Christina reads the 11 in 11

I'm very excited about this challenge! :) I've decided to do 11 books per category for a total of 121 books. I'm not sure whether I'll make it, but at least I'll have some fun along the way!

My categories (as of now) are:

I. Livin' on a Prayer -- theology, religion, and church history
II. Other Worlds -- fantasy and sci fi set in an original universe
III. Classics -- books I really should have read by now
IV. In Brief -- short stories
V. Hot off the Presses -- books published in 2011
VI. Ye Olde Historical Fiction -- should be self-explanatory :)
VII. The Butler Did It -- mysteries
VIII. Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone? -- Persephone books
IX. Time Is out of Joint -- steampunk, time travel, and alternate history
X. On the Shelf -- books I own (as of December 31, 2010) but haven't read yet
XI. Gallimaufry -- anything goes!

I. Livin' on a Prayer



1. Jennifer A. Marshall, Now and Not Yet
2. Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale
3. Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- C. FitzSimons Allison, The Cruelty of Heresy: An Affirmation of Christian Orthodoxy
- Martin Buber, I and Thou
- Eamon Duffy, The Stripping of the Altars: Traditional Religion in England, 1400-1580
- Anthony Esolen, Ironies of Faith: The Laughter at the Heart of Christian Literature
- Robert P. George, The Clash of Orthodoxies: Law, Religion, and Morality in Crisis
- Christopher Hitchens and Douglas Wilson, Is Christianity Good for the World?
- John Henry Cardinal Newman, Apologia Pro Vita Sua
- Fr. Aidan Nichols, O.P., Christendom Awake
- Dorothy Sayers, Letters to a Diminished Church
- Frank Sheed, Theology and Sanity
- Fulton J. Sheen, The World's First Love: Mary, Mother of God
- St. Teresa of Avila, The Interior Castle
- George Weigel, The Cube in the Cathedral: Europe, America, and Politics Without God
- Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), Love and Responsibility
- Karol Wojtyla (Pope John Paul II), The Theology of the Body: Human Love in the Divine Plan

II. Other Worlds



1. N. K. Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
2. Rachel Aaron, The Spirit Thief
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Kristen Britain, First Rider's Call
- Lois McMaster Bujold, Young Miles
- Elizabeth C. Bunce, StarCrossed
- Kristin Cashore, Graceling
- Emily Gee, Thief with No Shadow
- Shannon Hale, Forest Born
- Ursula K. Le Guin, The Farthest Shore
- Ursula K. Le Guin, The Lathe of Heaven
- Scott Lynch, The Lies of Locke Lamora
- George R. R. Martin, A Game of Thrones
- Elizabeth Moon, Sheepfarmer's Daughter
- Elizabeth Moon, Trading in Danger
- Terry Pratchett, The Light Fantastic
- Megan Whalen Turner, A Conspiracy of Kings
- Martha Wells, The Death of the Necromancer
- Elizabeth Willey, The Well-Favored Man

III. Classics

1. Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop
2. William Golding, Lord of the Flies
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Kate Chopin, The Awakening
- Joseph Conrad, Heart of Darkness
- Fyodor Dostoevsky, Notes from Underground
- Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo (re-read)
- Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers (re-read)
- William Faulkner, Light in August
- Nikolai Gogol, Dead Souls
- D. H. Lawrence, Lady Chatterley's Lover
- Sir Walter Scott, Ivanhoe (re-read)
- John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath
- Bram Stoker, Dracula
- Anthony Trollope, Doctor Thorne
- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

IV. In Brief



1. Anna Gavalda, I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere
2. Nadine Gordimer, Beethoven Was One-Sixteenth Black
3. Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg, and Jean Johnson, Elemental Magic
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Angela Carter, The Bloody Chamber
- Agatha Christie, Double Sin and Other Stories
- Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling, Black Thorn, White Rose
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes (re-read)
- Neil Gaiman, Smoke and Mirrors
- Andrew Lang, The Blue Fairy Book
- Katherine Mansfield, The Garden Party and Other Stories
- Robin McKinley and Peter Dickinson, Fire: Tales of Elemental Spirits
- Alice Munro, Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage
- Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, The Most Beautiful Book in the World
- David Sedaris, Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules
- Jerome Stern, ed., Micro Fiction
- Will Weaver, Sweet Land
- Connie Willis, Impossible Things
- Tracy Winn, Mrs. Somebody Somebody
- P. G. Wodehouse, The World of Jeeves

V. Hot off the Presses



1. Lauren Willig, The Orchid Affair
2. Seanan McGuire, Late Eclipses
3. Julie James, A Lot Like Love
4. Sarah Addison Allen, The Peach Keeper
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Jennifer Echols, Love Story
- Jasper Fforde, One of Our Thursdays Is Missing

VI. Ye Olde Historical Fiction



1. Roberta Gellis, Roselynde
2. Laura Kinsale, Lessons in French
3. Rebecca Dean, Palace Circle
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- A. Manette Ansay, Good Things I Wish You
- Cathy Marie Buchanan, The Day the Falls Stood Still
- Loretta Chase, Mr. Impossible
- Tracy Chevalier, Remarkable Creatures
- Bernard Cornwell and Susannah Kells, The Fallen Angels
- Anna Godbersen, Envy
- Winston Graham, Ross Poldark
- Julia Gregson, Band of Angels
- Rosalind Laker, To Dance with Kings
- Jude Morgan, A Little Folly
- Kate Morton, The House at Riverton
- Patrick O'Brian, Master and Commander
- Kate Pullinger, Mistress of Nothing
- Cheryl Sawyer, The Chase
- Vanessa Winn, The Chief Factor's Daughter

VII. The Butler Did It



1. Georgette Heyer, Footsteps in the Dark
2. Luis Fernando Verissimo, Borges and the Eternal Orangutans
3. Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Pledge
4. M. M. Kaye, Death in Berlin
5. Robin Adair, Death and the Running Patterer
6. Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Judge and His Hangman
7. Erin Hart, False Mermaid
8. Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, The Laughing Policeman
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Rennie Airth, River of Darkness
- John Berendt, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil
- Alan Bradley, The Weed that Strings the Hangman's Bag
- Barbara Cleverly, The Last Kashmiri Rose
- Edmund Crispin, The Case of the Gilded Fly
- Lindsey Davis, Shadows in Bronze
- Jeffery Deaver, The Bone Collector
- Charles Finch, A Stranger in Mayfair
- Christopher Fowler, Full Dark House
- Ann Granger, The Companion
- Tamara Siler Jones, Ghosts in the Snow
- Iain Pears, Stone's Fall
- Elizabeth Peters, Borrower of the Night
- Ellis Peters, An Excellent Mystery
- Stefanie Pintoff, In the Shadow of Gotham
- Josephine Tey, Brat Farrar
- Will Thomas, Some Danger Involved
- Jacqueline Winspear, Maisie Dobbs

VIII. Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?



1. Monica Dickens, Mariana
2. Jocelyn Playfair, A House in the Country
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Isobel English, Every Eye
- Ruby Ferguson, Lady Rose and Mrs Memmary
- Virginia Graham, Consider the Years
- Molly Hughes, A London Child of the 1870s
- Marghanita Laski, The Village
- Denis Mackail, Greenery Street
- D. E. Stevenson, Miss Buncle's Book
- Noel Streatfeild, Saplings
- Frances Towers, Tea with Mr. Rochester
- Judith Viorst, It's Hard to Be Hip Over Thirty
- Dorothy Whipple, The Priory
- Ethel Wilson, Hetty Dorval

IX. Time Is out of Joint



1. M. K. Hobson, The Native Star
2. Gail Carriger, Changeless
3. Gail Carriger, Blameless
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Cassandra Clare, The Clockwork Angel
- Susanna Clarke, Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell
- Gail Dayton, New Blood
- Kate Elliott, Cold Magic
- Diana Gabaldon, Voyager
- Stephen Hunt, The Court of the Air
- Audrey Niffenegger, The Time-Traveler's Wife
- Naomi Novik, Victory of Eagles
- Kenneth Oppel, Airborn
- Dru Pagliassotti, Clockwork Heart
- Susan Price, The Sterkarm Handshake
- Cherie Priest, Boneshaker
- Owen Sheers, Resistance
- H. G. Wells, The Time Machine
- Scott Westerfield, Leviathan
- Connie Willis, Blackout
- Connie Willis, Lincoln's Dreams

X. On the Shelf



1. Helen Simonson, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
2. Ilona Andrews, On the Edge
3. Faith Hunter, Skinwalker
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Possibilities:
- Marie Brennan, In Ashes Lie
- Taylor Caldwell, The Devil's Advocate
- Christie Dickason, The Firemaster's Mistress
- Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby
- Daphne Du Maurier, The King's General
- Anna Gavalda, Hunting and Gathering
- Mary Gentle, A Sundial in a Grave: 1610
- Tracy Grant, Beneath a Silent Moon
- Georgette Heyer, The Spanish Bride
- Jennifer Kloester, Georgette Heyer's Regency World
- John Julius Norwich, Shakespeare's Kings
- Sharon Kay Penman, The Sunne in Splendour
- Sharon Kay Penman, Time and Chance
- William Strunk, Jr. and E. B. White, The Elements of Style
- Patricia C. Wrede, Thirteenth Child

XI. Gallimaufry


1. Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
2. Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After
3. Mary Robinette Kowal, Shades of Milk and Honey
4. Simone Elkeles, Perfect Chemistry
5. L. Jagi Lamplighter, Prospero Lost
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

Loads of great titles on your lists there. This will be an interesting challenge to follow!

Great categories Christina! I plan to try a 'Steampunk' category as well, so I will be watching your Time is out of Joint category with great interest!

You have some great categories! Most of the books in your mystery category I've either read or have on my wishlist. I love your Classics and Old friends categories, too.

@13 -- Thanks! I look forward to seeing yours as well!

@14 -- Ooh, I'll definitely be interested to see your steampunk picks. It's a genre I'm just recently getting into.

@15 -- Thanks! Did I mention any mystery books that you either loved or hated? Would love to get some opinions in advance!

I loved (or at least liked quite well) all of the ones you listed that I've read - The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag, The Last Kashmiri Rose, The Case of the Gilded Fly, Death in Berlin, Borrower of the Night, and Maisie Dobbs. The Maisie Dobbs series is one of my favorites, and so far the quality has been consistently good. Borrower of the Night isn't great literature, but it's lots of fun. The Last Kashmiri Rose got me hooked on that series, although I was disappointed with the last one I read (The Palace Tiger). Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce is one of the most delightful characters I've come across in a while.

Thanks so much! I do love a good mystery, and it sounds like these won't disappoint.

Trouble already! I thought of another potential category, but I have nowhere to put it! I would love to do a category of books published by Persephone. I read Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day in the 1010 Category Challenge and absolutely LOVED it, so I'd really like to read more Persephone books. Plus, I already have Cheerful Weather for the Wedding by Julia Strachey on my shelves!

The problem is, if I add a Persephone category, I'll have to remove something else...but I want to retain all my current categories! So I'm torn.

In other category-related news, I'm tweaking my "In Brief" category so that it only encompasses short stories. It was just too broad before, and I had way too many ideas for books to fill it...this way, the category (and my reading) will be more focused.

:) It'll be great in 2012, when we can have 12 categories instead of "just" 11, but I have a feeling that in 2012, I'll come up with 13 categories instead...

Some good looking categories in your challenge. I may pinch the possibilities idea for when I finally do set up my own thread as it seems like a good way of keeping track of what I could select.

@20 -- Haha, that is totally going to happen!

@21 -- Thanks! I stole the "possibilities" idea from some of the 1010 threads, and I like how it keeps all my thoughts for each category organized.

I think I'm going to stick with the same categories for now...I still like the Persephone Books idea, but I can always move that to 2012! :)

Nice categories and some interesting choices.. I know what you mean about spare category ideas.. I think I have 2012 mapped out already!

@24 -- Phew! I haven't planned quite that far ahead, but I definitely have a few categories in mind, and I've already started my handy "2012 challenges" Word document so that I can keep track of everything. :) The wonderful thing about LT is that I know I'm not the only one doing this!

I can't believe how organized you are. All your categories assigned and a list of possiblities for each category! I know I am going to do this challenge next year, but I haven't even gotten around to thinking about categories yet.

Looking forward to your adding to my wishlist next year!

@24-25 Planning for 2011 almost creates patterns for 2012 by default - once you realise how many TBR books you won't be able to fit in next year either...

@26 -- Thanks! Organized, compulsive...it's a fine line. :)

@27 -- Very true; I've already got several categories in the mix for 2012.

I changed my mystery category's name from "Elementary, My Dear Watson" to "The Butler Did It." Since I'm carrying over the mystery category from the 1010, I feel like I should carry over the same name I used in the 1010 as well. I didn't change the names for my other carry-over categories, and I want to be consistent!

Really interesting lists, Christina! Some I've read (and liked most of them), quite a few already on my wishlist, and a lot of others that sound good!

@30 -- Thanks Ivy! :) *scurries off to check out your thread*

Some great ideas here for me in your time is out of joint category.

What is steampunk? I've never heard of that.

@32 -- Steampunk is a genre that combines a historical time period (the Victorian era is one of the most popular) with futuristic technology (dirigibles, automatons, etc.) -- thus it combines the fun of historical fiction with the fun of crazy sci-fi gadgetry! Here's the Wikipedia article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steampunk.

I haven't read too much in the genre yet, but I think it's a fascinating concept. Since it's a genre that contains anachronisms by its nature, I included it in my "Time Is out of Joint" category.

I'm giving in to my earlier urge and changing a category. The allure of Persephone Books was just too strong! I'd been feeling guilty anyway about using an entire category for re-reads, so I'm going to remove "Old Friends" and add "Persephone Books." See message #9 for my list of potential reads!

Now that I've started tweaking the challenge, I just can't stop! I'm going to scrap "All You Need Is Love" and replace it with a historical fiction category (tentatively titled "Back in the Day"). A lot of my intended reads will work for either category, but historical fiction will be easier for me.

There is a new Thursday Next book coming out!?!?!?!

Yes! :) Not until next year, unfortunately...I think it's scheduled for March 2011. It's already on my Amazon wish list though! :)

Love your list! I think I got my "Other worlds" catagory idea from you! so thank you : D I wondered though...what are the Persephone books? *feels stupid for not knowing*

Thanks! :) It will be fun to see if we overlap in the "other worlds" category.

Persephone is a London-based publisher that puts out books by (mostly) women writers from the 20th century. I've only read a few of the titles they've released (Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day is probably the most famous one), but I've enjoyed all of them, so I thought it would be a fun category to do.

Oh! I've seen that one! Thanks for explaining. I'm going to have to look them up!

I was lucky enough to acquire a few at my public library's semi-annual book sale. I'm really excited to read them, but I'm making myself wait for next year!

I love the Gallimaufry category!

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

#40 They have a complete list of their books on their website. I haven't read that many of them yet - but I've really enjoyed all those I have read.

@42 -- It will definitely be the only thing keeping me sane next year! :)

@43 -- I'm in the same position...I've only read two or three Persephones, but I've been very impressed with all of them. The down side is that my library doesn't really have any of them!

Speaking of Persephone...if you like Marie Brennan and Gail Carriger have you tried Leanna Renee Heiber's Persephone Parker Series, The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker and The Darkly Luminous Fight For Persephone Parker?

@45 -- I did read The Strangely Beautiful Tale of Miss Percy Parker, but unfortunately I didn't like it. I know I'm in the minority, and a lot of people really love it, but it just wasn't for me. Thanks anyway for the rec!

#46 No problem! Everyone has their own tastes. I often worry that I will recommend a book to someone and they won't like it. Nice chatting with you!

@47 -- Haha, I have that same fear. I'd rather get the recommendations though, because you never know when you're going to stumble upon something great! :) Nice chatting with you too, and I look forward to seeing what you read for this challenge.

I finished my 1010 Category Challenge today! :) Here are my threads: part 1 and part 2. I had a great time with the 1010, and I'm happy that now I can focus on the 11 in 11 -- can't wait to get started on January 1!

Bouncing through to leave a "Congrats on finishing" here on your thread! Humm.... I probably should quite spending time on LT and continue my reading or I will never finish my own 1010 challenge ;-)

Edit to add: off to post this on your 1010 thread - Just in case you wonder why you are seeing double!

Congratulations Christina! Any holes you are desperate to fill before embarking on your 11 in 11, or are you just leisurely picking up whatever you fancy until january first?

@50 -- Well then, thanks twice! :)

@51 -- I'm honestly not sure what I'm going to do, Gingerbreadman. On the one hand, I have a "Five and Dime" challenge to worry about...on the other hand, I'd kind of love a couple weeks off before diving back into challenge mode! So I'm not sure what I'll be reading next, which is kind of a strange feeling!

Congratulations!!!

Thanks, LauraBrook!

After seeing so many fancy, picture-filled threads in this challenge, I was tempted to follow suit. I therefore give you...pictures! Scroll up to see them. None of the images are mine, and no copyright infringement is intended.

Is everyone getting pumped to start? (Those of you who haven't started already, that is!) January 1 is just two days away, and I'm really looking forward to it! I'm still not quite sure which book I'll begin the challenge with; it will be either Footsteps in the Dark, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, or Major Pettigrew's Last Stand. Let the countdown begin!

Lovely! I am so excited about starting. Maybe we should start a "coffeehouse" thread where we can hang out while we wait?

Haha, why not?!

Nice pictures!

@58 -- Thanks!

And...we're off! Actually, I'm still in the middle of Persuasion, so I probably won't be able to start my 11 in 11 today, unfortunately. I've pretty much determined on reading The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms first, which will count for my Other Worlds category. Happy New Year to all, and enjoy some challenge reading! :)

I love the pictures you used for your categories!

Thank you. :)

Hi Christina. I do like the pictures (and the categories)!

Excellent illustrations, except I now want to own all of the Penguin books from the picture in your Classics challenge!! :)

ETA: Except, I now saw the price... :( LOL!

I was going to write "oh, you'll love that book," but realized I'd have a list of books longer than what I can count on my fingers. I'm good at math, so I could, but there didn't seem much point in it. If you would want to do a group/partner read of Dracula, it's on my Mount TBR too.

Just checking in - I'm almost too late for a front row seat!

@62 -- Thank you! :)

@63 -- Oh I know! Those new Penguin Classics are SO PRETTY...but alas, so expensive! I'll stick to my falling-apart paperbacks, thank you.

@64 -- I would definitely be up for a group read of Dracula. I was thinking of reading it in October, as it would be an appropriately spooky read for Halloween, but I can be flexible!

@65 -- Glad you did, DeltaQueen! I've already starred your thread and am looking forward to tracking your reading again this year.

Book #1: N. K. Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms
Completed on: January 7
Category: Other Worlds

Yeine Darr has always lived in her father’s homeland, a small northern kingdom regarded by more “civilized” peoples as a barbarian nation. However, her mother belonged to the royal family called the Arameri, who govern the entire known universe. Despite her Arameri heritage, Yeine has never bothered much about her mother’s family – that is, until her maternal grandfather commands her presence in the governing city of Sky and names her an heir to the throne. Yeine is immediately caught in a power struggle with two of her cousins who are also prospective heirs. She also discovers a few more disturbing truths, chiefly that the Arameri maintain their power through enslaving fallen gods. Now Yeine finds herself negotiating the complex world of politics, not only within the royal court but among the gods themselves as well.

I’ve read a lot of praise of this book, but personally I have mixed feelings about it. It starts out somewhat confusingly, with Yeine jumping around between topics seemingly at random. This device usually irritates me, but I found that I was still able to follow along, and the device also makes a lot more sense as the plot unfolds. As a whole, the novel is definitely a page-turner; the sense of urgency that kept me glued to my chair is one of the strongest aspects of the book. Yeine herself is reasonably sympathetic, though I think she’s something of a cliché in the fantasy genre (strong warrior-type woman, special supernatural destiny, full of righteous anger against her evil society, etc. etc.). However, I did not enjoy the romance aspect of this book; every scene with Nahadoth basically had me rolling my eyes. Give or take a few magical powers, he’s identical to just about every alpha-male romance hero you can imagine. Also, when he and Yeine finally consummate their love, it’s so good that she literally flies through space. I am not making this up.

The other aspect of this novel that really bothered me was the theology, or perhaps I should say mythology. This isn’t really an issue with the quality of the book; it’s just a personal issue of mine, so I’m sure others will have a different reaction. The part that bugged me is that several of the gods in this book have sex with each other. I realize this is a common idea in many real-life theologies (the ancient Greek and Roman pantheons, for example), and it doesn’t really bother me there; but for some reason, I felt disgusted by it in this book. I have a similar reaction to books involving sexualized angels and/or demons. As someone who actually believes in angels and demons, I don’t like to read books in which they are (from my perspective) grossly misrepresented. I guess the issue is a bit of a “trigger” for me, and it might not be rational, but there it is. As I said, though, I’m sure this won’t bother many other readers. All in all, I think this book was very entertaining, and it definitely kept me turning pages. I’m just not sure whether I will keep my copy or continue with the series.

Book #2: Helen Simonson, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
Completed on: January 9
Category: On the Shelf

To all outward appearances, Major Ernest Pettigrew is the quintessential old-school Englishman: he loves tea, Kipling, a spot of shooting, and his cottage in the small village of Edgecombe St. Mary. His brother Bertie has just died, and in the midst of his grief he finds himself worrying about Bertie’s antique shotgun, which had been promised to him upon his brother’s death. His relatives have other plans for the gun, but the Major is determined to hold onto what is rightfully his. In the meantime, he develops a friendship with Mrs. Ali, the Pakistani woman who runs the local shop. Their friendship eventually begins to blossom into romance, but he and Mrs. Ali are both subjected to the cruel gossip of the neighbors. Through class prejudice, racial tension, and intergenerational misunderstanding, Major Pettigrew finally makes a decision about what is most important in life.

This book is a quiet, well written, and unexpectedly moving read. The Major is a sympathetic yet flawed character, and the reader is privy to his blind spots and little snobberies as well as his many good qualities. The other major players are also fleshed out beautifully, and there is a large cast of secondary characters with all the delightful little quirks you’d expect in an English country village. The pacing of the book is quite slow, and not a lot happens in terms of external plot events, but the novel manages to explore a lot of very interesting issues. Not only race and class are explored; Simonson also devotes some time to the vanishing landed aristocracy, the pain and regret that can lie at the core of families, and the different ways in which people relate to religion. There are also a few flashes of humor which I really enjoyed, such as: “The Major wished young men wouldn’t think so much. It always seemed to result in absurd revolutionary movements or, as in the case of several of his former pupils, the production of very bad poetry.” I enjoyed this book overall and would recommend it to anyone looking for a gentle, meditative read.

Great review Christina. I think it's safe to say that most of us that read it for the Group Read enjoyed it very much.

Thanks! It does look like most people enjoyed the book. I think that anyone interested in the premise or the cover blurb would like it, since it really delivers exactly what it promises.

Lovely review of Major Pettigrew, Christina. I enjoyed the book a lot when I read it last year, so I'm glad you liked it too.

I'm going to have to read Major Pettigrew next! And then I'll have to come back and read everyone's reviews... I'm glad to know that everyone is enjoying it!

@71 -- Thanks, CatyM! I'd been meaning to read it for a while, so the group read was a perfect opportunity!

@72 -- Ivy, I don't recall seeing any negative reviews of it, so I'd say you have a good chance of enjoying it! :)

Book #3: Georgette Heyer, Footsteps in the Dark
Completed on: January 13
Category: The Butler Did It

Siblings Peter, Margaret, and Celia, along with Celia’s husband Charles, have recently inherited an old house called the Priory, and they decide to move into it. As they begin mixing in the society of the nearby village, they are amused by the rumor that the house is haunted – until strange things begin to happen at the Priory. They hear mysterious groans and footsteps, and soon they’re all a bit spooked. Charles and Peter suspect that a human being is behind the “ghost” and start to investigate the various strange activities in the village. There’s no shortage of suspects, from the absentminded entomologist to the drunken doctor to a mysterious man named Michael Strange. As the four young people investigate the mystery, however, they uncover a far more sinister plot than anything they could have imagined.

As a devoted fan of Georgette Heyer’s romances, I was excited to read one of her mysteries; unfortunately, my expectations for Heyer are so high that disappointment was probably inevitable. The characterization, even of the main actors, seems a little thin – Charles and Peter were basically interchangeable to me, as were Margaret and Celia. The actual plot is entertaining, but for some reason I had trouble focusing on the book. There were some scenes that I felt dragged, especially toward the end of the novel. Also, the scene in which the villain is revealed didn’t fully convince me; I would have liked to know more about his motivations. Really, though, all of my complaints are relatively nitpicky details. The book is good overall, containing a nice mixture of mystery, humor, and romance; and I certainly intend to read more of Heyer’s mysteries. However, when comparing this book to her Regency romances, it definitely falls short.

Christine, I agree with you that Footsteps in the Dark is a good mystery but not up to the standard of (most of) her Regency books. I enjoyed it a lot when I read it - although in some places it reminded somewhat (and in a good way) of a Scooby-Doo cartoon, although without Scooby himself!

And he would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren't for those meddling kids...

Haha, I know what you mean though! It was a decent mystery, just not great. I've heard that some of her other mysteries are better -- Footsteps in the Dark was her first one, so I'm hoping that her successive ones will improve!

Book #4: Roberta Gellis, Roselynde
Completed on: January 17
Category: Ye Olde Historical Fiction

Lady Alinor Devaux is seemingly one of the luckiest women in the world: not only is she young, beautiful, and extremely wealthy, but she also wields a great deal of control over her life. She commands the loyalty of her vassals and runs her many estates virtually unaided. However, Alinor is such a magnificent matrimonial prize that the King has decided to place a warden over her. The warden will administer her lands and protect her from nobles who might try to seize her (or her property) by force. Alinor is strongly opposed to this plan; but when the noble (and older) Sir Simon Lemagne takes up his duties, the two of them quickly fall in love. Alinor and Simon’s romance soon encounters many obstacles, especially when Simon’s duty compels him to follow King Richard the Lionheart on Crusade. Can their love survive the cataclysmic power struggles raging throughout Europe?

I started this book somewhat reluctantly; although I’d read that Roberta Gellis is a respected name in historical romance, I feared that this novel would be nothing more than a bodice-ripper. Thankfully, I was totally wrong; this book impressed me with its attention to historical detail and its compelling description of the major figures of the time period, such as Eleanor of Aquitaine and her sons Richard and John. Much of the novel centers around King Richard’s campaigns in Cyprus and the Holy Land, which were fascinating to read about. I didn’t quite see the need for such detailed descriptions of the battle scenes, but that’s a minor complaint. Overall, I liked this novel a lot and would recommend it to fans of Sharon Kay Penman, Elizabeth Chadwick, or Anya Seton’s Katherine. There are several more books in the series, and I’m seriously considering reading them all!

Book #5: Luis Fernando Verissimo, Borges and the Eternal Orangutans (trans. Margaret Jull Costa)
Completed on: January 18
Category: The Butler Did It

In this unusual spin on the detective story, the narrator Vogelstein is on his way to a literary conference in Buenos Aires. The conference, sponsored by the mysterious Israfel Society, is dedicated to the works of Edgar Allan Poe, and Vogelstein is delighted to have the chance to attend – especially when he learns that his idol, Jorge Luis Borges, will be there. However, the conference never actually takes place; one of the speakers, an intelligent but widely disliked professor, is found murdered in his hotel room on the first day of the conference. There are several strange aspects to the death, such as the unusual position of the victim’s body and an assortment of playing cards on the table. The murder provides Vogelstein and Borges with a unique opportunity to exercise their deductive skills, while also discussing literature, geography, ancient religions, and the occult.

This is a book I was required to read for class, and without that motivation I probably would never have picked it up. I’m so glad I did, though, because it was a very interesting and unique reading experience! I’ve only read one or two Poe stories and have barely come into contact with Borges, so I’m sure I missed a lot of great allusions and clues. Nevertheless, I was able to follow the thread of the story very well – and I even guessed the murderer quite early on, although the “how” and “why” mystified me until the end. The conversations between Vogelstein and Borges are amazingly intriguing, and the ivory-tower intellectualism contrasts nicely with the underlying mundane investigation of a crime. I would definitely recommend this book to people who like their mysteries complex and intellectually demanding. If you love Poe and/or Borges, I’m sure you’ll find even more to enjoy!

(edited for translator info)

Good review of Borges and the Eternal Orangutans. I loved The Club of Angels when I read it last year and have been meaning to pick up a copy of Borges and the Eternal Orangutans. I am now doubly motivated!

Nice review. I keep meaning to read Borges sigh.

@79 -- I'll have to check out The Club of Angels!

@80 -- Me too! I think I read one or two of Borges' short stories in college, but that's the extent of my exposure to him.

Wow! You've already read five books and I haven't even finished my second. How do you do it?

@82 -- I usually attribute it to my utter lack of a social life. :) Also, I had to read Borges and the Eternal Orangutans really quickly because it was for a class.

Book #6: Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Pledge (trans. Joel Agee)
Completed on: January 19
Category: The Butler Did It

This book, originally subtitled “Requiem for the Detective Novel,” is narrated by a former chief of police who is telling a mystery writer about a real-life crime he was once involved with. About ten years ago, a young girl was brutally murdered in the woods near a small Swiss village. The police chief’s best detective, Inspector Matthäi, was assigned to the case. At first, the outcome seemed simple: a peddler named von Gunten was seen in the area, and he had razor blades in his possession which could have been used to murder the girl. However, Matthäi eventually came to believe that von Gunten was innocent, and he had solemnly promised the dead girl’s mother that he would find the true killer. The rest of the police chief’s story tells of Matthäi’s attempts to catch the murderer and the ultimate outcome of his investigation.

This is another book I had to read for class, and once again it was an unusual take on the detective genre. Rather than focusing on the externals of the “whodunit,” it spends most of its time on the internal psychology of Matthäi. I like the fact that the story is told in multiple layers of narrative; it adds some interesting ambiguities to the ending of the novel. Although a solution to the crime is offered, the book leaves a little bit of a question in the reader’s mind. This would drive me crazy in an ordinary mystery novel, but in this case I think it makes the story even more compelling. The novel also raises some very interesting questions about the role of law in society, and also about the importance of storytelling to humanity. The overall tone of the book is bleak, but I still found it fascinating, and it definitely made me think.

@ 83: I don't have much of a social life myself. Still, I can't seem to read as much as I would like to. Though usually it's because of one or two things, the first being work and the second my terrible laziness.

@85 -- Haha, I can definitely identify with the terrible laziness! Especially when I feel like I "have to" read a book...it takes me forever! I've had Death Comes for the Archbishop checked out of the library for at least a week now, and I still can't bring myself to start it!

Book #7: Anna Gavalda, I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere (trans. Karen L. Marker)
Completed on: January 19
Category: In Brief

In this collection of 12 short stories, French author Anna Gavalda explores themes of love and isolation. Some stories are funny, some are sad, but they all feature characters who are searching for meaningful connections in their lives. I’m finding it hard to give my thoughts solely on the collection as a whole, so here’s a brief rundown of each story:

.....“Courting Rituals of the Saint-Germain-des-Prés” – A woman has a romantic encounter with a stranger, but things do not go as planned. I liked the cheeky narrator of this one, and the ending surprised me.
.....“Pregnant” – A woman discovers that she is pregnant and prepares for the baby while also getting ready for a friend’s wedding. This poignant story has, in my opinion, the best ending in the collection.
.....“This Man and This Woman” – A husband and wife who have been married for several years drive to their vacation home in the country. A very short and somewhat depressing story.
.....“The Opel Touch” – A lonely young woman ruminates on her horrible job and lack of love. I really liked the dynamic between the narrator and her sister.
.....“Amber” – A rock star falls in love (or lust) with a beautiful photographer named Amber. I wasn’t nuts about this story, but there’s one very beautiful and vivid scene which still stands out to me from the entire collection.
.....“Leave” – A young man comes home on leave from the army and confronts his brother and an old flame. The narrator’s character is very well developed, and I couldn’t help liking him even though he is clearly flawed.
.....“Lead Story” – A traveling salesman narrowly misses dying in a horrific accident on the highway. I can’t say too much about it without giving away the ending, but this is a very sad story.
.....“Catgut” – A female veterinarian must prove herself to the rural community where she works, but she encounters some very unpleasant resistance. I wasn’t a fan of this very disturbing story; it was probably my least favorite in the collection.
.....“Junior” – A privileged young man and his bad-news friend get into trouble when they borrow Junior’s dad’s car. This one just made me laugh.
.....“For Years” – A man, though happily married with three children, can’t stop thinking about his first love. This is another sad story, but I loved it. Another great ending.
.....“Clic-Clac” – A man is in love with his female co-worker but hasn’t found the courage to tell her yet. I absolutely loved the narrator in this story, which is one of the most lighthearted in the bunch.
.....“Epilogue” – A woman attempts to get her short stories published but runs into some problems along the way. This was a fun and funny story, obviously meant to evoke the author herself. An interesting way to end the book.

Overall, I enjoyed this collection and am looking forward to reading her novel, Hunting and Gathering, which is already on my shelves.

@87

I read Hunting and Gathering a few years ago and liked it a lot - it took me a little while to get into it while I figured out how the characters were connected, but after that it was a great read. I'm not normally a huge fan of short stories, but I liked Gavalda's writing enough to put this on the wishlist!

I'm not a huge fan of short stories either -- had to give myself a category to force myself to read them! :) I assume that if you like Gavalda's style you will enjoy these stories.

@89

I don't know why it's so difficult to get myself to read them. I tried to read one story every night for a while, but it got even less appealing - when I "had" to do it. :)

I just noticed that we have the same ticker & pointer on our threads.

True, Victoria! I can't remember if I copied you or not...hope you don't mind!

I just finished reading a short story collection too, and I found myself wanting more time to get used to the world the author was creating before boom, the story was done. Maybe that's it. There isn't time for writing that "takes a little while to get into it."

>92 christina_reads: Christina, I don't mind a bit!

@93 -- I often have that same reaction: I'll finish a short story and think, "You know, that could have easily been made into a novel!"

95> Yes, and sometimes I make a mental note to look for the novel once they're done with it.

#93 I tend to like the longer short stories more, I think for just that reason. Especially the sf/fantasy ones where they need to establish a different world entirely. I do enjoy a good short story collection, though... had to add Gavalda's to my wish list.

I agree, antqueen -- I like being able to immerse myself in a new world, and most short stories simply aren't long enough to create a world; they tend to be more focused on one character or one single event.

Book #8: M. K. Hobson, The Native Star
Completed on: January 24
Category: Time Is out of Joint

In the year 1876, Emily Edwards is a small-town Witch serving the Western hamlet of Lost Pine. Her most pressing worry is scraping together enough money to provide for herself and her adoptive father Pap. However, everything changes when the zombies who work in the nearby mines suddenly run amok: in an attempt to avert the crisis, Emily is left with a magical artifact inexplicably embedded in her hand. Now, with the help of Dreadnought Stanton, an insufferably pompous Warlock from New York, Emily must get this artifact removed. What starts as a relatively simple journey soon turns into a dangerous flight for survival, as various practitioners of magic seek to control the powerful artifact in Emily’s possession. Will Emily and Dreadnought be able to keep the artifact from falling into the wrong hands?

This novel is an exciting blend of fantasy, steampunk elements, and the Wild West. Emily is a tough, likeable heroine with a sense of humor; although she isn’t afraid to act “common,” she never expresses a sensibility that’s too modern. It was refreshing to meet a strong heroine who doesn’t feel like a transplant from the twenty-first century. The plot is captivating and full of action, so reading didn’t feel like a chore. A few of the story’s elements didn’t quite work for me – the involvement of the Native American holy woman, for example, and Emily’s mystical experiences (there are a few, but that’s not too big a spoiler). Also, the last several chapters of the novel become extremely complicated, as many hidden motives and secrets are revealed. I can forgive that, though, since it’s obviously a set-up for the sequel (coming in April!). There is a romantic aspect to this book as well, though it’s not really the focus of the story. I would have liked a little more of it, personally, but that’s just my own preference. All in all, I definitely liked this book and would recommend it if the premise sounds appealing. I’ll be picking up the sequel when it comes out!

That sounds interesting!

The Native Star sounds like one for the wishlist. Thanks Christina.

It's definitely a fun read! Also, I should mention that the main plot is resolved in this book, even though there's some set-up for the sequel. So it can be read as a stand-alone!

I wil have to tell our main IT guy about The Native Star he is really into zombies. He even has a zombie plan (you know in case the zombies start to take over the world).

note to self make sure that he knows about the zombie crawl in the fall (I missed it due to bad planning - but really is sounds like fun, dress up as a zombie and do a pub crawl with other zombies!) And plan for it myself too!

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

@103 -- I should probably tell you that The Native Star only has one scene with zombies, so they really aren't an integral part of the novel. It's still a fun book, but it probably wouldn't help someone trying to come up with a zombie survival plan! :)

Book #9: Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
Completed on: January 26
Category: Gallimaufry

Dash is a not-quite-typical teenage guy whose divorced parents have left him on his own for Christmas. Far from being depressed, Dash is glad to escape the madness of the holiday season and spend some time alone. The week before Christmas, he’s browsing a used bookstore when he comes across a red moleskine notebook with a cryptic message inside. The notebook sends Dash on a scavenger hunt through the bookstore and invites him to correspond with the owner of the notebook, a teenage girl named Lily. Like Dash, Lily is essentially alone for the holidays, but, unlike him, she’s devastated that she can’t spend Christmas with her family. As Dash and Lily trade dares with each other through the notebook (see a dumb Christmas movie! Sit on Santa’s lap!), they also forge an unlikely friendship. But when the time comes for them to meet in real life, will their expectations spoil the reality?

After all the depressing books I’ve been reading for school, this light YA fare – written by the folks who wrote Nick and Norah’s Infinite Playlist – is just what I needed! The teens in this book are impossibly clever and hip, and while I didn’t find them entirely realistic, it was fun to read their snappy dialogue and immerse myself in their improbable lives. The book is told by Dash and Lily in alternating chapters, and Dash’s sections were by far my favorites. Lily is interesting, but she also seems to be a bit, well, crazy. Her “OMG Christmas *bouncebounce*” attitude gets old pretty quickly. Nevertheless, this was a fun book to read, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes clever YA lit.

Dash & Lily sounds fun!!! Quite an unlikely way to meet someone, but I'd go for it.

I thought it was an interesting twist on "getting to know you before I actually meet you in person." Like falling in love through letters or over the internet.

Book #10: Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop
Completed on: January 30
Category: Classics

This book centers around the life of Jean Marie Latour, a French priest who is sent to be a missionary in the wilderness town of Santa Fé. As he travels through the beautiful but unforgiving country, Father Latour is awed by the magnitude of the task in front of him. Yet with the help of his old friend Father Vaillant, he begins to revitalize the Catholic Church in New Mexico. The two priests travel tirelessly around their vast diocese, doing their best to tend to the spiritual (and sometimes material) needs of their flock. They interact with Americans, Mexicans, and Native Americans of various tribes, finding both resistance and true friendship. Eventually, Father Latour becomes an archbishop and is able to look back with satisfaction on his life’s work.

It’s hard for me to think of this book as a novel, since there isn’t much going on in terms of plot. It’s more like a meditation or a description of the American Southwest when it was still young and largely unsettled by Europeans. The many descriptive passages of the New Mexican landscape are beautifully written, and they are probably the best parts of the book. Since I’m Catholic, I also enjoyed reading about the missionary activity; however, I can see that the religious aspects of the book might be irritating for some readers. There are also some hints of racism in the book; the priests occasionally make sweeping generalizations about “the Mexicans” or “the Indians.” Yet they also treat everyone with respect, regardless of race, so I found it a forgivable flaw; though, again, others might not feel the same. Overall, I would recommend the book if you’re interested in the subject matter or enjoy reading lovely descriptions of scenery.

(P.S., touchstones are just not working for me these days! Not sure what's up with that!)

ETA: fixed touchstones!

Christina, it's not just you - the touchstones don't appear to be working at all right now.

Thanks, DQ -- good to know it's not just me!

Book #11: Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After
Completed on: January 31
Category: Gallimaufry

In this conclusion to the Bride Quartet (after Vision in White, Bed of Roses, and Savor the Moment), Parker Brown’s love life finally takes center stage. Parker is a detail-oriented micro-manager who likes to have everything in her life planned. And sexy mechanic Malcolm Kavanaugh is not part of the plan. They share an undeniable physical attraction, but Parker is determined to be calm and rational about their encounters. Yet with every kiss, Parker and Mal grow closer to one another, and soon they’re both in deeper than they ever expected. Can these two very different people stay together for the long haul?

As with the previous books in the series, this novel offers up sugary-sweet romance and a picture-perfect happy ending. I was looking forward to reading Parker’s story, since she was my favorite of the four girls, but this book is pretty much exactly on par with the other three. It’s fluffy, it’s a fast read, and it definitely provides a romance fix, especially if you like over-the-top sappy sweetness. However, there’s not really any depth to the characters, and all the “conflicts” are either shallow or depicted in a shallow manner. Some Amazon reviewers have also (justly) pointed out that these four women’s lives are just too damn perfect, and that does get annoying. Overall, I enjoyed this book, as well as the whole series, but there’s nothing particularly memorable or special about it.

January recap:

I accomplished my goal of reading 11 books for the challenge this month! Unfortunately I didn't hit every category, but I'm satisfied with my progress so far.

Livin' on a Prayer: 0/11

Other Worlds: 1/11
.....N. K. Jemisin, The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms

Classics: 1/11
.....Willa Cather, Death Comes for the Archbishop

In Brief: 1/11
.....Anna Gavalda, I Wish Someone Were Waiting for Me Somewhere

Hot off the Presses: 0/11

Ye Olde Historical Fiction: 1/11
.....Roberta Gellis, Roselynde

The Butler Did It: 3/11
.....Georgette Heyer, Footsteps in the Dark
.....Luis Fernando Verissimo, Borges and the Eternal Orangutans
.....Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Pledge

Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?: 0/11

Time Is out of Joint: 1/11
.....M. K. Hobson, The Native Star

On the Shelf: 1/11
.....Helen Simonson, Major Pettigrew's Last Stand

Gallimaufry: 2/11
.....Rachel Cohn and David Levithan, Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
.....Nora Roberts, Happy Ever After

I also read two non-challenge books: Hard Rain Falling by Don Carpenter, and In the Belly of the Beast by Jack Henry Abbott. Looking forward to The Orchid Affair, which I'll start tomorrow! :)

ETA: Actually, I couldn't wait until tomorrow for The Orchid Affair -- sorry, Victoria! The bulk of it will still be read in February!

Great start for the year, Christina!

Thanks, Ivy -- hope I can keep it up!

Excellent start to the year Christina!

Thanks, Lori, and same to you!

Awesome progress!

Thank you. :)

Book #12: Lauren Willig, The Orchid Affair
Completed on: February 3
Category: Hot off the Presses

Laura Grey has spent 16 of her 32 years as a governess, and she’s tired of dealing with unmanageable children and supercilious employers. Therefore, she decides to attend the Selwick Spy School and become a secret agent for the Pink Carnation. Her first assignment is to spy on André Jaouen, second-in-command to Napoleon’s minister of police. To her chagrin, she must pose as a governess to Jaouen’s two children; but her mission soon becomes very exciting when she discovers information about a French plot to dethrone Napoleon and restore the monarchy. As Laura tries to find out more about the plot, she also finds herself learning more about her employer – and becoming attracted to him in the process. But what is André hiding, and whose side is he really on?

I really enjoy the Pink Carnation books, and this one is no exception. I’m a sucker for the combination of the Napoleonic era, espionage, and romance; this installment also includes several bohemian artists and a traveling theater troupe. It’s a fun, quick read that never takes itself too seriously, and I enjoyed the lighthearted tone throughout. I loved the characters of Laura and André, who both have compelling backstories that go a long way toward explaining their present personalities. I wish the relationship between them had deepened a bit more; they seem to go from employer/employee to lovers very suddenly, and I’m not quite sure why the change occurs. While the romance was superficially satisfying, I wanted more depth. I still enjoyed the book, and I’ll continue with the series, but this was not my favorite romance in the bunch.

(Edited to add touchstone.)

I still have to write my own wrap-up on my thread but you've done such an excellent job here, Christina! Very well put, hit it right on the head. The light, frothiness of it made it a quick, enjoyable read, which can be nice in "chick-lit", but also left me wanting. I don't want to post any spoilers here, so I'll leave you a PM later.

Sounds good! I definitely want to talk about some spoiler-y things.

It does sound good! Sounds very tongue in cheek, & of course high adventure.

Try The King Must Die by Mary Renault

@122 -- It's fun! Definitely start with The Secret History of the Pink Carnation, though!

@123 -- Thanks for the rec! I haven't read a lot of historical fiction set in the ancient world, but The King Must Die looks interesting!

124>That's good to know! It's hard to know which series are stand alones and which aren't.

@125 -- I know! It's such a pain when I see a book that looks interesting, only to find out that it's #5 in a series or something, so I have to go and read #1-4 first!

Book #13: M. M. Kaye, Death in Berlin
Completed on: February 6
Category: The Butler Did It

When beautiful Miranda Brand accompanies her cousin and his wife to Berlin, she thinks it will be nothing more than a pleasant vacation; she is curious to see the German city that has recently been partitioned in the wake of World War II. Her trip takes a nasty turn, however, when an elderly Brigadier whom she met on the train is murdered en route to Berlin. The Brigadier had just told a fantastic story involving Nazi runaways and an enormous quantity of stolen diamonds – a substantial motive for murder – and anyone at the dining car could have overheard him, which makes Miranda and all her traveling companions suspects. Softspoken policeman Simon Lang is investigating the Brigadier’s death, and he seems to be particularly suspicious of Miranda. Can she clear her name and find the real killer before more people are murdered?

I very much enjoyed this mystery, which should appeal to fans of Agatha Christie. The characters are charming in that 1950s way, and it was fascinating to get a glimpse of Berlin between World War II and the construction of the Berlin Wall. I hadn’t ever imagined what Berlin would have looked like, or been like to visit, at that time; but M. M. Kaye actually was there in the early ‘50s, so I’m confident that her portrayal is accurate. The mystery plot has several good twists and turns, and a high body count keeps things interesting. There’s also a nice and subtle little romance. Overall, I really liked this book and can’t wait to read more of M. M. Kaye’s mysteries!

I love M.M. Kaye's mysteries, and I wish she had written more of them. It's been quite a while since I read them. I think a re-read is called for at some point!

I only recently discovered M. M. Kaye...have yet to read The Far Pavilions, for example! But I'm slowly acquiring her mysteries. I've already read Death in Kashmir and have Death in Cyprus on my shelves!

I devoured all of M.M. Kaye's mysteries years ago. I absolutely loved them. I wish there had been more as well.

Book #14: Jennifer A. Marshall, Now and Not Yet
Completed on: February 7
Category: Livin' on a Prayer

This is a book geared toward a very specific demographic: Christian women in their 20s through 40s who are currently single but who hope to be married someday. The book starts by discussing the cultural changes that have resulted in women marrying later in life. Unlike in previous generations, where young people got married right out of college (or even high school), young people today often remain single into their 30s and beyond. For young women who hope to marry, this period of singleness can often be confusing and stressful. Marshall’s main point in this book is that, instead of viewing singleness as an obstacle on the way to wedded bliss, young women should focus on developing their talents, deepening their relationship with God, and finding contentment no matter what their marital status.

My cousin recommended this book to me since I’m a member of its target demographic: I’m in my 20s and single, but I’d like to get married someday. Marshall spoke with several women to get their stories and perspectives on being single in today’s world, and I could definitely identify with many of their stories. I appreciated the message that singleness should be viewed as an opportunity rather than an obstacle. While the book doesn’t offer a lot of practical suggestions for how to lead a full life as a single person, I was inspired to think about my own goals and desires in life. I realized that most of these goals can definitely be accomplished while I’m single, which caused me to think about how I can start achieving them. So overall, I’m glad I read this book, and it’s motivated me to make some positive changes in my life.

Book #15: Monica Dickens, Mariana
Completed on: February 9
Category: Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?

This novel, published in 1940, tells the simple story of a girl growing up in England just before World War II breaks out. Mary Shannon is the daughter of a working-class widow, but her father’s family is a wealthier and more genteel, so she spends all her holidays at Charbury, the Shannons’ country house. To Mary, Charbury is the most wonderful place in the world, and she spends an extremely happy childhood there. As Mary grows up, she experiences all the typical trials of school, first love, and uninspiring career paths. Through it all, she searches for – and eventually finds – true love, as well as a deeper understanding of her own identity.

This book is a gentle, slow-paced read that is packed with atmosphere. It’s a wonderfully vivid picture of English life in the 1930s, and it was easy to immerse myself in that world. The writing style is very British and fun to read, with several laugh-out-loud moments, especially in the descriptions of Mary’s family and friends. The plot is pretty slow-moving and meandering, following Mary through more than ten years of her life, but it maintains its direction as Mary continues her journey of self-discovery. If you’re in the mood for a coming-of-age story or a period piece, I would definitely recommend this book.

Book #16: Ilona Andrews, On the Edge
Completed on: February 18
Category: On the Shelf

Rose Drayton has her hands full, working a grueling dead-end job and taking care of her two little brothers. In addition, she and her family live on the Edge, a strip of land between the mundane world of the Broken and the magical land of the Weird. Edgers often have a little magic, but Rose’s power is special – special enough to draw the attention of various bluebloods from the Weird who hope to sire magically proficient heirs. When Declan arrives on her doorstep, the most arrogant and powerful blueblood she’s ever seen, Rose immediately questions his motives. Yet the antagonism – and sexual tension – between them must be set aside as the Edge is threatened by a madman with dark magic at his disposal.

This book combines urban fantasy and romance in a fast-paced, exciting way. I really enjoyed the world-building in the novel, especially the depiction of the Edge and the various forms of magic. Rose and Declan are both sympathetic characters, but they and their relationship are pretty predictable. I actually really liked Rose’s little brothers, Georgie and Jack. Normally I hate children as characters in books for adults; it seems like they just exist to be adorable, and that drives me crazy. However, in this case, the boys are actually integral to the story, and they have really interesting magical powers! Overall, I was impressed with this book and look forward to reading the sequel, Bayou Moon.

Thank for your review of On The Edge. It sounds very interesting. I enjoy fantasy novels where people live on the border between reality and fairie or magical places.

It sounds like this book would work for you, then! I do wish I'd gotten to know more about the Weird and see it firsthand, but maybe the sequels will explore it more.

Mariana is in my pile of TBR books. Given the pace you describe, it might be good for one of my summer reads.

@136 -- It would definitely be a great spring or summer read. Perfect for a lazy afternoon!

Book #17: Nadine Gordimer, "Beethoven Was One-Sixteenth Black" and Other Stories
Completed on: February 20
Category: In Brief

Since it’s hard to summarize a short-story collection, here are my thoughts on the individual stories in this book:

.....”Beethoven Was One-Sixteenth Black”: A white professor living in South Africa searches for hypothetical black relatives who might be descended from his great-grandfather. It’s an interesting take on racial consciousness in modern society.
.....”Tape Measure”: Essentially, this story is a day in the life of a tape worm. It must be a metaphor – something about the nature of social parasites – but I’ll admit to being dense. It was a cute conceit, but ultimately the story did nothing for me.
.....”Dreaming of the Dead”: In a dream sequence, the narrator has dinner in a Chinese restaurant with Edward Said, Anthony Sampson, and Susan Sontag. I think I’d have gotten much more out of this story if I had grown up knowing who all the characters were; as it is, most of the references went over my head.
.....”A Frivolous Woman”: This story centers around Grete, an old woman who lives in the world of nightclubs and parties despite surviving personal tragedies during World War II. This was one of the most emotionally affecting stories in the collection.
.....”Gregor”: The narrator notices a small roach trapped in the glass panel of her typewriter; she makes the obvious Kafka comparison. A funny little story that I didn’t quite see the point of.
.....”Safety Procedures”: A man sits next to a strange woman on a plane and wonders about her. Meanwhile, the plane runs into a storm and has to make an emergency landing. I liked the twist at the end of this story.
.....”Mother Tongue”: A man and a woman meet and fall in love in Germany, the woman’s country. When they marry, they move to the man’s country of South Africa. I liked this story, especially how it turns romantic expectations upside-down.
.....”Allesverloren”: A woman whose husband has recently died searches for the one person who can understand her grief – the husband’s former male lover. I could relate to the depiction of grief in this story.
.....”History”: The resident parrot at an old French restaurant becomes a symbol of the mutability of life when the restaurant closes. This was not one of my favorites; there’s just not much to it.
.....”A Beneficiary”: A young woman, looking through her dead mother’s things, discovers evidence that her father might not be her father. The emotional climax to this story is very understated, which I liked.
.....”Alternative Endings: The First Sense”: A Ph.D. and his wife immigrate to South Africa from Hungary. The woman soon fits into her new life and becomes successful, while the man is unable to assimilate to the unfamiliar culture. This is a sad story, and I thought the ending lacked subtlety.
.....”Alternative Endings: The Second Sense”: A woman’s marriage is strained by her husband’s demanding career as a concert cellist. I loved the descriptions of music in this story, but once again I think the ending was delivered a bit too forcefully.
.....”Alternative Endings: The Third Sense”: A woman suspects that her husband is having an affair, but financial troubles prevent her from speaking up. This was my least favorite of the “alternative endings,” but oddly enough it has the best ending.

Overall, while I respect Gordimer’s writing style, few of the stories really grabbed me. It might be worth getting this book from the library, though.

Yes, it is hard to review short story collections. You did well, but although I like her writing, I don't think this is the next one of hers I'll read.

What of Gordimer's would you recommend? This was my first encounter with her.

July's People is wonderful, but also terribly depressing.

Hmm...maybe I'll check it out when I can handle something depressing! Right now I am needing escapist fluff. :)

I just finished reading Disgrace. I'm badly in need of some escapist fluff myself!

Book #18: Robin Adair, Death and the Running Patterer
Completed on: February 24
Category: The Butler Did It

In the rough-and-tumble world of Sydney, Australia in 1828, nearly everyone has something to hide. Criminals from Great Britain are routinely shipped to the penal colony of New South Wales, and the city is full of ne’er-do-wells hoping to leave their pasts behind and create new lives for themselves. When a series of grisly murders disrupts the town, the governor of the colony involves the police, but he also enlists the help of Nicodemus Dunne. A convict himself, Dunne is permitted to live and work in the colony until his sentence expires; he makes a living as a “running patterer,” crying the news to interested patrons throughout Sydney. Dunne uses his far-reaching connections – from respectable tradesmen to unsavory convicts – to assist him in solving the crimes.

I picked up this novel because of the unique setting; colonial Australia seemed like the perfect setting for a historical mystery. Adair was obviously diligent in his research about the time period; the book is full of interesting historical tidbits and descriptions of real landmarks in Sydney. However, this strength of the book is also its main weakness: too much time is given to random factual digressions at the expense of the plot. The historical information is too obtrusive, and it’s often irrelevant to the main story. I also had some trouble following the plot and keeping track of all the characters. Even after the Big Reveal, several events and character motivations didn’t make sense to me. Finally, I was not impressed by the clumsy writing style; the attempts to be funny were painfully awkward instead. Ultimately, while the concept of this book was promising, its execution left me very underwhelmed.

It is unfortunate that Death and the Running Patterer didn't stand up upon reading. It sounds like such an interesting premise!

It was a good premise...it just wasn't a good book! I hate it when that happens.

Book #19: Gail Carriger, Changeless
Completed on: February 27
Category: Time Is out of Joint

Warning: This review contains spoilers for Soulless.

Lady Alexia Maccon has recently begun her duties as muhjah, preternatural advisor to Queen Victoria. She has also enthusiastically adapted to married life with her husband, the Alpha werewolf of the Woolsey pack. Her newfound happiness is soon disrupted, however, when a preternatural plague breaks out in London: the supernatural powers of vampires and werewolves are completely neutralized, and all the ghosts in the immediate vicinity are exorcised. Some people even suspect that Lady Maccon, the only known preternatural in the area, is behind this plague of humanization. Fearing that a powerful weapon against supernaturals has been discovered, Alexia must find out what is causing the disruption. At the same time, she must also follow her renegade husband to Scotland, where he has unfinished business with his former pack.

I was a big fan of Soulless, and this sequel largely lives up to the promise of the first book. Alexia is a delightful heroine, with her inescapable pragmatism and her devotion to parasols as weapons. It was fun to follow her and Conall into their married life and see the continuation of their teasing banter. I also enjoyed the steampunk elements, like the dirigible and the fascinating aethographic transmitter. The mystery aspect of the plot wasn’t terribly complicated, but it provided enough forward momentum to keep the plot going. The characters are really the strong point of the series, though; I’ll happily keep reading just to learn more about the flamboyant Lord Akeldama, the mysterious (and cross-dressing) Madame Lefoux, and my personal favorite, Professor Lyall. There is a rather large cliffhanger at the end of this book, which is annoying – but luckily I already have Blameless on my shelves!

Thanks for the spoiler warning! I've got Soulless high up on my TBR!

Soulless is a really fun read -- hope you enjoy it!

147> I so have to get and read these!

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

@150 -- You definitely should! Ideally before June, when the fourth book comes out!

February recap:

Only 8 books this month, unfortunately, but then February is short! I really need to be more diligent about some of the hard categories, i.e. "Classics" and "Livin' on a Prayer." On the up side, I've now read at least one book in each category!

Livin' on a Prayer: 1/11
.....Jennifer A. Marshall, Now and Not Yet: Making Sense of Single Life in the Twenty-First Century

Other Worlds: 1/11

Classics: 1/11

In Brief: 2/11
.....Nadine Gordimer, "Beethoven Was One-Sixteenth Black" and Other Stories

Hot off the Presses: 1/11
.....Lauren Willig, The Orchid Affair

Ye Olde Historical Fiction: 1/11

The Butler Did It: 5/11
.....M. M. Kaye, Death in Berlin
.....Robin Adair, Death and the Running Patterer

Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?: 1/11
.....Monica Dickens, Mariana

Time Is out of Joint: 2/11
.....Gail Carriger, Changeless

On the Shelf: 2/11
.....Ilona Andrews, On the Edge

Gallimaufry: 2/11

I also read one non-challenge book, The Crime of Sheila McGough by Janet Malcolm, for a class. My review is on the book's main page; suffice it to say that I really did not like it.

To clarify, my monthly recaps will only mention the books I read during that month. I'm tracking my cumulative progress at the top of this thread.

Great progress, Christina!

Book #20: Gail Carriger, Blameless
Completed on: March 3
Category: Time Is out of Joint

Warning: MAJOR spoilers for Soulless and Changeless!

After her very public separation from her husband, Lady Alexia Maccon moves back in with her insufferable mother and obnoxious half-sisters. Alexia is now practically an outcast from polite society; she no longer has the support of the Woolsey pack, and Lord Akeldama – who would presumably have been her ally – is mysteriously out of town. Unwilling to take rejection lying down, Alexia is determined to vindicate herself in the eyes of both her husband and the world. To do so, she must leave England and confront the greatest danger she has faced yet: the Templars. Accompanied by Madame Lefoux and the faithful Floote, Alexia travels to Italy, battles murderous vampires, tastes pesto for the first time…and makes a shocking discovery about her unborn child.

This latest installment in the Parasol Protectorate series has gotten me very excited about the next two books – I can’t wait to find out what happens to these characters! Despite the breezy, tongue-in-cheek tone of the series, there are a few darker turns in this book which I found intriguing. There’s definitely room for a lot of interesting developments with the supporting characters, and I look forward to seeing what directions the various relationships will take. (Sorry that’s a bit vague, but I don’t want to spoil the book!) The plot of this novel is also very interesting, although interspersed with several dull action sequences. I just couldn’t concentrate on them, for some reason, and thus they failed to convince me. I still loved the comedy-of-manners aspect of the book, though, and I’ll definitely be reading Heartless when it comes out this summer.

Thanks for the major spoiler warning for Carriger's books. I hope to read Soulless sometime this year. Would I be correct that you are enjoying the series?

You would indeed, Lori. :) It's a fun series -- hope you enjoy it!

Book #21: Seanan McGuire, Late Eclipses
Completed on: March 5
Category: Hot off the Presses

Warning: minor spoilers for previous October Daye novels.

Half-human, half-fae private investigator Toby Daye can’t catch a break. She has just come to terms with the existence of her Fetch, the physical manifestation of her impending death, when everything changes on her once again. Her dear friend Lily, the Undine who rules over the Tea Gardens, is sick, and no one seems to know why. Then more of Toby’s loved ones start falling ill – and someone seems to be trying to blame it on her. With the help of her loyal friends and allies, Toby sets out to catch whoever’s behind the illnesses, only to discover a shocking secret about her own identity.

I’ve been enjoying this series since the beginning, but this book is definitely my favorite in the series so far. There are a lot of big changes for Toby in the book, and I liked that some of the mysteries in her past are starting to become clear. I also enjoyed seeing the development of her personal relationships (and, yes, I am completely rooting for Tybalt), as well as her growth as she confronts new challenges. Toby’s wry, self-deprecating voice is fun to read, especially during moments where the emotional stakes are high. While I was able to believe in the seriousness of those moments, the humorous one-liners kept things from getting too heavy. If you’ve been enjoying this series so far, or if you’re undecided about whether to continue, I definitely recommend picking up this installment! I’ll also be checking out book five when comes out in September.

Ah, I didn't finish reading your review because I can tell from the first paragraph that I need to check out this series. Should I start at the beginning?

Cammykitty, you should definitely start at the beginning! Rosemary and Rue is the first book, followed by A Local Habitation and An Artificial Night. These books are not stand-alones, and you'll be very confused if you try to start in the middle! Hope you enjoy them!

Book #22: Julie James, A Lot Like Love
Completed on: March 5
Category: Hot off the Presses

Agent Nick McCall of the F.B.I. spends most of his days working undercover, which he loves even though the uncertain demands of his job leave little room for personal relationships. His supervisor has just assigned him to another job: he must find evidence linking restaurateur Xander Eckhart to a notorious mob boss. Nick will need to gain entry into Eckhart’s elite world of wealth and privilege, which means he needs the perfect cover story. Heiress Jordan Rhodes, noted wine dealer and connoisseur, provides the cover: Nick will pose as her boyfriend to infiltrate Eckhart’s world. However, what should be a simple undercover op becomes much more complicated when sparks between Nick and Jordan start to fly. But how can a temporary job turn into a permanent relationship?

Julie James is one of my auto-buy authors, and I was not disappointed in this latest book; the combination of romance with humor and quick-witted banter makes for a fun read. I really liked Nick’s character, with his up-front machismo and low tolerance for pretentiousness. His Italian mother and brothers were also a joy to read; they really reminded me of some of my family members! Jordan is a little less interesting, being basically indistinguishable from James’ other heroines (beautiful, independent, great at her job, etc.). The story is a tad formulaic, but for me, it’s a formula that works! I look forward to James’ next book, which apparently will feature a supporting character from this book as its hero.

Thanks Christina!

Book #23: Jocelyn Playfair, A House in the Country
Completed on: March 7
Category: Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?

This novel, set in the spring and summer of 1942, tells the stories of several individuals whose lives have been radically altered by war. Cressida Chance has been left in possession of Brede Manor, a beautiful estate in the English countryside. Since so many people have lost their homes due to the war, she offers them refuge at Brede by renting out rooms. The characters who stay at Brede find some solace in their hostess’ kindness, and they share many conversations about how the war is changing everything they know. Meanwhile, Cressida herself muses about the consequences of the war and pines for the man she loves, who is currently stranded in a lifeboat somewhere in the Atlantic.

This book’s lovely prose made a big impression on me; it’s absolutely beautifully written with many quotable lines and paragraphs. Ultimately, the novel is quite philosophical in tone, with different characters individually musing about the meaning of life for pages at a time. Normally this would bother me, but I think Playfair handles the intellectual content well. What makes this novel so fascinating is that Playfair wrote it while World War II was still going on; the Allied victory was by no means certain, and she was actually living through a situation similar to the one she describes in the book. For this reason, the characters’ fears and emotions felt very present and believable to me. While the novel doesn’t have a traditionally happy ending, it manages to be uplifting in spite of the suffering it describes. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to get a sense of what the war was really like to someone who lived through it.

Book #24: Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale
Completed on: March 8
Category: Livin' on a Prayer

In this slim work, Buechner primarily addresses the Christian preacher who wants to communicate the Gospel in a meaningful way. He claims that the preacher’s job is not only to relate Christianity to the public issues of the day; he must also use the Gospel to tell individual human beings the truth about themselves. Buechner then analyzes certain elements of the Gospel – from Pilate’s interrogation of Jesus to the parable of the prodigal son – in light of the three narrative structures of tragedy, comedy, and fairy tale.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and found it a refreshing way to prepare myself for Lent. The style reminds me somewhat of G. K. Chesterton, although in my opinion Chesterton is much better. There are certain passages that grated on me, stylistically speaking, as when Buechner modernizes Biblical characters such as Abraham and Job. However, there are also some lovely passages, and I certainly found a lot of interesting ideas to ponder in the book. I’d recommend this to people who enjoy Chesterton’s style of writing, although I think Orthodoxy is a much better book.

Book #25: Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Judge and His Hangman (trans. Joel Agee)
Completed on: March 9
Category: The Butler Did It

This novella begins with the discovery of a corpse in a car outside the Swiss village of Twann. The dead man turns out to be a police lieutenant named Ulrich Schmied, and Inspector Barlach of the Bern police is assigned to the case. Barlach, along with another police officer named Tschanz, begins to investigate the murder in a seemingly haphazard manner; yet his methods reveal layer upon layer of complexity in the case. The mystery is finally solved in a stunning, unconventional way that raises significant questions about justice and the law.

I recently had to read another book by this author, The Pledge, for a class (see message #84), but I greatly preferred this book. It’s a “mystery” in the sense that there is a murder which is eventually solved, but it’s also a very interesting psychological study of the main characters. At first I was frustrated because Barlach clearly has information to which the reader isn’t privy, but eventually we learn what he already knows. The twists and turns of the plot are always exciting, although I did guess the solution to the mystery long before it was revealed. There are also some very interesting philosophical implications concerning government, crime, and the nature of evil. Overall, I found the book riveting, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries or psychological thrillers.

Book #26: Sarah Addison Allen, The Peach Keeper
Completed on: March 10
Category: Hot off the Presses

Willa Jackson’s ancestors were once the wealthiest people in the town of Walls on Water, North Carolina. They owned a fabulous estate, the Blue Ridge Madam, until a reversal of fortune left them poor and cast them out of high society. Now Paxton Osgood, the seemingly perfect daughter of a prominent family, is restoring the Madam and holding a society gala there. Willa and Pax apparently couldn’t be more different, but the restoration of the old house uncovers a scandalous secret that binds them together. As the two women forge an unlikely friendship, they also discover some important truths about themselves. Eventually they are both able to let go of their own expectations and break free from the past.

I find it hard to summarize this book since there’s so much going on; suffice it to say that it’s about friendship, loyalty, family, and love, with a bit of magic thrown in. While this book might be “chick lit,” it’s very intelligent chick lit, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Initially I was a bit confused by all the supernatural touches (there really aren’t that many, but I kept getting distracted by them), yet eventually I was able to see the point of them. The book is a bit heavier and darker than I expected it to be, but in a good way, if that makes sense. I really enjoyed following Willa and Pax on their respective paths to self-discovery, and I was ultimately happy with the way things worked out. I haven’t read anything else by Allen yet, but now I’m looking forward to reading her other books.

Oooohhh, I am sooooo looking forward to reading The Peach Keeper! Her books are like comfort food for me.... great reading remedies for those 'home sick with a cold' days. I recommend her other books and I am glad to see you recommend her most recent offering.

I can definitely see her books being "comfort reads." Any one in particular I should read next?

If I had to choose a personal favorite of her books it would be The Sugar Queen, followed by Garden Spells but they are all good. :-)

Ooh, yay, Sugar Queen was the one that seemed most interesting to me. :)

I requested The Peach Keeper too. I'll have to keep my eye on it. It sounds interesting.

Book #27: Faith Hunter, Skinwalker
Completed on: March 13
Category: On the Shelf

Jane Yellowrock is a bike-riding badass who makes a living by hunting and killing rogue vampires. Now she faces her most challenging assignment yet: she’s been hired to take down a rogue vamp who’s been terrorizing New Orleans, murdering vamps and humans alike. To complicate matters, she’s been hired by another vampire, which creates a complex interdependence between her and the local vamp community. Jane will need to use all her skills to complete her mission, including the one skill nobody knows about: she is a skinwalker, a shapeshifter capable of transforming into almost any creature by virtue of her Cherokee blood. As Jane tracks the rogue vamp all over New Orleans, she also delves into the secrets of her own past.

I won this book in a read-a-thon contest, and it’s definitely not the sort of book I’d have picked up on my own. Therefore, I had low expectations when I started this book, and unfortunately the novel gave me no reason to change my mind. There were a couple things that I liked, most notably the New Orleans setting. I’ve never been there, but I think Hunter depicts the city very well. The descriptions of smells in particular are very evocative – which is appropriate, since Jane often experiences the city as her animal alter-ego. I also enjoyed the scene where Jane goes to church; that’s not something I often see in mainstream fiction, but it’s a relatable, humanizing detail for me.

What I didn’t like is a much longer list, and Jane herself is at the top of it. Her penchant for being The Best At Everything gets old quickly; she can kick anyone’s ass, she always has a sarcastic one-liner at the ready, she has every male character in the book chasing her, she has magical powers, etc. etc. I also really did not like the scenes told from her alter-ego’s point of view. Writing from an animal’s perspective in the first person is a difficult feat, and leaving out articles and the verb “to be” just doesn’t cut it. Finally, the descriptions of Jane’s weaponry are incredibly unrealistic. At one point she hides a stake, a cross, and a gun in her hair; at another she carries something like thirteen crosses and thirteen stakes on her person. I’m sorry, but I just don’t buy it; for one thing, she’d jingle every time she moved! Ultimately, I’m just not interested enough to continue with the series, and I’ve read much better books in the urban fantasy genre.

Book #28: Erin Hart, False Mermaid
Completed on: March 15
Category: The Butler Did It

Nora Gavin has spent the past three years in Ireland, using her skills as a pathologist to find out what happened to several people whose bodies were found buried in peat bogs. Her desire to solve these mysteries stemmed from her own past: five years ago, her sister Tríona was murdered, and her killer was never brought to justice. Nora has always believed that Tríona’s husband Peter committed the crime, but there was no evidence to incriminate him. Now, however, Nora decides to return to America and make one last effort to find out what really happened to her sister. While she unearths new evidence that just might bring Tríona’s killer to justice, her sometime lover Cormac struggles to define his relationship with his father, who has recently come back into Cormac’s life after a long absence.

This is the third book in Hart’s series featuring Nora and Cormac, and it definitely does not stand alone. The unsolved mystery of Tríona’s death is a big factor in the first two books, and this third installment finally explores Nora’s inner conflict in some depth. Although I was eager to learn how the mystery would finally be resolved, much of the investigation itself fell flat. I couldn’t help but question the realism of the whole thing: was it really likely that a bunch of new evidence would turn up so long after the crime? Would the police even be interested in reopening the case at this point? I also didn’t really like the secondary story about Mary Heaney, a woman of Irish legend who was supposedly a selkie. Though I could see how it paralleled the events with Tríona, I didn’t really think it was necessary. That said, Erin Hart has the ability to suck me in with her writing, especially her descriptions of the Irish seaside. I would definitely read more books in this series, but False Mermaid is not a particularly strong installment, in my opinion.

Book #29: Laura Kinsale, Lessons in French
Completed on: March 16
Category: Ye Olde Historical Fiction

Lady Callista Taillefaire is used to being ignored and overlooked. Still unmarried at 27, she is eccentrically fond of bulls and other livestock. Additionally, she has been jilted three times by three different men. In her own words, she is a “gifted wallflower” – until the fascinating Trevelyan d’Augustin, a French duke, returns to her hometown of Shelford. Callie and Trev were childhood sweethearts until they were found together in a compromising position, at which point Trev was forced to leave for France. Now, however, he seems to be interested in courting her once again. But after three failed engagements, can Callie believe that Trev is telling the truth?

This was a fun, well-written Regency romance. I was quite surprised to discover that it was so lighthearted in tone; the only other Kinsale book I’ve read is Flowers from the Storm, which has a much darker storyline and a much more tormented hero. Since I enjoyed that book so much, this one suffers a bit in comparison. Parts of it seemed to drag on, particularly the whole plotline involving Callie’s prize bull Hubert. I also found myself getting frustrated by the two main characters; it was so obvious that they loved each other, and I just wanted them to communicate already! That said, I did enjoy the book, and I’ll continue to read more by Kinsale. However, there was nothing particularly original about this book.

You have been reading an interesting assortment of books. I add my recommendation to all of Sarah Addison Allen's books. I have read the first Erin Hart book and liked it, I don't know why I haven't carried on with that series yet, but I will make a note to try and track the second book down. And I love a good Regency Romance so I have added Flowers From the Storm and Lessons in French to my wishlist.

DQ, I will say that in my opinion, Haunted Ground is the best of Hart's books. The sequels are fine too, but they don't live up to the promise of the first book. Hope you enjoy the Laura Kinsale!

Book #30: Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration
Completed on: March 18
Category: Livin' on a Prayer

In this book, the current pope explores the nature of Jesus as He is revealed through the Gospels. The book is partly a response to modern scholars who claim that the “historical Jesus” and the “Jesus of faith” are two radically distinct concepts that cannot be reconciled. The pope argues that the two concepts describe one and the same person: Jesus as He is portrayed by the four Gospels of the New Testament. The book explores many aspects of Jesus’ life and teaching, from the temptations in the desert to the Sermon on the Mount to the parable of the prodigal son.

This book is definitely geared toward the believing Christian, and I doubt that non-Christians would get very much out of it. At the very least, readers should be familiar with the basic tenets of Christian doctrine and with the four Gospels. The book is not an argument for Christianity; rather, it is a theological inquiry into who Jesus is, based on Biblical accounts. One of the biggest strengths of the book, in my opinion, is its use of the Old Testament to elucidate the Gospel message. I also especially liked the section on the Sermon on the Mount. I found the book fascinating, and it certainly left me with a lot to think about. While there are a few references to specifically Catholic doctrines, I think that most Christians would find a lot to agree with in this book.

I hadn't heard about this book. It sounds really interesting.

I found it really thought-provoking -- my biggest problem with it is that it covers so much material that it can't go into too much depth. I'd love to read some more books that talk about specific Biblical incidents in greater depth.

Book #31: Mary Robinette Kowal, Shades of Milk and Honey
Completed on: March 19
Category: Gallimaufry

In this alternate-universe Regency tale, the ability to use “glamour” (magic) is considered an accomplishment similar to painting landscapes or playing the pianoforte. Plain Jane Ellsworth is a skilled glamourist, but she fears that her talent will not compensate for her lack of beauty. Her younger sister Melody, on the other hand, is extremely pretty and attractive to men, though far less accomplished in working glamour. Despite the presence of magic in their everyday lives, the girls’ biggest concern is finding a suitable husband: Jane pines for a neighboring gentleman who seems to prefer her sister, while Melody flirts with a succession of unsuitable men. In the end, neither sister finds quite what she expected.

The premise of this book was extremely interested to me; I love a good Regency-era love story, and I was intrigued by the presence of a system of magic as well. However, the book didn’t live up to my expectations. First of all, the author’s debt to Jane Austen is immediately obvious: the plot essentially lifts elements from Austen’s novels and cobbles them together in a transparent fashion. Jane’s mother Mrs. Ellsworth, for example, is clearly a stand-in for Mrs. Bennet, but Mrs. Ellsworth’s complaints about her “nerves” aren’t nearly as funny. I was also disappointed by the romance; while I liked Jane’s eventual partner, I would have liked to see more interaction between them. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to become truly invested in their relationship. This brings me to my next problem with the book – it’s too short! There are a lot of promising themes, such as the sibling rivalry between Melody and Jane, but they’re all severely underdeveloped. A longer book could have made for a more compelling read. All in all, I was entertained by this book, but I definitely wasn’t impressed.

Definitely an interesting assortment, and great reviews, but I'm going to wait for one that you loved. ;)

It's true, I really haven't LOVED any of the books I've been reading lately! Some have been interesting, and a few I really liked, but I haven't had that strong emotional connection with a book in a long time. The sad thing is, I was really hoping to love Shades of Milk and Honey! It was on my Amazon.com wish list and everything...but alas, now I don't want it!

Book #32: William Golding, Lord of the Flies
Completed on: March 21
Category: Classics

This novel begins with a plane crash in which several schoolboys are stranded on a desert island. There are no surviving adults, so the children must figure out how to survive on their own. Ralph emerges as a natural leader, being one of the oldest and strongest boys. Initially, the children do fairly well on the island: they light a signal fire in hopes of being rescued, forage for food, and manage to cooperate in creating a system of rules. However, conditions begin to deteriorate all too soon, as Ralph makes some tactical errors and certain boys rebel against his authority. Eventually the schoolboys become unrecognizably savage and cruel, committing appalling acts of brutality. Golding’s novel thus becomes not only an adventure story but a commentary on the nature of evil.

To say that reading this book is extremely unpleasant would be an understatement. Golding describes the atrocities committed by the boys so vividly that I was almost continually disgusted and disturbed. Yet these horrific descriptions are what give the book its power. I found that I was reading extremely quickly to find out what would happen in the end. I did skim over some parts of the book, though, especially those describing the geography of the island or the minutiae of the hunting expeditions. To me, the interesting parts of the book are those that show the development of the major characters of Ralph, Piggy, Simon, and Jack. Ultimately, the book takes a very bleak view of human nature that is similar to the Christian doctrine of original sin. As such, I found the novel thematically interesting, though it was certainly not a “fun” read!

Hi Christina_reads, thank you for the great review of Lord of The Flies. I was curious about it because it is considered a classic and seems to be on the reading list of most high schools. I don't think I will be reading it. It sounds way to intense.

I read the book really quickly, so I think that reduced the impact of some of the more disturbing scenes. It is pretty intense though! I think it's worth reading, but only if you're in the right mood for it.

Book #33: Simone Elkeles, Perfect Chemistry
Completed on: March 21
Category: Gallimaufry

Brittany Ellis is a beautiful, rich blond girl whose life seems absolutely perfect. Alex Fuentes is a Mexican gang member from the wrong side of town. At first glance, they couldn’t be more different; but when a cruel fate forces them to be chemistry partners, they are astonished to find that there’s more to each other than meets the eye. Brittany’s perfect façade hides a difficult home life with a hyper-critical mother and a disabled sister, while Alex feels trapped by his surroundings but desperately wants a better life for his family. As Brittany and Alex learn more about each other, they are surprised by the mutual attraction they feel; but can a relationship between them really work?

I’d heard good things about this book, so I was excited to read it, but it ended up falling a little flat for me. The writing is good overall, and Brittany and Alex are both sympathetic characters. However, there are some stylistic problems, especially with the dialogue. Alex’s speech is overly peppered with Spanish phrases, and while I appreciated the effort to be authentic, I felt like the author was trying too hard. I also thought that the ending was a bit rushed, with all the major problems being resolved in a matter of a few paragraphs. The romance also seemed a bit over-the-top to me, especially with how extravagantly it was resolved. Thus, while there are some very good things about this book, it just didn’t do anything for me.

Hi Christina, Lord of the Flies is one of my all time favorite books. I know it can be unpleasant but for some reason this book just vibrated with me. To this day I have a soft spot for any book dealing with survival from The Hunger Games to The Road. Of course I don't want to do it - I just want read about it!

DQ, I certainly do think that Lord of the Flies has a big impact! Survival books aren't really my cup of tea, though... I haven't read The Hunger Games or The Road, or even Robinson Crusoe! Perhaps I need to remedy this for next year's challenge.

That would be an excellent category! You could also add World War Z which would help in surviving the much anticipated Zombie Attack! :)

I second the recommendation of World War Z. As well as addressing some deeper issues, it's a lot of fun.

I hadn't really thought of these books as "survival books," but that is a good category for them. Island of the Blue Dolphins, which I just read, would also fit that category.

I read Lord of the Flies when I was in high school, and I've never felt the least inclination to re-read it.

Haha, wow, thanks for the recommendations, DQ and Ivy! I've heard a lot about World War Z but am reluctant to read it, since zombies really aren't my thing. Plus, with all the paranormal creatures running around fiction these days, I'm a bit vampired and zombied out! But who knows, maybe by next year I'll feel differently. :)

They aren't my thing at all, either, Christina. Which is why I was surprised at how much I enjoyed World War Z. I should have mentioned The Passage by Justin Cronin, too -- I classified it as "post-apocalyptic" but "survival" fits it too -- which (much to my surprise) I loved, even though it's about vampires, but a totally different take on them. (My son-in-law keeps pushing these books on me, but usually just the best of them.)

Lots of great reviews here, christina! And you've made me feel like a reread of Lord of the flies might be coming up - despite your hesistance. (What a great title that is, by the way!)

I second the recommendation of World War Z too. I don't think you need to be a zombie buff to enjoy it at all.

@191 -- Good to know, Ivy. I've seen good reviews for The Passage too. It looks very long, considering it's about vampires (another literary trend I couldn't care less about)...but I might give it a try sometime. :)

@192 -- I definitely don't think Lord of the Flies is a bad book, GM! I just didn't enjoy it, because I don't think it's the kind of book you enjoy -- you just absorb it and think about it instead! I love the title as well.

Book #34: L. Jagi Lamplighter, Prospero Lost
Completed on: March 24
Category: Gallimaufry

In this creative homage to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospero and Miranda have both gained immortality through drinking the Water of Life. Thus, they are still alive today and run a company called Prospero, Inc. One day Miranda discovers that her father has disappeared, leaving behind a cryptic note that warns her of grave danger from the mysterious “three shadowed ones.” The note commands her to tell the rest of her family about this threat, forcing Miranda to make contact with various siblings whom she hasn’t seen in centuries. As she travels all over the world – and beyond – in search of her scattered siblings, she begins to question everything she knows, including the wisdom of Prospero himself.

This book swept me away almost in spite of myself. I knew there was going to be a cliffhanger ending, so I was determined not to get invested; however, the plot completely sucked me in! The sheer creativity of Lamplighter’s world is staggering: history, mythology, elves, Father Christmas, shapeshifters, film-noir detectives, and literary allusions all come together in unexpected ways. Some stylistic things did bother me, though. Miranda’s voice is a bit stilted, which is irritating in a first-person narrative, but her formal dialogue makes sense given that she was born and raised many centuries ago. I also didn’t care for some of the author’s interpretations of history, but that’s a personal issue of mine. Finally, I loved the idea of Miranda’s faithful servant Mab being a ‘40s-style detective, but his voice didn’t ring true for me. Yet, despite its flaws, this book is hugely entertaining, and I really enjoyed it. I’ll most likely be hunting down the sequel at some point, if only to find out what happens next!

re #178 You might enjoy Jim Bishop's The Day Christ Was Born and The Day Christ Died. These books describe the events of those days as a journalist would. It's been a very long time since I read them, but I really enjoyed them.

re #182 I agree with your review of Lord of the Flies. I found the book to be very well written, but the story was so unpleasant that I suffered through my reading of it. This is a book I had to read for school and, I hate to say it, probably one of my least favorites. Saying that though, it did have an impact. I can still remember what it had to say and see scenes in my mind.

I also second (fourth?) the recommendation for World War Z. It's not your typical zombie book since it's done as a oral history, collecting stories of survivors after the zombie threat has been diminished.

@195 -- Thanks for the Jim Bishop recommendations, cbfiske; I'd never heard of them before, but they look interesting!

@196 -- Tanglewood, thanks for your input re World War Z. With so many positive recommendations, I might come around eventually!

Book #35: Rachel Aaron, The Spirit Thief
Completed on: March 26
Category: Other Worlds

When Eli Monpress, the self-proclaimed “greatest thief in the world,” is suddenly discovered within the borders of the small and prosperous kingdom of Mellinor, officials promptly clap him in irons and prepare to collect the enormous bounty on his head. However, Eli is also a wizard, and a combination of magic and human cunning allows him to turn the tables on them – by kidnapping their king. Now Eli is demanding a ransom, the king’s absence has left a power vacuum in Mellinor, and a wizard from the nearby Spirit Court is after Eli for reasons of her own. Yet before this wizard, a ghost-hound-riding magician named Miranda, can capture Eli, they suddenly find themselves on the same side, as an unsuspected magical danger threatens the entire kingdom.

This book, quite simply, is rollicking good fun. If you like fantasy of the cunning-roguish-hero-and-nifty-system-of-magic variety, you’ll almost certainly enjoy this book. The book’s individual elements, such as the thief-hero and the evil wizard out to steal a throne, aren’t particularly original; but as a whole, the plot felt original and exciting to me. The first scene is especially delightful and serves to establish the tone of the book:

“In the prison under the castle Allaze, in the dark, moldy cells where the greatest criminals in Mellinor spent the remainder of their lives counting rocks to stave off madness, Eli Monpress was trying to wake up a door.”

Another interesting thing about this book is that, while Eli is supposedly the central character, we don’t get a lot of firsthand insight into his thoughts and feelings. Rather, the bulk of the third-person narrative focuses on Miranda’s point of view as she is exposed to a totally different perspective on the world. There are several plotlines woven throughout the book, and I was interested in all of them, as well as being eager to learn more about the various characters. There are two more books in the series right now, with another to be released this summer, and I can’t wait to track them down and read them!

Spirit Thief sounds interesting. Oh no! Another one for the WL.

Haha, sorry! LT is really dangerous that way, isn't it?

It will make it onto my list too. Good review Christina and thanks.

The Spirit Thief will definitely be making an appearance on my wishlist as well. Just like last year, your thread is dangerous to my wishlist!

Thanks, Wolfy and DQ! Hope you enjoy the book. (And DQ, I am pretty sure the feeling is mutual!)

Book #36: Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, The Laughing Policeman (trans. Alan Blair)
Completed on: March 28
Category: The Butler Did It

This Swedish mystery chronicles the investigation of a mass murder: nine people have been gunned down in a public bus, and the Stockholm police must now find the person responsible. When the police begin to identify the victims, they are shocked to discover one of their own: Åke Stenström, an ambitious young detective on the force. At first, Åke’s presence on the bus is their only clue to the investigation – what was he doing there, and could the murder have been targeting him? The police pursue their investigation slowly and methodically, following up even the vaguest information that could lead them to a solution. The clues seem to lead nowhere at first, but eventually all the pieces begin to fall into place.

This is my first foray into police procedurals, and I was a bit surprised by how much I enjoyed it. Being used to cozies, where the detective himself is an important character in the story, I was taken aback to find that this book focuses equally on four or five different policemen. Another striking difference is that in cozies, the detective simply talks to the suspects and solves the crime in his head; by contrast, in this novel the police have to do a lot of running around after evidence. The slow tedium of a police investigation is described very well, and I enjoyed reading about the interactions among the various policemen. The novel is also quite funny in places, despite the overall grim subject matter. The only thing I didn’t like was the lack of character development; very few of the policemen seem to have clear personalities. However, this book is part of series, so perhaps some of these men are recurring characters who are fleshed out more in other novels. Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book to mystery fans.

@204

And, there it is again. :) Since I'm Swedish, a lot of people ask me about that one, but I haven't read it. From your description it sounds like something I would like! I'm obsessed with reading another series right now, but hopefully when I'm done with that one... :)

@205 -- I recommend it if you're into that sort of thing! Lucky you, being able to read it in the original language instead of a translation. This book can definitely stand alone, even though it's technically part of a series. I haven't read any of the other Martin Beck mysteries, but I was able to follow everything with no trouble.

I'm also Swedish, but I've not read any of the original Beck novels either. A shame really, since they are seen as a kind of starting point for the brand of political, gritty, bleak scandinavian crime fiction that's sweeping the world right now.

I think a virtually endless row of TV films featuring Martin Beck and Gunvald Larsson yelling Släpp vapnet för helvete! (they ran out of books to adapt by the mid-nineties or so, and are now basically just hacking them out by the dozen) might have scared me off a bit, so a reminder that there actually used to be some substance is good. Thanks!

@207
LOL! That actually makes me want to watch one - I've somehow managed to avoid all of them.

Book #37: Rebecca Dean, Palace Circle
Completed on: March 29
Category: Ye Olde Historical Fiction

Set in the first half of the 20th century, this book spans from the years prior to World War I through most of World War II. In the beginning of the novel, the young and naïve Delia has just married the titled, British, and much older Ivor Conisborough. He takes her from her home in rural Virginia to the dazzling court of England, where he is an adviser to King George V. At first, Delia has a bit of trouble adjusting; but when she discovers that Ivor only married her to obtain an heir, she quickly gains worldly wisdom and sophistication. The rest of the book follows Delia’s trials and tribulations – as well as those of her daughters – through two wars and halfway around the world in Cairo.

This is a novel that isn’t quite sure what it wants to be. It’s part family saga, following the personal lives and loves of Delia’s family, but it never goes deeply into any of the characters’ emotions. We’re told that certain characters are in love with each other, but we never really get to see the love grow and develop. The novel is also trying to shed some light on prominent historical figures of the time; but while characters such as Winston Churchill, Wallis Simpson, and the Prince of Wales are mentioned, their presence in the book is superficial. Again, the book tries to chronicle an important historical moment, with large sections being set in 1940s Egypt; however, the book’s preaching about poverty and the need for independence lacks subtlety. Had this novel picked just one identity and gone with it, I think it would have been a much better book. As it is, I was not terribly impressed with it.

Hmmm, I have Palace Circle on my TBR shelf, I keep picking it up and then putting it down again when something else catches my attention. I will probably not be picking it up any time soon.

The same thing happened to me, until I finally forced myself to read it for this challenge. It's a decent read, but it's not something I plan to keep on my shelves.

Book #38: Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg, and Jean Johnson, Elemental Magic
Completed on: March 30
Category: In Brief

In this fantasy collection, the stories share a common theme: each is inspired by one of the four elements. All four stories also combine fantasy with romance, and the end result is generally good. Here’s my take on each of the four stories:

Sharon Shinn, “Bargain with the Wind” (air) – This re-imagining of the Cinderella story is narrated by Nettie, the housekeeper of a grand estate called Grey Moraine. A new master has just inherited the estate, and he gives a grand ball at which the beautiful and mysterious Lady Charis appears. The master is besotted, but Nettie believes that Lady Charis is hiding a potentially dangerous secret. I really liked this story; the characters are well developed, and I like the world of earth-spirits and air-demons that Shinn creates. This is probably the most romantic of the four stories, and I loved the climactic scene where Lady Charis’ secret is revealed.

Jean Johnson, “Birthright” (earth) – Arasa has just set forth on a quest that will determine whether she or her twin sister is the true heir to the throne of Flame Sea. In the course of her travels she meets Elrik, a mage from one of the barbarian nations that borders her own. He offers to help Arasa on her quest, and love soon grows between them – but Arasa must confront treachery and betrayal before she can claim her throne. This story was decent, although I thought that the romance developed too quickly and the sex scene was totally gratuitous. I did like how honest Arasa and Elrik were with each other, though; it’s a refreshing change of pace, when most heroes and heroines in romance novels can’t communicate properly! I thought this story was okay, but it’s one of the weaker offerings in the collection.

Carol Berg, “Unmasking” (water) – In Ezzaria, sorcery is a much-admired talent, and it’s a much-needed one as well: Ezzarians are charged with fighting the demons that possess unwary souls throughout the world. Joelle is a young sorceress who struggles somewhat with her powers; yet when a dangerous spy from a neighboring kingdom tries to discover the secrets of Ezzaria’s magic, Joelle is chosen to stop him. Her partner in this mission is a farmer without one spark of magical talent, yet she is surprisingly drawn to him. This was my favorite story in the collection: the romance was lovely, the details of the world fascinating, and the magical system tantalizing. I would gladly read more stories (or novels!) set in this world.

Rebecca York, “Huntress Moon” (fire) – Desperate to get her sick mother the treatment she needs, the beautiful and virginal Zarah agrees to be sold into slavery. Her duties will include spying on her new owner, a man named Griffin, in hopes of discovering his dark secret. Meanwhile, Griffin hopes to distract himself from his many troubles by bedding his new slave, but the sexual chemistry between them makes them both reconsider their choices. For me, this was the clear weak link in the collection; I couldn’t quite understand why Zarah was in this situation to begin with, and I was confused about the world of the story. Also, the “love” between her and Griffin seems to arise out of nothing but physical chemistry. This is the most sexually explicit of the stories, but those scenes contribute nothing to the actual plot. I would not read this story again.

March recap:

I'm very pleased with my progress this month. I gave up watching TV for Lent, which left me with a lot more time for reading!

Livin' on a Prayer: 3/11
.....Frederick Buechner, Telling the Truth: The Gospel as Tragedy, Comedy, and Fairy Tale
.....Joseph Ratzinger, Pope Benedict XVI, Jesus of Nazareth: From the Baptism in the Jordan to the Transfiguration

Other Worlds: 2/11
.....Rachel Aaron, The Spirit Thief

Classics: 2/11
.....William Golding, Lord of the Flies

In Brief: 3/11
.....Sharon Shinn, Rebecca York, Carol Berg, and Jean Johnson, Elemental Magic

Hot off the Presses: 4/11
.....Seanan McGuire, Late Eclipses
.....Julie James, A Lot Like Love
.....Sarah Addison Allen, The Peach Keeper

Ye Olde Historical Fiction: 3/11
.....Laura Kinsale, Lessons in French
.....Rebecca Dean, Palace Circle

The Butler Did It: 8/11
.....Friedrich Dürrenmatt, The Judge and His Hangman
.....Erin Hart, False Mermaid
.....Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö, The Laughing Policeman

Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?: 2/11
.....Jocelyn Playfair, A House in the Country

Time Is out of Joint: 3/11
.....Gail Carriger, Blameless

On the Shelf: 3/11
.....Faith Hunter, Skinwalker

Gallimaufry: 5/11
.....Mary Robinette Kowal, Shades of Milk and Honey
.....Simone Elkeles, Perfect Chemistry
.....L. Jagi Lamplighter, Prospero Lost

I also did some non-challenge reading: Ariel Dorfman's Death and the Maiden, Pramoedya Ananta Toer's The Mute's Soliloquy, and a re-read of Eva Ibbotson's The Morning Gift. Looking forward to April, and possibly a new thread -- stay tuned!

Wow! You gave up TV for lent? Good for you!

Looks like you're doing a good job of reading from every category. That's something I need to work on.

@214 -- Thanks! I have read from every category, but I am still pretty unbalanced; I'm nearly done with my mystery category, but have barely touched classics! I suppose that's to be expected, though. :)

First Quarter Review:

Following the lead of so many great threads, I'm posting my first quarter recap.

Total books to read: 121
Books read so far: 38
Still to go: 83

I. Livin' on a Prayer: 3/11
II. Other Worlds: 2/11
III. Classics: 2/11
IV. In Brief: 3/11
V. Hot off the Presses: 4/11
VI. Ye Olde Historical Fiction: 3/11
VII. The Butler Did It: 8/11
VIII. Pomegranate Seeds, Anyone?: 2/11
IX. Time Is out of Joint: 3/11
X. On the Shelf: 3/11
XI. Gallimaufry: 5/11

On to the second quarter! I'll be at my new thread, which is HERE.

You've had a great first quarter with this challenge - looking forward to following your progress.