Mamachunk's 2009 Reading List

Should I even start posting yet?? Oh well, here goes..
I hope to finish my 75 books, and maybe even surpass it...and I hope to get through 75 books that are sitting on my shelves...THere!! That seems like a good enough challenge!!! Nowww... Back to 2008... ...

mamachunk

Welcome back!
I'm glad you joined the 2009 challenge. I enjoy your posts and look forward to seeing what you read in 2009!

Happy New Year

Linda

Welcome to the new group, mamachunk!

Ok....so i didn't exactly finish 75 books...i only got to 72.....on account of being sick....that said...the only goal for my reading this year is that I will stick to my books listed in my Librarything Library....I have a crapload of books and its high time that I make a dent in my own collection.....

Anyone else have a goal for your reading this year??? Happy new year fellow readers!!!

Mamachunk
:)

Sorry to hear you have been unwell, mamachunk. I hope you are recovered!

Thanks alcottacre and others who have inquired into my health I am getting better, and I took off work today because I still felt a little lousy...I am almost finished with my medicine, that and some more tea and quiet time should do wonders....then for sure I'll be ready for work on Monday....

I am working on Brisingr, so far, so good....maybe I'll finish that this weekend...

I know that I will not set a list for myself this year...I will read whatever my heart fancies....If I set a list, I will get tempted to wander and stray from the list....(I can get distracted)...

How do you all feel about lists? Do you create them? Or do you just set a pile by your bed, desk, etc and pick from there?

Mamachunk

I read Brisingr in late 2008. I've enjoyed reading the whole series and find it interesting that such a very young man wrote them, but I also felt that he took all the popular dragon-type stories out there and kind of meshed them together to create his own story. Still, a good read, if a bit long.

I'm one of those people who can't follow a list of books to read because some new book always comes up that I decide I HAVE to read first. I tend to grab what ever strikes my fancy from the huge TBR pile that surrounds my bed. I've often considered what danger I would be in if I was in bed during an earthquake--I'd be buried beneath my TBR pile!

Hi Mamchunk
I hope you are feeling much better.

I use lists as resources, including the 1001 Must Read list. I've found some great reads and writers on that list, so they easily outdo the books I did not enjoy. But I figure I could just as easily picked up a book at the library or store and either liked it or not. So I use lists, including some inside LT.

hi Mamachunk - glad you're beginning to feel better.

Nowadays I'm finding I usually know roughly what my next 2-3 books are likely to be, although I sometimes get surprised along the way. I don't like to be too structured about it as I tend to find that if I decide I'm going to read something really specific and I'm not in the mood I risk putting myself off so badly I never try again.

YMMV :-)

Oh, I'm a listaholic. I have at least 7 (I may be forgetting some at the moment) lists going right now!

I am not one of the list people. I tend to read all over the place. The only reason I have the short list at the beginning of my thread is because almost all of those books are ones I had out of the library at one time or another last year, but never ended up reading (especially around the time we were moving). I also added some books on the Vietnam War and the Civil Rights movement that I want to get to, but if I had to stick to one of those 1001 lists or top 100 lists, I would go nuts.

I do keep my own personalized list of books I want to read (called Continent TBR), but I do not think this is the kind of list to which you are referring.

1) Brisingr BY: Christopher Paolini---Excellent. the third book in the Inheritence series, it continues the adventures of Eragon and Saphira. Eragon, having been changed by an elven custom/practice continues his fight (along with the Varden) against Galbatorix and the Empire. We discover more about Eragon's past and we see Roran as the warrior he is. Lots of intrigue and mystery surround this third installment...a worthy recommendation.

2) The Book of the Unknown: Tales of the ThirtySix by: Jonathon Keats ---A LT Reviewer Copy--- An excellent compilation of stories told in the style of Aseops fables. In the Jewish mystical tradition, it is believed that there are 36 hidden righteous people who alone, only known to God, sustains the world. This compilation contains 12 of those stories imaginatively retold,that offer a perspective on ordinary humanity. While some of the characters are laughable and pitiable, each of their tales offers a life lesson in fidelity, love, and pure humanity without shame or fakery. According to Talmudic superstition, anytime one of the "Lamedh-Vov" (the 36 pure souls) have become known, another takes his or her place. The author, so it is claimed, vanished shortly after turning in the manuscript, and some Rabbis believe it is because he went on a quest to discover if some of these people could actually be found. True or not, it makes for an excellent mystery while pondering the fates of a people. I highly recommend this book, whether one is familiar with Jewish folklore/religion or not. It makes you think deep about your place in the universe and your approach to life.

Mamachunk

#13: The Book of the Unknown: Tales of the ThirtySix sounds very good, mamachunk. I will look for it. Thanks for the recommendation!

Hey fellow NYer. Just saying hi. The Eragon books are a set of books that keep meaning to read but some other book always gets in the way.

3) When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management by: Roger Lowenstein ---Excellent, a definate must read, especially in light of the recent financial meltdowns of the past several months. It details the rise of a hedge fund LTCM--Long Term Capital Management set up by John Meriwether, a successful bond "arbitrageur". (I think that means a bond trader/speculator.) Along with other Wall Street whiz "kids" and Nobel Prize economists, they set up a enormously successful hedge fund with an array of financial products that were tinkered with in order to realize a profit. LTCM was founded in 1993 and went bust by 1998, a victim of its partners arrogance, greed and sense of invulnerablility. They thought that because they had Nobel prize winners. and scientific/mathematical formulas, they could predict with accuracy the price of differing bonds and other financial products. They leveraged themselves to the hilt, and were extremely secretive about their investments. As a result, they almost brought down "The Street". True, "The Street" was just as eager to get into bed with LTCM when times were good, and they were very good. I recommend this book even to the novice and unenlighentened. I know very little regarding financial matters, yet this book was written for the layman.

4) On Deep History and the Brain BY: Daniel Lord Smail --Excellent. This was a fascinating book, very interdisciplinary and far reaching in scope. Encompassing a wide range of topics, it packs a punch for only being 200 pages in length. He discusses the need for historians to speak to biologists, paleontologists, and the like so as to show their interdependence on one another. He recounts the stories of the writings of world histories throughout the ages, and how as time has gone on, these histories have gone further back into time. Whereas they were once united around a common "sacred" theme, i.e the Genesis account, the Deluge (the Flood),etc, they have now gone back to Paleolithic societies, tens of thousands of years ago. Smail discusses many fields of inquiry in this admittedly short book. Although he wished to keep it accessible to average readers, I would still have read it, even at 400 pages. One of his premises is that the premodern, the Paleolithic, "caveman" societies still hold incredible insights into modern culture and that evolution be it biochemical/physical or cultural are at work in us as individuals and as peoples whether we know it or not. I'm not doing this book justice. Frankly, I find this book to be one of the best books I've read in a long time, and I am having a hard time describing it. I plan to read it again, if only to get a more coherent grasp of the subject matter. Maybe someone more articulate then I could concisely translate the book to others.

drneutron--I have a feeling that you might like this book, and that you would understand more than I...

I welcome anyone's feedback on this book. Again, I highly recommend this, and I plan to read it again rather shortly...happy reading LT'ers

mamachunk

On Deep History and the Brain just went on the TBR list! Thanks for the reviews.

#16 mamachunk: Great reviews! I am also adding On Deep History and the Brain to Continent TBR.

mamachunk

I haven't read When Genius Failed: The Rise and Fall of Long-Term Capital Management, it sounds like an interesting book, though I know some of the financial details about this fiasco, it should be a good read never the less.

PS: Arbitrageur is not just a trader, an arbitrageur in dictionary sense makes money without taking any risk. In practice, an arbitrageur makes money by taking (as what he perceives) little risk, all sort of problems are caused only when the market doesn't agree with his perceived estimates :P

Damn! I have this mantra I chant before I read 75 Challenge threads. I will NOT be influenced to acquire any books I read about here. On Deep History blew my mantra to smithereens.

It's not that there aren't good books mentioned here it's just that I have enough to read for several years. A book I liked that precedes in the other direction in time is Deep Time by Gregory Benford. How does current humanity communicate with humanity 10,000 years from now? To warn of nuclear waste, for instance.

Visible Ghost---thanks for the recommendation... of "Deep Time"...

I would recommend that you check out Year Million: Science at the Edge of Knowledge by: Damien Broderick ----this was a fascinating book of essays regarding the deep, deep future. I found it a bit difficult, but definately worth a read....

Piyush---thanks for the clarification regarding Arbitrageurs....
Would you recommend any other financial books to read, but that are written for the layman???

mamachunk

mamachunk, I read Year Million last year and it turned out to be one of my favorites for the year. There was a mind blowing diversity of predictions and thoughts presented in those essays.

mamachunk

Fooled by Randomness is a good book in that regard, doesn't talk about many technicalities and is highly critical of traders, I think you will like it.

5) The Commission: The Uncensored History of the 9/11 Investigation by: Philip Shenon --Excellent book, a definate must read...This book chronicles the creation of the 9/11 commission and all that went on--things that often never made the papers. How Kean and Hamilton were selected, How Kissenger (who was slated to become the head of the commission was confronted by the "Jersey Girls" and had to decline the "headship" of the commission due to the fact that he would not disclose his client list, and that client list included Saudis). How the rest of the commissioners were selected, how the staff members were selected. How controversial a figure Philip Zelikow was, the many myriad conflict of interests he had, his contacts inside the WH....

It is an excellent book and essential to the understanding of the 9/11 issues and its intellgence failures, etc...

mamachunk

Hi mamachunk
I'm simply stopping in to say hello. I'm having a difficult time keeping up with all the posts, but wanted you to know I check yours. Congratulations on reading five books this month. I'm very interested in The Commission Is it one of those books that you read and get a tad angry and sad?

Hello Whisper1, Yes, The Commission is that type of book....I couldn't believe all the shenanigans that went on...its a quite fascinating book. I think that you will enjoy this book a lot...

happy reading...

mamachunk

Hi mamachunk, catching up on threads myself, and have enjoyed your posts.

I don't even pretend to have the willpower that VisibleGhost has, and have added The Book of the Unknown and The Commission: to the exponentially growing TBR pile....

Lisa

"Willpower?" "Willpower?" What is "willpower?" Each day I find such wonderful books on each thread and the mound grows bigger and bigger and bigger.

Exactly!!! I have pages and pages of books found on these threads. Since joining LT I now contemplate my mortality regularly because I know I won't be able to read everything I want to (in this lifetime....!).

6) Assassin's Apprentice BY: Robin Hobb-- Excellent beginning to a wonderful series...it follows the life of a young boy Fitz as he grows up in the shadow of a kingdom in which he has a small part to play...that of an Assassin's Apprentice....working on behalf of the King to advance the Kingdom and protect it from its enemies. This is a wonderful fantasy novel...so not what I was expecting....I am really enjoying it and can't wait to read the others...I really recommend it...

mamachunk

#30: I have that one hanging around my house somewhere. I must locate it!

#31

You definitely should, its very very good. The series gets pretty intense as it goes on but I thoroughly enjoyed them.

Its been a long time since I've posted....I just haven't been up to it lately with loads to do at work...
so here it goes

7) Royal Assassin BY" Robin Hobb this is the 2nd book in the Farseer trilogy, and Fitz has survived many trying times as the King's Man, the King's Assassin. He has been recovering in the Mountain Kingdom and re-evaluating his life...he feels a total lack of control in that everything seems to be planned for him, with him just "saying his lines" if you will. Chade, his "Master/Teacher", ever mysterious, still keeps him in the dark about a lot of things, expecting Fitz to acquiesce to his commands. Meanwhile, the Red Ship Raiders still attack the Coasts of the Six Duchies, . Fitz struggles to deal with the Skill, and his relationship to Molly, the common girl he is in love with. An excellent "follow-up" to Assassin's Apprentice highly recommened.

8) Assassin's Quest by: Robin Hobb---This is the 3rd book in the Farseer Trilogy and it is awesome. Fitz, has really grown up, and his mature progression has become really evident throughout these books. Verity has become married to the "Princess" of the Mountain Kingdom, and is in line to the Throne of the Six Duchies, but his brother Regal, has other plans for Verity, Fitz, and the Six Duchies. Its a wonderful continuation of the Farseer story. The entire Triolgy is an excellent read. A friend at work recommended it to me and I really enjoyed Robin Hobb and her writing and the story itself.

9) When Giants Fall: An Economic Roadmap for the End of the American Era BY: Michael J. Panzer --Excellent book, a must read. I know there tend to be lots of these "types" of books floating around out there, especially lately. You know the ones I'm talking about--- America is collapsing, we're falling off a cliff...Oh my God, help us!!! Ahhhhh!!! Ok, that was slightly dramatic...however, this book presents in an evenhanded fashion, the reasons for American decline. The fact that China owns approx $1.8 Trillion in reserves, the fact that we now compete much more actively with China and Russia on the world economic stage (despite the debacles of the past several months). Global warming/climate change/economc and geo-political power shifting, over extension in Iraq/Afghanistan all will contribute to our National Collapse. Ok, I'm not doing this book justice, I probably sound like a nut, (i'm not). This was a fairly easy book to read, written for a layman, not filled with technical data and jargon that will make your eyes glaze over... The author has a website www.economicroadmap.com
I recommend this book highly.

>33 mamachunk:: I loved the Farseer (Assassin) trilogy, but couldn't get into the Liveships books. I haven't tried Tawny Man books...does anyone who has read them have any thoughts?

ETA: Her Soldier's Son and books as Lindholm were OK for me, but didn't overwhelm. I'm wondering if she was just a "one-book author" for my tastes.

Welcome back, mamachunk! Good to see you again.

10) A Demon of Our Own Design by: Richard Bookstaber --Excellent, Excellent book. A bit hard to read at times, but definately worth it. Bookstaber used to work at Morgan Stanley and Soloman Brothers doing risk management, that along with a Phd from MIT makes this an impressive read, because he was an insider. He chronicles some of the past debacles LTCM, the beginnings of derivatives and options, the explosion of the bond market, etc. Some times I came away from a chapter quite confused, as I am not well versed in economic/financial matters. I can barely wrap my head around the current mess that we're in. I might just have to buy my self a copy so I can mark it up and more closely read it so as to understand it better.
That said, I really do recommend it, maybe there are those of you LT'ers out there who can explain this book better.

mamachunk

Thanks for the welcomeback alcottacre!!! :)

11) The Philosopher's Stone: Alchemy and the Secret Research for Exotic Matter BY: Joseph P. Farrell ---Really good. I would recommend that you read his other works so that you would get a feel for his writing and because he builds on his other works and refers to passages in his other books. That said, this is a really good book. He delves into the history of alchemy, the myths that surround it, and some interesting anecdotal and pretty compelling circumstancial historical evidence of actual alchemical evidence. I.E Gold coins minted by kings supposedly created by alchemy, etc
He also again returns to Nazi secret projects, parallels the creation of "The Bell" and its description of its effects with that of the effects of early alchemical experiments. I.E the colors produced by the heating of the elements, etc. Its a really fascinating book. Joseph Farrell has a website www.gizadeathstar.wordpress.com

12) Descent into Chaos: The United States and the Failure of Nation Building in Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Central Asia BY: Ahmed Rashid-- Excellent book. This is a definate must read for anyone wanting to know about the complex interworkings of the Central Asian region and how our interference in and abject failure to reconstruct and lead has led to harm in our War on Terror, (or whatever acronym we're using.) He argues that liberating Afghnistan was a great thing, but by not having plans in place for nation building and not having effective leadership, by shuffling the State Dept to the side, and letting the Pentagon & the CIA run roughshod over everything, we have caused many problems. There are many instances where he chronicles Karzai's utter incompetence and total lack of leadership and foot dragging over the simplest of issues; from not forming a political party structure, to not firing incompetent ministers, to sticking to primitive tribal governance (which further fractures and Balkanizes the country). The US fails to completely route the Taliban, and ultimately lets the Southern part of Afghanistan go to sh*t by not adequately allocating satellite survellience for up to three years!!! We essentially let Pakistan get away with a lot, because the ISI (their CIA) is "helping" us in the War on Terror. Rashid also chronicles the rest of the "Stans", Turkmenistan, Kazakhistan, Uzbekistan, etc and how our policies, I.E rendition, etc, have allowed these dictatorships to get away with horrible things all in the name of the War on Terror. All in all, it is an excellent book, and a must read.

Mamachunk

Glad to see you back, and of course have added the Assassin books to my pile, as well as Descent into Chaos and When Giants Fall. Thanks!

#38: Thanks for the recommendations, mamachunk! I will see if I can locate them.

Alcottacre--- #38 & #40 you can order most of Farrell's books by going to the website of Adventures Unlimited Press, or just looking it up at Amazon. The Philosopher's Stone is published by Feral House, also on Amazon.

Enjoy!

mamachunk

#41: Thanks for the additional info, especially since none of the libraries around me seem to have either book.

13) Ship of Magic by: Robin Hobb--- Excellent. This is the first in the Liveship Traders series. It follows the Vestrit family, a Trader family of Bingtown and their lives. Trader families own Liveships that are made of wizardwood and are bonded to a family for many generations. It takes 3 generations for a Liveship to be quickened. Meanwhile Pirate Kennit is driven to capture a Liveship even if it means his very life. Althea Vestrit and Winthrow Haven, Aunt and Nephew both struggle to come to terms with their place in Bingtown and the pressures that they must face. This is a very good start to a very good series...I highly recommend it.

mamachunk

#43: On to the Continent it goes!

#43

I've got this one waiting on my tbr list, glad to hear it is good.

14) Mad Ship by: Robin Hobb Excellent followup to Ship of Magic. It continues the story of the Vestrit Family Traders. Bingtown is dealing with corruption, strife, and dissention from New Traders and Chalcedeans. Althea is determined to get her Liveship back. Brashen Trell and ALthea Vestrit refit the "Mad Ship" Paragon and sail off to reclaim the Vivacia for the Vestrit family.
Kennitt, Pirate extrordinaire is still as wiley as ever is determined to become King of the Pirate Isles. Ther stakes have never been higher....This is a a must read....

15) Ship of Destiny by: Robin Hobb THis is the conclusion to the Liveship Traders trilogy. This is perhaps the best of the three books....The secret of the Liveships has become known, Bingtown is attacked by Chalced and the town must come together if they are to survive....The Rain Wilders, kin to the Bingtown Traders become closer. The Vestrit family tries to hold onto everything that they hold dear as their world becomes shattered....THis is a wonderfule conclusion to a wonderful series....everyone should read it...

mamachunk

I am now looking forward to reading the entire trilogy. Thanks for recommending the books, mamachunk!

Your welcome alcottacre...I am not doing the series justice in my reviews...but trust me....its a great series...A friend of mine at work introduced me to Robin Hobb and I absolutely love her writing...I am onto Fool's Errand now.... Have a great day reading!!!

mamachunk

Thanks! You, too.

#46 I've been meaning to read something by Robin Hobb. I think I'll start with this series. Thanks!

loriephillips, I would recommend that you start with the Farseer Trilogy first... which is 1) Assassins' Apprentice 2) Royal Assassin 3) Assassins's Quest, then Go to the Liveship Traders Trilogy 1) Ship of Magic 2) Mad Ship 3) Ship of Destiny

check out www.fantasticfiction.co.uk for listings of books by Robin Hobb, they list them in order...you can also search for any other author and all of their books will come up...its an excellent resource.

Do you have any recommendations for books to read loriephillips? I'm always looking for books to read!!!

Have a great day!

mamachunk

Definitely start with Assassin's Apprentice. I don't think it would be so easy to start with the Liveship Traders.

#52 and #53 I will definitely put Assassin's Apprentice on the TBR pile!

I've not seen much said on LT regarding the Memory, Sorrow and Thorn series by Tad Williams, but it is one of my favorite fantasy series. The first book is The Dragonbone Chair followed by Stone of Farewell and then To Green Angel Tower. The first book in the series starts a little slow, but gets really good after about 100 pages, and all the books are long, especially To Green Angel Tower. If you like really long and involved fantasy quests, this series fits the bill.

I enjoyed the Tad Williams series. I loved Robin Hobb's Ki and Vandien Quartet when she was writing as Megan Lindholm, but must admit I bogged down in the middle of the second book of the Farseer trilogy as the body count began to mount. That trilogy, along with the first of the Liveship books, have been sitting on my shelves for about 10 years now.

#55

ronin, the Farseer books are certainly dense, and the 2nd one is the poorest (as is so often the way in trilogies, don't you find?) but it gets better in the 3rd....but remains as dense.

I haven't started the Liveship books yet but I'm looking forward to getting round to them at some point.

16) Gray Apocalypse BY: James Murdoch--
This is a really good sci/fi thriller! In three days, earth will be destroyed by Aliens and there is only one person who can stop it. For more then 50 years, the American Government has been collaborating with the Aliens, and anyone who disagrees is killed. Michael Kendon, an assassin formerly aligned with the alien Greys, is now the only member of a resistance movement. Its a fascinating thriller, and a worthy read.

17) Science of Coercion: Communication Research & Psychological Warfare 1945-1960 BY: Christopher Simpson--Interesting book...Its a bit dense and tiresome to get through, but its basic premise is this: communications and social science research immediately after WW2 and during the early years of the Cold War was directly funded by the American Government. American foreign policy was helped and perpetuated by these communication studies, detailed reports of foreign and domestic public opinions were tracked, propaganda was created by academics controlled by the government and gov't controlled foundations. Its an interesting look into the deep connections between academia and government. A very worthy read.

18) Fool's Errand by: Robin Hobb Excellent. This is the first book in the Tawny Man series. It brings back some of the familiar characters of the Assassin's Apprentice's, only it is 15 years later. FitzChivalry Farseer has settled into a relatively quiet life, until his old mentor Chade happens by, and then shortly thereafter, the Fool makes a triumphant return into the Fitz's life. What follows is another adventure and more intrigue unlike any you have ever read...an excellent read...

mamachunk

Re: Book 16 ... but didn't you find that the dialogue was a little... overdone & cliched sometimes? If that were fixed, it could be a much better book. My husband read my copy and thought it was pretty darn good for Murdoch's first novel, though the dialogue brought it down from a potential 5 stars.

More books from your thread I have to add, mamachunk! I am putting Gray Apocalypse and Fool's Errand on the Continent. Thanks for the recommendations!

Your welcome alcottacre, I am really enjoying Robin Hobb, she is a really incredible fantasy writer...I am almost at the end of Golden Fool and then its one more book left till the end of the series....

I would recommend that you start Hobb's series at the beginning with 1) The Assassin's Apprentice 2) Royal Assassin & 3) Assassin's Quest then its onto the Liveships Traders Trilogy with 1) Ship of Magic 2) Mad Ship & 3) Ship of Destiny and then the Tawny Man series which begins with 1) Fool's Errand 2) Golden Fool & 3) Fool's Fate.......I am currently at the end of Golden Fool....

I think you will love it all..... happy reading...

mamachunk

#60: Thanks for the recommendations!

19) Golden Fool by: Robin Hobb-- Excellent...the story of the Farseer clan and Fitzchivalry is yet thrust into yet another intrigue...Prince Dutiful is to marry into the Outislander clan (the former enemy of the Six Duchies)....The Fool and Fitz are tested and secrets from the past are revealed......newly Witted people are exposed and Alliances are formed....the fate of the kingdom hangs in the balance and the White Prophet and the Catalyst, again hold the key to its survival....an excellent continuation.....

mamachunk

>62 mamachunk:: Maybe I'll try these. I'm always leery of "continuations" when I think the first series went well...which I certainly did with the first trilogy. But, there've been a number of positive reviews here, so it may become some fun summer reading.

20) Nazi International: The Nazi's Postwar Plan to Control Finance, Conflict, Physics and Space BY: Joseph P. Farrell Really good....More info about the Nazi's and their nefarious plans (cue scary laughter)...this book goes into everything...from Hitler's suicide story, Germany's surrender, and scientific experiments gone awry in South America...Nazi's in Nasa...Its a dense book, and worth a look....all of Farrell's books are worth a look...some things he admits are speculation, however he draws some very good conclusions, and inferences that are worth thinking over...I highly recommend reading it...

mamachunk

Your most recent read sounds fascinating. I'm recommending this to my husband who reads a lot of WWII books.

#64: That one sounds good! Thanks for another recommendation to add to Continent TBR, mamachunk.

21) Fool's Fate BY: Robin Hobb---Excellent ending to a trilogy!!! The Fitz is still here, acting as Chade's eyes and ears of course (with the Skill)...Prince Dutiful is betrothed to the Narcheska Elliana from the Outislands, but must perform a task to win her hand. He must travel far to the north, to her homeland, and get the head of the Dragon Icefyre. The Fool is adamently against the slaying (for reasons of his own) and coterie is busy trying to help Kettricken and Dutiful with the task so that the Six Duchies and Outislands might be allies. It is a wonderful tale and conclusion to an excellent series...I recommend it highly, but you must start with the beginning... See message # 60 for the series list......happy reading all!!!

mamachunk

#67: I am looking forward to reading that series. Thanks so much for all the info you provided about it, mamachunk.

Your welcome alcottacre! I think you will love the series! I know I did. It was very enjoyable to read.

mamachunk

22) House of Sand and Fog by: Andre Dubus III-- Really good. This turned out to be much better then I expected. It tells the story of an immigrant Iranian family trying to make it in a modern city while battling a troubled woman trying to hold on to the one thing grounding her to reality--the house her father left her. The Behrani family and Kathy Nicolo struggle over this piece of property this "house of sand and fog". It becomes for them a medium of control and in the midst of it Sheriff Burdon--lover of Kathy, enforcer of law, battles his own demons. Its a "quiet" sort of novel, with scenes that make you alternately hold your breath, jump out of your seat, and smile softly, appreciating the realism, (even if I found it a bit difficult at times to read). I gave it a "really good" rating, as opposed to an excellent, because of the difficulty I had in reading it (at times)...that said, I highly recommend it, and maybe other LT'ers have a better view or (review) of it then I do. Do tell....

Happy reading all!!

Mamachunk

For some reason the ads for the movie version of House of Sand and Fog really made me not want to see it. The lead actress who I generally like seemed to have been in too many movies at the same where she was always crying and giving that far away look and the thought of seeing her in more of the same made me never see it. But since then I have heard that the movie was actually quite good and have heard much the same thots your expressed about the novel. Alrighty, one more for the book pile.

How are ya by the way? Its been awhile.

#70: Adding that one to the Planet, mamachunk. Thanks again for yet another recommendation.

I have to second mamchunk's review of House of Sand and Fog. It is really a great novel, examining people on the edges of society, people who are struggling. The movie didn't live up to the book, though it was good. That's my two cents.

And my tuppence on House of Sand and Fog--I liked both the book and the movie. I got very involved with both sets of characters and their POV about the importance of the house. Recommended, yes!

23) Icehenge BY: Kim Stanley Robinson ---Pretty good---I said its a pretty good story because I thought the ending could've been better. Its set far in the future, when Mars has been colonized, and much of the rest of the planets have also been colonized and people live for centuries. A voyage to Pluto uncovers an Icehenge, that challenges official accepted history. All in all, its not a bad read.

24) The Virus and the Vaccine BY Debbie Bookchin & Jim Schumacher Excellent book! Everyone should read this book. THis was a very well written book about the polio vaccine, and its contamination with SV40--Simian Virus 40, which is believed to cause (with excellent and numerous studies) certain types of cancer. It follows all the infighting in the NIH, and the trouble in studying the virus. Its an excellent read.

mamachunk

#76: I will put The Virus and the Vaccine on Planet TBR, mamachunk.

Did you read David Olshinsky's Polio: An American Story? If not, I highly recommend it.

25) Little Brother by: Cory Doctorow --Excellent book---techno geekery meets 1984!!! an awesome book. A terrorist incident happens in San Francisco and a group of 17 year old kids get caught up in it, becoming accused by the Dept of Homeland Security of being the plotters, and planning other incidents. What follows is a mind blowing adventure of kids taking on the system....everyone should read this book...

26) Blank Spots on the Map: The Dark Geography of the Pentagon's Secret World BY: Trevor Paglen-- Excellent book! A must read!! It chronicles the secret gov't satellites in the skies, Area 51 (where they test secret planes and such) and the rendition planes, the secret prisons....its a good mix, a wonderful book.

27) Traders, Guns, & Money: Knowns and Unknowns in the Dazzling World of Derivatives by: Satyajit Das---Excellent! An interesting, not too hard to understand look at financial derivatives, and the crazy world of trading. He intersperses the jargon with excellent real world examples (real names chaged to protect privacy, of course)....he makes it come alive. Its the type of book that is for novices (like myself) or traders who've been around for decades...I highly recommend it!

Happy Reading folks!

mamachunk

Some great recent reads, mamachunk. I am adding them all to the Planet.

Wow...how big is your planet alcottacre?? You're going to need a Federation soon... Ha!!! (I crack myself up)....I think you will enjoy all of those books...

mamachunk

#80: Roni has it all planned out for me. After Planet status, my TBR stack achieves Galaxy next, I think, then on to Universe. At least I think that's the way it is. Right now, Planet TBR is over 5000 books. If I do not add another one from this point on, the current Planet will take at least 10 years to get through :)

Thanks to your review of Deep History and the Brain by Daniel Lord Smail back in January, I have broken my new rule (it lasted about a week!) only to read my own TBR books and not anything from the library. I have reserved it at my local branch and look forward to reading it!

I mooched Deep History after reading the review as well, and have it sitting near the top of my nonfiction TBR pile.

It sounds fascinating. And short enough that I can read it fairly quickly and not feel guiltly about my other "babies" crying for attention! (Some of those babies are getting ready to start school, I've had them so long....)

Whoa---Galaxy!!!! Cool....I wish you lots of stamina and coffee so you may read them all!!!!

dihiba and ronincats---I think you'll love Deep History---I loved it, even if it did hurt my head....its an incredibly fascinating book....enjoy...

mamachunk

#85: Well, I don't do coffee, but I do drink tea and Diet Pepsi. I think I am going to need them!

Don't mind my head hurting a bit - makes it stretch!
#84 am referring to my books as babies, not my own kids, heaven forbid, they are young adults (who keep coming back....)

28) Utopia --Really good. This is a book about how a perfect society should be run. Part treatise, part travelouge (as Thomas More makes it appear that this place has been observed and traveled to),this book lays out in various detail how Utopia should be run. At times it was a bit hard to read, but I recommend that people read it...

29) The Summoner by: Gail Martin --Excellent. This is the first book in the Chronicles of the Necromancer. Prince Martris Drake witnesses his family being murdered by his brother Prince Jared. This ends up triggering Tris's latent powers of a Summoner---who can call upon the Dead and Undead. Tris, together with Soterius and a few other trusted friends flee for their lives as the ruling King Jared wreaks havoc on the Kingdom of Margolan. What follows is a thrilling adventure of supernaturalism and swordplay as Matris Drake learns what it means to be a Summoner. I highly recommend this book.

30) The Blood King by: Gail Martin This is the 2nd book in the Chronicles of the Necromancer. King Jared continues to theaten the kingdom of Margolan and that of Tris and his friends. Jared's mage--Foor Arontala and his evil magic, feast on the cruelty inflicted by their twisted Blood Magic. Tris, finds the Sisterhood and learns more about his grandmother--Bava Ka, the most powerful Light Mage to have existed, and continues to set free the spirits that summon him. Danger lurks everywhere, but love is in the air and adventure aplently in this second installment in the series.

31) Genesis--wrong touchstone arrgggghhh BY: Bernard Beckett --Excellent--an absolute must read... This book is incredibly profound. What is the nature of consciousness? What does it mean to be human? This story follows Anax, a student historian forced to examine these most ancient of questions by appearing before a trio of examiners. Anax lives in a world very much like Plato's Republic. I highly recommend this book

32) One Second After BY: William R. Forstchen -- This was an ok book. A typical post-apocalyptic scenario of an EMP burst, stalling the US back to the 40's and 50's era. Computers do not work, and life has been altered. It follows the story of a North Carolina college town and how they cope.

Just added 28, 29 to the wishlist, and went to add 31 until I found it was already on there!

My, you have been busy, mamachunk! The Gail Martin books look very good. I already have the Beckett book on Planet TBR, just like lunacat.

Yes I have, i just haven't gotten around to posting, hence the 5 books I added....

Hey there. Its been awhile. By the way I am currently reading a book that I think may appeal to you. Its The Black Death by Phillip Ziegler. As the name implies its obviously about the plague and its spread through Europe. I am about 100 pages in and so far I really like it.

Love your reviews and will be adding many to my TBR. By the way does anyone know how to add a wishlist on LT but one that does not add its self to your total collection? I would like to keep my actual book list separate from my wished for books.

Hello Trish! Yes, I know its been awhile, I've been really busy, and have not had time to post...
The Black Death, sounds interesting, i'll have to check it out....

I'm not sure how to answer your question, hopefully someone can help, I usually just "star" the books I have already read, anything unstarred, means I haven't read it yet...

have a great day, its beautiful in NYC..... :)

mamachunk

>92 TrishNYC:: If you mean not have it add to the "All Collections" totals, I don't think there is a way to do that.

If you mean you just don't want to see them, then have "Your books" set to show "Your Library" rather than "All Collections".

Fascinating! Books #28 & 29 are going on the list... they sound great, a bit unique... I'm always up for a new fantasy author who isn't afraid to break a few boundaries. Sounds like the 'necromancer' aspect does just that!

Thanks Tad.

33) Dark Haven by: Gail Z. Martin--Really good. This is Book 3 in the Chronicles of the Necromancer series. Jonmarc Vahanian is now the Lord of Dark Haven and aligns himself with the Vayash Moru as their mortal leader. Morgolan lies in ruins as Martris Drake takes over the kingdom. A new war is on the horizon and love is in the air as marriages begin. Its a great book, and I don't think Gail Z Martin is finished judging by the end of the book. I hope she writes more of this story.

34) Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground BY: Michael Moynihan & Didrik Soderlind---Very interesting...Worth reading if you're interested in the history of Metal....even if you're not...It makes for interesting cultural anthropology and how groups/sub-groups form. What makes a group of people gravitate towards a certain form of musical/artistic/philosophical genre or archetype. The ideology of the Satanic Metal Underground is examined through the lens of music, history, Scandinavian culture, etc. Its quite a fascinating read. While I've heard of some of these bands, I don't listen to this type of music, nevertheless its a great read.

35) Triple Cross: How Bin Laden's Master Spy Penetrated the CIA, The Green Berets, and the FBI BY: Peter Lance--This book is an Absolute Must read!!!!! But please start from the beginning.... 1) 1000 Years for Revenge, then 2) Cover Up, then 3) Triple Cross.....
You will not be disappointed!!!! This is a re-read for me, I haven't read it since it first came out in 2006, and being that this is the paperback edition, with lots of new material added, I just had to get it!
Think you know the full story on Ramzi Yousef, 9/11 and the Blind Sheik???? Ha! Think again....Peter Lance has produced an absolutely stunning book that is guaranteed to keep you up late at night! He tells the story of Ali Mohamed, Bin Laden's spy in America....How he became an Army Officer in Ft. Bragg, was an FBI & CIA informant, all the while spying for Alqaeda. Lance demonstrates the numerous instances where the government had the oppurtunity to shut Ali Mohamed down and prevent attacks, i.e the East African Embassy bombings in 1998, WTC bombing in 1993, (with informant Emad Salem), etc. This is a must read book.

Happy reading everyone!

Mamachunk

Looks like you have once again been doing some good reading, mamachunk! Triple Cross especially interests me. Thanks for the recommendation.

36) Our Guys by: Bernard Lefkowitz ---Fantastic book! Excellent! An absolute must read! A co-worker suggested I read this book. It tells the story of the 1989 Glen Ridge gang-rape of a mentally retarded/challenged girl. Glen Ridge is an affluent suburb in NJ, and the boys changed with the crime were all well to do, preppy, wealthy kids..sheltered by the wealth and community/camaraderie of the neighborhood. Lefkowitz does an excellent job of not only portraying the crime, but portraying the society in which these boys grew up, showcasing--Glen Ridge and the affluence that went with it. I highly recommend reading this book.

Happy reading!

mamachunk

Looks like another good one, mamachunk. Thanks again for another great recommendation!

37) Black Science: Ancient And Modern Techniques of Ninja Mind Manipulation by: Haha Lung and Christopher B. Prowant ---Very Interesting!---Basically this is a "Know thyself/Know your enemy" type of book. Lots of useful advice, basic psychology type of stuff...a very good read. I highly recommend it.

Have a great day guys!

Mamachunk

*waves fingers* These are not the droids you're looking for...

Sorry, couldn't resist! 8^} Sounds like an interesting book!

I love Robin Hobb her writing is awsome
I have just finished Ship Of Magic
I suggest you read The Worrior Heir,The Wizard Heir and The Dragon Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
talk to you latter
bye

I'm adding Our Guys to the tbr pile. While it sounds disturbing, I like your comments and hope to read it soon.

38) Mind Control: The Ancient Art of Psychological Warfare BY: Haha Lung --Really good! A very interesting read--a more through primer on outwitting your "enemies", getting ahead, etc. Its basically a psychological ninja book......how to wage an effective psy-ops war against those who are out to get you, while protecting yourself against their psych attacks. Its a very interesting book...I highly recommend it....
mamachunk

39) Dark Ages America: The Final Phase of Empire by: Morris Berman---Excellent!!! An absolute must read. Berman chronicles the AMerican decline in all its manifestations from the very get go. He weaves his way into the US psyche dissecting our sociology/psychology in all its minutiae.(sp?) THis is a wonderful written book, and everyone should read it. He doesn't just "blame the Republicans" like you would think, (although they get their share of the blame), but he indicts people from across the decades and across the spectrum. I only wish I had read it earlier. I highly recommend this book!

Mamachunk

#106: Yet another one for me to add to Planet TBR from your thread, mamachunk. *sigh*

Don't stress alcottacre....this is a really good book....I really think that you will enjoy it. It is incredibly well written.....Have a great day fellow readers!!!

Dark Ages America sounds like essential reading. I'm ordering it from the library to read asap. Have you read the Blowback trilogy by Chalmers Johnson which explores similar themes. It is also excellent, and I highly recommend it.

I have started to read Blowback by Chalmers Johnson but have only gotten to a certain point. I will have to give it a chance. I have the trilogy though and will give it a read. Thanks for the recommendation aruba!

mamachunk

I read the last one first. Maybe that helped me get into the books, since the last one discussed events that were more current.

#106 I'm adding Dark Ages of America to the wishlist. How can I resist your enthusiastic comments!?

40) Invisible History: Afghanistan's Untold Story by: Paul Fitzgerald & Elizabeth Gould --Excellent!--I highly recommend this book if you're looking for a readable and digestible history of Afghanistan. Written by a husband/wife team of incredible investigative journalists, you will learn a LOT about the intricacies of the current Afghanistan conlict as well as the past Soviet imbroglio. I first heard about this book on Dave Emory's show "For the Record"--you can look up his show on ITUNES. Anyway, I really recommend that you read this book, if you like history/current events, etc, you will get a lot out of this book.

Happy reading!!
Mamachunk

#113: Yet another one from your thread, mamachunk. I really must begin ignoring it :)

I have put in a request for Dark Ages of America at the library - the past few years, without cable, and ignoring what's online, I have been out of touch with American political events, which I think is important for anyone in the western world to have at least some grasp of. This might catch me up somewhat.

Ohhh, thanks alcottacre--- :) This was a truly excellent book---you'll enjoy it!

Dihiba---Dark Ages America is an incredibly well-written book...well worth your time in reading it!

mamachunk

>116 mamachunk: mamachunk, looking forward to it. I broke my rule (why do I keep breaking this rule?!) about not taking out any more library books until 2010! And now I have two on hold....

41) Getting Things Done BY: David Allen --Excellent!! An absolute must read!!! If you want to know how to get you and your "stuff" organized, read this book. There is a wealth of information in here that will help you become more productive in work and life goals/skills, etc. He also has a website...I for one plan to implement this.

42) The Total Money Makeover by: Dave Ramsey Excellent!! A must read! He's not re-inventing the wheel, merely stating commen sense principles and tactics in an easy to read format in ways that a layman can understand. He gives you guidence and principles to help ordinary people get out of debt and stay in good financial health. This too--I plan to implement. I highly recommend this book. He also has a website.

43) The Code Book: The Science of Secrecy From Ancient Egypt to Quantum Cryptography by: Simon Singh Excellent book! He chronicles the history of crytography. He also breaks down basic cryptographic procedures if you will. He talks about Enigma, and the lives of most of the famous codebreakers. Its a worthy read.

Happy reading folks!

Mamachunk

Mamachunk - I'm in the middle of Getting Things Done right now. I really like Allen's ideas. I've already started trying to gather all of my open links in a single list of action items. It's making me feel a little overwhelmed (there are so many of them!!!), but I think it will help in the long run. Keep me posted on how your progress in implementing goes.

Nothing for me to add this week, mamachunk. I have Ramsey's book, which I bought after attending his Financial Peace University, and I read the Singh book last year - I agree, it is an excellent book.

alcottacre--what did you think of the Financial Peace University book/seminar? Is the info similar to Total Money Makeover?

Hello porch_reader!! I was really impressed by Allen's book. I will definately have to give it a 2nd read and begin to implement his system. Are you finding that it is giving you "peace" if you will, in using his system? Do you think it gives you structure in all your "stuff"? That's what I'm looking for. I too, have lots of things that have lots of action items trailing after them. I will definately keep you posted on how my implementing goes. Good luck on your progress as well.

mamachunk

I loved Dave Ramsey's book when I read it earlier this year, and I'm adding Getting Things Done to my wishlist...

I just found your thread... great reading! I've added a whole bunch to my wishlist. I'm especially interested in Invisible History.

>121 mamachunk: - So far, Allen's system is just making me realize how many action items I have. But I think that is a good thing. Hopefully, it will make me more mindful when I commit to new projects. And I do think that I'll feel more "peaceful" once I've fully implemented it. I agree that I may have to read it again before I can get the whole system straight. I'll keep you posted!

>106 mamachunk: Thanks for recommending Dark Ages America: The Final Phase of Empire by Morris Berman. I got it from the library and started it late last week. I will be reading it in stages though - it's rather depressing to read all at one go!

hello allthesedarnbooks--(awesome name), Invisible History was a great read, really interesting, very readable--I think you will enjoy it.

porch_reader--good luck with Allen---may we both keep each other motivated and "Get Things Done"

dihiba--I agree, Dark Ages America can be a bit depressing, but even so, I think its a worthy read.

mamachunk

Financial Peace University is worth the price of admission because no book is going to cover everything Dave Ramsey does in his seminar, IMO. My entire family went and learned quite a bit.

>118 mamachunk: I've had a copy of Getting Things Done on my shelf for soooo long.... ho ho. I'm really bad with getting-organised books: I buy them in fits of enthusiasm, read ten pages, then stash them next to the bed and never get any further. I may have to do something radical like designating January Self-Improvement Month and read through all my abandoned books of this nature.

Reading Berman's book makes me want to run out and tell everyone that if we don't get our acts together, our quality of life is going down the tubes. We have to stop relying on $$, material objects, and a technological lifestyle to make us happy. I'm afraid we're doomed though; I can see a real change in the last 10 years or so, compared to life in the 60's to 80's. Even the 80's were getting worse (he blames Reagan).

#128

I'm betting you procrastinate and get waylaid and DON'T designate January Self-Improvement Month. I can't see it working for you personally ;)

44) Wizard's First Rule BY: Terry Goodkind Excellent beginning to a wonderful series. I had read this some years ago, but hadn't gotten far into the series so I thought that since the entire series is finished, i might as well go through it all. Now since this was my first real foray into fantasy, I have a soft spot for it, even though I know that some people don't really like goodkind all that much. That said, this is a wonderful beginning to a series, it follows Richard Cypher and Kahlan Amnell and an assorted cast of characters as they try to stop Darken Rahl from getting the boxes of Orden and ruling the world with his own brand of evil. This is an awesome book, even if it is long, and I for one can't wait to read the others. Happy Reading guys and gals!!!

mamachunk

I read the first 5 or so books in the series several years ago. Maybe it is time for me to finish it up!

>131 mamachunk: I read this as part of a bookswap circle last year and found it a bit too much for me (though I did read the whole thing) - maybe I'm just not a "high fantasy" kind of gal. The way that all the villains were not merely evil, but REALLY REALLY PUREST DISTILLATION OF EVIL, rather overwhelmed me. It does seem to be having a bit of a renaissance now the series is actually finished!

I've never read Wizard's First Rule, but I've watched the delightfully cheesy syndicated TV show based on the Sword of Truth books, Legend of the Seeker, which is supposed to be pretty different. It's good fun for a TV show, but I'm worried if I read the books it will take away all my guilty pleasure enjoyment!

Hello mamchunk

I am very behind on reading the threads. You read such interesting stuff that I'm sorry to have missed many of your posts.

I'm adding the Morris Berman book to my pile of tbr. Dark Ages America I think this is one my husband would like to read as well.

>Whisper 1, I am on the last 30 pp of Berman's book - be prepared to be shocked, horrified, incredulous, and if you are American, ashamed. I truly fear for the USA surviving as a functioning nation more than another 50 yrs.

Diana, Sadly, I agree with you... makes me shudder...I try to be upbeat and positive, but then reality sets in.

#136

"I truly fear for the USA surviving as a functioning nation more than another 50 yrs."

I fear this, but for the world. It feels like something big is going to happen within our lifetimes. An imploding. There is change afoot.

Empires do rise and fall...Berman picks either China or the EU to be the next super power. He's leaning towards China due to the low birthrate of the EU which means an aging population down the road.
Canada is in real trouble in either case - too small a population, too big a country, major trading partner will no longer be wealthy....

>44 alcottacre:: Wizard's First Rule is one of my absolute favorite books of all time... unfortunately, the series begins to go downhill around book 4 or 5, and stays at the bottom of the barrel for me almost the entire rest of the way. The final trilogy suffers from repetitiveness, inexplicable character actions, and VERY POOR EDITING (enough to make me wonder whether he actually *had* an editor for those books... for example, a character says the EXACT SAME THING three paragraphs apart. Not on purpose). But, I finished the series and was glad to get it over with. I just wish Goodkind hadn't used the final book as a soapbox for his own personal beliefs and had stuck with the story instead.

That said, those first 4 or 5 books in the series are fantastic... I'm considering reading them again in the near future... :)

45) The Lost Symbol by: Dan Brown --Really good. This is the third installment of thrillers starring symbologist Robert Langdon. Langdon is summoned by longtime friend and mentor Peter Solomon to lecture in Washington D.C. What follows, is a whirlwind adventure through the nations Capitol and a dissection of Freemasonry that will get your pulse racing. Its a wonderful, fast read, full of action and sure to keep you up past your bedtime.

happy reading--
mamachunk

46) Stone of Tears by: Terry Goodkind---Great reading...a very long 2nd book in the "Sword of Truth" series...Richard finds out who his father is, and takes his rightful place on the throne....he is becoming more powerful and Kahlan is wielding her COnfessor power in an unexpected way. The Stone of Tears is in the World and only Richard can stop it....this is an exciting 2nd novel in the series...

47) Cave in the Snow by: Vicki Mackenzie---Excellent, it tells the story of Diane Perry now Tenzin Palmo--Buddhist Nun and her quest for Enlightenment. Growing up in England, she seemed unusually suited to meditative practice and seclusion, and becomes one of the first Western women to take vows as a Buddhist nun. She eventually ends up in the Himalayan mountains for 12 years (coming down from the mtn every once in a while for guidence from her guru/lama). This is a remarkable story of patience, spirituality and humbleness--I think many of you LT'ers will enjoy it, now matter what religious discipline you come from.

48) Mutant Message Down Under by: Marlo Morgan---Really Good---this was a really good book, it tells the story of an American woman who is called to the Australian outback to experience life with an Aboriginal tribe. She goes on a walkabout with them and is slowly accepted into their society, as she seemingly sheds aspects of her own modern society. She comes to accept her place with this "first nation" of Australia, and finds herself in the process. This is a very interesting book, a worthy read.....mamachunk

#142: I will look for Mutant Message Down Under. It looks very good! Thanks for another recommendation to put on Planet TBR.

49) Desert Places: A Novel by: Blake Crouch--Good. This was not what I expected. I thought it could have been better written. Its a thriller/horror novel about a writer who is terrorized by a killer who is framing him for murder. Throughout the novel you find out that the killer is someone close to the writer and you see the psychoticness (?? not sure if that's a real word) of the killer and the writer. Like I said that book was "good", not great, not excellent....

happy reading all...

mamachunk

#144: Well, LT's Like-O-Meter thingie thinks I would like that one, so I will give it a shot.

Ok alcottacre---go for it---maybe you'll understand it better then i did.....enjoy!!

Can't wait to go on vacation in Australia next week!! i'm going to bring lots of books :) yea----I will get to 75 books, i will!!!!

happy reading alcottacre and everyone else!!!

mamachunk

Have a wonderful vacation, mamachunk!

50) Programming the Universe by: Seth Lloyd ---Good, a bit hard for me to understand. Basically he thinks the universe is akin to a quantum computer and he talks about complexity in the universe and at the atomic level. I think I would definately have to read it again to get a better understanding of it. For those of you into computing, physics, and astronomy this is a good book to read.

51) Desert Solitaire: A Season in the Wilderness by: Edward Abbey--Excellent! Everyone should read this book. It contains essays by Edward Abbey about his time in the Southwest desert of Utah. He speaks eloquently about his time as a part-time park ranger in Utah, his up close encounters with the natural landscape and his many adventures. This is an excellent book, the first I've read of Abbey's and I look foward to reading his other works.

52) Pursuit of Honor BY: Vince Flynn--Good book. This is part of the continuing series of Mitch Rapp--CIA agent extrordinaire is on the trail of terrorists who have detonated a bomb in D.C. Its a quick read...but good..

53) Reading Lolita in Tehran by: Azar Nafisi Excellent!! A must read!! This was an incredible book! It tells the story of Azar Nafisi, professor of English Literature and her 'secret' class of students. For 2 years she gathered with her students and discussed the greats of literature: Nabokov, F.Scott Fitzgerald, Henry James, & Jane Austen. She writes of the difficulties of living in the Islamic Republic of Iran and all that it entails---the wearing of the veil, the harassment by the authorities. This is an excellent book---she describes the literature so well and weaves it into everyday life that you feel a part of everything. I highly recommend this book. My only regret is not reading it sooner.

Happy Reading---mamachunk

Adding the Edward Abbey book to the BlackHole.

Reading Lolita in Tehran was one of those books that immediately after reading I decided I had to get a copy for myself (the copy I read was from the local library). I love the book.

54) A Colossal Failure of Common Sense: The Inside Story of the Collapse of Lehman Brothers by: Lawrence G. McDonald --Excellent--This book is an absolute must read if you want to get an insiders feel for how the financial crisis went down in 2008. From the explosion in home ownership, to the foreclosure crisis, to the entangled morass of derivatives, and credit defaut swaps, mortgage backed securities, and plain old unchecked greed...this book has it all. This is a well-written book and gives an insiders view of how Dick Fuld-CEO of Lehman, was so out of touch with the company he came to head, and ultimately lost because of the failure to see the truth.

55) Blood of the Fold BY: Terry Goodkind--- This is the second installment of the "Sword of Truth" series. The Blood of the Fold are in the Land and that bodes ill for Richard and Kahlan, for they are sworn enemies of magic and are searching to capture them.

56) Temple of the Winds BY: Terry Goodkind-- the 3rd book in the series. Richard and Kahlan have become closer and are truly in love, but their love will be tested by the "Temple of the Winds". Richard will have to use every bit of cunning and magic he knows to come to grips with the effects of the evil coming towards them in the form of the Sisters of the Dark and Emperor Jagang.

Thanks for your comments regarding A Colossal Failure of Common Sense. You have solved a problem for me! It will be a Christmas present for someone I've struggled to know what to get.

57) Shambala: The Sacred Path of the Warrior by: Chogyam Trungpa --Really good!! A must read. Produced by Shambhala Pocket Classics, this little book is packed with a bunch of Buddhist "world" wisdom that you can take with you anywhere. It tells you how to live as a warrior in this world so as to live your life more fully for yourself and others. It offers advice and prescriptions on meditation, living in the "now" and overcoming habitual patterns. This is a very powerful little book, and i think many people will get a lot out of it no matter what their religious persuasion.

58) Hoodwinked: An Economic Hit Man Reveals Why the World Financial Markets Imploded-and What We Need to Do to Remake Them (touchstones not working)BY: John Perkins--Really good---more insight and observations from the author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman...This is a quick read...but good..i highly recommend it.

Happy Reading...fellow LT'ers....

mamachunk

Hoodwinked is heading into the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, mamachunk!

59) Soul of the Fire by: Terry Goodkind Excellent--ANother installment in the Sword of Truth series. Kahlan and Richard are married and are basking in each others' love but magic has begun to fail. They must journey across the Midlands to stop the destruction of all magic and themselves.

60) The Sellout: How Three Decades of Wall Street Greed and Government Mismanagement Destroyed the Global Financial System by: Charles Gasparino--Excellent! A Must read if you want to get in depth information on the financial meltdown of the past year an a half.

61) Sandstorm BY: James Rollins Great beginning to a great series. This is the beginning of the Sigma Force series of books. Sigma Force is a group of DARPA/Special Ops "deadly" scientists who are always on the look out for technology that could be useful for the US. In Sandstorm, they are out to capture the secrets of an ancient city called Ubar. Its a wonderful adventure that will leave you begging for more.

62) Map of Bones by: James Rollins--the 2nd book in the Sigma Force series...Someone has stolen relics of a saint--bones from a church in Germany. THe parishoners have been killed in a bloody massacre and the clues point towards the 7 Wonders of the World and Gnostic Christianity. WIth inside help from the Vatican, Sigma force races against time before science and religion come against them.

63) Black Order by: James Rollins--From a simple assignment to watch a rare book auction in Copenhagen, begins this 3rd book in the Sigma Force series. From WW 2 Nazi era technology--"The Bell"(See authors Nick Cook & Joseph P. Farrell), to genetic experimentation and eugenics...the Sigma Force is drawn into its most dangereous mission yet. THis is a fascinating book. I highly recommend James Rollins. I've really enjoyed him.

Happy Reading

Mamachunk

I like the Sigma Force books, too. I think I own them all now.

Yeah, me too. I even got one from the Early Reviewer program!

Thanks for your feedback alcottacre and drneutron! I have "ordered" the other books from my library, so hopefully I will get them pretty quickly. I can't wait to read them. I'm not sure I can make it to 75 this year...there's just been too many distractions...however I will not beat myself up about it,,i will just push myself to get to it in 2010...

Can you guys recommend any other series you have liked? Happy reading!!

mamachunk

The wife went from the Sigma Force series to Brad Thor's thriller series with Scott Harvath starting with The Lions of Lucerne. I think Harvath has a cameo in one of the later Sigma Force books, if I remember right.

Also, I've been going through Lee Child's Jack Reacher series starting with Killing Floor.

Thanks a lot drneutron...i will check those out!

I also like F. Paul Wilson's Repairman Jack books.

Have to agree on the Repairman Jack series. i just used a Christmas gift card to order The Keep, The Touch, and Reborn from the Adversary series. I already have The tomb. I'm OC enough to want to read them in order.

Also, I enjoyed the Fourth Realm Triology by John Twelve Hawks.

And I am collecting the Newford books by charles De Lint to read in the order he suggested. TadAd is also a DeLint fan.

Thanks blackdog...I have read the first 2 Fourth Realm books, and I have the 3rd one...I think I will have to re-read the first 2 again...its been some time....I enjoyed the Fourth Realm Books...I certaintly have enough to keep me busy for 2010....