fuzzi's Annual 75 Books Read or Bust Thread...Continued...

This is a continuation of the topic fuzzi's Annual 75 Books Read or Bust Thread.

Talk75 Books Challenge for 2014

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fuzzi's Annual 75 Books Read or Bust Thread...Continued...

1fuzzi
Edited: May 26, 2014, 6:22 pm

The first thread was at 200 posts...time to make like a tree: branch out and leaf... ;)

Here is my reading journal:

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

And my ticker:

2leahbird
May 26, 2014, 9:45 pm

How am I the first one here? Happy new thread!

3fuzzi
May 27, 2014, 7:19 am

Yippee! Way to go, @leahbird!

4porch_reader
May 27, 2014, 5:28 pm

Happy New Thread!!!

5jnwelch
May 28, 2014, 12:01 pm

Congrats on the new thread, fuzzi!

6fuzzi
May 28, 2014, 9:27 pm

Thanks, Joe! I think this is the first time my challenge thread has needed "to be continued". :D

7scaifea
May 31, 2014, 10:07 am

Happy New Thread, fuzzi!

8streamsong
Edited: May 31, 2014, 10:26 am

Happy New Thread!

Hope things are going well with your father!

9fuzzi
Edited: May 31, 2014, 1:34 pm

>7 scaifea: >8 streamsong: thank you! He has his good days and not-so-good, but overall he's improving. He'll be 86 in three weeks, but doesn't want to acknowledge that his age might be one reason it's taking longer to heal this time.

We went for a ride this morning, just to "get out", and he did really well. Tirzah (my dog) enjoyed it, too, LOL.

Addendum: >8 streamsong: did you recommend The Big Sky to me? Someone did, a year or more ago, and I finally got a copy, for 25 cents on the local library's discard table. :)

10fuzzi
Edited: Jun 1, 2014, 5:48 pm

#51 Mustang, a Horse of the Old West by Thomas C. Hinkle

Mustang and his mother are bought by young foreman and cowboy, Sam McSwain. Sam has plans for the bay colt with four white legs, but those change when Mustang is stolen.

Good, no...very good story of a horse and the men around him. It reminded me of Will James' book, Smoky, the Cow Horse, although not as detailed. Mustang is an entertaining read for adolescents or adults.

11fuzzi
Jun 2, 2014, 2:42 pm

Time for a giggle...



:D

12jjmcgaffey
Jun 2, 2014, 8:33 pm

Well, in my library - the dark pink would be a very small number, and the dark blue-gray would be in a box ready to go out...but lots and lots of brown and orange and pink. And a few greens, maybe a few medium blues. Piles of light blue in various places for CR. And quite a few yellow - more than in the picture...at least there's that.

13Familyhistorian
Jun 3, 2014, 10:00 am

Great bookcase and a very realistic system of categories LOL

14streamsong
Jun 3, 2014, 10:52 am

Love that, Lor! I may have to 'borrow' that one.

>9 fuzzi: I may have recommended AB Guthrie, Jr to you. He's a Montana icon and, back in the 70's, several times he came into the bookstore where I worked. It's a stand alone book, but also the beginning of a series. The next one, The Way West was made into a pretty good movie with Kirk Douglas.

15fuzzi
Edited: Jun 3, 2014, 12:59 pm

#52 Billy Sunday: Evangelist of the Sawdust Trail by Rachael M. Phillips

I've heard much about Billy Sunday, the Christian evangelist from the early 1900s, but I discovered much more while reading this book, Billy Sunday: Evangelist of the Sawdust Trail.

One thing I really liked was that the author did not whitewash Mr. Sunday, making him into some holy prophet. Billy Sunday was a child from a broken home, and was always getting into trouble. For several years he and his brother lived in an orphanage, as his widowed mother was unable to provide for them. As an adult he played professional baseball, at the time that the leagues were getting started.

A chance encounter with a missionary led him to become a born-again Christian. Eventually, his faith would take him to become an evangelist, holding huge meetings in which thousands of people attending would come forward to repent and become Christians.

But not all went well for Billy: his children went astray despite their parents' faith, and he struggled with doing what was right versus wanting to help them out of their troubles.

Not a preachy book, but an interesting one. It made the legendary figure much more human. I plan to reread it at a later date.

16fuzzi
Edited: Jun 5, 2014, 8:35 am

#53 The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

I really enjoyed this book, about how people handle pain and loss, and survive. It grabbed me from the first ten or so pages, and I found it difficult to put down. My only complaint is that the author found it necessary to insert somewhat graphic descriptions of sex in several situations. Aside from that, it is recommended.

17fuzzi
Edited: Jun 5, 2014, 10:59 pm

#54 Old Nick and Bob by Thomas C. Hinkle

A favorite from my childhood, I recently was reminded of this book's title. I then borrowed it using Interlibrary Loan.

Old Nick and Bob is a book about two dogs wandering through the American "Old West". Old Nick, raised and loved by a boy until tragedy struck, is a gentle but wary giant of a dog. He finds and befriends Bob, a three month old puppy separated from his mother. Old Nick protects his new friend, trying to keep him safe from the dangers of the wilderness, but especially from man. But Bob has other thoughts, and a will of his own.

This story was a little more juvenile oriented than other books by the author. However, it held up well to my memories and expectations, and would probably also be enjoyed by any dog-loving adult.

18fuzzi
Jun 7, 2014, 9:57 pm

#55 Gladys Aylward the Little Woman as told to Christine Hunter

This is a simple yet engaging autobiographic book about Gladys Aylward, a missionary to China. I had read another book about her, The Inn of the Sixth Happiness, years ago, so some of the story seemed familiar.

I especially appreciated the parts I read about the hardships she and her adopted countrymen faced through war and hostile occupation. An interesting and unassuming little book. Recommended.

19fuzzi
Edited: Jun 10, 2014, 9:29 pm

#56 Take the Dog Out by Lynne Dempsey

Coco wants to go out for a walk, but everyone is too busy to take her...what's a puppy to do?

I liked the illustrations, and there is plenty of action on each page to keep a young child interested.

20fuzzi
Edited: Jun 13, 2014, 9:58 pm

#57 The Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Belmont Stakes A Comprehensive History by Richard Sowers

This is certainly a comprehensive look at the history of the three Triple Crown races: the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness, and the Belmont Stakes. Each year has its own chapter, with descriptions of what the contenders did prior to the Triple Crown races, with analysis of the best horse, jockey, and owner(s). This would be a good book to dip into, or refer to with questions. For a diehard thoroughbred racing fan, it's a delight to read. Nice job.

21fuzzi
Edited: Jun 15, 2014, 1:10 pm

#58 Rescue Dog of the High Pass by Jim Kjelgaard

This is the story of a young man who is inept in everything he attempts, aside from knowing how to survive on his own in the wilderness of the Alps.

Entertaining, but not as good as this author's other works.

22fuzzi
Jun 15, 2014, 8:54 pm

#59 Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot

Delightful read! I appreciated all the poetry devoted to Practical Cats. ;)

23jjmcgaffey
Jun 16, 2014, 2:28 am

>22 fuzzi: Heh. You may find bits of the poems popping up in your head - I certainly do, and it's been years since my latest read of OPBoPC. "Rum Tum Tugger is a terrible tease..."

24streamsong
Jun 16, 2014, 9:26 am

....not to mention having 'Midnight.... all alone on the pavement' stuck in your head. Have you seen the musical Cats?

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats is one of the books I have added to my library from Dad's while helping get their stuff cleaned out.

I may have recommended AB Guthrie to you. He used to stop by a bookstore where I worked in the 70's and is - or maybe I should say was- a Montana icon. His books can be a bit gritty, but I remember reading The Big Sky in high school in the 70's so definitely not too over the top.

25jjmcgaffey
Jun 16, 2014, 11:59 am

I've seen it, but I prefer the poems. Well...I've read the book four or five times, and seen the musical once, so that may be part of the difference. But I also remember the written word better than aural information, anyway.

26fuzzi
Jun 16, 2014, 8:29 pm

>24 streamsong: define "gritty", please. Realistic? Graphic?

>25 jjmcgaffey: I've not seen the musical, but I recall a music video of "Rum Tum Tugger" with the cast of "Cats".

Aha! Found it:

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dRfbPGXcMLM

27fuzzi
Edited: Jun 17, 2014, 12:03 am

Speaking of Montana...

#60 Valiant, Dog of the Timberline by Jack O'Brien

What fun! I really enjoyed this book, by the author of my favorite Silver Chief stories.

Adventure awaits us in Montana, with shepherd dog Valiant, his master, and the thousands of sheep that are under Valiant's watchful eyes.

Will the cattle baron force them off their legally filed claim? Will Valiant be able to protect his master, and his master's son? Stay tuned, and read on...

28fuzzi
Edited: Jul 9, 2014, 7:18 am

#61 Ride the Wild Storm by Marjorie Reynolds

This is another good read by author Marjorie Reynolds. David is a troubled 12 year old: his parents are divorcing, and since his mother is ill, he is sent to Nantucket for the summer to "board" with a family who live there year round.

The Macy family is strange to David: the parents openly show affection to each other and their son, Bill. They also spend much time together as a family. At first David does not know how to act, but determines to somehow make it through the summer.

And then he meets Salty, a horse that is also being "boarded" at the Macy's, at least until a buyer can be found for the sweet-tempered little mare. David bonds with her, earnestly hoping that a buyer for Salty won't be found anytime soon.

The author has written other books about troubled youth and horses, and has an excellent way of conveying emotions, relationships, and situations without being melodramatic. This is my third Marjorie Reynolds book, and I plan to find and read more. Recommended.

29humouress
Jun 29, 2014, 10:58 am

Hi fuzzy; I see you're on a roll with animal / adventure books. I might look for one of them to introduce the kids to.

30fuzzi
Jun 29, 2014, 9:21 pm

>29 humouress: yep, it's funny how it turned out that way.

I'm currently reading QB VII but won't be finished in time to count it on June's stats...oh well.

31fuzzi
Edited: Jul 8, 2014, 7:05 am

#62 QB VII by Leon Uris

This was my second read of a work by Leon Uris, and it was superb! In the first half of this book, the author introduces you to the two men who will eventually meet in court, "QB VII". Uris takes his time building so extensive a biography, that you really feel you know these people. I found myself having empathy for both Sir Adam Kelno and Abe Cady.

At the halfway point we are placed in QB VII court, with the barristers, judge, and jury, the plaintiff and defendant, and a sad assortment of witnesses. Due to the previously developed empathy, I felt strongly when the evidence came out, more so, I believe, because of the way the author introduced the characters in the first part of the book.

The court scenes are especially well-done, with plenty of tactics and terminology, and this book is highly recommended.

32streamsong
Jul 8, 2014, 9:14 am

>26 fuzzi: streamsong: define "gritty", please. Realistic? Graphic? Sexual situations but not graphic.

Leon Uris is another author I have never read. Looks like I've missed some good stuff by missing him.

33tymfos
Jul 8, 2014, 2:12 pm

>11 fuzzi: Love it! Definitely a giggle.

34fuzzi
Edited: Jul 8, 2014, 9:42 pm

>32 streamsong: not too late to try his books... :)

"Gritty" is doable, it's the descriptive passages that bore me.

>33 tymfos: glad you enjoyed it!

35fuzzi
Edited: Jul 9, 2014, 7:19 am

#63 Jason, Nobody's Dog by Joyce Stranger

This is another enjoyable tale from Joyce Stranger, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors.

Jason is the result of an accidental breeding, a dog that no one wants. He finds himself owned by a man who cares nothing for him, but only feeds and houses Jason as a deterrent for burglars and thieves.

One day, Jason leaves and begins to wander, looking for someone to call his own, someone he can love.

As usual, the author has shown us a bit of the people and animals of Great Britain, this time from islands just off the west coast of Scotland. She writes with knowledge, and kindness, and love of her subject. Jason, Nobody's Dog is a quick read, not fluff, but a thoughtful story of love lost, and not just by Jason. Suitable for adolescents and adults, and recommended.

36fuzzi
Edited: Jul 10, 2014, 10:12 pm

#64 Vet on Call by Joyce Stranger

The Joyce Stranger marathon continues...

Vet on Call is a light look at a newly certified veterinarian's first job, including different cases he has to handle in the first few days working at a busy practice. It reminds me, in some ways, of James Herriot's books, but not exactly.

37humouress
Jul 10, 2014, 10:35 pm

I think I was given Lakeland Vet by Joyce Stranger, which led me on to other books of hers.

It also (along with James Herriot and Gerald Durrel) inspired me to want to become a vet myself, but that was not to be in the end.

38fuzzi
Jul 11, 2014, 1:16 pm

>37 humouress: re: becoming a vet...me too, and me neither.

39humouress
Jul 11, 2014, 5:38 pm

>38 fuzzi: let's form a club ...

:0)

40fuzzi
Jul 11, 2014, 8:29 pm

The "I Wanted to Be a Vet" club?

41fuzzi
Edited: Jul 11, 2014, 10:31 pm

#65 Double Trouble: Vet Up the Wall by Joyce Stranger

In this book, we're back with Timothy ("tiny") Yorke and the veterinary staff from the first book, Vet on Call. Tim is settling into the routine of emergency calls balanced with booster shots for the pampered pooches and felines of the area. He is also learning how to train his dog, or rather, "dogs", since he has rescued a neglected puppy.

While never graphic, the author does include some episodes of rescue and treatment of animal cruelty victims. Still, it's a pleasant and enjoyable read.

42humouress
Jul 11, 2014, 11:31 pm

>40 fuzzi: Yes *nostalgic sigh*

43fuzzi
Edited: Jul 14, 2014, 7:22 am

#66 Mikis and the Donkey by Bibi Dumon Tak (translated into English)

Mikis lives on an island of Greece. One day his grandfather, Pappou, has a surprise for him: a donkey in the stable! Mikis loves the little donkey, and names her Tsaki. Mikis and Pappou gather wood for use during the cold winter ahead, and use Tsaki to haul it down the mountain. Mikis takes his work, and Tsaki's welfare extremely seriously, even bringing her to the doctor when he discovers she is wounded.

Lovely story, and illustrations!!

44fuzzi
Edited: Jul 15, 2014, 3:14 pm

Here is a compilation of the best of my second quarter (April to June) reading:

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

The Bambino and Me (Early Reviewer book) by Zachary Hyman

Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot

45fuzzi
Edited: Jul 15, 2014, 11:31 pm

#67 A Dog Called Gelert by Joyce Stranger

I have read quite a few of this author's novels, but had not read any of her short stories before. What was really nice is she delivers as good a tale even within the confines of ten pages, which is the length of several of the stories. The exception in length (but not in quality) is the title story, which could be considered a novella.

Joyce Stranger had a talent for sharing the lives of people and their pets. This collection is another example of her writing abilities, and I recommend it as well.

46The_Hibernator
Jul 18, 2014, 2:51 pm

Hey fuzzi! I read Exodus by Leon Uris and really loved it. I've always intended on reading Trinity as well. He writes a good story, even if it is a little maudlin. :)

47fuzzi
Jul 18, 2014, 8:32 pm

>46 The_Hibernator: me too, re: Exodus. Eventually I'd like to read Trinity, but I really wanted to read QB VII first.

48fuzzi
Edited: Jul 19, 2014, 8:01 am

#68 Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

I read and enjoyed the original book about Ender, Ender's Game, and at least two of its sequels, but had not reacquainted myself with Ender's universe for several years until this week, with Ender's Shadow.

Taken from the perspective of one of Ender's acquaintances, "Bean", this story parallels and complements its predecessor. I won't get into the plot, but will just suggest that if you appreciate intelligent yet personal SciFi, and/or enjoyed Ender's Game, you should read this book.

For me, it was a "I can't-participate-in-real-life-I've-got-to-finish-reading-this" type of book.

Note: I gave this book , but am considering upgrading it to . Either way, it is highly recommended.

49fuzzi
Edited: Jul 24, 2014, 11:17 pm

#69 His Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

This is the story of a lonely man who comes across an injured collie, and how caring for it changes the man, for the better.

I enjoyed this book almost as much as some of the author's other stories. Recommended.

50fuzzi
Edited: Jul 21, 2014, 8:59 pm

#70 The Midnight Colt by Glenn Balch

Another summer has arrived, with a surprise: Ben and Dixie find themselves the owners of a racehorse that won't listen or obey. Ben is determined that he can undo Peck O' Trouble's bad habits, but will he have the time to do so before school starts? And if Peck can be retrained, who would want to buy him?

I enjoyed this addition to the Tack Ranch series, although I didn't feel it was as good as the previous books. I still would recommend it as a solid ranch/horse story.

51infjsarah
Jul 21, 2014, 1:46 pm

Have you read A street cat called Bob? It's the true story of a busker in London and his unexpected friendship with a cat. It's lovely.

52fuzzi
Jul 21, 2014, 4:57 pm

>31 fuzzi: no, I've not, but I'll put it on my TBR (to be read) list, thank you!

53fuzzi
Edited: Jul 23, 2014, 11:00 pm

#71 The River by Gary Paulsen

Brian is back in the wilderness, convinced by a psychologist and by his own conscience, that he needs to partly recreate his survival experiences. There's an adult with him, and they are prepared, what could go wrong?

Good sequel to the first book, The Hatchet.

54fuzzi
Jul 24, 2014, 11:16 pm

#72 Wolf: A Range Dog by Thomas C. Hinkle

Not one of this author's best works, but still it is quite readable.

A younger child would probably appreciate it more than I did.

55fuzzi
Jul 25, 2014, 6:47 pm

>51 infjsarah: I have it, borrowed from the local public library. :)

56infjsarah
Jul 26, 2014, 6:24 pm

Hope you enjoy it. It's a quick read but leaves you with big smile at end.

57fuzzi
Edited: Jul 27, 2014, 5:38 pm

#73 The Duck-footed Hound by Jim Kjelgaard

Harky and his father live in the wilderness, living off their crops and livestock. While without much "book larning", and a tendency to believe superstition, they are wise in the ways of the woods, and the creatures within. One of the creatures is a wily raccoon, Old Joe, believed to be a supernatural animal.

I did enjoy reading this story, but found it a little different from the author's better known books. Part of the reason for this difference might be that this story was published after the death of Jim Kjelgaard, or perhaps putting more humor into his tales was a late trend of his.

58fuzzi
Jul 27, 2014, 5:38 pm

TWO BOOKS TO GO!!!

59majkia
Jul 27, 2014, 6:23 pm

huzzah!

60fuzzi
Edited: Jul 28, 2014, 9:52 pm

#74 Vet Riding High by Joyce Stranger

This is yet another highly enjoyable installment of Tim Yorke's adventures as a new veterinarian. Six months have passed since Tim started working at Fitz' practice, his puppies are growing up, and with an additional vet joining the team, Tim is finding some time to dedicate to his love of horses.

I like this series as I do most of this author's other books: she writes of real people, and their real animals, as well as the situations they face daily. Recommended.

61fuzzi
Jul 29, 2014, 8:07 am

ONE MORE BOOK TO REACH MY GOAL!!!!

62fuzzi
Edited: Jul 30, 2014, 12:32 pm

I DID IT! I REACHED MY GOAL OF 75 BOOKS!!!

#75 No More Horses by Joyce Stranger

In this book we're back with young veterinarian Dr. Tim Yorke and the usual bunch at Dr. Fitz' veterinary practice. If you enjoyed any of the previous three books, or even like James Herriot's works, you'll probably enjoy this latest installment of a fun series!

63jnwelch
Jul 30, 2014, 12:35 pm

Congratulations, fuzzi! That must feel really good.

64fuzzi
Jul 30, 2014, 12:41 pm

Hiya Joe! Yes, it does. Thank you.

65majkia
Jul 30, 2014, 1:05 pm

Huzzah!

66scaifea
Jul 31, 2014, 7:02 am

WooHoo!! Congrats on 75!!

67fuzzi
Jul 31, 2014, 7:22 am

>65 majkia: >66 scaifea: thank you, thankyouverymuch! ;)

68drneutron
Jul 31, 2014, 8:24 am

Congrats!

69humouress
Jul 31, 2014, 8:32 am

Woohoo! Congratulations!

70fuzzi
Jul 31, 2014, 10:39 am

>68 drneutron: >69 humouress: thank you. :)

I don't think I've made the 75 book mark this early, before.

Now, on to 100...

71fuzzi
Jul 31, 2014, 9:32 pm

Here is where I've gone:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/178569

Please feel free to join me!!