Donna828 Reads Between the Lines in 2012 - January

"Reading is important. Read between the lines -- don't swallow everything."
~Gwendolyn Brooks



Books Read in 2012



Pages Read in 2012

Hello to visitors, both old friends and first-timers. All are welcome - even lurkers! I'm looking forward to my 4th year in the 75 Books Challenge. I've had such fun making friends here and expanding my reading horizons. I'll be trying to keep up with the 12 in 12 Challenge this year along with challenges for Orange January/July and the Booker Prize. The Take It Or Leave It Challenge (TIOLI) will also help guide my reading choices. That should keep me out of trouble!

My bio on the introductions thread:
Hello all! I'm a 64-year-old grandmother of four (see my new profile pic!) who loves to read. Happily, I've found the perfect community here on LT to share my reading habit with like-minded people. My favorite books of 2011 range from an oldie, Anatomy Of A Murder, to a newer historical fiction, The Invisible Bridge. This past year I've been to Canada, Russia, India, Africa, France, and Hungary -- just in my top ten books! I've traveled back to Civil War days and forward to a post-apocalyptic time. I've also spent time with a family who lost one of their own to suicide. Where else can you have such varied experiences except through the pages of books?

"A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading it." ~William Styron

I enjoy literary fiction and classics, but I also learned from a few gentle nudges that trying new things, such as graphic novels and speculative fiction, is a good way to keep my reading fresh.

My reading life has been greatly enriched by my discovery of LT in March of 2007. I began taking part in the 75 Challenge in 2009. Since then I've made many book friends and look forward to making more. Please visit me on my shiny new 2012 thread or on my updated profile page.

Happy Reading to all in 2012!

End-of-Year Recap:
Total No. of Books Read: 124 My all-time high; I'm going to slow down to read between the lines this year and let my record stand.
Books From My Shelves: 76! Not all of these are leaving home, but I'll still try to maintain my book in/book out policy.

Total Pages Read in 2011: 40,150.
Average of almost 110 pages per day.

Borrowed from Stephen (Ape)...
Describe yourself: The Portrait of A Lady
Describe how you feel: The Imperfectionists
Describe where you currently live: The Tender Land
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: The Country of the Pointed Firs
Your favorite form of transportation: Started Early Took My Dog
Your best friend is: A Novel Bookstore
You and your friends are: Unbroken
What’s the weather like: Red Sky at Morning
You fear: The Storm at the Door
What is the best advice you have to give: Let's Take the Long Way Home
Thought for the day: I Shall Not Hate
How I would like to die: After Life
My soul’s present condition: State of Wonder

Books Read in December, 2011:
My Year of Meats -Ruth L. Ozeki.
Meat is the message of documentaries filmed for Japanese audiences, but the most important message is about relationships between the characters.
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Anita Loos.
If you like blonde jokes, you'll love this book!
The Tender Land - Kathleen Finneran.
A heartrending memoir about a family that struggles to go on after a suicide.
The Cat's Table - Michael Ondaatje.
An ocean voyage from Sri Lanka to England makes a memorable impression on an impressionable 11-year-old.
A Different Kind of Christmas - Alex Haley.
A young southerner learns about slavery from his Quaker Friends.
Sea of Poppies - Amitav Ghosh.
A colorful cast of characters from India, England, and the U.S. meet their destiny on the former slave ship Ibis.
An Irish Country Village - Patrick Taylor.
New Doctor Barry Laverty continues his apprenticeship under the wise Dr. Fingal O'Reilly amongst the memorable characters in Ballybuckebo.
The Rembrandt Affair - Daniel Silva.
Israeli intelligence officer and renowned art restorer follows the path of a stolen Rembrandt painting across Europe in this fast-paced tale of wits and espionage.

This is my fourth year too! You've set yourself some challenges readingwise. Good luck!

>4 jadebird:: Wow, Ren, you're speedy this morning. And a newbie to boot! Welcome to my shiny new thread for a shiny new year. Thank you for the good luck. I'll need it. ;-)

Hi Donna, found you and looking forward to your 2012 reviews and chat!

Hi Donna. So glad to see you here. All the best for a great New Year!

Hi Donna! dropping in to leave my star

*waves quickly to Donna, then dashes off to see what other mischief she can make*

Here to wish you an early Happy New Year (and to stake out a seat near the front!) :-)

Since even lurkers (and that would include me!) are welcome -- I thought I'd just say "Hi" and Happy New Year! :-) Oh, and you have adorable grandkids -- but you already knew that!

Found and starred Donna! :D

ok, no lurking this year ;-)
*starred*

*starred*

I've got you starred!

Just stopping by to drop a star - and off to do some more lurking!

Well, you know I plan on following you around next year, so be prepared! We should have another great year! Happy New Year!

Glad to see you back with us again, Donna! (although if you did not show up, I would have tracked you down. . .)

Found you!

#11 Nancy, will you be starting your own thread this year?

Stopping by to add my star! Happy New Reading Year, Donna!

Found and starred!
Happy New Reading Year, Donna!

>19 sjmccreary:

No, Sandy -- not yet! I'm just going to continue being a lurker -- until someone objects! I don't think I could handle the reponsibility of having my own thread. :-)

(But maybe I could just carry on conversations on Donna's thread?!)

#22: maybe I could just carry on conversations on Donna's thread?

Why not? The rest of us have been known to carry on conversations on other people's threads!

#22, 23: sometimes I have to look up at the tab to be sure I remember whose thread I'm on! :-)
I think that's one indicator that we are a community (although I do think we try not to take over one another's threads too much).

Hi Donna! *waves*

>22 Nancy618:: Not a bad idea, Nance. It would cut down on our 2-hour phone conversations! ;-)

I've been trying to keep up with my visitors by returning the visit on their new threads... at least the ones I could find!

Thanks for stopping by: Ren, Cushla, Becky, Chelle, Terri, Katie, Nancy, Valerie, Anita, Kara, Cindy, Marilyn, Mark, Stasia, Sandy, Nathalie, and Ellen. Whew! I hope I didn't leave anyone out.

Hi Donna! Just stopping by to star you!

Hi Donna, I'll be back in 2012. Have to start thinking about a thread myself. I kind of like Nancy's idea. Hmmm.

Hi, Donna!

Stopping by to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year:) I hope you had a great holiday!

Bente

Careful Nancy, Donna may share her thread AND the responsibility for responding to so many visitors . . . ; )

Hellllooooo Donna! Looking forward to following your reading adventures in 2012. Happy New Year!!!

Donna, Just took time to really look at the picture and quote at the top of your new thread . . . Very clever!

I made it, Donna! Not sure who's watching the cafe, but I'm glad to be here. Happy New Year!

Hey there Miss Lady...liked your meme up top!

Ah, Donna; a fresh new thread with lots of good ideas. Still working on my ideas, but I did crea a place to put them, should any occur to me...

Welcome back!

Thanks for the warning, Brenda! It's that responding responsibility that worries me. ;-) So I guess I'd better get out of here and go back to lurking! Bye......

36: Rats! I thought Brenda had a terrific idea, and I was going to let you respond to every other message, although I would miss the interaction with my visitors.

Happy New Year, Nancy!

A big Ozarks welcome to Dee, Bonnie, Bente (I've missed you!), Brenda, Lynda, Joe, Richard, Gail, and Jim. I'm looking forward to another fulfilling reading year with all of you.

#25: Whew! I hope I didn't leave anyone out. The hazards of LibraryThing..... ;-)

Yup..and it only grows, and grows, and grows... :D

*waves*

Good morning Ellen, Valerie, and Faith. I've missed you around here, Faith. This group is exploding and will continue to do so throughout the week end so I'm going to offer my Happy New Year wishes to all who visit in the next day or so. I'll begin reading my first book of the new year, One by One in the Darkness sometime tomorrow. In the meantime...



Lol!

Happy New Year Donna!

Here's to a spectacular 2012!

Forgive me for not catching up... I am just trying to stake a place :)

Stopping to say Hi so I don't lose you!

Looking forward to your thoughts on One by One. It was a slow burner for me and I almost gave up on it but then something clicked and it ended up leaving quite an impression.

Happy new year!

Woohoo, I've finally made my way to your 2012 home. Hi there!

Happy New Year, Donna! I hope to be better at keeping up with your thread this year.

I'm a photobucket fan too!

Donna, look forward to keeping up in 2012. Happy new year!

Happy New Year Donna!

Found you! Excitedly gathering threads in our new group!

Hi Donna! Hoping you have a great New Year!!

Starred! Looking forward to the new year and new reading challenges! Looks like keeping up with your thread will be a big one :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR, dear Donna!
I'm bringing a star and a hope that 2012 bests 2011 in wonderful books and conversation!

It's not even midnight and you've passed the 50 message mark! You ARE going to be hard to keep up with this year Donna.

Happy New Year Donna! Got you starred and will be watching/lurking/commenting! :-)

A Happy and Spectacular New Year to Heather and Lynda.

Kath, it's a good thing I'm not superstitious! Cool kitty. ;-)

Hi to Tammy and Luxx.

Dee, I'll keep that in mind about One by One and not give up too easily, though I rarely give up on a book.

Hi Caro, you're a bit hard to keep up with yourself!

Happy New Year to Paul and Kara.

I've been starring like crazy, too, Nancy. I hope I can keep up with everyone.

Thanks for those fancy graphics, Chelle and Claudia.

Dear Peggy, I'm looking forward to a good year of reading although I don't expect to top the 124 books I read this year.

Good to see you, Deborah. It's all fluff so far. ;-)

Hi Ilana, thanks for closing out last year's thread with a big bang!

Happy New Year of Reading, Donna!

I'm a bit worried about that turtle on the railroad tracks up there in your first post (not to mention the frog on the highway!), but beyond that I am happy to star your 2012 thread, Donna. I picked up some good recommendations from you in 2011, thanks!

#59: OMG, I had not even noticed that Donna has set up such a scenario here --
Now I'm going to worry about that turtle and that frog.

Except that I'm sure the RR tracks are defunct and the highway is poorly travelled.

Happy New Year, Donna! Ready for Joplin again yet? I am!

Happy New Year, Donna! Excellent work on reading 76 books from your shelves in 2011; I hope I can match, if not exceed, that amount.

58-60: LOL, Ellen and Julia. I think those are an abandoned road and RR track on my tickers, but I promise to move my little critters to safety if any traffic appears.

61: I'm always ready for Joplin, Stasia. It's just a short hop away for me.

62: Thanks for noticing, Darryl. My choices are more limited as my stacks dwindle. I'm striving for a 50:50 ratio of reading my own books this year rather than the 61% I read in 2011.

Have a great first day of 2012 everybody! I'll be reading and paying a few more Sunday visits around here.

Happy New Year, Donna! I hope you have a great day today! It's gloomy and damp here. It supposed to get much colder through the day. Oh well, at least I'm not working.

hi Donna! enjoying your end-of-year book quiz. did you intentionally read books with such pretty titles?! favorite transportation is priceless!!

Hi Donna -- Happy New Year! I LOVED the photos you posted at the end of your 2011 thread -- thanks for sharing!

Good morning, Donna, and Happy New Year! Thanks for being first on my thread.

Donna, I thought it was interesting that you and your daughter were the only ones in the family not to get sick at Christmas. I remain convinced that mothers have a special immunity that allows them to continue caring for the family during these little epidemics. Haley's mom just hasn't had long enough to develop the "Mom Immunity" yet. Glad to hear that everyone is better now.

Love your book quiz answers - especially how to die!

Happy New Year Donna!! I'm looking forward to sharing some great reads with you this year.

Mark - sunny and cool here. I thought the wind was going to blow our semi-new roof off the house last night. We went to a movie today to usher in the new year. See my comments at end of this post. I'm still in recovery!

Jenny - it was fun matching titles to descriptions. Since I begin most days with a walk with Lucky, I thought the Atkinson book was most appropriate.

Hi Anne, I imagine you have some fun pictures of your own. How is that bananagram-athon going?

Roni - I'm so seldom first at anything...it was a pleasure initiating your thread.

Sandy - I almost said something about the mothers having to stay healthy to care for others, but I didn't want to jinx myself. Surely I'm out of danger by now. *knock on wood* The "After Life" response was my favorite, too.

Joanne - we got home from the movie in time to catch the Denver/KC game. I'm actually cheering for the Broncos. It would be so cool to see my second favorite team in the Super Bowl. Go Tebow!

**********************************************************

DH and I saw a 5-star and 5 hanky movie today. War Horse was another hit by Stephen Speilberg. I read where over 100 horses were used as stand-ins for Joey. What a horse... what a movie. The only problem is that I had a lump in my throat the size of Lucky's giant tennis ball during most of the movie. It's a good thing we weren't eating popcorn!

This is a repeat picture of Christmas morning at our house. The football (not pictured) has been deflated, but the tennis ball has him stumped! Lucky is an 85-pound Lab just to give you an idea of the size of his new toy.

Your lab looks none too happy with his prize. :-)

Happy New Year Donna!

I've seen the trailer for War Horse so many times, but I STILL don't know what that move is about! :)

Found you and wishing you a Happy New Year Donna!

Donna- I'm so glad you enjoyed the film War Horse. It looks tailor-made to be a tear-jerker. We had plans to see it tomorrow but everything we wanted to do today...did not get done.
I love the picture of Lucky!

Donna, thanks for the tip on War Horse. I've wondered about it and thought it looked excellent - now I know!

Oh boy... I can't do animal flicks... I'll bawl the whole way through. The trailer for 'A Dolphin Tale'? Yeah, I was crying within the first 30 seconds... LOL.

haha Lucky's ball looks a little too large. I think my lab would look at it funny too!
Jax's stuff hedgehog already has no stuffing, I think it lasted about 12 hours. Poor thing lol

Oh Donna, I'm so glad you enjoyed "War Horse." I want to see it and I'm just not sure other patrons in the theater would appreciate my presence (not only would I need 5 *boxes* of hankies, that's the kind of movie in which I would likely not be able to sob quietly). We'll see where I land on all that.

Lucky's a cutie pie. Guess he should have gotten a large racquet to go with the tennis ball. ;-)

I'm like Faith--canNOT do animal flicks, but glad you enjoyed it.

My dad's decided he'd rather risk War Horse, than Hugo in 3D. He says he worries 3D will make him feel sick. I've tried to warn him about War Horse, but I don't think he knows quite what he's in for. I want to see both, but... yeah, I'll be crying like a baby I'm sure.

Just stopping by to star your thread and wish you Happy New Year, Donna.

Happy New Year!

Mike - Lucky is camera shy. He was told to "sit" not to "smile!"

Valerie - A boy and his horse; horse drafted into WWI; boy follows; take tissues. That's War Horse in a nutshell!

Hey Leonie, Happy New Year to you!

Oh, I thought you had seen it already, Mark. Hope I didn't spoil anything for you. ;-)

Hope you like it, Nancy.

Faith, my husband chose the movie. Marley and Me was the last animal movie I saw. This one was just as emotion packed.

Chelle, Lucky doesn't do stuffed toys very well. What's with dogs tearing the stuffing out of their pretties?

Ellen, we went to a matinee that wasn't very crowded, but I did hear some quiet crying, and I had to blow my nose once or twice.

I don't blame you, Roni. Those movies are hard on me, too.

Ilana, let me know how it turns out for you and your dad. I'm with him on the IMAX, although I think I would be fine with Hugo. Anything with airplanes or boats is out, however.

Happy New Year, Terri!

Laura, thanks for stopping by. Happy new year of reading to you.

************************************************************

Well, I managed to read about 40 pages today. The good news is that I did a close reading of them. My book is a little on the slow side, but that's okay for the first book of the year. I'm not so speedy myself!

LOL! Thanks for the summary. I think your one sentence explained so much more than all the times I've watched the trailer combined. I may have to look that one up one of these days. Thanks for the heads up about the tissues though!

Hugo was marvelous! We rarely see movies, so we were glad to see a good one. I loved it just as much as the book, which is saying something!

Still Bananagramming! We're having fun because the girls are playing, too.

Happy New Year Donna. I am slowly working my way through all the new 2012 threads. I have placed my star and I'm looking forward to following along throughout the year.

I am another one who has to wait to see Warhorse, I wish I could cry pretty with a few tear drops gently rolling down - but no, I sob, I slobber, my nose runs and my eyes get red. So have to wait until I can download it.

I do not think I can do War Horse either. Animal pictures get me every time!

War Horse: nope, can't do it.

I love Lucky's ball! Where did you find such a thing? I think our labs would like it too.

Valerie - I'm glad my short summary was helpful.

Anne - I find so many good movies I want to see this time of year. Why is there such a movie desert the rest of the year? Do I need to read Hugo before seeing the movie?

Judy - watch War Horse in the privacy of your home so you can bawl your eyes out! I had to pull out my bag of tricks (multiplication tables, etc.) to keep from making a fool of myself in the theater. Thanks for the star!

Stasia - I'll swear off animal pics, too...until the next time.

Laura - Lucky's giant tennis ball came from Atlanta. Dave brought it home from his Dirty Santa exchange at the company Christmas party. No idea where it was purchased, but Lucky would be glad to send it to your dogs. ;-)

***************************************************************

I'm starting my reading new year out right by concentrating on my book today. I've been feeling unsettled with all the company at home and hoopla online. I need to read to center myself once again.

My book is One by One in the Darkness. I had to get it through ILL. It's sixteen years old and I hadn't heard of it until I saw it on the Orange Shortlist! With the word "one" in the title, it's the perfect book to begin a brand new year.

First impressions: Cate Quinn is returning to Belfast from London on short notice. The reason for her visit is slowly revealed by the author. I like books with secrets and I like Cate and her family. There is lots of vivid description in this book and some lovely writing. There's also something for me to learn as it is set in the time of the more recent Irish Troubles, a period I grew up with and would like to learn more about. I'm only on Page 60, but I've read enough to know I want to spend the rest of the day in Northern Ireland with Cate and her sisters.

Hi There Dear One

Happy and Healthy New Year with lots and lots of time to spend with those beautiful grand children!

Starting the year with a ONE in the title is perfect . . . You are so clever and creative!

Sounds like a good start to your reading year is underway, Donna!

I've been feeling unsettled with all the company at home and hoopla online. I need to read to center myself once again.
Oh yeah, I can really relate to the feeling. I'm not even going to post on your thread so you can just concentrate on your book.

Happy reading, Donna. I've never heard of One by One in the Darkness but your description makes it sound intriguing. Looking forward to your final thoughts.

Hi Donna! Starred again. Here's wishing you a wonderful 2012! And I love the pic up top.

Donna- I would suggest reading Hugo, the book first! It reads very fast and is such an incredible piece of work and the film will only compliment it. Sorry for adding my two cents...

I would agree with Mark about Hugo Donna. I thought they did a great job of adapting it to film but I think I appreciated it more than I would have if I hadn't read the book first. That said, my husband really liked it too and he didn't read the book.

there are a bunch of movies I need to watch. I've heard raves of Hugo, but while I want to see "War Horse", topping my current list are the adaptations of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Maybe "In the Land of Blood and Honey", if only because I know so many people who covered the Bosnian war as reporters.

Happy New Year, Donna!

See barely into the new year and already your thread has nearly a hundred messages. Only you can do that.

I still don't have a thread up because I don't know where to put it up. Should I stay in the 75 group even when I know I probably can't finish the challenge or should I go? I am confused.

Hi, Donna. Yay, I'm #100! Unless someone posts while I'm writing this. :-)

I can handle Hugo in 3D a lot better than I can bringing tissues. Plus I liked the Hugo book a lot.

>99 Porua: Porua, yes, stay in. It's worth it. I didn't have a thread last year (my first) and I had a great time.

# 100 Thanks!

And yay you are message #100! :-)

Hi Donna,
I read Hugo so now really want to see the movie. I have read his most recent Wonderstruck and it is a great book.
Mary

Hi Donna, loved the bio and the stats on the top. Wishing you a readworthy new year.

Linda! It's great to have you here. Wishing you good health and great reading in 2012!

Brenda, no, not clever at all...just following the idea of a subchallenge on the 12 in 12 group to read a book each month with the name of the month or ordinal number. I think it was also suggested to use the birthstone or flower of the month in either the title or author's name. Next month is easy. I'll be reading February!

I had a peaceful day of reading, Stasia. *Bliss!*

LOL, Ellen. My intention wasn't to drive any visitors away. You can come back now.

Pat, I really liked the book. My final thoughts will be here tomorrow after a good night's sleep.

Hi Kim, I like my Reading Road, too. Books take us on such interesting journeys, don't they?

Mark and Pat, you are confirming what I thought. The book is almost always superior to the movie.

Suz, did you see the Swedish version of Dragon Tattoo? It will be interesting to compare them.

Porua, you most certainly need a thread on this group.
Listen to Joe!

Hi Mary, thanks for another Hugo nudge!

A readworthy new year. I like that sentiment, Gautam. Thanks! Same to you.

Catch y'all in the morning when I return with my first review of 2012.

Wow, it's busy here Donna. I've been intrigued with the movie talk. I will definitely see both Hugo and War Horse but I'll read the books first. I read Hugo already but it's one of those books that I think will be a reread for me every couple of years.

Oh gosh...all the gush about it makes me really, really want to see War Horse but I know I'd snivel and honk my way through it and be asked to leave. DVD, I guess.

>105 KiwiNyx:: Leonie, your wanting to reread Hugo every couple of years is the best kind of recommendation.

>106 richardderus:: Richard, yes, that's my plan for future movies involving animals. Why is it that I can watch people suffering without a sniffle but then completely lose my composure over a horse, dog, or *close your eyes* cat in peril?

Hi Donna! I'm here. Late, but here.

Richard, If you'd like, I'll go see War Horse and snivel with you. I'll bring the big Kleenex box. My family doesn't want to go with me - as in "It's a horse movie and a war movie and mom will just cry the whole way through."

"Home was a huge sky; it was flat fields of poor land fringed with hawthorn and alder. It was birds in flight, it was columns of midges like smoke in a summer dusk. It was grey water; it was a mad wind; it was a solid stone house where the silence was uncanny."

Book No. 1: One by One in the Darkness by Deirdre Madden. 3.9 stars.

I have so much to say about this book. First of all... what an interesting cover. My copy was a dull coverless ILL copy from Washington University in St. Louis. It matched the melancholy tone perfectly.

Secondly, I fully intended to use only the first line in my introductory quote; yet I couldn't stop there. I love words that paint a picture, even a bleak picture like this one. As you might guess, this book started out slowly with lots of descriptions of people and places. When it gets going, however, the mood quickly shifts into a higher gear with secrets revealed and looks into the lurking background of terror that changed the lives of these simple family members.

From my review:

The political Troubles (a euphemism for civil war) and the personal troubles of one close-knit Irish family are the backbone of this lyrical novel set in Northern Ireland in 1994. The chapters alternate between the present time when the Quinn family was trying to reconcile themselves to their patriarch's senseless death and the earlier memories of the 25 years of random violence that shaped the lives of the three Quinn sisters: Helen, Cate, and Sally

.

The complete review can be found here. I'm not going to do as many official reviews this year, but this worthy book only had five reviews! Poor overlooked thing. I'll post the full review on my Orange Thread.

Hi there, Jenn. It sounds like your family knows you. Believe it or not, my husband chose the movie. I am dying to see "The Descendants." It's a good thing I have another movie-going buddy in my BFF Nancy!

Now this is a cover that would make me want to buy the book right away, although it looks like sci-fi and I don't like sci-fi. Great review, and it reminds me that since "Cal" I haven't read a book about the Northern Ireland conflict. So - another one for my watchlist.

# 104 Thanks, Donna!

You know, 'I' put 'myself' under pressure. I feel kind of inadequate when I see so many of my fellow LT'ers reading so many books and writing great reviews. I’ll try to relax a bit more this year.

Love the review, Donna. It's a book of which I had never heard, so I'm glad to know about it. It sounds like a good read.

Drat and blast you, Donna! I was *not* going to get that book from the liberry and now I can't not! *grumble*

Jenn...when shall I pick you up? We'd probably better get those sheet dealies they wrap around you at the haircutters' place.

Great review, Donna. Love the quote.

Look how far behind I am already! Happy new year, Donna!
We were lucky to be able to see the stage version of war horse when we lived in London--5 hankies indeed. I would like to see the film.
And you've already added a book to my wishlist!

RD - I never thought of that. Kleenex and a waterproof cape. Might as well bring BBQ too then. Saturday at 7?

OOO I'd love some spare ribs! Seven it is.

Donna- I don't know if you caught it on my thread, but we saw ""The Descendants" and it was absolutely terrific. A major tear-jerker too. The DW was a wreck.

This is an Orange I've never heard of but it certainly sounds enticing Donna. Onto the pile it goes.

Nathalie, I don't think the cover fits the book but it is eye-catching. I suppose that balanced egg is supposed to represent Ireland during The Troubles. Weird!

Relaxed is good, Porua. Remember, this is supposed to be fun. ;-)

Thanks, Ellen, it was a worthy book.

Richard and Jenn - have fun at the movie!

Thank you, Nancy.

Happy New Year to you, Anne. I'm trying to wrap my head around the idea of a horse on stage!

Oh no, Mark. Not another tearjerker! I think I've got a waterproof poncho in my trunk. Richard and Jenn are on to something!

Bonnie, I picked it for the title from the wiki on the Orange thread. Got lucky!

I went to add One By One in the Darkness to the BlackHole only to discover it there already. Too bad my local library still does not have a copy. Thumbs up for your review, Donna.

Hi Stasia, thanks for keeping my thread alive! I'm still shocked that your library doesn't have the ILL capability. I've been extremely lucky getting my hands of just about any book my heart desires, including One By One, from another library.

I don't have much to report reading-wise. I'm not far enough into A Gathering of Old Men to have formed any noteworthy impressions other than I've had to get used to the vernacular speech of old black men in Louisiana.

My husband got his favorite gift once again this year from me: an Uncle John's page-a-day calendar. He's sometimes surprisingly easy to please. I thought this might be a good place to share yesterday's gem...

"A Princeton psychologist argued that short, simple words make writers seem smarter than long words do. The ironic name of the study: 'Consequences of Erudite Vernacular Utilized Irrespective of Necessity'."

P.S. Changing my choice of words in 2nd paragraph to appear smarter. ;-)

#123: My local library does have ILL capability, Donna. It is just a pain and hassle to go through. The last time I put a book on ILL reserve it took a long time to get it, by which time I was out of the mood for reading the thing.

>121 Donna828: No live horses on stage, Donna. They used these enormous puppet-like structures which by themselves were pretty amazing. It was quite an intense show which, for some reason we ended up seeing on a Christmas Eve, with children in tow. But, it was very good.

>121 Donna828: Oh, I would love to see War Horse on the stage!

We saw the War Horse last night, Donna. Very good and true to the book. The Descendents was also excellent!

Patience, Stasia, patience. I figure I'm not going to starve for books while I'm waiting for an ILL to process, though I must say they move much more quickly than the library reserve lists I'm on.

Anne, I figured they would have to go The Lion King route. That was a huge success as I'm sure War horse was on stage.

I agree on both counts, Joanne. Those were my two favorite movies this year AND the only two I've seen. Maybe I should quit when I'm ahead!

123> Wonderful ironic calendar page. When I was working on my dissertation I was given one piece of advice consistently: be sure you have a colon in your title.
:-)

123 Love it, Donna!

>123 Donna828: P.S. Changing my choice of words in 2nd paragraph to appear smarter.
chuckle chuckle

#127: Patience? What is that? I know I do not have any of it :)

Hi Donna! Just dropping a star! I'm having a slow start to 2012! :)

Ellen, Terri, and Megan - I'm glad you liked my Uncle John's quote. It's fun to start the day with a little-known fact or two and a chuckle!

Stasia, I've been working on my patience for years now without much success.

Hi Deb, the year is young. Slow and steady wins the race...but who's racing? No one around here that I know of. I purposely left the end goal off my tickers this year so I could just read and enjoy without putting pressure on myself.

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"Sometimes you got to hurt something to help something. Sometimes you have to plow under one thing in order for something else to grow." (151)

Book No. 2: A Gathering of Old Men by Ernest J. Gaines. 3.6 stars.

I love Madeline's TIOLI challenge for January to: first read MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech, then read a book set in one of the southern states mentioned, and then (optional) read another book set in one of the other states named in the speech. At first I was tempted to read my remaining unread Pat Conroy book set in SC, but then decided to honor the civil rights theme of the speech and chose this book from my TBR pile. I'll move westward later in the month to join the group read of Cannery Row set in CA which is also in the speech.

But I digress. On to my review...

News travels fast in rural Louisiana when a white man is killed. It doesn't take long before Mat, Chimley, Clatoo, Cherry and other black men are gathering up their old 12-gauge shotguns and dusty number-five shells to congregate at Mathu's house. Armed mostly with their courage and memories of years of injustice, this group of old men stand up for one of their own against years of hatred and abuse.

I was most taken aback by the time frame of this novel. The events happened in the 1970s when I was living a few states north of Louisiana focused on raising a family instead of raising my awareness of the fact that there were (and maybe still are) pockets of hate and oppression in our "land of equality." This is a powerful book of nobility and mustering the nerve to right the wrongs of the past.

Good review, Donna. I read my first by Ernest J. Gaines earlier this year and found it to be very moving and powerful. And I'm glad you're joining us for Cannery Row later this month.

A Gathering of Old Men sounds good, Donna. I know, the recentness of this type of racism is hard to believe sometimes. Even my liberal Northern town of Ann Arbor didn't desegregate its school system until the mid-1960s, long after Brown v. Board of Education.

I was sure that I had A Gathering of Old Men in the BlackHole already, but nope, it was another of Gaines' books. Well, I rectified that!

# 133 "I purposely left the end goal off my tickers this year so I could just read and enjoy without putting pressure on myself."

I did the same!

Great review Donna. I am keeping my library busy with my ILL requests this month. A Gathering of Old Men will be my 5th. I'm starting to wonder about their collections.

Ellen, I loved A Lesson Before Dying by Gaines. Is that the one you read?

It's not often I can recommend a book that you don't already have wishlisted, Stasia. When will you ever have time to read all those books?

Great minds and all that, Porua. It's a year of less pressure for us!

Jenn, the book is in my discard pile. Not that I didn't like it; I just can't keep everything. I'll be glad to put Old Men (ha!) in my suitcase for next week's trip to CO. Let me know.

Hi there, Donna!
I might have to seriously consider a "discard" pile - but that will be a tear-jerker for me. Summer book sale is coming... oh, I can't think about summer yet - ack!

"I purposely left the end goal off my tickers this year so I could just read and enjoy without putting pressure on myself." Hmmm... great idea!

96 unread.. sigh.. *waves*ope all is well :)

Got ya starred!

Nice review of A Gathering of Old Men, Donna. It is more than a little disturbing that such pockets of hatred still exist in any country, but particularly in the West where we pride ourselves on social equality. That's NOT everyone's experience. Thanks.

Have not read A Gathering of Old Men, looks good.....
I did read A Lesson Before Dying and enjoyed that!

Yes Donna! I'll take it. :) Thanks.

Hi Donna, You made One by One in the Darkness sound very interesting (the cover is very odd, though). I checked my library but they don't have it - not even through ILL. I have another library system I can check but in the meantime, while searching, I discovered that the author wrote a book that I do have - Molly Fox's Birthday. I picked it up at the library sale a few months ago. I should probably read that one first!

Cee, now that I think of it, "discard" is a harsh word to use in conjunction with books. Does "new home" sound better? See my response to Jenn below.

Hi Kath, all is well here in balmy MO.

Thanks for the star, Morphy. I'll try to get my groove on here. ;-)

Nancy, my wish for this year is that people at least try to get along.

Hi Kara, Gaines tells a good story, that's for sure.

Jenn, thanks for offering the Gaines book a new home. I hope you like it!

I've heard good things about Molly Fox, Joanne. Maybe that will be my wrap up book for 2012. I like bookending the year with the same author.

**********************************************

I forgot to mention the cool reception Haruki Murakami got at my book club last night. Only six people bothered to show up. Three had read it, and the other three aren't going to after our discussion. I tried to make a case for the "strangely compelling" nature of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle but had no takers.

Now it's back to The Marriage Plot. I have mixed feelings about it in the early pages.

Hi Donna....I'm just playing catch up with 2012 threads and starring you.....you always have such an eclectic and interesting choice of reading....very dangerous to my TBR Pile. Hope you stick with The Marriage Plot - it was one that I had ambivalent feeling about in the beginning, but once it got going, I found myself liking it more than I thought it would.

Donna, too bad you had no takers on Murakami. You always have this bunch here for interesting book chat at least!

Hi Tina, I love all the book talk in The Marriage Plot. I was a tiny bit bothered by the word "perusing" appearing twice in close proximity. I think I'll forget about reading between the lines and just read the durn thing. ;-)

Cross-post, Ilana. I was disappointed by the RL group last night. They aren't nearly as open-minded as our LT gang!

You should probably read "the durn thing." ; ) And I agree with Tina's assessment...I found the characters are a bit hard to access initially and so was the talk about semiotics. I most enjoyed The Marriage Plot for the portrayal of living with Bipolar disease.

Donna, I have had similar experiences with RL book groups. I don't understand why they can't be as awesome as the LT 75ers!

I have never belonged to a RL book group. From the sounds of yours, that may be just as well. Of course, I just read on Beth's thread the list of books her RL book group is reading for the year and her group sounds terrifically open minded.

Hi Donna- I think you need the right group for Murakami and that's a tough one to absorb. Even in my G.R. of it, opinion was mixed and we're seasoned veterans.
Good luck with The Marriage Plot. That one is high on my WL.

>146 Copperskye:: Joanne, I haven't been able to get hold of One by One in the Darkness either, but I enjoyed Molly Fox's Birthday.

>148 tututhefirst:: Donna, about the book group, how disappointing! We do get spoiled here on LT, hanging out with so many like-minded readers. I tend to expect people I encounter in RL to be similar and yet there are so many who are amazed at, say, my willingness to read long books or stray beyond the latest Janet Evanovich.

I've had Murakami on my 'to-obtain' list for a while, and I love controversial books, so I guess the next window of opportunity will send me to BAM to pick up a copy. My local library discussion groups tend to stick with older books available in group quantities on inter-library loan from Mid-Continent Libary in KC, so I don't read many new issues. That falls to my Goodreads and LTER/MG wins.

You're off to a great start, Donna!

#155: I am not sure what it says about me that I read both Evanovich and Murakami :/

Sorry to hear about the cool reception by your book club to The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle, Donna. I've never been in a book club, but that would have disappointed me. As you know, I like that book a lot. At the least, you'd think there'd be a lot to discuss after reading it! The LT group that read it had a pretty wide-ranging discussion (no surprise there, I guess).

Hi Donna,
I am so lucky to be a part of a great RL book club. We don't always agree, but everyone gets to say what they want and I learn so much from the diverse experiences of the group. Sometimes after reading a book and deciding I'm not too crazy about it, someone will bring up points I never thought of... I usually walk away amazed by our discussions.

I have yet to read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle... have it around here somewhere :-)

I am mad at one of my RL book groups because this year they are reading 3 books (out of 6) I have already read (and recently). Since this particular group is not big on the discussion, more of a social group, I at least want to broaden my horizon and read some new, out-of-my-comfort-zone, books. On the up side, on of the three is Night Circus, so I won't mind re-thinking that one!

Donna A Gathering of Old Men looks up my alley. You've certainly started the year like a rocket. Wish you a lovely weekend.

Hi Donna,
I'm sorry you had such a cool reception to your RL book group with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles. I was part of a RL book group a few years back but I dropped out because the group wasn't keen on expanding their reading genre beyond best sellers, and then there was a man who later joined who was not just opinionated, but derogatory towards members of the group who had opinions of the books read that did not compliment the opinions he put forth.

I read The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles and it's not my favorite of Murakami's works, but I didn't dislike it. I don't think I understand it very well. What was it that you enjoyed about the book?

Donna, A Gathering of Old Men looks very good - onto the wishlist it goes.

I've never been in a book club, but it seems to me that the main purpose would be to read books - how disappointing that half the people there hadn't attempted the book. And too bad that you weren't able to get even one person to reconsider their opinion about it.

I was in a Book Club only once Donna, and did not have a very good experience. Frankly, I just had no patience for the kind of books they wanted to read; authors who produce a new book every three months or so. That's not for me. I agree with others who say how lucky we are to be able to interact with other LTers who are like-minded. I've really broadened my reading since being a member here. Really unbelievably so, whether it be reading excellent NF from Mark's suggestions or the Orange Prize books thanks to Jill or old fashioned stories written by women in the early 20th century from Laura, or the multitude of opportunities that TIOLI offers, or mysteries from Joanne, Caro and Kath, well I could go on and on because every acquaintance I have here has contributed to the reader I've become.

And along that vein Thanks Donna for bringing another Gaines book to my attention. I loved A Lesson Before Dying when I read it long ago.

I received The Marriage Plot for Christmas this year, and I'm determined to read it THIS YEAR!

I've had such a wonderful experience with my book club -- we don't have exactly the same taste in books, but we're all willing to stretch and try new things. We choose our year's worth of books all at once, and try for a variety of genres. I feel very fortunate.

You're off to a great start, Donna! Great review of A Gathering of Old Men. I may add that one to my List.

ETA to add Definitely adding it, as our library has it!

Donna, yes it was A Lesson Before Dying that I read and I loved it.

>165 brenzi: I wouldnt last long in a bookclub like that! Its nice to know there's an LT friend out there for all of us :)

I have yet to read a Murakami book, but I do have 2 of his books sitting on my shelves. And, of course The Marriage Plot is another one that I want to get my hands on. Too man books, and sadly never, ever enough time!
I hope you have a great weekend, Donna. :)

#168: That is the Gaines book that I have in the BlackHole. Glad to see you loved it, Ellen. I really need to get around to getting it read.

I joined a book group for the first time and I'm lucky in that we've been reading a range of books, some well-known, others not so much. We've tried local authors, famous authors and both fiction and nonfiction. I haven't always loved the books but it's been interesting each month.

#172: I think all the interesting book groups must be in Minnesota since that is where Beth is from too!

Hi Donna: My book group just began its eleventh year. I've read things I never would have read otherwise. People don't always agree, which makes the conversations interesting.

Overall it has been a great experience. Even when I am not crazy about a book, sometimes hearing others' ideas about it has changed my opinion. It is disappointing, though, when I am very enthusiastic about a book that others dismiss.

Bonnie- "every acquaintance I have here has contributed to the reader I've become." That is beautifully stated and I'm sure can apply to every one of us.

Caro- We are in the same camp with The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles. I liked it and loved some parts of it but it wasn't as satisfying as some of his others.

BTW- Where's Donna??

I'm in two book discussion groups at two different libraries. Our selections are limited by availability within the library system (usually) which means we seldom read any "new" books currently on the shelves. Both groups begin each year with a list of possibilities supplied by Mid-Continent Library in KC. We each select a book or two from the list and then set up the year's schedule. On occasion we'll have a pop-author book, but very seldom. Our trends seem to lean toward fiction, history, biography, classics, and autobiography, and the books are, of course, preselected for group discussion. Most members are retired educators, teachers, clergy and female which colors our lists, somewhat. Aside from missing the best from the past year or two, I have no complaints and have rated most of them around 4-stars, a rut into which I seem to have fallen lately.

Good reading so far, Donna! I'm trying to read lots of new-to-me authors in 2012, and after reading your thread, I'm adding Deirdre Madden, Ernest J. Gaines, Haruki Murakami, and Jeffrey Eugenides. Whew!

My experiences of RL reading groups have been disappointing too though I still like the idea of them! I wish I had been at your group with you, Donna. I would have had lots to say, even though I have to confess to still not having actually finished Wind-Up Bird Chronicle!

>175 msf59:: Where's Donna? Right here trying to get caught up on my own thread! It's fantastic to have so many visitors. I'm not going to do individual responses here, but I do have some free time today to visit threads - and I promise to post messages and not just lurk on my Sunday visits to Kim, Julia, Stasia (I've already been to the new acre!), Mark, Mike, Lynda, Joe, Claudia, Paul, Caro, Sandy, Bonnie, Anne Terri, Ellen, Megan, Valerie, Morphy, Beth, Amy, and Dee!

I can't help but echo Bonnie's sentiments above and I thank each one of you for the contributions you've made here on LT. I've stretched myself as a reader because of all the insightful comments from the wonderful group of readers on LT.

And now, a few words in defense of my book group. I was disappointed with last week's showing, but on the whole, I find this group of 10-12 men and women to be thoughtful readers and respectful conversants. I think the holiday season was not the best time to assign a more challenging book like The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Two of the members hadn't read it because of time constraints, one read it partially and had to give up because of holiday prep, and the other two readers mentioned not having the time to read as closely as they wanted to. I admit to not rereading it because I had read it in July with Mark's group read here.

I think I got lucky with my book group called "Let's Talk About It" at my local library. I joined when it formed almost three years ago in March. We've read a variety of books including: Jane Eyre, Disgrace, Madame Bovary, Middlemarch, Anna Karenina, East of Eden, Gods and Generals, A Farewell to Arms, Lonesome Dove, The Handmaid's Tale... We've also read and compared two books by these authors: Jane Austen, Tony Morrison, and Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The emphasis is on the classics with an occasional newer book like the upcoming Let the Great World Spin thrown in for good measure. We're also doing something kind of interesting in March: the Springfield Big Read this year is The Maltese Falcon. We can either read that one or another noir book of choice for a more general discussion of the noir genre. I love my book group!

Off the soapbox to answer Caro's question upthread about why I enjoyed The Wind-Up Bird. Like Mark said, it was kind uneven for me too. I didn't "get" many parts of it, but I like that I was forced to read closely to try and understand the more ethereal aspects of the book. I think Joe mentioned on the group read about it being like a dream that comes in bits and pieces. I don't have to have complete understanding or even closure to enjoy the experience of traveling to Japan to meet these wacky people. My favorite parts were the well-researched scenes of the war in China. Shocking and memorable. I'll most certainly be reading more books by Murakami (I've also read Norwegian Wood). I just plan to space them out because he messes with my mind!

Quick change of subject...
After a long, hard day of taking down and storing Christmas decorations yesterday, I treated myself to a trip to the bookstore. It is with great sadness that I have to report that we no longer have a "real" bookstore to spend time fondling books and making new discoveries. We have a state-of-the-art Nookstore that is about as relaxing as one of those sterile airport bookstores. I'll depend on my favorite used bookstore for those soul-reviving quiet moments with books in the future.

Donna's Back! Donna's Back!

I am in three RL groups currently. They serve three different functions for me . . . I joined the first while I was still working, and the members are all former work colleagues. We are all retired now and several of us spend most Fridays hanging out together. Books are one of the common threads in those friendships and virtually every discussion, extended as they are, eventually includes reading. We choose a specific book to read simultaneously and discuss it, sometimes with quizzes (teacher hangover), or bonus information gleaned from researching the author, topic, setting, etc.
The second is a group set up to keep in touch with friends I would probably not otherwise see much. Admittedly, there is much more social "catching up" than real discussion of the book. And sometimes the books are just not that interesting as the literary tastes and ages of the women involved vary widely.
The third is a group of (mostly) former librarians who initiated the Brown Bag club to familiarize themselves with a wider range of reading material. The group has moved to a local coffee house, grown in size and become one of the high points of my month! I love the structured format of this group. . . Each participant brings a stack of books read and we go around the table and "report" on as many as the two hours will allow. Much of my reading is based on those recommendations.

Thanks, Donna, for coming to the defense of our RL book group! I wasn't able to attend this last discussion, so couldn't weigh in on that particular book. Plus, I knew you would be very eloquent, not only in their defense, but also in giving a concise explanation of how the group was formed and what books we have read -- and this IS your thread!! ;-) I love my book group, too -- almost as much as I love LT, and specifically TIOLI!

Just one more thing.... it sounds like you apparently didn't like the "Nook Boutique" any better than I did!

I'm worn out with LT hopping. Back to The Marriage Plot! Thanks for the encouragement from Tina and Kim - (and Brenda's good review on her thread)... I'm well into it and liking it very much.

Hi Mark!

Brenda, you've gotten me curious. Were you a teacher or librarian in your previous life? All of your book groups sound like fun for various reasons. I might have to crash the coffee shop one if I'm ever up that way at the right time. ;-)

Hi Nance, thanks for the visit from sunny Florida. I think your absence from the book group was part of the reason it was a dud for me! Hurry home so we can read and talk about the next Japanese book together.

Oh yeah, I'm going to boycott the B&N Nookstore... at least for a few weeks. ;-)

Donna, I would love to have you crash our coffee house group . . . Noon, last Wednesday of the month!

I worked as an educator after my girls were in school all day, and I am just a librarian in my dreams : )

Are you saying Donna that you had a regular B&N store and they turned it into a store that only deals in Nooks? Is that right? I don't get it. You don't need a store to download a book. That's the whole point of e-books.

I just plan to space them out because he messes with my mind!

Oh that's just so true, Donna. I'm the same way. I love his books and I've read quite a few, but I do need to space them out too because of that very reason.

I've just finished reading 1Q84 and I absolutely love it! If you have the time, for it is a hefty tome ...but you don't feel like it's a lengthy book when you're reading it, I'd recommend this as your next Murakami read.

I'm so glad you love your book group, and I'm rather jealous. I have not found a book group here in Seattle and it's one thing I was hoping to add to my life when I moved here four years ago. Still, I am nothing if not pathologically optimistic and determined, so I'll not give up. :-)

I have The Marriage Plot on hold at the library. My place in the queue literally has four digits, so it may be a while before I get it.....

#187: You still have us, Ellen!

I've not read any Murikami yet, but Caro sold me in her thread on reading 1Q84, as she repeats above. I figure since that's his most recent book, it will also be the best written. And I'll probably get it on my Kindle to save my wrists and bookshelves. And I feel for your fellow book club members--I didn't get our December book read either, due to time constraints.

I like your array of book groups -- one for every type of reading and socializing! Mine (which Richard introduced me to and which ffortsa/Judy and MagiciansNephew/Jim joined subsequently) is very much focused on the classics, sometimes too much so, but I have read stuff that I had been meaning to read for eons -- Faulkner, Proust, etc. It's too hard to "discuss" a lot of contemporary fiction, IMO, as there just isn't enough meat there. Discussing the likes of Jodi Picoult -- for all that the publisher includes a reading group guide -- just feels silly to me.

I just ordered a copy of A Gathering of Old Men from Paperbackswap! Read A Lesson Before Dying late last year, and found it powerful & moving; Gaines is an author I wanted to read more of. I'm on the wait list for The Marriage Plot, but "froze" my position on it as I'll be away for a week. (Freezing is another cool feature of the Brooklyn library system's awesome Internet capabilities -- I can renew, request, freeze, search, etc. online, so it doesn't matter that the library that is just across the street has only a few rows of shelves.) Reamde just arrived, but I'm leaving it on the hold shelf until Wednesday, so that that's when my three-week loan period starts!

Brenda, we can all be a librarian with our own collections here on LT!

I sort of hinted at that, Bonnie, but didn't mean to purposely mislead anyone. I had been warned by Nancy and others on LT about the Nook Centers in B&N, but still was outraged that it had taken over the entire center section of the store with books around the perimeter. It sure felt like a Nookstore to me with coffee and books on the side.

Caro, I'll probably read the Murakami books that I own first. My plan is to read 1Q84 after there are many good reviews such as yours so I can just mention them and not have to review it myself. ;-)

Ellen, you might check out your local library to see if they have any groups. Or you could start one and make your own rules! As Stasia, said you have us!
Wow, that's one long waiting list for The Marriage Plot. It's good but not that good. Or, maybe it is; I still have 150 pages left to read.

Roni, that's a good point about the most recent book being the best written. I'll have to think about that some more. There are exceptions to everything but you're probably right. I've heard nothing but good stuff about 1Q84 and Caro made it sound especially enticing.
I think book clubs should read their lightest book of the year in December. Or maybe make it a reader's choice to share with the group. Last year our group discussed Middlemarch the first week in January!

Hi Suz, I envy you being in a book group with Richard, Judy, and Jim. I need to learn to manage my library holds better. I do use the freeze option on occasion, but they still seem to arrive in bunches. I have two to pick up right before leaving for CO on Thursday. I may take the shorter one with me. I'll be reading more library books now that my TBR stack has been reduced by last year's efforts. Don't feel too sorry for me as I'll restock at the spring Friends of the Library Sale!

Donna, I just wrote something scathing about B&N and Nook. It will be on www.thefiscaltimes.com site tomorrow.

I don't feel at all sorry for you -- the NY libraries don't seem to have friends sales -- they route disposable books to a third party who resells them at "normal" markups.

#179 Donna - humbled to be included in your august list! This is my first "new year" on the 75ers and it sure is frenetic! If any of us goes missing for a day or so I don't know how it could really be observed as there is simply too much going on. Donna, Darryl, Deb, Liz, Rebecca, Deborah, Lynda, Linda, Judy(DeltaQueen), Judy (Ffortsa), Judith, Joe, Mark, Stephen, Richard, Megan, Lisa, Kerry, Kerri, Leonie, Tania, Caro, Suz, Stasia, Nancy, Joanne, Dee, Gail, Valerie, Terri, Genny, Karen, Paul, Nathalie, Carsten, Claudia, Monica, Heather, Chelle, Ilana, Bonnie, Kathleen, Cushla, Peggy, Tina, Catherine, Laurie, Janet, Hannah, Alex, Morph, Jennifer, Jeanne, Jude, James, Linda, Cyrel, Ellen, Kelly, Caty, Eva, Brit, Zoe, Cheli, Ceri, Cindy, Cynara, Thalia, Sarah, Mac, Calm, Lisa, Prue, Mamzel, Sarah, Lori, Anne (AnneDC), Anne (AMQS), Carly, Lucy. Luci, Lauren, Maggie, Sandy, Charlotte, James, Katie, Robert, Roni, Robert, Amber, Madeline, and of course Jim....I know with the arbitrary list I have missed someone and I apologise...but I try to visit all these posts daily and even I don't or can't comment on each of them daily it doesn't mean I'm not hovered interested somewhere in the ether.

I do, indeed, have you all -- and it's a wonderful thing! Oddly, our local library only has book groups for youngsters, but my favorite bookstore has a group and I have to own up to the fact that I've not checked it out yet. Inertia, I confess. I might just try the self-start-up idea....

I do the same thing, Paul -- I try to peruse each of the many threads I have starred at least every other day or so..... sometimes I just don't have anything to add or sometimes there is so much that I know I can't take the time to say anything. I think we all appreciate the occasional "drive by."

Hi Donna, bumbling through as my fried brain isn't willing to let me sleep...I think it might be a raging case of jealousy, as Suzanne is going to miss our next book circle meeting because she's GOING TO ST. CROIX FOR A WEEK the horrid horrid evil bad mean nasty bawd.

Wow, that's a lot of new messages in just 2 days!

Well, except for the The Windup Bird Chronicle discussion, your book club did read a lot of awesome books. I wish I could find such a circle of people interested in reading in my RL. Everyone I meet seems to be a non-reader though.

I hope this B&N trend is not coming towards Europe. I was happy with the last trend coming from the US: comfy chairs and coffeeshops in bookstores. What's the use of undoing it? Did people sit down to read the books in the shop and then not buy them?

Stopping by to say hi, Donna! Great review of A Gathering of Old Men. Your book club sounds wonderful! I'd love to belong to a real life book club!

"Nook Books on Hook, Investors Shook"
I love that headline, Suz! For the record, I have nothing against the Nook. I just don't see why the display in B&N has to take over the store. Well, I do understand it better after reading about it in the FT, but I still want my old bookstore back!

That's quite a list, Paul, and I'm glad to be on it. I'm not doing a stellar job of keeping up with everyone I want to but I'm giving it my best shot.

Ellen, lurking is my key to survival! Good luck on the Book Group quest.

Now now, Richard, we must be happy for our friends. Think of all the books Suz will consume and tell us about!

Nathalie, sometimes change is good - EXCEPT when it involves the only remaining bookstore in town!

Thanks, Deb. I need to see what else Ernest Gaines has written.

B&N and others are in a quandry. The brick and mortar stores are losing traffic to eBooks so they are struggling to find a way to enter the eBook market as a physical store and not simply disappear online somewhere. The trouble is, people who buy eBooks do so online, not driving to a store and then downloading them onsite. I don't know what the answer is. We don't want to lose our stores, yet they can't compete with reduced traffic.

#190 Discussing the likes of Jodi Picoult -- for all that the publisher includes a reading group guide -- just feels silly to me. I totally agree with you on that.

Occasionally, my RL groups come across a good one, but I mostly go for the social. One of them is large and mostly social and they felt they'd done their heavy reading for the year after reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks and the other one is pretty good, but too new to tell as yet. The fact that 3 of the 4 books we've read so far were non-fiction is promising. I have a good friend I call to talk about books with, and I come here. Not much to complain about, really. :)

I belong to two f2f book groups, the one Suz mentioned above, and a meetup one. I love the push to read books someone else has suggested, and the chance to hear other people's views. Sometimes someone's observation makes me scurry back and reread!

But sometimes I'm quite sure we've all missed something, and ache for a professorial guide. My school nostalgia, I suppose.

Mike, it's not a good time to be a bookseller, that's for sure. Problem is, the readers of the world will suffer right along with the bookstores.

Hi Jenn. Two book groups, a good friend who reads and discusses books with you, and LT. It looks like you have your reading bases covered!

Hi Judy, I have learned so much from the comments in my book group. I miss the college professor that used to lead us, but he's coming back for a guest appearance in March. Maybe we can convince him to stay! He wrote a book last year and is busily promoting it as well as keeping up with his English classes at Drury University so I can understand why he had to tell us goodbye.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Madeleine had never been close to anyone with a verifiable mental illness. She instinctively avoided unstable people. As uncharitable as this attitude was, it was part and parcel of being a Hanna, of being a positive, privileged, sheltered, exemplary person."

Book No. 3: The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides. 3.8 stars.

This was a highly readable book; by that I mean that I didn't want to put it down - or even read with particular attention to detail. The writing flowed and the pages kept turning. Briefly it's about Maddy, the spoiled though mostly likeable young college graduate quoted above, who is going nowhere with her English major so she latches onto Leonard, the popular but damaged fellow Brown grad. My favorite character, with the best character name I've seen in a long time, Mitchell Grammaticus, is a sometime friend of Maddy's who would like to be much more than a friend. The story bounces back and forth between Maddy and Leonard in Cape Cod and Mitchell in Paris and India where he is on a spiritual quest of sorts.

I've read several reviews on LT that ask what the point of the book is. I think it is succinctly stated by quotes in Madeleine's research for her thesis on the marriage plot: (1)'There is no happiness in love, except at the end of an English novel' from Trollope and (2)'Every lover is mad we are told. But can we imagine a madman in love?' (Barthes). Bipolar Disease plays a big role in the book. It is difficult not to feel sympathy for a relationship that is doomed from the start because of the cruelty of mental illness.

hmmmm... interesting review, Donna.
:-)

I was wondering what this was about...

eta
Why didn't you post this on the book's main page???
I think you should.

Hi Donna. Good review! If you add it to the book page I'll pop over and drop off a

Hey there, Donna! :)

Thanks, Cee and Chelle...thumbs on my page are good enough. I don't think I had much to add to the reviews already posted.

Hi there, Stephen. Glad you found me!

Good review, Donna, thanks for that. Enjoyed your comments about the point of the novel. As an aside, I was in the minority who did not enjoy Middlesex, and I'm not sure about Eugenides, to be honest.

Something in your review triggered me... maybe the borderline aspect. I just requested it from my library.

Donna, good morning (actually, it's just afternoon here in the UK. I'm just dropping in to say that I've finally caught up with your last thread from 2011. Didn't want to post there because that would cause confusion, but I wanted to say what lovely photos of your grandkids and various Christmas gatherings, as well as wonderful reviews as usual.

I haven't read most of this thread yet, will catch up with that soon I hope, once I've put 2011 to rest! (Always behind, I am...)

#202 The Marriage Plot sounds like a good read Donna and less intimidating than his other books.

I echo Cee in #203, interesting review. Id like to read this one still, and also Middlesex.

Wow, so much to catch up on here. I just want to say that I have a RL book club as well and although it's just the four of us, we have read some great books and treat ourselves to dinner once a month. Lots of fun.

Nancy, I gave Middlesex 4 stars when I read it 8 years ago. I remember thinking it may have deserved more because of its unique content. I might have been shocked had it not been for the sensitive way Eugenides handled the topic of hermaphodotrism. I had to look up the word!

It is a polarizing book, Nathalie. I hope you enjoy it.

Hi Genny, I admire your constraint about not rushing headlong into a new year. I was more than ready to put that ol' geezer 2011 to bed. I'm hoping for a better year in 2012.

Exactly, Heather. Less intimidating especially for us well-read LTers!

Megan, I'll be interested to know what you think of Eugenides as an author. I was prepared not to like this one, but it ended up being a decent book imo.

Hi Leonie, you can really speak your mind about a book with only four participants. I usually clam up when a group gets beyond a certain size. The dinners sound nice, too. We never have snacks and pretty much stay on topic without any distractions.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I DID IT! I signed up for the C. S. Lewis survey class. At least I think I did. I went over to the bookstore to check out the required books, drooled over them, and then went to the Religious Studies department to see if I could get in a class that was filled. It so happens that the professor was there and she graciously let me in. However, I haven't officially registered yet. I'll be in Denver on Friday which is registration day for the 62+ program. I'm going to call them tomorrow to see if I can register over the phone or delay it until Tuesday morning before my class starts.

Now about those books. There are a lot of them! It helps that I own Mere Christianity, The Great Divorce, The Screwtape Letters, and Surprised by Joy. I've read the first two but a reread is definitely in order.

It looks like we're also going to be reading The Chronicles of Narnia. I have a brand-new illustrated copy of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe in my granddaughter pile but I'm going to leave it there as I'll probably make notes in my school books. The complete set at the Missouri State bookstore was $60! I went over to my new favorite bookstore, The Book Castle, and got a gently used set in one volume for $10. With the money saved, I also purchased Reading the Classics with C. S. Lewis which I was eyeing before Christmas. I've been waffling about this class for weeks. I'm glad the decision is made!

Oh, you will enjoy The Screwtape Letters! I've got all the ones you mentioned except The Great Divorce--might reread some of them with you.

That's great, Donna. I'll be looking forward to hearing from you about the class!

That class sounds great, Donna. I have a copy of The Screwtape Letters around here somewhere, so may follow along with you when you get to it.

Oh Donna, how wonderful! I can;t wait to follow along:)

We re-read the Narnia series every few years. So wonderful.

I am going to be watching with interest as you take your newest class Donna. You are going to talk about it here right?

I LOVED Middlesex and I hope to read The Marriage Plot although I can see it's not going to be that larger than life book.

The class sounds great, I just love me some Narnia.

The class sounds great, Donna, and I have a copy of The Screwtape Letters too so make sure to let us know when you'll be reading it. I'm glad you got in (at least I'm keeping my fingers crossed that that's the case).

Let's see.... I have Roni, Katie, and Pat backing me up with The Screwtape Letters. Anne and Leonie can possibly guide me through Narnia. Any other C.S. Lewis tutors out there? I'll be so disappointed if this class falls through now that I've made my decision and acted on it. Plus, I have a LOT of his books to read, and I can use some help. The professor (a hip 40ish woman) has led seminars at our church and is an excellent teacher. Also, parking for this building is much more convenient so I won't have to walk 20 minutes through inclement weather to get to class.

Enough about school and more about my new favorite bookstore. It's called The Book Castle. I chatted with one of the owners while I was in there and took these pictures with his blessing...



Spacious, well-lighted, organized, and clean with knowledgeable proprietors who know books!
Who needs Barnes and Noble?

YAY! *Happy Dance*

We are signed up (almost) for the C.S. Lewis class!

Oh, I might reread some of them along with you, too, Donna! I have read and reread The Chronicles of Narnia and The Screwtape Letters over the years, so I'll happily answer any questions I can. :) (Though I'm no expert...just an enthusiast)

Great review of The Marriage Plot, Donna. This one is on my wish list.
I can't wait to hear more about your course, I've really enjoyed your reports from previous semesters.

Oh, I can support you on the Chronicles of Narnia too! Don't know how many times I've read through them. And several books about them.

Donna, I'm not sure how I managed to fall more than 50 posts behind, but I managed to get all caught up. I've had Middlesex on my tbr for a few years now, so won't allow myself to read The Marriage Plot till I've gotten that one covered. Great review and congratulations on the class!

Very interesting review of The Marriage Plot, Donna. I've not yet put it on hold at the library (there are over 1000 in the queue) because I haven't been sure about it. However, your review actually makes me want to read it -- not because the book is so wonderful, but because it is thought-provoking and (it sounds like) somewhat moving in its treatment of mental illness and love.

Donna, I really liked your review of The Marriage Plot- it's the first one I've read which has made me want to read it.

Looking forward to hearing how the C.S Lewis class goes...

The C.S. Lewis class sounds great! Hope it all works out.
Those books are good reading even on your own.

CS Lewis class? Sounds interesting, do you all read the books and discuss/ learn about them in a classroom setting? I cant think of what else a CS Lewis class might be :) I look forward to hearing about it.

I can't wait to share my class with this group. I have an appointment on Tuesday morning to officially register. Then it's off to my first class of the new year at 11:00!

I think I missed a few names in my euphoria yesterday. Becky and Bonnie, I am so glad you are going to be pulling up chairs for the class as well!

I'll join you in the Happy Dance on Tuesday, Cee. I was assured the paperwork I need to do is just a formality.

Experts and enthusiasts are welcome along for the ride, Mary.

Books about the Narnian Chronicles, Roni? You sound like an expert to me. Your comments will be very welcome.

Ilana, I'm almost always 50+ posts behind on your fast-moving thread. Maybe we should both slow down! Thank you and thank you. ;-)

Thanks, Laura, I hope I can come up with something intelligent to share about C.S. Lewis.

Wow, Ellen and Dee, that's high praise indeed. I hope I didn't raise your hopes too much about The Marriage Plot.

Hi Laura in NC. Now that I own The Narnian Chronicles I'm looking forward to reading them. I've always considered them as children's books until I began to understand the depth of the spiritual connections. I also enjoyed the movie adaptation of The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe a few years ago.

Megan, that's it in a nutshell. It's kind of like a high-priced book group but I'm not paying anything, and I also won't be worrying about a grade or writing papers!

I have only read the Narnia series by C.S. Lewis, so I am looking forward to you introducing me to some more great books!

BTW, I am reading Sea of Poppies right now, and I think this could be my first 5 star book of the year. I was encouraged to pick it up after reading both your and Mark's reviews in December.

I don't know if I'm a tutor, but I'll be happy to enjoy the class with you. I've at least got Mere Christianity, The Screwtape Letters, The Chronicles of Narnia and A Grief Observed. Do you think I like C.S. Lewis?

Looking forward to seeing you this weekend!

232: Judy, you're ahead of me in the C. S. Lewis reading! I'm so glad I can claim a teensy bit of credit for Sea of Poppies.

233: I've been busy getting ready for the short flight to Denver tomorrow. Can't wait to meet up on Saturday!

I'd forgotten about A Grief Observed. I guess I've read three of his books.

If I can stay awake, I'll finish Cannery Row tonight. Such a good book. No time for chatting about it... Just Read It!

234: Such a good book. No time for chatting about it... Just Read It!

I agree wholeheartedly!

Hi Ellen, I'm going to throw a few comments about it right now. Let's see if you agree. ;-)

We woke up to snow and slippery roads this morning. We're leaving for the airport and the warmer climate of sunny Colorado as soon as Dave gets home from his breakfast meeting with the bankers. I'm just glad I didn't have to go. ;-(


"It has always seemed strange to me," said Doc. "The things we admire in men, kindness and generosity, openness, honesty, understanding and feeling, are the concomitants of failure in our system. And those traits we detest, sharpness, greed, acquisitiveness, meanness, egotism and self-interest, are the traits of success. And while men admire the quality of the first they love the produce of the second."

Book No. 4: Cannery Row by John Steinbeck. 4.1 stars

This is the sixth book by Steinbeck I've read... and he remains firmly entrenched on my favorite authors list. This is a more lighthearted look at the down-and-out characters that Steinbeck does so well. I was hooked from the last line of the introduction in which Steinbeck suggests that readers "open the page and to let the stories crawl in by themselves."

Steinbeck seems to be ahead of book trends by writing a book of connected stories. They center around the lovable and well-respected Doc who runs a research laboratory and befriends the locals. Steinbeck uses the gathering of marine animals to show off his nature-writing talents. I loved the imagery of the drama and beauty found in the tide pools of the Pacific "where the smells of life and richness, of death and digestion, of decay and birth, burden the air." This may be a book filled with quirky characters and events, but there is some serious writing going on!

Memorable characters abound. I'll never forget the heartbreaking story of Frankie and the spilled beer. Over and over Steinbeck shows how people back in times of great need took care of each other. I loved reading about the mutual aid society between Lee Chong and the boys of the Palace Flophouse. He provided them with shelter and they gave him protection for his store. There was also a story about a hilarious exchange of frogs for food. And then there were the local ladies of ill repute who held the hands of those suffering with the flu epidemic.

I don't want to give away all the good parts. I urge you to read this short book if you haven't done so. I can't believe that I missed this wonderful book filled with wit and wisdom. Thank you to the committee of Steinbeckians who are promoting this year of reading John Steinbeck's works in 2012.

You've convinced me (well, the ongoing discussion of this book on so many threads is wearing me down :-)
Heading to the library later today and Cannery Row is on the list to pick up!

Nice review, Donna. I completely agree.

Donna - that's a wonderful review! I'm going to go give you a thumb (eta: I hope you post your review with the book - it's worth sharing).

I had insomnia last night, so I finally turned on the light and read a few more chapters. I don't know that I would ever have read this if we hadn't launched our Steinbeck-a-thon (thanks, Ilana and Mark!), and I'm so glad to be doing so. More later, after I've finished it. :-)

Donna, that's an excellent review. I finished Cannery Row over the weekend and it was a five star read for me.

Ellen, thanks so much for the work you, Ilana and Mark have done on the Steinbeckathon. I'm really enthused about reading more of Steinbeck this year because of it.

Yes, please post that wonderful review, I'd also like to give it a thumb.
I loved it that the book felt so casual while being so 'masterful' (don't find a better word).

#240: You're welcome!

Just catching up on your thread (whew!). I have The Marriage Plot sitting on by bedside bookshelf and I hope to get to it soon, though maybe it's not going to be this month.

Your C.S. Lewis class sounds very interesting. I've only read the Narnia books, though I've read them again and again, and I will be curious to follow along with you. Maybe I will even add a book to my list!

note to self, must read Cannery Row.. good review.

Same thing I said on Claudia's thread: It's been ages since I read Cannery Row and I can't remember anything about it Donna. Thanks for that review which may push me into a reread.

Great review, Donna!

Wow Donna, I was just saying over on Claudia's thread that I don't know how a person could write a review of Cannery Row, but you did it with flying colours. I'm impressed. Do you take notes while you're reading or do you just have a great memory? I can never seem to recall quotes or specific incidents when I want to.

As for the Steinbeckathon, I was so enthused with my second reading of Grapes of Wrath in 25 years when I picked it up last year, and apparently my review encouraged a few others who weren't so hot on it to pick it up too, so I felt that devoting a year to him was the right thing to do to focus attention on his work, besides the fact that I was inspired to read a lot more by him. I'm really glad Ellen and Mark came in to rescue the project because I got bogged down with how to organize the thing. With so many great novels, how do you choose? But I think we came up with a great selection thanks to some helpful suggestions.

I'm another who remembers very little about Cannery Row and appreciate the great review. Thanks, Donna.

Just stopping by to say hello. I hope you have a good visit in Colorado! Love your review of Cannery Row, too!

Colorful Colorado greetings to Laura, Joe, Ellen, Pat, Nathalie, Ellen, Anne, Leonie, Bonnie, Roni, Ilana, Nancy, and Katie. Thanks for the kudos on my words about Cannery Row. There are over 70 reviews on the main page so I'll leave my humble comments right here.

Ilana, I do take notes on complicated books like The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. For Steinbeck, A few post-its by passages I want to go back to suffice. I'm looking forward to reading more overlooked (by me) Steinbeck. I think you, Mark, and Ellen did a super job with the selections and pacing.

Katie, it looks like a lovely day ahead in CO. My husband has business up in the foothills. I have more important things to do...my son and DIL are going to take me to the Ikea store. I've never been in one! We'll go meet Dave up in Golden then spend time with my grand dogs.

Oh, I like the post-its idea, Donna. I try to remember the page numbers for passages I want to go back to, but post-its would make that a lot easier.

I've become a big post-it-flag fan since getting involved here at LT. Often, it's helpful in trying to write a review (although I'm still trying to balance writing reviews for myself-as-audience and writing them for all-my-smart-LT-friends-as-audience). :-)

I get amused (or embarrassed) when I complete a book and go back to one or more of my post-it flags and think "well, I remember flagging that and, yes, it's kind of an interesting passage, but why did I think I would use it in a review??"

Donna, have a wonderful time in Colorado and please post LT meet-up photos!

Ellen, I had to laugh at your post-it comment. I often go back to sections I flagged in a book and wonder why I thought a particular section was worth remembering.

Hi Donna -
Just wanted to add my 2 cents...
Your review of Cannery Row was wonderful! :)

Have a wonderful time at the meet-up and with your family...
I love IKEA stores... but we don't have one near us. Maybe that's a good thing. lol

Oh Bonnie! What an interesting class the C.S . Lewis sounds like! You'll have to share a bit with us. I've read several of his books, but the opportunity to discuss them with fellow readers - what a treat ! and gain more knowledge too!

Great review of Cannery Row . Hangs head in shame - I don't think I've read anything by Steinbeck and if I have, I've forgotten entirely...

Hi Donna. I'm excited to hear about your C. S. Lewis class - the Narnia books were some of my favourites as a child (and as a grown-up). I've read some of his non-fiction books but I've had Surprised by Joy in the TBR pile for a while now so I might try and join in with that one. My husband was given a non-fiction book about Narnia called Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis a while ago which is another book I've been meaning to read for a while now - it seems to have quite good reviews.

Joe, Ellen, and Pat... Post-it notes are great. Though I too am sometimes puzzled about what I thought was so great when I first read it. My cryptic notes are even more puzzling!

Cee, the Ikea experience was interesting. They are so smart for having a cafeteria with cheap food. No, we didn't eat there, but I can see where it could be a long day looking at everything. I saw a lamp I would have bought if we were driving home. Maybe next trip!

Deb and Heather, hearing all this C.S. Lewis love is exciting. I think I made a good choice, and I'll certainly be sharing my CSL journey. I'll post the reading schedule for those reading along.

Okay, I've got my orange turtleneck on in support of the Broncos. Breakfast and a few short errands to do before I meet Anne, Jenn, and Joanne at The Tattered Cover. Pics will be here and on the meetup page. This will be our third gathering!

Have a great time, Donna!

*sighing enviously*

oooo - Heather!
Planet Narnia: The Seven Heavens in the Imagination of C. S. Lewis - on my WL!

Hi Donna, nice reviews. I always thought CS Lewis was a children's books author. I'm surprised to see all the enthusiasm here. I have just read the first book of the Narnia series.

Reading about the book groups and everyone's comments. My book club is me, my father and LT.

I remember going to The Tattered Cover once years ago. It's a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. I'm looking forward to seeing pics of your meet-up/gathering.

Sorry about your Broncos. :-(

Katie, we did have a great time! I'm looking forward to our little meetup in March if we can work it out.

Cee, that book looks great, doesn't it? I looked for it in vain at The Tattered Cover.

Gautam, What did you think of the first book of The Narnian Chronicles? I think they can be read on different levels, as both children's books and books on Lewis's take on Christianity.
You know, that is not a bad book group you're in, especially since it includes all of LT!

Ellen, I'm glad I made time to look around the store this time. I only came home with one book, however. It's another one by Ivan Doig when I should be reading the ones I already have. This one, The Sea Runners, is quite different in subject matter than the westerns I've read by him.
Oh yeah, that Broncos game was brutal. My son is a huge fan and it kind of put a damper on the end of our visit. I guess my orange top didn't bring them much luck.

Okay, guys, I've decided I'd better turn the corner to a new thread. Follow me...

Hi Donna, I'm new to 75 Challenge this year and my site tells me you and I have similar libraries. I also see we're about the same age (Ok, I'm older but not by much) and are grandmothers, so I'll be following your thread. Better go get reading now, though.