Whisper1's reading list #4

Time for a new thread. The previous ones can be found here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/61185#1249403
http://www.librarything.com/topic/58570
http://www.librarything.com/topic/51585

Thanks to all for stopping by!

Here I am. And since I am, let me go ahead and thank you for that lovely message of appreciation you sent out a week or two ago.

I'm determined to keep up with this one....I've let the others get overwhelming.

Just making sure I don't lose you.

*waves to Whisper*

Got you starred again!

I've got you starred as well! I don't want to miss the good stuff on your thread!

Thanks to all. I'm a bit overwhelmed at work right now and it is ever so nice to check in quickly and smile when I read all the kind messages.

I thought I would slip in and say hi! You have an impressive thread going here! You are starting on your 4th one and it's only May 5th? It must be nice to be LT Royalty! Ha Ha!

*waves* I don't want to lose your thread either!

Starring the new one also - it can be tough to keep up, but I am trying!!!

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley

The elements to a great book are in place. There is an eleven year old spunky, precocious, delightful girl who loves chemistry and cleverly finds ways to get even with her two older pesky sisters.

There is a plot which includes a dead man found in the garden, a crazy gardener, a lovely English house, and a likeable father who happens to be accused of the murder.

While I laughed out loud at some of the musings of young Flavia DeLuce as she mixes her chemical potions, intelligently and humorously describes her sisters flaws and and logically tries to solve the crime, the book seemed to drag on and on and on and on.

It was delightfully written, there was a good plot, the characters were interesting -- but the book was twice as long as it needed to be. Along the way, I grew bored and the story seemed to fizzle.

#13: That's disappointing because I was really looking forward to reading the book!

Darn, I wanted to read that book. I'll put it on the never-ending wishlist but I won't make it a priority.

Oh, I hate books like that - a great read can turn into a big disappointment like that. And the first half of your review made it sound so interesting, too!

Howdy :)

I hope your next book is better, Linda.

That's too bad. It sounds like it had all the makings of a good book.

*fingers crossed for a good read after this one*

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

A big thanks to Anita for her recommendation.

It is easy to understand why this sensitive, powerful, insightful and wonderfully written book received so many awards, including the 2000 Michael L. Printz honor.

Laurie Halse Anderson is an incredibly gifted author who writes with depth of character and compassion.

Her writing is filled with such beauty that I re-read the sentences simply to once again savor the words and unique way she expresses emotions.

warning -- it is difficult to write the review without spoilers

Long after the physical injustice upon her body occurred, Melinda Sordino is a walking, but not talking, emotional bruise.

The summer before high school began she attended a party with her best friend. While there she was harmed by an older, stronger male student. In a panic, she called the police but then fled in fear.

Locked in her emotions and the horror of what happened, she becomes silent. Not telling anyone about the rape, including her parents, she tumbles into a black hole of depression and isolation. She literally does not speak.

At school she is abandoned, taunted and verbally abused. She is perceived as a snitch and cruelly ostracized in the terrible, heart breaking way snitty little girls can use her to hone their nasty little skills.

Her salvation gently shines through in her resilience to gradually find a voice for the pain and the locked emotions. Toward the end of the book there are powerful images of strength overcoming helplessness.

I highly recommend this book!

Sounds like something I really would enjoy. Will keep my eyes out for it.

Whisper, I am glad you liked Speak. It is a powerful book. In college, we used it in a mentor program for high school girls. When my friend returns it back to me, I may have to reread it!

Ooo, I'll have to add that to my list!

Have done more than looked out for it, have got an angel mooching it from USA for me :)

sounds like a great book and you seem to be having a great reading year!

This is quite an 'animated' page. Thanks for another great review, Linda. Continuing to lurk!!

#22: I already have that one on the Continent. Obviously, I need to move it up!

Glad you were happy with your read. Have you read another one of her best YAs Fever 1793? It too is very well done.

I have read Fever 1793 and agree with you that it was well done. I hope to read Wintergirls soon.

#22 Another very nice review, Linda. I've had my eye on Speak, now I'll really have to add it to the TBR pile.

Speak has been on the TBR pile for a wee while now. Reading your review makes me want to get to it quicker.

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

What was I thinking when I took this book from the library shelf and checked it out? What was I thinking when I took precious Sunday time to read it? What was I thinking when I forgot that I vowed not to read any more boring, uninspiring, historically incorrect books by Philippa Gregory

What was Gregory thinking when she tackled the very complex character of Mary Queen of Scots?

Suffice it to say I was lured by a new book regarding Mary Queen of Scots, one of my favorite historical figures.

Told via the narration of three characters, Bess of Hardwick, her husband The Earl of Shrewsbury, and Mary Queen of Scots, the story line bounces back and forth from chapter to chapter much like a repetitious ping pong ball, monotonously lacking excitement.

Focusing on the long imprisonment of Mary Queen of Scots by her cousin Queen Elizabeth I, there are numerous plots for freedom told in a ho hum, boring manner.

No stars for this one -- only self recrimination for struggling through another Philippa Gregory missive.

#34 Bummer Linda. So sorry you had to waste your Sunday on this one. Hoping your next read is way better!

Too bad about the last book, Linda. Wow - no stars at all.

I have no compulsion in ditching a book if it is torturously bad, so good for you getting right through it and giving it a fair chance.

Well I've never read a Philippa Gregory novel yet and don't think I will; after reading this review. I also loved Speak, another YA that always comes to mind though it's quite different, just that the girl also has a problem with speaking, is Tending to Grace.

#34: I hate to tell you 'I told you so' about Gregory's books, but I did :) After reading one, I vowed never to touch another.

#34

Its appalling isn't it. Her writing went down so much, its now as if she just can't be bothered. I'd put it up on BM immediately except its a hardback, and I haven't got round to giving it away yet.

#34 - I'm sorry it was such a disappointing read ... but I'm not surprised. Like Stasia, I read one (The Other Boelyn Girl), and thought it was painful. It's amazing how she can take such charged and interesting material and make it trite and uninspired.

Hope the next one is better! And still looking forward to picking up Speak myself...

I read a bad historical fiction book on that era for a book group- I immediately pulled out my David Starkey biographies of the same period and felt better.

#41 Cyrel David Starkey is amazing! I believe the history channel had a mini series of his works. It was wonderful!

#40 Luxx...You are spot on regarding The Other Boleyn Girl It was a waste of time..but the movie was even worse.

#39 Luna...How right you are. Perhaps fame has gone to her head...like Anne Boleyn, however, she needs to be careful. Flame is fickle and fleeting.

#38..Yes, you are right. I am disappointed that I even considered giving her another try.

#37 Avatikh...I've added Tending To Grace. Thanks for the recommendation.

#36 and 35...Thanks for stopping by!

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

If you were a scientist capable of marvelous abilities to unlock secrets to life, if you were a father whose 16 year old daughter was in a terrible car accident and about to lose her life, if what you could do held biomedical ethical repercussions and yet, if you could save your child...What would you do?

These thought provoking questions are raised and explored in a brave new world context.

I highly recommended this book for the fascinating way in which the story is told.

I have hear really good things about this book, it has been put on the TBR mountain. Cheers

#43: That one is already on the Continent, but unfortunately, not available at my local library. I will start looking further afield.

I love "big dilemmas" books :)

That one looks very interesting... a tough subject... I'll have to add it to the list :)

I was hooked already but then got to the part about 'brave new world context' and that sealed the deal. You write good teasers!

Oooh, no. 84 sounds interesting (as does Speak, although I think I'm going to hold off on that one for a bit - it's the kind of story I have to be in the right frame of mind for...)

I'm putting The Adoration of Jenna Fox on the wishlist. What a tantalizing review!!! Excellent.

My teenaged daughter and I both loved Speak. She is currently reading Wintergirls from the public library, and I'm planning on reading it when she's finished.

I went to put in on the wishlist, but it was already there. I guess thats a good thing?

Linda - congratulations on the Hot Review today for The Adoration of Jenna Fox! I am adding this one to my TBR. Have a great day :)

Oh, and I loved your review of The Other Queen - you were so derisive, it made my day!!

YA fiction has come a long way and, though it's not my usual taste, I really want to check out The Adoration of Jenna Fox. It slightly reminds me of another YA series I've wanted to read for a while now: The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing.

Thanks to all for stopping by. Cait86 thanks for noting the "Hot review." Kidzdoc is listed today for the review of Admiring Silence as well as StormRaven for her comments on the book Pureheart

I'm posting just another quick note to say that The Adoration of Jenna Fox is a compelling story. As a teenager, I remember a song called In the Year 2525 (lyrics listed below.) This book reminded me of this song and the possibilities in the future when incredible feats in bioengineering may occur.

http://www.lyricsondemand.com/z/zagerandevanslyrics/intheyear2525lyrics.html

Ahem. . . "his comments on PureHeart".

StornRaven...I am so so sorry. I'm writing from work where yearbook pages are buried in piles on my desk...
I wrote in haste...
I apologize!

#54 I love that song! Gonna add The Adoration of Jenna Fox to my massive TBR list :)
You guys really aren't helping my reading addiction! But I'm loving it!

Whisper - newbie question if you don't mind....how are you getting the pictures of your books in your posts?

I laughed and laughed and am still laughing after reading your review of Phillipa Gregory's latest. Its been awhile since I read her but that review does not inspire me to pick up any of her work for another while. LOL!!

Hot review?!?!?! congrats!

>54 Whisper1: I had that on a 45! In fact, I think my brother still has all my 45s. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

Terri, of course, our generation remembers 45 rpm records. My sister and I were most proud of our carrying cases containing our 45's.

Now there are mp3 players....

In cleaning the basement and trying to get order (again), I found an entire box of 33 1/3 records....

Do turntables even exist anymore?

message #57

TadAd helped me. His instructions begin on post 67 here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/51408

They do. My brother has one. I think to buy a new one now, though, is outrageously expensive. Too bad, because some of my favorite music is on LPs. I know, it's all available over the internet, but it just isn't the same...

Congrats on the Hot Review!

Woo Hoo! Hot Review!!!

yay for the hot review - well done!

i've got a record player that wasn't at all expensive - that said, it's very basic - i'm not really of the LP generation (although I have a few 2nd hand) - but i do have huge quantities of 7" singles - it used to be a great way of trying out new music. i suppose i did buy the record player about 10 years ago though...

I've been seeing turntables more and more -- even here in Romania. I've been thinking of getting one too :)

I discovered my old records of The Monkees...I just may have to trip down memory lane and get a turn table to listen to the scratchiness of "Hey, Hey We're the Monkees............."




opps, better not do that--it will bring back the sound of my mother yelling "turn that DOWN!!!NOW!!"

Oh my gosh...I used to listen to my mom's copy of The Monkeys on record (no clue what size number, but it was a bigger one). I was addicted to them for a long time.

Awww... and the TV show was so funny, too... we used to listen to the Monkees on family road trips... lots of excellent memories, and I now know plenty of 'oldies' backwards and forwards...

My Dad collects records, though he hasn't had a record player for quite awhile. I'm hoping that someday in the future, we siblings can band together and get him a new one for Christmas or something. He has some of the weirdest albums, some of which he just bought for the covers (they make excellent conversation starters... in his opinion... lol!).

I bought a new record player a few years ago when the one attached to my stereo died. It wasn't that expensive. It's one of those old fashioned snap clasp lock boxes. You have to move the tone arm over manually. I've noticed that you can find them in certain stores around Christmas. I still have my 45s carrying box (with 45s) - faux denim, designed like a pair of jeans. I noticed at the computer store that you can buy a turn table type thingie to plug into the computer that will convert your LPs to mp3s.

how funny, I was wondering where my Monkees album was just yesterday...

I see record players at garage sales and even .... antique stores. They didn't seem to be too expensive, but then that's assuming they worked still.

>72 flissp: LOL! Well, I haven't thought of them for years. But, have to share this: went to NYC for a bday and was treated to a live Brady Bunch episode. It was the one with Davy Jones and he's the only one of the original cast who was there. Swoon! :)

Davy Jones was cute, but truly I was ready to pack my suitcase and run away with Mickey Dolenz..just loved the pug nose.

#75 I think Mickey Dolenz used to have a house near my parents - one of the Monkees did anyway (and it's not Davy Jones oddly, it being the UK and all)... ;)

Davy Jones was my first crush. My 11 year old grandson was watching a show on TV (I don't know what it was) and I saw this old guy that looked a lot like him. I asked my grandson who that was and he told me it was Davy Jones. He looked at me weird when I told him I used to be iin love with Davy Jones when I was a kid. Funny that he got so old and that he's a character on some kids show.

To whom it may concern:

I have one of the new turn-tables that plugs into the computer. I am a computer idiot, and it was really easy to set up. I can put all my old albums into iTunes then i can burn them onto CDs, ,or load them onto an iPod. The turn-table was less than $200, $189 or something like that. Some of the models have special programs for taking the static out out of the sound, once it's in the computer. I ordered mine from Amazon. There are also cassette players that plug into the computer, but I don't have one of those.

oooh profiler, I've seen those and they are lovely! I'm jealous!

Your review of The Adoration of Jenna Fox shows that much can be conveyed in a succinct way. Your thought-provoking HOT review makes me want to read the book.

Thanks Donna!

I'm surprised at the positive feedback. I was very tired when I wrote it and grappled with what to say.

I appreciate your comments. It is a great book.

Here is a site I found. The book still haunts me. It is powerful. I've been driving my friends nuts because I talk about it so much.

http://www.whoisjennafox.com/

Hi, Linda!

Congratulations on all the reading you've done while I've been struggling to keep afloat in the morass of RL! I decided to finally catch up with you although I was almost 100 posts behind. I was finally to the end and what do I find? A link to a new thread with with over 80 more posts! You're killing me! :-D

I am finally starting to surface and by the end of next week I hope to be back "in the swing"--finding time to both read and to post! Just have to catch my breath.........

Hi Carolyn
I hope you are well. How are you feeling these days?

>82 MusicMom41: Carolyn -- same thing happened to me! Bon chance!

You have been a whirlwind of reading lately.. I am just getting back into it after being otherwise occupied :)

Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris

Thanks to Kate (K.D. Marsh) for recommending this book. It was a delightful, fun read which inspires me to obtain more of Charlaine Harris's books.

In this one, Harper Connelly is among the minority of people who survive a lightening strike, like those who go on, the medical problems are quirky and bothersome. None, however more unique than the fact that Harper is left with the ability to connect with people who died, and thus discerning the cause of their death by coming in contact with the graves and/or bodies of the deceased.

A few years earlier, Haper and her brother Tolliver were hired to investigate the disappearance of 11 year old Tabitha Morgenstern. Unable to solve the case, fast forward two years later when they are called to a graveyard in Memphis, TN where a college professor of a local university tries to debunk them in front of his students.

It was not surprising that Harper was able to accurately stand on the graves of the deceased, call out the names and tell the students the cause of death, but was was disconcerting was the fact that in the corner of the graveyard was a grave of a man buried years ago and on top of his coffin, ws the buried body of the eleven year old Tabitha.

While the book is not indepth and gripping, it was interesting enough for me to finish it in three short sittings. The characters were well developed and the story line was well written. If you are looking for a quick read that holds your interest, I recommend this book

4 out of 5 stars

>85 mckait: - Looks good - thanks for the review - adding it to my list now :)

#85 - A friend recommended the Sookie Stackhouse books a year or two ago, and since reading them I've wondered about Harris' mystery books. I may have to pick that one up to give it a go - thanks for the review!

That does sound good... and what a cute gif!:)

Just dropping by to say Hello, and catch up on what you've been reading :) *waving*

Glad you found another series to love :)

Grave Sight by Charlaine Harris

The first in the series (book number two listed above) of Harper Connelly, who was struck by lightening and now is able to connect with dead people by coming in contact with their physical remains.

While it sounds like a weird subject for a plot, Harris is able to hold interest through good character development and an interesting story line.

In this book Harper is called to a small minded, secretive and nasty little town in the Ozark Mountains of Sarne, Arkansas. A wealthy, self absorbed widow who owns most of the town, lost her son in what was deemed a suicide. Dead with him in the woods is the body of his girlfriend, a local girl from the distinct different side of the tracks.

While the young man's body was found, the search for the girlfriend was abandoned. Harper is hired by the wealthy mother to locate the girl's body to quell rumors that her son may have killed her before shooting himself.

The book held my interest and I look forward to reading the next two in the series. I was a tad disappointed at the rushed ending and the host of convoluted, incredibly dysfunctional town folk. There seemed to me to be too much stereotypical portrayal of dumb ole, conniving southern folk.

Still, I do recommend this book as it has a lot of merit.

Hi Linda,
I agree with this comment:

You are spot on regarding The Other Boleyn Girl It was a waste of time..but the movie was even worse.

I read The Other Boleyn Girl for a book club at work and suffered through the whole thing. I would have abandoned it much earlier if it hadn't been for the dang club. And then we all got together to watch the movie. Big mistake! I remember thinking that if I hadn't read the book or if I had been unfamiliar with the story, I would have had no idea what was going on.

Do you have any recs for fans of Mary Queen of Scots? Fiction, preferably, because I try not to think too much during the summer ;)

The Charlaine Harris books sound good.. I'm adding them to my TBR list.

#93

Jean Plaidy has a very good two on Mary, Queen of Scots. The Royal Road to Fotheringay and The Captive Queen of Scots. Both historical fiction but very fact based in terms of being factually correct.

Thanks, luna! I'm adding them to my wishlist :)

#94 - Thanks for those recommendations luna. I'm tossing my copy of The Other Boylen Girl into the yard sale bin.

message #96, Lynda, you might want to bury it somewhere...placing it in a yard sale bin only means someone else might suffer through it...


#93..great recommendations both are excellent.

An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris

The third book in the Harper Connelly series and this one was rather gruesome.

Harper is hired by a grieving grandmother who wants to find her grandson. In a small North Carolina town, Harper not only discovers one body--she finds eight.

As the ice and cold winds whip through the lake side, the town is torn apart in the knowledge that a serial killer is at work.

recommended.... 3 stars.

</b>
Sounds gruesome~

Hope it had a good ending :)

eta

turning off bold..

>98 Whisper1:: I thought this was the most disturbing...and most intriguing...of the Harper Connelly books. In addition to the gimmick of her ability, the quality of the story line seemed to take a jump upwards.

Ok, I really am going to pick up this series now. Where's the Kindle...

Hello Linda! Just waving as I catch up on threads (eventually, lol)

Hi Linda - just popping in to say Hi and a big thank you for all your cheerleading and positive comments on LT. It is so great to have you on the 75 thread!!!!

just a drive by

So Whisp, that doesn't sound very Miss Marple-ish. Eight bodies - yoicks. I can normally just handle one, maybe two per book.

Hello to all and thanks for checking my thread...
Much appreciated!

Linda

This Charlaine Harris series sounds interesting. I know she has more than one series. When I surface and can look her up are her series comparable or is this one better than the other one? I love to find new mystery series--by having several I can space my reads in each one so I don't get tired of them as fast. Right now I'd just love to curl up with about 20 new mysteries and let the serious reading rest awhile!

Carolyn, that does sound good!

ETA Oh yeah, forgot I haven't been doing any serious reading anyway LOL -- well, it still sounds good! :)

I'm intrigued by The Adoration of Jenna Fox, which was on my list already (though I can't remember where - just that I heard it was creating a buzz on the book blogs, and that that comment was attached to a positive review!). On the face of it, it sounds like a Picoult-a-like plot, but your comments lead me to think she's done something much more interesting with it.

Rachael
I only read one Picoult book so I'm a poor judge of comparison between The Adoration of Jenna Fox and
the Picoult book, but I can say that the book is intriguing and I liked it a lot.

Just stopping by to wave to ya. I haven't come by for awhile and whenever I did I just had time to stalk. Hope all is well with you.... have a happy Tuesday!

I will join with Lynda in wishing you a

Hello to all and thanks for stopping by!

I can't pass up the opp *waves enthusiastically*

I'm waving, too! Packing up to go back home today. With luck if I survive my tests on Wednesday I'll start getting caught up on Thursday!

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie.

Well deserving of the National Book Award, this is a fantastic work.

Junior (Arnold Spirit) is many things. He is an insecure 14 year old; He is a cartoonist; He is smart; He is funny; He is talented AND He is an American Indian living in poverty on a reservation.

He is a child of an alcoholic father who loves him. He is the product of strong women who influence him.

He is beat up daily because he is small. He is not so good looking and he was born with too much water on the brain.

The story is told from the diary of hydrocephalic Junior who courageously seeks a path that can lead to a better life.

Leaving the reservation school, he transfers to a school 22 miles from home. Perceived as a traitor by others on the reservation and finding it difficult to fit in with the richer folk of the new school, Junior feels half Indian in one place and half white in the other.

The story is so poetically written that I hated the book to end. Some passages are so incredibly sad that I wanted to cry and yet the over all feeling is not of depression but of hope. Written in a humorous, witty and poignant manner, this book is captivating from the first page till the last.

Thus far, this is one of my top reads for 2009.

Highly recommended!

Looks like another one for the TBR mountain. Thanks

#117: I already have that one on the Continent or I would add it again!

Nice review of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian. I've read other books by Sherman Alexie, but not this one. He's a very good writer and I'm adding this one to my TBR pile. Thanks!

Lorie
What other books of Sherman Alexie can you recommend? I very much like his writing style. He is witty and poignant. He writes of sadness and turns it so that the reader feels empathy and then the next emotion is humor.

A google search indicated that he wrote The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian from personal experience. This is a guy who can take painful situations and find the rainbow....I like that.

Linda,

The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven is a book of short stories by Alexie. I don't usually enjoy short stories, but this one was good. I also enjoyed Indian Killer, one of his more controversial books. Alexie is good at writing about alienation and assimilation of very different cultures.

I didn't know that The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was partly biographigal, but I suspect lots of his work is.

Thanks for the information. I'll head to the library after work to see if I can obtain these books.

Linda, I have to tell you that I put your book number 88 on my wishlist just a couple of weeks ago, but now that you have written so warmly of it, I'm going to have to go ahead and move it up to the top of the "Buy" list. Sounds very good.

Charlotte
Thanks for stopping by. I would be surprised if you were disappointed in the book.

Once again, it was a jewel found in the YA section. Though truly, like many books in that genre, it was very much an "adult" read.

#117 Enjoyed the review - on to the pile it goes!

Great review, Linda! I have enjoyed Sherman Alexie's other books and will add this one to the wish list

Whisper--I'll second lorie's recommendation of The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fist Fight in Heaven, and I don't usually like short stories. I also read Indian Killer, which is a murder mystery.

Thanks to all for recommending additional books written by Sherman Alexie.

And, thanks for the nice comments re. the review.

Very nice review, Whisper; that will definitely go on my TBR list.

Yes, very very interesting review - the praise you are getting is well-deserved!

Whisper, your review really captures the essence of this book and I will seek it out.

Thanks for that wonderful review of The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian. Any author that "can take painful situations and find the rainbow" is one I definitely want to read.

Shakespeare's Trollop by Charlaine Harris.

Because I enjoyed the Harper Connelly series, I thought I'd try more books by Harris.
This is the fourth in the Lilly Bard series, and even though I read this out of order, it was easy to follow.

Tongues are wagging in Shakespeare, Arkansas as the small town promiscuous "trollop" is murdered. And thus the belief is that her easy lifestyle may have lead to her demise.

Her body is found by Lilly Bard who is the cleaning lady for many of the town folks and thus knows lots of secrets.

The ending was unexpected. The characters were well developed.

This was a quick, easy read that held my attention. There is nothing in depth or intellectually stimulating about Charlaine Harris' books, but they are fun to read.

That little ditty looks like a winner and now it looks like it will be added to my tower of tomes.

Hello Linda,

With all the YA stuff you are reading I wondered if you are trying to recapture your lost youth! :) Anyway, you certainly seem to be succeeding as you are obviously having a good time ( let's not mention the Historical Horror!).

~ TT

#134: Glad you enjoyed the Lily Bard book!

I would recommend, if you can, to begin the series with the first book. Harris develops Lily as a character in the 5-book series, so if read in chronological order, you see the development more fully. The books certainly stand alone, though, if you cannot get them all (I know Shakespeare's Christmas seems to be hard to get for some reason).

#134 - I just read the first Harper book after reading your reviews, and was considering the Lily Bard series as well when I bought the second Harper book. So much for reading my gothic lit this summer - it looks like it's going to be the Summer of Harris instead! Thanks!

137 - I picked that book up on a whim at a book sale, and I was wondering the same thing - should I read it or wait til I get book #1 in the series?? Thanks for the info...

#139: The books do certainly stand alone, but I like the development of Lily's character which is why I recommend them in order. I hope you enjoy the series, Angela!

Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta

Taylor Markam is abandoned by her mother at a 7-11 store on Jellicoe Road. The book starts out with heartbreaking clarity and then spirals page after page into a confusing mess.

I loved some of the clear crisp images depicting Taylor's heartbreaking journey. I so wanted this book to redeem itself, but instead, it swirled down the drain into a soupy, sloppy sludge.

Perhaps Markham had a dream to be a juggler in the circus. She certainly kept a lot of balls flying in the air as she switched from one plot to another to another to another, bouncing a set of characters into past and present tense without the road map for the reader to follow just what the heck was happening. All along the way, Marchetta dropped the ball.

Sounds like an interesting concept for a story but your review doesn't make me want to rush out and read it. Hopefully your next read will be better.

#142: Oh, a shame you didn't enjoy On Jellicoe Road, I loved it, though it is a bit difficult to follow at times. Her earlier two books are great too (and less confusing).

I hadn't heard of On Jellicoe Road but I liked Saving Francesca by Melina Marchetta. It is more of a (sorry for a sterotype) chick book... Anyway I would reccomend Saving Francesca

You are rolling right along, and reading some books that are looking pretty good. I have decared a moratorium for my Amazon wishlist, so have now begun adding books to my shopping list at Amazon instead. :)

I hope your next read is more enjoyable, Linda!

What Cait said!

yeah, that.

The Lone Ranger and Tonto FistFight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie

A series of 24 short stories of interwoven characters who reside on a Spokane Washington Indian reservation.

Alexie is an incredible writer who paints vivid images of reality and poetry blended together.
Many of the stories, while depressing, are also hopeful.

There is a passion and a desperate attempt to make sense of the life of the American Indian, rich in past tradition trying to survive in the current modern world.

Disinfranchized and living marginally, exisiting in substandard HUD housing, Alexie's stories combine the hope of better opportunities while paradoxically depicting lives filled with alcoholism and self imposed defeat.

Alexie's writing is mythological in scope and I highly recommend this book.

Hi, Linda

I'm finally caught up with you--I was only about 45 posts behind!

Between you and Stasia I'm going to have to admit that I am finally a reader of YA books--you two make them irresistible! Of course, it helps that you both have similar tastes in reading that I do so if you recommend it I'm pretty sure to enjoy it! The best way to approach YA reading is through dependable "filters." Thanks--how do you like being a filter? :-)

Sherman Alexie goes on my "to find" list. I also like stories about American Indians. I think it is important for us to be aware of the plight of many of them--especially children. I just wish he had written a Newbery Winner--then I could use him on my 999! I have several slots left there.

I'm finally succumbing to your teasing--I will have to read a Charlene Harris book. I love mysteries of almost any kind. Which series of hers would recommend I start first? I need some light reading to add fun to my summer.

Hope your summer has started and that your publication was a success. Do you have the summer off? I hope so. I think you could use a rest as much as I need one! :-)

BTW I think your review of Jellicoe Road was great! Beautifully phrased! One thing I like about LT is that you get a wide range of opinions about books and everyone's opinion is valued (at least by me!) whether I agree with it or not. I love well written revues with strong opinions and yours are always well done. I'm going to "thumbs up" that revue.

#150: On to the Planet it goes!

Ditto - with support like that, how could I ignore it?!

I also like Sherman Alexie's writing. A movie was made based on one of his books. The movie had good moments but some bad production values. ( a very visible bad wig)

#151
Carolyn, thanks for your very kind words. What a nice person you are!
If you are delving into YA, I would also recommend visiting Anita's thread. She is responsible for my walking this wonderful path.
If you are needing to read Newbery Award winning books, back in March I made it my mission to read many of them.
I highly recommend the following:
kira kirk, Missing May, Out of the Dust and A Year Down Yonder.

#152, 153
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the writing of Sherman Alexie. He really is a wonderful writer.
http://www.fallsapart.com/biography.html

#154, Hi Cyrel. A very visible bad wig would certainly have a tendency to detract from the story line...

#151
Carolyn, thanks for your very kind words. What a nice person you are!
If you are delving into YA, I would also recommend visiting Anita's thread. She is responsible for my walking this wonderful path.
If you are needing to read Newbery Award winning books, back in March I made it my mission to read many of them.
I highly recommend the following:
kira kirk, Missing May, Out of the Dust and A Year Down Yonder.

#152, 153
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the writing of Sherman Alexie. He really is a wonderful writer.
http://www.fallsapart.com/biography.html

#154, Hi Cyrel. A very visible bad wig would certainly have a tendency to detract from the story line...

... you always say the nicest things in my.. everyone's.. threads

just stopped by to leave this :)

Linda - I haven't read anything by Alexie, and after reading your recommendation, I look forward to discovering his books. Thanks!

Thank you for all your reveiws added 18 books to my list! Thanks for telling us about The Doll People, I read Ann M. Martin when I was yonger when I read The Babysiters Club.

:P

Bryonyx

I stopped by to take a look, since your name keeps popping up on other threads I read, and now I am sorry....I added 4 books to my TBR Tower and I only read this thread! Sigh. I either have to sleep less, lose some of my kids, or be content with the little time I have to read. LOL.

HI Berly
Thanks for stopping by!

#160: Sleeping less works for me . . .

Posting everywhere there was a zire message deleted to clear the way for other posts!!!

Thanks bdb!--I tried to post here yesterday and couldn't get a message box. We don't want Linda blocked out--too many good ideas here. :-)

Linda, I was only posting to tell you that I am now caught up on your thread. I only have about 30 more threads to catch up on and then I'm "good to go" again!

>Berly;
There are some very dangerous threads out here as far as recs go and this is definitely one of them. I will "whisper" the others to you at some other time.

Hi Whisper1!~~!
**waving** as she flies by.

Okay. Don't either of you "whisper" any more to me for at least a week or two! I just went to the bookstore and walked out with The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian; rabbit, run; Speak; Paul Newman, A Life; and Anna Karenina (which I have somewhere in a box and can't find).

hi Linda

just stopping bye to tell you I saw that the book of Sherman Alexie is available in translation in our library, I hope to read it soon!

Anita

># 167
So Berly, now you have 2 Anna Karininas? That's too funny. That is just the kind of stuff I do because my shelves are lined up 2 books deep and I can't find *hit when I want it. Like my husband likes to say **laughingly**; "cuz we all know you got no *ucking patience" speaking to me.
Way to go Berly.

Hey folks: there is a copy of Anna Karinina coming up on the member-give-away site!~!

**chortle, snortz**

Glad you are so amused!

#164 I am unable to post on my own thread after zire was flagged. I had a friend try to post and she couldn't do it either. I've left a comment on Abby's profile hoping someone can fix it. How irritating.

ok, I'm so curious about what this zire did (just nosy like that) I saw the name pop up in several threads, seemed to be following alcottacre.

beeg, me too!

edited to add:
#171 loriephilips, I see BDB has found the way around that, which is to use the 'post a message' link for the message above, not the one for zire's message.

Thanks flissp, got my thread going again.

>150 Whisper1:: I'd like to try this book. Native American life has become a topic of interest this year. Thanks.

Thanks to all for stopping by. I guess I missed some excitement regarding "zire." How about that, I go away for a few days to the New Jersey shore with my family and find a mystery...

What happened?

On another topic, regarding those of you interested in Sherman Alexie's books, I don't think you will be disappointed.

Anita, and others not living in the US or who may be not familiar with native American history, I still think his message transcends this. He speaks of poverty, of longing to "belong" of not fitting in and of overcoming ostracization.

A Lucky Child A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy by Thomas Buergenthal

For those of you who read history books; for those of you who read books regarding WWII, specifically, for those of you who read books regarding the holocaust; for those of you who read any book concerning the "human" condition and the un deniable fact that, despite all odds, there is something inside of us that clings to hope and to life and to a ray of light in the incredible darkness, may I suggest that you run to your library or nearest bookstore and obtain a copy of Thomas Buergenthal's story of survival.

As attested to Karen's (Kiwidoc's) 21 thumbs up review, this is a must read. I cannot write a better one than hers, so I reference this link.

http://www.librarything.com/work/2910017/reviews

This is a must read!

Just dropping by to say hi, and...

I agree with everyone that Sherman Alexie is a great author. I have also read his book Ten Little Indians. It is also a book of short stories - about modern Native American life on the reservations. I think prefered Tonto and the Lone Ranger Fistfight in Heaven though.

As a teacher, I was given this website - oyate.org (I don't know how to link). It is a great resource for finding books that portray an honest history and are sensitive to the Native American culture. There is a link on that site that is "books to avoid" - these are examples of books in the site's opinion, that use names like "savages" and other terms that can be hurtful.

Thanks Jess!
I appreciate the information regarding the oyate.org website.

I haven't read Ten Little Indians but hope to do so soon.

Have you read Howard Zinn's book The People's History of the United States: 1492 to Present?

This is also a book sensitive to portraying "honest" history.

Looks like another one for the TBR mountain. Thanks to you both for the recommendation.

#177

For those of you who read history books (THAT'S ME!); for those of you who read books regarding WWII (*HAND UP*), specifically, for those of you who read books regarding the holocaust (I DO!); for those of you who read any book concerning the "human" condition and the un deniable fact that, despite all odds, there is something inside of us that clings to hope and to life and to a ray of light in the incredible darkness (THAT'S ME AGAIN!), may I suggest that you run (Is a gentle amble acceptable?) to your library or nearest bookstore and obtain a copy of Thomas Buergenthal's story of survival (I WILL!).

That's one very long sentence ;)

Hi Peter...

Thomas Buergenthal's book is a gem! He writes in a clear, almost unemotional fashion. In fact, it is the lack of drama in his voice that makes the book so compelling. The events/happenings take on the life of the story and it is almost as though the little ten year old child is saying "Here, look at this!" "Here is where I witnessed this terrible event!""Here, let me show this to you!"

If you scroll down on the Amazon page, there is a video clip.

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Child-Memoir-Surviving-Auschwitz/dp/0316043400

Adding A Lucky Child to my library list right away. Thank you for the recommendation and the link to kiwidoc's excellent review

I was "lucky" enough to get A Lucky Child as an ER book, and hope to get to it soon. Everything I've read about it on LT is good.

So---do you think it's listed on BookMooch or PaperbackSwap yet? Ha! I say!~!
I just went over to my library site to put a hold on it and my card will be up for renewal before the due date of said book. I told myself that I was not going to pay over $80.00 per year for my card any longer!~~!
So that will limit my choice of reading material a bit but I have many, many books on my shelves that I have not yet read so I will concentrate on those and the "few" purchases I make.
As in; coming in the post today:
Gilead
The Odyssey though why I bought that one, I do not know as I seem to have a reading block with the Greek/Roman classics and have not been get through The Iliad yet.
The Samurai's Garden
Dream When You're Feeling Blue because the copy I read was from the library and I wanted my own.
and last but definitely not the least:
The Things that Matter: What Seven Classic Novels Have to Say About the Stages of Life
All that being said, I think I have hogged Whisper1's thread long enough and I bid you all good night.
belva

Belva
You can "hog" my thread any time. Thanks for stopping by.
$80?? $80???? per year for your library card? That would be a difficult decision for me to renew. But, I get so many books from the library and it saves me hundreds each year.

In fact, they have a table of books for sale for .10 per paperback and $.25 for hard cover. I bought Gilead for ten cents a few weeks ago......

I'll be interested in reading your comments about The Things that Matter: What Seven Classic Novels Have to Say About the Stages of Life when you are finished. Actually, I'm heading to the library today so perhaps they have a copy of this.

Message #184...
Hi ABW!
I'm interested in hearing your impressions/thoughts of the book when you read it.
I'm glad you will receive it as an early review copy.
I obtained it from my local library. It is one of those books that I just might have to buy. Actually, I might do so as a present for a friend.

#185 nannybebette - you have to pay to be a member of your library? That's a very sad thing. Libraries should be freely available to everyone (in my opinion anyway)...

I just put Gilead on my shopping list at Amazon this morning :)
you got a real deal, well done!!

# 179
I have been wanting to read that book, but I have not gotten around to it yet.

# 177 - great review! I added it to my wish list

Eva's Story: A Survivor's Tale By the Step Sister of Anne Frank by Evelyn Julia Kent; Eva Schloss

This emotional and powerful story is yet another testimony of the will to survive despite incredible odds.

Life as she knew it ended for Eva Schloss with the German invasion of Holland. After two years of hiding, her family was betrayed, and tragically she was captured on her 15th birthday.

Her brother and father were sent to Auschwitz and she and her mother were cattled in trains to Birkenau death camp.

Much like Thomas Buergenthal, author of A Lucky Child: A Memoir of Surviving Auschwitz as a Young Boy, Eva did not tell her tale until many years had passed.

Forty years after the Russian army liberated the death camps, she began to put memory to written word.

She chronicles the terror, the dehumanization, the rat, flea, bed bug, stench filled, cramped surroundings, the fear of illness least she would be sent to the ever smoking ovens, the heart breaking separation of her family and death of her father and brother.

Like Buergenthal and others, her life was spared time and again through a series of lucky events, kind people who helped and sacrificed and through sheer determination and will power.

Later, after she and her mother returned to Holland, they were visited by Otto Frank, a family friend who was imprisoned in Auschwitz with her father and brother.

Heartbroken, Otto learned that he lost his beloved wife Edith who died from exhaustion and starvation shortly before the Russians liberated the campus. His two daughters, Anne and Margot, both died from typhoid fever in Bergen-Belsen.

Learning that his daughter Anne had written a diary, reading her testimony was an overwhelmingly emotional experience.

Eventually marrying Eva's mother, they moved to Switzerland. Together Eva's mother and Anne's father worked to answer all letters received after the publication of The Diary of a Young Girl.

Highly recommended.

#190: Adding that one to the Planet. Thanks for the review and recommendation!

#190 Wow, another great review, Linda. You've added to my TBR pile yet again.

Yes, certainly!

If it broke my heart to read your review, I don't know how I would be able to handle the book but thanks, Whisp. Good review.

What tiffin said ~

Wow! You are made of tougher stuff than I -- how can you read two survivor stories like that in a row? I would definitely need some lighter fluff in-between. Great review.

I agree with all of the above. That is an excellent review, Whisper and I want to read this one. I am willing to guess that every one of the last 6 people to post to your thread has read The Diary of Anne Frank more than once.
I think WWII and the holocaust has so many of us fascinated not just because of the horrors of war and the extermination of millions but that the world could stand by and watch it happen and do nothing. I think that most of us are of a mind that if it could happen then, it could happen now.

Hi Linda! Stopping by to wave

nannybette, I read it many times when I was young..
in fact that book, and the Diary of Anne Frank movie
caused me to have an inordinate fear of sirens. Seriously.
I have panic attacks when those things go off... have since I
was 11. That is when I read the book the first time.

We lived in an apartment at that time that we shared with the previous occupant. Her name was Archie. She died suddenly, when quite young, and we moved in right after. One day it was jsut dusk when I was watching the movie of Anne Frank with my younger sister...sirens went off. I did panic, and suddenly the curtain behind the television raised up.. as if someone lifted it to look out. My panic left when I realized that Archie was there too..

After a bit the curtain fell again, and shook.. to straighten itself. The sirens stopped, no bombs fell, nothing else dreadful happened, and I went back to the movie. Archie was there with us the whole time we lived there. She was not always so benevolent, sometimes thing would break ( violently, I might add) , or fly across the room, doorknobs turn and doors open ( or close ) that sort of thing. I missed her when we moved.

Kath
I remember a previous post regarding an experience you had with a house that was haunted but I never followed up to question you about it.

Now, I assume this is what you were referencing. What a powerful story!

#197
Sadly, inhumanity still occurs. Thomas Buergenthal devoted his life to international and human rights laws, and is currently the American judge at the International Court of Justice in the Hague as well as serving on the U.N. Human Rights Committee.

He states the sad truth that while the term "Never Again" was repeatedly stated after the Holocaust, terribly, the were massive violations of human rights during El Salvador's 12 year civil war. During the Balkan conflict in the 1990's, again terrible attrocites were committed. Honduras has a number of "forced disappearances." And one only has too look at Darfur to be sickened by injustice. And, as Stasia reminded me in a recent communication, Rwanda is yet another example of Man/Women's inhumanity to each other.

well, that is one of the places... there have been three or four.
Our first house when we were married was also pretty active.
It was an elderly man who had died there a month or two before we bought it.
He was seen a time or two , but mostly he just got up to things..
This house has no spirits.. it gets lonely.. I always liked the company.

Kath
I've lived in a few "haunted" houses. Do you think we may be drawing the spirits out? I know I'm a very sensitive person (overly so at times.)

Well, maybe we notice them. There was one experience when we were house hunting in massachusetts... it was ugly. I have always been open to spirits, my kids too :) They have taken our few for granted. I am sure that if one is open as you are, it is easier for them to make themselves known. If I were standing in front of someone right now who didn't believe I exist, I don't imagine I would be seen or acknowledged.

aha McKait...I bet you can neckhair houses too when you walk in. I have been in a couple of houses which just felt so awful I couldn't wait to get out of them. Nasty places. As for the sirens, during the Bay of Pigs episode we had to practise air raid drills, with the sirens from WWII still active. We would dive under our school desks with our hands clasped on the back of our necks. The idiocy of a wooden Ontario school desk being a deterrent against a nuclear bomb, I ask you. All it did was terrify us. I don't have panic attacks about them but I heartily dislike them.

tiffin
As a child of the 1950's, I too experienced the idiocy of hiding under wooden desks. Billy Joel has an incredibly wonderful song. When I hear this, I flash back to those times.

Here are some of the words from Leningrad:

I was born in '49
A cold war kid in McCarthy time
Stop 'em at the 38th Parallel
Blast those yellow reds to hell
And cold war kids were hard to kill
Under their desk in an air raid drill
Haven't they heard we won the war
What do they keep on fighting for?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWEtdJUOcjQ

I grew up on Army bases...you can imagine the fervency with which the teachers forced us to dive under our desks. Even at that tender age, I remember having serious questions about whether the desk would stop the atom bomb being dropped on us...after all, didn't they just show a film at the base movie theater where a regular bomb blew a house to smithereens?

And just FYI--the safest place in an earthquake is not UNDER the desk, but BESIDE the desk so that if something falls on it hopefully the student can be in a triangle of safety next to the pulverized desk, instead of smooshed beneath it. Still think it's an iffy plan, but...

As for haunted houses, I remember when we moved out here, we looked at this great house, but I walked into the garage I got really nauseous and cold; couldn't even stay in there. I asked if anything had happened ('cuz I get things sometimes), but the realtor said she didn't know. (I later found out that in Oregon it is against the law to reveal information concerning deaths of previous owners.) We met the next door neighbors on our way out and they told us there was a murder/suicide in there. AHHH!!!

Hi Berly
What a fascinating occurrence.

tiffin and whisper.. I too had to cope with that, plus a dad who was in the air force. He went on at supper every night about what to di ( fall and lie against the curb, etc. He had a sticker in his car that said something like..
"You can sleep well tonight, the 911th is protecting you"
Somehow, that always made me feel safe. When he ran away from home.. left us and disappeared, the safety left too. It was shortly after that that the Anne Frank siren thing happened.

And tiffin.. I know exactly what you mean.. feeling the energy can be very helpful...or very difficult, at times.

Against the law to reveal information concerning deaths of previous owners????? Absurd.

I'd been wondering where you went to Whisper. I hadn't realized you'd started another thread! :P But I got you starred now and I'm almost caught up. I see that you enjoyed some of Charlaine Harris's books. I'm thinking about dipping into her Sookie series. Have you read any of them?

RebeccaAnn,
I'll bite. Tell us about the Sookie series. Inquiring minds and all that.
belva

#209
Kath
I'm ever so sorry to hear that your father left you and your family... This happened to me as well. I was ten at the time and the oldest child of four. I became the responsible one of the family. It was a very difficult time and childhood was non existent. The good thing about it all is that I'm very capable, competent and level headed and the lessons learned have benefited me greatly.

Regarding haunted houses, one in particular was down right "evil" and I do not use that term lightly. I'm intelligent' I'm not superstitious; I'm clear thinking and I can tell you that something happened in that house long before I purchased it.

During my last night there, as I was moving the final boxes out the door, I said out loud "Ok, I'm leaving, just let me get out of here without harm!"
Actually, this was a valid statement given the fact that one night I was pushed down the basement steps and suffered two fractured ankles.

I know there are skeptics and non-believers but I also know that this stuff is real.

I later did some research to learn that I was one of the longest inhabitants who purchased and stayed in the house. I was there five years...all others stayed either a few months or a few years at the most.

#210
Hi there. I owe you an apology, I know we were going to start a group read of Over Sea, Under Stone.

Are you still interested?

And, if anyone else would like to join this, please let us know.

I haven't read the Sookie series, but hope to start them soon.

And, like Belva, I'm curious regarding your impressions of the Sookie books.

Always willing to reread any of that series, Whisper. Have you got a thread started yet?

No, but will do so as soon as I hear from others. If we only have a group of three, that is fine with me as well.

Thanks for your interest!

Oh dear, I seem to have created the wrong impression. I haven't actually read any of them yet but since you were reading some Harris books, I was wondering if you had and if so, what you had thought about them.

As far as I know, the premise is that vampires are accepted by the public (sort like the Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton I think) and using that setting, Harris sets up some urban fantasy mysteries. I have a subscription at Audible.com and that was one of the books I was thinking about getting for the next month to listen to while I'm at work.

If anyone's read them, I would love to know your opinion.

>213 Whisper1:: I'm still very much interested in reading Over Sea, Under Stone. It didn't seem like a big hit over in YA Reads so maybe just a small group read that we host would be best. I could post a thread in 75-Challenge group and anyone who is interested could pop in and post. The book is small so it honestly shouldn't take too horribly long to read...

If you could post a thread, that would be great. I'm reading a book that I should finish by the weekend and then I can begin Over Sea, Under Stone. Thanks!

Oh, I am bummed RebeccaAnn. I thought the Sookieseries was probably a historical fiction series on the deep south. (Isn't this how rumors get started?) Sorry, I just can't do the whole vampire/scifi thing. Mental block or something going on there.
But you kids have fun.
belva

P.S. Speaking of rumors, I hear St. Richard has a really great potato salad recipe he is going to share.

Linda

You do know that Over Sea, Under Stone is the first book in a series of five,called The Dark is Rising Sequence, don't you?

Book 2, The Dark Is Rising, was a Newbery Honor book and Book 4, The Grey King, was a Newbery Winner. The whole series is really good but imo the first book was the weakest so keep reading even if you aren't thrilled with that one. This series is kind of like Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter in that you need to read them all to get "the whole story." I really enjoyed it--my reviews are on the book pages for the books. I read them lat year.

I'll second the recommendation for The Dark is Rising series, I read them years ago and they are really good. Another interesting series set in Wales is The Snow Spider trilogy by Jenny Nimmo.

>216 RebeccaAnn:: The Southern Vampire series (the name for the Sookie books) is similar to Hamilton's Anita Blake books in that there are vampires...but that's about it. They are much lighter in tone. They are much less obsessed with sex (the HBO 'True Blood' series gives it much more play than the books do, and even that is way less than what Hamilton's series has become).

As you say, they are somewhat mystery-ish. Sookie and her friends keep getting into trouble with various members of the supernatural world and the books usually revolve around her trying to figure out who the enemy is and then how to deal with them.

I enjoy them. They're not particularly deep, but they are fun in a mind-candy sort of way. I've got the latest one sitting on the TBR pile awaiting the right moment.

>217 Whisper1: & ff: I believe that it is only recently that Over Sea, Under Stone is considered the first book in that series. I have older editions of all five and they clearly label it the second. Yes, it is set in a time period prior to The Dark is Rising (the one listed as first in my collection), but the latter is the one that really introduces the main characters of the series. Over Sea, Under Stone is more of a flashback, in my opinion.

Personally, I think they are much better read in the older order, but YMMV.

I really like the Sookie Stackhouse books. They are mind candy, but they are fun and Sookie is a great character. She is both vulnerable and strong, and has a very kind heart. I can read one of the books in 3 or 4 hours. I hope you do get a chance to read them and enjoy.

#221 Tad

I didn't realize that. My set was given to me for Christmas a few years ago by my older son and Over Sea, Under Stone was listed first in that set. It also was written first--as I recall is was written about 7 years before The Dark Is Rising because I remember thinking that accounted for the fact that it was much better written than the first one. (I can't check the dates because I'm not at home this week.)

However, I think you might be correct in suggesting to reverse the order of reading. It's much more captivating and would ensure that you would want to finish the series. The only problem I see with doing that is Uncle Merry. (Don't want to be more specific.)

Linda--the entire series is a pretty fast read. I took less than a month and read other things at the same time. I'm a slow reader so one who reads at a normal speed would get it done quite quickly.

>223 MusicMom41:: Hmm. Interesting about the writing dates. I didn't check that.

I wonder why some editions list one first and others another. Did Cooper make some comment that caused it?

Edit: Aha! The wonders of Google...

"Over Sea, Under Stone was written several years before the other books, in 1965. When the series was revisited eight years later, the concept had changed. Will Stanton was now the focus of the story and The Dark is Rising became the key book of the series with the older book serving as a backdrop."

So, I retract my statement that Over Sea, Under Stone is the second book, though it is sometimes labeled that way. However, I stick to my opinion that The Dark is Rising should be read first.

*smile*

>221 TadAD:: I'm actually reading the first of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series right now. I went into it not expecting much, but so far it's been okay. However, I've heard that somewhere between book 7 and book 10, it goes from being plot-filled with a little bit of sex to sex-filled with a little bit of plot so I have no plans to buy the series. It's a nice, lazy read though.

The Southern Vampire series looks like it'll be fun! I finally got my copy via Audible.com and I'm excited to start listening to it!

>225 RebeccaAnn:: Rebecca,

This was my review of Blue Moon, which was #8 in the series:

In retrospect, this was the turning point in the series. It's switching from an action series with some steamy sex scenes to an erotica series with occasional (but ever-diminishing) action scenes. In the process, Anita is moving from a scrappy heroine to a whiny annoyance.

I didn't mind reading this one, but it's downhill from here.

Needless to say, I stopped reading this series. I gave up at #12 (slow learner)...just couldn't take it anymore. Too bad, the first ones were a blast!

Linda, I'd like to be included in a group read of Over Sea, Over Stone. It sounds fun! Thanks!

Linda, thanks for posting about Eva's Story and A Lucky Child. They both sound very interesting to me and I've added them to my wishlist!

And what interesting stories about haunted houses here! It's unbelievable that you fractured both ankles.

Do you ever watch Ghost Hunters on SciFi? It's a wonderful show about a group of people who investigate the paranormal. It's really interesting because they look for evidence (audio, visual) rather than going strictly on personal experiences. It's really cool to see some of the stuff they catch.

>226 TadAD:: Thanks for the info Tad! I like what I've read of the first book and I'll probably read some more, but once the smut really starts I'll likely put the series aside.

For those interested in the group read of Over Sea, Under Stone, I started a thread for it here. I hope some people want to join!

Linda

I was ten as well.. the older of two. Yes, it does tend to make your childhood vanish in a blink, doesn't it? We should talk one day, it seems we would have plenty to talk about.

Thanks to all for visiting my thread. These are very busy times at work as fiscal year end approaches and all accounts must balance. In addition, the finishing touches on the yearbook need to occur before submission to the publisher before I head to St. Petersburg, Florida for a conference.

I don't think I'll be able to post or visit the threads as often as I like this next week. But, I'll catch up as soon as possible.

I'm excited about the group read for the series and, thank you Rebecca for starting the thread.

Terri, Stasia, Ronincats and others, I'm glad you are joining the group read!

#218 -- Belva, regarding Richard's potato salad recipe, do you think it might be a ploy to get us to invite him to the island we are purchasing?

#219 -- Carolyn, many thanks for the information regarding the series. I'm on a quest to read newbery award winners so it is doubly nice to know that some of the books fit into this category.

#220 -- Keri, thanks for yet another series to add to the tbr pile.

#221 - Tad. Google is incredible! What did we do before computers? Somehow the encyclopedia just cannot compare.

#222 -- jmaloney, thanks for the information regarding the Sookie Stackhouse books. They were also recommended by others, including Stasia. I hope to read them before summer's end.

#228 Katie, I was skeptical to write the experience, thus leaving myself open to be perceived as a nut. But, I know what occurred and it was very real. There were other instances and events that were not explainable. The basement and a certain area in the upstairs hallway seemed to be the places most active.

I don't watch a lot of tv, but I have seen one or two episodes of Ghost Hunters. Interestingly, if I would have stayed in the house, I considered trying to find someone or some organization (that wasn't quacky or fraudulent) to provide guidance.

#230. I would like that very much! It does seem that we have a lot in common. Thank you for sharing your experience, thus opening the door to share mine.

Linda, I went back and read what I wrote. "It's unbelievable that you fractured both ankles." I hope you didn't take that as meaning that I don't believe you! I do! I've never experienced a haunting but I've always loved hearing about others that have. I hope what I wrote doesn't stop you from sharing things that you'd like to share.

Good luck with getting everything done in your real life! When are you leaving for Florida?

>221 TadAD: TadAD, I would humbly disagree with reading The Dark is Rising first because of, as Carolyn says, Uncle Merry... I think it's a shame to spoil the surprise. Although I agree TDiR is a more exciting book. Actualy, when I read them I enjoyed Over Sea... much more and nearly stopped reading when I came to the second as I found it much too scary! I know, I'm feeble.

#233 Flossie

"I found it much too scary!"

LOL I'm so glad I'm not the only one!

I really enjoyed the series, but it took me longer to read than it should have because I kept having to put it down for awhile and steel myself to get through the scary parts. I have to do that with a lot of books--which is why I avoid Stephen King. I don't think I could handle him. I've found that the better the writer the harder it is too get through the scary bits! I never watch scary movies. At least with reading I can set the pace. :-)

I've missed so much -- you're on your fourth thread already, and looks like you're almost ready for number five! I sure have a lot to catch up on, but I'm looking forward to it.

I don't think I've yet thanked you for the note you sent me. It was lovely, and again, I appreciate your thoughtfulness so very much.

I'm adding the Holocaust memoirs to my list. Thank you for the fantastic reviews of both.

Also enjoying the haunting discussions...about hauntings. I had no idea so many people had these sort of experiences.

I finished Dead Until Dark, the first of the Southern Vampire Series. It was really good! If you like vampires and mysteries, you'll be in heaven!

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne

A powerful story told in a simple, beautiful and compelling manner.

When he and his family move from their large, comfortable home in Berlin to "Out With," nine year old Bruno grieves the loss of his friends and security. Seeking an adventure, Bruno leaves the confines of his new environment and discovers a world very different from his.

While living in Berlin, the "Fury" visits his father and there we learn young Bruno's impressions of the small, rude and nasty "Furor" who promotes Bruno's father to the position of a Nazi Commandant responsible for keeping order, enforcing and following rules.

Set in WWII "Auschwitz" prison camp, the story is told through the voice of naive and innocent Bruno who develops a forbidden friendship with Shmuel who lives on the other side of the fence.

Gradually through his observations and his conversations with Shmuel, Bruno's eyes and heart are opened to the tragic life and death of those who wear the striped pajamas.

Walking a mile in someone's shoes becomes a literal event with surprising consequences.

Highly recommended!

I have heard this is a good book and your review confirms this. I don't normally enjoy Auschwitz stories, because they can be so darn depressing, but I think I would like to give this one a try. Thanks!

Looks like a good read, Linda. Great review, as usual!

Hi Linda--Another very good review. I'm adding The Boy in the Striped Pajamas to the wishlist. Thanks!

That sounds incredibly moving; I think I'll have to add that one as well.

#238: Great review! I've read this one recently and really enjoyed it. :)

This one was made into a movie very recently.

Great review! Big thumbs up from me. I cannot wait to read it.

I also just finished this one. Your review is excellent. It is a very powerful story, yet such a simple one at the same time.

238/239 I agree with Berly, I am already depressed!
However, some of these Concentration Camp stories can be life affirming and show the triumph of the human spirit over adversity. The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas sounds like it might be such a one.
Congrats on an excellent review, Linda.

~ TT

Linda, I wholeheartedly agree with your review on The Boy in Striped Pyjamas. I read this book earlier this month and it was a very good book. Bruno is an amazing character.

I watched the movie with my son, he read the book last year for school, and we both enjoyed it a lot.

Wonderful review!!!! I am not ready for this one just yet though...

Thanks to all for stopping by.
The Boy in the Striped Pjamas is worth the read.
TT. I haven't seen the movie, but hope to do so soon.

#248. Actually, I saw the book on your tread, read your comments and thus went to the library to obtain the book. Thanks!

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt

Recipient of many awards, including the 1976 Christopher Award for Best Book for Young People, this remarkable gem has stood the test of time.

It is simply written in a fairytale style. And, each and every word is used sparingly with a magical eloquence.

Young Winnie Foster is bored and leaves the confines of her house where she walks into the woods surrounding her home to discover members of the Tuck family.

In taking her journey, Winnie is transformed by the Tucks as she learns that over 100 years ago they drank from a spring in the woods and thus have eternal life.

Fearful that she will divulge the secret, the Tucks take her home with them where they explain the consequences of never dying and of the unrealistic style of life in contradiction of the ebb and flow of life and death.

Thought provoking in content, delightfully, wonderfully written, I highly recommend this one.

Really... I might have to read that one~

Kath
It is a quick read and the writing is compact and magical.

I've been thinking of you and hope you are hanging in there.

Oh my, you've done a lot of reading and I'm just starting my 50 book challenge. Knocked out 14 so far. Now I've added quite a few of your books to my TBR pile! However, I do know which book I'll be starting with.


After reading your review, I can't wait to read the book!

Thanks for the recommendation on Tuck Everlasting. Will look forward to it.

I have had Tuck Everlasting on Planet TBR far too long. I must bump it up!

Oh, I love Tuck Everlasting - I always thought it was quite charming.

I never did see the film version, although that's probably a good thing.

I love Tuck Everlasting too! Luxx, definitely don't see the movie - as much as I love Gilmore Girls, Alexis Bledel playing Winnie has got to be the worst casting ever!

Here is a link to my new thread.

Thanks to all for visiting!!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/67336&newpost=1#lastmsg

Add me to the Tuck Everlasting fan club. I bought it for my daughter when whe was a kid, and of course I read it too. I'm glad you liked it Linda.