Tess' 100 in 2025 pg. 1

Hi, I'm Tess! A part-time adjunct history professor of modern history (post Renaissance, post US Civil War) with a focus on WWII, the Holocaust specifically. In my spare time I read and grow and process food sustainably. I joined LT in 2014. My reading by year:
2014-45
2015-77
2016-87
2017-116
2018-98
2019-138
2020-162 (Covid--no school!)
2021-210 (Covid--no school!) Retired from fulltime teaching.
2022-210
2023-201 Went back to teaching 1 class per semester.
2024-156

Like Pam, I always buy ebooks or audible books when I can. They are easier to tote and store!

I will be going on my first cruise ever to the Western Caribbean (Bahamas, Turks and Caicos, Dominican Republic) in March. Sometime following the cruise my sister is moving to Germany. We are going to use her house as a base to travel all over Europe. Our first stop will be Auschwitz.

Happy reading in 2025. I hope to pick up some great book bullets!

I always start my year on Dec. 25, so I can read the "new" books I got for Christmas. I started in December, but will be post in January's slot. Books on shelf as of Dec. 25, 2025-399. It is my goal to read completely from my shelves in 2025.

Best Reads of 2024:
Highlights of reading 2024:
* Discovered Emile Zola and plan to read the Les Rougon-Macquart Series (20+ books) over the course of the next 3-4 years. (Join the Emile Zola group read here: https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/24460/Emile-Zola-Group-Read)

*Five star reads:
Killing Reagan: The Violent Assault That Changed a Presidency by Bill O'Reilly
Valley Forge: A Novel by Newt Gingrich
The King's General by Daphne du Maurier
Life and Death in Rebel Prisons: Giving a Complete History of the Inhuman and Barbarous Treatment of Our Brave Soldiers by Rebel Authorities, ... Ga., and Florence, S. C (Civil War) by Robert Kellogg
The Gentleman from Peru by Edoardo Ballerini
Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy by Philip Freeman
Polio: An American Story by David M. Oshinsky
Victory at Yorktown: A Novel by Newt Gingrich
The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Persuasion by Jane Austen
The Hell of Treblinka by Vasily Grossman
How to Listen to and Understand Great Music, 3rd Edition by Robert Greenberg
When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany by Erwin Lutzer

Best fiction 2024: The Gentleman from Peru
Best non-fiction 2024: When a Nation Forgets God: 7 Lessons We Must Learn from Nazi Germany by Erwin Lutzer

Since I begin my year on December 25 (I end on Dec. 24) I already have a few reads!

My first read of the "new" year! (my reading year: Dec. 25-Dec. 24)

1. Not sure what I was presupposing when I began reading The Tiger Queens: The Women of Genghis Khan by Stephanie Thornton. It’s billed as the lives of the women of Genghis Kahn. I was hoping to get totally immersed in the life of Genghis via his wives. I certainly did become involved in the lives of his wives, but feel cheated out of the more historical nature of Genghis himself. I felt that in this book Thornton focuses on the relationships of the women to the detriment of the historical (fiction), and since the women’s relationships are all fancy, I feel that ultimately, the book was lacking. It also felt overly long. 492 pages 3 stars



2. Harold Harefoot by Mark Craster-Chambers A very short biography about a little known king. Harold I was a son of King Cnute and stepson of Queen Emma, Cnute's second wife. Emma did much to destroy Harold's reputation, but as to the truth, little is known except he reigned from 1037-1040. His body was disinterred and beheaded, chopped up, and thrown in the sewers in London, so the story goes. A local farmer found the body and buried it in St. Clements Dane Church in London, again, as the story goes. I bought this book for a nickel at a garage sale. There were multiple grammatical errors. 70 pages 3.5 stars (info only)

3. The Heroic Legacy of the 6888th Battalion by Tiffany C Kingsbury

An inspiring account of their remarkable service during World War II. Tasked with an enormous responsibility, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Batallion was entrusted with sorting and delivering over 70 million packages and letters, stored across 70 warehouses in London, to the correct soldiers. Despite no prior planning from the Allies, particularly the U.S., they succeeded in this directive. Their work involved opening and reading letters to identify recipients, writing correspondence, and cross-referencing outdated military rosters. With only six months allocated, they completed the job in three months and were then sent to France to continue their mission. Despite their exceptional service, they were segregated from the regular Army and Air Force, forbidden to eat, sleep, or socialize with their fellow soldiers simply because they were Black. What a testament to bravery and patriotism. 124 pages 5 stars

Hi Tess.
Happy New Year, and best wishes for some great reading during 2025.

Good to see you back, Tess. Happy New Year.

Good luck with your goals this year!

I've got Hannibal: Rome's Greatest Enemy on my to-read list, so glad to know it was a highlight.

4. The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre I listened to this on audio and I'm glad I did because I don't think I could have kept reading such a slog-fest! This is Le Carre's indictment of corporate greed set in Kenya. Justin Quayle, was a British diplomat who uncovered a multinational pharmaceutical company's illegal drug trials on unsuspecting Africans. Quayle's wife knew too much and so was "eliminated." The pacing was soooo slow! I'm not a spy thriller/espionage reader to begin with, and this book further confirmed my dislike for that genre. 17 hours 6 minutes (576 pages) 2.5 stars

5. The Nazi Hunters by Damien Lewis Historical account of the SAS, a secret group of commandos formed by Winston Churchill (Secret Air Service). Their primary effort during the war was to get supplies behind enemy lines, usually by parachuting. This often involved the Maquis, a secret French resistance group composed mostly of young men who had escaped STO (Nazi compulsory labor service). Following WWII they were to be disbanded. However, they were not actually disbanded and became covert Nazi hunters, looking for those who had escaped the trials at Nuremberg. The first half of the book involved me doing a lot of name and place researching as I couldn't understand the French pronunciations in the audiobook. The second half of the book seemed to drag with endless repetition of efforts to bring Holocaust perpetrators to justice. 12 hours 51 minutes (441 pages) 3 stars

6. Alias Anna: A True Story of Outwitting the Nazis by Susan Hood. This book is classified as non-fiction. This was a true story of two young Jewish music prodigies who were on the run from the Nazi's. They were successful because they changed their identities and were overly clever for their age. This incident took place in the Ukraine. The oddity of this book is that it is written in free verse. I'm not a poet or a poet critic, but I just ask "why?" Most of the writing seems to be prose to this non-poem reader. Choppy prose.......Others must like it better than I as it has won a plethora of awards. 352 pages 3 stars

7. Columbus Landed on Caicos by Commodore P. Verhoog, Holland-American Line (Retired) This was printed in a magazine published by the Naval Institute of History in 1954. I came upon this publication while researching an advertisement for my upcoming cruise which states, "Turks and Caicos--where Columbus first landed." Of course, me being the history prof that I am, I blinked because I had never heard this before. It is generally accepted in academia textbooks that Columbus first made landfall on San Salvador Island. The difference is 250 miles (381 km) While the Commodore's research is compelling, I'm not sure he has me convinced.

8. Brunelleschi's dome by Ross King A NF informative account of the dome on top of the Florence Cathedral. This book is firstly a biography of Brunelleschi and secondly a history of architecture. Occasionally this book got bogged down in engineering technicalities which were over my head. I would have liked to have seen more history of the local time period. However, all in all, it was a good book. 208 pages 3.5 stars

I can tell you that since December 24, I've been a reading books like I'm a junkie! At least 8 hours per day have been spent on reading or listening. Our family had Christmas the week before due to work schedules, so I've had lotssssss of time. This will all end Monday when the new semester begins!

>8 Tess_W: I like a good spy novel, but don't like the murkiness. Everyone's dishonest, including the goodies. Same thing with crime novels written from a criminal's point of view - it's uncomfortable to be egging on a villain.

>8 Tess_W: LOL, I have The Constant Gardener (by John LeCarré) in my 2025 stax! I tend to love spy novels however, so I suspect my takeaway will be different than yours but I'll definitely circle back here once I have read it to see how our reviews compare :-)

9. The Kill by Emile Zola This is the second novel (but read 3rd) in his Les Rougon-Macquart series, set during the Second French Empire in Paris. It focuses on the rise of Aristide Saccard (Rougon), a ruthless and ambitious man who profits from the economic boom following the Franco-Prussian War, particularly through real estate speculation. Saccard's wife, Renée, symbolizes the moral decay of the wealthy, engaging in an affair with her stepson, Maxime. I have not liked this book as well as the first two. I just want to tell Zola: I get the greed and decadence. Can we move on? 320 pages 3.5 stars Emile Zola Reading Group. Please join us: https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/24460/Emile-Zola-Group-Read

10. The Case for Heaven by Lee Strobel is a book that investigates the concept of heaven from a Christian perspective, using journalistic methods to explore its validity. Strobel, a former atheist, applies his background in law and journalism to examine scientific, theological, and historical evidence regarding the afterlife. In one chapter Strobel gets quite scientific interviewing a neuroscientist about her experiences with patients who have had near death experiences or out of body experiences. Much of the book is speculation and is more suited to believers than others. 93 pages RTT Look Toward the Heavens! 4 stars

11. Christ in the Old Testament - Free Grace Broadcaster - Issue 259 Various authors This was a book of sermons by those considered great: RC Sproul, Jonathan Edwards, George Whitefield, etc. The focus of this collection of sermons was how Christ was revealed in the OT. Some really good stuff here! 155 pages 4 stars

12. The Duchess of Malfi by John Webster A tragic play about a young widowed duchess who marries her steward, Antonio. Because of societal conventions and the fact that her brother is politically important and best friends with the cardinal, this marriage must be kept secret. The Duchess bears three children. Her brother and the cardinal descend into madness and ultimately the Duchess, Antonio, and their three children are killed. 88 pages 4 stars RTT Renaissance

13. A Chaste Maid in Cheapside by Thomas Middleton A satirical play set in 17th century London that focuses on hypocrisy. Showcases society's concern with money and appearances. 70 pages 3 stars RTT Renaissance.

14. A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm by Phillip Keller In this book the author tells the story of the 23rd Psalm from the Shepherd's point of view. 72 pages

15. I Know Where you Live by Gregg Olsen This was a psychological thriller with not so much thriller! The story of a pedophile vigilante. Meh Free Kindle Read of the Month Sept 2023. 301 pages 3- stars

>13 Tess_W: A few years ago thee was a group read of The Duchess of Malfi. It's a blood bath!

>16 pamelad: Yes, it was! Actually, I purchased that for that group read, but never read it! Since December I've been trying to read books that are 200 or less pages to get them off my shelf or list!

Wasted the last week on TWO DNF's! I'm not going to count either one, this just for notes sake.

Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan What a slog fest this was! I could have cared less about any of the characters. BTW, there are so many that even the author offers the first two pages with a character list. The premise is that many people from many walks of life live on Caledonian Road and although living separately, they are really a "community." I listened to 4/23 hours.

The King's Gambit by John Maddox Roberts This is book #1 in the SPQR Detective/Mystery Series. I attempted to listen to this on audio, but I was lost from the beginning. Many of the names are very similar and I could not auditorily discriminate. Also, not real familiar with Roman social/government operations such as Praetor, Questor, etc. etc. I may try this again in the future if I run across a hard copy. Listened to 2/6 hours.

Only DNF'd 2 books all of last year so this is "shocking!"

16. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens. Dickens is just the best, even though a bit verbose. I thought I had read Nickleby before, but didn't remember it nor have any record of it. I started this book in Sept. 2024, and have read piecemeal since then. The book seems to follow along the very familiar Dickens: orphan, boarding school, poor house, greed, corruption, etc. I enjoyed this much more than others, such as Oliver Twist or the Pickwick Papers. 1126 pages 5 stars

17. Rodin’s Lover by Heather Webb is a mesmerizing and beautifully written novel that brings Camille Claudel’s story to life with emotional depth. Set in 19th-century Paris, the book features notable figures like Claude Debussy, Monet, Emile Zola, and Victor Hugo, even though in small roles. Love, ambition, artistic genius, and insanity entrance the reader. The emotional connection to the characters was profound. I felt a sense of loss when the book came to an end. I’ll definitely be seeking out more from Heather Webb in the future! 320 pages 5 stars

18. The Signalman by Charles Dickens
Set in a lonely railway signal box, the tale follows a narrator who encounters a troubled signalman, haunted by eerie premonitions of disaster. Short on plot. 56 pages 3 stars

19. An Introduction to the Universe: The Big Ideas of Astronomy by Guy Consolmagno. The author, the chief astronomer at the Vatican Observatory, gives an overview of the history, key discoveries, and fundamental principles of the astronomical universe. This was much less academic than I had hoped. I feel these might be good lectures for college freshmen. Nothing new here! 25 lectures 5 hours 25 minutes. RTT: Look to the Heavens 3- stars

20. The Fair Barbarian by Frances Hodgson Burnett follows American girl Barbara, aged 19, from the Nevada silver mines to England to visit her cousin Violet. Barbara is seen as the barbarian by the refined British society. It's a play on manners with a few comedic scenes. Fairly even and non-descript. 153 pages 3 stars meh

21. Marguerite and Gaston: The Secret Love of Marguerite d'Angoulême and Gaston de Foix by Rozsa Gaston What a great little book about a little known relationship/event. Marguerite will go on to become Queen of Navarre upon her marriage to Henry II of Navarre. The story though, is of Marguerite's love for Gaston de Foix, a young army general who is killed in battle. 108 pages 4 stars

22. William Wilson by Edgar Allen Poe This was a Kindle single short story about a doppleganger of the titular character. 24 pages 3- stars

I am finished with January's reads. Recap:

22 books read

Cheers (4 stars and above):
1. The Heroic Legacy of the 6888th Battalion: How Major Charity Adams and the Six Triple Eight Overcame Racism, Misogyny, and War by Tiffany C Kingsbury
2. A Shepherd Looks at the 23rd Psalm by Philip Keller
3. Nicholas Nickleby by Charles Dickens
4. Rodin's Lover by Margaret Webb
5. Marguerite and Gaston: The Secret Love of Marguerite d'Angoulême and Gaston de Foix by Rozsa Gaston
6. The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt

Jeers (less than 3 stars)
1. The Constant Gardener by John Le Carre
2. The King's Gambit by John Maddox Robert DNF (will try again later)
3. Caledonian Road by Andrew O'Hagan DNF will NOT try again

Plans for February
Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Hoeg Paul's Grand Tour of Europe-Scandinavia
Maphead by Ken Jennings 75's NF--maps
The Blue Sky by Galsan Tschinag RTT Feb Colors
SUICIDE FOREST: The Mystery of Aokigahara Nature Kit: Forests, Farms, Grasslands Feb.
A book by James McBridge AOTM
Betrayal at the Vel d'hiv by Claude Levy-random number generator from TBR

23. I completed The Swerve by Stephen Greenblatt This book was so overwhelming in content that it will be difficult to review more than superficially at this time. I listened to it on audio and jotted down a few notes when I could. I'm going to buy a hard copy and re-read. The Swerve is about the rediscovery of an ancient manuscript, De Rerum Nature, by the Roman poet and philosopher Lucretius. At a loss for words at this time, I will just list what I believe are some strengths and weaknesses of what I have heard.

Strengths:
1. It's scope is broad (could also be a weakness)
2. The author provides a rich historical context and content
3. The author writes about how Lucretius' ideas influenced others such as Darwin and Galileo.

Weaknesses
1. The author is very opinionated as to the thesis that this one particular manuscript was a greater influence that others. (although I will accept, because I have not researched, that it may be the oldest original manuscript still surviving--not a copy)
2. The author's focus on the "swerve" (the idea that atoms can change direction unpredictably, which Lucretius used to explain free will) seems a bit forced or illogical to this reader--it's probably me!
3. Romanticized the past--especially the Renaissance; making it linear.
4. The author really doesn't delve deeply into the content of De Rerum Nature, only the parts the fit the Epicurean argument.

9 hours 41 minutes, tentatively 4 stars--this may change upon my re-reading and digesting more of the content.

This was a recommendation by Tanya

This is definitely a rabbit hole for me. I "need" to know more about Herculaneum, Lucretius, Epicureans, etc.

24. Pickpocket's Apprentice by Sheri Cobb South. This was a novella or the prequel to a mystery series featuring John Pickett. Tells of John's background and how he became a Bow Street Runner. It was good enough that I will seek out the next in the series. I got this free on Kindle at sometime. 126 pages 4 stars Regency Rec by Pam

>28 Tess_W: Glad you liked it. The first book in the series is free on Kindle. I also liked her The Weaver Takes a Wife series, which is another Kindle bargain.

>29 pamelad: picked up The Weaver Takes a Wife for $.99.

25. Maphead by Ken Jennings Listened to 5 chapters DNF

As a fan of trivia and maps, I had high hopes for Ken Jennings' Maphead, but unfortunately, it fell short. Jennings, it would seem would have a lot of interesting ideas for a book about maps and geography. However, the execution just didn't live up to expectations.

First off, the book often feels more like a collection of random facts rather than a cohesive exploration of geography and maps. While some parts are interesting, many sections drag on with seemingly irrelevant tangents that add little to the overall theme.

The writing style seems like that of a juvenile set of encyclopedias. I can also do without the "hells".......one would think he had a wider vocabulary!

The narration was totally boring, probably due to the written material.

26. The Asylum by Nathan Goodwin This is the first in the Forensic Genealogist series (maybe a prequel). The genealogist, Martin Farrier, investigates a mysterious asylum from the 1920s, where a woman was confined under strange circumstances. A great start to a new series. Not sure about the timeline, but they were using manual micro-fiche at the library, so 1950-1970's? 96 pages 4.5 stars First recommended by Thornton and then also by Robert.

Also read The Lady of Shallot by Alfred Lloyd Tennyson, which I've read multiple times. It fell off the shelf as I was retrieving another book.

27. The Rider on a White Horse by Theodor Storm This was a novella that blends folklore and mystery. The setting is a Frisian (had to look it up!) village and centers upon the return of a ghostly rider on a white horse that brings suspicion, change, and tragedy. I think perhaps some of the symbolism went over my head as this is supposed to be a great work and I found it to be meh. 288 pages 3 stars

28. Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark by Hester Chapman A biography about the English princess (King George III's sister) who married Christian, heir to the throne of Denmark, at the age of 15. Matilda was raised in seclusion and was the youngest of nine children. She was a child when it became political expedient for Britain to have an alliance with Denmark and Matilda was to effect that. By age 16, Christian of Denmark was a severe alcoholic and mentally ill. His mental condition deteriorated throughout the years and he was barely lucid. This is the story of Matilda's marriage, Danish politics, Matilda's adultery with the royal physician, Johann Friedrich Struensee, and her untimely death. Quite a good read! I will look for more from Ms. Chapman. I bought this for 20 cents at a Friends of the Library sale. 221 pages 5 stars

Re The Swerve, after I'd read that I did read most of the Lucretius work and it was pretty stunning/gobsmacking, the modern scientific ideas in it and the way they're described in much the way we're taught them.

>33 Tess_W: Definitely taking a book bullet on this one. Sounds fascinating!

>34 mabith: GL in obtaining it---I have started to look for other by her and they are all out of print and I don't want to mortgage my house!

29. The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey This was ostensibly (per the cover) a book of a true story of cartographic crime, about a map thief in the late 20th century named Bland. If that were the focus of the story, that might have been good. However, there was not nearly enough material for a book, so the author decided to throw in the kitchen sink. A map spoke to the author and told him to take a circuitous route home through a non-existent town called El Dorado. We had a rehash of Treasure Island's booty and following the path of John C. Fremont (27 pages). Anything that might be remotely related to the word "map" was included. I'm trying not to type that this book was a joke. Boo hiss 432 pages of sheer boredom--why did I finish it? 2 stars 75's NF Feb-Cartography

30. The Aspern Papers by Henry James This was a novella told by an unnamed narrator (that sometimes switches from first to third person) who is either an author or a publisher. He is trying to secure papers from the deceased poet Aspern. They are said to be in the custody of his former lover, now in her 90's and her niece, now in her 70's. The question is: how far should one go to obtain what they want? Much better than The Turn of the Screw, IMHO. I listened to this on audio-3 hours 26 mins 4 stars Rec by Judy

31. Lantern In The Window: Western Prairie Brides by Bobby Hutchinson. This was a historical romance where the trope was the mail order bride. Nothing unexpected! I got this free on Kindle in December 2017. 107 pages 3 stars

>35 Tess_W: Yes, even getting that Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark is going to be about luck on used book sites. I'm being extra frugal for the next little bit before a friend is coming to visit, so hopefully the cheaper ones will still be around in April or May.

>38 mabith: I could send you my copy? I'm not going to keep--going to donate.

32. The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins is a gothic mystery, but unfortunately, the hotel itself only makes an appearance in the last 4-5 short chapters. I didn’t feel that Collins captured the eerie atmosphere typical of the genre in this novel. Compared to his other works, this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me. It’s my third Collins novel, and I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as The Woman in White or The Black Robe. 142 pages 3- stars Feb ScaredyKit-Haunted Houses & Locations

33. A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park This novel was based on the true stories of two characters, Salva Dut and Nya, in Sudan. The story alternates between their perspectives using a dual timeline as they try to survive the second Sudanese Civil War. The search for drinkable water is both dangerous and sometimes elusive. The story was good enough, but seemed to be overshadowed by endless short, choppy sentences. This was written for "juvenile readers", so I'm sure that is the reason for the language construction. Wish I had paid attention to that before I purchased it! 3- stars 128 pages

34. Nagasaki by Eric Faye A short novel about a non-descript man, Taniguchi, who owns his own home. One day Taniguchi finds that someone has been living in his house. The remainder of the book are the thoughts and feelings of both Taniguchi and his uninvited guest. 112 pages 3 stars

35. Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata is the story of Keiko, an 18 year-old young woman who works at a Convenience Store for 18 years. She has been derided by friends and family as to her choice, or lack thereof, of careers. She finally quits and begins a search for a new job. On the way to her temporary job interview.........116 pages 4 stars

36. Betrayal at Vel d'Hiv by Claude Levy The reason that I elected to buy this book at a Friends of the Library sale ($1) was the cover which said: "Thousands of Jews in Paris were rounded up and taken to the Velodrome for staging for German pickup. However, these Jews were rounded up by the French."..... Today there are those that deny the French were involved. The author has over 120 pages of documents and statements from those rounded up and French gendarme to prove his thesis. One of the saddest chapters was of the 4,051 children rounded up and sent to Auschwitz. Not one returned. 285 pages 5 stars

37. The Weaver Takes a Wife by Sheri Cobb South is a good natured Regency romance which centers around Ethan Brundy, a skilled and hardworking weaver, and Helen Randy, a young woman from a noble family. They are "forced" into a marriage to pay the debts of her father. They have an "agreement", no "marital duties" for six months. The story mainly takes place during these six months. The is book # 1 in a series. I didn't mean to buy it, but it was a good read. 269 pages 3.5 stars

>44 Tess_W: Glad you liked The Weaver Takes a Wife. It's light, cheerful and undemanding.

>42 Tess_W: I also liked Convenience Store Woman, a sad and funny little book.

38. Stark Decency by Allen V. Koop was a NF read about German POW's in Stark (Berlin) New Hampshire during WWII. I only recently became aware that the US housed such POW's and this is the second book I've read about this situation. Seems there were about 500,000 POW's housed in over 70 camps throughout the U.S. Most of the prisoners to New Hampshire came from Africa and Normandy. It is good to note that at least in NH, the Geneva Convention was strictly observed. There were problems in the camp, but the biggest one was the Germans vs. the Nazi's. To most Americans Germans and Nazi's were the same thing. To the Germans, at least in these camps, they were not. The book was written when in 1985 five of the former POW's came back for a sort of nostalgic tour of the former camp with their families. 150 pages 4 stars

39. A Christian Guide to the Biblical Feasts by David Wilber This NF read explained Passover, Pentecost. Rosh HaShanah, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Feast of the Tabernacles, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah and Purim. Explained the why and the how of the current day celebration as well as their place on the Gregorian calendar. 88 pages 3 stars

>39 Tess_W: Oh goodness, that's a wonderful offer to send your Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark. If it's not too much trouble I will definitely take you up on it. I can reimburse you for shipping if you use any electronic payment service (Paypal, venmo) or perhaps send you a book in return? I've just recently done a big book donate myself but have a couple less common Holocaust related books on deck (one of which I'd rather not just donate randomly as I think it was quite a limited printing) and one random history work:
This Way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentlemen by Tadeusz Borowski
Beyond Human Endurance: The Ravensbruck Women Tell Their Stories, testimony from the survivors of experiments, published in 1970. This is the one I'd rather give to someone who specifically wanted it, don't want to risk it going into book recycling.
The Pueblo Revolt: The Secret Rebellion that Drove the Spaniards Out of the Southwest by David Roberts.

>47 mabith: Oh, it would have been my gift, no shipping necessary! However, sadly, it was laying on the table with 6 others to be donated, and about a week later my husband took them all to be donated! (I think on the 12th). I am so sorry! Save that Ravensbruck one for later! I mean my husband normally would walk by them for a year and never take it upon himself to grab them.

Ha, no worries! I'm happy to send you the Ravensbruck one now if you'd like. It's tough with books you don't need to keep anymore that are also rare copies which should be protected.

40. Money by Emile Zola The focus of book contained in the Rougon-Macquart series is the Bourse, or the stock market floor, where at least 80% of the novel takes place. TBH, this was as dry as dry for me! Zola does a great job in every single book exposing the evils of excess and greed via different vehicles. This one just did not interest me! Perhaps I lost a bit of interest because I listened to this on audio instead of reading it in a hard copy, where I find I'm usually more engaged. I won't try another Zola on audio! 16 hours 54 minutes 3-stars March Zola group read.

41. The Gun by C.S. Forester The story of a legendary bronze cannon "found" by Spanish guerillas during the Peninsular War. The cannon is refurbished and is the centerpiece of the story. Meh 196 pages 3- stars

42. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James Portrays societal expectations, choices, and consequences through the main character, Isabel Archer. Isabel is a "free spirit", so she claims though out the book. Isabel refused the affections and marriage proposals from at least 4 different men, because she does not want to be tied down. However, for reasons unknown, she accepts the proposal from an "unconventional" man. Thy lying scoundrel is not so unconventional. Isabel was just an idiot throughout the book. The men who "loved" her were also idiots. Ninety percent of the book are just conversations between the men and women involved. There wasn't one person to like or respect throughout the book. Kept thinking it was going to get better-nope! 704 pages 3- stars

The last 3 reads less than satisfying. Got to go find some really good reads!

43. The Red Sea Rules by Robert J. Morgan Morgan uses the story of the Israelites crossing the Red Sea to suggest strategies for navigating difficult life situations. Key principles include acknowledging your challenges, staying calm, and transforming fear into confidence. 148 pages 3 stars

44. End of the Vine by Acton Manning Book # 1 in a Detective Dan Winters series. Dan is a grieving widower who works for the suicide squad at the local PD. He has a great sense of smell and at one time took the sommelier test. If you aren't interested in all things wine (and I'm NOT!), then this probably isn't the read for you. 228 pages 3- stars

45. The Faithful Spy: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix A graphic novel that explains the life of Bonhoeffer for those aged 10-13. As an educator, I believe this work would be too difficult for most of that age. Of course, the graphics distracted me. It made clear Bonhoeffer's dilemma: should a man dedicated to God become involved in actively opposing the government, even if that government is unjust? I think this book would appeal to a young reader who already has a good grasp of WWII and an interest. 176 pages 3- stars

46. Hadji Murad by Leo Tolstoy explores themes of loyalty and the consequences of violence in this novel which delves into the conflict between the Russian Empire and the Muslim Chechens. I might have enjoyed it more had I been better acquainted with the Caucasian War and the different perspectives involved. The story shifts between various viewpoints and time periods, which gives it a less cohesive feel compared to some of Tolstoy’s more famous works like War and Peace or Anna Karenina. The pacing is slow and drawn-out, with lengthy passages of philosophical musings or war descriptions that can feel repetitive. These extended sections seem to serve as a substitute for deeper emotional engagement with the characters. Additionally, the novella's relatively brief length—just 104 pages—likely contributed to the underdevelopment of its characters. This was Tolstoy’s final work, published posthumously. 3 stars

47. Joe Gould's Teeth by Jill Lepore I can't understand why a book would be written about Joe Gould. He was an eccentric figure from New York, also known as Professor Seagull. His life was marked by frequent stays in insane asylums and bouts of homelessness. Gould claimed to have written a monumental work, "The Oral History of the Contemporary World", but it was never found. In 1922, he had all his teeth removed at Manhattan State Hospital, as the belief at the time was that mental illness was linked to bad teeth. He also "stalked" the African-American sculptor Augusta Savage. At one point, Ezra Pound and e.e. cummings even wrote a letter to a judge declaring Gould to be competent. But when he passed away, not a single person showed up to his funeral.

I listened to this book on audio, narrated by the author herself. Honestly, I would rather endure the sound of nails on a chalkboard or an animal screeching endlessly than listen to her read another book. 3 hours 12 minutes 2.5 stars

48. Mouth to Mouth by Antoine Wilson is a psychological novel that centers around a chance encounter of two men at an airport while a plane is delayed. The chapters alternate between the present and the past. It took me 2-3 chapters to get the time/place/characters situated in my mind, however, following that it was a good story. It was a story within a story which is ultimately about moral ambiguity. 208 pages 3.5 stars

49. Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak This is by far one of the funniest books I have ever read! It's the story of microbes. We travel with them for a day. There are 4 of them: Min (E. Coli), Rae (streptococcus), Dennis (fungus) and Jake (corynebacterium). We travel from a book all the way to the belly button with multiple stops in between. The story line is funny and the art is wonderful. I've read it 3 times today! Nobel prize winner here! 40 pages 5+ stars

50. Los Alamos by Joseph Kanon was billed as a historical mystery thriller.
I would say it is light on the thriller. The story centers on Joe, an intelligence officer sent to Los Alamos to investigate a disappearance/murder and possible security breach. "Oppie" and a few other notables are there. This book was pretty heavy handed on the sex scenes, which didn't really advance the story. Several of the characters had personal moral dilemmas with their involvement in the creation of a weapon of mass destruction. Good portrayal of life in the compound and surrounding "town." 416 pages 4 stars

51. The Ash Tree by M.R. James The short story takes place during the witch trials of the 18th century in England. A woman is hanged for being a witch and a few odd occurrences over the years. The ending was a mild surprise for me! 28 pages. Free Kindle book of the month in Oct. 2023 3 stars



52. The Library Window by Margaret Oliphant another piece of Gothic lit. Is the library window real or a figment of one's imagination? Only 99 cents on Kindle US, purchased in Oct. 2023. 40 pages 3 stars

53. Dereliction of Duty by H.R. McMaster This non-fiction book examines how the Vietnam War was managed, offering some eye-opening insights. It starts by highlighting the contrast between Kennedy's success during the Cuban Missile Crisis—where his advisors were experienced politicians and statesmen—and the failure of the Bay of Pigs invasion, where his advisors were primarily from the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS). From that point, both Kennedy and Johnson increasingly relied on heads of state and other political figures for advice on handling the Vietnam conflict. The book suggests that the attack on the USS Maddox was likely instigated, possibly even a hoax. While many historians view the incident as suspicious, they stop short of definitively claiming it never happened. The author argues that President Johnson, preoccupied with his domestic agenda, "The Great Society," didn't engage deeply in Vietnam. Instead, he allowed figures like Robert McNamara and the Bundy brothers to make most of the key decisions, with minimal input from the JCS. 480 pages 4 stars

54. Old God's Time by Sebastian Barry This is the story of Tom Kettle, a retired policeman who has lived a quiet and solitary life after the death of his wife, Margaret. When he moves into a new home and has a new "view" and observations, it brings back memories, grief, and trauma that is difficult for Tom to confront. This book is depressing from beginning to end. The past and the present lines were sometimes difficult for me to follow. 272 pages 2.5 stars Trigger warning: priest child sexual abuse

55. Trespasses by Louise Kennedy Set in 1970s Ireland during The Troubles, this story tells of the religious divide between Catholics and Protestants through a series of character studies. The protagonist, Cushla, a 24-year-old Catholic school teacher, finds herself involved in both personal and political conflicts. She assists a student from a mixed marriage and embarks on an affair with Michael, an older, married, Protestant man. Seemingly oblivious to the deep divides around her, Cushla operates in a world where others seem to be more attuned to the divisions between faiths. The time and place are alive with vivid detail. However, the relationship between Cushla and Michael is far from unique. Michael himself believes that their attraction is divine, telling her, “God put you in front of me, and I couldn’t do anything about it. I have nothing to offer you” (paraphrased). 320 pages 3.5 stars

Arrived in Ft. Lauderdale (Florida) yesterday. Shocking to go for 30 degrees to 86 degrees in 3 hours! Checked in at hotel, went to dinner, and sat in the sun by the pool. Today we are off to the Everglades in a airboat. Tomorrow we go to an Air-Naval Museum and Sunday we board the boat. Did finish a book while sitting in the sun.

56. Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce follows 47-year-old Margery, a lonely and unhappy science teacher, who decides to transform her life. She embarks on a quest to find a rare gold beetle that her father once described to her. To help with this adventure, she hires Enid Pretty, a young woman who couldn't be more different from her. Their contrasting personalities lead to a series of comical situations as they travel to New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, in search of the beetle. Along the way, they're also pursued by a former soldier struggling with PTSD. Their journey is filled with humor and unexpected moments, but the novel concludes on a deeply emotional note. It's one of the best books I've ever read! (Forgive any errors, I'm typing from my phone!) 355 pages 5 stars

57. Off the Wild Coast of Brittany by Juliet Blackwell is a historical fiction novel set during WWII. The story unfolds on the Ile de Feme in present-day Brittany and follows two sisters, Natalie and Alex. Natalie, a cookbook author, is working to restore an old bed and breakfast, while Alex is coping with the gradual loss of her sight. During the renovations, the sisters discover a hidden cache of costumes, which leads them into the past and introduces the WWII storyline.

In this historical thread, the narrative focuses on Violette and a German occupation officer, and while it could have been the heart of the book, it faltered for me. The German officer’s revelation that he is a cross-dresser detracted from the story’s mood and seemed to shift its direction in a way that didn’t resonate with me. 464 pages 3 stars

58. Give Me Liberty of Give Me Death by Patrick Henry. Patrick Henry, an American patriot, gave this speech on March 23, 1775, at the Second Virginia Convention in St. John's Church. They met in the church instead of the capitol in Williamsburg. No written copy of this speech in his own hand, or any version, survived. The version we know today was reconstructed decades later by William Wirt, based on recollections of those who heard it.

Some of my favorite lines.........
1) ...ought to be the freedom of the debate. It is only in this way that we can hope to arrive at truth....(sadly something we can not do today)
2) .......Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

Interesting to note, later, Henry became an anti-federalist and fought against ratification of the U.S. Constitution, believing it gave the government too much power and the people not enough. He refused to sign it!

59. Chronicle in Stone by Ismail Kadare This was my first Kadare read and I was underwhelmed. The blurb on the back cover describes the book as "stunning", "compelling" and "enchanting." I found those adjectives overstated. I was hoping to get some insight into Albanian culture, but there was such a hollowness about it, that hope was not realized. The story is told by a young boy, aged 10-12, during the WWII invasion by the Germans and counter-invasion by the Greeks. The narrator doesn't bring a closeness between himself and the reader, but a more distant relationship. Perhaps it is the large amount of magical realism that kept this reader from engaging. 322 pages 2.5 stars

Chronicle in Stone is by far my least favorite Kadare and less like his other books I've read (I don't know any Kadare fans who particularly like that one), so I would try again with him sometime. The Siege is my favorite, but I also really liked The File on H and Spring Flowers, Spring Frost. Though I would say Kadare, in my limited experience, does keep more of a wall up than many authors.

60. No Home for Killers by E A Aymar) is billed as a thriller ( but not so much). It is the story of one very violent and dysfunctional family. I never understood the reason for the dysfunctionality. That being said, there is a lot of graphic sexual violence, for violence's sake, as I don't think it advanced the plot--so beware. I skipped 2-3 pages here and there because I don't need/want to read this level of violence. I almost stopped reading at several points. If you want a plot that is resolved, you won't get one here. Basically, the story of two sisters who are trying to solve their brother's murder. This brother was also an abuser, himself, and the uncle a sex trafficker. 335 pages 2 stars

>67 Tess_W:, >68 mabith: That's a shame, because it's sitting on my shelf. I've also read Broken April and The Successor and can recommend The Successor. Broken April is OK, but not in the same class. I'll look for The Siege .

61. Crow Hollow by Michael Wallace. Wallace is one of my favorite writers. This book did not fail to satisfy, although probably not his best (The Red Rooster). This story takes place in the 17th century, primarily in the Puritan communities that surround Boston. There is no witchcraft, but a healthy dose of loyalist vs. self-governing sympathies. Throw in a romance, a few hangings, and what more could a girl want? 358 pages 4 stars

62. I read Death in Delft by Graham Brack It is a historical mystery set in 17th-century Netherlands. The story follows Master Mercurius, who is secretly both a Catholic priest and a Protestant minister—a dual identity he must keep hidden. When young girls begin to disappear and are later found dead, Mercurius is called upon by the city's authorities to help solve the crimes. He does so with the help of noted artist Johannes Vermeer and scientist Antonie van Leeuwenhoek. Of course, the "science' is rudimentary in the 17th century and the reasoning skill of Mercurius is not really reasonable; but it all works together to give the book a 17th century Dutch atmosphere. I listened to this on audio. 5 hours 59 minutes (243 pages) 3.5 stars RTT: 17th Century

64. Hitler's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly Another winner from O'Reilly. As not much is actually verifiable about Hitler's last days, more of the book is about others and their proximity to Hitler: Generals Bradley, Montgomery, Patton, Keitel, etc. Good information on Eva Braun. Well rounded research. 320 pages 4.5 stars

65. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser This was a NF read that examined the darker side of fast food. Although written in 2004, it was very prescient. The most interesting were the procedures and methods within the slaughter house (not for the squeamish) and how the companies failed to take care of their employees-not a surprise there! Some of the data could be tedious, but was probably necessary. This was a re-read (2005-2010) to get off the shelf and out of the house! 384 pages 3.5 stars

66. The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli Machiavelli was a 16th century philosopher, nobleman, historian, author; a real Renaissance Man! He is best remembered for this work, which was published posthumously. His thesis: the ends justify the means. The end: leaders should appear righteous, honest, etc. However, the getting to "the end", is problematic. I think before the term was coined, "collateral damage" could be applied to Machiavelli's methods. Read this again because am going to use in the fall when I teach Western Civ I. 114 pages 3.5 stars

67. Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot by Margo Theis Raven This is a longer picture book (ages 9-12) about Lt. Gail Halverson, an American pilot who participated in the Berlin Airlift in 1948-1949. While making his usual deliveries, he also dropped gum and chocolate bars near Templehof Airfield for the children. Nicely done!



P.S. I found a copy of this book at a Friends of the Library sale. It was signed by Lt. Halverson.

68. The Coddling of the American Mind by Greg Lukianoff One of the authors, a former college professor, argues that American intellectual life has been undermined by misguided cultural ideas—such as excessive overprotection and the harmful belief that one should always trust their feelings. The book also tackles issues like the decline of free speech (suggesting it's now often limited to liberal voices), increasing political polarization, and a growing mental health crisis, where even very young students are being labeled with anxiety, panic disorders, and stress. I agree with much of the book's analysis. However, a friend of mine critiques it as overly broad, suggesting it oversimplifies complex mental health conditions by attributing them too heavily to societal coddling. Ultimately, the authors call for a return to resilience, open inquiry, and intellectual diversity in American culture. 352 pages 4 stars

69. The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton is a work of historical fiction which combines meticulous research with an interesting narrative. It follows the life of Elizabeth (Bess) Fones Winthrop Feake Hallett, a real historical figure who was born into a prominent Puritan family in early 17th-century England and later became one of the early settlers of the American colonies. The novel traces Elizabeth’s journey from England to the Massachusetts Bay Colony, focusing on her complex and moral struggles in a rigidly religious and patriarchal society. Those Puritans! 586 pages 5 stars

70. Tevye the Dairyman/Railroad Stories by Sholom Aleichem

This is the book on which Fiddler on the Roof is loosely based. While the film and musical adaptation are romanticized and often sentimental, the original book is much darker in tone. I personally didn’t enjoy it—largely because of the relentless self-deprecating tone that permeates nearly every page.

Though I understand it reflects the harsh realities of Jewish life under Czarist rule in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the repetitive use of phrases like “for a Russian Jew,” “We are God’s chosen people, are we not,” “a Jew must be clever,” “as it says in the Good Book,” and “Jew dogs” became grating. Each of these expressions appears dozens of times, to the point of distraction.

The standout story for me was “Chava,” about Tevye’s eldest daughter who falls in love with a Russian Christian and marries him. Tevye disowns her, and the story ends without reconciliation—just a painful separation.

While I usually enjoy historical fiction and period pieces, this collection didn’t appeal to me overall. 352 pages

71. The Man Who Loved China by Simon Winchester This biography chronicles the life of Joseph Needham, a British scientist, historian, and sinologist. Needham had his eccentricities including involvement in nudist colonies and an open marriage, which was scandalous in the 1930’s. The author glosses over these points. Needham was a relatively obscure biochemist until he met Lu Gwei-djen, a Chinese scientist who introduced him to the Chinese language and culture. From there, he became an “expert” on all things China. During World War II, he was appointed to lead the Sino-British Science Cooperation Office (SBSCO) in Chongqing, where he spent four years traveling the country and gathering material that would become the foundation for Science and Civilisation in China, a multi-volume work. The central thesis—that China developed major innovations like printing, gunpowder, and paper well before the West—may have been new in the 1950s, but by the 1960s these ideas had entered mainstream education. I found myself waiting for a “big bang” moment, but it never arrived. Surprised that he supported Mao after seeing some of the purges. This book was 60% about Needham and 40% about China. Meh 336 pages 3- stars NF: China after 1911.

>79 Tess_W: That's a shame. I enjoyed his The Surgeon of Crowthorne.

Glad you enjoyed The Winthrop Woman as much as I did! I also really liked her book Katherine.

>80 pamelad: I have read a Winchester before, but for the life of me I can't remember what it was. He's definitely going to get another read. I think it was more the subject than the author, in this case.

>81 mabith: I will most definitely seek out more of her work!

72. Killing the Rising Sun by Bill O'Reilly and Martin Dugard is part of the popular "Killing" series. The book chronicles the final months of World War II in the Pacific Theater, focusing on the United States' efforts to defeat Imperial Japan, culminating in the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The book focuses on three main points: 1) the atrocities committed by the Japanese and who was responsible 2) raises questions about the morality of using the atomic bomb 3) how the philosophies of Truman, MacArthur, and Hirohito shaped the direction of the war. Although none of these points were in scholarly depth, there were adequate footnotes and it was a good read. I learned much more than most books about the subject. All of the "Killing" books are better than average. 336 pages 4.5 stars

73. The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne I've read this 5-6 times in my lifetime and have enjoyed it each time. I find its timeless themes of shame, punishment, and resilience powerful. Hawthorne, through the narrative, critiques the harsh moralism (and often hypocritical) of the Puritans. 4 stars (each time) RTT: 17th century

74. The Black Tulip by Alexandre Dumas This is a 17th century historical romance which focuses on the propagation of a black tulip. It's very standard fair--wrongly imprisoned hero and long suffering girlfriend. I find that this book is overly dramatic and lacks character development, as well. Maybe I expected too much from Dumas! 288 pages 3- stars

75. Killing the SS by Bill O'Reilly The book is primarily about the post-WWII manhunt for high-ranking SS officers and war criminals such as Adolf Eichmann, Josef Mengele, Klaus Barbie, Franz Stangl, and others. It also briefly touches on Herman Goring and Heinrich Himmler, which were captured rather quickly and who both chose cyanide capsules instead of trials or executions. The authors do not shy away from expressing outrage at the atrocities committed, nor do they try to sanitize the actions of the perpetrators. This isn't an "innocent until proven guilty" historical narrative. Good information on the Mousad as well as Simon Wiesenthal. I listened to this on audio and it again confirmed my thesis: authors should NOT read their own books! While I love O'Reilly's books, not so much his narration--he loses a star! 7 hours 24 minutes (292 pages) 4 stars

76. What is Religion? by Wilhelm Bousset is a 20th century attempt to answer that question. I think Bousset’s intention was to analyze religion from a scholarly viewpoint rather than as a believer. He doesn’t do that well. I’m not saying that Bousset is necessarily wrong in some of his assumptions, I’m saying that by today’s standards his work would be considered ethnocentric and Protestant partial. That being said, I believe his insights into religious experiences and ethics remain valuable. 324 pages 3 stars

77. The Magic Kingdom by Russell Banks is about utopia and obsession. The story is told through the voice of Harley Mann, a man recounting his childhood among a Shaker community in early 20th-century Florida. Nothing really extraordinary happened to Mann, although I think that was not the perspective that the book would like the reader to adopt. The story is "told" through elderly man, Mann, via a series of tapes. The author might have thought this was unique, however, it just distanced the reader from the book, IMHO. There just wasn't anything to like in this book! Boring! 352 pages 2.5 stars

78. Mary Ingalls on Her Own by Elizabeth Kimmel Willard This is a Little House Sequel which tells of Mary's trip from De Smet, South Dakota territory, to the Iowa School for the Blind and her time at the school. A nice, easy, one-sitting read. 180 pages 4 stars

79. Anna of Kleve by Alison Weir. Anna of Kleve is largely remembered for her brief, six-month marriage to Henry VIII, and understandably, the historical record offers limited material for a full-length novel. This limitation is evident in this book, where Weir fills the gaps with what can only be described as implausible situations—most notably, the suggestion that Anna bore children both before and after her marriage to Henry. These fictional liberties undermine the credibility of the narrative. Compared to Weir’s other works of Tudor historical fiction, this installment proves to be a disappointing departure from her typically well-balanced blend of fact and imagination. 544 pages 3 stars

You're well into reading history lately. Are these all books from your shelves?

>92 pamelad: All of them! Trying to read only from my shelves this year. As a history prof, I read NF history for work and research, and usually turn to historical fiction for leisure. I would venture that of 350+ books on my TBR, 300 are some sort of historical fiction, historical mysteries, or historical romances. Variety is not my middle name!

80. At The Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper is a 17th century historical fiction set in London during the Great Plague. Interesting history of the plague carts and all the herbal remedies that were being used. Interesting to note that they were rounding up cats, as they perceived that wherever there were cats, there was the plague! They were not far off in the cause and effect category. Very atmospheric. Written for teens. Ends very abruptly, but there is a second book in the series. 159 pages 4 stars RTT: 17th century

81. The Goddess Abides by Pearl S. Buck. Buck has always been a favorite, especially her Good Earth trilogy. I know that her more "modern" books haven't really been well received. However, I've got to say this book was profound. Buck writes of Edith, a 42 year old widow. Her husband was 40 years her senior. She becomes involved with a man 30 years her senior and also 20 years her junior. Not involved sexually, but emotionally. Edith discovers that her inner-self is not good for either one, nor herself. My favorite quote from the book, "The need for physical love was only a materialization of the spirit's craving for communication. There was no essential difference between flesh and spirit, simply a difference in mode of expression." 188 pages 5 stars

82. Moloka'i by Alan Brennert is historical fiction about the the Kalaupapa leprosy settlement on the island of Moloka‘i in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The main protagonist is Rachel Kalama, a seven year old who is diagnosed with leprosy and sent to live in isolation on the island of Moloka'i. I think the author portrays the disease and the beauty of Hawaii in general, well. While life on Moloka'i was certainly no picnic, it is nothing like the Biblical portrayal of the leper colonies. I was hoping to get more Father Damien than I did. I liked this book, but not sure that I will read the author's follow up, Daughter of Moloka'i. 400 pages 3.5 stars

83. The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew by Margaret Sydney This was a childhood re-read. It did not withstand the test of time well, so very twee. Off the shelf and out the door! 224 pages 3 stars (for nostalgia)

>96 Tess_W: The oldest girl's clueless goodness does make that one difficult to enjoy, I found (particularly compared to gems like Understood Betsy and Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm).

I have a copy with the same cover, but on dark green (which I also made a large cross-stitch version of). I am keeping that since it's lovely on the shelf and it's a rare book that I know my great-great-grandmother read to my great-grandmother who read it to my grandmother who read it to my mother and that feels nice. My mom broke the cycle, correctly feeling it was past its best, but I love knowing what books were passed down in that way.

>97 mabith: Yes, I gave it to my granddaughter, who is only 8. Not sure she will like it, but am trying to get my bookshelves under control! I did a few re-reads of the Bobbsey Twins and Nancy Drew and they seemed to hold up a bit better.

I would say Noel Streatfeild's Shoes and Gemma books also hold up really well. They were my mom's favorites when she was a kid. My sister loved them as a kid but I actually didn't real them until adulthood and loved them even then. The versions we had with 1970s-80s covers presented them as Super Girly, which made me avoid them (and my mom didn't say they were her favorites until I was an adult, she wrongly thought I'd avoid them if she'd said that).

84. The Letter by Kathyrn Hughes Set in both the 1970s and 1930s England, this novel follows the lives of two women—Tina Craig, who is stuck in an abusive marriage in the 1970s, and Chrissie, a young woman in the 1930s facing life-altering consequences after becoming pregnant out of wedlock. The connection between these two women unfolds when Tina discovers an old, unsent love letter in the pocket of a donated suit while volunteering at a charity shop. The story-line and depth of characters makes up for some very basic writing. 394 pages 4.5 stars

85. Boldly Go by William Shatner This is a book by my favorite Enterprise captain. This is a book of essays written by Shatner which explores his fame, his losses, and mostly, his philosophical musings. I was hoping to get some Star Trek insider information. There was some, but this was not the focus of the book. Shatner's mind is certainly wandering and wondering at age 91! Meh


86. The Bridge on the Drina by Ivo Andric is a historical novel that chronicles four centuries of life in the Bosnian town of Višegrad. At the center of town is a real Ottoman era bridge, which spans the river Drina. The bridge sees all: life, death, strife, violence, change, and love. The bridge withstands all. It was challenging for me to read as there is no central character, other than the bridge. The book seemed to be as a series of vignettes. The tone is somber and it can be slow paced. I'm sure much has changed as this was first published in 1977. The bridge would have witnessed much more by now. 314 pages 3 stars

87. Forever Amber by Kathleen Winsor is a historical romance set during the Restoration period, centered around the ambitious Amber St. Clare. Determined to climb the social ladder, Amber will do whatever it takes to gain status, wealth, and power. Set amidst post-Civil War England, the novel features major historical events such as the plague, the Great Fire of London, and invasions by the Dutch. However, the focus remains on the drama of court life, filled with both political and sexual intrigue. The one-man Amber can’t seem to win over is Bruce Carlton, an honorable nobleman who never returns her obsessive love. Her relentless pursuit of him is ultimately tragic, as she sacrifices nearly everything for a man incapable of loving her as she desires. While many of the characters are drawn from history, Amber is fictional. Personally, I would have preferred more emphasis on the historical and political aspects rather than so much attention on romantic and sexual exploits, though, there’s nothing graphic. One surprising takeaway was the frequency of abortion during this era, a topic from which the book doesn’t shy away. 976 pages 4 stars

88. The Shape of Water by Andrea Camilleri is the first book in the Inspector Montalbano detective series. The setting is Sicily and the story begins when the body of a local political figure, Silvio Luparello, is found in a compromising position in a car parked in an area used for illicit activities. The crime appears to be open and shut, but Montalbano is skeptical. The plot meanders and I didn't get a lot of local culture. Meh. I probably will not read any more installments in this series. 234 pages 3 stars

89. A Furious Sky by Eric Dolan. This is the history of hurricanes for the last 500 years specific to the US and the Caribbean. This was really a comprehensive study of the hurricanes including detailed history. One of the most interesting chapters for me was the Sea Venture shipwreck off the coast of Bermuda in 1609 due to a “tropical storm.” Hurricanes were not named until 1950, so there were no name references. The people who crash landed in the Bahamas built two more ships and sailed on to Jamestown, Virginia. Upon arrival, they found only 60 people of nearly 500 remaining in starving conditions with the buildings dilapidated. The people there were on death’s door due to starvation, sickness, and exposure to the elements. Dolan also highlights the 1900 Galveston hurricane, Hurricane Katrina (2005), and Hurricane Maria (2017), and even the effect that hurricanes had on 17th century piracy. In the final chapter, Dolan explores and explains how climate change is likely to increase the frequency and strength of future hurricanes. Very good read! I listened to this on audio, but would advise a hard copy. I was jotting down notes for most of the read so that I could look things up at a later date. 10 hours 49 minutes (~450 pages) 4 stars

90. The Princess of Cleves by Madame de La Fayette is a 17th century novel set at the court of Henri II. The main character is Mademoiselle de Chartres, who becomes the Princess of Cleves after marrying the Prince de Cleves. The Princess was brought up virtuously, but nonetheless falls in love with the rakish Duke de Nemours. The majority of the book is the Princess' struggle between passion and propriety. The is a very slow paced book with long formal sentences. There is almost no action or drama, but conversations and musings, thoughts, and introspection. 288 pages 3 stars BB from Birgit

91. Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell is the story of Ruth Hilton, an orphaned seamstress. Ruth is seduced and abandoned by Mr. Bellingham. Alone, shunned, and pregnant, Ruth is taken in by a rebel pastor and his sister, who give her a new identity. Ruth raises her son quietly and lives a life of piety and service until accidently discovered by Mr. Bellingham.........The middle of the book seemed to drag and in parts it seemed melodramatic. 347 pages 3 stars

92. The Beatitudes Through the Ages by Rebekah Eklund This book describes how the interpretation of the Beatitudes has changed in the last 500 years. Although the Beatitudes themselves have not changed, they have meant different things to different people: Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, and Billy Graham, just to name a few. This book looks how at how different people have tried to apply them to their own lives. I liked this book because it did not tell the reader how to interpret the Beatitudes, but how the Beatitudes became a topic of conversation and even debate over the ages. A bit too lengthy for me, but for the person who really hasn't studied the Beatitudes, some of the really base-line information would be good. 352 pages 4 stars

93. Letters to the Church by Francis Chan is a critique of the modern American church, based primarily on the book of Acts. The author challenges readers and church members to return to a simpler, more Biblical model of community worship and discipleship. Although Chan's call to reform is clear, the actual steps needed to affect this reform are not specific. 224 pages 4 stars

94. The Face of a Stranger by Anne Perry This was a Victorian Era whodunnit. The book began well as Detective Monk wakes up in the hospital with amnesia. He can’t remember who he is or how he got there. He learns that he is a police detective and soon returns to work. His colleagues have no idea that he still suffers from amnesia. He is investigating the death of a Crimean war hero who was beat to death in his home. Then the mystery really bogs down for me. The end is just a let-down! I won’t be continuing with this series. 354 pages 3- stars



P.S. Interesting bit of trivia: Since this was the first time reading this author, I did read some bio on her and wow! Anne Perry is really Juliette Hulme, who was convicted of murder as a teenager in New Zealand in 1954. She was released 5 years later and moved to England, legally changing her name.

95. Emile Zola: A Very Short Introduction by Brian Nelson This is one in a series of author biographies published by Oxford Press. The author is also a translator of Zola. I felt this biography was very insightful as it gave context to what else was happening at the time Zola was writing and what influenced his writings. A lot of time is spent on Zola's naturalistic approach, which he also felt was scientific in nature. Nelson analyzes three of Zola's novels (none of which I have yet read) as well as a lot of coverage on the Dreyfuss Affair and Zola's penchant for political activism. Interesting to note that at the same time Zola was writing more graphically about real subjects, artists were also leaving rural landscapes for more gritty urban paintings. Zola's writing are also take place in urban settings, for the most part. A great, shorter biography! 4.5 stars 162 pages

96. The Spiral Staircase by Ethel Lina White (entitled Some Must Watch before the film adaption came out-1946). I did read the book, and the name on the book is The Spiral Staircase. A great gothic setup, but that's about the only great thing contained in this mystery. The story of a young servant, Helen Capel, who works in a house where a serial killer is on the loose. With the roads impassable and communication cut off, she and the other inhabitants must survive the night as the killer closes in. This should be tense and edgy, but comes off rather clumsy and sometimes mildly humorous. Very elementary! 256 pages 3- stars

97. The Conquest of Plassans by Emile Zola. This was the July selection for the Zola reading group. Since I’ll be away for six days in July (three separate two-day trips), I decided to dive in early as I’d reached a natural pause in my current reading.

The novel is set in Plassans—the town where it all began—and centers on François Mouret and Marthe Rougon, a seemingly typical middle-class couple. (Though not exactly ordinary: he’s forty years older than she is, and they’re first cousins—a combination the gene pool hasn’t treated kindly.)

Their quiet life is upended when a mysterious priest, Abbé Faujas, arrives and takes up residence in their home. The novel explores themes of political and religious intolerance, manipulation, and psychological domination.

I read the 1900 Vizetelly translation, which was heavily bowdlerized to suit the era’s publishing standards. This version is known as the “suppressed English edition.” At some point, I may pick up the Oxford Press edition to enjoy the “good bits” in full. The touchstone for the edition that I have is not available on LT?

222 pages — 4 stars

98. Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey is the author's personal narrative concerning her mother's murder and it's resultant grief and trauma. It's obvious throughout that the author is primarily a poet; beautifully written. That being said, the story line is vague. I listened to this on audio. 3 stars

99. Uncanceled: Finding Meaning and Peace in a Culture of Accusations, Shame, and Condemnation by Phil Robertson I decided to read this in honor of Phil's death just a few weeks ago. While I wasn't necessarily a fan of their "Duck Commander" TV show, which was really just a bunch of hijinks, I did admire their courageous anti-cultural stance on many issues, even if it cost them millions of dollars in advertiser dollars. What Phil calls for in this book is to take a bold and unapologetic stand for Christian values in the face of cancel culture. The book is written in a very earthy style, sounds like a sermon in spots, both gritty and soft at the same time. Along with standing firm, Phil advises love and forgiveness instead of retaliation. I can find nothing to fault in the book, except maybe the writing is a bit elementary. 222 pages 4 stars

100. Dear Mr. Knightley by Katherine Reay Written in epistolary form, this book follows the life of Samantha "Sam" Moore, an orphaned journalism student at Northwestern whose tuition is paid by an anonymous sponsor. There is only one catch: She must write the sponsor letters telling him of her day to day life. Now, looking back, it's kind of creepy! The storyline and plot were just so elementary that it thoroughly bored me. Also, there were DOZENS of references (most of which I did not get) to characters in works by Jane Austen. However, I did get the Bronte references! Can not recommend this one! 336 pages 2.5 stars

101. I read What a Fish Knows by Jonathan Balcombe, a book centered around the author’s thesis that fish are sentient beings. Much of the book is devoted to supporting this claim, as Balcombe challenges the common perception of fish as unfeeling and unintelligent. He references numerous scientific studies to back his argument, for instance, experiments demonstrating that fish can recognize individual human faces and use tools, abilities once thought exclusive to mammals and birds. A significant portion of the book urges readers to reconsider practices such as keeping fish in aquariums or consuming them as sushi, arguing that these are unethical. At times the author personifies fish. Some of the studies the author cites are “way” out there—such as fish who return to the same spot each day to be petted and fish who groom themselves when mirrors are installed. The book reads more like a collection of loosely connected vignettes than a cohesive narrative. Not sure I’m buying into all that is offered without further research, and I’m not interested. Interesting aside: “This book has been endorsed by his Holiness, the Dalai Lama”, on the back cover. 304 pages 3- stars

I'm currently reading A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel—though to be honest, I'm struggling through it a bit. A few days ago, I came across a reference in the book and I’ve since spent my reading time down a historical rabbit hole.

A letter reportedly written by Georges-Jacques Danton to Marie Antoinette after her arrest. There’s some debate over its authenticity—whether it’s genuine or a forgery. From what I’ve found, most historians agree that the handwriting appears to be Danton’s and that the content aligns with his revolutionary views at the time. In the letter, he supposedly advised the Queen to display the revolutionary slogan—"Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, or Death!"—on her prison door.

Some believe that following this advice might have saved her head from rolling, though others disagree. There's also speculation that if the letter were forged, it would have been done to discredit Danton, who would be guillotined within a year. Interestingly, there’s no evidence that Marie Antoinette ever received the letter, and it wasn’t used against Danton at his trial. Only fragments of the letter survive today, but what remains is still legible.
I did buy the book that contains the English translation. $20 is expensive for a 32 page book, but worth it.

102. A Letter from Danton to Marie Antoinette (Classic Reprint) by Georges Danton and Carl Becker

103. Worthy Opponents by Danielle Steel is typical Steel. A romance based novel based on Spencer Brooke, a driven and independent woman who runs her family's iconic department store, Brooke’s. A very formulaic (for Steel) plot--damsel needs help but at first repels help offered in the form of business investment, but then softens. A much needed reading break for me! Seemed like old home week as I read Steel almost exclusively in my early 20's. 320 pages 3.5 stars

104. The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow I read this in high school (early 70's) and again maybe 30 years ago. I've read it for the last time and it's on the way out the door. I was a bit disappointed with my read this time and not sure why. I think that perhaps my two previous reads were abridged because I don't remember all the mythology at the beginning of this epic poem. (not a myth fan) "By the shores of gitchee gumee" ....gitche gumee is the Ojibwe name for Lake Superior, meaning "Great Sea". This line introduces the setting for the poem, where the character Nokomis lives in a wigwam by the lake. Hiawatha is conceived by the mortal Nokomis and the west wind, Mudjekeewis. This epic poem focuses on the life of Hiawatha, his adventures, and his love for the maiden Minnehaha. It ends with the arrival of colonial settlers. I found the meter more difficult to read this time. 144 pages 3.5 stars plus .5 star for nostalgia=4 stars

105. Plainsong by Kent Haruf is the fictional story of various characters in the town of Holt, Colorado. Through the mundane of the every day, the author speaks to decency and endurance. I listened to this on Audio and did not think the reader was that great, but perhaps it's all part of the mundane vibe. 9 hours 3 minutes (~300 pages) 3.5 stars

106. A Place of Greater Safety by Hilary Mantel is a novel that follows three central figures of the Revolution—Georges-Jacque Danton, Maximilien Robespierre, and Camille Desmoulins from their youth to the guillotine. This book is more character driven than plot drive which accounts for the dense conversations that are pages in length. There are also a plethora of characters which Ms. Mantel has provided a character map for in the preface. My biggest complaint is the number of characters which she calls by various names throughout the book: Sometimes Danton is Danton, sometimes Georges, sometimes Georges-Jacque. My biggest frustration with the book could have been resolved with author consistency. One must enjoy revolutionary politics to enjoy this novel, and I do! That being said, 900+ pages is just too long for a conversation dense novel! 3.5 stars 912 pages RTT: 18th Century

107. All Rivers Run To The Sea is Part I of Elie Wiesel's biography. The title is taken from Ecclesiastes 1:7 which reads: "All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from which the rivers come, there they return again." The verse is speaking to the cycle of life, which Wiesel addresses in this memoir. I was surprised (but should not have been) of Wiesel's condemnation of Great Britain and the U.S's lack of effort to halt the holocaust. I have always been taught that they did not bomb the camps because they felt it would cause even more hardship on the prisoners. Wiesel contends that they could have easily bombed the train tracks and halted the transports, but that they just didn't care. Sounds like a good idea, not sure why that wasn't done. Much of the information contained in this book is also contained in his Night. I liked Wiesel's introspection and humility. 432 pages 4.5 stars


108. The Buckled Bag by Mary Roberts Rinehart Rinehart is known as the American Agatha Christie. Not a Christie fan, but sure liked the Rineheart mystery. This is book #1 is the Hilda Adams/Pinkerton Nurse Detective series. I was totally off on my assumptions of the case at hand and pleasantly surprised at the ending. I will probably continue this series when I find the books. I listened to this on audio. 2 hours 23 minutes (~ 120 pages) 4 stars

109. The Sorrows of Young Werther by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a short novel where the reader endures the illogical and drawn out sufferings of Werther as he pines for a woman he can not have. All does not end well. Told in letters from Werther to his "friend", Wilhelm. Very dramatic. In a word: angst. 92 pages 3- stars

110. A Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon is a Christmas crime story, of sorts. It is near Christmas and there is a terrible snowstorm. The train is stuck on the track and for some reason some of the passengers decide to debark in an attempt to find shelter elsewhere. They do........a nice warm house with tea laid out, but no residents. The story seems to be ok and I have no problems with the writing, but I just could not get engaged with this book. 256 pages 3- stars

111. The Descent by Matt Brolly has Detective Louise Blackwell drawn into the investigation of what appear to be the suicides of three young women in the coastal town of Weston-Super-Mare. The bodies are discovered near the shoreline, seemingly having fallen from the cliffs above. As she delves deeper into the case, Blackwell is also forced to deal with a personal crisis when her widowed, alcoholic brother vanishes—taking her young niece with him.

Though this is the second book in the series, it reads well as a standalone. If I come across the other books at a good price, I’d be interested in continuing the series. 367 pages 3.5 stars

112. Federalist Papers No 10 and No 51 I needed to do a re-read/re-study of several of the papers as I will be teaching a college level government (political science) class this year. I want to have the students read one and I think I will go with number 10 as it deals with factions and how the proposed constitution could lessen the effects of the factions coming to blows. I chose this one because I think it's very apropos to read and discuss considering our present political climate. Number 10 was written by James Madison to the people of New York trying to convince them that the newly written Constitution, which would make the U.S. a republic, should replace the Articles of Confederation, which could not deal with factionalism. Number 51 explains the checks and balances and I believe they get this in high school, so I'm going with number 10. I'm not sure, but I may try it in a Socratic Seminar type setting. (Written in 1787)

113. Wool by Hugh Howey This post-apocalyptic dystopian novel is set in a future where humanity clings to survival inside a massive underground silo. Outside the silo, the air is toxic, or is it? Inside the silo rules are strictly enforced and thinking for oneself is frowned upon. Inhabitants "see" the outside via a camera, that must be cleaned regularly. Those sentenced to "death" for an infraction are the cleaners, using wool pads, hence the name. This book was originally written as a series of short stories and later pieced together to make it novel length. I think this construction, much like Fahrenheit 451's, makes for some choppy reading. Although I found the premise for the novel and the book for the most part engaging, I doubt I would read anymore in the series. 594 pages 3.5 stars This was a BB from both Cindy and Judy!

114. The Wandering Harlot by Iny Lorentz is set in 15th century Germany and is the tale of Marie, a respectable young lady from a wealthy family who is accused of promiscuity by a nobleman trying to get her father's land, aka her inheritance. She is tried, convicted, whipped, and exiled. The book follows her travels around the country as a prostitute, while at the same time she plots her revenge. There are many cliches in this novel, but also some good history of medieval Germany and the church workings. The prostitutes are an interesting group, but the villains seem to be very one-dimensional. Lots of implied sexual violence and of course, women are much abused. I listened to this on Audio. 13 hrs 46 min 3.5 stars

115. Bogie & Bacall: The Surprising True Story of Hollywood’s Greatest Love Affair by William Mann is a highly detailed biography that delves into the lives of two of Hollywood’s most iconic stars. To me, it was a deeply sad and often depressing read. Humphrey Bogart was already struggling with alcoholism by age 21, and by 23, he was drinking as early as 9 a.m. and passing out several times a week. Lauren Bacall, just 20 when she became Bogart’s fourth wife, was not an alcoholic herself but admitted to drinking “copious” amounts of alcohol.

Bacall comes across as fiercely ambitious, driven by status at almost any cost. Contemporary accounts often described her as rude, demanding, self-serving, narcissistic, and entitled. She reportedly viewed many of her female co-stars—such as Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Raquel Welch—as threats, convinced they were trying to upstage her. Despite a longing for friendship, Bacall seemed to have few close companions. One incident in the book involves her long correspondence with Katharine Hepburn, which lasted decades. Bacall believed they were close friends—Hepburn was even the godmother of her youngest child. But when Bacall visited Hepburn during an illness late in life, Hepburn greeted her with, “What are you doing here?”—a remark that left Bacall hurt and stunned.

After Bogart’s death, none of their mutual friends maintained ties with Bacall. She later married actor Jason Robards, another alcoholic, though that marriage only lasted eight years.

The book is extensive and heavy with detail, but over time the chapters start to feel repetitive: audition for a role, complain about the role or co-stars, drink out of frustration, and repeat.

Some of the information for this book was taken from Bacall's two memoirs.
656 pages 4 stars



Note: I became interested in this book after I visited (for the 2nd time) Malabar Farm, in Mansfield, Ohio, home to write Louis Bromfield. He was a contemporary of William Faulkner (mentioned and pictures) and Hemingway (no pics and not mentioned except to say Hemingway called him "Bromie"). Bogie and Bacall were married at Malabar Farm and spent their honeymoon there. During the tour somebody asked if the tour guide could recommend a good biography of Bogart and this book was suggested as being fairly authentic.

https://www.life.com/people/bacall-bogart-wedding/

116. The Royal Game by Stefan Zweig. This is a short story/novella (66 pages). It's a rather odd little book! It's the story of 2 men: a world class chess champion who must stare at the board constantly and takes his full allotted 15 minutes for each play vs a Dr who had been held as a POW by the Nazis. I think this is the early version of a psychological thriller. 4 stars

117. The History of England: From the reign of Henry the 4th to the death of Charles the 1st by a partial, prejudiced & ignorant Historian a 14 page satire by Jane Austen. I found it amusing as she took the opposite stance on almost every person and event that is generally accepted today--like loving Bloody Mary and hating Good Queen Bess.

118. A Peculiar Combination: An Electra McDonnell Novel (Electra McDonnell Series Book 1) by Ashley Weaver Book one in a series which features Electra, from a family of safecrackers and forgers to working with the War Dept in WWII--fiction. Predictable but not uninteresting. 300 pages 3.5 stars

119. On the Bright Side: The New Secret Diary of Hendrik Groen, 85 Years Old by Hendrik Groen. This is a fictional diary of Hendrik and his cronies in the "old but not dead" club in an Amsterdam Care Home. This group seems to be more active and mobile than most of the over 85 crowd I've observed. Henry is a curmudgeon that did not grow on me. Meh 464 pages 3 stars

120. The Queen of Spades by Alexander Pushkin is a short story that centers around Hermann, a young officer in the Russian army who becomes obsessed with learning a secret gambling formula—a trio of winning cards—supposedly known only to an elderly countess. Some gothic elements. As I always find in short stories, short on plot! 42 pages 3 stars RTT: Don't get checkmated

121. Poland by James Michener It is my goal to read a Michener every year and this is it! I really didn't enjoy this Michener as much as previous books because 80% of this was war-based. This historical fiction covers over 1000 years and showcases 3 families, one from each social grouping. Most of the book dealt with Poland's national identity and foreign domination by Russia, Prussia, Austria, Nazi Germany, and the Soviet Union. The book began and ended with a representative of the agricultural workers meeting with the Agricultural Chair of the Russian Politoboro in 1971. Nothing was resolved and history tells us there were massive strikes which were brutally crushed later on during the year. Also highlighted was the rise of Solidarity and Lech Walesa. 688 pages 3.5 stars

122. The Shawshank Experience: Tracking the History of the World’s Favorite Movie by Maura Grady I read this in connection to my visit to The Mansfield Reformatory where said movie was filmed. This was a very scholarly non-fiction about the namesake movie. I was surprised to find out that the movie was made from a Stephen King novel, Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption. This book got into a bit more than I wanted concerning the analysis of Andy's race and cross-gender symbolism through his art. (I skimmed those parts) I was most interested in the historical and geographical content as well as the fandom subculture that exists. I'm going to read the King novel next. 245 pages 3 stars

123. Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King I had no idea that the movie was derived from a book written by King. This is very "unKingish" of him! There are a few differences, but the essence of the book and the movie are basically the same. In the book, both Red (who is a red-headed Irishman) and Andy were much older when they escaped and were released than in the movie. 124 pages 5 stars

124. I read (but did not fully understand) Simplify the King's Gambit: A practical approach for beginning players by Carlos de Paula. I know the chess pieces names and the directions in which they can move. That is about it. I have played a few games of chess and done very poorly. It doesn't really interest me. But I found this little short book at the library! This is what I can surmise: The King's Gambit is a first move in the game of chess where the first player moves his pawn to e4. Depending upon what the opponent does, I get lost from there! I realize that the first move is a sacrifice of the white pawn to divert the black pawn. The 2nd player can either accept the gambit or make another play. It's not used much anymore. Supposedly Bobby Fischer in 1961 refuted the King's Gambit in a magazine article, which influenced many people to abandon it as a first move.

125. Luther's Table Talk by Martin Luther This is a collection of sayings from Martin Luther. This book was not written by Luther. This is a very cheap e-book version and it makes no reference of whom abridged this edition. That being said, I purchased the book to try to find something attributed to Luther about angels and demons and I did find a reference to that topic. This book was initially compiled from dinner companions and friends of Luther. Luther and his wife were "famous" for having about 20 each night for dinner and the discussions lasted well into the wee hours of the morning. Some wrote down of what they discussed--the larger work originated from that. This is not a comprehensive book, but does include several interesting bits and pieces of Luther's mind. 124 pages 4 stars

126. Testimony of Two Men by Taylor Caldwell To begin with, I didn’t enjoy this book. I'm a bit of a completist, which is the main reason I saw it through to the end. I'm still unclear about the meaning behind the title — The Testimony of Two Men. Several characters offer some form of "testimony," including two central figures and even a man on his deathbed, so it’s not clear which two men the title is actually referring to.

The novel centers on Dr. Jonathan Ferrier, a brilliant physician with neither bedside manner nor much in the way of social grace. Accused of causing his wife's death during a botched abortion, he’s acquitted in court but judged harshly by the townspeople of his small Pennsylvania community. The story largely follows his path toward redemption.

However, not much truly happens for most of the novel. Much of the critical backstory is held back until the final 100 pages, which made the pacing feel uneven. Ultimately, while the book had potential, it didn’t live up to it — at least not for this reader. 624 pages 3- stars

127. I finished Across America on an Emigrant Train by Jim Murphy. While it's marketed as a juvenile or young adult book, I’m not convinced that readers in that age group would fully grasp the depth of the subject matter without some prior knowledge of American history. The book weaves together Robert Louis Stevenson’s journey across the United States with the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad and the U.S. government’s handling of the so-called “Indian problem.” While much of the content felt fairly general, the inclusion of primary sources—particularly quotes from General William T. Sherman—stood out. I was genuinely shocked by Sherman’s language and his apparent support for the extermination of Native Americans. I guess I shouldn't be shocked, it was just jolting! 168 pages 3 stars

128. The Hounding by Xenobe Purvis. Not sure if the title refers to girls changing into dogs or the townspeople "hounding" the Mansfield sisters in Oxfordshire. Reminiscent of the witch hysteria in Salem. An open ending. Good read--gets better as you go along. 272 pages 4 stars CoverCat

129. Her Accidental Highlander Husband by Allison B. Hanson This was a historical romance and quite good for that genre. It follows the "usual": woman reluctantly married as well as man, vow not to love, end up in love after several "trials." Great reading! 340 pages 4.5 stars

130.Exploring Europe: Free as Birds in Our 1975 VW Camper by James Sloter In 1983 Jim and Marcia Sloter, after selling their business, took off to Belgium, the home of their foreign exchange student they had hosted for a year. His parents had welcomed them to use their home as a "base" in which to prepare to travel the European continent. This book is about those preparations as well as the actual travels and slight mechanical troubles and lack of any foreign languages. This was a delightful romp through Europe without being caught in the tourist traps. 221 pages 4 stars

131. Failure Has No Alibi by Dr. Cheryl Lentz This was a free book sometime in 2024 from Kindle. I don't think most people would appreciate this book, but I'm very much a realist and concur with Dr. Lentz's thesis: We build “alibis” (rationalizations) rather than accepting responsibility for our failures. She also uses the ages old phrase "failure does not define you", unless you allow it to. What defines us is what we do after failure—whether we learn, adapt, or persist with those actions that caused us to fail and expect different results. 78 pages 4.5 stars

132. The Sans-Culottes by Albert Soboul This non-fiction study of the French Revolution focuses on the Sans-Culottes, a more fringe radical element, mainly in Paris, but also found sporadically throughout the rest of France. Most of the information contained is from 1793-1794 from government dossiers, which of course, is only one-sided. Soboul addresses their role under the Jacobin government as well as the Committee of Public Safety. Soboul examines who the sans‑culottes were (socially, economically), their political attitudes, how they organized, how they acted (especially in the sections of Paris), as well as their goals. Not a lot of new information here if one has read about this group or the Jacobins. However, if one is new to the topic of the Sans-Culottes (without short pants) this book would be very insightful. 279 pages 4 stars non-fiction RTT 18th century

This book is $58 on Amazon but I found it at a thrift store for $2!

133. Faith in the Byzantine World by Mary B. Cunningham This would be a supplementary book for a college level Western Civ course. This is historical outline of how Byzantine Christianity developed from the reign of Constantine through to the fall of Constantinople. Topics include: the structure of the Byzantine Church, liturgy and daily worship, doctrine, monasticism, icons, architecture, art, and missionary work. A lot packed into a short 192 pages! There is little about theology included, and that's what I was really looking for! It's more about the make up of the church than in their beliefs. It is more descriptive than analytic. This book is one in a series of Lions History Series aimed at college students by this author. Good read with lots of pictures, maps, and primary sources. 3.5 stars

134. 133. And Never Let Her Go: Thomas Capano The Deadly Seducer by Ann Rule Love my true crime and this is my fav author of that genre. This book was about a murder in 1996 committed by Thomas Capano, an attorney who belonged to a powerful and wealthy family in Delaware. What a manipulator! 672 pages 4 stars

>143 Tess_W: Making a note of Her Accidental Highlander Husband in case a bargain copy pops up.

>148 pamelad: It was free on Kindle (America) last year sometime.

134. Pot Bouille by Emile Zola Often called Pot Luck or Stew Pot. Zola writes of the microcosm of the Hotel de Louvre in Paris where the "respectable" bourgeoisie live. Respectable on the surface only, though. The hotel is a hotbed of adultery, sexual assault, and the oppression of woman, amongst other things. The repetitive stories of adultery wore thin after 300+ pages. If I wasn't involved in a group read, I would have DNF this book. I hope the next one has a broader focus. 381 pages 3- stars

135. A fictionalized account of journalist Martha Gellhorn and author Ernest Hemingway. A story of passion and violence. Hemingway was an alcoholic and Gellhorn by her own admittance drank too much. Hemingway was very often verbally abusive. He often had no money and Ms. Gellhorn was the real provider for the pair (Hemingway's money went to two ex wives and 3 children). Interesting the travels they took for writing purposes, especially during wartime. Gellhorn endured 5 years of verbal abuse and treachery. 366 pages 4 stars Been sitting on my shelf since 2018.

136. Sylvia's Lovers by Elizabeth Gaskell I really loved this book! The book blurb says its takes place during the late 18th century. I think the book was slow going in the first half, but from midpoint on it was spellbinding. It's the story of three people: Sylvia, a woman torn between two men, the romantic sailor Charlie Kincaid, and her quiet, mannerly cousin Philip. The story centers around the impressment of Charlie and moral dilemmas that arise from that. Gaskell gives the characters such passion. Good stuff! 528 pages 4.5 stars

137. The Rose and the Thistle by Laura Frantz is a historical romance that takes place during the Jacobin uprising in the Scottish lowlands in 1715. Lady Blythe Hedley is English and Catholic and Lord Wedderburn is Scottish and Protestant. Blythe is sent to Scotland for her own safety. After some tense moments between the two, romantic sparks fly. 416 pages 4.5 stars This was a free book from Kindle in 2023.

138. Autumn Garden by Lillian Hellman was a 1951 play which is set in the 1940's following the end of WWII. The setting is a summer boarding house in Louisiana on the Gulf. The story is told through the dialogue of residents and guests. The story begins when ex friends and lovers decide to reunite at the house. They are all expecting this to be a good time. However, the visits were painful as most didn't achieve what they thought they would when they were young. Most are cynical, emotionally detached, and self-absorbed. This reader didn't care for any of them! This reminded me a lot of the plays of Tennessee Williams. 72 pages 2.5 stars RTT: Autumn

139. A Passion in the Desert by Honore de Balzac This was a short story that took place during the Egyptian campaign of Napoleon. A man is captured by Arab forces and escapes to end up in a cave with a panther, which poses both a threat and a surreal relationship. This was from the Comedy Humaine and I will be reading more in that series. 42 pages 4 stars 75 Paul's French Writers/RTT Napoleonic Era

140. Difficult to know where to begin with a book review of Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader by Anne Fadiman. This book is a collection of essays, all dealing with printed matter. Fadiman’s love for books certainly shines through each essay. Among my favorites were “Marrying Libraries” which I found hilarious, her confession of being a proud sesquipedalian, and her time working in a bookstore. (which spawned another read for me) Her essays aren’t about books, but about what books mean to those who own them. I felt the only downside to the book was the long lists of books in several of her essays. 162 pages 4 stars

141. ( This read was spawned by a list contained in #140) Bookshop Memories by George Orwell is an essay concerning his time in 1936 working in a used bookstore. It mostly addresses the types of customers that frequented the bookstore. I quite enjoyed this essay. 96 pages 4.5 stars

142. You Know How the Story Goes by Thomas Olde Heuvelt is a short horror story, more eerie than gory. Is it a familiar trope: hitchhiker is picked up by driver—is she human? Good for a short, one-sitting read . 27 pages 3.5 stars

143. Maria: or, The Wrongs of Woman is an unfinished novel by Mary Wollstonecraft, published posthumously in 1798. It was a work of early feminism. The main character, Maria Venables, is confined in a private madhouse by her cruel and manipulative husband, George Venables, who wants to control her and her inheritance. She forms several relationships while in the madhouse and those are the basis for the book. The book shows the oppression of women by society, law, and mental health facilities. The book ends abruptly, as the author died before it was finished. We never find out Maria's fate.

This book is tagged gothic, but I really didn't see the traditional gothic elements. I went to AI to ask it to identify and this is AI's response: ....".the book is considered gothic, although not in a traditional way. The scary house is replaced by the scary mental institution. Like many gothic characters, Maria is declared mad by a male figure, to strip her of her power, the "villain." The novel includes intense emotional suffering, dreams, memories, and reflections—hallmarks of the Gothic novels...."

So, I'm going to count it as a non-traditional gothic read! 102 pages 3.5 stars Oct Scaredy Kit-gothic reads

144. Portrait of a Marriage by Pearl S. Buck This is one of Buck's lesser known novels which is the analysis of a marriage. The plot centers around a couple where the man is very traditional and the woman is more progressive. Buck writes about gender roles, emotional estrangement, and resentment. The story is told through monologues, mostly internal. This is not a plot driven novel and moves fairly slow--for that reason a 3 is all I can give! 214 pages

145. The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother's Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times by Ilyon Woo This non-fiction was the story of Eunice Chapman who was in a bitter conflict with her husband after he abducted their three children and joined the Shakers in the early 1800's in Watervliet, New York. Eunice worked through the courts and the legislature for three years to get back her children. During the early 19th century, if a state permitted divorce, the man always got the children. First, Eunice had to get a divorce, that took two years and a proclamation by the House of New York, because women weren't permitted to sue. She was also awarded full custody. However, the Shakers hid the children in Massachusetts, where New York law did not apply. The children were finally reunited with their mother almost 5 years after being taken by their father. At first, they were reluctant to go with their mother. They had been brainwashed by the Shakers that their soul would go to hell if they left the community. Eunice had to physically take them with the help of friends and law enforcement officials. Quite a good read if one is interested in the Shakers. 416 pages 4.5 stars



P.S. I became interested in the Shakers when I attended a week long seminar on the Shakers sponsored by NEH in 2014 at Siena College in New York. We spent a day at Watervliet as well as a day trip to Enfield. It was quite interesting and one of the speakers recommended this book.

146. Through Russian Snows: A Story Of Napoleon's Retreat From Moscow by G.A. Henty. This was billed as juvenile fiction, I would classify it as YA. The novel is set in 1812 during Napoleon's invasion of Russia and its subsequent disastrous retreat. The protagonists are two English brothers, Julian and Frank Wyatt, being raised by their aunt. Through a series of very long and tedious events, Julian is imprisoned in France for smuggling and Frank joins the British Army. Julian is released on the condition he serve in the Grand Armee. Long story short: they both meet up in Moscow, on different sides. Lots of boring detail about the battles of Smolensk and Borodino (especially for juvenile readers). The plot threads are predictable and are usually the nature of a moral dilemma. Meh 242 pages 3 stars (hard to rate a book aimed at 10-14 year old boys!)

147. Pietre the Latvian by Georges Simenon is the first book in the series featuring Inspector Maigret. Maigret can be described as stoic, thoughtful, and more interested in understanding criminals than in just arresting them. This book seemed to move quite slowly and really didn't keep my attention. I always give authors a second chance, so I'm sure I'll meet Maigret somewhere else! 176 pages 3 stars

148. Factory Girls by Michelle Gallen read by Amy Molloy. This is a big DNF for me! I'm very much a completist, but I just couldn't continue reading for the following: 1) This is an audio book, and the Irish brogue is so strong that I couldn't even make out most of the time if this was English. I set the speed on 90% and still had to rewind several times to understand. 2) The story is about 18 year olds that just graduated from high school and the goal of most are to drink too much at a pub--boring! 3) The language is atrocious--17 "F" words in the first 2 minutes. I wish to read something with a broader language base. 4) There were so many acronymns, IRA, UVF, Prods (Prots?), BSF, UDA, etc.......if one is not familiar with the times/groups you are lost! I couldn't keep them straight. DNF I listened to 3 hours 34 minutes/10 hours and 27 mins, or just about 33%.

149. Why the Nativity? by David Jeremiah This little book uses a question to begin each topic and then proceeds to answer each question throughout that chapter. The chapter ends with 2-3 content and self-reflection questions. I'm reading advent "type" books because I'm teaching about Advent at church this year. 111 pages 4.5 stars .5 star taken off for font size so small I need more than just my reading glasses!



P.S. Expect more advent books!

150. I read two sermons by Jonathan Edwards, a fire and brimstone evangelist who took part in the Great Awakening in the 1730's-1740's in America. Since they were shorter (35 pages each), I will just count this as one read.

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God is no doubt Edwards' most famous sermon. It is based on Deuteronomy 32:32, "Their foot shall slide in due time." Edwards is very graphic in his sermon: flood waters from which one cannot escape, dangling like a spider over the pit of hell with flames waiting to engulf the web. After Edward sufficiently “scares” the congregation, he does offer a light at the end of the tunnel; a redemption—God’s mercy and forgiveness.

A Divine and Supernatural Light based on Matthew 16:17 "Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven". (Simon Bar-Jonah=Simon Peter) Edwards goes on to say that this divine light is not natural and it is not religious fervor (imagination). Edwards tried to distinguish between the rational and the spiritual with an example of honey: Men know rationally that honey is sweet. But if somebody has never tasted honey, they might have a sense that it is sweet, but have no empirical data to support this feeling. So according to Edwards, divine knowledge passes theoretical knowledge. Since this spiritual knowledge comes from God, it may be granted to persons of any station or any level of intellect.

Good stuff to ponder! 4 stars

Both were d/l from JSTOR database.

Read in preparation for an American Colonial history course that I will be teaching next semester.

151. The Secrets They Kept: The True Story of a Mercy Killing that Shocked a Town and Shamed a Family by Suzanne Handler A sad story of a father who committed what was termed in 1937 a "mercy" killing of his daughter who suffered from what is now called schizophrenia. The books tells about the life and times of both the victim and her family, specifically her father. The stigma of both mental illness and family shame leaves a lot of information missing. A good read. 160 pages non-fiction 4 stars

152. The Suitors of Yvonne by Rafael Sabatini is set in mid 17th century France, in the court of Louis XIV with the powerful Cardinal Mazarin doing his "dirty" work. The book portrays the political turbulence and decadence of the courtier life. It is narrated as part of the memoirs of the Sieur de Luynes. Sabatini does a good job of making his characters known in such as way as the readers cares about what happens to them (most of them!). Sabatini's first novel. 3.5 stars 166 pages Free on Kindle (US)

>163 Tess_W: I read Factory Girls last year and was interested in the relations between the Catholics and Protestants - the enormous separation between the two groups, and the mutual loathing. The Protestant perspective on the Troubles was unusual because most of the books I've come across were written by Catholics. I thought it was worth a read. Sorry the audio book was so off-putting.

The swearing didn't bother me because I'm in Australia.

>162 Tess_W: Decades ago I read lots of Maigrets and enjoyed them, but these days I find them sad and bleak. I'm also annoyed for Madame Maigret.

154. The King's Witch by Tracy Borman This is the story of Lady Frances Gorges, who was a maid servant to Queen Elizabeth I. After her death, with the ascension of James I to the throne, life becomes perilous at court, for Frances was a herbal healer. She is accused of witchcraft and the remainder of the story centers on her tribulations as well as the Gunpowder Plot. Good stuff! Borman's debut novel. 521 pages 4 stars

155. When Politics are Sacralized: Comparative Perspectives on Religious Claims and Nationalism by Nadim Rouhana. This book is about how religious claims and nationalism often twine together and form "sacralized politics." This sacralization, which puts religious ideals into politics, often causes violence against various racial groups. The book uses 11 different case studies to make its point; including Sri Lanka, India, Northern Ireland, Saudi Arabia, and Israel/Palestine, just to name a few. However, the majority of the book is taken up with studies concerning Israel/Palestine, maybe because that is who is currently dominating the world stage. This book is much more dense than just religion and politics and I'm not sure I "got" all of it. 300 pages 3 stars

156. The Maid's Diary by Loreth Anne White was a psychological thriller. This story centers on Kit, raped as a young teen by a group of would-be Olympic skiers. Years later she decides to exact her revenge, quite
ingeniously. I found the book riveting until the denouement, where it took a nosedive. (about 3/4 through the book) Better than some, but not great. 3.5 stars

157. The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. It's been about 10 years since I last read this epic poem. The poem begins dramatically, with an old sailor—the Ancient Mariner—detaining a wedding guest to tell his story. What follows is a tale of a sea voyage gone disastrously wrong. Good regardless of the amount of times read. Coleridge has a way with words! Only 25 pages in length. Free on Kindle (US) and only $.99 though Audible, it's worth every penny! The reader, Nate Maughan, is superb. RTT: High Seas 5 stars

158. The Ship of Silence by Albert Wetjen This is supposed to be maritime "horror". I suppose the author creates a unknowing, moody atmosphere. However, this "ghostship" mystery is lacking. This episode takes place on the "Robert Sutter", an abandoned ship from Sydney to Callao. Deal of the day sometime in 2023 from Audible 52 minutes. 2.5 stars

159. The Magi: Who They Were, How They’ve Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate by Eric Vanden Eykel. This book looks at the account of the Magi in the book of Matthew and then demonstrates how that story has been used and modified over the centuries. The author does an excellent job of explaining the Magi in first century context as well as explaining why their story continues to be an integral part of the Christmas story. If you are looking for the definitive answer as to who they were, this book raises more questions than provides answers. Eykel treats the Magi as literary characters more than historical personas. Very readable and interesting while still academic in nature. 218 pages 5 stars

160. The Ladies Paradise by Emile Zola introduces the reader to 19th century capitalism following the Industrial Revolution in Paris. Denise, a humble shop girl with peasant beginnings, ascends the corporate ladder without sleeping with anybody! Mouret, the owner of said department store, undergoes a moral transformation and falls truly in love with Denise. This book was very soap-opera-ish and I loved it! 481 pages 4.5 stars a tad too long!

161. Captains Courageous by Rudyard Kipling tells the story of Harvey Cheyne, a spoiled and teenager who falls overboard from a luxury liner and is rescued by a fishing schooner from Gloucester. The fishermen refuse to take him home until their season ends, forcing Harvey to live and work among them. Through hard labor Harvey becomes a man. Everything is pretty much predictable. 181 pages 3 stars RTT: High Seas

162. Blindness by Jose Saramago is a modern allegory in which an unexplained epidemic of “white blindness” sweeps through an unnamed city, plunging society into chaos. At first, those afflicted are quarantined in an insane asylum where conditions are brutal. After a fire, the main characters escape and make their way back to an apartment in a central location. Of course, there are no utilities, food, or law and order. The overlying question of the book is: who can really see? 354 pages 4.5 stars

163. Twelve Ordinary Men by John Macarthur is the story of the lives of the twelve apostles. Each disciple is profiled in length including background, personalities, strength, and weaknesses. Rather than choosing scholars or religious elites, Jesus called flawed men who were transformed through His teaching and presence. Availability was more important than natural ability. This was a re-read for me. 201 pages 4 stars

164. A Tapestry of Treason by Anne O'Brien is a historical fiction novel featuring the houses of York and Lancaster. The story centers on the end of the reign of Richard II and Henry IV's ascension. The protagonist of this novel is Constance of York, a staunch supporter of Richard II. She becomes involved in several plots to restore him to the throne, much to her detriment. Most of the characters in the book were unsympathetic, although the story line was superb. O'Brien is one of my favs when it comes to historical fiction. 384 pages 4.5 stars

165. The Sins of Father Mouret by Emile Zola This book, while generous in lush detail (especially the "Garden of Eden"), was stark in allowing human beings any choices at all. Devotion to the church was all or nothing, there wasn't room for devotion to any relationship except with God; love was sin. Zola continues his nature vs. nurture argument in this novel. I found that book two went a bit overboard with its description of Paradou (the Garden of Eden), but all in all this was a good read. 352 pages 3.5 stars

166. In All the Names by José Saramago, the setting is a dull civil registry where records replace human connection. Senhor José, a timid clerk, becomes obsessed with a single unknown woman’s file, which slowly develops into a quiet mystery. I found the sentences extremely long and the punctuation sparse. I assumed this was intentional and meant to serve the story, especially since it differed from the writing style I noticed in Blindness. Over time, José turns into a fragile, ordinary sort of hero. I didn’t feel the plot itself was particularly strong, and at times I sensed I was missing deeper meaning. The slow pacing may have been deliberate, but it didn’t work for me. Overall, this book was not the enjoyable reading experience for which I had hoped. 262 pages 2.5 stars

167. The Peloponnesian Wars by Thucydides This was a book I had to read, but did not want to read! It is required reading for the college Western Civ I course. I read it about 30 years ago. I usually don't teach Western Civ I, I usually teach Western Civ II, so time to review! It's taken me a month to read...the love just wasn't there! Thucydides is known for his rigorous methodology and the collection of eye witness accounts. This is probably "THE" account of the 10 years war between Athens and Sparta. Thucydides bypasses the myths and the morals and goes straight to cause and effect and human motivation. While there are chronicles of a multitude of battles, he often considers the way societies respond under pressure. To me, the highlight was Pericles' Funeral Speech. 784 pages 4 stars

168. How the Fall of Constantinople Reshaped the Renaissance by Nathan Kay. This was either Kay's thesis or dissertation. I had to read it in the library as it had not been digitized. 60 pages Research indicates that engineers, mathematicians, and scholars fled Constantinople at its fall in 1453 and headed towards Athens or Rome. They often carried their research and libraries with them. For quite sometime Rome had really been in the Dark Ages since the Barbarians had destroyed many libraries and repositories. Hence, receiving access to these materials is what sparked the Renaissance. I would guess that this was a thesis and not a dissertation. It covered the knowledge that I needed to know, but I felt it wasn't in scholarly depth and the sources were sparse; however, some good reading!

169. My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante This book covered the friendship or lack thereof of two young girls through adulthood. The girls struggled against family pressures and society's limitations. However, I found little plot and the stories surrounding the friends were just mediocre, creating a boring read. This is book one in the Neapolitan Novel series. I will not continue with the series. 336 pages 2.5 stars

They are called ice stars! These pictures were taken recently in Ohio. Normally, they form when heavy snow weighs down thin ice just enough for water to seep in through a small hole. The water then spreads across the snow on top, melting channels outward, then refreezes...creating the branch star patterns you see! Pic from a park in Ohio

170. The Guest List by Lucy Foley I found this book extremely slow at the very beginning. Each chapter is from a different POV and they all seem to blur together; there seems to not be enough distinction between the characters. Also, I was 2 hours/10 hours into the book and the "mystery" event had not yet occurred. The characters thus far were annoying and superficial. This is a DNF for me (audio book). 2 stars

>177 Tess_W: I was also very impressed by Blindness. Shame about All the Names because it's on my Kindle. Perhaps we bought the same Kindle bargain?

>185 Tess_W: One advantage of books you read over books you listen to is that you can skim the dull bits. I read an ebook version and thought The Guest List was OK.

>186 pamelad: I agree with the audio books, not being able to skip about. About 50% of the books I now read are audio, and while they are convenient for the car, while doing housework, while working in the garden, etc., there is something "lost" from the page.

171. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Robinson A classic I have read 3-4 times. I like it because it cuts to the chase of the real Christmas. 128 pages 5 stars

173. A Disappearance in Fiji by Nilima Rao is set in 1914 in the British colony of Fiji. It features Sergeant Akal Singh, a Sikh Indian, as he tries to find out why an indentured Indian woman has disappeared. Nobody much cares about this "coolie" woman. Singh is trying to work off a disgrace in which he was involved in Hong Kong before being hurriedly transferred. The story and mystery were good enough, but not really exciting. I probably will not seek the rest of the series. 288 pages 3 stars

174. Joinville and Villehardouin: Chronicles of the Crusades edited by M.R.B. Shaw, translated by Carolyn Smith. This NF read is considered two of the most important and accurate first hand accounts of the crusades. Villehardouin's The Conquest of Constantinople is a soldier's account of the 4th crusade and includes the sack of Constantinople in 1204, and not for the religious reasons usually touted. Jean de Joinville writes about the 7th crusade and Louis IX's moral character, piety, and military failure(s). I like these 2 particular takes as they present a balanced view of both the military and religious aspects of the crusades. 384 pages 4.5 stars

175. Beyond the Door of No Return by David Diop This is a difficult review because the book was a difficult read and my understanding of it is nebulous. In a nutshell, a daughter of a famous botanist attempts to either understand or locate the love of her passed father's life, who had been sold into slavery. Not sure, because I was unable to tell what was real and what was imagined. I think that this book was a condemnation of colonialism, but it meandered so much that it became almost absurd to this reader. I should have DNF....2.5 stars 256 pages

2025 year in review

Number of books read: 173
Fiction-116
Non-fiction-57

Best of Fiction:
Blindness by Jose Saramago
The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne
The Rime of the Ancient Mariner by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Rodin's Lover by Heather Webb
The Letter by Kathryn Hughes
Mary Ingalls on Her Own (Little House Sequel) by Elizabeth Cody Kimball
A Tapestry of Treason by Anne O'Brien
Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce
Rose and Thistle by Laura Frantz
Her Accidental Highlander Husband: Clan MacKinlay Series, Book 1 by Allison Hanson
The Winthrop Woman by Anya Seton
The Ladies' Paradise by Emile Zola
The Asylum (The Forensic Genealogist Series) by Nathan Goodwin

Best of Non-Fiction
Twelve Ordinary Men by John Macarthur
The Epic of Gilgamesh: An English Version with an Introduction author unknown
Hitler's Last Days: The Death of the Nazi Regime and the World's Most Notorious Dictator by Bill O'Reilly
The Magi: Who They Were, How They’ve Been Remembered, and Why They Still Fascinate by Eric Eyekel
Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark, 1751-75 by Hester Chapman
Betrayal at the Vel D'Hiv by Claude Levy
Do Not Lick This Book by Idan Ben-Barak
Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death by Patrick Henry
Killing the Rising Sun: How America Vanquished World War II Japan (Bill O'Reilly's Killing Series) by Bill O'Reilly
A Letter From Danton to Marie Antoinette (Classic Reprint) by Georges Jacques Danton
All Rivers Run to the Sea: Memoirs (Memoirs of Elie Wiesel) by Elie Wiesel
The Great Divorce: A Nineteenth-Century Mother's Extraordinary Fight Against Her Husband, the Shakers, and Her Times by Ilyon Woo

Best non-fiction of 2025- Caroline Matilda, Queen of Denmark by Hester Chapman
Best fiction of 2025-Miss Benson's Beetle by Rachel Joyce

See you in 2026!

Hi Tess,

Here's the 2026 group https://www.librarything.com/topic/376669