Whisper1's Reading List #5

This is a new thread. Previous ones are found here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/61185#1249403
http://www.librarything.com/topic/51585
http://www.librarything.com/topic/58570
http://www.librarything.com/topic/64108

Thanks to all for stopping by!

Gotcha starred!

Thanks for the link--and I've remembered to star it this time! You are one of the few threads I'm caught up on and surely don't to fall behind again! :-)

*waves*

Got you starred again!

Gotcha starred. Looking forward to seeing what books you will read in the second half of the year.

Starred you again. Sorry, I made a comment on your previous thread before I realized you started a new one!

Just stopping by with relaxed anticipation looking for good books and reviews to come with the special Linda touch!

Your friend, WH

Oh my linda! After skimming through the conversations on your last thread, and adding a lot to my tbr pile, I just HAD to read your other threads! I got through the first one last night and am half-way into #2. I love the converstations on here! The book reviews are wonderful! (causing mt. tbr to grow by leaps and bounds of course)

Your thread caused me to invest in a library card this morning and I came home with 3 books! 1 you reviewed, Mozart's Ghost, and two other from mt. tbr, The Alchemyst by Michael Scott and Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell.

Previously I simply went to the bookstore to order another book once I finished one. However, mt. tbr is growing to fast for 1-at-a-time reading!

It seems that if I make my goal this year, I'll HAVE to be a 75er next year!!!

*edited for spelling *blushes*

Yet another person succumbing to your charms, Linda!

ETA: MidnightTears, I hope you reach your goal this year so you will be joining us next. You will not 'meet' a better bunch of people anywhere.

So I'm seeing! Everyone seems so lovely! I've now set two goals: 1 my 50 book challenge, and 2 to read 200 books. No time limit on the 200, however, I think if I can read 200 books, I can convince my girlfriend that spending $10 for a membership is a worth purchase. LOL, she doesn't like spending money on things that are quite tangelable.

#12: Good luck to you!

Here's to your new thread...

Thanks to all for stopping by. I agree with Stasia, this is such a wonderful group of people. I feel as though I've made many unique/special friends.

gotcha starred girl.
cannot afford to miss all the action here.
catcha later,
belva

Found you!

Linda, your threads are like Chia pets. They just grow so fast I can't keep up (but in a good way)! :P

Gotcha pegged - wouldn't want to miss out!

Linda, I enjoyed The Search for Delicious so much when I read it, that I'll HAVE to read Tuck Everlasting now. And I'll probably have to look up everything else that Natalie Babbitt has written, and read all of that.

**grumble** (but with a smile!)

Terri
I'm going to see if my local library has The Search for Delicious. Babbitt's writing is so lyrical and crisp.

Eek, you moved again!! This is a completely superfluous post purely for my own selfish benefit: I only ever seem to manage to check 'my posts' before I run out of time, so new threads that are "just" starred can get lost (discovered last night that there are over 75 unread posts on Richard's latest that have been sneakily skulking in starred). So I'm posting to put you in the "right" place. And to say hello of course :) Sorry for the extraneous verbiage.

Rachael

So good to hear from you! It is a daunting task to keep up with the posts. I feel as though I'm running in place. But, I truly do enjoy this group and all the comradere, friendly banter and the support that is given to all.

I hope you and your family are having a wonderful summer.

Aunt Dimity Snowbound by Nancy Atherton

If you are looking for a quick read for escape, then this is a book for you. If you are looking for something in depth or challenging, then skip this one.

It isn't a page turner, but the redemption is in a slow, easy read when the mind is over worked and needs simple solace.

Lori Shepherd begins a hike through the English countryside only to be stranded by an unexpected snow storm of the century. Seeking shelter, she finds Ladythorne Abbey where she meets two others also stranded.

The mystery unfolds into nothingness and the plot is sorely lacking. But, the images of the old structure, the accumulating snow, the coziness of a library filled with antique books and a warm fire were enough to keep me reading to the end.

Reading the book out of order from the previous in the series was a disadvantage. Usually there is some type of lead in that briefly describes characters and personalities but this didn't happen.

A mere two and 1/2 stars for this one.

(edited for typos)

Are you planning to read the series in order? If so I would be interested in your opinion of this book after reading the previous ones. I just recently read Point of Origin by Patricia Cornwell only to discover afterward that it was the 8th or 9th in a series. I have checked out Postmortem, the first book, to see if my opinion of the book was low because I lacked the background of the series. I'll post a review on my thread once I finish it to let everyone know which way it turns out.

Linda..I have read a couple of the Aunt Dimity books (#96) and loved them. I'm not familiar with this one, but appreciate your pointing out it may be one to go to the end of the queue. I agree tho, they are wonderful soothing, comfy, cozy, warm fuzzies. Thanks for reminding me.

>24 Whisper1: - Dear Linda -

Where, oh where, on the LT website/or elsewhere can I find information on how to post the book cover image when I post books on my 75/2009 Challenge thread?

I admire the sharp and eye-catching, yet clean, look of your posts and reviews. Nice.

Any links would be most welcome so I can continue to learn new skills to apply in my profile/thread(s).

WH

Ruth,
Look for a message on your home page regarding instructions. TadAd was the one who was so helpful to me.

Just posting so I don't lose you.

ditto what luna said

Hello from hot, sunny, humid St. Petersburg Florida where I'm attending a College Media Advisers Workshop.

I haven't had much time for reading and this is the first day I've had the chance to log into LT.
I'm currently reading Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas. While it isn't a page turner, it is a nice, sweet, lyrical, well-written tale...

Then I'm going to start Under Sea, Over Stone for the group read.

Just stopping in to say hi

"Hi"

32 messages already - keeping caught up with you, Ms. Whisp, is a full-time job! Yuck, humid Florida in the summer (said the wimpy northerner)! Thanks too for your comment on my thread.

Just a quick hello... hope you are having a good time.

Just wanted to let you know I finished Mozart's Ghost. What a lovely story! My review will be up on my thread within the next day or two.

>31 Whisper1: - Dear Linda -

Hope by the time you are reading this comment full of best wishes you are safely back in a more pleasant climate.

It is unbearably hot in Florida right now. Hope that your conference was useful and that you enjoyed meeting some great colleagues.

Saw your review of Mozart's Ghost and that one of your friends, #35 - MidnightTears, posted that it is a good read. Sounds like one that reaffirms your spirit at those times when that type of book is just the right fit to do that.

Safe journey home after the conference.

With love, Ruth aka womansheart

Prayers for Sale by Sandra Dallas.

Hennie Comfort has stories to tell. She has lived in Middle Swan Colorado many years. Now in her older life her daughter insists she leave this small town mining community. Before she steps forward, she shares her tales from the past with a young woman, new to the community, who notes the rickety sign out front that proclaims "Prayers for Sale."

While I cannot highly recommend this book, it seems to resonate with others who gave it a stellar review.

It is a slow, comforting read sugared with stories of a difficult life made easier by the kind assistance of others. It is a tale peppered with men who drink and abuse the women who quilt while the snow whips and the cold wind chills the wooden shanties.

It is a tale of men who die in the mines and the women left to eck out a living.

Hi whisp,
Just stopping by to read your review. Added it to Mt. TBR however not sure when I'll get to it. I'm more of a "happy book" reader at the moment. Life is in curve ball mode, so it's a "happy book" escape time for me. My gf is off work for 3 weeks so I've stalled out on reading, reviewing, and in general LT-ing! (counting the days lmao) Anyway, hope you've gotten your life back into swing after your trip!

Thanks for stopping by MidnightTears.

I hope you are enjoying time spent with your "gf." If you are looking for a light, happy, fun read, may I recommend Diary of a Whimpy Kid. I laughed right out loud many times while reading this one.

Just a quick hello on my way out the door. *waves*

As soon as I finish The Alchemist: Stories of the immortal Nicholas Flammel I'll find a copy of Diary of a Whimpy Kid It's on mt. tbr too I think.

Just wanted to mention that I finally read Kipling's Choice and also thought it was a great but sad read. Thanks for recommending it.

Linda, stopping by to say "hi!" Where are you? I'm up resting and waiting for the dr.s to get there act together so I can get my machine and get back up to speed. I'm slowly catching up on the threads and find you haven't posted in a week! I hope all is well with you and that you are having too much summer fun to hang around the computer all day. :-)

Hi Carolyn
I write from West Yellowstone Montana. I've been here visiting Yellowstone Nat'l Park since last Wednesday. There are NO words to describe the majesty. Incredible, beautiful, awe-inspiring, magical, mystical, spiritual....none of these words can suffice.

It sounds like you are not feeling well. I hope the doctors "get their act together!"

Avatiakh
Thanks for stopping by. Kipling's Choice is, as you mentioned, "great, but sad." It is well worth the read.

Have a great time! I love Yellowstone--you should come home calm and refreshed.

Carolyn.
It is an incredible experience and one that I wil treasure for a long, long time.

W1 -- Oh, I love Yellowstone! Say a 'Hi' to it for me!

MM41 -- Hang in there and I hope they fix you up SOON!!!!

Thanks, Berly--by August I should be fine. Luckily I don't have to go back to teaching until after Labor Day. ;-)

Beryl
I'll say a Hi and a prayer!
Carolyn, I do hope you are better soon.

ditto here!~!
belva

Hi whisp,

I haven't gotten hold of Diary of a whimpy kid yet, however I did finish The Alchemist: the secrets of the immortal Nicholas Flamel. Then was immeditly distracted by the arrival of my first Early Reviewer book Evermore: the immortals which arrived yesterday and I've already finished. Now it's back to Postmortem which I have to finish before Monday, when it's due at the library. Oh, and I also was able to post some reviews on my 50 book thread! Hope you're having a good week.

MidnightTears...
I'll be sure to check your 50 book thread! I found Diary of a Whimpy Kid at my local library. It is a quick, fast, humorous read.

Afterimage by Helen Humphreys

An accurate, artistic, lyrical story of Victorian caste system and the hyprocrisy therein. Set in 1865, Annie Phelan, is a young, poor Irish immigrant hired as a maid by an upper class English couple. As the loveless marriage twirls downward, Anne becomes a muse to both husband and wife. The wife, Isabelle, perceives herself as an artist/photographer and uses Anne as her subject matter. The husband, Eldon, uses Anne as his confessor/confidant.

After reading two of Helen Humphrey's books, which were among my favorite reads thus far in 2009, I was very disappointed in this book. It simply did not hold my interest compared to Wild Dogs and The Frozen Thames.

Death in Yellowstone: Accidents and Foolhardiness in the First National Park by Lee Whittlesey

Another subtitle could be "Just How Stupid Can People Actually Be!"

I purchased and read this while in Yellowstone, primarily because as I walked along the trails of hot boiling water and mud pools that registered 200-400 degrees, I was struck by both the beauty and the extreme danger.

For example, the day I visited the awe-inspiring area called West Thumb, I sadly, horrifically saw the small body of a baby elk submerged in the hot thermal pool while the mother elk waited a few feet away for her dead baby, I then witnessed parents, in the same area, who after seeing this tragic site, blithely pay little attention as their small children either ran along the walkways or actually stood on thinly crusted earth near the hydrothermic pools.

Despite large warning signs regarding the need to keep a safe distance from wild life, I repeatedly saw people snapping shots of buffalo and elk while standing six-seven feet away.

The author clearly shows that Yellowstone is NOT Disneyworld. It is indeed breathtakingly beautiful and excessively potentially dangerous.

While the title and subject matter sound macabre, I believe it is a must for anyone traveling to Yellowstone.

The Flying Troutmans by Miriam Toews

This is the story of Min, a mother who slips in and out (mostly out) of sanity, her two children who are neglected and loved by their mother, the father of the children who left when the going got way too tough, and Hattie, sister of Min who desperately tries to take care of the children during Min's most recent trip to the psych ward.

While Min is on a trek toward darkness and despair, and the children are hurting and terribly confused, Hattie embarks on a trip with the children from Canada throughout the United States looking for the long-lost father of the children.

Akin to the movie Little Miss Sunshine, the trip is both humorous and poignantly heart breaking.

The writing was strained, forced and very repetitive. The author tried way too hard to turn a sad story into over the edge sarcastic, caustic humor. I was frustrated by it all.

I give this book 2 stars.

Congratulations on getting to 100 books, Whisper! Sorry the 100th wasn't a better one.

It looks like you have done some interesting reading .. I an itrigued by # 99 :)

Linda

Ah! I look at it as 1/3 finished with your next 75 challenge! :-) Congratulations.!

re Yellowstone

I don't think the parents who should read the book would even get the reference to their negligence. We see the same thing an Yosemite--it's infuriating and scary to see adults use such poor judgment.

>98 flissp:,99,100 - W1 - Linda -

After reading your three reviews tonight I have three disparate thoughts about the books reviewed as relates to whether I might read them myself.

I had read Afterimage and found that it did hold my interest. But, I will say, I haven't read Helen Humphrey's Wild Dogs or The Frozen Thames.

Death in Yellowstone I will probably avoid unless I venture out to Yellowstone myself sometime later in my travels. The story you related was enough to break my heart (baby elk, elk mother) and to appall me (young human children, adult human parents) regarding the lack of attention to their children on the part of some parents.

The Flying Troutmans which many on the 75/2009 Book Challenge have read will get a pass from me at this time. Need a little cheer and good will these days.

Thanks for the reviews. Welcome back. Glad you have returned to us and to LT.

With love, Ruth aka WH

I recently bought Afterimage after some positive reviews on here so I hope I like it. It may be a while before I get to it anyway.
Death in Yellowstone sounds really, really frustrating and sad. It was a great review of the book and the problem of negligence on the part of some parents.
I had wondered about The Flying Troutmans as it sounds like a book I would enjoy. Too bad it wasn't as good as it's interesting title.

Linda, my nephew recently recommended Over the Edge: Death in the Grand Canyon to me as a fascinating look at how clueless people are. I've not been to Yellowstone (or the Grand Canyon for that matter), but what a great idea to get it there! I'll bet it makes much more of an impact!

#56, Hi Foxen. Thanks for stopping by!

#57, Kath I know you have experienced a lot this summer. I hope you are finding a rainbow at the end of the storm.

#58..Carolyn. I hope you are feeling well today!

#59, Ruth...Are you ok? I'm responding to your note that you could use a little cheer and good will right now... I'm sending hugs your way.

#60 Sher, Thanks for stopping by. You might like both Afterimage and The Flying Troutmans. They were interesting enough that I didn't put them down and give up on them. And, regarding Yellowstone, sadly, it isn't only parents who are negligent, as the book that Terri's nephew recommended (message 61) most likely will chronicle, adults do some VERY dumb things sans children.

#61, Hi Terri. Thanks for mentioning this book. I'm adding it to my tbr pile.

I do recommend the Yellowstone trek. At the risk of being redundant, I want to say again...It is awesome!

drat re The Flying Troutmans as it's sitting here waiting to be read. Oh well...if I wait a year I'll forget you didn't like it and can dislike it all by myself.

This is a terrible thread.. I just added two three books to my wish list.

>54 Whisper1:: That book sounds like a companion piece for The Darwin Awards.

Whisper you're back! Do say "hi" if you stop by my thread. I'm behind on my reviews. However, I did find a very interesting site for getting, reading, and passing on books, http://www.bookcrossing.com . it looks like a lot of fun, can't wait to see if anyone in my area is on board with it!

Catching up on threads after my trip the last few weeks. Just found your extension here. I was reading your Yellowstone posts on the Kitchen thread. We went two years after the fire, in 1990, when there was still a lot of damaged, but loved seeing the thermal pools and geysers and hated the crowds. Stayed in a cabin at Old Faithful. We'd love to get back some day.

The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

Beautifully written with spooky, gothic, eerie overtones, Susan Hill portrays chilling happenings that held my interest.

A young solicitor travels to the marshlands of Northern England and seeks to tidy the estate of a deceased elder woman who previously resided in a very desolate, remote and foreboding house.

While there he experiences the sound of a child's voices crying in the marsh, the incessant rocking of a chair in the nursery and witnesses the apparition of a dreaded woman in black.

I didn't find the tale believably scary, rather, the power of the story is the writing style.

Hi there! Is this a quick read? I am looking for some to go with the group read of Pillars of the Earth. Sounds good.

HI Berly
Nice to hear from you!
Yes, unlike Pillars of the Earth, this is a very quick read!

Added to Mt. TBR whisper! lol

Thanks!! :)

#68 This looks interesting, I don't think I've read any by Susan Hill before, I'll look out for this one.

#68: I already have that one on Planet TBR. I am saving it until Halloween, lol.

I have had that one on my wish list for ages...

I like Susan Hill

#68 Linda - At last! I'm always lurking but now I've actually got something to comment on... :)

Susan Hill's The Woman in Black was published in 1983, and while it was subsequently adapted for stage and screen, it is the television adaption I'd like to talk about here. Adapted by the late, great, Nigel Kneale (1922-2006), and produced by Granada Television for the ITV Network in 1989, this programme stands out in my mind as one of the greatest and most atmospheric films of the horror genre I have ever seen. Even after 20 years!

Note the italics on "atmospheric", because this is where the film's power truly lies.

The DVD of this film was unavailable for years, and now copies will cost you a small fortune. I saw this on television on it's release, but have never seen it repeated, although I believe it was - once!

Fortunately, for us, in this age of piracy and high speed internet access, it is possible to watch this film on YouTube - Here is a link to PART 1. It is the first ten minutes, and you can link to subsequent 10-minute parts from there.

My advice - watch it :)

Thanks for the information Peter.

Hi whisper, just wanted to let you know I finally got around to posting my review of Mozart's Ghost. If you'd like to read it here's the link to my thread

http://www.librarything.com/topic/67261

peter, thank you for the link... I will watch that soon...
*waves* to linda

Lost in My Own Backyard by Tim Cahill

I liked this book! Some reviews I've read are not favorable, yet, I recommend it for those who have either been or plan to go to Yellowstone.

It is a fun, quick read about both the wonderment and the danger of the first United States National Park

Cahill takes us with him as he hikes in the well known and the obscure, off-the beaten path mountain ranges. He sprinkles humor throughout and I was captivated as he described the dangers of hiking in the backwoods area, the park at night, the feel of the cold snow, the heat of the thermal pools and the spray of the geysers.

He captures the essence of the park while admitting there truly are no words to describe the majesty.

I love Tim Cahill's stuff. My RL book group read Pass the Butterworms and I loved Road Fever and Pecked to Death by Ducks.

Laurie
This is the first of his books I've read and I really enjoyed the humorous tone.

Thanks for telling me about his other books. I'm heading to the library tonight.

That looks like a nice read, Linda!

I might have to add it to my list...

sigh

I read Pass the Butterworms too, and loved it. I want to read more of his stuff.

I'm trying to catch up on all the threads and am just stopping by to say *hi*!

The Eyes of the Amaryllis by Natalie Babbitt

This is yet another Young Adult book that deals with a sensitive subject. After enjoying Tuck Everlasting, I wanted to read more by this author. She did not disappoint!

I liked this breezy read. It was just what I needed, ie a well-written tale with sensitive characters and a plot that was not trite but told with depth of feeling.

This is a story of a grandmother who lost a beloved husband to the sea and remains in her quaint sea shore house waiting for the ocean to give a sign from her long ago love.

This is a story of a granddaughter who visits and is transformed by the events that shaped lives so long ago.

This is a story of a son who, unlike his mother, cannot forgive the sea.

The images are crisp and I could almost feel the roar of the waves, the salty, stormy, tempest torn tumult.

#86: Looks very good, Linda. Your thread is probably the most dangerous to Planet TBR!

Yellowstone Country The Enduring Wonder by Seymour Fishbein

Since visiting Yellowstone, I'm on a quest to learn as much as possible about the region. This latest book, published as a National Geographic Society Special publication, is stunningly beautiful. The writing is as crisp as the winter nights described. The photos that accompany the text are breathtakingly beautiful.

I highly recommend this to anyone who will be traveling to Yellowstone.

The Shack by William P. Young

Even though this book was prominently displayed in every book store I've visited, and I've seen it listed on many threads here on LT, I avoided reading it.

I'm the mother of two beautiful daughters and two equally lovely grand daughters, thus reading about nasty predatory men somehow illicits a "what if" feeling in me.

But, my good friend the local librarian raved about the book and started a book discussion group and asked me to join.

Here are my comments:
The writing was tedious, repetitive, monotonous and preachy. The theology was hokey, and much like a shimmery present tied up in a pretty red ribbon. Maybe this theology works for some. For me, God is a lot more complicated.

I give it 1/2 star.

#89: I threw it against the wall at the 25 page point, so you made it further than I did, lol. I cannot even give it 1/2 star.

Hey Linda, sounds like you had a wonderful vacation. I L-O-V-E LOVE the west! Every turn offers a new picture perfect view. I have yet to visit Yosemite but will check out the books you've recommended to prepare for the day. Welcome back!

I'd love to go to Yellowstone Park. Maybe one day........

Oops, I mean Yellowstone.

I had no intention of reading The Shack really, but given my attraction to religiously-themed books, I've picked it up and glanced at it a few times to try to understand the fuss via osmosis. Now that I see what you and Stasia (the two LTers I can most credit with wishlist building) think of it, I won't be going there!

Hope you are having a nice summer as well!

>89 Whisper1:: I was almost kicked out of the church group that discussed The Shack over a (long) 5-week period when I repeatedly reminded: "You know this book is fiction, right?" I must say that we had a skillful leader who correlated it with the Bible and we also had a study guide. Some people adored this book!

I just couldn't bring myself to read The Shack. Several people I work with loved (so to speak) it. I agree with nancyewhite. After two of my favorite, most credible 75ers bashed it, I now can say, "NO!" Too bad I didn't have you guys holding me down when I read the Twilight series for the same people at work.

For Laci: A Mother's Story of Love, Loss and Justice by Sharon Rocha

This is the story of a mother's loss, of unspeakable pain and the phone call that changed her life forever.

When the highly publicized event of seven month pregnant Laci Peterson's Christmas Eve disappearance hit the media, attention was riveted on this tragic event. As the story unfolded, Laci's husband became the prime suspect.

In painful, raw emotion, Sharon Rocha documents her initial reactions and then takes us through the trail and conviction of her son in law.

This is a sad and compelling book.

Just checking in to say hi! Sounds like you had a fantastic holiday - any photos?

...and belated congratulations on passing the 100 mark!

As soon as I learn how to post the photos, I'll do so. I think I have to create an account in Photobucket and go from there.

Thanks for asking..and thanks for your congrats.

> 197 re: For Laci I passed on this book at a used book store a couple of weeks ago. I wonder if it's still there..... Nice review, thank you.

I lent the book to our office secretary. When she is finished, I'll be happy to send it to you if you would like.

Hi Whisper - I read The Man in the Picture by Susan Hill and enjoyed it alot. She writes 'horror' but it is fun. Glad you liked her, too.

Hi Karen
I enjoyed both Susan Hill books I read.

I hope you are having a great summer.

Thanks for stopping by.

Whisper - even if I don't post, I am defo keeping an eye on your thread. I am a watcher, not a doer, most of the time!!!

Blood Brother 33 Reasons My Brother Scott Peterson Is Guilty by Anne Bird.

In my usual fashion I read more than one book on a specific topic. Thus, to gain more information, I checked this out of the local library after finishing Sharon Rocha's story.

This is written by the step sister of Scott Peterson who was given up for adoption when she was only a few days old. She was raised by a stable, loving, caring and emotionally secure set of parents. She didn't need another family. But, when contacted by a brother also given up for adoption by Scott's mother, she was curious about her biological mother.

Following her curiosity lead to a spiraling, bizarre set of circumstances including the disappearance of a sister in law she grew to love and the initial denial and then slow, steady, sure realization that her new-found step brother was a murderer.

While I cannot highly recommend this book, it was an interesting story.

Re: The Shack. My intention was to avoid it at all costs. Unfortunately, our Book Discussion Group has a policy (that I insisted on) that everyone gets to recommend at least one book a year, and no vetoes (sp?). Everyone else is looking forward to it, and I have actually heard from a lot of people that they want to come to that discussion. A great way to get more folks to join, but I am not looking forward to it even a little bit.

I loved The Shack. The thought of a grim, dour, punishing diety makes me cringe.
I would rather think of a diety as fun, fanciful and interesting. I am not however what you would consider christian, or member of any organized religion. Takes to long to explain that so I won't.

I also loved Ruby by Mary Summer Rain.

The phenomenon of The Shack is continually fascinating - I can't get over it. I work at a bookstore and it continues to be a hot topic of discussion and purchase. Personally, I disliked it immensely and never recommend it to anyone who asks. However, I am very careful to say how many readers do like it and have found it profoundly meaningful in their lives. Of course, we all have different tastes in reading and that's all fine - it is troubling though for me to see how many of its fans seem to disregard entirely that it is fiction and want to find peace and comfort in the book as a gospel of certain truth about suffering and redemption.
It is creepy how many times I have heard just that from some of its fans!

Emily
As I recent member of a new book discussion group, I was relatively quiet and listened to the comments regarding The Shack. The facilitator was excellent. She started by asking "How many people liked the book?" "How many people did not like the book?"

Their were equally divided numbers. Those who loved the book said, just as your above comments note, that it was a life-changing book and they will use it as gospel.

Others, like me said "It is a book." "It is fiction!"

Overall, there was a great amount of listening, sharing and respect for opinions.

I gently mentioned that I thought the author was throwing in all these diversified colors and backgrounds of people in the interest of political correctness and that didn't sit well with me.

Linda, somehow I can't imagine you doing anything UN-gently!

thumbed your review of "The Shack", Whisp. One I think I'll avoid.

ugh oh, Terrri, is that compliment? I'm smiling

And, by the way, I have a nasty, nasty migrane headache and thus I'm prone to errors. I see that in post #111 I typed their instead of there...oh, my, how I wish my brain could function when my head is pounding.

> 107 (Did you notice that message 107 was your 107th book?) :)

A Deadly Game by Catherine Crier is a good book on the Peterson case, if you're interested in another one.

>#115:
******Jaws theme runs through brain******

That is almost creepy you guys!~!

Linda;
Do you not have medication for your migraines? I have heard you mention having them before.
I get them upon the rare occasion. But fortunately I rarely have pain from them. Mine originate at the stem of my brain and affect my vision. I begin to get that aura that looks like shiny tinfoil folded like an accordion and reflecting rainbow colors. Then my vision begins to go starting at my peripheral and working in until I cannot see. Takes about 15-20 minutes.
When they diagnosed me---my doctor gave me a prescription and told me that my pharmacist would laugh because it is one of the oldest medicines around and costs only about 3.00 to 5.00 for 30 tablets. But when I start to get that aura, I take one right away and within 20 minutes all is back to normal.
BTW; the doc was right, my pharmacist did laugh and told me no one uses this anymore.
My Dr. is great that way. Doesn't give me meds if I don't need them and when I do, he gives me the least that will do the trick.
I hope you feel much better very soon.
hugs,
belva

> 103 Loved Tuck Everlasting! Recommended it many times as a librarian's assistant, but never ventured to try this one. Your review makes me wish I had. I'll have to make a pit stop at the library tomorrow!

>105 Whisper1: Thank you for your candid review. Our church did this book as a group read, but my assistant in the library at the time hated it and told me not to bother reading it. We were told that it was controversial, but since it was so popular we should be able to converse about it. I haven't been able to bring myself to read something that would probably make me regret the lost time. I do feel guilty though when I hear it mentioned in conversations or people tell me "you have to read this", but after reading your review I am really glad I chose not to do so!

>114 Whisper1: Of course it was a compliment! A trait I am verily jealous of. I am fairly often not gentle. I always intend to be, but my mouth works faster than my brain, and "tactless" is the word usually used to describe me.
My sister and I were talking about The Shack this afternoon. She ended up with 2 copies of it last year, so she gave one to a friend. Jenny loved it, the friend hated it. I guess I'll find out soon enough which camp I'm in!

Thanks to all for stopping by my thread!

Terri, I'm interested in learning your thoughts re. The Shack when you finish it.

Just as my post about reading this book generated all these comments, I think that is truly what is happening with this book. There is little ambivalence. People seem to either love or hate it.

#118...Hello!

Tuck Everlasting is a gem. I hope you were able to obtain a copy.

#115... Sher..Thanks for noting the book A Deadly Game...I was able to check this out from my local library and I'm currently reading it. It is a very good case study and provides little known details.

Oh, Linda, if I were having one of my migraines, I would not even be at the computer trying to type! It would be completely illegible.

The Natalie Babbitt book I have from childhood is The Search for Delicious, which I remember loving but not the book itself. May be time for a reread.

> 121 Sorry, I wasn't clear. I did read Tuck Everlasting and loved it. I tried Search for Delicious next and just didn't like it and after that didn't try anything else of hers. But after reading your review of Eyes of the Amaryllis I am going to give her a try again. Your review was very enticing!

hope everyone is currently migraine free!

A Deadly Game by Catherine Crier

A well researched, documented, behind-the scenes chronicle of why Scott Peterson was found guilty in the murder of his eight-month pregnant wife and unborn baby son.

A sad tale of a sociopathic person, incapable of feeling.

Whisp, are you on a Scott Peterson mission? I can't read about this kind of thing, so you amaze me.

Hi, Whisper;

Interesting discussion on an obviously controversial book, The Shack, which I have never heard of until this thread.

It certainly does not sound like my kind of book - however it must appeal to many as it is second on the Globe and Mail (Canadian) bestseller list last weekend. (I will browse through it while in a book store just to see).

tiffin
I worked in a social work position for ten years. The mind of the sociopath is something that I grapple to understand.

Karen
The Shack is worth your perusal.

~ just trying to carch up on threads after being offline.. it may never happen.. but I wanted to peek in here...~ *waves*

Good morning Linda and all;
Hope everyone is having a good day.
I just wanted to pop in and catch up and say hello. Not much going on in my reading world. Summer season with children, mother, gardening, harvesting, fencing, etc definitely puts a damper on time for that. Designated reading time has now become only bedtime. But the little darlings go back to school in a month or less now and then my bookshelves had better watch out.
A friend of mine sent The Shack on to me and I've not read it yet, but intend to in September and then his request was to pass it on to someone else. Wasn't that nice of him? However, I will read it as the work of fiction that it is. From all reviews and chatter, I do anticipate a reaction of some sort though. That alone, should make it interesting.
You have a good day Whisper1, and all.
hugs all round,
belva
P.S. hope the migraine is all gone. You have been on my prayer list.

Hi Kath and Belva

I look forward to posts from you two delightful and sensitive souls! Kath, it is always good to hear from you! I'm glad you had such great family time this summer.

Belva, thanks for the good wishes re. the migrane abatement. The most recent spinal tap brought blessed relief from the benign inter cranial pressure.

I'm resting today and enjoying my delightful little grand daughter.

Again, thanks.

Linda;
You are a brave little soldier. So glad you are feeling some relief. Rest easy. Glad, also that you are feeling well enough to enjoy your little grand. They are so very precious.
belva

A Rose By Any Name by Douglas Brenner.

This was an early review copy. It is a delightful book filled with wonderful information and tidbits regarding the history of the rose.

In my younger days I had a yard filled with lovely perennials, though I only had one or two rose bushes. Gardening became too time consuming (and difficult for the back) and thus now I only have a small patch of lovely flowers.

However, after reading this delightful book filled with information about the many names of roses and how they were given their moniker, I'm tempted to grow roses.

The cover of the book is lovely and invites the reader to turn the pages. Sadly, the review copy does not have color plates of the flowers, but the well written descriptions and the historical stories told kept me engrossed till the end.

Highly recommended,, not only for those who garden, but those who enjoy flowers!
Five Stars

#133 I tried for this earlier reviewer book but unfortunately didn't win one. So I went out and bought it. If you liked it without the color plates, you'd love the real thing. It's delightfully presented as a published edition. I kept putting the book to my nose expecting it to smell like roses! Glad you liked it, Linda.

Hi, Linda! Looks like you've been reading some great books, as usual. I love Tuck Everlasting, but I've never read any other Natalie Babbitt. You're inspiring me to seek out The Eyes of the Amaryllis now!

The Woman in Black sounds good. I've seen the play, which was wonderful, so it'll be interesting to see how the two compare.

Hopefully I'll have time to read the rest of your threads I missed... besides your excellent books and reviews, there's always such interesting and congenial conversations!

Your book about roses goes on my TBR - I love books like that when well done. Thanks.

Linda,
re: The Eyes of the Amaryllis
What a clever and succinct review. I gave you a big fat thumbs up and added it to my TBR listing. I rarely read YA but you have been capturing the key to my castle of books TBR Linda.
Excellent review.
belva

Ghosts Among Us by James Van Praagh

Since living in, and consequently moving from, a haunted house and then years prior to that experience, receiving an unexpected communication from my great grandmother who passed away many years before, I'm intrigued by these types of occurrences.

While parts of this book were a bit too "new age like" for me, it was interesting and I recommend it.

For those who are skeptic, I think that until you actually experience such an event, most likely you will remain skeptical. For those who experienced things that go bump in the night, you might be interested in reading this one.

A speaker that I spent some time with from the ARE was on tour with several mediums... he said that VanPraagh is the best. He does not make a great appearance and is not very sophisticated in his manner of delivery at time.. but I was told he was not only the nicest, but the best.. He also said that John Edward is a stage hog and very egotistical....

In my opinion as one who has a huge interest and many experiences in these things.. you picked a good one :)

Thanks for the review of The Woman in Black. I have yet to read any of Susan Hill, but I note that a local library has a number of her books and a BFS video recording of it.

>139 mckait: He also said that John Edward is a stage hog - I'm thinking maybe I should get off the internet instead of catching up on the threads I'm behind on... because I seriously read that as "John Edward is a hedgehog". Gaaah.

And now I really want to read a children's book about a psychic hedgehog...

oh, it is so good to laugh out loud. Rachael and Marcia, I'm am holding my side because I'm laughing so hard.

>141 FlossieT:, 142 Those made me laugh out loud, too!

Oh, someone in this group should be able to write a good story about a psychic hedgehog. We have some fabulous writers. And why a children's book?

Where are you, BlackDogBooks?

Or TT?

We could always do one of those collaborative books - someone writes a page or two and then someone else picks it up from there. Surely we could write a hilarious book about psychic hedgehogs (I used to have 2 hedgehogs, but never noticed anything psychic about them though.)

Psychic hedgehogs are the way forward. Definitely.

Just think how well Sonic the Hedgehog might have done if he had been Sonic the Psychic Hedgehog.

He'd never lose!

#141

flossie, you made me spray coffee all over my pretty laptop!!!!! darn it..and you too, darnbooks!

We are obviously going to have to start a thread entitled the Psychic Hedgehog. Everyone's input welcome.

How do we know whether that one is psychic or not?

Are you kidding me? Look at those piercing eyes!

His eyes look sleepy to me, not piercing. (I thought eyes had to be blue to be piercing anyway). Oh, well, I guess I can give him the benefit of the doubt since he is kind of cute.

Blue eyes? OH well then, clearly it is me that is psychic not hedgie..

I LOVE hedgehogs.. I fell madly for them when I worked at the vet clinic..
They are so cut and I love the way they curl ( albeit probably out of fear) up in your hands. I wouldn't have one, I don't theink they are meant to be pets.. but I do love the dear things.

We had 2 when the girls were young, but sadly they died about 3 years after we got them. Beth named hers Scott and Catey named hers Freckles. Do not ask me where the names came from, since I have no idea.

#153
We know the hedgehog is psychic because we receive strange mind altering messages that tell us to feed him, clothe him and buy him things, kind of like having a child eh?

#158: I did not get any strange mind altering messages from him - my mind has always been like this~

I think we may already have been beaten to it on the book front by P. Robert Smith ... though the blurb doesn't say whether the hedgehog is psychic.

ETA an apology to Kath for unexpected union of coffee and laptop...

>152 mckait: mckait, that picture is awesome! Definitely psychic.

The Psychic Hedgehog could save us time by knowing which books we should read and then writing our reviews.

#162: I would probably give the Psychic Hedgehog a headache!

161 :) thanks.. I do love the ittle t hings.. :)

flossie, all is forgiven... :D

Hee, I love the psychic hedgehog... I really think we should write the book, and then we can give away early review copies on LT!

>152 mckait: Kath, I think your hedgehog definitely looks psychic! And I love the collaborative book idea! Someone could start a thread with a paragraph, then the next person on that thread would have to write the second paragraph..of course, then we wouldn't have to give away early review copies, because everyone will have read it already...

Maybe the Psychic Hedgehog could team up on an adventure with his Australian cousin, the Telekinetic Echidna?

A person goes away for a couple of days and threads go crazy.

I have been catching up on threads today and have been laughing quietly at all the crazy posts. Love the pic of the hedgehog, very cute.

#166 This is similar to what we do around bonfires! Hedgehogs, porcupines and armadillos have been known to do fantastical things.

PS: Hi, Linda :)

I like the story idea. I once belonged to a site where we did a story somthing like that.
Our hedgehog needs a name, and a gender..

Henry or Hermione?

Sam or Stella?

Percival

Perfect! Percival perceives more than he lets on. I'm assuming that makes the hedgehog a male.

Lynda
It is an oxymoron to say that Percival is a man if he perceives more than he lets on.

Joking, joking...well, not really.

I do like the name for our perceptive hedgehog. Psychic Percival perceives plenty.

Ok, who is going to start the first installment of our book?

If we're going to name him Percival, should we make him a porcupine rather than a hedgehog, for alliteration's sake

Mrs Tiggiwinkle is one of my all time favourite characters as a child and that hedgehog makes it all rush back. What a lovely photo.

#173: Ya know Linda, I thought the same thing when I typed that but I said to myself....'Lynda, don't go thinking like that'.

But who said Percival the perceptively psychic hedgehog/porcupine has to be 100% perfect.

Maybe he's really Parsifal, the innocent fool, and not perceptive in the least?

Hi Linda--

Finally having a little time to try and catch up. I'm trying to find a copy of Woman in Black to read in October (Halloween month seems an appropriate time for that.) I'm really attracted by The Eyes of the Amaryllis--your review is great and being the daughter of a career US Coast Guard officer I spent most of my life near an ocean and heard and read many stories about people lost at sea. You made the book sound like a "must read" for me!

Glad you are feeling better! How soon do you start back to the regular school schedule? I hope you've had a good break this summer and didn't work too hard. :-)

Let me know when the book is published. I would definitely like to read about a psychic hedgehog named Percival--gender undetermined because of conflict between name (male) and ability to perceive more that "it" lets on. Of course, change the name to Hilary and the conflict disappears--a bi-gender name. Hilary the hedgehog who has heaps of harrowing hallucinations? :-D

Thanks to all for stopping by and adding such great ideas. I love the quick witty banter!

Hi there Carolyn. I hope you are well. Thanks ever so much for your kind comments.

Hilary (non hedgebog) seems to be having fits this week in Africa...something about attention/questions regarding hubby.

Still, I do like your ideas.

See--bi-gender. The Hillary that popped into my mind was one of my good friends in college--male. It's usually thought of as a female name but I think in England you still might find some men named Hillary.

She's only having a fit because she doesn't want anyone to think he is influencing her--although she had no problem letting world know how much she influenced her husband. Is that not a two-way street in their relationship? :-)

I'm doing much better and hope by the time I start teaching next month I will back in good form with plenty of energy!

The Girls: a novel by Lori Lansens

This is such an incredible book that I struggle to find appropriate words to do justice to the story. I hated to read the last pages, knowing it would end. It was moving, stunningly beautiful, lyrical, heart warming, heart wrenching, sad, joyous, but most of all, it was exquisitely written. Each chapter, page, sentence is a poem.

It was one of Stasia's memorable reads for 2009. It was recommended by lindsacl and lunacat and I note that many in our 75 challenge group have read this book.

Rose and Ruby Darlen are co-joined twins, fused together by a large network of veins in their heads. They were born in a tiny Canadian town during a tornado. Shortly after arriving in the world, their mother abandons them. They are unconditionally loved and raised by the nurse who helped deliver them and her husband who provide stability and courage that enables them to dare to survive.

As they approach their 30th birthday, thereby making them the oldest living co-joined individuals, Rose and Ruby learn that a brain aneurysm can take their lives at any time. This sad fact is the impetus for Rose to write her autobiography. Ruby adds her story and while the voices are uniquely separate, analogous to the band that holds them physically and emotionally together, their individual perceptions intertwine.

Highly recommended.

The Girls has to be one of my favourite books this year. Lansens has another book coming this fall- I think that it is on the Early Reviewers list here.

Hi Cyrel.

The Girls is at the top of the list! It is one of those books that you never want to end. I wasn't able to request an early review copy because it cannot be mailed to the US.
I think The Girls is her second book. I'm heading to the library tomorrow to see if I can obtain a copy of Rush Home Road, though I'm not sure how she can top The Girls.

I put Rush Home Road on my wish list at Bookmooch. One of my friends liked it better than The Girls.

Linda, Linda! Congratulations another Hot Review for you! You rock!

well done! (and I'm loving the hedgehog discussions ;)

Cyrel

Thanks for the heads up on Rush Home Road. If I cannot obtain it from the library, I will buy it. This is an author whose books I want to keep.

Lynda

Thanks, as always, for your kind comments.

Hi flissp

Thanks for stopping by.
It might be fun to start this project and each of us add a paragraph or two. I think it would be very creative.

A delightful, beautifully illustrated children's book, well deserving of a Caldecott Medal

Beginning with a father handing a key to a little girl where throughout the house it is night. While it is dark, there is light because through the dark shines the moon and even in the darkness the birds sing and there is sun in the moon.

Recommended to those who have young children and grandchildren. Recommended to anyone who loves a sense of rhyme and order. Recommended to anyone who loves wonderful illustrative art work.

Linda,
Congrats on the Hot Review. I'm gone for less than 24 hours and you have two great recommendations posted! I can't wait to get to the library.

Re:>176 Carmenere:: Just one last comment about Percival: He's a hedgehog, and he's our imagination, so we can make him a typical or an atypical male. Whose book is it anyway? Ours.

Terri
Bingo...that makes sense.

Percival who is pleasingly perceptive.

#190 yeah, he's metrotypical ;)

Percival the metrotypical hedgehog
Carries his comb in his murse;
Auras and karmas he senses
Past lives, future tenses
His talent is never a curse.

Percival is pleasingly perceptive
This prickly dialled-in wee hog
He dwells in a hedgerow
Between Boston and Heathrow
Inside an ancient oak log.

For a reading you must make an appointment
He'll see you right after tea
When his tum is replete
With quince tart quite sweet
He'll squint at your aura and see.

tiffin

Brilliant! Wish I knew how to make a congratulatory picture--but somebody will! :-)

#193 tiffin,

That's clever!

#188 I love that book! It's so peaceful!

What a poet you are, Tui.

Perhaps we should nominate you Poet Laureate of the LT?

Oh my gosh! I can visualize this little hedgehog so vividly now that I've read your poem Tiffin. I'll second that nomination! Brava, well done

WOW! WOW! WOW! How in the world can we add to your wonderful beginning tiffin!

Incredible!

Oh pshaw, you silly peas. Just wanted to give a smile.

Thanks to all for the smiles!

You gave me more than a smile. You gave me an hysterical giggle. Good work!

Glad to see you enjoyed The Girls. I felt like I was actually reading about real conjoined twins - didn't seem like fiction at all!

I've been wanting to read The Girls for a long time--- since it first came out? But after reading your review, Linda, it's moving to the top of the list!

The Last Gifts by Jullian Brasch

I received this as an early review copy months ago, read it and forgot to post and review it. Before a new academic semester begins, I'm trying to tie up loose ends.

This is an excellent book that I highly recommend, particularly for those who grope with ways to be present with the dying. Told from the perspective of a hospice occupational therapist, the stories are heart warming and real.

Personally, I related to her primary message which was the simple and practical gift of listening to those who are dying. Nothing is more important than to be present and listen. As I read this book it brought back vivid memories of sitting by the bedside of my grandmother as I worked with the hospice nurses to gently help her transition from this life to the next.

It was a profound experience and while I was overwhelmingly sad, I was also overwhelmingly blessed. I think the author of this book confirmed my experience, ie that in giving and listening we bless and are blessed in return.

#193: I like it!

I've been enjoying the psychic hedgehog deal. . . :) Lots of great ideas, neat illustrations, and I loved tiffin's poem.

But, being a horror genre fan, I have to ask if anyone has considered this hedgehog having a more sinister nature . . . I can see it now, "Invasion of the Psychic Hedgehogs," "Return of the Psychic Hedgehogs," "The Psychic Hedgehog X Files," etc.

No? ;)

tymfos

My suggestion is that Percival the metrotypical hedgehog is not sinister by nature, but, as a result of his psychic abilities, the "dark" forces periodically try to influence him.

Flossie/Rachael, do you see what you started? (Thanks!)

Hugs to all,
Linda

Yes, the "dark forces" would definitely want to control Percival... but he will resist them in an epic battle of Good vs. Evil! I'm thinking that can be the graphic novel edition...

I can hear it now, that deep, sinister Darth-Vader voice intoning, "Percival, give in to the Dark Side. . ."

:)

I am so anxious to read this book I can hardly stand it.

Phew! Finally caught up with your thread again. Okay..Percival has me ROFL! And thanks for several new book ideas. Obviously, the banter here has me wanting to check in again sooner rather than later!

#210 or how about this one,
"Percival, I am your father...... or maybe you already knew that"

You all are so darn funny. I'm sitting here laughing right out loud.

And, this is way too weird...right now as I write this message, on Fox News TV, The Bill O'Rielly show is featuring a photo of a hedgehog chomping on a nut. Talk about a psychic experience.

I remember that years ago the singer, Dionne Warwick had a tv program called the psychic network/hotline.

Perhaps Percival can have his own show wherein saucy skunk signs on and wants to know if Rodney rodent still thinks she sizzles.

Let's hope that Percival is more perceptive than Dionne because I believe she went bankrupt and owes millions from her failed show.

Channeling Percival: "I want to make it very clear that I do not Yoda speak. No self respecting hedgehog would your aura ask to see or news to tell you that is quite bad about your Amazon account. Although I do have a rather high voice...but each word is enunciated clearly in the best Queen's English."

I have to lie down now. The Force is strong in that one. I don't think we have to worry about Percival getting taken over by Darth Ferret.

Obi Swan could come give Zen-like advice on the show (I know he was kinda homely, but now that he has ascended, his true inner beauty is shining through. Besides, it rhymed.).

Maybe Obi Swan was the Ugly Duckling who turned out okay in the end...

Exactly what I was thinking!!

good grief, how did I get 44 messages behind???

Maybe you were in a galaxy far, far away...

Maybe Percival put a spell on you?

eep!

Hi Linda, hope you're having a beautiful Sunday in PA as we are in Ohio. Just takin' a little break from the work outdoors. I'd rather be reading on the lounge instead. Maybe later.

Time to begin a new thread...
Here it is
http://www.librarything.com/topic/71387