DeltaQueen Goes to Sesame Street in 2018 - Part 3
This is a continuation of the topic DeltaQueen Goes to Sesame Street in 2018 - Part 2.
This topic was continued by DeltaQueen Goes to Sesame Street in 2018 - Part 4.
Talk 2018 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
Welcome to my 2018 Category Challenge. My name is Judy and I live Delta, a suburb of Vancouver, B.C. I love books and reading and through LibraryThing I have expanded my reading to many different genres. This is my 10th year at the Category Challenge and I am enjoying this years challenge very much. The theme of Sesame Street is working well and the books are flying off the shelves!
I have 18 categories and I am hoping to read at least 10 books for 15 of the categories, 5 books and 6 books for 2 more. My eighteenth category is for overflow books so these 161 books plus overflows and additions will comprise my 2018 challenge. I haven’t planned to have a specific category for the various Cat/Kit Challenges or for the BingoDog but if they don’t fit into my regular categories, I will place them in my overflow category.
As my thread is dedicated to the classic children’s program, Sesame Street, I thought I would continue on with the idea of children’s classics and post pictures from renowned illustrators of some of the best loved children’s books. I am starting off with Cicely Mary Barker who is best known for her fabulous flower fairy illustrations. I remember being surprised when introducing these pictures to my own children as my elder daughter thought they were “creepy” while my younger daughter loved them as I do.
Cicely Mary Barker (1895 - 1973) was an English illustrator whose work included greeting cards, juvenile magazine illustrations and her own books based on her flower fairy creations. Her artwork has become it’s own industry and shows up on many items today from clothing to calendars. Personally I remember my sister and I had an alphabet book that featured her fabulous fairies and I spent many hours pouring over it’s pages.
The welcome mat is out and I am ready to continue on with books, conversations and laughs and maybe the odd rant here and there.
2DeltaQueen50
2018 Categories
A. Brought To You By the Number:
The shows aired on PBS and there was no advertising. The show itself though always was brought to you by a number, a letter and a color. The regularity of this brings series to mind, so this category will be for series.
B. The Mystery Box:
Kermit gives the Cookie Monster three guesses as to what is in the Mystery Box. For my guesswork I love to read mysteries and police procedurals so this will be a category for those genres.
C. Big Bird:
Big Bird is larger than any bird I’ve ever seen, so this category will be for the big books of over 500 pages. I will plan on reading five of these.
D Rechov Sumsum & Alam Simsim:
Sesame Street is an international hit, and these are the names of the show in Israel and Egypt. This will be the place to list my global reading – books set anywhere other than Canada, the U.S. or the U.K.
E. It’s Not Easy Being Green:
A song sung by Kermit that encourages children to accept and embrace their differences. This will be a category that features books with a connection to the color green, their cover displays a large amount of green, the author’s name is Green or the word Green is in the title.
F. Elmo:
Elmo is perpetually child-like, so this category will be for Children’s & YA Books
G. The Letters A to J:
Sesame Street is often a child’s first introduction to the alphabet. This category will be a place for books whose authors last names start with the first ten letters of the alphabet.
H. The Letters K to T:
For Books whose authors last names start with the next ten letters of the alphabet:
I. The Letters U to Z:
For Books whose authors last names start with the last few letters of the alphabet.
J. Abby Cadabby:
Magical, fairy-like Abby Cadabby is the perfect choice to head the category for tales of Fantasy and Magic
K. The Count:
Although he is a friendly one, The Count is a vampire so this will be a category for the dark side of fantasy. Ghosts, vampires, zombies and werewolves will all fit here.
L. In Recognition of Excellence:
In recognition of it’s excellence, Sesame Street has won many awards including well over 100 Emmys, so this will be a category for the books that have also been recognized for their excellence by being placed on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
M. Miss Piggy:
Miss Piggy gives a strong female presence to the program, so this will be a category for women authors:
N. Kermit the Frog:
Kermit is an all-round good guy and the object of Miss Piggy’s affection, this will be a category for male authors.
O. Bert & Ernie’s Science Experiments:
Ernie is a master at coming up with experiments where he needs Bert’s help. He is also very good at convincing Bert to do some very strange things, all in the aid of science, of course. This category will be for science fiction.
P. Bob McGrath:
Bob McGrath, a music teacher who lived above Mr. Hooper’s store, was played by a real person, actor Robert Johnson. This category will be for non-fiction.
Q. Oscar the Grouch:
Oscar lives in a garbage can and considers his belongings to be treasures not trash. This category will be for books that have been on my shelf or my Kindle for longer than two years. Will they be trash or treasures?
R. Mr. Hooper’s Store:
Mr. Hooper’s Store carried everything. So this is the perfect place to be the overflow category, a place for graphic novels, for books that don’t fit anywhere else, or whose categories are already filled.
A. Brought To You By the Number:
The shows aired on PBS and there was no advertising. The show itself though always was brought to you by a number, a letter and a color. The regularity of this brings series to mind, so this category will be for series.
B. The Mystery Box:
Kermit gives the Cookie Monster three guesses as to what is in the Mystery Box. For my guesswork I love to read mysteries and police procedurals so this will be a category for those genres.
C. Big Bird:
Big Bird is larger than any bird I’ve ever seen, so this category will be for the big books of over 500 pages. I will plan on reading five of these.
D Rechov Sumsum & Alam Simsim:
Sesame Street is an international hit, and these are the names of the show in Israel and Egypt. This will be the place to list my global reading – books set anywhere other than Canada, the U.S. or the U.K.
E. It’s Not Easy Being Green:
A song sung by Kermit that encourages children to accept and embrace their differences. This will be a category that features books with a connection to the color green, their cover displays a large amount of green, the author’s name is Green or the word Green is in the title.
F. Elmo:
Elmo is perpetually child-like, so this category will be for Children’s & YA Books
G. The Letters A to J:
Sesame Street is often a child’s first introduction to the alphabet. This category will be a place for books whose authors last names start with the first ten letters of the alphabet.
H. The Letters K to T:
For Books whose authors last names start with the next ten letters of the alphabet:
I. The Letters U to Z:
For Books whose authors last names start with the last few letters of the alphabet.
J. Abby Cadabby:
Magical, fairy-like Abby Cadabby is the perfect choice to head the category for tales of Fantasy and Magic
K. The Count:
Although he is a friendly one, The Count is a vampire so this will be a category for the dark side of fantasy. Ghosts, vampires, zombies and werewolves will all fit here.
L. In Recognition of Excellence:
In recognition of it’s excellence, Sesame Street has won many awards including well over 100 Emmys, so this will be a category for the books that have also been recognized for their excellence by being placed on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
M. Miss Piggy:
Miss Piggy gives a strong female presence to the program, so this will be a category for women authors:
N. Kermit the Frog:
Kermit is an all-round good guy and the object of Miss Piggy’s affection, this will be a category for male authors.
O. Bert & Ernie’s Science Experiments:
Ernie is a master at coming up with experiments where he needs Bert’s help. He is also very good at convincing Bert to do some very strange things, all in the aid of science, of course. This category will be for science fiction.
P. Bob McGrath:
Bob McGrath, a music teacher who lived above Mr. Hooper’s store, was played by a real person, actor Robert Johnson. This category will be for non-fiction.
Q. Oscar the Grouch:
Oscar lives in a garbage can and considers his belongings to be treasures not trash. This category will be for books that have been on my shelf or my Kindle for longer than two years. Will they be trash or treasures?
R. Mr. Hooper’s Store:
Mr. Hooper’s Store carried everything. So this is the perfect place to be the overflow category, a place for graphic novels, for books that don’t fit anywhere else, or whose categories are already filled.
3DeltaQueen50
Tickers
Total Number of Books Read in 2018:
Total Number of Pages Read in 2018:
Total Number of Books From My Shelf:
Total Number of Books Read in 2018:
Total Number of Pages Read in 2018:
Total Number of Books From My Shelf:
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
5DeltaQueen50
2018 PopSugar Reading Challenge
http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Reading-Challenge-2018-44138581
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen: Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
2. True crime:
3. The next book in a series you started: Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham
4. A book involving a heist: High Sierra by W. R. Burnett
5. Nordic noir: Nemesis by Jo Nesbo
6. A novel based on a real person:
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you: The King's Last Song by Geoff Ryman
8. A book with a time of day in the title:
9. A book about a villain or antihero: The North Water by Ian McGuire
10. A book about death or grief: Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym:
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist:
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical: Black Coffee by C. Osborne, play by A. Christie
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
15. A book about feminism: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
16. A book about mental health: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift: A Robot In the Garden by Deborah Install
18. A book by two authors: Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French
19. A book about or involving a sport: Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey
20. A book by a local author -
21. A book with your favorite color in the title: Friends At Thrush Green by Miss Read
22. A book with alliteration in the title: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
23. A book about time travel: Time And Again by Jack Finney
24. A book with a weather element in the title
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title
27. A book set on a different planet : I Dare by Sharon Lee
28. A book with song lyrics in the title: My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book: The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
32. A book from a celebrity book club: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
33. A childhood classic you've never read: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
34. A book that's published in 2018: The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover: Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges - 2017 - A Book Set in the Wilderness: The Revenant by Michael Punke
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry: Morning At Jalna by Mazo de la Roche
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory: Red Moon by Benjamin Percy
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory
9. A book about a problem facing society today
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
http://www.popsugar.com/entertainment/Reading-Challenge-2018-44138581
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen: Black Dahlia by James Ellroy
2. True crime:
3. The next book in a series you started: Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham
4. A book involving a heist: High Sierra by W. R. Burnett
5. Nordic noir: Nemesis by Jo Nesbo
6. A novel based on a real person:
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you: The King's Last Song by Geoff Ryman
8. A book with a time of day in the title:
9. A book about a villain or antihero: The North Water by Ian McGuire
10. A book about death or grief: Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym:
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist:
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical: Black Coffee by C. Osborne, play by A. Christie
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you
15. A book about feminism: The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
16. A book about mental health: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift: A Robot In the Garden by Deborah Install
18. A book by two authors: Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French
19. A book about or involving a sport: Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey
20. A book by a local author -
21. A book with your favorite color in the title: Friends At Thrush Green by Miss Read
22. A book with alliteration in the title: Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz
23. A book about time travel: Time And Again by Jack Finney
24. A book with a weather element in the title
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title
27. A book set on a different planet : I Dare by Sharon Lee
28. A book with song lyrics in the title: My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson
29. A book about or set on Halloween
30. A book with characters who are twins
31. A book mentioned in another book: The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells
32. A book from a celebrity book club: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty
33. A childhood classic you've never read: Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
34. A book that's published in 2018: The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner
36. A book set in the decade you were born
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to
38. A book with an ugly cover: Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges - 2017 - A Book Set in the Wilderness: The Revenant by Michael Punke
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school
2. A cyberpunk book
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry: Morning At Jalna by Mazo de la Roche
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory: Red Moon by Benjamin Percy
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you
8. A microhistory
9. A book about a problem facing society today
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge
6DeltaQueen50
Bingo Dog
1. Famous Person in Title: Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret
2. Published More Than 100 Years Ago: The Scalp Hunters by Mayne Reid
3. Originally in a Different Language: The First Garden by Anne Hebert
4. New To You Author: The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad
5. Relative Name in Title
6. Money In Title: Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett
7. Published in 2018: The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor
8. X in the Title: X Isle by Steve Augarde
9. 500 Plus Pages
10. Set During a Holiday
11. LGBT central character
12. On the 1001 List: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
13. Read A Cat: Black Coffee - January ColorCat
14. Number in Title
15. Humorous Book: The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith
16. Unread 2017 Purchase: Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham
17. Title Contains Something You Would See in the Sky: Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
18. Related to the Pacific Ocean: Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood
19. Fits At Least 2 Kits/Cats: The North Water by Ian McGuire
20. Beautiful Cover: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman
21. Autobiography/Memoir: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
22. Poetry or Play
23. Longtime TBR: The Lost Daughter of Happiness by Geling Yan
24. Story Involves Travel: A Long Walk Home by Judith Tebbut
25. Rank in Title: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
1. Famous Person in Title: Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret
2. Published More Than 100 Years Ago: The Scalp Hunters by Mayne Reid
3. Originally in a Different Language: The First Garden by Anne Hebert
4. New To You Author: The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad
5. Relative Name in Title
6. Money In Title: Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett
7. Published in 2018: The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor
8. X in the Title: X Isle by Steve Augarde
9. 500 Plus Pages
10. Set During a Holiday
11. LGBT central character
12. On the 1001 List: Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
13. Read A Cat: Black Coffee - January ColorCat
14. Number in Title
15. Humorous Book: The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith
16. Unread 2017 Purchase: Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham
17. Title Contains Something You Would See in the Sky: Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear
18. Related to the Pacific Ocean: Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood
19. Fits At Least 2 Kits/Cats: The North Water by Ian McGuire
20. Beautiful Cover: This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman
21. Autobiography/Memoir: Born A Crime by Trevor Noah
22. Poetry or Play
23. Longtime TBR: The Lost Daughter of Happiness by Geling Yan
24. Story Involves Travel: A Long Walk Home by Judith Tebbut
25. Rank in Title: The Queen of the Tearling by Erika Johansen
7DeltaQueen50
A. Brought To You By The Number ... - Series Reading
Books Read
1. Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham - 4.5 ★
2. The City of the Sun by David Levien - 4.0 ★
3. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers - 4.1 ★
4. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear - 3.8 ★
5. Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Love Story, With Murders by Harry Bingham - 4.5 ★
2. The City of the Sun by David Levien - 4.0 ★
3. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers - 4.1 ★
4. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear - 3.8 ★
5. Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina - 4.2 ★
8DeltaQueen50
B. The Mystery Box - Mysteries & Police Procedurals
Books Read
1. Black Coffee by Agatha Christie, Adapted by Charles Osborne - 3.3 ★
2. The Clocks by Agatha Christie - 3.5 ★
3. Wobble to Death by Peter Lovesey - 3.8 ★
4. The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor - 4.2 ★
5. Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett - 3.8 ★
6. Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Black Coffee by Agatha Christie, Adapted by Charles Osborne - 3.3 ★
2. The Clocks by Agatha Christie - 3.5 ★
3. Wobble to Death by Peter Lovesey - 3.8 ★
4. The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor - 4.2 ★
5. Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett - 3.8 ★
6. Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French - 4.2 ★
9DeltaQueen50
C. Big Bird - Large Books
Books Read
1. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy - 927 pages
: A Man of Property (1906) – Completed – 4.0 ★
: Interlude - Indian Summer (1918) - Completed - 4.0 ★
: In Chancery (1920) - Completed - 4.3 ★
: Interlude - Awakening (1920) - Completed - 4.0 ★
: To Let (1921)
Books Read
1. The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy - 927 pages
: A Man of Property (1906) – Completed – 4.0 ★
: Interlude - Indian Summer (1918) - Completed - 4.0 ★
: In Chancery (1920) - Completed - 4.3 ★
: Interlude - Awakening (1920) - Completed - 4.0 ★
: To Let (1921)
10DeltaQueen50
D. Rechov Sumsum & Alam Simsim - Global Settings
Books Read
1. The In-Between World of Vikram Lall by M. J. Vassanji - 4.2 ★
2. The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad - 4.0 ★
3. Gold Of Our Fathers by Kwei Quartey - 3.8 ★
4. The War Reporter by Martin Fletcher - 3.4 ★
5. Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson - 3.8 ★
6. The King's Last Song by Geoff Ryman - 3.4 ★
Books Read
1. The In-Between World of Vikram Lall by M. J. Vassanji - 4.2 ★
2. The Wandering Falcon by Jamil Ahmad - 4.0 ★
3. Gold Of Our Fathers by Kwei Quartey - 3.8 ★
4. The War Reporter by Martin Fletcher - 3.4 ★
5. Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson - 3.8 ★
6. The King's Last Song by Geoff Ryman - 3.4 ★
11DeltaQueen50
E. It's Not Easy Being Green - Book Has a Connection to the Color Green
Books Read
1. The Scalp Hunters by Mayne Reid (green cover) - 2.7 ★
2. Friends At Thrush Green by Miss Read (title) - 4.0 ★
3. Flowers For the Judge by Margery Allingham (green cover) - 4.0 ★
4. My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson (green cover) - 3.8 ★
Books Read
1. The Scalp Hunters by Mayne Reid (green cover) - 2.7 ★
2. Friends At Thrush Green by Miss Read (title) - 4.0 ★
3. Flowers For the Judge by Margery Allingham (green cover) - 4.0 ★
4. My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson (green cover) - 3.8 ★
12DeltaQueen50
F. Elmo - Children's & YA Reads
Books Read
1. The Night Is For Hunting by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
2. A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla - 3.0 ★
3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - 4.2 ★
4. Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood - 3.5 ★
5. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. The Night Is For Hunting by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
2. A Lion to Guard Us by Clyde Robert Bulla - 3.0 ★
3. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell - 4.2 ★
4. Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood - 3.5 ★
5. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt - 4.0 ★
13DeltaQueen50
G. The Letters A to J
BooksRead
1. A:
2. B:
3. C:
4: D:
5. E:
6. F: Time And Again by Jack Finney - 3.7 ★
7. G:
8. H: Eventide by Kent Haruf - 5.0 ★
9: I: A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install - 4.5 ★
10: J: The Weight of This World by David Joy - 4.5 ★
BooksRead
1. A:
2. B:
3. C:
4: D:
5. E:
6. F: Time And Again by Jack Finney - 3.7 ★
7. G:
8. H: Eventide by Kent Haruf - 5.0 ★
9: I: A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install - 4.5 ★
10: J: The Weight of This World by David Joy - 4.5 ★
14DeltaQueen50
H. The Letters K to T
Books Read
1. K:
2. L:
3. M: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty - 4.1 ★
4. N:
5. O:
6. P:
7. Q: An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
8. R:
9. S:
10. T: Cutter And Bone by Newton Thornburg - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. K:
2. L:
3. M: Truly Madly Guilty by Liane Moriarty - 4.1 ★
4. N:
5. O:
6. P:
7. Q: An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
8. R:
9. S:
10. T: Cutter And Bone by Newton Thornburg - 4.2 ★
15DeltaQueen50
I. The Letters U to Z
Books Read
1. U:
2. V:
3. W:
4. X:
5. Y: The Lost Daughter of Happiness by Geling Yan - 2.5*
6: Z:
Books Read
1. U:
2. V:
3. W:
4. X:
5. Y: The Lost Daughter of Happiness by Geling Yan - 2.5*
6: Z:
16DeltaQueen50
J. Abby Cadabby - Books of Fantasy and Magic
Books Read
1. God Stalk by P.C. Hodgell - 4.0 ★
2. The Queen of the Tearling by Erica Johansen - 4.1 ★
3. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
4. Half The World by Joe Abercrombie - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. God Stalk by P.C. Hodgell - 4.0 ★
2. The Queen of the Tearling by Erica Johansen - 4.1 ★
3. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
4. Half The World by Joe Abercrombie - 4.2 ★
17DeltaQueen50
K. The Count Dark Fantasy
Books Read
1. The Witches of Lychford by Paul Cornell - 3.5 ★
2. Home by Tom Abrahams - 3.4 ★
3. Cold Hand in Mine by Robert Aickman - 3.6 ★
4. Those Who Hunt The Night by Barbara Hambley - 4.0 ★
5. The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone - 3.4 ★
Books Read
1. The Witches of Lychford by Paul Cornell - 3.5 ★
2. Home by Tom Abrahams - 3.4 ★
3. Cold Hand in Mine by Robert Aickman - 3.6 ★
4. Those Who Hunt The Night by Barbara Hambley - 4.0 ★
5. The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone - 3.4 ★
18DeltaQueen50
L. In Recognition of Excellence - The 1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Books Read
1. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - 4.0 ★
2. The First Garden by Anne Hebert - 2.0 ★
3. The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith - 3.7 ★
4. Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh - 3.8 ★
5. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - 4.0 ★
6. The Accidental by Ali Smith - 2.0 ★
7. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - 4.5 ★
8. A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - 4.0 ★
2. The First Garden by Anne Hebert - 2.0 ★
3. The Diary of a Nobody by George Grossmith - 3.7 ★
4. Vile Bodies by Evelyn Waugh - 3.8 ★
5. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen - 4.0 ★
6. The Accidental by Ali Smith - 2.0 ★
7. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - 4.5 ★
8. A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines - 4.1 ★
19DeltaQueen50
M. Miss Piggy - Female Authors
Books Read
1. Falling From Horses by Molly Gloss - 3.8 ★
2. The Lost Girls of Camp Forevermore by Kim Fu - 4.0 ★
3. Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama - 3.8 ★
4. Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird - 3.8 ★
5. Morning At Jalna by Mazo de la Roche - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. Falling From Horses by Molly Gloss - 3.8 ★
2. The Lost Girls of Camp Forevermore by Kim Fu - 4.0 ★
3. Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama - 3.8 ★
4. Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird - 3.8 ★
5. Morning At Jalna by Mazo de la Roche - 3.7 ★
20DeltaQueen50
N. Kermit the Frog - Male Authors
Books Read
1. The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy - 4.3 ★
2. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz - 4.3 ★
3. The Revenant by Michael Punke 4.0 ★
4. Red Moon by Benjamin Percy - 2.0 ★
5. The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton - 3.9 ★
Books Read
1. The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy - 4.3 ★
2. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz - 4.3 ★
3. The Revenant by Michael Punke 4.0 ★
4. Red Moon by Benjamin Percy - 2.0 ★
5. The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton - 3.9 ★
21DeltaQueen50
O. Bert & Ernie's Science Experiments - Science Fiction
Books Read
1. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman - 3.2 ★
2. I Dare by Sharon Lee - 4.5 ★
3. A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers - 5.0 ★
4. X-Isle by Steve Augarde - 3.3 ★
Books Read
1. This Shattered World by Amie Kaufman - 3.2 ★
2. I Dare by Sharon Lee - 4.5 ★
3. A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers - 5.0 ★
4. X-Isle by Steve Augarde - 3.3 ★
22DeltaQueen50
P. Bob McGrath - Non-Fiction
Books Read
1. A Long Walk Home by Judith Tebbutt - 4.0 ★
2. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah - 5.0 ★
3. A Few Acres of Snow by Robert Leckie - 3.6 ★
4. Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret - 3.8 ★
Books Read
1. A Long Walk Home by Judith Tebbutt - 4.0 ★
2. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah - 5.0 ★
3. A Few Acres of Snow by Robert Leckie - 3.6 ★
4. Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret - 3.8 ★
23DeltaQueen50
Q. Oscar The Grouch - On My Shelf Longer Than 2 Years - Trash or Treasure?
Books Read
1. A Cat Affair by Derek Tangye - 3.7 ★
2. Nemesis by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
3. High Sierra by W. R. Burnett - 4.2 ★
4. Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. A Cat Affair by Derek Tangye - 3.7 ★
2. Nemesis by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
3. High Sierra by W. R. Burnett - 4.2 ★
4. Cemetery Lake by Paul Cleave - 4.5 ★
24DeltaQueen50
R. Mr. Hooper's Store - Overflow
Books Read
1. When We Were Animals by Joshua Gaylord - 4.0 ★
2. The North Water by Ian McGuire - 4.5 ★
3. The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells - 3.3 ★
4. The World of Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
5. Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. When We Were Animals by Joshua Gaylord - 4.0 ★
2. The North Water by Ian McGuire - 4.5 ★
3. The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells - 3.3 ★
4. The World of Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
5. Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor - 4.5 ★
25DeltaQueen50
2018 Reading Plans - Group Reads etc.
Year Long Group Reads
* The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy
* Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
January: Hosting the RandomCat
February:
March: Hosting the ColorCat: Green
April: Hosting the ScaredyKit: Supernatural
May:
June: Hosting SF/FFKit: Series Month
Group Read: Ursula Le Guin
July: Hosting the MysteryCat: Police Procedurals
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
Year Long Group Reads
* The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy
* Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset
January: Hosting the RandomCat
February:
March: Hosting the ColorCat: Green
April: Hosting the ScaredyKit: Supernatural
May:
June: Hosting SF/FFKit: Series Month
Group Read: Ursula Le Guin
July: Hosting the MysteryCat: Police Procedurals
August:
September:
October:
November:
December:
26DeltaQueen50
Welcome Everyone!
28ChelleBearss
Happy new thread, Judy!
31virginiahomeschooler
Happy new thread!
32Carmenere
Happiest of new threads, Judy!! Mr. Hooper's place looks like it belongs in Holt, Colorado.
33MissWatson
Happy new thread, Judy. Pretty little fairies!
34jolerie
Happy new thread, Judy!
I see you gave Eventide a 5 star. I'll try to get that in for my next read since your rating makes it so tempting. :)
I see you gave Eventide a 5 star. I'll try to get that in for my next read since your rating makes it so tempting. :)
35Crazymamie
Happy new thread, Judy! I love the fairies!
37Storeetllr
Oh! Love the flower fairies!
Happy new thread!
Happy new thread!
38DeltaQueen50
Welcome everyone. I had a busy morning as first I had a doctor's appointment for a physical and I was very happy to get a good report there. Then we did a little shopping and had lunch. I picked up a small occasional table to place beside my favorite wing chair where I like to sit and read, now I have a place to put my coffee cup.
>27 cmbohn: & >28 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Cindy and Chelle
>29 jnwelch: Those illustrations definitely bring back memories of my childhood, Joe. I loved that alphbet fairy book that we had. I suspect I probably wore out the pages in that book!
>30 leslie.98: & >31 virginiahomeschooler: Thanks, Leslie and Tracy
>32 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, you are right, that store looks like it would fit perfectly on the main street of Holt, Colorado. I am really looking forward to picking up the third book, Benediction although I think I will enjoy the anticipation a little longer.
>33 MissWatson: I have always had a fondness for Cicely Mary Barker's illustrations. She gives each fairy their own distinct look and personality.
>34 jolerie: Valerie, I simply love Kent Haruf's writing. He manages to pack so much in his simple stories, they just resonate with me.
>35 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, this is the way that I think of fairies, being part of the natural world, rather than the fairies that are in the modern urban fantasies of today.
>36 ronincats: & >37 Storeetllr: Hi Roni and Mary.
>27 cmbohn: & >28 ChelleBearss: Thanks, Cindy and Chelle
>29 jnwelch: Those illustrations definitely bring back memories of my childhood, Joe. I loved that alphbet fairy book that we had. I suspect I probably wore out the pages in that book!
>30 leslie.98: & >31 virginiahomeschooler: Thanks, Leslie and Tracy
>32 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, you are right, that store looks like it would fit perfectly on the main street of Holt, Colorado. I am really looking forward to picking up the third book, Benediction although I think I will enjoy the anticipation a little longer.
>33 MissWatson: I have always had a fondness for Cicely Mary Barker's illustrations. She gives each fairy their own distinct look and personality.
>34 jolerie: Valerie, I simply love Kent Haruf's writing. He manages to pack so much in his simple stories, they just resonate with me.
>35 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie, this is the way that I think of fairies, being part of the natural world, rather than the fairies that are in the modern urban fantasies of today.
>36 ronincats: & >37 Storeetllr: Hi Roni and Mary.
40thornton37814
Happy new thread! Hooray for the good report.
42leslie.98
Yay for the good report from the doc and the table - so important to have a place to have a drink or a box of tissues (especially if you are reading a sad book) convenient to your favorite reading chair!
43DeltaQueen50
>39 -Eva-: Thanks Eva, I am always happy to get a good report from the doctor!
>40 thornton37814: Lori, yes, everything seems on track with my health right now which is good if we want start planning some trips. Of course the first thing I need to do is get over to the Vancouver Island and see my mom and the rest of the family.
>41 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I think my daily walks with my husband are starting to pay off. :)
>42 leslie.98: Yes, I spent an hour sitting there this morning and it was very handy to have a place for my coffee.
>40 thornton37814: Lori, yes, everything seems on track with my health right now which is good if we want start planning some trips. Of course the first thing I need to do is get over to the Vancouver Island and see my mom and the rest of the family.
>41 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I think my daily walks with my husband are starting to pay off. :)
>42 leslie.98: Yes, I spent an hour sitting there this morning and it was very handy to have a place for my coffee.
44DeltaQueen50
44. Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey - 3.8 ★
Category: Mystery Box
Reading Thru Time Quarterly Theme: 19th Century
Reading Thru Time Monthly Theme: Something Sporty
TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge Based on a Pangram
Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey is a historical mystery set in Victorian England over the course of a week long pedestrian race. These races were called Wobbles and became very popular during the 1880’s. When one of the favourites to win the race dies under mysterious circumstances, the police are called and Detective Sgt. Crib and his assistant Constable Thackeray arrive to conduct their investigation. As they go about gathering clues and interviewing the suspects, another murder takes place.
There is a great deal of period atmosphere revolving around Victorian spectator sporting events as the investigation is conducted while the remaining racers continue their long slog. The murderer was well concealed among the various suspects and Wobble to Death was an interesting and inventive mystery that I enjoyed. I understand that this book is the first of eight Sgt. Crib mysteries all of which I see are available for the Kindle so I will most probably we reading more about this particular detective in the future.
Category: Mystery Box
Reading Thru Time Quarterly Theme: 19th Century
Reading Thru Time Monthly Theme: Something Sporty
TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge Based on a Pangram
Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey is a historical mystery set in Victorian England over the course of a week long pedestrian race. These races were called Wobbles and became very popular during the 1880’s. When one of the favourites to win the race dies under mysterious circumstances, the police are called and Detective Sgt. Crib and his assistant Constable Thackeray arrive to conduct their investigation. As they go about gathering clues and interviewing the suspects, another murder takes place.
There is a great deal of period atmosphere revolving around Victorian spectator sporting events as the investigation is conducted while the remaining racers continue their long slog. The murderer was well concealed among the various suspects and Wobble to Death was an interesting and inventive mystery that I enjoyed. I understand that this book is the first of eight Sgt. Crib mysteries all of which I see are available for the Kindle so I will most probably we reading more about this particular detective in the future.
45mysterymax
Talk about Great Minds, lol. I was going to enter this book in my catalog after I checked out the Talk threads! I have to say it was a case of buying it because of the cover and title! Your review gives me hope that I'm in for a good read. Hopefully, the rest of the series will make it into paper format. I spend too much time already trying to read a computer screen, I just can't do it for enjoyment unless it is a really old book that I would probably never find in paper and the Gutenberg Project has it. Even then it would have to be on a trip when I didn't take enough books with me.
46Familyhistorian
>44 DeltaQueen50: Wobble to Death looks like a fun one for the Something Sporty category, Judy. Happy new thread!
48DeltaQueen50
>45 mysterymax: I love the cover of Wobble to Death! After first being a little leery of electronic books I am actually finding myself more and more turning to my kindle, I love that I can cram hundreds of books on it and have them instantly available. I still love my real-life books, but the kindle has certainly found a place in my heart as well.
>46 Familyhistorian: It was a great read for that theme, Meg. I am not the 'sporty' type by any means so it was great that I already had this book.
>47 jolerie: I also just found out that I am going to be cooking the Easter Dinner for the family, Valerie, so now I can plan some deliciously decandant desserts (and not feel too guilty).
>46 Familyhistorian: It was a great read for that theme, Meg. I am not the 'sporty' type by any means so it was great that I already had this book.
>47 jolerie: I also just found out that I am going to be cooking the Easter Dinner for the family, Valerie, so now I can plan some deliciously decandant desserts (and not feel too guilty).
50VivienneR
Your flower fairy illustrations are beautiful! In early childhood I was a big fan of fairies until I discovered with tremendous disappointment that they were not real. My let-down was so great that I never felt the same way about fairies ever since.
My latest Early Reviewer win was Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl, and although it has a Pacific Northwest flavour, I agree with your elder daughter that some fairy illustrations can be "creepy".
My latest Early Reviewer win was Backyard Fairies by Phoebe Wahl, and although it has a Pacific Northwest flavour, I agree with your elder daughter that some fairy illustrations can be "creepy".
51dudes22
Happy New Thread.
Re: book from last thread: I have been wanting to get to Eventide but have been delaying as, like you, I know there are only so many books before there are no more.
Re: book from last thread: I have been wanting to get to Eventide but have been delaying as, like you, I know there are only so many books before there are no more.
52ronincats
Yay for the good numbers on your check-up, Judy! And also for making your reading chair setting just a little more perfect. Sounds like you are getting pretty well settled in in the apartment. Isn't it nice not to have all that packing going on?
53DeltaQueen50
>49 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. These little woodland creatures are my favorite fairies, in fact, I am not usually a fan on the modern take on fairies that are so popular in today's books.
>50 VivienneR: Vivienne, I remember when I truly believed in the tooth fairy and was so disappointed when I found out the truth! That same daughter also finds most dolls and clowns creepy as well. I agree with her on the clowns.
>51 dudes22: I am a book hoarder especially when I know that particular author isn't going to be writing any more. I held onto the last of the Rebus series so long, that the author had actually gone back and written some more about him before I read the "original" last book in the series! I have Benediction on my shelves and I want to read it, but know I will have to force myself to pick it up.
>52 ronincats: Roni, I am really loving living here. I can get out and about easily and the daily chores are done in no time. We still sometimes get the feeling like we are away from home but I am sure time will erase that feeling.
>50 VivienneR: Vivienne, I remember
>51 dudes22: I am a book hoarder especially when I know that particular author isn't going to be writing any more. I held onto the last of the Rebus series so long, that the author had actually gone back and written some more about him before I read the "original" last book in the series! I have Benediction on my shelves and I want to read it, but know I will have to force myself to pick it up.
>52 ronincats: Roni, I am really loving living here. I can get out and about easily and the daily chores are done in no time. We still sometimes get the feeling like we are away from home but I am sure time will erase that feeling.
54DeltaQueen50
45. The Accidental by Ali Smith - 2.0 ★
Category: In Recognition of Excellence - 1001 Books List
TIOLI #7: A Woman Author Who Has Published At Least 3 Books
Urg! The Accidental by Ali Smith will not be among my list of favorite books of the year by any means, I really struggled with this one. I felt that although the author’s writing was stellar, the book felt like she was showing the rest of us how intelligent she is and the result felt more like a writing experiment than a novel. I saw one review that called this book original, restless and morally challenging and I would agree with all of that, although to me these were not necessarily compliments.
Although the story started out interestingly enough, it all too soon descended into a pointless, affected and difficult to read conglomeration of clever words and phrases. At the half way point in the book, I realized that I really didn’t have a clue as to what was going on nor did I care. I did struggle on but I more or less skimmed the last half of the book. The Accidental won many book awards and received gushing reviews from the critics so I am going to assume the fault lies with me and that this was simply too challenging a read for me at this time.
Category: In Recognition of Excellence - 1001 Books List
TIOLI #7: A Woman Author Who Has Published At Least 3 Books
Urg! The Accidental by Ali Smith will not be among my list of favorite books of the year by any means, I really struggled with this one. I felt that although the author’s writing was stellar, the book felt like she was showing the rest of us how intelligent she is and the result felt more like a writing experiment than a novel. I saw one review that called this book original, restless and morally challenging and I would agree with all of that, although to me these were not necessarily compliments.
Although the story started out interestingly enough, it all too soon descended into a pointless, affected and difficult to read conglomeration of clever words and phrases. At the half way point in the book, I realized that I really didn’t have a clue as to what was going on nor did I care. I did struggle on but I more or less skimmed the last half of the book. The Accidental won many book awards and received gushing reviews from the critics so I am going to assume the fault lies with me and that this was simply too challenging a read for me at this time.
55dudes22
>54 DeltaQueen50: - I've read books like that too, Judy, where I thought the writer was more impressed with their own writing than the story. Makes a hard read and I will not be adding this book to my wishlist.
56DeltaQueen50
>55 dudes22: Exactly, life is too short and there are far too many good books out there waiting for us. Luckily both books that I am currently reading are really working for me, the second Becky Chambers book A Closed and Common Orbit is outstanding and The Chalk Man is shaping up to be a good psychological suspense read.
57VivienneR
>54 DeltaQueen50: Too bad about The Accidental. I have it on the shelf because I really liked Autumn. I'll give it a try sometime but won't be afraid to abandon it. There are too many books I'd enjoy to spend time struggling through one.
58DeltaQueen50
>57 VivienneR: I will be interested in your comments on The Accidental, Vivienne. It does get very good reviews from both critics and other readers so it may just have been that it wasn't the right book for me.
59Storeetllr
Oh! I really enjoyed Wobble to Death when I read it a million years ago. Well, probably only 25 or 30 years ago. I kept it when I was culling books to give away, because I thought I might like to read it again.
Glad you got stellar marks from your doctor, and congrats on finding a table for your reading chair!
Glad you got stellar marks from your doctor, and congrats on finding a table for your reading chair!
60Familyhistorian
Today I went to the main Vancouver library to pick up my holds and stopped into the Indigo Spirit downtown. I saw this on the shelf and thought of you, Judy.
61DeltaQueen50
>59 Storeetllr: I believe Peter Lovesey wrote the Sgt. Crib mysteries during the 1980's, Mary, so you probably read Wobble to Death on it's first go-round. Recently they have been re-issued for the Kindle so I am looking forward to discovering them now.
>60 Familyhistorian: LOL Meg! That cartoon is hitting very close to home. We tend to stick to our separate rooms when we are home, he in his office where he has his TV and laptop and me in the den with all my books, computer and tv. Unless we are actually doing something together, we tend to mostly amuse ourselves.
>60 Familyhistorian: LOL Meg! That cartoon is hitting very close to home. We tend to stick to our separate rooms when we are home, he in his office where he has his TV and laptop and me in the den with all my books, computer and tv. Unless we are actually doing something together, we tend to mostly amuse ourselves.
62DeltaQueen50
46. The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor - 4.2 ★
Category: The Mystery Box
BingoDog: Published in 2018
2018 Pop Sugar Challenge: Published in 2018
TIOLI #9: A Book Published in the Last 10 Years
I found The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor to be a riveting novel of psychological suspense that kept me hooked right through. Although the author planted some red herrings and misdirection I did figure out who the murderer was, but there was so much more going on in the story that knowing didn’t really take away from much of the suspense.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1986 to 2016. In the past we are introduced to a group of pre-adolescence kids that live in a small English village and leave chalk stick figures as messages to one another. Someone else suddenly starts leaving chalk messages that are far more ominous. As the kids follow these messages one day they are lead into the forest to a dismembered body. When the action moves to 2016, we find these kids grown up but still dealing with issues from their childhood including still wondering who the Chalk Man was. When they are confronted with another death and newly drawn chalk images, the hunt for the Chalk Man is resumed.
Every character carries a secret or two that are revealed throughout the course of the story so the reader is treated to layers of revelations that slowly bring focus to the plot. With it’s tight and edgy atmosphere, The Chalk Man is a sad, tragic and dark coming-of-age story that was a very good read.
Category: The Mystery Box
BingoDog: Published in 2018
2018 Pop Sugar Challenge: Published in 2018
TIOLI #9: A Book Published in the Last 10 Years
I found The Chalk Man by C. J. Tudor to be a riveting novel of psychological suspense that kept me hooked right through. Although the author planted some red herrings and misdirection I did figure out who the murderer was, but there was so much more going on in the story that knowing didn’t really take away from much of the suspense.
The story jumps back and forth in time from 1986 to 2016. In the past we are introduced to a group of pre-adolescence kids that live in a small English village and leave chalk stick figures as messages to one another. Someone else suddenly starts leaving chalk messages that are far more ominous. As the kids follow these messages one day they are lead into the forest to a dismembered body. When the action moves to 2016, we find these kids grown up but still dealing with issues from their childhood including still wondering who the Chalk Man was. When they are confronted with another death and newly drawn chalk images, the hunt for the Chalk Man is resumed.
Every character carries a secret or two that are revealed throughout the course of the story so the reader is treated to layers of revelations that slowly bring focus to the plot. With it’s tight and edgy atmosphere, The Chalk Man is a sad, tragic and dark coming-of-age story that was a very good read.
63Familyhistorian
>61 DeltaQueen50: Good thing that your place is big enough, Judy, or else you might have to end up drawing some lines like in the cartoon on the cover!
64BLBera
I've heard good things about The Chalk Man, Judy. I have to wait for my turn at the library. I'm number 10 on the list.
65DeltaQueen50
>63 Familyhistorian: Ha, you are right, Meg. Currently he is in his office watching sports on tv while I am in the den on my computer, we will meet up in half an hour or so for lunch. It's not a very nice day out today so I will probably be curling up with my books this afternoon unless he comes up with something for the both of us to do together.
>64 BLBera: It's not very often that I read a new book before you, Beth! I needed to read a book published in 2018 for both the BingoDog and the PopSugar Challenge so I preordered The Chalk Man. With my bookshelves I actually found it easier to read a book that was over 100 years old than to read a brand new book.
>64 BLBera: It's not very often that I read a new book before you, Beth! I needed to read a book published in 2018 for both the BingoDog and the PopSugar Challenge so I preordered The Chalk Man. With my bookshelves I actually found it easier to read a book that was over 100 years old than to read a brand new book.
66msf59
Happy Saturday, Judy. Good review of The Chalk Man. Thumb! It is on my list.
Hooray for those daily walks. Keep 'em up.
Hooray for those daily walks. Keep 'em up.
67-Eva-
>60 Familyhistorian:
Haha! Wonderful!
Haha! Wonderful!
68LittleTaiko
>62 DeltaQueen50: - Ooh, that one was on my list to read in March. I had read The Chalk Circle Man and liked the symmetry of the titles. I’m still hoping to squeeze it in soon.
69DeltaQueen50
>67 -Eva-: There's a lot of truth in that cartoon, Eva. I know men have a big adjustment to make upon retirement but their homemaker wives do to!
>62 DeltaQueen50: I think you will enjoy The Chalk Man when you get to it, it's not a fast moving story, but I got very involved with the characters.
>62 DeltaQueen50: I think you will enjoy The Chalk Man when you get to it, it's not a fast moving story, but I got very involved with the characters.
70DeltaQueen50
47. A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers - 5.0 ★
Category: Bert and Ernie's Science Experiments
March SFFFKit: Off World
TIOLI #5: Title Includes At Least Two Words That Start With The Same Letter
So often the second book in a trilogy is a let-down as it becomes more of a bridge between the first and third books but I am happy to report that this is not the case with A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. This is the second book in The Wayfarers science fiction trilogy and for me this book was even better than the first. The author wisely keeps many of the things that I loved about the first book such as the high-tech surroundings, the variety of alien species and likeable yet complex main characters. She raises the bar by following the story of two of the characters from the first book, that of Pepper, street-smart ace mechanic and Lovelace the AI. Getting to know these characters up close and personal made for a wonderful reading experience.
Lovelace, now calling herself Sidra, is the AI who was installed in the ship but has now been transferred to a human-like body. She is struggling to learn how to exist in this new form. The other plot line is Pepper’s back story and her childhood as Jane 23 was truly riveting. I admit that at first I missed the camaraderie of the whole crew being together as in the first book, but it wasn’t long before these plot lines totally engrossed me and their exploration of what constitutes humanity made for an enlightening and thought provoking read. From Sidra’s claustrophobia and extreme sense of self-loss to the appalling nightmare that was Pepper’s childhood, A Closed and Common Orbit was a complete page-turner. It became very easy to root for these characters as they grew together and learned how to build trust and friendship toward each other.
I am looking forward to seeing what this inventive author will deliver in the next book. I am sure however she decides to wrap up this trilogy, it will be clever, charming and a fantastic read.
Category: Bert and Ernie's Science Experiments
March SFFFKit: Off World
TIOLI #5: Title Includes At Least Two Words That Start With The Same Letter
So often the second book in a trilogy is a let-down as it becomes more of a bridge between the first and third books but I am happy to report that this is not the case with A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers. This is the second book in The Wayfarers science fiction trilogy and for me this book was even better than the first. The author wisely keeps many of the things that I loved about the first book such as the high-tech surroundings, the variety of alien species and likeable yet complex main characters. She raises the bar by following the story of two of the characters from the first book, that of Pepper, street-smart ace mechanic and Lovelace the AI. Getting to know these characters up close and personal made for a wonderful reading experience.
Lovelace, now calling herself Sidra, is the AI who was installed in the ship but has now been transferred to a human-like body. She is struggling to learn how to exist in this new form. The other plot line is Pepper’s back story and her childhood as Jane 23 was truly riveting. I admit that at first I missed the camaraderie of the whole crew being together as in the first book, but it wasn’t long before these plot lines totally engrossed me and their exploration of what constitutes humanity made for an enlightening and thought provoking read. From Sidra’s claustrophobia and extreme sense of self-loss to the appalling nightmare that was Pepper’s childhood, A Closed and Common Orbit was a complete page-turner. It became very easy to root for these characters as they grew together and learned how to build trust and friendship toward each other.
I am looking forward to seeing what this inventive author will deliver in the next book. I am sure however she decides to wrap up this trilogy, it will be clever, charming and a fantastic read.
71-Eva-
>69 DeltaQueen50:
One of my coworkers retired a few years back, but after almost a year he came back and said his wife had told him he needed to go back to work and stop following her around the house. :D He has since then re-retired, so I guess they've come to some agreement.
One of my coworkers retired a few years back, but after almost a year he came back and said his wife had told him he needed to go back to work and stop following her around the house. :D He has since then re-retired, so I guess they've come to some agreement.
72DeltaQueen50
>71 -Eva-: It was a big change for both of us, we are doing ok but at first it was strange having him looking over my shoulder all day! We are finding it great to have so much time together, but we both still need lots of "alone" time as well.
73-Eva-
>72 DeltaQueen50:
My coworker was quite chatty, but we have 100+ people at work, so he couldn’t possibly get around to you more than once or twice a week. I bet he drove her batty being home. :)
My coworker was quite chatty, but we have 100+ people at work, so he couldn’t possibly get around to you more than once or twice a week. I bet he drove her batty being home. :)
74BLBera
>70 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad to hear this is a good one, Judy. I loved the first one. Another one to add to the list.
75pammab
>70 DeltaQueen50: So glad you finished and loved A Closed and Common Orbit! Embodying an AI in a human shape was completely new to me, and I loved the way that Jane's story was told too. Plus, all the characters are decent people. Just lovely.
76DeltaQueen50
Happy Sunday everyone. It was quite nice here today so we decided to take a little drive and have lunch out. We went to a beach area called Crescent Beach and had fish and chips, then we drove to a mall in White Rock and used up a $45.00 book gift card. Since my husband is going through books like crazy since he retired, I tried to buy books that we would both read, but most slanted toward his tastes. We did quite well and I got the following books and only had to pay $1.85 over the $45.00 giftcard:
Trust No One by Paul Cleave - this New Zealand author is a favorite of mine - he writes great thrillers
Hyena Road by Paul Gross - this was a film first and now a book, but my husband loves war stories
American War by Omar El Akkad - a dystopian story set in America
Cut by Marc Raabe - a serial killer thriller
Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth - a novel about conflict in the Australian outback
Fever by Deon Meyer - another dystopian story this time set in South Africa
This was my idea of a just about perfect day!
>73 -Eva-: That is often the case with couples - one is a lot more social than the other. In our case it's my husband who is the more social, that's the biggest thing he misses about work - the social contact. There are a number of men's morning coffee groups and he has been invited to join a few so I think I will encourage him in that.
>74 BLBera: It's excellent, Beth. Better, I think, than the first one.
>75 pammab: I totally agree! :)
Trust No One by Paul Cleave - this New Zealand author is a favorite of mine - he writes great thrillers
Hyena Road by Paul Gross - this was a film first and now a book, but my husband loves war stories
American War by Omar El Akkad - a dystopian story set in America
Cut by Marc Raabe - a serial killer thriller
Only Killers and Thieves by Paul Howarth - a novel about conflict in the Australian outback
Fever by Deon Meyer - another dystopian story this time set in South Africa
This was my idea of a just about perfect day!
>73 -Eva-: That is often the case with couples - one is a lot more social than the other. In our case it's my husband who is the more social, that's the biggest thing he misses about work - the social contact. There are a number of men's morning coffee groups and he has been invited to join a few so I think I will encourage him in that.
>74 BLBera: It's excellent, Beth. Better, I think, than the first one.
>75 pammab: I totally agree! :)
77clue
>76 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I have to laugh about the men's coffee groups. One of my friends brothers has lived for many years basically out in the woods. The men in the area meet every morning at the gas station for coffee. They sit on whatever they can find and solve Washington and the wars early, really early, each morning. He can get really riled up about a fancy place like Starbucks. He just can't understand why people spend a ridiculous amount of money on a cup of coffee when you can get a cup down at the Esso for 50 cents!
There's some small town wisdom for you!
There's some small town wisdom for you!
78VivienneR
>62 DeltaQueen50: You hit me with a BB with that one!
>77 clue: Once when I was being shipped from one hospital to another by ambulance, I had to be transferred to a different ambulance midway because the paramedics were entering a different care zone. They parked at the gas station where I had to get out of one and into the other ambulance dressed in a hospital gown, socks and a cardigan with a bag of all my possessions. I was the entertainment of the day to half a dozen old guys sitting drinking coffee and watching.
>77 clue: Once when I was being shipped from one hospital to another by ambulance, I had to be transferred to a different ambulance midway because the paramedics were entering a different care zone. They parked at the gas station where I had to get out of one and into the other ambulance dressed in a hospital gown, socks and a cardigan with a bag of all my possessions. I was the entertainment of the day to half a dozen old guys sitting drinking coffee and watching.
79LittleTaiko
>62 DeltaQueen50: - Thanks to you I started this book Saturday night and finished it Sunday afternoon. Very enjoyable and I’m looking forward to seeing what else she writes in the future. It was the right balance of creepy, suspenseful, and humor.
80clue
>78 VivienneR: That's so funny, well probably not for you, but it was very likely the most entertainment they had had in a long time.
81ChelleBearss
Sounds like a lovely way to spend a Sunday!
82Crazymamie
>62 DeltaQueen50: Glad to see you liked this one, Judy, as I have it out from the library.
>70 DeltaQueen50: I loved this one, too! Lovely review - thumb from me.
Hoping your Easter menu planning is coming along nicely. I laughed when I read, I also just found out that I am going to be cooking the Easter Dinner for the family...
>70 DeltaQueen50: I loved this one, too! Lovely review - thumb from me.
Hoping your Easter menu planning is coming along nicely. I laughed when I read, I also just found out that I am going to be cooking the Easter Dinner for the family...
83BLBera
>76 DeltaQueen50: The e-book for the Chambers is available at my library, so I guess I'll be reading that soon.
84DeltaQueen50
>77 clue: I think our area is full of retired men who need something to do. There are coffee gatherings at just about every place there could be around here, Tim Hortons, Macdonalds, Starbucks etc. I think my hubby may join the Tim Horton's group since it's within walking distance. I have this mental picture of all the wives booting their husbands out in the morning so they can have some time to themselves.
>78 VivienneR: Yeah for book bullets! I hope you held that hospital gown held together at the back, Vivienne or else you really made those old guys day!
>79 LittleTaiko: Glad you liked it. I am also looking forward to seeing what's next for this author.
>81 ChelleBearss: It was Chelle. I forgot to mention that we did take a walk along promenade by the ocean - had to walk off the calories. :)
>82 Crazymamie: I think you will like The Chalk Man, Mamie. Yeah, my husband stopped by my older daughter's place and when he came home I was informed that I am doing Easter Sunday dinner. My son-in-law has even provided the turkey!
>83 BLBera: Oh I think you will find A Closed and Common Orbit a lovely book to just kick back and enjoy. Beth.
>78 VivienneR: Yeah for book bullets! I hope you held that hospital gown held together at the back, Vivienne or else you really made those old guys day!
>79 LittleTaiko: Glad you liked it. I am also looking forward to seeing what's next for this author.
>81 ChelleBearss: It was Chelle. I forgot to mention that we did take a walk along promenade by the ocean - had to walk off the calories. :)
>82 Crazymamie: I think you will like The Chalk Man, Mamie. Yeah, my husband stopped by my older daughter's place and when he came home I was informed that I am doing Easter Sunday dinner. My son-in-law has even provided the turkey!
>83 BLBera: Oh I think you will find A Closed and Common Orbit a lovely book to just kick back and enjoy. Beth.
85VivienneR
>84 DeltaQueen50: No problem there! It was a huge purple job that wrapped around me about three times! :)) (I've never seen a purple hospital gown before or since.)
86lkernagh
I finally found a snatch of time - the other half is taking a much needed nap - to get caught up with some threads. Glad to learn that the report from the doctor was good and Yay for the furniture purchase. I love furniture shopping, although I must admit it is the auction houses in Victoria that I love to browse through on the weekend. Some of the stuff is so darn tempting and then I remind myself how much stuff we already have and the square footage of our place and then I back away. Love the idea of a small occasional table to place your coffee cup while you read!
>44 DeltaQueen50: - You have intrigued me to check out Peter Lovesey books.
>60 Familyhistorian: - LOL! Love it! Must check that book out.
>44 DeltaQueen50: - You have intrigued me to check out Peter Lovesey books.
>60 Familyhistorian: - LOL! Love it! Must check that book out.
87DeltaQueen50
>85 VivienneR: Oh my! Bright purple helps to complete the picture, Vivienne. ;)
>86 lkernagh: Hi Lori. I am never too far away from my coffee cup so the occasional table has already proven to be a worthy addition. That was my first Peter Lovesey book and I, too, want to check out more by this author.
>86 lkernagh: Hi Lori. I am never too far away from my coffee cup so the occasional table has already proven to be a worthy addition. That was my first Peter Lovesey book and I, too, want to check out more by this author.
88DeltaQueen50
48. Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama - 3.8 ★
Category: Miss Piggy
TIOLI #7: A Woman Author Who Has Published At Least Three Books
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama is an impressive debut novel. The author’s background in poetry shows clearly as the writing here is very evocative and lyrical. The book opens in 1919 China and tells the story of Pei a young girl from rural China as she, at age 8, is sent to a silk factory to work there among all the other young girls whose families need their wages more than they need the presence of another daughter. At first lonely and homesick, Pei eventually finds comfort and support in the kindness of the other girls who band together to nurture each other and their friendship brings the inquisitive and quick witted Pei the family love that she needs.
Covering twenty years in Pei’s life, this book also touches on the conditions in China at that time. The warlords are losing control, the communist are gathering power and the Japanese have invaded and are spreading horror in their path. While these events seem far away to Pei and her friends, they eventually find themselves caught in the changing times. On a more personal level, Pei’s story explores the close bonds among the sisterhood of silk workers and offers a great deal of detail about the process of spinning silk. This quiet, traditional way of life is in sharp contrast to the upheaval that is on their horizon.
I found Women of the Silk to be a fascinating read and the author’s meticulous research helps to create a picture of China in years leading up to the communist take-over. The one drawback to the story was the author’s failure to really breath life into her characters. The book is very much a descriptive rather than emotional narrative. However, this was a very worth while read and I fully intend to read the sequel to this book The Language of Threads at some point.
Category: Miss Piggy
TIOLI #7: A Woman Author Who Has Published At Least Three Books
Women of the Silk by Gail Tsukiyama is an impressive debut novel. The author’s background in poetry shows clearly as the writing here is very evocative and lyrical. The book opens in 1919 China and tells the story of Pei a young girl from rural China as she, at age 8, is sent to a silk factory to work there among all the other young girls whose families need their wages more than they need the presence of another daughter. At first lonely and homesick, Pei eventually finds comfort and support in the kindness of the other girls who band together to nurture each other and their friendship brings the inquisitive and quick witted Pei the family love that she needs.
Covering twenty years in Pei’s life, this book also touches on the conditions in China at that time. The warlords are losing control, the communist are gathering power and the Japanese have invaded and are spreading horror in their path. While these events seem far away to Pei and her friends, they eventually find themselves caught in the changing times. On a more personal level, Pei’s story explores the close bonds among the sisterhood of silk workers and offers a great deal of detail about the process of spinning silk. This quiet, traditional way of life is in sharp contrast to the upheaval that is on their horizon.
I found Women of the Silk to be a fascinating read and the author’s meticulous research helps to create a picture of China in years leading up to the communist take-over. The one drawback to the story was the author’s failure to really breath life into her characters. The book is very much a descriptive rather than emotional narrative. However, this was a very worth while read and I fully intend to read the sequel to this book The Language of Threads at some point.
89dudes22
>88 DeltaQueen50: - I have both of these in my TBR pile. Based on your review, I expect I will like them when I get to them.
90clue
>88 DeltaQueen50: I loved the Tsukiyama books. Although I read them in 2007 they are still on my shelves just waiting for me to reread them. I have three others of hers on the TBR, I really should get to them.
I'm currently reading the first in the Langani trilogy which I took as a BB from you and like it so much. The second title came in the mail today so I'm set to continue.
I'm currently reading the first in the Langani trilogy which I took as a BB from you and like it so much. The second title came in the mail today so I'm set to continue.
91BLBera
>88 DeltaQueen50: This does sound good, Judy. It's been on my shelf for years. About time to read it, I guess.
92DeltaQueen50
>89 dudes22: Hi Betty, I have now enjoyed two of Gail Tsukiyama's books so I know that I will most likely really like the sequel to this one.
>90 clue: Oh I remember quite enjoying the Langani trilogy, I have a soft spot for books set in Africa to start with and I believe the author gave distinct voices to her three main characters.
>91 BLBera: Aren't we lucky that books are so patient, Beth.
>90 clue: Oh I remember quite enjoying the Langani trilogy, I have a soft spot for books set in Africa to start with and I believe the author gave distinct voices to her three main characters.
>91 BLBera: Aren't we lucky that books are so patient, Beth.
93DeltaQueen50
49. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
Category: Abby Cadabby
March ColorCat: Green
TIOLI #3: Author's Middle or Maiden Name is Included on the Cover
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner is a very worthy sequel to the first book in her Queen’s Thief trilogy. From it’s breath-taking opening when Eugenides falls into the hands of the Queen of Attolia to it’s ending where again Eugenides is under the Queen’s power we have the pleasure of reading a well plotted, creative fantasy story that is loosely based on the ancient countries that once circled the Mediterranean Sea. This is a story of strategy, a cat-and-mouse game between the Thief of Eddis and the Queen of Attolia. Like a complicated dance these two weave in and out, around each other, each trying to gain the upper hand.
There is a leap of faith required by the readers when late in the book it becomes obvious that Eugenides has a romantic angle to his quest, but everything unfolds with flair and humor, so that leap wasn’t too hard to take. While this was a much broader story than the first, detailing as it does the relationship and intrigue between a number of countries, at it’s heart are the two Queens and their relationships with the Thief. Although I immediately loved the Queen of Eddis, I found the Queen of Attolia to be a fascinating character that I want to learn more about.
I am looking forward to the third book in the trilogy to find out what is going to happen next to these characters and their countries.
Category: Abby Cadabby
March ColorCat: Green
TIOLI #3: Author's Middle or Maiden Name is Included on the Cover
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner is a very worthy sequel to the first book in her Queen’s Thief trilogy. From it’s breath-taking opening when Eugenides falls into the hands of the Queen of Attolia to it’s ending where again Eugenides is under the Queen’s power we have the pleasure of reading a well plotted, creative fantasy story that is loosely based on the ancient countries that once circled the Mediterranean Sea. This is a story of strategy, a cat-and-mouse game between the Thief of Eddis and the Queen of Attolia. Like a complicated dance these two weave in and out, around each other, each trying to gain the upper hand.
There is a leap of faith required by the readers when late in the book it becomes obvious that Eugenides has a romantic angle to his quest, but everything unfolds with flair and humor, so that leap wasn’t too hard to take. While this was a much broader story than the first, detailing as it does the relationship and intrigue between a number of countries, at it’s heart are the two Queens and their relationships with the Thief. Although I immediately loved the Queen of Eddis, I found the Queen of Attolia to be a fascinating character that I want to learn more about.
I am looking forward to the third book in the trilogy to find out what is going to happen next to these characters and their countries.
94ronincats
Don't mind me. I'm just camped out here waiting for your remarks on The Queen of Attolia. I trust you won't wait quite as long to move onto the next book?
96DeltaQueen50
>94 ronincats: Hi Roni, I really need to work on my planning. I've said it before, fantasy and sci-fi series need to be read close together in order to keep the story and all the various sub-plots straight. I haven't been doing as good a job on this as I should. I need to stop picking up new series and finish the ones I am currently working on. So, short answer, yes, I am going to try to get to the next book as soon as I can. :)
>95 ronincats: Surprised you, did I?
>95 ronincats: Surprised you, did I?
97christina_reads
>93 DeltaQueen50: So glad you enjoyed this!!! The King of Attolia is a little strange going in, since the events are told from the perspective of a new (and fairly minor) character...but once it gets going, it's my favorite of the three books!
98DeltaQueen50
>97 christina_reads: I did enjoy The Queen of Attolia, Christina, and I am looking forward to reading the third book - sounds like it's going to be a good one!
99DeltaQueen50
Feeling very proud of myself, I found 21 of the 22 eggs in the current treasure hunt all by myself. I needed a hint for number 7 so now I have all the eggs in my basket!
100thornton37814
>99 DeltaQueen50: I don't feel so badly knowing almost everyone had difficulty with #7.
101DeltaQueen50
>100 thornton37814: Lori, I would still be trying to puzzle out the answer to #7 except for the hints that were given. I got sidetracked with the "Kowabunga" into thinking there was some connection to The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!
102DeltaQueen50
The Forsyte Saga - In Chancery
In Chancery is the third volume of The Forsyte Saga so this doesn't count as a book but I wanted to put my thoughts down so when I do finish the book I will have reviewed each section.
The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy continues with the novel In Chancery. This book deals with relationships. After twelve years the Soames and Irene saga continues, Soames has proven himself to be very despicable with an over large sense of entitlement, he actually decides that it would be easier to take Irene back than go through a divorce. Of course Irene declares she would rather die than return to her marriage. Meanwhile, Soames sister, Winifred is dealing with a philandering, gambling husband who deserts her for a Spanish dancer and heads off to South America. In order for her divorce to go smoothly and quietly she has to offer him a chance to return to her. Unfortunately he takes her up on the offer much to the chagrin of the Forsytes. The younger generation is not spared romantic entanglements as Winifred's son Val, who is a little too much like his father, is courting Young Jolyon’s daughter, Holly. In order to keep her from making an unfortunate alliance, her brother dares Val to join him as he heads off to the Boer War. Holly decides to join June who is going to Africa to nurse. Holly and Val reunite and get married in Africa.
The deeper I get into this book, the more thankful I am that I was born when I was. Women in the Victorian age had so little rights, they were literally seen as possessions of their husbands or fathers, and the only thing keeping the men in line were the strict society rules and the fear of scandal. The title of this book refers to the Court of Chancery where divorce cases were heard and although Winifred does not get her freedom, the marriage of Soames and Irene is finally ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have grown comfortable with the characters and although I still have many reservations about the Forsytes as a family, I couldn’t help but root for Jolyon and Irene. I can now appreciate what a tremendous accomplishment these books are and I can hardly wait to pick up the next book to see if these ill feelings between Soames and Jolyon are passed on to the next generation.
In Chancery is the third volume of The Forsyte Saga so this doesn't count as a book but I wanted to put my thoughts down so when I do finish the book I will have reviewed each section.
The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy continues with the novel In Chancery. This book deals with relationships. After twelve years the Soames and Irene saga continues, Soames has proven himself to be very despicable with an over large sense of entitlement, he actually decides that it would be easier to take Irene back than go through a divorce. Of course Irene declares she would rather die than return to her marriage. Meanwhile, Soames sister, Winifred is dealing with a philandering, gambling husband who deserts her for a Spanish dancer and heads off to South America. In order for her divorce to go smoothly and quietly she has to offer him a chance to return to her. Unfortunately he takes her up on the offer much to the chagrin of the Forsytes. The younger generation is not spared romantic entanglements as Winifred's son Val, who is a little too much like his father, is courting Young Jolyon’s daughter, Holly. In order to keep her from making an unfortunate alliance, her brother dares Val to join him as he heads off to the Boer War. Holly decides to join June who is going to Africa to nurse. Holly and Val reunite and get married in Africa.
The deeper I get into this book, the more thankful I am that I was born when I was. Women in the Victorian age had so little rights, they were literally seen as possessions of their husbands or fathers, and the only thing keeping the men in line were the strict society rules and the fear of scandal. The title of this book refers to the Court of Chancery where divorce cases were heard and although Winifred does not get her freedom, the marriage of Soames and Irene is finally ended.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, I have grown comfortable with the characters and although I still have many reservations about the Forsytes as a family, I couldn’t help but root for Jolyon and Irene. I can now appreciate what a tremendous accomplishment these books are and I can hardly wait to pick up the next book to see if these ill feelings between Soames and Jolyon are passed on to the next generation.
103thornton37814
>101 DeltaQueen50: I tried that too.
104msf59
Happy Weekend, Judy. Hope you are having a good one. Are you getting those daily walks in?
Glad those books are treating you well.
Glad those books are treating you well.
105DeltaQueen50
I am hoping that everyone has a lovely Easter. I will be spending the day cooking and get ready for the family to arrive later. I am doing a turkey with all the trimmings so will be in and out of the kitchen all day.
However you spend it, enjoy the day.
>104 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I hope you are having a great weekend as well. I am still walking every day and we are slowly increasing our distance. We usually go in the early evening and I have been enjoying these fairly mild spring evenings.
106DeltaQueen50
50. Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood - 3.5 ★
Category: Elmo
BingoDog: Relating to the Pacific Ocean
April Reading Thru Time: Clash of Cultures
April RandomCat: April Loves Books!
Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood is a YA novel about World War II as the Japanese and the Americans are battling across the many islands of the Pacific. The natives of these islands were caught in the crossfire between these armies and many were slaughtered. These islands in the Western Pacific were important as the Americans could launch air strikes from them directly at Japan.
The story is of Joseph a twelve year old islander. He and his family have been living under Japanese occupation for a number of years by 1944. The Japanese changed the natives way of life. They weren’t allowed to take their boats out onto the ocean and fish, they were forced into manual labour either in the cane fields or repairing the runways at the airport. When the Americans started their bombing prior to their landing, the natives were on their own to survive as best they could. When it became obvious that the Japanese were not going to win, they gathered as many people as they could and forced them to leap off the cliffs to their death. Joseph’s father and brother-in-law are taken by the Japanese as forced labour so it is up to Joseph to get his family to the caves and then keep them safe.
This story about the indigenous people who were caught up in the battles between the Japanese and the American armies is quite short and being a YA novel, it doesn’t go into the depth I would have liked. These natives had their way of life destroyed and their homeland devastated by the meeting of these two massive forces. Warriors in the Crossfire gives the reader a glimpse of this little known perspective on World War II as seen through the eyes of a twelve year old.
Category: Elmo
BingoDog: Relating to the Pacific Ocean
April Reading Thru Time: Clash of Cultures
April RandomCat: April Loves Books!
Warriors in the Crossfire by Nancy Bo Flood is a YA novel about World War II as the Japanese and the Americans are battling across the many islands of the Pacific. The natives of these islands were caught in the crossfire between these armies and many were slaughtered. These islands in the Western Pacific were important as the Americans could launch air strikes from them directly at Japan.
The story is of Joseph a twelve year old islander. He and his family have been living under Japanese occupation for a number of years by 1944. The Japanese changed the natives way of life. They weren’t allowed to take their boats out onto the ocean and fish, they were forced into manual labour either in the cane fields or repairing the runways at the airport. When the Americans started their bombing prior to their landing, the natives were on their own to survive as best they could. When it became obvious that the Japanese were not going to win, they gathered as many people as they could and forced them to leap off the cliffs to their death. Joseph’s father and brother-in-law are taken by the Japanese as forced labour so it is up to Joseph to get his family to the caves and then keep them safe.
This story about the indigenous people who were caught up in the battles between the Japanese and the American armies is quite short and being a YA novel, it doesn’t go into the depth I would have liked. These natives had their way of life destroyed and their homeland devastated by the meeting of these two massive forces. Warriors in the Crossfire gives the reader a glimpse of this little known perspective on World War II as seen through the eyes of a twelve year old.
107ChelleBearss
Hope you had a great Easter!
108DeltaQueen50
>107 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle, I did have a very nice Easter. My dinner turned out perfect and it was great to spend some time with the family and catch up with grandkids.
109ronincats
>106 DeltaQueen50: Judy, If you liked the themes in Warriors in the Crossfire and would like to see them handled differently, I would strongly recommend Nation by Terry Pratchett. It is not comedy; it is the first book he wrote after his early alzheimer diagnosis, it is YA, and it is deadly serious while still a powerful story--I think he saw it as his legacy.
110DeltaQueen50
>109 ronincats: Thanks Roni, I just looked at it and I think you are right, it sounds like a book that I would really like. Adding to my wishlist, in fact, I might just add it to my list of books that I am planning on getting for my Thingaversary in June. :)
111DeltaQueen50
51. Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird - 3.8 ★
Category: Miss Piggy
April ColorCat: Yellow
TIOLI #1: The Same Word Starts At Least Three Pages in The Book
Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird is a police procedural set in a small rural English village that was originally published in 1968. It is the second in the author’s Inspector Sloan series of mysteries. The book is quite short, being less than 200 pages, but I found it to be an interesting storyline as the hit and run death of the middle aged Grace Jenkins has the unusual consequence of revealing that she could not have been the mother of her supposed daughter, Henrietta. Then when further investigation reveals that not only was her death deliberately planned but important papers were taken from her cottage, Inspector Sloan realizes he must find out who Henrietta is and how she came into Grace’s care as a very young baby in order to solve the case.
The focus of the investigation becomes very much a hunt through the past as Henrietta’s true identity is being traced. The main character, Inspector Sloan is a competent, seemingly straight forward detective who often becomes irritated at his plodding assistant who is frequently the source of humor. On the most part the characters were likeable and interesting, the only irritant I found was Sloan’s superior who was a little too over-the-top.
Catherine Aird’s story is both witty and entertaining. Henrietta Who? was a well plotted mystery and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
Category: Miss Piggy
April ColorCat: Yellow
TIOLI #1: The Same Word Starts At Least Three Pages in The Book
Henrietta Who? by Catherine Aird is a police procedural set in a small rural English village that was originally published in 1968. It is the second in the author’s Inspector Sloan series of mysteries. The book is quite short, being less than 200 pages, but I found it to be an interesting storyline as the hit and run death of the middle aged Grace Jenkins has the unusual consequence of revealing that she could not have been the mother of her supposed daughter, Henrietta. Then when further investigation reveals that not only was her death deliberately planned but important papers were taken from her cottage, Inspector Sloan realizes he must find out who Henrietta is and how she came into Grace’s care as a very young baby in order to solve the case.
The focus of the investigation becomes very much a hunt through the past as Henrietta’s true identity is being traced. The main character, Inspector Sloan is a competent, seemingly straight forward detective who often becomes irritated at his plodding assistant who is frequently the source of humor. On the most part the characters were likeable and interesting, the only irritant I found was Sloan’s superior who was a little too over-the-top.
Catherine Aird’s story is both witty and entertaining. Henrietta Who? was a well plotted mystery and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.
112Familyhistorian
>111 DeltaQueen50: Henrietta Who? sounds interesting, Judy. On to the wish list it goes. I like the way it was arranged that you cook Easter dinner. Good thing that it turned out well.
>67 -Eva-: It caught my eye and made me think of Judy, Eva. I think that a lot of women can relate!
>67 -Eva-: It caught my eye and made me think of Judy, Eva. I think that a lot of women can relate!
113Helenliz
>111 DeltaQueen50: I've recently reserved from the library a set of short stories by this author, featuring Inspector Sloan. I'd not heard of either, so I'm pleased to read in your review that I've not picked a complete turkey.
114DeltaQueen50
>112 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I was certainly overdue to be the one cooking for the family on a holiday, that chore has fallen on one daughter or the other for the last few years. It was good to know that I could still pull a turkey dinner together!
>113 Helenliz: Although she wrote in the 1960's Catherine Aird is definitely "old school" in that, unlike today's detectives, we aren't given much background into Inspector Sloan, the story totally revolves around the mystery. I think Catherine Aird would be right at home on the shelf beside both Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey's Inspector Grant when it comes to style and plotting. I hope you enjoy the short stories.
>113 Helenliz: Although she wrote in the 1960's Catherine Aird is definitely "old school" in that, unlike today's detectives, we aren't given much background into Inspector Sloan, the story totally revolves around the mystery. I think Catherine Aird would be right at home on the shelf beside both Agatha Christie and Josephine Tey's Inspector Grant when it comes to style and plotting. I hope you enjoy the short stories.
115Familyhistorian
>114 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like you are good for another couple of years on the cooking front then, Judy.
116jolerie
Man oh man, Judy, your thread is a mighty dangerous place!! So many good books you've been reading lately. I've been hit multiple times I can't even count....
117DeltaQueen50
>115 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, yes, I guess I can't use the "I'm too old" excuse and will have to continue to do my share of the cooking.
>116 jolerie: Valerie, I hope you enjoy any and all books that you choose to read after seeing them on my thread. At least my next review is designed more to warn people away than to encourage them to read. ;)
>116 jolerie: Valerie, I hope you enjoy any and all books that you choose to read after seeing them on my thread. At least my next review is designed more to warn people away than to encourage them to read. ;)
118DeltaQueen50
52. Red Moon by Benjamin Percy - 2.0 ★
Category: Kermit the Frog
April ScaredyKit: Supernatural
2018 PopSugar Challenge: An Allegory
TIOLI #9: Second Letter of the Author's First Name is the Same as the Second Letter in His Last Name
Red Moon by Benjamin Percy is truly an epic tale revolving around the battles between humans and lycans, who are werewolf like creatures. With an opening that brings 9/11 vividly to mind, we are thrust into an alternative reality that exchanges modern terrorists for these lycans. In this world these creatures have been around for centuries becoming infected and passing the disease through the exchange of body fluids. Many lycans have settled in the Lupine Republic, an area in northern Scandinavia, but because of the discovery of valuable uranium the Republic is currently under American military occupation. There are also lycans living in America, feared, misunderstood and forced to medicate themselves with a mind-numbing drug. Some lycans hide their existence and try to blend into society, and a few, become radical terrorists.
The author has attempted an allegory that contrasts these violent confrontations between werewolf and humans with the political and cultural clashes that confront us in today’s world. Unfortunately this concept did not work for me. I was uncomfortable with the idea of comparing Muslims with werewolves, and his inclusion of every social and political problem that we face today seemed heavy handed and overly ambitious. Also the sheer size of this story and it’s many plot lines meant that character development was neglected, creating flat figures on an over-painted background. Personally I think this would have worked much better if it had been allowed to evolve into a trilogy which would have given the author room for his expansive story and to still breathe life into his characters.
Red Moon does have plenty of violence and bloodletting which one would expect in a werewolf story, but there were simply too many flaws to overlook making this disjointed book a disappointment.
Category: Kermit the Frog
April ScaredyKit: Supernatural
2018 PopSugar Challenge: An Allegory
TIOLI #9: Second Letter of the Author's First Name is the Same as the Second Letter in His Last Name
Red Moon by Benjamin Percy is truly an epic tale revolving around the battles between humans and lycans, who are werewolf like creatures. With an opening that brings 9/11 vividly to mind, we are thrust into an alternative reality that exchanges modern terrorists for these lycans. In this world these creatures have been around for centuries becoming infected and passing the disease through the exchange of body fluids. Many lycans have settled in the Lupine Republic, an area in northern Scandinavia, but because of the discovery of valuable uranium the Republic is currently under American military occupation. There are also lycans living in America, feared, misunderstood and forced to medicate themselves with a mind-numbing drug. Some lycans hide their existence and try to blend into society, and a few, become radical terrorists.
The author has attempted an allegory that contrasts these violent confrontations between werewolf and humans with the political and cultural clashes that confront us in today’s world. Unfortunately this concept did not work for me. I was uncomfortable with the idea of comparing Muslims with werewolves, and his inclusion of every social and political problem that we face today seemed heavy handed and overly ambitious. Also the sheer size of this story and it’s many plot lines meant that character development was neglected, creating flat figures on an over-painted background. Personally I think this would have worked much better if it had been allowed to evolve into a trilogy which would have given the author room for his expansive story and to still breathe life into his characters.
Red Moon does have plenty of violence and bloodletting which one would expect in a werewolf story, but there were simply too many flaws to overlook making this disjointed book a disappointment.
119whitewavedarling
>52 ronincats: I commented in the supernatural thread before I read your full review here. This sounds... well, horrible. I picked it and Refresh, Refresh: Stories up after reading one of his short stories somewhere--I guess I'll hold out hope that the stories might be worthwhile, at least, though I may just take my copy of this one to the used bookstore next time I head over there. Sorry you had to suffer through it, though I know I won't be the only one appreciating the review.
120ChelleBearss
>118 DeltaQueen50: Sorry to see that one was a bust! I was getting excited for a new werewolf novel until I read your second paragraph. Shoot.
121BLBera
I read the first Catherine Aird, Judy, and really liked it. Henrietta Who? is next for me. I'm glad it is a good one.
122DeltaQueen50
After two days of no LibraryThing I was beginning to have withdrawal pains! Thanks heavens it is back up and running.
>119 whitewavedarling: I think the author, Benjamin Percy, was attempting to write a literary horror story but somehow things just went amiss. Also I think he tried to cover too much for one book which resulted in a huge mess.
>120 ChelleBearss: I was looking forward to it as well, Chelle. Good horror novels seem to be few and far between. :(
>121 BLBera: I am enjoying these Catherine Aird mysteries, Beth, they are well written, short and fun to read.
>119 whitewavedarling: I think the author, Benjamin Percy, was attempting to write a literary horror story but somehow things just went amiss. Also I think he tried to cover too much for one book which resulted in a huge mess.
>120 ChelleBearss: I was looking forward to it as well, Chelle. Good horror novels seem to be few and far between. :(
>121 BLBera: I am enjoying these Catherine Aird mysteries, Beth, they are well written, short and fun to read.
123DeltaQueen50
53. The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman - 4.5 ★
Category: In Recognition of Excellence (1001 List of Books To Read Before You Die)
April ColorCat: Yellow
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Feminism
TIOLI #12: A Book From Another TIOLI Challenger
I really enjoyed the deliciously creepy novella The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The author hit all the right notes and left the reader wondering if they had just read about a woman’s decent into madness or this was a story about spirit possession. This story was first published in 1892 and I would say it has definitely stood the test of time.
Told entirely from the woman’s perspective, we learn that she, her husband, physician John, his sister and their baby are spending the summer in a remote colonial mansion. Her husband has diagnosed a need for a “rest cure” for her nervous depression. The negative aspects and limited understanding about this women’s psychological condition are soon apparent as she spends her time in isolation. She is confined to one room of the house, an old nursery and with nothing to fill her time with, she soon turns her attention to the room’s wallpaper, and in particular it’s intricate patterns.
For such a short story there is a lot for the reader to think about including a woman’s role and rights in Victorian society and mental health issues. I loved how the author gave this story a haunting quality and left the conclusion up to the reader to determine. The Yellow Wallpaper had just the right amount of “unexpected” and I highly recommend this story.
Category: In Recognition of Excellence (1001 List of Books To Read Before You Die)
April ColorCat: Yellow
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Feminism
TIOLI #12: A Book From Another TIOLI Challenger
I really enjoyed the deliciously creepy novella The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. The author hit all the right notes and left the reader wondering if they had just read about a woman’s decent into madness or this was a story about spirit possession. This story was first published in 1892 and I would say it has definitely stood the test of time.
Told entirely from the woman’s perspective, we learn that she, her husband, physician John, his sister and their baby are spending the summer in a remote colonial mansion. Her husband has diagnosed a need for a “rest cure” for her nervous depression. The negative aspects and limited understanding about this women’s psychological condition are soon apparent as she spends her time in isolation. She is confined to one room of the house, an old nursery and with nothing to fill her time with, she soon turns her attention to the room’s wallpaper, and in particular it’s intricate patterns.
For such a short story there is a lot for the reader to think about including a woman’s role and rights in Victorian society and mental health issues. I loved how the author gave this story a haunting quality and left the conclusion up to the reader to determine. The Yellow Wallpaper had just the right amount of “unexpected” and I highly recommend this story.
124lindapanzo
For TIOLI, I was rummaging around your library and chose The Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane. I liked it pretty well but can't say I raved about it at all.
I think you liked it a tad more than I did, though I was wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars.
I think you liked it a tad more than I did, though I was wavering between 3.5 and 4 stars.
125DeltaQueen50
>124 lindapanzo: Linda, I read The Red Badge of Courage when I was in my late teens or early twenties and I remember it impressed me a lot. I really should give it a re-read to see how it holds up, but then, sometimes it is better to let the old memories alone.
126DeltaQueen50
54. The War Reporter by Martin Fletcher - 3.4 ★
Category: Rechov Sumsum
TIOLI #13: A Book That Fits the "You Keep Missing The Target" Challenge
The War Reporter by NBC Special Correspondent Martin Fletcher is a novel about a war reporter Tom Layne, who is captured while covering the wars in Bosnia and Serbia. His cameraman Nick and his translator Nina are also taken. After a series of traumatic events, he is released but spends the next ten years suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He returns to the Balkans on a documentary film project with the mission of exposing the war criminal responsible for destroying so many innocent lives. The war criminal is an actual person, Ratko Mladic, who was wanted for genocide but managed to evade capture until 2011.
A combination of thriller and romance, the author’s own experience as a war reporter adds authenticity to this book. And while outwardly Layne appears composed, secure and confident, this return to Bosnia triggers feelings of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability. He rekindles his old romance, and with her starts to make plans for the future, but there are many who do not want this documentary to see the light of day, and are not shy about threatening the film-maker.
Overall an interesting read but there was, for me, something lacking in the story. I didn’t feel the passion that these characters should have been expressing. The parts of the book that detailed the romance were a little lack-luster but the sections that involved combat and journalism were riveting. The War Reporter paints a strong picture of the atrocities of this war and the life-or-death realities of the journalists that were there to cover it.
Category: Rechov Sumsum
TIOLI #13: A Book That Fits the "You Keep Missing The Target" Challenge
The War Reporter by NBC Special Correspondent Martin Fletcher is a novel about a war reporter Tom Layne, who is captured while covering the wars in Bosnia and Serbia. His cameraman Nick and his translator Nina are also taken. After a series of traumatic events, he is released but spends the next ten years suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. He returns to the Balkans on a documentary film project with the mission of exposing the war criminal responsible for destroying so many innocent lives. The war criminal is an actual person, Ratko Mladic, who was wanted for genocide but managed to evade capture until 2011.
A combination of thriller and romance, the author’s own experience as a war reporter adds authenticity to this book. And while outwardly Layne appears composed, secure and confident, this return to Bosnia triggers feelings of fear, uncertainty and vulnerability. He rekindles his old romance, and with her starts to make plans for the future, but there are many who do not want this documentary to see the light of day, and are not shy about threatening the film-maker.
Overall an interesting read but there was, for me, something lacking in the story. I didn’t feel the passion that these characters should have been expressing. The parts of the book that detailed the romance were a little lack-luster but the sections that involved combat and journalism were riveting. The War Reporter paints a strong picture of the atrocities of this war and the life-or-death realities of the journalists that were there to cover it.
127whitewavedarling
>122 DeltaQueen50: It could be he was trying to couch the horror as something more than it was, too. I was trying to query a horror novel a few years back, and kept getting agents telling me that horror was too hard to sell for them to take on anything that wasn't out-of-this-world. I'm hopeful that's changing--an agent told me last month that publishers are starting to tell her that they Want horror for the first time in years, so maybe that means we'll have an influx of good horror novels a few years from now...
128DeltaQueen50
I am packing up and getting ready to head over to Vancouver Island tomorrow for a visit with my Mom and the rest of the family. The weather forecast isn't great for the foreseeable future so instead of sunny spring weather, I think we will be having rain, and more rain. Right now it is quite windy outside and our street is covered with the white petals from the cherry trees, sad to see the blossoms going already but definitely better than snow! As computer time is scarce at my Mom's, I will probably not be on-line much over the next couple of weeks so I will have tons to catch up on when I get back.
>127 whitewavedarling: My fingers are crossed that we do get a better selection of horror/ supernatural stories. It's a genre I quite like but it's difficult to find a really good horror story that doesn't go to far over the top.
>127 whitewavedarling: My fingers are crossed that we do get a better selection of horror/ supernatural stories. It's a genre I quite like but it's difficult to find a really good horror story that doesn't go to far over the top.
129whitewavedarling
>128 DeltaQueen50:, Have you come across The Necromancer's House? I haven't gotten around to reading more of Christopher Buehlman's work, but it was a great horror, and I'm looking forward to reading more from him. Dot Hutchison and her The Butterfly Garden also come to mind, though I still haven't quite figured out what genre that fits into... I don't know if it was more horror or suspense, but I did love it, which reminds me I need to get around to the follow-ups from both authors...
131DeltaQueen50
>129 whitewavedarling: I haven't read The Necromancer's House but I have read Those Across the River by Christopher Buehlman and found it very good. I also have meant to read more by him but haven't gotten around to it yet. I will have to check out The Butterfly Garden it looks interesting. Thanks for the info.
>130 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
>130 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
132cmbohn
I first read The Yellow Wallpaper when I was in college. I think it was my last semester. We read that and The Awakening and Edith Wharton. I had only been married for six months and got pregnant. All these depressed women books really did NOT help my hormonal self with my adjustment to my new roles. I mean, they were well written, but damn, I was such a mess.
134rosalita
Say hi to DeltaMama for us, Judy! Enjoy your visit, even if it is rainy. As you say, better than snow.
135whitewavedarling
>131 DeltaQueen50:, I'm glad to hear that was a good one--I've got it waiting :) And, you're more than welcome! I went to my shelf and got reminded that I did read his Between Two Fires--a totally different kind of book, but also so wonderful that I can't believe I forgot about it! Now I'm more determined than before to fit in another book of his in May, if not April.
136DeltaQueen50
Hello everyone, I am still in Victoria visiting my family but I have slipped away to spend a little time on-line. I have been having a lovely visit, the weather has been mixed, but so far we have managed to get out for a walk every day. Tonight some more of the family is coming over for dinner and I am looked forward to seeing them.
Thank you all for your messages and I will respond to them when I get home later this week.
My reading time has been limited but I have managed to complete a couple so far. I have written up my thoughts on one of them and will post that now and hopefully catch up with the rest at a later time.
Thank you all for your messages and I will respond to them when I get home later this week.
My reading time has been limited but I have managed to complete a couple so far. I have written up my thoughts on one of them and will post that now and hopefully catch up with the rest at a later time.
137DeltaQueen50
55. Time And Again by Jack Finney - 3.7 ★
Category: The Letters A to J
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Time Travel
April SFFFKit: Time Travel
TIOLI #1: The Same Word Starts At Least Three Pages of the Book
Time and Again by Jack Finney was originally published in 1970 and has grown to become a classic novel about time slip or time travel. This book even has a few fan sites that are devoted not only to the book but to the New York City locations that are visited during the course of the book. The story is fairly simple; a man is recruited by a mysterious government organization to investigate the idea of time travel. Of course, once successful, questions of morality arise about what, if anything should be tampered with in order to affect a change in the future.
Dialing in to New York City circa 1882, the main character Si Morley becomes wrapped up in a mystery that involves his present day girlfriend’s family. Eventually, after meeting a woman in the past, Si must make a choice. Despite the charm and imagination of the premise I wasn’t quite convinced with the method of time travel as it seemed entirely too simplistic, but the ethical and moral questions that arose during the course of the book were handled intelligently and in a way that enhanced the story.
By stressing the human angle of the story and using illustrations and photographs of New York in the 1880's, Time and Again becomes a light, romanticized story that is appealing in its guilelessness but personally I prefer a little more grit in my science fiction so although I enjoyed this story well enough, it isn’t going to find a place on my favorite books list.
Category: The Letters A to J
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Time Travel
April SFFFKit: Time Travel
TIOLI #1: The Same Word Starts At Least Three Pages of the Book
Time and Again by Jack Finney was originally published in 1970 and has grown to become a classic novel about time slip or time travel. This book even has a few fan sites that are devoted not only to the book but to the New York City locations that are visited during the course of the book. The story is fairly simple; a man is recruited by a mysterious government organization to investigate the idea of time travel. Of course, once successful, questions of morality arise about what, if anything should be tampered with in order to affect a change in the future.
Dialing in to New York City circa 1882, the main character Si Morley becomes wrapped up in a mystery that involves his present day girlfriend’s family. Eventually, after meeting a woman in the past, Si must make a choice. Despite the charm and imagination of the premise I wasn’t quite convinced with the method of time travel as it seemed entirely too simplistic, but the ethical and moral questions that arose during the course of the book were handled intelligently and in a way that enhanced the story.
By stressing the human angle of the story and using illustrations and photographs of New York in the 1880's, Time and Again becomes a light, romanticized story that is appealing in its guilelessness but personally I prefer a little more grit in my science fiction so although I enjoyed this story well enough, it isn’t going to find a place on my favorite books list.
138whitewavedarling
>137 DeltaQueen50:, This kind of felt to me like time travel for readers who aren't fans of science fiction :) I still loved it, but I totally understand what you're saying about wanting more grit.
139clue
>137 DeltaQueen50: I read this many years ago and loved it so much I've always been afraid to reread it. I still have it and the sequel From Time to Time on my shelf!
140Storeetllr
Hi, Judy! Glad you're having a good time with your family!
Oddly enough, though I like fantasy and scifi, I have never really been a fan of time travel novels.
Oddly enough, though I like fantasy and scifi, I have never really been a fan of time travel novels.
141lindapanzo
>137 DeltaQueen50: One of my all-time favorite books and one of the very few I re-read, though I haven't done so in awhile.
I almost never read sci fi but I do like the occasional time travel book.
I almost never read sci fi but I do like the occasional time travel book.
142DeltaQueen50
I am home again after having a lovely visit with my family. Yesterday we took a trip to Sydney which is a small town outside of Victoria that has a number of bookstores. I came home with:
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Through the Spruce by Joseph Boyden
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
The Green Man by Kingsley Amis
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Crime Machine by Giles Blunt
In the Dark by Mark Billingham
The Profession of Violence by John Pearson
The Life and Times of Persimmon Wilson by Nancy Peacock
My shelves are overflowing!
And now to catch up with everyone and then post about the books that I have read over the last week.
>132 cmbohn: Cindy, as much as I loved The Yellow Wallpaper, you are right that it is a bit of a downer and people should perhaps be forewarned that these type of books should be read with "happy" books to offset them.
>133 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I had a very nice time even though half the family (my sister, her oldest son, his wife and their baby boy) are all in Hawaii soaking up the sunshine.
>134 rosalita: Thanks Julia, the weather although quite rainy was mild and we were able to get out pretty much every day for a walk. The gardens were at their peak of spring perfection which was nice to see.
>135 whitewavedarling: I need to keep Buehlman in mind for future reading as well. :)
>138 whitewavedarling: I found that the simplicity of the time travel was hard to swallow. I kept thinking that if it was that easy we'd all be popping back and forth on a regular basis. However, the themes and moral questions that the book tackled were very interesting.
>139 clue: I knew when I read it that it was beloved my many, I think maybe I would have had more love for it if I had read it at a younger age.
>140 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. I actually haven't read all that many time travel stories. I loved the Outlander series and I am sure there were time travel stories in my childhood, but I haven't read very many in my adult years. I like the idea of time travel, but it also kinda creeps me out.
>141 lindapanzo: Hi Linda. I think Time and Again was more like a fantasy read than a science fiction read although I often have trouble deciding on the difference between the two genres, I felt Time And Again was much softer than most sci-fi stories. I think I need to explore more time travel books as I am really not sure where I stand on the genre.
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Through the Spruce by Joseph Boyden
Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
The Crossing by Cormac McCarthy
The Green Man by Kingsley Amis
The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison
Crime Machine by Giles Blunt
In the Dark by Mark Billingham
The Profession of Violence by John Pearson
The Life and Times of Persimmon Wilson by Nancy Peacock
My shelves are overflowing!
And now to catch up with everyone and then post about the books that I have read over the last week.
>132 cmbohn: Cindy, as much as I loved The Yellow Wallpaper, you are right that it is a bit of a downer and people should perhaps be forewarned that these type of books should be read with "happy" books to offset them.
>133 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I had a very nice time even though half the family (my sister, her oldest son, his wife and their baby boy) are all in Hawaii soaking up the sunshine.
>134 rosalita: Thanks Julia, the weather although quite rainy was mild and we were able to get out pretty much every day for a walk. The gardens were at their peak of spring perfection which was nice to see.
>135 whitewavedarling: I need to keep Buehlman in mind for future reading as well. :)
>138 whitewavedarling: I found that the simplicity of the time travel was hard to swallow. I kept thinking that if it was that easy we'd all be popping back and forth on a regular basis. However, the themes and moral questions that the book tackled were very interesting.
>139 clue: I knew when I read it that it was beloved my many, I think maybe I would have had more love for it if I had read it at a younger age.
>140 Storeetllr: Hi Mary. I actually haven't read all that many time travel stories. I loved the Outlander series and I am sure there were time travel stories in my childhood, but I haven't read very many in my adult years. I like the idea of time travel, but it also kinda creeps me out.
>141 lindapanzo: Hi Linda. I think Time and Again was more like a fantasy read than a science fiction read although I often have trouble deciding on the difference between the two genres, I felt Time And Again was much softer than most sci-fi stories. I think I need to explore more time travel books as I am really not sure where I stand on the genre.
143DeltaQueen50
56. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers - 4.1 ★
Category: Brought To You By The Number
April MysteryCat: Classic or Golden Age Mysteries
TIOLI #6: An LT Rating of More Than 4.0
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers is the 10th book in her series that features Lord Peter Wimsey. In this outing Lord Peter goes undercover at an advertising agency. Posing as a copywriter, he puts the pieces together in a murder that was disguised as an accidental fall down a spiral staircase and at the same time exposes a drug smuggling ring. Sayers was very familiar with the workings of an advertising agency as she herself had spent time working as a copywriter.
This particular book is one of the two from this series that has been honoured by being placed on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List. It is written in a slightly different style than her previous Wimsey books but was not a favorite of the author as she felt she rushed many of the details in order to fulfill her publisher’s contract.
Personally I really enjoyed Murder Must Advertise although I did miss the inclusion of his girlfriend Harriet. Sayers writes with wit and style and her spot on scrutiny of how advertising works to manufacture consumerism is still very much true today even though this book was originally published in 1933.
Category: Brought To You By The Number
April MysteryCat: Classic or Golden Age Mysteries
TIOLI #6: An LT Rating of More Than 4.0
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy Sayers is the 10th book in her series that features Lord Peter Wimsey. In this outing Lord Peter goes undercover at an advertising agency. Posing as a copywriter, he puts the pieces together in a murder that was disguised as an accidental fall down a spiral staircase and at the same time exposes a drug smuggling ring. Sayers was very familiar with the workings of an advertising agency as she herself had spent time working as a copywriter.
This particular book is one of the two from this series that has been honoured by being placed on the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List. It is written in a slightly different style than her previous Wimsey books but was not a favorite of the author as she felt she rushed many of the details in order to fulfill her publisher’s contract.
Personally I really enjoyed Murder Must Advertise although I did miss the inclusion of his girlfriend Harriet. Sayers writes with wit and style and her spot on scrutiny of how advertising works to manufacture consumerism is still very much true today even though this book was originally published in 1933.
144DeltaQueen50
57. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt - 4.0 ★
Category: Elmo
April ColorCat: Yellow
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Children's Classic that I Have Never Read
TIOLI #10: A Book That Is Tagged Both Family and Magic
Although I can readily see that Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt would be an enchanting and magical story for young readers I’m afraid I am too old to fall completely under it’s spell. It is a stylistic and well written story about living forever and the complications that being immortal can bring.
The ten year old heroine of the story meets a family that are immortal and is offered the choice of becoming immortal herself (after she grows to be at least 17) and while her decision is not given much importance in the story, the author still manages to get her point across that no matter how beautiful life is, it is better to let it unfold naturally and have a beginning, a middle and an ending.
Tuck Everlasting deals with the themes of friendship, caring and responsibility but ultimately I felt that the book’s strongest message was that of love of family and respect for oneself. I could definitely see that this book could lay the groundwork for much classroom discussion and it certainly deserves the many awards it has won. I wish I had read it at a much earlier age.
Category: Elmo
April ColorCat: Yellow
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Children's Classic that I Have Never Read
TIOLI #10: A Book That Is Tagged Both Family and Magic
Although I can readily see that Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt would be an enchanting and magical story for young readers I’m afraid I am too old to fall completely under it’s spell. It is a stylistic and well written story about living forever and the complications that being immortal can bring.
The ten year old heroine of the story meets a family that are immortal and is offered the choice of becoming immortal herself (after she grows to be at least 17) and while her decision is not given much importance in the story, the author still manages to get her point across that no matter how beautiful life is, it is better to let it unfold naturally and have a beginning, a middle and an ending.
Tuck Everlasting deals with the themes of friendship, caring and responsibility but ultimately I felt that the book’s strongest message was that of love of family and respect for oneself. I could definitely see that this book could lay the groundwork for much classroom discussion and it certainly deserves the many awards it has won. I wish I had read it at a much earlier age.
145DeltaQueen50
58. Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear - 3.8 ★
Category: Brought To You By The Number
BingoDog: Something You Find in the Sky
April RandomCat: April Loves Books
TIOLI #2: Something You Could Find in the Sky is in the Title
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear is the second in the Maisie Dodds series about a young woman, who nursed during WW I and now has become a private detective. I enjoyed this book a little more than the first, but I am still on the fence as to whether I will continue with this series or not. While I enjoyed the story, I found Maisie relies on her hunches and inner feelings a little too often and would rather see more actual detecting and less intuition used.
Maisie’s private life is a sad one, having her fiance in a coma and living out his years in a nursing home. She is constantly haunted by memories of the brutality of war and this particular case brings up issues that harken back to wartime. Her assistant is also a reminder as he suffers the after-affects of the wounds that he sustained during the war. However I did find the characters to be likeable and by the end of the book I was curious to see where Maisie’s life is heading next.
Category: Brought To You By The Number
BingoDog: Something You Find in the Sky
April RandomCat: April Loves Books
TIOLI #2: Something You Could Find in the Sky is in the Title
Birds of a Feather by Jacqueline Winspear is the second in the Maisie Dodds series about a young woman, who nursed during WW I and now has become a private detective. I enjoyed this book a little more than the first, but I am still on the fence as to whether I will continue with this series or not. While I enjoyed the story, I found Maisie relies on her hunches and inner feelings a little too often and would rather see more actual detecting and less intuition used.
Maisie’s private life is a sad one, having her fiance in a coma and living out his years in a nursing home. She is constantly haunted by memories of the brutality of war and this particular case brings up issues that harken back to wartime. Her assistant is also a reminder as he suffers the after-affects of the wounds that he sustained during the war. However I did find the characters to be likeable and by the end of the book I was curious to see where Maisie’s life is heading next.
146dudes22
>145 DeltaQueen50: - I read this too, Judy for this month's Random. I have to agree with you that her intuition strikes me as a little far-fetched and the story relies a little too much on this. I'm afraid the author might have this as an integral part of her character. I'll try at least one more before I decide.
147DeltaQueen50
>146 dudes22: Hi Betty, I will probably also try one more book in the series as I really like the time period. I think I could overcome all my quibbles if I get attached to the characters.
148owlie13
>142 DeltaQueen50: I adore the Giles Blunt books. I think the one you chose has a different US title. Some of the best mysteries/police books I've read.
149DeltaQueen50
>148 owlie13: I hate it when they change the title of a book, it can be so confusing when you are trying to figure out where in a series you are! I also love Giles Blunt, I have also got my husband hooked on this series. Unfortunately I think there is only one more book after this one for us.
150DeltaQueen50
59. The Lost Daughter of Happiness by Geling Yan - 2.5 ★
Category: The Letters U to Z
April AlphaKit: Y
BingoDog: Long Time On My TBR
TIOLI #12: A Book From the Library of Another TIOLI Challenger
I really struggled with The Lost Daughter of Happiness by acclaimed Chinese novelist Geling Yan. Proclaimed as a haunting and moving love story, this novel mostly left me feeling confused. The story is told in a strange second person narrative that left the main character voiceless which made it very difficult to have much empathy for her or the very difficult life she lived.
The novel, set in 1860’s San Francisco, does give the reader a very accurate picture of the anti-Chinese feelings that were prevalent at that time. Fusang, was kidnapped in China, shipped to San Francisco and sold into prostitution. Transported from brothel to brothel she is followed by her admirer, a young white boy called Chris who believes himself in love with her. Another character, the very interesting Da Yong, also is heavily involved in her life becoming her owner, her pimp and eventually it is revealed that they were married by proxy many years ago. The problem with the style in which the book is written is that the reader feels complete detachment. We are never given any insight into how Fusang feels about being kidnapped, becoming a prostitute or even if she cares for any of the men in her life.
Overall I found The Lost Daughter of Happiness to be a slow moving and rather difficult read. The author was clear in her depiction of the exploitation and oppression that Chinese women faced and I believe her intention was to allow the reader to see the racial ignorance and the clash of cultures in an objective way but I wanted a story that I could sink my teeth into not a series of vague impressions.
Category: The Letters U to Z
April AlphaKit: Y
BingoDog: Long Time On My TBR
TIOLI #12: A Book From the Library of Another TIOLI Challenger
I really struggled with The Lost Daughter of Happiness by acclaimed Chinese novelist Geling Yan. Proclaimed as a haunting and moving love story, this novel mostly left me feeling confused. The story is told in a strange second person narrative that left the main character voiceless which made it very difficult to have much empathy for her or the very difficult life she lived.
The novel, set in 1860’s San Francisco, does give the reader a very accurate picture of the anti-Chinese feelings that were prevalent at that time. Fusang, was kidnapped in China, shipped to San Francisco and sold into prostitution. Transported from brothel to brothel she is followed by her admirer, a young white boy called Chris who believes himself in love with her. Another character, the very interesting Da Yong, also is heavily involved in her life becoming her owner, her pimp and eventually it is revealed that they were married by proxy many years ago. The problem with the style in which the book is written is that the reader feels complete detachment. We are never given any insight into how Fusang feels about being kidnapped, becoming a prostitute or even if she cares for any of the men in her life.
Overall I found The Lost Daughter of Happiness to be a slow moving and rather difficult read. The author was clear in her depiction of the exploitation and oppression that Chinese women faced and I believe her intention was to allow the reader to see the racial ignorance and the clash of cultures in an objective way but I wanted a story that I could sink my teeth into not a series of vague impressions.
151Familyhistorian
>143 DeltaQueen50: I think that is one of the better Lord Peter Wimsey books too, Judy. Did you see the forecast for next week? Sunshine!
152DeltaQueen50
Hi Meg, I did see the forecast and along with that sunshine we are going to see some real warmth! Perhaps it is time for me to put away my winter clothes and bring out my summer ones. :)
153DeltaQueen50
60. Cutter And Bone by Newton Thornburg - 4.2 ★
Category: The Letters K to T
April RandomCat: April Loves Books
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
TIOLI #3: A Species of Fish Can Be Found In The Title
Cutter And Bone by Newton Thornburg is a 1976 thriller about two men, one a dropout gigolo called Richard Bone and the other, Alex Cutter, a drunken, one-eyed, one-armed, one-legged Vietnam vet. They live together with Alex’s druggie girlfriend and mother of Alex’s baby, and hustle to bring in enough money for booze, drugs and food.
One night while driving home, Boone witnesses a murderer disposing of his victim's body, and although he really didn’t get a good look at the killer, when he sees a picture of a wealthy president of a corporation, J.J. Wolfe, he is pretty sure he is looking at the murderer. Cutter decides that they should blackmail J. J. Wolfe and make some big cash. But while Cutter goes about gathering information and causing havoc he is also exposing them to a killer’s scrutiny.
This was a fascinating read. Cutter is full of self-destructive impulses and could be very vicious in his treatment of others. Bone is trying to escape the idea of a mundane American Dream and craves freedom but can’t quite shake his ingrained sense of responsibility. Mo comes from a well-to-do family but has dropped out so far that she now lives her life in a pill and wine induced haze. I don’t believe I have read this book before but I am pretty sure I must have seen the 1981 film starring Jeff Bridges as John Bone as I felt an immediate sense of familiarity with these characters. The author has created a very good thriller but Cutter And Bone is also a book that uses dark humor, violence and a smidgen of sympathy to show the impact that the Vietnam war had on these particular lost souls.
Category: The Letters K to T
April RandomCat: April Loves Books
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
TIOLI #3: A Species of Fish Can Be Found In The Title
Cutter And Bone by Newton Thornburg is a 1976 thriller about two men, one a dropout gigolo called Richard Bone and the other, Alex Cutter, a drunken, one-eyed, one-armed, one-legged Vietnam vet. They live together with Alex’s druggie girlfriend and mother of Alex’s baby, and hustle to bring in enough money for booze, drugs and food.
One night while driving home, Boone witnesses a murderer disposing of his victim's body, and although he really didn’t get a good look at the killer, when he sees a picture of a wealthy president of a corporation, J.J. Wolfe, he is pretty sure he is looking at the murderer. Cutter decides that they should blackmail J. J. Wolfe and make some big cash. But while Cutter goes about gathering information and causing havoc he is also exposing them to a killer’s scrutiny.
This was a fascinating read. Cutter is full of self-destructive impulses and could be very vicious in his treatment of others. Bone is trying to escape the idea of a mundane American Dream and craves freedom but can’t quite shake his ingrained sense of responsibility. Mo comes from a well-to-do family but has dropped out so far that she now lives her life in a pill and wine induced haze. I don’t believe I have read this book before but I am pretty sure I must have seen the 1981 film starring Jeff Bridges as John Bone as I felt an immediate sense of familiarity with these characters. The author has created a very good thriller but Cutter And Bone is also a book that uses dark humor, violence and a smidgen of sympathy to show the impact that the Vietnam war had on these particular lost souls.
154DeltaQueen50
61. Flowers For the Judge by Margery Allingham - 4.0 ★
Category: It's Not Easy Being Green
April MysteryCat: Classics/Golden Age
TIOLI #7: Title Is Inclusive
Originally published in 1936, Flowers For the Judge by Margery Allingham is the 7th in her Albert Campion series. In this book, Campion is called upon to help clear a friend of a murder charge. Although the evidence against him is mostly circumstantial, it is very clear that he is in love with the murdered man’s neglected wife which give the police enough motive to charge him. Of course Campion is able to put the pieces together but before he can be arrested, the real murderer is found dead in his bath – a suicide or another murder?
Although the story unfolds against the backdrop of a family run publishing business, and an old and valuable manuscript is part of the plot there was really very little reference to the book industry. This was very much a character driven story and once all the characters were in place and known to the reader, it was pretty easy to determine who the murderer was. I was surprised that the second murder was so easily dismissed by the police but I suspect Campion smoothed the way for it to be taken as a guilty party’s suicide.
Written in her usual witty style, Flowers For the Judge, with it’s locked room mystery, interesting characters, and slightly quirky resolution was another delightful entry in this series.
Category: It's Not Easy Being Green
April MysteryCat: Classics/Golden Age
TIOLI #7: Title Is Inclusive
Originally published in 1936, Flowers For the Judge by Margery Allingham is the 7th in her Albert Campion series. In this book, Campion is called upon to help clear a friend of a murder charge. Although the evidence against him is mostly circumstantial, it is very clear that he is in love with the murdered man’s neglected wife which give the police enough motive to charge him. Of course Campion is able to put the pieces together but before he can be arrested, the real murderer is found dead in his bath – a suicide or another murder?
Although the story unfolds against the backdrop of a family run publishing business, and an old and valuable manuscript is part of the plot there was really very little reference to the book industry. This was very much a character driven story and once all the characters were in place and known to the reader, it was pretty easy to determine who the murderer was. I was surprised that the second murder was so easily dismissed by the police but I suspect Campion smoothed the way for it to be taken as a guilty party’s suicide.
Written in her usual witty style, Flowers For the Judge, with it’s locked room mystery, interesting characters, and slightly quirky resolution was another delightful entry in this series.
155thornton37814
>154 DeltaQueen50: I haven't read that one yet, but I'm sure I'll eventually read most of the Campion books.
156RidgewayGirl
>153 DeltaQueen50: I'd never heard of either the book or the movie. Adding Cutter and Bone to my wishlist now. Excellent review.
157rosalita
>154 DeltaQueen50: Margery Allingham is one of those classic mystery writers I always hear about but have never actually read. I should check the library to see if they have this series. Thanks, Judy!
158Storeetllr
Hi, Judy! Cutter and Bone sounds good. Onto the WL it goes!
Hope you are having a great week!
Hope you are having a great week!
159DeltaQueen50
We are having simply gorgeous weather this week and I actually wore sandals today for the first time this year. I need to sort through my clothes and set aside my winter knits and bring out my summer clothes.
>155 thornton37814: I really liked Flowers For the Judge, Lori and I think you will as well.
>156 RidgewayGirl: I didn't think I had ever heard of it either, Kay, but it was so familiar when I started reading it. I then saw that it had been made into a film starring Jeff Bridges so I am pretty sure I must have seen that. In many ways this book reminds me of a lot of other books written in the 1970's, with it's counter culture setting and "waster" characters, but it's very well written and grabs one's attention right from page one.
>157 rosalita: Julia, I've noticed that books by some of the lesser known authors from the "golden age" of detective fiction are more readily available than they used to be, so I expect Margery Allingham's may very well turn up in the library at some point. When I first decided that I wanted to read all of the Lord Peter Wimsey series I had to really hunt through the 2nd hand stores to find any by Dorothy Sayers, but they have since re-issued the series and it's often on the shelves - and of course they are readily available for the kindle.
>155 thornton37814: I really liked Flowers For the Judge, Lori and I think you will as well.
>156 RidgewayGirl: I didn't think I had ever heard of it either, Kay, but it was so familiar when I started reading it. I then saw that it had been made into a film starring Jeff Bridges so I am pretty sure I must have seen that. In many ways this book reminds me of a lot of other books written in the 1970's, with it's counter culture setting and "waster" characters, but it's very well written and grabs one's attention right from page one.
>157 rosalita: Julia, I've noticed that books by some of the lesser known authors from the "golden age" of detective fiction are more readily available than they used to be, so I expect Margery Allingham's may very well turn up in the library at some point. When I first decided that I wanted to read all of the Lord Peter Wimsey series I had to really hunt through the 2nd hand stores to find any by Dorothy Sayers, but they have since re-issued the series and it's often on the shelves - and of course they are readily available for the kindle.
160DeltaQueen50
>158 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I am having a good week. My grandson was over yesterday for a visit and later on today I am going over to my daughter's to spend some time with her and I will probably also see my granddaughter at the same time.
161DeltaQueen50
62. A Few Acres of Snow by Robert Leckie - 3.6 ★
Category: Bob McGrath
TIOLI #2: Title Contains Something You Could See in the Sky
A Few Acres of Snow: The Saga of the French and Indian Wars is by military historian Robert Leckie and details the long and bloody history of wars between France and Britain that took place in the New World of North America. The title of the book comes by way of Voltaire who commented to King Louis XV upon the loss of Canada, “After all, Sire, what have we lost – a few acres of snow?”
Reading much like a historical saga, Leckie supplies plenty of drama and color in his descriptions of the battles that were fought in the North American wilderness. Many well known names appear in this account, George Washington, Samuel de Champlain, James Wolfe, and Louis-Joseph de Montcalm along with vivid descriptions of their involvement in these battles. I enjoyed reading about this period in history but I did find there was a lot to absorb, from far reaching political and cultural issues to the complex negotiations of kings and queens.
A Few Acres of Snow was a lively and exciting read but unfortunately the author also implants many of his own opinions in the narrative which makes the book read more like an entertaining myth than a straight factual account. I also read more than one review of the book that questioned the author's accuracy, so, although I enjoyed the read, the information given needs to be somewhat filtered.
Category: Bob McGrath
TIOLI #2: Title Contains Something You Could See in the Sky
A Few Acres of Snow: The Saga of the French and Indian Wars is by military historian Robert Leckie and details the long and bloody history of wars between France and Britain that took place in the New World of North America. The title of the book comes by way of Voltaire who commented to King Louis XV upon the loss of Canada, “After all, Sire, what have we lost – a few acres of snow?”
Reading much like a historical saga, Leckie supplies plenty of drama and color in his descriptions of the battles that were fought in the North American wilderness. Many well known names appear in this account, George Washington, Samuel de Champlain, James Wolfe, and Louis-Joseph de Montcalm along with vivid descriptions of their involvement in these battles. I enjoyed reading about this period in history but I did find there was a lot to absorb, from far reaching political and cultural issues to the complex negotiations of kings and queens.
A Few Acres of Snow was a lively and exciting read but unfortunately the author also implants many of his own opinions in the narrative which makes the book read more like an entertaining myth than a straight factual account. I also read more than one review of the book that questioned the author's accuracy, so, although I enjoyed the read, the information given needs to be somewhat filtered.
162Chrischi_HH
Hi Judy! Two threads since my last visit, it's hard to keep up. But I can see a lot of good books and positive news, so I guess you're haveing a good year so far. :)
163DeltaQueen50
>162 Chrischi_HH: Hi Christiane, keeping up around here is a full-time job! I have been having a very good year both reading and real-life wise. Hope the same is true for you.
164DeltaQueen50
63. Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly - 4.0 ★
Category: The Count
April ScaredyKit: Supernatural
TIOLI #9: The 2nd Letter of the Author's First Name Is the Same As the Second Letter in the Last Name
Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly is a combination horror and mystery story that was originally published in 1988. Set in Edwardian England this atmospheric read harkens back to classic vampire stories like Dracula in that the vampires in this book are in-human monsters. There is a lot of vampire lore in the story as well as a high ratio of gore, but for me, that is exactly what makes a good vampire story.
Ex-spy, now Oxford don, James Asher is approached by London’s oldest vampire and for a price, that being his life and the life of his beloved wife, he is asked to look into the recent spate of vampire murders. Someone or something is stalking and staking the vampires of London and James is expected to find this vampire hunter. When Asher starts to suspect that the killer is, in fact, a vampire, the hunt becomes all the more dangerous. This story is the first in a trilogy, but is complete in itself if the reader does not wish to make a commitment to another series.
I enjoyed this tale, found it well written, full of mystery and suspense and the vampires had the right blend of creepy sophistication that I enjoy in stories of this sort. Those Who Hunt the Night delivered intriguing characters of both the living and the undead and I will be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
Category: The Count
April ScaredyKit: Supernatural
TIOLI #9: The 2nd Letter of the Author's First Name Is the Same As the Second Letter in the Last Name
Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly is a combination horror and mystery story that was originally published in 1988. Set in Edwardian England this atmospheric read harkens back to classic vampire stories like Dracula in that the vampires in this book are in-human monsters. There is a lot of vampire lore in the story as well as a high ratio of gore, but for me, that is exactly what makes a good vampire story.
Ex-spy, now Oxford don, James Asher is approached by London’s oldest vampire and for a price, that being his life and the life of his beloved wife, he is asked to look into the recent spate of vampire murders. Someone or something is stalking and staking the vampires of London and James is expected to find this vampire hunter. When Asher starts to suspect that the killer is, in fact, a vampire, the hunt becomes all the more dangerous. This story is the first in a trilogy, but is complete in itself if the reader does not wish to make a commitment to another series.
I enjoyed this tale, found it well written, full of mystery and suspense and the vampires had the right blend of creepy sophistication that I enjoy in stories of this sort. Those Who Hunt the Night delivered intriguing characters of both the living and the undead and I will be on the lookout for the next book in this series.
165Storeetllr
>164 DeltaQueen50: Okay then! I myownself love a good evil vampire story. Good review! I'm going to see if it's available at the library.
166msf59
Happy Saturday, Judy. Hope life is treating you fine. Good review of Cutter and Bone. I loved that novel and remember revisiting it too, which I rarely do. Good film version too, if you can track it down. I think the movie's title is "Cutter's Way".
Enjoy the weekend.
Enjoy the weekend.
169DeltaQueen50
Our lovely weather seems to have disappeared and we woke up to colder temperatures and rain. A good day to catch up on some reading. :) Today is also Independent Bookstore Day and so I made time to visit our neighbourhood bookstore called Albany Books. I picked up Pachinko by Min Jin Lee and The Dry by Jane Harper. I also picked up a couple of books for my husband, Kingdom Lock by I.D.Roberts and The Kid by Ron Hansen as his birthday is next week.
>165 Storeetllr: Mary, I much prefer my vampire books to be dark and scary, I don't like current trend of romantic cuddly vampires. I hope your library has it.
>166 msf59: Hi Mark. I am fairly certain that I have seen the film version of Cutter and Bone. It stars Jeff Bridges and there aren't too many of his films that I have missed. ;) I thought it was an excellent read and the author captured the 1970's vibe perfectly.
>167 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, I've been lurking on LT a lot today waiting for the new TIOLI Challenges to be posted.
>168 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. How's the weather up your way? Did we send you the warm weather we had earlier this week? I am just about to post another review and then I intend to curl up in my comfy chair and start a new book.
>165 Storeetllr: Mary, I much prefer my vampire books to be dark and scary, I don't like current trend of romantic cuddly vampires. I hope your library has it.
>166 msf59: Hi Mark. I am fairly certain that I have seen the film version of Cutter and Bone. It stars Jeff Bridges and there aren't too many of his films that I have missed. ;) I thought it was an excellent read and the author captured the 1970's vibe perfectly.
>167 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, I've been lurking on LT a lot today waiting for the new TIOLI Challenges to be posted.
>168 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. How's the weather up your way? Did we send you the warm weather we had earlier this week? I am just about to post another review and then I intend to curl up in my comfy chair and start a new book.
170DeltaQueen50
64. Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett - 3.8 ★
Category: Mystery Box
BingoDog: Money In Title
TIOLI #4: Right Title, Wrong Touchstone
Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett is a clever crime novel that is neatly divided into two parts. Set in San Franciso in the 1930’s, the first part details a multi-bank heist that involves some 150 or so criminals. These criminals have colorful names like Blue Point Vance, Rumdrum Smith & Alphabet Shorty McCoy that kept the book fun and interesting. With that many shady characters it wasn’t surprising the leader of this gang decided to eliminate his many partners and take the cash for himself. The main character in the story is a private detective who is hired by the banks. He manages to retrieve the money and capture the remaining gang, but the leader manages to get away, taking with him a young woman who was dating one of the criminals. The second part of the book is about the operative’s hunt for the mastermind criminal, and through the use of informers and fellow operatives he is able to track him to his liar which leads to a gun battle, double crossing and startling conclusions.
Dashiell Hammett is a master at setting a strong scene, using the vocal slang of the times, and laying his story out over the dark streets of San Francisco. Blood Money was more than slightly unbelievable yet I was fully engaged and enjoyed this story very much.
Category: Mystery Box
BingoDog: Money In Title
TIOLI #4: Right Title, Wrong Touchstone
Blood Money by Dashiell Hammett is a clever crime novel that is neatly divided into two parts. Set in San Franciso in the 1930’s, the first part details a multi-bank heist that involves some 150 or so criminals. These criminals have colorful names like Blue Point Vance, Rumdrum Smith & Alphabet Shorty McCoy that kept the book fun and interesting. With that many shady characters it wasn’t surprising the leader of this gang decided to eliminate his many partners and take the cash for himself. The main character in the story is a private detective who is hired by the banks. He manages to retrieve the money and capture the remaining gang, but the leader manages to get away, taking with him a young woman who was dating one of the criminals. The second part of the book is about the operative’s hunt for the mastermind criminal, and through the use of informers and fellow operatives he is able to track him to his liar which leads to a gun battle, double crossing and startling conclusions.
Dashiell Hammett is a master at setting a strong scene, using the vocal slang of the times, and laying his story out over the dark streets of San Francisco. Blood Money was more than slightly unbelievable yet I was fully engaged and enjoyed this story very much.
171leslie.98
>170 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like a book I would enjoy! I don't usually like 'hard boiled' detective stories but Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett are exceptions.
172DeltaQueen50
>171 leslie.98: Leslie, I was in the perfect mood for Blood Money, it was the perfect combination of hard-boiled grittiness and downright silliness. I hope you enjoy it when you get to it.
173-Eva-
>170 DeltaQueen50:
I've actually never read any Hammett, although I've seen a few movies based on his books. Love the cover on this one!
I've actually never read any Hammett, although I've seen a few movies based on his books. Love the cover on this one!
174ChelleBearss
Morning, Judy! Hope you get your warm temps back! I've yet to break out the sandals but it's supposed to hit 20c today so perhaps today will be sandal day! :)
175DeltaQueen50
>173 -Eva-: Eva, in my opinion, Dashiel Hammett is one of the masters of noir. His Maltese Falcon is a classic. His dialogue is colorful, snappy and evocative. Blood Money never takes itself too seriously so the outlandish plot isn't too hard to swallow.
>174 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle, sounds like the warm weather has come to Eastern Canada! It still appears a little mixed here, but even as I type this, my husband is having a cup of coffee outside on the deck. My sandals may make an appearance later on today!
>174 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle, sounds like the warm weather has come to Eastern Canada! It still appears a little mixed here, but even as I type this, my husband is having a cup of coffee outside on the deck. My sandals may make an appearance later on today!
176DeltaQueen50
65. A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines - 4.1 ★
Category: In Recognition of Excellence (1001 List of Books To Read Before You Die)
TIOLI #6: An Egg or a Bird Is Pictured on the Cover
A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines was originally published in 1968. This classic coming-of-age story is about Billy Casper, a young working class boy who lives with his mother and brother on a huge housing estate in South Yorkshire. The story unfolds over the course of one day with flashbacks to give the reader some backstory. Billy is a troubled youth who gets in trouble at home, in the neighbourhood and at school.
Billy lives a bleak life, his mother appears indifferent to her boys and is in the habit of bringing men home with her some nights. Billy’s brother, Jud, is older and is working full time at the local pit mine. Billy and Jud have an adversarial relationship with the bigger Jud usually getting the upper hand. In flashback, we learn that Billy caught a young kestrel and has trained it. This is a boy who is never going to get an opportunity to escape what fate has in store for him. There is no higher education waiting for him, he will most likely end up working in the same pit mine as his brother. His escape from his daily life is his kestrel, he can release the bird and watch it soar into the air and fly high above the dreary world. On this particular day, Jud’s bullying and rough ways cause Billy to make a decision that ends up costing him dearly. In the course of this one day, the bleakness and hopelessness that is Billy’s life is vividly illustrated.
A Kestrel For A Knave is not a charming or sentimental story. Instead the author highlights the harshness of Billy’s life that is filled with bullying and neglect. The reader is left with a sense of inevitability about what a narrow future awaits this boy. Although sad, this story evokes strong emotions and is a powerful tale.
Category: In Recognition of Excellence (1001 List of Books To Read Before You Die)
TIOLI #6: An Egg or a Bird Is Pictured on the Cover
A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines was originally published in 1968. This classic coming-of-age story is about Billy Casper, a young working class boy who lives with his mother and brother on a huge housing estate in South Yorkshire. The story unfolds over the course of one day with flashbacks to give the reader some backstory. Billy is a troubled youth who gets in trouble at home, in the neighbourhood and at school.
Billy lives a bleak life, his mother appears indifferent to her boys and is in the habit of bringing men home with her some nights. Billy’s brother, Jud, is older and is working full time at the local pit mine. Billy and Jud have an adversarial relationship with the bigger Jud usually getting the upper hand. In flashback, we learn that Billy caught a young kestrel and has trained it. This is a boy who is never going to get an opportunity to escape what fate has in store for him. There is no higher education waiting for him, he will most likely end up working in the same pit mine as his brother. His escape from his daily life is his kestrel, he can release the bird and watch it soar into the air and fly high above the dreary world. On this particular day, Jud’s bullying and rough ways cause Billy to make a decision that ends up costing him dearly. In the course of this one day, the bleakness and hopelessness that is Billy’s life is vividly illustrated.
A Kestrel For A Knave is not a charming or sentimental story. Instead the author highlights the harshness of Billy’s life that is filled with bullying and neglect. The reader is left with a sense of inevitability about what a narrow future awaits this boy. Although sad, this story evokes strong emotions and is a powerful tale.
177-Eva-
>176 DeltaQueen50:
I adored that movie when I was a kid and I read the book, but don't remember it much. Possible reread once I go visit my mum and dig through my bookcases at her house. :P
I adored that movie when I was a kid and I read the book, but don't remember it much. Possible reread once I go visit my mum and dig through my bookcases at her house. :P
178DeltaQueen50
>177 -Eva-: I haven't seen the film but I will certainly be keeping my eye out for it now. I think that Europeans are more familiar with this book than we are here in North America. I noticed that many were introduced to it through school, but I don't think it has been part of the N. American curriculum.
179-Eva-
>178 DeltaQueen50:
I remember it being a more or less standard read among the kids in my class. Not class-room level standard, but one that would be regularly taken out from the library.
I remember it being a more or less standard read among the kids in my class. Not class-room level standard, but one that would be regularly taken out from the library.
180VivienneR
>169 DeltaQueen50: Yes, thank you! You sent some lovely weather just in time for our Australian relatives visit. Now they don't believe that we get cold winters! Then they went on to enjoy fabulous sun and snow in Banff before heading home.
181DeltaQueen50
>179 -Eva-: I think A Kestrel For A Knave would make an excellent read for 13 - 15 year olds, there is a lot of material in the book that would make for excellent classroom discussions.
>180 VivienneR: We seem to have our nice weather back now, but I am glad that you were able to showcase B.C. in such a good way!
>180 VivienneR: We seem to have our nice weather back now, but I am glad that you were able to showcase B.C. in such a good way!
182DeltaQueen50
66. The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton - 3.9 ★
Category: Kermit the Frog
May MysteryCat: Involving Transit
TIOLI #2: Title Includes A Word That Begins With "G"
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton is a historical novel about a huge gold heist that took place on a train in 1855 Victorian England. Although the author is writing about an actual event and the characters are all real, this is a work of fiction, but the details of the planning and the robbery itself are accurate.
The gold was worth about 12,000 pounds and the British government transferred that amount monthly to the Crimean front. The sheer detail of the planning is mind boggling. The master-mind behind the robbery was Edward Pierce, and he recruited Robert Agar who was a specialist in copying keys. They had to steal, make copies and replace 4 keys in order to get at the gold on the train. They also brought the train guard, James Burgess into the deal and took great pains to make it look like he wasn’t involved. Edward’s Pierce’s mistress, Miriam and his manservant, Barlow also were part of the gang. It took about a year before they were ready to actually put the plan in place. When the strong boxes were opened and the bullion was gone, fingers were pointed in every direction. The robbery caught the attention and the imagination of the English people and was the main story in all the newspapers until the Indian Mutiny of 1857 replaced it.
I found The Great Train Robbery to be an absorbing account of this heist. The author describes the crime in great detail from it’s planning stages to the actual event and onto the aftermath. His use of criminal slang of the day brings a lot of color to the story. There is also a lot of information included in the book about the morals and customs of Victorian England which I found fascinating. The only quibble I had with the book was that the characters were not developed in any detail, this book is entirely about the caper rather than the players involved and reads very much like a newspaper account.
Category: Kermit the Frog
May MysteryCat: Involving Transit
TIOLI #2: Title Includes A Word That Begins With "G"
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton is a historical novel about a huge gold heist that took place on a train in 1855 Victorian England. Although the author is writing about an actual event and the characters are all real, this is a work of fiction, but the details of the planning and the robbery itself are accurate.
The gold was worth about 12,000 pounds and the British government transferred that amount monthly to the Crimean front. The sheer detail of the planning is mind boggling. The master-mind behind the robbery was Edward Pierce, and he recruited Robert Agar who was a specialist in copying keys. They had to steal, make copies and replace 4 keys in order to get at the gold on the train. They also brought the train guard, James Burgess into the deal and took great pains to make it look like he wasn’t involved. Edward’s Pierce’s mistress, Miriam and his manservant, Barlow also were part of the gang. It took about a year before they were ready to actually put the plan in place. When the strong boxes were opened and the bullion was gone, fingers were pointed in every direction. The robbery caught the attention and the imagination of the English people and was the main story in all the newspapers until the Indian Mutiny of 1857 replaced it.
I found The Great Train Robbery to be an absorbing account of this heist. The author describes the crime in great detail from it’s planning stages to the actual event and onto the aftermath. His use of criminal slang of the day brings a lot of color to the story. There is also a lot of information included in the book about the morals and customs of Victorian England which I found fascinating. The only quibble I had with the book was that the characters were not developed in any detail, this book is entirely about the caper rather than the players involved and reads very much like a newspaper account.
183virginiahomeschooler
>182 DeltaQueen50: this is one of those books I've had on my bookshelf since I was in high school but never read. It's ridiculous to have held onto it for more than 20 years (it's moved with me NINE times through 3 states). I need just read it or donate it.
184DeltaQueen50
>183 virginiahomeschooler: I would say that your liking of this book could depend on your interest in Victorian England and on this particular case. I found the information he provided about the customs and habits of the times was very interesting while the details of the case, although accurate and painted a clear picture, were not told in a very exciting manner.
185DeltaQueen50
67. Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson - 3.8 ★
Category: Rechov Sumsum
May RandomCat: Spring Is All Around
May ColorCat: Blue
TIOLI #12: The Name of a Specific Flower is in the Title
Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson is a historical romance set during the chaos, heat and danger of the Mid-East. Saba is a young English/Turkish singer who joins the British Entertainments National Service Association. She is one of a small troupe of performers who are sent to Egypt to entertain the troops. Dom Benson is a pilot who while recovering from burns he received when he was shot down, meets Saba. It isn’t long before these two are in love but the war rages on. The Germans are getting ever closer to taking over Egypt and Dom will be in the thick of the battle. Saba has been recruited for some undercover work and soon finds herself juggling her singing, her information gathering and her relationship with Dom.
The author gives each of her main characters their own personal journey and as the story moves toward it’s conclusion, the danger increases as Saba is sent to Turkey and instructed to sneak a German deserter out of Istanbul. Dom is involved with round-the-clock bombing runs as the British, and then over-tired and exhausted, he goes on one more run.
I enjoyed Jasmine Nights, this wartime love story was a good escape read with an exotic setting and characters were sympathetic and interesting.
Category: Rechov Sumsum
May RandomCat: Spring Is All Around
May ColorCat: Blue
TIOLI #12: The Name of a Specific Flower is in the Title
Jasmine Nights by Julia Gregson is a historical romance set during the chaos, heat and danger of the Mid-East. Saba is a young English/Turkish singer who joins the British Entertainments National Service Association. She is one of a small troupe of performers who are sent to Egypt to entertain the troops. Dom Benson is a pilot who while recovering from burns he received when he was shot down, meets Saba. It isn’t long before these two are in love but the war rages on. The Germans are getting ever closer to taking over Egypt and Dom will be in the thick of the battle. Saba has been recruited for some undercover work and soon finds herself juggling her singing, her information gathering and her relationship with Dom.
The author gives each of her main characters their own personal journey and as the story moves toward it’s conclusion, the danger increases as Saba is sent to Turkey and instructed to sneak a German deserter out of Istanbul. Dom is involved with round-the-clock bombing runs as the British, and then over-tired and exhausted, he goes on one more run.
I enjoyed Jasmine Nights, this wartime love story was a good escape read with an exotic setting and characters were sympathetic and interesting.
186Familyhistorian
>182 DeltaQueen50: I just picked up The Great Train Robbery at my local independent bookstore yesterday, Judy. It is good to hear that it does well at covering the events and showing Victorian England as I am interested in both.
187msf59
Happy Friday, Judy. I see you are churning through the books! Yah! I would like to finally get to The Great Train Robbery. That is one of Crichton's, that I never got to.
BTW- I loved The Jump-Off Creek and I imagine you will too. I will be reading more of her work.
BTW- I loved The Jump-Off Creek and I imagine you will too. I will be reading more of her work.
188BLBera
So many good books, Judy!
>142 DeltaQueen50: Great haul.
I haven't read Tuck Everlasting; I remember my daughter loved that one. Great comments, though, which I'll keep in mind when I do read it.
You are making great progress on the Campion books; I need to move on those.
Have a lovely weekend.
>142 DeltaQueen50: Great haul.
I haven't read Tuck Everlasting; I remember my daughter loved that one. Great comments, though, which I'll keep in mind when I do read it.
You are making great progress on the Campion books; I need to move on those.
Have a lovely weekend.
189Carmenere
Happy Saturday, Judy! I love the cover of Jasmine Nights.
190DeltaQueen50
Happy Saturday, everyone! I just came inside from the deck as I got too hot out there. My husband finally got his new passport so we have been planning a short trip down to the States. We want to stop by and see my brother-in-law and his wife who live in Mount Vernon, Washington. She has been having some issues with her heart and I have been quite concerned for her. Then we decided it's been a few years since we explored the Olympic Penninsula, so we are going to drop down as far as Cannon Beach, Oregon and then work out way up and around the penninsula. We are going to spend a night in the Olympic National Forest at the Lake Quinault Lodge, a beautiful old wooden lodge on the shores of a large lake (picture below). We also plan to take a trip up to Hurricane Ridge (picture below) which is right in the heart of the mountains. We will end our tour in Port Towsend which is a lovely little tourist town that has antique stores and bookstores to poke around in. From Port Townsend we can catch a ferry that takes us over to Whitby Island and it is a short 2 hour drive home from there. We are leaving a week from Monday, and we are both looking forward to getting away for a bit.
Lake Quinault Lodge
Hurrican Ridge Visitor Centre
Lake Quinault Lodge
Hurrican Ridge Visitor Centre
191DeltaQueen50
>186 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg, I hope you enjoy The Great Train Robbery.
>187 msf59: Hi Mark, yes, I happily working my way through my piles of books, hoping to tidy my shelves by clearing out a few. The Great Train Robbery was a Crichton that I had missed before this as well. I am excited to read Jump Off Creek as I already know I like the author, and I love the subject matter!
>188 BLBera: Hi Beth, I enjoy the Campion books, perhaps not quite as much as Lord Peter Wimsey, but I will definitely try to work my way through the series. Tuck Everlasting was a book that I think I would have loved when I was actually at the target age of the book. I was very happy with my recent book haul, and now I have to get reading to make space for the new ones to fit!
>189 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, I love that cover as well, although the story focuses on the heat and the war, so that cool, romantic cover didn't really match the story as well as it should have.
>187 msf59: Hi Mark, yes, I happily working my way through my piles of books, hoping to tidy my shelves by clearing out a few. The Great Train Robbery was a Crichton that I had missed before this as well. I am excited to read Jump Off Creek as I already know I like the author, and I love the subject matter!
>188 BLBera: Hi Beth, I enjoy the Campion books, perhaps not quite as much as Lord Peter Wimsey, but I will definitely try to work my way through the series. Tuck Everlasting was a book that I think I would have loved when I was actually at the target age of the book. I was very happy with my recent book haul, and now I have to get reading to make space for the new ones to fit!
>189 Carmenere: Hi Lynda, I love that cover as well, although the story focuses on the heat and the war, so that cool, romantic cover didn't really match the story as well as it should have.
193owlie13
>190 DeltaQueen50: I live in Everett, Washington - wave as you drive by!
195DeltaQueen50
Today was my husband's birthday and the family got together for a brunch at one of his favorite restaurants. Now we are back home and plan to spend a quiet and lazy afternoon. After such a rich meal, I had a Duck Confit over Rosemary Hash Browns with Hollandaise Sauce and a fruit salad, we are just going to have sandwiches for dinner. I will cook him his birthday dinner and cake later in the week.
>192 katiekrug: Thanks Katie, now you know how I feel when you talk about trips to Cape Cod!
>193 owlie13: Elaine, I'll honk and wave as we drive through! You must be pretty familiar with the Olympic Penninsula as well - ay special places you care to recommend?
>194 BLBera: Beth, we are quite giddy about getting away. What with the house being up for sale last summer and fall, and then moving, we haven't been on the road for some time and are looking forward to the break in our routine.
>192 katiekrug: Thanks Katie, now you know how I feel when you talk about trips to Cape Cod!
>193 owlie13: Elaine, I'll honk and wave as we drive through! You must be pretty familiar with the Olympic Penninsula as well - ay special places you care to recommend?
>194 BLBera: Beth, we are quite giddy about getting away. What with the house being up for sale last summer and fall, and then moving, we haven't been on the road for some time and are looking forward to the break in our routine.
196DeltaQueen50
68. Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor - 4.5 ★
Category: Mr. Hooper's Store
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
May ColorCat: Blue
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Dealing with Death and Grief
TIOLI #11: A Book I've Acquired Since January 25, 2018
Every once and awhile a book comes along that just hits all the right notes, and for me, Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor was such a book. The story is about death and widowhood. It explores the feelings of bereavement; the anger, resentment, loneliness, helplessness and boredom over the course of the first winter after the main character lost her husband while on a Mediterranean cruise. The author is able to evoke the feelings of pain and guilt that are all part and parcel of the grieving process. Although it may sound dark and dreary, there is humor, hope and compassion in this story as well.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Taylor and I am excited to discover more by this author. Her writing is intelligent, sympathetic and highly engaging. She illustrates what is going on under the surface, how people interact with each other, and is also able to insert gentle satire in her descriptions of the routines of life. She obviously knows and likes children as she captures their innocence, precociousness, and their ability to be unaware of how hilarious their thoughts and opinions can be.
I can’t really put my finger on why this book touched me so strongly and I don’t know if it would work as well for others. Her main character was tentative in her ways and a little resentful of the diminished choices that widowhood brought but the insights the author revealed of upper middle class English life made this book a very pleasurable read for me.
Category: Mr. Hooper's Store
1001 Books To Read Before You Die List
May ColorCat: Blue
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Dealing with Death and Grief
TIOLI #11: A Book I've Acquired Since January 25, 2018
Every once and awhile a book comes along that just hits all the right notes, and for me, Blaming by Elizabeth Taylor was such a book. The story is about death and widowhood. It explores the feelings of bereavement; the anger, resentment, loneliness, helplessness and boredom over the course of the first winter after the main character lost her husband while on a Mediterranean cruise. The author is able to evoke the feelings of pain and guilt that are all part and parcel of the grieving process. Although it may sound dark and dreary, there is humor, hope and compassion in this story as well.
This was my first book by Elizabeth Taylor and I am excited to discover more by this author. Her writing is intelligent, sympathetic and highly engaging. She illustrates what is going on under the surface, how people interact with each other, and is also able to insert gentle satire in her descriptions of the routines of life. She obviously knows and likes children as she captures their innocence, precociousness, and their ability to be unaware of how hilarious their thoughts and opinions can be.
I can’t really put my finger on why this book touched me so strongly and I don’t know if it would work as well for others. Her main character was tentative in her ways and a little resentful of the diminished choices that widowhood brought but the insights the author revealed of upper middle class English life made this book a very pleasurable read for me.
197rosalita
Hi, Judy! Your upcoming road trip sounds wonderful. I've only read one Elizabeth Taylor book, Angel, and I liked it but didn't love it. In discussions here on LT, it was mentioned that it wasn't her strongest story so I've always meant to look for another one. Blaming sounds like a good place to start!
198katiekrug
>196 DeltaQueen50: - Great review, Judy. I've read a few Taylors, but not that one, though it is sitting on my shelf. I've liked all that I've read by her.
199DeltaQueen50
>197 rosalita: Hi Julia. When I finished Blaming yesterday I immediately went and picked up another of her books, and I chose Angel! It will be interesting to see what I think of that book.
>198 katiekrug: Katie, I love finding new authors that I connect with. It also helps my bet with my brother that it was on the 1001 List! ;)
>198 katiekrug: Katie, I love finding new authors that I connect with. It also helps my bet with my brother that it was on the 1001 List! ;)
200DeltaQueen50
69. My Best Friend's Girl by Dorothy Koomson - 3.8 ★
Category: It's Not Easy Being Green
May AlphaKit: K
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Song Lyrics in Title
TIOLI #2: A Title Words Starts With The Letter "G"
Other than being a tad too long, My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson was a very satisfactory romantic read. Kamryn and Adele were best friends until Kamryn discovers that her best friend’s daughter was fathered by her fiance, Nate. She immediately ends her engagement, moves to Leeds and ends all contact with her friend, Adele. Then two years later comes the sad news that Adele is dying from leukemia and that she wants Kamryn to be the one to take care of her daughter, Tegan.
Kamryn and Tegan are in the beginning stages of bonding when Luke enters their lives. Luke falls for both the girls and life is looking pretty sweet, when Kamryn discovers not only has her ex-fiance moved to Leeds as well, she also has to contact him and obtain his permission to adopt Tegan. This, of course, brings Nate back into her life, and he make it pretty obvious that he still loves Kamryn. A touching story about heartbreak, grief, friendship and responsibility, My Best Friend’s Girl keeps the reader guessing as to how these people are going to resolve their feelings. Tegan, being the glue that holds the story together was a little to “precious” to be entirely believable but the story was intriguing and keeps the reader guessing as to the final outcome.
Category: It's Not Easy Being Green
May AlphaKit: K
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Song Lyrics in Title
TIOLI #2: A Title Words Starts With The Letter "G"
Other than being a tad too long, My Best Friend’s Girl by Dorothy Koomson was a very satisfactory romantic read. Kamryn and Adele were best friends until Kamryn discovers that her best friend’s daughter was fathered by her fiance, Nate. She immediately ends her engagement, moves to Leeds and ends all contact with her friend, Adele. Then two years later comes the sad news that Adele is dying from leukemia and that she wants Kamryn to be the one to take care of her daughter, Tegan.
Kamryn and Tegan are in the beginning stages of bonding when Luke enters their lives. Luke falls for both the girls and life is looking pretty sweet, when Kamryn discovers not only has her ex-fiance moved to Leeds as well, she also has to contact him and obtain his permission to adopt Tegan. This, of course, brings Nate back into her life, and he make it pretty obvious that he still loves Kamryn. A touching story about heartbreak, grief, friendship and responsibility, My Best Friend’s Girl keeps the reader guessing as to how these people are going to resolve their feelings. Tegan, being the glue that holds the story together was a little to “precious” to be entirely believable but the story was intriguing and keeps the reader guessing as to the final outcome.
201VivienneR
>190 DeltaQueen50: Your planned trip sounds wonderful! What a beautiful part of the world we live in. Have fun!
202leslie.98
>190 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like a great trip! And happy birthday to your hubby :)
Great review of Blaming - I have yet to read any Taylor (I think that I have been put off by the association with the movie star) but you have encouraged me to try one.
Great review of Blaming - I have yet to read any Taylor (I think that I have been put off by the association with the movie star) but you have encouraged me to try one.
203DeltaQueen50
>201 VivienneR: We are very lucky, Vivienne, that there are so many scenic routes to take in and around B.C.
>202 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie.
>202 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie.
204BLBera
Blaming sounds great, Judy. I haven't read anything by Taylor yet. Maybe this summer.
Happy birthday to Mr. Judy.
Happy birthday to Mr. Judy.
205msf59
>196 DeltaQueen50: Good review of Blaming, Judy. I read and enjoyed A View of the Harbour, a few years ago, but have not read anything else by her.
Hooray, for the Oregon trip. That sounds wonderful. Such beautiful country. Have you picked out your books?
Hooray, for the Oregon trip. That sounds wonderful. Such beautiful country. Have you picked out your books?
207Familyhistorian
It sounds like you have a great trip planned, Judy. I hope you have a wonderful time.
208ChelleBearss
Hope your hubby had a great birthday!
209DeltaQueen50
>204 BLBera: Beth, I have discovered a number of authors whose work I want to explore more of from the 1001 Books List, of course, there have been a few that I am in no hurry to pick up again as well.
>205 msf59: Mark, I've already picked up Angel by Elizabeth Taylor and I will have to add A View of the Harbour to my list as well. I have picked out my books to take with me, they are mostly light escape reads that I can easily pick up and put down. Of course I will also be carrying my Kindle along with it's 300-400 books, so I shouldn't run out of reading material!
>206 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. We do enjoy our road trips and I always look forward to doing some shopping in the States as there is such a huge choice compared to Canada.
>207 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I am hoping that the weather cooperates, the forecast shows sun and lots of cloud but no rain, so we should be fine.
>208 ChelleBearss: Chelle, although we are both long past the time when we look forward to turning a year older, he did enjoy his day as we had family with us. This weekend we are meeting with my younger daughter and her husband and trying to beat the Mother's Day Crowds by doing so a day early on Saturday.
>205 msf59: Mark, I've already picked up Angel by Elizabeth Taylor and I will have to add A View of the Harbour to my list as well. I have picked out my books to take with me, they are mostly light escape reads that I can easily pick up and put down. Of course I will also be carrying my Kindle along with it's 300-400 books, so I shouldn't run out of reading material!
>206 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. We do enjoy our road trips and I always look forward to doing some shopping in the States as there is such a huge choice compared to Canada.
>207 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I am hoping that the weather cooperates, the forecast shows sun and lots of cloud but no rain, so we should be fine.
>208 ChelleBearss: Chelle, although we are both long past the time when we look forward to turning a year older, he did enjoy his day as we had family with us. This weekend we are meeting with my younger daughter and her husband and trying to beat the Mother's Day Crowds by doing so a day early on Saturday.
210DeltaQueen50
70. The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone - 3.4 ★
Category: The Count
May ScaredyKit: Close To Home
TIOLI #17: Rolling Challenge Based on "Schoolhouse Rock"
Delivered at a fast and furious pace, The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone is the first of a three part series about creepy-crawly, voracious flesh-eating spiders. Yes, this book is an arachnophobia terror trip as an ancient breed of spider emerges in various places around the world and causes havoc, chaos and death to millions. Of course the really bad news is that this is only the first book, so the situation is bound to get even worse before the trilogy ends.
The highly readable the story is character driven as the book jumps from place to place and from character to character showing how the terror is overtaking the world. Even though this sounds like a plot-line from a Saturday afternoon creature feature, the author elevates his story by embracing the outlandishness and delivering a piece of apocalyptic fiction that isn’t based on science but rather on one of mankind's basic fears, that of the eight-legged, multi-eyed, hairy predator.
The Hatching is not a book to be read for it’s elegant prose, it is a caricature driven horror story that dishes up a large serving of shivers and fun. Personally I hate spiders and reading about them made me itch all over, but as horror stories go this one was okay but I will take marks off because the ending was an absolute cliff-hanger. Will I continue with this trilogy? You know, I probably will.
Category: The Count
May ScaredyKit: Close To Home
TIOLI #17: Rolling Challenge Based on "Schoolhouse Rock"
Delivered at a fast and furious pace, The Hatching by Ezekiel Boone is the first of a three part series about creepy-crawly, voracious flesh-eating spiders. Yes, this book is an arachnophobia terror trip as an ancient breed of spider emerges in various places around the world and causes havoc, chaos and death to millions. Of course the really bad news is that this is only the first book, so the situation is bound to get even worse before the trilogy ends.
The highly readable the story is character driven as the book jumps from place to place and from character to character showing how the terror is overtaking the world. Even though this sounds like a plot-line from a Saturday afternoon creature feature, the author elevates his story by embracing the outlandishness and delivering a piece of apocalyptic fiction that isn’t based on science but rather on one of mankind's basic fears, that of the eight-legged, multi-eyed, hairy predator.
The Hatching is not a book to be read for it’s elegant prose, it is a caricature driven horror story that dishes up a large serving of shivers and fun. Personally I hate spiders and reading about them made me itch all over, but as horror stories go this one was okay but I will take marks off because the ending was an absolute cliff-hanger. Will I continue with this trilogy? You know, I probably will.
211DeltaQueen50
71. Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina - 4.2 ★
Category: Brought To You By the Number
May ColorCat: Blue
TIOLI #2: Title Contains a Words that Starts With the Letter "G"
Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina is the third instalment in her DS Alex Morrow series. The plot revolves around a grandfather who is gunned down during a post office robbery but also involves a corrupt politician and the criminal gang leaders of Glasgow. As Alec’s brother, Danny is a major player in the criminal community and police corruption comes into play, this case runs close to home for her.
This is a challenging case in a city where police corruption and criminal activities are seeming intertwined. As Alex and her partner Harris conduct a series of interviews of the colourful and eccentric characters that are part of the investigation it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide.
Denise Mina is an expert at combining fictional crime and social commentary and delivering a fast paced, exciting story. The case is closed but not until Alex realizes to her shock that the corruption has even infected her own squad, yet there is still a powerful connection to the underworld that will most certainly have an effect in future books in this series. Books like Gods and Beasts are why this author remains a favorite of mine.
Category: Brought To You By the Number
May ColorCat: Blue
TIOLI #2: Title Contains a Words that Starts With the Letter "G"
Gods and Beasts by Denise Mina is the third instalment in her DS Alex Morrow series. The plot revolves around a grandfather who is gunned down during a post office robbery but also involves a corrupt politician and the criminal gang leaders of Glasgow. As Alec’s brother, Danny is a major player in the criminal community and police corruption comes into play, this case runs close to home for her.
This is a challenging case in a city where police corruption and criminal activities are seeming intertwined. As Alex and her partner Harris conduct a series of interviews of the colourful and eccentric characters that are part of the investigation it becomes clear that everyone has something to hide.
Denise Mina is an expert at combining fictional crime and social commentary and delivering a fast paced, exciting story. The case is closed but not until Alex realizes to her shock that the corruption has even infected her own squad, yet there is still a powerful connection to the underworld that will most certainly have an effect in future books in this series. Books like Gods and Beasts are why this author remains a favorite of mine.
212RidgewayGirl
Yup. Gods and Beasts was a good one.
213rabbitprincess
>211 DeltaQueen50: Oh, that opening scene was brutal. Such a good book though. And now you get to read The Red Road! :D
214EBT1002
Your Sesame Street categories are so delightful and clever, Judy. I'm always impressed by folks (like you!) who come up with a theme and turn it into categories for organizing one's reading. So creative!
Denise Mina is an author I want to try. I worry that her work will elevate my pulse too much... heh. But she is Scottish. Yay!
Denise Mina is an author I want to try. I worry that her work will elevate my pulse too much... heh. But she is Scottish. Yay!
215DeltaQueen50
Wow, it's Saturday again - where does the time go? Today my younger daughter and husband are taking us out for lunch for an early Mother's Day celebration. Tomorrow I will finish any laundry that needs to be done and do my packing - probably the first things to pack will be the books I am taking which will be the second book in a fantasy trio, Half The World by Joe Abercrombie and X-Isle a post-apocalyptic YA story. I am also taking my Kindle with the second volume of Kristin Lavransdatter, and Doris Day: A Reluctant Star keyed up.
>212 RidgewayGirl: & >213 rabbitprincess: I am looking forward already to the next volume in the Alex Morrow series. I love how her books are about more than the mystery, she always has a social issue that she likes to highlight as well.
>214 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Denise Mina is one of my favorite authors, I started with her Patty Meehan series about a reporter and then what really sealed the deal for me was her Garnethill trilogy. She sets her stories in Glasgow and brings that city vividly to life, much like Ian Rankin does for Edinbourgh in his John Rebus series. I think you would enjoy her writing, and hey, it's good to raise that heart rate every now and again. :)
>212 RidgewayGirl: & >213 rabbitprincess: I am looking forward already to the next volume in the Alex Morrow series. I love how her books are about more than the mystery, she always has a social issue that she likes to highlight as well.
>214 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Denise Mina is one of my favorite authors, I started with her Patty Meehan series about a reporter and then what really sealed the deal for me was her Garnethill trilogy. She sets her stories in Glasgow and brings that city vividly to life, much like Ian Rankin does for Edinbourgh in his John Rebus series. I think you would enjoy her writing, and hey, it's good to raise that heart rate every now and again. :)
216Storeetllr
Okay, okay, you've convinced me. I just borrowed the first Alex Morrow. Thank you so much. No really, I needed another series. :)
217DeltaQueen50
It's the second Sunday in May which makes it the North American Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day, everyone. We are packing and getting ready to leave tomorrow morning. The weather forecast is predicting some warm weather over the next week, and after a day or two I will be looking forward to some cool ocean breezes at the coast.
>216 Storeetllr: I hope you like it, Mary. If I remember correctly it took me a couple of books to get firmly into the series, but now I am finding each book is better than the last one.
>216 Storeetllr: I hope you like it, Mary. If I remember correctly it took me a couple of books to get firmly into the series, but now I am finding each book is better than the last one.
218Helenliz
>217 DeltaQueen50: have a great trip! How big is the packed book pile???
219DeltaQueen50
72. Morning At Jalna by Mazo de la Roche - 3.7 ★
Category: Miss Piggy
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Tied to Your Ancestry
TIOLI #8: There Is a Word in the Title That Is Not in the Book's Original Language
Morning At Jalna, the second book chronologically by Mazo de la Roche continues the saga of the Whiteoak family who emigrated to Canada from England. They have built their home in Southern Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario. Philip Whiteoak is a retired British officer and his wife, Adeline, is the fiery Irish beauty that married him. They have four children who they are haphazardly raising. As parents they are not at their best, Adeline is too self-absorbed and her emotions are very near to the surface, while Philip is a distant father who believes in discipline but often fails to follow through.
The book is set during the 1860’s while the American Civil War is being fought south of the border. The Whiteoaks have offered shelter to a couple from South Carolina who are plantation and slave owners. Their community has mixed feelings about the war, many are strongly on the side of the north but there are some who favour the south. In this book the four children play a major role as we learn about them and the directions they are taking in life. At the end of the book, the Whiteoaks have travelled to England to place the three older children in school there. This was a time when Canadians still very much looked to England as home and it was strongly felt that the education the children would receive in Britain would be far superior to what they would get in Canada.
The saga is one that holds my attention as the author demonstrates the connections and dynamics within the family. Each member has their own distinct personality and the lively dialogue reveals much about each of them. Family environment, money, social standing, gender and values all come into play during the course of this story and I appreciate the Canadian setting as it helps me to understand my own roots.
Category: Miss Piggy
2018 PopSugar Challenge: Tied to Your Ancestry
TIOLI #8: There Is a Word in the Title That Is Not in the Book's Original Language
Morning At Jalna, the second book chronologically by Mazo de la Roche continues the saga of the Whiteoak family who emigrated to Canada from England. They have built their home in Southern Ontario on the shores of Lake Ontario. Philip Whiteoak is a retired British officer and his wife, Adeline, is the fiery Irish beauty that married him. They have four children who they are haphazardly raising. As parents they are not at their best, Adeline is too self-absorbed and her emotions are very near to the surface, while Philip is a distant father who believes in discipline but often fails to follow through.
The book is set during the 1860’s while the American Civil War is being fought south of the border. The Whiteoaks have offered shelter to a couple from South Carolina who are plantation and slave owners. Their community has mixed feelings about the war, many are strongly on the side of the north but there are some who favour the south. In this book the four children play a major role as we learn about them and the directions they are taking in life. At the end of the book, the Whiteoaks have travelled to England to place the three older children in school there. This was a time when Canadians still very much looked to England as home and it was strongly felt that the education the children would receive in Britain would be far superior to what they would get in Canada.
The saga is one that holds my attention as the author demonstrates the connections and dynamics within the family. Each member has their own distinct personality and the lively dialogue reveals much about each of them. Family environment, money, social standing, gender and values all come into play during the course of this story and I appreciate the Canadian setting as it helps me to understand my own roots.
220DeltaQueen50
>218 Helenliz: Helen, I am being quite frugal in my packing of actual books. I am only taking 2, but my Kindle Paperwhite is coming along and it has over 400 books on it, so I shouldn't run out of reading material!
221lindapanzo
>220 DeltaQueen50: That's what I do. I bring along one print book, My Kindle, and my Kindle recharger.
222Familyhistorian
>219 DeltaQueen50: Were your ancestors who settled in Southern Ontario from England, Judy? Mine were from the Highlands and settled in various places in Ontario.
You are a true LTer, packing books before the other stuff to go on your trip. I hope you have a good time!
You are a true LTer, packing books before the other stuff to go on your trip. I hope you have a good time!
223Storeetllr
Have a great trip, Judy! It sounds like it's going to be wonderful!
224DeltaQueen50
>221 lindapanzo: Hi Linda, relying on my Kindle is so much easier than carting a bunch of books along!
>222 Familyhistorian: Meg, my family on my father's side came from Wiltshire and settled on Vancouver Island, while my mother's family homesteaded in Annapolis Valley for many years. Then my grandfather's parents spent some time in Ontario around Barrie and eventually also ended up in Victoria. My husband's family though emigrated to Canada from England and settled in Badjeros, Ontario, a small farming community north of Toronto. I'm not sure how many kids they had but 4 of the boys moved west and after a particularly bad winter in North Dakota, ended up in Saskatchewan, they farmed together but once they started getting married, they all moved to different corners of Saskatchewan. I lived in Ontario for a number of years and I do remember many towns around Ottawa that had distinctly Scottish names, like Perth and Lanark.
>223 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. We are looking forward to hitting the road.
>222 Familyhistorian: Meg, my family on my father's side came from Wiltshire and settled on Vancouver Island, while my mother's family homesteaded in Annapolis Valley for many years. Then my grandfather's parents spent some time in Ontario around Barrie and eventually also ended up in Victoria. My husband's family though emigrated to Canada from England and settled in Badjeros, Ontario, a small farming community north of Toronto. I'm not sure how many kids they had but 4 of the boys moved west and after a particularly bad winter in North Dakota, ended up in Saskatchewan, they farmed together but once they started getting married, they all moved to different corners of Saskatchewan. I lived in Ontario for a number of years and I do remember many towns around Ottawa that had distinctly Scottish names, like Perth and Lanark.
>223 Storeetllr: Thanks, Mary. We are looking forward to hitting the road.
226DeltaQueen50
>225 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori, we had a great trip!
227DeltaQueen50
We are home again and we had an excellent trip. The first couple of days were sunny and warm, then when we got to the coast it was warm but often cloudy in the morning but the sun was usually out by 11:00 am. We just had one day that the stayed cloudy, but we never got any rain to speak of, a few misty moments and a good soaking late one night, but we mostly had perfect weather. We got off the road early most every day and spent a lot of time relaxing, reading and poking around the little towns that we stayed in. I stumbled into a couple of book stores and picked up - Glorious by Jeff Guinn, Torn by Rowenna Miller, The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See and Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy. Books are my favorite souvenirs!
I read quite a few books so I will need to catch up with my reviews over the next little while, not to mention catching up with everyone's threads!
I read quite a few books so I will need to catch up with my reviews over the next little while, not to mention catching up with everyone's threads!
228DeltaQueen50
73. Half The World by Joe Abercrombie - 4.2 ★
Category: Abby Cadabby
SFFKit: Rise Up!
TIOLI #13: A Book Relating to the day in May that You Start or Finish It
The second in his Shattered Seas Trilogy, Half The World continues the story, but in this outing the main character is a girl called Thorn. Thorn lives to fight and obtain revenge on her father's killer. She is in training to earn her place among the warriors of Gettland, even though the military appears to not want females. She is set up for failure and when things go wrong she is accused of murder. Her training partner, Brand goes to Minister Yarvi who is able to deliver her from the planned execution but the cunning Father Yarvi has a price that both these young warriors must pay.
Thorn and Brand find themselves added to the crew that Father Yarvi has put together and their journey takes them to strange places and through many adventures. The purpose of their quest to to find allies for their small country against the ruthless High King in order to free Gettland from his control, but on the way both Thorn and Brand find a chance for personal redemption and honor.
This fast paced adventure fantasy was a great read. Abercrombie borrows heavily from Viking lore to create a story that is thrilling and enthralling. As with most of his books, there is plenty of blood-letting, violence and plotting of revenge that keeps the pages turning. There are also great characters to play out the story, lots of wit and humor, and even some tender moments. I am looking forward to finding out how he ends this exciting trilogy.
Category: Abby Cadabby
SFFKit: Rise Up!
TIOLI #13: A Book Relating to the day in May that You Start or Finish It
The second in his Shattered Seas Trilogy, Half The World continues the story, but in this outing the main character is a girl called Thorn. Thorn lives to fight and obtain revenge on her father's killer. She is in training to earn her place among the warriors of Gettland, even though the military appears to not want females. She is set up for failure and when things go wrong she is accused of murder. Her training partner, Brand goes to Minister Yarvi who is able to deliver her from the planned execution but the cunning Father Yarvi has a price that both these young warriors must pay.
Thorn and Brand find themselves added to the crew that Father Yarvi has put together and their journey takes them to strange places and through many adventures. The purpose of their quest to to find allies for their small country against the ruthless High King in order to free Gettland from his control, but on the way both Thorn and Brand find a chance for personal redemption and honor.
This fast paced adventure fantasy was a great read. Abercrombie borrows heavily from Viking lore to create a story that is thrilling and enthralling. As with most of his books, there is plenty of blood-letting, violence and plotting of revenge that keeps the pages turning. There are also great characters to play out the story, lots of wit and humor, and even some tender moments. I am looking forward to finding out how he ends this exciting trilogy.
229mamzel
>228 DeltaQueen50: I listened to the audio version of the first book of the series, Half a King, and in my notes stated I would continue the series. I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this one.
230DeltaQueen50
>229 mamzel: I am a huge Joe Abercrombie fan! I know that many people find his writing a little too violent, but I don't mind that at all. His stories are exciting and his characters are so well drawn that I am pulled into his books immediately!
232DeltaQueen50
>231 dudes22: Hi Betty. I still remember that I picked up the The Valley of Horses the second book in Jean M. Auel's series in a little bookshop in Port Townsend in the early 1980's. I visited the shop again the other day and picked up Blood Meridian, the rest of the books I picked up this trip were from Cannon Beach, Oregon.
233msf59
Hi, Judy. Glad you had a nice getaway. Sounds ideal. Hooray for the book souvenirs! Blood Meridian is a perfect choice.
234DeltaQueen50
>233 msf59: Hi Mark! I was just thinking about you as I was choosing another of your book bullets - Go Down Together: The True Story of Bonnie and Clyde to read next month. We did have a great trip and I am looking forward to getting to Blood Meridian later on this year. :)
235DeltaQueen50
74. Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret - 3.8 ★
Category: Bob McGrath
BingoDog: Famous Person in Title
TIOLI #13: A Book relating to the day in May that you start or finish it
I am a little sorry that I read Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret as it certainly changed my vision of her. I did know that her life wasn’t easy and that when her husband died it came to light that he had been stealing from her for years, but I was a little disappointed to find that she seemed to need a man to lean upon, even if that man was a heel. After her husband’s death, other than fulfilling her commitments she really didn’t work much and then only did so when her son, Terry Melcher arranged things for her.
Doris began singing as a teenager and was often on local radio in Cincinnati but she became famous when she started touring with various Big Bands. It was with Les Brown and his Band of Renown that she had her first huge hit with "Sentimental Journey". She also worked on Bob Hope’s radio show. Her first movie role came in 1948 with “Romance on the High Sea” and she went on to be in over 40 movies. Her biggest success came when she was partnered with Rock Hudson in a trio of light “sex” comedies and they became fast friends.
Her private life saw her under the control of one man or another. Her first two husbands were musicians, but it was the first that was the father of her child and who also beat her and was known to pull out a gun and point it at her. Her life with Melcher was no bed of roses and then finding out that he and his business partner squandered her earnings (and that of many other stars) left Doris devastated. After the court case that helped restore some of her lost funds, she moved to Carmel, California and became a virtual recluse, only coming out in public to make a stand for animal rights.
As a celebrity biography Doris Day: Reluctant Star covered all the bases. Every one of her movies and many of her albums are discussed in detail. Her private life is also examined and it was difficult to read about the turmoil and heartbreak that she to endure. This American actress, singer and animal activist has become a legend and she truly was smiling on the outside while hiding her inner sorrow.
Category: Bob McGrath
BingoDog: Famous Person in Title
TIOLI #13: A Book relating to the day in May that you start or finish it
I am a little sorry that I read Doris Day: Reluctant Star by David Bret as it certainly changed my vision of her. I did know that her life wasn’t easy and that when her husband died it came to light that he had been stealing from her for years, but I was a little disappointed to find that she seemed to need a man to lean upon, even if that man was a heel. After her husband’s death, other than fulfilling her commitments she really didn’t work much and then only did so when her son, Terry Melcher arranged things for her.
Doris began singing as a teenager and was often on local radio in Cincinnati but she became famous when she started touring with various Big Bands. It was with Les Brown and his Band of Renown that she had her first huge hit with "Sentimental Journey". She also worked on Bob Hope’s radio show. Her first movie role came in 1948 with “Romance on the High Sea” and she went on to be in over 40 movies. Her biggest success came when she was partnered with Rock Hudson in a trio of light “sex” comedies and they became fast friends.
Her private life saw her under the control of one man or another. Her first two husbands were musicians, but it was the first that was the father of her child and who also beat her and was known to pull out a gun and point it at her. Her life with Melcher was no bed of roses and then finding out that he and his business partner squandered her earnings (and that of many other stars) left Doris devastated. After the court case that helped restore some of her lost funds, she moved to Carmel, California and became a virtual recluse, only coming out in public to make a stand for animal rights.
As a celebrity biography Doris Day: Reluctant Star covered all the bases. Every one of her movies and many of her albums are discussed in detail. Her private life is also examined and it was difficult to read about the turmoil and heartbreak that she to endure. This American actress, singer and animal activist has become a legend and she truly was smiling on the outside while hiding her inner sorrow.
236clue
>235 DeltaQueen50: She seemed like such a bubbly personality, it's a shame she fell for "bad" men twice. Wouldn't living in Carmel be the best, assuming money is no problem. I hope she became reclusive only because she wanted to live a private life and not because she was hiding.
237DeltaQueen50
>236 clue: Those two "bad" husbands were only two of the heels that she took up with. She seemed unable to see the difference between strong men or abusing, controlling men. Yes, Carmel would be a lovely place to disappear into, and it appeared to be totally her choice to become so private. Her death has been reported a couple of times and she would be in her 90's now, but I believe she is still alive.
238DeltaQueen50
75. X Isle by Steve Augarde - 3.3 ★
Category: Bert & Ernie's Science Experiment
BingoDog: X In Title
TIOLI #6: An Egg or a Bird is on the Cover
X Isle is a young adult novel by Steve Augarde first published in 2009. It is set in the future, after floods have destroyed the earth. Baz is a young boy, who lives in the ruins of a city, scrounging for food and supplies. There is an island off the coast that is rumoured to be a place of plenty. There is competition among the people to have their sons chosen to go and Baz becomes one of the lucky ones.
X Isle is run by Preacher John Eck and his adult sons, they have a large boat and diving equipment and are able to go down to the drowned city and bring up cans of food and other supplies. It turns out that the boys on the island are little more than slave labour for the Ecks, they are kept in line by two capos and instead of living a better life, they are worse off than they were before.
The boys are kept on the island until they get too big and could be a threat. They are then taken back to the mainland – or are they? Preacher John is a zealot and as time goes by he appears to be considering using the boys as a living sacrifice. The boys decide that they must fight back in order to save their lives. They construct a bomb by using their own methane gas and plan to blow up the Ecks and take control of the island.
Personally I found X Isle to be silly, tedious and far too simple but then I am not the target audience. I suspect that this book would appeal to young boys about eleven or twelve as there is lots of farting and other bodily functions to chortle over. I would advise most adults to pass this one along to their sons or nephews.
Category: Bert & Ernie's Science Experiment
BingoDog: X In Title
TIOLI #6: An Egg or a Bird is on the Cover
X Isle is a young adult novel by Steve Augarde first published in 2009. It is set in the future, after floods have destroyed the earth. Baz is a young boy, who lives in the ruins of a city, scrounging for food and supplies. There is an island off the coast that is rumoured to be a place of plenty. There is competition among the people to have their sons chosen to go and Baz becomes one of the lucky ones.
X Isle is run by Preacher John Eck and his adult sons, they have a large boat and diving equipment and are able to go down to the drowned city and bring up cans of food and other supplies. It turns out that the boys on the island are little more than slave labour for the Ecks, they are kept in line by two capos and instead of living a better life, they are worse off than they were before.
The boys are kept on the island until they get too big and could be a threat. They are then taken back to the mainland – or are they? Preacher John is a zealot and as time goes by he appears to be considering using the boys as a living sacrifice. The boys decide that they must fight back in order to save their lives. They construct a bomb by using their own methane gas and plan to blow up the Ecks and take control of the island.
Personally I found X Isle to be silly, tedious and far too simple but then I am not the target audience. I suspect that this book would appeal to young boys about eleven or twelve as there is lots of farting and other bodily functions to chortle over. I would advise most adults to pass this one along to their sons or nephews.
239Helenliz
>238 DeltaQueen50: I read X Isle a while a go (I needed a title beginning with X and this was the best the library could do). My review starts with exactly the same thing - I am not the target audience for this book.
Welcome home after a lovely sounding trip.
Welcome home after a lovely sounding trip.
240DeltaQueen50
>239 Helenliz: Thanks, and we also read X Isle for exactly the same reason - I needed an "X" in title for my Bingo card.
241DeltaQueen50
76. The King's Last Song by Geoff Ryman - 3.4 ★
Category: Rechov Sumsum
Reading Through Time Monthly Theme: Southeast Asia
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Book Set in a Country That Fascinates Me
TIOLI #7: Part of the Author's Name Begins with the Letter "G"
The King’s Last Song by Canadian author Geoff Ryman is his exploration of Cambodian history. The book interweaves two stories about Cambodia but each is set in a very different time period. The first story is about the 12th century ruler Jayavarman VII and how he united the country and founded the great temples at Angkor. The second story is set in 2004 and uses the kidnapping of an archaeologist to describe the heritage of this neglected, exploited and war-torn country that has not yet recovered from it’s days under the yoke of the Khmer Rouge.
While I found both time lines to be fascinating, it was the modern story that I was most drawn to. I learned a lot about modern Cambodia and I believe the author knows this country well. However it was difficult to become too attached to any of the characters as there was simply too many to keep track of and eventually the similarity of many of the Cambodian names, particularly from the 12th Century, made it difficult to separate them into individuals. With so much history to cover it wasn’t surprising that the book bogged down in places and I would have liked to have had some maps included as it would have helped when the movement of armies and the various battles fought were described.
The King’s Last Song is an ambitious undertaking of epic proportions that paints a vivid picture of Cambodian culture both past and present. Unfortunately, I found it a little too dense and overlong for real reading enjoyment but the focus on Cambodian history was insightful and interesting.
Category: Rechov Sumsum
Reading Through Time Monthly Theme: Southeast Asia
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Book Set in a Country That Fascinates Me
TIOLI #7: Part of the Author's Name Begins with the Letter "G"
The King’s Last Song by Canadian author Geoff Ryman is his exploration of Cambodian history. The book interweaves two stories about Cambodia but each is set in a very different time period. The first story is about the 12th century ruler Jayavarman VII and how he united the country and founded the great temples at Angkor. The second story is set in 2004 and uses the kidnapping of an archaeologist to describe the heritage of this neglected, exploited and war-torn country that has not yet recovered from it’s days under the yoke of the Khmer Rouge.
While I found both time lines to be fascinating, it was the modern story that I was most drawn to. I learned a lot about modern Cambodia and I believe the author knows this country well. However it was difficult to become too attached to any of the characters as there was simply too many to keep track of and eventually the similarity of many of the Cambodian names, particularly from the 12th Century, made it difficult to separate them into individuals. With so much history to cover it wasn’t surprising that the book bogged down in places and I would have liked to have had some maps included as it would have helped when the movement of armies and the various battles fought were described.
The King’s Last Song is an ambitious undertaking of epic proportions that paints a vivid picture of Cambodian culture both past and present. Unfortunately, I found it a little too dense and overlong for real reading enjoyment but the focus on Cambodian history was insightful and interesting.
242Familyhistorian
>224 DeltaQueen50: I know the Annapolis Valley well, Judy. I went to Acadia University. It is a nice part of Nova Scotia.
It sounds like you had a good trip and I like your style of souvenirs.
It sounds like you had a good trip and I like your style of souvenirs.
243DeltaQueen50
>242 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. :)
244DeltaQueen50
77. Tuesday's Gone by Nicci French - 4.2 ★
Category: The Mystery Box
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Book by Two Authors
TIOLI #2: A Title Word Starts With the Letter "G"
Tuesday’s Gone by husband and wife team Nicci French continues their series featuring psychotherapist Frieda Klein. This is a series that needs to be read in order, as there are certain story-lines that continue from book to book. In this outing, Freida is helping the police with the murder of an unidentified corpse who was found in the house of a mentally ill woman. When it turns out that the corpse belonged to a charming con man, the police find themselves scrambling to find his victims.
Still haunted by the events that occurred in Blue Monday, Frieda continues to work with the police on this new case even though one colleague suggests that perhaps she is in danger of losing sight of whether she is a therapist or a detective. Frieda herself seems to have an uncanny ability to piece together the stories of various witnesses and suspects and arrive at the correct answer.
Tuesday’s Gone is another clever and enthralling entry into this exciting series and I am enjoying getting to know the many layers of Frieda Klein. Aided by a cast of engaging supporting characters, and the author’s skillful plotting Tuesday’s Gone is another dark, insightful thriller.
Category: The Mystery Box
2018 PopSugar Challenge: A Book by Two Authors
TIOLI #2: A Title Word Starts With the Letter "G"
Tuesday’s Gone by husband and wife team Nicci French continues their series featuring psychotherapist Frieda Klein. This is a series that needs to be read in order, as there are certain story-lines that continue from book to book. In this outing, Freida is helping the police with the murder of an unidentified corpse who was found in the house of a mentally ill woman. When it turns out that the corpse belonged to a charming con man, the police find themselves scrambling to find his victims.
Still haunted by the events that occurred in Blue Monday, Frieda continues to work with the police on this new case even though one colleague suggests that perhaps she is in danger of losing sight of whether she is a therapist or a detective. Frieda herself seems to have an uncanny ability to piece together the stories of various witnesses and suspects and arrive at the correct answer.
Tuesday’s Gone is another clever and enthralling entry into this exciting series and I am enjoying getting to know the many layers of Frieda Klein. Aided by a cast of engaging supporting characters, and the author’s skillful plotting Tuesday’s Gone is another dark, insightful thriller.
245Storeetllr
Thanks for reminding me to finish the Frieda Klein series (or as far as it's gotten so far). I read Dark Saturday at the end of last year and, for some reason, did not pick up the next installment Sunday Silence. Now I see there's #8 - Day of the Dead - publication date July 24. It's a good series, though it does get a little repetitive. Still, I enjoyed it!
246DeltaQueen50
>245 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I am really enjoying the Frieda Klein series, although I would like to see her happy sometimes and not always so dour.
247DeltaQueen50
78. An Offer From A Gentleman by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
Category: The Letters K to T
May ColorCat: Blue
May AlphaKit: Q
TIOLI #2: At Least One Title Word Begins With the Letter "G"
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn in the third book in her historical romance series about the Bridgerton family. The second brother is front and center in this Cinderella retelling that has Benedict Bridgerton falling love with Sophie Beckett when he first meets her at a masquerade ball. Sophie, like Cinderella, wasn’t meant to be there and had to leave at the stroke of midnight in order to get home before her step-mother noticed she was gone.
Unfortunately the step-mother does realize that Sophie went to the ball and throws her out on the street. When Benedict next meets Sophie, she is a housemaid and he doesn’t recognize her as his mysterious woman in silver. He is attracted to her however and confused as how he could fall in love with two different women.
Sophie is a charming heroine, sweet yet resourceful and while I find it a little harder to tell the difference from one Bridgerton brother or brother-in-law from another, Benedict was handsome and protective and together as a couple, they are passionate and loving. I was quite happy to lap up the humor and romance as these two worked their way to their happy ending. An Offer from a Gentleman was a great escape read that put a smile on my face.
Category: The Letters K to T
May ColorCat: Blue
May AlphaKit: Q
TIOLI #2: At Least One Title Word Begins With the Letter "G"
An Offer From a Gentleman by Julia Quinn in the third book in her historical romance series about the Bridgerton family. The second brother is front and center in this Cinderella retelling that has Benedict Bridgerton falling love with Sophie Beckett when he first meets her at a masquerade ball. Sophie, like Cinderella, wasn’t meant to be there and had to leave at the stroke of midnight in order to get home before her step-mother noticed she was gone.
Unfortunately the step-mother does realize that Sophie went to the ball and throws her out on the street. When Benedict next meets Sophie, she is a housemaid and he doesn’t recognize her as his mysterious woman in silver. He is attracted to her however and confused as how he could fall in love with two different women.
Sophie is a charming heroine, sweet yet resourceful and while I find it a little harder to tell the difference from one Bridgerton brother or brother-in-law from another, Benedict was handsome and protective and together as a couple, they are passionate and loving. I was quite happy to lap up the humor and romance as these two worked their way to their happy ending. An Offer from a Gentleman was a great escape read that put a smile on my face.
248Familyhistorian
>247 DeltaQueen50: I have that one to look forward to, Judy. I will have to dig it out soon.
249ChelleBearss
I keep meaning to try Nicci French. I should do that soon! :)
250dudes22
>249 ChelleBearss: - Me too!
251DeltaQueen50
>248 Familyhistorian: She's the perfect author to reach for when you need a light, humorous love story! :)
>249 ChelleBearss: & >250 dudes22: If you are not ready to commit to a series, Nicci French has a number of stand alone psychological mysteries that are all pretty good.
I am trying to finish two books before the end of May, but not sure that I am going to be able. Yesterday we were out getting the car serviced and meeting and lunching with our financial advisor. Today hubby wants to go to the local mall and is offering me a Dairy Queen date for a bribe to go with him. Later on this week he wants to go back across the border to visit with his brother and sister-in-law. Hopefully later on this afternoon I will be some solid "book time" in!
>249 ChelleBearss: & >250 dudes22: If you are not ready to commit to a series, Nicci French has a number of stand alone psychological mysteries that are all pretty good.
I am trying to finish two books before the end of May, but not sure that I am going to be able. Yesterday we were out getting the car serviced and meeting and lunching with our financial advisor. Today hubby wants to go to the local mall and is offering me a Dairy Queen date for a bribe to go with him. Later on this week he wants to go back across the border to visit with his brother and sister-in-law. Hopefully later on this afternoon I will be some solid "book time" in!
252thornton37814
>251 DeltaQueen50: I started one today. I'm making good progress, but it hasn't quite captured me. Hoping I can read one more besides it, probably one of the ARCs from NetGalley I downloaded today.
253DeltaQueen50
>252 thornton37814: Lori, sometimes I wonder why I put so much pressure on myself to meet so many challenges but it does keep me involved and interested in my reading. You just reminded me I also have an ARC that I would like to finish ASAP.
I have opened up my next thread so please click on the continuation prompt and come on over!
I have opened up my next thread so please click on the continuation prompt and come on over!
This topic was continued by DeltaQueen Goes to Sesame Street in 2018 - Part 4.
