fuzzi's "75 Could Be the Beginning of a Beautiful...Year" Reading Challenge Thread!

I'm here, and ready to start yet another challenge year!

Here is the link to my ticker:




And here is the link to my journal, aka "Reading Register":

http://www.librarything.com/topic/243643#5838034

I'll read almost anything, and I review every book I read, so stop by on occasion, you're always welcome!

Welcome back!

>2 drneutron: thank you, and a big THANKS for hosting again this year!

Hi Fuzzi!

Hi, fuzzi!

Happy readings in 2017!

>4 DianaNL: >5 scaifea: hi backatcha!!

>6 FAMeulstee: thanks, you too!

Hi, fuzzi! I'm looking forward to discovering more books thanks to your reviews in the coming year.

Hey Fuzzi! :)

>8 harrygbutler: same here! I've read a few that you reviewed. :)

>9 mellymel171328: hey there!

>10 fuzzi: any books you are excited for coming up this 2017?

>11 mellymel171328: excited, as in newly published or just something I want to read?

If Laurie R. King has another Russell/Holmes coming out, I'll be very excited. :)

I look forward to following your thread once again in 2017, Fuzzi.

>13 PaulCranswick: thank you, very much. :)

Hi fuzzi!

>15 The_Hibernator: hi! :waves:

Happy New Year!

>17 DianaNL: thanks! The same to you.

Planning to read in the new year, join me here if you like: https://www.librarything.com/topic/244595#

I am part of the group.
I love being part of the group.
I love the friendships bestowed upon my by dint of my membership of this wonderful fellowship.
I love that race and creed and gender and age and sexuality and nationality make absolutely no difference to our being a valued member of the group.

Thank you for also being part of the group.

As always, a quiet lurker wishes you good books for the next year!

>22 alsvidur: thank you, very much. De-lurk all you like on my threads. :)

Hi Fuzzi,
Best wishes for 2017. I am looking forward to following your reading exploits again :)

Happy New Year!

Hi fuzzi, I have you starred!

Hi Fuzzi have a *.

>24 Eyejaybee: >25 harrygbutler: >26 kgodey: >27 BBGirl55: glad y'all are here!

have a wonderful year, fuzzi!

Hi, fuzzi. Just stopping by to drop a star.

>20 The_Hibernator: >21 PaulCranswick: thanks for the well-wishes, and you, too @streamsong!

>30 rretzler: appreciate it. :)

Dropping by to mark my spot but I'll be back later to actually read things. Happy New Year Fuzzi!

>32 Kristelh: >33 leahbird: Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Fuzzi.

#1 The Green Hills of Earth by Robert Heinlein

A good, better than average collection of SciFi short stories, written post WW II, yet somehow not terribly dated. Several of them were intriguing, and worthy of a future reread. Recommended.

>36 fuzzi: I'll have to look for that, as I don't recall reading it. I haven't read any Heinlein in quite some time.

>37 harrygbutler: I've not read much "early" Heinlein, but snagged a bunch at the local FOTL sale. This one's a keeper.

#2 The Years of Change by Mollie Hardwick

This is the third book in the Upstairs Downstairs novels, based upon the award-winning series from the 1970s. I thought this was an adequate adaption of the screenplays/scripts, but felt the writing could have been a little better. Some of the chapters ended rather abruptly, or were not resolved, and seemed to be missing a scene.

A fan of the television series would probably enjoy the books.

#3 Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments

I've followed horseracing since I was a pre-teen "horse crazy" adolescent, so I thought this might be an entertaining read. It was that, and more.

The choices for the "moments" weren't just actual races, like Seabiscuit versus War Admiral, or Secretariat's huge Belmont Stakes win (both of those made the top five), but included other notable firsts, such as revolutionary new helmets for jockeys that have saved many lives since the 1950s, or the development of the starting gate which most race fans take for granted.

Each "moment" was two to four pages long, well illustrated with photographs, and often had lesser known facts included. I found myself putting down this book frequently, not because it was boring, but to watch internet videos of the older races described.

Nice job, Blood Horse editors, this is one claimer I'm keeping!

#4 Showdown Trail by Louis L'Amour

The book Showdown Trail consists of two novella works: The Trail to Peach Meadow Canyon and Showdown Trail. Both were written by the author under a pseudonym, the latter tale rewritten as the novel The Tall Stranger.

Of the two stories, I liked the second one better, and on its own would have given it 4 stars. However, both are worth reading, especially if you appreciate L'Amour's works.

>41 fuzzi: Hmm. I don't think I ever read this one, though I've read The Tall Stranger. I'll have to watch out for it.

>42 harrygbutler: I generally like L'Amour's short stories better than his novels. I think the shorter format is where his writing/story-telling excelled.

De-lurking to say hello and add Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments to my TBR list! I've seen the book around but have never picked it up and it sounds interesting!

>44 DFED: I just ordered another Bloodhorse publication, too, Thoroughbred Champions: Top 100 Racehorses of the 20th Century. I'll let you know what I think of it.

#5 was a reread of Ross Poldark by Winston Graham, which I have already reviewed here on LT.

#6 The War to End Wars by Mollie Hardwick

In The War to End Wars we are back with the Upstairs, Downstairs families during World War I. The books follow the television series fairly closely, so there are no real surprises.

And while reading this particular volume, it struck me that "no real surprises" was what was missing: there is no depth to this book and the previous ones, they are taken from the television scripts without adding anything, and so are not very good literature.

I like cotton candy and fluff reads as much as the next person, I suppose, but there could have been some deeper writing here, more insight into the inner thoughts of the characters, and some more information about the situation, the first war that involved Europe and the Americas.

It was an okay read, and I enjoyed it for taking me back to a series I loved to watch every Sunday evening. Beyond that, there isn't much.

#7 Bear Island by Alistair MacLean

This is a slow-starting tale about a movie film crew's journey to an obscure island near the Arctic. At first it reminded me of And Then There Were None, but suddenly morphed into a story of intrigue and action. Pretty good, worth reading.

>47 fuzzi: I'm glad you liked it. I was surprised by the twist myself, but I thought it worked.

>47 fuzzi: I remember really enjoying Alistair Maclean's books as a teenager, nearly forty years ago, and just ploughed through then one after another. Thanks for flagging this one up - I think i will give it another go, to see how it compares now too when I first read it.

>48 harrygbutler: I specifically have skipped reading your thread, as I didn't want to spoil the story.

>49 Eyejaybee: I think this was my fifth Alistair MacLean read, with plenty more to go!

#8 Judgment on Janus by Andre Norton

A somewhat cerebral adventure on an alien planet, where the colonists start changing, one by one, into members of an alien race, a people who were there before the human settlers. Interesting.

#9 Resolution by Robert B. Parker

This is the second in a series of Westerns about two friends, both with experience in enforcing the law, and with a talent for shooting. In the town named Resolution, Everett is on his own, and gets hired as a guard by a man who wants to own all the businesses situated there. Trouble is brewing, where is Virgil?

I thoroughly enjoy this author's ability to make me smile over the story, the characters, and the events. I look forward to reading the next in the series.

#10 The Rifle by Gary Paulsen

Gary Paulsen is an excellent storyteller, and I have read a number of his books about nature and survival. As I started reading The Rifle, I was entranced with his descriptions of early America, and the tale of a gunsmith determined to make the best rifle he could. It wasn't until I got about halfway through this small book before I started seeing some indication that this was not just a tale of a man and a rifle, but I continued reading to the end.

I cannot and will not recommend this book, because, unfortunately, the author turns it into a heavy-handed political statement, and ruins the enjoyment of the first part. What a shame.

>50 fuzzi: I tried to avoid spoilers, but I can understand playing it safe.

>51 fuzzi: I read a few things by Andre Norton many years ago (maybe something from her Witch World series), but at the time they didn't really grab me. Perhaps it's time to revisit.

>54 harrygbutler: I've not read the Witch World books, but have read and enjoyed Norton's SciFi.

I've read a lot of Norton (not all, I'm always finding just a few more I've missed...), both SF and fantasy (and Witch World, which is technically a combination). In the right mood, she's excellent. She is rather formulaic, so it's a bad idea to read more than a few of hers in a row (particularly if they're not in a series), but what sticks isn't the formula but the worlds and (some of) the characters.

In the wrong mood, I just get annoyed at her - "oh come on, this again? Ok, where's the friendly animals for _this_ poor orphan with special powers?". But the same book that annoys me at one point may be quite enjoyable another time.

#11 Orphans of the Sky by Robert Heinlein

Started good, progressed to very interesting, then became predictable with a Deus ex machina type ending. The women characters had subservient, non-speaking roles. A fan of this author would probably enjoy this book, despite its faults.

#12 Demelza by Winston Graham

In this, the second novel in the Poldark series, the author has created real people and real situations, which draw you in and won't release you until the last page. I find myself caring for these fictional characters, wanting to reach through the cover to touch them.

Set in Cornwall in the late 1700's, the descriptions of the countryside and dwellings ring true, yet do not bog down the story, but complement it. Highly recommended.

#13 Sam Sorts by Marthe Jocelyn

A delightful look at a young man's possessions, and how he plans to organize them. There's lots of colors, numbers, and adjectives for the young reader (or child being-read-to) to enjoy. Recommended.

#14 Garden Birds by Jim Flegg

An interesting little book of common birds, utilizing paintings from a century or more ago. As an American, I especially enjoyed seeing what birds described in British books actually look like.

#15 Shag by Thomas C. Hinkle

Shag is a throwback, a well bred Scottish staghound that does not show his pedigree. His owner, unaware of Shag's inner potential, gives him away time after time, trying with good intentions to find a permanent home for an imperfect hound. Eventually the oft-rejected and unwanted dog makes his way into the wild, to survive, but ever missing the man he adores. Good dog story by an author who excels in the genre.

>61 fuzzi: Your description reminds me a bit of Finn the Wolfhound.

>62 FAMeulstee: oh, I remember that one! I read Finn as a child.

>61 fuzzi: Heh - I have that one, just found it in my scanning-and-sorting task. I may read it, sounds like the kind of light fare that would suit me at the moment.

>64 jjmcgaffey: it's a good read, especially if you like dog stories.

#16 Follow My Leader by James B. Garfield

I read this book as a youth, and decided to give it a reread. Unfortunately, it is a bit dated, and not as good as an adult read, imo. I think the target audience of 8-10 year olds might enjoy Jimmy's story, though a much better book in this genre is Light a Single Candle by Beverly Butler.

Addendum: One of the things that bothered me on this reread is how the school system, Jimmy's mother, and even the social worker won't allow him to use Leader at school, because it would be distracting to the other children. Wrong!

>61 fuzzi: That was a good book! I'm glad the opportunity of a shared read prompted me to give it a try. My comments will be up sometime today, but they won't be too different from yours.

>67 harrygbutler: glad to have done a shared read, I've not done too many of them. I think some of us have especially eclectic tastes in reading lists, and don't match up with others very often.

>68 fuzzi: Yep. I'm pleasantly surprised when I do see a shared read because they are rare.

>68 fuzzi: I like the eclectic-ness of the lists, maybe because I read all over the board, too, and I like to get ideas of books and authors to look for when I'm at library book sales or used book stores like The White Rabbit in Muncie, Indiana (shameless plug for my fiance's store).

So keep reading with variety! :)

>70 CassieBash: thanks, @CassieBash! If we ever get to Muncie, I'll stop by the store.

How are you feeling, better? :)

>71 fuzzi: Yes, I actually went back to work for half a day today! I'm still not supposed to lift, push, or pull more than 8 pounds but I can email and keep up with office work. I had a meeting today, too--an important one for continuing accreditation of our college. It tired me out a bit but if I feel well enough I'll work another half-day tomorrow. Thanks for asking!

Delayed for a month by family issues and Real Life, I have finally finished reading the following book:

#17 When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman

Ms. Penman paints a detailed and interesting portrait of Maude and Stephen's struggle over the English crown. While staying true to her source material, the author clarifies the politics and intrigue of the time, making this book a pleasant and engaging read despite its length. I also appreciated how each character is drawn, filled out, brought to life within the pages of this work, and even how the more devious and despicable players are given a human side to their heinous deeds.

An excellent read, and soon to be followed by the next book in the series, Time and Chance.

>73 fuzzi: It's good to find an appealing series with more books waiting.

>74 harrygbutler: four more a-waiting!

>75 fuzzi: Four more is good! Is there a possibility that the series will be extended even further?

Unknown, the last one came out recently, I think.

Edit: yep, book #5 was published in 2015.

Her "Wales" series connects to the Henry II series at points. I've read two of that trilogy, both excellent!

>73 fuzzi: I need to get that series read!

>78 alcottacre: you should!

When you're ready for Time and Chance, give me a holler, we could do a shared read.

>73 fuzzi: Excellent! I have that book, haven't gotten to it yet, though I've read other Penmans. I know the period a bit, through the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters (who is also Elizabeth Pargeter) - sounds like Penman's take on it will be well worth reading.

>80 jjmcgaffey: oh, definitely! She doesn't "dumb down" the history, but does make it a little easier...for example, there are too many women named "Maude" in this story!

Oh yeah. Shared names is always a pain in this period!

>81 fuzzi: Ah, the "Brittany" of the day, eh? Although I'm seeing a lot more Heathers when we make IDs nowadays. You just never know when a name's going to be popular from one year to the next.

>83 CassieBash: yep, and there were a lot of Roberts and Henrys, too.

English History is confusing at times...

#18 Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag

A plain but fun tale of a lonely couple who want a cat for company. The illustrations are in black and white, but charming, and the prose just rolls off the tongue: "Hundreds of cats, thousands of cats, millions and billions and trillions of cats"!

Bought this for my granddaughter, and plan to read it to her in May, when we go visit her.

>85 fuzzi: It's a classic; I remember reading it when I was little. Perhaps that's where I picked up my love for cats....

#19 Exiles of the Stars by Andre Norton

A sequel to Moon of Three Rings, this is unfortunately a somewhat weaker story than the first. I was able to predict the ending, but enjoyed reading it, nevertheless.

>85 fuzzi: I don't recall it from my childhood, but we got a copy a couple years ago. A fun book!

My favorite children's book might be The Little Mailman of Bayberry Lane.

>88 harrygbutler: that's a new one for me!

I graduated from picture books very early, like age 5 or so, and don't recall my favorites from my early childhood.

I do recall that the first book I read "all by myself" was How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

>89 fuzzi: I love the art and the story in that one; the Little Mailman does a good deed for one of the people on his route and benefits everyone.

I was reading regular books pretty early myself (though I'm not sure just when, I do have some "older" books that I got for my seventh birthday kicking around, including Lassie: The Mystery of Bristlecone Pine and Saddle Patrol). But I had two younger siblings, one several years younger, so the books stayed around the house for a long time (indeed some are still on my parents' shelves).

>90 harrygbutler: oh wow! I had that Lassie Bristlecone Pine book, forgot about it!

I graduated from the Grinch to The Call of the Wild abridged version, straight to unabridged White Fang and The Jungle Book when I was about 8 or 9. I think that's when I discovered Marguerite Henry and Walter Farley. It was always about animals for me, as I no interest in typical "girl" fare.

I didn't read Anne of Green Gables until I was an adult!

>91 fuzzi: Hey, I got The Call of the Wild for my seventh birthday, too, and again I still have it. My Whitman Classics edition claims to be unabridged, but I've never compared it with any other.



I read a lot of animal books, including plenty by both Henry and Farley, as well as Smoky, the Cowhorse and one that I'm pretty sure I got when I was seven or eight, Halic, The Story of a Gray Seal. Silver Chief and Silver Chief to the Rescue of course, and I'm pretty sure White Fang and some other dog and horse books. But I also read a lot of Encyclopedia Brown and then the Hardy Boys and a smattering of entries in other series (Tom Corbett, Space Cadet; Tom Swift, Jr.; Bret King western mysteries).

ETA: I didn't read Anne of Green Gables until two years ago. :-)

I loved Silver Chief, and Jim Kjelgaard's books, especially Irish Red. I was 10 when I discovered a copy of Kazan in the bookshelves at school. About the same time I received a copy of Christmas Horse as a Christmas present, and became a big Glenn Balch fan.

#20 Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham

What makes a book good enough to read again, and again? Is it the development of characters, the intriguing storyline, or something else?

In Winston Graham's Poldark series he has given us both people and their lives, men and women ordinary yet extraordinary, living in times foreign, yet much like our own. Sorrows and celebrations, betrayals and alliances abound in this third installment of the Poldark saga, yet never does the tale feel tawdry, contrived. The author shares with us the lives of folk, as flawed as we are, and draws us into their world, shows us that neighbors from 300 years ago are much like the ones we know today.

I've read this saga several times, and do not doubt I'll visit with the Poldarks again in the future. Highly recommended.

I lost all my books when I was 11 (we were stationed in Iran, in 1979). I did inventory just before we left, and I had approximately 1000 books (I didn't want to count them all, so I measured two different feet (foots?) of shelves, counted the books on them, averaged and extrapolated over my total shelf footage. Yeah, I was always a geek...). The only book I took with me was a copy (abridged, I realized recently) of Swiss Family Robinson - it had been with me in a car crash recently too, and I think I thought it was a lucky charm. I still have it. I'm constantly discovering books that I had back then - lots of animal books (Henry, Farley, London, Kjelgaard...), Tom Swift, Rick Brant, I think Anne of Green Gables, Heidi and its sequels, Bambi and its...

#21 Innocent Heroes by Sigmund Brouwer

For centuries mankind has depended on animals to assist in daily life, and sometimes during extraordinary circumstances. Innocent Heroes is a fictional depiction of soldiers and the animals that were their partners during World War I, based upon true stories of valour. Following each chapter is a short section about the source material, including photographs from history.

While I believe this book is geared more towards youth in the 9-12 age range, it was still interesting and informative for an adult read.

>95 jjmcgaffey: so sorry.

Though not in as tragic a way as you did, I lost much of my childhood library over the years, partly due to culling prior to moving our household, and to damage from musty storage conditions. However, thanks to online booksellers, I am gradually replacing many of my favorites.

#22 The Aesop for Children illustrated by Milo Winter

Beautifully illustrated, with familiar tales from my childhood, this book should have been a sure winner with me.

It wasn't.

I found myself stopping my read to see how many pages were left.

I think there were just too many morality tales too similar to one another to make this enjoyable.

>97 fuzzi: I'm fortunate in that I've not lost any of my favorite childhood books--including many I got through those school book orders. Again, my books got double use because of my younger sister. Fortunately she was well-trained at an early age about how to take care of books and most remain in good condition, even the picture books.

Along with classics like The Pokey Little Puppy and Fox in Socks, I also have Danger in Dinosaur Valley and Monster Holidays. Chapter titles from my childhood include Flight of the White Wolf, A Wrinkle in Time and the Gypsy horse trilogy: Gypsy from Nowhere, Gypsy and Nimblefoot, and Gypsy and the Moonstone Stallion. I, too, read a lot of animal fiction.

>99 CassieBash: you have them, but had to share? I used to pilfer my older sisters' books regularly, just to read them!

I'm unfamiliar with the books you listed, except the first two. So many books...

#23 Luck of the Irish by Ruth Adams Knight

When the plane carrying Stephen's father is presumed to have gone down in the jungles of Venezuela, he finds his life and plans for college have crashed as well. The running of the family's farm falls squarely on his young shoulders, alone, until the day a courier arrives with a dog. Rex is a show dog, destined to board in the kennels at the farm. Angus decides to stay, willing to help Steve with the farm chores for only room and board, but turns out to have experience with training show dogs as well.

Though much of this tale is obviously dated, and some of the descriptions might be considered offensive by modern standards, it still is a pretty good tale of a boy and his dog.

>100 fuzzi: I loved to share; I played "librarian" like some girls play "teacher" or "house". Plus, until Kerri was old enough to read on her own, I read to her. Fox in Socks and The Tar Baby from a Disney-illustrated collection of Uncle Remus Stories were her favorites.

You haven't read Wrinkle in Time? It's the first book in an excellent series, is a fantasy classic, and a Newbery winner. If you're a sci-fi/fantasy fan, it's a must read! Of the others, White Wolf was based on a true event, and is ultimately a survival/adventure book. The Gypsy trilogy is lonely girl gets windfall horse and through the horse makes friends. These are all chapter books; Monster Holidays is an easy read/picture book. Norman Bridwell is famous for Clifford the Big Red Dog, but this book is a little tougher regarding vocabulary and amount of text on the pages is greater so beginners may struggle.

>101 fuzzi: With St. Patrick's Day coming up on Friday, this title seems to fit the season! :)

>102 CassieBash: thanks for the recommendation for A Wrinkle in Time. I've read the Clifford books, loved 'em!

I read Luck of the Irish for a March challenge: it's been sitting on my shelves collecting dust for over three years, so it was about time!

>103 fuzzi: collecting dust for over three years Yeah, I've got a few, too, so don't feel bad! ;)

#24 The Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare

The Sign of the Beaver is a wonderful story set in early America, about a young man watching over his family's new cabin while his father is away for the summer. The summer goes by slowly at first, but after two thefts by man and beast, hunger leads young Matthew into a dangerous encounter, and subsequent rescue by a native American. Through his interactions with a youth from the local Beaver tribe, he becomes more self-sufficient, and grows in maturity.

This is a sweet, interesting coming-of-age story by an author who has not disappointed me in the past. Very much recommended.

How have you been? :)

>105 fuzzi: : fuzzi, your review of The Sign of the Beaver sounds like a movie I once saw with the children. I hadn't remembered the name, but now I'd like to find it to watch again. It was a sweet movie. (Of course, now to the book, too!)

>94 fuzzi: I bought Ross Poldark several years ago on Peggy's recommendation, but have yet to get to it. Maybe this will be the year!

>106 mellymel171328: doing pretty well, thanks! I've had some viral/sinus issues the last week and a half, but am back to work.

>107 countrylife: a movie of that book? I might want to look it up myself.

>108 alcottacre: oh, read it! And if you're interested, some of us are having a year-long read of the Poldark series (12 books), come join us even if you're not reading the "right" book on the right month. :)

I'll link you to the main thread here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/245565

>109 fuzzi: Nice to know!

Huh, I don't think I've read either the Gypsy books or Flight of the White Wolf, though they'd have been right up my alley. I have The Sign of the Beaver, I should actually read it... Luck of the Irish sounds mildly interesting, I'll read it if I come across it. So...not _quite_ book bullets...book dodgeballs?

>105 fuzzi: Read Sign of the Beaver long time ago; perhaps I should interlibrary loan and read again soon....

>111 jjmcgaffey: I'm offering Luck of the Irish to anyone who wants to read it.

>112 CassieBash: perhaps you should...?

>113 fuzzi: OK, sure! I'll probably read and pass it on too, but it looks at least mildly interesting. Shall I PM you my address?

>114 jjmcgaffey: That will be fine.

#25 James Herriot's Dog Stories

I have been a fan of James Herriot and his writings since I was a teenager, when I first discovered All Creatures Great and Small. This author has a way of taking the ordinary events of each day in the life of a veterinarian, and making them funny, or poignant.

Some of the short stories within this particular collection are old favorites from his previously published works, but all are well worth reading again. There are the funny tales, the sweet touching stories, and the accounts that make you tear up, even though the events were some 70 years ago.

People and dogs are the same now as then, both good and bad, and reading this book should remind you to appreciate the wonderful gift we have in canine companionship.

>116 fuzzi: That sounds good. I don't remember ever reading All Creatures Great and Small, but I picked up a copy at a thrift store not too long ago and have it somewhere in my stacks of books waiting to be read.

>117 harrygbutler: oh, oh, OH! A must-read! I have a feeling you'd love it.

There was a good BBC series of the same title that came out in the late 1970s, based upon the books. It stars Robert Hardy, Christopher Timothy, and Peter Davison.

Addendum: Joyce Stranger wrote a series of five books about a young veterinarian, Timothy Yorke. The first book is Vet On Call.

>118 fuzzi: I'll look forward to it, then! I had heard of the BBC series, but I've never seen that, either, so far as I know. I'll look for the Joyce Stranger books as well. Thanks!

>116 fuzzi: That is a lovely collection of dog stories, I loved all his books and the TV series :-)

>119 harrygbutler: just about everything I've read by Joyce Stranger has been good to excellent, and that's 21 books to date. My favorite of all her books is probably The Running Foxes.

>120 FAMeulstee: thank you, I agree. I've just a few more pages to read of that collection, but didn't need to get those done in order to write my review.

Happy weekend, fuzzi!

>122 alcottacre: thanks, you too!

FYI: to SciFi or Robert Heinlein fans, I have a duplicate copy of The Menace From Earth, a 1962 paperback edition in very good+ condition. I'd like it to go to a good home instead of just dropping it off at the local used book store. Any takers?

#26 The Black Stallion Returns by Walter Farley

In this sequel to The Black Stallion, Alec finds himself traveling to the deserts and mountains of Arabia, to the original home of The Black, and to see the purpose for which the great horse was bred.

I enjoyed this story, and how the author described the culture of the Bedouin tribes, without employing long passages devoted to explanation, and relating the adventures of Alec, without having to dispel belief.

>124 fuzzi: You're quick! I'll probably finish up today.

>123 fuzzi: If no one else has spoken for it, I would like the book. I am trying to get some sci fi reading in this year. My reading in that particular area is sorely neglected.

>126 alcottacre: I do have one person requesting it before you, but if that falls through, you are certainly welcome to it!

>125 harrygbutler: I read some last night, then sat with my morning coffee and finished it up today.

>127 fuzzi: Shall we tackle Son of the Black Stallion next month?

When you finish the Black Stallion series, don't forget The Island Stallion series. It's a shorter series but just as good, though there is a weird sci-fi element in The Island Stallion Races, as I recall. Two of the books include the Black: The Black Stallion and Flame and The Black Stallion Challenged. It's best to read the first three Flame books before reading either of the Black books that involve Flame.

>129 CassieBash: The Island Stallion books were my favorites as a kid, so I'm definitely planning to get to them as well!

>129 CassieBash: I loved the first Island Stallion book, and the one where he races against the Black. I don't recall the other, but I'm sure I did read it at one point.

We certainly will reread in order, right @harrygbutler?

@CassieBash, why not join us?

>131 fuzzi: Definitely in order! The Island Stallion will be next after Son of the Black Stallion. And do join in if you'd like, @CassieBash — the more the merrier!

>131 fuzzi: Still trying ineffectually to take down the stacks of "to read", which contains no Farley books, mostly because, well, I've already read them. Ever since I mentioned the Gypsy books, however, I've been kicking around the idea of re-reading them. But I've got to finish my historical thriller/mystery first.

Being back at work has its ups and downs, and one of the downs is the decreased time to read! ;)

In 2014 I started re-reading the Black Stallion books, and read the fist 10, if you two go beyond that one I will join.

>134 FAMeulstee: That would be great, Anita.

>135 harrygbutler: I guess we'd better get "crackin", hmm?

>136 fuzzi: I suppose so. :-) I'm in the middle of a few books at the moment but should be free to read Son of the Black Stallion in a week or so.

>137 harrygbutler: just give me a heads-up when you're about ready. :)

>138 fuzzi: Will do.

>127 fuzzi: Thanks!

#27 Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

Such a disappointment. As I read this book, I became involved in the story of a twin who feels as if she's not appreciated or loved as much as her younger sibling. However, the whining and paranoid rants by the teen-aged narrator start to get wearing, and eventually ruined the book for me. It's too bad, as life on the island was interesting, with descriptions of the daily routine of crabbing or fishing well done, and a nice touch. Not recommended unless you appreciate self-involved, pity-me, "it's all God's fault" type of narration.

A few years ago I re-read the entire Black Stallion series (including the Flame books) and loved them. They're all sitting on Charlie's shelves now, in case he get interested.

>142 scaifea: they didn't get "old" for me, either.

Neither of my children loved animal books as I did, but preferred Beverly Cleary's works and the Goosebumps series more.

#28 A Soldier's Sketchbook by John Wilson

This book takes us on a fascinating and eventful journey through WWI using the journal and sketches of a Canadian soldier. The personal descriptions of military training, lengthy battles, and too-seldom opportunities for recreation open up a world of a century ago. Suitable for pre-teens and up, and HIGHLY recommended!

#29 The Path of the Second Advent by Peter S. Ruckman

A short yet intriguing study of where and how the Lord Jesus Christ will return at His second coming, well-researched and supported with scriptural references. Recommended for the serious student, or just the curious.

#30 Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon

I've never seen the musical The King and I in its entirety, but I'm fairly familiar with the story. However, the musical and the book upon which it is supposed based are worlds apart.

Anna is a widow, with two young children, and the opportunity to support herself by teaching the children of the king of Siam. She endeavors to not only instruct the youngsters in the English language and customs as requested by the king, but also tries to instill the concepts of mercy, justice, and freedom for all in those who will someday rule Siam.

This story is based upon the writings of the real Anna, who went to Siam in the 1860s, and faced a society where slavery was accepted, where bribery was the norm, and where the whim of an angry ruler could condemn an innocent person with no recourse, and no repercussions. I was fascinated with the insight into Siam of almost two centuries ago, and found myself deep within the story for most of the book. Recommended.

Note: the edition I read was listed as abridged, but perhaps edited would be a better description.

>146 fuzzi: I've seen and enjoyed both movies, so far as I can recall. I knew they were (loosely) based on actual events but never got around to seeking out the source. Sounds interesting!

>147 harrygbutler: it's a good read.

If you want to read it, and don't have a copy, let me know. I'm planning on rehoming the book, but there's no rush.

>148 fuzzi: Thanks for the offer, but I think I'll let you find it another home, as I don't see myself getting to it at any point in the near future.

>138 fuzzi: I'd be up for starting either Son of the Black Stallion or Santorini tomorrow — your choice.

>150 harrygbutler: let's do Santorini, as I'm not sure where Son of the Black Stallion is located.

>151 fuzzi: Sure. I've got it ready to go.

#31 The Enchanted Isle by D.E. Stevenson

One thing I enjoy about D.E. Stevenson's writing is that she not only makes her characters REAL, but she lets her stories progress at their own pace, without need for melodramatic additions or artificial stimulations. The Enchanted Isle is described as a romance, but it's more about people: their problems, and their faults. From the vindictive, petty spinster who is never happy unless she's making others miserable, to the self-centered professor who emotionally abuses his children without being aware of it, even to the lonely headmistress who mistakenly thought she had everything she's ever wanted, we see a slice of small town that could be much like our own.

As I read I never felt as if the author was manipulating me emotionally as happens with other novels, but that she was sharing the ups and downs of people much like those around me. I liked the clean, fresh manner of Charlotte Fairlie's world, and wouldn't mind returning if it were possible.

#32 The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

Based upon my read of Because of Winn Dixie, I decided to give this book a try, because I like how this author writes. I found most of this book was no exception to my previous estimation of her prose...but I was a little "put-off" by the ending. Worth a read.

>144 fuzzi: >145 fuzzi: Adding those to the BlackHole!

>147 harrygbutler: I really enjoy Stevenson too. I do not think I have read that one yet, so I will see if my local library has it.

>155 alcottacre: I know, I visit other threads and wind up with more on the TBR wishlist...

I think I've read four books by D.E. Stevenson now, and I liked all of them.

Best Reads of First Quarter of 2017

I had a lot of books, no . In no particular order, here are my best reads so far:

Horse Racing's Top 100 Moments
Demelza by Winston Graham (reread)
When Christ and His Saints Slept by Sharon Kay Penman
Millions of Cats by Wanda Gag (reread)
Jeremy Poldark by Winston Graham (reread)
Sign of the Beaver by Elizabeth George Speare
James Herriot's Dog Stories
A Soldier's Sketchbook by John Wilson (Early Reviewer book)
Path of the Second Advent by Peter S. Ruckman

If I had to pick just one as "best", I'd lean towards When Christ and His Saints Slept, maybe.

#33 The Restoration of Israel by Peter S. Ruckman

This book contains a series of five messages about the land and people of Israel, their past and future as evidenced in both history and in the Bible. The author presents different opinions by learned men as to how the Bible prophecies of Israel have taken place, and will occur in the future, including timelines, and then supports his own opinion, again backed by scripture. Short, but interesting, and thought provoking. Recommended.

How is Santorini going? I got caught up in the plot last night and couldn't go to sleep until I finished.

>159 harrygbutler: I finished last night as well, review to follow shortly.

>160 fuzzi: Great! I guess I better get busy writing mine, too. :-)

#34 Santorini by Alistair MacLean

A NATO surveillance ship crew witnesses an unidentified military-type plane crash into the sea close by, as a businessman's yacht nearby catches on fire, requiring a rescue...coincidence?

There's a bit of national security doings going on in the background while the NATO ship's good captain and crew try to figure out who sabotaged a military flight carrying nuclear mines that could explode with the slightest provocation. And what about that mysterious entrepreneur?

Though slightly dated, this is a good solid adventure/suspense story by the author of The Guns of Navarone.

>162 fuzzi: Excellent review.

>163 harrygbutler: thanks!

#35 Warleggan by Winston Graham

Francis' partnership with Ross in the mine continues to bring the cousins closer, though it does little to pay their creditors, including the arrogant George Warleggan. Dwight and Caroline's romance blossoms, but with unexpected consequences, while an impulsive act threatens to sever Ross' ties to his wife Demelza.

I love how the author draws deep into his characters, showing their flawed, human sides, tackling their complicated personal relationships in a way that is so seldom found in novels. What a pleasure it has been for me, reading (and rereading) the stories of these fictional yet oh-so-real families in late 1700's Cornwall.

#36 Guide to Water Gardens: Ponds, Fountains, Waterfalls, Streams by Kathleen Fisher

A well-written and organized guide to designing, creating, installing, and maintaining all different types of outdoor water features. I liked how it did step by step instructions for novice to intermediate hobbyists. As I read I also jotted down notes for future projects. I intend to keep this book as a reference volume.

Comfort reread, previous review is copied below:

#37 Down the Long Hills by Louis L'Amour

Seven year old Hardy and little Betty Sue escape a massacre of the wagon train, and with only the company of his father's horse, must survive the wilds of Wyoming with winter in the wind, wolves at their heels, and a lone warrior intent on stealing their horse.

One of the best of L'Amour's novels, this story remains a favorite of mine.

>167 fuzzi: Down the Long Hills is a terrific book.

Agreed. It's a book to pick up and read when you don't feel like tackling something new, which was how I felt last night.

I wanted to read another Miles Vorkosigan, but then realized I don't own the next in the series.

When do you want to read The Son of the Black Stallion?

>169 fuzzi: Give me a couple days to wrap up a couple books I have going — say, Tuesday.

>166 fuzzi: Hope to see pictures of the finished pond! We just treated ours with some good bacteria and lowered the level back to where it should be--just in time for more rain and storms today.

>158 fuzzi: Adding that one to the BlackHole! Thanks for another recommendation :)

Happy Monday!

#38 Seven Baptisms by Peter S. Ruckman

An interesting little book about all the occurrences of "baptism" in the Bible, and an interpretation of what each one means. The author doesn't claim to know everything, but backs up his suppositions with other scripture. Nice read.

Have you started Son of the Black Stallion? I didn't get to it yesterday, but perhaps later today.

>174 harrygbutler: not yet, still have some to go on my current read.

>175 fuzzi: Let me know when you're ready, as I haven't started yet either.

>176 harrygbutler: no rush, I don't have to read it this weekend, though it shouldn't be a long read.

We're supposed to have perfect Spring weather for the next four days, and the yard and gardens are calling me...reading is being "shelved" temporarily. ;)

>177 fuzzi: Hey, I completely understand! With the prospect of a new pond in view, I can see why you'd be busy outdoors. I have a lot of garden and yard work to do myself; among other things, I have a bunch of strawberry seedlings that need to move into the area I'm devoting to them before they start fruiting.

#39 On With the Dance/Endings and Beginnings by Michael Hardwick

With this two book compilation, we conclude the original story of the Bellamy family and their family of servants, from the BBC series Upstairs Downstairs. I feel these books are better written than the previous two, and can be enjoyed either on their own or as part of the full series. Worth reading, especially by fans of the original television production, or by those who appreciate the genre.

Happy Easter!

>180 harrygbutler: thank you! Happy Resurrection Sunday! :)

I started reading Son of the Black Stallion last night...

>181 fuzzi: Indeed! :-)

I'm now about halfway through All Creatures Great and Small and most of the way through a mystery as well, so I may start Son of the Black Stallion this evening, but I'll not likely get far if I do.

>182 harrygbutler: I look forward to your review of Herriot's book. :)

>183 fuzzi: I'm very much enjoying it so far.

#40 Son of the Black Stallion by Walter Farley

This is a good, solid sequel to the first two Black Stallion books, though I think it suffers a little in the use of a "deus ex machina" near the end, not something that negates it as a decent read, though, and is probably not something a juvenile would notice. Worth reading, rereading in my case. If you liked the first two books, you should definitely read this one.

#41 Flight in Yiktor by Andre Norton

This is a satisfying follow-up to the other two books in the Moonsinger series, and definitely deserving of a read. On to book number four...

#42 Bird Brains by Candace Savage

A thoroughly engaging look at members of the crow/jay families of birds. There are enough references to scientific studies to give credence to the author's suppositions, but not so much to bog it down with scientific jargon. Oh, and the photographs are gorgeous. Though I've been birding for half a century, I came across some information with which I was unfamiliar. Nice read.

>187 fuzzi: Sounds like an interestng book — I'll try to remember if I come across it.

>187 fuzzi: Crows in particular are much smarter than people tend to think. I remember how a researcher who would mess with the crows' nests, tagging chicks and things, learned that crows can recognize individual human faces.

>188 harrygbutler: recommended, Harry. See if your library has it.

>189 CassieBash: there's many references to crow studies in the book, but not overwhelmingly so.

Would you be up for The Island Stallion next week and Partisans the week after?

I think that would work for me.

I take it you read Son of the Black Stallion?

>192 fuzzi: Yep! My short review is up on my thread. :-) I think we had about the same opinion of it.

So many good book memories! I too highly recommend A Wrinkle in Time, it was my favorite book for many years, and my mother was amazed when I used to tell her what a "tesseract" was. Definitely a must for anyone who likes sci-fi. I have a vague memory of reading an Alistair McLean book, but I couldn't tell you which one it was.

I lost most of my childhood books because my mother is not a keeper of anything. I think it took her less than a year of college and she had given away all of my books - I couldn't keep them in a dorm, but they were gone anyway. I guess that's probably why I find it hard to part with books now.

Did you ever read Elizabeth George Speare's The Witch of Blackbird Pond? That was another book that was a favorite growing up. And I loved James Herriot - my grandmother got me started on those.

>195 rretzler: haha!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lGxP9XU0pNA&list=UU8-Th83bH_thdKZDJCrn88g&...

>194 rretzler: The Witch of Blackbird Pond is another classic! While watching Disney's version of Bambi--all of us realized that we hadn't yet read the book by Felix Salten--we also discussed Disney theatrical re-releases of movies, and how watching The Jungle Book inspired me to purchase the book, and then we talked about how different The Wind in the Willows was from Disney's movie The Adventures of Mr. Toad.

And a word of caution for those wanting to read the original book The Fox and the Hound that Disney (very, very loosely) based their animated film on. The book is really just a hunting book and there is no friendship between Todd and Copper. Apparently, Disney just wanted to use the title. Most disappointing--I actually liked the movie better, a first for me.

>197 CassieBash: my son read The Fox and the Hound, and saw the Disney version, and said he did not like the book, at all. I vaguely recall seeing the Disney version, didn't make an impression on me.

I read Bambi in 4th grade, though much of it I did not understand. I read it again, as an adult, and liked it quite a bit.

>194 rretzler: how did I miss your post? I saw the Lego Star Wars picture, and somehow didn't see the previous one. Sorry.

I lost most of my childhood books due to a damp storage area, and have been working on replacing them as I find the same editions I had. I'm still looking for the Apollo edition of Glenn Balch's Christmas Horse, published in 1970. If you see it, and it's not terribly expensive, I want it!

I enjoyed The Witch of Blackbird Pond as an adult. In fact, I don't think I read anything by Elizabeth George Speare before the last year or so. And I love James Herriot's works. His All Creatures Great and Small was published about the time I entered high school, and all my gang were reading and loving it.

>196 fuzzi: I love Star Wars sings All Star! I shared it with my boys, and we all had a good chuckle. I'll be on the lookout for Christmas Horse, I hadn't heard of it before. I completely know what you mean about wanting the same editions that you had. There some books that I had that were titled Fish do the Strangest Things and Birds do the Strangest Things and Insects do the Strangest Things, etc. I was fascinated by those as a child and had nearly forgotten about them. I happened to run across them in a friends home, and then spent a lot of time looking for versions for me. There were also a series of books about American Indian children that I loved and have hunted for, too.

>197 CassieBash: To me, it doesn't seem that Disney follows the book for much of any movie they make. Except for maybe a part of The Once and Future King being made into The Sword in the Stone. I'm not sure I could read the book Bambi - I've always had a difficult time with Disney movies where the parent is killed off rather quickly (which is about half the Disney movies out there.)

>199 rretzler: Bambi the book is (unsurprisingly) a lot deeper than Bambi the movie - but it's actually darker, in many spots. And yes, Bambi loses his mother early. There's two other fawns and their mother involved, and I can't remember any equivalent of Thumper or Flower...well, there is a rabbit (several rabbits) but I don't recall Bambi particularly making friends with him. It has been...oh lord. Thirty or forty years since I read Bambi? I probably should refresh my memory...

I know what you mean - but it's not just Disney movies, it's an awful lot of children's books. And fairy tales, and... if a child has two parents, they don't get any adventures. There are exceptions, of course - and they tend to be really good books - but that assumption is all over the place.

>198 fuzzi: The Fox and the Hound (the original book) was not my cup of tea; it read like a nonfiction and the hunter, if I recall, was hunting the fox just because it was vermin. It wasn't like a survival/food need, and it read more like an adult book, too. Trophy hunting and hunting to eliminate a species seen as "worthless" bothers me; it's one of the few books I started and didn't finish. I read nonfiction about animals, but not about hunting animals. I'll leave the hunting books to someone else.

>199 rretzler: You're right, of course. Changing fairy tale endings has a history that goes beyond Disney, however. The Victorians cleaned up a lot of the fairy tales, making them far less dark, because that's when children started becoming fragile things that needed protecting (whether you agree or not, that was the going theory of the day). But Disney will continue to use these devices because it's part of their formula. At least in Bambi, the parental death is true to the story. Of course, a lot of original fairy tales do have at least one parent dead, or you wouldn't have the "evil stepmom" (it's usually the mother). Psychologically and sociologically, the concept behind the evil step-parent is that the stepchild, not being of the step-parent's own blood, is seen as a threat. Of course, in reality most step parents don't think like that anymore, but there could be historical precedent. There's a big difference between medieval society and today, but that's not an area of sociology that I've researched. And Bambi's mother's death is probably more common than we'd like to admit. I just passed a deer that had been killed, and rather horribly, on a state highway this morning. It doesn't have to be a gun that makes orphans of young animals.

>200 jjmcgaffey: Yes, I'd heard it was darker, but that doesn't bother me. I need to read Bambi when I get the chance, but at the moment, I'm still tackling my current stacks of "to read". If I can find a copy used at my boyfriend's bookstore or at the Muncie Public Library booksale (or maybe this summer at the Argos Public Library booksale), I'll pick it up.

Wishing you a great weekend, Fuzzi.

Almost one month after my last review...

#43 The Black Moon by Winston Graham

Twenty years after putting the tales of the Poldarks to the side for other writing projects, the author takes us back to Cornwall of 1794, continuing the incomplete narrative of the previous book, Warleggan. The emphasis in The Black Moon is more on new characters, though antagonistic issues continue to exist between the Poldark and Warleggan camps.

I enjoyed this addition to the series, though it is slightly darker than the previous book. There is more emphasis on new relationships, including some you'll love to boo, and French Revolution history is injected into the tale in an easy-to-assimilate manner, but on the whole all works well for this, the fifth book.

No spoilers, go read it!

#44 The Island Stallion by Walter Farley

This is the story of a boy who finds his dream horse on a desert island supposedly devoid of most life. But the stallion is wild, untamed, and has never seen a human before. What can happen to bring the two of them together?

Good solid tale, and not too juvenile for an adult read.

#45 Twisted True Tales From Science: Disaster Discoveries by Stephanie Bearce

While the language of this book is geared more for a pre-teen/early teen audience, it is quite suitable and interesting as an adult read. Disasters, whether man-made or "natural" are described in short, 2-3 page narratives, with science experiments to attempt added between some of the entries.

It reminded me somewhat of the old "Ripley's Believe It or Not" columns. A fun read.

>205 fuzzi: Fun! I'll have to keep an eye out for that one at Derek's.

I started Partisans tonight, and I'm definitely finding it engaging so far.

#46 Partisans by Alistair MacLean

A thoroughly engaging story of intrigue in the early days of World War II, with enough twists to satisfy a pretzel connoisseur.

#47 The Four Swans by Winston Graham

This is a worthy entry into the Poldark saga. In this installment we continue to see the main characters grow, make possibly unwise choices/decisions, and interact with others.

As always, the dialogue is real, the players are genuine, the situations plausible. There is enough politics and history to add authenticity to the novel without dragging it to a crawl with unnecessary descriptions. Recommended.

#48 The Black Stallion and Satan by Walter Farley

The Black is back in New York, but the question remains: in a race with his son, Satan, who would be in front at the wire?

Good entry in the The Black Stallion series.

Stopping by to say Hi!

>211 rretzler: :waving:

I hope to add another review later tonight, I'm almost done with my current read, The Grandfathers by Conrad Richter.

And here it is!

#49 The Grandfathers by Conrad Richter

An amusing tale of life in the mountains of western Maryland from a century ago, told through the eyes of a 16 year old girl. As always, this author makes his characters interesting. Recommended.

>187 fuzzi: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

>214 alcottacre: you're most welcome. That was a bb that I got somewhere here on LT...probably in the TIOLI challenge threads.

#50 Unleashed by Amanda Jones

A picture book full of dogs, in all sorts of activities, all year round. As a dog lover and a photographer, I enjoyed the premise, and the execution.

Nice "small" coffee table-type book.

#51 The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder: The Frontier Landscapes that Inspired the Little House Books by Marta McDowell

A nice companion volume to the Little House series, with behind-the-scenes stories of Laura and Almanzo, and plenty of information about the flora and fauna of the times and locations of the books. A keeper, though I might send my copy to my eldest sister, who introduced me to Laura's world 50 years ago.

Comfort reread, with previous review:

#52 Conagher by Louis L'Amour

This has to be my favorite of all the Louis L'Amour books, and I've read just about every one. The characters are appealing and the story is not the usual 'cowboy' type of book you might expect. The movie was pretty good, too, if you can overlook a few changes (of course), and it didn't hurt that it starred my favorite cowboy, Sam Elliott! I highly recommend the book, and to a lesser extent, the movie.

>218 fuzzi: That's a good one. I haven't read it for a while, but I enjoyed it when I did. And I did like the movie as well.

>219 harrygbutler: the movie is one of only a few DVDs that I own, and I think the best adaption of a Louis L'Amour book to the screen.

>210 fuzzi: I think you have listed that book in the wrong TIOLI challenge this month, challange #6 instead of #10.

>221 FAMeulstee: thanks, I'll check that out tonight when I get home. I was updating my challenges, and might have missed one in the Wiki.

Addendum: yep, that "country" information was accidentally left when I moved a book from one challenge to another. All fixed!

#53 Dare To Go A-Hunting by Andre Norton

This is not a bad read, just disappointing. Almost the entire story is based upon a character from the previous book, and is the weakest installment of the series in my opinion. If you want to read more about Maelen, you won't get it here. Still, Andre Norton's writing is better than so much of the pablum offered in the SciFi/fantasy genre. Mildly recommended if you want to finish the series.

This was supposed to be an August read, as part of The Black Stallion series group read, but I picked it up last night, to "just read a little bit" and got sucked in...

#54 The Black Stallion's Filly by Walter Farley

While placed 8th in the Black Stallion series, this book continues the Alec Ramsey storyline after The Black Stallion and Satan. The author's growing storytelling ability shows in this tale, with less of the "gee whiz!" aspects of the first few books, yet with all the charm intact.

Satan has been retired to stud, and a year before the yearlings will be heading for the racetrack looms large in Henry's view. When a daughter from The Black's first crop goes on the auction block, he sets his sights on her, despite her spoiled and erratic background.

I especially liked how both Henry and Alec worked with the filly, trying to undo the lack of proper training she had experienced in her early years, teaching her what a racehorse needs to know. The story is more focused, and I found myself enjoying it as an adult re-read, many years after my initial read.

And another one in the series is complete...

#55 The Blood Bay Colt by Walter Farley

In this addition to The Black Stallion series of books, we are given a glimpse of a dissimilar world from what we've viewed previously, a descriptive look at horse training within a different type of sport.

Jimmy and George are old timers on the county fair circuit, trying to keep working, and winning, in a changing world of harness racing. In this tale the two look toward the future, putting their hope in not only a son of The Black Stallion, but with a young man who has a natural talent for working with horses.

A very good story of people in the harness racing arena, without the usual over-the-top characters that are often utilized in boy-horse stories. The author's growth as a writer is evident here. Definitely recommended, even if you've never read any of the other books in the series.

#56 A Place of Her Own by Ann Mari Falk

A pleasant little story of a teenaged orphan who goes to live with her married sister's family in a big city in a Sweden of about fifty years ago. The characters are well-drawn, the situations are real, and the story is a good balance of not-too-sweet and not-too-grim. Recommended.

>223 fuzzi: - >226 fuzzi: Making up for lost time, I see. :-)

Have a terrific Independence Day!

>225 fuzzi: Yeah, I always liked The Blood Bay Colt - pacers are interesting, and that's one of the better stories in the series. It hadn't occurred to me (probably because I haven't read it in 20+ years) that the fact that it's a more realistic situation is one reason it's better - but thinking about it, yeah.

You're making me want to reread the series. I'd have to dig them out - of the library, or from Amazon - I don't think I own any of them, any more. Ha, no, I'm wrong - I own two, one of them The Blood Bay Colt! The other is The Black Stallion Revolts, which I always loved - it's an amnesia story, which are my guilty pleasures. Maybe I'll just read those two.

>228 jjmcgaffey: love it!

Feel free to join us in The Black Stallion relaxed shared read challenge, one book a month, here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/255769

You're in luck, as July's book is The Blood Bay Colt.

#57 Journey by Aaron Becker

A delightful tale told without words, of a young girl, ignored and lonely, until one day a red crayon appears on her bedroom floor...and after she draws a door on the wall, she has one adventure after another.

Lovely, detailed drawings, not overdone but just right. A keeper!

#58 Animal Stories for Girls by Peter Rolls

A British collection of well-written and entertaining stories about girls and their relationship with animals.

#59 Duck's Truck by Burton Marks and Michael Chesworth

A cute rhyming book about Duck and his friends and a patch of sticky mud. Simple and fun story to read with a toddler.

#60 Raining Cats and Dogs: A Collection of Irresistible Idioms and Illustrations to Tickle the Funny Bones of Young People by Will Moses

Mildly amusing picture book illustrating the author's suggestions of how certain idiomatic expressions came to being. It also includes fairly accurate definitions of each phrase as well. I liked the primitive art done by the great-grandson of an American icon, but felt that the actual known source of some phrases should have been used instead of fanciful options. Fine for kids.

#61 A Home for Jessie by Christine Pullein-Thompson

Standard tale of an unwanted puppy who finds herself without a home. Some animal cruelty is described, so it may not be the best choice for very young or tender-hearted readers.

#62 Quest by Aaron Becker

Quest is a captivating and worthy sequel to Journey. Again, we are following a young girl with her magic crayon, and this time she has a new companion on her journeys. The illustrations are simple, yet complex, and I found myself searching each page for details that were not apparent upon first glance. Another keeper.

#63 The Angry Tide by Winston Graham (#7 in the Poldark series)

One of the better books in the Poldark series, The Angry Tide highlights the anger issues of Ross, and George, and their families. The author isn't writing a common melodrama, but gives the reader fascinating introspection into the characters, in a non-boring, intriguing manner. I've upped my rating to 4 1/2 stars because of the excellent deeper looks into the psyche of the usual players.

#64 King of Kings by Jack T. Chick

A good comic book version of the Bible that hits the highlights of the Old and New Testament books. I'll borrow it again for a reread.

#65 Return by Aaron Becker

A gorgeous, enchanting, and wonderful conclusion to the first two books in the author's trilogy. Aaron Becker's artwork is simple, yet so intriguing, so gorgeous, and his story is so well laid out through his pen and brush, there is no need of words to explain what is happening.

A treat for children or adult eyes. Share it with someone you love.

>238 fuzzi: Thanks to your challenge I have reserved Journey at the library. I hope to get it next week, as it has to come from an other library in the province.

>239 FAMeulstee: I am so glad. Those books just touch my heart, and I wanted to share with others. :)

#66 The Bird King: an Artist's Notebook by Shaun Tan

The Bird King is not a children's book, but is literally pages of doodles, sketches, paintings, and pastels from the author's sketchbooks. One might think that it would be a vanity book of sorts, but it's not. In many of the drawings you can see how he developed characters and concepts for his books. Some of the works/sketches/paintings have cryptic titles at the bottom, but aside from those, and a few one page explanations between the sections, this is a "wordless" book.

As a person with an artistic bent, I loved seeing what Shaun Tan did with color, texture, and shadows, but even if you don't have one tiny bit of drawing talent, you probably would enjoy seeing the author's imagination develop on every page.

#67 Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan

Enjoyable romp through the imagination of a younger sibling, and his experiences throughout a summer.

Note: read for a wordless book challenge, but the "rules" are stated on every other page, so not technically wordless.

#68 Begat: the King James Bible & the English Language by David Crystal

A non-religious book about the origins of idioms traced back to the King James Bible. The author distinguishes between those expressions that are merely quotations, and others that have been hijacked for secular use, often appearing in advertisements and movies.

The author also added appendices and indices to the back of the book.

The book was not boring, but intriguing, and kept my interest throughout. This one is a keeper, and will remain on my shelves.

#69 The Island Stallion's Fury by Walter Farley

Steve and Pitch have returned to Azul Island, for Pitch to study the remnants of a Spanish outpost, and for Steve to spend time with his beloved Flame. But Pitch's stepbrother, Tom, is determined to discover their secret, and of course, claim it for himself.

Starts slow, but picks up midway, and is overall a pretty good read.

#70 The Satan Bug by Alistair MacLean

Another good read by a master of mystery, intrigue, adventure, and suspense, this time involving a biological weapons research facility. The bad news is that two high-level employees are dead, from exposure to deadly compounds, but even worse is that flasks containing toxins that could destroy all life on earth are missing, and possibly in the hands of a madman. Better than Bond, and more believable.

I remember loving Alistair Maclean's books when I was younger. Good, gripping plot-driven stories. He doesn't explore his characters' personalities, but just presses on with the adventure.
I hadn't thought of him for years, but now that I have read your review, I think I will read this one again.

>248 fuzzi: I can't get into Bond books, either, but I did like Chitty Chitty Bang Bang well enough.

>250 harrygbutler: I loved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as a child, but it wasn't like I remembered when I recently did a reread. :(

#72 Sing Down the Moon by Scott O'Dell

A gentle tale of a young Navajo maiden around the time of that nation's own "Trail of Tears". Not graphic, but somber, and definitely worth a read for youth or adults.

>248 fuzzi: A friend of mine quite liked the Bond books, so I read them. At the time I thought they were OK, but I've not been tempted to go back and reread them.

>250 harrygbutler: >251 fuzzi: I've never read the book Chitty Chitty Bang Bang but do like the movie.

>253 harrygbutler: the book was fresh in my mind (recently read) when I watched the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang movie.

What the film makers did was even worse than what they did with Charlie and the Chocolate Factory when it was brought to film.

>251 fuzzi: I haven't read it for awhile, either, so perhaps it wouldn't live up to my expectations, either....

>254 fuzzi: Which version of Charlie? I've not seen the Depp version but understand that there's quite a few differences between the two. Of course, probably neither got it quite right. That often happens to book adaptations.

>254 fuzzi: Luckily for me I haven't read the book, so I've always been able to enjoy the songs, the creepy child-catcher, Lionel Jeffries' turn as grandpa, etc. Ditto for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory -- though I too haven't sen the Depp film.

>255 harrygbutler: >256 fuzzi: I have not seen the Depp version, just the Gene Wilder original movie. It was so unlike the book, so many stupid changes, I don't think I watched it to the end. I understand that movie adaptations are rarely just like their source material, but the movie version of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was so different in unnecessary ways, that I despised it.

There was no child-catcher in the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang book, no fantasy land, just gangsters. I won't elaborate more in case it'll spoil it for you.

>257 harrygbutler: Thanks for the extra info.

#73 In Calabria by Peter S. Beagle

This is a tale of modern Italy, about a middle-aged curmugeon who cares only for his few animals and rundown property, until one day he is surprised by the appearance of a unicorn, and realizes nothing will ever be the same.

Forty-plus years after the publication of The Last Unicorn, this author still has the ability to not only immerse us in a world of magic and wonder, but does so very differently from the typical contribution of the genre. Highly recommended!

>259 fuzzi: That sounds well worth a look.

>260 fuzzi: oh, yes. It was on the new sci fi/fantasy shelves at the public library, so you might have to request it.

I love Peter S. Beagle's writings, he has such a way with words.

From The Last Unicorn:

“I am what I am. I would tell you what you want to know if I could, for you have been kind to me. But I am a cat, and no cat anywhere ever gave anyone a straight answer.”

“The unicorn lived in a lilac wood, and she lived all alone. She was very old, though she did not know it, and she was no longer the careless color of sea foam but rather the color of snow falling on a moonlit night. But her eyes were still clear and unwearied, and she still moved like a shadow on the sea.”

“Outside, the night lay coiled in the street, cobra-cold and scaled with stars.”

“And in the whiteness, of the whiteness, flowering in the tattered water, their bodies arching with the streaked marble hollows of the waves, their manes and tails and the fragile beards of the males burning in the sunlight, their eyes as dark and jeweled as the deep sea--and the shining of the horns, the seashell shining of the horns! The horns came riding in like the rainbow masts of silver ships.”

#74 The Rawhide Knot by Conrad Richter

In this collection of short stories the author's ability to weave his tales of pioneers in few but highly descriptive words is in full display. Each story has an underlying theme of frontier marriage, rough but strong, as the title implies, and needs to be read unhurriedly, as much of the beauty of the prose will be missed otherwise. As with Conrad Richter's other works I have read, The Rawhide Knot comes highly recommended.

#75 Brighty of the Grand Canyon by Marguerite Henry

This is one of the few books by this author that I'd not read as a youth, but I enjoyed reading it as an adult. Brighty is a not-quite wild burro that lives partly in an offshoot of the Grand Canyon, and partly with those humans he likes. He deals with challenges including mountain lions, and those who would abuse his good nature.

Though somber in parts, and with some brief mentions of violence, it is an entertaining read for young and older animal lovers alike.

Congratulations on reading your 75th book!

>263 fuzzi: Congrats on hitting 75!

I think I may have read Brighty of the Grand Canyon when I was a kid, but I don't remember it at all.

>264 drneutron: >265 harrygbutler: THANK YOU!!! :)

Now, on to the next 75...or at least an attempt at it.

Time for a reread of Brighty? :)

Congrats!

>266 CassieBash: I may, but probably only if I happen upon a copy at a book sale.

Congrats on the 75 mark!

>265 harrygbutler: Brighty was always one of my favorites - I can't say I read _every_ Marguerite Henry as a kid (I keep coming across ones I had no idea about) but I read a _lot_ of them. I don't remember Brighty's _story_ very well, but the image of the little burro trotting up and down the walls of the Grand Canyon has stuck for many years. Yeah, time for a reread, I think.

And congrats on 75!

>270 fuzzi: thanks on the congrats!

I read most of Marguerite Henry's books, like Misty and Stormy, King of the Wind, Sea Star, Justin Morgan Had a Horse, and Stallion of Lipizza, a couple others. The Wesley Dennis illustrations were icing on the cake, too, gorgeous.

Book bullet - you hit me with the new Peter Beagle.

I read some Marguerite Henry as a child, and gave my niece one of her books when she was a good age for it. She's turned into a real animal lover and works at a vet clinic now.

Congratulations on hitting the 75 mark!

>272 fuzzi: thank you!

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed reading Peter S. Beagle's books. I have a four-in-one volume that includes The Last Unicorn, Lila the Werewolf, Come, Lady Death, and A Fine and Private Place. He writes so descriptively, but never boring.

I'm still an animal lover, though I never made it to veterinary college.

#76 The Stranger From the Sea by Winston Graham

Slight spoilers ahead:

In The Stranger From the Sea, Winston Graham returns to the people of Cornwall from his Poldark books, but about a decade after The Angry Tide. Ross and Demelza's children are almost "grown", as is Valentine Warleggan, child of The Black Moon.

I like how the author pulled us into the lives of the next generation without forsaking our old friends like Dr. Enys, Caroline, Demelza, and Ross Poldark. Well-written as all his works, Winston Graham has given us another gem to cherish and treasure. Definitely recommended.

#77 You Don't Know Jack by David W. Daniels

An entertaining light biography about the man behind the cartoon tracts found in most countries all over the world, and in most languages as well. This authorized bio is more of a series of reminiscences, with flashbacks to Jack Chick's childhood and life experiences. Nice read, not fluff, and not sugar-coated for the Christian reader either.

#78 The Miller's Dance by Winston Graham

In this installment of the Poldark saga, Ross and Demelza are still main characters, but their offspring are becoming key players in their own right. Valentine Warleggan is growing into his heritage, while both Jeremy and Clowance appear to be star-crossed in love.

The author adds enough politics and history to make the story ring true, but not enough to bore or frustrate the reader. The end is not exactly a cliff-hanger, but does make the reader want to pick up the next book in the series.

The Miller's Dance is engaging, and does not read like a 400+ page book.

>276 fuzzi: The author adds enough politics and history to make the story ring true, but not enough to bore or frustrate the reader

Nice observation of Graham's style, Fuzzi.

Have a lovely Sunday.

Thanks, @PaulCranswick. I thoroughly enjoy Graham's works.

#79 Ripley's Believe It Or Not, Vol. 12

When I was growing up I enjoyed reading these one panel cartoons in the local newspaper. This collection is mildly entertaining, or worth reading for nostalgic reasons.

#80 Seven Resurrections by Peter S. Ruckman

An interesting short book about all the resurrections listed in the Bible, including but not limited to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Worth a read for any semi-serious student, or perhaps just the curious.

#81 The Man Without a Country and Other Tales by Edward Everett Hale

An older (1969) short story collection that contains diverse tales from authors also diverse as Hawthorne and London, O. Henry and Twain. I liked most of the prose within, and would recommend this volume.

#82 Seven Sevens by Peter S. Ruckman

This is a transcript of a numerology sermon preached in the mid 1960's. While a few references feel outdated, the Biblical observations and applications are timeless and made me go "Oh...wow..." on several occasions. Worth reading, and rereading.

Note: I probably should have created a second thread at #76...but was distracted.

Waddayathink? Make a continuation thread? Or should I go full-steam ahead here? :D

>282 fuzzi: Oh, just go full steam. We only have basically 3 months left, and this isn't a picture-heavy thread (unlike our gardening threads!), so it's not taking that long to load pages.

How have you been?

#83 A Bedtime Yarn by Nicola Winstanley

Nice story of a little bear whose mother finds a way to help him with his fear of the dark and sleep. Loved the illustrations, too, by Olivia Chin Mueller.

>283 fuzzi: lolol. Okay by me, less work, plus I didn't get the automatic option to continue this thread, anyway.

>284 fuzzi: thank you for asking. I've had some health issues that have curtailed my regular activities, but I'm feeling some better, and want to get back in stride. And you? :)

#84 The Two Raptures by Peter S. Ruckman

Comparing scripture with scripture, the author lays out why he believes the Bible teaches of two Raptures, and does a most-convincing job. Extremely interesting and fascinating little book by one of my favorite preacher/teacher authors.

#85 The Judgment Seat of Christ by Peter S. Ruckman

Excellent booklet about the Christian's expected judgment by the Lord, and what we should do in order to not show up with empty hands. The author uses scripture to back up his ideas, and his writing is not hard to understand.

Definitely recommended for a Christian who believes the Bible is the word of God, or even someone who wants to see beyond the hype of television and "experts", to understand what many born-again Christians believe.

#86 Fact, Faith, and Feeling by Peter S. Ruckman

A great little book based upon a sermon by the author. In simple terms and using illustrations from his experiences, he teaches the reader about the difference between fact, faith, and feeling, and how to not confuse them with each other. I consider this a valuable resource for any Christian.

#87 Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage by Peter S. Ruckman

This is a fascinating look at what the Bible teaches about marriage, divorce, and remarriage, and it's not necessarily what any of us would assume. The author takes scripture within context to show what God actually says about what marriage is (hint: it's not a ceremony), and when divorce is acceptable. Also within this volume is more scriptural information regarding remarriage.

Not what I expected it to be, not judgmental at all, very different from traditional opinions, and as always with this author, supported by Sola Scriptura, the Bible.

#88 Discrimination: the Key to Sanity by Peter S. Ruckman

This is a tough review to write. I don't often read a book that challenges what I have been taught, or how I believe, but this one did. And as I struggled with what was written, I recognized that no matter how I felt about it, the words were truth, and since they were backed up by Scripture, I had to rethink my own thoughts. Whew. There were several quotes I contemplated sharing here, but I think instead I'll paraphrase, and let you read the book for yourself for the rest.

Discrimination is a word that has had its meaning changed. A discriminating person used to be someone who knew how to choose between good and bad, right and wrong, or something simple like choosing between different vintages of wine. Somewhere along the way the term has come to mean something very different, and we are the poorer for it. Also, today everyone is focused on "rights", who has what rights to different things. However, and this is a BIG however, we should examine where these rights came from. If someone gives you a right to do something, to go somewhere, to be someone, you are acknowledging that they not only have power to give you that right, but also TAKE IT AWAY. If our rights come from a government, they can be revoked by the government as well. But if our rights come from God, only God can take them away, and all the laws and bureaucracies of the world can not.

It was definitely a heavy read for me, but a book I plan to reread, to meditate upon, and discuss with other in the future.

>291 fuzzi:. This sounds so very interesting but it also looks like a book that might be hard to find. When was it published?

>291 fuzzi: Benjamin Franklin said, "Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature." Of course, he also said, "We need a revolution every 200 years, because all governments become stale and corrupt after 200 years." If the government starts taking away too many God-given rights, it could happen. Franklin was also, by the way, a big proponent of free speech, believing that if a government controlled what people could express, it was taking away one of those God-given rights and would cause a restriction of ideas and new thinking, which he believed was important to a free society. An interesting-sounding book; I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

>292 fuzzi: published in 1994. Some books, like Francis Schaeffer's A Christian Manifesto are decades ahead of their time.

The author's books can be found through Ebay, as ebooks on Amazon, or even through his church's bookstore, here: http://store.kjv1611.org/

>293 CassieBash: Franklin was a sage, but a very flawed man as well. Most of the founding fathers were not pious men, but were still able to go beyond their own limitations to create the basis for a lasting society where freedom was foremost. He also was not a Christian, though he espoused many Christian ideals.

>295 CassieBash: True, he wasn't Christian because he didn't believe in Christ's divinity--but he did believe in one God and that that God gave us certain rights that shouldn't be taken from us by the govenrment--which is how I interpreted your book review. And everyone has flaws. But I found both quotes relevant to the review, as you did not mention Christ specifically, I assumed that while he was mentioned, we were discussing rights that God gave people before Christ's birth. People of the Jewish faith also believe in one God and don't believe in the divinity of Christ--but they, too, would agree to God-given rights. I would think most people who believe in the Judeo-Christian God would. As far as the revolution quote, I'm simply saying that all you need is a large enough number of people who believe that the government has taken away God-given rights, and you could have that rebellion. It takes awhile for these things to build to a head, and I don't think we're there yet, but given enough time, it could. Will it happen in my lifetime? Maybe not. We could still have another hundred years or more before things get that far out of hand. But if our system of checks and balances ever gets too overbalanced in any one of the three branches, it could happen.

Ironically, we do have a tendency to think of them as being pious, but most were lawyers, statesmen, and politicians first and foremost. The only man in Congress at the time who I can think of who was predominantly religious in his official job was Rev. Jonathan Witherspoon, who was a Presbyterian minister. According to Wikipedia, he was the only Congressional clergy member. Franklin was a bit unusual in that, I think first and foremost, he was probably more inventor/scientist than anything, and by the second quote, you can tell that he wasn't a firm believer in a long-lasting, stable government. The fact that they were able to create our Constitution, which has lasted for over the 200 years, is pretty good.

>296 fuzzi: I hope you didn't take my reply as critical of your post, far from it! And I enjoyed your thoughts on the "founding fathers". I like History.

I have read that many of the founders were Deists, believers in one God, but not necessarily Christian or Jewish. And, despite all their differences, the representatives got done what was necessary to give the new nation a foundation that would help it last more than 200 years. :)

>297 fuzzi: After re-reading my own post, I realized that some people could interpret my including the quote about revolution as a call for action or a comment of displeasure with the Constitution or our government's structure, and think me "unpatriotic". I believe in the Constitution wholeheartedly--though many of its rights should be included in the God-given ones probably covered in your book. I'm not entirely certain that the founding fathers didn't specifically use the Constitution to try to guarantee, in a legal and binding way, those God-given rights. But now that those "God-given rights" are on a legal document, I can easily see why a Christian (or anyone else believing in these rights as coming from God) could become nervous when the government starts "interpreting" these rights, making them more in the image of the current government climate than what God would probably intend.

>298 fuzzi: words on a page or a screen can be misinterpreted, there's no body language or inflection to clarify their meaning. So I don't take offense over ambiguous sentences when I come across them, there's no reason to, we're adults here. :)

I believe that God is the giver of life, goods, everything, for good or ill, so all our "rights" really do come from Him, directly or indirectly. And therefore, the founders of our country did that which God intended, not setting up a perfect theocracy ruled directly by God, but giving us the basis for a good, solid society/government run by the citizens.

#89 James Herriot's Animal Stories

A delightful collection of stories previously published in the author's other books, but lovingly illustrated with watercolors. Worth reading and keeping, even if you have already read them before.

#90 The Loving Cup by Winston Graham

Another solid and engrossing installment in the Poldark family's saga. The author keeps your interest through historic references and political commentary, never losing the reader throughout a 400 page plus novel.

Recommended, as are all the Poldark novels.

#91 The Black Stallion Revolts by Walter Farley

The Black and Alec are survivors of a plane crash that has left Alec with amnesia, and The Black on his own in the wilderness. Another good read by Walter Farley.

#92 A Merry-Mouse Book of Months by Priscilla Hillman

Adorable poetry book of mice and months, lovingly illustrated by the author.

>302 fuzzi: I'm a sucker for amnesia novels (I like them in romances, too, where they're even sillier than here). So this is one of my favorites of the series.

>304 fuzzi: I thought Walter Farley kept the silliness of the amnesia theme to a minimum. I don't recall rolling my eyes at all.

#93 Counting on Snow by Maxwell Newhouse

A lovely counting book, going backwards from ten to one, and using animals from more northern latitudes. My only quibble is that some of the animals are indistinct due to the snow effect, and a young child might have difficulty finding them on the pages.

I'm going to read this one to my own granddaughter the next time we visit.

#94 Innovation Nation by David Johnston

While the concept of this book and the design are great, the text itself seemed to "talk down" to its audience. There was a lot of "Wow! Way back before you were born people didn't have text messaging!" kind of hyperbole. Also, the qualifications of a Canadian inventor seemed to be inconsistent, adjusted to fit the narrative: some inventors were born in Canada but living elsewhere when they created their invention, some were born elsewhere but were living in Canada at the time of their invention. And giving Canadian native tribes full credit for the invention of canoes seemed a bit of a stretch.

Cute drawings, nice idea, but not the best execution.

I just realized I forgot my third quarter "best reads" list!

Reads
Journey by Aaron Becker
Quest by Aaron Becker
The Angry Tide by Winston Graham
In Calabria by Peter S. Beagle
The Rawhide Knot by Conrad Richter
The Two Raptures by Peter S. Ruckman

And my one Read:
Return by Aaron Becker

Eclectic reads: children's picture books, historic fiction, fantasy, western, and Christian non-fiction...

#95 Butterflies of North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia: A Guide to Common & Notable Species by Marc C Minno

A fantastic quick reference guide that is easy to carry with you in the field, as it is an accordian-style pamphlet, laminated for protection. Each sheet has eight butterfly photos, with common and Latin name, wingspan, season when you'll find it, and host plants.

#96 Sylvester by Georgette Heyer

I decided to read Sylvester to take a break from all the non-fiction I'd been slogging through, and I am glad I did. The author has a light touch with the typical breathless romantic ups and downs of most Regency writings, but a deft and stronger handle on characters and situations. I thoroughly enjoyed romping through the trials of the protagonists in Sylvester, and have made a mental note to indulge myself with more Georgette Heyer's works in the future.

#97 Little Hawk and the Free Horses by Glenn Balch

An engaging story of a Comanche boy, from the time in early America when horses were a novelty. Well-written, suitable for preteens and up.

Happy Thanksgiving!

This is a time of year when I as a non-American ponder over what I am thankful for.

I am thankful for this group and its ability to keep me sane during topsy-turvy times.

I am thankful that you are part of this group.

I am thankful for this opportunity to say thank you.

>312 fuzzi: same back atcha!

>313 kgodey: it's good to be thankful for things. I have read that the difference between happiness and sadness can be partly summed up by gratitude and ingratitude. I've pondered that idea.

I am thankful that I woke up this morning, that I am not in the hospital, that I am not homeless.

I am thankful to not only be literate, but to see well enough to read print.

I am thankful for the lady who taught me to read, Miss Pain (no joke), a teacher who persevered with a child who struggled to decipher words.

I am thankful for my friends and aquaintences, in RL and online, who make me think, laugh, cry, and sometimes challenge me.

I am also thankful for not only the opportunity to say thank you, but also for those of you who take the time to say so.

Happy Thanksgiving, every day.

#98 The Monument by Gary Paulsen

A thoughtful story about life in a small farm town in Kansas, told through the eyes of an adopted girl.

Happy Thanksgiving, Fuzzi!

There is much to be thankful for. I hope you had a great Thanksgiving and are enjoying the aftermath as well.

>316 fuzzi: >317 fuzzi: thank you, both.

We had the "traditional" Thanksgiving dinner yesterday, then visited with cousins today, and ate again. Whew. Now I need to go finish preparing the turkey stock, which I will then pour into containers and freeze for future soup.

#99 The Bobbsey Twins in the Country by Laura Lee Hope

The first three Bobbsey twins books were favorite reads of mine as a child, including this one, in which the children spend a month during the summer at their cousin's home on a farm.

While not preachy or overly "sweet", the stereotypes from a century ago are evident, obvious, but thankfully, not really offensive. Consider the time it was written, and enjoy it for nostalgia's sake.

#100 David's Ranch by Don Wilcox

This is a grammar school textbook that tells a story about a young man in order to teach environmental science. David is given a section of land on his father's ranch to use for grazing cattle, and as we read we see how he learns soil conservation techniques in order to protect it from damage. Interesting, mildly preachy.

#101 Sheep by Valerie Hobbs

Oh, I like this book. A lot.

And it's not just the story of a young Border collie separated from his first home, that endears this tale to me, and it's not just the characters, either. There's something sweet, yet wise, that pulled me in...and didn't let me go until the last page was turned.

#102 Prince Valiant, Vol 3 by Hal Foster

Once upon a time there was a little girl who loved to read the Sunday "funnies", especially Prince Valiant panels. Fast forward about fifty years, where the grown girl gets another chance to immerse herself in the art and adventure of Hal Foster, but in a book using original artwork for the best visual results.

The reprinted illustrations on these pages look gorgeous, and the strips are still exciting to read. I'll be looking for the other books in the series.

>322 fuzzi: Hurrah! You finally got to it, and it didn't disappoint. Glad to see that.

>323 jjmcgaffey: no, it didn't disappoint, but now I need to read the others...and there are a LOT!

#103 The Black Stallion's Sulky Colt by Walter Farley

An exciting follow-up to the very good book The Blood Bay Colt.

Alec Ramsey heads out to Roosevelt Raceway to see Bonfire, son of The Black, and meet his training crew. When Bonfire's driver, Tom, is injured, and with the horse's owner still recovering from surgery, Alec and Henry take over the training of the colt. Can they prepare Bonfire to race in the Hambletonian, harness racing's most sought after prize, only a week away?

>322 fuzzi: Oh, yes, I love the Prince Valiant books - is this one of the new(ish) Fantagraphic ones, that are huge (14x10 inches) thin hardbacks? I've been, slowly, collecting them - and giving up my paperbacks only when the hardbacks cover the same material. I also have some Nostalgia books, but Fantagraphics does _excellent_ comics compilations. I have the entire run of their Modesty Blaise reprint (wahh, last book just came out!). The hardbacks have gorgeous versions of the art - closest to the originals I've seen yet.

<326 yes, the Fantagraphic books! The quality of the images is fantastic, and I expect to continue to read/collect as affordable copies are available. I've managed to snag a couple in the series on Ebay for less than $20 each, but some are astronomically priced!

#104 Night Without End by Alistair MacLean

Gripping tale of survival in a harsh environment, with some intrigue and "who-done-it?" mixed in, with quite good results.

Solid book by the author, and definitely recommended.

#105 There's an Owl in the Shower by Jean Craighead George

In the past I have read and loved books written by this author, so was looking forward to There's an Owl in the Shower. I was very disappointed. While Jean Craighead George's descriptions of the animals in their natural environment were still fairly good, the stereotypical bad/good humans and the preachy environmental message really spoiled it for me. Too heavy-handed and agenda-driven, I did not enjoy this as much as I wanted.

#106 Betsy & Tacy & Tib by Maud Hart Lovelace

Here in the second book of the Betsy-Tacy series we are introduced to their new friend, Tib, and learn about what it might have been like to be a young girl in the late 1890s. When Tacy catches Diptheria, she can't play for months, and her whole household is quarantined. So her friends send her messages using a fishing pole over the fence. Sweet and enjoyable, fine for elementary school children. Adults may enjoy it too, as the author does not "talk down" to her audience. Recommended, but read the previous book first if you can.

>330 Kristelh: love Betsy and Tracy

>331 PaulCranswick: I'd only read one of them as a child, Betsy and Tacy Go Downtown, so they're new to me. :)

>332 fuzzi:, I think I read all of them. It was like my first favorite author. (Minnesota author, too). I buy the books when I can find them. I have Over the Big Hill, Betsy Was A Junior, Heaven to Betsy.

>314 harrygbutler: Lovely message Fuzzy. Miss Pain could have been any number of the ladies i have loved and left.

Have a wonderful Sunday.

>333 fuzzi: I love discovering new favorites!

>334 fuzzi: thank you, I did.

#107 Prince Valiant, Vol 2 by Hal Foster

Fun book of adventure, relationships, and battle strategies, believably told and wonderfully drawn by the author. This is not a comic aimed at children, though there is little that might be considered unsuitable for a young audience. Recommended.

#108 Striding Folly by Dorothy L. Sayers

As a teen I loved the Lord Peter Wimsey mysteries, and read them all after seeing a couple of the BBC productions starring Ian Carmichael. So when I found a book by the same author, and about Lord Peter Wimsey, I expected a winner. Unfortunately, I was underwhelmed. This volume includes an incredibly long introduction (31 pages!) and three short stories/novellas.

Problems? There wasn't much mystery or suspense. Or maybe Wimsey just doesn't work as well in a shorter format, at least not for me. Or maybe my tastes have changed four decades later. I have no plans for a reread of what I considered to be pablum.

#109 Understanding Trump by Newt Gingrich

Not a bad book, decent writing, but the information within I'd already read before, so it kind of dragged for me.

If you want to get a better understanding of the current President of the US, I'd highly recommend The Art of the Deal, which shows the underlying beliefs of Donald J. Trump.

>337 fuzzi: I enjoy a lot of the Wimsey short stories - but yes, the title story in that collection is pretty thin (I don't remember what else is in there). There's a big fat book named Lord Peter that collects all the short stories - and some of them are amazing. Catching a crook on the strength of grammar (it would help if I spoke French, though), the "Footsteps that Ran", the statue of a girl with a short toe, the crossword puzzle will...lovely stuff. Not as deep or complex as the full novels, of course, but there's some good stories among them. And some pretty flat stuff - they're not all wonderful. But I love Lord Peter so much I can't help urging you to check out some more of the stories.

>339 fuzzi: I think I may still have a copy of Lord Peter: A Collection of All the Lord Peter Wimsey Stories, I'll check. It's listed as being part of my library, which means I have a hard copy, somewhere.

The Haunted Policeman was the second story in the Striding Folly collection, don't recall the third but it was mildly amusing, about Peter and his sons, and an interfering relative.

Oh, right. Yes, all on the fluffy side (though seeing Peter with the kids is always fun). Good, check out some of the others and see if they work for you!

#110 Buckskin Brigade by Jim Kjelgaard

This is a series of short stories about early American pioneers, mountain men, trappers, and settlers, all heading west from the safety of civilization. The author has taken historic accounts and fleshed them out into involving tales of bravery. I've read a number of Jim Kjelgaard's other works, and I have to rank this one among the best. Definitely recommended.

#111 Betsy and Tacy Go Over the Big Hill by Maud Hart Lovelace

In this, the third installment of the series, Betsy and her sister Julia have a huge quarrel, and the girls meet some new friends who help them realize how special America is. Another enjoyable addition to the Betsy-Tacy books.

#112 Hi and Lois by Mort Walker and Dik Browne

A light look at parenthood, slightly dated but not enough to spoil the fun!

Note: this was read in November, but somehow was "skipped" in this thread.

I've done that before. At least you caught it.

>344 fuzzi: I have at least one Hi and Lois book around, and I would pick up more if I ran across them. I enjoy the strips, though I prefer Beetle Bailey (Walker) and Hägar the Horrible (Browne).

>345 fuzzi: I caught it this time, yep. :)

>346 harrygbutler: I think I've already rehomed it, or I'd send it along.

Did I see correctly that you have a copy of Buckskin Brigade?

Just got back from the theater, this morning we saw the latest Star Wars movie. I liked it quite a bit, and that's coming from someone who goes to the movies once or twice a year. Enjoy.

...no spoilers...

>347 fuzzi: Yes, I believe I do. I haven't read it yet.

#113 Prince Valiant, Vol 4 by Hal Foster

The adventures of Val continue, with much fighting, feasting, and adventure. I read this in one sitting, needing to know how each episode would end.

>348 jjmcgaffey: So did I - my dad and I went to see it (Mom's still immobilized, or at least not willing to sit in a theater that long, from her hip surgery). Yeah, nice! I'm not a Star Wars fan - I find the movies mildly interesting and the books _slightly_ more so. But this was fun. Makes me want to watch The Force Awakens, which I haven't seen - I know (knew) the whole sequence of events (Dad didn't) but haven't actually seen it. Maybe over Christmas.

>351 fuzzi: I've seen them all, but have only watched the original trilogy more than once. I would rewatch The Force Awakens or The Last Jedi, though.

#114 The Dreamstone by CJ Cherryh

Some of this story felt familiar, akin to other "elves & men" tales such as The Lord of the Rings. And yet, the author added more mystery, and depth to the characters, whether to the dislike or delight of the reader. I enjoyed it enough to plan on reading the second book in the series.

#115 Life, Love, and Laughter by Peter S. Ruckman

An eclectic collection of observations and humor, collected over a fifty year ministry. I enjoyed some of it, but not enough to reread.

#116 Prince Valiant, Vol 1 by Hal Foster

The first of the Prince Valiant books, comprised of the earliest strips beginning with our protagonist as a child in exile. Good fun, wonderful artwork, believable storylines, enjoyable for all.

>355 ronincats: You're just zipping through them now! :-)

Doubling up, in case I don't make it back on later. I hope that you and yours have a very merry Christmas!

It is that time of year again, between Solstice and Christmas, just after Hanukkah, when our thoughts turn to wishing each other well in whatever language or image is meaningful to the recipient. So, whether I wish you Happy Solstice or Merry Christmas, know that what I really wish you, and for you, is this:

Wishing you all good things this holiday season and beyond.

Stopping by to wish you the best of the end of 2017 and the start of 2018.

>356 rretzler: the ones I own, yep. Still looking for a copy of #5.

>357 PaulCranswick:, >358 Kristelh:, >359 fuzzi:, >360 rretzler:, >361 thank you all for he holiday wishes. We had company this year, so I have been very busy.