thornton37814's 2015 Reading - Thread 4

It's time for a new thread.

Several years ago, when both of my parents were living, we saw a segment on their local TV station about an off the beaten path type of place. It was a couple of counties away so we decided to drive there just so they could get out of the house and do something. This is one of several photos I made in Big Creek, Calhoun County, Mississippi.

I'm in the midst of a couple of books. My reading time is going to be severely cut down after I return to work Wednesday. I've worked at other things during the summer, but even though I haven't read constantly, I know that I'll have less time once my life in academia resumes.

I'm going to try to do something fun on Monday or Tuesday that will get me out of the house. I haven't decided yet what that will be.

My biggest regret of the summer is that I didn't take a "real vacation." With the weather as hot as it was, none of the places within a 7 or 8 hour drive seemed that appealing.

P.S. This really is thread 4. I forgot to change the number on the last one.

Hi, Lori. Hope you enjoy book #3. And also, enjoy your last few days of vacation!

Happy new thread, Lori I hope you are able to fit in some fun before you go back to work. My vacation doesn't start until September so it has been a long hot working summer for me.

I love finding places like the one in your photo topper!

Great opening photo of that old 1920s/1930s gas station, Lori! I had to look up the origin of the companies listed on those pumps; Cities Service was the precursor to Citgo, and Loreco Gas came from the Louisiana Oil Refining Company.

Hi Lori

What a great photo of times gone by!

Happy New Thread, Lori. What a great opening photo.

Happy new thread, Lori!

>2 ronincats: The book is off to a slow start, but it's getting better. I may end up liking it. We'll see.

>3 Familyhistorian: I think I'm looking forward to retirement, which is probably another 15 years away.

>4 cbl_tn: Yes. I have several more pics, but I chose to post that one of the old pumps!

>5 kidzdoc: The town has a Sinclair sign too, but the pumps by it are more 50s era.

>6 Whisper1: Yes. Times were simpler then.

>7 Ameise1: I loved it. I was trying to think what would be a good thread topper, and I remembered the photos of that little town.

>8 lkernagh: Thanks!

>9 thornton37814: Ah, retirement - I think I am ahead of you on that, Lori. Not that it will be full retirement as I will try my hand at freelance writing and see where I get with that.

Happy new thread, Lori! I love the thread topper photo. (Shall I say, it's a real gas! :-)

Happy new thread, Lori. I love the topper.

Back to work Wednesday. Sigh. It sounds like you've had a good summer. And I hope you're "out of the house" today!

>11 Familyhistorian: I doubt I'd ever completely have a "full retirement" either as long as I am doing something I enjoy and for which I can set my own hours. (Probably genealogy clients)

>12 tymfos: It is that!

>13 EBT1002: A friend of mine was in a car accident over the weekend so I made myself available to her as she had to get a rental, pick up the accident report, wait on the insurance adjuster, etc. She's going to go look at a car she may buy later, but she's awaiting the insurance adjuster at the moment. Some guy backed into her car while she and her husband were stopped at a red light. The guy apparently decided he was in the wrong lane and didn't even look to see if anyone was behind him. Crunch! I'm planning to do something tomorrow. I decided there would be less traffic then anyway.

Happy new thread. What a cool photo at the top. I am a big fan of the just go somewhere kind of drive. We have found some really cool places that way.

It is amazing how many comments are posted regarding your thought-provoking opening image. Happy Day to you Lori.

>15 nittnut: I kind of did that today although I didn't really take time to take photos. I drove over to Cades Cove in the Smokies and took the loop road through the old settlement there. I just wanted to get out on the last day before I have to return to work tomorrow.

>16 Whisper1: It does remind one of a simpler time! Hope your day is going well.

83. Death at Buckingham Palace by C. C. Benison

Date Completed: 10 Aug 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book with Murder or Death in the title

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Jane Bee, a Canadian woman, decides to travel in Europe rather than attend college. Needing some cash, she begins to apply for jobs and lands a job as a maid at Buckingham Palace. Soon a fellow countryman ends up dead, and Jane is certain that foul play is involved. The Queen is persuaded by Jane's arguments and asks her to investigate while continuing to do her job. I found the entire premise of the book a bit of a stretch of the imagination. It got off to a slow start for me, but improved. I didn't really like it well enough to purposefully add the next in the series to my reading list. If the mood strikes me, I might eventually pick up the next one but it is not a priority.

84. Roads: Driving America's Great Highways by Larry McMurtry

Date Completed: 11 Aug 2015

Category: Clue

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #1: Read a book with an insect named on page 33

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I enjoy traveling. McMurtry's non-fiction travel book turned out to be a disappointment for me. He doesn't attempt to cover every highway or state in his travels, but instead of getting out on the interesting roads, he sticks to the Interstate Highway System for the most part. Then on top of that, he just drives -- sometimes 800 miles or so in a single day. He doesn't take time to savor the experience. About the only stop he made was at Hemingway's house in Key West. During the rest of the book, he sometimes reminisces about another time he was in the area and visited something. The book just kind of fell flat. He did drive through my area, but besides commenting on how awful the road construction was, he only made some remarks about James Agee as he drove through Knoxville. I doubt I'll try to read anything else by McMurtry. I'm not into westerns, and his non-fiction doesn't make the grade either.

This morning our campus lost one of its moved beloved faculty members due to a massive stroke. This would have been his 52nd year of teaching. We were all shocked and saddened by it. During today's faculty meeting, one of the faculty members kept his seat reserved.

>20 thornton37814: So sorry to hear about the loss of your colleague.

>21 rosylibrarian: The flag was flown at half-staff on campus today. We had a time where we shared memories of him in our faculty meeting this morning.

85. Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber

Date Completed: 14 Aug 2015

Category: Clue

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge # 21: Read a book whose title starts with, in rolling order, letters in the word SMILE

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Jo Marie has Mark working on a gazebo for the inn, but he decides to split town, even though it is obvious he loves her. Jo Marie copes to understand. Two women return to Cedar Cove for their 10-year high school reunion. One is hoping to reunite with her old boyfriend. The other wants to publicly humiliate a classmate who took advantage of her. Things don't go exactly as planned for either. The Alaskan couple from Macomber's Starry Night makes an appearance at the inn also. Some of the situations resolve themselves in the course of the story, but the author leaves the reader anticipating the next installment in the series. I enjoy this series and will continue to read it. This review is based on an advanced uncorrected proof received through the publisher as part of LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for a review.

86. Edible DIY: Simple, Giftable Recipes to Savor and Share by Lucy Baker

Date Completed: 14 Aug 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #2: Read a book with a title which contains a word that makes you think of marriage

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Last year I really enjoyed creating "jar gifts" for my colleagues for Christmas. I discovered this book was available in my local library's e-book collection and was hoping for some inspiration for this year's gifts. While the author has included a good variety, I found that most of the ones which interested me were similar to things that I found and pinned on Pinterest. It does have an index which will be helpful for those seeking a specific recipe or inspiration for a specific ingredient. The e-book formatting is a bit awkward as recipes are broken in too many places. It's an optional purchase for most persons, particularly those who use Pinterest.

>52 cbl_tn: Wow, 52 years of teaching. He must have really enjoyed it. He sounds like someone who will be sorely missed.

I'm sorry to hear about the sudden death of your colleague, Lori.

Lori, I'm very sorry about the loss of your colleague. My condolences!

Condolences on the loss of your valued colleague, Lori.

52 years of teaching is incredible. I am so sorry for your loss Lori.

>25 Familyhistorian: The students still loved him!

>26 kidzdoc: >27 tymfos: >28 lkernagh: >29 Whisper1: Thanks. He was a fixture around the place.

>30 thornton37814: He must have a special gift. I'm sure they will miss him.

>31 Familyhistorian: He always wanted to go out in the classroom. He nearly did.

87. Lila by Marilynne Robinson

Date Completed: 18 Aug 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #15: Read a book from the 2015 Booker Prize longlist

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Doll, an itinerant worker, rescues Lila from a bad situation which really does not improve Lila's situation that much. As work dries up in the Great Depression, they keep moving to find work. Eventually, Lila finds herself in Gilead where she ends up marrying the minister. I found the book extremely difficult to follow. The book was not organized into chapters, and the author kept moving between parts of Lila's past and the present. It was difficult to sort the experiences into a time period. The characters were well-drawn, and the writing was lovely and deserving of its Booker prize nomination. I also found it difficult to relate to Lila. My experiences are so vastly different that I never really got into her mindset. I believe the theme of this novel, as was Gilead, is redemption.

Nice review of Lila, Lori.

>34 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl. I'm getting ready to start on Anne Tyler's Booker prize nominee next.

Great review of Lila. I really loved Gilead, and it sounds like this is a bit different in style, but I think I'll keep in in the pile.

Sorry about your colleague. That's a rough start to the year.

>19 thornton37814: Too bad that Roads was a disappointment. I would have hoped for the same thing you did - interesting experiences and things to see on the road. That's how I travel. :)

I've got to quit lollygagging around LT and go to my Zumba class. I'm in lazy mode. It rained all day yesterday and I read Lonesome Dove and took naps. A most lazy day. Time to get back in the routine.

>35 thornton37814: Great. I'll probably read A Spool of Blue Thread next week.

>36 nittnut: The funeral was tonight, but I didn't make it. I know a lot of people will like Lila more than I did. I think I'd welcome a lazy day! We're back in the session, and I miss my free time -- even though I stayed pretty busy.

>37 kidzdoc: That's good. I didn't get started last night as I'd hoped, but hopefully I'll have a bit of time tonight.

Happy weekend, Lori.

Thanks. I went whitewater rafting yesterday and for a hike in the mountains. I was very tired when I got home. Sundays are usually pretty filled with church activities for me, so I've been pretty busy today also.

How was the whitewater rafting, Lori? Do you like it?

>41 Ameise1: It's fun. We had class 4 rapids, but I would have enjoyed some that were a little rougher, I think.

88. History & Me by Education.com

Date Completed: 24 Aug 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a book about stars, has the word "star" in the title or author's name, or has a star on the cover

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This contains several activities designed to increase reading comprehension and writing skills using activities based on history. The "She's So Cool" section contains activities based on women's biography. The "American Heroes" section uses important figures from American history as a basis for the activities. All the subjects are U.S. Presidents in the "Presidential Potpourri" section. Barack Obama, the current president, is one of those included. My personal favorite section, because of my interest in genealogy, is the one on "Tracing Your Roots." While it is a good starting point for pre-teens interested in learning about their family history, the charts are not very adequate. The four sections were taken from other Education.com publications with the same titles as the sections. This review is based on an advance e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

89. A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler

Date Completed: 27 Aug 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #15: Read a book from the 2015 Booker Prize longlist

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: The Whitshank family's story is told in this novel by Tyler. It's not a remarkable tale. I found myself struggling to continue reading it because it never really grabbed me. A few humorous moments did present themselves, but they were few and far between. Much of the plot deals with family dynamics. This book will not stick with me. If it had been the first Anne Tyler novel I read, I probably would not bother to read any others by her. I know, however, that the author is capable of a much more remarkable work and will probably read something else in the future.

Ah, too bad, Lori. It made the Booker long list, but they sometimes miss the boat, don't they?

>44 thornton37814: I really struggle with Anne Tyler. I recognize her skill, and I think her ability to make a best selling story out of totally unremarkable people and circumstances is incredible, but I have never loved any of her books. It's been fun to read them for book clubs and see what other people connect with though.

>45 jnwelch: It definitely did not work for me.

>46 nittnut: The Accidental Tourist is probably still my favorite, but it may be because I saw the movie before reading the book.

I've been craving chicken and dumplings for several days. Tonight I was too tired to make my own so I visited Cracker Barrel to get some.

What do black woolly worms in irises, hornets' nests in the top eve of the house, and spider webs near the top of box woods have in common? As I learned tonight, they apparently are all signs that we are going to have much snow and a bad winter. (A friend of mine from church found all those in his yard and told everyone what they meant according to Appalachian lore.)

>44 thornton37814: Interested to see that you made the latest Anne Tyler such a flop, Lori. It has been far more lauded than her more recent efforts but looks like you made it remarkable for being so unremarkable. xx

>50 PaulCranswick: I didn't "feel the love" for it.

>48 thornton37814: You could have come to eat with me if we'd only known!

Happy Sunday, Lori.

>44 thornton37814: I'm sorry that you didn't like A Spool of Blue Thread, Lori. I was planning to start it today, now that I've finished The Moor's Account, but I'll read The Illuminations by Andrew O'Hagan next.

>48 thornton37814: Yum!

>49 thornton37814: I saw or read elsewhere that this winter is supposed to be a particularly bad one for most of the country. It's supposed to also be a quieter than usual hurricane season, if I remember correctly.

Lori...we too keep hearing the dire forecasts for the coming winter. We have ordered extra fire wood, and I'm investigating a snow blower purchase. SIGH. Wouldn't trade it for anything but maybe grandbabies though.

Hi Lori! Just marking my place and hoping for an excellent upcoming week for you!

>52 cbl_tn: I was so tired that I don't think I could have handled a trip to Knoxville and back.

>53 Ameise1: Lovely flowers! It would be happier if I didn't have to work today.

>54 kidzdoc: I thought last year's winter was bad enough. You might like A Spool of Blue Thread better than I did.

>55 tututhefirst: Yes. I heard today that the squirrels are already hoarding nuts.

>56 LauraBrook: Thanks. The week should improve as I am heading to Raleigh for the long weekend!

>48 thornton37814: - YUM!

>49 thornton37814: - Wow, on the west coast where I am they are predicting warmer and drier than normal winter temps. I am worried that if we don't receive the rain/snow (at higher elevations), it is going to be a rather frightening drought situation next year. The weather forecast seems to be rather topsy-turvy for the 2015/16 winter season.

>58 lkernagh: Our winter last year was enough to last me for a few seasons. I think I got cabin fever! Guess I'm stuck with whatever comes.

90. The Green Road by Anne Enright

Date Completed: 30 Aug 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #15: Read a book from the 2015 Booker Prize longlist

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Enright's Booker-prize long-listed novel is divided in two parts. In the first section, we meet each member of the Madigan family and see what is occurring in his or her life. In the second section, the family comes together at Christmas in their native Ireland when the mother is getting ready to sell the family home. Enright does a great job weaving their stories, sharing the family dynamics, creating tension, etc. However, the book itself was difficult for me personally because I intensely dislike profanity, and the author used entirely too much for my comfort. My mother would have told some of the characters, "You need to wash your mouth out with soap." There was one other aspect that greatly marred my pleasure of the novel -- the depiction of sexual relations in the novel. They were more graphic and immoral than my comfort level. Enright's writing itself is worthy of the Booker nomination, but my own Christian ideologies lowered my pleasure in reading it and ultimately the star ranking I gave it.

91. Murder at the Inn by Penelope Sotheby

Date Completed: 31 Aug 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book with Murder or Death in the title

Rating: 2 stars

Review: This is really more like a short story than a novella as it was called. It is set on Graham Island off Canada's west coast. One of the guests at an inn was found murdered and an investigation pursues. It is not well-developed, lacks action, and lacks interesting conversation when conversation is what seems to drive the plot. I received this as a free download from the author's web site as a bonus for downloading another novella from Kindle. I decided to read this before the other novella because it was written first. I can only hope the other one is more stimulating.

92. Murder in Bermuda by Penelope Sotheby

Date Completed: 31 Aug 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book with Murder or Death in the title

Rating: 1 star

Review: About the only thing positive that can be said about this novella is that it is short. Anna Winters is on the special event staff of a resort in Bermuda. A person eats a piece of poisoned cake. Anna finds her job on the line. She is given a short time in which to solve the murder or lose her job. The entire action and plot of this novel is implausible and boring. Anna is not an interesting detective, and her character is not fully developed. Readers see very little of the real detectives investigating in this case unless Anna is putting herself at risk. I'm glad this was free on Kindle because it is not worth paying any amount to read. If it had not been so short, I would have abandoned it. I will not be continuing with the series even though it promises other interesting destinations. The destination of this would could have been anywhere. That aspect was not even developed!

93. Locomotive by Brian Floca

Date Completed: 31 Aug 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book which fits a category of the Seattle Public Library's Summer Book Bingo

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: This picture book depicts what it might have been like to travel by train on one of the first journeys after the Transcontinental Railroad was built. The illustrations and type face used both lend to the "vintage" feel of the book. A map of the "Pacific Railroad" appears on the front lining papers while a detailed illustration showing the anatomy of a locomotive from that era appears on the back ones. I loved the illustration on the title page which showed a family photograph and vintage documents from that era. The book itself is too text-heavy to use with most preschoolers. Students nearing completion of second grade might have the ability to sit long enough for it to be read. The suggested ages on the cover of the book are ages 4-10, but I find it difficult to believe that a child younger than seven would sit still this long. It could possibly be read over multiple sittings with ages four to six. The book is going to be too simplistic for most ten-year-olds.

94. Grandpa Green by Lane Smith

Date Completed: 31 Aug 2015

Category: Clue

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book which fits a category of the Seattle Public Library's Summer Book Bingo

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a fun book for young readers and preschoolers about the importance of the older generation. In this case, the author and artist create that memorial through topiary images. It was deserving of its Caldecott honor.

>58 lkernagh: For the past few years I have been noticing how out of step our weather on the West Coast is with the rest of North America. We were always warmer but now we seem to have the opposite weather from everyone else - it's like we live in a different world.

>49 thornton37814: Do you believe the Farmer's Almanac?

Above-normal snow and below-normal temperatures throughout New England.
The South will see icy conditions in parts.
Expect frigid weather in the Midwest.
The Pacific Northwest will see snowy periods in mid-December, early to mid-January and mid to late February.
Expect above normal-rainfall in the first half of the winter in California, but then the drought returns.

I don't know, but it looks chilly. I think I'd better stay where I am for another year. Lol

>65 Familyhistorian: - Good point. Kind of scary, isn't it?

>65 Familyhistorian: >67 lkernagh: Maybe we can send you some snow.

>66 nittnut: I had seen the "icy" prediction for the South. I prefer snow to the ice.

I thought the Floca Locomotive book was absolutely lovely, well deserving of the Caldecott Medal that it won, but agree with your questions about the target audience. I wish he'd kept the text a bit simpler.

Grandpa Green is a really nifty book, too.

>69 tymfos: I'll be reading several more Caldecott medalists and honor books since we finally ordered the ones from the last few years. (Budget didn't permit beforehand so we are catching up.) We also got Newbery medal and honor books. I can't really take the time to read those as I catalog them so I'll save them unless something just looks like it must be immediately read.

Lori, regarding Anne Tyler books, you might want to try Dinner at the Homesick Restuarant. It is my favorite. Somehow her later works never held my interest as much as the first one I read.

>71 Whisper1: Linda, that is one of the ones I read years ago.

95. Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Jasper Rabbit is being stalked by the very carrots he loves to eat! His parents can find no evidence that he is being stalked, so Jasper takes matters into his own hands. This is a very cute book with great illustrations that add to the suspense.

96. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a wordless book in which Flora and the flamingo tumble and dance with one another. Illustrations are in shades of pink.

97. Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales; photography by Tim O'Meara

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: In a book designed to teach elementary vocabulary of the Spanish language, the author and illustrator pay tribute to Frida Kahlo, a Mexican painter. The book is bilingual, written in Spanish and English. The artist is depicted as a doll-like figurine throughout the book. It is bright and colorful.

98. Adventures in Writing by Education.com

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This is a workbook designed to help first graders learn capitalization, punctuation, sentence completion, and creative writing. It also provides a few mazes, paper folding, and other activities to go along with creative writing prompts. It's probably a good supplement for some students. The book is a compilation of several previously published workbooks. This review is based on an advance review e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

You are reading some good illustrated books. I am hooked on this genre.

>77 Whisper1: True confessions. I'm cataloging some Caldecott medal and honor books from the past few years. Our budget to purchase them was cut several years ago, but we were able to purchase them all this year! They just arrived. I can't let a picture book go unread!

99. Me--Jane by Patrick McDonnell

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Clue

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Author/illustrator Patrick McDonnell captures Jane Goodall's early childhood where she dreamed of one day living in Africa and working with animals. It is beautifully illustrated. As I read the book, I remembered reading about Jane Goodall in my own elementary days in a story in the Weekly Reader.

>79 thornton37814: Oh, I liked Me, Jane, too, Lori. Really well done. Yeah, I also read about her as a kid.

100. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: Papa reads bedtime stories to the little red chicken, but as each fairy tale is read, the little red chicken interrupts. Finally Papa asks the little red chicken to tell him a story. The illustrations are cute, and I loved the use of the old Fairy Tales in the story and illustrations. This one is very deserving of its Caldecott honor status.

101. One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo; illustrated by David Small

Date Completed: 2 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Elliot visits the aquarium with his father and comes home with a penguin. We learn in the course of the book that Elliot is simply following in his father's footsteps. The story is humorous and certain to entertain young readers. The illustrations are simple but effective.

>82 thornton37814: I love that one! But not quite as much as You Are (Not) Small.

>83 cbl_tn: It was a good story! Let's just hope that children don't start bringing home exotic pets from zoos and aquariums everywhere as a result.

102. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: In a cold and snowy undisclosed location, a young girl finds a box of yarn of every color and begins knitting. The yarn never runs out. If I were sharing this with children, I'd probably also compare this to the Biblical miracle of the feeding of the 5000. It's a cute story and made me laugh in a couple of places.

I was quite surprised yesterday to find an envelope from the Department of Veterans Affairs in my mailbox. I was even more surprised at the contents of it.

>86 thornton37814: Lori, that's beautiful. What a lovely thing to have to remember your father by.

>86 thornton37814: Cool!

>84 thornton37814: One thing I love about the book are the detailed illustrations. I find something new each time I look at it.

>87 susanj67: I was very pleasantly surprised!

>88 cbl_tn: It sounds like you have your own personal copy of that one if you are picking it up that often!

>89 thornton37814: No, but we have a copy in the library that we get out occasionally.

>90 cbl_tn: Okay. I tend not to grab things from the stacks as often unless I'm dealing with them for some other reason.

103. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #19: Read a book that has the word "story" in the title

Rating: 5 stars

Review: In this beautifully illustrated volume, the author weaves the story of William Carlos Williams, a physician and poet. She shows how Williams was captivated by poetry in his high school years, and although he pursued medicine to "make a living," he never lost his love for poetry and was able to continue writing it long after his medical career ended due to his own health problems. It is very deserving of the Caldecott honor status, and I'm a bit surprised it only received honor status instead of the medal.

104. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 5 stars

Review:Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet have once again teamed up to create a wonderfully illustrated biography for young readers. This time the subject is Peter Mark Roget who compiled the very successful thesaurus still in use today. The book is deserving of the Caldecott honor which was bestowed upon it, and as in the earlier biography of William Carlos Williams, I'm a little surprised it did not win the medal. I love all the illustrations -- from the cover to the end papers to the pages themselves. I also appreciate the fact a bibliography was included.

105. Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Rick Allen

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: I enjoyed most of the poems in this collection of children's poems that focuses primarily on creatures of the night. A couple did not resonate with me at all. While I can understand why the illustrations in the book made it a Caldecott honor book, they are not illustrations in a color palette that really appeals to me. The poems are written at a level that early middle schoolers and even advanced elementary readers can enjoy. The text discussing the poem's focus is not always written at an age-appropriate level to accompany the poem. Some vocabulary terms are things with which even upper middle schoolers may not be familiar. One or two are defined in the accompanying text, and a glossary of terms does appear in the back. I think children who are fascinated by nature and by night will enjoy the book.

>93 thornton37814: Five stars! I've been thinking about The Right Word, Lori. You convinced me. Onto the WL it goes.

>95 jnwelch: I loved it! The illustrator does really neat things with words!

>96 thornton37814: Excellent! I'm on it.

106. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #20: Read a book in a series

Rating: 4 stars

Review: A minnow steals a larger fish's hat reasoning that it fit him better and the big fish would never miss it. It's a cute moral tale with nice illustrations.

107. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

Date Completed: 3 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Beekle lives on an island but journeys far away in hopes of meeting his imaginary friend. He strikes up a friendship and lives happily ever after. Illustrations are quite nice and are varied.

108. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book whose title includes something you might find on a map

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: A boy goes to visit his grandmother in the city. He doesn't like it at first because it is scary and noisy, but his grandmother shows him cities are not scary. The illustrations in this book are wonderful, and I'm really glad Nana has cats. Young children should love it!

109. Journey by Aaron Becker

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This is a wordless book in which a girl draws a magic door in her room and escapes for adventures in which she continues to draw to make her escape when needed. The illustrations are quite nice, but it's not a book that younger children will necessarily "get." It requires more attention than they may have, even with an adult guiding them. It is easy, however, to understand why it received a Caldecott honor.

110. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue; illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book by an author whose two initials form an two-letter acronym for a well-known phrase or name

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: A little girl does not want to go to sleep. Her parents tell her that is okay as long as she puts on her pajamas and brushes her teeth. The girl asks questions about the sleep habits of animals. This makes a great bedtime read for young children. The illustrations are deserving of the Caldecott honor it received.

111. The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book by an author whose two initials form an two-letter acronym for a well-known phrase or name

Rating: 5 stars

Review: This is a wordless adaptation of Aesop's fable about the lion and the mouse. The illustrations are absolutely stunning and gorgeous and definitely deserving of the Caldecott medal it was awarded. One could have children tell you the story and then read the original fable to see how well the two line up with each other. Slightly older readers with basic writing skills could even write a story to accompany the illustrations.

112. Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review:In this mostly wordless picture book, a cat ignores all his toys with one exception -- a small spaceship toy inhabited by extraterrestrials. Because I'm not a fan of the science fiction spaceship genre, the book and its illustrations did not work for me as well as they would for some people. I did enjoy some illustrations of the cat acting like a cat in his home.

113. A Prayer Journal by Flannery O'Connor

Date Completed: 4 Sep 2015

Category: Risk

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This small book contains a somewhat corrected transcription and a facsimile of a prayer journal kept by author Flannery O'Connor in 1946-1947. She kept it in one of those old Sterling notebooks with the marbled paper cover and lined pages. It contains the prayers of her heart. Some pages are missing, and in some cases at least, O'Connor herself tore them out. The book offers us a glimpse into O'Connor's spiritual life as she was embarking on her writing career. She desired to be a good writer and prayed for that. She seemed to be somewhat sporadic in her journaling as are most persons. She wrote daily for awhile and then was absent for periods of time. At other times she wrote some days but not others. The editor of the published volume did try to note where pages had been torn out. The journal itself even begins mid-sentence because of torn-out pages. In some instances, I wondered what led her to write that day's entry. She seems to be well-versed in philosophy. This small volume is important to those studying O'Connor's fiction works. We can only wonder about future works she might have created if her life had not been cut short by lupus at age thirty-nine.

Lori, I recently purchased The Terrible Speed of Mercy: a Spiritual Biography of Flannery O'Connor. By Jonathan Rogers. I haven't read it yet. But I don't see the prayer journal referenced in the notes, which seems odd, as it seems it would be relevant. Perhaps I should ILL a copy to read as a companion work to the bio.

Terri, the prayer journal is a pretty recent publication so if Rogers' work is older than a couple of years, that may account for the lack of reference there. I will probably read the short story collection with "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" this month also, but I wanted to at least get that book read since it was so short.

>68 thornton37814: Hey Lori, we don't want any of that snow stuff here although the kids do like it the few times it snows in the year. We are now back to normal weather. I took a walk around the lake again today and the floating dock is floating again and the water in the lake is back up to the shores. I even saw a turtle. But, sadly there were quite a few trees lost in the sudden violent wind storm that hit last Saturday.

>86 thornton37814: What a nice memento to receive from Veterans Affairs. I am sure that you will treasure it.

>85 thornton37814: I LOVE that book.

I am loving all the fun picture books you are listing. I can't leave them unread either. My kids are a little old for them, so I guess I'm collection for grandkids (way in the future) now.

>86 thornton37814: What a wonderful thing to get in the mail. :) Heartwarming.

I'm going to read A Good Man Is Hard to Find this month as well.

Hi Lori -- catching up after being away from computer/WiFi for several weeks. Sorry to hear about your colleague. I was most impressed by that tenure. My husband taught for 35 years which we thought was quite a lot. Hope your school year is starting off well otherwise.

>108 Familyhistorian: Nice that your weather is returning to normal but sad there was tree damage in the violent weather outbreak. It was fun to receive that in the mail.

>109 nittnut: I'm afraid I might get in trouble if I acquire too many more picture books myself, but at least I can read the library's copies. It is convenient that they all cross my desk. ;-)

>110 RebaRelishesReading: They actually placed parts of his regalia in "his chair" during convocation when the faculty had to process as a tribute to him. Several professors picked up one extra course so they didn't have to hire someone in a rush.

Nothing like being productive on Labor Day weekend. We worked on a landscape project while I was in Raleigh. I will say that I had the much easier job. He says he's just breaking me in. ;-) Here are the results of our efforts.

It's about 120 degrees inside the library today. The a/c system failed over the long weekend. We have windows and doors open, and they have managed to at least patch the system. It's going to be a long, hot day though.

Sorry to hear of your AC failure. What a shame it couldn't keep running just a few more weeks until cooler weather.

The landscape project is beautiful! I feel for you with the A/C problem. I wouldn't have made it as a pioneer woman; I can't do without that nice cool air.

>114 tymfos: It's been unbearable. It came up briefly and then went down again. The HVAC system covers multiple buildings and several professors cancelled classes because no one could concentrate with that kind of heat. They've even cancelled the athletic department's study hall in the library this evening.

>115 countrylife: Thanks! Jeff did most of the hard work. He says he's breaking me in "easy." I don't think I would have been a very good pioneer woman either.

114. Blackout by John Rocco

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Rocco's picture book depicts what happens during a power outage in a major metropolitan area. The ending of the story itself fell a bit flat for me. The illustrations, however, are well done and what earned it the Caldecott honor.

115. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book with a cover that looks like autumn

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Sam and Dave dig a hole, but they just keep missing the treasure (or diamond) they are seeking. The text itself does not give the reader the entire story. This one must have the accompanying illustrations or the point of the story will be missed.

Naturally, I am enjoying all the Caldecott books you are reading. I've read some, not all of the ones you listed. I had the same thoughts regarding Sam & Dave Dig a Hole.

And, how wonderful to receive a certificate regarding your father. What a lovely surprise!

116. The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Mary Grandpré

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #21: Read a book which title contains a word relating to music

Rating: 5 stars

Review: Very nicely illustrated picture book about abstract Russian artist Vasily (or Vasya) Kandinsky. I found the author's note about the artist's condition that causes him to experience colors as sounds quite interesting. This book is deserving of the Caldecott honor it received. If I were a child, I would want to see more of the artist's work after reading this book.

117. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Amos McGee, an older man, works at the zoo (or at least visits there daily although he calls it work). He visits his friends the elephant, tortoise, penguin, rhinoceros, and owl each day. When he fails to show up one day when he is sick, the animals return the favor by visiting and taking care of him. It's a cute book for children. Although the illustrations are not as colorful as some, they are extremely well-done and deserved the Caldecott medal.

118. Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #16: Read a book about or by a novelist from the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Having been told that he bears a striking resemblance to the Ashby family, Brat Farrar comes to England as presumed dead twin Patrick. He is able to fool some persons but the twin brother never buys into the story. The story line is pretty predictable, but it is well-written. The story belongs to a period of time before the advent of DNA testing which could determine the validity or non-validity of the relationship claim.

I really enjoyed The Noisy Paint Box. I'm having a great time visiting your thread and noting all these great books!

>123 Whisper1: I did too. I pulled it while ago so that another librarian could read it because it was one I knew she would enjoy.

119. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill; illustrated by Bryan Collier

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: This book tells the story of Dave, a slave who lived in Edgefield District, South Carolina. Dave was a potter by trade and often included poetry on his work. The illustrations are beautiful, and this relates a story about a slave who may have lived a slightly better life than many. It is deserving of the Caldecott honor and the Coretta Scott King award it won.

120. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon; illustrated by Marla Frazee

Date Completed: 9 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 5 stars

Review: The rhythm of this poem flows smoothly and the accompanying illustrations really add to it. The edition I read was a board book. It would make a great gift for expectant parents or for young children! It is easy to see why this book was one of the Caldecott honor books.

121. The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson; illustrated by Beth Krommes

Date Completed: 10 Sep 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Very nicely detailed illustrations make this book a delight to read. They are black, white, and a yellow-orange color. It is easy to see why this one won the Caldecott Medal. The poem that accompanies the illustrations builds and then comes back down using the same sequence of events in reverse order.

>112 thornton37814: Wow, well done! Great job it looks nicely.

>128 Ameise1: Thank you!

122. Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh

Date Completed: 14 Sep 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Experiencing an empty nest for the first time at Thanksgiving and soon to be at Christmas makes Judith gloomy. Her husband Stan and friend Betty try to find ways to lift her spirits. Will they be able to help her overcome the depression this holiday season brings? This book is certain to resonate with many readers who are experiencing Christmas without a family gathering. I love the parts that showed how Judith and her children created ornaments each year and how much that meant to both Judith and her children. While I never contemplated putting the book down, the story itself did not flow flawlessly. I can't quite put my finger on the reason. I do, however, believe this is a worthwhile Christmas read that may even help a few persons struggling with the holidays. This review is based on an advance review copy which clearly states that it is not the final text received through NetGalley for review purposes.

Hi Lori--All caught up again--goodness you have been reading a lot!! The garden looks lovely, too. : )

>131 Berly: Well, all those children's books on my cataloging cart at work did help to increase the number!

Children's books are fun to read. I must get back to my Newbery and Caldecott book-reading with my two grand girls. Grandma D is slipping! From your ratings, I'd say that the kid's books are way ahead of those grown-up titles. What a lovely surprise you got in the mail with that letter commemorating your father. Thank you for sharing that and the photos of your landscaping efforts. Sooo, when will you be making that move to Raleigh or have I missed an important announcement by my frequent absences from LT this summer?

>133 Donna828: No date set. It will probably be awhile at this point.

*wave*
Loving the reviews of picture books. :)

Great yard work. I kind of miss that, truth be told.

>135 nittnut: I really had no idea what kind of yard work we'd be doing. He'd told me we would be doing it and to bring appropriate clothes for it. I'm grateful that he went easy on me the first time though.

One of my friends who is a genealogical librarian in New Bern, North Carolina made an "appearance" (by his real name) in Margaret Maron's latest, Long Upon the Land.

Happy weekend, Lori. I hope your friends 'appearance' in the book was a good one.

>138 Ameise1: It was good. He helped her find info on her ancestors and was called "very helpful." I told him he was famous now because people all over the world would be reading about him.

>139 thornton37814: That's wonderful.

>140 Ameise1:

123. The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson

Date Completed: 19 Sep 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Miranda is a recent divorcee who lost her job and is facing foreclosure on her home. Her almost 86-year-old neighbor Joy is heading to Phoenix to live in an assisted-living facility near her sons. Instead of flying out as she is supposed to do, she decides to drive her RV along Route 66 all the way from Chicago to Phoenix. She has held a contest on her blog to spread some Christmas cheer along the way. She invites Miranda along to help her spread some cheer. Miranda quickly assumes the driving responsibilities. The plot is somewhat predictable, but this is a great Christmas feel-good read that is certain to help many readers get the Christmas spirit. This review is based on an advance review copy which is clearly labeled as "not the final version" provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review.

>137 thornton37814: That's really neat, Lori!

>142 thornton37814: That actually looks like a very enjoyable story. Sometimes a simple story, even if it's predictable, is just what is needed. :)

>143 tymfos: I thought it was neat that she used his real name.

>144 nittnut: Exactly! I think you will enjoy it if you get a chance to read just because it does "spread joy."

Tonight we had our Big Band Night of Praise at church. It was called "Swing the Wondrous Story." I'll try to post a link to the video when it is posted, but for now, I'll share this picture a friend took. I'm the one next to the guys. You can't see my "white" in this photo even though the jewelry is "big."

124. The Long Song by Andrea Levy

Date Completed: 19 Sep 2015

Category: Risk

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book by an author whose two initials form an two-letter acronym for a well-known phrase or name

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Chronicling the life of a slave named July in Jamaica, readers learn the plight of her family, including her mother who died in the Rebellion. The story then follows July's life as she continues her life of servitude and then past that period. The book is not for the faint of heart as some of the treatments of slaves are brutal and an execution scene is described in pretty graphic detail. The book flows with the rhythm of much Caribbean literature. It's a style where the narrator talks to the reader. I love these asides, and I especially one such aside which was the shortest chapter in the book. I'll leave that one for other readers to enjoy when they read this volume. It is easy to see why this book was on the shortlist for the Booker Prize at the time of its publication.

I promised to post the link to "Swing the Wondrous Story." I'm in the second ensemble that sings (dressed in black with white accents). I'm the female standing next to the guys. https://vimeo.com/139941517.

Thanks for that link, Lori. Sounds like it was a great program and it was nice to see you.

>149 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks!

125. Murder at the Courthouse by A. H. Gabhart

Date Completed: 25 Sep 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: Read a book with at least 3 consecutive vowels in alphabetical order in the title

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Michael Keane has returned from policing the streets of Columbus, Ohio to serve in the sheriff's department in Hidden Springs, Kentucky. When Miss Willadeen discovers the body of a stranger on the steps of the courthouse on her daily visit, suddenly no one feels safe. Several stories within the novel may seem unrelated to some readers and shout out to others as quite important, but they all weave together to form a story. The author is not particularly good at hiding her clues so I guessed the way things were going to work out including the perpetrator and other things that I won't spoil for those who have not read the novel. In spite of that, I enjoyed the characters and the setting and would probably read another installment in the series. This review is based on an advance e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

Thanks for the link Lori. It was fun to watch. It looked like a lot of fun too. :)

>152 nittnut: We did have fun doing it.

Thanks for sharing the link. Happy Sunday, Lori.

>154 Ameise1: Funny that you should post apples. I was just thinking that I need to make a trip to Carver's Apple Orchard to get some.

>155 thornton37814: Lori, here the apple season has just started and I'm a huge fan of it.

>156 Ameise1: I probably won't make it until next month to Carver's to pick up apples, but I definitely want some. I've been recovering from a cold this weekend and forced myself to stay inside. I didn't think I was strong enough to handle my usual Sunday church schedule today (and based on how exhausted I got just doing a couple of chores after lunch, I think I was right). I'm going to try to go to the evening service because we have a children's choir from Uganda that will be singing. We have a bonus Living Christmas Tree rehearsal after that. I will probably go and not sing much because I'm still a bit hoarse. If the service is too tiring, I may skip the rehearsal. I'm hoping I can make it through though because I need to return to work tomorrow.

Stay safe, Lori and enjoy the children's choir.

>158 Ameise1: Thanks.

126. Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger

Date Completed: 27 Sep 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book whose title includes something you might find on a map

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Former sheriff Cork O'Connor is asked by the step-father of a country singer to help locate her in an area known as the Boundary Waters. A group of individuals, mostly persons associated with the investigation into her mother's death, and another group of individuals with mafia ties is also looking for the girl. The girl, having been led to a cabin by one of the Ojibwe in the area, is concerned when he does not return with her food and lead her out. She begins the journey on her own and encounters a man who lets her know he aims to kill her. With Cork and the 3 parties, the girl running from the man who intends to harm her, and the death count on the rise, will the side of good win? This is a real page turner which would make an excellent movie or television episode.

Feel better Lori!!

I hope you feel better today, Lori. How was the childern's choir?

>161 Berly: I'm doing better. However my brother Gary who has cancer is not doing well. He has an infection which they have been unable to diagnose in over two weeks. I am going to head to Memphis to see him tomorrow.

>162 Ameise1: The children's choir was great. It costs $9/month to feed a child in one of the orphanages in Uganda so I've sponsored one of them.

Sorry you aren't feeling well and about your brother. Hope you're both better soon.

>164 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba!

>163 thornton37814: What a lovely idea to sponsor a child, Lori. We've done that many years on the name of our elder daughter. It was once her Christmas wish.
I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's state. I keep my fingers crossed that they can help him to recover from the infection.
Thinking of you. Hugs xx

Prayers for your brother and for you. ((hugs)) Hope you feel better soon. Travel safely.

>166 Ameise1: >167 nittnut: Thanks!

Hi, Lori! I'm very sorry to hear of your brother's medical complications. I'll keep him in my prayers.

Sorry to read your recent news regarding your brother. My thoughts and prayers are with both of you.

I'm sorry to hear about your brother's as yet undiagnosed infection, Lori. I pray that he recovers soon.

{{{{{Lori & brother}}}}}

Best wishes and prayers from these tropical climes to both you and your brother, Lori. xx

>169 tymfos: >170 lkernagh: >171 kidzdoc: >172 ronincats: >173 PaulCranswick: I got a call a week ago from my brother. He was heading back to the VA Hospital in Memphis. The infection was leaking pretty badly. He had told his children over the weekend that he thought it might be time for him to go home. I drove across the state on Tuesday. I could tell that the end was near. He died Wednesday evening. The hospital did not offer wifi. The VA hospital is the only one I know that lacks this. It's a shame that is not provided. I wonder if other VA hospitals offer wifi or if this is standard for the government? On Thursday I checked out of the hotel and went to stay with my other brother. The memorial service was on Saturday. I came back to my house today. I have one day of fall break left. I have read only two or three chapters the whole time I've been gone.

>174 thornton37814: Aw just bugger that. So sorry about your brother.

>175 weird_O: Thanks!

I'm so sorry, Lori. Having lost my brother to cancer this March, I truly feel for you and your family.

127. Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen

Date Completed: 5 Oct 2015

Category: Operation

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book where a word in the title starts with any of the six central letters of the English alphabet K,L,M,N,O, or P

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Julia Ansdell discovers a piece of music in an antiques store while she's playing in Italy. When she brings it home, it appears the music is causing her daughter to try to do unthinkable things. The alternating sequence of the story goes back to Fascist Italy when the Jews are being persecuted. Julia tries to find the story behind the music as things begin to happen to those around her. This is a fascinating novel with an important historical thread running through it. It's my first time to read Gerritsen, but this book makes me want to try some of her other works. This review is based an an advance e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

>177 ronincats: Yes. I seem to remember that you had a loss in your family about the same time I lost my father. 2015 has been a hard year on our family.

I'm very sorry to hear about your brother's death, Lori.

Lori, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother.

I'm so very sorry about your brother's death. Yes, you've had a horrible year and I wish I had something to ease your aching heart. Sending hugs and prayers.

>180 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl.

>181 susanj67: Thanks, Susan!

>182 streamsong: Thank you, Janet. I'm afraid I unloaded on Jeff last night. Poor guy! He's probably going to get a lot more before I work my way through the grieving process.

Lori, I'm so sorry to read about your loss. You and yours are in my thoughts. Hugs xx

My sympathy, too, Lori. I can't imagine how hard it must be to lose a sibling.

Lori, I'm so sorry to hear about your brother's death but glad you got there to see him and to help your family find out what was going on. Hugs to you all.

>184 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara.

>185 jnwelch: Joe, it has actually hit me harder than the loss of my father earlier in the year. Maybe it's because he's closer in age to me?

>186 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks, Reba.

128. A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through the Seasons by Kathleen Ernst; photos by Loyd Heath

Date Completed: 6 Oct 2015

Category: Clue

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This book appears to have been mostly written to be sold at Old World Wisconsin, a museum dedicated to those who settled Wisconsin in the 19th century. The photos are mostly contemporary photos showing some of the re-enactments on the site. Some of the modern persons don't look all that authentic in their outfits. Still, the text provides a lot of information on the pioneer experience throughout the first year and "second spring." A good bibliography provides additional resources useful to those seeking more in-depth information on the topic. The book would make a nice coffee table book for anyone with Wisconsin ancestry or for others interested in the state's history. This review is based on a copy provided by the publisher through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program with the expectation that a review be written.

Sounds really interesting...on to the wish list it goes :)

>174 thornton37814: Ah, no, I'm so sorry Lori. My condolences to you and your family.

So sorry for your loss.

>189 RebaRelishesReading: Hope you enjoy it.

>190 rosylibrarian: >191 drneutron: Thank you!

Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. This has been a rough year. I'll be thinking of you. Take care of yourself. ((Hugs))

>193 nittnut: Thanks. It really has been rough.

Lori, I'm really sorry to hear about your brother. You and your family are in my prayers.

>195 tymfos: Thanks, Terri.

Everyone - the three kittens have been caught! They will come to live with me tomorrow. :-)

Three little kittens? Lovely!

Scrolled up trying to find any previous reference to kittens--no matter! They will certainly provide a different direction for your thoughts and energies! (I love kittens!!)

>196 thornton37814: Kittens! How wonderful! Can't imagine our household without cats.

>197 tymfos: Yes! If it gets too cold, I'll have to find them some mittens.

>198 ronincats: I've really missed having a cat since Brumley died last year. It was time for some new fur babies.

>199 Ameise1: I'm excited!

My niece took this photo of my three fur babies this morning before they left coming up here.

They are so cute. Wishing you fun and love with those cuties.

>202 Ameise1: Thanks! I'm going to enjoy having them around!

How adorable!! Have you named them yet?

>204 RebaRelishesReading: Jeff and I will consult on names. I only know the sex of one of them at this point. Andrea said they weren't too cooperative in letting them look.

Getting caught up here and sorry to read the news regarding your brother, Lori and your family's loss. I am glad you were able to travel to see him one last time.

>201 thornton37814: - What adorable kittens!

>206 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori! They are sweet. I have two boys and one girl. The darker gray one is the girl.

Were they wild kitties?

>208 ronincats: My brother has some cats that live in his shop. They aren't completely wild because they eat cat food, drink water from a bowl, and stay inside for the most part. He has claimed some of them and had them fixed. The mama cat for these (known as "Little Bit") was not one of the ones who was fixed. I'm not sure why they didn't have her fixed when she kept staying around. Anyway, these three were born a couple of months ago. They just have to get used to being picked up, played with, using a litter box, etc.

Right, lots of fun socialization activities. good excuse to stay in one place reading when they get sleepy and want a warm body to curl up on!

Oh, they are so cute!

>210 ronincats: Right now they've found a corner in the laundry room behind the dryer where I can only reach them with a broom which I refuse to do. They are coming out to eat so I know they are okay. I'll try a little harder to teach them to socialize tomorrow. I foresee the dangly toy in their future!

>211 tymfos: They are!

Dangly toy paired with treats for the bold--works every time!

>214 ronincats: Yes! I have a couple of errands in the morning to run, but I've got lots of fun things for the kitties. They were just so scared and had such a long ride that I decided it might be best to give them a bit of a break tonight.

Happy weekend, Lori.

So sorry to hear about your brother, Lori. It has been a rough year for you. I hope that taming the kitties helps. Take care.

>215 thornton37814: Letting them alone to recover from long trip sounds like a good plan. They're adorable and I'm sure they'll be cuddling in your lap in no time.

>216 Ameise1: Thanks. I ate a caramel apple earlier this afternoon.

>217 Familyhistorian: It has been hard. We've had one litter box success, but the one that pooped last used the corner instead of the litter box.

>218 RebaRelishesReading: I figured out how to get them out from behind the washer and dryer. Do laundry!

129. The Last Mayan by Alan Graham

Date Completed: 10 Oct 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #6: Read a book where a word in the title starts with any of the six central letters of the English alphabet K,L,M,N,O, or P

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Alan Graham flies into the Yucatan area to spend some time with Pepper, a member of the dig team. He is haunted by memories of his ex-wife as he visits the dig and becomes the assistant director of the team. They are in an area with a lot of drug traffic and authorities are on the lookout for that type of activity. An older member of the dig team believes he found evidence the area was settled before Columbus made his expedition to the Americas. While this is technically a mystery (and more than one death occurs within its pages), it feels much more like an adventure quest. It's a quick and fun read with an interesting setting.

One day at a time dear lady. Deepest condolences on your brother's passing.

How is life with your kitties going, Lori?

>221 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul.

>222 Ameise1: Well, they haven't adjusted yet. They are still trying to hide. I think they are becoming a little more used to me, but they still would rather be on their own.

130. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Date Completed: 11 Oct 2015

Category: Risk

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #1: Read a book whose author's last name contains a three-letter combination which is an English word if spelled backward

Rating: 4 stars

Review: I've put off reading this book for many years because of my perceptions of the book. I'm glad that the American Author Challenge finally pushed me to read it. The setting is futuristic, in an America where houses have been fireproof as long as anyone remembers and where reading and owning books is banned. Firemen set fires, primarily to books, rather than extinguishing them. Guy Montag is a fireman, but in his line of duty, he meets a young woman who talks about a time in the past where houses burned. Then he meets a woman so taken with her books that she wants to die with them rather than face the criminal charges she will face. He takes several books from her home. One of the books is a Bible. I don't want to give away any more of the plot. I found it to be an interesting read even though it's a little outside my usual genres. It's one that book lovers will probably appreciate once they get past the initial acts of book burning.

Good morning, Lori. I'm sure they will adjust soon.

Great review of Fahrenheit 451. It helps me not to abandon it totally but won't read it this year, I suppose.

>225 Ameise1: They were all out when I went down there this morning. One of them ran immediately for behind the washer and dryer. The other two didn't run quite as quickly. I left a trail of treats for them after I tried to give them some. I'm hoping it is obvious to them that I'm the provider of such great things and that it will bribe them to become friends with me! Enjoy the book when you get around to it. I want to read Dandelion Wine later myself, but I don't think it will be this year either.

Lori, I'm just catching up with your October posts and am so sorry to learn about your brother's passing. Nothing can replace sibling love, but soon, may warm fuzzies from those little kittens help to soften your grief.

>227 countrylife: Thanks for the condolences. I can't wait until the little bundles of fur want to cuddle!

Hi Lori :)
Hooray for the kitties! They are adorable. I'm glad you liked Farenheit 451. It's one of my favorites.

What Mitchell Book did you choose? I've read Cloud Atlas and it was OK. I've finally just finished The Thousand Autumns... but I Pearl Ruled The Bone Clocks.

>229 nittnut: Cloud Atlas is the one that was available as an e-book for download at the public library, so I picked it. I'm not 50 pages in yet -- at least I don't think I am -- but it has not grabbed me at all. It's one of those that has "markers" instead of pages. I'm going to have a few minutes to read before I go to bed tonight. I'll probably break the 50 page point. Since it is so thick, I'll probably give it a little more chance than 50 pages, but if I'm still not liking it, I will abandon it.

The kitties are getting a bit braver. They are coming out some around me as long as I don't get too close. If so, they go barely behind the washer and then poke their heads out and come back out pretty quickly, especially if I bribe them with a treat! We have also begun to have more poop inside the litter box than outside. I wish it were 100% of the time.

Cloud Atlas is one of those books that has different narrators and seems like 6 different stories until you get to the end and it all gets connected. Some of the characters I liked, some I didn't. Some read like historical fiction, some like science fiction. It's interesting. Kind of like atonal compositions - written for the art, not so much the layperson. Maybe.

Kittens are so much fun. I developed allergies to cats in my late teens and so I can't have one, but we had farm cats growing up and there were often kittens around. Lots of fun.

>231 nittnut: I totally disliked the first one. The second one was more tolerable, probably because it was a diary, in spite of the choppiness of the writing. At least I recognized the style for what it was. I'm giving the third one a chance before abandoning. I'm guessing the third one is probably 50-60 pages in print since it is 85 stops in the e-version, and I'm making a guess based on the number of pages in the print book versus the number of stops in the e-version. I didn't give it up after hitting the Pearl rule number. We'll see.

Abandoned Book #3



Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell

Date Abandoned: 13 Oct 2015

Category: Sorry

Review: I abandoned this book. The first section did not draw me in. I liked the second one that was written in diary form better in spite of the choppiness of the sentences. The third section is where I refused to put up with the book any longer. The sentence structure did not work for me, and the plot was even worse.

Note: It had been just a few days over 6 months since I abandoned a book until I got to this one.

You would never know that I just mopped the floor a couple of days before this.

>233 thornton37814: I hope I like The Thousand Autumns of Jacob De Zoet better than that. It's been on my TBR list for a while. I've downloaded the Overdrive ebook from the public library.

>234 thornton37814: Ooh kitties. Doesn't look like they have ventured too far from the dryer.

>234 thornton37814: I just believe it. Kitties can make such a mess.

Sorry to see Cloud Atlas bite the dust Lori. I quickly decided I wasn't in the mood for Number9Dream and am enjoying The Bone Clocks much more.

>235 cbl_tn: I don't remember if that one was even available for TN Reads (and checked out) or if it wasn't. That would have been my first choice.

>236 Familyhistorian: I still have them in the laundry room pending full time use of the litter box. Their food bowls and water bowl are lined up in front of the washer and dryer. Since they were eating, they were on that side of the room. They really do come out.

>237 Ameise1: Last night they amused me so much. I was putting out some treats for them. One of the kitties was being quite greedy and hissed at the others when they tried to get some of the treats for themselves. I ended up having to wait until that kitty moved forward from the group in pursuit of the treats enough that I could sneak some back to the others.

>238 PaulCranswick: I've heard The Bone Clocks is hit or miss too. I'm glad you are enjoying it.

Lori, I join our other friends in echoing the condolences regarding your brother. I send hugs and prayers for healing.

>240 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda.