calm counting - Beyond 75 in 2010 - part 4
Talk 75 Books Challenge for 2010
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1calm
The first thread is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/79013
second is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/87980
third is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/92702
All my reads are going to be in this group but for those interested in some of my goals for this year my 1010 thread is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/70719
As I reached the 75 book target I am going to try to double it, so my new target for the year is 150 books! OK reached that and don't like going over the end of the ticker so the new target is 175!
Comments and suggestions are welcome. I must admit to lurking and reading other people's threads but not posting very often (my bad!). I'll try to comment elsewhere occasionally.
http://www.librarything.com/topic/79013
second is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/87980
third is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/92702
All my reads are going to be in this group but for those interested in some of my goals for this year my 1010 thread is here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/70719
As I reached the 75 book target I am going to try to double it, so my new target for the year is 150 books! OK reached that and don't like going over the end of the ticker so the new target is 175!
Comments and suggestions are welcome. I must admit to lurking and reading other people's threads but not posting very often (my bad!). I'll try to comment elsewhere occasionally.
2calm
book list
thread 1
1) Blood Music by Greg Bear (post 23)
2) Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre (post 28)
3) The Prehistory of the Mind by Steven Mithen (post 38)
4) Possession by A S Byatt (post 51)
5) Elidor by Alan Garner (post 64)
6) Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade (post 66)
7) Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green (post 67)
8) Rats and Gargoyles by Mary Gentle (post 70)
9) The Cave Painters by Gregory Curtis (post 84)
10) The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling (post 94)
11) An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (post 95)
12) Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (post 99)
13) Coastliners by Joanne Harris (post 111)
14) The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin (post 122)
15) World Without End by Ken Follett (post 126)
16) The Dawn of Civilisation : Prehistory to 900BC (post 130)
17) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 133)
18) Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint (post 139)
19) A Cat, a Man and Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki (post 155)
20) Fludd by Hilary Mantel (post 156)
21) Golden Witchbreed by Mary Gentle (post 159)
22) Green Rider by Kristen Britain (post 169)
23) First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain (post 178)
24) The Interpretation of Murder by Jeb Rubenfeld (post 180)
25) Virtual Light by William Gibson (post 184)
26) Destroyer of Worlds by Mark Chadbourn (post 195)
27) Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder (post 201)
28) Lords of Avaris by David Rohl (post 208)
29) Briar Rose by Jane Yolen (post 210)
30) The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (post 216)
31) The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander (post 221)
32) Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (post 222)
33) The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander (post 229)
34) The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint (post 233)
35) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (post 241)
36) Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde (post 244)
37) The Book of The Thousand and One Nights Translated by Richard Burton (post 245)
38) Flint by Margaret Redfern (post 253)
39) Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith (post 261)
40) Sorcerer's Legacy by Janny Wurts (post 267)
41) Civilization Before Greece and Rome by H.W.F. Saggs (post 268)
thread 2
42) The Forest of Hours by Kerstin Ekman (post 3)
43) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (post 10)
44) A River Sutra by Gita Mehta (post 19)
45) Steal The Dragon by Patricia Briggs (post 30)
46) The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 41)
47) Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (post 48)
48) Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander (post 52)
49) The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea (post 54)
50) The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa (post 56)
51) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (post 67)
52) Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn (post 74)
53) Surfacing by Margaret Atwood (post 80)
54) Who Cooked the Last Supper? : The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles (post 85)
55) A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (post 97)
56) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (post 104)
57) The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke (post 108)
58) The Mistress of Spices: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 110)
59) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (post 126)
60) The Widow's Tale by Mick Jackson (post 129)
61) Life of Pi by Yann Martel (post 138)
62) The Well-Versed Cat : poems of celebration (post 150)
63) The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart (post 151)
64) Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (post 157)
65) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl (post 158)
66) The High King by Lloyd Alexander (post 163)
67) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (post 164)
68) Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (post 171)
69) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (post 173)
70) Storyteller by G. R. Grove (post 175)
71) Rhone by John A Karr (post 188)
72) Credo by Melvyn Bragg (post 191)
73) The City and The City by China Mieville (post 197)
74) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 205)
75) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 217)
76) The Celtic Alternative by Shirley Toulson (post 225)
77) The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (post 238)
thread 3
78) Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (post 4)
79) Nine Lives by William Dalrymple (post 17)
80) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (post 22)
81) Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb (post 28)
82) Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman (post 35)
83) The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (post 40)
84) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull (post 46)
85) Flight of the Hawk by G. R. Grove (post 58)
86) The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester (post 62)
87) Kraken by China Mieville (post 68)
88) Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier (post 82)
89) Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 88)
90) Watermark : A Novel of the Middle Ages by Vanitha Sankaran (post 101)
91) Celtic Saints Passionate Wanderers by Elizabeth Rees (post 102)
92) Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (post 107)
93) The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett (post 108)
94) Hyddenworld Spring by William Horwood (post 118)
95) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (post 124)
96) Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie (post 130)
97) XIsle by Steve Augarde (post 132)
98) The Gathering Night by Margaret Elphinstone (post 141)
99) Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel (post 143)
100) Codex by Lev Grossman (post 149)
101) The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (post 156)
102) Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (post 157)
103) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Burrows (post 169)
104) The Ash Spear by G.R. Grove (post 177)
105) One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (post 178)
106) The Stonor Eagles by William Horwood (post 193)
107) Heroes and Villains by Angela Carter (post 194)
108) Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (post 199)
109) Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende (post 206)
110) Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (post 212)
111) An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro (post 213)
112) Elementals by A. S. Byatt (post 227)
113) Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (post 235)
114) Kanthapura by Raja Rao (post 236)
115) The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (post 244)
116) The Hero of the Ages By Brandon Sanderson (post 248)
117) Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones (post 249)
thread 1
1) Blood Music by Greg Bear (post 23)
2) Vernon God Little by DBC Pierre (post 28)
3) The Prehistory of the Mind by Steven Mithen (post 38)
4) Possession by A S Byatt (post 51)
5) Elidor by Alan Garner (post 64)
6) Before the Dawn by Nicholas Wade (post 66)
7) Myths of the Norsemen by Roger Lancelyn Green (post 67)
8) Rats and Gargoyles by Mary Gentle (post 70)
9) The Cave Painters by Gregory Curtis (post 84)
10) The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling (post 94)
11) An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon (post 95)
12) Spindle's End by Robin McKinley (post 99)
13) Coastliners by Joanne Harris (post 111)
14) The Dispossessed by Ursula K Le Guin (post 122)
15) World Without End by Ken Follett (post 126)
16) The Dawn of Civilisation : Prehistory to 900BC (post 130)
17) The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 133)
18) Wolf Moon by Charles de Lint (post 139)
19) A Cat, a Man and Two Women by Junichiro Tanizaki (post 155)
20) Fludd by Hilary Mantel (post 156)
21) Golden Witchbreed by Mary Gentle (post 159)
22) Green Rider by Kristen Britain (post 169)
23) First Rider's Call by Kristen Britain (post 178)
24) The Interpretation of Murder by Jeb Rubenfeld (post 180)
25) Virtual Light by William Gibson (post 184)
26) Destroyer of Worlds by Mark Chadbourn (post 195)
27) Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder (post 201)
28) Lords of Avaris by David Rohl (post 208)
29) Briar Rose by Jane Yolen (post 210)
30) The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander (post 216)
31) The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander (post 221)
32) Gods Behaving Badly by Marie Phillips (post 222)
33) The Castle of Llyr by Lloyd Alexander (post 229)
34) The Mystery of Grace by Charles de Lint (post 233)
35) Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie (post 241)
36) Shades of Grey by Jasper Fforde (post 244)
37) The Book of The Thousand and One Nights Translated by Richard Burton (post 245)
38) Flint by Margaret Redfern (post 253)
39) Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith (post 261)
40) Sorcerer's Legacy by Janny Wurts (post 267)
41) Civilization Before Greece and Rome by H.W.F. Saggs (post 268)
thread 2
42) The Forest of Hours by Kerstin Ekman (post 3)
43) Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson (post 10)
44) A River Sutra by Gita Mehta (post 19)
45) Steal The Dragon by Patricia Briggs (post 30)
46) The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon (post 41)
47) Bluebeard's Egg by Margaret Atwood (post 48)
48) Taran Wanderer by Lloyd Alexander (post 52)
49) The Perfect Heresy by Stephen O'Shea (post 54)
50) The Book of Chameleons by Jose Eduardo Agualusa (post 56)
51) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (post 67)
52) Lion of Ireland by Morgan Llywelyn (post 74)
53) Surfacing by Margaret Atwood (post 80)
54) Who Cooked the Last Supper? : The Women's History of the World by Rosalind Miles (post 85)
55) A Madness of Angels by Kate Griffin (post 97)
56) Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien (post 104)
57) The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories by Susanna Clarke (post 108)
58) The Mistress of Spices: A Novel by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 110)
59) Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood (post 126)
60) The Widow's Tale by Mick Jackson (post 129)
61) Life of Pi by Yann Martel (post 138)
62) The Well-Versed Cat : poems of celebration (post 150)
63) The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart (post 151)
64) Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse (post 157)
65) The Vikings by Else Roesdahl (post 158)
66) The High King by Lloyd Alexander (post 163)
67) A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini (post 164)
68) Peter Pan by J. M. Barrie (post 171)
69) The House at Pooh Corner by A. A. Milne (post 173)
70) Storyteller by G. R. Grove (post 175)
71) Rhone by John A Karr (post 188)
72) Credo by Melvyn Bragg (post 191)
73) The City and The City by China Mieville (post 197)
74) Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 205)
75) The Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (post 217)
76) The Celtic Alternative by Shirley Toulson (post 225)
77) The Mysterious Flame of Queen Loana by Umberto Eco (post 238)
thread 3
78) Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld (post 4)
79) Nine Lives by William Dalrymple (post 17)
80) The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova (post 22)
81) Dragon Haven by Robin Hobb (post 28)
82) Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman (post 35)
83) The Book of Lost Things by John Connolly (post 40)
84) The White Rhino Hotel by Bartle Bull (post 46)
85) Flight of the Hawk by G. R. Grove (post 58)
86) The Demolished Man by Alfred Bester (post 62)
87) Kraken by China Mieville (post 68)
88) Night Train to Lisbon by Pascal Mercier (post 82)
89) Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay (post 88)
90) Watermark : A Novel of the Middle Ages by Vanitha Sankaran (post 101)
91) Celtic Saints Passionate Wanderers by Elizabeth Rees (post 102)
92) Fingersmith by Sarah Waters (post 107)
93) The Unadulterated Cat by Terry Pratchett (post 108)
94) Hyddenworld Spring by William Horwood (post 118)
95) The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield (post 124)
96) Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie (post 130)
97) XIsle by Steve Augarde (post 132)
98) The Gathering Night by Margaret Elphinstone (post 141)
99) Beyond Black by Hilary Mantel (post 143)
100) Codex by Lev Grossman (post 149)
101) The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett (post 156)
102) Montana 1948 by Larry Watson (post 157)
103) The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Burrows (post 169)
104) The Ash Spear by G.R. Grove (post 177)
105) One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Alexander Solzhenitsyn (post 178)
106) The Stonor Eagles by William Horwood (post 193)
107) Heroes and Villains by Angela Carter (post 194)
108) Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson (post 199)
109) Daughter of Fortune by Isabel Allende (post 206)
110) Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell (post 212)
111) An Artist of the Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro (post 213)
112) Elementals by A. S. Byatt (post 227)
113) Her Fearful Symmetry by Audrey Niffenegger (post 235)
114) Kanthapura by Raja Rao (post 236)
115) The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson (post 244)
116) The Hero of the Ages By Brandon Sanderson (post 248)
117) Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones (post 249)
3calm
Book list for this thread
118) On The Beach by Nevil Shute (post 14)
119) Ze by Renee Smith (post 18)
120) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (post 32)
121) Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson (post 41)
122) In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden (post 51)
123) Incendiary by Chris Cleave (post 55)
124) Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris (post 62)
125) Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida (post 63)
126) The Histories by Herodotus (post 73)
127) Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder (post 75)
128) Rusalka by C. J. Cherryh (post 88)
129) Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (post 90)
130) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (post 91)
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (post 108)
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (post 109)
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (post 110)
134) Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin (post 111)
135) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (post 112)
136) Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (post 121)
137) Sky Burial by Xinran (post 130)
138) The Mabinogion translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (post 137)
139) The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds (post 144)
140) Body of Glass by Marge Piercy (post 168)
141) I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett (post 169)
142) Jack Maggs by Peter Carey (post 180)
143) A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester (post 196)
144) The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan (post 198)
145) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (post 199)
146) The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman (post 200)
147) The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears (post 207)
148) The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt (post 218)
149) Little, Big by John Crowley (post 227)
150) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (post 228)
151) Cold Earth by Sarah Moss (post 229)
152) Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernieres (post 237)
153) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (post 243)
118) On The Beach by Nevil Shute (post 14)
119) Ze by Renee Smith (post 18)
120) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (post 32)
121) Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson (post 41)
122) In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden (post 51)
123) Incendiary by Chris Cleave (post 55)
124) Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris (post 62)
125) Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida (post 63)
126) The Histories by Herodotus (post 73)
127) Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder (post 75)
128) Rusalka by C. J. Cherryh (post 88)
129) Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (post 90)
130) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (post 91)
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (post 108)
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (post 109)
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (post 110)
134) Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin (post 111)
135) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (post 112)
136) Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (post 121)
137) Sky Burial by Xinran (post 130)
138) The Mabinogion translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (post 137)
139) The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds (post 144)
140) Body of Glass by Marge Piercy (post 168)
141) I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett (post 169)
142) Jack Maggs by Peter Carey (post 180)
143) A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester (post 196)
144) The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan (post 198)
145) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (post 199)
146) The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman (post 200)
147) The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears (post 207)
148) The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt (post 218)
149) Little, Big by John Crowley (post 227)
150) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (post 228)
151) Cold Earth by Sarah Moss (post 229)
152) Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernieres (post 237)
153) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (post 243)
7Whisper1
Congratulations on reading 117 books thus far! That is an amazing accomplishment, and there are some amazing books on your list as well.
8calm
Don't worry Lynda - I will:)
Thanks Linda, it's thanks to LT and the 75ers that so many of them have come to my attention. Lots of good recommendations on the threads:)
Thanks Linda, it's thanks to LT and the 75ers that so many of them have come to my attention. Lots of good recommendations on the threads:)
9alcottacre
I know you were trying to hide, but I found you again anyway!
11alcottacre
True! I will track people down to the ends of the earth :) lol
12BookAngel_a
You can't hide from me either...;)
14calm
118) On The Beach by Nevil Shute (25 August - 26 August)
This was first published in the 1950's at the height of the Cold War, Nevil Shute takes the possibility that there is a massive exchange of nuclear bombs that destroys the Northern Hemisphere. Slowly the radioactive dust is drifting towards the survivors. What are their lives going to be like when there is no chance of survival? Different characters react in different ways but most just stoically get on with their lives and their deaths. In some ways the story is summed up in the quoted passage from T. S. Eliot's "The Hollow Men"
"This is the way the world ends
Not with a bang but a whimper".
I first read this in the 1970's and it was definitely worth a re-read. In some ways a very quiet book, with attitudes that seem dated now. It is still a very disturbing, sad and haunting "what if" story.
15alcottacre
#14: I love that book! If you have not read any of Shute's other books, especially A Town Like Alice, I would highly recommend them to you. Some of them are dated, but I still enjoy them. Shute was a master storyteller.
17alcottacre
I am glad to see he still has fans! I read his Pied Piper last year and enjoyed it. I found that several of his books are available for my Nook, so I will slowly but surely be reading them too.
18calm
No touchstone for this so hopefully the link works:) Read as part of my alphabet challenge.
119) Ze by Renee Smith (26 August - 28 August)
It's very hard to think what to say about this book. The premise was interesting and the story was not too bad. I did enjoy the writing but it was hard to connect to any of the characters.
A woman, Xana, leaves her husband and drifts into a relationship with Jamie, a very troubled young man. When she finds out that he was adopted she decides to find out what happened to his parents. This takes her to a remote Indonesian island.
I think my main problem was that both of the main female characters were just insipid. They drift into circumstances without any real control of their own lives. This was debut novel and I might read another book by Renee Smith if she publishes one.
119) Ze by Renee Smith (26 August - 28 August)
It's very hard to think what to say about this book. The premise was interesting and the story was not too bad. I did enjoy the writing but it was hard to connect to any of the characters.
A woman, Xana, leaves her husband and drifts into a relationship with Jamie, a very troubled young man. When she finds out that he was adopted she decides to find out what happened to his parents. This takes her to a remote Indonesian island.
I think my main problem was that both of the main female characters were just insipid. They drift into circumstances without any real control of their own lives. This was debut novel and I might read another book by Renee Smith if she publishes one.
19alcottacre
#18: I think I will give that one a pass. Thanks for finally giving me a book bullet I can dodge, calm!
20calm
Stasia - It's good to dodge the book bullets:)
So I'm happy to not add to the BlackHole ... this time!
So I'm happy to not add to the BlackHole ... this time!
21alcottacre
Oh, I have no doubt that you will soon add to the BlackHole again!
23alcottacre
Oh? What is it?
24calm
The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy.
25alcottacre
OK. I will be getting to that one by the end of the month for sure, so you are right, nothing new to add to the BlackHole.
26wisechild
I just happened by a box full of free books yesterday while walking my dog, and snatched a copy of The God of Small Things (among others). I don't think I'll be able to add it to the wiki this month as I'm still working on Cloud Atlas, but I'll be checking back in for your review.
27calm
Hi Karen - That's an even better deal than the one I got. I found mine as part of a 3 books for £1 deal.
Hope you are enjoying Cloud Atlas.
Hope you are enjoying Cloud Atlas.
28souloftherose
Going back to the previous thread I'm glad you enjoyed the Mistborn trilogy so much, I also thought it would be a series I'd like to reread one day (although that means I need to get my own copies...).
I think also liked Mister Pip although I was so shocked by one particular scene that I'm not sure whether or not I could/would reread it.
I think also liked Mister Pip although I was so shocked by one particular scene that I'm not sure whether or not I could/would reread it.
29calm
Hi Heather - ditto on the Mistborn trilogy ... I borrowed them from the library:)
There were some shocking bits in Mister Pip, it will be a while before I re-read ... if I ever do. Since I found LT I seem to be doing very few re-reads:( So many good books out there!
There were some shocking bits in Mister Pip, it will be a while before I re-read ... if I ever do. Since I found LT I seem to be doing very few re-reads:( So many good books out there!
30cameling
I think you'll enjoy The God of Small Things calm. I thought it was excellent and beautifully written.
32calm
120) The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy (28 August - 30 August)
Oh dear, from a promising descriptive first paragraph this tailed off into a confused, hodgepodge of a story. The time-line of the story is all over the place leading to a disjointed feel. We are told too much too soon about the central tragedy so that as details are revealed it all comes as an anti-climax. I think Arundhati Roy was also trying to be too clever with her use of language at the cost of the story. The use of pronunciation, Prer NUN sea ayshun, which led to the weird splitting of words and phrases, Lay Ter and Bar Nowl for example. There were moments when I was drawn into the story but they were too few and too far between. Overall a disappointing read.
33alcottacre
#32: Overall a disappointing read.
I gave it 1 star which tells you how I felt about it. What a waste of time.
I gave it 1 star which tells you how I felt about it. What a waste of time.
34Whisper1
I'll skip your latest read, but, your description of On the Beach encourages me to move this one up on the tbr pile.
35calm
Stasia - I was slightly more generous as 1 star would have meant that I was unable to finish the book (or hated it) but I did finish and as I liked some of the descriptive passages I gave it 2 stars. I actually even thought about giving it another half star but I think that the bad points outweigh the good.
Linda - The God of Small Things seems to be one of those books that divides opinion. Some people love it.
I think that On The Beach is definitely worth reading.
Linda - The God of Small Things seems to be one of those books that divides opinion. Some people love it.
I think that On The Beach is definitely worth reading.
36alcottacre
#35: If I am unable to finish the book at all, I generally do not rate it unless I have to (say for an ER book), otherwise I will rate the book. I would probably have abandoned this particular book if it were not for the TIOLI challenge, but I did finish it so went ahead and rated it.
37London_StJ
I'm sorry your last read was a flop; it doesn't sound like one I'd be happy to pick up.
38wisechild
Yikes. Well, maybe that one goes to the bottom of the TBR pile. At least I picked it up for free!
39calm
Luxx and Karen - if you look at the ratings I'm in the minority - most people rate it over three stars and it has a nearly 4 star average. It just didn't work for me! I think I'll keep it and maybe try a re-read in a year or two, just to try to work out what others see in it:)
Ratings for The God of Small Things
Average: (3.93)
0.5 6
1 47
1.5 21
2 129
2.5 42
3 416
3.5 112
4 729
4.5 125
5 773
Ratings for The God of Small Things
Average: (3.93)
0.5 6
1 47
1.5 21
2 129
2.5 42
3 416
3.5 112
4 729
4.5 125
5 773
40alcottacre
#39: Well calm, it appears that you and I can be in the minority together!
41calm
Earlier this year Jude read Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson which sounded interesting, unfortunately the library didn't have that book but they did have another book by the same author so I read:-
121) The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson (31 August - 1 September)
This is an example of a book where taking different stories and weaving them together works, for me. There is Jeanne, Baudelaire's mistress in 19th century France; Mer, a plantation slave on Haiti in the late 18th century and Thais, a prostitute in 4th century Alexandria. The experiences of these women's lives are often hard and brutal but still there is love. Linking them through the story of the goddess Ezili, Nalo Hopkinson has created a glimpse into the history of African slaves. Very readable, an interesting book.
121) The Salt Roads by Nalo Hopkinson (31 August - 1 September)
This is an example of a book where taking different stories and weaving them together works, for me. There is Jeanne, Baudelaire's mistress in 19th century France; Mer, a plantation slave on Haiti in the late 18th century and Thais, a prostitute in 4th century Alexandria. The experiences of these women's lives are often hard and brutal but still there is love. Linking them through the story of the goddess Ezili, Nalo Hopkinson has created a glimpse into the history of African slaves. Very readable, an interesting book.
42alcottacre
#41: Well, you are doing better than I am with Hopkinson's books. My local library does not have any of them. It does look like The Salt Roads is available for the Nook though, so I may have some luck there with her other titles as well.
43richardderus
>41 calm: Sweet Muse of Poetry, that's one UUUGLY cover on that book!
44Whisper1
Ditto what Richard said. I confess that many times I buy a book because of the cover...I don't think I would be tempted by this cover.
45calm
Stasia - it is the only one my local library had, seems like there are a few more that she has written. I'll have to keep my eyes open for them:)
Richard and Linda - agreed it's not the most attractive of covers, I requested it from the library sight unseen! I don't think I would even have been tempted to pick it up otherwise. But when you are reading you can't see the cover;)
Richard and Linda - agreed it's not the most attractive of covers, I requested it from the library sight unseen! I don't think I would even have been tempted to pick it up otherwise. But when you are reading you can't see the cover;)
46richardderus
My mother's one real estate principle: Always buy the ugly house, you don't have to look at it that way.
47alcottacre
That is one thing I appreciate about my Nook - I do not have to look at the book covers, ugly or otherwise.
48souloftherose
Well I think I will give The God of Small Things a miss then although The Salt Roads sounds interesting. Looking at the LT book page that hideous cover seems to be the only book cover!
49calm
Richard - I guess it's what's inside that counts:)
Stasia - I'm not sure if I could use an e-reader, I'm kind of stuck in my ways and love the feel and smell of books!
Heather - I still don't get why so many people rated The God of Small Things so highly, I will try to read it again someday.
That old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" seems appropriate for The Salt Roads!
Stasia - I'm not sure if I could use an e-reader, I'm kind of stuck in my ways and love the feel and smell of books!
Heather - I still don't get why so many people rated The God of Small Things so highly, I will try to read it again someday.
That old saying "don't judge a book by it's cover" seems appropriate for The Salt Roads!
50alcottacre
#49: I was not sure how I would feel about it either, calm, but it is really helping me 'fill in' spaces in my personal library that the public library does not.
51calm
122) In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden (2 September - 3 September)
I enjoyed this novel about the life of an enclosed community of Benedictine nuns. An intriguing look into a way of life that was changing as modern demands, and the effect of the death of the abbess and two Popes, affect the community. Starting in the 1950's it covers the 15 years of life after Philippa Talbot enters the community. The traditions and lives of the characters are a joy to read. Very real and very human.
52alcottacre
#51: I am glad you enjoyed that one, calm. I loved it when I read it earlier this year and have since read a couple more of Godden's books.
54Eat_Read_Knit
I'm glad you enjoyed that one, calm - I am planning to read it this month.
55calm
123) Incendiary by Chris Cleave (3 September - 4 September)
This novel starts Dear Osama and is a letter written to Osama Bin Laden, telling of the effect that a terrorist attack has on a young mother. The fictitious attack at a football match leads her, and London, on a path that is compelling reading. I loved her voice and think that Chris Cleave has created a memorable, though nameless, character.
56calm
Hi Statsia and Tad - that was my first Godden, it probably won't be my last.
Caty - I noticed your name on the TIOLI wiki, I hope you enjoy it.
Caty - I noticed your name on the TIOLI wiki, I hope you enjoy it.
57kidzdoc
Incendiary sounds interesting; I'll have to look for it next week.
59calm
New visitors, good to see you here:)
Darryl - I was looking for Chris Cleave's Little Bee (The Other Hand) and when I spotted Incendiary I picked it up at the same time. As it was his debut novel I read it first. So I've still got another of his books to read. Hope it as good as this one.
Patrick - I picked up the recommendation from Stasia earlier this year. There seem to be lots of people who like Godden's work.
(also love the new feature that gives you a person's real name when you go to their profiles!)
Darryl - I was looking for Chris Cleave's Little Bee (The Other Hand) and when I spotted Incendiary I picked it up at the same time. As it was his debut novel I read it first. So I've still got another of his books to read. Hope it as good as this one.
Patrick - I picked up the recommendation from Stasia earlier this year. There seem to be lots of people who like Godden's work.
(also love the new feature that gives you a person's real name when you go to their profiles!)
60richardderus
Calm dearie, may I respectfully suggest you read China Court as your next Godden? A Candle for St. Jude is very good, too, even though it's about *violent shudder of revulsion* ballet.
61souloftherose
In This House of Brede was already on the wishlist from Stasia's recommendation earlier this year. Glad you enjoyed it.
62calm
124) Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris (4 Sept - 6 Sept)
Joanne Harris writes very good books about small communities. This time St Oswald's, a boy's school in the North of England, an exclusive grammar school where tradition is under threat. Roy Straitley is the ageing Latin teacher, starting his 99th term of teaching and aiming for his century. The start of the new term brings new teachers and changes to the system. Also one of the new teachers has a grudge against the school dating back to the time when their father was Porter and they had to attend the local comprehensive school.
Told in three voices, that of Straitley and the new teacher as adult and child, Joanne Harris keeps the various strands together as tragedy unfolds. A compelling read; brilliant characters and a great story.
63calm
125) Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida (6 September - 7 September)
A novel about the search for identity. When Clarissa was 14 her mother abandoned the family. Years later, following her father's death, she discovers her birth certificate and finds out that the man she thought of as her father wasn't. In fact she had been born in Lapland. In some ways echoing her mother's actions she leaves her fiancee, without telling him where she is going, and travels in search of her biological father.
The prose is simple and elegant, the story fascinating, a delight to read.
64calm
Richard - unfortunately the library has neither of your suggestions. I'll keep my eyes open in the second hand book shops.
Heather - I hope you enjoy it when you find a copy.
Heather - I hope you enjoy it when you find a copy.
65Eat_Read_Knit
I'm glad you enjoyed Let the Northern Nights too!
Adding Gentlemen and Players to the wishlist: somehow that one has escaped my notice until now.
Adding Gentlemen and Players to the wishlist: somehow that one has escaped my notice until now.
66Carmenere
Dagnabbit! You've done it again. You have read two books that sound so good I can not pass them up, onto the wishlist they go.
67alcottacre
I added Gentlemen and Players to the BlackHole (I loved Harris' Chocolat), but the Vida book is there already, so I do not have to add that one.
Congrats on a couple of nice reads in a row, calm!
Congrats on a couple of nice reads in a row, calm!
68calm
Caty - Let the Northern Nights is very readable isn't it. Harris is more prolific than I thought, I still have more to add to the wishlist and I already have four on the TBR!
Lynda - sorry for the double Book Bullets, hope you enjoy them:)
Stasia - Thanks for the congrats, it is good to read books that catch your attention and seem to insist that you must read them.
I still haven't got around to reading Chocolat. It's been sitting on my TBR for ages, along with 3 others! I must get around to it one day:)
Hope you manage to find a copy of the Vida book.
Lynda - sorry for the double Book Bullets, hope you enjoy them:)
Stasia - Thanks for the congrats, it is good to read books that catch your attention and seem to insist that you must read them.
I still haven't got around to reading Chocolat. It's been sitting on my TBR for ages, along with 3 others! I must get around to it one day:)
Hope you manage to find a copy of the Vida book.
69alcottacre
#68: I loved Chocolat, but did not care for the sequel at all - I started it and did not even make it 50 pages.
70pbadeer
Gentlemen and Players is going on my wishlist. If I'm lucky, maybe I can find it this month and make it part of the TIOLI Back to School challenge. Thanks for the recommendation
71calm
Stasia - was that The Lollipop Shoes ? LT shows Chocolat as being part of 2 series. It is also followed by Five Quarters of the Orange and Blackberry Wine, I think that's part of my problem with reading it - not knowing which order to go in after I finish:)
Patrick - I hope you can manage to get a copy before the end of the month. I love the TIOLI challenge!
Patrick - I hope you can manage to get a copy before the end of the month. I love the TIOLI challenge!
72alcottacre
#71: Yes, although here in the States it has a different title, The Girl With No Shadow.
73calm
This has lived on my bookshelf for longer than I care to remember and I finally got around to reading the whole thing as part of my 1010 challenge, in a group read. So thanks to everyone else who took part and helped to keep me on track.
126) The Histories by Herodotus (1 January - 8 September)
What to say about this book? Called the Father of History Herodotus wrote down his thoughts on the causes of the Greek/Persian conflict in the 5th century BC. Often digressing from his main story, full of anecdotes, and very entertaining in some way it reminded me of an old man sitting in a pub, telling stories, and someone saying "You should write a book".
This is a work of vast scope, not just history -anthropology, geography, traveller's tales; eye witness accounts; rumour and hearsay - all combine in a wonderful way that brings to life the events, thoughts and beliefs of people who lived two and a half thousand years ago. Still fresh and readable. I must admit to getting bogged down by the enormous cast of characters that take part in the war but I really enjoyed the background stories of the various peoples that Herodotus talks about.
I think that anybody could read and enjoy this. It is a true classic. One word of caution though - I read the Penguin Classic Aubrey de Selincourt translation which does not have much additional information. From what I've heard the Landmark Herodotus would have been a great help in keeping all those people and places straight.
126) The Histories by Herodotus (1 January - 8 September)
What to say about this book? Called the Father of History Herodotus wrote down his thoughts on the causes of the Greek/Persian conflict in the 5th century BC. Often digressing from his main story, full of anecdotes, and very entertaining in some way it reminded me of an old man sitting in a pub, telling stories, and someone saying "You should write a book".
This is a work of vast scope, not just history -anthropology, geography, traveller's tales; eye witness accounts; rumour and hearsay - all combine in a wonderful way that brings to life the events, thoughts and beliefs of people who lived two and a half thousand years ago. Still fresh and readable. I must admit to getting bogged down by the enormous cast of characters that take part in the war but I really enjoyed the background stories of the various peoples that Herodotus talks about.
I think that anybody could read and enjoy this. It is a true classic. One word of caution though - I read the Penguin Classic Aubrey de Selincourt translation which does not have much additional information. From what I've heard the Landmark Herodotus would have been a great help in keeping all those people and places straight.
74alcottacre
#73: The Landmark Herodotus as well as the Landmark Thucydides have been in the BlackHole forever. One of these days I am going to have to break down and buy them both!
75calm
Read as part of the TIOLI Controversial Books Challenge.
127) Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder (7 September - 8 September)
I admit now that I haven't read St Augustine's Confessions. This is a letter supposedly written by the woman who he had a relationship with before entering the church. Memories of their life together and direct answers to points he makes in the Confessions become in some way a condemnation of the misogynistic, self denying way that his life has gone. If God created man and woman; the five senses; the world and its beauty why should it be part of life and religion to deny any part of God's creation? I can see why this might be a book that people could have differing opinions about but I'll say that I thought it asked questions that are worth considering and I found it an interesting read.
127) Vita Brevis by Jostein Gaarder (7 September - 8 September)
I admit now that I haven't read St Augustine's Confessions. This is a letter supposedly written by the woman who he had a relationship with before entering the church. Memories of their life together and direct answers to points he makes in the Confessions become in some way a condemnation of the misogynistic, self denying way that his life has gone. If God created man and woman; the five senses; the world and its beauty why should it be part of life and religion to deny any part of God's creation? I can see why this might be a book that people could have differing opinions about but I'll say that I thought it asked questions that are worth considering and I found it an interesting read.
76calm
Stasia - I don't think you'll regret reading the Herodotus. I also need to get a copy of the Thucydides sometime. Actually there has been some talk of reading it next year as part of the 1111 Challenge, so maybe I should be trying to find a copy sooner rather than later!
77Carmenere
Congrats on finishing Herodotus, calm! Isn't there a great sense of achievement when you've finished a long standing TBR from your bookshelf?! Happy to see you enjoyed it.
78alcottacre
#75: I will have to look for that one. It interests me. Thanks for the recommendation, calm.
#76: I specifically want the Landmark editions of both books because I have heard such good things about them. Maybe I will break down and buy them for myself for Christmas.
#76: I specifically want the Landmark editions of both books because I have heard such good things about them. Maybe I will break down and buy them for myself for Christmas.
79Whisper1
Good Morning to you.
What interesting books you are reading!
I'm adding two to the tbr pile: Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris and Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida.
What interesting books you are reading!
I'm adding two to the tbr pile: Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris and Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida.
80calm
Lynda - yes it was good to finally read all of Herodotus. I've had that copy since the 90's! So it was probably the unread book I've had for the longest time:)
Stasia - the Gaarder is really short but interesting. There's an unusual layout - The letter is on alternate pages with footnotes on the other page. So of the 160 pages I would say that at a lot of it is white space!
Linda - good morning back to you:)
Thank LT and the 75ers for bringing lots of interesting books and authors to my attention!
And the TIOLI for the choices of what I'm reading at the moment.
I hope you manage to find copies of the tbr pile additions:)
Stasia - the Gaarder is really short but interesting. There's an unusual layout - The letter is on alternate pages with footnotes on the other page. So of the 160 pages I would say that at a lot of it is white space!
Linda - good morning back to you:)
Thank LT and the 75ers for bringing lots of interesting books and authors to my attention!
And the TIOLI for the choices of what I'm reading at the moment.
I hope you manage to find copies of the tbr pile additions:)
81alcottacre
#80: Unfortunately my local library does not have that one. I will have to search further afield.
82klobrien2
Ooh, I picked up lots of titles from your thread--thank you! It seems you have been having some great reading lately!
Karen O.
Karen O.
83calm
oh well Stasia - at least you have plenty of other things to read while you track a copy down;)
Hello Karen, I'm glad you've found something of interest here. Happy reading!
Hello Karen, I'm glad you've found something of interest here. Happy reading!
84alcottacre
#83: at least you have plenty of other things to read while you track a copy down;)
Now what makes you think that? lol
Now what makes you think that? lol
85calm
hmmm if I try I might be able to think of some reasons to think that
*thinks*
Let me see ... discussions of the Great Book Drought and the stockpile you've built up in case of emergency ... book parcels that seem to just arrive ... a nook ... the number of books you can borrow from your local (and college) libraries ... the BlackHole full of other books you are looking for which might appear before this one... :-)
*thinks*
Let me see ... discussions of the Great Book Drought and the stockpile you've built up in case of emergency ... book parcels that seem to just arrive ... a nook ... the number of books you can borrow from your local (and college) libraries ... the BlackHole full of other books you are looking for which might appear before this one... :-)
86BookAngel_a
85...and Stasia has HOW MANY library books checked out right now? (You know, to save them in case the library burns down.)
;)
;)
87calm
Hi Angela, you are so right. I'm sure most of us have piles of to read books but Stasia outdoes us all. I love my local library but it only allows 8 books out at a time and only 8 reservations, so I wouldn't be much help if the library burns down:)
88calm
128) Rusalka by C. J. Cherryh (8 September - 10 September)
It's nice to read some fantasy that is based on a different folkloric tradition. Here Cherryh has taken the Rusalka of Slavic myth and created a tale of "be careful what you wish for". Young Sasha is the stableboy in his aunt's Inn, taken in after a fire killed his parents; the slightly older Pyetr is a rogue, causing trouble with the local noblemen's sons (and wives). Together they have to flee the town against rumours of wizardry. Ending up in a dead forest they discover that magic is real and more dangerous than the sceptic Pyetr ever imagined.
I must admit that I didn't find this the kind of fantasy that just sweeps you away and makes you think. There is a lot of repetition of ideas and concepts in the dialogue, so I was left hoping that something different would happen. By the end though I was pleased to have read this with its themes of friendship and consequences.
89alcottacre
#87: My local library has a ceiling of 99 books at a time out - and yes, I have checked out that many at a time.
#88: Into the BlackHole it goes!
#88: Into the BlackHole it goes!
90calm
129) Children of God by Mary Doria Russell (10 September - 13 September)
Following on from the events of The Sparrow Mary Doria Russell returns us to Rakhat and the lives of the Jana'ata and Runa. Concentrating more on the lives of the native species of Rakhat, Russell explores the political impact of First Contact. Even though they only went to observe and learn the humans have had a great impact on the society. Back on Earth Emilio Sandoz is dealing with the traumatic consequences of the first mission, but others want to return there and his expertise is wanted.
The canvas of this work is larger than The Sparrow. We follow more story lines as different characters take different paths. Once again we have different times due to the time dilation of travelling in space. There are also flashbacks and flash-forwards. All this adds up to a complex time-line, which on the whole works. Interesting characters and a good story make this a worthy successor to The Sparrow.
91calm
130) I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith (14 September - 15 September)
My first reaction on finishing this is "charming". A year in the life of a family as chronicled by the middle child - Cassandra Mortmain. England in the 1930's and the family is renting a castle. When the American heir to the estate arrives with his younger brother Cassandra tells of the impact that they, and their life, have on the whole family.
Cassandra is an appealing narrator; the story is undemanding and insightful. A very pleasant read, quirky and humorous mixed with a gentle coming of age story.
92klobrien2
87: Only 8 books at a time?? Only 8 reservations?? That seems so unreasonable!
My library system allows a large number of items (150), but limits DVDs and CDs (20 of each). The reservation limit is 25.
I feel very rich with my library, but I can understand why libraries have to set limits.
Karen O.
My library system allows a large number of items (150), but limits DVDs and CDs (20 of each). The reservation limit is 25.
I feel very rich with my library, but I can understand why libraries have to set limits.
Karen O.
94alcottacre
Dodging book bullets again as I have already read both Children of God and I Capture the Castle. Whew!
95calm
Just visiting my own thread:)
I have been reading but don't feel like writing:(
So very brief thoughts on my last two reads
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (15 September - 16 September)
Part of the Myths series. Penelope's story. The faithful stop at home wife. who waited for Odysseus's return while bringing up their son and fending off the rapacious suitors. Good stuff!
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (16 September - 20 September)
Government experiment gone wrong, leading to the collapse of the USA. I wasn't overwhelmed, as I didn't really connect with the characters, but the writing is good and the idea interesting. So it is an above average read (3.5 stars). Also no sign on the book that it is the start of a series and if I hadn't known I would have been very disappointed with the ending.
I have been reading but don't feel like writing:(
So very brief thoughts on my last two reads
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (15 September - 16 September)
Part of the Myths series. Penelope's story. The faithful stop at home wife. who waited for Odysseus's return while bringing up their son and fending off the rapacious suitors. Good stuff!
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (16 September - 20 September)
Government experiment gone wrong, leading to the collapse of the USA. I wasn't overwhelmed, as I didn't really connect with the characters, but the writing is good and the idea interesting. So it is an above average read (3.5 stars). Also no sign on the book that it is the start of a series and if I hadn't known I would have been very disappointed with the ending.
96alcottacre
I enjoyed The Penelopiad too, calm. Glad to see you did as well.
Suz has loaned me The Passage, but I have not started it yet.
Suz has loaned me The Passage, but I have not started it yet.
97souloftherose
Good to see you calm - sorry to hear you haven't felt like writing - hope things are ok healthwise?
I have enjoyed pretty much all the Margaret Atwood I've read so far so I'm sure I would enjoy The Penelopiad but I should probably read the 3 Atwoods in my TBR shelves before acquiring another one!
I've heard lots about The Passage but had no idea it was part of a series!
I have enjoyed pretty much all the Margaret Atwood I've read so far so I'm sure I would enjoy The Penelopiad but I should probably read the 3 Atwoods in my TBR shelves before acquiring another one!
I've heard lots about The Passage but had no idea it was part of a series!
98Carmenere
See, I did not know that The Passage was the first in a series either. Thanks for the heads up! I plan on reading it at some point but the way I read the whole series will probably be complete.
99calm
Hi Stasia - glad not to add to the BlackHole. The Penelopiad is good, that was a re-read. Hope you like The Passage, maybe it wasn't the right time for me to be reading it. I've added it to my wishlist so I can reread when the next book is released ... I borrowed that copy from the library and there are reservations on it so I had to read it straight away.
Heather - just the usual aches and pains and a touch of the blues. I'll pick up soon, well I do normally:)
I've got some Atwood's sitting on my TBR as well. I do like her writing but as usual ... so many books ...
Heather and Lynda - I heard that The Passage was the start of a series somewhere on LT ... can't remember which thread though:(
Heather - just the usual aches and pains and a touch of the blues. I'll pick up soon, well I do normally:)
I've got some Atwood's sitting on my TBR as well. I do like her writing but as usual ... so many books ...
Heather and Lynda - I heard that The Passage was the start of a series somewhere on LT ... can't remember which thread though:(
100alcottacre
The Passage is the first book in a trilogy. I saw an author interview and Cronin mentioned it.
101calm
Thanks Stasia.
More reading
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (20 September - 22 September)
Meh! Not bad enough to stop reading but not good enough to take me out of my doldrums. Review/thoughts pending ... it may be some time:)
As a change of pace I started a book that Caroline (cameling) read earlier this year Mao's Last Dancer a memoir by Li Cunxin. So far so good. I've also started Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - which I have not read before. I read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice at school but didn't enjoy Sense and Sensibility (at least I think that was the other Austen I attempted all those years ago) so I didn't bother trying any more of her work - time to rectify that:)
More reading
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (20 September - 22 September)
Meh! Not bad enough to stop reading but not good enough to take me out of my doldrums. Review/thoughts pending ... it may be some time:)
As a change of pace I started a book that Caroline (cameling) read earlier this year Mao's Last Dancer a memoir by Li Cunxin. So far so good. I've also started Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen - which I have not read before. I read and enjoyed Pride and Prejudice at school but didn't enjoy Sense and Sensibility (at least I think that was the other Austen I attempted all those years ago) so I didn't bother trying any more of her work - time to rectify that:)
102Carmenere
I'm glad I purchased #133 at a library booksale. Pushing it toward the bottom of Tipping Tower.
103alcottacre
#101: I am going to do an 'Austenothon' next year reading her 6 major works. They will be re-reads for me for the most part, but it has been a long time since I initially read them, so they will be new to me all over again.
104wisechild
>101 calm: Persuasion! Persuasion! I read everything by Austen when much younger, and didn't get to Persuasion until last year. I wish someone had told me to read it sooner. I really liked Northanger Abbey, but it's nice to read it in conjunction with some gothic novels, especially Ann Radcliffe, as that's sort of what Austen is parodying.
105souloftherose
Sorry to hear your aches and pains are troubling you along with a touch of the blues :-( Hope Northanger Abbey or Mao's Last Dance helps them lift.
I'll second wisechild's recommendation of Persuasion as my favourite Austen. I think P&P is my second favourite.
I'll second wisechild's recommendation of Persuasion as my favourite Austen. I think P&P is my second favourite.
106calm
Lynda - I only paid £1 for mine so no big loss. I think I just wasn't in the mood for angsty middle class Americans:)
Stasia - I hope you enjoy your Austenothon!
Karen - I'll get to the rest of Austen one day. I'll be collecting them fro the local charity shops as I see them. Maybe Persuasion will be the next one:)
Heather - Mao's Last Dancer was very good and Northanger Abbey light enough for me to enjoy. As I finished both of those I now owe 5 reviews - I'll try to be back soon, off to see what other people are doing:)
Stasia - I hope you enjoy your Austenothon!
Karen - I'll get to the rest of Austen one day. I'll be collecting them fro the local charity shops as I see them. Maybe Persuasion will be the next one:)
Heather - Mao's Last Dancer was very good and Northanger Abbey light enough for me to enjoy. As I finished both of those I now owe 5 reviews - I'll try to be back soon, off to see what other people are doing:)
107Carmenere
#106 just wasn't in the mood for angsty middle class Americans
LOL, me either, except they're almost everywhere I go.....'cept LT of course.
LOL, me either, except they're almost everywhere I go.....'cept LT of course.
108calm
131) The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood (15 September - 16 September)
Margaret Atwood's take on The Odyssey looks at the wife left at home. Told from a point of view after her death Penelope wants to tell her story so Penelope, princess of Sparta, didn't have the best start in life :- daughter of the king and a water nymph she is susceptible to tears; later wife of Odysseus, who against custom takes her to his home where she has to cope with his parents and servants; cousin of the beautiful Helen, whose actions lead to Odysseus going away to war and being diverted on the way home. So for twenty years she waits fending off the men who want to take over the country and bringing up her son who is indulged by Odysseus's old nursemaid. Her only friends twelve serving maids.
I enjoyed this retelling of the Greek myth, using the traditional device of the Greek Chorus Atwood gives the maids a voice and Penelope's story is told in a witty way. Maybe there is not much depth in this short book but it was good for a minor character from the Iliad and Odyssey to have her story told.
109calm
132) The Passage by Justin Cronin (16 September - 20 September)
This should have worked for me, I like post apocalyptic fiction (even The Stand which is a similar sprawling multi-casted story), but for some reason I didn't connect with the characters and therefore the problems they faced didn't seem to matter. I don't think that it was badly written, though a bit patchy, and the premise was interesting. All I can think is that it wasn't the right time for me to be reading this. That said I did finish it and will be re-reading it when the next in the trilogy is published as I do want to know what happens next.
110calm
133) The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards (20 September - 22 September)
Covering 25 years of a family's life, starting with the birth of twins and one decision that will effect their lives. Apart from that one decision this seems to me just a normal story of a dysfunctional family. A distant father; a mother searching for meaning in her life and a typical boy trying to find his own way in life - along with all the usual angsty family drama. The more interesting side to the story, that of the daughter, doesn't seem as well covered.
In some ways this could have been a fascinating look at the expectations of raising a disabled child or the effects that a still born birth can have on a family but I felt that there was something missing. Some of the characters were not very well developed and the innate tragedy of the story - the misunderstandings and missed opportunities seem too contrived. So overall not a book that I enjoyed.
111calm
Thanks to Cameling (Caroline) for the recommendation for this book.
134) Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin (22 September - 24 September)
An honest look at life growing up in Mao's China. Li Cunxin was born in 1961 and grew up believing the propaganda he was taught. At the age of 11 he was chosen to attend Madame Mao's dance academy, this eventually leads him to America and a realisation of the falsehood of what he has been taught.
This was a fascinating insight into a way of life that is completely alien to me. From the old traditions of China; the everyday life of a poor rural community; the hardship of becoming a ballet dancer; to the growth of Li Cunxin as an individual - all combine to present an image of an admirable man. It is obvious that this was written by a someone whose first language is not English but this is not a failing. I did find the sections set in China more enjoyable than his later life but this is still a book well worth reading.
134) Mao's Last Dancer by Li Cunxin (22 September - 24 September)
An honest look at life growing up in Mao's China. Li Cunxin was born in 1961 and grew up believing the propaganda he was taught. At the age of 11 he was chosen to attend Madame Mao's dance academy, this eventually leads him to America and a realisation of the falsehood of what he has been taught.
This was a fascinating insight into a way of life that is completely alien to me. From the old traditions of China; the everyday life of a poor rural community; the hardship of becoming a ballet dancer; to the growth of Li Cunxin as an individual - all combine to present an image of an admirable man. It is obvious that this was written by a someone whose first language is not English but this is not a failing. I did find the sections set in China more enjoyable than his later life but this is still a book well worth reading.
112calm
135) Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen (23 September - 26 September)
My first foray into Austen since my school days I enjoyed this satire into the popular literature and society of the day. Catherine Morland is an engagingly naive heroine. Her entry into Bath society and romantic entanglements complete with misunderstandings due to her penchant for the Gothic novels of the day make a pleasant read. This was Austen's first novel, though not published until after her death, and this is probably not as accomplished as her later novels but it is still an enjoyably frothy read.
113alcottacre
You have been busy, calm! Glad to see you enjoyed Northanger Abbey.
114calm
Well at least I caught up and wrote about last week's reads, Stasia:)
I've got a good one to write about next - when I've let my thoughts come together - so hopefully later today or tomorrow (not that it will live up to Richard's recent review!)
I've got a good one to write about next - when I've let my thoughts come together - so hopefully later today or tomorrow (not that it will live up to Richard's recent review!)
115Carmenere
I'm glad you enjoyed Northanger Abbey, calm. I liked seeing how Austen began her writing career. In future books, she dropped the gothic and enhanced the romance, definately a must read for Austenatics.
117calm
Hi Lynda more Austen someday. It all depends on what I manage to pick up, I've got so many on my TBR shelves that I sometimes wonder when Im going to read all the books:)
Hi Kath - glad you found me:)
Just for you
Hi Kath - glad you found me:)
Just for you
118alcottacre
#117: I've got so many on my TBR shelves that I sometimes wonder when Im going to read all the books:)
Another one stockpiling for the World Wide Book Famine!
Another one stockpiling for the World Wide Book Famine!
120alcottacre
I know I am doing my part! It is good to see other people joining in the effort (not that I really thought it was a problem with this group, lol)
121calm
Many thanks to Richard for reading, reviewing and recommending this one. A 5 star read for me!
136) Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (26 September - 28 September)
Subtitled A Myth Retold this does what it says. Taking the story of Psyche and Cupid and retelling it from the point of view of Orual, Psyche's older sister. Actually it is Orual's story, her love for her sister; her questioning of the role of religion and gods in society and her development as a person. This is an example of excellent story telling, beautifully written with wonderful imagination.
136) Till We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis (26 September - 28 September)
Subtitled A Myth Retold this does what it says. Taking the story of Psyche and Cupid and retelling it from the point of view of Orual, Psyche's older sister. Actually it is Orual's story, her love for her sister; her questioning of the role of religion and gods in society and her development as a person. This is an example of excellent story telling, beautifully written with wonderful imagination.
122sjmccreary
I'm not a big fan of biographies, but you've enticed me to add Mao's Last Dancer to the wishlist.
I gave up on The Memory Keeper's Daughter before I made it to the half-way point. I just could not work up any interest in, or sympathy for, any of the characters. I admire you for having the fortitude to stick with it to the end.
I gave up on The Memory Keeper's Daughter before I made it to the half-way point. I just could not work up any interest in, or sympathy for, any of the characters. I admire you for having the fortitude to stick with it to the end.
123calm
I can't remember the last time I read a biography but cameling made Mao's Last Dancer sound so good that I had to read it!
I don't blame you for giving up on The Memory Keeper's daughter:)
I don't blame you for giving up on The Memory Keeper's daughter:)
125alcottacre
#121: We did a group read of that one last year. It is probably my favorites of Lewis' books - and I like a lot of his!
126calm
steal away Kath .. I got it from Glitter Graphics!
Maybe I'll reread Memory Keeper's Daughter someday. I don't think I was in a brilliant mood last week ... a lot of the books were disappointing to me:(
Stasia - It was a wonderful book, I'm sad that I borrowed it from the library because it was a definite keeper. I'll have to find my own copy!
Maybe I'll reread Memory Keeper's Daughter someday. I don't think I was in a brilliant mood last week ... a lot of the books were disappointing to me:(
Stasia - It was a wonderful book, I'm sad that I borrowed it from the library because it was a definite keeper. I'll have to find my own copy!
127wisechild
>111 calm: I'm glad you liked a possessive apostrophe book! He he!
>121 calm: I love retold myths. That one is definitely going on the wishlist.
>121 calm: I love retold myths. That one is definitely going on the wishlist.
128calm
Hi Karen - that's one of the brilliant things about LT and the 75ers! Someone reads a book and it sets off a chain reaction:)
130calm
If Lynda hadn't been looking for an X author for her alphabet challenge I might not have found this book. I had already half decided to read Xenophon's The Persian Expedition but this looked intriguing and my local library had a copy.
137) Sky Burial by Xinran (29 September - 1 October)
In 1994 Xinran, a Chinese radio journalist, interviewed Shu Wen. It took her 10 years but finally she wrote Shu Wen's story and what a story it is. As a young woman in 1950's China Wen married a doctor who was later reported dead in Tibet. Not quite believing this she travels to Tibet to find the truth.
This is an amazing story that spans thirty years, though the way Wen's travels are described give no real sense of years passing. The lifestyle of the Tibetan nomads she joins means that seasons blur into each other and there is an acceptance of that pace of life. This is a fascinating insight into a way of life and a depth of love that transcends time.
137) Sky Burial by Xinran (29 September - 1 October)
In 1994 Xinran, a Chinese radio journalist, interviewed Shu Wen. It took her 10 years but finally she wrote Shu Wen's story and what a story it is. As a young woman in 1950's China Wen married a doctor who was later reported dead in Tibet. Not quite believing this she travels to Tibet to find the truth.
This is an amazing story that spans thirty years, though the way Wen's travels are described give no real sense of years passing. The lifestyle of the Tibetan nomads she joins means that seasons blur into each other and there is an acceptance of that pace of life. This is a fascinating insight into a way of life and a depth of love that transcends time.
131Carmenere
Ooooooo, Calm, I'm trying my hardest not to look at your message above while I type this. I have that one lined up for this month and it is laying beside my cozy rocking chair in the living room waiting for me. Anyway, I hope you liked it and I'll take a look at your review once I get to read the book.
132alcottacre
#130: I already had that one in the BlackHole but it still is not available at my local library yet. I just found it is out on the Nook though. Woot!
133calm
That's alright Lynda, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. I do try to not have any spoilers in my thoughts.
That's good to hear Stasia. I hope you can find the time to read it.
That's good to hear Stasia. I hope you can find the time to read it.
134alcottacre
#133: I need some kind of interstellar device for finding time. Do you know of one? lol
136alcottacre
Rats. I was hoping you might have a spare one hanging around some where!
137calm
OK I got sidetracked by other books but I finally finished:-
138) The Mabinogion translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (19 May - 3 October)
A collection of 12 Welsh tales translated by Lady Guest in the early twentieth century. These are classics of the Welsh culture, including many Celtic and Arthurian themed stories. Maybe Lady Guest's prose seems a bit dated but that is in keeping with the antiquity of these stories. This is a wonderful glimpse of Celtic and Dark Age life.
Can't get the touchstone - it's this book http://www.librarything.com/work/58729
138) The Mabinogion translated by Lady Charlotte Guest (19 May - 3 October)
A collection of 12 Welsh tales translated by Lady Guest in the early twentieth century. These are classics of the Welsh culture, including many Celtic and Arthurian themed stories. Maybe Lady Guest's prose seems a bit dated but that is in keeping with the antiquity of these stories. This is a wonderful glimpse of Celtic and Dark Age life.
Can't get the touchstone - it's this book http://www.librarything.com/work/58729
138Carmenere
Oooo, Amazon has The Mabinogion and I put it in my cart for the next time I have purchases exceeding $25 (free shipping). Sounds like something I would like to read.
139souloftherose
*THUD* as too many books hit my wishlist!
140dk_phoenix
Why haven't I read The Mabinogion yet??! Because I am a silly goose. I really should read it... I do love the older Arthurian tales.
141calm
Lynda - I hope you like it when you finally get a copy:)
Heather - whoops! Though I'm pleased you've found something of interest here :)
Faith - I guess it's like lots of folklore/mythology ... there are always so many versions to choose from that it is very hard to read them all. I'm definitely putting an Arthurian category in my 1111 Category Challenge so that I get around to reading some of the ones I haven't got to yet as well as rereading some old favourites.
Heather - whoops! Though I'm pleased you've found something of interest here :)
Faith - I guess it's like lots of folklore/mythology ... there are always so many versions to choose from that it is very hard to read them all. I'm definitely putting an Arthurian category in my 1111 Category Challenge so that I get around to reading some of the ones I haven't got to yet as well as rereading some old favourites.
142Carmenere
Hmmm, I really need to find out about these 1010, 1111 challenges. What are they like? Can I make up my own categories to read groups of books from my TBR shelves?
143calm
Lynda - You definitely choose your own categories and how many books you read in each category. This year I'm doing a stepped challenge, though I've gone over in some categories and haven't reached target in others - still plenty of time though:)
I find that it's fun thinking of ways to diversify my reading so that I'm not just reading from one genre. It's also a different way to look at the TBR piles. It's also a little bit like the TIOLI in having different challenges to take part in and complete. The only pressure is what you put on yourself.
I haven't set up a 1111 thread yet but there's a link to my 1010 in the first message of this thread. I'm sure there are lots of people doing challenges that would fit with your reading tastes so that you can get ideas, there are also some group reads. It's just another part of the wonderful world that is LT!
I find that it's fun thinking of ways to diversify my reading so that I'm not just reading from one genre. It's also a different way to look at the TBR piles. It's also a little bit like the TIOLI in having different challenges to take part in and complete. The only pressure is what you put on yourself.
I haven't set up a 1111 thread yet but there's a link to my 1010 in the first message of this thread. I'm sure there are lots of people doing challenges that would fit with your reading tastes so that you can get ideas, there are also some group reads. It's just another part of the wonderful world that is LT!
144calm
Oops - forgot to say - Thanks to Caroline (Cameling) for the recommendation for this one.
139) The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds (5 October - 7 October)
Seven seasons in the 1840's in Dr Matthew Allen's High Beech Private Asylum, following the lives of the inmates; staff and neighbours. This is in some ways disjointed and episodic; shifting from character to character with gaps in time. As a picture of marriage; society and the entrepreneurial nature of some Victorians this also looks at the obsessional nature of man. It is also an almost poetic description of varying forms of mental illness; nature and Victorian life. That is not surprising as two of the characters are poets - John Clare, an inmate of the asylum, and Alfred Tennyson, who has rented a house nearby while his brother is at the asylum.
This is a beautifully written book. Some of the scenes are distressing, as befits the subject matter, but overall this is a fascinating, interesting read that casts a light into Victorian life and the treatment of mental illness at the time.
139) The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds (5 October - 7 October)
Seven seasons in the 1840's in Dr Matthew Allen's High Beech Private Asylum, following the lives of the inmates; staff and neighbours. This is in some ways disjointed and episodic; shifting from character to character with gaps in time. As a picture of marriage; society and the entrepreneurial nature of some Victorians this also looks at the obsessional nature of man. It is also an almost poetic description of varying forms of mental illness; nature and Victorian life. That is not surprising as two of the characters are poets - John Clare, an inmate of the asylum, and Alfred Tennyson, who has rented a house nearby while his brother is at the asylum.
This is a beautifully written book. Some of the scenes are distressing, as befits the subject matter, but overall this is a fascinating, interesting read that casts a light into Victorian life and the treatment of mental illness at the time.
145BookAngel_a
Oooh...I'm gonna have to wishlist that one!
146mckait
I read The Mabinogion eons ago.. .. I remember nothing more than the name.
Maybe a redo is in order...
Maybe a redo is in order...
147calm
Angela - Caroline (cameling) read this recently and I would never have picked it up without her recommendation. (I was looking for a good Q book for my alphabet challenge!)
Kath - the Mabinogion was a reread for me but I had also forgotten most of it. I must admit it was probably around 30 years since I read it:)
Kath - the Mabinogion was a reread for me but I had also forgotten most of it. I must admit it was probably around 30 years since I read it:)
148curlysue
calm, i have lurked forever on your thread but i am popping out now to say this one is going on my TBR list :)
149sjmccreary
#144 I've added to my wishlist, too. Thanks for a great review.
150calm
Thanks for delurking Kara - I hope you manage to find a copy. Have you set up a thread yet?
I think most of us (except Stasia of course!) read more threads than we post on so lurking is natural behaviour. To be honest I rarely delurk but I do try to remember to give credit to the person on whose thread I first noticed the book:)
Hi Sandy - thank you. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on The Earth Hums in B Flat as it's also on my TIOLI to read list. I hope to get to it soon:)
I think most of us (except Stasia of course!) read more threads than we post on so lurking is natural behaviour. To be honest I rarely delurk but I do try to remember to give credit to the person on whose thread I first noticed the book:)
Hi Sandy - thank you. I'm looking forward to your thoughts on The Earth Hums in B Flat as it's also on my TIOLI to read list. I hope to get to it soon:)
151sjmccreary
#150 I'm about half finished with B Flat and enjoying it very much. I hope you'll be able to get it read in time to post your comments on TIOLI as well.
152calm
I'll almost definitely get it read soon. It's a shared read so at the moment it's fourth or fifth in the TBR pile, after the library books and my ER book!
153curlysue
calm, i am in the process of setting up my thread :) hopefully this weekend... i will let you know
154alcottacre
#144: I really need to get my hands on that way. Two good reviews in the group cannot be easily dismissed :)
155calm
Thanks Kara.
Stasia - I hope you can find it. Suzanne also has it listed on this month's TIOLI, you might want to wait for her opinion:)
Stasia - I hope you can find it. Suzanne also has it listed on this month's TIOLI, you might want to wait for her opinion:)
156alcottacre
#155: That will probably just make it 3 good reviews here in the group :)
157Carmenere
You've quite a knack for choosing some great books, calm. Added The Quickening Maze to wishlist.
Thanks for the info re: 1111. Perhaps I will give it a try. Now's the time to delve into my shelves and see if I can create 11 amusing catagories.
Thanks for the info re: 1111. Perhaps I will give it a try. Now's the time to delve into my shelves and see if I can create 11 amusing catagories.
158calm
Stasia - I hope so. It's not one I intend to reread but it was an interesting book.
Lynda, thanks. I just read what other people have to say and if I think I'll also like it, and can get my hands on a copy, I'll give it a go:)
I really must get on with setting up my 1111 though I still haven't finished the 1010. I'm still trying to choose my categories - so many possibilities!
Lynda, thanks. I just read what other people have to say and if I think I'll also like it, and can get my hands on a copy, I'll give it a go:)
I really must get on with setting up my 1111 though I still haven't finished the 1010. I'm still trying to choose my categories - so many possibilities!
160alcottacre
#158: I have a feeling if I set up an 1111 challenge my categories would go something like this:
1. Books from the headboard of my bed
2. Books from the top of the nightstand next to my bed
3. Books from inside the nightstand next to my bed
4. Books from the floor next to the nightstand next to my bed. . .
1. Books from the headboard of my bed
2. Books from the top of the nightstand next to my bed
3. Books from inside the nightstand next to my bed
4. Books from the floor next to the nightstand next to my bed. . .
161richardderus
The Phoenicians, an ancient sea-faring people, were completely incapable of computer data entry as their laptops were inadequately shielded from sea-water and subject to being hurled overboard by frustrated non-users.
162Carmenere
#160 lol, sounds like a plan, stasia!
Calm, I'm very excited! I thought I had it, but I wasn't sure til I began searching my shelves for 1111 material. The book is titled Wales: Epic views of a small country by Jan Morrison. Plan to read it while reading The Mabinogion hoping it will give me a feel for the country.
Calm, I'm very excited! I thought I had it, but I wasn't sure til I began searching my shelves for 1111 material. The book is titled Wales: Epic views of a small country by Jan Morrison. Plan to read it while reading The Mabinogion hoping it will give me a feel for the country.
163calm
Thanks Kara - I'll be along shortly:)
LOL - Stasia, maybe I should go for
Books I already own
Books I borrow
Books I buy in 2011
But that's only 3 categories:)
Richard - Funny but ?!
Lynda that does sound good ... and my local library has a copy ... now when will I have time to read it!
LOL - Stasia, maybe I should go for
Books I already own
Books I borrow
Books I buy in 2011
But that's only 3 categories:)
Richard - Funny but ?!
Lynda that does sound good ... and my local library has a copy ... now when will I have time to read it!
164alcottacre
163: Books you bought in 2010, books you think you own but cannot find so you have to borrow them. . .
165mckait
rd has popped over the edge I think.. richard .. again, I ask you..
I dare not do any challenge other than the 75. Finding a place to
shelve/ hide/stack/ books is challenge enough for me.
I dare not do any challenge other than the 75. Finding a place to
shelve/ hide/stack/ books is challenge enough for me.
166curlysue
all his stinkbug talk has caught up with him
75 challenge is good enough for me right now, besides I don't even know what year it is, jeez imagine me starting another challenge
75 challenge is good enough for me right now, besides I don't even know what year it is, jeez imagine me starting another challenge
167calm
Hi Kath - ah well what's a bit of insanity between friends:) At least he didn't do what he did to Stephen here!
I love the 75 challenge group - there's a bunch of great people here but it used to be so easy for me to get stuck into one genre (as evidenced by my library!) so the 1010 sounded good last year and I've enjoyed it so I'll do it again with the 1111 next year. Everything goes here though:)
At least I don't have to hide my books but they are a bit disorganised - apart from most of the unread books being in one place, overflowing as it is:)
Kara - glad we don't have stinkbugs here - sounds nasty!
When I see the number of different challenge threads it amazes me what people can do. I'm happy with my choices, but I don't think I could manage more than the ones I'm already doing.
Ah well time to update on what I've been reading ...
I love the 75 challenge group - there's a bunch of great people here but it used to be so easy for me to get stuck into one genre (as evidenced by my library!) so the 1010 sounded good last year and I've enjoyed it so I'll do it again with the 1111 next year. Everything goes here though:)
At least I don't have to hide my books but they are a bit disorganised - apart from most of the unread books being in one place, overflowing as it is:)
Kara - glad we don't have stinkbugs here - sounds nasty!
When I see the number of different challenge threads it amazes me what people can do. I'm happy with my choices, but I don't think I could manage more than the ones I'm already doing.
Ah well time to update on what I've been reading ...
168calm
Read for the TIOLI Prague and Golems Challenge
140) Body of Glass (AKA He, She and It) by Marge Piercy (7 October - 9 October)
Set in the near future, the effect of climate change has led to famine, disease and a brief nuclear war in the Middle East. The world is living with the consequences — divided into haves, in the protected corporate domes; and have-nots, in the wastelands known as the Glop; and the few surviving freetowns. Shira was brought up in Tikva, one of those freetowns, a Jewish settlement set up after the troubles. Returning home she finds that the town is under threat. Interspersed with her story is that of the ghetto of Prague in the 1600's, Rabbi Judah Loew and the golem he created to protect the Jews. This story is told by Shira's grandmother, Malkah, to a cyborg created to help protect Tikva.
The parallels between the stories - the role of a creator and his (or her) responsibility to the thing created; the importance of self, within family and community; the world and how we live and the consequences of our choices - combine in a way that makes you think. Marge Piercy has created a vision of the future that is plausible and reminds us that history can be repeated. I found this a compellingly interesting read; a wonderful story.
140) Body of Glass (AKA He, She and It) by Marge Piercy (7 October - 9 October)
Set in the near future, the effect of climate change has led to famine, disease and a brief nuclear war in the Middle East. The world is living with the consequences — divided into haves, in the protected corporate domes; and have-nots, in the wastelands known as the Glop; and the few surviving freetowns. Shira was brought up in Tikva, one of those freetowns, a Jewish settlement set up after the troubles. Returning home she finds that the town is under threat. Interspersed with her story is that of the ghetto of Prague in the 1600's, Rabbi Judah Loew and the golem he created to protect the Jews. This story is told by Shira's grandmother, Malkah, to a cyborg created to help protect Tikva.
The parallels between the stories - the role of a creator and his (or her) responsibility to the thing created; the importance of self, within family and community; the world and how we live and the consequences of our choices - combine in a way that makes you think. Marge Piercy has created a vision of the future that is plausible and reminds us that history can be repeated. I found this a compellingly interesting read; a wonderful story.
169calm
141) I Shall Wear Midnight by Terry Pratchett (10 October - 11 October)
I admit now that I am a huge fan of Terry Pratchett's work and I have loved his witch books since I first read Equal Rites, all those years ago when it was first published! In my opinion he has grown and developed as a writer and I find the Tiffany Aching books a wonderful part of the Discworld story. Even though they are aimed at a young reader audience I think that anybody can read and enjoy them. In fact this one may be a touch on the dark side for the very young.
Tiffany is now the full time witch of the Chalk, helping anybody who needs help but leaving very little time for herself. But there is something out there that is stirring up resentment against witches and Tiffany must face the danger, and the usual expectations for a young girl.
As always Terry Pratchett writes great characters and I loved the story. His work speaks to me and this is a world I want to visit time and time again.
170Carmenere
I knew it, I knew it, I knew it - but I still did it - came to calm's thread to say hi, leaving with two more for the wishlist.
171calm
Thanks for coming to say hi, Lynda
But ... er (I'm sorry to say this)... did you know that I Shall Wear Midnight is the fourth Tiffany Aching book?
If you haven't read them yet you probably need to read
1) The Wee Free Men
2) A Hat Full of Sky
3) Wintersmith
before ISWM and actually some knowledge of the other Discworld subseries might be useful. (Witches and Guards at least). Don't worry ISWM is only the 38th in the whole Discworld series:)
At least Body of Glass is a standalone:)
Happy reading!
But ... er (I'm sorry to say this)... did you know that I Shall Wear Midnight is the fourth Tiffany Aching book?
If you haven't read them yet you probably need to read
1) The Wee Free Men
2) A Hat Full of Sky
3) Wintersmith
before ISWM and actually some knowledge of the other Discworld subseries might be useful. (Witches and Guards at least). Don't worry ISWM is only the 38th in the whole Discworld series:)
At least Body of Glass is a standalone:)
Happy reading!
172souloftherose
#168 I have had Woman on the Edge of Time on my TBR pile for some time now but I Marge Piercy isn't an author I know much about. Body of Glass sounds like the sort of thing I'd enjoy so it's gone on the wishlist.
#169 Glad you enjoyed that one! I think the Tiffany Aching books are some of my favourite Pratchett books.
#169 Glad you enjoyed that one! I think the Tiffany Aching books are some of my favourite Pratchett books.
173calm
Thanks Heather, that was my first Marge Piercy she's definitely an author I will be reading more of. I'll look forward to hearing what you think of Woman on the Edge of Time.
The Tiffany Aching books are brilliant. I just love Pratchett's work:)
The Tiffany Aching books are brilliant. I just love Pratchett's work:)
174alcottacre
I also have Woman on the Edge of Time in my TBR stack, but I had never heard of Body of Glass. Thanks for giving me something else to look for, calm!
175calm
Stasia - If it hadn't been for avatiakh's (Kerry's) Prague and Golem Challenge I wouldn't have heard of it either. Hope you get to read it.
176alcottacre
#175: I am glad you mentioned the alternate title, calm. My local library has the book under that one. I really hate when publishers change the titles!
177iansales
#174 Body of Glass was published as He, She and It in the US. It won the Arthur C Clarke Award in 1993 under the non-US title.
178mckait
170 I escaped without an add... but just barely...
both books do sound interesting though...
both books do sound interesting though...
180calm
142) Jack Maggs by Peter Carey (11 October - 14 October)
There is a very Dickensian feel to this novel. It is well written but, for me, not a particularly gripping story. This story starts in 1837 when Jack Maggs returns to London looking for Henry Phipps, this leads him to the household of Percy Buckle and a meeting with Tobias Oates, an author and amateur hypnotist. Slowly the history of Maggs is revealed and he acts as a sort of catalyst in the lives of those who meets.
There is a great feel of the times and the people but somehow I didn't really care for any of the characters. In fact this does sometimes feel like more a set of character studies - rambling from character to character, getting their back story - than purely the tale of Jack Maggs. An interesting but slightly unsatisfying look at life in Victorian London.
181calm
Stasia - if I know that a book has a different title I will let people know. It is annoying when they change titles and I have bought books when I didn't know that they had done it.
Thanks for posting the extra info Ian. I didn't know that Body of Glass had won the Arthur C Clarke award.
Kath and Kara - well done for the BB dodging, maybe I'll get you both another day:)
Thanks for posting the extra info Ian. I didn't know that Body of Glass had won the Arthur C Clarke award.
Kath and Kara - well done for the BB dodging, maybe I'll get you both another day:)
182alcottacre
#180: I think I will skip that one. For some reason, Carey's books just do not appeal to me. I tried his Booker winner The True History of the Kelly Gang and gave up before I hit the 50 page mark.
183calm
Stasia - I thought he would appeal to me but he slightly missed. The cover blurb sounded like something I would enjoy and it wasn't bad enough to abandon but in the end it just fell flat. So I doubt if I'll try any more of his books but reading Jack Maggs meant that at least I completed my Alphabet Challenge. So not a complete waste of time but I'm sure there are books out there that will be a lot more enjoyable to me:)
184alcottacre
#183: From the blurb, I would have thought Jack Maggs would appeal to me as well, calm.
I hope you enjoy your next read much better!
I hope you enjoy your next read much better!
185mckait
ARGH! I hate it when I get sucked into a book that turns out not to be a good fit for me. sigh. So many books, so little time, frustrating to get sidetracked.
186calm
Thanks Stasia.
At the moment I am reading A World Lit Only by Fire, on Richard's recommendation. It's not quite what I expected but it is interesting. I'm also taking part in a group read of Little, Big - which I am loving - but that goes on until the end of the month, so I need to pick up something else for the in-between times. So I'll probably start either my ER book The Painted Darkness or The Earth Hums in B Flat next, both of which have good reviews so hopefully won't disappoint.
Kath - agreed but it happens and sometimes you just keep going hoping that it will click for you. Oh well they can't all be great reads though it would be nice if they were:)
At the moment I am reading A World Lit Only by Fire, on Richard's recommendation. It's not quite what I expected but it is interesting. I'm also taking part in a group read of Little, Big - which I am loving - but that goes on until the end of the month, so I need to pick up something else for the in-between times. So I'll probably start either my ER book The Painted Darkness or The Earth Hums in B Flat next, both of which have good reviews so hopefully won't disappoint.
Kath - agreed but it happens and sometimes you just keep going hoping that it will click for you. Oh well they can't all be great reads though it would be nice if they were:)
187alcottacre
I brought home Little, Big from the library the other day. I cannot wait to see what you think of it.
I will be reading The Earth Hums in B Flat shortly too, as I signed up for it on this month's TIOLI challenge.
I own A World Lit Only By Fire, so I will be interested in seeing what you think of that one as well. I believe I have already read it, but if I have, it has been a long while ago.
I will be reading The Earth Hums in B Flat shortly too, as I signed up for it on this month's TIOLI challenge.
I own A World Lit Only By Fire, so I will be interested in seeing what you think of that one as well. I believe I have already read it, but if I have, it has been a long while ago.
188curlysue
The Painted Darkness I just got a couple of weeks ago...still have to read that too :)
taking a pass onJack Maggs...sorry it fell flat, maybe the next one will deliver for you
taking a pass onJack Maggs...sorry it fell flat, maybe the next one will deliver for you
189SqueakyChu
> 186, 187
I think both of you will like The Earth Hums in B Flat. There is nothing in that book to disappoint. It's the story a young girl tells about how she tries to figure out issues that have to do with family and friends.
It takes place in Wales. I'm finding it fun to read a novel by a Welsh writer because there are terms, even though they are in English, with which I'm not familiar. I'm learning a bit as I read this novel as I look up those unfamiliar words.
I'm eager to hear your thoughts about this novel when you're both done reading it.
I think both of you will like The Earth Hums in B Flat. There is nothing in that book to disappoint. It's the story a young girl tells about how she tries to figure out issues that have to do with family and friends.
It takes place in Wales. I'm finding it fun to read a novel by a Welsh writer because there are terms, even though they are in English, with which I'm not familiar. I'm learning a bit as I read this novel as I look up those unfamiliar words.
I'm eager to hear your thoughts about this novel when you're both done reading it.
190calm
Stasia - I'm loving Little, Big. I hope that holds up to the end, there's a lovely dreamlike quality and I'm really getting a sense of place.
I'm not sure what I expected with A World Lit Only By Fire, I must say that now I'm onto the third section, about the explorations of the world (the flat versus round question and trying to circumnavigate the globe) I'm finding it more appealing than the long section about religion (Catholicism, the Popes and Luther, etc)
I've started The Earth Hums in B Flat and I'm really enjoying it
Hi Kara - The Painted Darkness does look good but, because it is an ER book, I want to read it when I can fully focus. It might also fit right in as a slightly spooky Halloween read, so I'll get to it soon.
I'm sure that other people will love Jack Maggs - maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it:)
Hi Madeleine - The Earth Hums in B Flat is right up my street. I'm so familiar with small Welsh coastal towns and the view up to Y Wyddfa and the Lleyn Peninsular. Mari Strachan seems to have the feel just right and I'm loving Gwenni!
I'm not sure what I expected with A World Lit Only By Fire, I must say that now I'm onto the third section, about the explorations of the world (the flat versus round question and trying to circumnavigate the globe) I'm finding it more appealing than the long section about religion (Catholicism, the Popes and Luther, etc)
I've started The Earth Hums in B Flat and I'm really enjoying it
Hi Kara - The Painted Darkness does look good but, because it is an ER book, I want to read it when I can fully focus. It might also fit right in as a slightly spooky Halloween read, so I'll get to it soon.
I'm sure that other people will love Jack Maggs - maybe I just wasn't in the right frame of mind for it:)
Hi Madeleine - The Earth Hums in B Flat is right up my street. I'm so familiar with small Welsh coastal towns and the view up to Y Wyddfa and the Lleyn Peninsular. Mari Strachan seems to have the feel just right and I'm loving Gwenni!
191alcottacre
Glad to know you are loving Little, Big, calm. I hope I do too!
192mckait
I have read Little, Big several times and really like it..
I have The Earth Hums in B Flat on the shelf....in fact read it already and gave it 4Stars, lol
:)
I have The Earth Hums in B Flat on the shelf....in fact read it already and gave it 4Stars, lol
:)
193calm
Kath - your name is down as my LT recommendation tag of The Earth Hums in B Flat - so you must have said something that made me buy it:)
Little, Big is already on my - must read again sometime list - and I haven't even finished it yet:)
Little, Big is already on my - must read again sometime list - and I haven't even finished it yet:)
194mckait
I remembered it when I looked at it.. I think you will like it :)
And Little Big.. I love quirky reads.. and this one qualifies :)
And Little Big.. I love quirky reads.. and this one qualifies :)
195calm
I remember what you said about The Earth Hums in B Flat - you sent me a PM about it back in May:)
Quirky is very good!
Quirky is very good!
196calm
Thanks to Richard for this one.
143) A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester (4 October - 17 October)
This is a difficult one to review as I was expecting something different but that is me so I'll try to be fair. When I saw the word Renaissance in the subtitle I expected more about the creativity of the artists and sculptors; the architects and the writers, they are mentioned but are not at the heart of the book. To a large extent what you do get are the scandals of the day (especially within the Roman Catholic Church); the development of the printing press leading to a desire for literacy and the translation of the Bible; the evolution of humanist thinking; progress in astronomy and navigation. It is very readable, almost gossipy in places, so it works as a book about the Papacy and what led to the Reformation; Martin Luther and the circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan.
143) A World Lit Only By Fire by William Manchester (4 October - 17 October)
This is a difficult one to review as I was expecting something different but that is me so I'll try to be fair. When I saw the word Renaissance in the subtitle I expected more about the creativity of the artists and sculptors; the architects and the writers, they are mentioned but are not at the heart of the book. To a large extent what you do get are the scandals of the day (especially within the Roman Catholic Church); the development of the printing press leading to a desire for literacy and the translation of the Bible; the evolution of humanist thinking; progress in astronomy and navigation. It is very readable, almost gossipy in places, so it works as a book about the Papacy and what led to the Reformation; Martin Luther and the circumnavigation of the globe by Magellan.
197alcottacre
#196: *sigh* I am going to have to dig out my copy of that one.
198calm
I'm sure you'll get to it one day, Stasia;)
Right I'm behind on my Book Thoughts/Reviews again, as there are three books that I've finished in the last few days.
First up
144) The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan (16 October - 18 October)
Mari Strachan has created a very realistic portrayal of small town life seen through the eyes of a child. Twelve year old Gwenni Morgan lives in a small Welsh town with her father, Tada; mother, Magda; and older sister, Bethan. Gwenni is an imaginative child and the likeable narrator of this story. Attempting to uncover the mystery of the disappearance of a neighbour, like in her favourite detective stories, Gwenni uncovers more secrets than are comfortable for her family and neighbours.
I really liked this book. It is an enjoyable book that deals with some difficult issues. The characters, as seen through Gwenni's eyes, are a mixed bunch - from the lovable to the disagreeable and the sense of community is strong. The way the story unfolds is very good. As an adult reader the mystery of Ifan Evans disappearance is obvious but Gwenni's naivety is charming.
Right I'm behind on my Book Thoughts/Reviews again, as there are three books that I've finished in the last few days.
First up
144) The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan (16 October - 18 October)
Mari Strachan has created a very realistic portrayal of small town life seen through the eyes of a child. Twelve year old Gwenni Morgan lives in a small Welsh town with her father, Tada; mother, Magda; and older sister, Bethan. Gwenni is an imaginative child and the likeable narrator of this story. Attempting to uncover the mystery of the disappearance of a neighbour, like in her favourite detective stories, Gwenni uncovers more secrets than are comfortable for her family and neighbours.
I really liked this book. It is an enjoyable book that deals with some difficult issues. The characters, as seen through Gwenni's eyes, are a mixed bunch - from the lovable to the disagreeable and the sense of community is strong. The way the story unfolds is very good. As an adult reader the mystery of Ifan Evans disappearance is obvious but Gwenni's naivety is charming.
199calm
145) The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger (18 October - 19 October)
I'm wondering why it took me so long to get around to reading this. Maybe because of its reputation as having a whingy narrator; Maybe because I am not American and it wasn't a set book at school. I was wrong to avoid it for so long. Holden Caulfield's stream of conciousness narration works very well. His journey after being expelled from school is well written and interesting His life and his relationships with family and friends, schoolteachers and the casual meetings that occur during the short period of time covered in the story are just right. Definitely a book worth reading.
200calm
146) The Painted Darkness by Brian James Freeman (19 October)
This is a short novella but it does tell a reasonably powerful story. With chapters alternating between Henry as an adult and one day in the life of Henry as a child; a pivotal day in his development as an artist; a day he has blanked out until left alone in a house with his paintings and an approaching nightmare.
Brian James Freeman has created a compelling tale of the force of imagination and creativity. How much do we create our own nightmares and how much truly comes from outside forces? I liked the way the story develops. It has a deceptive simplicity. One I will enjoy re-reading. Nice illustrations as well.
202Carmenere
I see you've been a very busy reader, calm. I've, of course, wishlisted your numbers 144 & 146, I have Catcher in the Rye on my bookshelf but haven't found the right time to read it though I hope I do soon. I feel it should have been a high school read, but it somehow escaped my attention.
BTW: Three very good reviews. It's tough for me to do multiple reviews, in fact, I've gotten sort of lazy with mine.
BTW: Three very good reviews. It's tough for me to do multiple reviews, in fact, I've gotten sort of lazy with mine.
203Donna828
>198 calm:: I picked up The World Hums in B Flat (love that title!) from the library today. I'm glad you liked it. I thought it sounded good but was afraid it might have been overhyped. I may take a short break from Dracula to read it over the week end when I'm recovering from dental work. I'm reading both books for the TIOLI Challenge.
204alcottacre
#198: I am reading The Earth Hums in B Flat now too and enjoying it. I am glad you did as well, calm.
205calm
Kath - thanks for the recommendation. I did enjoy it and most of the other people reading it for TIOLI liked it as well.
Lynda - I hope you can get to Catcher in the Rye soon. I think it's one of those books that has been talked about so much that it might be hard to conquer the preconceptions, but I think it's worth reading for yourself:)
I'm sure you'll love The Earth Hums in B Flat. The Painted Darkness had just the right amount of spookiness to make it a good Halloween read for me.
Donna - The TIOLI is great for finding books off the TBR pile. There has been a lot of positive reaction to The Earth Hums in B Flat so I hope you like it as well. I haven't read Dracula in years I hope you are liking it.
Stasia - what's not to like:) I'll look forward to your Sunday post - I'll dodge one BB at least:)
Lynda - I hope you can get to Catcher in the Rye soon. I think it's one of those books that has been talked about so much that it might be hard to conquer the preconceptions, but I think it's worth reading for yourself:)
I'm sure you'll love The Earth Hums in B Flat. The Painted Darkness had just the right amount of spookiness to make it a good Halloween read for me.
Donna - The TIOLI is great for finding books off the TBR pile. There has been a lot of positive reaction to The Earth Hums in B Flat so I hope you like it as well. I haven't read Dracula in years I hope you are liking it.
Stasia - what's not to like:) I'll look forward to your Sunday post - I'll dodge one BB at least:)
206alcottacre
#205: I am not sure I will be done with it by Sunday, calm. I am hoping to but have 3 others that are prioritized above it at the moment.
207calm
147) The Dream of Scipio by Iain Pears (20 October - 24 October)
After a slow start I really got into this novel. Spanning three time eras, the 5th century AD and the fall of the Western Roman Empire; the 15th Century AD and the Black Death; and the 20th century AD and the invasion of France in the Second World War, I wasn't sure at first whether the format was going to work. As the story jumped time periods, switching from one character to another I gradually picked up each thread and loved the intertwined stories of Manlius Hippomanes, Olivier de Noyen and Julien Barneuve. The setting is constant - the area around Avignon in France and all the stories are linked by the love of classical works and philosophy. All three men are influenced by a female character, with a Jewish connection.
In the end I really enjoyed this book. The build up of the characters stories; the insight into the different ways they deal with the crises in their lives as reflected by the times in which they live; the question of the force of religion within society; the need for scapegoats at critical moments of history - all in all this is a fascinating read.
208richardderus
Book #147 wishlisted, as I feel the need to determine if I simply disliked An Instance of the Fingerpost or if I dislike Iain Pears. Coming with your approval, I feel confident I can judge the issue fairly by reading this one.
How have I missed your thread for almost a month?!?
How have I missed your thread for almost a month?!?
209calm
Hi Richard - no idea how you missed me - but this is a busy group and it's easy to lose people! At least you found me again:)
I must say I don't fancy reading An Instance of the Fingerpost - not a period of history that interests me and if I followed the Pearl Rule I might have given up on Dream of Scipio - it takes a while to get into. Hope you do like it.
I must say I don't fancy reading An Instance of the Fingerpost - not a period of history that interests me and if I followed the Pearl Rule I might have given up on Dream of Scipio - it takes a while to get into. Hope you do like it.
210richardderus
I also added The Painted Darkness, because it sounded really cool. Bizarrely, my liberry has it!
*smooch*
*smooch*
211calm
*smooch* back at you
Good library. I'm not sure what the released date was as mine came as an ER book - I'll be interested to see what you think of it.
Good library. I'm not sure what the released date was as mine came as an ER book - I'll be interested to see what you think of it.
212richardderus
The Rockville Centre, New York, library is very, very good. They get multiples of new, hot books...eg, five copies of Wolf Hall...they will ILL for people not their village's patrons (any Nassau County village card is honored to check out books in the whole county, but not many will do special services for other villages' residents)...their research staff is small but very competent and motivated to help in every imaginable way. One of them was a used-and-rare books dealer before the crash. She's a hoot!
My own village is less helpful to me, a taxpayer within it, than they've been. I'm glad that library is a five-minute drive from here.
My own village is less helpful to me, a taxpayer within it, than they've been. I'm glad that library is a five-minute drive from here.
213alcottacre
#207: I own that one, but have absolutely no idea where it is :)
BTW - I finished The Earth Hums in B Flat after I got home from work this morning. I liked it, but did not love it.
BTW - I finished The Earth Hums in B Flat after I got home from work this morning. I liked it, but did not love it.
214richardderus
>213 alcottacre: I just got back from the liberry with it...and whaddaya know, it was on The Divine Miss's nightstand already. *shrug*
215iansales
#207 I recently read The Dream of Scipio and enjoyed it too.
217calm
Richard - wow a good library only 5 mins away. That's brilliant.
I presume that you are not talking about The Earth Hums in B Flat so - Has The Divine Miss read The Dream of Scipio? and absolutely nothing wrong with having 2 copies of the same book in the house if you both want to read it:)
Stasia - I hope you can find it.
Maybe The Earth Hums in B Flat meant more to me living in the area and being familiar with that kind of community (not that I was here in the 50's but some of the same attitudes were around when I was a child in the 70's!)
Ian - yes I noticed that. I'll have to check out your thread for some more interesting reads.
kath - drop by any time - you're always welcome:)
I presume that you are not talking about The Earth Hums in B Flat so - Has The Divine Miss read The Dream of Scipio? and absolutely nothing wrong with having 2 copies of the same book in the house if you both want to read it:)
Stasia - I hope you can find it.
Maybe The Earth Hums in B Flat meant more to me living in the area and being familiar with that kind of community (not that I was here in the 50's but some of the same attitudes were around when I was a child in the 70's!)
Ian - yes I noticed that. I'll have to check out your thread for some more interesting reads.
kath - drop by any time - you're always welcome:)
218calm
148) The Children's Book by A. S. Byatt (24 October - 30 October)
What I most loved about this book were the characters; Olive Wellwood's stories; the wonderful descriptive nature of the way Byatt describes the art, pottery, theatre and writing of the times. I can see that not everybody would like this book (and some of the themes might actually be distressing to some) but I love the way she has captured the era.
This is a book that I think you need to take your time with, not one to be rushed. If you are at all interested in the end of the Victorian era and the social concerns of the time this is worth reading but A. S. Byatt packs a lot into this book, so much so that occassionally it felt like info-dumping. Covering 25 years, from the end of the Nineteenth century to just after the First World War, and a huge cast of characters I sometimes felt that she was trying to tell too big a story but at others I just went along with it - lost in this bygone era. So I am feeling ambivalent about it. On one hand I admire the way she has crafted a wonderful insight into those days - the social and political history in particular - and on the other that she has placed her characters into so many of the issues of that time that I thought she was almost checking off key points and when she couldn't put her imagined characters into the issues she just reeled off the history. Fortunately I already knew some of the history she describes so I didn't get lost in the world of Fabians; suffragettes; the Arts and Crafts movement; anarchists and socialists ... amongst other topics covered!
Not an easy read but one I ended up appreciating. I guess I could say recommended if you already have some knowledge of that time.
219souloftherose
#218 I've been interested in that one for a while but it never seems to feel like quite the right time to dive in.
220alcottacre
#218: I started that one and then got sidetracked. I think Peggy and I are going to do a 'read along' of it together come December. Hopefully, I will stay better on track with it this time!
221calm
Heather - I think it's one that you have to be in the mood for (and have the time to concentrate!). I do love Byatt's writing though.
Stasia - Fortunately books don't mind when (or if) you read them. I hope that you don't get sidetracked next time:)
Stasia - Fortunately books don't mind when (or if) you read them. I hope that you don't get sidetracked next time:)
223calm
Hi Kath - yes it is a wonderful cover - the main image is a Lalique dragonfly woman brooch, which is beautiful!
224alcottacre
#221: I do not think I will have the chance to get sidetracked next time. Peggy will keep me on point.
226calm
Stasia - I think it will be great as a shared read. Some things are easier with company:)
Lynda- that's alright I've hit you with enough BB's in the past:)
Lynda- that's alright I've hit you with enough BB's in the past:)
227calm
149) Little, Big by John Crowley (2 October - 1 November)
It's difficult to say what I think about this book. Getting lost among the inhabitants of Edgewood and the City was an experience that can't be put into words. It is wonderful, a beautiful piece of writing - strange, bizarre and compellingly dream-like. This is a world within the world, limnal and totally unique. A world I long to return to and experience again. A definite keeper.
228calm
Thanks to Ellie for this one.
150) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (1 November- 2 November)
The first in a series. A fast paced read with lots of action. Fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh are working in San Francisco during the summer when suddenly they are drawn into a world of magic. I really enjoyed Michael Scott's use of mythical and historical characters to create his story. The major downside is that this is not a book that stands alone - I really want to know the rest of the story.
150) The Alchemyst by Michael Scott (1 November- 2 November)
The first in a series. A fast paced read with lots of action. Fifteen year old twins Sophie and Josh are working in San Francisco during the summer when suddenly they are drawn into a world of magic. I really enjoyed Michael Scott's use of mythical and historical characters to create his story. The major downside is that this is not a book that stands alone - I really want to know the rest of the story.
229calm
I spotted this one on Laura's (lindsacl) thread.
151) Cold Earth by Sarah Moss (2 November - 3 November)
Six people isolated on an archaeological dig in Greenland trying to discover why the settlement failed - raiders, climate change, disease are all possibilities. Six people with their own problems and reasons for being there. As their connection with the outside world is lost the stresses of the isolation, and not knowing if their loved ones are safe, build into a story that is haunting.
Sarah Moss's debut novel is a good one. The characters are irritatingly human - with their own prejudices and experiences. Not always likeable but well drawn. The plot develops nicely with the reader unsure whether the ghosts are real or the product of a disturbed mind. I liked it and found it to be a gripping read.
151) Cold Earth by Sarah Moss (2 November - 3 November)
Six people isolated on an archaeological dig in Greenland trying to discover why the settlement failed - raiders, climate change, disease are all possibilities. Six people with their own problems and reasons for being there. As their connection with the outside world is lost the stresses of the isolation, and not knowing if their loved ones are safe, build into a story that is haunting.
Sarah Moss's debut novel is a good one. The characters are irritatingly human - with their own prejudices and experiences. Not always likeable but well drawn. The plot develops nicely with the reader unsure whether the ghosts are real or the product of a disturbed mind. I liked it and found it to be a gripping read.
230Carmenere
First Stasia, now you, two opinions I have learned to trust, I can no longer continue to ignore Little,Big. Sure, while I'm at it I may as well add Cold Earth to the evergrowing wishlist as well. :0)
231richardderus
Up-gethumbed both Little, Big and Cold Earth.
232alcottacre
#227/228: Read both of those so I am dodging those BBs. I am so glad you enjoyed Little, Big as much as I did. I am going to have to get a copy of that one for my personal library.
#229: I already have that one in the BlackHole, so I can dodge that one too.
I gave you thumbs up too.
#229: I already have that one in the BlackHole, so I can dodge that one too.
I gave you thumbs up too.
233calm
Lynda - What's another couple of books on the list - a mere drop in the ocean! I hope you get to them soon.
Richard - Thanks for the thumbs, that's a big compliment from someone who writes such wonderful reviews:)
Stasia - Pleased you escaped adding anything to the BlackHole:) I hope you manage to find your own copy of Little, Big soon - it is one that will stand re-reading.
Richard - Thanks for the thumbs, that's a big compliment from someone who writes such wonderful reviews:)
Stasia - Pleased you escaped adding anything to the BlackHole:) I hope you manage to find your own copy of Little, Big soon - it is one that will stand re-reading.
234alcottacre
#233: I agree with you about Little, Big. I think I could probably re-read that every year or so.
235calm
Yes I agree. I made a small mistake this year - made a decision that I was determined not to reread as there are so many books out there that I haven't read yet! Next year I am definitely going back to some old favourites. Those unread books can wait a little longer:)
236alcottacre
I have done far less re-reading since joining LT than I did prior to LT, but I know what you mean. I think I am going to re-read some of my old favorites next year, although I did re-read one of them this year - 84, Charing Cross Road.
237calm
First of all a warning to people who don't like books where animals (and people) die - do not pick up this book! No matter what I've said in my review this is not a book for you.
152) Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernières (3 November)
I picked this up expecting to take my time (as I usually do with short story collections) but I was so taken with the village of Notwithstanding and its inhabitants that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
This is a collection of short vignettes based on the village where de Bernières grew up. This is a nostalgic look at eccentric England - a varied cast of characters whose stories overlap and portray a picture of the past. Some tales are humorous; some tragic; some sad - all are very British. In some ways this is a very bleak story - as a way of life disappears; houses bought by incomers - pricing locals out of the market; the old guard grow old and die; the young lose their innocence and change. But amongst this he has managed to capture an essence of place and changing times while remaining constant with his love for the lost rural life that he knew as a boy. I really liked the way de Bernières managed to touch my emotions - I smiled, I laughed and I cried; got angry in one or two places. It worked for me!
152) Notwithstanding by Louis de Bernières (3 November)
I picked this up expecting to take my time (as I usually do with short story collections) but I was so taken with the village of Notwithstanding and its inhabitants that before I knew it I was turning the last page.
This is a collection of short vignettes based on the village where de Bernières grew up. This is a nostalgic look at eccentric England - a varied cast of characters whose stories overlap and portray a picture of the past. Some tales are humorous; some tragic; some sad - all are very British. In some ways this is a very bleak story - as a way of life disappears; houses bought by incomers - pricing locals out of the market; the old guard grow old and die; the young lose their innocence and change. But amongst this he has managed to capture an essence of place and changing times while remaining constant with his love for the lost rural life that he knew as a boy. I really liked the way de Bernières managed to touch my emotions - I smiled, I laughed and I cried; got angry in one or two places. It worked for me!
239alcottacre
#237: I already have that one in the BlackHole or I would be adding it again. I am glad to see you enjoyed it, calm.
edited for spelling
edited for spelling
241richardderus
Oh darn. *trudges off to wishlist Notwithstanding*
242calm
Sorry not to get back to you all sooner.
Kath - I hope it's one you'll enjoy. Ellie loved it and it was sitting on the local library shelf, so I couldn't resist picking it up. I must see if they have the rest of the series.
Stasia - I like de Bernieres work he seems to capture the essence of the places he talks about. I hope you manage to track down a copy sometime after the Book Buying Ban:)
Lynda - well I went for a few quick reads after The Children's Book. Slowing down a bit now:)
Richard - pleased to see you here *trudge back* any time:)
Hopefully most of you are going to escape any adding to wishlists with the next one. Review of The Elegance of the Hedgehog coming later! Need to check a few threads, do a bit of housework and get my brain in gear:)
Kath - I hope it's one you'll enjoy. Ellie loved it and it was sitting on the local library shelf, so I couldn't resist picking it up. I must see if they have the rest of the series.
Stasia - I like de Bernieres work he seems to capture the essence of the places he talks about. I hope you manage to track down a copy sometime after the Book Buying Ban:)
Lynda - well I went for a few quick reads after The Children's Book. Slowing down a bit now:)
Richard - pleased to see you here *trudge back* any time:)
Hopefully most of you are going to escape any adding to wishlists with the next one. Review of The Elegance of the Hedgehog coming later! Need to check a few threads, do a bit of housework and get my brain in gear:)
243calm
153) The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery (3 November - 5 November)
Not perfect but this is a book I am pleased to have read. I liked the story of Renee and Paloma - two lonely people who hide from the world and their discovery of what makes life worth living. Given the subject there is a lot of philosophising about life, art, literature, etc. but I love that kind of thing. The secondary characters are in some ways stereotypes but, given the narrators' point of view, that is understandable. I guess that one of the messages in this book is the ability to look behind the mask that people portray to the world and see the real person.
This was another book that I didn't want to put down. Would everybody like it - No, but it works for me.
244alcottacre
#243: I loved that one! I am glad you enjoyed it, calm.
245calm
Thanks Stasia, I think it is going into my favourites collection - the ones I hope to reread one day:)
246wisechild
I've heard great things about The Elegance of the Hedgehog so it's already on my wishlist. I will be adding Notwithstanding though. It sounds just like my cup o tea. It sounds somewhat similar to William Trevor, whose stories I love. Thanks for the recommendation!
248souloftherose
#243 Already on the wishlist, glad to hear it was good enough to make the favourites collection :-)
250calm
Hi Karen - I don't think I've read any William Trevor - I'll have to investigate his work.
Kath - How are you? Book Funk over?
When it's the right time it will call your name:)
Heather - I hope you like it as much as I did.
Lynda - I know what you mean, books are mentioned ... you are sure you wrote down the title and next time you see it ... it's not there! The good thing about this group is that the good books keep getting mentioned:)
Off to set up the new thread.
Here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/102027
Kath - How are you? Book Funk over?
When it's the right time it will call your name:)
Heather - I hope you like it as much as I did.
Lynda - I know what you mean, books are mentioned ... you are sure you wrote down the title and next time you see it ... it's not there! The good thing about this group is that the good books keep getting mentioned:)
Off to set up the new thread.
Here
http://www.librarything.com/topic/102027
