FrkFrigg's 75 books challenge 2010

I don't think I have ever counted the number of books I read pr. year. Maybe I should..
I've no idea if I can even get near 75 books, but I'm definitely gonna try! This sounds like a great challenge. I'm in!

I'll be reading both English and Danish book, and I'll list both. When possible I'll post the English title along with the Danish when I read Danish books.

I'll post the books as I read them and try and give each book a small review.

Here's a tiny introduction to me.

Oh yeah, and I'm also in the Books off the shelf challenge 2010, so 25 of my 75 books is going to be books I've bought no later than 31/12-09 (I hope..).







MY STARS:
0.5 - I absolutely hate it!
1.0 - Not good, I didn't really like it, but it's possible to get through without puking.
2.0 - It's OK I guess, nothing remarkable or memorable.
3.0 - A decent book. A nice way to spend an afternoon.
4.0 - Really good, recommendable.
4.5 - I love it. A definite favorite.
5.0 - Absolutely wonderful!

Welcome...and have fun!

Thanks, I definitely will... And you too!

Welcome! Keep an eye out in October for our scary book list. A group of us read a set of books together to get in the mood for Halloween - last year on eof them was Koontz's The Face. We'd love for you to join us!

Good luck!

Welcome to the group!

Thanks everybody.

#4 Hey that sounds fun. I just might be up for it..

There you are:) I got you starred...or whatever it is called! Looking forward to see new danish authors, since I am not too familiar with them. Maybe you could recommend some?

Happy new year btw:)

I shall do my best :)

Happy New Year to you too.. and to everybody else!

I have long had an interest in Iran, probably because one of my best friends as a teenager was Iranian, but I've never actually read much about it, so I figured I would make it a (10 book?) category in my 75 books challenge this year. This is what I've got so far. Suggestions are more than welcome.

- Transit Tehran by Malu Halasa & Maziar Bahari
- Revolutionens børn: Unge I Teheran by Karin Bergquist (Not in english translation, but roughly translated: "Children of the revolution: The Youth of Tehran")
- Reading Lolita in Tehran by Azar Nafisi
- Things I've been silent about by Azar Nafisi
- The Complete Persopolis by Marjane Satrapi
- Embroideries by Marjane Satrapi
- The September of Shiraz by Dalia Sofer
- Caspian rain by Gina B. Nahai
- Not without my daughter by Betty Mahmoody
- The art of Persian Cooking by Forough-Es-Saltaneh Hekmat
- The Ayatollah Begs to Differ by Hooman Majd
- The House of the Mosque by Kader Abdolah

15/1 - Now decided that it will be a 12 book challenge, one pr. month.

That is definitely an ambitious project, I hope you will make it:) Did you have a nice new year celebration in Copenhagen? I was actually there a few weeks ago (no, I was not one of the demonstrants).It is a great city, I loved it!

I'll be interesting in following your Iran category. My roommate is Iranian and I've realized how little I know about the country....

#11 - Oh yeah, ambitious! But interesting too, I hope :)
I had a very nice New Year, yes, with wonderful food and lovely people and no tv/radio, so we perhaps-perhaps not entered the new year at the right time. I do think we were a bit late, since people kept discussing which songs to (try and) sing and when to start the countdown, but nothing more than five minutes tops :D How was your new year celebration? And yes, Copenhagen is a great city. I've only been living here about a year, but I'm very fond of it. Though I wish they would get rid of the cars, would be a much nicer city without cars, I believe.

#12 - Follow away :) I also discovered that I know very little about the country (and so did my friend unfortunately), but they have great food; that I know! Maybe I should add an Iranian cookbook to the list? But from what I've heard and read, it's a very interesting country, and I would like to know more and perhaps visit it someday.

First book done.

1. Mr Vertigo by Paul Auster
A christmas present.

I found it quite different from the other Auster books I've read. There's usually this magic realism, this sense of 'something's not quite right, but you can't put your finger on exactly what it is' in his books. But it's far more explicit in this book (Walt, the main character can fly!), and I'm not sure how well I like that. None the less, it's still a great book, and I liked it very much. 4 stars.

Currently reading: Calvin & Hobbes by Bill Watterson (I'm studying..)

I love Calvin & Hobbes!

Me too! And it's just perfect reading in between all the non-fiction, for my exams.

I know what you mean. Good luck with the exams.

Thanks, I'll just be glad when it's over for this time, and I can go back to reading a lot more of the books I want to read. They're calling me from both the shelf and the library :)

Hallo! Just checking in.

Very impressed by the Iranian reading list!

I was also in Copenhagen not long ago - had a wonderful time, despite not the cold - shall certainly make it back one day.

I only discovered Paul Auster a few years ago, but I've really enjoyed the discovery and now I'm (very) slowly working my way through his back catalogue - think I'll add Mr Vertigo to the Wishlist...

Hello flissp, nice of you to check in :)
Don't be impressed untill I've actually read them. Going to get the first one from the library today (Children of the Revolution). Looking forward to reading it.

How did you discover Paul Auster, which book? The first Auster book I ever read was Moon Palace, and I was swept away immediately.

2. The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
Bought it at the end of December 2009.

I love this book. It's wonderful, just wonderful. 5 stars.

You're up for a good start this year!:) I totally agree with you. The Secret Life of Bees is a really good book. My mother got Traveling with Pomegranates for christmas, so I thought I would borrow it from her. Even though it's not a novel like The Secret Life of Bees, it might be worth to check out:)

Any snow in Copenhagen at the moment?

Thanks for suggesting it. It's going straight on the TBR list.

Well, we've got a bit of snow on the roof tops and a couple of other places, but nothing big unfortunately. I'm guessing you've got a lot of it? I'm only slightly jealous, I've grown to like the wet, shifty winters of Denmark, you know.. well, at least most of the time :)

Hmmm. First Paul Auster book. I haven't read very many really.

I discovered Travels in the Scriptorium (which I loved) fairly randomly in my local library when I first joined - I had thought that it was the first one, but then discovered that I had a graphic novel version of City of Glass that I'd forgotten I'd read (finally got round to reading the whole New York Trilogy in 2008). I like his style a lot, but I had mixed feelings about the Trilogy, or I would have raced through everything I could lay my hands on. I still may... ;) Sounds like Moon Palace is one I should add to my wishlist then?!

just sounding in on the Paul Auster topic - one of my favorite books of all time was his Book of Illusions. I listened to it on audio, and the author narrated it - not something I usually enjoy (most authors have no ability to professionally narrate their own work) but he is a trained actor as well, and what he gave to the reading was truly amazing. A work of fiction, the book tells of a journalist writing the biography of a silent screen star - I had to keep reminding myself it was fiction - the book had so much detail I was sure the character was real.

Admittedly, I have failed to enjoy some of his other works as much (I couldn't even finish the Trilogy), but I can still highly recommend Book of Illusions - I think it was a Borders (book store) Original Voices Book of the Year winner, too.

Oh yes, Book of Illusions! I've been told to read that. Can't believe I haven't gotten around to it yet. It's certainly going on the TBR list for this year (and the wishlist).

I'm with you both on the New York Trilogy. Even though I do think it's an interesting work, I just don't really like it. I plan on reading it again, because I don't think I got the whole picture the first time, but I don't know when that will be, there are so many other books, you know :)

And yes, I'd definitely recommend Moon Palace! If you have to choose between Mr Vertigo and Moon Palace, I'd say go for Moon Palace. But that's just my opinion.

> 23
I am afraid the snow wandered away, it all came down here, in the northern parts of the Netherlands. We haven't had so much snow for so long in years ;-)
Anita

#27 - Now, that's unfair! Sure you can have some of the snow, but do you have to take it all? ;)

@27 & 28

Well...hey did not get it all in the Netherlands, your presumptions were correct...we do have more than enough snow up here, which is not actually normal in the area I live. It's been cold for ages (or so it seems, just like in the Netherlands). I guess I'm more used to the mild, wet and shifty winters you're referring too, hence I live on the west coast. But I'm enjoying it...even though it's freeeeeezing cold:) Maybe I should go skiing this weekend? Nope, definitely not rubbing it in;)

#29 No no, sure you aren't rubbing it in, of course not.. *looking longingly out the window*

Anyway, to speak of something other than the snow, that we currently only have drips of, I've read a third book. Actually it's for my study, and I don't usually count those. But since I a) read the entire book (that's pretty rare for a study book) and b) enjoyed it, I'm going to allow it access to the challenge.

3. Tagging: People-powered Metadata for the Social Web by Gene Smith.
From the library. Non-fiction.
It's a nice, easy read guide to this fascinating thing called tagging, and what you can do with it. It's mainly looking at tagging from the perspective of organizations that might think about implementing tagging systems on their web sites, but it's also relevant for the users of the systems to read this book (if they want to know more).

Maybe you should start counting your study books too, since a)it's a book and b) you've read it...or parts of it;) I remember not being able to read all of the curriculum each year, but at least you are up for a good start. No way I would be finnished with one of my study books in early january, the semester probably not even begun.

Well, to comment the book, though it seems interesting, I have to admit it will not make my wishlist/TBR pile....life is just too short;)

I agree with Apolline, a book is a book, count them all.

I hope you get some snow soon too, we surely have enough here ;-)
Anita

The problem with study books is that we mainly use extracts, a few chapters, almost never an entire book. And I don't want to add halfway (or less) read books to my challenge. Apart from that I find it very difficult to rate and review study books, so I prefer to keep them out of the challenge.

And, Apolline, no, the new semester hasn't even begun, but the old one hasn't quite finished either, I still have one exam left, which is why I read this book. Can't wait till the 20. then I'm really finished, and can do whatever I want until the 1/2, no worries, no guilty feeling. Oh joy..

Anita, I've abandoned all hope of snow. I'll just skip the snow and wait for summer instead.

Book #4 is done.

4. The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander
It was for a group read, so I won't say much here. But it wasn't really to my taste, and I'll only give it 1 star. Just hoping the rest of the books in the Prydain Chronicles are better.

Good luck with your last exam this semester, fingers crossed:) Get your point on not counting halfread books, but when you think of it you have probably read a whole lot more than your ticker/countdown shows us! Maybe you should add a pagecounter as well;) I just love this feeling of freedom one gets after finnishing the exams. Priceless!

I read your review at the group thread (good review btw!), but you did not scare me off entirely, might give the Prydain Chronicles one day, though not quite yet.

Thanks, and yeah, I know, I should get one of those page counters, but I think it'll end up being too much trouble, too many things to keep track of. I'll just end up getting myself (even more) confused.

I'm glad you like the review, and it wasn't really meant to scare people of, I was just trying to express my opinion, and I do believe the books will get better. Intend to start the first one today.

Book #5

5. Lunacy and the Arrangement of Books by Terry Belanger.
Well, book is perhaps too much said. It's this tiny pamphlet kind of thing, that I found among my boyfriend's library books, and just sat on the floor reading. It's only 24 pages long and probably pretty useless, but very amusing. Little stories of people's crazy ways of arranging books. Such as the lady that wanted to buy a set of blue books, so they'd match her carpet and curtains and this advice on book arranging from 1863:

"the perfect hostess will see to it that the works of male and female authors be properly segregated on her book shelves. Their proximity, unless they happen to be married, should not be tolerated."

It's a great, small book, read in no time and very amusing. 4 stars.

What a funny quote! Thanks for sharing it.

It was too good not to share, Stasia.

6. Den hvide sten / Den vita stenen / (The White Stone) by Gunnel Linde.
Why so many titles? Because the touchstone doesn't work with the Danish title, but it does work with the Swedish title. However, I read it in Danish. And the English is just my translation. Blah blah blah...
It's a nice, little children's book, that I stumbled upon when I was out shopping.
Fie is a lonely girl and Hampus is a lonely boy. They meet and start challenging each other to get a white stone, that they both want, and that leads to a lot of mess, a lot of fun and most importantly friendship. It's a sweet book about loneliness and friendship. And both the two kids and the other characters seem very much alive and interesting.
Even though it doesn't come near the standards of Astrid Lindgren's wonderful books, I still see a resemblance. I'm not quite sure what it is, just some sort of spirit, the world seen from a child perspective and the way nothing seems impossible. All in all I'm glad I bought this book. It's not a great literary experience, but it's real nice and I enjoyed reading it very much. 3,5 stars.

7. Den gyldne fugl (Golden Bird) by Hans Stolp
Yet another tiny book. This one came from a friend of mine. She handed me a bunch of books and told me she was done with them, so I could have them and perhaps give them to somebody else when I was ‘done’ with them. I have only read a few of them, and yesterday I suddenly decided to read this one.

It’s a children’s book about death. Johan is a 13 year old boy who has cancer. We follow him in the last days of his life, while he dreams about a golden bird that will come and take him to the nest, and tries to comprehend the fact that he’s going to die. It’s a sweet little book, but slightly too christian for my opinion. And I don’t think it really gets around the death issue, but perhaps it’s a good way to start a conversation about death with children, I don’t know. I’m still trying to decide whether I’m going to keep it or pass it on, but it’s gonna get 2 stars from me.

Strange, the touchstone for the danish title works when I'm writing the message, but when I post it, it dissappears..

Hey, you are getting quite good at this review thing. I see you are in a nice "reading flow" too:) Good good! I really like Den hvide sten, but not really sure if it is in norwegian yet, I will check it out.

If nr 7 did not really do it for you, maybe you should pass it on to someone you think will enjoy it more:)

Thanks, I'm trying.. And the reading flow mainly comes from escapism (I'd rather read anything than study for exams), and the fact that the last 3 books have been really short, but I'm reading other things too, so hopefully it will keep up.

I think it's kindda strange if it isn't in Norwegian, it really should be. I mean it's pretty old and pretty famous (in Scandinavia) with the tv-series and all.

And, you're right, I should. I really should. I just hate parting with books unless I really hate them (and even then I'm like, "hmm, maybe I should keep it anyway, I mean you never know and maybe this and maybe that.."). No, you're right, I should pass it on. I just don't know who I would wanna give this book to. I'll figure it out.

Maybe it is, but I couldn't find it...didn't look that hard though:) I have never heard of the book or the tv-series before either, but I googled the author and figured out that she wrote Rädda Joppe. I do remember that series from the 80's (and maybe through reruns in the early 90's).

Really, is that her! I didn't know that. I hadn't heard of Den hvide sten before either. But when I wanted to find a picture of the cover, I realised it's a quite well known book and especially tv-series.

Actually, I kinda thought it was a man. I have another book (which I've had since I was pretty young) of a writer named Gunnel, and it has always reminded me of a man's name, so I just assumed that this was a man. But then I started thinking both books sort of seemed to be written by women and I checked it, and sure enough, Gunnel is a female name. Y'know, one of these days I'm gonna get real smart :D

Yeah, I know, I loved that show as a kid, though I barely remember any of the episodes. I think he lost Joppe at a bus once, and I do remember something about a girl who had a teaparty with her dolls (and Joppe) in a kitchen cupboard..under the sink or something:) I don't know if you have heard of a swedish brand called Häkki? It sells t-shirts and sweaters etc. They had a shop in the city where I went to uni, and it was only open on wednesdays on saturdays...the used to sell Rädda Joppe t-shirts. It was really popular at least amongst students...I guess we're a really nostalgic generation. I got a t-shirt with Lassie instead;)

I thought Gunnel was a male name too, it did not even occure to me it could be a woman...well, I guess we both were wrong on that one. But the weird part is that when I try to pronounce the name (the way I think it would be in swedish, not my strong side either) it sort of sounds like the norwegian name Gunnhild, which is a female name. Haha, btw I'll try joining you on that smart thing...would have been nice trying that out some time;)

Actually I don't remeber anything from the show - except that is existed. I wish I had seen it.. maybe there's some of it on Youtube. How nice with a Lassie T-shirt! And I think you're right, we are a really notalgic generation. Perhaps it's the postmodernism kicking in. Or maybe every generation is pretty nostalgic about the things from their childhood.. No matter what I love to find things I remember from when I was a kid.

You're right, I does seem to sound very similar. Personally I always connect it with the name Gunnar, so that would explain my thinking it's a male name. You, on the other hand are just weird ;) Anywho, I think the smart thing might be seriously overrated, but let's try it so we can judge for ourselves.

Oooh, just bought 9 books today. I went into a used book store to sell some books, and of course I ended up spending way more money than I earned. These are the books:

Velocity by Dean Koontz
The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Pelle Erobreren 1 and Pelle Erobreren 2 (Pelle the Conquerer 1 and 2) by Martin Andersen Nexø
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Bøvl med bandagerne, Blodspor i Transsylvanien, Bøvsedragernes hemmelighed and Brædder til Draculas kiste by Dennis Jürgensen

The last four are crazy, humorous, danish children's literature about an 11 year old boy, a soda drinking vampire, a music loving werewolf, a polite and headless knight, an absent-minded mummy, a popcorn eating dragon and Boris, the monster who starred in movies about Frankenstein’s monster. Quite funny books, which I haven’t read since I was a lot smaller (speaking of nostalgia, Apolline). Unfortunately I’m still missing no. 1, but I’m gonna try and track it down as soon as possible. I used to love these books, and I feel certain that I still will. Can't wait to read them.

Nice haul!

I think so too, and today I accidentally found another one:

The House of the Mosque by Kader Abdolah. Another book for my Iran Challenge.

Apparently the touchstone only works when I write the message, not when I post it, but here's the link.

I like good 'accidents'!

I love nostalgia! But books seem to last longer than tv-series and films because of the changes in technology, though I still enjoy watching the Astrid Lindgren programs when they're on (true classics!). And we have this really weird tradition in Norway, maybe you do too for all I know, but every christmas eve NRK (the state channel) has to show "Tre nøtter til Askepott" (german "Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel", Czech: Tři oříšky pro Popelku), a Czech/german film based on a bohemian fairytale about Cindarella from 1973. Do you know it? The whole country would probably flip out if they cancelled it. Crazy!

I like good bookaccidents too, though I am not sure I would call them accidents;)

I'm sorry to say that I've never heard of that film. But we have similar traditions in Denmark. It's a bit crazy, I mean everybody knows everything that's going to happen in the film/cartoon/whatever, and yet we must watch it every year! But it's also very, very nice.

I say accident in the most positive possible way.. :)

Book #8 is done.

8. A Home at the End of the World by Michael Cunningham.

This book was nothing like I imagined. Somehow I’d gotten the idea it was a bit like some Australian TV-series I saw some of a couple of years ago, don’t remember the name, but it was about a family that moved around, something like that. Don’t remember it so clearly, but this book reminded me of it... until I started reading it.

Bobby and Jonathan, who both come from troubled families, become friends (and lovers, sort of) in high school. Then Jonathan moves on and makes a life for himself in New York living with his friend and platonic love, Clare. Bobby stays in Cleveland and lives with Jonathan’s parents. The boys seem split up, but when Jonathan’s parents have to move, Bobby comes to N.Y. to live with Jonathan and Clare. And the rest of the book is about the three of them, their relationship and lives together. The story is told by multiple narrators: Bobby, Jonathan, Alice (Jonathan’s mom) and Clare, and though it often bothers me (it does a little bit this time too) it works quite well in this novel.

I am rather ambivalent about this book. I don’t like the characters. Well, I kind of like Bobby, but then again, he’s just too far out, so all in all I don’t like them! Yet there’s something so honest about them, which I like. For all of them (perhaps except Bobby) you can say, that they think a lot about their life, their future, their happiness, too much in my opinion. I get the urge to scream at them: THINK LESS, LIVE MORE!!! Often the book seemed so navel gazing, self-centered that I almost couldn’t have it. Nonetheless, all their thinking is part of what makes this book so interesting.

All in all I like the book. Even though I’m not sure how to feel about it, I really do like it. 4 stars.

Was it almost like one of the Dawson's creek episodes where the characters were only talking and thinking and being way too philosophical according to their young age, instead of living? A lot of talking, less action? Not that you always need action, but still...

I'm not sure if this will jump on top of my wishlist either. If the main characters are so annoying that you end up not liking them, I don't think it's a book for me.

#51 It's been on tv every single christmas eve as long as I can remember. I think maybe they show it in Germany, Czech republic, Slovakia etc. too. But if you've never seen it before, you probably wouldn't like it very much. I guess it's all about traditions. Where in Denmark are you from btw (if you don't mind me asking)?

Haha, I've never watched much Dawson's Creek, but I'd say the book was more thinking than talking. It was first person narration, so you'd of course get their thoughts. I just really wanted them to stop worrying so much about themselves, and just live a little, or perhaps start worrying about other people instead.

Oh, I don't mind you asking. I'm originally from a small town called Ølstykke in Nordsjælland (Northern Zealand - that sounds funny). I grew up there, then moved to Roskilde and then about a year ago I moved to Copenhagen.

I just noticed you have Twilight in your library. I haven't read it myself and mostly everybody I know has bad things to say about it (even though hardly any of them have read it), and yesterday I noticed it was in the '1001 children's books you should read before you die.' What do you think of it? I'm considering reading it.

Book #9 and #10

9. Velocity by Dean Koontz
I wasn't thrilled about this one. It was definitely better than the last one I read The Good Guy, but nowhere near the really great novels he has written. I'm a little tired of reading about this guy, who has experienced something horrible in the past (and he has shot someone!) and now has retired from life. It get's boring. Apart from that, and the fact that I found the main character slightly pitiful, and the end way too Disney-ish, it's an ok book. 2 stars.

10. Bøvl med bandagerne by Dennis Jürgensen
Nothing much to say. A book from my childhood. Accidentally I managed to read the last book in the series first, and didn't notice until halfway through. Doesn't matter much. A quick read, a funny book. 3,5 stars.

Ten books already? Good going!

Well, a lot of them have been short, quick reads, Stasia, and apart from exams, I've had a lot of spare time. It'll probably change when the semester starts. But I actually forgot a book, I'll just call it #11 then..

11. The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
Series: The Chronicles of Prydain (2).
This one was much better than the first book in the series. The things that bothered me at the beginning of this book changed in a great way, so I have nothing to complain about (except that I'm still extremely annoyed with Eilonwy), but I still don't really like it. I have nothing to base it on, and maybe I'm just grumpy and not in the mood for this type of book, but I don't really like it. Still wondering whether I'll read the next books or not. I don't know how many stars to give it, I must ponder.

Well, I guess before the semester starts you best get in what reading you can!

># 54

Twilight is an ok read. The flow of the story is a bit off and I was a bit disappointed in the ending, but I was glad that I read it. If you want to get a feel for Stephenie Meyer, I recommend reading The Host. It was an amazing story...a million times better than the Twilight series.

#54 I actually sort of liked it, but maybe that's because it sort of caught me off guard. It was not what I expected at all. I've never cared much of vampire stories before and had just read about the book in a magazine or on the internet (I don't actually remember). It was a while before the film and all the hype it brought along. I guess that's the part I'm not so fond of, and I guess the media coverage of the actors etc is even worse in other countries than here. But anyways, the language might have been a little better and varied (a few words seem to pop up often), but that's forgivable since Meyer was not a trained author writing the book. I think the language might annoy english speaking people more than it did with me, which is only natural.

There is another reason I have difficulty criticizing the series, which is its ability to make teenagers (or young people in general) to read books. In Norway 14-15 year olds read the books in english since the norwegian translation was miles away and they just could not wait for it. And btw, I really dislike it when people criticize books (and films for that matter) they have not actually read or seen.

Maybe you should try read the first 50 pages to see if it catch your attention, and if it doesn't you wont waste valuable time.

#59 I liked The Host too. Such a nice and sweet story.

Btw, how's your reading doing these days? I guess it's a bad time being a reader this week, at least if you're a sports idiot like me. The European championship in handball is soooo exciting. I'm actually watching Denmark vs Russia right now. I like Denmark much better than Russia, but unfortunately I have to cheer for Russia today. Tomorrow will be really exciting. If Norway loose, you'll know why I'm avoiding LT for a couple of days, hahaha!

I was very fond of Anne Rice's vampire books in my teens, but I haven't really read anything else about vampires since then (except Bram Stoker's Dracula, which is just special). I think people critizising Twilight without having read it is part of the reason I'm considering reading it. But I was still surprised that it was in the 1001 children's books you should read before you die. And I am even more now with your and Jasmyn's comments on it. I'll just have to read it to make up my own mind, even though it won't be right now, since the waiting list for it at the libraries is quite long at the moment and I don't want to buy it yet.

My reading is doing just fine, I didn't even know about the European championship. I never watch sports, and since I don't have a TV and only read the news pretty sporadic on the internet, I never know what's going on in that department. Well, with my being so far from a sports idiot, I can safely wish you, Norway, the best of luck - or is it too late now? Anyway, hope you win/won :D

Since last update, I finished 2 books:

12. The Carbon Diaries 2015 by Saci Lloyd.
I'm actually rather tired of this whole environment talk. Tired of the way everybody’s talking about it and nobody’s doing anything that really matters. But... I am a sucker for teenage diaries, so when I found this book and the price was close to nothing, I decided to buy it. And then I decided to read it. None of the decisions turned out to be wrong.

It’s not a great book, but it held me captive from beginning to end. It takes place in London in 2015, when England as the first country has decided to ration carbon. The teenage girl, Laura Brown, describes in her diary how people around her try to cope with the changes in their lives, while Mother Nature goes nuts around them. This is both a book about what might happen in the near future if we keep on neglecting doing something about the environmental problems and at the same time a standard teenage girl diary. There’s this boy that she likes, those annoying and weird family members, school and her friends... Pretty standard, but nicely done. I was entertained the whole way through. And it managed to get the environmental problem under my skin in a way the “real” discussions haven’t. Strangely enough what hit me the hardest was the water rationing in the heat. And the rats... And I liked the description of the way people react towards these things. The confusion, the ignorance, the desperate attempts to make things seem normal and the way some people take advantage of the whole deal and improve their situation. Even though I was a bit disappointed with the ending, I think it’s a good book. 3,5 stars.

13. Brædder til Draculas kiste by Dennis Jürgensen. 3,5 stars.

Nice review, might give it a go or at least put it on my wishlist.

Not too late on the handball field, the game is on tonight. Lucky me, no neighbour rivalry, and you even want us to win even though I didn't cheer for you against Russia yesterday. Makes me feel a little bad...you did win btw:) The game tonight will be nervewrecking! I guess I am above average interested in sports, at least handball and football (the football season will soon start here, which will keep me occupied probably three hours every sunday until october), oh yeah, the winter olympics is soon on too:D I guess the reading will be slow, hmm, bummer. The bad things about having much to do, is the lack of time for reading. Sometimes I find it difficult to juggle work, exercise, my social life, hobbies and reading. I could use with a few more hours in the day, or a few more days in the weekend;)

There's probably no rush in reading Twilight, it'll still be here in a couple of months or in a year. If you get hooked it is sort of a page turner. Difficult to put away:)

Oh yes, more hours in the day would be great and so would just a day or two more in the weekend! That is as long as no one notices and starts filling these hours and days with stuff too.. And I don't even have sports to fill my time. You sure must have a busy schedule if there's going to be time for reading too in between all of that.

And don't feel bad, if I had the slightest interest in sports I probably would have felt different about it :)

Another reading suggestion on Iran is a book being published in April, written by a Westerner though (I'd like to read more books about other countries that are by people who live there (or used to live there) - Drinking Arak off an Ayatollah's Beard by Nicholas Jubber. I've been reviewing books for a website and I'm wondering whether to request this one.

Hi elkiedee, thanks for the suggestion. I'll look out for it, but I'm not sure it'll make it to the danish libraries in this year, unfortunately. Come to think of it, I've only got one book by a western author, haven't even thought about that when I picked them out.

My goal about one Iran book each month isn't going to work for January, I think. I'm only one third into the first book. I keep getting sidetracked even though it's very interesting.

One of the sidetracks was The Chronicles of Prydain. Still undecided about whether I should read the rest or not, I discovered that I'll soon have to return them to the library, so I chose to read them anyway.

14. The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander. 3 stars.
I liked it better than the others because of the absence of Eilonwy.

15. Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander. 4 stars.
Again, Eilonwy's absence is greatly appreciated. I really despise that girl! Also I find the story in this book a lot more interesting.

16. The High King by Lloyd Alexander. 3,5 stars.
Not as good as Taran Wanderer, but better than the rest. Finished with The Chronicles of Prydain I must say that the books get better, but it's never gonna be a favourite of mine. There are still too many things that annoy me, and the princess Eilonwy really gets on my nerves. I believe that single character has a lot to do with my disliking of the books. Incredible what one character can mean to the reading experience.

JANUARY

1. Paul Auster: Mr Vertigo – 4 stars #14 (Shelf)
2. Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees – 5 stars #21 (Shelf)
3. Gene Smith: Tagging: People-powered Metadata for the Social Web #30 (NF)
4. Lloyd Alexander: The Book of Three – 1 star #34 (GR)
5. Terry Belanger: Lunacy and the Arrangement of Books – 4 stars #37
6. Gunnel Linde: Den hvide sten (The White Stone) – 3,5 stars #39 (BBR)
7. Hans Stolp: Den gyldne fugl (Golden Bird) – 2 stars #40 (Shelf)
8. Michael Cunningham: A Home at the End of the World – 4 stars #52 (Shelf)
9. Dean Koontz: Velocity – 2 stars #55 (BBR)
10. Dennis Jürgensen: Bøvl med bandagerne – 3,5 stars #55 (RR, BBR)
11. Lloyd Alexander: The Black Cauldron – 2 stars #57 (GR)
12. Saci Lloyd: The Carbon Diaries 2015 – 3,5 stars #61 (BBR)
13. Dennis Jürgensen: Brædder til Draculas kiste – 3,5 stars #61 (RR, BBR)
14. Lloyd Alexander: The Castle of Llyr – 3 stars #65 (GR)
15. Lloyd Alexander: Taran Wanderer – 4 stars #65 (GR)
16. Lloyd Alexander: The High King – 3,5 stars #66 (GR)

Books read: 16
Books off the shelf: 4
Iran books read: 0

(BBR) Books bought and read: 5
(RR) Rereads: 2
(NF) Non-fiction: 1
(GR) Group read: 5 (4 of them ahead of time)

Started but unfinished: 1 - Karin Bo Bergquist: Revolutionens børn: Unge i Teheran
Abandoned: 1 - Alexandre Dumas: The Count of Monte Cristo (lousy audio version)

Standouts: Sue Monk Kidd: The Secret Life of Bees

#67: Nice summary, Tanja!

Thanks, Stasia! I enjoyed making it.

#63 & 67 Oh, wow, I see you've been busy. I'm sad to say I did not get a single page read all weekend. You're doing really well Tanya, setting the standards high though;) I have to admit my schedule is bit busy atm, but do try to squeeze in some reading. I even read in every commercialbreaks if the tv is on (I have to watch the news and sports at least once a day). AND....now the European championship is over, my congratulations to France, and therefore I will no longer hijack your thread for sport purposes. At least not until the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, I think it will start in 11 days or something, haha, j/k.

No no, Apolline, I haven't been busy - that's why I've gotten so much reading done. But tomorrow the semester starts and then I'll probably get way less books read :( But lucky me, I haven't got a tv, so that's one less distraction. Impressive that you read in the commercial breaks! I'd probably be way to lazy to do that.

Oh, and we've finally got some decent snow here in Denmark - just thought I'd share it (the news, not the snow, there really isn't enough to give it away).

That's so nice for you, to get snow I mean. I woke up the other day thinking crap, crap, crap...it's snowing again. We've had snow continously for over a month, which is not normal here.

Actually, I don't think I know anyone without a TV..that's impressive! How do you do it?

Oh, and now I'm on my way to the movies with my mum to watch Avatar. A little late, I know, but it means I wont be doing any reading tonight either. But I do get to spend some quality time with my mother:)

Yes, it is nice with snow, but people are already getting annoyed over it.. and perhaps I will too later today, because they've promised snowstorm right around the time I get off, so it'll probably be an interesting journey home (though it isn't very far, so I'll be fine).

Really, you don't know anybody without a TV?! I can't say I know many, but I do know some. And I love not having a TV! There's hardly ever anything on that I really want to watch, and yet I ended up watching way too much TV when I had one. And if there's something I really want to watch, I can do so on my computer. As for TV-series (like Gilmore Girls, which I love) I buy them so that I can watch them whenever (and without commercials).

Do tell me how you liked Avatar. I've heard so much good and so much bad about that movie. And I still haven't gotten around to watching it. I'm not very good at going to the movies. I always forget and then suddenly the movie I wanted to see is gone.

#72 Apolline, I also want to know what you think of Avatar - I've heard extremely varied reviews...

For a long while I didn't have a functioning TV either, and I can't say I really missed it - that said, I lived very near 2 cinemas and, like you, used to rent/buy various TV series. I had a bit of a binge when I got my TV access back again though, I confess...

Hope you're enjoying the snow and didn't get caught in the snowstorm!

Hey flissp! No, I didn't get caught in the snowstorm. In fact it turned out to be a bit of wind and hardly any snow. Nobody but danes would ever call that a snowstorm. I should have known, but I'm rather disappointed anyway. Though it is very nice being able to get back and forth without too much trouble, and we still have a fair amount of snow left.

Phew, I can already feel how this studying business is cutting down on the reading time (well, the joyful reading that is), but I do get some reading done. Just started reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney and Good-bye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton. Nice and easy, should soon be done despite the limited reading time.

Do you want some snow? I can ship it to you for free! The cold weather will last at least one more week, maybe two up here. January has not been this cold since 1987 or something (if I remember correctly from the news).

Tanya, good you've read so many books already then, it might take a while to fall behind. Like me;) I had it all figured out before starting the challenge, you can only spend 4,86 days on each book. I've spent an average time of 7 days so far, but I do have a few half read books I need to finish as well. Though one can fairly say that I'm lagging in my reading (finished a book today! I need to find my thread to update it, but it seems to be missing, maybe it's gone in to hiding since I've been so bad at updating it).

So, over to Avatar. I had no expectations at all to this movie, all I knew was that it was supposed to be about a far off planet called Pandora. I found the plot rather typical, you had the hero who made a huge mistake and then had to make up for it. Then you had the bad guy, mr. EVIL himself (with capital letters), who will never change his believes no matter what. This might be the weak part of the film, in my eyes anyway.

But then again you had the planet of Pandora, with beautiful creatures and beautiful nature. There's so many colours and the special effects are fantastic (maybe I'm easily fooled??;) James Cameron really outdid himself creating this remarkable new world. It made it worth seeing the film, at least for me that is.

17. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney. 2 stars.
Well, it's a quick read... I was not impressed.

Now, on to reading either Anne of Avonlea or Pelle Erobreren (Pelle the Conquerer) - can't decide at the moment.

#76 No thanks, Apolline, I'm quite satisfied with the amount of snow we've got here, but thanks for the offer.

Hmm, It sounds like Avatar is a movie I should pull myself together to go see in the cinema, despite the lacking plot. Usually I prefer buying movies on DVD, so that I can watch them again and again and because it's often cheaper, but Avatar might be worth watching in the cinema because of the special effects and all. Hmm, maybe..

Speaking of books read, you're not that far behind! But it sounds kinda stressful to be thinking about how long you can take on reading a book. Personally I just figured I had to read 6,25 books pr. month. Works better for me since I often read several books at a time. And of course some months it's more and some less. Anyway, in the end it doesn't really matter, it's just about reading books and sharing the experience with others, so what if one doesn't reach the 75 goal. But I was very glad to see your thread popping up again, been missing it lately :)

Just finished number three and number four in the Anne of Green Gables series.

18. Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery. 4 stars.
19. Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery. 4 stars.
Though not exactly very well written, it's very compelling stories and impossible not to love.

Thank you, you're too sweet and kind!:) I was supposed to write my reviews this weekend, but got caught up in a book. Just finnished it, how I hate to finnish a book I enjoy, though at the same time I keep reading to know what happens and wont rest until I do. Good books can be such a stress:)

#I've been thinking about reaing the Anne of Green Gables books, such nostalgia once again. I remember watching it on tv when I was younger. I think there was another tv-series about Avonlea too... The road to Avonlea or something, about a girl named Sarah and I think maybe Felicity and felix or something. Did you ever see that?

Btw, the snow seemed to disappear this weekend, sadly it startet to snow even more yesterday and now it's getting colder. Sure you don't need any snow?

I don't recall seeing that. I only remember Anne of Green Gables and, I think, something about a girl named Emily. I would like to see them all (again or for the first time).

No no, I don't need any snow, you can keep. Or throw at someone, that's a good way to get rid of it (at least as long as they don't throw it back).

I love getting caught up in a good book, but why can't all other things in the world understand, that they must step back and wait till I'm finished with the book. Silly things! Which book was it?

Just received a nice bunch of books:

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
Emma by Jane Austen
Persuasion by Jane Austen
Peter Pan & Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens by J.M. Barrie
Dracula by Bram Stoker
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson

Unfortunately one is missing, Book of Illusions by Paul Auster. Good thing I wrote it down here, else I probably wouldn't have noticed for a while. Must complain immediately!

That is a nice bunch of books, Tanja! Congratulations on the haul. Too bad about the Auster book though. I hope you get that situation corrected.

Thanks, Stasia. I can't wait to read them, but I think I should finish some library books first, and remember to read some Off the Shelf books too. I've complained about the missing book, so now I'll just wait and hope they believe me.

Well, since you own the new ones, don't they count as Off the Shelf?

Huh. My post seems to have vanished - I can't have pressed "Submit" properly...

Anyway, that looks like a fantastic line up! I've not read Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but every single other book is one I've enjoyed immensely! All those Jane Austens...

#85 No no, the point of my Books Off the Shelf Challenge is to read some of the many books that I've had on my shelves for some time. Nothing bought in 2010 will count in that challenge. It would be way too easy if it did :)

#86 Oh no, vanishing posts, that's not good! Glad you noticed so I didn't have to miss it altogether. I've only read Little Women and Dracula myself, but I've wanted to read (and own) the others for a long time, and all the talk of Jane Austen here on LT made me finally purchase three more of her books (I already have (and love) Pride and Prejudice).

#87: That makes sense, I guess. You can use the 2010 purchases for your Off the Shelf challenge in 2011, although I fail to see how you will ever get caught up this way :)

#81 I'll try to review the book tonight, but working on the two others first.

How I loved your little bunch of new books. Persuasion might be my favorite Austen, though I have yet to read Northanger Abbey and Emma. I just know you will love it:)

#88 You should know the answer to that, Stasia--you simply never die until you've caught up with all your books!

#90: In that case, I am definitely immortal - and I did not even have to be turned into a vampire or werewolf :)

#91 I have to admit Stasia, I'm deeply impressed by your reading progress. I seriously have no idea how you do it.

#92: No sleep - that's the only secret.

#93 That would be one of my theories, you being logged on the same time as me, though living in quite a different time zone. I do hope you get some occasional sleep at least.

#94: Yes, I do. Unfortunately. I wish I could live on no sleep whatsoever.

#88 - Stasia, That's the plan. I know I won't catch up until I stop buying books, but I really don't think I'll be able to do that. On the positive side, I’ll always have some good reads near by.

#89 – And I think, Apolline, that it was partly your doing that made me finally buy all these Jane Austen books. I know I hadn’t heard about Persuasion before I saw all the nice things said about here. Looking forward to reading it.

I think Stasia impresses us all, mortal or immortal as she may be. I really feel I spend way too much time sleeping, but on the other hand, I looove sleeping :D

But speaking of time and time zones, does anyone know if/how you can change the time displayed on messages? It’s in a different time zone than me, and confuses me all the time.

#96 Oh, I hope they wont dissapoint you then. Though I can't believe good, old Jane to be dissapointing:)

I love sleeping too, though I got caught by insomnia last night, fairly tired today I might add. Stasia, you can have my insomnia if you'd like, I don't care for it too much.

That time zone thing sort of bugs me too. I think it is about six hours behind my time or so. And, though I know the difference between am and pm, that's not what we normally use over here, it sort of adds to the confusion. But as long as the message is there, I don't mind too much.

20. Good-bye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton. 4 stars.
It’s a funny little book. It’s sort of slow, laid back in the pace. I don’t really know what to think of it. Nothing much happens, and yet an entire world unravels before your eyes. You don’t really get to know most of the characters, yet it feels like you were there yourself, both on the boarding school, Brookfield, and in the house of Mrs. Wickett’s, listening to Mr. Chips telling those charming stories about his life as a teacher.

Ah, Persuasion is my absolute favourite Jane Austen - I hope you love it too! Actually, there isn't one Jane Austen that I dislike, even Mansfield Park has redeeming features (the Crawfords).

#98 One of these days I'll read that...

#97 - I doubt I'll be disappointed, but we'll see :)

It's true that the am/pm thing adds to the confusion. I always have to think carefully about which is which and what time that might be, and when you on top of that have to add six hours, it becomes quite a mess trying to figure out what time the message was written. I usually ignore it, but I like to know at what time the message has been written/edited (in my time zone). I don't know why, I just like it.

Ooh and the time zone thing confuses me too - it'd be good to post a message at 12.14pm and not have it show up as 7.14am!

#99 - It's good to hear, flissp. There's a lot of Jane Austen loving people around here, it seems. And now I finally found what it was that made me long for more Jane Austen books. It was the talk about her books in Ellie's thread when she reviewed Persuasion.

And about Good-bye, Mr. Chips.. I think I'll recommend it.. I'm still not sure exactly what I think of it, but even if you don't like it, it's a quick read and won't waste much time :)

Haha, nice to know it's not just me then. Keeping track of time can be challenging enough without the time-zone confusion. When I'm off work today it's almost weekend again:)

I agree with you flissp, I do think Persuasion is my favorite, though it's been a while since I read P&P and I quite like that one too. Though I can hardly say I dislike any of her stories. I no nothing of Northanger Abbey and I like to keep it that way until I will read it. Quite soon I expect.

Sorry ladies, I do not know a way to change the time displayed on the messages. I am not sure there is one.

I appreciate the offer of your insomnia, Apolline, but I have enough of my own to go around :)

#104 Thank you anyways, I guess we will manage. At least we'll know what time it was posted US time. Though you have different time zones as well.

I just wanted to give my insomnia to you, so you did not have to change in to a vampire or werewolf, though I guess insomnia is almost never a choice, it just happens. However, this sleep discussion reminded me of a french film I heard of once, The science of sleep. I think maybe I'll watch it some day.

The time posted is Eastern time here in the US, if that helps any.

21. Honningtunger (Honey Tongues) by Helene Uri.
It’s hard to tell much about this book without spoiling the plot. Very short: 4 women, 1 sewing circle (aka supper club), a ton of secrets and intrigues. It’s a world that’s almost completely foreign for me, and a question I kept asking myself was: Are women really like that? So scheming and evil? I hope not. I think not.

The four women of the sewing circle tell the story alternately. It’s sometimes a bit confusing keeping track of these four women, their actions, thoughts, memories and dreams, but it’s also very interesting seeing some of the same things from different views and learning about their thoughts and desires and pasts.

In most of the book, nothing much happens, but you’re held captured by the constant hints about their relations and things that have happened in the past, and then at the end it all comes together.

I wouldn’t really call it chick lit, but I suppose in some ways it is. It’s a woman world. There are men, but they are something that’s told about, but doesn’t play an active part in the story. And speaking of men, I’m appalled by the way the men in this novel seem to have no wills of their own whatsoever.

The language is beautiful, perhaps even a bit too much. I mean, some places it seems that the author is trying too hard, like repeating sentences to make them more poetic. It’s a thing I love(d) to do in my own writing, but I hate reading it. It seems a cheap way of making the language more poetic, and this book doesn’t need it. The language IS poetic and beautiful without this “trick”.

In fact everything in this book is so beautiful on the outside, the language, the food, the surroundings, the women. But on the inside...

It’s a great novel! I really think it is, but I can “only” give it four stars, because of the mentioned problems IMO with the language and the will-less men. Also, I’m not sure I’m completely satisfied with the ending, though maybe I just don’t understand it; it is a bit puzzling. 4 stars.

#106 Thank you, but to be honest, not much - my brain is rubbish at working out time conversions ;o)

#107 Hmmm. Despite the 4 stars, I think that's one I'm going to have to give a miss. I've discovered over the last year that if I don't believe in the characters of a book, unless it's fluff reading, I really struggle. I think that's why I'm yet to be convinced by the beauty of The Elegance of the Hedgehog (although it is improving on me)...

Loved your review of Honningtunger. Just a note to the ending De beste blant oss might not have a satisfying end either (difficult to explain without spoiling anything, but you'll know what I mean). Maybe it is one of the authors characteristics? The end is open for discussion sort of thing?

#108 - flissp, you're very welcome to do that, but I'll just add for clarification, that I do believe in the characters (except the men, perhaps, but they're not really 'in' the story, so it doesn't matter much). I, too, struggle when I don't believe in the characters. It's really hard to 'get into' the book then, but I never felt that way about Honey Tongues. Even though it was a sort of strange evnironment for me, I was there with the characters.

#109 - Apolline. Glad you liked it! And glad to be warned about De beste blant oss. I hope it isn't like that with all of her books. That's a bad 'bad habit' to have. I'll tell you when I've read it, just have to get it and get through a couple of other library books first.

Someone stole my message and then gave it back! Hmpf!

Haha, it seems it was there all along. It's not like Den beste blant oss ended like a cliffhanger, you get full clarification, but still there could be just a tad more spice if you know what I mean:)

I think I know what you mean and I'm glad to be warned. Usually that means I won't be anywhere near as disappointed, because I'm expecting something much worse :P

#110 Ah, I assumed from what you said about the female characters that you didn't really believe in them - maybe I should give it a go after all then...

#114 - I see what you mean, and even though I was surprised by their evil, scheming ways, I found them quite believing as characters. Well, give it a try if you like.. You can always quit if it isn't to your taste after all :)

February is such a slow reading month compared to January. It's very annoying, but at least I have know completed to lovely books more. And my Book of Illusions finally arrived.

22. Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster. 3,5 stars.
It's a nice, sweet story. Well written and amusing, but I hate the ending.

23. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster. 4,5 stars.
The sequel to Daddy-Long-Legs, but much better in my opinion! It's a lovely story. The language is charming and the humour wonderful. I have two small complaints though. The first is the fact that there never seem to be a limit to the money available for the orphanage (I don't know why, but that bugs me). The second is the ending. I know it's not a big, romantic Jane Austen story, but I wish there would be a bit more to it. I found it slightly dissatisfying, but it doesn't ruin the story. I love this book!

24. Amagerdigte by Klaus Rifbjerg. 2 stars.
Poetry about the place I live. Funny to read about, but not really to my liking. I thought it missed a rythm, a poetic sense, something that made it more than just words about a place, a time. Well, I never really liked Klaus Rifbjerg and this book didn't change that, but it gets 2 stars for being about Amager and because a few of the poems almost resembled poetry.

#117 it gets 2 stars for being about Amager and because a few of the poems almost resembled poetry.

Hahaha, sorry, but that was hilarious! One point for the scenery and one point for trying, nevermind his poetic abilities. This one did definitely not make it to the pile;)

How is life btw?

#118 – Hi Apolline! I've heard that some people really like Klaus Rifbjerg and consider him a great poet. I'm never gonna be one of them! But glad to make you laugh :)

Life's great. My wonderful boyfriend managed to pass his cold on to me, so now I get to lay in bed and read-sleep-read-sleep-read and not feel guilty about it. How are you doing?

More books read:

25. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares. 4,5 stars.
Series: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (1)
I watched the movie some time ago and fell in love with it. Now I thought it was time to read the book behind the movie and I was not disappointed. It’s just as lovely as the movie and (of course) even better.

26. The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares. 4,5 stars.
Series: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (2)
Strangely enough the first book of the series was the US edition, but this one was the UK edition. Apparently that doesn’t matter to Danish libraries. It doesn’t matter to me either, but I was a bit surprised to see that the spelling was changed from American to English. I’d never thought that would matter or even be worth the time and expense to do.
It’s a great novel. Just as good as the first in the series, and I was delighted to see that the characters and their problems still seem real and connected to the first book. I hate when characters solve a problem in one book and then in the sequel seem like completely different people. Glad to say that, that isn’t the case here. Great book, great sequel.

27. Hesten og solen (The Horse and the Sun) by Per Højholt. 4 stars.
Danish poetry from 1949.
I’ve got Per Højholt’s collected poems, but I’ve always had a problem reading those big poetry collections, so I decided to just take one ‘book’ at a time, and it seems to work.
It’s hard to say much about it, but compared to the last poetry I read (Amagerdigte), Højholt has rhythm and poetic sense. It was a joy reading it.

28. Solen er en fed gud / The Sun is a Phat God by Jon Ewo. 4 stars.
Series: The Sun is a Phat God (1)
I read this series when I was a teenager and I remember it as spectacular, one of the best I’ve read. Not being a teenager any more might have changed my view. Reading it again cooled my opinion a bit. It’s still a great book, no doubt about that. It’s just not perfect.

book 28
I have that book in Dutch translation De zon is een maffe God waiting on my shelf. Could you tell a bit more about it?
Anita

#121 - Sure, I’ll say some more about it, Anita, just try and stop me :)

Solen er en fed gud (The Sun is a Phat God) is a YA book about a 16-year-old boy named Adam. His ex-girlfriend told him that he was childish, so now he tries to grow up fast during the summer holidays. In order to do this he quits his summer job without telling anybody, and goes to see – and talk to – the sun every morning on top of a building.

He meets a man named Frank, who’s trying to remember the child in himself. He meets Little Storm, a girl, he falls madly in love with but she won’t have him. His father’s having a secret. His sister wants her money. And Adam has to fix all of this while trying to grow up fast.

I really like the family in this book. They are so crazy and at the same time so very normal, and very lovable. Adam himself is a restless young man who believes he can fix the whole world with a PLAN. It’s hard not to like this guy, but sometimes I got a bit annoyed with his constant believe in plans and solutions and the way he just has to fix everything and everybody, but I don’t think that bothered me the first time I read it, so I guess I must have changed in the meantime.

Occasionally I felt the author was trying a bit too hard to be funny and hip, but mostly it seemed right. It seemed like it was just Adams language and way of expressing his feelings. Another thing I really like about this book (and the rest in the series) is the way the author has put in a literary work. In this book Adams father’s drama group is performing Henrik Ibsen’s Peer Gynt, and this sort of underlines the story in a great way. I’ve never read Peer Gynt myself, but I get the urge to do so by reading this book.

I really like this crazy, wonderful book. My only problem is that I don’t always agree with Adam as mentioned above. I’ve just read the next book in the series, Månen er en kæmpe nar (Original title: Månen er en diger pudding), and I must say, I think it’s even better than the first. So all in all I’d say: Read it! I’ll definitely recommend this series. And now I'll start reading the third book in the series: Jorden er hård og nøgen.

29. Månen er en kæmpe nar by Jon Ewo. 4,5 stars.
Series: Solen er en fed gud (2) (The Sun is a Phat God (2))
Finished this book yesterday and was glad to discover that I liked it even more than the first book in the series (as mentioned above). It's hard to say exactly what it is that does it, there's just something about this story that appeals even more to me.

FEBRUARY

17. Jeff Kinney: Diary of a Wimpy Kid – 2 stars #77
18. L.M. Montgomery: Anne bliver lærer (Anne of Avonlea) – 4 stars #79
19. L.M. Montgomery: Drømmen går i opfyldelse (Anne of the Island) – 4 stars #79
20. James Hilton: Good-bye, Mr. Chips – 4 stars #98
21. Helene Uri: Honningtunger (Honey Tongues) – 4 stars #107
22. Jean Webster: Far Langben (Daddy-Long-Legs) – 3,5 stars #116
23. Jean Webster: Dear Enemy – 4,5 stars #116
24. Klaus Rifbjerg: Amagerdigte – 2 stars #117 (Poetry)
25. Ann Brashares: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants – 4,5 stars #120
26. Ann Brashares: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood – 4,5 stars #120
27. Per Højholt: Hesten og solen – 4 stars #120 (Poetry)
28. Jon Ewo: Solen er en fed gud (The Sun is a Phat God) – 4 stars #120 (RR)
29. Jon Ewo: Månen er en kæmpe nar – 4,5 stars #123 (RR)

Books read: 13
Books off the shelf: 0
Iran books read: 0

(BBR) Books bought and read: 0/9
(RR) Rereads: 2
(NF) Non-fiction: 0
(GR) Group read: 0
Poetry: 2

Started but unfinished: 3
Karin Bo Bergquist: Revolutionens børn: Unge i Teheran
Martin Andersen Nexø: Pelle Erobreren (Pelle the Conquerer)
Helene Uri: De bedste af os

Abandoned: 0

Standouts:
Jean Webster: Dear Enemy

#124: Nice summary, Tanja! Looks like your reading year is off to a good start.

Reminder to self - must get the Jean Webster books!

#125 Thanks again, Stasia. And I thought I wouldn't have enough time to read when the semester began.. (Nevermind that I might not have paid enough attention to the things I should've read for school)

Go go get Jean Webster! :)

Yes, Ma'am!

Hi Tanja, how's the cold going? I hope your boyfriend spoiled you rotten this weekend:) All is good here as well, I think spring is on its way, even though the thermometer shows minus something (too much) and we got a tiny bit more snow today, I'm hopeful and staying positive! Can't complain about the Olympics either, Norway did great and we beat Sweden silly (meaning we got waaay more medals. It's quite funny to beat "söta bror";)

I noticed something in an earlier post nr. 120 in your comment on the travelling pants 2. I reacted the same way to the translation from American to English, or the other way around, I've never read that pericular book, but the same thing happened with Harry Potter, if I'm not quite mistaken. At least The philosophers stone is called the sorcerer's stone in the US. In school they taught us Oxford English (maybe that's the standard in Europe?), but in the media we hear American most of the time. Because of this I guess my English is sort of a mix between the two, and I sometimes have difficulties separate their difference from each other. Then again, it doesn't matter to me if a book is in English or American-English. Maybe an American or English person can tell us why this is looked upon as necessary? Maybe there are some spelling and grammatical issues, at least for younger persons who are learning to read/write. Perhaps it can be a bit confusing.

Thank you for the tip btw, it is almost embarrassing to admit I have never heard of Jon Ewo before, I think I need to check him out. Peer Gynt is definitely my favourite Ibsen. I normally don't like drama, but this one is great, I had to read a few of his plays at school. We'll have to discuss it when you finish it!

Your reading progress looks great:)

> 122
Thank you Tanja, I hope to read it soon.

> 128
In school they taught us Oxford English (maybe that's the standard in Europe?), but in the media we hear American most of the time.

I was just talking with my husband about this.
Yes, most of us are taught more or less Oxford English.
When we hear young Dutch people speaking English we hear a funny mix of English/American, both in words and accent.

For the exact differences between UK English, American English, Australian English (I might forget some) other members have knowledge than me ;-)

#128 - Hello Apolline. The cold's almost gone, thank you. Just a bit of coughing left. And my boyfriend spoils me rotten everyday - yeah, I'm a lucky girl, I know :D

Oh spring.. How I miss you! I thought spring was coming, at least the spring rain was here a couple of days ago, but the it started snowing again. Nothing lasting at least, but still.. Hrmpf. Glad to hear you beat Sweden, though. That's always a great thing to do! (Not saying that I don't like Sweden, I adore Sweden! It's just fun to see them beat.)

It is strange that you haven't heard about Mr. Ewo. He mainly writes YA and children's books, but he's won some prices for Sola er en feit gud as far as I've heard. But on the same note I just realized, that the Danish author who's been translated to most languages, I've never heard about him. That's disturbing, I think. Anyway, you should check him out (Jon Ewo, I mean). Maybe you won't like him, but he's worth checking out I'd say. I think he's great.

#129 - I hope you'll like it, Anita.

# - On the subject of language...

I think it is standard to be taught Oxford English in Europe. That's what we learned in school. I know some people who say, that they weren't allowed to speak American English, but my teacher was pretty cool. She just said that we should choose (not from the beginning, of course), but if we mixed it we were going down! She was such a cool woman and a great teacher. But it wasn't until resently I noticed that even though some of us chose to speak American English (because we were just sooo coool, mmmkay), we were still taught to write UK English.

About the translation, I think you're right, Apolline. It might be to avoid spelling and grammatical confusion. But it would be great to hear some American and English people on this subject. Anybody? :)

P.S. I'd really like to speak Scottish.. Scotch? The language they speak in Scotland. The accent, y'know.. And I'll stop this rambling right here.

First book of March done.. Well actually we started it some time last year. I'm saying we, because my boyfriend's been reading it aloud for me. Very nice! And the book I'm talking about is:

30. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende.
It's a reread, but curiously enough I didn't remember even half the book. From the moment Bastian enters Fantasia, I was lost. How can I have forgotten most of the book?

Considering how long it took to read it, it's very hard to rate it, but it wasn't nearly as good as I remember it. Well, the part I remembered was just as good, but I didn't really like the rest of the book. I was very annoyed with Bastian (stupid, little, brainless, dim-witted fool!). Apart from him and his actions, I think the story's great though. And even Bastians actions are necessary to make the story (stupid, stupid, stupid). It propably couldn't be any different (yes it could, yes it could!) I don't know what to think of this book. I hated the story, but I do think it's a great book..

I know I loved it the first time I read it (and I was not a child at the time). And I know I disliked Ende's other book, Momo, first time I read that (not a child that time either), but I really loved Momo the second time (when my boyfriend was reading it aloud). I guess they just switched places. Anyways, I think I'm gonna give The Neverending Story 3,5 stars. A part of me think it deserves at least 4 stars, but it just bothered me too much, so 3,5 stars it is!

#131 Haha, that sounded just a tiny bit schizophrenic, just a tad. I've never read the book, but I did see the film a couple of years ago. Being nostalgic and all... haha, but I did find it rather disappointing. Some things are best left in your memory.

As for the anguage question, I do hope someone can clear it up for us. I am a bit curious. I've always liked the English language and it is not nearly as difficult to learn as German. Haha, it is even easier to understand than Danish;) Oh, scottish highland accents are so cool. Very difficult to understand though. And the way they talk in Glasgow too (only place I've been in Scotland), nice!

I have a soft spot for the Irish accent, after traveling through Ireland with some of my friends a few years ago. Lovely country to, very nice people. Oh, and so are the scots, and the danish...loved being in Copenhagen just before christmas. It's just us Norwegians who are not as open I guess, ever heard of the Norwegian stiffness?:)

Haha, I guess I can ramble too..

#132 - There's nothing wrong with a bit of rambling from time to time! :D

Everything is easier to understand than Danish (I've heard..). Of course, you being Norwegian should make it a bit easier on you, but still.

I'm surprised that you found the Danes open. Somebody else mentioned earlier that Denmark was very welcoming. That's not at all how I see it. At least not at the moment..

But yeah, I've heard about the Norwegian stiffness, though I have yet to experience it. I've unfortunately only been in Norway once - on a skiing trip with my.. uhm.. 'efterskole' (or "lower-secondary-level boarding school for 14-17-year-olds" as my dictionary elegantly puts it) and I don't remember very much about that. I don't even know where it was, just that there was snow. I've heard some say, that it's the cold Scandinavian weather that makes people here less open. Maybe it's true, I don't know.

Irish is a great accent too, I just have something about Scottish. But I wanna go to both Scotland and Ireland.. and England and.. and.. and.. Will propably be going to USA at some point this year though. Can't wait to do that either..

The movie of Neverending Story is only half of the book.
I was surprised the first time I read it after watching the movie there was much more.

#135 That's usually the case. Just look at the Harry Potter films, and I guess almost every single film based on a book.

#134 Good good, 'cause I'm quite a fan of rambling and babbling a lot of the time:) But just say the word and I'll stop, haha. I have to admit it took me a while to understand Danish. When I was younger I actually spoke English with Danish people I met on vacation. But I guess my Norwegian dialect can be rather difficult for you to understand too. Have you ever heard about nynorsk and bokmål? We have two different ways of writing Norwegian, where bokmål is based on the Danish language. Nynorsk is based on old norse and different still excisting Norwegian dialects. The guy creating nynorsk, came from a village just outside where I live, so...you do the math;) I did learn to understand Danish last year, because of a Danish colleague and because the local football team has a Danish goalkeeper. He is often interviewed in the media:D Swedish is much easier to understand. A couple of Norwegian comedians made this about the Danish language in a tv program a while back. I think it is hilarious, haha, hope you do too;) Tell me what you think.

So you have heard about the famous Norwegian stiffness too? It disappears after a couple of beers or glasses of wine. Then we are just as open as everybody else. I've heard about the weather theory too, all I know is that if the weather is crap, you don't see me lingering outside. That's just the way it is. How did you like skiing btw? Where in the US are you going? My brother leaves for New York in a month. I'm not jealous at all......

#135 - Maybe that's why.. I've only recently watched the movie, but I know I've seen a miniseries (2 parts) in tv when I was a kid. They might've just used the first half too, I don't remember.. Or maybe I watched the first part more than the second part. But I still think I should've remembered after reading the book. I mean, I must've been equally surprised the first time I read the book. Maybe I just blocked it out because I didn't like it..?

#136 - Most films use more than half of the book, or at least uses fragments of the book from the entire book. I mean, usually the ending is there.. The Neverending Story movie literally only uses the first half (less than that actually) of the book.

Now, the tv program... I am appalled! No, I’m not really, but I guess it’s funnier when you don’t actually speak Danish. It’s just that it’s very, very obvious to me that they don’t speak Danish or anything resembling it, and it doesn’t sound.. right, I think. Does it sound like Danish to you?

I know I think it’s easier to read Norwegian than Swedish, but I actually don’t really know how well I understand Norwegian spoken. I’ve always heard more Swedish. But to be honest, I’ve sometimes when I was younger pretended not to be Danish when I had to talk to Swedes (and probably Norwegians too), because I was afraid I wouldn’t understand them, but at the same time I was embarrassed to have to speak English to them. It’s so sad that we don’t understand each other’s languages better. I still think so.

I’ve heard about bokmål and nynorsk, but I thought it was the other way around.. Thank you for enlightening me! Is there any difference in the way it is spoken?

I’m going to San Francisco and Las Vegas. I don’t know when it’ll be, just that it won’t be in the summer period, cause it’s way too expensive at that time. I want to go to NY too, but it definitely won’t be this time around.

Skiing? I liked it. It was cross-country, so no fear and no broken limbs, just nice and easy. But I remember that we had to start skiing practically the minute we got out of the bus (very long bus tour to get there) and we were all exhausted and fell all the time. Apart from that first day, it was great!

I'm very proud to say that I have finally finished
31. The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman by Laurence Sterne.
It has only taken me 3 years... No, that's not entirely correct. I started it in the summer of 2007 and read most of it then. I was very amused by it, I remember, but strangely enough I kept falling asleep while reading it. And then at some point I needed a break from it, and haven't read in it until last night.
I'm glad I finally finished it. It's a great novel! It's confusing and annoying and goes in a thousand different directions at the same time, but even when you (as me) don't understand half of it, it's still wonderful and extremely funny. I have to read it again some time, just to understand a little more (and to enjoy the humour again).

One thing that bothered me though. The ending was very abrubt. The novel's divided into nine 'books', and there was supposed to be a 10th, but it never came. I'm not sure if Mr. Sterne just decided that it shouldn't be there (or he didn't care to write it) or it was his death that came in the way of it. He died not long after finishing the 9th book.

Great novel! No wonder it's a classic. 4,5 stars (maybe it'll get 5 if I some day understand it better - I know there's much more to it than what I understood).

Fascinating language discussions!

I have to say, I've really tried to pick up a couple of phrases when I've visited Scandinavia (just Copenhagen, Oslo and in Sweden from Stockholm up to Vilhelmina so far, but I had fantastic holidays in all these places, so there will be more), but really, my vocabulary is still limited to "tak/takk/tack" ;o) I'm always very impressed (and shamed) by how well everyone speaks English most places you go...

As to why there need to be different US/UK editions for books, I don't really understand it myself (so you know, I'm English). I suppose that there are some vocabulary differences that could confuse people and, if they don't know the difference, change the meaning. For example (trying to pick the politer and more obvious ones), things like (UK/US) trousers/pants (in the UK, pants are knickers or boxer shorts); nappies/diapers; pavement/sidewalk; chips/fries; crisps/chips; biscuits/cookies; scone?/biscuit (we don't really have the US "biscuits" over here, but they look a bit like scones...) etc etc.

I've also noticed when reading US versions of books that I've also read the UK version of (or vice versa), you occasionally have a few qualifiers for things that might not be recognisable outside the country - for example, in the US version of Neverwhere, apparently, it refers to "the major shopping hub, Oxford Street" (or words to that effect), whereas in the UK version, it'll just refer to "Oxford Street" as pretty much everyone will know that this is what the street is known for.

All these are very subtle differences that probably wouldn't be necessary (or noticeable) for a lot of people, but, I suppose, can help to sell a book - and, if you're making this kind of alteration, changing the spellings to fit the country is that a natural continuation. Why the spellings are different, I have no idea.

Personally, I have no problem with which version of English a book is published in, if I'm reading it (I will note here that Australian English is pretty much UK English with a couple of exceptions and a lot of additional abbreviations ;o)). However, it does irritate me a little that when I'm writing something for publication (science journal - it's par for the course, I'm not a "real" writer), even the UK based science journals will alter my spelling to the US version - so things like "-ise" is altered to "-ize", all the "u"s are lost etc etc...

#130 "P.S. I'd really like to speak Scottish.. Scotch? The language they speak in Scotland. The accent, y'know.." - made me chuckle! I love the accent too (not so much Glasgow - that can get difficult even for me to understand!) - but that's another spelling difference.

Apparently, the correct description of a someone from Scotland is to call them "Scottish", but over time (probably related to the whiskey!), it sometimes becomes "Scotch". The language, however, is still English ;o) ...unless you're referring to the non-English ancient version, which would be Scots in the South, or Gaelic in the North...

Oh dear, here's me, wittering away - sorry for such an essay!

Oh, I know what I was going to ask you. It has occurred to me that I'm not sure that I've ever read any Danish authors - I was wondering if you could recommend any (that might have been translated) to me?

...oh, and on the Harry Potter thing - I actually find it a little condescending that the US version translated "Philosopher's Stone" to "Sorcerer's Stone" - the philosopher's stone is a well know, legendary alchemical substance that makes it possible to turn regular metal into gold and was sometimes thought to be the elixir of life - "sorcerer's stone" is an invented translation, which takes away the point. It makes me cross to think that whoever made the translation would assume that people from the US wouldn't know what a philosopher's stone was (or couldn't get that from the book if they didn't).

Oh, lucky you...no snow. It might rain this weekend, fingers crossed. Haha, we are used to a lot of rain here, I almost miss it after all this while. Well, enough about the weather. I am sorry if I offended you with the video clip, not my intension. I have to admit that sometimes when I'm not concentrating, Danish can sound a little like that. BUT, this was just for fun, it wasn't supposed to be danish:) If I talked to you the way I normally do, I guess you might have some problems understanding me. A shame it is indeed. I wish I could understand Danish better than I do, but with a few more shopping trips to Copenhagen, I'll do better;) So, since you've lived in Roskilde, I guess you've been to the festival several times? I have thought about going, but have to admit I'm not a tent/camping kind of person, and that's part of the charm, right??:)

Gees, just discovered I was answering the language thing in my thread - cut and paste- and here I am. Phew, confusing with multiple threads to keep track on, though I wouldn't want to have it any other way.

To the dialect thing, I guess we speak differently all over the country, a few dialects more difficult than the others. I think maybe you would understand people from Stavanger and south the best, and then the people in the Oslo area.

#139 Thank you flissp for joining in on our discussion. I enjoyed your essay very much indeed:) I think English is such a fascinating language, it's certainly the best way to communicate with people from different countries. What would this site be if not for the universal (almost) understanding of the language. Or, at least I try my best. It's been almost ten years since I ended upper secondary school/high school, and I have not had a lesson in English since then. Good to get a few pointers on the differences between American-English and English.

I agree with you on the Glasgow dialect comment. A friend from Northern-Ireland had to translate what a guy Scotland was saying (he refused to normalize his language so we could understand, though just that one time). I had no clue at all of what he was saying.

And the Harry Potter thing too. I have heard of the philosopher's stone before HP, and it is sad if the meaning gets lost in th translation. I simply thought the sorcerer's stone was the American way of saying the same thing.

#139 – Hi Fliss! Don’t apologise for the essay, it was great to hear your opinion on the subject. And I definitely didn’t know about ‘pants’. Now I feel much wiser on the subject (of both language and pants) :)

I understand your irritations about the translation to US English in the science journals. It does seem strange that it has to be US English even in the UK based journals. Now I’m gonna have to keep an eye out to see if the things I have to read for school are all US English. What field of science is it? (If I may ask.) Maybe it’s just that this particular field has decided (to avoid confusions and mix-ups) to only use one language. The particular meaning of words is rather important in sciences, I guess. But it still seems a little weird.

I suppose there’s a difference between picking up phrases while on holiday and learning a language in school (and being generally exposed to it through media), but glad to hear you enjoyed your holidays in Scandinavia.

On the Scottish subject, I did indeed mean the English language spoken with a beautiful Scottish accent. I don’t know enough about it to say if I like the Glasgow accent, but I will find out some day when I finally get to go to Scotland. Is Scots and Gaelic two different languages or just different names for the same language?

Oh, dear, here comes the hard part, recommending Danish authors… Apolline asked me somewhere in the beginning of the thread to recommend some new Danish authors and I still haven’t done that. You see, the problem is I don’t know much about new Danish literature. It’s mainly this modern crime fiction, which we’ve gotten from the Swedes and I don’t fancy that. Then there’s the avantgarde (coming from our only creative writing school) and I don’t really fancy that either (not too much at least). And that doesn’t leave much.

Jakob Ejersbo’s Nordkraft has been translated. He has since written some other books (published post mortem), but I don’t think they’ve been translated yet. Anyways, I think he’s one of the really great new Danish writers. And Nordkraft is a really good book in my opinion. I haven’t read the rest, but my boyfriend assures me that they are great.

Of other less new Danish authors I would recommend Svend Åge Madsen. I believe some of his works has been translated to English (it’s really difficult to find out if an author has been translated). His writing is a bit weird, a sort of magical realism or soft sci-fi sometimes. His books usually seem realistic in some way, and yet they’re completely strange. He’s main themes are identity, existentialism and fiction. Being a human being and fiction’s role in that. He’s quite experimenting, but easy and enjoyable to read IMO.

What else, what else? Bjarne Reuter. His early works are very realistic. His later works are more fantastic.. not fantasy, but.. I don’t know what to call it. We have a Danish word for it, but it doesn’t give the right meaning if I translate it. But uhm.. less realistic, more tales, not quite fairy tales, but something like it. The touchstones just made me remember his book about some boys in the resistance movement during WW2. The Boys From St. Petri. I haven't read the book, but I've seen the movie and I know I like Bjarne Reuter's writing, so I'll recommend it anyways. (It's in the realsitic department).

Some old, but great guys:
I’m currently reading Pelle the Conquerer (Pelle Erobreren) by Martin Andersen Nexø. So far I love this book!
Hans Kirk – The Fishermen.
Hans Scherfig – Stolen Spring
Leif Panduro – Kick Me in the Traditions. I love his humour!

I know there’s many more, but I just can’t remember them. Or they haven’t been translated. Or I haven’t read them… Well, hope you can use some of it. And oh dear, this became a very, very long message.

#143: I am stealing the recommendation of The Boys from St. Petri for the BlackHole. It looks right up my alley! Thanks, Tanja.

#141 – Apolline, I’m not offended, not in any way. I can imagine that Danish sound something like that to you if you don’t speak Danish yourself, but when you do speak Danish, the “language” they speak in the video doesn’t really resemble, hence it isn’t as funny for me as it might be for you. But I must assure you, that I’m in no way offended! :)

I wish I could understand Norwegian and Swedish better too. Maybe we should all just spend more time in each other’s countries (and actually speak to each other in our own tongue). I’d love that.

I’ve been to Roskilde Festival 9 times, I think. First time in 2000 and then every year since except 2005. But I don’t think I’m going this year. I don’t like to say that I won’t be going, but I’m beginning to feel too old for it. I’m not enjoying it as much as I used to anymore. And it is quite expensive, especially if you (as me) don’t go for the music, but mainly for the fun, the drinking, the people. I do like camping though and I plan to keep on hiking and camping in the summer. I’ll just do it quieter places than Roskilde Festival.

#144 - You're very welcome, Stasia. To be honest your name did spring to mind when it popped up. I hope you'll like it when you get to it.

#146: Now I just have to locate a copy. The local library does not have it. Oh well, tracking down the book will be half the fun!

#143 Haha, I have to admit I had forgotten all about my request. There are so many good book tips going on in this group, it is almost overwhelming.

I do believe the Roskilde Festival to be a great party, but as any good party it must come to an end at some point. My brother and sister in law (and a few other friends) have been there several times, though mostly because of the music. They're music geeks in the same way I'm a literature geek. I would like to visit the church/cathedral(?) in Roskilde once, I have to see where all the old kings and queen Margrethe is buried. That's in Roskilde right?

Last time in Copenhagen I really did try to speak Norwegian the whole time. It was only when some of the Danish people turned in to a question mark I switched to English. And sometimes I didn't react when people where talking to me, haha, since I did not concentrate on what they were saying, I didn't know they were talking to me:)

One of the days we were going to see the Nutcracker and decided to buy coffee at Joe & the juice at Magasin du Nord. Haha, one of the guys who worked there (he looked about 15) really got the giggles when I asked for "vanlig kaffe" (regular/black coffee) in Norwegian, and he made a big deal out of it when he served the coffee. Guess he wasn't used to vanlig kaffe:D haha, he was very sweet indeed.

I guess I am more familiar with Swedish because of all the fish factories in my hometown. There have always been plenty of swedes living here from time to time, because of the opportunity to make a lot of money in little time (At least for young people who don't mind a crappy job for a short time period). They stay here for a while to make money, and then go travel the world:) We met many Swedish people in Copenhagen too, btw.

#139 Flissp, if you need some travel tips from Scandinavia, just let us know. Maybe we can come up with a few must-see-places outside Copenhagen and Oslo:) Though I really like Copenhagen, much better than Oslo. Not really a fan of Oslo.

#148 - Roskilde Festival doesn't have to come to and end, not if you look at the old people who've been coming there since they where young :) If it weren't so expensive I think I might have continued a couple of years more.

Yes, it is in Roskilde, they are buried. I went there with school when I was little, but I don't really remember much. Strangely enough I never went inside while I lived in Roskilde, though my high school was right across the street. But it's a beautiful cathedral from the outside :)

Haha, sweet story about the coffee. I've never heard about 'vanlig kaffe', and I must admit it sounds kind of funny in Danish :D

Being exposed to a language makes a great difference. In Denmark it's very obvious that people from South Jutland understand German better and people from North Zealand understand Swedish better.

Forgot to mention that I've finished book no. 32:

32. Jorden er hård og nøgen by Jon Ewo. 4 stars.
Series: Solen er en fed gud (3)
Great book, though I think I consider the second book in the series a little better. Not literary better, but the story simply appeals more to me.

Wow, Tanja! Almost halfway to the 75 books point already. Congratulations.

Thanks Stasia! I had no idea it would be that easy :)

As I mentioned in the first message on the thread, I've never kept track of the books I read. And that said, I think I read more now being in this challenge, because I'm reminded of it always (yes, it sounds strange, but I have sometimes forgotten to read in periods) and because of all the great recommendations flying around.

You will never lack for recommendations with this bunch, that is for sure!

#143 Thanks for the recommendations - I've tagged that message, so I shall definitely come back to peruse properly - I like the sound of a lot of your suggestions!

#148 Thank you, I'll almost certainly come back to you both for Scandinavian travel tips somewhere down the line. My holidays are pretty much all booked out this year (due to weddings in different countries), but maybe next year (although I do still want to get to Croatia... So far, it's only Sweden that I've travelled around properly (if not extensively) - Oslo and Copenhagen were both long weekend type breaks (although I did get out of Copenhagen to Helsingor and Humlebaek (Louisiana gallery)), but I definitely want to explore further at some point - and I've never been to Finland at all. I actually had a lovely time in Oslo, although it was the walk down to the bit with all the museums that I liked the most, I confess... I felt very at home in Copenhagen. It was probably all the bikes (I live in Cambridge...).

Ah, and the Roskilde festival is one I keep meaning to go to at some point too... I can't remember if they do day tickets or not (better for tourist-ing!)?

#154 - I hope you'll like some of them. But wait, tagged? - How can you tag a message?? I wanna do that too.. Other messages I mean.

Last year Roskilde Festival started selling one-day tickets to all days (before that it was only possible to buy day tickets for sunday), so yep, you can buy day tickets if you decide to go.

I'm glad you felt at home in Copenhagen. I think I need to go to a bigger city (on holiday), so I can come back and feel at home.. (Making up excuses to travel? Who me? Nooo...)

#153 - Stasia, I know! I had such a nice little TBR list before I entered the 75'er jungle. My list still isn't very long compared to other's, but it would take me years to get through it. But oh, what lovely years :)

#155: My list still isn't very long compared to other's, but it would take me years to get through it. But oh, what lovely years :)

And lots of good reading since the books were recommended by 75ers!

#155 To tag/"favourite" a message:

1) left click once on the message number of the post you want to tag (eg "Messge 155:").
2) A list of options comes up - click on "add to favourites" (the header for that particular message will turn yellow).
3) To find that message again (and any others you have tagged), you just need to go to the list of options under "Your World" (top left hand side of the "Talk" browser screen) and left click once on "favourite messges" (as you would for starred messages etc)

The other useful thing under the menu that comes up if you click on a message number is the Permanent link option, which will give you the URL for that particular message, so you can link to it elsewhere.

Hope that helps!

I think that the line up for Roskilde this year didn't particularly appeal to me, but it's definitely something I want to go to at some point - and I'm glad to hear they've started doing day tickets - most of my mates don't really enjoy going to festivals any more, because of the whole camping thing - getting them along to a single day is much more likely - particularly as it gives you more of a chance to do the touristy thing too!

Any and EVERY excuse, sorry, reason to travel is a good thing ;o)

#156 - Exactly, Stasia! Lots and lots of good reading. I'm just reading Miss Buncle's Book right now and loving it.

#157 - Thanks Fliss. That's great! And I love that I can change messages back to unread. I hated that if I out of curiosity read a thread and wanted to, but didn't have time to, answer, I would have to remember - and most often I forgot.

I don't know anybody who agrees with the line up Roskilde have presented this year. It seems to get worse for each year passing. I hope it'll get better next year. They are attracting the wrong crowd too, with the music they choose. The atmosphere isn't as social and loving anymore. But maybe that's just the way things are going.. I hope not.

Oh, now I got all sad. Back to reading Miss Buncle's Book, that should cheer me up.

#158: I am glad you are enjoying Miss Buncle's Book. I hope you continue to do so, Tanja!

Oh, a lot going on in here. Thank you flissp for the excellent tip. It is a good thing to know how to mark the messages, I had no idea one could do that.

I want to read Miss Buncle's Book too. It sounds good:) I'm in a reading limbo right now, tried to start reading 4 different books, but none of them caught my attention. Guess they will later, hopefully. Looking forward to the weekend. Only 5 more hours at work before I can go home:D

33. Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson. 4,5 stars.
Phew, I finished it before I had to return it to the library. A long time ago I ordered this book from the library, a month ago I got it. It was the Danish translation which have a totally different title, so somewhere in between ordering and getting it I must have mixed it up with another book, I've thought about ordering, so I've had it standing on my shelf without reading it while I was thinking I wanted to read Miss Buncle's Book, but didn't want to order it because I already had too many library books waiting for my attention. And then I finally pulled myself together and took the book down from the shelf a few days before I had to return it, and discovered tadaaa.. It was Miss Buncle's Book!

I don't want to write a review of this book, so many reviewers have done that much better than I can on the book page. But let me just say I love this book. The humour, the characters, the story. It's all so wonderful in this quiet, sweet way. I want to read more from the hands of D.E. Stevenson if possible.

#160 - Apolline, you should read it. I'll definitely recommend it!

What are you working as? (if I may ask). And good luck with the limbo books. I hope they've (well, some of them) caught your attention now, or will soon :)

Hi FrkFrigg - I just dropped into your thread today and enjoyed the reviews and discussions. I am doing a course in library and information studies too so we have something in common! I haven't read a whole book on tagging and that is what my dissertation is on so I am very impressed.

I liked all the discussions on language. I am a Scot from the North East of Scotland (between Inverness and Aberdeen) where we speak Doric which is either a version of the Scots language or a dialect of English depending on who you talk to. But now I live in Ireland (for 10 years) so I like to think I must have the best accent ever :)

I am about to tuck into the new Diana Wynne Jones book Enchanted Glass - I am the first person to get it out of the library and it is all lovely and fresh and new!! Happy reading.

#161: I am glad you enjoyed Miss Buncle's Book, Tanja! There is a follow up to that one called Miss Buncle Married you might want to locate. I did not think it as good as the first book, but it is still an enjoyable read.

#163 - Thanks Stasia. I'll try and locate it. I can see that I've written down on my TBR list that there should be 4 books in the series, but I'm not sure how easy they are to locate here in Denmark. Maybe I'm lucky :)

#162 - Hey Kirsty, how nice of you drop by. I'm glad you've enjoyed the thread. And good to know, we now have an expert in the accents spoken in Scotland and Ireland in our midst. The more I hear about languages and accents in Scotland, the more confused I get. But of course, in tiny, little Denmark we have more accents (and "languages") than I can keep track of. I guess it applies for most (if not all) countries.

And you're writing your masters dissertation on LT and tagging. How exciting! I think that is one of the more interesting aspects of library and information science. But you really shouldn't be impressed by my reading a whole book about tagging. It wasn't very long and it was pretty easy read.

Congratulations on getting Enchanted Glass as the first person. That must feel very nice. Unfortunately I don't think I've ever tried that. If I have, I've missed it.

I really should read some Diana Wynne Jones soon. I know I've read a couple of her books when I was a kid, but I can't really remember them even though I think I read them several times. Has she written any books with a witch (or something) called Morgana (or something)? Or maybe it was something about a dog? This is silly. I remember the name clearly, and I remember finding her books in the school library and considering if it would be embarrassing to loan the book again. I guess I'll just try some of her books to see if it still is to my liking.

34. Revolutionens børn: Unge i Teheran (Children of the Revolution: The Youth of Tehran) by Karin Bo Bergquist. 3 stars.
Finally finished it! I started it January 7 as the first book in my Iran challenge (one Iran book pr. month). I hope I'll catch up on the challenge. Luckily most of the books I've picked happens to be fiction (some of it autobiographical, but still), which I enjoy reading much more.

I don't want to say much about this book here. I intend to write a review in Danish. No need to write it in English when the book isn't translated and I can express much more in Danish.

I will say, however, that even though I was mildly disappointed with the book, it was an interesting read. It is so rare that one gets to see Iran from the point of view of the young people living there. Apart from that, there was a good introduction to Iran in the book, and all in all I've learned a lot about this fascinating, beautiful, crazy country.

#164 "I really should read some Diana Wynne Jones soon" - YES YOU SHOULD!!! (Sorry, big fan of Diana Wynne Jones over here....)

The one about the dog could be Dogsbody? The Dogstar (Sirius) is found guilty of a crime and sent to Earth in the form of a dog as punishment. Ring any bells?

A witch called Morgana could be The Time of the Ghost where a ghost, (who doesn't know who she is, or what happened to her), finds herself floating through the lives of four sisters who have a game in which they worship a doll representing the Goddess Monigan...

#162 Hope you enjoy Enchanted Glass Kirsty, I thought it was great fun...

Hi Tanja.

The reading part is, unfortunately, not going so well at the moment. Can't seem to concentrate on books atm, but that will pass. Quickly I hope.

I don't mind you asking what I work as. I finished my MA in history 1,5 year ago, so I'm a historian working in an archive. For now anyway, I'm just a substitute for one who's out in maternity leave. She'll be back in July, so I guess I have to find a new job before that. The recession has made it difficult to find interesting jobs in the area, but hopefully that will change soon.

#162, 164 & 166 I've never heard of Diana Wynne Jones before, but I will definitely give her a try. Her books looks really amusing.

#162 Hi Kirsty! You must have the most delightful and fascinating dialect. I wish I could hear it some time :D
Dublin is such a lovely city. Do you live north or south of the city? I remember taking the DART to Shankill and Bray. Good view of the beach and sea. And all the large houses in Dalkey.

#166 - Fliss, thanks, I think you're right. I might very well be Dogsbody. I don't recall the story, but the Danish title sounds very right.

The Time of the Ghost doesn't sound like the Morgana book I've read. The more I think about the more I believe it wasn't a DWJ book. It was something about some children fightinga witch or something called Morgana. I've been looking for it on the Danish libraries. I know my school library had it (them? There might have been three books). But I just can't find them.. and I'm trying to become a librarian, tut tut.

Can you perhaps recommend any DWJ books to start out with?

#167 - I'm sorry to hear you can't concentrate on books at the moment, Apolline, but as long as you're enjoying life the books can wait.. Hmmm, is that a sort of blasphemic thing to say in here? Well, books *can* wait! Wonderful, patient things, books.

Oh, working in an archive, that sounds like a lovely job! Are you sad you have to leave it? (apart from the difficulty finding a new job). I really should find a job (parttime - still studying), but I'm just so lazy, and I loooove having time to read and chill and party and finding a sudden huge interest in different things (like nature and farming at the moment). I don't know what I'm gonna do without all my spare time, but I really should find a job.

#166 - I really enjoyed Enchanted Glass it was lots of fun.

#168 - I'm on the north side of Dublin the other end of the Dart line from Dalkey

#169 - I'd recommend Fire and Hemlock, Charmed Life or Howl's Moving Castle

#169 I did not find any blasfemic about your comment Tanja, we're tough people in here. And it is true, a book isn't running anywhere, and most of them are replaceable if disaster should occur.

I have to admit I will not be sad to leave the job, though it is interesting and I like (most of) the people here. But I knew from the beginning that I would only have it for a certain time period, so that's ok. I look at it as good work experience and an opportunity to get a foot in the jobmarket. And to get some connections etc. I know it will work out with a new job (staying positive)!

I did not have a job while studying either, or I was a teaching assistant in grad school, but no other jobs next to my studies. I loved having time to party and be social (or completely lazy) after long hours at the study hall. You need to live too:) Being a student is almost like a fulltime job. I understand completely how you're feeling! Enjoy your student life. Work life should appear faster than you want it too! (I miss being a student, but no chance in ..... that I miss exams and working on my masters project. I can finally celebrate christmas and 17. of May without having the exams breathing down my neck. That's a fantastic feeling after 6 years in uni. You have something to look forward to!

Btw, Copenhagen is exellent for partying. Where do you usually go?

#170 Good good!

To kirsty's suggestions (all good), I'm going to add Archer's Goon, Spellcoats, The Homeward Bounders and Time of the Ghost (mentioned above).

Charmed Life, which kirsty lists is the "first" (not chronologically, but written first and best read first - although, with DWJ, reading in order is not really important) of her Chrestomanci books, so will give you a good feel for those - although, it's aimed at a slightly younger reader, I think, than some of the others. They're all great though. Chrestomanci is a 9 lived enchanter responsible for magical law and order across all the "related worlds" (a parallel universe type thing) - this sounds a lot drier than they are...

Howl's Moving Castle is the first of the Castle series (and, in my opinion, easily the best).

Spellcoats is the first in the Dalemark Quartet.

Fire and Hemlock (a retelling of the Tam Lin story), Archer's Goon, Homeward Bounders and The Time of the Ghost are all independent books and set a little more in the real world (although not quite...)

As you may be able to tell, I love Diana Wynne Jones, she was my favourite author from the age of about 7 onwards and I still love her now I'm grown up, despite the fact that she only really writes children's fiction.

#170-172 - Wow, that's a lot of suggestions! Thanks Kirsty and Fliss! I've plottet them down on my TBR list. Looking forward to get to reading some of them (and probably eventually all of them). I've heard som many good things about DWJ here on LT, I'm pretty sure I'll like her books! But before I can indulge in DWJ books, I have some other library books I have to finish and I have to read a *lot* of serious theory, Pierre Bourdieu and the sort for my next paper. So it looks like a looong way to DWJ now :(

Oh joy, I found the mysterious Morgana books! Late last night I was lying in bed, almost asleep and it occurred to me, there might have been an 'i' in the name, like Morgiana/Morgianna, or something like that. I went looking for it on the library's web page, but nothing. And then I saw a suggestion: The Hounds of Morrigan by Pat O'Shea. That's the one!

#171 - Apolline, I'm glad to hear you're not sad having to find another job!

I'm doing my best to enjoy the free life of studying :) But I think I have to find a job anyway, just to improve my chances of getting a "real" job when I've finished my studies. But I'm not going to work more than 10 hours pr. week, that's for sure! I crave freedom :D

Partying.. Hmm, I don't really go anywhere. I mean we have a wonderful bar/café every friday on my school with cheap beer and drinks and great people, so I usually go there. And then we (us from the school) have our regular pub right around the corner where we usually continue the partying. You know a true, little, brown pub where the locals (and us - well, I guess we're kind of locals to) hang.

I don't really care for cafés or discoteques, so I usually don't get off Amager much. Only on special occasitions :) and then it's mainly private parties I attend.

Ahhhh The Hounds of Morrigan rings bells... Hmmm.... Glad you managed to work out who it was!

...incidently, if you're based in Copenhagen, do you know about Tante T? It felt like I'd found a home away from home when I discovered it last autumn!

#175: I want to go there - and live!

#175 - I know off it, but unfortunately I haven't been there yet, even though I've wanted to go since I first heard about it. It really is about time I get around to doing something about it! I'm so glad you reminded me of it, Fliss!

#173 I don't enjoy discos anymore either. I prefer sitting somehere I can talk to my friends, and actually hear what they are saying. We tried some gløgg at Hviits vinstue, it was really cozy. So many nice people. A bit crowded though:) I completely understand you don't go to the most touristy places too, the local pubs are probably good because of the tourists are not there;)

#175 OH, what a lovely place. I'm so sorry that I missed it last december. Hopefully I will get another try though:) We tried this café, La Glace in December, they had delicious cake, but the coffee was a bit expensive. It was me and a friend and a bunch of elderly people. Charming:)

#178 - Exactly, a place where you can sit with your friends and talk, that's the best! And there's something so nice about not having to worry about how I get home late at night, I think that's the main reason (apart from the people) why I stay on Amager, here I can always just jump on my bike and get home pretty safe and in no time.

Ah, La Glace, another place I haven't been yet (why??). I so wanna taste their Autumn Cake. It sounds so delicious! But yes, they are a bit pricey.

35. Depositum (Deposit) by Audur Jónsdóttir. 5 stars.
I read a review of this book in the paper and decided to read it. And even though I was in no way in the mood for this kind of book, when I started reading it (it has to be returned to the library soon) I must say, it was one of the most remarkable reads this year.

The story takes place in the (near?) future in an unnamed city in an unnamed country. The city is full of homeless immigrants. Gísella is not one of them, she is a thirtysomething year old woman, who has never had to work for a living. She inherited a large amount of money and a big apartment from her grandmother when she was twentyone. Now the inheritance is just about used up. Gísella desperately needs money, so she let's three homeless immigrant women move into her apartment 'out of the good of her heart' as she calls it. One of the women has a little girl with her, and that little girl melts Gísella's heart. But she can't let go of her control. It is *her* apartment and she won't let anybody forget. She sets up rule after crazy rule for the women to follow. She lets them do all the housekeeping in the apartment and even the slightest sign that there are other people living there (a vase of flowers on the table, a new piece of furniture in the living room) upsets her. She insist they must follow her taste. Of course this can't go on and so trouble is heading in.

This is a most thought provoking book. On a micro level as a person and the egotistical approach we as humans sometimes have to each other. It is so easy to forget to see things from others' viewpoints. Our own habits, actions and ideas are so easy to understand. Others' are so easy to neglect trying to understand. On a macro level as a country taking in immigrants and refugees, but refusing to see that they are humans equal with us, refusing to understand that we can learn as much from their culture as they can from our, refusing to respect them, refusing to see that we need them, need new inputs, culture, life.

Furthermore it is a very wellwritten book. The story may be unpleasant, but the language is very pleasant. Not in an artistic, poetic, displayed way, but in this low-key way that ensures that you hardly notices the writing. The writing is never more important than the story, but supports the story all the way. One thing that occurred to me at the end of the book, when the little girl's name was mentioned. It hadn't been mentioned anywhere before in the book! Often there is a forced feeling about it when writers refuse to use the name of a character, it's noticeable in the least, but not here. Nothing. It was just natural.

I can't call this book a favourite of mine and I don't think I want to read it again anytime soon, but it fully deserves all five stars and I am very glad I've read this book. I think I will remember it for a long time to come.

#180: Do you know if the book has been translated into English, Tanja?

Loved the review Tanja! This goes straight to the pile:) I'm glad you found a bit more interesting book to read than the one you were working on.

#179 If you need to celebrate something with cake, oyu should definitely try out La Glace. The cake was fantastic, but a bit expensive to try out often. Maybe we've tried those places because we were tourist. My friends and I had already decided to go to La Glace before we left. If you live somewhere it is easier to go to the places you are familiar with since you know what you get:) I think I have to google Amager, to see what it looks like there;)

Wow, love the beach! Do you go there often?

Stasia, I don't think so. I haven't been able to find it in English. They should translate it though! The sooner the better..

Apolline, thanks! And I hope you'll like it! I just returned De beste blant oss to the library, but it stays on the TBR list. I wanna finish it someday. Just have to be in the mood, I guess.

There's a lot of people from my school who eat cake at La Glace from time to time, so it's not necessarily a touristy thing to do :) They've been talking so much about it and I do wanna go someday! But you're right it's easier to go to familiar places, but I think it's also very much because I always sort of forget to go anywhere, it's so nice to be home :)

Haha, you really googled Amager! :D That's just funny! Amager really isn't very pretty most places, but I really love it. It's like it's both city and village at the same time. But no, I don't go to the beach. (You've got to stop mentioning places I don't go :P ). I prefer going to the beach in more "desolate" places. I've never liked crowded beaches. It's just not my cup of tea.

#184: Too bad. Maybe you could translate it for me?

#185 - I'd love to speak English well enough to do a thing like that, but I really don't think I would do it justice, Stasia, so I'd rather not try.

#186: Oh, well, it was worth the try :)

It always is :)

#184 Crowded beaches are not really my cup of tea either. I should have known that half of Cph would go there when the weather is nice. We are not actually spoiled with long white beaches up here, a long coastal line though. But it is lovely to walk on the beach/down by the sea just for a stroll...even when it is raining. Just the smell of salty water...:) I couldn't live without it!

Maybe you shouldn't waste your time on the book. Let it goooo, haha!

Have yuo ever been to Café Norden? They have very good cookies, and a really cute guy worked there in December;D (I know you have a boyfriend, so nevermind my digression!)

#189 - Café Norden? Nope, I can't say I've been there either (I have got to get out more..) Btw, having a boyfriend doesn't mean one can't *look* at cute guys (though I don't believe anybody would stand a chance compared to my bf).

Now you made me miss the sea! Maybe I should take a trip to the beach soon before the swimming season sets in.. I think I'll do that.

I don't know what will happen to that book, but I hate not finishing books! But oh, I just got Thoreau's Walden. I've been meaning to read that book for so many years!

> 189 & 190
Now you two make me miss the beach too!
I used to live closer to the sea and went to the beach with the dogs a few times a year (on quiet days).
Now we live near a very big lake (which used to be a sea), but the water does not smell like salt sea water does...

#177 Glad to have reminded you! I definitely recommend it - I stopped in a couple of evenings, having tramped around all over the place all day long - it was wonderful just to be able to sink into an arm chair, with a good book and a pot of tea before heading back to the place I was staying... ...and the people who own and work in the shop seemed so nice too...

...am also noting down La Glace, for future Denmark visits...

I think you should all go on a stroll along the beach/sea side, if you can that is. And is so nice to read books there too (when the weather allows)!

#192 You should definitely try La Glace:)

Hey Tanja! How's the bike going?

#194 - I painted the bike yesterday, but I'd forgotten my camera, so you'll have to imagine the before picture. The after picture will come though. Will just have to remember to take it today :(

I ended up deciding on a bright orange, so now it's blue and orange. Very contrasty. I wouldn't say it's pretty, but it amuses me greatly. And it's very easy to locate now.

Nts: Must remember camera today!

I think it'll be a while before the weather invites to reading on the beach, but a walk will be great. Just not today. Today I have to go to Bacon bar at my school - a very funny and slightly disgusting event.

#192 - It sounds so lovely! :)

Finished a couple of books:

36. Punkindustriel heavyrocker med attitude by Louise Halvardsson. 3,5 stars.
Danish, translated from Swedish.

It might deserve 4 stars. And I probably would have given it at least that half star more if I had read it at a younger age.

It's a book about being a teenage girl trying to find your style, your way. Trying to become a whole human being. Trying to find love, friendship, your self. A typical teenage book, but without the sometimes too nostalgic look at youth you oftentimes might find in halfways autobiographical books about teenage life.

I really think it was a good book, and definitely worth reading. I just wish I'd been younger when I read it, then it would have caught me more, I think.

37. Den forsvundne fuldmægtig / The Missing Bureaucrat by Hans Scherfig. 3 stars.
This is an Books Off the Shelf book.

I can't really tell much without spoiling the plot, but two men have gone missing. One is a bureaucrat, only is strange loner. One of these men have blown himself up, the other is just gone. It's not a crime fiction though, it's more a tale of man who isn't satisfied with his life.

One thing that bothered me was that the satire seemed to overpower the story. I like satire and I think Scherfig is was a great writer in that genre, but I want the story to be the main thing in the book, not the satire. It's definitely not my favorite Scherfig book, but I kind of liked it anyway. I'm glad I read it.

#195: No way! Orange and blue? What a coincidence! It is the colours of my favourite football team .

Did you say it's not pretty? On the contrary, it must be beautiful:D I think I'm in love with your bike already!

#197 - Haha, nice.. I suddenly remembered that my school bag is blue and orange too. Now I can't use that and ride my bike at the same time without looking a tad ridiculous, but I didn't use that bag much anyway.

But I really must suggest you wait till you've seen the picture before you judge my bike :)

#198 But the fun part (for me at least) is that every time a person from Ålesund sees your bike (we have direct flight to Kastrup), he or she will probably think that an Aafk-supporter is cycling around in Copenhagen:) One should never underestimate the colourcombination of orange and blue. It does cheer you up too, right?!

So, what's happening at Bacon tonight?

Hey, what's up in Cph? Have you used your freshly painted bike yet?:)

Hi Bente, just got back from Rome a few days ago and had to restore my energy, now I'm good :)

Orange and blue always cheer me up. I'd be a fan of any team with that colour combination, not for the sport, but for the colours. Must remember to take a picture today. And yes I have used it, the bike, not the camera.

Bacon bar is a theme bar at my school with beer, bacon drinks, bacon tree, bacon toothpicks.. you know all sorts of bacon related things. It's always a great succes and lots of fun.

Phew, I guess there's a lot of catching up to do here on LT..

Welcome back, Tanja. Sounds like you had a great time in Rome. I am jealous :)

MARCH

30. Michael Ende: Den uendelige historie / The Neverending Story – 3,5 stars #131 (RR, Audio-ish)
31. Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandys levned og meninger / The Life and Opinions of Tristram Shandy, Gentleman – 4,5 stars #138 (Shelf)
32. Jon Ewo: Jorden er hård og nøgen – 4 stars #150 (RR)
33. D.E. Stevenson: Røre i andedammen / Miss Buncle’s Book – 4,5 stars #161
34. Karin Bo Bergquist: Revolutionens børn: Unge i Teheran – 3 stars #165 (NF, Iran)
35. Audur Jónsdóttir: Depositum – 5 stars #180
36. Louise Halvardsson: Punkindustriel heavyrocker med attitude – 3,5 stars #196
37. Hans Scherfig: Den forsvundne fuldmægtig / The Missing Bureaucrat – 3 stars #196 (Shelf)

Books read: 8
Books off the shelf: 2
Iran books read: 1

(BBR) Books bought and read: 0/1
(RR) Rereads: 2
(NF) Non-fiction: 1
(GR) Group read: 0
Poetry: 0

Unfinished: 1
Martin Andersen Nexø: Pelle Erobreren (Pelle the Conquerer)

Abandoned: 1
Helene Uri: De bedste af os

Standouts: 2
Laurence Sterne: Tristram Shandys levned og meninger
Audur Jónsdóttir: Depositum

Nice summary, Tanja!

Hey, you're back. I almost thought we had lost you for good;) How was Rome? I would love to go there some time!

38. De nøgne og de døde / The Naked and the Dead by Norman Mailer. 4 stars. (Shelf)
This was a really hard one to get through and I don't know when I would've ever finished it, if I hadn't brought it with me on the plane to and from Rome (no distractions).

I was pretty ambivalent about this book the whole way through it. I was bored and yet intrigued. It's not a book I want to read again, but I'm glad I read it and towards the end it managed to get my full attention. It's a great portrait of human kind and war and even though I found it utterly boring most of the way through, it fully deserves the 4 stars. It has a certain quality that even my boredom cannot make me overlook.

39. Sletternes Herre / The Holy Road by Michael Blake. 2,5 stars. (Shelf)
Series: Dancer With Wolves (2)
This is not a great literary masterpiece. The writing is poor and the story wellknown, but I like to read about Indians, so I finished it with no trouble anyway.

It's definitely not a feel good read. It describes the final days of the Indians. The last fights, before they had to give up. Even though I know the story, I hated reading about it. It made me feel sick and made me wish I wasn't white.

But it sort of lacked a story. On the cover it sounds like the story is Dancer With Wolves attemt to get his wife and child back when they're kidnapped by the whites, but that's only a few pages and in no way the leading story. There really is no leading story.

About the language, I read it in Danish, but I sure wish I had the English version too, so I could check if it's just a bad translation or the language really is that poor, like this quote:

"På Jagt efter Noget blev liggende, hvor hun var, indhyllet i den skarpe, frugtbare lugt af deres elskov, mens hun betragtede Den store Ånd med et søvnigt, tomt blik og undrede sig over den uomtvistelige forandring, der havde fundet sted dybt i hende." (page 130)

My attempt to translate the part that really bugs me (the big):
"...wrapped in the sharp, fertile smell of their love..."

That is just really poor writing IMO! Luckily that was the only place sex was involved so I didn't come across any other 'fertile smells'.

#206: I read The Naked and the Dead years ago and have no desire to revisit it. The other book sounds terrible. I certainly hope your next read is better for you Tanja.

#204 - Thanks Stasia. It was a pretty slow month though, only 8 books, tut tut.

#205 - Yep, I'm back. I must have forgotten to mention I was going to Rome. My boyfriend's mother invited us plus bf's brother and sister-in-law-to-be. It was a nice trip, I've never been to Rome before, so it was great to see Colosseum and all the other ruins and stuff. But oh my, there's a lot of cars, cheese and tourists (I'm not very good with either). I'm glad I've been to Rome, and the trip was very nice, but I don't expect I'm going back. I'm probably just not much of a city traveller. I thoroughly missed nature and silence while being there.

#207 - I hope so too, Stasia. Perhaps I should take a 75'er recommendation this time, they tend to be pretty good :)

#209: One of the things I appreciate about this group is the quality of the recommendations. Every now and then I will find a book that I do not enjoy as much as the person who recommended it did, but for the most part, the recommendations are spot on.

The long promised picture of my newly repainted bike:

#211: I like it! It has style.

> 211: Tanja
Glad you are back & that bike is very blue and orange, looks good! :-)

Oh, the bike did not disappoint Tanja! Love it:D

Haha, thanks guys! I don't know if I would call it style, Stasia, but it sure has something and it attracts a lot of attention, which I'm not sure how I feel about, but it's probably a good thing that people see me coming :P

The Naked and the Dead was a set book on one of my American Studies courses at university. Bizarrely, I quite like war stories but I was bored by this at the time. However, I might try and pick it up again if I came across it, probably won't though given the number of books I want to read or reread more.

#216 - Hi elkiedee. The Naked and the Dead isn't a book I think I'll ever read again though I sort of enjoyed it. It was just too boring. I have another Norman Mailer book on my shelf, Why Are We In Vietnam?, but I don't really have any desire to read any time soon. Like you say:

given the number of books I want to read or reread more.

The world is so full of books, wonderful books. I don't want to waste my time on rereading boring books. However, I do know people who thoroughly enjoyed The Naked and the Dead and didn't find it boring.

#216 & 217: Life is just too short;)

Beautiful bike Tanja! How about a couple of photos from Rome? ;o) Sorry you didn't fall in love with it. I think that there are quiet places, but they're mostly churches!

Hi flissp. I'm glad you like the bike :)

I can't deliver any pictures from Rome since I didn't take any. I did bring my camera with me everywhere, but I got sort of annoyed by all the picture taking people everywhere, so I didn't take any myself.

We only went into one church, St. Peter's Basilica, and it certainly wasn't quiet :P Perhaps we should have tried some minor churches, but with only 4 days in Rome, there's a lot to see and too little time as it is. And I'm not sure a church would have helped me. I liked when we went to some park on the last day (even though I was annoyed to discover they even allow cars in the parks, crazy Romans), despite a lot of people being there, it was sort of quiet and really nice.

40. The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner. 4 stars.
I quite liked this book. I sometimes felt like something was missing, but I think that was just the coming of age theme that's usually part of the fantasy books I read. The ending annoyed me a bit at first, but as I read on, I liked it a little better. I'm definitely looking forward to the rest of the series.

The reading is really slow at the moment, and probably will be until somewhere in June, because I have to pay attention to my papers and exams. But I'll do my best to squeeze in a few fiction books now and then.

#221: I like that series. I hope you enjoy them all, Tanja.

Sorry your reading has slowed down for you, but the books will be waiting for you when you get to them.

Hi Tanja. That looks like a book I would enjoy:) Thanx for the tip. I'm sorry you don't have the time to read as mush as you would like. That's the negative side of studying I guess. But you have a lot of reading time to look forward too, and maybe you'll appreciate it even more when you've been through a period where you are prohibited from doing so:) Good luck with your papers and exams!

But I already appreciate it, Bente... I hate not being able to read what I want when I want! It's awful!

You're right, Stasia, the books will be waiting patiently. But I don't want to wait! :P I am however going to make time to read the Attolia series and a couple of other books.

I hope you'll like the book(s), Bente. And thank you.

#224: I don't want to wait

I understand that sentiment completely! I often wish I were cloned so that I could consume books more rapidly. They are written ever so much faster than I can read them - and I want to read them all!

#224 & 225: I read an article a few days back, it was about reading and writing, and there was a very good sentence that describes this exactly. Or the way I feel it anyways.

The more you are reading, the more you discover and know you want to read. That's when the melancholy kicks in, because you know you never will have time to read it all.

I hope it make sense, it was freely translated from Norwegian:)

#226: Makes perfect sense to me. I should use it as my life motto :)

Thanks Bente!

#225-227 - Exactly! That is a very true quote! And oh, to be cloned, it would be very, very practical :)

Hehe, cloning would be practical indeed, though multitasking on that level could be a bit scary. But it would be a nice thing when you're preparing for exams....taking a shower and reading, writing a paper on one subject and reading something else at the same time, almost like having several hard drives to pour out from on exams. If one brain is stuck, the other could help.

I hope your preparations are doing ok! Best wishes still:)

nah... cloning would be scary!
Especially meeting myself... no, one of me is enough!

Although an extra brain... that sounds tempting ;-)

#230 - But Anita, it's just that brains are so ugly to look at, I wouldn't want to have an extra floating around the apartment. Besides, I'd really like to see myself from the outside (and not just in a mirror or a video). I think it would be very educational. Would probably improve my social skills or something like that.. :)

#229 - You're so very right, Bente! Cloning in exam periods would be awesome. And thanks, I'm unfortunately still on the level where I can't really take it seriously. Will probably remain there untill I finally begin stressing over not having written anything yet :) Though I have started to read the theory stuff, so I suppose I'm getting somewhere.. but slowly, oh so slowly :)

Just popping in to say Hello!:) I hope you are doing fine. I know about the "not being able to take the writing seriously until you HAVE to"-part of studying. Thankfully that's all in the passed. Though I have sort of the same problem now...I really should be applying for jobs...it's just much more fun to read books!

But hey, slow steps are at least steps:)

Hi Bente, nice of you to stop by despite the complete lack of action on the thread :)

But hey, slow steps are at least steps

Exactly! Do you think, thinking about writing my paper is a step on the way to actually finishing it? :P Well, apart from being annoyed by my paper, I'm doing very fine. Hope you are too. What kind of jobs are you looking for? (I'm sorry if you have already mentioned it somewhere, my memory is pretty much nonexistent these days).

41. Brother Odd by Dean Koontz. 3 stars.
Series: Odd Thomas Novels (3).
Discovered I had a Dean Koontz book on my shelves, that I hadn't read. A highly unusual thing to happen, but I must have been preoccupied when I bought it. Anyway, I read it. I'm not a big fan of Koontz' Odd Thomas novels (I always feel like he's just trying a bit too hard to be funny and hip), but the story was fine and kept me sort of hooked till the end. And though I'm far from being a christian, I loved the fact that it took place in a monastery, and the sense of solidarity and kindness he descriped there. But as said I don't really like the Odd Thomas novels, so I'll only give it 3 stars. I wish Mr. Koontz would finish the Christopher Snow Trilogy instead of writing about Odd Thomas. I love the first two books in that series and it feels like I've been waiting forever for the last one. Come on, come on, Mr. Koontz!

Back to my paper.. or perhaps a break to read a bit more in Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day..

Sorry you did not like Kootz' Odd Thomas novels. I like them - they are the only books of his I have ever read. Oh, well, too each his or her own.

I hope you like Miss Pettigrew. I thought it was very good - certainly more enjoyable than writing a paper :)

Hallo! Just checking in as I've been absent a while....

Yes, St Peter's Basilica - definitely not quiet!! Did you climb to the top though? There's the most amazing(ly terrifying) view...

Good luck with your paper: "Do you think, thinking about writing my paper is a step on the way to actually finishing it?" - absolutely it is! ;o)

I agree with Fliss, thinking about it is a large step towards finishing it. You could after all, not think of it at all, which would get you nowhere. Maybe your subconscious will produce the arguments for you :D

I'm looking for everything and nothing really. Hopefully something to do with my education, but unfortunately there are too many people wanting too few jobs. Since I'm fairly new in the job market, I'm not really their first choice. Btw, I see the national museum in Cph have a few interesting jobs out :)

#234 - Hi Stasia. I definitely liked Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day much more than writing my paper. Just finished it (the book, not the paper unfortunately) this morning.

A lot of people adore the Odd Thomas novels. I guess I'm just a bit to the side :D And perhaps part of my annoyance is caused by my impatience. I really just want the last Christopher Snow novel (or perhaps even more than one..). Those are some of my alltime favourite Koontz books.

#235 - Hi Flissp. You haven't missed anything here. It's been very quiet on my thread. That's what happens when you don't have time to read books I guess :D

No, we didn't climb to the top. Easter brought a lot of people to Rome, and we didn't feel like standing in line. I would have liked to see the view from up there though.

And thanks, I'm glad you see it that way. I feel much more productive already :)

#236 - Wauw, you make it sound like I'm doing something reasonable! I like that! :D

Sometimes a person coming (almost) straight from educational system can be a good way to get new ideas into the place. But you're right, people often choose those who have a bit more experience. I hope you'll find something good though. I guess the national museum in chp is quite a long way from you. Do you consider moving if you get a job there or some other place "far away"?

Good hunting.. :)

42. Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day by Winifred Watson. 4 stars.
I don't want to say much about this book. There are some great reviews on the book page already. I haven't got a lot to add to those. I'll just say I liked this book. I really liked this book. It's sweet and fun and lovely and definitely worth reading (and not just because I didn't want to write my paper).

Has anyone seen the movie? I'd like to see it, but I'm afraid I'll just get annoyed.

#237 Just in case you don't make it back, here's a triptych of the view ;o) - I've reduced the size so as not to clogg up your thread, but if you click on them you can see bigger versions:



#238 I've seen the film - it wasn't life changing, but was amusing enough, but then I've not read the book, so I don't know how true to form it is...

Edited to correct spelling...

#237: Miss Pettigrew is already on The List, don't know when I will read it though:) I'm willing to move, but not sure how far yet. I love Cph, but it is a bit scary to move somewhere you don't know anyone. Maybe it will be Oslo, though I don't even like the city half as much as Cph:D

#239: Love the pictures Fliss! Was it scary up there? Don't think I would have tried...I'm terribly scared of heights!

I am glad you enjoyed Miss Pettigrew, Tanja. I liked that one as well. I have not seen the film version, so I cannot comment on that.

Great pics, Fliss! Thanks! Now I'm kind of sorry I didn't go up there. But I'm pretty sure I won't be going back.

I've heard the film should be pretty different from the book, but I'm thinking the story seems to be the kind that could do rather well on film. It's not like Harry Potter or something like that where you have to cut a lot out in order to not make it a marathon movie.

Bente, I completely understand the scariness of moving to a place where you don't know anybody. Of course you'd get to now people through work, but still.. and particularly so far away. It's easier if you go somewhere to study I think, then you meet a lot of different people you can make friends with. Do you know people in Oslo?

Stasia, how could I not like? It's such a sweet book :) I noticed that eldashwood wrote: I loved it like candy and brightly-colored nail polish and kittens. in her review. That is exactly how I feel, and a wonderful description, I think.

I like that description too! It is very fitting.

#240 & 2 Thanks and yes it was scary! In fact the worst point was half way up, while you're still inside the Basilica - there's a narrow viewing platform around the circumference of the tower looking down into the building. Terrifying. Despite all the wire mesh protective stuff, I had to edge myself around the wall, or I wouldn't have been able to move.

I never used to be even remotely scared of heights, but I suddenly developed the fear half way up Ayers Rock about 10 years ago - I had to come down on my arse, staring just at my sweaty hands clenching the guide chain - the guide lady said she'd never seen anyone so white. Ever since then, I've been challenging myself by going up tall things. I can't do climbing walls for some reason, but I have done a couple of tandem sky dives - and every city I go to with a tower in, I go up it - the exception being the Eiffel Tower. Nothing on this Earth will make me go up that... I always have to fight back the panic, but I think it's probably good for me and of course, when I can make myself look, the views are always wonderful.

Tanja, I reckon you should give Rome another chance one of these days - maybe out of season and staying away from the obvious tourist spot crowds? It has a lot to offer, honest (including a great bookshop ;o)) and there are green bits if you search...

I'm thinking I need to add Miss Pettigrew to my list...

43. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner. 3 stars.
Series: Queen's Thief (2)
It held me captured. The story was always surprising (though I'm not certain I appreciate being surprised that way). But all the way I felt something was missing, just as I did in the first book, and even more. After some thinking I've come to the conclusion that what I missed was really getting to know Eugenides, the main character. It's like I never really got under his skin, so to speak. I think that was what I missed in the first book too, I just didn't realize at the time. I have trouble connecting to a character if I don't feel like I get to know him/her and that sort of ruined the experience for me. I am however going to read the next book in the series.

#244 - Fliss, It's impressive how you insist on challenging your fear of heights, very impressive. I have no particular fear of heights (nothing more than a reasonable respect, I'd say), but I can find many other areas where I wish I had the guts to challenge my fears as you do.

About Rome, I'd give it a second change if it wasn't for the fact that there are so many other places I'd like to go. I really can't make myself spend time and money on a trip to Rome when I'd rather go somewhere else and am having difficulties enough trying to choose which of those places I'd most want to go. But perhaps someday, some years from now, I might feel like going again.

I do think you should put Miss Pettigrew on the list. She's worth reading and she's a quick read too.. :)

44. Puk på kostskole (Puk 1)
45. Puk slår sig løs (Puk 2)
46. Puk har fart på (Puk 9)
47. Stakkels Puk (Puk 16)
48. Det ordner Puk (Puk 17)

Some Danish girl books from the 50s and 60s. Most of them I've had since I was, I think, 10 or something. They used to belong to my mother and my aunt. I've read them tons of times and they are pretty slim, so it takes no time to get through one. Perfect for a break in the studying (student + dying, I've learned on facebook). Plus they're really sweet and 50s-ish in the style.

Unfortunately there are large gaps in the series, and it's rather difficult to find the missing books (most people who have them are collecters and won't sell them). The first two books in the series I bought a couple of years ago, when they started reprinting the series, but I guess they didn't sell enough cause they stopped the project again. I hope I someday will find those I'm missing. Actually the first PM I ever got on LT was from a woman who wanted to buy my Puk books.

Hey Tanja, how's it going? Those Puk books looks very sweet:) It is nice to reread good books from your childhood. Very nostalgic:) I hope you find the missing books too, maybe you'll find some at flee markets or second hand shops. Quite a lot of them in Cph :) I hope you're fine and enjoying the spring!

Hi Bente. It's going fine, how are you doing? :) The cold's almost over and I'm still working my way through stupid paper, so no, I'm definitely not enjoying the spring at the moment! :P But I'm looking forward to enjoying summer.

The Puk books are kind of sweet. 'Kind of' because I think I would have hated them if I only first read them now. They are so 50's, very sexist and stereotypic. But when you can look past that, they are really sweet. Oh and the main character is actually named Bente, she's just called Puk by the others :)

I always look for the books in flee markets and second hand shops, but I haven't found any yet. But perhaps some day.

APRIL

38. Norman Mailer: De nøgne og de døde / The Naked and the Dead – 4 stars #206 (Shelf)
39. Michael Blake: Sletternes Herre / The Holy Road – 2,5 stars #206 (Shelf)
40. Megan Whalen Turner: The Thief – 4 stars #221
41. Dean Koontz: Broder Odd / Brother Odd – 3 stars #233 (BBR)
42. Winifred Watson: Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day – 4 stars #238
43. Megan Whalen Turner: The Queen of Attolia – 3 stars #245

Books read: 6
Books off the shelf: 2
Iran books read: 0

(BBR) Books bought and read: 1/0 (didn't buy it in April, but in 2010)
(RR) Rereads: 0
(NF) Non-fiction: 0
(GR) Group read: 0
Poetry: 0

#249: Nice summary, Tanja!

#250 - As always, thanks Stasia! :D

It was a rather slow month, so there wasn't much to write down. I'm just making mental lists of all the books I'm going to read during the summer, much more interesting than this summary (and the next) :)

#248: I guess you have to see them in the light of when it was written. In 50 years from now, maybe people will shake their head over the books we are reading now. But that's just progress I guess:) Have a lovely weekend, hope you feel better soon.

Oh, I think you need a new thread soon Tanja! :)

#253 - I think you might be right, Bente, but I refuse to admit it.

#254: I wish I could get by with that philosophy!

Denial usually don't take you anywhere. Can't stop progress;)

#255 - Stasia, your threads would explode if you tried that! :P

#256 - Can't I please keep my denial for a few more days? Or at least until I need to do something other than my paper? :)

# 257: Of course:) But I'll be expecting a new thread when your paper is finished and delivered or whenever you have the time. No stress;)

#257: Unfortunately, you are probably right.

Now, get the paper done and be a good girl and start a new thread! lol

I'm back.. sort of. Still got one paper and a couple of exams left, but the major one is gone. New thread coming up...

..and here it is: Thread no.2