Paul's Grand European Tour 1

Begin at my roots I suppose. Maternal side is decidedly Irish and what is more Irish than a drop of Porter and the Porter indeed. DUBLIN's fair city.

The Opening Words

I will start the year at least spiritually back in my home place of Yorkshire by reading : Now Then : The Story of Yorkshire and its People by Rick Broadbent.





"In 2021, the Yorkshire Society issued a report into the future of the region. The survey answers were to be expected: people overwhelmingly saw themselves as from Yorkshire, not England; twice as many respondents would vote for a Yorkshire parliament than against it; a quarter said, yes, they could see Yorkshire being an independent country. Part of this is down to a superiority complex and part to the scars and suspicion of outsiders, southrons and offcumdens. Yorkshire welcomes you with terms and conditions and an understanding that just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not coming for you. "

Interested...........?

As far as a I know we have at least four 'native' Yorkies in the group: John Simpson, Tony (meanderer), Luci (elkidee) and myself and others with links to the county too.

It is the county of the Brontes, Priestley, Gissing, Ted Hughes, Alan Bennett, Keith Waterhouse John Braine, Susan Hill, AS Byatt, Margaret Drabble, Kate Atkinson, Helen Dunmore, Simon Armitage, Harold Wilson, Herbert Asquith, Sean Bean, Michael Parkinson and Sir Geoffrey Boycott

It is the county of the White Rose and a King unfairly maligned and York with its proud walls and minster and beautiful dales, and desolate coal fields of yore, of bitter ale and largely bitter socialist politics, of sweeping shorelines from Dracula haunted Whitby to the Flamborough Head.

It is the county of Yorkshire Cricket of my beloved Leeds United a team of excellence, hard men and near misses, passion and pride. It is a county of two Sheffields - United and Wednesday. It is the county of Jessica Ennis and Kelly Holmes and Dorothy Hyman. It is the county of Seb Coe and Peter Elliott, of Joe Root and Harry Brook, of Prince Naseem and Josh Warrington of the Brownlee brothers and Adam Peaty.

Some more General Fairfax, Judi Dench, Peter O'Toole, Patrick Stewart, Tom Wilkinson, Stan Barstow, Joanne Harris, Helen Fielding, Mel B, Barbara Hepworth and Henry Moore.

Pulp, Human League, Kaiser Chiefs, Embrace, Terrorvision, Chumbawamba, Gang of Four, ABC.

Poem

This is from "Dublin" by one of my favourite poets, the great Louis Macneice. It captures the Dublin I know. I have spent quite a bit of time in my later youth sampling the earthy delights of that fine old city.



Grey brick upon brick,
Declamatory bronze
On sombre pedestals –
O'Connell, Grattan, Moore –
And the brewery tugs and the swans
On the balustraded stream
And the bare bones of a fanlight
Over a hungry door
And the air soft on the cheek
And porter running from the taps
With a head of yellow cream
And Nelson on his pillar
Watching his world collapse.

This never was my town,
I was not born or bred
Nor schooled here and she will not
Have me alive or dead
But yet she holds my mind
With her seedy elegance,
With her gentle veils of rain
And all her ghosts that walk
And all that hide behind
Her Georgian facades –
The catcalls and the pain,
The glamour of her squalor,
The bravado of her talk.

BOOKS READ IN 2025 (1-75)

By the way my completed dates are using the British system of DD/MM/YY

First Cycle (1-6 January)



1. Colonel Chabert by Honore de Balzac (1832) 101 pages Fiction from before the last decade. (Completed 1/1/25)
2. Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha (2024) 77 pages Poetry/Plays (completed 1/1/25)
3. Now Then by Rick Broadbent (2023) 433 pages Non-Fiction (Completed 2/1/25)
4. The Hunter by Tana French (2024) 467 pages Thriller (Completed 4/1/25)
5. Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood (2023) 293 pp Fiction from the last decade (completed 5/1/25)

Second Cycle (7-12 January)



6. The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning (1960) 318 pp Fiction before this decade (completed 7/1/25)
7. Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds (2012) 89 pp Poetry/Plays (completed 8/1/25)

Currently Reading

Reading Cycle One 1 January - 6 January 2025

Family Pic.

Days of being together :

THE GRAND EUROPEAN BOOK TOUR



January : Prelude - 19th Century Europe : https://www.librarything.com/topic/367210 - Colonel Chabert by Balzac

February : Scandinavia
March : Warsaw Pact
April : Ottoman Empire
May : Non-National Languages
June : Caesar to Meloni
July : The Germanic World
August : Anita Fameulstee Memorial Month (Benelux)
September : Books About European Places
October : La Belle France
November : Iberian Peninsula
December : Back to the Future : 21st Century in translation

British Author Challenge (Hosted by my friend Amanda)



January - The stage
February - Kia Abdullah & Adrian Tchaikovsky
March -
April -
May -
June -
July -
August -
September -
October -
November -
December -

American Author Challenge (Hosted with occasional assistance this year by my friend Linda)



JANUARY - Pacific North West
FEBRUARY - American Muslims (I will guest host)
MARCH -
APRIL -
MAY -
JUNE -
JULY
AUGUST -
SEPTEMBER -
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER -
DECEMBER

Books Added in 2025

2025 Book Stats

Book Stats

Books Read : 7
Pages Read in completed books : 1,778 pp

Longest book : The Hunter : 433 pp
Shortest book : Forest of Noise : 77 pp
Mean book length : 254.00 pp

Pages per day average in completed books : 222.25

Books written by men : 3
Books written by women: 4

Non-Fiction : 1
Fiction : 3
Poetry : 2
Thriller : 1
SF/Fantasy :
Drama :

1830s : 1 book
1960s : 1 book
2010s : 1 book
2020s : 4 books

UK Authors : 2
US Authors : 1
France Authors : 1
Ireland Authors : 1
Australia Authors : 1
Palestine Authors : 1
Challenges :
European Grand Tour Challenge : 1 book

Awards :
Pulitzer Poetry Prize

Read : 7 book
Added : 0 books

Change to TBR : -7

Welcome to my first thread of 2025.

I have begun to set up my thread but I doubt that I shall be too active for a few days at least.

I suppose I am the group's Malaysian correspondent and have lived in Kuala Lumpur and the region since 1994. I am married to She-Who-Must-Be-Obeyed (apologies to Horace Rumpole), Hani and have three "kids", Yasmyne, Kyran and Belle and one grandchild - the irrepressible Pip. All are currently in the UK whilst I struggle here to finish my projects in order to join them. Erni is my live in maid - member of my family to all intents and the world's best coffee maker. I have been in the group since 2011.

Love pretty much all types of reading, love stats and have been known to add many more books than I read.

Welcome to another year of the Challenge, Paul!

Thank you, Jim. I wouldn't miss it for anything.

Someone I will miss at this time of the year especially is our dear late friend Anita who was always so active at this time of the year welcoming everyone to the group - especially newcomers.

Hi!

>15 amanda4242: My thread(s) would be much poorer without you, Amanda. Thanks for your friendship in the group.

Greetings! Looking forward to another year of enjoying your threads, Paul.

>17 Kristelh: Thank you Kristel and I look forward very much t your visits and visiting your thread.

Happy new thread, Paul. I hope to be a more regular visitor this year though I know better than to expect to truly be able to *keep up*.... All the best for the new year and I hope you realize your goal to make it home, finally.

Hi Paul, looking forward to being very active this year.

Hi Paul - wishing you a good reading year in 2025.

>19 jessibud2: Lovely to see you Shelley. I am hopeful of a great 2025.

>20 johnsimpson: That will be great John.

>21 avatiakh: Thank you Kerry. I wish you the same. xx

Hi Paul! Happy new thread, and wishing you a great reading year.

Hi Paul, welcome to another year of, hopefully, wonderful reading in 2025.

Happy new thread Paul!

May the new year see you swiftly reunited with your lovely family!

>24 EllaTim: Thank you, Ella and I hope to meet up with you and Marc at some stage in 2025.

>25 lindapanzo: Thank you, Linda. I hope for you a happier year and plenty of books and love.

>26 quondame: Thank you dear Susan. That is primary amongst my own wishes for 2025. xx

Happy New Thread!

>30 PaulCranswick: Thank you Silver. Lovely to see you here bright and early.

>1 PaulCranswick: Ah - in "Dublin's Fair City" - my favorite beer - and mix of Guinness Stout and Bass Ale for the perfect St. Patrick Celebration!

>31 m.belljackson: Yes please, Marianne! Also known as a Black and Tan which has mixed connotations in Ireland.

Off to a great start already, Paul! I truly hope to be more active this year than in the past few. I’ve let life get in my way far too much. I’m going to change that in 2025.

>33 Matke: I greatly look forward to that, Gail. I enjoy your company in the group.

A bit upset this morning as Kyran has been admitted to the hospital in Sheffield with bronchial complaints. Belle took him as he is staying with her and Hani will get there in the morning.

Also one of our cats, Jinxy has been taken to the vet as she is unable to stand up properly and is walking with a list. Don't know if it is a nerve thing or whether she has imbibed something she shouldn't have.

Kyran is chipper at least but Jinxy isn't.

Dear Friend

I send wishes that Kyran will be in good care in the hospital and will heal quickly. And, of course being the animal lover that I am, I am saddened by the news of your cat Jinxy. Please keep us posted.

>36 Whisper1: I will do, Linda. I haven't been able to concentrate much this morning to be honest.

Wishing Kyran the best of care and a speedy recovery...it's so hard to have loved ones ill when you're so far apart. And sharing your concern over Jinxy as well...love those furry kids too.

Get well soon, Kyran!

>38 laytonwoman3rd: Thank you, Linda. Still waiting to hear from Kyran this morning but Jinxy will stay at the Vet's place tonight for observation.

>39 drneutron: Thank you Jim.

Happy New (2025) thread Paul! I hope Kyran will soon be out of hospital and make a speedy recovery. I will be reading Stone Yard Devotional very soon as well - it’s one I had for Christmas.

>41 SandDune: Thank you, Rhian. Your nearest and dearest will be happy just now as our team sits top of the Championship.

Stone Yard Devotional has had very good reviews.

Cheers to your first thread of 2025, Paul!
Thinking of Kyran and the entire Cranswick family. What a tense time especially when you're unable to be at his side.

Dear Paul, you have chosen many interesting challenges for the new reading year. All the best to Kyran - hoping he gets well soon!

Here's hoping that both man and beast are on the mend and that you will have a great year of reading and life in 2025!

Hello my friend! Happy to be following you again in 2025. Hope everyone heals up quickly and wishing for a better New Year!! xoxo

>43 Carmenere: Lovely to see you, Lynda and I look forward to your thread when it arrives! Kyran is thankfully on the mend, I think.

>44 PersephonesLibrary: I am so pleased to see you back this year, Kathe. xx

>45 Tess_W: Man seems on the mend, Tess, but still awaiting news on beast!

>46 Berly: Thanks Kimmers - I think you need to come and Taekwondo the heck out of the ill health both our families have had this past year. xx

>2 PaulCranswick: My family harks back to Yorkshire, many generations ago now. (My grandparents moved to Canada, and I moved to the US.) Oddly, we've kept some traditions, such that there's a feeling of familiarity when I get to know more recent Yorkie transplants.

>49 ArlieS: That is probably why we are so in tune, Arlie!

Hey Paul,

Just wanted a turnabout visit. You come to see me in the new digs, I come to see you.

Looking forward to spending more time in this bright spot of the weird world we live in.

Happy New Thread and I'll echo the sentiments of our friends here. I hope Kyran and Jynxy are on the mend...

>51 mahsdad: I have been there twice already, Jeff!!

In book stats this year I am also going to log progress against your lists plus a few more of my own.

The vet opens at 10 am. Hopefully Jinxy is improved.

>48 PaulCranswick:

As you wish, Paul. Kicking the sh*t out of bad health for both our families! Come on 2025!! : )

>53 Berly: Wow Kimmers. The kicker looks more uncomfortable than those two chaps on the receiving end!

Nah. Piece of cake. ; )

>55 Berly: Must be an impressive cake!

Hi Paul, just checking in to see how Kyran's doing. I hope he was released from hospital with stuff to fix him.

>57 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda. He is safely home and has so much medicine that he rattles when he walks!

READING PLANS FOR 2025

January

I have piloted this idea this month of reading cycles in order to read more diversely and keep my interest going more consistently.

I have never made it to 200 books in my time on LT but I aim to bypass that entirely and go for 300 straight!
5 books in 6 day cycles means 300 books in 360 days. Either a great success or spectacular failure!

I also intend to only add a maximum of 100 books this coming year (please stop sniggering). My first year in LT that I read more than I add.

Tentatively the reading plan is : (I always jiggle them around and add and take out at my whim and fancy).

CYCLE ONE ( 1 to 6 January)

Non-Fiction - Now Then by Rick Broadbent
Fiction before the last decade - Colonel Chabert by Honore de Balzac (EuroGT)
Thriller - The Hunter by Tana French
Poetry/Play - Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha
Fiction from the last decade - Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

CYCLE TWO ( 7 to 12 January)

Non-Fiction - The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane (NF Challenge)
Fiction Pre 2016 - The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning
Thriller - The Reborn by Lin Anderson
Poetry/Play - Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds
Fiction Post 2016 - The Cold Millions by Jess Walter (AAC)

CYCLE THREE (13 TO 18 January)

Non-Fiction - The Junior Officer's Reading Club by Patrick Hennesey
Fiction Pre - The Good Companions by J.B. Priestley (BAC)
Thriller - Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths
Poetry/Play - After You Were, I Am by Camille Ralphs
Fiction Post - Really Good, Actually by Monica Heisey

CYCLE FOUR ( 19 to 24 January)

Non-Fiction - Good Chaps by Simon Kuper
Fiction Pre - The Kill by Emile Zola (Rougon / EuroGT)
Thriller - Silver by Chris Hammer
Poetry/Play - Girls are Coming Out of the Woods by Tishani Doshi
Fiction Post - Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (Secret Santa)

CYCLE FIVE ( 25 to 30 January)

Non-Fiction - Gather Together in My Name by Maya Angelou
Fiction Pre - A Life by Guy du Mauspassant (EuroGT / 1001)
Thriller - The Wrong Woman by JP Pomare
Poetry/Play - Othello by William Shakespeare (Bard of the month)
Fiction Post - The Coast Road by Alan Murrin

>59 PaulCranswick: Look at you all planned out for January already!! Also, I like the genre types. Have fun -- I am rooting for you!

>59 PaulCranswick: Thanks Kimmers, I always start the year with high expectations and hopes.

Hi Paul--I wanted to thank you for your occasional visits to my mostly dormant thread for 2024. I did not participate on LT much in 2024, having some health issues, and suffering from a general malaise that made me mostly avoid socializing. I hope to do better this upcoming year.
Your 2025 goal of 300 books is certainly ambitious, and you've got some interesting choices for January. This year, although I wasn't socializing, I did manage to keep reading. Around mid-December I noticed that I had a chance to achieve 200 books read for 2024, a number I've also never attained. So I started choosing shorter books (250 pages or less) to read. Is that cheating? Anyway, I'm at 198 books now, hope to finish Orbital in a few hours, and I think I'll make it!

I thought I'd visit and comment on the 2025 threads before they got too long - I should Have known that I'd miss my chance with yours, Paul!

>62 arubabookwoman: Lovely to have you visit, Deborah. I must admit that I was quite worried about you for a while (and some of our other friends PM'd me in a similar vein of concern) but it was pointed out to me that you had updated your reading on your profile and my mind was put at rest.

198 books is a good number!

I always enjoy your reviews my friend.

>63 CDVicarage: Still manageable surely, Kerry?! It is a pleasure anyway to see you here anytime at all.

>59 PaulCranswick: You go, Paul! But don't become disheartened if you must slow down! In 2014 I read 237. Most years its between 125-150. But most of all, enjoy!

>65 Tess_W: It is good to start the year positively, Tess. In a year's time if I am 100 books behind my target, I shall still be thrilled.

Happy New Year, Paul - and a happy reading year - best time of the year making reading plans - have fun with your ambitious cycle approach.

I last reached 75 in 2022 (77 actually), so I hope to repeat that in 2025. I'm only going to work part time next year, so I should get more time with my books and a lot of black tea.

You never cease to amaze me, Paul! If anyone can read 300 books in 365 days it is you! I look forward to your progress.

>67 ctpress: Great to see you here so bright and bushy-tailed Carsten.
I am another who loves black tea and I have not been able to drink tea with milk for 30 years.

>68 Carmenere: I hope you are able to re-confirm that this time next year, Lynda!
It will be fun going down in the flames of my thwarted reading ambitions. xx

>69 PaulCranswick: Ouch. No milk? I usually take my tea with milk, but I guess I could get used to just the tea.

Happy New Thread, Paul! Happy 2025! Enjoy Coast Road. For some reason I thought you had already read it.

I hope Kyran is recovered.

I hope 2025 is a really good year for you and the family Paul, and that you get to spend more time together. Of course, I hope there will be some good books too.

Happy New Year! I hope it is filled with good books and good conversations about them.

Here's the New Year's readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/366980

>69 PaulCranswick: I'm a tea without milk person too Paul. I went on a diet in my thirties and discovered I could drink black tea without sugar, but not tea with milk. And then I got used to the taste and have drunk it without milk ever since.

Let's resolve to do this more.

Happy new thread, Paul. I see you are already ahead in posts. Well, might as well start as you intend to go on I suppose. I hope that Kyran and Jinxy are on the mend. Happy New Year!

Happy New Thread, Paul. Happy New Year. Why am I not at all surprised that you already have nearly 80 posts. 😜

Love your family pic up there. Beautiful family. I hope Kyran will be okay. Keep us updated.

This is the link to the Club Read's Poetry thread. I hope you can stop by now and then and share something.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/366887#

>70 ctpress: I cannot remember how I got used to drinking it like that Carsten. I think I was economizing as a student!

>71 vancouverdeb: It has been on my reading table for a few months already, Deb. I guess I don't want to rush it too much is the reason as I have only seen good reviews of it.

>72 Caroline_McElwee: He is doing well, Caroline. Just spoke to him actually and he is in a good place and celebrating his new year.

>73 Caroline_McElwee: Thank you my friend. I want to get back to the UK for an extended period once my project here is done and dusted and we must hit the poetry shops!

>74 cbl_tn: Thank you, Carrie. Those wishes are great and pretty much guaranteed by the place in which they were made! xx

>75 SilverWolf28: Thanks Silver. I am already started!

>86 PaulCranswick: Rhian, I don't think my reason was dietary but I cannot stomach drinking tea with milk at all nowadays.
I'm an Earl Grey or Lapsang Souchong fellow by preference.

>77 richardderus: Brilliant! You will always be my Minister of Unusual and Interesting Words, dear fellow.

>78 Familyhistorian: I always say this, Meg, but I would be happy enough to have plenty of visitors but see Richard or Mark or one of the ladies with more posts. I simply love it here though and I suppose it shines brightly.

>79 msf59: Thank you dear Mark. Kyran is back in London and almost fully recovered.

>80 msf59: Thank you, Mark. I will do of course - whether it is something of my own or something that I have just read.

Well it is already 2025 morning here.

LOOKING FORWARD to my resolutions for the coming year:

1. Get home to the UK
2. Finish Merdeka 118 project
3. Get fitter and lose weight. I scaled a scary 276 lbs this morning.
4. Read 300 books
5. Add only 100 books (please don't laugh at me)
6. Give alms every month
7. Visit at least 3 new countries

Happy New Year Paul. Still a few hours before it is 2025 here. Wishing you much success in pursuing your goals in 2025.

LOOKING BACKWARDS

My Reading :

Books Read : 133
Pages Read : 35,694
Average Per Day : 97.79 pages
Average Book Length : 268.38 pages

Best Reading Month in Books : 20 books (September)
Worst Reading Month in Books : 2 books (May)

Best Reading Month in Pages : 4,590 pages (September)
Worst Reading Month in Pages : 780 pages (May)

Longest Book : Battle Cry of Freedom - 862 pages
Shortest Book : Poems : Louis MacNeice 37 pages

Books by men : 78
Books by women : 55

Fiction Books : 68
Non-Fiction Books : 28
Thrillers : 16
Poetry : 14
Drama : 5
SF/Fantasy : 2

62 by UK authors
33 by USA authors
10 by Irish authors
5 by French authors
3 by Russian authors
2 by Australian, German, Japanese and Swedish authors
1 by authors from Malaysia, New Zealand, Palestine, Nigeria, Austria, Norway, Israel, Bosnia, Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, Italy

Favourite Book of the Year :

Loot by Tania James

LOOKING BACKWARDS

Books Additions :

Total Additions : 336 books

Total Number of Pages : 107,991

Books added written by men : 187
Books added written by women : 149

Fiction books added : 175
Non-Fiction added : 66
Thrillers added : 48
SF/Fantasy added : 30
Poetry books added : 14
Plays added : 3

Books added in 2024 and read in 2024 : 40 books
Remaining to be read : 296 books

Pages read in 2024 of books added in 2024 : 10,126 pages
Pages remaining to be read : 97,865

I want to prioritize reading these books so that I have none of them still to read in three years time.

>88 Kristelh: Thank you, Kristel (I almost missed you there!).

I have thoroughly enjoyed your company in 2024 and long may it continue.

Happy new year!

Same to you my dear Amanda.

It's not even the first yet and you are close to 100 posts already ;)

May the new year bring you everything that is important to you.

>94 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita. I will be circling the thread shortly to wish a Happy New Year to those friends as and when it becomes the time.

85 books read in 2024. My membership can be renewed. Looking forward to 2025.

>96 booksaplenty1949: We would always make an exception for you anyways, Happy New Year.

Well I am off and running :

BOOK #1



Colonel Chabert by Honore de Balzac
Date of Publication : 1832
Origin of Author : France
Gender of Author : Male
Pages : 101 pp
Genre : Fiction published before the last decade
Challenges : European Grand Tour Challenge

I had almost forgotten what a great storyteller Balzac was. An officer was left for dead on the battlefield after his heroics ensure victory. But when he returns and finds his wife remarried and his wealth gone with her, he seeks the aid of a solicitor to right his wrongs.

Balzac casts a typically agued eye on proceedings and the novella is as delightful as it turns tragic.

I wish you a happy new year.
Is there a special thread for European Grand Tour Challenge. Generally and monthly?

>99 Ameise1: Lovely to see you Barbara and the very same to you and yours.

I will get a thread up today for the European Grand Tour Challenge. Thanks for reminding me!

>2 PaulCranswick: Pulp, Gang of Four, and Human League!? wowsers, that is cool. I'll leave you Chumbawamba, although I can't say I know much of them apart from that hit!

Happy New Year to you and yours, Paul.

>98 PaulCranswick: My review of Le Colonel Chabert: “This book sums up all I know of Balzac in its fifty pages. A pointed commentary on French society in a time of extreme upheaval combined with profound insight into the unchanging human heart. A masterpiece.”
I see that I read it apropos of Sebald’s Austerlitz. Must remind myself why.

Year-End Meme Using 2024 Books

Describe yourself: Dear Future Boyfriend

Describe how you feel: The Home Child

Describe where you currently live: The Safe Place

Your favorite time of day is: Journey's End

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: West

Your favorite form of transportation: Red Dragon

Your best friend is: Quiet

You and your friends are: Five Children and It

Describe your job: Under Fire

What are you eating: The Things They Carried

What’s the weather like: Summer

You fear: Anecdotal Evidence

What is the best advice you have to give: The Story of a Life

Thought for the day: Carthage Must Be Destroyed

How you would like to die: Selling Manhattan

Your soul’s present condition: Peace

What is life for you: The List of Suspicious Things

>101 LovingLit: Hahaha there are plenty of other Yorkshire singers and bands but some of them are excruciatingly bad!

Lovely to see you Megan.

>102 booksaplenty1949: I think we can then agree it was a decent start to the year!
I will put Austerlitz higher on the list too.

>104 PaulCranswick: https://cathannabel.blog/2013/01/20/sebald-and-balzac-quests-and-connections/ Found what I was looking for. Austerlitz is definitely worth your time.

>105 booksaplenty1949: Thanks for that - sums things up pretty nicely, I think.

Happy Reading in 2025!! You and your goals are an inspiration!! Best wishes for the new year!!

>59 PaulCranswick: Looks like a great reading plan, Paul! I do hope that it goes well for you!

>87 PaulCranswick: No one else may be laughing at your plan to buy so few books this year, but I am :)

>98 PaulCranswick: Yay for reading your first book of the year. I have not read that Balzac and will have to see if I can get my hands on a copy.

>103 PaulCranswick: Copying that. . .

Happy whatever, brother!

How did you get to 108 messages already! Anyway, dropping my star!

>98 PaulCranswick: Apropos of book-buying, my copy of Le Colonel Chabert was a hard cover Le Colonel Chabert/Gobseck, a student text, in French but with very useful English introduction and notes. I see that I bought it used, from the university textbook store—-for nineteen cents! Those were the days.

Dropping a star and may join in the European Tour Challenge. I think you have a very doable resolution list. Getting home to family is the most important.

Happy 2025, Paul! Hope you do well in meeting your goals for the year. Though if you get to 300 books for the year, I'll be nowhere close, I can guarantee that! :)

>107 tjblue: Thank you, Tammy. So lovely to have you drop by.

>108 alcottacre: Juana! I pretty much guessed my aim to read more than I had would occasion a snigger.

>109 sirfurboy: I honestly couldn't tell you, Stephen! Great to see you here my friend.

>110 booksaplenty1949: 19 cents!! I bought mine new a few years ago for RM28.95 which is about $7 from new. The price is still on the back.

>111 witchyrichy: I hope you a right about the resolutions, Karen! Anyway succeed or not I will have fun with my friends here finding out. xx

Thank you for your four lovely wishes.

>112 bell7: Well we are normally within a few books of each other, Mary!

Happy 2025 to you and yours, Paul.

>115 PaulCranswick: Lovely to see you, Diana. xx
Thank you so much and the same to you.

>98 PaulCranswick: Congratulations on Book 1. I love Balzac, sometimes overshadowed here on LT by Zola, who I also love. As I'm approaching the end of Rougon Macquart, I'm contemplating a life-long Human Comedy read (a project undertaken by my late father-in-law). I bought Colonel Chabert from Amazon, but it turns out I accidentally bought the French language version, which I don't speak. So now I'm on Duolingo.

BOOK #2



Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha
Date of Publication : 2024
Origin of Author : Gaza / Palestine
Gender of Author : Male
Genre : Poetry

This is an incendiary piece of writing.

As most people will know here I am both a Muslim and Pro-Israel but one cannot help but be affected by the suffering of civilians caught in the middle of the troubles in that beloved but somehow cursed region. At the chaos, at the carnage, at the needless deaths and the displacement.

All of this and more is brilliantly encapsulated into this fine but painful collection of poems. Who would have thought that you could put seemingly innocuous words together and make them collectively so powerful.

This writer is one to watch for sure.

I could quote from money of the poems but this is "Before I Sleep"

Before I sleep,
Death is always
sitting on my windowsill,
whether in Gaza or Cairo.

Even when I lived
in a tent,
it never failed
to create a window
for itself.

It looks me in the eye
and recounts to me
the many times
it let me live.

When I respond, "But you
took my loved ones away!"
it swallows the light in the tent
and hides in the dark to visit next day.

Recommended.

>118 arubabookwoman: Caps a lovely for me, Deborah, to have you drop by.
In many ways I don't think there would have been a Zola without the undoubted influence of Balzac. Certainly, my first and second favourite French writers.

>120 PaulCranswick: Definitely no Zola without Balzac, Paul! In the intro to at least two Zolas, it is mentioned that he wanted to create a work like Balzac's. After Zola, I will begin Balzac. Should have done in reverse order, but who knew?

Here's to a new and better year -- let's go 2025!!

Also congrats on book #1 already and I like your Meme answers. : )

This thread is proving what I already new....there is no way I can keep up with you! Still, I will pop in regularly in the coming year. May it be a good one for you and your loved ones.
>103 PaulCranswick: I love your meme responses.

Happy New Year, Paul! I am not at all surprised that you have crazy ambitious reading plans for the year. Wishing you the best of luck with them and hoping that you are able to find your way back to the UK this year. I know that you must be missing your family so.

Happy New Year Paul!

What is this? Aren't you done with day 1, you should be on your third thread.

For this year’s challenge I’m hoping to focus on works of fiction which are *about* European travel as well as written in the various languages you’ve identified. So I thought that my long-unread copy of A Sentimental Journey through France and England would be a great choice for January until I recalled that it was written in the 18thC, not the 19th. But you’re a long way away, I’m under the radar—-who knows how long it will take your agents to mete out any punishment? Meanwhile I notice that this book, which I believe I bought at a used book sale when I was in high school, was inscribed on May 11, 1916 by someone who was graduating that year from the college I went to. Cool.

Happy New Year, Paul! Wow, you are almost ready for a new thread. Good luck with your very ambitious reading plans for 2025. I hope Kyran is better.

Happy New Year Paul! I've been a stranger lately but 2025 is another year. I'm excited about your Europe challenge and plan to join in.

Happy New Year Paul! Looking forward to seeing what the European Tour brings to your thread.

Happy New Year!

Happy new year, Paul! I will do my best to keep up with you this year, but no promises ;) I'll try to check in more, at least!

Happy New Year -- although it's probably into day two of the new year where you are. Hope your 2025 is filled with good reads! I am sure I can't keep up with you. I never can--and I get worse as the year moves along.

Happy New Year, Paul! I hope Kyran AND the kitty are doing better.

Happy New Year, Paul!

Holy Moly, Paul! I believe that's what I always say when I see how far behind I am with your thread. I'm glad that you and your family, especially Kyran, are all healthy. I missed what happened to the Kitty. I'll always hope you have him/her back safe and sound.

Happy New Year! I wish you may finish your current project in good form and get to home and family quickly! Take care of yourself and read!!!!!

Hi Paul, you are off to a very busy start here! i will be following your reading plans in 2025! Glad to know that Kyran is better. HOpe you get home to the U.K. this year!

Happy New Year and Happy New Thread, Paul.
All the best for Kyran and your plans for 2025, I look forward to many good books with you.
And again my post number has 3 digits, your pace is impressive...

Back to work today guys with a Court of Appeal matter which was sadly unsuccessful. This is why I haven't been on the threads today as yet.

Still I am home now and it is evening and I have my coffee so I am contented at last.

READING JOURNAL 1 JANUARY 2025

Reading Cycle 1 (1 Jan to 6 Jan)

Read from three books

1. Colonel Chabert by Honore de Balzac
2. Forest of Noise by Mosab Abu Toha
3. Now Then by Rick Broadbent

Finished two books
Balzac & Abu Toha

Books Added
1 Jan 25 - 0
Year to date - 0

Total Pages Read : 457
Total Pages Added : 0

I think a pretty decent start to the year.

>121 Tess_W: I think I slightly favour Zola but it is close in my affections between the two of them. I also plan to read Zola and Maupassant this month.

>122 Berly: Thank you Kimmers. Let's hope it's a good one.

I found the MEME challenge tough to fit a couple of questions this year.

>123 laytonwoman3rd: Well at least I am in good company, Linda, because I couldn't keep up either today!

>124 Crazymamie: It really is wonderful to see you back, Mamie. It is a long time already since we coined the name Pecan Paradisio for your lovely Georgia home.
I am missing the team a lot, especially Hani, although I do video call with her at least once every day.

>125 The_Hibernator: Hahaha I know Rachel - it is a sure sign of the ageing process otherwise I would definitely be done with thread #1 already!

>126 booksaplenty1949: That is cool. I do love it when a book has that sort of inscription so it can be both dated and personalized.

Go ahead and cheat on the challenge, I won't tell anyone and what is a few decades among friends.

>127 BLBera: Thanks Beth. Kyran is much better and I had a good chat with him yesterday.

Now his mother is a little bit under the weather.

>128 AnneDC: Anne!!! What a lovely surprise! That reminds me I really need to get the thread up and running for the Grand European Tour - darned work gets in the way of everything!

>129 swynn: I will do a little bit of history, something on food and culture and a few pictures on our travels, Steve. Would be great for you to join in as and when it takes your fancy.

> 130 Thank you Silver. x

>131 curioussquared: There really is no need to try to keep up necessarily Natalie because I struggle to do that myself. Just drop in and drop by as and when the fancy takes you as your company will always be a delight to me, I'm sure.

>132 thornton37814: Well into day 2 here, Lori. I am always impressed at how well you start years and you have occasionally kept it going for much of a year! Life and work commitments do grind us down oftentimes but you will always be welcome at this humble abode!

>133 ronincats: Lovely to see you Roni. Kyran is good but Jinxy is still under the care of the vet, but should make a full recovery apparently.

>134 quondame: Great to see you Susan. I haven't seen your thread yet, I think?

>135 LizzieD: I'm not really doing it on purpose, Peggy, but I do love getting and responding to posts!
My main aim this year is to finish the project and go home.

>136 mdoris: Mary, I was of course looking out for you! I must get back in 2025.

>137 SirThomas: It is always great to share events and books with you, Thomas. I'll be trying to keep up with you too my friend.

THE GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR January thread is up and we are travelling by train back into the 19th Century.

https://www.librarything.com/topic/367210

Happy New Year and happy new thread! I'm going to try and keep up with reading and commenting on your thread this year! Great answers to the year-end book meme, by the way.

Two books in two days! I'd say your on par. :0)

>150 foggidawn: Thank you Foggi and lovely to see you here. xx

>151 Carmenere: Two books was in the first day, Lynda and I am about to finish my third on the second day! I am off to a good start but time will tell if I can keep it up.

>153 PaulCranswick: I should finish my first in a bit. I was nearly done when they had finished servicing my car at the dealer. I just need to sit down and finish the last chapter or two!

>154 thornton37814: I'm three done and happy, Lori. Not sure I will keep it up but I have a page turner coming up in The Hunter by Tana French.

Finished An Ice-Cream War. On to lighter topics!

BOOK #3



Now Then : A Biography of Yorkshire by Rick Broadbent
Date of Publication : 2023
Origin of Author : UK
Gender of Author : Male
Pages : 433 pp

"Now then" is a form of Yorkshire greeting pronounced slightly depending on where in my county you hail from and is something between a statement of intent and a question.

I have a lot to be proud of in my life and prominent amongst them is being a Yorkshireman. Like John Simpson I am proud of my Wakefield roots - I come from a county that has often stood up against authority - sometimes successfully and sometimes we have valiantly failed. I think of Marston Moor, Stamford Bridge, Orgreave and Towton as a witness to our martial past, Headingley, Elland Road and Hillsborough as testament to our sporting prowess and its often tragic shortcomings. A best Yorkshire XI of my lifetime would probably beat any cricket team in the world.

Boycott, Vaughan, Bairstow (J), Root, Brook, Close, Illingworth, Old, Gough, Trueman, Sidebottom (R)

It is also a dark place of mills and factories, of pits, forges and foundries. Of the exploration of Captain Cook and Helen Sharman (Britain's first spacewoman), of Dick Turpin, Robin of Loxsley and the Yorkshire Ripper. Of William Wilberforce, Herbert Asquith and Harold Wilson.

All are encapsulated in this engaging book.

>156 booksaplenty1949: How was it? I have had that book on my shelves for the longest time without ever reading it.

>158 PaulCranswick: It was very well-written; every character was unconventional but credible, because Boyd took you into their thoughts in a convincing way. That said, things didn’t go well for most of them, so it was a fairly dark book. With an unresolved ending, like WW I itself. But I think it will stay with me. An interesting tie-in to the 2023 Africa Novel Challenge as well. You should give it a go.

>159 booksaplenty1949: I have so many times meant to do so.

>1 PaulCranswick: I've been there!!! *smile*

Happiest of New Years to you and all your loved ones, Paul.

>1 PaulCranswick: It is indeed a place to make you smile (and to make you hiccough).

Thank you, Ellen, I am happy to see you getting into the new year groove already.

Looks like you are well on your way to making it to 200 reads this year, Paul!

>163 Familyhistorian: Let's hope I can keep it going, Meg.

READING JOURNAL 2 JANUARY 2025

Reading Cycle 1 (1 Jan to 6 Jan)

Read from three books

1. Now Then by Rick Broadbent
2. The Hunter by Tana French

Finished one book
Broadbent

Books Read YTD : 3
Books Added
2 Jan 25 - 0
Year to date - 0

Pages Read 2/1/25 : 256
Total Pages Read : 713
Total Pages Added : 0

Hi Paul! Happy New Year, and happy first thread of 2025.

>2 PaulCranswick: One set of my 2nd great-grandparents was from Yorkshire, John and Elizabeth Hops, although I guess I’m a offcumden, right? Your post makes me proud to have ancestors from Yorkshire.

>4 PaulCranswick: Congrats on already having 3 books completed this year.

>6 PaulCranswick: Sweet pic.

>10 PaulCranswick: What? You haven’t already added books? You’d best get crackin’.

>12 PaulCranswick: I got so far behind I didn’t realize that Bella was in the UK, too.

>59 PaulCranswick: 300 is a fantastic goal. And… really? Only 100 adds? You should be able to hear the sniggering from North Carolina in Malaysia.

I’ll be interested in what you think of Remarkably Bright Creatures. It’s one of my 5 best for 2024.

>87 PaulCranswick: Good resolutions.

>98 PaulCranswick: Just got a free Kindle copy of Colonel Chabert.

>143 PaulCranswick: I’m so glad Kyran is much better. I liked the photo of him from the hospital bed in >35 PaulCranswick: – sounds weird, but it was good to see his more-grown-up face. Sorry that Hani is a bit under the weather.

>166 karenmarie:, Hi Karen my dear, i think their was a ripple of laughter that whipped around the globe like a Mexican wave when we read about Paul's book haul goal, i hope he achieves this, it will be a massive goal.

>2 PaulCranswick: Happy New Year, and happy reading in 2025!

>166 karenmarie: I love your long and considered posts, Karen. Still no book additions - my first bookless Friday for an age.

>167 johnsimpson: I can hear you, John!

>168 johnsimpson: Thank you, John.

>169 ocgreg34: Great to see you, Greg. I just posted at your place.

>2 PaulCranswick: A few more Yorkshire writers and bands:

Writers: Peter Robinson, Caryl Phillips, Barbara Taylor Bradford, Sheila Rowbotham, Arthur Ransome, Frances Brody aka Frances McNeil were all born in Leeds . John Baker was born in Hull and set a series of crime novels in York, and two more books in Hull. I think Stuart Pawson was from Yorkshire - certainly he worked there as a mining engineer and then set 13 novels about police detective Charlie Priest there.

Singers and bands: Sally Timms (the Mekons formed as a band in Leeds though not all of them were born there), Heaven 17, Arctic Monkeys -

>172 elkiedee: Oh there are a lot more to add if we were to think about it, Luci - you and I for starters!

John Connor, Robert Dinsdale, Helen Mort, Ross Raisin

Babybird, Ronnie Hilton, The Thompson Twins, The Longpigs, Def Leppard, Tony Christie, Corinne Bailey Rae. The Beautiful South, The Housemartins, Fine Young Cannibals, Everything But the Girl.

Happy New Year, Paul! I've starred you here just in case you do another runner from the Category Challenge group. I'm looking forward to seeing what you read.

Three books down already! Nice. I am reading three at present. I was looking back on some old LT threads recently, and saw that many times I was 'currently reading' about six! Looks like I cam more restrained these days.

>103 PaulCranswick: From the book meme: You fear: Anecdotal Evidence
:)

>174 VivienneR: Hahaha Vivienne, I am getting too slow to do any runners! Thanks for stopping by just in case. xx

>175 LovingLit: Almost done with number 4 as well, Megan. I think the most I have had on the go was about 12 and you eventually grind to a halt unsure what to read next!

As to my fear I recall one of my clients and a good friend recalling a tale when I drank drown a half pint of single malt whiskey in one go as something of a party piece. Hani was less than amused, especially when he persuaded me to do it again!

>176 PaulCranswick: Your book intake has already persuaded us that “Ne quid nimis” is NOT your personal motto.

>177 booksaplenty1949: I have to admit that I am probably guilty as charged!

>87 PaulCranswick: Happy 2025, Paul!

I may have been away for a while, but even I know that #5 is a long shot! ;) Good luck in your goals!

>87 PaulCranswick: Re almsgiving: in January I evaluate the charities, etc I support and make any changes or additions that seem appropriate and arrange for or modify existing monthly donations from my bank account. When any fundraiser phones or knocks for the rest of the year I suggest they get back to me next January. As the New Year approaches I hit delete on the tsunami of appeals flooding my inbox. Perhaps not as “heartwarming” as spontaneously sending the Cratchits a turkey but I think it works better for the causes I support.

>179 ChelleBearss: Thank you Chelle. I have missed you around here!

>180 booksaplenty1949: I usually donate to orphanages, but my interests are ecology, literacy, Alzheimers and cancer research

>181 PaulCranswick: >180 booksaplenty1949:

I'm Staying with last year's resolution to donate to one of these charities the same amount as any book I buy:

Animal groups, like Defenders of Wildlife or Friends of Animals or aavs, UNICEF, the Sierra Club, Best Friends,
Women for Women, and the potbelly pigs of Tucson!

>2 PaulCranswick: A new book, You Are Here includes a walking trip across Yorkshire.

>170 PaulCranswick: Congrats on your restraint.

>182 m.belljackson: That is a very nice resolution, Marianne. My charities are different to yours but the intentions are the same.

>183 m.belljackson: I have been to most places in my home County which is by far in a way the biggest in England. I wouldn't fancy walking it though!

>184 ArlieS: Perhaps a little early to celebrate as we are not a week into the proceedings yet but I'll bask in it for now, Arlie!

Happy new year and new thread, Paul!

>187 banjo123: Thank you Rhonda. My thread is always the better for your visits my friend.

Just keeping current here! Three books down already. Nice. Once again, I am going to try to read off my shelves a bit more -- wish me luck!!

>189 Berly: Four books, Kimmers! I am just pondering my review. Going to have a bath and put it up.
I am trying to reduce my shelf stock too, Kimmers we will encourage each other! I am also looking at the additions I made last year in
particular.

>190 PaulCranswick: Okay, I've got your back. We can do this!! Read and Reduce!

>191 Berly: A new and slightly less motionless form of R&R!

LOL

Happy New Year, Paul, both to you and your wonderful family! I hope we see more Pip pictures - I'm sure she is changing quickly! Have you plans for your next visit?

I love your rotation of genres that you have planned for the year. I read all over the place, but don't have a formal rotation system other than usually having a fiction and non-fiction going at the same time. I have my usual resolutions to read more off my shelves and to buy fewer books. (wink, wink - I've had the same resolutions for donkey's years now and have never been successful).

I do like Marianne's resolve to donate the cost of each book she buys to charity. We are all so blessed to be able to indulge our favorite hobby in the way we do. Perhaps I'll donate a similar amount to Teacher's Choose - a US based charity where teachers can request books and other materials for their classrooms. US teachers are not only not paid very well, but often purchase classroom supplies for their students.

>193 Berly: :D

>194 streamsong: My next thread God willing will have a Pip picture, Janet.

The rotation idea is to try to keep my reading fresh which seems a bit of a contradiction in terms when it is so carefully organized! I do leave myself some room, though, for last minute changes of mind.

That is a great idea to look at donations to Teacher's Choose - I am very proud that my son wants to follow a teaching path and care not a whit about the fact that it is not the highest paid of jobs. I look back to the influence on my life of my teachers in school, which was profound, and how much I was blessed by their dedication and care and support and am so pleased that he is following that path. My two first headteachers - Mr. Mellor and Mr. Lindley and teachers Mrs Jennison, Mrs Nutton, Mr Lapish and Mr Rich still have an impact on my outlook and thinking 45 or so years since I was under their influence.

BOOK #4



The Hunter by Tana French
Date of Publication : 2024
Origin of Author : Ireland
Gender of Author : Female
Genre : Thriller
Pages : 467 pp

This is the second book featuring Cal Hooper. He is now settled in the small West of Ireland community in a loving relationship with widow, Lena and has young Trey learning carpentry and becoming a model citizen.

Then Trey's father returns after four years disappearance in London and she is thrown off kilter.......but things get worse when a plot is hatched to uncover gold in the hills.

I really like this series which is slow burning and thought provoking. There is little action so to speak in the typical thriller format but the plot is propulsive nonetheless.

Recommended but only if you have read the first book.

READING JOURNAL 4 JANUARY 2025

Reading Cycle 1 (1 Jan to 6 Jan)

Read from two books

1. The Hunter by Tana French
2. Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

Finished one book
French

Books Read YTD : 4
Books Added
2 Jan 25 - 0
Year to date - 0

Total Pages Read : 1,140
Total Pages Added : 0

>196 PaulCranswick: hi there! I will need to add this series to my wishlist. I enjoyed her Dublin Murder Squad series

>198 ChelleBearss: Not that much blood and gore, Chelle, but I really like the characters and the sense of place.

>197 PaulCranswick: I love seeing your stats, Paul :)

I also want to say thank you for posting stat last year. It was fun to see.

>200 figsfromthistle: I will out up the posting stats for the group every week if I can, Anita, this year. I am always fascinated by the Canadian threads. It will be interesting to see who amongst the Canadians will come out "on top" this year as in recent years Deb, Meg, Shelley, Micky and yourself have all tallied similar numbers.

BOOK #5



Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood
Date of Publication : 2023
Origin of Author : Australia
Gender of Author : Female
Genre : Fiction
Pages : 293 pp

I have heard good things about Charlotte Wood but hadn't yet tried her. Since this one was in both the Women's Prize and Booker reckoning, I was always likely to read it.

It is a thoughtful, introspective and very well considered book set around a religious retreat (rather than a nunnery) and involves our first person protagonist who is escaping a failed relationship and life burn out.

A few issues impinge on the solitude she seeks and bring into focus for her the travails she faces internally.

Not mind-blowingly brilliant but a good book nonetheless and I am pleased to add it to my done list. She is an author I shall return to.

READING JOURNAL 5 JANUARY 2025

Reading Cycle 1 (1 Jan to 6 Jan)

Read from one books

1. Stone Yard Devotional by Charlotte Wood

Finished one book
Wood

Books Read YTD : 5
Books Added
2 Jan 25 - 0
Year to date - 0

Total Pages Read : 1,371
Total Pages Added : 0

I finished this a few hours early today as I have finished my first of 60 reading cycles this year a day early! I must say that I didn't really expect to be ahead of the game at any stage.

Anyhow I will start reading cycle 2 a day early.

READING CYCLE TWO

Fiction before the last decade - The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning. This is a shared read with Mark and others.

Poetry / Plays - Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds. This collection won both the T.S. Eliot Prize as well as the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for poetry.

Non-Fiction - The Wild Places by Robert Macfarlane. This is read for the Non-Fiction Challenge hosted by Benita.

Thriller - The Reborn by Lin Anderson. I am reading through the Rhona MacLeod series this year. This is the 7th in the series.

Fiction from the last decade - The Cold Millions by Jess Walter. This is for the January American Author Challenge : Pacific North West. Walter was born in Spokane, Washington.

CURRENTLY READING : Reading Cycle 2

This is probably the Happy new year image I should have used:

>202 PaulCranswick: I’m reading Stone Yard Devotional at the moment as well Paul. Might finish it today.

>202 PaulCranswick: Great minds and all that, Rhian! I'll be interested to see what you think. I really liked some of it but the whole thing will not stay with me an overly long time I fear.

>81 PaulCranswick: Glad Kyran is doing well.

>82 PaulCranswick: I resubscribed to the Poetry Bookshop Paul, so I get a quarterly volume which will increase the new to me writers as well as some I am familiar with, and the journal will nudge me to new writers as well, I added two extra volumes from the Winter edition.

Glad Kyran is better. How is Hani? How is kitty? Yes, that would have been a great New Years Greeting, Paul. happy second week of January.

>82 PaulCranswick: That is interesting, Caroline. I will go and check it out too.

>210 Kristelh: Hani is also recovered, Kristel. Erni went back to Indonesia for a couple of weeks last Saturday night so I am very much alone at the moment and we have both cats in the vet's kennel service as I am working and completely unable to take care of them.

I asked my sister in law to help me take care of them but she had commitments in Johor so couldn't do so.

>205 PaulCranswick: Just happened to look closely at cover of your copy of The Balkan Trilogy. Who on earth are those movie stars exchanging smouldering glances supposed to represent?

>213 booksaplenty1949: I wish I could help as the Book cover states merely "Cover photograph Hutton/Getty Images.

>214 PaulCranswick: I didn’t mean “Who are the (real) people in the photograph?” I meant “Are those people supposed to represent Guy and Harriet Pringle?”—-a couple I see as they were represented in the BBC drama, a bespectacled British academic and his dowdy wife.

>215 booksaplenty1949: Oh I see. Still cannot really help!

>216 PaulCranswick: Well, I can’t imagine whom else the picture would be meant to represent. Not the first time a paperback cover promised something the book doesn’t actually deliver. If you look at this Talk thread https://www.librarything.com/topic/334997 you will see some hilarious “interpretations.”

>217 booksaplenty1949: There are some good ones there for sure. The Humphrey Bogart one is an absolute classic. I will have to have a look at my shelves and see how many other incongruous covers I can identify.

CARTOON

Our poor Prime Minister is under pressure - called out by that dastardly Mr. Musk on a perceived failure to act on grooming gangs, beset by scandals on perks and privileges, the attempted sale without parliamentary ratification of the Chagos islands amongst other things that he is struggling with. But he is trying. According to your view....very trying!



Of course, as a long-time member of the Labour Party, I wish him well but his political instincts so far have not been on point.

Your reading cycle two books look like you've got some interesting ones in there!

>220 thornton37814: I am well into The Great Fortune, Lori and will finish it tomorrow.

>219 PaulCranswick: Ours resigned. Lots of Canadians are happy about that since the cost of living her is insane now.

It's - in my memory, always been expensive to live in Canada, especially the Vancouver area and I think Toronto as well. In my neck of the wood, I don't think you could find a detached home for under 1.3 or 1. 4 million, and that will be an older house that needs fixing up. I'm glad Trudeau resigned as it may give the Liberals a chance in the next election, but I'm not sure what the Conservatives or any other party in Canada can to to lessen the cost of living here. I really like Trudeau though.

I'm still waiting on Stone Yard Devotional from the library. It's still on order as it not released here until later in 2025, I'm not sure when. Did you enjoy it , Paul ?

BOOK #6



The Great Fortune by Olivia Manning
Date of Publication : 1960
Origin of Author : UK
Gender of Author : Female
Pages : 318 pp
Genre : Fiction / Shared Read

The first episode of the author's six part Fortunes of War series and the first in her Balkan trilogy which I am reading as a shared read with Mark, Katie, Rhian and others.

Manning is good in details, she is good in descriptions of place - her open air restaurants in Bucharest comes to life and she is especially good in dialogue as it invariably feels real and unforced.

Her characters whilst not exactly likeable are also not unduly annoying - Guy and Harriet, Sophie, Inchcape and the wonderfully named Foxy Leverett all add to the richness of this novel but the star is possibly the often endearing but rather inept Yakimov.

This is set against the first year of the war and the fall of France and Dunkirk pass the characters by as they are busy with their own concerns.

I am not always the sharpest knife in the draw but even I could see that the closing scenes were allegorical!

On to part two in February.

Oh, yeah, Trump is saying he going to make Canada the 51 st State, and I think he wants to take over the Panama Canal and Greenland, But he 's just a nutcase, Trump. No worries from me. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gzn48jwz2o

>222 ChelleBearss: Yes, Chelle, it is no surprise with his approval rating in the can at barely 25% and the fact that Canadians have gone from parity per capita income with the US when he came to office to just 60% right now. I have to say that I didn't like him - with his black-face, his wooden delivery and his unduly draconian attitudes during COVID which made a terrible situation much worse.

I don't know much about Mr. Poilievre but he seems a little too much to the right for me - although he has supreme self-confidence and I guess that you guys are going to find out what he is able to do no later than October.

>223 vancouverdeb: I am not with you in liking Trudeau but, of course, Deb, I don't know anywhere near as much about Canada and its politics. I do worry though that the world is becoming increasingly reactionary and inward thinking. I could not vote for parties of the right and hopefully the Liberals can find someone who can take them forward and address the issues of today rather than concentrating on tomorrow's pipedreams.

>225 vancouverdeb: I don't think that his 51st state comment was really in earnest, Deb, but the nutcase description fits. He didn't campaign on that or Panama Canal or Greenland and they are surely not to be priorities of any sane administration.

The world is a crazy place at the moment so I will try to stick to my books!!

Agreed, Paul! Stick to the books! I read the news and watch less and less.

>223 vancouverdeb: I did enjoy Stone Yard Devotional, Deb. Nowhere near the best book of last year but it was well written, introspective and surprisingly a tale of a middle aged lady seeking to find herself resonated with this middle aged man!

>228 vancouverdeb: I have subscriptions to four newspapers Deb. Two from the left and two from the right as I like to see both sides of an argument but it is increasingly obvious that they are as bad as each other - one side often will not even cover a news story if the facts are not helpful to its "side" or the narrative. I am sick of the spin and the lies from all sides.

The books it is!!

>219 PaulCranswick: Hmm, that bunch seem to be doing a lot of finger pointing. Maybe they should be looking at their own country instead of finding fault with others.

>231 Familyhistorian: I couldn't agree more, Meg. Honestly our Labour government has gotten off to a stuttering start inheriting a complete shambles from the previous regime and I think some criticism is fair but Musk - with links into the incoming regime in Washington should keep his mouth shut.

Trump's comments about Canada being a 51st state are uncalled for and typically un-Presidential whatever your opinion of Trudeau and his government.

>224 PaulCranswick: Her characters whilst not exactly likeable are also not unduly annoying Oh I don’t know, I’m finding some of them very annoying, particularly Guy! But I’m enjoying the book overall.

>233 SandDune: Yep, I may allow you Guy, Rhian! Although, because I keep picturing him looking like Oscar Wilde, I am able to cut him a little slack.

>234 PaulCranswick: I just want to throw things at him!

>235 SandDune: Perhaps I was a little too generous to his character in retrospect but the book is a good one though, isn't it? I had heard that the opening book had its critics and that the later books are better - if that is true then we have something to look forward to.

>234 PaulCranswick: Harriet wanted to throw things at him too, clearly, but when we recall that the novel is heavily autobiographical we must assume that with all his faults Guy was meant to be fundamentally A Good Thing. The BBC’s Fortunes of War series, with Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson as the Pringles, does an excellent job of capturing Guy’s complicated charm.

Happy Mid-week, Paul. Good review of The Great Fortune. Glad you are joining us on the trilogy. You have some nice current reads going. I am a fan of Sharon Olds. Maybe you can share a favorite or two over on the Club Read's thread. I also loved Cold Millions.

I am currently listening to The Jam, (yep, I am finally in the J's). Compact Snap. Great stuff.

>237 booksaplenty1949: Complicated charm - I like that! I will read the trilogy and then watch the TV series if I can find it.

>238 msf59: I will definitely put something over there from this collection, Mark. It centres on the break up or break down of her marriage in the early part of the collection which I have read. Full of free form heartbreak.

Howdy Paul! I've just have to say I am very pleased with your theme of "Grand European Tour". Much more clickable than War in the morning. ;0) xx

>119 PaulCranswick: I'm sure you're about to move on to another thread but I wanted to say that I read Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear by Mosab Abu Toha last year and although I'm not much for poetry I found it powerful. But then my views are the opposite of yours so maybe it's less surprising.

Happy Year and happy new thread, Paul! I'm glad I caught your first thread. Good to know all members (2- and 4-footed) are well now.

>219 PaulCranswick: My friends in Leicester - who generally lean left, voted left and waited for years for Labour to come in - are disappointed with the new government and will most likely not be voting for Labour in the next elections.

>223 vancouverdeb: I would have liked Trudeau better if he had ended the seal hunts and had never, ever considered being a trump supporter!

>240 Carmenere: Nice to see you, Lynda. Yes, the War Room was quite a different type of challenge and I couldn't have done it two years in a row.

>241 ursula: Happy to have you drop by, Ursula and I agree 100% that Mosab Abu Toha's writing is immensely powerful. Almost every poem in the collection I read is affecting.

I would clarify that whilst being generally pro-Israel, I am not anti-Palestinian.

>242 humouress: Neighbour!

Labour haven't gotten off to a great start. Some of it is - fairly and rightly pointed out - the fact that they have inherited a mess, but some of it is just poor politics. The winter fuel allowance was very poorly handled and goes against the base.

>243 m.belljackson: Yikes, Marianne, one of the few things I gave him credit for is that he was not a Trump supporter!

>239 PaulCranswick: Fortunes of War dramatises both The Balkan Trilogy and The Levant Trilogy.

>245 PaulCranswick: Visit to mar-a-logo was A stunner.

>247 m.belljackson: Not an indication of support.

>246 booksaplenty1949: Oh OK and it is lucky that I have all six books in two volumes. Maybe I have to read all of them before I start the TV series.

>247 m.belljackson: Diplomacy is not akin to support, Marianne. Churchill met Stalin and Reagan met Gorbachev but one didn't support the other.

>248 booksaplenty1949: Exactly so. What was Trudeau supposed to do? I am not a fan of his but I don't see how this attracts criticism - it is mere realpolitik.

BOOK #7



Stag's Leap by Sharon Olds
Date of Publication : 2012
Origin of Author : USA
Gender of Author : Female
Pages : 89 pp
Genre : Poetry

Sharon Olds writes almost always in free verse. It is often plain spoken with common-place words but it is invariably and recognizably poetic.

I didn't think that her marriage break up was enough to sustain a single and quite full volume and I still think that the subject palled occasionally but this is a successful work nonetheless.

Her point of view is sad, wistful and grieving for loss but always generous and never spiteful, incendiary or blaming.

This is her poem "The Healers" from the Pulitzer Prize and TS Eliot Prize winning collection.


When they say, If there are any doctors aboard,
would they make themselves known, I remember when my then
husband would rise, and I would get to be
the one he rose from beside. They say now
that it does not work, unless you are equal.
And after those first thirty years,
I was not the one he wanted to rise from
or return to - not I but she who would also
rise, when such were needed. Now I see them,
lifting, side by side, on wide,
medical, wading-bird wings - like storks with the
doctor bags of like-loves-like
dangling from their beaks. Oh well. It was the way
it was, he did not feel happy when words
were called for, and I stood.

>250 PaulCranswick: Why did he go?

>252 m.belljackson: Because Canadian national interests dictated that he do so.

>249 PaulCranswick: I saw the complete TV series and then read the books, which worked fine, but perhaps it is better to get the whole picture, one way or the other, before embarking on the other version.

>252 m.belljackson: I think it is a bit naive to think that he could stand on principle and ignore him, Marianne. Canada needs its neighbour whether they like it or not. Biden hosted Trump at the White House - it is called politics.

>253 booksaplenty1949: Yes, indeed.

>254 booksaplenty1949: I will go with reading the books first and then seeing how things were changed.

>255 PaulCranswick: Trudeau Sr, on a visit to Washington to see Richard Nixon—-not a kindred spirit, by any means—noted that living next to the US was like “sleeping with an elephant.” Every move and twitch could have a significant impact.

>255 PaulCranswick: Why didn't he invite him to Canada, the 51st state...?

Hi Paul, I managed to find you just before you start thread #2! Happy 2025 to you!

>1 PaulCranswick: My paternal side is Irish. Both of my grandparents are from Skerries in County Dublin.

>258 m.belljackson: One assumes a President-elect has bigger claims on his time.

>257 booksaplenty1949: Hahaha the wife says that laying next to me!

>258 m.belljackson: Marianne, constitutionally I don't think it is going to happen - no will in Canada for a start and they would want perhaps 13 states as they have 10 Provinces and 3 territories if my geography serves.

>260 booksaplenty1949: Lovely to see you, Joanne. It is amazing how many of us have roots back somehow to the Emerald Isle.

>261 PaulCranswick: He seems too busy sending his son to reconnoiter the island of Greenland.

>261 PaulCranswick: Can you imagine how pissed Puerto Rico would be? They have been a territory or whatever the technical term is for at least a century and have voted four times to become a US state.

And little Guam too, probably.

Today's "Quora" has some great tips for annexing Canada - From a Canadian!

^^^^

You also might like to add THE WEEK to your weekly subscriptions - can be very revealing.

>264 PaulCranswick: Where America’s day begins! No gratitude.

>4 PaulCranswick: Seven books already?! I'm barely on books three and four... Good on you, though!

>265 m.belljackson: As I understand, Marianne, The Week merely compiles and comments upon articles put up in other publications.

>266 booksaplenty1949: Hahaha yes, perhaps.

>267 ocgreg34: Great to see you, Greg. Yesterday I had a slower day because I have been prepping for an arbitration.

Here's the next readathon: https://www.librarything.com/topic/367493

New Year‘s Greetings from Italy, dear Paul. I am trying to slowly return to LT this year (no thread yet), hoping to have grown up enough finally to deal with “things” in a better way than back in 2020. I’ll check in from time to time, if this is okay for you. Read the family post, so you’re a granddad now, how lovely!

>268 PaulCranswick: “Perhaps” what? “Where America’s day begins” is definitely Guam’s motto. Something to do with the International Date Line.
PS Looked up just now to check where Guam is, exactly, and what time it is there now. As usual when I try to grasp anything to do with the IDL I am now totally confused. Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?

>270 SilverWolf28: Thank you, Silver

>271 Deern: I saw your thread and went there before mine, Nathalie. Pip is a chip off of her mother's block. Yasmyne was an active and pretty naughty child and Pip is constantly in motion.

>272 booksaplenty1949: No I got your point and my response was pretty inane I guess!

Guam is two hours ahead of me. So currently 15 hours ahead of the eastern seaboard of the US.

Because I am going to be really busy in the next week or so I got my 14th Thingaversary done a few days early.

Here is what I bought:

1. Good Material by Dolly Alderton (2023) 341 pp
2. The Fate of Mary Rose by Caroline Blackwood (1981) 224 pp
3. The China Factory by Mary Costello (2012) 156 pp
4. Poetry for Life and Other Chronic Conditions by A.K. Davidson 69 pp
5. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt (2000) 482 pp
6. Firebrand by Elizabeth Fremantle (2013) 420 pp
7. Selected Poems by Zbigniew Herbert (2024) 249 pp
8. George : A Magpie Memoir by Freida Hughes (2023) 262 pp
9. Human Acts by Han Kang (2014) 224 pp
10. Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear by Mosab Abu Toha (2022) 124 pp
11. In Defence of Food by Michael Pollan (2008) 201 pp
12. The Shepherd's Life by James Rebanks (2015) 287 pp
13. Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare (1599) 104 pp
14. Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (1594) 121 pp
15. The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare (1595) 98 pp

Congratulations Paul! A nice haul of books.

>224 PaulCranswick: I am on to part two in February as well, Paul. I am looking forward to seeing what Manning has for us - and for Guy, Harriet, and the rest of the bunch.

>275 PaulCranswick: Uh huh. I knew it would not last. You are just using your Thingaversary as an excuse, right, Juan? Lol

>7 PaulCranswick: Hi Paul, I see you're planning to read Lalka by B. Prus this year? I hope you have a good, annotated edition, as it's filled with history and culture, as every major 19th century Polish book, sigh. This one is a part of a great epoch of so-called positivism, which was a social and cultural idea of trying to preserve culture but mostly helping people locally (money, education, etc.) in the times when Poland didn't exist. Anyway, it's been some time since I've read "Lalka" (what's the title's translation???) but if you have any questions, I'll try to answer them :) have a great read!

If I understand correctly, the Italian one is Elena Ferrante's? I put it back on a shelf a few years ago but it looks like I'll be at least trying to treat it once again since my Italian friend just got it and decided to read it too. I'll be waiting for your opinions on it!

>14 PaulCranswick: I was wondering what happened to Anita since her thread wasn't there... It's a sad notice.

>275 PaulCranswick: Am I spotting a Polish Thing from a kilometer?... Yes, I am. I will be happy to hear your thoughts on Zbigniew Herbert's poetry: rooted deeply in the classical civilization (he went to a 'classic high school' before the war, studied Latin and so on) but at the same time seeing his own times with a great clarity. Wrote a bunch of essays on European art, too.

I see you're returning to Shakespeare this month?

>276 EllaTim: Thank you, Ella. I wanted to wait until the day itself but I am not sure whether I will get the time.

>277 alcottacre: Well I did enjoy my foray into the book store, Juana! I am admitting nothing though.

>278 zuzaer: My review of My Brilliant Friend begins “What is all the fuss about? I found this repetitive and conventional. The narrator has to keep telling us how amazing and remarkable her friend Lila is, because she is largely incapable of showing us.” You will find many other reviews here with a similar opening line.

>278 zuzaer: Lovely to see you Malgorzata.

The translation is The Doll but I am not sure that I will get to it this year. I do need to read more of Polish literature though, for sure.

The Challenge doesn't insist on particular books to be read - so for example for the "Warsaw Pact" month you can see any book written by an author from one of the Warsaw Pact countries.

I still miss Anita immensely especially at the beginning of the year because she always made a point of welcoming all of us back to the group and she was especially keen to make newcomers know that they are welcome.

I couldn't resist the Herbert collection.

And I do want to wend my way through the Bards plays.

>280 booksaplenty1949:
Yes I must admit that the reviews for that one are mixed and it does tend to polarize opinion. I haven't read it yet.

>281 PaulCranswick: I also feel the absence of her presence. She always had something to say, many great books to recommend and I enjoyed seeing her walking journey.

>280 booksaplenty1949: Right. That's probably why I put it on the shelf after reading the first 50 pages. I've once heard that it's mostly well-preserved outside of Italy, where people tend to think more about the mystery of the author than about the book itself.

>281 PaulCranswick: No one's certain what does the doll in the title mean as it's a bit mysterious. If you do end up reading it, I'll happily listen to your thoughts.

>283 figsfromthistle: Yes, Anita, she was a prodigious reader and I always enjoyed her book and life updates. Most of all I miss the warmth she brought to this place.

>284 zuzaer: I will definitely try to read it reasonably soon and will share my thoughts on it too, Malgorzata.

>272 booksaplenty1949: Now the song is swirling in my head and I decided "Does anybody really know what time it is? Does anybody really care?" is my motto for 2025! Thanks for the laugh.

>283 figsfromthistle: >285 PaulCranswick: Oh, I miss Anita! Those who suggest online communities cannot be as robust as face to face haven't been to LibraryThing.

>285 PaulCranswick: Umm, so... I didn't think you'd use my name a lot and didn't want to say anything at first, because it doesn't bother me so much—it's actually Susan (Zuzanna), not Małgorzata. But please don't beat yourself up! It's been a long time since I was last on LT and you probably confused me with someone else you know. So, no hard feelings absolutely.

>282 PaulCranswick: A friend whose taste I generally respect (although we part ways on Henry James, a personal favourite of mine) has read the whole Ferrante series, in Italian, and is very keen. But I felt no inclination to read on. Even though I am generally very interested in books about Naples, an amazing, if terrifying, city.

>286 witchyrichy: Nicely said, Karen.

>287 zuzaer: So sorry about that Susan. I misread your profile page!

>288 booksaplenty1949: Even though I have the first two books it doesn't really call to me. I read one of her other books and thought it ok but not extraordinary.

>286 witchyrichy: “If so, I can’t imagine why. We’ve all got time enough to cry.”

>287 zuzaer: Don’t feel bad. He called me Joanne 🤔?? Hope he’s more careful in the bedroom.

>292 booksaplenty1949: Hey let me know when such moments are coming - I have just spurted coffee all over my shirt. Did I call you Joanne? I don't remember.

>293 PaulCranswick: “I don’t remember” ? Just adding fuel to your faux pas. Can only reiterate bedroom advice.

>289 PaulCranswick: As I said, no harm done 😊

At least you've never called me Joanne.

Hi, this is Joanne the 16th ;-) Have a great day!

>294 booksaplenty1949: One of my biggest ever faux pas was as best man to my brother back in June of 1996. After a fairly successful best man's speech I asked the honoured guest to raise their glasses in toast to Peter and Beverley. The place erupted.......Peter's wife is called Nicola! To compound matters his ex-girlfriend is Beverley.

>295 zuzaer: Thank you.

>296 hredwards: Thank you HAROLD!

>297 ArlieS: et tu, Arlie?!!

>298 PaulCranswick: - My dad once had a good friend whose wife was named Beverley. After many years, they divorced. And wouldn't you know it, he married another Beverley! (my dad used to say at least there won't be any awkward moments if he calls out *Beverley* in his sleep)

>300 jessibud2: Hahaha Shelley. That reminds me of a Chinese Singaporean business man and pipework contractor I was doing some business with in the 1990s when we lived in Johor, Malaysia near the border with Singapore.

He called me and asked me and Hani to join him and Linda for dinner at a restaurant a short drive from my house. Arriving he introduced his girlfriend Linda. The following week he called me again and asked us to join him and Linda for dinner at the same restaurant and upon arrival he introduce Linda.....his wife and quite clearly not the same person!!

>281 PaulCranswick: I miss Anita so much as well. She was so active on the TIOLI challenges. I do appreciate Stasia taking over much of what Anita did, but it's so hard to not have a VIP-to-me person around. I also feel that way about @lyzard (who simply disappeared). :(

>302 SqueakyChu: Indeed I was thinking about Liz too the other day. She was such a fixture and her reading was so different from what so many others were reading - her views on literature and life was so refreshing. I do hope she is OK although I do recall her messaging that she had some issues she needed to address.

>303 PaulCranswick: I tried to find her outside of LibraryThing a few months ago, but I had no luck at all. :(

>304 SqueakyChu: I am certainly worried about her. It would be great if any of our friends had been in touch with her.