Pensive Cat Hikes the TBR Mountain Range in 2019
Talk 2019 ROOT (READ OUR OWN TOMES)
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2connie53
>1 PensiveCat: Yes, you want to have good shoes to climb that mountain. Welcome back and happy ROOTing.
4rabbitprincess
Welcome back and good luck!
6PensiveCat
Thanks all!!!
7MissWatson
Welcome back! And Happy Climbing, of course.
8PensiveCat
And finally!
1. Tea in Tripoli by Bernadette Nason
I found this memoir at Twig Bookshop in San Antonio in 2017, and kept thinking about it til my next visit (my sister lives there - the city, not the bookshop). Worth the purchase completely. I tore through this one. It satisfies the Britophile, Arabic learner and tea lover in me (not to mention my penchant for memoirs). It reads a bit like the result of therapy, which, admittedly, it is.
Imagine being an English secretary who jumps at the chance to move to Libya in the mid 80s? You'd have to be escaping something, which the writer basically is (though not her family; they seemed like wonderful people). I do love an armchair travel.
1. Tea in Tripoli by Bernadette Nason
I found this memoir at Twig Bookshop in San Antonio in 2017, and kept thinking about it til my next visit (my sister lives there - the city, not the bookshop). Worth the purchase completely. I tore through this one. It satisfies the Britophile, Arabic learner and tea lover in me (not to mention my penchant for memoirs). It reads a bit like the result of therapy, which, admittedly, it is.
Imagine being an English secretary who jumps at the chance to move to Libya in the mid 80s? You'd have to be escaping something, which the writer basically is (though not her family; they seemed like wonderful people). I do love an armchair travel.
10PensiveCat
And more on the way!!!
11PensiveCat
2. Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien
I was able to survive the bits about maintaining an owl's diet, and loved this book anyway. It's almost a love story, between a young woman and her beautiful barn owl, with all the challenges and rewards such a pet would entail.
I was able to survive the bits about maintaining an owl's diet, and loved this book anyway. It's almost a love story, between a young woman and her beautiful barn owl, with all the challenges and rewards such a pet would entail.
12PensiveCat
3. Oak and Ash and Thorn: the Ancient Woods and New Forests of Britain by Peter Fiennes
The author wanders forests and references literature, poetry and history as a message to preserve native trees.
The author wanders forests and references literature, poetry and history as a message to preserve native trees.
13Jackie_K
>12 PensiveCat: I got that book for Christmas - looking forward to it!
14PensiveCat
It was good - kind of a more serious, ecological Bill Bryson with trees.
16PensiveCat
Thanks! Still reading tons of library books, nice to get some progress on my mountain...
17Jackie_K
>14 PensiveCat: That sounds right up my street!
18PensiveCat
4. Como Te Llamas? Everyday Llamas You Might Know by Kristin Llamas
A cute ER book. Who doesn't like llamas? Reminds me of that one trip to Peru (also alpacas)
A cute ER book. Who doesn't like llamas? Reminds me of that one trip to Peru (also alpacas)
19PensiveCat
5. How Poetry Can Change Your Heart
I already love poetry (for the most part), but this gave me a renewed appreciation for different forms of poetry, and some inspiration, or at least motivation, to get back into writing. The only problem is that the book, while gorgeous, is hard to read under anything but bright light because of its color scheme.
I already love poetry (for the most part), but this gave me a renewed appreciation for different forms of poetry, and some inspiration, or at least motivation, to get back into writing. The only problem is that the book, while gorgeous, is hard to read under anything but bright light because of its color scheme.
20PensiveCat
6. Sherlock Holmes is Like by Christopher Redmond and others
I came to know of this book's existence because my friend has a chapter in it. I'm glad to have known it, though, because I find it delightful to read about Sherlock Holmes in general, and am fascinated by the many people and characters he has been compared to (in this book, 60).
I came to know of this book's existence because my friend has a chapter in it. I'm glad to have known it, though, because I find it delightful to read about Sherlock Holmes in general, and am fascinated by the many people and characters he has been compared to (in this book, 60).
21PensiveCat
7. Watling Street by John Higgs
The author travels along an ancient route in England and Wales, and muses on its history and people. Also noting the noosphere, which is some kind of mental evolution in relation to the biosphere. Highlights include commentary on attitudes about class in England, particularly in boys' literature, and a visit with Alan Moore.
The author travels along an ancient route in England and Wales, and muses on its history and people. Also noting the noosphere, which is some kind of mental evolution in relation to the biosphere. Highlights include commentary on attitudes about class in England, particularly in boys' literature, and a visit with Alan Moore.
23Jackie_K
>21 PensiveCat: Ooh, that sounds interesting! I started reading Jerusalem by Alan Moore, the writing is amazing but it's such a chunkster I've ground to a halt, and I think I'll have to start it again. I did take a look at his wikipedia page, and he seems like quite a character (understatement). I think I'll add Watling Street to my wishlist. (edited to add: just saw on the amazon page it's described as 'like Bill Bryson on acid', so it sounds right up my street!)
24PensiveCat
>22 connie53: connie53 - I have a goal of 75 books, and have actually read 40, but, on this page I only list the books I own. In that I have a goal of 25 (though I'd be happy with more)
>23 Jackie_K: Jackie_K - It is definitely Bill Bryson on acid.
>23 Jackie_K: Jackie_K - It is definitely Bill Bryson on acid.
25PensiveCat
8. Longbourn by Jo Baker
I'm doing a Jane Austen July challenge, which has so far been thoroughly enjoyable. Longbourn is the Pride and Prejudice story told from the perspective of the Bennet's servants. A few liberties were taken, but it stayed close to the plot. From watching Downton Abbey, I know the lives of servants were not easy ones, especially in the home of a gentleman who couldn't afford staff the way, say, a Mr. Darcy could, but it was eye opening to me to see just how little latitude servants had, especially at a time where upward mobility was painfully gradual. Also, even in a place where the lady of the house was loud, and the youngest daughter had no qualms about saying whatever, news traveled slowly downstairs! Mr. Darcy wasn't even mentioned until well after 100 pages. Also, Mr. Collins is painted in a sympathetic light, even while noting his awkwardness. Glad I chose this for my Retelling of a Jane Austen novel challenge.
I'm doing a Jane Austen July challenge, which has so far been thoroughly enjoyable. Longbourn is the Pride and Prejudice story told from the perspective of the Bennet's servants. A few liberties were taken, but it stayed close to the plot. From watching Downton Abbey, I know the lives of servants were not easy ones, especially in the home of a gentleman who couldn't afford staff the way, say, a Mr. Darcy could, but it was eye opening to me to see just how little latitude servants had, especially at a time where upward mobility was painfully gradual. Also, even in a place where the lady of the house was loud, and the youngest daughter had no qualms about saying whatever, news traveled slowly downstairs! Mr. Darcy wasn't even mentioned until well after 100 pages. Also, Mr. Collins is painted in a sympathetic light, even while noting his awkwardness. Glad I chose this for my Retelling of a Jane Austen novel challenge.
26PensiveCat
9. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
A re-read (or is it a re-re-read?)
Still one of my favorite Jane Austen novels, though the resolving of matters dig drag out a little bit, and from the language I'm not completely sure what happened with Edward and his mother by the end of the book.
A re-read (or is it a re-re-read?)
Still one of my favorite Jane Austen novels, though the resolving of matters dig drag out a little bit, and from the language I'm not completely sure what happened with Edward and his mother by the end of the book.
27PensiveCat
10. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen
A re-read for Jane Austen July. Not even the best of Jane Austen's novels, but still amazing. Catherine Morland is naive and sometimes silly, but likeable. One of the rare Austens where most of the married couples are happy enough.
A re-read for Jane Austen July. Not even the best of Jane Austen's novels, but still amazing. Catherine Morland is naive and sometimes silly, but likeable. One of the rare Austens where most of the married couples are happy enough.
28connie53
>24 PensiveCat:. So 25 'ROOTS' for you! If I understand correctly.
29PensiveCat
>28 connie53: connie53 Yep! Though who knows if I'll make it?
30PensiveCat
11. Evelina by Frances Burney
I read this for Jane Austen July, in the Contemporary Category. Evelina was published when Jane Austen was quite young, but I could see some of this epistolary novel's influence on her writings, especially Northanger Abbey. Even so, the difference of one generation is striking. Something about this particular Georgian period had a different set of manners from the Regency perios - or at least the manners I've gleaned from Jane Austen's novels.
It's a coming-of-age story full of parental discrepancies, sudden swoons, sexual harassment, coincidences, and prejudices against the French.
I read this for Jane Austen July, in the Contemporary Category. Evelina was published when Jane Austen was quite young, but I could see some of this epistolary novel's influence on her writings, especially Northanger Abbey. Even so, the difference of one generation is striking. Something about this particular Georgian period had a different set of manners from the Regency perios - or at least the manners I've gleaned from Jane Austen's novels.
It's a coming-of-age story full of parental discrepancies, sudden swoons, sexual harassment, coincidences, and prejudices against the French.
32PensiveCat
True!
33PensiveCat
12. Unequal Affections by Lara S. Ormiston
I meant to save this book for next month, but I read a few pages and was hooked. It's so rare to find a good Jane Austen novel retelling/pastiche/anything that is quality rather than just ok fun fan fictiony stuff, but Unequal Affections is a good one to recommend. The premise is What If - instead of the blowout following Mr. Darcy's somewhat awful first proposal in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet reacted rather differently? The story stayed true to the characters, and stayed as clean in the telling as one of Jane Austen's own novels.
I meant to save this book for next month, but I read a few pages and was hooked. It's so rare to find a good Jane Austen novel retelling/pastiche/anything that is quality rather than just ok fun fan fictiony stuff, but Unequal Affections is a good one to recommend. The premise is What If - instead of the blowout following Mr. Darcy's somewhat awful first proposal in Pride and Prejudice, Elizabeth Bennet reacted rather differently? The story stayed true to the characters, and stayed as clean in the telling as one of Jane Austen's own novels.
34PensiveCat
13. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
The first Poirot! Just a wonderful idea of what's to come. When Hastings is on leave from WWI, he visits an old friend. His friend's stepmother dies quite suddenly...was she poisoned? Thankfully Hastings remembers that Hercule Poirot is living nearby (one of many Belgian refugees from the Great War). This was a good start to an excellent series. Can't wait to get to the next one!
The first Poirot! Just a wonderful idea of what's to come. When Hastings is on leave from WWI, he visits an old friend. His friend's stepmother dies quite suddenly...was she poisoned? Thankfully Hastings remembers that Hercule Poirot is living nearby (one of many Belgian refugees from the Great War). This was a good start to an excellent series. Can't wait to get to the next one!
35rabbitprincess
>34 PensiveCat: One of my favourite Christies, and the first one I read :)
36PensiveCat
>35 rabbitprincess: rabbitprincess: Best place to start!
37PensiveCat
14. The Princess in the Portrait by Alison Weir
From my Early Reviewers review:
The thing is, Alison Weir told a very good story about Anne of Cleves (or Anna of Kleve), but the most exciting bits are fictional (or at least highly unlikely). So yes, interesting, kept me turning the page, but as a history nerd it was hard to accept the alternate storyline.
From my Early Reviewers review:
The thing is, Alison Weir told a very good story about Anne of Cleves (or Anna of Kleve), but the most exciting bits are fictional (or at least highly unlikely). So yes, interesting, kept me turning the page, but as a history nerd it was hard to accept the alternate storyline.
38PensiveCat
15. The Sentence is Death by Anthony Horowitz
Though the detective of this series is deliberately unlikable, the idea of well-known writer of some of my favorite TV shows and novels tagging along with an ex-police detective to investigate the murder of an attorney is thrilling to me. Superb meta-fiction, and good nerdy fun.
Though the detective of this series is deliberately unlikable, the idea of well-known writer of some of my favorite TV shows and novels tagging along with an ex-police detective to investigate the murder of an attorney is thrilling to me. Superb meta-fiction, and good nerdy fun.
39PensiveCat
16. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
This was a pretty good light read. Nina lives a solitary life with her books and cat, until simultaneously she inherits a family and obtains a love interest. At least, that's how the story is packaged. The thing is, Nina does nothing but interact with people, both at work and most evenings. Her alone time is scheduled, and though she is prone to panic attacks, they don't seem to come from social anxiety. I mean, she's kind of dorky, but that's it. A bit of a contrast to how the book was described.
This was a pretty good light read. Nina lives a solitary life with her books and cat, until simultaneously she inherits a family and obtains a love interest. At least, that's how the story is packaged. The thing is, Nina does nothing but interact with people, both at work and most evenings. Her alone time is scheduled, and though she is prone to panic attacks, they don't seem to come from social anxiety. I mean, she's kind of dorky, but that's it. A bit of a contrast to how the book was described.
40PensiveCat
17. The Old Man in the Corner: The Tea House Detective by Baroness Orczy
A collection of mysteries solved by an Old Man talking to a young journalist named Polly from a little corner of an ABC Tea Shop off the Strand. Though the stories were intriguing enough, I began to solve the mysteries (not every detail, but generally I knew who to suspect), and it was irksome that the Old Man never presented the police with his findings. Also, the book ended on a cliffhanger that doesn't seem to be addressed in the next book.
A collection of mysteries solved by an Old Man talking to a young journalist named Polly from a little corner of an ABC Tea Shop off the Strand. Though the stories were intriguing enough, I began to solve the mysteries (not every detail, but generally I knew who to suspect), and it was irksome that the Old Man never presented the police with his findings. Also, the book ended on a cliffhanger that doesn't seem to be addressed in the next book.
42PensiveCat
19. Confessions of a Bookseller by Shaun Bythell
Continuing the adventures of a somewhat cranky (but usually understandingly so) owner of a used bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland's book town. Encounters with both customers and employees are usually funny, sometimes exasperating. A little stressful to read the till total at the end of each day. These books should be required reading for anyone who wants to run a bookshop. There's also a cat.
Continuing the adventures of a somewhat cranky (but usually understandingly so) owner of a used bookshop in Wigtown, Scotland's book town. Encounters with both customers and employees are usually funny, sometimes exasperating. A little stressful to read the till total at the end of each day. These books should be required reading for anyone who wants to run a bookshop. There's also a cat.
43rabbitprincess
>42 PensiveCat: Looking forward to this one! Some parts of The Diary of a Bookseller made me laugh so hard I couldn't breathe.
45haydninvienna
>42 PensiveCat: I read Confessions of a Bookseller a while ago and I think I've been in Bythell's shop (certainly been to Wigtown). He is one of the reasons I'm not too inclined to complain about the prices in used bookstores. They are expensive places to run, and I want as many as possible to survive.
46PensiveCat
>45 haydninvienna: haydninvienna: I agree. I couldn't mentally balance the books, and I don't know how they do it. The people who try to bargain down a $3 book should not be allowed to complain when their local bookshop closes.
47PensiveCat
21. Hargrave by Fanny Trollope
Very of the time, I think, but entertaining enough. An English widower is living way beyond his means throwing large parties in Paris and bringing up his stepdaughter and daughter in high expectations of luxury. When a lady attendee to a party wearing lots of diamonds go missing, everything starts to unravel. The daughters are surprisingly best at handling everything.
Very of the time, I think, but entertaining enough. An English widower is living way beyond his means throwing large parties in Paris and bringing up his stepdaughter and daughter in high expectations of luxury. When a lady attendee to a party wearing lots of diamonds go missing, everything starts to unravel. The daughters are surprisingly best at handling everything.
49PensiveCat
23. Traffic by John Ruskin
A talk and an essay in a little Penguin black classics edition. The talk was okay if a bit rambling, but the essay bored me to tears.
A talk and an essay in a little Penguin black classics edition. The talk was okay if a bit rambling, but the essay bored me to tears.
50PensiveCat
24. How to Be a Good Creature by Sy Montgomery
A book of essays on Sy Montgomery's encounters with various types of animals, including her own pets, and what she has learned from them along the way. Good enough that I want to read the rest of her books. The only problem with so many chapters about her pets is that they of course all die (except her current pet.) So be prepared.
A book of essays on Sy Montgomery's encounters with various types of animals, including her own pets, and what she has learned from them along the way. Good enough that I want to read the rest of her books. The only problem with so many chapters about her pets is that they of course all die (except her current pet.) So be prepared.
51connie53
>49 PensiveCat: Boredom is not a good thing. I hope you find and read better books soon.
52PensiveCat
25. Foxes Unearthed by Lucy Jones
26. Little Panic by Amanda Stern
26. Little Panic by Amanda Stern
54Jackie_K
>53 PensiveCat: Is that a good thing? I have his Ring the Hill on the TBR (I was one of its funders, through Unbound), and I must admit he is one of my favourite people on twitter.
55PensiveCat
>54 Jackie_K: Jackie_K: I think it's great. He's one of my favorite writers in general, and it's wonderful that he's been able to get funding to write his books!
