50 Book Challenge: HelenBaker

4. The World Beneath by Cate Kennedy.
Next up Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger

5. Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger
Oh well at least I can say I have read it! It was OK. I think my problem was I didn't like the main characters much. My preference was with Martin, the guy with obsessive compulsive disorder. I like quirky characters. I also found the history of Highgate Cemetry interesting. In fact would like to do the tour if and when I ever get to England.
My next read ? Hmmm? Perhaps one off the shelf, although the library has rung today with more books for me! Decisions , decisions, however will I sleep tonight!

6. The Hotel Albatross by Debra Adelaide
I allowed myself a quick read. This Aussie book is certain to put you off ever running a pub. Next up is Paullina Simons latest A Song in the Daylight a mere 767 pages and I'm back at work. This could slow things up!

7. A Song in the Daylight by Paullina Simons
This book is a huge disappointment! I had no sympathy, in fact, disliked the main character and her bit on the side. Pages and pages of angst. I found myself sighing as I read this. Don't waste precious reading time on it. No more Paullina Simons for me.

8.The House of Special Purpose by John Boyne.
A good read based around the demise of the Russian royal family.
This gives me double credits as its also a book off the shelf. Need to pick up the pace though, but it has been a busy week.

9. The Man in the Shed by Lloyd Jones.
Another quick read. A collection of short stories. The Kiwi male not portrayed in a favourable light and alot of dissatisfied women! Best is the title story, worst is Amateur Nights.

10. Small Wars by Sadie Jones.
Another great novel from Sadie Jones. A successful debut can often be a hard act to follow. But she has proved that there is more to come from her pen and I for one will continue to read her books.

11. Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler.
A gentle satisfying read.

You're off to a great start! Good luck with your challenge.

12. The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
This slowed me down some what, as it is a complex story covering both personal and international topics. Worthwhile and I would like to reread it when my mind is less cluttered, to do it justice.
My 2nd daughter gave birth prematurely to a little girl last week, so I have been somewhat distracted. But both are doing well, which is what counts.

13. Maralinga by Judy Nunn
Another longish read. I found it shocking in its portrayal of the indiscriminate use of a desert area in Australia for testing Nuclear bombs in the 1950's. I , in fact, googled Maralinga and of course discovered that the essence of the story is in fact true. Some weaknesses in the storyline but an overall good read.

14. A Wife's Tale by Lori Lansens
This would have to be my favourite read for some time. A lovely story of a woman struggling with obesity. It begins on the eve of her 25th wedding anniversary and portrays an insecure, vulnerable woman. Lori Lansen's character portrayals are trully beautiful revealing the essence of each person with compassion. We are taken on a journeyand feel privileged and uplifted by the story's conclusion.
Highly recommended.

15. Wanting by Richard Flanagan
I found this a somewhat disjointed tale. Jumping from Charles Dickens' London to colonial Tasmania. I don't know how successfully the two story threads were interwoven particularly as they were not always sequential or simultaneous.
Some nicely turned phrases though and it was definitely thought provoking about the unintended injustices wrought on the Aboriginal population.

16. The Story of Danny Dunn by Bryce Courtenay.
That was another long one! I haven't read one of his for a few years and found myself thinking ho-hum. The title says it all . We follow Danny's life as a promising young sportsman from Balmain in Sydney, through the trials of the Second World War, which leave him physically and mentally battle scarred, to his life back home post war. Once upon a time Bryce Courtenay's language used to excite and grip me. Not anymore. I found this a long 600 pages.

17. The Lieutenant by Kate Grenville
I thoroughly enjoyed this Australian novel. Based on fact, it tells the tale of an astronomer in the British Navy in the late 1700's, Daniel Rooke. He is sent to Australia and establishes a relationship with the aboriginal people and attempts to record their language. A wonderful character portrayal.

18. An Amateur Marriage by Anne Tyler
Another good choice. Quick to read but nevertheless well written. The author has a keen eye for the intricacies of married life. Very good.

19. The Education of Little Tree by Forresr Carter
Lent to me by a member of my book group. A delightful read, but disappointing to learn that it is not actually true as it purports to be.

20. The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt
I had to work hard at this. Nonetheless very good. Set in the late 19th , early 20th centuries, following the lives of a diverse group of individuals through a period of social change in England. If you tackle this, make sure you read it in long sittings with an uncluttered mind, rather than in small bites, as I did. Some wonderful words in it had me reaching for the dictionary!

21. Inheritance by Jenny Patrick
This was just what I needed. A quick and enjoyable read. This book is based mainly in Samoa. We meet Jeanie Roper, a New Zealander who has travelled there with her father and husband, at the request of her Great-Aunt, who wishes to leave her cacao plantation to the family. Their lives unfold...

22. The second-last woman in England by Maggie Joel
I highly recommend this book. Part murder mystery, part social observation of 1950's England. The title refers to Harriet Wallis who is the 2nd to last woman hanged in England for murdering her husband, shipping magnate Cecil Wallis. The book opens with this act and then we are told a tale both intriguing and fascinating as to the reason behind this action. Maggie Joel beautifully captures the tone of the era. I will definitely seek out her other novel.

23. The Book is Dead. Long Live the Book. by Sherman Young
I had to read this for my online bookgroup. I can't say I enjoyed reading it, although it was easily read. A bit like learning a friend has a terminal illness. Depressing. Nothing for it, but all of us booklovers will have to go out and buy more books! The march of technology eh.

24. A Star Called Henry by Roddy Doyle.
I had read some negative reviews about this book so was surprised at how good a read this was. Grim, but poignant tale of Henry Smart who emerges from a harsh childhood to become a member of the IRA. This gives us an inside view and an understanding of the psyche of these men. Beautifully crafted.

25. Magpie Hall by Rachael King
Very pleased with myself having read this over 36 hours. This is Rachael King's second novel and although not as long as her first and lighter in content , it is nonetheless a satisfying read. Magpie Hall has similar themes to her first, with a focus on the English gentlemen's penchant for collecting species as objects of curiosity. It is different to the first, in that it swings between past and present.
The author has obviously researched the history of tattooing and taxidermy which provides a common thread through both storylines. Well-crafted and builds to a realistic conclusion.

It occurs to me that I have reached the half way mark in a little over 5 months! Promising for achieving my goal in this group, although my next read could slow me down a bit.

26. Man Alone by John Mulgan
I got a bit bored with what I was reading Wedlock by Wendy Moore. So picked this up off my bedside table. It is considered a Kiwi Classic and with good reason. It is set between the world wars and during the depression years. Grim, spare thought provoking writing of survival for many men at that time. Wonderful. Highly recommended.

Dropping by to say hello and, wow, you've read some great books so far this year. Lots from my tbr pile, but I'm really slow to get to them - The Lacuna, The Children's Book and
I have Magpie Hall down to read sometime this year as well as I enjoyed her first book.
I want to read John Mulgan's Report on Experience now after reading his Man Alone.

27. Blueeyedboy by Joanne Harris
Happy to have finished this one. A tale of child abuse and what affect it has on the adult psyche. The whole novel is a series of journal tracts on the internet. Fact or fiction? We never really find out. Frighteningly it brings home the message that we really don't know who we are communicating with. I used to enjoy Joanne Harris'
books but this is very different in style . Contemporary and disturbing!

28. Wedlock by Wendy Moore.
I read the first 100 pages of this then stalled. After reading Bookbug's review I picked it up and continued. I am pleased I did. Obviously thoroughly researched this is an account of Maria Eleanor Bowes' life. She was the richest heiress in eighteenth-century Britain. As a result of her financial standing she was tricked into a brutal marriage. The book gives a startling account of her terrifying ordeals and eventual triumph.

29. Stillwater Creek by Alison Booth
A disappointing read. Lightweight. A first book from this Australian writer. I felt she tried to put too much into it. Set in 1957 in a small town we have a closet lesbian relationship, one of the couple has a husband who is a paedophile preying on the daughter of a refugee woman. The child's friend is an aboriginal girl who is carted off by the government authorities and then we have the returned war pilot still suffering from his war experiences and so on... Not recommended unless you're into soap operas.

That sounds incredibly bleak!

30. Novel About My Wife by Emily Perkins
I am glad I have had the opportunity to reread this novel, Idon't think I was in the right frame of mind first time round.
This is narrated by Tom and we know from the outset that his wife Ann is dead. He is writing about their relationship, marriage and friends. It is not till the latter stages of the book that we learn the circumstances of her death. Emily Perkins has written with a menacing pace and convincingly in the male voice. The lack of chapters encourages you to keep turning the pages to find the outcome.

31. Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
Brilliant read. I was delighted to pick this one off my shelf when it was nominated for our next month's read at bookgroup.
The story follows Stephen Wraysford from the age of 20, when he is sent to France on work experience, on through the horrors of World War 1 and finishes with his granddaughter in modern times. Beautifully rendered account of these times in France. Highly recommended.

32. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
This is an interesting little book which is really a social commentary on the folk living in a small English village in the 1950's. A recent acquisition which I read before it hit the TBR shelves.

33. Lovers and Newcomers by Rosie Thomas.
Lightweight story, okay, but I suspect I have outgrown this author.

34.The Swimmer by Roma Tearne
Another beautifully rendered book by this author. She is fast becoming a favourite.
Highly recommended.

35. The Hand That First Held Mine by Maggie O'Farrell
This book was nominated by my local book group for next months discussion.
Another very good read. In the openning pages we meet Lexie Sinclair and Innes Kent.
Lexie is a 21 year old yearning to break away from her monochrome rural life, of the 1950's to a glorious technicolour existence, namely the bright lights of London. Enter Innes Kent from the Soho Art scene.
The second chapter jumps to contemporary London and Elina and Ted struggling to cope as parents following the traumatic birth of their son. The book continues alternating between the two story lines each chapter.
I thought this might prove irritating but I was so captivated by both storylines and trying to guess the connection, that it didn't worry me.

#32 I was kind of shocked about how The Bookshop wound up. I thought it was a great story though.

I know what you mean . Horrible how they managed to force her out. Not the outcome I was expecting either.

36. Good to a Fault by Marina Endicott
Read this for my online bookgroup. Wonderful book with vivid character portrayals.

37. Island by Penelope Todd
This is this author's first adult novel. I was somewhat disappointed. I struggled to remain interested in the characters living on Quarantine Island late 1800's.

38. Secret Daughter by Shilipi Somaya Gowda
This book began promisingly. I had not previously read where in India, like China, baby girls were unwanted and in some instances put to death at birth! The beginning was gripping, even if somewhat harrowing for both the Indian and American mother. However the development of the American characters seemed unsympathetic which spoilt the tone of the early part of the book.
Nevertheless a satisfying read.

39. Sky Burial by Xinran
Another poignant tale from this author. This time she relates the experience of Shu Wen, a chinese woman, who upon learning of the demise of her cherished husband in Tibet, sets off to find him, unaccepting of his death. We follow her journey which spans 30 years, before she learns of her husbands fate. This is another true tale. A fascinating and insightful account of Tibetan life and generosity of spirit. Recommended.

40. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
A very enjoyable read with many a chuckle along the way. A real 'feel good' book. I can see this made into a movie. Also quite a social commentary on English village life.

41. Red Lotus by Pai Kit Fai
The story of three generations of Chinese women and the suffering they endured as well as their triumphs in a male dominated society.
A dense read, with an interesting interview with the author at the end. However the premise of poor, beautiful women overcoming the odds is a bit trite.

>42 HelenBaker: I have Major Pettigrew just waiting to be read. I really need to bump it up!

42. A Change in Altitude by Anita Shreve
I wasn't sure whether I had out grown this author. But I enjoyed this. A good study of the impact a foreign culture and setting can have on married life. Ending somewhat abrupt though. An easy entertaining read.

43. Limestone by Fiona Farrell
A worthy contender for the NZ Post Book Award. I would be happy to see this or As the Earth turns Silver win.

44. Black Mamba Boy by Nadifa Mohamed
This first book by Nadifa Mohamed was longlisted for the Orange Prize 2010. Based loosely on her own father's life experiences, we follow Jama from the streets of Aden in 1935 to Somaliland (his birth country), then on an epic journey through war-torn Eritrea and Sudan, on to Egypt, Palestine and finally Britain. It was interesting and enlightening, but I don't know if it is a reflection of my busy week or that there is something missing in this story, but I would have to say this was good not great.
Perhaps Nadifa has tried to incorporate too much in too few pages.

45. This is How by M.J. Hyland
The very clipped style of writing made for a quick page turning read. Grim but engrossing.

46. The Long Song by Andrea Levy
This is a very attractively bound book. I felt drawn in by the voice of July, but failed to like any of the characters. It was good but don't think it should win the Man Booker. Need to read some more off the longlist though before deciding.

47. Bridge Across My sorrows by Christina Noble
This was a reread for my f2f group. I almost didn't bother, but glad I did as it is a real page turner. The first thirty years of her life she suffers the most dreadful degradation.
An amazing woman.

48. Trespass by Rose Tremain
Great book. Disappointing that it didn't make the ManBooker shortlist. I'm sure I have just spent the last few hours in Cevennes in France. This is my third read of the longlist and my favourite to date. I will continue to look for her other titles.

49. Room by Emma Donoghue
Well, it is often the way, that the books which there is so much hype about fail to live up to expectations. I found this to be the case and am surprised that this has made the ManBooker shortlist. It strikes me as being one of those popular titles, but not literary!
I am currently reading my final book for this challenge with 3 months to spare! I will need to focus on my other challenges for the rest of the year.

50. What Remains Behind by Dorothy Fowler
This book has a certain relevance to modern times as it looks at the excavation of a site for development. I saw this happen recently in Paeroa, but with none of the drama of this story, when one of our old pubs was demolished to make way for... yup McDonald's. A promising start for this first time author.

51. A Still Point by Amy Sackville
Some beautiful writing in this book, but a tad too long perhaps.

52. Lovesong by Alex Miller
A gentle story, beautifully bound. Covers count, I loved the feel of this book.

53.Ghost Light by Joseph O'Connor
Not an easy read. So didn't do this justice, as the week has been far too busy.

54. The Widow's Daughter by Nicholas Edlin
This first book by Nicholas Edlin starts off very promisingly, however, I found the climax of the story a little farfetched. A shame really. A few Kiwi put downs along the way too, as he writes in an American voice.

55. The Good Daughter by Honey Brown
I chose to read this because it was featured on the cover of Goodreading magazine. It was a definite page turner. There is an incident in this storywhich is frightening and disturbing to read. Not recommended if you have teenage daughters. Also fairly explicit sex in it.

I have Lovesong on my tbr pile, I'm also a fan of the cover. Looking forward to reading it.

56. The 10p.m. Question by Kate De Goldie
This is a deserved winner of The People's Choice Award in the NZ Post Book Awards 2009. We meet school friends Frankie and Gig and witness the lives around them through their 12 year old eyes. This book is peppered with wonderful characters.
A feel good book. Highly recommended.

57. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I can only reinforce what is already being said about this book. A wonderful evocation of the life of three women in Mississipi during the sixties. My library copy had a notation that it is very authentic portrayal, by someone who grew up there at that time.

58. The Broken Shore by Peter Temple
I have decided I really don't have the stomach for crime stories. This book I found reminiscent of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.
A police officer recovering from a violent incident is called in to investigate a murder in the town he grew up in. What unfolds is a tale of sexual violence. Not for me, but if you enjoy Stieg Larsson this might be for you. I read it as a prequel to Temple's book The Truth, which is a bookclub title.

59. Blessings by Anna Quindlen
A pleasant, undemanding read, which ticked off 'Q' in my Alphabet Challenge. Sadly it is one I purchased this year purely for this purpose, so it doesn't qualify for my Books off the Shelf challenge. Hmm... which book next?

Hi Helen, I note you read Christina Noble's autobiography recently - she makes me so proud to be Irish. I had the good fortune to visit the Foundation in Ho Chi Minh City a couple of years ago. What she has done there is nothing short of a miracle.

I'm glad to see you enjoyed The Help! I haven't spoken to a single person who didn't love it yet!

60.Home by Marilynne Robinson
A wonderful thought provoking read. The characters of Jack and Glory will stay with me for sometime.
I am persisting with this list to see if I will manage the 75 challenge next year.

61. Truth by Peter Temple
Well I think I'm done with crime fiction for this year. Really not my genre.
I will take their word for it that it's well-written, as I'm know judge. I found myself rereading many dialogue passages as I had no idea what the inference was. Probably far to clever for me. Just as well I have already visited Melbourne, as I would think twice after reading this.
I will reserve judgement on it until after the book group discussion. Maybe it will clarify things for me.

62. The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski
I enjoyed this book but it dragged in places. I doubt that I have ever read a book so heavily detailed on dog behaviour. Now to decide library or bookshelves... What next?
I love this anticipation!

63. The Marriage Bureau for Rich People by Farahad Zama
I chose this book to help me complete my alphabet challenge. It is a pleasant light read, just what I needed over a busy few days. The title says what it is, but it acts as an introduction for western readers into the intricacies of arranged marriages in India. Likeable main characters.

The Marriage Bureau sounds interesting! Might put it on my Christmas list!

64. Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
Brilliant book. Fascinating story of the lives of identical twins born to an Indian nun and American surgeon in Ethiopia.

65. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John
A delightful, easy read. This book is set in Sydney in the early sixties and looks at the lives of the women who work in retail in a department store. Some acute social observations of life in those times.

Hi Helen,

I've just found your thread - I'm another Kiwi on here and saw your message in the NZ group. You've been reading some fantastic books! I have Cutting for Stone sitting here and have heard so much about it, but I have to bump it off the mountainous unread pile and into my hands.

I just started a thread in the NZ group in an attempt to get some chat going over there. There are plenty of Kiwis on here, but we are scattered around LT. I'm in the 75 books group and there are 4 others who are in there that I know of, maybe more.

66. Sister by Rosamund Lupton.
Only read this because a friend lent it to me. A depressing tale. I won't be seeking any more of this author's work.

67. O'Hara's Choice by Leon Uris
Chosen off my husband's bookshelf to complete my alphabet challenge. I once (30 years ago) read most of his books, but I didn't enjot this.

68. The Broken Book by Susan Johnson
Some moments of true beauty in this book. I was quickly drawn in but found the dual story line a little confusing to move between. But very moving and sad.

Hi Helen - are you going to hit 70 books by the end of the year? If so well done!

I'd be interested to know what your top three reads of 2010 were....

I hope so Aiofe. Although my online group is doing a group read of Anna Karenina, through to February, so I'm having to read 2 at the same time.
My top reads this year: Birdsong by Sebastian Faulks
Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky
Home by Marilynne Robinson
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
We just had to choose our top ten for ANZLitLovers. I ended up posting a Top 20.
Check it out online http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com/2010/12/19/top-tens-2010/
This comes with a warning. There are a heap of fabulous books listed. It can be very tempting.
A great years reading and I have lots to look forward to in 2011 as I hopefully shift some of my treasures off the TBR shelves.

Hi Helen,

A very merry Christmas to you and all your family!

I just checked out your list on that website - you were right, it was very dangerous and I just added a few books to my TBR list (which is growing so much faster than I can read!) I've heard such great things about Home - I will definitely be checking that out in 2011. I also really want to read A Wife's Tale and have it on my bedside locker. I read another book by Lori Lanssens about Siamese Twins which was fantastic!

69. The Millstone by Margaret Drabble
Well that's it for 2010. But I feel well pleased as this has been my best reading year yet. Off to the 75 challenge!