calm counting - 75 in 2010 - part 2

The first thread is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/79013

All my reads are going to be in this group but for those interested in some of my goals for this year my 1010 thread is here

http://www.librarything.com/topic/70719




Comments and suggestions are welcome. I must admit to lurking and reading other people's threads but not posting very often (my bad!). I'll try to comment elsewhere occasionally.

The first 41 books are on my first thread. I'll not be touchstoning here.

42) The Forest of Hours by Kerstin Ekman (post 3)
43) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (post 10)
44) A River Sutra by Gita Mehta (post 19)
45) Steal The Dragon by Patricia Briggs (post 30)
46) The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 41)
47) Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (post 48)
48) Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander (post 52)
49) The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea (post 54)
50) The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa (post 56)
51) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (post 67)
52) Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn (post 74)
53) Surfacing by Margaret Atwood (post 80)
54) Who Cooked the Last Supper? : The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles (post 85)
55) A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (post 97)
56) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (post 104)
57) The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke (post 108)
58) The Mistress of Spices: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 110)
59) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (post 126)
60) The Widow's Tale by Mick Jackson (post 129)
61) Life of Pi by Yann Martel (post 138)
62) The Well-Versed Cat : poems of celebration (post 150)
63) The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart (post 151)
64) Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (post 157)
65) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl (post 158)
66) The High King by Lloyd Alexander (post 163)
67) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (post 164)
68) Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (post 171)
69) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (post 173)
70) Storyteller by G. R. Grove (post 175)
71) Rhone by John A Karr (post 188)
72) Credo by Melvyn Bragg (post 191)
73) The City and The City by China Mieville (post 197)
74) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 205)
75) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 217)
76) The Celtic Alternative by Shirley Toulson (post 225)
77) The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (post 238)

42) The Forest of Hours by Kerstin Ekman (translated by Anna Paterson) (24 Mar - 29 Mar)

A very atmospheric and sad story. Skord is a troll who lives in the forest but, as human life encroaches, he becomes involved with what it is to be human. His life and travels; hopes and dreams become more and more intertwined as time goes on. He ages slowly, passing as a child as people he knows grow old and die.

This is not a story about the nicer things in life. We meet outlaws; prostitutes; armies; alchemists - all have their influence on Skord. He learns and dreams of becoming a doctor but fate conspires against him and he returns again and again to the forest of his birth. Time is uncertain; as years pass we see the changes but is there any hope for love and life.

Fascinating, bleak and slightly surreal. A wonderful book that I'll definitely want to read again - some day.

#3: That one looks good. Thanks for the recommendation, calm.

>3 calm: This is not a story about the nicer things in life. We meet outlaws; prostitutes; armies; alchemists Apart from armies, that sounds like the makings of a pretty interesting party!

#4 stasia - I hope you can track down a copy;-)

#5 Richard - good to see you here. But what kind of parties do you go to?

#3 Thanks for the tip. It looks like a good book and goes straight to the tbr pile:)

Of Ekman, I have only read Blackwater....a sad, very atmospheric "mystery". i also own Under the Snow and a little historical number Witches' Rings that you might also enjoy......Good review....The Forest of Hours is on THE LIST.

#7 Hello Apolline (Bente?) - hope you like it

#8 Hi Jude - thanks for the suggestions. Unfortunately the library doesn't have any of them - so I'll have to keep looking.

43) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (29 Mar - 31 Mar)

Snow Crash is a drug. Snow Crash is a computer virus. Snow Crash could change the world. Enter Hiro Protagonist, last of the freelance hackers, greatest sword fighter in the world, stringer and pizza delivery man and Y.T., a teenage courier. When their worlds collide we start a roller-coaster of a ride.

Neal Stephenson has taken so many elements and issues and managed to combine them into a coherent, fast paced, intriguing vision of what might be. A fascinating near future world, mixed with Sumerian mythology, linguistics and religion; The Metaverse (a kind of virtual reality) and a society of franchises. I loved this.

Well I'm convinced- I am growing rather fond of dystopian fiction and this sounds like a treat! I shall have to keep an eye out for it.

#10: I need to get to that one soon. Maybe this summer . . .

Hi Rachel and Stasia, Thanks for stopping by and I hope you both enjoy it.

Snow Crash sounds good...what a fertile, unusual mind this guy has.

Thanks for the heads up about your thread, calm. I haven't been reading the 75 book group (spending more time reading posts than books) but you are now starred.

Oh what a ride Snow Crash is, eh calm? I loved it as soon as I read it...must deliver the za....

Haven't read Snow Crash but i loved The Diamond Age...have Cryptonomicon waiting in the wings. Quicksilver is Volume 1 of THE BAROQUE CYCLE and is wondrous fair as well. Yes, i love Stephenson's work! and I gave your review a Thumbs-Up!

#10 Snow Crash sounds good, I also have Cryptonomicon to read by the same author.

hello KAzevedo, Richard, Jude and souloftherose.

That was my first Neal Stephenson - but I doubt if it's my last. Just loved his imagination.

First of all thanks to Richard for his April TIOLI challenge. This was on my TBR but I was leaving it for a while as I had recently read Midnight's Children and had no intention of returning to India quite so soon. I picked up a pile of books off my TBR that would fit one of this month's challenges, read a random sample paragraph of each (my method of choosing my next read - if I'm not sure what to read next) and this one leapt straight to the front of the queue. So here goes:-



44) A River Sutra by Gita Mehta (31 Mar - 2 Apr)

This is a wonderful little book simply telling the story of a retired civil servant who now manages a guest house on the banks of the Narmada - India's holiest river. The search for an escape from the world has brought the narrator to this place but there are still lessons to be learnt. Over the course of the book we are briefly introduced to other characters and their stories; like the river they move on. This is a picture of the various religions of India; the sacred songs; life and music. Mehta has brought to life the multifaceted culture and history of India in an exquisite gem of a book.

#19: I am adding that one to the BlackHole. It looks lovely. Thanks for the recommendation, calm.

You are so quick Stasia!

I really hope you can find a copy of this one.

Unfortunately, my local library does not have it, so I will have to look elsewhere.

One of the things that LT has done for me is introduce me to a variety of authors from countries other than my own. I just finished up a book by a Japanese author, I will be participating in the Indian author challenge for TIOLI, and recently read The War of the End of the World by a South American author. I just love how LT has broadened my reading horizons.

That's one of the things I am using my 1010 for, to push my boundaries a little more. I've got a books in translation category and, as I'm in the UK, one for the USA and other countries, books from around the world that are written in English but not set in the UK - most of them seem to be from ex-Britsh colonies though - India, Canada, etc. I guess that makes sense as English is a common language.

I'm also using LT to find suggestions and being bolder at adding to my TBR shelves. Also I'm doing less re-reading of old favourites.

#23: I'm doing less re-reading of old favourites.

As am I. I did re-read The Scarlet Letter last year, but other than that, have not done any re-reading.

Oh yummy! A River Sutra leaps onto the wishlist with nary a grumble. It looks like something I cannot WAIT to read! And it's an oldie, too, first published in 1994.

I am, unprecedentedly, reading The Palace of Illusions for a third time before reviewing it for my own TIOLI challenge. I can't say it loudly enough: READ THIS BOOK! You, calm, are almost the perfect reader for it, and I doubt very much it will disappoint you. Stasia, you'd find this book a pleasure, too, I feel sure.

Sorry Richard - library doesn't have it. The only Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni they have is The Conch Bearer which is shelved in junior fiction - any thoughts? I'll wishlist The Palace of Illusions and hope to find it one day.

Still it is nice to add to a no grumble wishlist

The Conch Bearer is unknown to me, so I have no idea what to say, but I've wishlisted that too. I want to keep an eye on this lady. She's given me my best read of 2010. Well, technically, cameling gave it to me, but you know what I mean....

#25: My local library has it, but it is overdue, so who knows when I will get my hands on a copy. Thanks for the recommendation though, Richard.

I've become mighty pleased with my local library. They have A River Sutra yeah! But I've got so very, very much to read I can now throw it in my online library cart and request it when I'm ready.

45) Steal The Dragon by Patricia Briggs (2 Apr -3 Apr)

Rialla is an escaped slave who has to return to the place she escaped from in order to help protect someone who will outlaw slavery. She is an empath who has raised barriers against her talent but when she needs a healer her barriers start to fall. The last thing she needs is to be overcome by other's emotions.

I can't say that I was overly impressed by this fantasy. This is the second in a trilogy but I was assured that it worked as a standalone, unfortunately I disagree. There are some hints of the back story and the ending left me unsatisfied. Potentially an interesting world. There are some interesting uses of magic and various monsters. It might be worth finding the others in the series but I am in no hurry.

#30: I think I will skip that one. I hope you like your next book better, calm.

It will be - I'm reading Margaret Atwood's Bluebeard's Egg (short stories); Stephen O'Shea's The Perfect Heresy (nonfiction) and Carlos Ruiz Zafon's The Angel's Game (fiction). They are all good so far but I'm not sure which will be finished first.

Sounds like some great antidotes to a not-so-good read!

I loved Bluebeard's Egg..but then i am an ATWOOD Addict from way back (1969, anyone!)...so my opinions are totally biased...have The Angel's Game as an ARC..on the shelf....waiting...

Keep up the good work. I really like your reviews.

Was that The Edible Woman Jude? I loved that book. My first Atwood was The Handmaid's Tale and I still haven't come across one I haven't liked. I was lucky last year and managed to pick up several of her books - now I'm finally getting them read. It's that old - so many books, too little time - quandary;-)

I borrowed The Angel's Game from the library after reading The Shadow of the Wind - and must get it read or face library fines, don't know why I procrastinated so long - fear of disappointment ... maybe!

Yes, it was The Edible Woman...I was 18..and felt like i had landed in Heaven..I still feel that way. She wrote a lovely non-fiction book Negotiating with the Dead..that is priceless. if you can find a copy..do read it. And what's this bit about being "old"? I'm not Old..who told you that??

;-)
J

#36: I'm not Old..who told you that

You did - you are older than dirt, remember?

Hi, Stasia

At least you are the one to call me on this! Yes, I know I'm older than dirt..and today is one where i "feel" that way...achy and cranky... but it's lovely outside..and i am going there once I get off of this damned machine...

;-}

#38: Well I hope you enjoy a fine spring day, Jude!

#39: You too, Stasia!!

;-)

46) The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - translated by Lucia Graves (4 Apr - 7 Apr)

Once again Zafon takes us on a journey to the dark underside of life. Barcelona in the 1920's and David Martin is a struggling author - churning out pulp sensational novels under a pseudonym. When offered a way out of his contract he takes it.

There is something fascinating about this novel. Wonderful imagery and elegant prose combine to lead us in a descent into hell. A tale of death and madness, a tale of love and hope. Gothic, haunting, atmospheric and well worth reading.

#41: I am going to re-read Shadow of the Wind over the summer and follow it up with The Angel's Game. I am glad you thought it worth the read, calm.

*sigh*

*trudges off to wishlist The Angel's Game*

Ive had an ARC of The Angel's Game...since they were sent out. Still unread.....p'rhaps I should get to it....."Wonderful imagery and elegant prose" are surely necessary for a descent into Hell!

Stasia - if you like Shadow of the Wind enough to re-read you won't be disappointed in The Angel's Game.

Richard - hope it doesn't take you too long to find a copy.

Jude - I recommend that you get that book off the shelf and read it!

>45 calm: Yes , M'am....

;-)

#45: I loved Shadow of the Wind.

47) Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (1 Apr - 7 Apr)

A collection of short stories from Margaret Atwood read as part of the 1010's Atwood in April group read and for this month's TIOLI short story challenge. Now what to say about these stories.

Tales to be savoured. Atwood is wonderful at capturing moments in time and here we have incidents from people's lives that expose their relationships - as child; partner; lover or mother. What struck me about this collection was that here the characters seem somewhat adrift in their own lives, not quite in control. Hard to pick a favourite but, for me, the best of them are Loulou, or, The Domestic Life of Language - a tale of a woman and the men in her life and Scarlet Ibis - an incident from a vacation.

#48: I wish my local library had that one!

*sigh*

*trudges off to wishlist Bluebeard's Egg*

Sorry that your library doesn't have that one Stasia.

Richard - you mean that no other Atwood fan has persuaded you to add Bluebeard's Egg to your wishlist already. I'm surprised. I was so sure that at least this time I wouldn't be adding to anybody's wishlists ;-(

48) Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander (7 Apr - 8 Apr)

I'll hold off on any major comments until after the Group read discussion but I still love this series and the maturing of Taran is a delight.

#52: the maturing of Taran is a delight

I agree with you!

49) The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea (26 Mar - 10 Apr)

Thanks to Richard for recommending this book.

A look at the life and times of the Cathars, a heretical movement that was focused in the Languedoc region of France. The corruption of the bishops and priests had led to ideas of not needing the intermediaries between man and God. So the various, so called heretics, were flourishing. After years of ineffectual Popes the election of Innocent III led to his bid to make the Roman Catholic church a major spiritual and temporal power. What followed was a Holy War.

This is a fascinating study of a particularly bloody period in history. Stephen O'Shea takes an almost conversational tone as he describes the two centuries of suppression, battle, betrayal and ultimate destruction of the Cathars. We see the birth of monastic orders (such as the Dominicans and Fransiscans) and the Inquisition and meet many of the major players of the time.

#54: I am glad to see that you liked that one. I already have it in the BlackHole due to Richard's recommendation. I just need to locate a copy.

50) The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa (translated by Daniel Hahn) (8 Apr - 10 Apr)

This is a fascinating story. Part history, part dream this novel has layers that surprise. Agualusa examines the importance of memory; the past and how it affects lives.

The narrator is a gecko living on a wall - with memories of life as a man; his observations of the characters that enter the house and dreams of conversations with those people. The house belongs to an inventor of pasts. This is post civil war Angola and politicians and business men want a more acceptable heritage, minor tweaks to their backgrounds. When someone comes who wants more - a complete new history - a deeper story unfolds.

#56: I hope to be reading that one soon myself. I am glad you liked it.

Hi Stasia I hope you can find both of them.

Thanks calm!

#54 & 56 Books duly added to wishlist...

>56 calm: Oh, you make that sound so tempting! I must wishlist immediately!

I'm glad The Perfect Heresy was a hit with you. It's a nice conversational style, I agree.

souloftherose - Oh dear, those ever expanding wishlists! I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Richard - what am I doing to you! no *sigh*; no *trudges off to wishlist*

As I was reading The Perfect Heresy it put me in mind of those docu-drama history programmes - you know the ones where someone stands at the sites telling you the story; with some bits of reconstruction. No lecturing - just someone who is passionate about their subject.

Catching up and checking in - and walking away with a couple more for the wishlist already... :-)

>62 calm: I was in an uncharacteristically cheery mood. It was a lapse. It won't happen again.

#62: Be glad he comes and visits your thread, calm. He never shows up at my place any more. Not even *sighing* and *trudging* lol

>65 alcottacre: I come! I come! I just don't comment or read the blue words because **it's too expensive** when I do!

Cushla's is the next thread I'll be avoiding. Lois's is less danger because she's so sophisticated, like Darryl.

51) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (10 Apr - 13 Apr)

This is a novel about growing up and the relationships of a girl to the people around her, some good and some bad. For me Atwood is wonderful at evoking time and place, this time we are in Toronto after the Second World War.

Elaine Risley is an artist invited to a retrospective of her work. Returning to Toronto we see her life unfold. This novel deals with the problems of memory and how she has suppressed certain aspects of her life. We learn why she has become the woman she is.

This is an almost painful book to read. The casual cruelty of young girls; the bullying and Elaine's attempts to fit in to their society build slowly but inevitably into a fully realised life.

Hi Ellie - good to see you back on LT. I hope you can find the books that caught your interest.

Richard - nothing wrong with a bit of cheerfulness - as long as you don't overdo it!

Stasia - if everybody who visited your thread posted you would probably have to start a new one every day;-)

Stand down from alert...I'm not cheerful today. Cat's Eye was hideously painful to read. I had to give up after a shoal of foggy depression set in and wouldn't lift every time I came to pick the book up.

#67: I think I am going to pass that particular Atwood by. I am with Richard - I think I would find it hideously painful.

#68: I do not think I get that many visits to my thread.

Richard - not every book is for every body. I can see how some people couldn't read Cat's Eye. It is a painful read - but it suited my mood at the moment. In some ways I could empathise with Elaine. I think reading books like that lets you know that you are not alone which, for me, is very cathartic and, hopefully, goes some way to lifting the depression.

Stasia - I always visit your thread but can very rarely think of anything to say. You are wonderful to be able to comment on so many threads and help make the 75ers a great place to be.

#71: I appreciate you coming by, calm, even if you just say 'Hello.' The people who I have met in this group are important to me, and I try and stop by as many threads as I can so that they know they are important to me. That's all.

I liked Cat's Eye a lot when I first read it at 20. In my early 30s I still liked it a lot but found it a lot darker. Am I going to have to read it now at 40, and then at 50?

52) Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn (14 Apr - 18 Apr)

A fictional account of the life of Brian Boru, the man who united Ireland at the end of the 900's. Morgan Llywelyn has taken what is known about his life and created a well-rounded picture of the times. The landscape, people and beliefs are well described. The more fictional elements are about the women in his life, as not much is known of his first wife. But all the details fit together to make up a believable image of a flawed man who had a vision of what life could be.

#74: calm, please stop adding books to the BlackHole. Thank you.

*sigh* I am trudging off to add it, just like Richard does.

#74 I second Stasia! Librarything says it's book #5 in a series - do I need to have read the others first or would it stand alone?

You've had some good reading lately!

stasia - I guess I could try to only read books you've already read, but I doubt if it will work out that way.

souloftherose - I've only read one other in that series, many years ago. The series seems to be arranged in chronological order but what Morgan Llewelyn does is pick different key events or individuals in Irish history so, as far as I'm concerned, they would all work as standalones.

#77: I could try to only read books you've already read, but I doubt if it will work out that way.

So do I, unfortunately :)

#76 - I read a few of the books a couple of years ago and they are completely unrelated. At the time I read them they were not part of a series, I think that was tacked on later.

Stasia you've got this one in your catalogue so I hope you've already read it;-)

If anybody is wondering why there is so much of Atwood's work in my reading this month I am taking part in the 1010's Atwood in April read, but I have decided that she is better read in smaller doses with longer intervals between each book. Don't get me wrong I love her work but there is a lot to think about.



53) Surfacing by Margaret Atwood (20 Apr- 21 Apr)

Very intense. The nameless narrator returns to the island where she spent part of her childhood when she finds out that her father is missing. She doesn't go alone — with her are her lover and another couple. As they spend time on the island her memories and the isolated location show the problems within the relationships.

Once again Atwood's work is stunning. The conflict of human life and nature; the narrator's pacifistic upbringing and images of death intertwine to bring on a crisis of identity. Powerful, compelling and a brilliant book.

Adding surfacing to my list. I'm only just getting into Atwood...which I feel a bit of shame about.

I read A Handmaid's Tale when it first came out, and thoroughly enjoyed it, but was also put off of her other work by it...I make no sense. Anyway, I recently read The Penelopiad and started Alias Grace, and I'm now feeling like I need to go through her entire collection. Surfacing sounds gorgeous.

QuiteTheHuman - I've still got quite a lot of Atwood's work on my TBR. Alias Grace is probably the one I will be reading next, unless I re-read The Handmaid's Tale or The Penelopiad. I must say that I am finding her contemporary fiction fascinating but very intense.

Well, you can add me to the line of Lter's trudging off to wishlist your reads. For me, it is the Zafon's, Agualusa and hesitantly the Atwoods, Handmaid's Tale turned me off but The Blind Assassin brought me back and I need to read more of her to make a better judgement. Thanks for the recs.

#80: I have not read that one yet, but I already have it set aside to read over the summer months. I am glad you enjoyed it, calm.

54) Who Cooked the Last Supper? : The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles (16 Apr - 21 Apr)

Rosalind Miles looks at history through the eyes of women, from the earliest days to where we are now. Why when we read history are notable women often excluded? Why does it appear that through time men have been the artists; innovators and primary movers of the world? Where does the idea that women are naturally subservient come from when so many restrictions were needed to be placed upon their lives and there have been so many laws and customs devoted to suppression?

This book goes some way towards rectifying the historical imbalance and is an interesting and well researched study with occasional flashes of humour but, also, a lot of anger. Throughout history women and men together have made their world; both are necessary and need to be recognised.

ETA No touchstone so here is the link to the work page

http://www.librarything.com/work/218626

#85: My local library does not have that one by Miles, but it does have The women's history of the world by her. Have you read that one, calm?

#83 Lynda - I hope that you enjoy your selections.

#84 Stasia - well I tried, at least you did have it in your catalogue and were already planning to read it. So not adding to the Black Hole is a start;-)

#87: You have a point!

Hi Stasia - it's the same book more or less. I believe. The original book The women's history of the world dates from 1988 and the reissue as Who Cooked the Last Supper was published in 2001. I don't know precisely how much is changed but this might help:

From her introduction:

The present reissue under this sporting new title and updated format is the first appearance in the United States of the text in full. Earlier editions pruned back the language and took out the humor on the grounds that the subject was too serious to joke about. But I truly believe that the subject is far too serious not to joke about; nor can history be true to life if it has no comic relief.

#89: OK, thanks for the info, calm.

Who Cooked the Last Supper sounds intriguing. I'm adding that one to the list - thank you!

I would love to locate domestic histories (such as the history of household linens, etc). Have you ever come across something like that? I'm afraid my Amazon searches for history + sheets/linens/bedclothes didn't turn up much. ;)

>91 London_StJ: Luxx darling...you need to make the acquaintance of historycooperative.org, if you haven't already. Be forewarned...your day will slip away from you in a twinkling...and here's their entry on bed-linens:

http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/cp/vol-02/no-01/ulrich/ulrich-3.shtml

Richard...
How did you find such an interesting site?

going all the way back to message #3, I'm adding this book to the evergrowing TBR pile.

My entire job, that of writer, is about research and the uses thereof; Google is my dearest friend, closely followed by http://www.1911encyclopedia.org/ and Wikipedia.

BTW, for non-regulars to the site, Google's Earth Day logo mod is really, really lovely. Visit and enjoy!

Luxx - I'm glad Richard could help you. I'm not very domesticated;-)

Whisper1 - Forest of Hours is an interesting book.

55) A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (21 Apr - 24 Apr)

When Matthew Swift materialises naked and craving crispy bacon the scene is set for a magical journey through London. Two years previously all that remained of him was a lot of blood but no body. Now he's back and he and the world has changed, something out there is killing sorcerers and Matthew has to find allies, friends and who the enemy is.

A vivid portrait of a magical London. Where Life is Magic (or is it Magic is Life?) Where the echoes of life are reinvented as magic and some people can hear and use those echoes.

A fascinating cast of characters; a different take on magic and its uses — this is a fast paced, intriguing story. Bloody and violent in places, we travel along with the confused Matthew as he seeks his revenge. I'll definitely be looking for the sequel.

#97: Rats. That one is already in the BlackHole and unavailable at the local library.

Sorry to hear that Stasia. Maybe they will get it soon.

Well, the good news is I have 10,000 other books to read in the meantime, lol.

#97 I'd heard good things about A Madness of Angels, glad you enjoyed it. I should bump it up my library list!

>97 calm: Dammit all to hell! Why can't *I* live on a street where naked men just materialize and want bacon? I ca't bear to read this book, it's too much like reading about heaven and not being able to get there....

Stasia - that Black Hole is pretty impressive;-)

Heather - hope you enjoy it when you get to it.

Richard - LOL! Thanks for my first laugh of the day!

Change of plan for my current reading. I went out last night and decided to put something small in my bag to read on the bus. After seeing a brilliant performance of Elgar's The Dream of Gerontius I got home at 1am and stayed up to finish this one.



56) Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (24 Apr - 25 Apr)

I have no idea how this book escaped my notice for so long, I devoured animal books when I was a child and this was first published at that time. Oh well - at least I've now read it and loved it.

Mrs Frisby is a widowed mouse, with her 4 young children she lives in a field but has to move before the farmer ploughs it. Unfortunately one of the children is sick and cannot be moved. What follows is a story of helping others and being helped in return. A story of friendship and bravery. A wonderful tale. Highly recommended.

#104: I have watched the film version several times, but have not read the book yet. Someone else in the group also read it recently and reminded me that I still need to read it. I really have to bump it up in the BlackHole.

I've never seen the film, apparently there are some changes.

I don't know if anyone else has read it recently but Stormraven read it and his review prompted me to bump it up the list. It also fitted this months TIOLI - a book with an animal in the title.

#106: Yep, it was Aaron whose thread I saw the book mentioned on recently.

I am already doing 15(?) books for April's various TIOLI challenges, so I think the book will be waiting a bit longer for me.

57) The Ladies of Grace Adieu by Susanna Clarke (24 Apr - 26 Apr)

This is simply wonderful. Susanna Clarke's alternative world is a perfect place to visit. Her voice and style of writing makes this feels like it could be an actual nineteenth century collection, bringing us stories of magic and the world of Faerie.

#108: Not catching me with that one! I read it based on Richard's review last year, lol.

Finally dodged a book bullet on this thread :)

Thanks to Richard for directing me towards this author. Though not the book he recommended (which I am still trying to find a copy of) this is her first novel and a delightful introduction to her work.



58) The Mistress of Spices by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (24 Apr - 27 Apr)

Simply amazing! I loved this book.

Magic has rules; magic has consequences. Tilo is a Mistress of Spices, living in Oakland California she runs the Spice Bazaar. As her life unfolds we learn how she can help to heal the community around her. A community of immigrants trying to make a life amongst prejudice. The customs of the old country meeting the challenges of the new.

The writing is as smooth as silk I was never jarred away from the story. Tilo's voice is strong and consistent. The stories of the people in the community seem logical and right. Actions have consequences that flow naturally. Exquisite.

#110: Rats. You got me with that one.

Hi Stasia. I'm pleased you managed to dodge one book bullet. I blame Richard for the Divarkuni as well - without him telling me that I must read The Palace of Illusions I would not have picked up The Mistress of Spices.

I read Divarkuni's One Amazing Thing and was not at all impressed, but I am willing to give her another go.

Oh lord, I haven't been here in such a long time!

Kudos on the ATWOODs...but then, I am a fan(atic)....Who Cooked the Last Supper? I do own...it's somewhere here, I know.....Glad you loved Mistress of Spices...I finally found a used copy to replace mine that was nicked...You are doing great here...

Jude

Stasia - this was my first Divarkuni. I hope that you like this one at least if not - well not every book is for everybody.

Jude - good to see you again. You'll be pleased to hear I'm reading another Atwood at the moment, thought I would try a historical fiction so am reading Alias Grace. I was so lucky with Mistress of Spices - I found a used copy for only £1 in a charity shop.

Dagnabbit calm, why don't you read something horrible now and then ; o). Two more for my wishlist, The Mistress of Spices and The Ladies of Grace Adieu.

I loved Alias Grace....keep up the good reading, calm, you inspire me to get off my current laziness!
;-}

I am so glad you liked Divakaruni, calm! I was a little worried that maybe, for once, Stasia was right and I was wrong, but you have reassured me...Stasia's wrong as usual.

*relieved sigh*

Lynda - I've been reading for over 40 years I very rarely start something I don't think I'm going to like. I do get it wrong - occasionally;-)

Jude - You read some good books so read what you feel like reading when you can. I'll eagerly await the next one - whether it's weeks or months!

Richard - you definitely steered me in the right direction with Divakaruni. I'm going to be tracking down more of her work.

#119: You can safely skip One Amazing Thing I think, calm.

Somehow I missed your thread for awhile... and promptly added 5 books to the TBR list. BLARGH!!! But at least I already have a copy of The Ladies of Grace Adieu, so that makes things a *little* bit easier...

I added Who Cooked the Last Supper--thanks! Richard's link led to all sorts of interesting links didn't it?

Oh, and Cat's Eye is my favorite Atwood.

hi Faith and Bonnie - nice to see you here.

Faith - oops 5 books to the TBR, sorry - well then again it could have been worse;-)

Bonnie - yes a great link - yet another site to Bookmark, being on LT can lead you to all sorts of interesting places.

Hope you manage to track down a copy of Who Cooked the Last Supper.

Must admit that Cat's Eye wasn't one of my favourites, a bit too bleak and painful, but I don't think I've been disappointed by any of Atwood's books.

calmcalmcalm! How fantabulously amazingly wheee-inducingly great that the dedicated single-title discussions group is so close to creation!!

You get biiig points for this in Book-Heaven, calm, since it was your creating that thread which led to this happy occurrence!

*smooch*

Now then Richard - that's a teeny bit over the top. It was your idea that sparked the thread so any points in Book-Heaven belong to you;-)

59) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (27 Apr - 30 Apr)

Based on a true murder story this book is a slice of life well worth reading. Grace Marks is serving life in prison for her part in the murders of her employer and his housekeeper. As she tells her story to a doctor hired by a committee dedicated to gaining Grace's release we are treated to a tale of nineteenth century life. From her days in Ireland; immigration with her impoverished family to Canada; her life in service; the murders and culminating in her life in the Penitentiary, Grace's story is compelling.

For me one of Atwood's strengths is her ability to convey a real sense of time and place. Her characters are multidimensional and her writing stunning.

#126: I am going to get to that one some time. I have it set aside to read at some point this year.

Hi Stasia - At least it isn't stuck in the depths of the Black Hole, actually having the book is the first step in getting around to reading it. I hope you like it as much as I did.

60) The Widow's Tale by Mick Jackson (30 Apr - 1 May)

This is a book that I requested from ER but failed to snag, so I asked my local library to get a copy and I am pleased that I did.

One day, shortly after the death of her husband, the widow of the title just gets into her car and starts driving. Ending up in a rented cottage in Norfolk we follow her mishaps as she wanders the coast and recollects incidents in her life.

The episodic nature of the narrative works well to reflect a time of confusion. She drinks too much, gets caught in old memories, behaves in bizarre ways and overall is a wonderfully portrayed character. Certain moments just rang so true to me that I found this a vivid portrait of the affects of bereavement. Quirky, funny and sad this is a book I would happily read again.

#129 I won The Widow's Tale through ER and really enjoyed it: I'm glad you liked it too.

The copy I had was an ARC and all the chapters just had a heading stating "date" which I assumed would be filled in with actual dates in the final version. I'm curious to know what the dates are and how accurate my estimate of passing time was: how much time does the story actually cover?

Hi CatyM - I don't know what you thought but to me the sense of time is very uncertain, but that really fits with her state of mind. If I had to make a guess I'd say maybe about a month or two.

In the finished book there are no chapter headings or dates at all, just short sections. There is one point within a section where it says 3.30 am - I suppose to reinforce the idea of insomnia.

#131 Thanks for that info. A couple of months was roughly my guess, I think.

Like you, I felt that the uncertain sense of time fitted well with the character's actions and state of mind. I'm intrigued by the fact that, having apparently been ambiguous about including dates, they left them out completely. It definitely works that way.

Yikes! I've read Alias Grace and I can't remember any details from it at all, even after your comments. Do you think it's good enough to read again?

#129: Adding that one to the BlackHole. *sigh* My local library does not have it.

Hi bonniebooks - I will definitely re-read it one day. I thought it was one of my best reads of April - but if you can't remember any details ... well at least you won't remember the end; but if it hasn't stuck in your mind it just might not be the book for you. Sorry, I can't be more certain if it is one you should reread.

Stasia - it has only just been published and from what you say about your library it will probably be a while before they get it (if they do) - and I don't even know if it has been published in the US. At least you have plenty to keep you busy in the meantime;-)

"Norfolk"? Virginia?

Guess again Richard. Here's a clue - Not Virginia nor Nebraska or Massachusetts! Not the US at all ;-)

61) Life of Pi by Yann Martel (1 May - 3 May)

What to say about Life of Pi that hasn't already been said? How about? - From the moment that I discovered that Pi studied both religious studies and zoology for his degree I wanted to know what led him to that decision.

This is the story of a young boy who survives a shipwreck trapped on a life boat with various animals, including a Bengal tiger. Before we get to that though we are treated to life in 1970's India through the eyes of a Hindu boy growing up in a zoo, attending a Christian school and what leads to his father's choice of emigrating to Canada.

A tale of faith; survival; perseverance and imagination. Wonderfully told, from the first page I was hooked and drawn in to Pi's world. I loved it.

#138: I dodged a book bullet with that one. I also liked it a lot. You remind me that I need to buy a copy for my personal library.

Yes it's definitely a keeper, Stasia;-) I'm sure I'll want to reread it one day.

>137 calm: But how is one to know you're referring to some obscure, non-American place? That's like saying "Hollywood" and meaning "Hollywood, New York". I didn't know Norway *had* a Norfolk!

Or didn't you mean Norway either...?

Thumbs-upped your "Life of Pi" review! I must must must get to that one soon.

>138 calm:: I was so intrigued by Life of Pi that I bought a lovely HC Special Edition with color illustrations by Tomislav Torjanac. I may even get around to rereading it someday. :-)

Are you planning to read Martel's newest book? The descripion and reviews haven't grabbed me at all.

Hello Richard, Thanks for the thumb, slightly surprised that you haven't read it yet - I thought I was one of the last people in the world to get around to it;-)

Donna828 - not immediately but if I spot it in the library I'll probably pick it up. So many books already on my shelf that I should get around to reading and then other people keep recommending fascinating books that I really must read! So something with so-so reviews can just wait its turn.

You've been reading books I already own or have read - safe! And The Widow's Tale was already on the wishlist from CatyM's review.

I loved Life of Pi when I read it. Possible spoilers - I loved the way his ending made it slightly ambiguous about what had actually happened to Pi, although I like to think that the first version was the real versio if any of that makes sense.

souloftherose - I like visiting your thread too - all those green checkmarks mean someone with similar tastes but also some interesting new to me books;-)

Life of Pi is one to think about for sure.

Yea! Finally, you've read a book that I not only read but still own. It is one of the rare books that I keep in my personal library and will never, ever give up. Happy to see that you liked it too.

I love seeing reviews for Life of Pi... while I haven't read it yet (though it's in my personal library), it seems readers either adore it or find it so boring that they fall asleep. I used to be worried that I'd be among the 'fall asleep' set, but after seeing how many people on this thread like it -- people whose book recommendations I trust -- I'm now thinking it might be for me after all! I really should read it, it's been on my shelf for long enough...

I haven't read The Life of Pi yet either - so there must still be a few of us left! - but it's waiting patiently on my shelves...

That said, I've just added another five books to my wishlist thanks to all the wonderful reviews over here since my last visit, so I've been battered by rather more bullets than I've dodged... *sigh*

Lynda - pleased to see you dodging those book bullets. Reading a keeper is so good (not that I don't end up keeping them all anyway!)

Faith - hope you find time for Life of Pi - it's an interesting read

Ellie - better luck next time on dodging those book bullets;-)

62) The Well-Versed Cat : poems of celebration (29 Apr - 6 May)

no touchstone but here is the work page

http://www.librarything.com/work/150090

A small anthology of cat related poetry. 34 poets have expressed their thoughts about that most mysterious of creatures. Some complete poems but this also includes some extracts from longer poems and some nice illustrations.

As usual in such a collection some of these poems speak to me; some I'm not too fond of but overall as a cat and poetry lover this is a nice addition to my bookshelves. It is slightly annoying to only have extracts from some longer poems but maybe it will spur me to find copies of the complete poem.

So to give you a flavour of such frustration here is an extract from one of the poems that I liked

Uncanny by Elliott Walker (19th century)

I wish they wouldn't do so, for it isn't very nice
To have attention drawn from pleasant book
And nervously imagine —when they only think of mice—
And feel a strange sensation, when they look.

63) The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart (3 May - 6 May)

From the 1860's to the 1930's this book looks at settlers in Canada. A small, mainly Bavarian, community in the backwoods is at the heart of the story. The vision of the priest sent to this community and his dream to build a church; the woodcarver who helps him and the woodcarver's descendants. Escaping from troubles and the threat of war in nineteenth century Europe some of these descendants are pulled back to conflict with the outbreak of the First World War.

A story of love and obsession. Klara the woodcarver's granddaughter is in love with a young Irishman who goes to war. She also wants to carve but her grandfather's attention is on her brother who runs away from home. Eventually love and redemption comes at the Vimy Memorial in France. Amongst this fictional story we see the obsession of Walter Allward — the Canadian sculptor who created the Vimy Memorial to the missing Canadian soldiers of the First World War.

This is a wonderful story. Urquhart has created a fascinating insight into the lives of her characters. There are many layers such as weaving Klara's story with the founding of the community; the dreams of the priest with those of King Ludwig of Bavaria; the vision of Allward and the lives of the masons and sculptors who realise his dream.

I'll definitely be looking for more of this author's works.

I am so late here..forgive me

so glad you liked Alias Grace..i am a serious Atwood Addict...beginning in 1969...forgive me

Jane Urquhart...I have read Away and The Whirlpool...both are lovely..and sad...and wondrous fair

enjoy!

Once again I submit myself to your wonderfully good taste in books and Jane Urquhart is wishlisted. Thanks for the rec.

#151: I am adding The Stone Carvers to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, calm.

>151 calm: Thumbs up from me! And wishlisted, drat you.

Hi Jude - what's to forgive about being an Atwood fan? She writes interesting books which are well worth reading. Urquhart is another Canadian author whose books look like ones I would enjoy, so she is definitely on the radar, just hope I can track them down,

Lynda - Thanks for visiting, whatever gave you the idea that I have wonderfully good taste in books - I just read books that I think that I will like.

Stasia - always pleased to add to The BlackHole - hope you enjoy ... someday!

Richard - Thanks for the thumb, glad you find something worthwhile in my comments. This is one I have no guilt about adding to your wishlist as I think that you will like it ... I might be wrong though;-)

64) Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (6 May - 9 May)

I've been thinking about this one wondering what to say about it and I'm still not sure that my thoughts are clear. Set in Germany between the wars this is the story of Harry Haller. Disillusioned by the First World War and the inevitable thought that there is another war looming; divorced and drifting — he takes rooms in a boarding house. Filling his days with drink, books and music he contemplates suicide; a meeting with a girl leads him into a world that he has discounted as frivolous and pointless. A world of dancing; jazz; sex and drugs.

In part a philosophical treatise on what it is to be human; the myriad aspects of a person's being. In part a look at the missed opportunities in life; the paths missed and not taken. This is a compelling piece of fiction; uncomfortable to read in places but one I am pleased to have read.

65) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl (22 Apr - 10 May)

A scholarly study of the Vikings. Split into short chapters about the various aspects of life; such as — the society and culture; trade and war; travel and settlements.

The far reaching influence of the Vikings is more than just the common impression of raids and piracy and Else Roesdahl presents their history in an informative way. I did find this heavy going in places, rather a dry approach to a fascinating subject. There are some good illustrations; maps; black and white photographic plates and a comprehensive bibliography. A good starter book on this subject but, as she admits herself, there are new archaeological finds and, as this was originally written in 1987, I expect there is more known now than is covered by this book.

>158 calm: Wow! 23 years is a lot of finding stuff. Wonder who's next up to the plate for an introductory swat at the subject?

#157: I read that one about a bazillion years ago. One of these days I will get back to it again.

#158: I may look for that one. I can always use introductory info on a subject that will lead me to another 10,000 or so books.

ETA: On the Roesdahl book, I see that there was a revision done in 1999.

#158 I read the Roesdahl book back in about 1995 - I did my A level history project on the Vikings - and thought it was an excellent and comprehensive introduction. Out of date now, though, as you (and she) say.

#160 It's definitely worth reading, especially if you get the most recent edition.

Richard - just my way of letting people know that the information was out of date. I'm sure there are more current books on the Vikings but this was the one that was on my shelves;-)

Stasia - she knows her subject and I would recommend it as an intro especially, as CatyM says, you can get the revised edition

CatyM - I agree it's an excellent introduction to the subject. I sometimes wish that I had studied A level history but as I completely fluffed the O level I lost that option (I did get an A grade on the resit but too late to go on to study at A level).

66) The High King by Lloyd Alexander (10 May - 11 May)

This a brilliant YA fantasy, each book has built toward this fitting conclusion of The Chronicles of Prydain. Here we are re-united with all the characters from the previous 4 books as it is time for the final battle against Arawn, lord of Annuvin. Taran has matured and leads the men of the Commots into the fight against evil.

Lloyd Alexander has taken the themes of Celtic mythology and woven his own world. The importance of friendship, love and sacrifice; the possibility of redemption and the journey that the characters have taken combine in a tour de force of imagination. I, for one, have enjoyed the journey.

67) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (11 May - 13 May)

This account of the recent history of Afghanistan is compelling reading. Told through the eyes of two women - Mariam, the illegitimate daughter of a business man, and Laila, the loved daughter of a teacher - the changing fate of the country is the backdrop to a powerfully harrowing story. Twenty years separate the two but their lives lead them to be married to the same man, Rasheed; a man who soon finds fault with the women. The lives of the people of Afghanistan are encapsulated within the walls of Rasheed's house. As regimes change and years of fighting take their toll the oppression of his wives mirrors the fate of the country.

Hosseini is a gifted story teller. This is a brutally honest story but even here there is love - love of a child; love of a country and, maybe, just a touch of hope that things will change.

Holy cow, I've missed a lot. I've only just popped on to see messages 92 and 96, and it looks like I've missed a world of books in between. Come on, summer - LT is waiting!

Hi Luxx, Richard posted some interesting links there, didn't he?
I think it's impossible to keep up with all the threads this year - I don't know how Stasia does it:-)
I guess I'm missing lots of good recommendations but then again I can only read so many threads unless I want to give up book reading time!

Very interesting. And that's pretty much where I am, too; I'll grab any moment I have to read these days!

#164: I have that home from the library now to read for May's TIOLI challenge. I hope I like it!

Luxx - with those two cute boys of yours there are actually better things to be doing than reading (they grow up so fast!)

Stasia - the TIOLI challenge is great for organising my TBR's. Still got a few more to go for May and have got slightly distracted as my first ER turned up (so that's got to be read ASAP) and I also got into the ReadaThing yesterday. That said time for reviews

#169: I am using the TIOLI Challenge to help me get through some of the 900+ unread books I have hanging around my house too. I still have several books to go for May as well.

Read for ReadaThing - read a children's book.



68) Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (15 May)

This is the classic story of the boy who never grew up; Barrie's look at childhood and the world they wish to inhabit. Pirates; mermaids; redskins and wild beasts — in the world of a boy's imagination. Bringing Wendy to NeverNever land means introducing a mother into this boys world.

In some ways this is a dark story. The children fly away without a backward glance secure in their mother's love. Death is casual and easily forgotten.

Barrie's authorial voice is strong. From having a dog as the children's nursemaid to the world of NeverNever land he shows imagination; an imagination strongly based in the mores of the day but subverted. A book about childhood; a book about growing up and a story that, like Peter, will probably never grow old.

#171: I read that one last year and was surprised that I did not like it very much.

Read for ReadaThing - read a children's book.



69) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (15 May)

The Pooh stories are a feel-good comfort read. I never fail to be swept away into these tales. In this second collection we once again meet our old friends — Christopher Robin; Pooh; Piglet; Eeyore; Rabbit; Owl; Kanga and Roo —and are introduced to the bouncy Tigger. A gentle collection about friendship with just a touch of sadness as we realise that Christopher Robin is growing up and doesn't have quite as much time for his old friends as he once did. Still, and always, wonderful.

#173: Still, and always, wonderful.

I agree! I still love Pooh, although my favorite character has always been Eeyore.

70) Storyteller by G.R. Grove (13 May - 15 May)

G. R Grove is a storyteller herself. This first in a trilogy gives us a real feel of post-Arthurian Britain, taking what little is known of this period she has managed to create an atmospheric world.

Looking back Gwernin Kyuarwyd tells us about a year in his life, Sixteen years old and travelling around 6th century Wales with his friend Ieaun he tells his stories at various festivals; lord's halls and shepherd's huts. Dreaming of being a bard, and having many misadventures along the way, Gwernin is a very realistic young man and the feel of the country and times is strong.

As I finished my immediate thought was that "I want to know more" and, to me, that is a sign that this is a series well worth following.

#175: I already have that one in the BlackHole. I just have to get my hands on a copy!

Stasia - I agree that Pooh is much better than Peter Pan, there is something about both books but I think that Peter Pan is more of its own time - that feel of Edwardian Britain - while Pooh is timeless.

edit - Typo

Stasia - I hope you manage to get a copy of Storyteller; I have to thank my wonderful local library but, as I'm in Wales, I think it will be a popular addition to their collection. I just need to request the sequels (nothing so frustrating as parts of series in a library) and then get my own copies .

#175 Storyteller is also one on my wishlist - glad you enjoyed it.

#178: nothing so frustrating as parts of series in a library

Don't I know it! Happens to me all the time.

I've had Steppenwolf on the radar for a while so I think it might be time for it to make the leap onto the wishlist (birthday money coming in about a fortnight, yippee!) - and I think Peter Pan might have to be boosted up the heap a bit too...

Jeez, I really need to get stuck into a book or two this evening, there's never enough time yet I am so easily distracted by the lure of DVD box sets when I'm tired after work!

You've had a great run of reads! I remember reading Peter Pan a few years back and being so shocked by the non-Disney-ness of it... but I love it. Do you think you'll read the "official" sequel that was released a few years back? I have a copy of it, but haven't got around to reading it yet.

Hi Ellie - sometimes it's nice to watch a story rather than reading; books are patient they'll be there for you when you are ready;-)

Hi Faith - There are very mixed reviews to the sequel, so I'm not sure. Some stories don't need more but I might pick it up from the library one day, no hurry though!

I recently scored a PDF copy of Storyteller...and it is languishing on my Kindle..sad to say. But what I have read seems veddy good..and your review reminds me to "get to it"...

;-}

>173 calm: I love Pooh stories!

>175 calm: Wishlisted, thumbs-upped, and actively desired.

"Peter Pan" creeped me out in all its incarnations. I just don't respond to this tale the way others seem to, it's always seemed to me very unhealthy. My mother commented on my ill humor when I didn't clap for Tinkerbelle, and I said I didn't appreciate being made responsible for someone else's survival. (In seven-year-old language, I don't know what exact words I used.)

She never failed to comment that, in the previous 40 years of seeing the play, she'd never once thought of it that way. Now she couldn't enjoy it, either!

How do I keep losing you?

Could you just add all of your reads to my wishlist please?
Thanks

*flees*

Hi Jude, Richard and Kath.

Gwernin is doing a give away of the sequel to Storyteller in the Hobnob with Authors group. If you read e-books the chances are that you can get the pdf of The Flight of the Hawk. I think she also said somewhere that she is still willing to give away copies of Storyteller if you PM her.

My first ER book so a slightly more critical review than normal. That's why there are a few days between finishing the book and this post.



71) Rhone by John A. Karr (16 May - 18 May)

I received this book from Early Reviewers.

This had the potential to be a very good book. I liked the world building and character of Rhone, the part demon hero of the book. Manipulated by the son of one of the gods he has to release a titan who can find the weapon which will kill a god. It is a gripping story. There is some obvious borrowing from classical mythology but pantheons of gods have their similarities. After a strong steady build up of the characters and the world the climax of the book feels rushed, leaving it open for a sequel.


Overall a good, though sometimes gory, fantasy novel with some problems. I liked John Karr's ability to tell a story and would like to read more about Rhone and his world but as it is I had a slight problem with the setting. I didn't see why this civilization was set on Mars at a time when "Priests claim Marsii as the centre of the universe and Terra naught but a dazzling star. Necromancers claim it is a planet whose surface teems with strange life, as indeed it does. The age of dinosaurs and huge flightless birds have ended and the age of monstrous mammals has begun. Humans have yet to branch off the twisting evolutionary tree of primates." So now we have Mars with an earlier though parallel evolution to Earth; men and animals and creatures from mythology have evolved, living and dying, on Mars. Why?

It is rare these days to find a book without typos but unfortunately in Rhone there are grammatical mistakes; missing or extra words in sentences; some instances of words being run together - all things that caught my eye and dragged me from the story - these should have been caught by a copy editor or proof reader. On the whole I did enjoy this book and the more I read the easier I found it to ignore these as I was caught up in the story.

I have been lurking in that thread.... and I saw that :)
I am wanting to read that series..
someday :)

#188: I think I will give that one a pass. I really do not do gore well at all.

72) Credo by Melvyn Bragg (18 May - 27 May)

Weaving the known historical facts of the latter half of the 7th century with his own imagination Bragg has created an epic read. Telling the story of the conflict of the Celts; Picts and native British against the Saxon invaders in 7th century BC Britain; also the differences between the Celtic church and the Roman Catholic church. This is a time that shaped Britain. Love and belief, both Pagan and Christian; the ambition of men to rule and to use religion towards that end; the missions to convert people to one belief and the idea that the one true belief comes from Rome and the Pope combine to form a compelling story. The central character is Bega, an Irish princess, who is forced to flee to Britain where she becomes a nun. Her tutor Padric, a Celtic prince, returns to his homeland in the north of Britain determined to expel the invading Saxons.

A wonderful story. The hardship of life; the landscape; the beliefs of his characters are all well described. The story is believable and reflects the times. If you are at all interested in this period of history this book is well worth reading.

Just popping back in. I found the original Peter Pan both charmingly and alarming when I read it to Brooks. It's amazing how deep and interesting the classics really are once you get away from Disney.

Finally catching up on your thread, luckily I've read quite a few already so only 9 or 10 to add to my reading list. I seem to be adding heaps of fantasy and myth-based books to my wishlist but I never get round to reading that many at the present point in time.
I loved Credo and have been thinking I should read Bede's History of the English People as a followup.

#191: Adding Credo to the BlackHole. Unfortunately, my local library does not have that one.

#191 Glad you enjoyed Credo. I have it on my TBR pile and was planning to read it this month but got distracted!

Luxx - Disney has a lot of changes from the originals, have you and Brooks read The One Hundred and One Dalmatians? It is one of my favourite children's books of all time and the Disney cartoon (not the live action version) isn't bad - even with the changes.

Kerry - I'm reading Shirley Toulson's The Celtic Alternative as a follow up but I really want to get a copy of Bede's History of The English People, sometime.

Stasia - hope you manage to track down a copy.

Heather - I saw your name on the TIOLI for Credo, sorry you didn't get to it this month but books are patient. The Keys to the Kingdom series is a good distraction though.

73) The City and The City by China Mieville (27 May - 29 May)

WOW! Amazing story. Mieville has taken a murder mystery and created a setting so bizarre and surreal that he challenges the ideas of nationality and cultural identity.

The body of a young woman is found in a run-down area of the city of Beszel, somewhere in Eastern Europe. Inspector Tyador Borlu is assigned to the case and his investigations cross borders and lead him to a place he never thought to be.

This book isn't so much about the characters but the setting. Seen through Tyador's eyes we investigate this strange world; the possible and impossible. Mieville's talent is to make this world feel real, plausible and fascinating. Wonderful storytelling, I loved it.

#197: Glad you loved that one, calm!

#197 Ooh, that's on the wishlist already and I should try and get it from the library soon especially after liking Perdido Street Station so much.

More of your outstanding reads added to my wishlist, on goes Credo and The City and The City. Dangerous thread you have here, calm.

Stasia - I guess that means you have already read The City and The City.

Heather - I need to put Perdido Street Station on my wishlist (and the rest of his books) - I've only read this and Un Lun Dun.

Lynda - hope you enjoy them and what's life without a little bit of danger;-)

Credo sounds just like my cup of tea (iced, with lemon and sugar, please). Went right onto the giant ol' wishlist, wating for June 1st roll around. Amazon has several used copies for just a penny (plus 3.99 shipping, of course). Thanks for the rec, calm!

#201: Yes, I have. It is the first Mieville book I have ever made it through. I tried Perdido Street Station three times and have finally given it up for good.

drat.. I added Credo from your review.., actually picked it up for pennies used then I came here and find The City and The City.*runs off to add to Amazon wishlist*

74) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay (29 May - 1 June)

This is classic Kay, his style and tone of voice is unmistakeable. One of Kay's strengths is to take a period of history and re-imagine it, so that wonderful characters; a fascinating society; poetry and culture; all the layers of his imagined world — come together in a masterful way.

Based on 8th century China, Kitan is a world of the emperor and his court; generals; bureaucrats; concubines. Shen Tai is the second son of one of the generals. Following the death of his father his period of mourning takes him away from his time as a student; what he does with this time leads him to receive a gift that thrusts him to the centre of politics and society.

Part of what Kay does so well is to describe consequences; paths travelled; the way a life is shaped by others. As he says himself:-

Every single tale carries within it many others, noted in passing, hinted at, entirely overlooked. Every life has moments when it branches, importantly (even if only for one person) and every one of those branches will have offered a different story.

I, for one, will always follow where his imagination takes us. He touches my emotions — with enjoyment; sorrow and pain. I loved it.

#205: Yep, I need to read that one too. It is already in the BlackHole, I just need the local library to get in a copy.

Hi Stasia, hope your library gets a copy soon.

Just thought I would say that today's my first Thingaversary. It is wonderful to be part of such a brilliant community of booklovers. Thanks to all the people who have visited my thread and to everybody who makes LT my favourite place to be.

Party for calm's Thingaversary!!

I sleepwalked right past this...boo hiss me! Happy Thingaversary, calm!

Late to the party (as usual), but wanted to add my congrats. Thingaversaries are right up there with birthdays imo. I usually get bored with things (can't help it....I'm "pun prone") after a year or so. I've been on LT for 3 years now and still look forward to logging on and reading about reading!

>210 Donna828: Exactly! The almost-four years I've been on this site are pretty much unprecedented for me. It's all down to people here, like calm, and Stasia, and quite a few others, who keep me entertained and informed and connected in a web of interesting social interactions.

Donna, of course, is the exception. ;-> I'm only teasing you, Donna, I promise.

calm, if you lived somewhere civilized like New York, we could have a Thingaversary tea. Only I'd have a stout Scotch. And none of those weiner-dog-wussout cakey nibbles, a good solid steak with grilled onions, mushrooms, bacon, all dressed with a splash of balsamic vinegar. Ca' del Bosco sparkling wine, with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, for dessert.

Oh wait! That's what I'm making for dinner on Saturday! Still, it's a good dinner.

That's a cute gif, Stasia.

Why thank you Richard. I sometimes sleepwalk through the threads as well (often forgetting to post)

Donna - Thingaversaries are much nicer than birthdays;-)

Richard how nice of you to visit twice. I'll happily take you up on the strawberries and sparkly; I love mushrooms as well! My perfect dinner is salmon poached in white wine; grilled asparagus and jersey royals with a white wine, butter and parsley sauce - one minute ... that's what I had for my birthday!

How about a little adeventure with salmon en papilliotte with oyster and shiitake mushrooms, sauvignon blanc, and fresh dill? That's a good dinner.

Sounds delicious;-)

Sorry to intrude...Happy Thingaversary!!

China Mieville? I own just about all...except The City and the City....I'm glad you liked it! I have read Perdido Street Station and The Scar...both were excellent

sorry for the stutter-stop post.

#212: Glad you like it!

Thanks to Richard for the recommendation.



75) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (1 June - 4 June)

Creating a world of myth and magic; prophecy and war; The Palace of Illusions is a wonderful piece of storytelling. A retelling of part of the Mahabharata from one of the female characters point of view. Many ancient myths and legends seem to disregard women except as wives and mothers; peripheral to the conflict of men and their honour. Divarakuni takes some of these women and fleshes them out to have their own dreams and desires; their own flaws; their own regrets.

Born from a ritual meant to bring a son to avenge the king, Panchaali is the unexpected daughter of Drupad and is first named Draupadi - which merely means daughter of Drupad. Born from fire she becomes a turning point in history. Her story is the centre of this book. Her longing for a place of her own; her desire to be loved for herself; the mistakes she makes; the decisions that shape a world.

This is a beautifully written story that reminds me that it is well past time for me to read the mythology that inspired it.

#217: I have that one home from the library now based on Richard's recommendation as well. I hope I enjoy it as much as you both did!

I hope you do too, Stasia.

Thanks, calm!

I tremble whenever I consider clicking on your thread, calm. I know that it will surely have more wishlist items for me to add. Happy Thingaversary - I'm so glad you're here to suggest fascinatng reads to me and the masses in general. :0)

I'll check to see if I need to add Palace of Illusions and Under Heaven to the list.

Hi Lynda - Richard wrote a wonderful review of Palace of Illusions and Tad and cameling both wrote one for Under Heaven. So I expect them to already be on your list. I hope you enjoy both when you manage to get your hands on them.

Yes, you are right calm, Under Heaven was already there, somehow, PoI was missed but on now.

#205 I've so far resisted adding that one to the wishlist as I have The Lions of Al-Rassan to read and I want to be sure I like Kay before I add anything else by him. But from what everyone says about his books I think I will like him!

#217 And that one's also already on the wishlist!

Happy Thingaversay and congrats on reaching 75 books!

76) The Celtic Alternative by Shirley Toulson (29 May - 6 June)

This is subtitled "A Reminder of the Christianity We Lost" and looks at the roots of the Celtic version of Christianity; what influenced these early Christians and how they lived their lives. Linking to Druidism and the desert dwelling Coptic Christians, Celtic Christianity developed in a way close to nature and the community; unlike the more dictatorial, hierarchical Roman church. The differences finally led to the Council of Whitby in 664 AD, where King Oswy of Northumbria decided in favour of the Roman church.

Shirley Toulson looks at the links between the old Druidic religion and the Christianity that was heavily influenced by the old way of life. Taking over the sacred sites and wells in some ways this was a continuation of the old not a usurpation. Inspired by pilgrimages to Jerusalem and into Egypt where the early Christians were living as hermits and setting up the first monastic settlements the Celtic Christians were inspired to echo this way of life.

From this Toulson draws comparisons between modern life and its need for a spiritual dimension. In some ways she has idealised this early form of Christianity but does show that some aspects of their lifestyle can be used today to create a more community orientated, sustainable lifestyle. A life in tune with nature.

I don't regret reading this but to be honest this isn't quite the book I was expecting to read. I was looking for a more historical explanation of the Celtic Church - its development and influences. That is there but in places Toulson's agenda and idealism is too dominant.

Heather - Thanks for the congratulations, I wasn't sure that anybody noticed that I had reached the target;-)

I hope that you like Kay's writing. Obviously, I really like the way he writes.

You should have been yelling "Stasia, pay attention to the number!" I am apt to look only at the books and forget about the count. So, just for you, calm, a new Woo Hoo:

Thanks Stasia, that's cute;-)

Glad you like it, lol

>225 calm: Darn! I was hoping for the same thing you were, calm, and was eagerly awaiting your go-ahead. As it is, I don't know about this one unless I can get it from the liberry.

Happy 75!

Hi Richard, I'll keep looking - there must be a good, well balanced history of Celtic Christianity somewhere. If I find one I'll let you know. Fortunately I picked this up in a charity shop so I didn't waste too much money on it.

Have you tried Thomas Cahill's How the Irish Saved Civilization? I am not sure it is exactly what you are looking for, but it might be worth a peek.

Stasia thanks for reminding me - I've got that one on the to read shelf.

Congrats!

#233: I personally, love the book, so I will be interested in seeing what you think of it when you get a chance to read it.

Thanks drneutron.

Stasia - I'll let you know - when I finally get a chance. There are definitely a couple of other nonfic books ahead of it in the queue;-)

The Big Event went right over my head, Congrats on reaching 75!

77) The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (4 June - 7 June)

Bizarre and compelling, Umberto Eco has written a wonderful book. Yambo, a 60 year old antiquarian bookseller, wakes from a coma unable to remember his life. Characters, plots and quotes from the books he has read free-wheel through his brain but he doesn't know his wife and children, or what has shaped his life. In an attempt to reconnect with his past he returns to the house where he spent part of his childhood — his grandfather's home where he spent holidays and was evacuated during the war. What follows is a trip through the culture of 1930's/1940's Italy. A feast of comic books; music; books and propaganda.

Lavishly illustrated with memorabilia; nostalgic and descriptive of a childhood, this is a book that feeds the senses. Surreal chain of consciousness prose flows effortlessly; building to a culminating dream like sequence. I loved this book, but I can see that it wouldn't be to everybody's taste.

Thanks Lynda.

I have tried several of Eco's books and have decided he is just not an author for me. I am glad you liked it though!

I loved The Name of the Rose but I have never managed to get very far with any Eco's other books. The library has a copy of this one, though, so I might give it a go.

196 - Finally popping back over. We haven't read 101 Dalmatians, but it looks like one to add!

I have The Palace of Illusions on my shelf, and I think I'll tuck it into my suitcase this weekend.

#238 I read that one because I was intrigued by the premise - a man can only remember the books he's read - and I did enjoy it but it was a lot stranger than I expected. Glad you liked it and that my wishlist escaped for a change!

Surreal chain of consciousness prose

Well, that about sums things up for me -- I won't like it :)

Though I must say, that cover looks very bizarre and compelling... and the plot does sound interesting, but the delivery's not for me... anyway, glad you loved it so much!

The book does have an interesting cover now that you've mentioned it. The picture sort of looks like an orange peel and is that a jester with a bottle in hand? Does the cover relate well to the story calm?

Stasia - glad I haven't added to the Black Hole, sorry you don't like Eco - but I haven't liked everything of his I've read ... Baudolino *shudder*

CatyM - I think, for me, this is the next best after The Name of The Rose, that is just outstanding!

Luxx - Hope you and Brooks enjoy 101 Dalmatians and that you enjoy Palace of Illusions

Heather - definitely strange but I did enjoy it.

Faith and Lynda - Yes orange peel and jester with a bottle in his hand! According to the book credits the cover is "Bitter Campari poster by Lionetto Cappiello". I don't think it relates directly to the story but it is an eye-catching image.

That poster is like a Coca-Cola Santa poster in Italy. Nostalgic, amusing, pretty.

I adore Campari, and The Divine Miss's family lives in Rome, so we get a different perspective on those things.

Belated congratulations on reaching the 75 mark! Looks like I missed the party. :-) Again!

I'm glad to hear your endorsement for The Name of the Rose and Eco in general. I'm looking for a good excuse to move this one up the TBR mass...or maybe that should be mess!

I'm going to look at The Mysterious Flame... as well. Remembering books and not your family sounds like an intriguing premise.

#246: I tried Baudolino made it halfway through and finally gave up. I have also tried The Name of The Rose and Foucault's Pendulum. He is just not a writer for me.

A little nervus now.. I bought a copy of Credo by Melvyn Bragg... because yu mentioned it earlier ( i think?) and I am looking forward to it. Now I find that you liked The City and The City, which made it midway up my ptui scale.. >:-{

ahh well...

eta

loved Name of the Rose !

Hi Richard, Donna , Stasia and Kath sorry I haven't been here for a couple of days.

Richard - Nostalgic and amusing fit the book - at least as far as I am concerned.

Donna - I hope you like his books but Eco doesn't seem to fit everyone

Stasia - No worries, it would be a strange world if we all liked the same things

Kath - we like some of the same books so I hope you also like Credo.

edit for typos!

As this thread is at 250 posts I've moved onto thread 3

http://www.librarything.com/topic/92702

Hope to see you there;-)