VivienneR's R is for Reading in 2020 part 2
This is a continuation of the topic VivienneR's R is for Reading in 2020.
This topic was continued by VivienneR's R is for Reading in 2020 - Part 3.
Talk 2020 Category Challenge
This group has been archived. Find out more.
Join LibraryThing to post.
1VivienneR
Welcome! This will be my 7th year participating in the Category Challenge. It's always been a lot of fun and with all the KITs, CATs and BingoDOG this year, it promises to be another runaway hit. I'm aiming for at least 10 books in each category although there will be more in the CATs and Bingo.
I can also be found over at Club Read.
I found my reading plan for so many categories was too cumbersome to manage easily so I have pared a few categories from the list.
R is for Rogues - mysteries
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
R is for Riveting - fiction
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
R is for Rhythm - music, dance
R is for Ruthless - noir & scaredyKIT
R is for RandomCAT
R is for Roam - including geoCAT
R is for Real life - biography, non-fiction, including nonficCAT
R is for Rune - alphaKIT
R is for Rover the BingoDOG
I can also be found over at Club Read.
I found my reading plan for so many categories was too cumbersome to manage easily so I have pared a few categories from the list.
R is for Rogues - mysteries
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
R is for Riveting - fiction
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
R is for Rhythm - music, dance
R is for Ruthless - noir & scaredyKIT
R is for RandomCAT
R is for Roam - including geoCAT
R is for Real life - biography, non-fiction, including nonficCAT
R is for Rune - alphaKIT
R is for Rover the BingoDOG
2VivienneR
R is for Rogues - mysteries
3VivienneR
R is for Rolls Royce - golden age mysteries
4VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
5VivienneR
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
Although I hope to focus on early and mid-century women.
6VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music, dance
7VivienneR
R is for Ruthless - noir, including scaredyKIT
8VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT
9VivienneR
R is for Roam
Category - Roam
10VivienneR
R is for Real life - biography, non-fiction, including nonfictionCAT
On a windy December day in 1881, Emily Warren Roebling, wife of the Brooklyn Bridge engineer, led a small group, including the mayors of Manhattan and Brooklyn to inspect the bridge. They walked across narrow wooden planks strung high over the East River. When they reached the other side, the group toasted Emily with champagne!
11VivienneR
R is for Rune - alphaKIT
Yearlong X and Z
January A & U
February F & B
March G & C
April S & T
May L & P
June K & Y
July J & R
August O & H
September M & E
October D & V
November I & Q
December W & N
12VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDOG
1. Of wee sweetie mice and men by Colin Bateman 3.5★
5. The caller by Karin Fossum 4★
9. Thunderstruck by Erik Larson 4★
11. Noah Barleywater runs away by John Boyne 4★
16. The mysterious affair at Styles by Agatha Christie 4.5★
18. Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: the body under the piano by Marthe Jocelyn 4.5★
21. The tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo 3★
25. Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce 4★
14VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDog - Folklore
Noah Barleywater runs away by John Boyne 4★
Early in the morning, before breakfast, Noah Barleywater ran away from home. He took a forest path coming across many puzzling things and strange creatures and where he eventually came to a toyshop. Over the course of the day the old man who owned the shop told Noah his life story and along the way, Noah's reason for running away is revealed. This is a charming, refreshingly different story that is filled with nonsensical ideas and yet its message hits the spot. It even has a nice twist at the end.
Intended for 8-12 year olds, this charming story may be enjoyed by anyone. This would be an excellent book for a child who is facing the loss of a loved one - or anyone who is looking for an afternoon with a delightful story.
15MissWatson
Happy new thread!
16thornton37814
>4 VivienneR: >8 VivienneR: Love the cats!
17VivienneR
>15 MissWatson: Thank you!
>16 thornton37814: Me too! I keep wondering which one I would choose. All of them!
>16 thornton37814: Me too! I keep wondering which one I would choose. All of them!
18VivienneR
R is for Ruthless
The Falls by Ian Rankin 4★
Another terrific visit to Edinburgh, this time with a more historic flavour than criminal underworld. Rebus has a new boss now that the Farmer has retired, and is beginning to see himself in the role of retiree with trepidation. This story has a lot to offer not least the many mentions of music, for which a handy notebook is essential as an aide memoire.
19PaulCranswick
Happy new thread, Vivienne.
20DeltaQueen50
Happy new thread, Vivienne. I am a huge fan of Rebus so I am happy to see you are enjoying the series.
21rabbitprincess
>18 VivienneR: Yay, Rebus! And I love that particular cover style.
22VivienneR
>19 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul.
>20 DeltaQueen50: Love the Rebus series!
>21 rabbitprincess: I knew you'd cheer for Rebus!
>20 DeltaQueen50: Love the Rebus series!
>21 rabbitprincess: I knew you'd cheer for Rebus!
23VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Still Leaping
Not quite dead enough by Rex Stout (published 1944) 3★
Archie sets the scene that will frame himself for murder to trick Wolfe back into the game of detection.
24VivienneR
R is for Real Life
Austerity Britain 1945-1951 by David Kynaston 4.5★
An interesting look at the state of Britain at the end of the second world war and the beginnings of recovery. Kynaston illustrates just how much the British suffered during the war years and how much had to be done. He provides a close look at food availability, housing, employment, economics, town planning, education, race relations, and the introduction of national health services. It shows that the first few years after the war were just as bleak, possibly more so, than the six years of conflict had been. As late as 1947 the already stringent rations were cut further, and for the first time potatoes were rationed.
In January 1947 it was noted by author and editor John Lehmann (friend of Christopher Isherwood): "The adrenaline (i.e. of war) was no longer being pumped into our veins. We endured with misery and loathing the continual fuel cuts, the rooms private and public in which we shivered in our exhausted overcoats, while the snow blizzards swept through the country again and yet again. Were there to be no fruits of victory? The rationing cards and coupons that still had to be presented for almost everything from eggs to minute pieces of scraggy Argentine meat, from petrol to bed-linen and 'economy' suits, seemed far more squalid and unjust than during the war."
In 1950 the good news was that eggs and soap were no longer rationed, while meat (4 ounces weekly), cheese, fats, sugar, tea and candies remained on the rationed list. After 10 years of rationing, petrol was removed from the list just in time for the Whitsun weekend, causing long queues, including one over two miles long. There is no doubt that the six years following the war were in some ways harder than the war itself but the end was in sight.
Race discrimination was described by Guyanian E.R Braithwaite who, despite a Cambridge degree could only find a teaching job in one of the East End "sink schools". He was later to tell of the experience in his book To Sir, With Love which also became a memorable movie. New radio and television shows became so popular they made writers and actors into household names.
Kynaston's comprehensive information is a valuable resource for historians but, while frequently fascinating, it is more detailed than most readers will need. This substantial volume comprises the first two books of Tales of a New Jerusalem a projected series about Britain between 1945 and 1979 intended to tell the story of ordinary citizens and celebrities as well as the decision-makers. In 1979 Margaret Thatcher changed direction and so began a new era.
I've been reading this huge but excellent book for the last month. The only thing that prevented me from giving it five stars was that there was not one mention of Northern Ireland, my country of origin, that I know was affected to the same degree as the rest of Britain.
27VivienneR
For Freedom to Read week I'm planning to read Dance me Outside by W.P. Kinsella. In 1994 Kinsella's books were removed from a Roman Catholic school in Barrie, Ontario.
The objection: “It was felt that there are some things that might be objectionable if taken out of context . . . A 14-year-old might not get the idea that Kinsella is using irony.”
Public schools and public libraries decided not to remove his books.
28JayneCM
>24 VivienneR: I have popped this straight on my want to read list. I was interested to see, when I looked it up on Goodreads, that there are two more volumes, one covering 1951-1957 and one covering 1957-1963.
29VivienneR
Hi Jayne! It was this time period that most interested me. I'm old enough to remember much of the later eras that I don't want to read about them, although I'll put my money on them being just as captivating.
30VivienneR
R is for Ruthless - February ScaredyKIT
The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor 4★
Joe goes back to his hometown as a teacher in his old school It appears he has issues to settle. The town has secrets, the characters have secrets, not the least of those are Joe's. A great story with lots of suspense and just enough horror to keep you on the edge of your seat. Joe's narration was frank even though he didn't know all the answers or who to trust. Should we even trust Joe? Very enjoyable.
31VivienneR
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
Another part of the wood by Beryl Bainbridge 3.5★
As Lynn Barber notes in the introduction, the camp used in this novel is based on one Bainbridge visited as a child, built by a philanthropist as a place for slum families to get fresh air. It is meant to be idyllic but I can't help thinking that the families it was intended for must have regarded the bunkhouses with no electricity, scratchy blankets, straw-filled mattresses, and chemical toilet, with as much horror as Bainbridge's characters. The story, with spare narrative is set in the 1960s, and is more about emotional forces than action or plot. The author's style is not to spell everything out but to leave much to the reader's intelligence. The intensely unlikeable characters grouse and find fault with each other until the catastrophic conclusion is inevitable.
32VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Read for Freedom to Read Week, February 23-29
Dance me outside by W.P. Kinsella 4★
A collection of short stories set on a reservation in Alberta. Funny in places and desperately sad in others. My favourite was the first story Illianna Comes Home.
33VivienneR
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
They came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie 3.5★
This is the only Christie book that I haven't read before because I always thought I'd prefer the whodunnits over espionage. That still holds, but this was a lot of fun. Victoria Jones is a wonderful character, a reckless romantic who has a taste for excitement. Add an archaeological dig into the mix, complete with an absent-minded archaeologist with the obligatory double-barrelled name and you have a perfect example of a Christie adventure story.
Published in 1951, this is a bit late for Golden Age, but I always associate Christie with that era.
34christina_reads
>33 VivienneR: I really like They Came to Baghdad -- it's probably my favorite of her espionage novels, although I agree that the whodunits are generally better!
35JayneCM
>33 VivienneR: I think I might grab this one for the espionage category coming up later in the year as I have zero reading experience with this genre. Unless The Spy Who Came In From The Cold counts?! I think so and it is the only book I can think that I have read that might fit.
36VivienneR
>34 christina_reads: It was better than I imagined it would be. I've never read her Tommy and Tuppence books either, so maybe this is a nudge.
>35 JayneCM: It was fun but if you want a more serious spy story, John le Carré would be at the top of my list.
>35 JayneCM: It was fun but if you want a more serious spy story, John le Carré would be at the top of my list.
37VivienneR
R is for Rune - aka AlphaKIT
Live and let die by Ian Fleming 4★
The writing is dated but it must be remembered that this was written in 1954. It was classic James Bond, filled with excitement, danger and a love interest. No wonder I was enthralled by Fleming's books when I was a teenager.
38JayneCM
>36 VivienneR: I did The Spy Who Came In From The Cold in high school and I remember really liking it. But I cannot remember anything about the story so it will be worth a reread.
39Tess_W
>37 VivienneR: One of my goals this year is to read an Ian Fleming book--never read one before!
40Helenliz
>37 VivienneR: they're not at all what I expected, I've now read a few. They're more subtle than the films, I think. I've not read Live & Let Die yet.
41VivienneR
>38 JayneCM: Oh you were a fortunate in high school! Apart from Shakespeare, I don't remember what I read, so it obviously wasn't memorable.
>39 Tess_W: You will enjoy him. He used politically correct terminology for the time, but now opinions have changed. I like the older, civil style of writing better than many of today's books that are filled with f-bombs.
>40 Helenliz: Yes, more subtle is exactly right. The movies didn't do Fleming and James Bond any favours.
>39 Tess_W: You will enjoy him. He used politically correct terminology for the time, but now opinions have changed. I like the older, civil style of writing better than many of today's books that are filled with f-bombs.
>40 Helenliz: Yes, more subtle is exactly right. The movies didn't do Fleming and James Bond any favours.
42Tess_W
>41 VivienneR: Me, too, Vivienne!
43JayneCM
>41 VivienneR: I remember all the books I read, but not necessarily the content! I certainly read way more than they seem to assign nowadays.
And I agree about preferring older books. Or modern books that write in that style.
And I agree about preferring older books. Or modern books that write in that style.
44VivienneR
>43 JayneCM: In school I usually had a text book wrapped around the book I was reading to conceal it. I always had at least one book on the go besides required reading.
45VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDog - Journalism
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce 4★
A somewhat slow opening about a young woman who dreams of becoming a "Lady War Correspondent" developed into a wonderful, heartwarming story. When Emma gets an interview for an office junior at the address of a major newspaper she is over the moon with happiness and doesn't pay attention to what will be expected of her. The job is not at the newspaper but in a related women's weekly magazine, typing responses in the "help" column. Her boss, the formidable Henrietta Bird, is adamant about shredding letters that mention relationships, love, and any other topic she regards as "Unpleasant". The inevitable happens and Emma starts secretly responding to the rejected appeals.
Pearce describes realistic WWII conditions in blitzed-out London, especially as they apply to women. In turns funny, sad, and poignant, the story illustrates the astonishing courage of the most ordinary people during the blitz. Recommended.
46VivienneR
February Summary
Read this month: 17
Year to Date: 36
The Best:
Eustace and Hllda, the final volume of Eustace and Hilda : a trilogy by L.P. Hartley 5★
Austerity Britain 1945-1951 by David Kynaston 4.5★
Dance me outside by W.P. Kinsella 4★
The Falls by Ian Rankin 4★
The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor 4★
Live and let die by Ian Fleming 4★
The BFG by Roald Dahl 4★
Noah Barleywater runs away by John Boyne 4★
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce 4★
They came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie 3.5★
Another part of the wood by Beryl Bainbridge 3.5★
The Rest:
The tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo 3★
Not quite dead enough by Rex Stout 3★
Provence A - Z by Peter Mayle 3★
Disappointing:
Neither here nor there: travels in Europe by Bill Bryson 2.5★
Note: I originally gave Bryson 3 stars but have reconsidered and downgraded to 2.5.
The Old Ways: a journey on foot by Robert Macfarlane 2★
Read this month: 17
Year to Date: 36
The Best:
Eustace and Hllda, the final volume of Eustace and Hilda : a trilogy by L.P. Hartley 5★
Austerity Britain 1945-1951 by David Kynaston 4.5★
Dance me outside by W.P. Kinsella 4★
The Falls by Ian Rankin 4★
The Hiding Place by C.J. Tudor 4★
Live and let die by Ian Fleming 4★
The BFG by Roald Dahl 4★
Noah Barleywater runs away by John Boyne 4★
Dear Mrs. Bird by AJ Pearce 4★
They came to Baghdad by Agatha Christie 3.5★
Another part of the wood by Beryl Bainbridge 3.5★
The Rest:
The tale of Despereaux: being the story of a mouse, a princess, some soup and a spool of thread by Kate DiCamillo 3★
Not quite dead enough by Rex Stout 3★
Provence A - Z by Peter Mayle 3★
Disappointing:
Neither here nor there: travels in Europe by Bill Bryson 2.5★
Note: I originally gave Bryson 3 stars but have reconsidered and downgraded to 2.5.
The Old Ways: a journey on foot by Robert Macfarlane 2★
47Jackie_K
>45 VivienneR: I like the sound of that! I've added it to my library wishlist.
48JayneCM
>45 VivienneR: I have that on my list for next year when I am planning a WWII - Britain's homefront - category in mind.
49Tess_W
>48 JayneCM: LOL Jayne, I'm planning a WWII category also, but not necessarily Britain's homefront.
50VivienneR
>47 Jackie_K: At the beginning I thought it was going to be too "chick-lit". Glad I stuck with it.
>48 JayneCM: and >49 Tess_W: You are already planning 2021?? Now that's what I call keen!
>48 JayneCM: and >49 Tess_W: You are already planning 2021?? Now that's what I call keen!
51Tess_W
>50 VivienneR: Nope, not planning. But when I read 3-4 of the same type of book, I always think: that should be a category!
52VivienneR
>51 Tess_W: Ah, I understand. I know some LTers plan a couple of years ahead. That wouldn't work for me because I'd hesitate to pick up a book in case it would fit one of next year's categories.
53VivienneR
R is for Roam - & GeoCAT - North Africa
In the country of men by Hisham Matar 4★
Suleiman, a nine-year-old boy in Libya is ignorant of the threat brought about by the new regime of Muammar Gaddafi. He unwittingly supplies information to the secret police who are watching his home for the father they suspect of being a subversive. Matar has created an outstanding story from a difficult, brutal era in Libya, an era to which he was personally exposed. His writing is beautiful, as is apparent in the scene where the boy is feasting on mulberries, as well as the execution scene that is televised and with every minute detail noticed by the audience. This is a profound story that the reader will remember long after closing the book.
54VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
Eric Clapton: The autobiography by Eric Clapton 2.5★
I've never been a fan of blues music but I once read that Clapton was the best guitarist ever. That's questionable. His memoir is little more than a resume, a list of bands he played with, guitars he bought, albums he made, money he made, women he shagged. It's honest, as far as can be remembered through an alcoholic haze, but reveals him as shallow and selfish. If you are looking for a book about just how drunk a person can get, or how stoned, destructive, arrogant, abusive they can be, then this is for you. What bugs me is that as a collector of music some of my money has ended up in his pocket.
It's difficult to rate this, Clapton was such an insufferable person making the vacuous content of little value, but the unremarkable writing (co-written by Clapton's friend Christopher Sykes) pushes it up to 2.5 stars.
55VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
The flatshare by Beth O'Leary 4★
What a funny, quirky story with just enough serious content to prevent it from becoming too fluffy. It's not so much a flat share as a bed share - for two total strangers who keep it up for several months without meeting and communicating only by post-it notes. Leon, a night nurse, gets the right side of the bed during the day and Tiffy gets the left side at night. Sounds bizarre, but O'Leary pulls it off in this highly entertaining debut.
My thanks to @RidgewayGirl who provided the bullet.
R is for RandomCAT - Seasons of love
The summer that never was by Peter Robinson 4★
Banks is enjoying the joys of a Greek island getaway to recover from his last case when he reads about the body of a young man uncovered at a building site. When he discovers the body is an old friend who disappeared while doing his paper route in 1965, Banks rushes off to give whatever aid is needed. Meanwhile in Yorkshire, Annie is investigating a missing 15 year old boy. These parallel cases made for an intriguing mystery novel with a clear, uncomplicated presentation. As Banks has plenty of of reason to look back to 1965 and his youth the reader is treated to a reminiscence of the politics and music of the era. This is one of my favourites from Robinson.
56VivienneR
The latest Early Reviewer snag:
The Button Book by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin 5★
This is not only a bright, beautifully illustrated book, but one that will be a lot of fun. Various animals present differently coloured buttons that when pressed cause an interesting reaction. The blue button, pressed by the elephant, will be a favourite of the child who will be the new owner of this book because he is entranced by elephants and also by the rude sound the blue button makes. Repeating the sequence is a clever idea as it means the child is able to anticipate what comes next.
58VivienneR
>57 RidgewayGirl: At first it sounded like something that would never work, ever, but somehow O'Leary made it seem doable. I loved it.
59JayneCM
>55 VivienneR: I have heard so many positive reviews of The Flatshare - I will just have to read it!
60VivienneR
>58 VivienneR: I hope you enjoy it, Jayne! I've already recommended her next book, The Switch, to the library. I hope they buy it soon!
61JayneCM
>60 VivienneR: I have put it on hold - hopefully it arrives before possible closure of the library.
62VivienneR
R is for Red Riding Hood- 20th century women authors
Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford 4.5★
A wickedly funny story about the aristocracy in the years between the wars before the decline of that echelon. Mitford's characters are delightfully eccentric. When heiress Polly marries someone regarded as unsuitable she is banished and the Montdores search out the next in line who is found in Nova Scotia, Canada. He turns out to be not a lumberjack but a colourful gay man. Just right. This was wonderful! I enjoyed it even more than The Pursuit of Love.
Some favourite quotes:
"Sea breezes, in so far as they are good for the complexion, were regarded by us as a means and not an end, for at that time it was our idea to live in capital cities and go to the Opera alight with diamonds, 'Who is that lovely woman?' and Nova Scotia was clearly not a suitable venue for such doings."
"Lady Montdore loved anybody royal. It was a genuine emotion, quite disinterested, since she loved them as much in exile as in power, and the act of curtsying was the consummation of this love. Her curtsies, owing to the solid quality of her frame, did not recall the graceful movement of wheat before the wind. She scrambled down like a camel, rising again backside foremost like a cow, a strange performance, painful it might be supposed to the performer, the expression on whose face, however, belied this thought. Her knees cracked like revolver shots but her smile was heavenly."
Fanny worried that Uncle Matthew, who brought her up, held little hope for Alfred, her new husband - "the fella reads books".
The Misunderstanding by Irène Némirovsky 2★
Maybe it was reading this right after Mitford's mischievously funny book (Love in a Cold Climate) which meant Némirovsky did not compare favourably. This was Némirovsky's first novel and she did get better but the characters here were highly annoying. Impoverished Yves found it impossible to say no, while the wealthy Denise thoughtlessly expected him to fork out for her every whim. The writing was below par too, with frequent comparisons used instead of descriptions: "like a flower opening, like a tulle dress flowing, and the like, some did not even create the intended image. Disappointing to say the least.
Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford 4.5★
A wickedly funny story about the aristocracy in the years between the wars before the decline of that echelon. Mitford's characters are delightfully eccentric. When heiress Polly marries someone regarded as unsuitable she is banished and the Montdores search out the next in line who is found in Nova Scotia, Canada. He turns out to be not a lumberjack but a colourful gay man. Just right. This was wonderful! I enjoyed it even more than The Pursuit of Love.
Some favourite quotes:
"Sea breezes, in so far as they are good for the complexion, were regarded by us as a means and not an end, for at that time it was our idea to live in capital cities and go to the Opera alight with diamonds, 'Who is that lovely woman?' and Nova Scotia was clearly not a suitable venue for such doings."
"Lady Montdore loved anybody royal. It was a genuine emotion, quite disinterested, since she loved them as much in exile as in power, and the act of curtsying was the consummation of this love. Her curtsies, owing to the solid quality of her frame, did not recall the graceful movement of wheat before the wind. She scrambled down like a camel, rising again backside foremost like a cow, a strange performance, painful it might be supposed to the performer, the expression on whose face, however, belied this thought. Her knees cracked like revolver shots but her smile was heavenly."
Fanny worried that Uncle Matthew, who brought her up, held little hope for Alfred, her new husband - "the fella reads books".
The Misunderstanding by Irène Némirovsky 2★
Maybe it was reading this right after Mitford's mischievously funny book (Love in a Cold Climate) which meant Némirovsky did not compare favourably. This was Némirovsky's first novel and she did get better but the characters here were highly annoying. Impoverished Yves found it impossible to say no, while the wealthy Denise thoughtlessly expected him to fork out for her every whim. The writing was below par too, with frequent comparisons used instead of descriptions: "like a flower opening, like a tulle dress flowing, and the like, some did not even create the intended image. Disappointing to say the least.
63clue
>62 VivienneR: I'm glad to see you liked Love in a Cold Climate, I have it on my shelf and took it down a couple of days ago, then decided I wouldn't get to it this month. I look forward to it though.
64Tess_W
<62 I also read an Irene Nemirovsky, Suite Francaise, and thought I didn't like it because she died before she finished the book and friends finished it for her. Perhaps the writing wasn't really that good? I thought the story line boring, and that would be odd for WWII occupied France.
65VivienneR
>63 clue: Not everybody likes Mitford, but I found her humour appealing. I hope you like it when you get to it.
>64 Tess_W: This one was a boring story too and what I didn't like can't be blamed on the translation. I gave Suite Francaise five stars. I was touched by how the story came about rather than examining the writing style. I might rate it differently on a second reading.
>64 Tess_W: This one was a boring story too and what I didn't like can't be blamed on the translation. I gave Suite Francaise five stars. I was touched by how the story came about rather than examining the writing style. I might rate it differently on a second reading.
66JayneCM
>64 Tess_W: >65 VivienneR: I have Nemirovsky's David Golder in my TBR pile as I have heard it is her best.
67VivienneR
>66 JayneCM: I haven't read that one. I'll watch out for your opinion, Jayne.
68VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
The beautiful ones by Prince 4★
My daughter-in-law borrowed this from the library and as she was not able to return it because of the pandemic closure I was able to read it too without having to wait. The memoir was still in the planning stage with a co-writer Dan Piepenbring when Prince died, so the content is taken from Prince's hand-written notes, photos, even school report cards. Images of all these materials are included. The cover is a photo he took in the bathroom mirror. Recommended for fans.
"I like dreaming now more than I used to. Some of my friends have passed away, and I see them in my dreams. It's like they are here, and the dreams are just like waking sometimes."
R is for Rune - aka AlphaKIT - March G & C
Gone tomorrow by Lee Child 4★
Another impressive story in the Jack Reacher series, this one with a fascinating opening when Reacher notices that a fellow passenger on the subway has all the characteristics of being a suicide bomber. The plot involved US government affairs, something I'm not entirely familiar with, but this was a page-turner and easy to follow. I love Jack Reacher, who is so different to any other fictional sleuths, and Child is a great storyteller.
69VivienneR
R is for Real Life - & nonfictionCAT
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs by Caitlin Doughty 3★
Mortician Doughty answers questions from kids about death. A short read that is hilarious yet informative. I love the cat on the cover that looks like it's considering an eyeball or two!
70Helenliz
>69 VivienneR: You can't leave it at that! At least tell us if the answer to the question. I don't even have a cat and yet I know that's going to bother me!!
71VivienneR
>70 Helenliz: Yes! But first they'll finish off whatever cat food is remaining. There were lots of interesting tales from the mortuary. Some of the questions were terrific. Why was grandma wrapped in plastic after she died? Hmm, you don't want the answer to that one! :)
72VivienneR
R is for Real Life - & nonfictionCAT
Effie: the passionate lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper 4★
I'm acquainted with some of the works of Millais but had no idea of any details of his life or that of Effie and John Ruskin. It's surprising because now that I've read Cooper's excellent book I keep coming across mentions of them. This was fascinating and a good look at the mores of the Victorian era. But "passionate" is a bit of a misnomer, given that Effie was still a virgin after 6 years of marriage to Ruskin.
73RidgewayGirl
>70 Helenliz: A pathologist I follow on twitter says she'll never have a cat because she's seen too often what happens to bodies of cat owners. As someone who lives with cats, I'm surprised that they wait until we're dead.
74VivienneR
>73 RidgewayGirl: Uggh! Could be worked into a horror story!
75Helenliz
>71 VivienneR:, >73 RidgewayGirl:. Thanks (I think).
76VivienneR
>73 RidgewayGirl: & >75 Helenliz: I probably don't need to tell you that the Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs bullet came from @rabbitprincess who is always up for a weird book! ;(
77VivienneR
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
Five little pigs by Agatha Christie 4★
It was time to re-read this when I realized I couldn't recall whodunnit. It was well worth the second reading even though my memory clicked in before the denouement.
78clue
>73 RidgewayGirl: My friend's cat jumps right into my lap when I visit. I've always wondered why he likes to put his nose up to my mouth, now I know, he's checking for breath!
79rabbitprincess
>76 VivienneR: Ha! I hope you used it for the "weird title" square on the bingo card!!
80VivienneR
>78 clue: Doesn't that make you shiver! Fits right in with feline reputation.
>79 rabbitprincess: Too late! I have already filled that square.
>79 rabbitprincess: Too late! I have already filled that square.
81VivienneR
R is for Rogues - mysteries
Paper Money by Ken Follett 3.5★
Events that appear unrelated have significant effects on each other in this clever novel set in London in the 1970s. The action all takes place in one day linking divergent individuals in a dramatic conclusion.
R is for Ruthless - noir
I know who you are by Alice Feeney 3.5★
Creepy and compelling psychological thriller that lost impetus with a finish requiring the reader to suspend disbelief.
82VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carrê 4★
The best part of le Carré's novels is that they are so believable - like reading an exciting documentary instead of fiction. Even the characters behave like real people. He has an ability to describe things as if he was there, seeing incidental details just the way we do in real life. Highly recommended.
83Tess_W
>82 VivienneR: I've never read a le Carre. I think perhaps I should! Would you suggest this one as my first or another title?
84VivienneR
>83 Tess_W: One of my favourites is The spy who came in from the cold, number 3 in the George Smiley series, would be a good place to start. I hope you enjoy it. I always think of le Carré's books in black and white like an old movie.
85Tess_W
>84 VivienneR: Ty, Vivienne. I put that on my wish list.
86dudes22
>84 VivienneR: - Oh - That's funny Vivienne - so do I.
87DeltaQueen50
I've been eyeballing the Le Carre books but didn't know exactly where to start so thanks for the suggestion of The Spy Who Came in From the Cold. I've now picked up a Kindle copy.
88VivienneR
I'll never forget Richard Burton in the movie version, 1965. That's who I think of when I read le Carré's books.
89VivienneR
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer 4★
As I read this closed room mystery from the Golden Age I thought it was familar and then at the end I knew I'd read it before, however, it was long enough ago that it wasn't spoiled for me. A lovely diversity of characters.
R is for Roam - & GeoCAT Pakistan
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie 4★
Said to be a reworking of Antigone. Shamsie sets her story in modern London with the same conflict between family and faith. The graceful prose is beautiful. Highly recommended.
90VivienneR
R is for Ruthless - noir
The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson 2★
Many retellings have turned out to be duds for me and this retelling of Rebecca is another (unlike my last book). The writing is lush, but languid to the point of being lethargic. The ghostly spookiness I expected didn't come to light. It's difficult to rate, that beautiful language deserves some credit, but for me, the story ended up being tedious.
I was hoping to use this for March ScaredyKIT but it's just not scary enough.
91VivienneR
I won't get anything else finished today so I'm calling it a month.
March Summary
Read this month: 18
Year to Date: 54
The Best:
The Button Book by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin 5★
Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford 4.5★
Five little pigs by Agatha Christie 4★
The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer 4★
The flatshare by Beth O'Leary 4★
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carrê 4★
The beautiful ones by Prince 4★
The summer that never was by Peter Robinson 4★
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie 4★
In the country of men by Hisham Matar 4★
Effie: the passionate lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper 4★
Gone tomorrow by Lee Child 4★
The Rest:
I know who you are by Alice Feeney 3.5★
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs by Caitlin Doughty 3★
Disappointments:
Eric Clapton: The autobiography by Eric Clapton 2.5★
The Misunderstanding by Irène Némirovsky 2★
The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson 2★
March Summary
Read this month: 18
Year to Date: 54
The Best:
The Button Book by Sally Nicholls, illustrated by Bethan Woollvin 5★
Love in a Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford 4.5★
Five little pigs by Agatha Christie 4★
The Unfinished Clue by Georgette Heyer 4★
The flatshare by Beth O'Leary 4★
The Honourable Schoolboy by John le Carrê 4★
The beautiful ones by Prince 4★
The summer that never was by Peter Robinson 4★
Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie 4★
In the country of men by Hisham Matar 4★
Effie: the passionate lives of Effie Gray, John Ruskin and John Everett Millais by Suzanne Fagence Cooper 4★
Gone tomorrow by Lee Child 4★
The Rest:
I know who you are by Alice Feeney 3.5★
Will My Cat Eat My Eyeballs by Caitlin Doughty 3★
Disappointments:
Eric Clapton: The autobiography by Eric Clapton 2.5★
The Misunderstanding by Irène Némirovsky 2★
The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson 2★
92DeltaQueen50
>90 VivienneR: I had The Lantern on my library list but it doesn't sound like something I would enjoy so I have removed it - thanks for taking the hit on this one.
93VivienneR
R is for Rogues - mysteries
Trust your eyes by Linwood Barclay 4.5★
Another brilliant gift from Barclay. I picked up this book in the afternoon and had it finished before bedtime, that's how compelling he is. Excellent characters with plot angles that all fit together really well to create this thoroughly entertaining pageturner.
94rabbitprincess
>93 VivienneR: Ooh, this might be my favourite of his!
95VivienneR
>94 rabbitprincess: It's my favourite too! I loved the characters and somehow, despite murders, it was entertaining. That's not easy to achieve.
96pamelad
>93 VivienneR: Adding this one to the wish list.
97VivienneR
>96 pamelad: Yay! Linwood Barclay will not disappoint.
98VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
As though I had wings: the lost memoir by Chet Baker 4★
Chet Baker, legendary musician of the California Cool jazz scene left notes about his life that his widow, Carol Baker published to portray his personality better than any one-dimensional biography could possibly create.
He met and played with all the celebrated jazz musicians but his collaboration with Gerry Mulligan generated a unique style. Instead of playing identical melody lines in unison they complemented each other with counterpoint, anticipating what the other would play. The result is outstanding.
Baker's life was at times heartbreaking, mostly self-inflicted via heroin, but he kept on going often losing all he owned in the process. After his trumpet was stolen in the 1960s a friend loaned, and eventually gave him, a flugelhorn that he loved and played from that time on. Listening to him playing while reading his words heightened my enjoyment of the book.
Baker died mysteriously in an apparent fall in Amsterdam. Like his life, this slim book ends suddenly, leaving me longing for more.
99VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Showers and Flowers
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 1★
Adichie describes a religious fanatic of the worst kind. Although her prose is lovely and she evokes the characters quite well, this simple story has not much more to it than a man who savagely assaults his wife and children if they fail to obey his own twisted version of godliness.
It was difficult to endure this book. I cannot recommend it to anyone.
100VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDog - non-UK/US female author
The caller by Karin Fossum 4★
Pranks made by an unhappy teenager provide the plot of this intriguing mystery. It is apparent that there will be no happy ending but the ambiguous finish made the story even more mysterious. The characters, including Inspector Sejer, are all excellent portrayals that are believable. This was my first Fossum novel but I will definitely be looking for more.
101lkernagh
Great reading happening here and I will admit to being a little creeped out by the cat talk. :-)
>90 VivienneR: - Good review re: The Lantern. I double checked my review and while I rated it higher, I noted that it took more than the average level of perseverance to make it through the story to the end. One of those books I purchased because I loved the cover art, and the premise.
>90 VivienneR: - Good review re: The Lantern. I double checked my review and while I rated it higher, I noted that it took more than the average level of perseverance to make it through the story to the end. One of those books I purchased because I loved the cover art, and the premise.
102VivienneR
>101 lkernagh: Caitlin Doughty's Will my cat eat my eyeballs was informative and funny at the same time. It's not only children who have these questions.
Yes, perseverance is exactly what is required for The Lantern. The cover was beautiful.
Yes, perseverance is exactly what is required for The Lantern. The cover was beautiful.
103VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDog - title contains a pun
Of wee sweetie mice and men by Colin Bateman 3.5★
Belfast journalist Dan Starkey is off to New York to cover a fight between Mike Tyson and a little-known Irish fighter, nicknamed Fat Boy McMaster, or sometimes Marshmallow McMaster who has somehow become Ireland's champion. After a series of misunderstandings McMaster's wife is kidnapped. This slapstick farce is loaded with humour that is hardly likely to be fully understood outside Northern Ireland. However, Bateman gave me several laugh out loud moments and a happy memory of "wee sweetie mice", a favourite candy of my childhood.
104DeltaQueen50
>103 VivienneR: I am looking forward to continuing on in the Colin Bateman series.
105VivienneR
>104 DeltaQueen50: Because of the virus restrictions I was seeking other sources of books, and found several of Bateman's books on RBdigital available through the library. I believe after listening to this one my Northern Ireland accent has been resurrected. :)
106DeltaQueen50
>105 VivienneR: Oh, I would love to listen to that series. I actually love books that are read in the dialect of the setting even though it often takes me awhile to pick it up. Trainspotting is one that springs to mind. I probably had to start if over a couple of times but once I started to understand what was being said, I totally fell in love with that book and I think I got more out of it from listening rather than trying to read it.
107VivienneR
>106 DeltaQueen50: Use your library card to try RBdigital. I found a lot of books that I would have read in print but because the library is closed I can get them now in audio or ebook format. I use Overdrive too.
I've always meant to read Trainspotting. I'll look for the audio version first.
I've always meant to read Trainspotting. I'll look for the audio version first.
108dudes22
>107 VivienneR: - Vivienne - How is RBdigital different from Overdrive? Sounds like it's still only what's available from your library?
109Tess_W
>108 dudes22: Vivienne may have additional info, but what I have found is that RBdigital has magazines and Overdrive doesn't. Overdrive is Kindle compatible, but RBdigital is not. My library offers both and when I asked them the difference, their answer was Rbdigital was more user friendly, so patrons told them. I have no problems at all with Overdrive, so I'll stick with that.
110NinieB
>108 dudes22: >109 Tess_W: Both are subscription services that your public library (or state library, or regional library system) pays for. Also, your library may choose to offer one kind of source (say, magazines) but not another that the service makes available. Your library should have information on its website about what it has available online.
111lkernagh
>108 dudes22: - My local library also offers RBDigital. I use their app on my smartphone to download and listen to audiobooks. I am not sure if my local library offers Overdrive anymore. Will need to investigate.
112VivienneR
>108 dudes22: Hi Betty, the responses following your post seem to provide the answers. RBdigital is another service like Overdrive where a subscription is available through your library card.
>109 Tess_W: My library offers both too but I've never used RBdigital before. Their ebook and audiobook catalogue appears smaller but different to Overdrive, which I prefer and find the more user-friendly of the two. I've never felt inclined to reading magazines online.
>110 NinieB: Thank you, Ninie, that says it all.
>111 lkernagh: Lori, for some reason, I always had difficulties with RBdigital (probably my fault entirely) but as I was more than happy with Overdrive I ignored RB. Now that the bricks and mortar library is closed I'm seeking options - as if I didn't have enough reading on my own shelves already!
>109 Tess_W: My library offers both too but I've never used RBdigital before. Their ebook and audiobook catalogue appears smaller but different to Overdrive, which I prefer and find the more user-friendly of the two. I've never felt inclined to reading magazines online.
>110 NinieB: Thank you, Ninie, that says it all.
>111 lkernagh: Lori, for some reason, I always had difficulties with RBdigital (probably my fault entirely) but as I was more than happy with Overdrive I ignored RB. Now that the bricks and mortar library is closed I'm seeking options - as if I didn't have enough reading on my own shelves already!
113lkernagh
>111 lkernagh: - To be fair, I have had problems with the RBDigital app. I find that it can go to La-La Land if I try to launch the app when I am not connected via Wi-Fi or my data plan (something I discovered while traveling last month).
114VivienneR
>113 lkernagh: Thanks for that tip, Lori. I'm still new-fangled at RBdigital and need all the advice I can get.
115VivienneR
R is for Ruthless - noir mysteries
Broken Ground by Val McDermid 4.5★
I've been reading McDermid's books out of order as they become available. This one featuring Karen Pirie is my favourite so far. Unfortunately it looks like it's the last in the series.
116DeltaQueen50
>107 VivienneR: I really need to get with the times and figure out what my library offers in the way of audio and downloaded books. I tend to just go to Audible.com or Amazon and buy the books, but borrowing makes a lot more sense. This will be my project for today - check out my library's wesite!
117rabbitprincess
>115 VivienneR: Karen Pirie is my favourite of McDermid's detectives, although I haven't finished the series yet. I picked up The Skeleton Road at a bad time and it didn't work for me, so I have to try again. And I have not yet read A Darker Domain. I have a request in at the library, but it will be a while...
118VivienneR
>117 rabbitprincess: Mine too! But some of the books I have read were pre-LT days. They may show up again so I'll be able to compare better.
119VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Dream Wheels by Richard Wagamese 4★
I'm not a fan of rodeos or bull-riding but Canadian author Richard Wagamese's book has been able to transport me so that I could almost smell the dust and animals. This is a fabulous debut novel showing his exceptional ability. It's a story of broken bodies and relationships, a coming of age, and of redemption. His understanding and respect for women is to be commended. A tad long, but the vivid characters and story make it well worth reading.
120DeltaQueen50
>119 VivienneR: I am also not a fan of rodeos/bull-riding but I can't resist the lure of a Richard Wagamese novel - onto my wishlist this one goes!
121Tess_W
>119 VivienneR: sounds very similar to Nicholas Sparks' The Longest Ride, at least plot-wise.
122VivienneR
>120 DeltaQueen50: This was his debut and I think he got better although I haven't read enough to be sure. I hope to be more definite soon, when I have added another couple of books to the "read" pile. Still, I think his writing is wonderful. He is able to portray his heritage without overdoing it the way some First Nations writers do.
>121 Tess_W: I don't know about that. Wagamese's writing style is very different to Sparks. Dream Wheels is more about recovery (injury and jail) combined with native wisdom than the love stories Sparks writes. However, I've only read a couple of Sparks' books so I'm no expert.
>121 Tess_W: I don't know about that. Wagamese's writing style is very different to Sparks. Dream Wheels is more about recovery (injury and jail) combined with native wisdom than the love stories Sparks writes. However, I've only read a couple of Sparks' books so I'm no expert.
123Tess_W
>122 VivienneR: Definitely Sparks writes a love story. But I found his one on the rodeo less "love" than most--I really only read 3 Sparks! I read this one for some challenge, can't remember now. His rodeo is also about injury, recovery, and of course, love (at the very end).
124VivienneR
R is for Roam GeoCAT April - Oceania
Killman by Graeme Kent 4.5★
This is one of my favourite series. It's set on the Solomon Islands in the 1960s and Kent presents the exotic location and the part pagan, part Christian characters irresistibly. Like Sergeant Kella and many of the inhabitants, Sister Conchita is able to intertwine the culture and traditions of both groups and make them work. As well as police sergeant, Kella is the aofia, a position of spiritual peacekeeper respected by everyone. Serious yet lighthearted enough to be fun, this is a wonderful series.
In this novel there is deep unrest after three deaths occur. Is it possible that a Japanese soldier stranded on the island has committed the crimes, not knowing that the war is over. Learning about the people and history of the area, which was important in South Pacific WWII strategy, is one of the main attractions of Kent's books.
Graeme Kent ran BBC Schools broadcasting service in the Solomons for eight years and is still involved with the educational system in the South Pacific Commission.
125rabbitprincess
>124 VivienneR: Ooh, this one is actually available as an ebook at my library! Grabbing it now.
126Tess_W
>124 VivienneR: I definitely want to check out the first book in the series. Very difficult to find good lit with that locale.
127VivienneR
>124 VivienneR: This is the third in the series but I think they can be read out of order. Maybe the first one describes his spiritual job more. I hope you enjoy it, I always feel responsible if a book I recommend doesn't measure up for others.
>125 rabbitprincess: It certainly is difficult to find fiction set in the south Pacific. Kent really knows his stuff, something I appreciate.
>125 rabbitprincess: It certainly is difficult to find fiction set in the south Pacific. Kent really knows his stuff, something I appreciate.
128dudes22
>124 VivienneR: - I don't really need another series, but I'm going to take a BB and try the first book.
129DeltaQueen50
>124 VivienneR: Sigh, you've reminded me of another series where I really enjoyed the first book, but then failed to get back to the series. Must rectify this.
130VivienneR
>128 dudes22: I know how you feel about another series! Jut what we all need.
>129 DeltaQueen50: I remember you liked the first one, Judy. It's so easy to get sidetracked.
>129 DeltaQueen50: I remember you liked the first one, Judy. It's so easy to get sidetracked.
131VivienneR
R is for Rune - aka AlphaKIT - April S & T
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu by Michael Stanley 3.5★
Kubu has been called in to investigate two deaths at a tourist camp in Botswana. However, one of the murdered men is identified as having died years previously. Kubu is a charming character, nicknamed Hippo because of his large girth.
Throughout the story Stanley obligingly includes information about the history and culture of Botswans and its relationship to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
It's a good mystery but if it had been shorter it would have gained a higher rating. I'm always left wondering why an author believes they have to throw in everything but the kitchen sink.
132VivienneR
My reading and listening has had a few blips this week. First of all the audiobook I was listening to developed audio problems and had to be abandoned. Then when I was a good way into my RBdigital ebook I was told I had to "sign in" again only to be told my password doesn't exist. Arrgh! Suddenly my reading plans had to be revised.
133lkernagh
>132 VivienneR: - How frustrating!
134Tess_W
>132 VivienneR: Technology is wonderful--until it goes awry!
135VivienneR
>133 lkernagh: I agree with the advice you gave me earlier that RBdigital goes into la la land sometimes. I've tried everything I can think of but no luck.
>134 Tess_W: And technology usually goes awry in a big way. My husband was tired of the offerings Netflix so I got a subscription to Acorn. The second time we watched something it went awry with vision and sound. Scared the life out of me. I'm rethinking the subscription.
>134 Tess_W: And technology usually goes awry in a big way. My husband was tired of the offerings Netflix so I got a subscription to Acorn. The second time we watched something it went awry with vision and sound. Scared the life out of me. I'm rethinking the subscription.
136PaulCranswick
I determinedly don't do audiobooks, Vivienne, but I have developed a habit of reading along with a play that I set going on YouTube. Works well for me.
Have a peaceful and relaxing weekend.
Have a peaceful and relaxing weekend.
137Tess_W
>135 VivienneR: We purchased Acorn, just to watch Vera! Watched a couple of other things, but then didn't find anything else to watch. I canceled that and subscribed to Brit Box and we prefer that. It has Vera as well as Midsommer Murders and Father Brown.
138RidgewayGirl
>135 VivienneR: Our tv did this while we were watching Netflix. And then I insulted my husband by suggesting that we just ask our teenage son to fix it. It took him some time, but my husband did eventually figure out how to get it running again.
139VivienneR
>136 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul! I enjoy some audiobooks but not all books work in that format: it has to be the right story and the right narrator. I like to listen as I work around the house. I tried reading and listening to the same book, which worked well once when a lot of the text was in another language. Most of the time I read at a faster pace than the audio narrator, which is frustrating. Life with the virus around is very peaceful, no neighbours dropping by for coffee with rambunctious grandchildren. I enjoyed my 7am grocery shopping trip. Enjoy your weekend.
>137 Tess_W: We have watched all those series on tv so there may not be much left. I suspect Acorn won't last long in my house.
>138 RidgewayGirl: It's reassuring to hear it happened to someone else! My son lives about 15 km from us and even though close, it's too far for trivial help requests.
>137 Tess_W: We have watched all those series on tv so there may not be much left. I suspect Acorn won't last long in my house.
>138 RidgewayGirl: It's reassuring to hear it happened to someone else! My son lives about 15 km from us and even though close, it's too far for trivial help requests.
140VivienneR
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie 4★
My Dad introduced me to Agatha Christie when I was about 10 or 11 years old. Preferring her usual whodunnit, I skipped the Tommy and Tuppence novels, which was too bad because this is an adventure-style mystery that I would have devoured. Fortunately it's never too late to enjoy an Agatha Christie.
141VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
The girl in the polka dot dress by Beryl Bainbridge 4★
Typical of Bainsbridge she leaves out much of the background detail in her novels, but the beauty of her writing is that she brings it out as the story progresses as if the reader is living it as they read. Her oblique but spare style and dark humour is memorable. Set in 1968, this is about Rose, a teenager searching for Dr Wheeler, a man who helped her in a troubled time and who is part of Robert Kennedy's entourage. She is aided by Washington Harold, also seeking Wheeler but for a very different reason. He has offered to transport her across America in his camper. Their link is unlikely as they have little in common apart from a common goal. The book ends almost abruptly when they reach Los Angeles during a tragic moment in American history. Bainsbridge, who died in 2010, wrote the final pages of the almost-finished book during her last days in hospital. Her editor chose to publish it much as Bainsbridge left it.
Sweet caress: the many lives of Amory Clay by William Boyd 3★
A fictional autobiography of a fictional photographer who wrote her story in 1977 at 69 years old while living on a Hebridean island. Her career covered many significant happenings of the 20th century that Boyd perfectly merges with Amory's personal story. His novel is a tempestuous, sprawling story ranging from the scintillating 1920s Weimar culture of Berlin (the resulting photos were seized by police at an exhibition in London), to a brutal attack during a demonstration by Oswald Mosley's fascists. After a time in New York she returned to England to became a war photographer for the D-Day landings, and later in Vietnam. Boyd created an intense, complex, yet ultimately shallow character in a novel that despite the adventurous era manages to be bland and a shade too long.
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
Bramton Wick by Elizabeth Fair 4★
Post-war country village life, and a mother of two daughters who would give Austen's Mrs Bennet a run for her money. It's a charming story.
142thornton37814
>141 VivienneR: Book bullet on Bramton Wick. Sounds charming. When I added it to my Amazon wish list, I saw there were several others by the author--all for $2.99. I want to catch up on stuff owned first, but this sounds like fun.
143VivienneR
>142 thornton37814: I'm in the same position, I want to read what I own first, but I can't resist those beautiful stories from the mid-20th century. It's a different era yet within memory. I've enjoyed many of the books from Furrowed Middlebrow, identifiable from the roof on the cover.
144thornton37814
>143 VivienneR: I won't wait that long, but I've got some ARCs with deadlines as well as some library books with due dates, and until I can get those under control, I won't let myself buy more. I've gotten behind because of this Coronavirus. It's drained me of my ability to concentrate. I'm going to hopefully finish one book in the next hour and then make a bit more of a dent in one I hope to finish tomorrow. Then I'll tackle the library book with the shortest time left. Just plugging along.
145VivienneR
>144 thornton37814: Yes, we are so busy adapting to a new lifestyle that it is difficult to keep up the old one. I've been having difficulty sleeping with resulting headaches and feeling out of sorts.
How ridiculous I am, saying I want to read what I own first. That would take me until I'm about 120 years old! :))
How ridiculous I am, saying I want to read what I own first. That would take me until I'm about 120 years old! :))
146VivienneR
R is for Rover the BingoDog - published 2020
This was my latest Early Reviewer snag and I loved it.
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: the body under the piano by Marthe Jocelyn 4.5★
Like many of us, Marthe Jocelyn is a long time fan of Agatha Christie. Her admiration inspired her to write a murder mystery for young people portraying Aggie Morton, a shy, twelve-year-old whose life resembles that of Christie's. The story takes place in 1902 in Torquay where she is aided by a Belgian refugee, Hector Perot, a couple who make a fine pair of detectives. I hope this is just the first of many books featuring Aggie and Hector. The author researched Christie well and the Queen of Crime herself would be happy with the likeness in this delightful mystery novel for the middle grades or older. No knowledge of Agatha Christie is required but this book may create a passion for her books. Highly recommended.
147VivienneR
April was a good month for reading, I had more of "the best" than any other:
April Summary
Read this month: 25
Year to Date: 69
The Best:
Trust your eyes by Linwood Barclay 4.5★
Broken Ground by Val McDermid 4.5★
Killman by Graeme Kent 4.5★
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: the body under the piano by Marthe Jocelyn 4.5★
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie 4★
Dream Wheels by Richard Wagamese 4★
The girl in the polka dot dress by Beryl Bainbridge 4★
Bramton Wick by Elizabeth Fair 4★
The caller by Karin Fossum 4★
As though I had wings: the lost memoir by Chet Baker 4★
The Rest:
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu by Michael Stanley 3.5★
Of wee sweetie mice and men by Colin Bateman 3.5★
Sweet caress: the many lives of Amory Clay by William Boyd 3★
The rat catchers' Olympics by Colin Cotterill 3★
Disappointing:
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 1★
April Summary
Read this month: 25
Year to Date: 69
The Best:
Trust your eyes by Linwood Barclay 4.5★
Broken Ground by Val McDermid 4.5★
Killman by Graeme Kent 4.5★
Aggie Morton, Mystery Queen: the body under the piano by Marthe Jocelyn 4.5★
The Secret Adversary by Agatha Christie 4★
Dream Wheels by Richard Wagamese 4★
The girl in the polka dot dress by Beryl Bainbridge 4★
Bramton Wick by Elizabeth Fair 4★
The caller by Karin Fossum 4★
As though I had wings: the lost memoir by Chet Baker 4★
The Rest:
The Second Death of Goodluck Tinubu by Michael Stanley 3.5★
Of wee sweetie mice and men by Colin Bateman 3.5★
Sweet caress: the many lives of Amory Clay by William Boyd 3★
The rat catchers' Olympics by Colin Cotterill 3★
Disappointing:
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie 1★
148DeltaQueen50
I, too, have taken a book bullet for Bramton Wick (and the rest of this charming collection). I've picked up a couple but I suspect I will be going back for the rest very soon.
149VivienneR
>148 DeltaQueen50: Yes, I'll be buying more in the series too. I like to try one (preferably the first) in a series to see how I like it. Elizabeth Fair's will go now on my wishlist.
150Tess_W
>141 VivienneR: I too, took at hit for Bramton Wick. My library had none of them, nor anything by the author, at all. Thankfully, they were only $2.99 on Amazon. I bought the first one and then I'll buy as I read.
151LittleTaiko
>141 VivienneR: - I really enjoyed Bramton Wick when I read it last year too. You've reminded me that I have another of her books, The Mingham Air on my shelf that I should really get to.
152VivienneR
>150 Tess_W: I discovered the author on a Facebook group (Undervalued British Women Novelists 1930-1960). My library had none of the authors in their catalogues (undervalued indeed). I was happy to discover the Furrowed Middlebrow books on Amazon that has Elizabeth Fair and many others.
>151 LittleTaiko: I'll watch out for your comments on that one. It might be the next one I'll pick up.
>151 LittleTaiko: I'll watch out for your comments on that one. It might be the next one I'll pick up.
153VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
Dead Beat by Val McDermid 4★
This is the first of the Kate Brannigan series. Kate is asked by a rock musician to find Moira, his missing partner and songwriter. It's outside her usual type of case but Kate brings the wayward woman back only to find her murdered soon after. This is an early work of McDermid's and not as gritty as later works, more of a whodunnit. What I enjoyed most were Brannigan's character and her sassy remarks. I look forward to more in the series.
154VivienneR
R is for Rogues - mysteries
Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton 3★ & May MysteryKIT
If you read one Hamish Macbeth story, you've read them all. I don't know why I continue with them except that Hamish is so appealing and they provide a bit of fun on a dull day.
155VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Between by Angie Abdou 3.5★
A wealthy couple hire a live-in Filipino nanny and are determined to make her one of the family. From the beginning they break the rules of the "nanny guide" that LiLi relies on for direction. Naturally the class divide wins. Abdou does not flinch from diving into emotional chasms of domestic life, alcohol, sex, marriage, and fraught relationships, all of which take this above a mere domestic drama. This is a candid look at contemporary marriage, hedonism, and cultural divergence told in Abdou's fresh engaging style.
156VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Believe in Your Shelf
Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri 3★
It's time for Montalbano to decide if he wants Livia or not. It seems they are better apart.
157thornton37814
>156 VivienneR: I really don't care for Livia that much.
158VivienneR
>157 thornton37814: I've only got one more Montalbano on the shelf and it might be my last. For me, Camilleri's books would be better without Livia.
159thornton37814
>158 VivienneR: Since Camilleri died, there won't be many more--just what was in the works or what might be discovered.
160mathgirl40
>146 VivienneR: I'll have to look for the Aggie Morton books, both because I'm an Agatha Christie fan and because I like Marthe Jocelyn's writing. My daughters and I had read a couple of her books years ago and thought they were very good.
161VivienneR
>159 thornton37814: There are many in the series that I don't own and will remain unread - unless I forget whatever it is that niggles.
>160 mathgirl40: Oh, I didn't realize she had written other stories. I've only seen her picture books. I hope I come across more of her books because as an Agatha Christie fan I really enjoyed Aggie Morton. It was clever without being silly.
>160 mathgirl40: Oh, I didn't realize she had written other stories. I've only seen her picture books. I hope I come across more of her books because as an Agatha Christie fan I really enjoyed Aggie Morton. It was clever without being silly.
162VivienneR
Notes on nursing: what it is and what it is not by Florence Nightingale 4★
The 200th anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birth was celebrated on May 12, 2020. She was an amazing woman deserving of all the praise given. Among her advice for standard nursing care concerned with cleanliness and fresh air, are some interesting nuggets, such as: "Always sit within the patient's view, so that when you speak he has not to turn his head round in order to look at you." While most notes are common sense today, the Victorian sickroom was usually dark, stuffy, and fetid. Thankfully, our homes and hospitals are more hygienic than those of Nightingale's time and the swish of crinolines rarely keep a patient awake nowadays. It's an interesting look back at nursing and how it evolved especially when it is front page news at present.
Florence Nightingale by Laura E. Richards 4★
Nightingale (born May 12, 1820) accomplished so much in her lifetime, starting when she was a child and tended to a dog with a broken leg she went on to nurse the sick and wounded in the Crimean War and saved countless lives. Published in 1909, Richards' book is intended for a young audience but many adults will find this short biography informative.
163VivienneR
R is for Rogues - May MysteryCAT
The Silent world of Nicholas Quinn by Colin Dexter 4★
A nice twisty puzzling crime, not just for me but Lewis was baffled too, and even Morse's reasoning was a little off target most of the time. Enjoyed this one.
164VivienneR
R is for Roam - & GeoCAT May - where you would like to visit
A Better Man by Louise Penny 4★
Another great story from Quebec, complex, with all the usual personal anguish. It appears the Sureté delve into their emotions all too frequently. There were some doubtful assertions too, but Penny can be forgiven for these in the interest of supporting the plot.
It was odd to read so much about "Vivienne". This was the second book I've read with a murdered woman named Vivienne.
165VivienneR
R is for Rune - aka AlphaKIT - May P & L
One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline 3★
A good twisty thriller that started with the suggestion of evil intent. Just what was this smooth talker planning? The evil plot turned out to be quite different.
166VivienneR
These are the books (13 plus one to grow on) I've bought over the last month to celebrate my 13th Thingaversary today:
167christina_reads
>166 VivienneR: Great haul, and happy Thingaversary! I really liked Patricia Wentworth's Grey Mask and am looking forward to reading more of her books. Also, The Brothers Karamazov is great!
169NinieB
>166 VivienneR: Happy Thingaversary! I hope you enjoy each and every one of your new books!
170rabbitprincess
Excellent haul! I just got Murder by Matchlight from the library's ebook collection. Another gorgeous cover from British Library Crime Classics.
171pamelad
A good range of books there. I'm adding Wine of Honour to the wishlist.
172VivienneR
Thank you all. LibraryThing has proved to be the best investment I've ever made. I can't think of anything that comes close to the enjoyment I've had for my $25. Making friends and talking about books might be even better that reading them.
>167 christina_reads: I've read some of Wentworth's before joining LT but can't remember the titles. I won't mind if this is a re-read.
>168 Helenliz: Thank you.
>169 NinieB: Thank you, I'm sure I will.
>170 rabbitprincess: I've enjoyed the books I've read by Lorac. Love the cover.
>171 pamelad: Aren't the Furrowed Middlebrow books great?
I ordered Pale Rider: the Spanish Flu of 1918 and how it changed the world by Laura Spinney before the Covid19 pandemic hit but because of delays caused by the pandemic it still hasn't arrived.
>167 christina_reads: I've read some of Wentworth's before joining LT but can't remember the titles. I won't mind if this is a re-read.
>168 Helenliz: Thank you.
>169 NinieB: Thank you, I'm sure I will.
>170 rabbitprincess: I've enjoyed the books I've read by Lorac. Love the cover.
>171 pamelad: Aren't the Furrowed Middlebrow books great?
I ordered Pale Rider: the Spanish Flu of 1918 and how it changed the world by Laura Spinney before the Covid19 pandemic hit but because of delays caused by the pandemic it still hasn't arrived.
173RidgewayGirl
Happy Thingaversary! That's a nice haul there, may you enjoy each and every one.
174DeltaQueen50
Happy Thingversary, Vivienne. You've chosen some very interesting books. My eye was taken by A Rising Man and even though I certainly don't need a new series, I have added it to my wishlist.
176dudes22
Happy Thingaversary! Quite an eclectic mix of books. I'm going to mention the Erik Larson to hubby. I think it will be right up his alley.
177VivienneR
>173 RidgewayGirl: Thank you, Kay. I've already read and enjoyed two.
>174 DeltaQueen50: Thank you. A Rising Man took my eye too and like you, I don't need a new series but I can't resist mysteries set in India.
>175 Tess_W: Thank you, Tess. Most of them started as BBs for me too.
>176 dudes22: Thank you. Erik Larson can certainly hold my interest. I can't wait to get to this one although my son might grab it first.
>174 DeltaQueen50: Thank you. A Rising Man took my eye too and like you, I don't need a new series but I can't resist mysteries set in India.
>175 Tess_W: Thank you, Tess. Most of them started as BBs for me too.
>176 dudes22: Thank you. Erik Larson can certainly hold my interest. I can't wait to get to this one although my son might grab it first.
178VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Believe in Your Shelf
The Murder Room by P.D. James 4★
In James' mysteries there are no penetrating interviews by hardened detectives, no rushing around, no plodding research. Instead this is a stately, measured account of murder in the cultivated setting of a private museum and school. Commander Adam Dalgliesh, the detective in charge, writes poetry so naturally a suitably cultivated air is provided. But the upper crust can commit heinous crimes as well as anyone else. P.D. James is hard to beat.
This one was on the shelf for too long because I saw it on the Adam Dalgliesh tv series and thought it just too darkly weird. I enjoyed the book much more.
R is for Ruthless - noir
Kick back by Val McDermid 3.5★
Kate Brannigan investigates a case of mortgage and property scams as well as the unique problem of new conservatories that have been removed from houses and re-sold.
179thornton37814
>166 VivienneR: That's a varied Thingaversary haul! Hope you enjoy them all.
180VivienneR
>179 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori. I'm sure I will.
181VivienneR
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
Fer de Lance by Rex Stout 3★
Stout combined the English cozy mystery style with the American hard-boiled relation, and did it very successfully. It was good to read this, the first in the series, which introduces the characters and setting. Parts of it seemed familiar. On checking my reading record it turns out I read it before. That's OK, a Rex Stout is always entertaining. Most of all I love Archie's wisecracks.
182MissWatson
Just dropping in to wish you a Happy Thingaversary. Enjoy your haul!
184VivienneR
R is for Ruthless - noir
The Whisper Man by Alex North 4★
Not as scary as I thought it would be, but a good, creepy mystery.
185lkernagh
>166 VivienneR: - Love the Thingaversary purchases! I see a couple of books there that I would love to read, like the Larson book.
186VivienneR
>185 lkernagh: Hi Lori. I'm looking forward to it too but my son and husband got to my haul first. That's ok, they are missing being able to browse at the library.
187VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq 4★
While I admire her creativity and unique talent I can't say I enjoyed her book but maybe 'enjoyment' is not intended. I'm classing this as fiction but it is taken from Tagaq's own experiences and philosophy. Her story ranging from poetic to harrowing is not for the faint-hearted. I listened to the audiobook, expertly narrated by the author and interspersed with her award-winning throat singing. It's a difficult book to rate because although the story was not to my liking the distinctive execution was superb.
188Jackie_K
>187 VivienneR: This one keeps appearing on my recommended lists, and I'm in two minds whether to get it. I've seen the author in concert (with the Scottish band Shooglenifty) and she was incredible. But I suspect I'm probably a bit too 'faint-hearted' for the actual narrative.
189VivienneR
>188 Jackie_K: If you do decide to give it a go, Jackie, I'd recommend the audio version, especially as you have already experienced throat-singing. I wouldn't have thought myself easily perturbed but found the content difficult.
190VivienneR
R is for Roam - & GeoCAT - any place you want to visit
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham 4★
My trip to Wales was a big success!
D.C. Fiona Griffiths is a keeper! A wonderful mystery with a unique, endearing detective. I loved her! Somehow Bingham is able to take a miserable subject and turn it into a quirky mystery. When the BB hit me a couple of years ago I bought the first three in the series bundled and now I'm so glad because I can go straight to the next one.
191dudes22
>190 VivienneR: - Although I haven't tried one yet, I think I was hit with the same BB because I have this series on my list to try. And it's been there for a few years. Maybe I'll move this up the list.
192rabbitprincess
>190 VivienneR: Yay! I love Fiona and am glad you like her too :)
193VivienneR
>191 dudes22: Oh yes, move it up. Mine languished unread too. The next one won't.
>192 rabbitprincess: The BB might have come from you to start with - if so, thank you! So many mystery novels are just more of the same, but Bingham created something different.
>192 rabbitprincess: The BB might have come from you to start with - if so, thank you! So many mystery novels are just more of the same, but Bingham created something different.
194VivienneR
R is for Red Riding Hood- 20th century women authors
The Tale of Mr Peter Brown - Chelsea Justice by Vita Sackville-West 3★
Formed of two related short stories. Although the prose was typical of Sackville-West's beautifully elegant style, as a whole it became flat after the intriguing first story.
195VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
Mozart, the man and the artist, as revealed in his own words by Mozart, compiled by Friedrich Kerst, translated by Henry Edward Krehbiel 5★
This collection of notes and letters was very interesting, made more so as I listened to the pieces of music he was referring to while I read. It is filled with many fascinating snippets of information about his compositions.
While rehearsing one of his great symphonies in Leipsic he noticed that most of the musicians were old men without enthusiasm. He worked up such a fit of anger that he stamped his foot and broke one of his shoe-laces. His anger dissipated and he broke into laughter. That perfectly describes the mental picture I have of Mozart.
The full five stars!
196VivienneR
May Summary
Read this month: 17
Year to Date: 86
The Best:
Mozart, the man and the artist, as revealed in his own words by Mozart, compiled by Friedrich Kerst, translated by Henry Edward Krehbiel 5★ ❤️
The Silent world of Nicholas Quinn by Colin Dexter 4★
Dead Beat by Val McDermid 4★
The Murder Room by P.D. James 4★
A Better Man by Louise Penny (Quebec) 4★
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham 4★
Notes on nursing: what it is and what it is not by Florence Nightingale 4★
Florence Nightingale by Laura E. Richards 4★
The Whisper Man by Alex North 4★
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq 4★ (I'm still undecided about this rating)
The Rest:
Between by Angie Abdou 3.5★
Kick back by Val McDermid 3.5★
Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton 3★
Fer de Lance by Rex Stout 3★
The Tale of Mr Peter Brown - Chelsea Justice by Vita Sackville-West 3★
Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri 3★
One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline 3★
Read this month: 17
Year to Date: 86
The Best:
Mozart, the man and the artist, as revealed in his own words by Mozart, compiled by Friedrich Kerst, translated by Henry Edward Krehbiel 5★ ❤️
The Silent world of Nicholas Quinn by Colin Dexter 4★
Dead Beat by Val McDermid 4★
The Murder Room by P.D. James 4★
A Better Man by Louise Penny (Quebec) 4★
Talking to the Dead by Harry Bingham 4★
Notes on nursing: what it is and what it is not by Florence Nightingale 4★
Florence Nightingale by Laura E. Richards 4★
The Whisper Man by Alex North 4★
Split Tooth by Tanya Tagaq 4★ (I'm still undecided about this rating)
The Rest:
Between by Angie Abdou 3.5★
Kick back by Val McDermid 3.5★
Death of Yesterday by M.C. Beaton 3★
Fer de Lance by Rex Stout 3★
The Tale of Mr Peter Brown - Chelsea Justice by Vita Sackville-West 3★
Wings of the Sphinx by Andrea Camilleri 3★
One Perfect Lie by Lisa Scottoline 3★
197Tess_W
>196 VivienneR: I have the Mozart ready to read. I needed to wait until the flower beds and garden was in order--it now is. However, I need to take down curtains and wash windows, before I begin!
198VivienneR
>197 Tess_W: You make me feel guilty, Tess! Yes, I have the flower beds done but the windows and curtains will have to wait.
Enjoy Mozart.
Enjoy Mozart.
199Tess_W
>198 VivienneR: Not to feel guilty, I typically only have 10 weeks to give my house a deep cleaning and so I need to get to it or August will be here before I know it!
200VivienneR
>199 Tess_W: And I'm retired so my thoughts lie with the idea that there is always tomorrow. Then I'm mad at myself for wasting time and postponing jobs possibly to a time when I might have better things to do.
201Tess_W
>200 VivienneR: Oh, I also have that problem....there's always tomorrow!
202VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Bad Ideas by Missy Marston 4★
Despair tinged with just enough humour and hope to create an engaging, quirky story set in Canada in the 1970s. The characters and their lives are so realistic I now feel like I know them.
203VivienneR
b>R is for Rune - aka AlphaKIT K & Y
You bet your life by Stuart Kaminsky 3★
A humorous hard-boiled mystery set during the Hollywood heydays. The series is worth following but my lack of knowledge of the era and movie industry means I miss a lot of the references and must rely on google to fill in gaps.
204DeltaQueen50
I am a fan of old movies and of this series, I like that he adds a lot of real facts and information to his mysteries, and of course, spices things up with his humor. That being said, You Bet Your Life was my least favorite of the three that I have read so far. You've given me a nudge - I need to read one of these soon.
205VivienneR
>204 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I know you are a fan of Kaminsky's series, in fact I think you were responsible for the BB that hit me. Reading them means I am constantly asking my old-movie fan husband for information, or when that fails I resort to google, but much of it goes right over my head. I'm definitely not the intended audience.
Which one is your favourite?
Which one is your favourite?
206VivienneR
R is for Real Life Non-FictionCAT June - Society
April 4, 1968: Martin Luther King Jr's death and how it changed America by Michael Eric Dyson 3★
Published in 2008 this is somewhat dated now, but it's still an interesting look at King's life and death and how he brought about change - although from a 2020 view it's obvious that there is still a great deal to be achieved. Dyson includes lots of statistics that while providing a heap of information does not make for dynamic reading, especially in audio format. An imagined interview with King at the end was bizarre and pointless, effectively leaving the reader with a negative impact.
207VivienneR
R is for Red Riding Hood - 20th century women authors
Fried green tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg 3★
I remember seeing and enjoying this movie when it came out back in the 1980s so it was natural to pick up the book when I came across it. While it's a feel-good nostalgic look back at a Alabama in the 1930s, it also exposes startling racism that after almost 100 years has still not been erased. The friendship between Ninny and Evelyn was the highlight for me.
208DeltaQueen50
>205 VivienneR: I really enjoyed the first book in the series, Bullet For A Star. I enjoyed being introduced to the setting of 1940s Hollywood and the main character. Also the actors that appeared in this book - Errol Flynn, Humphrey Bogart & Gary Cooper are among my favorites.
209VivienneR
>208 DeltaQueen50: That sounds good, I'm putting it on the wishlist. I like it better when names I recognize are mentioned.
210VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams 4★
Twenty-five year old Queenie is on the verge of a nervous breakdown combined with very low self esteem that she attempts healing with casual sex. She is on a 'break' with long time boyfriend, or a 'break-up' as he sees it, and is unfairly fired from her job. Even the tattiest shared accommodation is beyond her means, requiring her to live with her Jamaican grandparents who, like many grandparents, have funny ideas about hot water usage, the internet, and mental health. This novel has been called a 'black Bridget Jones' but Carty-Williams book is so much more and Queenie suffers more than Bridget ever did. The casual and blatant racism she experiences is as damaging as the savage sexual encounters that while heartbreaking have some humorous moments. Moving yet shocking, this is an excellent debut novel set in 21st century mulitcultural London. Queenie will remain in my mind for a long time. I look forward to Carty-Williams' next work.
211VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Take to the Sea
Trafalgar: the Nelson touch by David Howarth 4.5★
A thrilling, action-packed account of the battle of Trafalgar that is a real page-turner. What I find astonishing is the idea of those sailing ships in battle, which is described well. Howarth relates the story without getting too deep into the politics of the era but obligingly includes details of Nelson's relationship with Lady Emma Hamilton and their daughter. Even though the battle was won, Nelson's death devastated the navy and that section was very moving to read. Highly recommended especially if a descriptive and succinct book is required.
My son, feeling sorry for me during COVID19 library closure, gave me all his favourite books to read. He was spot on with this one.
212VivienneR
R is for Rhythm - music
Bird Lives! : an Evan Horne mystery by Bill Moody 4★
Like other books in this series by Moody, the plot is secondary, while the main attraction is the jazz information. Moody relates some interesting stories about the stars of the jazz world and their music then wraps it in a murder mystery. He really knows his stuff regarding music but in this case the plot was a bit weak, silly even. However, I enjoyed every page. Somebody should tell Evan Horne not to trust the FBI, especially if the agent wears short skirts.
213MissWatson
>211 VivienneR: What a sweet gesture!
215VivienneR
>213 MissWatson: Yes, but I feel obliged to read them. :)
>214 RidgewayGirl: I'll look forward to your opinion.
>214 RidgewayGirl: I'll look forward to your opinion.
216rabbitprincess
>211 VivienneR: Oh hey, I have his British Sea Power on my shelves (unread, of course). Will have to add this one to my to-read list as well.
217VivienneR
>216 rabbitprincess: That's another one my son lent to me. I was going to give it back but Trafalgar was so good, I decided to hang on to it. It looks good but I have collected more reading than I can handle this month so it will be a while before I get to it.
218VivienneR
R is for Riveting - fiction
Home by Toni Morrison 4★
Frank Money, a traumatized Korean War veteran returns to America still as racist as it was when he left. He must rescue his young sister who has been medically abused by her employer. Intense, powerful, and heartbreaking.
219pamelad
>212 VivienneR: I agree that the plot is weak but, as you say, it's very informative about jazz musicians. I'm making a list, and have started with Cannonball Adderley who is playing right now.
220VivienneR
>219 pamelad: You really need a notebook handy while reading a Bill Moody book. I can't read his books in bed because I just have to get up and listen. I love those back stories and they are all my favourite musicians. Yours too?
221pamelad
>220 VivienneR: I'd only heard of the really, really famous jazz musicians, like Miles Davis and John Coltrane, because I've seen films about them, so I'm going to listen to some others. It's never too late to learn more. It sounds as though you are a discriminating and knowledgeable jazz fan.
222VivienneR
>221 pamelad: I've been collecting music (mainly rock, jazz and classical) for a long time and now have nearly 3000 albums. I started off with vinyl that became too heavy for someone who moves as often as I do, so when CDs came out in the 80s I eventually replaced everything. Nowadays I have all my CDs on iTunes, which is much more convenient. When I think of how much I've spent on music and equipment it's alarming.
223VivienneR
R is for RandomCAT - Take to the Sea
The last voyage of the Karluk by Robert Bartlett 4.5★
In 1913 Newfoundlander Bob Bartlett took command of the Karluk and set out from Vancouver Island for the western Arctic with 31 on board including sailors, explorers and scientists, as well as an Inuit family with two children. They were intended to rendezvous with two other ships at Herschel Island. He was an experienced sailor in Arctic conditions having accompanied Robert Peary in attempts to reach the North Pole. Soon after leaving Nome the ship was caught in ice and swept west towards Siberia. Stefansson, the expedition leader, took a number of hunters and set out on a hunting trip while the ship continued to drift. The group found their way back to Alaska. This was later thought to have been Stefansson's decision to abandon ship. Eventually the ship was crushed by the ice and sank north of Wrangel Island in Siberia. Bartlett and one of the guides set off across the ice on foot for Wrangel Island and from there on to the mainland. It was 1914 before he was able to return to Wrangel Island to rescue the those remaining.
The story is Bartlett's account, published in 1916 and has a remarkably composed voice considering the extreme conditions and the quarrelling that must have inevitably occurred. Eleven lives were lost. It's a great story for those interested in Arctic survival, and would especially appeal to the younger generation.
224lkernagh
>222 VivienneR: - Oh, you and my older brother would probably have a lot to talk about re: music collections. He is currently digitizing his vinyl collection (which has gone through various culls with each successive move).
225RidgewayGirl
>222 VivienneR: I do miss those beautiful LP sleeves, though. And the extensive liner notes.
226LittleTaiko
>212 VivienneR: A mystery and jazz? Sounds intriguing. I’ll have to try one of the books in the series.
227VivienneR
>224 lkernagh: I love talking with other music enthusiasts. Digitizing my collection was the best thing I ever did (musically, of course). I had amazing speakers to go with my Mac, but recently decided to get a Bose wireless speaker. It's good but I miss the old Altec-Lansing speakers that were miles better.
>225 RidgewayGirl: Yes, I miss them too. The digital booklets that come with some albums are ok, but I rarely look at them.
>226 LittleTaiko: Like >221 pamelad: and I agreed, the plots are a bit weak, but the music discussion is great so who cares? Give him a try.
>225 RidgewayGirl: Yes, I miss them too. The digital booklets that come with some albums are ok, but I rarely look at them.
>226 LittleTaiko: Like >221 pamelad: and I agreed, the plots are a bit weak, but the music discussion is great so who cares? Give him a try.
228VivienneR
R is for Real Life June - Society
Stieg Larsson, my friend by Kurdo Baksi 4★
"I never doubted for one single second that Stieg Larsson was on the side of the weak and vulnerable. He was always prepared to speak up for anybody and everybody incapable of making a case for themselves. And that was not all: he was willing to pay a high price in order to bring about change."
Stieg Larsson was founder of the anti-fascist magazine Expo and was shadowed and threatened by neo-Nazis and racists. As a journalist he thwarted them by writing profusely against them, and even directly to individuals. Several of his fictional characters were based on people he knew. Plots were based on articles and police reports that he had amassed or were inspired by events in his own life. His method for writing was unusual, completing a chapter of book one, then moving to book two, then book three, thereby developing all three plots at the same time. Knowing something about the author will be of interest as I read his work starting with The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. This short book is Baksi's heartfelt tribute to his ethical, talented friend.
"My point is that the police don't take racism and neo-Nazism seriously." - Stieg Larsson
229Tess_W
>228 VivienneR: I've not read a Larsson yet, but also have The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo on my ereader.
230VivienneR
>228 VivienneR: After reading about Larsson I have to read his work. I hope I get to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo next month. I say "hope to" because after trying to create the perfect reading month, I went off the rails this month and have been overwhelmed.
231VivienneR
R is for Rogues - mysteries & MysteryKIT June: private investigator
Crack Down by Val McDermid 3★
This time out, Kate Brannigan's boyfriend is arrested and she must concentrate all her efforts on finding the real culprit. I enjoy the casual humour but got tired of the profuse folksy metaphors like "cheekbones like chapel hat pegs".
R is for Rolls Royce - Golden Age mysteries
Weekend at Thrackley by Alan Melville 3★
This has a ridiculous plot but how I love the old Golden Age mysteries. Melville created a perfectly sinister atmosphere at Thrackley that should have been a warning to the guests.
232rabbitprincess
>231 VivienneR: Darn, that Melville is one my library doesn't have! I just finished The Christmas Card Crime and Other Stories, which was a nice treat.
233VivienneR
>232 rabbitprincess: Oh, that sounds like a good one! On the list it goes.
This topic was continued by VivienneR's R is for Reading in 2020 - Part 3.
