Bohemima's 2015 Book Walk, Part 1

Books Read

August
64. I Still Dream About You Fannie Flagg *novel* (2015 purchase0
63. Dogtripping David Rosenfelt *nonfiction* (2015 kindle purchase)
62. Planet of the Apes Pierre Boulle *science fiction* (nook shelves)
61. Hawaiian Shadows Book One: Wraith Edie Claire *YA* (Kindle Shelves)
60. A Fatal Winter G.M. Malliet *mystery* (kindle shelves)
59. Speedy Death Gladys Mitchell *mystery* (2015 purchase)
58. Quiet Susan Cain *nonfiction* (kindle shelves)
57. Death of an Old Git Andrea Frazer *mystery* (kindle shelves)
56.A Rattling of Old Bones Jonathan Ross *mystery* (gift)
55. Into the Green Charles de Lint *fantasy* (2015 purchase)

July
54. Best American Essays 2007 David Foster Wallace, ed. *nonfiction* (physical shelves)
53. St. Peter's Fair Ellis Peters *mystery* (physical shelves)
52. The Wooden Overcoat Pamela Brand *mystery* (physical shelves)
51. My Brilliant Career Miles Franklin *novel* (physical shelves)
50. The Mist Stephen King *horror* (2015 purchase)
49. The Twelfth Juror B.M. Gill *mystery/suspense* (2015 purchase)
48. The Diary of a Provincial Lady E.M. Delafield *novel* (2015 purchase)
47. Suspect B.M. Gill *mystery/suspense* (2015 purchase)

June
46. The Jane Austen Book Club Karen Joy Fowler *novel* physical shelf
45. Castle Rackrent Maria Edgeworth *novel* (2015 purchase)
44. The Handmaid's Tale Margaret Atwood *novel* (kindle shelf)
43. In One Person John Irving *novel* (kindle shelf)
42. Seminar for Murder B.M. Gill *mystery* (loaner)
41. The Devil's Highway Luis Alberto Urrea *nonfiction* (physical shelves)
40. Smilla's Sense of Snow Peter Hoeg *mystery/thriller/novel* (physical shelves)
39. The Night She Died Dorothy Smpson *mystery* (2015 purchase)

May
38. Homeric Moments Eva Brann *nonfiction* (physical shelves)
37. Roger Ebert's Bigger Little Movie Glossary Roger Ebert *nonfiction* (2015 purchase)
36. Playing with Fire Peter Robinson *mystery* (physical shelves)
35. Screening History Gore Vidal *nonfiction* (2015 purchase)
34. An Unkindness of Ravens Ruth Rendell *mystery* (physical shelves)
33. The Lighthouse P.D. James *mystery (physical shelves)
32. A Taste for Death P.D. James *mystery* (physical shelf)
31. Witches' Bane Susan Wittig Albert *mystery* (physicall shelf)
30. A Savage Place Robert B. Parker *mystery* (loaner)

April
29. The Oldest Dead White European Males Bernard Knox *nonfiction* (physical shelf)
28. Murder Runs in the Family Anne George *mystery* (physical shelf)
27. The Boomerang Clue Agatha Christie *mystery* (loaner)
26. Six Feet Under Dorothy Simpson *mystery* (loaner)
25. The Sea, the Sea Iris Murdoch *novel* (physical shelf)
24. The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu Sax Rohmer *novel* (kindle shelf)
23. Up Jumps the Devil Margaret Maron *mystery* (loaner)
22. You Get So Alone that It Just Makes Sense Charles Bukowski *poetry* (2015 purchase)
21. I am Malala Malala Yousafzai *autobiography* (gift)

March
20. Sins of the Fathers Ruth Rendell *mystery* (physical shelf)
19. Invisibles Book One Grant Morrison *graphic novel* (2015 purchase)
18. Eric Terry Pratchett *fantasy* (physical shelf)
17. Guards! Guards! Terry Pratchett *fantasy* (physical shelf)
16. The Moon and Sixpence W. Somerset Maugham *novel* (2015 purchase)
15. The Poe Shadow Matthew Pearl *novel/mystery* (physical shelf)
14. Darkness Visible William Styron *memoir* (physical shelf)
13. Mimi Malloy at Last *novel* Julia MacDonnell (gift)

February
12. I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie Roger Ebert *nonfiction* 2015 (Kindle purchase)
11. The Eustace Diamonds Anthony Trollope *novel* (2015 special purchase)
10. Why Read Moby Dick? Nataniel Philbrick *nonficition* 2015 purchase)
9. Atlantic Simon Winchester *nonfiction* (physical shelf)

January
8. An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England Brook Clarke *novel* (physical shelf)
7. Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Phillip K. Dick *fantasy/science fiction* (physical shelf)
6. The Case of the Missing Servant Tarquin Hall *mystery* (physical shelf)
5. The Franchise Affair Josephine Tey *mystery* (physical shelf)
4. A Pale View of Hills Kazuo Ishiguro *novel* (2015 purchase)
3. The Member of the Wedding Carson McCullers *novel* (e. shelf)
2. My Beloved World Sonia Sotomayor *nonfiction/memoir* (physical shelf)
1. Snow Crash Neal Stephenson *fantasy/science fiction* (e. shelf)

Books Bought

1. A Pale View of Hills Kazuo Ishiguro paper READ
2. Oleander, Jacaranda Penelope Lively paper
3. Quicksilver Neal Stephenson kindle
4 Savage Harvest Carl Hoffman kindle
5. 600 Hours of Edward Craig Lancaster kindle
6. Edward Adrift Craig Lancaster kindle
7. Miramont's Ghost Elizabeth Hall kindle
9. I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie Roger Ebert kindle READ
10. 27 Movies from the Dark Side Roger Ebertkindle READ
11. 33 Movies to Restore Your Faith in Humanity Roger Ebert kindle *No Touchstone
12. 30 Movies to Get You through the Holidays Roger Ebert kindle
13. Her Privates We Frederick Manning kindle
14. All Quiet on the Western Front Erich Maria Remarque kindle
15. The Little Stranger Sarah Waters paper
16. The Bookshop Penelope Lively kindle
17. My Cousin Rachel Daphne DuMarrier paper
18. Un Lun Dun China Mieville paper
19. The Siege Helen Dunmore paper
20. Christie Malry's Own Double-Entry B.S. Johnson paper
21. Regeneration Pat Barker paper
22. Odd Women George Gissing kindle
23. In the Heart of the Sea Nathaniel Philbrick paper
24. Why Read Moby Dick? Nathaniel Philbrick paper READ
25. Salaam Brick Lane Tarquin Hall paper
26. Frost in May Antonia White kindle
27. The Land of Spices Kate O'Brien kindle
28. The Lost Traveler Antonia White kindle
29. Murder as a Fine Art David Morrell kindle
30. Miss Hargreaves Frank Baker paper
31. The Eustace Diamonds Anthony Trollope paper READ
32. Glittering Images Susan Howatch kindle
33. Shakespeare on Stage Julian Curry kindle
34. New York Times Film Reviews: Best Picture Picks from the 80s Kindle
35. New York Times Film Reviews: Best Pictures from the 70's kindle
36. 5001 Nights a the Movies Pauline Kael kindle
37. Dodo A Detail of the Day volumes 1 and 2 E.F. Bensonkindle
38. Arundle E.F. Benson kindle
39. The Freaks of Mayfair E.F. Benson kindle
40. Where Desert Spirits Crowd the Night Charles de Lint kindle
41. The Very Best of Charles de Lint Charles de Lint Kindle
42. The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry Rachel Joyce kindle
43. Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush Ian MacLaren kindle
44. Uriah's War Andrea Levy kindle

Almost all the paper books are used...

I'm weak.

ETA: I think I need to abandon this section: I'm not so sure that it doesn't encourage me to go ever further into book buying...

Outstanding Books of 2014

1. Hollow Ground
a striking, intelligent first novel about life in the coal-mining regions of Pennsylvania

2. The Last Chronicle of Barset
Anthony Trollope winds up his Barsetshire series with much laughter and not a few tears

3. Bruno, Chief of Police
a great start to a new-to-me mystery series; I'm in love with Bruno

4. The Lace Reader
spooky and weird, plus in my favorite town: Salem, MA

5. Death Comes for the Archbishop
outstanding character study as well as brilliant sense of place and time
possibly the best book I read last year

6. The Professor and the Madman
Excellent and profoundly sad book about the origin of the OED, and how one who is mad to the point of criminality can make valuable contributions to life and culture

7. Mortal Love
Romantic fantasy; short but well worth reading

8. Gorgon
My best nonfiction read of 2014

9. Mapp and Lucia
One forgets that Lucia has a heart and compassion until one sees her with the dreadful Mapp.

10. Doc
Gee, I "don't like Westerns", but if this is a Western, I'll take 20, please.

11. Olive Kitteridge
I love this old bat.

12. The Nine
Want to see how the Supreme Court works? Read this.

13. Tales of the City
Even I can fall in love with a big city.

I have no concrete plans this year. A little bit of this, a little bit of that...as my fancy takes me is about it. I'm interested in the AAC II, the BAC, and of course Liz's assorted forays into the old and the obscure, but I'm pretty much drifting this year, just to see what happens.

I hope it's OK for me to go ahead and post..... Happy New Year, Gail! How I hope that 2015 is more than kind to you - it's time!!!
This comes with a wish that your reading may waft you into pleasant, interesting, exciting places. I look forward to following you!

New-to-Me Authors in 2015

1. Neal Stephenson
will read more
2. Sonia Sotomayor
*The book probably was a one-off, but I'd read another by her
3. Tarquin Hall
Surely this isn't his real name? I'll read more
4. Phillip K. Dick
my goodness--a very lucky discovery
5. Nathan Philbrick
What I've read is great, but topics seem limited.
6 Roger Ebert
Many a mental argument with this bright and funny man; this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
7. Julie MacDonnell
would try another by this author
8. Brook Clarke
we're done
9. Grant Morrison
definitely reading the rest of The Invisibles series
10. Charles Bukowski
A new poet! Yay!
11. Malala Yousafzai
I'd try another.
12. Margaret Maron
we're done*
13. Sax Rohmer
Just when you think the old books are better, along comes this...
14. Iris Murdoch
Holy cow! Don't know if I'm really up to this author.
15. Dorothy Simpson
Will read lots more
16. Bernard Knox
limited subject area, but lots of introductions to classical works, so yes, would read more
17. Eva Brann
I'd read anything this woman wrote!
18. Peter Hoeg
no more--too dark for me, but a good writer

Always OK to post, Peggy; I thought I'd never get here!

Series Finished/Up to Date in 2015

1. Alan Grant series, Josephine Tey

2. Dr. Siri Colin Cotterill
I loved the first book; couldn't get beyond page 40 in the second, and so am finished with the series.

3. Nevada Barr series
I think I read one or two of these years ago--maybe. Now? Very clunky writing, imo, and just...no. So, another series I'm done with.

starred :)

Welcome back!

Gail! You're here, and so am I! *hugs* to you my dear friend

Gail, there's not a thing wrong with drifting through the year with your reading as long as you come back here and share your adventures with us. Wishing you a Happy New Year of uplifting reading.

>9 mckait: Kath, how ah ya? I'm still with the sick, but gaining on it slowly.

>10 drneutron: Jim, Thanks for the welcome! Life hasn't been the same for me since I joined the 75ers. I'm glad you choose to keep this going; it brings pleasure, connection, and fun to many people.

>11 AuntieClio: Stephanie! I miss you! Unfortunately CA isn't in my immediate plans (there's the whole money thing), but I'd sure love to see you again in person. Sean enjoyed our lunch very much as well.

>12 Donna828: Donna, I'm glad you found your way to my thread. I'll be here, posting my often iconoclastic views of the books I read.

Two completely different books done to date. Short reviews no later than this week-end. I've been under the weather, and will be having company briefly, but I'll get to them as soon as I can.

>13 Matke: I miss you too! Two hours were not enough. I'm happy to have to spemt the time with both of you.

Hi Gail! I'm glad to have found your thread and will happily follow along with your drifting this year.

>15 Cobscook: Heidi, most glad to see you here. My aim is to keep current with by books read and books bought through the year...well, hope springs eternal.

Looking for a 4th book; something light, maybe...mystery? Dunno

Doing the fairly tedious but sometimes surprising cataloging of books. I think it's going to be the be only way of stopping the duplicate buying. At least I hope it will stop the duplicate buying. Boy, it takes forever, though.

I dream of organizing my books.....
and will probably continue to do so.

:P

Welcome back Gail!

>3 Matke: The Last Chronicle of Barset made my best of 2014 list too - it was a lovely end to the series :-)

>4 Matke: 'I'm interested in the AAC II, the BAC, and of course Liz's assorted forays into the old and the obscure'

I love that description of Liz's reading. I wasn't planning to join in with the AAC II but all the reviews of Carson McCullers' books have piqued my interest so I'll probably get lots of recommendations from it to read later in the year.

Sorry to hear you've been feeling under the weather :-(

Nice to see you back posting, reading and purchasing with such abandon Gail. Looks like you may have to take over my mantle this year on the acquisitionary part of things. Presently you hae me 14-0.

Have a good weekend dear lady.

Welcome back! I hope to follow along with your reading this year.

>19 souloftherose: Heather, I love reading Liz's thread. Often there are books and pieces of information there that I find fascinating--and she's funny, as well.

>20 PaulCranswick: Paul, you may see a pattern to some of my purchasing> ;>)

>21 arubabookwoman: Deborah, I'm glad we've made contact again! Last year wasn't my very best at LT. Trying to do better this year.`

Found you! Thank you, Gail, that's lovely to hear. Love seeing Trollope on your Best Of list, too! :)

Hi, Gail! I've finally found you!

I'm kind of drifting this year too, just reading what I please. I refuse to get drawn into any convoluted challenges or group reads of things that I'm not in the mood for.

Hope you're feeling better, Gail. I look forward to your first four reviews! I can't wait to see what you thought of Snow Crash. I read it almost as soon as it came out, and it blew me away. I've hesitated to reread - afraid that it may have dated badly.

>23 lyzard: Liz, I'm glad you found me! Three of my all-time favorite books are from the Barchester series. I know The Eustace Diamonds is coming up sometime this year, and I'd like to give The Way We Live Now a go on my own...perhaps in the summer, perhaps next week; who knows?

>24 tymfos: Terri, welcome! This is definitely going to be a year of drift for me. I'm interested, as I said, in the BAC and the AACII, but from a different point of view than many others. If I see authors/titles that seem intriguing or completely new, I'll give them a look-see--but not necessarily at the same time as those attempting to complete a challenge. One thing I've learned here at LT: with the best will in the world, I'm not a challenge person.

>25 LizzieD: Peggy, still a bit under the weather, but definitely feeling stronger and more ready to take on the world. I do see, though, that this will be a big reading year for me. At least I think I see that.

Book 1: Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
From my kindle shelves

What a ride!

Snow Crash has a thrill-a-minute plot, engaging characters, and enough technology to please any young fantasy reader.

Which I am not.

While the above story elements kept me turning the pages, it was the skewed references to the U.S., its government policies and its history, along with plenty of obvious or obscure cultural hints, which kept me completely engaged.

The true geeks among us will, I am sure, find this dated. As a quarter-geek, I found it kind of eerie in its presentation of "the Metaverse" with the real world alongside, or behind, it.

For me, the story or Hiro Protagonist (listen, if Stephenson can get the reader to accept this sort of pun, he's got to be doing something right) does get kind of bogged down with too many plot threads. I think it would help to read this book straight through, without breaking for other reading.

The nearly constant humor was a huge plus. This book is really, really funny.

3.9 stars

Book 2: My Beloved World by Sonia Sotomayor
From my paperback shelves

I've been impressed by Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor since I watched her confirmation hearing; I thought she handled herself and her questioners skillfully and without rancor. I'd wanted to read this autobiography since I heard an interview with the author on NPR, which added to my high opinion of her.

This book doesn't detract from those favorable feelings about Sotomayor. She tells her almost unbelievable story of rising from the Bronx Projects to become a member of our highest court without preening and without defensiveness.

Her loving memories of what in truth had to be at best a difficult childhood and adolescence show how much a caring and supportive family can help to guide a young person to the right path. However, she doesn't hesitate to include the story of her cousin, who turned to drugs despite having the same nurturing family. Interestingly, she posits the idea that it's easier to follow society's dictates if one is a female in that environment. Sotomayor also makes it clear that brains and an iron will are necessary factors in her success.

The book bogs down a bit with some repetitiveness. At the same time, I wanted to know more of her story when I finished reading.

3.5 stars

Book 3 The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers
Off my e-shelves

I think McCullers is an acquired taste, like olives and mushrooms. Fortunately for me, I've acquired a taste for all three.

Our heroine, Frankie, is 12, bored, out-of-sorts, and hot in her small Southern town. All she has to look forward to during this draggingly long summer is her brother's wedding. And look forward to it she does!

As Frankie is a complete innocent, she believes that she not only will be a part of the wedding, but will blithely accompany her brother and his new bride on their honeymoon (and presumably for the rest of their lives).

Okay, that seems an absurd premise and that Frankie is simply a figure of fun. Not so. McCullers shows Frankie's slow awakening to things only dimly understood as she wanders around town, completely without escort or guidance. The book is divided in two parts; the second part turns quite a bit darker as this girl ventures into places where she doesn't belong, makes mistakes, and shows a fairly alarming streak of anger in her character.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, but it's not for everyone. It's weird and McCullers' view of life is distinctly off-kilter. Still, recommended for those who enjoy Southern Gothic or the off-beat.

4.5 stars

Book 4 A Pale View of Hills by Kazuo Ishiguro
2015 purchase (paper)

Ishiguro's first novel is hard to review without giving away key plot elements.

Etsuko, a Japanese emigre to England, is led to review some of her life in Japan by the suicide of her older daughter.

She mentally revisits Post WWII Nagasaki and her life there as a young married woman, especially her interaction with a friend, Satsuko.

Beautifully written, this book is extremely disturbing. For me, the message is about the unreliability and fragility of memory. Others may have a completely different take on it.

3.7 stars

>29 Matke: Gail, I loved your review of The Member of the Wedding. Frankie, or F. Jasmine as she wanted to be called, was a hoot, wasn't she? It brought back all the conflicting feelings of being on the teenager cusp again. I don't think today's parents would understand the freedom we had back then. I remember riding my bike miles away from home and my mother hadn't a clue! As long as I did chores and was there for meals, I could be a free spirit.

You are indeed starting off a Big Reading Year! Good for you...

>26 Matke: If you're thinking "next week", Gail, the group read of The Eustace Diamonds is set for February. :)

>28 Matke: That looks interesting. Brainy, though.

>31 Donna828: My brother and I were recently discussing how much freedom we had as children; he mentioned that once the bicycle was mastered, parental control really started to slip. I remember that delicious sense of being free every time I got on my bike...loved it. Not doing anything remotely wrong; just able to decide for myself. Ah. Heaven.

As for the big reading year: well, maybe. Let's hope so.

>32 lyzard: Liz, there's some serendipity. I'll be looking over E.D. I understand it's somewhat of a Vanity Fair sort of story? I'll be with you, anyway.

>33 mckait: Kath, not at all. I mean, she's obviously brainy enough for five or six of us, but the book reads along quite easily.

That's great to hear, Gail! I'm not sure about the comparison with Vanity Fair, though - possibly in respect to its having a rather unscrupulous "heroine"?

Hi Gail! I love your comments about The Member of the Wedding, which I hope to read soon (probably not this month).

Now that you mention it, I also have wonderful memories of the freedom provided by going for a bike ride. It was one way to have true solitude: just riding around the neighborhood, covering the same territory again and again, just me in my own head and feeling the wind in my hair. Thanks for evoking those memories for me!

Hi Gail!

>27 Matke: Glad you enjoyed Snow Crash so much. I have that one so I'm glad to hear it's a fun read.

>29 Matke: All the positive reviews of Carson McCullers' books this month have definitely made me interested in trying some of her books.

>30 Matke: That was the message I took away from A Pale View of Hills too.

Hi Gail. Found and starred:-)

About your Outstanding Books of 2014 list:

Love seeing the Bruno book there as I have the first three and would like to start at some point.
Olive, Last Chronicle, Death Comes, and Doc - YES, YES, YES, and YES indeed!

The Professor and the Madman was downloaded at least a year ago and will definitely be read this year. I think.

Mapp and Lucia is up next for me in the series:-)

I'm planning to read The Eustace Diamonds too but it may be after the GR. Not sure as, like you, I'm just reading what I feel like reading. Very liberating.

Ooooo, visitors! Very nice!

>35 lyzard: Liz, yes, that's precisely it. Apparently our heroine is none too scrupulous. I just read somewhere that Trollope's notes or autobio. indicate that he had Miss Becky definitely in mind when writing E.D.
I got a paperback copy of this one, as I prefer a first read of any classic to be in p.b.; so handy for notes, questions, etc.

>36 EBT1002: Ellen, I'm glad I brought back those good memories for you. I was mad for my bike as a kid; if I had thought to name it, "Freedom" would have been my choice.

Of course, there were many afternoons when I'd come smashing back into the house, only to hear my mother say, "Get in the bathroom! Don't bleed on the rug!" as I was a risk-taker and a bit clumsy along with it.

McCullers is not everybody's taste, but A Member of the Wedding is a good place to start.

>37 souloftherose: Heather, I have several more Stephenson works stored up on my kindle for a rainy day...week...month. He is entertaining, for sure.

As I've said, McCullers isn't for everyone, as her work is dark and skewed from the normal. But Frankie's story is a good place to start.

The Ishiguro was difficult for me to understand, but beautifully written and moody, in a good way.

>38 brenzi: Bonnie, welcome! Good to see some agreement on favs of 2014.

Oddly enough, right now I'm reading Atlantic, also by Winchester. This interesting (and funny...who knew?) enormous book has been sitting around the house for 4 years! I'm not going for numbers or anything else this year except my own interests and pleasure.

Mapp and Lucia is my favorite in the series; I know Lucia can be...annoying, but wait until you see Mapp in action along with her! Very funny and soothing to the troubled mind.

On the group reads: Liz is the soul of patience; I either finish way ahead or months behind, yet she never says, 'For cryin' out loud! Are you with us or not?!" And one can access the discussion and her helpful background info. at any time.

flyby xx

>40 Matke: Hey, I'm just glad to have reading company! With most of my books, I'm so alone... :D

I found the shift in sympathy you tend to experience during Mapp And Lucia rather fascinating; talk about manipulating your readers!

>41 AuntieClio: And xx back to you! Hoping things are smoother. But here's a thing: I have great health insurance (well, as great as it gets). I've had a rather pressing problem for 4 solid weeks. Called the gastro folks: they can get me in Feb. 4. One hopes I'll not have ished my brains out, whatever is left of them, by that time. So yeah, American health care is simply a crap shoot: one tries and tries and tries, and then hopes that it might possibly work out.
Or not.

>42 lyzard: Liz, you're not alone with your books! I mean, you may be alone in actually reading a lot of them, but I'm sure that I'm not the only one following your book adventures along your thread. Oh, and the blog, too.

And yes, Benson is a manipulative writer. Sometime try his Mrs. Ames if you can squeeze it in. Very engaging, and shows his sharp observations of domestic life. He wrote quite a few ghost stories, too, but somehow I find them less engaging--and I love ghost stories. I'm kind of looking for more of his work, because I think he's a much underappreciated writer, except for the Lucia books.

>43 Matke: I'm convalescing after surgery and can't read anything that needs much effort but I've just re-read my way through the whole Mapp and Lucia series (for the umpteenth time) and it was lovely. I also watched and enjoyed the latest TV adaptation, which was shown over Christmas here in UK.

Hi Gail! Loved your reviews of the McCullers and Ishiguro you read this month. The AAC II and BAC are enlarging my reading horizons for the better too.

My bike was also my key to freedom as a kid. I would leave the house in the morning and not return until supper. My mom never knew where we were and as long as we reported in for supper it was just fine. We were swimming in the river, meeting up at various friend's houses, hitting up the local general store for a plate of french fries (for $1 we got a huge plate we could all share). Of course my town had a population of about 500 people, at least half of whom I am related to, so I suppose someone always knew where we were! Those were great days.

>44 CDVicarage: Kerri, I sympathize with you on recovering/not feeling well and trying to read. For about 30 years my go-to authors in those circumstances were Christie and Sayers; I knew the plots nearly by heart and could simply relax into the story for the ambiance. Now I turn to other things equally light, but I've kept a smallmedium collection of those two authors--just in case, or for sentimental reasons, or both. I would recommend Mrs. Ames as a work to get well with.

>45 Cobscook: Heidi, thanks for the kind words. On the AAC II, I've read most and heard of all the authors, but on the BAC, there are several quite new to me. Maugham is looking interesting to me right now; the two books I've read by him have been marvelous, although Of Human Bondage is pretty sad and quite long. Still...plenty of his other, shorter works to read.
As I pointed out above, Challenges for me are a quite massive Fail, so I just pick and choose my books and times.

My Dad was asst. postmaster in our small town (25,000; I guess small city would describe it better; but it had a small town feel to us, colonial and all) and everyone in town seemed to know him. So we were never far from watching eyes, whether we knew it or not.

I've been reading along in Atlantic and somehow found An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England. Both have been in the house since January of 2011! Some how I read half of the Arsonist book but then stopped reading a long time ago. I'm past the remembered part now, and anticipate finishing it by Jan. 31.

Gail, someone caught our shenanigans in pictures. You better come look!

> Stephanie, I saw that. Perhaps not at my very best in one of them, but certainly it's the natural me! Thanks for posting them.

I think I'm done buying books, with the possible exception of something for a guided or group read. It so really, really tedious to enter a bunch of books at one time.

Seriously.

Gail, I forgot to tell you how much I love the name of your thread. Walking through books…although sometimes I feel like I'm running! I saw your pictures with Stephanie. It looked like a fun time. How cool that you could get together.

I remember when I joined LT and got so tired of posting books. I had lists of all my books read for several years. I finally just posted the ones where I could remember part of the plot or certain characters. I figured if I couldn't remember a thing about a book that it wouldn't hurt me to read it again! And was I ever glad when I got through those lists.

I like the name of your thread, too. It just feels good.

"Walking Through Books" does feel good - a lot better than "Wallowing in Books," which is my unhappy tendency.
I'm glad to have had a look at your reading, and maybe all this Carson McC. love will get me finally to try her out. What a hole for a Southerner!
I hope that if you're still needing medical attention that your long-awaited appointment will give it to you. I'll be checking back!

>49 Donna828:, >50 EBT1002:, and >51 LizzieD: Donna, Ellen, and Peggy, thank you for visiting!

I really am "walking through books" this year. It takes me a long time to internalize that I can relax--when I was teaching, it was 2 or 3 weeks into Summer Break before I figured out that I didn't have to do every single thing At. Once.

But now I'm settling down into real retirement, and the frantic "gotta do this, gotta read that" feelings are (mostly) gone. My reading this year may have some inter-related works or may just be completely random. Most likely a combination of both.

I did finally see the dr., a very sweet person, and of course am scheduled for everyone's favorite medical test. Never mind. It needs to be done, and then won't have to be done for another 5 years, I hope.

Books 5 and 6 may have taught me something. I had started Book 6, which on the surface is extremely lightweight, and suddenly remembered that Book 5 would finish up the Alan Grant series by Josephine Tey for me, so read it instead, thinking that it would be less lightweight.

Well.

Book 5 The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey
Off my pysical shelves

Tey based this book on a true case from the 1800's. In a fairly small English village, a woman who lives alone with her aged mother is suddenly accused of abducting and mistreating a young girl.

While there is no physical evidence to show that the girl had been in the house, the girl's testimony is quite damning, as she describes everything with complete accuracy.

A local attorney, bored out of his skull with routine work, is enlisted to help save the two ladies from incarceration for kidnapping.

The story is enlivened by the dry humor of the main characters. However, I found it mostly uninteresting and have to admit to skipping about 50 pages in order to see the solution, and then going back to complete the book.

3.0 stars

Book 6 The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall
Off My physical shelves

This is the "fluffy" book I put aside to read the "more serious" (or better written, or whatever I was thinking) book by Tey.

Lesson learned.

Our hero, Vish Puri, is a very human one. He runs a detective agency in Delhi, where things are somewhat different than they might be in the U.S. or the U.K. He takes his company motto, "Confidentiality is our watchword" seriously. He's portly, patient, persistent, and extremely clever.

Although most of Puri's (fondly known as "Chubby") cases come from pre-marriage investigations, he's consulted on other things as well, including possible murders. In this first book of the series, he'w working on a marriage case when he's asked to help a lawyer who's accused of murdering a servant.

On the surface, Hall's book seems a funny take on detectives, much like the Botswana series by McCall-Smith, but don't make the mistake of thinking that they're in the same class. They couldn't be more different.

Although the book is funny enough to make the reader laugh out loud in places, Hall has written with a thinly veiled undercurrent of anger at the corruption, mismanagement, and blindness of the Indian government. This reader enjoyed learning about both the pleasant ambiance of Delhi and the hidden rot in the city.

Most highly recommended to those who like some meat and some humor with their mysteries.

4.5 stars

Sorry The Franchise Affair was a disappointment but glad you enjoyed the Tarquin Hall! I've had that series on my list of series to try for a while - I will see if the library has it.

>55 souloftherose: Heather, I hope you can find a T. Hall book; I think he's going to turn into a favorite author for me.

Book 7 An Arsonist's Guide to Writer's Homes in New England Brock Clarke
Off my physical shelves

Oh dear. Another of those books that let me know how little memory I have of big chunks of time in the more or less recent past. Somehow I read perhaps a third of this book, put it down, and completely forgot about it. As I was reading it this time, I slowly realized that I had read quite a bit of it, and did remember where I had stopped.

Anyway. Parts of this book seemed to hold promise that it would be a lot better than it finally turned out to be. The narrator, a youngish man with a wife and two kids, relates some backstory about having accidentally burned down Emily Dickinson's house and, sadly, killed two people in the process. He spent some time in prison and upon release starts a new life...but doesn't tell his wife about his past.

The son of the arson victims tracks him down and proceeds to make his life an unmerry hell. As things become progressively worse and impossibly complicated, the story deteriorates into a jumble of events that don't make sense. The ending is completely unsatisfactory. 2 sorry stars

Book 8 Atlantic Simon Winchester
Off my physical shelves

The subtitle of this book is "The Biography of an Ocean" and that's a pretty fair description of the book. Winchester takes us from man's first tentative explorations of what must have been a huge and frightening body of water right up to present-day oil spills and other disasters.

The book is full of little-known anecdotes about Atlantic voyages and about man's discovery of some of what lies beneath those enormous waves. The story is told chronologically and is quite an easy read. Winchester's love of the sea is clear and endearing, at least to this reader. Having grown up on the Atlantic coast, there wasn't a lot of material I was unfamiliar with, but I enjoyed reading the book and refreshing my memory.

Winchester's easy, familiar style makes this book a really pleasant way to learn about the complicated history of the Atlantic.

3.7 happy stars.

>56 Matke: - I had a similar reaction to Clarke's book The Happiest People in the World. I have decided that I am not the target audience for his writing and will avoid An Arsonist's Guide. Great review!

Hi, Gail! I was just noting what you said on Terri's thread about having a "challenge-free year". This is a particularly challenge-heavy year, it seems to me, and I'm not doing any of them either---which I must admit has left me feeling even more out of the loop than usual; there are so many conversations out there I can't participate in! So I thought I would drop in and say "Hi!" to my fellow iconoclast! :D

(Of course, when I say "challenge-free" I'm not talking about the infinite challenges in my own head...!)

>58 lkernagh: Lori, thank you. And thanks for the tip about the other Clarke book. Apparently he's just not the author for us.

>59 lyzard: Liz, I get caught up in a challenge and then suddenly reading's not fun but a chore. I always think, "Wow, great ideas!" Apparently challenges (at least in reading) don't work for me.

I've read most of the authors on tap, and may read more of their work sometime or other--it is a bit limiting in the chatting department, though. I had intended to cut back a bit this year anyway, so not a problem.

Challenges in your head? Whatever do you mean?

Happy Birthday to you my friend. And btw, thanks for that. The friendship that is... because friendship is a gift.

Challenges in your head? Whatever do you mean?

No, no---not THAT sort of challenge in my head! :D

I just mean the challenges I invent for myself and that direct so much of my reading, as opposed to the group ones that mostly I manage to steer clear of.

Ooh, happy birthday!

SO is this where all the people who are ignoring challenges are gathering? If so I'm in the right place I guess. It's been so free-ing this year to just read whatever my heart desires. No pressure to get something read according to some preconceived idea or according to what month we're in. I'm so much happier with where I am with my reading. I liked The Franchise Affair much more than you did Gail but you've piqued my interest in the Hall book.

ETA Happy, happy and many, many more!

A seemingly slightly belated happy birthday to you, dear lady.

Had a great birthday with my brother and brother-in-law. We hung out around the house, I got quite a few books (good heavens! who knew?), then we went out for a marvelous dinner at our best local Thai place. Ate way, way too much, and I paid for it last night and will pay today, abut it was so worth it!

Birthday book treats:

The Old Neighborhood by Avery Corman

The Time Traveler's Guide to Elizabethan England by Ian Mortimer

Why Orwell Matters by Christopher Hitchens

Long Summer Day by R. F. Delderfield

The Book of Merlyn by T. H. White

and

Tale of Gengi

All books I've wanted very much.

Damn it Gail! ;-) The Mortimer book is the fifth book bullet I've been hit with since our acquaintance. :-P

Belated birthday wishes, Gail and a nice book haul!

Oh Delderfield! I used to read his books... long, but worth it. And The Book of Merlin. The unpublished bits pulled from Once and Future King, for being so controversial. I love both of those books.

Old Neighborhood looks interesting..

Belated happy birthday!

Hello to Kath, Liz, Bonnie, Paul, Stephanie, Heather, and Terri! Always glad to see visitors, and thanks for the b'day wishes. They do sneak up on one after, well, after 60 or so.

I'm back, at least for today. Various small health problems have kept me from posting, mostly, but I have been lurking!

Something fascinating to me is how people choose books to read. Many want entertainment or to be whisked away to another world; some like to read books set in familiar places, or alternatively in places they've never been or will be; some choose by subject matter (e.g.: baseball or Ancient Greece); some seek out favorite authors; still others use some form of chronology to pick their reads.

And some use all of the above plus total randomness. That would be me.

I'm finishing up a couple of books, trying to squeeze them in before February is over. This has been a challenging month for me in many ways, but life might settle down sometime.

A belated happy birthday! The Time Traveller's Guide to Elizabethan England is on my wishlist. I hope it's good!

>72 cbl_tn: Carrie, hi! Thank you for the b'day wish. My mum's birthday and my own are only 2 days apart, and the confusion that has caused the family over the years is surprising and amusing.

I read The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England a couple of years ago and loved it; I'm hoping the author has produced another winner.

So. January was a bang-up month for reading; February has fallen fairly flat. I'd like to say the little health problems are to blame, but it may be sheer inertia and laziness...also a maddening tendency to be distracted. How and when did that happen? Oh for the dear dead days when I would plow through book after book with very few pauses.

I have two books I'd really like to finish before midnight on the 28th. I'm pretty sure I can get that done.

Oh! In an amazing score yesterday, I picked up a copy of the extremely controversial Moon Tiger while I was volunteering at the library bookstore. Price? $1.00!! Who could resist that?

Never mind.

VOLUNTEERING ?

What about your knee? Did you leave it at home?

I sat down the whole time. Really. A patron brought in a bag of donations and there was the book, just waiting for me. I have to admit, though, that I'm paying for it today. But I can't just sit at home!!

I might get stale and moldy, like old bread.

I feel stale and moldy now... ahchoo!

Hi Gail,
$1 for a Moon Tiger! Cool. So, how do you like volunteering at the library bookstore? I have actually considered it myself.
But I'm even more curious to know if you got snow? I heard someplace in AL got a foot of snow???? Yikes. Is nothing sacred?
Hope you are staying warm.

Winchester is a funny one - simultaneously good but also .... prosaic, a little plodding? But never too much. Kind of interesting how he stays on the edge that way.

>78 mckait: , I hope you're feeling at least a bit better, Kath? How's that congestion thing going? And of course Lovely Lola must be helping.

>79 -Cee-: , I really enjoy volunteering at the library store. The work is really easy, I have a congenial co-worker, and of course there are the occasional bargain books...there must be a 75er in Columbus, because I find books from the Challenges all the time.

We had no snow here. It's been a couple of years since the last time. The most I've seen is 6 inches. Last year there was an issue with ice--well, if you're not used to it, it can be pretty scary. The white-knuckle brigade was out in full force.

On the other hand, we've had temps down under 20, which is pretty chilly for here. I try to stay in on those days, but somehow must go out for something.

>80 sibylline: , Lucy, I think you've got Winchester pegged pretty well. While I've enjoyed many of his books, sometimes they do, well, drag just a teeny bit. The reader has to be in just the right mood...

Dismal reading totals for February. I'm not sure why, although I've a few ideas. I'm going to try a bit harder in March to focus more on books and less on...trivia.

I've had some little health issues, as mentioned, nothing serious, but tending to make me tired, sleepy, and out of sorts. I hope that those are going to get better now, so that I can move on with more interesting things. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things.

This is the No Plans Year, so I'll be doing a few re-reads and counting them in my totals. We'll see what happens. Maybe I'll get hooked on a particular subject or author and just buzz on through his/her works.

Book 9: Why Read Moby Dick? Nathaniel Philbrick
2015 purchase

Why did I buy this? Who knows? I have no intention of re-reading M.D. any time soon. I guess I was curious to see what kind of argument could be made for reading such a huge thing that most people dislike (although I liked it immensely a few years ago).

Turns out there are several reasons for dipping into M.D., including but not limited to Shakespearean references, a terrific adventure story, bizarre humor, and the tortured life of Ahab. This slim book is easy to read, fun and funny, and yet has a serious undertone about reading one of America's great classics.

Book 10 The Eustace Diamonds Anthony Trollope
2015 paper purchase; also on kindle

My, this old classic turned out to be far more controversial than I would have anticipated.

Like most of Trollope's work, this is a long book. I think reading it pays off, though, if one has any interest in Victorian life in the 1860's era. Most of the characters are less than admirable and keep their eyes directly on the main chance (in this case, money; social and political position runs second to financial concerns).

Lizzie, our main character, is a selfish and quite stupid woman who will lie, and lie badly, when the truth would serve her better. The plot revolves around some diamonds that Lizzie insists are hers, although others think they belong to the estate of her late husband. It's a bit complicated to explain, but the situation is quite clear within the novel.

Lizzie is advised by her cousin Frank and several others, but she makes her own decisions, all of them bad. Sounds dreadful, doesn't it?

And yet I found the book to have an undercurrent of almost bitter irony, inviting the reader to laugh at the machinations of the characters, most of which come to naught.

This novel is quite a change from the Barsetshire stories, but is refreshing in its complete lack of sentimentality.

Delurking to say thanks for the giggle of self-recognition at >83 Matke: Why did I buy this? Who knows? :-)

I'm glad to be back on track with you, Gail. Your birthday haul looks tasty, and I hope you fall into the Love (or at least Like) Moon Tiger camp.
Like you, I expected to read without stopping in these retirement years and am distressed to find myself often distracted. Better in March!
And I'm happy to hang out in the No-Challenge district, at least for now. (Now if I could clear my brain of Liz-type challenges, I'd be a happy hanger-outer.)
I say that I love Moby-Dick, but I didn't reread it in my 60s, and this is sort of the last year of the decade for the every-20-years reread. We'll see. It's out on the table.

>83 Matke: I know that one is already on my wish list. I doubt I'll get to it anytime soon though.

>84 Matke: Nice review of The Eustace Diamonds. I think it will end up being one of his more memorable books for me just because of all the discussion it generated.

>85 charl08: Charlotte, glad to see you here! I had no idea you were lurking around.

That about says it all, doesn't it? "I have no idea why I bought this book." Usually I do have a tiny inkling of what prompted me, but in the case of Why Read Moby Dick? I have none, other than my interest in the original book.

Dropped my star on your thread and was impressed by your reading this year--both the quantity and the quality.

>86 LizzieD: Peggy, glad to be in the neighborhood with you as well. I'm looking forward to Moon Tiger just to see what I think of it. The premise sounds interesting, and I don't mind characters who are, well, who are perhaps not the people one would like to be best friends with.

I'm still resisting challenges successfully. I did start that new (to me) mystery series about Vish Puri, and would like to read more of it, simply because I found the first one so engaging. Of course I thought the same thing about the Dr. Siri books, but the first one was the only entry I liked.

I'm considering some re-reading this year--did I say that already? I hope my fond memories are renewed.

>87 thornton37814: Lori, I really liked Philbrick's little book. He uses humor to help readers overcome the intimidation usually associated with Moby Dick. It's short and a quick read.

>88 cbl_tn: Carrie, i enjoyed The Eustace Diamonds in part because it's so different from most of Trollope's work. There's no sugar coating in this one; even the sweet female character looks a bit wimpy rather than a paragon of devotion.

I seem to be overwhelmed by choices. Must buckle down and just read through several of these books lying around. I want to read them; I'm interested in them; but somehow, the flesh is weak.

One of the things I really wanted to do this year is keep up with (at least) pocket reviews. I seem to have done fairly well so far, with one book forgotten and 2 more to do, so that's today's assignment here on LT.

First up is the one I forgot to make notes on.

Book 11 Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? Philip K. Dick
Physical Collection

Huh. Now I see why I "forgot" to review this: I'm not sure what to say. Did I like it? Yes.
Would I read another by this author? Yes.
Briefly describe the book. Umm...

It's hard to say much about this without giving away the plot, although I'm sure most people are at least peripherally aware of it, because "Blade Runner."

We're in the future, a future where most work is done by androids, where some people have gone to live on Mars, where one can change one's mood instantly...it's not a pretty place. The androids seem to be deciding that maybe a "real" life would be more attractive...and that can't happen.

Eerily reminiscent of slavery, Androids is an uncomfortable book to read. The ending is, to me, unsatisfactory and depressing. Still, I would look at another Philip K. Dick book just to see if his outlook is consistently this bleak.

Some brief moments of humor here and there, but not much.

I confess that I haven't read PKD - sad for somebody who says that she likes scifi. My experience has been that I don't particularly like the efforts from the 50s, but that's no reason to avoid one who did his best work in the 60s and is pretty iconic.
I wish you happiness in your rereading! That's a luxury I also enjoy. Of course, when a fondly remembered book disappoints, that's devastating, but may if seldom happen to both of us!

Book 12 I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie Roger Ebert
2015 kindle purchase

It's much easier to review a bad book or movie: one can make use of dark humor, snarky remarks, and general black moods to get off a few zingers.
Ebert does that in this book--he even asks forgiveness for some cheap shots, claiming mental stress from watching the silly things--but he also takes the time to assess why the movies are bad and what might have saved them from being the stinkers they are.

Most of the films he considers are so bad as to be sickening ("Caligula"). or so silly as to be suitable for very few people ("Cannonball Run II"). Naturally I disagreed with him a couple of times, although his arguments are cogent and reasonable. I can become emotionally attached to a movie even if I know it's not all it should be.

A couple of examples to give a flavor of the book:

Of "U-Turn"
Only Oliver Stone knows what he was trying to accomplish by making 'U-Turn", and it is a secret he doesn't share with the audience.

On "Sidney Sheldon's Bloodlines"
After six months, a week, and two days of suspense, we can now relax: The worst movie of 1979 has opened. Just avoid this one film, and anything else you see will be better.

>95 Matke: I only know of Roger Ebert through Mark Kermode's film review podcasts (where he is mentioned with reverence): this sounds like the kind of snarkiness I appreciate :-) Will have a look at the kindle prices... Thanks.

Oh my but I love(d) Roger Ebert's snarkiness. Love that Oliver Stone jibe. I have to say The Eustace Diamonds will not go down as my favorite Trollope, but for me anyway, any Trollope is very good. Totally agree with your cogent assessment of the book Gail. Now I'm looking forward to Phineas Redux as I absolutely loved Phineas Finn.

Hi Gail. I love your description of the lessons learned by setting aside what you thought would be a "fluffy" read for something more substantial. Aren't expectations funny? And I think it's so important to be able to be surprised.

Also, I don't want to wish my life away but your description of "real" retirement is awfully appealing.

And great comments on Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, which sounds like it might not be up my alley.

I cannot believe I have not checked in on your thread yet this year, Gail! Please forgive my oversight :)

Stopping by with hellos and happy weekend wishes for you, Gail.

Dear Gail, I trust that you will have a relaxing and special weekend. xx

If I were more into movies, I'm sure I would love Ebert's book. I know that I've seen him on TV a few times and enjoyed his reviews even if I wasn't all that interested in the movies.

Good grief, I've been a sluggard with regard to posting on my own thread! Company, a family issue, and inertia have contributed to this sad state of affairs.

>94 LizzieD: Peggy, I would give PKD a chance. Androids might be a good place to start, even if it's rather than downbeat.

And oh, yes, I'm a bit afraid of disappointment with some re-reads, but I'm going to give them a shot anyway. Here's hoping...

>96 charl08:: Charlotte, see if you can manage Roger Ebert through Kindle or one of his larger books at the library. They are well worth reading, and can be picked up and put down at will, given the nature of a book of reviews. He will repay your effort amply.

>97 brenzi:: Isn't that funny, Bonnie, Phineas Finn kind of a let-down for me. Phineas Redux looks much more interesting, though.

>98 EBT1002: Ellen, your life sounds really good to me! Of course, not the work part so much; but the rest of it: Wow!

I'm often surprised, not to say amazed, at the books I read, usually in a good way. The latest experience is just another reminder to allow my reading to lead me where it may...

>99 alcottacre: Stasia, not to worry! Not much going on here but some reading and a bit of chatting. I'm trying to stay a bit lower-key this year--but would like to pump up my reading levels! I'll be over to visit you soon.

>100 lkernagh: Lori, a belated thank you for the weekend wishes. My life, while pretty quiet, is also fairly well organized into (small) periods of activity and (large) periods of free time. I've been drifting for too long, and Must. Stop. This. Unseemly. Laziness. Uh, maybe.

>101 PaulCranswick: Paul, hi! I seem to see more of you on FB, that horribly time-sucking invention of these young whippersnappers. Less of that and more of the books and I do believe I'd be better off.

>102 thornton37814:: Lori, I'm an incorrigible movie fan. I'm sure I've bored at least one of my very patient friends with my droning on and on and on about them...

You're right: Ebert is great even if movies aren't your main interest. A sad loss to us all...

Having caught up with messages here, I find that reviews are a bit behind. Well, it's still March, so perhaps I can get those finished up as well, today or tomorrow.

Life would be so much simpler if I could allow people to make their own mistakes decisions and not feel guilty or responsible. Getting better about that, but it's a struggle.

Off for a follow-up dr. appt. soon, then library, then back home. I need to to take a book with me...

Taking a book to the dr's office is always a bit of excitement, isn't it? Who knows? He could be delayed, and you could be forced to sit there and read!

Absolutely you need to take a book with you! Sitting in the doctor's waiting room, or even in the office while the doc takes her/his time about coming to check on you, looking at old editions of Reader's Digest or Highlights would be horrible.

Okay, doctors have probably advanced a bit in recent decades but your comment gave me a vivid flashback to sitting in docs' waiting rooms with those two choices. Gah!

I hope you have fun at the library. :-)

Book 13 Mimi Malloy at Last Julia Mac Donnell
Gift

As I was reading the first few pages of this book, I thought, "Hey! I actually know this woman!" So, the author's use of voice was outstanding and authentic. A real plus.

Mimi is divorced, quite bitterly, from her husband of many years, who has reduced her financial circumstances to just getting by. She argues with her daughters, expands her friendship with the "Super" of her apartment complex, and fights a diagnosis of impending dementia.

It's the dementia diagnosis that fuels the narrative. As Mimi struggles to remember things more clearly, she starts reviewing her past, including her marriage and her childhood. No spoilers here, and maybe I've just . read too much contemporary women's fiction, but there's a certain trope that seems to be used too frequently.

Anyway. I enjoyed the book for the most part, especially the interaction between Mimi and her daughters. As Mimi discovers, seeing things through the eyes of others can be an enlightening (sometimes humbling) experience.

3.5 stars

Book 14 Darkness Visible William Styron
Off my shelves

Styron's short memoir of his descent into a deep clinical depression is moving and outspoken for its time: successful people have no reason to be depressed, right?

The depiction of how frightening it can be to realize that the world isn't quite on its orbit for you is one of the best I've read. And there's no whining here, no blaming anyone, just a clear picture of how quickly one can descend from being "okay" (i.e., able to cope) to being sick.

I didn't find it alarming or morbid. "Enjoy" isn't the right word for this reading experience, but "worthwhile" fills the bill.

This would be of interest to anyone who suffers from depression or has a loved one who does.

Book 15 The Poe Shadow Matthew Pearl
Off my shelves

Matthew Pearl specializes in books about literary 19th-century America, a subject dear to my heart. He manages to write in the style of the day, a distinct advantage to the reader, who can easily plunge into the era without uncomfortable anachronisms or sloppy history.

In The Poe Shadow, a young lawyer becomes obsessed with trying to rehabilitate Poe's reputation after his sudden and poorly-explained death in Baltimore. We see how eager the press and public are to bash Poe's character, rather like what we see today.

The atmosphere is set well, the main character fully developed, and the idea of a mysterious reason for Poe's death is intriguing.

However.

In his attempt to evoke the style of Poe, Pearl succeeds too well. Admirably suited to a short story (and of course the marvelous, weirdly haunting poems), Poe's writing style can't be adapted to a longish (350+ pages) novel. The plot devices become indecipherable and quite fantastically unbelievable. Too many threads and too little resolution leaves the reader with the reaction of, "Huh? Did I go to sleep and miss something?"

Pearl seems to be an uneven writer. Of his four books, I have enjoyed every other one. Hmm...that means that Book Number 5 should be a winner. C'mon, Mr. Pearl, knock my socks off one more time.

>110 Matke: I'd put this on my wishlist, but your review prompted me to download it as it's not at the library - thank you.

Book 16 The Moon and Sixpence W. Somerset Maugham
2015 purchase

Wow.

Oh. That can't stand as a review, right? Dang. It expressed my feelings about this book exactly.

Hmm. Maugham uses three or four facts from the life of Paul Gauguin and spins a tale of selfishness, art, and social commentary. It's an amazing tour de force, not a term I use lightly. Reading this is like watching some horrid event that you can't turn away from.

Our narrator is reliable, within his frame of knowledge, but is surely one the most unlikable narrators in literature. His mean, nasty remarks, which unfortunately are cunningly acute, give the book a bitter taste.

The main character, artist Charles Strickland, is a beast of self-interest, without a care or even a thought as to how his behavior might blight the lives of others. People are no more important to him than a suit of old clothes. A man (Dirk Stroeve, the only likable character in the book, who is mocked without mercy by everyone) saves his life. Strickland repays him by stealing away his beloved wife, and his studio into the bargain. (Not a spoiler; the reader can see this the instant they meet.)

The artist/genius is portrayed here as being above the norms and mores of society. Society is portrayed as empty and venal. A person of genuine kindness and selflessness is portrayed as an amiable but contemptible buffoon. And the ending? Oh my. Nature and life at its cruelest.

And yet...and yet. This is a compulsively readable book which I couldn't put down until I finished it. Something about it rings so horribly true, so life-like, that the reader comes to the appalled conclusion that life and society is pretty awful after all; might as well admit that right up front and get on with it.

Whew! 5 depressed stars

>107 LizzieD: I don't know about you, Peggy, but I have two out of heaven knows how many doctors who are on time. My least favorite, but sadly necessary one, is a minimum of Two. Hours. Late. every time. I not only bring my kindle, I bring earplugs to block out the horrid, ever-present blasting tv.

>108 EBT1002: Ellen, the Reader's Digests have moved to hospital waiting rooms. Dr's usually have umpteen issues of magazines that I've never seen and don't want to see. The single exception is the psych, who has Southern Living, current, Time, also current, and several other things.

I did enjoy the library. I always do. It's a way to volunteer, a way to see people with no pressure for long conversations with strangers, and a chance to snoop for a bargain.

>112 charl08: Charlotte, I think you'll find it an excellent book.

>113 Matke: I just read your review to my husband to show him why I love reading the LT reviews. This goes on my list! Love the 5 "depressed " stars.

Why, thank you, Diane! That's very kind.

*blushes a deep red*

>111 Matke: That one was a disappointment for me, too.

Oh, Gail.
>113 Matke: An admired author of mine, 5 stars of any kind, and that awesome review... ouch! You got me! Onto the WL. I try hard to be very selective about WLing and buying since I have more books to read already than I will have time in my life to read... sigh.
Have a great weekend ;-)

ETA: No longer on my WL. It was FREE on Kindle. I now own it :-)

Loved that review of the Maugham. The 5 depressed stars is perfect!

Similar take on the Styron.

Gail, that is an intriguing review of The Moon and Sixpence. You know, I've never read Maugham so I am excited that he is the featured male author for Paul's April British Author Challenge. I own The Razor's Edge so that will be my first Maugham, but I look forward to reading The Moon and Sixpence someday. I also liked Styron's book when I read it years ago. My depressed side enjoys company!

Enjoy your Sunday!

>113 Matke: Some may recall my 15 in 15 lists wherein I listed my 15 favourite books (only 1 per author) and The Moon and Sixpence was in there. He has written some eminently readable stuff Cakes and Ale, The Razor's Edge, Of Human Bondage and The Magician being four other favourites.

Glad you loved it whilst disliking the narrator.

Have a lovely weekend, dear lady. xx

>110 Matke: I felt the same way about Darkness Visible, Gail. It's an excellent read.

>113 Matke: You've sold me on The Moon and Sixpence. I love "five depressed stars." And it's one of Paul's fifteen top all time reads, as well. I'll certainly look for it when I'm at Powell's on Friday. :-)

I'm trying to be more selective about acquiring books--don't blame those of you giving me the horselaugh in the background--but especially about books to keep. There are so many in the house.

I've decided that if
a. A book is in terrible physical shape;
b. I will never read this book again;
c. I can get it at the library or as an e-book; or
d. It's been sitting around not calling (however faintly) to me for years

then maybe it's time to move that book on to someone else. Exceptions to Rule C would include books I treasure and want to re-read--things like One Hundred Years of Solitude or The Shadow of the Wind or lots of Graham Greene and George Orwell. Also a select set of Christies, Fannie Flagg novels, and Anne Lamott nonfiction.

I'm beginning to feel cluttered and overwhelmed by choices, so some of these have got to go.

>117 cbl_tn: Carrie, I don't know if he's written anything beyond that, but for me Pearl is an uneven writer. I did love the one about MIT and the one with Dante as a background/theme. I'll continue to give his books a try, but perhaps from the library rather than purchasing them.

>118 -Cee-:: Cee, you must let me know how you like the book. It is acerbic. I hope that life is going as well as it can for you.

>119 sibylline: Lucy, hey! Another Maugham I love is The Painted Veil. I recognize that Of Human Bondage is considered his masterpiece; I did read and admire it, but the length!

>120 Donna828: Donna, I haven't read The Razor's Edge, but I'm looking forward to it. My brother kindly gave me a volume of Maugham's short stories, so they're on my list, too. I think he's an author worthy of extensive exploration.

>121 PaulCranswick: Paul, I can 't quite wrap my head around the idea of 15 favorite books. 25 maybe, but only 15? Hmm...that would take a bit of thought, agonizing, and internal tension!

>122 EBT1002: Ellen, how I envy your trips to Powell's. Someday...someday. A move to the left coast is on the back burner, slowly simmering.

Loved it! The Moon and Sixpence.
Glad you hit me with that one :-) Thanks.

I've been having dark thoughts of seriously weeding my book cases. *tears & sighs* Maybe it's jut my annual spring cleaning urge and I have not really lost it. But, really. What I am doing with these books after I read them? Except for a few favorites, nothing. Maybe someone else would love to snag a few good deals at a book sale - like I have done.

All the W. Somerset Maugham love round the group is making me want to add more of his books to my wishlist (and then groan about the length of the wishlist, which I know is not news). I'm really tempted by the short stories in particular.

>123 Matke: - Always tough to weed out your personal library. I tend to pass on books once I have read them unless I plan on reading them again or if I have had a book for years and never seem to want to read it. Good luck!

I had to do a lot of weeding when we moved - and I've had to keep up because our bookshelves here are somewhat inadequate (plenty for most people, I'm sure, even excessive!). Somehow too I've gotten better at looking at a book I've finished and admitting I won't be reading it again, that it's good enough to give to the library here or if not to Goodwill or someone or other. I put some books on PBS too, but not as many as I used to. The only shelves that just never get better are the ones full of books waiting to be read!

>123 Matke: I, too, am trying to reduce the number of books sitting around my house. I have similar strategies but weak resolve, I fear.

>126 -Cee-: Cee, I'm glad you loved the Maugham book.
Many years ago I saw Of Human Bondage with Bette Davis (what a performance!) and Leslie Howard. Although the movie was excellent, I hated it, and so put off reading the book. A few years ago I tackled it, and while I found the story...um...not engaging and really long, I still liked the writing and more or less enjoyed it, if that makes any sense. I've been a Maugham fan ever since. An amazing writer, if rather a sticky man.

More on book weeding below.

>127 charl08: Charlotte, I think you'll like Maugham, but I recommend trying a library copy in case you don't care for him as much as some of us do.

>128 lkernagh: >129 sibylline: >130 tymfos:

Lori, Lucy, and Terri: oh my, the rigors of book weeding. I steeled myself to the utmost and sent on quite a few mysteries that won't be read again, because they're simply time-passers. I'm finding it much, much harder to look at books that have been part of my shelves for years and yet remain sadly unread. One or two result in a "What was I thinking???" when I look at them, but most...I think that certainly I'll be in the mood for them sometime. I know that's not true, though. Must stiffen the spine a bit more, I guess.

Classics that I've read and can't reasonably be expected to read again remain on the shelves too. Sigh.

Good night, Nurse! What a boat load of reviews to do. They'll be short, for sure.

Book 17 Guards! Guards! Terry Pratchett
Physical shelves

Disc World at its finest. We meet Sam Vimes, one of my favorite characters, in this book where Pratchett's satire comes into its own. He manages to skewer everything from the Masons and other such groups to bumbling scholastics to modern government, all while pointing up the cowardice of the general population.

For good measure he throws in a dragon whose fiery breath may represent climate change or the dangers of atomic energy. It's a wonderful romp that could cheer up almost anyone.

Five stars.

edited for clarity

Book 18 Eric Terry Pratchett
physical shelves

In this reworking of the Faust story, Eric tries to sell his soul for the usual mess of simple desires. He doesn't quite succeed, as he summons Rincewind instead of his desired demon. Rincewind isn't a satisfactory Mephistopheles, but he is a funny one.

Eric would have been better served to consult the Wizard of Oz about getting a brain. This book flies by and has lots of laughs. The thinness of the plot, however, resulted in a rating of

3.5 stars

Book 19 Invisibles Book One by Grant Morrison
2015 purchase

Creepy, sad, dark, and scary, but with some humor here and there, this is not your father's comic book. Morrison collects the first 12 numbers of his original comic into a beautiful volume with an ingeniously convoluted plot that comes full circle in the last installment. I've read many a novel with less plot and character development.

As an inveterate comics reader in my childhood, youth, and young adulthood, I found this one of the best series I've ever seen. The characters are complex and mysterious in this first of several volumes, and while the initial story line comes to a satisfactory conclusion, this reader, at least, was left wanting more. Much more.

4 stars

Book 20 Sins of the Fathers Ruth Rendell
physical shelves

Author Rendell uses this book to explore Inspector Wexford's kind and thoughtful character. An old crime, which Wexford investigated and brought to trial, is informally re-opened. A vicar whose son has fallen in love with the murderer's daughter is intent on finding the truth of the matter.

This sounds nice and cozy, doesn't it? But the vicar is a rigid man who cannot bear the thought of a murderer's child being part of his family. We get a hard look at this idea, and an engaging look at Wexford as he tries to accept the possibility that he sent the wrong man to the gallows.

A fascinating character study with a lttle romance added on.

3.5 stars

Dear Gail, thank you for your caring PMs to me over the last month or so when life has been all but intolerable. You will not know how welcome it is to know that there are people out there that care and miss you. xx

Have a lovely remainder of your weekend.

Gail, I'm very happy to see you clicking along and reading and reviewing a lot.
I'm a Wexford fan and also look forward to reading more Maugham, always assuming that I live long enough. I'm inundated by unread books, but in my case, it gives me a sense of security. Pratchett, I just can't do.
Cheerio! I'll be back!

Really. A graphic novel? I am so dull. I just read books or kindle books. Oh well. Good to know that someone out there is more adventurous!

:)

A couple of statistical notes to self through 05/31

Male Authors: 22

Female Authors: 16

Mysteries: 13

Nonfiction: 9

General Fiction: 16

Poetry: 1

I guess I've followed the old May Murder and Mayhem without thinking about it: all 5 books read this month have been mysteries; the current read could be classified as a mystery/thriller/suspense, but is less of a genre novel than literary fiction.

I've cleared quited a few books off my shelves by doing this, however; as I read along, I realize that perhaps I don't need to keep every mystery I've read and liked.

It's still hard, though, to give them up. But I am doing so!

Heavy sigh. But in the interests of full disclosure: it's become easier since I internalized the idea of putting some of them on the e-readers.

>132 Matke: One or two result in a "What was I thinking???" when I look at them, but most...I think that certainly I'll be in the mood for them sometime.

Oh, I do so know what you mean, Gail!

>141 Matke: I, too, did May Murder & Mayhem reading before I thought about it. By the time I found the thread, I had several appropriate books done and in progress. I am doing a LOT of mystery reading, trying to catch up some of my series!

I don't tend to re-read mysteries or crime so find it much easier to get them out the house. Having said that, just realised I have most of Boris Akunin's Fandorin series which I have no intention of clearing out, and there are probably others...

>142 tymfos: Hi, Terri! I read a raft of mysteries this month, with one I started early still hanging in there waiting to be finished. Several more non-mysteries in the "Currently Reading" stack.

>143 charl08: Charlotte! Good to see you here. There are some mysteries that I re-read many times; it's more about comfort than solving a puzzle, clearly. That said, I'm cutting loose quite a few now, including (o my own astonishment) the Louise Penny books. The only one of those I'd want to re-read would be The Brutal Telling. I received that as an ARC and naturally gave it away, fool that I am.

I was fortunate to pick up some Reading Energy from a friend who laid it aside this month, and so plowed through a good number of books, most of which I enjoyed.

A review/personal impression or two, some of them really short, may be in order.

Book 21 I am Malala Malala Yousafzai
gift

The story is familiar to most of us, so no point in recapping that here.

The first part of the book, relating Malala's family history and providing background to understand the situation in Afghanistan, is a bit dry. This is partly because it's written by her co-author and partly because the politics of any country one doesn't live in can be hard to follow.

The book caught fire for me when Malala's personal story took over. Her courage and her clear-eyed view of politicians, governments, and human nature are astonishing in one so young. How she maintains her optimistic attitude is a mystery.

A sad but inescapable note is the occasional mention of the ineptness of U.S. policy, which epitomizes the concept of "unintended consequences." As an American, I found it painful to realize once again how far we've come from our basic principles and genuine good intentions.

Kudos to you for reading *Malala* and commenting. I'm pretty sure that I can't do it although I'm glad that she wrote it.
Happy Weekend, Gail.

Book 22 You Get So Alone That It Just Makes Sense Charles Bukowski
2015 purchase

I love poetry and read far too little of it. When my son recommended Bukowski to me, I was hesitant because I'd seen many references to his vulgarity and, um, crudeness, along with his relentless drinking and womanizing. However, wanting to please my son I bought this title, trusting in his judgment of my taste.

And boy, am I glad I did! I was gobsmacked by Bukowski's insight and wide subject range. Is this classical poetry as we usually think of it? Not at all. Is it great modern poetry? Absolutely. Does he speaks to and for the regular guy? Yes.

Examples:

The problem that I've found with
most poets that I have known is that
they've never had an 8 hour job
and there is nothing
that will put a person
more in touch
with the realities
than
an 8 hour job.
(from "Termites on the Page")

starving in a Philadelphia winter
trying to be a writer
I wrote and wrote and drank and drank and drank
and then stopped writing and concentrated on the drinking.

it was another
art-form.
(from "the Master Plan")

the people are weary, unhappy and frustrated, the people are
bitter and vengeful, the people are deluded and fearful, the
people are angry and uninventive
and I drive among them on the freeway..."
(from "drive through hell")

If proper caps and punctuation are critical to your reading enjoyment, you might skip this. Some few images are harsh, so keep that in mind. It's a rewarding read (and holds up to numerous re-reads) if you're willing to take a chance.

>146 LizzieD:: Peggy, it was a painful experience, but worth it for me. I admit to reading with narrowed eyes the parts about her attackers.

And a happy week-end to you, too!

She is such an inspiration, one book I must get to. Each time I see her speak I am amazed again at her bravery, and that of her family. Thanks for reminding me to put it on the wishlist.

>149 charl08: Charlotte, she is an amazing woman, no matter of what age. But to be the way she is as young as she is, well, it boggles the mind.

After reading like crazy this month, I'm now stalled. I hope this means my friend has recovered her energy...

Book 23 Up Jumps the Devil Margaret Maron
loaner

Shoot. I love the title and I wanted to like his book. I tried to like this book. Didn't happen, though. Sigh.

I've lived in the South for more than 35 years. After the initial trauma of being a displaced New Englander, I've come to know the South deeply and well. I love parts of the traditions, others not so much. Since this book takes place in, and has as its background and reason for being, the piedmont of the Carolinas, I thought I couldn't miss.

Wrong again, Holmes. I found the emphasis on family connections, while true-to-life, extremely tiresome in a book-length presentation. The plot, involving land inheritance and land grabbing, was just so-so. The main character, Deborah Knott, isn't one to whom I could relate. We just don't think alike about anything at all. Which would be fine if in other ways the book resonated with me. As a mystery lover, I can overlook a multitude of authorial sins if I can just find a hook into the story. Whatever the hook might be, it eluded me.

If, on the other hand, you've never been both bored and mystified by endless conversations about people you don't and never will know, this might work for you. Plenty of readers enjoy this series. Not me, though.

Book 24 The Insidious Dr. Fu Manchu Sax Rohmer
kindle

Good grief. Seriously? I should have read this, if at all, when I was in my young teens. The mish-mash of improbable adventures, sickly racial stereotypes, the worst sort of gender objectification...my, my.

Slightly redeeming this mess is some period atmosphere and dialogue which can make the reader smile. Briefly.

Unless your curiosity bump or your obsessiveness compels you, don't bother with this one.

Sorry the last couple haven't been so good.Hope your next read hits the spot.

Hi Gail! I read I Am Malala last fall and I'm so glad that I did. She is an impressive young woman, and despite some of the horrifying incidents described in the book, it left me hopeful about the future. Malala is rare, but I don't think she's unique. I believe there are more young people like her who will make an impact on the world.

>151 Matke: I hope that wasn't your first Maron, Gail. I have long thought it one of the very weak ones in the series (along with Killer Market, set at the annual High Point furniture show). I guess my favorite is Southern Discomfort, the second one. I like Maron's other protagonist, Sigrid Harald, an NYC cop better than I like Deborah, but I still am a faithful reader. (She wrote the Harald series first, though, so the first ones are very much first ones.) (Lately she's been featuring both Sigrid and Deborah, and I don't think that works very well.) If you're ever tempted to try her again, Deborah's own family is formidable.
I've met Maron and corresponded with her a wee bit, so I may be biased, but I love them for short and satisfying.

>153 charl08: Charlotte, I've done so much reading this month that I was bound to come across a couple of books that simply don't suit. And that's fine. I knew exactly what I was getting into with Fu Manchu, and see below for more on the the Margaret Maron title.

>154 cbl_tn: Carrie, I like to think that there are more wonderful young people out there who will help to make this a better place to be.

>155 LizzieD: Peggy, it was my first Maron, unfortunately. On the plus side is the fact that I have a friend who has kindly lent me quite a few of the author's other books, so I'll probably check one or two of those out. I wondered it the other series might work better for me. I'll see what develops!

A hot and muggy Sunday morning here. I have to have a tree cut down.
*sobs*

However, the rainy May has made all things green grow in giant leaps. Blooms are everywhere and the lawns all look great. I hope we continue o get rain, at least for a little while.

Other things on my mind...both good and bad. Still, more reviews on the way, another couple of books finished; life is going well.

Book 25 The Sea, the Sea Iris Murdoch *fiction* 2015 purchase

Here's a story where I disliked, even despised, almost every character but still liked the novel. That's a hard trick to pull off, but Murdoch accomplishes it somehow.

The narrator is Charles Arrowby, who has retired from the theater to an isolated house on the coast. Soon he is beset by people from his past. His endless speculations about their motives form the heart of the book, written in the form of a diary or memoir. As he progresses through a mental breakdown we see a fully-formed person wrestling with assorted demons.

Since Charles filters our knowledge of everyone through the lens of his complete self-absorption, our ideas of each character shift with his thoughts. How his perceptions (and thus ours) change over time, and why, are the heart of the book.

Different from anything else I've read, The Sea, the Sea is a book that will stay with me for a long time.

4.5 stars

>152 Matke:

Aw, c'mon - not even the marmoset!? :D

>159 lyzard: Well, maybe. If we view it as a comedy (not its intent, by any stretch of the imagination), it works, sort of. The narrator is much funnier than poor maligned Watson.

I've got Castle Rackrent on he list for this month. In my edition, the introduction is almost as long as the novel.

Book 26 Six Feet Under Dorothy Simpson *mystery* gift

Yet another mystery from my checkered past. I remember isolated scenes from these books, but have no recollection of the plot or solution.

The second in the Luke Thanet series, this amiable story is one of secrets and lies in a small-ish English town in Kent. An excellent example of the old-fashioned British detective story, before tragedy and gore became the order of the day.

I love mysteries when the murder takes place early, when we aren't attached to the victim(s), and when the detective's private life forms a comfortable backdrop to the unfolding events.

Dorothy Simpson's work is a winner for me!

4 satisfied stars

Book 27 The Boomerang Clue Agatha Christie *mystery* physical shelf

Also known as Why Didn't They Ask Evans, this isn't on my list of favorite Christies. The solution seems to come from deep left center field, and is not discoverable by the reader. I like fair-play mysteries, where we have at least a slim chance of figuring out the killer's identity. While one may guess the murder's identity here, the main clue is held back to the end of the book.

Your mileage may vary.

2.5 aggravated stars

>160 Matke:

Certainly best viewed as sick comedy, yes!

Castle Rackrent is a rather short novella - do not be fooled by the mass of its addenda!

>162 Matke:

I think that's in keeping with the complete amateur status of the detectives, who succeed as much by luck as by judgement. That sort of manoeuvring doesn't tend to happen in the novels featuring actual detectives.

Lots of great comments from 'what was I thinking?' to 'reading with narrowed eyes" - that is EXACTLY what I do when reading something really upsetting, kind of squint.

And finally great review of The Sea, the Sea. That was my first Murdoch and I hated everybody and found myself compelled to keep on reading, as you describe. I've subsequently liked many many characters in other of her novels, although almost every one has someone I am happy to detest.

Good luck with the shelf clearing.

Back from a perfect vacation in my home state of Massachusetts.

"I love that dirty water...
Oh oh, Boston, you're my home..."

Great company, unbelievable food, and as a miraculous plus, perfect weather. I really do miss the old places and faces.

Book 28 Murder Runs in the Family Anne George *mystery* physical shelf

Anne George wrote an all-too-brief mystery series set in Birmingham,Alabama, featuring two sisters who are alike as chalk and cheese. Short and almost cozy (family members often get bumped off or do the dirty deed), these books are full of fun and snarky remarks.

This isn't my favorite entry, but the laughs are there, and it's a good way to while away a couple of hours when concentration is difficult.

(My favorite title in the series is Murder Boogies with Elvis, while my favorite book is Murder on a Bad Hair Day.)

3.25 *s

Hi, Gail!


glitter-graphics.com

Book 29 The Oldest Dead White European Males *nonfiction* Bernard Knox

A collection of three essays originally presented as lectures, discussing the value and influence of the Classical Greeks and their literature. Not bad, and quite informative. The author often writes introductions to translations of ancient works; his erudition never becomes a burden to the reader, and his style is clear.

3.75 *s

>167 tymfos: Hi, Terri! I'm fascinated by the fact that what is traditionally "Midsummer Day" is now the first day of the season!

Note to self: Research this.

Book 30 A Savage Place Robert B. Parker *mystery* (loaner)

Boy, you know it's a loser of a book when you have to check the book page because you remember nothing about it, even though you read it less than two months ago.

A weak entry in the Spenser series, this book shows Spenser at his worst, sleeping with the client, looking down on the client, etc. Besides, no Hawk and no humor. A waste of my time, sadly.

1 *

>161 Matke: I will add Dorothy Simpson to my list of authors to read. It sounds like my kind of mystery!

Hi, Gail. I'm too sleepy to comment except that I don't remember that particular Spenser either, but I do like to speak!

>163 lyzard: Liz, I'm sure you're right about the Christie, but it is annoying. I once read a John Dickson Carr, in which he paused the story and invited the reader to note his/her idea of the culprit since all necessary solving information had been presented. I failed, of course, but it was fun trying.

>164 sibylline: Lucy, I'm intrigued by Murdoch and will try another down the line. She's a bit of a difficult read for me, though.

I've had some success removing books, but unfortunately have brought a few more in. The kindle books are like Silas Marner's money: hidden away to be pored over in times of woe.

>171 cbl_tn: Carrie, I think you'll love the Simpson books. They're perfect relaxing reads for those times when amused engagement is what you want, rather than a more taxing effort.

>172 LizzieD: Peggy, I too like to speak, but sadly often have nothing at all to say. Hello's and visitors are always welcome here!

Book 31 Witches' Bane Susan Wittig Albert *mystery* 2015 purchase

I enjoyed this book, as it combined Halloween, witches lore, and herbal/gardening information, all of which count among my favorite things to learn about. The story is lightweight and fun, but I identified the culprit a bit too easily.
(It would seem that I am never pleased, see post >162 Matke: above) a good 3 *s for a good entry in the China Bayles series

Book 32 A Taste for Death P.D. James *mystery* physical shelf

Not James's best book by any stretch. There is talk of a reigious experience, but it is so nebulous as to be annoying, like a pebble in one's shoe.

The mystery, involving two murders, (or is it murder/suicide?) is satisfyingly complicated, and the development of Kate Miskin's character is well-done.

3 *'s for this so-so entry in the Adam Dalgliesh series.

For picking your next Murdoch, ou might want to check out this group: IRIS - and add your review to The Bell thread.

Ah, the endless fascination of taste! See, I can't abide SWA even for easy entertainment, but A Taste for Death was the one that really sold me on PDJ's mysteries. I liked others down the line better, but that one grabbed me in a way that the earlier ones in the series hadn't.
Hmmm. I haven't read a Murdoch yet this year. I'm glad I have several months yet to remedy that lack.

>177 sibylline: Lucy, thank you for the tips o n the group! Murdoch isn't the easiest author to read, but she's certainly interesting.

>178 LizzieD: I know! Reading taste, like preferences in other arts, is an individual thing with no rhyme or reason that I can see. I've read most (perhaps all?) of PDJ's mysteries and her brief autobiography, which I loved. A lot of my reading likes and dislikes have to do with my mood.

I find Albert a perfect fit for those times when thinking isn't on the table for me. OTOH, I can't abide those books she writes with her husband--horribly written and booooooring.

Not much to say but just stopping by to say 'hello', Gail. Mood (and tiredness) is also affecting my reading a lot at the moment - I have to keep reminding myself that it's ok to read undemanding things when I need to.

>180 souloftherose: Hi, Heather! Lots and lots of real-life stuff going on here, so my reading and my LT time both have been somewhat curtailed. IMO, it's always ok to read whatever you want to, when you want to read it. When I feel like pushing myself, I do; when I feel like chilling out mentally--bring on the mysteries!

Book 33 The Lighthouse by P.D. James *mystery* physical shelf

I liked this one better than the previous P.D. James I read. R It's on the cozy side with a restricted suspect list, island setting, lots of repellent characters: a pretty good set up for a mystery I found easy to solve.

It's interesting to see the hatefulness of the characters emerge as the story goes on. I was actually glad to see a particular victim die.

Thank goodness this is fiction.

3 *s

Book 34 An Unkindness of Ravens Ruth Rendell*mystery/suspense*
physical shelves

A lot of people didn't like this book. But I found this tale, although dated, an engaging example of extreme feminism, decent detectives doing their best, and a sort of weird mystery to be right up my alley. Rendell is one of my favorite authors in this genre, and even if this isn't her very best book, it still satisfies.

One thing: readers often become impatient when reading works from an earlier era: "Why didn't they just realize and come to our superior conclusions?" Well, because it was 30 or 50 or 90 years ago. I find the different mindsets and ideas to be enlightening and often amusing. (I'm not talking about racism here.) Just one old woman's opinion as always.

3.5 *s

Book 35 Screening History Gore Vidal *nonfiction* 2015 purchase

The only drawback to being an avid Gore Vidal fan is that one sometimes finds oneself reading essays one has already perused elsewhere in slightly different form. Nevertheless, he remains a great critic and stylist, among other things.

In this book he considers three films, using them as a scaffolding from which to paint a vivid and excoriating picture of our very slippery grasp on history here in what he calls "the United States of Amnesia." There's a lot of his patented snark regarding American politics, politicians, and electorate. There's a lot of history thrown in, as well as considerations on how films, whether cinema or tv, have influenced our beliefs until we no longer know what's real and what's a figment of a director's imagination.

Vidal also includes lots of gossipy fun and some poignant memories of himself as a child and young man. He's not for every taste, but if you're at all interested in film, or want to enjoy a bit of fun at our history's expense, do try this book.

You'll be glad you did. 4 *s

Book 36 Playing with Fire Peter Robinson *mystery* physical shelves

Although this is well-written mystery, I have a jaded view. Here's why:

I'm a fairly orderly person. One (though not the only) reason I like mysteries is their essential orderliness. Murders are committed (usually of non-essential characters), investigations conducted, murderer apprehended. Sometimes the murderer is a character we care about, sometimes not.

This book, as good as it is--and it is very good indeed--doesn't fulfill my requirements. Also, I knew the identity of the killer very quickly. Further, there are some deaths by, well, by fire. Not nice.

Even with all those caveats, this is a fast-paced, suspenseful read, which me turning the pages as fast as I could, panting slightly as I hurried along.

Whew.

3.75 *s

Yep, yep, I love Rendell's Wexford novels and am happy to go back to the 80s or 90s with her as my guide just any old time. And I like the Robinson series very well although I don't like them as much as Reginald Hill's. I haven't gotten to this one yet.
Glad to see you here!

readers often become impatient when reading works from an earlier era: "Why didn't they just realize and come to our superior conclusions?" Well, because it was 30 or 50 or 90 years ago.

Well said!

I like that Peter Robinson series, though I'm still on earlier ones.

readers often become impatient when reading works from an earlier era: "Why didn't they just realize and come to our superior conclusions?" Well, because it was 30 or 50 or 90 years ago.

Though on the other hand, I'm always surprised by how late investigative techniques such as fingerprinting and ballistics were in being introduced in America, compared with Britain and Europe; they weren't commonly employed, or commonly accepted as evidence, even into the 1930s. That DOES get frustrating! :)

(Not to mention how many times we have a scene of a murder being committed, and the servants immediately trying to clean up...!)

Gail, I'm sorry you were disappointed in your last Robert B. Parker book. I think out little group here on LT made a wise decision to switch to alternate months of Tony Hillerman and Johnson's Longmire series. I think a monthly Parker book wore me out last year…they all started running together. Like you,I thought Hawk made the books more enjoyable.

About Parker - I used to read him zealously. Then I got into some middle ones that were just plain bad and never got through to some of the better ones nearer the end. I agree, though, that Hawk is the best character. Susan, chewing endlessly on little bitty nibbles of whatever she was eating, drove me nuts. Nuts! I tell you nuts!!!! (And I eat a whole nut in one bite. So there, sweet patootie.)

>186 LizzieD: Peggy, I read both the Rendell and the Robinson series out of order, although I made sure to start with the first entry in each set. I have a Reginald Hill here somewhere, so I could compare him to Robinson if I remember to do it.

>187 tymfos: Terri, see above on the series. And thanks for the compliment. I've noticed some of our younger cohorts have little to no patience for what they see as outmoded ideas.

>188 lyzard: Liz, I know! But I take those lapses as part of the charm of these older books. Those older British mysteries just pull me in and take me away from today's humdrum world.

>189 Donna828: and >190 LizzieD: Donna, I loved about 8, maybe, of the Spenser books. After that, I started to fall out of love. Fast.

Peggy, I believe I've mentioned once or twice that Susan, with her impossible eating habits and Spenser's slavish devotion to her, soon made me wild with impatience.

And occasionally I eat more than one nut in a bite. Oh dear.

Thanks for stopping by, ladies. I love visitors!

Hey Gail. Nice little run of reviews you've finished here. Ruth Rendell, another one whose oeuvre I want to revisit. I've read a few and I'm not even completely sure which ones! And I love your comment (noted by others) about the impatience of modern readers toward older lit. Context matters, including the era in which something was written.

>192 EBT1002: Hey Ellen. (I've noticed that "Hey" said in a mild tone, has replaced "Hi" as my greeting of choice. I thought it was because I live in the south. Perhaps not.)

Thanks for the kind words! Of course it's hard to try to put oneself in the mindset of a different time/place/culture, but if we don't make that attempt, how will we ever understand one another? Gaining that understanding is one of the main reasons I read.

I'm madly, sort of, getting reviews done now, as a tiny attempt at self-discipline.

Right.

Book 37 Roger Ebert's Bigger Little Movie Glossary Roger Ebert *nonfiction* 2015 kindle purchase

I've hesitated to review this book, even though I loved it. But here we are:

How could I not love an author who freely admits that his attitude toward movies and his review style was heavily influenced by Mad Magazine? As a child of the 50's and 60's, I eagerly pinched my brother's copies of Mad and read them faithfully, often more than once, since I was a bit too young to understand some of it. Even at this late date, I remember the send-up they did of "The Bad Seed."

Anyway, this short but entertaining book contains lots of movie tropes wittily explained. This second edition includes contributions from Ebert's readers. It's great fun if you have an irreverent attitude and yet love movies with all their flaws and silliness.

4 *s

>193 Matke: "...if we don't make that attempt, how will we ever understand one another? Gaining that understanding is one of the main reasons I read."
Hear hear!

>193 Matke:

I've just been having a spray over on my thread about the reverse, i.e. an example of a book being changed because "that doesn't happen in America". I agree with you of course that we should be embracing those moments that teach us about other situations and experiences.

Reginald Hill was THE MAN!!!!

>195 EBT1002: and >196 lyzard: Thanks, Ellen and Liz. I get so annoyed!

Here's the thing: I won't be traveling to most foreign lands; I certainly can't time travel. How can I learn about/know/begin to understand other cultures, other peoples, other times, other ideas? Why, by reading about them. That's one of the important things about books: they can help us to live together, instead of trying to slaughter one another. In our present world, that's critical to survival.

Sigh.

>197 LizzieD: I see that I've read 3 R. Hill books, of which I remember A Clubbable Woman best. I do remember enjoying them. Based on your strong recommendation, I'll be getting back to him sooner rather than later!

I read so many mysteries that sometimes they flow together in my mind into one huge book with hundreds of victims, murderers, and red herrings. Some few, however, remain permanently etched in my memory, whether good or bad:

Five Red Herrings for its maddening reliance on a clue which only an artist would see, plus its equally maddening train times tables;

Murder on the Orient Express, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, and And Then There Were None for their unique plots;

A Ghost in the Machine for its surprising little epilogue;

The Reaper for a delightfully iconoclastic story;

Bruno, Chief of Police because I fell in love with Bruno immediately;

Clubbed to Death and The English School of Murder for their tremendous humor mixed with a good detective story;

and The Brutal Telling, to my mind Louise Penny's best book, both moving and mysterious.

There are dozens of others, but one has only so much space...

Five Red Herrings for its maddening reliance on a clue which only an artist would see, plus its equally maddening train times tables

...and most maddening of all, Sayers' implication that a properly educated person would have no trouble with her "art" clue---grr! :)

> Liz, yes! It became obvious to me over time--sometimes I'm painfully slow picking up subtle insults or lookings-down-the-nose--that Sayers was aiming at a certain audience, of which I am not part.

That realization may have come to color my attitude toward her books after a while.

Well, that and the casual racism and her rather fatuous crush on Wimsey.

Still, The Unpleasantness at the Bellona Club and one or two others remain favorites.

Homeric Moments Eva Brann *nonfiction* (physical shelf)

The subtitle of this book (Clues to Delight in Reading the Odyssey and the Iliad) is somewhat offputting, with its hint of academia gone mad.

Don't be fooled by that. Brann has written a wonderful book, easy to read and full of information presented in a helpful way. Although it's clear that she reveres Homer, she doesn't take him, his books, or herself too seriously.

Brann easily demolishes common ideas about the difficulty of entering into Homer's world, then guides her readers in discovering how much the poems have to say about perennial human concerns and conditions. A reading of this book will greatly enhance any reader's enjoyment of Homer...and could help those who think he and his works are impossibly remote.

Most highly recommended to anyone interested in Homer.

5 *s

>202 Matke: That's quite a recommendation. If I live long enough, maybe I'll take it up and reread the man.
Thanks, Gail.
And >198 Matke: Yep. Reading is my window on the world.........that and my LT friends' travel pictures!

>203 LizzieD: Thanks, Peggy, always good to see you here.

I am felled by my annual poison ivy attack. NO common sense here, but it's a light case (everything is relative) slightly complicated by the inconvenience of a lot it being located on my face. Since that sort of forces me to stay home, I've been able to attend to some neglected duties.

Hi Gail. Poison ivy...ugh. How very much like you to turn something nasty (poison ivy), into something with a blessing of being able to tend to neglected duties.

I've been an infrequent visitor to threads this year primarily because I had some major surgery in February. Near six months later, and I feel like I'm slowly coming out of the fog.

I hope all is well with you.

The Night She Died Dorothy Simpson *mystery*

I liked this story of the murder of a young and unhappily married woman. It's a great study of Luke Thanet's working style as he tries to unravel several threads which may or may not be related to his case. I enjoy this series and am glad to have discovered a new-to-me detective at this late date in my life. That is, a new detective who follows the Golden Age pattern.

Smilla's Sense of Snow Peter Hoeg *mystery* physical shelf

I loved the first half of this book: being absorbed by the dark atmosphere (Hoeg is adept at conveying the claustrophobic winter of the far north), learning a bit about both the culture of Greenland and that of Denmark, and getting to know our odd heroine and her opponents.

But.

The story goes on and on. And on. And then on some more. After a while, the reader is overwhelmed by the gloom (a good thing, but it gets to overkill), and especially by Smilla's far-fetched adventures. I couldn't suspend enough of my disbelief to buy into the second half of the story.

Despite that problem, Hoeg explores Smilla's existence as a stranger in a strange land, unwelcome and resented by the Danes because she's half Inuit, and does it beautifully. This wasn't quite what I expected (too much of a thriller for me, I think), but I'm glad of the insights into a culture very different from, and very much the same as, our own.

3.6 *s

The Devil's Highway Luis Alberto Urrea *nonfiction* physical shelves

Urrea tells a sad, sad tale of a group of illegals trying to make their way into the US, hoping to find work and bring some relief to their poverty-stricken families.

The tragedy that befalls, the terrible trek across the desert: Urrea shows how awful it really is to try to come in illegally, and what can and does happen to those who are victimized by the...unsavory men who take advantage of human desperation.

This book should be required reading for politicians, border guards, and any US citizen who wants to understand what's really going on at our border.

4.75 *s

Yike, poison ivy! Good on you for taking a glass-half-full attitude. :D

>201 Matke:

Sayers' snobbery is her own, but unfortunately the casual racism (and anti-Semitism) is a commonplace in works of that period, so we can't single her out. In that respect we're left with the choice of rejecting the era wholesale, or going on while accepting we're frequently likely to stumble over something nasty. (Although it isn't the nastiness that gets me so much as how gratuitous it is---how often the writers of this time drag in a slur or include a stereotype for no reason you can identify.)

>207 Matke: Sorry that Miss Smilla didn't quite work for you. I love this book, partly I think because it was one of the first books I read where the protagonist has depression but it doesn't define her. Plus the writing. Also I like reading it when I'm in hot places, as all the snow and ice descriptions seem to help deal with the temperatures.

I've tried some of Hoeg's other books though and just not been gripped at all.

>205 Whisper1: Linda, I've been following your progress from a great distance, and have admired your tenacity and strength. None of this can have been easy for you. I hope you heal more swiftly than has been the case so far. And thanks for your kind words.

>209 lyzard: Thanks, Liz. I'm stuck with the stuff, so may as well take advantage of the tiny benefit it offers.

I agree with you about the casual and unnecessary racism in the Golden Age mysteries. I'm trying to figure out why so many of those references are included in these books--a hidden sort of "They're NQOK, but we're all in this together versus The Other?" Wink wink, nudge nudge? I dunno. I may expect a bit too much of Sayers, given her amazing intelligence and accomplishments outside of the mystery world.

But give up my mysteries? Never!

>210 charl08: Charlotte, I really did love the first half of the book, in fact I think it's quite fine, but the second half just went on way too long for my taste.

I am felled by my annual poison ivy attack.

Yuck to poison ivy attack and Wow to the fact that you have had this before. I can only try to imagine what that must be like, and I am pretty sure I am missing the mark.

>208 Matke: Gail, I too was fascinated by The Devil's Highway. I learned so much about the desire for a better life and the miserable people who take advantage of that desire. My solution would be to annex Mexico! Maybe I should run for president!

Thanks for sharing some of your most memorable mystery reads. I am starting to read more of them and have enjoyed the Julia Spencer-Fleming books. I also read my first Dr. Siri book. I love that setting and will be reading more of them.

I hope your poison ivy dries up soon. I had it a few years ago and watch for it scrupulously when I am pulling weeds. I actually think the outbreak I had came in the mulch we got from our local recycling center as I have seen no plants on our property.

>212 lkernagh: Lori, ah, poison ivy. As I mentioned, this is one of my lighter cases. Two problems come with it: it's painful to the touch, and maddeningly itchy. It's also quite ugly. But it's clearing up now, the itch is abating, and one or two neglected chores were attended to. Along with reading, of course.

>213 Donna828: I don't know if the US can afford to annex Mexico, but I wish something could be done to ease the pain for all involved.

Mysteries are my go-to reads for any time when I'm not ready to tackle, say, Haruki Murakami or even Anthony Trollope. I loved the first Siri book, but the second one just died on me, so I haven't gone back to them. I see the author has another series going on; I might try that. I'm always on the look-out for new and entertaining authors. Humor must be present for me to stay with any detectives.

Book 42 Seminar for Murder B.M. Gill *mystery* (gift)

As I've mentioned, mysteries are my comfort reads. I can almost always manage to read a detective story no matter how chaotic life may be. I have my favorites, but I'm more than willing (not to say avidly seeking out) to try new-to-me authors.

B.M Gill is one such discovery I've made this year. Our detective has agreed to give a lecture to mystery authors (uh-oh) on how to make one's murders realistic.

Unsurprisingly, this isn't well-received by his audience. A murder ensues, and it's as though our hero is being challenged by the murderer. This is a good story, interestingly told, and with a self-deprecating detective who is quite charming. A worthy addition to my collection of obscure authors.

Sorry to hear about the poison ivy. I hope it clears up soon!

>215 Matke: Me too with the mystery comfort reads. I recently came across the Country guides series which are just on the right side of cosy for me.

Hi, Gail - reading Fu-Manchu and thinking of you! :D

And, hey, you know where *I* stand on the subject of old mysteries...

>216 tymfos: Terri, the poison ivy is reduced to small dots and a few small patches of peeling skin now. No more itch or pain, so I'm way ahead of the game. Thank goodness.

>217 charl08: Charlotte, I'm not familiar with the Country Guide (or County Guide?) series; must look them up.

>218 lyzard: Liz, the horrible Dr. Fu-Manchu!!! Yikes! I know I would have enjoyed that first one more had I been in a better mood.

And yes, I know where you stand on mysteries. Ahead of me, certainly, but on the same team.

Book 43 In One Person John Iriving novel (kindle shelves)

I've been a John Irving fan for years. I love his mix of humor and pathos; the usual addition of a New England setting is a real plus for me.

The fan status didn't help with this book, because Irving presents many of the same themes he's been exploring for most of his career. There's a certain sense of deja vu in the reading, and a bit of tiredness about circumstances. The humor still pleases though, and the setting of a boys' school does, of course, draw me into the story.

This is a story about an unwieldy and unusual family. I know that it will seem to be a strange or bizarre story to many readers, since the characters hardly fit into any sort of ordinary mold. It is, however, "a family story for our kind of family," as a loved one pointed out to me.

I give 3.6 *'s. YMMV wildly.

Book 44 The Handmaid's Tale Margaret Atwood novel (kindle shelves)

Oh my. Where to start?

I was uncomfortable while reading this story of a future where women are powerless (yet again) and reduced to two or three functions in society. It's a sad and scary book which unfortunately made this reader wonder if it could happen in a society entirely given over to a religious view. Even more than when it was written, Atwood's story will force the reader to think and be alarmed. The characters are all too believable. Avoid this book if you're not in the mood for a harrowing read.

4 *s for the writing

Book 45 Castle Rackrent Maria Edgeworth novel (2015 purchase)

I like old books and I cannot lie.

Edgeworth''s story of the mismanagement of an Irish estate by lackadaisical owners, none of whom cared about the place at all, is sad, infuriating, and amusing, all at once. As the place is handed down from one fool to another, the narrator, a sort of steward for the property, tells his tale slyly and well. It's a lesson in how outside powers exploit both property and persons for their own ends with no remorse. It's also a tale of quiet, implacable will to have revenge in whatever way possible.

Each owner has his faults, whether greed, gambling, drinking, cheating the locals, extreme financial stupidity, or a combination of all of them. Edgeworth apparently took these episodes directly from life and her disdain is obvious and stinging.

The native Irish are portrayed as somewhat sly and feckless, but with no attitude of blame. Since they were essentially powerless, they had to seize whatever advantages they could to keep from being completely plowed under by the usurpers.

I enjoyed it.

3.75 *s

Book 46 The Jane Austen Book Club Karen Joy Fowler novel (off the shelves)

A simple story about a book club devoted completely to Austen's work, there are elements of several of her novels here, the most obvious being a bit of a tribute to Pride and Prejudice. One needs no familiarity with Austen's work to enjoy the book, though.

Thoroughly lightweight and breezy, this is a quick, amusing read with which to while away a few hours. Fun for anyone, but especially aimed at women.

3.0 *s

And that's my reading for the first half of 2015. A new thread coming up in a couple of days for the second half.

>219 Matke: Yes, you're right: County not Country (The Norfolk Mystery. I'd blame autocorrect but in my head they are guides to the country, so human error at fault. Ian Samsom also wrote the mobile librarian series.

I always find Gore Vidal entertaining too - and often feel slightly guilty for finding him so. He was such a terrible snob! But I loved Lincoln and Burr and 1876 and pretty much anything else of his I've read. Can't think what that might be. Essays?

The worst is returning to a writer you loved as an innocent young thing and discovering racism, sexism or other foolery so that you know you'll never be back.

Hi Gail. Hopefully just squeezing myself into the tail end of this thread to apologise for being absent so long.

>222 Matke: I like old books and I cannot lie.

:-D

I've also been finding mysteries comforting recently - it's strange how books that in theory are about such unpleasant occurrences can be comforting but somehow they are.