner.

10. Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came To America by Ruth Gruber - 4.2 ★
Category: 14 Newsworthy Facts - Non-Fiction Books
January GeoCat: Canada & the U.S. - Focus on Immigration
Reading Through Time Monthly Theme: New Beginnings
Book Bingo: A Book of Non-fiction



In June of 1944, President Roosevelt announced that 1,000 refugees were going to be brought into the United States for asylum totally disregarding the current quotas. The matter was placed into the hands of Harold L. Ickes, the Secretary of the Interior who in turn decided to send Ruth Gruber to oversee the project.

Thus begins Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came to America as Ruth Gruber tells the compelling story of this journey to rescue these Europeans who originally came from 18 different countries and bring them to safety in the United States. Ruth herself accompanied them every step of the way, from Italy to a camp in Oswego, New York. This trip was made under extremely dangerous conditions as the war was still very much underway. Ruth tells some of the refugees’ memorable stores here in this book, and these stories paint in riveting detail the suffering and persecution that these people suffered under Nazi control.

Once safety in the United States had been achieved, there was a secondary battle, one to allow these refugees to stay as immigrants and again Ruth guided these people through every step that needed to be taken. As one can see, at the heart of this book is Ruth. Her caring and respect for these downtrodden people shines on every page and she gives full meaning to the word humanitarian. I found this to be a very interesting story and, as in the words of poet Emma Lazarus, one more way that America said, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.“

Judy, I keep posting on your challenge thread before I get to your "regular" thread, so I won't repeat myself here but I hope you had a good weekend. If you do invite Archie to dinner, can I come, too? I'll behave, I promise. :-)

Hi Judy - just doing a drive-by :)

Where is this month going? I can't believe that it's the 20th already. I did have a nice surprise at the door this morning, a couple of packages from Awesome Books. I have been listing my book purchases near the top of my thread this year, but I am starting to think it is better not to know how many books I am purchasing. I am up to 16 books YTD and I happen to know there are still a few more on their way to me. Must read faster!

#134 - Julia, I find myself often wondering if I have double posted on someones Category Challenge thread and their 75 thread, or even worse, I think I have posted on their other thread and have ended up missing both threads! Wherever you post, you are always welcome and, of course, you can join Archie and I for dinner and, I have also decided to invite Walt Longmire (from Craig Johnson's series), just to keep the numbers even.

#135 - Welcome, Katie. I'm doing a fair number of drive-bys today as well. ;)

Wonderful! You've reminded me that I want to check out the Longmire series, as I know you are quite fond of them and our book tastes are so similar.

#136 One of my new year resolution this year was to read more books from my shelves than I purchase AND to purchase books online, only if I don't find them easily in the bookshops I generally visit (which has two advantages, supporting the bookshops and curtailment of binge online purchases).

#137 - Julia, I highly recommend the Longmire series. Good writing, excellent characters and the author has the ability to place the reader right in the setting.

#137 - Piyush, I do feel guilty for not supporting the local bookshops more than I do, but it's difficult when a book is priced at $20.00 in the store and I can get it on-line for $10.00 or less. And of course the instant gratification of an electronic reader is very easy to get used to!

11. The Tall Men by Will Henry - 4.0 ★
Category: Fourteen Hands - American West
January GeoCat: Canada & America
TIOLI #11: Title Has 2 of Something
Book Bingo: A Book That Has Been Made Into a Movie



The Tall Men by Will Henry is a true American western, dealing with cattle drives, Indians, and the hard men that live their lives under an wide sky and open prairie. Put these tall men together and add one female, the only survivor of a wagon train, and you have the recipe for mounting jealousy and tension.

After the Civil War Ben Allison and his brother Clint returned to Texas to find cattlemen were not needed. The market for beef had dropped so low that there was no money to be made shipping cattle to the eastern markets. With their livelihood all but gone they took to drifting and became outlaws. They were about to rob wealthy Montanan, Nathan Stark when he gave them an offer they couldn’t refuse. He had the money to buy cattle in Texas, they had the expertise to drive that cattle north to the mining camps of Montana where there was a guaranteed market. Ben jumped at this chance to go straight and get back into the business he loved. Thus begins the adventure and the fact that their route took them into the heart of the angry Sioux nation meant that confrontation was inevitable.

Author Will Henry was a master at his chosen genre and The Tall Men is a page-turner of adventure. And whether these men are battling a Texas blue northern on the plains, or the Sioux at a river crossing, the reader is guaranteed a fun and lively read.

Great review of One of Ours, Judy. I'm going to have to add that to my Cather list. I read Song of the Lark and was very impressed with the writing. I can't think why I never read her works before. Now I've got the other 2 in the prairie trilogy to read and with your recommendation, I'll just set up a separate Cather list for myself.

You had me with the mention of Italian food. I'm adding The Food of Love to my obese wish list for days when I want something light and food related.

I'm intrigued by your review of the WWII refugee immigrants, and I think I simply must add that to my obese wish list.

You've started the year with some really good reads there, Judy. I'm not a fan of P&P spinoffs, so I'm going to just ignore Ms Darcy's exploits.

#14 - Hi Caro, I have had some pretty good reads so far this year, and it looks like I have managed to spray a few book bullets your way! I too, plan on reading more Willa Cather, starting with the two in her Prairie Trilogy that I haven't read yet. By choosing her for the American Author Challenge, Mark has done us all a favor!

I liked your review of The Tall Men Judy and was surprised it's the only one for the book. Luckily my library has it so as soon as a position on my hold list opens up I'm going to give it a try.

>142 DeltaQueen50: de-lurking to say that I have had a good run with good books lately as well. There must be something in the weather...

Nice review of The Tall Men, Judy. I ducked, but the bb was too fast and caught me. I never thought I'd like Westerns until I read Lonesome Dove, which changed my mind completely, at least for well-written intelligent Westerns.

>142 DeltaQueen50:, 144 ~ Me too! Compared to last year, especially, I'm having a stellar year so far!

Judy, I see you are currently reading The Death of Sweet Mister. Not exactly an uplifting book but I guarantee the story will stay with you. Woodrell is a local author and can certainly tell a memorable story. I like a good western now and then. I think I will get my fix with Across the Wide Missouri my next book for the Missouri Readers' group. The Tall Men looks good and I will tuck that title onto the WL. I'm not sure I got the right touchstone. Interesting that Wm. Faulkner wrote a book by the same title. News to me!

It's only 9:30 am here and I am already back from the eye doctor's office where my eyes were measured for my new lens. I have a date for the first eye and it will be done on March 31st. The second eye will be done in May as they like to wait 4 to 6 weeks between eyes. I am anxious for the procedures to be done and over with. Got back from the eye doctor's to find another package of books on the doorstep. That's another 4 books to add to my shelves.

#143 - Hi Pat, I hope you enjoy The Tall Men, I found it to be a quick, fun read and I am looking forward to watching the movie made from it that stars Clark Gable and Jane Russell.

# 144 - Megan, welcome to my thread. Right now I am reading two excellent books that keep me bopping back and forth between them like a yo-yo. The Passage by Justin Cronin is a truly engrossing story while The Death of Sweet Mister is mesmerizing, Daniel Woodrell is a fantastic writer.

#145 - Mary, altough they actually cover the same subject matter (cattle drive from Texas to Montana), The Tall Men and Lonesome Dove are very different. As much as I enjoyed The Tall Men, it can't compare to the perfection that is Lonesome Dove as it is much more a generic western. That said, it was still a very good read.

#146 - Donna, I love Daniel Woodrell's writing. This is my second book by him and I think I would already list him among my favorite authors. He's described on the back of the book as a "backcountry Shakespeare" which I think fits perfectly.

I read The Death of Sweet Mister late last year and rated it pretty highly. It's definitely stayed with me...

Great news to have your eye surgeries scheduled, Judy. And good idea to stock up on books for your recovery. You can't be too careful! :-D

After my experience with Zane Gray, I'm not terribly inclined to read another Western for a long while.

#148 - Katie, I am just about to post my review of The Death of Sweet Mister, I gave it 5 stars even though it was such a bleak read.

#149 - Yes, it is great to finally have a date. I think I will be trying to read extra in February and March, just in case I have to rest my eyes in April and May

#150 - I can certainly understand that, Lori. I still have the unsavory memory of Riders of the Purple Sage lingering in my mind!

*waves*

12. The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell - 5.0 ★
Category: The Final Fourteen - Random Choice
January GeoCat: Canada & the U.S.A.
TIOLI #3: Book Has a Connection to the Number 14 (Number of Letters in Author's Name)



“Warning signs are flashing by but we pay no heed
Instead of slowing down the pace, we keep pickin’ up the
speed
Disaster’s getting closer every time we meet
Goin’ ninety miles an hour down a dead end street.”

Country music star, Hank Snow, had a hit with the song Ninety Miles an Hour Down A Dead End Street, and this very song kept playing in my head every time I picked up The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell. As the pages kept turning, I could see disaster coming and yet could not turn away.

This is a powerful book, written in a straight-forward take no prisoners style, with razor-edged dialogue that feels authentic and real. Set in the Missouri Ozarks, a place that seems to be a rule upon itself, the story is told by thirteen year old Shug Atkins who paints a grim picture of his life. He lives with his mother, Glenda and his so-called father, Red. Red spends most of his life either in jail or on his way to jail. He is a cruel, ignorant and brutal man. Glenda is a beautiful woman-child who gets through life by staying drunk. She calls Shug her Sweet Mister, and relies on him for most everything.

Without going into plot details, there are no rainbows on the horizon here. Made all the more emotional by it’s simplicity, The Death of Sweet Mister is a sad and merciless look at a life that seems destined for failure. Yet despite it’s bleakness, this was for me a stirring read that will long linger in my mind.

#152 - You must have posted while I was also posting, Abby. **Waves Back**.

Hmm looks like I need to add Sweet Mister to my list!

Judy my library only has the movie of the Tall Men and not the book. :(

I need to get to something by Daniel Woodrell. Donna's review of Tomato Red last year got me interested.

Another book bullet! Judy you are working overtime lately to expand my wishlist.

Ooohhh Judy, I will add The Death of Sweet Mister to my wishlist - great review! - and ponder whether I want to go to a bleak place!

I need to read some Daniel Woodrell at some point. Winter's Bone was made into such a good film three years ago or thereabouts.

Judy, you catch me with book bullets all the time ...

The Woodrell book sounds amazing - wishlisted!

Also, I have to say that the mention of Hank Snow brought a big smile to my face - he's possibly my dad's favorite musician and I grew up listening to his songs and loving them.

Hello, and happy friday!

Hi, Judy! Happy Friday!

I've been fighting a cold for the last couple of days but today it has seemed to grab hold of me. Spent most of the day sipping hot tea, wrapped in a blanket and watching TV. Couldn't concentrate enough to read. Of course I dozed enough that I probably won't be able to sleep tonight.

#155 - I think he is a great storyteller and writer, Susie.

#156 - So far, Roberta, I have read Winter's Bone and now, The Death of Sweet Mister, I think my next Daniel Woodrell may be Woe to Live On or perhaps Tomato Red.

#157 - Why thank you Mam. (Giving Julia a tip of the cowboy hat)

#158 - Hi Prue, from my experience his books are pretty bleak so best to make sure you are in the mood for a book like that before starting.

#159 - I thought they did an excellent job with the film of Winter's Bone, Suzanne. I think that was the first time I saw Jennifer Lawrence.

#160 - I aim to please, Diana!

#161 - Your Dad has good taste, Amber. Hank Snow was a transplanted Canadian and I also grew up hearing him.

#162 & 163 - Abby & Mary, if I could just shake this cold I would have had a much happier Friday! We were planning on going out tomorrow night for dinner and a movie, but if I don't get to feeling better it will probably be soup at home and Netflicks!

Oh, Judy! Sorry to hear about your cold. I feel like we can't just get all the way well at our house this winter - seems like as soon as we are all feeling just a bit better, then someone starts to get sick again. We need Spring, so that we can open the windows and clear out the germs!! I am crossing my fingers that you feel good enough for your dinner and a movie out tomorrow.

Hi Judy! Hope that you feel better soon.

Oh, Judy, I'm so sorry you are ill. I hope you soon are feeling well enough to be able to read at least--that's miserable!

Stopping by to get caught up after a few weeks pretty much off the LT grid and sorry to see that you have caught a cold, Judy. Lovely bunch of reading so far this year and duly noting the 5 star rating for The Death of Sweet Mister.

Spent another day lounging around trying to shake this cold. At least I got plenty of reading time in. We decided to stay home tonight and not spread my germs around. I've introduced my husband to the TV program "Justified" and we spent the evening watching it, must say that Timothy Oliphant is very soothing on the eyes!

#165 - Mamie, I am so ready for some nice spring weather and some outside time! I guess we have a couple more months of dreary weather to get through.

#166 - Thanks, Rachel, I will probably have to suffer through a couple more days. What is it they say about colds - 3 days coming, 3 days having and 3 days going. If that's right I am about half way through.

#167 - I felt up to reading today, Roni, and pretty much put away one of the two chunksters that I am reading right now.

#168 - Hi Lori, I know you have been busy at work and, if memory serves, suffering through a cold or two as well. Hope things are calming down for you and that you are feeling well.

Daniel Woodrell is a writer I very much want to get to Judy. RD recommended him to me last year and I do believe I'll fit something of his in this year.

Have a good weekend and I hope you shake that cold.

Ugh, sorry about the cold - I've been struggling with one, too, although I think (I hope!) it's on the way out now.

#170 - Paul, I'm sure you will enjoy Daniel Woodrell's books a lot. He is a wonderful writer and his sense of place is fantastic.

#171 - With everything that has been going around lately, Amber, I am glad it is only a cold that I picked up. My youngest daughter has been really ill with flu for the last week so I know it could have been a lot worse for me.

13. The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman - 4.2 ★
Category: N Is The Fourteenth Letter
TIOLI #11: Two of Something In the Title
Book Bingo: A Book With a Female Author



Impressive in scope, The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman tells the story of Penitence Hurd, a young Puritan woman, who arrives in England from Massachusetts in the year of 1664, just a scant few months before the outbreak of the massive plague that was to bring London to its knees. This is a huge, gratifying book that captures the flavor of Restoration England, and paints a particularly vivid picture of what London life was like during this time.

Arriving penniless, and searching for a unknown aunt, Penitence is horrified when her search leads her to a house of ill-repute. Destitute, she has no chose but to stay, although only in the capacity of kitchen drudge and seamstress for the prostitutes. Cursed with a stutter, Penitence struggles to find a different line of work and leave the whorehouse, but by now the plague has taken a firm hold of the slums of London and soon she finds herself under quarantine for forty days. Her attic room is across the way from rooms rented by an actor, Henry King, and he teaches her to correct her stutter by wearing a vizard mask that allows her to hide behind, The author based her main character on a little known actress and she gives her many adventures that allow her to be in the middle of most events that occurred in Restoration England. Her life story carries her from the depths of the slums to the throne room itself.

My only complaint with this book was it’s length. At over 700 pages, I found my attention wandering a bit in places and I think this story would have been helped by paring it down to about 600 pages. That said, The Vizard Mask was a richly detailed historical fiction read that delivered a very memorable story.

Glad to see you are joining me in reading chunksters this year, Judy. The Vizard Mask looks interesting.

Hi Judy- Sorry to hear, you've been feeling under the weather. Hope it's on it's way out. I loved Justified. The first few seasons were terrific. I've started recording the new season but haven't tried it yet.

#174 - Hi Lori, I haven't been reading a lot of true chunksters lately, but I am enjoying that feeling of being totally lost in a story for a number of days, and certainly won't shy away from big books in the future.

#175 - Mark, I love Justified and it looks like my hubby agrees with me. I am feeling a lot better this morning which is good as I have to go out and run some errands today.

14. The Passage by Justin Cronin - 4.6 ★
14 in 14 Category: 13th/14th Floor
January RandomCat: Janus Rules
TIOLI #7: Book Received As A Gift
Book Bingo: A Book That Scares You



The Passage by Justin Cronin is a monumental piece of fiction that is one of the few books I can say really scared me. Starting with a virtual 250 page introduction that shows us the terrifying possibility of medical experimentation that has gone wrong. Twelve men taken from death row have been used to create vampire-like beings that are killing machines with a blood lust and are practically immortal. A security breach unleashes this horrendous medically altered group who bring with them nights of carnage and violence. Within weeks, the world has been forever altered and all that remains are scattered survivors with a future dictated by fear.

Along with these twelve, there was one more, six year old Amy, an abandoned child who is brought to the mountain laboratory and used to incubate the latest version of the virus. Amy does change but not into a monster. Amy becomes something else, perhaps the last hope for mankind.

After the apocalypse, the story picks up again almost 100 years later. Amy has only aged to be a young teen and she stumbles into an enclave and before too long, a group has banded together to embark on a quest to find the secret behind Amy. There is a lot happening in this book, but the one constant is Amy, and while all the characters have unique voices and storylines, one quickly learns not to get too attached as death is a constant companion.

I found The Passage to be an intricate but always exciting and compelling read. The author’s writing has elevated this far beyond that of a simple dystopian story. He writes in an evocative, beautifully constructed style giving the reader both a suspenseful adventure and an epic chronicle of human endurance in the face of insurmountable odds. My quibbles are few. Firstly this book was exceeding long and, I accept that as there is a lot of story to tell, but my problem was that there was no resolution! There is no end, no wrapping up, no closing the book and feeling the story is complete. It just stops. I know this is the first volume in a trilogy, but I would have liked a little closure instead of being left totally in limbo.

That's a first for me, I have finished my planned January reads and had to scramble around to find a book to read as I don't want to start February's books too soon. I found one to fit a TIOLI challenge that I hadn't done yet, and it isn't too long so should be perfect.

I loved De oversteek! I'm glad you did too.

#179 - Thanks, Connie. Of course, now I have to order a copy of the next volume!

Another first for me, my first abandoned book for the year. I just couldn't get into Corridors of Death by Ruth Dudley Edwards and have decided to abandon it.

Hi Judy. I'm impressed that you completed all your planned reads for January. I'm not sure I've ever done that. Of course, it's one reason I tend to fly low with the "planning."

I hope you are doing well and that January has been a good month for you!

You get The Kicked to the Curb plaque! Whoop!

Congratulations on abandoning a book! I know it is hard to do, but life is too short and the TBR mountain too daunting.

The Vizard Mask sounds intriguing but I'm not quit up for a chunkster at the moment. Perhaps later.

I am ready to jump into February with two feet! The TILOI Challenges are awesome this month and I already got 16 planned reads set. It's a short month so I am going to have to become a reading machine to get throught all 16!

#182 - Ellen, I did have a very good reading month in January. It's
great to start the year off well, now I just have to keep it up!

#183 - Wow, an award! If I knew I was going to get that I would have abandoned a book sooner. I would like to thank Ruth Dudley Edwards for boring me enough that I was forced to toss her book aside.

#184 - Lori, with 14 Categories to fill this year, and all the planning that is going into filling them, I certainly understand how difficult it is to bookhorn anything extra in, especially a chunkster!

Maybe we should all have two goals for the year: read 75 books and abandon at least one book. It could be good exercise.

Delurking and getting back into the rhythm of threads again this year (seemed to have lost it all last year). First, so many books added to my 75er recommendation list! Thanks, I think!

I am also involved in several types of reading: 1001 Must Read; my personal version of a 14 by 14 challenge (which, incidentally, does total a full year's read with no problem!); presidential biographies (dropped out of the group, but continuing the process); BINGO, and so on. I did add a "monster book" category to the 14, for anything that I actually finish that's more than 600 pages long.

I love Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe series, and since a "14" category is Mysteries: Next-In-Series," you know I have one listed there.

As for westerns, I've got half a category for Westerns (the other half is Romances) which includes Gene Hackman's western, just to see what that was all about, as well as The Virginian by Owen Wister. Didn't care for the series, liked the movie, and it's been recommended. I love The Ox-Bow Incident by Clark and Shane by Schaefer, and I read one of Will Henry's a couple of years back and enjoyed it.

Finally, I love Alexander's Bridge by Willa Cather. It was one of her first published works and she tried to ignore it afterwards, but as a fan of her works (and I have one on my "14" list), I really enjoyed this one.

Waiting for word on grandchild number one--today or tomorrow is the promise--so I may be lurking in future time, but will be back.

Hi, Judy ~ Hope you're feeling better! The Vizard Mask looks really good! I'm not up for a doorstopper just now, but it's going on the WL for future enjoyment. I was not a huge fan of The Passage, but I think some of my disillusion was because I listened to it, read by Scott Brick *gag*, who read it with a nasally breathlessness that made performing even a common errand like shopping for bread and milk sound like an international spy infiltrating the enemy camp.

Went out and got the groceries, and it seems every week the price of food is going up! Then because I was lazy I just picked up Macdonald's for lunch and I am now paying the price. Feeling logy and stuffed. Why oh why do I eat that crap!

#186 - I like the way you are thinking, Ellen, those are very attainable goals for me. I've already abandoned one book and I should reach 150 books or so by year's end. I saw on someone's thread that you are home today nursing a cold, and I am sending healing vibes as I know you have an important place to be this weekend.

#187 - Hi Laurie, it great to meet someone who is obsessed with challenges as much as I am! Have you checked out the TIOLI Challenges, the February ones are up now here: TIOLI February They are a lot of fun and for me a big help in choosing books from my own shelf. And how exciting, a grandchild is always something special, but your first - you must be over the moon!

#188 - Mary, I haven't done a lot of audios as I find if I am not careful, they can put me to sleep very easily, but the few that have worked, were excellent. I watch very closely for reader recommendations, so now I know to avoid Scott Brick like the plague!

Thanks! Actually, my daughter is due in early March, so it's a two-fer year all around--and cold weather for both! My son lives in Wausau, Wisconsin, and my daughter lives in Red Hook, Brooklyn, New York. I'm busy adding baby stuff to the "usual suspects" of hats and scarves which are gifts. *groan* looking at another challenge? But I like your take--it may help fill out another list!

Well, a lot of people like Brick as a reader too, so I guess it's a matter of personal taste (as with most things). I didn't find out he had also done the audio of The Omnivore's Dilemma until I'd already gotten it, and now it's just sitting there because I really don't want to hear his voice. Maybe after a time I'll be able to listen to it without wanting to gag. :)

#190 - Two grandchildren on the way is all the better! :)

#191 - I guess just like in reading, listening can also be such a personal thing with some voices resonating with us and others turning us off. My favorite audio so far was the Keith Richards bio, Life and Irvine Welsh's Trainspotting. Both just sounded so authentic and right for the words. I am looking forward to hearing Neil Gaiman read, I've heard he is excellent, but I did listen to one by Bill Bryson and I couldn't stand it, his voice just didn't sound the way I pictured it. Maybe if you give it enough time, you will be able to stomach Scott Brick again.

>189 DeltaQueen50:: "I am sending healing vibes as I know you have an important place to be this weekend."
Thank you, Judy. I do NOT want to miss that event!

Judy - I am SO far behind. And I just added two tomes to my list The Vizard Mask and The Passage -- both sound like something I will read at some point. You finished all of your January planned reads? Superwoman!

Had a quick visit to the library this morning to pick up a few books, and i am hoping to spend some quality reading time this afternoon. As usual I have overbooked myself for next month and I hoping to get a jump on the month over the next couple of days.

#193 - Hope you are feeling better today, Ellen.

#194 - Having pretty much shaken off my cold, I am feeling a little like Superwoman today, Beth.

I'm glad you are feeling better, Judy!

Nice to see back in the full bloom of health again Judy.

Thanks, Connie and Paul. Today is a good one with blue skies and sunshine (which we haven't seen for awhile). After lunch I am meeting my daughter and we are going for a walk down at the Boundary Bay park which is down by the beach. On a clear day we get a great view of the surrounding mountains.

15. Hart of Empire by Saul David - 3.1 ★
Category: 1492 Columbia Sailed the Ocean Blue
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme: 19th Century
TIOLI #14: A Book Whose Cover is Dominated by the Color Red
Book Bingo: A Book From the Bottom of Your TBR Pile



Hart of Empire by Saul David is the sequel to Zulu Hart and I would class these books as historical adventures, very much in line with authors like Simon Scarrow and John Wilcox. In this book George Hart is asked by Prime Minister Disraeli to undertake a secret mission in Afghanistan. As George Hart is half Zulu his dark skin will allow him to disguise himself and travel undercover. His mission is to steal the religious icon that is the Prophet’s Cloak in order to prevent it from falling into the hands of religious extremists.

Of course his travels includes a trusty, eagle-eyed Pathan guide and a beautiful but dangerous princess, who has an agenda of her own. They embark on a series of adventures as they race against time to prevent a tribal uprising while protecting British interests. As this book is written in 2010, the author has many extra insights into the problems facing any country that tries to involve itself into the intricate political and religious factions of Afghanistan.

The author, Saul David is an historian whose focus is on wars of the Victorian Era and so he knows the background and the period details of what he is writing about. He is also well able to write action scenes and puts plenty of them in his books. Unfortunately, his characters are fairly one dimensional, but if you are in the mood for an adventure yarn his books make for a fun read.

I'm a little behind here, but wanted to say that The Passage sounds amazing - wishlisted!

Hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Hi Amber, I am having a quiet weekend. Went for a nice walk yesterday and today I am sticking close to home. Tomorrow will be a chore as husband and I will be doing the year end books for his business, but I know I will feel great once they are done.

I'm adding The Food of Love to Mount TBR. I know it goes back aways but I've just gotten to your thread.

I just came in from clearing the snow off my car for roughly the 3,734th time this winter. Good luck with doing the books tomorrow; that sounds alarmingly as if it will involve math.

Happy Sunday, Judy! I am so impressed that you made it through all of your planned January reads with days to spare! Bravo! And looks like you are more than ready to meet February - I am still putting my list together. Probably will try to get my February thread up either today or tomorrow - I am guessing tomorrow because today is looking pretty full with Abby's birthday and the Super Bowl! Good luck with working on those books - um...not the kind that you love, the other kind!

#202 - Morphy, The Food of Love was a fun read and I hope you enjoy it.

#203 - You have my sympathy in regards to the snow clearing, Julia. I guess this isn't the best time to tell you that other than one day, we haven't had any snow this year (yet). Yes, unfortunately my afternoon is going to involve math, my least favorite subject. :(

#204 - Hi Mamie and happy Super Bowl Day. This isn't a big event at my house but my son-in-law is busy cooking up a big bowl of chili and putting together snacks for he and his friends while they watch the game at his house later. Daughter was quite happy that she was working today as she is NOT into football.

Boo that Out Stealing Horses wasn't a Daily Deal in Canada! :-(

Enjoy your wrap up of Sunday Judy.

Hi Judy! I am now all caught up here. I'm so glad you liked the Woodrell as much (more!) than I did. I am looking forward to reading more of his stuff. I have had The Twelve on my shelves since it came out but haven't found the motivation to actually give it a go. Your review has helped in that regard, so thanks!

Hello Judy, just passing by as I catch myself up on the threads. For us the Superbowl was very disappointing, but the commercials were funny.

#206 - I know, Roberta! I heard it was on the Daily Deal and rushed over there but, no deal for us Canadians. :( Out Stealing Horses is on my wishlist however and I will eventually get it.

#207 - Glad you're all caught up Katie. I have a book crush on Daniel Woodrell and can't wait to read something else by him and, The Twelve is another book from my wishlist that is now calling out rather loudly to me.

#208 - Sorry that you and the clan had such a disappointing Super Bowl, and on your birthday as well! Glad to see you are on-line and posting so the rumors of your early demise were greatly exaggerated!

16. The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes - 2.8 ★
14 in 14 Category: Newsworthy Facts
Biography Group Read
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme: 19th Century
TIOLI #8: Book's Average Rating is Close to Mine
Book Bingo: A Book With a Blue Cover



I really struggled through The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton by Kathryn Hughes. That the author was hamstrung by the simple fact that there just isn’t a lot of information available about this woman, who was dead by the age of 28, is obvious. I felt she relied too much on supposition. Phrases like “She might have…”, “she would have …” or “It’s possible that she…” were overused to stretch the scant information that was available. The beginning parts of the book was supplemented with information on the history of the family. Reading about the great-grandparents, the grandparents, the parents and all the brothers and sisters caused my eyes to glaze over.

I was about to pearl-rule this book, when I suddenly found myself reading an interlude that would describe the Victorian world in colourful detail, facts on Victorian habits, fashions, the food they ate and the social niceties of the day which I found both interesting and enlightening and much less tedious than the actual history of the Beeton family.

Overall, a slow, boring story with tidbits of interesting facts scattered throughout.

Hi Judy -- looks like a gorgeous spot to go walking...

You know that there are a number of other excellent books by Diana Norman waiting for you to hunt them down & read them?? I find them interesting, because they're rarely if ever about kings and queens, and more about ordinary people in the times she is writing about. I especially liked her short series revolving around a young woman who goes through the years from the American to the French revolutions -- A Catch of Consequence is the first book. I may re-read the trilogy this year, now that I think about it!

Also, the Justin Cronin book has already been followed by its sequel, The Twelve, which has some surprises in store... I developed a bit of an aversion to the new age biblical kind of message -- Amy as a quasi messiah and the 12 convicts as a kind of anti-disciple group -- by the time I had finished book #2, although I thought the new directions in which it went were v. interesting. I, too, was frustrated by the abrupt ending of book 1. There were about two years between those two books, so I'll be curiously watching to see when book 3 is due -- I've not seen/heard anything, so probably the earliest would be late this year.

Suzanne, I think on your previous recommendation I have A Catch of Consequence and the other two books in that trilogy on my shelves. I also have another one of hers called Blood Royal on my Kindle. I love how she writes and I am looking forward to each of these books. I find really good historical fiction is very hard to find these days and I often fall back on some of the older writers like Anya Seton.

Oh, you are stirring me up even more to get to The Twelve. It would be nice to know when the third and final volume is coming out.

Judy and Suzanne, according to FictFact the third book in the Justin Cronin series is The City of Mirrors and the release date is "2014" — so sometime this year at least!

Hi Judy- Just checking in from the winter wasteland. Hope you had a fine weekend. I am so glad you loved the Passage. I did not like the Twelve but since several other 75ers did, maybe it was just me. It might even keep me from continuing...

That looks like a lovely place to walk, Judy. I'm so glad you are feeling better at last.

Some great reviews and reading - as always! Glad you are feeling better, Judy..

I think I'll just skip that one you nearly Pearl-ruled.

Hi Judy, I love the picture of the walking path along the water's edge. If I remember correctly, you've posted some other pictures of places you love to walk and they were all beautiful.

Finally, finally stopping by to say happy 2014, Judy! I'm also loving hte Vorkosigan group read this year and hope to get to One of Ours and The Passage later this year. Great reviews!

Good morning everyone. I popped out to the library this morning and Brrr - our weather has turned really cold but also brilliantly sunny. I heard a meow coming from behind the car and got all excited thinking that maybe a little kitty had come looking for a home like what happened to both Terri and Mamie, but no, it was just the neighbour's Siamese letting me know it didn't appreciate the cold weather or me disturbing it from it's sunny spot.

#213 - Thanks, Julia. I can now continue on with The Twelve and if I really like it, than Nbr. 3 will be available soon.

#214 - Hi Mark, my weekend was not nearly as exciting as yours! What a great opportunity you had to meet so many LTers. I did love The Passage but you have me a little concerned about The Twelve as we don't often disagree on books. I guess I will just have to give it a try and see how it goes.

#215 - Thanks, Roni. As you know, living close to the ocean has the benefit of beaches to walk on and parks to visit. :)

#216 - Hi Prue, I am back to normal and feeling very thankful that I was able to shake it off so quickly. My husband is taking all the credit as he was shoving Vitamin C and some other stuff down my throat everytime I turned around. He is into vitamins and all sorts of elixirs that he reads about in health magazines, I'm his guinea pig!

#217 - Lori, frankly, I was bored to death of most of that book! Some people did like it though for the detailed information that it doled out about life in the Victorian era.

#218 - Pat, where I live is the delta of the Fraser River, and being so low, there are a lot of dikes surrounding us. Most of the dikes are accessible as walking trails plus we have a good amount of parks and beaches as well.

#219 - Welcome, Heather. One of Ours is a memorable book and I am looking forward to reading more from this author, and of course, The Passage was a fun, scary read.

17. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie - 4.0 ★
14 in 14 Category: British Fortnight
February MysteryCat: Series
TIOLI #8: Book's Average Rating is Close to Mine



Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie is the 4th book in her Inspector Duncan Kincaid/ Sergeant Gemma James series. They are sent to a small village in Surrey to investigate the murder of a fellow policeman. Division Commander Alastair Gilbert has been struck down in his kitchen and at first look, this murder seems that it could be linked to a series of burglaries that have occurred in the village. Of course, Kincaid and James dig deeper and unearth a long list of suspects that could have had a hand in this unpleasant man’s death.

Where the actual case is pretty straight forward, and the final solution was fairly easy to work out, the real excitement for someone who is following this series is the on-going relationship between Kincaid and James. For every step these two take toward getting closer, they seem to take two steps back. In this episode, Duncan is ready to move forward with their romance but Gemma is trying to put their personal feelings aside as she is very nervous about the effect a romance will have on their professional lives.

Well written characters and realistic dialogue make these interestingly plotted mysteries fun to read and I am looking forward to continuing watching these two lead characters dance around each other.

Hi, Judy ~ Just touching base!

#222 - Big wave to Mary.

I am torn between making cupcakes this afternoon (tempted by Amber's thread) since my granddaughter is coming for dinner later or just curling up in a chair and reading. I think I must force myself to the kitchen and do a little baking.

I usually try to do both and end up with burned food but a lot of pages read. :)

Goodness Judy, I'm sooooo very sorry it's taken me this long to make my way here! I've decided this year I want to spend more time with this wonderful bunch of people because I really missed the interaction with the 75ers last year, but as I'm not spending the best part of my days on the computer usually, as I used to do, I've noticed I've missed quite a lot of threads of people I like to follow. Anyway, better late than never?

I'll take time to look over all I've missed. Glad I made it before you started threat #2! :-)

Somehow, years ago, I managed to read numbers 1-3 and 5-10 in the Deborah Crombie books. I need to see if I've got the Mourn Not Your Dead book around here anywhere and read that one before I read #11.

Very weird. I can't remember why I stopped reading Crombie but yours is a good reminder of why I liked her books.

Judy, I've had The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs Beeton on the shelf for ages but I've never quite got around to it. I probably will give it a go at some stage as I have seen good things about it elsewhere. I'm another one who likes the look of your walking route as well. In my opinion there's nowhere quite as pleasant to walk as beside the sea.

All caught up here, Judy. I got excited when you mentioning the mysterious meowing - keep your ears open, I am convinced that there will be a third kitty!! Nice review of the Crombie book - you are reminding me that I need to get back to that series - I am ready for book 6, I believe.

So, did you make the cupcakes?

I'm with Mamie - did you make the cupcakes? What kind?

#224 - Me too, Mary. I used to do a lot of baking but I don't seem to have the patience anymore for anything fussy or time-consuming.

#225 - Hi Ilana, I confess to doing a fair bit of lurking this year, I am glad that you planning on spending more time with LT this year, but I do know how hard it is to find that perfect balance between the cyber world and the real world.

#226 - I think Lisa (Jonesli) got me started on the Deborah Crombie series, I like the mix between police procedural and the story of how this relationship is developing. I find I often misplace a series when I have set them aside for awhile and then forget to get back to them.

#227 - Rhian, you may very well have a greater appreciation of 'Mrs. Beeton' than I. The author really worked hard to supply the reader with many pieces of information about the Victorian era, I just found the story of the family rather stretched. Have a piece of water to gaze at while walking is wonderful, there's always something to look at or watch out for.

#228 - I'm with you Mamie, sure that another kitty will show up someplace. I really don't want any pets right now, but I don't think I could turn away a wandering, homeless kitten. I did do some baking and made some blueberry-apple muffins. My granddaughter, who calls herself a fruititarian, gobbled them up!

Judy, I have been doing more lurking than posting lately around LT. Sometimes I just don't have that much to say. And then, I spent the entire day with my nose in a book yesterday. That was wonderful! Those muffins sound wonderful! I made pancakes for my grandchildren in Kansas City last week when I was babysitting. I put frozen blueberries and strawberries in part of the batter -- and then made the mistake of putting chocolate chips in the other half. Of course, they ate the chocolate ones and then said they were full. I would like to have some "fruititarians" in the family. Love that word!

Hi Donna, I spend a lot of time lurking as well. I have a grandson who would have gobbled up the pancakes with the chocolate chips, and my granddaughter would have passed on the chocolate and gone straight for the fruit ones. In true sibling fashion, whatever the one loves, the other one won't touch! Neither one is very good with vegtables and again what one likes the other doesn't and vice versa.

18. Victory by Susan Cooper - 3.3 ★
14 in 14 Category: Clayton's Choice
February RandomCat: Children's Literature
Reading Through Time Monthly Theme: Napoleonic Era
TIOLI #7: Read & Release



Victory by Susan Cooper is a children’s book and one that my grandson wanted me to read. He read it a couple of years ago in school in it obviously made an impression on him. This is an interesting story that jumps in time from present day to 1805 and the months leading up to the Battle of Trafalgar. The main characters are two children, English Molly trying to overcome homesickness and get used to living in America, and Sam, a young boy who is pressed into naval service and becomes a powder monkey aboard Nelson’s flagship, the HMS Victory.

This isn’t a time travel book, the two children are linked by the fact that Molly purchases a older book, a biography of Nelson and finds an envelope glued under the cover. Inside this envelope is a piece of the flag that flew from the Victory. The story moves quickly, alternating between the two children and I confess I found Sam’s story far more interesting, as, I suspect did my grandson. The author’s descriptions of life aboard this navy vessel and the actual battle were well done. That Molly and Sam have another connection becomes clear at the end of the book, and this connection helps Molly to realize that wherever her family is, that will always be home for her.

Victory is meant for children around the ages of eleven or twelve and so as an adult reader it was too simplified for true enjoyment. I did appreciate both it’s message and how it was delivered in an adventure story. I also liked that the main characters were both male and female and can see this fact, along with it’s lesson in history, would make this a good book for the classroom.

I've liked the Susan Cooper books that I've read in the past, and this one sounds perfect for my grand-nephew. Thanks for the review!

#234 - Morning, Amber. I hope your grand-nephew enjoys Victory.

Since my next thread is going to have a Valentine's Day theme, I have decided to put it up before February slips away from me.

Please join me over there.