3PaulCranswick
Welcome back, Kim.
Our numbers last year are similar.
Our numbers last year are similar.
4kimcassady
>drneutron
thanks! its probably about average for me. so, 130 books a year for 65 years is 8450 so far. hard to comprehend...
thanks! its probably about average for me. so, 130 books a year for 65 years is 8450 so far. hard to comprehend...
5kimcassady
> PaulCranswick
Thanks for the welcome. I am enjoying the challenge, and it commits me to actually keeping track of what I read
Thanks for the welcome. I am enjoying the challenge, and it commits me to actually keeping track of what I read
6PaulCranswick
>5 kimcassady: I was always pretty good at keeping record of my reading, Kim, but this group makes it much more enjoyable doing so.
7kimcassady
So, for the first book of the year:
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness by Alan Burgess
A novelization of a remarkable woman. It's hard to judge the accuracy, but the bones of the story are probably based on truth.
The Inn of the Sixth Happiness by Alan Burgess
A novelization of a remarkable woman. It's hard to judge the accuracy, but the bones of the story are probably based on truth.
8kimcassady
A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess
Book 2
This became a Stanley Kubrik movie with rave reviews. An interesting read, completely in made up slang. Strangely readable just the same!
Book 2
This became a Stanley Kubrik movie with rave reviews. An interesting read, completely in made up slang. Strangely readable just the same!
9kimcassady
The Exile by Pearl S. Buck
Book 3
A biography of the author's mother, a missionary's wife in China. It is impossible for me to relate to a life so foreign to my own. Going to another country to persuade the residents that the religion of their ancestors is somehow 'wrong' seems to me to be the worst possible use of one's skills. For the wife of that missionary, life was difficult in the extreme, and this book chronicles that life.
Book 3
A biography of the author's mother, a missionary's wife in China. It is impossible for me to relate to a life so foreign to my own. Going to another country to persuade the residents that the religion of their ancestors is somehow 'wrong' seems to me to be the worst possible use of one's skills. For the wife of that missionary, life was difficult in the extreme, and this book chronicles that life.
10kimcassady
The Lights of Barbrin by Joseph Burgo
book 4
A fantasy with the usual world saving quest. Well written, but the plot is a boit uneven. Sometimes too much detail, and sometimes too little
book 4
A fantasy with the usual world saving quest. Well written, but the plot is a boit uneven. Sometimes too much detail, and sometimes too little
11kimcassady
Carson of Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 5
A rollicking adventure by the prolific master of adventure.
Book 5
A rollicking adventure by the prolific master of adventure.
12kimcassady
Escape on Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 6
What a remarkable imagination! And a good writer as well. This book was marred only by spelling errors. I suppose they did not have spell check in the sixties (or maybe 70's) when this edition was printed
Book 6
What a remarkable imagination! And a good writer as well. This book was marred only by spelling errors. I suppose they did not have spell check in the sixties (or maybe 70's) when this edition was printed
13kimcassady
Land of Terror by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 7
Another fun read
Book 7
Another fun read
15PaulCranswick
Have a good weekend, Kim.
16kimcassady
Lost on Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 8
Another rollicking adventure. What an imagination. I would like to have met him and had dinner. I'm positive it would have been fascinating
Book 8
Another rollicking adventure. What an imagination. I would like to have met him and had dinner. I'm positive it would have been fascinating
17kimcassady
The Moon Maid
Book 9
Another page turner.
Book 9
Another page turner.
18kimcassady
Pirates of Venus by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 10
The last of the Venus books by Burroughs. What an imagination!
Book 10
The last of the Venus books by Burroughs. What an imagination!
19kimcassady
A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Book 11
A rollicking adventure
Book 11
A rollicking adventure
20kimcassady
Young Rissa by F.M. Busby
Book 12
An adventure worthy of Burroughs, though not as well written. Couldn't put it down, though!
Book 12
An adventure worthy of Burroughs, though not as well written. Couldn't put it down, though!
21kimcassady
Rissa and Tregare by F.M. Busby
Book 13
Another page turner
Book 13
Another page turner
22kimcassady
Rebel's Quest by F.M. Busby
Book 14
A prequel to the previous 2 books. A vey competent author
Book 14
A prequel to the previous 2 books. A vey competent author
23kimcassady
Dawn by Octavia E. Butler
Book 15
An interesting notion, although the actions of the humans were not always believable
Book 15
An interesting notion, although the actions of the humans were not always believable
24kimcassady
Figures of Earth by James Branch Cabell
Book 16
I found this a difficult read, in spite of its being hailed as a 'classic'. The prose seemed heavy handed, and difficult to wade through. I was reminded of the writing of Tolkien, whose books I have attempted to read, unsuccessfully, on several occasions. Tolkien's books are in a small set of books I simply cannot read, for whatever reason. The only other members of the set are a couple of simply dreadful 'bestsellers', whose names and authors I have mercifully forgotten
Book 16
I found this a difficult read, in spite of its being hailed as a 'classic'. The prose seemed heavy handed, and difficult to wade through. I was reminded of the writing of Tolkien, whose books I have attempted to read, unsuccessfully, on several occasions. Tolkien's books are in a small set of books I simply cannot read, for whatever reason. The only other members of the set are a couple of simply dreadful 'bestsellers', whose names and authors I have mercifully forgotten
25kimcassady
Almost Midnight by Martin Caiden
Book 17
A thriller, fairly well written. Spoiler alert: the good guys win.
Book 17
A thriller, fairly well written. Spoiler alert: the good guys win.
26kimcassady
Death by Inferior Design by Lesley Caine
Book 18
An interesting murder mystery with numerous plot twists.
Book 18
An interesting murder mystery with numerous plot twists.
27kimcassady
Answer as a Man by Taylor Caldwell
Book 19
A well written novel
Book 19
A well written novel
28kimcassady
The Devil's Advocate by Taylor Caldwell
Book 20
This novel reflects the times when it was written. A dystopian United States has been taken over by an authoritarian regime designated as 'Communist'. A group of heroic people (largely male) endeavour to restore democracy and the constitution.
The novel reads like Ayn Rand, except even preachier. One review of the time noted that the preaching overtook the plot, and I agree.
Book 20
This novel reflects the times when it was written. A dystopian United States has been taken over by an authoritarian regime designated as 'Communist'. A group of heroic people (largely male) endeavour to restore democracy and the constitution.
The novel reads like Ayn Rand, except even preachier. One review of the time noted that the preaching overtook the plot, and I agree.
29kimcassady
The Origen of Consciousness in the Breakdown of the Bicameral Mind by Julian Jaynes
Book 21
This book is as dense as its title suggests. The suggestion that human consciousness is a learned process, which did not evolve until ca. 1000 BCE is explored in great detail, from many different disciplines. The concept is novel, but I cannot shake the sense that the facts are cherry picked to support the hypothesis. In any event a book that challenges my intellect!
Book 21
This book is as dense as its title suggests. The suggestion that human consciousness is a learned process, which did not evolve until ca. 1000 BCE is explored in great detail, from many different disciplines. The concept is novel, but I cannot shake the sense that the facts are cherry picked to support the hypothesis. In any event a book that challenges my intellect!
30kimcassady
Glory and the Lightning by Taylor Caldwell
book 22
A well researched historical novel set in Athens about 500 bce. I do not particularly enjoy her writing; it seems very dated
book 22
A well researched historical novel set in Athens about 500 bce. I do not particularly enjoy her writing; it seems very dated
31kimcassady
Grandmother and the Priests by Taylor Caldwell
Book 23
I enjoyed this book more than any of her others so far. It is a series of short stories about the experiences of priests in the UK, with a plot device that connects otherwise disparate stories.
Book 23
I enjoyed this book more than any of her others so far. It is a series of short stories about the experiences of priests in the UK, with a plot device that connects otherwise disparate stories.
32kimcassady
The Sound of Thunder by Taylor Caldwell
Book 24
Another diatribe against 'socialism'. Not quite as preachy as The Devil's Advocate. The story is stronger than the message this time. Also a strong message about the necessity of Christianity in life. Still not my favourite author though
Book 24
Another diatribe against 'socialism'. Not quite as preachy as The Devil's Advocate. The story is stronger than the message this time. Also a strong message about the necessity of Christianity in life. Still not my favourite author though
33kimcassady
Ghosts and three other plays by Henrik Ibsen
(A Doll's House, An Enemy of the People, Rosmersholm)
Book 25
A local live theatre is producing 'A Doll's House', and led me to reread the plays after many years. Full disclosure: I did not read the Introductions to the plays. I started one and found it too dry to continue.
(A Doll's House, An Enemy of the People, Rosmersholm)
Book 25
A local live theatre is producing 'A Doll's House', and led me to reread the plays after many years. Full disclosure: I did not read the Introductions to the plays. I started one and found it too dry to continue.
34kimcassady
The Strong City by Taylor Caldwell
Book 26
The best novel by this author that I have encountered so far
Book 26
The best novel by this author that I have encountered so far
35kimcassady
The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
Book 27
As is true for many of Professor Dawkins books, this is a well written book, in this case exploring the world of evolution. For me, each of his books has altered my thinking about how the world works.
Book 27
As is true for many of Professor Dawkins books, this is a well written book, in this case exploring the world of evolution. For me, each of his books has altered my thinking about how the world works.
36kimcassady
Psychology by T. L. Engle
Book 28
A high school level textbook. Very interesting - I had not previously read much psychology, and was discouraged from taking a course in high school. I feel that I would have benefitted from taking it!
Book 28
A high school level textbook. Very interesting - I had not previously read much psychology, and was discouraged from taking a course in high school. I feel that I would have benefitted from taking it!
37kimcassady
Testimony of Two Men by Taylor Caldwell
Book 29
I enjoyed this novel better than the others i have read. Still preachy, but the story is paramount. A later novel (1968) so it is apparent she grew ion her craft over time
Book 29
I enjoyed this novel better than the others i have read. Still preachy, but the story is paramount. A later novel (1968) so it is apparent she grew ion her craft over time
38kimcassady
Your Sins and Mine by Taylor Caldwell
Book 30
A quick read. Well written; I read it in a single sitting. What would happen if Matthew 24 was to actually come true? Simplistic treatment with an unsurprising ending
Book 30
A quick read. Well written; I read it in a single sitting. What would happen if Matthew 24 was to actually come true? Simplistic treatment with an unsurprising ending
39kimcassady
The Solomon Stone by Mark A Calde
Book 31
An interesting thriller. The author pulls out all the stops - a divorced homicide detective with daughter problems, ultra rich people with few scruples, international art and jewelry dealers, generational intrigue, and the legendary Mossad. It is very well written and nearly impossible to put down
Book 31
An interesting thriller. The author pulls out all the stops - a divorced homicide detective with daughter problems, ultra rich people with few scruples, international art and jewelry dealers, generational intrigue, and the legendary Mossad. It is very well written and nearly impossible to put down
40kimcassady
Oh Heavenly Dog by Joe Camp
Book 32
A book with the plot for a movie. Summer fluff, I think. Enjoyable read though
Book 32
A book with the plot for a movie. Summer fluff, I think. Enjoyable read though
41kimcassady
Islands of Space by John W. Campbell
Book 33
An early story by Campbell.
Book 33
An early story by Campbell.
42kimcassady
The Outsider by Albert Camus
Book 34
I was frequently reminded of another French classic - Waiting for Godot. This novel had the same sense of ennui I felt in Godot. Uninteresting, almost boring, but at the same time compelling. Couldn't put it down, a sure sign of an excellent writer!
Book 34
I was frequently reminded of another French classic - Waiting for Godot. This novel had the same sense of ennui I felt in Godot. Uninteresting, almost boring, but at the same time compelling. Couldn't put it down, a sure sign of an excellent writer!
43kimcassady
Bridesmaids Revisited by Dorothy Cannell
Book 35
An intriguing murder mystery
Book 35
An intriguing murder mystery
44kimcassady
The Thin Woman by Dorothy Cannell
Book 36
Fascinating storytelling with twists both unexpected and delightful
Book 36
Fascinating storytelling with twists both unexpected and delightful
45kimcassady
Down the Garden Path by Dorothy Cannell
Book 37
A good read
Book 37
A good read
46kimcassady
How to Murder Your Mother-in-law by Dorothy Cannell
Book 38
It's been a while since i finished a book. I read this one as a sort of relief for the other one I am working on. This is a light read; a sort of comic murder mystery. My other read is Gravity's Rainbow by Pynchon. A very dense read - the only novel comparable to it in my mind is War and Peace by Tolstoy. I will probably read that one again after I finish Gravity, just to see if it is in fact as difficult a read....
Book 38
It's been a while since i finished a book. I read this one as a sort of relief for the other one I am working on. This is a light read; a sort of comic murder mystery. My other read is Gravity's Rainbow by Pynchon. A very dense read - the only novel comparable to it in my mind is War and Peace by Tolstoy. I will probably read that one again after I finish Gravity, just to see if it is in fact as difficult a read....
47kimcassady
Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
Book 39
It is hard for me to decide if I like this book or hate it. Published over 50 years ago and set 80 years ago, I think I missed the bulk of the references. I obtained a second hand copy, complete with extensive margin notes which illuminated some of them! Despite the dated references, the prose is remarkable. The author's ability to use 1000 words to paint a literary picture is amazing.
Book 39
It is hard for me to decide if I like this book or hate it. Published over 50 years ago and set 80 years ago, I think I missed the bulk of the references. I obtained a second hand copy, complete with extensive margin notes which illuminated some of them! Despite the dated references, the prose is remarkable. The author's ability to use 1000 words to paint a literary picture is amazing.
48kimcassady
God Save the Queen by Dorothy Cannell
Book 40
Another guilty pleasure mystery. A fun read
Book 40
Another guilty pleasure mystery. A fun read
49kimcassady
War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
Book 41
I had not read this book in decades, and it is not at all how I remember it. When I was younger it seemed interminable, but now it was just a pleasant read. I am not all that familiar with the Napoleonic wars, but the book provided enough context to understand the way it unfolded. A much better read than I had anticipated
Book 41
I had not read this book in decades, and it is not at all how I remember it. When I was younger it seemed interminable, but now it was just a pleasant read. I am not all that familiar with the Napoleonic wars, but the book provided enough context to understand the way it unfolded. A much better read than I had anticipated
50kimcassady
The Crying of Lot 49 by Thomas Pynchon
Book 42
A book of paranoid fantasies and delusions. Very strange
Book 42
A book of paranoid fantasies and delusions. Very strange
