Alaskabookworm's 2009 Reading List

Well, here it is, ready to go. I'm hoping to again achieve at least 100 books in 2009. This group has definitely inspired me to read more (something I didn't think possible!). The past couple years were as follows:

2009: 101
2008: 110
2007: 62
2006: 66
2005: 77

So, my numbers are definitely up.

I don't really have a specific genre I want to tackle, so I'll just see how things unfold.




Summary of Books Read in 2009:

December 2009
101. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo - Steig Larsson
100. Hearts Awakening - Delia Parr
99. The Light Fantastic - Terry Pratchett
98. Fire - Kristin Cashore
97. Lament - Maggie Stiefvater
96. The Camel Bookmobile - Masha Hamilton
95. Graceling - Kristin Cashore
94. Shadowland - Alyson Noel
93. The Lost City of Z - David Grann
92. When You Reach Me - Rebecca Stead
91. Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh
90. Monster - A. Lee Martinez
89. The Human Condition - Joe M. Kapolyo

November
88. The White Mary - Kira Salak
87. The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
86. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days - Jeff Kinney
85. Jellicoe Road - Melina Marchetta
84. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks - E. Lockhart
83. Last Night in Twisted River - John Irving
82. Touching the Void - Joe Simpson
81. Ranger's Apprentice - John Flanagan
80. Blue Moon - Alyson Noel

October
79. Evermore - Alyson Noel
78. The Lost - Daniel Mendelsohn
77. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
76. Fablehaven - Brandon Mull
75. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie - Alan Bradley

September
74. Breath - Tim Winton
73. Border Songs - Jim Lynch
72. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy - Gary D. Schmidt
71. The Wednesday Wars - Gary D. Schmidt
70. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - Katherine Howe
69. Criss Cross - Lynne Rae Perkins
68. Things Worth Remembering - Jackina Stark
67. Emily's Ghost - Denise Giardina

August
66. The Magicians - Lev Grossman
65. Homer & Langley - E.L. Doctorow
64. The Lightning Thief - Rick Riordan
63. The Wet Nurse's Tale - Erica Eisdorfer
62. Prayers for Sale - Sandra Dallas
61. Darkness Visible - William Styron
60. Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortensen

July
59. A Northern Light - Jennifer Donnelly
58. Chains - Laurie Halse Anderson
57. Fieldwork - Misha Berlinski
56. The Highest Tide - Jim Lynch
55. Outlander - Diana Gabaldon
54. The Doomsday Book - Connie Willis
53. Beyond Road's End - Jan Schofield Eaton
52. The Hakawati - Rabih Alameddine
51. Sundays at Tiffany's - James Patterson

June
50. Bud, Not Buddy - Christopher Paul Curtis
49. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment - James Patterson
48. The Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
47. The Diary of Mr. Darcy - Maya Slater
46. Jenna Starborn - Sharon Shinn
45. Still Alice - Lisa Genova
44. Wanting - Richard Flanagan
43. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas - John Boyne
42. The Unlikely Disciple - Kevin Roose
41. In Defense of Food - Michael Pollan

May
40. Girls in Trucks - Katie Crouch
39. B is for Beer - Tom Robbins
38. A Reliable Wife - Robert Goolrick
37. The 13 1/2 Live of Captain Bluebear - Walter Moer
36. Boundaries - Henry Cloud and John Townsend
35. The Tricking of Freya - Christina Sunley
34. Tooth and Claw - Jo Walton
33. Roseflower Creek - J.L. Miles

April
32. Spiritual Mentoring - Anderson & Reese
31. The Last Bridge - Teri Coyne
30. Gingerbread - Rachel Kohl
29. Kabloona - Gontran de Poncins
28. Split Estate - Charlotte Bacon
27. A Grief Observed - C. S. Lewis
26. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan - Sophie Kinsella

March
25. Confessions of a Shopaholic - Sophie Kinsella
24. American Rust - Philipp Meyer
23. Rapture Ready - Daniel Radosh
22. Speak - Laurie Halse Anderson
21. Kit's Wilderness - David Almond
20. Fever 1793 - Laurie Halse Anderson
19. Coraline - Neil Gaiman
18. Dial-a-Ghost - Eva Ibbotsen
17. The Portrait fo a Lady - Henry James
16. Living Dead in Dallas - Charlaine Harris

February
15. The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Charles Dickens
14. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane - Kate DiCamillo
13. Beat the Reaper - Josh Bazell
12. Skellig - David Almond
11. The Little World of Don Camillo - Giovanni Guareschi
10. Drood - Dan Simmons

January 2009
1. Dedication by Emma McLaughlin
2. Blindspot by Jane Kamensky & Jill Lepore
3. My Dearest Friend by John & Abigail Adams
4. The Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner
5. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
6. The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken
7. East of Ealing by Robert Rankin
8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney
9. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

Linda
I'm so glad that you are a part of the 2009 challenge. I enjoyed your posts in 2008 and look forward to keeping in touch.

All good wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year!

Glad to see you over here, Linda. I hope I find more books to read on your list just like I did last year (at least, I think I hope that, lol)

Glad you are here--I'm starting on time this year and will be able to keep up with your reading this time!

1. Dedication by Emma McLaughlin. Not great. Not even sure it was okay. Though I felt like I should have enjoyed all the references to the 1980s (my formative years), they just kinda made me discomfited.

AKbookworm

"Though I felt like I should have enjoyed all the references to the 1980s (my formative years), they just kinda made me discomfited."

Perhaps because you are now "formed" and have moved on? :-)

Based on the reviews posted for this book, it looks like you're not the only one who didn't love it. Do you read a lot of YA? I have a hard time liking them and, based on the descriptions I read in the reviews, wouldn't have had high hope for this one. What about it bothered you?

Hey lady -- Hope your next book is better :)

2. Blindspot by Jane Kamensky and Jill Lepore. This was a very fun book set in pre-American Revolution Boston. Some history, romance, mystery, and humor - this book was a thoroughly enjoyable read.

The reviews of Blindspot look promising, so onto the wishlist it goes!

And when I read your description of it, The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly popped into my head -- maybe it's something you'd enjoy?

#9: Linda, the reviews of Blindspot and your endorsement make it intriguing enough to tempt me!

Well, it's probably time to summarize my year of reading. I will understand if you scroll through the the boring list of titles. This is the same posting I put on my blog, so it may sound a little formal.

A Year in Reading

January
1. "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs
2. "Born Standing Up" by Steve Martin
3. "A Prayer for Owen Meany" by John Irving
4. "Two for the Dough" by Janet Evanovich
5. "Talking Hands" by Margalit Fox
6. "Empress of Asia" by Adam Lewis Schroeder
7. "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznik
8. "Disappearance: A Map" by Sheila Nickerson
9. "Heart-Shaped Box" by Joe Hill
10. "On Chesil Beach" by Ian McEwan

February
11. "The Chess Machine" by Robert Lohr
12. "The Dead Fathers Club" by Matt Haig
13. "Danny Gospel" by David Athey
14. "Take This Bread" by Sara Miles
15. "The Translator" by Daoud Hari
16. "Patrick" by Stephen Lawhead

March
17. "People of the Book" by Geraldine Brooks
18. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney
19. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules" by Jeff Kinney
20. "Nine Parts of Desire" by Geraldine Brooks
21. "Wrack and Ruin" by Don Lee
22. "The Other Boleyn Girl" by Philippa Gregory
23. "I, Elizabeth" by Rosalind Miles

April
24. “Lying Awake” by Mark Salzman
25. “The Enchantress of Florence” by Salman Rushdie
26. “The Hollow Chocolate Bunnies of the Apocalypse” by Robert Rankin
27. “Imagine Me and You” by Billy Mernit
28. “Time and Again” by Jack Finney
29. “Lunch Money” by Andrew Clements
30. “Dervishes” by Beth Helms
31. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
32. “Belong to Me” by Marisa de los Santos

May
33. “Bridge of Birds” by Barry Hughart
34. “Duma Key” by Stephen King
35. “America America” by Ethan Canin
36. “Avalon High” by Meg Cabot
37. “Twilight” by Stephenie Meyer
38. “Jim the Boy” by Tony Earley

June
39. “Bonk” by Mary Roach
40. “Enchantment” by Orson Scott Card
41. “A Great and Terrible Beauty” by Libba Bray
42. “The Outcast” by Sadie Jones
43. “Are You There God? It’s Me, Kevin” by Kevin Keck
44. “New Moon” by Stephenie Meyer
45. “Rebel Angels” by Libba Bray
46. “Biblioholism” by Tom Raabe
47. “Dreamers of the Day” by Mary Doria Russell
48. “Year of Wonders” by Geraldine Brooks
49. “Sabriel” by Garth Nix
50. “Eclipse” by Stephenie Meyer

July
51. “Mister Sandman” by Barbara Gowdy
52. “Jim and Casper Go to Church” by Jim Henderson
53. “P.S. I Love You” by Cecelia Ahern
54. “The Sweet Far Thing” by Libba Bray
55. “Gods Behaving Badly” by Marie Phillips
56. “Rules” by Cynthia Lord
57. “Whales on Stilts” by M. T. Anderson
58. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer
59. “The Lambs of London” by Peter Ackroyd
60. “The Toyminator” by Robert Rankin
61. “The Monster of Florence” by Douglas Preston

August
62. “The Third Angel” by Alice Hoffman
63. “The Blue Star” by Tony Earley
64. “Beautiful Boy” by David Sheff
65. “If You Lived Here, I’d Know Your Name” by Heather Lende
66. “Cool It” by Bjorn Lomborg
67. “Books: A Memoir” by Larry McMurtry
68. “Lavinia” by Ursula K. LeGuin
69. “The Gargoyle” by Andrew Davidson
70. “The Man Who Loved China” by Simon Winchester

September
71. “The Things They Carried” by Tim O’Brien
72. “The White Tiger” by Aravind Adiga
73. “Breaking Dawn” by Stephenie Meyer
74. “We Have Always Lived in the Castle” by Shirley Jackson
75. “Watchmen” by Alan Moore
76. “Any Given Doomsday” by Lori Handeland

October
77. “The Secret Scripture” by Sebastian Barry
78. “The Brief History of the Dead” by Kevin Brockmeier
79. “Motherless Brooklyn” by Jonathan Lethem
80. “The Antipope” by Robert Rankin
81. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
82. “The Uncommon Reader” by Alan Bennett
83. “The Witches of Eastwick” by John Updike

November
84. “The Color of Magic” by Terry Pratchett
85. “March” by Geraldine Brooks
86. “Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist” by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan
87. “An Abundance of Katherines” by John Green
88. “The Giver” by Lois Lowry
89. “The Last Sin Eater” by Francine Rivers
90. “The Reader” by Bernhard Schlink
91. “Here’s the Story” by Maureen McCormick
92. “The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing” by M. T. Anderson
93. “A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian” by Marina Lewycka
94. “A Severe Mercy” by Sheldon Vanauken
95. “The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky” by Ken Dornstein
96. “The Case of the Linoleum Lederhosen” by M. T. Anderson
97. “Feed” by M. T. Anderson
98. “Paper Towns” by John Green

December
99. “The Jewel of Median” by Sherry Jones
100. “The Suburban Christian” by Albert Y. Hsu
101. “Thirsty” by M. T. Anderson
102. “The Small Woman” by Alan Burgess
103. “Uglies” by Scott Westerfeld
104. “I Once Was Lost” by Don Everts
105. “The Brentford Triangle” by Robert Rankin
106. “The Weirdstone of Brisingamen” by Alan Garner
107. “Doubting” by Alister McGrath
108. “Garden Spells” by Sarah Addison Allen
109. “The Sugar Queen” by Sarah Addison Allen
110. “The Buried Book” by David Damrosch

It was a good year for reading. Inspired by the discussion thread I joined early in the year on LibraryThing.com (The 2008 75-Book Challenge), I pushed myself to meet goal. “Cheating” a bit, I read a great many more books for youth (shorter than most adult novels) than I ever had before (since I was last a youth myself, that is). Happily, I discovered some great youth lit authors. In particular I am impressed with M. T. Anderson and John Green, and also greatly enjoyed Libba Bray’s trilogy. It’s too bad there aren’t more writers of their caliber penning books for “grown ups.”

Ten of the books I read were advanced readers’ copies, sent free from publishers in exchange for internet-posted reviews. One of those books ended up being my favorite book of the year: “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” which actually became a best-seller and was even well-enough received to be sold at Costco (a literary accolade that not even Pulitzer and Man Booker winners can necessarily boast).

I started two humorous series by British authors: the well-known Disc World series by Terry Pratchett, and the lesser known (in the US, anyway) Brentford series by Robert Rankin.

There was only one re-read for the year: John Irving’s “A Prayer for Owen Meany” which I enjoyed even more the second time around, and remains my favorite book of all time.

I read my first ever graphic novel this year: the acclaimed “Watchmen” by Alan Moore, which also rates in the year’s top five.

My least-favorite book of the year was (surprising even to myself for the irony of the thing): “Books: A Memoir” by Larry McMurtry.

There were very brief email exchanges between myself and five of the authors I read this year, all of whom were very generous with their time and comments, especially when responding to critiques from me. Sherry Jones, Marisa de los Santos, and David Athey wrote books that were sent to me as part of LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers program. They were kind enough to respond to my reviews. Al Hsu was kind enough to respond to an inquiry from me regarding his nonfiction book, and sent some much-appreciated supplementary material. Kevin Keck read my disappointed review of his book on this blog, and graciously responded. After our brief exchange, I found myself liking his book a whole lot more.

According my calculations, I added 1,860 books to my personal library in 2008. This doesn’t include children’s picture books, but does include everything else from Junie B. Jones to “Mein Kampf”. This is the equivalent to purchasing 156 books per month, or 36 per week, or 5 per day. I purchased 17 times the number of books read.

Hmmmmm.

My faves of the year in order of preference (not including my one re-read)(they almost couldn’t be more eclectic):

1. “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer
2. “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian” by Sherman Alexie
3. “Looking for Alaska” by John Green
4. “Watchmen” by Alan Moore
5. (A three-way tie) “The Year of Living Biblically” by A. J. Jacobs, “Nine Parts of Desire” by Geraldine Brooks, and “Time and Again” by Jack Finney

What a fantastic round-up!

Still find it astounding that Shaffer's book has done so well in the US: for me, Guernsey is a place I holidayed as a very young child (and coincidentally, also took my son for his first holiday at 2 months), a small and rather quaint island, not somewhere in which I can envisage a popular hit being set.

Thanks for sharing this - I'm really looking forward to following your next year in books.

What a wonderful year of reading you had. Wishing you more of the same for 2009. I just wanted to say "Yes!" to your all-time favorite book. I, too, love A Prayer for Owen Meany, and it would certainly be in my Top Ten books.

#12: Great compilation, Linda. I cannot wait to see what this reading year brings for you!

What!? You're awake?! It's 10pm here - that must be at least 1am THERE?! Truly, do you ever sleep, Stasia?

It is 12:57am here in Texas, not 1am! And I slept 4 hours today, thank you very much for asking.

Linda - What a great summary! I read your thread last year, but it is interesting to see it all in one place like this. I added several to my TBR list - especially A Prayer for Owen Meany, which I've never read. Thanks!

Hi Linda

I'm working hard at catching up on the posts and want to say in reading yours, I'm in awe of the list you made and the comments.

We may have discussed it before, so I'm sorry if I forgot, but I want to say that I note A Prayer for Owen Meany as your favorite book of all time.

I agree with you! This one is right at the top, along with To Kill a Mockingbird

John Irving was a commencement speaker at Lehigh University years ago while he was writing this wonderful book. His speech to the graduate class was incredible.

While I've read some of John Irving's other books, I don't think they compare with the masterpiece of Owen Meany.

Porch reader, I recommend A Prayer for Owen Meany and I'll be interested in learning about your impressions/thoughts/feelings.

The Linda's are of one mind---I love A Prayer for Owen Meany too. (AND To Kill a Mockingbird is my Number 1 book of all time, as you've probably heard me say before!) I heard John Irving read an excerpt from Owen Meany at Radio City Music Hall in August 2006---it was a charity event. Irving, Stephen King and J. K. Rowling each read from their work. What a night that was! Irving was the best---he should do audiobooks of his own stuff. He made me laugh and cry...just amazing. (The program was called An Evening with Harry, Carrie and Garp and I posted all about it on my blog there, so if you want to know more you can check it out.)

The Lindas. Is this like The Heathers? (ducks)

Perhaps a different collective noun...has anyone read An Exaltation of Larks? A very fun book if you haven't. A Laughter of Lindas? I know...A Library of Lindas!

Edit to fix spelling

YES! A Library of Lindas. Love it. Alaska, Whisper and I thank you (don't we, ladies?) And I have seen An Exultation of Larks, which is a lot of fun, even if James Lipton is a consummate PIA.

Sounds like you read a lot of interesting books (and some of my faves) last year. I can't wait to see what you get up to this year and will be starring your thread! :)

#21 TadAD

An Exultation of Larks--thanks for the reminder! I read that years ago, when we were still in Savannah. That is a great book--especially for "word lovers!" They may have to publish an update--to add A Library of Lindas.

ok, I'm in. I'll simply have to read An Exultation of Larks added for the enjoyment of the lyrical lines of Lindas.

Message 22...cosummate PIA? A consummate pain in the _________? Is that what you mean?

As I am frantically searching two library databases looking for said book, I come to realize that An Exultation of Larks is in actuality An Exaltation of Larks. Grrrr.

From the Stand of Stasias, lol (there are so many of us running around)

I love this whole "Linda" connection thing. And as far as "word lovers" go, there is a marvelous article in this week's The New Yorker about Scrabble maniacs. Did you know author Meg Wolitzer attends national competitions? Find the article, read it, laugh out loud.

I actually finished a book this morning. It seems like its been ages.

3. My Dearest Friend: Letters of Abigail and John Adams by, well, Abigail and John Adams. I give this collection 4 1/2 stars. The withholding of that last 1/2 a star is more to do with the editors than with the Adams' themselves. While I appreciated the "less is more" approach to supplementary editorial material about the selected letters of this wonderful collection, at times their comments irritated me. Either they explained too little, or they said too much, making declarations regarding the Adams' seemingly unsupported by the letters themselves. The letters are reproduced identically to the originals; though type-written, there are no changes to spelling, grammar, punctuation, and capitalization. If a person has ever wanted to get inside the head of an American Patriarch, here is your chance. This is a book that requires attention and persistence, but there were times while reading it when my heart swelled to bursting. All things considered, the American experiment should never have succeeded. And yet, here, on the Eve of a historical executive change-over in our capital, My Dearest Friend is all the more relevant as it speaks to life, love, personal-calling, parenting, politics, and Purpose. (Must end here to go dab my eyes.)

Happy Martin Luther King, Jr. Day!

>27 alaskabookworm: This looks like an excellent choice for my 999. hmmmm wonder what I can find online.

#27: I am definitely putting it on the Continent! Thanks for the review and the recommendation.

#29 alcottacre, I'm more than just a little curious. I've noticed you've used the phrase 'putting it on the Continent' and I'm trying to decifer what that means. I'm hoping that's not what you call your tbr pile. yikes!

#30: Carmenere, yes, that is exactly what it means. I had Mount TBR and it has grown into Continent TBR. I imagine shortly it will be Universe TBR!

>26 alcottacre:: My bad on the spelling, sorry.

#32: No problem, Tad. I got it figured out eventually, lol.

>27 alaskabookworm:: The reference to word lovers and Scrabble reminds me that I need to get my copy of Word Freak back from my son in Colorado. We share an addiction to word games, and I don't want him to have an unfair advantage next time we get together for a Scrabble match. Word Freak is subtitled "Heartbreak, Triumph, Genius, and Obsession in the World of Competitive Scrabble Players." It is so well written and laugh-out-loud funny, I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys the written word.

Msg 34 Thanks for the rec -- now I know what to get my reader friend in France for her bday!

>12 alaskabookworm: That's quite a year! I see several on your list that I've been meaning to get around to reading. And I'm so glad to hear that you thought so highly of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society; I bought it as a present for my mom, and it's on my to-be-read list, too. Maybe I'll have to borrow it from her a little sooner than planned...

alynnk
I highly recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It was one of my top ten of 2008!

Linda, I'm adding your book #3 to my tbr pile. Thanks for your recommendation.

>34 Donna828: Donna - I had been trying to remember the name of Word Freak when I was writing that post. The article I mentioned makes reference to that book. I stink at scrabble myself, but it sounds like a lot of fun to read.

#18, 19, 20, et al

There is a video of John Irving reading from and discussing his work. The titles included are The 158-pound Marriage, The Hotel New Hampshire, and The World According to Garp.

The video seems to be titled simply "John Irving" and was produced in 1983 by Elia Katz, produced by Randy Cohen. Distributed through Broadway Video in New York.

Also, there's a PBS recording of the "Writer's Workshop" series with John Irving that was produced in 1989.

>39 muddy21: muddy - Thanks!

4. The Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner. The second in Garner's Alderley series. According to the author's notes all the setting of the book is real, and his characters are pulled from mythology. Garner is well-written fantasy for everyone, but is particularly suited for kids who aren't quite ready for Tolkein. I will encourage my kids to read these.

5. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. A young boy is raised in a graveyard by the resident departed. Outside the graveyard fence, a danger man seeks the boy's life. Inside, the boy has special powers. There are adventures, both natural and supernatural. Gaiman worked on writing this young adult book for twenty years, inspired by both his son and The Jungle Book. It is an almost unputdownable coming of age story. I loved it, and if only because Gaiman could achieve the emotional response that he got from me during the last chapter, it gets five stars.

>39 muddy21: Thanks for the info, Muddy. I'm going to look for those videos.

Linda - The Graveyard Book sounds amazing. I saw it on display at my library yesterday, but somehow the title didn't draw me in. But after reading your review, I'm going to have to go back and snatch it up! Thanks!

I totally agree with you on The Graveyard Book--- I know it's only January, but I can already tell it's going to be on my 2009 top 10 list!

#42 & 43 I definitely second alaskabookworm's recommendation - Neil Gaiman writes so lyrically - you can hear reading it in your mind as you go along - particularly at the beginning...

>42 porch_reader:-44: I have a feeling that someone (fliss, was it you??) posted this in the 2008 threads, but it bears reposting if people are interested - Neil Gaiman's book tour for the Graveyard Book was videoed, so you can hear the author read the entire thing :)

>45 FlossieT: Now there's something that may work for me... creepy beginning! :)

#45 - yep, that was me (how did you guess?!). I've got the link somewhere - I'll see if I can find it. He reads very well...

I recently obtained a copy of Neil Gaiman's book Stardust. Has anyone read this one?

>48 Whisper1:: Yes. I enjoyed it, though not quite as much as Neverwhere.

>48 Whisper1:: you betcha! Lots of people on here have read it recently too, I think. I loved it - thought it was very clever and witty, although it has been slightly eclipsed for me by the film, which I also loved.

That's good to know. I have never read Gaiman (hangs head in shame) and I bought Stardust. I have seen so many good comments about him.

Thanks for impressions of Stardust. I'll move it up a few notches on the TBR pile.

#48/52 yep, read the lot! I like Neverwhere better, but Stardust is also very enjoyable - less dark than Neverwhere - although a _little_ bit more somber than the film (I'm thinking of the ending here).

ok then, Stardust will be followedd by Neverwhere. I see Gaimain's books are mentioned a lot on LT. I never heard of him before joining this group, so I'm anxious to start.

#54: Linda, I have Neverwhere home from the library to read - it would be interesting to compare notes. The only Gaiman I have read to this point is The Graveyard Book.

Stasia, Did you like The Graveyard Book? Your lack of input regarding the above causes me to suspect otherwise.

I just received my copy of Drood by Dan Simmons, all 771 pages of it! I am lunging and bucking here in the cow-shute. Should I cancel my daughter's birthday party tonight so I can get started sooner.....?

#56: Sorry, I did not mean to give that impression. I liked the book very much and have recommended it to both my daughters to read.

My copy of Drood is on the way - I should have it by Tuesday. Want to race to see who finishes first?

Linda

Please convey my wishes to your daughter on her birthday.

Stasia

"Want to race to see who finishes first?" - Thats so cruel of you!

I sadly cannot even think of adding another Sci-fi to my TBR list of this year, Drood would therefore have to wait.

I havent read the graphic novel Stardust but saw the movie (2007 release) and was very disappointed, I hope you had better luck with the book.

#58: Why is it cruel, Piyush? She would beat me hands down!

She does has a very realistic chance of winning if she plans to finish the book by Tuesday, the day you get your copy, as we all know, you can very easily finish a 771 page book in a day!

No, even I cannot do that! I appreciate the compliment, though.

Stasia, Not sure I have even a chance at beating you! Even with the handicap. I'm a painfully slow reader. But I will start today and it will be fun to compare notes (without spoiling it for anyone else!, of course). I can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to reading it. But, I can't decide if I should read Dickens' The Mystery of Edwin Drood before or after Drood. Any suggestions? I'm thinking after.

Meanwhile, I finished a book today:

6. The Giant's House by Elizabeth McCracken. An unlikely romance between a Cape Cod librarian and a younger man who has a pituitary disorder that makes him fantastically tall. I absolutely enjoyed this bitter-sweet story with its well-drawn characters. The narrator, Peggy who is a loner librarian, reminds me so much of myself that.... well, I was enchanted. I would think: "Wow, that's me if I'd taken a different path in life."

A great quote: "Books are a bad family - there are those you love, and those you are indifferent to; idiots and mad cousins who you would banish except others enjoy their company; wrongheaded but fascinating eccentrics and dreamy geniuses; orphaned granchildren; and endless borthers-in-law simply taking up space who you wish you could send straight to hell. Except you can't, for the most part. You must house them and make them comfortable and worry about them when they go on trips and there is never enough room."

And another that made me laugh:

"'Damn,' he said, dipping his napkin in his water glass. 'I can't eat a thing without getting it all over myself. Well, I'll never starve. I can just boil my clothing for soup.'''

>62 alaskabookworm:, The Giant's House sounds really good. *adds to TBR list*

I am adding The Giant's House to my list, too.

As far as Drood goes, I did not think it would be in until after February 1st, so it is going to be a bit before I get to it. It will be interesting to compare notes - and I agree, I think Dickens' version after Simmons.

7. East of Ealing by Robert Rankin. I'm not sure why I'm enjoying this off-beat series so much. It's reviews from other readers are a mixed bag. There is little carry over from book to book, so that in this, book three of the "trilogy", I'm wondering what happened to Poe's ghost and Noah's ark from book two. Meanwhile, Sherlock Holmes makes an appearance. Go figure. Totally random. Except for the pint-loving deadbeat heroes of the books - they fill their hip flasks fortifying themelves to unfailingly to save the world yet AGAIN. I guess I'm just random enough to feel as though their crazy world somehow makes sense.

> 65 that sounds like fun!

8. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney. It takes only about an hour or so to read the whole thing, so I was able to get it in before the kids get home from school today. Hilarious. Several parts made me laugh out loud. I love this series.

LOL You made me laugh just reading your post -- must be good to get to laugh second-hand :)

#67: I have the first book in the series sitting right at my elbow at the moment. The girls have been bugging me to read it because it is so funny. Obviously I had better get on with it!

The great thing with Kinney's books: you can read them in one sitting! I need you guys to get through the third book so I can find out if you thought the reference to Shel Silverstein is as funny as I did.

#67. These sound like good fun books to read. I have put all three on my TBR mountain. Might be something I can get my 13 year old to read.

How Bizarre! Last Saturday I had the opportunity to visit 3 bookstores and at every one I saw kids running around with Diary of a Wimpy Kid in their hands--especially in the checkout lines. I had never heard of this book! Now I come to LT and everybody is talking about Diary of a Wimpy Kid! How did I miss this--when did it happen? Had I known it was such a phenomenon I at least would have checked it out while I was there.

#71 diane, your son may already know about the Wimpy Kid series from school. That's how my 9 year old found them. He absolutely detests reading but when the 3rd in the series came out he actually asked that I take him to Borders to buy it. Which I did, gladly! As someone said every kid that came into the store ran to the Wimpy Kid display and picked up a book. While there we also picked up the do it yourself Wimpy Kid book where the child can fill in the diary, answer questions about him/herself and draw pictures. He absolutely loves it and carries it with him wherever we go. I hope this will be the beginning of a beautiful relationship with books. Finally!

re the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series: Kinney manages to capture the essential angst of being a tween. Seriously, when I read these books I have flashbacks to my own childhood. But even funnier to me is how spot-on Kinney is with the parents. In the books its like you have a foot in both worlds: childhood and parenthood. He reminds me of how I must look to my kids. I can laugh at myself.

"I can laugh at myself"

A very important attribute for a person to have.

9. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn. One of the cleverest books with one of the most original premises I've read in a long time. The fictional country/island of Nollop reveres on Nevin Nollop, author of the famous phrase, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." But all is not well on Nollop. Letters are dropping from the sign of the aforementioned sentence. The island council believes the dropped letters are a "divine" message from beyond the grave, and take extreme measures to enforce their will on their fellow Nollopians that they heed this message. Both a Orwellian satire and a literary tour de force, this is a book well worth reading. Its quite funny too.

#76

Yay for another Ella Minnow Pea convert, I thoroughly enjoyed it and I know many many others on LT have as well. Isn't it funny how we have 'fashions' in books here........this one is right up there in the fashionable stakes at the moment!

lunacat, I had thought with all the recent discussion of Ella Minnow Pea that it must be a recent book, but was actually published like eight or nine years ago! But for my fellow-readers on LT I would probably never have found it! Thanks everyone!

#78

That's what makes LT so great. I, too, just read Ella Minnow Pea recently because of recommendations here and I've been finding many older books that I never would have discovered--and some newer ones I never would have tried--because of the "book talk" on LT. I originally joined just because I wanted to catalog my library, but discovering these discussion threads has been the big bonus LT has added to my life! In addition, talking about the books also adds to the enjoyment of them.

Thanks, guys, for enriching my life! :-D

>79 MusicMom41: Me too MM -- I joined so I would stop buying duplicates (i have a horde of partial series). But I'm thrilled to be here with the 75ers -- what a blessing!

Now I'm going to have to read those Diary of a Wimpy Kid books... I always saw them and thought they looked cute but I never picked one up.

MusicMom and suslyn: Me too. I joined to catalogue the books (I still have tons of dupes), but its so much more. So cool.

Another wonderful LT thing: The Giant's House was on my lost TBR list. When I read about it in your post, I remembered that, and back onto the new list it went! Hurrah & Thanks!

Hi Linda
I'm not sure how I missed the post re. The Giant's House but went back and re-read your thread and found your comments. I've added this to my tbr list. It sounds fascinating. I always marvel at the great books that people on the 75 book challenge seem to find.

Reading Ella Minnow Pea this weekend, but do want to remind y'all about another book in a similar vein--The Wonderful O by James Thurber. It's great fun and a fast read as well. I also have to look for The Giant's House as well.

Wow, its been two weeks since I finished a book! That's a record in slowness these past couple years.

10. Drood by Dan Simmons. I need to ruminate a day or two before writing a review. In a nutshell, it wasn't what I thought it would be. I think I know what the author was trying to do and though I feel "tricked", I feel I was very cleverly tricked. My gut is that this is a book whose reviews will be a very mixed bag.

Hi Linda
I'm simply stopping by to wish you well.

Thanks Linda. Good to hear from you. I hope you're doing okay.

11. The Little World of Don Camillo by Giovannino Guareschi. A quick, gentle comedic read about the philosophical and sometimes physicals battles between the priest and the communist mayor in a small village in Northern Italy. Excellent.

12. Skellig by David Almond. I reiterate all the other praises this book has received by other LTers. Absolutely wonderful and real and magical. A must read.

>89 alaskabookworm:: Ah, I'm so glad you liked the Don Camillo book—I've never bumped into anyone else who has tried them. How did you happen to pick it up?

I've read The Little World of Don Camillo, Don Camillo's Dilemma, Don Camillo Meets the Flower Children and Don Camillo and His Flock: The Enchanting Adventures of a Loveable Parish Priest and really enjoyed each of them.

Oh...I've just reserved a copy of Don Camillo from the local library. It sounds like something i would really enjoy. There's a story (apochryphal I hope) in our family (I'm the 2nd generation Italian) that there was an uncle in italy who was the mayor of the town who was always in trouble with the church because he was a 'communist.' I can't wait to read these. Too bad my dad and his seven brothers are all gone now...we could probably have had a great group read. I'll try them with my sisters and cousins instead if they're as good as you say.

I had the first three Don Camillo books, acquiring them in the mid-60s when they only cost 50¢. I really enjoyed them, but I think I finally purged them out of the library a few years ago. (Goes and checks book shelves) Oh, no I didn't, here they are. Must have had second thoughts. I have Don Camillo and his Flock, Don Camillo's Dilemma and Comrade Don Camillo. Let me enter them in the library right now.

Tad, wouldn't you know that if you had them, I would have them too?

The Little World of Don Camillo sounds magical! *adds to the neverending list*

Oh, my gosh! I went to check the LT reviews of The Little World of Don Camillo and discovered I have a copy in my library! somewhere--I wonder where it is? I must have bought it used and never read it--it's a hard cover. I was so surprised, I didn't even check to see if I would like it. Since it sounds a little like Secret of Santa Vittoria I suspect I will. Maybe I can consider it a classic for 999.

Message 89

Linda, I'm so glad you liked Skelling by David Almond. Anita (Fam) is the one who got me hooked on YA books and David Almond. She also recommended Kit's Wilderness and I agree with her on this one as well. If you haven't read it, you might want to try it.

Rachael (FlossieT) recommended Roal Dahl; Stasia's (Alcottacre's) daughter Catey recommended Diary of a Wimpy Kid and now I'm rapidly devouring lots and lots of these books.

Skelling was my #1 book of 2008.

I have added The Little World of Don Camillo to the ever-expanding Continent.

I also second Whisper's comments about the books of David Almond.

When I got home this evening I managed to find my copy of Little World of Don Camillo and discovered it is a double volume--it also has Don Camillo's Dilemma. I've put it on my "comfort read" stack for when I need to take a break. I found next to it The Little Prince which I've also never read and have seen good reviews of on LT so I grabbed that, too.

I think I see some "fun" reading on the horizon! :-D

>97 MusicMom41:, The Little Prince is wonderful! Also one of the few books I can read easily in French, lol.

Carolyn,
I am sure you would have a great time with The Little Prince, it was my first book this year and I loved it.

Oh, thanks for reminding me of the Don Camillo books--I, too, read them long ago and they were delightful.

>95 Whisper1:: Linda, I keep meaning to say (will put this on your thread or profile too if I remember1) there's supposed to be a dramatisation of Skellig showing on Sky 1/HD sometime this year. Not sure if you can pick that up over there, but I guess it may get re-sold to a network you can get.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skellig#2008_film

Tad: Wow, a lot more people have read Don Camillo that you perhaps thought! Pretty cool. A book group friend recommended it; it is our February pick (we wanted something "gentle" between reading My Dearest Friend and our March pick, Portrait of a Lady. I'll have to track down the other books as well. Definitely worth owning, and rereading.

I'm reading Skellig out loud to my 9-year-old daughter now. Flossie, I'm excited to hear there is a dramatisation. I'll have to look into it. Whisper, I have Kit's Wilderness already on my pile. It may be a few weeks before I get to it.

13. Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell. I only bought this book because it was IndieBound's number one pick in January (I think it was January). There was nothing on the dust jacket that particularly interested me since I don't usually read thrillers. I thought maybe my husband would like it. In any case, I practically read this in one sitting (I took a break to sleep); it was FANTASTIC. I think my husband will like it too.

Linda, I have Beat the Reaper home from the library right now, so I was glad to see that you enjoyed it so much. I hope I do, too!

>102 alaskabookworm:: Evidently. I've never heard anyone even mention the book, so I assumed it was one of those fairly rare things.

#102. I have Beat the Reaper on my TBR pile. Will have to push it up the list.

I like a good thriller.....I have this one on the lookout list!

Linda
Beat the Reaper is now added to the ever growing tbr pile.

Okay, a bit belated, but my review of "Drood":

“Drood” chronicles the last five years of Charles Dickens’ life as told from the first person perspective of Dickens’ friend and some-time collaborator, fellow author Wilkie Collins. It is a story of the creative process, of the limits of friendship and sympathy, of addictive behavior, and destructive tendencies of envy. Simmons has taken on a momentous undertaking – reconciling the abundance of history from Dickens’ time, and describing it through the lens of psychological horror.

The book is long, at times it plods. I frequently wished it were a couple hundred pages shorter. In fairness to Simmons, this book shouldn’t be read strictly as a fast-paced novel of suspense. Taking advantage of the popularity of Simmons’ previous book, “The Terror”, I found the marketing of this newer work to be misleading. This book is less about Dickens than Collins. It is less about the mysterious and horrible figure of Drood, than of the inner workings of Collins’ own demented mind.

It is a curious thing that Simmons chose to tell the story the way in which he does. As narrator, the laudanum-addicted Collins is inherently an untrustworthy voice. Consequently, his narrative has inexplicable elements that can unnerve the reader. But clearly this is a deliberate effort on Simmons’ part and it is effective if, at times, frustrating.

Admittedly, I did not like “Drood” as much as I’d hoped I would; “The Terror” was one of my favorite books of 2007. I had hoped for a similar if not superior reading experience. Nevertheless, Simmons has done an extraordinary thing maintaining Collins’ unlikeable voice throughout the entirety of the book, and from the little cross-referencing I did of both Dickens’ and Collins’ biographies, Simmons’ adherence to the historical sequence of events and facts from the authors’ pasts, is surprisingly tight. It is also most clever how Simmons borrows elements from both Collins’ and Dickens’ work during those final five years, 1865 to 1870, especially “The Moonstone” and the unfinished “The Mystery of Edwin Drood.”

“Drood” should be read, but not in a vacuum. Read also short histories of Collins and Dickens. Read “The Moonstone”(by Collins) and “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” (by Dickens). Make a game of it.

“Drood” is a good book if for no other reason than it inspired in me a much greater and interest and appreciation for the life and work of Charles Dickens.

#108: Great job on the review, Linda.

ditto what Stasia said

I'm a few books behind here.

14. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. Wonderful.

15. The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens. An appropriate and enjoyable read on the heels of Drood.

16. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. (Yes, I succumb to "trash" from time to time.

17. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James. A hefty tome that I was so engrossed in I could barely put it down. I sobbed through the last chapter. Loved it!

I read a couple of DiCamillo's books last year and they were both good. Edward Tulane was one of them. Pam recommended it and I am certainly glad I read it.

I also need "trash" to read (I call them my 'BC' books) and am a big fan of Charlaine Harris, although I prefer her Shakespeare series to the Stackhouse one, but it is like comparing apples and oranges.

I have yet to read any Henry James. I have tried several times, just cannot do it. Any recommendations on a good place to start?

I loved the illustrations in the book The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo. And, I agree, it is a wonderful book.

I've had the Henry James book on my tbr pile for a long time, based on your excellent recommendation, I'll move it up.

Well, you may have secured The Portrait of a Lady as the James I will try next. I had to chuck The Ambassadors; it did not make the 50 page rule. But I've had a couple of other recommendations to try that one next and you pushed it over the top. But I need some safe separation from the bad read before I try it.

Did the fact the The Mystery of Edwin Drood is an unfinished work bother you at all or was it still an enjoyable read? I am asking around about that anytime I see someone whose read it.

>108 alaskabookworm:: great review, abw! Keep seeing this book around but without any real idea what exactly it was about.. Must admit I won't be adding it to my TBR list, as Dickens and I are not friends, but it's good to know that I'm doing so in a more informed manner :)

Dickens and I are friends--:-)-- and so are Collins and I--so I will be adding Drood to my list. I'm hoping it will come out in paperback soon. I'd like to read it this summer. I read The Mystery of Edwin Drood several years ago but that book didn't make it to California so I will have to find a copy of that, too, because I will want to reread it. I already have The Moonstone and have been looking for an excuse to reread it. Your Review was great!

Stasia: I would say if you really want to try Henry James, one of his short ones would be recommended; either "Daisy Miller" or better yet, "The Turn of the Screw." That said, "The Portrait of a Lady" is much more sweeping. But its long and I can easily see why people would get frustrated with him.

blackdogbooks: You asked about being frustrated with an abrupt ending to "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". Yeah, I'll admit that I wasn't super-excited about that, but its probably worth reading in spite of that. I don't regret it. And its fun talking to other people who have read it and compare notes.

Thanks everyone for reading my thread and posting comments. Its great to hear from you all.

Read a few more books. In an attempt to increase my YTD reading-numbers, I've been focussing on some YA reads.

18. Dial-A-Ghost by Eva Ibbotsen.

19. Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Felt I had to read it before seeing the movie. Enjoyable.

20. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. I've read a few books over the past year that were set during this time period, and this one had some of best historical detail in the bunch. Very interesting.

21. Kit's Wilderness by David Almond. Almond is a poet. Many of the same themes as those found in Skellig are repeated here. A lovely book about the power of stories, and about the light and darkness that is in each human.

22. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Written with biting wit, this book utterly absorbed me. It is simply one of the best YA books I've ever read. It drew me in immediately and sustained such a high level of tension throughout that I couldn't put it down.

Stasia: I would say if you really want to try Henry James, one of his short ones would be recommended; either "Daisy Miller" or better yet, "The Turn of the Screw." That said, "The Portrait of a Lady" is much more sweeping. But its long and I can easily see why people would get frustrated with him.

blackdogbooks: You asked about being frustrated with an abrupt ending to "The Mystery of Edwin Drood". Yeah, I'll admit that I wasn't super-excited about that, but its probably worth reading in spite of that. I don't regret it. And its fun talking to other people who have read it and compare notes.

Thanks everyone for reading my thread and posting comments. Its great to hear from you all.

Read a few more books. In an attempt to increase my YTD reading-numbers, I've been focussing on some YA reads.

18. Dial-A-Ghost by Eva Ibbotsen.

19. Coraline by Neil Gaiman. Felt I had to read it before seeing the movie. Enjoyable.

20. Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson. I've read a few books over the past year that were set during this time period, and this one had some of best historical detail in the bunch. Very interesting.

21. Kit's Wilderness by David Almond. Almond is a poet. Many of the same themes as those found in Skellig are repeated here. A lovely book about the power of stories, and about the light and darkness that is in each human.

22. Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson. Written with biting wit, this book utterly absorbed me. It is simply one of the best YA books I've ever read. It drew me in immediately and sustained such a high level of tension throughout that I couldn't put it down.

Thanks for the input on Henry James. I have put a volume on hold at the library that has both Daisy Miller and The Turn of the Screw in it.

Linda
You have read some very good YA books!

Kit's Wilderness is Anita's (Fam) favorite of David Almond; mine is Skelling which was my #1 book that I read in 2008.

I really enjoyed Yellow Fever, that is if you can enjoy a book about such a terrible occurrence. I haven't read Speak, but now after your glowing recommendation, will do so.

You didn't leave comment re. Dial A Ghost is that because it simply is not a book worth mentioning, ie one you could not recommend?

>120 Whisper1:: Linda, I realized after I finished my last posting that I said nothing about Dial A Ghost. It was actually pretty good. Probably for more the 8-12 yo range of reader (like thats going to stop any of us!). It's about a family of ghosts who are displaced and looking for a new home. They go to a ghost placement agency for help. It was funny, clever, and sweet and a little macabre (which I liked). I recommend it.

Its killing me, because I enjoyed it enough that I want to read some of Ibbotsen's other books, of which I have three or four more SOMEWHERE in the house. But alas, I cannot find them.

Its killing me, because I enjoyed it enough that I want to read some of Ibbotsen's other books, of which I have three or four more SOMEWHERE in the house. But alas, I cannot find them.

I can certainly relate. Right now, I have 40 books out from one library and 35 from another. I don't think I'll read them all in three weeks, but I'll make a dent. I'm good at finding library books in my house, however, it is the others that I have some trouble with.

Linda
I enjoyed your last three books too and agree with your reviews ;-)

For me Fever 1793 was the lesser of the tree, but I think that's partly because I didn't know much about the history of the US,

I rated both Kit's Wilderness and Speak with 5 stars.

23. Rapture Ready by Daniel Radosh. Radosh is a New York journalist who sets out to explore the baffling underworld of evangelical Christian pop culture. Both entertaining and informative, Radosh meets a lot of interesting and suprising people along the way - from pro-wrestlers, to "superheros", to authors and musicians. I really enjoyed this book. Radosh is a very fair journalist. Recommended. If you liked A.J. Jacobs' The Year of Living Biblically, I suspect you'll like this too.

24. American Rust by Philipp Meyer. Set in a small contemporary Philadelphia town, Meyer's debut novel takes place in what was once a thriving steel-mill town. What happens to the town and its inhabitants in the wake of that closure enables Meyer to explore themes of personal responsiblity, loyalty, and human nature. This is a beautifully written, if grim, book. It is timely, and though it is set in the current day, I could never quite shake a sense of nostalgia that made me think it must be set in an earlier time, such as the 1930s. The publisher likens the book to authors such as Cormac McCarthy, Pete Dexter, Russell Banks, and even John Steinbeck. I can definitely understand those comparisons. "American Rust" has a very Grapes of Wrath-sort-of-feel. I really liked it, though I found it slow-going at times.

25. Confessions of a Shopaholic by Sophie Kinsella. Okay, kind of a departure from the "grit-lit" of the previous book, but I needed something light. I've had this book a long time. For a "beach read" it was really fun and smarter than I had expected. Becky Bloomwood is a financial journalist with an uncontrollable spending habit. Kinsella does a great job exposing the self-justification and instant-gratification that modern consumers often use to excuse their spending habits. For Becky, its clothes, shoes and makeup. For me, its books. Since I've got a background in the financial services industry, I found this book particularly amusing. I liked it enough that I'm reading the second in the series right now. I'll get back to the heavy stuff in a bit.

#124: Linda, I will give Rapture Ready a try since I did enjoy The Year of Living Biblically.

As far as the Shopaholic series goes, I think they are a hoot! I hope you enjoy them.

glad you liked American Rust also! TrishNYC turned me onto that one.

Wow, I haven't been reading much lately at all. But here's a few more since last time.

26. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan by Sophie Kinsella. I liked the first in the series enough to immediately pick up the second. Really just a fun escapist read.

27. A Grief Observed by C. S. Lewis. I love all Lewis' writings.

28. Split Estate by Charlotte Bacon. An ER book that is mostly set in Wyoming. I liked Bacon's sense of place, but didn't find her characters particularly interesting. I think this book would have been more interesting if the author weren't so committed to being grim.

29. Kabloona by Gontran de Poncins. This month's bookclub pick. The account of a Frenchman who spent 15 months during 1938-39 with Inuit peoples in the far north Canadian Arctic. While much of the language and descriptions is disparaging enough to cause offense by modern-day standards, it is still an interesting, thorougly subjective experience of an unusual travel adventure. Upon putting this book down, I couldn't help but think about Krakauer's Into the Wild, and wonder if this wouldn't make an interesting companion read.

Hi Linda

I obtained American Rust from my library but had to return it before I had the opportunity to read it. I hope to obtain it again soon. Thanks for your comments.

I read A Grief Observed after my grandmother died. It was helpful to me.
Have you seen the movie Shadowlands?

http://prayerfoundation.org/movies/movie_review_shadowlands_anthony_hopkins.htm

I highly recommend it.

#127: Like you, I am a big fan of C.S. Lewis. His Surprised by Joy remains a favorite.

I will have to look for Kabloona as the subject is interesting to me. Thanks for the recommendation!

Glad to see you back!!

I read Kabloona many years ago and found it a fascinating look at the culture and lives of the Inuit people. I have regretted that I didn't bring that book with me when I moved to California and I don't think my son kept it either. I'd like to read it again. I own Into the Wild but haven' read it yet. I'll have to dig it out and read it this summer.

ETA I'm also a huge fan of C.S. Lewis--both his fiction and nonfiction. One I haven't read yet--it's on my list for this year--is Til We Have Faces, which supposedly he thought was his best work of fiction (can't remember the source for that idea--probably some introduction to his works). Have you read that one? I'd like an opinion of it from someone who likes Lewis.

Carolyn
I read Til We Have Faces and it is one of my favorites of his.

Now, I'm prompted to dig it out and read it again.

#130/131: Til We Have Faces is C.S. Lewis' fiction at its best, IMO. Honestly, I prefer his nonfiction, but if I had to chose only one of his fiction books to take to a desert island, it would be that one (and I love the Chronicles of Narnia). I hope you can locate your copy, Carolyn!

Maybe we should do a group read of it somewhere down the line. Just a quick one like we did for Friday's Child.

>132 alcottacre:: I'd be up for that! I've heard his space trilogy is amazing as well, though I'm ashamed to say I haven't read it yet.

>113 Whisper1:: The space trilogy was very interesting, though I think a slight bit uneven. I really liked Out of the Silent Planet, liked Perelandra and thought That Hideous Strength was OK.

Well, I loved The Chronicles of Narnia when I originally read them, and then LOL at The Screwtape Letters when I originally read them in combination with Ambrose Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary.

Last year I got through Pilgrim's Regress which was worth the read, but somewhat tedious in sections.

I also tried The Space Trilogy and raced through Out of the Silent Planet (hey, TadAD, I really like it too!), and then was so irritated with Perelandra that I put off That Hideous Strength. However, others in this group have recommended finishing the trilogy (and being something of a list completist), I have it on my shelf for this year. Now I'm also adding Til We Have Faces to that TBR. *sigh*

#132 Stasia

I would love to do a group read of Til We Have Faces--as long as it doesn't start until 2 weeks from today. I have my only day off before then today, so I'm trying to catch up. In two weeks life goes back to "normal" and I hope to be fully functioning by then!

I will have no problem locating the book. I have a reading corner in my bedroom with a comfy chair, reading lamp given to me by my son and a large bookcase given to me by my husband a couple of Christmas's ago. One whole shelf is dedicated to Lewis' works and related books about Lewis and his works.

#133 dk and #134 Tad

I read the space trilogy a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it. I agree I really liked the first two immediately and found the third one not quite as "captivating"--but I didn't have any trouble finishing it. I surely wanted to know what was going to happen. After I read the series (in one shot as if it were one book) I read Planets in Peril by David C. Downing. I found that very illuminating.

#132/136: I will go ahead and set up a thread just to let everyone know we are doing it, and we will see how many people join in! Why don't we start May 11th and give ourselves a week or so to read it?

Hmm, I guess I'm the odd one out then, That Hideous Strength is my favourite of the space trilogy, though I do love them all.

#138 Kitty

Don't misunderstand me. I loved all of them and rated all of them 5 stars. But That Hideous Strength was much more grim than the first two--perhaps because it was set on Earth and so hit closer to home. But it was also the "keystone" and necessary to complete the cycle. I particularly enjoyed the scenes with the professors--Lewis was vary familiar with university people and politics!

>127 alaskabookworm: I think this book would have been more interesting if the author weren't so committed to being grim. LOL

Hmmm wonder if I could hunt up a copy of Til We Have Faces ... I think I already have one in storage... Of course the Narnia and Perelandra books are here. Double hmmm... wouldn't mind a re-read of Screwtape either. My husband was horrified by it LOL

I haven't read Til We Have Faces yet, though I've got it somewhere in the house. Sounds like a must read. I'll dig it out. I only read Narnia a couple years ago and it hit so close to my heart and I sobbed and sobbed all the way through. You all will have to let me know how your group read went.

#141

I finished Till We Have Faces on Thursday and I think it is one of Lewis' best books--I really loved it. I haven't written a review yet because I'm still "processing" my reactions to it. However I highly recommend you read it--especially if you already like Lewis' books.

I haven't read it either. I think I have a copy in France. Seems I picked it up and didn't get sucked in, but I'll try it again!

#141/143: I honestly think you will both love it when you give it a try. IMHO, it is Lewis' best fiction.

Just a note to let you know I am still reading your thread even if I haven't posted in a bit!!!!

Thanks blackdog. I am definitely spending a lot less time on the internet these days. I've started going to gym and eating healthier with the intent of dropping some weight, and I'm finding its practically a fulltime job. BUt I'm still reading as much as possible (and buying books like crazy). I also want to start writing again. But maybe not until fall when all four kids are in school again (our summer vaca started almost two weeks ago!)

I've got some catching up to do here with what I've read since mid-April.

30. Gingerbread by Rachel Kohn. I love to read young adult lit, but I didn't like this one as much. Kohn tends to be a bit edgier than the YA books I prefer. But I still appreciate her perspective.

31. The Last Bridge by Teri Coyne. I wrote a more comprehensive review for this awhile ago. I liked it; didn't love it. Haven't found that's its stayed with me now that several weeks have gone by since finishing. But I still appreciate it as the story of one woman's struggling attempts to get past horrible childhood abuse. Its a very real book.

32. Spiritual Mentoring by Keith Anderson and Randy D. Reese. I read this one for Sunday School, and it was very interesting. The authors use a lot of the centuries-old writings from ancient spiritual guides. An important book for partnering in spiritual growth.

33. Roseflower Creek by J. L. Miles. The story is told by a dead 10-year-old girl (similar to The Lovely Bones), only this is story about mid-century small town life in Georgia. Another story containing child abuse, but also a lot of love. Miles carefully reveals the complex nature of dysfunction, and the importance of love and forgiveness.

34. Tooth and Claw by Jo Walton. A story with a very Victorian/Jane Austen-ish feel, except all the social mores are reimagined as belonging to a society of dragons. Very clever.

35. The Tricking of Freya by Christina Sunley. A really great story about a family whose women closely guard their secrets - not a unfamiliar premise - but this book is drenched with Icelandic culture. If you're interested in learning more about Iceland, this book is a great appetite-whetter.

36. "Boundaries" by Dr. Henry Cloud and John Townsend. Useful relational material.

37. The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear by Walter Moers. A long and endlessly inventive story about Bluebear and his many adventures. Written for adults (but with no objectionable material), the German author has been compared to Douglas Adams.

38. A Reliable Wife by Robert Goolrick. I can see why this book is so popular right now. Very satisfying and suspenseful.

39. B is for Beer by Tom Robbins. This is no way I wasn't going to buy a book about beer. While I liked reading about how beer is made, and there were some funny parts, this is ultimately pointless and forgettable. Wanted to love it. Sorry. (Yes, I did let my kids read it.)

40. Girls in Trucks by Katie Crouch. I really, really enjoyed this all the way through until the very end. A great summer read full of heart, definitely appealing to the female audience.

41. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollan. A challenging and convicting book about the inherent dangers of the "Western" diet and the ideology of "nutritionism". Whether you agree will all of Pollan's arguments or not, this book is worth eating.... sorry, I meant to say "reading".

ABW....Congrats on your resolution to work out...have you tried listening to audio books while doing so...it really makes a workout go faster and much more fun.

I just read In Defense of Food and really enjoyed it as well.

Hi Linda

Alas, I had hoped to visit Alaska this summer, but my family members decided that we should go to Yellowstone instead...So, perhaps Alaska will happen next year!

You are reading a lot of very interesting books. A Reliable Wife is one mentioned a lot here on our 75 challenge group.

I'm resigned to the fact that if I read every second of every day for the next year, I still would not finish the to be read books I've added to the pile since January 2009.

Still, I am having great fun and enjoy this group tremendously.

Thanks for the comments about the books you read...

#146: Linda, thanks for visiting your thread and letting us know how you are! Looks like you have gotten quite a bit of reading done.

I already have In Defense of Food on Planet TBR and am anxious to read it.

I just want you to know you're dangerous when you update, my wishlist is now 4 books heavier! Stop reading such good things.

If there was a point to having a TBR you would have added several to my list (4) in that last batch. Bon courage -- proud of you!

AlaskaBW, wow... I hadn't realised you have FOUR kids. Much kudos for the reading!! And writing - hope you can get started again.

Good heavens. A long time since I updated. The kids have had and ended their summer break. Though I only read 25 books, I managed to add almost 500 to my collection.

42. The Unlikely Disciple by Kevin Roose.

43. The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. Brilliant concept.

44. Wanting by Richard Flanagan. For those who have read Dan Simmons's The Terror and Drood, you'll be especially amused by this one.

45. Still Alice by Lisa Genova. Loved it.

46. Jenna Starborn by Sharon Shinn. Too much like it's inspiration: Jane Eyre.

47. The Diary of Mr. Darcy by Maya Slater. Really enjoyed it other than the bits with Lord Byron.

48. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Brilliant.

49. Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson. Amusing. Decent kid-fodder.

50. Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis.

51. Sunday's at Tiffany's by James Patterson. Awful. Ack.

52. The Hakawati by Rabih Alameddine. Loved it, but should be read with minimum interruptions.

53. Beyond Road's End by Janice Schofield Eaton.

54. The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis. What ISN'T there to love about pandemics and time-travel?!

55. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon. Enjoyable escapist read.

56. The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch. Perhaps one of my favorites of 2009 so far. LOVED it.

57. Fieldwork by Mischa Berlinski. Absorbing and thought-provoking.

58. Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. Not her best but worth reading.

59. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly. Another very good young adult book.

60. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortenson. Excellent. Slow at times.

61. Darkness Visible by William Styron. Read it in an attempt to get inside the mind of a profoundly depressed and suicidal person. Very interesting.

62. Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. Absolutely LOVED it.

63. The Wet Nurse's Tale by Erica Eisendorf. Entertaining.

64. The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan. Seriously, why are YA books SOOOO much better than adult books? Can hardly wait for the movie.

65. Homer & Langley by E. L. Doctorow. Fascinating.

(It's a bit humbling to realize that what it took me three months to read would be accomplished in a week by alcottacre!!!!)

#154: Welcome back, Linda! Good to see you back again.

500 books added to your collection?! - can I come to your house?

#155 Don't let her! If she has free rein over 500 books to peruse, that has an immediate impact on our wishlists. Resist! Don't do it!

#156: You are raining on my parade, lunacat!

Welcome back, Alaska!

I'm reading Homer and Langley now.

Hello!

I've missed you. Good to see you back here!



I read The Boy in the Striped Pajamas earlier this summer. The ending took me by surprise.

My local library has a wonderful book club. Still Alice is the discussion for Tuesday. I better start this right away. Your positive comments prompt and remind me to do so.

A few months ago I went on a Newbery journey. I haven't read this one yet, but will get to it before the end of the year. Bud, Not Buddy. These books are such wonderful gems.

Regarding Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, I'm glad to hear that even though this wasn't her best, it is worth reading. I read Fever 1793 and Speak and both were excellent!

Regarding Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas., I found it worth the read, but slow going. I believe the author wrote other books and I hope to give them a try.

Stasia, you can come to my house to check out my stash of books. You will find them in the basement in boxes that were moved from another house three years ago, in the living room, on the dining room table, in baskets on the bathroom floor, on book shelves, on top of stereo speakers, then travel upstairs to find more in the reading room, on the floor, on the shelves and in the drawers, go into one of the bedrooms where you will find a large green hutch containing stacks of Newbery Award winning books, travel to the TV/office area to find them on shelves, on tables, in baskets on the floor, basically piles are located on any free surface available.

Please bring a large truck, take some with you so that I can begin the obsession of accumulating more.

I just finished The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan, too. Loved it.

I am a huge fan of YA books (thanks to Anita)...I'm adding the Lightening Thief to my tbr pile.

Thanks for the recommendation.

You guys are so sweet! So nice to hear from you all!

I'm currently reading The Magicians which is VERY interesting and basically turns the whole Hogwarts and Narnia genres on their ears. I am deeply intrigued so far (halfway through it) and so far think its brilliant, but troubling and sad as well. I dare not come to a final conclusion until the end. Its SO fascinating, I can't even convey it enough.

Hey, ANY TIME any one wants to "field trip" to Alaska, I've got extra room. Whisper, too bad you weren't able to come to AK this summer - its the best weather we've had since I've lived here. Best tan of my life.

The kids are back in school, and our schedule is CRAZY. Lots of changes this fall, and so mental flexibility is a must. Why is that so much harder to do the older I get?

Linda, you are spoiling us! Two visits in less than a week? Wow!

I cannot wait to see the review of The Magicians when you are finished with it.

Hi There. I had hoped to visit your beautiful state. Alas, we went to Yellowstone Nat'l Park. Perhaps next year.

YOu are soooo kind!

#164

How that statement made me chuckle. "Alas, we went to Yellowstone Nat'l Park." I would love to go there! Of course, I'd also love to see Alaska.

Lunacat...
I was being silly. I really loved Yellowstone! I hope you do get to go there. It is a marvelous place.

#165/166 Seconded! (although we did go there out of season, so while there were fewer tourists, there wasn't much waterfall action...)

Me too looking forward to The Magicians review

66. The Magicians by Lev Grossman. I really enjoyed this sort of post-modern response to C. S. Lewis' Narnia and J. K. Rowlings' Harry Potter series. Grossman's story largely involves a college for "magicians", whose courses in magic are difficult and often mundane. This is a book about the death of idealism, and the pitfalls of hedonism. It is not light and fluffy and hopeful; it is grim and gritty but at times redemptive. It is about disappointment in self and the world. This is a masterfully imagined and written book. For me, it did not detract from my love of Narnia and Harry Potter. Very worth reading.

67. Emily's Ghost by Denise Giardina. A fictionalized re-telling of the Bronte family. I loved this book. Giardina definitely takes liberties with history, but it was very enjoyable and nicely written.

68. Things Worth Remembering by Jackina Stark. Written for a conservative Christian market, this book surprised me its gentleness and honesty about an often avoided topic in "proper" society. Mostly about the wounds within families, particularly between mothers and daughters, Stark does a passable job of sketching her characters. There are a lot of reasons I typically avoid this genre - mediocre writing, limited expressiveness and creativity; this book didn't convince me otherwise. I didn't like that it was written in the present tense (i.e. "While I'm getting dressed, the phone rings.") However, if that genre is a person's preference, this book might be very appealing.

69. Criss Cross by Lynne Rae Perkins. I'm in a book group that is working through some Young Adult fiction. Right now we're trying to get caught up on some Newbery winners. "Criss Cross" won a few years ago. This is a story about a group of friends who are trying to find their way in the world. It is written in unusually poetic prose; the feedback I've gotten from others in the group so far has been mixed. But I loved it. This is a book about teens that is largely angst-free. Siblings support each other; friends are mostly kind to each other. The tension resides in the barely suppressible yearning young people feel, as they wonder if they are loveable, and how to talk to the opposite sex. I found this a sweet and hopeful story, and I was easily able to strongly identify with the characters.

70. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe. This is one of those stories that fits into the whole discovery-of-historic-artifact-and-subsequent-discovery-of-paranormal-reality-and-solving-of-mystery genre of book. The premise centers around the Salem Witch Trials of 1692, and the idea that while many innocents were killed, that real witches practicing real magic actually existed. This book has been fairly popular, and I did enjoy it, but honestly, after awhile all those books are kind of the same. Aren't they? Fun but forgettable. Maybe its just me. For all that, Howe's book IS fun, and would make for a good break between heavier stuff.

71. The Wednesday Wars by Gary D. Schmidt. Okay. So. We all read lots of books, and let's face it, it is a rare moment when something truly refreshing and impacting comes along. This book is a YA book, it was published in 2007, so its relatively new. It was recommended to me by my YA book group. So, usually I rate books on a 1-5 scale; but in this rare case I've decided to give this one a 10. Cannot express how much I loved it; how many times I put it down crying both with sorrow and with joy; times when I gasped in surprise or basked in joy. Schmidt has taken the coming-of-age story and infused it with such humor and grace and intelligence that this book just raised my own bar of what is "great" several notches higher. Truly one of the very, very best books I've EVER read.

I would add The Magicians to my wishlist if it wasn't already there! Yours is yet another review that makes it sound lovely - I need to get my hands on it soon!

The Magicians and The Wednesday Wars are already on the wishlist, and Criss Cross has gone onto it. You're bad for me!

I have The Magicians out from the library right now, and The Wednesday Wars and Criss Cross are already on my wishlist... If not I'd be adding them! I am, however, adding Emily's Ghost. I love the Brontes!

I have The Magicians on the hold list at the library, have already read The Wednesday Wars (which I liked a lot, too), and am adding Criss Cross to the Planet. Whew!

WOW! Your comments regarding The Wednesday Wars are quite compelling and now, naturally, I have to read this book. It fits right into two of my loves, Newbery award winners and YA books that deal with difficult situations in a humorous and poignant way.

Basically, your thread is as dangerous as Stasia's for my tbr pile. I've added your books #67, 68, 69, 70 and 71!

Thanks Linda.

Yep, am agreeing with Whisper here - clearly going to have to read The Wednesday Wars!

Count me in! I'm adding The Wednesday Wars and Emily's Ghost for sure, pronto! Thank you so much for the recommendations and the well-written reviews.

What a great review of The Wednesday Wars. I read the summary blurb from Amazon, and I don't know if I would have picked this one up based on that, but your review definitely motivated me to put it on the TBR. Thanks!

And I had the same reaction to The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane - it was OK, but not incredibly memorable.

I was able to obtain a copy of The Wednesday Wars and plan to read it in the next few days. Thanks for the glowing recommendation.

#177 Linda, let me know how you like it! Its always nervewracking to recommend something so highly, but in this case I'm willing to put myself out there.

Actually, I'm looking forward to hearing how every one likes The Wednesday Wars and The Magicians.

I read The Wednesday Wars a month or so ago, and just passed it on to my nephew who collects Shakespeare themed books. Enjoyed it a lot.

Yours is the second review of The Magicians I've read--I definitely have to put it on my wishlist.

I'm back too -- it's nice to see what your summer held. And I glad you enjoyed Willis. That really is a good book! Wish my copy was here rather than in storage! I could go for a re-read.

Enjoyed reading your thread. I agree with Susan--Doomsday Book was one of my "top reads" this year--it was my first book this year, too.

#181

Lol.........hard to go anywhere but down when your first book is such a good'un!

luna

:-D It sets a high standard! After that book I read some nonfiction to "cleanse my palate."

Linda
I want to thank you for recommending The Wednesday Wars. I'm only 79 pages into it and already I've laughed and cried. It is an incredible book and destined to be one of my favorites.

Like you, I praise it to the rooftops!

Ok...I'm convinced, adding The Wednesday Wars to the TBR pile!

I would add it again if Whisper's review hadn't already put it high on my wishlist - I can't wait to get my hands on it!

I love how easy it is to add books to your LibraryThing wishlist. Click touchstone. Click 'Add to wishlist'. Click book link in search results. Done.

Had heard some buzz about the Wednesday Wars but this is the first concrete recommendation (it's probably on loads of other threads but I haven't checked LT properly in nearly 3 weeks...). Similarly, I'd seen loads of people raving about The Magicians, but had no idea what it was really about - definitely sounds worth a look.

Some great reading recently!

Rachael..

I highly recommend The Wednesday Wars and cannot say enough good things about it!

I hope you are well!

#187: I am glad it works that easily for some people. It does not work that way for me.

I haven't been reading NEARLY as much as I'd like. Only 11 more books since I last updated ALMOST TWO MONTHS AGO. Hack! Gag! Horrible. What have I been doing? Ugh. Well, entertaining out of town guests and working and running a book fair and being sick.

I feel like what I've been reading isn't really worth almost two months of my time, but oh well.....

72. Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy by Gary D. Schmidt. Schmidt sure knows how to pull heartstrings. I didn't love this as much as The Wednesday Wars, but I enjoyed it. It's nice to know there are things being written for kids that pack so much SUBSTANCE.

73. Border Songs by Jim Lynch. I LOVED Lynch's The Highest Tide. This, his newest book, is set in the small border town where my mom lives, and which I have frequently visited, so I was very interested in reading it. My mom read it first (with her book group). They hated it (felt it villified their "hood"). I really liked it. Lynch has a way with his primary characters. In this case, his protagonist is this adult, undiagnosed-Asperbergers-syndrome border patrol officer who has an uncanny knack for stumbling upon ground-breaking border crimes. There is drug-smuggling, people-smuggling, pot-growing, etc., and because of his unique ability to see tiny details that the rest of world misses, our hero manages to become a great success. The setting is evocatively described - its clear Lynch spent time in Blaine, Washington. I enjoyed this book. Though I recommend it, and it's not nearly as "magical" as "The Highest Tide" was, I hope others enjoy it.

74. Breath by Tim Winton. One of the book groups I'm in is populated by Aussies. Winton is a famous Australian author and so we read this with the very definite purpose of comparing the "American" response to the "Australian" response. Overall, we liked the book, though generally felt the last 20 or so pages were unduly rushed, as if the author simply got bored and ENDED IT. The latter part of the book introduces an uncomfortable sexual situation. For all its other merits, this sequence turned some of the readers off. For me, what I enjoyed most, was learning about Western Australia's surfing culture, and the gorgeous descriptions of the sport. I cautiously recommend this book; I'm told it's not one of Winton's best and not to judge his whole oeuvre by this one.

75. The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. I was hoping this would be the charming story that would change my mind about the mystery-genre. I have NO IDEA why this was so well received. Anyone?

76. Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. Read this for my YA book group. I was the only one who really liked it. In the story all mystical and magical creatures live on various compounds/reserves across the world. Some are good, most are dangerous; there is a bad creature that wants to recruit the magical creatures and take over the world. A brother and sister end up on one refuge where their grandparents are the caretakers. Adventures ensue. Ok, its not Tolkein, but its fine for a light fantasy. My 11-year-old son loves it.

77. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Another YA book group pick. We all LOVED it. We're SICK we have to wait so long for a sequel.

78. The Lost by Daniel Mendelsohn. LOVED this book. It is LONG, it is RAMBLING (one time one sentence was a page long - REALLY), but its such a powerful story. Nonfiction: Mendelsohn is a journalist who has long been obsessed with his family's geneology. His grandfather's brother and his family were murdered in the Holocaust. The Lost if Mendelsohn's multi-year quest to piece together what happens to his "lost" family members. Poetic, inventive, piercing, this is a book well worth reading. But make sure you've got a chunk of time to do so. Let me know what you think.

79. Evermore by Alyson Noel. Okay, after The Lost, I needed brain candy. At first thought this was a cheap Twilight knockoff (it kind is) but it takes its own little turn. Kind of okay as far as paranormal teen lit goes, but make no mistake: brain candy.

80. Blue Moon by Alyson Noel. This is Evermore's sequel. Remember how I compared this series to Twilight? Do you catch the scary similarity in name to Stephenie Meyer's second part (e.g. New Moon)???? Well, really, by this time its nothing like Twilight. Yes, I will read the third. (Gotta find out what happens!) But, still: brain candy. Kinda annoyed by the heavy new-age crystals and stuff.

81. The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan. This series by an Australian author is all the rage among 11-year-old boys. Read it for YA book club. Not bad. Mostly a typical adventure fantasy book. Probably better written than many. I'll probably keep reading.

82. Touching the Void by Joe Simpson. This was my bathroom/bedroom fall-back book. The one I read when I was stuck upstairs and my "primary read" was downstairs and I was too lazy to make the journey to get it. So this short-ish (less than 200 pages) book took me like two months to read. Oh well. It's a mind-blowing account of a real-life mountain climbing accident that happened to the author. Simpson goes into minute detail of his experience, from the thoughts going through is mind, to the physical sensations his near-death experience wrought. An excellent book for anyone interested in extreme sports.

Welcome back, Linda! I hope you are over being sick.

Book 72: Already in the BlackHole.
Book 73: Adding to the BlackHole - I already have The Highest Tide, but have not managed to read it yet.
Book 74: Skipping that one.
Book 75: Despite a mixed reviews, I want to give that one a go.
Book 76: Already read.
Book 77: Absolutely not reading until book 3 is out.
Book 78: Already in the BlackHole.
Books 79-80: I will give those a try despite my complete disinterest in Twilight.
Book 81: I have read the series up through book 5 (all that my local library has) and I really like it.
Book 82: Already read.

Whew!

Congratulations on the 75! And, while you may feel 11 isn't much, I see the word "LOVE" in your comments a lot, so it sounds like the quality-to-quantity ratio has been high - always nice.

Interested to hear you loved The Highest Tide - there are always copies of that one in our local warehouse sale but I've never picked it up. What particularly recommends it?

I've already got Touching the Void and hope to read it soon. I love rock climbing, although I haven't done any mountaineering, so I think I'll enjoy it.

3 others were also already on my wishlist, so thankfully I have nothing further to add from your reading! Is it bad that I sigh with relief when I make it to the bottom of someones thread without adding something new to my list?

Stasia, You are wise to wait on Suzanne Collins' series. Seriously.

FlossieT: The things I liked about The Highest Tide are the likeable, sympathetic characters, and his absolutely wonderful way with setting. He writes about the southern end of the Puget Sound in Washington State, and having lived there, it was like going back. There's also hint of something "extra-natural" about the book (as opposed to "supernatural") in that certain extraordinary events unfold that witnessed by the books protagonist, who is a boy coming of age. The events could be explained away, but there is this hint of larger forces at play. Despite a little mature content, this book, though written for adults, is often recommended to teens; there is both sweetness and sorriow. It is a gentle, warming read. Does that help?

lunacat: I heard about Simpson's book from a friend who loves climbing. I guess its considered a classic. And I'm glad my abbreviated list hasn't been a "stumbling block" for you. I think part of the reason I've not been as involved in the LT community this year is for that very reason of already having a pitifully unwieldy "to read" list. And as is evidenced by my most recent list, not nearly as much time to read. I'd like to start writing a story I've been sort of mentally fleshing out, but the thought of how much less reading time I'll have if I start makes hesitate.

Have a great day everyone!

>194 alaskabookworm: ooh, that sounds rather lovely... I don't have the place-specific knowledge, but the rest is very appealing. I'll keep my eyes peeled next time.

Am also waiting on Suzanne Collins. Have copy of The Hunger Games, will wait til the third is out before I read it. I learned my lesson with Patrick Ness's Chaos Walking...

Woo on 75!

Re Touching the Void, were you aware that a documentary film was made of this? I've not read the book, but I, well, "enjoyed" is not exactly the right word, but I found the film extremely compelling, despite one or two "la la la" moments (moments in which you close your eyes and ears and chant "la la la", in case that's not clear...). It's basically a reenactment interspersed with interviews of Joe Simpson.

I've had my eye on Book 73 Border Songs for a while, but I've been waiting for the term to end and give me a little free-reading time. Glad to hear it's good.

Book 78 The Lost (touchstone comes up wrong) was highly recommended by my sister-in-law a couple of years ago. I bought it but never actually read it - I'll have to redouble my efforts now!

#197 muddy21: Thanks for the heads up on The Lost touchstone not working. I just "untouchstoned" it because I couldn't get it to the right book.

#196 flissp: No, I didn't know about the documentary. I'll have to see if the library has it. Its such an amazing story; I would love to have a visual of where they were.

#195 FlossieT: Good idea waiting to start reading Collins' trilogy.

I was bad girl at Costco today. Got the new Stephen King, Anne Rice and Alyson Noel books. Darn the holidays; there's WAY too much good stuff to buy.

#198: Darn the holidays; there's WAY too much good stuff to buy.

But at least the holidays give you a feasible excuse, Linda! My problem is not having an excuse the entire rest of the year.

Good point.

83. Last Night In Twisted River by John Irving. I wrote an extensive review on this book that I posted on the main book page, but in a nutshell I think Irving has a winner here. I even put myself on a limb to say that I think he'll at least get nominated for a major book award. This is vintage Irving. However, bear in mind that this would be a hard book to get into if you haven't already read some of Irving's other stuff, in particular his better known books. Reviewers are divided over self-referential aspect of the book. I for one totally bought into it and loved it.

84. The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart. Young adult fiction at its best. Set in boarding school, full of humor and wisdom. If you like YA, read this. I believe it was nominated for a National Book Award a couple/several years ago.

85. Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta. This book was one of those "if you've read 'this'.... you'll love 'this'" kind of deals on Amazon. I had to add another item to get free shipping anyway, and this one was 5-star rated, so I got it. It's set in a boarding school in a tiny town a couple hundred miles outside of Sydney, Australia, and is just this beautiful, hopeful, redemptive story of love and friendship. I loved it. But be warned: The first 50 pages, give or take, are confusing and difficult. If you are a 50-page-rule kind of reader, don't give up on this one! See it through. Its well worth it and satisfying (if ultimately predictable). I loved that this book started out grim and gritty and dark, and built towards light the rest of the way. A very unique structure. I look forward to reading more of Marchetta's books.

86. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days by Jeff Kinney. Okay, so by now its a bit formulaic, but it still works for me. I'm still laughing out loud.

87. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold. This was one of the most surreal reading experiences of my life. The book is surreal enough, but this was my second reading. The first time was probably within a year of its publication. I reread it for book club and was dreading it. I didn't like it the first time; felt it was choppy and poorly imagined. Well, imagine my surprise when I remembered almost NOTHING of the book. Well, I remembered enough to confirm I HAD read it before, but really, it was like reading it for the first time, and I LOVED IT. I guess it just goes to show that it can be worthwhile to reread even things you THINK you're going to hate.

88. The White Mary by Kira Salak. This is a story about a female journalist whose career has been in war-torn and ravages places, who embarks on a quest deep into the jungles of Papua New Guinea to investigate the disappearance of a highly esteemed fellow journalist who is understood to have committed suicide six months earlier. I loved this book. Imagine a combination of Heart of Darkness, Fieldwork, and The Sparrow and you sort of get the picture. However, be warned, this is not for the faint of heart. There are some soul-breaking scenes and hard questions about life are asked. The answers may not be so elegant and mystical as The Sparrow, but this was an absolutely riveting story about finding peace in a very, very messed up world.

Currently reading brain candy: Monster by A. Lee Martinez. My first by him. About half way through. Loving it so far.

#83 and #84 are already in the BlackHole. #85 I have home from the library now to read. I have not read #86 yet, although I have read several of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. #87 I read several years ago and really liked. #88 is going in the BlackHole with the others. Whew!

I read Gil's All Fright Diner by Martinez and thought it was a hoot. I will look for your thoughts on Monster.

Ooh, some nice books! #84 I've seen around but it sounds like fun... putting it officially on the wishlist now :) #85 I've never heard of before but 5-star rating supported by your comments sounds good.

#87 I read this year as part of a book-swap circle, and was similarly dreading - but similarly really liked it.

>201 alaskabookworm:: I am so with you on Last Night in Twisted River. I think John Irving fans will love it and others will be scratching their heads in confusion after reading it.

The White Mary looks wonderful. It is not often that I so want to read an unknown (to me) book on a recommendation. I guess that means I trust you as a reader. :-) Have you read The Lost City of Z? It is also a quest to find out what happened to a missing explorer...this one in The Amazon. I found it interesting but told in a rather dispassionate manner. I'm looking forward to a little soul searching with Mary.

Linda

WOW! What wonderful books!

I'm adding Last Night In Twisted River to the tbr pile. A Prayer For Owen Meany is one of my top all-time favorite reads. Some of Irving's other stuff is a bit too out there.

I read Jellicoe Road earlier this year. I found it confusing.

I love the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. You are right! You have to laugh right out loud!

I'm adding The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks. Thanks for this recommendation.

Happy Thanksgiving to you!

hmm...I would have never thought re-reading something you didn't love the first time could ever pay off - glad it did for you! I think that if I'm not completely stunned by a book the 1st time around, (or confused enough to try and decipher it a second time) chances are I'm not gonna give it another go.

I'm adding Lovely Bones to the wishlist!

#204 Donna: I do have The Lost City of Z and it is towards the top of my TBR. I'm looking forward to reading it. I realize that I forgot to mention that The White Mary is fiction. I'm not sure if that matters to you or not.

#205 Linda: Owen Meany is my all-time favorite book too. Twisted River has quite few echoes of Owen Meany, I think. I hope you enjoy it. What you said about Jellicoe Road: almost every review i've read of it said the same thing you did.

#206 girlunderglass: It really was surreal having a totally different reading experience the second time around. I still can't account for it. I hope you enjoy The Lovely Bones when you get to it.

I can't believe it. I found Wolf Hall at the thriftstore for $1.50.

WHAT???
SAY THAT AGAIN!
Wolf Hall for $1.50!
That is the deal of the year!

I almost fainted. I'm tellin' ya.

Yowza! Good for you. I love thrift stores - you never know what amazing deal might come your way.

Wow...I'm jealous....:D

Totally stunned. Lucky you! My copy MUST be returned to the library by midnight tonight, and I've still got 50 pages to go. Not much, but considering I'll be working until at least 10 pm, there are things that will NOT be done at home tonight!

tloeffler--

sounds like it might be worth the 10-25 cent fine to finish

I'm trying to play with getting images and other affects into my thread here using HTML. Not having luck at all. Any hints or websites that might help?

I could have sworn TadAD had posted a whole 'HTML Hints' thread in the 75 Book Challenge either this year or last... but LibraryThing isn't finding it :-(

I did find a post he made on longwing's thread which explains text formatting very neatly.

As for images: where were you planning on pulling them from? Basically you need to put in a tag as follows:

<img src="URL of your image goes here" height="height in pixels" width="width in pixels" alt="The Title of the Book or something meaningful">

Include the double-quotes but replace the stuff inside them.

Width, height and alt are not essential for your image to display, but they (1) make the page scroll properly, since the browser knows how much space to leave for them (2) give people who have blocked images something to look at (3) are good HTML practice :-)

You can get the width and height by right-clicking and choosing 'Properties...', if you're using an image already on the internet.

Photobucket will generate image tags for you, if you're uploading your own images there.

Good luck!

edits to clarify and add info on Photobucket

Thanks Flossie. I know I've gotten hints before, but it was so long ago I didn't know where to look. I tried a search in the talk threads but I think I wasn't specific enough and there were too many "pulls" to sort through. I'll experiment tomorrow when I have more active brain cells.

Hey, for anyone who reads this thread and loves a great deal on books; bookcloseouts.com is having a screamin' sale on fiction right now. 50% off books that are already remaindered and very reasonalbe. Expect to pay between $2 and $3. The only downside: over 300 webpages of sale books to choose from. That means a lot of time browsing. But if you have a wishlist of authors and titles, do a search. I sorted all the sale books by author last name and only made it to the "B"s before I gave up. I'd rather spend my time reading. But, still a GREAT deal.

Thanks Tad!! I thought I was going mad when I couldn't find the topic...

Just catching up on your thread - you've read some great books lately. I wholeheartedly second your recommendation of Melina Marchetta's On Jellicoe Road. I've read all her books except the latest, her first fantasy Finnikin of the Rock. Her first book Looking for Alibrandi was made into a very likeable movie.
I really loved The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks and The Wednesday Wars also.
Another good YA writer from Australia worth looking out for is Archimede Fusillo, he writes for boys rather than girls and his The Dons was particularly good.

Diary of a wimpy kid can be read online: http://www.funbrain.com/journal/Journal.html?ThisJournalDay=1&ThisPage=1

Another place to get info on adding links & images is the LT wiki - http://www2.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/Your_profile

Auuugh, I lost an hour of time yesterday browsing Bookcloseouts.com... and ended up ordering $37 worth of books, which according to the number at the top, saved $211 due to the sale. HECK YES.

I did specific searches with my TBR list of accumulated titles from browsing LT this year... far, far too much fun... but definitely a time-sink!

#222: dk_phoenix: I'm glad you found some stuff to order. An hour doesn't sound like TOO much time to browse! I admit, I've been going through page by page; I'm at about pg 80. Its taking forever. I'm not sure why I'm torturing myself, other than its such a great deal.

89. Monster by A. Lee Martinez. Didn't love it as much as I thought I would, but it was cute brain candy. I will try more of him because he is, at the least, promising.

90. The Human Condition by Joe M. Kapolyo. I am just sort of getting into reading theology books, but the ones that attract me the most are those that explore both Western culture through a non-Western lens, and orthodox Christian theology from a cross-cultural lens. This was readable and interesting and has whetted my appetite to read more books along these lines. My very personal opinion (given that I'm not one prone to religious debates): Westerners have completely muddled God's revelation to mankind, and though I may always be a slave to my own cultural upbringing, I would like to get glimpses of the greater truth and mystery of Christ and break away from my own shortsightedness through the eyes of others.

91. Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh. Sometimes I forget that books can be more than a brief diversion or a clever turn of phrase, or worst of all the products of a desperate marketing machine, each of which may at any time may be a "black swan". Ghosh's recent book is a slap in my face that I have bought into crappy writing and formulaic story-telling. Sea of Poppies is an epic; introducing characters from eastern India in the 1838 and cleverly bringing them together into one place. I can't remember the last time I was so utterly convinced by a book's inhabitants. They became my friends, in all their charm and shortcomings. Both wit and tragedy and an impeccable use of language and local/historical vernacular makes Ghosh's book absolutely Dickensian. This is supposedly the first in a trilogy and I will eagerly wait for the next volumes.

I love your review of Sea of Poppies. I'll aim to read this in 2010.

Is it cold and snowy in Alaska this time of year?

I liked Gil's All-Fright Diner better than Monster. I don't know, the thought of redneck vampire and werewolf fighting zombies and saving the world just really worked for me.

I'm hopeful of reaching 100 books by the end of the year, but it means reading short stuff, and neglecting my home and family. Shouldn't be too hard to do. ;)

92. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead.

93. The Lost City of Z by David Grann.

94. Shadowland by Alyson Noel.

95. Graceling by Kristin Cashore.

96. The Camel Bookmobile by Masha Hamilton.

i' so proud of you i could never do this in a million years

#227: Home? Family? What are they?

I read When You Reach Me and loved it. I have also read The Lost City of Z and like it a lot. None of the books in Alyson Noel's Shadowland series is available at my local library yet. Graceling I have owned for a year now and still not gotten to, so it is definitely getting read in 2010. The Camel Bookmobile is going into the BlackHole.

Good luck with making 100, Linda!

Linda

Today I finished When you Reach Me by Rebecca Stead. What a wonderful masterpiece! I'm curious to learn of your impressions! Stasia, thanks for your original recommendation which lead me to the book.

Stasia and Linda: Thanks for visiting my thread! I really liked When You Reach Me; it was unusual and surprising and kind of sad and sweet.

Right now I'm working on Kristin Cashore's newest, Fire, which I'm finding hard to put down. She's a good writer and storyteller with attempts at actual depth but mostly its enjoyable guilt-free escapism. (Contrast this to Alyson Noel whose substandard writing causes me almost physical pain, and seems a bit shallow and trite, but I get caught up in her story anyway - much to the delight of the publisher's marketing department.)

This will sound bad, but I am happy to report a couple of my kids are sick - enough that we can't go out, but not so bad that I have to worry - which means I HAVE TO STAY HOME AND DO NOTHING (except read)!!! Poor me.

Also, I have to say, I really enjoyed The Camel Bookmobile which was very meaningful to me personally because I so totally could imagine myself venturing out of my little safe suburban cocoon to naively take books to the remotest corners of the earth. But if you never read it, or don't read it for a long time, here's a beautiful, beautiful quote from the very beginning of the book:

"Books allowed her vicarious tastes of infinite variety, but they didn't supplant the need to venture out into the big and the messy. In fact, just the opposite. Books convinced her that something more existed - something intuitive, beyond reason - and they whetter her appetite to find it."

I hope the children are better soon. And, I hope you get a lot of reading accomplished.

Is it cold and snowy where you are?

All good wishes for a wonderful holiday!

Happy Reading! And Merry Christmas as well!

My fondest dream in sixth grade was that I would own a bookmobile some day...I haven't given up hope yet o_0

Happy Holidays, everyone!

I made it! Just barely. Here are the last few reads of 2009.

97. Lament by Maggie Stiefvater. It was okay.

98. Fire by Kristin Cashore. Really like this lady's books.

99. The Light Fantastic by Terry Pratchett. Its going to take me forever to get through the DiscWorld series, but I've got to just keep plugging along one book at a time.

100. Hearts Awakening by Delia Parr. Religious historical romance. It was decent.

101. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larsson. This book was awesome!

Happy New Year! See you all in 2010!

Congratulations on hitting 100! And Happy New Year!

ditto what Terri said!

I enjoy getting to know you and look forward to learning about your reads in 2010!

Hurrah - another 100! Well done, and Happy New Year.

Happy New Year, Linda!

Thanks everybody! Have a fun day reading and watching football.