DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 3
This is a continuation of the topic DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 2.
This topic was continued by DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 4.
Talk 2021 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
Welcome to the third thread of my 2021 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I live quietly with my husband and our two grown daughters live fairly close by. Of course, our two grandchildren are the apples of our eyes, a girl, aged sixteen and a boy, aged 21. I have been a member of the Category Challenge for a good number of years and enjoy the preparation and planning that goes into building our categories. I don’t always follow my plans, but they are fun to make. Please feel free to join in on any conversation here, bookish or otherwise. All opinions are respected as long as we are polite and friendly to each other.
I have found that reading is very much like a box of chocolates as you never know what you are going to get, so this year I am taking my cue from Forrest Gump and have decided to match my reading categories to delectable chocolates. I chose to use chocolates from a Canadian chocolatier called Purdys. There is a Purdys in just about every large shopping mall in Canada and Canadians are very familiar with their goodies. For those who don’t know this store, I have put together a Purdys List of Personal Favourites – 15 chocolates to match my 15 categories. Some of these matches may make no sense to anyone, but I had a reason for each choice which I will explain as we go along. I apologize to anyone who is allergic to nuts as many of my favourites do have nuts in them. And while Purdys still define my categories, for this thread I turned to chocolate cakes. These desserts help define my love of all things chocolate.
My reading goals during 2021 are pretty much the same as they have been in previous years:
1. Reduce the number of books on my shelves, kindles and audio account.
2. Read a good number of books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
And this year -
3. Series, series, series – try to gain some control over my series reading.
I am trying not to put too much pressure on myself as I tend to feel obligated to read one book from each category every month, leaving me little room for those fun surprises that come along. So no category targets this year but I usually read over 200 books a year so I expect each category will have a good amount of books added.
Please pull up a comfy chair, grab a book, help yourself to a chocolate treat along with a beverage – 2021 looks to be a promising year for reading, and let’s hope it is a better year all around than 2020 proved to be.
2DeltaQueen50
2021 Categories
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
3DeltaQueen50
2021 Tickers
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - one I made an emotional attachment to
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me.
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - one I made an emotional attachment to
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me.
5DeltaQueen50
2021 Bingo
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You:
3. Contains a Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
4. You Heartily Recommend: Dodgers by Bill Beverly
5. Impulse Read: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
6. Suggested by Another Generation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
7. About Time or Time Word in Title:
8. By or About Marginalized Group:
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members: Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
10. Classical Element in Title: Blood Salt Water by Denise Mina
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit:
12. Dark or Light in Title: A Darker Side by Shirley Wells
13. Read a Cat or Kit: Grave's End by Elaine Mercado
14. New-to-You Author: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
15. Arts & Recreation:
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
17. Type of Building in Title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
18. Less Than 200 Pages: The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
19. Two or More Authors: The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T. W. Paperbrook
20. Character You Would be Friends With: While I Live by John Marsden
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History: Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert
23. Made You Laugh: The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John
24. Southern Hemisphere:
25. About or Contains Magic: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
1. Nature and Environment: Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
2. Title Describes You:
3. Contains a Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
4. You Heartily Recommend: Dodgers by Bill Beverly
5. Impulse Read: The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
6. Suggested by Another Generation: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
7. About Time or Time Word in Title:
8. By or About Marginalized Group:
9. 20 or Fewer LT Members: Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe
10. Classical Element in Title: Blood Salt Water by Denise Mina
11. Set Somewhere You'd Like to Visit:
12. Dark or Light in Title: A Darker Side by Shirley Wells
13. Read a Cat or Kit: Grave's End by Elaine Mercado
14. New-to-You Author: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
15. Arts & Recreation:
16. Senior Citizen Protagonist: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
17. Type of Building in Title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
18. Less Than 200 Pages: The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
19. Two or More Authors: The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T. W. Paperbrook
20. Character You Would be Friends With: While I Live by John Marsden
21. One Word Title: Poppet by Mo Hayder
22. About History or Alternate History: Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert
23. Made You Laugh: The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John
24. Southern Hemisphere:
25. About or Contains Magic: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
6DeltaQueen50
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning":
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read:
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List:
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum:
12. Written by a woman and translated to English:
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020:
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author:
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U:
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads:
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations:
25. Set on an island:
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book:
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years:
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title:
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you be a random word generator:
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic:
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021:
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End"
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning":
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read:
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List:
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year:
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum:
12. Written by a woman and translated to English:
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020:
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author:
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U:
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads:
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations:
25. Set on an island:
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice:
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book:
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years:
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme:
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer:
36. Six or More Words in the Title:
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List":
38. Related to a word given to you be a random word generator:
39. Involves an immigrant:
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover:
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author:
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic:
44. Title Contains a Negative:
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!"
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021:
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End"
7DeltaQueen50
Sweet Georgia Browns Mystery and Police Procedural Series
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
8DeltaQueen50
Cherry Cordials Vintage Crime Novels
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
9DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Creams More Mysteries and Crime Stories
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels Light and Dark Fantasy
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Almond Crunch Science Fiction
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
12DeltaQueen50
Passionfruit Hearts Romance
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Peanut Butter Daisies Children's Lit/YA
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 7#9733;
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 7#9733;
14DeltaQueen50
Chai Tea Caramels Books Set Around the World
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
15DeltaQueen50
Hedgehogs Books From the 1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
16DeltaQueen50
Vanilla Creams Non-Fiction
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
17DeltaQueen50
White Chocolate Cameos Historical Fiction/Reading Through Time
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
18DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Letters AlphaKit - 2 Letters Each Month
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O.
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S.
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V.
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y.
Z.
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
G.
H.
I.
J.
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L.
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O.
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q.
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S.
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V.
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y.
Z.
19DeltaQueen50
Purdy's Gift Box Series Reading From All Genres
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
20DeltaQueen50
Sake & Sakura Truffles Author I Haven't Read Before
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
21DeltaQueen50
Maple Leaf Melties Book That Don't Fit Elsewhere
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
22DeltaQueen50
2021 Reading Plans
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: Hosting - ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
March: Hosting - HistoryCat - Early Modern History (1500 - 1800)
April: Hosting - SFFFKit – Series
April: Hosting - April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Hosting - Random Cat
July: Hosting - GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
Group Reads and Hosting Duties:
February: Group Read of Voss by Patrick White
March: Hosting - ScaredyKit – Short Stories/Novellas
March: Hosting - HistoryCat - Early Modern History (1500 - 1800)
April: Hosting - SFFFKit – Series
April: Hosting - April Reading Thru Time – The Sun Never Sets
May: Hosting - Random Cat
July: Hosting - GenreCat - Romance
Year long Group Read: Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
23DeltaQueen50
Welcome!
24mysterymax
Have taken a BB on the Network Effect. Sounds wonderful.
25DeltaQueen50
>23 DeltaQueen50: It is wonderful but I would suggest that you might want to start at the beginning with the first novella All Systems Red as it is a great introduction to the series and will let you know very quickly if this is a series that you will love. So far the series consists of 4 novellas and now this first full length novel. I believe the next novel is coming out soon.
26mysterymax
Good suggestion!
28DeltaQueen50
>27 mstrust: It's pretty hard to beat chocolate cake! My husband thinks the best way I can say "I Love You" is with chocolate cake.
29DeltaQueen50
36. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
Around the Year in 52 Book Challenge: A Winner or Nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
BingoDog: A New-To-You Author
March TIOLI #8: Helping Linda Celebrate Her Birthday
Long Bright River by Liz Moore is a novel that is set in a rundown neighbourhood in Philadelphia. It vividly depicts the damage that drug addiction does to a family. The main character, Mickey, becomes a policewoman, patrolling the neighbourhood that she knows all too well. She and her sister grew up here, under the care of their grandmother. Both their parents were lost to heroin. Their grandmother was unloving and remote, and the girls clung together, until into their teens, they went separate ways. Kacey, the younger sister succumbed to the lure of drugs. As Mickey becomes a cop and Kacey falls into street life, they become estranged.
When it becomes apparent that there is a serial killer preying on the women of the neighbourhood, Mickey becomes concerned about her sister. Her time is spent trying to track her sister down and assure herself that she is okay. Her concern over her sister eventually puts her job in jeopardy and threats are directed at both her and her son’s life.
This multi-layered story is much more than a thriller as it covers the lives of the sisters and shows how the family fell apart. The focus on the neighbourhood of Kensington and the city of Philadelphia immerses the reader in this area. Written beautifully, this is an intense family drama that can be very dark at times, but the author, after giving us lots of sorrow and pain, leaves us with a sense of hope.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
Around the Year in 52 Book Challenge: A Winner or Nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards
BingoDog: A New-To-You Author
March TIOLI #8: Helping Linda Celebrate Her Birthday
Long Bright River by Liz Moore is a novel that is set in a rundown neighbourhood in Philadelphia. It vividly depicts the damage that drug addiction does to a family. The main character, Mickey, becomes a policewoman, patrolling the neighbourhood that she knows all too well. She and her sister grew up here, under the care of their grandmother. Both their parents were lost to heroin. Their grandmother was unloving and remote, and the girls clung together, until into their teens, they went separate ways. Kacey, the younger sister succumbed to the lure of drugs. As Mickey becomes a cop and Kacey falls into street life, they become estranged.
When it becomes apparent that there is a serial killer preying on the women of the neighbourhood, Mickey becomes concerned about her sister. Her time is spent trying to track her sister down and assure herself that she is okay. Her concern over her sister eventually puts her job in jeopardy and threats are directed at both her and her son’s life.
This multi-layered story is much more than a thriller as it covers the lives of the sisters and shows how the family fell apart. The focus on the neighbourhood of Kensington and the city of Philadelphia immerses the reader in this area. Written beautifully, this is an intense family drama that can be very dark at times, but the author, after giving us lots of sorrow and pain, leaves us with a sense of hope.
31Helenliz
Happy new thread. I still can't decide which of the many treats you tempt us with I like the best. I'll just have one of each. >:-p
32MissBrangwen
Happy New Thread!!!
33Jackie_K
>28 DeltaQueen50: Your husband is right! Happy new thread!
35dudes22
Happy New Thread, Judy!
>29 DeltaQueen50: - Luckily, I already took a BB last year for this book. I'm hoping I'll get to it later this year.
One of my morning walk ladies works a couple of days a week at a local chocolate store and she dropped off a small package this morning of "rejects" that they get to take home. Such a nice treat.
>29 DeltaQueen50: - Luckily, I already took a BB last year for this book. I'm hoping I'll get to it later this year.
One of my morning walk ladies works a couple of days a week at a local chocolate store and she dropped off a small package this morning of "rejects" that they get to take home. Such a nice treat.
36DeltaQueen50
>30 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. I have a bad habit of signing on to too many challenges each month and then failing to complete them all. I need to learn a little restraint!
>31 Helenliz: I will join you in a small amount of everything!
>32 MissBrangwen: Thanks. :)
>33 Jackie_K: Home made treats certainly hit the spot for most of us.
>34 katiekrug: I was totally drawn into this book, Katie, it took me awhile to read it but I enjoyed my time spent with it.
>35 dudes22: What a nice friend. I think you will really like Long Bright River, Betty, I hope you do get to it this year.
>31 Helenliz: I will join you in a small amount of everything!
>32 MissBrangwen: Thanks. :)
>33 Jackie_K: Home made treats certainly hit the spot for most of us.
>34 katiekrug: I was totally drawn into this book, Katie, it took me awhile to read it but I enjoyed my time spent with it.
>35 dudes22: What a nice friend. I think you will really like Long Bright River, Betty, I hope you do get to it this year.
37DeltaQueen50
In other news, we received a flyer today that outlines how seniors can book an appointment for their vaccine. My hubby and I can phone next week and hopefully set up a time sometime in later March or early April. What a relief.
38clue
>28 DeltaQueen50: This makes me think of my nephews. My sister, who died about 10 years ago, was a very good cook and baker. Since her death her boys come to my house for Christmas dinner. Every year, several days beforehand, at least one of them will ask if I'm going to have "mom's cake." Although she made many different kinds of cake I always know what they mean and it's just a chocolate sheet cake. It's delicious but I'd descibe it now as "old fashioned" because it's just basic ingredients, nothing fancy, with homemade frosting. I always bake 3, with 1 for each to take home. I don't want to hear that one of these almost 40 year olds, got a bigger piece than the other!
40hailelib
>37 DeltaQueen50:
We will be looking for an appointment soon ourselves.
As for cake, chocolate always goes down well.
We will be looking for an appointment soon ourselves.
As for cake, chocolate always goes down well.
41MissWatson
Happy new thread, Judy. Those cakes look so inviting...
42msf59
Happy New Thread, Judy! Love all the fattening toppers. And hooray for The Long Bright River, which continues to be a LT hit.
43BLBera
Happy newish thread, Judy. Great comments on Long, Bright River; I want to read other things by Moore. One of my reader cousins loved Heft.
44DeltaQueen50
I didn't read the Covid-19 Vaccine flyer carefully enough. Only 80 plus seniors and Indigenous seniors can book appointments right now, we, that fall between 65 and 80, will have to wait a further 3 weeks or so. At least I re-read the flyer before I phoned and wasted everyones time!
>38 clue: You are an excellent Aunt, supplying your nephews with chocolate cake and keeping your sister's memory alive. My mother is known in our family for her pies and believe me, when pie was served, all the grandchildren eye both their and everyone else's piece to see who gets the biggest!
>39 leslie.98:, >40 hailelib: & >41 MissWatson: Thanks. :)
>42 msf59: Long Bright River was such a good read. From everything I had heard about it, I suspected that it was going to be a book that resonated with me. I'm glad that I finally got to it.
>43 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I just checked out Heft, it looks interesting.
>38 clue: You are an excellent Aunt, supplying your nephews with chocolate cake and keeping your sister's memory alive. My mother is known in our family for her pies and believe me, when pie was served, all the grandchildren eye both their and everyone else's piece to see who gets the biggest!
>39 leslie.98:, >40 hailelib: & >41 MissWatson: Thanks. :)
>42 msf59: Long Bright River was such a good read. From everything I had heard about it, I suspected that it was going to be a book that resonated with me. I'm glad that I finally got to it.
>43 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I just checked out Heft, it looks interesting.
46LadyoftheLodge
Happy New Thread! Those cakes look yummy. Good luck with getting your vaccine soon. We are both fully vaccinated now. My husband and I went out to dinner on Friday (still masking and social distancing) for the first time since 2020. It seemed like a party!
47DeltaQueen50
>46 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks, I am looking forward to getting the vaccine and taking that first step towards some kind of normal. My mother is turning 100 in May and I want to be there, but need to have the vaccine before traveling.
48lsh63
>29 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, Long Bright River was a good read. I approve of the chocolate cake and I hope that you get to see your mom for her 100th! I was in the middle of planning my mom's 90th last April when I realized that we wouldn't be able to do it. I hope to do something if not this year then next if we can.
49DeltaQueen50
>45 katiekrug: Sorry, Katie, I missed your post earlier. If you are recommending Heft, then I definitely need to pick myself up a copy!
>48 lsh63: Hi Lisa. I was a little nervous about Long Bright River before I read it as it was quite hyped - but luckily, it deserved all the attention it received. I have all my fingers crossed that we will get over to Vancouver Island in May to celebrate my Mom's birthday.
>48 lsh63: Hi Lisa. I was a little nervous about Long Bright River before I read it as it was quite hyped - but luckily, it deserved all the attention it received. I have all my fingers crossed that we will get over to Vancouver Island in May to celebrate my Mom's birthday.
50DeltaQueen50
37. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
March MysteryKit: Locked Room Mystery
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Begins with a 'J'
The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr is a locked room mystery that was originally published in 1935 which surprised me as the London depicted in the pages here seemed Dickensian in nature. The mystery features the reoccurring character of Dr. Gideon Fell, who relates the famous “locked room lecture” that is a blueprint for most locked room mysteries, laying out the various ways is which a murderer can be successful at using this trope. Actually, I found this lecture to be the most interesting part of the book.
Although this particular mystery has been voted best locked room mystery by a panel of mystery writers in 1981, I personally found it rather boring and contrived. The mystery relies on illusions, switched identities and coincidence. The characters were one dimensional, the writing was uninspired and the whole book relied on a plot device that was convoluted and overly elaborate. I found reading the endless speculations, interviews and explanations quite painful. This is the second John Dickson Carr book that I have read, and, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an author for me.
Category: Cherry Cordials
March MysteryKit: Locked Room Mystery
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Begins with a 'J'
The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr is a locked room mystery that was originally published in 1935 which surprised me as the London depicted in the pages here seemed Dickensian in nature. The mystery features the reoccurring character of Dr. Gideon Fell, who relates the famous “locked room lecture” that is a blueprint for most locked room mysteries, laying out the various ways is which a murderer can be successful at using this trope. Actually, I found this lecture to be the most interesting part of the book.
Although this particular mystery has been voted best locked room mystery by a panel of mystery writers in 1981, I personally found it rather boring and contrived. The mystery relies on illusions, switched identities and coincidence. The characters were one dimensional, the writing was uninspired and the whole book relied on a plot device that was convoluted and overly elaborate. I found reading the endless speculations, interviews and explanations quite painful. This is the second John Dickson Carr book that I have read, and, I have come to the conclusion that this is not an author for me.
51rabbitprincess
Happy new thread! Chocolate cake is divine.
One of my friends is a huge John Dickson Carr fan (whenever I'm in the UK, she gets me to look for the books of his she's missing), but I have less patience than she does for the pure puzzle sort of mystery. That said, I did like The Mad Hatter Mystery and The Crooked Hinge.
One of my friends is a huge John Dickson Carr fan (whenever I'm in the UK, she gets me to look for the books of his she's missing), but I have less patience than she does for the pure puzzle sort of mystery. That said, I did like The Mad Hatter Mystery and The Crooked Hinge.
54ChelleBearss
Happy new thread!
Those cakes up top look delicious!
Those cakes up top look delicious!
55DeltaQueen50
>51 rabbitprincess: The only other John Dickson Carr book that I have read was The Plague Court Murders, but I think you nailed it, RP, he does very little in the way of developing his characters or describing the setting - it's all about the puzzle, and this just doesn't hold my attention.
>52 Yells: It's hard to be good, especially these days when living in isolation, sometimes chocolate is the only thing that can make me smile.
>53 ronincats: Hi Roni, I have fallen behind as well with everyone's threads. Lately I have been obsessed with playing Harvest Moon on my computer and that game is a real time suck. I need to spend an evening or two catching up here on LT.
>54 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle. I want to console myself with chocolate treats but at the same time I am too lazy to spend time in the kitchen baking - which is probably a good thing.
>52 Yells: It's hard to be good, especially these days when living in isolation, sometimes chocolate is the only thing that can make me smile.
>53 ronincats: Hi Roni, I have fallen behind as well with everyone's threads. Lately I have been obsessed with playing Harvest Moon on my computer and that game is a real time suck. I need to spend an evening or two catching up here on LT.
>54 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle. I want to console myself with chocolate treats but at the same time I am too lazy to spend time in the kitchen baking - which is probably a good thing.
56DeltaQueen50
38. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
March ScaredyKit: Short Stories and Novellas
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: A Collection of Short Stories
March TIOLI #15: Page Numbers are Found Anywhere but Above the Text
The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates is a volume of short stories that certainly keep the reader riveted to the page. This is only my second volume of short stories by this author but she has landed firmly on my list of favorite authors. These stories are dark, twisted and play upon the reader’s secret fears and paranoia. There are six stories in this collection and, like most short story collections, I found some worked better than others, but I truly found each one disturbing and chilling in its own way.
The stories varied from a young boy obsessed with dolls, a vivid racial killing, a teen being disturbed while house-sitting, a wife who is certain her husband is planning to kill her, the intricacies of feeding one’s pet, and how to advance your business. I was enthralled by “Big Momma”, and quite horrified by both “The Doll-Master” and “Gun Accident”.
I don’t consider myself a fan of short stories, but I must concede that Joyce Carol Oates certainly writes stories that make me sit up and take notice. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror serves up a collection that is creepy, troubling, slightly distasteful and quite wonderful to read.
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
March ScaredyKit: Short Stories and Novellas
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: A Collection of Short Stories
March TIOLI #15: Page Numbers are Found Anywhere but Above the Text
The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates is a volume of short stories that certainly keep the reader riveted to the page. This is only my second volume of short stories by this author but she has landed firmly on my list of favorite authors. These stories are dark, twisted and play upon the reader’s secret fears and paranoia. There are six stories in this collection and, like most short story collections, I found some worked better than others, but I truly found each one disturbing and chilling in its own way.
The stories varied from a young boy obsessed with dolls, a vivid racial killing, a teen being disturbed while house-sitting, a wife who is certain her husband is planning to kill her, the intricacies of feeding one’s pet, and how to advance your business. I was enthralled by “Big Momma”, and quite horrified by both “The Doll-Master” and “Gun Accident”.
I don’t consider myself a fan of short stories, but I must concede that Joyce Carol Oates certainly writes stories that make me sit up and take notice. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror serves up a collection that is creepy, troubling, slightly distasteful and quite wonderful to read.
57thornton37814
>50 DeltaQueen50: Sorry that one didn't work. I'm currently listening to a "locked room" murder set on a private island along the NY/Canada border. I'll finish it en route home on Saturday.
58RidgewayGirl
>56 DeltaQueen50: I've become a fan of JCO. She certainly writes unease better than anyone else.
59DeltaQueen50
>57 thornton37814: That one sounds interesting, Lori. I will watch for your comments.
>58 RidgewayGirl: It was one of your reviews that got me interested in JCO, Kay. I had read one of her novels when I was much younger and didn't like it so I was a little leery of trying her again. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed her stories. I am looking forward to trying one of her novels, perhaps even the one that I didn't care for when I was less mature.
>58 RidgewayGirl: It was one of your reviews that got me interested in JCO, Kay. I had read one of her novels when I was much younger and didn't like it so I was a little leery of trying her again. Much to my surprise, I really enjoyed her stories. I am looking forward to trying one of her novels, perhaps even the one that I didn't care for when I was less mature.
60thornton37814
>59 DeltaQueen50: It's called Death in the Family and is written by Tessa Wegert.
61DeltaQueen50
>60 thornton37814: I just checked it out and it's now being added to my Thingaversary List. It looks to be the first book of a series and the next book looks good too!
62DeltaQueen50
39. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
March AlphaKit: R
March GeoKit: North America
March GenreCat: Action & Adventure
March TIOLI #7: The Title Contains a Proper Noun
Set in the 14th century, Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle is the third book in a trilogy about a group of Algonquin Indians. Over the course of the three books they have been squeezed out of their Ottawa Valley homelands and pushed westward by the fierce Iroquois. In this volume they join forces with some of their Anishinaabe-Ojibwe allies on a retaliation raid on the Lakhota Nadwessioux, who themselves would eventually be pushed out of the Eastern woodlands onto the plains and become known as the Sioux. In this book, we travel around the Great Lakes in lands that would eventually be known as Ontario and Minnesota.
All three of these books have been thoroughly researched and, at the end of the book, we discover than many of the events that are described in this book actually happened. The author is dedicated to passing on his knowledge about the life and warfare of these people and so there is an abundance of historical details about their culture, religion, food preparation and day-to-day life. And although the story unfolds from three different aspects, that of an Algonquin, an Anishinaabe and a Lakhota warrior, it is less a character driven story and more of a historical recreation.
I have enjoyed all three of these engaging adventure stories and I am sorry to see the trilogy come to an end. In these books the author has given us a tantalizing glimpse of the rich history of the First Nations people in an informative, colorful and fascinating manner.
Category: Chocolate Letters
March AlphaKit: R
March GeoKit: North America
March GenreCat: Action & Adventure
March TIOLI #7: The Title Contains a Proper Noun
Set in the 14th century, Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle is the third book in a trilogy about a group of Algonquin Indians. Over the course of the three books they have been squeezed out of their Ottawa Valley homelands and pushed westward by the fierce Iroquois. In this volume they join forces with some of their Anishinaabe-Ojibwe allies on a retaliation raid on the Lakhota Nadwessioux, who themselves would eventually be pushed out of the Eastern woodlands onto the plains and become known as the Sioux. In this book, we travel around the Great Lakes in lands that would eventually be known as Ontario and Minnesota.
All three of these books have been thoroughly researched and, at the end of the book, we discover than many of the events that are described in this book actually happened. The author is dedicated to passing on his knowledge about the life and warfare of these people and so there is an abundance of historical details about their culture, religion, food preparation and day-to-day life. And although the story unfolds from three different aspects, that of an Algonquin, an Anishinaabe and a Lakhota warrior, it is less a character driven story and more of a historical recreation.
I have enjoyed all three of these engaging adventure stories and I am sorry to see the trilogy come to an end. In these books the author has given us a tantalizing glimpse of the rich history of the First Nations people in an informative, colorful and fascinating manner.
63thornton37814
>61 DeltaQueen50: I don't remember when I added it to my wish list, but I was delighted to find it available and fitting the locked room theme! So far, so good!
64dudes22
>60 thornton37814: - I think I'll take a BB for this too.
65thornton37814
>64 dudes22: It was a series I hadn't explored, and it was available at the right time.
66DeltaQueen50
40. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa - 4.1 ★
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
1,001 Books List
March TIOLI #1: A Collection of Translated Short Stories
Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa is a small collection of short stories that have been translated into English. This version was an inexpensive copy for the Kindle so there were a few problems with the set up and editing but I was still very impressed with this author’s writing. "Rashomon", is probably best known as a film by the well-known Japanese director Kurosawa. I believe the film is actually a combination of the first two stories in the book.
All six stories in this collection were interesting but I particularly liked the first four. The opening story, "The Grove" was a fascinating murder story that was exposed through conflicting eyewitness accounts. This was followed by "Rashomon" which is a dark story that raises questions about violence, power and desperation. I then enjoyed "Yam Gruel" which was based on an old Japanese myth. This story seemed to be an example of being careful what you wish for. This was a slightly funny, slightly melancholy story of a lowly samurai who dreams of someday having a feast of yam gruel. I found "The Martyr", a story about an orphan boy who lived by the words of Jesus and suffered like him both strange and tragic. The twist at the end of the story makes it rather unforgettable. I wasn’t quite as taken by the other two stories, “Kesa and Morito” about an extra-marital affair and finally “The Dragon” which sees a practical joke go awry
Overall this was an insightful collection from a master storyteller and, it was well worth reading these absorbing and thought-provoking tales.
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
1,001 Books List
March TIOLI #1: A Collection of Translated Short Stories
Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa is a small collection of short stories that have been translated into English. This version was an inexpensive copy for the Kindle so there were a few problems with the set up and editing but I was still very impressed with this author’s writing. "Rashomon", is probably best known as a film by the well-known Japanese director Kurosawa. I believe the film is actually a combination of the first two stories in the book.
All six stories in this collection were interesting but I particularly liked the first four. The opening story, "The Grove" was a fascinating murder story that was exposed through conflicting eyewitness accounts. This was followed by "Rashomon" which is a dark story that raises questions about violence, power and desperation. I then enjoyed "Yam Gruel" which was based on an old Japanese myth. This story seemed to be an example of being careful what you wish for. This was a slightly funny, slightly melancholy story of a lowly samurai who dreams of someday having a feast of yam gruel. I found "The Martyr", a story about an orphan boy who lived by the words of Jesus and suffered like him both strange and tragic. The twist at the end of the story makes it rather unforgettable. I wasn’t quite as taken by the other two stories, “Kesa and Morito” about an extra-marital affair and finally “The Dragon” which sees a practical joke go awry
Overall this was an insightful collection from a master storyteller and, it was well worth reading these absorbing and thought-provoking tales.
67leslie.98
>66 DeltaQueen50: That's a BB for me!
68DeltaQueen50
>67 leslie.98: It's a very quick read, Leslie, less than 100 pages altogether. I hope you enjoy it.
69DeltaQueen50
41. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
Around the Year in 52 Books: Title Refers to a Person Without Giving Their Name
March TIOLI #15: Page Numbers Appear Anywhere But Above the Text
The Trader’s Sister by Anna Jacobs is the second volume in her five book historical romance series that is set in Freemantle on the west coast of Australia. This particular book features Ismay Deagan, an Irish lass, who in order to escape an unsavoury forced marriage emigrates to Australia to join her brother who has settled in Freemantle and opened a store.
She meets and falls in love with a fellow traveller, Adam Treagar, who together with his foster mother is also moving to Freemantle to take up an inheritance. Adam has been bequeathed a half share in a trading schooner and some properties. Unfortunately, Ismay is being tracked by her vicious suitor who vows that no one other than he will marry her. As the story moves from Ireland to Singapore and finally on to Western Australia, Ismay and Adam grow ever closer.
Although it was obvious how this story would work out, I enjoyed the read very much. The author has the knack of giving the reader characters who you enjoy either rooting for or against. As Ismay escapes from her life of oppression, and Adam comes into his own in regards to his business, we can see that this is a couple that is made for each other. The book is a nice mix of familiar characters from the first book and new characters that I am certain will feature in some of the next stories. I look forward to continuing on and learning what will happen next.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
Around the Year in 52 Books: Title Refers to a Person Without Giving Their Name
March TIOLI #15: Page Numbers Appear Anywhere But Above the Text
The Trader’s Sister by Anna Jacobs is the second volume in her five book historical romance series that is set in Freemantle on the west coast of Australia. This particular book features Ismay Deagan, an Irish lass, who in order to escape an unsavoury forced marriage emigrates to Australia to join her brother who has settled in Freemantle and opened a store.
She meets and falls in love with a fellow traveller, Adam Treagar, who together with his foster mother is also moving to Freemantle to take up an inheritance. Adam has been bequeathed a half share in a trading schooner and some properties. Unfortunately, Ismay is being tracked by her vicious suitor who vows that no one other than he will marry her. As the story moves from Ireland to Singapore and finally on to Western Australia, Ismay and Adam grow ever closer.
Although it was obvious how this story would work out, I enjoyed the read very much. The author has the knack of giving the reader characters who you enjoy either rooting for or against. As Ismay escapes from her life of oppression, and Adam comes into his own in regards to his business, we can see that this is a couple that is made for each other. The book is a nice mix of familiar characters from the first book and new characters that I am certain will feature in some of the next stories. I look forward to continuing on and learning what will happen next.
70mstrust
>66 DeltaQueen50: BB! I had no idea Rashomon was a book first so thanks for the review! The movie was brilliant.
71DeltaQueen50
>70 mstrust: I was surprised that Rashomon was a short story, I was expecting a full length novel. I have seen the movie quite some time ago but I have to admit that I don't remember it very well. I do remember it was very atmospheric with a lot of rain, and the main character cowering at the Rashomon gate.
73DeltaQueen50
>72 hailelib: I love this cover, bright, colorful and very evocative.
74msf59
Hi, Judy. I hope your week is off to a good start. You got me with a BB with The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror. I like JCO and short stories. I am also a fan of the film Rashomon so I will also keep that collection in mind.
75DeltaQueen50
>74 msf59: Hi Mark. Joyce Carol Oates is converting me to short stories. If you are in the mood for something a little creepy, a little disturbing - then she's your author! I would like to see the film Rashomon again, it's been a long time and I really don't remember it all that much.
76DeltaQueen50
42. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
March 1,001 Books Group Read
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Begins with 'J'
Originally published in 1989, The Book of Evidence by John Banville is about a 38 year-old scientist, Freddie Montgomery who murders a servant girl during the course of a robbery. While awaiting trail, he gives this account of what led him to kill. As he rambles on about his life what comes across most strongly is his own despair and self-pity. His self-justification and lack of empathy for others clearly projects the behavior of a sociopath and as such was rather distasteful to read.
That said, the author did a brilliant job of getting into the self-absorbed Freddie’s head and offering up this dark meditation upon evil and guilt. Freddie recounts the events that led to his downfall, being in debt to a mobster, having to abandon his wife and child to return to Ireland to obtain funds, deciding to steal the painting and then killing the young girl. There are some moments of dark humor and, no surprise, we also find that Freddie can be an unreliable narrator.
The Book of Evidence is a revealing character study that is in turns tragic, ironic, and witty. Freddie’s ambiguity along with the authors strong prose creates an unusual narrative and makes this book quite memorable. I can’t say that I loved this book, but it did hold my interest.
Category: Hedgehogs
March 1,001 Books Group Read
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Begins with 'J'
Originally published in 1989, The Book of Evidence by John Banville is about a 38 year-old scientist, Freddie Montgomery who murders a servant girl during the course of a robbery. While awaiting trail, he gives this account of what led him to kill. As he rambles on about his life what comes across most strongly is his own despair and self-pity. His self-justification and lack of empathy for others clearly projects the behavior of a sociopath and as such was rather distasteful to read.
That said, the author did a brilliant job of getting into the self-absorbed Freddie’s head and offering up this dark meditation upon evil and guilt. Freddie recounts the events that led to his downfall, being in debt to a mobster, having to abandon his wife and child to return to Ireland to obtain funds, deciding to steal the painting and then killing the young girl. There are some moments of dark humor and, no surprise, we also find that Freddie can be an unreliable narrator.
The Book of Evidence is a revealing character study that is in turns tragic, ironic, and witty. Freddie’s ambiguity along with the authors strong prose creates an unusual narrative and makes this book quite memorable. I can’t say that I loved this book, but it did hold my interest.
77DeltaQueen50
43. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Creams
BingoDog: A Book You Heartily Recommend
March TIOLI #8: Helping Linda P. Celebrate Her Birthday
Dodgers by Bill Beverly is a beautifully written coming-of-age crime novel with grit, character and heart. The story follows the journey of East, an LA gang member, who, along with three other black teenagers, is on a mission to kill a witness in an upcoming trial. East has never been out of his neighbourhood and so this journey is eye-opening for him in many ways.
East, although only fifteen, is a leader. The others declare him “no fun” but they do respect him and mostly listen to him as he tries to keep them on task. The team consists of Ty, East’s psychotic half-brother who, at thirteen, is truly terrifying. Overweight Walter is smart, he knows how to manipulate both paperwork and people to his advantage. Finally, there is Michael, a college student who pushes drugs on campus, loves to enjoy life and has been sent on this job to give the group some shred of middle-class respectability. As they travel along, East’s control of the group is continually challenged by arguments, fights and the temptations that are met along the way.
I was absolutely enthralled by this book as the author’s descriptive writing and his ability to make these junior assassins spring to life moved the story along at a good pace. East is a unique character, an interesting blend of young and old, innocent and experienced, that you can’t help but feel an attachment for. Dodgers was an unforgettable road trip and a great read.
Category: Chocolate Creams
BingoDog: A Book You Heartily Recommend
March TIOLI #8: Helping Linda P. Celebrate Her Birthday
Dodgers by Bill Beverly is a beautifully written coming-of-age crime novel with grit, character and heart. The story follows the journey of East, an LA gang member, who, along with three other black teenagers, is on a mission to kill a witness in an upcoming trial. East has never been out of his neighbourhood and so this journey is eye-opening for him in many ways.
East, although only fifteen, is a leader. The others declare him “no fun” but they do respect him and mostly listen to him as he tries to keep them on task. The team consists of Ty, East’s psychotic half-brother who, at thirteen, is truly terrifying. Overweight Walter is smart, he knows how to manipulate both paperwork and people to his advantage. Finally, there is Michael, a college student who pushes drugs on campus, loves to enjoy life and has been sent on this job to give the group some shred of middle-class respectability. As they travel along, East’s control of the group is continually challenged by arguments, fights and the temptations that are met along the way.
I was absolutely enthralled by this book as the author’s descriptive writing and his ability to make these junior assassins spring to life moved the story along at a good pace. East is a unique character, an interesting blend of young and old, innocent and experienced, that you can’t help but feel an attachment for. Dodgers was an unforgettable road trip and a great read.
78katiekrug
>77 DeltaQueen50: - Great review, Judy. And I"m excited I have this one on my shelf. I'm going to take it down and put it on my Read Soon cart :)
79DeltaQueen50
>78 katiekrug: I think you will love Dodgers, Katie. Another book bullet I took from Mark!
80VivienneR
Just dropping by to say hello. You've had some good reading recently. Algonquin Sunset looks very appealing.
81DeltaQueen50
>80 VivienneR: I really enjoyed the Algonquin Quest trilogy, Vivienne. These were well done in regards to history as well as culture.
82DeltaQueen50
44. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
BingoDog: Type of Building in Title
Around the World in 52 Books: Type of Building in Cover
March TIOLI #6: About a Woman of History
White Houses by Amy Bloom is an interesting recount of the friendship and love affair between First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok. Based in part on letters written to each other, it is obvious that there was a romantic feeling between these two women. Franklin Roosevelt was a noted womanizer, so it was important for Eleanor to have someone she could confide and rely upon.
The book opens in 1945 just after Franklin Roosevelt’s death. The two women reunite and “Hick” recalls their first meetings and their subsequent passionate love affair. We learn of their lives both without and with each other over the years. Lorena Hickok was an extremely interesting woman in her own right, coming from extreme poverty and surviving a very difficult childhood, she eventually finished high school and won a scholarship to college. She landed a job writing for a newspaper and steadily advanced over the years to having her own by-line. She gave up her journalism career for Eleanor, taking a job at the White House in order to stay near her loved one. Ms. Bloom’s theory is that Franklin D. Roosevelt knew what was going on between the two women and was satisfied that they kept it quiet and allowed him the freedom to do his own philandering. This book also gives us some shrewd and penetrating looks at President Roosevelt, a man who was a terrible husband and rather indifferent friend but who cared deeply for America and was the right President for the time.
That these two were doomed to say goodbye to each other was inevitable. Eleanor was living a public life, had a large family, and felt obligated to carry out Franklin’s legacy. There was no room in her life for Hick, this they both acknowledged and recognized. White Houses does a wonderful job of breathing life into the legend of Eleanor Roosevelt. The novel is a plausible observation of the private woman who was steadfast in both her role as First Lady and that of the widow of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
BingoDog: Type of Building in Title
Around the World in 52 Books: Type of Building in Cover
March TIOLI #6: About a Woman of History
White Houses by Amy Bloom is an interesting recount of the friendship and love affair between First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt and journalist Lorena Hickok. Based in part on letters written to each other, it is obvious that there was a romantic feeling between these two women. Franklin Roosevelt was a noted womanizer, so it was important for Eleanor to have someone she could confide and rely upon.
The book opens in 1945 just after Franklin Roosevelt’s death. The two women reunite and “Hick” recalls their first meetings and their subsequent passionate love affair. We learn of their lives both without and with each other over the years. Lorena Hickok was an extremely interesting woman in her own right, coming from extreme poverty and surviving a very difficult childhood, she eventually finished high school and won a scholarship to college. She landed a job writing for a newspaper and steadily advanced over the years to having her own by-line. She gave up her journalism career for Eleanor, taking a job at the White House in order to stay near her loved one. Ms. Bloom’s theory is that Franklin D. Roosevelt knew what was going on between the two women and was satisfied that they kept it quiet and allowed him the freedom to do his own philandering. This book also gives us some shrewd and penetrating looks at President Roosevelt, a man who was a terrible husband and rather indifferent friend but who cared deeply for America and was the right President for the time.
That these two were doomed to say goodbye to each other was inevitable. Eleanor was living a public life, had a large family, and felt obligated to carry out Franklin’s legacy. There was no room in her life for Hick, this they both acknowledged and recognized. White Houses does a wonderful job of breathing life into the legend of Eleanor Roosevelt. The novel is a plausible observation of the private woman who was steadfast in both her role as First Lady and that of the widow of Franklin D. Roosevelt.
83DeltaQueen50
45. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
BingoDog: Contains Magic
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Female Villain
March SFFFKit: Fortune and Glory
March TIOLI #5: The Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
In The Mermaid’s Madness by Jim C. Hines, the author once again has taken a familiar fairy tale and twisted it into a much darker version. We all know the Walt Disney version of The Little Mermaid but in this story the mermaid Lirea sacrificed everything in order to grow legs and be human, only to have the Prince use, abuse and then reject her. Unable to be fully human or fully mermaid, she loses her mind and in her madness murders her father and one of her sisters.
She now rules the Undine and is hunting for her other sister in order to kill her as well. She suspects Queen Beatrice is hiding her sister, Lannadae, and turns her anger on the country of Lorindar. She wounds the Queen and steals her soul which causes Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to launch a quest to recover the Queen’s soul, save Lannadae and break the control that Lirea has over the Undine.
The Mermaid’s Madness is a fast-pasted adventure fantasy that features three powerful women heroes who each have a specialty that helps them right the wrongs they encounter. Snow White is a master of magic, Cinderella has a bond with animals and knows how to be diplomatic, and Sleeping Beauty dominates when it comes to fisticuffs. This was a fun read.
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
BingoDog: Contains Magic
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Female Villain
March SFFFKit: Fortune and Glory
March TIOLI #5: The Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
In The Mermaid’s Madness by Jim C. Hines, the author once again has taken a familiar fairy tale and twisted it into a much darker version. We all know the Walt Disney version of The Little Mermaid but in this story the mermaid Lirea sacrificed everything in order to grow legs and be human, only to have the Prince use, abuse and then reject her. Unable to be fully human or fully mermaid, she loses her mind and in her madness murders her father and one of her sisters.
She now rules the Undine and is hunting for her other sister in order to kill her as well. She suspects Queen Beatrice is hiding her sister, Lannadae, and turns her anger on the country of Lorindar. She wounds the Queen and steals her soul which causes Snow White, Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty to launch a quest to recover the Queen’s soul, save Lannadae and break the control that Lirea has over the Undine.
The Mermaid’s Madness is a fast-pasted adventure fantasy that features three powerful women heroes who each have a specialty that helps them right the wrongs they encounter. Snow White is a master of magic, Cinderella has a bond with animals and knows how to be diplomatic, and Sleeping Beauty dominates when it comes to fisticuffs. This was a fun read.
84DeltaQueen50
Hooray!! We were able to book my husband's appointment for his vaccine today, his first shot will be on April 1st. He's a few years older than me, so I expect I will be able to book my first appointment in a week or two.
86DeltaQueen50
>86 DeltaQueen50: I feel so much better knowing we will soon be vaccinated. We take all the precautions that we can, but hopefully the vaccine will help move us along to a more normal life.
88DeltaQueen50
>87 hailelib: Thanks. Just a note that The Mermaid's Madness is the 2nd book in a series so you might want to check out the first one, The Stepsister's Scheme which introduces all the characters.
89RidgewayGirl
It's so exciting seeing people get vaccinated and moving us all one step closer to the end of this thing. I had my first shot on Wednesday, in a drive-thru site that was clearly gearing up for volume and the entire process took 35 minutes, including the after shot waiting period.
90DeltaQueen50
46. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
March ScaredyKit: Short Stories and Novellas
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire is a companion story to the novel about a zombie apocalypse called Red Hill. One of the main characters in Red Hill, Scarlet, has never given up hope that her two daughters are still alive and that her ex-husband will keep her daughters safe and bring them to her. This is the story of how they managed to survive and get to the sanctuary at Red Hill.
In particular this is Jenna’s story. She is thirteen and when the world goes to pieces around her, she find out how resourceful and practical she can be. She protects and looks out for her young sister, Halle, and even, at times, is better at keeping them together than her father appears to be. She had been resentful of her father in recent times, begrudging him his girlfriends, but as they travel through this nightmare, they learn to understand each other and work on their survival together.
I read Red Hill a number of years ago but have to admit that I really didn’t have a clear memory of it. This didn’t really affect how this story worked. Among Monsters was about a different set of people and it wasn’t until the end that stories combined. I enjoyed this story, Jenna was a heroine worth rooting for, the issues between her father and her were much the same as any normal teen and single father but the circumstances they were caught up in encouraged them to talk about their feelings and resolve most of their problems. Of course there was plenty of zombie action so I was able to get my thrills as well.
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
March ScaredyKit: Short Stories and Novellas
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire is a companion story to the novel about a zombie apocalypse called Red Hill. One of the main characters in Red Hill, Scarlet, has never given up hope that her two daughters are still alive and that her ex-husband will keep her daughters safe and bring them to her. This is the story of how they managed to survive and get to the sanctuary at Red Hill.
In particular this is Jenna’s story. She is thirteen and when the world goes to pieces around her, she find out how resourceful and practical she can be. She protects and looks out for her young sister, Halle, and even, at times, is better at keeping them together than her father appears to be. She had been resentful of her father in recent times, begrudging him his girlfriends, but as they travel through this nightmare, they learn to understand each other and work on their survival together.
I read Red Hill a number of years ago but have to admit that I really didn’t have a clear memory of it. This didn’t really affect how this story worked. Among Monsters was about a different set of people and it wasn’t until the end that stories combined. I enjoyed this story, Jenna was a heroine worth rooting for, the issues between her father and her were much the same as any normal teen and single father but the circumstances they were caught up in encouraged them to talk about their feelings and resolve most of their problems. Of course there was plenty of zombie action so I was able to get my thrills as well.
91DeltaQueen50
>89 RidgewayGirl: I was hoping that we would be sent to the drive-in site that they have set up in the neighbouring municipality but we have been directed to the local public health building. My husband's brother and his wife who live in Washington State went to a drive-in site and said it worked quickly and they were through and back home before they knew it.
92MissBrangwen
>69 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like a lovely novel to escape into!
>84 DeltaQueen50: That's wonderful news!
>84 DeltaQueen50: That's wonderful news!
93msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy! Hooray for Dodgers! I am so glad you loved it. Good review too. I sure hope he delivers another winner like that one.
94rabbitprincess
Yay, so glad to hear that Mr. DeltaQueen is booked for his vaccine and that you will get your appointment soon!
95mstrust
Hi, Judy!
Still keeping up with TWD? I thought last week's episode, with Aaron and Gabriel, was really good.
Still keeping up with TWD? I thought last week's episode, with Aaron and Gabriel, was really good.
96Jackie_K
Good to hear all the vaccine news! I had my second vaccine on Tuesday, and my husband had his first today (I am enjoying the fact that, even though he is younger than me, he got his because of his age but I didn't!).
97threadnsong
Hello DeltaQueen! So glad to hear Mr. DeltaKing has his vaccination appointment and that you are almost booked. DH and I are in the "under 65" category which meant we had to wait until last week here in GA to book ours. We have, and we are taking our first road trip in a year to the NW GA mountains where we can both get our first shot at the same time.
And all of your chocolate cakes remind me that I should probably avert my eyes to more reasonable amounts of cakes, sweets, cookies, chips . . . I still have to fit into my jeans once I'm back to "normal" in life.
Both The Mermaid's Madness (and its predecessor) and Long Bright River have made it to my TBR list. Thank you for the recommendations!
Stay well and much love.
And all of your chocolate cakes remind me that I should probably avert my eyes to more reasonable amounts of cakes, sweets, cookies, chips . . . I still have to fit into my jeans once I'm back to "normal" in life.
Both The Mermaid's Madness (and its predecessor) and Long Bright River have made it to my TBR list. Thank you for the recommendations!
Stay well and much love.
98DeltaQueen50
>92 MissBrangwen: It was a great escape read, Mirjam, with romance, history and travel combined into one story.
>93 msf59: I have seen where there is going to be a sequel to Dodgers which I have mixed feelings about, but I suspect anything he writes will be worth reading.
>94 rabbitprincess: I was surprised that the Fraser Health Organization (which covers the area where I live) is phoning people to let us know when we are eligible for our vaccine. I have been checking the website regularly, but it was nice to know that they are contacting people as many seniors don't use computers.
>95 mstrust: Hi Jennifer, yes, I am still watching TWD - I have been enjoying these last few episodes, although they do seem to be winding the series down. That episode with Aaron and Gabriel was very good, lots of chills and thrills!
>96 Jackie_K: I enjoy hearing how all the different countries and areas are getting the vaccines out. My younger daughter has had both of her shots as she is a health worker, now hubby will get his. I expect I will be getting mine in a couple of weeks - then the rest of the family (other daughter and son-in-laws) - after that I will be holding a family dinner!
>97 threadnsong: Hi Threadnsong. I think getting the vaccine will give us all a real boost. It looks like I will be vaccinated and ready to go see my Mom for her 100th birthday. Staying cooped up at home certainly has made snacking an escape activity - I should probably put both of us on a mini-diet as well.
>93 msf59: I have seen where there is going to be a sequel to Dodgers which I have mixed feelings about, but I suspect anything he writes will be worth reading.
>94 rabbitprincess: I was surprised that the Fraser Health Organization (which covers the area where I live) is phoning people to let us know when we are eligible for our vaccine. I have been checking the website regularly, but it was nice to know that they are contacting people as many seniors don't use computers.
>95 mstrust: Hi Jennifer, yes, I am still watching TWD - I have been enjoying these last few episodes, although they do seem to be winding the series down. That episode with Aaron and Gabriel was very good, lots of chills and thrills!
>96 Jackie_K: I enjoy hearing how all the different countries and areas are getting the vaccines out. My younger daughter has had both of her shots as she is a health worker, now hubby will get his. I expect I will be getting mine in a couple of weeks - then the rest of the family (other daughter and son-in-laws) - after that I will be holding a family dinner!
>97 threadnsong: Hi Threadnsong. I think getting the vaccine will give us all a real boost. It looks like I will be vaccinated and ready to go see my Mom for her 100th birthday. Staying cooped up at home certainly has made snacking an escape activity - I should probably put both of us on a mini-diet as well.
99DeltaQueen50
47. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.6 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
1,001 Books List
March AlphaKit: U
Around the Year In 52 Books: Author's Name Contains no A, T, or Y
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
Rabbit, Run by John Updike was first published in 1960, and I expect it had a shock value then as the main character Harry ‘Rabbit’ Angstrom suddenly runs away from his life. He is twenty-six, married with one child and another on it’s way. He goes out to pick up his son and keeps driving. The story goes on to suggest that spoiled, selfish, irresponsible Rabbit felt trapped in his life, stuck with his alcoholic wife, and uninspired by his dead-end job. Oh boo-hoo, he should have instead learned to accept responsibility for the mess he has made for himself and stop blaming everything and everyone else for his problems.
I disliked Rabbit from the get-go, but I could not stop reading this book, I needed to know what was going to happen next. This speaks volumes about the talent of the writing. This reader wanted to know if Rabbit ever matures, gets over his high-school basketball hero days and works to make his life a success. The author excelled in setting his story against a backdrop of a changing 1950s America using songs and advertisements that evoke that post-WW II boom.
Although this is the first book in the Rabbit series, it certainly stands on it own. It is definitely a product of it’s time with it’s thoughts on what is socially acceptable, and how the women are treated but the author presents his thoughts and ideas with strong, colorful writing that brings both the story and the setting to life.
Category: Chocolate Letters
1,001 Books List
March AlphaKit: U
Around the Year In 52 Books: Author's Name Contains no A, T, or Y
March TIOLI #5: Author's First Name Starts with a 'J'
Rabbit, Run by John Updike was first published in 1960, and I expect it had a shock value then as the main character Harry ‘Rabbit’ Angstrom suddenly runs away from his life. He is twenty-six, married with one child and another on it’s way. He goes out to pick up his son and keeps driving. The story goes on to suggest that spoiled, selfish, irresponsible Rabbit felt trapped in his life, stuck with his alcoholic wife, and uninspired by his dead-end job. Oh boo-hoo, he should have instead learned to accept responsibility for the mess he has made for himself and stop blaming everything and everyone else for his problems.
I disliked Rabbit from the get-go, but I could not stop reading this book, I needed to know what was going to happen next. This speaks volumes about the talent of the writing. This reader wanted to know if Rabbit ever matures, gets over his high-school basketball hero days and works to make his life a success. The author excelled in setting his story against a backdrop of a changing 1950s America using songs and advertisements that evoke that post-WW II boom.
Although this is the first book in the Rabbit series, it certainly stands on it own. It is definitely a product of it’s time with it’s thoughts on what is socially acceptable, and how the women are treated but the author presents his thoughts and ideas with strong, colorful writing that brings both the story and the setting to life.
100leslie.98
>99 DeltaQueen50: I guess I should try rereading that someday - I read it soon after it came out & my dislike of Rabbit colored my entire reaction to both the book & Updike... maybe I am a more mature reader now & will be able to separate my feelings for the characters from that of the book as a whole. (?!)
101DeltaQueen50
>100 leslie.98: Well, I really disliked Rabbit as well and although I could appreciate that the author knew his craft, I wasn't blown away by the book. I thought the actual story was quite dated - although a good picture of 1950s America. I probably wouldn't bother with the other two Rabbit books except they are also on the 1,001 Book List so I might be picking them up in the future.
102DeltaQueen50
48. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
BingoDog: A Book About History
March HistoryCat: Early Modern 1500 - 1800
March TIOLI #7: The Title Contains a Proper Noun
Allan Eckert writes books about the early years of America and her westward expansion at the expense of the many Indian tribes that the white people came into contact with. His research is extensive and his books paint a vivid picture of America’s frontier and the characters, both white and Indian, that shaped this land.
In this book Eckert details the life of Blue Jacket, a famous warrior of the Shawnees in the late 1700s. The surprise here is that he was, according the Eckert, a white man who was captured when he was seventeen. He took to the Indian way of life easily, married and raised a family, went to war and fought with bravery and honor. His hatred of white people was well documented. Blue Jacket became known as a strategist, and a strong war chief who led his people to victory on a few occasions.
Although Eckert seems to have researched this story extensively, his assertion about Blue Jacket is not accepted by all. Eckert claims that Blue Jacket was Marmaduke Van Swearingen, who was being bullied by his older brothers and unhappy at home. He elected to go with the Indians in exchange for his younger brothers freedom. I have read other books and articles that also offer the fact that Blue Jacket was a white captive who became an important leader of the Shawnee tribe, but whatever the truth, this was a fascinating story about a Shawnee warrior who both fought and worked hard to maintain their way of life, their culture and their lands.
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
BingoDog: A Book About History
March HistoryCat: Early Modern 1500 - 1800
March TIOLI #7: The Title Contains a Proper Noun
Allan Eckert writes books about the early years of America and her westward expansion at the expense of the many Indian tribes that the white people came into contact with. His research is extensive and his books paint a vivid picture of America’s frontier and the characters, both white and Indian, that shaped this land.
In this book Eckert details the life of Blue Jacket, a famous warrior of the Shawnees in the late 1700s. The surprise here is that he was, according the Eckert, a white man who was captured when he was seventeen. He took to the Indian way of life easily, married and raised a family, went to war and fought with bravery and honor. His hatred of white people was well documented. Blue Jacket became known as a strategist, and a strong war chief who led his people to victory on a few occasions.
Although Eckert seems to have researched this story extensively, his assertion about Blue Jacket is not accepted by all. Eckert claims that Blue Jacket was Marmaduke Van Swearingen, who was being bullied by his older brothers and unhappy at home. He elected to go with the Indians in exchange for his younger brothers freedom. I have read other books and articles that also offer the fact that Blue Jacket was a white captive who became an important leader of the Shawnee tribe, but whatever the truth, this was a fascinating story about a Shawnee warrior who both fought and worked hard to maintain their way of life, their culture and their lands.
103DeltaQueen50
49. Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
March TIOLI #14: Helping Lois Celebrate Her Birthday
Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey is the second book in his Peter Diamond Mystery series. This book starts off with an alarm going off indicating an intruder on the 7th floor of Harrods Department Store, a search by police discovers a small Japanese girl. This event causes the 7th floor security guard to be sacked but all investigations into who this little girl is come to a dead end. She doesn’t speak and eventually is placed in a school for autistic children. The security guard who lost his job is none other than Peter Diamond, and he decides to find out who this child is and reunite her with her family if possible.
Curmudgeon Peter Diamond has met his match with this little girl, Naomi. They form a bond and he is devastated when he arrives at the school one morning to find she has been taken by someone posing as her mother. As he follows the trail to New York City his journey soon involves a pharmaceutical R&D ethics case and murder. Eventually the trail leads to Japan and an exciting conclusion.
Even though I have now only read two books of this series, it is fast becoming a favorite. The gruff but tender-hearted Peter Diamond is just one of the many interesting characters in this book. Some of the others include a group of autistic children, a sumo wrestler, and, after coming into contact with Diamond, some very frustrated cops. Diamond Solitaire was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book.
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
March TIOLI #14: Helping Lois Celebrate Her Birthday
Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey is the second book in his Peter Diamond Mystery series. This book starts off with an alarm going off indicating an intruder on the 7th floor of Harrods Department Store, a search by police discovers a small Japanese girl. This event causes the 7th floor security guard to be sacked but all investigations into who this little girl is come to a dead end. She doesn’t speak and eventually is placed in a school for autistic children. The security guard who lost his job is none other than Peter Diamond, and he decides to find out who this child is and reunite her with her family if possible.
Curmudgeon Peter Diamond has met his match with this little girl, Naomi. They form a bond and he is devastated when he arrives at the school one morning to find she has been taken by someone posing as her mother. As he follows the trail to New York City his journey soon involves a pharmaceutical R&D ethics case and murder. Eventually the trail leads to Japan and an exciting conclusion.
Even though I have now only read two books of this series, it is fast becoming a favorite. The gruff but tender-hearted Peter Diamond is just one of the many interesting characters in this book. Some of the others include a group of autistic children, a sumo wrestler, and, after coming into contact with Diamond, some very frustrated cops. Diamond Solitaire was a fun read and I am looking forward to the next book.
104clue
>49 DeltaQueen50: I've meant to start this series forever. I read a few in his Sergeant Cribb series, they take place in Victorian England, and although I liked them somehow I let them drop. I didn't start with the first one which may have been the problem, I started with The Detective Who Wore Silk Drawers!
105DeltaQueen50
>104 clue: I have read one of his Sergeant Cribb books and it was the first in the series. Wobble to Death was very good and that is another series I would like to follow up on - someday!
106mysterymax
Love both series. Diamond Solitaire was so good, glad you enjoyed it.
107DeltaQueen50
>106 mysterymax: Thanks. I think Peter Lovesey is an author to watch for!
108DeltaQueen50
50. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
March RandomCat: Surprise
March TIOLI #13: Rolling Challenge Based on "March Break"
The Raven’s Gift by Don Reardon is an unusual dystopian story that because of the times we are currently living in, was both believable and very scary. A highly contagious disease, a mutation of the bird flu, brings about the quarantine of the State of Alaska. John and Anna are married teachers who are living in a remote village. They are trapped and as the sickness takes it toil, Anna falls ill as well.
Death takes many forms in this book, stalking the characters with sickness, suicide, murder, cannibalism, and even a strange hunter, who appears to be intent upon the assassination of all survivors. As John and a fellow survivor, Yup’ik woman, Rayna set out across the dark, cold land seeking a place of safety, they encounter danger at every turn, but they also find love.
While I was truly engrossed by this story, I also was confused much of the time. The author divided the story into three time lines, just before the sickness, during the sickness and the quest for survival and it wasn’t always clear to me which time line I was reading. I had a lot of questions about this story and the answers weren’t supplied. I also didn’t appreciate the ending which I felt left the readers hanging. Originally published in 2013, The Raven’s Gift felt like it was a foreshadow of what was to come in 2020.
Category: Almond Crunch
March RandomCat: Surprise
March TIOLI #13: Rolling Challenge Based on "March Break"
The Raven’s Gift by Don Reardon is an unusual dystopian story that because of the times we are currently living in, was both believable and very scary. A highly contagious disease, a mutation of the bird flu, brings about the quarantine of the State of Alaska. John and Anna are married teachers who are living in a remote village. They are trapped and as the sickness takes it toil, Anna falls ill as well.
Death takes many forms in this book, stalking the characters with sickness, suicide, murder, cannibalism, and even a strange hunter, who appears to be intent upon the assassination of all survivors. As John and a fellow survivor, Yup’ik woman, Rayna set out across the dark, cold land seeking a place of safety, they encounter danger at every turn, but they also find love.
While I was truly engrossed by this story, I also was confused much of the time. The author divided the story into three time lines, just before the sickness, during the sickness and the quest for survival and it wasn’t always clear to me which time line I was reading. I had a lot of questions about this story and the answers weren’t supplied. I also didn’t appreciate the ending which I felt left the readers hanging. Originally published in 2013, The Raven’s Gift felt like it was a foreshadow of what was to come in 2020.
109VictoriaPL
How exciting! My husband also got his first shot this past week. We are trying to get him an appointment for his second before we travel in mid-April.
Such lovely photos of treats in your thread. I feel like I've gained 5 pounds just scrolling through, LOL.
I do love the dystopia genre. My favorite one the Knife of Never Letting Go was just released in theatres and after watching it with fingers crossed, I wasn't mad (which came as a relief). Thank you for the warning on The Raven's Gift
Such lovely photos of treats in your thread. I feel like I've gained 5 pounds just scrolling through, LOL.
I do love the dystopia genre. My favorite one the Knife of Never Letting Go was just released in theatres and after watching it with fingers crossed, I wasn't mad (which came as a relief). Thank you for the warning on The Raven's Gift
110DeltaQueen50
>109 VictoriaPL: How nice to see you back posting, Victoria. I got a form letter in the mail this week from the Provincial Health Officer inviting me to book my vaccine now due to some health issues I have. So I expect I will be getting my first shot soon.
111lindapanzo
Just heard about the stabbings and death at the North Vancouver library. Libraries should be a place of refuge. How horrifying.
112DeltaQueen50
>111 lindapanzo: I just replied to your PM, Linda. It is horrible - I think of libraries as very safe places and to hear about such violence errupting is terrifying. Because of Covid, I haven't been using the library but started again this week, luckily I live at the opposite end of the city from where this happened in North Vancouver.
113msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy. I read Rabbit Run back in 2014, probably for the AAc. Like you, I liked it but did not love it. that said I still intended to read the next Rabbit book and just did not get around to it.
>111 lindapanzo: >112 DeltaQueen50: I did not hear about this story. That is terrible.
>111 lindapanzo: >112 DeltaQueen50: I did not hear about this story. That is terrible.
114DeltaQueen50
51. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
March TIOLI #9: Mystery Challenge - Read A Book Whose Title Starts with a Letter from the Word 'Nature'
I have just completed the fifth Nero Wolfe mystery, Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout and believe me, reading a Nero Wolf novel is totally satisfying on many levels. The arrogant, gourmandizing sedentary sleuth that is Nero Wolf is a treat on his own, but add in his man-about-town, the suave Archie Goodwin, admired by the likes of Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse, and you have characters that are a delight to read about.
This novel was originally published in 1938, and Nero Wolfe and Archie have travelled south to a five-star resort to attend the gathering of the world’s greatest chefs. As guest of honor, Wolfe is served both haute cuisine and murder. Reluctantly at first, Wolfe eventually decides he does need to solve this case.
At that time, much of the hotel staff were black and although Wolfe actually did address and deal with some of the outright and obvious prejudice, there was still a number of racial slurs and condescending speech about and towards these black characters. This brings thoughts of today’s policy of pulling these types of books from the shelves. I have mixed feelings about this, yes, it is distasteful to read, but how are we going to remember how hurtful this casual racism is and improve upon it if we don’t see where this type of prejudice comes from. I would rather books like this come with a foreword discussing the situation than to see them disappear.
Rex Stout delivers interesting, intricate mysteries that give the reader plenty to puzzle upon. The interplay between Wolfe and Archie make these books well worth picking up. I enjoyed Too Many Cooks and fully intend on continuing my exploration of this series.
Category: Cherry Cordials
March TIOLI #9: Mystery Challenge - Read A Book Whose Title Starts with a Letter from the Word 'Nature'
I have just completed the fifth Nero Wolfe mystery, Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout and believe me, reading a Nero Wolf novel is totally satisfying on many levels. The arrogant, gourmandizing sedentary sleuth that is Nero Wolf is a treat on his own, but add in his man-about-town, the suave Archie Goodwin, admired by the likes of Agatha Christie and P. G. Wodehouse, and you have characters that are a delight to read about.
This novel was originally published in 1938, and Nero Wolfe and Archie have travelled south to a five-star resort to attend the gathering of the world’s greatest chefs. As guest of honor, Wolfe is served both haute cuisine and murder. Reluctantly at first, Wolfe eventually decides he does need to solve this case.
At that time, much of the hotel staff were black and although Wolfe actually did address and deal with some of the outright and obvious prejudice, there was still a number of racial slurs and condescending speech about and towards these black characters. This brings thoughts of today’s policy of pulling these types of books from the shelves. I have mixed feelings about this, yes, it is distasteful to read, but how are we going to remember how hurtful this casual racism is and improve upon it if we don’t see where this type of prejudice comes from. I would rather books like this come with a foreword discussing the situation than to see them disappear.
Rex Stout delivers interesting, intricate mysteries that give the reader plenty to puzzle upon. The interplay between Wolfe and Archie make these books well worth picking up. I enjoyed Too Many Cooks and fully intend on continuing my exploration of this series.
115DeltaQueen50
>113 msf59: I suspect that the Rabbit series may have been more relevant when it was originally published back in the 1960s. I will probably read the rest of the trilogy at some point, but I am not in any hurry to connect with Rabbit Angstrom again.
They have a man in custody for the stabbings outside a Vancouver library. One young woman has died and I believe six others were sent to hospital by this guy's rampage. I don't know yet if there is a connection between this man and any of the victims, but more news is still to come.
They have a man in custody for the stabbings outside a Vancouver library. One young woman has died and I believe six others were sent to hospital by this guy's rampage. I don't know yet if there is a connection between this man and any of the victims, but more news is still to come.
116Tess_W
>114 DeltaQueen50: I have never read a Nero Wolfe; but this will be my first--on my WL it goes!
117pamelad
>115 DeltaQueen50: I'm also a Nero Wolfe fan, and re-read a few last year. Regarding racial slurs, I agree with the idea of a forward, or perhaps footnotes. We need to acknowledge them, but it would be a mistake to Bowdlerise books and pretend there was no racism. How can we see where we are if we don't know where we've been?
Very sorry to hear about the stabbings outside the library.
Very sorry to hear about the stabbings outside the library.
118BLBera
How horrible to hear about stabbings at a library! Scout and I visited our library this weekend, for the first time in a year! It should be a haven.
119lsh63
>114 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I have a lot of Rex Stout books that I have accumulated around here somewhere. Thank you for the reminder to see where I am with them. I was so sorry to learn of the library stabbing.
120DeltaQueen50
>116 Tess_W: I have concentrated on British Vintage mysteries by the likes of Christie, Tey and Sayers but a couple of years ago I picked up my first Nero Wolfe and was instantly captivated. I hope you enjoy them as well.
>117 pamelad: Yes, that's exactly how I feel about it as well. We can't just bury our past, we have to acknowledge and learn from it and move on.
>118 BLBera: I had my first library visit in over a year the other day as well, Beth. It's just unspeakable that one could be in danger at a library! The police still haven't found a link between the perpetrator and any of the victims, although he does seem to have a history of violent crimes.
>119 lsh63: Hi Lisa, there you go - yet another series to catch up on!
>117 pamelad: Yes, that's exactly how I feel about it as well. We can't just bury our past, we have to acknowledge and learn from it and move on.
>118 BLBera: I had my first library visit in over a year the other day as well, Beth. It's just unspeakable that one could be in danger at a library! The police still haven't found a link between the perpetrator and any of the victims, although he does seem to have a history of violent crimes.
>119 lsh63: Hi Lisa, there you go - yet another series to catch up on!
121Familyhistorian
>82 DeltaQueen50: I read a different book about Eleanor Roosevelt and Lorena Hickok, Judy. Eleanor and Hick: The Love Affair That Shaped a First Lady which was also good. Maybe some records became available which lead the two authors to create works about the relationship.
You got me with a BB for the Peter Diamond mysteries. Wonderful that you are moving up in the line for your vaccine jab.
You got me with a BB for the Peter Diamond mysteries. Wonderful that you are moving up in the line for your vaccine jab.
122DeltaQueen50
>121 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I think you will enjoy the Peter Diamond series. Iwas able to book my appointment for the first shot on-line for April 7th. Not sure when they are going to get to the second doses. My Mom got her first shot on March 13th and she has been given a date in early July for her second.
123dudes22
>122 DeltaQueen50: - Not knowing which vaccine you're getting but I know with the one I got, I had to get the second 3 weeks later. In fact, while you were sitting in your 15 minute wait after getting the first shot, they were having you go on-line and sign up for your second shot. Glad you at least have a date for your first shot.
124leslie.98
>114 DeltaQueen50: Oh, that is a fun one!
I agree with your idea about a foreword/introduction/footnotes. To me it is clear that Stout himself wasn't racist but was reflecting the world around him at that time. As you & >117 pamelad: say, it is important to recognize that part of our history rather than try to whitewash it.
I agree with your idea about a foreword/introduction/footnotes. To me it is clear that Stout himself wasn't racist but was reflecting the world around him at that time. As you & >117 pamelad: say, it is important to recognize that part of our history rather than try to whitewash it.
125DeltaQueen50
>123 dudes22: I'm a little concerned over the delay with giving people their second shot. I think they decided it's better to give a large number of people the first shot and hope that there will be enough vaccines in future for everyone's second shot.
>124 leslie.98: It is a thorny issue and since I am not a person of color, I don't know how they feel about these books but I would like to think that we are all in agreement that we need to recognize and acknowledge the history and then move forward from there.
>124 leslie.98: It is a thorny issue and since I am not a person of color, I don't know how they feel about these books but I would like to think that we are all in agreement that we need to recognize and acknowledge the history and then move forward from there.
126DeltaQueen50
52. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
BingoDog: Recommended by Someone From a Different Generation
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book with an Ensemble Cast
April TIOLI #8: Helping Linda Celebrate Her Birthday
On January 30, 1945 three torpedoes from a Russian submarine tore through the refuge ship, Wilhelm Gustloff, sinking her within sixty minutes. The ship was tremendously over-crowded and of the fifteen thousand on board, at least nine thousand perished. This is the deadliest marine disaster in history, and yet, many of us have never heard of it. In Salt to the Sea, author Ruta Sepetys tells the story of the sinking and of some of the refugees who were aboard her.
The story is haunting, gripping and heart-wrenching as we are introduced to a small group of refugees who are fleeing the oncoming Russians. This is a mixed group of people, young and old, from various countries, all trying to stay ahead of the invading army. One member of the group, Joana is a Lithuanian nurse and her nursing skills are in demand which allows her to bring her friends on board as well. Also travelling with them is Florian, a Prussian who had been working for the Nazis restoring art, but he deserted once he realized that most of the officers were lining their pockets with the artwork, not keeping it safe for posterity.
The story unfolds through four different narrative voices, yet it is concise, clear and emotionally involving. Although this is considered a YA story, it is so well told and written that it appeals to all ages. The author is able to place us among these people and have us caring about them and wanting to see them make it to a place of safety. Salt to the Sea is both a beautiful and tragic read that sheds a light on a little known event in history.
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
BingoDog: Recommended by Someone From a Different Generation
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book with an Ensemble Cast
April TIOLI #8: Helping Linda Celebrate Her Birthday
On January 30, 1945 three torpedoes from a Russian submarine tore through the refuge ship, Wilhelm Gustloff, sinking her within sixty minutes. The ship was tremendously over-crowded and of the fifteen thousand on board, at least nine thousand perished. This is the deadliest marine disaster in history, and yet, many of us have never heard of it. In Salt to the Sea, author Ruta Sepetys tells the story of the sinking and of some of the refugees who were aboard her.
The story is haunting, gripping and heart-wrenching as we are introduced to a small group of refugees who are fleeing the oncoming Russians. This is a mixed group of people, young and old, from various countries, all trying to stay ahead of the invading army. One member of the group, Joana is a Lithuanian nurse and her nursing skills are in demand which allows her to bring her friends on board as well. Also travelling with them is Florian, a Prussian who had been working for the Nazis restoring art, but he deserted once he realized that most of the officers were lining their pockets with the artwork, not keeping it safe for posterity.
The story unfolds through four different narrative voices, yet it is concise, clear and emotionally involving. Although this is considered a YA story, it is so well told and written that it appeals to all ages. The author is able to place us among these people and have us caring about them and wanting to see them make it to a place of safety. Salt to the Sea is both a beautiful and tragic read that sheds a light on a little known event in history.
127Tess_W
>126 DeltaQueen50: Glad you liked this one. I have it in the audio line-up.
128MissBrangwen
>126 DeltaQueen50: A BB for me!
129katiekrug
>126 DeltaQueen50: - Nice review, Judy! I have this one saved on audio.
130FAMeulstee
>126 DeltaQueen50: I had seen a documentary on TV about the Wilhelm Gustloff and had read a German YA where it featured, before reading this one. There were more tragedies like this one around that time :-(
131DeltaQueen50
>127 Tess_W: , >128 MissBrangwen:, & >129 katiekrug: I hope you all enjoy this book. I think it would work well as an audio.
>130 FAMeulstee: The number of missing and displaced persons in World War II is staggering. It must have been an overwhelming job for organizations like the Red Cross etc. afterwards trying to reconnect families and find places for people to go.
>130 FAMeulstee: The number of missing and displaced persons in World War II is staggering. It must have been an overwhelming job for organizations like the Red Cross etc. afterwards trying to reconnect families and find places for people to go.
132DeltaQueen50
How sad it is that our Covid numbers here in B.C. are rising and in an effort to control things they have shut all restaurants and bars down for in-house service. It's even more imperative that we all get ourselves registered for the vaccine now.
133Tess_W
>132 DeltaQueen50: Yes, the US numbers are up this week, also and predicted to go higher with Easter family gatherings.
134DeltaQueen50
> Maybe the health authorities are trying to get a jump on the Easter weekend with closing everything now. This thing seems to go in surges, or maybe it's just that we all get a little nonchalant with the protocols and need to be reminded how contagious this is.
135Tess_W
>134 DeltaQueen50: that and US students were mandated to return to school in March. Some had already been going, but a lot had not seen the classroom for one year.
136Helenliz
>132 DeltaQueen50: We've not been able to eat in since November, but we're now beginning to see a fall in case numbers. Over half the population have now had their first jab. Non-essential shops can open on 12th April (hair cut, here I come), but we're not going to be eating in until mid may, at the earliest.
137clue
We have had a drop in cases too but the reaction is to loosen mandates to the point that as of today there is no state mandate for masks. Individual businesses can require a mask if they want to but would they if their competitors don't? Probably not and I think it's easy to predict what is going to happen.
138DeltaQueen50
>135 Tess_W: When I think back over the last year I am amazed at the changes we have undergone because of Covid and what we now consider 'normal'.
>136 Helenliz: I guess we've been a little spoiled as pretty much everything has been open here, with the stipulation of wearing masks and physical distance. I think Canada hasn't been as organized with the vaccines as some other countries as there seems to be limited supplies here.
>137 clue: Totally removing the safeguards makes me very nervous. I'd rather err on the side of caution.
>136 Helenliz: I guess we've been a little spoiled as pretty much everything has been open here, with the stipulation of wearing masks and physical distance. I think Canada hasn't been as organized with the vaccines as some other countries as there seems to be limited supplies here.
>137 clue: Totally removing the safeguards makes me very nervous. I'd rather err on the side of caution.
139DeltaQueen50
53. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Non-fiction book that isn't a Biography
April TIOLI #14: Author's First Name Starts With a Vowel
The American television show The Bachelor seems to be a perennial favorite as it and it’s various franchises are still going strong after some nineteen years. I admit to being an occasional viewer with some of the bachelors and bachelorettes capturing my interest more than others. I am fascinated to learn why these young people put themselves in a position to vie for the attention of one man or woman. It seems like a very strange way to build a relationship of equality and respect when all the power is in the hands of one.
I picked up Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman at the library hoping I would learn how these young women/men think about love and marriage. I note that on a Bachelor season, the women all seem to be looking for a fairy tale romance that ends in marriage, even though very few of these relationships actually work once real life comes knocking. I also wonder why the Bachelorette has a much better track record when it comes to marriage and relationships lasting. The Bachelor has only had one season end in a seemingly successful marriage, although you could count two more seasons if you ignore that the Bachelors had to dump their first choices and go for the runner-up. The Bachelorettes have managed three marriages and a number of on-going engagements. So are women better at picking their mates or is this just the luck of the draw?
The book didn’t really have a lot to say, the author was literally frozen out of the Bachelor Nation with the producers asking contestants to please not talk to her. Some ignored the request and did talk but overall she really wasn’t able to break through. I also thought that she inserted herself into the narrative more than she should have. Mainly what I learned was what I already suspected, the producers are responsible for a lot of the drama and controversy that we see on the show. In their quest for ratings, they have learned how to spin what we are seeing, deciding in advance who is going to be that season’s bad girl/guy, and requesting that the star give roses to the ones that give good camera. So obviously this reality show is far from real and it’s no wonder the relationships don’t last very long after the final rose.
While The Bachelor didn’t invent candles, roses or hot tubs, it has certainly learned how to utilize these props to perfection. I suspect I will continue my guilty pleasure of checking out this pop culture phenomenon in anticipation of rolling my eyes when hearing some of my favorite lines such as “I’m here for the right reason” or “I can definitely see my wife/husband in this room”.
Category: Vanilla Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Non-fiction book that isn't a Biography
April TIOLI #14: Author's First Name Starts With a Vowel
The American television show The Bachelor seems to be a perennial favorite as it and it’s various franchises are still going strong after some nineteen years. I admit to being an occasional viewer with some of the bachelors and bachelorettes capturing my interest more than others. I am fascinated to learn why these young people put themselves in a position to vie for the attention of one man or woman. It seems like a very strange way to build a relationship of equality and respect when all the power is in the hands of one.
I picked up Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman at the library hoping I would learn how these young women/men think about love and marriage. I note that on a Bachelor season, the women all seem to be looking for a fairy tale romance that ends in marriage, even though very few of these relationships actually work once real life comes knocking. I also wonder why the Bachelorette has a much better track record when it comes to marriage and relationships lasting. The Bachelor has only had one season end in a seemingly successful marriage, although you could count two more seasons if you ignore that the Bachelors had to dump their first choices and go for the runner-up. The Bachelorettes have managed three marriages and a number of on-going engagements. So are women better at picking their mates or is this just the luck of the draw?
The book didn’t really have a lot to say, the author was literally frozen out of the Bachelor Nation with the producers asking contestants to please not talk to her. Some ignored the request and did talk but overall she really wasn’t able to break through. I also thought that she inserted herself into the narrative more than she should have. Mainly what I learned was what I already suspected, the producers are responsible for a lot of the drama and controversy that we see on the show. In their quest for ratings, they have learned how to spin what we are seeing, deciding in advance who is going to be that season’s bad girl/guy, and requesting that the star give roses to the ones that give good camera. So obviously this reality show is far from real and it’s no wonder the relationships don’t last very long after the final rose.
While The Bachelor didn’t invent candles, roses or hot tubs, it has certainly learned how to utilize these props to perfection. I suspect I will continue my guilty pleasure of checking out this pop culture phenomenon in anticipation of rolling my eyes when hearing some of my favorite lines such as “I’m here for the right reason” or “I can definitely see my wife/husband in this room”.
140DeltaQueen50
54. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
April AlphaKit: W
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #17: A Book With a Shared Word in the Title
I started the Monster trilogy by David Wellington a number of years ago, so I wasn’t sure that I would remember much about the story. Luckily Monster Nation, which is the 2nd book actually takes us back to the beginning of the zombie apocalypse so it didn’t matter that my memory of the first book was lacking.
This prequel looks at how the world became overrun with the undead but the author’s complicated explanations really didn’t help, as I felt the author got bogged down in political, medical and religious aspects. A few new characters were introduced, but overall this was rather a mundane zombie story. Having one of the main characters as a zombie who still retains a certain amount of her humanity was interesting at first but I quickly became bored with her when she started experiencing super-powers such as invisibility and mind reading.
So far the trilogy has been a 50/50 proposition. I really liked the first book but felt this second one was mediocre. I plan to pick up the third book later this month, and I am hoping that it is more of a traditional zombie thriller.
Category: Chocolate Letters
April AlphaKit: W
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #17: A Book With a Shared Word in the Title
I started the Monster trilogy by David Wellington a number of years ago, so I wasn’t sure that I would remember much about the story. Luckily Monster Nation, which is the 2nd book actually takes us back to the beginning of the zombie apocalypse so it didn’t matter that my memory of the first book was lacking.
This prequel looks at how the world became overrun with the undead but the author’s complicated explanations really didn’t help, as I felt the author got bogged down in political, medical and religious aspects. A few new characters were introduced, but overall this was rather a mundane zombie story. Having one of the main characters as a zombie who still retains a certain amount of her humanity was interesting at first but I quickly became bored with her when she started experiencing super-powers such as invisibility and mind reading.
So far the trilogy has been a 50/50 proposition. I really liked the first book but felt this second one was mediocre. I plan to pick up the third book later this month, and I am hoping that it is more of a traditional zombie thriller.
141DeltaQueen50
I've noticed that many here at the Category Challenge are doing a recap of their reading goals for the the first three months of the year so I decided I should look and see how I am doing.
Goal #1: To read mostly from my shelves and my Kindles - 45 out of 52 books have been from my shelves/Kindles to the end of March - Excellent
Goal #2: Books from the 1,001 List - I have read 6 books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List to the end of March. I would like to read about 3 a month so I am a little behind with this goal.
Goad #3: Series, series, series - I have read books from 18 different series to the end of March - Pretty good.
Goal #1: To read mostly from my shelves and my Kindles - 45 out of 52 books have been from my shelves/Kindles to the end of March - Excellent
Goal #2: Books from the 1,001 List - I have read 6 books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List to the end of March. I would like to read about 3 a month so I am a little behind with this goal.
Goad #3: Series, series, series - I have read books from 18 different series to the end of March - Pretty good.
142VictoriaPL
>126 DeltaQueen50: I love that one. Ruta Sepetys is so gifted.
143DeltaQueen50
>142 VictoriaPL: Hi Victoria, I really liked Salt to the Sea and I am looking forward to reading more by her. I was thinking about your love of WW II lit the other day and was wondering if you had read Winds of War and it's sequel War and Remembrance by Herman Wouk. They are both excellent and if you haven't already read them, I think you would love them.
145VictoriaPL
>143 DeltaQueen50: LT tells me that I have read The Winds of War but I don't particularly remember it. Maybe it's time for a re-read.
146DeltaQueen50
Happy Easter everyone!
147DeltaQueen50
>144 mstrust: Happy Easter, Jennifer - hope you have a good one!
>145 VictoriaPL: I remember really enjoying following the various members of one family through the war, and, if you do go for a re-read, I'll look forward to your comments.
>145 VictoriaPL: I remember really enjoying following the various members of one family through the war, and, if you do go for a re-read, I'll look forward to your comments.
148DeltaQueen50
55. The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Mystery or Thriller
April TIOLI #7: Two Word Title With the Format "The ___
The sixth book in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo is The Redeemer. The theme of redemption is repeated throughout this story that has Harry trying to locate a contract killer before he kills again. His first victim in Norway was Robert Karlsen, a Salvation Army worker. Then it appears that he may have gone after the wrong man and is in fact hunting a different Salvation Army officer, Jon Karlsen, the brother of Robert. Harry is also dealing with a new boss in this book, one that may not be as tolerant of his methods as his former boss was.
Harry continues to recover from the break up of his previous relationship, and he is also testing his sobriety as he battles with his guilt over the death of a colleague. While tracking the Croatian assassin, Harry becomes aware that the one to watch out for is whoever hired the professional killer to start with.
As with most of the Harry Hole books, The Redeemer is a long complex book of over 500 pages. There are in fact, a multitude of plot lines that raise the tension and keep the pages turning. These various plots eventually connect into one cohesive narrative. I found The Redeemer to be both an absorbing and rewarding read.
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Mystery or Thriller
April TIOLI #7: Two Word Title With the Format "The ___
The sixth book in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo is The Redeemer. The theme of redemption is repeated throughout this story that has Harry trying to locate a contract killer before he kills again. His first victim in Norway was Robert Karlsen, a Salvation Army worker. Then it appears that he may have gone after the wrong man and is in fact hunting a different Salvation Army officer, Jon Karlsen, the brother of Robert. Harry is also dealing with a new boss in this book, one that may not be as tolerant of his methods as his former boss was.
Harry continues to recover from the break up of his previous relationship, and he is also testing his sobriety as he battles with his guilt over the death of a colleague. While tracking the Croatian assassin, Harry becomes aware that the one to watch out for is whoever hired the professional killer to start with.
As with most of the Harry Hole books, The Redeemer is a long complex book of over 500 pages. There are in fact, a multitude of plot lines that raise the tension and keep the pages turning. These various plots eventually connect into one cohesive narrative. I found The Redeemer to be both an absorbing and rewarding read.
149dudes22
>148 DeltaQueen50: - This is the next Harry Hole book for me too. It's on my list for next month's Alpha Kit.
150DeltaQueen50
>149 dudes22: I really enjoyed this one, Betty. He jumps around quite a bit at the beginning of the book so I was a little concerned but it didn't take long before I was following the various threads avidly.
151DeltaQueen50
56. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
April 1,001 Group Challege: Attracted by the Cover
April TIOLI #8: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Words in Title
In Foe, J. M. Coetzee delivers a different spin on the Robinson Crusoe story. By adding some new characters and giving the original author, Daniel Defoe a major role, he reworks the story and raises the question of artistic license – where is the line between fiction and reality, imagination and fact?
Susan Barton is a widow who is tossed overboard during a mutiny. Her tiny boat brings her to a desert island that is, in fact, Crusoe’s island. She joins with Crusoe and Friday in their quest for survival on this barren island. Crusoe has become comfortable in his solitude and has no wish to leave his island while Friday cannot say what he wants as his tongue has been cut out and so he cannot express himself. When they are rescued from the island, Barton and Friday return to England while Crusoe dies on the journey. Susan comes into contact with author Foe and she feels that since she was there and he was not, her version, although rather dull, should be the one told leaving no allowance for the author to use his imagination to liven up the story.
I found this a fascinating addition to the original story. I particularly found the character of Friday very interesting. His tongue was removed giving him no voice, very much like the black South Africans during apartheid. With it’s sharp observations and interesting angle on the art of storytelling I thoroughly enjoyed Foe.
Category: Hedgehogs
April 1,001 Group Challege: Attracted by the Cover
April TIOLI #8: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Words in Title
In Foe, J. M. Coetzee delivers a different spin on the Robinson Crusoe story. By adding some new characters and giving the original author, Daniel Defoe a major role, he reworks the story and raises the question of artistic license – where is the line between fiction and reality, imagination and fact?
Susan Barton is a widow who is tossed overboard during a mutiny. Her tiny boat brings her to a desert island that is, in fact, Crusoe’s island. She joins with Crusoe and Friday in their quest for survival on this barren island. Crusoe has become comfortable in his solitude and has no wish to leave his island while Friday cannot say what he wants as his tongue has been cut out and so he cannot express himself. When they are rescued from the island, Barton and Friday return to England while Crusoe dies on the journey. Susan comes into contact with author Foe and she feels that since she was there and he was not, her version, although rather dull, should be the one told leaving no allowance for the author to use his imagination to liven up the story.
I found this a fascinating addition to the original story. I particularly found the character of Friday very interesting. His tongue was removed giving him no voice, very much like the black South Africans during apartheid. With it’s sharp observations and interesting angle on the art of storytelling I thoroughly enjoyed Foe.
152Tess_W
>151 DeltaQueen50: I like that author. This book sounds like it will work for one of my challenges later in the year (something re-written), so off I go in search of it!
153DeltaQueen50
>152 Tess_W: This is my second book by J.M. Coetzee and I have liked both. I hope you enjoy Foe when you get to it.
154msf59
Happy April, Judy! I hope you had a nice holiday weekend. I loved Salt to the Sea. Glad to see, that you did too.
155MissBrangwen
>151 DeltaQueen50: This sounds fascinating and I will add it to my wish list. Great review!
157DeltaQueen50
>154 msf59: Hi Mark. We had a very quiet but pleasant Easter weekend, I hope you also had a good holiday weekend. I am looking forward to reading more of Ruta Sepetys.
>155 MissBrangwen: Thanks, I hope you enjoy Foe.
>155 MissBrangwen: Thanks, I hope you enjoy Foe.
158VivienneR
Hi Judy! Glad you had a nice Easter and good news about your vaccinations. My husband got his first shot and I get mine later in April. Although it won't change much, except I might get my hair cut - the first since the pandemic began.
159DeltaQueen50
>158 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne, I think it will bring some peace of mind, knowing we have taken that first step but this most recent wave of Covid seems to have taken hold and even with a vaccination I am not sure how much I want to go out in public. My biggest hope is that it settles down and I will be able to take a trip to visit my Mother for her 100th birthday in May.
160DeltaQueen50
57. Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
Around the Year in 52 Books - Set Somewhere You Have Never Visited
April Reading Through Time: The Sun Never Sets (on the British Empire)
2021 GeoKit: Asia
April TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Words in the Title
Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart is the third book in her series that features the fictional character, Alex Sheridan, an officer of the British Army serving in India during the 1850s. This book is a well researched and historically accurate portrayal of the Sepoy Mutiny at Cawnpore. It describes, in detail, how the overwhelmed soldiers and their families that were garrisoned at Cawnpore held out for a couple of week in frightful conditions, and then, after having signed agreements with the Nana Sahib, the Maharajah of Bithur, for a peaceful withdrawal, were slaughtered. Some 200 women and children were taken prisoner but when rescue was at hand, the Nana ordered these innocents slaughtered as well.
The book reads less like a novel and more like a factual military history. Other than Alex and his wife Emmy, most of the characters were real people and the author kept strictly to the record. Although the British made many errors with their own behavior and in the treatment of their native soldiers, as is so often the case, the guiltless paid a heavy price. While Alex barely survives and joins with the rescue party, he loses both his infant son and his young wife. While the Nana Sahib tried to eliminate all witnesses to his treachery, enough lived to condemn him.
I enjoy reading military history books and Massacre At Cawnpore is a well written account of one of the battles that occurred during the Sepoy Rebellion. Stuart writes a clearly followed timeline, that although is brutal and bloody is accurate. I am looking forward to the 4th book as I am guessing it will detail the British reclaiming their interests and exacting revenge on the Nana Sahib for betrayal.
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
Around the Year in 52 Books - Set Somewhere You Have Never Visited
April Reading Through Time: The Sun Never Sets (on the British Empire)
2021 GeoKit: Asia
April TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Words in the Title
Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart is the third book in her series that features the fictional character, Alex Sheridan, an officer of the British Army serving in India during the 1850s. This book is a well researched and historically accurate portrayal of the Sepoy Mutiny at Cawnpore. It describes, in detail, how the overwhelmed soldiers and their families that were garrisoned at Cawnpore held out for a couple of week in frightful conditions, and then, after having signed agreements with the Nana Sahib, the Maharajah of Bithur, for a peaceful withdrawal, were slaughtered. Some 200 women and children were taken prisoner but when rescue was at hand, the Nana ordered these innocents slaughtered as well.
The book reads less like a novel and more like a factual military history. Other than Alex and his wife Emmy, most of the characters were real people and the author kept strictly to the record. Although the British made many errors with their own behavior and in the treatment of their native soldiers, as is so often the case, the guiltless paid a heavy price. While Alex barely survives and joins with the rescue party, he loses both his infant son and his young wife. While the Nana Sahib tried to eliminate all witnesses to his treachery, enough lived to condemn him.
I enjoy reading military history books and Massacre At Cawnpore is a well written account of one of the battles that occurred during the Sepoy Rebellion. Stuart writes a clearly followed timeline, that although is brutal and bloody is accurate. I am looking forward to the 4th book as I am guessing it will detail the British reclaiming their interests and exacting revenge on the Nana Sahib for betrayal.
161mathgirl40
>139 DeltaQueen50: I enjoyed reading your review. I'm not fond of reality TV shows, but my daughter loves The Bachelor and The Bachelorette and my husband watches with her, so I end up hearing about all the drama. :)
>151 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like an interesting take on the Robinson Crusoe story. I've got another Coetzee, Age of Iron, that's been sitting on my shelves for a long time, that I should read first, though.
>151 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like an interesting take on the Robinson Crusoe story. I've got another Coetzee, Age of Iron, that's been sitting on my shelves for a long time, that I should read first, though.
162DeltaQueen50
>161 mathgirl40: I think that is what keeps The Batchelor going - all the drama! My only other Coetzee was Disgrace which I thought was excellent, He is an author that I probably wouldn't have found except for the 1,001 List.
163DeltaQueen50
I happily can report that I got my first vaccination for Covid this morning. I didn't even feel it and so far have so problems at all. In Canada, they are extending the time between the two shots and I was told I would probably get my second shot in July.
165dudes22
>163 DeltaQueen50: - That's good news, Judy.
166leslie.98
>163 DeltaQueen50: Such good news! I hope that means you can safely visit your mother in time for her birthday.
168scaifea
>163 DeltaQueen50: Yay for your first shot, Judy!!
169BLBera
Foe sounds excellent, Judy.
You are doing great with your challenges. I am a fan of Nesbø as well. I have to check to see which one is next for me. It's been a while.
You are doing great with your challenges. I am a fan of Nesbø as well. I have to check to see which one is next for me. It's been a while.
170DeltaQueen50
>164 lsh63: Hope your first shot goes as smoothly as mine did, Lisa.
>165 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I have no side-effects to speak of, just a slightly sore arm.
>166 leslie.98: I sure hope I can, Leslie. Our province is shut down quite tightly right now but hopefully by May we will see an improvement with our numbers.
>167 katiekrug: & >168 scaifea: Thanks, Katie and Amber!
>169 BLBera: I really enjoyed Foe, but then I have always been a fan of Robinson Crusoe as well, I think my love of survival stories may partly have come from it.
>165 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I have no side-effects to speak of, just a slightly sore arm.
>166 leslie.98: I sure hope I can, Leslie. Our province is shut down quite tightly right now but hopefully by May we will see an improvement with our numbers.
>167 katiekrug: & >168 scaifea: Thanks, Katie and Amber!
>169 BLBera: I really enjoyed Foe, but then I have always been a fan of Robinson Crusoe as well, I think my love of survival stories may partly have come from it.
171VivienneR
Congratulations on getting your first shot, Judy! Mine will be later this month. I hope you will soon be planning your May trip to the island for your mother's 100th birthday.
172DeltaQueen50
>171 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne. I have my fingers crossed that we will be able to get over to the Island.
173DeltaQueen50
58. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
Category: Sake & Sakura Truffles
April ScaredyKit: Possession
April TIOLI #9: A Title Word or Author's Name Starts with a Letter from the Word 'April'
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay is a horror story that has us questioning what is happening continuously throughout the story. The story is told in flashback form by Merry, the youngest daughter in the family. At the time she was eight years old so we question whether what she says is accurate. It is obvious that she wasn’t totally sure of what was going on as her fourteen year old sister, Margaret, starts to exhibit signs of schizophrenia. While her mother opts for traditional medical help her out-of-work father turns to the Catholic Church in the belief that his daughter is possessed by a demon. Finances are tight and these stressed parents are easily convinced to allow a television crew to invade their house and put their private lives on display. The show is called Possession and even includes an exorcism that escalates into a shock fest. But is Margaret really possessed or mentally ill? Margaret continually warns Merry to beware, that people are going to be killed, but is it herself that she is warning Merry about or, perhaps another member of the family.
The author raised the level of tension slowly but surely until by the end of the book the reader is white-knuckled and the anxiety level is high. He cleverly inserts references to other well-known horror books, like The Yellow Wallpaper, The Haunting of Hill House, and, The Exorcist, and freely borrows images from Japanese horror films. A Head Full of Ghosts is a layered, nuanced, rather gruesome story. I did find it a little slow in places, but overall this was a very well done horror story.
Category: Sake & Sakura Truffles
April ScaredyKit: Possession
April TIOLI #9: A Title Word or Author's Name Starts with a Letter from the Word 'April'
A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay is a horror story that has us questioning what is happening continuously throughout the story. The story is told in flashback form by Merry, the youngest daughter in the family. At the time she was eight years old so we question whether what she says is accurate. It is obvious that she wasn’t totally sure of what was going on as her fourteen year old sister, Margaret, starts to exhibit signs of schizophrenia. While her mother opts for traditional medical help her out-of-work father turns to the Catholic Church in the belief that his daughter is possessed by a demon. Finances are tight and these stressed parents are easily convinced to allow a television crew to invade their house and put their private lives on display. The show is called Possession and even includes an exorcism that escalates into a shock fest. But is Margaret really possessed or mentally ill? Margaret continually warns Merry to beware, that people are going to be killed, but is it herself that she is warning Merry about or, perhaps another member of the family.
The author raised the level of tension slowly but surely until by the end of the book the reader is white-knuckled and the anxiety level is high. He cleverly inserts references to other well-known horror books, like The Yellow Wallpaper, The Haunting of Hill House, and, The Exorcist, and freely borrows images from Japanese horror films. A Head Full of Ghosts is a layered, nuanced, rather gruesome story. I did find it a little slow in places, but overall this was a very well done horror story.
174thornton37814
>163 DeltaQueen50: That seems a long wait between shots. Glad you have the first one.
175DeltaQueen50
>174 thornton37814: This long wait between shots has me a little concerned, Lori, but it seems to be the standard here in B.C. I think it has a lot to do with vaccine shortages and the government wanting to get as many people as they can vaccinated. I just hope the waiting period is viable as they assure us it is.
176Helenliz
>175 DeltaQueen50: we're at 10 to 12 weeks interval between shots in the UK too. After 1 shot the protection is ~70%, so the intent is to protect more people a bit less and then catch up. Over 50% of the popoulation has had one dose and we're seeing a drop in infections and even bigger drop in deaths.
177Jackie_K
Here in the UK pretty much from the very beginning they increased the gap between doses to up to 12 weeks (I had my 2nd dose after 11 weeks). As I understand it, the modelling showed a greater impact on spread of the virus with more people having the 1st dose, rather than a smaller number having both doses and more not having either (if that makes sense). Also, at least for the AZ vaccine, they had tested different lengths of time between doses and the results for delaying the AZ vaccine 2nd dose to up to 12 weeks later were positive compared to a shorter gap.
(also, what >176 Helenliz: said, clearer than I did!)
(also, what >176 Helenliz: said, clearer than I did!)
178DeltaQueen50
>176 Helenliz: & >177 Jackie_K: Thank you for that information. I feel a lot better about the wait than I did.
179mstrust
I'm so glad you liked A Headful of Ghosts!
180DeltaQueen50
>179 mstrust: It was quite the read - I loved all the references that were made to classic horror books and films.
181Familyhistorian
BC is going through the age based vaccine list more quickly than before, Judy. I've booked my first shot and now know more people who have as well. Fingers crossed that we will keep getting the vaccine shipments in a timely manner.
182DeltaQueen50
59. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
Category: Chocolate Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: More Than 2 People on the Cover
April RandomCat: Sharing Our Libraries
April TIOLI #1: Book Has a Black Spine With White Lettering
The racy cover with it’s exaggerated tag line could easily lead one to believe that Die A Little by Megan Abbott actually is a 1950s pulp thriller, but this is actually a modern written noir story that has captured the flavor of the sleazy side of 1950s Hollywood.
Schoolteacher Lora is dismayed at the woman her brother has chosen to marry. Alice is a show-stopping, knowledgeable firecracker of a woman. Lora does not trust her and as she gets to know her and sees a bit of where she came from, her uneasiness grows. Yes, Lora comes across as slightly jealous and obsessed with her brother, but that only adds to the air of corruption that surrounds this story. Alice comes from the underbelly of Hollywood, having worked as a wardrobe assistant, but it is her shady past that she seems to be dragging Lora into.
Megan Abbott excels at writing noir and this book, her debut novel, has captured the darkness that gives this story it’s edge. A story of drugs, prostitutes and murder with tough guys and even tougher dames, Die A Little, was an enjoyable read that gives us more than a hint of what is to come from this author.
Category: Chocolate Creams
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: More Than 2 People on the Cover
April RandomCat: Sharing Our Libraries
April TIOLI #1: Book Has a Black Spine With White Lettering
The racy cover with it’s exaggerated tag line could easily lead one to believe that Die A Little by Megan Abbott actually is a 1950s pulp thriller, but this is actually a modern written noir story that has captured the flavor of the sleazy side of 1950s Hollywood.
Schoolteacher Lora is dismayed at the woman her brother has chosen to marry. Alice is a show-stopping, knowledgeable firecracker of a woman. Lora does not trust her and as she gets to know her and sees a bit of where she came from, her uneasiness grows. Yes, Lora comes across as slightly jealous and obsessed with her brother, but that only adds to the air of corruption that surrounds this story. Alice comes from the underbelly of Hollywood, having worked as a wardrobe assistant, but it is her shady past that she seems to be dragging Lora into.
Megan Abbott excels at writing noir and this book, her debut novel, has captured the darkness that gives this story it’s edge. A story of drugs, prostitutes and murder with tough guys and even tougher dames, Die A Little, was an enjoyable read that gives us more than a hint of what is to come from this author.
183DeltaQueen50
>181 Familyhistorian: That is great news, Meg. It's amazing how that one little pin prick can make you feel safer. I have my fingers crossed that we will soon see the numbers going down.
184hailelib
Good news about your first shot. Maybe with more people getting vaccinated the numbers will soon go down.
185DeltaQueen50
>184 hailelib: Thanks, Trisha. I sure hope we see the numbers shrinking.
186msf59
Happy Sunday, Judy! Good review of A Head Full of Ghosts. I read very little horror but this does sound promising.
187DeltaQueen50
>186 msf59: Hi Mark. One thing I really liked about A Head Full of Ghosts was that kept the reader guessing. Also it wasn't over-the-top as so many horror stories can be.
188mstrust
>173 DeltaQueen50: > 182 Two great books in a row! I really liked both of those. I wish Abbott would return to these 50's noir stories.
189DeltaQueen50
>188 mstrust: I wish she would write more 50 style noirs as well, she is so good at it! I had been saving Die A Little but this month's RandomCat about reading a book in someone else's library brought this one to my attention cause there it was in your library!
190mstrust
I knew I'd heard someone moving books around in my library. I'm honored to hear that I was involved!
191DeltaQueen50
>190 mstrust: Darn! I did try to tiptoe in and out!
192DeltaQueen50
Since my 13th Thingaversary is coming up in June, I have decided to buy 4 books in April, 4 books in May and 5 books in June to count toward my Thingaversary Haul.
April Purchases:
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
April Purchases:
The Exiles by Christina Baker Kline
The Galaxy and the Ground Within by Becky Chambers
Curious Toys by Elizabeth Hand
The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
193DeltaQueen50
60. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
April AlphaKit: A
SFFFKit: Series
BingoDog: Two or More Authors
April TIOLI #9: Title Words or Author's Name Begins With a Letter From "April"
The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T.W. Piperbrook is the second entry in their "The Last Survivors" series. I had mixed feelings after reading the first book, I didn’t enjoy some of the aspects of this dystopian story, but I was intrigued enough to continue on with the series. Now after completing the second book and finding that the story feels dragged out and I can see no final conclusion on the horizon, I am ready to let this one go.
This type of story needs to move quickly and grab the reader with an adventurous plot filled with action and excitement. Unfortunately this book just didn’t deliver the goods. I am also tired of reading dystopian fiction that features a male dominated society that treats women as lesser beings. For these reasons I feel quite satisfied with my decision not to continue with these books.
Category: Chocolate Letters
April AlphaKit: A
SFFFKit: Series
BingoDog: Two or More Authors
April TIOLI #9: Title Words or Author's Name Begins With a Letter From "April"
The Last Escape by Bobby Adair and T.W. Piperbrook is the second entry in their "The Last Survivors" series. I had mixed feelings after reading the first book, I didn’t enjoy some of the aspects of this dystopian story, but I was intrigued enough to continue on with the series. Now after completing the second book and finding that the story feels dragged out and I can see no final conclusion on the horizon, I am ready to let this one go.
This type of story needs to move quickly and grab the reader with an adventurous plot filled with action and excitement. Unfortunately this book just didn’t deliver the goods. I am also tired of reading dystopian fiction that features a male dominated society that treats women as lesser beings. For these reasons I feel quite satisfied with my decision not to continue with these books.
194DeltaQueen50
61. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
April SFFFKit: Series
Around the Year in 52 Books: Siblings as Main Characters
April TIOLI #15: Title Has an Odd Number of Words
I have enjoyed each and every Lois McMaster Bujold Vorkosigan story that I have read so far, but I expect this one, A Civil Campaign will hold a special place in my heart and memory. A great story filled with humor, romance and excitement, this book totally absorbed me for days. As Miles struggles to get his romance with Ekatrin launched, his brother Mark struggles to get his new butterbug business off the ground. The two brothers, along with their cousin Ivan play off each other constantly and the whole story is set against the detailed preparations for Emperor Gregor’s upcoming wedding.
Amid all the pomp and circumstance, Miles is carefully trying to woo Ekatarin, the lovely widow that he met in the previous book, but political enemies and his own blundering has Ekatarin turning down his first proposal, which took place during one of the funniest dinner party scenes I have ever read. But perhaps all is not lost, as Ekatarin finds herself thinking about the dwarfish yet talented Miles constantly. Meanwhile, Miles’ cloned brother, Mark, has romance and business problems of his own as he deals with an eccentric scientist in developing bugbutter, a revolutionary food source and tries to keep the love of his life at his side.
A Civil Campaign lives up to it’s subtile “A Comedy of Biology and Manners”. It is a wonderful blend of science fiction, romance and humor that was a very satisfying read. This well-crafted novel has great characters, interesting relationships, and plots that keep the pages turning. I would have to say that A Civil Campaign is my favorite read of 2021 so far.
Category: Almond Crunch
April SFFFKit: Series
Around the Year in 52 Books: Siblings as Main Characters
April TIOLI #15: Title Has an Odd Number of Words
I have enjoyed each and every Lois McMaster Bujold Vorkosigan story that I have read so far, but I expect this one, A Civil Campaign will hold a special place in my heart and memory. A great story filled with humor, romance and excitement, this book totally absorbed me for days. As Miles struggles to get his romance with Ekatrin launched, his brother Mark struggles to get his new butterbug business off the ground. The two brothers, along with their cousin Ivan play off each other constantly and the whole story is set against the detailed preparations for Emperor Gregor’s upcoming wedding.
Amid all the pomp and circumstance, Miles is carefully trying to woo Ekatarin, the lovely widow that he met in the previous book, but political enemies and his own blundering has Ekatarin turning down his first proposal, which took place during one of the funniest dinner party scenes I have ever read. But perhaps all is not lost, as Ekatarin finds herself thinking about the dwarfish yet talented Miles constantly. Meanwhile, Miles’ cloned brother, Mark, has romance and business problems of his own as he deals with an eccentric scientist in developing bugbutter, a revolutionary food source and tries to keep the love of his life at his side.
A Civil Campaign lives up to it’s subtile “A Comedy of Biology and Manners”. It is a wonderful blend of science fiction, romance and humor that was a very satisfying read. This well-crafted novel has great characters, interesting relationships, and plots that keep the pages turning. I would have to say that A Civil Campaign is my favorite read of 2021 so far.
195pammab
>194 DeltaQueen50: So glad you enjoyed A Civil Campaign! I do love that book. It's absolutely lovely characterization and plotting and comedy, and it fits right into everyone's foibles. So many feelings. I also particularly like Memory (it's just as well crafted thematically and structurally, in a completely different tone, and so many of the other books are in conversation with it in some way or another), and also Komarr and Cryoburn -- though these others were slow-growing loves that required a couple series rereads to get to my current level of appreciation. A Civil Campaign stands alone in garnering my instantaneous and complete love. It manages to be clever, stand on its own, and build out all the characters really well. It's great it delivered for you too.
196DeltaQueen50
>195 pammab: I fell in love with the Vorkosigan series from the first book, and I can't believe that I have now read thirteen of the books. They are truly wonderful but A Civil Campaign certainly stands out.
197leslie.98
>194 DeltaQueen50: My favorite book in the series! Did you know that Bujold acknowledged that Georgette Heyer was one of her influences? I think that influence is most clear in A Civil Campaign...
199DeltaQueen50
>197 leslie.98: I definitely caught the Georgette Heyer vibe in this story with it's romance procedures and rules being mapped out.
>198 hailelib: Hi Tricia, I can't imagine that the author could top A Civil Campaign!
>198 hailelib: Hi Tricia, I can't imagine that the author could top A Civil Campaign!
200DeltaQueen50
62. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
April MysteryKit: Senior Citizen Main Character
April TIOLI #8: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Word in Title
Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill is the fifth book about Dr. Siri Paiboun, the 76 year old reluctant Head Coroner of the newly communist country of Laos. When Dr. Siri and his boss, Judge Haeng go to the north of the country to attend a convention they fall into the hands of a group of Hmong who need help in removing the curse of the pogo stick. At the same time, Dr. Siri’s friends and co-workers are involved in a challenge as well. It starts with a bobby trapped body and escalates from there as they face-off with known terrorist, The Lizard.
The author has plenty of opportunity for humor and wit with Dr. Siri acting as the long dead shaman Yeh Ming, and Nurse Dtui and her husband investigating The Lizard. This is an unusual crime series that veers toward satire and irony rather than detection, and Curse of the Pogo Stick showcases the engaging Dr. Siri and his friends in a most satisfying manner.
Category: Purdy's Gift Box
April MysteryKit: Senior Citizen Main Character
April TIOLI #8: Rolling Challenge Based on Number of Word in Title
Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill is the fifth book about Dr. Siri Paiboun, the 76 year old reluctant Head Coroner of the newly communist country of Laos. When Dr. Siri and his boss, Judge Haeng go to the north of the country to attend a convention they fall into the hands of a group of Hmong who need help in removing the curse of the pogo stick. At the same time, Dr. Siri’s friends and co-workers are involved in a challenge as well. It starts with a bobby trapped body and escalates from there as they face-off with known terrorist, The Lizard.
The author has plenty of opportunity for humor and wit with Dr. Siri acting as the long dead shaman Yeh Ming, and Nurse Dtui and her husband investigating The Lizard. This is an unusual crime series that veers toward satire and irony rather than detection, and Curse of the Pogo Stick showcases the engaging Dr. Siri and his friends in a most satisfying manner.
201DeltaQueen50
63. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Relating to the Past
April TIOLI #13: Title Appears on the LT List "Elevenses"
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic adventure story about David Balfour who is tricked by his miserly uncle in order to steal his inheritance. David finds himself spirited away upon a sailing ship bound for America. The plan is to sell David into slavery, but fugitive Jacobite, Alan Stewart is brought on board and comes to David’s rescue when the ship runs aground just off the east coast of Scotland.
It is 1751 and Scotland is still feeling the effects of the bloody revolt against England that was doomed to failure. David is a Whig and supports England, and Alan, a Jacobite, is considered a traitor, yet these two form an alliance and journey across the Scottish highlands, escaping from Alan’s political enemies with the goal of outwitting David’s uncle and claiming his inheritance. They face many hardships together that tests their friendship but they remain loyal to each other.
While Kidnapped isn’t quite as gripping as Treasure Island, it is still an excellent and stirring adventure story that has appealed to young readers for generations. As it was originally considered a boy’s story, the plot has been kept quite simple which left me rather detached from the story. However, it’s themes of loyalty and justice are as fresh today as they were when the book was first published.
Category: Hedgehogs
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: Relating to the Past
April TIOLI #13: Title Appears on the LT List "Elevenses"
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic adventure story about David Balfour who is tricked by his miserly uncle in order to steal his inheritance. David finds himself spirited away upon a sailing ship bound for America. The plan is to sell David into slavery, but fugitive Jacobite, Alan Stewart is brought on board and comes to David’s rescue when the ship runs aground just off the east coast of Scotland.
It is 1751 and Scotland is still feeling the effects of the bloody revolt against England that was doomed to failure. David is a Whig and supports England, and Alan, a Jacobite, is considered a traitor, yet these two form an alliance and journey across the Scottish highlands, escaping from Alan’s political enemies with the goal of outwitting David’s uncle and claiming his inheritance. They face many hardships together that tests their friendship but they remain loyal to each other.
While Kidnapped isn’t quite as gripping as Treasure Island, it is still an excellent and stirring adventure story that has appealed to young readers for generations. As it was originally considered a boy’s story, the plot has been kept quite simple which left me rather detached from the story. However, it’s themes of loyalty and justice are as fresh today as they were when the book was first published.
202DeltaQueen50
64. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #17: A Book With a Shared Word in the Title
Monster Planet is the third book in David Wellington’s Monster trilogy about a zombie apocalypse that has overtaken the Earth. This book opens twelve years after the beginning of apocalypse and the remaining humans are sheltering in a military camp in Egypt. Most zombies are mindless creatures with a craving for human flesh, but some of the zombies have evolved into superior beings that lead the armies of undead.
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy but have been disappointed with the next two books. The plot was garbled and all over the place even to the point of having Egyptian mummies enter the fray. I think the author both overdid himself and added to the confusion with the addition of so many supernatural elements. I almost gave up on this book but decided to push through so I could count this as a completed trilogy.
Monster Planet was a disappointing book, but at least I can check off this trilogy as completed. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone as even hard-core zombie lovers would be put off by this convoluted mess.
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #17: A Book With a Shared Word in the Title
Monster Planet is the third book in David Wellington’s Monster trilogy about a zombie apocalypse that has overtaken the Earth. This book opens twelve years after the beginning of apocalypse and the remaining humans are sheltering in a military camp in Egypt. Most zombies are mindless creatures with a craving for human flesh, but some of the zombies have evolved into superior beings that lead the armies of undead.
I enjoyed the first book of this trilogy but have been disappointed with the next two books. The plot was garbled and all over the place even to the point of having Egyptian mummies enter the fray. I think the author both overdid himself and added to the confusion with the addition of so many supernatural elements. I almost gave up on this book but decided to push through so I could count this as a completed trilogy.
Monster Planet was a disappointing book, but at least I can check off this trilogy as completed. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone as even hard-core zombie lovers would be put off by this convoluted mess.
203DeltaQueen50
65. The Tea Planter's Wife by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
Category: Chai Tea Caramel
April Reading Thru Time: The Sun Never Sets
2021 GeoKit: Asia
April TIOLI #9: One of the Author's Names or Title Words Begin With a Letter from "April"
The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jeffries is historical fiction novel set in colonial Ceylon during the 1920s. Although the novel is set some 20 plus years before Ceylon was granted independence, there were rumbles and stirrings among the natives and race and class were divided and kept apart from one another.
I enjoyed this historical romance story even though the plot was very familiar as the young British wife is brought to her husband’s tea plantation in Ceylon. She, being very naive, stumbles around going places and doing things she is told not to. As she gains knowledge and understanding of both her new country and her new husband, her life starts to seem perfect. The only ‘fly in the ointment’ is her sister-in-law, Verity, who seems to make trouble wherever she goes. The story takes a dramatic turn when she gives birth to twins.
The book gives us a very good look at the colonial plantation lifestyle with plenty of descriptions of the lush land, the people, and of course, the tea. Although predictable, the plot held my interest as I wanted to see what would happen with all the various relationships.
Category: Chai Tea Caramel
April Reading Thru Time: The Sun Never Sets
2021 GeoKit: Asia
April TIOLI #9: One of the Author's Names or Title Words Begin With a Letter from "April"
The Tea Planter’s Wife by Dinah Jeffries is historical fiction novel set in colonial Ceylon during the 1920s. Although the novel is set some 20 plus years before Ceylon was granted independence, there were rumbles and stirrings among the natives and race and class were divided and kept apart from one another.
I enjoyed this historical romance story even though the plot was very familiar as the young British wife is brought to her husband’s tea plantation in Ceylon. She, being very naive, stumbles around going places and doing things she is told not to. As she gains knowledge and understanding of both her new country and her new husband, her life starts to seem perfect. The only ‘fly in the ointment’ is her sister-in-law, Verity, who seems to make trouble wherever she goes. The story takes a dramatic turn when she gives birth to twins.
The book gives us a very good look at the colonial plantation lifestyle with plenty of descriptions of the lush land, the people, and of course, the tea. Although predictable, the plot held my interest as I wanted to see what would happen with all the various relationships.
204MissBrangwen
>203 DeltaQueen50: I'm glad to read that you like this book! I've had it on my shelf for several years and always mean to read it.
205DeltaQueen50
>204 MissBrangwen: I found The Tea Planter's Wife, a nice, juicy read filled with secrets. The exotic setting was interesting as well.
206Tess_W
>203 DeltaQueen50: Have that one on my shelf; need to get to it!
207Dianekeenoy
>126 DeltaQueen50: I also thought this was an amazing book! I was horrified by the sinking of this ship!
208DeltaQueen50
>206 Tess_W: I hope you enjoy it when you get to it, Tess.
>207 Dianekeenoy: Hi Diane. It was a disturbing read, I had never heard about this particular sinking before. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
>207 Dianekeenoy: Hi Diane. It was a disturbing read, I had never heard about this particular sinking before. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
209DeltaQueen50
66. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
BingoDog: Fewer than 20 LT Members Have This Book in Their Library
April TIOLI #4: Author's Name Includes the Name of a Bird or Animal
The 1929 mystery Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe is the first book in a series of detective novels that featured amateur detective Algernon Vereker. The book opens with artist Vereker learning that his friend Lord Bygrave has gone missing and it is feared that he may have met with foul play. Vereker decides to investigate alongside of Scotland Yard Detective-Inspector Heather. In fact, during the course of the investigation, DI Heather and Vereker act at times together but most often apart and develop a friendly rivalry.
I enjoyed the banter that occurred between DI Heather and Vereker as the book was quite slow moving. Each suspect was separately interviewed by both men and then they would get together and compare notes and come up with ideas of how and why the crime could have been committed. Eventually the pieces are put together in the correct way and the solution to the mystery is found.
While it isn’t known at first whether we are reading about a murder, an accidental death, a kidnapping or a deliberate disappearance, the varied characters keep the story interesting. There are plenty of red herrings along the way to the final outcome which keeps the reader engaged and guessing. I am always happy to discover another “Golden Age” mystery author and even though I felt the book moved quite slowly, I will be reading more of Robin Forsythe’s novels.
Category: Cherry Cordials
BingoDog: Fewer than 20 LT Members Have This Book in Their Library
April TIOLI #4: Author's Name Includes the Name of a Bird or Animal
The 1929 mystery Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe is the first book in a series of detective novels that featured amateur detective Algernon Vereker. The book opens with artist Vereker learning that his friend Lord Bygrave has gone missing and it is feared that he may have met with foul play. Vereker decides to investigate alongside of Scotland Yard Detective-Inspector Heather. In fact, during the course of the investigation, DI Heather and Vereker act at times together but most often apart and develop a friendly rivalry.
I enjoyed the banter that occurred between DI Heather and Vereker as the book was quite slow moving. Each suspect was separately interviewed by both men and then they would get together and compare notes and come up with ideas of how and why the crime could have been committed. Eventually the pieces are put together in the correct way and the solution to the mystery is found.
While it isn’t known at first whether we are reading about a murder, an accidental death, a kidnapping or a deliberate disappearance, the varied characters keep the story interesting. There are plenty of red herrings along the way to the final outcome which keeps the reader engaged and guessing. I am always happy to discover another “Golden Age” mystery author and even though I felt the book moved quite slowly, I will be reading more of Robin Forsythe’s novels.
210DeltaQueen50
67. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
April GenreCat: Literary Fiction
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Monochromatic Cover
April TIOLI #2: Title Includes a Woman's Name
I found there was nothing easy about reading the well-crafted, intense and complex story that is My Dark Vanessa. Author Kate Elizabeth Russell has reached inside her main character of Vanessa Wye and exposes her inner thought processes, her heartbreak, guilt and self blame for the world to see. This is the story of Vanessa’s abuse told from Vanessa’s point of view. She is now a thirty-two year old who has settled for a job instead of reaching for a career. Most importantly, she can’t seem to let go or move on from her ex-English teacher and lover, Strane.
The story carries us back and forth from Vanessa at fifteen and then at thirty-two as it explores her relationship or, to put it plainly her abuse by Strane. Currently a number of other past students have come forward with accusations of grooming and sexual abuse against this teacher, but Vanessa stays silent. She struggles with what happened because if she accepts the truth she will have to admit that it wasn’t a love affair, she was being victimized by this man.
My Dark Vanessa is not an easy read, I found I had to take a lot of breaks as it was just too dark and intense at times. Reading of a young girl being trapped in a cycle of self-blame and abuse was emotionally draining. This was a brilliant story of Vanessa, both as a young and innocent school girl and then as a troubled, incomplete adult, impacted by being manipulated by this predator.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
April GenreCat: Literary Fiction
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Monochromatic Cover
April TIOLI #2: Title Includes a Woman's Name
I found there was nothing easy about reading the well-crafted, intense and complex story that is My Dark Vanessa. Author Kate Elizabeth Russell has reached inside her main character of Vanessa Wye and exposes her inner thought processes, her heartbreak, guilt and self blame for the world to see. This is the story of Vanessa’s abuse told from Vanessa’s point of view. She is now a thirty-two year old who has settled for a job instead of reaching for a career. Most importantly, she can’t seem to let go or move on from her ex-English teacher and lover, Strane.
The story carries us back and forth from Vanessa at fifteen and then at thirty-two as it explores her relationship or, to put it plainly her abuse by Strane. Currently a number of other past students have come forward with accusations of grooming and sexual abuse against this teacher, but Vanessa stays silent. She struggles with what happened because if she accepts the truth she will have to admit that it wasn’t a love affair, she was being victimized by this man.
My Dark Vanessa is not an easy read, I found I had to take a lot of breaks as it was just too dark and intense at times. Reading of a young girl being trapped in a cycle of self-blame and abuse was emotionally draining. This was a brilliant story of Vanessa, both as a young and innocent school girl and then as a troubled, incomplete adult, impacted by being manipulated by this predator.
211katiekrug
>210 DeltaQueen50: - We felt much the same way about this one, Judy. It was so well done, and so intense and uncomfortable.
212DeltaQueen50
>211 katiekrug: Between this one and Lolita I think I am done with this subject. I need to read some happy books now.
213pamelad
>212 DeltaQueen50: I'm with you on the happy books. I've read lots of historical romances because they always have happy endings, but now I'd like to find some happy books with literary merit.
214DeltaQueen50
>213 pamelad: Happy books are few and far between. The rest of this month is pretty much taken care of so maybe I can pick up a happy book or two next month.
215DeltaQueen50
68. The Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
April HistoryCat: The Ancient World - 8th Century BC to 6th Century AD
April TIOLI #12: Epilogue Contains a Title Word
I thoroughly enjoyed The Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw. This historical fiction novel is set during the declining days of the Roman Empire, around 370 AD. The main character is Charis of Ephesus, a determined and independent young noblewoman who, when faced with a forced marriage to a cruel man, disguises herself as a eunuch and runs away to Alexandria to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. Although studying medicine was denied to women, Charis discovers she has a real talent for healing and even when she could return to true self, she continues to disguise herself and work as a physician.
Although she loves her life at Alexandria, political upheavals dictate that she must move on. She takes a medical post at a Roman army camp on the Danube River and soon wins the admiration of both Romans and Goths. She is contented with her life and living a lie except for one man that she discovers to her dismay that she is in love with.
The Roman Empire had spread across the world and now in these declining years, there was religious strife, political disturbances, advancing barbarians and simply a lack of good government. With such a diverse population, the Empire was crumbling due to problems within and without. The Beacon at Alexandria gives the reader both an excellent overview of the history at that time as well as an engrossing story of one woman’s burning desire to practice medicine.
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
April HistoryCat: The Ancient World - 8th Century BC to 6th Century AD
April TIOLI #12: Epilogue Contains a Title Word
I thoroughly enjoyed The Beacon at Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw. This historical fiction novel is set during the declining days of the Roman Empire, around 370 AD. The main character is Charis of Ephesus, a determined and independent young noblewoman who, when faced with a forced marriage to a cruel man, disguises herself as a eunuch and runs away to Alexandria to follow her dream of becoming a doctor. Although studying medicine was denied to women, Charis discovers she has a real talent for healing and even when she could return to true self, she continues to disguise herself and work as a physician.
Although she loves her life at Alexandria, political upheavals dictate that she must move on. She takes a medical post at a Roman army camp on the Danube River and soon wins the admiration of both Romans and Goths. She is contented with her life and living a lie except for one man that she discovers to her dismay that she is in love with.
The Roman Empire had spread across the world and now in these declining years, there was religious strife, political disturbances, advancing barbarians and simply a lack of good government. With such a diverse population, the Empire was crumbling due to problems within and without. The Beacon at Alexandria gives the reader both an excellent overview of the history at that time as well as an engrossing story of one woman’s burning desire to practice medicine.
216Familyhistorian
It looks like you found a somewhat happier book for your next read after My Dark Vanessa, Judy.
In the news they were saying that the numbers were trending down. There was cautious optimism. Fingers crossed.
In the news they were saying that the numbers were trending down. There was cautious optimism. Fingers crossed.
217Tess_W
>215 DeltaQueen50: a BB for me!
218DeltaQueen50
>216 Familyhistorian: I am happy to see the numbers going down, but I wish people would just follow the basic guidelines so that these lock-downs don't have to be repeated.
>217 Tess_W: I hope you are able to find a copy, Tess. I am a fan of Gillian Bradshaw's but unfortunately her books aren't always easy to find.
>217 Tess_W: I hope you are able to find a copy, Tess. I am a fan of Gillian Bradshaw's but unfortunately her books aren't always easy to find.
219DeltaQueen50
69. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 ★
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
April TIOLI #10: Continents - Australia
Based on a true event, Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is story of three young Aboriginal girls who, in the 1930s, cross the harsh Australian desert on foot to return to their home after being gathered up and being placed in a settlement school to be assimilated. The term “school” is used loosely here, these girls were basically being removed from their families and being trained to be servants to the whites. The Rabbit-Proof Fence is in actuality the State Barrier Fence of Western Australia built between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests out of Western Australian pastoral areas it is 3,256 km in length. As there were no major roads for the girls to follow, the fence became their guideline. The fact that these young girls, aged 14, 11 and 8 made it back to their families is astounding.
Unfortunately I found the book suffered from less than stellar writing. The author is actually the daughter of one of these young girls and it becomes very obvious that she isn’t a word-smith. The story is told in easy, step by step stages but there is no spark that allows the reader to feel part of the adventure. This was a jaw-dropping achievement and an amazing survival story and I would have loved to see it expressed in a more creative way.
Category: Peanut Butter Daisies
April TIOLI #10: Continents - Australia
Based on a true event, Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence is story of three young Aboriginal girls who, in the 1930s, cross the harsh Australian desert on foot to return to their home after being gathered up and being placed in a settlement school to be assimilated. The term “school” is used loosely here, these girls were basically being removed from their families and being trained to be servants to the whites. The Rabbit-Proof Fence is in actuality the State Barrier Fence of Western Australia built between 1901 and 1907 to keep rabbits and other agricultural pests out of Western Australian pastoral areas it is 3,256 km in length. As there were no major roads for the girls to follow, the fence became their guideline. The fact that these young girls, aged 14, 11 and 8 made it back to their families is astounding.
Unfortunately I found the book suffered from less than stellar writing. The author is actually the daughter of one of these young girls and it becomes very obvious that she isn’t a word-smith. The story is told in easy, step by step stages but there is no spark that allows the reader to feel part of the adventure. This was a jaw-dropping achievement and an amazing survival story and I would have loved to see it expressed in a more creative way.
220NinieB
>219 DeltaQueen50: I haven't read the book, but it's a wonderful movie.
221Yells
>220 NinieB: I agree, the movie is fantastic.
222Nickelini
Whew, I'm caught up with you again. I'd lost you for a bit there.
Yes, the film Rabbit Proof Fence is excellent. I think I rented it from my library.
Yes, the film Rabbit Proof Fence is excellent. I think I rented it from my library.
223DeltaQueen50
>220 NinieB:, >221 Yells: & >222 Nickelini: This looks to be case where one should see the movie over reading the book. I will have to look for this film.
224Tess_W
>218 DeltaQueen50: I was able to find this on Amazon. Did not realize it is a part of a series (Hera Series). Also came across several of her other books, including Render Unto To Caesar, which I also put on my WL.
225DeltaQueen50
>224 Tess_W: I'm glad that you found some Gillian Bradshaw books. I didn't know The Becon at Alexandria is part of a series either. I suspect the series are books group by time rather than story.
226DeltaQueen50
70. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #15: Title has an Odd Number of Words
Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater is a trilogy of books about two female friends who are surviving and at times, thriving, during a zombie apocalypse. Part thriller, part romance, I find these books a light-hearted romp through gore and mayhem. The two friends, Katie and Jenni, have become kick-ass survivors and are now part of a small community that has carved out a safe place from zombies and, most recently, a group of red-neck bandits.
There is plenty of action in these books, both zombie hunting and the tracking of the killer among them. They also have to confront and defeat the group of bandits that have been robbing, looting, murdering and kidnapping in the area and have now turned their sights on the walled fort that our main characters are living in.
These books have become great escape reads for me with it’s “good vs bad” themes. The author provides lots of over-the-top action along with plenty of romance and humor that keep the books moving quickly and the reader engaged in the story. While the book is not to be taken too seriously, it does provide plenty of entertainment and more than enough zombie gore. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
Category: Himalayan Pink Sea Salt Caramels
April SFFFKit: Series
April TIOLI #15: Title has an Odd Number of Words
Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater is a trilogy of books about two female friends who are surviving and at times, thriving, during a zombie apocalypse. Part thriller, part romance, I find these books a light-hearted romp through gore and mayhem. The two friends, Katie and Jenni, have become kick-ass survivors and are now part of a small community that has carved out a safe place from zombies and, most recently, a group of red-neck bandits.
There is plenty of action in these books, both zombie hunting and the tracking of the killer among them. They also have to confront and defeat the group of bandits that have been robbing, looting, murdering and kidnapping in the area and have now turned their sights on the walled fort that our main characters are living in.
These books have become great escape reads for me with it’s “good vs bad” themes. The author provides lots of over-the-top action along with plenty of romance and humor that keep the books moving quickly and the reader engaged in the story. While the book is not to be taken too seriously, it does provide plenty of entertainment and more than enough zombie gore. I am looking forward to reading the next book.
227VivienneR
>215 DeltaQueen50: Excellent review! I'm adding Gillian Bradshaw to my wishlist.
>219 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like it would be a good story. Too bad the author didn't have the necessary skills.
>219 DeltaQueen50: Sounds like it would be a good story. Too bad the author didn't have the necessary skills.
228DeltaQueen50
>227 VivienneR: I guess it's no secret that I am a fan of Gillian Bradshaw! I would love to see Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence redone with an more expressive writer. The story cries out for someone to describe the flora and fauna as well as giving the survival aspect a stronger slant.
229DeltaQueen50
I have been experiencing a little pain with carpal-tunnel in the last few days which is keeping me from spending too much time on the computer. Unfortunately, the worst thing for it seems to be a lot of scrolling and I have been updating my library lists which requires me to scroll through the titles. The good side of this is that I am happy to be using the library again and have been enjoying starting a new (to me) graphic novel series.
230DeltaQueen50
Duplicate entry. Please disregard.
231DeltaQueen50
71. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars, Descender Vol.2, Moon Machine, and Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
Descender Volume 1, Tin Stars
Descender is a series of science fiction graphic novels. In the first volume we meet the characters, in particular Tim-21, a child-like robot who wakes up after 10 years and finds everyone on his mining planet has been destroyed. He is searching for his real boy companion and as he doesn’t find his body, he is hopeful that Andy is still alive. 10 years ago the galaxy was attacked by humongous robots and life was forever changed. Humans have turned against robots and have been destroying them, but there is great fear that the giant robots, called Harvesters, will return. When it is discovered that one small child robot, Tim-21, could be the key to the genetic code of the giant robots, the hunt is on.
While the search and retrieval of Tim goes on, a number of characters are introduced and an intriguing story is being launched. There are plenty of secrets that future volumes will be able to uncover, and each character comes with an interesting back-story. The artwork is excellent and Jeff Lemire is an author that can be counted on to infuse plenty of heart and soul into the story. With a new universe to discover, interesting characters to meet and an exciting and compelling story to follow, Descender is off to a great start.
Descender Volume 2, Machine Moon
The plot thickens in volume 2 of Descender: Machine Moon. The naive and trusting forever-10 years old, Tim-21 holds the secret of the Harvesters deep in his codex which means that he is being hunted by many different groups. Some want to examine him, some want to use him as a political tool, while others actually appear to want to help him. Unfortunately, Tim is about to discover that someone who appears to be a friend, is in fact, plotting to get rid of him.
The artwork continues to be excellent with the depiction of strange races and eerie, alien backgrounds that help to give texture and essence to this space adventure story. I am excited about the band of misfits that is starting to come together, representing different cultures and political views. I expect this series is going to just keep getting better as it goes along.
Descender Volume 3, Singularities
This volume is aptly named as we get to experience the back stories of a number of characters. Although we have left Tim-21 in a rather precarious position, I enjoyed this flashback look at some of my favorite characters and how they were shaped into the personalities that they are. We start by learning Tim-22’s history and then we are also filled in on Driller the Killer, Effie the half human/half android, Telsa the privileged cadet, Andy the sullen loner and Bandit the robot-dog. I am looking forward to finding out how these characters are going to bind together and whether they will be a force for good or evil.
The author continues to develop his unique characters in ones that the reader can identify with and care about and the artist, Dustin Nguyen is giving the series an individual look of it’s own.
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
Descender Volume 1, Tin Stars
Descender is a series of science fiction graphic novels. In the first volume we meet the characters, in particular Tim-21, a child-like robot who wakes up after 10 years and finds everyone on his mining planet has been destroyed. He is searching for his real boy companion and as he doesn’t find his body, he is hopeful that Andy is still alive. 10 years ago the galaxy was attacked by humongous robots and life was forever changed. Humans have turned against robots and have been destroying them, but there is great fear that the giant robots, called Harvesters, will return. When it is discovered that one small child robot, Tim-21, could be the key to the genetic code of the giant robots, the hunt is on.
While the search and retrieval of Tim goes on, a number of characters are introduced and an intriguing story is being launched. There are plenty of secrets that future volumes will be able to uncover, and each character comes with an interesting back-story. The artwork is excellent and Jeff Lemire is an author that can be counted on to infuse plenty of heart and soul into the story. With a new universe to discover, interesting characters to meet and an exciting and compelling story to follow, Descender is off to a great start.
Descender Volume 2, Machine Moon
The plot thickens in volume 2 of Descender: Machine Moon. The naive and trusting forever-10 years old, Tim-21 holds the secret of the Harvesters deep in his codex which means that he is being hunted by many different groups. Some want to examine him, some want to use him as a political tool, while others actually appear to want to help him. Unfortunately, Tim is about to discover that someone who appears to be a friend, is in fact, plotting to get rid of him.
The artwork continues to be excellent with the depiction of strange races and eerie, alien backgrounds that help to give texture and essence to this space adventure story. I am excited about the band of misfits that is starting to come together, representing different cultures and political views. I expect this series is going to just keep getting better as it goes along.
Descender Volume 3, Singularities
This volume is aptly named as we get to experience the back stories of a number of characters. Although we have left Tim-21 in a rather precarious position, I enjoyed this flashback look at some of my favorite characters and how they were shaped into the personalities that they are. We start by learning Tim-22’s history and then we are also filled in on Driller the Killer, Effie the half human/half android, Telsa the privileged cadet, Andy the sullen loner and Bandit the robot-dog. I am looking forward to finding out how these characters are going to bind together and whether they will be a force for good or evil.
The author continues to develop his unique characters in ones that the reader can identify with and care about and the artist, Dustin Nguyen is giving the series an individual look of it’s own.
232DeltaQueen50
72. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
2021 GeoKit: Polar Regions
May TIOLI #4: Title Has At Least Three Words With One Title Word Being an Article
In 2017 author and explorer Adam Shoalts took a solo journey across Canada, staying within the arctic circle. He travelled west to east, beginning at Eagle Plains, Yukon in May, he reached is destination, Baker Lake near Hudson’s Bay in September.
Along his journey he met and conquered many obstacles including ice floes, swollen rivers, fog-bound lakes and gale-force winds. He covered abut 4,000 kilometres and often had to take the more dangerous route of going up the rivers instead of following the currents and going downriver. His frequent portages were feats of endurance as he needed to make a number of trips across each portage in order to get all his equipment across. He met grizzly bears, wolves, musk ox and countless other species of small game and birds. I was glad to only have to read about the millions of black flies that plagued him throughout his journey. Throughout it all, the ever present thought of “Winter’s coming” played in his head as he knew he had to reach his destination before the snow started.
This is a story of adventure undertaken by a well prepared, thoughtful man who had both done his research and had plenty of outdoor experience. Beyond the Trees was a great armchair adventure read as the author gives his reader both heart-stopping experiences and plenty of descriptions of the spectacular natural world.
Category: Vanilla Creams
2021 GeoKit: Polar Regions
May TIOLI #4: Title Has At Least Three Words With One Title Word Being an Article
In 2017 author and explorer Adam Shoalts took a solo journey across Canada, staying within the arctic circle. He travelled west to east, beginning at Eagle Plains, Yukon in May, he reached is destination, Baker Lake near Hudson’s Bay in September.
Along his journey he met and conquered many obstacles including ice floes, swollen rivers, fog-bound lakes and gale-force winds. He covered abut 4,000 kilometres and often had to take the more dangerous route of going up the rivers instead of following the currents and going downriver. His frequent portages were feats of endurance as he needed to make a number of trips across each portage in order to get all his equipment across. He met grizzly bears, wolves, musk ox and countless other species of small game and birds. I was glad to only have to read about the millions of black flies that plagued him throughout his journey. Throughout it all, the ever present thought of “Winter’s coming” played in his head as he knew he had to reach his destination before the snow started.
This is a story of adventure undertaken by a well prepared, thoughtful man who had both done his research and had plenty of outdoor experience. Beyond the Trees was a great armchair adventure read as the author gives his reader both heart-stopping experiences and plenty of descriptions of the spectacular natural world.
233MissBrangwen
>232 DeltaQueen50: I'll add this to my list of possible presents for my husband. He has been looking for wilderness/adventure books recently!
234Jackie_K
>232 DeltaQueen50: That has appeared on my recommendations list from kobo recently, glad to see you enjoyed it! Definitely one to experience from the armchair though :)
235Nickelini
>233 MissBrangwen: I'll add this to my list of possible presents for my husband. He has been looking for wilderness/adventure books recently!
LOL, you took the words right out of my mouth. All I can add is "ditto"
LOL, you took the words right out of my mouth. All I can add is "ditto"
236MissBrangwen
>235 Nickelini: Haha :-))
237DeltaQueen50
>233 MissBrangwen: I think your husband would enjoy Beyond the Trees, it certainly decribes the northern Canadian wilderness.
>234 Jackie_K: I am a huge fan of books about travel or exploring nature, I don't necessarily want to do these things - but I sure love reading about them!
>235 Nickelini: It's a good one, Joyce!
>234 Jackie_K: I am a huge fan of books about travel or exploring nature, I don't necessarily want to do these things - but I sure love reading about them!
>235 Nickelini: It's a good one, Joyce!
238DeltaQueen50
73. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
Category: Chocolate Creams
May GenreCat: Short Stories
May TIOLI #3: Set in a Country Whose Name Starts With a Vowel
Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill is a collection of short stories that are perhaps just a little too dark and violent. Set in the backwoods country of Southern Indiana, these are tales about rednecks who cook meth, army vets whose bodies came home but their minds stayed on the battlefield, crackers who ignore the bond of kinship if revenge is on the menu. There are no heroes in these stories and unfortunately women mostly appear in order to be beaten, raped or murdered. Some of these stories are interconnected but all are a raw, unflinching look at the dark side of life in a remote, rural county.
Don’t get me wrong, this author can write and deliver stories that amp up the emotions, but personally I would have liked many of these stories to have been tempered with a touch of humanity instead of the cold blooded meanness and constant violence that they delivered. Crimes in Southern Indiana packs a punch with it’s fast pace and shocking subject matter and those of us who love crime stories will appreciate the crisp writing and dark excitement but be warned, this book deals with atrocities and retribution delivered without remorse.
Category: Chocolate Creams
May GenreCat: Short Stories
May TIOLI #3: Set in a Country Whose Name Starts With a Vowel
Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill is a collection of short stories that are perhaps just a little too dark and violent. Set in the backwoods country of Southern Indiana, these are tales about rednecks who cook meth, army vets whose bodies came home but their minds stayed on the battlefield, crackers who ignore the bond of kinship if revenge is on the menu. There are no heroes in these stories and unfortunately women mostly appear in order to be beaten, raped or murdered. Some of these stories are interconnected but all are a raw, unflinching look at the dark side of life in a remote, rural county.
Don’t get me wrong, this author can write and deliver stories that amp up the emotions, but personally I would have liked many of these stories to have been tempered with a touch of humanity instead of the cold blooded meanness and constant violence that they delivered. Crimes in Southern Indiana packs a punch with it’s fast pace and shocking subject matter and those of us who love crime stories will appreciate the crisp writing and dark excitement but be warned, this book deals with atrocities and retribution delivered without remorse.
239DeltaQueen50
74. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger -3.4 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
May AlphaKit: N
May SFFFKit: Time Travel
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: A Cross Genre Book
May TIOLI #4: Title Has At Least Three Words and One Article
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a science fiction-romance novel about a man who travels through time and the woman he loves. Henry DeTamble first meets the love of his life, Clare Abshire when she is six years old and he is 36. They spend the next fourteen or so years with Henry jumping in and out of her life as she grows up and learns to love him. They finally begin their “real-time” relationship when she is 20 and Henry is 28.
Henry has no control over his travels. He appears to be suffering from a genetic condition that pulls him suddenly into his past or future. He is constantly meeting people at various times in their lives. In fact, he often spends time with his own past or future self. There are a lot of confusing moments in the book, ones were the reader has to stop and figure out exactly where in the time-line we currently are. I found a lot of this difficult to both understand and to follow, but aside from the science fiction, Henry and Clare’s love story is one of mutual care and consideration. They are truly soul mates who are meant for each other and their romantic attachment was the best part of the story. They share both the good and the bad times. And yes, there is great love and happiness but there is also great sadness and sorrow.
I freely admit that I am not a fan of time travel books and there were times when I truly was irritated with that side of the story, but I pushed on through and did find a reward of sorts with the relationship that built between Henry and Clare. While I can appreciate the originality of The Time Traveler’s Wife, it didn’t quite work for me.
Category: Chocolate Letters
May AlphaKit: N
May SFFFKit: Time Travel
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge: A Cross Genre Book
May TIOLI #4: Title Has At Least Three Words and One Article
The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger is a science fiction-romance novel about a man who travels through time and the woman he loves. Henry DeTamble first meets the love of his life, Clare Abshire when she is six years old and he is 36. They spend the next fourteen or so years with Henry jumping in and out of her life as she grows up and learns to love him. They finally begin their “real-time” relationship when she is 20 and Henry is 28.
Henry has no control over his travels. He appears to be suffering from a genetic condition that pulls him suddenly into his past or future. He is constantly meeting people at various times in their lives. In fact, he often spends time with his own past or future self. There are a lot of confusing moments in the book, ones were the reader has to stop and figure out exactly where in the time-line we currently are. I found a lot of this difficult to both understand and to follow, but aside from the science fiction, Henry and Clare’s love story is one of mutual care and consideration. They are truly soul mates who are meant for each other and their romantic attachment was the best part of the story. They share both the good and the bad times. And yes, there is great love and happiness but there is also great sadness and sorrow.
I freely admit that I am not a fan of time travel books and there were times when I truly was irritated with that side of the story, but I pushed on through and did find a reward of sorts with the relationship that built between Henry and Clare. While I can appreciate the originality of The Time Traveler’s Wife, it didn’t quite work for me.
240msf59
Hi, Judy. I am back and trying to catch up on these threads. Not an easy task. Beyond the Trees sounds like a good one. Crimes in Southern Indiana also sounds like my cuppa. That one is a new one to me.
241DeltaQueen50
>240 msf59: Welcome home, Mark. I loved Beyond the Trees it is an excellent non-fiction story. Crimes in Southern Indiana was like driving blindfold at ninety miles an hour - really amps your emotions - but very dark. I believe this was his debut book and I am interested to see what he writes about next.
242ELiz_M
>239 DeltaQueen50: I am sorry this didn't work for you; I loved it. It is the only novel I've read that caused me to miss my subway stop.
243lsh63
Hi Judy, I've made a note of Crimes in Southern Indiana, sounds like it's my kind of book. I've always read short stories, but lately I've been reading more of them.
244DeltaQueen50
>242 ELiz_M: The Traveler's Wife seems to be one of those books that either speaks to the reader or doesn't. I think it was the time travel aspect that really put me off, I found it confusing.
>243 lsh63: Recently I have found that I enjoy short stories more that I used to. They often make the perfect read when one has to pick up and put down the book frequently.
>243 lsh63: Recently I have found that I enjoy short stories more that I used to. They often make the perfect read when one has to pick up and put down the book frequently.
245Helenliz
>239 DeltaQueen50: I thought it really inventive and you're right, you get caught up in their love story. And I hated the epilogue with a vengance. Just so horribly saccharine that it almost ruined the rest of the book for me. But I'm a curmugeon at the best of times.
246DeltaQueen50
>245 Helenliz: I'm glad that I finally read The Time Traveler's Wife, and I applaud the author for keeping all the timelines straight, I kept forgetting that there were things that Clare knew and Henry didn't cause in his life, he hadn't traveled there yet. Definitely an original story!
247RidgewayGirl
Ok, making note of Beyond the Trees and Crimes in Southern Indiana.
248Tess_W
>239 DeltaQueen50: not really into time travel, but for some reason I really loved this book!
249DeltaQueen50
>247 RidgewayGirl: I love hitting you with a BB or two, Kay, as you get me so often!
>248 Tess_W: It seems to be a book that people either really love or, on the other hand, feel rather indifferent over. I haven't seen the film, and probably won't actively seek it out, but if I stumble upon it, will certainly give it a try.
>248 Tess_W: It seems to be a book that people either really love or, on the other hand, feel rather indifferent over. I haven't seen the film, and probably won't actively seek it out, but if I stumble upon it, will certainly give it a try.
250DeltaQueen50
I'm off to build myself a new thread.
251Jackie_K
>239 DeltaQueen50: >248 Tess_W: I'm one who loved it! (I'm actively not seeing the film, I want to keep the characters as they are in my imagination) I read it a month or so before I got married, so I was in a heightened emotional state already while I was reading it, and the love letter from Henry to Clare towards the end of the book had me weeping buckets!
252DeltaQueen50
>251 Jackie_K: Maybe one's love of this book depends on where in life they are. I'm older, crabby and somewhat disillusioned with life so although I appreciated their love story, I didn't totaly sink into it.
253LadyoftheLodge
>238 DeltaQueen50: Wow, sounds like something for me to avoid. I live in southern Indiana, so I hope readers do not get the impression we are all like that here.
254DeltaQueen50
>253 LadyoftheLodge: I think the author was trying to cash in on the popularity of red-neck noir that is quite popular right now. Authors like Daniel Woodrell, Donald Ray Pollock and David Joy all write books that often deal with backwoods mentality.
This topic was continued by DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 4.
