Take It or Leave It Challenge - December 2014 - Page 1
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2014
This group has been archived. Find out more.
Join LibraryThing to post.
1SqueakyChu
For those new to this challenge: More info and monthly index can be found in post #1 of this thread or this TIOLI FAQS wiki.
Simple directions for posting to the wiki can be found at the bottom of each month's wiki page.
...logo by cyderry
------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's your December2104 2014 challenge…
It's taken from my first name, Madeline, which, as you might already know, is also the name of a book by Ludwig Bemelmans. This book is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. I read this book and loved it as a child. I also just realized that this book’s year of publication (1939) makes Bemelman’s Madeline older than me. Heh!
So...your challenge is to...
******************************************
Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title.
*******************************************
Rules:
1. Your word part may be embedded letters or across more than one word.
2. You may not use any alternate spelling to the name Madeline.
3. Subtitles may be used.
Here are some suggestions:
Madeline - Ludwig Bemelmans
A Mad Desire to Dance - Elie Wiesel
The Professor and the Madman – Simon Winchester
Teach Us To Outgrow Our Madness – Kenzaburo Oe
The Citadel by A. J. Cronin
Elijah Visible: Stories - Thane Rosenbaum
Tam Lin - Pamela Dean
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
The Inn at Lake Devine – Elinor Lipman
Have fun!
-----------------------------------
Other Fun Stuff (not part of the TIOLI challenge):
1. The December 2014 TIOLI Meter - Optional page on which you may track your TIOLI reading. FYI: This is not meant to be competitive - only fun!
2. Morphidae's List of Previous TIOLI Challenges - You may use this reference (Do a control-F scan) to avoid repeating a previous challenge. If your idea is similar to a previous challenge, just make it unique by adding a new "twist" to it. (Updated 09/23/14)
Simple directions for posting to the wiki can be found at the bottom of each month's wiki page.
...logo by cyderry
------------------------------------------------------------------
Here's your December
It's taken from my first name, Madeline, which, as you might already know, is also the name of a book by Ludwig Bemelmans. This book is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. I read this book and loved it as a child. I also just realized that this book’s year of publication (1939) makes Bemelman’s Madeline older than me. Heh!
So...your challenge is to...
******************************************
Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title.
*******************************************
Rules:
1. Your word part may be embedded letters or across more than one word.
2. You may not use any alternate spelling to the name Madeline.
3. Subtitles may be used.
Here are some suggestions:
Madeline - Ludwig Bemelmans
A Mad Desire to Dance - Elie Wiesel
The Professor and the Madman – Simon Winchester
Teach Us To Outgrow Our Madness – Kenzaburo Oe
The Citadel by A. J. Cronin
Elijah Visible: Stories - Thane Rosenbaum
Tam Lin - Pamela Dean
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
The Inn at Lake Devine – Elinor Lipman
Have fun!
-----------------------------------
Other Fun Stuff (not part of the TIOLI challenge):
1. The December 2014 TIOLI Meter - Optional page on which you may track your TIOLI reading. FYI: This is not meant to be competitive - only fun!
2. Morphidae's List of Previous TIOLI Challenges - You may use this reference (Do a control-F scan) to avoid repeating a previous challenge. If your idea is similar to a previous challenge, just make it unique by adding a new "twist" to it. (Updated 09/23/14)
2SqueakyChu
Wiki Index of Challenges:
Challenges #1-6
1. Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - msg #1
2. Read a book about Christmas or other mid-winter festival- msg #5
3. Read a book with a title containing a contradiction - msg #8
4. Read a book with both red and green on the cover - msg #11 - thread
5. Read a book with a noun from the title of a Christmas carol in its title msg #12
6. Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color - msg #14
Challenges #7-12
7. Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 - msg #15
8. Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre - msg #16
9. Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name - msg #17
10. Read a book with December in the title - msg #21
11. Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality - msg #23
12. Read a book that is currently out-of-print
Challenges #13-18
13. Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting - msg #26
14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card - msg #27
15. Read a book with a title word that has a different meaning in a different language - msg #28
16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas - msg #29
17. Read a book written by an author who has a pseudonym msg #32
18. Read a book that takes place in an Eastern European Country - msg #33
Challenge #19-22
19. Read a book that you left or put off to last - msg #39
20. Read a book that was the basis for a movie you've seen - msg #53
21. Read a book with the name or a picture of a bird displayed anywhere on the cover - msg #70
22. Read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - msg #72
Hold your next challenge until the January 2015 challenges go up. Thank you!
Challenges #1-6
1. Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - msg #1
2. Read a book about Christmas or other mid-winter festival- msg #5
3. Read a book with a title containing a contradiction - msg #8
4. Read a book with both red and green on the cover - msg #11 - thread
5. Read a book with a noun from the title of a Christmas carol in its title msg #12
6. Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color - msg #14
Challenges #7-12
7. Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 - msg #15
8. Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre - msg #16
9. Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name - msg #17
10. Read a book with December in the title - msg #21
11. Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality - msg #23
12. Read a book that is currently out-of-print
Challenges #13-18
13. Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting - msg #26
14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card - msg #27
15. Read a book with a title word that has a different meaning in a different language - msg #28
16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas - msg #29
17. Read a book written by an author who has a pseudonym msg #32
18. Read a book that takes place in an Eastern European Country - msg #33
Challenge #19-22
19. Read a book that you left or put off to last - msg #39
20. Read a book that was the basis for a movie you've seen - msg #53
21. Read a book with the name or a picture of a bird displayed anywhere on the cover - msg #70
22. Read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - msg #72
Hold your next challenge until the January 2015 challenges go up. Thank you!
3raidergirl3
I found it, but I have no plans for my reading December yet, and no thoughts of challenges to post. I feel all dressed up but no where to go!
4SqueakyChu
Haha!
I put this up early because of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday as I hope to be cleaning, cooking, and baking tomorrow.
I put this up early because of the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday as I hope to be cleaning, cooking, and baking tomorrow.
5Morphidae
Challenge #2: Read a book about Christmas - started by Morphidae
It can be a novel set at Christmas or a nonfiction book about mid-winter festivals including Christmas or Christmas traditions, etc.
If you don't celebrate Christmas, I'll accept any mid-winter (for northern hemisphere) holiday including Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus.
It can be a novel set at Christmas or a nonfiction book about mid-winter festivals including Christmas or Christmas traditions, etc.
If you don't celebrate Christmas, I'll accept any mid-winter (for northern hemisphere) holiday including Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Festivus.
6raidergirl3
I'm Canadian, so we had our Thanksgiving already. However, there is a nor'easter heading our way, so we may get a snow day holiday on Thursday.
7SqueakyChu
I shopped today, will cook tomorrow...but maybe no one will want to drive to my house in the snow on Thursday! We'll see. :)
8lyzard
Beautiful timing again, Madeline! :)
*****************************************************
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction
*****************************************************
It doesn't have to be a major oxymoron, just a couple of words you don't normally expect to see used together.
*****************************************************
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction
*****************************************************
It doesn't have to be a major oxymoron, just a couple of words you don't normally expect to see used together.
11lahochstetler
Challenge #4: Christmas Colors- Read a book with both red and green on the cover
Also, please post your cover in the thread I will start in a minute.
Any amount of red and green is fine.
Also, please post your cover in the thread I will start in a minute.
Any amount of red and green is fine.
12yoyogod
Challenge #5: Read a book with a noun from the title of a Christmas carol in its title
Here is a list of Christmas carols.
Here is a list of Christmas carols.
13DeltaQueen50
Ha! I just went to post my challenge for December and found that yoyogod had just posted the same challenge!
14DeltaQueen50
Ok, I've checked my books and have come up with a new challenge:
*************************
Challenge 6: Read a Book Whose Title Includes Either a Color or a Word to Describe a Shade of Color
**************************
Fairly straight forward, a color or a descriptive word like "Forest" to describe green, "Navy" to describe blue etc. Your word can be embedded.
I am going to read:
Return to Thrush Green by Miss Read (Green)
Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews (Peacock Blue)
The Curse of the Blue Tatoo by L.A. Meyer (Blue)
*************************
Challenge 6: Read a Book Whose Title Includes Either a Color or a Word to Describe a Shade of Color
**************************
Fairly straight forward, a color or a descriptive word like "Forest" to describe green, "Navy" to describe blue etc. Your word can be embedded.
I am going to read:
Return to Thrush Green by Miss Read (Green)
Murder with Peacocks by Donna Andrews (Peacock Blue)
The Curse of the Blue Tatoo by L.A. Meyer (Blue)
15kidzdoc
*********************************************
Challenge #7: Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014
*********************************************
This should be a straightforward challenge. Shared reads are allowed, but LT Early Reviewer books or those from other sources that you received in exchange for a review don't count. You can, but don't have to, acknowledge the giver or the recipient. I plan to read these books in December:
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Lamarque (gift from Bianca/drachenbraut23)
The Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin (gift from Rachael/FlossieT)
The Hunger Angel by Herta Müller (gift from Bianca/drachenbraut23)
Spain in Mind by Alice Leccese Powers (gift from Lisa/labfs39)
Challenge #7: Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014
*********************************************
This should be a straightforward challenge. Shared reads are allowed, but LT Early Reviewer books or those from other sources that you received in exchange for a review don't count. You can, but don't have to, acknowledge the giver or the recipient. I plan to read these books in December:
All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Lamarque (gift from Bianca/drachenbraut23)
The Axeman's Jazz by Ray Celestin (gift from Rachael/FlossieT)
The Hunger Angel by Herta Müller (gift from Bianca/drachenbraut23)
Spain in Mind by Alice Leccese Powers (gift from Lisa/labfs39)
16Citizenjoyce
Challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre
I'll be reading a science fiction book with a religious sub plot, The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber.
Thanks, Madeline for getting the thread up early. With your cooking and your family, I'm sure the snowy roads to your house will be braved.
I'll be reading a science fiction book with a religious sub plot, The Book of Strange New Things by Michel Faber.
Thanks, Madeline for getting the thread up early. With your cooking and your family, I'm sure the snowy roads to your house will be braved.
17majkia
Challenge #9: Read a book with a musical term in the title, or author's name
Here's a glossary of terms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_musical_terminology
Here's a glossary of terms: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glossary_of_musical_terminology
18SqueakyChu
>15 kidzdoc:
For your challenge, Darryl, may I count as a "gift book" one that was sent to me from a BookCrosser in Finland as a RABCK (random act of BookCrossing kindness)?
For your challenge, Darryl, may I count as a "gift book" one that was sent to me from a BookCrosser in Finland as a RABCK (random act of BookCrossing kindness)?
20SqueakyChu
>19 kidzdoc: Thank you! :)
21lindapanzo
Challenge #10: Read a Book with December in the Title
Pretty self explanatory. It can be embedded, though that seems unlikely to me.
Pretty self explanatory. It can be embedded, though that seems unlikely to me.
23Chatterbox
Challenge #11
*************************
Read a book with a word in the title that implies an ending or finality.
It's the end of the year, so the logic here should be fairly evident.
End, Last, Final, Conclude, Conclusion, Expire, Finish, Wrap, Ending, Complete, Death, Closure, Termination, Halt, Finale, Ultimate, Goodbye, Cease, Farewell.
Please note -- death is fine, but not murder. That's an act that results in death, the "terminal" word. Please apply similar logic to your own words of choice! :-) Think VERY literally, please.
Subtitles are fine, unless it's " the author's posthumously-published book", or "her final book in the celebrated trilogy", or something that clearly isn't part of the title as written by the author.
Embedded words are fine (please identify in bold); matched reads are fine!
*************************
Read a book with a word in the title that implies an ending or finality.
It's the end of the year, so the logic here should be fairly evident.
End, Last, Final, Conclude, Conclusion, Expire, Finish, Wrap, Ending, Complete, Death, Closure, Termination, Halt, Finale, Ultimate, Goodbye, Cease, Farewell.
Please note -- death is fine, but not murder. That's an act that results in death, the "terminal" word. Please apply similar logic to your own words of choice! :-) Think VERY literally, please.
Subtitles are fine, unless it's " the author's posthumously-published book", or "her final book in the celebrated trilogy", or something that clearly isn't part of the title as written by the author.
Embedded words are fine (please identify in bold); matched reads are fine!
24Chatterbox
The wiki just jumped from 11 to 13??
26sturlington
Challenge 13. Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting.
I plan to read: Cold Comfort Farm and The Circular Staircase. Or look to this list for inspiration.
I plan to read: Cold Comfort Farm and The Circular Staircase. Or look to this list for inspiration.
27susanna.fraser
Challenge #14 - Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card.
Categories from both the YA and regular version of the card fit the challenge. I was going to to do it as a rolling challenge but decided it was way too complicated. I'd love it if between us we could cover every category or at least get a few bingos, though!
Categories from both the YA and regular version of the card fit the challenge. I was going to to do it as a rolling challenge but decided it was way too complicated. I'd love it if between us we could cover every category or at least get a few bingos, though!
28inge87
***Challenge #16: Bah, Humbug!: Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas***
Embrace your inner Scrooge and pretend that Christmas isn't happening with this challenge. We'll have none of that holiday cheer here.
Embrace your inner Scrooge and pretend that Christmas isn't happening with this challenge. We'll have none of that holiday cheer here.
29paulstalder
Challenge #15: Don't take Gift for a gift
There are words which mean something very different in other languages, for example Gift in german means 'poison', 'die' in German is just an article (and is not indexed in German library catalogues).
So read a book with such a word in the title and mention the language and its appropriate meaning. Words which have a similar meaning do not qualify, nor do words with diacritical signs which are not used in both languages (thé in French means 'tea' but the English article has no é). No embedded words.
Shared reads are only possible if the book read is in the same language (if someone wants to read Jules Verne's book in English that would not qualify because there is no such word in the English title - or if, then a different one).
# Die Eissphinx - (German: the) - Jules Verne - paulstalder
# Starkes Gift - (German: poison) - Dorothy L. Sayers - paulstalder
other words: These, See, or, was, war ....
There are words which mean something very different in other languages, for example Gift in german means 'poison', 'die' in German is just an article (and is not indexed in German library catalogues).
So read a book with such a word in the title and mention the language and its appropriate meaning. Words which have a similar meaning do not qualify, nor do words with diacritical signs which are not used in both languages (thé in French means 'tea' but the English article has no é). No embedded words.
Shared reads are only possible if the book read is in the same language (if someone wants to read Jules Verne's book in English that would not qualify because there is no such word in the English title - or if, then a different one).
# Die Eissphinx - (German: the) - Jules Verne - paulstalder
# Starkes Gift - (German: poison) - Dorothy L. Sayers - paulstalder
other words: These, See, or, was, war ....
30christiguc
>25 SqueakyChu: Thank you! I completely missed that!
31Citizenjoyce
My planned reads for the month:
Challenge #1: Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - started by SqueakyChu
✔A Mad Desire to Dance - Elie Wiesel - E-Audiobook (3.5)
Challenge #2: Read a book about Christmas - started by Morphidae
*✔The Stupidest Angel - Christopher Moore Audiobook (2.5)
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction - started by lyzard
Challenge #4: Read a book with both red and green on the cover - started by lahochstetler
✔I'll Give You the Sun - Jandy Nelson (4)
✔The Off Season - Catherine Gilbert Murdock - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #5: Read a book with a noun from the title of a Christmas carol in its title - started by yoyogod
Challenge #6: Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color - started by DeltaQueen
*✔Brown Girl Dreaming - Jacqueline Woodson - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #7: Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 - started by kidzdoc
✔Throne of Jade - Naomi Novik - E-Audiobook (3.75)
Challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre - started by Citizenjoyce
*✔The Book of Strange New Things - Michel Faber - Audiobook (4)
✔Fourth of July Creek - Smith Henderson - E-Audiobook (5)
✔The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind - Michio Kaku - E-Audiobook (4)
✔The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson E-Audiobook (3.5)
Challenge #9: Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name - started by majkia
✔Only Time Will Tell - Jeffrey Archer - Book Club (3.5)
Challenge #10: Read a book with December in the title - started by lindapanzo
*✔A Week in December - Sebastian Faulks - E-Audiobook (4)
Challenge #11: Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality - started by Chatterbox
✔All These Things I've Done - Gabrielle Zevin - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #12: Read a book that is currently out-of-print - started by christiguc
Breed to Come - Andre Norton
Challenge #13: Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting. - started by sturlington
✔Lost Lake - Sarah Addison Allen - Audiobook (2.5)
✔We Were Liars - E. Lockhart Audiobook (2.5)
Challenge #14: Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card (http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/2014/01/reading-bingo-challenge-2014/). List the category. - started by susanna.fraser
✔The Quick - Lauren Owen - E-Audiobook (4)
Challenge #15: Don't take Gift for a gift: Read book with a title word which has a different meaning in a different language - started by paulstalder
✔Calling Me Home - Julie Kibler E-Audiobook (3)
Challenge #16: Bah, Humbug!: Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas - started by inge87
✔Citizens Creek - Lalita Tademy - E-Book (4.5)
Challenge #17: Read a book written by an author who has a pseudonym - started by helenliz
✔Miss Tonks Turns to Crime - Marion Chesney - Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #18: Read a book that takes place in an Eastern European Country- started by LoisB
Challenge #19: Read a book that you saved or put off to the last - Started by cyderry
✔Oryx and Crake - Margaret Atwood - E-Audiobook (5)
Challenge #21: Read a book with the name or a picture of a bird displayed anywhere on the cover (including the publisher name/logo) - Started by elkiedee
✔ All-of-a-Kind Family - Sydney Taylor - Audiobook (4)
Challenge #22: Special Snowflake – Read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - Started by auntieclio
✔Boneshaker - Cherie Priest - E-Audiobook (3.75)
✔I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You - Courtney Maum E-Audiobook (3)
Challenge #1: Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - started by SqueakyChu
✔A Mad Desire to Dance - Elie Wiesel - E-Audiobook (3.5)
Challenge #2: Read a book about Christmas - started by Morphidae
*✔The Stupidest Angel - Christopher Moore Audiobook (2.5)
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction - started by lyzard
Challenge #4: Read a book with both red and green on the cover - started by lahochstetler
✔I'll Give You the Sun - Jandy Nelson (4)
✔The Off Season - Catherine Gilbert Murdock - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #5: Read a book with a noun from the title of a Christmas carol in its title - started by yoyogod
Challenge #6: Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color - started by DeltaQueen
*✔Brown Girl Dreaming - Jacqueline Woodson - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #7: Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 - started by kidzdoc
✔Throne of Jade - Naomi Novik - E-Audiobook (3.75)
Challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre - started by Citizenjoyce
*✔The Book of Strange New Things - Michel Faber - Audiobook (4)
✔Fourth of July Creek - Smith Henderson - E-Audiobook (5)
✔The Future of the Mind: The Scientific Quest to Understand, Enhance, and Empower the Mind - Michio Kaku - E-Audiobook (4)
✔The Girl of Fire and Thorns - Rae Carson E-Audiobook (3.5)
Challenge #9: Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name - started by majkia
✔Only Time Will Tell - Jeffrey Archer - Book Club (3.5)
Challenge #10: Read a book with December in the title - started by lindapanzo
*✔A Week in December - Sebastian Faulks - E-Audiobook (4)
Challenge #11: Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality - started by Chatterbox
✔All These Things I've Done - Gabrielle Zevin - E-Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #12: Read a book that is currently out-of-print - started by christiguc
Breed to Come - Andre Norton
Challenge #13: Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting. - started by sturlington
✔Lost Lake - Sarah Addison Allen - Audiobook (2.5)
✔We Were Liars - E. Lockhart Audiobook (2.5)
Challenge #14: Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card (http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/2014/01/reading-bingo-challenge-2014/). List the category. - started by susanna.fraser
✔The Quick - Lauren Owen - E-Audiobook (4)
Challenge #15: Don't take Gift for a gift: Read book with a title word which has a different meaning in a different language - started by paulstalder
✔Calling Me Home - Julie Kibler E-Audiobook (3)
Challenge #16: Bah, Humbug!: Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas - started by inge87
✔Citizens Creek - Lalita Tademy - E-Book (4.5)
Challenge #17: Read a book written by an author who has a pseudonym - started by helenliz
✔Miss Tonks Turns to Crime - Marion Chesney - Audiobook (4.5)
Challenge #18: Read a book that takes place in an Eastern European Country- started by LoisB
Challenge #19: Read a book that you saved or put off to the last - Started by cyderry
✔Oryx and Crake - Margaret Atwood - E-Audiobook (5)
Challenge #21: Read a book with the name or a picture of a bird displayed anywhere on the cover (including the publisher name/logo) - Started by elkiedee
✔ All-of-a-Kind Family - Sydney Taylor - Audiobook (4)
Challenge #22: Special Snowflake – Read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - Started by auntieclio
✔Boneshaker - Cherie Priest - E-Audiobook (3.75)
✔I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You - Courtney Maum E-Audiobook (3)
32Helenliz
Golly, missed this going up - aren't you all busy bees?
=== Challenge #17 - Read a book by an author that has a pseudonym ===
Simple really, any book by any author that writes under more than one name is fair game. Please put the name on the book and one of their alter egos in the wiki. It does need to be a different name - I'll not accept initials versus a full name as being a pseudonym.
=== Challenge #17 - Read a book by an author that has a pseudonym ===
Simple really, any book by any author that writes under more than one name is fair game. Please put the name on the book and one of their alter egos in the wiki. It does need to be a different name - I'll not accept initials versus a full name as being a pseudonym.
33LoisB
====Challenge #18: Read a book that takes place in an Eastern European Country- started by LoisB====
Any Eastern European country, past or present, will do.
Any Eastern European country, past or present, will do.
34jeanned
Here's the list of books I hope to read in December....
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction
Blind Man with a Pistol, by Chester B. Himes
Challenge #4: Read a book with both red and green on the cover
Factoring Humanity, by Robert J. Sawyer
Challenge #6: Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color
Blue Heaven, by C. J. Box
*Silver on the Tree, by Susan Cooper
Challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion
The Sixth Lamentation, by William Brodrick (historical mystery/thriller)
Challenge #9: Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name
Marooned in Realtime, by Vernor Vinge
Challenge #10: Read a book with December in the title
Tenth of December: Stories, by George Saunders
Challenge #11: Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality
Dead Scared, by S. J. Bolton
Challenge #14 - Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card.
The Master of Rain, by Tom Bradby (book with a mystery, more than 500 pages, different continent - Asia, no love triangle, heard about online, more than 10 years old)
The Soldier's Return, by Melvyn Bragg (first in a series, different continent - Asia & Europe, no love triangle, heard about online, more than 10 years old)
Challenge #16: Bah, Humbug!: Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas
The Iron Duke, by Meljean Brook
Challenge #3: Read a book with a title containing a contradiction
Blind Man with a Pistol, by Chester B. Himes
Challenge #4: Read a book with both red and green on the cover
Factoring Humanity, by Robert J. Sawyer
Challenge #6: Read a book whose title includes either a color or a word to describe a shade of color
Blue Heaven, by C. J. Box
*Silver on the Tree, by Susan Cooper
Challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion
The Sixth Lamentation, by William Brodrick (historical mystery/thriller)
Challenge #9: Read a book with a musical term in the title or author's name
Marooned in Realtime, by Vernor Vinge
Challenge #10: Read a book with December in the title
Tenth of December: Stories, by George Saunders
Challenge #11: Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality
Dead Scared, by S. J. Bolton
Challenge #14 - Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card.
The Master of Rain, by Tom Bradby (book with a mystery, more than 500 pages, different continent - Asia, no love triangle, heard about online, more than 10 years old)
The Soldier's Return, by Melvyn Bragg (first in a series, different continent - Asia & Europe, no love triangle, heard about online, more than 10 years old)
Challenge #16: Bah, Humbug!: Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas
The Iron Duke, by Meljean Brook
35Morphidae
Hey, majkia - I moved your book The Laws of Murder to the bottom of Challenge #11. Chatterbox said the word "murder" wasn't acceptable in post 23.
36Chatterbox
>23 Chatterbox: Morphy, thanks for the catch. Yes, I'm afraid that "murder" is the act that leads to an end, not the end. It would probably fit in #16, though!
38SqueakyChu
Let's take our annual poll to see what interest we have in continuing the TIOLI challenges into 2015. I'm ready to continue if you are. Why do you think I left my job? ;)
Vote: Shall there be such a thing as the TIOLI Challenges for 2015?
Current tally: Yes 43, No 0
39cyderry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Challenge #19 Read a book you left or put off to last
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seems every year I have a few books that I promise myself I'm going to read that year but keep putting them off until the end.
How about you?
Challenge #19 Read a book you left or put off to last
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
It seems every year I have a few books that I promise myself I'm going to read that year but keep putting them off until the end.
How about you?
41majkia
#40 by @SqueakyChu> LOL
42Chatterbox
>40 SqueakyChu: Surprise, surprise....
44Carmenere
Sooooo looking forward to another year of throwing books off my shelf to see if they fit. I was a slacker this year but I'm ready to step it up a notch. Thanks for all you do, Madeline!
45Citizenjoyce
>38 SqueakyChu: Oh, Madeline. Should we also vote on whether or not there should be chocolate or big lovable dogs? If so, I'm voting yes on all three.
48SqueakyChu
*Moves this "housekeeping notice to November's thread.*
Oops! :)
Oops! :)
49LoisB
I cannot update this month since I am away from home and am doing this on my iPhone. Well I could try but I'm afraid I will mess up the database.
50SqueakyChu
>49 LoisB:
Just post an update on this thread with the books you COMPLETED, and I'll update the wiki for you. No need to mention the other books because I'll just delete them anyway.
Just post an update on this thread with the books you COMPLETED, and I'll update the wiki for you. No need to mention the other books because I'll just delete them anyway.
51Citizenjoyce
>48 SqueakyChu: Ahem, wrong month, but I'm heading to November to do my housekeeping.
53fuzzi
*****Challenge #20: Read a book that was the basis for a movie you've seen*****
You've seen the movie...now read the book!
Please choose a book you've not read before, and include on the Wiki the year the version of the movie was released.
You've seen the movie...now read the book!
Please choose a book you've not read before, and include on the Wiki the year the version of the movie was released.
54kidzdoc
>1 SqueakyChu: December 2104 challenge?
55elkiedee
>1 SqueakyChu: and >54 kidzdoc: I hadn't spotted that! Only 90 years early!
56lyzard
With respect to challenge #12, how many years should have passed from the last edition for a book to be considered out of print?
57elkiedee
I await Christina's response with interest, but would say that if I can't buy a new paper or ebook copy of a book, I would consider it to be out of print. I'm quite envious of her as she has listed a book I would dearly love to read but which costs £90 secondhand online.
58SqueakyChu
>54 kidzdoc: >55 elkiedee:
I'm glad I didn't do that to the subject line. That would have driven me berserk all month! :/
I'm glad I didn't do that to the subject line. That would have driven me berserk all month! :/
60SqueakyChu
>29 paulstalder:
I already made the correction. In the body of message 1, I previously wrote 2104. We won't get to that year for another 90 years! Oops!
I already made the correction. In the body of message 1, I previously wrote 2104. We won't get to that year for another 90 years! Oops!
61Lexxi
oops, I originally read "Read a book with a title containing a contradiction" as "Read a book with a title containing a contraction". Luckily I don't have to remove any books because of that oops.
I've added The New World by Winston S. Churchill to challenge 8. Religion played a big part in the English civil war. Been reading this one since the 28th of November. So far a much quicker read than The Birth of Britian the first volume in that "A History of the English-Speaking Peoples" series.
Mira Grant's Symbiont has been added to challenge 17. Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire.
Coming Home by Jack McDevitt added to challenge 19. Maybe I'll actually getting around to reading it this time.
I've added The New World by Winston S. Churchill to challenge 8. Religion played a big part in the English civil war. Been reading this one since the 28th of November. So far a much quicker read than The Birth of Britian the first volume in that "A History of the English-Speaking Peoples" series.
Mira Grant's Symbiont has been added to challenge 17. Mira Grant aka Seanan McGuire.
Coming Home by Jack McDevitt added to challenge 19. Maybe I'll actually getting around to reading it this time.
62Lexxi
The random things that happen. Saw a thread about tor.com. An argument was going on. I wandered over. Looked to see what was new, saw a name I recognized, and read the short story. So . . . 1 down. Both in terms of 1 work done, and challenge 1.
The story was by Seanan McGuire. I have a Mira Grant book in challenge 17. Might be another month were I read the same author twice, but under different names.
The story was by Seanan McGuire. I have a Mira Grant book in challenge 17. Might be another month were I read the same author twice, but under different names.
63sturlington
I have one down too. I managed to finish Hyperbole and a Half in a day. It is, as advertised, a funny book. Read for challenge #14.
64fuzzi
>59 Morphidae: LOLOLOL....
65Smiler69
Can anyone suggest where I could fit in Jody Taylor's Just One Damned Thing After Another? I briefly thought of putting it into Suzanne's challenge, but then 'Damned' does imply burning in hell for all eternity, which isn't exactly an ending, is it? All depends on one's beliefs I suppose...
66Citizenjoyce
>65 Smiler69: There's Challenge 16, the ever flexible nothing to do with Christmas challenge. It could also fit #14, the bingo challenge because it's a book written by a woman, and maybe it would fit other bingo squares.
67Smiler69
>66 Citizenjoyce: Ah! Thanks Joyce. I didn't know if Christmas holidays were part of the story or not, and for some reason had in mind the Bingo challenge was limited to those categories I hadn't completed yet (only 2 at this point...) that opens up quite a lot of options, that's great!
68Citizenjoyce
>67 Smiler69: It's been a while since I read it, and the old brain doesn't retain all the details, but I don't remember Christmas celebrations being mentioned.
69Smiler69
To anyone who wishes to have a shared read for Just One Damned Thing After Another: The Chronicles of St Mary's, Book 1 by Jodi Taylor this month, I've listed it under the Bingo challenge, #14 (a book by a female author), as per @Citizenjoyce's suggestion.
70elkiedee
Challenge 21:
Read a book which has the name and/or picture of a bird anywhere on the cover. This doesn't have to be in the title/author name or the main cover illustration - it can also include the publisher/imprint name or logo, for example, Penguin, Puffin, Flamingo, Black Swan, or the blurb.
I've just read Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee - in fact, the copy I'm reading, part of a collected edition of memoirs, has a front cover picture which includes a bird, but my copy is published by Penguin Books (and I think I have an old Penguin paperback).
Read a book which has the name and/or picture of a bird anywhere on the cover. This doesn't have to be in the title/author name or the main cover illustration - it can also include the publisher/imprint name or logo, for example, Penguin, Puffin, Flamingo, Black Swan, or the blurb.
I've just read Cider With Rosie by Laurie Lee - in fact, the copy I'm reading, part of a collected edition of memoirs, has a front cover picture which includes a bird, but my copy is published by Penguin Books (and I think I have an old Penguin paperback).
71Citizenjoyce
Suzanne, have you read A Week in December by Sebastian Faulks? If not, please join us in the December challenge. If so, please tell me if the economic plot is correct. It sounds right. The book is about both economic and religious-political terrorism, and it's gripping on both counts.
72AuntieClio
Challenge #22: Special Snowflake – read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - Started by auntieclio
I will be reading Style, Style, Style by Andy Warhol, a book about fashion.
I will be reading Style, Style, Style by Andy Warhol, a book about fashion.
73fuzzi
>11 lahochstetler: I found a book at the library that fits this challenge: The True Gift by the author of Sarah Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachan. I love her other works, so this should be a fun read!
74lahochstetler
Awesome! I didn't know she had written other books.
75nrmay
If you liked Sarah Plain and Tall there are 5 more in the series.
76fuzzi
>74 lahochstetler: I won a book of hers through Early Reviewers, Kindred Souls. I enjoyed reading it as well.
>74 lahochstetler: I knew of two sequels, but not four!!
Addendum: and the library has them, woo! Guess where I am going on the way home from work tomorrow??? :D
>74 lahochstetler: I knew of two sequels, but not four!!
Addendum: and the library has them, woo! Guess where I am going on the way home from work tomorrow??? :D
77paulstalder
I finished Anthill by Wilson and put it into challenge 13. Read a book where a house or other dwelling is an important setting - I hope an anthill is acceptable as a dwelling :)
78sturlington
>77 paulstalder: It made me chuckle, so therefore acceptable!
79elkiedee
>77 paulstalder: and >78 sturlington: There was nothing specifying that the dwellers had to be human!
81paulstalder
>78 sturlington: thanks. The anthill was inhabited by one tribe of ants and then conquered by another - the entrance and some rooms are specifically mentioned (the ants part is the best of the book, so read the book only if you are interested in ants)
82fuzzi
I have a shared read with @DeltaQueen50 in Challenge #11, End of the Drive. Anyone care to join us?
83Ameise1
Dear friends
I'm a part of this challenge but yes, I'm not so much posting here. My today's post has nothing to do with books, so please forgive me in advance.
Our dear friend Stephanie (AuntieClio) has broken her wrist a few weeks ago. She needs surgery but without insurance it's impossible for her to undergo the wrist done.
Please if you are able to spare some money here is the link for the fundraising: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-stephanie-pay-for-wrist-surgery...
You could also jump over to her thread to support and encourage her.
Thanks a lot and please forgive my terrible English - I hope my request doesn't sound rude.
I'm a part of this challenge but yes, I'm not so much posting here. My today's post has nothing to do with books, so please forgive me in advance.
Our dear friend Stephanie (AuntieClio) has broken her wrist a few weeks ago. She needs surgery but without insurance it's impossible for her to undergo the wrist done.
Please if you are able to spare some money here is the link for the fundraising: http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-stephanie-pay-for-wrist-surgery...
You could also jump over to her thread to support and encourage her.
Thanks a lot and please forgive my terrible English - I hope my request doesn't sound rude.
84fuzzi
>83 Ameise1: your English is fine, thank you SO much for letting us know about Stephanie.
85Ameise1
>84 fuzzi: Thanks SO much. I hope we can really help her.
86SqueakyChu
Speedy recovery, Stephanie. I hope we can be of support to you.
87AuntieClio
Thank you Barb! I am 1/3 of the way towards the facility fee ($6K) and 1/5 of the way towards total surgical fees ($10K). This doesn't include living expenses while I have surgery and recuperate. Not only am I grateful for contributions, I would also be grateful for some extra company.
88elkiedee
Stephanie, so sorry to hear about your broken wrist, and ouch both at that and at the costs you're facing. Healthcare is so different on your side of the Atlantic, but I will resist further comment (too political).
89AuntieClio
elkiedee: I will say healthcare in this country is shameful.
90Helenliz
Request for an opinion here: am I completely out of line if I were to put The Thousand Autumns of Jacob de Zoet in challenge #8: Read a book not in the religion genre that contains a discussion of religion, name the genre
In the book, the leading lady gets herself incarcerated in a nunnery at a shrine that seems to worship to an obscure sect. It's all a bit unpleasant, and I'm not sure yet how it is going to pan out, but there is an exploration of the shrine's floor plan, a discussion of the creed of the sect, and what happens to the sisters at the shrine. Not sure of that is the type of discussion that is intended or not.
In the book, the leading lady gets herself incarcerated in a nunnery at a shrine that seems to worship to an obscure sect. It's all a bit unpleasant, and I'm not sure yet how it is going to pan out, but there is an exploration of the shrine's floor plan, a discussion of the creed of the sect, and what happens to the sisters at the shrine. Not sure of that is the type of discussion that is intended or not.
91Citizenjoyce
Sounds good to me. I'm always surprised at religious discussions in books that I hadn't thought would have anything to do with religion, but it's frequently there in fantasy, science fiction, history, art, literature. Religion seems to be everywhere.
92Lexxi
If it wasn't for the fact that I'm reading this unnamed book because it's a shared read, I'd stop. Tedious. Every single character is getting on my nerves (except for one or two side characters). The specific type of character each character inhabits, rich head of the family, put-upon stayed at home with ill parents child, yuppie son, artistic son, etc., does not normally annoy me. It's just that each and every one of them are the worst version of those types of characters. Mean, hateful, spiteful, air filled with tension and hate.
Then the retired FBI fella pops into the story. Sad, depressed, bored, frustrated, very easily angered (he gets invited to dinner through third party. Calls person who is inviting him to said party. Is given time to arrive and directions. Hangs up. 'feels used'. So . . . doesn't sleep that night because he is so angry. And calls every day thereafter for a week. For . . . no apparent reason).
Bah. Now I remembered the cop, the one heading up the investigation, that I was just introduced to. Deeply annoyed fella. Seems to hate lead character. Seems to hate everything in life. Is, apparently, very very beautiful, based on how lead character drooled over him. Well, not that so much as bluntly stated that the cop was very beautiful.
So. Tedious so far. Annoying characters. I've read 30% and the first murder has finally occurred. I'm burned out. I go look over at the ratings/reviews on here. Average ratings. Many seem to suggest how they liked the characters but spotted many plot holes, and "logical mistakes". Um. Why am I reading this book if I can't stand the characters, and apparently the best part of the book is the characters? mmphs.
Must. Continue. Reading. Tiring and annoying book.
Then the retired FBI fella pops into the story. Sad, depressed, bored, frustrated, very easily angered (he gets invited to dinner through third party. Calls person who is inviting him to said party. Is given time to arrive and directions. Hangs up. 'feels used'. So . . . doesn't sleep that night because he is so angry. And calls every day thereafter for a week. For . . . no apparent reason).
Bah. Now I remembered the cop, the one heading up the investigation, that I was just introduced to. Deeply annoyed fella. Seems to hate lead character. Seems to hate everything in life. Is, apparently, very very beautiful, based on how lead character drooled over him. Well, not that so much as bluntly stated that the cop was very beautiful.
So. Tedious so far. Annoying characters. I've read 30% and the first murder has finally occurred. I'm burned out. I go look over at the ratings/reviews on here. Average ratings. Many seem to suggest how they liked the characters but spotted many plot holes, and "logical mistakes". Um. Why am I reading this book if I can't stand the characters, and apparently the best part of the book is the characters? mmphs.
Must. Continue. Reading. Tiring and annoying book.
93klobrien2
Well, I guess you won't be recommending that for a shared read for extra points! So sorry that it isn't a good read for you. If you feel like you must finish it, my suggestion is to skip through it as fast as you can. It doesn't seem like you'll miss anything.
Karen O.
Karen O.
94Lexxi
Probably not. First book in a 25 book series, though, with "good enough" reviews, so I probably won't recommend it, but recognize it must be well enough liked to be in that position.
95fuzzi
>94 Lexxi: life's too short. Go on to another book.
97drachenbraut23
Ok, my brains appear to be a bit fuddled at present as I don't seem to be able to fit some of my books into any of the challenges. Would love if you could help me out here.
Tricked - Kevin Hearne
More Than Life itself - Joseph Nassise
Berserk, Volume 4 - Kentaro Miura
The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Neil Gaiman
Tricked - Kevin Hearne
More Than Life itself - Joseph Nassise
Berserk, Volume 4 - Kentaro Miura
The Ocean at the End of the Lane - Neil Gaiman
98Morphidae
>97 drachenbraut23: The Ocean at the End of the Lane - 11. Read a book whose title has a word implying an end or finality
ETA: A couple could go under 14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card. For instance, Tricked is a book with a one word title.
http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/2014/01/reading-bingo-challenge-2014/
ETA: A couple could go under 14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card. For instance, Tricked is a book with a one word title.
http://www.retreatbyrandomhouse.ca/2014/01/reading-bingo-challenge-2014/
99susanna.fraser
>97 drachenbraut23: I put The Ocean at the End of the Lane in Challenge #13, House or Dwelling is an important setting, if you want to make it a shared read.
100elkiedee
If they have nothing to do with Christmas you can put them into that challenge, and challenge 14 offers a wide range of possibilities.
101paulstalder
>97 drachenbraut23: you can put "More Than Life itself - Joseph Nassise" into challenge 15. Read a book with a title word that has a different meaning in a different language (more are Brombeeren in Italian)
102fuzzi
>97 drachenbraut23: >98 Morphidae: I used that Bingo card for Lonigan, a book with a one word title. You could use it for Tricked
103Crazymamie
>97 drachenbraut23: You have Tricked already listed in challenge 16, Bianca.
104SqueakyChu
TIOLI Question of the month:
Did you read a short story this month that especially tickled your fancy?
What story was it?
What did you like best about that story?
In which book did you find it? Did you find it in an anthology, a book of all stories by the same author, or as a stand-alone story (for example, in an e-book)?
What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?
Did you read a short story this month that especially tickled your fancy?
What story was it?
What did you like best about that story?
In which book did you find it? Did you find it in an anthology, a book of all stories by the same author, or as a stand-alone story (for example, in an e-book)?
What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?
105fuzzi
Yes, thanks for asking. I've read two short story anthologies in December, so far...
One I read from Lonigan, "Bill Carey Rides West", was about a man who, wounded and pursued by a posse, finds himself in the middle of a conflict between outlaws and settlers, but without the cliches that many Western readers know too well.
In End of the Drive, the story "Elisha Comes to Red Horse" is funny, the tale of a flim flam man who bamboozles just about everyone in the town. It made me chuckle.
One I read from Lonigan, "Bill Carey Rides West", was about a man who, wounded and pursued by a posse, finds himself in the middle of a conflict between outlaws and settlers, but without the cliches that many Western readers know too well.
In End of the Drive, the story "Elisha Comes to Red Horse" is funny, the tale of a flim flam man who bamboozles just about everyone in the town. It made me chuckle.
106LoisB
I read The Whispers: A Whispers Story (The Whispers Series) which is somewhere between a short story and a novella. I won't say that it tickled my fancy. Here is what I posted on NetGalley:
I was a bit disappointed in this short story. The author is known for developing great plots with various twists in her novels. I found this leap into the paranormal to be very simplistic, likely due to the format. I don't feel that the short story allows for the detailed twist and turns that I associate with her novels.
That said, it was interesting and I will probably read the sequels. I received this stand-alone e-book from NetGalley.
The moral of the story is that one finds one's true self when dealing with tragedy.
I was a bit disappointed in this short story. The author is known for developing great plots with various twists in her novels. I found this leap into the paranormal to be very simplistic, likely due to the format. I don't feel that the short story allows for the detailed twist and turns that I associate with her novels.
That said, it was interesting and I will probably read the sequels. I received this stand-alone e-book from NetGalley.
The moral of the story is that one finds one's true self when dealing with tragedy.
107DeltaQueen50
I also read The End of the Drive by Louis L'Amour, and I was quite taken by 'Desperate Men', a short story involving prisoners breaking out of Yuma Territorial Prison and then enduring a long trek through the desert. They ended up being in more danger from each other than the elements.
I am a sucker for a survival story and I thought the author did a great job with this one.
I am a sucker for a survival story and I thought the author did a great job with this one.
109DeltaQueen50
>108 fuzzi: I didn't know that. Sometime ago though I did read a short story by him called "The Gift of Cochise" which Louis L'Amour helped to develop into the John Wayne movie called Hondo which was then put out as a full length novel. I wonder if all his novels started as short stories?
110fuzzi
>109 DeltaQueen50: not all, but some were. "The Gift of Cochise" is one of my all-time favorite short stories by Louis L'Amour, and imo, it's better than Hondo.
111DeltaQueen50
>110 fuzzi: I agree, it didn't need the extra padding that Hondo adds.
112Citizenjoyce
Sorry, Delta Queen, I had to Pear rule You Better Not Cry. I've read other books by Augusten Burroughs and liked them very much. I don't know if I changed or he did, but this was just too ugly for me. Maybe dysfunctional families are not to my liking anymore.
113DeltaQueen50
>112 Citizenjoyce: I certainly understand that, Joyce, it was definitely on the dark side.
114Lexxi
>104 SqueakyChu:
I've read 5 short stories so far this month. I probably would have just read 1 or 2, but I noticed a new story by Peter Lovesey. More on that later.
An argument broke out over how to catalog or not catalog short stories found online. Which made me investigate some things, and I ended up seeing and reading a short story off of Tor.com by Seanan McGuire. Midway Relics and Dying Breeds. It's an odd story. Not McGuire's normal type of story. No fantasy, no zombies, no horror. Involves a woman riding along on a massively huge animal whose species died out long long ago, but got revived. She's part of a traveling circus on an earth of the future in which an attempt has been made to let nature reclaim the planet a little bit. The head guy, who the lead character had rejected, decides to sell that massive large animal. She doesn't like that. She stops that from happening. The end. Heh, not really, but something like that. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars, so not my favorite of the shorts I've read so far.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
Um. 'Don't annoy a woman and try to sell her giant massive rhino like animal without her permission or vastly unpleasant consequences will occur.'
The second short I read involves the final in a trilogy I'd been reading. A Christmas trilogy involving a lead character who is a cat that likes solving mysteries. Leger's Miracle by Lacey Dearie. During the many different stories, the cat has investigated murder, theft, falsely accused, the missing, and in this story the arrival of unexpected kittens. In a basket, shoved through the cat door on Christmas morning. I can't really say anything more, since it's the third in a trilogy that followed a series of 10 short stories and will be in turn followed by a new series with the same characters. Or, in other words, anyone wishing to read the story would be well served by reading the 12 short stories that came before. Anyway, I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'Don't separate newly born kittens from their mother.'
Back to Lovesey. And seeing a new story on his list of works. Or, I should say, re-noticed a title that I had seen on his list of recently published works which I had seen before on there but knew nothing about. So I investigated.
Apparently Mysterious Press has been releasing a series of short stories based upon book stores. Well, all that I have read so far have included book stores.
I've read everything by Lovesey except two books in a three book series that I couldn't get into. And mostly loved his stuff. So when I spotted the short, and how it was set in a bookshop, I naturally decided to try it. This is one of the few that I actually wrote a review for. Or notes. Or whatever it is I did. So I insert that here.
""Remainded' by Peter Lovesey.
A solid little nugget of a story. Several plots going on at once. Starting off with a death, and anther involving a bank truck heist in the past, and another involving an accidental death.
Set in a small used book store in the USA (Pennsylvania to be exact). Lovesey does not normally set his stories in the USA. Three or four of the characters are from New York, one is from England, by way of New York. Characters started off seeming as if they would be thin, but they rounded out nicely. At least by short story standards. A solid 4 out of 5 star effort."
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
um. 'Crime both does and doesn't pay.'
Well, after reading that, I noticed there were these other short stories by other authors in this Bibliomysteries series. So I started trying them.
Book Club by Loren D. Estleman. Another author I'd read before, though sparingly.
Story involves a rich fella killed, and a stolen rare book. Chief police guy gets book store owner to help on the case since that owner used to be a police detective and there's this missing old book he can help with also. The action kept abruptly bouncing around and kept switching scenes without remembering to actually put a break between one scene and the next. Though I did notice at least one odd break in the same scene, one part separated by another by extra space. And one word went from often to of ten from an accidental extra space. Those things distracted me enough that I'm not really sure how I might have rated the story. In the end I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'Don't be greedy.'
The last of the short stories I've read was The Scroll by Anne Perry. I believe it's the only one of the five short stories written by an author I hadn't read before. At least I think I haven't read anything by her. Her short story is also in this Bibliomystery series. Consists of a bookshop worker, Monty, in London who receives a crate of books the bookshop owner had bought from an estate sale. Crate contains leather bound classics and a tin. Tin contains a scroll. Scroll may or may not be ancient. Then these mysterious spooky people start appearing asking for the scroll. A scroll that no one should know Monty has in his possession. The scroll may or may not come from the time of Christ and may or may not "destroy the earth" or really upset people. I like history. Both nonfiction and fiction. The whole "massive conspiracy that if revealed will greatly shock and may massively disturb the world, in the form of thousands of skulls and rivers of blood" type of thing is vaguely off putting. Still, it was an interesting enough little story, so I was able to give it 3 out of 5 stars. Had a little too much purple prose and too much of a "revealed secrets will doom the earth" type vibe, but well written for what it was.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'The world isn't ready to learn 'ancient truths.'
All the short stories I read were sold separately in their own ebooks or, for McGuire's story, offered free by itself up on Tor.com.
I've read 5 short stories so far this month. I probably would have just read 1 or 2, but I noticed a new story by Peter Lovesey. More on that later.
An argument broke out over how to catalog or not catalog short stories found online. Which made me investigate some things, and I ended up seeing and reading a short story off of Tor.com by Seanan McGuire. Midway Relics and Dying Breeds. It's an odd story. Not McGuire's normal type of story. No fantasy, no zombies, no horror. Involves a woman riding along on a massively huge animal whose species died out long long ago, but got revived. She's part of a traveling circus on an earth of the future in which an attempt has been made to let nature reclaim the planet a little bit. The head guy, who the lead character had rejected, decides to sell that massive large animal. She doesn't like that. She stops that from happening. The end. Heh, not really, but something like that. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars, so not my favorite of the shorts I've read so far.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
Um. 'Don't annoy a woman and try to sell her giant massive rhino like animal without her permission or vastly unpleasant consequences will occur.'
The second short I read involves the final in a trilogy I'd been reading. A Christmas trilogy involving a lead character who is a cat that likes solving mysteries. Leger's Miracle by Lacey Dearie. During the many different stories, the cat has investigated murder, theft, falsely accused, the missing, and in this story the arrival of unexpected kittens. In a basket, shoved through the cat door on Christmas morning. I can't really say anything more, since it's the third in a trilogy that followed a series of 10 short stories and will be in turn followed by a new series with the same characters. Or, in other words, anyone wishing to read the story would be well served by reading the 12 short stories that came before. Anyway, I gave it 5 out of 5 stars.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'Don't separate newly born kittens from their mother.'
Back to Lovesey. And seeing a new story on his list of works. Or, I should say, re-noticed a title that I had seen on his list of recently published works which I had seen before on there but knew nothing about. So I investigated.
Apparently Mysterious Press has been releasing a series of short stories based upon book stores. Well, all that I have read so far have included book stores.
I've read everything by Lovesey except two books in a three book series that I couldn't get into. And mostly loved his stuff. So when I spotted the short, and how it was set in a bookshop, I naturally decided to try it. This is one of the few that I actually wrote a review for. Or notes. Or whatever it is I did. So I insert that here.
""Remainded' by Peter Lovesey.
A solid little nugget of a story. Several plots going on at once. Starting off with a death, and anther involving a bank truck heist in the past, and another involving an accidental death.
Set in a small used book store in the USA (Pennsylvania to be exact). Lovesey does not normally set his stories in the USA. Three or four of the characters are from New York, one is from England, by way of New York. Characters started off seeming as if they would be thin, but they rounded out nicely. At least by short story standards. A solid 4 out of 5 star effort."
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
um. 'Crime both does and doesn't pay.'
Well, after reading that, I noticed there were these other short stories by other authors in this Bibliomysteries series. So I started trying them.
Book Club by Loren D. Estleman. Another author I'd read before, though sparingly.
Story involves a rich fella killed, and a stolen rare book. Chief police guy gets book store owner to help on the case since that owner used to be a police detective and there's this missing old book he can help with also. The action kept abruptly bouncing around and kept switching scenes without remembering to actually put a break between one scene and the next. Though I did notice at least one odd break in the same scene, one part separated by another by extra space. And one word went from often to of ten from an accidental extra space. Those things distracted me enough that I'm not really sure how I might have rated the story. In the end I gave it 3 out of 5 stars.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'Don't be greedy.'
The last of the short stories I've read was The Scroll by Anne Perry. I believe it's the only one of the five short stories written by an author I hadn't read before. At least I think I haven't read anything by her. Her short story is also in this Bibliomystery series. Consists of a bookshop worker, Monty, in London who receives a crate of books the bookshop owner had bought from an estate sale. Crate contains leather bound classics and a tin. Tin contains a scroll. Scroll may or may not be ancient. Then these mysterious spooky people start appearing asking for the scroll. A scroll that no one should know Monty has in his possession. The scroll may or may not come from the time of Christ and may or may not "destroy the earth" or really upset people. I like history. Both nonfiction and fiction. The whole "massive conspiracy that if revealed will greatly shock and may massively disturb the world, in the form of thousands of skulls and rivers of blood" type of thing is vaguely off putting. Still, it was an interesting enough little story, so I was able to give it 3 out of 5 stars. Had a little too much purple prose and too much of a "revealed secrets will doom the earth" type vibe, but well written for what it was.
"What was the main idea or the moral of the story that you read?"
'The world isn't ready to learn 'ancient truths.'
All the short stories I read were sold separately in their own ebooks or, for McGuire's story, offered free by itself up on Tor.com.
116cyderry
LOOKING FOR SOME HELP
Is there a way to find a book(s) tagged "Mystery" with a rating of 4* or more? I'm trying to find a book for my book club and I want a mystery. I trust the opinions of readers here so if it's rated 4* or more it should be good.
Is there a way to find a book(s) tagged "Mystery" with a rating of 4* or more? I'm trying to find a book for my book club and I want a mystery. I trust the opinions of readers here so if it's rated 4* or more it should be good.
117Helenliz
I'm not as familiar with LT as some, but I can't see how you can find ratings of books through tags and tag cloud.
You could find a list and then, while you can't sort for rating, you can at least view the ratings.
These might not be comprehensive, but they might help in the search.
https://www.librarything.com/list/170/all/Majkias-Mystery%25252F-Thriller-TBR
https://www.librarything.com/list/617/all/Classic-Crime-Mystery-and-Thrillers
https://www.librarything.com/list/9618/all/Unusual-Murder-Mysteries
Not ideal, it will be very interesting to see if someone else has a better/neater solution. the information must be there - it's a question of being able to access it.
You could find a list and then, while you can't sort for rating, you can at least view the ratings.
These might not be comprehensive, but they might help in the search.
https://www.librarything.com/list/170/all/Majkias-Mystery%25252F-Thriller-TBR
https://www.librarything.com/list/617/all/Classic-Crime-Mystery-and-Thrillers
https://www.librarything.com/list/9618/all/Unusual-Murder-Mysteries
Not ideal, it will be very interesting to see if someone else has a better/neater solution. the information must be there - it's a question of being able to access it.
118Lexxi
hmms. Could go to Zeitgeist and look at top books by rating. See if any are mysteries. Or, maybe not. Top book has a rating of 3.38? Wilhelm Reich in Hell And has only been rated 24 times. Something odd going on there.
Over to tags. Mystery. Can sort by popularity. And whether or not published recently. But not by rating.
You could play with tag mashes. I tried Mystery, 4 star, then Mystery, 5 star. Got no results.
Mystery, Outstanding gave 59 results.
https://www.librarything.com/tag/mystery%2C+outstanding
Mashing Mystery and Excellent got 500 results.
https://www.librarything.com/tag/excellent,+mystery
Mashing Mystery and top rated got 1 result
https://www.librarything.com/tag/Top+Rated,+mystery
Mashing Mystery and best got 182 results
https://www.librarything.com/tag/best,+mystery
Over to tags. Mystery. Can sort by popularity. And whether or not published recently. But not by rating.
You could play with tag mashes. I tried Mystery, 4 star, then Mystery, 5 star. Got no results.
Mystery, Outstanding gave 59 results.
https://www.librarything.com/tag/mystery%2C+outstanding
Mashing Mystery and Excellent got 500 results.
https://www.librarything.com/tag/excellent,+mystery
Mashing Mystery and top rated got 1 result
https://www.librarything.com/tag/Top+Rated,+mystery
Mashing Mystery and best got 182 results
https://www.librarything.com/tag/best,+mystery
119countrylife
I LOVE tag-mash! Use it all the time!
120Citizenjoyce
>118 Lexxi: That's great. I always forget how to use tag mash. Maybe now I'll remember.
121elkiedee
Or you could look at award winners. There are lots for mystery and crime fiction - I'd be inclined to trust the Edgars more than some of the others because they're decided by a panel of judges, often other writers - my issue with the other awards is not that they're judged by fans, but that they aren't judged by a panel who've read all the nominated or even long/shortlisted books - the Anthony awards are judged by people signed up for Bouchercon who might have decided only one contender out of 6 appeals to them and read/voted for that one.
Do you want an old classic or something recent or new?
Do you want an old classic or something recent or new?
123fuzzi
>122 cyderry: I don't have any recent 4 star mysteries to recommend, but two 3 1/2 star offerings:
Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King (2012)
The Brothers of Baker Street by Michael Robertson (2011)
I also have enjoyed Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie series, but have only read the first four. The last one I read, The Dog Who Knew Too Much, was also published in 2011.
Garment of Shadows by Laurie R. King (2012)
The Brothers of Baker Street by Michael Robertson (2011)
I also have enjoyed Spencer Quinn's Chet and Bernie series, but have only read the first four. The last one I read, The Dog Who Knew Too Much, was also published in 2011.
124cyderry
>>117 Helenliz: Thanks for the links - I can never remember how to tagmash!
>>122 cyderry: Never thought about looking at award winners. Will take a look.
>>123 fuzzi: I've read all the Mary Russells except for the Dreaming Spies which I got as an ER book! Saving it for the first book of 2015.
I'm trying not to do a book that's the middle of a series, I wouldn't mind the first in a series as long as it has a high rating. I always get nervous suggesting books to book club. I want everybody to enjoy a book I suggest.
Thanks for the help and great ideas - I'm off to more searching! (Even if I don't find a book to suggest to Book Club, I'm sure I'll find something for me!)
>>122 cyderry: Never thought about looking at award winners. Will take a look.
>>123 fuzzi: I've read all the Mary Russells except for the Dreaming Spies which I got as an ER book! Saving it for the first book of 2015.
I'm trying not to do a book that's the middle of a series, I wouldn't mind the first in a series as long as it has a high rating. I always get nervous suggesting books to book club. I want everybody to enjoy a book I suggest.
Thanks for the help and great ideas - I'm off to more searching! (Even if I don't find a book to suggest to Book Club, I'm sure I'll find something for me!)
125avatiakh
re Madeline's short story question - I read Tel Aviv Noir, one of the city noir series and really enjoyed 'Women' by Matah Hermoni which is about a writer sharing an apartment with a ghost.
126SqueakyChu
>125 avatiakh:
I won that book myself, but I can't seem to make it through earlier ER books at this time! :(
I won that book myself, but I can't seem to make it through earlier ER books at this time! :(
127fuzzi
>124 cyderry: I also got Dreaming Spies as an ER book, but read it right away. My review contains NO spoilers, none of my reviews do. :)
128Helenoel
Since I did not get Dreaming Spies this cycle, I'm glad to see who did. I really love that series. a few are not as good as others, but in general it is a winner.
129SqueakyChu
TIOLI Stats for November, 2104...
In November, 2014, there were 576 books read of which 106 or 18% were shared reads.
The most popular book of the month was Being Mortal by Atul Guwande with 4 readers.
The most popular TIOLI challenge was cyderry's challenge to read a book with an embedded word in the title. This challenge ended with 97 books.
The challenge with the most TIOLI points was Chatterbox's challenge to read a book by an author whose publication career spanned at least 15 years. This challenge accumulated 11 points.
The stats for this month look pretty steady. Good job!
Coming soon...the TIOLI Awards for November, 2014.
Happy Chanukah (which just ended where I am) and Merry Christmas!
In November, 2014, there were 576 books read of which 106 or 18% were shared reads.
The most popular book of the month was Being Mortal by Atul Guwande with 4 readers.
The most popular TIOLI challenge was cyderry's challenge to read a book with an embedded word in the title. This challenge ended with 97 books.
The challenge with the most TIOLI points was Chatterbox's challenge to read a book by an author whose publication career spanned at least 15 years. This challenge accumulated 11 points.
The stats for this month look pretty steady. Good job!
Coming soon...the TIOLI Awards for November, 2014.
Happy Chanukah (which just ended where I am) and Merry Christmas!
130elkiedee
Wow, I didn't even notice the Being Mortal book - haven't heard of it before but he's just done a series of 3 lectures which have been on the radio, really interesting listening, so might have to find that book.
131SqueakyChu
>130 elkiedee:
I haven't read Being Mortal yet, but that book was an LT ER book I recently won. I have read other books by Atul Gawande, all were excellent.
I haven't read Being Mortal yet, but that book was an LT ER book I recently won. I have read other books by Atul Gawande, all were excellent.
132Citizenjoyce
With your interest in aging, Madeline, I think you'll like it. I've quoted parts of it to so many people.
133SqueakyChu
>132 Citizenjoyce:
Not only an interest in aging, but, when I was working, I actively spoke with families of patients in hospice care. It's an important part of life cycle care and deserves great attention.
Sadly, the books I'm reading now are bogging me down. Even more sadly, none of them is bad enough to stop reading completely! :)
Not only an interest in aging, but, when I was working, I actively spoke with families of patients in hospice care. It's an important part of life cycle care and deserves great attention.
Sadly, the books I'm reading now are bogging me down. Even more sadly, none of them is bad enough to stop reading completely! :)
134SqueakyChu
The November, 2014, TIOLI Awards are announced!
The Is That All Award goes to paulstalder for identifying 10 embedded words in his read of Die Abenteuer des Arthur Gordon Pym by Edgar Allan Poe. The book was read for cyderry's challenge to read a book with an embedded word in the title. It might have helped to pick a book in German for this challenge. Good thinking!
The "B" Different Award goes to lindapanzo for reading C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton. This award is being given because it's the only book in lindapanzo's own challenge whose title does not begin with a vowel. Ha!
The Love Award goes to Helenliz for creating the challenge to read a book as an act of remembrance. This is a lovely way to honor those most dear to us. Thank you for doing this.
The Multiples Award goes to fuzzi for reading Bird Children: the Little Playmates of the Flower Children by Elizabeth Gordon and M.T. Ross. This challenger read a book whose title included multiple plurals. Good job!
The But Why Award goes to inge87 for reading 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed for Morphidae's challenge to read a book where the title completes the phrase "I am thankful for...". I can't even begin to think why someone would be thankful for this, but it gave me a great laugh...so I'm not asking!
The Nasal Award goes, of course, to paulstalder for his challenge to read a nosy book. That was such a fun and clever challenge. Gesundheit!
Congrats to all of our Award Winners!
The Is That All Award goes to paulstalder for identifying 10 embedded words in his read of Die Abenteuer des Arthur Gordon Pym by Edgar Allan Poe. The book was read for cyderry's challenge to read a book with an embedded word in the title. It might have helped to pick a book in German for this challenge. Good thinking!
The "B" Different Award goes to lindapanzo for reading C is for Corpse by Sue Grafton. This award is being given because it's the only book in lindapanzo's own challenge whose title does not begin with a vowel. Ha!
The Love Award goes to Helenliz for creating the challenge to read a book as an act of remembrance. This is a lovely way to honor those most dear to us. Thank you for doing this.
The Multiples Award goes to fuzzi for reading Bird Children: the Little Playmates of the Flower Children by Elizabeth Gordon and M.T. Ross. This challenger read a book whose title included multiple plurals. Good job!
The But Why Award goes to inge87 for reading 1177 BC: The Year Civilization Collapsed for Morphidae's challenge to read a book where the title completes the phrase "I am thankful for...". I can't even begin to think why someone would be thankful for this, but it gave me a great laugh...so I'm not asking!
The Nasal Award goes, of course, to paulstalder for his challenge to read a nosy book. That was such a fun and clever challenge. Gesundheit!
Congrats to all of our Award Winners!
135lindapanzo
I won a year end award!! How exciting. I never win. Thank you.
137fuzzi
>134 SqueakyChu: thanks! Someone in the TBSL group mentioned that book to me at just the right time, AND it was available online, too. :)
Congratulations to all the winners!
>135 lindapanzo: and congratulations to you, as well.
Congratulations to all the winners!
>135 lindapanzo: and congratulations to you, as well.
138JenMDB
I have been WAY too busy the past few months to engage on these TIOLI threads (saving all my precious moments for actually reading) but I want to say thank you to everyone for being here, creating these challenges and being my virtual book club even if I don't say much.
139paulstalder
>134 SqueakyChu: "Walking with my nose in the air, asking in a nasal tone: 'Is that all?'"
Oh wow. Madeline. I won two awards. A ten up my nose. I am speechless. But my nose is running. I will look for a nose ring of a frog with LT engraved.
Thank you very much, Madeline. I am also pleased about the distribution of the 'Love Award'. I was remembering someone but didn't read a book in her remembrance. I found it a good idea.
Oh wow. Madeline. I won two awards. A ten up my nose. I am speechless. But my nose is running. I will look for a nose ring of a frog with LT engraved.
Thank you very much, Madeline. I am also pleased about the distribution of the 'Love Award'. I was remembering someone but didn't read a book in her remembrance. I found it a good idea.
140SqueakyChu
>139 paulstalder:
Thank you very much, Madeline. I am also pleased about the distribution of the 'Love Award'. I was remembering someone but didn't read a book in her remembrance. I found it a good idea.
I wanted to be part of that challenge as well, but the the month didn't last long enough! :)
Thank you very much, Madeline. I am also pleased about the distribution of the 'Love Award'. I was remembering someone but didn't read a book in her remembrance. I found it a good idea.
I wanted to be part of that challenge as well, but the the month didn't last long enough! :)
141SqueakyChu
For those of you who are starting to look for the January, 2015, TIOLI challenges...do note that they cannot go up until @drneutron* starts the 75 Books in 2015 Challenge group. Just sayin', )
*waves to Jim* :D
*waves to Jim* :D
143lindapanzo
>141 SqueakyChu: The 2015 group is now up at: http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin2015
144Citizenjoyce
>143 lindapanzo: Thanks, you're too good. I've been looking but haven't been able to find it.
145SqueakyChu
>143 lindapanzo:
I guess it just went up today as I've been checking for it regularly as well.
Thanks, Jim!
I guess it just went up today as I've been checking for it regularly as well.
Thanks, Jim!
146fuzzi
>141 SqueakyChu: I have been nagging @drneutron to make the group, but he said it won't work: he's immune to nagging, as he's been married so long...
149SqueakyChu
My pleasure! :)
151Citizenjoyce
Ah, the Overlord is lurking.
152inge87
>141 SqueakyChu: I just saw this while doing research for January's challenge #19, thanks so much for the award! I'm not sure why anyone would be thankful for that either, and I read the book!
153SqueakyChu
Housekeeping Day
This is just a reminder to remove any book you don't finish by 12 midnight on 12/31/14 from the wiki.
Hope to see all of you on our 2015 TIOLI Challenges.
May you and your loved ones enjoy a terrific 2015.
Happy New Year!!
This is just a reminder to remove any book you don't finish by 12 midnight on 12/31/14 from the wiki.
Hope to see all of you on our 2015 TIOLI Challenges.
May you and your loved ones enjoy a terrific 2015.
Happy New Year!!
154elkiedee
Anyone with nothing better to do tonight (or today on the other side of the world, I guess, Happy New Year to those of you already in 2015). and who would like to finish that last book of the month, or get off to a cracking start in the New Year, and/or the January challenge.
Deborah is setting up a New Year Readathon
http://www.librarything.com/topic/185501
Deborah is setting up a New Year Readathon
http://www.librarything.com/topic/185501
