BLBera's 2015 Reading - Part 3 - Spring is coming

My name is Beth. I teach English at my local community college. I don't plan my reading much. I belong to a book club that meets once a month. Otherwise, I go where the spirit leads me.

I tend to read more fiction than nonfiction and more women authors than men. This year, I would like to read more diversely, in every sense of the word. I like to discover new writers.

Welcome to my thread. Lurk or stop and say hello.

One of my favorite poems about spring:

in Just-
By E. E. Cummings
in Just-
spring when the world is mud-
luscious the little
lame balloonman

whistles far and wee

and eddieandbill come
running from marbles and
piracies and it's
spring

when the world is puddle-wonderful

the queer
old balloonman whistles
far and wee
and bettyandisbel come dancing

from hop-scotch and jump-rope and

it's
spring
and

the

goat-footed

balloonMan whistles
far
and
wee

2015 Reading at at Glance

May
36. What Is the What* REREAD
37. Unbecoming
38. Fellowship of Fear*
39. Prudence
40. The Imperfectionists*
41. A God in Ruins
42. Bittersweet
43. In Other Worlds*
44. The Bees
45. God Help the Child
46. Death in the Garden*

April 2015
26. The Siege Winter
27. Outline
28. The Snowman*
29. Shakespeare Saved My Life
30. A River Runs Through It*
31. Aya
32. Aya of Yop City
33. The Shore*
34. The Murder at Sissingham Hall*
35. My Salinger Year

January 2015
1. Offshore*
2. The Moor's Account
3. Citadel*
4. Child of Dandelions
5. The Land of Dreams
6. All My Puny Sorrows
7. Cleopatra's Sister*
8. A Symphony of Echoes*
9. Land of Love and Drowning

February
10. Knucklehead
11. Ghettoside
12. The Sleepwalker's Guide to Dancing
13. Code Name Verity*
14. Unfamiliar Fishes*
15. The Unquiet Dead
16. Nine Lives*
17. Maus*

March
18. First Frost
19. The Round House*
20. Wolf Winter
21. A Dangerous Talent
22. What I Loved*
23. And the Birds Rained Down
24. A God in Every Stone
25. Crooked Letter, Crooked Letter

* Off my shelves

Currently reading:

Baileys women’s prize for fiction longlist 2015

Read:
Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel – Canadian – 4th novel
A God in Every Stone by Kamila Shamsie – Pakistani/British – 6th novel
Outline by Rachel Cusk – British – 8th novel
The Shore by Sara Taylor – American – 1st novel
The Bees by Laline Paull - British - 1st novel

To Read:
Crooked Heart by Lissa Evans – British – 4th novel
Aren’t We Sisters? by Patricia Ferguson – British – 8th novel
I Am China by Xiaolu Guo – Chinese/ British – 6th novel
Dear Thief by Samantha Harvey – British - 3rd novel
Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey – British – 1st novel
The Offering by Grace McCleen – British – 3rd novel
The Country of Ice Cream Star by Sandra Newman – British/American – 3rd novel
The Girl Who Was Saturday Night by Heather O’Neill – Canadian – 2nd novel
The Table of Less Valued Knights by Marie Phillips – British – 2nd Novel
The Walk Home by Rachel Seiffert – British – 3rd novel
How to be Both by Ali Smith - British – 6th novel
A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler – American – 20th novel
The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters – British – 6th novel
After Before by Jemma Wayne – British – 1st novel
The Life of a Banana by PP Wong – British – 1st novel

April stats
Read 10 books in April, 2 nonfiction, 8 fiction
2 by men and 8 by women

Fiction:
2 graphic novels
1 collection of short stories
5 novels

3 translations: 1 from Norwegian and 2 from French

Authors:
British: 3
American: 4
Ivory Coast: 2
Norwegian: 1

Best fiction of April: The Shore
Best nonfiction: My Salinger Year

May stats
Read 11 books in May, 1 nonfiction, 10 fiction
4 by men, 7 by women
5 from my shelf, 6 library books

Best of May: God Help the Child and A God in Ruins

Here's a little spring. I took this in the Alhambra in Granada in May when my daughter was studying there about 10 years ago.

Yippee! I'm the first one to wish you a happy new thread! Happy Spring, Beth!

>1 BLBera: Love ee cummings. Great choice. :-) And HNT of course.

Hi Beth! Happy New Thread!

Hi Beth! It feels like spring here today. I think it is in the 70s!!! I've only read Station Eleven from the Bailey Prize list, but I am in the middle of The Paying Guest right now!

Happy New thread, Beth! And happy April. Glad you are enjoying In Other Worlds.

I copied this from my other thread because I'll be reading this for a while.
In Other Worlds is a combination memoir and literary criticism. In the first two chapters, Atwood talks about her early fascination with SF, while also discussing possible origins for some of the common motifs: disguise, flying, costumes. She is learned but unpretentious. In the first chapter, she talks about the time when she was six or seven. At that age, her "juvenilia" centered, she says, around her "superheroes, who were flying rabbits. Their names were Blue Bunny and White Bunny, and they were modeled upon two unimaginatively named real-life stuffed animals who did indeed go flying through the air, propelled by an age-old technology called 'throwing.'" I love her sense of humor.

Lynda - You're number 1!

Hi Charlotte - thanks for stopping by.

Hi Carrie - Thanks.

Hi Amy - I'll be anxious to hear what you think of The Paying Guests; I've heard mixed reviews. In any case, I think I'll read Fingersmith before I tackle The Paying Guests. It's pretty nice here today, too, but very windy. I think we're supposed to have thunderstorms later. It will cool off for the weekend -- back to the 40s. I'm just happy the snow is mostly gone.

Hi Mark - I hope spring has come to Chicago.

It was a beautiful day, Beth. Sunny, low 70s. Smiles...

Shorts?

Yes, spring is coming! That is just what the doctor ordered!

Tomorrow we'll have our first day in the 60s since early last November. Woo Hoot!! Happy new thread Beth.

Hi Nancy - One can only hope! Two years ago we had a blizzard on May 2. Schools were closed. My nephew's birthday is then and he was thrilled.

Hi Bonnie - Is all your snow melted yet? We still have some in shady areas. It's been nice this week, but I think tomorrow starts a stretch of 40s, which is normal for this time of year, so I guess we can't complain.

Beth, have I mentioned that I loved What Is the What when I read it? I think it was a five-star read for me.

Hmm, it's Atwood April. I don't usually participate but I'm in a bit of a book funk this evening and I do have an Atwood around here somewhere......

Hi Ellen - I was just over on your thread. Sorry about the book funk. I loved What Is the What the first times I read it, and I am having fun with it now. I have some refugees in my class -- not from Sudan, but they get what Valentino is going through. We've had some great discussions.

I'm enjoying Atwood's memoir/essays, even though I'm not moving through them very quickly.

Happy spring! Love the poem. We are headed into fall - falling back this weekend which means it's a 6 hour time difference to talk to my sister. Poop.

I've abandoned another book from the list previously known as orange. I couldn't get into The Paying Guests at all. Funny that. I read some really great reviews around here. Not for me I guess. Good thing there are so many books in the world. lol
I have started The Bees, and so far it's fascinating. Fortunately for me, the library will be closed most of the Easter weekend, so I shouldn't be inundated with books I've reserved until Tuesday, at least. Phew!

No shorts, Beth. I am a shorts wearing guy, so as soon as the temperature stays at a comfortable level, I will be on it.

Happy New Thread, Beth!

Hi Jenn - I've seen mixed reviews of The Paying Guests. I think I'll start with another Waters book. I just got The Bees from the library, so that may be my next read. I'll watch for your comments.

Hi Mark - Funny. As soon as it hits 30, we have students in shorts. They must not feel the cold.

Thanks Amber.

No one has brought the shorts out yet, at work, but the time is coming...

Happy new thread, Beth! I hadn't heard of The Bees, but it looks really good. I'll wait for your review :-)

Happay New Thread, Beth and I wish you a most lovely spring.

Happy new thread, Beth!

Looks like spring is slowly making it's round around the threads. :)

The Bees is sitting somewhere on my shelves....

Well, at least it isn't snowing, Mark.

Hi Susan - I'll let you know when I get to it. I think others are reading it around here, too.

Hi Barbara. Thanks, I am ready for spring.

Hi Valerie - Thanks.

Happy Easter, Beth! Have a great weekend.

Thanks Nancy. You, too.

26. The Siege Winter is an excellent historical novel set during the civil war when Empress Mathilda and King Stephen battled for the throne of England. Ariana Franklin died while writing this, and her daughter finished it. One thing I loved about Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death mysteries, also set in the twelfth century, was the fact that she was able to immerse us so completely in the time. She does that again in this novel.

She chooses to follow a few characters as they do their best to survive the conflict: a mercenary, a young girl trying to survive after a brutal attack, a young noblewoman in charge of a castle. Like all civil wars, it was brutal. Franklin shows that in the lives of everyday people who just want it to stop,so they can live their lives. All too often they ask, "Where is the law?" It was chaos, anarchy, and that is vividly portrayed here.

Next: I'll read some more of In Other Worlds and then decide which novel to pick up next.

Happy new thread and Happy Easter weekend, Beth!

I see more love for The Siege Winter! I was so happy to learn - via LT - that another Ariana Franklin/Diana Norman story has been published.

Happy new thread!

Thanks Lori. This wasn't in the Mistress of the Art of Death series, but if you loved those, you will like this.

Thanks, Rhonda.

Well, got a call from the library to pick up some reserves, so I'm going to read Outline next. It sounds intriguing.

Hi Beth, dang a BB. Our local library has Grave goods and Mistress of the art of death by Diane Norman. It looks like I should read them.

Wishing you Happy Easter.

Thanks Barbara. I think you will enjoy Mistress of the Art of Death. It's a really good historical mystery.

>26 msf59: Love this series and will definitely go find The Siege Winter. With what we've just gone through this winter here in Maine, I think I'll schedule it for summer reading.!

This is hardly a new thread, but I'm new to it, so HAPPY to both of us, Beth. I'm always glad to see somebody quoting eec - what a guy!
I have good deals on both The Paying Guests and The Bees on my Kindle and hope to get to them this year. My current Orange/Bailey, though, is Aren't We Sisters, and it's very entertaining so far. I predict that it won't make the short list, but that doesn't mean that it's not worth checking out of the library!

Ariana Franklin is on my "someday" list, Beth. I have one of her books so I have no excuse not to jump in! I hope you and Scout get to hunt some Easter eggs tomorrow, Beth.

Happy Easter!

Here's a little treat

Wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend, Beth!

Tina - Yes, it might be best to wait until the winter is really over. I'll be interested to hear what you think of it when you get to it.

Hi Peggy - I think I'm going to pass on The Paying Guests for now; too many people have called it a slog, and I don't need that. I do have The Bees from the library, but also did get a deal on the ebook for my Nook. Right now I'm reading Outline, and it's fantastic. I love e.e. cummings!

Hi Donna - Happy Easter to you. Scout's Easter basket is sitting, waiting for her.

Thanks Jenn! Yum.

Thanks Valerie. Happy Easter to you, too.

I hope everyone is having a lovely Passover or Easter.

>44 BLBera: Happy Easter Beth! I hope Scout has fun with her basket.

Thanks Carrie. Happy Easter to you, too.

Happy Easter, Beth! Hope you have a lovely holiday.

Another one wishing you a Happy Easter, Beth.

>33 BLBera: Hmm, that series sounds interesting. I loved the Brother Cadfael mysteries and I believe they were set in Britain during this period. I might give this a try (or, more accurately, the first one in the series if that makes sense).

I've started reading Love Medicine and I'm enjoying being reminded of the characters with which Erdrich inhabits so many of her novels.

Thanks, Mark. I hope you had a great Easter.

Thanks Paul.

Ellen - Mistress of the Art of Death was the best. If you only read one, read it -- it is the first one... The Siege Winter is a stand alone. Both highly recommended.

I know - her early books are so wonderful. I'm teaching a class on Minnesota writers this summer and am going to use The Antelope Wife, which she rewrote, so I will read her newly revised edition soon.

I hope you had a great weekend. Is spring there yet?

27. Outline is a gem of a book. It is the story of a writer who flies to Athens to teach a writing workshop. The novel is narrated by the writer, but we only see her through the stories of others, her neighbor on the plane, her students, friends. She provides us with an outline to fill in. This is an exceptional novel. However, it is not for those who like plot-driven stories. But if you like character studies, this novel is for you.

It's amazing how our reading experiences accumulate. We read a book in January and are reminded of it by another book in March. In Outline, as I read the stories of the narrator's friends and students, I was reminded of the ideas of perception from What I Loved. As Matt's father explains to him during a discussion about how different people view the same event in different ways: "The place where I am is missing from my view...we don't see ourselves in the picture, do we? It's a kind of hole" -- or outline...

Now, for a change of pace, I'll pick up the next Harry Hole The Snowman.

Happy Easter Beth! I am reading a character book now. I think I will need a plotty book before I look at Outline. ; )

Hi Beth, really liked what you said about the accumulation on reading experiences. I seem to have been following Virginia Woolf around in the (to me) most unlikely books these past months. Certainly not as the result of any plan of mine. I loved Outline and was really pleased to see it on a prize shortlist.

Hi Kim - Thanks. Happy Easter to you, too. I understand what you mean; I picked up a plotted book, too.

Hi Charlotte - I KNEW someone had read and loved Outline. If I were more organized, I would make notes or tag books with names of people who recommended them. However, realistically, that's not going to happen. Hmm - Virginia Woolf. That reminds me I wanted to do a reread of To the Lighthouse...

I have a $75 gift card for Amazon. Hmm.

Belated happy new thread. Beth! In Other Worlds sounds interesting as does the Ariana Franklin series (of which I have the first book) and Outline.

>55 BLBera: Oooh, Beth! What will you spend it on? DVDs? Streaming music? Apps? I think there's something else they sell, but I can't quite put my finger on it...

I've just finished my Dad's Christmas gift card - sob.

>55 BLBera: Ooh, lovely. I would savor that for a while.

Thanks Heather. Yes, I've read some great books lately, and as a bonus, there's been good synergy among them. The Mistress of the Art of Death is a great historical mystery.

Hi Susan - I think I'm going to wait until something calls my name. I looked at my wishlist but nothing was urgent.

Hi Ellen - Great idea. I don't have a pressing need for new books at the moment. ;)

Well, it's a rainy, thunderstormy day here, and Scout just went home, so I'm going to have some sit down time with a book. No class tomorrow because it's a staff day, which promises to be extremely trying, so I'm relaxing this evening.

I forgot to mention, one of my colleagues is going to attend a conference the rest of this week and Roxanne Gay will be there! He's going to try to get me an autographed copy of An Untamed State, which was a great novel -- hard to read -- but I will definitely keep reading her.

Off to probably finish The Snowman. Then I have a huge stack of library books to get to -- quite a few historical novels, so I have to choose a time and place that I'm in the mood for.

Hi Beth. I hope your relaxing evening is, well, relaxing. You got to spend time with Scout! I know that's a bonus. :-)
I hope your colleague is able to get that autographed copy. I don't know Gay's work, but I might investigate.

"...historical novels, so I have to choose a time and place that I'm in the mood for."
Love that.

Ellen - An Untamed State was one of the last novels I read last year. There are my comments. I highly recommend it although there are some parts that are really hard to read.

"This was not the Haiti my parents wanted to return to, this land of mad indifference. They remembered the country differently, almost fondly, and the beauty of their island only blossomed the further through time they moved away from it. Like most people, they, or at least my father, created a Haiti that only exists in his imagination -- a country that would willingly embrace him."

This shows how Miri Duval's father romanticizes his homeland. He became a successful engineer in the States, yet never felt accepted; he always felt he had to prove his competence to his colleagues. He yearned for the Haiti of his youth, but when he returned and became successful, he lived in a mansion surrounded by walls and a locked gate.

His children, Mona, Miri and Michel were all born and raised in the States, and although they visited Haiti regularly, it wasn't their home. When Miri is kidnapped outside the gate of her father's mansion, it becomes clear that his illusions are dangerous. Her kidnapping shows how broken Haiti is -- negotiators for kidnappers are a profession. Her thirteen days in captivity are harrowing -- her captors brutally rape her, and even after her release, she spends years trying to recover.

Gay alternates between the captivity and Miri's memories of her "fairy tale" life and the "after" life. The fluidity of time is a real strength in the novel. The weakest part is the ending, when Gay gets away from the immediacy of the kidnapping and tries to wrap things up with a "years later" general approach. Still, a thought provoking novel by a young Haitian writer -- we see what happens when there is a huge gap between the haves and have nots. A strong finish to my year.

Note: Some of the descriptions of what happens during her captivity are horrific. I had bad dreams about it last night.

Time with Scout is always a blast. We watched a little Elmo, danced to her favorite Proclaimers song, climbed stairs, jumped on the bed, ran, had a snack and looked at some books. I think my day's workout is complete.

^It looks like a worthwhile read! Thanks for re-posting your comments.

I LOVE your description of the time you spent today with Scout. Such simple pleasures. And so meaningful. I'm really glad you have her in your life.

One of my colleagues, who is leaving for private practice (which means she won't report to me any longer and we can be more like friends), has a 15-month old daughter who is super special. I mean, all kids are special and cute, but there is something about Cecily. I hope to continue getting to know her as she grows up.

Beth, reading your review above of An Untamed State; sound excellent.

Got such a chuckle out of your time with Scout, especially dancing to her favourite Proclaimers song, LOL! Good taste in music, your little girl : ).

Ellen - It was not easy, but very worthwhile. Scout is pretty special; we have a little mutual admiration society going on. She is my natural stress relief.

Hi Nancy - Yes, what can I say? When she gets to my house, she says, "Musica," and if I put on one of the kids' songs, she shakes her head and says no, we have to start with the Proclaimers 500 miles song. It is so funny.

All of this Maugham talk led me to the story "The Book Bag," which begins, "Some people read for instruction, which is praiseworthy, and some for pleasure, which is innocent, but not a few read from habit, and I suppose that this is neither innocent nor praiseworthy." I think there are a few of us who might identify with him. The narrator goes on to talk about how he must take books with him when he travels...

I've always loved this story, and Maughm's stories are treats. I might dip into a few.

Great review! Thanks for reposting. Not up for nightmares right at the moment though. I need me some smiles!

It was grueling but worth it, Kim. But for some things it helps to be in the right mood.

>51 BLBera: You got me. Adding Outline to the pile.

>66 BLBera: I was just saying, over on Donna's thread, that my only experience with Maugham was at 16 or 17 for AP English. I was too young. I am going to have to try him again. Haha! reading from habit is neither innocent nor praiseworthy What?!?

>66 BLBera: That is a great opening sentence!

ETA: Adding Outline to my Powell's shopping list. :-)

What did you get with the book voucher? Or are you still considering? I've only read On Human Bondage of which almost nothing remains but the fact that I read (some of it) on a train and a lovely old man came up to me and asked me if I was enjoying it, and when I said I was, he looked so happy, nodded and walked off!

28. The Snowman
In this installment of the Harry Hole series, it seems like Harry finally is really chasing a serial killer -- if the women who have gone missing are really dead, that is. As they start to investigate, they find that over the past several years, many women have disappeared on the day of the first snowfall. Harry and his team have to try to figure out the connections between these women.

As usual, there are plenty of twists and turns, and an action-packed ending. I didn't think this was as good as the previous ones I've read; maybe there were a few too many plot twists, making it hard to suspend disbelief in the end. Still the last fifty pages were exciting, and I'll give Harry another try.

Jenn - I'll look for your comments on Outline. As for Maugham, after the first couple of sentences, he goes on to compare habitual readers to drug addicts and said that we shouldn't really be holier than thou...It's a good story.

Ellen - I know. I love Maugham's short stories. That line has stuck with me though. Happy to help you with your shopping list. :)

Charlotte - I haven't decided what to do with the voucher yet. I will let all my LT friends know what I decide to buy. I'm wavering between expensive books I wouldn't normally buy, or a whole bunch of cheaper ones. Decisions, decisions.

I'm in the same boat with Of Human Bondage; it's been so long that I remember very little. Another one for my reread shelf, I guess.

Next: I'm still reading In Other Worlds and am checking out my huge stack of library books to decide what I'm in the mood for next.

I've never read any of Atwood's essays or literary criticism. I'll be interested in how you like In Other Worlds.

Ellen - So far In Other Worlds is a treat. It's a combination memoir/essay. She discusses the origins of science fiction, superheroes while also explaining how she became interested in these things. In the chapter I'm reading now, she talks about how she came to write "speculative fiction," which is what she calls her Handmaid's Tale and Oryx and Crake. She's a smart cookie.

Okay, confession. I still have my Amazon voucher, but when I got home tonight, there was a box by my mailbox. There might have been a sale for NYRB books, and I might have ordered some. Then, I forgot about it, so this was a fun surprise. These were all half price.
The Bridge of Beyond
Clandestine in Chile
Cassandra at the Wedding
During the Reign of the Queen of Persia
Love in a Fallen City
Great Granny Webster
Corrigan

I'm really torn right now -- I'm reading the Atwood, but my book club meets next week, so I have to start The River Runs Through It -- I picked it up last night and was captivated by the acknowledgements, so I might put aside the Atwood for that. Then, on my Nook at the gym I've been reading Shakespeare Saved My Life, which is hard to put down...

What a problem!

Well, back to grading and staring admiringly at my new books.

That reminds me, I have Shakespeare Saved My Life checked out from the library on my Kindle. Clock's ticking on that one...

I'd think that would be a really good gym book, as the chapters are so short (but it's an entirely theoretical comment, as I haven't been near the gym in weeks).

I'm looking forward to reading more Harry Hole, Beth. But I do know what you mean about too many twists and turns ...

>74 BLBera: That's a great book haul, Beth! I've bought quite a few things while I've been on holiday, and it's possible that some of them might also be a surprise by the time they arrive :-) I'm glad you're enjoying the Shakespeare book!

Yes, Katie. I have the ebook checked out, too and it's due pretty soon.

Charlotte, the short chapters and informal style make it perfect for the gym. The only thing that doesn't work really well on my Nook are the long passages from Macbeth. Having something to read motivates me to go!

Hi Nancy - Harry is a great character. This one I thought was a bit overplotted. And I see the next one is 700 pages, so I'll wait a while on that one.

Thanks Susan, I'm looking forward to them. Yes, thanks for the Shakespeare recommendation. We're reading Othello in one of my classes now, and I read them an excerpt from the Bates book.

Hi, Beth. I loved Mistress of the Art of Death and I am planning on reading the second in the series, A Serpent's Tale this month. I was also greeted with some book packages when I got home from Vancouver Island that I had forgotten that I ordered. It was fun to be surprised by new books!

Hi Judy - Yes, a package of books is the best mail. I think Mistress of the Art of Death was the best in the series, but I read them all and was sad when I found out Franklin died. I recommend The Siege Winter, too. She does know how to do historical novels.

You are reading A River Runs Through It? One of my all time faves. And when I was in college, I got to hear Maclean read from it.

Scout and the Proclaimers sounds funny. When Banjo, JR was that age, her favorite song was Three Dog Night's "Joy to the World. "

Hi Rhonda - Yes, Scout it hilarious with her Proclaimers song. I'll have to try 'Joy to the Word" with her.

I've just started A River Runs Through It; the acknowledgements at the beginning won me over. My book club meets next Friday, so I need to finish it.

I was just at a fundraiser for my public library for mini libraries. They want to build 40 in our community. Keep your fingers crossed; I would love to have one.

Fingers crossed!

Nice (surprise) book haul :). Looking forward to seeing what you do with the Amazon gift card.

Hooray for little libraries! My son wanted to build one at the bus stop near our local library for his Eagle scout project. Sadly, the city council wanted it insured for some enormous amount of money on the off chance it caught on fire or the books were used to beat someone or some other random and improbable occurrence. So he didn't do it. I sometimes think about putting one in my yard though.

>83 BLBera: Love the idea of little libraries - are they a standard design, or does the community get to decide?

Happy Saturday, Beth. I enjoyed your comments on an Untamed State. I really want to get to that one, along with her recent essay collection.

I have not read a Nesbo, in a couple of years. I am due.

Glad you are enjoying the Atwood. I was very pleased with Stone Mattress.

Hi Beth, I wish you a fabulous weekend.

Thanks Jim.

I promise I will post when I decide what to do, Jenn. The library is actually putting them up; people have to apply to have them. They do a background check and I needed references and everything.

Hi Char - I think they are a standard design. I don't know if I have a choice about the color or anything like that. I hope I get chosen. They said about 125 people applied and they are going to put up 40.

Thanks Mark. I would like to see Gay's essays. And what's not to love about Atwood?

Thanks Barbara. I would love to see some blossoms.

I have to admit that the only Atwood I have read so far is Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth which is part of the Massey Lecture Series. I was quite impressed with they way she examined debt through history using literary examples. I still haven't read any of her fiction works. ;-0

Happy weekend, Beth.

Hi Lori - Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth sounds like something I would like. I'll look for it.

>83 BLBera: What a wonderful idea! I've been thinking about doing away with my cardboard box I put on the edge of our driveway and investing in a little library. It would be great to have our library pay the price! Good Luck!!

Thanks Lynda. I think I'll find out at the beginning of May.

Sorry to hear that there are still no blossoms at your place.

>74 BLBera: "There might have been a sale for NYRB books, and I might have ordered some."
:-D

Beth, we have Little Free Libraries all over town. There are at least five within a 6-block radius of my house. It is very fun to stop and peruse their contents when I walk past and I certainly try to contribute now and then. It's interesting: each one seems to develop a sort of trend or theme. There is one that absolutely never has any books in which I'm interested and the others are more hit or miss.

Oh, and there are two that I pass in a neighborhood on my path home from work. I keep thinking I'll stop and investigate them (the neighborhood feels like one that would have good readers about - ha ha). Probably the fact that I'm on my way home from work makes me a bit less likely to stop.

I've never read A River Runs Through It. I saw the movie.... :-|

29. Shakespeare Saved My Life
All teachers love motivated students, and if the motivated students also have inspired, original ideas, even better. Laura Bates found her inspired student in an unexpected place, a maximum security prison. Shakespeare Saved My Life is her memoir of teaching Shakespeare in prison; at the same time it's a strong argument to promote education in prisons. She cites research, but also uses her own personal experience, teaching violent offenders, finding: "In fact, of the hundreds of prisoners who have been in the (Shakespeare) program ... not one committed a violent offense" after starting the program.

The short chapters discuss her experience entering prison, but she also has excerpts from the plays with the prisoners comments, which are amazing. I found this fascinating -- and I'll certainly be sharing some of the insights with my students.

Barbara - No, not yet...but April showers bring May flowers, right?

Ellen - Yes, passive voice does have its uses. ;) I think our free libraries are meant to focus on K-8 ages, but I'll clarify if I get one. My daughter still has boxes of kids' books, some of which she would be happy to donate, but the library also collected a lot in a recent drive.

I've heard excellent things about A River Runs Through It; I'm going to try to get a good start on it today, now that I've finished Shakespeare Saved My Life, which is due to disappear from my Nook - I checked the ebook from the library.

Well, off to more grading.

Shakespeare Saved My Life sounds interesting, Beth! Hope you enjoy A River Runs Through It. Haven't read that one but love love the movie.

Hi Beth! I'm catching up on all of your good reading and Scout stories! I hope that all is well with you.

Nancy - Believe it or not, I haven't seen the movie. I'm not much interested in fly fishing, but MacLean can write.

Thanks Amy. Finally, after snow yesterday, it's seeming like spring is arriving today.

I hope Spring is just around the corner for you, Beth. We are having a beautiful spring and the rhodendrons are just coming into bloom. I brought you some to help brighten up your day:



I didn't take this picture but I have these exact rhodys in my front yard and they should be blooming later on this month.

Thanks Judy - gorgeous.

Shakespeare Saved My Life sounds really interesting. I'm adding it to my pile. :)

I've never been to Minnesota, but I wonder if it's like Colorado in the springtime? We used to live there, and it seemed like there would always be a big wet snow storm, then the snow would melt, green grass would appear and it would be spring.

Hi Beth,

Shakespeare Saved My Life does sound pretty good. I hadn't heard of it until I saw it offered on Overdrive as part of their Reading Program last month.

I've got my fingers crossed for you. What a great idea for your library to be supporting Little Free Libraries!

And great book haul from NYRBs. I was very tempted when I saw their sale but sadly, I resisted. Darn....

Have a great week!

>96 BLBera: I enjoyed Shakespeare saved my life, especially when she talked about how her work at prison and college overlapped. Hope that your students find it interesting too.

Regarding A River Runs Through It, the book is much better than the movie. But I did enjoy the movie as well, the scenery was lovely.

I have to read Shakespeare saved my life!

Hi Jenn - I think Minnesota is less temperate than Colorado. At least a friend who lives in Denver tells me her spring is much further along.

Hi Joanne - I heard about Shakespeare Saved My Life first from Susan and Charlotte -- at least I'm pretty sure -- I'm terrible at remembering where I get recommendations. It was worthwhile, certainly a strong argument for education in prisons.

I should find out in a couple of weeks if I get one.

I can't wait to dig into my NYRBs.

Charlotte - I think I have you and Susan to thank for the comments on Shakespeare Saved My life, correct? I hope my students find it inspiring. At this time of the school year, most of them just want to be done.

Hi Rhonda - I'll have to check out the movie when I've finished the book. He writes beautifully; I'm having a hard time feeling an interest in fly fishing.

I think you'd like Shakespeare Saved My Life; it's a quick read.

Hi Beth, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

Hi Beth! Fingers crossed that you'll be picked for a Little Free Library. I'd consider having one myself if I didn't live on a dead-end road.

Happy Saturday, Beth! We had a gorgeous day in the Midwest, yesterday, didn't we? I wish it could have stretched through the weekend.

I hope you get some reading in this weekend.

Thanks Barbara, Carrie and Mark.

I've been trying to enjoy the beautiful weather here, walking to the park with Scout. Busy time of year for me as the school year winds down. I hope to finish The River Runs Through It this weekend. More comments later.

Thanks for stopping by.

Happy Saturday, Beth!

I drove by one of those Little Free Libraries in my neighbourhood last year before I knew what they were and I had to pull over and check it out. Then I looked it up on the internet and thought what a COOL idea. I always worry about vandalism and such when it comes to stuff on people's lawn and especially in this case since some of them are so beautiful!

Hi Katie.

Valerie - I hadn't thought about that because who would vandalize a box with books, but you have a point.

The Bailey's prize short list is out:
The Bees
Outline
A God in Every Stone
The Paying Guests
How to Be Both
A Spool of Blue Thread

I've read Outline and A God in Every Stone -- both excellent.

Awaiting your thoughts on the River and hoping you get chosen for a little library. Enjoy the weekend!

Ooh. I am excited that The Bees made the short list. Not surprised about A God in Every Stone either. Still haven't got to Outline, but soon. Maybe. :)

Jenn - I've heard varied opinions about The Bees, but I'll give it a try. There are also some books from the long list that I would like to read. I'm a little surprised that Station Eleven didn't make the short list.

Kim - Here you are.


I finished A River Runs Through It and enjoyed it more than I expected. Some thoughts:
First, it is the quintessential Western: people by men fighting each other and nature. In many ways I would describe it as a "guy" book. Yet, this collection of stories is beautifully written, and while I would have preferred fewer details about fly fishing, Maclean's writing is poetry. Also, his narrators are young, likable boys or men, trying to live up to a certain code.

In the story "USFS 1919: The Ranger, the Cook and a Hole in the Sky," set in 1919, the seventeen-year-old narrator looks up to his boss: "They still picked rangers for the Forest Service by picking the toughest guy in town. Ours, Bill Bell, was the toughest in the Bitterroot Valley, and we thought he was the best ranger in the Forest Service. We were strengthened in this belief by the rumor that Bill had killed a sheepherder. We were a little disappointed that he had been acquitted of the charges, but nobody held it against him, for we all knew that being acquitted of killing a sheepherder in Montana isn't the same as being innocent." Perfect, in-a-nutshell description of the Wild West.

Told from the perspective of fifty years after the events occurred, the stories take on a tone of nostalgia, mourning for a way of life that is gone.

My book club liked the book a lot, surprising me in a way. All appreciated the fine writing and keen sense of place. Some didn't even mind the fishing details!

Next: I got a graphic novel from the library Aya and also my ER copy of The Shore arrived, so I think I'll try to get to those.

>106 BLBera: Beth, Charlotte started it first, but you're right that I also read it :-)

Good luck with the little library - they look so cute! I'd spend all my time looking out of the window to see if anyone was borrowing anything. Or I'd sit out there on a garden chair, scaring them off...

Hmm, I didn't realize that A River Runs Through It was a collection of stories, Beth. Thought it was a novel. Glad you enjoyed.

Hi Susan - I finally read something soon after it was recommended, so I remembered who did the recommending! It will be tempting to sit on my front porch; I should find out in the next couple of weeks if I am selected.

Hi Nancy - A River Runs Through It actually only has three stories, and two of them are long enough to be considered novellas, I think.

I am glad that you liked A River Runs Through It! I am not a fisher at all, but I enjoyed the descriptions of fly-fishing in the book.

Yes, Rhonda. I was surprised that more people in my book club didn't mind the fishing. I tended to fall asleep during the more detailed descriptions.

31. Aya is a graphic novel about three young women growing up in the 1970s in Yopougon, Ivory Coast. The colors and drawings are vibrant and complement the story beautifully. I enjoyed reading about Aya and her friends Adjoua and Bintou so much that I picked up the next one Aya in Yop City.

You've been busy! Thanks for putting Outline on my wish list. I wasn't sure about it, but now I know I'll try it. And I like the sound of Shakespeare Saved My Life too. More thanks, Beth!

I remember really enjoying reading about Aya as well. I did get the next volume, Aya in Yop City but unfortunately my library only carried those two as I would have like to have continued on with the series.

Hi Peggy - I hope you enjoy it/them when you get to them.

Hi Judy - I think my library might have one more. I'll check to see when I take the first two volumes back. Aya in Yop City did end on a bit of a cliffhanger...

I started The Shore, an early review book, and it is a story told from multiple points of view. It was reminding me a bit of David Mitchell, and when I looked at the back, he was referenced. The downside of using multiple viewpoints is when the reader is captivated by one, it's hard to transition to a new one. Still, so far I am enjoying it.

I won The Shore as an ER book, too, Beth. I like multiple viewpoint narratives, so I'm looking forward to it!

Hi Katie - Have you started it yet? I loved Chloe in the first chapter.

No, I haven't started it yet. Probably won't get to it until May...

>113 BLBera: I've only read How to be both, A God in Every Stone, and The Paying Guests. The first two were both excellent. I have A Spool of Blue Thread on hold at the library.

I accidentally got a later one from the library: Aya: Love in Yop City and I took it back after Joe suggested I would want to start at the beginning. I need to check again and see if my library has the first.

^ I just checked and they do not have the first. *grumble*

Katie - I'll be anxious to hear what you think of it when you get to it. I am enjoying it so far.

Hi Ellen - I really want to get to How to Be Both soon after your enthusiastic recommendation of it. I'm about #10 on the list for A Spool of Blue Thread. I do have The Bees checked out. I'm not sure whether I'll get to it.

My library has three Aya books. I read the first two; they were excellent. I think you could follow what's going on if you don't read them in order, but the second one ends on a bit of a cliff hanger, which was intriguing. Tell you library to order them! That usually works with my library.

I am reading The Shore, an ER book, which is hard to put down. Even though it didn't make the short list, I am happy to have picked up this first novel.

Hi, Beth! I just was notified that I snagged a copy of The Shore. Cool. I will be watching closely for your thoughts.

Hi Mark - Well, I am loving it so far. It will be interesting to see what the the other ER winners think of it.

I won it from Read it Forward. Are you signed up for that?

I've gotten behind here, Beth. Your book delivery was a good surprise…and half price. Good for you! It is good to have those Amazon gift cards. So much fun to ponder which books to order. There are some new ones coming out this summer I may buy -- including the 'new' one by Harper Lee.

I am currently reading A God in Every Stone. So far I am enjoying it and learning a lot about Turkey and archaeology. I have the other Shortlisted Orange Books on reserve at the library. Outline is waiting for me. I'm glad you liked it so well. We do agree on a lot of books.

Hi Beth.
I have successfully asked my library to order particular books in the past, so I will approach them about Aya.

Do you have a copy of How to be both? If not, I have a copy that is probably destined for the nearest Little Free Library, so if you want it let me know. I'll add it to the package that will contain The Bloody Chamber (and I promise to get to the post office by the end of the month!).

I just put The Shore on hold at the library. It's on order so I don't have any idea how soon I'll actually get it.

Hi Ellen - Good luck with getting your library to order Aya; you will love them.

Thanks so much, I do have a copy of How to Be Both. Are you interested in A River Runs Through It? I have my copy sitting on my table of things to give away. No hurry sending The Bloody Chamber. If you're interested in The Shore, I can send you my ER copy when I've finished it. It's missing the family tree in the front, but otherwise, it's in pretty good shape, not a lot of typos, etc. It is excellent.

Hi Beth, just wishlisted Shakespeare saved my Life. Sounds very intriguing. Have a great weekend!

Lynda - I'll be interested to hear what you think of it when you get to it. There's a little something for everybody -- Shakespeare, criminal justice system, treatment of prisoners, etc.

Hi Beth, I think I'm more interested in The Shore than I am in A River Runs Through It. Thank you! I love trading books.

Got it, Ellen. I will send it your way when I'm finished. It is fun to trade -- only my book piles don't get any smaller.

Hi Beth, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

33. The Shore is a wonderful first novel. It is set in some small, isolated islands off the coast of Virginia and Maryland. Told from multiple points of view, we learn snippets of the history of some of the island families in each of the chapters. The story travels back and forth in time, and, at times, the family tree would have been helpful. However, as the reader progresses through the book, the connections start to become clear. One disadvantage of this style is that when a narrator is especially beguiling, we miss him or her when we move on to the next one. In some ways the structure reminds me of David Mitchell, but this is no mere copy.

The setting and characters will stay with me for a long time. I will definitely look for more work by Sara Taylor. Highly recommended for those who like works with multiple points of view and a strong sense of place.

It was a shame The Shore didn't make the Bailey's short list; it certainly deserved to. Of the four I've read so far, I think it is the best -- or at least tied with Outline.

Thanks Barbara.

I'm going to keep reading In Other Worlds and look at my library books to figure out what I want to read next.

>143 BLBera: Sounds good - and intriguing comments - will look out for it.

>143 BLBera: - I've always been fascinated by Chesapeake Bay, so the strong sense of place *plus* multiple POVs are sure to make this one a winner for me. Nice review, Beth!

Charlotte - I think you would like it.

Hi Katie - I'll be watching for your comments. I was impressed.

My DH was stationed on the Eastern Shore for his whole Coast Guard career. I'll be waiting for this one to decrease in price. (And I wish I had recognized it as good when it was offered by ER!) (I'll have to snoop and find out what you're asking for from now on.)
Hope you're enjoying your well-earned weekend!

Hi Beth, I seem to be on a Western book binge lately, and I should probably add A River Runs Through It to the list. I've never read Norman MacLean.

I have an arc of The Shore so I am very happy to see that you loved it. It sounds like it's right up my alley.

Peggy - My ER requests have been hit or miss. I was lucky this time.

Hi Joanne: My copy of A River Runs Through It is on my to donate pile. If you want it, it's yours. Just PM me your address and I will zip it to you. I think you would like it. This was my first Norman Maclean, too.

The Shore sounds like a great read! I'll be on the lookout for that one!

Oh, how lovely to live on an island, definitely a dream of mine. But the next closest thing is to add The Shore to my wishlist. Sounds like a perfect summer read.

Happy Sunday, Beth! I am so glad you enjoyed The Shore. Now, I am especially looking forward to receiving my copy.

Hi Deborah - Thanks for stopping by.

Lynda - Living on an island does sound idyllic to me, too. I hope you like The Shore when you get to it.

Same to you, Mark. I'll watch for your comments.

I've been making my way through In Other Worlds and enjoying it. I haven't yet picked up a new fiction read. Lots of grading as the end of the semester approaches.

I looked at my library books and decided to go with a memoir that is due soon and has holds so I won't be able to renew it, My Salinger Year.

Beth, I read The Shore today and loved it!

Hi Susan - I'm so happy you loved it, too. Wasn't it impressive for a first novel?

>157 BLBera: Beth, it certainly was! I'll definitely look out for what the author writes next. I see from the book jacket that she lives here now, but I hope she continues to write about the US, because it had a real sense of place (as I think you mentioned).

Nice review of The Shore. It's on my list now!

>155 BLBera: Interest piqued by this one, hope you manage to get it read before the deadline.

I hope she doesn't have a sophomore slump, Susan.

Hi Rhonda: Thanks. I think you'll enjoy it.

Hi Charlotte - I've zipped through the first 100 pages, and it is very good. More comments when I finish.

Your post reminded me that my copy of John Aubrey: My own life is due back to the library at the end of the week, and someone else has it on order so no chance of renewal. I might make it...

Great review of The Shore. I will probably get to it, eventually. :)

Good luck, Charlotte. My sister once said that checking out books with a waiting list made reading like a job. You have a deadline to meet. I should finish My Salinger Year, which I am enjoying a lot.

Thanks Jenn.

34. Written in the 1920s, The Murder at Sissingham Hall is a typical country house mystery with a locked room thrown in. This was OK; it was an ebook that I read at the gym. It kept me reading, but I don't know that I feel compelled to read more by Benson. On the other hand, it could have suffered in comparison to my last excellent reads. A pleasant enough mystery.

I'm trying to finish My Salinger Year so I can get it back to the library.

Happy Dance! I just got this email:

First of all, thank you so much for your interest in being a host for a mini library, and congratulations on being selected!

I get a mini library! I attend an informational meeting next week, so I'll know more then.

ooh. Look forward to hearing more. Sounds great.

Hooray!

Congratulations, Beth, that is so neat!

Congratulations! Looking foward to hearing more.

Thanks Charlotte, Katie, Judy and Barbara - I did find that that it will contain books for all ages; a good incentive for passing on some of my books.

Hooray for the mini library!! Awesome!

That's so awesome!

A mini library! Woot!

Thanks Jenn, Valerie and Nancy. I can't wait.

35. My Salinger Year is a memoir of a year spent at a literary agency. Rakoff was just out of college and grateful to have a job but found that most of her time was spent typing. The agency just happened to represent J. D. Salinger, someone Rakoff had never read. A big part of her duties was to answer the letters people wrote to Salinger. A wonderful portrait of a year in the life of a young woman who is in the process of becoming an adult.

I have to decide which library book to pick up next.

^ I've had this on my list for a while. Might need to move it up the queue.

Beth, congratulations on the mini-library! I'm looking forward to pictures :-)

Morning Beth! I had My Salinger Year on my to-read list but it somehow faded away. It is back on there now. Thanks.

Jenn - I think all book lovers would enjoy it.

Susan - Thanks. I might take some pictures...

Mark - I'll watch for your comments.

I just picked up an armload of books from the library that all came in at the same time (as usual). So, tonight, I'll have to look at what is due when and balance that with what I'm in the mood for next. Light at the end of the tunnel -- only 2 and a half weeks of class left, even though I know I have a big dose of grading coming up.

A mini library! Soooooo exciting!

Hi Lori - Yes, I can't wait.

The Bloody Chamber is on its way to you, Beth!

>141 BLBera: "...my book piles don't get any smaller."
No, and I've at least given up on even fantasizing about that. I bought new bookshelves a while back and there were a few months when my house wasn't filled with stacks of books. The stacks are back and there really isn't any room for me to put more bookshelves in. Oh well. If an earthquake happens and I'm stranded, either at work or at home, I have plenty of good reading material!

>180 BLBera: I have eight books from the library on my dresser. They always come in at the same time!

Thanks Ellen. The Shore is sitting on the table next to my front door. I'll probably get it off to you next week.

I think I have 11 library books right now. I did start one, Unbecoming, which is billed as a kind of psychological thriller. So far I'm just learning about the protagonist's background.

And they do always come in at the same time. Luckily, I have two or three mysteries right now, and at this point in the semester I need some entertaining reading, so they will fit the bill nicely.

Good luck with your 11 library books. I'm anticipating another flood of reservations in a week or two so trying to get through the ones I've got. Mostly reading the lighter ones though, as they fit in the bike pannier much more easily...

Laughing at the 11 library books. Luckily, we can always put them on hold again, right? I'm about to return Lila because it's due on Tuesday and I won't get to it. I tried to renew, but someone else has it on hold. So, I will put it back on hold for a third time. One of these times when it comes available, it will fit into my reading plans.

Thanks Charlotte - I imagine that some will go back unread.

Hi Ellen - Only on LT can I admit how many books I have from the library without ridicule. The same thing has happened to me; I think I've had to re-reserve one book twice. I think of how I am boosting numbers for the library...

We are able to renew a library book up to 4 times if there is no holds so that means you can technically borrow a book up to 12 weeks and most of the time I need most of the 12 weeks to finish the books. I'm always praying no one decides to put any of the on hold.

Valerie - My library allows us to renew twice, but the loan period is a month if it isn't something in high demand. If there are more than five holds on it, loan time is two weeks. I often have to renew twice before getting to books, especially because they always all come in at the same time.

36. What Is the What is a great book. Eggers captures perfectly the voice of Valentino Deng, as he tells the story of his odyssey from South Sudan to the United States. Based on Valentino's life, this represents the story of many of the Lost Boys, as they are called, young boys who fled the violence in their villages and came of age in refugee camps.

I reread this book with my students, who, on the whole, loved the book. Any immigrants identify with Valentino. We've had great discussions, and I will use the book again. More than anything, it reinforces the importance of being allowed to tell one's story.

I enjoyed What Is the What, so I'm glad that you did as well, Beth. Clarkston, GA is an interesting place, as it contains a significant population of refugees from war torn countries living alongside each other in a small Southern town that looks as though it hasn't changed much from the 1950s, despite its close proximity to Atlanta. I used to go there one afternoon a week during residency to see patients in a pediatric practice in Clarkston, which provided care to the children of many of these refugees, but I didn't have any time to speak with the families about their experiences, as I would have liked to.

Another great book set in Clarkston is Outcasts United, a nonfiction book about a youth soccer team of refugees (whose nickname was The Fugees) who had to overcome local prejudice and poverty to stay afloat and become successful.

Thanks for the recommendation, Darryl. I've had great success teaching What Is the What because we have quite a large immigrant population here -- lots of Sudanese and even a few "Lost Boys." Some will talk about their experiences, and some won't. Anyway, I'll be reading it again with a class in the fall even though I probably won't count it again.

Congrats on your new library! Looking forward to pictures!

Thanks Joanne. I think it will be around the end of May or beginning of June before they are installed.



37. Unbecoming is more a character study than anything else. We watch Grace, from Garland, Tennessee, grow up and constantly reinvent herself, searching for her place in the world. Her mother and father didn't live together while she was young, so she was bounced around among family members. She never felt as if she belonged anywhere. When she meets Riley Graham, she thinks she may have found a place. Things don't turn out as she thinks they will.

This started out slowly, but I did get sucked into Grace's life, wondering what she was going to do next. In its description, the book is described as a thriller, but I don't see it.

Just waving hello :)

>190 BLBera: Still not read this, really must get to it. Would love to be a fly on the wall for your classes - always surprising what experiences students bring to their reading.

Beth, one of the cool things about your profession is that you "get to" (have to?) reread works multiple times. My father's specialty was specialties were Shakespeare and Chaucer and I remember him talking about how important it was to reread the works he was teaching every single semester he taught them. I'm thinking that means he read Richard III at least 30+ times.

I have only read What is the What one time but it was a memorable read.

Hi Charlotte - What Is the What has been a good book for my classes, perhaps because I do often have immigrants/refugees. I have learned a lot from it.

Ellen - It is great to be able to choose books and then hear student reactions. I usually read along with the students. It's amazing; even after reading a book several times, I can hear new comments about it. I do usually have to change readings after about four semesters. I'm excited because I'm going to use Station Eleven for one class in the fall. Which reminds me, I have to order books.

Oh, hi Jenn. Sorry.

38. Fellowship of Fear - I read this ebook at the gym. I'd heard good things about this series and wanted to check it out. Gideon Oliver is a professor of anthropology who is a guest lecturer at a US military base in Germany. He gets mixed up in a spy ring. This was OK. The characters weren't very well developed, and it seemed dated to me. I doubt I'll pursue this series. Maybe I would try a more recent one to see if I get a different vibe, but there are lots of good mysteries out there.

Review of A God in Ruins - something I hope to get to soon.
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/10/books/review/kate-atkinsons-a-god-in-ruins.htm...

>201 BLBera: I am re-reading Life After Life right now, and then plan to dive into A God in Ruins

Colleen - I just got A God in Ruins from the library, and it's a two-week loan, so I will not be able to reread Life After Life although it sounds like a good idea. I'll be anxious to hear what people here think of it -- it sounds completely different from Life After Life.

>203 BLBera: I think the fact that it is completely different is a good thing. I loved the plot device in Life After Life, but I think it would have spoiled it, had she used it again.

>200 BLBera: Shame the plot didn't live up to the set up, which sounds really interesting. I like the Bernie Gunther series (1930s Berlin) and started the Turkish German private detective series by Jacob Arjouni - sadly only five books because the author passed away young. I think it's 1990s but I could be wrong. I'd like to find something in between though, fascinating when done well.

Hi Colleen - I think you're right. I'm anxious to read it. Now, if I could just get through these pesky papers...

Hi Charlotte - I'm not familiar with Jacob Arjouni; I'll have to check him out. The plot was OK in the Elkins book, I just found the writing a little pedestrian and the characters were so so. Maybe it's because I had just read some really good writing. Sometimes my reactions to books depend on what I read just before. Maybe I should give him another try. The books are in my library.

Hi Beth, I wish you a lovely weekend.

Beth, congratulations on your upcoming mini library. Is that the same thing as a Little Free Library? We have one a few houses down from us. So exciting. I will second Darryl's recommendation of Outcasts United. It was the Missouri State Freshman Read a few years ago. My book group usually reads along with them, and this one was particularly memorable. How cool that you will be teaching Station Eleven next year. I have a hunch you will have a happy class!

I am with you on the renewing and re-renewing library books! I think I had one book out for a year before I read it.

>209 banjo123: Our public library doesn't allow that many renewals. It pretty much is a 6 week maximum since it is 2 week checkout with 2 renewals.

At my local library it's 4 weeks and 2 renewals (each time 4 weeks).

Just dropping by to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. :)

Thanks for the flowers, Barbara. My library has the same loan times; we can renew twice and normal loans are for one month. If there are many holds on an item, the loan time is two weeks.

Hi Donna - Thanks. I think it is the same thing. I hope my class does enjoy Station Eleven. I'll have to check to see if there are Cliff Notes available; that is the new challenge to teaching things. Students read those instead of the material.

Rhonda - I think you have me beat. In order to keep a book for a year, I would have to return it and check it out again.

Lori - You have a short checkout time! I would be taking back many unread books!

Thanks Jenn. Same to you.

And Happy Mother's Day to all of the LTers who are mothers. I'm going to have brunch with my daughter. Then I will come home to grade and perhaps to read some more of Prudence, which I am enjoying.

Hi Beth, I noticed that it is your Thingaversary today so I came by to wish you a happy Thingaversary! Isn't it funny how different all the libraries are in terms of "borrow time", mine gives a generous 5 weeks per book and unlimited renewals as long as there isn't a request on it.

I'd really struggle with that two week loan time - have to be a lot more careful about what I reserved. Although we just get one loan if someone else is waiting.

Hi Beth! I hope your grading is going well! I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. I have two students who are getting ready to defend their dissertations, so I've been reading lots of their drafts, but I think I'll just see one more version from each of them. They've both done excellent work, but I'm ready to get back to reading some novels!

Hi Judy - Wow! I haven't even kept track of when my Thingaversary is -- thanks for pointing it out. Your library is generous -- but I would probably end with a great part of the collection on my nightstand, so it's probably better to cut off the renewals at some point.

Hi Charlotte - I just finished Prudence, which was a two-week loan and got A God in Ruins, another two-week loan. It is a challenge.

Hi Amy - Grading is moving along. My goal is always to get done before my birthday, which hardly ever happens, but it's good to have a goal, right? I'm reading final essays, some better than others. Good luck with the end of your semester.

39. Prudence is misnamed; Prudence is more a symbol of a tragedy than a key character. In fact, we don't even know her story until the end of the novel. This is really Frankie Washburn's and Billy Cochran's story. Frankie is the only child of a wealthy Chicago family, while Billy is a Native American who does odd jobs for Frankie's family. They meet when they are ten and become friends and later lovers. Prudence comes between them after a terrible accident.

Treuer uses multiple viewpoints to tell the story, but I found it hard to see where he wants to go with it. I expected more, I guess. I loved his Rez Life and will definitely read more of his fiction, but I felt the women characters were not real, and this just missed the mark for me.

Next: The Imperfectionists, my book club book. We meet this Friday, so I'd better get going on it. Then, A God in Ruins, which has to go back to the library pretty soon.

It's clear I can't do challenges as long as I keep this library habit...

I've not read Rez Life but from your comments will add it to the wishlist. Incidentally, each time I've seen you mention this book I've ended up with an earworm of the Beatles' Dear Prudence!

Oh, Happy Thingading, Beth!!

I'm reading A God in Ruins now, Beth, and enjoying it so far.

I read Unbecoming earlier this year and would agree with you that it is less a thriller and more character driven. I enjoyed it though!

Charlotte - Those Beatles' songs stay with us, don't they? I have a friend named Rita, and "Lovely Rita Metermaid" goes through my mind every time I say her name.

Thanks Amber.

That's good to hear, Colleen. I'm looking forward to it; it will be my reward for finishing grading.

Hi Valerie - I did like Unbecoming - it was just different from what I expected.

happy thingaverserey!

>223 BLBera: Good luck with the finishing of the marking. I just read that one of Jensen's books has been made into a film, which is exciting.

Sorry I missed your Thinga, Nancy! Hope it was happy and that you're taking advantage of the books for yourself guilt-free deal.
Also thanks for posting the link to the review of A God in Ruins. It goes on my must-have-soon list. (And did anyone including K. Atkinson have any idea that Leon Uris wrote a book with the same title?)
Enjoy your weekend!

Thanks Rhonda

Thanks Charlotte, my library has a few Jensen books; once I get through grading, I plan to spend the next ten days catching up on reading.

Hi Peggy. Don't worry; I never paid any attention to my thingaversary -- others called my attention to it this year. I will celebrate by using my Amazon gift card, I think.

Well, the semester is over. I'm doing really well with the grading. I should finish at least one class today.

GRADE THOSE PAPERS!
AVERAGE THOSE GRADES!
DO THE PAPER WORK!
CLEAN OUT THE ROOM!
BE FREE! FREE! FREE!

Thanks for the pep talk, Peggy. Do you miss it?

40. The Imperfectionists was my book club book this month. Most in the group loved this novel. I did, too. It was not what I expected. Rachman tells the story of an international newspaper in Rome through a series of character sketches, which are wonderful. Several members of my book club have journalism backgrounds and commented how realistic the novel was. The characters are flawed, yet sympathetic. The newspaper ties all of the characters together, that and the fact that they are all ex-pats living in Rome.

I loved this and will read more by Rachman.

Next: A God in Ruins

I was trying so hard to ignore The Imperfectionists. Now I don't think I can. Thanks, Nancy!
Do I miss it???????? Not at all. I miss what teaching was 20 years ago but not what I was doing when I retired. That, in fact, is the reason I retired.

Sigh. The Imperfectionists plops onto the pile.

Looking forward to hearing about your Thingaversary haul. :)

Hi Beth! Happy end of semester! I've read a handful of the Gideon Oliver books, more for the locations than the plot. My favorite of the ones I've read is Old Bones.

>230 BLBera: Nice review of The Imperfectionists, Beth.

>231 LizzieD: Why are so many careers and professions (teaching, medicine, law, et al.) less appealing now than they were 20+ years ago? Sigh...

Happy Saturday, Beth! I was also a fan of The Imperfectionists. I also enjoyed The Rise & Fall of Great Powers. I like Rachman's writing.

I hope you have a nice weekend.

Hi Peggy - Overall, I still love teaching. The end of the semester just gets intense and stressful. I think you'd like The Imperfectionists.

Hey Jenn - It's only fair. You've given me a few additions to my pile. By the way, I'm reading The Bees on my Nook at the gym and am blown away.

Hi Carrie - Thanks. I might try more Gideon Oliver, but the one I read was blah. Not terrible, just nothing memorable.

Thanks Darryl. Maybe because we're older??

Thanks Mark - I was wondering about The Rise & Fall of Great Powers -- another addition to the list, I guess.

Busy weekend. I have to finish grading, there's a transportation fair at the park across the street from my house, and I want to get into A God in Ruins. For the transportation fair, they bring all kinds of vehicles (fire trucks, police cars, buses, etc.) and park them around the park. Kids can climb in and look at all of the vehicles. Scout is into cars and trucks and buses right now, so we're anticipating a fun time.

Hi Beth, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

>236 BLBera: Beth, the transportation fair sounds like a great idea for little kids! So simple, and yet I bet they all have a great time. Good luck with the grading!

Thanks Barbara. We're getting lilacs here, finally. I love the lavenders.

Hi Susan - Yes, they love to climb into the vehicles and pretend to drive. Scout's dad had his police car, and he was really popular. He had sticker badges and occasionally sounded the siren. There were even bicycles and a hot air balloon (deflated). Someone is taking a nap now.

Hi Beth. Happy belated Thingaversary!

I appreciated your review of Prudence. P had checked that out of the library (P does stand for Prudence, after all) and she was mildly disappointed.

I also appreciate your brief comments about The Imperfectionists. You reminded me of the plot and structure of the novel, and why I gave it four stars last year. I also want to read more by Rachman.

Hi Beth! I loved The Imperfectionists when I read it a few years ago. I remember especially liking, and laughing out loud, at the story of the stringer in Cairo....

Hope you've had a great weekend!

>239 BLBera: Beth, I think I would need a nap after all that excitement too :-) It sounds like a really fun day. Apparently when I was little my parents had to point out all the fire engines to me, because they were my favourite thing. I'm assuming they pointed out the ones that weren't tearing along with lights and sirens going!

Thanks Ellen. Prudence was disappointing. I loved his nonfiction Rez Life and was expecting great things from Prudence. Still, I own his other novels, so I will give them a try eventually. I was pleasantly surprised by The Imperfectionists - it wasn't what I was expecting at all.

Hi Katie - I think I remember your liking The Imperfectionists. Yes, poor Winston...

Hi Susan - It was a fun day. The weather cooperated although we had rain later on. When we went back to the park yesterday, Scout asked, "Where the bus?" "Bus" is her generic word for all big vehicles although she does say "truck" now, too.

Well, one class left to go. I am determined to finish it this morning.

>236 BLBera: The Bees! So right. I was totally surprised by this book. Can't wait to see your review.

Hi Jenn - Thanks for stopping by. I hope you're drying out.

Beth, hang in there for the end-of-semester grading, etc. Summer is the light at the end of your tunnel. Even if you are teaching this summer, it is probably a bit more relaxed than the fall and spring semesters.

>236 BLBera: I am reading The Bees on the new Kindle my daughter gave me for Mother's Day. I didn't think I wanted one, but now I can read outside which wasn't any fun with the glare on the iPad. I like the smaller size, too. And yes, The Bees is surprisingly compelling!

Hi Donna - I'll watch for your comments on The Bees. Nice Mother's Day gift. I finished grading and will take off until June 1. I have a wedding and graduation, so it will be a busy time.

Seeing mention of a Thingaversary (Happy Thinga to you, Beth!), reminded me that mine was around this time and so I took a look. Next year, maybe we could remind each other? I also signed up on May 12!

I also loved The Imperfectionists. And I plan on starting A God in Ruins very soon!

Thanks Joanne - It's a deal. I'll try to remember if you do. I think you will love A God in Ruins. I just finished it and was tempted to start over again. It's a wonderful book.


41. A God in Ruins is Teddy Todd's story, but it's also the story of the RAF bombers in WWII. Atkinson did a lot of research to make Teddy's experience authentic. And it is.

This is a wonderful novel; it's impossible to do it justice with my comments, but two of the things that stand out are the characters and the chronology. Teddy is a wonderful character, as are Viola, Sunny and Bertie. Atkinson breathes life into the characters, and admirable or not, I wanted to follow them to the end. Although the narrative is more traditional than that of Life After Life, Atkinson doesn't tell the story in chronological order; we jump in time and point of view in each chapter, and even within the chapters, we'll see a flashback or flash forward. I loved it and can't imagine reading this story any other way. It takes away any mystery about what happens and makes us focus on the people.

I also loved the Augustus stories; Atkinson could do those as standalone stories. She does credit Richmal Crompton for the "Just Willian" stories for her inspiration.

The author's note is also worthwhile.

And, finally, Teddy's thoughts, in the midst of war, that there is no future: "And time itself had a different quality. Before it had been like a vast map -- seemingly endless -- that had been unrolled before him and on which he could choose in which direction to go. Now the map only unrolled beneath his feet a step ahead at a time and might at any moment disappear."

Highly recommended.

I don't know what I am going to read next; I might choose a mystery. Even Toni Morrison will have a hard time living up to A God in Ruins. I also would like to finish my Atwood essay collection In Other Worlds.

>249 BLBera: Great review! I keep changing my mind about whether to read this or not because of some of the lukewarm comments. But probably will :-)

Thanks Charlotte. Atkinson is becoming one of my favorite authors. I loved A God in Ruins. I'll have to look at some of the lukewarm comments to see what people didn't like.

>251 BLBera: I will second your love of A God in Ruins. Atkinson can write a great tale, and in a wonderful way. I plan on reading Case Histories this summer. I understand that series is wonderful, as well.

Hi Colleen: Yes, the Brodie series is excellent. Too bad Atkinson is done with it, I think -- at least for now.

42. Bittersweet is a solid mystery in the China Bayles series. After reading so many of this series, I feel with each new novel, I'm catching up with an old friend. In this latest novel, China is facing the fact that her mother and stepfather are aging. As she prepares to to go to her mother's ranch for Thanksgiving, she gets a call that Sam, her stepfather, has had a heart attack and is in the hospital.

The mystery touches on some current events -- this time trophy hunting farms, genetically engineered animals and drone use. The mystery isn't much of a mystery; we know who did it from the start, but we get to catch up with China and her family, and she gives us some things to think about.

It was a good choice after the fabulous A God in Ruins.

Next: I'm going to finish In Other Worlds and start God Help the Child.

43. In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination is a memoir/essay collection. It further confirms Atwood's is brilliance. She's also very funny. The book is divided into sections; the first is memoir in which she discusses her early reading: "I would read anything that was handing, including cereal boxes, washroom graffiti, Reader's Digests, magazine advertisements, rainy-day hobby books, billboards, and trashy pulps. From this you might conclude that I quite possibly have never been an entirely serious-minded person, or perhaps that I simply have eclectic tastes and like to rummage."

From her early years she has been interested in science fiction; one reason for her continued interest in it is because it is used to "act out a theological doctrine...A lot of the other gods and heroes have gone (to Planet X)...They've moved shop because they're acceptable to us there, whereas they wouldn't be here."

Her ideas are original and I have compiled a long wishlist from the works she discusses. I would like to revisit H. G. Wells, George Orwell and Aldous Huxley. I would like to read Ursula K. LeGuin and Woman on the Edge of Time, Visa for Avalon, and Gulliver's Travels.

If you like reading essays about books, you will love this. It took me a couple of months to finish, but it's a book to savor and one that I easily could put down for a week and go back to.

I love synergy between books. As I was reading Atwood's thoughts about George Orwell, I was also reading The Bees, which strikes me as very Orwellian. I'll comment more on The Bees later.

>255 BLBera: Oh this sounds great, right in my catnip zone for books about books. Onto the wishlist it goes!

Hi Beth,, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

Charlotte - I'll watch for your comments when you get to it. I really enjoyed it and will probably dip into it again when I read some of the books she discussed.

Thanks Barbara.

44. The Bees
I must admit I had my doubts about this novel -- an entire novel about bees? But I read it while I was reading Margaret Atwood's essays about George Orwell and so The Bees worked for me.

Flora 717 is a sanitation worker, the lowliest of the workers. She lives in a regimented society where there is no room for deviation from the norm: "Deformity is evil. Deformity is not permitted." The hive mantra is "Accept, Obey, Serve." As in Orwell, oppression is hidden behind these duties, and euphemisms cover up crimes: "Kindness" is execution, for example.

Paul takes us through a season of the hive. We see what happens when bees ingest insecticide and when the climate changes. There are many ways to look at this novel. Flora 717 won me over. Remarkable first novel.

Next: God Help the Child

Great review of The Bees! Now I want to read it. And Atwood's essays, too.

Both are great, Rhonda.

45. God Help the Child is the best Morrison in a while. In it, she returns to the material from The Bluest Eye, in which she explores the effect of racism on children. Although this is the story of Bride, Lula Ann Bridewell, we also hear the voices of other characters, Brooklyn and Booker, all of whom suffered childhood traumas. The title is ironic: God has to help our children because, at least in this novel, people don't do a very good job of protecting children. Yet, she ends on a hopeful note.

Wonderful little novel. Highly recommended.

Next: Death in the Garden, recently recommended by someone on LT.

You have totally sold me on The Bees, Beth. It has been on and off my wish list, but I think it would be a book that would work for me.

I'm looking forward to the new Morrison. I'm glad it was a winner for you, Beth.

Happy Sunday, Beth! I have very impressed with your current reads. I have started A God in Ruins. Less than 70 pages in but she has got me firmly in her grip.
I may have to revisit The Bees at some point. I couldn't get past the first 40 or 50 pages.

Goodness about the new Morrison. I have not heard much LT buzz on that one.

Hi Beth! Are you back in school now after your too-short break? You've been reading some great books, and I have added several to my list, including The Bees, A God in Ruins, The Outline, and The Shore.

I see that you are reading Death in the Garden. Hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

I wasn't sure I'd get to the bees, but what with your enthusiasm and overdrive having the book, I've added it as one of my holds to read when it becomes available. Thanks!

Vistors! Happy Memorial Day to those who celebrate it.

Judy: I found The Bees surprising -- I'll watch for your comments.

Katie: God Help the Child is a little book with a lot to think about. I'll probably reread it at some point.

Hi Mark: I hope you're enjoying the weekend. I'll hop over to visit your thread to see what you think of A God in Ruins. Atkinson rocks. I can see that The Bees would not appeal to everyone. In a way I was lucky to read it as I was reading Atwood's essays. The new Morrison is her best in a while.

Hi Anne - Done with school for a while. I will start getting ready for summer school next week, so I have another week off to read. It was you who loved Death in the Garden. Thanks! I am enjoying it. It has the atmosphere of a 1920s mystery; I like the way she has arranged it. I am about halfway and have no clue as to the solution.

Hi Charlotte - I hope you like The Bees -- as you can see from Mark's comments, it certainly doesn't appeal to all.

Perhaps The Bees will be one of those novels that we love or hate, and which stirs up a wonderful amount of discussion?

You are certainly making great use of your time off, Beth! You make me eager to get to the new Atkinson, but I guess I'll wait since I'm already bogged down in 3 whoppers +. I'm also glad to hear that you enjoyed *Bees*. It didn't work for me, but that's becoming more and more usual as I become more and more curmudgeonly, I'm afraid. On the other hand, I keep telling myself that when something does work, I'm even more appreciative than I used to be.

Hi Nancy - Exactly - The Bees might be an excellent discussion book.

Hi Peggy - I'm trying to get as much reading in as I can. I can see that The Bees wouldn't work for everyone -- I dragged my feet with it.

Hi Beth! I almost bought God Help the Child today. It was Prairie Lights 37th Anniversary sale - 20% off everything. I looked at God Help the Child, but ended up passing it by for some paperbacks I had on my TBR list - The Remains of the Day, In the Woods, and the 3rd book in the Maisie Dobbs series. But given your review, I bet I'll be going back for God Help the Child soon.

Well Beth you've struck a cord of nostalgia for me this morning. Reading how you've brought home a stack of books from the library and choosing one to read from that stack reminds me of what I used to do before I began all these great buys from library book sales. I'm focusing on those ROOTS this year but I believe I'll concentrate on books borrowed from the library and read a NEW books while the ink is young.

Amy - God Help the Child is a keeper; I got it from the library, but I will probably read it again. Sounds like you had a nice haul. Enjoy your summer reading. All done now?

Hi Lynda - I've been doing pretty well with my stack of library books, but I would like to get to more of the books on my shelves this summer, too. It is hard to resist the NEW books.

Right now I'm reading Early Warning, and I think I will like it as much as I did Some Luck.

46. Death in the Garden is a solid mystery. It starts with the murder in 1925, and then, 60 years later, the descendants of those originally involved try to figure out what happened; the murder was never solved. Good, well plotted mystery; I didn't guess the ending. Thanks Anne for recommending it.

Now I'm back to my stack of library books and Early Warning.

>275 BLBera: - Anne got me with her reveiw of that one, too. Unfortunately, my library doesn't have it, so it's on my wish list and I'll be looking for a decent used copy, I think.

Hope you had a great weekend, Beth!

Katie: PM me your address and I'll send it to you. I was planning to give it away.

Oooh, really? Thanks!

Beth, you've been making good use of your break from school. Lots of good reading here. I am on the wait list for both A God In Ruins and God Help the Child. Your comments make me wish the people in my city read as quickly as you do! While I'm waiting, I'll try to read some more of my old books, but sometimes the new shiny books call out to me. I was also surprised by how much I enjoyed The Bees. That Flora was an amazing protagonist. There were times when I almost forgot I was reading about insects!!!

No problem, Katie. I'll send it your way soon.

Hi Donna - You are in for a treat. Both A God in Ruins and God Help the Child were wonderful. I'm really enjoying Early Warning, which I just started, too. I have to make good use of my time. Next week I have to start to get ready for my summer classes.

Great review of The Bees. I am so happy that so many people are liking it. It really was a surprising book.

You got me with In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination. Margaret Atwood's fiction is hit and miss for me, but I think essays on Orwell sound very promising.

That may be one of the nerdiest sentences I have ever written. Hooray for nerds. :)

Oooh, Death in the Garden sounds good!

Hi Jenn - The Bees did surprise me. I'll be anxious to hear what you think about Atwood's essays. One nice things about essays is that you can pick and choose. If you're not interested in one, you can skip to the next. That said, I did love the book, and most of the essays are brilliant.

Hi Amber - It's a really good mystery. I had never heard of this author before, so thanks to Anne for bringing her to my attention.

David McCullough in a NYT interview: He loves Ruth Rendell.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/31/books/review/david-mccullough-by-the-book.html...

Thanks for sending Death in the Garden, Beth! It arrived today :)

Oh, thanks for that interview with McCullough, Beth. He reads and rereads Moon Tiger! Who would have guessed??
Happy Weekend!!!

I just got a message that A God in Ruins is waiting for me at the library! :-)

And thank you, Beth, for The Shore and The Snowman. They arrived on Friday, along with a new pair of running shoes (not that I'm running yet, but...). It was a great treat to receive two books from you!!

You're very welcome, Katie. Enjoy.

Hi Peggy - I love that he loves Lively -- and Ruth Rendell.

Hi Ellen - I'll be watching for your comments on A God in Ruins -- I'm glad the books arrived. Enjoy.

I'm hoping to finish Early Warning today.