TheaMak's 100

Hi everybody! Haven't been to LT in ages but it's good to be back. I'm going for 100 in 13 months, ambitious but I think attainable because besides reading, I LOVE to make lists...

1. Among the Gently Mad by Nicholas A. Basbanes. I love to read about how other people collect books, and of course to get smarter about the whole process. A good anecdote or two although I wouldn't buy it as a reference book.

2. Collecting Rare Books by Jack Matthews. Long-winded, goes on forever.

3. The Getaway Home by Dale Mulfinger. Beautiful coffee table book, see how the other half lives - at their second home.

4. Savage Beauty by Nancy Milford. Been reading this for about two weeks. Chronicles the life of Edna St Vincent Millay the first female Pulitzer Prize winner for poetry. She was a wild one! Highly recommend this one.

5. How to Keep a Sketchbook Journal by Claudia Nice. The title tells it all, includes different kinds of journals for us creative types.

6. Collecting Books by Marie Tedford and Book Collecting 2000 by Allen Ahearn. I'm counting these books as one because they both contain lists making them resource books. But they both also contain quite a bit of narrative, so I think this is a fair split. Both wonderful reference books to have in a personal library if you're interested in antiquarian book collecting.

7. Three Soldiers by John Dos Passos. Grim and dark, nevertheless you won't find a single battle scene in this book. It's an interesting examination into the mind of a WWI soldier, which I can tell you from personal experience, isn't much different from the conflicted feelings of a modern day soldier. Recommend it.

8. Sailing to Sarantium by Guy Gavriel Kay. Always fun to read, this is the first of a series about a mosaicist in a Roman-like setting. Fun.

9. Lord of Emperors by Guy Gavriel Kay. Second of series, the story of court intrigue in fictional Sarantium continues.

10. The Murder of Lidice and
11. Renascence and Other Poems both by Edna St Vincent Millay.
In fact, I've read these two books several times, wonderful especially Renascence; she's my one of my favorite poets.

12. Sixpence House by Paul Collins. Tale of a writer's adventures in the town of Hay-on-Wye otherwise known as the "Town of Books".

13. Dreamsongs by George RR Martin. First volume of two. This is a collection of his shorter works. Great for any Martin fan.
14. Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World by Lawrence Goldstone. Adventures the antiquarian book world.

15. Foreigner by C.J. Cherryh. First of a triad with three books each. Slow in the beginning and a bit wordy in parts but the world and the 'aliens' that populate it are quite fascinating.

16. Invader by C.J. Cherryh. Book 2. Much better pacing, lots of action and character development. Enjoyable.

17. Inheritor by C.J. Cherryh. Book 3. Continuation of the Foreigner saga.

18. Zero Debt by Lynnette Khalfani. How-to on living debt free.

19. Retirement on a Shoestring by John Howells. Living comfortably on a retirement income.

20. Precursor by C.J. Cherryh. Book 4. My favorite so far. The series gets better with each book.

21. Defender by C.J. Cherryh. Book 5. Also a good one.

22. Latter Days by Coke Newell. An exploration of the Church of Latter Day Saints. Very informative in basic doctrine. Interesting read.

23. Explorer by C.J. Cherryh. Book 6. Slow start, action filled ending.

24. Child of the Jungle by Sabine Kuegler. Fascinating account of a German child brought up among the stone age Fayu tribe. A moving account of Sabine's struggles to adjust to the Western world after living an idyllic (albeit a primitive) childhood in West Papua.

25. Destroyer by C.J. Cherryh. Book 7. Easy read, lots of action.

26. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. 1001. Wonderful book.

27. Jobs and Careers Abroad by Dan Boothby. Compendium of work and volunteer jobs overseas.

28. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. The story of the film pioneer Georges Melies. Part YA, part graphic novel, part biography - very entertaining.

29. Pretender by C.J. Cherryh. Book 8 of the series. Lots of back story, a bit slow.

30. Deliverer by C.J. Cherryh. Books 9 of the series. Action, some humor, much better than the previous one.

31. Floods by Peter Murray. Short discourse on the causes and prevention of floods.

32. The Ballad of William Sycamore by Stephen Vincent Benet. Lovely ballad about a frontiersman.

33. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. 1001. Creepy, wonderful story of psychological deterioration.

34. Library Mouse by Daniel Kirk. Fun kid's story about a book writing mouse.

35. Feasting on Asphalt: The River Run by Alton Brown. Alton Brown from the Food Channel goes on a motorcycle trip up the Mississippi River in search for the ultimate dish. Lots of great recipes.

36. The Sound of Music Companion by Lawrence Maslon. Wonderful compendium of photos, facts and lyrics of the famous musical.

37. Mormon America by Richard Ostling. Informative account of the doctrine, practices and activities of the Latter Day Saints as detailed by a non-Mormon. Intriguing, especially when compared to #22 Latter Days written by Coke Newell, a practicing Mormon.

38. Used and Rare: Travels in the Book World by Lawrence Goldstone. Reread. Lots of good advice in this one, had to read it again.

39. Kesrith by C.J. Cherryh. Book 1 in the Faded Sun Trilogy. Excellent tale of the interactions of three different species. Genocide, war and betrayal play a part in this lyrically written series. Even better than Foreigner.

40. Shon'jir by C.J. Cherryh. Book 2 of the Faded Sun Trilogy. Continuation of the trilogy finds the displaced human on a years long voyage.

41. Kutath by C.J. Cherryh. Book 3 and last of the series. Satisfying ending as the mri, humans and regul battle over the rights of the planet Kutath.

42. I'm Turning on my iMac, Now What? by Chris Sandlund. Easy to read manual explaining the basics of iMac use. Dated.

43. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys. 1001. The story of the "mad woman in the attic" in Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre. The novel switches perspectives twice, giving the reader an interesting contrast between Rochester's anger and Antoinette's feelings of abandonment.

44. Mormonism for Dummies by Jana Riess. Perhaps not he definitive treatise on this religion but a good source of basic doctrine and history.

45. Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. 1001. I'm currently riding on a Bronte wave, having just completed two of the three sisters. I preferred Jane Eyre but perhaps that is just a matter of taste as I found Heathcliff and Catherine just as well drawn and passionate as the main characters in Jane Eyre. But Jane and Rochester were infinitely more likable; I found myself rooting for them from page one.

46. Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen. 1001. Wonderful, lyrical memoir of Karen Blixen's years living in Africa. Highly recommended.

47. The Awakening by Kate Chopin. 1001. Story of a woman 'awakening' to her own sense of self. Controversial at the time of publication, it builds beautifully to it's tragic end.

48. A Passage to India by E.M. Forster. 1001. Interesting novel about British and Indian affairs in the period before India achieved independence.

You have such a variegated and interesting list of books you're reading, and many of them caught my eye. I look forward to seeing what else you read!

49. Fatal Interview by Edna St Vincent Millay. First edition collection of Millay's beautiful sonnets.

50. The Once and Future King by T.H. White. 1001. Wonderful retelling of the Arthurian legend.

51. Tales of a Female Nomad by Rita Golden Gelman. Biography of a woman who gives up her comfortable suburban lifestyle to live without conventional ties.

Tales of a Female Nomad sounds fantastic! I may need to search that out. Thanks for the recommendation.

Tales of a Female Nomad is pretty light reading but perfect for a weekend or while on a trip. You might also check out some of her children's books (which were conceived on her travels).

52. The Thirty-nine Steps by John Buchan. 1001. Considered the forerunner of the modern spy thriller, I was both charmed and engaged with the story and the main character. Easy and fun, great for a quick read.

53. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. 1001. Creepy psychological study of a woman's descent into madness. An entry in 1001 Books although it is in fact a long short story. Excellent for that evening at home when everyone else is out.

54. The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan. 1001. First dad died, then mum dies. How will the children survive? Rewritten from an earlier short story, this disturbing study follows four children (three are teenagers), as they attempt to manage without supervision in an deteriorating and increasingly perverse homelife.

55. Candide by Voltaire. 1001. Candide's optimistic view that no matter how bad it gets it will remain "the best of all possible worlds", is sorely tested as he faces prison, hanging, beatings, earthquakes and plagues in his search for his beautiful Cunegonde.

56. Atonement by Ian McEwan. 1001. Beautiful story of the tragic consequences when a young girl with a strong imagination eavesdrops on her older sister. Slow at times in the first few chapters, but the ending is moving, leaving the reader to decide if the Briony is truly deserving of atonement.

57. The Necklace by Guy de Maupassant. Morality tale of a woman who spends ten years paying for a lost necklace that she borrowed from a friend - only to find out that it was made of glass.

58. High Cholesterol by Dean J. Kereiakes. Informative book on risk factors, nutrition and medications to lower cholesterol.

59. I Robot by Isaac Asimov. 1001. Definitive scifi novel about the formation of robotic technology and its effect on the human society.

60. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood. 1001. Alternative tale of an extreme puritanical society in which rigid moral doctrine is the law of the land. Brilliant, radical and chilling, this book is a definite read. Highly recommended.

61. The Road by Cormac McCarthy. Grim, absorbing tale of a post-apocalyptic world where the bad guys eat people and the good guys are no where to be seen. In the middle of this world, the man and his son walk the road, going south in search of food, warmer weather and the good guys. Quick read despite the plot line.

62. The Blue Hill Meadows by Cynthia Rylant. Beautiful story about life in the blue hills of Virginia.

63. Polar Star by Sally Grindley. Short account on the life of a polar bear and her cubs.

64. Laura Ingalls Wilder by Patricia Reilly Giff. Biography on the life of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Wonderful supplement to the Little House books.

65. Don't Ride the Bus on Monday by Louise Meriwether. Account of the struggle faced by Rosa Parks.

66. Lost Horizon by James Hilton. Fascinating story of four people who are transported to Shangri-La, a utopian society that is hidden in the mountains of Tibet. Compulsive read, hard to put down.

Oh I just barley remember reading that when I was young. I could hardly finish it for the tears. *big sigh*

What awesome books you are reading - and churning through the 1001 as well!

Aelith, do you mean Lost Horizon Aelith? It was sorta sad, all about missed opportunities and lost loves. But it all turns out well at the end, we think...

notmyrealname, I'm having a blast and 1001 is a wonderful invention, too... ;)

67. The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. 1001. Kooky, weird, totally irreverent British humor...'nuff said...

Yes, Lost Horizon. I think I was crying because I could not go there. Teen angst, ya'know.

Aelith, did you see the newly restored movie? OMG, the acting was awful not to mention the liberties they took with the book's plot - they added an extra character to the main traveling group! It was a bit of a disappointment...

68. Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. I have finally embarked on this series (I'm a late bloomer). Thoroughly enjoyed the sweet lovestory, Bella and even the perfect Edward. Teenage girls will love this book, some older women too...

69. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift. 1001. Some suggestions on what to cook for dinner. Incredible satire, not to be missed.

He he, Very low budget even for it's time. "Those paper rocks are supposed to represent the Himalayas????"

Actually, very high budget and they created the biggest set ever built to date. Unfortunately, along with the hysterical acting, the additional characters and a wordy script, it all gave the impression of very low budget.

Ah well, there are other great Frank Capra movies...

70. New Moon by Stephenie Meyer. Second in the "Twilight" series. There was less (much less) interaction between Bella and Edward in this one, (which I sorely missed), but as a stand alone novel it fulfilled it's job. I found this one a little bit longwinded, but nothing about it was negative enough to prevent me from continuing the series. Overall, I would continue with the story of Bella and her "friends".

71. The Savage by David Almond. Story within a story, this Young Adult graphic novel, sweetly tells the story of a boy dealing with the death of his father. Never sentimental it touches on the agony of grieving and the painful period after the death of a close family member. Highly recommended, should be required reading for grief counselors.

72. Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer. Third in the "Twilight" series. It's difficult to say what is appealing about these books; perhaps its the likable characters who happened to love each other. Whatever it is, the books are addictive and provide great summer reading.

73. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer. Fourth installment in the "Twilight" series. Good wrap-up of loose storylines although I could almost hear the publishers whispering, "this-will-do-until-the-next-book". Recommended for girls in their midteens.

"Hi everybody! Haven't been to LT in ages but it's good to be back. I'm going for 100 in 13 months, ambitious but I think attainable because besides reading, I LOVE to make lists..."

That was my original message and since I've been reading such great material this past year that I've decided to amend my time period from 13 months to 12.

So...

My goal is 100 books.
My ending date is now Dec 8, 2008. :)

74. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle. 1001. Classic whodunit ala Sherlock Holmes. Actually a reread but the first time around was 25 years ago.

75. Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. 1001. This classic slipped by me in high school and I'm glad I finally read it so many years later. Sentimental, disjointed at times, nonetheless it paints a vivid picture of slavery and life during the 1850's.

76. The French Lieutenant's Woman by John Fowles. 1001. Intriguing, beguiling even disingenuous can only begin to describe both this novel and the French Lieutenant's woman. To say that the Victorian era Charles is putty in her hands is somewhat of an erroneous assumption, in that perhaps he is, in my opinion, merely caught in her determined manipulation of her world and space - as is the reader by the esteemed Mr. Fowles. A fascinating and infuriating book, you won't want to put it down.

77. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston. 1001. The story of a Janie Woods, an independent black woman seeking to find herself during the 1930's. Favorite line: "They seemed to be staring at the dark, but their eyes were watching God."

78. Something Special by Iris Murdoch. First Iris Murdoch for me. Okay story about a 24 year old contemplating marriage to a man she does not love.

79. Only 127 Things You Need by Donna Wilkinson. Same ole-same ole self-help book.

80. A Worn Path by Eudora Welty. Story about an old, old woman walking to town. A lot of pathos but I still liked it.

81. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. 1001. Rip-roaring tale about knights, damsels in distress, usurpers to the crown and all those other great things about medieval times. Great story.

i absolutely ADORE the twilight series. havent read breaking dawn yet, but i'm dying to get my hands on it.

from what i've heard, it doesnt captivate you like the first three did, which is disappointing.

but i've also heard that its her best one yet.

any places i could buy this book cheap?

Books a million has great discounts on the big sellers, and I'm sure the other chains do too. Amazon is always good too. I doubt you'll find the book any cheaper than those stores right now, but if you wait...

I enjoyed Breaking Dawn but my favorite is the third book. BD does tie it all together though, and for a series ender, it does it's job.

82. Art of Darkness: Ingenious Performances by Undercover Operators, Con Men and Others by Sara K. Schneider. Interesting breakdown on the art of subterfuge as practiced by undercover police, con men and informants.

83. And Still I Rise by Maya Angelou. One of my favorites from MA, full of spunk and self confidence.

84. Rain by Kirsty Gunn. Two neglected children face tragedy in this somewhat obscure novel.

85. The Eight by Katherine Neville. Picked this one up because when I got The Fire as my most recent ER book I realized that some of the characters were the same. Great adventure, both historical and modern fiction, even a little romance. Lots of chess, mathematical principles and mysticism. Fun read, I hope its sequel is as good.

86. The Fire by Katherine Neville. Same plot line as The Eight only more complicated, more confusing and less likable characters. Disappointing.

87. Our Heritage. A brief history of the LDS church. Informative.

88. Principles of the Gospel. Explanation of the basic principles of the LDS Church in an easy to read encyclopedic format.

89. True to the Faith. Reference book on basic doctrinal topics.

90. Joseph Smith by Robert V. Remini. Biography by the well-noted Jacksonian biographer. Informative.

91. Our Search for Happiness by M. Russell Ballard. Written for the non-LDS member, this book presents the tenets of the LDS Church.

92. Desert Between the Mountains by Michael S. Durham. Historical account of the opening of the Great Basin during the period 1772 - 1869.

i didnt really understand wuthering heights....
well, i understood most, but other parts i didnt understand at all.

this book confused me, but it wasnt terrible.
emily bronte used words in ways i didnt know people used to use them.

thats probably why i didnt understand half of what was being said.

93. Gospel Principles. Another view on the doctrinal matters.

94. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith by Joseph Smith. Stories on the history of the LDS Church.

95. Book of Mormon: Student Manual. Study manual for intensive study of the Book of Mormon. Informative.

96. Life's Little Instruction Book by H. Jackson Brown. Brief suggestions for how to live a positive life. Not bad for this kind of book.

97. Portraits by Steve McCurry. Study on the methods of portrait compositions used by various famous painters.

98. A Marvelous Work and a Wonder by LeGrand Richards. Rather cyclical in its arguments, don't recommend this one.

99. The Savage My Kinsman by Elisabeth Elliot. Fascinating account on the death of five missionaries in 1956. This book, written by one of the missionaries' wives, chronicles her life with the Aucas after her husband's death.

100. The Last of the Bigtime Spenders by Jack Weyland. Story of a student with only $1 a week to spend on his girlfriend. Fluff.

Well, I achieved the mighty 100 in less than 12 months. Putting myself on a reading goal has been an interesting activity, although occasionally I felt pressed to catch up and that took some of the joy away. However, I did read consistently throughout the year, I did discover a wonderfully diverse world of literature and nonfiction, I did delve deeply into subjects that I would otherwise not have been into and I acquired an immense amount of knowledge this past year.

And so, I will continue to read 1001 Books, I will keep studying those topics that catch my interest and I will keep a reading journal too.

But I don't think I will set a goal. That sort of takes the fun out of it.

congratulations for reaching ur 100th!

101. The Voyage of the Narwhal by andrea Barrett. Beautiful prose and interesting but flawed characters make this adventure about arctic exploration a fine read. Highly recommended.

102. The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly. Weird book - just short of really good but that's disappointing no matter the positive points. A boy mourns his mother and ends up in an alternate world. Overused concept and unfortunately doen't bring anything new to the table.

103. Simplify Your Life. Self-help in 100 easy steps. Most of this book is the typical stuff, but a couple of good points too.

LAST DAY FOR COUNTING BOOKS. It's been a good year, I enjoyed it. ;))

I have A Marvelous Work and A Wonder on my 999 list, but I already started it. It's taking forever!

Ponderous and I felt like I was going in circles. On the other hand, I know several people who absolutely love this book...

Belated happy birthday Thea.

Shejidan remembers you.