Barbara (Ameise1)'s world (1)

Welcome to my thread.

I am Barbara, 55 years old, married and have two daughters. I live in Zürich, Switzerland and work full-time as a primary school teacher. Besides reading, I am interested in art of all kinds and traveling. You will also find something of all this on my thread in 2017.
I look forward to all visitors and look forward to a lively exchange.


My hometown Zürich

January
# 1 the Cold Six Thousand by James Ellroy 2017 ROOT Challenge (4½ stars)
# 2 The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead (5 stars)
# 3 The Collected Short Stories of Elizabeth Bowen by Elizabeth Bowen (4½ stars)
# 4 Geraubte Liebe by Dacia Maraini (4½ stars)
# 5 Fragrant harbour by John Lanchester (4½ stars)
# 6 North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill (4 stars)

British Author Challenge 2017

January
The Collected Stort Stories of Elizabeth Bowen by Elizabeth Bowen read in German (2017-01-06)
December
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskill read in German (2017-01-18)

Take It or Leave It Challenge


January
2.: Read a book with a compound word in the title
The collected Short Stories of Elizabeth Bowen (German title: Sommernacht) 2017-01-06
3.: Read a book from a best of or notable books of 2016, name the list
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead 2017-01-04
6.: Read a book whose title includes at least two of the same number
The Cold Six Thousand by James Ellroy 2017-01-02

currently reading

 The Winter Vault

currently listening

 Kiss Kiss

Hi Barbara, I have dropped a star here so I can keep in touch with what you are up to and what you are reading my dear. Sending love and hugs and Karen says hello dear friend.

Hi Barbara, I'm dropping a star here. Looking forward to see what you'll be reading in 2017!

>7 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. After finishing 76 books I allowed myself to start my thread here.
Being first some typical sweets form Zürich ' Luxenburgerli'. Love and hug to both of you xx

>8 Trifolia: Thanks so much, Monica. I dropped a star at your place, too.

>9 Ameise1:, Karen would just love those my dear.

>9 Ameise1: I thinks so. It is dangerous to have a whole box nearby, because they are addictive.

Yeah, no kidding! Welcome back!

I look forward to sharing your journey through 2017, Barbara.

>13 drneutron: Thanks so much, Jim.

>14 PaulCranswick: Nice to have you along, Paul.

Dropping my star, Barbara!

>16 Crazymamie: It's wonderful to have you here, Mamie. Welcome.

Starred Barbara. Will be back soon.

>18 charl08: Great to have you here, Charlotte. Welcome.

Happily Starred!

>1 Ameise1: oh what a beautiful scene of Zurich! Happy 2017!

>20 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim. I'm happy you are here.

>21 ffortsa: Thanks so much, Judy. It's indeed a wonderful town to live. It's the biggest town in Switzerland but in comparison to lots of metropols it's like a village.

Hi Barbara! I loved North and South - I hope you do too.

>23 susanj67: So far I like it very much. With 17 CDs it's a long listening and will take me a while to finish it. It counts for the BAC 2017 (December). Yep, I make an unsual approach for next years BAC, starting backwards ;-)

Hi Barbara! I've dropped a star.

>25 DianaNL: Hi Diana, it's nice to see you here.

Hi Barbara, found and starred. Happy reading in 2017!

>27 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. It's great to see you here.

I've found you and dropped my star!

>29 thornton37814: Hi Lori, it's wonderful to have you here.

>24 Ameise1: Barbara, I think that's a good idea. You'll know that for December you already have one book :-) That's got to take some pressure off!

>31 susanj67: Isn't it? :-)

Happy New Year!

>33 DianaNL: What a wonderful pic. Thanks so much, Diana, wishing you the same too.

Found and starred! Happy reading for 2017!

>35 mstrust: Thanks so much, Jennifer. It's great to have you here. Happy reading 2017.

Hi Barbara and Happy New Year (and first thread of that same new year!).
I'm looking forward to another year of wonderful book conversation.

>37 EBT1002: Me too, Ellen. I'm very happy to see you here.

I went to the library and came back with the following

• The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead Saw it on SusanJ's thread.
  
• The Collected Stories of Elizabeth Bowen BAC January
  
• Geraubte Liebe by Dacia Maraini Saw author's name on PaulC's thread.
  
• Fragrant Harbour by John Lanchester Saw author's name on SusanJ's thread.
  

Mr Postman brought me a parcel with the following books:

• The Emperor's Tomb by Steve Berry
  
• The Jefferson Key by Steve Berry
  
• The King's Deception by Steve Berry
  

So, now I'm ready to continue the Cotton Malone series.

>40 Ameise1: Barbara, I like the sound of the Cotton Malone series! Another one to check out.

>41 susanj67: I started to read it in 2011. I was for a few months very addicted to it. Last weekend I remembered this series and thought to order some more books of it. :-)

Hi Barbara, Karen and I would like to wish you, Thomas, Isabelle and Marina a very Happy New Year and a prosperous and healthy 2017 dear friend, sending love and hugs.

>43 johnsimpson: Thanks so much John and Karen for your well wishes. I make my new year's wishes round on the 1st. Love and hugs

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.

>45 The_Hibernator: Thanks so much, Rachel. Wishing you a great 2017 too.

>46 PaulCranswick: What gorgeous thoughts, Paul. I wish you a wonderful 2017 too.

A library visit and a book parcel? Sounds wonderful. Wishing you a happy new year Barbara. Hoping for peace.

>48 charl08: Isn't it, Charlotte? I'm very pleased with my book haul.
Thanks so much, wishing you the same, too.

I wish you a happy, healthy, and prosperous year, Barbara.

>50 Matke: Thanks so much, Gail. It's wonderful to see you here. I wish you gorgeous 2017, too.

As we are counting down the last hours of this year, I wish you a wonderful new year, Barbara. May it he filled with happiness and joy for you and your loved ones.

>52 Trifolia: Thanks so much, Monica. I wish you the same.

Dropping a star, Barbara. Happy New Year!

54 Thanks so much, Joe. It's wonderful to see you here.

I've yet to start my 2017 Thread, Barbara, but my best to you and Your for a Happy 2017!

>56 vancouverdeb: Thanks so much, Deb.

Happy New Year! (dropping a star)

Happy new Year, Barbara! I wish you health, happiness, and many good books for the coming year.

>58 ronincats: Thanks so much, Roni. Wishing you a gorgeous 2017, too.

>59 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. Wishing you the same, too.

Looks like you are all set for great year of reading with the library and postal hauls.

>61 thornton37814: Indeed, I am, Lori. I hope to finish The Cold Six Thousand soon.

Hi Barbara! Happy New Year! I look forward to following your reading again in 2017. I have a hold on the Overdrive audio of The Underground Railroad but it will be months before I get a turn, unless the library purchases more copies. I've been meaning to read North and South for years and hope to get to it in December when Elizabeth Gaskell is one of the featured authors in the BAC.

Happy New Year, Barbara. I am looking forward to following your reading and travels in 2017.

>63 cbl_tn: Thanks so much, Carrie. I have most BAC readings as an audio thetefore I thought to start with the longest first (North and South). So yes, it'll be a very unusual approach for the BAC 2017. I've heard a lot about The Underground Railroad so I had to pick it when I saw it at the library.

>64 Familyhistorian: Thanks so much, Meg. It's wonderful to have you here.

Barbara, I've reserved the first Cotton Malone book from the library. I just couldn't help myself!

>66 susanj67: LOL I hope you'll have fun with them. Good morning Susan and Hapoy New Year. We'll go to the Kunsthaus today. I must see the Giacometti exhibition.

>67 Ameise1: Enjoy the exhibition, Barbara! I saw some of his work here in London many years ago, and can still remember the exhibition. I loved it

I think he is one of our greatest export. The exhibit is only about his sculptures. I try to take pictures to show them here.

Happy New Thread, Barb! You are always such a pleasure to have around. I hope that continues.

Hooray for The Underground Railroad. One of my top reads of 2016.

>70 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. Happy New Year to you, too. I hope to do better being around here than in the last months.

I'm looking forward to that reading.

This morning we were at the Alberto Giacometti exhibition at the Kunsthaus Zürich. We saw many sculptures from all the eras that had never before been exhibited. There were also templates of plaster and clay and of course also his bronze figures. In part, we also saw how the big figures were put together. It was a great exhibition and Giacometti is probably one of the best exports in Switzerland.

                                   

Happy New Year, Barbara!

Loving all the photos, Barbara. What an interesting exhibition.

Hi Barbara, thank you for stopping by my thread with your lovely New Years wishes! The Alberto Giacometti exhibition looks wonderful!

Relying on my Irish heritage to leave you the following New Years wishes for you and your family:

>72 Ameise1: How beautiful Barbara, thank you so much for sharing the pictures!
Frank & I both love Giacometti :-)

>73 BLBera: Thanks so much, Beth.

>74 Crazymamie: It was indeed exciting, Mamie. I've seen lots of his oeuvres earlier but today I saw some gem and the audio guide was well done, too.

>75 lkernagh: Thanks so much for this most lovely Itish wishes, Lori.

>76 mstrust: Thanks so much, Jennifer. That looks great.

>77 FAMeulstee: Anita, I'm sure you would have liked to see the exhibits.

Well, look who is already acquiring new books...and listening to a December 2017 book as well. Good beginning to what I hope is another good year of reading, Barbara. I'll be following along with your journey. I love the pics from the museum.

>81 Donna828: Thanks so much, Donna. Life is good at the moment and we had indeed a fabulous museum visit.

>72 Ameise1: Very interesting. Thanks for sharing with us.

>83 Oberon: You're welcome, Erik. It was very interesting.

>72 Ameise1: Thanks for the pictures of this exhibition. It looks wonderful. I've only ever seen the elongated Giacometti figures, but I loved the squared off head sculptures! I'm sure the whole show was fascinating.

>85 ffortsa: Judy, it was indeed an amazing exhibition. They show all periods of his oeuvres. I know that he is famous for his thin figures but I love his other works too.

Hi Barbara poping by with a *. The photos in #72 are very nice the art work is right up my street.

Love the art. I really like the way those faces are displayed.

>87 BBGirl55: It's lovely to see you here, Bryony. Glad you like the photos.

>88 charl08: Charlotte, it was an amazing exhibition. You're right the display was gorgeous.

I've another 70 pages to go in The Cold Six Thousand. I'm not sure if I'm finishing tonight.

Happy New Year, Barbara. Starred!

Wonderful pictures of the Giacometti exhibit. I was only familiar with his "tall skinny people", so it was interesting to see such varied pieces.

Hi, Barbara! Happy new year!

Happy New Year, Barbara, and a star! I wish you a year of great satisfaction and lots of good reading! The Giocometti pics are stunning. Thank you!

>90 tymfos: Thanks so much, Terri. It's lovely to see you here.

>91 arubabookwoman: Thanks so much, Deborah. I know zhat most people are familar with the skinny ones. BTW the male figure is mostly his brother Diego.

>92 scaifea: Hi Amber, it's good to see you here.

>93 LizzieD: Thanks so much for your kind words, Peggy. Wishing you a happy new year, too.

>95 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim. I hope you feel much better.

book 1

 The Cold Six Thousand
2017 ROOT challenge

This is the second book of Underworld USA . It begins with the turmoil in Dallas after JFK's assassination and ends with the assassination of RFK. Ellroy shows relentlessly the corruption within the regims up to the highest places, the mafiose participations of different groups, Vietnam with all the dark machinations and acting with heroin as well as the rise and fall of Martin Luther King. Money and envy rule the world. Many of the protagonists from the first book of this trilogy have their fingers in the book. I will probably meet some of them in the third volume while others are dead.
Ellroy has a very special writing style. Sometimes it is like a telegram to read, then again as fluid as a thriller. In any case, it is very exciting and entertaining.

Next reading will be The Underground Railroad.

Happy New Year, Barbara, and Happy Reading! Thanks for starting my week with some art! :)
Btw. my Zurich friend Karin now lives in the same house and still visits her mum frequently - I hope this way I'll get that Zurich weekend planned this year.

>99 Deern: Thanks for stopping by, Nathalie. Would be nice to meet you one day this year.

The Underground Railroad was one of my favorites from last year; I hope you enjoy it. I'll watch for your comments, Barbara.

>101 BLBera: I'm one third into it, Beath. So far I like it very much. Just having a coffee break before going back to the reading.

>97 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! You've gotten off to a great start to 2017 with books finished and museums visited. Fascinating photos, thanks for sharing.

Ya got me with The Cold Six Thousand, and so with a Christmas present of an Amazon Gift Card, I've bought the first two of the series. I loved The Black Dahlia, and am excited to read more of Ellroy.

Love the photos from the museum, Barbara. What a great start to the year.

>103 karenmarie: Karen, I'm a huge Ellroy fan. I've read all four books of the L.A. Quartett and loved it. I hope you enjoy the Underworld USA as much as I do.
I love Giacomettis works vety much.

>104 cameling: It's so wonderful to see you here, Caro. We had indeed a fabulous time at the exhibit yesterday. I phoned my MIL and told her to see this special exhibit, too. She couldn't join us yesterday. She was visiting a cousin of us who is staying in hospital.

>97 Ameise1: Great to see that your first book was a success already.

>106 Trifolia: Oh yes, it was, Monica. I have to make sure to read once a year an Ellroy chunkster. Love his books.

I've added The Cold Six Thousand to my wishlist. I've enjoyed the other books I've read by James Ellroy

>108 arubabookwoman: Deborah, I strongly recommend to read American Tabloid first. It's the first of the trilogy and in my opinion you have to read that one first to get the whole story.

Ok I'm on my way out but with public transportation due to the snow. First I'm seeing the hairdresser and after that I'm going to school. I have a meet-up with my team colleague to prepare next week and all the patents meeting we'll have in January.

>72 Ameise1: What an amazing exhibit! Thank you for sharing all the photos.

>97 Ameise1: Your first read looks like a good one. I'll have to explore this trilogy; glad you showed me the way.

>111 Matke: Gail, we had a great time at the museum. We are members of the Kunsthaus Zürich therefore we are going regulary to see different exhibits.

I like Ellroy's book and ths trilogy is very good.

>109 Ameise1: American Tabloid was one of the Ellroy's I read and enjoyed. However, I read it so long ago and have so little memory of it, I will probably have to reread it first if it is important for The Cold Six Thousand. Luckily, it was a book I liked enough that I kept it rather than gave it away, and it is still on my shelves.

>113 arubabookwoman: Enjoy the rereading.

book 2

 The Underground Railroad

This book is definitv a must read. The different stations, which Cora lived through are described very lively. It starts with the description of her birthplace on a cotton plantation. The first shows how her grandmother as a slave came from Africa to America. Afterwards, Cora grew up, how the life and the anxiety were on the plantage. She gets to know Caesar and the first ride with the underground train begins. She gets to know different destinations, as well as different people, including those who help her, and others who are angry with her. She always returns to the underground train, which often leads her to a destination where she can catch a breath, but also to places where she experiences misfortune. Between the various chapters of the different destinations are chapters about people who were important to Cora.
While reading, I often felt I was part of the story. Sometimes it caused me stomach pain, then anger and then relief.

Next reading The Collected Short Stories of Elizabeth Bowen

WHAT good reading you've found for yourself! I also was a 5-star reader of *U RR*. I'm not much of a short story reader, but I have found Elizabeth Bowen's novels satisfying in the past. Enjoy!

Nice review, Barbara! I had that one out from the library, but I had to return it before I was finished as it had been requested. I need to get it back again.

>117 LizzieD: It was a fabulous reading. I'm looking forward to the Bowen reading. I've never read something of her before.

>118 Crazymamie: That's a pitty, Mamie. I hope you're able to get it back soon.

Happy New Year, Barbara! Great review of The Underground Railroad; I'll probably read it the weekend after next.

>120 kidzdoc: Thanks so much, Darryl. I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

>115 Ameise1: 5 stars for The Underground Railroad? Sounds right to me, Barb. Good review. One of my top reads of '16.

Hello there, Barbara! Wow things are truly hopping over here! Your reading and your thread have gotten off to a great start! A big fan of The Underground Railroad here, too. Colin Whitehead was a featured speaker at the Boston Book Festival in October -- fantastic!

Wishing you a wonderful 2017 full of reading and happiness!

>122 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. I've seen it on several threads that it is a must-read and it is so.

>123 michigantrumpet: Hello Marianne, it's wonderful to see you here. Lucky lady, being able to meet and hear Colin Whitehead. Wishing a wonderful 2017, too.

Hi Barbara! I'm 41 pages into American Tabloid and really loving it.

I hope the prep for the January meetings has been going well.

>125 karenmarie: I was just over at your thread and sa2 that you're reading it. Enjoy it.

Well, the prep went well, thanks so much. Now, I'm doing the fine tune of it.

Glad you loved The Underground Railroad! It's one of my must-reads this year.

>127 The_Hibernator: I hope you'll like it as much as I did, Rachel.

Sounds like a great start to the years reading Barbara. Hope your meeting goes well.

WLed The Underground Railroad since you are about the fifth person to five-star it!!

>129 charl08: Indeed, it is a great start of this reading year, Charlotte. My hubster and I are soon of to buy a new laptop for me. My one is soon six years old and is very slow.

>130 Berly: Kim, it's indeed a gorgeous reading. I hope you'll like it as much as I did.

Happy Friday, Barb! Hope you have an R & R weekend planned. You go back to work next week, right?

Hi, Barbara! I saw and audio version of The Underground Railroad at the library yesterday. I may have to pick it up the next time I'm there...

>132 msf59: Happy Friday toyou, too,Mark. Yep, I'm back to work on Monday. It's szarting busy with teaching and lots of meetings. So I'll be occupite from 7am til 7pm.

>133 scaifea: Go for it, Amber. I'm not the only one who liked it very much. Hope you'll like it as much as I did.

Barbara, the exhibition looks wonderful. I was only familiar with the tall skinny people too :-)

I've just wishlisted the first book in the James Ellroy series, and tried to recommend the whole trilogy for purchase by the elibrary. But apparently I've reached the limit of items I can recommend. I think I've recommended two things! Maybe there is a daily limit. I'll try again tomorrow :-)

>135 susanj67: I'm glad you like Giacometti, Susan. Unfortunately most people know only his skinny figures wheras lots of his other sculptures are gorgeous.

We can recommend for books too. We have to pay a small extra fee but will get the book firsthand.
I hope you'll get the whole trilogy.

book 3 Read in German

 The Collected Short Stories Of Elizabeht Bowen
BAC January

This book, filled with short stories about women of different types and men who believe the women to understand but can not at all this, was a great reading.
The very different types of women, sometimes girlish, sometimes matrons, sometimes uncertain personalities and then strong character, are described in great detail with all their wishes, their thinking and their anger. The inadequacy of the men, who often made me smile, are presented in detail with every stereotype.
Bowens writing style is fascinating. She writes in such a detailed manner that her stories are perceived as a film. Of course, her figures mostly come from the better society, but this also has to do with the time in which they were written.

Next reading Geraubte Liebe by Dacia Maraini.

I was at the library and brought The Winter Vault for the Canadien challenge home.

Happy Weekend, Barbara!

>139 michigantrumpet: Thanks so much, Marianne. Happy weekend to you, too.

book 4 Read in German

 Geraubte Liebe

These are shocking short stories about mistreated women. Relentlessly, Maraini writes about various violent and sexual abuse to women in Italy. Even though this is written as fiction, it is unfortunately God's truths, which happen far too often in Europe, but also in all other parts of the world. There are grievances, which usually remain anonymous, people look away and the victims, psychically caught in their misery, can not resist.
Unfortunately, it also shows that these women are often not believed, especially when the offender is an 'important' personality or someone with money. Neither the police nor the courts are behind the victim. The investigations in these cases are often performed only superficially.
The story about the sexually abused children made me very sad and angry. I had great difficulty reading it to the end.
Maraini writes clearly and directly without something to gloss over.

>141 Ameise1: Nice review of a very important book, Barbara. I can't tell for certain, but it doesn't seem to have been translated into English yet.

I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend, and that the weather in Zürich isn't too bad.

Currently reading Hotel Empire Hongkong by John Lanchester. Fabulous reading do far.

>142 kidzdoc: Absolutely important book, Darryl. Thanks so much. No, there isn't an English translation so far. I hope that it will be translated one day.

I'll take it relaxed this weekend. I'm going back to work on Monday and have a very busy week ahead.

Hi Barbara! Congratulations on getting some good reading in! I hope you are having a great weekend.

Thanks so much, Karen. I had indeed some great books. Happy weekend to you, too.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend, Barbara. xx

Have a lovely weekend, Barbara

>147 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. I hope your Sunday will be a good one, too.

>148 cameling: Caro, how wonderful. Thanks so much. I would need it indoor at the moment. It's freezing here.

Hope you are staying warm this weekend, Barbara.

>149 Ameise1: As it is here too. It's snowing steadily today with no sign of it stopping any time soon.

>115 Ameise1: The Underground Railroad sounds interesting, I'll look out for it.

>150 ronincats: I'm at home staying warm with a pot of tea whereas my daughters are outside patying. They put such a lot of clothes on that they look like moonwalkers. :-) Happy weekend, Roni.

>151 cameling: Caro, forecast told us more snow for the upcoming days, too. Ok it's winter and we'll need the snow for our annual ski holiday in Davos.
Stay safe and warm.

>152 eclecticdodo: Joe, hopefully you'll find a copy. It's a fantastic book.

Oh my, Barbara, you're going like a train! And what an interesting choice of books so far. I'm a bit envious because I had an awful reading-week and only managed to finish one book. Have a lovely Sunday!

>154 Trifolia: Thanks so much, Monica. You don't have to be envious my reading will slow down when I'm back to work and there it will be very busy.
Indeed, I was reading some gorgeous books.
Happy weekend.

Caught a BB for the Maraini book. Sadly, violence against women has become a big issue in Italy recently. Either it is on the rise again or victims come out more often, but there have also been shocking numbers of murders, usually by jealous (ex)partners in recent years, and no - it's not "foreigners" at all. There have been "we apologize" days and other stuff, but the numbers don't go down.

>156 Deern: Oh dear, isn't it terribly awful. We have violences against women here too. Nathalie, I suppose that you can find it in all 'first' contries and yes, lots of people close their eyes and won't help because 'he is such a friendly neighbour'.

I hope you enjoy you the last day of your vacation, Barbara.

>158 FAMeulstee: I will certainly do so, Anita. A little bit of work at my home office and lots of reading. I love my currently book Hotel Empire Hongkong very much so far.
We got more snow in the early hours and it will be snowing very often during the day.

Have a great last day of vacation today, Barbara!

>160 kidzdoc: I'll make sure, Darryl. I have to prepare something small for school and then I will read. There has been more snow. All in all, we have now received 25cm (9.84 inches) and the weather forecast means there would be much more in the next days.

Barbara, that's a lot of snow! I'm a bit ashamed to be staying at home just because it's foggy :-)

>162 susanj67: Oh, don't be ashamed, Susan. Enjoy the reading. BTW I can strongly recommend Lanchester's Hotel Empire Hongkong. I love my currently reading very much.

Happy Sunday, Barb! Your plans for your last day of "freedom", sounds perfect. Enjoy, my friend.

>164 msf59: My freedom has just disappeared. My team colleague called me and told me that she had a health relapse. The flu has got her under control again. Now I have to rethink everything we wanted to do next week, because there are things that can only be solved in small groups and not with a whole class.

>165 Ameise1: Oh, I am sorry Barbara!
So you have to do the class all by yourself next week?

>165 Ameise1: Oh, no! I'm so sorry that you've had this fall into your lap so suddenly (and that your colleague isn't well, of course)!

>166 FAMeulstee: Unfortunately, yes and all parent meetings too. Will be a stressful week.

>167 scaifea: What Amber said!

>167 scaifea: Thanks so much, Amber. I suppose there won't be much/any reading in the near future.

>169 Crazymamie: Thanks so much, Mamie. I'll try to do my best.

>170 Ameise1: I can commiserate with the not-reading part, at least - I haven't managed to find time to read much at all this year yet. Here's hoping that improves for us both, soon!

>170 Ameise1: I hope it for you, Amber. I'm working for six weeks until my ski holiday but then I get enough reading time.

Barbara--Oh no! I am sorry that your week is all messed up now. Good luck sorting through things.

>174 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim. I try to keep up.

I'm so sorry that your colleague is sick and that you have the burden of doing everything yourself. Hang in there. I hope the time passes quickly and that the burdens aren't too heavy.

>176 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. I'll do the best out of it.

oh, boo on the flu. It's a nasty, stubborn thing, and it's really messed up your week. I hope your colleague gets well soon, for your sake!

>178 ffortsa: Thanks so much, Judy. She was already sick the week before xmas. We worked together kast Tuesday and I had the feeling she feels much better. Today now the setback. I suppose I won't see her for the next two weeks.

Hope your colleague feels better soon, and that today went well Barbara.

>180 charl08: Thanks so much, Charlotte. I haven't heard of her yet. I just came home. It was a good day and the two parent meetings (each one an hour) went well.

>181 Ameise1: - Happy to see you're already able to post after what must have been a stressful and tiring day.

Sounds like you are marshaling your strength and are prepared for the week. I'm sure your colleague must find some relief in knowing everything is in your capable hands!

>181 Ameise1: So it was a long first day at work, Barbara, I hope your collegue is able to return soon.

>182 Trifolia: Monica, I just had to take a quick glimpse. At the moment, I'm busy installing various programs on my new laptop, which my husband could pick today. It's his Christmas present to me.

>183 michigantrumpet: Marianne, it was a bit stressful yesterday and today early in the morning, but once started everything went well.

>184 FAMeulstee: It was indeed a long day, Anita and it will be so the whole week.

Hi Barbara, sounds like you have had a busy and long day my dear. I hope you get your programs installed on your new laptop ok and what a lovely Christmas present. Sending love and hugs to you all.

>186 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. Most programs are set up. On Friday I'll take it at school and hopefully a colleague can set up everything which I need at school.
Love and hugs to both of you xx

I hope this week is going well for you Barbara, even under the burden of having to do things without your colleague.

Hope you got through the busy week OK, and can relax some this weekend!

>188 karenmarie: Thanks so much, Karen. I survived. To top the busy week it my turn this week to be visited by headmaster who once a year is visiting everybody at our school.

>189 tymfos: I made it, Terri. It looks like that my colleague is still ill and won't be back next week and there are still three parent meetings to go. Today I was preparing for the upcoming week and tomorrow I'm going to the theatre to see Romulus der Grosse by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

I am sorry your collegue won't be back next week, Barbara, busy week ahead again...
I hope you enjoy the Dürrenmat play, I read his book Die Panne long time ago and only remember that I liked it.

>191 FAMeulstee: Anita, I've read most of his plays and have seen them too. I absolutely like Dürrenmatt.
We've got lots of snow and it will be snowing for the next few days non-stop.

Oh, sorry to hear about your busy week/ days , teaching all by yourself, Barbara. Best wishes and keep your mind on the upcoming ski holiday , if you can!

Barbara, sorry to hear that you've had to cover for illness (but tell your colleague to stay away until she's better, and not come in and give it to you!). I hope the theatre is good. And the new laptop sounds exciting!

>194 susanj67: Thanks so much,, Susan. My colleague and I ate calling regulary and I keep her updated. I told her that she can only come when she feels 100% fit. I'm looking forward to the performance today. I'm a huge Dürrenmatt fan.
BTW Hotel Empire Hongkong is a must-read. I hope you find a copy of it at your library. I have only a few pages to go. Keep my fingers crossed zhat I find time to finish it today.

>195 Ameise1: Barbara, that John Lanchester is definitely at my library - you've convinced me to get it next time I'm there :-)

>196 susanj67: :-)

Nice to see the book bullets flying around here. Hope you have a great time at the theatre.

We like our BBs flying. It gives us plenty of choices.

Happy Sunday, Barb! I hope you can find some time for the books today.

>198 charl08: Yep, I got some BBs too. I'm sure I'll have a great time at the theatre, Charlotte. We're off in a bit more then an hour. It's a late afternoon performance and afterwards we'll have some dinner at a pizzaria before returning at home.

>199 msf59: How right you are, Mark.
I just finished a fantastic book. My review is following soon.

book 5 Read in German

 Fragrant Harbour

This book must be read. It is the story of four people who have to deal with Hong Kong at different times and who also have a relationship with each other. The story stretches over several decades. It begins in the early 30's and continues until today. The main character experiences the whole time. He travels to Hong Kong as a young man on the ship. On this crossing, he meets people who will accompany him all his life. In Hong Kong, he began to work at the Hotel Empire. He quickly learns the customs, the smear, the corruption and the political turnarounds between the colony and China, and what influence means. The time in this region during the WWII is very impressively described.
Even if this book is a fiction, it reflects the habits and life very realistically. I highly recommend this book.

Next reading The Winter Vault by Anne Michaels.

>201 Ameise1: Ooh I have that one on the shelves, Barbara, so I must get it down soon!

Good for you covering for the illness of others and hopefully not picking anything up yourself except good cheer.

Have a lovely Sunday.

>203 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. Go for it. I hope you'll like as much as I did.
Happy Sunday to you, too.

Happy Sunday, Barbara!
How was the play?

>205 mstrust: The play was gorgeous, Jennifer. I have to see 7f I can find photos of it on the internet.

Hi Barbara, hope you have had a relaxing weekend my dear after such a busy week for you, I hope this week is not going to be as taxing workwise and that your colleague comes back to work fit and healthy. Sending love and hugs.

>207 johnsimpson: Unfortunately, the week ahead will be like the last one. My colleague is still ill and won't be back in the near future. So I'm still on my own with the class, patent meetings and other meetings. The week is already filled. In a few minutes I'm on the way to work and won't be back until 7.30pm. L8ve and hugs to both of you xx

Good luck with your week, Barbara.

Oh gosh, I'm so sorry that you're still so swamped at work, Barbara. I hope it lets up soon for you.

I'm sorry to hear that your colleague is still ill. There seems to be a lot of debilitating sickness this winter everywhere I look on LT. I'm not glad your colleague has it, just glad that you don't!

I hope this week goes well even under the additional burdens, Barbara.

>201 Ameise1: Book bullet for me. Sounds great.

>201 Ameise1: Thanks for the review--this one sounds really good. Wishing you good luck as you carry on solo in the classroom.

>209 DianaNL: Thanks so much, Diana. I finally made it home (8pm).

>210 scaifea: Amber, I've called her today and she doesn't sound well. I suppose I'm much longer on my own then I thought.

>211 karenmarie: Karen, this season's viruses and flu are all over the planet terrible. I had it over xmas and it was no fun. So far today went well.

Fragrant Harbour sounds very good, Barb! I have added it to the List!

>212 Oberon: Erik, this book is gorgeous. I hope you're able to get a copy of it.

>213 Berly: Thanks so much, Kim. I can need every small piece of luck this week.

>215 msf59: Go for it, Mark. I can strongly recommend it.

It can be difficult juggling all the students, plus conferences, and then a headmaster's visit just to top things off! How many students do you have? I hope your colleague recovers quickly and returns to work soon.

Hotel Empire Hongkong sounds delightful. I must see if I can find it.

I hope your week goes as smoothly as possible.

>218 Matke: Gail, there are twenty pupils in my class. Some of them need special care because they can't follow the instruction without a one to one support. Therefore we are two teachers for one class. Now, I have to do it on my own and I can't support everybody as I usualy can and that is frustrating.

I hope you'll find a copy of that book. I loved it very much.

Hi Barbara! I'm glad to see that you've had a string of very good books. I hope it continues for you!

>220 cbl_tn: Thanks so much, Carrie. So far I'm very happy with my readings.

>201 Ameise1: I'll add this to the wishlist Barbara. Great review.

Hope your week is going ok - doing the work of two sounds challenging.

Nice review of Fragrant Harbour, Barbara. I'll add it to my wish list, as a trip to Hong Kong to visit friends in the next two or three years is a distinct possibility.

I hope that your week is going as well as it can, and that your colleague will return next week.

>222 charl08: Charlotte, I hope you'll find a copy of it. It was a great reading.

>223 kidzdoc: Darryl, I've never been to Hong Kong and it doesn't look like I'm going there in the near future.

Well, my colleague is still ill and will not return soon. She saw the doctor today and he told her to see himnext Monday again. So, definitely I'll start the upcoming week without her. Tomorrow, I asked another colleague to give me a hand for one lesson in our school library. We don't have a librian. We are doing it on our own but not with the whole class. Therefore I'll get help otherwise I wouldn't be able to do it with ny 1st graders on my own.

I am sorry the end of your extra work is not in sight yet, Barbara, I hope the library visit with the other colleague goes well.

>225 FAMeulstee: Thanks so much, Anita. I'm sure it will go well with her. She is a nice lady.

book 6 ♫ Read in German

 North and South
BAC December

This is an interesting story even if the end was for my feeling a bit too sweet. Margaret Hale, moved with her parents from southern England to the north in an industrial city, because her father abandoned the parish and tried to teach in the North as a private teacher. Margaret, in spite of her great efforts to cope with the harsh climate of an industrial city, soon came to know different inhabitants who belonged to the working class. She also met the factory owner John Thorton, who was a student of her father, and his mother. Thorton quickly fell in love with Margaret while his mother was very repulsive. Margaret and Thorton discussed a strike. Margaret had a great deal of understanding for the working class and supported them. When Margaret's mother died and her brother secretly went home for the funeral home, then he was looked for as a mutineer, Thorton thought it was her lover. During the time that followed, everyone thought only the worst about the other.
This story is based on many misunderstandings and communication difficulties between Margaret and Thorton. At the very end, Margaret realized that behind the proud factory owner, there was a person who cares about his employees.

Next listening:
 Kiss Kiss

>227 Ameise1: I think husband and I watched a TV miniseries of North and South. I've read Cranford by Gaskell and thought it an excellent book.

I have to absolutely be in the right mood for slow-paced books - they are rich and interesting but you have to take the time to actually read (or listen, in your case).

I'm so sorry that your colleague is still sick. I know you feel bad for her, yet it is making things so stressful for you. Take care of yourself during this time, and I hope she is able to come back to school very soon.

>229 karenmarie: Karen, because I' traveliing by public transportatin to school (due to snow and ice) I was able to finish those 17 CDs. It was just the right thing for that. The next listening is also for the BAC (October). I know I make a very unusual approach to this year's BAC.

Me too, I hope she comes back soon but I doubt that it will be very soon.

>27 FAMeulstee: I hope to finally read North and South later this year. I've read several of her other books and I've liked them all. Her unfinished Wives and Daughters is my favorite to date.

>231 cbl_tn: Carrie, it was my first one of her books. I have to take a look at my local library if they have other of her books.

I hope, for your sake and for hers, that she begins to feel better soon so that you can have some of the load taken off you.

>228 Ameise1: What's Kiss Kiss about? Never heard of that one of his.

>233 lunacat: Me too, Jenny.

>234 Berly: Kim, it's a collection of short stories with black humour. I tell you more when I start listening to.

>227 Ameise1: Nice review Barbara.

You have been reading some very good books in the new year.

Take care!

>236 luvamystery65: Thanks so much, Roberta. I read indeed some very good books. I can all of them recommend.

I like your review of North and South, Barbara. I have it as an e-book, and like Karen, i hope to get to it this year. You might like her Cranford. It's fairly short, with both humor and sadness. I loved it.

Any hope of a substitute teacher coming in to work with you while your colleague is out? You'll be worn out by the time she returns!

>238 Matke: Gail, I hope you'll like it as much as I did.

Another colleague came today for one lesson and she will join me next Monday for two lessons. It's just a 'drop on a hot stone' (free translated from German) but better than nothing.

Hi Barbara, hope you are not too worn out my dear having to cope on your own, as you have said the little bit of help you have had is better than nothing but still doesn't really help the situation much. Sending love and hugs my dear.

>240 johnsimpson: Thanks so much, John. I'm a bit worn out and still have lots of meetings going on after work for the next ten days.
Love and hugs to both of you.

Happy Thursday, Barbara! Just stopping in to make sure I keep up with you. Sorry to hear about all the after work meetings for the next several days - no fun.

Kiss Kiss (Küßchen Küßchen) was my first Roald Dahl as a young teen. It was half-"forbidden" lit then and a classmate had told me about the "Schwein" story. I believe that was the first time I learned about vegetarians. :)
Don't know if I'd still enjoy those morbid stories as much if I read them now for the first time - a reread is in order in any case and this time in English!

>242 Crazymamie: Thanks so much, Mamie. It was a long day leaving the house at 6.45am and returning at 9.30pm but this are my 'normal' working days currently and no end in sight.

>243 Deern: Nathalie, I started the listening yesterday and so far I like this kind of black humour very much.

I'm so sorry to hear that your colleague is sick and that you are left on your own with the class. That is difficult that they do not get you a substitute teacher to help you every day at work. Here, if a teacher was off sick, a substitute teacher would be called in to replace the ill teacher until the teacher returned to work. Best wishes to you, and try to stay healthy yourself. Take care, Barbara!

double posting. sorry!

Happy Friday, Barb! I hope the work day goes smoothly for you.

>245 vancouverdeb: Deb, we have this system too when a teacher is ill but currently there are such a lot of teachers sick in the 'state of Zürich' that they are lucky to make sure there is one teacher for one class.

>247 msf59: I'm glad that weekend is starting, Mark.

Enjoy your weekend, Barbara, I hope you have plenty of rest & reading!

>250 Ameise1: Thanks so much, Anita. I've to prepare next week (school, meetings etc.) but I try to squeeze some R&R.

I was wondering why no substitute was there too, Barbara, but I can remember when that was the case here and there was very limited availability of substitutes for a short time. It's frustrating because you are reduced to whole class activities and not the targeted teaching that many students need. Lost time for everyone to some degree.

>251 ronincats: Agreed, Roni. I had a call from my colleague. She tries to return next Wednesday for a few hours. I hope she won't have a setback again.

This is apparently near Mount Rigi

Have a splendid weekend, Barbara

>253 PaulCranswick: Thanks so much, Paul. The old lady Rigi is a wonderful place for walking.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, too.

Hope you have a relaxing weekend and that your colleague is feeling better soon.

>255 charl08: Thanks so much, Charlotte. She should be back for a few hours from next Wednesday on. Not full time but 50%. I hope she is good for it and won't have a setback. I've to prepate lots for school and all the meetings in the upcoming week. It will be another week of leaving vety early and coming back very late in the evening. I hope to get some reading time this weekend.

Hapy weekend to you, too. I hope your first week at your new job was a go8d one.

Happy weekend, Barbara!
Good news that the other teacher will gradually start coming back soon!

Hi Barbara! I hope you have a lovely weekend!

>257 scaifea: Thanks so much, Amber. I'm really happy that she will start working part time. It will help enormous even though I have to prepare everything on my own.

>258 cbl_tn: Thanks so much, Carrie. Currently I'm preparing lots of stuff for the upcoming week. Next to teaching I have lots of meetings. In half an hour I should be able to start reading a bit. Will postpone the rest of the preparation for tomorrow morning.

Very interested in your Roald Dahl reading. My first book for the year was his Matilda which I quite enjoyed.

Wishing you a happy weekend!

>260 michigantrumpet: What a beautiful spot. Thanks so much, Marianne. I've listen to four of the ten Dahl's short stories. Absolutely gorgeous so far. I love the black humour very much and sometimes I had to giggle even though the meaning of the stories are a bit morbid. It's defintely an enjoyable listening.

Have a great weekend, Barbara.

Happy Saturday, Barb! I hope you find some R & R time this weekend.

>262 BLBera: Thanks so much, Beth. I was working for school the whole day and now it's dinner time. I hope to do some reading tomorrow.

>263 msf59: Thanks so much, Mark. I suppose R&R will be tomorrow.

Barbara--Thinking of you and hoping you get some Me-Time this weekend. Glad your co-hort will be back part-tie on Wednesday and I hope her recovery goes smoothly, for her sake and yours! Happy weekend.

>265 Berly: Me too. I keep my fingers crossed. Thanks so much, Kim.

Happy Weekend, Barbara!

>267 michigantrumpet: Thanks so much, Marianne. It's just the place where I am right now. Happy weekend to you too.

Hi Barbara, hope you have managed to have a rest full weekend after the bust two weeks previously. Good to see that your colleague will be back from Wednesday even though she will not be fulltime but this better than nothing. Love and hugs to you all my dear and Karen says hello.

Hi Barbara stopping to get caught up and taking a decided BB for The Underground Railroad. Looks like you have been having an unexpectedly busy month to start off the year. Here is hoping that you get assistance with juggling everything while your colleague remains out sick.

Here is hoping that this overload of work comes to an end soon for you.

Hope you had a great weekend. I am really behind on many threads. Too much going on. Then I awakened this morning with a splitting headache. I could only stay in bed so long though, and Advil has helped mitigate it. It's still there, but not throbbing.

I'm sorry to hear you are still struggling without your colleague. It must be very difficult with students who need that one-on-one help, and though 20 isn't that big a class (in my experience as a student), the minute you need to devote one-on-one time, it must feel like 100. Best wishes to your colleague for a final recovery!

>269 johnsimpson: Hi John, I got some time for me on Sunday afternoon and was able to read a bit in The Winter Vault. I suppose there won't be much reading time until next Sunday.

>270 lkernagh: Hi Lori, I loved The Underground Railroadvery much. I hope you'll get a copy of it.
I was glad that another colleague has given me a hand for two lessons yesterday morning, so I was able to read with my students in small groups.

>271 thornton37814: Oh Lori, I'm so sorry to hear about your headache. It's so terrible to have it. I hope you feel much better today. I had a very busy weekend due to preparing all stuff which is needed for school and all the meetings this week.

>272 ffortsa: Judy, it's so difficult to teach pupils which are needing one-to-one help when I am on my own. These students get very little with it and feel very uncomfortable, which I completely understand. I then always have a guilty conscience.

>273 Ameise1: No headache today! Hope it stays that way.

>274 thornton37814: So wonderful, Lori.

Glad to read you got at least some help yesterday morning, Barbara, your collegue will come to work partly tomorrow?

>276 FAMeulstee: Yep, she is coming for two lessons.

Hi, Barbara. I'm glad you got so much out of The Underground Railroad. Me, too.

>278 jnwelch: Isn't it a great book, Joe? I loved it.

Hi Barbara! I hope your colleague did well today on her first part day back.

>280 karenmarie: Hi Karen, she looked relaxed. She sees the doctor today and is hoping to get another part-time for next week. That's better than nothing.

Please join me on my new thread.