Donna has High Hopes for 2014: Ch. 6

How's this for an autumn thread topper? We visited the Chihuly Outdoor Glass Exhibit on Sunday night
at The Denver Botanical Gardens. I love that place, and this was a breathtaking sight!



This reminded me of a Surreal Pumpkin Patch. I don't know if Dale Chihuly names his creations but
I gave most of them a name. The first picture is Tree On Fire.

Rating System:

One Star......Not worth my time
Two Stars....Finished grudgingly
2.5 Stars......Fair, but not for me
Three Stars..Liked it pretty well but had reservations
3.5 Stars.....Good but not great
Four Stars...Great book; recommended
4.5 Stars.....Excellent; a keeper
Five Stars....Superb; a real treasure.


Books Read in December:

95. Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold 3.7*

Books Read in November:

87. The Children by Edith Wharton. 3.9*
88. The Enchanted by Rene Denfeld. 4.3*
89. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. 3.8*
90. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan. 4.6*
91. Lila by Marilynne Robinson. 5*
92. Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. 3.7*
93. Sky Bridge by Laura Pritchett. 4.5*
94. Double Deuce by Robert B. Parker. 3.1*

Books Read in October:

80. The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold. 3.8*
The third chronological book in this sci-fi series introduces Miles Vorkosigan who takes over a fleet of ships using his ingenuity and intelligence. After all, he is the son of Count Aral V., a master strategist from warring Barrayar, and Lady Cordelia V., another brilliant commander from peaceful Beta Colony. Miles's body may be deformed but his mind, heart, and courage are first-rate.

81. The Long Way Home by Louise Penny. 4.2*
When Clara's husband Peter doesn't come home as arranged, she seeks help from Chief Inspector Gamache, who has recently retired to Three Pines. Their search takes them near and far and reveals a sinister plot to claim another's art talent out of jealousy.

82. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. 4.8*
This book about two young people from different countries and backgrounds during WWII hit the reading sweet spot! Marie-Loure is a blind Parisian and Werner is a gifted German orphan whose lives interweave until they meet in a coastal town under siege.

83. A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott. 4.5*
84. Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki by Haruki Murakami. 3.6*
85. Pastime by Robert B. Parker. 3.2*
86. An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine. 4.2*

Books Read in September:

71. The Heart and the Fist by Eric Greitens. 4.5 stars.
Inspiring memoir about a Missouri boy who becomes a Navy Seal to help those who can't help themselves.

72. Barrayar by Lois McMaster Bujold. 4.2*
Mama Cordelia becomes Mama Tiger when the life of her unborn baby is threatened.

73. The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters. 3.8*
A passionate but frowned upon love affair takes place in post WWI London.

74. Orange is the New Black by Piper Kerman. 3.3*
A young privileged woman's memoir about her 15 months in a federal woman's prison. Dispassionate voice of audio narrator detracted from the story.

75. Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin. 4.5*
A beautifully rendered love story takes place in Paris.

76. The Eye in the Door by Pat Barker. 3.7*
Part Two in The Regeneration Trilogy continues the stories of the effects of WWI on Britain's young men.

77. Torn Away by Jennifer Brown. 3.4*
Jersey is a Missouri teenager who loses everything including her family in a devastating tornado.

78. Stardust by Robert B. Parker. 3*
Another Spenser in which he takes the case of a helpless woman...this time, a TV star diva.

79. The Good Lord Bird by James McBride. 4*
The adventures of a young boy posing as a girl who rides with John Brown and his abolitionist army. Henry(etta) narrates this tragic story with humor and humanity.

In Addition to participating in the monthly TIOLI Challenges, I will be taking part in these groups...

American Author Challenge:

Willa Cather - One of Ours
William Faulkner - The Hamlet
Cormac McCarthy - Suttree
Toni Morrison - Home
Eudora Welty - A Curtain of Green and Other Stories
Kurt Vonnegut - Slaughterhouse-Five
Mark Twain - Innocents Abroad
Philip Roth - The Plot Against America
James Baldwin - Giovanni's Room
Edith Wharton - The Reef
John Updike - My Father's Tears and Other Stories
Larry Watson - American Boy

The Spenser Project:
(Reading with Roberta (luvamystery), Mamie (Crazymamie), Kim (Berly);
thanks for the list, Roberta!
We're taking a Spenser break in 2015. Stay tuned to see our choice for the next series...

January – Ceremony #9
February – The Widening Gyre #10
March – Valediction #11
April – A Catskill Eagle #12
May – Taming a Sea-Horse #13
June – Pale Kings and Princes #14
July – Crimson Joy #15
August – Playmates #16
September – Stardust #17
October – Pastime #18
November – Double Deuce #19
December – Paper Doll #20

Books Acquired in 2014
January Acquisitions:
Regeneration by Pat Barker at local used bookstore. "Free" with credit.
The Eye in the Door - Pat Barker - used my credit.
The Rosie Project - Graeme Simsion - succumbed to peer pressure on Julia's (rosalita) thread! Kindle - $1.99.
The Golem and the Jinni - Helene Wecker - Kindle - $1.99
Twelve Years A Slave - Solomon Northrup - Kindle - $1.99
Lost Memory of Skin - Russell Banks - Kindle - $1.99

February Acquisitions:
American Boy - Larry Watson - Kindle - $1.99
Salvage the Bones - Jesmyn Ward - Kindle - $1.99
Mr. Britling Sees it Through - H. G. Wells - Kindle - free!
Lincoln's Melancholy - Joshua Wolf Shenk - Kindle - $1.99
The Last Chronicle of Barset - Anthony Trollope - iBooks - free!

March Acquisitions:
Valediction - Robert B. Parker - There was a wait list at the library; I paid $1.07 at my local used bookstore (I had some credit left - all gone now!)

I celebrated my 7th Thingaversary on March 25. I bought these books in March and April to celebrate my time here!

Dirt Music by Tim Winton - The Tattered Cover
The Bridge of San Luis Rey by Thornton Wilder - The Tattered Cover
Independent People by Halldor Laxness - Amazon
Testament of Youth by Vera Brittain - Amazon
Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger - Spring Friends of the Library Booksale
Boundary Waters - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale
Copper River - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale
Thunder Bay - Wm. Kent Krueger - Booksale

I bought these books at the Boulder Bookstore during Booktopia, May 16-17:
The Dog Stars - Peter Heller
The Painter - Peter Heller
Conversation in the Cathedral - Mario Vargas Llosa
Under the Glacier - Halldor Laxness
Sky Bridge - Laura Pritchett

Kindle Purchase:
Ines of My Soul - Isabel Allende

June Acquisitions
The Eighth Day - Thornton Wilder (Kindle)
Await Your Reply - Don Chaon (JoCo Booksale)
World Light - Halldon Laxness (Bemis Library)
Slow River - Nicola Griffith (BL)
Dancing in the Streets - Barbara Ehrenreich (BL)
The Uncommon Reader - Alan Bennett (BL - 50 cents!)
I Was Told There'd Be Cake - Sloane Crosley. (The Tattered Cover)

New in July:
Alas, Babylon by Pat Frank (Kindle)
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown (Kindle)

August Purchases:
The Barefoot Norwegian by Connie Olsen Geissel

September Purchases:
Broken Harbor
I, Claudius
Walden on Wheels
Here We Are in Paradise
The Memory Chalet

November:
The Adventures of Henry Thoreau
Life After Life

TOTAL: 43 books; 25 print, 18 Kindle.

Blah, blah, blah

It seems like some people want to hear my ramblings. Sooo, when I was looking ay my Chihuly pics, I remembered that orange is supposed to be the happiest color. I disagree. Yellow is the color I equate with happiness. It has been my favorite color since I've been a little girl.

I got curious and googled color and personality. Here are a few tidbits that apply to the color yellow:

*You have a strong independent streak in you, and are selective with your choice of friends, keeping a small group of close and like-minded friends rather than being involved in team events or large social gatherings.

*With a personality color yellow, you can be very critical of yourself as well as others - you are a perfectionist.

*You analyze everything, all the time, and are methodical in your thinking.

*With a personality color yellow, you can be stubborn but dislike pettiness and spitefulness of all kinds.

Okay, is that enough "blah, blah, blah"?

We had visitors yesterday. Mary is visiting her sister in Colorado Springs. They came up to Denver so Haley and Molly could meet Hope. Haley played with Hope and Molly played with the two boxers and Hope's toys!


Molly cracks me up with her good sense of humor!


A race for the football!

Hope is a sweetie. She can crawl, mimic faces and some movements, play with toys, give hugs and kisses, and charm her grandma! Here she is a few hours ago...

I am especially looking forward to >5 Donna828: and learning more about the 'blah, blah, blah'. :)

Happy New Thread, Donna! I also look forward to the blah and to the pictures of Hope! Those Chihuly sculptures are amazing!

Hi, Donna! Nice pictures:) The exhibit looked quite wonderful!

Love the surreal pumpkin patch. That is awesome! Just marking my spot on your new thread, Donna.

Hi Donna! I love Chihuly! I am so jealous. (I have dabbled in glasswork.) And I love the Denver Botanical Garden, too. My sister and brother kidnapped me (okay, I knew there was a trip, but not the destination) for my 40th birthday and we spent a weekend in Denver. So much fun! Congrats on your new thread.

Another Chihuly fan here . . .

Happy New Thread Donna!

I also want to see what blah blah blah is! >5 Donna828:

Yay! What is better than Hope pictures?

Hope, Molly and Haley pictures!!!

Another one here who would love to find out about the blah blah blah :) Donna.

Love your topper and agree it does give the feel of a pumpkin patch and usually thank you for the beautiful, Hope, Molly and Haley pics.

Oh beautiful shots of Chihuly at night! Can't wait to go see it in person.

Happy New Thread, Donna! Love the Chihuly toppers! Love the shots of Haley & Molly!

I am also glad you enjoyed The Good Lord Bird. I've had this saved on audio, for awhile. Might be time to move it up...

>7 rosalita:: Hi Julia, I had to scramble to find some blah, blah, blah. As usual I saved one too many places!

>8 LizzieD:: Aren't the Chihuly pieces wonderful, Peggy! I wish I had time to go back during the day and spend some time in contemplation in front of some of them.

>9 Apolline:: Hello Stranger! I'm glad you liked my pictures, Bente. I liked your visit!

>10 lit_chick:: Nancy, I'm afraid we would have trouble picking those "pumpkins" made out of glass. *Shatter*

>11 Berly:: Kim, if it helps, I'm also a fan of your glassworks! If I lived here in Denver, I would definitely buy a season pass to the gardens.

>12 brenpike:. Brenda! Thanks for coming out of hibernation! I've missed you.

>13 Smiler69:: Thank you, Ilana. You are one of my most faithful visitors.

>14 luvamystery65:: Haha, Roberta. I hope it was worth a trip back to check it out.

>15 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni. I don't throw pottery or create beautiful jewelry but I like to share my best work -- my grandkids.

>16 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, you're back! I'm glad you could see the pumpkins. I think I have Chihuly dreams because they seemed so familiar to me.

>17 Storeetllr:: Mary, you will love it I'm sure. I hope it's not as crowded when you go. I almost got left behind several times.

>18 msf59:: Mark, I think you will like the audio of The Good Lord Bird. I don't ever want to go on a road trip without a good book to listen to again. I'll tell the girls they have a fan in Chicago.

>19 Donna828: Ha! Before I posted I checked your last thread to see how many spots you had reserved and it was 5. Since you had reserved 6 here I figured I was safe to post when I did. I knew you'd make the 'blah, blah, blah' watch worth it. :-)

And I totally agree with you on yellow! Daffodils are some of the happiest flowers I know. You just can't be blue with a pot of daffodils on your table. And daisies, too. The personality "markers" are spot on, too — I am a yellow person.

>19 Donna828: Thanks for being a fan. : ) But I am still jealous! Love your ramble on yellow. I will have to look into what my favorite colors mean. I use the plural, because mine changes once in a while. And thanks for all the beautiful pictures. They are all adorable. I can't believe Haley is four already!

Lovely new thread, Donna. The pictures of the kids are fantastic, Hope looks like a little baby bird, so sweet.

I'd say being a Yellow person sounds like a good thing. My favorite color is green, I have no idea what that means, but I hope it's good.

I love stopping by here to see what you've been up to, Donna, and it's always an extra treat to find those sweet little faces smiling out of your thread. You've got yourself some beautiful grandchildren, there, friend.

Happy New Thread!

Your grandchildren are just little sweethearts:) I guess they take it after their grandmother?:)

You have such a busy thread, Donna, and I can't keep up, so most of the time I am just lurking in the background!

happy new thread, Donna. What a stunning thread topper pic!

>5 Donna828: - Love the yellow colour info. Like, you, yellow is the first colour that I think about when I think of happiness - hence my love for yellow roses! - so I was curious to read the colour personality description. I thought it fit me rather well but when I read it to my other half he said that wasn't me at all. I guess my internal perception of myself is quite a bit different from how others perceive me. ;-)

I can never get enough of the adorable pics of your wonderful family!

I'm a fan of yellow too Donna and see that I fall into the same categories as the other yellow-it's. Happy new thread! I love the shots of the grands of course. They're all getting so big.

Hi Donna: Happy New Thread. I love the Chihulys. They are gorgeous. I can't believe Hope is already crawling. Wasn't she just born yesterday? The girls are all getting so big.

>6 Donna828: What wonderful photos! Thanks for posting them. Hope is adorable!

Also, regarding Chihuly's glass, years ago while attending a conference in Seattle, Washington, I say a rather large Chihuly exhibit. It was breathtaking. How in the world does he do what he does? I can only imagine the price he can command for one of his works.

That's Baby Hope?! Oh, my, she's gotten so big! What fun that you've gotten to visit her so often.

Loved your yellow blah-blah's, so I had to google it. My favorite color is green, but not the brilliant shade that website shows; I'm more of a moss-green fan. Still, some of the personality-color "findings" were me: *Having a personality color green means you are kind, generous and compassionate - good to have around during a crisis as you remain calm..., *You have high moral standards and doing the right thing is important to you., and most "ME": *You love food and find it hard to lose weight.

>30 countrylife: LOL Cindy, I am a green, too! I like the kind, generous and compassionate part! Definitely love food and yes, losing weight is very hard!

Happy new thread, Donna! I am late to the party, but I'm here. LOVE the pics of your beautiful grandchildren - thanks for sharing!

How can your grandchildren have grown so quickly? Feels like it was yesterday that you presented Haley to us... Yes, I know. That's what people say when they're getting old and kids don't want to hear it.
You have such wonderful grandchildren, thanks again for sharing the pictures with us!

As a kid I loved yellow as well. Then I was off colors for many years and now I developped a late liking for dark pinkish colors, like raspberry. Must google what that says about me,

It was great seeing you yesterday, Donna! I posted a pic of our meetup at https://www.librarything.com/topic/176437.

Safe travels home!

Hope your day on the road was uneventful, Donna. It was so nice to see you again!

Saw the Chihuly when we were in Denver last month and loved it. I bought the book of the show and looked through it again yesterday. Such beautiful things! Sadly, the night exhibits weren't going yet. I'll bet it was amazing.

I'll be in Denver in a few weeks - how long does that exhibit run? It sounds like something I'd like to see while I'm in town.

*wave :)

Happy October everyone! I am home as of yesterday afternoon but not rested. What did I do first? Finished a book, of course. More on that later. First, replies to the good people who have kept my thread going while I trekked across the midwest.

>21 rosalita:: Julia, glad to know another yellow person. Yes, it is a happy color and you are right on about the daffodils. Since we trimmed our trees in front, I think I will try putting more bulbs out soon. They will get more sun and be even brighter and happier!

>22 Berly:: I can't believe that Haley is 4 either, Kim. Or that Molly is 17-months-old and Hope is 10 months already. My babies are growing up.

>23 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, it's funny that you should mention Hope as a baby bird. I had been thinking about Emily Dickinson's "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul" lately in relation to our little Hope. It seems to fit!

>24 scaifea:: Thanks for those sweet words, Amber! I feel the same when I see your Charlie over on your thread.

>25 Apolline:: I'm glad to have you here, Bente, lurking or not. Awww, what a nice compliment. I'll tuck it away and bring it out on a dark day.

>26 lkernagh:: I can never get enough of the adorable pics of your wonderful family!
I looks like my day to graciously accept compliments. Thank you, Lori! I think many of us have different ideas about ourselves than the way others see us. Sometimes better, sometimes worse.

>27 brenzi:: Hi Bonnie. Another yellowite! Maybe we should form a group. Haha. You will see with little Mia how quickly babies grow these days. I had a different perception when I was a mother of three little ones!

>28 BLBera:: It does seem like Hope was born yesterday, Beth. It is so funny to see the different crawling styles babies can have. Hope is an expert at the "downward dog" yoga pose when she needs a break from crawling. You may have noticed that she almost does the splits when she is sitting. I think this girl is going to be a gymnast!

I started my replies earlier this morning, then Molly came for her day with Grandma. She's a busy little bee these days!

>29 Whisper1:: Hi Linda. This was my first experience with Chihuly glass. I would love the see the ceiling of the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. I think that is his most expensive work. Thank you, Gamblers! He has quite a vision, doesn't he?

>30 countrylife:: Cindy, I feel blessed to have seen Hope every 3 months or so since she made her entrance to the world last November. I would love to live closer to see her even more, but at least I get a good dose of baby when I do see her. I'm excited that they are making the trip here for Christmas. All six of my grandchildren in one place for the first time. I'm glad we got a report on the color green. I only listed the attributes of yellow that appealed to me. There were some things that weren't too flattering. ;-)

>31 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, you and Cindy are both kind and compassionate. Two very good things in this harsh world.

>32 Crazymamie:: Mamie, not much of a party here, but I am glad to have so many visitors sharing in my recent trip. I'm also glad to be home and look forward to some quieter days when I get caught up again.

>33 Deern:: Nathalie, I am happy to share my grandchildren here. They are the joys of my life. I know lots of people change their favorite color. I think the website I was on addressed that but can't remember what it said because I have always been true to yellow.

>34 Storeetllr:: That was a good picture our server took, Mary. Wasn't that a cool place to relax and talk? And the food…wonderful. I may borrow the picture and our menu if I may. I like to have a record of important events in my life on my thread! It was fun seeing you ladies again.

>35 Copperskye:: Joanne, I am pleased to report another safe and uneventful trip. The most exciting thing was being able to listen to two complete books. Those audiobooks make me look forward to long drives. It was a good time up in Evergreen with you, Mary, and Anne. I think this was my first trip to Denver without a stop at one of the Tattered Cover locations.

>36 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, the night exhibit was amazing. We got to see a little bit of the gardens while it was still light. Both views were memorable.

>37 sjmccreary:: Sandy, I would say that the Chihuly Exhibit is a must! It will continue through the month of November. If you decide to go at night, try to get there early so you can see more of the plants. If you are lucky, you can get some good sunset pictures in the background. Have fun!

>38 nittnut:: *Waving* to Jenn. We missed you!

Book No. 80: The Warrior's Apprentice by Lois McMaster Bujold. 3.8*

Another rollicking space adventure, this one starring the son of Aral and Cordelia Vorkosigan. I kind of wished there had been some of his childhood background included, but this one started when he was 17 and trying to qualify for a military academy. The written tests were no problem. The physical trials were much more difficult for his 5-foot frame of soft bones to contend with. Indeed he ended up breaking his legs on the obstacle course and ending up back home. After his grandfather's death, he travels to visit his grandmother on Beta Colony accompanied by his longtime bodyguard, Sergeant Bothari, and the Sergeant's lovely daughter, Elena. Young Miles seems to attract adventure (much like his parents) and a family visit turns into the creation of a mercenary navy with a little romance on the side. I missed Cordelia, although Miles is an interesting character in his own right, and I look forward to seeing his quick-thinking make up for his physical liabilities in further exploits.

Book No. 81: The Long Way Home by Louise Penny. 4.2*

"The village of Three Pines was built around the village green. The homes formed a circle, and out of that circle ran four roads, like the cardinal directions. Gamache now wondered if they really did head out to true north, south, east, and west. Was Three Pines a compass? A guide for those blown off course?" (35)

There was a lot to love in this book. Inspector Gamache and his lovely wife are now living in Three Pines. He is settling into retirement when Clara asks for his help to find her husband Peter who did not keep his promise to come home after a trial separation. Once again, I was caught up in the world of Three Pines, a community of artists and other talented people who long for seclusion while enjoying each other's company. The place and the people make this series very special.

Somehow I wasn't quite as enamored with this particular story as others here. How many times can one study a painting for clues to a disappearance? The ending seemed rushed and it is clear that Gamache is losing his edge by missing some clues. Oops. Still, it is Three Pines and Ms. Penny does create some wonderful psychological dilemmas so I will definitely keep reading this wonderful series that takes me to another place and puts me in touch with some memorable characters. I also love how she weaves art and literature into her books. This one centered around a favorite quote from a favorite book of mine:

I'll pray that you grow up a brave man in a brave country.
I will pray you find a way to be useful.

…From Gilead by Marilynne Robinson

Hi Donna! Hope you are getting some rest. Glad to see you spent some time with dear Molly.
I NEED to get to Bujold. I've really dragged my feet on starting that series.

BTW- I am currently loving The Painter. Smiles...

Oh, that is a lovely endorsement of The Long Way Home, Donna! I've got this one in my iPad and am reading it presently … very slowly, but I am reading.

Hi Donna -- Love all of your photos! It was so nice to see you -- thanks for coming all the way up to Evergreen.

It's just disgraceful that I haven't been to see the Chihuly exhibit yet. I really must go!!

Hi Donna,

It looks like we are in step reading the Vorkosigan series by Lois Bujold. A fun SF series. I really like the humor.

Well, I still haven't read anything by Lois McMaster Bujold, also I am sure that I have a couple of her books somewhere in my TBR. The more I read the reviews here, the more I think I should give her books a go.

Lovely photos of your "visitors", Donna, and I'm glad you're continuing to have a good time with the Vorkosigan books. I missed Cordelia, too, but Miles is an endlessly entertaining force of nature as you go forward.

I liked The Long Way Home a lot, too, and had the same not-quite-as-enamored, but still enamored reaction. One clue Armand missed was a bit hard to believe, and some of the actions seemed a little improbable. But I'm not sure how much it matters - as you say, the books take us to another place, give us memorable characters, and weave in art and literature. An irresistible combination. That's a wonderful quote from Gilead.

>43 msf59:: Mark, I think you will like the Vorkosigan world. It's a fun place despite all the intergalactic wars! I see you finished and liked The Painter. I am already anticipating his next book. Heller hits all my reading buttons! In a good way…

>44 lit_chick:: Nancy, I'll check in with you to see how you are liking The Long Way Home. It isn't my favorite but was still very good.

>45 AMQS:: Anne, you still have plenty of time to see the Chihuly works. Don't wait too long or you'll be seeing them in the snow…which would be a lovely sight! I loved your hometown and thank you for showing us around.

>46 dallenbaugh:: Donna, I really like the V. series, too. I am getting over my bias against science fiction and laughing at the same time.

>47 drachenbraut23:: Please do give her a go, Bianca. With your varied reading tastes, I am predicting that you will like Bujold.

>48 jnwelch:: Hi Joe, and thank you for your visits while I have been out of touch for so long. Yes, I think Miles and I will get along just fine. I admire him and his quick wit and out-of-the-box thinking. I was a little picky about the latest Penny book. I do look forward to them every August and love visiting Three Pines.

Thanks to Mary for posting this picture of last Saturday's meet up in Evergreen, CO. Our server was very patient with us! We had a wonderful visit together as usual…


Mary (storeetller), Anne (AMQS), Joanne (coppers), and me waiting for some delicious
food fresh from The Himalayas!

Our menu, again thanks to Mary:

Appetizer: Himalayan MOMOs

Main Course:

Himalayan Lamb Biryanis
Himalayan Chicken Korma
Mish Mash (Himalayan Chicken Tika Masala)
Aloo Gobi (curried cauliflower & potatoes)

I bought some gifts for special children in my life at the delightful independent bookstore, Hearthfire Books. I also bought two books at the Bemis Library in Littleton the day before:

The Memory Chalet by Tony Judt, and
Here We are In Paradise by Tony Earley.

My son, DIL, and Precious Hope will be coming for Christmas, so my next visit to Colorado will be in the spring of 2015. I hope another meet up with my Colorado Besties works out again. It wouldn't be the same without some book talk!

Happy Sunday, Donna! Love the Meet-up photo! I hope to be sitting there with all of you, one of these days.

Go Broncos! I've watching some of the game. Manning looks terrific.

>51 msf59:: It is a dreary Sunday here, Mark, brightened only by Manning and his Bronco's prowess and the afterglow of The Royals two wins in Baltimore. My teams are looking good these days. I've been watching the baseball playoffs…the first bb games I've seen in years!

Hi Donna!

>42 Donna828: - Nice review! I must get going on this series. I was a tad underwhelmed by the first book, but there was enough going on (setting, good writing, interesting characters), plus the large amount of love people have for it, that makes me want to continue. I know I have the second one on audio, so I'll probably get to it soon.

>50 Donna828: - Ooh, meet-ups and good dinners! Yay!

Finally, a book that lives up to its hype!



Book No. 82: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr. 4.8 stars.

"The city, thinks Marie-Laure, is slowly being remade into the model upstairs. Streets sucked empty one by one. Each time she steps outside, she becomes aware of all the windows above her. The quiet is fretful, unnatural. It's what a mouse must feel, she thinks, as it steps from its hold into the open blades of a meadow, never knowing what shadow might come cruising above." (274)

Doerr's metaphors are spot on, especially the one about the blind girl and the mouse. He captures her timidness and the danger that lies everywhere in wartime, even in the supposed safety of one's home. This truly is a cat-and-mouse "game" as the famous diamond known as the Sea of Flames is being tracked across France and Germany. But it's a game with dangerous consequences even as Marie-Laure and her father seek safety with his crazy brother Etienne in the relative protection of the coastal city of Saint-Malo, France.

Werner's story is also a compelling one. He has a gift for fixing electronics that he nurtures when he finds a broken radio and slowly brings it back to life to provide some entertainment for him and his sister in the orphanage. His skill becomes known and after he fixes the radio for a local dignitary, he is chosen to attend a Hitler youth academy that tries to make a soldier out of him. His only action, however, is behind the back of contraband radios as he rewires and makes them into weapons of war.

This book is so much more than I can describe here. It is a slow building up of emotion and suspense as the war intensifies and these two young people come together for a brief few scenes before the Americans arrive to liberate a city under siege. I know there were many coincidences in this book, but they were believable. I also liked the realistic ending that took the reader up to the present time.In a conversation with her grandson about computers, Marie-Laure wonders if it's possible for souls to travel the same electromagnetic waves that our overload of information rides on…"faded but audible if you listen closely enough..."

>42 Donna828:: Kerry, I've only listened to the Vorkosigan books on road trips. They certainly make me forget about my legs and other regions falling asleep! Oops, sorry. You were referring to the Three Pines books. I have read rather than listened to all of them, although I am told by Joanne that they make great audiobooks. And you are right about the setting and characters. Actually, I like both the Vorkosigan and Three Pines series for these same two things! The action is a bit flaky but the characters keep me invested in the books!

Hi Donna. Thanks for posting the picture and your review. I have All the Light We Cannot See somewhere in the pile and your review made me want to go find it. As to the Three Pines books, I am still only on book two. Someday...

Ohhhh finally....a book I can comment on. I also loved All the Light We Cannot See, Donna and found the coincidences that bothered other people to be completely plausible. What a great book!

>54 Donna828:, >57 brenzi: I read All the Light We Cannot See last month after waiting forever for it at my local library. I thought it was great, but had complete writer's block when it came time to review. So when I posted it on my thread (here), I just pointed to the two people who most influenced me to read it: Bonnie and Cushla!

>55 Donna828: - Well, actually, I tried the first Vorkosigan book this past summer, and I couldn't get into it. I may try again at some point, but I'm not sure. It may be a bit too action/adventure for my tastes.

Hi Donna, I added All the Light We Cannot See to the wishlist after seeing Bonnie's review initially, but I'm adding you to the list of recommenders. One day when I get to it, I'll remember who to thank for inspiring me to read it!

>42 Donna828:: I started reading the Three Pines series this year. It is definitely my kind of murder-mystery books. Not too brutal, but more whodunnit. I've only read the two first books Still Life and Dead Cold (A Fatal Grace), and I think I will put nr 3 and 4 on my christmas wish list :D The only thing I have a problem understanding, is the role of Agent Yvette Nichol. Is she good or is she bad?

Maybe I need to read the next book to understand.

Finally, a book that lives up to its hype!

Wow, does that really happen? :-)

I am happy to see the Doerr book does. Not sure when I might get around to reading it, but consider it safely added to the future reading list!

Sounds like I need to add All the Light We Cannot See to the list!

>54 Donna828: I really enjoyed it as well. :) Great review.

Donna, thumb-up for a wonderful review of All the Light We Cannot See. Have had this one in my iPad for some time now. Must read!

Hi Donna - I've been avoiding your thread because I wanted to finish All the Light We Cannot See before I read your review. It is a wonderful book. I didn't give it 5 stars -- probably 4.4. And I chose one of the same quotes you did!

Sweet Thursday, Donna! Great review of All the Light. I have that one saved on audio. I hope I can bookhorn it in soon.
I started the Murakami. I like it.

Wonderful pics of the kiddos, Donna! I've wanted to purchase The Martian for our neighborhood book exchange this year but your remarks re: All the Light We Cannot See makes me second guess my first idea. I think the ladies might like this one. I feared it would be just another WEII war story, but your review implies that it is so much more.

>54 Donna828: Uncle, uncle! I put it on hold at my library, though I know it will take some time before I get it as there are 17 or so holds ahead of me (the number jumps quite a bit if you look at the entire system instead of just my library...).

I'm guilty of thread neglect. Between watching The Royals sweep the American League Playoffs and babysitting I haven't had much free time. I also was chosen as a Foundation Trustee to Missouri State and was "sworn in" today. Not really but there was an orientation, lunch, and long annual meeting. My husband and I met the main requirement: we give money to the University! Ha ha. I was at the lunch with him a few months ago when this came up and I guess I acted too interested. I was surprised when I got the invitation in the mail. It's no big deal because I don't have the math smarts to be on the finance committee and that's the only one that has a lot of responsibility. Education, both higher and lower, is a passion of mine so I am glad to serve even in a small way.

Thanks to the visitors who have been keeping my thread active…

>56 Berly:: "Someday"…I hear ya, Kim. I say that about a lot of books. The Three Pines books are easy reading and fun to boot. Don't put them off too long!

>57 brenzi:: Hi Bonnie. I remember how much you liked this book. Yes, I'm still following in your footsteps. Maybe I can catch up during your reading lull. You'll be back and leading the pack before you know it.

>58 lauralkeet:: I considered doing that, too, Laura. It is a hard book to talk about without giving too much away. I was glad to see it nominated for The National Book Award! You are on a roll for reading award books lately.

>59 DorsVenabili:: I guess The Vorkosigan Saga is action/adventure, Kerry. I got a notice from Amazon today about all the great militaristic science fiction books they are featuring. You guessed it. Most of them were by Bujold.

>60 Smiler69:: Ilana, you are so good about remembering who recommends the books you read. I wish I had your organizational skills. I wouldn't mind having your artistic skills as well. I don't think there's a chance of that but I could be more organized.

>61 Apolline:: Bente, I am glad you are liking the early Three Pines books. They keep getting better as you get more engaged with the characters. Yvette Nichol is one of those complex characters that Penny does so well. She is misunderstood and brash but I think she is on the 'good guys' side. I hope she is featured more in future books. So far she kind of comes and goes with just a brief mention in the latest book.

>62 lkernagh:: Well, Lori, I thought the Doerr book was just as good as everyone is saying. It's one of those books that stay in the mind and heart long after the last page is read.

>63 Copperskye:: A definite "YES," Joanne!

>64 nittnut:: Ah, another fan. Thanks, Jenn.

>65 lit_chick:: Nancy, I hope you like it as much as I did.

>66 BLBera::It was a quotable book, Beth. I think it came at just the right time for me. It is seldom that all the stars and planets align to give me a 5-star book!

>67 msf59:: Hi Mark! I got a notice from the library today about the new Murakami. I'll pick it up tomorrow when I get Haley and hope to start it next week. I'll be sure to check in with the group read. You will enjoy listening to All The Light We Cannot See but you might want to carry some tissues with you on your route!

>68 Carmenere:: Lynda, Doerr makes this part of WWII very personal. I'm not sure a war can be seen through the eyes of a blind girl, but he does an excellent job of letting the reader feel her fear and confusion. I liked The Martian but I loved All The Light.

>69 bell7:: Mary, I'm glad you "gave in" to the idea of a reading All the Light. I don't think you'll be disappointed. I wasn't! Thanks for stopping by.

Now, to read a bit more of A Division of the Spoils. It is wrapping up The Raj Quartet most satisfactorily.

>70 Donna828: Between watching The Royals sweep the American League Playoffs... Those of us in Baltimore are happy to oblige... :)

Jim, I can honestly say that both teams looked good right up until the end. The O's never gave up.

Yep. It's hard to be critical of the O's this season and if there's a team that deserves to win this year, it's the Royals!

>70 Donna828: Well, congrats on your new job, Donna! :)

Thanks, Joanne. It's not much of a job until I get on a committee. In the meantime, I'll continue my role as advocate for Missouri State. The Homecoming game is today. Go Bears!

Oh Donna, you made me smile when you commented on my 'organizational skills'. My LT catalogue just gives me an opportunity to overcompensate for how disorganized I am in RL, and believe me, I go the whole nine yards with it, which should indicate to you just how much in disarray things are in real time! As for the artistic skills, far be it for me to want to complain, but as most people born with a talent will often agree, it can often be a blessing and a curse at one and the same time, but what's for sure is I always do better when I'm actually putting my talent to good use.

Have a lovely weekend!

Sorry to be so behind on all your wonderful reading. I wanted to stop by to say that I do want to go to Joplin this year. Could you please send me a message when the day is set?

I had password issues for several months, but I have finally gotten a new password. Yea!

I hope you are having a wonderful Fall day!

*waving* at Donna

I see that Joplin is already being bandied about. I am so excited! I love seeing everyone :)

>77 Smiler69:: Ilana, the weekend was busy, busy. I usually get to spend some time catching up around here, but, alas, it didn't happen. What you say about organization is right on. My closets may be a mess but my book lists are up to date!

>78 billiejean:: BJ!!! That is wonderful news. We have missed you. As far as I know, the Joplin meet up will be on the Tuesday after Thanksgving which is December 2nd. It will be great to see you again.

>79 alcottacre:: Well, look who is lurking. Hi Stasia! Joplin is such a fun time. I'm looking forward to it. We have lots to catch up on.

Donna, Your opening image is incredible. Last weekend Will and I toured the Corning Glass Museum in New York. It was marvelous. There were many glassworks by Chihuly, including a marvelous yellow/green, tall art work in the foyer.



Happy Fall to you!

Book No. 83: A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott. 4.5*

"Hitler was dead, the peace in Europe almost a month old: only the Japanese remained to be dealt with. in June the Viceroy left London, flew back to Delhi, said nothing in public for nearly two weeks and then announced a conference of Indian leaders at Simla to discuss proposals which he hoped would ease the political situation, hasten final victory and advance the country towards her goal of full self-government. To enable all the leaders to be there he had to issue several orders of release from imprisonment."

So begins, the final book of The Raj Quartet. I have been reading this book off and on for over a month. Part of me wanted to make it last longer. I am a fan of good historical fiction and this quartet is one of the best I've read. It may be "too much information" for some, but if one takes it slowly. the rewards are great. Here is the review I added to the home page which is shockingly deficient in reviews…

...I was sad when I read the last page of this brilliant sweeping saga about British colonialism in India. The last days of Raj control were complicated by the longheld and ongoing animosity between Muslims and Hindus which had festered under the two centuries of British control. Politics and religion have never mixed well and the independence of India in 1947 was no exception.

Paul Scott is a master of historical fiction. He covers the final years of British occupation with great depth and sensitivity. He creates a powerful story of hopeless love and an unfortunate rape that introduces the reader to some memorable characters who intertwine throughout the four books that make up The Raj Quartet. Every good book is better with a villain. Richard Merrick, a Brit employed by the Indian Police, shows how depraved he can be when he tortures the innocent Hari Kumar, an Indian raised and educated in England, who is a lost soul in his native land. He is offstage in Book Four but is still the driving force of Merrick's sadism and bigotry which is seen through the eyes of a new character, Guy Perron, whose diaries and intelligent questions help explain the complex and emotional developments that took place in the last years of Raj rule. I read these books over a period of several months, so I appreciated the way the different threads of interactions between the natives and the British were expanded upon as different narrators added insight into events.

I finally feel that I have a better understanding of colonialism after reading Scott's skillful tale of how the jewel in England's crown began to lose its luster. I was horrified to learn that approximately 250,000 lives were lost in the massacres that occurred between Muslims and Hindus as they migrated during the partition. Scott doesn't linger on facts, but he does show the impact on individual lives who get caught in the course of history.

>81 Whisper1:: Linda, thank you for sharing the Chihuly image here. Isn't his glass art bold and beautiful? I had no idea how gorgeous it was until I saw it in person. Now I even want to go to Las Vegas to see the ceiling at The Belagio!

On a personal note, I am becoming a sports fan! I always used to say 'I'd rather be reading' but time was lost this weekend. I was thrilled that Missouri State won the Homecoming game, defeating University of South Dakota 31 to 12. Here are some pictures of the first live football game I've been to since my youngest son played as a freshman in High School. That was more than a few years ago...


One of 15,500 fans checking out the new Bronze Bear Statue…………….. Boomer the Bear!


We had great seats!

After that excitement, yesterday was consumed with more football. The Chiefs beat San Diego…and The Broncos' Peyton Manning is the new all-time Touchdown Pass Leader. They also won their game. Next weekend I'll try to carve out my usual LT time and maybe even get some reading done!

Donna, that is a fabulous review of A Division of the Spoils, and thumb-up from this corner. I've had the Raj Quartet on my list for some time but haven't yet ventured that way. I expect I'll need my wits about me to enjoy it … and that pretty much rules out my frenzied Sep-Jun months, LOL. Perhaps I should one per summer …

Is there a date for the Joplin gathering? I don't have anything on my calender, and I'm gone a lot during this time of the year. Hope it fits into the cracks.

Hello Donna,

>50 Donna828: what a wonderful pic of your meet-up and good food is always a must :)
>70 Donna828: Congrats on becoming a Foundation Trustee. As you say it will only be a "small" contribution from your side what does a responsibility (or job) as such involve?

>84 Donna828: LOL - so obviously - it doesn't matter how old you are, you still can be caught by the "sports bug". Wonder whether it hits me one day as well. Ahem, my friends at my work place were confused all summer that I didn't follow the world cup in person. So, whatever happenend I heard at work or from friends on fb.

>85 lit_chick:: Nancy, one can space the books a bit because of the recaps from a different POV. They are long and dense but so worth the effort.

>86 mldavis2:: Mike, unless I hear differently, the Joplin meetup will be Tuesday, December 2. It has always been on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Hope to see you there!

>87 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, right now my contribution as Trustee entails a few meetings and keeping up with what is happening at the university. It's a 3-year commitment so I might be asked to be on one of the committees some time in the future. My husband is a CPA so I expect him to be on the finance committee. I got bit by the sports bug watching The Royals from Kansas City playing in the baseball playoffs. The first game of the World Series is tonight. I have a meeting which I can't get out of so I will miss the first few innings. They will have to score without me!

Great review of The Division of the Spoils Donna. That will be a series that stays in my thoughts for a long time.

Your football pictures look like it was the perfect activity for a bright, sunny October afternoon!

Hello there Donna!

Loving all the beautiful Chihuly pics. One of my favorite artists.

Hooray for Marching Band pictures!

Did you survive Game 1 of the WS last night? I was thinking of you!

>89 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, I read the four books in small-print mass market editions. That shows how motivated I was. Or maybe crazy with my bad eyes. I think the next available bright sunny October afternoon will be sent raking leaves!

>90 michigantrumpet:: it was my fault the Royals lost so badly last night, Marianne. I went with my church group to serve dinner to a group of young pregnant women. We used to call these places homes for unwed mothers, not sure what the PC name is now. It was a fun evening. After we ate, we taught them a simple craft -- making a cute little box out of a used greeting card. Next time we'll play games after we eat. Anyway, I'm here with my boys tonight and they are looking better. Winning 3-2 right now.

Book No. 84: Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years Of Pilgrimage. 3.6 stars.

"...I have no sense of self. I have no personality, no brilliant color. I have nothing to offer. That's always been my problem. I feel like an empty vessel." (336)

Tsukuru Tazaki was an insecure teenager who gained his confidence from the four colorful people in his life, acquaintances from school who worked on a project together and became fast friends. The others all had a color in their surnames making him feel like the odd man out and colorless as well. No wonder his world feel apart when the clique informed him that he was no longer part of the group. He became a pariah without explanation and found his adult life socially awkward despite finding work designing railroad stations which was his only passion in life.

Murakami does a great job using little warmth in the writing style to show how bland Tsukuru's life was. Or is this cold style merely his typical writing? Perhaps both. His books don't contain a lot of warm, fuzzy characters. Instead he depends on vivid dreams to further his murky plots, making the reader wonder what is real and what is imagined. This book takes a more straightforward path, although there are still the usual musical allusions and even a few references to the cats he favors. I couldn't find a well, but there are certainly some dark, lonely places including the sorrow that made him feel "as if he'd been abandoned at the bottom of a deep, dark pit." Again, as is common in his books, there is no real resolution at the end. However, one does feel as if his pilgrimage has done him some good and that life might get better for him.

>70 Donna828: I know! Hooray for the Royals! We are trying to follow from afar, and enjoying the bits we get. You better stay home for the games!!

Congratulations on getting to be more involved with Missouri State. :)

The Raj Quartet is on my list, I'll get to it one of these days.

>83 Donna828: Donna, The Borgota in Atlantic City has a very large exhibit of Chihuly glass:
http://blog.theborgata.com/2014/04/02/chihuly-blown-glass-masterpieces-at-borgat...

Will and I visited when it first opened.

>94 Whisper1: Thanks for the Chihuly exhibit link. Heaven ...

Donna glad you enjoyed the latest Spenser in our project. The next one up looks like a short one. Hawk is in it so it's already got that going for it.

Hi Donna!

Congrats on becoming a Foundation Trustee!

>82 Donna828: - Thanks for bringing The Raj Quartet to my attention. I'm going to put the first one on my wishlist, as I'm always on the lookout for good historical fiction. Have you read The Siege of Krishnapur?

>84 Donna828: - Nice photos! Part of me wants to get into college football, but I don't have a team...also, it would kill my Saturdays :-) .

>93 nittnut:: Hi Jenn, how are things down under? The Royals need to win tonight to stay in the Series. No pressure! I love being involved with Missouri State. Springfield has several other colleges and universities (Drury, Evangel, and Baptist Bible College) but MSU is the big one with 22,000 students. It's where I met my husband so naturally it's close to my heart!

>94 Whisper1:, >95 michigantrumpet:: I'll join Marianne in thanking you for that website, Linda. I had no idea of the injuries D. Chihuly has suffered…and he still keeps on with his vision in glassworks. Amazing!

>96 luvamystery65:: Roberta, I need to put up a quick review for Pastime. I will probably echo what I put on your thread. I didn't get to my reread of The Stand. I think now that Halloween is almost here, I will put it off for another year. In the meantime, King keeps coming out with new books. My goodness, that man is prolific!

>97 DorsVenabili:: Hi Kerry! I have The Siege of Krishnapur and the other two books in the series. I hope to get to them next year. I think you will like the Paul Scott Raj Quartet. Re: college football. The Missouri Tigers are a much better team than the Bears, but we are hoping to give them some competition in the future! We just have to keep winning games. Simple enough!

Book No. 85: Pastime by Robert B. Parker. 3.2 stars.

"The dog was a pointer, a solid chocolate German shorthair, three years old and smallish for her breed. She sat bolt upright on the couch in Susan Silverman's office and stared at me with her head vigilantly erect in case I might be a partridge."

So begins Spenser #18. My attention was instantly grabbed by the new character. Pearl adds another conduit to Spenser's soft side. She is a gun shy hunting dog who loves the comfort of sleeping on furniture but can catch a groundhog with the best of hungry beasts. I hope she is a continuing character! Oh yeah, the plot…Paul is back and worried about his mother. He and Spenser track her down and find out she is once again involved with a bad man. Some people never learn!

Hi Donna, I am going through some threads after yet another absence - this time mainly book-related. Yes, books can swallow you and take over your life, I just learned...

Anyway - great reviews, All The Light We Cannot See gos to the WL. I am looking forward to the Murakami, but am still saving it maybe for January, I like to read his books in winter, can't say why.

And thanks for posting those pics. Once in this lifetime I'd love to see a big football match in the US. Where I lived in Germany (Frankfurt) they had a team, Frankfurt Galaxy, playing quite successfully in the European league which I believe exists no more. I saw one match there once - in a soccer stadium of course - and it was broadcast in the US as well (so the referee always turned towards the TV cameras for his decisions and they had frequent breaks for the commercials on US TV which was very strange for us), but what I see on your pics is soooo much bigger and looks like great fun!

Hi Donna! Taking my chance before the end of the year to resurface and see what has happened in our LT world. Glad to see you keep reading some fantastic books! :)

Hi Donna! You're looking like a shoe-in for making the century mark this year.

I love the photos of you at the football game. I quite like college football but try to avoid "getting into" it too much to save time for reading and other activities. Like vacuuming and laundry. Ha.

I have the Murakami on my TBR stack. I hope I like it; I tend not to be crazy about dream sequences. I never know how I'm supposed to process them with regard to the plot.

Alas, the Royals lost. I think they did wonderfully in making it an exciting World Series and forcing it to 7 games!

Hi Donna, I'd love to have you participate again next year: http://www.librarything.com/topic/182420#4902314

Happy Halloween Donna!

What are your grands dressing up as? (Mine were ghosts).

We were disappointed with the Royals loss (we usually root for the NL team but it's been a while for KC). :( Good series though.

Darn, I lost my responses! I'll try to recreate them but they may be on the short side. I have Halloween fatigue!

>100 Deern:: Nathalie, book-related absences are understood and accepted here as long as you check in with us occasionally to share what you've been reading that has kept you away. It is interesting that you save Murakami for January reading. I like to read survival stories in the winter. It began several years ago when we lost our power for five days in an ice storm. I actually enjoyed reading by candlelight huddled up in front of the gas fireplace! Football games are a lot of fun in person. I enjoy the anticipation of the crowd!

>101 jolerie:: Hi Valerie. I'm glad you can keep tabs on your fellow 75-ers. Those young men must be keeping you very busy. I remember those days and wonder how I survived. It helped that I was 35 years younger!

>102 EBT1002:: I consider 100 books a realistic goal for me, Ellen, although the next two months are my busiest time of the year so I may have to read a few shorter books to achieve it! Murakami often leaves me befuddled, but his latest book was easy to understand…not too "dreamy"!

>103 ronincats:: Hi Roni! Although the Royals loss was a big disappointment, they gave their all and the fans are not going anywhere! There was a huge fan rally in KC with lots of love including chants of "Thank You, Royals"!

>104 Smiler69:: I enjoy helping your pick out books, Ilana. That is a fun challenge you've devised. I'll be right over to help out again…

>105 Copperskye:: I almost missed you, Joanne. We had a big Halloween here starting this morning with a trip to our company (or factory and warehouse) which is about an hour's drive from here. Haley was dressed as Rapunzel and Molly was her favorite thing in the world--a puppy! They had a cold evening for trick-or-treating here. We are supposed to have our first hard frost tonight.

Actually, Ilana was message 104, Donna.

I snapped this picture in the office reception area, not the best lighting with the sun streaming
in the front windows. Mary is Snow White and Ben is Rasta Doc. Molly (18 mo.) is a Puppy and Haley (4) is Rapunzel.

>107 ronincats:: I think I got it fixed, Roni….slowly losing my mind!

Oh they all look marvelous!!!

Chris was a puppy when he was about 16 months old. He'd toddle around and the little tail of his costume would wag with every staggering step.

Haley is too cute! We had a lot of little princesses trick or treating this year. The weather was very mild here so no one had to bundle up.

>110 Copperskye:: What a cute description of a much younger Chris. Molly kept sitting down on the floor so she could examine her puppy toes on the bottom of her feet! She wasn't crazy about wearing her hat until she discovered she could pull it down and hide if someone was dressed in a scary costume! It was a fun time!

What a fun photo of your Halloween family, Donna. Love Haley's Rapunzel braid! And Molly is too precious as a little puppy.

Book No. 86: An Unnecessary Woman by Rabih Alameddine. 4.2 stars.

"I long ago abandoned myself to a blind lust for the written word. Literature is my sandbox. In it I play, build my forts and castles, spend glorious time. It is the world outside that box that gives me trouble. I have adapted tamely, though not conventionally, to this visible world so I can retreat without much inconvenience into my inner world of books." (Pg. 5)

What makes a person necessary in this world? Our narrator ruminates on this deep question as she comes to terms with aging and the losses in her life. Aaliya is 72 and has spent most of her adult life alone. Books have shaped her life and been her refuge during family strife and civil war in Lebanon. Her life's work has been book selling and translating classics into Arabic. The translations have been entirely for herself. As she finished her one book per year, the pages were boxed up and stowed away.

This book is a bonanza for bibliophiles as it contains many quotes and references from the books that give Aaliya's life meaning. The melancholy tone, however, reminds us that reading can not solve every problem in life: "Giants of literature, philosophy, and the arts have influenced my life, but what have I done with this life? I remain a speck in a tumultuous universe that has little concern for me." (169) It is only when a disaster threatens her reason for being that Aaliya opens up to the possibility of a different idea of what makes a necessary person.

>112 lit_chick:: Thanks, Nancy. I just finished a book that you liked as well. I "borrowed" the quote you used in your fine review. It jumped off the page at me as I read the book!

>108 Donna828: I love it!! The costumes are great, but my favorite part is how happy they all look. Gorgeous family.

Hey Donna! I'm so glad to see you're enjoying live football again! and congrats to your new position as well. I think it would be a wonderful experience being part of a college/university. Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!

Happy November Donna! I love the family photos.

I finished Double Deuce already. It's short and not very sweet but Hawk is very prominent in this one. Pearl is definitely here to stay.

Donna, so pleased that you enjoyed An Unnecessary Woman. That's a great quote, isn't it? Like you say, a bonanza for bibliophiles.

>108 Donna828: Oh! So cool! Haley and the baby are just adorable! Glad you had a fun Halloween!

A few more pictures...


Sadie, Griffin, and Audrey.

Our little pumpkin, Hope (sitting on Rebecca's lap).


Youngest son, Ben, finished his second half-marathon this morning.

>115 scaifea:: Here are some more happy pictures for you, Amber.

>116 Carmenere:: Lynda, life is good for me right now. I'm enjoying every little bit of it!

>117 luvamystery65:: That's good news about Pearl, Roberta. We've definitely had some blustery November weather already. It was 22 degrees yesterday morning. Warmer this morning for the Bass Pro Marathon, but windy so it was cold out there!

>118 lit_chick:: Hi Nancy, we do seem to like the same kind of books. I'll be over to catch up on what you've been reading. I've been AWOL on LT recently.

>119 Storeetllr:: Just the Halloween memories are left, Mary…along with some leftover candy. Yummmmm!

>98 Donna828: Yep. And win or lose, your team is your team. That's how it goes. Good luck!

>113 Donna828: So glad you liked this! It was my favorite last year. I just loved it and really connected with the main character, which might be a little disturbing, but whatever. Ha!

While I don't like dressing up myself, I love to see all the Halloween costume photos! Very cute!

I love seeing all the great costumes... and congratulations to your youngest son finishing his second half-marathon!

Way to go to your youngest for finishing a half marathon. That is definitely something work celebrating.

One of my bucket list items is to finish a 5k...haha. Nothing too ambitious but I figure small steps will hopefully lead to greater success.
Hope you have a great weekend, Donna.

PS - love the cute kids and costumes!

Hi Donna! Hope you had a great weekend. I love the Halloween photos. I have An Unnecessary Woman on my To-Read list. Many of my LT pals have LOVED this book.

Those are wonderful pictures of all your grandchildren, Donna, but I have to admit that the one of Hope is my favorite!

Adding my thumbs-up to An Unnecessary Woman. . .
We were reading it simultaneously - love when that happens!

Wonderful Halloween pics! No tick-or-treaters on my dark country road, so I love seeing the grandkids on your thread.

Usually, whether I find a protagonist likeable or not doesn't influence my appreciation of a book, but in this case I couldn't stand the woman in An Unnecessary Woman and couldn't bring myself to finish the book, so for this once I must say I'm not quite on the same page as you on this one. Though I can see why many book lovers would find it a delight.

I'm glad you enjoy my challenge and the process of picking out a book Donna, and appreciate your participation. I thought at one point that challenge might catch on and others would maybe want to adopt it too, but there's been no other takers so far. Not that it matters really as it always feels like such a special treat having people chose books for me and whether I end up loving those books or not in the end hardly matters, though most of the time I appreciate them in a special way, if only only because they've been singled out out of the rest of my monster tbr!

>122 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I didn't say it in my comments, but I rather related to our 'unnecessary woman', too! I would make an excellent recluse! As far as wearing costumes goes…I don't! But I drag out my sequined pumpkin shirt year after year which puts me in the right spirit to go along with the fun.

>123 lkernagh:: Thanks, Lori! One of the coolest after-events was the conference room dedicated to free massages. I thought we might have trouble getting Ben off the table! It said in today's paper that there were over 8,000 participants this year including the 5K and full marathon. As we drove over there, we saw the streets lined with supporters.

>124 jolerie:: The weekend was a mix of work and fun, Valerie. I even finished a book! I have no desire to run or walk a 5K. I prefer the quiet walks I take nearly every morning with my husband and dog. I did direct runners and stop traffic at a 5K two years ago. Does that count?

>125 msf59:: The reviews are mixed for An Unnecessary Woman, Mark. It is probably a little slow for many readers but full of sage thoughts to ponder while you walk your route. I think you would like it.

>126 ronincats:: Ah, my little pumpkin gets your vote, Roni. I wish I could have been the one cuddling her in that picture. My cuddles will have to wait until Christmas…

>127 brenpike:: Yay for a shared read, Brenda. I hope you are planning on going to Joplin on December 2nd. It's time to catch up with each other. You are awfully quiet on LT these days.

>128 streamsong:: Janet, it is fun to see how the kids are dressing at Halloween. As usual, lots of princesses among the girls and ninjas, etc. among the boys. We don't get many trick-or-treaters in our aging neighborhood so it's a lot of up-and-down for me!

>129 Smiler69:: I do love your challenge, Ilana, but I also like to pick my own books. I know you have a whole year to read the selected books but I would still have a problem with wanting to do my own thing. So you couldn't stand Aaliya, huh? It looks like Kerri and I both identified with her so maybe you are just too gregarious to like such an introvert? With me, it was an aging identification but Kerri is a young thing…as are you. I had some likability issues with my most recent book. The review follows...

Book No. 87: The Children by Edith Wharton. 3.9 stars.

"Boyne remembered Mrs. Sellars's wail at the approach of a standardized beauty. Here it was, in all its mechanical terror--endless and meaningless as the repetitions of a nightmare. Every one of the women in the vast crowded restaurant seemed to be of the same age, to be dressed by the same dress-makers, loved by the same lovers, adorned by the same jewelers, and massaged and manipulated by the same Beauty doctors." (136)

I am a big fan of Edith Wharton. She wrote of a time and class that she knew well. She was also a keen observer and wrote with such detail that it is easy to get caught up in her stories. Martin Boyne is on a voyage to Venice when he recognizes his seat mate's name as someone he knew many years ago at Harvard. He is quite surprised when a lovely teenage girl sits down and proceeds to take command of a lively assortment of younger children. When he learns this is the daughter of his friend who is traveling with six "siblings", a governess, and two nurses, he takes the group under his wing. What he had thought would be a lonely voyage quickly turns into fun and games with this loosely related troupe of fun-loving children.

As in all of Wharton's writing, there is a dark side. In this case it is the lax parents who come and go as they please leaving 15-year-old Judith in charge. "The Wheaters," as their children refer to them, have recently reunited after a divorce, but philandering is common in their social group and their reunion with the seven children is short-lived. Wharton shows that things haven't changed all that much in the 86 years since the book was first published. The "smart set" is more concerned with their social status than their duties as parents. As she often does in her books, the author presents difficult circumstances which lead to troublesome outcomes.

While this book isn't in the same exemplary category as her more well-known works, it is very good. I just don't think it was possible for this woman to write a bad book! I would recommend it to fans of Wharton as another example of life in the gilded age.

It definitely counts, Donna! ;)

You're closer to a 5k than I am currently..haha.

You remind me that I need to get to the Edith Wharton books sitting on my shelves. I missed out on reading some of her books with Mark's challenge this year, but there is hope for next year...maybe. :D

Donna, thumb-up for an excellent review of The Children. It does sound VERY good. Certainly one to consider given I've thoroughly enjoyed her more well-known works.

I love the photos! Hayley remains beautiful. Again, she so reminds me of dolls made by a German artist, Hildgard Gunzel

Hi, Donna! There's more here than I can properly catch up with. I noticed you mentioned, way back in message >42 Donna828: , how much you enjoyed Louise Penny's use of the quote from Gilead. I loved Gilead, too. Marilynne Robinson has a new book out set in Gilead, Lila. I haven't read it yet, but I want to.

>5 Donna828: (still talking about the blah blah blah....)
Yellow is one of my least favourite colours! (look at that, two words running with alternate US spellings). Ever since I saw a bright yellow car about 20 years ago and thought to myself, hm, yellow. For a car? I have disliked it :)
My best is deep green or blue, but mainly black. I wear a lot of black and used to worry about myself because of it, but now I just own it (in the face of familial criticism).

Hope is so BIG now. Wow, time marches on.....she is beautiful. I still love her name, btw :)

Hello Donna,

thank you for sharing ALL this wonderful photos of your family. It's amazing to see how quick the little one's grow up. They all look like they had a lot of fun on Halloween. I have to admit - I turned the lights off and hid from all the noise :)

I enjoyed your review of The Children by Edith Warton and here we have another author I never tried. I do know that I own The Age of Innocence by her, but haven't read it yet.

>135 tymfos: Marilynne Robinson has a new book out set in Gilead, Lila
I highly recommend it!

>132 jolerie:: I hope you get to the Wharton books sooner than later, Val. You won't be disappointed.

>133 lit_chick:: I also have a copy of The Reef by Wharton on my shelf, Nancy. I'm glad she was a fairly prolific writer.

>134 Whisper1:: Thanks for sharing those exquisite dolls here, Linda. Their faces are so soulful. I can definitely see a resemblance to our Haley. She got her looong hair cut yesterday and it makes her look older. I hate to see the baby face go…

>135 tymfos:: Terri, I have Lila on reserve at the library but it may be next year before I get it. Haha. I'm certain it will be worth waiting for. I should just buy myself a copy. I definitely want the trilogy in my permanent library.

>136 LovingLit:: No yellow car for me either, Megan. Actually, I don't even wear much yellow as my skin is so pale and it washes me out even more, but it is still my go-to happy color. I would love to have the whole house painted in a soft yellow. My husband relented to repainting our basement game room a rather deep shade of yellow since there are no windows in it. I spent time with Molly down there today. ;-)

>137 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, I still consider The Age of Innocence my favorite Wharton book. She does opulence very well and describes the houses and formal dinners so well you will feel you are in the room. If I remember correctly, one of her first books was about decorating.

>138 lauralkeet:: That's great, Laura! Congratulations on your Hot Review for the book. It has retained its No. 1 spot for several days now. Go Laura…go Lila!

>134 Whisper1: Lovely dolls! My mother loved dolls so she created a doll collection for me. I don't have the space for all of them now so I've tried to go through the dolls which were mostly stored at my parents house and decide which ones can be sold. I've kept the collectable ones and a lot of the "homemade" ones. Mom crocheted a set of 12 dolls for me at one point. I have all 12 of those at this point, but I'm planning to distribute one to each of the nieces and grandnieces so they'll have something that Granny made.

"so they'll have something that Granny made" -- I love this. Some kids might not care, but others will, and I think it's impossible to predict who is who. Best to give each of them something.

Oh hey I didn't even notice I had a hot review. Thanks Donna!!

>120 Donna828: Well I guess I'd have managed the half-marathon with Ben only if I was being chased by that blasted bear! Your family photos are as enchanting as ever Donna. xx

>140 thornton37814:: Lori, I wish one of my granddaughters loved dolls as much as I did when I was little. They are all taken in by electronic toys or dolls that "do" stuff. Molly does like to play with my "Toodles" doll from the 1950s which has held up remarkably well. Your collection from your mother sounds awesome. Those nieces and grandnieces are lucky girls.

>141 sjmccreary:: Hi Sandy!

>142 lauralkeet:: You are welcome, Laura. It was No. 1 for several days which is quite a feat in this group of good review writers.

>143 PaulCranswick:: Thanks, Paul, and I'm with you on running if only being chased by a bear!

Book No. 88: The Enchanted by Rene Denfield. 4.3 stars.

"They can keep men in here, under lock and key, deep in the dungeon until the final moments of their lives, so that men like York and me will never taste the rain. But they cannot keep us from passing our condensation on to the sky. They cannot keep us from raining down in China."

I read this book for my book group and had no clue what I was getting into. All I had heard about it was the word "fantasy" which is not my favorite genre. It's about prison life, specifically those lost souls on Death Row. I learned that there is a devoted group of people who investigate the circumstances behind death penalty cases. The author is one of them which gives credibility to the prison atrocities she writes about. There are indeed fantastical scenes of golden horses galloping through the underbelly of this rundown prison and some other strange things that turn out to be the product of a broken mind that has lost all sense of reality and has created a magical world that allows him to cope with his wretched life. This nameless narrator also found escape through literature: "The library became my sanctuary. I loved the ways the precious stories took shape but always had room to be read again…After a time it seemed that the world inside the books became my world." (16)

There was much to discuss in this raw book that showed some light and beauty in the darkness of Death Row. We talked about mental illness, rehabilitation vs. punishment, the roots of crime, and the need for connection. One can not read this without being profoundly affected. I like books that make me think, and this is one I will be thinking about for a long time. I fell under its magic spell from the first lines, "This is an enchanted place. Others don't see it but I do." My mind and heart were in conflict as I read about the evil things that people can do. The author opened my eyes and broke my heart with her enchanting words.

>140 thornton37814: I agree with Donna! How kind you are to share your collection with your nieces.

I have a doll collection, some worth more than others. I tend to lean toward German doll makers. In particular, I like Annette Himstedt dolls. I cannot afford her high end dolls, but have three that were reasonably priced when I purchased them. She no longer manufactures dolls, so I hope the price of those I own will increase.



When I was little, my all-time favorite Christmas present was a Chatty Cathy doll. She was the first talking doll. I cried when her voice box became damaged. I later learned that this was a defect of the manufacturer.



And, then there was Patti Play Pal, a walking doll that was rather large. She also was one of my favorites.



Donna, Thanks for letting me highjack your thread to talk about my obsession.

>145 Donna828: Oh! The Enchanted is definitely going on my tottering TBR tower!

>146 Whisper1: I had a Chatty Cathy too, and a large walking doll, as well as a Betsy Wetsy and a Ginny (more realistic precursor of Barbie). I wonder whatever became of my walking doll, which was kept at my grandma's house for when I spent the weekends with her. (I know the Chatty Cathy, Betsy Wetsy and Ginny were taken over by one of my little sisters at some point, when I grew out of playing with dolls.)

Donna, wonderful review of The Enchanted. I've not even heard of this one, but it does sound like one I would enjoy, in spite of the fact that, as you say, fantasy is not one of my favourite genres.

>131 Donna828: Wonderful review! I'm looking forward to exploring more Wharton, after recently reading Ethan Frome.

>145 Donna828: Sounds interesting. How does your book group choose its books? Now that I'm in two real life book groups, I'm fascinated by how other groups choose books.

Oh you've got me so interested in The Enchanted Donna! I've seen this book around and seen descriptions, but your review definitely pushed me into the I want to read this category! It is considered a fiction book though right?

Hi Donna! I'm glad you enjoyed An Unnecessary Woman. I could not happily survive a reclusive life but this was a wonderful read with many references to books. I always like that.

Your review of The Enchanted interests me. I have not heard about that one but it sounds worthwhile and I'm adding it to the wish list.

I hope your week is off to a good start!

I'm rushing through threads trying to catch up I enjoyed seeing several overlaps in our reading with similar opinions -- as usual. Love the grandkid photos and glad you had a nice trip to Denver. That's a good group there.

Oh my, it has been over a week since I last posted. I've been busy with my usual babysitting, plus we had both in-town granddaughters here for a sleepover this past weekend. I am still struggling with bridge and am working in some practice sessions on the computer. Last night we had a Missouri State dinner to attend at The Top of the Rock near Branson. Too bad it was dark because the scenery is supposed to be gorgeous in that area. I was very impressed with the restaurant overlooking the fabulous golf course, but was absolutely floored by the quality of the Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum built underground to protect the artifacts. Wow! It isn't open to the public yet and we had Johnny Morris (founder of Bass Pro Shops) as our guide so it was a great evening.

A few pictures… nobody said I couldn't take pictures, but I turned off the flash to be on the safe side.







Now on to chat with my guests…

>146 Whisper1:: Linda, you can hijack my thread anytime. I love to look at pictures of dolls. Haley brought Shannon over this weekend for a sleepover with my Daisy. I should have taken some pictures!

>147 Storeetllr:: Mary, I had a Betsy Wetsy, too, and my daughter still has her Ginny doll. I hope you do get to read The Enchanted. I can't get that book out of my head. We went down to the wine cellar at The Top of the Rock and it made me think of the prison dungeon in the book…although the wine cellar was a bit more upscale!

>148 lit_chick:: Nancy, once I realized the fantasy parts were imagined by a deranged mind, I didn't have a problem with it. It really was a good book. I see that it is on the Amazon list for the best of 2014.

>149 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, thanks for the comments on the last two books I read. Our librarian book leader chooses the books for us based on our requests and feedback from what other groups are doing and some publications she receives. Plus, we read the Springfield, MO "Big Read" book which will be The Giver next year and the Missouri State book required for incoming freshmen! The last one was The Heart and the Fist. I forgot to mention last week that my SIL, friend Nancy, and I went to see Eric Grietens speak to the students. He is as inspiring in person as he was in his excellent book.

>150 jolerie:: Definitely fiction, Valerie, although our group conjectured that it was based on the author's real life experiences working as a Death Row investigator.

>151 EBT1002:: My week is going great, Ellen, now that I have a mental health day to catch my breath. It is hard for this reclusive person to be out and about so much. It's too cold for me to be outside today. It could be worse, though, my aunt in Marquette, MI, emailed us pictures of their first 2-foot snowfall of the year!

>152 RebaRelishesReading:: That Denver group is a good one, Reba. I'm so glad that we found each other and that I get to see them several times a year. I'm sure you have much to get caught up on after being gone all summer and then doing a turn-around cruise. Lucky you!

Book No. 89: I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai. 3.8 stars.

"If Christians, Hindus or Jews are really our enemies, as so many say, why are we Muslims fighting with each other? Our people have become misguided. They think their greatest concern is defending Islam and are being led astray by those like the Taliban who deliberately misinterpret the Quran. We should focus on practical issues. We have so many people in our country who are illiterate. And many women have no education at all. We live in a place where schools are blown up. We have no reliable electricity supply. Not a single day passes without the killing of at least one Pakistani." (223)

Well said, young lady! If there is anyone who doesn't know who Malala is, she is the 15-year-old Pakistani who was shot in the head while she was riding in the school bus (van) on her way home from school. This book is so much more than that one horrible incident. She was named after an Afghanistan martyr who was killed in a battle with the British, the same one that the fictional Dr. Watson of Sherlock Holmes fame was injured in. She has the same passion in her, but hers is a passion for the education of women. She was fortunate enough to be born into a family that revered education. Her father started a school for both boys and girls which was Malala's playground as a toddler. She describes the beauty of The Swat Valley in such glowing terms that I watched a YouTube video of the region. She does not exaggerate. It is heartbreaking to read about how the Taliban spoiled the beauty with their brand of "patriotism" and upholding their version of the Muslim faith. She has a good understanding of the politics of her country, and I learned a great deal about the region.

Malala is precocious and speaks out for her strong beliefs which brings her to the attention of the Taliban extremists. They may have tried to take her life, but they didn't take her spirit: "We human beings don't realize how great God is. He has given us an extraordinary brain and a sensitive loving heart. He has blessed us with two lips to talk and express our feeling, two eyes which see a world of colors and beauty, two feet which walk on the road of life, two hands to work for us, a nose which smells the beauty of fragrance, and two ears to hear the words of love." (301)

To think that she is only 15 and has won the Nobel Prize..... such a wise soul.

Lovely review, Donna. Malala is wise beyond her years, to say the very least.

Hi Donna - Thanks for sharing the pictures. The Enchanted sounds great. Onto the list it goes.

Great review, Donna! I really have to read Malala's book! She is one amazing young lady. So full of common sense, it's no wonder why others fear her. When I heard her speak on television it was almost like listening to a voice from beyond this realm.

Lovely review of Malala. I'm also listening to the audiobook right now and am also amazed at her courage and her intelligence. I'm also learning a lot of history of the area, a subject that I find I'm sadly deficient.

I'll mention there's currently a group read on the 2014 cat board, although it's pretty quiet.

Appreciate that good review of I Am Malala, Donna. I need to read that one. What an extraordinary person she is.

>159 streamsong: Thanks for mentioning the read. It is a quarterly read so I think there hasn't been much action.

Donna you are welcome to share your review/thoughts.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/180967#4917670

>153 Donna828: and I'm not even home yet lol Not looking forward to the long flight(s) leaving here at 11:15 p.m. tomorrow night.

Read through your thread and enjoyed your reviews, Donna. Looking forward to reading several of your choices in the near future.

I have a library of I Am Malala ready to start as soon as I finish my current NF read. I've been looking forward to it all year. As someone else has mentioned, it is a quarterly biography read in the 2014 Category Challenge group. The discussion mostly takes place in the last month of the quarter after everyone has had a chance to finish the book.

>154 Donna828: oooh, I want to read this one! Glad you see you got to.

>154 Donna828: Brilliant review Donna. Has been on my WL since published. What an amazing young woman she is.

Love the pics of the museum. Aren't the sculptures just amazing? However, I had to notice that the faces all look quite severe. Is that intentional because of the History of the native North Americans?

Wish you a wonderful weekend Donna!

Happy Saturday, Donna! Sounds like you've been busy again. Hope you can find some R & R time this weekend.

Loved your review of I Am Malala. I would like to get to that one.

>155 jolerie:: Wise indeed, Valerie. I guess some people are born that way.

>156 lit_chick:: Thanks, Nancy. I like books like this that give me hope for the future.

>157 BLBera:: You're welcome, Beth. The Enchanted was a surprisingly good read for me. I wouldn't have considered it if it hadn't been for my book group.

>158 Carmenere:: I haven't heard her voice, Lynda. Imagine being that age and speaking in front of The United Nations.

>159 streamsong:: Janet, does Malala read her own book? I was fairly shaky about the history of Pakistan, too. I'm always glad to be better informed. Thanks for the heads up about the group read.

>160 jnwelch:: Joe, it's an amazing story…I think you would like it.

>161 luvamystery65:: Thank you for that link, Roberta. I'll check it out.

>162 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, I hope your flights went well and that you got some rest. It gets tricky when we experience bad weather like the snow in the midwest.

>163 Matke:: Hi Gail, I'm glad you picked up some ideas for what to read. As if anyone in this group needs help with that! I'm convinced my wish list will never get fulfilled.

>164 cbl_tn:: That's good to know, Carrie. There is a longish wait list at the public library for Malala so I was pleased to find it staring at me in the church library display. I should check in there more often.

>165 LovingLit:: It's a quick read, Megan. I don't think you will be disappointed. Very inspirational.

>166 drachenbraut23:: My weekend is going well, Bianca, despite the frigid temperatures. I hope you are having a good one, too. You know, I don't think I've seen a picture of a smiling Native American. They did not have much to smile about when we Europeans took over their lands.

>167 msf59:: Mark, you will just have to find a few hours to book horn yet another book in! Reading is still high on my list but I've slowed down recently due to more "stuff" in my life. I am already looking forward to a slower-paced January. Take care, Friend.

Book No. 90: The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan. 4.6 stars.

"Like the greatest crimes, it will be as if it never happened. The suffering, the deaths, the sorrow, the abject, pathetic pointlessness of such immense suffering by so many; maybe it all exists only within these pages and the pages of a few other books. Horror can be contained within a book, given form and meaning. But in life horror has no more form than it does meaning. Horror just is. And while it reigns, it is as if there is nothing in the universe that it is not." (19)

Once this book grabs hold of the reader, it doesn't let go until the end. The beginning jumped around in time as Dorrigo Evans recalled his youth, becoming a surgeon, and going to war. He found himself as the leader of several hundred other prisoners-of-war from Australia in the jungles of Siam which is now Thailand. He was responsible for negotiations, such as they were, with the ruthless Japanese who captured them and used them as machines instead of humans to undertake the impossible task of building a railroad through the jungle all the way north to Burma. Just as Dorrigo depended on his love of literature to sustain him, in particular Ulysses and the poetry of Tennyson, the Japanese read poetry in their free time. A book revered by them, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North," exemplified the 'genius of the Japanese spirit' and galvanized them as they tortured and abused men in the name of their Emperor.

The Narrow Road is a difficult book to read due to the shocking mistreatment of the POWs much like that detailed in another book about WWII in Asia, Unbroken. Flanagan writes without bias giving both sides of the story. Questions are raised about the humanity on both sides of the war. Was Dr. Evans a true hero or did his flagrant womanizing before and after his marriage reduce his stature? Although the Japanese were notorious for their atrocities against prisoners, should allowances be made because of their brutal training and unwavering allegiance to their Emperor? Early in the book, these words appear: "A good book leaves you wanting to reread the book. A great book compels you to reread your own soul." War is hell and we do not know how we would act under the circumstances of conqueror or prisoner while we are reading about it in the comfort of our comparatively easy lives. This great book made me think about the souls of people on both sides…the soldiers and those waiting for them to come home.

In this world
we walk on the roof of hell
gazing at flowers. ~ISSA

This came so close to being a 5-star book for me. The only part that detracted from the overall gravity of the story was the prominence of a romance between Dorrigo and Amy, his uncle's wife. I know the difference between love and romance and I disliked the "magic" of the ending which reminded Dorrigo of this unrequited "love" that did not have a chance to prove itself. I think the book would have been just as good, or even better, without the emphasis on this romance/affair.

Great review of The Narrow Road to the Deep North, Donna! Thanks for telling me that it was hard to get into and that I should hang in there. I definitely will!

I'm glad you liked it, Donna. I've seen other comments similar to those in your spoiler. For some reason that did not detract from the book for me, so it became a 5-star read. Very deserving of the Booker Prize.

Stopping by to wish you a lovely Sunday, Donna!

Oh good, another fan of The Narrow Road to the Deep North. Nice review, Donna. I agree a bit with your spoiler comment but not enough to lower my rating and it's still absolutely one of my favorite reads of the year.

Touchstones seem to be having problems today. How is it finding no results for "The Narrow Road to the Deep North"?

>153 Donna828: Our librarian book leader chooses the books for us based on our requests and feedback from what other groups are doing and some publications she receives. That sounds like a good plan. In my sci-fi book club, we're taking turns picking, but if someone has already read the selection, the picker is supposed to pick a new book. We have our first meeting on December 5th. I'm so looking forward to it! Also, we will have wine and cake, so that helps. :-)

>170 Donna828: Wonderful review, Donna! This one is already on my wishlist.

TNRthDN is a book that I will probably eventually get around to, but I will borrow it from the library instead of buying it. Because of the subject matter, it is most likely not a book I would read more than once. Thanks for the thoughtful review, Donna!

>171 Nancy618:: Nancy, I'm glad I rescued the book from an early return to the library. I hope you like it as much as I did!

>172 lauralkeet:: I thought it was a good Booker Prize choice, too, Laura. I seem to be following in your reading footsteps. Now that Bonnie isn't around as much, I had to latch onto somebody! ;-)

>173 lkernagh:: Thanks, Lori! We had a lovely snow falling yesterday followed by bitter cold. It seems way too early in the season for this kind of weather, but it did make for a wonderful day to stay in and read!

>174 EBT1002:: Yup, it's one of my favorites, too, Ellen. I rarely can read a book without finding something to be picky about…except for my last read. Review coming right up!

>175 DorsVenabili:: Wine and books are a good combination, Kerri. So you are going to be reading all sci-fi books. It's a good thing there are so many since they will all be new to the group. I have Station Eleven up next.

>176 jolerie:: Val, I probably won't be returning to the jungles of Thailand in this particular book either. It was harrowing - and memorable - enough the first time. I kind of feel the same way about Unbroken. However, I am looking forward to seeing that movie next month.

Very helpful review of Narrow Road to the Deep North, Donna, thanks. I'm a big fan of the Basho book, and that piqued my interest. But your review convinced me; I know Darryl thought highly of it, too. Onto the tbr it goes.

Book No. 91: Lila by Marilynne Robinson. The Full FIVE Stars!

"This town's called Gilead, child. That's a Bible name. We going to stay here till you're born. I figure we're safe here. We'll see what happens."…It wasn't really much of a town. You could hear the cornfields rustling almost anywhere in it, they were so close, and it was so quiet… "You'll like it here well enough, child. For a while." (122)

Without a doubt, this was a 5-star read for me. My first one of the year that is given without reservations. Oh my, how that Marilynne Robinson can write and touch my heart. She did it with her previous fiction books as well. I think the thing I liked best about the character of Lila was her way of trying to figure out life and her part in it. She would spend hours at a time pondering deep subjects such as existence, forgiveness, and the nature of God. For a young girl who had barely survived her first four years and then was raised by living off the land, she turned into a wise woman. She learned that "there was no way to abandon guilt, no decent way to disown it. All the tangles and knots of bitterness and desperation and fear had to be pitied. No, better, grace had to fall over them."

For Lila, grace came in the form of Reverend John Ames, the beloved pastor from Gilead and Home. He was an old man when they married to try and keep the loneliness at bay. He loved her wholeheartedly, though it was a gradual process for Lila to learn to trust him. I just can't say enough good words about this book. I read a library edition, but I will soon own my own copy to go with the two companion books and Housekeeping which had a similar story about growing up without roots. I am so grateful to Ms. Robinson for her amazing gift of writing stories about grace and redemption.

>178 jnwelch:: Joe, I'm glad to know you liked the other original book with the same title. Is it a poetry collection or a travelogue that contains a lot of poetry? I suppose I could look it up for myself. I might need a little encouragement to read it if it is all poetry.

ETA: I read the reviews on LT and suspect this would be a keeper book for me; one to read and refer to in small doses. Thanks for mentioning it!

>180 Donna828: It's a travelogue that contains a lot of his haiku, Donna. Pretty remarkable book - BUT, I'd take a look at a library or bookstore copy before diving in. I'm interested in Zen and a lot of what he writes about; not everyone is! It is beautifully written, I'll say that. You've answered the other possibility, which is his haiku is collected, but "a lot of poetry" would be putting it mildly for that one.

>179 Donna828: I'm just hoping someone thinks to get me Lila for the holidays. It sounds great. (If they don't, then I'll hope for a gift card or, perish the thought, just cough up for a copy). (I don't want to wait until old(er) age, when it finally comes off the library waitlist).

Oh the BB's. Great reviews as always, and I am adding I Am Malala, The Narrow Road to the Deep North and Lila to my pile.

The Halloween pictures were fun. Love the pumpkin!

We are having a great month. My in-laws have been here and my parents come tomorrow - nice to have family around.

>179 Donna828: lovely review, and you are indeed following in my reading footsteps! I think Bonnie would love Lila and i left a note on her thread recommending it.

Woot, Donna! Fabulous reviews of both The Narrow Road and Lila. I have to get to both of these! No excuses! I'll read Gilead before Lila, but I have The Narrow Road in my iPad, so …

Very happy to see the Robinson love for Lila, Donna! I loved Gilead and keep on meaning to get around to reading more of Robinson's books, just haven't found the time.

Hi Donna! Great review of The Narrow Road to the Deep North. That is high on my To-Read list. And it looks like we both gave Lila 5 stars. Hooray! She is such a pure writer. A booklover's dream. Let's hope she has many more books in her.

>179 Donna828: I *need* to get round to reading more Robinson. I'm glad to see that this one was such a good read for you!

>168 Donna828: Malala reads the introduction to her book and then the reading is taken over by Archie Panjabi who does an excellent job.

Gilead is on Planet TBR. I must keep whittling away at the pile and get to it.

Gilead is no on my WL as well! Your thread is so dangerous but I love it! :)

I love the second quote from the book by Malala. She has been in the media over here in the UK a lot, as she was brought her for medical treatment after her attempted assassination. An incredible young girl, and we can only hope she is able to continue making a difference without getting too jaded and cynical by the whole world.

Great review of Lila. I already have that one on my wish list but I'm about to go to the store (not the book store but it's in the neighborhood) and I may just have to stop by and buy it (tee hee).

Book No. 92: Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel. 3.7 stars.

"They waited in the shadows at the side of the road, trying to breathe quietly, trying to look everywhere at once. The claustrophobia of the forest. The first few trees visible before her, monochrome contrasts of black shadow and white moonlight, and beyond that an entire continent, wilderness uninterrupted from ocean to ocean with so few people left between the shores. Kirsten and August watched the road and the forest, but if anything was watching them back, it wasn't apparent." (136)

I wanted to like this book better, I really did. I loved the idea of a traveling Shakespeare troupe in the years after a pandemic that killed 99% of the people on earth. The writing was good, but I just didn't have the same feeling for the characters as I wanted. Arthur the actor died onstage of the Georgia Flu in the very beginning of the book but the story revolved around him, his three ex-wives, one son, his best friend, and a few others that worked with him. The travelers who brought art and beauty to the survivors in the Great Lakes region were not as big a part of the story as I had hoped. The author seemed more concerned with building the connections between the characters rather than showing their feelings and motives so that the reader could engage more with them. I was expecting to learn more about how they survived and was puzzled that since there was no damage to the water and electrical systems that these were not utilized by the survivors. Ah well, I know many others loved this book…maybe the fact that my prior book was Lila had something to do with my dissatisfaction…

I am in a rush to get the book back to the library and pick up Haley for story time so I will be back later to reply to the lovely people who have kept my thread going the past few days.

>179 Donna828: Nice review, Donna! I'm thinking I definitely have to read her one of these days....

>192 Donna828: Sorry this didn't quite live up to your expectations. I'm still looking forward to reading it.

maybe the fact that my prior book was Lila had something to do with my dissatisfaction… Yeah, that happens to me a lot too. I usually need a light palate cleanser after I read something amazing.

Have fun with Haley!

>192 Donna828: Sounds like I liked Station Eleven more than you did, Donna. It worked for me. But I could see reading it after the artistry of Marilynne Robinson could have an effect.

I was worried about that Preacher character, with his certainty and awfulness. I was so glad when he got off-ed by that boy, terrible to say.

>192 Donna828: >194 jnwelch: I liked Station Eleven a lot as well! I did like the way it jumped back and forth amongst the characters: I thought that was very skilfully done.

>179 Donna828: Woah a five star read. Excellent review Donna :). I think I mentioned before that I still have Gilead on my TBR. I think it is about time pushing that one slightly higher as well.

Wish you a wonderful weekend Donna :)

>181 jnwelch:: Joe, I hope you do get your copy of Lila for Christmas. I was on the long library list for it, but my friend Nancy who had it checked out from the library, kindly leant me her copy knowing I would read it in a timely manner and get it back to the library. It is a quick read yet I still need my own copy because it and the other Robinson books are ones I want to read again…and again!

>182 nittnut:: Jenn, I'm so glad your families are getting to visit you. Wish we were related! I'm not sorry you got hit by some book bullets as I think you will enjoy all the books you added to your WL.

>183 lauralkeet:: Thanks, Laura. Lila is sure to be loved by Bonnie as well. I'm glad you are spreading the word about a wonderful book.

>184 lit_chick:: Hi Nancy, so many books to read, right? We all have the same problem of not enough time. I have been enjoying my recent run of extra-good books.

>185 lkernagh:: Lori, I think I'll ask Santa for the gift of more time for reading. I suppose I could sleep less or spend less time playing Word Chums on the iPad. I hope you can get to both Home and Lila soon!

>186 msf59:: Mark, isn't it strange that it was almost 20 years between Housekeeping and Gilead, and now Ms. Robinson is cranking them out? I'm glad she is and I hope she has more books in her that are set in Gilead.

>187 scaifea:: Thanks, Amber. It's so good to find an author that resonates with the soul.

>188 streamsong:: Hi Janet. Malala sounds like an excellent audiobook. I admire your attempt to read more of your own books. I did much better last year whittling away the TBR piles. There have been just too many temptations for me with all the newer books this year. At least I am utilizing the library and not adding to the stacks of guilt!

>189 jolerie:: I have a dangerous thread? I am almost afraid to pay my Sunday visits around here because of all the book bullets out there in LT land. It's a minefield of books I will want to read! I'll be by to see you in a bit, Valerie.

>190 lunacat:: Jenny, it's so good to see you here. I too hope that Malala keeps her idealism. We need more young people like her around the world. And, a big thank you to the Brits for providing her medical care and a safe place for her and her family to live while she recovered.

>191 RebaRelishesReading:: Reba, I'm always glad to give a recommendation that results in more sales for one of my favorite authors. Barnes & Noble is the only bookstore in town now (other than some used bookstores) and I manage to stay away from the temptation. If I purchase a new book, I'll wait until I got to Denver and support The Tattered Cover.

>193 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I should have read my Robert B. Parker book-of-the-month as a palate cleanser. Any book would suffer after being showered with five stars! Thanks for stopping by.

>194 jnwelch:: Joe, I thought that was awesome, too. So glad that Kirsten wasn't the one who got Preacher Boy! I did feel awful that the boy then turned the gun on himself, though. I love having "secret" conversations about shared books. It makes me feel like we are in our own little book group with the others who have also read the book!

>195 SandDune:: Rhian, I thought the skill was there, but I had trouble finding the heart of the characters in Station Eleven. Again, I was still in the world of Lila and Gilead and had no business reading a book that would suffer by comparison.

>196 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, my weekend has been quiet but satisfying. It has been raining here off and on which is perfect reading weather. I had the time yesterday to read a complete book with only a few short breaks. I wish I could do that more often. I think I will pay some reciprocal visits before doing my review of another very good book!

Hi Donna - It does have to do with the order in which we read, doesn't it? I always feel sorry for the book I read after a really good one. I liked Station Eleven quite a lot because it went beyond the usual dysopia and made me think about what things should be left behind.

I just finished one that I loved, Some Luck, so I chose a lightweight, fun book to follow it with. So far, so good.

Donna, I'm not at all familiar with Station Eleven, but thank you for another fine review. What an interesting premise: a traveling Shakespeare troupe in the years after a pandemic that killed 99% of the people on earth. Thumb up from me : ).

I love how your thread looks. I will make it my model for next year.

Delurking to say Hi!

More BBs to add to the already teetering pile of TBRs. Well, at least I'll never run out of good books to read! Hope you had a lovely weekend!

Hi Donna. You're almost doing too much great reading. So many good books that I'd love to get to especially Lila and The Narrow Road to the Deep North which I actually had out from the library last summer and had to return it unread.

Hi Donna! I gave Lila five stars too! What a gorgeous book. . . It will definitely be in the running for my best book of the year.

I see that Station Eleven is getting wonderful traction here on LT! I have yet to see a disappointing review for that book.

I think I'll ask Santa for the gift of more time for reading.

That would be the perfect gift!

>199 BLBera:: Beth, I usually try to do a book cleansing after reading a knockout book, but Station Eleven was nearing its library due date. It fell into my "good but not great" category which isn't a bad thing. Some Luck is on the WL for next year.

>200 lit_chick:: Thank you, Nancy. I really liked how the author tied in the Shakespeare aspect…he was living in dark times, too, with plagues surrounding him. It was a good way to show that the arts can be an excellent relief from a hard life.

>201 Coach_of_Alva:: Hi Coach, I think that may be the nicest compliment ever! Please let me know when you set up your new thread so I can star it!

>202 Berly:: Hiya, Kim! I just finished our latest Spenser book. Are you still hanging in there?

>203 Storeetllr:: Thanks, Mary. Its a very comforting thought to know that the supply of good reading is never-ending. It may be a tough time for authors and bookstores…but books will never go out of vogue around here!

>204 brenzi:: Bonnie, there are many good reading days ahead for you. Right now, you need to take care of yourself and love that new grand baby! The books will be there when you are ready for them.

>205 porch_reader:: Ah, more Lila love. I'm pretty certain it will be my No. 1 book. I don't often give the full 5-star-without-reservation rating.

>206 lkernagh:: Greetings, Lori. I may have thought Station Eleven could have been better (for me), but it was pretty darn good as it stands. I am looking forward to Santa's gift of more reading time. Haha!

Book No. 93: Sky Bridge by Laura Pritchett. 4.5 stars.

"Amber's staring up toward the sky. I should get her picture taken by a real photographer. Probably she needs a diaper change. I gotta move out of here. I gotta get some money…I wonder when my heart is going to quit hurting for Tess, and I wonder when I'm going to start feeling wonderful for Amber. I wonder how, exactly, I ended up here, because not in a million daydreams did I ever imagine this." (15)

I seem to be drawn to stories set in small towns where the protagonist has to overcome some kind of obstacle. In this case, the small town is on the plains of eastern Colorado. It is not Holt, but it is written much in the style of Kent Haruf with well-drawn characters and lovely descriptions of the stark setting. Libby is raising the infant daughter of her younger sister with the "help" of her grudging and unsympathetic mother. She wants to do the right things but is thwarted by the colicky Amber and the challenges of single parenting.

This was Laura Pritchett's debut novel. She has that ability to allow the reader to connect with and care about her characters with all their flaws. While she writes about hard times, the values and authentic intensity of lives shaped by harsh surroundings come to the forefront of a book which deserves more attention.

Woot! Thank you, Donna! Sky Bridge is now on my list … I only had to read as far as It is not Holt, but it is written much in the style of Kent Haruf to know that I would love it! I read the rest of your review, too, but … well, I'm babbling. Haruf apparently does that to me, LOL!

Yep, you got me with the reference to Kent Haruf! Sky Bridge is now on my wishlist.

*wave!

>209 lit_chick:, 210: Wow! Now I know what two magic words to use in my reviews...Kent Haruf! By the way, he endorsed this book with this blurb on the front: "A vivid modern tale of believable goodness--despite all the odds against that." Thanks, Nancy and Judy.

>211 nittnut:: Waving Hello right back at ya, Jenn!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



Book No. 94: Double Deuce by Robert B. Parker. 3.1 stars.

"His eyes reminded me of the eyes of a Cape buffalo I'd seen once in the San Diego Zoo. He kept his stare on Hawk. It was what the gang kids called mad-dogging. Hawk's grin got wider and friendlier." (65)

In Spenser No. 19, the duo of Hawk and Spenser go up against a street gang. As always, they keep their cool…and Hawk's cool is fun to watch! Guess who wins? This was another quickie which I appreciate at the end of a busy month with an even busier one ahead.

One of my favorites, Double Deuce is, Donna, and a treat for Hawk fans. Glad it was a good reading getaway for you.

Love the review of Lila, which I hope to read soon.

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving, Donna!

Happy Thanksgiving, Donna.

Despite not celebrating the occasion formally over here, Donna, this group has provided me so many staunch friendships that I would be remiss in not adding my own thanks and best wishes to you during this holiday. xx

Just a quick note to say I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day with family and friends!

Hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving, Donna. We're celebrating tomorrow so I still have it all to look forward to :)

I hope you had a wonderful holiday Donna!

>208 Donna828: Nice review, Donna! It seems like read a lot of winners lately, which is fantastic.

I hope you and your family had a lovely holiday weekend!

>213 jnwelch:: Joe, it is too bad that Hawk and Spenser are fictional characters. They could have gotten the rioting in Ferguson under control in no time at all. I hope your Thanksgiving was a good one!

>214 tymfos:, >216 PaulCranswick:, >217 Storeetllr:, >218 RebaRelishesReading:, >219 Whisper1:, >220 DorsVenabili: Thank you for all the wonderful wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving, Terri, Beth, Paul, Mary, Reba, Linda, and Kerri. It was a very long day but so good to spend it in Kansas City with DD and family. We had to come home for the painters to do some inside work. They painted the window frames on the wall where we have our Christmas tree. Very important! It may be next year before all the work gets done. I'm not happy about that, but we are at their mercy.

Book No. 95: Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold. 3.7 stars.

I am still in love with this series set in outer space. This was a collection of three novellas wherein Miles was recovering from yet another bone surgery and was recounting his latest adventures to his immediate superior. In the first story, his father sends him to the hinterlands to act on a charge of infanticide. Secondly, he is on a mission to Jackson's Hole to rescue a geneticist with shaky morals and ends up rescuing the "creature" that he has created as well. Finally, in the title story, Miles. cleverly infiltrates a maximum security dome that serves as a POW camp. With the help of the female prison population, the food distribution is streamlined so it is fair to all, thus setting up the groups that will hopefully be rescued by his mercenary troops. It is one adventure after another sprinkled with courage and humor. These books are fun!

I have been working like a Crazy Woman the past few days. We had a pleasant weekend which I spent either on a ladder washing windows or with a rake in hand trying to control the result of having many large trees in our yard. The temperature dropped almost 50 degrees today, making it a perfect day to stay in and decorate the Christmas tree...one of my favorite things to do.

In honor of the Christmas season, I am sharing some of my favorite ornaments. This first one includes wishes for peace and comfort during the frantic weeks ahead.

^ oooh, it looks like it might be made of white chocolate, in which case I could see myself ingesting it. Internalising the peace and comfort if you will ;)

It is a lovely scene.

Beautiful ornament, Donna. Lovely idea to share some of your favourites. I'll think about doing the same over at my place : ).

That's a lovely ornament Donna. So calming. :)

>223 Donna828: - That's a lovely ornament, and I like your idea of sharing some of your favorites. While we were decorating our tree, I decided my favorite ornament was one of Santa on top of a wine barrel decorated with some grapes, and "I Believe in Wine" lettered on it :) I think yours is much more in keeping with the season!

ETA: I found it!

>224 LovingLit:: Megan, you crack me up! It is definitely not white chocolate…and not that yellow either. Time for a new phone with a better camera!

>225 lit_chick:: I love seeing other people's stuff, Nancy, so thought I would share some of mine!

>226 jolerie:: It sure is, Valerie. I have some wild ornaments, too, with just the opposite effect. I like the calm ones best.

>227 katiekrug:: Love it, Katie! It's so you. ;-)

Donna, did you go to Joplin?

Annual LT Meetup in Joplin was today. All are welcome to come next year. It is always the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Mark your calendars!!!

Changing Hands Bookstore:

BJ (billiejean) and Terri (tloeffler)


Nancy (member; no thread), Brenda (brenpike)

The Red Onion:

Donna, Brenda


Nancy, Terri

The Gang's all here (except for Mike who had to leave early)…

Julia (rosalita), Stasia (alcottacre) in baseball cap hiding behind Julia, Donna, Brenda, Sandy (sjmccreary), Nancy, Terri, BJ.

I'm not sure what everyone else bought, but I managed to buy only three books. A beautiful bird book for my grands when they visit, A Land More Kind than Home, and Soaring Into the Storm. The latter was an impulse buy while sitting at the table in the bookstore chatting to some of the group. My eye kept wandering back to the striking cover until it somehow ended up in my hands…and then in my small bag of purchases. That poor little book needed a home!

>229 ronincats:: Roni, I certainly did go to Joplin. Wild horses couldn't keep me away! The fun continues tonight for Stasia, Terri, and Julia. They played games until the wee hours of the morning last night! So, are you going to join us next year?

>230 Donna828: That looks like a happy bunch! I wish I lived closer to Joplin so that I could join you.

>232 cbl_tn:: Thanks, Carrie, we were a happy bunch today. Julia drove over seven hours from Iowa City to join us. Just saying! I hope she thought the drive was worth it.

Great pictures! Thanks so much for posting them, Donna! I'm sure that everybody including Julia thought the drive was worthwhile!
(>82 Donna828: As I expect you know, you're not quite finished. There is the little afterward, Staying On about the Smalleys. Sarah and Guy make a brief appearance too, I think.)

What wonderful meet-up photos! And such a great looking and happy group. I wish Joplin was closer! And playing games long into the night...my kind of fun!

I'm so glad you liked Sky Bridge, Donna. I plan on reading Laura Pritchett's Stars Go Blue this month. It's a follow up to Hell's Bottom, Colorado, which I loved.

Great idea sharing your ornaments here. I've always felt tree ornaments don't get enough time out of the box, especially handmade ones.

LOVE the Meet-Up photos. What a great looking bunch. Like Joanne, I WISH Joplin was closer. Sad face.

And yah, for A Land More Kind than Home. I can not wait to hear your thoughts on that one.

Oh, wonderful meet-up photos! I'm with Mark - I wish Joplin were closer!

Great meet up pics, Donna! So funny how Stasia always finds a way to avoid being in the picture. I too wish Joplin were closer!

I always crack up when your thread opens up to the Chihuly topper. That looks like my hair in the morning.

I'm always impressed when LTers read the newest book while I'm so busy moving older books off the Leaning Tower of Tomes. Eeeesh, sometimes it feels like I'll never catch up.

The halloween pictures are adorable!

I didn't realize how far behind I was in reading your thread, til your Joplin meet-up pictures prompt brought me back. Some great reviews (and book bullets) here! Didn't realize that Marilyn Robinson had a new Gilead book out. I LOVED the previous two.

Hello Donna, thanks to your review Station Eleven is sitting now patiently on my TBR for next year.

>223 Donna828: What a beautiful Christmas baubble. Love to have one of those as well. I hunt every year for one or two new interesting additions to my already existing ones. Alex just loves to decorate the Christmas tree.

Love the photos of your Joplin meet-up. Looks like you all had good fun. LOL - why is Stasia hiding with her baseball cap?
AND finally I know now how Julia looks like :) So, lovely to actually be able to put a face to someone's name.

Great photos and a great turnout in Joplin!

Looks like you all had a great time together at the Joplin meetup, Donna. Thanks for the photos!

I thought Borders of Infinity, with those three stories, was outstanding.

>230 Donna828: Oh, fun! I've only met Julia from that bunch and she's a world-class gem.

I have A Land More Kind Than Home on my wishlist.

Wonderful meet-up photos, Donna! Thanks for sharing : ).

Thanks for the photos. It was wonderful seeing everyone!

Sounds like a great time was had by all in Joplin, Donna. Thanks for posting pictures, it's always fun to be able to actually see the people of LT enjoying themselves.

Yay for Joplin!! Love the photos--so much fun to see what everyone looks like. : )

I finished Double Deuce, but have yet to post my review. AND...wait for it... I already read the next one, Paper Doll!!! Despite very little Hawk in this one, I really like this one. Great way to finish the year.

I am always amazed at how close knit this community of book lovers is and the fact that you guys can actually meet up in real life is further proof of that. So cool and thanks for posting the picture evidence. ;)

Stasia always makes a fuss about having her picture taken. This year we gave up and let her do what she wanted. Such a party-pooper...

>234 LizzieD:: Hi Peggy! Thanks for that reminder about a follow-up to The Raj Quartet. Of course, our library doesn't have it but I've requested it from another Missouri library. I still need to check out the mini series, "A Jewel in the Crown" that I have been looking forward to. BJ bought the Raj Quartet on my recommendation. I hope she can find the time to read them!

>235 Copperskye:: Joanne, I will put those two Pritchett books on my WL for next year. I think Hell's Bottom is already there on your recommendation.

>236 msf59:: Mark, I felt like a book pusher in Joplin. When we were chatting at the table waiting for others to finish their shopping, Julia noticed the Wiley Cash book, so I went and got the other hardcover and the trade paperback that was on the shelf. Julie took the PB and Sandy bought the other HC. I always did enjoy my years as a bookseller in CO. It's good to know I haven't lost the touch!

>237 scaifea:: Amber, there was talk about going to the Iowa City Book Festival next October. That would be closer to you, right? I'd love to meet you sometime.

>238 Carmenere:: Lynda, I read my share of older books, too, but like to mix some of the new ones in so I can try to keep up with the heavy readers around here. It's a full-time job, though, and I only have part-time to devote to it! That's funny about the Chihuly hair!

>239 countrylife:: Cindy we missed you and your entourage on Tuesday. I hope you get to attend the Joplin meet up next year. I think you will really like Lila. Robinson is a wonderful writer.

>240 drachenbraut23:: Bianca, Station Eleven is appearing on many end-of-year favorites lists. I read other books I liked more but I do see its appeal. I will have two toddlers around quite a bit this Christmas season so I didn't put up all my ornaments. I have some from my childhood in Germany that have seen better days but have great sentimental value. I'm glad you and others enjoyed the Joplin pictures. Stasia does not like to have her picture taken, but if you go to my profile page and scroll through my photos, you will find two pictures of her where she is actually looking at the camera!

>241 katiekrug:: Thanks, Katie. We look forward to seeing you in Joplin one of these years…hopefully 2015!

>242 jnwelch:: We always have a good time in Joplin, Joe. I am becoming a real fan of the Vorkosigan saga. I still consider it a guilty pleasure as most of my books aren't nearly as fun and exciting! I tend to rate the dark, introspective books higher than fun books…

>243 DorsVenabili:: Agreed that Julia is a world-class gem, Kerri. She was a real trooper in Boulder despite the disappointment with the accessibility of some of the meetings…and the bookstore. That should be remedied. I think Mark and others have "warbled" A Land More Kind Than Home on quite a few wish lists around LT!

>244 lit_chick:: I'm always glad to share pictures, Nancy. The lighting was not good in the restaurant so the color is off…either that or I do need the new iPhone that Santa is supposedly bringing to me!

>245 billiejean:: You are welcome, BJ. It was so good to see you again. I hope that "mean" boss of yours allows you more time for reading and LT next year! I've missed you around here!

>246 DeltaQueen50:: Judy, I love the pictures others have posted from their meet ups so I am usually the one to suggest a few photos to share. I hope to attend even more meet ups next year!

>247 Berly:: I'll second that "Yay for Joplin," Kim. I am impressed that you have read this month's Spenser already. Wouldn't you know that my library system doesn't have that one in book format. Mamie hated the audio of the one she listened to so I'm not requesting it. Instead, I picked up a substitute last night when I was at the library for book group. I thought Silent Night by Robert B. Parker would make a good seasonal substitute. I had no luck finding any of the Longmire books at Changing Hands. The owner said she gets several requests each week for them. I'm looking forward to reading them with you and the group next year.

>248 jolerie:: Valerie, I was a tiny bit skeptical about meeting up with people I had only known online. My first face-to-face meet up was with my Colorado friends. It was a great experience from the very beginning. Now I want to meet as many LTers as I can!

>249 tloeffler:: Haha, Terri. You have to admit that she's a very lovable "party popper"! It was great seeing you again…and this time seeing you without your horrific neck pain. Stay healthy!

Book No. 96: Bark by Lorrie Moore. 2.9 stars.

I'm not a big fan of short stories, particularly such dark stories about people and topics I am not interested in. It didn't help that I had to listen to them and had a deadline because of book group. I might have liked this collection better if I had been able to read them and space them out more. I thought the writing was good and will probably read my copy of Birds of America someday.

Even though I wasn't a fan, we had a fun and spirited discussion of the book last night. It is always interesting to me to hear the viewpoints of others and consider new ways to read. I got some hints for reading short stories such as analyzing the craft by paying attention to dialogue between characters and internal dialogue, thinking about the order of the stories and what the author intends by that, and searching for common themes. I love our book discussions amongst this smallish group of attentive readers and always gain something by careful listening.

I know there are lovers of short stories out there. I would appreciate any other tips for gaining enjoyment from this art form and/or particular authors or story collections LTers have enjoyed. I'm already a Munro and Lahiri fan. Thanks in advance...

Hi Donna - Munro and Lahiri would have been my suggestions. Thanks for sharing the meet up photos. I want a meet up!

I didn't know you were a bookseller in a way back when life, Donna! Moi, too. Nothing beats successfully connecting folks up with good books.

>243 DorsVenabili: & >251 Donna828: Easy there, you two. I can't think of any kind of gem I could be compared to with a straight face. Maybe cubic zirconia, except I don't even look good so that's out. Must think on this one some more ...

Donna, I can personally attest that you are a fine bookseller. I still don't know how I ended up bringing six books home!

Wonderful pics of your Joplin meetup! I'm going to mark the Tuesday after Thanksgiving 2015 on my calendar, just in case. I've never been to Joplin; maybe it's time.

Only 3 books Donna? Slipping! But I see Julia did her part to keep the bookseller in business. :)

#256: Oh, we all made sure that the bookseller appreciated us, Mary! She loves that we come in just before she has to do year end inventory :)

>252 Donna828: I'm currently reading two books of short stories:

Justice by Larry Watson is so far very good.
and I'm also reading an anthology called Murder for Christmas: 26 Tales of Seasonal Malice by a bunch of terrific writers. I'm enjoying its short story a day format and enjoying new authors that I've heard of but never read.

Other 4+ star reads over the last few years:
- Blasphemy and The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie (I think I remember that you've read some Alexie, right?)
- Unbridled Spirits: Short Fiction About Women in the Old West ed by Judy Alter
- Say You're One of Them - Uwem Akpan
- The Hanging Tree and Other Stories - Dorothy M Johnson - old timey westerns by a Montana author
- The Time and the Place - Najib Mahfuz

Two coming up very shortly but unread at this point:
- Tehran Noir - Salar Abdoh - the first of this series that I've actually won through LTER
- The Things They Carried - Tim O'Brien (heard this author talk recently)

>252 Donna828: - Short stories work best for me when they are connected stories - like Olive Kitteridge, which I loved! - where the reader gains an appreciation of the central theme as the stories progress.

My favorite short story collections fit the extreme. I loved John Gould's Kilter: 55 Fictions which is really extreme short stories that only comprise a paragrah or two in length. Kind of an interesting cross between literature and poetry.

I find my appreciation for short stories is helped when the stories are set in a foreign local where the customs, etc are very different from our North American point of view. Indu Sundaresan wrote a wonder short story collection, In the Convent of Little Flowers that you might enjoy.

Donna I love short stories but it depends on the collection as how to read them. At least for me.

There are collections where they fit together one building on the other such as Alice Munroe's The View From Castle Rock. There you can read it as you would a novel but the the stories are slightly linked not tightly woven.

Then you have a broader but common theme such as with The Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri where they have in common the Indian diaspora but each story could stand alone. In this case you could read a story in between books and put the book aside or read it through. Birds of a Lesser Paradise by Megan Mayhew is another example of this.

You can read a collection of short stories from an author such as The New York Stories of Edith Wharton. This collection takes place over the entire career of the author and the finish or the middle can be much stronger than the beginning. The pay off is seeing an author hone their craft over a lifetime or a long period of time. This works well if you dip in and out of the collection. Some collections I wish I had done this with are The Maple Stories by John Updike and Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman.

Another format is an anthology of short stories of different authors. There are many in different genres including Christmas Murder mysteries! A nice way to introduce yourself to genres, authors and themes.

To each his own and maybe short stories are not for you but I do hope you give them a try in various forms.

I'm also not a short-story reader, but I find they work best for me when they are set in worlds with which I am already familiar through longer works. Even then, though...

Delighted you are still a fan of the Vorkosigans!

>250 Donna828: Oooh, The Iowa City Book Festival should definitely be doable! I'd love to go to a meetup then!

>255 rosalita: I stand by my statement that you are a bright, sparkly gem in all ways! :-) I'm not strong when it comes to precious stone identifying, but I know cubic zirconia is not correct! Perhaps emerald? That's good, right?

>252 Donna828: I would appreciate any other tips for gaining enjoyment from this art form and/or particular authors or story collections LTers have enjoyed. I have a very similar problem, but I second the Munro recommendation - I read Something I've Been Meaning To Tell You last year and loved it. I think you'd like it too. It's also quite short, so it doesn't wear out its welcome.

I hope everyone had a terrific weekend. It just flew by for me. Not much reading has gotten done, but I did finish my book for the American Author Challenge. What fun it has been reading and comparing notes with others each month as we read books by the same author. If you didn't take part this year, then be sure to think about it for 2015. Mark has once again chosen a fine line-up of American authors.

>253 BLBera:: I want you to have a meet up, too, Beth. How about next fall at the Iowa City Writer's Festival? I figure if Julia can drive all the way down to my neck of the woods, I can return the favor. Besides, it sounds like a wonderful way to meet and greet other LTers, not to mention the authors who come.

>254 jnwelch:: I only sold books for a few years in the 90s in Colorado Springs, Joe. I didn't want to get my CO teaching certificate but needed to do something so what better job than selling books? Of course, I got the bad hours as the newby and learned that all those books had to be shelved by someone! For the most part, though, it was great fun.

>255 rosalita:: Julia, the only book I put in your hands was A Land More Kind than Home…not sure how the other ones got in your bag! Gem=jewel=Julia. See, you've been a gem your entire life!

>256 Storeetllr:: Mary - I know, I know…I'm becoming a slacker in the book buying department. It's a good thing there were some serious shoppers in the group. Changing Hands is a cool little book/game store and I would like to see it stay in business. I would love it if you came to Joplin. You would better appreciate the times I've driven to Denver. Haha.

>257 alcottacre:: She does seem to like it when we visit, Stasia. Now we know why!

>258 streamsong:: You came up with a plethora of good suggestions, Janet. I didn't know Larry Watson wrote short stories. I love his writing; in fact, I just wrote a short review for American Boy. He can certainly tell a good story. I'll check out Justice and some of your other recommendations. I can assure you that you will like The Things They Carried. Such an emotional book.

>259 lkernagh:: Lori, those short short stories sound like fun. I also like the title and idea of the collection of India stories, plus it is highly rated here. In the Convent of Little Flowers is going on the wish list. Thank you!

>260 luvamystery65:: Roberta, you and I are like-minded about story collections. I've read and liked the Munro, Lahiri, Wharton, and Fadiman books you mentioned. I guess I am a fan of short stories! I made note of Birds of A Lesser Paradise and will look at some genre collections. I read one of John Updike's short stories since I didn't have time to read a novel for Mark's challenge. It was 'The Swimmer' and I thought it was darn good.

>261 ronincats:: Love, love, love the Vorkosigan Saga, Roni. Thank you so much for not giving up on my reading one of your favorite authors. You knew what you were talking about. But of course!

>262 scaifea:: Woo Hoo! Let's pencil it in for next October, Amber! Iowa City won't know what hit them when a contingent of LTers shows up.

>263 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I think Julia is a perfect emerald! I also think I will read more by Munro. I've really liked Runaway and The View from Castle Rock.

By the way, you 75ers rock with all those good suggestions for short stories. I think in any genre reading that one just has to discover what appeals to them. It's great that we have book lovers in all different areas here to turn to for guidance. A big THANK YOU to everyone for their suggestions.

Book No. 97: American Boy by Larry Watson. 4 stars.

"Cars were the realm of possibility, and in them we had power. Things that could never happen anywhere else happened in the front or backseats of cars."

My review:

Some think that growing up in the 50s and 60s was a much simpler time than today, but Larry Watson captures a time in a young man's life that was not so simple. Matthew is the son of a single mother and spends most of his time over at his best friend Johnny's house. In fact, he would like to live there in this all-American family with the town doctor the head of the household and a stay-at-home mother. Both boys are learning the art of medicine from Dr. Dunbar and their lives change when a young woman is shot by her husband and brought in as another outsider to the family fold.

Watson is a wonderful storyteller. I have enjoyed the five books I've read by him as they stir up feelings of nostalgia for the past and paint pictures of peaceful settings such as this one: "Out here everything was a shade of blue--the dark blue of the winter sky, the darker blue of tree trunks and fence posts, the pale blue of the snowfields. The moon had drifted south and risen higher, its light not much more helpful that a star's." The peace is always broken by the kind of sadness that haunts the reader because it seems so real. Just like a happy family can seem so real until something happens that breaks it apart.

If you haven't read any of Watson's works, I urge you to do so. His Montana, 1948 will always have first place in my heart, but his other tales are all first-rate.

Edited to fix touchstone.

>264 Donna828: The short stories in Justice are backstory to the family in Montana 1948, although it's been long enough since I've read that one that these work as stand alone stories, too.

Sounds like a plan, Donna.

I agree; Montana, 1948 is a very special book.

I hope you will be able to spend time with your wonderful grandchildren during the holiday. If so, please post photos. And, speaking of photos, what a wonderful meet up in Joplin!

Yes, sorry I had to bail out on the lunch. Good to see everyone again. The group grows a bit each year!

Excellent review of American Boy. That sounds like another Watson winner. You should post this on the AAC thread, if you don't mind.

I just finished Justice and was thoroughly pleased. I still plan on getting to Orchard later in the month.

American Boy sounds like another winner by Watson Donna. I've only read two of his books but I loved them both and hope to get to more of his books in the future. And speaking of A Land More Kind than Home, I'm more than halfway through it and really enjoying it.

>265 Donna828: I looked at this one at the library the other day, and was close to picking it up! It sounds great.

>265 Donna828: Nice review, Donna! I haven't read him, and I'm not sure he appeals to me, but you never know...maybe one of these days. Some of the reviews of Montana, 1948 make me think I should give him a try at some point.

I hope you're doing well!

Ouch! Adding American Boy to my pile.

I read a collection of short stories this year that I just loved. The House on Mango Street is a collection of stories that are loosely connected, and part of the fun is finding the thread, I think. I may have loved it because growing up in Southern CA, many of my friends were Hispanic and I could almost see some of the stories.

So fun to see meetup photos and ornament photos! We just acquired a tree last night. The last one in the store, the display model in fact. It's a great bargain story. Originally $120, but we got it for $40, fully decorated. We are feeling pretty happy about it. We gave the kids their "first Christmas in NZ" ornaments last night and we will decorate tonight. Pretty sure we won't use most of the store decorations, but as they are all pink, purple, turquoise and silver, Margo will be happy to add them to her collection.

I'm here to report on another book. They are going to be few and far between this month with the busyness of the holidays interfering with my reading life. Eleven months out of the year I am focused on reading and grandkids, but in December, I become a crazed shopper, decorator, and baker… I love doing it but wish I could fit more reading in. Thanks to my visitors who have kept my thread warm for me…

>266 streamsong:: Janet, I look forward to reading these backstories. I think this is a collection that will resonate with me, especially if I tie it in with a reread of Montana 1948.

>267 BLBera:: A good plan, Beth. See you next year in Iowa City!

>268 Whisper1:: Linda, I'll be sure to post plenty of grandkid pictures. It will be the first time Hope gets to meet her Kansas City cousins. It will be fun to have all six grandkids together for a few days. I am trying to get as much done ahead of time as I possibly can so that I can play with the kiddos!

>269 mldavis2:: We missed you at lunch, Mike. I'm glad I got to chat with you in the bookstore. It was a fun meet up for sure.

>270 msf59:: Mark, my time online has been limited but I will post my review of American Boy over on the AAC thread. As far as I know, I am the only one who read this one.

>271 brenzi:: Hey Bonnie, that is great news that you are enjoying a book. Even better that it is one that I own. I plan to get to A Land More Kind than Home early in 2015. Yes, Mr. Watson is a great storyteller. I do enjoy his books.

>272 LovingLit:: Megan, go ahead and pick up American Boy next time. It is a good old-fashioned story about doing the right thing. That never goes out of style.

>273 DorsVenabili:: Kerri, I am doing well despite being tired and a little frazzled. It doesn't help that the painters broke a window when they were taking the scaffolding apart. It was replaced by our carpenter (bless him) the same day but they still haven't come back to paint the frame. ;-( Watson's stories are usually coming of age and fairly straightforward. I find that refreshing after some of the convoluted tales I've read this year.

>274 nittnut:: Oh Jenn, I love a bargain, and you certainly got one. I laughed about Margo's new collection. She sounds much like my granddaughters. We are taking Haley to Build-A-Bear on Friday (she doesn't know it yet), and I will be shocked if she doesn't go home with some kind of pink animal! Color is very important to young girls. Thank you for another short story collection rec. I like your idea of looking for a common theme. Have a Merry Christmas in your new house!

Book No. 98. The Bone Clocks by David Mitchell. 4.2 stars.

"They cured me of a terrible wasting disease called mortality. There's a lot of it about. The young hold out for a time, but eventually even the hardiest patient gets reduced to a desiccated embryo…a veined, scrawny, dribbling…bone clock, whose face betrays how very, very little time you have left."

This review was written for LibraryThing Early Reviewers.

Holly Sykes has what she calls daymares that were cured by Dr. Marimus when she was a child--or were they? She runs away from home when she is 15 and becomes a bit like Alice in Wonderland, except her adventures are of the lethal kind. Such a strange beginning until one gets used to the side trips into Fantasyland.

David Mitchell has a vivid imagination and the writing skill to make me enjoy a genre that I don't usually care for. Time travel and warring factions of regenerated souls is pretty far out there in lala land for me. But Mr. Mitchell has created such compelling characters that I found myself turning page after page to see what happens to them. Holly asks Dr. Marimus if what she is experiencing is technology or the M-word. The reply, "Magic's just normal you're not used to," made sense to me because as I kept reading about all the paranormal events, I relaxed and began to think of them as real, if far-out, possibilities.

Once again, structure plays an important role in Mitchell's book. Each of the six sections is told from a different point of view, coming full circle to Holly again. It was interesting to see the connections between characters in this book and even a few from other books by the author. I wasn't quite as enthralled with the story as I was with Cloud Atlas, but it is entertaining and thought provoking. Another good solid read from an amazing storyteller.

Grandpa and I had a fun afternoon with Haley today. We took her to the mall as she loves to eat at the Food Court and then wandered down to Build-A-Bear. She was so surprised she was in a state of shock most of the time we were in there, but she does love her Princess Strawberry! It sings her favorite song to her, "Let it Go."


But it's so flat…


Breathing life into Strawberry's heart.


Fluffing her up with an air bath!


I think I found the perfect crown for my princess bear.


I love my Princess Strawberry!

How cute! I love her Princess Strawberry too!

What great pictures, Donna! It looks like you had a wonderful time!

Haley made an adorable bear!

I read two books of Margaret Atwood short stories this year and really loved them both - Moral Disorder and Stone Mattress. I'm currently spending time with an early collection of George Saunders', CivilWarLand in Bad Decline but it's too early to say if I'd recommend it. It sure is different!

>277 Donna828: Again, what an incredibly beautiful little girl. Each time I see her photos I am in awe of your relationship with this special grand daughter. You are blessed!... and, so is she.

I have many memories of my grand daughter Kayla (now 11) when she was little. She brought, and still brings incredible joy.

This Christmas she is giving part of her Christmas money ($120) to help a family with two boys whose father sadly has brain cancer. She randomly came up with the figure of $60 for each child, and we connected with the mother to find what they would want. She shopped for the items, and she will personally deliver them this weekend. Oh, I am so very proud of her!!!!

All good wishes for a wonderful holiday Donna!

Donna, the pix of Haley building her bear are just tooooo adorable! (love her outfit and go go boots by the way). How much fun for Grandma and Grandpa too!

Oh, what a cutie! Build-a-Bear is a neat place, isn't it? Charlie has 2, now, and loved getting both of them.

Thumb-up for a great review of The Bone Clocks, Donna.

LOVE the photos of the shopping Lady Haley!

Thanks for sharing those lovely photos of Haley, Donna! She's growing up fast.

>276 Donna828: Great review! I still have to read Cloud Atlas. I was just talking about that with my niece yesterday. She loves David Mitchell.

>277 Donna828: Adorable! I love the serious expression!

Haley is so cute! I love the one of her holding the heart to her nose!

What a cutie! And please tell her she built one awesome bear!

Donna, I still remember when you posted pictures of Haley as a baby. Where has all the time gone?? She's a darling little lady now. I love how we are able to see how the little kidlets are growing up in this group. Makes being a part of this special group that much more special. :)
I read Cloud Atlas a few years back and have to confess that I wasn't enamoured with it. Maybe it's the style of having several stories all connected by a threads of each story that left me a bit confused. I have yet to read any of his other books but I'm curious if that is just his preferred style of storytelling. I'll be reading The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet in 2015 so I'll have something to compare then.

Hi Donna - Great pictures of Haley - she's so grown up! LOVE the boots. I skimmed your review of THe Bone Clocks; I want to get to it soon.

It's Chrismas Eve's eve, and so I am starting the rounds of wishing my 75er friends the merriest of Christmases or whatever the solstice celebration of their choice is.

Merry Christmas, Donna. Starting my rounds … I sound like Santa, LOL!

Thank you for sharing all those lovely pics with us, Donna. Haley is such a pretty and cute little girl.
And Stasia hiding unsuccessfully behind Julia is priceless! I wish I could join you there some day, that Joplin meet-up seems to be extra special.

I wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas and all the best for 2015!!

Merry Christmas, Donna!

Hi Donna, just stopping by to wish you a very merry Christmas!!

Happy Christmas, Donna!

Merry Christmas Donna! I hope you have a wonderful holiday with lots of quality time with the grandchildren.

Donna, I hope you have a great Christmas and new Year!

From our family to yours!

All the best of the holiday season to you and your family, Donna.

Merry Christmas Donna!

Hope your Christmas is full of friends, family and fun!!

I hear you on the craziness that is December! Stopping by to wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season and all the best in 2015!

Dear Donna, Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family, Donna!

Have a great day, with your wonderful family, Donna! Hugs to my pal!

Merry Christmas to my dear meet-up pal, Donna, and all of your lovely family.

Merry Christmas Donna, to you and your family!

I love,, love, love all the Christmas greetings and wishes. Thank you, one and all. I am still saving my time and energy for Hope on her first visit to Missouri. She loves her cousins and Grandma's toys! Thanks, Santa, for the best Christmas ever!

Merry Christmas from the whole clan...🎄🎅🎉

Oh, what a great picture, Donna!

The whole clan...and Princess Strawberry! It sure looks like the best Christmas ever! Great picture!

That's a terrific photo!! Glad you had a nice Christmas, Donna.

What a lovely family photo, Donna!

Happy belated Christmas, Donna!

Looks like such a wonderful get together, Donna! I'm sure it was filled with lots of love and laughter. :)

Have a lovely holiday with your family, Donna.

Love the family picture! Looking forward to seeing you on the 75 in 2015 group!

All I want for Christmas is some more Hope pictures, Donna!!

>312 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni! I also will comply with your request for Hope pics! I got an iPhone 6 for Christmas and gave the camera a good workout.

>313 Nancy618:: Strawberry is part of the family for the time being, Nancy. I think this was The Best Christmas Ever for us. I am blessed with a wonderful family.

>314 lauralkeet:: Thank you, Laura. I saw your happy family picture on FB. I know it was fun to have the girls home.

>315 lit_chick:: Thanks, Nancy!

>316 EBT1002:: Love the Santa Seahawk, Ellen. I put my good wishes for you on your thread.

>317 jolerie:: Val, it was wonderful having all the grown kids and grandkids here. I bet your house was rocking, too?

>318 PaulCranswick:: Love that picture. Thanks, Paul.

>319 countrylife:: Thank you, Cindy. I will set up my 2015 thread on Wednesday. That's the plan anyway!

Book No. 99: Silent Night by Robert B. Parker. 3.5 stars.

This book was bittersweet as it was left unfinished at Parker's death. His longtime agent completed the book for him. It was about the street children of Boston and how their shelter was about to close down to make more room for the drug traffic in the city. Spenser and Hawk to the rescue! A good one to read during the holidays as Spenser spends a lot of time and thought on the perfect Christmas dinner to share with Susan, Hawk, and Slide to street kid who asks for help.



"Books are not about passing the time. They're about other lives. Other worlds. Far from wanting time to pass…one just wishes one had more of it."

Book No. 100: The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett. 4 solid stars.

This was a wonderful wrap-up to my year of reading. I reached my goal of 100 books and got a delightful story of how the Queen of England discovered the joy of reading. This book is a keeper for sure!

>320 ronincats:: Here you go, Roni…


Hope with Audrey and Griffin.


Sharing Froot Loops with Haley after the Big Sleepover.


Hanging out with Molly.

Ooops...can't forget Sadie with Hope!

Stats for 2014

100 Books Read
38 Books of my own were read
Total Pages for the Year -- 35,109.

My reading goals were completed, although I might try to read 50 Books Off the Shelf in 2015.

My Top Ten Books of the Year
I have listed the Top Five first. The second five are in the order I read them:

Lila by Marilynne Robinson. This book achieved perfection in my opinion. My only Full Five Star Book!
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
Independent People by Halldor Laxness
The Painter by Peter Heller. *Bonus* I got to meet the author at Booktopia in Boulder, CO, in May.
The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan.

Doc by Mary Doria Russell
Suttree by Cormac McCarthy
The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin.

Honorable Mentions
Historic Fiction: A Division of the Spoils by Paul Scott
Memoir: A House in the Sky by Amanda Lindhout
Book Club: The Heart and the Fist by Eric Greitens. *Missouri Author*/Freshman Read by Missouri State
New-to-me Author: Sky Bridge by Laura Pritchett

Best Reread
Tie between The Round House by Louise Erdrich, and
The Dog Stars by Peter Heller.

Great reading year for you, Donna! Happy to see Doc among your top 10, and several others I've been meaning to get to: All the Light We Cannot See, Lila, The Narrow Road to the Deep North.

Lovely family pics! Your grandchildren are all so beautiful and they're all so happy : ).

Great lists, Donna. I agree with you on Lila. Nice to see A.J. Fikry on there.

Hope and Haley and the others are as cute as can be. :-)

>323 Donna828: and >324 Donna828: Love the photos! Belated Merry Christmas to you and your family!

>325 Donna828: Great top ten list! Doc made my list too and I love Giovanni's Room (but didn't read it this year). I must get to Marilynne Robinson and the Raj Quartet at some point soon.

What a great top ten list of favorites!

I love year-end lists! Lila and All the Light We Cannot See were also on my list, and I have The Painter on my Kindle ready for 2015! I have a feeling that I should just add Independent People and The Narrow Road to the Deep North to my TBR list as well. Your favorites are usually mine too. Happy New Year, Donna!

Congrats on reaching 100, Donna!!!

Your top five is interesting. I need to read Independent People as it has been in my TBR library for about a year now. I also loved The Narrow Road to the Deep North and loved loved loved Doc when I read it a couple of years ago (last year?). Lila is definitely on my wish list.

Happy new year, Donna!

Nice list of your top ten, Donna. I've either read them or have them on my TBR list! An Uncommon Reader is a good book with which to wrap up the year, isn't it? It's so charming.

Great wrap up to 2014, Donna! Looking forward to what you have in store for us in 2015!
Wonderful sleep over pics! You must have awakened every morning with a huge smile on your face.

Enjoying your family pics and your "Best of 2014" lists. . .

Donna,
thank you for sharing these wonderful family photos. You all look like you had a great time together.

I have to admit I haven't read any of the books of your "Best of 2014" list. Also, I am familiar with some of the authors.

Belated Christmas wishes and a happy New Year Donna.

It looks like I've let my thread get out of hand -- again! No thread resolutions for me next year. I'll just keep plugging along, doing the best I can!

Thanks, All, for the comments on pictures and favorite books. I will be sure to drop by your new threads if I haven't already done so. I am going to clean the kitchen and think about how to set up my reading for 2015. I love new beginnings! In the meantime, a virtual star for: Nancy, Joe, Kerri, Linda, Amy, Ellen, Beth, Lynda, Brenda, Bianca, and Heather. 🌟

Just dropping by at the bottom of of this crazy thread to say Happy New Year! I'll see you on your new thread. :)

Oh, I think I can give you a few resolutions for next year!!! :-D

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

My NEW thread for 2015 is over here! Please come join me for more reading fun in 2015.

I'm making my final swing through the 2014 threads, Donna! See you on the other side!