Whisper1 (Linda's) thread #6

Time to start a new thread.

Here are the previous ones:

Thread #5
http://www.librarything.com/topic/88480
Thread #4
http://www.librarything.com/topic/86447
Thread #3
http://www.librarything.com/topic/83894
Thread #2
http://www.librarything.com/topic/82493
Thread #1
http://www.librarything.com/topic/79072

Wow, 6 threads! I can only dream of getting past my one! :) Found you and starred you.

I never been so early on a new multiple thread. I must be doing better at keeping current, what do you think?

Okay! Here I am early on a new thread for you! Now I guess I should go back and finish up the last one.....

>3 cyderry: I don't know, I'm pretty early on the new thread, but only because I fell so far behind on the old one that I'm ready for a fresh start!

I'm here! You didn't even have time to miss me.

Found you too!

Linda- I'm hot on your trail! Have a great weekend, my friend!

Aha! This is why I had only one-unread on the last one!

Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland

The impact of one Veermeer painting on the lives of owners throughout four centuries is the topic of this well researched novel. Using an imaginary work of art, Vreeland begins with a current owner and then each chapter goes backward to the beginning of the inception of the masterpiece.

The individual owners are only related in that they each possessed the work. The depth of feeling and the way in which the art changed their lives lends to a fascinating creative work on the part of Vreeland.

Recommended.

I am adding it to the list. It sounds great. It reminds me (without having read it) of a book called Keeping the World Away which follows a painting through several generations, not necessarily the same family. I liked it.

I read Vreeland's The Forest Lover last year and liked it, so I will have to give The Girl in Hyacinth Blue a try as well. Thanks for the review and recommendation!

Jenn. I'm adding this book to my list. IT sounds fascinating.

Stasia..Would you recommend reading The Forest Lover?

#13: Yes, I would. I thought it was good. I learned a lot about the artist Emily Carr from the book. I think you would like it, Linda.

Hello sweetness! I must tell you of a wonderful surprise I got this morning! SOMEone, who shall remain nameless but whose initials spell "Linda", sent me a CARE package of short stories and poems to read while sitting with auntie! And by two of my favorite authors, too, Dreiser and Wharton!!

You are an apple blossom angel cuddle, and deserve a star on the "Sweet and Thoughtful" Walk of Fame! (Where on EARTH could we start one of those?)

I have looked at that book a dozen times.. may just have to look again..
starred ya!

#15: (Where on EARTH could we start one of those?)

Well, if we cannot have one here on LT, we will have to wait until we get to Heaven, I suspect.

Richard...You are very kind! Thanks for accepting what you so sincerely give to others.

Huh...learning to accept is learning to trust. It's a hard lesson for me, I'm not a very naturally trusting person. You've identified one of my life-long learning processes...and lessons in humility.

The fact that it's books makes the medicine go down a lot easier, I must say!

Richard...
I am on the same journey.

About ten years ago a wonderful friend imparted words of wisdom that resonated in a deep way when I was suffering physically and emotionally.

I had shunt surgery which failed, placing me in a condition wherein originally the inter cranial pressure was high, now it over drained and was way too low, leaving me in worse condition than before the surgery.

I developed sixth nerve palsey and my sight was greatly compromised. When this happened I was at a very low point in my life.

Then, the shunt was removed, leaving a tiny hole in the spine which had to be repaired with what seemed like a barbaric procedure called a blood patch.

I was single and without family and throughout all this I had to depend on the great kindness of friends who showed incredible love. It was VERY, VERY difficult to accept their kindness.

I hated to ask yet one more thing and when the neurosurgeon called and told me to get to the hospital, I drove, sight compromised, vomiting along the way, not knowing how to get to the hospital.

My friends were madder than a hornets nest that I didn't call them to help me. Thus, in gentle consternation, a special friend told me that it was important to learn that I wasn't always in charge...That I didn't have the market on kindness...That others had a right to be kind and helpful as well! That if I was so good at giving, I had to also admit that others could do the same.

WOW! It stuck like an arrow to the heart and to this day when I struggle to accept the kindness of others, I hear her voice.

Great message and how true!
The Forest Lover is a terrific book- recommended.

I seem to have had trust issues... despite a rocky time of it as a child, I would trust too easily, now I trust rarely...

Glad you had good friends when you needed them....~

>20 Whisper1: Sage, sage words. I will tape them on my mirror!

I love coming to your thread Linda and getting such words of wisdom. Accepting help and love from others is hard to do after one has been knocked around by life. It's good to have wise friends. Shalom!

I don't know how to express my ....... profound response to your story. It truly is one of the hardest things to learn. Thank you.

I've been too long away from your threads, Linda..Forgive Me?

Regarding Trust Issues..I Trust No One (like in the X-Files)...but I will listen

best to you
J

>20 Whisper1: Thanks for sharing your very personal story with us, Linda. I'm certainly glad that all worked out for you so that we at LT can experience your friendship and kindness. Happy Mother's Day!

Forest Lover?! I own that one! Purchased it several years ago because I enjoyed Girl in Hyacinth Blue so very, very much. It will still be awhile before I get to the V's and am able compare the two novels.

Linda, Found you, starred you and read your words of wisdom. The hardest part of the trusting is that when you do there is always someone who will let you down. I think the point is that even when they do, it is not the end of the world and there will be someone who you can trust, until the day they let you down and then there will be someone else who steps up to take the place of the last person who was there when you needed them. People are constantly in flux, feeling generous then selfish, cranky then joyous, trusting then closed to others. We can only go with our instincts and persist in our knowledge that we do benefit from the open heart of others as they benefit from our moments of kindness. People like you who have had their share of trials are often the most giving of themselves instead of being embittered by their suffering they (you) become a precious guiding light. Thank you for what you have done for me and continue to be the shining light of LT! Happy Mother's Day!

Linda, I am so sorry that you had to go through such an ordeal to get where you are today. On the other hand I am so glad to have gotten to know and love you here on LT. You are truly a good friend to all of us. God bless you.

Truer words...

#20: Wow. What an amazing story; thanks for sharing that with us, Linda, and I'm also sorry to hear about your ordeal.

Wow, Linda. Thanks for sharing. I've had two medical "episodes" (in 1992 and in 2007) that put me in a position of relying on others in much that same way so I can definitely relate to what you say. Nothing as dramatic as you, though.

A Very Modest Cottage by Tereasa Surratt

What a joyful delight this book is! As a child the author was enamored by a tiny cabin on her grandmother's property. As an adult, she and her husband moved the dilapidated structure from Illinois to a lake front property in Wisconsin.

The book is filled with details and wonderful photos of their remodeling project. The author is very talented and I particularly enjoyed the art work throughout.

This is a nice snapshot of Americana and the history of 1920's cabins used as roadside hotels long before super highways and modern chain motels.

Recommended

#62 Illinois and Wisconsin? My two favorite places. I've never heard of this one but will definitely have to look for it.

Hi Linda,

Happy Mother's Day to you. Thank you for sharing that very personal story of pain and growth. It was heartwarming and so true - and a good lesson to remember.

I keep meaning to try Susan Vreeland but have yet to read anything by her. The Girl in Hyacinth Blue is a book I keep passing on but I'm not sure why. I'll have to give it a try. And since I have, embarrassingly enough, only recently learned of the beautiful art of Emily Carr, now The Forest Lover is also on my radar. Thanks all!

Joanne

Our posts crossed. As I was writing a message on your thread, you were writing one on mine!

I haven't heard of the art of Emily Carr until Stasia mentioned The Forest Lover. Now, I am prompted to read this book.

Happy Mother's Day to you.

Kindertransport by Olga Levy Drucker

After Kristallnacht, it became more and more obvious that Hitler meant business. His business was the elimination of Jews. One month from that terrifying event, a rescue of children was hastily orchestrated by Jews, Quakers and Christians.

From the first Kindertransport on 12/1/38 through the last on 9/1/1939, miraculously 10,000 children were taken from Germany and transported to England.

Sorely missing their parents and entering a new country with little or no concept of the English language, these children were accepted into the homes of strangers whose purpose was to help save their culture and their lives. Most children were treated well, some were not.

Most children (9,000) were never reunited with their parents, some were exceedingly fortunate to see their parents again.

Olga Levy Drucker tells her story as seen through the eyes of young child. In a moving, yet undramatic manner, Olga chronicles her eventual understanding that her family, friends and all Jewish people were in grave danger.

Waving goodbye to her grandmother, she takes the long journey to England where, barely adjusting, she is moved from one home to another. Finally when finding a level of comfort and acceptance from a large loving English family, she receives word that her parents survived and are safe in New York, NY.

Highly recommended!

>63 nittnut: Good review! Still ain't readin' the book, nuh uh no no no. I want happy, shiny, mindless "Fuffy Bundy Rabbix Goes to School" stuff.

Certainly, I can understand. I hope Auntie is better and that your life becomes a lot less stressfilled.

We're thinkin' day-by-day here, so I try not to have Expectations. Stress? Oh ha ha! I am *alone* all week long now! I revelrevelrevel in this.

Wonderful review of Kindertransport. I am adding it to my list. I love reading stories of the good people who did recognize what was happening and did something.

Wow, lots of conversation and some wonderful reviews on your thread since I last checked. (Actually, since I last successfully checked -- I had just clicked on your thread early Sunday evening when my son asked for help with something and I had to quickly log out!)

So sorry for the difficulties you experienced, but so glad you were wise enough to learn and grow from them.

I'm not always good at accepting -- and especially asking for -- help. Not so trusting, either, most of the time. My mother's motto was: "Don't trust anyone except your mother -- and don't be too sure about her!" ;)

#34: Adding that one to the BlackHole.

#38: Already in the BlackHole.

You only got me once :)

Nice review of Kindertransport, Linda!

Lots of wonderful books on your thread, as always, Linda!
--BJ

Linda- Good review! Sounds very interesting!

> 38 Great review of Kindertransport. I read a play by the same name last year, but it was just so-so. I will certainly add this book to my list!!

I'm glad Olga had a happy ending to her story, but it breaks my heart about the other 9,000 children who didn't get reunited with their families. What a grievous time in history.

>10 Whisper1:. I meant to post this earlier. I was interested to read what you thought about Vreeland's book, Girl in Hyacinth Blue. Did you also read Girl with the Pearl Earring? It's a different author, but similar strategies--except I think Chevalier stayed in Vermeer's period. I guess there was also a movie and a play; I only read the book.

Kindertransport sounds wonderful!

Linda, with your love of YA and interest in WW II, have you ever read Margot Benary-Isbert? I loved her books about immediate post-war Germany as a child and think you would really appreciate The Ark.

All the way back up to #20...
What a wonderful story (not the part about you being sick)! I also have a difficult time asking for help. I think when you've been alone & independent, you assume you have to do everything for yourself. Along those same lines, a friend of mine told me once that the proper response to a kind gesture or word is "Thank you." Period.
Thank YOU for being such a sweetheart!

#20 Linda, I just finished a book where the need to let others help during an illness played a central role. 90 Minutes in Heaven by Don Piper.

It is something that's hard to do when you're so used to doing for yourself and not wanting to be a "bother."

The Divine Miss reminds me, when I say "no" to her offers of domestic help, that I'm rejecting her help and by extension her.

So now I say yes. I've even managed, through gritted mental teeth, to ask her to carry my laundry down the second flight of stairs because my hands are hurting, instead of leaving it in my room. (I draw the line at her DOING it, oh no no no.) But I hate loathe despise doing it, judging myself in my mother's angry voice for being lazy and useless.

I shudder to imagine what she'd say or do if I drove myself to the hospital while vomiting and unable to see clearly, though I feel sure she'd be so high in the head voice that only the dog could really make out the words.

>55 richardderus:. Richard, your posts are a joy to read--"judging myself in my mother's angry voice"--just wondering if our mothers knew each other?

"so high in the head voice"--hilarious. I don't post re: your stuff much, but I do lurk and laugh.

>55 richardderus: You know, Richard, if you position it right, you can slide the laundry basket down the stairs without losing a single sock. That's what I do when there's no Keith around to take it down the stairs...

#55: I think your mother knew my father.

LOL about sliding the laundry basket down the stairs. I'm going to try that.

Just catching up with your conversation about kindness. I myself am currently in the middle of a very long medical saga, and while I don't often need special help, one thing I have learned is to always say "yes" to anyone who asks if they can do something for me, even if I have to invent something for them to do. Otherwise, I am denying them the opportunity to be kind and helpful, which I feel is a basic human desire, and one we don't always get to fulfill as often as we'd like in life.

>56 labwriter:, 58 They were all of a piece, weren't they, thos angry vengeful people in our childhoods? I still don't love my mother, though I'm often told that one day I will. She's dead 10 years, if it was gonna happen it'd've happened, I think. But I *have* forgiven her, as in I no longer blame her for her actions. She wasn't a malign person, she did the best she knew how, and her failings hurt her horribly I feel sure. (Me too.)

>57 tloeffler: How do you think it makes it down the *first* flight of stairs?

>60 JanetinLondon: Janet, a wise and true conclusion. I struggle to get there, but I see it heaving into view.

>60 JanetinLondon: Janet, Sometimes we need to remember how good it feels to be able to help someone. It’s really a win-win for both parties. Whenever a patient at the hospital where I volunteer thanks me for visiting with them, my first response is generally “Oh, no thank you!”.

Linda, I put Kindertransport on hold at my library. While I was searching for it, a DVD on the subject also came up and I put it on hold, too. It’s called “Into the Arms of Strangers: Stories of the Kindertransport”. It’s a documentary, narrated by Judi Dench and produced in cooperation with the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. If you haven’t heard of it, I thought you might find it to be a good companion piece to the book.

Me too Joanne - I read your post and went straight off to put same on hold. Thanks for the movie tip!

#62: There is a book by the same title (probably a companion volume) that I read several years ago, so if you are interested you might check that out too. The book is by Mark Jonathan Harris and Deborah Oppenheimer.

Message 64: Stasia, I'm going to check to see if my library has this book.

#63 Jenn, Always a pleasure to have you visit here.

#62 Joanne, I didn't know you volunteered at a hospital. When I retire (hopefully seven years from now) I plan to volunteer at a home for the elderly. So many older folks are abandoned by their families and no one visits.

Thanks for the heads up re. the movie. I hope my library has this and the book. Judi Dench is one of my favorite actors. Her voice is like honey! I hope to visit the Holocaust Memorial Museum this summer.

#61Richard Dear Words of wisdom flow from you. Your comment regarding your mother doing the best "she knew how" prompted me to remember a conversation with friends wherein we spent hours debating if the term "She did the best she could" really applied to our mothers. I firmly said that I didn't agree with the term and my mother could have and was capable of doing a lot better! Forgiveness is such an interesting concept. I'm still working on that one.

#60 Janet I'm sorry that you are dealing with a long term medical saga. I send hugs.

#57 Terri How the heck do you do slide a basket down the steps without anything falling out? With my luck I'll try this and my sheltie Simon will be walking past the bottom of the steps at the same time.

#56 Becky So good to have you here! I'm glad you are a part of the 75 challenge group!

#54 Linda I read 90 Minutes in Heaven a few years ago. I seem to remember the author was a minister. Am I right?

#53 Terri I'm blushing. Back at ya! You are a wonderful person!

#62 Hi Roni Thanks for stopping by. I haven't heard of the author you mention and thus thank you for the recommendation. On the tbr pile it goes!

#51 Luxx I highly recommend Kindertransport

And, finally to all others, thanks for visiting my thread. I love this group!

Morning Linda - I visit you a lot, I just don't always announce my presence. I lurk, quietly eavesdropping on the very uplifting conversations and just thinking about it all. I love what everyone has had to say regarding service and forgiveness recently. Very thoughtful comments.

Yes, Linda. The author of 90 Minutes in Heaven is a Baptist minister. I thought I noticed your name on the list for that book.

#65 - Are you sure, Linda, that your mother and my mother weren't the same woman? Your feelings concerning forgiveness are just EXACTLY mine when it comes to mummy-dear. A meaner woman was never spawned and I shudder to think that there is even the slightest possibility that there were two of them.

Charlotte

In order to protect myself, I stay clear of her. The last time I saw her was eight years ago when my beloved grandmother died. While I was in tremendous pain and grieving her loss, my mother accused me of stealing my grandmother's art work.

By the way, the art work was a velvet painting that was purchased from a five and ten cent store years ago.

The craziness that came out of my mother was just way too much to bear and it got worse as the years progressed. When my grandmother died I was no longer tethered to my mother. I was free!

I could write books, but many have already been written with similar themes. At this point it would not be cathartic and would simply resurrect thoughts/feelings that I no longer want to deal with.

When, on her death bed my grand mother acknowledged the sociopathic behavior we both experienced from my mother (her daughter), she asked me to please forgive my mother. I told her that I would be lying to her if I said I could. And, even though she was dying, I could not accommodate this wish. My grandmother understood.

Linda, I am so sorry to hear this. I can't imagine how it'd be to have a mother like that.

I consider my 73-year old mother to be my closest friend in the world. Sure, I get momentarily miffed at her at times but that's about it. Sure, she knows how to push my buttons, but I firmly believe that we would kill for each other. She is my rock.

Linda
You are blessed! I was too! I had an incredible, loving, kind, VERY special grandmother. I believe I am who I am today because of her. God more than made up for the lack of a sane mother in giving me a wonderful role model in my grandmother.

Wow, Linda. My mother, 85 years old, is a toxic narcissist. I too have had to walk away from her to save myself. Although I wouldn't wish such a thing on anyone, it helps to know there are others with like experiences who understand. What I've found is that people, even some of my good friends, don't understand that a mother can be a monster.

Before I walked away from her, she told me she thought she would outlive me and asked could she have my share of the house? I told her that it would belong to my husband. "Not all of it," she said. "He should sell it and give me half." She was perfectly serious.

I'm with you, I could write books, but why play around in that mess. She has stolen too much of my life as it is. God bless.

I too,had an incredible, loving, kind, VERY special grandmother.
My mom and I had...issues... but, she has been gone a long time, grandma even longer... :(

Families... I have issues with my brother (we just can't communicate across a giant gulf), and my parents loathe each other (divorced 20 plus years ago) but none of them rise to the level of the truly toxic. That said, I dedicated this book to my grandfather, and the next one will be for my niece and nephews... and I'm often glad that I live in NYC and not in Canada. Distance makes me kinder and less irritable.

And yes, it's hard to accept help. I just figure that if someone offers, they mean it. If they make an excuse about why they can't follow through more than once, I then revise my opinion on that, and never take them up on the offer again, and just nod politely when they make it. My hero is a friend of mine who has twice driven me to the ER with gargantuan headaches, and sat there holding my hand and the barf bowl for hours until the Demerol kicked in. He thinks he's a failure in life; I tell him anyone who bends over backwards like that for a friend is anything but.

>75 Chatterbox: Distance makes me kinder and less irritable

The old absence makes the heart grow fonder eh? Worked wonders for my father's family, who were a bunch of crazed lunatics.

I agree about distance.

I had pretty good parents. Normal issues that we all have, but pretty good parents. They divorced by senior year of high school and that was rough. Why kids get to be the ping pong in those little battles was beyond me. I quickly figured out how to spend a year of college in Spain. I liked all my family much more the year I was in Spain.

I guess I got addicted to the distance, grad school in Texas, a job in NY. It was years before I was ready to move back too close to all of them. By then we got along much better and I'm glad I have had these last years to spend with both my parents.

Daddy Long Legs by Jean Webster

Yet another excellent recommendation from Stasia!

I tremendously enjoyed this poignant tale of young orphaned Jerusha Abbot brought up in the John Grier Home where daily submission and repeated groveling is expected.

When a board of trustee member provides funds for her college education, she escapes the confinements of the home and ventures into the world of elite privilege.

With no knowledge of social mores, she develops a spirit tough enough to know she is of equal intellect, but pliant enough to know she has a lot to learn. Jerusha's paradoxical feelings of self assuredness and insecurity are excellently described and keenly felt.

Unaccustomed, she bubbles along, feeling out of place, but, she is also spunky enough to overcome the ackwardness of a life of poverty.

Writing letters to her unseen, mysterious benefactor whom she only glimpsed as he walked away from the home, and, noting he was tall, she now pens heart felt missives to "Daddy Long Legs."

This is a book that grabbed and kept my attention. It is wonderfully written with a keen sense of the need for social justice and of the tenacity of the human spirit.

Highly recommended.

>78 Whisper1: Wow! Between you and Stasia, I *almost* want to read this one, but I fear much too strongly that it would impinge on my dearly beloved movie of the same name.

A movie of the same name?

Oh yes! Fred Astaire and the incomparable Leslie Caron -- I was an Astaire freak for several years...... and that is a fine one!

Leslie Caron...The Leslie Caron from An American in Paris...Oh, now I have to watch this movie.

Richard, I think you can go ahead and read it. I am a long-time fan of Daddy Long-Legs and I quite enjoyed the movie. The book isn't so much different as that the characters get more fleshed out. It's a lovely little book.

>83 nittnut: But I'm afeared...I dassn't....

I love your review Linda and I've never heard of this book or author. Onto the pile it goes.

Just stopping by to say hello! Good conversation, good books . . .

(I am so behind on the threads!)

*waves*

I am glad you liked Daddy Long-Legs, Linda!

I love the movie too--Heather, what do you mean, WAS--I'm a perennial Astaire freak!

Carolyn, you are kind to put a book on your list just on my say-so, without knowing anything about it. The Ark and its sequel, Rowan Farm, touched me deeply in my youth. Written by a German author only a few years after World War 2, it is the story of a family in Germany. The father, a doctor, was taken by the Russians when they "liberated" Eastern Germany, and one of the older boys, Margot's twin, killed. The mother and four remaining children have fled the Russians into western Germany as refugees and are trying to adjust to all of these happenings as well as the hardships of post-War occupied Germany.

I've never heard of Daddy Long-Legs, Linda, but it sounds interesting and the library has the audio version so maybe I'll try it that way. Your thread is dangerous... :)

Raven Summer by David Almond

This was a darkly disturbing book, which is what Almond's books tend to be. This is a story of two friends who find a baby. Finding the baby is the lightest part of the book, town bullies, knives, fights in holes dug in the ground, a young liberian foster child, a run away foster girl are a mix of the characters.

This is not your typical coming of age tale. While it was powerful and the writing was creative, I really cannot recommend it. Maybe I was in the mood for something lighter and thus my opinions are shaped because of that.

Linda, I really like the way you present your books and reviews here on your thread--the larger and colored font for the number, the book cover, and then the link to the book plus your discussion. Very classy.

Dark and irresistable! You excellent sherpa you!

What 91 said... :)

I will pass on these but, partly because I am surrounded by unshelved piles of books right now.

That one definitely sounds too dark for me for the moment. Thanks for the warning.

Becky and Kath

I have Tad (TadAd) to thank for sharing his knowledge. He is a kind person who helped me. I've learned a lot with his assistance.

HI Richard!

Janet, I really liked previous books I read by David Almond but Raven Summer was way too dark.

Hey there Linda ... catching up with you after being AWOL for a couple of weeks. I loved Daddy Long Legs - didn't know there was a movie by the same name.

The Mistress's Daughter by A.M. Homes

Fully aware that she was adopted, Homes is comfortable with her identity and loves her non-biological parents. After publishing her first novel, at the age of 31, her mother is contacted by a lawyer stating her biological mother would like to connect with her.

This is an intriguingly powerful book. Unlike some adopted children, Homes did not seek, rather she was found. She was found by a very self absorbed woman. Contact then lead to further communication with her mother and father.

Learning that she was born to a young woman and abandoned by a much older middle class married man with four children, Homes then began a quest to uncover details. Meeting both her parents was troublesome. Her father was seductively creepy and her mother was clingingly needy.

Comfortable and secure in the love of her adopted parents, Homes had the emotional freedom to define mother and fatherhood.

This is a well-written, accurate and emotional book with an honest reflection regarding the definition of family.

Highly recommended.

Nice review, Linda. Thumbs up from me!

Indeed yes, (the thumbs up) and what an interesting perspective.

Thanks Lucy and Stasia.

It is an interesting book. I am a mother of an adopted child and thus the book held my interest on that level as well.

---------------------------------------

On a different subject, I am methodically going through my book shelves and downsizing to make room for yet more that I've acquired. As I make progress, I'll post books that I'm offering. If interested, simply send a message on my home page listing your address.

Up for grabs today are the following books:

1) The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

2) Country Brides by Debbie Macomber

3) A Series of Unfortunate Events The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

4) Stone Heart A Novel of Sacajawea by Diane Glancy

#100 What a nice idea, Linda.

I often pass along books to co-workers but, sometimes, when someone here expresses a strong interest in something I've read, I will send it along to them.

Thumbs up on your review of The Mistress's Daughter. Very intriguing.

I also enjoyed your review - and I am the mother of an adopted child as well. I am adding -The Mistress's Daughter to my pile.

Linda- Very good review! I've been meaning to read something by A.M. Homes for ages!

American Rust by Philipp Meyer

The setting of this dark and foreboding book is Buell, a once prosperous Pennsylvania steel town, now littered with abandoned buildings and souls.

Because of the high recommendations, I kept reading hoping to find redemption or certainly some slant of light shining through the ominous clouds of poverty, defeat and oppressiveness.

The pros: The book is well written
The cons: The book is too dark, stark and hopeless
The plot: Two friends who attempt to run away from the pervasive poverty when dramatically their lives change by a happenstance meeting with three menacing bums/hobos.

I didn't like this book. Working in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and living here for years, I witnessed the demise of Bethlehem Steel. While Billy Joel sang of Allentown and closing all the factories down, miraculously Bethlehem is doing ok.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHnJp0oyOxs

American Rust is disturbingly, dramatically and blatantly oppressive without a glimmer of the reality of hope.

I cannot recommend this book.

Whew, caught up on your thread again. :)

Thanks for the honest review of American Rust -- I've had enough hopelessness for a while, so I think I will skip it.

On another topic, I saw that you were getting rid of the first Lemony Snicket book -- I already have it, but I'm curious to know if you are passing it along because you disliked it or simply don't have room for it. I loved that series, but have heard so many mixed reviews, I'm always interested to know what people think about it.

#100: As Catey likes Debbie Macomber's books, if you have not had a taker for Country Brides, I will take it for her.

#105: One I can get out of the BlackHole. I think I will give that one a pass.

I am adding -The Mistress's Daughter

I have avoided American Rust by Philipp Meyer for reason simialr to those you mentioned. When steel tanked in Pittsburgh/Ohio etc we lost our home and life as we knew it. No jobs, people in dire straits everywhere. I do not have what it takes to read about it..

I don't regret living in Massachusetts for 3 years. .
( until the plant where my husband worked shut down ) but I loved the house we lost..

Life goes on though and all is well.. but I CANNOT read that book :P

We still have the hulking, empty Bethlehem Steel plant taking up valuable of lakefront property here. It's a constant reminder of the boom times with many high paying manufacturing jobs that disappeared, never to return. I won't be reading this book either. Thanks Linda for your insightful review.

What a great review of The Mistress's Daughter, Linda. I'm definitely adding that to my obese wishlist.

Just stopping by to wave "hello!" =D

I really appreciate people opening up about giving/receiving and their relationships with their mothers. It's so easy to think that everyone else has it all together. Found myself tearing up, both in happiness and sadness. Lots to think about, starting from Richard's comment that "learning to accept is learning to trust." That's a lesson I'm still struggling with, even though I know how good it feels to give.

I've read Girl in Hyacinth Blue, The Mistress's Daughter and American Rust, and agree with all your comments. Gotta read Kindertransport now.

Thanks to all for stopping by. Thanks also for your kind comments!

#106 Beserene
When cleaning some of the bookshelves I noticed I have two copies of this book. I'm giving one away

#107 Stasia
It is in the mail today

#108 Kath
I'm amazed that Bethlehem survived after the mill shut. So many good paying blue collar and executive jobs were lost. If you are interested, Crisis in Bethlehem written by John Strohmeyer is an excellent book. His is an in depth study of why Bethlehem Steel failed. He looks at both the unions and the executives in a very honest manner.

Strohmeyer was 5 when his coal-mining father committed suicide after a Pennsylvania mine closed, thereby leaving their family destitute. He later went on to become a very successful newspaper editor and Pulitzer prize winner. I knew him. He was quite a character!

I'm so sorry that you experienced such hardship. You are such a kind, wonderful soul!

#109. Bonnie, thank you for your encouragement. You are a loyal contributor to my thread and I appreciate that!

#110 and #111..Hello to you both!

#112 Bonnie. One of the many things I like about our LT group is our honesty and sharing. As usual, Richard is spot on with his observations and comments.

*waves*

Hello! Catching up on threads. Your latest reviews are very helpful, and the discussion here is thought-provoking.

re: book #66 discussion: My best friend's biological mother hunted her up just as she was about to graduate from high school, and I'm not sure it was really a good thing. Birthmom was a rather self-centered and somewhat unstable person, IMO. Fortunately my friend had a very secure relationship with her adoptive parents and always counted them as her real Mom & Dad.

I think this is a very selfish thing on the part of the birth mother or father.

Linda- I received American Rust as an ER book and I too was underwhelmed. There were flashes of very good writing but...maybe the sophomore effort?

Stone Heart A Novel of Sacajawea by Diane Glancy

Beautifully juxtapositioning the imagined voice of young 16 year old Shoshoni Indian Sacajawea with the actual written journal entries of Lewis and Clark, the author paints a beautiful depiction of the expedition.

Balancing the pragmatic statements of Lewis and Clark with the heartfelt observations of Sacajawea, this book is a masterpiece. Adding the voice of Sacajawea to the thoroughly detailed descriptions provides a well-rounded snap shot of American history.

While the author took liberties imagining the thoughts and feelings of Sacajawea, still, this book is a credible documentation of the trails and travails of crossing a wilderness of mountains, raging rivers, biting rattlesnakes, fearsome bison, rain that soaked for weeks and food that at times consisted of dogs purchased from the Indians.

The mere fact that they lived to tell about it is a marvel in and of itself.

This is a marvelously poetic book that leaves the reader in awe of the bravery and courage of the members of the Lewis and Clark expedition.

Highly recommended.

Sounds like another good one! Thanks Linda. I'll have to see if I can find Stone Heart at the library.

I am on the hunt for Stone Heart as well. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Linda.

--> 105

It's interesting that you didn't like American Rust. I can see not liking it if it feels "too close to home" so that it becomes a depressing read instead of escapist literature. I thought the book depicted the decay after the demise of the Pennsylvania steel industry very well along with its depressing effects on the people and culture of Pennsylvania. I couldn't get into the storyline much however, so didn't care for it all that much - but for a different reason. I gave it a generous 2 stars.

Hi Madeline

Thanks for stopping by. Happy summer to you!

I loved the story of Sacajawea growing up, and still do. That books looks like a great one. I take it you've been through the Lewis & Clark museum/exhibition under the Arch in St Louis? I don't like going up in it, but I love going through that space, reading the journal, imagining or trying to imagine what it must have been like...

Found your thread and promptly starred. Looking forward to more great reviews!

I'll be looking for The Mistress' Daughter as well... thumbs up from me!

Hi Susan

A few years ago I attended a publication conference in St. Louis, MO. The students and I took a break and went to the arch. We did not go up in the arch, but visited the museum. It is incredibly interesting.

Stone Heart a Novel of Sacajawea sounds good! I didn't like American Rust either, Linda.

#125 I'm going to St Louis for a long weekend this weekend. I've been up in the Arch but have never gone to the museum part. Maybe I'll do that this time (or next month, when we're there again).

Linda
It is worth the trip.

Stone Heart a Novel of Sacajawea sounds very good Linda. Onto the pile it goes.

Oh Linda Linda Linda...truly I will miss you, after the spell kicks in and you *poof* disappear into the realms of the undead-yet-bodiless...unless of course you stop reading books that I want to read, in which case there will be some hope for a remission of your sins....

Richard, right now, your spell would be great. To have a pain free body might be nice!

>131 Whisper1: Wouldn't know, never had one. I think I might assume I was dead and in Heaven.

Definitely one for my obese wish list, Linda. Sounds like something I'll really enjoy reading.

>122 suslyn: There is also a Lewis & Clark Museum on the Riverfront in St. Charles, just down the highway from St. Lou (okay, 20+ miles, but it's all highway!). If you ever get a chance for that side trip, it's worth it!

113.. Thank you for the referral.. and I will add it to my maybe someday list.
Books like that.. or really, news stories or people discussing such devastating, life changing events really hit me hard. Someday maybe that will pass....

>134 tloeffler: Is that newer? I left when they were starting redevelopment (late 80s) of the waterfront. I'm a museum hound -- did I miss it?! Sure do like shopping there. Now I have 3 reasons to go back :)

It's not BRAND new, but it's been there for a couple of years. And Susan, you realize, don't you, that you are not allowed to come to St. Charles without seeing me? So make it 4.

Stone Heart a Novel of Sacajawea goes on the list. Your thread is getting as dangerous as Stasia's.

I have to comment to #114/115 that I agree. A birth mother should not come looking for her adopted child without contacting the adoptive parents and being respectful of the desires and life situation of the child. Same goes for a child. As a mom of an adopted child, I would not allow him to go looking for his birth mother without first contacting her and finding out if she wants that contact. When our son asked us (at about age 8) if he could meet his birth mother someday, we said you bet. When you're 21. Hopefully by then he will be able to deal with the various things that can come from that.

It is a beautiful spring day. Here are some photos from my garden, taken after a gentle rain.

One More

Thank you for sharing photos of your lovely garden! They helped brighten a dreary day.

Beautiful photos. What a pretty garden you have. Thank you!

You have quite an aesthetically attractive garden, Linda. I can see you have the artists eye!

I can tell by looking that you are way ahead of us in terms of perennial growth Linda. Your lavender is beautiful and mine is still fairly dormant. Beautiful garden.

Lovely shades of blue - I wish my garden had more of those beautiful colours at this time of year!

I only have three irises now! *jealous pout*

A Linda, gorgeous. Just lovely.

Terri, you were already the 3rd reason :) Not that they were numbered in order of significance!

Gorgeous photos of your garden, Linda! I have the thumb of death, and can never grow anything I'm actually trying to grow.

Beautiful! Remind me again why I moved to Arizona...

mihess - no lawn to mow?

I felt guilty after viewing those lovely pictures and hightailed myself to my little herb garden. The lavendar... dead, verbena...dead, tons of every kind of mint and loads of chives. Raked, weeded and ready for new plantings. Thanks for the incentive Linda.

What a gorgeous garden! I am jealous. I am like Sher - black thumbs instead of green ones :(

Spooky New England by S. E. Schlosser

There is nothing in depth about this book of folk lore regarding New England haunts. None of the stories are creepy or scary. The writing is mediocre and falls flat.

It was a quick and breezy -- something to read when I am weary and not wanting to concentrate on anything thought provoking.

Your garden is beautiful! I'm sure everyone who walks by appreciates it.

What a lovely garden Linda! Spring has certainly arrived at your house.

It looks almost like the rabbit on the wall is chasing something?

Wow! I love seeing other people's gardens, I can live vicariously through their talent... :)

I can live vicariously through their talent...

Talent and work! I've broken my back this week (well, not really, but it is sore) from all the weeding I've done. I love the soft colors of your perenniels, Linda. Mine are finally getting established and will be ready to divide in the fall to create more gardens...and more work!

Thanks to all for your kind comments re. my garden. It is smaller than some of my other gardens at other homes. My previous house was a small cottage and I had lovely English gardens throughout the property. I miss those days when people would tell me they purposely planned their walk to stroll past my house to see the perennials.

Alas, now, all those gardens would be way too much work.

After a rough winter, it is wonderful to see the lovely purple, peach and yellow colors.

My lavender is just green atm. LOL I thought at first this was a pic from the fall!

>Mihess re: AZ -- maybe it's because there is something about the rugged SW that is majestic and beautiful beyond compare? LOL I adore Tucson, I adore Mesa, I adore Flagstaff, I adore 4 Corners. I adore AZ!

adobe.... texmex... indian artifacts... tribal cultures... Havasupai...

Call me anytime you want more :-P
L0L

ETA okay... I didn't adore Yuma ;-> but they had a cool museum and I preferred that step over the border to the one into Matamoras from Brownsville TX...

150: True!

159: I've been here (Tucson) for about two years now and you're right, there is something very wide and open and majestic. I'm finally getting to see the Grand Canyon over the memorial day weekend too, so perhaps I was unfair in my comment. :D Sometimes you do miss the green though! And they are such lovely garden pictures!

Gorgeous garden, Linda. I am so jealous. I love gardens, but I don't have more than a speck of sun in my yard. Time to go buy some more hostas.

Lovely garden and photos Linda. I don't currently have a garden but I enjoy looking at other people's!

Really pretty garden, Linda! I love it!

Alas, I do not have a green thumb. (Except for weeds!)

** grabs garden gloves and heads out to start next chapter of new horror novel, The Weeds from Planet X that Ate Terri's Yard *** ;)

I have that book too!
And the black thumb.
And the total lack of gardening skills.
However, I do have a patch of peonies, which require nothing more of me than cutting off dead blooms and cutting the plants back in the fall. They usually bloom one day before the biggest storm of the year...

They usually bloom one day before the biggest storm of the year...

I know the feeling!

My rhododendron are starting to bloom. (They were here before we bought the place, and manage to survive in spite of me.) There must be a huge storm headed our way . . .

Linda,
Will you become my gardener?

The Diary of Mary Berg: Growing up in the Warsaw Ghetto by Mary Berg

Another excellent recommendation from Stasia.

The copy I obtained was published in 1945 and retrieved from storage from the dusty shelves of my local library.

Despite a 60 year gap, the book is now re-printed.

This book was Mary Berg's attempt to open the eyes of America and the world to the brutality and barbaric horrific practices of the Nazi's upon Polish Jews.

Hers was the first accounting of the reality of the Warsaw Ghetto. She and her family were in the ghetto from its inception. She was 15 when they were taken.. This book clearly, accurately chronicles the systematic attempt to eliminate the helpless Jews, herded like cattle, walled inside where their bodies were broken, but the spirit survived.

Despite all odds, Mary's family eventually arrived in the United States, where Mary carried 12 small note books written in her shorthanded code which chronicled what she witnessed in the Warsaw ghetto and the daily brutality.

Mary's testimony encompasses the time period from November 1939 - 1944. Because her mother was an American citizen they survived. Later, they were moved inside the ghetto into a prison where, from a window, she and her family witnessed the deportation of 300,000 Jews from the ghetto to certain death.

This is not an easy read, but I highly recommend it.

I am glad you appreciated the book!

Lovely garden! And thank you for the warning on the book :)

Mary Berg's book sounds very moving. I read Holocaust literature in small doses every now and then. Sounds as if I need to add this book to my wishlist.

By the way, have you ever read The Pianist by Vladislaw Szpilman or seen the corresponding movie, The Pianist, starring Adrien Brody? If not, don't miss either of them. Both are excellent. It's the true story of a professional pianist's survival in the Warsaw ghetto during World War II. It took more than 50 years for this story to be more widely known because, for that period of time, that book had been banned in Poland.

Madeline

I saw the movie awhile ago, but will watch it again. These stories must be told again, again and again.

Linda, I'm definitely going to get a copy of The Diary of Mary Berg. Am I understanding your post correctly--that this hasn't been re-published since 1945? I'm finding an edition over at amazon.com that was published in 2007. It looks like the same book.

Anyway, this looks like an excellent book and I'm so glad you posted about it. You are so right--these stories must keep being told.

Now, that's interesting. An article I found when doing a google search about the book said it wasn't re-printed.

I am going to go back and then see when that article was printed...

Gesh, and I'm the one who preaches to students about using updated references....(chastising self)

Thanks for the correction.. I do see that Amazon has later versions. This is a good thing! More people need to read this book. I'm glad it was re-printed.

Thanks again for the information.

http://maryberg.oneworld-publications.com/main.htm

Becky...Thanks!

Okay, I'm coming VERY late to the party here, but I wanted to say that you and my parents must have had the same gardening lessons. (Or you just have similar tastes). Your 'flower beds' look exactly like theirs! Beautiful job. I managed to pick up a few plant skills over the years, but overall I never inherited their love of landscaping. I was always reading books...but I know a plant from a weed, and I know enough to appreciate talented gardeners when I see them.

All this talk of Bethlehem Steel is surreal, because I live only 1/2 hour away, I work for a company in the steel industry, and I'm sitting at my desk at work looking at a framed black and white photo of Bethlehem Steel right now!

Wonderful review Linda and an important story that needs to be told and retold. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

That Mary Berg book sounds like a keeper, Linda. Definitely want to read that one. Thanks for letting us know about it.

Mosaic: Pieces of My Life So Far by Amy Grant

A light breezy read. There is nothing in-depth about this book, but, it was entertaining and brought cheer at the end of a long week.

#179: I agree with you about that one - light, breezy, and nothing in-depth.

Haunted Lehigh Valley by Kenneth Biddle

I'm tired, don't feel well and thus the last few days I've read simple books that did not require concentration. I noted this one on the library shelf today and read it in a few hours.

Friends who either graduated or who currently are faculty members at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA mentioned that specific buildings are haunted.

Years ago when I graduated from Cedar Crest College, there were rumors that a ghost of a woman who committed suicide haunted a hall in that building. There are numerous accounts of strange happenings in Historic Hotel Bethlehem,, and various older Inns/Restaurants throughout Bethlehem, Allentown and Easton, PA have mysterious happenings and things that go bump in the night.

This was a quick read -- not bad, not great.

If you're not feeling well, I recommend some Georgette Heyer - kind of like taking an Aspirin and calling me in the morning...
Hope you feel better soon.

Hope you feel better soon Linda.

local spookiness? always good...

hope you feel better today :)

Hope today is better! Hope your next book absorbs you totally, that is the best medicine, eh?

*smooch* to beloved Linda for rapid malaise removal.

Hope you're feeling better, Linda!!

Feel better soon, Linda!

Linda - Sorry to hear you're not feeling well. Hope today finds you better!!

I woke up with a migraine both yesterday and today (too much sun and sleep disruptions) but I'm starting to feel better now.

Hope everyone ailing feels better soon.

I hope some nice R&R has you back on your feet soon!

Sorry you're not feeling well. Hope you'll be feeling better soon!

#181 This was a quick read -- not bad, not great.
I find this sums up my opinion of quite a few of the regional true ghost story books that are out there. (I always find it rather fun to read about places I actually know, though!)

Linda, I hope you (and everyone else) feel better very soon!

I think I'll add book #71 to the TBR list. I used to be an enormous Amy Grant fan, but stopped following her very closely around my late teens, when she wasn't "cool" anymore. I've recently gone back to re-listen to some of her older albums and have been reminded of how much I enjoy her music and her voice. I'd love to get some insight into her life, from her own point of view. I like how you also mention it's a light, breezy read! Something to look forward to.

More well-wishing and prayers for feeling 100% here.

Thanks to everyone for your kind wishes.

Today was a very restful pajama day. I'm currently reading The Journey Home: A Novel. It is a great book.

Happy Sunday to all.

Glad you're feeling better rested today Linda :)

Hi Linda - The Diary of Mary Berg has been on my wishlist since Stasia recommended it last year, this is another prod for me to get to it.

#195: Glad you got some rest!

I am adding The Journey Home to the BlackHole. My local library even has it :)

The Journey Home: A Novel by Olaf Olafsson

This is not a gut wrenching, page turner. This is not a fast paced emotional story.

This is a poetic, marvelous tale of Disa who recently received word that she has a year to live thus prompting her to travel back home to Iceland.

Living in the English countryside, managing a lovely bed and breakfast, Disa is content with her life. The author paints a calm, aesthetic portrait of flowers and rolling hills, of food prepared well, of clean, quiet restful rooms and a tranquil lifestyle.

Leaving her well-defined comfortable environment, traveling by ship affords Disa time to reflect on her life as she slowly approaches her destination.

Her memories flicker and, even though some events experienced were painful, we observe her life as through a panoply of color where patterns change and shift and the kaledscope turns prismatic with each tiny nudge.

We are taken back to WWII and Nazi occupation of Europe, of Disa's Jewish lover, of her mother's disapproval of her career and choice of partner, of friendships made and friendship lost, of events out of her control and then, of choices intentionally made.

Highly recommended.

#199: That one sounds very good. I already checked and my local library has it, too!

Hi Linda, I've been keeping up with your thread but this is the first I've posted. The Journey Home: A Novel sounds good and I'm going to put it on my wishlist. I'm doing a Scandinavian Challenge this year (just 6 books) but mostly what I find are the murder mysteries, which I like, but it's nice to have variety. Apparently, Iceland is considered Scandinavia (which I didn't know before this challenge). Hope you had a good pajama day!

Pat

Another great review! I am adding The Journey Home to my list. Hope you have a great week!

>199 Whisper1: Oh, that sounds lovely! Wishlisted.

Wonderful review Linda. Onto the pile it goes.

What a beautiful review!

Linda- Great review! I picture Igmar Bergman doing a film like this, back in his heyday!

You got me with this one, Linda. *Scribble, scribble*...that's me adding The Journey Home to my little notebook that accompanies me to the used bookstores and library book sales. This looks like a book that I would want to own.

That one goes onto my pile too. Thanks for the review!

Great review, Linda! That definitely goes on my wish list.

The Journey Home sounds like a nice, nostalgic, making connections-with-your-own-life/memories kind of book. I'll have to check it out. Thanks! Does the story take place more in England or Iceland?

Bonnie
The story takes place in both locations.

I figured if I waited a couple of days, you'd feel better. Hopefully you do. (Truth: I'm just way behind on threads)
I hope you're doing well! Awesome that you had a jammie-day in the midst of it!

A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson

Thanks to Richard for recommending this wonderful, delightful and charming book.

It is humorous, breezy, light, romantic and balm for a weary soul.

Rose Mibikwa is a lovely, charming, gracious woman who happens to know a lot about the birds of East Africa. Leading weekly tours, her eclectic group of followers scan the skies and the ground for a glimpse of colorful creatures.

Quiet Mr. Malik is captured by the spirit of the birds and the soul of Rose Mibikwa. He longs to invite her to the coveted Hunt Club ball, but three things stand in his way -- his shyness, the fact that he doesn't have tickets and the looming presence of boisterous, self assured rival Mr. Harry Kahn.

The gauntlet is thrown when members of the club search for a new competition, and Malik and Kahn are the latest inspiration. Whoever sights and chronicles the most birds wins the right to invite Rose to the ball.

The delightful hunt proceeds and the author magically weaves descriptions not only of feathered fellows, but of the local population, politics and the history of East Africa.

Highly recommended!

That sounds wonderful! I'll be adding that one to my list for sure.

Hi Luxx

I hope those lovely little guys continue to bring joy.

I enjoy the photos you post on your page.

Richard was spot on in recommending a Guide to the Birds of East Africa. It promises to be one of my top five books for 2010.

Hi Linda, great review (I just gave it a thumbs-up). I put this one on my wishlist after reading Richard's review but am glad to have you confirm how good it is.

#213: I have that one on the way to me. I hope I enjoy it as much as you and Richard!

> 213 Great review and a well-deserved thumb to you!! The book is already on my radar, but you have added to the interest. It sounds like a good summer, warm weather, being outside kind of book. Possibly laying in a hammock?

That one's already on the pile but you just pushed it up Linda.

Great review! That one's on my list as well.

Some good reads for you Linda!

Definitely adding Guide to the Birds of East Africa to the list! Birds, African history and culture, a great story... sounds like my kind of book! Thumbed review from me :)

I'm so glad you liked Guide to the Birds of East Africa. My sister gave me a copy earlier this year, and as I make it a point to always read gift books straight away, even if I have never heard of them, I did, and I loved it. Slightly quirky and very romantic, even if you know and care little about birds.

I want to look out the window and see a blue turaco, myownself.

ETA correct link...what's wrong with me and links today?!?

Richard
Is this the bird in the book that was referenced as a "large chicken"

Yeah, the Africans hunt them for plumage and also for the allegedly tasty meat...but goodness, they are beautiful! Not a bit like blah old chickens.

Hi Linda! Just catching up on threads. Your garden is beautiful. I added the Olafsson to the wish list - it sounds good.

Just catching up on your thread too, and I second VioletBramble and many others here ... I love your garden. Oh dear, mine is pathetic in comparison given my very very non-green thumb. Oh well, maybe my tomatoes will do well this year and not be eaten by the voracious squirrels and chipmunks.

Just saying hello! I am so far behind on the threads! And I won't have time to catch up this weekind . . .

*waves and runs off to RL*

Great review Linda and I see it's already HOT.

Linda- Terrific review! And yes it's all-ready on the List!

Hi, Linda! I've been trying to catch up with more people in the "75 Books Challenge" and, very happily for me, I found your thread.

I'm going to hunt for Stone Heart: A Novel of Sacajawea. It looks great! Thanks for the recommendation.

Karen O.

Hi Linda, Wonderful reviews you've been writing!

I still have A Guide to Birds of East Africa checked out of the library after Richard's rec. Thanks for the reminder that I need to get to it!

Glad you enjoyed your last book!

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw by Jeff Kinney

I'm in the minority regarding this book. So many liked/loved it, saw it as humorous, made them laugh, thought it was creative...............................Not, me...
It fell flat and I didn't like it at all.

It's a shame though, because I really enjoyed the first book Diary of a Wimpy Kid. If the author was aiming for a repeat performance of creativity, he missed the mark.

What a shame! I wanted some bells, whistles and fire works for my 75th book of 2010. Alas, the only excitement that occurred while I was reading the book was the fact that my neighbors cat hid under my picnic table and tried to accoust one of the birds at the feeder.

I imagine the author would have tried to solicit a laugh by dryly writing:

bird at feeder
cat on ground
sound of woman throwing book at cat
cat ran away
dog barked

He might have thrown in some cartoon characters, but still it would not have been worth the price of the book.

The End.

I liked (but didn't love) the first two books in that series, but I'll probably avoid this one. Thanks. Sorry your 75th book was a let down.

Congratulations on 75, Linda! You should have just set this one to the side & not mentioned it until you had a good one for your 75th. I bought A Guide to the Birds of East Africa as soon as Richard recommended it, but it's still about 3 books down on the Short Stack. It's small enough, I should probably just read the darned thing and be done with it.

I am looking for a fluffy read, but not sure A Guide to the Birds of East Africa will do it for me....

Congratulations on reaching 75 books, Linda! I'm sorry that it wasn't a better read for you, though.

Wow! 75 - congrats Linda and better luck with 76!

Yes, well done on reaching 75 books - hope no 76 is more fulfilling!

#241 - I thought A Guide to the Birds of East Africa was a great read. I sent a copy to my aunt and just glancing through it she realized that the writing is just fun. The phrase she picked up on was "pocket-infested khakis" I believe.

Hello Linda and congratulations on reaching 75 already! I'm hoping to get there by January LOL. Maybe.

Well, I breezed in here and made a comment for mckait, but nothing for Linda.

Congrats on reaching 75!!! I hope #76 is better.

Congrats on Book 75! Sorry that it was a dud.

Congratulations on reading 75 for the year!! At this rate, you'll hit 175 for the year!!

Congrats!

Way to go! Now go find a book you really like (:

Congratulations on reaching 75 books! :-)

Congrats on reaching 75 books, Linda. Way to go!!

Brava! 75 and it's a smidge away from mid-year. We need to set up a 200 Books Challenge for a few power readers...and a 750 Books Challenge for Stasia and Kath.

Oh...what's that tiny sound...a mere squeak, but I think I can make it out..."new thread linda" it says...wonder what that means?

Wow! Congratulations on 75 Linda!

Congratulations on the 75th!!!! Great job and you have time for many more great reads this year!!

Happy, Happy 75th! Reads that is!

I love the Wimpy Kid books not because of their literary merit but because they offer an enticing way to get my son to read. They provide a hesitant reader a good introduction to the joys of the written word. That said, my son did not enjoy The Last Straw as much as the others. The latest Wimpy Kid movie was a let down too, for me as well as a group of 11 year old boys.
The series opened the door to Harry Potter so for me, Wimpy Kid will always hold a special place in my heart.

Congrats on reaching the 75 mark! And the year isn't even half over yet. May you have many memorable reads in the next seven months.

Congratulations from me too! If I already said that, forgive me for repeating myself!

Well as I recall you've had a mess of winners, so all in all I'd say you're doing pretty well :) Congrats on the 75!!

Congrats on 75!!! Whoohooo!

Time for a new tread.

http://ww.librarything.com/topic/91916#1997330