Beth's Books in 2017 - Part 1

My name is Beth. I love books – talking about them, writing about them, reading about them.

I teach English at my local community college, so I am always looking for books I can use in my classes.

I tend not to plan my reading, other than for my book club, which meets once a month. We meet in January and plan our year’s reading.

I tend to read more fiction than nonfiction and more women authors than men. This year, once again, I would like to read more diversely, in every sense of the word. I like to discover new writers.

I would also like to include more volumes of poetry in my 2017 reading.

Welcome to my thread. Lurk or stop and say hello.

Favorites of 2016
The Noise of Time
The Big Green Tent
Behold the Dreamers
Swing Time
Spain in Our Hearts
My Life on the Road
Human Acts
Moon Tiger
The Hour of Land
The Underground Railroad



Honorable Mention
The Bones of Paradise
News of the World
Mister Monkey
This Must Be the Place
The Improbability of Love

Currently Reading

Read in 2017
January
1. Moonglow
2. The Wangs vs. the World
3. To Dwell in Darkness*
4. Land of Careful Shadows*
5. March: Book Two*
6. A Manual for Cleaning Women*
7. A Family of Poems*
8. Phantom
9. The Mothers
10. Oil on Water
11. Police

February
12. Black Water

* From my shelf

Goals for 2017

1. I want to finish A Jury of Her Peers - that may take most of the year, but I would like to get through it.

2. At least half of my reading comes from my shelves.

3. I only buy a book if I give one away.

4. Twelve nonfiction reads.✔

5. Twelve poetry volumes.✔

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Beth. Dropped a star.

Hi Beth! I'm looking forward to following along again this year . Happy New Year!

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.

Thanks Barbara, Susan and Paul.

I am grateful to be part of the group as well.

Dropping my star, Beth! Happy New Year! Looking forward to seeing what you hit me with this year.

Happy New Year Beth!

Happy New Year, Beth! And to answer your question on my 2016 thread — yes to a Meetup this year. Should we try again for our traditional MLK Weekend?

Thanks Mamie and Roberta.

Hi Julia - Yes, let me check my calendar and/or ask my daughter. It seems to me that maybe she asked me to babysit. I'll get back to you. That is SOON.

I know, it always creeps up so fast. But if it doesn't work we can try for later in the spring when the weather would at least be more predictable. So no pressure!

Happy New Year, Beth.

Happy reading in 2017, Beth!

>15 rosalita: Let's try for it. It's early enough in the semester, that I don't have a lot of work to grade, so it works from that perspective. Are we thinking we would meet on the Monday?

Thanks Tad.

Thanks Anita.

Happy New Year, Beth. I'm just placing my star.

Happy New Year to you, too, Colleen. Have another great year of reading.

Happy New Year Beth! Thanks for visiting my thread.

Great to see you here, Birdy.

Hi Beth, thank you for stopping by my thread!

Relying on my Irish heritage to leave you the following New Years wishes:

Happy New Year, Beth! I hope it's a good one for you, filled with family, fun, and lots of good books!

Thanks Lori and Carrie.

>18 BLBera: Monday would be fine with me. I don't have any firm plans for any day that weekend. I've dropped a note to Amy's and Amber's threads to see if they are free. I don't think Steve has a 2017 thread yet but I'll be on the lookout for him.

Hi Beth! Happy new year!

>26 rosalita: - A meetup on Monday of MLK weekend would be great for me. We have our annual show choir competition on Saturday, but I don't have anything on my schedule for Monday yet!

Julia - I'll double check with my daughter and confirm.

Hi Amy - Thanks. It would be great to see you all. Amy, were you the one talking about Moonglow? I am loving it.

I think I can make a Monday meet-up! WOOT!!

Great, Amber. Will there be a Charlie appearance?

Hi Beth! Happy New Year. Love the Neil Gaiman quote at the top.

>28 BLBera: - Yes, I read Moonglow right before Christmas. It was one of the selections in my Parnassus First Editions subscription. I thought it was fascinating how Chabon elaborated on his grandfather's stories enough to label the book as a novel, but in a way that seemed to preserve the core of his stories. I'm glad that you are enjoying it!

Yay for a Monday meetup! I love it when a plan comes together. Now to hope for clear weather and no illnesses ...

I have heard nothing but good things about Moonglow, Beth. I am eagerly anticipating your reaction to it. You are such a cutting edge reader. I will probably be reading more of my older books this year than in the past but I am always tempted by your reviews and my very accommodating library.

Happy New Year! It looks like a meetup is in the works. Wish I lived closer.

ETA: I really liked the Neil Gaiman quote in your thread topper. Very nice.

>31 nittnut: Thanks Jennifer.

>32 porch_reader: I love the writing, and the character of grandfather is marvelous.

>33 rosalita: Keep your fingers crossed, Julia. I will double check with my daughter, but Monday should work for me.

>34 Donna828: Happy New Year to you as well, Donna. Well, since I usually break my resolutions to read off my shelves, I am giving in to those shiny new library books. I have loved the Chabon books that I've read, but this may turn out to be my favorite.

Checking in and hanging my star.

Hi Beth--Thanks for visiting my thread. I mostly lurked here last year, but always enjoyed that you read the latest fiction, which helps me to keep up. Also enjoyed your Scout stories!

Best wishes for the New Year!

Happy new year, Beth.

*star*

Welcome back!

>30 BLBera: I'm afraid the meet-up will have to be Charlie-free - he has school that day.

Happy New Year, Beth, and a star! I wish you a year of great satisfaction and lots of good reading! (I do want Moonglow too. Hmmm. My Thingaversary is coming soon!)

Happy new year and happy reading!

Happy new year, Beth!

Happy New Year Beth!

Count me in for an MLK meetup.

Happy New Year, Beth!

>44 swynn: Steve: Oh, yay!!

I look forward to this meet-up all year, folks. I'm excited!

Happy happy new year and new thread, Beth! Wishing you an outstanding 2017! I look forward to following your reads again this year!

>36 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. I'll be by to visit you. I haven't gotten around to all the threads yet.

>37 arubabookwoman: Thanks Deborah - I have to confess to lurking on your thread as well.

>38 tymfos: Thanks Terri.

>39 drneutron: Thanks Jim.

>40 scaifea: >46 scaifea: Well, it will be good to see just you, I suppose. ;)

>41 LizzieD: Hi Peggy - Moonglow is wonderful. I want to read it, but I don't want it to end.

>42 banjo123: Thanks Rhonda.

>43 katiekrug: Thanks Katie.

>44 swynn: Thanks Steve. It will be great to see you.

>45 DianaNL: Thanks Diana. Happy New Year to you as well.

>47 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda. I will be following yours as well.

Throughout the year I am continuing my reading of A Jury of Her Peers, a study of American women writers.

By the mid nineteenth century, many writers were concerned that American literature borrowed too much from English literature; Margaret Fuller, an intellectual expressed the concerns very well: "What suits Great Britain, with her insular position and consequent need to concentrate and intensify her life...does not suit a mixed race, continually enriched with new blood from other stocks the most unlike that of our first descent."

Fuller struggled with the gender divide as well and felt she could be an intellectual OR a woman. Her best-known work is Women in the Nineteenth Century; unfortunately she died young, so we don't know what direction her work would have taken.

Happy New Thread, Beth! You must have got lost in the shuffle. I could not find you. Hope you had a nice holiday.

Happy Reading in 2017! I am LOVING News of the World and now I have a crush on Ms. Jiles.

Happy New Year to you, Beth! I wish you much happiness in 2017.

>50 BLBera: This one sits on my shelves, one of those books I will get round to eventually (I hope!). Maybe this year (cue the showtune)?

Hi Mark. Thanks for stopping by. So glad you're loving News of the World.

Hi Anne - I've been watching for your thread. Happy New Year to you.

>53 charl08: Hey Charlotte - I would suggest we read it together, but I know you'll leave me in the dust. I take small bits at a time.

1. Moonglow - My first completed book of the year was a winner. It's the story of a life of the grandfather of the narrator, inspired, Chabon tells us by "the spark" of his uncle Stan's stories about WWII.

This novel is full of affection and humor, and Chabon, through his wonderful language and description, creates a memorable character. Chabon's language is wonderful; there are memorable quotes on almost every page. The details and description give a clear sense of the grandfather's personality: He was profane, pragmatic, yet retained a sense of optimism:

"The annual celebration of God's mercy, justice, and power, the feasts or fasts undertaken in praise of His Name, the miracles He was supposed to have thrown our way over the centuries -- in my grandfather's mind, it was all nullified by the thing he had not yet learned to call the Holocaust...When we were sent to the ovens, God had sat with His outstretched thumb up His mighty ass and let us burn."

The novel moves between episodes of the grandfather's life and the conversations he is having with his grandson on his deathbed. The narrative structure keeps giving up glimpses of the life of the narrator's grandparents and parents.

The affection for the characters is always at the forefront of the narrative and very endearing. It is my favorite Chabon to date, and one, I must say, in which he resists the temptation to give us a treatise on the V-2 rocket. Instead, we get a memorable character that will stand as one of the best.

Wonderful novel.

Next: The Manual for Cleaning Women for my book club.

>55 BLBera: - Great review, Beth! I tend to like Chabon, so I'll definitely pick this one up at some point.

Hi Beth! How nice that you liked your first book of the year so much!

Hi Beth - just delurking to say happy New Year and to echo your sentiments about Moonglow - one of my top ten last year! Definitely my favorite Chabon (although I loved both Kavalier and Clay and The Yiddish Policemen's Union as well.)

Thanks Katie - This is my favorite Chabon so far.

Hi Rachel - I know, right? This is a very good start to my year. And The Manual for Cleaning Women seems to be another great read.

Hi Vivian - Thanks for stopping by. I still have to visit threads, but there's so much activity right now, it's a little daunting. I loved both the Chabons that you mentioned, but Moonglow is my new favorite.

Oh I love Chabon - I'll add this one to my list!

>55 BLBera: I love Chabon. I haven't read that one but certainly will at some point.

Oh, bang! You got me with Moonglow. I know I can always count on a good read on your thread!

>55 BLBera: Glad you're off to a great start, Beth! I've been hearing good things about it but until now was not on my wishlist, so thanks to your great review it is now!

So glad to see that you loved Moonglow. What a great way to start the year!

What a nice review of Moonglow! I will have to look for it.

Amber and Tad - If you are already a Chabon fan, I think you'll love this one.

Thanks Anne - I think you will like it.

Lynda - It is a great start. I am loving The Manual for Cleaning Women as well.

Amy - It was wonderful.

Rhonda - I think you would like Moonglow.

Happy New Year, Beth! Sorry for the late greeting, but I've finally finished with my Christmas and New Year's Day work stretch and now have time to make the rounds.

Great review of Moonglow, which sounds far better and more interesting than his usual fare.

Hi Darryl - Happy New Year to you. Thanks for stopping by.

Hi, Beth! Wow! Some great books being read over here. I am glad you liked Moonglow. I have it saved on audio.

I hope you feel the same way about The Manual for Cleaning Women that I did. It was an amazing collection and one of my very favorite reads from '15.

Finished News of the World. What a terrific way to start the year.

Dropping by to plop my star, Beth! Dang! The place is hopping around here! Nice review on Moonglow -- already on my wishlist, but hoping to move things up a bit. Running to check to see how far back I am on the list for the library!

Wishing you a wonderful 2017 full of reading and happiness!

Hi Mark - I've read the first handful of stories, and Berlin is an artist. They are wonderful. Glad you liked News of the World. We are starting off the year right, aren't we?

Hi Marianne - Thanks for stopping by; good luck with getting your hands on Moonglow. It is wonderful.

Happy New Year to you as well.

Hi Beth, tracked you down! Great list of Bests for 2016 ... nice to see Moon Tiger there. And you've prompted me on several others I want to read this year, too: The Underground Railroad and Swing Time among them.

Thanks for stopping by, Nancy. It is so active around here these days that I am finding it impossible to keep up.

I just visited your thread and see that you have already finished four books! Incredible.

Glad you loved The Underground Railroad, it's on my to-read list this year.

Hi Rachel - Thanks for stopping by. I loved The Underground Railroad; I'll watch for your thoughts when you get to it.

Happy New Year, Beth! Thanks for visiting my 2017 thread!

I haven't read any of your 2016 favorites - yet. Some of them I hadn't heard about and will have to take a look at, while others - The Underground Railroad and News of the World - are on my TBR list.

Thanks for stopping by, Mary. I did have a good year in reading.

I think I've maxed out my library reserves again, it won't let me request Moonglow. Hope to get to it soon, nonetheless!

Happy New Year! (dropping a star)

You do make Moonglow a temptation, Beth!

Hi Beth, I've come by to drop my star and I see that you have gotten 2017 off to a great start with Moonglow. I am looking forward to following your reading again this year and am ready to be hit with many BBs!

Charlotte - How many books can you request?

Hi Roni - Thanks for stopping by.

It is great, Peggy.

Hi Judy - I have to find your thread. A hint?

I am busy getting ready for my annual book club party. We drink a little wine, snack a little, and choose books for the next year. It's always a good time.

Afternoon, Beth!

>83 BLBera: Ooof, that sounds lovely!

>82 BLBera: Beth, here's a link to my current thread: My 2017 Category Challenge - Part 1

>82 BLBera: 20 books. In my defence, some of them take ages to arrive...

It was fun, Amber. See our list below.

Thanks Judy: I'll stop by soon.

Charlotte! Well, to be honest, I have twenty on the list right now; I don't think we have a limit on physical books. For ebooks, the limit is 10.

Well, my book club met and we ate, drank, and were merry. We also chose reading for this year:

Jane Eyre
The Eyre Affair
How to Be a Heroine or, What I’ve Learned From Reading Too Much
The Intuitionist
My Name Is Lucy Barton
The Bastard of Istanbul
The Boys in the Boat
The Call: A Novel
A Man Called Ove
March Book One
The Children of Green Knowe

Nice picks for your book club. I've enjoyed Lucy Barton, A Man Called Ove and I hope to read The Bastard of Istanbul.

Great picks! I think it would be a kick to read Jane Eyre followed by The Eyre Affair -- brilliant!

My kids both loved the Green Knowe books. Somehow we found the first two in a catalog on audio, and they must have listened to them 50 times. Fast forward a few years... I usually don't listen to audiobooks in the car when the girls are with me, but I was so close to the end of Barchester Towers and asked Marina if she minded if I finished it. Not 30 seconds later she said, "Mom! This is Simon Vance!" I had forgotten he narrated the Green Knowe books but she recognized him instantly.

Oh, the Green Knowe books are *amazing*!

Great picks! I love Jane Eyre, one of my all-time favorites.

>88 vancouverdeb: I think they are good picks, Deborah. I've read five of them, but it will be fun to discuss them.

>89 AMQS: It will be interesting to see what the group thinks of The Eyre Affair; one of the members just discovered Fforde and is zipping her way through them. I read the first two years ago, but will be happy to reread them.

I read The Children of Green Knowe to my kids eons ago; it will be fun to revisit it, and add it to Scout's library.

>90 scaifea: I know, Amber. I think I've only read the first one.

>91 porch_reader: Jane Eyre is one of my favorites as well, Amy. And it just occurred to me that it has been years since I read it. Definitely time for a reread.

Two book bullets from you… Human Acts because it was on the list of favorites and Moonglow due to the excellent review. I have a real-life friend who also recommended it to me.

Beth, it looks like another year of fun reading for your book group. I am seriously worried about the fate of my group through the library. We have a new library manager, and she is going to reevaluate all programs offered. Ours is a small group. Sounds like the kiss of death. Oh noooooo...

Great picks, Beth! Haven't read all of these, but they're all on my radar. I loved A Man Called Ove, and Jane Eyre is a favourite, too.

Thanks Donna - Well, if your book club ends, you can come to Minn. once a month! Good luck.

Thanks, Nancy. I look forward to our discussions this year. I love that the group is willing to read books that are outside their usual reading preferences.

I just picked up the first Green Knowe book on audible. Lots of warbling. Must investigate. :)

Interesting list, Beth! I'm currently reading Jane Steele, and I know I'll read Jane Eyre (or want to) when I finish it.
>93 Donna828: Why are numbers so important???? Looks to me like a small group reading and discussing books with enthusiasm would be greatly superior to a larger, less invested bunch of people.

Hi Jenn - I read the first of the Green Knowe books to my kids when they were little, but I don't remember them. It will be interesting to see how they hold up.

Hi Peggy - I've heard good things about Jane Steele; I'll have to see if I can get my hands on a copy.

>93 Donna828: I agree - one would think a book discussion group wouldn't be much of a budget item, and I would think it would be worth it to keep patrons happy.

Morning, Beth! Happy Sunday to you!

Thanks Mamie - Happy Sunday to you as well. My last day of break :(

Oh, bummer. Hope it's a good one!

I have a great schedule, so it should be a good semester. Fingers crossed.

Happy Sunday, Beth! Staying warm & cozy? Hooray for Book Club Picks! A nice list. I was a late-bloomer to Jane Eyre, but what a wonderful novel that is, worthy of it's classic status.

March and Ove are good books too. I really liked The Call too.

Good luck getting back to work.

Hi Beth! Great book club reading list! Do you meet monthly with the group or otherwise?
I'm almost half way thru A Gentleman in Moscow, I'm a slow snail when it comes to reading!

>98 BLBera: The Green Knowe books were some of my favorites as a child. About 20 years ago, when I had young ones, I tracked down old copies (they were out of print at that point) and re-read them. I thought that Children, Chimneys and Enemy held up well. The others perhaps a bit less so.

None of my kids ever got the bug for these types of books that I had. There was a particular age...maybe around 3rd grade or so...where I couldn't get enough of L.M. Boston, Carol Kendall, Eleanor Cameron, Alan Garner and the like.

>103 msf59: Thanks Mark. The hardest part will be getting up and going early in the cold. I imagine you understand what I mean.

>104 Carmenere: I think it's a great list. We meet monthly. We've been meeting since 2002, and there are two or three of the charter members till attending.

>105 TadAD: Hi Tad. I don't remember how old my kids were when we read Green Knowe. It may have been early elementary; after that their tastes really diverged. My son loved fantasy and my daughter loved animals.

I always look forward to seeing what your book club picks for the year. Thanks for sharing!

>87 BLBera: That's a great book-club list, Beth! I'll be curious what you think of the Jasper Fforde book (The Eyre Affair).

How is the weather forecast up your way for our meet-up next Monday? Right now we are forecast to have the dreaded "wintry mix" but hopefully that will change as the week goes on.

Thanks, Julia. I know, I saw the freezing rain forecast this morning. If it doesn't change, I won't be making the trip. I am terrified of driving on ice. Darn! But, it's a whole week away, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will change.

I really liked The Eyre Affair when I read it and will be happy to read and discuss, especially right after reading Jane Eyre.

I'm a huge fan of Meryl Streep, and this only cemented my respect:
http://www.cnn.com/2017/01/08/entertainment/meryl-streep-golden-globes-speech/in...

>97 LizzieD:, >98 BLBera: I hope that is the prevailing opinion of the library gods. I was just told that ALL programs were being reevaluated. *Crossing my fingers for the small but mighty Evening Book Group*

Yay! I found your thread and am leaving an enthusiastic star atop it.
Wishing you all good things in 2017 and hoping it's the year we finally get to have an in-person meetup. :-)

>110 BLBera: Yep and yep.

>111 Donna828: Keeping fingers crossed, Donna.

>112 EBT1002: - Thanks for the visit, Ellen.

Hi Beth! It looks like you got the year off to a good start with Moonglow. It's one I'm eager to read soonish. And I love your book club picks for the year.

Thanks Carrie. I'm reading a wonderful short story collection, A Manual for Cleaning Women and a great novel The Wangs vs. the World right now, too. The reading year is starting off strong.

I am looking forward to a reread of Jane Eyre

Ooh, I just picked up The Wangs vs the World in a Kindle sale a few days ago!

>115 BLBera: >116 katiekrug: - I picked up The Wangs Vs the World in that sale too! I had almost bought it a couple of times in 2016. It sounds like a good one!

Hi Beth! I really need to get to A Manual for Cleaning Women

>116 katiekrug: and >117 porch_reader: - I just finished The Wangs vs. the World, and it is great. See my comments below.

>118 banjo123: A Manual for Cleaning Women is shaping up to a five-star read, Rhonda. Berlin is a real artist.

2. The Wangs vs. the World is the story of Charles Wang and his family. Charles immigrated to the US as a young man and made millions producing makeup. Then, during the recession, he lost everything. He decides to collect his family and drive cross country to his daughter who lives in upstate New York.

Charles is angry and feels that the US betrayed him: "America was a great deception. Land of Opportunity. Golden Mountain. Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. But inside those pretty words, between the pretty coasts, was this: Miles and miles of narrow-minded know-nothings who wanted no more out of life than an excuse to cock their AK-47s and take arms against a sea of troubles."

His last chance, he thinks, is to return to China to recover the land that his family lost when the Communists took over.

Charles isn't the only one who has a dream: his artist daughter Saina is trying to figure out her place in the art world, after a disastrous show. She thinks: " A life predicated on survival might have been a better life in so many ways. Who cared about artistic fulfillment when your main concern was finding enough food to eat?...The hallmarks of twenty-first century success, at least in her world, were all so abstract." Son Andrew wants to be a stand-up comedian and youngest daughter Grace wants life to go back to the way it was.

Told from multiple points of view, including the family's aging Mercedes, we get involved in this family's life and hope that they do find their place in the world.

Great novel that gives us a lot to think about.

Quite a quote from Moonglow! And I'll be interested to hear what you have to say about A Jury of her Peers Showalter has a lot to say, I'm sure.

>120 BLBera: - *Really* looking forward to this one now!

Excellent review of Wang vs the World, Beth! Thumb-up, if you've posted it. Like the sound of the multiple points of view, including the family's Mercedes!

>121 cammykitty: Katie - I highly recommend Moonglow; it's my favorite Chabon.

>122 katiekrug: Katie - You will like it. At first it seems like it's going to be fluffy, but then as you read on, you realize that there is a lot to think about here. I think it would be a good book club discussion book.

Thanks Nancy - I didn't post it. I usually only post if there aren't many reviews.

Next - Continue to read the stories in A Manual for Cleaning Women and Deborah Crombie's To Dwell in Darkness - the next in the series is coming soon, so I want to read this one first.

Very belatedly making my way to your 2017 thread to say happy new year Beth!

>87 BLBera: The list of books for your book group sounds great. I loved How to Be a Heroine when I read it a few years ago. Also The Children of Green Knowe and, of course, Jane Eyre.

I have a digital copy of the Wang's, need to get on it. I like your comments.

Your review of The Wangs v.s the World captures my interest, Beth. I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

>120 BLBera: Looking at the reviews on that one, it seems a love it or hate it book. Some seem to think it was quite funny; others found the humor entirely lacking. Books like that are always intriguing.

>120 BLBera: Nice review, Beth! Also loving your reading list for your book group!

Happy New Year to you, Heather. I'm also still making my way through the threads. Is it me, or are they busier than usual?

Charlotte - I'll watch for your comments on The Wangs vs. the World; I think it may be the kind of book that people are very divided about.

Thanks Deborah.

Tad - I think it would be a great book club choice for that very reason. It hit me at the right time although I found some parts funny, it wasn't hilarious.

Thanks Marianne - I think (and hope) it will be a great year of discussion.

3. To Dwell in Darkness is the last in the Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James series. I wanted to read it because a new one is coming next month.

This series has maintained its quality; Crombie allows her characters to grow and change. Also, in the last couple of books she has a plot line centered on some mystery around Duncan's job. I'm hoping that wraps up in the next book -- cliffhangers get old when you have to wait a year or two for resolution.

In this one, Duncan is getting used to his new job and his new team. When a protestor sets off a phosphorus grenade in St. Pancras train station, he and his team are given the case. The clues lead them in many different directions, with a surprising solution.

And, there are kittens.

I'm continuing to be amazed by the stories in A Manual for Cleaning Women. Not sure what else to read next. Maybe I'll browse through my pile of library books.

Sweet Thursday, Beth. I am so glad you still enjoying Cleaning Women.

I finished a collection today, Battleborn that I was impressed with.

I still need to get to that one - Mark's warbling piqued my interest, but haven't pursued it yet.

Happy Friday, Beth! Not reading that review because I am way behind you in that series.

Hi Beth, the Deborah Crombie series (like I need another one!) has caught my attention, particularly that you write it has held its worth throughout. Going to make note of these and get them onto a list, so thanks for that : ).

*I'm back: already have these on my list, so this is not the first time you've intrigued me with them!*

>131 BLBera: "...And, there are kittens." Love this times 1000.

>131 BLBera: I loved that one, Beth. I am anxiously awaiting the new one to arrive at the library. I agree with you about the Duncan work mystery; it didn't quite capture my interest the way the rest of the book the characters do.

>130 BLBera: The threads seem much busier than usual - I am not keeping up......

Hi Mark - Berlin is brilliant. This may be my first five-star read of the year. I'll have to check out Battleborn.

Hi Jim - Too many books, right?

Happy Friday to you, too, Mamie. It's even sweeter because Monday is a holiday. I tried to not include spoilers, but I'm like you, if I haven't read the book, I try to skim over the comments, just in case.

Nancy - I've enjoyed it; Duncan and Gemma have come a long way since the beginning.

Hi Marianne - I thought the kittens would attract some readers. :)

Julia , I knew that you had recently read some of this series, but I couldn't remember if you had read this one. These story arcs that spread across multiple books get old for me. We have to wait for a whole year, at least, to find out what happened, so I'm hoping for a resolution in the new one. I have it on reserve at the library.

I know, Heather. I am lucky to keep up with my own thread.

>131 BLBera: Cliffhangers get old.
I would like to address this comment to Ms JK Rowling. Bring out the next Strike book already...

Hi Charlotte.

(Did I mention this before!?) Hi Beth.

How clever is JK Rowling? Used to have them queueing down the street for the Potter books and now knows exactly how to keep her audience captive with the Cormorant Strike books.

I'm so glad the Crombie series holds up. I'm just about halfway through it, I think....

>139 BLBera: The multiple-book story arcs didn't bother me because I was binge-reading them over the past couple of years. But now that I'm caught up, I know I will feel the same way you do with the long waits in between!

>142 charl08: Not sure Charlotte - I haven't read the Strike books. Worthwhile?

>143 PaulCranswick: She does know how to sell books, Paul.

>144 katiekrug: You are lucky - you still have books to read in the series. I'm current when the next one comes out.

>145 rosalita: That makes sense Julia. It's one reason I waited to read this one. I'm hoping the arc is finished in the new one.

They're good so far - but I'll let you know when the new one comes out. Can't stand the waiting...

I got bogged down on the Cormorant books after the dismembered one. I am considering picking them up again. I hear the next one wasn't quite so gruesome.

>147 charl08: That's the problem with series, Charlotte, the waiting.

>148 nittnut: Dismemberment would definitely turn me off, Jenn.

4. Land of Careful Shadows opens with the excerpt of a poem by Jaime Torres Bodet:
They came without rancor, without thinking,
forming a large centipede of careful shadows,
surprised at being so numerous
at not discovering in so many faces
a kind smile, a pair of eyes
to look into, on passing, without mistrust.

This is my favorite kind of mystery. Not only does it tell a compelling story with well developed characters, but it also addresses a current issue. This novel takes on immigration, and thus is very timely.

Jimmy Vega is a detective from the county who is called in to assist the Upstate New York small town police when they find a body in a lake. Vega is Puerto Rican and as he begins to investigate, begins to see some serious problems in the seeming idyllic small town. Immigrants seem to be the targets of hate crimes, and not much seems to be done to get to the bottom of it.

In reality, it's difficult to investigate the crimes, because the victims, many of whom are undocumented, are reluctant to testify. If they do, they are often jailed and deported. But Vega refuses to accept the futility of getting to the bottom of these crimes: "Many people would say he was one more illegal in a country chock-full of them. But Vega's mother was one more homicide in a neighborhood chock-full of them. That sort of math is always a slippery slope. If one person doesn't matter, pretty soon nobody does."

Great story, thoughtful treatment of the complexities of illegal immigration, and compelling characters mean that I have added one more series to my list of ones to follow.

This was a ebook, and one of the better bargain ones I have purchased.

Now, to continue with the stories from A Manual for Cleaning Women

Woot! Beth, you are on a roll! Sounds like another enjoyable mystery, and I like what you have to say about compelling story/characters and a current issue.

Hi Nancy - Thanks. The author says in her acknowledgments that she interviewed undocumented immigrants and used parts of their stories. I think that's one reason it has such a realistic feel.

>150 BLBera: Two BBs with one review? Impressive stuff. Adding the poet and the crime writer to the wishlist. Just picked up some new crime from the library, hoping that it will be as good as the 'tried and tested' Rebus I just finished.

Hi Beth! Sorry I've been so awol so far this year. I hope that changes in the coming weeks....

I have already been wanting to read Moonglow and now The Wangs vs. the World is going onto the wish list, as well. And Land of Careful Shadows.... sigh.

>150 BLBera: Great review! And great opening poem!

>153 charl08: - Hey Charlotte, what can I say? I try.

>154 EBT1002: No problem, Ellen. We appreciate you all the more when you are around. I have been happy with my reading so far this year. Good recommendations from my friends.

>155 michigantrumpet: Thanks Marianne. I will look for more by that poet.

5. March: Book Two continues John Lewis' story. It covers the freedom riders, the march on DC and ends with the Birmingham church bombing in September 1963. The story includes flash forwards to President Obama's inauguration. Lewis led a remarkable life, and this graphic memoir is a great way to tell his story. As he says, "Out of everyone who spoke at the march, I'm the only one still around." It's a privilege to read his story, to know that we do have people who act on their convictions, an important message to hear today.

I can't wait to read Book Three.

Next: I'm almost done with the fabulous A Manual for Cleaning Women; Berlin is a short story star. I'm also going to start The Mothers.

" Berlin is brilliant. This may be my first five-star read of the year." Music to my ears, Beth. I have a keeper copy, sitting proudly on shelf.

Yah, for March II. Sadly, Mr. Lewis has been in the news, due to a certain somebody...

I have March: Book One on hold but I "suspended" it until March because our F2F book group chose it for that month. I might not wait that long.....

Mark - Berlin's stories are brilliant. I'll be sorry when I'm finished.

I can't believe our president-elect. Lewis all talk and no action? Seriously, I believe in being respectful to the office of the president, but Mr. Trump is not doing anything worthy of respect. He should read March: Book Two; unfortunately he's probably identify with Bull Connor and not Lewis.

Hi Ellen - My RL book club is reading March: Book One in November. I had already read, but will probably reread it then. I think I like Book Two a little more than Book One. I can't wait to read Book Three.

Happy new wek, Beth. You remind me to read another Crombie this year. I always forget to have a look at her books in my local library due to all other books.

Hi Barbara - It's hard to keep up with series, isn't it?

Hi Beth! Do you have a holiday today?

Wow, I got behind in a hurry! I loved your review of The Wangs vs. the World. One of my dear friends from childhood and high school is named Wang, so for that reason - AND your excellent review - I'll have to look for it!

>110 BLBera: Oh my, yes. I rarely watch TV, but the girls wanted to watch the Golden Globes, and I'm so very glad I did not miss this.

>157 BLBera: What a wonderful review. Growing up outside of Detroit, we heard a great deal about MLK Jr., the freedom riders and SNCC and Rosa PArks. John Lewis was a particular hero. My admiration for him is evergrowing!

Hi Anne - It's only fair -- I get so many recommendations from you. Yes, we do have the day off. I've been doing class prep, I went to the gym and now I will do some reading, I think.

My students are reading an essay by Diane Ravitch, "The Essentials of a Good Education," and one of her statements really resonated, especially as I have so many students who ask why they have to take English because they're going into computer science or engineering, etc., etc. You get the drift.

Ravitch says, "They will gain insight into characters through the study of literature. By reading good and great works of fiction, students learn about character, motivation, kindness, greatness of spirit, imagination, the depths of evil, chicanery, and other aspects of human nature. Literature provides students with the opportunity to experience life through the eyes of other people in other times and other places. Literature, like history, is a superb way to travel through time, to be transported into another world. A good education steps outside the world of textbooks and work sheets and introduces students to worlds that they never dreamed of and to ideas that change their way of thinking. It introduces them to authors who use language imaginatively and beautifully and to cultural experiences that they can enjoy and share."

I think I will add this to all my future syllabi.

Hi Marianne - Thanks.
There's so much talk of heroes today, that it almost seems that that world isn't enough to describe Lewis. He is a national treasure, and we should appreciate his experience and wisdom. These memoirs are great, and if they introduce some younger people to Lewis, all the better. I imagine that I won't be able to hold off too long before reading Book Three.

Well, got to do some things to be prepared for tomorrow.

Hi Beth, I have been hearing such good things about the March graphic novels that I have requested the first one from my library. There's quite a waiting list but when I get lower down, I will request the other two as well. Looking forward to them.

Hi Beth! I am a few books behind in the Crombie series. Next up for me is No Mark Upon Her. It's one of my favorite series.

>165 BLBera: Thank you for sharing that, Beth. Did you see President Obama's recent interview with the NYT about how important literature and books are to him? I think it's on their front page (web) today. It's worth a read.

Everytime someone finishes a Crombie, I remember that I want to try that series! I have the first one so no excuse!

I see we finished March, Book Two just a few days apart. I liked it quite a bit better than Book One, and I'm also looking forward to the third volume, which I'll start tomorrow, I think.

Hi Beth. That Ravitch quote is excellent.

I'm glad you had today off. We did, as well, and we made the most of it: slept in, went for a run (me) and a walk (P), ate lunch at a new-to-us place in the suburb just north of the city, and went to see "Loving" at the cinema. I highly recommend it if you haven't yet seen it.

I am still doing my reread of The Color Purple and it's really wonderful. I'm so glad to be reading it again after about 3 decades!

Have a great week!

That Diane Ravitch quote is wonderful.
Thank you for sharing it. I agree with >168 Copperskye: made me think of Obama too.

Judy - You won't be disappointed with the Lewis memoirs. I think I liked Book Two more than Book One, but they are all very good.

Hi Carrie - You are lucky to have some Crombie books to look forward to. It is a good series. I can't believe there have been 16 books -- and that I am caught up.

Hi Joanne - Thanks for the reminder of the NYT article about Obama's reading. For those interested, the link is here.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/16/books/obamas-secret-to-surviving-the-white-ho...

Hi Ursula - I probably won't be able to wait long before starting Book Three, either.

Long weekends are the best, Ellen. We had freezing rain, so I didn't leave my house except for an early trip to the gym. I did get my classes planned and some grading done.

I should reread The Color Purple as well -- adding to my list of possible rereads. For sure I will be rereading Jane Eyre and there are a couple of others that are calling to me. Have a great week as well.

Hi Charlotte. Thanks. I got the link to the article from you, originally, but I've seen others mention the article as well. Bookish people read! I plan to share it with my students.

Well, off to school. We have a late start, but must get going.

Thanks for all the visits.

>165 BLBera: Thanks for sharing the Ravitch quote. I've recently been reading her blog and I find her to be very thoughtful about the issues surrounding public education.

Hi Beth! note to self *read March: Book One already!

Beth--Ha! Better late than never. I found you! I kept searching for BLBera to no avail. My bad!! But you are now starred and I will try to keep up. I love your favorites from last year; most of them are fighting to get to the top of my TBR pile! Happy Tuesday. : )

Hi Julia - One of the things I love about Ravitch is her thoughtfulness. She was behind "No Child Left Behind," but changed her stance when she saw the data. Isn't that the kind of thoughtfulness we would hope for in our public officials? I need to read more by her.

Yes, Lynda - You will love it.

Hi Kim - Sorry, I am not good about creating links and things. Happy Tuesday to you. I loved my favorites from last year, too. :)

Popping in to say Howdy Beth! I've got March: Book One in the short stack and A Manual for Cleaning Women as well. I joined the group read last year. I actually started the thread, but had to put it aside. It touched all sorts of buttons for me that I just couldn't deal with. I love her writing and I'm ready to get back to it this year. Sometimes a work can be both difficult and beautiful at the same time.

Howdy back, Roberta. A Manual for Cleaning Women is intense in places. I could see where it could strike several nerves.

Hi Beth! I hated that our meetup got canceled yesterday. We stayed home all day, and I took advantage of the time to read March, Book One. Wow! I can't wait to get to the other two. The graphic novel format works so well for me. I posted that I was reading it on Facebook, and a friend decided to go to Amazon and order the trilogy, but it was sold out! I guess the sales skyrocketed over the weekend. So that is one good outcome of Trump's crazy tweets!

Oh, a reread of Jane Eyre is enticing.

>179 porch_reader: I know. I didn't leave the house. It was slippery this morning as well, and since it's raining now, I imagine tomorrow will be bad as well. I'm so done with winter. Yeah for the power of the marketplace. Take that, DJT.

>180 EBT1002: Next month. My book group is reading it. I have some other Brontë related reading lined up as well.

>165 BLBera: Beautiful quote about the value of English classes. I would add, the ability to express oneself clearly as also very valuable. My husband is an engineer, and as he's become more senior, he spends more time writing and reviewing reports than he does doing maths.

Sorry that the meetup had to be cancelled. So sad. Also glad you are all staying home safe.

Hi Jenn - Thanks. We actually had a panel of a police officer, a nurse, an architect, an accountant and an IBM engineer once to talk about the value of a writing class. Come to think of it, I think we have video of it. Hmm.

I hate ice, so it was a no-brainer not to travel, but yes, boo hoo for no meet up.

Well, the Australian Open just started. My reading will slow over the next couple of weeks. Off to watch some tennis.

Glad to see the love for Berlin and Chabon. I have both books, and already admire Chabon's work tremendously.

Marvelous quote about English classes. I would agree with >182 nittnut: as well. An English degree is often denigrated as useless, but it's one of the most useful degrees one can have, especially in the internet age.

Stopping by to say hi! I agree - English is important no matter what your major ends up being in college/ university. My son is an IT guy, but he certainly had to study English at university as one has to be able to communicate well no matter what area of work you end up in. But sadly, neither he nor his wife, a kindergarten teacher are " leisure readers." Perhaps it is due to their age - turning 27 this year and getting into their careers and the business of the newly married / purchasing a home etc. Crosses fingers! :)

The Australian Open is interfering with my reading time, Kim! And your rain is heading our way--we have 4 storm fronts coming through in the next 6 days.

>184 Matke: Hi Gail. Both books are wonderful. It's a great start to the year for me.

>185 vancouverdeb: I think sometimes it takes a while to value the liberal arts, maybe a certain amount of maturity.

>187 BLBera: I know Roni! I'm trying to read and watch at the same time.

6. A Manual for Cleaning Women is perfect. Lucia Berlin is a great short story writer. Her stories are about people we don't often read about, alcoholics, the homeless, prisoners. While there is a sense of grief and sadness in many of the stories, there is also humor: "I didn't, in fact, know anything about sex appeal. Sex itself seemed to have something to do with being mad. Cats acted pretty mad about the whole thing, and all the movie stars seemed mad. Bette Davis and Barbara Stanwyck were downright mean."

Wonderful, wonderful, stories. Read them.

I'm glad you enjoyed A Manual for Cleaning Women, Beth. It is a great collection.

I saw your post about the Australian Open on my thread, have been meaning to check in with you as to your interest. I am settled into my hotel room right now, will tune in when the action starts in about 20 minutes. I'm still rooting for Serena.

7. A Family of Poems is a wonderful collection of poems that Kennedy remembers from her own childhood. She has a wide variety of poems that could appeal to different ages, from silly poems by Edward Lear and Ogden Nash to more complex poetry by poets such as Langston Hughes and Gabriela Mistral. Beautiful water color illustrations by Jon Much make this a wonderful volume that a child will treasure. I look forward to reading these poems to Scout.


I loved some of the bedtime poems:

Dream Variations
By Langston Hughes

To fling my arms wide
In some place of the sun,
To whirl and dance
Till the white day is done.
Then rest at cool evening
Beneath a tall tree
While night comes on gently,
Dark like me --
That is my dream!

To fling my arms wide
In the face of the sun,
Dance! Whirl! Whirl!
Till the quick day is done.
Rest at pale evening...
A tall, slim tree...
Night coming tenderly
Black like me.

Hi Beth, can't thank you enough for putting Here Comes the Sun on my radar. What a fabulous read! Just finished. (thought I had posted this earlier, but it's not here ... so I likely posted it on someone else's thread, LOL!)

>190 BLBera: Sounds like a keeper!

I'm waiting for coverage of the Open to commence once these guys finish their basketball game. Overtime. Rats.

>189 EBT1002: A Manual for Cleaning Women is one I will return to, Ellen.
Go Serena! Go Rafa! When stupid basketball is over!

Well, I can go and choose another poetry volume to read, I guess.

>192 EBT1002: I love Caroline Kennedy's collections - they are beautifully illustrated and she writes little comments about her experiences with the poetry.

>191 lit_chick: You are very welcome, Nancy. I am always happy when people love the books I loved -- it doesn't always happen.

Well, waiting for tennis gives me some time to play around on LT. My next poetry collection will be Whorled by Ed Bok Lee, raised in South Korea, North Dakota and Minnesota. I saw him read at college a couple of years ago. He is great to see, performing his poetry.

Two of my favorites were "Ode to Bruce Lee" and "American Woods."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2IQLymFrmE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUSUtLcssak

Cibulkova has quite the yell when she hits the ball.

She is a loud little thing. I find all the bouncing irritating. I think Serena and Rafa are supposed to play. With my luck it will be at three in the morning.

>188 BLBera: "Wonderful, wonderful, stories. Read them." Please listen to Beth! She knows what she is talking about.

Thanks, Mark. I don't hear that too often, or often enough, anyway. :)

Beth--I stalled out on A Manual for Cleaning Women and have to get back to it. Thanks for the nudge. I am listening!

>188 BLBera: Well, that would have been a BB but I've read it already! Phew. Love the Langston Hughes.

I haven't managed to see any tennis yet (that's a lie, I watched a tiny bit of Raonic-Dustin Brown in the first round), but I've been keeping an eye on the results. Speaking of which, I just saw that Djokovic was knocked out by Istomin, so that made my day.

Hi Kim - I can see where one might have to be in the right state of mind to read these stories, but I was blown away.

Charlotte - Aren't they great stories? After reading these, I am tempted to pick up other story collections that I have. I'll have to work hard to read something that you haven't already read - at 300+ books a year, you are always a step ahead.

Ursula - I went to bed in the second set of the Istomin/Djokovic match and thought Istomin was playing great, but I, like the commentators didn't really think he would keep it up. And I got to watch the second and third sets of the Nadal match - go Rafa! The time difference makes it a challenge to keep up.

All caught up here, Beth! And you are reminding me about the Australian Open - Hooray! Love the Langston Hughes poem. Hoping that Thursday is kind to you.

Hi Beth! I've added A Manual for Cleaning Women to the WL...

Hi Mamie - And tomorrow is Scout Day! I love Hughes.

Oh Katie, it is wonderful. I am going to keep my copy because I might use some stories for my classes, otherwise I would send it to you.

Yay for Scout Day!

Cibulkova is in some trouble here... third set, down 5-3.

Yay indeed. It was warm out today, so we broke out the "bike" - her trike and rode through some "enormous" puddles - her words. We made a snowman and then did puzzles and read some Ivy and Bean; she pulled those off the shelf and insisted that we read those. She decided she wanted to take those home.

Yup - Cibulkova is out. I'm watching Serena now, the first time I've been up while she's playing. I hope it's a quick one, so I can see Rafa, too. I'm a little worried about his match.

>207 BLBera: I am celebrating Dan Evans' run in the Mens. I would love to see Murray win his first Aussie having gone close so many times but his draw is getting tougher.
Evans who is quite unknown in the UK was refused a photo op with one our better known cricketers. The fellow has a little egg on his face now and I guess they'll get that snap.

Have a great weekend, Beth.

Sounds like a fun time with Scout, Beth. Like Paul, the success of Evans has caught my attention, but also Konta's success - wonder how she'll do in her next match.

I've been thrown into working in the job, and it's so nice to be doing something that requires a bit more of my brain.

Beth, what an endorsement of A Manual for Cleaning Women. You made me laugh!: Sex itself seemed to have something to do with being mad.

Happy weekend, Beth.

>298 Matke: I haven't seen Evans yet, Paul. The time difference makes watching matches a little problematic if one has to get up in the morning. It's nice to see new faces, though.

>209 charl08: I'm a Serena and Rafa fan, Charlotte, but Rafa looks a little slow, as does Serena. I also like Monfils and Tsonga. The Sock/Tsonga match was unbelievable; they are both so fast.

I'm so glad your first week went well. No more interviews -- at least for now!

>210 lit_chick: The humor really made A Manual for Cleaning Women, Nancy. Otherwise, the stories would have been too hard to read, too much despair.

>211 Ameise1: Happy weekend to you, too, Barbara.

Today is Elaine Showalter's birthday, and in honor of that, I wanted to talk a little about A Jury of Her Peers, which I am reading this year. Showalter is a great read, even her scholarly work is accessible. I'm up to the 1850s right now, and she points out that during the 1850s, women were selling lots of books, yet the ones considered "great" were all by men (by the literary critics writing about the time period). And Showalter asks a great question: "Does literary popularity preclude artistic greatness? And conversely, in a society that values democracy, is the literature of an elite automatically more worthy of serious study?"

I actually think about this a lot because I do read more women writers, who even today, are put in a lower tier than men, often, undeservedly so.

Exited to watch some tennis today!!! Watching Nadal. : )

I regrettably have been late to short story collections (only within the past 5-6 years.) Have been making up for lost time ever since! Your review of Manual for Cleaning Women is a big bullet between the eyes. nicely done!

Wishing you a happy weekend!

Happy Saturday, Beth. Enjoy the weekend. Gorgeous day out there today. Nice to have the sun back.

Love seeing all this Cleaning Women chatter. I hope this warbling, snares a few more readers.

I know, Kim. I've been trying really hard not to stay up past my bedtime, but I can indulge this weekend. Exciting to see four American women still in the draw.

Marianne - I don't know why, but I also hesitate to pick up short story collections -- and when I do, I generally love them. I think part of it may be that I can't just read through them. I got around that with A Manual for Cleaning Women by reading other things, and reading two or three stories a day. It helped that Berlin is an outstanding writer, of course. I might try that again to see if I can get through some of my short story collections.

Thanks for the reading spot.

Hi Mark - No sun here, but at least some of the darn ice is melting. I fell yesterday when Scout and I were outside. Luckily, no harm was done.

I saw the Sock/Tsonga match the other day, and Roger and Venus yesterday.

>190 BLBera: I love Langston Hughes. I have to give all the credit to my mother for reading his poems to us when we were little.

So happy that Rafa made it through the Zverev match - that one had me a bit worried. But he seems to be in excellent form.

Hi Roni - Tennis is cutting into our reading time, no?

>218 nittnut: It is so cool that your mom read Langston Hughes to you when you were little, Jenn. I love his poetry as well.

>219 ursula: I know, Ursula. I'm so happy he made it into the fourth round. I still think he's a little slow, but hopefully his form will improve with each match.

8. Phantom - As usual, lots of twists and turns and a real shocker of an ending. I think the series is losing a bit of steam, but I want to find out how Nesbo writes his way out of the ending, so I guess I'll read one more.

Harry had been in Hong Kong, and the book starts as he's on a flight back to Oslo. We soon learn that he came back because Oleg, whom he thinks of as a son, has been accused of murder. Harry comes back to help him.

Some great signs from the marches.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-partisan/wp/2017/01/21/my-favorite-sig...

Diane Ravitch's blog - great article:
https://dianeravitch.net/2017/01/21/valerie-strauss-democrats-paved-the-way-for-...

Re A Manual for Cleaning Women I think you hit me with a book bullet! Cats do look like it wouldn't be worth it, and I remember Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity. Sounds like she has a knack for saying what we know but wouldn't actually say.

Beth, thanks for posting the reading testimonial by D. Ravitch. She really nails the importance of reading. I think I'll check out her log. Thanks for posting the link in >223 BLBera:

I keep thinking I'll read a Jo Nesbo book, but then I never get around to it. I've also had Cleaning Women on my TBR list for too long. *Sigh* I'm reading as fast as I can...

Hi Beth--I've been very slow to get started in 2017 but I'm here. Moonglow and A Manual for Cleaning Women have been on my wishlist so nice to see the positive reviews.

Hi Katie - Yes, Berlin has a way with words. Brilliant stories.

Hi Donna - One thing I like about Ravitch is that she is so thoughtful and pays attention to data. She was all for No Child Left Behind, and when data showed it wasn't working, she stopped supporting it. I remember seeing her talking about testing once. She said the biggest determiner of low test scores is poverty: When kids are hungry, they can't learn. She's a very thoughtful person.

I think The Redbreast and maybe the two after that one were the best, at least so far. I know, too many books...

Hi Anne! Happy New Year. I'm glad to see you. Can't wait to see what you're reading. Moonglow and A Manual for Cleaning Women were great reads to start the year with.

Loved the signs. Think "On needlepoint:) I Made This So I Could Stab Something 35,000 Times" was my favourite, Beth.

I think I have a Ravitch on the shelf somewhere...

Hi Charlotte: I liked that one, too. I haven't read her books, just her articles. That may have to change this year.

I was at the library yesterday and picked up the 2017 Reading Challenge.
We have to complete 12 of the 15 categories:
Mystery that has won an award
A book by or about a person from Southeast Asia
A book set in Minnesota
A book by or about a Latino
A horror novel
A book set before the year 1700
A book set in the future
A book downloaded from Overdrive from the library's digital collection
A challenged or banned book
A book by or about someone who is transgender
A book from a library display
A book that is a retelling or a spinoff of a classic story
Frankenstein
A steampunk novel
Reread your favorite book

I already completed the digital book, and my book group is reading Jane Eyre and The Eyre Affair, so that will take care of two more categories. I've been wanted to try steampunk, so this is an opportunity.

Appreciate your comments on the Nesbo, Beth. This is a Scandi-series I have, but have not yet started. Must get going on it. Even I don't read the whole series, I'm curious.

Like a lot of series, it seems to be running out of steam. I started with The Redbreast because it was the first one translated. I really liked the first three, and the others have been OK. I'm starting Police now because the previous one ended on a cliffhanger, and the ebook was available. It is a good gym read. It keeps me moving.

>222 BLBera: Loved this!! Posted it to FB. Thanks.

>212 BLBera: Interesting thoughts on what is considered "literature" or " literary fiction," Beth. That's something I've been giving quite a bit of thought to over the last year or so.

I read The Redbreast, and loved it, a few years ago. Somehow I never returned to Nesbo, but if I ever find the time, I will.

I hope the coming week is wonderful.

Happy Sunday, Beth! I think your Nesbø assessment is spot on. I also started with The Redbreast because that was the only one available at the time, but I did go back and read the first two once they had been translated. I am ready for The Leopard, so you are further along than I, but I agree that The Redbreast and the next two are the best ones so far. I keep reading because I like Harry despite all his failings, but the books are getting way out there. Still, a lovely escape, for the most part.

>229 BLBera: That's an interesting set of categories. Do you do this every year?

>232 Berly: You're very welcome, Kim.

>233 Matke: Hi Gail. I have been thinking about this while teaching. Now, before I adopt an anthology, I make sure the male/female writers represented are equal and that writers of color are represented.

>234 Crazymamie: You put it perfectly, Mamie. Nesbo is a great escape -- we need to see that evil is defeated, at least in our fiction.

>235 TadAD: Hi Tad - this is just the second year that my library has done this. Last year, when I turned in my list - I got a coffee mug as a prize - I wrote some ideas for categories on the back. They used some of them. It's fun, and I have the whole year to finish all of the categories.

Here's a great news link:
http://www.npr.org/sections/13.7/2017/01/22/510384513/fact-check-science-and-the...

Stopping by to get caught up.

>55 BLBera: - Lovely review, Beth! Chabon is a wonderful story teller, isn't he. My favorite is Gentlemen of the Road. I do love an adventure story. ;-)

>229 BLBera: - That looks like an interesting reading challenge!

Wishing you a lovely week ahead, Beth.

Just stopped by to wave hi! Jessica Amanda Salmonson is a transgender author/editor that you might enjoy. Samurai fantasy. Her mother was Buddhist and an emigrant. That's where she got her fascination with Japan. For her editing, she collects a lot of "weird" and gothic tales by women, all written late 1800s early 1900s.

Hi Lori - and thanks. I love Chabon's variety.

Thanks for the tip, Katie. I was thinking that I might need some guidance for that category.

And in tennis news - Rafa into the quarter finals!

Hi Beth! Scout Day sounds delightful!
Good luck with the library challenge. Actually I'm sure you'll do quite well!

A couple of my friends attended the March in DC. They mentioned how moving it was to read the signs left behind. It was very quiet, still and spiritual as everyone walked back to cars and trains.

Hi Lynda: Scout day is always great. Some of my friends also attended the DC march; I can't wait to talk to them about it.

I finished The Mothers.



9. The Mothers - I was disappointed; I had high expectations, but in the end, while I liked the characters and the premise of the story, there were some things that didn't work for me.

The story centers around Nadia Turner, a seventeen-year-old whose mother kills herself as the novel begins. As she grieves, Nadia gets a little wild and ends up having an affair with the pastor's son, Luke. The effects of that affair stay with both of them. I really liked the characters and their story.

What didn't work was the shift in point of view to first-person plural, that of "the mothers." They were like a chorus at the beginning of each chapter, but I don't think they added to the story. I'd skim over those sections, wanting to return to Nadia and Luke. I didn't need another voice explaining what was happening. Another thing that didn't work was the fact that about a third of the novel takes place in one summer, and then in the rest, twenty or thirty years go by. We only get detailed glimpses of the lives of Nadia and Luke during very short time periods. I think it would have worked better if Bennett had concentrated the story over a shorter period of time.

Still the writing was solid, and she did a good job with the characters. I'll watch for future writing. This is her first novel.

Thanks for reading The Mothers for me, Beth. I brought it home but had to return it with only the first few pages read as it was on hold for someone else. I'm not in any hurry to request it again.

I liked your review of The Mothers - it was a disappointment for me too, perhaps because of all the hype my expectations were too high. I agree that the author shows promise.

I'm also reading the Harry Hole series and am now on The Leopard. Although they are sometimes too graphic for my liking, the books usually deliver a good twisted plot and great characters.

Good luck with the reading challenge!

Guess what arrived in the mail today, Lynda? Thanks so much. Let me know when I can return the favor.

Hi Vivian - Yes, I think part of it may have been high expectations. I do love Harry, but the books are getting increasingly violent and out there. Maybe it's time to end the series. I checked out the ebook Police; I have to say these books do keep my feet moving at the gym.

Venus is in the semis! Maybe an all-Williams final?

Hi Beth, too bad The Mothers didn't quite live up to your expectations. I had that one on my wishlist but I probably won't get to it for some time. I very rarely read new books as I seem to always be catching up on older books!

I'm sometimes tempted to stop looking at the new books, too, Judy, so I could reduce my pile of unread books a bit. I think my expectations for THe Mothers were too high. And, to clarify, it wasn't a bad book; in fact, I really liked the characters. I think maybe the author was trying to do too much.

Ooh bang -- you got me with A Manual for Cleaning Women. Writing it in my notebook and everything! Hope you're having a great week.

Hi, Beth! Good review of The Mothers. I had mixed feelings about it too. I expected more, from the buzz it received.

>239 BLBera: I know!! And I blame my lack of reading on tennis right now. : )

Thanks Anne - SNOW DAY today!

Hi Mark - I know some people really loved it, so I think my high expectations got in the way.

Hey Kim - An all Williams final and a Rafa-Federer final? Woo!

Happy Friday, Beth! Glad you got the book! I hope high expectations won's get in the way of this one!

What a match up in Australia! I've got to find out how I can view it live?

Hi Lynda - Unless you want to get up at 2 a.m. to watch it live, you might have to be satisfied with the reply.

I'm not sure when I'll get to the book. School is getting busy, and I have library books that need to go back.

>252 BLBera: As it turns out, Beth, I had a notification from CNN when i looked at my phone this morning. Yeah, Williams sister! I won't spoil anything for you!

Happy Saturday, Beth. Stopping in to catch up here and to swish you a weekend full of fabulous.

Hi Lynda - You didn't have to worry about spoiling anything. My daughter called me early to tell me the results. :) I watched a little of replay of the match that was on this morning.

Hi Mamie - Thanks. No big plans, but sometimes those are the best weekends.

I didn't get up for the Williams final because I didn't want to see Serena beat Venus. It looks like it was a relatively close match, though.

Happy weekend, Beth.

Hi Ursula - It was closer than the score made it seem. I am sad about Rafa. Oh well, a good start to his year. Maybe we'll see him get his clay titles back.

Hi Barbara. I hope your weekend it wonderful as well.

Hi Beth! Gosh, the tennis seems to have been playing havoc with US sleep schedules :-) I don't follow it, but Andy Murray being knocked out led the news here, so I did allow myself a moment to feel pleased. He is so whiny that I wish someone would just ask him why he doesn't get a proper job if playing tennis for money is so awful.

Your library reading challenge looks good. I'll be interested in what you pick for the steampunk category, because that' something I've never really got into, although I know it's popular.

Hi Susan - Well, I tried to not stay up late watching tennis. If matches went long, they were still on when I got up at 6 a.m.

I was going to ask for advice on steampunk; I've never read any in that category.

>258 BLBera: Yeah, I was pretty sure I would be happy no matter who won, but when Roger was about to break Rafa in the 5th, I realized that I just wanted Rafa to win. It's okay, though - I would have liked him to get that 2-of-every-major record, but I will be most happy if he is healthy enough physically and mentally to get the 10th French title instead.

>260 BLBera: Beth, it occurred to me that the Leviathan books by Scott Westerfeld might be steampunk, and reviews on Amazon suggest that they could be, depending on how you define steampunk (not something I've given any thought to, I confess). I read the trilogy a few years ago and enjoyed it - it's YA but that means it reads up pretty quickly :-)

I think our beloved leader is a steampunk fan. Maybe he'd have a suggestion?

Just heard the speeches after the tennis. Very polite and nice. Hope they can keep up the form until Wimbledon.

Hope you have a good week Beth.

Steampunk has come to mean anything Victorian with gadgets - and that's not really where it came from. Any of the punks (steam, cyber, clock,etc) had a strong fight-the-system vibe, a sense that there's something wrong with the world, a loner hero.

Leviathan's a good choice. My faves are Boneshaker and The Anubis Gates. I can come up with some other recommendations if you like.

Hi Beth! I'm sorry to hear that The Mothers didn't work as well for you as it did for me. I agree that the voices of the Mothers did not add much. But there were so many quotes that I captured from the other parts of the book. I think it was the weight with which these individual observations hit me that made me love this book. It will be interesting to see what Brit Bennett writes next.

Ursula - So, fingers crossed for the French for Rafa.

Thanks Susan - I will keep them in mind. This is a good place to get suggestions.

Thanks Charlotte. I didn't watch the speeches; I was sad.

Thanks Jim - I will look at those and let you know if I need more recommendations.

I remember that you loved The Mothers, Amy. I loved the characters, but the shift in point of view just didn't work for me. I definitely will pick up her next novel. She can only get better.

Back to Oil on Water - slowed by all the tennis, but now that's done, so I can get back to the books. I am loving this - thanks Charlotte. I'm pretty sure I got the recommendation from you.

Hi Beth, I'm slowly getting caught up. Too bad about The Mothers - I've had my eye on that one but yours is not the first disappointed review I've seen...

And I agree with Susan about the Leviathan books - lots of fun! They'd be good gym books :)

>264 drneutron: I read the Leviathan trilogy and really like it, as well as The Anubis Gates and I believe I got the idea for both from the good Dr. (Thanks!) Now I will have to look for Boneshaker!

Beth--Sorry it wasn't your guy who won. I was pretty happy though! Still friends. Rafa looked pretty good and his wrist seemed fine. I do love him on clay...! ; )

Hi Katie - I've been busy, too. I will definitely, or as Word wants to autocorrect, "defiantly" check out the Leviathan books. Good to know they're good gym books; I hope my library has an ebook.

Hi Kim - Yes, still friends. I really wanted Rafa to get his two of every major, but, I guess I'll have to settle for his tenth French Open.

Another rec for Leviathan and The Anubis Gates - It sounds like I have candidates for my steampunk choice.

10. Oil on Water is set near Port Harcourt in the Niger Delta, the center of oil-rich land. After an oil company executive's wife is kidnapped by militants, James Floode, the husband, asks two reporters to serve as go-betweens to get his wife back. Rufus, a young reporter, eager for a big story agrees to accompany Zaq, a veteran reporter. However, as they travel in search of Isabel Floode, Rufus finds other stories, the ruthlessness of the military as they track down militants as well as the displacement of entire villages from their traditional lands by the oil companies. He also sees the devastating damage to the environment: "It turned out this wasn't a village at all. It looked like the setting for a sci-fi-fi movie: the meager landscape was covered in pipelines flying in all directions, sprouting from the evil-smelling, oil-fecund earth. The pipes crisscrossed and interconnected endlessly all over the eerie field."

Fish no longer live in the rivers, wells are polluted, and nothing grows on the land. In beautiful, compelling language, Habila paints the picture of devastation. Powerful, beautiful writing. I will definitely look for more by him.

11. Police is another nail-biter from Jo Nesbø. After the cliffhanger ending of Phantom, I immediately had to check out the following one, Police, one advantage to being behind in a series.

Police was tightly plotted and had enough red herrings that I was surprised at the solution -- and at several events in the book. The band is back together, including Katrine Bratt (the crazy police officer from Bergen), trying to solve murders of police officers. There are some gory parts that I had to skim over, but overall, a very satisfying read, and with some unfinished business to carry over to the next novel.

That one, I have to wait for.

>270 BLBera: Hurrah for Habila. My favourite Nigerian writer.

Woohoo! Love a good nail-biter, Beth! I have to get to this series.

>270 BLBera: My library has got a copy of that book. Thanks for the review, Beth.

Thanks to you, Charlotte. So far Adichie is my favorite Nigerian writer, but I plan to read more by Habila.

You will like it, I think, Nancy. Have you read other Scandicrime? I think The Redbreast was the best.

I'll watch for your comments, Barbara. I got my copy from my library, and it was the only book by Habila.

Hi Beth - I just finished The Gustav Sonata -I think I remember you giving it a good review. Is that right? I really enjoyed it and am surprised I haven't hear more about it on LT. I'm debating whether to recommend it to my 91 year old mother, who had many family members living in Switzerland during the war. I'm just not sure she'll be able to tolerate the graphic scenes.

I'm passing through and trying to ignore your review of the Nesbø. I simply cannot start another mystery series. Lalalalalala...

I hear you might be getting more snow! Good grief. :)

>277 nittnut: >275 BLBera: Are you getting more snow? We are forecasting snow followed by freezing rain tonight. Yippee. NOT!

Sweet Thursday, Beth. Hope the week is going well.

If, Just Mercy is not on your radar, you might want to put it on there. It was outstanding. As good, if not better than Evicted and that is very high praise indeed.

Vivian - I loved The Gustav Sonata - so glad to see another fan. It was my first Tremaine, so I want to read something else by her this year. I have a few of hers on my shelves.

Come on Jenn - You know you want to read it! Well, what can I say about snow. It's winter in Minnesota.

Hi Kim - I'd rather have snow than freezing rain. We get your weather two days later -- only colder, so I'll keep my fingers crossed that it passes by or dissipates.

Hi Mark - I gave Just Mercy to my son-in-law for Christmas, and when he finishes it, it will be coming my way. Thanks for the recommendation. I hope you're enjoying the warm air of Arizona.

I have been back in Chicago since, Monday afternoon. LOL. Chilly one today.

I do want to read it. Sigh.
At least in places like Minnesota, it's sort of expected. Western Oregon has had a lot more snow type weather than usual this year for sure. My parents are there, and I worry a little. Neither of them is really up to the shoveling or the driving in it business.

I've yet to read a Jo Nesbo . A nail biter! Sounds scary!

Too bad, Mark. The temps have dipped. Stay warm.

Hi Jenn - Well, so far, today was actually pretty nice. It was cold, but not much wind and it was sunny. Still patches of ice, so I have to be careful when I'm outside walking.

Deborah - Nesbø, at least in the first few books, wasn't as dark as some of the Scandicrime. And I find Harry a very likable character.

Hi Beth. I don't think I've ever been 78 posts behind on your thread. So, now I'm catching up. You've been on a Jo Nesbo tear.

I have Just Mercy on my TBR shelves. Do you have a copy? Shared read?

I hope your February is off to a good start.

>270 BLBera: Beth, I just had to look that one up in the library catalogue, and it was on the shelf at Canary Wharf. As I was on a bus headed to the Wharf at the time, it took me just five minutes to snag it. I also have Land of Love and Drowning at the moment - two from you!

I was going to say I'm jealous of the snow, but looking at the buds of bulbs just breaking through the ground here which make me disproportionately happy (I put them in the ground, so I'm claiming responsibility for all the nature magic!?) it turns out I'm happy no snow so far...

Hope you have a good weekend.

Hi Ellen - I haven't visited threads much, either. I zip in and out. In a class on the mystery genre once, the prof posed a theory that mysteries are our modern morality plays, that they are popular because good triumphs over evil. This was a long time ago, and I often wonder how the new kinds of mysteries, where good doesn't always triumph, would fit into this theory. I suspect they reflect our more complex world. Anyway, yes, I read one Nesbø because I was in the mood to see Harry fight against forces of corruption. It ended on such a cliffhanger that I had to pick up the next one. Also, they do encourage me to go to the gym. So, I may be reading a few mysteries in the next four years.

I don't have Just Mercy on my shelves, but I gave a copy to my son-in-law for Christmas, so I will get my hands on a copy at some point. When do you think you'll read it?

>286 susanj67: Actually, Susan, blame Charlotte for Oil on Water; she loves Habila. I will, however, take credit for Land of Love and Drowning - I did love it. It was my first novel by an author from St. Thomas. I'll watch for your thoughts.

> 287 I would be happy to see buds coming up, too, Charlotte. I am ready for winter to be over.

My book group is reading Jane Eyre this month, but before I start my reread, I've been dipping into A Jury of Her Peers, and I am in the 1850s now, and Showalter was talking about the influence of Jane Eyre. There was
Brontë mania in the US after Jane Eyre was published, and a spate of novels with madwomen, only in these novels it was not the repressed sexuality that led the women to the asylum, but rather the oppression of housework. She mentioned a couple of authors I would like to check out, Laura Curtis Bullard and her novel Christine and Mary Virginia Hawes Terhune, whose pen name was Marion Harland. She wrote Alone, which Showalter refers to as a Southern Jane Eyre.

And none of the touchstones work...

Well, I finally am getting to your thread, and 206 posts later, I can say that I'm finally caught up. I love the idea of reading Jane Eyre and The Eyre Affair back to back. I loved them both. I haven't read any of the Nesbo books, but now I want to. (I forgot to duck those bullets). I'm surprised you haven't read the Cormoran Strike books. I have been impatiently waiting for the next. Rowling writes a good story.

>289 BLBera: I am 2/3 of the way through Jane Eyre and enjoying it very much. I didn't remember the awful family in the beginning, course I did read it when I was about 9, so it has been a while. I think I like Mr. Rochester less this time round. I didn't like his Gypsy trick and I think he put Jane through too much anguish in his effort to make her jealous of Miss Ingram, talking about his upcoming wedding, etc. This may not have hit home when I was a youngster. I wasn't aware that repressed sexuality led the particular woman in this book to the asylum. ; )

Catching up Beth. So glad you enjoyed March, Book Two. I finished March, Book One last month and can't wait to get my hands on the next two books. Have a good weekend!

Hi Colleen - Thanks for stopping by. I think it will be fun to read JE and THe Eyre Affair together. We'll also read How to Be a Heroine, which also mentions JE, I think. I'll have to check out the Rowling; I have heard several good things about them here on LT. If you like Scandicrime, you will love the Nesbøs.

Kim- Rochester was much more likable after he was blinded and crippled. :)

Hi Heather - I am anxious to pick up the third book as well. Too bad I have a job.

12. Black Water is a psychological take on a spy novel. In it, John Harper sits in an isolated corner of Indonesia and waits for people to come and kill him. As he waits, he thinks about the events that brought him to this place:"People talked about the past as if it was a thing, an object: the past, like the box or the house or the tree -- as if it was solid and singular. But the past wasn't an object with boundaries but something fluid and continuous, like a river. Nobody had one past. In 1965 he remembered 1950 in a certain way, and now in 1998, he remembered 1965 differently from how it was and 1950 differently from how he had remembered it in 1965. It was like standing in a box of mirrors and turning to see your reflection multiplied back and forth at you in endless iterations -- except, in his case, each reflection was slightly different."

We learn about his early years, spent in a camp during the war, after his father was beheaded by the Japanese, then his subsequent years in the US and later Holland, where he was stigmatized as an "Indo": "Harper felt the drip, drip, drip of all the remarks they made around the office, about how good his sun tan was, how much he must like spicy food. Such remarks were always phrased as compliments. He had been permanently resident in Holland since the age of twelve but people often remarked on the flawlessness of his Dutch."

Harper ends up being a spy, and he is in Indonesia in both 1965 and 1998, both times of coups and unrest, characterized by extreme violence. I don't know much about Indonesia's history, but in 1965, over one million people were murdered.

And as Harper sits in his cabin, waiting for the men or boys to come and kill him, he thinks about his part in the violence and wonders if he can leave it behind, whether there is forgiveness for certain acts.

A bit slow in parts, but Doughty's writing is wonderful, and, in the end, there's a lot to think about.

Next: History of Wolves and Jane Eyre

Morning Beth! Happy Sunday! Good review of Black Water. Sounds like a good one.

I'll be watching for your thoughts on History of Wolves. It is on my T.R. list.

Thanks Mark. Happy Sunday to you as well. My sister's birthday is today, so there will be some family time.

Superb review of Black Water, Beth. Sounds like there is a lot to think about, indeed. Love the quote about the past.

Got me with a couple of BBs, Beth!

The thing tha really bothers me about JE is how she refers to Rochester as " my Master" even in her thoughts. Today's perspective just makes that cringe-worthy.

Thanks Nancy. Even in the parts that dragged a bit, I loved Doughty's language.

Hi Gail - Happy to help with the BBs. I've just started again, and one of the things that I think appeals so much is the fact that the child Jane is not like other kids. I think that is one thing that appealed to me when I first read it. I was a quiet kid who liked books, and this was a sort of validation.

>294 BLBera: Great review! On to the list it goes...

Hi Beth! Hope you have a great week coming up here.

Thanks Jim.

Thanks Anne. I hope your week is wonderful as well.