Lunacat Reads in 2010

I haven't been posting much (at all) in the last couple of months of 2009 but maybe I'll get back on track in 2010.

I hope you'll all forgive my lack of input and posting and allow me back into your fold.

I'm hoping for about 120 books read this year, but whether I'll make it or not is another matter. If things go as they are at the moment, I definitely won't make it.

I'm also doing a massive amount of saving this year in order to achieve my dream of owning a horse. Certain things have worked out in my favour so that I will now (just about) be able to afford the upkeep of one, so now I need to save up the basic 'starter' amount for buying one and kitting it out etc. So I'm posting the savings ticker here as I could do with all the support I can get!!







March

16. The Postman by David Brin
17. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiongo
18. The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers
19. Frederica by Georgette Heyer
20. Brother in the Land by Robert Swindells

February

10. Shields of Pride by Elizabeth Chadwick
11. When the Legends Die by Hal Borland
12. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey
13. Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey
14. The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman
15. Arabella by Georgette Heyer

January

1. The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer
2. The Memoirs of a Survivor by Doris Lessing
3. Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt
4. Singing For Mrs Pettigrew by Michael Morpurgo
5. The Giver by Lois Lowry
6. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry
7. Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman
8. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman
9. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale

Jenny! Great to see you back! I was worried that you'd been poisoned by my toothpaste, and that I'd be shunned by all LTer's for life! I've missed you! Hope you're feeling well (it doesn't sound like it). I've thought about you a lot these last few months.

I'm looking forward to reading with you again!

Hi Jenny! It's great to see you back. Of course you're welcome to join us; I was hoping that you would. I'm sure I'm not the only LTer that missed your witty comments.

Hi Jenny! Really happy to see you back. You have been missed.
All the best for the New Year.

hi Jenny

Good to see you here. I haven't been posting much either the last months of 2009, mostly in my own thread.
I will try to do better this year ;-)

Anita

Hello!! I was worried you had decided not to return this year, so I'm glad you are back! Happy New Year :)

Happy New Year, lunacat!

Good to see you, lunacat. I, too, faded away over the last few months, with work, school, and life all exerting their competing claims on my time. But that's what the New Year's celebration is all about, right? Always time for new beginnings!

Hi Jenny--I'm glad you're back!

Deborah

Welcome back!

Yaay! Glad to see you again, Jenny. We missed you.

Happy New Year, Jenny!

Glad to see you back where you belong, Jenny - with us!

Happy to see you back with us, Jenny :)

Happy New Year, Jenny! I'm glad to see you back!

YAY Jenny - so glad you're here. Hope you've had a great New Year.

Happy new year, Luna! I'm so glad you'll be joining us again, and I hope everything is going okay for you. I've missed seeing you around for the past month or so. Welcome back!

Thank you so much for allowing me back, and with such welcome arms. I don't deserve it after disappearing off as I did! The last month has certainly been a trying one but I'm determined to start off afresh and embark on the New Year as I mean to go. Unfortunately I've set myself some pretty steep goals, but fingers crossed!! I'm going to certainly try and be around here more again. I've missed you all so much.

Jenny!!! I've missed you. And I totally understand about the time away from LT, it's something I fall into as well. I'm sorry you've had such a hard time last month, but hopefully 2010 will only bring you good things!

And yes, I JUST found your thread after you posted on mine the other day... this place is crowded! There's no way I could read all the threads; I have a hard time just keeping up with my old friends.

Starred and ready for your reads, Jenny. I also dropped off the LT radar for the last couple of months of 2009. Sometimes life gets in the way.... Good to see you around again.

> 18 Jenny
Of course you are welcomed back!
Daily life sometimes interferes with on-line life, we all know that, so we are just happy you have a bit of spare time for us to share :-)
Anita

Aha! A lunacat thread!! Welcome back Jenny and happy new year! Good to see you didn't vanish into the great TBR black hole in the sky - it was a worry ;) Hope 2010 turns out better than Dec 2009 for you.

1. The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England by Ian Mortimer 292 pages

The first book of the year and its non-fiction. This is nothing short of a miracle for me!

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England does exactly what it says on the tin. Written in a light hearted and informative way, it gives facts in a really interesting style, looking at how we in the 21st century would find life in the 14th, and dispelling some myths along the way.

With chapters on money, clothing, law, justice, buildings etc, a nice overview is created on what life is actually like, written as if we were visiting another country as opposed to going back in time. It also provides information for the whole of society, ranging from the King right down to the lowliest beggar, so the picture painted is truly complete.

I really enjoyed this, and I'm not someone who gets on very well with non-fiction books. This was written in such an interesting and fun way that I didn't feel that I was 'learning' or getting bogged down in facts.

Admittedly my attention wavered slightly at times, but only when reading about parts of society that I have absolutely no interest in, then or now. It also put points across in a way I had never thought of them before, as the author challenges us to look at life as the 14th century person did, as opposed to tainting it with 21st century ideals and expectations.

An interesting and enjoyable look at the 14th century, written in a unique style.

I bought that book on a whim in 2008 or so and really enjoyed it- i re-read a few bits of it near the end of last year. It's definitely one of those history books that make things seem interesting and less dry.
Good to have you back with us :)

This sounds like a fun read. The Book Depository is selling the hardcover at half price ($12.99 USD, with free shipping to the US)...and it's ordered. Thanks, Jenny!

That sounds like a lot of fun. Onto the wish list it goes. Darn you.

Looks great! Another addition to Project Wishlist.

Jenny, I just noticed your "Saving for a Horse" ticker. How are you going to get a horse if you keep buying books?

#28

The answer? I'm on a self enforced book buying ban. I have a £20 book voucher from my grandmother but that is the only book related money I have. I'm allowing myself £10 a week for 'treats' such as a cinema visit etc but that has to cover all non essential clothes and food as well.......needless to say, life is going to be very luxury free in the next few months. It will be even more luxury free once I get the horse but at least then I'll have the horse to make up for it!

I had seen this book and didn't think it would be of interest - but your review changed my mind. Adding it to the wishlist. Thanks

Nice to see you back, and that book looks like a good one!

This sounds interesting. Thanks for the review... I'm going to have to fatten up my wish list with this addition.

#23: I already had that one in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again thanks to your great review, Jenny.

Glad to see book #1 of the year was such a good one for you.

Sounds like a fun book, onto the list it goes!

Hi There!

Congratulations for your hot review listed on today's home page. What a great way to start the New Year! I enjoyed your excellent comments! And, I'm adding my thumbs up to those already registered.

Oh wow, thanks everyone for the hot review! That's put a really big smile on my face and I needed it today :)

The Time Traveler's Guide... sounds really good, lunacat!

I'm asking a favour to everyone reading here:

If you think I would be interested in your thread, either because of last year, or because of joint reading etc then please post the link to your thread here. I'm so tired and so overwhelmed and confused that I don't think I'm ever going to track down everyone I want to, and I certainly can't read every thread.

Ta very much in advance. (This doesn't count for people I have already posted to though).

I was dropping in to say that I'm adding The Time Traveller's Guide to my TBR, and I've already put a hold on it at the library. You posted on my thread last year, so here's the link to my new one: http://www.librarything.com/topic/80879

What a great first read for 2010! I've added it to my neverending wishlist. Thanks, Jenny! I hope your book buying ban works and you get your horse. :)

Another one for the TBR pile. I love reading lighthearted history books. Thanks.

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England sounds like fun. Putting it on the wishlist for light relief between heavy historical textbooks.

The Time Traveller's Guide does indeed sound fun, onto the wishlist it goes!

Here is the link to my thread: http://www.librarything.com/topic/80014, I think you posted on last year's thread, and we have similar tastes. I'd love to see you over there, but I certainly understand about being busy.

Here's mine: http://www.librarything.com/topic/78955

Thank you very much for the links, I have duly found you all.

My tactic for reading today was to stand in the freezing cold tack room at work and read. This meant that I was too cold to feel sleepy, not to mention not seated, and meant that I achieved at least 7 pages before I was too cold from not moving to be able to continue. Plus my fingers were beginning to get rather chilly as I couldn't wear my wonderful gloves that are useless for anything other than keeping warm.

I'm now thinking of other ways to make myself not unbearably uncomfortable but uncomfortable enough to not fall asleep while reading. I think my brain must be convinced I'm actually an 86-year-old woman as it behaves as such.

Naturally, I'm concerned. I'm sorry you are ever so tired.

#45: Maybe we could trade brains, Jenny. Mine seems to think I do not need to sleep much at all.

You've posted on my thread, Jenny, so I'm going to assume I'm still on your list. I'm sorry to hear you are feeling bad. I really hope things turn around for you soon.

Meanwhile, 7 pages is more than you had read before you read them! Baby steps, my dear, baby steps.

I feel like a belated echo, but hiya, lunacat, and welcome back! :)

The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England really looks good. Shocking, because I'm not into history at all, probably because the textbooks we had to read in school were so big and dull. But this I would pick up. Thanks for the recommendation! :) Keep 'em coming.

#45: Have you tried reading on a horse? Just thinking... :) I hop on my stationary bike sometimes. Not the same thing, I know, but it might keep you alert for a bit. And I'm with Linda--being tired all the time is concerning (speaking as someone who can literally sleep a day away because of my depression). Just take it easy. :) We're here for ya.

#47: lol @ Stasia. Yes, you should definitely bottle and sell your energy. I'd buy some right about now.

#47

I'll buy some of your energy as well!

#48, #49

Thank you for your concern, everyone. I have depression (which is well managed with both chemical medications and alternative help) which isn't the immediate issue, although I am suffering from post christmas blues and the length of time until spring.

I also have CFS/ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) which seems to be kicking me down right now. I knew I would feel rough after the strain of christmas and the new year, but I underestimated how much it would take out of me, and how long it would take to recuperate, given the illness.

I know I'll get there, and things are looking better this week than they were last, but as Lynda precisely put it in another thread, "I'm tired of being tired".

#50: Ah, the chronic fatigue makes sense. I don't know much about CFS/ME (have heard about it, just not in-depth), but thanks for being so open with us. That must be an incredible strain. But I'm glad this week's a little better!

Here's my thread:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/80119
I very much enjoy following yours, but of course that doesn't mean you'll feel the same! You're welcome, though, so stop by any time!

Hang in there sweetie! My heart goes out to you! If I lived near you I would bring bright daffodils and daisies.

LC:
I have hypothyroid, and it causes extreme exhaustion too. I think they finally (after fire years) have the right dosage for my medication. I no longer sleep for entire weekends at a time and I can do more than one thing a day. It is one of the most frustrating symptoms of the disease (others aren't fun either, depression, rapid weight gain, dry scalp to name a few). Good luck managing your symptoms. I know it can be a bear.

#50: If I could figure out how to bottle energy, I would send some your way, Jenny.

> 50
hi Jenny

My husband had/has CFS, I deal with the depressions and some other problems, so I recognise somewhat.
He had good results with very low dosage of Ritalin, that is also helpfull in some cases of narcolepsy and more known for ADHD treatment.
He has taken it for nearly 3 years and stopped recently because the side effects became more prevalent. But it has helped to shorten his recuperation time.

Anita

I hope you are still feeling a little better. Read light, happy things; Spring is coming...

I'm glad to hear that this week is better than last week was, Jenny. I hope that things continue to improve, as we get further away from the holidays and as the weather (hopefully) improves. We are all very fond of you and are glad to see you back on LT!

#56

I'm so sorry to hear that you and your husband have these problems as well. Thank you for sharing your experience with them. I have been referred to a CFS specialist but there is a very long waiting list so I'll see what comes of that.

#57

Thank you for the good thoughts. I'm keeping 'spring is coming' in my mind!

#58

Thank you Darryl. I'm hoping that as well :)

BIG hug to you Jenny! I could not have said it any better than Darryl's message #58!

Just thought I'd post some pics of my work in the snow today. Just when we thought it was thawing, it starting snowing AGAIN this afternoon. *sigh*

One set of fields (6 fields in that row)



Another set (7 there)



One of the horses enjoying himself



And part of the yard in the snow this afternoon

at least, someone is enjoying the snow!!!

Love the picture where do you live if you don't mind me asking

Love the photo of the horse rolling around in the snow! I feel a little less sorry for them in the cold now ;o)

Seconded re the glad to hear you're feeling a bit better this week - I do hope that that continues for you. Have you thought of getting one of those light boxes that simulates normal daylight (can't think what they're called right now) - I've heard that they can really help some people at this time of year?

#49 saraslibrary - I bet Jenny has read on the back of a horse at some time or other - after all, she's the only person I've ever heard of reading in the shower!

Hi Jenny,
Thanks for the beautiful pictures. I'm very sorry to hear about your health problems. I have some close friends dealing with both conditions so I know it must be difficult.
I always enjoy following your threads and I think you visited mine last year. So if you'd like to, here's the link:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/79657

I hope you find a lot of good books to keep your attention and provide an escape for you in 2010.

Take care,
Angela

Hi! I'm a long-time lurker and I didn't know you worked at a stable! Where? And what kinds of horses? I LOVE horses and work in the horse industry here in Lexington!

#63

I live in the east of England. We don't often get snow here as we are too mild so snow for this extended amount of time (on and off since before christmas) is very unusual.

#64 + #49

I have indeed read on the back of a horse, but only when walking a very quiet one as a fitness exercise. Just walking for 30 mins can get rather boring. It has the unfortunate affect of making me slightly travel sick though, which is weird as I don't get travel sick when reading at all.

I have looked into light boxes but have very little room at the moment, and very little cash as well! I shall have to dash outside as soon as the sun comes out.

#65
Thanks for the link and the thoughts, I've dropped by your thread now.

#66
I was working in a riding school but I now run a livery yard in the countryside of England. We have all kinds of horses, ranging from a retiree to a couple of 4 year olds, and a couple of competition horses, with the standard 'riding' horses in between.

2. The Memoirs of a Survivor by Doris Lessing 182 pages

Society is breaking down, communications are almost gone and the government is so out of control it may as well not exist. Within this world the narrator, an unnamed woman, watches the world outside her window and keeps to herself. Until one day Emily, and her pet, are left in her care by a stranger.

Emily is a young teenager on the cusp of adulthood and beginning to attempt to find her way in a world that has no order. So she starts to integrate into the streetlife, the nomadic tribes and the people searching for a new meaning to their lives. And so the narrator is also drawn in whilst at the same time losing herself into a distant world entirely seperate from the harsh reality.

This is a dystopian fiction I really wanted to like, and parts of it I did. The tales of Emily and her experiences and the descriptions of 'real' life, I enjoyed thoroughly. However, I lost interest and patience with the other parts of this novel, as I felt myself being hit repeatedly over the head with ill-disguised meaning and tedious metaphors. The language was sometimes simple but too often flowery and longwinded and I felt my attention draining from the pages.

Thankfully this was short and so I was able to keep going in order to find out what happened in the real world, which was all I was interested in. I did try to immerse myself more fully into the book but I couldn't manage it.

Those who have read anything else by this author might have better success than me as I felt part of my problem was the writing style, which was just too convuluted for me. This all felt like trying far too hard to be deep and meaningful.

However, the underlying story is intriguing and well realised and one I've glad I've read. I just wish I hadn't had the slog of unnecessary words to experience it.

This is, as Stasia would put it, guardedly recommended for those who have a healthy appetite for dystopian fiction, feminist fiction (which I don't, which was also probably part of my problem) or have enjoyed something else by this author.

And to give you a hint, I've decided to include in my reviews a short, non 'spoilerish' paragraph that I feel represents the writing style etc so people can get an idea of whether they'd like it or not.

"And so - we would have to move. Yes, we would go. Not quite yet. But it would soon be necessary, and we knew it . . . and all this time my ordinary life was the foreground, the lit area - if I can put it like that - of a mystery that was taking place, had been going on for a long time, 'somewhere else'." pg.13.

Hi Jenny, you've posted to my thread (DonnaReads) so I won't include the link here, but will send on all good wishes for you getting a horse this year. Once you realize this goal maybe you will see an improvement in your CFS. I'm so glad you get to work with horses. Your pictures are beautiful. You have a most interesting thread, and I'll be following your progress.

Incredible photos! WOW!

Everything in the photos seem dreamlike. I love black and white photography!

(previous message edited because of typos...)

>68 lunacat:: I read this years ago and simply "didn't get it." Even your sample paragraph (great idea btw) has me shrugging my shoulders. Not a fan of dystopian fiction here.

Jenny--I hope you begin to feel better soon.

I can attest to the efficacy of those special light boxes. I couldn't get through the winters up here without one--growing up in the tropics and living for 20 years in New Orleans really turned my body against long, dark winters.

Vitamin D tablets are very energizing as well. :)

I have Memoirs of a Survivor on the shelf, and I do like dystopian fiction, and some feminist fiction, so I will probably give it a try. I'm sorry it wasn't your cup of tea, Jenny!

I'm so sorry to hear about your medical problems. I can totally relate. I, too, have depression, and it's particularly bad this time of year. I also have chronic low blood pressure and a condition called Arnold Chiari Malformation, which I had brain surgery for in March of 2008. Although I am generally feeling better, I still get tired pretty much all the time and have a hard time explaining to the people in my life why I can't do things, as they just don't understand the exhaustion.

The pictures of the horses are beautiful!

Marcia, you and I share the unique Arnold Chairi Malformation condition. The tiredness really does wear on us! I'm with a wonderful mate, still, I'm sure there are times he finds it frustrating to be with me, especially when the headaches are bad, the vision is blurry, and I'm dropping and breaking things throughout the house.

I continue to hold you in my prayers. While I had shunt surgery, I did not have decompression. The thought of what you went through is very scary and I admire you tremendously!

Jenny, your job must be incredibly rewarding!

Gorgeous pictures, Jenny. Thanks for sharing them.

I will see if I can locate a copy of Memoirs of a Survivor since like you, I am a fan of dystopian fiction. On the other hand, I am not a fan of feminist fiction, so who knows whether I will like it or not. I will give it a try though. Thanks for the recommendation!

Good review of Memoirs of a Survivor Jenny - I think I'll be giving that one a miss for the time being though!

3. Up a Road Slowly by Irene Hunt 186 pages

This Newbery Award winning novel follows the life of Julie as she grows from a grieving confused seven-year-old who has just lost her mother, through her teenage years until she is seventeen. In doing so, it charts not only her life but the lives of those around her.

With no dramatics, explosions, magic or ending of worlds, this is a simple and yet stunningly beautiful tale of a girl growing up and the struggles she faces. From learning the guilt that being selfish carries to the knowledge that often, things cannot be fixed, Julie's life is a quiet pleasure to enter. Every interaction she has, every character shown is complete and so real I felt I knew them as well as she does.

The language is poetic but never overcomplicated or flowery and atmosphere and setting are described with ease.

I fell in love with this novel and the people within, and saw so much of myself in Julie that, by the end, I was in tears, not with sadness or even happiness but just with pure understanding.

Sadly, I'm not sure this would appeal to many young readers out there now, and they are missing out on a huge delight. A book that is quietly understated, with no need for gimmicks, that lets the characters tell their stories with grace and honesty.

From page 11:

"She carried me up to her room overlooking the flower garden. The windows were open and the dry, bitter scents of autumn were in the air that stirred a curtain near the bed where Laura laid me. I vaguely wished that I could control the screaming that distressed Laura, but I was completely helpless."

That sounds wonderful Jenny - onto the wishlist!

>75 Whisper1:, Thanks, Linda! I hold you in my prayers, too. It's so amazing that we found someone with the same problems on LT. LT is really a miracle worker.

>78 lunacat:, Up a Road Slowly looks fabulous, Jenny! I've added it to my wishlist. Have you read Hunt's Across Five Aprils? It was one of my favorite books in middle school.

#80

Nope, I haven't. I just happened to have half an hour to kill at my mum's yesterday and browsed through her Newbery winners and chose this one. I knew nothing about it or the author but I was hooked!

And whilst not specifically aimed at me, I have to agree that LT is a miracle :)

Across Five Aprils is a really great book about the American Civil War from the point of view of a young boy.

My life would be bleak, indeed, without LT! :)

Jenny

I readUp a Road Slowly in 2009 when I was (and still am) on my Newbery quest.

I agree, it is a wonderful book.

I read Across Five Aprils more years ago than I care to admit, but have not yet read Up a Road Slowly. I will definitely be looking for that one. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Jenny!

I loved your review, Jenny.

Singing For Mrs Pettigrew by Michael Morpurgo 268 pages

This book is made up of short stories, mixed in with autobiographical tales of their creation and the life of the author.

Michael Morpurgo is a wonderful children and young adult storyteller, and the mixture of tales spans from France in the mid-20th century, through Scotland, Cornwall, the Scilly Isles, down to Argentina and the Falkland Isles and back to the place the author grew up.

All contain elements of truth or history and Morpurgo clearly and elegantly explains how he incorporates these pieces of information into the stories, and how some simple things inspire him.

I found this an interesting take on explaining story-telling, and as I like this author's work, it was no challenge to read either the fiction or the autobiographical parts. I preferred some stories to others, but all were of a high quality.

If you are familiar with Michael Morpurgo's work and are interested in some of the back stories, this is a definite read. It's also good for introducing someone to his style, or to learning how a writer finds the tales he tells.

A thoroughly enjoyable journey through his writing mind.

From page eight:

" I am a grower of stories. I farm them as surely as a farmer does his corn. I am a weaver of dreams, a teller of tales. I have, through my mother reading to me, through my own reading, through inspired teachers, through my great mentors Robert Louis Stevenson, Ted Hughes and Sean Rafferty , through years of practice, discovered my way of doing it. Every writer's way is unique, I am sure, though perhaps we all have much more in common than we believe. My way will not be the only way, but it is my way, and I hope it might be interesting and maybe even useful and encouraging to tell the story of how I became the writer I am."

Another good review, Jenny!

I loved your picture of the 2 horses talking to each other. I never knew horses would roll around in the snow.

I hope you feel better soon and that spring doesn't tarry.

You've posted on my threads before, so here I am incase you want to look for me again: http://www.librarything.com/topic/78973

Great review of Singing for Mrs Pettigrew. This is definitely on my wish list.

#86: I am adding Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Jenny!

I'm simply stopping by to say I hope you are feeling better and that this week will be a good one for you!

Yes, thanks for this review, lunacat. It's on my list now and I've got you starred. Understanding how others process story ideas makes it easier to recognize how we do it ourselves - fascinating topic.

Have a great week!

I loved Singing for Mrs Pettigrew too. The Mozart Question story was later published with beautiful illustrations by Michael Foreman.

5. The Giver by Lois Lowry 180 pages

Jonas lives within a future community that is perfect. Each child is happy, each adult seemingly content within their vocation, each family carefully made up of a boy and a girl, and nothing is allowed to disrupt this idyllic life with everything firmly in its place. The only thing Jonas worries about is the Ceremony, when he will turn from an Eleven to a Twelve, and find out what he is going to do with his adult life.

What occurs at that Ceremony is something he never expected, that changes his life forever. He is forced to learn to see his seemingly perfect community in an entirely different light, shocking him and leading him to question his place in his world, and what that means for him and others.

This was a fantastic YA book, and one that should be put on all teenage reading lists. The details of the community are slowly revealed, and the stunning facts slipped in so you don't realise how disturbing this world really is.

The future community is wonderfully realised and completely believable, down to the smallest detail. I drank it up, not wanting to finish the journey but desperate to reach the end. When I did turn the last page, it was with a deep breath as I found myself back in the 'real' world.

Fully deserving of its accolades, I think this future dystopian novel would be enjoyed and appreciated by a wide variety of readers, both YA and adult.

From page twenty:

Father put his bike into its port. Then he picked up the basket and carried it into the house. Lily followed behind, but she glanced back over her shoulder at Jonas and teased, "Maybe he has the same Birthmother as you."

Jonas shrugged. He followed them inside. But he had been startled by the newchild's eyes. Mirrors were rare in the community; they weren't forbidden, but there was no real need of them, and Jonas had simply never bothered to look at himself very often even when he found himself in a location where a mirror existed. Now, seeing the newchild and its expression, he was reminded that the light eyes were not only a rarity but gave the one who had them a certain look - what was it? Depth, he decided; as if one were looking into the clear water of the river, down to the bottom, where things might lurk which hadn't been discovered yet. He felt self-conscious, realizing that he, too, had that look.



6. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry 215 pages

A companion novel to the previous book reviewed, this looks at another community within the future world Lowry has created.

Kira is an orphan, but not only that, a cripple. Her mother has just died and she is on the verge of being taken to the Field of Leaving, as she is no longer any use to the community. Her birth defect of a twisted leg leaves her vulnerable, and with no one to take care of her, her life looks bleak.

However, fate intervenes, for she has a talent. Spared by the Council of Guardians, she is taken and given a place to live, and an incredibly important role. For she is to use her gift for weaving for the community.

As in the first novel, things are not always as they seem, and Kira is forced to re-evalute the world she lives in and the rules of life she has been told.

This didn't have the shock capacity of the previous novel but it is still a very good and interesting storyline that contains enough to make you think and keep you reading.

From page 2:

As for Kira, she had no family, now. Nor any home. The cott she had shared with her mother had been burned. This was always done after sickness. The small structure, the only home Kira had ever known, was gone. She had seen the smoke in the distance as she sat with the body. As she watched the spirit of her mother drift away, she had seen the cindered fragments of her childhood life whirl into the sky as well.

I was half thrilled and half disappointed to discover that these are only the first 2 of a trilogy. Thrilled because I cannot wait to read it, and disappointed because I haven't got it! It has caused me to buy my first book of the New Year.



7. Pig Heart Boy by Malorie Blackman 208 pages

Cameron was struck down with a virus that is destroying his heart. Without a heart transplant, he has just months to live, and his quality of life is deteriorating every day. All he wants to do is live, and live as his friends do.

When offered a radical new treatment, involving the transplant of a genetically altered pig's heart, he must face not only his own fears of death, his confusion over the ethical decisions but also the reaction of his family, friends, and the public.

Deceptively simple, this is a very nicely written book exploring the themes of death and the ethics of cloning and animal experimentation. Despite being from a young teenager's view, it holds enough within it to keep an adult reader interested, and I raced through it. It should be said that this was a reread from my own teenage years, but I still got as much out of it, and was almost in tears at one point.

Malorie Blackman is a well known YA writer, but this is one of her lesser known books. Nevertheless, it deserves to be noticed perhaps more than it has been.

From page 16:

I gave the water one last, vicious kick, then stood up slowly. I couldn't bear to listen to any more. It was as if there was a glass wall separating me from the rest of the world. All I could do was watch and envy my friends as they swam and dived and did whatever they wanted without a care in the world.

I'm glad you liked The Giver so much! It's one of my favourites.

I'm not such a fan of Gathering Blue, though... to such an extent that I haven't even bothered to read the third book. I'll be curious to hear what you think of it.

Oh, I am listening to The Giver right now! Not even halfway through, I am already finding their perfect world very disturbing, and they've just had the Ceremony! Now I'm even more anxious to finish it, and I'll have to add Gathering Blue to my list.

#94

I didn't like Gathering Blue as much as The Giver and it didn't have the same shock value, but I still enjoyed it. I'm looking forward to seeing what I think of the third as well!

#95

Can't wait to see what you think of The Giver as well.

The Giver Trilogy sounds really good, I'll have to look out for those.

Your review of The Giver reminded me of Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro although this isn't a YA book. The story centres around young people growing up at a boarding school and the details of why these children are 'different' slowly creep into the story. It's a really good book though quite a sad read.

Be careful if you go to the book page though as lots of the reviews there contain spoilers (why do people do that?)

Your reviews are great! I've added a bunch of books to my wishlist and await your next review.

#97

No worries, I've read Never Let Me Go so I don't need to worry about spoilers! There are certainly some similarities between the two but I think, despite Never Let Me Go having such a shocking plot, The Giver is more chilling in a lot of ways.

Ooh, The Giver sounds good then! Wishlist add!

The Giver is one of my favorite YA books, but I was less enchanted with Gathering Blue. Last year I finally picked up the third, Messenger, and was very disappointed.

IMHO, the second and third books in The Giver trilogy are not nearly as good as the first. I absolutely loved The Giver though and heartily recommend it to everyone!

I am putting Pig Heart Boy in the BlackHole. Evidently my public library is one of those not aware of Blackman's books since it has only one. *sigh*

If anyone is interested in Never Let Me Go, it's not just the reviews you need to worry about... even the tags are spoilers.

That said, I knew the spoilers before I read the book and they were actually what made me want to read it in the first place. I don't think my enjoyment suffered any, either; I still loved it.

I loved The Giver and I didn't know it had sequels! Onto the wishlist the next one goes, even if it's not as good.

Souloftherose, now I'm really interested in Never Let Me Go, but I'm afraid to go to the work page!

Just saying "Hi." :)

Ah, for me, Never Let Me Go wasn't good so much for the story (which has been done before), but for Kazuo Ishiguro's writing, which I thought was wonderful. I hated the story, but I couldn't put it down.

Definitely putting The Giver on my wishlist (although I hope that comparing it to Never Let Me Go isn't telling me something about the plot, because if it's similar, I'm not sure I want to read it?)

#106

Not similar as in.........the 'role' of the characters within it, just in the slow reveal of something that looks fairly normal initially and then the secrets are slowly revealed.

#107 Oh good - that's something I enjoy reading very much...

#108

I think you'd like it a lot. In fact, I'll lend it to you if you want?

Your comments and those generated regarding The Giver prompt me to re-read this book that I read so long ago.

Thanks!

#109 Good good! Thank you Jenny, that's a very kind offer - but actually, I went straight to Bookmooch and got it there! It's coming surface mail though, so if I get tired of waiting for it, I may well come back to you!

Hi Jenny! I hope you are feeling better. I'm sending happy thoughts , good vibes and prayers your way :)

I'm glad you enjoyed The Giver; its been one of my favorite books since I first read it in middle school and it pretty much sparked my interest in dystopian novels. I agree with everyone on here that is saying the 2nd and 3rd book aren't as good, though I did enjoy them both.

Good luck with saving for your horse! I am also trying to cut back on my spending, mainly book buying, but I'm saving for travel. It has been about 3 years since I gotten to go anywhere and I'm getting wanderlust.

Here's a link to my thread if you want to come by :)
http://www.librarything.com/topic/81712

#111

That's ok, just let me know if you need it :)

#112

Thanks, I'll be stopping by your thread right now!

8. The Forever War by Joe Haldeman 271 pages

When William Mandella is conscripted, he is forced to realise that his life is over. Not only is the war an interstellar one, against an unknown force called the Taurans, the severity of the conditions they are fighting in are just as dangerous as the enemy. But that's not all.

Relativity means that a campaign lasting just a few months in space equates to years back home on Earth. Even if he makes it back, he is unlikely to recognise the world he is fighting for, and those he loves.

An epic novel condensed into 271 pages, I never expected to be as affected by this as I was. Initially, I feared being overwhelmed by the physics and science involved, but I soon realised that the only essential knowledge was the idea that centuries are passing on Earth while a couple of years pass in space.

But not only does it have this intriguing plot, it also looks at the futility of war and the disregard for loss of life in the line of 'duty'. The passing of time element also allows the impact of war on the individuals involved to be highlighted. Mandella isn't one of those who dies, but because of the situation he is forced into he loses everything anyway, a realisation that isn't at all alien to any people forced to leave their homes and fight.

This was also a surprisingly emotional book, given the sparseness of the writing, the technology involved and the stereotypical outlook of a common soldier with orders to kill. The ideas within are far reaching and, even though the book is 36 years old, haven't aged a bit. I stayed up till 2am to finish it, and it was worth it.

For some, this will be too much sci-fi and war to enjoy, but I found it deserving of the accolades and attention it has received over the years, and would encourage you to try it if you are at all interested. In spite of the science, the machines, the aliens, it is an inspired and emotionally charged look at humanity from a unique perspective. I was in tears at its end.

From page 9:

"So here we are, fifty men and fifty women, with IQs over 150 and bodies of unusual health and strength, slogging elitely through the mud and slush of central Missouri, reflecting on the usefulness of our skill in building bridges on worlds where the only fluid is an occasional standing pool of liquid helium."

Glad you enjoyed The Forever War - I discovered it recently in a second hand book shop and both my husband and I really liked it. My husband's read and enjoyed The Forever Peace by Haldeman too which is on my TBR list. I've thumbed your review!

Great choice, lunacat, Haldeman's The Forever War is one of a kind.

Great review, Jenny!

I have to look into Lois Lowry. I haven't read anything by her as yet, and The Giver sounds like something I'll definitely enjoy. I see a few references here to Never Let Me Go which I enjoyed.

I agree with Darryl, your review is really good!

#114: I read The Forever War last year and it made it to my 'memorable reads' list for the year. I am glad that you enjoyed the book too, Jenny. Great review!

Yes, an excellent review of The Forever War. I've added it not only to my TBR, but to my 17-year-old son's as well. The quote you posted was enough on its own for me to add it to his list!

ETA In fact, this review inspired me to actually start a separate TBR list for my son, because I was afraid I'd forget otherwise. Thanks again!

#114 Sounds like the review I would have liked to have been able to write, if I were more lucid! Great book and great review.

#115 souloftherose Re Forever Peace - that's interesting - most of the comments I've seen for it have been fairly unimpressed, so, when I couldn't get it through my local library, I gave up on it. Maybe I'll try and find it again after all...

The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale 383 pages

Ani is a misunderstood Crown Princess. From her birth she knows she is different, a knowledge reinforced by the earlier influence of her aunt who teaches her how to hear the voices of birds and speak back. She also tells Ani stories, tales of speaking with the wind and the earth and all elements of the world.

But as Ani grows, her differences are surpressed and when Ani turns sixteen, she is forced to abandon her childhood home and travel to a neighbouring country, in order to marry a prince and prevent war. However, things don't go as expected and she finds herself alone, in danger and needing to fight for what is hers.

This was a typical coming of age fairytale plot, with very few surprises. You won't find any unique twists or new ideas within. But this isn't a book to read for plot. Instead, it is the language that sets this alight and makes it glitter.

Every image is exquisite and well realised and the characters and settings easy to see in the mind's eye. Atmosphere, mood and emotion are all beautifully described, without it ever feeling pretentious or conceited.

Put to one side the knowledge that you have heard this story in many different forms, and allow yourself to drown and dream in the pictures created. It also contained my favourite line from a book in a long time when Ani says, while telling a story:

"I'd like it to have a beginning as grand as a ball and an ending in a whisper like a mother tucking in a child for sleep."

This was a pleasure and a delight to read.

From page nine:

Ani was eager to learn the voice of every bird that nested on the palace grounds, but the swan pond drew her return day after day. She loved to watch them swim so slowly that the water hardly rippled and watch every silent, mild movement shimmer into meaning. Soon her throat and tongue could make nearly all the sounds of the swans, and she trumpeted gleefully.

How wonderful! A beautiful review, lunacat. I will look for this version of the Goose Girl. Thank you.

Sounds great Jenny and the public library has a translation, yay!
Anita

#123: I have had that one in the BlackHole for a while now, ever since I read and enjoyed Hale's Book of a Thousand Days. I must bump The Goose Girl up a bit.

I love the Giver! I need to reread it sometime. I was majorly disappointed in Gathering Blue, so much so that I never even read the third book, but maybe I will give the whole trilogy another shot sometime soon.

I read The Goose Girl last year and really liked it, if not loved it like I did Hale's Book of a Thousand Days. I intend to read the rest of the series, too, although for some reason I just haven't been able to get into the second book, Enna Burning, yet, even though I've tried several times.

I've added Singing for Mrs. Pettigrew and The Forever War to my neverending wishlist. Thanks for the great reviews, Jenny! I hope things are going better for you.

>127 allthesedarnbooks: I didn't really like Enna Burning as much as I did The Goose Girl but persevere because River Secrets is much better and then there's the new one Forest Born which I haven't read yet. Princess Academy is another of Hale's books which I really liked as well. (sorry if I'm gushing a little bit)

>128 RLMCartwright:, Gush away! I've gushed a ton about Book of a Thousand Days. I will persevere with Enna Burning, though it does mean I have to get it back out from the library, as I couldn't renew it anymore. I want to read it and then River Secrets because a little birdie told me I was getting Forest Born for my birthday next month. Princess Academy is also on my wishlist.

What a wonderful review. I read The Goose Girl after my niece loaned me the book and loved it to the extent that I went out and bought my own copy which I'm keeping for re-reads.

Hi! Just found your thread! I've barely been keeping up with the ones I already had starred, and I had missed yours somehow. Had a few minutes to "explore" other threads today.

If you should feel inclined to pop over to my thread, it's here:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/78980

You've done some nice reading, and written some excellent reviews! I sure do wish you brighter, healthier days ahead!

Summary for January:

9 books read

7 from tbr shelf, 2 borrowed

5 science fiction/dystopian
1 non fiction
1 fantasy
2 fiction

8 first reads, 1 reread

4 young adult, 5 adult

Acquired books: 2

Best read of the month: The Giver by Lois Lowry

Nice summary, Jenny. Looks like a good start to the reading year for you.

I'm very impressed you managed such a good number of TBR's compared to new books, I think I managed the exact opposite :-( But I have resolved to be really good in February!

I have The Giver lined up for this month thanks to your recommendation - I'm looking forward to it.

Congratulations on the number of books read from your TBR. I'm trying not to think of the number of books off my TBR that I've read in January.

Great TBR work!

Thanks, I'm pleased with how easily I've got into the flow of reading books that have sat on my shelf for so long. It seems so difficult to pick up books that have been there forever sometimes!



10. Shields of Pride by Elizabeth Chadwick 361 pages

Joscelin de Gael is the illegitamate son of a man known as Ironheart, and so held back by his birth. He is hated by his half brothers and his status as a bastard holds him back from achieving what he should.

When he meets the beaten and oppressed Linnet de Montsorrel on a road one day, events conspire to change both their lives forever, and bring them together.

This was a typical romantic historical fiction by this author, not one of her best but not the worst of the genre. The characters are standard but likeable/hateable, and fulfill their roles well, and the plot is interesting enough to lose yourself in for a while.

If you know you like Chadwick's novels then you'll probably like this. If you want to try one of hers, I wouldn't suggest beginning here, as there are better options, The Greatest Knight being one.

From page 23:

When he entered the hall, Joscelin was lounging on a bench before the central hearth. His squire sat on a footstool nearby, fair head bent over a dagger grip he was rebinding with new strips of hide. A different dagger twisted in William's heart as he approached the fire and his eldest son raised his head. God's life, he was so much like his mother. The green-hazel eyes and the expression in them were all hers and flooded Ironheart with unbearable bittersweet memories.

Oooh that's one of Chadwick's books that I haven't read yet, sounds interesting although I'll probably read the ones I've got before I move on to the rest.

I put this on flissp's thread to comfort her over her bookbuying so I thought I should put it on my own thread as well!

The things that don't come under the book buying umbrella and so allow you to not count them as actual aquisitions:

1) Books for other people
2) Books that replace copies you have lent to other people and never got back
3) Books as replacements for ones that are showing how much they've been read
4) Books in the sale
5) Books bought with gift vouchers
6) Books required to continue a series or complete a trilogy etc
7) Books purchased at charity events/charity shops/hospital funds/library sales
8) Books required for a group read
9) Books as a present for yourself for your birthday/christmas/celebration/reward/cheer up
10) Books bought with money left over after you've just got a great deal on something else
11) Books that are prettier/more attractive copies than that which you own
12) Books released as Special Editions
13) Books that have been bought because a crisis/queue/wait/time delay has occured and you've finished/didn't bring a book and need one
14) Books that are free
15) Books for your partner/child/parent that you will also read

Well... then I never buy any books at all LOL!

>139 lunacat: - That sounds good to me!

A new book in my favorite vampire series just came out today, too...

>139 lunacat: - Great list - really puts my book buying in perspective!

What a great list!!!!

Have been ill the last couple of days so needed a childhood comfort read!



11. When the Legends Die by Hal Borland 238 pages

Tom Black Bull was a Indian reservation child, now a man, with a past that leaves him full of hurt and anger. He battles against his past, the stigma of his ancestry as a Native American Indian, and carries his rage within him, only taking it out on the horses he rides as a bronco rider.

This book starts with the quote "When the legends die, the dreams end, When the dreams end, there is no more greatness" and by the end of the book it becomes apparent how true this is.

Tom is forced away from the life his parents wanted for him, and expected to conform into a way of life that he didn't suit, and that didn't want him. The pain and the anger he feels isn't told to us through descriptions of his emotions, but shown through his actions and his responses to the people around him. And despite his obvious failings as a man, you cannot help but want him to find what he needs.

It's a stark, down to earth book that pulls no punches, showing the harsh realities of life as they are. The evocative, searing tastes and smells of the rodeo circuit, the landscape of New Mexico and the bitter chances Tom has are all vivid and draw the reader in. Not only this, but the descriptions of nature and the ways of the seasons are real and stunning.

Despite the fact this book is partially about the fight of man and horse against each other, instead of working together as I strive to do, I have loved this for years and will continue to do so. Instead of a dreamy look encompassing feelings and thoughts, this is a blood, sweat and tears book that makes you feel every blow life deals.

From page 21:

They went on, keeping to the hillside above the road, following the paths the goats had made first, then the women used when they went to gather wood. In the starlight her eyes saw an owl, two rabbits, a striped cat from town, a jay sleeping on a branch. She wanted to tell the boy, tell him how to see these things in the starlight. But not tonight. Later, other nights. They were going away tonight, and they were not talking.

#139 RebeccaAnn has added some extras that I think should also qualify ;o)

Can't decide if When the Legends Die is for me or not, but great review!

On the book buying:
I printed your list out and passed it around to the heavy readers in the office. They all loved it.

#146

Awwww, thank you. I'm glad it's been enjoyed so much :)

Very nice review, Jenny!

Your umbrella has given me some perfect outs for not counting acquisitions I've made this year ... come to think of it ... your umbrella could mean that I've not been actually buying any books at all for quite some time! oh yay .... that means i'm long overdue to buy some.

Whew, I was feeling a little guilty for buying a book yesterday, but your list lets me off the hook because it is for a book club. I still can feel good about my resolution to not buy more books and read the ones I have, because I didn't break it!

12. Dragonflight by Anne McCaffrey 254 pages

This was a reread so I don't feel inspired to review it really. To be fair to the book, I don't feel like reviewing anything tonight!

However, this is dragons/fantasy/romance/end of the world/politics/life or death and danger.

It's not brilliantly written, it won't change your reading life or views, but it was brainmush reading and that's all I could deal with.



Dragonquest by Anne McCaffrey 325 pages

This wasn't a reread but again, it doesn't inspire me to review one way or another. It's pretty much what the first one was, only slightly less interesting and enjoyable. I felt it dragged at times but again, brainmush so it didn't matter too much.

Both of these have done what was required, allowed my brain to rest and refreshed my palate for some decent reading.

My question regarding these books to anyone who has read them is:

I have various other of the dragon books by McCaffrey, but should I put reading time into them? Is it all downhill from here or do they offer enough to read?

I quite enjoy McCaffrey's Pern books, but I read them first as a teenager and that may color my outlook. They are uneven, but I think the later ones are better. I especially enjoyed the Harper Hall subseries: DragonSong, DragonSinger, and DragonDrums.

I have only one of her Pern books on my shelf, but I haven't read it or any others yet... one of these days I'll give them a try... maybe I'll wait for a "brain mush" day too!

Ah, Pern. Fire breathing dragons, dragon riders, and teleportation, what a great world. The series starts out as a fantasy and gains science fiction elements as it goes along. I guess I'd call the first few books recommended, the Harper's Hall trilogy (a little more YA) highly recommended, anything from The Masterharper of Pern on not recommended, and anything by Todd doubly not recommended. If the first couple of books didn't inspire you, I don't see anything later on in the series to raise your opinion that much.

I really liked Dragonsong and Dragonsinger as well. I finished Masterharper of Pern and agree it was pretty bad.

I'd go with that - I also read a lot of McCaffrey books as a teenager - fluff that I enjoyed at the time, but most of them I'll probably never read again. Dragonsong and Dragonsinger are two of those I have read again... I also have a guilty pleasure in Restoree, which is a one off satire on the sci-fi of the time...

Tee-hee! I really like Restoree as well.

Good to know I'm not alone ;)

I love visiting Pern, it's been years since I've re-read them but I use to read them once a year, esp when the weather was bad and I could hole up and escape.

Huh? maybe I should go get the first one now?

14. The Sandman Vol. 1: Preludes and Nocturnes by Neil Gaiman 234 pages

I've been sitting here struggling to review this, nearly as much as I struggled to work out whether I liked the read or was left bemused by it.

Initially, I foudn this graphic novel difficult to get into, as I did with Watchmen when I read it last year. This seems to be a form in which I don't adapt to immediately, and it's always been obvious to me that I am drawn more to the written word than pictures or images.

However, once I got used to it, I found that I really enjoyed some of the parts of this. Certain elements stood out intensely, and I loved the main character of the Lord of Dreams: his time in Hell and his quest for revenge were interesting and kept me captivated.

But, I have to admit, the set up of the story and the 'other' storylines going on within left me confused and thinking that perhaps I just didn't 'get it', and that these weren't for me.

It wasn't until the last part that I really enjoyed and felt connected with the story being told, and it caught my full attention, so much so that I am looking forward to reading the next volume.

I was also interested to read in the afterword that "The Sound of Her Wings", the epilogue to this volume, was the one in which Gaiman "... felt was truly mine, and in which I knew I was beginning to find my own voice."

This made me feel much more justified in being unsure to begin with, and I am interested to see how much I like the second volume, given that Gaiman seems to have only found his stride at the point I have left off.

Apologies for the slightly disconnected review, but I'm in an odd mood today and the words just wouldn't come! I would like to curl up in my bed and hibernate today, even without a book to keep me company, just me and my thoughts.

Edited to add: Thank you to the lovely flissp for lending me these, you're an angel and I'm so lucky to have people like you in my life. We really should meet up sometime! lol

it's a great review and one that I completely understand, and felt the same way, I was already a fan of his work but never tried the graphic volumes, I have them all now and it's worth the trouble.

I like your review. I haven't read any graphic novels before but I like the Neil Gaiman I've read so far so I will look out for these.

Well, it has been my birthday today (yup, I'm the grand old age of 24!) and I went out for a day with my mum which was lovely. I also have a birthday excursion tomorrow when my best mate and I are going to Colchester Zoo - website here http://www.colchester-zoo.co.uk/ if anyone is interested.

My mum declared that she enjoyed this birthday much more than the actual day, as I was an emergency c-section and premature, and she wasn't able to see me for 24hrs after I was born......at least she got to see me on my birthday today! We had a luxurious 3 course meal and she picked me up so I could have a glass of wine :)

Also thought I'd share my haul. The books I bought with money/gift tokens, and the other items were presents.



The items along the bottom are (from left to right):

A horse tail bandage; two fluffy ball cat toys; a hoof pick; a lead rope

which are in anticipation of a horse this year.

All in all, a very good day!

Happy Birthday and good luck with getting your horse, I remember how thrilled I was when my trainer arrived with my first horse :)

Happy birthday Jenny - sounds like you had a lovely day!

I smiled at what your mum said about the actual day of your birth. Now that I have kids I understand that birthdays are for parents as much as kids!

Happy Birthday, Jenny! I'm glad that you had a wonderful time with your mum, and pleased to see that you choose one of my favorite books, Wizard of the Crow, as a birthday gift. Have a wonderful day today, and a pleasant trip with your friend tomorrow.

Happy Birthday!!! I am looking forward to your reviews of your birthday books :)

There's nothing like a new hoofpick - happy birthday!

Happy, Happy Birthday to You, Jenny!!! When I read your post, I read "lead rope" as "led" rope instead of "leed" rope, and I had to look to see what use a rope made of lead could possibly be. Perhaps I should go lie down...

#169

Hehehe. A weapon for when the horses are really really bad. I'll come and lie down with you lol

Happy Birthday Jenny! Nice birthday haul. But -- what is the horse going to do with the fluffy ball cat toys? JK. Those must be for Luna?

Happy Birthday!
I envy you, I would have loved to own a horse!
But reading about it here will be the next best thing ;-)
Anita

Sounds like a good birthday... hope you enjoyed it! :D

Nice haul, Jenny!

I hope you enjoy Wizard of the Crow. I know I did when I read it last year.

Happy Belated Birthday! I'm so glad you told us that was a hoofpick in your picture. You had me worried there. Looks like you have some good reading in your near future.

I'm looking forward to reading Wizard of the Crow too, since it was a "Ten Best of the Best of 2009" for several people. And LOL! I should have known that was a hoof pick since I've had a horse (25+ years ago), but it did give me a start. Immediately thought of the start of Shel Silverstein's poem: "Captain Hook must remember not to pick his nose..."

Happy belated birthday!

#176: LOL @ the Captain Hook poem. I vaguely remember that one, but my favorite was the hidden snail up the nose which would bite your fingers if you picked your nose. Stopped that habit right away when I was a kid! :D

#177: Ditto what Zoe said--Happy Belated Birthday, Jenny! (Seems like I'm making a habit of being late with everyone's b-days. D'oh!)

Sounds like it was a lovely day, Jenny. As they say, wishing you many happy returns of same. Have to admit that Captain Hook was my immediate reaction as well.

Do keep us posted about the progress on the horse front - *drifts off dreamily, thinking of National Velvet and The Pie*

Happy Birthday - and I can see you joining in on the steampunk read now you have The Anubis Gates. Lovely, thoughtful and practical selection of presents there.

Happy Birthday Jenny (Belated). You have a good supply of new books now. BTW, I still intend to find and read one of your grandfather's books.

Another happy birthday wish from overseas. Lovely to think you may have a horse in the future! Great book choices btw.

Hey all

Just wanted to share something with you.

I've recently found out that my grandmother is off on a journey! Those of you who followed me last year will recall that in July, we all gathered round her to be there when she died. She had slipped into a coma and was expected to go at any time.

Well, she didn't.......amazingly rallied round and has been getting on with life as an eighty-seven year old woman. She is now going on a Norwegian cruise around the fjords and to see the Northern Lights!

She, two of my aunts (not my mum) and their husbands are flying from London to Tromso, inside the Arctic Circle, and cruising down, before flying back.

This is someone we watched take breaths and wondered how many more there would be. She even wrote my birthday card.

Judging by my great-grandmother on my grandfather's side, and my maternal genes......well, either I'm destined to be strong and crazy, or I've just got a lot to live up too!

What a wonderful story, Jenny! Thanks for sharing.

That is so exciting! I think you're destined to be strong and crazy. I believe that one requires the other.
Kudos to Grandmother!

#183 That's amazing! :-)

What an energetic woman. Live life like there is no tomorrow!

That's a wonderful and inspiring story, Jenny!

Wonderful news, Jenny. I bet your grandmother comes back with all kinds of stories to tell.

That's fantastic! I hope the Northern lights are amazing.

Wow! Sounds like an incredibly strong woman. How wonderful that she's still enjoying life and refuses to give up... something for you to look forward to, strong and crazy is the best!

That's lovely. Hope they all have a wonderful time.

Um... is it really bad that I haven't managed to read the threads for over a month? So I'm starting by wanting to tell you about a book you wrote about at the end of January... LOVED your thoughts on The Giver; I know this has been doing the rounds, but your review really made me want to read it. Bravo. And, curses, of course.

I didn't love Never Let Me Go, so am encouraged by the comments saying it's not just that, re-run.

>139 lunacat: love your "don't count" categorisation. According to that, I haven't actually acquired any books at all in the last year. result! Not sure my OH would agree though.

>163 lunacat: so sorry I missed your birthday - sounds like you a had a great one, anyway.

And what an AMAZING story about your grandmother. "Strong and crazy" sounds good to me. I know that poem about "When I am old, I shall wear purple" became a bit of a cliché, but the thing about clichés is they exist because they contain such a strong kernel of truth.

183 - That is fantastic. Thank you so much for sharing that story - it's nice to be reminded how life can really turn around at any moment.

@193: Isn't that "The Love-Song of J. Alfred Prufrock"? Required reading in high school, but a fun poem.

>195 justchris: I'm thinking of a different poem - by a British woman, about growing old disgracefully. It might quote Prufrock, though - I read the two at very different points in my life so have never made the connection.

Your grandmother is an extraordinary woman! You're so fortunate and I'm sure it's the support and love she felt from all of you that had her rallying round and deciding to spend more years with you.

Her adventurous spirit is an inspiration .. I hope she has a fantastic time on her cruise and comes back with loads of stories and pictures to share with you.

@196: You're totally right, FlossieT. I don't know how I managed to conflate the two. It is "Warning - When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple" by Jenny Joseph.

For those who don't know the poem, here it is:

Warning

When I am an old woman I shall wear purple
With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.
And I shall spend my pension
on brandy and summer gloves
And satin sandals, and say we've no money for butter.
I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired
And gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells
And run my stick along the public railings
And make up for the sobriety of my youth.
I shall go out in my slippers in the rain
And pick flowers in other people's gardens
And learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat
And eat three pounds of sausages at a go
Or only bread and pickle for a week
And hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry
And pay our rent and not swear in the street
And set a good example for the children.
We must have friends to dinner and read the papers.

But maybe I ought to practice a little now?
So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised
When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.

by
Jenny Joseph

#193

Flossie! Fantastic of you to come and visit my thread. I think you'd really enjoy The Giver so I'll look forward to your thoughts when you finally get round to it.

I think you're all right in my grandmother fulfilling the 'purple' philosophy but she's always been like that, and her daughters (my mother and aunts) are similar in that way. To outsiders watching our family when we get together, we appear utterly and entirely insane, but I think that can but be a good thing. In some ways I think its the surprise of a very traditional family that was forward thinking in their own time.

For instance, Grammie has never worn a pair of trousers, and yet she travelled from the Middle East back to England with three small children in a car by herself. Grandie was the most amazing hands on father (we're talking late 40's, early 50's) and would change nappies etc.

Grammie didn't give up work (primary school teaching) immediately when she had children (I'm not sure when she did but she was certainly still working when my mum, the youngest, was 3 or 4ish) and Grandie still did a handstand every year on his birthday, just so he knew he could.

These are my genes - no wonder I'm crazy!

Edited to add: I initially opened the post to state that I need to remember to review Arabella but I got sidetracked. God knows how I manage to function in day to day life.

thanks for sharing the poem Jenny.

That reminds me to go back and read once in a while a (few) poem(s) from William Harmon's anthology The Top 500 poems

What a great poem, Jenny. I have next to no memory for poems ... and this was such a fun one. I like it ... I'm going to print it out and put it on my bulletin board at work.

I love that poem and haven't heard it for years. And your grandparents sound awesome!

I think a little crazy just adds spice to life. I'd rather be considered crazy than boring :)

There are groups of women of a certain age who get together and form "Red Hat Societies." They go out to dinner, shows, or on the town together, all wearing their red hats and purple outfits. Lots and lots of giggling. Maybe there should be a Red Hat Society group on LT. We'd have to allow honorary membership for youngsters like Jenny though. :)

LT Red Hat group works for me! I must admit I don't have a red hat yet, but I do have a red scarf and when I wear it with my new purple coat it does tend to make people's eyes pop a bit :o)

What always gets me about the Red Hat societies, is how conformist they are in celebrating nonconformity! Mind you, I love the concept of being an original and doing what you love--but then they all look alike.

What's the certain age? I have a red hat. I don't have purple outfits, but I will gladly acquire one if it means I get to hang out with a group who have fun and giggle alot

I belonged to a Red Hat group for a while, but then some people began making rules, and nitpicking, and complaining, and it stopped being fun and I quit. Hats make my hair flat anyway. Although I look stunning in them.

ETA: That certain age is 50.

So for those not yet 50, can we join and just wear red berets perhaps?

Hah. I'm 27 and I already wear a purple coat and a red hat that doesn't suit me. This bodes well for my future.

Love that poem! I'm twice your age, now, luna/Jenny, so I'm further ahead toward being eccentric and tolerated!! Somehow, one is expected to be more conformist when you're younger. I'm well on my way to being a crazy cat lady.

But I couldn't join a Red Hat society because it would mean joining a group that has rules, even rules about not confirming...

Oh, and living in England in winter is dire. That put me on prozac the last time I tried...

Bother - missed your birthday while I was off! So, belatedly, a very Happy Birthday! Sounds like you had a fantastic day (and I'm also glad you described what the things at the front of the pic were - I was worried!).

Your family sounds amazing - I'm very jealous of your Grammie - I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights - and I've never been able to do handstands, but I'm now considering introducing a birthday cartwheel every year... ;o)

Re the poem, I have seen it before, but it's been a while and I have to say that as I read it again, I couldn't help thinking - "but that's me and I'm only 32". So can I be allowed in the gang? I don't own a purple dress, but I so have some fantastic purple edged shoes I bought the other day and a very ugly brown Paddington-like Duffel coat.... ;o)

Re The Giver, my Bookmooch copy finally arrived in the post while I was away, so I'm looking forward to reading it...

>209 cameling: Those who are not yet 50 wear lavender with pink hats. My very favorite hat was a pink one, which I couldn't wear once I was 50, which was one of the rules I didn't like. That one, and my pink baseball cap with Tinkerbell on it...

I am actually a crazy "quilt lady," as my daughter calls me. I go to the International Quilt Festival in Houston in Texas every year and one of the agents at the airport there told me once that they love it when the quilt ladies come because they all wear such unique outfits.

My wife's a crazy quilt lady too. She and her mom just spent last weekend at the Mid-Atlantic quilt fest in Hampton, Virginia, with a few friends. Personally, I think they go for the free omelets at the Embassy Suites. That and the margaritas at happy hour...8^}

Can you blame them?

Not a bit! 8^}

>211 Chatterbox: Suzanne, I'm so glad to hear you say that about England in the winter. I think this is the first winter I've lived here that I haven't been monumentally depressed by March. Now, we have sun. SUN!!!!! Though no warmth yet, and my darling son reminded me in the car today that the clocks go forward soon..... ugh.

#212

Grandie would be very impressed and proud if I had managed to get other people to do daft things on their birthdays as well! You've made me think cartwheels are the way to go, perhaps as well as a handstand.

All the rest of you, thank you very much for the messages on my thread. I came home to find them and it was lovely. Put a huge smile on my face.

#211 Chatterbox

Why do you think I'm on antidepressants ;)

#218 Ugh. Clocks going forward. I'd forgotten that. Pah.

#219 Cartwheels are always good ;o)

Just finished The Giver (thus putting off allotment-ing - really must leave the house today at some point!) - certainly was gripping - I'm guessing that I don't really want to read the sequel?!

Jenny
Sorry to hear you are not feeling well. I enjoy your descripton of your grandmother's journey!

Good for her!

Reminding myself (yet again) that I need to write reviews for:

Arabella by Georgette Heyer
The Postman by David Brin
Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiongo

Should I send you daily reminders, Jenny?

@222: I look forward to reading the reviews of the first two, which I am long familiar with. I'm afraid I don't know the third at all, so I will look forward to that one for entirely different reasons :).

Ditto what Chris said!

I shall start this thread by saying I'm immensely confused that I haven't reviewed anything since before my birthday. And yet I'm sure I read something between the last reviewed book and Arabella. But I can't remember what *sigh*.

Being me is exhausting. My memory is so appalling. Ah well, I shall resign myself to being hopeless and look forward to my day of hibernation tomorrow.



15. Arabella by Georgette Heyer 320 pages

I recall being in need of some light relief, and this appropriately fell off the shelf (literally, the cats were playing on it) so I indulged.

Arabella is being sent to London to find a husband. She needs someone rich in order to support her family, including her younger sisters, and she's apprehensive. But a chance encounter leads the cream of London society to believe she is an heiress who will come into a vast fortune.

Initially, this is a good thing, making sure that no wealthy options that come her way don't think she is a fortune hunter. But it also means that she is the hunted, and the inevitable complications arise as she faces the fact that in order to marry, she will have to tell the truth.

Throw into this a wild brother and the usual crop of socialites, and this was an enjoyable, if unsurprising, historical romance. There were no shocks, and the conclusion of the book was easy to guess almost from the start.

However, a few quirks including a young chimneysweep and a dog, provide smiles and it was easy reading.

Not my favourite from Heyer as the plot was too predictable even for her, and I never truly loved any of the characters. But it wasn't the worst I've read by her either, and if this is your kind of thing then it is highly likely to bring entertainment.

From page 18:

"My dear Mr Tallant," said his lady, "do not let us dispute about the merits of an advantageous match! But even you will allow that Arabella is an uncommonly handsome girl."

Mr Tallant allows it, adding reflectively that Arabella put him forcibly in mind of what her Mama was at the same age. Mrs Tallant was not impervious to this flattery: she blushed, and looked a little roguishly, but said that he need not try to bamboozle her (an expression she had picked up from her sons).



16. The Postman by David Brin 321 pages

Gordon has been surviving for sixteen years, wandering and scavenging in the wilderness after the devastation of an apocalyptic war that ravaged the Earth.

When a situation turns bad and what little hope he has seems lost, he stumbles across an unexpected source of power and inspiration to all he meets from then on. He becomes a US Postman, a symbol of order and governance in the midst of chaos and hell. In doing so, he changes the lives of people he encounters, and the future of Oregon.

For an apocalyptic novel I found this surprisingly light, with the descriptions of surroundings and people not hitting me as much as perhaps it should have done. It could be that this was published first in 1985, and I have now encountered such books as The Road so this somewhat pales in comparison.

Unfortunately I never connected with the central character, so I couldn't care as much as I should have about the outcome. He was frustratingly self-serving at some points, in an irritating as opposed to understandable way, and at others he turned into a bit of a martyr.

The outcome was also a disappointment, but not for the reasons I thought it would be. A lack of emotional attachment pervaded this novel and disinterest began to set in by the last quarter. I also struggled to find the storyline believable at times. Perhaps this would appeal to someone who doesn't require the same level of emotion in stories as I do. I don't mean I just go for soppy stories with happy endings as some of my reading will show, but this felt cold and not in a good way.

After reading Kiln People and not particularly enjoying it, I have come to conclusion that despite more books by him being on my wishlist, perhaps Brin isn't an author I am going to have any resonance with.

From page 19:

Another sparse berry thicket blocked his path. What the patch lacked in fruit it made up for in thorns. This time Gordon moved along its edge, carefully picking his way in the gathering gloom. His sense of direction - honed after fourteen years of wandering - was automatic. He moved silently, cautious without rising above the maelstrom of his own thoughts.

17. Wizard of the Crow by Ngugi wa Thiongo 766 pages

I started this while away for a few days and I'm glad I did as I don't think I would have got through it when only being able to read for half an hour or so at the end of an exhausting day. I don't think I'll be able to review it very well at the end of an exhausting day either, but I'll try!

Aburiria is ruled by 'The Ruler'. An African dictator, his every whim is catered to, from sending people to be eaten by alligators through various cruelties and insane demands, to keeping his wife trapped in a timewarp of a house forever.

He is backed up and supported by his minions, and everything seems to be going his way, until his birthday celebrations.

I can't really go further into the plot of this, as its so complex and yet simple at the same time. The characters are all fully formed, and while some things that occur seem bizarre looking back, at the time and within the confines of the pages, these make perfect sense. There are so many people to like and hate, to understand or to laugh at, and each one is easy to see in the minds eye.

Satire is the tour de force here, and it is a cynical but often humorous look at an African dictatorship. At times I felt that I am not old enough or wellread/knowledgable enough to fully grasp the ideas being put across, but I enjoyed and learned from it all the same. This isn't the review it deserves, but there is no way I can put across the enormity of this novel.

Its not an easy or a light read, but it deserves the accolades and title of 'masterpiece' it has inspired.

From page 19:

The Ruler, a staff and a fly whisk in his left hand, stood up. His dark suit was almost identical to that worn by Machokali, but on careful examination one could see that the stripes were made of tiny stripes that read MIGHT IS RIGHT. Rumor had it that all his clothes were made to measure in Europe, that his London, Paris, and Rome tailors did nothing else but make his clothes. What distinguished his clothes from all imitations by all political fawns were the patches on the shoulders and elbows of his jackets, because they were made from skins of the big cats, mainly leopards, tigers and lions.

Nice reviews, Jenny! I'm glad that you enjoyed Wizard of the Crow, one of my favorite novels of the past decade.

Enjoy your hibernation day!

@226: Arabella isn't really one of my favorites either. While the chimneysweep and mongrel provided some comic relief and the necessary opportunities to display the heroine's strength of character and hero's infatuation, they felt a little too contrived.

I agree with your sentiments toward The Postman. I used to like it a great deal when I was young, but it pales in comparison with others I have since encountered. My review of it at the tail-end of last year (well, this year really, but on my 2009 thread) can be found here. I have never read The Kiln People, so I can't comment on it, but Startide Rising is still one of my all-time favorite science fiction novels. I like The Uplift War almost as much, and was excited to see the recent publication of the second Uplift trilogy. There are some things I greatly like about these newer books, but some aspects not so much.

@227: Wizard of the Crow sounds quite good. I can say that staff and fly whisk are both iconic symbols of rulership dating back at least to the Persians.

Hi, Jenny! I've caught up with you. I'd add Wizard of the Crow to my neverending wishlist if it weren't already there. How are you doing?

Great reviews Jenny Wizard of the Crow sounds interesting, although I think the other two are probably not for me...

My reasoning is that if you've forgotten a couple of books you didn't list here, they can't have been that great anyway, so don't fret over the lack of memory ;o) Hope you're enjoying the hibernation!

I am glad you enjoyed Wizard of the Crow, which was one of my 'memorable' reads last year.

I read The Postman last year and enjoyed it more than you did. Sometimes an author is just not a good fit for a reader, so if you did not like The Kiln People by Brin either, I would say he is not for you. Plenty of other authors in the sea though!

Incidently, I imagine that Duxford (South of Cambridge, near the M11/A505 junction) is a bit out of the way for you?

Someone at work has two horses that she is no longer able to ride and she sent an email round:

" I have a couple of people who help out but I am looking for more help with one or both of them. I am looking for competent and confident riders who can fit into our work rota ( needn't be every day) a contribution towards costs in return for as much riding as wanted.

The horses live out so no mucking out. One is a 16hh ID X TB/cob, the
other a 15hh Welsh cob."

I thought that I'd mention it, even though it's probably not for you, just in case (I've also passed the message on to a more local friend of my parents)...

18. The City of Dreaming Books by Walter Moers 456 pages

Optimus Yarnspinner is a seventy-seven year old Lindworm from Lindworm Castle, and his authorial godfather, Dancelot Wordwright has just passed away, at over eight hundred years old.

As in all good tales, on his deathbed he leaves his godson with a secret and a present, a manuscript written by the greatest author ever who vanished without a trace shortly after sending Dancelot said work. After reading the piece, Optimus realises that he must find out what happened to the author, and sets off for Bookholm, the centre of the book world. And that is where the story really begins!

A fabulously fun fantasy, this takes the idea of being obsessed with books and runs with it to the most obscure places. Within the pages you will find dinosaurs and Booklings, magic and mysteries, buildings built of books and books that have become alive. And in the catacombs below Bookholm lie the biggest secrets of all.

The imaginings are wild, creative juices flow and the occasional illustrations add to the enjoyment. At times coincidence plays too big a part but by that point, I just didn't care, being immersed in a wonderful world where everything has something to do with the written word.

Get ready for an eccentric, marvellous romp that occasionally slows in pace but never stops. I guarantee it will make you smile.

From page 27:

I will quote one sentence from this text, the one with which it ended. It was also the sentence which finally dissolved the writer's block that had inhibited the author from starting work. I have since used it whenever I myself have been gripped by fear of the blank sheet in front of me. It is infallible, and its effect is always the same: the knot unravels and a stream of words gushes out on to the virgin paper. It acts like a magic spell and I sometimes fancy it really is one. But, even if it isn't the work of a sorcerer, it is certainly the most brilliant sentence any writer has ever devised. It runs: 'This is where my story begins'."

#233

Thanks for thinking of me but Duxford is definitely too far for anything regular. Once I factor in petrol costs and the amount of time it would take, it's just not feasible! Thanks though :)

The City of Dreaming Books sounds right up my alley, Jenny. Onto the Wishlist it goes!

It's going on my wishlist too - sounds great!

#234: I have had that one on my PBS list for a while now. I really wish I could get my hands on it.

#234: Another nice review, Jenny!

Great review I've had the City of dreaming books on my wishlist for awhile.
i had to come check out your thread because I see your name on almost every book I wishlist on BM so our tastes must be similar!

I'm intrigued by your review of The Postman and Chris's response. I remember the book fondly, but read it when I was sixteen. Chris's comments make me wonder how I would respond to it today: maybe time for a re-read.

I agree -- these are great reviews!

#235 Thought it would be, but thought I'd mention it anyway, just in case ;o)

Like the sound of The City of Dreaming Books, that's going on the wishlist...

...hmmm, just added it to my wishlist, but noticed that it's part of a series (4th in the Zamonia series, but only the 3rd translated into English - why would they do that?!)...

#244

Huh, I had no idea that this was part of a series. It certainly doesn't feel like it. I shall have to go and check out the others! It's definitely a standalone book though, it never even occured to me that there were others.

And weird about the translating thing :/

What Amazon said, when I went to check on The City of Dreaming Books, was that it was the third book set in Zamonia. I think all the stories are very much stand alone, with little or no character cross-over, from the descriptions of the other books.

Yep, the stories are very much stand-alone. The City of Dreaming Books was one of my 2008 faves!

The City of Dreaming Books is now on the tbr list.

Frederica by Georgette Heyer 330 pages

The Marquis of Alverstoke has never done anything for anyone that would require him to put himself out. But when Frederica, the oldest girl of five and set with the responsibility ensuring her stunningly beautiful sister Charis weds well, comes to him and asks for help, he finds he cannot refuse.

Initially, he only agrees to help in order to annoy other family members, but he slowly finds himself getting drawn in to the exploits of Frederica and her attempts to do best for her siblings, including her schoolboy brothers who appear set to cause havoc.

This is now perhaps my second favourite Heyer behind The Reluctant Widow as, although the basics of the plot are obvious from the ssmiling tart, there is sufficient depth in both story and character to keep me throughout. The escapades of the boys provide nice touches that add dimension past the balls and society appearances that tend to be the centre of these novels and make all the characters thoroughly real. The banter between Frederica and Alverstoke is also highly amusing at times.

From page 22:

His lordship had indeed been sorely tried. Lady Buxted, never one to accept defeat, had come to Alverstoke House, on the flimsiest of pretexts, accompanied by her eldest daughter, who, failing to soften her uncle's heart by cajolery, had dissolved into tears. But as she was not one of those few, fortunate females who could cry without rendering themselves hideous he was as impervious to her tears as to his sister's account of the straitened circumstances to which she had been reduced.

Frederica is definitely one of my favorite Heyer novels, alongside Lady of Quality, Venetia and The Grand Sophy. Thinking about this, what brings them together is that in none of the novels is the heroine a dewy-eyed ingenue (in contrast, perhaps, to Arabella).

I may have to take a hard look at The City of Dreaming Books... Although my TBR stalagmites are in danger of hitting the ceiling.

#249: I enjoyed that one very much when I read it last year, Jenny. I am glad to see that you did too.

Jenny
Simply stopping by to wish you a good day.

Brother in the Land by Robert Swindells 152 pages

Danny is an ordinary boy with an ordinary family. But, one day, the world is torn about when a nuclear holocaust devastates the country. At first he feels lucky to be alive, but as time goes on, it appears that there is so much more to surviving than he could have first though.

This is a YA book and it definitely shows. While Swindells doesn't shy away from describing some of the horrors that could occur in a situation like this, he also doesn't give real explanations for anything. The world is seen very much from the child's point of view, which probably makes it more appealing to those it is intended for but leaves an adult reader unfulfilled.

All ideas of 'good' and 'bad' are also clearly well defined with little crossover between them, and it felt at times that parts were being included with the aim to shock, without then working through the ideas or thoughts that it might produce.

For once, this is a YA book that is best left to that age range. There is nothing wrong with it in terms of writing or story telling, the story is well paced and the writing is good. It just lacks any depth for adult readers.

From page 6:

It was so quiet you could hear bees in the heather sounding like a sawmill a long way off. The air smelt of peat and hot tar. The sweat on my shirt made my bac cold while the sun burnt my knees through my jeans. Now and then a car went by. It sounds kind of sad now, bees and cars and heather, but that's how it was then.

#253: For once, this is a YA book that is best left to that age range. There is nothing wrong with it in terms of writing or story telling, the story is well paced and the writing is good. It just lacks any depth for adult readers.

I agree. The writing is, I think, far too simplistic for adult readers.

Catching up on your thread, some great reviews!

Wizard of the Crow is already on the wishlist and The City of Dreaming Books has been added. I think I'll skip Brother in the Land.

Just wanted to share this picture. It's of Grammie and her latest great-grandchild. She went off on her Norwegian cruise today, to see the Northern Lights and the fjords. I am so proud of her :)

Great picture, Jenny! So glad you enjoyed Frederica, it's one of my second tier favorites! Nice review!

Thanks for sharing the pic, Jenny. Go Grandma!

Cool pic, Jenny! I can't wait to be a grandma! I told my mom (86) about your grandma and I could tell she was cheered by your grandma's story.

I really have to get a hold of a Georgette Heyer book ... I'm hearing alot of good things from this author on LT and have never read one of her books yet. This sounds interesting. Thanks for the recommendation, Jenny.

Great pic! Hope she enjoys her cruise and gets to see the Northern Lights - very jealous!

Yea for your grandma! I hope she enjoys her trip! (And I added The City of Dreaming Books to my TBR.)

Great picture! I'm so excited for your Grandma, and jealous... I've always wanted to see the Northern Lights! I hope she has a fabulous time on her trip.

Thanks for your lovely photo of your grandmother. It is so heartwarming!

New thread here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/87104

New thread here:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/87104