Carsten's (ctpress) 2016 - Take and Read - part 2

New thread - Welcome to all you book-lovers. Painting: Vincent Van Gogh - a farmer reading.

Books read in 2016

November
51. Det sker når du hviler by Tomas Sjödin (2013) 4,5/5
50. Staggerford Flood by Jon Hassler (2002) 2,5/5
49. Writers to read by Douglas Wilson (2013) 3,5/5

July
48. Dear James by Jon Hassler (1993) 4/5
47. Jane Austen (Christian Encounters Series) by Peter Leithart (2010) 4/5
46. The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses by C. S. Lewis (1949) 4/5

June
45. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886) 5/5 (audiobook)
44. Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber (2013) 3,5/5
43. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear (2004) 4/5
42. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis (1952) 4/5
41. The Pleasures of Reading in an age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs (2011) 4,5/5
40. Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis (1951) 4/5 (audiobook) - reread
39. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers (1945) 3,5/5

May
38. J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters Series) by Mark Horne (2011) 3,5/5
37. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis 4/5 (1954) - reread
36. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley (1917) 4/5
35. Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse 3,5/5 (1929)
34. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole 2/5
33. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey (2010) 4,5/5
32. Whose Body by Dorothy L. Sayers (1923) 3/5 (audiobook)
31. Emma by Jane Austen (1815) 5/5 - reread
30. The Eternal Husband by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1895) 4/5
29. Still - notes on a mid-life crisis by Lauren F. Winner (2012) 4/5

April
28. The Last Juror by John Grisham (2004) 3,5/5 (audiobook)
27. The Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith (1983) 3/5 (audiobook)
26. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (1596) 4/5
25. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (2007) 5/5 (audiobook)
24. Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (1922) 4/5 (audiobook)
23. Leave it to Psmith by P. G. Wodehouse (1923) 4,5/5
22. The Seagull by Anton Chekhov (1895) 2/5
21. The Cossacks by Leo Tolstoy (1833) 4/5

March
20. Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan (2012) 4/5
19. Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell (1960) 4/5
18. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (1998) 3,5/5
17. The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (1923) 4,5/5
16. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater (1939) (audiobook)
15. Caleb’s Story by Patricia Maclachlan (2001) 4,5/5 (audiobook)
14. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout (2015) 2,5/5 (audiobook)
13. Maisie Dobbs by Jaqueline Winspear (2003) 4/5

February
12. Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (2015) 4/5 (audiobook)
11. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons (1932) 4/5 (audiobook)
10. Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes (1966) 5/5 (audiobook)
9. Mariette in Ecstasy by Ron Hansen (1991) 4/5
8. Shane by Jack Schaefer (1949) 4,5/5 (audiobook)
7. Eugenie Grandet by Honoré de Balzac (1833) 3,5/5
6. She by H. Rider Haggard (1887) 2,5/5
5. More About Paddington by Michael Bond (1959) 4/5 (audiobook)
4. I am David by Anne Holm (1963) 5/5 (audiobook)

January
3. Something Fresh by P. G. Wodehouse (1915) 3/5
2. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett (1911) 4,5/5 (reread) (audiobook)
1. A Green Journey by Jon Hassler (1996) 3/5

Happy new thread, Carsten!
Lovely thread topper, I like Van Gogh

Great new thread, Carsten! I love the VanGogh.

Anita and Nancy - Yes, a nice Van Gogh - I can imagine the farmer after a hard days work reading by the fire. Looks cosy :)

24. Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim (1922) 4/5 (audiobook)



Four dissimilar women in 1920s England rent a chateau in San Salvatore, Italy, for a month - they leave rainy and grey London for an adventure of their lives. They are all transformed by the change.

I’ve watched the movie adaptation of this book several times - it’s one of my favorite movies - so it was nice to read the novel and get more into the head of these characters. Two single women, two married women - they all find friendship and love in different ways.

Nothing dramatic happens at all - it’s all about the inner change they experience when the sun and flowers and quietness works its magic on them.

The movie get the feel of the novel very good and precise. In my head I had the characters from the movie while listening. Nice narration from Nadia May.

Happy New thread, Carsten ! Lovely painting at the top. A farmer after a days work, yes that sounds cozy. Enchanted April sounds lovely . Nice review. Interesting that you have also watched the movie and then there is me, never heard of the book or movie.

Happy new thread - the Van Gogh is new to me, nice to see a reader.

I liked An Enchanted April although as you say, not much happens.

Happy new thread, Carsten!

Lovely review of The Enchanted April, Carsten! This one sounds like my cuppa, and Nadia May makes for a great narration. Went to thumb-up but didn't see your review; did you post?

Deborah - I didn't knew the movie was based on a novel until recently. I had to read it. A nice cozy movie.

Charlotte - Not a typical Van Gogh I guess, but yes - nice to see a reading farmer.

Amber - Thanks!

Nancy - Nadia May is perfect as the mature narrator of this novel. The review should be posted now.

Just saw this today: ITV production, Julian Fellowes writer, based on Anthony Trollope's Doctor Thorne (Barchester series). Tom Hollander as Doctor Thorne. What can go wrong?

So I ordered the dvd. Looking forward to it. Come on, amazon and deliver with one of your drones today. I need to see it tonight.

Happy new thread! I see you're working your way through Wodehouse, which is a very good use of time.

Hi Jennifer - Yes, Wodehouse is a recent new joy and delight. After a few Bertie and Woosters I'm now on to nr. 3 in the Blanding Castle series. A lot of fun.

Woohoo! Doctor Thorne looks fabulous! C'mon Amazon!

Yes, Nancy - Hope Amazon delivers soon. And I hope they will continue doing more tv-versions of The Barsershire novels.

Best wishes on your new DVD series! I'm not sure about the amazon drones , but maybe the post will come through with your goods!

No drones yesterday, Deborah. I guess they don't fly to Copenhagen :) Ah, well, I have plenty of period-drama to see - At the moment I'm watching season two of "Lark Rise to Candleford" which still hold up pretty good.

25. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt (2007) 5/5 (audiobook)



Seventh-grader on a Long Island school Holling Hoodhood have to remain at school every wednesday with Mrs. Baker, the English teacher. He’s the only Presbyterian in class - the other kids are Catholic or Jewish and have to go attend Catechism or Hebrew School.

Mrs. Baker begins to teach him Shakespeare and Holling is sure she hates him. But slowly he begins to like The Bard and find all kinds of life lessons from the plays he can translate into what’s happening to him in school and at home. A wonderful coming-of-age story set in the late 60’s with the Vietnam War, flower power and the death of Martin Luther King and Robert Kennedy as the historic backdrop.

Holling Hoodhood fight of bullies, star in a Shakespeare play, falls in love, help his troubled flower-power-sister and stand up to his uncaring father - and last but not least - form a beautiful friendship with Mrs. Baker. The last few chapters - so touching and it all comes together wonderfully.

Joel Johnstone gives a perfect narration as Holling Hoodhood - it was so much fun to listen to. One of the best readings (and listenings) this year.

A Newbery Honor book

26. Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (1596) 4/5



OK, so reading The Wednesday Wars made me interested in Shakespeare again, so I read this comedy by The Bard - comedy but a rather scathing humor at times. I liked it - and so did Holling Hoodhood :)

Oh, yay for The Wednesday Wars! I can't wait to get to that one. And yay for Shakespeare, too! Tomm and I have just started watching The Hollow Crown series - Tom Hiddleston is amazing as Prince Hal.

Hi Amber, I'm sure you'll enjoy The Wednesday Wars, and the way Shakespeare's plays are drawn into the plot.

Have just checked the Hollow Crown series. Looks great. Better get my hands on these dvd's while I'm in Shakespeare-mode.

Woot! A fabulous 5* read in The Wednesday Wars! Great review, Carsten. What a fantastic character name: Holling Hoodhood!

And Shakespeare! You have been a busy guy reading top notch literature when not cheering for the inimitable Liverpool team! Love what you write about the bard, so true of him so often: comedy but a rather scathing humor at times.

Thumbs all round, my friend! for you and Schmidt and Shakespeare and Liverpool, LOL!

Yes, Nancy, what a wonderful name, Holling Hoodhood :) I love the way Gary D. Schmidt worked Shakespeare's plays into the story. Creative and just an entertaining read. And a novel that can make you want to rush and read Shakespeare must do something right.

As a Liverpool fan it has been a mediocre season, but hopefully they can go all the way in the Europe League. It's a victory we can cherish for a long time.

Hi Carsten! Terrific reviews here. Don't you think we need an Italian holiday a la The Enchanted April?

How did two reviews escape me, Carsten! You are reading to beat the band. So wonderful when one books leads to another. Excellent reviews! Carsten, does Denmark have a team that you can root for, or are you just attached the Liverpudlian Team?

I just finished watching Call the Midwife - most excellent show.

Hi Anne - Oh, we so need a visit to San Salvatore with lots of beautiful flowers and tea in the garden :)

I am in a good reading-mode at the moment, Deborah, and a lot of ideas for books are coming to me at the moment.

Sorry to say, but our national football team at the moment are not the best - we can't even qualify for the European Championship, which is held every four year, this year in fact. So I stick with our local team in Copenhagen and for the wider world the Liverpudlian (LOL) team.

It's not at all an "Enchanted April" here. 10 celcius today, cloudy and windy. I dream of summer....or at least some warmer weather. So here's a picture from last summer where I sat in the garden of the local library reading. My favorite spot of the library (on the warm days of summer).



The books are all guide-books as I was pondering a walking trip to Ireland - maybe this year?

#25 - Deborah, I'ev just recently begun on Call The Midwife, but it surely looks promising - good to know it's holding up. At the moment I'm more into Lark Rise to Candleford and are at season two.

What a beautiful spot to sit and read at your library, Carsten. Here's to some warm weather for your corner of Denmark! C'mon spring!

I love that your library has a garden. What a great idea.

A walking holiday in Ireland sounds lovely - I have not done it myself but have watched a couple of programmes. Full of lovely views. Would it be a long distance path or lots of short walks around the country?

>30 charl08: No such luck over here no libraries with gardens or gardens with libraries.

Ireland is one of my absolute favourite destinations.

Happy new thread, Carsten.

10 C still, Carsten! Brr! It is 19 here today! Time for spring for you. Just change up one letter of your destination from Ireland to Iceland and you've got a fabulous holiday going on :) Perhaps with your long cold winter deserves somewhere a wee bit warmer.

Yes, Nancy, C'mon spring. Maybe I have no patience this year, but I do long for some warmer weather - like, right NOW.

Charlotte, that's the thing I haven't decided yet. A short walk or long distance. I was looking at some longer trails, like the famous Wicklow Way or something around Dingle or Sligo - but maybe my first trip will just be for a few days and pick some nice areas for some day walks.

Paul - Sounds like you have been around in Ireland - Ireland and Scotland are places that are on top of my list at the moment.

Gardens and libraries should in fact be more together. This one is definitely a library with a garden (a small one). But it makes sense when you think of it. I'm glad they made that connection when they designed the library.

27. The Sheep-Pig by Dick King-Smith (1983) 3/5 (audiobook)



Summary: A piglet comes to Farmer Hogget’s farm, where he is adopted by an old sheepdog and accomplishes amazing things.

A charming little tale about the piglet Babe who becomes the best in understanding the sheep - and thus also a very good “sheep-pig”. I liked Babe as a character - earnest, polite and affectionate - and determined. I knew the story from the movie “Babe” - and the movie captures the feeling of the novel very well. A good reading by Stephen Thorne.

28. The Last Juror by John Grisham (2004) 3,5/5 (audiobook)



Not so good a plot as I’ve come to expect from Grisham - although I enjoyed the story of the young journalist who buys the local newspaper and begin to cover the court case of a hardened criminal - with great success. And his friendship with the wise black woman Callie Ruffin who becomes the first African American juror in the county. As always a lot of good storytelling from Grisham.

>34 ctpress: I've always really liked the movie but have never read the book. I'm glad to see that you enjoyed it!

I love Dick King Smith - have you come across the Queen's Nose? A little bit of magical thinking about a special coin.

#32 - I missed a post there, Deborah. Yes, brrrhhhh.....the wind makes it even more colder these days. Now I'm traveling to Liverpool in a few days - it looks a bit of the same, I'm afraid.

Amber - Yes, the movie is very well made, and it's an adaptation very faithful to the novel.

Charlotte - This is my first Dick King-Smith book - but I have The Water Horse in my audible library - I'm going to check out The Queen's Nose - I see he's a very prolific author.

Glad you enjoyed The Sheep-Pig. It sounds like fun! I used to love John Grisham - I'll never forget his first book, The Firm. That was my first venture into " lawyer books." I loved it! Sorry that The Last Juror was not up to his usual standards. It's been a long time since I've read a Grisham.

Do have fun in Liverpool! I'm not sure of the temps there, but it is lovely here in Vancouver -24 C yesterday and I think it supposed to be the same today! :)

The Sheep-Pig sounds charming! Sorry Grisham did not fully deliver in The Jury. I used to love reading him too many years ago. Like Deb, I'll never forget The Firm.

Liverpool has to deliver some weather for you, Carsten. The Okanagan has been screamin' beautiful at 27-29 C. Bring.It.

Hi Deborah and Nancy - It was certainly not one of his best, but still, it's Grisham and there was plenty to love in the story. I still have a lot left of his novels and it's a "safe" place to go for a good, suspenseful story, I think.

Does Vancouver or Okanagan have a decent soccer-team? I might be tempted to swift my allegiance due to the weather forecast - sounds like wonderful spring weather - well, summer weather in fact :)

Carsten, Vancouver had a The WhiteCaps, but how decent of a team it is , is a question. I don't think that are doing well at all . Here is link to the team - http://www.whitecapsfc.com/ LOL at Nancy! It's been was about 24 C yesterday and today, more like 21 C. The Okanagan area is further inland, and in a semi - desert area. In Vancouver we get more rain and more temperate weather - cooler temps in the summer, and warmer temps in winter than the Okanagan.
I'd better go check out the weather in Liverpool.

Yes, this is more like summer weather -but good weather seems to come more often , due to I what think is climate change.

Hmm - Liverpool is looking a little cool. Maybe swing down to the palace and see if you can meet up with President Obama and his wife - with the Duke and Duchess! Sure to be far more exciting than a trip to Liverpool? :)

Bring the climate change to Denmark soon, please. Deborah and Nancy - you have to share the good weather and not hold it all for yourselves.

I talked yesterday to my cousin who are going with me that it would be cheaper and easier to be fan of a London-team. And have all the exitement of staying in London as well. But alas. Our ties to Liverpool goes back to our youth so that's not going to happen.

I realise I'm in the wrong place at the right time for catching a glimpse of Obama and the Duke and Duchess together. That would have been a nice treat :)

>44 ctpress: You could always go watch Liverpool when they play Arsenal or Chelsea or Spurs Carsten!

For you, Carsten: Enjoy

You're right, Charlotte. That is something we could do in the future. But first a victory on Anfield :)

Thanks, Nancy. You're too kind. It worked - we actually had a warmer day today but the forecast is rain and snow in the weekend.

All the sun that you ever needed from Nancy! :)

Exactly, Deborah. Knew I could count on my Canadian friends :)

You can have some of my weather from KL if you want Carsten. 42 degrees today and with the humidity I could hardly bear it. To add to my woes the aircon in our bedroom has packed up and Hani looks terrified every time I approach the bed and I think climate rather than climax is on her mind!

Have a great weekend.

Carsten, watched The Enchanted April tonight, on your recommendation. Enchanting! So well done. Thanks for that!

Ha, ha, Paul - I sure could use some of that heat - returning from Liverpool it's still cold and crisp here in Copenhagen.

Nancy, I knew you would like it - so Enchanting :) I like also the score and play it from time to time.

So returning from Liverpool and time to post again on LT. Liverpool decided to stop playing football in the second half of the game against Newcastle - so a 2-0 became 2-2 and still no wins on Anfield. Three times wasn't the charm.

Well, we had a great time anyway - with E.L.O. concert (not the real E.L.O., but still....), Agatha Christie's The Mousetrap, The Jungle Book in Imax, visiting John Ryland's Library in Manchester, and going to The Eucharist in the magnificent Liverpool Cathedral (fifth largest cathedral in the world).

Afterwards we chatted with one of the priests. He told us that we now had been in Liverpools two greatest cathedrals - actually he was also on Anfield, but rooting for Newcastle - and he reminded us that Newcastle needed the point more than Liverpool. It was a funny way to come to peace with the draw. Maybe he was closer to the Heavenly powers - who can compete with that?

Here's a picture of the Reading Room in John Ryland's Library. Right out of a Harry Potter movie:

You know how to do a trip right. An E.L.O. concert (I've only gotten to see the Hyde Park? performance on tv), The Mousetrap and that beautiful library... lucky!

Sounds like a wonderful holiday, Carsten! You sure fit in a lot of different things on your visit to Liverpool to take in the football game! I remember the E.L.O, but I've never been to a concert . And The Mousetrap. Oh that is a breath taking picture of the library- was it actually used in the Harry Potter movies? The Liverpool Cathedral - is it Anglican or Roman Catholic? Just curious.

Woot! Sounds like a wonderful break in Liverpool, Carsten! The reading room in Nyland's library is other-worldly, and I expect the Liverpool Cathedral was also magnificent!

Jennifer - Yes, a lot was packed in over this prolonged weekend. We had a great time.

Deborah - I don't think the Library was in the Potter-movies but it might as well could have been. Liverpool Cathedral is Church of England (Anglican).

Nancy - I wasn't expecting the church to be this big but it was enormous. Even bigger in area than St Pauls Cathedral in London (if wikipedia have it correct).

Jeff Lynne is one of my absolute favourite songwriters/musicians, Carsten. His stuff in the mid-to-late 1970s is almost beyond compare.

Have a great weekend.

He's a great songwriter/musician, Paul. My own connection with E.L.O started in 1981 when I bought "Rain" - one of the first albums I owned with my new gramophone. Remember playing that record over and over again.

29. Still: Notes on a Mid-Faith Crisis by Lauren F. Winner (2012) 4/5



“That finally is the questions, that is the anguish — to abide in God’s hiddenness is one thing, to abide in God’s absence is altogether something else.”

I loved Lauren F. Winners book Mudhouse Sabbath in which she reflects and look back at some of the Jewish practices that she misses after converting to the Christian faith.

In "Still" we find Lauren in a crisis of faith after going through a divorce and she finds herself spiritual lost and bewildered.

There is a movement toward finding some solace in the presence of God - although He’s still rather elusive.

“Some days I am not sure if my faith is riddled with doubt, or whether, graciously, my doubt is riddled with faith. And yet I continue to live in a world the way a religious person lives in the world; I keep living in a world that I know to be enchanted, and not left alone. I doubt; I am uncertain; I am restless, prone to wander. And yet glimmers of holy keep interrupting my gaze.”

These glimmers of holy - of the enchanted world keep popping up in the journal-like entries, that are deeply personal - it's a vulnerable soul who shares her loss and pain but also the light and beauty.

Great quotes there Carsten. Sounds like a beautifully written book.

Lovely review, Carsten. I love the quotes too: this one, especially: to abide in God’s hiddenness is one thing, to abide in God’s absence is altogether something else.” Exactly!

Beautiful review, Carsten! I'm glad you enjoyed and continue to have a great reading year! Any good weather arrive your way as yet?

Charlotte - Yes, it is beautifully written. And with a lot of literary references, specially to Emily Dickinson who also had her doubts.

Nancy - Lauren F. Winner is really struggling, but it's interesting to follow her life of faith and doubt.

Deborah - Ah, the sun is shining and as we approach Ascension Day warmer weather - perhaps 18 celcius :) Most Danes have a long Ascension Day Holiday from thursday to sunday.

30. The Eternal Husband by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1895) 4/5



Dostoevsky again, again.. :) Can't get enough of him.

This story explores the relationship between two very different men - Trusotsky seems to be a complete idiot - drunk, feverish and babbling inconsistencies - one of those strange characters that the novels of Dostoevsky are populated with - Velchaninov is the respected, wealthy, bourgeois Petersborg man.

Velchaninov once had an affair with Trusotsky’s wife - she’s now dead and the two men meet many years later. Velchaninov is not sure if Trusotsky knows about the affair and wants to find out more about Trusotsky - Trusotsky on the other hand seems both fascinated and repelled by Velchaninov.

It might be labelled as a comedy - but it’s a black one - it's the unsettling laughter - there’s a very fine line between the hilarious and the hysterical and horrific here - the absurd cat-and-mouse psychotic game these two old “friends” have going on escalates and end in a bloody confrontation.

Great review of an interesting story, Carsten. It sounds dark. Interesting about Ascension Day in Denmark and else where in Europe. I've never heard of it, here in Canada. It is not a holiday - we have Good Friday, Easter and Easter Monday . Most people only get one day off - a long weekend over the Easter weekend -usually Good Friday. Government employees are more likely to get Easter Monday off as well. Apparently the Catholic Church and the Canada's United Church recognizes Ascension Day, but it is not a holiday. Interesting how countries vary.

Carsten, you've long become our resident Dostoevsky afficiando: Dostoevsky again, again.. :) Can't get enough of him. The Eternal Husband sounds like an excellent read. Thumb up, my friend.

Deborah - It sounds dark, but there are many light and funny moments in it also. Toe-curling moments as the "idiot" embarrasses himself. But a good example of Dostoevsky's brilliant psychologically writing.

Yes I would think it is unusual with all the Holidays. We also have one in Pentecost weekend (monday is a holiday). And then we have another religious holiday called Great Prayerday which lies in between Easter and Pentecost. There was originally (before the reformation) several holidays during the year set of for prayer and penitence. They were removed and hurled up together in one Great Prayerday. So it's a good time of the year with several small holiday breaks.

Nancy - Dostoevsky afficiando :) yes, I certainly feel I know him a lot - at least the special feeling his writing evokes. Made me wonder why I like him so much as he can be difficult to read. But it has something to do with the ideas he's grappling with.

One concept he tries to comes to grip with is that man fundamentally is a riddle. I think that Dostoevsky tried to understand and penetrate into the mind and soul of man - more than any writer I know. It makes for confusing writing (and reading).

The heroes or anti-heroes of his novels are for the most part ridden with a guilt they cannot fully understand or come to terms with.

And these guilt-feelings or feelings of confusion of what is going on he tried to write down. What goes on in your mind, what do you think of random thoughts during the day? Take five minutes or half an hour of that and write it all down. You will cringe with embarrassment. And yet these random thoughts are often articulated in his novels. That's why I think the characters often come of so confused and incoherent. Plus of course some of them are really on the brink of a nervous breakdown.

Of course Dostoevsky himself was left with shattered nerves and epileptic seizures, and he had his share of human suffering - and that also is reflected in his novels - the idea of the necessity of human suffering or the effect of suffering bringing one closer to the deep heart and possibility of redemption (of course mostly in the more religious novels Crime and Punishment and Brothers Karamazov).

See what happens when you get me started on Dostoevsky, Nancy? - and I'm only getting started.... :)

31. Emma by Jane Austen (1815) 5/5



This is my fourth reading of Emma. My appreciation for Emma seems to grow with every reading. I started out on the Kindle but ended up listening to the last part on audiobook read by Juliet Stevenson. I might attempt a proper review at some point but let me just add a note on the humor in Emma. I appreciated it more this time.

Like Mr. Wodehouse, the hypochondriac, and his diet plans:

"Mrs. Bates, let me propose your venturing on one of these eggs. An egg boiled very soft is not unwholesome. Serle understands boiling an egg better than any body. I would not recommend an egg boiled by any body else; but you need not be afraid, they are very small, you see—one of our small eggs will not hurt you. Miss Bates, let Emma help you to a little bit of tart—a very little bit. Ours are all apple-tarts. You need not be afraid of unwholesome preserves here. I do not advise the custard. Mrs. Goddard, what say you to half a glass of wine? A small half-glass, put into a tumbler of water? I do not think it could disagree with you."

And Juliet Stevenson take on Mrs. Bates is fantastic. So funny how a simple question by Emma (how are you?) end up with an account of the whole day's minor details. I laughed a lot. Also the foolishness of Mrs. Elton and her meddling.

Woohoo, 5* for Emma, Carsten, on your fourth reading! It's charm has longevity. Wonderful review and a humourous quote from the hypochondriac, Mr Wodehouse. Thumb-up, my friend.

Loved "listening" to you talk about Dostoevsky. One concept he tries to comes to grip with is that man fundamentally is a riddle. I think that Dostoevsky tried to understand and penetrate into the mind and soul of man - more than any writer I know. It makes for confusing writing (and reading). And also fascinating reading! You do inspire me!

ETA: I'm back. Don't see your review. Did you post it?

Ah, thanks, review is posted, Nancy :)

Yes, a charm that I will read again for sure - Mr. Wodehouse with his "poor miss Tayler" - he's such a dear character and Emma's way to handle him is so endearing.

What goes on in your mind, what do you think of random thoughts during the day? Take five minutes or half an hour of that and write it all down. You will cringe with embarrassment. And yet these random thoughts are often articulated in his novels. Carsten, I cringe to reflect on what I random thoughts come to mind each day. I'd rather not reflect on them. Such an interesting author! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

And a great review of Emma. Amazing what wonderful things one can find reading a novel , the humour. I confess I rarely read a book more than once - so I am impressed that you can enjoy a novel more than once! Bravo Carsten!

Deborah - I wasn't that impressed by Emma on my first reading, compared to the others by Austen - but now I thoroughly enjoy it - That's the joy of rereading great novels - you come to appreciate new things and discover more in the story.

32. Whose Body by Dorothy L. Sayers (1923) 3/5 (audiobook narrated by Nadia May)



Overall I enjoyed this first introduction to Lord Peter Wimsey. The plot and the investigation was uneven - and it was slow getting of the ground the first half - the murderer and his last confession although was a real payoff - chilling - brilliantly executed.

I liked the main characters. Rich and whimsical Wimsey and his “brothers in arms”, Mervyn Bunter, the ingenious manservant, and the theology-reading inspector Parker. Looks very promising. It was almost farcical at times the exchange between Wimsey and Bunter - reminding me of Wodehouse’s Jeevies and Wooster.

Also I liked the many literary references (Wimsey with his obsesion with old Dante folios) and his love for good food and wine - and Wimsey’s mother Honoria Delagardie also prove to be a wonderful eccentric character with an old school victorian approach to things.

Don’t you just want to visit Lord Peter Wimsey’s expensive flat in Piccadilly 110A (funny reference to Baker Street 220B):

“Lord Peter’s library was one of the most delightful bachelor rooms in London. Its scheme was black and primrose; its walls were lined with rare editions, and its chairs and Chesterfield sofa suggested the embraces of the houris. In one corner stood a black baby grand, a wood fire leaped on a wide old-fashioned hearth, and the Sèvres vases on the chimneypiece were filled with ruddy and gold chrysanthemums. To the eyes of the young man who was ushered in from the raw November fog it seemed not only rare and unattainable, but friendly and familiar, like a colorful and gilded paradise in a medieval painting”.

A wonderful review of Whose Body by Dorothy Sayers, Carsten! Thumbed. You really did a great job with that review and I am so glad that you enjoyed it! I just could not seem to get past that first 50 or so pages, but maybe I will try another time. Nice and sunny here today and I am to get my crazy curly hair cut a little later.

Hope it turns out alright at the hairdresser, Deborah.

I'm already quite a bit into the next one in the Lord Peter Wimsey series - and I can see some improvement in the plot and investigation. I hope it to improve even more when we come to her more famous novels - by and by. Enjoying Lord Peter Wimsey :)

Enticing review of Whose Body, Carsten. What's not to love here: he murderer and his last confession although was a real payoff - chilling - brilliantly executed. And Nadia May is excellent. Thumb-up : ).

Wonderful book reviews Carsten. Had a very pleasant visit with my Danish neighbour today who has lived in Vancouver for many years. He is going to visit Denmark in a few weeks, (lucky dog). Wish I could jump into his suitcase and visit too!

Nancy - Nadia May is excellent. It's an almost all male cast, but she does a very good job with it.

Mary - Hope he will have a good trip here - you can always come later :)

I think my favourite Wimsey is Murder Must Advertise - there's hardly any of the wider family in that, so it's mostly all whodunnit not backstory. Plus she did work in the area and seems to know advertising.

I'm looking forward to that one, Charlotte. But I guess it will take some time if I'm going to read them all in the order they were published.

33. The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey (2010) 4,5/5



“Illness isolates; the isolated become invisible; the invisible become forgotten. But the snail….the snail kept my spirit from evaporating.”

Summary from book description: While an illness keeps her bedridden, Bailey watches a wild snail that has taken up residence on her nightstand. As a result, she discovers the solace and sense of wonder that this mysterious creature brings and comes to a greater under standing of her own confined place in the world.

Utterly fascinating little gem of a book - about how ones inner world expands while focusing in and paying close attention to the minutest details - here the life of a snail - Elisabeth Tova Bailey builds a terrarium and start to read all about snails.

While her severe illness lasts twenty years, the book covers only one year with a snail by her side. But there’s healing found in her curious observations of “the sound of wild snail eating”. Inspiring nature writing combined with life wisdom and philosophical musings.

Whereas the energy of my human visitors wore me out, the snail inspired me. Its curiosity and grace pulled me further into its peaceful and solitary world. Watching it go about its life in the small ecosystem of the terrarium put me at ease.

Woohoo! Excellent review of The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, Carsten! I confess I've not even heard of this one, but 4.5* and your endorsement is tempting. It does sound like a gem!

I agree, an excellent The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating, Carsten. You do make it sound very tempting! Thumb!

I was reading on Mary's thread that your parents sold your family home. I agree - I'd feel sort of weird if my mom sold our family home. My parents had it built back when I was 15 , and they have lived in it ever since, though my dad passed of cancer 8 years ago, when he was 65. Somehow it is still my family home. I kind of felt put out when I moved out and my brother took it over for himself - never mind now when it has become a guest room. Hey, that is my old bedroom! :)

Nancy - This was one of Amazon's Kindle deals recently, so for two dollars it was a good bargain. And it's a fairly short read.

I can recommend subscribing to the daily Kindle-deal at Modernmrsdarcy.- every day she selects 5-6 new deals: http://modernmrsdarcy.com/great-kindle-deals/

Deborah - It is a strange feeling and my parents are not cheering although they got a good prize for it. It just became too big for them to maintain - now they will move to a flat - and I hope they can settle will less space, no garden etc. Maybe they can rent a summer house or cabin parts of the year.

Hi Carsten...I am saving The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating for a time when I'm feeling the need for introspection. Ha! It sounds like a good porch swing read for this summer. I'm fascinated to learn that a snail can be inspiring. I've had this one on the kindle for ages. I tend to forget about the books that don't reside on my shelves. Thanks for the nudge. Also thanks for the reminder that I want to read more Dosteovsky.

Woot! Carsten, thanks for the link to Modern Mrs Darcy! Into my favourites! There are some great Kindle deals there just on the home page : ).

All I can think about with snails is things I try and find in the garden and stick on my bird table, as they eat everything. Intriguing concept for a book though, and your review makes it sound very tempting.

Donna - It would be an excellent "porch swing read" summer read. Although there's some technical bits she makes it very lively with her outsider amateur approach.

Nancy - It's a good place to go. I've already bought a few based on her deal-findings.

Charlotte - Yes, it's fascinating that she can make one read a whole book about the life of snails.

Well, I suppose your parents have thought out their move, but yes, downsizing is not easy. Oh - your parents are " not cheering' so they are not entirely certain of their decision. That makes it even more difficult. Are they big on gardening? Perhaps a community garden that they can participate in, or as you say, rent a cabin in summer?

Thank you for the link to Mrs Darcy! A Great resource!

I hope your parents will manage their transition relatively contentedly, Carsten. Big changes for them. Community garden, summer house/cabin both sound like good ideas.

Deborah and Nancy - I think they will surely miss their garden. But I hope they can rent a cabin/cottahe during the summer maybe - so they can still have their morning coffee on the porch :)

34. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole 2/5



A castle and abbey with secret tunnels. A dark landscape, lecherous villains, supernatural visions, a hero with a secret lineage, and beautiful and imperiled women (with a tendency toward the hysterical).

What more can you ask for :)

As an exploration of the history of literature this “granddaddy” of the gothic novel is interesting and a lot of fun. This is not my favorite genre at all - and the plot is so contrived that you want to laugh - and do laugh a lot of times.

This is the kind of literature Catherine Morland loves in Northanger Abbey - as she asks in anticipation of yet another thrilling read: “Is it really horrid?”. Yes, Catherine. It is indeed.

I read The Castle of Otrantao many years decades ago in university, and I remember very little about it, other than I think my assessment was much the same as yours, LOL.

Nancy, I forgot to mention that this is in 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. I was wondering if I should take on Mysteries of Udolpho (also in "1001 Books") and mentioned in Northanger Abbey - but it's so long and if it's similar in style I don't think I have the stomach for it.

Oh, no - now I dread what will happen during my summer reading:

Very interesting sounding book, Carsten! :) The Castle of Otranto . Careful on the beach this summer Carsten! :)

Great cartoon and comments. I don't think I'll be reaching for that one any time soon!

Deborah - I have to rethink what to read this summer :)

Charlotte - Within a page or two of The Castle of Otranto one knows if one likes it or not. It was a short read so I kept with it, but not my style at all.

Oh, groan, the beach police don't approve of Dostoevsky? Whatever will you do? Here's a thought: you may need to buy some equipment:

It's been so many years since I read The Castle of Otranto. I remember it had lots of action and was really over the top. It surprised me that an old Gothic was that much fun.

LOL, Nancy - If I choose Crime and Punishment I should be in the mood to take up the fight - and now armed and loaded :)

Jennifer - I also took it as a fun read - you can't really object to lack of action and twist and turns in the plot. A lot to keep up with.

>96 ctpress: I loved the cartoon! Oh boy can you imagine if there were reading police? We would all be in jail for one reason or another.

Reading police! Uh oh, Carsten, I think I'm busted!

Deborah and Mary - He, he - yes, we would all be busted with our weird reading choices and habits :)

35. Summer Lightning by P. G. Wodehouse 3,5/5 (1929)



“Hugo?’ ‘Millicent?’ ‘Is that you?’ ‘Yes. Is that you?’ ‘Yes.’ Anything in the nature of misunderstanding was cleared away. It was both of them.”

Nr. 3 in the Blandings saga.

Unfortunately Psmith - the main character in nr. 2 - does not reappear. On the other hand Lord Emsworth finally comes to the forefront and plays a major part. We learn that he not only have an obsession with his garden flowers but also for his dear prize-winning pig. When it is stolen all hell breaks loose at Blanding Castle.

In addition we follow several love-twists - Hugo Carmody wants to marry Millicent Threepwood - but her family want her to wed Ronnie - however he’s in love with the chorus girl Sue Brown (who are meanwhile the love-attention of the detective Percy Frobisher Pilbeam - oh, what names, I love it) - and then there’s the pig. Who stole it? What are the motive?

“Lady Constance’s lips tightened, and a moment passed during which it seemed always a fifty-fifty chance that a handsome silver ink-pot would fly through the air in the direction of her brother’s head.”

A wonderful review of Summer Lightning, Carsten. It's wonderful that you have your go -to lighter read author. I expect a nice change from The Castle of Otranto. Is Copenhagen warming up as yet?

Oh, yes, Deborah - Wodehouse is my go-to-author at the moment when it comes to a refreshing and humorous read. Can't complain about the weather - it's nice spring weather here and a promise of a warm weekend.

Thumb-up for a lovely review of Summer Lightning, Carsten. I really must get to Wodehouse. Shame!

Would be great summer reading entering Wodehouse Wonderland on the patio, Nancy :)

>106 ctpress: Great comic touch had Wodehouse, Carsten. Never failed to make me smile even though absolute belly laughs are at a premium.

Have a great weekend, mate.

FA Cup final in England with Manchester United facing Alan Pardew's Crystal Palace. My fingers are firmly crossed for the London club as our cross-Pennine bitter rivals hopefully will be left empty handed just as their coach is empty headed.

Yes, a great comic touch - Wodehouse always make me smile.

Could be fun with another setup in the FA Cup, Paul. A great weekend to you.

36. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley (1917) 4/5



“When you sell a man a book you don’t sell him just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life. Love and friendship and humor and ships at sea by night - there’s all heaven and earth in a book, a real book I mean.”

What a delightful little humorous gem. About a traveling book-salesman, Roger Mifflin, who sells his “business” - an old horse-driven carriage with a lot of books - to 39-year-old Helen McGill - she buys it on a whim partly because she’s tired of taking care of her older brother, Andrew. Off she goes on an adventure of her life - and why not some romance along the way?

This short novel is crammed with life wisdom - mostly delivered by the wonderful Roger Mifflin.

“Oh, silly woman! Leave your stove, your pots and pans and chores, even if only for one day! Come out and see the sun in the sky and the river in the distance!”.

>113 ctpress: Oh, I *love* that one! I'm so glad that you did, too.

>60 ctpress: Beautiful quotes indeed. I am intrigued to how Winner's journey progresses or regresses. Are not the 'glimmers of the holy' what sustains faith in the absence of a physical presence of God.

I guess it also comes down to the interpretation of those 'glimmers' and how they manifest.

When you sell a man a book you don’t sell him just twelve ounces of paper and ink and glue - you sell him a whole new life. How fabulous a quote is that? Wonderful review, Carsten : ).

Sounds like a lovely book, Carsten. Books are certainly a great escape - immerse yourself in a different world. Oh, silly woman! Leave your stove, your pots and pans and chores, even if only for one day! Come out and see the sun in the sky and the river in the distance!”. Poppy the dog certainly sees to that with me every day - dragging me down to the river most every day! No problem with dawdling about with pots and pans! :) Lovely review!

Amber - It was such a fun and enjoyable read. Just what I needed :)

Brodie - I guess we haven't heard the last of Winner. In her thirties and already two autobiographies. I look forward to hearing more of her spiritual journey.

What sustains faith? The "glimmers of the holy" - I like that sentiment - and I think it varies from person to person and where they are in life.

Nancy - Yes, a great quote - and the novel is filled with good quotes on the love and benefits of literature. The novel is a must-read for any librarian - and book-lover.

Deborah - Poppy the dog is similar to Pegasus the horse - sort of. Getting you out and about. I'm having fun seeing the different sights on your dog-walk in Vancouver :)

I have to share this - just wonderful modern-day Parnassus on wheels:

https://parnassusmusing.net/2016/03/15/parnassus-on-wheels-nashville-bookmobile/

A Bookmobile! We need one!

Oh totally fabulous - a book mobile! Maybe it come right to my door and that would suit me fine . I recognize a lot of the books on the bookmobile shelf.

Nancy and Deborah - yes a fabulous idea. The novel has inspired many I think.

There's some funny scenes in the novel where the bookseller knows how to sell just the right book to the farmers.

37. The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis 4/5 (1954)



Number two (or three) in the Narnia-series - about a young slave boy, Shasta, who escapes from his homeland with the Narnian talking horse Bree - under way they meet Aravis and her horse Whin (Aravis runs from an arranged marriage) - and when they discover that the Calormen people are about to attack Narnia they race to warn the narnians.

The setting here is a lot like the medieval faerie romance and with inspiration from Arabian Nights - a very exciting fast-paced adventure. Just wonderful.

Again - I love the way Aslan turns up from time to time to guide and comfort:

“Child,’ said the Lion, ‘I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own.”

Audiobook narrated by Alex Jennings.

Delighted you enjoyed this one as much as I did, Carsten! I remember this line, and share your thoughts about Aslan appearing to guide and comfort: “Child,’ said the Lion, ‘I am telling you your story, not hers. No one is told any story but their own.” Thumb!

A great series, Nancy :) Now we don't follow the same order - I'm reading Prince Caspian - and you are on a voyage with the Dawn Treader, I believe.

38. J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters Series) by Mark Horne (2011) 3,5/5



Very interesting to read about Tolkiens upbringing, his first love, his strong catholic faith, his war-experiences and how the world of Middle Earth as a creation was formed in his mind due to his love for the old nordic myths.

Most interesting was the small clubs he formed with other students and later as a teacher. The first one “Tea Club and Barrovian Society” (a good reason to meet, a cup of tea) - sad that the members with the exception of two died in the first world war - later of course The Inklinks with C. S. Lewis, although it is only briefly mentioned.

The Christian Encounters Series include 12 biographies and I’ve been lucky to get a few of them as good kindle-deals.

All short biographies, this one 150 pages - but it has wet my appetite for reading a more in-depth biography of Tolkien.

>119 ctpress: Love the book mobile - what a great idea.

I'm enjoying reading about the Narnia books - and tempted to pick them up again. Hope you enjoy Prince Caspian.

The Christian Encounters Series sounds excellent, Carsten! And he created The Inklings with C.S. Lewis ... I can see the two of them enjoying most animated, interesting conversation, as well as a cup of tea : ).

Charlotte - The Narnia books are well worth revisiting :)

Nancy - I have a book about the Inklings which I've pushed forward and are going to read soon. I wouldn't have mind eavesdropping to some of that conversation and listening to them while they read from their drafts of stories etc.

Happy to see that you and Nancy are enjoying the Narnia series together! J.R.R. Tolkien (Christian Encounters Series) sounds interesting too. I knew that Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were either friends, or acquaintances, but I don't know much about Tolkien's life. It is always interesting to know more about the authors of our favourite books and what motivated them to write about their particular topics. I'm often curious about that with most of the books that I read.

Yes, Deborah - they were good friends for some years at Oxford, both enjoying the old nordic myths - it was Tolkien who led Lewis to the christian faith.

39. Clouds of Witness by Dorothy L. Sayers (1945) 3,5/5



Lord Peter Wimsey’s brother Gerald is arrested and accused of the murder of his sisters boyfriend. Wimsey hurries home from his vacation on Corsica and goes to work - with his “partner”, detective Palmer, and his manservant Bunter.

Mary, Peter’s sister, is also under suspicion as her story doesn’t hold water - a lot is at stake here for Peter - and there’s more action in this one - Wimsey is shot at (twice), are in severe danger in a swamp and have to endure a lot before the case is closed.

Love that cover Carsten. Mine are mostly from a recent reprint in black and purple.

I love that cover, too! Clouds of Witness sounds like it has some good action, Carsten: Wimsey is shot at (twice), are in severe danger in a swamp and have to endure a lot before the case is closed. Wouldn't do well in a swamp: I'm not at all keen on slithering things.

That is a cool cover Carsten! I'm glad you perhaps have found a new go- to author in Dorothy Sayers. From the bit of one of the Dorothy Sayers books that I began , I got the impression that Wimsey and his manservant are a little alike to Wooster and his manservant? Am I correct with that?

Charlotte - Yes, it is a great cover. Actually they have made a new ebook series with that cover in different colors and suits. Clever :)

http://www.amazon.com/Lord-Peter-Wimsey-Mysteries-Book/dp/B014F6DDB2?ie=UTF8&amp...

Nancy - Some local farmers saves Peter and Bunter in that swamp - good suspenseful scene - slithering things are not my favorite either :)

Deborah - I'm enjoying the atmosphere in the Lord Peter Wimsey series. Dorothy L. Sayers has great wit and humor and blends it with a good eye for a crime scene. Her development of the plot is not so great in these first two novels, but maybe it gets better.

Yes, there's definitely a nod to Jeeves and Wooster (I understand that Sayers herself said so) - Bunter is ingenious as Jeeves and Peter has all the wits of Wooster but much more intelligent and sophisticated. But of course they are there own specific characters in Sayers novels. I think Wooster would have thought Wimsey nuts to care for old Dante folios :)

>132 ctpress: I read that one a few months ago and gave it the same rating as you. I liked the mystery, but all those proper English types dropping their "g"s at the end of every word was very distractin'.

Jennifer - The "g-dropping" didn't distract me. But sometimes I have difficulty following the story as Sayers often doesn't introduce the scene at all and one is left to guess a lot.

40. Prince Caspian by C. S. Lewis (1951) 4/5 (audiobook



I can't believe it's 20 years since I last read the Narnia-series. I guess it must be true as I've written down pretty much everything I've read in the last 30 years or so. Still enjoying the series and a pleasure to meet the brave, faithful and chivalrous mouse Reepicheep in Prince Caspian:

"Sire, my life is ever at your command, but my honour is my own."

He will figure more prominently in Voyage of the Dawn Treader as I remember from the movie-adaptation. Fine narration by Lynn Redgrave.

>139 ctpress: Oh, I had that cover! Happy memories. Love Reepicheep (but my heart belongs to Puddleglum).

Carsten, I've been inspired by you and Nancy to listen to The Chronicles of Narnia, though I am way behind you two and will be taking a slower pace over the summer. What fun!

Charlotte - I love these covers - this is the Danish Covers which I have all seven in a beautiful box. Looking forward to meeting Puddleglum later in the series :)

Donna - Welcome aboard :) It's a perfect summer read with a lot of funny and fanciful characters - great escape to Narnia.

Yay to 4* for Prince Caspian. I'm just getting into this one. In error, I started Dawn Treader, but I kept falling asleep anyway, so figured I'd put it in reverse and listen to Prince Caspian first. I just love the mouse, Reepicheep -- a favourite character!

It's very confusing how to read the Narnia-series, Nancy - I had planned to read them in the sequence as Lewis wrote them - but alas, I also made a mistake and read The Horse and His Boy too soon - well, now I'm on to the "chronologically" order (I think....) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chronicles_of_Narnia) and are on to the "Dawn Treader".

Glad you are enjoying the Narnia series again, Carsten. I think as you say, the order that the books are to be read is somewhat confusing. I'll check your link, but I was looking into it the other day and yes, it's confusing.

Confusing, indeed, Deborah. Reading the books chronologically as they take place in "Narnia-time" makes most sense. Although for a first time reader I think I would recommend The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe as the first one - just for the sheer magic of walking into Narnia from the Wardrobe for the first time with Lucy meeting Mr. Tumnus etc. Then one can return later to the creation of Narnia (Magician's Nephew) - also The Last Battle should be read last as it concludes the tales.

Yes, I'd vote for The Lion the witch and the wardrobe as the book to read first. Although I'd also suggest that The last battle could be skipped entirely. And I never much cared for The Horse and his Boy either!

Agree that Lion, Witch, Wardrobe is a great first read as an introduction to the Narnia series. Until I started this recent C.S. Lewis adventure, it was the only one I'd read -- works well as a stand-alone too.

Charlotte - NOT reading The Last Battle? What a thought. I'm afraid of even contemplating such heretic ideas, but I am after all a C. S. Lewis fan :)

Nancy - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe works perfectly as a stand-alone. It is the best in the series.

41. The Pleasures of Reading in an age of Distraction by Alan Jacobs (2011) 4,5/5



Jacobs foundational idea is that we should read at Whim. Read what we want to read, for the sheer pleasure of reading instead of reading “to have read” just to cross of this and this list-book or this and this author.

It’s a liberating book really - Jacobs is trying to set us free as readers - and it’s a witty book. Jacob shares a lot from his own life and habits - like that he’s been forbidden to have P. G. Wodehouse on his bedside table. His chuckles are waking the wife.

Alan Jacobs talks about a lot of things concerning reading - the loss of attention-span - about how he himself have found it harder over the years to concentrate upon reading with all the distractions of technology. He’s writing about the importance of reading slow, about finding a place of quietness, about the liberating thing of being able to just leave a book unfinished if it’s not working for you. He’s talking about the benefits of the Kindle, about the pleasure of being absorbed and “lost” in a book.

I like that Harold Bloom is scolded for his high-brow attitude to the “right” books to read. Bloom who have said that reading Harry Potter books is not really reading at all, “it’s just turning pages while peoples minds are being numbed by cliché”.

You will not find recommendations of books you MUST read in this book - (He dislike books like “1001 Books you MUST read”) - but you’ll find a lot of quotes and stories of reading from classic and modern literature and authors.

Ooh I like the sound of this! Wishlisted Carsten.

The Pleasures of Reading in an age of Distraction sounds really interesting, Carsten. Great review ! It’s a liberating book really - Jacobs is trying to set us free as readers I love that quote, Carsten . And now I must dash out to the dentist! :-( Just a check up , but that enough thanks!

Woot! Thumb-up for an excellent review of The Pleasures of Reading, Carsten. Love this: It’s a liberating book really - Jacobs is trying to set us free as readers - and it’s a witty book. I know I, too, over a period of years and found it increasingly difficult to focus on reading, living, as we do, in an age of technological distraction.

Charlotte - I have to say that it was a pleasure to read, many good thoughts :)

Deborah - Yes, it was liberating to listen to Jacobs own experiences as a reader. Oh, the horror. The dentist. My absolute nightmare. Hope it went ok.

Nancy - Yes, there's so many distractions sometimes - it was nice to read a "kindred-spirit" with the same problems and thinking through the reading-process with Alan Jacobs.

>150 ctpress: Wishlisted, and timely since I have been extremely distracted this year. Thanks for the heads up, Carsten.

I had a long book-slump last year, Marie. Couldn't concentrate on reading. The book gives some good pointers as to the challenges today - and I nodded many times and thought: That's right, that's me :)

42. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis (1952) 4/5



While C. S. Lewis looked to Arabian Nights for the story of The Boy and His Horse, he draws inspiration from Homer’s Odysseus in The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

It’s a very episodic book that jumps from island to island in search of the seven missing lords - and while Odysseus travels to the end of the earth and finds the underworld, Prince Caspian and his team travels to the ends of the world and finds heaven. And Reepicheep has to take the last journey alone - bravely sailing into the unknown with a confident heart. One of the great moments in the Narnian Chronicles.

These books are primarily written for children, and I think they will have a great time with all the strange events and strange creatures they encounter.

Oh my goodness. I never made that connection with Odysseus. Off to go sit in a corner with a big pointed hat on...

LOL, Charlotte. I truly hope the big pointed hat will whisper Gryffindor....oh, hmm...wrong universe.

I'm glad that you are enjoying the Narnia series and The Dawn Treader. I'm so glad that you are having a much better year reading this year. I confess that enjoyed The Lion , The With and the Wardrobe, but I read the rest of the Narnia tales out of dutifulness as a child. My mom was keen on me reading them and I was a compliant sort of a child. But I did not actually enjoy the reads - too much fantasy for me. Oh the books I read more to please my mom more than me. I was to nicely behaved as a child. Good thing I've gotten away from that. Glad that you and Nancy are enjoying them.

And while I cannot say I enjoyed the dentist, it went fine. No cavities.

Yes to finishing Dawn Treader, Carsten! Yay, Reepicheep! And Reepicheep has to take the last journey alone - bravely sailing into the unknown with a confident heart. I've got the last hour and a bit of this one to listen to.

Deborah - It's definitely not a good way to read as a child, to be forced to read a genre that you don't like. There's nothing but fantasy in those novels :) Coming to these novels again I'm struck by the fact that the novels so well suit all age groups. Although he's clearly addressing the children as an adult you can enjoy them too (that is if you like fantasy). I'm not big on the fantasy genre but these book is like coming back to my own childhood reading.

Nancy - Sad to say goodbye to Reepicheep, but he's in a better place now :) "Dawn Treader" is not hold together by a big, strong story - no real villain here like the White Witch - and we don't really care about the seven lords - it seems the search for them is secondary to what shall happen to Reepicheep and the molding of Eustace from greedy brat to a kinder and more caring child. I also liked the "Dufflepuds" - what an imagination.

>159 ctpress: *snork!!* Good one, Carsten!

Happy new week!

A slight mistake there, Amber :) I guess you are in the right universe now (the one with the talking hats)...

Ah, a HP reference. All becomes clear :-)

My mom did not force me to read books that I did not enjoy, she encouraged me to read them and I was the sort of child who liked to please , I suppose. I am not sure that fantasy was ever my genre.

Truly Carsten, you quite dislike the dentist? You seem so fearless. Me, not so much! :)

Right, Charlotte. Hiding under the enchanted sorting hat. Not clever :)

Good, Deborah that your mother only encouraged. We all need that - suggestions and direction. I remember my father suggested a boys school series he had read himself. It was so good I read it multiple times and they made a huge impact on me.

>162 ctpress: I found Dawn Treader much the same: more a collection of adventures that a single storyline for me. You're right, I didn't care about the 7 lords. But there is some good fun and adventure, to be sure!

Carsten, both of my brother's are airline pilots and I just got word from mom who is visiting him that he on his first flight on the 787 as a Captain and he is flying from Toronto to Copenhagen today. If I'd known, I would have asked Robert to wave to you from the sky! Next time! :) I'll have to call him for his thoughts on Copenhagen. I'm sure he will enjoy it. He's a very easy going kind of a person ( the youngest in the family as opposed to me as the eldest ) and he loves pretty much everywhere that he goes.

The Narnia books were my absolute favourites as a child, and I enjoyed them very much again when I was reading them to J as an adult. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was one of the best in my opinion. As a child particularly prone to nightmares I remember finding the section on the island where dreams came true as very frightening!

Nancy - Yes. Some good fun and adventure. There were much to enjoy in this seafaring trip to the edges of Narnia.

Deborah - Oh, I'm sure he'll like Copenhagen - it's a very relaxed city (for a capital), I think - and like Vancouver of course near the sea and with rivers going through the city.

Rhian - Another "Narnian" - great :) And I love that you can still read and enjoy the series. The creepiest moment for me was Eustace turning into a dragon. I've always had a creepy feeling about people turning into animals. Like in "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban" with Pettigrew as a rat. Oh, I didn't like that.

43. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear (2004) 4/5



Another good crime story and again with an aspect of WWI as part of the crime.

It will be interesting to see if Maisie Dobbs ever get out of her shell and find happiness and love - she’s cold and reserved most of the time and I feel even as we read about her inner life and thoughts there a places she don’t want to go - where it hurts too much. But of course its the psychological part of the novels that are made more interesting as she struggles herself.

That is also reflected in the story of her sidekick Billy Beale - the old war-veteran who tries to hide his pain and wounds with morphine pills.

Interesting series that shows the effect of the wounds after WW1.

Nice review of Birds of a Feather, Carsten. With your review it brings that story back to mind. Indeed, it will be interesting to see if she ever find love - I'm not sure - could mess up the story line if Maisie was not her independent self.

Go Team Iceland! Thanks for the soccer info.

Woot! Tickled to see you sleuthing about with Maisie Dobbs and Billy Beale, Carsten. It's a fine series! Thanks to Deb for this one. Thumb-up : ).

Maisie is an interesting character, Deborah. And as you say her independent spirit is one of her driving forces.

Nancy - Yes, good that Deborah introduced us to this series.

I'm watching season 2 of "Grantchester" - this has also the war wounds as part of some of the stories- but from WW2. Good crime serie.

Woot! Thanks for the reminder about Grantchester, Carsten. I got season 1 from my library in the winter on your recommendation and thoroughly enjoyed. Just checked the library site, and we have season 2 as well!

Good news :) You can look forward to seeing this, Nancy. Just as good - if not better- than season one.

I guess I need to see what my library has in the way of DVD's - it seems there is not much on the TV in the way of interesting TV programs. Hmm -- not sure of my next read- perhaps the next Maisie Dobbs that I have conveniently waiting for me in my TBR pile? Not sure as yet.

I hope you'll a good next read, Deborah - but of course it's good you have some series to fall back on in between. I see now that there's a lot of Maisie Dobbs books - very long series.

44. Surprised by Oxford by Carolyn Weber (2013) 3,5/5



How shall I characterize this memoir? It’s partly spiritual autobiography, partly a romance, partly a Christian apologetic. That may explain its 480 pages and explain why I found it going in different direction too much which bothered me a bit.

What I did like was the first part of the book. Carolyn Weber coming to Oxford as a Canadian to study in this centuries old institution with all its strange customs and traditions. She’s clearly a fish out of water and describe the culture-clash with the brits in a funny way. To be intruduced to this great university is a treat and you do feel like you’re led by the hand into the great halls of wisdom and learning (and extravagant dinner parties with the professors).

Her exploration of the Christian worldview starts as she meets an American student who challenge her atheistic or agnostic beliefs. That she eventually also falls in love with him makes her spiritual search for the truth more complicated.

I read it actually as the title suggested a nod to C. S. Lewis’ Surprised by Joy - but there’s very little about Lewis here, other than her going to a meeting in the “C. S. Lewis Society” (a good scene by the way).

#178 - About my reading now, Deborah - I'm back in Jon Hassler's Staggerford with Agatha McGee and loving this number three in the Staggerford series. And pushing on with the Narnia-series as audiobooks.

You're right about my reading this year - I have read more this year so far than the whole of last year. I've gotten some different work half the time at work and the stress is reduced a lot (also the responsibility), but I'm loving it and can feel the effect of that.

Hmm, Surprised by Oxford does sound very ambitious. Odd that the novel was characterized as a nodd to C.S. Lewis, given only one scene. Thanks for taking one for the team, Carsten. Thumb-up!

It's hard to recommend if you're not into Christian apologetics, Nancy. Large chunks of it were discussions on faith issues - and then you went to another study hall or dinner party. The combo didn't work for me.

I had expected a different biography but I guess I should have taking the Deborah-approach before launching - that is read a couple of reviews:)

I think I'll pass on that one too, although I do find Oxford fascinating. In a looking from outside not wanting to be in it kind of way...

I've been to Cambridge but not Oxford. But one day I'm going to the pub The Bird in Oxford ordering a pint or tea with scones and whipped cream - depending on the time of day - and meditate over this place where Tolkien and Lewis read their stories to each other.

I was about to show my ignorance and say 'wasn't it the Eagle and Child'? Thank goodness for wikipedia.

I thought I'd better go with the locals on that one, Charlotte. Also thanks to Wikipedia:)

Surprised by Oxford sounds really interesting, Carsten. At 480 pages I might give it a miss though, but a wonderful review. My nephew - all Canadian born and bred etc spent 6 or 8 weeks at Oxford studying whatever it is he studies - computational genomics? Now he is at Cambridge to complete his PHD. I would find it so fascinating to understand what it is like to adapt to a very different system. I think initially he found himself feeling a bit like a fish out water, but he has adapted. He is coming home for two weeks in August, so I'll know more than. Thumb!

Oh and back in Staggerfod -I'll have to visit there again soon, Carsten. So glad to hear that your work is allowing you more time to read and relax.

It is interesting - she points out many things that surprises her as a Canadian student coming to this many centuries old university. I really loved it and half way in it was a sure 5/5 read - but then it digressed from that focus. She came from a poor and uneducated family so that made it even more special.

Interesting that your nephew have both studied at Oxford and now Cambridge. I'm sure he will treasure that experience.

It's good to be back with Agatha McGee - she's a character I love in her own quirky old-fashioned ways :)

Well, I know that my nephew was shocked to find himself in a very old building in " residence " at Cambridge. 10 bedrooms, with only two bathrooms for 10 people! That is unheard of here. Here in Canada, he was living in residence too, and had his own room, with a small kitchen and his own full bathroom. Many residences would not have that level of stuff - but it is not unusual for a graduate student. But I think my nephew - he is 26 - loves Cambridge so much now, he barely finds that he wants to return home to visit for too long. It is great that he loves it so much as my sister says - good to know he is happy, rather than homesick.

I do like Agatha McGee too, Carsten. :)

Studying at Cambridge is all well and good, but you know, Carsten, can I convince him to try to get me a picture of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge? That stuff that really matters :) Nope! ;)

>180 ctpress: the culture clash and culture shock aspects of that really interest me. I love hearing how people experience different life.

The old architecture in the UK is incredible, NZs oldest building it your basic British barn these days! I stayed in a castle for a weekend when I was working in the uk, it was centuries old! I could barely comprehend it.

I think Megan hit the nail on the head with her comments re the old architecture in the UK , as part of the culture shock. I know for my nephew it was quite a change from what is regarded as " heritage building' here - that might be regarded as something 100 years old here , but in the UK and the rest of Europe, you have buildings so much older. My nephew's residence was in the " Old Granary" at Cambridge and I think it was built in the early 19th century and is now undergoing renovations. Fortunately for him, his college does not have many formal dinners that you must attend. I understand he rushed out to Marks and Spencer's the same day as a formal dinner and purchased the most inexpensive suit he could find for dinner. But he come to really love the place. I believe this month he is moving into some sort of student housing with a friend/s he has made, so there will be either two or three students sharing a flat together.

Hi Deborah and Megan - interesting thoughts on the age of the architecture but I know that it's what impresses touris a lot when they come to Europe. Also in Copenhagen walking around in the city center with it's centuries old buildings.

Must have been quite a weekend stay at an old castle, Megan.

Deborah, Too bad your nephew doesn't appreciate the real important stuff- like the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - but it does sound like he have a great time there - in a cheap suit :)

Here's a quote from the book as she enters her college for the first time:

Only once you entered through its deceptively humble portal did the college reveal itself in its entire serendipitous splendor. Then it was as though you had entered another world in another time, and yet one that remained timeless, evocative of castles, palazzos, columned walkways—magical places of learning, some dating at least as far back as the eleventh century.

My scholarship had assigned me to Oriel College, established in 1324 and owning the distinction of being the oldest royal foundation in Oxford.

45. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson (1886) 5/5 (audiobook)



Robert Louis Stevensons nightmarish fable about the good and the evil in man - a thriller about the very nature of man - who are we in our inner being? Do we have two natures and can they be separated as Dr. Jekyll thinks? And what are the terrible consequences of his devilish experiment?

When I read this novel I’m really transported to the foggy streets of London and want to take a stroll with Utterson and Enfield in the late afternoon and chat with them about Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and all the strange appearances.

I’m absolutely fascinated by this story - it’s now my fourth reading. And this time it was as an audiobook read superbly by Scott Brick.

Oh, 5* for Dr Jekyl and My Hyde! You inspire me to pick this one up, Carsten, and on audio, too. Not familiar with Scott Brick, but he sounds excellent. I’m absolutely fascinated by this story ... a fourth reading! I confess I've not read it, though I'm familiar with the story, and I find the premise fascinating.

Five for Dr Jekyl and Mr Hyde. Like Nancy, I've never read it. My bad! And yes, my nephew in his cheap suit! :) Fortunately for him, his " college" at Cambridge does not have many " fancy dress dinners." Perhaps by now he has invested in a less cheap suit. LOL! But he is not the sort to let that bother him, at least I don't think so.

Nancy - It's a short classic - but if it's your style I don't know. The way it's told - even if I've read a few times - adds to the mystery of the events. Robert Louis Stevenson is a great storyteller.

Deborah - It must be a little confusing to navigate in all the new traditions - I seldom - almost never - wear a suit and tie. I should find it difficult to "dress up".

With all the teams having played twice what is your view on who will win the Euros, Carsten.

France are at home and have the knack to get late goals
Germany always improve like a good wine
Spain can keep the ball for most of a game
Italy have a defence that will be difficult to breach while referees allow so much shirt pulling and holding
Belgium have the quality if not the consistency; and
England are, well, England.

Have a great Sunday.

A difficult question, Paul. My "powerranking" have shifted from round one to round two: First: France and Germany - followed by Italy - now after round two: Spain and France - followed by Italy - but it's a close call between the four first you mention - but I would still put my money on France.

But you know the Lineker-quote: "Football is a simple game. Twenty-two men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win."

>200 ctpress: Lineker should stick to playing rather than talking about playing but it is a great quote isn't it?
I do believe that England could do well in this competition the further it goes. They could cause Spain some problems with the speed in their forward line. It really is almost anybody's competition. Croatia have also looked good until they imploded a little against the Czechs.

Yes, Paul - it really is almost anybody's competition - and England could do well - I hope they will because they show the will to dominate and attack while many other teams always have eight men behind the ball, not willing to risk anything.

>200 ctpress: Ha! A football joke I get (I will now quit whilst I'm ahead).

Charlotte - LOL - I'll say no more then.

I'll just say one thing - my fascination with the Royal Family is rivaled by yours with the football team. LOL!

I also find it a challenge to dress up - remember how I agonized over what to wear to my sons' wedding last summer? So glad this year I can stick to t - shirts and jeans/ shorts. I rather think my nephew thinks quite the same . That is why he waited to the last moment to pick up a cheap suit at Marks and Spencer's :)

I'm sure you follow the news on the Duke and Duchess as much as I follow Ronaldo, Müller and Zlatan :)

Oh, yes, the dress-challenges before the wedding. There was a bit of pressure there, I remember :)

HI Carsten, I am surfacing after part A of a move after 36 years so have read very little during the month of June( including threads) and now just trying to catch up. I loved your review in #150 The Pleasures of Reading in an Age of Distraction and hope to find it in my new library system when the dust settles. Hope you are enjoying summer!

Oh those extra shift! All of the Brexit stuff must make you uneasy, as does for me. Keep Calm and Carry On, I guess.

Carsten, thinking of you, like Deb, as I know it's a busy work weekend after Brexit. Not surprised you were hoping for a different result. Makes me rather uneasy, too. And it sounds like the UK will be the next union to be torn down, what with Scotland voting to remain in the EU. Take care!

Mary - Congrats with Part A of your move. 36 years - one does plant some roots that must be difficult to uproot, but I hope the change will prove a blessing for your family.

Deborah - Brexit is very unpredictable right now. We just published today an analysis by one of our EU-experts with the headline: "Great Britain will stay in the EU" :) Well, it's all guessing right now because as yet no politician in the UK seems eager to go along and start the exit-negotiations.

Nancy - Yes, the Scottish seems eager to have another vote of independence from UK - but it's premature - I still think UK will in some form or shape be a member of EU - but maybe negotiate a deal of some sorts that they can present again to the people. It's all rather unclear at the moment - diplomacy, diplomacy :)

Appreciating your perspective on Brexit, Carsten. Hope the weekend was not too crazy, although it's pretty much over now so I don't expect you enjoyed much down time.

>210 ctpress: It certainly does seem all like guess work to me , Carsten. I appreciate your positive headline, " Great Britain stay in the EU." You are correct, no one seems to want the start the EU exit - negotiations , but other than Germany, it seems that the EU wants to start the " divorce" from the EU quickly. I wonder if Britain can have a do - over vote of Brexit? I doubt it will happen, but I know a big petition is up for that. Yes, diplomacy :)

Nancy - No, the weekend wasn't crazy at all, it was rather quiet in fact - we did write a lot about Brexit, but that was pretty much all we wrote about - except soccer of course :)

Deborah - It is confusing times - another vote might come whenever they have reached some form of agreement with EU - it will not be in the near future, for sure. I watched Iceland beat England yesterday and another brexit - this time in soccer. I was at a pub in Copenhagen with some friends and I had to comfort a devastated english fan - oh, they played a lousy game. Iceland is the European Championships sensation-story.

46. The Weight of Glory, and Other Addresses by C. S. Lewis (1949) 4/5



This is a very mixed bag of essays/addresses on theology and ethics given in different places.

“Weight of Glory” - a brilliant exploration of glory, heaven and our deepest desires, “Learning in War-Time” displaying shrewd wisdom and personal reflections on war, “Why I am not a Pacifist” is full of insightful arguments on a difficult ethical dilemma. “Transposition” and “Is Theology Poetry” was wordy essays that I only half-grasped. “Membership” - interesting thoughts on the Church, about individuality and the fellowship of believers.

I do like being immersed in Lewis’ thoughts - also when I don’t understand him for one and a half page there’s suddenly a light at the end of the tunnel and you go “oh, yes” that’s why he started the argument in a totally unexpected place. Or maybe I just give up understanding some of his arguments.

These addresses were given mostly in university chapels - one in the “Socratic Club” at Oxford University :)

Brilliant review of The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses, Carsten. Sounds very erudite, and I expect a wonderful insight into Lewis. Thumb-up : ).

Great review of The Weight of Glory and Other Addresses. You read such an interesting variety of books, Carsten. Thumb up! By the way, as I am decluttering, I picture you living in an nice organized flat right out of the pages of the Ikea catalogue and I aspire to that level of neatness and organization. I know you are in Denmark, but decided that is close enough to the origin of the Ikea store. :)

Erudite is the word here, Nancy :) I'm picturing him in his tweed and with his pibe giving lecture in the Socratic Club. And when he comes home he's making the next entry into Narnia - such a diversity in his writing and thinking.

The neatness and organization and simplicity of interior design is a modern hallmark of Scandinavia, Deborah - but I fear my apartment may fall a little of the mark here in terms of "right out of the Ikea catalogue :) - although I do have several of the swedish Ikea-furniture) It's very big here and cheap also. But I have to say that an un-cluttered is a thing I treasure.

47. Jane Austen (Christian Encounters Series) by Peter Leithart (2010) 4/5



I have tried to depict the depth and sincerity of her Christianity, as well as her Anglican discomfort with religious emotion, but without losing sight of the other sides of her complex character – her playfulness, her satiric gift for ridicule, her ‘waspishness,’ her rigid morality.

Some years ago I did the pilgrimage to Jane Austens house in Chawton (now turned into a little lovely museum). I bought a leaflet biography that introduced me to her - but this is the first real biography of Jane Austen I’ve read - although rather short (150 pages) it does a good job bringing forth some of Austens character traits that were new to me.

Two things I will mention here:

One: Maybe it’s the serious portrait that remains of her that made me think of her character was more like the timid and serious Anne in Persuasion or Fanny in Mansfield Park, but this biography show how “playful” she was, even late in her life like a giddy schoolgirl making a lot of fun with/and of people - the pleasure she took in dances and playing with her nieces.

Two: Her formalized Anglican faith that served as a guide to the Christian morality in her novels. That she wrote prayers for the family evening devotion, the hope she could draw from her faith when family members died and she herself became very sick and died.

Peter Leithart did a great job of emphasising these sides of her character. Leithart does not use a lot of time discussing her novels as such (for this focus see his book Miniatures and Morals) but he quotes extensively from her letters and I appreciated this.

Carsten, another superb review of Jane Austen, and another thumb, my friend. Your interest in biographies of great authors inspires and impresses! Love what you have to say about Austen's playfulness: I think that comes through in her novels, in spite of the strict social mores of the time. Her wit and her satire, of course, are second to none, and I'm glad she had such faith to draw on. I expect the latter was a great comfort when she became so ill so young.

Thanks, Nancy. I was very happy to read about her life and know her a little better as a person and not just the author of Pride and Prejudice. Yes, the combination of wit and faith was interesting to read about.

I think I will go on with the series and next might be Winston Churchill or J. S. Bach - let's see if I'm in the mood for politics or music :)

Well, Carsten , since you are Danish, rather than Swedish, I'll give you some berth with regards to your apartment falling a little short of the mark here in terms of "right out of the Ikea catalogue :)

Great review of Jane Austen (Christian Encounters Series). Thumbed it a day ago when I snuck for a quick peek. Been busy with the Canada Day weekend.

Hope you had a good Canada Day weekend, Deborah. I'm really enjoying the Christian Encounters Series. Fairly short biographies but with focus on ideas that shapes people.

BTW last week I went with some friends to see the movie adaptation of A Man Called Ove. Very well made Swedish film, they got it just right with the actors and the mix between humor ans seriousness.

There's a film? Oh that's great. Hope it makes it here sometime soon.

I'm enjoying Dicte (which here gets the rather Marvel-like sub title 'crime reporter') - fortunately the tv catch up service includes this as it already finished showing the first series. Danish tv drama seems really good.

Woohoo! I didn't know A Man Called Ove was a film, too! I hope we are able to see it here in Canada eventually.

I'm also watching Dicte right now and loving it! Fine Danish TV : ).

Dicte is very popular here as well, Charlotte. Yes, Danish tv-series have been quite succesfull also abroad - and in particular in Great Britain, I understand.

Hope you'll catch A Man Called Ove if it comes to Canada, Nancy. We were four guys who went to see the movie - three of us had read the novel and we all agreed that it captured the mood of the novel very well. And the fourth praised it highly.

48. Dear James by Jon Hassler (1993) 4/5



Dear James is number 3 in the Staggerford-series - and once again it’s a pleasant reunion with Agatha McGee and the now soon retiring priest James from the previous novel. It’s been three years and Agatha has stopped as principal at the local catholic school - now she’s going on a travel to Rome where she’ll eventually end up meeting James.

Hassler is good at describing this blooming platonic romance and friendship - they are enjoying each others company, but afraid of opening up to each other.

I feel at home in Hasslers universe - several new characters are introduced in this volume. At 438 pages it's also the longest in the series so far.

Oh! I would gladly read another story byJohn Hassler. I'll put Dear James on my TBR list. Nice review, Carsten. Like you, I feel at home in Hasslers universe. I've found myself a new bit of ScandiCrime - Hell Fire by my one of my favourite authors, Karin Fossum. It's been a while since I've found a new book by her -and as yet only available to my kindle.

Yes, I would love to see the film about A Man Called Ove. I loved that book!

Enticing review of Dear James, Carsten. Sounds like both you and Deb enjoy Hassler's universe. I must explore.

Interesting that the four of you who saw A Man Called Ove all enjoyed the movie, and that three of you who'd read the book agreed it was well done. That's a tough act, to make a movie live up to a book. Bodes well!

eta: gah! what is with these touchstones? I'll have to find Dear James the long way ... (LT is determined it is Austen's Persuasion).

Deborah - I think "Dear James" is an improvement over the previous “A Green Journey" - but the two really stick together as the relationship between Agatha and James starts with "A Green Journey" and their first meeting.

Nancy - It is a good series - nothing out of the ordinary really happens but Hassler is good at portraying people with both empathy and understanding, so you get well-rounded characters.

Argh...the touchstones. Seems people are referred to Austen's books a lot - well, not the worst place to be directed to :)

>229 ctpress: I have noticed the Austen misdirections too, Carsten.

Have a great weekend.

Paul - Maybe they have code that says "if not found, redirect to "Pride and Prejudice", well it's a safe choice.

Have a great weekend, Paul.

LOL, yes, a safe choice, Carsten!

Quiet over in our Danish chapter, Carsten. Are you holidaying?

Nancy and Paul - I'm still alive and kicking despite the long silence on this thread. Been busy with covering the Olympics - unfortunately only from Copenhagen - and have not been a reading mode lately.

I have now two weeks holiday and hope to get back into reading again.

Yay! You're back! Have missed you on LT, Carsten. Expect you were keeping a crazy schedule with the Olympics. Delighted you now have two weeks holiday!

>234 ctpress: Another one glad to see you around the threads. Hope you have a lovely break.

Oh wow, fantastic read here, Carsten! I love the Narnia series. I had to finally settle on a #1 children's chapter book, and I do believe it's The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Emma is definitely my favorite Austen. I've never listened to the Juliet Stevenson narration (I love her), but I did hear the Nadia May narration (love her, too).

Happy weekend to you!

Ditto, glad to see you back Carsten! Enjoy your holiday!

Nancy - Yes, it has been quite busy here. But also fun. 15 medals to Denmark was more than we could hope for.

Charlotte - Thanks. I'm enjoying it right now.

Anne - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is one of my top-favorite children's books as well. It doesn't get much better.

Mary - Thanks. After some pretty lousy summer weather it seems that this week should get warmer. Looking forward to that.

Hope life eases up for you a bit Carsten and you'll come back and report on life and books and all things Danish.

Hi Paul - I'm slowly beginning to read again, and it's great to turn the pages (and Kindle-swiping) and listening to a narrator. So expect some activity here again :)

Reading again and it's great. Listening to Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell - re-reading Lord of the Rings and have just started on A Philosophy of Walking by a french scholar Fréderic Gros. That will keep me busy for a while as the two first are very long.

Before my LT "leave of absence" in september and oktober I actually read some books that I never got around to review. So I will start with them.

49. Writers to read by Douglas Wilson (2013) 3,5/5



The nine writers that Wilson has picked are G.K. Chesterton, H.L. Mencken, P.G. Wodehouse, T.S. Eliot, J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, R.F. Capon, Marilynne Robinson and N.D. Wilson (the last one being his son).

A mix of (for me) well-known Christian writers and a few I haven’t read at all (Capon, Mencken, N.D. Wilson)

It’s strength: Wilson focuses on the authors key thoughts and influences and discussing that “topic” often bringing in others authors that have influenced the particular writer. It’s weakness: It’s too short and covers to many things without going into depths with any topic or theme.

His treatment of Wodehouse and Chesteron is brilliant writing. Loved it. C. S. Lewis and Tolkien I know well and there wasn’t much new there. His criticism of Marilynne Robinson was strange and I couldn't follow it - or rather I just disagreed with him - a let down as I was looking forward to that particular author.

Oh I have a philosophy of walking on the shelf unread. Look forward to hearing what you think of it.

Hi Charlotte - I'm actually also rereading Thoreaus essay on walking at the same time as it's covered in the book. It starts off very promising.

Hi Carsten, very nice to see you! I have reading lulls too and it is so wonderful when it comes back.

Hi Mary - Yes, great to be reading fiction again. I think an Elizabeth Gaskell classic is the right cure :)

Fabulous to see you, Carsten! Carsten is back! Hurrah! Great review of Writers to read. I have my own list for you! ;)

>244 ctpress: Brilliant timing - the non fiction challenge for this month is essays!

Ah! There you are Carsten. Welcome back buddy.

Wonderful to have you back, Carsten! Missed you around here. I LOVE Gaskell's Wives and Daughters, both the audiobook and the film. Good stuff!

Deborah - Thanks, Great to be back - look forward to that list, any prize-winning authors on it? :)

Charlotte - Got to check out that essay-thread. Have just finished the chapter on Nietzsche in A Philosophie of Walking - boy, he could walk.

Paul - thanks mate. Have some threads to catch up with

Nancy - Good to be back. I saw the movie a few years ago, but until now remember very little of it. It's great fun - Gaskell is such a gifted storyteller.

OK. I'll pick up the walking book. I'm supposed to be reading my own shelves this month, so that helps!

And here are two more august/september reads I didn't got to review:

50. Staggerford Flood by Jon Hassler (2002) 2,5/5



Nr. 4 in the Staggerford-series and again the main character is Agatha McGee. This was a surprisingly disappointing read. Agatha houses several people during a flood in the village - and the novel takes place during the few days of the flood.

Lacks the charm of the previous in the series and Agatha does something that is totally out of character - telling a big lie that involves two sisters - and her moral scruples are not that big. It ruined the story for me. Missed old, reliable Agatha :)

(Read some other reviews and was glad to know that other readers had pointed out the "out of character" thing in Agatha's behaviour. Hope to have Agatha back to "normal" in the next in the series.)

51. Det sker når du hviler by Tomas Sjödin (2013) 4,5/5



Title: “This happens when you rest”

This book is unfortunately not translated into English, so if you don’t read Swedish or Danish you just have to take my word for it: It’s brilliant!!

Tomas Sjödin is a well known priest in Sweden - he takes us into the age old rhythm that’s ingrained in all of us: Work and rest - his starting point is in the Jewish sabbath.

Sjödin tackles some of the arch enemies of rest: Worry and restlessness and how our obligations and commitments often doesn’t allows us to rest and pause and meditate. There’s also many wise observations about the benefits of rest and leisure time.

Gaskell is such a gifted storyteller. That is for sure! Just love Gaskell! North and South remains my favourite, but the others I've read/listened to are also excellent: Mary Barton, Cranford, Wives and Daughters, Ruth. I remember not liking the latter as much as I wanted to when I read it the first time, so that one warrants a reread.

>253 ctpress: (51) Sounds so good. Too bad it's not translated into English. We need it!

Does book 51 link to Hygge Carsten? Or is that totally different?

Oh very good question Charlotte. I have been intrigued by the "hygge" concept.

Nancy - I have the others to look forward to. I've only read North and South and that will be hard to match. Nadia May does a great job on this one.

Mary - Yes, I hope it might get translated. It's the best I've read on that subject.

Charlotte and Mary - Well, it's not the same, but not totally different either - Tomas Sjödin is Swedish and are not specifically writing about that phrase, although I would say that rest and "hygge" do share a lot of similarities.

Difficult to define actually, it's a rather an abstract idea, but I think a small group of people having an enjoyable time over coffee, tea, cake, or a bear, chatting, would bring out the essence of "hygge". People you feel safe and relaxed with, that you can be yourself around. But also it's a mental thing, that we look forward to and prepare for the moment and place so the circumstances are just right for "hygge".

For instance at work our group are good at several times a week creating what we call a "hyggestund" - a brief time around two o'clock where someone has baked a cake or we chip in for some sweets and take ten minutes off for coffee and "hygge".

Sorry that The Staggerford Flood was a disappointment. I've read The New Woman: A Staggerford Novel which features Agatha as the main character. I wonder if Agatha's change in character in that book was prompted by the fact that Agatha seemed out of character in the book you read? I've not read it The Staggerford Flood as yet.

This hyyge concept, clearly I need to read more about it. I can't decided if we have " hygge" here in Canada, and other places, but without a name for it. For example, if I get together with some friends that I know well and we don't worry about what we wear or how we look and can speak freely and find it relaxing and fun, is that hyyge? Or sitting on the couch with my husband relaxing and watching tv and chatting, is that hyyge?

Thank you Carsten for the "hygge" talk. With Deborah's advice I "splashed out" (purchased) The Nordic Theory of Everything by Anu Partanen and it just arrived in the mail. It will be a very interesting read for us as husband's paternal grandparents come form Norway and an elderly aunt wrote my side of the family history heading back to the 1100 via Norway, then Scotland then Ireland then Canada arriving in the 1700's. So Nordic in there somewhere! I've always had an interest! Years ago I read a book comparing French/American child rearing and thought it very interesting. We have lots to learn from each other!

Deborah - "The New Woman" is the last in the Staggerford series, and I'm looking forward to that one. Just before that comes Staggerford Murders and Nancy Clancy's Nephew, so I think I'm going to read that first and then I've read the entire series. Maybe I'm being a little hard on The Staggerford Flood but I was just disappointed in the development in Agathas character.

Mary - Looking forward to your thoughts on that one. So interesting that you can trace your family history back so far and trace it through Norway, Scotland, Ireland and Canada. It is interesting to find out the difference in culture and customs. Hope the book will be enlightening.

Do you think maybe LT is a virtual hygge Carsten? Or is that not in the spirit of the thing?

I like the coffee and cake at work break. I think in the UK that would be a tea break. I worked at one archive where all the staff did that - got up and went to the canteen for 20 minutes. So nice!

Charlotte - Virtual hygge, well, why not :) It's definitely a thing I go to for "hygge" - we also use it for just one person having a good time reading a book for instance. It's a very broad term.

A very good practice to have a tea-break with colleagues.

Thanks Carsten. Are you busy reporting Trump?

Yes, Carsten, are you busy reporting on Trump, or maybe Prince Harry's Canadian ( or is she American?) girl friend Meghan Markle? ;0

Hi Charlotte and Deborah - Yes, I've been busy this week covering Trump - working five nights this week, so now I'm relaxing and having a few days off work. Couldn't believe the result.

It will be very interesting to see how Trump will act as president. I still have a hard time imagining it.

He, he, we did write two-three articles on Prince Harry and his girlfriend :) Since he reacted himself it became a story here.

52. Food Rules by Michael Pollan (2009) 4/5



After watching the four part miniseries Cooked on Netflix I got interested in Pollan’s thoughts on food. I was considering his more lengthy history of food In Defense of Food but settled for this - sort of a distilled version of Pollan’s philosophy on how to eat more healthy and better food.

It’s very short and every “rule” or “personal policies” (as he rather wants them to be looked at) is followed by a few short remarks. Gathered from experts, his own observations or Sicilian grandmothers. It’s a lot of fun and food for thought.

Here some memorable rules and quotes:

“Eating what stands on one leg (mushrooms and plant foods) is better than eating what stands on two legs (fowl), which is better than eating what stands on four legs (cows, pigs, and other mammals).”

“Leave something on your plate... 'Better to go to waste than to waist”.

“Use the apple test: “If you're not hungry enough to eat an apple, you're not hungry.”

“As grandmothers used to say, 'Better to pay the grocer than the doctor”

Avoid food products containing ingredients that a third-grader cannot pronounce

It’s not food if it arrived through the window of your car

It’s not food if it’s called by the same name in every language (Think Big Mac, Cheetos, or Pringles)

Eat all the junk food you want as long as you cook it yourself

I love that cover. And I rather like 'it's not food if it is called the same thing in every language..'

>267 ctpress: I really must remember some of those rules, Carsten!

Have a great weekend.

Excellent review of Food Rules, Carsten! I read In Defense of Food several years ago and enjoyed it, but this condensed Pollan manifesto sounds even better. Love the "food rules," all of them; these are superb!

HI Carsten, I am a HUGE HUGE fan of Michael Pollan. I think he is a food "hero" as well as a fabulous writer. I have read every book of his that I can get my mitts on whether it's about food or gardening and any interview of him I can find. My wish is that he could be made the big boss of Food and Drug Administration in the U.S. (it will never happen) as he would do a major shake up of the food industry corporations, the dominators who are creating vast wealth at the expense of massive health issues. Can you tell that I have some strong feelings about this! Another food hero is Marion Nestle about food politics.

Charlotte - Yes, a cover that stands out. The food rules makes sense in a funny way.

Paul - Thanks, and a great weekend to you.

Nancy - Exactly, a condenced Pollan manifesto. It's actually a good introduction to his philosophy on food.

Mary - He's certainly an informed and sympathetic voice in the midst of big corporations finding more and more 'clever' ways to process food for our convenience. The netflix series made me think about the stuff in my kitchen with the ingrediences I couldn't pronounce. Great that you are a fan. Any suggestions on what to read next by him?

Carsten , so I was correct in thinking that you were busy reporting on Prince Harry and his girlfriend. :) I'm not sure if I think it's more than a " just a fling" but the fact that she is staying at the Palace, well , maybe something is really cooking. And yes, the statement put out by KP was quite unprecedented.

Excellent review of Food Rules - I love the quotes!

>272 ctpress: I guess the one that really grabbed my attention and got me thinking the most was Omnivore's Dilemma (now published 10 years ago). It got me reading a lot more "food" books. There are so many amazing books about food..... food systems, food additives, food politics, food labeling, food addictions, food palatants (flavour enhancers).. The list goes on and on.......Interesting that you say "the big corporations finding more and more clever ways to process food for our convenience", I would say it is for the purpose of corporations creating massive profits for themselves.

>266 ctpress: Carsten I saw this graph the other day about how other countries would vote for Trump, and Denmark is right at the bottom of the list for any Trump supporters, so it must seem even more weird there than it does here. They didn't exactly predict the result correctly though!

http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/11/daily-chart-4

Deborah - Yes, it's unusual that the Royal family themselves comment on this - so I think it's serious. Thanks, Pollan is very quotable.

Mary - An important addition. Or as Pollan writes in Food Rules: "The more you process any food, the more profitable it becomes". Thanks for the suggestion. I'll look into that one.

Rhian - Interesting statistic. Not surprised to find Denmark in the bottom. Personally I was not enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton - but Trump is a farce - and he doesn't even read books!! How can you trust a man who doesn't read books :)

Well said, Carsten!: I was not enthusiastic about Hillary Clinton - but Trump is a farce - and he doesn't even read books!! How can you trust a man who doesn't read books. I protest that Canada is not even on that graph, and we have to live next door. Harumph!

I also protest that Canada was not on that graph and , yes, we live next door! Indeed, there was discussion the TV news about whether Trump read books - a serious one ( though okay, a little light hearted ). The conclusion was that no, Trump does not read books , but apparently can read Twitter, and possibly scans the headlines for his name.

Come on, Trump is reality tv star or something and nothing more. Let's write in Kim Kardashian or maybe Kanye next time for President and see if the dis-enfranchised American Public votes for them. :) I don't think Kim and Kanye combined IQ is any more than 80 .

Stephen Colbert for President , or maybe Trevor Noah .

Nancy - LOL! your indignity is noted. How would Canada vote?

BTW - all Americans don't despair, John Cleese has the solution: http://cogink.com/cleese/

>279 ctpress: Canada would vote as Denmark, no question about it.

LOL @ John Cleese, especially this one: There is no such thing as "US English." We'll let Microsoft know on your behalf. The Microsoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take account of the reinstated letter 'u'.

Yes, I would have thought that too. John Cleese has nailed it. US English :)

>280 ctpress: Oh I love it! I might say that there is such a thing as Canadian English, which John Cleese does not seem to have noted. I object to the carrying of vegetable peelers on the basis that they are rather sharp. :)

Deborah - Your protest is also noted :) Interesting about the tv news on Trump not reading books. It's just a symptom of the whole reality-tv thing you mentioned. All surface, no depth.

Oh, yes - vegetable peelers must be banned :)

And yes, the "u". Really! I am always having to put up with a red line that I have spelled flavour , neighbour, etc wrongly according to my American spell check. In fact, please blame any and all spelling and grammar mistakes on my part to the American Spellcheck! ;)

LOL, Deborah! just relax and take a doughnut (a.k.a. donot) :)

Hahahah! donut! Is it nite time yet? :) Would you like your timepiece in analog or digital?

Oh, it is way past 'night' time here :) Burning the midnight oil.

I've picked up some US English and are still trying to learn Canadian English. Thought English was pretty straight forward. Now I'm not so sure.

You two crack me up! Do not eat all the donuts doughnuts without moi!

HILL-ar-ious....ooops, did I put a bad U in? Is that Canadian spelling/or American/ or English spelling? ...You folks are fun. It's like watching impov over here!

I'd say ' Canadian English" is mixture of British English and American English, Carston. Canadians keep the " u" , Americans drop them. Americans tend to shorten words . I would spell analogue with the ' gue" and catalogue with the " gue" , whereas Americans would drop of the "gue' most of the time and use catalog , analog, just as they tend to use donut instead of doughnut.

Nite is properly spelled " night' but occasionally, Americans will spell " night " as nite". Most Canadians would spell things like travelling with two l's . Here, I found a link - http://www.lukemastin.com/testing/spelling/cgi-bin/database.cgi?action=view_cate...

Another example is that Canadians would spell centre , theatre , etc, whereas " American English would use center, theater.

Nancy - Delicious doughnut - great colo(u)r - will be eaten right away :)

Mary - Glad to know others are also in doubt :)

Deborah - It's a great link. Sometimes I think I've misspelled something and all I've done is a us or uk spelling. And then there's the different words. Flats or apartments...etc.

Flats! Always flats, Carsten... (The joys of British English!)

Flats, of course:) spoken like a true englishman, Charlotte

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