Whisper1 (Linda's) Thread #2 of 2016 75 Challenge Group

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Whisper1 (Linda's) Thread #2 of 2016 75 Challenge Group

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1Whisper1
Edited: Jan 25, 2016, 9:56 am



This lovely image reminds me that reading transports us to magical places.

2weird_O
Jan 25, 2016, 10:04 am

Will that rig skim one over the snow? Maybe.

3Whisper1
Jan 25, 2016, 10:05 am

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #13

Lena's Sleep Sheep by Anita Lobel

Inspired by the author's love of her grand daughter and sleepovers, Lobel illustrated and wrote of a little girl who counts sheep when she cannot sleep. While not one of my favorites of the author/illustrator, it does contain lovely images.

4Whisper1
Edited: Jan 25, 2016, 10:41 am

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #14
Waiting by Kevin Henkes


The words cute and whimsical come to mind when describing this 2016 Caldecott honor winner. A group of toy figures placed on the window sill are quite content to watch what the seasons and the weather bring. Each object is passively, calmly waiting for something. The owl waits for the moon and night; the bear with a kite is waiting for wind; the puppy with sled waits for snow, and the pig with the umbrella is waiting for rain.

A new toy arrives to wait with the others. This special toy is a Russian nesting doll, thus when all dolls are pulled out, there are additional toys to wait..quietly, silently and the time is slow and waltz like.

Illustrated in lovely pastel colors. The charm of this book is the slow ease and patience. Creating a fairy like sense of simpleness and beauty. Sadly, the elephant no longer has to wait, he fall from the shelf and is broken in pieces. Nothing is hurried, and nothing is busy. It is incredible how this artists creates facial expressions on the toys.

5Whisper1
Edited: Jan 25, 2016, 11:11 am

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #15


Apple Cake: A Recipe for Love by Julie Paschkis

Folk like in illustrative rendition, The muted, flat like images are lovely to behold. Avid readers will appreciate this tale of Ida whose first love is books. Nothing can entice her away from a good book. Ida is pretty and well read. Alfonso would love to court her, but getting her attention away from the pages is difficult.

All the usual modes of catching a woman's attention do not work on Ida. She is not drawn to guitar music; flowers don't thrill her, and butterflies are simply background images which don't distract her from a good story line.

Finally, stubborn in his intent, Alfonso bakes a cake. Collecting all fresh items for the special apple cake, Alfonso decided to bake Ida a cake and went to great lengths to collect the apples, eggs, sugar and the butter.

Alfonso is an intelligent man who decides to give added attention to the batter. Adding wishes and he turned the ingredients, he called for one part bitter and two parts sweet. Finally, the smell of the cake lured Ida to stop reading and to pay attention to Alfonso.

While the reader doesn't know the outcome of Alfonso's endeavors, at least he got the princess to stop and notice.

6paulstalder
Jan 25, 2016, 11:04 am

congratulation to your new thread. I like the top picture

7Whisper1
Jan 25, 2016, 11:05 am

Hi Paul. I always enjoy the photos placed in your thread. Happy 2016 to you.

8Crazymamie
Jan 25, 2016, 11:08 am

Happy new thread, Linda! The kids used to love reading Henkes when they were little - Rae's favorite was Chrysanthemum, but she also loved Sheila Rae, the Brave and Julius the Baby of the World - all of the mouse books, really.

9Berly
Jan 25, 2016, 11:12 am

Hello dear Linda! Congratulations on the new thread--love your topper and all the wonderful, mysterious adventures books bring to us. I hope you are enjoying your snow day. : )

10PaulCranswick
Jan 25, 2016, 11:13 am

Happy new thread, Linda, dear. xx

11_Zoe_
Jan 25, 2016, 11:18 am

Happy new thread!

12Whisper1
Jan 25, 2016, 11:19 am

>8 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie. It is a lovely, bright white day. The sun glistens on the mounds of white stuff. I was so engrossed in reading this weekend, that I didn't often take the time to see how much snow was happening out there.

>9 Berly: Kim, Thanks, as always, for your kindness. It is very unusual for the college to cancel classes. The majority of the student population live on or near campus. But, the university is on a steep hill, and, even if they could clear all steps and pathways on campus, getting there is problematic for employees because there are narrow streets with cars on each side, leaving only a small path for one car to slip and slide.

13scaifea
Jan 25, 2016, 12:12 pm

Happy new one, Linda!

14tututhefirst
Jan 25, 2016, 12:46 pm

Linda, your thread is always such a wonderful soothing beautiful soul-satisfying scroll. The illustrations are gorgeous. I'm always in awe of the amount of keyboard manipulation you must go through just to post these gorgeous tidbits for us. Thank you friend. May your day be as beautiful as your posts.

15cyderry
Jan 25, 2016, 12:46 pm

Love the opening image! Stay safe!

16Oberon
Jan 25, 2016, 12:48 pm

>1 Whisper1: I concur on your thoughts about the illustration up top. Exactly how books feel to me.

17Whisper1
Edited: Jan 26, 2016, 11:50 am

Hi Amber, Tina, Cheli and Erik. How nice of you to visit.

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #16

The Perfect Wizard Hans Christian Andersen by Jane Yolen Illustrations of Dennis Nolan

Everything Jane Yolen pens is magical and well written. Thus book is no exception. I knew very little of Hans Christian Andersen. In lyrical style, using passages from his own stories, Yolen notes his early life, born 1805 in Denmark to a poor family. His father was a shoemaker and his mother was a washerwoman.

With a history of mental illness -- his grandfather was quite mad --, it is logical that when Hans was lanky, ugly and acted rather strangely, he also was thought to be "crazy." From the beginning of his life, he wove tales, some of which were quite happy. Making puppets and clothes for them, he had them mimic the story flowing from his mind.

While Hans thought he was telling stories, others thought he was quite a liar. He had no friends in school and the legacy of his grandfather's illness followed him wherever he went.

His father died when Hans was eleven, leaving the family destitute. Longing to be an actor, once again, his unconventional actions brought scorn. He continued to write and paid to have his first book printed. It was not successful. But, his luck changed when he once again went to the Royal Theater and was accepted. He was gangly, ugly and unkempt, but the directors game him a chance.

Eventually, he went to University, and was successful in having one of his plays performed. At the age of 30, he began to write fairytales:

Dying at the age of 70, his fairy tales were well known and quite successful.

18Ameise1
Jan 25, 2016, 1:22 pm

Happy New Thread, Linda. I love the sailing book.

19Smiler69
Jan 25, 2016, 1:24 pm

Happy New Thread Linda! I just adore that image up top! I added it to my Pinterest "Reading Love" board just now. How could I not? Glad to see you're continuing to enjoy delightful illustrated books. Sending you gentle hugs my dear!

20Whisper1
Jan 25, 2016, 1:39 pm

Hi Barabara and Ilana. Happy Day to you!

Ilana, I borrow from your reading love pintrest site quite often!

21Smiler69
Jan 25, 2016, 2:21 pm

>20 Whisper1: Borrow away Linda, that's what it's there for! :-)

22michigantrumpet
Jan 25, 2016, 4:49 pm

36 inches of snow! That's a three book storm for sure!!

Definitely one to stay inside and relax.

23foggidawn
Jan 25, 2016, 5:29 pm

Happy new thread! Glad you enjoyed Waiting. :-)

24Whisper1
Edited: May 2, 2016, 3:17 pm

Six books read in the last few days, needing reviews:

April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America by Michael Eric Dyson
Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan 2016 Newbery Honor book
Charles James Beyond Fashion Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harold Koda
Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews 2016 Caldecott Honor book
When Marian Sang by Pam Munoz Ryan with illustrations of Brian Selznick
Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson 2016 Newbery Honor book

25ronincats
Jan 26, 2016, 12:41 am

Love your topper image!

26scaifea
Jan 26, 2016, 7:01 am

I can't wait to see what you think of Echo and Roller Girl, Linda!

27msf59
Jan 26, 2016, 7:36 am

Happy New Thread, Linda! Make room for me on that sailing book. Sorry, to hear about all that snowfall. Yikes. We have had a fairly mild winter, so I can not complain.

28Crazymamie
Jan 26, 2016, 8:54 am

>17 Whisper1: Nice review, Linda. I really love those illustrations - might have to see if the library has that one!

29weird_O
Jan 26, 2016, 10:28 am

Linda, do Trombone Shorty next, please. Saw him perform at the White House (it was on the telly; my invite from the Prez didn't come through), and I heard him interviewed on NPR. I believe he said he took up the trombone because his older brothers had first dibs on other instruments he might have preferred. I think he also said he was so small when first performing in public that he had to use a foot to fully extend the slide. Great music.

Got our driveway opened up yesterday afternoon, though we had nowhere we needed to go. It's just a nice feeling to be out of confinement.

:-)

30Whisper1
Edited: Jan 26, 2016, 12:16 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #17

Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews with the illustrations of Bryan Collier

Most recently, The ALA (American Library Association) deemed this wonderful book worthy of two very prestigious awards, namely, for the illustrations of Bryan Collier, the Corretta Scott King award, and for the story and writing, the sought after award of the 2016 Caldecott Honor Book!

Sit back and be prepared to embrace this lovely autobiographical story of a little boy, way too big in stature for the trombone instrument, yet large enough in initiative, sheer determination and a God given musical talent that propelled this little guy into one of the most successful trombone players in America!

Born in Treme, a poverty stricken area of New Orleans, named shorty because he was tiny, he found a used trombone, and, so taken with the sound, as a youngster, he actually slept with the instrument.

By the ripe age of six, he began a very prestigious career of yet another incredibly gifted soul hailing from New Orleans.



A long list of accomplishments, here is a sample of his style:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yRhacGLGEs

31Deern
Jan 26, 2016, 12:12 pm

Happy New Thread Linda and thanks again for sharing these wonderful illustrations. Waiting looks like a book you could spend hours with, comparing position and expression of each animal to the last picture.
I listened to so many Hans Christian Andersen fairy tales as a child. Most of them were far less violent and more complex than the (older) Grimm fairy tales, though some are really sad like the "Tin Soldier", the "Fir Tree", "The Little Mermaid" and "The Little Match Girl". But then there's the "Princess and the Pea" and the "Swineherd", and... Okay, it seems I must get a collection from the library. :)

32Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 12:20 pm

Hi Natalie. I recently read various author's rendition of Hansel and Gretel. This tale is one of the "grimm" ones, including child abandonment, cannibalism, an evil stepmother and a weak father. When contrasted with the lighter ones you listed above, it is a sharp contrast of dark and light.

Happy reading the collection from your library. And, happy day to you.

33jnwelch
Jan 26, 2016, 12:27 pm

Hope you liked Roller Girl, Linda. That just came in for me at the library.

34Whisper1
Edited: Jan 26, 2016, 2:02 pm

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #8 OF 2016


Roller Girl by Victoria Jamieson

I'm usually not drawn to graphic novels, but this 2016 Newbery Honor book worked well in this format.
It is a coming of age tale of two friends who were close since early childhood. Now that they approach teen aged years, there are changes, trials and tribulations.

In the story of Roller Girl, Astrid is drawn to the sport of roller skating in a knock down/drag out type of competition in the rink. After watching this sport, she decides to go to summer camp to learn how to belong in this field. She assumes her good friend Nicole wants to join in, even though Nicole has not shown an interest.

Nicole decides to go to ballet camp, leaving Astrid to fend for herself. Angry at Nicole, Astrid is not able to objectively see that her wishes are not Nicole's commands.

Astrid finds a new friend at camp, while Nicole befriends someone in ballet camp. That someone happens to be somewhat of an elementary school class bully and is the enemy of Astrid.

Astrid's behavior, fueled by the brute force of roller skating in a competitive setting, is consuming and detrimental to open lines of communication.

In the end, Astrid finds a way to objectively examine her behavior, and she learns that it is possible to have more than one friend, and that controlling another person does not always lend to the desired result.

This was a three star read for me. It is good, not great.

35msf59
Jan 26, 2016, 2:19 pm

^^Did you miss me up there? Did you miss me up there?

36weird_O
Jan 26, 2016, 2:24 pm

>30 Whisper1: Wow!! Thanks, Linda.

37charl08
Jan 26, 2016, 2:33 pm

Hi Linda, thanks for visiting my thread, I see I've missed one of yours already! I love the illustrated books you've read. So many talented writers and artists writing for children.

38Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 3:01 pm

>35 msf59: Did I miss you? Yikes, I'm sorry. Hello Dear Mark!

39Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 3:06 pm

>36 weird_O: Bill, I'm sorry you didn't get the White House invite you anticipated. Drat, I must have been dropped from the list as well. Therefore, I invite you to another event. The Bethlehem Public Library sale is February 3 and 6.

I hereby invite you to join me and Diane Keony (a new 75 challenge group member who lives in NJ), to meet us Saturday, February 6th. If possible for you, let's meet at noon when the sale opens and then after buying books, head to Hotel Bethlehem for a bite to eat.

Sorry that I didn't wrap the invite in guided gold.



Will the above suffice?

40Whisper1
Edited: Jan 26, 2016, 4:31 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #18

When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
by Pam Muñoz Ryan with the illustrations of Brian Selznick

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Marian Anderson, the first black female to perform in the New York Opera. From an early age, she showed remarkable talent. The range of her voice was astounding. The youngest in her church choir, he voice resonated clear and strong. When the people of her church pulled resources so that Marian could take voice lessons, their commitment to her ability was not in vain.

Singing at different venues, she longed to perform on the opera stage. In addition, she very much wanted to sing at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC. After appearing throughout Europe with great applause and well-deserved accolades, she returned to America where racism, bigotry and radical segregation were in full swing.

Her manager was told that the hall could not be used by Marian because it was previously booked. When a series of other dates were given, still, she was declined. When First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt learned that the DAR (Daughters of American Revolution) was the ruling force of discrimination, she promptly sent a firm letter of resignation.

41jnwelch
Jan 26, 2016, 4:21 pm

Good not great for Roller Girl is good enough for me, Linda. I'll look forward to giving it a try.

42thornton37814
Jan 26, 2016, 7:21 pm

I love all your children's books. I'm curious about how you decide which ones to pick up. Obviously you have some Caldecotts here, but besides the award winners, how do you decide which other ones to read? Do you browse in the library? Do you peruse reviews? A combination of both? Something else?

43Carmenere
Jan 26, 2016, 7:39 pm

Good evening, Linda! So many lovely illustrations!
Thanks for the link to Trombone Shorty! Wow, he's awesome!

44Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 8:40 pm

Hi Joe, I think you will like Roller Girl.
Lori, Your question is a good one. I have a few favorite illustrators, and I try to read the Caldecott winners. Other than that, usually one book leads to another. As I'm searching for images, other book covers appear and I check those books to see if I might be interested. Thus far, there are very few illustrated books that I didn't like.

Hi Lynda. I had never heard of Trombone Shorty. Ah, the magic of reading!

45Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 8:42 pm

Hello To All!

A friend, https://www.librarything.com/profile/Dianekeenoy, joined our group today. Here is her thread:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/217962

If you are so inclined, could you please stop by and welcome her. Thanks!

46magicians_nephew
Jan 26, 2016, 9:15 pm

Going to pick up Roller Girl today. I'll let you know.

47Whisper1
Jan 26, 2016, 9:17 pm

HI Jim
Thanks for stopping by. I'm interested in hearing what you think of Roller Girl.

48Dianekeenoy
Jan 27, 2016, 9:06 am

>45 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda! I actually had some visitors and am thrilled! I was so afraid that I would just be typing and answering myself! Looking forward to the meet up, hope the snow is gone by then! Have a great day!

49Whisper1
Jan 27, 2016, 9:51 am

Diane, This is a busy group. In no time, you will be receiving a lot of messages. I find that if I visit threads regularly, then there is more traffic coming back on my thread. Naturally, it is impossible to keep up with all the threads. After awhile, you will naturally gravitate to those who share similar books, or who have good recommendations.

Welcome to the world of the 75 challenge group!

50Whisper1
Edited: Jan 27, 2016, 9:55 am



I am so proud of grandson Jack. Since he was a wee little guy, he set his goal to be a professional dancer. Last year he won a very prestigious award at a major competition in Ohio. Of all contestants, he was given the top award of "Mr. Dance Ohio."

The above image was used in a promotional brochure. Naturally an introvert, he has had to overcome shyness. Part of the award process is a series of interviews. He always does well in these interviews as well as the actual dance competition.

51Crazymamie
Jan 27, 2016, 10:07 am

That is just so cool, Linda! And what a handsome young man he is, too. Thanks for sharing - love the quote on that poster. It's an Audrey Hepburn quote, I believe.

52jnwelch
Jan 27, 2016, 10:27 am

Congrats on your ace grandson Jack, Linda. We love watching skilled dancers.

53Whisper1
Edited: Jan 27, 2016, 12:05 pm

BOOK #9


Charles James Beyond Fashion Metropolitan Museum of Art by Harold Koda

This heavy, large coffee table book is incredible. I found this gem at the Bethlehem Library and brought it home to take time to enjoy all the lovely ball gowns and dresses. This is the show piece from an May 8-August 10, 2014 exhibit at the New York Metropolitan Art Museum Costume Institute. How I wish I would have seen this marvelous display.

The images are lush and exceedingly beautiful. I never heard of Charles James, but hope to visit the Met in the upcoming months to see if any of the gowns are still on display. The book notes that the gowns were taken from the Brooklyn Custome Institute and given to the Met. Many of the gowns were worn in the late 1940-early 1950's by New York high society women and the rich and famous of Europe.

With no formal training, Charles James made very intricate designs using just the right materials to highlight the female figure.


If I had my choice, and of course, the right body, I would choose the lush blue gown:


This lovely ball room gown is one of my favorites. It was made with wide ribbons:


Oh what fun I had slowly absorbing all the styles and materials used.

54Deern
Jan 27, 2016, 12:14 pm

>50 Whisper1: Wow - this is incredible!! Thank you for keeping us updated on Jack's career.

>53 Whisper1: I saw a bit of that recently in some 2014 Project Runway episode here on Italian TV - that's an exhibit I'd travel for if it went on tour in Europe.

55Crazymamie
Jan 27, 2016, 12:22 pm

GORGEOUS! That looks like a book my Abby would absolutely love!

56FAMeulstee
Edited: Jan 27, 2016, 1:25 pm

>17 Whisper1: That book about Hans Christian ndersen looks beautiful!
I did not know much about his life either, thanks for sharing :-)

>50 Whisper1: Great picture of Jack, so nice they used it for the brochure!

57Whisper1
Jan 27, 2016, 1:41 pm

HI Natalie, Mamie and Anita. Thanks for stopping by. When I look at the images of the models, I realize how skinny, skinny, unhealthy skinny they are!

59drachenbraut23
Jan 27, 2016, 4:29 pm

Yes, I would love that bluish gown as well. I just adore clothes who do have this cowl neck style.

Just stopping by your thread to say hello Linda. Thank you for your regular recommendations on goodreads, which are very much appreciated.

I am participating this year again as well and hope that I will stay on board the entire year this time.

60weird_O
Jan 27, 2016, 4:36 pm

>39 Whisper1: You bet it will suffice, Linda. I will be there (BPL) on Feb. 6. But the doors open on the Saturday sales at 10 a.m., not noon. Meet at 10? Or at noon?

61brenpike
Jan 27, 2016, 6:02 pm

Linda, love the promotional brochure pic of Jack. Makes me proud for you :)

> And I'm looking for the Koda book on Charles James! Those gowns are stunningly beautiful!

62Whisper1
Jan 27, 2016, 9:21 pm

Bill, I'll check with Diane to see if 10:00 is ok. As soon as I have an answer, I'll let you know! Looking forward!

Hello Dear Bianca.. Many thanks for stopping by!

Brenda. It looks like Amazon has the book and, the price is reasonable given how large the images are and the fact that there are many, many pages of exquisite gowns.

http://www.amazon.com/Metropolitan-Museum-Art-Charles-James/dp/B00UJB7USU/ref=sr...

63tymfos
Jan 28, 2016, 9:51 am

Hi, Linda! Happy new thread, a few days late.

I absolutely loved When Marian Sang. I bought it for my son when he was younger. Our library has it, too.

64BLBera
Jan 28, 2016, 3:56 pm

Linda - Thanks for all the lovely illustrations. I love the ball gowns. I love the blue one, too. I remember an Yves St. Laurent exhibition at the de Young museum a few years ago that was fabulous. I don't know how comfortable those gowns would be, but they are pretty.

The Henke looks like something Scout might like.

65magicians_nephew
Edited: Jan 28, 2016, 7:57 pm

>53 Whisper1: we saw "The King and I" with Kelli O'Hara at Lincoln Center last year. Of course Kelli as Anna wears long skirts with HUGE hoops.

At one point one of the Siamese women says "We think you wear skirts like that because you have legs like that" and its a funny little woman to woman moment as she flashes her striped stockings and bloomers.

Kelli O'Hara shows us its possible to dance (and be VERY sexy) in dresses like that, so - more power to her!

66Whisper1
Jan 28, 2016, 10:15 pm

>63 tymfos: Hi Terri. How is your son doing? Did you get the massive snow storm that we had here in the Lehigh Valley?
Regarding When Marian Sang, I was most impressed with the stand that Eleanor Roosevelt took. I must read more about both of these fine, fine ladies.
>64 BLBera: Hi Beth I like Jim's response regarding practicality vs fashion. I also think that too often the image of who would look best in these gowns is the super, super skinny lady. I noted above that the models hired for the opening Met exhibit all were pencil thin.
>65 magicians_nephew: Hi Jim, Thanks for stopping in. I love that gown! I often wonder if people who live in NYC take advantage of what it has to offer. You and Judy do indeed attend shows and enjoy the city. When I visit the Metropolitan Art Museum and see the Temple of Dendur, I close my eyes and dream of wearing one of these lovely, lovely gowns while drinking champagne with pinkies in the air. Then, reality sets in and I realize that a) I would get the heel of my shoes tangled in the hem of the gown and would land face down in front of everyone. Before that happens, I would spill the champagne down the front of the gown. Oh, well, I can dream...can't I?

67LovingLit
Jan 28, 2016, 11:27 pm

>50 Whisper1: wow, that is impressive, particularly for an introverted guy :) Go him. Oh to have a dream huh? I have ofthen thought my dreams too many and varied to be able to concentrate fully enough on one only!

68brenpike
Jan 29, 2016, 2:45 am

> 62 Amazon to the rescue . . . That was entirely too easy!

69Berly
Jan 29, 2016, 3:10 am

>50 Whisper1: Congratulations to you dancing guy, grandson Jack!! Very impressive. If my son were not so into soccer, he would be a dancer. He was hired by Nike to do a runway stint for one of their new line intros. He loved it!! And they are both named Jack. ; )

Loved all the gown pictures. Thanks for sharing. GORGEOUS!

70DianaNL
Jan 29, 2016, 6:11 am



Have a wonderful weekend!

71Crazymamie
Jan 29, 2016, 9:04 am

Happy Friday, Linda!

72Whisper1
Jan 29, 2016, 11:09 am

>67 LovingLit: Hi Megan, We are so proud of him. One of the highlights of the holiday season was spending time in Beavercreek, Ohio with my family, and attending the Dayton Ballet to see Jack perform with professionals in The Nutcracker. Naturally, I had tears in my eyes when I saw him on stage.

>68 brenpike: Hi Brenda. I am so tempted to buy this book. It was so soothing to sit down for a few hours and look at the lush photos of the gowns. The book includes a history of Charles James as well. He was born into wealth in England, throughout his life in America and Europe, he overspent his means. At one point went bankrupt and all materials and dresses were confiscated for a time.

>69 Berly: Hi Kim, I hope you are well. How interesting that we share Jack's in our families. Jack is a twin to Luke, both turning 13 in March. Where did the time go. How exciting that your son was hired by Nike to do a runway stint. I'm sure you were so proud of him.

>70 DianaNL: Thank you Diana, I appreciate the image and the good wishes!

>71 Crazymamie: Hello Mamie. I hope you have a great weekend.

73Whisper1
Edited: Jan 29, 2016, 12:07 pm

BOOK #10


April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America by Michael Dyson

When I read an incredibly well-written book, I am in awe of the ability to make sharp, creative images with words. Michael Dyson is such an author. I took time to read this fascinating book, not only because I am very interested in the civil rights movement, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s major contribution, but also because it was a joy to read the natural flow of words.

I've read many books which state that the murder of fourteen year old Emmet Till was the spark that lit the match to propel black Americans to take a stand. Martin Luther King, Jr, lead the people and the nation for justice, for equity, and for justifiably deserved equal treatment and retribution when a black person is murdered, demanding the same rights as others!

Dyson words and excellent framing of the horror of this murder at the hands of white red necks, was so well written that I went back and read this section again and again. It hit me hard, very hard, thinking of how this innocent, intelligent, confident young boy was savagely beaten to death, leaving him, as Dyson so eloquently said, with two empty eye sockets and a "Munch like scream" on his dead face!

There are so many subjects covered in this book, and it is hard to cover all of them, but a few stand out, mainly that Martin Luther King Jr. knew he would be assignated for the cause. His poetic, last speech the rainy evening in Memphis April 3rd, 1968 confirmed his intuitive feelings that he had gone to the mountaintop, and he knew he may not get there with others, and that "like anybody I would like to live", but he was not afraid and knew that longeeeevity had its place.

Fast on his heels, J. Edgar Hoover was quite slimy. Particularly when trying to paint MLK as a communist, sexual deviate. In fact, Hoover used communistic, big brother is watching means of taping and harassing King. And by the morals and ethics of society at that time in history, J. Edgar did not live up to his own rigid standards.

By the end of his life, King looked back and was depressed and very, very tired. Others were splintering off into anything but non violence. Stokley Carmichael and Malcolm X both grew tired of non violent means that did not bring about a quick result.

Exactly one year prior, King spoke at the historic Riverside Church in NYC. He spoke of the need to stop intervention in Viet Nam. He brazenly challenged the audience to look closely at the connections between poverty and war. Some believe this was the final blaze of glory, but he took a very hard hit for his comments and beliefs. Some in the civil rights movement avidly felt that King was loosing his ability to focus and was branching off in too many areas.

Before his death, he was planning a march on Washington to rally the poor and shine a bright light on the injustice of poverty. Unlike the prior, very successful march on Washington, where he is best known for his "I Have a Dream" speech, the rally for poverty was splintered, unorganized and did not have the backing that the first march did. This march died with him.

If you are at all interested in MLK, and the civil rights movement, I highly recommend this book.

4.5 stars.

74BLBera
Jan 29, 2016, 3:20 pm

Wonderful comments on the Dyson book, Linda. I will definitely look for it.

75jnwelch
Jan 29, 2016, 3:28 pm

>73 Whisper1: Excellent review of April 4, 1968, Linda. I haven't read Dyson and need to fix that. Thumb from me.

76kidzdoc
Jan 29, 2016, 5:54 pm

Great review of April 4, 1968. It isn't in my LT library but I think I own it, so I'll start looking for it, or plan to purchase it if I don't have it.

77PaulCranswick
Jan 29, 2016, 11:48 pm

>50 Whisper1: From one shy fellow to another - well done Jack!

And well done also Linda on a captivating thread - the Dyson review makes it yet another I am going to have to go and hunt down.

Have a lovely weekend.

78laytonwoman3rd
Jan 30, 2016, 12:18 pm

I had dropped very far behind on your threads, Linda. But when I visit I need to take time to savor all the wonderful illustrations you share...it's a real treat to spend time here. I especially loved the Julie Paschkis butterflies from Summer Birds in your last thread (made me want to get out my colored pencils and coloring books), and the gowns in this one. Thanks for all these stunning images!

And, more importantly, congratulations to Jack for his continuing hard work and great success. What a wonderful thing for a child to find his passion so early, and be able to pursue it.

79tymfos
Edited: Feb 4, 2016, 2:55 pm

I'm adding the Dyson to my List, Linda. Excellent review!

>66 Whisper1: My son is doing well, starting his second semester of college. We got over two feet of snow from the storm, which closed the college for a few days. Much of it has already melted with milder days.

80The_Hibernator
Jan 31, 2016, 9:35 pm

I'm always so happy to see the illustrations that you share on your thread!

Hope you had a great weekend Linda!

81EBT1002
Jan 31, 2016, 11:30 pm

Hi Linda. I was stopping by to see how you're doing. I had not heard of April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr.'s Death and How It Changed America but your comments make me want to find it. I'll look at the bookstore this week.

Applauding your grandson Jack --- he sounds determined to pursue his passion for dance and that is wonderful. Of course you are proud! :-)

82Whisper1
Feb 1, 2016, 10:27 am

>74 BLBera: Hi Beth, I love the primary photo on your home page. Is this a grand daughter? My, how precious.
>75 jnwelch: and >76 kidzdoc: Hi Joe and Darryl, It really was an engrossing book. I love to read clear, crisp writing about a subject I am very interested in learning about as much as I can.
>77 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, Are you like me? Are you an introvert who overcompensates, and then people classify us as extrovert?
>78 laytonwoman3rd: Hi Linda, Many thanks for stopping by, and thanks for your kind words.
>79 tymfos: Hi Terri, I'm so glad your son is doing well in college. Is he still as interested in Journalism and writing as he was previously?
>80 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel Thanks for visiting. I'm captivated, and obsessed with children's illustrated books. The art work is incredible.
>81 EBT1002: Ellen, Thanks for your kind comments regarding grandson Jack. He is a marvel. He started dancing at three, and he never looked back. He has learned that he can do his best, and yet not get the desired result. What a lesson to learn at an early age. I still struggle with that lesson.

83Whisper1
Edited: Feb 1, 2016, 10:49 am

BOOK #11

Echo by Pam Pam Muñoz Ryan

Worthy of the 2016 Newbery Honor award, this captivating book weaves a rich tapestry of three separate stories with the common link of a magical harmonica.

Often when writers try to take on the trappings of separate stories, it falls flat. Not so in the writing of this author. The writing is as magical as the tale. Three young adults face adversity and struggle to find the right path.

In the first tale we meet Friedrich Schmidt, who is well loved by his sister and father, but, because of a severe facial birth defect, is shunned and ridiculed by many of his peers. The setting is Nazi Germany and Hitler's obsession of perfection. Frederick is different, and in the time of Hitler, a young boy with a marked face who pretends to conduct the symphony, stands out among all. Discovering a magical harmonica, perfect in pitch, brings comfort to Friedrich.

Tale two is the story of Michael, and once again he is another child who faces difficult situations in his young life He and his younger brother live in an orphanage run by a misery, nasty woman. Finding the harmonica brings much needed great joy as Michael knows the clock is ticking and he and his brother might be separated.

The final tale is that of Ivy who loves her close-knit family. Migrant workers who travel from location to location, Ivy faces name calling and a system in 1942 southern California where the migrant children and separated in school from the non-migrant children. When her brother enlists, he is sent to war. The magical harmonica once again brings solace and special talent to a child emotionally in need.

The three stories are woven together seemlessly..

My only quarrel is an ending that seemed to be quickly put together, placed hurriedly in a box, slapped with a red ribbon.

3.5 Stars

84Whisper1
Edited: Feb 1, 2016, 2:17 pm

BOOK #12


Poetry for Young People: Emily Dickinson Edited by Frances Schoonmaker with illustrations of Chi Chung

I very much enjoy this series which features the poetry of well-known poetic writers. This book, in particular focuses on Emily Dickinson. By far my favorite poet, and therefore, I was drawn to this book when I found it on the shelf of the library.

The beginning of the book focuses on her life, her reclusiveness and her life-long calling to work with words.

Painfully shy, with a vivid imagination, she wrote of emotions which many wonder how such a shy, inward-focused woman could write in such a knowledgeable manner.

As she grew older, Emily became more and more reclusive. Quite fond of her brother Austin, and his wife Susan, the path was worn from her parents house to theirs. Choosing to see only those she best loved, her circle was small.

Townspeople were very curious and would leave small gifts in the hope of seeing her. Fond of children, she dispensed ginger bread cookies and other treats via a basket tethered to a cord slowly brought down from the upper window. Children loved Emily and did not mind her guarded ways. In particular, she had a wonderful nephew whom she loved dearly. She also had a close relationship with her sister Lavinia, whom she called Vinnie.

Like many artists, she did not become well known for her work until after she died. During Emily's time, poems written by women were to be flowery. Increasingly, Emily wrote of heavy subjects, and with sparsity of words.

She carefully checked the dictionary to find one word that fit what she felt. Only six of her poems were published while she was alive. She died when she was fifty-four. Her sister Vinnie was quite astounded to find a box of little hand sewn books. in all, 879 precious poems.

The collection of poems featured in this book focus on those written of nature. Few in this collection are somber. Most have an airy feel of spring breezes. I did not know she wrote so many poems of nature, and it was refreshing to read the quick, witty, delightful passages such as this:


Bee, I'm expecting you!
Was saying yesterday
To somebody you know
That you were due.

The frogs got home last week,
Are settled and at work,
Birds mostly back,
The clover warm and thick.

You'll get my letter by
The seventeenth; reply,
Or better, be with me.

Yours,
Fly.

-----------------------------------------

Further in the book, there is one poem of Emily's thoughts of her death:

I have not told my garden yet,
Lest that should conquer me,
I have not quite the strength now
To break it to the bee.

I will not name it in the street
For shops would stare, that I,
So shy, so very ignorant
Should have the face to die.

The hillsides must not know it,
Where I have rambled so,
Nor tell the loving forests
The day that I shall go,

Nor lisp it at the table,
Nor heedless by the way
Hint that within the riddle
One will walk to day!


-------------------------------------------------

Highly recommended 4.5 stars!

85michigantrumpet
Feb 1, 2016, 2:43 pm

>50 Whisper1: Wowza! What incredible extension! Bravo, Jack!

I've been attending the Boston Ballet for over 30 years now. A friend taught at the Boston Ballet school until her recent retirement. I adore dance and know full well the kind of commitment and sacrifice an achievement like Jack's costs. You have every right to be proud!

RE: His introversion and ability on interviews. Have you read the book Quiet about introverts? An interesting observation by the author concerned students at a university making fundraising calls to alumni. They found the introverts were more successful than the extroverts. They posited this was due to the introverts truly and carefully listening to the alums and making proper responses, rather than a cut-to-the-chase agenda. Perhaps this applies to Jack's interviews and his ability to answer so well. Food for thought, eh?

86BLBera
Feb 1, 2016, 3:49 pm

Hi Linda - Yes, that is my little Scout. My daughter asked me not to post photos. I left the ones I had already posted and have refrained since the request. She is pretty precious.

I will definitely look for the Emily Dickinson book -- one of my favorite poets as well. Echo sounds like a future Scout book as well.

87brenpike
Feb 1, 2016, 4:47 pm

> 72 Received and read my Charles James: Beyond Fashion book today. . . Fantastic! What a talented and creative individual. I'm glad there is good photographic
representation of his work given the precarious state of the works themselves :(

Thanks for the recommendation!

88thornton37814
Feb 1, 2016, 7:56 pm

>84 Whisper1: I loved Emily Dickinson as a child. I suspect that book will produce a new generation of readers who love her.

89Whisper1
Feb 3, 2016, 11:37 am

>85 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne I haven't read Quiet, the book regarding introverts, but my partner has. Mainly he thought the book did a great job in reinforcing how difficult it is to be an introvert in an extrovert world wherein the extroverts are noticed and rewarded.

>86 BLBera: Little Scout is adorable! How wonderful that you are building a library for her. Most recently, I've done the same for my soon to be thirteen year old grand daughter. I've set aside all my Newbery and Caldecot winners for her.

>87 brenpike: Brenda. I still think of this book, and most likely I will purchase a copy. I especially liked the coats, and wanted one of each.

>88 thornton37814: Hi Lori. I discovered Emily Dickinson when in college. My favorite of hers is pithy and short, but packs a lot of whallop in a few sentences:

Compensation

For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the ecstasy.

For each beloved hour
Sharp pittances of years,
Bitter contested farthings
And coffers heaped with tears.

90Ameise1
Feb 3, 2016, 12:48 pm

Hi Laura, I'm so far behind. I try to catch up with threads and hope doing better now. I wish you a lovely day.

91EBT1002
Feb 3, 2016, 1:06 pm

Linda, I love that Emily Dickinson poem. Thanks for posting it.

92Dianekeenoy
Feb 3, 2016, 6:57 pm

>50 Whisper1: Wow, Linda, this is one incredibly talented young man! Do you have other talented dancers in your family?

93Dianekeenoy
Feb 3, 2016, 7:01 pm

>53 Whisper1: Wow, this makes me want to own this book. I keep looking at it on Amazon. You're right, it is reasonable. These pictures remind me of my mother, she had a lot of formal dinners and dances she went to when my dad was working. Her dresses were just beautiful.

94Whisper1
Feb 3, 2016, 8:28 pm

>90 Ameise1: HI Barbara. I think the threads have grown over the years, since the beginning of the challenge group. It is difficult to keep up.
92 and 93 Hi Diane. I look forward to seeing you on Saturday. I went to the sale after work today. I managed to spend $20 and picked up a lot of books that were on my tbr pile, as well as some Caldecott winners.
I don't have any other dancers in the family. Certainly, I am not on that list. I have trouble walking and standing let alone dancing. We are all so proud of Jack. He gave his award money received from the Mr. Dance Ohio competition to those in need. Their church had a giving tree and he made sure that three families had toys. I could cry every time I think of his generosity.

95Whisper1
Edited: Feb 4, 2016, 10:23 am

As mentioned in my message to Diane, I stopped by the Bethlehem Library sale after work. I managed to spend $20 for quite a few great books.

My trove of the day:

1) The Funny Little Woman by Arlene Mosel A caldecott medal wimmer
2) Uncle Willie and the Soup Kitchen by Dyanne Disalvo-Ryan Children's illustrated book
3) The Memory Coat by Elvira Woodruff with illustrations of Michael Dooling Children's illustrated book
4) I am a Pole and so can you by Stephen Colbert. This is noted as a "Caldecott Eligible Book". I've never heard of this category before.
5) Vision of Beauty The Story of Sarah Breedlove Walker by Kathryn Lasky illustrated by Nneka Bennett Children's illustrated book
6) Pals by Mary Engelbriet a delightful small illustrated book
7) Anna the Bookbinder by andrea Cheng illustrations by Ted Rand Children's illustrated book
9) Miss Little's Gift by Douglas Wood illustrations of Jim Burke Children's illustrated book
10) A Child's Good Night Book by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations of Jean Charlot Caldecott honor book
11) Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leon Lionni Caldecot Honor book
12) The People Who Didn't Say Good-Bye by Merrit Malloy This was my find of the day. This is a poet I discovered a long time ago. It was so wonderful to obtain one of her books. It brought back so many memories.
13) The Art of Keeping Cool by Janet Taylor Lisle A Scott Odell Award winner for Historical Fiction
14) Theodosia and the Staff of Osiris Young Adult by R.L. LaFevers
15) Lindbergh by A Scott Berg --This is another great find, purchased for only $1.00
16) Changing Light by Nora Gallagher
17) Breaking Free by Abby Sher
18) The Tiger's Wife by Tea OBreht
19) The Killer's Tears by Anne-Laure Bondoux
20) Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thebron
21) No Time Like Show Time by Michael Hoeye Young Adult
22) Mistress of the Sun by Sandra Gulland
23) No Pretty Pictures by Anita Lobel Young Adult, Holocaust
24) Twisted by Laurie Halse Anderson

96Carmenere
Feb 3, 2016, 9:32 pm

>53 Whisper1: Oooo, I can imagine the pleasant hours you spent turning the pages of Charles James Beyond Fashion Metropolitan Museum of Art. Extraordinary gowns!.

>50 Whisper1: Wow! Can your grandson move!! Congratulations to Jack for, obviously working many hours to achieve such accolades at a young age. Definitely someone to keep an eye on.

>95 Whisper1: Great finds at your book sale. It's always a giddy moment when you find something you never expected to find but hoped you would.

97cbl_tn
Feb 3, 2016, 10:46 pm

Hi Linda! You did well at the book sale! I am currently reading Quiet. It's an interesting book, and I'm learning quite a bit about introversion and extroversion.

98Whisper1
Feb 4, 2016, 9:55 am

>95 Whisper1: Hi Lynda, As always, it is great to see a message from you. I am very tempted to purchase the Charles James fashion book. It is haunting me. There were also a lot of images regarding coats he designed...fascinating stuff! I never heard of him before picking up this book in the library and bringing it home.

>96 Carmenere: Carrie, A very special friend is a psychologist. She often speaks in public and presents at conferences. She is an introvert through and through. She tells me that it takes such energy to get out of the introversion and be front and center. She is exhausted when she returns from a conference.
I think extroverts need/crave people whereas introverts are quite happy by themselves. Is this what you are reading. Do tell me more regarding what grabs you when you read this book.

99Whisper1
Feb 4, 2016, 10:08 am

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #19


Pals by Mary Engelbreicht

I enjoy the illustrations of Mary Engelbreicht. This small book containing images and quotes regarding friendship is a joy. A spot of cheer that brings a smile, I recommend this, especially if you are stressed and need a break. It doesn't take long to find an image that soothes.


100Whisper1
Edited: Feb 6, 2016, 7:46 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #20
Once Upon A Twice by Denise Doyen with illustrations of Barry Moser


I tremendously enjoyed this creative Caldecott Honor book.

This is a delightful story of a young mouse who loves living without rules. When the full moon occurs, The mouse named "Jam Boy" throws caution to the wind and delights in calling attention to himself by not following the pack.

There is a twisting of words, and it takes time to go with the flow, but soon I was laughing at the expressions on the faces of the mice and the rhyming catchy phrases.

Ostracized by the elder mice and banished to go home while the rest of the pack scampers together under a bright full moon, Jam Boy just cannot help himself, and all too soon he is back to his wayward ways.

"Shuns every warning, jumps the fence!
Jamagination in a flurry:
"I won't scamper! I won't scurry!
A clever mousling need not worry."

Furry overconfidence.

And, in his overconfidence, there is danger not only to him, but to the others.

Alone, he sits in the full moon, long tail lazily in the water and then, so full of himself, he does not hear the impending hissing warning of a snake approaching. This defining moment changes him.


101EBT1002
Feb 4, 2016, 8:47 pm

>95 Whisper1: Wow! Great book haul!

102cbl_tn
Feb 4, 2016, 8:58 pm

Hi Linda! I've just finished the section in Quiet on evolutionary biology. I didn't find it as interesting as the first few chapters in the book. I hope it will pick up again now that I'm through (I hope) with the physiology.

103DianaNL
Feb 5, 2016, 5:24 am



Have a good one!

104tapestry100
Feb 5, 2016, 11:11 am



Happy reading this weekend!

105BLBera
Feb 5, 2016, 6:03 pm

Great book haul. Once Upon a Twice looks magical. Another Scout book.

106Ameise1
Feb 6, 2016, 7:27 am

Happy weekend, Laura.

107msf59
Feb 6, 2016, 7:31 am

Happy Saturday, Linda. Hope you are feeling well and getting to those books.

108Whisper1
Edited: May 5, 2016, 3:44 pm

What a lovely day spent with Bill (Weird-O) and DianeKeenoy. We met at the Bethlehem Library and did some major book buying. Then, we had lunch at the Hotel Bethlehem, followed by a trip to America's first book store -- The Moravian Book Shop.



Conversation flowed freely with lots of discussions of books, our families and positive comments regarding the 75 challenge folk.

109Whisper1
Edited: Feb 6, 2016, 9:33 pm

>95 Whisper1: Twenty four books purchased at the Bethlehem Library Book Sale Wednesday, February 4

ROUND TWO OF BOOKS ACQUIRED AT THE BETHLEHEM, PA LIBRARY SALE, Saturday, February 6

25) Goodbye Mouse by Robie H. Harris illustrations by Jan Ormerod
Children's Illustrated book.
26) The Flower Ball by Sigrid Laube illustrations by Silke Leffler
Children's Illustrated book.
27) Max and the tag-along Moon text and illustrations by Floyd Cooper
28) Cloud Dance text and illustrations by Thomas Locker
29) Little Red Riding Hood retold and illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman
30) More More More Said the Baby text and illustrations of Vera B. Williams
Caldecott Honor Book 1991
31) Fly text and illustrations of Christopher Myers
32) The Deer Watch by Pat Lowery Collins illustrations by David Slonim
33) Curse in Reverse by Tom Coppinger with illustrations by Dirk Zimmer
34) St. Patrick's Cathedral A Centennial History by Leland Cook
35) The Norman Rockwell Treasury by Thomas S. Buechner
36) Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Her Life by Susan Hertog
37) The Life and Opinions of Maf The Dog and His Friend Marilyn Monroe by Andrew O'Hagan
38) A Series of Unfortunate Events The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket Young Adult
39) Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan Young Adult
40) A Series of Unfortunate Events The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket Young Adult
41) Getting to Happy by Terry McMillan
41) Story of a Girl by Sara Zarr Young Adult
42) Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman Young Adult
42) How to be Good by Nick Hornby
43) The Turtle Warrior by Mary Relindes Ellis
44) A Series of Unfortunate Events The vile Village by Lemony Snicket Young Adult
45) The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
46) The Fifties in Pictures by James Lescott
47) A Coming Evil by Vivian Vande Velde Young Adult
48) The Secret of the Rose by Sarah Thomson
49) A Biography C.S. Lewis by A.N. Wilson
50) The American Plague The Untold Story of Yellow Fever Molly Caldwell Crosby
51) I ,Juan de Pareja by Elizabeth Barton de Trevino Newbery Medal Book 1966
52) Many Waters by Madeleine L'Engle
53) Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje
54) Neverhome by Laird Hunt
55) The Grace that Keeps This World by Tom Bailey
56) The Golden Goblet by Eloise Jarvis McGraw Newbery Honor Book 1962, Young Adult
57) Scraps of Time 1960 Abby Takes a Stand by Patricia C. McKissack, Young Adult
58) Scraps of Time 1928 A Song For Harlem by Patricia C. McKissack, Young Adult
59) Victoria The Romantic Heart Hearst Books
60) The Meaning of Flowers Myth, Language Lore by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field
62) The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory

PURCHASED AT THE MORAVIAN BOOK STORE

63) Bo, At Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill
64 Marian Anderson A Voice Uplifted by Victoria Garrett Jonees
65) And, Not Afraid to Dare The Stoires of Ten African-American Women by Tonya Bolden

110thornton37814
Feb 6, 2016, 9:28 pm

Nice haul!

111The_Hibernator
Feb 6, 2016, 11:27 pm

>108 Whisper1: How nice that you had a meet-up! I'm always jealous of such things.

112ronincats
Feb 6, 2016, 11:54 pm

You cleaned up AGAIN, Linda! And this time you had good new friends to help carry them, I'll bet. Loved the meet-up pictures.

113Whisper1
Feb 7, 2016, 12:07 am

>110 thornton37814: Hi Lori, I found some gems, including Anne Morrow Lindbergh biography for only $1.00.
>110 thornton37814: Hi Rachel, The meet ups are fun. I met Caroline (Caro) in December, and now in February Bill and Diane.
>111 The_Hibernator: Roni, I do hope to meet you one day. Yes, Bill and Diane were very helpful. We had a lovely day together.

114Ameise1
Feb 7, 2016, 4:19 am

What a book haul and gorgeous meet-up photos. I'm glad you had such a wonderful day, Linda.

115msf59
Feb 7, 2016, 7:43 am

Hooray, for a Meet-Up, Linda! I wish I could have joined you. Bill looks like a mighty fine fellow.

I am meeting Joe & family, for a Super Bowl Party. A mini-Meet up but I am sure an entertaining one.

116dk_phoenix
Feb 7, 2016, 9:11 am

Good morning, Linda! I just realized I hadn't gotten around to dropping by your threads yet. Loving all the photos of the gowns! There's always so much to see on your threads. Thrilled that you had a great meet-up, too. Happy reading of your new book haul!

117Deern
Feb 7, 2016, 9:13 am

Wonderful meet-up pics - and such an incredible book haul again!
Have a lovely Sunday!

118FAMeulstee
Feb 7, 2016, 9:22 am

So nice to see pictures of your meet-up, always nice to mee fellow LTers :-)
And you found a lot of nice books too!

hugs

119jnwelch
Feb 7, 2016, 11:31 am

>108 Whisper1: Great! Thanks for the meetup photos, Linda. Sounds like you all had a wonderful time.

What a book haul, too (two). I just read Caleb's Story, and loved it, just as I have all the books in that Sarah Plain and Tall series.

120qebo
Feb 7, 2016, 11:38 am

>108 Whisper1: Nice to see the meetup photos!

121Dianekeenoy
Feb 7, 2016, 12:29 pm

Hi Linda. You have to go look at my thread! I finally got pictures posted...maybe not quite perfect but they are there! Thanks so much for your help with this. Next, I will work on getting them a little farther apart and maybe bigger! Have a great day.

122Crazymamie
Feb 7, 2016, 1:30 pm

>108 Whisper1: How fun! Thanks for sharing the photos, Linda! And another haul!! You have been doing a great job of filling your days with fabulous, my friend. Happy Sunday to you!

123LizzieD
Edited: Feb 7, 2016, 8:56 pm

Too much going on here!!!
I'm always thrilled to see meet-up pics. Looks like you guys had a wonderful time!
The BOOK HAUL!!! I had no idea that A.N. Wilson had written a bio of C.S. Lewis. I'm off to explore!
>50 Whisper1: I'm in awe.
>53 Whisper1: What fun! I was totally sold on that form-fitting red gown until I saw the short brown one. Once, long ago, I could have worn them..... I don't know where I think I could have worn them, but I wouldn't have been ridiculous. *sigh*
(White Flour! It would be worth the wait from ILL.) (Nag? Me???)

124cyderry
Feb 7, 2016, 10:01 pm

>108 Whisper1: Jealous! Looks like you all had a blast!

125tututhefirst
Feb 8, 2016, 3:15 pm

>53 Whisper1: Linda, just curious. How to you capture the illustrations you so wondrously share with us? I can't imagine that you're photocopying from the books themselves. however you do it, it is certainly a labor of love and we always appreciate the beauty you bring us.

126tututhefirst
Feb 8, 2016, 3:29 pm

I always giggle when I see pictures and discussions of hoop skirts. My generation wore hoops to all our proms and dances until our senior year. At the all-girls high school I attended, we graduated from the stage and the nuns always made us wear long hooped white dresses, long (ala Jackie Kennedy) white gloves up past our elbows, and we stood as a group under hanging daisy baskets as we held large bouquets of pink roses and blue delphiniums. We were then expected to wear that same dress to senior prom the following night.

The only problem was that our class was about 10% larger (in numbers, not avoirdupois than any previous class, and we discovered as we were trying on dresses to be voted on by the class, that we could not fit all 72 of us IN HOOPS on the stage. The poor sisters had to give up the ghost and allow us to wear a "modestly draped" dress instead. Several of us removed the sleeves in that dress, put on a colored sash and had something more fashionable to wear to the prom. One final note: If you've ever tried to climb modestly into the back seat of a car wearing a hoop it can't be done.

Many years later, I did salvage my hoop by dying it green, and tying it around my then 8 year old daughter's neck and hanging Christmas ornaments and tinsel on it for her to be a Christmas tree. It made a terrific Halloween costume with a tinsel crown.

Thanks for triggering such fun memories.

127johnsimpson
Feb 8, 2016, 3:43 pm

Hi Linda, nice to be friends with you my dear and I will be starring your thread immediately. It looks like you had a good meet up with Bill and Diane. It will be nice popping into your thread to see what you are up to. Sending love and hugs from over the pond.

128avatiakh
Edited: Feb 8, 2016, 5:34 pm

>100 Whisper1: Once upon a twice looks absolutely beautiful.

Great looking book hauls.

129countrylife
Feb 8, 2016, 7:55 pm

Linda, I love reading about LT meetups. Sounds like you had a lovely time!

>126 tututhefirst: : Tina, I got a kick out of your hoop skirt story!

130michigantrumpet
Feb 9, 2016, 2:16 pm

What wonderful Meet up photos! I just love getting to meet fellow LTers!

Great haul from the library as well. I quite enjoyed the Lindbergh biography, although Berg wrote it before the info about Lindbergh's secret second German family was revealed. Berg did have a bit to say about that as it was hitting the news, so you'll want to google that. A great buy at $1.00!

Also liked The Last Dickens and was fortunate to meet Matthew Pearl a few years back. He and his wife are quite down-to-earth and she's even more high-powered (lawyer) than he is.

131Whisper1
Edited: Feb 9, 2016, 3:05 pm

>130 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne, I always smile when I've purchased a book (or two) that others have read. Thanks for the heads up regarding the Lindbergh book and the fact that it was published before the second family was revealed. I seem to remember reading somewhere that there may have been three families that Lindbergh sired. What a guy. One theory was that Lindbergh believed he was doing the world a favor by spreading his gene pool around. He was labeled as one who believed in the supreme white race. ... I shiver just thinking of parts of his character that were so despicable.

>129 countrylife: Hi Cindy, we had a lovely time indeed. Perhaps some day I'll be able to meet you!

>128 avatiakh: Kerry, Once Upon a Twice was delightful. I highly recommend it. It was a lovely tale about the need to follow rules. The story seemed to stress, in a way that did not clobber over the head, the fact that we are responsible to others when we live in a group.

>127 johnsimpson: Hi John, Diane spoke so highly of you! I'm trying to find your thread for the 75 challenge group. I'll keep looking.

>126 tututhefirst: Tina, What a fun story! I love that you used the hoop skirt as a Halloween costume for your granddaughter...how ingenious of you! Regarding the images, I usually do a google search for either the name of the illustrator, or the title of the book, and type the word images or illustrations at the end of the sentence, for example I searched Once Upon a Twice images. and then went through the images that most told the story and imported the image, giving the same height to each image. It is a lot of work, but it is also fun to do.

>124 cyderry: Yes, Cheli, it would have been so much fun if you were there as well. I hope the snow didn't hit your area. We had a few inches, but not much.

>123 LizzieD: Peggy, I could not fit in any of the gowns. In looking at the models who wore the gowns while sitting on the steps of the Metropolitan Art Museum. Their arms are like toothpicks. But, I can dream. And, I still would choose the beautiful muted blue color gown with the turtleneck. I love that one!!!!
I am very tempted to buy the book. It is haunting me.

132Whisper1
Feb 9, 2016, 3:18 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #21
The Little Fir Tree by Margaret Wise Brown with illustrations of Jim LaMarche


A beautiful story compounded in beauty by the illustrations of Jim LaMarche. Each image is so lovely that I took time to soak in the soft rendition of faces and of the woods.

A small boy cannot walk. He does not leave his bed. Each year, his father goes to the woods, digs up a small fir tree that seems just right, and brings it home. The tree is decorated and remains in the child's room until after the holiday. Each year the tree is returned to the place where it grew, so that yet another year of Christmas will come round and the cycle will happen again.

One year, the tree is too big to bring inside. Magically, this is the year that the child walks. As the snow falls, the tree is sad because he will not be taken inside with the boy. Then, as the tree hears carols, he watches as the little boy and his family walk to the tree and decorate it in the wild.

Trite, corny, -- yes, but, lovely, simply lovely to behold.

This is one of my favorite images in the book:


133Whisper1
Edited: Feb 11, 2016, 11:49 am

NON ILLUSTRATED BOOK #13


Zora and Me by Victoria Bond

Yet another Young Adult book dealing with a powerful subject. This is a fictionalized story based on the real life author Zora Neale Hurston, and her friend Carrie. Told from the perspective of Carrie, we see two highly intelligent girls trying to make sense of a murder. As they put the pieces together of the tragic killing of a black man who was beheaded by the railroad tracts, they learn that life is not as idyllic as they perceived.

Carrie loves Zora, and also notes that her friend loves to tell stories, and embellishment is simply part of her make up. In real life, Zora is the author of the book Their Eyes Were Watching God.

Living in Eatonville, Florida, the first incorporated all-black township in the United States, sets the tone of a community where everyone knows one another.

Thus, when a stranger appears, Zora and Carrie are very fascinated with him. Soon thereafter, he is found dead by the railroad tracks.

The young girls all-too soon learn that race relations, particularly in the south, are fraught with spoken, and nebulous rules wherein there is a very high price to pay if a black man breaks social norms when mingling with a white woman.

I very much liked the way in which the author slowly built to the conclusion and, through excellent writing, told the dramatic ending in a way in which the reader was not bombarded, but rather came to learn the ugly workings of racism.

Highly recommended.

134scaifea
Feb 11, 2016, 6:39 am

>133 Whisper1: Ooof, adding that last one to my list, Linda. And don't you just love Jim LaMarche? Gorgeous stuff.

135paulstalder
Feb 11, 2016, 7:46 am

Thanks for the pix of your meet up. Must habe been a delightful meeting.
Congratulation to your book haul. There are some interesting titles. Seems that i should follow your example...

136Crazymamie
Feb 11, 2016, 8:59 am

>133 Whisper1: That looks like a good one, Linda! Nice review. I love the artwork in >132 Whisper1:, especially that last image that you posted. Wonderful!

Happy Thursday to you, dear!

137Whisper1
Feb 11, 2016, 11:52 am

>134 scaifea: Hi Amber, I certainly do love the illustrations of Jim LaMarche. He is one of my favorites. Each image is so soft and beautiful! And, thank you again, and again for your love of illustrated books which lead me to this glorious path.

>135 paulstalder: Hi there Paul. It was a delightful meeting. Following my example of book purchases could be dangerous.

>136 Crazymamie: Dear Mamie. How special you are to all of us. Happy Day to you as well.

138Whisper1
Feb 11, 2016, 12:39 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #22

Ain't Nobody a Stranger To Me by Ann Grifalconi with lovely illustrations of Jerry Pinkney

There is a lovely bond between grand father and grand daughter. As they leisurely walk through town, he nods to all. He explains to his grand daughter that even if he doesn't know the name, he holds people in his heart.

Explaining that when he and her grandmother were salves, they escaped from the south to the north. Carrying a little baby, her mother, the grand daughter learns of the price of freedom and how they were helped by a white man, a Quaker who was part of the underground railroad movement. Thus, the grand father's happiness is realizing that even strangers can be friends.

When a slave, her grandfather placed apple seeds in his pocket. He hoped that some day he would be free and own his own land. Indeed, he became free and now walks with his grand daughter through his apple orchard as she plants seeds for the future.

The illustrations are lovely and lush. After reading the book, I immediately re-read and enjoyed the illustrations once again.

139Whisper1
Edited: Feb 11, 2016, 1:29 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #23

Albert by Donna Jo Napoli with lovely illustrations by Jim LaMarche

The reader doesn't know the history of Albert and why he doesn't come outside and interact with people on a daily basis. But, we do know that Albert wants to know the weather conditions, and thus every day, he sticks his hand out the window.

One day, a lovely cardinal drops a twig in Albert's hand. Then, more twigs are nestled in the palm of Albert's hand, and magically, he begins to interact with more than himself. Carefully watching as the bird lays eggs, Albert continues to hold his hand out the window.

This interaction and his desire to assist, lead him to venture out into his surrounding world.

This is a marvelous story with incredible illustrations of LaMarche, who is fast becoming one of my favorite illustrators.


140Whisper1
Edited: Feb 11, 2016, 1:39 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #24
The Elves and the Shoemaker by Jim LaMarche


The illustrations are breathtakingly beautiful. The loveliness pulls the reader into the story, and one cannot help but smile at the ageless tale of a poor shoemaker who has only enough leather for one pair of shoes.

One night, leaving the leather out, he is surprised to find a lovely pair of hand-made shoes. The unique shoes are sold and he now can afford enough leather for two pairs. Again, at night the leather is placed on the work bench, and he awakes to find two unique pairs of shoes.

Eventually, the shoemaker and his wife stay awake and see two little elves shimmying down the window, working diligently at the task of shoemaker, with the knowledge that their work is appreciated.

In return for their assistance, the shoemaker's wife makes lovely clothes for the elves. They are surprised and happy.

Finally, a Grimm's fairytale that is not filled with violence, and has a happy ending. The shoemaker and his wife are rich. The elves are elated to receive something in return for their work.

141Whisper1
Edited: Feb 12, 2016, 10:46 pm

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #25

Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña

This book has the prestigious honor of winning both the 2016 Caldecott honor and the 2016 Newbery medal.

Many of us have a friend, or perhaps a relative who always, without fail, sees the negative side of life in all their interactions. These are the people who cannot look at the sun without waiting for the rain, who cannot be happy for what they have, instead, they want more, more, more. These are the people who complain about their job, forgetting that the one who is listening has heard this black tale regarding every job the moaner has ever had.

Personally, as I grow older, I don't have this type of person in my life. Limitations of energy has a positive effect in teaching me that I need to be with those who are happy and radiate sunshine opposed to the energy drainers who suck the life out of me.

C.J. is such a child, the black t shirt and pants kind of guy who is always, ever finding fault. He is the one who is envious of all -- the one who covets what others have while failing to see all he owns. The one who sees the dirt and not the bright rainbow.

Luckily, C.J. has a loving, patient, kind grandmother who, without admonishment turns his black comments into gold. Throughout the story, C.J. laments his life, the fact that he has to ride a bus because his family doesn't own a car. For every complaint, his grandmother matches it with a positive statement.

At the end of the book, we learn that the last stop on Market Street is a shelter where the poor are fed, and C.J. has the opportunity to help distribute food to those in line. His grandmother gave a shining example to him of getting out of oneself, of giving to others, and the very real thing that happens when we give a hand to those who need it the most.

As I closed the book, I wondered if the C.J.'s of the world, even when confronted with a different hopeful reality, can manage to get outside of their darkness. Optimistically, I sure do hope so.



142DianaNL
Feb 12, 2016, 7:23 am



Have a happy weekend.

143johnsimpson
Feb 12, 2016, 4:18 pm

Hi Linda, just passing by to wish you a very lovely and enjoyable weekend my dear, sending love and hugs.

144Dianekeenoy
Feb 12, 2016, 5:53 pm

>141 Whisper1: Great review, Linda. I agree with you, life is too short to be miserable!

145FAMeulstee
Feb 13, 2016, 11:01 am

>141 Whisper1: I'd rather have the grandmother around ;-)

The pessimist I can handle on most days, I have more problems with those who think if they are happy by living one way, everyone should adapt their way of life....

146Whisper1
Feb 13, 2016, 7:54 pm

>145 FAMeulstee: I understand how difficult it is to deal with those who try to force their opinions on us. Political debates are all around me, at work, at home, when we go out to eat, and I am so weary of it all.

Republicans throw darts are liberals. Liberals can be self righteous and haughty. Republicans seem to spew the conservative view while living any way but...

When it comes to politics, no one is going to change anyone's mind. I think we should avoid these discussions and respect other's opinions.

I hope all is well with you, Frank, and those wonderful furry friends.

147Whisper1
Edited: Feb 13, 2016, 8:20 pm

It doesn't happen often, the desire to find a good book, and go through many, reading some pages and then moving to another.

While I am surrounded with books in every room, I am lost to find one that resonates. In the meantime, I've read some small books simply to note that I read and finished something:

ILLUSTRATED BOOK #26


A Child's Good Night Book by Margaret Wise Brown A Caldecott Honor book that has loving phrases and sentences to paint a picture of everything settling down, quieting through the night in preparation for the release that sleep brings.



ILLUSTRATED BOOK #27

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse by Leo Lionni

Another Caldecott Honor book. This one is a story of Alexander who longs to be like Willy. Willy is a toy wind-up mouse loved by his owner. Alexander, on the other hand, lives in a house where people scream when they notice him He is not loved, and the broom that is trying to capture him has a large person on the other end intent on causing harm.

When Willy told Alexander that there is a rumor of a magic multi-colored lizard who can grant wishes, Alexander visited the lizard in the hope of becoming a wind-up toy. Changing his mind when he found Willy in the used toy box ready to be discarded, instead, Alexander asked that Willy become a real-live mouse.And, the two danced until dawn.

img height="350" src="https://c2.staticflickr.com/6/5258/5530760746_816c3d7c1b_b.jpg">

148Whisper1
Edited: Feb 13, 2016, 8:59 pm

BOOK #14 OF 2016
Scraps of Time 1928 A Song For Harlem by Patricia C. McKissack


Obtained for .25 at the Bethlehem, PA Library sale even last weekend, this is a delightful, book that focuses on New York's Harlem district during the extraordinary time when Harlem was at it's peak of embracing opportunities in the arts, and freedom of opportunity and jobs for black writers, poets and musicians.

The time period is the 1920's in New York City Harlem when many African American's left the racist, bigoted, segregated south in the hope of freedom to express themselves and live in harmony in the north. This was a time of the beginning of NAACP, when it was reported that in 1923, 200,000 blacks left the south and many of them moved to Harlem.

The writers and editors at the time brought an excitement to the power of words by creating a unique literature that addressed issues long swept under the carpet. This was the time of W.e. Du Bois, Langston Hughes, and Jean Toomer.

As the book notes, in 1925, a black filmmaker by the name of Oscar Micheaux produced Body and Soul with Paul Robeson as the lead actor. This is the time of Louis Armstrong, of Duke Ellington and the Cotton Club.

This is the time of the very talented writer Zora Neale Hurston, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God paved the way by graduating from college and receiving a scholarship to do so. Charting unknown territory, she also attended graduate school at Columbia University.

While today these accomplishments may seem "normal", in the America of 1920's blacks were indeed especially treated incredibly poorly.

This book tells a story of a unique woman by the name of A'Lelia Walker whose mother was the founder of a hair and skin care company that grossed millions. This fortune was inherited by A'Lelia who encouraged writers and artists, especially reaching out by holding summer programs to young black students showing promise in writing abilities.

Patricia C. McKissack weaves a story of a character whom she calls Lilly Belle who spent the summer of 1928 under the tutlelage of Zora Neale Hurston whom A'Lelia Walker hired to develop the talent of a small group of youngsters who were carefully selected.

We see Harlem through the eyes of homesick Lilly Belle who soon became enhtralled with all New York City and Harlem had to offer.

While small in size, this was a fun book packed full of many beautiful, wonderful depictions of an exciting time of American History.

149Berly
Feb 13, 2016, 9:50 pm

>147 Whisper1: I remember the wind-up mouse! Wow, so many great books here. : ) Love the meet-up photo and I am completely astounded by (and jealous of) your book score!! So much fun. And...

150ronincats
Feb 13, 2016, 9:58 pm

>141 Whisper1: I have heard lots of different opinions about this book, but what is most amazing to me is that the author grew up and went to school in the district where I worked for 31 years, one of the poorest cities in the US with 60000 people squeezed into 8.5 square miles, 70% Hispanic and over 50% second language dominant. Hurray for him! My former colleagues and I wonder which school he went to, since he clearly would have attended while we were working in the district.

151Whisper1
Feb 14, 2016, 5:17 am

>150 ronincats: Hi Dear Roni! While I wasn't in awe of the illustrations, I thought the story a good one. Also, it touched me because my maternal grandmother was the single most influence on the person I am today. I liked the focus on the grandmother who not only talked to the negaitve, doom and gloom little guy, but set a positive example of helping those much fortunate that us.

And, what an intereesting fact that you worked in the district where the author grew up.

152Whisper1
Feb 14, 2016, 5:19 am

>149 Berly: Hello Dear Friend Kim. I see that we are both up this early morning/late evening. I hope you are not up and about because of pain issues, or that you aren't feeling well.

And, I will be visiting your thread and leaving a Valentine as well. Many thanks for yourS

153foggidawn
Feb 14, 2016, 8:28 am

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse was a childhood favorite of mine.

154Crazymamie
Feb 14, 2016, 10:04 am



Happy Valentine's Day, Linda!

155The_Hibernator
Feb 14, 2016, 9:22 pm

Zora and Me looks pretty good!

Happy Valentine's Day!


156weird_O
Feb 14, 2016, 9:59 pm

Hi Linda. On Friday, I made another library visit, this one to my original hometown library. Bought another four books cheap (Devil in a Blue Dress, The Things They Carried, Straight Man, and The Devil in the Grove). And signed out Being Mortal and four GNs, vols 1 & 2 of The Graveyard Book and vols 1 & 2 of March by John Lewis. Read the Gaiman as soon as I got home; clever, clever tale.

The library is just three blocks from my first home (which looks as good as it did when we moved out in 1953). The librarian back in the late 1940s lived next door. I could walk by myself to this library, spend some time paging through books, and sign out two or three. That library looks pretty much the same, honest. I think it's very inviting.

President's Day tomorrow. You don't have to work, do you?

157Whisper1
Feb 15, 2016, 6:12 pm

Bill, yep, I worked and slip slid home...The roads are very bad! I visited your thread a few minutes ago and noted your comments about your friend (I'll hold him in my prayers), and your home time library!! I visited my home town library a few years ago. And, just like you, I went to the same shelves and found where the books were that I read as a child.

Going down memory lane is a good thing periodically. I very much liked The Things They Carried. I think you will as well. Also, I am anxious to hear your thoughts on Being Mortal. It was a top read for me in 2015. It was a book that I kept talking about and recommending, and wove into conversations for a long, long time.

Stay warm and dry my friend. It is nasty out there. I am waiting to hear from my daughter who lives in Palmerton regarding her arrival home. I'm convinced once a parent, always a parent. I worry about my 43 year old daughter and my 33 year old one.

When there are storms like this, I fondly remember my grandmother. She always called me to be sure I made it home when the roads were poor. The first time it snowed after she died, i cried on the way home realizing that when I walked in the door there would not be a message from her.

We must hold tight to memories of libraries, of our children being born, of friends, of librarians, even of sidewalks traveled so long, long ago. It matters. What we do and where we came from matters.

158Whisper1
Feb 15, 2016, 6:16 pm

>153 foggidawn:, Yes it is a lovely, lovely tale with nice illustrations. I am in awe of the artistry of Jim LaMarche. He is an incredible artist. I finished three of his in a short period of time, then went back and read them again and again. In particular, I was blown away by Rainbabies. Have you read that one? If not, I highly recommend it.

>154 Crazymamie: Dear Friend Mamie...I loved the illustration; it made me smile. Thank you!

>155 The_Hibernator: Hi Rachel. Thank you for the Valentine's heart. It was so cold outside yesterday that we spent the day inside. We watched a Wallender Netflix episode. We are hooked on this Swedish crime series. I hope your Valentines Day ws a good one.

159Whisper1
Edited: May 5, 2016, 4:01 pm

Borrowing Carmenere's (Lynda) idea, I have compiled a group of books I will read in 2016. Knowing there will be library books as well, still these will be off the shelf and given away after completion.



They are:
1) The Bielski Brothers by Peter Duffy
2) Bonechiller by Graham McNamee
3) Flower Fairies of the Garden by Cicely Mary Barker
4) Maid A Novel of Joan of Arc by Kimberly Cutter
5) Too Close To The Sun: The Audacious Life and Times of Denys Finch Hatton by Sara Wheeler
6) The Bolter: The Story of the Wild, Beautiful,Fearess Idina Sackville by Frances Osborne
7) The Great Fire by Shirley Hazzard
8) City of Women by David R. Gillham
9) Fashion A History from the 18th to the 20th Century The Collection of the Kyoto Costume Institute by Akiko Fukai
10) The Story of Painting by Sister Wendy Beckett
11) Amelia Lost The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart by Candace Fleming
12) St. Patricik's Cathedral A Centennial History by Leland Cook
13) The Norman Rockwell Treasury by Thomas S. Buechner
14) Smithsonian Fashion The Definitive History of Costume and Style
15) JFK'S Last Hundred Days by Thurston Clarke
16) Lindbergh by A. Scott Berg
17) Strength in What Remains by Tracy Kidder
18) Unbowed by Wangari Maathai
19) Effie The Passionate LIves of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and Joohn Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper
20) Imperfect Birds by Anne Lamott
21) Great Poems Compiled by Kate Miles
22) Heidi by Johanna Spyri
23) The Blessaing of the Beasts by Ethel Pochocki
24) The Dreamer by Pam Munoz Ryan and Peter Sis
25) The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee
26) August Gale A Father and Daughter's Journey Into the Storm by Barbara Walsh
27) No Pretty Pictures A chlid of War by Anita Lobel
28) The Waking Dreams of the Dead by Thomas Randall
29) The Girl Who Married a Lion and Other Tales From Africa by Alexander McCall Smith
30) The Kitchen House by Kathleen Grissom
31) The Face of Jesus by Edmunc Lucie-Smith
32) Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
33) Have a Little Faith by Mitch Albom
34) The Last Dickens by Matthew Pearl
35) Beautiful Lies by Jessica Warman
36) The Meaning of Flowers Myth, Language Lore by Gretchen Scoble and Ann Field
37) The Romantic Heart by Victoria Magazine
38) The Appointment by Herta Muller
39) Marian Anderson A Voice Uplifted by Victoria Garrell Jones
40) The Book Shop by Penelope fitzgerald
41) Animals as Teachers Healers by Susan Chernak McElroy
42) Bo At Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill
43) How Mankind Committed the Ultimate Infamy At Auschwitz by Laurence Rees
44) Anne Morrow Lindberg by Susan Hertog
45) Acid Row by Minette Walters
46) Crossover by Kwame Alexander
47) RFK Jr.: Robert F Kennedy Jr. And The Dark Side of the Dream by Jerry Oppenheimer
48) My Hermitage: How the Hermitage Survived Tsars, Wars, and Revolutions to Become the Greatest Museum in the World by Mikhail Piotrovsky
49) And Not Afraid To Dare: The Stories of Ten African=American Women by Tonya Bolden
50) American Ghost by Janis Owens
51) Fifties in Pictures by James Lescott
52) Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
53) Madame Tussaud by Michelle Moran
54) Secrets of Eden by Chris Bohjalian
55) Dear Strangers by Meg Mullins

160cbl_tn
Feb 15, 2016, 7:52 pm

Hi Linda! You've been reading more wonderful children's and YA books, I see. I love the story of The Elves and the Shoemaker. It's always been a favorite!

161Whisper1
Feb 15, 2016, 8:43 pm

Carrie, The Elves and the Shoemaker comes to life with the incredibly beautiful illustrations of Jim LaMarche

162SuziQoregon
Feb 16, 2016, 6:09 pm

I just love coming here and scrolling through your thread. All the wonderful illustrations. Thanks for sharing them.

163Whisper1
Feb 16, 2016, 8:34 pm

Thanks for visiting Julie!

164thornton37814
Feb 16, 2016, 8:37 pm

>159 Whisper1: I'm allowing for a little more spontaneity in my reading than you. I admire people who can compile a list and stick to it. I find that I have to read what I'm in the mood to read.

165Whisper1
Edited: Feb 16, 2016, 11:02 pm

BOOK #15 OF 2016

Did You Ever Have a Family by Bill Clegg

I admit to mixed feelings about this well-liked book. Listed in many book reviews as great, stellar, wonderful, I didn't have the same reaction. This is a poignant story of grief, of loss beyond the ability to immediately bear, and the kick to the stomach felt when we loose loved ones to a senseless, could have been avoided occurrence.

Told in varying perspectives and stories of many people impacted by the loss of an entire family, it worked sometimes and in other instances it meandered unnecessarily. On the eve of her daughter's wedding, June looses her former husband, her daughter, future son in law, and her boyfriend/lover. Immediately after the loss, she aimlessly drove from state to state grieving to the point of numbness, dwelling from one hotel to another. Filled with regrets, her thoughts volley back and forth to what happened and what could have changed.

Not only June, but others are paraded in chapters, and I found difficulty when each chapter changed characters and varying degrees of pain. The quarrel I have is that I lost track of people and their relationship to each other. By the end of the book, I wanted to hurry it and move on to another.

166Whisper1
Edited: Feb 16, 2016, 9:16 pm

BOOK #16 OF 2016


Abby Takes a Stand by Patricia C. McKissack

Another in the Scraps of Time series written for young adults as an introduction to a history lesson. The time frame is 1928. Abby and her mother are free to visit the "colored stores", but they cannot sit at the luncheon counter of those stores. They must stand in the back, while the white people are given service.

The author tells a tale of Abby who frequently accompanied her mother to Harvey's store. When she tried to have service at the restaurant of the store that had a children-friendly theme, she was scorned and made to feel like dirt.

Soon, she and her mother joined her cousin in attending rallies advocating sit ins. The book depicts a time in history when blacks stood for their rights by sitting down at luncheon counters.

While the book seemed trite and not well written, hopefully it opens the door for young adults to learn more about civil rights.

167London_StJ
Feb 17, 2016, 11:40 am

>159 Whisper1: I admire your list! The only one I could make would include what's required for my semester.

(I finally decided to pop in, 166 missed posts or not. Hello!)

168Whisper1
Feb 17, 2016, 12:06 pm

Hello Dear Aubrey!!! Every time I hear the song by the group then called Bread, I smile and think of you! It is lovely, just like you.