Ivy's 999

I think I now have some categories -- at least tentatively. I've learned from the 888 Challenge... so my categories are going to be more general, at least until I see what I actually read. Ending up with a whole category of Sci-Fi this year is a real surprise to me, and so is not getting to Shakespeare's histories, which I was really looking forward to at the beginning of 2008. In fact, I have a lot of carry-overs from 2008; part of the (problem?) with LT is learning about so many exciting and interesting books.

4* & 5* Books: Favorite Books of 2009 ~~ 9 found by February ~~ list in Msg #2

CHALLENGE COMPLETED 9-4-09!!!
1. Contemporary Fiction ~~ completed June
2. Joanne Fluke ~~ completed May
3. Other Series / Favorite Authors ~~ completed September
4. British Isles ~~ completed August
~~ Shakespeare (uncompleted -- transferred to 999 Addendum)
5. World View ~~ completed August
~~ USA (uncompleted -- transferred to 999 Addendum)
6. Native American -- completed August
7. Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony ~~ completed March
8. Women Authors of Children's Books ~~ completed June
9. Other Children's / YA Books ~~ completed August

Ivy's 999 ADDENDUM: http://www.librarything.com/topic/72143
The additional uncompleted categories -- Shakespeare and USA -- along with the extras in the 9 completed categories, will be transferred to this new thread.

-----

Feb 28: My first category change, because I've already read 10 4*-5* books! I'm also thinking that I may not even need a cross-over category this year, since I'm now on book #24, with 2 others already started as well.

April 4: 4* & 5* Books: Favorite Books of 2009 is now eliminated as a category, but I will continue to update the list in Msg #2. I have replaced this category with Joanne Fluke books, and changed Series / Favorite Authors to Other Series / Favorite Authors.

May 26: I've added a sub-category of USA to World View. Although I do believe that the US is part of the World, my original intention was the the World View category would be books about other countries or subjects which affect more than just a single country (such as religion, which actually seems to be the predominant theme of this category so far).

July 19: Another new category added: 6B. Native American.

4* & 5* Books: Favorite Books of 2009

I'm hoping that I will read 9 books that I classify as 4-5 star books. I'm pretty critical: anything that I enjoy gets 3*; 4* means really good, but with some flaws; and 5* books are ones that I loved. This category is intended as a crossover, and of course it can't be filled in until I actually read the books.

Feb 28: Amazingly, I have now filled in 9 books, and have another I want to add! I've decided to keep this list at 9, so I've renamed it, and from now on, books will be dropped as/if I read books that I like better. (More of my thoughts about this at Msg #41.)

April 4: Changed my mind again. Having read 36 books in the first quarter of the year, I don't think I will need a cross-over category. Nevertheless, I like seeing my favorite books listed at the top of the thread, so I think I will continue to do that. I'm going to add back the ones I eliminated earlier, make a separate list of the children's books, and just see how many really good books I read this year.

1. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (January, 4*, British Isles)
2. The Hope by Herman Wouk (January, 5*, World View)
3. The Glory by Herman Wouk (February, 4 1/2 *, World View)
4. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (February, 4 3/4*, Contemporary Fiction)
5. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows (February, 4*, British Isles)
6. The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow (March, 5*, World View)
7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (April, 5*, Contemporary Fiction)
8. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (May, 4*, British Isles)
9. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (June, 4 1/2*, World View)
10. The Shack by William P. Young (June, 4*, Contemporary Fiction)
11. The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #5) (July, 4*, Other Series / Favorite Authors)
12. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #6) (July, 4*, Other Series / Favorite Authors)
13. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (August, 5*, World View)
14. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin (August, 4*, British Isles)

Children's/YA Books:

1. Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe (January, 4*, Other Children's / YA Books)
2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (Caldecott Medal 2008) (January, 5*, Other Children's / YA Books)
-- The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse (re-read January, 5*, Other Children's / Young Adult Books)
3. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (February, 4*, Women Authors of Children's Books)
4. More All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (February, 4*, Women Authors of Children's Books)
5. Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker (Newbery Honor Book 1928) (February, 5*, Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony)
6. The Tiger in the Well by Philip Pullman (February, 4*, Other Children's/YA Books)
7. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (March, 4*, Other Children's/YA Books)
8. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (Newbery Medal 1931) (March, 5*, Women Authors of Children's Books)
9. The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Newbery Medal 1997) (May, 4*, Women Authors of Children's Books)
10. Blue Willow by Doris Gates (Newbery Honor Book 1941) (June, 5*, Women Authors of Children's Books)
11. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (June, 5*, Native American)
12. Nadita by Grace Moon (August, 4*, Native American)

1. Contemporary Fiction
COMPLETED (June)

This is what I rmostly read. My original 888 challenge ended up with 19 books in this category. By adding the categories of Series/Favorite Authors, British Isles, and World View, I'm hoping it will be divided up a bit. However, for the moment I'm listing the books that I really want to read here, since I prefer not to know very much about them beforehand and I'm not sure which other categories they may fit into.

1. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood (January, 3*)
2. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry (February, 4 3/4*)
3. American Gods by Neil Gaiman (March, 2 1/2*)
4. Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen (April, 3 1/2*)
5. Flying Changes by Sara Gruen (April, 3 1/2*)
6. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (April, 5*)
7. A Hole in Texas by Herman Wouk (June, 3 1/2*)
8. Illegal by Paul Levine (June, 3 1/2*)
9. The Shack by William P. Young (June, 4*)

2. Joanne Fluke
COMPLETED (May)

1. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen #1) (April, 3 1/2*)
~~ "Candy for Christmas" (Hannah Swensen short story, 2 weeks after #1) (April)
2. Strawberry Shortcake Murder (Hannah Swensen #2) (April, 3*)
3. Blueberry Muffin Murder (Hannah Swensen #3) (April, 3 1/2*)
4. Lemon Meringue Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen #4) (April, 3*)
5. Fudge Cupcake Murder (Hannah Swensen #5) (April, 3*)
6. Sugar Cookie Murder (Hannah Swensen #6) (April, 3 1/2*)
7. Peach Cobbler Murder (Hannah Swensen #7) (April, 3 1/2*)
8. Cherry Cheesecake Murder (Hannah Swensen #8) (May, 3*)
9. Key Lime Pie Murder (Hannah Swensen #9) (May, 3 1/2*)

10. Carrot Cake Murder (Hannah Swensen #10) (July, 3*)
11. Candy Cane Murder by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine & Leslie Meier (Christmas anthology, Hannah Swensen story occurs after book #11?, same Christmas but before "Sugar and Spice") (June)
12. Sugar and Spice by Fern Michaels, Beverly Barton, Joanne Fluke & Shirley Jump (Christmas anthology, Hannah Swensen story "Twelve Desserts of Christmas" occurs after book #11 --?, same Christmas but after "Candy Cane Murder") (May)

=====
3. Other Series / Favorite Authors
COMPLETED (September)

I'm not yet sure exactly what I'll end up reading in this category. I frequently buy a new book by a favorite author at the grocery store (e.g., J.D. Robb, Catherine Coulter, Jeffrey Archer, sadly no longer Sidney Sheldon). There are also a couple of series that I have enjoyed but am behind on (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Miss Julia) and would like to get back to. Since I don't have any of these yet, I'll just wait to see what it turns out to be.

1. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #1) (January, 3 1/2*)
2. Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #2) (February, 3 1/2*)
3. Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #3) (March, 3 1/2*)
4. Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb (June, 3 1/2*)
5. The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #5) (July, 4*)
6. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #6) (July, 4*)
7. TailSpin by Catherine Coulter (FBI #12) (July, 3 1/2*)
8. Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #7) (September, 3*)
9. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #8) (September, 3 1/2*)

4. British Isles
COMPLETED (August)

1. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton (January, 4*)
2. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows (February, 4*)
3. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (March, 3 1/2*)
4. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton (May, 4*)
5. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin (July, 3 1/2*)
6. Atonement by Ian Mc Ewan (July, 2 1/2*)
7. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin (August, 4*)
8. The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter (The Heaven Tree Trilogy #1) (August, 3 1/2*)
9. The Green Branch by Edith Pargeter (The Heaven Tree Trilogy #2) (August, 3*)

~~ Shakespeare
UNCOMPLETED -- TRANSFERRED TO IVY'S 999 ADDENDUM

And I didn't get to the histories in 2008, so I'll try again in 2009.

1. The Life and Death of King John (April)
2. The Tragedy of King Richard II (May)

5. World View
COMPLETED (August)

1. This Is My God: The Jewish Way of Life by Herman Wouk (January)
2. The Hope by Herman Wouk (January, 5*)
3. The Glory by Herman Wouk (February, 4 1/2 *)
4. The Quest by Wilbur Smith (March, 2 1/2 *)
5. The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow (March, 5*)

Books of the Bible (March)
~~ "The Gospel According to Mark"
~~ "The Gospel According to John"
~~ "The First Letter of John"
~~ "The Second Letter of John"
~~ "The Third Letter of John"
~~ "A Letter of Jude"
~~ "The Revelation of John"

6. The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent (May)
7. The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila (May, 2*)
8. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov (June, 4 1/2*)
9. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar by Margaret Starbird (August)

10. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (August, 5*)

=====
~~ USA
UNCOMPLETED -- TRANSFERRED TO IVY'S 999 ADDENDUM

Added May 26. A new sub-category for books specifically dealing with the US and not fitting into any other category.

1. Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys by Steven M. Barrett (May)
2. The Disneyland Encyclopedia by Chris Stodder (May)
3. Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley (June, 2 1/2*)
4. Pure Drivel by Steve Martin (June)

=====
6. Native American
COMPLETED (August)

Category added July 19. This was a category in my 888 Challenge, which I never got to and eventually changed. I didn't initially use it in the 999, since there were others that I was more interested in at the time. But now I am 3 books into it, and want to read more right now, so I'm adding it back.

1. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie (June, 5*)
2. Cold River Rising by Enes Smith (July, 3*)
3. Cold River Resurrection by Enes Smith (July, 3*)
~~ Indian Legends in Rhyme by Grace Purdie Moon (children's poetry & picture book) (July)
4. Lost Indian Magic by Grace and Carl Moon (July)
5. Wongo and the Wise Old Crow by Grace and Carl Moon (July)
~~ One Little Indian by Grace and Carl Moon (August)
6. Chi-Wee by Grace Moon (August)
7. Chi-Wee and Loki by Grace Moon (August)
8. Nadita by Grace Moon (August, 4*)
9. Old Indian Legends by Zitkala-Sa (August)

10. American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa (August)

7. Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
COMPLETED (March)

1. Seth Way: A Romance of the New Harmony Community by Caroline Dale Owen (Mrs. Charles H. Snedeker) (February)
2. New Harmony's First Utopians by Donald E. Pitzer & Josephine M. Elliott (February)
3. The Diaries of Donald Macdonald: 1824-1826, introduction by Caroline Dale Snedeker (February)

4. Uncharted Ways by Caroline Dale Snedeker (February)

5. Images of America: New Harmony Indiana by Connie A. Weinzapfel, Darrel E. Bigham & Susan R. Branigan (February)
~~ Walker's Guide to New Harmony's History by Janet R. Walker (February)

6. Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker (February, 5*)
7. The Beckoning Road by Caroline Dale Snedeker (February)

~~ Robert Owen of New Lanark (1771-1858) by John Butt, Ian Donnachie & John Hume (pamphlet, February)
~~ Living in New Lanark, published by New Lanark Conservation Trust (pamphlet, February)
8. Diary of William Owen, edited by Joel W. Hiatt (March)
9. The Labyrinth, by Ross F. Lockridge (March)

10. To Holland and to New Harmony, edited by Josephine M. Elliott (March)
11. Robert Dale Owen's Travel Journal 1827, edited by Josephine M. Elliott (March)

8. Women Authors of Children's Books
COMPLETED (June)

Which authors are yet to be decided. I have dedicated the previous category to Caroline Dale Snedeker and related material. This category may end up being about a single author or a combination of several. Possibilities are Josephine Scribner Gates, Grace Moon, Anna Maria Rose Wright, Mary Dickerson Donahey, L.M. Montgomery, Frances Hodgson Burnett, Margaret Sidney and Sydney Taylor.

1. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (Book #1) (February, 4*)
2. All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor (Book #2) (April, 3 1/2*)
3. More All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (Book #3) (February, 4*)
4. All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown by Sydney Taylor (Book #4) (April, 3*)
5. Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (Book #5) (April, 3*)

~~ "Neighbors in the Woods" by Mary Dickerson Donahey (short story, February)
6. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (Newbery Medal 1931) (March, 5*)
7. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (Newbery Medal 1968) (April, 3 1/2*)
8. The View from Saturday by E.L. Kongisburg (Newbery Medal 1997) (May, 4*)
9. Blue Willow by Doris Gates (Newbery Honor Book 1941) (June, 5*)

9. Other Children's / YA Books
COMPLETED (August)

1. Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe (January, 4*)
2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick (January, 5*)
-- The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse (pictue book, re-read January, 5*)

3. The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley (February)

4. The Ruby in the Smoke by Philip Pullman (February, 3 1/2 *)
5. The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman (February, 3 1/2*)
6. The Tiger in the Well by Philip Pullman (February, 4*)
7. The Tin Princess by Philip Pullman (March, 3 1/2*)

8. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green (March, 4*)
9. Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman (August, 3*)
~~ Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman (September, 3*)

January

1. Brave Story by Miyuki Miyabe, 4*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, Other Children's / YA Books

This book is apparently being marketed as "the Japanese Harry Potter." However, the only similarities that I see are that it's about a boy (5th grade) and there's magic involved (although magic of a very different sort than in HP).

Instead, Brave Story follows the adventure/quest/fairy tale/learn how to be a better child formula that I have seen in many 19th Century and early 20th Century children's books. But it's well-done, definitely updated to the 21st Century, and more sophisticated (written for an older audience, I think) than most of the old books I've read.

Wataru's quest to change his destiny is prompted by his father's abandonment of the family for another woman, who is pregnant. During his journey through the land of Vision, he finds greater understanding of people he knows and, most especially, of himself. The themes of the book might almost be viewed as a philosophical guide for children coping with a modern world that they don't understand and over which they have no control.

The story is interesting, and the main characters are well-drawn, though some of the minor characters are one-dimensional (good or evil). There are multiple sub-plots, which are mostly neatly explained and concluded. It's very long (over 800 pages), yet even though I had a pretty good idea of how it would end, there was enough going on that it held my interest.

I liked this book, but it's definitely a children's book, without the appeal for adults that I found in The Book Thief or Philip Pullman's trilogy. I debated about giving it 3.5* or 4*; in the end, I decided it was probably a 4* book for children aged 10-14.

2. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, 5*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, Other Children's / YA Books

Fantastic! I loved it: the story, the originality, the seamless blending of media, the clean almost-poetic language, the beautiful illustrations. A 5* book for people of all ages.

3. Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #1), 3 1/2 *
Category: Series / Favorite Authors
Other Possible Categories: Contemporary Fiction, British Isles

I enjoyed this book. The first half seemed a bit slow -- setting up the characters and situation, with only a few clues and very little happening -- but then it really picked up the pace. I thought it was well-written, and since I like British detective novels, it's likely that I will read more of the series.

4. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, 3*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

I expected to like this book. I wanted to like this book. I was disappointed.

The positives: Ms. Atwood writes beautifully; it's no surprise that she's also a poet. Her choice and descriptions of cultural phenomena of "the time before" are apt and poignant. The dystopian society she has created is interesting, and her identification of trends and lifestyles that enabled the political coup are chilling, especially in light of what has actually happened in the 20+ years since she wrote this book. For these reasons, I would give the book 4*.

Part of what I didn't like is simply personal taste: I don't like books of intense introspection; I don't like books that deliberately confuse me, especially when the confusion is never cleared up; and I don't like reading books about people that I don't like.

** POSSIBLE SPOILERS**
The Handmaid was an ordinary young woman living an ordinary life in "the time before" – perhaps even more timid, shallow and self-centered than the ordinary – and I just can't care about her feelings about the new society. My disgust with her reached its peak when her reaction to a picture of her daughter, who she wasn't even certain was still alive, was only that it wasn't fair that SHE had been deprived of a part in her daughter's life. I guess the point is that these characteristics are part of the reason that such a society could have developed, but I found her mother and friend Moira – and even the Wife and the Commander -- much more appealing characters, and would much rather have heard their stories (and even their feelings).

Perhaps I missed something (or a lot): the blurb on the back of the book says that the book is (among other things) "funny" and "a scathing satire." I can't think of anything that was humorous, and I can't even figure out what someone else might have thought was funny or what it's supposed to be satirizing, unless it’s just the shallowness and selfishness of our society – and I don't need 300 pages of shallow and self-centered thoughts to recognize that.
** END SPOILERS **

Well, I've gone on a lot longer than I really intended, and this isn't the first time that I haven't liked a book that others are praising. I almost abandoned the book midway, but was interested enough to finish it, so based on that – and the lovely writing style – I'll give this book 3* though I'm not at all inclined to read any more of her books.

5. The House at Riverton by Kate Morton, 4*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, British Isles
Other Possible Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

I really liked The House at Riverton. It's an excellent debut novel; I look forward to reading her future books.

I really liked the Rebus series of books and I think they actually improved as the series moved along, so I would recommend reading more of them.

I'm planning to read The Handmaid's Tale this year for my Dystopia category. I've heard mixed things about it but I feel that it is pretty essential for the dystopia topic.

Sanddancer --

Both my son-in-law and I liked the Rankin mystery enough to want to continue with the series. We had heard that the later books were better, but keeping that in mind, we thought it would be best to start with the 1st in the series. We're both stacked up with books at the moment, though, so it will probably be later in the year before we get back to Rebus.

For what it's worth, my son-in-law, who reads a lot of dystopian literature, really liked The Handmaid's Tale and was surprised that I didn't. I'll be interested in your reaction!

6. This Is My God: The Jewish Way of Life by Herman Wouk
Category: World View
Other Possible Categories: Judaism, Religion, Non-Fiction

The next book that I was going to read was Herman Wouk's The Hope, which I understand is about Israel's Six-Day War. Then I decided that before doing so, I should pull This Is My God off the shelf where it has been sitting for many years -- looked at, some of it skimmed, but never fully read -- so that I would better understand the perspective that Mr. Wouk was bringing to his novel.

This Is My God is a brief overview (as he continually reiterates) of the history of Judaism, the bases and elements of the faith, and its place and practice in the modern world. It is also a very personal statement of Mr. Wouk's own beliefs and his relationship with his grandfather.

I found the book very interesting and very informative. His style is clear and conversational, with history and facts interspersed with personal commentary and incidents. Written in 1959, when the world was still reeling from the Holocaust and Israel was only 11 years old, his comments about "today" are to an extent dated -- it's truly amazing how much the world has changed in the last 50 years -- but it's also interesting to see that many of his hopes for the future of Israel and Judaism are being fulfilled.

I find it impossible to give a "rating" to such an intimate declaration of faith. I'm glad I (finally) read it. And I learned from it, not just facts but something deeper as well.

7. The Hope by Herman Wouk, 5*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, World View
Other Possible Categories: Judaism, Religion, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

Fabulous!!!

I see you want to read more by Philip Pullman - apart from his Sally Lockhart series which are great books, I really liked his The Butterfly Tattoo.
Herman Wouk - I read The Hope and I think I read The glory as well but so long ago. I'll have to look them up again. I also read his Winds of War books - great storytelling, we just revisited the miniseries.
Ian Rankin - I've loved reading his Rebus series, I have his first post-Rebus book down for reading this year.

Hi, avatiakh -- thanks for the Pullman recommendations. All I've read is His Dark Materials trilogy, and I thought it was wonderful. I was thinking of trying the Sally Lockhart books, so I'm glad to know that they're good.

I'm nearly finished with Herman Wouk's The Glory. The two books are really just one (very long) story, so I'm glad I decided to read it right after reading The Hope. Although I'm finding them fascinating, his masterpiece, in my opinion, is The Winds of War -- he is indeed a marvelous storyteller.

As for Rankin, I'm really looking forward to reading the rest of the Rebus books. It's an added bonus for me to discover a good series that's already completed, so that I can read them one after the other and not have to wait a year or more between books. And, in fact, after having been immersed, for the past 3 weeks, in Israel's struggles for existence, a good detective story set in Scotland sounds really appealing -- I may have to take a trip to the bookstore!

Also re-read in January, somewhere in the midst of the Wouk books:

~~ The Cats in Krasinski Square by Karen Hesse, 5*, a lovely children's picture book about a plan to help Jews trapped in the Warsaw Ghetto, and apparently based on a true event.

I love this book, but despite the simple language and outstanding illustrations, I think it would be more meaningful to older children, who have some prior understanding of the plight of the Jewish people during World War II.

February

8. The Glory by Herman Wouk, 4 1/2 *
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, World View
Other Possible Categories: Judaism, Religion, Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

9. The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley
Category: Other Children's / YA Books

10. Seth Way: A Romance of the New Harmony Community by Caroline Dale Owen (pseudonym of Caroline Dale Snedeker)
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
Other Possible Category: Historical Fiction

11. All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor, 4*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, Women Authors of Children's Books
Other Possible Categories: Judaism, Religion, Historical Fiction

All-of-a-Kind Family is a charming book about 5 little girls (aged 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12) living in the Lower East Side of New York City in 1912. There's a minor mystery to tie the book together, but it's mostly a series of vignettes of a warm family life and the celebration of the Jewish festivals and holy days during the year. It is based on the author's own childhood, stories of which she told to her own daughter, but didn't write (or at least weren't published) until the 1950s.

I read this book when I was about 10 or so, liked it very much, and immediately read the following book or maybe 2 -- the last 2 books had not yet been published. It seems to be a popular book for home-schooling today, and deservedly so.

12. The Ruby in the Smoke (Sally Lockhart #1) by Philip Pullman, 3 1/2 *
Category: Other Children's / YA Books
Other Possible Categories: Series / Favorite Authors, Historical Fiction

Sally Lockhart is a likeable, intrepid heroine, orphaned and out to solve the mystery of her father's death.

I liked this book a lot, and want to read the rest of the series. I was a bit disappointed in the rapid denouement, which left me a bit confused and didn't answer several questions (maybe in the subsequent books?) -- resulting in my rating of 3 1/2* rather than 4*. But Pullman is an outstanding writer, excellent at characterisation (even of minor characters), setting the scene, and weaving an interesting & intricate story.

13. New Harmony's First Utopians by Donald E. Pitzer & Josephine M. Elliott
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
Other Possible Category: Non-fiction

I'm very impressed with your Shakespeare category, and will be looking back to follow up on your children's books by women authors. You have very creative categories!

>26 jhedlund:
Don't be impressed yet! The Shakespeare category is a carryover from last year, & so far I haven't started it this year, either! I do love Shakespeare, but I haven't read all the histories, so I thought it would be interesting to read them in chronological order rather than the order he wrote them.

As for the women authors, I became fascinated with them 2 or 3 years ago when I decided to re-read several favorite books from my childhood. I discovered that they had all written books that I hadn't heard of (my small-town library apparently didn't own them). And then I found that there was very little information available about these women (except Burnett & Montgomery). At this point, my interest is as much (or maybe more) in the women themselves -- strong, independent, intelligent, kind, free-thinking women who did not accept nor fit into the Victorian model -- as in the books. Even their less successful books provide tantalizing clues to their personalities and philosophies, and most of them wrote some autobiographical or semi-autobiographical works. It's an ongoing "project" for me.

Well, your last comment makes your women authors category even more interesting to me. I had never thought about it that way, but you are right. It must have taken a great deal of moxie and courage to break the the chains of expectation as these women did.

Your Shakespeare category is akin to my "1001" books. These are classics I know I should read, but I haven't read one of them yet either, although I plan to pick up Anna Karenina once I'm finished with my current read The Lace Reader. I'm trying to spread my reading throughout the categories so I don't end up having to read a whole bunch of one category in a row at the end of the year!

>28 jhedlund:
Good luck with Anna Karenina! I read it many years ago and I liked it, though I found it somewhat tedious and confusing. I have seen praise for the new translation -- maybe that will make it easier reading, if that's what you have.

I finished The Lace Reader last night -- liked it a lot!

14. More All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor, 4*
Categories: 4* & 5* Books, Women Authors of Children's Books
Other Possible Categories: Judaism, Religion, Historical Fiction

It is exactly what the title suggests: more about the all-of-a-kind family, beginning 3 years later than the first book (2 years after the ending of the first book). It is equally charming, and probably slightly more accomplished than the first book. I do suggest, however, that All-of-a-Kind Family be read first, since the characterizations build on that book.

~~ "Neighbors in the Woods" by Mary Dickerson Donahey (short story in The American Girl (magazine of The Girl Scouts), September 1932)
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

I discovered this story a couple of weeks ago – I have not seen it listed in any bibliography of her works. Perhaps with reason – I really didn't like this story. I found the tone... well, pompous perhaps best describes it. That may have been her intention, since the story is about a teenager living with three famous, accomplished and snooty adults, who of course eventually see the value of friendship with the loggers camped nearby. The conversation of the characters alternated between unrealistic stilted wording and, strangely, slang expressions, some of which I've never even heard. (Strange because in her early children's books, children were often chastised for using slang.)

I nevertheless found the story very interesting because
1) MDD was well-acquainted with living with "genius": her artist husband William Donahey, and his brothers cartoonist J.H. Donahey and Governor of Ohio Victor Donahey;
2) of the depiction of a friendly and innocuous logging camp, a theme later expanded in her last book Mystery of the Pines (1950), both undoubtedly drawing on her experiences at their cabin in Northern Michigan;
3) of the indications of MDD's philosophies about women ("And Thyra was doing real work—man's work just now! Trudy thrilled at the thought.") and the value of every person (when Trudy's father accedes to contact with the loggers he says, "Also I note these lumber persons seem a sturdy lot—individualists. It is quite probable I may find their views interesting. I may even learn something from them, who knows.")

But much better than the story, the magazine included a review of MDD's book Mysterious Mansions (1932) and a photograph of her – the best one I've found anywhere – along with a short statement by her, about her writing career.

This is probably far more than anybody wants to know about a bad 75-year-old short story. I mostly just wanted to record my thoughts – some day I might want to write up what I have learned (pieced together) about Mary Dickerson Donahey, but since that day hasn't come, I might as well post here.

15. The Diaries of Donald Macdonald: 1824-1826, introduction by Caroline Dale Snedeker
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
Other Possible Category: Non-Fiction

See Message #51 for comments about this book.

16. The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry, 4 3/4*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

I really, really liked this book. Having heard that it was about Salem witches, I had it in my mind that it was historical fiction. It's not, and not really about witches either, though they do figure into the story. I don't want to say more than that, for anyone who hasn't read it, except that I do recommend it.

Why it wasn't a 5* book for me: I didn't really care for the choppy writing style, although I think it was probably a deliberate choice on Ms. Barry's part, and I grudgingly admit that, in a way, it added to the impact of the story. I also thought that the changes in point of view were somewhat clumsy. However, any time I'm trying to cook dinner and read a book at the same time because I can't put the book down, any criticisms have to be minor. I think it's an outstanding first novel.

17. Hide and Seek by Ian Rankin (Inspector Rebus #2), 3 1/2*
Category: Series / Favorite Authors

I thought this was better than the first book in the series (as everyone keeps telling me), though I did find the resolution somewhat unsatisfying. I'm definitely planning to read more...

18. Uncharted Ways by Caroline Dale Snedeker
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
Other Possible Category: Religion

Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

19. Images of America: New Harmony Indiana by Connie A. Weinzapfel, Darrel E. Bigham & Susan R. Branigan

~~ Walker's Guide to New Harmony's History by Janet R. Walker

20. Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker, 5*

21. The Beckoning Road by Caroline Dale Snedeker (sequel to Downright Dencey)
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

~~ Robert Owen of New Lanark (1771-1858) by John Butt, Ian Donnachie & John Hume (pamphlet)

~~ Living in New Lanark, published by New Lanark Conservation Trust (pamphlet)

22. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows, 4*
Category: British Isles
Other Possible Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Historical Fiction

I really, truly enjoyed this book. I thought it was well-written, liked the epistolary format, found the history fascinating (knew nothing about Guernsey, and it seems to be solidly researched), enjoyed the book references and quotations, liked the characters. At various times, I was amused, shocked, saddened, delighted. I don't hesitate to recommend it.

Yet... it just wasn't a 5* book for me. I'm not entirely sure why (and I saw someone else --sorry, I forget who -- who had the same reaction). Perhaps because the characters were a bit one-dimensional and the resolution was therefore entirely predictable. I definitely enjoyed the book, though.

23. The Shadow in the North by Philip Pullman (Sally Lockhart #2), 3 1/2*
Category: Other Children's / YA Books

A word of warning: To avoid spoilers, these books need to be read in order.

I enjoyed this book, though I really didn't like some of the things that happened. There's something dark, almost sadistic, about Pullman's books. Nevertheless, I'm not at all done reading his works, & in fact started the next one (The Tiger in the Well) as soon as I finished this one.

Some great books on here! And I noticed that you filled your 4 & 5 star category without too much work, in only 2 months! It looks like you are off to a good start.

Yes, cmbohn, I've been very happy with my selections so far this year. As the 4 & 5* books filled up so quickly, I was wondering if I'm not being as critical as usual, but I think the real answer is LT. I learn about so many good books that I really want to read, that I'm choosing more carefully and not just picking up books that look interesting & then turn out to be enjoyable but certainly not great.

I've been debating with myself on what to do with the 4 & 5* category at this point. I think I've decided to change it to "Favorite Books of the Year" and start dropping some off as I find books I like even better. Probably the first to go will be some of the children's books. Since it's been a long time since I was a child, I find them hard to rate, and I know I'm being inconsistent with my ratings. All-of-a-Kind Family, for instance, is not a 4* book for me today, though I loved it as a child and would highly recommend it to an 8 or 9-year-old. On the other hand, I've been rating Pullman's Sally Lockhart series from my present viewpoint, and suspect that if I were 15, I might be rating them higher. I don't understand the YA classification, anyway -- it seems to include children's books that older teenagers probably wouldn't find interesting as well as books that really are adult books & that I would hesitate to give to a 12 or 13-year-old.

24. The Tiger in the Well by Philip Pullman (Sally Lockhart #3), 4*
Category: Other Children's / YA Books

This book, set in 1881, finds Sally enmeshed in a personal mystery entwined with a conspiracy to take advantage of European Jews fleeing to England to escape persecution in Europe. It is a far better book than the first two in the series; Pullman's development as a writer is obvious and he has in this book become the author we know from His Dark Materials.

I feel compelled to repeat my WARNING to anyone interested in reading this series: Each succesive book in the series contains massive spoilers of the earlier books. It's not like most series, where earlier incidents may be mentioned -- these books tell you exactly what happened and how the mystery was resolved.

March

25. The Tin Princess by Philip Pullman (Sally Lockhart #4), 3 !/2*

Another entertaining book, featuring characters from the earlier Sally Lockhart books and set in a tiny fictional country located between Germany and Austria. Although in most respects it's quite different, the struggle of a tiny insignificant country against greater powers brought to mind The Mouse That Roared. I was disappointed that Sally only briefly appears in this book, even though the protagonists are likeable and amusing. The Tin Princess is a light fantasy / adventure story and doesn't delve as deeply into social issues as the earlier books.

Of the 4 books in the series, my favorite (and, in my opinion, the best) book is The Tiger in the Well.

26. Diary of William Owen, edited by Joel W. Hiatt
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

See Message #51 for comments about this book.

27. The Labyrinth, by Ross F. Lockridge
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

28. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green, 4*
Category: Other Children's / YA Books

I was curious about John Green's books, because he's a LT author, because of the praise I've seen for his books, and because the titles of his books amuse me. I chose An Abundance of Katherines because the title and the concept -- our hero has been dumped 19 times by girls named Katherine -- amused me the most, although I now see that his other 2 books have slightly higher ratings on LT.

I was not disappointed. This book is clever, funny, well-written and well-crafted, with entertaining well-drawn characters. The resolution was totally predictable, but also totally right. In the best traditions of children's literature, Mr. Green uses the intrusive author*, in this book by the use of footnotes, and the characters discover important truths about themselves and life.

Once again, I had trouble deciding on a rating, since the book is obviously written for teenagers, and I haven't been a teenager since well before John Green was born -- it wouldn't surprise me if most 14 to 17 year-olds give it 5* and I'm adding it to my list of possible gifts for teenagers. But for that very reason, now that I've satisfied my curiosity, Mr. Green's other books are not at the top of my own "want to read" list -- being a teenager once is definitely enough!

* Isn't there a literary term for the author who inserts his own comments, observations and personality into a book which otherwise has a 3rd person narrator?

29. American Gods by Neil Gaiman, 2 1/2*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

Well, I did finish it. I didn't like it very much. I don't understand why it's received so much praise.

I do give it credit for originality -- I haven't read anything quite like it. But I thought it was poorly written, badly organized, and -- worst of all -- just plain boring. I picked up on many of the allusions to (or re-creations of) the gods, and didn't recognize some, but just didn't care enough to check them out, though it might not have done any good if I had: the one I did look up (Loki) seems to have been re-created for Gaiman's purposes. And I think I did understand his purpose, but found it as shallow as the "gods" that he was criticizing.

I see that you have the Ian Rankin books on your list. They are outside of my usual cozy zone but I do enjoy them and plan to read at least one or two for my "professional sleuth" category this year.

I tend to read a couple Rankin's in rapid succession and then nothing for awhile. I've read the first five, I think. The last one read was The Black Book. Next up, hopefully soon, is Mortal Causes.

Yes, I'm right now reading the next Ian Rankin book. I too prefer the cozies, but my son-in-law is currently reading the Inspector Rebus series and he passes them on to me as he finishes. I am enjoying them but probably otherwise would choose another series.

30. Tooth and Nail (Inspector Rebus #3), by Ian Rankin, 3 1/2*
Category: Series / Favorite Authors

In this book, Inspector John Rebus is temporarily in London, assisting in the apprehension of a serial killer. As lindapanzo has said, these books tend to be rather dark. Instead of the lighthearted sense of unreality of a cozy mystery, one gets the feeling that these crimes could have really happened -- and they're not nice. Nor is Rebus a sparkling hero; he is smart and likeable, but definitely flawed.

I do like these books, though, and this third book is superior to the first two. I thought the psychological depth, the red herrings and the solution were more artfully handled.

With regard to some questions that came up on another thread, my son-in-law pointed out that Rankin didn't begin to win awards for this series until about half way through. On that basis, perhaps starting with one of the prize winners would be a better way to get into the series, although I do think that the background in Book 1 might be valuable for understanding Rebus.

I watched for spoilers as I was reading this book, and there really weren't any. Although there were references to the previous books, especially to the background in Book 1, there were no details giving away the plots or resolutions.

31. To Holland and to New Harmony: Robert Dale Owen's Travel Journal 1825-1826, edited by Josephine M. Elliott
32. Robert Dale Owen's Travel Journal 1827, edited by Josephine M. Elliott
Category: Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony

I've become fascinated with this brilliant, talented, idealistic and socially-conscious family and their dream of creating a utopian community. Although they failed with their "social experiment" at New Harmony, Indiana, they nevertheless founded a community that is renowned for the scientific and artistic achievements of its residents.

Robert Dale Owen was the eldest son of Robert Owen, who began his social reforms at New Lanark, Scotland, and then purchased the Rappite town of Harmonie, Indiana, for the utopian community. Robert Dale was left in Scotland to manage the mills at New Lanark at the time of the purchase (December 1824), but then came to America in late 1825. He remained at New Harmony until the spring of 1827, when he accompanied Frances Wright (an amazing progressive, independent abolishionist who founded her own utopian community where slaves could earn their freedom) to New Orleans and Paris.

These two diaries chronical Robert Dale Owen's journey to Holland to observe co-operative communites begun there, his first journey to America, and the later journey to France. He was born in 1801, and they are the exuberant, magical first impressions of a young man.

Robert Dale's journals complement the other diaries:
Diary of William Owen, younger brother (by 1 year) of Robert Dale, who accompanied their father to America at the time of the purchase (1824-1825), and
The Diaries of Donald Macdonald 1824-1826, who accompanied Robert Owen on both journeys and was thus the travelling companion of both William and Robert Dale.

They are all fascinating first-person accounts of the United States nearly 200 years ago -- the difficulties of travel, the descriptions of cities and of backwoods communities along the Ohio River, the impressions of people they meet (among whom were NY Governor DeWitt Clinton, President John Quincy Adams and Joseph Bonaparte as well as the famous settlers of New Harmony).

Their personalities become obvious through their writing and the things they choose to comment upon: Robert Dale is more of a dreamer, keenly interested in art and theater, more critical and opinionated about his father, his travelling companions and the people he meets. William is a bit more staid and at times seems either overwhelmed or frustrated by the responsibilites given him, but is clearly delighted with the country. Macdonald, a few years older in his early 30s, describes the landscapes in more detail but with less enthusiasm, and he records more of the conversations about the utopian project and theories of education, but he seems to be somewhat prissy and condescending, evaluating places on their cleanliness and people on their intelligence.

As for rating or recommending these diaries... I could hardly put them down, but I was already interested in the people and their utopian community. Judging from the number of scholarly articles, books, pictures and pamphlets that that been done about New Harmony, I'm not alone in my fascination, but it's also not a subject of general interest.

Your New Harmony category is certainly fascinating. I think I may have visited the historic site there some time ago. You are clearly immersed in the topic. Do you have any general recommendations for a general history of utopian communities? I am especially interested in artisan-based experiments ala the Roycrofters or William Morris.

Tracy, I just skimmed some information about William Morris and the Roycrofters. I knew nothing about them (well, I'd heard of William Morris...), and they also sound fascinating! The New Harmony community was somewhat earlier (1820s) and what I've read so far has been specific to that community, although there seems to have been a great deal of communication between the various groups who were trying to establish communal societies at that time, and the Owens frequently met with other leaders or visited their communities (members of the London Co-operative Society, Shakers, Quakers, Rappites, the Dutch farms, several individual communities).

I can't really recommend any general books, since I haven't read them, but I have run into repeated refences to these 2 books:
Backwoods Utopias: The Sectarian and Owenite Phases of Communtarian Socialism in America, 1663-1829, by Arthur E. Bestor (1950)
The History of Utopian Thought, by J.O. Hertzler (1923)

I'd love to visit New Harmony! I understand that some of the original Rappite buildings are still standing and that others have been reconstructed, including the Labyrinth.

33. The Quest by Wilbur Smith, 2 1/2 *
Category: World View
Other Possible Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Fantasy

The Quest is touted as "historical fiction," but I don't see it. Yes, it supposedly takes place in Egypt and Africa sometime BC; to a small extent it describes some aspects of Egyptian and African culture; and the geographical setting seems to be accurate (with intriguing detail indicating first-hand knowledge of the author). I don't think it ties into any actual history, though I admit I know little about ancient Egypt and could be wrong.

It is, instead, fantasy. Once I realized that, and began reading it that way, I enjoyed the book much more. The hero Taita is an endearing character, and I found the story (quest) interesting.

Nevertheless, the book is very (much too) long, and the exciting/interesting episodes were interspersed with long, slow (boring) passages. I didn't think it was particularly well-written, although the story was well-told, and I was irritated by the mixed terminology from a variety of cultures and the medieval English dialogue.

I didn't dislike this book, but didn't really like it, either. I can see its appeal to fans of fantasy (such as the young friend who loaned it to me), but I think there are superior books out there.

Thanks Ivy,
I poked around a little bit too and I am surprised that there is nothing between the scholarly works you suggest and histories of individual experiments.

I live in the Midwest, close to Bishop Hill (a Swedish utopian communal settlement based on growing broomcorn that floundered shortly after its founder was shot outside the courtroom where he was being tried for kidnapping). To the west are the famed Amana colonies of Iowa (also communal living) and to the east is New Harmony in Indiana.

I always just assumed there was a similar settlement or two in every state ... and maybe there is ... but amazingly no such list exists on Wikipedia or anywhere else I've found. An opportunity for some pop history writer ala Sarah Vowell perhaps!

I agree, Tracy. A pop history could be very entertaining as well as informative. What I find particularly interesting is why they failed -- their theories seem to be good ones (for example, Robert Owen believed that free education was the answer), yet most of them were very short-lived. Ironically, two that were relatively successful (in terms of years) ultimately failed because they believed in celibacy (Rappites and Shakers)!

34. The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow, 5*
Category: World View

I finished this book several days ago, but haven't posted it because I didn't know what to say about it. I thought that a little time might help, but it hasn't; I still don't know what to say except that I thought it was amazing and fabulous (probably in both senses of that word).

The book is not just a novel, it's also a work of theology, based on the gnostic tradition and perhaps also Kabbalah. And, although her version of events does not fully accord with my own beliefs, she vividly brings to life the story of Jesus and the people and places surrounding him.

Her bibliography is extensive and seems to be quite diverse. I've read only a handful of the many books she cites, so I can't really evaluate how much of her view is her own or how much she got from other sources. I'd like to know more and, wherever it came from, at the very least, I found it thought-provoking.

~~ Books of the Bible:
"The Gospel According to Mark"
"The Gospel According to John"
"The First Letter of John"
"The Second Letter of John"
"The Third Letter of John"
"A Letter of Jude"
"The Revelation of John"

It's always nice to read a Gospel or two right before Easter, but of course this year it was prompted by The Secret Magdalene. I was interested and surprised at how closely Ms Longfellow had followed the Biblical versions of some of the episodes, although she rearranged the sequence of many of them.

Modern scholarship concludes that the Gospel of John, the Epistles of John, and Revelation were written by three different Johns. Having never read them all back-to-back, I was actually surprised that it was ever thought that they were all written by the Apostle John. The loving and forgiving God of the Gospel is totally different from the wrathful and vengeful God of Revelation.

Next I turned to The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent, which has been sitting in the tbr stack for a long time. The first few chapters were informative, as he discussed the Sicarii and the Zealots, which figured prominently in The Secret Magdalene. However, as it degenerated into his usual diatribe against the Roman Church, I have set it aside, at least for now. However justified his criticisms may be, it isn't what I am interested in at the moment. But my real problems with Baigent are that 1) most of his scholarship is based on secondary sources with which he agrees and which he claims "prove" his theories; and 2) I find his logic flawed. He will claim that a given fact (or interpretation) "proves" his theory or conclusion, when it is really only a possibility, and sometimes not even the most probable explanation. Then, based on that "proof," he moves on to the next theory and does the same thing. One ends up with a flimsy series of possibilities, the failure of any one of which would disprove his thesis.

I'd love to discuss The Secret Magdalene with you, or somewhere. It does deserve a debate, even from those who hated it. Does anyone hate it? It has such a high rating on all booksites as well as amazon. A straight five stars on amazon with a few readers who were offended its theology. But I know how you feel. I am left a little bit speechless. I love books. I can usually express fairly well why I liked or why I didn't like them, but this one was more than a book. It was a profound discussion of our deepest search for meaning wrapped in a delicious retelling of one of our most wonderful stories. And I too read that bibliography. Some of the books I've actually read, but I can't think of any who even came close to the understanding found in Longfellow's book. I suspect we're reading the efforts of a modern mystic. A smart one too. Told as Jesus did, in a kind of parable. I didn't see any Kabbalah in it, I saw the Gnostic gospels, most especially the poems which are glorious. I can't see how this book isn't going to get around by word of mouth until it finally gets its due.

So glad you brought it up. I've wanted to discuss it with someone for ages.

I love German literature, but I try to find good English when I can. This book is so very good and I am filled with admiration for it. I think you have hit the nail ShaggyBag when you write the author is a mystic. She is also a very good writer. I have checked and found there is to be two more books about what she speaks of. The second is about Hypatia of Alexandria. I await this eagerly.

>58 ShaggyBag: ShaggyBag

It was a profound discussion of our deepest search for meaning wrapped in a delicious retelling of one of our most wonderful stories.

I think you described it beautifully.

She appears to have taken bits and pieces of various speculations and theories, historical information, apocryphal/alternative gospels, the gnostic "heresy" and the Bible itself to weave a unique interpretation. But where other authors take an almost gleeful pleasure in trying to prove the Bible/Catholic Church "wrong" or a cover-up of "the truth," Longfellow's book seems to say, "There's more to the story, and maybe this is how it really was."

As for Kabbalah, I know little about it (and understand less). There were some passages which reminded me of it (I don't now remember which ones, but baiscally the idea of being one with the Creator), and I did notice that it was mentioned in her bibliography. I could be totally wrong about it. As you say, her basic premise seems to be more closely related to Gnosticism.

A couple of questions:
Do you know of any basis for Mariamne being the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea?
She refers to Yeshua's twin as "Jude Thomas"; the Gospel of John refers to "Thomas the Twin" -- ??

I'm still struggling to talk about this book. Everything I say seems so superficial compared to the depth of the book. And I'm feeling woefully under-educated to talk about it intelligently.

>59 AmbrosF: AmbrosF

This book is so very good and I am filled with admiration for it.

Well said. I am, too.

According to her website, her second book is about Hypatia of Alexandria, and the third book in the trilogy is about Mary Magdalene's life after the crucifixion. That's not chronological, so it interests as well as puzzles me. She doesn't say when they will be done. Soon, I hope.

To finish out March:

35. The Cat Who Went to Heaven by Elizabeth Coatsworth (Newbery Medal 1931), 5*
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

This is a beautiful little book about a poor Japenese artist, a little white cat, and a kind and forgiving Buddha.

I'm pretty sure I haven't read this book since my father read it to me when I was about 6 years old, and I remembered little about it other than that the cat did go to heaven, and that it disturbed me.

**POSSIBLE SPOILER**
When reading this the other night, I sort of did a double-take when the little cat died. Which, of course, is necessary so that she can go to heaven.
**END SPOILER**

I'm sure that's why I remembered the book as disturbing; I still find it disturbing. Parents might want to consider this before reading or giving it to their children.

36. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett, 3 1/2*
Category: British Isles

Delightful! I was beginning to think I was the only person on LT who hadn't read it. I'm glad I finally did.

First Quarter of 2009 Summary:

1. 4* & 5* Books: Favorite Books of 2009 (14/9 ~~ all cross-overs) ~~ completed February
2. Contemporary Fiction (3/9)
3. Series / Favorite Authors (3/9)
4. British Isles (3/9)
5. Shakespeare (0/9)
6. World View (5/9)
7. Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony (11/9) ~~ completed March
8. Women Author(s) of Children's Books (3/9)
9. Other Children's / YA Books (8/9)

So that's 36 books in 3 months -- more than 1/2 of my total in each of the past 2 years -- and I'm amazed. I freely admit that many (most) of them have been children's books or very short books, but I'm still pleased with my progress.

And now that it looks as though I will read 81 books this year, I am going to eliminate my first category as a category, though I like seeing my list of the books I like best, so I think I'll keep adding to it. I was debating on what to replace it with, but after reading my first book of April, I now know that I will almost certainly be reading at least 9 Joanne Fluke books in the near future.

Busy day today, but I'll try to get back to make the changes soon.

Re 60

"I think you described it beautifully."

Thank you, ivyd, for your compliment. As for what you say about The Secret Magdalene, I agree. I am very interested in humanity's search for meaning and try not to take sides. So I too don't like it much when an author uses a story to attack someone else's beliefs. There are so many of them! No one is right. No one is wrong. This is an interesting world and the human mind has been trying to understand it from, I guess, forever. Longfellow's book comes closest to anything I've ever read to seeing it clearly.

A couple of questions:
Do you know of any basis for Mariamne being the daughter of Joseph of Arimathea?

Not a one. But there's very little basis for much of the Old & New Testament.

She refers to Yeshua's twin as "Jude Thomas"; the Gospel of John refers to "Thomas the Twin" -- ??

I think I know a little about this one and it's one of the reasons the book's research amazed me. Jude Thomas is also called Didymus. Didymus means "twin." In the Gnostic gospels, Judas Iscariot is also called Didymus. The idea of making Jesus and Judas twins must have come from there. To my mind it's a brilliant idea. The two were so closely linked however you read any of the stories.

"I'm still struggling to talk about this book. Everything I say seems so superficial compared to the depth of the book. And I'm feeling woefully under-educated to talk about it intelligently."

Me too. And yet I found it an easy wonderful read. But not easy on the emotions.

I liked The Uncommon Reader too - just a fun book.

>65 cmbohn:

Yes, it really is. I was feeling a little guilty about not giving it a higher rating, but I don't think it's a great work of literature, and I'm not rushing out to buy everything Alan Bennett has ever written. Yet reading it was a couple of hours of unmitigated pleasure.

April

37. Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #1), 3 1/2*
~~ "Candy for Christmas" by Joanne Fluke (short story/novella included in #1, said to take place about 2 weeks after #1, but I think it's really after #2)
38. Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #2), 3*
Category: Joanne Fluke

Well, I'm definitely hooked on this series, and have added a new category for it. I'd read about 1/3 of the first book when I sat down after dinner to read "a chapter" before doing the dishes. Sometime after midnight, I'd finished the first book, read the short story, and started the 2nd book; the dishes got done the next morning.

Although I enjoyed it, I didn't think the mystery was as well done in the 2nd book -- that is, I'd figured it out quite a long time before the end of the book.

But I'm eager to read more. The books are entertaining and funny, I adore Hannah, and there's a kindness in Ms Fluke that one doesn't often find in writers. I'm not sure exactly how to describe it, other than to say that is the same quality that makes me love Maeve Binchey and Rosamunde Pilcher: Hannah, and her friends and family, are far from perfect, yet they're good people; despite their mistakes and failings, they're trying to do their best, optimistically and mostly successfully coping with the difficulties of life.

My biggest concern with this series is that I will have gained 5 or 10 or 20 pounds by the time I'm done!

>64 ShaggyBag: ShaggyBag

I still have more to say about The Secret Magdalene... in fact, I think I will have more to say for quite a long time. But today is again very busy for me, so I'll try to get back in the next couple of days.

Lovely. I do look forward to a discussion. Sometimes I have so much to say about a book and no one to say it to.

39. Riding Lessons by Sara Gruen, 3 1/2*
40. Flying Changes by Sara Gruen, 3 1/2*
Category: Contemporary Fiction
Other Possible Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors

Annemarie Zimmer was a world class horsewoman when, at the age of 18, she suffered a catastrophic accident which ended her riding career. Twenty years later, married and the mother of a teen-aged girl, her life is falling apart, and she has still not come to terms with the accident and the loss of her horse Harry. She has, in fact, pretty much messed up her life and her relationships. Both books are about her journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Knowing that these were earlier novels, and that they had not received the acclaim of Water for Elephants (my favorite book of 2007), my expectations weren't high and I wasn't particularly disappointed with them. I like Ms Gruen's style, at times I was completely caught up in the story, and on the whole enjoyed reading them.

I am surprised to see that the 2nd book, Flying Changes, has a slightly higher rating on LT. In my opinion, Riding Lessons was a more carefully constructed and better written novel. At the beginning of Flying Changes, Annemarie's voice tended toward the flippancy of J.D. Robb or Sue Grafton or Margaret Maron's heroines, which I enjoy in those books but don't expect from Sara Gruen, and didn't see in Riding Lessons. The thought crossed my mind that her publisher had asked her to write a sequel (or begin a series?) and she had quickly thrown the book together.

My biggest problem with these books was that I didn't particularly like Annemarie and couldn't really see why her friends and family were so attached to her and willing to save her from her stupid and continual mistakes. Other than her love of and kindness to animals (and in the 2nd book, to children), I saw very little to like: she is spoiled, stubborn, impulsive, unperceptive, weak and self-absorbed. Although there was considerable personal growth throughout the books, it was mostly the kindness and actions of others that saved her from herself, and I guess I prefer reading about strong women who solve their own problems.

41. Blueberry Muffin Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #3), 3 1/2 *
Category: Joanne Fluke

Another thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery. Just what I needed for a busy week with a family birthday and Easter, and while I'm still trying to digest The Secret Magdalene.

Ooooh. Do we get closer to a discussion, ivyd? My ideas about The Secret Magdalene swirl.

42. Lemon Meringue Pie Mystery by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #4), 3*

I liked Lemon Meringue Pie Mystery especially the pie recipe it was very good.

>74 LA12Hernandez: I've never made a lemon meringue pie, and was thinking maybe I'd try her recipe. My granddaughter and I made (she's 4 1/2 and she told her parents that I helped her make them) the Chocolate Chip Crunch cookies from the first book, and we all really liked them.

However many recipes I get to, I'm certainly enjoying the books!

43. Fudge Cupcake Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #5), 3*
Category: Joanne Fluke

Another enjoyable book in this series, and I can't wait to try the fudge cupcakes! Maybe this weekend...

I think I've figured out her formula, since I've guessed the murderer about half-way through the last 2 books. Nevertheless, I'm reading the books as much for the story of Hannah and her family as for the mystery, so it doesn't much matter.

I've finished all that I have of this series, though, so it will be on hold until my next book order or trip to the bookstore. I'm finally feeling ready to tackle something a bit heavier, and started a Shakespeare play last night, the only category that is still at 0/9.

>72 ShaggyBag: ShaggyBag: Did you get my message posted to your profile page?

Yes, Ivy. Got it. Like to discuss this publicly, but I'm ok over on your page.

>77 ShaggyBag: Shaggy

Why don't we start a thread about the book, and see if we can get comments/thoughts from some others who have read it? I know there are at least a couple of people in the 999 who have read it because that's where I heard about it, so we could post it here, or in another group if you think that would be better...

44. From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg (Newbery Medal 1968), 3 1/2*

I have wanted to read this book for some time because 1) I liked the title; 2) it won the Newbery Medal; and 3) I was fascinated by the idea of children running away to, and living at, the Metropolitan Musuem of Art.

I thought the book was clever and amusing, and I think that I would have thoroughly enjoyed it if I had read it when I was 10 or so. On the other hand, I don't think it has the magic (for lack of a better word) that I found then in books such as Anne of Green Gables, Downright Dencey, or Loretta Mason Potts, or that I see in recent books such as The Book Thief and The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

>79 ivyd:

I quite enjoyed From the Mixed-Up Files... as a kid, but my favorite Konigsburg was definitely The View from Saturday. It was one of my absolute favorite childhood books...I haven't read it in years, but I still feel pretty comfortable in recommending it! (It won the Newbery, too!)

>80 christina_reads:

Thanks for the recommendation, ladyc. Perhaps I'll try The View from Saturday. I'm adding it to my Women Authors list, but I'm not sure when I'll get to it.

The only other Kongisburg book I have read is A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver. It was quite a while ago, and I picked it up because for years I've been fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine. I remember that I thought it was an okay young adult version of her story, but I don't now remember much about her view of Eleanor.

>78 ivyd: Ivyd. Love to begin. How do you start a thread for The Secret Magdalene?

>78 ivyd: & 81. I'd join in. Often wanted to talk to someone about this book. The Secret Magdalene has me thinking and it could be fun to bounce some of that off others.

Ivyd must be on vacation, Artful. Maybe if I tried I could start a thread. Here goes. I try.

Shaggy and artful, not vacation, alas! Just very, very busy. I was actually going to try in a few minutes, but now I'll wait to see what you come up with!

I did it, Ivyd. I think. I began a thread and a conversation. I do hope it's in the right place. And glad to see you're still here.

Thanks, Shaggy, I found it!

For anyone else who'd like to discuss The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow, Shaggy has started a thread here:

http://www.librarything.com/talktopic.php?topic=63284

45. The Life and Death of King John by William Shakespeare
Category: Shakespeare

I'd not read this play before. As always, I love Shakespeare's use of language and his superb characterizations. However, I don't think I would, as the introduction does, call this "a great play."

Not even Shakespeare can make King John a sympathetic character, but I think it's interesting that he managed to humanize him a bit. And I also found it interesting how he compresses King John's reign of nearly 20 years into a five-act play that seemingly takes place within a few weeks, and totally ignores the Magna Charta.

46. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson, 5*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

I loved this book! It has everything: family saga, corporate corruption, mystery, crime, romance. There are numerous plots, mysteries, and story lines, all nicely tied together in an extremely readable and fascinating book. I can't wait to read the next one!

I keep hearing about that one! I must admit I'm curious.

>90 cmbohn: I don't think you'll be disappointed. I'm always a little sceptical when I see so many rave reviews -- I find that I don't always agree -- but I agree on this one!

47. All-of-a-Kind Family Downtown by Sydney Taylor (Book #2), 3 1/2*
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

This is another charming book about a Jewish family living in New York City in the early 1900s.

I didn't realize when I started reading this series that this book is chronologically #2, even though it was not published until 1972 (more than 20 years after the first book). In style and format it is nearly identical to the the first and third books, both published in the 1950s. I've read that Sydney Taylor wrote these stories of her childhood and left them in a box for many years before any were published, so it's entirely possible that much of this book was actually written more or less contemporaneously with the books published earlier.

48. All-of-a-Kind Family Uptown by Sydney Taylor (Book #4), 3*
49. Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor (Book #5), 3*
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

This completes my reading of this delightful series. I didn't find the last two books, with their emphasis on the teen-aged girls, as interesting or informative as the first 3 books. Set during and after World War I, and after the family had moved from the Lower East Side, the colorful picture of immigrant life is lacking, there are fewer explanations of Jewish life and traditions, and the stories are mostly about Ella, the oldest sister (who Ms Taylor obviously adored), and her coming of age.

Interestingly, the last book, Ella of All-of-a-Kind Family, is essentially the story of Marjorie Morningstar, but written for children and set a decade or two earlier. With both of these books being fictionalized accounts of the authors' sisters, it makes me wonder about the frequency of this scenario in early 20th century Jewish families.

I would recommend this series for any grade-shcool child.

50. Sugar Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #6), 3 1/2*
51. Peach Cobbler Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #7), 3 1/2*
Category: Joanne Fluke

There's no question that I'm hooked on this series! I really liked these two (better than the previous two), and especially Peach Cobbler Murder. I do wonder, though, if it would be as good if it were a stand-alone book, since it tied together several threads from previous books.

I wonder, too, about some of the potluck recipes in Sugar Cookie Murder: some strange ingredients and combinations, and I have major hesitations about Andrea's "jell-o molds."

Ivy,
I'm reading the Candy Cane Murder right now and have the Cream Puff Murder ready and waiting in the wings. I too love this series.

Cheli,
I think it was you (or you plus a couple of other people) who got me started on this series. So THANKS!

You're ahead of me, but I've got another 2 ordered, so maybe I'll catch up within a month or two.

I saw your review of Candy Cane Murder. I did know it was short stories, and so is one of those I have ordered. It's okay, though: I want to read everything about Hannah.

May

52. The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg (Newbery Medal 1997), 4*
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler didn't impress me enough that I planned to read another of Ms Konigsburg's books. But because of ladyc's comments (msg 79 & 80), I decided to try The View from Saturday.

I liked this one better, and thought that it was a better book. Ms Kongisburg writes for and about smart kids, who maybe don't quite fit the common mold. I can see how this book could become a favorite of certain pre-teens.

53. The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent
Category: World View

I did finish reading this book, though my thoughts about it are still the same as in msg 57.

Baigent's agenda seems to be to discredit the Roman Catholic church. He does not appear to have any real interest in the theology he explores, other than trying to show that there have been cover-ups by the church. Nevertheless, I don't have any reason to doubt his actual facts (as opposed to his theories and conclusions) or his summaries and quotations from other works, and I do find them interesting. Probably the greatest value to me in the book is the bibliography.

54. The Tragedy of King Richard II by William Shakespeare
Category: Shakespeare

>97 ivyd: Glad you enjoyed The View from Saturday! I haven't read it in years, but I'll always remember it fondly. :)

55. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton, 4*
Category: British Isles

In 1913, a four-year-old girl arrives – alone – at a port in Australia. Because it would be so easy to get into spoilers by saying more, I'll just say that the story uncovers how and why such a thing could happen, what becomes of Nell, and how it affects her life and her descendants.

To some extent, I was bothered by the frequent shifts in time, place and point-of-view (the book covers well over 100 years); it seemed as though just as I was becoming immersed in the story, I was abruptly snapped into another time period and someone else's story. But the book is carefully constructed like a jigsaw puzzle: the reader is given a piece of the story to fit into the framework, which doesn't always fit where one thinks it will, and the picture sometimes turns out to be something different than it first appears. In addition, the 3rd person, omniscient narrator provides information to the reader that is unknown to the characters, providing yet another dimension to the story.

I really, really liked this book. The story was fascinating and mostly believable, although it occasionally tended toward melodrama. I alternately admired and disliked the unusual structure of the book, but try as I might, I can't think of another way for Ms Morton to have presented the story she wanted to tell. After I read The House at Riverton earlier this year, I was eager to see what she would do next. I wasn't disappointed, but I still think that there will be even better books to come from her.

I can't believe that it's been so long since I posted, but I've been pretty busy: 3 sets of house guests (hardly time to change the sheets between the last two) and a short vacation coming up, as well as all the regular stuff that interferes with my reading. Nevetheless, I never stop reading, so I have a few books to add:

56. The Gnostic Mystery by Randy Davila, 2*
Category: World View

I'm sad to rate an ER book so low, but it just isn't a very good book.

Jack, a successful investment consultant who feels that something is missing in his life, decides to visit Israel with the hope of re-igniting his lasped Roman Catholic faith. He arrives at the home of his college roommate Punjeeh, who had always been a staunch Catholic, only to find that Punjeeh's faith has been shaken by his observations that "beliefs" have caused great suffering in the world.

At about the same time, a couple of Palestinian boys have discovered two ancient scrolls, one of which is purchased by Jack. The translation of this scroll leads them on a quest to obtain the second scroll, in the company of the knowledgeable Chloe, a professor of religion who proceeds to instruct them in the fallacies of their belief in the Gospels.

As a basic explanation of gnosticism, an exploration of mythology which found its way into the Bible, and a discussion of manipulation by the Roman Catholic Church, this book has some merit. As a novel, it utterly fails.

The dialogue is ludicrous, alternating between corny, ignorant and obnoxious questions and wise-cracks and pedantic exposition. The characterization is minimal and ridiculous: can we really believe that Jack, after 12 years of parochial school, has difficulty recalling the story of Abraham and Isaac? The basic premise, that belief in the Gospels, as promulgated by the Church, is erroneous and destructive, is quixotically replaced by an opposing belief: that the Gospels are erroneous, the truth deliberately obscured by the Church. The conclusion -- the text of the fictional second scroll – is so obviously fantasy that, rather than elucidating or supporting the previous theological discussions, many of which have considerable merit, it tends to discredit them.

It is unfortunate that Randy Davila, a recognized theological scholar, chose to present his knowledge and beliefs in the framework of a very bad novel. He has the ability – shown in the expository segments of the conversations – to clearly and simply explain gnosticism, other Christian and non-Christian myths and beliefs, and Church history. I would much rather have read a non-fiction essay exploring these topics and his resulting beliefs about Christianity.

57. Cherry Cheesecake Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #8), 3*
Category: Joanne Fluke

Another delightful Hannah Swensen murder mystery, this time during the filming of a movie at Lake Eden, and with a third suitor for Hannah!

58. Sugar and Spice by Fern Michaels, Beverly Barton, Joanne Fluke & Shirley Jump (Christmas anthology, Hannah Swensen short story occurs Christmas after book #10)

I got this book for the Hannah Swensen short story, and ended up reading all of them, mostly out of curiosity since I hadn't read any of the other authors.

The Joanne Fluke story was cute, but was really a romance rather than a mystery. Hannah solves the "mystery" (which the reader already knows about), and her friends and family briefly appear, but the story is really about a high school friend of Andrea. I didn't double check, but I think all the recipes are repeats from earlier books.

As for chronology, although this book was published after Cherry Cheescake Murder (#8, occurs in March) and before Key Lime Pie Murder (#9, occurs in June), it has to take place the Christmas after at least book #10, which occurs in August (I'm not sure when #11 occurs), since **POSSIBLE SPOILERS** Bethany is a baby and Lisa is marrried. **END SPOILERS**

As for the other stories, I thought the Fern Michaels story line was all right though totally unrealistic, but I was appalled by the cliches and poor grammar. I rather liked the Beverly Barton story, although I'm always put off by distasteful (to me, anyway) explicit sex scenes. And I thought the Shirley Jump story was just bad.

ivyd, I am not usually too fond of these anthologies. I'd probably get this one to read the Joanne Fluke story but that one only.

Also, it sounds like the next Joanne Fluke Hannah Swensen book will be a full-length Christmas story.

According to fantasticfiction, Plum Pudding Murder will be out in October. I am looking forward to it. I love the Joanne Fluke books and I love Christmas mysteries.

59. Disneyland's Hidden Mickeys by Steven M. Barrett
Category: USA (new sub-category of World View)

This book is hardly more than a pamphlet, but it explains "Hidden Mickeys" (Mickey Mouse head and ears in unlikely places, such as the cannon ball indentations in Pirates of the Caribbean) and gives clues to where they can be found.

I am adding a USA sub-category to my World View category to accomodate this and few other books that I hope to read/finish this year and that don't seem to fit very well in any of my other categories.

60. Key Lime Pie Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #9), 3 1/2*
Category: Joanne Fluke

re #105

Linda, I hadn't really thought about it, since I'm not quite there yet, but Plum Pudding Mystery will surely be about Christmas! The way I figure it, that will make the story from Sugar and Spice, the story from Candy Cane Murder AND the new one all about the same Christmas!

I'm really enjoying these books. Thanks for recommending them!

61. The Disneyland Encyclopedia by Chris Stodder
Category: USA

A comprehensive and fascinating look at the history of Disneyland, this book covers past and present rides, attractions, restaurants, stores, and the people who built "the happiest place on earth." Although I thought the alphabetical organization made it difficult to follow the history of some of the much-changed areas (such as Tomorrowland), I highly recommend this book for additional depth and interesting trivia.

June

62. Candy Cane Murder by Joanne Fluke, Laura Levine & Leslie Meier (Christmas anthology, Hannah Swensen short story occurs after book #11? and before the short story in Sugar and Spice)
Category: Joanne Fluke

I enjoyed all the stories in this anthology, which was a pleasant surprise after reading Sugar and Spice.

Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swensen story was a good mystery, quite in line with her series books, just shorter and without any subplot mysteries or as many details about Hannah's personal life and family. Although published after Key Lime Pie Murder, it actually takes place after the next couple of books, at Christmas of that year and before the story in Sugar and Spice, published a year earlier (which ends on Christmas Eve).

The Laura Levine story was clever and funny (the biographical note says that she was a script-writer for some of the best sitcoms of the 70s). And I really liked Lucy Stone, the heroine of Leslie Meier's story. I didn't think, though, that the mysteries in either of these stories were handled very well; while I may look into other books written by these authors, I'm not rushing out to find them.

ivyd, the Disneyland Encyclopedia sounds fascinating. I will have to look for it. Before 2008, I hadn't gone there in over 30 years and I love reading about how things have changed. I actually prefer Disneyland over Disney World. I fondly remember the Main Street Electrical Parade there.

In my recent book about books, Read for Your Life, the author talked quite a bit about Walt Disney and I've added that lengthy Disney bio to my TBR.

As for Joanne Fluke/Leslie Meier, these are two of my absolutely favorite cozy authors, though I prefer Joanne Fluke just a tiny bit more.

Linda, we just returned from a magical 5 days in Disneyland with both daughters, son-in-law & boyfriend, & 4 1/2 year old granddaughter -- who, after we first walked across the drawbridge and through the castle, turned to me with a radiant face and said, "Now I've been to Disneyland!"

I too prefer Disneyland, though I've only been to Disney World once, in the early 1980s. Which bio did your book recommend? There seem to be several books about Walt Disney, and several by and about his Imagineers, too.

Re Leslie Meier: Did you read the story in Candy Cane Murder? Although I liked Lucy and am interested in reading more about her, I was a bit disappointed in the serendipitous resolution of the mystery.

Edited to correct spelling.

The Read for Your Life author didn't recommend any particular bio but I did recall that I'd read good things about the Neal Gabler bio.

I've been to Disneyworld probably 7 or 8 times but Disneyland only 3 times (only once as an adult). It is a magical place. I'd like to take my little niece and nephew there, at some point.

After reading about the Disneyland Encyclopedia you mentioned, I got to thinking that Disney could probably be an entire 999 challenge category. I've reserved Kevin Yee's book on what it's like being a Disney cast member--it's called Mouse Trap. Also, I plan to reserve several of the David Koenig Disney books. I've already read Mouse Tales years ago but have added his other three Mouse Under Glass, More Mouse Tales, and Realityland.

ivy, I read Candy Cane Murder less than two years ago but have absolutely no recollection of it. I think there's more serendipity with Leslie Meier anyway but, in a novella, probably even more so.

63. A Hole in Texas by Herman Wouk, 3 1/2*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

Eight years after the Super Collider project in Texas is adandoned in 1993 (leaving an 18 mile long hole), the Chinese discover the Higgs boson. The ramifications in the scientific community, media, movie industry and American politics are entertainingly seen through the eyes of Guy Carpenter, a lead scientist of the Collider project and former lover of the lead Chinese scientist.

As he always does, Wouk intertwines facts and real people seamlessly with his fictional characters and situations, but this book is a satire rather than serious historical fiction. It is a thoroughly enjoyable book from a master storyteller, though certainly not one of his masterpieces.

64. The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, 4 1/2*
Category: World View

I found this book amazing and fascinating, even though I probably didn't comprehend more than about a quarter of what it was about, even with the help of the commentary. Bulgakov worked on this book from 1929 until his death in 1940, and was still revising it when he died. It has layers and layers of symbolism, allusions, philosophy, theolgy and political and social commentary, but at the same time is entirely readable just as an interesing magical story.

65. Home to Harmony by Philip Gulley, 2 1/2*
Category: USA

I was interested in reading this book, which I heard about on LT, because it's set in Harmony, Indiana, and it's about Quakers -- tie-ins to my interest in Caroline Dale Snedeker and New Harmony.

I was not impressed. It is a series of vignettes about the residents of a small Indiana town, from the point of view of the Quaker minister, with the "moral" of each plainly stated. That part is okay, and many of the lessons were nice little reminders that family is the most important thing, count your blessings, etc.

However,
1) I think he took artistic license much too far by creating fictional alcoholic Quaker descendants of Ulysses S. Grant; and
2) -- my biggest objection -- many of the peccadillos of the parishioners are only amusing from the standpoint of educational, intellectual or moral superiority. On the other hand, he views his own lies, actions and mistakes as justifiable (presumably because of his superiority). I thought his attitude was unkind, un-Christian, and not in accord with what I understand of Quaker beliefs.

I think I'm generous to give this 2 1/2 stars. I won't be reading any more of his books.

66. Blue Willow by Doris Gates (Newbery Honor Book 1941), 5*
Category: Women Authors of Children's Books

When ten-year-old Janey and her parents move into yet another abandoned shack, she only dimly remembers a time when her father owned a ranch and they didn't have to follow the crops from place to place. Her only possession is a blue willow plate, treasured not only for its beauty but also as a symbol of stability and a better life.

Set in the depths of the Great Depression, this is a beautiful story of hard work and courage, of longing and acceptance, of friendship and kindness, and especially of love and hope.

67. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie, 5*
Category: Native American
Other Possible Category: Other Children's/YA Books

With hope of a better future, 14-year-old Junior makes the monumental decision to attend high school outside the Spokane Indian Reservation, in the neighboring "white" town. As he grapples with the difficulties of being accepted in neither of these communities, he tells his story with humor and frankness -- and cartoons.

The book is very funny, but it also has great depth. Difficult issues -- particularly rampant alcoholism on the Reservation and racism -- are met head on, and explored with sensitivity and insight. I love the technique of the artwork not merely illustrating the story, but actually being part of the story. I thought this book was brilliant.

Although it was mostly chance that I read these books back to back, I find it interesting that this book and Blue Willow both have the same themes, but with very different settings and written in very different styles.

68. Illegal by Paul Levine, 3 1/2*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

The first twist in Paul Levine's well-crafted legal thriller, Illegal, is that it's the lawyer who is on the run. Then, just as you think you've figured it out, there's another twist – and then another one, and then another.

Jimmy (J. Atticus) Payne is a lawyer whose personal difficulties are threatening to overwhelm him, and it only gets worse when he is asked to bribe a judge. At the same time, a mother and her son find themselves forced to flee Mexico and attempt illegal entry into the United States. Because of Jimmy's successful representation, a year earlier, of illegal immigrants who were locked in a van and left in the sun, Marisol gives Jimmy's business card to her son, instructing him to contact Jimmy "If anything bad happens." Of course, it does, and as the stories intersect and diverge, and intersect again, we are taken from LA to Mexico, and north to the San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. Levine's writing style is reminiscent of the hard-boiled detective stories of the mid-20th century, but the situation is absolutely current and the book is far more than an exciting mystery/thriller. His presentation of the plight of illegal immigrants, and divergent opinions and philosophies regarding them, is thought-provoking. And Jimmy is a likeable and multi-dimensional protagonist, about whom I want to read more.

I enjoyed this book very much, and am looking forward to the next book about J. Atticus Payne. I have rated it 3 ½* only because it is genre fiction; within the legal thriller genre, I think it deserves 4 ½* or 5*.

69. Pure Drivel by Steve Martin
Category: USA

Apt title. Some of it was funny.

70. The Shack by William P. Young, 4*
Category: Contemporary Fiction

The setting of this book is perfect: it is not hard to believe that God can be found in the majestic Wallowa Mountains of Eastern Oregon. The concrete explanations of theological concepts are outstanding. More a work of theology than a novel, I suspect that this book will say something different to each person who reads it, depending on one's views of religion and spirituality. I found it interesting, moving, and in many ways difficult and disturbing.

"Contemporary Fiction" is not a very good category for this book. It, along with most of the other books I have in my "World View" category, and some of the books in other categories, should probably be in a "Religion / Spirituality" category. I didn't know, however, when I set up my categories that I would be reading so many theologically related books this year, and I don't want to rearrange my categories right now.

71. Salvation in Death by J.D. Robb, 3 1/2*
Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors

I especially liked this Eve Dallas book, perhaps because of the tie-in to religious / spiritual matters, about which I've recently been reading so much. I must say, though, that I've become a little tired of revisiting Eve's and Roarke's childhood in every book -- how about some childhood secrets of some of the other regulars for a change?

I seem to have hit my summer slowdown, not just in reading, but in posting as well.

July

72. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, 3 1/2*
Category: British Isles

I really liked this book, and intend to read her other books. The place and time (England, reign of Henry II) is one of my favorite periods in history; it was well-written and well-researched; the characters were interesting and the resolution took me by surprise. All in all, a good book, yet I don't think I was as impressed by it as some others have been, perhaps because I don't find the subject matter (abuse and murder of children) in the least bit pleasant.

Edited to add:
Reading this over, I think I need to say that I absolutely do not mean to imply that those who really liked this book like reading about child abuse and torture. It's just that, for me, the subject is so unsettling that it affects my enjoyment of an otherwise interesting and well-written book. A long time ago, for several years, I worked in the field of child abuse. The realities are horrific and heart-wrenching, and even fictional situations evoke a very strong emotional response.

73. Carrot Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke (Hannah Swensen #10), 3*
Category: Joanne Fluke

Another great installment in the life of Hannah Swensen. And the Red Velvet Cookies are divine. Of the 7 people (besides myself) who devoured the 3 dozen cookies, 3 of them also left with the recipe.

74. Cold River Rising by Enes Smith, 3*
75. Cold River Resurrection by Enes Smith, 3*
Category: Native American

Need to create a new Native American category -- will be back with comments.

76. Atonement by Ian McEwan, 2 1/2*
Category: British Isles

I started Atonement several months ago, and then after 184 pages just let it sit until I decided last week that I really should finish it so I could comment intelligently on it.

I didn't so much dislike the book as found it just plain boring. McEwan writes well, and his imagery is often lovely, but halfway through an interminable paragraph, I frequently found my mind wandering, with little incentive to continue reading. I didn't like the characters, nor did I find them consistent, very well developed or very believable. ** POSSIBLE SPOILER ** I thought the technique of a man writing as a woman who is writing about a man was awkward and largely unsuccessful, and in the end I felt somewhat cheated that I had struggled through almost 500 pages to find out what she/he had to say in the Epilogue. ** END SPOILER ** The only part that I did find interesting was the description of the British retreat to Dunkirk before the fall of France.

Even after finishing the book, I'm still mystified about the high praise it has received. As I think I've said before, I quite often seem to find myself unimpressed with books that others have found wonderful. But it IS wonderful that tastes differ, and that there are so many books to satisfy all of them.

@127: I felt so cheated by the epilogue too! I quite enjoyed the book, especially part 1, but the ending really made me angry!

>128 christina_reads:

ladyc, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who felt that way! Perhaps there were clues that I missed, but it took me totally by surprise. And I think my overall evaluation of the book would be higher if the epilogue weren't there.

77. The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #5), 4*
78. In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #6), 4*
Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors

I read the first 4 books of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency several years ago -- in fact, I think that at the time that's all that had been published -- and I'd forgotten how delightful they are. The mysteries are minimal, but Mma Ramotswe is wise and wonderful. They're a pleasure to read, and I'm left with lingering feelings of comfort and optimism.

Does anyone know... is being "traditionally built" a local expression, or is it an invention of Alexander McCall Smith?

~~ Indian Legends in Rhyme by Grace Purdie Moon, illustrated by Karl Moon (children's poetry and picture book)
Category: Native American

This book was published in 1917, Grace Moon's first published work, and is lavishly illustrated with drawings, paintings and photographs by her husband Karl Moon (who by 1918 had changed the spelling of his name to Carl Moon). I found the quality of the poems rather poor, but they nonetheless evoke a rather nostalgic picture of the Indian lands of the Southwest and a culture which was fast disappearing even a century ago. The illustrations -- particularly the photographs -- are outstanding.

79. TailSpin by Catherine Coulter (FBI #12), 3 1/2*
Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors

Another enjoyable mystery/thriller in Catherine Coulter's FBI series. This one is about the illegitimate daughter of a US Senator, whose life is in danger, and a psychiatrist suffering from frontal lobe dementia. The main settings are Kentucky and Washington, DC, and (of course) Savich and Sherlock are involved.

As usual, the book is well-plotted and exciting, though some of the situations seem a bit improbable; the characters are likeable; and the information (about Kentucky and dementia) is interesting. A nice light summer read.

80. Lost Indian Magic by Grace and Carl Moon
81. Wongo and the Wise Old Crow by Grace and Carl Moon
Category: Native American

The authors' forward to Lost Indian Magic intimates, without explicitly stating, that it is a re-telling of an ancient Indian legend. It certainly seems to be a legend, but embellished with vivid descriptions of the Southwest and nicely done characterizations, and probably a down-playing of the spiritual / magical elements of the legend. I really liked the book and loved the picture it painted of a proud, brave and honorable people.

Wongo and the Wise Old Crow could also easily be re-tellings of Indian legends or stories, though no mention is made. The book is dedicated to the authors' children, and it's clearly intended for children, with little lessons embedded in three stories about Wongo (a bear) and his friend Kaw (the "wise old crow"). Although somewhat amusing, I'm not a fan of anthropomorphic tales and I found the rhymes rather silly.

Having now read 81 books this year, I theoretically should have completed my challenge. But I'm not very disciplined about my reading, and have over-read some categories, found it necessary to add 2 additional categories, and have barely started on poor Shakespeare.

The current tally:

1. Contemporary Fiction: 9 / 9 ~~ completed June
2. Joanne Fluke: 12 / 9 ~~ completed May
3. Other Series / Favorite Authors: 7 / 9
4. British Isles: 6 / 9
5. Shakespeare: 2 / 9
6. World View: 8 /9
6A. USA: 4 / 9
6B. Native American: 5 / 9
7. Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony: 11 / 9 ~~ completed March
8. Women Authors of Children's Books: 9 / 9 ~~ completed June
9. Other Children's / YA Books: 8 / 9

The way I see it, if I finish 9 of the 11 categories, then I've completed the challenge. I'm close enough that I think I'll try to finish by 9-9-09, but I may get sidetracked.

I've been mulling over the idea of starting a 2nd 999, but I think I've decided against it. The chances of finishing it are miniscule, and I really like the categories I have. I have several more books to read in "completed" categories (but not 9 more), some long books that I may have been subconsiously avoiding in the interests of completing this challenge, and I want to work on the Fifty States challenge.

August

82. The Woman with the Alabaster Jar by Margaret Starbird
Category: World View

Published between Baigent/Leigh/Lincoln's Holy Blood, Holy Grail and Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code, this book is a moderately interesting link in the popular fascination with alternative views of the Gospels. Although she subscribes to the theory that Mary Magdalene was the wife of Jesus and mother of his child, her primary thesis is that the "lost feminine" needs to be restored in order to cure the ills of the world.

While I don't disagree that our male-dominated, paternalistic society has made a mess of things, I don't really see how accepting Mary Magdalene as the female counterpart of the male Christ will correct that. Even accepting her claim that Christ was crucified for subversion, and acknowlegding that the Gospels have been fiddled with, I cannot see Christ's message as exclusively "male" and in need of a feminizing influence.

She does address some interesting topics, but I was disappointed with the proof and logic of her arguments. Among other things, I find myself particularly bemused (amused?) by her claims that Old Testament passages (primarily from Song of Songs and Isaiah) "prove" that Jesus had a female counterpart, who was Mary Magdalene. In addition, to substantiate her theories, she picks and chooses from secondary sources (including extensively from Baigent, whose logic I find atrocious, and whose claims about the Priory of Sion are almost certainly untrue) and simply ignores whatever doesn't fit with her thesis.

On the whole, I found the book disappointing.

Having just finished my 5th category with book #82, here's my plan to finish the Challenge by 9-9-09 (9 categories, but my original Shakespeare category will be replaced with Native American -- seems ok to me, since both of these were uncompleted carryovers from my 888 Challenge):

3. Other Series / Favorite Authors (need 2) -- completed 9-4-09
~~ Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith -- read 9-2-09
~~ The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith -- read 9-4-09

4. British Isles (need 3) -- completed 8-26-09
~~ The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin -- read 8-9-09
~~ The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter -- read 8-15-09
~~ The Green Branch by Edith Pargeter -- read 8-26-09

6B. Native American (need 4) -- completed 8-30-09
~~ Chi-Wee by Grace Moon -- read 8-19-09
~~ Chi-Wee and Loki by Grace Moon -- read 8-22-09
~~ Nadita by Grace Moon -- read 8-27-09
~~ Old Indian Legends by Zitkala-Sa -- read 8-30-09

9. Other Children's / YA Books (need 1) -- completed 8-3-09
~~ Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman

That's only 10 books, most of them short and/or fast, and I either already have them or they should arrive tomorrow. I think I can do it!

83. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, 5*
Category: World View

My purchase of this book was a fortuitous mistake (an omen, perhaps?). I was rushing to the check-out counter at the bookstore, after having selected a gift, and running late for an appointment, when I saw it on a table. Thinking that it was the book a friend had recommended (The Alchemyst), about Nicholas Flamel, I grabbed the book. Once I got home, realized my mistake, and found the high praise for this book, I decided to read it.

I'm glad I did. It is, as touted, "a rare gem of a book."

84. Once Upon a Time in the North by Philip Pullman, 3*
Category: Other Children's / YA Books (completes the category!!)

An entertaining story from an outstanding author.

Ivy,

I did the opposite.. I was looking for The alchemist I got The Alchemyst, isn't that weird? I enjoyed mine and you enjoyed yours. No harm, no foul.

How funny, Cheli!

I still intend to read The Alchemyst at some point. And I hope you'll get to The Alchemist, too; it's a lovely and inspiring book.

85. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin, 4*
Category: British Isles (2 to go)

I very much enjoyed this installment in the life of Adelia Aguilar, and I'm looking forward to the next book.

The mystery in The Serpent's Tale is who killed Henry II's mistress Rosamund Clifford? I've been fascinated with Henry and Eleanor for years, so the subject matter of this book was far more to my taste than the child murders in Mistress of the Art of Death. I liked the characterizations of Henry and Eleanor, and the development of Adelia and Rowley and their relationship; and I thought the mystery was quite well done.

86. The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter (The Heaven Tree Trilogy #1), 3 1/2*
Category: British Isles (1 to go)

I enjoyed this tale set in the reign of King John, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the trilogy, but I was also a bit disappointed.

Perhaps my expectations were too high, with praise I had seen for the book and Ms Pargeter's comments about it being the book that she was most satisfied with. I thought, though, that it was very slow in places, although very exciting at times, too. A great deal of history was covered by various devices -- letters, conversations, straight narration, action by the characters -- but spanning the tempestuous period 1200-1215 in England, Wales and France is a massive undertaking and I found myself struggling to remember details about the period that weren't clearly presented in the book.

~~ One Little Indian by Grace and Carl Moon (children's picture book)
87. Chi-Wee by Grace Moon
88. Chi-Wee and Loki by Grace Moon
Category: Native American (2 to go)

One Little Indian is a rather nice children's picture book about a little Indian boy's 4th birthday.

Chi-Wee and its sequel Chi-Wee and Loki are Grace Moon's first books published in her name alone, though both are illustrated by her husband Carl Moon. About a 7- and then 8-year-old Pueblo Indian girl and her Navajo friend Loki, they are clearly aimed at early-middle grade school children, but I would guess that the style and vocabularly would be a bit difficult for most children that age. They would perhaps be better read aloud to younger children.

The books are mostly episodic, describing the life of the Indians of the Southwest after the coming of white traders, but before their traditional life-style had been greatly compromised. "Reservation" is never mentioned, so the time setting may be before reservations were established. Each chapter begins with one of Mrs Moon's silly rhymes, yet she brings to her prose a poet's sense of cadence and beautiful imagery.

I liked these books very much. As children's books, customs, traditions, stories, and the details of everyday life on the mesa are described simply and in detail, giving one a true sense of Native American life, written by a woman who knew them, lived among them, and wanted to share her experience of a wonderful people. The picture painted by Mrs Moon strikes me as a much truer representation than most adult books with their biases, agendas, and/or interest in furthering a plot.

89. The Green Branch by Edith Pargeter (The Heaven Tree Trilogy #2), 3*
Category: British Isles (category completed)

I got really bogged down in this second book of Edith Pargeter's trilogy about 13th century England and Wales. The best part of it was the affair between Princess Joan and William de Breos, which I had not known of, but is apparently historically accurate (I looked it up). In fact, the historical parts were the best parts, though I still don't think she does very well at explaining the political situation if one is unfamiliar with it.

**SPOILER if you haven't read the first book**
Mostly, I think, I just didn't much care for Harry Talvace Jr and his stupid single-mindedness. He is a bit of a stick figure, upon whom is heaped a lot of noble and honorable characteristics, which I didn't find realistic or even admirable.
**END SPOILER**

Nevertheless, I did (finally) finish the book, and (perversely) headed straight into the 3rd book of the trilogy, so I guess I'm at least that interested. I'm not, though, as impressed with this trilogy as I expected to be.

4 BOOKS TO GO BY 9-9-09!!

@89 :: You can do it! I'm impressed that people are already finishing/finished with this challenge...I still have 20 books to go and will be lucky to finish by the end of the year!

Thanks for the encouragement, Christina! And good reading to you, too -- I'll be cheering you on!

The last 4 books that I have planned are fast & short, so I really think I will be able to do it. And even though my list includes a lot of thin books and children's books, I'm feeling rather pleased with myself, since I didn't manage to complete the 888 Challenge last year.

90. Nadita by Grace Moon, 4*
Category: Native American (1 to go)

I really liked this book. In this, her third children's book, Grace Moon has refined her style, improved her plot, and written a charming story of a 7-year-old orphan in Mexico. I think she intended for it to be read aloud, with a target audience in early grade school -- and it's now, along with Blue Willow, on my tentative list of books to read this winter to my 5-year-old granddaughter.

With its (apparently) contemporary -- that is, early 1900s -- setting in Mexico, Nadita only barely fits into my Native American category, but I'm still going to count it there. I was surprised that the setting was in Mexico, since I had thought that all her books were about Indians in the US Southwest. Edited to add: I now see that this was a stupid assumption. Although Mrs Moon and her husband are known for their artistic accomplishments in the Southwest, one of her later books is titled Tita of Mexico, and it looks as though 2 others may not be about US Indians.

3 BOOKS TO GO BY 9-9-09

91. Old Indian Legends by Zitkala-Sa
92. American Indian Stories by Zitkala-Sa
Category: Native American (category completed)

Zitkala-Sa (aka Gertrude Simmons Bonnin) was among the first Native Americans to collect, record and translate the legendary oral tales of the Sioux Indians. Born in 1876, she was taken, at the age of 8 and speaking no English, to an Indian boarding school -- part of the project to educate Indian children away from the reservations so that they could be more easily assimilated into American culture. She became a writer, orator, violinist, and tireless advocate for Native Americans. (She was also outstandingly beautiful -- there's a photograph of her in American Indian Stories.)

Old Indian Legends, originally published in 1901, is a collection of mostly instructional / cautionary tales, which were told at nighttime by elder members of the family or tribe. Many of them are about Iktomi -- the trickster -- who was forever, to his detriment, exhibiting bad behavior. The writing style is interesting; after reading American Indian Stories, my suspicion was confirmed that she was attempting to re-create in English the tone and style of the original legends. The stories themselves are also interesting, especially as one is not quite certain whether many of the characters are humans or personified animals.

The first half of American Indian Stories is auto-biographical, detailing her life as a child on the reservation, at the boarding school and briefly as a teacher. These accounts, and most of the rest of the stories, were originally published as articles in 1900-1902, and they exhibit a great deal of bitterness. Memories can be tricky, and Zitkala-Sa had an agenda, so I don't quite buy the completely idyllic childhood vs. the complete horror of the schools (after all, she chose to return to the "white man"'s schools at the age of 15). There is no question, though, that her "white" education left her between two worlds, not really fitting into either, and I don't doubt the basic truth of the experiences that she recounts.

The stories in the second half of American Indian Stories are a mixture of personal reflections and stories which are not auto-biographical but may well be based on the experiences of others. I particularly liked "The Soft-Hearted Sioux," about a white-educated young brave who returns to the reservation, and "A Warrior's Daughter," which may be a legendary tale taking place before reservations were established. I thought both were excellent, and I'm sorry that her work for reform and improvement prevented her from continuing her literary career.

September

~~ Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman, 3*
Category: Other Children's / YA Books

I picked this up last night after finishing American Indian Stories, and closed the book at 12:07 am, so I guess it's my first book of September. On the other hand, at 50 pages and barely over a half-hour to read (including time studying the map and other extra documents), I really can't count it as a book.

It was an entertaining story, but not even close to the quality of Pullman's full-length books.

2 BOOKS TO GO -- 9 DAYS -- LOOKS LIKE I'LL MAKE IT!

93. Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #7), 3*
Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors

I liked this book less than any of the others in the series. The mysteries, if they can be called that, seemed incidental -- few details, no surprises, unsatisfactory resolutions -- to Mma Ramotswe's thoughts and philosophy and questioning of one of her "traditional" values. I do enjoy the philosophy and observations of human character in these books, but I also like some plot, action or mystery. I got the feeling that perhaps Mr Smith had become bored with his usual format and was trying something slightly different.

I did like the book -- just not as much as the others.

HALFWAY THROUGH THE LAST BOOK!

Yay, ivyd. I am determined to read the first No. 1 Ladies book soon, to see what all the fuss is about.

The first one is the best, but I do enjoy the whole series too.

>151 lindapanzo:: Linda, I think that you'd enjoy them, though they are a bit light on the mystery. I want to try his other series, but I think that 4 of his books in the last month is enough for now -- maybe later this year or next year.

>152 cmbohn:: Cindy, I think you're probably right, since I rushed right out to get more as soon as I'd finished the first one. I do like them all, though. There's a quality of gentleness, kindness, tolerance to them that makes me feel good about the world and myself.

ivyd, every year, Sept through Dec, about 15 of my favorite cozy authors all release their new books. I just made a list of the release dates (I've reserved and, in one or two cases, ordered them).

Eeek!! I love it but I will have a ton of cozies then. I've gotten only two of them, so far. The ER Louise Penny book and the new Aaron Elkins.

Anyway, my point, which I have taken a long time to get to, I know, is that I think I may try some of these other "new" authors sooner rather than later. Once I start reading Monica Ferris, Laura Childs, Hazel Holt, and the like, I won't be wanting to read any of the other "new" ones for awhile.

One of the 15 is the philosophy mystery series by Alexander McCall Smith. The new one in that series is The Lost Art of Gratitude.

94. The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies' #8), 3 1/2*
Category: Other Series / Favorite Authors (category completed)

As the title suggests, this book concentrates more on Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni than have previous books. It is another enjoyable installment in the saga of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, but I don't think these last two books are as good as the earlier books.

>154 lindapanzo:: Linda, I seem to have a bad habit of finding a series, reading all the books published to that point, and then just never getting back to it when new books come out. That's what happened with the No. 1 Ladies series, and also (among many others) with Anne Perry. As for new ones (to me), I've got a couple of Patricia Sprinkle books to try, and I was wondering about Jill Churchill's series set in the Great Depression. Have you read either of those? Laura Childs also sounds interesting, and maybe Laura Levine.

CHALLENGE COMPLETED

No one is more amazed than I am that I completed the challenge, AND did it by 9-9-09!

I will be back later with my best & worst list.

I like the Grace & Favor (Depression-era books) by Jill Churchill. (Reminds me that I need to look for the new one.) I got really tired of her Jane Jeffry series and that's one of the few I've given up on. Valerie Wolzien did the suburban housewife series so much better, I thought.

I love the Laura Childs teashop series. It's one of my favorites. The scrapbooking one is ok, too. Sometime soon, I hope to try her lesser-known series. First one is Eggs in Purgatory or some such.

I think I read a Patricia Sprinkle book once, years ago, and thought it was ok. I think she has two series. After we sat at the same table at the Malice Domestic banquet one time years ago, I meant to give her books another try. Did I? No, not yet.

CONGRATS, IVYD

That's quite an accomplishment!!

Ivy,
I read 2 of the Thoroughly Southern Mystery series by Patricia Sprinkle and found them delightful. The first one was When did we lose Harriet? and the other I read was Who invited the Dead Man? numbers 1 and 3 in the series. I haven't been able to fnd #2 yet so I'm waiting until I do to continue this series.

Waiting to see your best and worst.
Congratulations on your big finish!
Cheli

Thanks, Linda & Cheli!

When Did We Lose Harriet? is one that I have -- actually, I think it was your review, Cheli, that got me interested in it! The other is the first of her Family Tree mysteries; I saw it when I was looking for the Harriet book, and since I did a lot of genealogy for about 25 years, the subject matter really appealed to me.

I liked it, I hope you do too. If you've ever been part of a group (family?) where you get guilted into doing something, you'll understand why I liked it.

I read Murder at Markham about 10 or 15 years ago. I think that is the first in the other series.

I will have to track down When Did We Lose Harriet? I love her titles.

Hmm, it looks like Patricia Sprinkle actually has 3 different series, according to:

http://www.cozy-mystery.com/

Best / Worst List

I've been wanting to do this list since lindapanzo first did it; I think the anticipation spurred me on to completing the challenge!

It took 94 books to complete 9 categories of 9 books, since I kept over-reading my categories or just getting off track. Of those books, I rated a whopping 26 of them (that's almost 28% -- 14 adult books & 12 children's books) with 4*-5* (the list in in Msg 2). Since I consider 3* a "good" rating, it is hard to choose, but here goes ...

1. Contemporary Fiction
Best (I can't choose between these 2):
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry
Worst: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

2. Joanne Fluke
Best: I liked them all, some better than others, but because it is the one that got me started, I'll say
Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder
Worst: Sugar and Spice (an anthology -- the Joanne Fluke story was okay, but not much of a mystery, and I didn't like the other stories)

3. Other Series / Favorite Authors
Best: The Full Cupboard of Life or In the Company of Cheerful Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith
Worst, but I did like it: Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin

4. British Isles
Best: The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton
Worst: Atonement by Ian McEwan

5. World View
Best: The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow
Worst: The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent

6. Native American
Best: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Worst (but it was okay): Wongo and the Wise Old Crow by Grace and Carl Moon

7. Caroline Dale Snedeker & New Harmony
Best: Downright Dencey by Caroline Dale Snedeker (a favorite since I was 9 years old)
Worst: really none, since for various reasons they were all fascinating to me, but Seth Way: A Romance of the New Harmony Community is probably the least successful of Caroline Dale Snedeker's books (of which I've now read all but 2)

8. Women Authors of Children's Books
Best: Blue Willow by Doris Gates
Worst: none here either, but I didn't find From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg as good as I expected

9. Other Children's / YA Books
Best: The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Worst: The Water Babies by Charles Kingsley

Best of the Best: The Secret Magdalene by Ki Longfellow
Worst of the Worst: The Jesus Papers by Michael Baigent

ivy, it sounds like you found this to be true, too. In some of my categories that I really loved, I was hard-pressed to find a book that was "worst."

I definitely have to give Stieg Larsson a try.

I loved your best and worst list. I also loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret. Really an outstanding book.

Ivy,
Isn't it interesting that your Best of the Best and Worst of the Worst were both in the same category?

I almost picked up the Lace reader when I was at the Library on Thursday, but didn't know where it would fit in for my current categories. Maybe I'll have to save it for next year, I'll mark it to investigate.

Good Job!
Cheli

Ivy: I have been happily collecting the Joanne Fluke series, after thinking I wouldn't like them. I started (out of order) with Blueberry Muffin Murder. I think I have collected up to Key Lime Pie Murder. They all look like fun reads!

>162 cyderry:-164 re Patricia Sprinkle: Thanks for the link, Linda. I hadn't been to that website before, but will be visiting it in the future. It looks like she has discontinued her first series, and is now concentrating on the MacLaren series and the new Family Tree series.

Because of this discussion yesterday, I started When Did We Lose Harriet? last night (so much for good intentions to start a weightier book!), and so far I like it very much -- entertaining, good characterization, intriguing beginning to the mystery, interesting and well-described setting. I'm not very far into it, but so far the family relationship rings very true; as the older sister of a much younger brother, I definitely identify with MacLaren and her relationship with her brother. Haven't seen much "guilting" yet, Cheli, but I won't have any problem identifying with that, either.

>166 lindapanzo: Linda, I would guess that you'd really like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. I bought the 2nd book, but loaned it to my daughter and son-in-law -- who were also eagerly awaiting it -- so that I wouldn't be tempted to read it while I was finishing up my challenge. I should have it back soon and it will go to the top of the stack.

>167 cmbohn: Thanks, Cindy. I thought The Invention of Hugo Cabret was the best book I've seen, for a long while, for grade-school age children. I've been giving it to all the children that I know, but I think it also transcends an age group -- my adult daughter loved it, and so did I.

>168 cyderry: Cheli, The Lace Reader is difficult to categorize, which is of course part of the reason that I found it to be such a great book (but it's set in Salem, MA, if you're doing the Fifty States challenge). I rarely read during the day, but this one I did and kept reading it at the same time that I was cooking supper.

>169 lsh63: Jonesli, both lindapanzo and cyderry recommended the Joanne Fluke books (thanks, linda and cheli!). I've thoroughly enjoyed them, and the recipes that I've tried have been great, too (especially the Red Velvet Cookies).

I think Joanne Fluke's new one is due out within a month or so. Plum Pudding Murder is the name. I'm assuming it's a Christmas mystery. I love those.

It's interesting that you read YA books. Even when I was a kid, I rarely read them, unless I had to, such as The Outsiders. Next year, for 1010, I am trying all sorts of books I rarely read, such as poetry and YA.

Any YA suggestions? I was thinking about The Book Thief, for sure. The Invention of Hugo Cabret sounds like a possibility, too.

>166 lindapanzo: & 168:

Choosing the best & worst was interesting. I found that the "best" books tended to be in the same categories, and as much as I enjoy a good series, it's difficult to choose a "best" book from the series -- much easier to choose a favorite series than a favorite book in the series.

As for "worst," I tend to just not read books that I don't like, so I'm not surprised that some categories didn't really have a "worst" book. But all the hype over some books/authors does get to me, as with Gaiman and Atwood and McEwan, and I don't feel that it's fair to reject an author without having read a complete book (plus I'm always hoping it will get better). And then there are books such as Baigent's, which I read because I'm interested in the information contained in the book, even though I really disliked his logic, conclusions and attitude.

I, too,found it interesting that the best and the worst came from the same category. Although I didn't originally intend it, all the books in my World View category ended up relating in some way to religion, so maybe it's not so surprising that I really liked or really disliked them.

I just spent a good deal of time cleaning up my categories, transferring my "extras" and organizing my "999 Addendum," where I will be posting my books for the rest of 2009:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/72143

re 172: Linda, I just now saw this message -- it must have posted while I was busy writing #173 & I guess I didn't look at the thread after I posted it.

Re Joanne Fluke -- I still have Cream Puff Murder to read -- the last time I checked it still wasn't out in paperback, though it probably will be as soon as the new one comes out. And I may have to buy the new one in hardback, since it would be nice to read it at Christmastime.

Children's & YA fiction. It's a real mixed bag. There are books such as Twilight and John Green's books (whose titles I love: Looking for Alaska, An Abundance of Katherines) that I don't particularly enjoy for myself but that I think are good books, and I can totally see their appeal to teenagers. Other books, such as The Book Thief, Hugo Cabret, and The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, I really loved -- now. Both Hugo Cabret and Part-Time Indian use a technique which fascinates me, where part of the story is told through the illustrations. I must say that in The Book Thief, there were a couple of stylistic/literary techniques which initially irritated me, but it was otherwise such a fabulous book that I eventually got over it, and my daughter pointed out that the book really was written for children.

Which brings me to another point: some books which are classified "YA" are given that label because they appeal to teenagers, not because they are written for teenagers.

The good children's books -- written for and of greatest appeal to grade-school aged children -- I really love for their optimism, happy endings, and just plain magical transportation to another place or time. To really enjoy them as an adult, I think you need to try to re-capture a bit of children's innocence and sense of wonder. Rather refreshing, actually, and not really that much different than accepting that Hannah Swensen falls over a dead body every couple of months.

Reading (or re-reading) children's books is a relatively recent interest of mine. Except for the books I read to my girls when they were small, and a very occasional book that they were reading and I did too, I didn't read them after they let me into the adult library at age 12 until a few years ago. Part of my interest is in the women who wrote the early 20th century children's books -- fascinating women, ahead of their time -- and I've found some valuable clues to them and their lives by reading their books.

Well, I've gone on a while, and must go do something else, though there is a lot more I could say about children's books (and will be happy to, if you're interested). As for recommendations, I suggest Hugo Cabret and Part-Time Indian (and of course The Book Thief, and I'll give it some more thought. I'd suggest Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy (which is far more than a children's or YA book), but I don't recall seeing much sci-fi, fantasy or religion in your reading lists, so it maybe would not appeal to you. His Sally Lockhart series, set in Victorian England, might be of more interest to you, but it's not nearly as good.

Ivy! Ki Longfellow's second book in her Divine Feminine trilogy is out and I've just finished it. Flow Down Like Silver is about Hypatia of Alexandria and it's stunning. I'd never heard of Hypatia but now that I have, she's another woman in a long list who were ignored by male historians to our great loss. Longfellow's Hypatia is as brilliant as her Magdalene.