Susan/Suslyn & 2009, II

Follow this link to Thread#3

Some of my book choices are influenced by my 999 Challenge, the others are primarily dictated by what's available.







A list for my use of this year's reads (* = reread (thx Roni for the idea!):

105. Camilla by Orwig, msg 189 (hist fiction)
104. Heir Presumptive by Ormsby, msg 189 (regency #53)
103. Ice Man by Cutler, msg 189 (thriller)
102. Lord Mumford's Minx by Raleigh, msg 189 (regency #52)
101. My Lady's Mask by Roby, msg 189 (regency #51)
100. Year of Wonders* by Brooks, msg 166 (hist fiction)
99. The Steerswoman by Kierstein, msg 166 (fantasy)
X'd Taming a Sea-Horse by Parker, msgs 165
98. The Willful Miss Winthrop by Counts, msg 164 (regency #50)
97. Silver May Tarnish by Norton & McConchie, msg 164 (fantasy)
96. A Grand Design by Jensen, msg 164 (regency #49)
95. The Irish Rogue by Jensen, msg 164 (regency #48)
94. Blood of Heaven by Myers, msg 160 (suspense)
93. The Bartered Heart by Butler, msg 160 (regency #47)
92. There Are Doors by Wolfe, msg 159 (fantasy)
91. The Best Intentions by Hern, msg 159 (regency #46)
90. Daughter of Witches by Wrede, msg 157 (fantasy)
X'd Cupid's Darts, msg 150
X'd A Quiver Full of Arrows by Archer -- I really can't abide short stories.
89. Miss Lacey's Last Fling by Hern, msg 150 (regency #45)
88. Trouble in Paradise by Parker, msg 150 (policier)
87. A Garden Folly by Hern, msg 150 (regency #44)
X'd Key Witness by Freedman, msg 140
86. The Apprentice by Talmadge-Bickmore, msg 137 (fantasy)
85. A Change of Heart by Hern, msg 137 (regency #43)
84. Least Likely Lovers by Hinshaw, msg 136 (regency #42)
83. G is for Gumshoe by Grafton, msg 136 (mystery)
82. A Kind and Decent Man by Brendan, msg 133 (regency #41)
81. Sword-Breaker by Roberson, msg 133 (fantasy)
80. Sword Singer by Roberson, msg 129 (fantasy)
-- The Sword of Shannara* by Brooks, msg 129 (fantasy)
79. Keeper of the Swans by Butler, msg 129 (regency #40)
78. The Prodigal Hero by Butler, msg 129 (regency #39)
77. Reforming the Rake by Elliott, msg 116 (regency #38)
76. Easy Conquest by Heath, msg 116 (regency #37)
75. The Ramshackle Suitor by Butler, msg 116 (regency #36)
74. Reclaiming Lord Rockleigh by Butler, msg 116 (regency #35)
73. A Noble Deception by Blayne, msg 116 (regency #34)
X'd Fatal Cure by Cook, msg 109 (thriller)
72. The Missing Brides by Holbrook, msg 109 (regency #33)
71. The Wolfe's Mate by Marshall, msg 109 (regency #32)
70. Serena by Andrew, msg 109 (regency #31)
69. The Earl's Prize by Cornick, msg 109 (regency #30)
68. Goose in the Pond, msg 105 (mystery) 999 challenge
67. Rutland Place by Perry, msg 104 (mystery) 999 challenge
66. Mystery of the Green Cat by Whitney, msg 104 (mystery, childrens, YA) 999 challenge
65. Lord Dragoner's Wife by Kerston, msg 104 (regency #29)
64. To Fall Like Stars by Asire, msg 96 (fantasy) 999 challenge
63. Wind in the Stone by Norton, msg 96 (fantasy) 999 challenge
62. My Lord Ghost by Calvin, msg 96 (regency #28)
61. A Bird in Hand by Lane, msg 94 (regency #27)
60. Francesca's Rake by Kerstan, msg 94 (regency #26)
59. The Invincible Viscount by Saunders, msg 94 (regency #25)
58. The Secret Scroll by Poore, msg 69 (regency mystery) 999 challenge
57. With No One as Witness by Geogrge, msg 62 (mystery) 999 challenge
56. Birds of a Feather by Lane, msg 62 (regency #24)
55. The Hidden Realms by Green, msg 62 (fantasy) 999 challenge
54. The Rebel Prince by Green, msg 61 (sf) 999 challenge
53. God of Tarot by Anthony, msg 53 (sf) 999 challenge
52. 1633* by Flint, msg 46 (alt hist) 999 challenge
Xd The Nature of Balance by Lebbon, msg 44.
51. Bath Revels by Edwards, msg 43 (regency #23)
50. The Uncommon Reader by Bennett, msg 32 (fiction)
49. Atlantis by Donegan, msg 31 (sf/thriller)
48. Robinson Crusoe by Defoe, msg 30 (classic) 999 challenge
47. The Bluestocking's Beau by Bell, msg 30 (regency #22)
46. Church in the Wildwood by Dooly et al, msg 30 (romance)
45. A Primrose Wedding by Ferguson, msg 30 (regency #21)
44. The Primrose Path by Reece, msg 30 (regency #20)
43. The Rogue's Lady by Devon, msg 21 (regency #19)
42. Pastwatch* by Card, msg 19 (alt hist/sf) 999 challenge
41. 1632* by Flint, msg 14 (alt hist) 999 challenge
X'd Mrs. Jeffries Stalks the Hunter by Brightwell, msg 5.
THREAD#1 reports:
40. Bright Eyes by Catherine Anderson, msg 320.
X'd The Zero Hour by Finder, msg 307.
... (See Thread#1 for the rest of the list)

A summary of the fav and best of reads of Jan/Feb 2009 are in msg 2.

Fav reads so far on Thread #1.

Emerald House Rising by Peg Kerr, msg 302.
Search the Dark by Todd, msg 298.
The Marriage Mart by Clark, msg 270 and msg 283
A Civil Contract by Heyer, msg 264
Fugitive Prince by Wurts, msg 243
The Sword of Calandra by Dexter, msg 148
Ill Wind by Alexander, msg 141
Two of a Kind by Edghill, msg 121
Norwyck's Lady by Maguire, msg 23

Best Reads so far, also found on Thread #1.
Painted Lives by Allen, msg 218
Skellig by Almond, msg 156

Found you! Got you starred again, too.

Glad you took Stasia's "hint". Congratulations on becoming a "2 Thread 75er!" :-)

X'd Mrs. Jeffries Stalks the Hunter by Brightwell, read 100+ pp. -- I didn't want to torture myself any longer even if this book would satisfy a slot on my 999 categories. While Finder's The Zero Hour was boring with reference book explanations and little character development, this one was IMO just drivel. Maybe my Romanian book collecting friend will appreciate it -- I couldn't.

So, inspired by Sten's list, I'm re-reading 1632 by Flint. If I find this one unreadable I'll know it's me and not these books which is off.

Hi Susan, I am also thinking of reading 1632, therefore am very much interested in your take on the book...

Congrats on two threads, Susan!

>6 PiyushC: Piyush, this is a reread. I really liked it before. Right now I'm on page 245 and enjoying it again. Alternative history. A piece of 2000 AD West Virginia gets sent to 1632 Germany and the fun begins.

Susan,

In that case, I will also start reading it sometime this week, are you planning to read 1633 as well?

I have read 1633 and enjoyed it as well. That book is not in my current library so I'll not be rereading it any time soon.

You moved! I will continue to read your reviews while hiding in the shadows :)

I'll be lurking here, too! Congrats on joining the two-thread club!

Just came by to say hi and that I will pop up every now and then!

Catey

Bk 41 1632 by Flint, 597 pp. -- Thanks Sten for reminding me about Flint :) I enjoy the universe he's created in this alternative history novel. I especially appreciate his afterword in which he explains his motivations for writing and choosing the subjects he did. A satisfying read.

I just started to read Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati and was forcibly reminded by the entrace on the character, Hawkeye, that someone said this could be considered a sequel to The Last of the Mohicans. Well that one is on my list for my 999 classics. I began it over the Christmas holidays, but it ended up in my 'stalled' category (thx Floss!). So I'm going to try again and then hopefully continue with Donati's book (touchstone didn't offer this choice: http://www.librarything.com/work/145469/book/38404727)

ETA It's now a few hours later. I was on Piyush's thread chatting about alternative history and recommended Pastwatch. That got me to wondering if it would still rank as a fav today as it did when I first read it ('98) and subsequently. Well I'm on p 42 and completely sucked into the story. Really super.

I might start with 1632 earlier than I thought, also The Last Of The Mohicans is there just around the corner, do you recommend Into The Wilderness too?

I have no idea if Into the Wilderness is any good. I've read good stuff about it, but it's a personal thing so... Sorry Piyush. Now that I'm into Pastwatch it will be a little while til I try to get going on The Last of the Mohicans again. But I'll keep you advised :)

That is all I ask for :)

Bk 42 Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus by Card, 402 pp. -- This book which I've dubbed 'alternative history' was even better than I remembered. I don't know what to say about the plot without spoilers. This engrossing novel may begin a tad slow, but soon the reader is under its spell! Thought-provoking and just plain old good, one of the things I liked best about it was Cards afterword in which he gives a review of 8 of the sources he used in compiling his work. If I were a happy non-fiction reader and/or had access to a public library, I'd be looking at most if not all of them.

ETA I was just updating my Visual Bookshelf on Facebook and glimpsed a review of this book. They called it a blend of Historical Fiction and SciFi. I'd say that's about right. When I was updating my 999 category (before I went to Facebook and saw that review), I thought 'this almost fits in biography'.

I enjoyed Into the Wilderness a lot, even though I never got around to The Last of the Mohicans. Into the Wilderness is well-written historical fiction with a romantic theme, but I wouldn't call it a romance. It's different in specifics (being American history and no time travel) but is somewhat similar to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander books in mix of historical detail and story.

Bk 42 The Rogue's Lady by Devon, 234 pp. -- This regency was quite acceptable. Nothing preposterous, no bodice ripping, fashion & setting seemed right (but what do I know?), and I enjoyed the story. I'd read Devon again.

I read it today becauses I've mislaid Last of the Mohicans somewhere in the house -- how do my books continually go astray? In the meantime I've also begun 1633 online. Sure do appreciate the Baen Free Library!

Hi Susan, I have downloaded and started reading 1632 from the same source! Also secured The Sheepfarmer's Daughter soft copy from this library :)

Hope you enjoy Moon! I almost always love her stuff.

Grrr -- two books gone AWOL in less than 24 hours! sooo frustrating. The good thing is I managed to knock off one of my 'stalled' books. More later.

*Here Crusoe, Crusoe. Here Crusoe, Crusoe*

Thank you for recommending Pastwatch. It is a great story and gives a very plausible alternate history with likable, complex characters who face difficult problems. Thanks!

Suse! Unrelated to your active reading: I just got the Book Depository's re-launch email and apparently they now ship to Romania.....

http://www.bookdepository.co.uk/help/topic/HelpId/3/Which-countries-do-you-deliv...

Where did your books go?
Looks like Rachael brought you some real good news...
While Sri Lanka features in the free delivery list of Book Depository, India doesn't!

Ah but Piyush you get better deals there anyway! :) btw, I wrote book depository and asked them if/when they were going to add Romania. They wrote back too. Maybe it helped...

I guess that is true, I was just a little surprised, not that I miss them here, given the better deals you mentioned :P

44. The Primrose Path by Reece, 218 pp -- light fun execeptional and unobjectionable regency.

45. A Primrose Wedding by Ferguson, 255 pp -- Pleasant read. Regency with nicely developed characters.

46. Church in the Wildwood by Dooly et al, 350 pp. -- One of those 'stalled' books I picked up to read while 3 of the others I was reading went AWOL. 4 short stories follow the founder and his descendants through the life of a church in rural, Ozarkian Missouri. One was pretty bad, but the others were okay with the last and first being pretty good. The third needed some better editing for period (1950s) -- I have serious doubts that a mess of the things included were common to life in that period. The last was true to today as I know folks going through the same type of things (lakeside resort development). --> recycled. once was enough.

47. The Bluestocking's Beau by Bell, 224 pp -- I have no idea if this was period correct -- but it was fun. About publishers and novels in the regency era.

48. Robinson Crusoe by Defoe, 340 pp -- I am very, very glad I have a classics category in my 999 challenge. If not I might have missed this gem. From the bio included in this version (TOR 1989), I wondered if at least a part of the book (1st half) wasn't a sort of autobiographical parable. The afterword was kind of funny too as the writer clearly wasn't conversant with evangelical Christianity and had some strange opinions to offer up regarding the text. 4.5/5

typos

49. Atlantis by Donegan, 345 pp. -- Earth is being attacked from another dimension in this thriller that weaves Earth's ancient past, the Bermuda Triangle and today's modern war technology. While I won't be seeking out the sequels, I'm sufficiently interested in the story that I'd read them if they become available to me.

The Uncommon Reader by Bennett, 120 pp. -- This delightful book is destined for my guestroom shelves along with a few other shorter books. What fun. Thanks Stasia for making sure I read it!

ETA It's become quite clear that I'm not on target for my goal... less than 150 books. Hopefully I can keep it under 200!

I don't think so Susan, half century in two and a third month, I would say you are looking good for another 250!

bother. ;->

#32: I am glad you liked it! I may have to give it a re-read soon - I finally bought a copy for myself so I do not have to run to the library to get it all the time.

I know, Susan - I wanted to read less this year, too, and I don't think it's happening so far...
Like I said before, perhaps War and Peace will slow me down a bit!! :D

Susan - I've never read Robinson Crusoe, but I'm going to have to give it a go based on your review. Thanks!

Great book.....DeFoe is wonderful and very accessible. Try Moll Flanders if you like Crusoe.

#37: I recommend Journal of a Plague Year as well as second Mac's recommendation of Moll Flanders.

Thx for the recs BDB & Stasia! These are things I can read online if they aren't available here, so I appreciate it muchly! (I know that's not a word :)

...and I'm going to 3rd the Moll Flanders recommendation - it's fantastic!

I've added Moll Flanders on the tbr pile.

Bk 51 Bath Revels by Edwards, 216 pp. -- A delightful regency wherein a confirmed bachelor goes to Bath to protect his cousin's beloved from marriage to another. Quite fun.

The Nature of Balance by Tim Lebbon, 90 pp. -- Horror is not my genre. But this was on my shelves. I thought the jacket said that this book won the British Fantasy Award, but it may be talking about the author rather than this book... either way, by page 90 there was still no story that I could latch onto. There were dead bodies everywhere, lots of blood, and it wasn't really horrible (as in 'horror'). Rather, it just seemed pointless. If someone has read this and there is a reason to press on, pls inform me. --> recycled.

HERE you are! I lost you! Naughty naughty for hiding!

1633 by Flint, 688 pages -- I ended up liking this alternative history sequel better than I expected. Somewhere along the line it became exciting where for the first bit (half?) I just found it tedious. This is a re-read, but 1634 will be brand new :) I do wish I had hard copy but am grateful that the Baen Free library is there and that I can read the books online.

ETA too bad 1634 isn't free! :)

ETA bother! I messed up my page count --argh.

Bath Revels sounds like fun!

Well I liked it :)

Hi Susan,
Though I enjoyed 1632, I think I will wait another month or so before starting with 1633, its really sad that 1634 isn't available there...which are the other Eric Flint books there which are worth reading?

I'd love to see you try the Belisarius series. But, really, Sten is the one to ask about Flint!

Personally, I like Flint's Venetian ones featuring the scary, scary Chernobog as the archfiend. The Shadow of the Lion is the first one. Mercedes Lackey and Dave Freer are his co-authors for the series. There is also the 1812 and 1824 duo, good stuff too.

richard

Glad to see you back posting on the threads. I've missed your erudite comments!

Bk 53 God of Tarot by Anthony, 288 pp. -- This scifi turns out to be about self-confrontation and is well done. It had a satisfying conclusion and while I won't seek them out I'd read the sequels if they were available. My first Piers Anthony. Bk 53 in msg 53 -- how fun is that?

It would be more "fun" if this weren't your SECOND thread, Susan!! ;-) (I'm just jealous.)

I read the Tarot series when they first came out--had the whole set and rather enjoyed them at the time. But I culled them out in the 90s from my library, because I knew at that point I'd never reread them again. Piers Anthony is unusual. I liked a lot of his earlier work, such as the Tarot and the Incarnations series, was so-so on the Adept series, and hated the Space Tyrant bio series. That was the point I stopped reading him, and I do not regret it. I enjoyed most of the first 8-10 Xanth series a lot, and still have those, but stopped reading it when they simply became punfests and I couldn't keep track of the characters any longer. I LOVE Prostho Plus, which is pure farce. A dentist is plucked off of earth to do emergency dental work on some alien much like a huge whale with teeth, and then tries to qualify for the intergalactic dental school. Laugh out loud silliness!

Well thx for that run down on Anthony -- I have a few more of his. Tarot got recycled as I don't see re-reading it even if I did find it interesting!

book 53! Congratulations. At this rate you will make the 75 book challenge goal soon.

Hey, Susan, I bought a Timothy Zahn yesterday based on your recommendation of him as an author. I couldn't remember which you recommended, but what I got was Night Train to Rigel. Is that an okay place to start?

The other book I bought was a book of Kakuro--I love those puzzles.

Night Train to Rigel is pretty good - sort of a mix of sci fi and noir mystery and spy thriller.

>57 ronincats: I haven't read that one. Can't wait to hear how you find it!

>52 MusicMom41: MusicMom, thanks! I'm not sick with the plague any more, and my puppy is getting less frenetic as she settles in to our household. She's such a love! Are you doing well?

Our new kitten is doing great too -- and the old hands are almost accepting :) There's only one who is on auto-growl now.

Bk 54 The Rebel Prince by Green, 367 pp. -- A long time ago in another life I jotted down to read more Sharon Green. Now 20+ years later I finally got the chance and can see why I made that note to self. I really enjoyed this SF stand alone novel and am pleased there are a few more of Green's work on my shelf to discover.

Bk 55 The Hidden Realms by Green, 372 pp. -- I had figured out what was going to happen early on but still enjoyed the telling of this fantasy novel. Two Greens in a row, both with women with lousy self-image which finally gets remediated. Hope this doesn't continue in the other of her books I have yet to read.

ETA BK 56 Birds of a Feather by Lane, 218 pp. -- It occurs to me that if I don't count regencies I might make my goal this year of reading fewer than 150 :) LOL
This regency was pretty satisfying for me. Complex characters, no easy solutions... a good read for me.

Edited again to add:
Bk 57 With No One as Witness by George, pp. 774. -- SPOILER I distinctly remember NOT participating in a poll about whether or not George could kill off my favorite character!! Hello? Waaaah! END SPOILER
With twists, suspense and good use of new characters and old, George takes her readers on quite a ride in this excellent mystery.

Over the last few days I've just been editing message 62 as I finished new books. It finally occurred to me that some of you might be waiting for a new message to signal new content... radical idea :)

Yup, we were! Now that I knw of your radical idea, would check your thread daily to see if there are any new tricks (I meant books) up your sleeves (thread)

LOL well I'll try to remember to post new books in new messages from now on, unless I post them all at once :)

I have to confess that I only ever found Sharon Green notable for her soft porn take on fantasy/sf, e.g., Mind Guest. I more recently tried a series of hers of 5 books--don't recall the name, and don't want to navigate away from this page, but by book 2 it was degenerating back into more sex than I enjoy in a book.

Happily these books weren't that or they would have been recycled. Hope Mind Guest isn't one I have! Thx for the heads up!

#61..
Susan..."auto growl"...this made me laugh. What a great description.

BK 58 The Secret Scroll by Poore, 256 pp. -- This regency/mystery was one of those stalled books on my shelves. I still can't decide if reading it was only a waste of time. I can say that I won't be seeking out others in the series! --> recycled

ETA The good news is I have a teensy bit more room on the shelves now :)

Great job of looking at the bright side there, Susan :)

Message 68: Whisper1
#61..
Susan..."auto growl"...this made me laugh. What a great description.

me too... lol

next time there is a tiff with my husband, I'll simply tell him to get out of "auto growl!" Oh, I'm saving this comment for a rainy day...

I am ON auto growl with mine... with good reason .. GGGRRRRrrrrrrrrr

I've resigned myself to NOT keeping up with the threads in here...but that's okay! So really I'm just coming in to say hi and what not...

I think I need an auto growl too....

I had to do the same thing Severn! Pains me, but it was necessary ... too bad too!

Suse, it's an impossible task to keep the threads flowing smoothly before one's eyes without making LT a full-time job. It's simply too much information to absorb.

I am getting better at filtering the influx, what with starring threads. It means I miss out on a lot, but it means I can focus on what's before me, too!

I still read them all, but I find myself commenting less and less often . . .

And I have a full-time job - they are named Kerry, Beth and Catey :)

>77 alcottacre: Stasia, how?!? I physically can't do it! What kind of Wheaties are you eating, and where can I get some?

#78: No sleep. That is the solution to everything :)

>79 alcottacre:, oh. Never mind then. I am a sleepaholic...love to spend 6-9 hours a night blissfully unconscious. I am one of those loathsome people who fall asleep quickly and easily, sleep well, and wake refreshed. As I age, one or two awakenings a night, but nothing untoward and immediately back to sleep afterwards.

Every woman I know detests me for this. Why is it so many women have trouble sleeping?

#80: We have more to worry about than men do :)

LOL Well dear Richard I don't detest you for it... but oh how nice you make it sound :)

I have no trouble falling asleep and staying there. I also take zinc and magnesium before bed and like to think that helps.

I try not to eat snacks or drink anything but water after 8pm. I go to sleep around 10 and don't wake up til 6.

Lol richard, it does sound blissful. I often sleep fine but I am VERY active in my sleep and dream a lot so I think I don't get as much rest as it would seem. I often turn round 180 degrees so I wake up with my head at the bottom of the bed. Or across it. Or find I've taken my pyjamas off. Or put something else on. Or turned my alarm clock off. Or moved stuff........

Its very tiring *yawn*

>81 alcottacre: Stasia...hmmm...I wonder, since *we* go to sleep wondering if we're sleeping next to a Lorena Bobbitt wannabe....

>82 suslyn: Suse, it is **scrumptious** and I fear I can not make it sound anything but.

>85 lunacat: lunacat, what an image! Waking up with your head at the foot of the bed! I can't stop chortling. I would end up with my head under the dog in that case, which happens once in a while anyway when she needs to go out *now* and can't think of any faster way to wake me up.

I have not been sleeping well recently. When things are less stressful, I sleep like you richardear. I hope to get back to it soon, I am utterly exhausted.
zzzzzzzzzzzzz

#85 I agree with richarderus - what an image.

#87 I'm a bit like you. When I sleep good, I sleep really good but when I can't sleep it gets very frustrating. Have resorted to taking little blue pills that knock me out but they leave me groggy in the morning and then I drink to much coffee. Its a vicious cycle some days.

#86: If men were all that worried about it, they would never get any sleep :)

I had a different problem last night with my sleeping in that my cat was giving birth to her kittens on my bed!! She wanted me next to her all the time so I only got about 2 1/2 hrs dozing. Very worth it though :)

How many?!! When we lived in Allentown PA we had a momma cat who lived in the basement or outside. She was in labor and kept crawling up the stairs to get my mother ... and wouldn't stay there unless mom stayed with her. She was a sweetheart. Hope the mom and kitties are doing great.

She had 4. Pics are on my thread and on the pet thread entitled 'furry friends'. I tried to convince her to have them where we wanted to but she was having absolutely none of it so I relented and let her have them on my bed.

I did insist she have them on about 4 layers of sheets though so nothing actually got onto my bed!

I saw the pics, they are adorable! So sweet... I wish you could ship one over...

On books, lost and found, and read :)

I was thoroughly enjoying my next Sharon Green, The Far Side of Forever, which I managed to lose in Metro (a Sam's/Costco type store). Hopefully I'll get it back.

Found the last long-missing-AWOL book: Bk 59 The Invincible Viscount by Saunders, 223 pp. -- This regency was a bit silly as they often are, but had an interesting sub-plot of the even then out-of-vogue hobby/passion/avocation of hawking. Interesting.

Bk 60 Francesca's Rake by Kerstan, 217 pp. -- This regency was nicely done, not so surprising given that the author won an award for the best regency romance in '96. Fellow ordered to wed determines to do so but in a way that thwarts his father's wishes. But he ends up unknowingly falling for his father's choice, and she despises him for it.

Bk 61 A Bird in Hand by Lane, 220 pp (approx) -- Yup it's missing, but I finished it first! LOL I enjoyed this regency a lot. Sinister characters, mistaken identities, secrets bared (and not much else! which was also good). Fun read.

I just found the book I was reading a few days ago and which is almost completed, Norton's Wind in the Stone, which I was enjoying very much. However, I read a couple of regencies while looking for it, and finally picked up a stalled book, Asire's To Fall Like Stars. Now I'm sufficiently into Asire's book that I will have to put off finishing the Norton.

Decided to recycle George's With No One as Witness -- too sad for a reread. I think my friend who isn't into the series might enjoy it as a stand alone. Hope so.

Here's hoping I recover The Far Side of Forever!

Congratulations on the kittens!! And you should know by now that cats rarely do what we expect them to if they have something else in mind.

Bk 62 My Lord Ghost by Calvin, 220 pp. -- Whisper I thought of you as I read this regency because of the book you just read. The story all takes place on the same estate and is pretty fun.

Bk 63 Wind in the Stone by Norton, 338 pp. -- Unless I missed it, this book doesn't say it's in the Witch World universe, but it fits. Nicely done, good character development.

Bk 64 To Fall Like Stars by Asire, 368 pp. -- This was my first book by the author but not, I hope the last. I'd especially be up for a sequel. And, while this one is not, it almost feels like it. Guess it's set up well for a prequel too :) The cover bills it as "military fantasy" -- that works.

Susan
First, congratulations on reading 64 books thus far! That is quite an accomplishment.

Reading your comment regarding when you lived in Allentown, made me smile at you across the miles.
As you know, I'm in Bethlehem, a stone's throw away.

And I'm outside Hamburg, two stone's throws away!! :D

Angela

Suse, I didn't know you liked Andre Norton! One of my all-time favorite books is by her...Forerunner Foray, read first when I was about 15 and still one I come back to and enjoy about every five years. I loved the psychometry integral to the mystery of the plot. It's just fascinating!

Psychometry figured prominently in a book I wrote called "Capacocha" in which one man journeys through three different men's historical experiences after touching a silver grave item on a mountain in Peru. Annoyingly, the MS was on the computer that never made it from Texas to New York.

>96 suslyn: re Wind in the Stone

This appears to be one of five books set in its own world. As you say, NOT the Witch World. Each book focuses on its own sense.

Wind in the Stone (Hearing) (1999)
Mirror of Destiny (Sight) (1995)
The Scent of Magic (Smell) (1998)
A Taste of Magic (Taste) (2006) with Jean Rabe
The Hands of Lyr (Touch) (1994)

I just picked up The Scent of Magic recently, as I had somehow missed acquiring it previously.

>99 richardderus: Richard, I think that's one of the worst things I've ever heard about. So sorry!

>101 suslyn: Suse, that was only one of the books that vanished...seven altogether...two complete, the others in various editing stages.

It was a blow.

Oh well. I need to learn something from every loss, so I guess I'm well-advised never to leave anything un-backed-up on a flash drive. And maybe, just maybe, to finish up faster!

I had wanted to make an end-of-month deadline for the Savannah Lee tale, since the money don't come in until I get the story to them...the durg being such an attention junkie has made that impossible, and I have no help with her during housebreaking, so...well, these are the challenges.

Richard,

Oh, I am so sorry that you lost your manuscript. How devastating that must have been/still is I imagine.

65. Lord Dragoner's Wife by Kerston, 217 pp. -- An enjoyable read, this regency concludes with historical data to show what was truth and which parts were fiction. It was unusual in that it takes place almost entirely in France.
66. Mystery of the Green Cat by Whitney, 188 pp. -- I've had this on my shelf for years (it appears I lifted it from my 3rd grade teachers' shelf! Yikes!), but I'm pretty sure I've never read it before. The beginning doesn't grab you and rather than dealing with the mystery which follows is develops the characters of the children of a widow and widower who have married. Pretty good. Hope the teacher gave it to me or had it in the 'free' box!
67. Rutland Place by Perry, 217 pp. -- This Charlotte and Thomas Pitt mystery set in the late 1800s was as good as the others I've read in the series. Well done.

68. Goose in the Pond by Fowler, 305 pp. -- Good, clean fun! I laughed my way through this mystery, often right out loud. My husband asked if it was a ROFL book -- just about. I do hope I come across more of this delightful mystery series.

"Goose" in the title, "Fowler" is the author...? Oh dear. Benni Harper, her sleuthess, seems to be popular, since there are twelve of them now. "Dove in the Window" made me wince as a title, too. I'm gathering that quilting plays a big role in the series?

There being so many, maybe I should investigate for my sainted aunt, the reader extraordinaire.

Glad you got a book that made you laugh out loud. I see that Goose in the Pond is number 4 in the series. Can you tell me which is the first book. Cheers.

>107 dianestm: Diane, I don't know. The book should show it here on LT and I'll check that next. If I don't come back to edit, I didn't find it. In that case, I'd ask Stasia who owns them all :)

>106 richardderus: Yup, quilting is a major theme in the series it seems.

ETA The LT common knowledge section had the series. That link indicates that Fool's Puzzle is the first -- hope you find it!

Boy howdy I'm annoyed -- haven't felt so great this week and now it's the weekend. Usually by this time I've caught up on the threads I'm reading (a small portion, I fear), so that when everyone comments like crazy on the weekends I'm not inundated. Oh well. .... Ooh, maybe it's a gorgeous, sunny spring day with its scents impregnating the air til one can almost become intoxicated... AND they won't post cause they have to be outside! :)

69. The Earl's Prize by Cornick, 299 pp. -- I enjoyed this batch of regencies immensely. Part of that may be due to the fact that they're a bit longer. Sounds silly, I expect, but I really detest short stories and maybe I find 200 pages just too darn short! :)
70. Serena by Andrew, 250 pp. -- This regency and #71 are part of a collection entitled 'Marriage and Mayhem.' What good fun. Can't decide which side of 'believable' they were on, but I enjoyed them anyway.
71. The Wolfe's Mate by Marshall, 251 pp. -- And like #70 this regency also had some nice explorations of factors in character formation (one's personal character/personality, that is).
72. The Missing Bridges by Holbrook, 253 pp. -- This one was definitely over the line into the realm of fantasy -- but what a fun romp! Can't wait to reread it (or any of these, really).
X'd Fatal Cure by Cook, 42 pp. -- This "thriller" seemed to be more about the high cost of medicine than the 'story'; applied the 50 page rule, albeit a bit early --> recycled.

>105 suslyn:: I could really use a "ROFL" book after these past few weeks... I'll have to look that one up! :D

I think you might just like 'em :) Do tell me how you find it -- no worries if it's not a fav, but here's hoping it's great for you too!

Susan
You only have three more books to read and then your have completed the challenge. Many of us are much more ahead than this time last year.

Geez, if you all could inspire me to loose weight as much as I've been inspired to reach the reading goal, I would be a mere 100 pounds (in my dream).

Hi Suse...oy gevalt, as my Jewish grandmother used to say...I am such a flop! I tried, I mean really tried and tried, to get a 20,000-word historical to Harlequin. I simply cannot write a real story that's so dratted short. I am not capable of this, it would seem. So, back to the drawing board. They say they'll look at a full novel, but want to see it beginning of May!

So...that said...if I hustle my bustle and get a full version workin', would you still be willing to beta-read it? *crosses crossable extremities*

I need more fun books... LOL books..
remind me to get on that, ok?

Made a note :)

After those regencies, I decided to try something a teensy bit more substantial and began Grisham's The Chamber. It almost didn't make the 50 page rule, but without quite believing it I told myself he was still setting up the story. He was by p 200 I was hooked. And then, you guessed it, I lost it somewhere in the house. Not wanting to get into another more serious plot, I read a few regencies while waiting for it to surface.

73. A Noble Deception by Blayne, 250 pp -- I really enjoyed this tale. A few chuckles, it will work for a reread. Takes place entirely in Yorkshire.

74. Reclaiming Lord Rockleigh, 230 pp -- Still hadn't found Grisham so I moved onto another. This one takes place mostly in London and was a lot of fun.

Found Grisham and was at page 505 when I got the news that my grandma, Nanny, died. The Chamber is about a man on death row whose grandson is the lawyer seeking a reprieve. I don't know if or when I'll finish it; there are 171 pages to go.

Not up for anything of substance, not even a movie, I picked up some more regencies. These were not very plausible, at least for me. The first I'll keep around for a re-read some day -- I did enjoy the characters. The other two were fine once, but I have no need to reread them.

75. The Ramshackle Suitor by Butler, 214 pp
76. Easy Conquest by Heath, 220 pp
77. Reforming the Rake by Elliott, 296 pp

I'm very sorry to hear about your grandmother, Susan.

Thanks Roni. Funeral is Saturday.

you are a very busy reader....I am duly impressed.

You lost your grandmother ?
I am so sorry, how did I miss that..
very sad news...

Are you going to be able to go? I know when my grandmother died, 30 some years age, I was 2000 miles away in the middle of work and wasn't able to make it, and your distance is quite a bit further. At least now there are video cameras.

No I won't be going. It's a full day's travel (as in 24 hrs) each way. Nanny won't mind. And the rest of the family doesn't expect me to be there. Sure, I'd like to go. I sang at her mom's funeral (my great-grandma) in the 80s. Guess that's going to have to stand for this one like it did for Grandpa's (Nanny's husband) a few years back. He was 94, she 87. They were married 67 years before he passed away. Mom's there now with her only sibling, Joyce, who has been their folks' caretaker since Grandpa got to where he needed fulltime help which happily was just a little while like Nanny's sharp decline was. If you've got to go I guess that's the way to do it. Thanks again.

(((hugs))) Susan.

I am also very sorry to hear about your grandmother, Susan. (((hugs))).

"If you've got to go I guess that's the way to do it"
you should keep thinking like that, positively. Hope you are feeling okay (as "okay" as possible, given the circumstances). Sending you hugs and sincere condolences.

{{{Suse}}}

I know it's never fun to lose someone. Safe journey home, Nanny.

Sorry to hear about your grandma, I hope she had a good life with a wonderful grand daughter like you.

Sorry to hear about your loss, Susan - I will be thinking of you.

So sorry, Susan! You have my deepest sympathies.

Thanks for all the kind thoughts -- the funeral was yesterday and was apparently quite lovely and as 'good' as this kind of thing can be.

I finally was able to drag myself out of regencies, whew! :) And after making some good progress on Puck of Pook's Hill which for some reason I can only handle in smaller doses, made it back into some newer fantasy.

81. Sword-Singer by Roberson, 382 pp. -- I enjoyed this book very much and thought I was reading book 2 of a fantasy trilogy (once again I'm missing book 1). When I opened the 'next' volume, a few things became clear: I had after long consideration reached the wrong conclusion at the end of book 2, and I wasn't reading book 3! Turns out this is another series for which I only have even-numbered volumes!

78. The Prodigal Hero by Butler, 230 pp. and 79. Keeper of the Swans by Butler, 222 pp. -- Pleasant regencies, my preferred being the second. I'm sure they'll make nice re-reads.

The Sword of Shannara by Brooks, 726 pp. -- This was a read-aloud with my husband which I didn't count in my tickers as most of it was not read in 2009. Since this activity is generally reserved for road trips, it took a while to finish the book. It was a re-read for me and Stephane enjoyed it pretty well it seems. We enjoyed Brooks' witty Magic Kingdom For Sale Sold and Britain's Green Rider much more.

ETA I've decided that while I can tolerate not having read Sword-Dancer, book 1 of Robersons's series, not having read book 3, Sword-Maker is something I'm finding intolerable! What happened? How'd they do that?! grrr. {bizarre how the Roberson touchstones aren't working...}

I read the Tiger and Del series many years ago, when they first came out, up to book 5 or 6, I think. They were among the big batch of books I traded in to a new USB just starting up in the mid-90s. I never started her Cheysuli series, but am reading her newest series now, Karavans and Deepwood.

My problem with the Shannara books is two-fold. First of all, the first trilogy was one of the many Tolkien wannabees produced after LOTR became such a success, and I read it then, when there were only 2 or 3 like this, all in the first flush--McKiernan was another. It was so derivative that it was hard to appreciate for itself at all. And secondly, the tone is so dark. Don't these people ever have any fun? Gloom, gloom, gloom. Tolkien understood the Shakespeare device of breaking up tragedy with human relationship and a touch of comedy. In these books, Brooks doesn't. I do like his other series better.

If I still had the Roberson books, I'd send them to you, Susan. How frustrating!

Oh, and I love Puck of Pook's Hill--like to read it on Midsummer's Day. But, like The Jungle Books, it is episodic in format.

Fantasy. Yawn.

BUT! Wait! There is a picture of FIVE (5) CATS on my 75-Books thread right now as we speak! Y'all bein' cat ladies, I thought you should race over and view karenmarie's kitty-catty-kinses.

*choo*

LOL Fantasy -- *contented sigh*

I agree Brooks' shannara and word series are dark -- too dark for much pleasure. However, his magic kingdom series is a scream! IMO :)

Thanks Roni -- yeah, just books 2 & 4 is a bite. I'm pleased to know there's another after book 4 which kind of read like "the end" :) Someday...

81. Sword-Breaker by Roberson, 460 pp. -- I enjoyed this book very much and am glad to hear that there are more even though this one had a satisfactory, wrap-it-all-up kind of ending.

82. A Kind and Decent Man by Brendan, 248 pp. -- This was the last of the 'Marriage & Mayhem' regencies that I had. I liked it, but perhaps a bit less than the others because it was more sordid for half of it. But it ended well.

I've decided that regencies, for me, are kind of like those little bits of lemon sorbet sometimes served between courses of a fancy meal: a palate cleanser, so I'm ready for the next thing.

There are six altogether:
Sword-Dancer
Sword-Singer
Sword-Maker
Sword-Breaker
Sword-Born
Sword-Sworn

Thanks Roni!

I am so far behind on thread reading it isn't even funny. poop.

83. G is for Gumshoe by Grafton, 327pp. -- The thing I liked best about this book was that I got to meet the character who shows up again in the 'M' book which I read recently. It was also a good mystery as the blurb promised -- they told the truth for once. However, I still don't like the characters very much or their lifestyles --> recycled.

84. Least Likely Lovers by Hinshaw, 222 pp. -- This regency did serve as a very nice palate cleanser indeed. Very nicely done.

Now trying Freedman's Key Witness. On pg 40 and he's still setting it up -- I love those books that just suck you write in. This isn't one of them.

Well it seems that Key Witness which comes in three parts is going to be read as such. It is rolling along now, but it is so sordid that I chose to take the intermission to read. So another palate cleanser:

85. A Change of Heart by Hern, 223 pp. -- A good regency with believeable twists. Very nice.

And since I still wasn't ready to go back to the legal sewer of Key Witness:

86. The Apprentice by Talmadge-Bickmore, 263 pp. -- Usually my complaint is that stories wrap up to quickly. This one had an unending ending. Aside from that I really enjoyed this fantasy novel and hope to find her other book some day.

I've never heard of Talmadge-Bickmore... hmm... I'll have to stick that one on the list...!

She reminded me a bit of Norton. If you don't like the older-style fantasy I'd stay away :)

I decided to apply the 50 page rule at page 162 to Freedman's Key Witness. Now it looks like the lawyer is headed for divorce on top of all the sordidness already in the book. I just don't need that now (or ever?).

ETA book name LOL!

Wow, Susan, there is NO information on The Apprentice on its work page. Would you mind entering publication date and publisher from your copy?

Publishers Weekly review on Amazon is devastating, but there were 5 readers who really liked it. Did you find the apprentice tiresome because of being so weak, or was it just good characterization of an abused girl?

Wow, Susan, there is NO information on The Apprentice on its work page. Would you mind entering publication date and publisher from your copy?

Publishers Weekly review on Amazon is devastating, but there were 5 readers who really liked it. Did you find the apprentice tiresome because of being so weak, or was it just good characterization of an abused girl?

I'll happily enter info on the common knowledge page. Just the ending was tiresome... they got to the place to end it all and then went on, got to another place to end it all and went on... 3 or 4 times. But I enjoyed it. You figure out what's going on and what will happen really fast, but I think you're supposed to. No, I didn't find the girl tiresome. I kept it for a re-read and hope to get her other work. She wrote that she was trying to write the kind of fiction she'd like to read but had trouble finding. Seems we might be looking for the same type of things.

That said, I recall that the last book I liked and you read because of it was a wash, so...
:P

>142 ronincats:
Roni, the book details were there already...
http://www.librarything.com/work/472591/details/37646080

You are so right. I looked at work details and forgot about clicking on the tab for book details. Sorry.

But we like so much in common, that the other one must have been an exception. PBS has a copy--I think I'll order it.

I'll be checking to see what you think. *crosses fingers and thinks happy thoughts*

>129 suslyn:: Hi Suse! Heard on a podcast the other day that there's a new Magic Kingdom book coming out this summer in the US. I've never read any Brooks, although my baby bro had a thing for the Shannara books for a while, but it sounded entertaining, and potentially interesting to set against The Dark Lord of Derkholm.

stopping by to say hello and to send belated condolences regarding the passing of your grandmother.

Thx Linda.

>147 FlossieT: Flossie, I have no recollection of reading Jones' book but know I have... So I couldn't say how it would compare :) Thx for the tip on the Magic Kingdom. I do prefer his comic stuff :)

87. A Garden Folly by Hern, 221 pp. -- Nice regency about the costs of our goals and what makes them worth the price.

88. Trouble in Paradise by Parker, 304 pp. --Boy howdy the reviews for this book are all over the map! While I didn't love it, I weighed in at 'liked it a lot and will happily re-read'. Have to say I'm shocked, really shocked, that they'd ever put Tom Selleck in this role (learned that in the reviews). Doesn't fit at all, so I'm guessing this film rendition must be rather loosely 'based on.' whatever. :)

89. Miss Lacey's Last Fling by Hern, 213 pp. -- Glad to see that this writer didn't feel the need to add some filler to bring her story up to the standard 220-222 pages for this series LOL. This regency was an interesting look at the mess assumptions can bring you to and an exploration of what one might do if one's death was imminent. Can't say I liked her choices at all. Am debating about whether or not to keep it around for a re-read.

ETA Cupid's Darts -- a 'regency' with greek mythological figures as characters. The story drew me in, but I kept putting it down, disgusted with what was happening because of the gods and where'd we'd have to go to fix the problem. Contemplated reading bits to finish it, but by the time chapter 2 rolled around I didn't think I could take anymore. My romance-loving friend will, no doubt, eat it up.

Hi Susan
I'm simply stopping in to say I hope all is well with you.

WOW...89 books thus far...Congratulations.

I'm thinking 44 might be the better way to count it since that number includes 45 regencies which I can't quite bring myself to count as 'books'!

#152:regencies which I can't quite bring myself to count as 'books'!

Why ever not? Georgette Heyer wrote them, too, and I bet you would count hers :)

susan
That would be like me saying I cannot count all the YA books I've read this year...

Who makes rules? I enjoy this group tremendously because it seems the only "rule" is that we be kind to each other.

If it has a cover and pages in between, I count it!

LOL well I still don't know if I can count them, but I did think about the contrast with YA and kids' books even as I wrote that.

Besides, if I don't count them I might still make my goal of less than 150 books LOLOL

Bragger! ;)

90. Daughter of Witches by Wrede, 215 pp. -- Saw a lot of discussions about Wrede today so I thought I'd scan my shelves for her works. First I was just looking to see if I had Talking with Dragons here in Romania, so I could use it for my next read-aloud with the husband. I do! Then I noticed there were 2 of her works there which I have not read. I enjoyed Daughter of Witches very much and just learned that I have the next book in the series as well. (thx LT for the common knowledge/series sections!!) However, I'm still gonna go grab another regency as I head for bed, even if the next 'real book' ;-> will probably be Wrede's sequel :)

ETA While this was a slim little volume from a well-known YA author, I wouldn't consider this work suitable for most YA audiences as there are some rather adult themes in it. It's discreet, but not something I'd want my 13 year old to read. But, that's me...

91. The Best Intentions by Hern, 215 pp. -- Turns out this regency was a sequel of sorts (some overlap in characters and takes place shortly after the events of the other book) to A Change of Heart. I enjoyed this a lot, a bit more, I think than it's 'predecessor.' It will make a nice re-read.

92. There Are Doors by Wolfe, 313 pp. -- This was a pretty bizarre fantasy. A mental patient who forgets he was/is one finds his way to discover the truth, even tho some of the truths were what got him locked up. Interesting. Strange. Don't know if I liked it or not, but I had to finish it. Don't know if I'll re-read it or not...

93. The Bartered Heart by Butler, 230 pp. -- I enjoyed this regency very much up until the very end. The story revolved around the financial difficulties of one nobleman, and in the end this need is met 4 different ways so there is an overabundance of help. But up until that point I found it almost credible, LOL.

94. Blood of Heaven by Myers, 326 pp. -- I prejudged this book by its cover and decided I'd hate it, but it's on my shelves. So I gave it a go, already decided I'd employ the 50 page rule.

Generally, if the set up in a book is long at all I go bonkers. In Grisham's The Chamber for example, it seemed to take the better part of page 200 (which is where I realized the set up was over). In this book however, I was hooked during the set up -- a possible first.

This medical thriller also can be put in that much belittled (sadly too often deservedly) category of "Christian fiction", but it was good. There was one page I found really annoying, but I'm annoyed in most books so the surprise might be that it was only one page :)

The number of pages is, I think, a bit misleading as the text size is rather large, however the pages are oversized too, so maybe if it was all shrunk down to pocket paperbook size it would still be 300 pp. Anyway, glad I read it and will keep it around for a reread.

Parting shot, a blurb excerpted from Peretti's comments on the front cover which are printed in full on the back cover: "Innovative...a compelling story...enjoyable and provocative. I wish I'd thought of it!"

ETA book 93 -- I'd forgotten it!

Odd, I've never heard of #90 before! Apparently I missed the boat on that one... definitely need to track it down. There are Doors sounds, er... interesting as well. I suspect it's one I'd employ the 50-page rule on, though your description has me awfully curious to track it down and learn more...

>161 dk_phoenix: re Daughters of Witches, turns out the 'sequel' is indeed the next book in the series, but seems it's more just in the same universe than continuing with any of the characters from this DoW. Anyway, that relieves me from any pressure to press on toward the next book...

Susan,

My dearest sympathies to you and your family.

Thx -- mom just got home last night and is trying to recuperate...

95. The Irish Rogue by Jensen, 215 pp. -- This regency was completely set in Ireland and revolves around an Irish Robinhood-like character, hero to the locals and irritant to the wealthy English in the area. Not very regencyesque but nicely done and will, no doubt, make a satisfactory reread one day.

96. A Grand Design by Jensen, 210 pp. -- If you can overlook the fact that this book is about a female closet-architect, not a designer of closets;-> , who comes out in the end, this is a good story. Women were active architects in the 1800s but not, it seems, until the latter half of the century. So there might have been some in the closet then, but the acclaim part was a bit over the top.

97. Silver May Tarnish by Norton and McConchie, 294 pp. -- This book wasn't actually written by Norton, but Norton was instrumental in getting McConchie to take her longish short story and put it in its proper setting: a novel. Norton was also able to read it before she died the same year the book was published. I found it to be a very nice addition to Witch World. This is my second McConchie/Norton book and I hope to find some other works by McConchie. Hope her style remains somewhat the same in her other works :)

ETA the rest of the list -- guess I wanted to be done! LOL

98. The Willful Miss Winthrop by Counts, 254 pp. -- This book takes place mostly on the Continent during the pre-Elba campaigns against Napoleon. I enjoyed it quite a bit and found it believable. A nice plus was the short list at the end of items in the book which were taken from true accounts and which were not.

X'd Taming a Sea-Horse

At several tries to finish the entry in Msg 164, I decided to try here.

Jettisoned the 50 page rule and the Parker book and await a less sex-centered topic for my entree to the series.

99. The Steerswoman by Kierstein, 279 pp. -- My biggest complaint about this fantasy novel is that I don't have the sequel. Kierstein was a new author for me, and I'm her book found its way to me. One thing she does that surprised me is write about a character in such a way that one assumed the gender only to find out the assumption is wrong. Interesting. Good story too :)

100. Year of Wonders by Brooks, 308 pp. -- This novel is subtitled 'A Novel of the Plague' and that it is. Set in 1666-7 in rural England it explores the interactions in a village living under self-imposed quarrantine when the plague comes to visit. Quite moving.

De-lurking to say how much I enjoy your thread! You continually add to my TBR pile.

I enjoyed Year of Wonders. Have you had a chance to read any of Brooks other books? March was good, but I have not yet had a chance to read People of the Book

No Lori, I haven't but I hope to. Year of Wonders made my top reads of the year list.

Too bad about the Parker, I usually enjoy his but I don't remember that one specifically. Of course, with so many good books I don't think anyone should read something they don't enjoy. Better luck next time!

Turns out I have several more and I'm pleased rather than dismayed. I enjoyed my first Parker book quite a bit!

>168 suslyn: ooh, so glad to hear that! Bought a copy of Year of Wonders at warehouse sale on Sat on impulse....

hey Susan, just dropping by to say I'm still lurking and reading your reviews but our tastes are so different: I think I haven't read any of the books you've mentioned this year so unfortunately I have no "witty" comments or fascinating personal stories to add to your reviews :) Just know I'm still reading. Whenever I see something I've read (and thus have an opinion about) I will jump at the opportunity!

LOL GUG what a hoot! I'd read scifi/fantasy regardless, but the rest of my reading is more dictated by what I have on my shelves :) Looking forward to the sale at the Intl American School in a month or so -- picked up some marvelous reads there last year (Year of Wonders and some Pilchers)... Currently read a lovely book by Lisa See. But it is so intense, emotionally, that I keep interrupting it with fluff (regencies et al). Emotionally my life is a mess right now, so I can only handle so much... C'est la vie.

Thanks Flossie for the category name. These are books I've started, but not finished. However, I've not decided NOT to read them either (love those double negatives). So I'm not actively reading them... they're 'stalled.' And not all for the same reason.

*I don't like short stories as a rule (Borders of Infinity and Puck, which while not a short story reads rather like one).
*It is so poorly written/edited I'm not sure it's worth seeing if there are any gems there (Gifts of the Spirit).
*Realized it's a re-read (Archform).
*Creepy atmosphere, a la The Graveyard Book, -- not something I appreciate (A Fine and Private Place).
*Sleepy, tomelike, reads like a dry history (The Seer King).
*Having trouble reading seriously well-done and likely to be life-changing books atm (I will Lift Up Mine Eyes).

Here are the bound books -- I've got other stalled ebooks as well...

Wish You Well by David Baldacci
A Fine and Private Place by Peter S. Beagle
Borders of Infinity by Lois McMaster Bujold
The Seer King by Chris Bunch
I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes by Glenn Clark
Redcoat by Bernard Cornwell
The Mountains of Channadran by Susan Dexter
My Family and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell
The Five Bells and Bladebone by Martha Grimes
Shroud for a Nightingale by P.D. James
Archform: Beauty by L.E. Modesitt Jr.
Gifts of the Spirit by Kenneth Cain Kinghorn
Puck of Pook's Hill by Rudyard Kipling
A God in Ruins by Leon Uris

(and you think, 'who cares?' -- good point!)

Even though they are short stories in a sense, I really like both Borders of Infinity and Puck of Pook's Hill because they are within a larger framework that gives them continuity and context for me. The novella "Mountains of Mourning" in the first is one of my favorite Miles stories, and really makes Barrayar come alive as a society.

The Mountains of Channadran requires getting through pain and angst to get to the ending, but is well worth it, culminating the trilogy with integrity and joy.

Hope things settle down for you in a good way.

>175 ronincats: Exactly Roni. That's why I can read BoI and PoPH. I love "Mountains of Mourning" but am bogged down in the next one (Jackson's Whole?)

You're a sweetheart!

Well done on reaching 100!

LOL gf!

Shoot! I let that number slip by my eyes without even registering!! Congrats! But weren't you the one who was going to read LESS this year? (Memory like a sieve here)

Yup, that's me. I'm afraid I seriously underestimated how much I usually read. -- but, if I don't count regencies I might still make it LOL

Congrats!

if I don't count regencies I might still make it

i snort disbelievingly at this, even not counting regencies you're doooooomed, doooooomed i tell you, to break 200 in 2009.

ha.

LOL

100!! Wow! Congratulations Susan!

Way to go!

You should go post your thread over on the Hit the 75 Book Challenge thread that Stasia started last week, to record when people hit 75.

Woo Hoo, Susan!!

Congrats on hitting both the 75 and the 100 book marks!

101. My Lady's Mask by Roby, 287 pp. -- This novel's spine is marked 'fiction', but I it qualfies as a regency as well. I was a bit bemused by the overtones of the strident feminism of the 70s (when this book was published). I'm thinking this book might have been part of Roby's protest against the more extreme tenets of that movement. Not a bad read.

102. Lord Mumford's Minx by Raleigh, 222 pp. -- Your typical regency fluff with the stupid chick, dictatorial hero and obligatory rescues.

103. Ice Man by Cutler, 380 pp. -- This thriller took several twists I wasn't expecting. I read it because I have a friend who had the same job as the protagonist: therapist to sex offenders in SE Pennsylvania's prisons. Trouble and more ensue when a killer is released on the basis of her report when she falls prey to his manipulations. I'd read more by Cutler but won't search him out.

104. Heir Presumptive by Ormsby, 188 pp. -- I enjoyed this regency. Nice twists, some nicely developed characters, hidden passages, intrigues and a plethora of marriages at the end. Set in the countryside.

105. Camilla by Orwig, 190 pp. -- I picked this book up in the regency section of a bookstore. And, it is set in the regency period, but takes place entirely in the U.S. during the war of 1812. I enjoyed it.

Add my congratulations to the rest on your 100 book achievement! That's truely awesome!

Thread#3

Hmmm. Bizarrely, I'm up to date on your 3rd thread, but not on this one! Just wanted to leave a quick note to say I'm very sorry about your grandmother. I hope you and your mum are doing ok.