DeltaQueen's Fourteen Steps to Guide Her 2014 Reading - Part 4

Welcome to my new thread. As the July MysteryCat theme is going to be Noir and Hard-boiled, I thought images of this, one of my favorite genres should open my thread.





The year is half over and I am well within reach of completing my categories. At this point I am planning on continuing on with these categories through to the end of the year.

There is a reason why The Count on Sesame Street was one of my favorite characters, I like to count and keep track of things:

2014 Books Read




2014 Pages Read




2014 Books Read From My Shelves

How I Rate Books:

2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!

2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.

3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember

3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.

4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story

4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend

5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me

2014 Challenge Categories

A. N is the Fourteenth Letter of the alphabet: Books with words beginning with N either in the Title or Author’s Name

B. Age 14 is the earliest that the Emancipation of Minors can occur in the United States: YA and/or Children’s Literature will be listed here.

C. Fourteen is the atomic number of silicon & there are 14 possible Bravais lattices that can fill three dimensional space: Say what?? I don’t have a scientific bone in my body, so this category will be for Science Fiction and Dystopia.

D There are 14 days in a British Fortnight: I will read British Crime here.

E. The House of Fourteen Cats was once a popular counting book for children. I will use the title of this book to create a space for my 2014 Cat entries.

F. President Woodrow Wilson outlined 14 Points for Reconstruction after World War I: Books about war or it’s effects will be read for this category.

G. 14 is the common designation for the 13th floor due to superstition and fear: So, what could be behind those sliding doors - Magical wonders or Horrors? Fantasies both light and dark will be read in this category.

H. 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue: This category will be where I brush up on my history, reading books as outlined by the Reading Through Time Challenge and other sources.

I. Newsworthy Facts from years ending in 14: : In 1714 - Queen Anne of England dies, George I become King, in 1814:- British Burn Washington, in 1914 - Assassination of Heir to the Austrian throne. This will be the place for my non-fiction reading.

J. 14 Days of Vacation - Canadian Employment Standards say that one is entitled to 2 weeks paid vacation after one year of employment. Add in the weekend days and vacation equals 14 days. This category will be for my arm chair travel, books set in far away places.

K. Fourteen Hands: The hardy wild mustangs of the western plains of America were measured to be an average of fourteen hands. Books set in the American West, both past and present will find a home here.

L. Clayton’s Choice: Fourteen is the age of my grandson. I will read books picked from my shelves by him.

M. There are fourteen letters in the name Agatha Christie: Books by Agatha Christie and other classic crime writers.

N. Final Fourteen - Fourteen Random Books read for whatever reason I choose.

I will count my challenge successfully completed when I have read 10 books for each category but will probably read more than 10 in some categories.

A. The Letter N In Title or Author's Name



Completed

1. The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman - 4.2 ★
2. Never Somewhere Else by Alex Gray - 3.8 ★
3. Saving Cascadia by John J. Nance - 3.0 ★
4. The Bat by Jo Nesbo - 3.7 ★
5. Not Yet Drown'd by Peg Kingman - 3.8 ★
6. The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer - 4.5 ★
7. The Only Life That Mattered by James Nelson - 4.4 ★
8. Nineteen Seventy-Seven by David Peace - 3.9 ★
9. Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick - 4.2 ★

B. Emmancipation of Minors At Age 14



Completed

1. Living Dead Girl by Elizabeth Scott - 4.0 ★
2. The Ransom of Mercy Carter by Caroline B. Cooney - 4.3 ★
3. Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry - 3.7 ★
4. The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd - 4.0 ★
5. The Disenchantments by Nina LaCour - 4.1 ★
6. Bloody Jack; Being an Account of the Curious Adventure of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L.A. Meyer - 4.5 ★
7. Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan - 4.1 ★
8. A Curse As Dark As Gold by Elizabeth C. Bunce - 4.0 ★
9. Shift by Jennifer Bradbury - 3.7 ★
10. The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden

CATEGORY COMPLETED

C. Atomic Number of Silicon = 14 - Say What??



Completed

1. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
2. Cinder by Marissa Meyer - 5.0 ★
3. The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.3 ★
4. World Made By Hand by James Kunstler - 4.0 ★
5. The Mountains of Mourning by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
6. The Vor Game by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
7. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - 4.1 ★
8. Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.1 ★
9. Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson - 3.3 ★
10. Cress by Marissa Meyer - 4.5 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

D. British Fortnight - British Mysteries



Completed

1. One Good Turn by Kate Atkinson - 4.5 ★
2. Mourn Not Your Dead by Deborah Crombie - 4.0 ★
3. Layer Cake by J.J. Conolly - 4.2 ★
4. Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah - 4.5 ★
5. Truth, Dare, Kill by Gordon Ferris - 3.3 ★
6. The Burning Girl by Mark Billingham - 3.6 ★
7. Dead Tomorrow by Peter James - 3.9 ★
8. Still Midnight by Denise Mina - 3.5 ★
9. Darkside by Belinda Bauer - 4.2 ★

E. House of Fourteen Cats - 2014 CATS Reading



Completed

1. Ru by Kim Thuy - 4.2 ★
2. Sand Daughter by Sarah Bryant - 2.4 ★
3. Annie John by Jamaica Kincaid - 3.6 ★
4. Citrus County by John Brandon - 2.0 ★
5. The Boy In A Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol - 3.2 ★
6. The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain - 5.0 ★
7. The Picasso Scam by Stuart Pawson - 4.0 ★
8. The Dressmaker by Kate Alcott - 3.6 ★
9. More Book Lust by Nancy Pearl - 3.7 ★
10. Teacher, Teacher by Jack Sheffield - 3.4 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

F. 14 Points For Reconstruction After War



Completed

1. One of Ours by Willa Cather - 4.1 ★
2. Beaufort by Ron Leshem - 4.2 ★
3. The Remains of Company D by James Carl Nelson - 4.1 ★
4. Lovely Green Eyes by Arnost Lustig - 4.0 ★
5. The Siege by Helen Dunmore - 4.2 ★
6. Sand Queen by Helen Benedict - 4.2 ★
7. Daughter of War by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - 4.0 ★
8. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones - 4.5 ★
9. The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy - 3.6 ★
10. Regeneration by Pat Barker - 5.0 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

G. 14th/13th Floor



Completed

1. The Passage by Justin Cronin - 5.0 ★
2. Paladin of Souls by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
3. The Death Cure by James Dashner - 3.0 ★
4. The Sacrifice by Charlie Higson - 4.2 ★
5. The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
6. Zombies vs. Unicorns by Justine Larbalestier & Holly Black - 4.2 ★
7. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin - 4.1 ★
8. Midnight Pearls by Debbie Viguie - 2.7 ★
9. Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie - 4.3 ★
10. By Blood We Live by Glen Duncan - 3.8 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

H. In 1492 Colombus Sailed the Ocean Blue



Completed

1. The Exploits & Adventures of Miss Alethea Darcy by Elizabeth Aston - 2.8 ★
2. Hart of Empire by Saul David - 3.1 ★
3. The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas - 4.8 ★
4. The Jewel In the Crown by Paul Scott - 4.2 ★
5. The King's Grey Mare by Rosemary Hawley Jarman - 4.1 ★
6. The Painted Girls by Cathy Marie Buchanan - 3.4 ★
7. The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott - 4.0 ★
8. The Deserter by Paul Almond - 4.0 ★
9. Beauvallet by Georgette Heyer - 3.3 #9733;
10. The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott - 3.8 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

11. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - 4.3 ★
12. A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott - 4.2 ★

I. Newsworthy Facts From Years Ending in 14



Completed

1. Haven: The Dramatic Story of 1,000 World War II Refugees And How They Came to America by Ruth Gruber - 4.1 ★
2. The Short Life & Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes - 2.8 ★
3. Wild: From Lost to Found by Cheryl Strayed - 4.2 ★
4. The Overloaded Ark by Gerald Durrell
5. Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang - 3.8 ★
6. The Lost Girls: Three Friends, Four Continents by Jennifer Baggett, Holly Corbett & Amanda Pressner - 3.7 ★
7. Elizabeth, The Queen: The Life of a Modern Monarch by Sally Bedell Smith - 3.3 ★
8. The Wilderness Family by Kobie Kruger - 4.3 ★
9. No Horizon Is So Far by Liv Arnesen - 3.8 ★
10. Three Singles to Adventure by Gerald Durrell - 3.4 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETE

J. Fourteen Days of Vacation



Completed

1. The Food of Love by Anthony Capella (Italy) - 3.3 ★
2. Mornings In Jenin by Susan Abulhawa (Palestine/Israel) - 4.7 ★
3. Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard (Guatemala & Belize) - 4.0 ★
4. The Absent One by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Denmark) - 4.2 ★
5. Amelia's Navigator by James Knepton (Kiribati) - 3.0 ★
6. Voices by Arnaldur Indridason (Iceland) - 3.4 ★
7. In Praise of Hatred by Khaled Khalifa (Syria) - 2.0 ★
8. On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves (Maldives) - 4.1 ★
9. The Information Officer by Mark Mills (Malta) - 4.1 ★

K. Fourteen Hands



Completed

1. The Tall Men by Will Henry - 4.0 ★
2. Another Man's Moccasins by Craig Johnson - 4.2 ★
3. Railroad Schemes by Cecelia Holland - 4.0 ★
4. Cowgirl Poetry Compiled by Virginia Bennett - 3.8 ★
5. Lily Nevada by Cecelia Holland - 2.7 ★
6. Summer of the Drums by T.V. Olsen - 2.8 ★
7. Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart - 3.8 ★
8. Blood Kin by Henry Chappell - 5.0 ★
9. The High Divide by Lin Enger - 4.2 ★

L. Clayton's Choice



Completed

1. A Cat In The Window by Derek Tangye - 3.5 ★
2. Victory by Susan Cooper - 3.3 ★
3. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster - 4.0 ★
4. Me & The Boys by Ellen Recknor - 4.3 ★
5. We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver - 5.0 ★
6. Remains of the Dead by Iain McKinnon - 3.5 ★
7. Ride the Pink Horse by Dorothy B. Hughes - 3.5 ★
8. The Mushroom Man by Stuart Pawson - 4.0 ★
9. Boiling A Frog by Christopher Brookmyre - 3.9 ★

M. 14 Letters in Agatha Christie's name



Completed

1. The League of Frightened Men by Rex Stout - 3.4 ★
2. Cat Among the Pigeons by Agatha Christie - 3.7 ★
3. The Fallen Sparrow by Dorothy B. Hughes - 3.7 ★
4. To Love and Be Wise by Josephine Tey - 4.3 ★
5. Mystery Mile by Margery Allingham - 4.1 ★
6. Strong Poison by Dorothy L. Sayers - 4.1 ★
7. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler - 4.3 ★
8. The Asphalt Jungle by w.R. Burnett - 3.4 ★
9. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiel Hammett - 4.3 ★
10. The Under Dog and Other Stories by Agatha Christie - 3.3 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

N. Final Fourteen



Completed

1. The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell - 5.0 ★
2. My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse - 3.9 ★
3. Dreams of Joy by Lisa See - 4.5 ★
4. Daughter of Kura by Debra Austin - 3.4 ★
5. Battles At Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
6. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen - 4.1 ★
7. Poetry By Heart Compiled by Liz Attenborough - 3.4 ★
8. Room by Emma Donoghue - 5.0 ★
9. The Way to Minack by Derek Tangye - 3.3 ★
10. Borderlands by Brian McGilloway - 3.8 ★

CATEGORY COMPLETED

11. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen - 3.6 ★
12. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig - 3.7 ★

2014 Group Reads & Other Reading Plans



Yearly

Lois Bujold McMaster - Vorkosigan series

Quarterly

1st Quarter: The Short Life and Long Times of Mrs. Beeton by Kathryn Hughes

2nd Quarter: Wild Swans: Three Daughters of China by Jung Chang


Monthly

February: P.G. Wodehouse

March: The Jewel In the Crown by Paul Scott, Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas

May: The Day of the Scorpion by Paul Scott

June: Georgette Heyer
Hosting RandomCat
Female Sci-Fi/Fantasy Authors

July: The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott

August: Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

September: A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott
Hosting GeoCat: East Asia

November: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Bibliobimbo --- oh lordy loo

That cover of Bibliobimbo might be my new favorite thing!

>21 Nickelini: Welcome, Joyce, I love those trashy covers of days-gone-by and that Bibliobimbo, well, she had to get the place of honor!

>22 christina_reads: I know, Christina! When I found that picture on line, I knew what my thread toppers were going to be!

Happy new thread! I too am left speechless by Bibliobimbo. :)

HAHAHA! Bibliobimbo made me laugh out loud. Love it!!

Oh yes and happy new thread ;)

Bibliobimbo is the best!

Lovely new thread!

Welcome to Paulina, RP, and Dejah!

It's nice that people are finding my new thread. Miss Bibliobimbo just might have to become my mascot for the rest of the year!

99. On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves - 4.1 ★
Category: 14 Days Paid Vacation - Maldives
Commonwealth Challege: Maldives
TIOLI #8: Title or Cover Relates to Vacation Travel



On The Island by Tracey Garvis Graves is probably the book that has surprised me the most in 2014. Set in the beautiful Maldives, an island nation in the Indian Ocean, I admit I picked it simply to use for my Commonwealth Challenge. As this book is classified as a romance and was self-published, I was expecting a meh or even worst read yet I found myself gobbling the pages and being totally carried away by the story.

Certainly far from perfect, but this is a story of survival and I am a big sucker for that. TJ, a teenage boy and Anna, his young(ish) tutor are flying out to join his parents on the Maldives for a summer vacation. Leaving Chicago, they are in for an eighteen hour flight to Malé, the capital. Once there they must take a charter plane to the remote island that TJ’s family is on. On the way, the pilot of the charter plane suffers a heart attack, the plane goes into the ocean and TJ and Anna find themselves washed up on a small atoll. Here they remain for some three years before circumstances allow them to once again join civilization.

The book dealt with how these two managed to survive, and yes, there were some moments that stretched one’s belief, such as the washing up of both TJ’s backpack and a suitcase of Anna’s that held many of the things they needed to survive, but I was willing to overlook this and revel in their adventures of learning the necessary techniques such as making fire, collecting water, building a shelter and catching fish. Eventually the strong bond the two form develops into love and they vow to be together forever.

When they are finally rescued and return home, the decision of whether to be together or not seems a lot more complicated. They now have to deal with outside pressure, rumor and gossip about their relationship and their thirteen year age difference. Can Anna and TJ find lasting happiness or was this simply a relationship that worked while they were on the island.

Obviously a case of the right book at the right time, I found this to be the perfect book to read while sitting outside on the patio. An unconventional love story with an unusual and exotic setting, On The Island was truly the best romance I have read in a long time.

Add me to the list of the Bibliobimbo lovers Judy. I started Cetaganda and there is plenty of action early in.

Hmmm...I may have to give On The Island a try. It might be just right for summer reading. Thanks!

What a fabulous start to a new thread - can't get over the Bibliobimbo - gobsmacked by both the title and cover.

>29 luvamystery65: Great timing, Roberta, I will start Cetaganda later tonight. I am looking forward to getting back to adventuring with Miles!

>30 Dejah_Thoris: Exactly, Dejah, On The Island would make a great beach or summer vacation read.

>31 Helenliz: Thanks, and yes, Bibliobimbo certainly makes one stop and look!

Yea for a new thread!
And I'm another who is a fan of Bibliobimbo; "Every bookseller in town had been in her library." If it isn't a real book yet, someone needs to write it.

I love the thought and care you put into the creation of your categories. Hope the rest of your year is bibliowonderful!

Hi Judy: I love your new thread topper! Bibliobimbo is cracking me up.

Happy New Thread!

The Maldives ... sigh...

Great new thread -- Bibliobimbo cracked me up!

Judy, are you familiar with Pulp! the Classics? They our the classic texts we know and love, with pulp covers. Of course I own their edition of Pride and Prejudice, but I think Tess of the D'Urbervilles might be my favourite - "The original Wessex girl!
Tess is just a humble milkmaid when the local landowner has his wicked way. Her new beau, the smarmy Angel Clare, is none too pleased when he finds out she’s already been deflowered. What is a girl to do? Bloody revenge of course, and an ending to touch the hardest of hearts. "

See them here: http://www.pulptheclassics.com/

>38 Nickelini: I'd seen the Colin Firth Pride and Prejudice cover before, but the sneering Mr. T as Othello is hilarious!

Haha, I love Pulp! the Classics. I also have their version of P&P. :)

I love your categories. So, so much! Super creative. I just started this challenge, so I am starting with July on the wiki group categories, and I have to say I am pleased with the Hard-Boiled/Noir genre. I kind of just started reading things besides classics and fantasy (I have no idea why), but I am starting to really like the new things I'm reading. I read Nobody Move for MysteryCAT this month. I might have to steal some of your recommendations ;)

>33 mstrust: Hi Jenn, Bibliobimbo would be quite the book, I would definitely want to read it!

>34 mamzel: Thanks, Mamzel. I love when it is time to think up new categories andc then lining up the books to fit those categories!

>35 lsh63: Lisa, she makes me smile, too. I'm planning to read The Big Sleep, The Maltese Falcon, Ride the Pink Horse and The Asphalt Jungle this month - I think she would approve. :)

>36 dudes22: I think the Maldives must be one of the most beautiful spots in the world, Betty. Of course, I can do without the plane crash!!!

>37 leslie.98: Welcome, Leslie!

>38 Nickelini: I have seen those Pulp covers before and I love them. I would love to have the complete set lined up on my shelves. I have a soft spot for Humphrey Bogart and may just order myself a copy of Wuthering Heights.

>39 mstrust: Yeah, Mr T and classic literature - something you don't naturally think of!

>40 christina_reads: To my way of thinking, Colin Firth would improve just about any book cover.

>41 SweetbriarPoet: This is a fun challenge and a fun group of people, SBPoet. Lots of side challenges to play around with, and please, help yourself to any recs that catch your interest!

100. More Book Lust by Nancy Pearl - 3.7 ★
Category: Fourteen Cats
July RandomCat: Books About Books
TIOLI #12: Read A Book About Books



For my 100th book of the year, I thought this "book about books" was an appropriate choice.

In More Book Lust author and librarian, Nancy Pearl continues her fantastic listing of books that she began in Book Lust. By dividing the book into interesting sub-sections with intriguing titles like “Gone Fishin’”, “Tickle Your Funny Bone” and “Gallivanting in the Graveyard” she keeps the lists short and the book easy to pick up and put down.

Although I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first, she still managed to enlarge my wish list. I liked the manner in which she describes each book, neither giving away too much or too little. Unfortunately many of the books she highly recommends are out of print and very difficult to track down.

If you, like me, are a lover of lists and books then More Book Lust is certainly worth a browse.

With the year half-way through and another quarter finished I thought I should post my top reads for the Second Quarter of 2014.

In no particular order:

Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer
Hurting Distance by Sophie Hannah
The Postman Always Rings Twice by James M. Cain
We Need to Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
The Nonesuch by Georgette Heyer
Room by Emma Donoghue

Hi Judy - I'm so glad I tucked in The Nonesuch at the end of June. It's such a lovely Regency!

I have to agree that Colin Firth on the cover does improve almost any book. "Darcy's in Town," indeed! I may have asked you this before, but have you seen 'Lost in Austen"?

BTW, congratulations on reaching 100!

I'm glad you liked the Sophie Hannah. She's become my go-to author when I want something distracting. Sadly, I only have her newest yet to read.

Wow, congrats on hitting 100!

>46 RidgewayGirl: I still have a number of Sophie Hannah books to get to, I take so long to get to all my series, sometime a year or more goes by! I guess the good news to that is that I still have lots of her books to discover.

>47 mstrust: Thanks, my goal for the year is 150, which is well within reach if I continue on this way for the rest of the year.

Just catching up on your new thread. Love the Bibliobimbo. What a lascivious look she's getting from the guy! Hilarious!

> Hi Vivenne, I love the expression on the guy. He reminds me a little of Alan Ladd, another actor who is known for both his western and hard-boiled characters.

101. The Wilderness Family by Kobie Kruger - 4.3 ★
Category: 14 Newsworthy Facts
TIOLI #11: Rolling Challenge of People, Place or Thing



The Wilderness Family: At Home with Africa’s Wildlife by Kobie Kruger details her family’s life living in the Kruger National Park of South Africa where her husband was a game warden. Over the course of his career, they were stationed in various parts of the park from the remote northern reaches at Mahlangeni to the more populated southern areas of Crocodile Bridge and Pretorius Kop. As a game warden, her husband had many opportunities to bring home orphaned wildlife which the family would then raise and return to it’s natural habitat. At various times they raised a honey badger, a civet and a genet (a cat-like creature of the mongoose family). This way of life also brought them in contact with most of Africa’s animals including hippos, elephants, and lions.

In fact, it was an orphaned lion that really won their hearts. Brought into their home when he was just days old, christened Leo by their daughters, this hand raised lion became the center of their world, and his care and love toward his “family” was truly amazing. When it came time for Leo to find himself a real lion family, they were fortunate to be able to place him in a wildlife park in Zimbabwe where he lives out his life in a large area with two wives and children of his own.

Kobie Kruger writes in a warm, chatty style that makes you feel you are reading a letter from a close friend. She has lived an interesting and unusual life, faced many difficulties from spitting cobras in her garden, to crossing cranky hippo infested rivers, and done so with style and good humor. A fascinating life that I enjoyed reading about very much.

A new thread! You seem to be on a roll with good reads. Maybe it's the influence of Bibliobimbo!

>50 DeltaQueen50: Funny, I saw Alan Ladd in his look too!

>51 DeltaQueen50: I love that type of writing style Judy. I'm in.

I just bet that the artist had Alan Ladd in mind when he/she worked on the Bibliobimbo cover.

>52 cbl_tn: I sure hope the good reads continue, Carrie!

>53 VivienneR: I think it's the way his head is cocked, Vivienne. With all the noir and hard-boiled reading I hope to get to, I am in the mood for some of those old 1940 black and white films.

>54 luvamystery65: I think you will enjoy The Wilderness Family, Roberta. I love to read about living that way, but know that I don't have the stamina nor the survival skills to actually do it!

102. Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.1 ★
Category: The Atomic Number of Silicon
The Vorkosigan Series Yearly Read
TIOLI #14: Author Has Only One A In His/Her Name



Cetaganda by Lois McMaster Bujold continues the Vorkosigan saga. This book follows the adventures of Miles and his cousin, Ivan as they travel as diplomatic representatives to the Empire of Cetaganda for the funeral of the Dowager Empress. Upon their arrival it quickly becomes apparent that their 10 day trip of social observation and parties is giving way to a murder mystery. Miles quickly decides he must investigate, and as he does so he uncovers a treason plot that threatens to implicate Barrayar.

I like the fact that Miles is far from perfect, at times his motives are selfish and driven by his own desire to be recognized and he appears to think no one but himself is capable of doing the job. He has been criticised previously for his wish to go his own way and not follow orders and once again he is up to his old tricks of striking out on his own. The addition of his cousin Ivan was a nice touch, he makes a good foil for Miles, being less serious, less introspective but always there for Miles when he needs him. Humor plays a large part and the practical joke played on Ivan during his pursuit of a couple of extremely attractive women was quite hilarious.

I loved the world building in this book. The Empire of Cetaganda is a mysterious, multi-layered and very planned society. Their philosophy and culture is interesting, their strict rules and limited social hierarchy of Ba, Ghem and Haut along with their preoccupation with genetic perfection was used flawlessly to enhance the plot.

As the mystery is revealed, it involves the highest echelons of the Empires’ society and although Miles has saved Barrayar’s honor and managed to unravel the political intrigue at the very heart of the empire, it is decided that although he has the gratitude of the Emperor of Cetaganda, this episode should remain a secret. Once again Miles is the hero of the hour but, also once again, his deeds will not be recognized publicly.

Happy New Thread, Judy! Gotta love that Bibliobimbo cover!

Judy I finished Cetaganda today too! It was great!

I love your thread openers, Judy! Happy 4th to you, I hope you're doing fun and relaxing things this weekend!

We are having a rainy Saturday and it is actually nice for a change, giving me some time to catch up on housework and do some baking. Hope to curl up with a book later on this afternoon.

>57 tymfos: Hi Terri, welcome.

>58 luvamystery65: I am still loving the Vorkosigan series, Roberta!

>59 LauraBrook: Having a quiet weekend, Laura, but hope to get out tomorrow and visit some friends. I think I have relaxing down to a fine art!

Yay for new digs! I'm kind of on the fence when it comes to these Vorkosigan books. You and several others make them sound interesting, but then I look at the covers, and they just don't feel like my thing at all...Is this an ongoing series? How many parts are there?

>61 GingerbreadMan: Anders, I am far from an expert on the Vorkosigan series, I personally think a great deal of it's appeal for me is that it is science-fiction on the light side. These books do not dwell on the technical or scientific, for the most part they are character driven, adventure stories. The author did not write them in chronological order but I believe there are some 15 or 16 books in the series. LT does have them listed both in order of publication and chronologically for easy reference. As for the covers, well, they are horrible, they seem to harken back to the trashy 1960's and 70's sci-fi covers. I would love to see these books re-issued with a new look!

>62 DeltaQueen50: Speaking of covers, the more recent Cetaganda cover is so strange with the lady showing side boob. So not in the story line at all!

103. Daughter of War by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch - 4.0 ★
Category: 14 Points for Reconstruction
TIOLI #11: Rolling Challenge on People, Place or Thing



I don’t know why man’s inhumanities to man still has the power to shock me but the fact is that they do. In the spring of 1915 the Turkish government drove all the Armenians from their homes. Under the guise of relocation they were marched hundreds of mile into the Syrian Desert without food or water. Death of thirst, malnutrition and exhaustion was common. Many more were shot. In all more than one million Armenians died. Some of the children were rescued by German missionaries, and some were rescued by compassionate Muslim families. Unfortunately some of the young girls were taken as slaves or concubines. These survivors lived in constant fear that they would be discovered and shot or marched into the desert to die.

In Daughter of War by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch tells the story of three young Armenians and how they survived. Sisters Marta and Miriam, along with Marta’s betrothed, Kevork had found safety in a German Orphanage but the soldiers deemed them, at fourteen and fifteen, too old to stay there. The three were separated and each underwent their own traumatic experiences in order to survive. They had vowed to each other to live and try to find each other again.

The author has a powerful story to tell and does so beautifully. She caught the emotions of these displaced people by keeping her story simple and without embellishment. Although the main characters are fictionalized, Daughter of War is based on first hand accounts and bears witness to the Armenian genocide and the horrors these people suffered.

Daughter of War sounds very powerful. I'm not sure if I'm up for it right now, but I'll keep it in mind based on your excellent review.

I already love Cetaganda, of course.

>63 luvamystery65: I am all for artistic license. Roberta, but I do like my book covers to have some tie to the story. My goodness the haut ladies would never expose themselves like that!

>65 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, between Daughter of War and another that I abandoned as it seemed to heading in the direction of child abuse, I need some happy books to read!

Happy new thread!! I too am a huge fan of the Bibliobimbo - such a great cover!

>67 -Eva-: Welcome to my new thread, Eva. With all the noir pictures and the Bibliobimbo, I better get going and actually read some noir/hard boiled mysteries!

Nice new thread - love your pulp fiction covers! Very timely!

104. The Towers of Silence by Paul Scott - 3.8 ★
Category: 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Raj Quartet Group Read
TIOLI #7: A Book With A Uniform On The Cover



Author Paul Scott rewinds the clock a bit and starts The Towers of Silence in 1939, at the beginning of the war. Set in the hill station of Pankot, the main character is Barbie Batchelor, retired missionary, who, as a paying guest of Mabel Layton, is living at Rose Cottage with her. Although Barbie is proud of her middle class roots, she is not entirely able to fit in to the upper Raj society and is treated much like an outsider, however, she is a unique position to observe the actions that flow around her.

This is mainly a book about women and the impact of the war upon them, once again we come into contact with some familiar faces from the previous books. Mildred Layton and her daughters Sarah and Susan are dealing with the interment of their husband and father as a prisoner of war. We learn more about Susan’s marriage, and both the attacks on Daphne Manners and Edwina Crane are again brought into focus and we once again meet Captain Ronald Merrick. The character of Barbie Batchelor was very life-like with her ability to be both naive and innocent but then at other times she could also be very astute at reading people and their motives.

Though after three books now, I am a little tired of the rehashing of these events, I do find the author’s style of repeating certain occurrences and recording them through the perspective of different people very interesting. Each time a little more is revealed, a little like peeling back the layers of an onion. I did find this a much slower read than the previous two books. I also felt this one had a darker overview as these women struggle to keep up their illusion of gentility, one can sense that their way of life is slipping away. I am in awe of the author’s vision and look forward to seeing how he ends this monumental saga.

>63 luvamystery65: Not necesarily a fan of random sideboobing. But I must say I prefer this cover anyways.

>71 GingerbreadMan: Sideboob aside, (ha!) the Haut Lady it is supposed to depict dress from neck to toe so as not to expose themselves. They also ride in an opaque bubble so as not to be seen. My comment was more that this cover had no relation to the story at all. I do have to say that this more updated series of covers is much better than the original 80s and early 90s covers.

Although sometimes I do miss the 80s. :-)

>69 mysterymax: Welcome MysteryMax, I have finally picked up my first noir of the month with The Big Sleep. Hope to get a few in this month.

>71 GingerbreadMan: >72 luvamystery65: At first glance the newer cover definitely has more eye appeal but it is so wrong for the story that, for me, it would grate on my nerves!

No argument there. I'd much rather take a hideous but relevant cover before one where you get a strong feeling the designer hasn't read the book. One recent example I can think of is Dreadnought, which has a cover strangely depicting an utterly minor event in the very beginning of the book - before the actual plot starts. Makes me suspicious.

For new releases, graphic artists and book cover designers do not get to read the book before they are assigned a title. They get a description from the publisher or agent and go from there. But there's no excuse for a re-issue/'s cover not to reflect the story in a meaningful way :-/

*Shakes head in disbelief at Bibliobimbo cover*

Wow.... talk about a title and a cover! Those darn cheesey covers and titles of the old noir books crack me up. Reminds me of some of the really bad advertizing from way back when.......;-)

Happy New Thread!

>74 GingerbreadMan: >75 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I didn't know that the artists did not get to read the book before designing the cover. Actually that explains a lot as often the publisher's description has no connection with the book at all!

>76 lkernagh: Lori, I love those old 1940-1950 cheesy covers! And as much as I love the Bibliobimbo, I think I love the leopard skin car seats in the first picture even more.

105. No Horizon Is So Far by Liv Arnesen - 3.8 ★
Category: 14 Newsworthy Facts
July GeoCat: Polar Regions
TIOLI #20: The Book Takes Place During the Summer Months



No Horizon Is So Far is an amazing story of endurance and courage. Two former schoolteachers, American Ann Bancroft and Norwegian Liv Arnesen became the first women to cross the Antarctic in 2001. Over the course of 94 days they walked, skied and ice-sailed, enduring temperatures that went as low as -35 degrees F. Each woman towed a 250 pound supply sledge. The terrain was extremely rough and they were working under a time constraint as they needed to complete their journey before the onset of an Antarctic winter enclosed them in total darkness.

Wanting to show children that dreams can be made to come true, they were able to arrange to have classrooms of kids track their progress and learn about Antarctica. By keeping in touch on a daily basis via satellite phone, there were able to share their adventure with millions. The epilogue of the book is comprised of letters received from teachers and sponsors from around the world expressing how much the students were able take from the women’s experiences and I have to admit I found these very touching.

As a testament to both their inner and physical strength, No Horizon is So Far is guaranteed to induce awe and admiration. Unfortunately I did find the writing style a little choppy and uneven and was not able to give myself up entirely to the story. That said however, what these two women accomplished is definitely worthy of our esteem and makes for an interesting read.

>75 Tanya-dogearedcopy: That certainly explains those books where the person on the cover doesn't resemble the protagonist and the generic "woman facing away" cover.

Nice review of Cetaganda! I've only just started it but I'm looking forward to the great world-building that you mention. Having read a number of Bujold's books by now, I have no doubt it will be very interesting.

>61 GingerbreadMan: Most of the Vorkosigan covers are pretty awful. I was hesitant to read A Civil Campaign because the cover made it seem like a sappy romance. Yes, there is romance but there is so much more, and the two people on the cover aren't even the main characters! So I hope you do try the series despite the unappealing covers.

>77 DeltaQueen50:
>79 RidgewayGirl:

One other thing too is that the book synopses that cover artists do get are abstracted from very early drafts of the book itself. The book gets edited, and if the graphic artist's vision was too narrow, the risk of the image not lining up with the book is greater. If you look at a veteran book artist's work (e.g. Chip Kidd) you see that his covers, as iconic as they are, are more symbolic than literal.

>81 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Thanks for that reference to Chip Kidd, I went to his website and was very surprised at all the book covers he's done on such well known books!

106. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler - 4.3 ★
Category: Agatha and Friends
July MysteryCat: Noir & Hard Boiled
TIOLI #4: Start A Series



It was impossible to read The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler and not think of the 1946 movie starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. So in my mind, Phillip Marlowe was Bogart. This is a darkly driven piece with some of the best dialogue lines ever. Politically incorrect - yes, but lines that resonate and get to the heart of the matter.

“You’re the second guy I’ve met within hours who
seems to think a gat in the hand means a world
by the tail.”

“I’m not a tough guy - just careful. I don’t know
hell’s first whisper about you.”

Private Investigator Phillip Marlowe is hired by the patriarch of a extremely wealth family to look into a few matters for him and before he is through investigating all the different angles, he’s come across blackmail, murder, and two sisters who keep him hopping.

“You can have a hangover from other things than
alcohol. I had one from women.”

This was my first Raymond Chandler book and I enjoyed every minute with the iconic P.I. Phillip Marlowe. An intricate plot, the dark and moody setting, and the above mentioned stylized writing really help to define The Big Sleep as the classic noir novel that it is.

I have a noir/hardboiled category and I shamefully haven't gotten around to it. I have been obsessed with Westerns this year. I did pick up Dare Me and Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives when I went to the bookstore on Monday.

Glad you liked The Big Sleep, Judy. It's a great one. But I also pictured Humphrey Bogart saying the lines as I read it, which I was just fine with.

>84 luvamystery65: Roberta I have Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives on my kindle but I probably won't get to it this month. I also have Dare Me but again have no idea when I will get to it.

>85 mstrust: I could perfectly picture Bogart in that role, had more trouble with seeing Bacall but I think they must have softened the older sister role to make more of a romance between Bogie and Bacall. I will have to get my hands on the film again now that I have read the book.

107. The Way To Minack by Derek Tangye - 3.3 ★
Category: The Final Fourteen
July Reading Through Time: Farming/Agriculture
TIOLI #1: A Piece of Advice Appears on Page 85



The Minack series of books written by Derek Tangye are all about how he and his wife chucked their busy, successful lives in London and opted to move to an isolated cottage perched on a cliff in Cornwall and raise a crop of daffodils and freesias in the spring and tomatoes in the summer. Becoming “slaves to the land” wasn’t something that happened naturally or immediately and the books humorously detail all that the couple went through. Each book describes their country life and often introduces the animals that share their lives with them. From cats, to donkeys, seagulls to foxes, both the domestic animals and the wild ones are considered Minack’s own by the Tangyes.

The Way to Minack actually spends very little time at Minack but instead tells the story of their early life, how they met and married and why they eventually decided to try this alternative lifestyle. I missed the many descriptions of the Cornish countryside and the adventures of their animals, but it was interesting to see where they came from and why they originally decided to give up the city life.

108. Borderlands by Brian McGilloway - 3.8 ★
Category: Final Fourteen
TIOLI #2: Central Character is Irish



Set on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Borderlands is a solid police procedure introducing Inspector Devlin of the An Garda. I found the book to be both well written and interesting with a complex plot revolving around past misdeeds and the seeking of revenge.

What at first appears to be a case of a young girl being murdered soon evolves into a gritty tale where the past plays an important role . When a second murder takes place, it becomes apparent that there may be a connection between these cases and a much earlier disappearance. The investigation moves forward slowly due to some carelessness and miscalculation by the police, as well as their having to trace and acquire old records. The author’s use of some interesting red herrings and a few side stories, keep the reader engaged and wanting to read on.

I particularly enjoyed the setting and the characters, a mix of police, petty criminals, local politicians and travellers, and found the give and take between both the police forces of the two countries interesting. I liked the twists and turns the story took and I will be continuing on with more books in this series.

>88 DeltaQueen50: I read the most recent book in that series (The Nameless Dead) and definitely want to work my way back.

>88 DeltaQueen50: I'm reading this right now for one of my book clubs! I'm glad that you liked it. (Great review, BTW.) I'm right at the point where the second murder occurs, and I look forward to finding out just how this story wraps up!

>89 rabbitprincess: How many are in the series now?

>90 LauraBrook: Five, according to FictFact.

>89 rabbitprincess: Ack! You are upsetting my "Must-Read-Series-In-Order" phobia! I wish I could start a series in the middle but I just can't .... (breaks out in a cold sweat and starts wringing hands)

>90 LauraBrook: & >91 rabbitprincess: Yep, five books so far. And he has another series (D.S. Lucy Black) which also looks interesting. One thing for sure, I am going to have a category dedicated to series of all types next year!

>92 DeltaQueen50: The Must-Read-Series-In-Order police are here Judy! His golden handcuffs are in his back pocket. ;-)

I'm with you, Judy. I have to read a series in order even if I can't remember what happened in the last book. I have a couple of series I like that I can't remember where I left off and am afraid I may need to start them all over.

Your review of the book by Derek Tangye reminded me that I picked up a few at a library sale last year (and that was one of them) after you had reviewed another of his books and should probably move them up the TBR.

>88 DeltaQueen50:
Bookbullet taken for Borderlands

And, I just finished the first three books in A Bride's Story due to your recommendation last year - they are excellent, so big thanks for bringing the series to my attention!!

I do read some series in order, but if I hear about a book in the middle of a series and the main plot sounds interesting, I'd personally rather take the risk and jump in without the background from previous books. With so many series to try, I'd just as soon read the installment that catches my fancy (or is considered the best of the series) instead of trying to work my way through installments I'm not interested in before reading that one. Patience is not my middle name. ;)
But this philosophy applies more to mystery series. Historical fiction series I am more likely to read in order, although sometimes it's difficult to decide whether to read in chronological or publication order.

>93 luvamystery65: Oh, officer, I have been a bad girl ... a very bad girl! Dang, Roberta, I have just come from having a cold shower to try and cool down because of the heat and wham, now I am all overheated again!

>94 dudes22: I have the same problem, Betty. I have a few series that I have let linger too long on the backburner and now may have to reread the first one or two. If you are planning on reading one of Derek Tangye's book, I wouldn't start with The Way to Minack, it has so little of the actual life they lead in Cornwall which for me is the charm of the books.

>95 -Eva-: Eva, one of my biggest regrets is that I didn't make a graphic novel category this year and have fallen behind in a number of graphic series. When I finish up my 2014 categories, I may give myself a mini-challenge and include graphic novels as A Bride's Story is one of series I wish to continue on with.

>96 rabbitprincess: I wish I wasn't so set on having to read them in order cause it is often a book set in the middle of a series that initially draws me, but I always go back and start at number one. Series where you have to choose chronological or publication order can really send me in a tailspin! I am very thankful that in the Vorkosigan yearly read, people have helped with reading order as I would probably still be dithering about which book to start with!

109. Ride the Pink Horse by Dorothy B. Hughes - 3.5 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice
July MysteryCat: Noir/Hard-Boiled
TIOLI #11: Rolling Challenge Based on People, Place or Thing



Ride the Pink Horse is a gritty story set in a small town in New Mexico, one gets the sense of a border town with a large proportion of the population comprised of Hispanics and Indians. As the book opens a Chicago hood with the moniker of Sailor gets off the bus and starts looking for both a hotel room and someone he calls the Sen. Having no luck with the room as this little town is celebrating it’s Fiesta, he has better luck in tracking down the Sen. He also is greeted by another stranger called McIntyre, who it appears is also tracking the Sen and it turns out, is a Chicago homicide detective.

Sailor appears to be trying to extort money as he is the only one who can finger the Sen for the murder of his wealthy wife. The Sen for various reasons is trying to weasel out of the payment and McIntyre appears to be watching for his chance to pin the murder on the Sen. With it’s a backdrop of the small carnival, back street bars and an all-night hash joint, there is a sense of Sailor being like an alien in unfamiliar territory. He is uncomfortable, lonely and getting a little desperate as he sees this money as a way to buy himself the beginning of a better life.

This is a dark, moody, atmospheric story with a real hard boiled sensibility told in Dorothy B. Hughes’ excellent prose but I found her use of so much symbolism took me away from the story. I understand that this is more than a small story of crime, but the larger moral of the new America that is emerging after WW II, an America that consists of a meld of various nationalities and their alienation toward each other seems almost too big a story for these 200 pages.

110. Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie - 4.3 ★
Category: 13th/14th Floor
TIOLI #16: Author's First & Last Name Ends With A Vowel



What a fun ride this second entry in the First Law Trilogy was. In Before They Are Hanged by Joe Abercrombie, the characters that were introduced in the first book have now been divided into three separate groups and each has gone off on a dangerous mission. The chapters jump from group to group, each group finding themselves in more and more danger.

My favorite character is Logen Nine-Fingers a fierce warrior from the north, who is part of a small group travelling to the end of the known world, assisting the magician Bayaz on his secret mission. Colonel West has been sent north with an ill equipped, ill trained army under the command of a weak but glory-hungry prince, but he does connect with the five independent Northmen and together, they may be able to reach safety. Meanwhile Inquisitor Gloka is busy trying to hold the southern city port of Dagoska from the Gurkish horde that has parked itself at the city gates while also trying to unearth the traitor that is known to be among the city council.

As the blurb on the back of the book says, “Breathtaking moments, great characters, and grim laughs”. Before They Are Hanged is a gritty and violent tale that is full of delightful twists and turns. I can hardly wait for the third volume.

111. Letters Of A Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart - 3.8 ★
Category: 14 Hands
TIOLI #6: Book Is Set Somewhere I Have Been on Vacation



Written in a warm chatty style, Letters of a Woman Homesteader paints an interesting picture of homesteading in Wyoming in the early 1900’s. The author, a widow with a young child, takes on the role of housekeeper on a ranch while at the same time files her own claim on land that adjoins this ranch. To prove her claim she plants and grows vegetables and makes some basic improvements on the property. She marries the rancher and all the while continues to write letters to her friend in Denver describing her life.

With both humor and insight she describes her day to day activities and that of her neighbours. This isn’t an easy life, they are miles from any town or railroad and have to learn to be self-sufficient in many areas, including medicine. Even going to a neighbours for a dinner party means a long overnight camping trip to get there. Yet even while living such an isolated life, her letters portray her love of life and nature. Her prose is simple and heartfelt, and her descriptions of the natural world that surround her allow the reader to feel part of that world as well.

Eleanor Pruitt Stewart was a strong, independent woman, as I imagine most women who homesteaded had to be. When there wasn’t a minister available for a funeral service, she went ahead and conducted the services for her new-born son herself. But beyond having this core of steel, she was a woman who found the place she was meant to be. “I love the flicker of an open fire, the smell of the pines, the pure, sweet air, and I went to sleep thinking how blest I was to be able to enjoy the things I love most.” An enjoyable read.

>100 DeltaQueen50: I think I liked that one a little better than you!

>99 DeltaQueen50: Glad to see you're continuing to enjoy the Abercrombie's.

>101 thornton37814: Lori, I liked Letters Of a Woman Homesteader well enough, but I was hoping for more descriptions of the country and the actual work that went into the ranching. I expect she was trying to be more interesting by writing about her friends and acquaintances rather than nature.

>102 AHS-Wolfy: Dave, I am loving this trilogy and am planning on reading the third volume in September. I wish I hadn't left the reading of the second Gentlemen Bastards by Scott Lynch for so long. I have the next two books in that series, but I think I will need to go back and reread the first book again.

>103 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I'm still waiting for the release of the mmp edition of The Republic of Thieves. For some reason I thought it was going to be earlier in the year which is why I re-read the other 2 books at the end of last year.

I downloaded the audio for Red Seas Under Red Skies and I also want to get to it before I forget all the details of the first book.

>104 AHS-Wolfy: I've certainly discovered that, unlike most of the mystery series I follow, I need to read the fantasy series in a more timely manner. It's tough when the author themselves often take so long to release the next book without me doing the same by delaying my reading of books that are available.

>105 luvamystery65: Roberta, I think audio is the way I will go for my re-read of the first book.

112. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones - 4.5 ★
Category: 14 Points for Reconstruction
July RandomCat: Books About Books
Commonwealth Challenge: Papua New Guinea
TIOLI #10: Read A Book That Has Won the Alex Award



Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones is set on the Papua New Guinea island of Bougainville during a violent civil war there during the 1990s. As narrated by 13 year-old Matilda we learn how the villagers are caught in the middle, trying to keep their heads down and live their lives without drawing attention to themselves. One white man has remained in the village and has taken upon himself the role of teacher, but instead of regular class work, he reads them Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. He believes that Dickens has the power of great literature that will enable the children’s minds to be set free and bring them to “a place of light”. It doesn’t take long before the children are captivated by Pip’s story and it also isn’t long before the soldiers come and believing that this Pip is a rebel, demand to know where to find him.

Bloodshed is never far off on this island divided by war, with drunken rebels arriving one night, followed by brutal government soldiers the next. The author write of the atrocities in simple, almost dreamlike language that perfectly captures Matilda’s shock and pain. Yet again it is her love of Great Expectations and Dickens that helps to heal her and enables her to build a new life for herself.

The author manages to keep his tale from becoming too sentimental. His simple prose includes many phrases that sound culturally authentic. My only concern is that the reader is almost in danger of overdosing on Great Expectations. Yet, Mister Pip is wonderfully creative, a powerful and moving story of how an eccentric man guides these children through the horrors of a civil revolution by using the power of great writing to release their imaginations.

Hey Judy - I can't stand reading a series out of order, either. And all too often I go back and reread the prior entries in the series just before a new book comes out. Sometimes it's because I need the refresher, but other times it's just an opportunity to indulge myself. Like you, I find I'm more likely to reread a fantasy or SF series than say a mystery series.

I seemed to have dodged most of your book bullets today, with the possible exception of Mister Pip. That one sounds intriguing.... For some reason, I'm just not reading as many mysteries as I used to.

>108 Dejah_Thoris: Hi Dejah, just a quick word of warning. I saw over on the TIOLI thread that you are particularly sensitive to animal cruelty in books right now, and Mister Pip does have some of that. You may wish to save this read for another time.

Ah. Thank you. I may keep Mister Pip in reserve, then. I appreciate the warning.

>107 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I'm so glad you enjoyed Mister Pip.

>111 thornton37814: Lori, Mister Pip was certainly one of the best books I've read in awhile. I loved how the book read almost like a simple fable, yet was actually very intricate. The use of Great Expectations was surprising and, I thought, very creative.

I hadn't planned on listening to the following book until next month, but when I checked it's length and saw that it was over 43 hours in length, I decided that I would start it in July. Of course, once I started it, I was hooked, and although it bogged down in detail a few times, this was an excellent audio and I can't recommend the narrator, Davina Porter enough.

113. Voyager by Diana Gabaldon - 4.3 ★
Category: In 492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
TIOLI #19: Read A Book Whose Author is From One of the Countries that Participated in the World Cup Matches



Voyager by Diana Gabaldon is the third volume in her Outlander series and continues the saga of Claire and Jamie Fraser. Twenty years has past since Jamie sent Claire back to the future and during this time, Claire has assumed that Jamie died at Culloden. She has spent her time in raising their daughter, training to be a doctor and continuing her lukewarm marriage to Frank. After her husband dies, she and her 18 year old daughter travel to Scotland where she discovers that Jamie survived the battle and there is a possibility that she could find him and be with him again. With her daughters approval, Claire sets her affairs in order and travels through the stones and into the past once again.

She does find Jamie but before they can find lasting peace and happiness, they have many issues to sort through, secrets to reveal and adventures to complete. When Jamie’s nephew Ian is kidnapped and carried off to the Caribbean, Claire and Jamie vow to get him back and set sail after him.

I listened to this book as narrated by Davina Porter and once again was totally captivated by her version. She has the voices down pat, and listening to her read this book, even though it was 43 plus hours long, was a very enjoyable experience. I am slowly working my way back through this series, and with this volume full of smugglers, pirates, prostitutes and a secret treasure, it was a great escape from the everyday.

>113 DeltaQueen50: I'm not sure I would have the patience for a 43-hour audio book. I don't like them that well. I'm glad it was a winner for you!

I really enjoyed the first few Outlander novels, but I've gotten bogged down around the 4th or 5th novels - twice. On the other hand, I adore the Lord John books. Try them!

And I'm with Lori - I cannot imagine listen to a 43 hour audio book - kudos to you!

-113. Yay Judy! Great effort. I reckon it easily took me that long to read my Diana Gabaldon book in hours, but in days it took me a whole month. And I doubt the voices in my head were as authentic as the ones on your audio. Great review.

>114 thornton37814: Lori, I was quite daunted before I began, but once I started listening I was hooked. I have a tendancy to fall asleep when I listen to audio books so have to listen while doing something that doesn't take all my attention, like light household chores or even playing mindless video games. I am actually experiencing withdrawal symptoms now that it's over!

>115 Dejah_Thoris: Dejah, I have also read part of this series before, I think I got through the fourth book and then stopped. This time I am hoping to get through to the end. I hope whatever caused me to quit after the fourth doesn't strike again! I will have to give the Lord John series a try as well.

>116 Roro8: Ro, I have the next few books in audio version as well, so next up for me will be The Drums of Autumn. These books just keep on getting longer! Drums of Autum is just short of 45 hours, then Fiery Cross is 55 and a half hours.

Wow, 43 hours! You stick with things!

>118 mstrust: Well, I can certainly tell you that the excellent narrator had a lot to do with my sticking to it. I could listen to Davina Porter read the phone book, I tell you! :)

114. The Asphalt Jungle by W.R. Burnett - 3.4 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
July MysteryCat: Noir & Hard-Boiled
TIOLI #11: Rolling Challenge Based on People, Place or Thing



The Asphalt Jungle by W.R. Burnett is a classic crime novel, and a great heist story. Set in the gritty streets of a large Midwestern city, the powers-that-be take note when a known criminal mastermind is released from prison. They are right to be concerned as he immediately starts planning a big job and gathering his crew.

I struggled a little getting into this story, I think there was too much time taken up with introducing the various characters. Typical with most hard boiled stories most of these characters were unlikeable but I also found many of them rather uninteresting as well. The actual heist was fascinating but went by very quickly. The book followed the whole cycle of crime, from the planning stages to it’s execution and the final outcome. It was hard to root for either the criminals or the police as I didn’t find much to choose from either of them.

I am usually a huge fan of this type of book, but something felt lacking in this one as it fell a little flat.. The writing was strong and colourful but as the story wound down it felt like it was running out of gas. I think I would like to try some of this authors other works like High Sierra or Little Caesar. I suspect the film adaptation might be the better way to go with The Asphalt Jungle.

Oh dear - I saw you had posted The Asphalt Jungle to the TIOLI Challenge so I requested it from my library system. It hasn't arrived yet, but maybe I need to give this one a pass.....

Dejah, I was disappointed with The Asphalt Jungle, I expected more from this author. The idea was excellent but I think it lost something in the writing. My brother has the film so we will be watching it when I go visit my family next week, it won a few awards and is one of Marilyn Monroe's earliest film performances so I am looking forward to seeing it.

I recently added W.R. Burnett to my WL after seeing High Sierra just about two months ago. I think it's strange when someone writes so many high profile books yet their name is kinda unrecognizable

>123 mstrust: I really went to get my hands on High Sierra which is one of my all time favorite movies. I don't think W.R. Burnett is as well known as he should be, but for me, that goes for Cornell Woolrich as well.

Borderlands sounds really good. I may have to add that to my list, Judy.

I've had Outlander sitting on my shelf forever and am not sure if I'm ready to start another big series but you do make it sound appealing. An audiobook 43 hours long does seem daunting but the book in print probably looks just as daunting. :)

>124 DeltaQueen50: Cornell Woolrich is a great example of an author who has been forgotten. The Bride Wore Black should be as well known as any of Hammett's.

>125 tymfos: I think it is going to be a good series, Terri. I like the setting which is on the border of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, I found it very interesting reading about the cooperation and give-and-take between the two police forces.

>126 mathgirl40: Paulina, no doubt about it, the Outlander series is a huge commitment as each book is well over 800 plus pages. But I have been taking my time and averaging a book a year, although I have to admit this last one has left me wanting to continue on soon.

>127 mstrust: Cornell Woorich is one of my best author discoveries in recent years. I just received an omnibus edition that has The Bride Wore Black, Phantom Lady, Rear Window and Waltz Into Darkness but I have promised my brother he gets first go at this so I will have to wait a bit before getting my turn.

115. The Only Life That Mattered by James Nelson - 4.4 ★
Category: N is the Fourteenth Letter
TIOLI #14: Author Has Only One A In His/Her Name



A short life but a merry one, was the code by which Mary Read, Anne Bonny and Calico Jack Rackham lived by. The Only Life That Mattered by James Nelson is based on the true story of these notorious pirates of the Caribbean. Together these three cut a wide swath through the West Indies shipping lanes, plundering, stealing and fighting all in order to live the life of freedom that they desired.

James Nelson tells their story from their first meeting to the end of their time in the Sweet Trade. This is a story full of adventure and action, yet he sticks very close to the actual facts that are known about this trio. His descriptions of pirate society is colourful and convincing. The author is able to make these figures come alive on the pages as he expresses each characters inner thoughts and emotions in a very believable way. With the limited historical knowledge that there is on these people, he traces the very different steps each took that led them to make the choices that they did.

The Only Life That Mattered was a very enjoyable read and shined a spotlight on both the pirate way of life and in particular two woman who lived very different lives from what was considered the norm for their time, embracing a life of adventure and freedom for whatever short period they were able to have.

>99 DeltaQueen50:
I just picked up the trilogy - can't wait to get started!

>129 DeltaQueen50: That looks like a ton of fun!

I have loaded my car and I am leaving shortly to catch a ferry to Vancouver Island and head off for a couple of weeks to visit my family. My computer time will be limited, but I hope to check in here from time to time and stay current with my books.

>130 -Eva-: Time to buckle on your swash or swash on your buckle for these books, Eva!

>131 christina_reads: LOL, Christina, I guess the same message as above would apply to this book. It's a great adventure read, and it was interesting to read about these women who defied society and the law in order to live the life they chose for themselves.

>132 DeltaQueen50: Have a good trip and we'll see you when you get back!

Enjoy the time with your family!

Have fun Judy!

Have a great time!

Happy travels!

I hope your trip is going safely and smoothly - and that you're having fun!

Arrived in the rain here, but by the next day it had cleared up and I think we are on our way to another heat wave! Doing some reading but mostly just socializing with the family.

>133 mstrust: Thank you, it's always fun to come home and let my 92 year old mom mother me!

>134 cbl_tn: Carrie, I am very lucky in that I truly do enjoy spending time with my family.

>135 luvamystery65: Roberta, I will try very hard to stay out of trouble, Roberta, but it just some how seems that trouble goes out of it's way to find me!

>136 rabbitprincess: Thanks, RP!

>137 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. Are you still travelling yourself?

>138 Dejah_Thoris: Everything is going well, Dejah. Of course, I am hanging out with my partner-in-crime, my brother!

Yes, I'm currently at the beach on Edisto Island, SC, our favorite beach. We leave tomorrow to go back upstate for a few more weeks.

116. Dead Tomorrow by Peter James - 3.9 ★
Category: British Fortnight
TIOLI #5: Cover of Book Portrays an Easily Identifiable Symbol or Geographical Location



Dead Tomorrow by Peter James is the fifth in the on-going series that features D.I. Roy Grace. This was a good police procedural that really advanced the personal story of Roy Grace. The case was a heartbreaking one of Romanian homeless teens being lured to England and being killed for their internal organs.

Grace has finally reached the decision to proceed with having his wife, missing for nine years, declared dead. He is also ready to pop the question to his girlfriend, Cleo and try to get his life back on track. At the same time, his best friend, Glenn, another detective, is going through having his own marriage breakup.

A plot that keeps the pages turning peopled with characters that I have grown to care about, Dead Tomorrow is a well plotted procedural that was hard to put down.

>139 DeltaQueen50: Oh no Judy, have fun = trouble in my book! Bwahahaha!!!

Have a fabulous trip!!

Another flying visit, have been kept busy. Tomorrow we are packing a picnic and heading off to a local river for a swim.

>140 RidgewayGirl: Enjoy your holiday time!

>142 luvamystery65: In my books as well, Roberta! What's life without a little stirring?

>143 -Eva-: Thanks Eva.

117. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett - 4.4 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
July MysteryCat: Noir/Hard-Boiled
TIOLI #9: A Book About Art Theft or Forgery



I'm not going to write a review on The Maltese Falcon as not only have many people here already read it, but it is such a well-known book and has been well reviewed over the years. I'll just say it's a great piece of noir, I loved the story and it's left me wanting to see the movie. I have a list of authors that I fully intend to search out their works, and I am adding Dashiell Hammett to it.

118. Shift by Jennifer Bradbury - 3.7 ★
Category: Emancipation Age is 14
TIOLI #10: A Book Whose Title Is Catalogued By At Least One Other Author



I found Shift by Jennifer Bradbury an interesting story of two young boys who, after graduating high school and before leaving for university, take a bike trip across the United States. When only one boy returns and resumes his life, questions arise as to the whereabouts of the other.

Told in a combination of flashbacks and current time, we learn about the boys, Chris and Win, what the trip means to both and where they feel they are going in life. When Win continues to be missing, an FBI investigation is launched and this investigation appears to be centered on Chris.

This is more of a story of relationships than a true mystery. As the details of the trip are revealed, the reader has a very good idea of what happened to Win. I enjoyed the story and my only quibble is that I felt the ending was a little to simplified. I should qualify this complaint with the allowance that this is a YA story and meant for a far younger audience than I.

119. Teacher, Teacher by Jack Sheffield - 3.4 ★
Category: Fourteen Cats
August RandomCat: Back To School
TIOLI #1: A Two Word Title With Both Words Beginning With the Same Letter



In 1977, Jack Sheffield is appointed Headmaster of a small primary school in a village in North Yorkshire. Teacher, Teacher is his semi- autobiographical account of his first year in this tiny village, the events that occur during the school year and the interesting, strange and quirky characters that he encounters. Told in a mild, slighty tongue-in-cheek manner, this is a very readable and gently humorous story.

Each chapter starts with a brief entry from the school logbook and then goes on to enlarge upon the details and tells the story behind these entries. These stories often emphasize the importance of the village school to the sense of community, and although Jack tells interesting stories, it is the other characters that provide the color, humor and human interest. These stories range from insights about Ruby, the larger-than-life school janitor to the touching story of a Viet Nam refugee and are warm, funny and nostalgic.

I enjoyed Teacher, Teacher but found that it was a book that I had to put down often to give myself a break from the sweetness. While reading of the support, tolerance and understanding that Jack remembers as being the norm of the day, one should remember this is also the time period of the Yorkshire Ripper and that things were not as picture perfect as this book would have one believe. This was the first book in a series of four, and I will probably pick up the second book at some point when I need a warm, comfortable read.

>147 DeltaQueen50: I have never read that book before but that cover looks so familiar -- like the same stock image was used for another book's jacket.

>148 thornton37814: - Lori - I thought so too. Kind of reminds me of the covers from the Gail Fraser Lumby series or the Jan Karon Mitford series. Has the same feel.

I saw over on the Root Group that you compared this book to the Patrick Taylor Irish Doctor series, Judy. I'm really enjoying that series, so it looks like this will be a BB for me.

Hope you're still having a wonderful time in Vancouver! I'm back from three lovely weeks of travelling summer Sweden, and slowly catching up.

I'm rarely in the mood for epic fantasy, but I've recently, as the last person on earth, been smitten by the Game of Thrones TV series, so I'm half on the lookout for some other fat chainmaily books with maps at the beginning. Your review of Abecrombie sounds like it might do the trick. (There are no pesky elves, right?)

>148 thornton37814: Lori, I would check and see who the artist that designed the cover is, but I am home now and I left the book with my Mom. I think it is a very familar style as well and I am sure there are other covers around that have that look. It's a very cozy style that was very appropriate for this book.

>149 dudes22: Betty, I didn't find Teacher, Teacher as good as the Irish Doctor series, but they are definitely similar in style and nature.

>150 GingerbreadMan: Arrived home today, Anders, and I did have a great time. We are having a spell of beautful weather and except for the fact that it is getting too dry, it's perfect holiday weather. Oh, I am a huge Game of Thrones fan and can't wait for next season. I can reassure you that there are no pesky elves in Joe Abercrombie's First Law series.

120. The Under Dog and Other Stories by Agatha Christie - 3.3 ★
Category: Agatha & Friends
August MysteryCat: British Mysteries
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #14: Book Has the Words "Dog", "Days" or "Summer" in the Title



The Underdog and Other Stories is a collection of short stories by Agatha Christie. There are nine different stories in this collection and I would rate them all somewhere between a 3 and a 3.5. I freely admit that short stories are not usually my preferred reading material, but these stories all of which featured Hercule Poirot smugly solving the mysteries, was the perfect reading for me as I was visiting relatives and found myself frequently having to break off my reading.

The nine stories that are included in this collection are:

The Underdog
Plymouth Express
Victory Ball
Market Basing
Lemesurier Insurance
Cornish Mystery
King of Clubs
Submarine Plans
Clapham Cook

Basically I would say if you are a fan of Agatha Christie and her detective Poirot, then you will enjoy this collection. The stories are fairly simple with small twists that are easily predictable. Perhaps not a good place to start reading Christie, but a great companion piece to her more complex mysteries.

121. Nineteen Seventy-Seven by David Peace - 3.9 ★
Category: N is the Fourteenth Letter
TIOLI #11: Title Includes A Day, A Month or A Year



I approached Nineteen Seventy-Seven by David Peace with some trepidation as the first book actually shocked me with it’s brutality, violence and darkness. I do have to admit however, that that book stuck with me. Perhaps knowing a little of what to expect, this second book of the quartet, went down a little easier. Yes, the story is still unrelentingly bleak and violent, but his writing definitely reaches out to the reader in an almost visceral manner.

The story is set in the summer of Nineteen Seventy-Seven as in the Yorkshire city of Leeds someone is murdering women, and in particular targeting prostitutes. The murderer is given the name of the Yorkshire Ripper by the newspapers, the police are working long hours trying to trace this vicious killer. But as the story starts to focus in on certain individuals we learn of many other gruesome events that are both haunting and distracting. As the killings continue, two men, one a policeman, the other a newspaper reporter, become convinced that there is more than one killer at work. There is a powerful conspiracy of silence and corruption in the police force and these men run full tilt into this wall of darkness and find they have nowhere to turn.

Nineteen Seventy-Seven is not a pleasant read by any means. Policemen rape prostitutes and torture suspects knowing full well they are innocent. This is however an in-your-face story that exposes that side of life that we would all prefer to ignore. A powerful story that is told with passion and style. I don't think I could read these books too close together, but I will definitely be reaching for volume three next year.

>153 DeltaQueen50:
I've seen the TV-series and the books are on the maybe-list due to the brutality. Such an intriguing story, though.

>154 -Eva-: Hi Eva, yes, I see the Red Riding Quartet is on Netflicks so I will give it a try after I bring myself to to read the other two books.

I've read one book by David Peace and haven't been tempted to go back since. So unrelentingly bleak!

I've only read one David Peace novel, Occupied City, but I loved it! It was fictionalized account of a true crime that took place in Tokyo immediately following WWII: A man walked into a bank, convinced everyone there to drink a vaccine. Unfortunately, the vaccine was actually a poison and, the man cleaned out the bank. The story is told Roshomon style and what it implies is shocking, but credible. It is challenging only because Peace adopts a personality and style for each of the POVs; but it's absolutely compelling. I keep meaning to get to Tokyo Year Zero, which is set co-contemporaneously with Occupied City, and the second in the planned trilogy. I don't think he ever got around to writing the third in the Tokyo trilogy!

>156 AHS-Wolfy: If I hadn't already had the whole of the Red Riding Quartet on my shelves, Dave, I may very well have never picked one of his books up again. I am glad I did as he is beginning to grow on me.

>157 Tanya-dogearedcopy: You've nailed how I am feeling about David Peace as an author, Tanya. I am finding him both challenging and compelling. I may very well be looking for his Tokoyo books after I finish the Red Riding Quartet.

Tokyo Year Zero was the one I read. Here's what I wrote about it back in 2009:

I thought the setting would prove interesting and the author seems to be generally well regarded so thought I'd give him a go with this one. Unfortunately I'll have to say this will be my only experience of his work. It's all just too grim and the style of writing did nothing to alleviate my distaste for this novel. It really was a struggle to pick this up and read a bit more and I could only stomach this in small doses. Reading, to me at least, is supposed to be an enjoyable way to relax and get lost in a story. The only reason I think I finished this book was to make sure I never go back to it.

For some reason I no longer own that book.

I'm reading Nineteen Seventy-Seven now and it's both compelling and relentless.

>159 AHS-Wolfy: Oh, your review of Tokyo Year Zero sounds a lot like my review of the first David Peace book I read, Nineteen Seventy Four. As I said I would have never picked up the next volume except that I had the whole quartet on my shelves and I just couldn't bring myself to get rid of unread books!

>160 RidgewayGirl: I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one, Kay.

122. The Soldier's Wife by Margaret Leroy - 3.6 ★
14 in 14 Category: 14 Points For Reconstruction
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #15: A Book From the Bottom of My TBR



The Soldier’s Wife by Margaret Leroy is set during WW II on the island of Guernsey. And tells the story of Vivienne de la Mare, a woman who becomes torn by her conflicting emotions as she becomes involved with a German officer and ultimately must decide where her loyalties lie. Her husband has gone to be a soldier and she is left on the island with her two daughters and her mother-in-law who appears to be suffering from dementia. As the Germans arrive and the occupation begins, Vivenne is appalled when the house next door is used to house German officers. At first the situation, although tense seems liveable but with the arrival on the island of slave labour things change and her eyes are opened to what is really happening around her.

The story itself I found interesting. The day-to-day conditions of living under the German occupation how the locals dealt with both the food and clothing shortages. The love story between Vivienne and Gunther was both adult and believeable under the circumstances. I loved most of the supporting characters, especially her youngest daughter Millie. As for Vivienne herself, I found her a bit of a trial. Extremely introspective but also tentative and uncertain in her ways. I do admit that she grew through the course of the story and by the end of the book I came to actually agree with her decisions and admire her.

The Soldier’s Wife captures both the time period and the setting excellently, the relationships felt real. At times I felt the story bogged down and the writing felt a little stilted, but overall this was a good story of both war and romance.

123. Still Midnight by Denise Mina - 3.5 ★
Category: British Fortnight
TIOLI #4: A Book That Is Set in Scotland, Has a Scottish Author or Author Has a Scottish Surname



I am afraid that my expectations were set a little high for Still Midnight by Denise Mina. I am a fan, loving in particular her Garnet Hill trilogy, but didn’t find this book measured up against her others. The story opens with a bang however, when masked thugs barge into a quiet house in Glasgow, screaming for Bob. But as the terrified family insist there is no one there called Bob, they grab the father of the household and leave after shooting the sixteen year old daughter in the hand.

When the police arrive we are introduced to the character of Alex Morrow, a fairly unpleasant person who appears to be angry and troubled most of the time and it isn’t until near the end of the book that we find out why. She is however an intelligent investigator, but not one who knows how to play the political games needed to smooth her way.

Denise Mina peoples her book with damaged, dark characters that she develops through the course of her story. This crime story is bleak, gritty and seedy, and most of the characters are rather unlikeable. It was difficult to have sympathy for the family, the kidnappers or the police. Alex Morrow is very abrasive and obviously struggling with her own personal demons, as well as dealing with a back-stabbing co-worker and a supervisor who is obviously misogynistic.

Even though I enjoyed this book to a much lesser degree that I was expecting, I do plan to continue on with the series as I did find the story well plotted and with enough layering to make me want to see what is going to happen with Alex Morrow next.

Too bad Still Midnight didn't measure up for you. I quite enjoyed it, I find Mina's characters interesting. I have to admit Alex Morrow became a bit more likeable, and vulnerable, in The Red Road.

I read The Soldier's Wife (has a different title in Australia) last year. I think your review is pretty spot on Judy, although I may have rated it slightly higher. I think that your excellent reviews are why you get us all with so many BBs

>162 DeltaQueen50: That one sounds interesting even if it has flaws. I think I'll add it to my TBR list, knowing I might or might not ever get around to reading it.

I agree that Still Midnight is weaker than her other books, but Morrow's character develops and changes as the series progresses. The series has become a favorite, but it took a few books to get there.

I think I'll take that one off my WL and look for one of her others. Thanks for the review.

>164 VivienneR: I may well have "shot myself in the foot" with this one, Vivienne, as my expectations were so high. I do have faith in Denise Mina and I expect this series will grow on me.

>165 Roro8: The Soldier's Wife was interesting for me as I started off actually disliking the main character but through the course of the story not only did she grow but I think I became a little more accepting as well.

>166 thornton37814: Lori, I enjoy reading about the Channel Islands, an interest that was started by The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a fascinating setting.

>167 RidgewayGirl: I am certainly willing to give Denise Mina a few books, Kay. Even though this wasn't the best Denise Mina, it was still pretty good.

>168 mstrust: If you get a chance to get your hands on the books, her Garnet Hill Trilogy is really excellent and a great way to introduce yourself to this author.

I enjoy reading about the Channel Islands, an interest that was started by The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's a fascinating setting.

If you like reading about the Channel Islands, I highly recommend The Book of Lies, by Mary Horlock. Here's a short trailer of the book, with shots of the island: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSolxhe26dU The only problem with this trailer is that it makes the book sound very serious, but it also has a very funny side to it.

>170 Nickelini: Hi Joyce, I have read The Book of Lies which I enjoyed. I also really liked Island Madness which was another book about the German occupation of Guernsey Island.

124. By Blood We Live by Glen Duncan - 3.8 ★
Category: 13th/14th Floor
TIOLI #7: Author Has Written At Least Two Other Books That I Have Read



With By Blood We Live, Glen Duncan’s dark and literary Bloodlines trilogy comes to a close. Although not the strongest book of the three, I felt this was a satisfactory closing to the story. Rather than being strictly from the werewolf point of view, in this story one of the narrators is Remshi, a 20,000 year old vampire who believes that Talulla is the reincarnation of his ancient werewolf lover.

The main focus of this book is on survival . The humanity of monsters is examined and the question of whether their biological need for blood and death is any worse than that of humans whose sole purpose is to systematically wipe out the supernatural. Talulla is fighting for the survival of her children and her species yet she is drawn to the vampire Remshi. One thing that pleased me greatly was the unresolved ending. The war has come, but the results are far from clear.

Overall I felt this book didn’t quite measure up to the two previous ones. Although I was pleased with the ending and Glen Duncan does a fantastic job of reaching into the mind of both vampires and werewolves, I felt this book had less to say than the other two. I found the similarity between the voice of Remshi to the original voice of Jake a little off-putting. I do however believe this trilogy will long be the werewolf saga that all others will be measured against.

>172 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad you enjoyed the series overall. Of the books in the trilogy By Blood We Live and its predecessor, Talulla Rising, didn't quite live up to The Last Werewolf for me. Guess I just missed Jake too much. Do you think you'll seek out other work by the author at some point? His next release is a psychological thriller but will be released under a pseudonym of Saul Black called The Killing Lessons due for release next year.

PS. Your touchstone points to a different book with the same title

Dave, I am very interested in other works by Glen Duncan, although many people have expressed that the Werewolf trilogy is his most accessible. I am taking note of The Killing Lessons as psychological thrillers are front and center in my wheelhouse.

Thanks for the note about the touchstone, I have fixed it.

125. Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson - 3.3 ★
Category: The Atomic Number of Silicon
TIOLI #8: Book Has An Amusing LT Tag



I started Ultraviolet by R.J. Anderson believing I was going to read a YA book set in a psychiatric treatment center and dealing with teen mental illness. I was rather surprised at the twist this story took as before too long I was getting hints about visitors from other planets, wormholes and spaceships.

The cryptic opening immediately captures the reader interest as Alison describes another girl, popular Tori, who is good looking and accomplished at least up to the point that Alison killed her. Alison has extreme synaesthesia, she sees numbers and words in colors, she tastes words and sees sounds. She keeps these sensations to herself as she has been taught they are signs of not being normal. When she wakes in a psychiatric hospital after having a break-down from sensory overload she learns that she declared that she killed Tori, who is indeed missing.

I was quite caught up in this story and enjoyed the first half before things were suddenly twisted. I enjoyed the colourful writing as the author seemed to be letting her readers experience how synaesthesia works with phrases such as:

“Dark chocolate, poured over with velvet: that was how his voice tasted. I wanted him to follow me around and narrate the rest of my life.”

I was quite absorbed in this part of the story told from the perspective of a sixteen year old girl sectioned in a mental institution for teens. Although hints had been dropped along the way, when the story took on another perspective I found myself doing some eye-rolling and head-scratching. I found this part of the book quite unbelievable.

So although Ultraviolet has a unique plot line and is quite well written, I personally was much happier with the first half of the story. Still, I am definitely not part of the target audience for this book and I do think Ultraviolet would appeal to a younger, sci-fi minded audience.

Judy, I've added Borderlands to my list, and also the first book from the Peter James series. Both are available to me as library downloads, yay!

Hi Terri, I really enjoy the Peter James series and the first book is real roller coaster of a ride. Borderlands appears to get the McGilloway series off to a good start and I am looking forward to continuing on with it.

You've read some interesting sounding books this summer, Judy.

>178 hailelib: Thanks, Tricia. It seems the older I get the more books I find that I want to read. Sometimes it's difficult to narrow down my choices which is where the category challenge comes in and helps make my choices clearer.

126. Regeneration by Pat Barker - 5.0 ★
Category: 14 Points for Reconstruction
August GeoCat: Western Europe
August Reading Through Time Theme: World War I
TIOLI #2: Top 50 World Event is Listed in the Books Common Knowledge



Regeneration by Pat Barker is a wonderful example of both a work of historical fiction and an anti-war piece. It is the first book in the Regeneration trilogy about the First World War. I found this understated simple story very moving as it explored the minds of men that were caught up in the maelstrom that was to practically wipe out a generation. My grandfather ran away from home to enlist and faced these very horrors at the very young age of seventeen, and lived with these memories the rest of his life. All wars are terrible but there seems to be such a loss of innocence that is connected to this war. It became a new style of warfare run by a series of incompetent generals and politicians and the lives that were sacrificed was overwhelming.

The author centers her story at Craiglockhart War Hospital in Edinburgh where British army officers are sent to recover from “shell shock”. Her characters are a mixture of real people such as poet Siegfried Sassoon and psychologist W.H.R. Rivers along with fictional characters. Extensive research paired with beautiful writing has produced a story that highlights the effect WW I was having and would have in the future. The day to day procedures at this hospital as Dr. Rivers works with his patients highlights the horrors that these men faced and the consequences that they now had to deal with from mutism, hallucinations, stuttering, etc.

Not a long book at only 250 pages, this is a very powerful story that invokes intense feelings in the reader. Regeneration was a moving, intelligent, thought-provoking and very rewarding book that I highly recommend.

127. Darkside by Belinda Bauer - 4.2 ★
Category: British Fortnight
August MysteryCat: British Mystery
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #10: A Book Whose Title is Catalogued By At Least One Other Author



Darkside by Belinda Bauer is a book, I believe that will stay with me for some time. It is intense, dark and riveting. The setting is familiar from her first book, Blacklands, the remote village of Shipcott on the edge of Exmoor. The main character is Jonas Holly the village policeman who once dreamed of a larger career, but came home as his wife, Lucy, has multiple sclerosis, and this job means he has plenty of time to spend both with her and looking after her.

The first murder is that of Margaret Priddy, a bedridden, paralysed woman and a task force is sent to the village to investigate. The head of the task force, DCI Marvel is an alcoholic bully and has taken a dislike to Jonas. Although sidelined in the investigation, Jonas takes it upon himself to do a little detective work on the side and then starts to receive anonymous notes from the killer. As the weather worsens and the snow cuts the village off from the rest of the world, there are more murders of infirm people.

I could see where this was heading, but the book really had to drag me along as this was not the direction that I wanted the story to take. Nevertheless, this book had me rapidly turning the pages as the tension mounted. The author takes an enormous risk with her story but other than a couple of weak points I think she mostly pulled it off. This author excels in both her descriptive settings and her skilfully drawn characters and I fully intend on reading more of her work.

>181 DeltaQueen50: Flea can't stop raving about Belinda Bauer, so I'm bound to read her sooner than later. Well put in your review, that reluctance of following a story in a direction you absolutely don't want it to take.

I guess I'm going to have to add Belinda Bauer to the wishlist.

I loved Blacklands and I've been holding my copy of Darkside for when I need something good. I'm glad it delivers.

>182 GingerbreadMan: Flea is right, Anders. Belinda Bauer is well worth your investigating.

>183 AHS-Wolfy: Dave, her first book is Blacklands and is a great read.

>184 RidgewayGirl: I was the same, Kay. I loved Blacklands and although I would say it was better than Darkside, this later book is still a superior read, I am looking forward to reading the next Jonas Holly book, Finders Keepers

128. The Greengage Summer by Rumer Godden - 4.5 ★
Category: 14 Is the Age of Emancipation
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #14: Book Has The Words "Dog", "Days" or "Summer" in the Title



With The Greengage Summer I have once again lost my heart to Rumer Godden. Aimed at a younger audience this book is in no way written down for children, rather it stretches the mind as it delivers a story both extremely atmospheric and, at times unsettling. Forever encapsulated in a green and golden world, The Greengage Summer is a coming-of-age story with both heart and soul.

With their father gone for years on a scientific expedition, their mother decides the Grey family needs a vacation and despite the tut-tutting of her brother William, packs the family off to France. She books them into a hotel called Les Oeillets at Vieux-Moutiers and fully intends on educating her five children by touring the battlefields of France. Unfortunately, a horsefly bite turns septic and the mother is promptly packed off to hospital for the duration of their stay. Although they are taken under the wing of a mysterious guest called Elliot, they are basically left to fend for themselves. What follows is an evocative story of innocence lost as the children tramp about the French countryside and learn more about the other guests and workers at the hotel.

The five Grey children are Joss, Cecil, Hester, Willmouse and Vicky. Joss is sixteen and just learning the power of her sexuality, but has no idea of what this means or how to use it. The masculinity of her name aside, Cecil, the story’s narrator, spends much of her time wavering between jealousy of her sister and wanting to protect her. At thirteen her emotions are constantly bubbling to the surface. There are three year gaps between each child since “three years is about the length of Father’s expeditions”. Each of the children is a distinct individual, and although the French characters at time verge on stereotyping, they still are interesting and engaging.

The Greengage Summer is a book that had I read when younger would probably have long held a place on my shelves as a favorite. Even at my advanced age this is wonderful read. Rumer Godden has the impressive ability of capturing the essence of childhood and transferring it to the pages and I found the Grey children very charming to read about.

I originally stated that I would consider a category completed when I had read 10 books. I have now completed seven of my fourteen categories and will probably finish the rest of my categories in October. Looks like I will have a couple of months of free reading to look forward to, although I doubt if my reading will be much different than what I have been doing all year.

Well done! I'm nowhere near finishing, although I'm on track to finish at the last minute, as usual.

>187 DeltaQueen50: Way to go!

I really doubt I'll finish all of my categories, so I'll be working on them up to the last minute too.

I read Greengage Summer a few years ago and enjoyed it too. It sort of reminds me of I Capture the Castle, but I liked it better.

>188 RidgewayGirl: & >189 mstrust: I am rather surprised at where I am in the Challenge, I thought this would be the year that I would still be trying to finish in December. Gives me hope for next year!

>190 Nickelini: I have read both those books in my adult years rather than finding them when I was young. I also preferred The Greengage Summer, but I might have preferred the romance of I Capture the Castle when I was younger.

129. Blood Kin by Henry Chappell - 5.0 ★
Category: Fourteen Hands
Reading Through Time Quarterly Theme: American West
TIOLI #10: A Book Whose Title is Catalogued by at Least One Other Author



Blood Kin by Henry Chappell carried me off to the wilds of 1838 Texas and keep me spellbound as I read the tale of Isaac Webb, a young Texan who joins the militia after the Alamo and fights the Mexicans. When the Republic of Texas is formed he is with the Texas Rangers and first fights, then becomes a peace emissary to the Comanche. This is an epic story chock full of authentic characters, realistic actions and unforgettable sequences.

My only disappointment with this book is that I never wanted it to end. Isaac became very real through the course of the story and I loved rooting for him. As the escalating Indian raids bring violence and heartbreak to the vast Texan frontier, you feel the fear and loathing that the very name Comanche invoked. Then when Isaac is sent to live among them as part of a peace mission, the Comanche become human and your sympathy for their plight is drawn forth. As Isaac befriends a young Comanche warrior called Looks Far, the seeds of revenge and hatred are planted that eventually bring about a brutal dilemma that Isaac must resolve before he can move on with his life.

The author has portrayed this piece of history both accurately and fairly. Prejudice was prevalent on all sides of this conflict and it is easily seen that there never could have been a peaceful negotiation between the white settlers and this proud, and previously undefeated Indian nation. I highly recommend Blood Kin, it is rich in both history and story as the author blends both real and fictional characters in his memorable tale of the American West.

Your 5 star read - and review!- of Blood Kin has caught my eye, Judy. Adding it to my future reading list.

Hi Lori, Blood Kin was a fantastic story by an author I hadn't heard of before. I never would have found this book if Richard hadn't mentioned it. It's well worth searching out.

130. The Mushroom Man by Stuart Pawson - 4.0 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice
August MysteryCat: British Mystery
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #10: Book Whose Title Is Catalogued By At Least One Other Author



The Mushroom Man by Stuart Pawson is the second in the Charlie Priest series set in Yorkshire and I enjoyed this one every bit as much as the first one. DI Charlie Priest is working a couple of trying cases, both involving children. Meanwhile a serial killer, dubbed the Mushroom Man, is targeting men of the cloth, and although this isn’t a case that Charlie and his crew have been directly working on, some dark events eventually pull Charlie into the hunt.

This is an excellent police procedural series with the author taking great care in showing the day to day focus of the team as they work through the clues. As these cases involve children which can be extremely difficult to read about, I was glad that the author chose to highlight the investigation not the crime. Charlie Priest is a great character, he has both a good working relationship with his team and shares a friendship with most of them as well, his immediate supervisor is both a friend and a professional. The storyline was interesting and at times quite intense. I appreciated the short breaks that Charlie took from solving crime to work on his growing relationship with the beautiful widow Annabelle Wilberforce.

I owe my grandson a big thank you for pulling The Mushroom Man down from my shelves for me to read this year which obliged me to also read the first book. This is a great series and now that I have the first two under my belt, I look forward to continuing on.

Oh Judy - you've hit me with a BB. I just went over to the ebook library system and put the first two on my wishlist so I don't lose track of them. Just what I need, another series ;)

>196 dudes22: I was the same about starting a new series, Betty, but when Clayton picked The Mushroom Man for me to read for the challenge I didn't want to disappoint him, so I then had to slip the first book in as well. I was happily surprised though as I have fallen in love with this series!

>192 DeltaQueen50: Blood kin sounds very good. A definite BB taken! How thick is it? Feels like the kind of book you'd want to be rather huge :)

>192 DeltaQueen50: I have Blood Kin waiting for me Judy! Richard also recommended and Mamie sent me a copy of it. Who would have ever thought a sweet lady from Canada would get this Texas gal back into Westerns and Texas History? Thank you!

If you ever make it to Texas there is a Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco.

>198 GingerbreadMan: Anders, Blood Kin is a surprising 300 pages. It is the kind of book that you'd expect to be much longer, but the author manages to pack in a lot of story in those 300 pages!

>199 luvamystery65: Blood Kin is a good one, Roberta! My husband is reading it now and then I will pass it on to my brother. Richard certainly knew of what he was warbling about. I would love a trip to Texas, so much history, not to mention a couple of my favorite LTers!

>199 luvamystery65: Or if you get to San Antonio, there's the Buckhorn Museum and Saloon. It has a large exhibit on the Texas Rangers and Texas lawmen.

>201 mstrust: Cool! I will check it out.

>201 mstrust: Sigh, maybe someday I will get to check it out, too!

131. Three Singles to Adventure by Gerald Durrell - 3.4 ★
Category: Newsworthy Facts
Commonwealth Challenge: Guyana
TIOLI #7: A Book by an Author That I Have Read At Least Two Other Books By



Three Singles to Adventure details the animal collecting trip Gerald Durrell took to British Guiana (as it was then called) in the early 1950’s. Set on the northern coast of South America, the British originally developed the colony for sugar cane plantations. In his typical light, conversational style, Durrell uses his wit and humor to enhance his stories of this trip. Some of his tales in this book include a people-loving bird called Cuthbert, a bad tempered anaconda and a lesson on how to lasso a anteater. He infuses his memoirs with laugh out-loud moments and imparts to his readers his love of animals and nature. A fun, light read.

I'm currently reading his My Family and Other Animals which I'm pretty sure I took as a BB from you a couple of years ago and just now getting around to it.

In a weird coincidence, I just discovered Gerard Durell last week when we went to a dinner party! The husband thought my daughter would be interested in the books, and he proceeded to read aloud some of the first chapter!He lent us the book, My Family and Other Animals. :-)

>205 dudes22: >206 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I think My Family and Other Animals is his best work, but if you like that then you would probably enjoy any of his others, there is definitely a similarity.

132. Boiling A Frog by Christopher Brookmyre - 3.9 ★
Category: Clayton's Choice
August MysteryCat: British Mystery
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #3: Animal on Cover of Book Does Not Refer To An Actual Animal in the Text



Christopher Brookmyre’s writing is fresh, sharp and funny in Boiling a Frog, the third entry in his Jack Parlabane series. As the book opens we find Jack has just been sentenced to six months in jail for breaking and entering at the headquarters of the Catholic Church in Scotland. This is what Jack does, being an a freelance journalist always on the lookout for a good conspiracy story, but this time he was a little off his game partly due to his marriage going through a rough patch. Some of Jack’s experiences in jail are both frightening and funny as he tries to deal with the low life, crazy residents that he is dwelling side by side with. What Jack doesn’t realize at first is that he has been set up by the villain of the piece.

This book keeps the reader guessing while it twists and turns through politics and the art of spin, especially in the hands of a bitter public relations guy who's not above blackmail. Jack Parlabane is an excellent lead character with his cynical outlook and his drive for always following the story. In this outing Brookmyre’s trademark dark humor is aimed at Scottish politics, especially the spin doctors. Unfortunately, at times I found the story a little hard to follow because of my lack of knowledge in this area.

However, I am a huge fan of Brookmyre’s style and I enjoyed this complex and original story. With it’s excellent dialogue, sharp observations and his odd rant or two, Boiling a Frog held my interest and gave me a few shocks and many laugh out loud moments along the way.

Glad to see you're still enjoying the Brookmyre's. I liked the next one in the series, Be My Enemy, quite a lot but thought the one after that didn't really live up to his usual standard so was relieved that he went on to something new.

Hi Dave, I haven't branched out with Brookmyre yet, sticking with the Jack Parlabane series, but I have some of his others on my shelf and hope to give at least one of them a try in the not too distant future!

I seem to have ended up with six of Brookmyre's books on Mt. TBR, but not read a single one... Why does that keep happening?? :)

>211 -Eva-: I have that problem too, Eva. I get enticed by the sound of an author and buy some of his/her books and then never get around to them!

- edited to correct my horrible spelling!

>211 -Eva-: He's been churning them out quite a bit recently and even though I've read a couple so far this year there's still two more sat on the tbr shelves.

I've not read any of Brookmyre's books but they do sound like they're worth checking out!

>214 mathgirl40: I love his cynical style, I suspect in real life he sees a conspiracy behind everything. If you decide to start with the Jack Parlabane series, the opening of the first book in the series was disgusting, jaw dropping and hilarious!

133. The Information Officer by Mark Mills - 4.1 ★
Category: 14 Days Vacation - Malta
British Commonwealth Challenge: Malta
August GeoCat: Western Europe
TIOLI #2: Top 50 World Event is Listed in the Book's LT Common Knowledge Page



The Information Officer by Mark Mills is set in war-torn Malta. It’s the summer of 1942 and this island is facing a constant bombardment, a lack of supplies and a local population that isn’t too sure that they want to be under the control of the British. Max Chadwick is struggling in his job of information officer whose main role is to keep up the local morale and spin his stories to help support British interests. Things take a dark turn when his friend, British doctor Freddie comes to him and tells him that there is a possible serial rapist and murderer who is targeting Maltese women, and that there is some evidence that this maniac is a British Officer.

What follows is a taunt story set against an atmospheric backdrop of unrelenting and mind-numbing shelling along with the ever present thread of invasion. As compelling as the mystery was, this was the rare book where the vividly described setting was the bigger part of the story. The author effortlessly recreates the horror of Malta under siege and gives the reader a incisive look at what this island endured. He also chooses to give his murderer a voice and we are given glimpses into his diary and can see both the intelligence and the depravity.

I did find the main character a little bland, but that was more than made up for with a cast of interesting secondary characters. Also the mystery element was rather slow moving, but with it’s complex plot and excellent setting, The Information Officer was still a combination spy thriller and atmospheric mystery that was a stellar read.

I have eight more books to read for my challenge, so my plans are to finish these books in September.

Then for the three months remaining in the year I am planning on the following:

October: Work on other challenges - I am participating in various Cats, the Reading Through Time Challenge and The Commonwealth Challenge. I intend to concentrate my reading on these challenges during October.

November: Catch Up Month - even though September is Series and Sequels month in the 75er group, I will also use November to help me catch up in a number of long neglected series.

December: Free Reading for Pleasure - I will randomly pick books that I feel like reading at the time during December. I forsee a number of old favorites and comfort reads. Hopefully this will leave me fresh to jump back into the 2015 Category Challenge in January.

Looks like a plan!

I read The Information Officer a while ago -- I'd gotten a copy from the Early Reviewers programs -- and I agree that the setting is the best part of the book. I thought the mystery fell flat, but the setting was worth it.

>216 DeltaQueen50: This has been on my TBR pile for ages - looks like it needs to move up!

I like your ideas for the rest of the year. I'm just on schedule for the year, so plan to slide up to the finish line in Dec.

Sounds like a good plan for the rest of the year Judy. I'm close to finishing as well. I have off until Wednesday so I hope to make a good dent in my remaining reading.

Great end-of-year plan, DQ! When I'm lucky enough to finish my challenge early, I do love that free reading time in December. :)

>216 DeltaQueen50: Like @Hanneri, that one's been on the tbr shelves for a few years. Hasn't been that close to the next read position though as other books always look more enticing. I should try and make a place for it too.

That's great that you'll have that month of free reading, and that you're nearly done with your challenges. So organized and on the ball!
I'll be starting my Autumn challenge Sept. 1st, then I'll try to knock out 10 Shakespeares and work on my many other incomplete categories for the rest of the year.

>218 RidgewayGirl: Kay, I was willing to forgive the flawed mystery as I was just so absorbed in the atmosphere and war-time conditions. A number of years ago I read The Religion by Tim Willocks which was about the Knights of Malta holding the island against tremendous odds when they held off the Ottomans, again a rather ho-hum plot but the historical information and setting was amazing.

>219 Hanneri: I was surprised at how much I liked The Information Officer cause I knew it had some flaws, I think it was just the right book at the right time for me as it totally drew me in.

>220 dudes22: Betty, I like the idea of having these extra months to work on other stuff, but I know that I will be champing at the bit come January to get the 2015 challenge started!

>221 lsh63: Good luck on reaching completion soon, Lisa.

>222 christina_reads: Usually I try to line up a number of Christmas related books for December, Christina, but this year I am planning on simply reading what catches my interest at the time.

>223 AHS-Wolfy: It will be interesting to see what other people think of The Information Officer - I could be in the minority. Maybe it matters on whether you read it as a mystery or a piece of historical fiction.

>224 mstrust: Wow, I have to admit that it would take a lot for me to read even one Shakespeare let alone 10 in a row! My Grade 10 high school teacher pretty much ruined the Bard for me, although I do enjoy seeing his work acted out on the stage. Good luck and I'll be by to root you on. :)

134. The High Divide by Lin Enger - 4.2 ★
Category: Fourteen Hands
TIOLI #19: A Book I Was Committed to Read
LibraryThing Early Review Program



Although set in the American West in 1886, The High Divide is not a typical western by any means. This is first and foremost a book about family. When Ulysses Pope up and disappears, his wife and two sons do not know why. Has he abandoned them? Has he gone searching for work? The not-knowing of what sent Ulysses west is driving this family over the edge. Then the two sons disappear, riding the rails in search of their father, leaving Greta distraught and at the mercy of a lecherous landlord and with no choice but to follow her family west.

The truth behind Ulysses Pope’s departure is the driving force of this book. Drive by guilt from the past, Ulysses seeks to find some kind of redemption. His family are following him and facing their own trials along the way. Using gripping and emotional prose, the author places this family in peril and then sets about rebuilding and strengthening their emotional ties.

Using historical events to weave his story together, the author uses the theme of both the demise of the buffalo herds and the bloody attacks and reprisals between the Plains Indians and the American soldiers to highlight his story of redemption and family devotion.

This story totally drew me in and captured my imagination with it’s ability to be both wide in scope and intimate in details.

135. Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen - 3.6 ★
Category: Final Fourteen
August Group Read
TIOLI #19: A Book You Are Committed To Read



I have always enjoyed circus stories, both written and on film, so I was anticipating a great read with Water For Elephants, a circus romance set in the 1930’s. But this was not a Disney tale with a kindly ringmaster, a manly and noble trainer and a glamorous bareback rider. Instead the ringmaster was cruel and conniving, the animal trainer was downright psycho and dangerous, and unfortunately, the bareback rider came across a little flat and colorless. Why our runaway young veterinarian fell in love with Marlena remained a mystery to me throughout the whole book.

The color and thrills were certainly there in the setting and I loved reading about this shabby, travelling outfit that turned into the glamorous and exciting Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show On Earth once the big top had risen and the band were playing. The depression era was a time of hardship and these travelling shows brought glamour, commotion and pizzazz to small-town America. Of course this was also a time that folks expected a lot of entertainment for their money and if they didn’t feel they got their money’s worth, they were quick to run these performers out of town.

I loved many things about this book, both the side characters and animals that peopled this story were memorable, the setting was fantastic, the story was inventive. For me the book’s downfall was in the romance. I just didn’t find Jacob and Marlena a believable couple. I would have found it more realistic if Marlena was simply using Jacob as a mean of escape from the horrible situation that she was in. I did like the format of hearing about Jacob’s youth from his ninety-three year old self and I though the ending was fun but a little contrived.

So for me, Water For Elephants was a good read, but not a great one.

>227 DeltaQueen50: Good review. You've articulated many of the problems I had with the book.

>227 DeltaQueen50: I'm not much for the alternating then-and-now or flashback sequences when it comes to narrative form. I dislike being interrupting from whatever time/place that I happen to be engrossed in; though I wouldn't deny that it was implemented well for Water for Elephants. The reflective aspect in contrast to the two settings - one full of color and life, the other drab and dying were very effective. I, too didn't have much truck with the romance, but I'm always rather cynical when it comes to stuff like that in books and movies. The thing that eventually killed this book for me was not the book itself, but its over-saturation in the book club circuit. Though there were many interesting historical items to talk about in the book, there really wasn't much to advance deeper discussion. I listened to the audiobook several years ago as narrated by David LeDoux (young Jacob) and John Randolph Jones (old Jacob.) JRJ did an amazing job of turning what, for me would have been the boring sections into something poignant; but DLD didn't do anything for me in terms of interpreting. So yeah, a 3-star title in my ratings catalog :-/

>227 DeltaQueen50: Nice review Judy! I just saw the movie so I will remove the book from the watch-out-for list. According to your review, the movie stuck close to the story. And just as you say, the screen Jacob and Marlena did not make a believable couple either.

I went to see how many stars I gave it and I don't have it listed so I must have read it before I started on LT. At the time, I remember everyone was raving about it and I didn't really like it that much, so I never said much about it. Since I've been on LT, I realize everyone doesn't like every book. Not usually.

>228 thornton37814: Thanks Lori, I was afraid I was getting a little too nitpicky as I did enjoy the read.

>229 Tanya-dogearedcopy: I think the huge buzz that surrounded this book lead to many of us having higher expectations that the book warrented.

>230 VivienneR: I haven't heard much good about the movie which is disappointing I was hoping it would have portrayed the romance angle in a more believable way. I will probably give it a miss.

>231 dudes22: One of the best thing about this community is that you can not "love" a book that many others do, people here are readers and they understand that not every book is going to resonate with every reader.

136. Never Fall Down by Patricia McCormick - 4.2 ★
Category: N is the 14th Letter
September GeoCat: Southeast Asia
TIOLI #5: Read A Book You Didn't Buy



In Never Fall Down, Patricia McCormick tells the real life story of Arn Chorn-Pond, a child survivor of the Khmer Rouge genocide that took place in Cambodia during the 1970’s. Taking his words and turning them into a work of fiction is an amazing feat, and the reader is awarded with a informative and harrowing account of one young boy’s struggle to stay alive during years of horror and uncertainty. One of the first things Arn learned was to never fall down as when one did, the chances that that person would be able or would be allowed to get back up were very slim.

Even though this book is classed as YA, it was very difficult to read. Every page is laced with the violence and cruelty that that was inflicted upon the population of this country, from the very young to the very old. Arn was separated from his family, housed in a prison camp, and forced to work in the rice fields for hours at a time. Food was scarce and many children starved. Arn was able to survive by learning to play a musical instrument and become part of a band that had to play loudly to cover up the sounds up people being murdered. Eventually even being forced to participate in the killing, Arn survived by closing his mind and simply not thinking about what he was having to do. When Viet Nam invaded he was conscripted as a soldier and finally was able to escape to a refugee camp in Thailand and was adopted into an American family. All this and he was barely fifteen when he was rescued.

Arn Chorn-Pond has dedicated his life to humanitarian causes, especially to young people. He founded Children of War, an organization that aids children in war-torn countries. Unfortunately there is too much of this type of work to do in today’s world. Patricia McCormick thoroughly researched her story and often was able to trace people that Arn has no idea actually survived to get first hand collaboration on his experiences. This inspiring and powerful story is helped by the author’s use of the exact syntax of Arn’s speaking voice. Never Fall Down is a moving and haunting tale that paints a vivid picture of one young boy’s ability to survive and rise above the inhumanity he’s been forced to endure.

Why our runaway young veterinarian fell in love with Marlena remained a mystery to me throughout the whole book.

Good comment! I loved the story but it was more a case of 'running away with the circus', even if it was a dysfunctional one, that captivated me. That, and the depression era setting. The characters could have been anybody.

Good review, Judy!

<234 Water For Elephants was certainly worth the read simply for that amazing setting. I grew up watching both "Circus Boy" with Mickey Dolenz and Walt Disney's Toby Tyler so I have a huge soft spot for that old-time circus setting. This book and my recent read of The Information Officer are great examples of where the setting outshines the actual plot.

I am so close to the end of my challenge but now that the 2015 Challenge is up I am having a hard time keeping my mind in 2014. I have told myself that I can't set up my next year challenge until I finish this years. Six books to go!

>236 DeltaQueen50: As Elizabeth I is reputed to have uttered, "There are more that look, as it is said, to the rising than to the setting sun." I'm afraid I'm as guilty as well as to being distracted by the shiny new challenge!

>233 DeltaQueen50: I read this book around the same time that I read First They Killed My Father, a memoir written by a woman who was 7 when her family was forced into the fields. What got me was that she talked about the band of musicians that played in her camp. Great connection between the two books! I love McCormick's books. I rarely read the blurbs on the back cover but loved that her book had one written by Bishop Desmond Tutu.

>237 Tanya-dogearedcopy: So how have I spent most of my day? By scanning my TBR and library lists to see what books I have that would fit the BingoDog squares!

>238 mamzel: I have First They Killed My Father on my planned reading list. I want to learn about the Khymer Rouge and thought these books were a good place to start. This is the second Patricia McCormick book that I have read and I agree on the author love!

>236 DeltaQueen50: I feel the same way. I'm trying to avoid making 2015 plans until I finish my 2014 challenge, but unlike you, I'm still far from the end!

I like your end-of-year plan. Reading for pleasure in December sounds wonderful.

> 240 Paulina, I have really enjoyed this year's challenge, but I am looking forward to having time to choose books without first ensuring that they will fit one of my categories.

137. The Betrayal of the Blood Lily by Lauren Willig - 3.7 ★
Category: Final Fourteen
September Reading Through Time: Historical Series
September Series & Sequels
TIOLI #8: The Cover of the Book Depicts Someone Dressed to the Nines"



It’s been awhile since I have read one of the Pink Carnation series by Lauren Willig but The Betrayal of the Blood Lily was quick to remind me of what first attracted me to this series. Like an expensive confectionary with a tasty, chewy center, wrapped up in a delicious coating of chocolate sweetness and presented in a pretty box these books appeal to many of my senses. They are pure fun with plenty of romance, mystery and adventure.

This sixth outing follows the adventures of Penelope Staines who arrives in India with her dandified husband as he is about to take up his role as a special envoy to the Nizam of Hyderabad. Freddy and Penelope have very little love between them as the marriage was forced upon them and this quick mission is actually to get them away from London society to allow the gossip about the timing of their marriage to die down. Of course, Penelope finds herself in harm’s way as there is betrayal in the air and with her husband busy installing a nautch girl in the residency and showing a distinct lack of interest in her, she has only the gallant Captain Alex Reid to stand between her and a deadly spy known as the Marigold.

In the present day, the book also follows the love life of Eloise, a historical researcher and handsome Englishman Colin whose relationship has advanced to girlfriend/boyfriend status. Eloise is meeting more of his family and finding out perfect boyfriends don’t always have perfect families.

My only quibble with the book is the title. There was no Blood Lily in the book so where did this flower name come from?

>242 DeltaQueen50: Haha, good point about the blood lily! I'm guessing it was only there for the sake of alliteration.

>242 DeltaQueen50: I've seen the Carnation books around; but had never bothered to check them out! It sounds like fun though - a perfect mental floss kind of book between the more dense titles I sometimes pick up. Definitely a "BB" (for the first-in-series as I'm something of a serialist!) :-)

>243 christina_reads: I'm sure you're right, Christina. The Betrayal of the Marigold doesn't have quite the same ring!

>244 Tanya-dogearedcopy: Definitely start with the first one, Tanya. The Secret History of the Pink Carnation is the first and if you enjoy that one, then you will most probably enjoy the rest of the series, depending, of course, on your liking for the various romantic couples.

138. A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott - 4.2 ★
Category: In 1492 Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue
Group Read
September Reading Through Time: Historical Series
September Series & Sequels
TIOLI #8: The Cover of the Book Depicts Characters "Dressed to the Nines"



I have been anticipating the final book in the Raj Quartet by Paul Scott wondering how the author would bring this impressive tale to a close. The Quartet itself has been an epic read as it records encounters between East and West through the eyes of some of the people that are caught up in the changes brought about by the Second World War and the growing unrest of the Indian people anxious for independence.

In this final volume, A Division of the Spoils, Scott brings his story full circle as he continues with his practise of retelling previous events through the eyes of different characters. It is now 1947 and once again we encounter many of the people we have gotten to know in the previous books. We see the Raj collapsing and the British leaving and modern India being born amongst upheaval, violence and separation. Scott again captures the feeling of the time and delivers a masterful story. As always his narrative rings true to the character who is highlighted at the time.

I am both regretful and thankful to reach the end of this series and it’s lush, picturesque portrayal of these last years of British control in India. The characters are distinct and will last in my memory for some time, many were trapped in the traditions and morals of the time, most suffered difficulties of some sort and, some died. The book leaves us with a vivid picture of the natural conclusion of colonial rule and the love/hate relationship that existed between the ruling class and the native population. A Division of the Spoils is a worthy addition to the Quartet and although not all the pieces of the story are neatly tied up, this book brings a feeling of completion to this enthralling saga.

139. Cress by Marissa Meyer - 4.5 ★
Category: The Atomic Number of Silicon
September Series & Sequels
TIOLI #2: A Book Written By An Author Who Is Younger Than I Am



The third book in the Lunar Chronicles, Cress by Marissa Meyer was a wonderful read that moved the story forward and introduced some new and wonderful characters. I am totally in love with Cress and I enjoyed her relationship with Thorne. The author has been adding characters as the series goes along and now there is quite a gang of freedom fighters gathering around Cinder.

We originally met Cress in the first volume when she hacked into Cinder’s netscreen and I have been waiting for her to enter the story ever since. Locked away on a satellite for years, I knew she would have a big impact on the story when finally released. As the characters were separated and put in jeopardy, I was happy that she and Thorne were together and that both had to lean on each other to survive the desert.

Cress herself, although based on Rapunzel, seemed to have more of a connection with manga character, Sailor Moon which I thought made her all the more interesting. A self-taught computer whiz, her tiny size, approachable personality, and her penchant for daydreaming along with her slightly timid nature, easily made her the most likeable of the heroines introduced so far. (Although I am still very fond of Iko.)

I was a little concerned for this series after reading Scarlett, as that book didn’t hold the same appeal for me that Cinder did, but I think Cress has put the series back on the right road with both plot and pacing and I am really looking forward to the next volume and seeing what’s in store for these characters.

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>247 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad Cress redeemed the series for you Judy. I thought it was excellent. The author is a huge Sailor Moon fan.