Susan/Suslyn & 2009, III

I was having trouble navigating the other page, so while it wasn't that long I've started a new thread.

Some of my book choices are influenced by my 999 Challenge, but the list is primarily dictated by what's available. *=reread

August & September
231. Blindsight by Cook, msg 254
230. East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Ringo, msg 253
X'dThe Plains of Passage by Auel, msg 253
230. The Stars Are Ours! by Norton, msg 246
X'dPaper Money by Follett, msg 245
229. Ecstasy's Chains by Bittner, msg 243
228. Blue Mars by Robinson, msg 242
227. In Fury Born* by Weber, msg 242
226. Fire and Sword by Michaels, msg 230
225. The Terrorist by Cooney, msg 224
224. Death in April by Greeley, msg 224
223. Doing Good by Morsi, msg 209
222. Missing Susan by McCrumb, msg 209
221. Daring Alliance by Hocker, msg 209
220. Highland Destiny by Howell, msg 200
219. The Cat Who Knew A Cardinal by Braun, msg 200
218. Fast Foward by Mercer, msg 200
217. The Magicians Quest by Delacroix, msg 212
216. Undersea Quest by Pohl & Williamson, msg 212
215. The Saxon by Moore, msg 212
214. Soft Focus by Krentz, msg 212
213. Sharp Edges by Krentz, msg 224
212. Finding Ian by Cameron, msg 242
211. Sleeping Beauty by Michael, msg 242
210. Red Mars by Robinson, msg 242
209. Lovers in Paradise by Cortland, msg 230
208. My Valentine by Hinshaw, Parks & Simpson, msg 230
207. Dust Devil by Brandewyne, msg 230
206. King of Grey by Knaak, msg 224
205. Gremlins Go Home by Bova & Dickson, msg 224
204. Shaker Run by Harper (romantic suspense), msg 187
203. A Christmas Wedding by Greeley (fiction), msg 187
202. Too Long a Stranger by Oke (fiction), msg 178
201. The Fifth Law of Hawkins by Durden (suspense), msg 178
200. In the Presence of Enemies by Coughlin (fiction), msg 178
199. The General by Davis (military fiction/thriller), msg 171
198. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Brashares (teen), msg 171
X'dThe Dangerous Edge by Daley (thriller), msg 167
197. The Golden Horn by Tarr (fantasy, alt hist), msg 167
196. The Patchwork Girl by Niven (sf), msg 167
195. The Wilding by Friedman (romance), msg 167
194. Hunters of the Red Moon by Bradley (sf), msg 167
193. Little by Little by Bockoven (romance), msg 159
192. Final Jeopardy by Fairstein (thriller), msg 158
191. Mistress of Justice by Deaver (thriller), msg 156
190. The Mayor of Casterbridge by Hardy (classic), msg 150

Books completed.
July
X'd Silent Partner by Kellerman, msg 146
X'd Crazy for You by Ferrarella, msg 145
189. The Lonely Places by Morris (psych thriller), msg 144
188. Legacy of the Sword by Roberson (fantasy) , msg 140
187. The Hero by Ringo & Williamson (sf) , msg 140
186. Gust Front by Ringo (sf) , msg 140
185. A Hymn Before Battle* by Ringo (sf) , msg 140
184. The Song of Homana by Roberson (fantasy) , msg 131
183. Prime Witness by Martini (legal thriller) , msg 131
182. The Mercenary by Pournelle(sf), msg 129
181. Flames of Love by Faulkner (hist romance), msg 129
180. Paradise by Resnick (sf), msg 128
179. High Sorcery by Norton (fantasy, short stories), msg 126
178. Twice a Hero by Krinard (romance, time travel), msg 126
177. Sword-born by Roberson (fantasy), msg 126
176. The Empty House by Pilcher (fiction, romance), msg 126
175. Exiles to Glory by Pournelle (sf), msg 124
174. The Eternity Artifact by Modesitt (sf), msg 124
173. Quag Keep by Norton (fantasy), msg 114
172. The Fall of Reach by Nylund (SF), msg 113
171. A Creed for the Third Millenium by McCullough (fiction/sf), msg 113

June
170. Stronger Than Yearning by Jordan (romance), msg 113
169. Wicked and Wonderful by King (regency), msg 109
168. Flight of the Raven by Roberson (fantasy), msg 108
167. Flash* by Modesitt (sf), msg 102
166. The Notorious Widow by Lane (Regency), msg 102
165. Hide Your Eyes by Gaylin (mystery/romance), msg 102
164. Celia's Grand Passion by Kerstan (regency), msg 102
163. Lord Carlton's Courtship* by Raleigh (regency), msg 102
162. Gone, But Not Forgotten by Margolin (psychological thriller), msg 102
161. A Wreath of Orchids by Shoebridge (regency), msg 101
160. A Dangerous Dalliance by Scott (regency), msg 101
159. Smuggler's Heart by Savery (regency), msg 101
150. By Way of a Wager by Solomon (regency), msg 101
158. Mortal Stakes by Parker(mystery), msg 100
157. A Woman's Estate by Gellis (hist fiction/regency), msg 100
156. Move Heaven and Earth by Dodd (hist fiction/regency), msg 100
155. Friends & Relations by Stables (regency), msg 100
154. The Husband Hunt by Willingham (regency), msg 100
153. Life Skills by Fforde (chick lit), msg 100
152. A Pride of Princes & Daughter of the Lion by Roberson (fantasy, msg 99
151. In the Cold by Erickson (romantic suspense), msg 99
150. Bride of Trouville by Stone (hist romance), msg 99
149. Lion's Legacy by Barclay (hist romance), msg 99
148. A Loving Spirit by McCabe (regency), msg 99
147. Archform: Beauty by Modesitt (sf), msg 98
146. The Last Laugh by Witton (regency), msg 98
145. The Reckless Barrister by Kihlstrom (regency), msg 98
144. With This Ring by Kelly (regency), msg 98
143. Lucy in Disguise by Kerstan (regency), msg 98
142. The Artful Heir by Kirkland (regency), msg 89
141. The Rake's Rainbow by Lane (regency), msg 89
140. Against the Tide of the Years by Stirling (atl hist), msg 83
139. Jed the Dead by Foster (sf), msg 83

May
138. Island in the Sea of Time by Stirling (atl hist), msg 76
137. Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury (sf), msg 74
136. Snow White and Rose Red by Wrede (fairy tale), msg 70
135. A Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Martin (mystery), msg 66
134. High Crimes by Finder (thriller), msg 62
133. A Timeless Affair by Bennett (time travel, regency), msg 62
X'd Brotherly Love by Blankenship (horror), msg 60
132. An Inconvenient Wife by Oliver (regency), msg 60
131. Double Deception by Oliver (regency), msg 60
130. Lady Jane's Nemesis by Oliver (regency), msg 60
129. Greenmagic by Kilian (fantasy), msg 60
X'd Wheel of Stars by Norton, msg 54
128. A Gentle Giving by Garlock (hist romance), msg 53
127. Homeworld by Harrison (sf), msg 49
126. Crystal Enchantment by Dawson (fantasy/futuristic romance), msg 48
125. Wedding Day Murder by Meier (mystery), msg 47
124. Easy Conquest by Heath (regency), msg 43
123. The Shadow of Albion by Norton & Edghill (fantasy), msg 40
122. The Dangerous Marquis by Reeves (regency), msg 40
121. Lord Langdon's Tutor by Paquet (regency), msg 40
120. Night of Light by Farmer (sf), msg 40
119. The Heart's Companion* by Newman (regency), msg 40
118. The Elusive Marriage by Ormsby (regency), msg 40
117. Ruled by Passion* by Menzel (regency), msg 34
116. Horn Crown by Norton (fantasy), msg 28
115. Time's Tapestry by Overfield (regency/time travel/thriller), msg 28
114. The Ring by Anthony & Margroff (sf), msg 28
113. Shroud for a Nightingale by James (mystery), msg 17
112. Lord Nightingale's Love Song by Lansdowne (regency), msg 14
111. Agent of Byzantium by Turtledove (alt hist), msg 14 and msg 19
110. The Seven Towers by Wrede (fantasy), msg 9
109. Angel in Marble by Coffman (hist romance), msg 8
108. A Perilous Journey by Eastwood (regency), msg 8
107. The Deep End of the Ocean by Mitchard (fiction -- modern day/trauma), msg 6
106. Althea's Grand Tour by Hendrickson (regency), msg 6

March/April/May: see THREAD#2.

February/January see Thread#1

found you and starred your new thread...And, I'm stopping by to say hello and to mention again how impressed I am by all the great books you have read thus far in 2009.

Here I am, too. My goodness, what a big batch of books that makes all together like that!

The books I enjoyed most in April are:

Year of Wonders by Brooks (hist fiction)
The Steerswoman by Kierstein (fantasy)
Silver May Tarnish by Norton & McConchie (fantasy)
The Best Intentions by Hern (regency)
Daughter of Witches by Wrede (fantasy)
Trouble in Paradise by Parker (policier)
The Apprentice by Talmadge-Bickmore (fantasy)
Keeper of the Swans by Butler (regency)
Goose in the Pond by Fowler (mystery)

Of these Year of Wonders, Keeper of the Swans and Goose in the Pond, are, I suppose, in the running for fav books of the year.

Edited to try the touchstones again. -- No such luck.

We went out of town last weekend. I grabbed some 'stalled books' and a few regencies. Read one of each, bks 106 & 7.

Althea's Grand Tour by Hendrickson, 221 pp. -- This was a lot of fun. Our lady was acted pretty stupidly often, but it still managed to be entertaining and the stupidity was not overplayed and was limited to her self-perception based on her untoward height.

The Deep End of the Ocean by Mitchard, 447 pp. -- Tad asked why we continue to read books which aren't pulling us in. One of my reasons is shortage of reading materials and another to see if anything good comes out of what's being written (if it gets bettter). 150 pp in I still wasn't sure. Around p 250 I realized I'd read it before (that's how memorable it was). That's also when the 'action' begins. However, there were only brief moments of what I'd call good reading. If you're in the mood to follow a family's struggles with depression in the face of tragedy, this is the book for you. --> recycled -- twice was more than enough.

ETA In adjusting my tags, I learned I have another book by Mitchard -- here's hoping I enjoy it more!

Got you starred again!

Nice to see you guys here. :) -- Bks 108-9

A Perilous Journey by Eastwood, 221 pp. -- Except for the rush-to-tie-it-all-together ending, which wasn't too bad for that type of ending, I enjoyed this regency a lot. Nicely developed characters and a fun plot.

Angel in Marble by Coffman, 374 pp. -- This historical romance set in the mid 1800s in Texas is apparently the first in a series. It was okay. I got really tired of the interplay between the main characters (She: go away! He: Nope, you've got something I want! -- over and over and over again.). But there were plenty of nice moments stuck in between. I didn't hate it, but I'm not eager to re-read it either so I'll give it to my romance-crazy friend to enjoy. --> recycled.

The Seven Towers by Wrede, 264 pp. -- This lovely fantasy novel by Wrede did not disappoint. Action, romance, intrigue and nicely rounded characters made this a fun book in a well developed world. Happy it's in my library! (110)

Bother -- just noticed my book ticker doesn't match the number of books I've read, and I already knew the page number ticker was off. So typical for me... oh well.

Oh, crappity crap. I went to the library last night and fully intended to pick up some Wrede... and of course, forgot. *grumblegrumble* Ah well, next time...

>9 suslyn: Ah, yes. This is a stand-alone book, unusual for Wrede, but with all her hallmarks of great characterization, active plot, and wry humor in her fantasy worlds. I really like it too, can you tell?

I am busily trying to catch up on threads! I am adding The Seven Towers to the Continent, too.

I'm currently reading Agent of Byzantium by Turtledove (256 pp). I was pretty excited about reading this book -- super premise: Alternative history, set in the 1300s in a world where Mohammed converted to Christianity and was canonized and the split in ~1000 with Rome didn't happen. And Turtledove does some really nice things along the way, but basically it feels like a series of short stories with the same character sleuthing out major inventions/discoveries which happened later in our own universe. I could handle it twice, but now half-way through the book as we're about to find the inventor of the printing press it's getting a bit old. And that's why I broke after the first two to read the next book. BTW, unless something substantial changes, I doubt I'll have more to say about AoB. pity.

Lord Nightingale's Love Song by Lansdowne, 252 pp. -- This regency was a delight to read. There was no girl making stupid choices all the time, no completely villainous person, no overbearing & authoritative leading man, nicely developed characters... I liked it. However if I'd just read the foreword or afterword, I never would have read it at all! The author's own voice was quite irksome! LOL Glad I ignored her :) (bks 111-12)

Sorry the Turtledove was not to your taste, but glad Lansdowne was to your liking!

Sometime in the last week I finished Lord Monteith's Gift by Butler, 221 pp.. This regency is one I'd started but 'lost' and found last week in the basement pantry! The gal wasn't and idiot and the fellow wasn't overbearing and arrogant in this one either. A pleasant read. (113)

ETA currently finishing the following:
James' Shroud for a Nightingale
Turtledove's Agent of Byzantium
See's Snow Flower and the Secret Fan (excellent, btw)
and Young's The Shack which also happens to be our current read-aloud in the car book.

There's one other book too, but it's downstairs and I'm not. The cover says 'horror' and I thought as a sort of nod to BDB et al I'd give it a whirl since it's on the shelves. It seems to be more of a psychological thriller to me than horror, but I'm still in the early bits.

I prefer reading one thing at a time, but right now can't seem to manage the concentration/interest/or emotional energy required (depending on the book) to do more than a chapter or so at a time...

Shroud for a Nightingale by James, 287 pp. -- I'm disappointed. As a rule I look forward to all the Adam Dagliesh mysteries I can find. But this one ... well, it lacked something. I think my main problem may be that I enjoy the character Dagliesh and while he was on most of the pages, he served more as a facilitator. There was almost no character development for him. I won't keep it around for a re-read. too bad. (114)

just posting so I don't lose you! (i just stumbled upon your new thread - hadn't realized you had started another one)

>18 girlunderglass: Yeah, the length of the other didn't really warrant a new thread, but I was finding the first message (with the book list and tickers) too unwieldy, so ... voila. Glad you found me :) (115)

Agent of Byzantium by Turtledove, 256 pp. -- I am happy to report that this alternative history had a much better last 100 pages. Glad I read it and look forward to a re-read! Now I'm curious about some major gaps in my knowledge of Eastern Christianity timeline... I only have the broad outline and this book piqued my interest :)

Yay! Glad to hear it got better. :) That period in history has some very interesting things going on, but it's difficult to find a decent history book that lays it out chronologically. I can't even think of one at the moment... which is unusual. It's simply not as "popular" an era as many others... did Turtledove include any recommended source reads at all at the back of the book?

Sorry Faith, he doesn't. What he does say is this (from the preface):

"I'm a science-fiction writer and a historian. The combination is not as uncommon as it sounds -- to name just a few, Barbara Hambly, Katherine Kurtz, Judith Tarr, Susan Shwartz, and John F. Carr all use what they studied in college to give depth and authenticity to the worlds they create. In my case the connection between the two is even tighter. Were I not a science-fiction reader, I probably never would have ended up studying Byzantine history. I was in high school when I read L. Sprague de Camp's classic Lest Darkness Fall, in which he dropped a modern archaeologist into sixth-century Italy. I started trying to find out how much he was making up and how much was real, and I got hooked. The rest, in more ways than one, is history.

"This book, then, draws heavily on my academic background. It's set in the early fourteenth century of an alternate world where Muhammad, instead of founding Isalm, converted to Christianity on a trading mission up inot Syria. As a result, the great Arab explosion of the seventh and eighth centuries, which in our world spread Islam from the Atlantic to the frontiers of China, never happened. The Roman Empire (which in its medieval, eastern guise we usually call the Byzantine Empire) never lost Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and north Africa to the invaders, never had to fight for its life in Asia Minor or defend Constantinople in a siege that, if lost, would have sent the Empire crashing into ruin.

"Freed from such desperate pressure in the east, the Empire took a more active hand in western Europe than it could in our universe. Over the centuries, it took Spain back from the Visigoths, Italy from the Lombards, most of the southern coast of France from the Franks. To the western states that kept their freedom, Constantinople was to be envied as much as it was feared.

"In the east, the history of Rome's ancient rival Persia also differed greatly from its fate in our world. Without the Arab invasions to lay it low, it remained the other great power in the world west of China, the one nation that could treat with the Empire as an equal. Sometimes the two states clashed openly; more often they quietly maneuvered to gain an advantage here, to stir up trouble in each other's lands there. Each continued to dream of and work for the final victory neither had ever seen. ..."

I must admit, Faith, I thought of you immediately when I read his description of LDF! One of my 999 categories is Church Fathers. Byzantine history/beliefs in particular and Orthodox in general have interested me for years -- an interest which has not diminished living here in an Orthodox country. Must get out and see more!!!

ET fix a few typos but couldn't find one I saw before, so I apologize for my poor typing and proofreading!

I just got my first Adam Dagliesh mystery via Bookmooch - I've heard great things about them, and the LT "Will You Like It?" says I will LOVE these books...so I'm going to give the first one a try. Sorry this one wasn't up to par for you!

I saw some reviewer say he preferred the others as well. Enjoy! I really like the series. Oh, and another for whom that book was their first -- they were enthralled with Dagliesh... so I guess it was there, but I've grown accustomed to more :)

That's right, you do live in an Orthodox country! There must be some incredible old monasteries/churches/mosques in Romania... it's really not one of those places I think typically falls on the 'tourism' map, but the history there must be so fascinating. I think The Historian made some brief mentions of Romania, but I hated that book so much I've tried to put most of it out of my memory... though I do know a lot about monasteries now... they should have retitled it "A Tour of Monasteries in Eastern Europe". Sigh. What a terribly disappointing book, IMHO.

Okay, tangent finished! LOL.

I really like the look of Agent of Byzantium, onto the wishlist it goes!

>24 dk_phoenix: Shoot. I just ordered The Historian last week. :(

Sorry, GUG... I know some people love it, but it was one of those books that I so vehemently disliked that I could discuss its faults for hours and hours on end. Literally. And come to think of it, I have...

I believe I mentioned over on the "worst books I've read" thread that a friend of mine threw The Historian across the room while she was reading it.

But, uhhh... maybe you'll like it??? Someone has to, it's been published into 17 languages... but then, there are a lot of crazy people in this world... LOL!!!

The Ring by Anthony & Margroff, 250 pp. -- In this SF universe, criminals on earth are 'ringed.' The ring serves as a sort of conscience preventing repeat offenders through behavior mod. Interesting enough with some nice twists.

Time's Tapestry by Overfield 301 pp. -- I was quite prepared to hate this 'regency' in which a 20th century female sex-crimes police officer gets thrown back in time. But I didn't. Seems I was able to suspend belief enough to enjoy the story with some good twists, good characterization and good laughs. No, this doesn't mean I think you should run out and buy a copy, but if you inherit it like I did don't be afraid to give it a whirl.

Horn Crown by Norton, 255 pp. -- Another Witch World book, previously unread by me. This isn't my fav by far. I found it really difficult to believe that the sarcastic, whining, selfish chick becomes an irrestible love item for our hero. Nuh-uh. (bks 116-118)

>28 suslyn:: LOL, I'm glad to hear that about Gathea...I found her totally annoying, but I thought it was just me.

#24: I've also read The Historian. I didn't hate it, but I wouldn't really recommend it to anyone unless they like stuff about Dracula, Romanian history or older horror novels like Frankenstein or Dracula.

Two cents...........I liked The Historian. It's not high art or anything but I found it interesting and a good first novel. There was some creative work in changing some of the vampire lore and some of it involved books, which hit a soft spot for me. I know a lot of folks really hated it but I enjoyed it. GUG, you should give it a go and decide for yourself.

That's right! Decide for yourself. Then come back and we will discuss like little discussing things. :D Whee!

Hmmm since I'm living here in Vlad-land sounds like something I might enjoy -- too bad I can't mooch. Bookmooch doesn't accept Romanian addresses anymore! LOL There is a lot of theft here ... that balances with very little serious violence (rape, murder, etc.) Guess I'd choose 'theft' if given the choice, so I'm not complaining.

Ruled by Passion by Menzel, 231 pp. -- This regency was mis-shelved. Turns out I read it last year, and it held up quite well for a re-read. That bodes well for its future (and mine). I don't know how to describe the book without spoilers which is a pity. (119)

I quite liked The Historian. I didn't think it was fantastically wonderful, but I did quite enjoy it. Definitely give it a go.

Thanks for all the input re The Historian - actually I got it as a gift (shhh! I won't mention it on my own thread, which is where the danger lies). The person I got it for (otherwise known as "the boyfriend") loves history and we're visiting Romania in the summer so I thought it appropriate. I hope he doesn't absolutely hate it, at least. :)

My daughter read The Historian and loved it, she gave it to me and while I enjoyed it, I didn't love it.

for what it's worth I didn't hate it, it was 100 pages too long, got boggy, and the ending from what I remember was anti-climatic.

Yes! The ending was extremely anti-climactic. One of my major pet peeves of the whole thing, in fact.

The Elusive Marriage by Ormsby, 192 pp. -- This writer could and did fit a complete story into these pages -- and I'm glad. I enjoyed this regency a lot.

The Heart's Companion* by Newman, 196 pp. -- Another regency re-read -- it had been mis-shelved. It held up well as a re-read :)

Night of Light by Farmer, 154 pp. -- This SF was very good. My first Farmer too. It's the only time I've come to a completely unresolved ending and applauded the author's choice ;-> It was the correct thing to do IMO. Alien worlds and gods, the Church, assassins and reprobates. It was a good read. Glad to find I have other Farmers on my shelf and really hope this wasn't a fluke!

Lord Langdon's Tutor by Paquet, 221 pp. -- A not too-unbelievable regency. I enjoyed it.

The Dangerous Marquis by Reeves, 231 pp. -- This author tried to weave three threads into one story. She handled two beautifully, but the third, well, it just didn't make the grade. The hero was an arrogant idiot. The author tried to make a background of smoldering desire, but IMO she failed there too. "I want you" over and over. Yeah, that's romantic. LOL --> recycled

The Shadow of Albion by Norton & Edghill, 399 pp. Boy howdy! did I enjoy this book! McCaffrey's blurb says, "A great combination and a great read! Regency dedvotees will find this much to their liking even if they haven't ever dabbled in science fiction/fantasy." And it was true, but I prefer Kirkus Reviews' remarks: "Swirling intrigues, restrained magics, subtle spies and dauntless heroines: jolly good." Indeed. Parallel universe with a gal transported from our 1805 to this other, similar but distinct from ours, England. Very well done. (bks 120-125)

Would those of you who peruse this thread prefer that I include book #s?

My tuppence worth for GUG on The Historian was that, while it wasn't fantastic literature or anything, I enjoyed it very much - right up until the end, which, as beeg and dk_phoenix say, was a bit of a disappointment. But then I am a big Dracula fan (hmmm, I should reread that). Anyway, give it a go!

Suslyn, it's interesting to see other people's book numbers, but as you're clearly reading soooooooo much faster than me, it might make me slightly envious ;) Personally, I only record my number out of interest - until I started this 75 thing last year, I kept no kind of record of what I read - it's been quite illuminating! (Hallo again btw, I lost your thread for a while there!)

Easy Conquest by Heath, ~220 pp. -- I have no idea of exactly when I read this regency (I try to post them in reading order). It was somewhere in the list in msg 40. I do know I must not have liked it much because I gave it away! (126)

ETA html -- forgot to close the bold -- oops.

De-lurking to say that it's your thread so include numbers only if *you* want to (just my HO). And while I'm un-lurked, let me add that I really enjoy lurking here and have added several books to my pile from your list. :)

>44 scaifea: Nice to know! Thx!

Numbers are only important if they help you track. I don't keep track of anybody's except my own. So Number or not....whatever floats your boat!

Wedding Day Murder by Meier, 228 pp. -- This was my frist Lucy Stone Mystery as well as the first thing I've read by Meier. It was fun, with a few real laughs, and a decent story. I wouldn't mind reading more in the series. (127)

Just finished Saranne Dawson's 'futuristic romance' Crystal Enchantment (443 pp.). I expected to be thoroughly annoyed. However, while I can agree with the 'romance' appellation, it's not different in the level of romance from many of McCaffrey's novels. I wish it were tweaked a bit more away from the romance spectrum (the ending was a bit typical for a romance), and that there was a sequel! Dawson has done a great job world building (universe building?) and there is good material for more...

ETA Pity -- it appears there is no sequel and that her writing is devoted to various categories of romance -- bother. LOL (128)

In perusing my shelves for my next read, I discovered that Harry Harrison wrote the alternative history on the Civil War Stars and Stripes Forever which I've read before. I was confused with Harry Turtledove who also wrote an alt hist on the Civil War. Now I'm interested in comparing the two! But that's not the book I chose.

Homeworld by Harrison, 199 pp. -- The first in a trilogy, this SF novel was a satisfying read. Set in a future Big Brother England, a man learns his pleasant world isn't what he thought it was. I hope I can find the next books! And am glad that, for once (or so it seems), I had book ONE of a set! :) (129)

I haven't read any of the two Harrys but how can you go wrong with a name like Turtledove ? :)

My fav Turtledove, I think, is co-authored by Judith Tarr, Household Gods, in which a 20th century gal is swept into their era after placing them in her 20th century home. It was interesting and, as Turtledove is a historian, I expect fairly period. Not being an expert of the customs of Greek antiquity I couldn't say. But I can say it's made my list of fav reads.

Yikes Susan, I am checking your thread and see how far behind I am and...how very popular you are....
You are reading a lot of very interesting books, and doing so at the speed of light. I admire that!

I'm simply stopping by to say hi and hope that life in Romania is good. Is it spring there?

I hope all is well with you my friend!

If you like sappy western romances where the tough hombre finds his gentler side due to a good woman, read A Gentle Giving by Garlock (374 pp.) Otherwise, skip it. --> recycled.

ETA I feel I've been a bit unfair. This is one of those books which I received in a big shipment. They were not selected by me, but I'm reading them as I have limited access to books in English. The characterizations were good, the plot interesting and believable, and it held my interest. However, as you may have noted above, this type of story is just not my thing. (130)

At page 110, I'm giving up on Norton's Wheel of Stars. This was one of those books I got in the big shipment (not selected by me). Turns out I've read it before. If I'd liked it I would have kept it.

I'm at the part where the Seer is imprisoned for her 'false' vision -- if I'm missing something by not continuing feel free to tell me, and I'll pick it up again.

#49 - Turtledove has written a couple of alternate Civil War books, the first was The Guns of the South which involved South Africans, AK-47s, and a time machine. The second was How Few Remain which took place about 20 years after the Confederacy won the war and it involved a second war. The third was a series that started about 40 years after a Confederate victory. It contained an alternate WW I (The Great War), this was followed by an alternate inter war period (American Empire) and then an alternate WW II (Settling Accounts). It's actually three different series totaling at least ten books and another one is due out in July.

The two stand alone books were pretty good and I liked the series at first but it went down hill.

Harrison also wrote two sequels to Stars and Stripes Forever which I haven't read but have heard bad things about.

I used to be a big Turtledove fan but I think his books have declined of late.

>55 sgtbigg: I haven't read the sequels yet. I do hope those opinions were incorrect though! LOL I really enjoyed Stars and Stripes Forever!

I'm glad to find that my reading (emotional ability) has been above regencies of late. I'm not so happy about what I've found to read though.

I'm reading High Crimes by Finder (p 64 of 388). Much better than the other Finder book which I x'd right away. But now it appears to be another govt-bashing book and I didn't feel like reading that now, feeling somewhat defensive for the US govt. Then I tried to think of good things they're doing and couldn't! Ack. I've been away from the States for 10 years so I know my perspective isn't current. Did think of the Parks system as a positive and the interstates, but I know the former was/is? foundering... Anyway, this book may be on hold for a bit.

Also reading Blankenship's Brotherly Love as a nod to BDB and other horror fans. At p 114 of 312 it still seems more like a psycological thriller than horror, but maybe my definition is off. For me horror has a supernatural twist. But this one is creepy enough to merit if that's the standard!

And lastly, I'm enjoying Kilian's Greenmagic, a fantasy novel and the first I've read by this author (p 78 of 311). I'm torn at this point, hoping there's a sequel because it's good enough that I know I'll want to read more and hoping there's not because I don't have any other books by him!

Edited to fix touchstones

I'm simply stopping by to say hi.

*waves* Me too! I don't often comment on your thread but I'm ususally lurking and enjoying the discussion.

Howdy! Thx for stopping by and popping up :) Nice to know.

Greenmagic by Kilian, 311 pp.--This delightful fantasy was not the first in a series as I had hoped. The epilogue does an adequate job of bringing the story together, but I can't help but feel that we all missed out by the author's choice. On the otherhand, it is nice to know that I'm not missing the rest of the series ;-> To fulfill a prophecy in a dream a woman allows herself to be taken as a slave. Her hope? that the son she carries will grow to be an inheritor of her magics and the incompatible-for-her magics of the conquering kingdom. From there he is to free her people. Nicely done. I liked the characters, the magics, the world...

Lady Jane's Nemesis by Oliver, 231 pp.--I really thought I was done with regencies for a while, but the lure was too strong even if I could read something else! LOL And boy howdy was I pleased with Oliver's writing. She's a PhD university English prof. While one would hope that an English prof could write, there's no such guarantee. I have a degree in music, recital and all, and to hear me play you'd never guess it...

So, just in case the entertaining and believable writing was a fluke, I grabbed another.

Double Deception by Oliver, 215 pp.--And it wasn't. She can write. One thing I like about her work is how the characters are reflective and grow. The men may be arrogant and the women may act stupidly, but it's only at times. All of us can be arrogant and make stupid choices, but these folks aren't only arrogant and stupid as is too often the case in these books.

An Inconvenient Wife by Oliver, 236 pp.--Yup, you guessed it. I couldn't resist the last Oliver on my shelf. It was fun to see the way these two feuding families are reconciled, even if it wasn't always fun for the characters.

X'd Brotherly Love by Blankenship--I tried, but at page 122 decided to forego the creepy conclusion. I have no real desire to read how the evil twin continues to try to destroy his brother. He's already doing a good job of it, and the foreshadowing promises worse to come. But if you've read it and want to tell me how the good guy wins, please let me know LOL

Edited to fix a typo. (bks 131-134)

Glad you enjoyed the Oliver books. Sorry the Blankenship book was not to your liking. I hope your next read is better for you!

I was reading Finder's thriller High Crimes, but as is my wont, I misplaced it. (bks 135-6)

So I picked up the regency/time travel A Timely Affair by Bennett (416 pp). I was surprisingly engaged and entertained by this book. 20th century devoted regency reader, a US citizen, takes a vacation in England determined to see all the sights mentioned in the books she loves. Once she gets back to Regency England she finds out it wasn't all a fairy tale existence as her books portrayed. The hows etc felt to be too much of a spoiler in case this type of book might appeal to one of you...

Then I finished Finder's thriller High Crimes (388 pp.), a book about finding the 'culprit' of a heinous act during secret ops in El Salvador some 15 years previous to his capture. An intersting courtroom drama with plenty of twists to keep one interested ensue.

just popping in to see what you have been reading :)

*waves*

#62: It's a contest to see which one of us loses more books, Susan, I swear :)

The Bennett book looks pretty good, so I am adding it to the Continent.

I like the occasional courtroom drama—I'll keep an eye out for the Finder book.

>65 TadAD: Turns out it's a movie too, but I haven't seen it.

A Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Martin, 358 pp. -- This is my first Blackbird Sisters mystery. It definitely held my interest. Part of that may be due to the fact that I lived in the Philly area on & off for 10 years and enjoyed the setting. But I think I would have liked it anyway. It's clearly a book later in the series and would probably be even more fun if I'd read it's predecessors. (137)

#66: Susan, here is the list of books in the series. I do not know if you will be able to get them there in Romania or not. I have not read any of them, so I cannot tell you how they are, but I am going to see if I can get hold of some of them!

The list: How To Murder a Millionaire, Dead Girls Don’t Wear Diamonds, Some Like It Lethal, Cross Your Heart and Hope To Die, Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too, A Crazy Little Thing Called Death and Murder Melts in Your Mouth.

a note on Martin's books: her characters' moral stance differs quite a bit from my own. Part of the tension in the book I read was because of the difference in moral baselines between the two lead characters. The presentation wasn't evangelistic; rather, there was just an assumption that their mores were the norm. I could handle that without a problem.

*waves*

Just stopping by to send a drive-by "HELLO!", since I haven't been around much lately :)

Snow White and Rose Red by Wrede, 278 pp. -- I counted the 5 page forward in the number of pages. Written by Terri Windling, it's a nice history of the fairly tale with a brief overview of the three books in The Fairy Tale Series written before this one. I told Flissp I was reading it and, while not I didn't find it amazing it was holding my interest. Well I still wouldn't call it amazing, but I'd up the draw level considerably for the way I felt at the end. I was sorry it did. Wrede adds a nice afterword as well. (138)

Edited to close my bold!

>70 suslyn:: I just responded to your post on flissp's thread. Oh well, yours was higher up the page and I start down at the bottom with the earliest post. :-)

LOL *scurries off to read the post*

I've not dropped by in a bit - I do like the sound of Homeworld - and I'm definitely adding Snow White and Rose Red to the list... I've been trying to chase down Tam Lin from the same series for ages, but just don't seem to be able to get a copy through the normal means. I may have to cave in and go with Amazon...

Fahrenheit 451 by Bradbury, 191 pp. (139) -- This 50th anniversary version also included Bradbury's reflections on the story as well as an interview. Last time I read this I was in high school. I am certain I didn't get half of what's there then -- and wondering if I got all of what's there this time :)

". I am certain I didn't get half of what's there then -- and wondering if I got all of what's there this time :)"

Sums up the book about right, I'd say ;) There is a lot in there, especially for a book written so long ago - predicted so many things about our own age...

Island in the Sea of Time by Stirling, 608 pp. -- I found this alternative history, first in a trilogy, utterly engrossing. If you'd asked if it could be possible I'd have said, 'no.' It's been done... and done... and I've read 'em. But he did find something new to do and I really enjoyed it. Now I'm going to want to read the sequels.

The drawbacks for me were the shift in main characters to a lesbian couple. I didn't need as much emphasis on the nature of their relationship. And, the ending did go on and on a bit. However neither objection will keep me from eagerly reading the sequel(s) should I get the opportunity. (a Sony ereader is definitely on my Xmas list!) (140)

ETA the subject of a sentence -- how'd I go and forget that?! :)

#76. That's a great series, similar to Flint's 1632.

#76: Another book I bought and have yet to read. *sigh*

>77 sgtbigg: I really enjoyed it.

So after that I tried some book I can't even remember now. Then I picked up N is for Noose but just wasn't in the mood (I read these and then give them away). Then an Alan Dean Foster book caught my eye, Jed the Dead.

When I lived in PA a sf fanatic at church recommended Foster's books to me. I could only find one, and it was one he hadn't read. In it the aliens who found earth were human-sized rabbit-seeming fellows. And they had rabbit-like libidos. To their delight they found they were compatible with human beings. well, that one wasn't my cup of tea, and my friend was pretty disgusted as well.

This book however must be of the ilk which spawned the rec in the first place! What a hoot!

So later last night I decided to shelve Island in the Sea of Time and discovered... yup, you guessed it, I actually have book 2 (major shock!!). However -- Jed the Dead is too good to put down so Against the Tide of Years will just have to wait til I'm done, which at this rate, should be later today ;->

Enjoy your day reading, Susan!

I also enjoyed Jed the Dead. Foster has a few I didn't care for, but most of his I really enjoy. I have the Stirling but have not read them yet. Guess I should bump them up the list a little. Good reading!

Jed the Dead was a complete hoot! More on that later. So great to see you here Sten -- thanks for dropping by!

"Don't you read mysteries?"
"Not any that center on Texas roughneck ventriloquists with dead aliens for company."

That just about sums up the plotline for Foster's Jed the Dead (298 pp, quote from pg 72). It doesn't seem possible to me that one could take those elements and form a good story, but Foster pulled it off. I laughed and snorted my way through. :)

And I just finished the second book in Stirling's Nantucket series, Against the Tide of Years (454 pp.). This one was a lot of fun too. I *know* I don't have the third one but I hope I can find a reasonably-priced ebook. One complaint I have is that at the beginning of the chapters he lists dates, sometimes several in a row, not consecutive, and often going backward. The problem is that the number of segments within the chapter don't match the number of dates. Wish he'd just dated each section.... but that may be more of an editing detail rather than a writing-style issue. (141-2)

ETA No more pics or glittergraphics please -- having trouble loading my page. My thanks!

Decided to pick up a regency -- it's been a while (7 books since the last one!) and was rewarded with, what was for me, a new word: nepenthe. I know you scholars already had it, but I'm glad to add it to my vocab!

>84 suslyn: Susan, thank you for a new word which I have never come across before: nepenthe: anything inducing a pleasurable sensation of forgetfulness, esp. of sorrow or trouble. Such as a good book?

~ TT

LOL that definition leads more room to maneuver than the one I read: Nepenthe is a drug of forgetfulness mentioned in Greek mythology...

>86 suslyn: Suse, both definitions appeared, I just chose the one I liked!

~ TT

Laughing even harder -- guess I didn't look far enough!

The Rake's Rainbow by Lane, 220 pp. -- This regency was sort of like an equal opportunity employer. All too often in these books the guy is extrememly arrogant and the gal is very stupid. This time the gal had her head on her shoulders, but this was outweighed by the double-dose of arrogance on the part of the fellow. This is the book, by the way, from which I added to my vocab ;->

Then I started Margolin's Gone, But Not Forgotten. It is really creepy. Very good too, but very creepy. So creepy that around p 130 I decided to give myself a break and read

The Artful Heir by Kirkland, 219 pp. -- I really enjoyed this regency which takes place entirely in northern England near Scotland. It is a pretty good mystery too with neither arrogant male nor stupid female. It also had a lot of info about art restoration. I don't know enough about that field to know if the techniques et al were period, but it piqued my interest! (143-4)

I'm actually now on p. 168 of Gone, But Not Forgotten, but still not braced enough to continue -- LOL. I am currently enjoying Gaylin's Hide Your Eyes (p. 193)which is also a creepy murder mystery, but also includes humor and other things which relieve some of the tension.

Hi Suse...I'm guessing that Somtow's "Island in the Sea of Time" series is your own personal nepenthe, eh what? Or is it the Regencies? I'd put them more at the Lethe end of the scale, myownself.

xoxo

Good question. I'd have to say it's books in general but as to more specifc, fantasy and regencies might be tied. Used to be just fantasy... :)

I read and enjoyed Snow White and Rose Red by Wrede...
not amazing, I agree, but enjoyable.

I gave in. I went and rooted out both Snow White and Rose Red and Tam Lin from AbeBooks - all excited now!

ooh I dooo hope you like them -- I'll be checking your thread for updates :)

my 'i want to read it now, before all the other tbrs' pile is snowballing out of control at the moment, so it may be a little while! ...that said, they're definitely very near the top...

I wonder why you weren't able to post to my thread......that's weird! Thanks for the note at the profile page.

I'm still reading books, but have major life going on right now. I hope to read your thread and post my reads some time, but don't hold your breath!! Ciao :)

Lucy in Disguise by Kerstan, 213 pp. -- This regency is a sequel of sorts to ***. A bit silly, it was still a satisfying read.

With This Ring by Kelly, 240 pp. -- I thoroughly enjoyed this regency which begins with a gently-bred lady giving aid to wounded soldiers. Without being insipid or 20th century, it touches on abuse within the family and restoring self-esteem.

The Reckless Barrister by Kihlstrom, 215 pp. -- This regency centered around a woman crusading for a change in the laws regarding mill owners and workers and the lawyer who resists helping her. Enjoyable.

The Last Laugh by Witton, 221 pp. -- I found little to laugh about or even really like in this Regency which features both the stupid chick and arrogant lord. --> recycled. (touchstone incorrect)

Archform: Beauty by Modesitt, 330 pp. -- I thought I'd read this one before but it seems I hadn't. In this story Modesitt departs a bit from his tried and true formula, and I'm glad. Instead of one man with amazing abilities who finesses all the problems away, there is a much more believeable crew who together find the pieces to solve the puzzle. The fun part was waiting to see how they'd all connect in the end. A satisfying read. (145-9)

I've been busy with my folks' 50th anniversary present. 2/5 done and can be seen here:
http://www.faithsisters.com/photopost/showphoto.php/photo/38821/cat/6760)

In between downloads, posting, creating, editing and printing, I've read:

A Pride of Princes & Daughter of the Lion by Roberson (450 & 369 pp). These are books 5 & 6 of her Chronicles of Cheysuli. I've never read bks 1-4 and am hoping that book 7 which I begin today is the last as it's the last one I have! I have really enjoyed these stories very much -- nice world building, super story and good char development.

In the Cold by Erickson (296 pp) is labled as romantic suspense, but I think it's better called suspense period. Yeah, there's a bit of romance, but it's not the focus of the story. A good yarn that held my interest.

Bride of Trouville by Stone (299 pp) set in 1318 was a pretty good story. Wish I knew enough about the period to know if it was accurate -- a keeper.

Lion's Legacy by Barclay (touchstone not working) is set in 1381 ... this one focuses more on "the sight" and is more haphazard in the telling as is all too typical of many romances. I may keep it around for a reread in desperate times (296 pp).

A Loving Spirit by McCabe (216) was a good story (regency) but annoying. My annoyance was something, I like, particular to me and would unlikely be felt by others. For no reason, the lord introduces his guest to the local pastor, giving one of the best scriptural (in my opinion) definitions of his job. Then for most of the book the chars wonder about the afterlife and what it holds (especially the ghosts who have not gone on). twaddle. But a good story.

150-4 in # 99

Didn't mean to hit post... but with the touchstones it's probably a good idea not to get too many in the same post.

Mortal Stakes by Parker -- good mystery, well done, but smutty enough that I'll give it away. Once was enough (216 pp).

A Woman's Estate by Gellis (414 pp) -- This novel set in the regency period was pretty good! Mystery, intrigue and a lot of history. Given this woman's degrees I'd assume they're historically accurate, but do not know enough of the war of 1812 et al to know for sure. I look forward to the next time through this one.

Move Heaven and Earth by Dodd (385 pp). This novel set in the regency period was a good story as well -- deals with mill abuses, survival guilt and a lot of other issues. I really enjoyed this one.

Friends & Relations by Stables (222 pp) -- a nice, light regency. well done.

The Husband Hunt by Willingham (256 pp) -- a reread (it had been mis-shelved).

Life Skills by Fforde (360 pp) -- I found this to be well-written and interesting except... I came close to hating the main character -- so selfish and childish. But it was a fun book if one can overlook Julia (and I did). (155-60)

A Wreath of Orchids by Shoebridge (207 pp) -- This regency had a pretty good mystery as the focal point of the story.

A Dangerous Dalliance by Scott (218 pp) -- Not sure how period this was, but I really enjoyed the story, prejudices overcome or an even better word "ignored", a fun mystery. Another that makes me want to know more about period art restoration techniques.

Smuggler's Heart by Savery (253 pp) -- This was the last in a series of regencies about a set of friends. I haven't read the others. This one focused on a French smuggler and privateer after Napoleon's defeat. Had an interesting look at attitudes of the French aristocracy.

By Way of a Wager by Solomon (224 pp) -- silly but fun regency.

Bother, hit 'submit' again...

Flash by Modesitt (530 pp) -- A re-read. This is the book I confused with Archform: Beauty. Had the same bad guy (killed in both books by different people), set in the same universe ... gee, wonder why I was confused?

The Notorious Widow by Lane (232 pp) -- Regency. Interesting look at the powers of aristocracy and the power of rumor.

Hide Your Eyes by Gaylin (308 pp) -- fun, unlikely, nicely-done mystery/romance.

Celia's Grand Passion by Kerstan (214 pp) -- I enjoyed this regency a lot more than it's 'sequel (Lucy in Disguise).

Lord Carlton's Courtship by Raleigh (249 pp) -- Another misshelved regency re-read.

Gone But Not Forgotten by Margolin (404 pp) -- the blurb say "one scary story" and they are right. Another psychological thriller, but I could and did finish this one. Very engrossing (and sometimes gross as well ;-> but the writer doesn't concentrate on gory details -- and I'm glad!) (161-4 in #100, 165-171 here)

Just stopping in again to say I'll be largely absent for July, again. Nephew arrives in Amsterday 30 June -- we'll be there til the weekend and then hit the road visiting Romania before driving him back to Holland to fly home 30 July. I'll still be reading and likely do another set of massive posts. Sorry to be missing out on your comments and all the fun we have here.

a bientot,
Susan

wow! quite a lot of reading here :)

It looks like all of your stuff is happy, and I am glad for that..
keep enjoying RL and I look forward to seeing you back again when you get here.

Nice gift for your parents - wow!
Have fun...see you when you return.

Good to have you posting again. Have a great time running around with your nephew. I'm on the road as well, so limited computer time for a couple of weeks, but wanted to say hi.

I've missed your posts, but I can see you've been working (and reading hard)! That scrapbook looks really good. I can't believe that black and white picture was taken so long ago, because they look so modern in it!

Thanks cauterize! They were absolutely beautiful :)

Flight of the Raven by Roberson, 370pp -- the last Cheysuli volumen I have, but not the end of the series. Ack. Very different from the previous two that I read and very good.

I expect that I'll finish the regency Wicked and Wonderful by King before I leave for Holland tomorrow. I'll be reading it in between packing, doing laundry and finishing a curtain today. Blessings all.

ETA W&W looks pretty good even though I'm in the early pages -- she doesn't seem to be stupid and he is not overly arrogant... so far :) 253 pp.

That's a lovely photo - you're parents are going to love the scrapbook, it's a great idea.

Been doing a lot of reading!

Have a fantastic time with your nephew...

While I have never been a huge regency fan, a few of your reviews have intrigued me enough to give some of them a try. Perhaps I have just been reading the wrong titles.

Great job on the scrapbook, Susan!

Hope you are enjoying your trip - and reading a ton!

Thanks for the notes! June finished with a whimper (from me) for Penny Jordan's Stronger Than Yearning (382 pp). LOL I had a very strong yearning for it to be over! I'd skip it --> recylced.

A Creed for the Third Millenium by McCullough (458 pp) started really nicely. Written in 1985 it is set in around 2040 a generation into an ice age. I was horribly disappointed with the ending although if I'd been a bit more observant it wouldn't have been a surprise. --> recycled. Once was enough.

The Fall of Reach (340 pp) by Nylund is "the official prequel" to the game HALO. LOL My nephew bought them in Amsterdam and insisted I read them. Not bad. I've never played HALO, but I like the story.

ETA # of pages & (bks 172-3 msg 108, 174-6 here)

Quag Keep by Norton (192 pp) -- When I began reading my first thought was "Hey -- ripped off Rosenberg!" And then I realized that this was Norton and therefore most likely predated Rosenberg's Guardian of Flame series. Yup, Rosenberg's first book in that series was published in 1983 whereas Norton's book was released in 1978. In both individuals are playing a role playing game and get transported (somehow?) into the fantasy world which was the setting for their game. I've enjoyed Rosenberg's series for years. Norton's work is very different except for the overall premise and was a good read (177).

In addition to Norton's Quag Keep, while I was in Amsterdam at a huge used book store I also bought these:

Black Is the Colour of My True Love's Heart by Ellis Peters
The Empty House by Rosamunde Pilcher
Hunter Returns by Jim Kjelgaard
Dog Wizard (Windrose Chronicles #3) by Barbara Hambly
A World of Difference by Harry Turtledove
East of the Sun, West of the Moon (Council Wars) by John Ringo
The Heart of Valor: A Confederation Novel by Tanya Huff
Sea Siege by Andre Norton
Iron Cage by Andre Norton
Undersea Quest by Frederik Pohl
Steel Magic (Magic Sequence, Bk. 1) by Andre Norton
Dragon Magic by Andre Norton
An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters
The Honorable Barbarian by L. Sprague De Camp
The Stars Are Ours by Andre Norton
Song of Homana (Cheysuli) by Jennifer Roberson
Sword-Born: A Novel of Tiger and Del (The Sword-Dancer Saga) by Jennifer Roberson
Leper of Saint Giles by Ellis Peters
Hunters of the Red Moon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Leper of Saint Giles by Ellis Peters
Sword-Born: A Novel of Tiger and Del (The Sword-Dancer Saga) by Jennifer Roberson
Savage Empire by Jean Lorrah
Legacy of the Sword (Cheysuli) by Jennifer Roberson
The Virgin in the Ice (Cadfael Chronicles) by Ellis Peters

And on the plate now: Modesitt's The Eternity Artifact

I know there are few more that I bought (and read already) but I'm not sure where they are atm. The great thing is I got them all for 104.50 euros -- now if Amsterdam were just a bit closer... :)

>113 suslyn: susan, I am disappointed that you didn't think much of Creed for the Third Millenium as it is on my TBR list. Her Thorn Birds was terrific, so I thought Creed sounded like it might be good. Moved down the list!

~ TT

>115 suslyn: WHAT A HAUL! Are you driving on this trip? If so, I hope it's a big Citroen or an Opel Admiral.

Sent you a recipe for potato(e) salad that I swear by. I also use the sauce part exactly as-is to cover cold grilled prawns. The Divine Miss calls it "Shrimp Dietz." (That's our street name.) Extremely tasty. Was there another thing you wanted to know about in that message 62 menu? I wasn't sure.

>116 TheTortoise: TT, when you read it you'll see why I didn't like it. It was well done. Maybe the things that ruined it for me will not strike you the same way -- here's hoping!

Yes Dear Richard there was more but I don't remember what,. I'll look it up and get back to you.

ETA we flew -- if I'd been driving there would have been a lot more books!! And, uh, we don't drive Citroens... the husband works for Renault! :)

By the way, fyi (like you care -- LOL). The list in #115 represents my preferred proportions of genre pretty accurately. Extremely heavy on fantasy/sf, a bit of mystery and then other fiction... Normally regencies just fit in the "other fiction" category, but living here in Romania things have been anything but normal!

Nice haul! I am particularly intrigued by the title "Dog Wizard" ... LOL!!! Perhaps the book itself isn't as ridiculous as it sounds... :)

LOL that title piqued my interest as well:) I'm enjoying Modesitt's book a lot. Some new words for my vocab (including 'abiosis', 'haecceity' & 'acciptrine') and some revisits on a few rarely used (eg., redound & dolose). The chapters are narrated first person from the viewpoint of three individuals. One is a college prof and his have the vocab :) -- there was also a good discussion on the impact of (pitfalls inherent in) instantaneous communication which put nicely into words some ideas I've been mulling over for about since 1990 LOL

Just dropping by to say that we all missed you and your friendly posts while you were gone!!

#115: Glad to see you have some replacement books for all those regencies you have finished :) Congratulations on the haul!

Exiles to Glory by Pournelle (216 pp) was another book from the "haul" and is one I read straightaway. I enjoyed Pournelle's sf -- he has a nice way of developing adolescents verging on adulthood.

The Eternity Artifact by Modesitt (464 pp) was a cut above his standard SF and earned a place among my fav Modesitts. More on the title in #121. (178-9)

High Sorcery by Norton (156 pp) -- I wouldn't have bought this book in Amsterdam (part of "the haul") had I realized it was short stories. However, 3 out of the 4 were pretty good -- I read it in Holland and just found it in my purse. The 2nd was the shortest which probably lent to my dislike. 2 were fairly intriguing, but of course left me wanting the rest of the story :)

Twice a Hero by Krinard (389 pp)-- I read this because my friend who borrows and reads my books told me how much she loved it. Well I'm glad because I'm giving it to her LOL. Gal finds herself transported back in time when she goes to apologize at the grave of the person her ancestor wronged in order to lift a curse on the family. She doesn't believe in the "curse" but made a promise so she goes. Then finds herself transported back to the 1880s confronted with the living person who had been wronged just after she'd been staring at his skeleton. blah blah blah...

Sword-born by Roberson (416 pp) -- Another I picked up in Holland. This story is a continuation of a series I was reading in June and is very different in tone from its predecessors with a mess of surprises. Wondering what they do in the next volume. Maybe one day I'll find it and find out!

The Empty House by Pilcher (249 pp) -- Not my fav Pilcher but good nonetheless. A lot heavier imo on romance than most of her works and a lot more far-fetched. Makes a nice summer read however, so I'm not disappointed. Read it in the car coming back to Bucharest from the Danube Delta (Yes! One more UNESCO World Heritage Site down -- 99 g'zillion to go. A goal of mine is to see as many in my life as possible). (180-3)

Wish I could read in the car, but like tiffin, I get motion-sick when I try! Looks like you've had some very interesting reads.

Paradise: A Chronicle of a Distant World by Resnick (323 pp) -- I feel like I must have missed some deeper meaning. Symbolism, allegory... whatever like that is wasted on me. This sf book is divided into 3 sections and follows the life of student, later writer, who researches the planet Peponi. In the first section he does an oral interview with one of the hunter/pioneers who went to the world. That section closes with the hunter's death. The later sections have him interviewing and interacting with other folks re: Peponi. Even though I'm just about positive I missed some underlying message, I enjoyed the book very much. (184)

The Mercenary by Pournelle (269 pp) -- I enjoyed this sci fi story of the worlds colonized by earth, a troubled homeworld and the force who served. An interesting vision of the future -- and one I hope does not come to pass! (Of course, as it was written before the fall of the Berlin wall, the Soviet structure presumed in the story does not exist which makes the scenario told even less likely.)

Flames of Love by Faulkner (448 pp) -- I do not know enough about colonial-time Indian cultures to know if this book is accurate, but I do know a bit so if it is off it's in details. This was a good story and would make a decent re-read, but I'm going to give it to my friend anyway. Good twists and an interesting story-line for me.

you have been a very busy suslyn!

Prime Witness by Martini (406 pp) -- This legal thriller was my first Martini novel. It was written in first-person present, which worked fairly well and was only very rarely annoying. Good couple of twists, especially near the end. Glad I read it, but not being desirous of keeping it for a re-read it is now --> recycled. (185-6 in #129, 187).

I've read more, during the trip to Bulgaria, but don't know where they are now. We're off now for another week, touring Transylvania with our nephew before he goes home. I've missed reading your posts and am looking forward to getting back into it in August. Happy end of July to you all!

ETA Found one of the books I read last weekend as I was gathering potential reads for the upcoming road trip:
The Song of Homana by Roberson (352 pp) -- This fantasy volume is 2nd in the Chronicles of Cheysuli. It and Vol. 3 are two of the books I picked up in Amsterdam. I was so lost! The 2nd volume completely caught me off guard as it relates to the later books in the series which I have read. I really must get book 1 and the last one some day, LOL! (188)

I'm simply stopping by to say hello!

Martini and the Paul Madirani mystery/thrillers are an indulgence of mine.

Ooops. Doublepumped the submit button. sorry.

"From Bulgaria to Transylvania in a Renault: The Suslyn Story, with Coroner's Report and a Brief Statement Made by the Romanian Anti-Vampire League Denying Reports of Undead Mayhem"

Copies available soon!

Requested!

Thx Linda & BDB for the visits/posts. Hmmm dear richard and Tloeffler -- might have to get my eyewitness nephew to write that one! My husband just peeped over mu shoulder, read, and uttered confused sounds :)

Just got tagged on facebook for this list:

15 booksShare

Today: 7:26 (finished 7:34)
Rules: Don't take too long to think about it. List 15 books you've read that will always stick with you. They should be the first 15 you can recall in no more than 15 minutes. Tag 15 friends, including me, because I'm interested in seeing what books my friends choose. (To do this, go to your Notes tab on your Profile page, paste rules in a new Note, cast your 15 picks, and tag people in the Note, upper right hand side.)

1. Bible
2. Granny Brand
3. Evidence Not Seen
4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
5. One of McCaffrey's Pern books (don't remember which one)
6. The Silver Chalice
7. The Other
8. Bambi
9. Pride & Prejudice
10. my first Cadfael mystery
11. The Boxcar Children
12. The Ice People
13. The Hobbit
14. The Glassblowers
15. The Little House books

No, can't say these are all in my 'top reads' but thought I'd post it here for fun.

Hmm, I wonder if I should post mine, too.

A Hymn Before Battle by Ringo (467 pp) -- I enjoyed this re-read sf. It's 2001 and the US Pres gets a phone call from space telling him Earth is about to be invaded by the callers' enemies. I enjoyed the character development.

Gust Front by Ringo ( -- This sequel to the previous book lacks the character development that was so appealing to me in the first book. If you're into war scenarios, defense plans and weapons development you might enjoy it.

The Hero by Ringo & Williamson (sf) -- This book is in the same series, but much later. I'm not a jacket reader, and that may be why the plot turns caught me completely off guard and my attention riveted. Still hinting at secrets hinted at from the first of the series. Once again I read this out of order because I don't have the intermediate books.

Legacy of the Sword by Roberson (fantasy) -- I was kind of lost in book 2 (msg 131). And at the end of this volume I understood why I was still kind of lost -- I thought this book fit snug up against the books at the end of the series which I read (and enjoyed very much) in June. Nope. I'm missing book 4 and now understand I was one generation off (in general, each book follows the next generation). If I ever get book 1 and 4, I'll start over and -- hopefully -- have the end as well!

Nephew is in the air today, I hope... We shipped him off to Amsterdam yesterday where he was supposed to stay at the in-airport/before passport control hotel (Yotel.com) and fly out this morning.

I've never read anything by John Ringo before, Susan. Is there a good starting point that you recommend?

hmmm... Wonder if that question would be better put to Sten? I like the Prince Rogers series coauthored by David Weber a lot. Those Baen authors do a lot of collabs. I looked up one of them and saw Tad's comment: "This series isn't holding my interest enough to continue. There are a few more in the series, but I'll stop here. (2.5)"

Somebody else, on another book said "Do. Not. Read. Out. Of. Order."

I've only read March Upcountry (not the first in the series) and I thoroughly enjoyed it LOL

So dunno Stasia what to say...

ETA I was wrong I haven't read that one (and it is the first). Think I must have read March to the Sea, but I can't swear to it. Old age...

OK, thanks anyway Susan.

>143 alcottacre: Have you read Weber? One of my favs, a stand-alone, is Excalibur Alternative. I also enjoyed In Fury Born a whole ton. You may have read a lot on these threads about his Honor Harrington series. It starts great and keeps the interest but gets a bit annoying (or more than that) in the later books.

The Lonely Places by Morris (355 pp) -- This book is labeled 'fiction' -- it could be called 'mystery' or 'thriller' I'm guessing. The back ad pages are dedicated to mysteries. This book held my interest despite being partially about a woman's story of an abusive relationship. He didn't belabor that point. Yes, 'he', I found it interesting that the protagonist in the story written by a man was a woman who's story involves domestic abuse. A bit strange, not a neat ending. LOL I'm still wondering exactly what happened on some points! (193)

Crazy for you by Ferrarella -- Read over 100 pages of this '3 novels in one' volume, from two of the stories. Some interesting characters but too much 'my world dissolved around me as I melted into his kiss' type stuff ... recycled.

ET fix touchstone (so you know what to avoid LOL)

I'm currently reading Kellerman's Silent Partner. It failed the 50 page rule. However, I persevere as I usually like Kellerman and the Alex Delaware novels of which this is one...

ETA ... page 110 now, and it's no better. This one's really in the sewer, all about a gal who is obsessed with sex. ... recycled

Hi suslyn;
just popped by to say hello and I hope everything is going well for you.
blessings,
belva

#144: I will look for those, Susan. Thanks for the recommendation. I do have the first book in the Honor Harrington series, but have never read it (and have no idea where to find it at the moment!)

I like the early Honor Harrington books a great deal, but have not been too excited by the other Webers I've read--I'm not sure why. I think the problem with the later Harrington books is the same thing Elizabeth Moon ran into in her Heris Serrano series--you've done all this world-building and things just get complex, you aren't telling a simple, gripping story anymore because you've got all this political background and you've got to keep things consistent. And the story keeps getting bigger and involving more parties. In both cases, I love the early books. Moon has gotten around it to some degree by moving to different viewpoint characters, introducing brand new younger characters and their stories to keep it fresh and not too broad.

Like with the Honor Books, I found myself enjoying the newer mil sf saga Vatta's War by Moon (as I did with Weber's In Fury Born) at least as much if not more than the Serrano books (which I was thrilled over when I first met them).

The Mayor of Casterbridge by Hardy (336 pp) -- what a pitiful bunch of folk! Well that's one off my classics 999 series and that's about all I have to say.

I agree with the comment about Elizabeth Moon. I loved Once a Hero and eagerly went looking for other books. But the Honor Harrington books were just too complex - all the characters and political machinations were too much for me - could be interesting but not where I wanted to spend my time.

I also don't feel the need to read more Hardy. I read a few books a few years ago and decided I was depressed enough to last me and feel no need to go back.

Susan

Years ago I watched the movie Tess. I loved the photography. Then, I tried to read the book. I grew very frustrated with Thomas Hardy's pedantic, serious and way over the snobby edge type of writing. I gave up!

Whisper/Susan - me too - I'm not a Thomas Hardy fan. One day I'll give him another go, but in the meantime...

flissp

You are better than I am! I'm not ever going to give Hardy another try.

Well TMOC wasn't as depressing as Tess -- and you're right. He does appear to have been something of a snob! If you were going to try Hardy again this one might do.

Mistress of Justice by Deaver (357 pp) -- This thriller was my first by Deaver. I really enjoyed it, laughed out loud a bit and was taken by surprise a couple of times. I hope others by him come my way AND that they are as good!

This sounds like a good summer book! I'm adding it to the tbr pile.

Final Jeopardy by Fairstein, 312 pp. (196) -- They say 'write what you know'. That's exactly what Linda Fairstein, DA in the Manhattan Sex Crimes unit did. Not bad for a first novel. Could have used a bit more editing in the middle, but overall a good effort. Some very effective twists. I'm looking forward to the next in the series should I ever find it!

Little by Little , by Bockoven (379 pp.) -- I didn't think it was possible for me to enjoy a "harlequin superromance", but I did. There were a few steamy pages I skimmed(about 4, so deduct it from pages read ;-> ), but overall I liked the storyline even if it was nothing so original. I'm not even recylcing the book! LOL (197)

ETA I'm slowly (very slowly) getting caught up on threads. Our end of vacation was disagreeably interrupted when my favorite of our 4 cats disappeared 2 days ago.

I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the Harlequin books myself. I guess if the writing is done well enough anyone can get drawn into a story.

I'm sorry to hear about your cat. I'd be devastated if one of mine went missing. I hope he turns up soon.

Sus;
I am sorry to hear about you kitty going missing. We had that happen with our 17 year old Spot this winter. I think she either got disoriented with all the snow we had (over 3 ft for almost 3 months) or went off to die. They will do that too. Just take themselves away to go. Dogs will also attempt that.
But we miss her so much even though we still have 6. They all have their different little traits that make each one so special to us.
Try to have a good day dear. I'll be thinking of you.
warm hug,
belva

Sorry to hear about your cat going missing - I hope he/she turns up soon!

Sorry to hear about your cat--ditto hoping s/he turns up soon!

Thx guys -- Blackie's a 'he' with a girly-spelled name :)

Buckaroux, our Maine Coon, has a 'mama-hen' type personality. He seems concerned about Blackie. Gabriel, Blackie's litter-mate, is demanding a lot of attention -- very unusual. So I guess the whole household is missing our guy.

#156: Another Deaver book I have not read. I will have to track that one down since my local library does not have it.

I hope Blackie comes home soon!

I hope you find Blackie soon. I was devastated when my cat Fluffy disappeared. She was an old girl though so we think it was her time to go.

Thanks -- still no Blackie. He's a real sweetie and very pretty. I'm imagining him making another family very happy.

Hunters of the Red Moon by Bradley (221 pp) -- This sf by Marion Zimmer B was a nice departure from her Darkover books, although it may actually predate them. Interesting aliens, good mystery, some nice character development.

The Wilding by Friedman (512 pp) -- For some reason my library is FULL of books two's, usually a single book from a trilogy. This book 2 starts in a way that one doesn't feel completely lost for not having read book 1. It's end however leaves you hanging meeting a character for whom you have no point of reference and big questions. I'm guessing the unknown was from book 1. very frustrating.

Once I read a book 2, the only one I had, by Timothy Zahn (Conqueror). I eventually got the rest of the books and liked them, but I am SO glad I read that book 2 first. I think my enthusiasm for the series might have been a bit less had I read them in the 'correct' order. That experience also led me to a possible explanation for why there are so many lone book 2's out there. In my hunt for books 1 & 3 of that series, I not once but twice purchased book 2 again because I didn't remember the title I had versus the title I wanted! Maybe I'm not alone in that foible...

The Patchwork Girl by Niven (205 pp) -- For some reason I avoided this book like the plague. I'm glad I got over my adversion because I enjoyed it. A lot racier than the standard Niven but still no bodice ripper ;-> Seems he must have been concerned about organ donors and the potential for abuse as he wrote this.

The Golden Horn by Tarr (262 pp) Set in the Fourth Crusade in what is now Turkey, this book was yet another stand-alone book 2. This one, however, had a nice level of closure leaving you wanting to read the next book because you cared about the characters rather than because you hadn't a clue about what was going on.

X'd The Dangerous Edge by Daley (56 pp) -- I invoked the 50 page rule. The blurb says 'The best crime-thriller since Gorky Park. The suspense never quits.' Hmmm... I'm thinking Gorky Park must have been terrible if the blurb was true. ... The suspense never started. Maybe it would have if I'd continued but the guy's style I found to be insupportable --} recycled. (there's another by him in my library, so I'm hoping this was a fluke)
(198-203)
ETA touchstones -- can't get them right -- won't load :(

Suse...Blackie is a painful loss, and I hope you and your fur family grieve gently. I hope he comes home one day soon, hale and hearty and happy to see you all.

Goodness, The Dangerous Edge sounds perfectly ghastly. Better thriller-luck soon!

Very very sorry about your cat. I like your idea - he's making another family smile this very minute!

(((HUGS))) I'm sure Blackie is safe. I know that when I was young I brought home every stray I could find.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Brashares (376 pp) -- I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this zany look into the lives of 4 teenagers over a summer. In fact, I wanted to immediately read the sequel! Shocking. I see they've made it into a movie -- I'd be surprised if were half as successful as a story as the book since so much takes place in the internal lives of the girls.

The General by Davis (401 pp) -- I found this to be pretty spectacular for a first novel. I see he's written several since then and hope I get my hand on some of them. The blurbe Phillip Margolin sums it up pretty well: "The mystery is puzzling, the action is intense, and I could not stop turning the pages."

#17: The General looks like one I would like. I will have to hunt for a copy. Thanks for the recommendation, Susan!

Two more for the pile. I have been tempted to get TSotTP but couldn't quite commit to it. You have nudged me.

The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants is actually quite a good movie. I've watched it several times.

Hi Susan! I'm glad you enjoyed The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. It is a series that I really loved when I discovered it, and still reread every so often. There are actually three more in the series: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood, and Forever in Blue: The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood. They are all just as good, IMO. Have a great weekend!

Sorry to hear about your cat, Susan! I love The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. I've never read the sequels, but I've seen both of the movies and enjoyed them, especially the first one. Not as good as the book, of course, but still pretty heartwarming, with a likable young cast.

Hey everybody :) Thx for the notes. I'll read the sequels if I see 'em :)

Richard, The General definitely took away the bad taste of Daley had left. :)

Still no Blackie. C'est la vie.

In the Presence of Enemies by Coughlin (407 pp) This book made me want more by the author. Not quite a legal thriller (as the pace is a bit more calm), the story drew me in and I really enjoyed the characters. The best was an ending I never even guessed at! I wanna try him again :)

The Fifth Law of Hawkins by Durden (538 pp) -- Okay ladies, this book is not, I repeat, not, for your church libraries! LOL Raw & raunchy, it also had me laughing throughout. Of course, it may be because the sardonic humor was right up my alley. Stasia, I looked up the author and Durden's only other book listed with library thing, No Bugles, No Drums, made me think of you and your Vietnam quest, even though this is fiction.

Too Long a Stranger by Oke (fiction) -- And for a bit of palate cleansing I thought I'd try this one (Christian fiction). I was actually almost gagging and choking through most of it, but the last chapters redeemed the book for me. Turns out, too, that this was a reread (that might have been part of the pacing problem for me as I'd read it before). Might give it away, because I don't really think I want to go for a third time...

Edited because my mouse slipped!

And now, I've begun Greeley's A Christmas Wedding. If things don't change soon, it's going out via the 50 page rule.

#178: I put No Bugles, No Drums on hold at the local college library. Thanks for the recommendation, Susan!

>179 alcottacre: The guy can write. Hope it is good.

A Christmas Wedding hooked me right around page 50 ... saved by the bell :)

>167 suslyn:: Catching up.

If you enjoyed Hunters of the Red Moon, did you know it had a sequel, The Survivors?

>178 suslyn:: What is The Fifth Law of Hawkins about? Neither Amazon nor here has a description.

>181 TadAD: Vietnam war vet and writer who lives outside the rules is bailed out of jail in Mexico and given a job as a reporter in Philadelphia. He knows there's more to the story of how and why he was hired and spends half the book trying to unearth that. The rest is gathering evidence for a Watergate type story and bringing down corrupt government officials.

I didn't know about the sequel -- thx Tad! I did enjoy Hunters.

Sorry to hear that there is still no Blackie, but I like your idea of him making another family happy. I've actually had that happen twice where I've found stray dogs and then to our sorrow their owners come and get them a few days later. So, would you or would you not recommend Too Long a Stranger? I too enjoyed TSofTTP and would recommend to anyone who liked that series that you try Angus, Thongs and Full Frontal Snogging. Not just laugh out loud, but screaming, holding your sides in pain, and rolling on the floor laughing. There are quite a few in the series and the author has stretched it a bit thin, but those first few books are unforgettable.

>183 thomasandmary: I just don't know. I think I liked it better the first time around than I did this time. This time I was annoyed with both main characters until the end when they got right with God and stopped being idiots... I don't recall feeling that way before, but I had a warm spot for Janette Oke which may have accounted for it. Can't say. Do let me know if you try it :) I can say that a few scenes near the end have stuck with me since finishing it (I'm 256 pp into my next book), and I find myself going back to reflect on them. I'd take that as a good sign.

Thank you for the reply. Hope you are still enjoying A Christmas Wedding.

#171 I didn't realise that The Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants was a book before it was a film (not seen it either though, so can't comment). Of course, the title means a whole different thing over here in the UK ;)

I hope Blackie turns up soon.

Blackie's alive and well, the stinker, but not home. Steph saw him today on his way to work. Called him. Blackie paused, looked at him and went on... He's enjoy walking the tops of brick fences in that neighborhood, about 15 minutes by car from here...

A Christmas Wedding by Greeley (502 pp) -- This book was 'saved by the bell' catching my interest around page 50. I'm really glad I read it. Lots of profound bits on the nature of marriage, and the nature of a good marriage. I think some of these could be especially helpful for (introspective) men married to a somewhat messed up wife, like my husband. He says he'll give it a try, but it's really not his cup of tea. I imagine if you have a Catholic background, which I do not, this book would have even more value. As Stas would say, 'recommended'.

Shaker Run by Harper (398 pp) -- I thought this book was a thriller til the end. And it was, but the spine reads 'romantic suspense' -- guess it was that too. Not a bad read, well researched and fairly interesting (murders revolving around the Shaker cult and furniture).

Now Suse. I am *sure* we have had The Talk. You know, the one about NOT reading books that poor, unemployed Richard *must* have...? Ringing a bell? Sure! Good! So no more reviews of stuff like Shaker Run, then, right? Okay! Good!

Otherwise, remember that Romania isn't unreachable from Long Island....

LOL -- that's the kind of threat I may take as a promise :) Are you in Suffolk? I think I already told you I lived in Manorville when the LIE(?) didn't go that far.

Woo! for Blackie being alive, even if he is awol!

>189 suslyn: Suse, now mustn't tease the monster...I've been curious about Romania since I read Dorothy Parker's poem featuring Her Majesty Marie, Queen of Romania, then the bio Marie of Romania; I want to see Sinaia particularly. Creepy little quisling King Carol, blech ptui, what a lickspittle Nazi crumb-bum, no wonder the Communist regime wasn't so heavily opposed at first.

No, Hempstead's suburban NYC...about a half-hour from Penn Station. Heart'o'Nassau, South Shore style.

#187: I am adding Shaker Run as well.

Good news, I guess, about Blackie. I hope he returns to you soon.

Richard, I'm NOT teasing! LOL Get your butt over here :)

We know we'll be here til May 2010 and possibly another year but it's not certain.

We have room for you -- (that's anybody who wants to come visit). http://suslyn.multiply.com to see our fun place (thank Renault for paying the rent! LOL)

the pictures of the house look amazing! we were in Romania just this summer, but didn't make it to Bucharest (or I would have happily called on you! :P) but did manage to visit Sinaia, Brasov, Sighisoara, and Sibiu. Oh, and my childhood village, of course :)

191: Richard, you should go, Sinaia is indeed lovely.

LOL we probably passed each other on the road! We took our vacation in Romania this summer too. It is so beautiful.

We just took the Transfarasan this past weekend. Gorgeous.

#193 wow - agreed with gug, what a wonderful house!

Romania is very near the top of my list of places to visit too...

Good HEAVENS, Suse! What a great house! Renault gets my vote for Employer of the Year. Now to shake the shekels from the money tree to pay that visit.

Sinaia, here I come!

What a beautiful house! I love how open and airy it is and those oval windows!!!

Yeah that room is a real treat. I'll miss it when we go back to our own home in France.

Just listing things read here... don't even know which were August and which September. Way behind on life so don't know when/if I'll get my reactions added.

The Magicians Quest by Delacroix
Undersea Quest by Pohl & Williamson
The Saxon by Moore
Soft Focus by Krentz
Sharp Edges by Krentz
Finding Ian by Cameron
Sleeping Beauty by Michael
Red Mars by Robinson
Lovers in Paradise by Cortland
My Valentine by Hinshaw, Parks & Simpson
Dust Devil by Brandewyne
King of Grey by Knaak
Gremlins Go Home by Bova & Dickson

For a while now (2 weeks plus?) I've been in and out of 3 books: Trial by Fire, Blue Mars and Sophie's World. I've found them often to be bleak and or boring. So I've read many books while having a go at those three. Some of them are in the previous message and here are some I've finished since the last post.

Highland Destiny by Howell (316 pp) -- In this historical romance (1400s Scotland) the lead characters were neither arrogant nor stupid, a nice departure from what seems to be a normal template for these. It had nice character development as well. But it was too close to a bodice ripper for me to want to keep on my shelves even though it was a decent read --} recycled.

The Cat Who Knew A Cardinal by Braun (275 pp) -- I enjoyed revisiting this series, and I hadn't read this one before. Typical for the series, but maybe a cut above some of them. I enjoyed it.

Fast Foward by Mercer (374 pp) -- I really enjoyed this book. Turns out it's a first novel, but it certainly doesn't read like one. First thing I did when I finished was to see if I had any more by her, but no, I don't. Cover is marked 'fiction' -- it touches the edges of 'mystery' and/or thriller categories, but takes it at a nice pace.

Edited to fix one touchstone and lost another... oh well.

#200: I will give Fast Forward a shot. Thanks for the recommendation, Susan.

I agree with Stasia! That one's going on the wishlist!

Hi There Susan!

ditto what Stasia and Marcia said.

I hope you are well my friend!

After my extended absence (which I trust is ending soonish LOL), I'm amazed you even drop by anymore. My thanks friends.

Things are going okay. I feel like I'm 'almost home' after all the whirlwind of demanding activity since mid-May. And, I got good news. K-Joi, a digital scrapping store, asked me to be part of their creative team. That was a very flattering and welcome offer. Happily the requirements aren't strenuous.

My friend Liliana was acting as our maid. She got a job (yes!) after 8 months with nothing. That is great for her. It also means I'm having to readjust to trying to keep 4 stories of house neat myself. No dryer and no permanent press does really alter the amount of time it takes to completely process laundry!

So I hope I'll be back soon -- and I hope your like Fast Forward. Turns out her next book is a sequel. If any of you read FF and go on to the next, I'd be very interested in knowing how it plays out since the mysteries of book 1 were resolved... does it go straight fiction, is there another mystery, does H become a love interest?... LOL

Ciao for now

Suslyn,
Congrats! That is so exciting, to be recruited for a job. You are obviously very talented and they will be fortunate to have you. Hang in there with the laundry situation- it's all temporary. :-)

Congrats on the new job, Susan!

My heartiest congratulations as well!

Hang in there! We're right here standing behind you.

Thx! It's not paid :) I had just explained to our last set of company in August the meaning of the word "avocation" -- they don't have it in French, which surprised me. So now my avocation is even more so. It is still pretty thrilling to me, and I thank you for your enthusiasm :)

Decided to knock off a few of the titles from message 200 but realized I have 3 more that I've read since I added the last so I'll start there and catch up later.

Doing Good by Morsi (378 pp) -- This book reminded me a bit of 'Pay it Forward' (the movie), but I'm probably the only one who'd make that comparison. At page 10 I doubted that it would make the 50 page rule. But at page 40 a life threatening experience shakes up this narrow little woman's life and the changes which ensue comprise the rest of the narrative. Pleasant.

Missing Susan by McCrumb (248 pp) --This funny book was a nice read. MINI-SPOILER A murder tour guide is hired to murder one of his guidees but keeps messing up.

Daring Alliance by Hocker (286 pp) --This book is labeled 'historical romance' so I was a bit surprised to find it's a regency by an author who's written 13 other regencies. Set half in London and half in the US (mostly Boston), it was okay -- not stellar, but I'll keep it around for a re-read some day.

#209: I have not read any of Sharyn McCrumb's books before. Is Missing Susan a good place to start, do you think?

Helloooo you're back! I'm reading Dracula at the moment and it has all sorts of references to Romanian foods ands stuff (mamaliga - what they call maize bread, tocanita haiduceasca - the outlaw's stew etc) and the scenery and other things and I thought of you. I thought you would appreciate all these little things in the book as you would know what he's talking about. :) Anyway, hope you're well!

Happy reading!
Eliza

From the list in msg 200:
The Magicians Quest by Delacroix--They called this one a historical, and I guess it was... except that she made the myths part of the reality (shapechangers). All in all a good story with a nice setting, medieval northern Africa among the Berbers.

Undersea Quest by Pohl & Williamson--A fun YA sf romp. I enjoyed it.

The Saxon by Moore--Another historical fiction, set in 900 with Vikings and Saxons. It will make a good re-read.

Soft Focus by Krentz--My first Krentz. It's been a while since I read this one. I obviously liked it enough to re-read it since it wasn't in the recycle pile, but sad to say that's about all I can say for sure.

>210 alcottacre: Stasia, that's the only McCrumb I've read and appears to be a standalone -- can't see why not, but I'm not an authoritative voice on this one.

#212: Susan, after posting I discovered that the book is in a series, so I am going to try and read it from the beginning. Thanks for the input, though.

Sounds like a plan! Well the nice thing is it isn't one of those series where you *must* read them all to get it :)

#214: That is good since my local library rarely seems to have all the books in any series.

Susan, so glad you're back, and so sad you're maidless. It's no way to live in a big house. I don't know how I'd fare without the service.

The Saxon was a pretty good historical, IMO. I read it with pleasure back in the day. I haven't ever checked to see what other books she's written, have you?

Richard, I have read something else by her... saw it on my shelf. Don't know if it was this year or the last. I'll look it up and get back to you. xox

ETA I really didn't make it clear that I enjoyed the book, did I?

Cool! Thanks! I don't know exactly how dumb I am, but evidence is flowing in...I followed the author touchstone on "The Saxon"'s page, and discovered that she's written The Norman's Heart among others!

Hmmm...this lady could be serious competition for my current Rufus novel....

Richard, got it. I read Moore's A Warrior's Passion last year and still remember the story -- and still remember I wanted a sequel!

Ahhh...she's got the chops, then. Anytime an experienced reader wants a sequel, the author's talent is well displayed. Drat! Now I need to find these little marvies. Who's your used-romance source?

ETA: Suse, did you know that the book was part of a series by Moore? http://www.librarything.com/series/The+Warrior+Series It's all in different times, but it should prove very interesting to see what she's got up her damite sleeve....

Sheri's Books & Baskets
(806) 342-0039
1741 S Avondale St
Amarillo, TX 79106

Very helpful lady, romances are her specialty.

Way cool, snooglepookins! The info will come in very handy.

I went to my local indie shop and found The Welshman's Way by Moore. I'll let you know what I think.

LOL snooglepookins, huh? :) Looking forward to your take on Moore's book. I won't be surprised, and am sure you wouldn't be either, if it is good!

From msg 200:

Gremlins Go Home by Bova & Dickson (206 pp)--This delightful YA sf was a lot of fun. Spoilers: Gremlins have been living on earth for eons but are really ETs, and they just want to go home. With the NASA shuttle they think they've found a way. Now they just have to get some help to make it happen.

King of the Grey by Knaak (206 pp)--I have another book by Knaak which is one of my favorite fantasy novels (The Janus Mask), so when I saw this book in Amsterdam I snatched it up. TJM is entirely fantasy. KotG is set in and out of a modern city. Interesting premise. Like TJM I don't think I've read anything quite like this one. I do appreciate that he came up with two (and probably many more, given his bibliography) very different and original story. I'll snatch him up again given the chance, but next time I won't expect another TJM, but rather just a good story.

Sharp Edges by Krentz (368 pp)--I was mistaken before in msg #212. This book, Sharp Edges, was my first Krentz. I dove into the next one to see if it would be as good. It was good, but not as good. I decided I would have appreciated Soft Focus more if I had not read the two back to back. I really enjoyed Sharp Edges and am looking forward to reading it again sometime (soon?).

And today, I read:
Death in April by Greeley (255 pp)--Pretty darn good storytelling here. I may have enjoyed it a bit more than some might because the first bit was set in Paris. Interesting dips back and forth from the 'present' to the characters' shared past. The lead fellow was a bit whiney, but... that was him.

The Terrorist by Cooney (198 pp)--Scary little YA. Modern day, setting London, an International American School. Got a kid who is too naive, know somebody who leaves their luggage lying around in airports... have them read this. I was pretty tense there near the end LOL -- I do that in movies too. I *know* it's a movie, or ficiton, or whatever, but I still have trouble disassociating... Very good, but I don't think I'll be re-reading this one.

>224 suslyn:: I read the Bova/Dickson years ago...it was fun! :-)

Tad -- oh no! Now that I know there are more I'm gonna want 'em! arr! :)

The Terrorist sounds good. Been added to the TBR mountain.

I've never read The Terrorist, but I'll have to keep an eye out for it. Caroline B. Cooney was one of my favorite authors when I was a teenager. I especially loved her Janie series, which starts with The Face on the Milk Carton, and her time travel series that starts with Both Sides of Time. Among Friends is a great stand-alone title. I haven't read any of her newer stuff, but now I'm definitely feeling nostalgic. I'll have to see what they have at my library!

I am adding The Terrorist to Planet TBR as well. Catey really enjoys Carolyn B. Cooney's books, so I guess it is about time I tried one!

Fire and Sword by Theresa Michaels (377 pp) -- I thought this book was going to end up recycled, but sometime during the latter half I really began to enjoy it. Set in a feud in 1300s Scotland.

Lovers in Paradise by Cortland ) -- This book surprised me. Aside from the ending (which I disliked), it was interesting primarily because it was set largely in Bali in the late 1800s. The author seems to have done her research. I found her author's note int he beginning (too long to quote here) particularly moving.

My Only Valentine by Hinshaw, Parks & Simpson) -- The last unread regency, unread primarily because I don't really care for short stories -- regencies in general are short enough already! On the whole I thought this one worked fairly well.

Dust Devil by Brandewyne) --I enjoyed this love story labeled 'fiction' very much. It seems to have it all: suspense, murder, star-crossed lovers, the mob... And she did it well.

Edited because somehow I hit the submit button... grrr now I have to try again on those difficult touchstones.

#230: I will look for the Brandwyne book, Susan. Thanks for the recommendation.

Thanks also for the recommendation of the Weber book, The Excalibur Alternative, a while back. I read it this past week and njoyed it.

Oh good. I'm reading another weber right now, another standalone. It's a re-read "In Fury Born". I'm really enjoying it. TEA is light, but I found it creative and fun. :)

I'm enjoying By Schism Rent Asunder as I casually page through it during other reads. I find that Weber's writing is amenable to this kind of treatment. He's got a funny kind of gift, in that he can crack the story out and make you want to read it all tonight and yet, if you take it slow, it's not lacking.

Very unusual, no?

#232/233: I am adding them both to the Planet.

Yes, it is Richard... I do enjoy his style more often than not. I don't have BSRA -- woefully behind on newer products :( LOL I've enough on plate now though, so I'm more than content!

>233 richardderus:: The first book in the series, Off Armageddon Reef left me rathre underwhelmed so I decided to drop the series. If reviews show that it picks up, maybe I'll reconsider that decision.

I'm really not reading Weber anymore, I guess. I started to find Honor Harrington stuff monotonous. His Dahak series isn't being continued. Somewhere along the way I stopped the Prince Roger stuff...not sure why, I just stopped buying them. Is there anything else of his that I should really look at?

>236 TadAD: Tad, I didn't care at all for the Honor Harrington stuff, which Mr. Man swore by; we read Off Armageddon Reef together and I liked it quite a bit. I guess it appeals to the anti-religious side of me. I've never read any other Weber that I can remember, so I'm not the one to refer you to other works. I read something he co-authored with Eric Flint, IIRC, but that doesn't count.

Suse, considering the amount of stuff you're getting through, I don't think adding a few (dozen) more will cause undue strain....

I really like In Fury Born which has the positives from Honor, IMO, but doesn't go on and on. And, there are some fun quirky additions. Same for Excalibur Alternative -- I guess those (interminable) series must be hard to write well. I haven't read all of Weber so I can't say much more about his stuff. If, however, something comes to mind, I'll pop over and let you know! (I still love On Basilisk Station and the one set on Hell even if the series as a whole disappoints)

Maybe I'll try In Fury Born. The Honor books were fine at first, but they just became so tediously political. Come on! Let's have some giant shoot-outs and then move on!

LOL -- and I agree wholeheartedly!

I agree about the Honor books. I decided I'll just read the newspaper if I want that much political stuff.

Here's my brief reports on the last of the batch listed in msg 200.

Finding Ian by Cameron (374 pp)-- This one is labeled 'contemporary romance' and I guess that fits. But it reminded me of some non-'romance' slotted books (Pilcher, for example). Light, funny. I'd read something else by her if it comes my way.

Sleeping Beauty by Michael (630 pp)--This one is labeled fiction and has as much romance as the previous... Very good story, IMO. Suspense, intrigue... and some heart-rending scenes. I'd happily try another Michael as well.

Red Mars by Robinson (572 pp)--A few years ago, I had Green Mars in my collection. It was third in the series. I read it, and liked it okay but felt no compulsion to read the previous books in the series. Then I received them in that shipment I've been reading through. I guess it was good to have the beginning of the story.

The series is about settling and terraforming Mars and from there, the universe, but the focus remains on Mars. Fidelity, marital or otherwise, seems very lacking in most of the characters. Early on they figure out how a longevity (for life) treatment. They're not immortal, but they last longer. The good thing is they can work out some of their personal issues.

If you like techy stuff, dreaming of what could be and how to make it work; if you enjoy learning a lot about all sorts of subjects which could be related to a world (economics, hydraulics, habitats, psychology, government, flying...) you might enjoy this work. That's not my kind of thing so it's one reason it's taken me forever to finish these books!

And the newer books
Blue Mars by Robinson (761 pp)--I preferred this to book 1, and am now hoping I have book 3 still. (Also wondering if I need my head examined to consider reading on.) One nice thing about the books' organization is the way the author changes the central character from section to section. He makes it work.

In Fury Born by Weber (838 pp)--I really enjoyed revisiting IFB. It's just a good story, imo. And don't worry. At least for me, when he did get a bit into the politics, it wasn't overkill -- just enough to support the story. Satisfying ending. Creative twists. A lot of fun. Wish I had another like that to read next.

Ecstasy's Chains by Bittner (447 pp)--Historical Romance... yes. Too bad part of her goal was to titillate, which comes as no surprise given the title! While I'm no expert in literature, it seems Bittner's work has the elements of good historical fiction and she could have written a really interesting novel with this material. --} recycled (pls remember these books were given to me! LOL)

Susan,
Ha! I like your disclaimer. I know what you mean though, some of the romances I've been bold enough to try left me feeling like I was dipping into pornography. I just try to stay away from that stuff or the next thing you know I'll be like one of those "desperate housewives"!!!

X'dPaper Money by Follett (96 pp)--Just too smutty to continue. Now I've read as smutty, and probably smuttier. Probably will do so again as well. But I've passed my tolerance level on this one --} recycled, with no regrets.

The Stars Are Ours! by Norton (191 pp)--I don't know if I said this anywhere, but just before I read the not-so-worthwhile book in msg 243 I was wishing I had another Norton or Bradley stand-alone to read. Turns out I did! Sort of :) I thought there was no sequel, and the ending begs a sequel. It's a real ending, but it left me ready for more. And there is... now I just have to find that book too.

A slight departure from her norms. Still a few 'good guys' against overwhelming odds by the majority of 'bad guys.' But this time these guys leave Earth -- that takes half the book and it's good. The second part was even better. I really enjoyed it.

Well, I am glad that book was better for you than the one before!

Actually, Susan, you are in luck. The "sequel" _Star Born_ (not a direct sequel but on the same planet a couple of generations later) is not copyrighted in the US and you can download it for free from Project Gutenberg, right here.
http://www.gutenberg.org/etext/18458

GF! Thx so much! While a direct sequel would have been fun, a gap is most acceptable as it brings us closer to the inevitable conflict with the color communicators...

Too bad I don't have an e-reader yet. Put in a request for the Sony. Birthday's next week but the husband usually forgets. If that happens as I suspect, I'm getting it for Christmas :)

sad news (but not surprising)

Yes, although you could read it on your computer as is, an e-reader would be more convenient.

#250: Uber-Dorky High Nerds are held in high regard here, so you came to the right place!

Husband took the NerdTest and scored as a Kinda Dorky Light-Weight Nerd with Sci 80%, Tech 33%, Comic 28%, Hist 12%, & only 65% in my winning category.

East of the Sun, West of the Moon by Ringo, (424pp)--I enjoyed this book. However as I missed 2 of the three books before it and a lot of stuff has happened since the first book (which I've read), I was really pretty clueless. And I think they 'won' but have no idea what that means -- LOL

X'dThe Plains of Passage by Auel (41pp)--No, I didn't read to the 50th page, but it was too painful to continue. I've heard so much praise for these books. However, detailed descriptions of naming flora and fauna, the discovery of their uses, domesticating animals, and the humans becoming aroused as they watch (and we are subjected to a detailed blow by blow description of) mammoths mating... I just don't need it.

Blindsight by Cook (339 pp)--I liked this book about as much as I loathed the one by Cook that I X'd earlier this year (Fatal Cure). Good characters, interesting story, fast pacing, and a plain ole good whodunit (along with why and how) with a touch of romance thrown it. Very satisfying read. :)

#254: I have never read anything by Robin Cook before. I think I will give that one a shot. Thanks for the recommendation.

Hope you like it.

New thread--
http://www.librarything.com/topic/74242#top