Lori (thornton37814) Reads While Petting Cats in 2017 - part 3

This is the way Barney watches TV.

I always include the "category" from the Category Challenge on my posts. To help you decipher them, I'm including the list here. They are all named after ancestors.

1. Johannes Lantz - Around the World.
2. Rev. Stephen Batchelder - Borrowed Books.
3. Rev. Nathan Ward - Christian Classics.
4. Lucinda Virginia Phillips - Series.
5. Godfrey Dearborn - Literary Classics.
6. Richard Thornton - History and Genealogy.
7. John Perkins Historical Fiction.
8. Mary Ann Harris - Children's/YA.
9. Joseph Fowlkes - Non-Fiction.
10. Francis Aldridge - Fiction and Other Literature.

Abandoned reads: Thomas Duke

2017 Reads to Date - #1-10

1. Lost Attractions of Sevier County by Tim Hollis and Mitzi Soward
2. Stake & Eggs by Laura Childs
3. The Fish Can Sing by Halldor Laxness
4. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
5. Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee H. Whittlesey
6. Mexican Ice Cream: Beloved Recipes and Stories by Fany Gerson
7. The Queen of the Frogs by Davide Cali and Marco Soma
8. A Child's Garden of Verses by Robert Louis Stevenson
9. The Not-Quite States of America: Dispatches from the Territories and Other Far-Flung Outposts of the USA by Doug Mack
10. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury

2017 Reads to Date - #11-20

11. The Inflated Story of Noah by Dr. Dan Bellamy
12. The High Mountains of Portugal by Yann Martel
13. The Confessions of St. Augustine by Augustine; translated by Edward B. Pusey
14. Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
15. Devonshire Scream by Laura Childs
16. One Came Home by Amy Timberlake
17. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
18. Down by the Riverside by Jackie Lynn
19. Cats, Cats, Cats by Leslea Newman
20. The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan

2017 Reads to Date - #21-30

21. Do Not Say We Have Nothing by Madeleine Thien
22. Little Cat's Luck by Marion Dane Bauer; illustrated by Jennifer A. Bell
23. Red Velvet Revenge by Jenn McKinlay
24. The Nature of the Beast by Louise Penny
25. Eight Cousins, or the Aunt Hill by Louisa May Alcott
26. Selected Poems by Henry Wadworth Longfellow
27. The Little Bookstore of Big Stone Gap by Wendy Welch
28. The Last Original Wife by Dorothea Benton Frank
29. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?: Dr. Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises by Dr. Seuss
30. All Aboard!: National Parks by Kevin Meyers and Haily Meyers

2017 Reads to Date - #31-40

31. Kitten's First Full Moon by Kevin Henkes
32. By Book or By Crook by Eva Gates
33. A Prayer for the Night by P. L. Gaus
34. Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross
35. Bone Soup and Flipped Bread: The Yemenite Jewish Table by Sue Spertus Larkey
36. Hallelujah! The Welcome Table: A Lifetime of Memories with Recipes by Maya Angelou
37. Adam and the Genome: Reading Scripture after Genetic Science by Dennis R. Venema and Scot McKnight
38. Cabins in the Laurel by Muriel Earley Sheppard
39. The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by Willliam Shakespeare
40. Lion, King, and Coin by Jeong-Hee Nam; illustrated by Lucia Sforza

2017 Reads to Date - #41-50

41. The Old Testament Is Dying: A Diagnosis and Treatment by Brent A. Strawn
42. Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey
43. Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer, Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford; illustrated by Ekua Holmes
44. The Forbidden Garden by Ellen Herrick
45. Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Pena; illustrated by Christian Robinson
46. They All Saw a Cat by Brendan Wenzel
47. Trombone Shorty by Troy Andrews; illustrated by Bryan Collier
48. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick; illustrated by Sophie Blackall
49. New Boy by Tracy Chevalier
50. The Dream Stalker by Margaret Coel

2017 Reads to Date - #51-54

51. The Banks of the Boyne: A Quest for a Christian Ireland by Donna Fletcher Crow
52. Angela's Ashes: A Memoir by Frank McCourt
53. Scandal in Skibbereen by Sheila Connolly
54. Black Plumes by Margery Allingham

Life has gotten busy here in the month of April, and I haven't finished a single book yet this month. I'm hoping to finish a couple of ARCs this week. I'd hoped to finish one of them last month, but I didn't manage to get around to it. I've got a few others I'd hoped to read by now this year, but I need to evaluate which of those I want to postpone awhile and which I want to switch to April. I already had a long list of intended April reads. I'm also working on reading the 19th century children's poetry anthology. It's like they always say . . . so many books, so little time!

Stopping in to wish you good luck with your reads this month. Even if it takes a long time, those books will get read! Happy new thread!

>9 mstrust: Thanks. I'm doing pretty well on an audio book I began Monday. It has lots of sections though--18, I think. I should have lots of commute time this week as I am attending a conference an hour away Thursday and Friday. I also have to make an airport run today and can listen to it on the way there although I'm certain I'll be too busy chatting with my friend to listen on most of the ride back. Still, I should be able to make considerable progress.

55. Wolf on a String by Benjamin Black

Date Completed: 5 Apr 2017

Category: John Perkins (Historical Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #20: Read a book that almost qualified for another challenge this month (note the challenge it almost qualified for)

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Christian Stern arrives in Prague, finding the body of a young woman. He's accused of the crime, but Emperor Rudolf frees him so he may investigate the murder. Other bodies crop up. No one trusts anybody. I did not enjoy this book which left me quite bored and which had too much sexual innuendo for my taste. In the author's note, Black describes the book as "historical fantasy," and perhaps it is that fantastical portion which left me with a dislike for the book. I couldn't wait for the novel to end and probably would not have continued reading it if I hadn't seen other reviews more favorable to it. It obviously was not a book for me. I received an advance review copy through NetGalley for review purposes.

Happy new thread, Lori. Sorry your latest read was disappointing.

Happy new thread, Lori! My April reading is off to a slow start, too, but I cleared a project last night and should be able to get more done going forward.

Happy new thread, Lori.

>11 thornton37814: Not exactly a ringing endorsement! I have enjoyed a couple of the slow moving Quirke books of his but to be fair some of his other stuff as John Banville can be heavy going.

Happy New Thread, Lori!

I really enjoyed Angela's Ashes when I read it.

Hmmm, I got Wolf on a String as an ER last month - haven't started it yet. Your review isn't encouraging me to dive in... :)

Happy new thread, Lori! Hope your weekend is better than >11 thornton37814:.

Happy Friday and congrats on your shiny new thread, Lori.

Happy new thread Lori! I love how Barney watches TV.. all the better for batting a paw at the moving objects on the screen, I am guessing. :-)

Barney looks like he's having fun in your topper. Cats are so entertaining. I have an aging dog who sleeps all day. Maybe he needs a cat to perk up his life. We were outside this afternoon and my neighbor's tiny dog stopped by to say hello. I'm not sure what breed he is, but he is very friendly and can't weigh more than 5 pounds. Lucky was delighted to have a visitor.

Too bad your last book didn't connect with you. It happens. I read Christine Falls by him a few years ago and thought it was just okay. Have a good weekend, Lori.

Hi, Lori. I love the Barney photo! Cats just crack me up sometimes. I can't quite fathom how they get into some of the positions they do -- and manage to stay there as long as they do!

Happy new thread. : ) Can't believe you are already in the 50s for books read--Wow!! Have fun with your audio read.

Happy New Thread, Lori! I'm having a slow month, too, in the book department.

Happy New Thread, Lori! I like Barney's style. Very interactive. :-)

And April may be a slow month for you so far but I'm with Kim in being impressed with your overall reading pace!

I hope you're having a good weekend.

>12 FAMeulstee: I think the next one will be better if I just have time to finish it!

>13 harrygbutler: Glad you've cleared a project. I'll be snowed under for most of this month. Hoping I'll have a bit more time after the conference next month.

>14 PaulCranswick: It's just not a book for me. Carrie liked it much more than I did.

>15 jnwelch: I was definitely behind in getting around to reading Angela's Ashes.

>16 drneutron: Carrie gave it 3.5 stars if that makes you feel any better. She liked it much more than I.

>17 Carmenere: I've had cats in my lap most of the time I haven't been either spring cleaning or catching up on other tasks. Will settle in to read a bit soon.

>18 Ameise1: Thanks very much. I was at a conference on Friday, but it was only 45 minutes away in Knoxville.

>19 lkernagh: It's funny how he chose to watch TV that way. I really don't watch TV that much, but Barney does watch it that way when I do.

>20 Donna828: Barney does seem to enjoy life. He is so light and agile compared to his brothers who seem to love food much more.

>21 tymfos: Isn't that the truth? He was going for a moth on the outside of the window from the top perch of the cat tree the other night. It's a wonder he didn't plummet when he reached out to "get it."

>22 Berly: That number is a little inflated by several picture books, but not all of the books in the kiddie lit category are picture books. Most are.

>23 ronincats: Hopefully it will pick back up again for me once the conference next month is out of the way. I'm mostly working on my PowerPoints for my presentations at this stage.

>24 EBT1002: I am making good progress on the audio book. I might finish next weekend if I can spare the time from conference presentation preparation to go do something fun. I'm kind of considering something on the NC side of the Smokies.

Happy Sunday, Lori! I hope your next read is a better one for you.

This past week the state library conference was held in Knoxville. On Tuesday, I received a call from one of our former librarians asking if I could pick her up at the airport on Wednesday. Her flight was supposed to arrive a little before 2 p.m. She wanted to come back with me to the library to visit everyone for a short while. We were all excited and looking forward to her visit. Storms were predicted on Wednesday afternoon in our area, but the storms in the Atlanta area were apparently too much. She was stuck in Memphis where she now lives for a long time. Her departure kept getting pushed later and later. At the same time, her connecting flight was being pushed forward, but the gap between the two was decreasing. She actually ended up arriving in Atlanta about the same time the flight from Atlanta to Knoxville arrived in Knoxville. They managed to rebook her on a later flight which was originally scheduled to leave about 8:45. It was soon changed to departing at 9:45. I was going to leave around 8:30 to make sure I gave myself plenty of time to get to the airport. I checked before I left and saw the time was changed to 10:15 for departure so I decided to wait until about 9:00 to leave. By that point I'd decided to get a hotel room in Knoxville, and she suddenly remembered she'd forgotten to cancel the reservation at the conference hotel when she decided to stay with a friend. She made sure they had put her in a double and added my name to the reservation for that night and cancelled the other two nights. I headed toward Knoxville, worried she would arrive and be outside before I got there. In the meantime the thunderstorms arrived violently. I could hardly see the road in front of me at times. I got to the airport and parked in the cell lot. I discovered she hadn't even left Atlanta yet. Arrival was then set at 11:45 p.m. but ended up being about 12:15 a.m. Of course, they managed to lose her only bag, so we didn't get away from the airport until 1:00 a.m.

Fast forward to the end of the conference Friday. My friend gets a message from Delta that her flight has been cancelled, and she's been rebooked on a flight Sunday evening. Fortunately she had a friend heading to Clarksville by car who dropped her at her daughter's in Nashville, and her husband drove from Memphis to Nashville to pick her up.

I did tell her this was a conference she'd never forget.

56. Heading Out: A History of American Camping by Terence Young

Date Completed: 9 Apr 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #10: I'm late, I'm late: Read a book you hoped to finish in 1st quarter or is overdue at library

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Terence Young looks at the phenomenon of camping in America, tracing its evolution over the years. He discusses problems the national parks had with campers and how that led to individual campsites. He also discusses how camping evolved from fairly primitve conditions to RVs. Young's work focuses mainly on camping within the national park and forest systems. The book needed to spend time discussing privately-owned campgrounds, including those with memberships, and chains, such as KOA, or affiliation of privately owned campgrounds with networks such as Good Sam. In spite of this one weakness, it was a very interesting and informative read. I've been reading quite a bit about the formation of Great Smoky Mountain National Park in preparation for an upcoming lecture I'm giving. I was delighted to see the author included some information regarding the way land was acquired for it and Shenanadoah National Park to give the system an Eastern United States presence, although it wasn't new information for me. This review is based on an advance reader's e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Note: It was on my March reading list, but I didn't get to it.

Happy new thread, Lori!

Sorry to hear about your former colleague's travel difficulties. WABE, the NPR affilliate in Atlanta, reported this morning that 150 Delta flights out of ATL were cancelled yesterday, and the airline is still dealing with the backlog from last week's storms.

>32 kidzdoc: That is incredible. I hope they get back on track soon.

57. The Stranger in My Genes: A Memoir by Bill Griffeth

Date Completed: 12 Apr 2017

Category: Richard Thornton (History & Genealogy)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #14: Read a book where a title word starts with the same letter as the author's name (first or last)

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Journalist Bill Griffeth took a Y-DNA test, discovering he did not match his cousin's haplotype or that many markers. They asked the lab to process the sample again, achieving the same result. Convinced the lab must have mixed up samples, he purchased a test from another company and had his brother test with the first company. His brother matched the cousin, but he did not. Griffeth's story was absorbing, and I'm amazed at how much he was able to control his own emotions and consider how his decisions would affect others. As genealogy educators, those of us who talk about DNA to other groups always advise prospective testers to be prepared for unexpected results. This book reinforces this in a manner everyone can appreciate. I'm doing a presentation in less than a week, and I'm going to make certain I encourage prospective DNA testers to read it. It's a quick and relatively short read. Highly recommended.

Hi Lori, wishing you a wonderful Easter weekend.

>34 thornton37814: Ooh, you got me with that one! I have it requested at my library. Thanks for the heads-up!

Karen O.

>34 thornton37814: wow, that sounds fascinating. I guess no one really wants to find a skeleton in the closet. I was listening to a piece on Radio NZ National the other day about babies born in Argentinian jails to women. They babies were taken and given to leaders of the military etc, and tears late, these now-adults have in some cases been DNA tested to reveal their true parents. Imagine the horror to find out that your parents are actually despots who killed or incarcerated your real parents. The shock would be utterly life changing.

Happy new thread and Happy Easter, Lori!

>30 thornton37814: What a nightmare! For both of you. Yikes. Hope the next conference travel plans go more smoothly.

>34 thornton37814: That would be totally unnerving to find out you were not who you thought you were! Two of my kids are adopted and we have always been very up front about it with them, so there would be no surprises.



Or just Happy Sunday!!

Happy Easter, Lori!

>34 thornton37814: The pluses and minuses of being able to analyze DNA right? It would certainly cause some shock waves in a family.

Happy Easter!

>35 DianaNL: >36 Ameise1: Happy Resurrection Day to both of you!

>37 klobrien2: I think you'll enjoy it!

>38 LovingLit: That would be pretty horrific. I think that's why we kind of warn people to always be prepared for unexpected results.

>39 karenmarie: Thanks! Happy Easter to you also.

>40 Berly: A large number of adoptees are re-uniting with birth parents. Not all choose to do so, but some do.

>41 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry! Hope you have a great day too!

>42 nittnut: I was impressed with how carefully the author was able to weigh the consequences of his decisions at various turns along the way.

58. Eggs in a Casket by Laura Childs

Date Completed: 15 Apr 2017

Category: Lucinda Virginia Phillips (Series)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Easter Egg Hunt: Read a book with the word egg or eggs in the title or text

Rating: 3 stars

Review: The girls encounter their friend Missy hurriedly leaving the cemetery as they deliver flowers. They stumble upon the body of Lester Drummond in an open grave and call Sheriff Doogie to the scene. Suspicion immediately falls to their friend, but Toni and Suzanne are doing their best to clear their friend of any possible charges. Sam, the local doctor who is a good friend to Suzanne, is called upon to assist in the autopsy. The girls uncover several people who might have wanted Lester dead. This installment didn't work quite as well for me as some earlier ones, but it was still a fun light read for a time when you need a little "brain candy."

Talking about DNA - a close but older relative of mine always suspected that she was adopted as she was growing up. She said she did not resemble her parents or two sisters at all, and was sent to live with her grandma for most of her life. Later on , she found out that her dad had an affair with the farm help and indeed, her mother was not her birth mother and her sister's were just step sisters. What a shocking thing to discover later on in life. She is 92 now and still going strong.

I must add that my dad's first cousin ( we had not known till the last 15 years ) had a daughter at the age of 18 or so. She gave her daughter up for adoption and continued on to study nursing. She and her adopted daughter re-connected about 15 years ago. Her husband and two adult children were okay with it all, and she has gained grandchildren and her adopted daughter back into her family. Such a happy ending and her first daughter has a happy life . Sometimes it works out well.

>46 vancouverdeb: Interesting story about the woman sent to live with the grandparents. It's interesting she ended up with the paternal rather than maternal family at all.

We're withdrawing several very dated and old party game books. A book from 1941 suggests a "Library shower." Apparently at this party, you get a boy no older than 5 or 6 to put packages at the honoree's feet while reciting:

I'm a bookworm, bad and bold,
But in my hands you'll find I hold
Love, and hate, and happiness--
Nearly everything, I guess--
If you but take a hasty look
Between the pages of a book!

Ha! Seems weird now, but I remember being in kindergarten in the 70's and being expected to memorize and recite a poem. Didn't know it was to create a party atmosphere.

>49 mstrust: We used to memorize and recite poetry through elementary school. I don't remember having to do it later though.

59. The Queen's Vow: A Novel of Isabella of Castile by C. W. Gortner

Date Completed: 19 Apr 2017

Category: John Perkins (Historical Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #5: Read a book that has much to do with religion

Rating: 4 stars

Review: In this fictionalized account of Isabella of Castile, the Queen comes to life to the reader, perhaps in a slightly different manner than I remember her from studying world history. The novel shows how she came to power following the death of her brother, and the opposition she faced from his illegitimate daughter in a time before DNA testing would have settled the matter once and for all. We also see her devotion to the Catholic Church. The author portrays her as being tolerant of the Jews for many years but finally giving in to Torquemada's desire to extend the Inquisition beyond the "conversos" to those Jews who never became Christians. I could not help but be disappointed in her weakness in giving in to Torquemada to persecute God's chosen people. I really don't think a person can truly appreciate so much of what Jesus did for us on the Cross without an understanding of Jewish tradition. It does show her support of Colon's (i.e. Christopher Columbus) venture which led to Spain's conquest of many new lands. The author does describe departures from historical record at the end of the book. I listened to the Blackstone Audio version of the book narrated by Rosalyn Landor, who did an excellent job.

60. The Book of the Unknown: Tales of the Thirty-Six by Jonathan Keats

Date Completed: 20 Apr 2017

Category: Francis Aldridge (Fiction & Other Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #19: Read a book in whose title the words "of" and "the" are adjacent to each other

Rating: 3 stars

Review: I'm not exactly certain how to describe this book. It's an odd collection of stories featuring persons unlikely to be called saints, but which, to some extent are. It is based on the idea there are 36 such persons. Some of the tales are disturbing. Others are easier to read. I read this because of a book club read. It's not something I would normally pick up. It's definitely a different sort of read and will appeal to those who don't mind some strangeness to their reading content.

>51 thornton37814: Great review, Lori. I saw online that my library has got a copy of it. I put it on my list.

Happy Friday.

That was quite the time that your friend had traveling to and from the conference, Lori. The Stranger in my Genes: a Memoir Sounds very interesting.

>53 Ameise1: I hope you like it as much as I did.

>54 Familyhistorian: I think you will find The Stranger in My Genes very interesting.

>34 thornton37814: Just got The Stranger in My Genes from my library. Mostly because of your rave, so thank you!

Karen O.

>55 thornton37814: Will tell you when I read it. Happy Tuesday, Lori.

>56 klobrien2: Hope you love it!

>57 Ameise1: Please do!

ABANDONED BOOK ALERT



The Night Strangers by Chris Bohjalian

Date Abandoned: 22 Apr 2017

Category: Thomas Duke (Abandoned Reads)

Comments: This "ghost story" set in an old home in New Hampshire purchased by a pilot who ditched an aircraft just didn't work for me. I listened to it quite awhile before deciding to call it quits.

61. The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue by Michael J. Tougias and Casey Sherman

Date Completed: 27 Apr 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #11: Read a book where the author shares a first name with a member of your family

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: This was a fascinating look at the heroic efforts of Coast Guard rescuers in a deadly Nor'easter from the early 1950s off the coast of Cape Cod. I found myself drawn into the story as the narrator described the events as they unfolded and brought us up-to-date on how it affected the men who were part of the rescue and even some of those rescued. Bernie Webber received many accolades for his leadership that night, but he knew he could not have done it without his crew and fought for their recognition. The narrator of the audio book did an excellent job. The book brings an awareness to the important role the Coast Guard plays in protecting lives.

Hi, Lori! Oh, I'm glad to see that The Finest Hours is a good one! I thought it sounded good.

I know you read some mysteries, so dropping you a link to May Murder & Mayhem. Cozies are welcome! It didn't seem like anyone was keen to start it, so I volunteered:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/255974

Stopping by to say " hi " Lori. Thanks for the warning re The Night Strangers. I've read a few books by the same author, and enjoyed them. I'll make sure to skip that one. I like a good mystery, but ghosts are not my thing.

Hi Lori!!

>61 tymfos: I've been so swamped trying to complete presentations for a conference early next month. I haven't been reading in print much of anything, but I did have a book I reserved through Knox County's Overdrive system become available. I was hoping to get to it this month, but it will likely be next--after I finish Anna and the Swallow Man that is sitting on my desk at work. I'll take it home this weekend if I don't finish it during lunch today. I am making progress with audio books though. I hope you like The Finest Hours as much as I did.

>62 vancouverdeb: I don't know if I like other things by the author or not. Someone else told me the author was hit or miss with her.

>63 Berly: Hi, Kim! Hope things are going well out in the Pacific Northwest.

Happy Friday, Lori.

>65 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara! Happy Friday to you a well. Hope you have a great weekend.

62. Anna and the Swallow Man by Gavriel Savit

Date Completed: 28 Apr 2017

Category: John Perkins (Historical Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #1: Read a book whose title has two words sharing one adjacent letter across those two words

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This tale is part historical fiction, part magical realism, and probably parts of other genres as well. It's the story of a seven-year-old girl whose father is taken by the Germans. As she wanders, she meets a man she grows to call the Swallow Man because of his love for birds. Anna and the reader never completely learn his real identity. Together they try to remain hidden from the Nazis, meeting a Jewish musician along the way. I don't want to spoil things for readers so I dare not tell more. I'm not certain I understand all the author was trying to communicate. Loss of innocence is certainly a part of it. Its plot grows dark; the message it conveys is complex. It is not a book for too young of an audience, but older teens and adults may enjoy it, even if they don't understand everything. This is one where a reader's guide would be beneficial to provoke discussion points and would be a good book for a discussion group.

>59 thornton37814: Didn't abandon it, but didn't care much for it either.

>68 drneutron: That's comforting to know my dislike of it put me in with good company.

>60 thornton37814: I have watched the movie. I did not realize it was based on a book. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the recommendation, Lori!

>67 thornton37814: Sounds interesting. I will have to see if I can locate a copy.

>70 alcottacre: Hope you enjoy them whenever they surface to the top of your black hole.

I awakened yesterday morning with a sore throat and felt progressively worse throughout the day, with a runny nose developing by afternoon. I made it through the day at work, although I thought about going home a time or two. If we had not been short-staffed, I probably would have given in to the temptation. I tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. I was running a couple degrees of fever, and the runny nose was not letting up. This morning I switched from my bed to my couch and was able to sleep, but I'm still running fever. The nose is not quite as bad though, and the sore throat is mostly gone. Hopefully I'll begin to feel better. I'll probably nap on the couch again in a moment, although I slept most of the day. Still it seems that's what my body needs. I may see if I can read from my iPad while lying down, but I have not felt much like reading.

>72 thornton37814: Get well soon, Lori!

>73 harrygbutler: Thanks.

ABANDONED BOOK



The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Date Abandoned: 30 Apr 2017

Category: Thomas Duke (Abandoned Books)

Remarks: I sometimes return to books I read long ago and didn't like, hoping I've gained a new appreciation for them. It did not take long for me to remember why I disliked this one so much and realize my dislike for the novel will be forevermore. Therefore, I'm abandoning this audiobook although Greg Wise was doing a super job narrating it.

>75 thornton37814: Sorry to see poor old Oscar falling flat a second time for you, Lori. It may be that his humour is more striking to British and Irish sensibilities but I thought A Picture of Dorian Gray was full of wonderful lines.

ABANDONED



The Dead House by Dawn Kurtagich

Date Abandoned: 1 May 2017

Category: Thomas Duke (Abandoned Reads)

Comments: It didn't take long for me to know this was not a book for me. I suspect some teen readers will find it gripping, but I think I'm a little too old for it. I'm not one who enjoys tales of dis-associative personality disorder. I was listening to the Hachette Audio version of the book offered through AudioSync for summer 2017. Abandoned.

Hope you recover swiftly, Lori. It's no fun when that virus takes over your body.

>78 ronincats: I really think it was because I had to work in the moldy library basement the other day to manage the book sale. I've said for years we need to have a friends group manage the sale and that it needs to be held in another location. This year highlighted it for me.

>75 thornton37814: I couldn't finish The Picture Of Dorian Gray either. I always feel like the fault must be mine with a classic book like that, but I haven't actually come across many people who liked it beyond the concept.

Hi Lori! Sorry to hear you've been sick. I hope you get well soon.

>80 eclecticdodo: Good to know.

>81 karenmarie: Still sniffling a little, but I'm a whole lot better.

>75 thornton37814: >76 PaulCranswick: >80 eclecticdodo: Sorry to hear that you didn't like The Picture of Dorian Gray. I always enjoyed Wilde's wit and the premise of the picture in that book. In fact, I named a long ago pet cat, Dorian Gray! Of course, it may be like Paul says - I really enjoy Brit humor.

>83 rretzler: It's definitely not for me.

>84 rretzler: Thanks!

My book is out: http://www.ngsgenealogy.org/cs/american_indians_oklahoma_research_mississippi

>86 thornton37814: Congratulations, Lori!

>86 thornton37814: Very cool, Lori! I so admire anyone who can write - I can't imagine how much work that must have taken. Congratulations!! I guess I also missed the fact that you were a genealogist - also very impressive.

I've dabbled a little over the years and have a kind of funny story. My maiden name is Yoho. Growing up, I had always heard that Yoho was an American Indian name. My mother always told me that my father's aunt had done some research and that we were descended from the Cree tribe - yoho being the Indian name for beautiful. Well, that part maybe true - there is a Yoho National Park in Canada, and I believe for whatever tribe named it, the name means beautiful. But it was not the Cree tribe. So, some time in the 1990s when the Latter Day Saints genealogy website came online, I got on right away and started searching for Yoho. Found it right away - apparently, Yoho is a Swiss/German/French name and was originally spelled Joho, but when my ancestors came to the US in the 1650s, it was written down as Yoho (the J in German being pronounced as a Y). This goes a long way towards explaining why I am blond-haired and blue-eyed with very pale skin! I now have most of the records and the backstory that goes along with this heritage, so I guess the Indian name "Running Dear" that I made up in elementary school for myself was totally unnecessary! LOL!

Sorry you've been sick, Lori. Moldy basements aren't good places for book sale work!

I'm one of those people who did like The Picture of Dorian Gray. But I read it when I was younger, after seeing a TV production of it that I really liked.

>86 thornton37814: Congratulations, Lori. I, for one in the group, am mightily proud of you.

Just a point though, reference to the online store linked on the site doesn't yet carry the book.

Have a great weekend. xx

>86 thornton37814: Congratulations, Lori!

>87 harrygbutler: Thanks.

>88 rretzler: Interesting story about your name!

>89 tymfos: Moldy basements are horrible. I'm glad someone liked Wilde's book.

>90 PaulCranswick: They may be waiting to put it online after the conference, but it's odd they put up the press release before they are selling it. It will be for sale at the conference this week, and I'm sure it will be online soon.

>91 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita.

Congratulations on wrapping up your book and getting it ready for publication, Lori! More time to cuddle with kitties and a book now?

Delurking to say Hi!

>86 thornton37814: Congratulations! That's quite an accomplishment.

Pleased to note that the website now does have your book for sale in print or pdf formats. Cannot ship until 22 May.

Have a great weekend, Lori.

>94 ronincats: Thanks! I hope so. I do have some genealogy clients for the summer so I won't be completely free, but with working less in the summer, I should still have some time. It make take me a day or two to get back into the groove of reading.

>95 Berly: Hi, Kim!

>96 mstrust: Thank you!

>97 PaulCranswick: Yes. They took copies to the conference and wouldn't let me take my complimentary copies or purchase additional copies while there because they were nearly sold out of what they had brought to sell. Jeff's new edition of the North Carolina book did sell out about half-way through the conference. The editor had told them to bring more copies than they did, but they didn't listen. My copies will probably ship next week. I'm sure the delay is to allow them time to catch back up after the conference on things.

63. Steeped in Evil by Laura Childs

Date Completed: 16 May 2017

Category: Lucinda Virginia Phillips (Series)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Theodosia and Drayton are in an adjoining county for a wine tasting when the body of the winery owner's son is found inside a barrel of wine. The sheriff of that county does not seem that interested in the investigation or that capable so Drayton's friends ask Theodosia to poke around. This mystery was just "okay." Although Tidwell does make an appearance, it is more like a cameo, and I really missed the interaction with him on this one. Most of the investigation is conducted in Charleston although a small part of the action takes place at Knighthall Plantation or between it and Charleston. Not the best in this series, but still okay. I hope the next installment returns Theodosia to Charleston so she is getting in the way of Detective Tidwell.

64. Dimestore: A Writer's Life by Lee Smith

Date Completed: 18 May 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Well-known Appalachian author Lee Smith provides insights into her early years in Appalachia as well as the path she's taken since then. She shows the importance literature played in her life. She discusses when she first truly knew what it meant to write from your personal experiences. Her family had a history of psychological illnesses, and she discussed these as well. Her father owned the dimestore of the book's title although there was another manager and extended family members who ran things when he was hospitalized, which was fairly often. The author's autobiographical writings are very readable and offer insight into the world about which she wrote. Highly recommended.

65. Carson Crosses Canada by Linda Bailey; illustrated by Kass Reich

Date Completed: 19 May 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #4: Read a book with 2 or more title words which all begin with the same letter

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Carson, the dog, crosses Canada with his owner Annie Magruder to visit her sister who is sick. They begin along the Pacific. They cross the Canadian Rockies, visit Lake Winnipeg and Niagara Falls, stop in Quebec where Carson learns he is a "chien", and then cross to Nova Scotia, eventually taking a ferry to their destination in Prince Edward Island. At the end a "surprise" is awaiting him. I don't want to give the surprise away, but I will say Carson loved it. It's a book I can imagine preschoolers wanting to revisit often. I received an advance electronic copy of the book from the publisher via NetGalley for review purposes.

66. The Big Book of Canada by Christopher Moore; illustrated by Bill Slavin

Completed: 21 May 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a book where the first word on p40 starts with a capital letter

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: I was fascinated by geography from about the 4th to 6th grade, and this book serves a niche for kids who really love studying place. The book specifically addresses each province of Canada, taking a look at the land, people groups, places, occupations, famous persons, and government. A timeline of some history events, quick facts, a recipe, and one other item, such as a poem, is provided for each province as well. Sometimes a major city was not treated in the appropriate section, such as Regina, Saskatchewan. While Anne of Green Gables was important to Prince Edward Island, I'm certain they could have found some other things to add. Overall, it is well done, but it does have some omissions. I received a copy of the book through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program for review purposes.

Just catching up with your thread, Lori. Congratulations on your book. It must feel great to be done! I just wish I had Mississippi ancestors. Looks like you had a few book abandonments there. Good to see you are back in the reading groove.

>103 Familyhistorian: Well, I'm making slow progress on the reading because I'm distracted at the moment with genealogy and DNA. I've been visually phasing the chromosomes for me and my brothers and assigning them to grandparents. I started with the X and then with 22 and am working my way backwards. So far chromosome 21 was easiest. I got to a couple yesterday where it was impossible to assign segments right at the end of a chromosome to one sibling. The segments just weren't long enough to determine whether the maternal or paternal line mutated. I may be able to do it once I begin working more closely with some of the matches.

67. Tips & Quips for the Family Historian by Elizabeth Shown Mills and Ruth Brossette Lennon

Date Completed: 29 May 2017

Category: Richard Thornton (History & Genealogy)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #4: Read a book with 2 or more title words which all begin with the same letter

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Elizabeth Shown Mills and her granddaughter Ruthie teamed up to provide genealogists everywhere with a book of quotations pertinent to the field. The quotes are attributed not only to genealogists, but also to authors, entertainers, historians, and other persons, even fictitious characters, such as "Frasier Crane." The book will be an asset for genealogists and genealogical speakers for years to come. While the quotation categories are too numerous to include, the quotes are wide-ranging--from accuracy to writing--including such categories as document analysis, family trees, genetic genealogy, maps & mapping, plagiarism, and standards. Some quotes were included more than once under different relevant topics. Each attributable quotation is cited in the endnotes. An index of persons quoted is included. Keywords to locate relevant quotation sections are also provided. It fills a void in genealogical reference. Its creation by a granddaughter-grandmother team, particularly when the grandmother is one of the world's most respected genealogists, is a bonus for genealogists.

>105 thornton37814:

Is there a reliable site, not expensive, where we can give a Searcher the genealogy information we have and that person
will supply good information and/or exact sites...?

>106 m.belljackson: I'm not certain what you are asking. If you are asking for someone who does genealogical research for free or at a low expense, I think you'll get what you pay for. A lot of amateurs will perform research. Some of the research may be okay; but if they rely too much on undocumented trees, books (such as those produced by Gustave Anjou, among others), etc., what you get may be largely fiction. If you are seeking a site where you can perform research yourself at a low cost, I recommend a couple of things. 1) FamilySearch.org is free and has lots of records. Not all of their online materials are indexed so you are just touching the tip of what they have if you rely on the search engine. You can use the "catalog" to locate what records they have that are digitized in specific locales. Those records will have cameras next to them when you click on the subject groups under the counties. 2) Check to see what your local library provides. Many of the databases may be restricted to "in library use", but Ancestry, Fold3, FindMyPast, and HeritageQuest all offer library editions. They may also provide subscriptions to newspaper sites. I know I purchased an annual membership in a nearby county which offers more databases than my local library provides, and the $40 I paid has already been made up for because of the newspaper databases.

68. The Foundling: The True Story of a Kidnapping, a Family Secret, and My Search for the Real Me by Paul Joseph Fronczak with Alex Tresniowski

Date Completed: 29 May 2017

Category: Richard Thornton (History & Genealogy)

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review:This is a fascinating story, solved in part by DNA. Paul Fronczak was kidnapped in a Chicago hospital shortly after his birth by a one pretending to be a nurse. About two years later, a child was left in front of a McCrory's store in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Police wondered if it might be Fronczak. He was put in a home with a family who often cared for children in such circumstance. The family formed a special bond with the child, but he was ultimately destined to live as Paul Fronczak. Years later, Paul wanted to determine if he was the Fronczak child, and if not, who he was -- and what happened to the real Paul. DNA tests confirmed his suspicions he wasn't the real Paul, but that's just the beginning of the story. It's an interesting, although sometimes repetitive story, which could have used better editing. "Paul" needed a better balance between his own family life and his quest for his identity. I think he probably tries too hard to convince himself it was "in his genes" instead of owning up to his familial responsibilites. Still, it is a captivating story of abandonment, but I would be remiss if I didn't warn people parts of the story are not pretty. "Paul" was fortunate to have a team of genetic genealogists and DNA testing companies assisting in the search for his identity. It's not something most adoptees will have as they approach their quest. Still "Search Angels" and "DNA Detectives" are out there to help many adoptees uncover their true identities. It is unfortunate a list of resources was not included at the end of the book to help persons who might wish to pursue it.

>104 thornton37814: That sounds very in depth, Lori. You are fortunate to have data from your brothers. My family is not very cooperative.

>109 Familyhistorian: My brother Gary didn't really live that long after I got his sample. In fact, his results came back after his death. Two of his children have also tested. Both of them asked to be tested. My other brother was the one who initially did the Y-DNA testing. He later tested his atDNA with another company.

Just catching up here. Hi!!

>111 Berly: I understand. I got behind. Although I glanced at threads, I didn't have time to comment on many. Hopefully I'll be able to keep up better -- soon.

Hi Lori - Wow the DNA genealogy is fascinating stuff. I had no idea that the things you are doing are possible. I may check out my library to see if they have Ancestry.

The Foundling sounds interesting. I've added it to my list of books to be read in the sometime future. :)

>113 streamsong: Here's an example of a phased chromosome for me and my two brothers:



The top part is actually how we match each other. The Excel lines are drawn to show where the matching starts/stops. The phasing is the bottom part that is labeled to grandparents.

Hope you enjoy the book!

That's amazing, Lori! Thanks for posting that.

>115 streamsong: It's interesting how we can do that!

Hi, Lori! I echo >115 streamsong:.

>117 tymfos: Glad folks find it interesting.

I may be scarce on here for the next few days. I was scheduled to do 4 presentations, all of which I've done recently, at the Cumberland Gap Genealogy Jamboree next weekend. Due to cancellations of other speakers, I'm now doing 7 presentations in 3 days. I will need to check links on handouts for the ones I'm adding on. I will also probably have screen shots to update in them, but hopefully I can get by without having to tweak too much. I'm also doing this while getting ready for a trip to another conference.

Abandoned:



A Strange Scottish Shore by Juliana Gray

Date Abandoned: 5 Jun 2017

Category: Thomas Duke (Abandoned Reads)

Comments: In 1906, the Duke of Olympia and his assistant Emmeline Truelove are called to the Orkney Islands to investigate an artifact purported to be a Selkie skin. Along the way, some important papers are stolen from Miss Truelove on the train. This book failed to draw me in and hold my attention. I found it confusing from almost the beginning. Some parts are simply too unbelievable, and others are missing connections needed to help readers process the action. Perhaps someone who enjoys the fantasy genre more than I do could make the needed stretches. I abandoned the book about 40% of the way into it. I received an electronic galley of the book for review through NetGalley.

69. The Blue Cat of Castle Town by Catherine Cate Coblentz; illustrated by Janice Holland

Date Completed: 6 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a Book That Has At Least One Title Word That Begins With the Letter C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: How did I miss this book when I was younger? Today's readers can thank Dover Publications for bringing this Newbery Honor book back into print. It's the story of a blue cat who must teach his song to others to find his place on a hearth. His song is the song of the river. He wanders around Castle Town, Vermont where he witnesses village life. It's from a simpler time and place. It's a place where spinning wheels and weaving still exist. It's a place where the local carpenter still feels the need to do his best work on the pulpit in the Lord's house, even if it means losing his $1.50 in daily wages or using some of his savings even with a baby on the way. This book gave me a sense of that time and place, and I loved it. The illustrations by Janice Holland were well-done. I received an electronic advance review copy of this title from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

>119 thornton37814: Ah, conference season. Best of luck getting the extra three sessions prepped, Lori. I hope things go well for you. I love attending conferences as a participant rather than a presenter. Its great getting new ideas but so hard to find the time to put them into practice. I am attending a conference this weekend and very much looking forward to it but also wishing that I had more of the weekend to work on my own projects.

>122 Familyhistorian: Thanks. First two sessions are down. I only have one tomorrow, but 4 on Saturday.

>123 thornton37814: Best of luck, Lori, particularly on Saturday.

>124 Familyhistorian: Thanks. The one today went well. Attendance is really poor this year though. We were hoping for a bigger crowd today. It was bigger, but really not enough bigger.

Hope you are hanging in there with all those presentations!!! Sorry attendance is less than spectacular.

Hope the conferences are going well!

Wishing you a perfect Sunday evening, Lori.

Glad that all those presentations are over, Lori, as I imagine you are, but wish more people could have benefitted from yours.

>126 Berly: I got through all the presentations.

>127 rretzler: Carrie (cbl_tn) and I are at the conference in Grand Rapids now. So far so good.

>128 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. We were in the Kokomo, Indiana area last night on our way to Michigan.

>129 ronincats: Well, it really is unfortunate the person behind the Jamboree fell ill and publicity was left in the hands of someone else without the information on where all it needed to be publicized.

Hi Lori, sounds like you are heavily into conference season. I hope that attendance at the Grand Rapids conference was better and that you enjoyed or are enjoying it.

70. Israel Matters: Why Christians Must Think Differently About the People and the Land by Gerald R. McDermott

Date Completed: 14 Jun 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Author McDermott shares why he changed his thinking on Israel in relation to Biblical prophecy. He offers reasons why Christians should care about what happens to the nation of Israel and attempts to dispel the error of replacement theology. He also discusses the land occupied by the Jews and offers reasons it belongs to them. While McDermott does a fairly good job, I find myself wishing my pastor would write a book on the topic because he does a far better job of explaining the Jewishness of the Gospels and discussing Israel in relation to prophecy. I received an electonic advance review copy of the title from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

>131 Familyhistorian: It was better than the last conference there in my opinion. The conference reduced the length by one-half day this time. That wasn't good because a lot of meetings got bumped to evenings, making the days too long. There simply wasn't enough "down time."

Israel Matters is the only book besides my Bible I even touched during conference. I touched lots of books on Friday at Allen County Public Library, but those were genealogy research and not read. I actually filled an entire book truck during the course of the day.

I went to pick my cats up from the vet's where they were boarding. The vet techs were quite disappointed my entertaining boys were leaving them. The lady at the desk was new to me. She's a part-timer who must only work when people are on vacation. One of the vet techs had to help her figure things out. One of the vet techs today was newer. She asked me if my boys were always that active. I told her yes. She has a couple of cats that are only about a year old, and they are far less playful than my almost two-year-olds. (2 in mid-August). To borrow the old Peaches & Herb song, "Reunited . . . and it feels so good." They've been chattering almost non-stop telling me about their "vacation" and how much they missed me. I've had frequent lap visits. They never stay too long because they catch sight of a brother and want to join him.

71. Practicing Christian Education: An Introduction for Ministry by Mark A. Maddix and James Riley Estep

Date Completed: 19 Jun 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book written by two or more authors as a collaboration

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Books designed specifically for Christian educators are not as plentiful as they once were, particularly when it comes to introductions. This introduction is really more of a theories approach than an overview as many others are. The authors correctly state Christian educators must be students of both theology and the social sciences; however, their book tends to rely more heavily on the social sciences than on theology. The authors illustrated the ignorance of today's generation in Biblical knowledge, yet their approach still relies more heavily on application of Biblical truths than on imparting the truths to them. The authors never really delved into the methodologies to be used in Christian education. It is my observation that in our attempt to make Christian education "less boring" for students, we created learning experiences more memorable for the activity than for the truth it sought to impart. While I don't advocate a return to reading a lesson and answering questions based upon it, I do believe we need to focus more on teaching the Bible and creating informed students who hide the Word of God in their hearts, particularly as we see increasing intolerance for Biblical worldviews in our society. We need to address the problem of Biblical illiteracy in the church. Opportunities for service need to exist, but we need to make sure we are equipping those who are charged with making disciples. This review is based on an advance review copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes. I should also disclose one of the authors is a friend of mine from years ago.

>132 thornton37814: The Israel book sounds interesting. I was raised with a very Judeo-based? Hebrew based? (for lack of a better description) understanding of the Bible. The idea that the authors of the gospels were Jewish, and the original Christians were Jewish, and the original Christian church had more in common with Judaism than not, was a basic part of my Bible learning. Israel is, to my mind, very important, and IMO, much of our trouble in the Middle East comes from a lack of understanding regarding the history of that region. Ancient history, but not irrelevant. Which ties in to your comments about Christian Education. Many people lack a basic understanding of, or belief in, the Bible, which leads to difficulties in understanding international conflicts, particularly in the Middle East. I am sounding a little soap-boxy, I suppose, but I think it's an interesting topic. We work hard to teach the Bible to the youth, and it's worth the effort. Our new Sunday School curriculum for the youth has them teaching each other more often. My daughter (13) just taught a lesson about why it is important to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It was so good for her to explore that on her own and talk with her peer group about the how and why.

>137 nittnut: Yes. I agree with your comments about the Jewish background of the Bible -- and even of the New Testament. Our pastor is truly wonderful when it comes to explaining it. Re: your daughter's experience - Anytime the youth need to teach their peers, it should prompt them to do some Bible study on their own which should lead to deeper understanding.

72. Antsy Ansel: Ansel Adams, A Life in Nature by Cynthia L. Jenson-Elliott ; illustrated by Christy Hale

Date Completed: 21 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: none

Rating: 4 stars

Review: This is a well-illustrated and nice introduction to photographer Ansel Adams for children. The author included many things about his early life that are certain to appeal to them. It may cause a few of them to ask their parents to take them out of school so they can experience things Ansel did. Just a "word of warning" for those of you who may borrow this as an ebook from your library as I did: I did not know in advance this was a "Kindle" book. I was forced to read it on my black & white Kindle keyboard as no option to download it to iPad was available, even though I have the Kindle app on it. The text was too small to read, but it showed up in the next screens. There were two "problem" pages where the pages were not oriented correctly and it was impossible to read the text.

73. Plume by Isabelle Simler

Date Completed: 21 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #15: Read a book in with a collector as a character or real person if non-fiction or with collector in the title

Rating: 5 stars

Review: I love this book! A cute cat is exploring his feathery friends. The artist does a wonderful job capturing just a portion of the cat in each photo while teaching about birds and feathers. It's whimsical and a great book. I received an advance review e-galley for review purposes through NetGalley, but I loved it so much I pre-ordered a copy of the hardback.

74. Nile Crossing by Katy Beebe ; illustrated by Sally Wern Comport

Date Completed: 21 Jun 2017

Category: Johannes Lantz (Around the World)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a Book That Has At Least One Title Word That Begins With the Letter C

Rating: 4 stars

Review: A boy in Ancient Egypt travels with his father on the Nile to attend his first day of school. This interesting book which mentions several of the gods of Ancient Egypt is an interesting addition to a growing collection of children's books published by Eerdmans. The research notes at the end of the book provide further information to help readers (and teachers) with this book rooted in ancient history. The accompanying illustrations are well-done. The glossary will be a helpful addition for younger readers not familiar with many of the terms. I received an advance e-galley of the book for review purposes through NetGalley.

75. Intercessory Prayer by Charles H. Spurgeon

Date Completed: 21 Jun 2017

Category: Rev. Nathan Ward (Christian Classics)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Using a text from Job to illustrate the power of intercessory prayer, 19th century preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon encourages his listeners (and readers) to pray for others, including the lost. While some of the verbiage constructions seem odd to those of us reading the work over a century later, the truths he conveys are timeless. He even recommends praying about theological disagreements rather than always trying to discuss them.

Note: I intended to read his Treasury of David until I noticed it had over 5400 pages in the complete volume. I decided to see what I could find. Many of the works were compiled into huge volumes so I opted for something on a topic of interest that would work well for my category -- and its purpose. This sermon was published as a "single" or small book by a group that works in prison ministry, so I opted for it.

Congrats on reaching 75, Lori!

Congrats!

>143 FAMeulstee: >144 drneutron: Thanks. I kind of feel guilty I used so many children's books to reach it. I'll be reading many more children's books during the coming months for a project. However, I'm trying to read some adult titles too.

76. The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allen Poe

Date Completed: 21 Jun 2017

Category: Godfrey Dearborn (Literary Classics)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A gothic tale by Poe as the narrator visits an old friend. Things don't quite seem right, and the story quickly turns into a tale of horror. I'm pretty sure I read this at some point in the past, but it was a nice change of pace.

Congratulations on 75!

>147 nittnut: Thank you!

Congratulations on blowing past the 75 book mark, Lori!!

Congratulations on hitting and passing 75, Lori!

Congrats on making it past 75!

Congrats! And only halfway through the year!

Way to go, Lori!

>149 ronincats: Thank you. I hope I'm not blowing like "Cindy."

>150 harrygbutler: Thanks, Harry.

>151 aktakukac: Thank you, Rachel.

>152 mstrust: Since I know I'll have lots of picture books for a project over the next year, I'm might even be able to double or triple it before the end of the year.

>153 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe!

77. Our Great Big Backyard by Laura Bush and Jenna Bush Hager ; illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers

Date Completed: 22 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book written by two or more authors as a collaboration

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Jane and Sam's summer plans change when their parents inform them they are going on "The Great American Road Trip." Their disappointment extends into their first stop at the Everglades where they would rather be consumed by their misery. Sam begins to warm up, waving to a riverboat captain as they cross the Mississippi River while Jane hides behind her iPad. Finally when their father got Jane to put down her iPad and look through the telescope at Big Bend National Park in Texas, she began to enjoy the trip. From there, they went to the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and Yosemite. When they got home, the kids even wanted to share their experience with their friends by having a backyard sleepover. I was a little disappointed in the choice of parks. They drove through an area that looked like it might have been Great Smoky Mountains National Park before reaching the Everglades, and it is a shame they didn't use the opportunity to include it. The book encourages kids to explore the outdoors instead of spending all their time behind a screen. The illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers are nice but not Caldecott-worthy.

78. The Garden of Evening Mists by Tan Twan Eng

Date Completed: 23 Jun 2017

Category: Rev. Stephen Batchelder (Borrowed Books)

TIOLI Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Yun Ling Teoh managed to escape from a Japanese camp during World War II. She ends up in Malaya where she meets Aritomo who formerly served as the emperor's gardener. In spite of her hatred for the Japanese, she asks him to create a garden as a tribute to her sister who died in the camp. He does not agree to do that but agrees to take her on as an apprentice. Malaya is in the midst of a period of unrest and turmoil. The book alternates between the present and past. Sometimes the reader may become confused when the time period suddenly switches. Still the book is one of those books which is a truly captivating, and the writing is superb. The novel shows a lot of depth and explores Japanese gardening, the art of tattoo, female imprisonment and prostitution, and political turmoil and unrest. The patient reader awaits for the secrets to be revealed in the author's time and manner.

>156 thornton37814: Yes! I was another one truly captivated by Garden of the Evening Mists, Lori. Such a great book.

>157 jnwelch: I think it has a lot of appeal.

79. Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander with Chris Colderley and Marjory Wentworth ; illustrated by Ekua Holmes

Date Completed: 23 Jun 2017

Category: Francis Aldridge (Fiction & Other Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #1: Read a book with a food *embedded* in the title

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: These poems by Kwame Alexander, Chris Colderley, and Marjory Wentworth are tributes to 20 of their favorite poets. Each poem attempts to duplicate the style (and topics) of the poet who influenced them. While it's a fun collection, I think I would have enjoyed the collection better if the poems were paired with an offering by the poet whose style is being duplicated. Sections at the back of the book offer brief biographies of each poet and group the poets in a listing by the time period in which each wrote. The illustrations are colorful. Although the book it is picture book, it can be enjoyed by teens and adults.

Congrats on reaching (and passing) the 75 book goal, Lori!

>160 tymfos: Thanks, Terri.

Taken today just for Joe.

Hi Lori!

Late congratulations on the publication of your book and on your reaching 75 books.

I was gone for a month recently (May 9 - June 9) and when I got back the kitties were all over me for two weeks. Now that they realize I'm actually here it's calmed down somewhat, but that first joyous reunion was fantastic.

>163 karenmarie: I'm glad your kitties missed you as much as mine missed me. I completely understand how much time it takes to get caught up after even a brief LT absence (and how much longer after an extended one).

Yours is a picture of a sculpture by David Phelps, isn't it? I believe I saw a small-scale model of that one. He also has a sculpture on the campus where my son goes to school. The artist is an alumnus of the University of Oklahoma. OU's is Pastoral Dreamer.

>165 countrylife: Yes. David was a native of Oklahoma. The piece is called "The Oarsman." No one really knows who is rowing.

>162 thornton37814: Ha! Perfect. Thanks, Lori.

>167 jnwelch: Just thought I'd show you it's still there.

>168 thornton37814: Phew! :-)

>169 jnwelch: HEHE

This is kind of a combined book haul from Saturday (although there was only one then) and today. Four of today's were from the free bin. The others were about $11 combined (and one alone was $4.50).

From Saturday:

Death Comes as Epiphany by Sharan Newman

Freebies Today:
The Longest Winter by Alex Kershaw
How the States Got Their Shapes by Mark Stein - which I actually already own (and thought I did, but I thought our library could use a copy)
Cuddly Kittens - a board book I couldn't resist
Baptist Hymnal (1975 edition) - I may have a copy of this one, but I'm not 100% sure. I have earlier and later ones.

Today's Purchases
A Good Fall by Ha Jin (short story collection I got for the July TIOLI)
Waiting by Ha Jin
Blue Ridge by T. R. Pearson
Edisto by Padgett Powell
Particularly Cats by Doris Lessing
The Book Club by Mary Alice Monroe
Burden of Memory by Vicki Delany

This is our photo taken at Calhoun's on the River. It was taken by the waiter on Victoria's phone. We had one made at McKays too, but it hasn't been uploaded to a place where it's easy to snag the image yet.

If anyone happens to be in the Jefferson City, TN area next week:

You are cordially invited to attend Jefferson City Public Library’s first Book Social for Adults.
On July 6 from 5:30-6:30 pm, we will meet at JCPL for refreshments, fellowship and book talk. There is no particular book to read, you may read any book you like, just feel welcome to share it in a very informal and laid back setting.
At this inaugural meeting, we will plan future meetings and the format of the group. Please call if you have questions.
Hope to see you there!

Here's the photo at the bookstore:

Sounds like you had a fun time meeting up, Lori. Congratulations on the book haul.

>174 harrygbutler: We did have fun. We were really glad Kay and Victoria drove up from Greenville to visit. I guess we'll need to make plans to go down there sometime now.

>156 thornton37814: I am another person who really enjoyed Garden of the Evening Mists. :)

>171 thornton37814: Happy meet-up and great book haul!

>173 thornton37814: Nice picture, Lori, you all look happy with your bags with books :-)

>176 nittnut: Lots of love for that one!

>177 FAMeulstee: We did love our hauls.

80. CatStronauts: Mission Moon by Drew Brockington

Date Completed: 30 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a Book That Has At Least One Title Word That Begins With the Letter C

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This graphic novel is certain to please young readers with an interest in space. A team of cats responds to the President's request to save earth from an energy crisis by installing solar panels on the moon. It's a cute start to a series.

81. Cuddly Kittens by Unknown Author

Date Completed: 30 Jun 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's/YA Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #9: Read a Book That Has At Least One Title Word That Begins With the Letter C

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This is a cute board book for preschoolers about kittens. It's part of a series of books that includes one on bunnies, one on puppies, and one on zoo babies. I thought the illustrations were nice for the intended age. My only complaint -- and the one which dropped its rating -- is the author showed the kittens lapping up milk. The book was written in 1996, but even by that time, giving milks to cats and kittens was not advised. I wonder how many preschoolers wanted to give their feline friends some milk as a result of this book. Still it's a book preschoolers who love their furry friends will enjoy. Parents just need to be ready to explain why the kitty cannot be given milk.

>59 thornton37814: I decided a while back that Chris Bojalian is overrated. I'm relatively alone in this opinion but every time I try to read something by him, thinking it sounds right up my alley, it fails to engage.

"...even by that time, giving milks to cats and kittens was not advised." I wholeheartedly agree. The idea that milk is good for cats and kittens is a myth that seems destined for only a slow death.

I love the premise of Catstronauts.

I'm glad you so enjoyed Garden of Evening Mists. I read it a few years ago and still have vivid images and emotions associated with it in memory.

And it was almost a month ago now, but "...doing 7 presentations in 3 days..." Wow! I trust they went well.

>181 EBT1002: Bojalian is definitely overrated IMHO. The presentations went fine. I'm getting to do a couple of them in the fall, so I'm glad I had to pull them out. One needs a few more updates, but one is probably ready to go.

82. War and Turpentine by Stefan Hertmans

Date Completed: 3 July 2017

Category: John Perkins (Historical Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #4: Read a book with an epigraph in it's opening pages

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Although classified as fiction, Hertman's account of the life of his grandfather, painter Urbain Martien, reads more like a well-crafted biography. It is based on his grandfather's diaries, focusing largely on the build-up to World War I and the conflict itself. One section also deals with the artist's life after the war. The most engaging portion, and probably the portion relying most heavily upon the diaries, was the part dealing with the war itself. His grandfather was wounded three times and sent to convalesce in various facilities. Although it works fairly well in English, I suspect something was lost in the translation in a few portions.

It rained tonight. I wasn't sure if we'd still have the 4th of July party in the neighborhood or not, so I drove by. I discovered there were people under the tents at the lot it was being held, so I headed home to get my stuff. I got to meet the neighbors in the rain. Most of the ones who came live on the other street, but I suspect the rain kept many people away. Others may have already had plans by the time we got the flyer. I took brats and buns, sliced tomatoes and onions, cole slaw, and watermelon. We also had hamburgers, more watermelon and cole slaw, a pasta salad, orange fluff, and a nice freezer of peach ice cream. I think we had a nice time. Most of the people seemed nice. Maybe we'll know each other a little better after this. One person did recommend a tree person to a couple of us who want to have some trees cut back later. I noticed the other day a couple of mine behind the house need to be trimmed--or maybe even cut down. As we were sitting under some canopies, we noticed a rainbow beginning to form. I managed to get a picture, but you have to look really hard because the clouds are still there. I caught the corner of canopy in the picture.

>184 thornton37814: I'm glad that the party happened and was still worth attending, Lori. We didn't do anything, really, for the day. Thanks for sharing the rainbow, too. Happy Fourth!

Sounds like a really nice fourth, with the extra bonus of the rainbow. And peach ice cream.

Hi Lori!

Yum to homemade peach ice cream. I'm glad you had a good time.

>185 harrygbutler: It was nice to meet some of the neighbors.

>186 mstrust: The rainbow was definitely a bonus.

>187 karenmarie: The peach ice cream was yummy, but it made me miss the homemade butter pecan we always made at Mom and Dad's. I think I need to get an ice cream cooler and make some.

83. The Cafe by the Sea by Jenny Colgan

Date Completed: 6 Jul 2017

Category: Francis Aldridge (Fiction & Other Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book first published between 1955 and 2017

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Flora, studying to be an attorney, works as a paralegal for a London law firm. She has a crush on her boss Joel who barely knows she exists. Flora is from the fictional island of Mure, which was the author's creation to avoid being criticized for anything she didn't get right about the Shetland Islands. When a case requiring her knowledge of the island sends her back home, she's not that thrilled. She left home with no intentions of returning, but Colton Rogers wants to prevent a wind farm from being built next to his investments on the island. However, Joel begins to notice her. She also meets Charlie who runs week-long retreats on the island. Flora knows Colton's public relations problem is bringing in outsiders to do jobs which could be done by islanders in need of employment. Many have left the island because of the lack of jobs. The novel got off to a slow start but improved. I do not recommend this book for theologically conservative Christians. The author includes a gay couple, probably just to show her acceptance of the lifestyle. It was in my opinion unnecessary to the plot and probably alienated some potential readers. It would make a good beach read for those who don't mind some premarital sex in the book. I received an advance review copy of the book from LibraryThing Early Reviewers program in exchange for an honest review.

I noticed on Facebook the public library in the town where I work was holding a "Book Social" this evening. I decided to go, just to see what the agenda was. It is going to be regularly held the first Thursday of each month. People don't need to read the same book. It's just a discussion where people can mention new titles, things they've enjoyed, etc. Tonight was more of a getting to know you and the types of books you read thing. There were a few of us who read a variety of genres. Sometimes people would mention a favorite author, and several of us would join in as we remembered things about the series. One man joined us. He likes thrillers best and was surprised at the number of people who read them since the rest of the group was female. He and his wife recently moved to the area from Colorado and are originally from Mississippi. They lived in a couple of cities in Tennessee earlier in his career, but had been in Colorado over 30 years before retiring to the Smokies. One lady is going to read a cookbook and make a dessert recipe from it before the next meeting. One person is gluten-intolerant so the librarian is making some gluten-free cookies for that person. It should be a fun meeting when I am able to go. I'll probably be out of town for next month's event, but hopefully I'll make it for September. There really was a good crowd for a first meeting. Oh - I won one of the door prizes. It was a crafty 4th of July thing to go on the door. (I got the last door prize so the books were already taken.)

Hi Lori!

We have an ice cream churn somewhere..... haven't made any since daughter was young. I wonder where that thing went?

The Book Social sounds wonderful. Our Friends of the Library is having the monthly board meeting on Monday, so I might present the idea.

And of course winning a prize, any any prize, is always a boost.

>188 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! Butter pecan is a great flavor.

I recommend the Cuisinart electric ice cream maker. We got one a couple years ago, and it really makes us much more likely to make some (our older freezer never saw much use). You freeze the inner chamber, whose thick walls contain I think the same sort of stuff used in freezer packs, and then pull it out of the freezer and set it going with the ingredients when ready to make some ice cream — takes about 20 minutes total, with no need for rock salt and ice. We sometimes set it going while we have supper, and then homemade ice cream is ready for dessert. (And this reminds me we haven't made any yet this summer. Time to get going!)

>191 karenmarie: It was kind of an interesting way to do it.

>192 harrygbutler: I have one of the small Cuisnarts, but it isn't large enough to handle a recipe designed for a "crowd." I need to get one I can use for occasions such as this.

84. You Can Read by Helene Becker ; illustrated by Mark Hoffmann

Date Completed: 7 July 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's/YA Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book first published between 1955 and 2017

Rating: 3 stars

Review: This is a cute picture book for preschoolers about all the places one can read. It even issues warnings about what might happen if you choose to read in a few of the locations. The illustrations are done well enough but are not outstanding.

>193 thornton37814: Gotcha. Our Cuisinart makes 1-1/2 quarts, which is great for us but wouldn't be enough for a big gathering.

85. The Fox Wish by Kimiko Aman ; illustrated by Komako Sakai

Date Completed: 7 July 2017

Category: Mary Ann Harris (Children's/YA Literature)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #8: Read a book first published between 1955 and 2017

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Roxie leaves behind her jump rope, but when she goes back to pick it up, a group of foxes are skipping rope. They look funny, but Roxie and her brother teach them how to skip properly. Where does the rope end up? Read it yourself to find out. Fun illustrations, and a cute story.

Sounds like the Fourth of July event was fun, even if wet, Lori.

>192 harrygbutler: I have that same ice cream maker. It just couldn't be any easier.

>197 ronincats: I debated whether to go, but since I had no other plans decided to venture out.

>198 mstrust: Those are nice for a quick batch for home (and I love mine), but I would need a larger freezer for a big crowd.

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

Date Completed: 7 July 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #2: Read a book with a name in the first sentence

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review: Author Marta McDowell takes readers to each location Laura Ingalls Wilder and her husband Almonzo lived, discussing things present and things omitted from the books. The book shows Laura's connection with the land, demonstrating the importance of agriculture in the era in which she lived. The book designed to celebrate the 150th birthday of the author is well-researched but written at a level most fans will enjoy. Its carefully selected illustrations add to the reading experience for the fan. The book would make a great gift for those reading the books for the first time or for a lifelong Laura Ingalls Wilder enthusiast. This review is based on an advance electronic galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

>200 thornton37814: Oh, The World of Laura Ingalls Wilder sounds good, Lori, thanks. I'm pretty sure that's the one we got at ALA in Chicago. My wife and I are reading the Little House series together (we're on The Long Winter), and this sounds like a wonderful complement to it.

>201 jnwelch: It really is wonderful. The publisher Timber Press is an "outdoors" publisher which is why so much of the focus is on plants, trees, and such. Lots of illustrations of those. Some great supplementary lists as well.

87. Encountering the History of Missions: From the Early Church to Today by John Mark Terry and Robert L. Gallagher

Date Completed: 7 July 2017

Category: Richard Thornton (History & Genealogy)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book that doesn't end on the last page (index, bibliography, notes, publisher's list/ads etc)

Rating: 3 stars

Review: The authors take a different approach to teaching the history of missions than the traditional approach used by textbooks such as Neill's History of Christian Missions. Instead of a strict chronological approach, they look at movements influencing Christians to reach the world. It thus becomes a more theological and philosophical approach than the traditional manner the subject is taught to undergraduates. The book is better suited to graduate-level courses in the history of missions as it lacks the ability to create interest for persons without a prior one. The use of documents and writings of the persons involved is commendable. The authors' coverage includes effort of the church growth movement of the late 20th century. Questions for discussion and reflection are included, mainly in sidebars, but occasionally in the main text. A lengthy bibliography is included. I received an electronic advance review copy of the book from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

88. The Story of Classic Crime in 100 Books by Martin Edwards

Date Completed: 8 July 2017

Category: Joseph Fowlkes (Non-Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #12: Read a book that doesn't end on the last page (index, bibliography, notes, publisher's list/ads etc)

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Don't let the title mislead you. The book discusses far more than 100 mysteries. It does, however, provide a little more depth of coverage on about 100 titles. The book is intended as a companion volume to the British Library Crime Classics series. It arranges the mysteries into categories by the types of mysteries they are. (For example, locked room, vacation spots, manor houses, etc.) Mystery lovers are certain to find a few books they missed through the years to add to their to-be-read lists. Fortunately the British Library Crime Classics series is making many of these readily available for a new generation of readers to discover. I received an advance electronic galley of the title from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

89. Britain's Tudor Maps: County by County by John Speed; commentaries by Alasdair Hawkyard

Date Completed: 11 July 2017

Category: Richard Thornton (History & Genealogy)

Rating: 5 stars

Review: I love maps! This gorgeously illustrated book of county maps produced by John Speed in the Tudor period provides today's researchers a great tool for understanding our British ancestors who lived then. Each county map is accompanied by a commentary written by Alasair Hawkyard, providing insight into the county's history and the people who resided there. Many maps include offset maps depicting specific places, much as modern-day atlases include maps of larger cities. It's a large over-sized "coffee table" book, but it is so full of useful content for genealogists and historians dealing with the period and place.

Hi Lori!

>200 thornton37814: When daughter was in 4th grade and read Little House on the Prairie, for her project we found Laura Ingalls Wilder's Gingerbread recipe, which is remarkably similar to my paternal grandmother's. Daughter did most of the work and it was a hit at school.

>205 thornton37814: I love maps, too!

Good reviews.

>206 karenmarie: The gingerbread sounds yummy. I'm sure it would be a hit most anywhere, but especially at school.

It's always fun to see what the English classes are reading. For the next month, a group of over 30 recent high school graduates are living in the dorms to get a taste of college life. They earn 3 college credits for their work. It's a free program which offers study skills, classes (generally designed for students who might not be quite academically prepared for college), and some fun activities. Each evening, they have a required 2 hour study hall in the library unless there is an off-campus activity instead. A group of students were reading Lord of the Flies this evening. I was a bit surprised they weren't reading something Irish because I knew which professor was teaching that section. I hope they are enjoying it.

90. City of Secrets by Stewart O'Nan

Date Completed: 13 Jul 2017

Category: John Perkins (Historical Fiction)

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #2: Read a book with a name in the first sentence

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Set immediately following World War II, this book tells the story of a Latvian Jew who survived because of an underground network. He's involved in the resistance to the British Mandate. While the story is well-written, it failed to really grip me. I suspect part of that is because of how little I know about the period between the war and the time Israel became a nation. It's a short, quick read.

For my followers who think they are Jane Austen super-fans, here's a quiz from the BBC to test your knowledge: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/2fHpkYDtSjJnXMC0R21L08j/quiz-are-you-a-...

Hi Lori--Delurking to say Hi! And say Wow! You've been reading a ton of books. You are almost to 100. Countdown....

>211 Berly: Yes. I've got two more underway. The one I read yesterday was a lunch read. It was time to return lease books. That one was short enough with a large enough font I thought I could speed-read and finish during lunch. It was one of two books that were to be returned I wanted to read. The other one was too long so I went ahead and returned it without reading it. I hoped one of the libraries with which I'm affiliated would own a copy in some format, but none did. I did, however, put in a request for it through the ebook platform which allows requests. I'm hoping they decide to purchase it and that I'm first in line for it! Of course, others may have placed a request for it also (or they may not order it). It's on the wish list though so I'll ILL a copy if necessary.

>210 thornton37814: Not much about the books themselves! I flunked.

>213 ronincats: A lot of folks were in that category!

July may have started off well for me, but I've hit a reading slump. I'm reading two ARCs. One is a collection of short stories, most of which are not grabbing me at the moment. The other is a book where I like the historical part (mid-1880s) but, at least at the moment, wish they'd omitted the more modern (1985) part. Anyway, I anticipate finishing neither of them tonight, and tomorrow I head out of town to take a genealogy institute course. Since I've heard the homework in the course I'm taking is "killer," I anticipate little time to read next week. Just didn't want you all to think bad things happened if you don't hear from me for a bit.

I don't know why but somehow I've lost your thread. Now, I'm caught up. Belated congrats on reaching 75. You did some great reading.
Happy Sunday, Lori.
>162 thornton37814: >165 countrylife: Love them.

Hi Lori!

Very few things are as depressing to a serious reader as a reading slump. I hope you are able to find something wonderful soon, and I hope the genealogy institute course goes well.

>215 thornton37814: Hi, Lori! I hope your course goes well. The class I'm in the middle of now has "killer" homework, so I can relate.

>216 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara! Glad you found me again.

>217 karenmarie: I've just had a lot going on. Hopefully I'll be back to normal soon. I haven't had a lot of time for reading this week.

>218 tymfos: Well, it hasn't been quite as bad as it could have been, but I think I was able to do the assignments faster than others. I think I was more accustomed to doing this type of work than others. What was a new "style" for many was routine for me.

>204 thornton37814: That looks fascinating. I'll be on the lookout for it.

>220 EBT1002: It will add to your TBR pile. ;-)

I returned from the Institute for Genealogical and Historical Research held at University of Georgia this past week. I picked up several book bullets. Heritage Books provided a genealogical bookstore for attendees. I purchased two titles from Craig and ordered three from Amazon.

1) Marriage and Death Notices from the South Western Baptist Newspaper by Michael Kelsey. I browsed this one in the bookstore, found a collateral relative, and saw collection value based on newspaper place coverage.
2) Heartbreak of a Civil War Widow: Life of Sarah Harper McWhirter, 1825-1883 by Glenda McWhirter Todd. The author's ancestor fought in the same Alabama Union Cavalry unit as my great-great-grandfather and his two brothers.
3) Bringing Your Family History to Life Through Social History by Katherine Scott Sturdevant. The instructor praised the book. I checked LibraryThing and discovered I did not own it. (it was on my wish list.) I immediately ordered a copy from Amazon.
4) Producing a Quality Family History by Patricia Law Hatcher. Two teachers promoted this title. Both acknowledged it was dated, having been written prior to the Internet. However, both said it was still excellent. I ordered a copy from Amazon.
5) Applied Genealogy by Gene Aubrey Stratton. This book helped shape our course coordinator's understanding of evidence. I opened up Amazon and clicked purchase. One of my fellow classmates beat me to the cheapest copy. I paid more, but it should be worth the price.

I opened up Amazon and clicked purchase.
How easy it is to acquire books!!! Nice job ;)

>223 LovingLit: Too easy!