Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017

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Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017

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1FAMeulstee
Modificato: Dic 30, 2016, 6:39 am

 
picture left: Ellsworth Kelly : Red Curve IV (1973) & Frank   picture right: Ari

I am Anita Meulstee from Lelystad, the Netherlands, where I live with my husband Frank and Ari, a 6 year old Pekingese. Frank & I both love modern art, books and dogs.

I joined the 75 group in 2008, but have not been been active in 2013 & 2014 because I could not read much as a side effect of my psychic medication (Paxil). In 2015 I was able to wean of the Paxil and I regained my ability to read. 2016 was my best reading year ever with 252 books read!

I read (almost) everything, from childrens and YA books to more serious literature, mysteries, historical fiction, fantasy and I try not to forget to throw some non-fiction into the mix.

I wish everyone happy readings in 2017!

2FAMeulstee
Modificato: Mag 31, 2017, 7:08 pm

books read: 9
own 8 / 1 library

pages read: 2.724
--

currently reading:
--

Books read in January 2017 (9 books, 2.724 pages)
book 9: Een goudvis van tweeduizend pond by Betsy Byars, TIOLI #6, 107 pages, (msg 250)
book 8: Hidden Doe : Wij zijn Mesquakie, wij zijn één by Hadley Irwin, TIOLI #18, 122 pages, (msg 239)
book 7: De donkere kamer van Damocles by Willem Frederik Hermans, 335 pages, (msg 226)
book 6: Het veterdiploma by Wiel Kusters, TIOLI #19, 47 pages, (msg 217)
book 5: Onvoltooide geschiedenis by Boualem Sansal, TIOLI #4, 251 pages, (msg 212)
book 4: De wervelstorm by Ivan Southall, TIOLI #16, 178 pages, (msg 191)
book 3: Nachtverhaal by Paul Biegel, TIOLI #11, 159 pages, (msg 178)
book 2: Oorlog en vrede 2/2 by Leo Tolstoj, TIOLI #10, 769 pages, (msg 158)
book 1: Oorlog en vrede 1/2 by Leo Tostoj, 756 pages, (msg 77)
--

Reading plans in January 2017

The assault (De aanslag) by Harry Mulisch, to read with Darryl

TIOLI #1 Joost, of de domme avonturen van een slim jongetje - Peter van Gestel
TIOLI #1 We moeten allemaal feminist zijn - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (from the library)
TIOLI #2 Het knoopjeskabinet - Edmund de Waal (from the library)
TIOLI #3 Het Gen : een intieme geschiedenis - Siddharta Mukerjee (from the library)
TIOLI #5 Dokter Zjivago - Boris Pasternak
TIOLI #7 Francesco - Jean Dulieu
TIOLI #9 Kikker in de kou - Max Velthuijs
TIOLI #12 De inspirerende wijsheid van de Dalai Lama - Dalai Lama (from the library)
TIOLI #13 Padden verhuizen niet graag - Gerard Brands
TIOLI #14 Tussen de wereld en mij - Ta-Nehisi Coates (from the library)
TIOLI #15 Zout op mijn huid - Benoîte Groult
TIOLI #17 7 jaren van een wielrenner - Herbert Friedrich

3FAMeulstee
Modificato: Giu 30, 2017, 1:15 pm

My readings in previous years

252 books (72.452 pages) read in 2016/1, 2016/2, 2016/3, 2016/4, 2016/5, 2016/6
  28 books (9.407 pages) read in 2015
  17 books (3.700 pages) read in 2014
  12 books (3.320 pages) read in ROOT 2013
  50 books (18.779 pages) read in 2012/1, 2012/2, 2012/3
  81 books (29.021 pages) read in 2011/1, 2011/2
120 books (37.668 pages) read in 2010/1, 2010/2, 2010/3, 2010/4
  78 books (21.400 pages) read in 2009/1, 2009/2
129 books (35.149 pages) read in 2008

4FAMeulstee
Modificato: Dic 30, 2016, 5:12 pm

5 star reads in 2016
(click on the cover to go to the book)

            

5FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 8, 2017, 10:11 am

Reading plans in 2017

I have a large collection (now 764 books) of mostly awarded childrens & YA books. At the moment I am reading them all, mostly alphabeticly, to decide wich to keep. The ones not to keep are donated to a library in Rotterdam (where we lived until 2005).

I will try to read more of my own books, of the 244 books I have read in 2016 83 were own and 161 from the library.

I join the TIOLI (Take It Or Leave It) challenges each month.

Planned reread:
In de ban van de ring (The Lord of the Rings) by J.R.R. Tolkien

6drneutron
Dic 20, 2016, 3:29 pm

Welcome back!

7FAMeulstee
Dic 20, 2016, 4:01 pm

Thanks Jim, I am still working on the top messages ;-)

8cbl_tn
Dic 20, 2016, 6:50 pm

Hi Anita! Art, books, and dogs are a great combination!

9kidzdoc
Dic 20, 2016, 7:34 pm

Happy new thread, Anita! I hope to return to Amsterdam sometime in June, and I look forward to seeing you and Frank then.

10FAMeulstee
Dic 21, 2016, 3:30 am

>8 cbl_tn: Thanks Carrie, yes it is :-)

>9 kidzdoc: We look forward to meeting you again too, Darryl.
We will be in Germany from 12 to 18 June, to visit the 14th Documenta in Kassel that is held from 10 June until 17 September.

11kidzdoc
Dic 21, 2016, 5:27 am

Sounds good, Anita. I suspect that I'll want to fly to Amsterdam in early June, and travel from there to Madrid or Lisbon after a 7-10 day stay.

12souloftherose
Dic 21, 2016, 5:31 am

Happy 2017 thread Anita!

13PaulCranswick
Dic 21, 2016, 5:35 am

Great to see you will be back again Anita.

>3 FAMeulstee: Wow what a simply amazing spike in your reading in 2016.

14FAMeulstee
Dic 21, 2016, 6:02 am

>11 kidzdoc: We will make plans as soon as you know hen you arrive, Darryl :-)

>12 souloftherose: Thanks Heather!

>13 PaulCranswick: Yes, Paul, the way I am reading now, I need the recommendations of you all ;-)
It is amazing to me too, the numbers went up half way the year, so I am curious how far I will get next year ...

15charl08
Modificato: Dic 21, 2016, 6:34 am

Happy new one.

Hopefully the reading will continue at the same pace, Anita. Thanks for 'holding my hand' on reading The Evenings.

16scaifea
Dic 21, 2016, 6:39 am

Hi, Anita!

17DianaNL
Dic 21, 2016, 8:41 am

Hi Anita! I've got you starred.

18FAMeulstee
Dic 21, 2016, 10:08 am

>15 charl08: Thanks Charlotte.
I will "hold your hand" anytime again, if needed ;-)

>16 scaifea: Hi Amber!

>17 DianaNL: Hi Diana!

19Trifolia
Dic 21, 2016, 11:38 am

Hi Anita, I'm starring your thread. So you live in Lelystad. I'll wave to you when I pass by on my way to Friesland :-)
And oh my, has anyone noticed the resemblance of the Count of Monte Cristo with a a certain man who's been all over the news in 2016 and will be for the next few years?

20harrygbutler
Modificato: Dic 21, 2016, 1:15 pm

Hi, Anita! Happy new thread!

21FAMeulstee
Dic 21, 2016, 1:59 pm

>19 Trifolia: Hi Monica, waving is nice, but you could come over for a cup of coffee. We are not located near the highway, but on the oppostite side of Lelystad, near the Oostvaardersplassen.
No, didn't think of that, but now you mention it... uhmmmm... yes there is some resemblance.

>20 harrygbutler: Thanks Harry!

22Trifolia
Dic 21, 2016, 2:13 pm

>19 Trifolia: - Ooh, the Oostvaardersplassen, you lucky girl. We once took a detour especially to enjoy the landscape. So beautiful and peaceful there.

23mellymel171328
Dic 21, 2016, 2:51 pm

>14 FAMeulstee: How do you do that with the book covers?

24FAMeulstee
Modificato: Dic 21, 2016, 4:02 pm

>22 Trifolia: Yes very quiet and peaceful here, Monica, I joke sometimes that the Oostvaardersplassen are our backyard ;-)

>23 mellymel171328: Do you know a little HTML, Melissa?
I add the link around the image... I have to look elswhere for more detailed instructions..., found! At the group page there is a link "How To Do Cool Things In Your Posts".

25mellymel171328
Dic 21, 2016, 5:53 pm

26thornton37814
Dic 21, 2016, 10:09 pm

Dropping my star!

27Smiler69
Dic 21, 2016, 11:45 pm

Hi Anita!

28FAMeulstee
Modificato: Dic 22, 2016, 6:37 am

Thanks Lori and Ilana :-)

29rosylibrarian
Dic 22, 2016, 6:52 am

>5 FAMeulstee: Hello! And wow, that is a very large collection! Every year I try to get to my own shelves, but it is tough when so many good things come through the library.

30FAMeulstee
Dic 22, 2016, 7:06 am

>29 rosylibrarian: Hi Marie!
And that is roughly half of what I used to own... We moved here in 2005 and had to cull many books because we have less space.
I try to restrict my library visits for that reason.

31The_Hibernator
Dic 22, 2016, 7:13 am

Hi Anita! Wow. 250 books. I'm at 70 now and am beginning to lose hope of making the 75. Unless I go to the library and pick up some graphic novels. But I have so many more important things to read.

32FAMeulstee
Dic 22, 2016, 12:15 pm

>31 The_Hibernator: It is the first time I read so much in a year, Rachel, in July my readings suddenly speeded. It feels great after some years of reading very few books.

33mstrust
Dic 22, 2016, 12:37 pm

Hi Anita! I'll be cheering you on in 2017!

34foggidawn
Dic 22, 2016, 5:53 pm

Hi!

35beeg
Dic 23, 2016, 12:58 pm

Nice to see your thread :)

36kgodey
Dic 23, 2016, 1:07 pm

Hi Anita!

37FAMeulstee
Dic 23, 2016, 1:26 pm

Thanks Jennifer, foggi, Brenda and Kriti :-)

38johnsimpson
Dic 23, 2016, 5:27 pm

Hi Anita, so nice to make your acquaintance my dear and a happy 1st 2017 thread and I have starred you so I can follow your reading.

39FAMeulstee
Dic 24, 2016, 9:38 am

Thanks John!

40FAMeulstee
Dic 24, 2016, 9:38 am

Tuesday after Christmas we will leave for a week, we stay in the east of our country on a holliday park far away from the fireworks of New Year. Ari doesn't cope very well with all the noise, so it is better to go somewhere quiet.

I should have internet there, but not sure I will be able to visit threads after the 26th.

Happy Hollidays to all of you!

41Ameise1
Dic 27, 2016, 10:00 am

Happy New One, Anita.

Found you and

42Berly
Modificato: Dic 27, 2016, 10:13 am

Dropping my star! Have fun on your trip.

43EllAreBee
Dic 27, 2016, 10:16 am

Hi, Anita! Just dropping a star in your thread. Looking forward to see your children's/YA reads (and non-children's/YA too)!

44FAMeulstee
Dic 28, 2016, 10:26 am

>41 Ameise1: Thank you Barbara!

>42 Berly: Thanks Kim, fun it will be!

>43 EllAreBee: Thank you Kelly, I read (allmost) all my books in Dutch, some of them will be not available in translation. When there is an English translation I will mention it in my review.

45Carmenere
Dic 28, 2016, 10:41 am

Hi Anita! Dropped my star and wow! congratulations for an outstanding year of reading!!

46London_StJ
Dic 28, 2016, 10:42 am

Leaving my mark to find my way back...

47FAMeulstee
Dic 28, 2016, 1:54 pm

>45 Carmenere: Thank you Lynda, it was indeed an outstanding reading year.

>46 London_StJ: Hi Luxx :-)

48karenmarie
Dic 28, 2016, 3:47 pm

Hi Anita! I'm so glad you're staying in the 75 Books Challenge - we need you here!

49SandDune
Dic 28, 2016, 4:53 pm

Starred you Anita! 250 books for 2016 is very impressive.

50DianaNL
Dic 29, 2016, 6:20 am



Happy New Year!

51FAMeulstee
Dic 29, 2016, 2:39 pm

>48 karenmarie: Thank you Karen, we are all needed to make this group what it is :-)

>49 SandDune: Thanks Rhian, I never thought I could read this much in a year.

>50 DianaNL: Thank you Diana, the same to you!

52ChelleBearss
Dic 30, 2016, 1:51 pm

Hope you have a wonderful 2017!

53susanj67
Dic 30, 2016, 1:57 pm

Happy new thread and new year, Anita! Well done on 252 books!

54FAMeulstee
Dic 30, 2016, 3:01 pm

>52 ChelleBearss: Thanks Chelle, I wish the same for you!

>53 susanj67: Thank you Susan, happy new year to you too!

55lyzard
Dic 30, 2016, 3:59 pm

Hi, Anita - Happy New Year / Group / Thread!

56johnsimpson
Dic 30, 2016, 4:34 pm

Hi Anita, Karen and I would like to wish you and Frank a very Happy New Year and a prosperous and healthy 2017 my dear, sending love and hugs.

57cammykitty
Dic 30, 2016, 5:09 pm

Love the photos at the top of your thread! Ari sure has one beautiful coat! Happy New Year! And here's to lots of reading 2017.

58FAMeulstee
Dic 30, 2016, 5:16 pm

>55 lyzard: Thanks / thanks / thanks Liz :-)

>56 johnsimpson: Thank you Karen and John, wishing you the same for 2017.

>57 cammykitty: Thanks Katie, lots of work to keep his coat so nice ;-)
Happy New Year with lots of good reading to you too!

59arubabookwoman
Dic 30, 2016, 9:32 pm

Hi Anita--Thank you for visiting my thread. My goal is to visit more threads this year, and to comment at least occasionally.

Best wishes for the New Year to you and your family!

60FAMeulstee
Modificato: Dic 31, 2016, 6:24 am

Thanks Deborah, after returning to the land of reading last year I try to keep up with more threads this year.
Happy New Year to you too!

61The_Hibernator
Dic 31, 2016, 8:47 am

62PaulCranswick
Dic 31, 2016, 8:56 am



I am part of the group.
I love being part of the group.
I love the friendships bestowed upon my by dint of my membership of this wonderful fellowship.
I love that race and creed and gender and age and sexuality and nationality make absolutely no difference to our being a valued member of the group.

Thank you for also being part of the group.

63FAMeulstee
Dic 31, 2016, 9:34 am

>61 The_Hibernator: Thank you Rachel, over here it is only 8 1/2 hours to go ;-)

>62 PaulCranswick: You are an amazing person Paul, doing your rounds on the threads and welcoming old and new members.
This group is one of the best things that ever happend to me and thank you Paul, for being you!

64jeanned
Dic 31, 2016, 12:16 pm

65Trifolia
Dic 31, 2016, 12:26 pm

Wishing you an excellent start of 2017, Anita! May it bring a lot of joy and happiness.

66TadAD
Dic 31, 2016, 12:42 pm

65 posts and the year hasn't started! *smile*

67FAMeulstee
Dic 31, 2016, 1:39 pm

>64 jeanned: Thanks Jeanne, wishing the same to you!

>65 Trifolia: Thank you Monica, we are having a good time here. Wishing you all good things, health and happiness in 2017!

>66 TadAD: Started early this year, Tad, happy New Year to you and yours!

68Crazymamie
Dic 31, 2016, 2:10 pm

Dropping my star, Anita! Looking forward to following you in 2017.

69jnwelch
Dic 31, 2016, 3:15 pm

Starred by me, too, Anita. Happy New Year!

70EllAreBee
Dic 31, 2016, 3:30 pm

Best wishes for the New Year! :)

71Ameise1
Dic 31, 2016, 4:12 pm

I wish you from my heart health, happiness, satisfaction and much exciting read in 2017. May all your wishes come true.


from my hometown Zürich, Switzerland

72ursula
Dic 31, 2016, 4:16 pm

I do more reading than commenting on threads, usually, but I wanted to let you know I've been here. :) You had a really amazing year of reading last year, hopefully you have another good one in 2017!

73ronincats
Dic 31, 2016, 4:52 pm

Happy New Year! (dropping a star)


74harrygbutler
Dic 31, 2016, 7:17 pm

Happy New Year, Anita!

75FAMeulstee
Gen 1, 2017, 11:03 am

>68 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie, I will follow your reading too.

>69 jnwelch: Thanks Joe, happy New Year to you and yours!

>70 EllAreBee: Thanks Kelly, the same to you!

>71 Ameise1: Beautiful picture Barbara, wishing yoy the same!

76FAMeulstee
Gen 1, 2017, 11:05 am

>72 ursula: Thank you Ursula, I have been lurking on your thread last year... Yes, it was an amazing reading year, hope this year will be as good :-)

>73 ronincats: Thanks Roni, happy New Year!

>74 harrygbutler: Thank you Harry, the same to you!

77FAMeulstee
Gen 1, 2017, 11:17 am


book 1: Oorlog en vrede 1/2 by Leo Tostoj
own, translated Russian, English translation War and peace 1/2, 756 pages

The first half of Tostojs 19th century epic.
Don't know yet what to say, except that I liked, not loved, it. More when I have finished the 2nd book.

78mstrust
Gen 1, 2017, 11:51 am

79thearlybirdy
Gen 1, 2017, 12:12 pm

Hi Anita, thanks for coming to my thread. Ari is sooo cute, I love dogs. I want to wish you good luck and a Happy New Year!!!

80BLBera
Gen 1, 2017, 12:26 pm

Happy New Year, Anita. Happy reading in 2017.

81FAMeulstee
Gen 1, 2017, 1:04 pm

>78 mstrust: Happy New Year to you, Jennifer!

>79 thearlybirdy: Welcome Birdy, even Ari himself thinks he is cute and he loves to be loved ;-)
Wishing you the same!

>80 BLBera: Thanks Beth, the same to you!

82thearlybirdy
Gen 1, 2017, 1:08 pm

My brothers dog, Bella, is the same way.

83Donna828
Gen 1, 2017, 1:16 pm

You had a terrific year of reading last year, Anita. May you read lots of good books in 2017 as well!

84streamsong
Gen 1, 2017, 1:21 pm

Happy New Year! Wow! Your thread is rolling! And congrats on already having completed one book in 2017 ... I wonder if that is the first book completed in this group??

Looking forward to following your reading again this year.

85Ameise1
Gen 1, 2017, 1:31 pm

Congrats on finishing your first book, Anita. I love this story.

86FAMeulstee
Gen 1, 2017, 1:31 pm

>82 thearlybirdy: :-)

>83 Donna828: Yes, I had a great reading year, Donna, and I am wishing you the same.

>84 streamsong: Thank you Janet, no I am not the first, I saw 2 or 3 others who had their first book down.

87lkernagh
Gen 1, 2017, 1:36 pm

Hi Anita, thank you for stopping by my thread with happy reading wishes!

Relying on my Irish heritage to leave you the following New Year wishes:

88Morphidae
Gen 1, 2017, 2:42 pm

Wow, when I saw you finished War and Peace this year my mind boggled. I was still amazed when it was revealed it was just the first book. I'm assuming that you read most of it in 2016 and not all in one day?

P.S. Love your dog.

89BBGirl55
Gen 1, 2017, 2:47 pm

Hi Happy New Year. *

90rosalita
Gen 1, 2017, 3:07 pm

Happy New Year, Anita! You can't go wrong with pictures of cute dogs on your thread. Ari is a handsome fellow. Happy reading in 2017.

91FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 1, 2017, 3:33 pm

>87 lkernagh: Thanks Lori, I had to look up what shamrocks were, I should have known no Irish without that :-)

>88 Morphidae: Thanks Morphy, I started the day before yesterday (30th) and was half way when the New Year started.
Ari says "Thanks!", as he loves all human attention.

>89 BBGirl55: Thank you Bryony.

>90 rosalita: Thanks Julia, Happy New Year to you too! Ari is a nice little fellow, loves all attention and thinks he is a BIG dog ;-)

92rretzler
Gen 1, 2017, 4:39 pm

Hi, Anita. We share a love of modern art! I love all art - but especially anything from the 20th Century on. I'm partial to Rothko, Kandinsky, Klee, Miro, Picasso, to name but a small few. Who are your favorites?

93msf59
Gen 1, 2017, 4:49 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita! And Happy New Year! And hooray for Ari! He makes the perfect topper!

94FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 3, 2017, 3:25 pm

>92 rretzler: Hi Robin, besides Ellsworth Kelly and Barnett Newman, I like Rothko, Malevich, Kandinsky, Klee and Picasso too. Last year I saw Klimt and I love the scuptures by Giacometti. Favourite Dutch painters are Mondriaan, Karel Appel and Jan Cremer. From 20th century on is my favourite time frame for art too, classical music included.

>93 msf59: Thanks Mark, Ari says "Thanks", he loves the attention of our chattiest 75er in 2016!

95nittnut
Gen 1, 2017, 6:41 pm

Happy New Year! Dropping off a star!

96EllaTim
Gen 1, 2017, 7:03 pm

Happy New Year, Anita. And happy reading. Looking forward to following your reading again this year:))

97LovingLit
Gen 1, 2017, 7:12 pm

Hi there! So many 5-star reads last year! Good for you. I only had three (out of 63 books read in total)
Happy new year, happy reading!

98tymfos
Gen 1, 2017, 7:40 pm

Happy New Year, Anita!

I have your thread starred.

99Familyhistorian
Gen 1, 2017, 8:56 pm

Your 2016 reading total of 252 is fantastic. No wonder you missed reading so much when you couldn't do it. Looks like you already have a good start on reading in 2017.

100banjo123
Gen 1, 2017, 8:59 pm

Happy new year and happy reading!

101LizzieD
Gen 1, 2017, 11:41 pm

Happy New Year, Anita, and a star! I wish you a year of great satisfaction and lots of good reading!

102Berly
Gen 2, 2017, 2:03 am

103ctpress
Gen 2, 2017, 4:37 am

I think the second half will be a better read, Anita - takes a lot of time to sort out the different characters and set up their situation etc. A lot of drama, romance and war coming your way.

104FAMeulstee
Gen 2, 2017, 6:42 am

>85 Ameise1: Sorry, I nearly missed you Barbara, I am now reading the second book.

105FAMeulstee
Gen 2, 2017, 6:57 am

>95 nittnut: >96 EllaTim: >97 LovingLit: >98 tymfos: >99 Familyhistorian: >100 banjo123: >101 LizzieD: >102 Berly: >103 ctpress:

Thanks Jenn, Ella, Megan, Terri, Meg, Rhonda, Peggy, Kim and Carsten, happy New Year to all of you!

>97 LovingLit: Hi Megan, it was 15 5-star reads out of 252 books.

>99 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, it was my best reading year since I keep records.

>103 ctpress: Reading the second book now, Carsten, the last war has started.
I saw the BBC tv-series before reading the book, so I knew the charcters & the story (not all of it) before I read the book.

106calm
Gen 2, 2017, 7:28 am

Thanks for stopping by my thread. I look forward to seeing what you read in 2017.

107FAMeulstee
Gen 2, 2017, 7:55 am

>106 calm: Thank you Calm.

108FAMeulstee
Gen 2, 2017, 7:55 am

We are gong to spend the afternoon in the city Coevorden and eat somewhere after that. Early to bed because tomorrow we go home.
There was a little bit of snow today, so Ari was very happy, he LOVES snow. Took some pictures, but can't upload them here, will do tomorrow at home.

109lunacat
Gen 2, 2017, 8:16 am

Having seen your rejuvenation in reading gives me hope for my own, so I will follow along with interest and hope to gain some energy and inspiration from you! Happy New Year :).

110Deern
Gen 2, 2017, 8:43 am

Happy New Year and another great 250 books in 2017!
No snow here - it'll wait till March like last year, I guess, and then I'll complain. :)
Here we have just sun, sun, sun and clouds of dust since mid-November...

111applebook1
Gen 2, 2017, 10:04 am

Happy New Year! Now that I've seen how many members in our group plan on what books to read, I feel like I'm reading very compulsively throughout the year...

loved the picture of your dog by the way!

112justchris
Gen 2, 2017, 10:05 am

Happy New Year! Congratulations on the stellar reading accomplishments last year. That is one happy dog. And I tracked down your thread to see that I had already previously starred you.

113karenmarie
Gen 2, 2017, 11:35 am

Happy New Year, Anita! Wishing you all the best for 2017! It will be fun trying to keep up with all your reading.

114FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 7:16 am

>109 lunacat: Thanks Jenny, it was nearly unbelievable how my reading went up last year :-)
I do hope you get a similair boost!

>110 Deern: Thank you Nathalie, we are back home and no snow here. This morning on our last walk at the hollidaypark Ari walked straight through every bit of snow he could find ;-)

>111 applebook1: Happy New Year, Yoona. I plan about half of my reads and the rest is compulsive too.
Thanks, later today more pictures of Ari.

115FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 7:22 am

>112 justchris: Thanks Chris, I think we used to follow eachother before. I have been very low profile/absent a few years from this group and returned last year.

>113 karenmarie: Thank you Karen!
Yes it will be fun, even I don't know yet how many books I'll read this year. If it keeps going like the last six months it might be well over 350!

116karenmarie
Gen 3, 2017, 8:37 am

My goodness. That would be almost one a day!

117charl08
Gen 3, 2017, 8:45 am

Glad you are having a good time - and Ari too, of course.

118FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 12:37 pm

>116 karenmarie: Yes, Karen, I think one a day would be possible, as I plan to read a lot of YA and Childrens books from my shelves.
In November I tried to read as much as possible and did 51 books in 30 days...

>117 charl08: Thanks Chalotte, we had a very good time, booked immediately for next year :-)

119FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 12:43 pm


On Friday December 30th we went to Nordhorn, a city just across the border in Germany. There we saw this statue in front of a bookshop.

120FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 12:53 pm

There was a little snow yesterday, some pictures of Ari in the snow:
 
 

pawprint in the snow & Ari again in front of me
 

121FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 1:05 pm

And yesterday afternoon a visit to Coevorden, the castle:
 

A new building next to the castle, at the other side they build around old houses
 

Left: A small statue of "The podagristen", three men who went to Bad Bentheim for a cure of their foot-gout. It must have helped as they walked from Bad Benthein to Assen. Right: the square in the centre of Coevorden with statue of a girl with geese, there used to be a large geese-market here.
 

122thearlybirdy
Gen 3, 2017, 1:09 pm

I really like all of your pictures Anita. Ari looks like he enjoyed walking in the snow.

123FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 2:20 pm

>122 thearlybirdy: Thanks Birdy, Ari LOVES snow, sadly it is rare we have snow here.

124Morphidae
Gen 3, 2017, 2:28 pm

Ari looks well suited to the snow. He's panting away even in the cold!

125FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 2:50 pm

>124 Morphidae: Yes Morphy, he has plenty of hair to keep him warm. It wasn't very cold, the snow was melting and because of his very short snout the tongue pops out easely.

Ari was determined today...
Ever since he came to live with us over 6 years ago, he got his food in a bench. At that time we had 2 smooth Chow Chows, Chimay, the eldest, got her food in the kitchen. Her daughter Eoos got her food in a large bench under the kitchen table. And Ari in his bench in the living room. When Eoos died, her bench was removed and everything stayed the same. When Chimay died I kept feeding Ari in his bench.

So today we returned from our short holiday. Over there Ari got his food in the kitchen. So tonight after diner I served Ari in his bench, as usual. He refused to eat! Tried to give him a bit by hand... NO!
Suddenly I undestood: he is now the BIG dog in the house and wants his food in the kitchen. I replaced his food and he went to eat immediately. Ari can't talk, but he sure knows how to comunicate! LOL!

126justchris
Gen 3, 2017, 2:54 pm

>125 FAMeulstee: That is a great story, Anita. Sounds just like something from Call of the Wild, specifically, the scene where Buck goes to the boss position in the dog team and won't be swayed because he knows he's earned that place and it's his.

127Crazymamie
Gen 3, 2017, 3:26 pm

Lovely photos, Anita! Thanks so much for sharing. And I LOVED the story - clever, clever Ari!

128FAMeulstee
Gen 3, 2017, 4:00 pm

>126 justchris: Thanks Chris for reminding me, I had completely forgotten that scene from Call of the Wild. It was a long long time I read that book.

>127 Crazymamie: Thank you Mamie, yes Ari is a clever little doggie :-)

129London_StJ
Gen 3, 2017, 4:08 pm

>77 FAMeulstee: That's a heck of a start to the new year! Can't wait to see what you think of part II.

Ari is a total doll. Love the stories, love the pictures.

130aktakukac
Gen 3, 2017, 4:14 pm

Hi Anita, starring your thread and loving your pictures!

131vancouverdeb
Gen 3, 2017, 5:58 pm

It looks nearly as beautiful in Coevorden as it does in Vancouver! Winks! Beautiful pictures, Anita! What a darling story about Ari. A mind of his own - like my wild old Poppy! :)

132ChelleBearss
Gen 3, 2017, 6:43 pm

>120 FAMeulstee: What a cutie!!

133karenmarie
Gen 3, 2017, 6:58 pm

>125 FAMeulstee: Awww, Ari! Clever dog and clever Anita for figuring him out.

Lovely pictures, too, thanks for sharing!

134LovingLit
Gen 3, 2017, 8:19 pm

Beautiful pics! Lovely buildings get me every time.

135AMQS
Gen 3, 2017, 8:48 pm

Happy New Year to you, Anita!

136Deern
Gen 4, 2017, 1:43 am

>120 FAMeulstee: *LOVE* :D
Love the other pics as well, but Ari always wins. :)

137FAMeulstee
Gen 4, 2017, 6:09 am

>129 London_StJ: Thanks, Luxx, it is a good start. I am 1/3 into book 2 now, hope to finish tomorrow.

>130 aktakukac: Thank you, Rachel!

>131 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, I might have read somewhere that there is a replica of the casle in or near Vancouver. Yes, indeed Ari does have a mind of his own. Give Poppy a hug :-)

>132 ChelleBearss: Thank you Chelle, we love him dearly!

>133 karenmarie: Thanks Karen, Ari was raised by a very clever dog: Chimay. And he learned more from her than we thought he did ;-)

>134 LovingLit: Thanks Megan, Coevorden is a small old city, with a nice mixture of well preserved old buildings and new ones.

>135 AMQS: Thank you, Anne!

>136 Deern: I know Nathalie, nothing beats a happy Ari picture ;-)

138Carmenere
Gen 4, 2017, 6:26 am

Love that Ari is calling the shots in your house! I really must become more attentive then maybe I'll see amazing statues like the girl with geese. Thanks for mentioning geese were sold at market there. Gives the pic even more depth.

139msf59
Gen 4, 2017, 7:11 am

Hooray for the "chattiest 75er"! We love that guy!

Hi, Anita! Hope you are having a good week.

140FAMeulstee
Gen 4, 2017, 8:25 am

>138 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda, if all went Ari's way he would rule the whole household ;-) He can have it his way when it doesn't go against our needs.
I always look at statues and other remarkable sights when we are visiting a place, they make the memories of a trip.

>139 msf59: Hi Mark, he loves to be loved.
We have settled back home and tonight Frank starts to work again.

141thearlybirdy
Gen 4, 2017, 8:30 am

Goon morning, Anita. I love your story about Ari.

142PaulCranswick
Gen 4, 2017, 8:35 am

>63 FAMeulstee: I have lurked a couple of times since but am still blushing at your lovely words to me, Anita. You have lit up the group constantly with your warmth and kind heartedness for the longest time.

Also enjoying the Ari stories. I want to bring a dog into the family when we settle back in the UK. I am hoping for a Welsh Spaniel but I have a feeling that it will be Dog lover Belle who will get to choose for sure.

143FAMeulstee
Gen 4, 2017, 8:54 am

>141 thearlybirdy: Thanks Birdy, we already have moved into a lazy afternoon here ;-)

>142 PaulCranswick: You deserve those words, Paul, and thanks for lovely words in return!
After returning to reading last year, I try to participate a bit more in the group this year.

Lucky Belle, I was never allowed to have a dog when I lived with my parents. When I went to live on my own I had a dog within a year and never have been without ever since.
If you need any advice on choosing a dog/puppy, you are always welcome.

144lunacat
Gen 4, 2017, 8:56 am

I definitely need to reintroduce pets to my boyfriend's house. He always had a dog, and several cats, growing up but there are none here now. It feels very strange without them. He keeps resisting because he knows, once I win the pet battle for the first one, it's all downhill from there and I will keep acquiring them!

145FAMeulstee
Gen 4, 2017, 9:05 am

>144 lunacat: I used to be like that, Jenny, I had up to 3 cats and a dog and later we had up to 3 dogs (puppies born here not included). And now we are perfecly happy with only one dog ;-)

146justchris
Gen 4, 2017, 10:19 am

>144 lunacat: I am living without pets at the moment, as our Dexter started with my ex and has stayed with him. I haven't talked to my landlord about pets yet, but I've seen neighbors with cats or dogs, so presumably it would be okay. But I am thinking of trying fostering animals for awhile.

147PaulCranswick
Gen 4, 2017, 10:23 am

>143 FAMeulstee: I am sure that we will have quite a few canine deliberations, Anita. Hani wants a Husky. Belle a Golden Retreiver. Kyran doesn't care and Yasmyne can't figure a way to get the dog to buy her a dress. I like Welsh or Springer Spaniels. Let's see how we can compromise.

148London_StJ
Gen 4, 2017, 10:51 am

>144 lunacat: I have to admit, I fail to see the problem. More to love! I've started volunteering at a shelter to keep my dog-love in check (we have three, which feels like full capacity).

149johnsimpson
Gen 4, 2017, 12:42 pm

Hi Anita, hope you are all having a good day my dear, sending love and hugs.

150FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 4, 2017, 3:52 pm

>146 justchris: Fostering is a nice alternative, Chris, I wouldn't be very good at it as I probably would keep the very first foster that came into my home.

>147 PaulCranswick: Retriever or Spaniel sounds better as Husky to me, Paul. Huskies are beautiful dogs but require LOTS of excersise, most don't like to be the only dog and are not reliable off leash due to high prey drive. Show Huskies are a bit easier than working Huskies.

>148 London_StJ: If I ever got without a dog I would do the same, Luxx, but only for a short time, I'd probably fall in love with one of them and take him home forever :-)

>149 johnsimpson: Thanks John, it is good to be home again!

151Morphidae
Modificato: Gen 4, 2017, 5:56 pm

>150 FAMeulstee: re #146 aka Foster Fail!

152kidzdoc
Gen 4, 2017, 5:59 pm



Happy New Year, Anita! Great photos of Ari in the snow. We're supposed to get 1-2 inches of snow in the city in Atlanta Friday night, so we'll probably have similar views to the ones you posted in >120 FAMeulstee:.

153mdoris
Gen 4, 2017, 6:16 pm

HI Anita, I am a first time visitor to your thread and marvel at the number of books that you read last year expecially in comparison to the previous years. Good on ya! Love the pictures of Ari. I am a dog person too! I will post some on my new thread.

154foggidawn
Gen 4, 2017, 8:51 pm

>147 PaulCranswick: We had Springer Spaniels when I was growing up, and my parents have one now. My Sophie is of unknown origins, but of course I think she's better than any purebred.

155thearlybirdy
Gen 5, 2017, 6:46 am

Good afternoon, Anita.

156tapestry100
Gen 5, 2017, 11:21 am

Popping in to say hello and to drop a star! Happy reading!

157FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 6, 2017, 3:30 am

>151 Morphidae: Yes!

>152 kidzdoc: Thank you Darryl, glad to see you around!
We might get a little snow again tomorrow too, but it will be gone within a day...

>153 mdoris: Thanks Mary, I am so happy my reading went up like that last year!
Always good to see other dog people here :-)

>154 foggidawn: Any dog we own is the always best, Foggi :-)

>155 thearlybirdy: Good day to you, Birdy!

>156 tapestry100: Thank you David, welcome on my thread!

158FAMeulstee
Gen 5, 2017, 1:24 pm


book 2: Oorlog en vrede 2/2 by Leo Tostoj
own, translated Russian, English translation War and peace 2/2, 769 pages

The second half of Tolstojs 19th century epic.

The story is beautiful, the lives of (mostly) noblemen in Russia at the start of the 19th century, centered around three families: Rostov, Bezukhov and Bolkonsky and their whereabouts before, during and after the Napoleonitic war.

Sadly Tolstoj felt the need to explain repetitively why historians are all wrong and have done a really poor job of figuring out causes and effects throughout history. As comments at the start of the 4 parts of the story I could digest them. And I could see his arguments about a war not evolving through commands, but following its own path despite the efforts of those in charge.
But he wrote a 2nd epilogue to the story that was completely about his thoughts about historians and history, evolution, human free will and actions of one leading to actions of another. It dragged and I was glad I finally reached the end of it...

Until the 1st epilogue I would have rated the book with 4 1/2 stars, after the 2nd epilogue 4 stars are left.

159charl08
Modificato: Gen 5, 2017, 1:35 pm

Crumbs Anita you made short work of that.
I still haven't read any Tolstoy - my next Russian read is going to be Life and Fate, which I got for Xmas.

160FAMeulstee
Gen 5, 2017, 3:26 pm

>159 charl08: It was my first Tolstoy too, Charlotte, at my present reading speed I thought it would be fairly easy to read some long books ;-)
We own 54 books in "The Russian Library", a Dutch publishers series, and I read only one of them last year, so my plan is to read at least one book a month of those.

161Crazymamie
Gen 5, 2017, 3:26 pm

Nice review, Anita! I read that one last year and was surprised by how much I liked it, BUT I skipped the second epilogue as I had been warned about its contents. I often skip epilogues because sometimes they ruin the book for me.

162ctpress
Gen 5, 2017, 3:31 pm

Interesting. The 2. Epilogue isn't in the Danish translation I read- and perhaps for a good reason. I do love Tolstoy and are in the process of reading everything by him. But sometimes he wants to explain his philosophy- as the terrible postludium on marriage that ended the Kreutzer Sonate. Ruined the novel, almost.

163charl08
Gen 5, 2017, 4:17 pm

>160 FAMeulstee: ooh Anita, that sounds like a good plan. Any books in particular lined up?

164LovingLit
Modificato: Gen 5, 2017, 4:29 pm

>158 FAMeulstee: wow, nice job knocking that one off! It's one I would like to read one day!

>160 FAMeulstee: and the Russian stuff too, you are heading into heavy territory. I still have a few Dostoevsky books to read off my shelves. My dad loves the Russian literature, so I should snap to it.

165FAMeulstee
Gen 5, 2017, 4:57 pm

>161 Crazymamie: I am a completist, Mamie, I am not able to skip anything in a book. The best I can do is reading superficial, wich I did with the last pages. But in this case it ruined the very good feeling I had for the book. Maybe it is better to start with the epilogue? ;-)

>162 ctpress: Well you didn't miss anything important, Carsten. Thanks for the warning for the Kreutzer Sonate!

>163 charl08: At the moment I think I will read a Dostojewski next month, Charlotte, but that can change...

>164 LovingLit: It was well worth reading, Megan, just skip the 2nd epilogue ;-)
I never even dreamed of reading the Russians, especialy not in the years I could barely read at all. But now my reading numbers have gone up so much, I think it is the right time to try.

166Storeetllr
Gen 5, 2017, 9:21 pm

Happy New Year, Anita! I seem to be a bit late to the party, but I hope there's still room for me to join in.

>120 FAMeulstee: What a little cutie! And I love the landscape of woods in snow.

167AMQS
Gen 5, 2017, 9:40 pm

Are you saying you just finished War and Peace? Congratulations!

168vancouverdeb
Gen 5, 2017, 11:17 pm

Wow ! Amazing, Anita! War and Peace in just a few days! Great going!

169LizzieD
Gen 5, 2017, 11:51 pm

I'm also agog at your casually knocking off War and Peace. I should reread it, and I want to, but I can't think when that will happen.
Meanwhile, I love your pictures and your story about Ari claiming his place as Alpha Dog. May still doesn't believe that she is.

170ronincats
Gen 6, 2017, 12:17 am

Loving the Ari pictures and stories, Anita. I bet you are all glad to be back home.

171Ameise1
Gen 6, 2017, 4:13 am

>158 FAMeulstee: Congrats on finishing War and Peace. It's one of my favourite books. I've read it deacades ago.

172FAMeulstee
Gen 6, 2017, 5:23 am

>166 Storeetllr: Thanks Mary, there is room enough for everyone!
Yes he is cute, and he knows ;-) We rarely have snow, so we enjoy every minute of it.

>167 AMQS: Yes that's what I said, Anne, thanks!

>168 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, the reading still goes easely. I started reading book 1 on December 30th, so it took me a week.

>169 LizzieD: Thank you Peggy, it was no difficult read, just a long one ;-)
I think it is a sign that Ari really accepted he is an only dog now, some dogs don't aspire to be Alpha.

>170 ronincats: Thanks Roni, it was nice to be away, and it is always good to be back home.

>171 Ameise1: I always hoped to read it someday, Barbara. When I read only a few books a year I wasn't able to read such big tomes, so I am glad to be able now :-)

173Berly
Gen 6, 2017, 5:25 am

Your pictures are amazing and I love the dog dish story! Congrats on whizzing through War and Peace.

174msf59
Gen 6, 2017, 6:37 am

Happy Friday, Anita! I hope the week went well. Hooray for finishing War & Peace! Not an easy task and I agree with you about those epilogues. What a slog! It hurt my rating too!

175FAMeulstee
Gen 6, 2017, 6:51 am

>173 Berly: Thanks Kim, Ari is still proud of his accomplishment ;-)

>174 msf59: Glad that I am not alone in disliking the epilogues, Mark, although the first one was at least partly about the characters.
Good week, yes, a few days away and the other ones at home, both good :-)

176scaifea
Gen 6, 2017, 6:54 am

Hi, Anita! I'm skipping your W&P review for now, of course. Wow, you really sped through it! Well done!

177FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 6, 2017, 6:58 am

>176 scaifea: I tried to avoid spoilers, Amber, as I knew you are reading it.
Just skip the 2nd epilogue if it is in your edition!

178FAMeulstee
Gen 6, 2017, 9:30 am


book 3: Nachtverhaal by Paul Biegel
own, childrens, Dutch, awarded Gouden Griffel 1993, no English translation, TIOLI #11, 159 pages

A house-gnome lives his life peacefully in the house of an old lady. At night he does his rounds through the house, tidying up behind her, checking if all is safe and keeping the Rat from stealing too much. Once a week Rat and Toad, who live in the basement, visit him in his dollhouse in the attic to play cards together.
One day a fairy arrives at his doorstep and she tells fantastic tales, so the house-gnome forgets all of his duties....

A very nice tale by Paul Biegel (not his best) with beautiful illustrations by Lidia Postma.

179scaifea
Gen 6, 2017, 9:44 am

>177 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita!

180thearlybirdy
Gen 6, 2017, 12:32 pm

Good afternoon, Anita. I'm so impressed you finished War and Peace in a week!!! Congrats on three books down already.

181Deern
Gen 6, 2017, 12:51 pm

Congrats on working your way through W&P and so fast! I really wanted to like that 2nd epilogue, but then my eyes moved over the text and my brain closed down.

182harvey.g
Gen 6, 2017, 1:02 pm

Hi Anita, interesting to read your thoughts on War and Peace. That book is a perpetual member of my TBR list so maybe this will be the year I finally give it a go.

183streamsong
Gen 6, 2017, 1:39 pm

I love the story of Ari deciding he is top dog. His joy is so apparent in the snow pictures!

Congrats on finishing W & P! Yeah, the 2nd epilogue, :-(. I'm also a completest, so I read it too, but it took me quite a while to finish.

184Morphidae
Gen 6, 2017, 2:14 pm

I think I'm going to divide the number of pages in War and Peace by 365 and read that many per day. I don't mind spreading it over a year.

185EllaTim
Gen 6, 2017, 2:22 pm

I finished War and Peace last year, but I got lucky and accidentally read a translation that didn't contain the epilogues:)) It seems Tolstoy added them later.
Congrats on finishing it!

186FAMeulstee
Gen 6, 2017, 2:37 pm

>179 scaifea: You are welcome, Amber :-)

>180 thearlybirdy: Thank you Birdy, I am glad I fished it!

>181 Deern: Thank you Nathalie, I confess something similair happened to me reading the last pages.... It was a pity as the rest of the book was very good!

>182 harvey.g: I would say go for it Harvey :-)
It took me years before starting it, the books were part of my husbands original collection, and our books were merged in 1984...

>183 streamsong: Thanks Janet, it is sad we have rarely snow here, as Ari is so happy when there is some.
I think the 2nd epilogue should be read first, then it is done and you can enjoy the rest of the book ;-)

>184 Morphidae: It has rather short chapters, Morphy, most have less than 10 pages in my edition. So you might try a chapter a day.
Maybe Amber can advise you better, as she is currently reading it.

>185 EllaTim: You were very lucky, Ella. If I had known I would have looked for that edition!

187michigantrumpet
Gen 6, 2017, 6:37 pm

Stopping through to drop my star and to shout Hip! Hip! Hooray! for finishing War and Peace! What an accomplishment. Good for you. Read it in High School, and always thought I would get more out of it as an adult, but could never bring myself to read it through TWICE. Once was plenty. Take a well deserved bow, my friend!

188rosalita
Gen 6, 2017, 10:37 pm

>178 FAMeulstee: Your review makes this book sound really delightful, Anita. A pity there's no English translation, but then you must feel that way in the opposite direction quite a lot!

189vancouverdeb
Modificato: Gen 6, 2017, 11:44 pm

Poppy is also keen on the snow! She rolls around in it , and if we throw a soft snowball her way, she jumps to get and gulp it down. I'm not so keen on the snow.

190FAMeulstee
Gen 7, 2017, 6:53 am

>187 michigantrumpet: Thank you Marianne!
I don't think either that I ever will feel the need to read it a second time ;-)

>188 rosalita: Thanks Julia, yes the availability of translations will always be a problem in an international group like this one.
On the other hand I am always happy when I find a translation of a book that others have liked.

>189 vancouverdeb: I think almost all dogs love the snow, Deborah. Ari was so happy to find some snow this morning! Poppy has a good time now, as I understand you have more snow this year.
I don't mind when the snow is fresh, but in the streets the snow gets muddy and grey fast, no fun there.

191FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 7, 2017, 9:36 am


book 4: De wervelstorm by Ivan Southall
own, childrens/YA, translated from English, awarded Vlag en Wimpel 1983, original title Hills End, TIOLI #16, 178 pages

A cyclone hits the little village Hills End at the day all families are away for the yearly picknick.
Seven children and their teacher stayed behind, to see the cave drawings one of them has found. When they are in the caves the weather starts to change. They barely make it back to the village, where almost everything is destroyed.

An adventurous story of children who try to survive in destroyed surroundings. The characters are well drawn, their fear and their unability at first to work together feel real. But somehow the book didn't really grab me, I am not sure if it is the book or the translation.

192PersephonesLibrary
Gen 7, 2017, 8:13 am

Good afternoon, Anita! Isn't it weird how different books get when they are translated? Sometimes I think it's actually a complete new piece of literature.

193mckait
Gen 7, 2017, 9:24 am

Waves!

194paperlesspages
Gen 7, 2017, 9:30 am

Dropping my star....enjoy your books!

195FAMeulstee
Gen 7, 2017, 10:14 am

>192 PersephonesLibrary: Most translations are good, Kathy, but this one was translated by a less known translator. That was why I wondered if it was the translation. But indeed, some books are turned into something else :-(

>193 mckait: *Waving back at Kath*

>194 paperlesspages: Thanks Ros, I am enjoying my books, haven't read any bad ones yet :-)

196Crazymamie
Gen 7, 2017, 10:17 am

Stopping in to wish you a happy Saturday, Anita. Hoping it is full of fabulous!

197charl08
Gen 7, 2017, 11:03 am

Hi Anita - just got The Darkroom of Damocles from the library - looking forward to it.

198FAMeulstee
Gen 7, 2017, 11:55 am

>196 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie, it is cold outside and warm inside.
Frank is watching the ice (speed-)skating and I read & hang around on LT, so perfect day :-)

>197 charl08: I am glad you got it, Chalotte, I will read it with you.
I have added the book to my January reading plans >2 FAMeulstee:

199karenmarie
Gen 7, 2017, 12:02 pm

Adding my congratulations on reading War and Peace, Anita! We had a RL book club read of it once, but I didn't even start it..... I'm going to avert my eyes when I walk by the shelf it's on. I suppose I should read it one of these years.

200jnwelch
Gen 7, 2017, 12:08 pm

Sailing through War and Peace is a rare accomplishment, Anita. Congratulations!

That second epilogue drove me crazy - I thought he'd already made those points in the novel, and that it was reader abuse to tack it on after the reader had come such a long way. He could've published it separately, for example. From the other perspective, I suppose he hoped the novel would draw in an audience, and then he could also share with them his views on history. Plus he was entitled to do whatever the heck he wanted with his own creation. What did you think about the second epilogue?

201FAMeulstee
Gen 7, 2017, 12:22 pm

>199 karenmarie: Only start when you feel like it, Charlotte, there is no book you should read, only books you want to read ;-)

>200 jnwelch: You are not the only one Joe, see my comments up there >158 FAMeulstee:
Two recent readers were very lucky >162 ctpress: & >185 EllaTim: Carsten and Ella read editions without the second epilogue!
Of course a writer can write whatever he wants in his book, but for me I could have done without!

202charl08
Modificato: Gen 7, 2017, 4:05 pm

>198 FAMeulstee: I've started - intriguing story. My copy has praise for the author from Kundera, Coetzee and Roddy Doyle. Impressive stuff.

203LovingLit
Gen 7, 2017, 7:36 pm

>165 FAMeulstee: I never even dreamed of reading the Russians, especially not in the years I could barely read at all.
I think those boos require dedication, and stickability. I'm sure once 'broken into' they can hold attention, its just that first 50 pages or so that requires so much attention.

>191 FAMeulstee: the premise sounds good- pity it wasn't executed so well. Kids love a good survival story.

204jessibud2
Gen 7, 2017, 8:02 pm

Hi Anita. Happy new year and happy new thread. Dropping a star here....

205PaulCranswick
Gen 7, 2017, 8:12 pm

>165 FAMeulstee: & >203 LovingLit: I have always had more trouble reading German authors than Russian ones for some reason.

Have a lovely weekend Anita. Already surpassed 200 posts after 1 week this year and leading European this year will be interesting to see on the threads.

206thearlybirdy
Gen 7, 2017, 9:37 pm

Good evening, Anita. Hope you have a great weekend.

207nittnut
Gen 7, 2017, 10:05 pm

Wow your thread has been busy!

>158 FAMeulstee: I remember enjoying W&P, then I realized that it's been 25+ years since I read it last. I wonder if I would feel the same about it now?

208dk_phoenix
Gen 7, 2017, 11:26 pm

I popped in with hopes of dog pictures, and I was not disappointed! ;)

Oh, and books...yes, well, those are great too, I suppose... but dog pictures! :D

209FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 4:38 am

>202 charl08: I will start reading it today, Charlotte.

>203 LovingLit: But it is much easier for me, when it isn't going to take years to read, Megan. Anyway I am happy I have finished War and peace!
Not only kids, I like a good survival story too ;-)

>204 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley.

>205 PaulCranswick: I can't compare, Paul, as I haven't read many Germans, only (mostly very good) Geman YA.
I hope your weekend was good as well!

>206 thearlybirdy: Goodmorning Birdy, I hope you have a great weekend too.

>207 nittnut: Hi Jennifer, some books are different a second time, some are not, but it all depends on the person reading it.
Are you considering reading it again?

>208 dk_phoenix: Hi Faith, yes of course doggy pictures! But without the books we would not be here ;-)

210kidzdoc
Gen 8, 2017, 5:55 am

Happy Sunday, Anita! How is the weather there today? I understand from Sanne (ennas) that many of the sidewalks and roads in the Netherlands are icy, as they were here in Atlanta yesterday.

211FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 7:10 am

>210 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl, most ice is gone now. Only the walking paths where the dogs are walked still had a little ice. Ari didn't mind and I managed to stay on my feet at our walk ;-)
Atlanta will stay icy for some time I suppose.

212FAMeulstee
Modificato: Gen 8, 2017, 7:43 am


book 5: Onvoltooide geschiedenis by Boualem Sansal
from the library, translated from French, English title (US) The German Mujahid, (UK) An Unfinished Business, TIOLI #4, 251 pages, found on Darryls and Charlotte's threads

Two Algerian brothers live in Paris, well they are half-Algerian, as their father was originally from Germany. One day their parents in Algeria are murdered. The eldest son, Rachel, goes there to mourn and find out what happend. He discovers his fathers secret: his father was a Nazi and active in the Holocaust. After 2 years of struggling with this truth Rachel kills himself. He kept a diary that is given to his brother Malrich.
The book is a mix of the diary written by Rachel and the diary that Malrich kept when he was reading his brothers diary.

A beautiful, impressing and sometimes horrifying book.
Are sons responseble for their fathers sins. Can horrifying acts ever be forgiven. Could the holocaust ever occur again?

213EllaTim
Gen 8, 2017, 7:39 am

Hi Anita. Not a fun book, but rewarding in a different way, I understand. This one I'd feel a bit intimidated by.
Have a nice sunday!

214msf59
Gen 8, 2017, 8:04 am

Happy Sunday, Anita! Hope you are enjoying a nice book-filled weekend.

215FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 8:17 am

>213 EllaTim: Thanks Ella, yes it was a difficult book. At the moment I am not easely intimidated by books ;-)

>214 msf59: Thank you Mark, plenty of books around!

216lunacat
Gen 8, 2017, 8:19 am

You've inspired me to try War and Peace again. I've got it on my kindle so I might settle down to it, and try and read it in manageable chunks. My main problem is I get bored of long books sometimes, plus I find it incredibly difficult to keep track of characters, so it might require more concentration than I'm capable of!

217FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 8:26 am


book 6: Het veterdiploma by Wiel Kusters
own, 10+, Dutch, poetry, awarded Vlag en Wimpel 1988, no translations, TIOLI #16, 47 pages

Poetry for children (age 10 and up) with some sweet and some more serious poems.

Tanneke loves all animals

Mouse on her lap.
Rabbit on her lap.
Guinea-pig on her lap.

If love is too large,
you won't survive.

An elephant on her lap.

218FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 8:38 am

>216 lunacat: Good luck, Jenny.
If it doesn't work out this way, the BBC aired a tv-adaption last year. I watched it before reading the book, so I knew the characters (and the main story) already. That made reading easier.

219jnwelch
Gen 8, 2017, 1:36 pm

>158 FAMeulstee:, >201 FAMeulstee: How in the world did I miss your comments on the 2d epilogue? I'm very happy to have someone to commiserate with. I didn't even know there were editions without it - what a great idea.

220thearlybirdy
Gen 8, 2017, 2:56 pm

Hope you're having a great Sunday, Anita. Wow, 6 books down already. Way to go.

221cameling
Gen 8, 2017, 3:13 pm

Finally found your thread, Anita. Starred you so I don't lose it again.

Loved the photos of Ari. He looks like a little lion and I loved the story of his being a BIG dog now and wanting to eat in the kitchen. LOL.

222Storeetllr
Gen 8, 2017, 4:49 pm

Okay, I've only read one Russian novel - The Master and Margarita - which I was shocked to find I actually enjoyed, but the idea of reading War and Peace has been too intimidating. (And huge congratulations to you, Anita, for finishing it!) Now, though, based on your review and the subsequent comments, I think I'm going to have to read it (at least through the first epilogue, maybe skipping the second). Except maybe I'll take a cue from you and watch the TV adaptation of it first if I can find it on Hulu, Netflix, Hoopla, Amazon, or the library.

>216 lunacat: Jenny, you feel like doing a joint read? I'm pretty sure I would be good with taking it in manageable chunks over the course of the year.

223FAMeulstee
Gen 8, 2017, 5:32 pm

>219 jnwelch: I don't know how you managed that, Joe ;-)
But I am still able and willing to start a rant again about the second epilogue... horrible!
I think the editions without 2nd epilogue were Dutch and Danish...

>220 thearlybirdy: Thanks Birdy, I am halfway book 7 :-)

>221 cameling: Thanks Caroline!
Yes, that is why we named him Ari, he is supposed to look like a little lion, Ari means lion in Hebrew.

>222 Storeetllr: That was my first one too, Mary, and I didn't like it. So I was happy my second Russian was a better experience.
Or if you are completist, you can start with the 2nd epilogue, there are no spoilers for the rest of the story in it.
There is a movie too, it is better rated as the tv-series.

224karenmarie
Gen 8, 2017, 7:24 pm

Quick hello, your thread is hopping!

225FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 6:31 am

>224 karenmarie: Hi Karen, yes it is!

226FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 7:20 am


book 7: De donkere kamer van Damocles by Willem Frederik Hermans
own, Dutch, English translation The Darkroom of Damocles, 335 pages

When story starts it reads like a satire on Dutch resistance in WWII. Before this book was published all WWII books were cheering stories about the heroes who stood up against the Germans in occupied Netherland.

Henri Osewoudt owns a tabacco store. In the early days of German occupation he meets Dorbeck, who asks him to help with resistance. Henri is happy he can help, as he was refused by the Dutch army, being half a cemtimeter to short. Dorbeck and Henri look identical, only difference is the color of their hair.
Henri goes on with his life, until 1944, when Dorbeck returns and has new assignments for him.
Then Henri is arrested by the Germans, he spends a long time in prison. The war is nearly over, he manages to escape with a German officer, who wants to save his own hide. Arrived in a free part of the country he is arrested again, by the allied forces, as they think he has given away information about the resistance to the Germans.
Every one who knew Dorbeck has died, no one can conform Henri's story. Many think he has made up his story and Dorbeck never existed. He feels abandoned and alone and finally is shot when he tries to escape.

Hermans has put a lot in this book. A part of Henri's defence is that he "just did what he was ordered to do", exactly like many nazi's defended themselves after the war. Who is on the right side, who is on the wrong side, you can't really tell. The book might be a reference to the Englandspiel. It never becomes clear what is real is this story, maybe we live all in our own reality, that might be the same, or not, of others around us.
I am sure I missed, or forgot, some other references Hermans made in this book.

227charl08
Gen 9, 2017, 7:44 am

Thanks for your review Anita. I hadn't heard of the Englandspiel. I think what most impressed me about this book was how well it read as a thriller whilst successfully raising all those questions about resistance. I'm still trying to work out what the photos meant. Who was the 'real' resistance girl in the fascist uniform with the shooting operation (the photos confused me)?

The mental health theme (and how different people reacted to the pressure of the war) was impressive, especially for the time, I thought. Have you read any Dutch women writers about the war?

228FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 7:52 am

>227 charl08: I think she was a real part of resistance, one of the deaths the allies blame on Henri.
The photo's are part of the "real" "not real" line of the book, all photos that could clear Henri are lost.

I have to think about your last question, don't know any from the top of my head...

229thearlybirdy
Gen 9, 2017, 7:58 am

Good morning, Anita. Nice review.

230Carmenere
Gen 9, 2017, 8:11 am

Wow, Anita you're moving right along! 7 books in almost as many days is a marvel! Congrats on completing W & P. It's well worth the time and effort.

231cal8769
Gen 9, 2017, 8:18 am

Wow congrats on War and Peace.

232FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 8:24 am

>229 thearlybirdy: Thanks Birdy, it is a very good book.

>230 Carmenere: Thanks Lynda, yes the books go fast :-)
I am very glad I finally got to W & P.

>231 cal8769: Thanks Carrie.

233FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 8:27 am

>227 charl08: After a quick search I found some Dutch female writers about the war:

Most famous is of course the diary of Anne Frank
Bitter Herbs by Marga Minco
The Twins by Tessa de Loo

234lunacat
Modificato: Gen 9, 2017, 9:47 am

>222 Storeetllr: Absolutely up for a joint read. I got a small amount read last night but I think doing it in manageable chunks with a friend would be great. Plus some mild discussion might help me keep all the characters straight in my head!

235Berly
Gen 9, 2017, 10:00 am

Anita--Happy Monday! Just keep up with things here. You are cranking out the books!!

236rosalita
Gen 9, 2017, 10:04 am

>226 FAMeulstee: What an interesting sounding book. I also did not know anything about Englandspiel, so I've learned something new. That's a great way to start the day.

237FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 1:18 pm

>234 lunacat: Good luck reading W & P together, Jenny and Mary!

>235 Berly: Thanks Kim, just finished book 8 :-)

>236 rosalita: It was a very good read, Julia, I thought the Englandspiel was better known. Learning is always good!

238charl08
Gen 9, 2017, 1:28 pm

>233 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita. Of course, Anne. I was reading about her tree last week: I had not known that seedlings were taken for planting around the world as a symbol of peace.

Will have a look for the others you mention - I can get Bitter Herbs from the library :-)

239FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 1:31 pm


book 8: Hidden Doe : Wij zijn Mesquakie, wij zijn één by Hadley Irwin
own, YA, translated English, awarded Zilveren Griffel 1982, original title We are Mesquakie, we are one, TIOLI #18, 122 pages

Hidden Doe is a Mesquakie, living in Ohio. Like her grandmother Gray Gull, she is trained to be a medicine woman. She has to work hard, when other girls have fun and swim in the river. Then the Mesquakies are banished from their land and have to live in a reservation in Kansas. Her grandmother refuses to leave and stays behind.
The life at the reservation is hard, many of the tribe fall ill and die. Hidden Doe is send back to her grandmother, with three others. When the others die, a white woman takes care of her. Eventually she returns to her people in the reservation. There the other tribe members have decided they will go back. They save as much money as they can to buy land in Ohio for the tribe.

Based on real events.

240FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 1:58 pm

>238 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, I had heard they wanted to plant the seedlings arond the world.

Bitter Herbs is on my TBR too, I could read that one with you again :-)

241arubabookwoman
Gen 9, 2017, 2:08 pm

The Darkroom of Damocles sounds awfully familiar. I feel like I have already read it, but it's on my TBR shelf.

242Trifolia
Gen 9, 2017, 2:31 pm

Excellent reviews, Anita. I have War and Peace in my TBR-list and I discovered the one-part-version is available on my Bliyoo-account. Apparently this is the version without the epilogue and some other writing, so I'm tempted to read this one as it seems to be more original than the official version. On the other hand, I wonder what Tolstoj has to say about historians and history, but from what I hear, it's not worth its while?

I enjoyed The Darkroom of Damocles when I read it a few years ago too. I loved the fact that Hermans leaves the reader a bit bewildered. Osewoud is such a tragic figure (and Hermans such a good writer).

I can recommend Bitter Herbs. When I read it a few years ago, I wrote A gripping novella in which the main character describes how she and her jewish family experience the war and the holocaust in the Netherlands. The simple, subdued style is breath-taking and leaves a larger impression than a more elaborated style would have done. When I think about this book, I always become a bit subdued because it was so beautiful.

243charl08
Gen 9, 2017, 2:48 pm

>240 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita - that would be great. I so enjoy reading these books with you.

>242 Trifolia: What a great review. I'm looking forward to the book even more now.

244FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 3:10 pm

>241 arubabookwoman: Maybe you did read it, Deborah, and forgot to edit the book on LT?
I don't think there is a book with a similair storyline...

>242 Trifolia: Monica, in very short: Tolstoj criticizes historians because they only focus on the leaders (Napoleon, tsar Alexander), while history is made by the people, without the people the leaders won't succeed.
Yes, for me The darkroom of Damocles was a pleasant surprise too. I did read it in highschool, but did not understand it at all. This time I think I got it better ;-)
And thanks for sharing your thoughts on Bitter herbs, Charlotte and I will read it soon.

>243 charl08: So do I, Charlotte, it is always nice to compare thoughts about a book.
I have a pile to read now, maybe read it next month?

245charl08
Gen 9, 2017, 3:14 pm

Next month would be good. Thanks Anita.

246FAMeulstee
Gen 9, 2017, 3:22 pm

>246 FAMeulstee: So we have a date, Charlotte ;-)
Remind me when you get the book from the library and want to start reading. It is a short book.

247EllaTim
Gen 9, 2017, 5:50 pm

>217 FAMeulstee: Nice poem there, you made me smile:)

I started The darkroom of Damocles long, long ago, in highschool, but didn't finish. Might try Het bittere kruid as well.

248porch_reader
Gen 9, 2017, 8:40 pm

Hi Anita! I'm finally sorting through all of the 2017 threads. It's sure been busy. You are off to a great reading start in 2017!

249FAMeulstee
Gen 10, 2017, 5:56 am

>247 EllaTim: That is why I shared it, Ella, made me smile too :-)
I did finish it when I had to read it in highschool, but I had no clue. Will you join Charlotte and me next month when we read it?

>248 porch_reader: Hi Amy, the group is very chatty, as always at the start of the year.

250FAMeulstee
Gen 10, 2017, 6:11 am


book 9: Een goudvis van tweeduizend pond by Betsy Byars
own, YA, translated English, awarded Vlag en Wimpel 1985, original title The two-thousand-pound goldfish, TIOLI #6, 107 pages

Warren wants to make horror movies, he spends a lot of time making up monster movies in his head. His latest creation is fantastic: Bubbles the goldfish who turns into an enourmous creature terrorising the sewers beneath the city.
Making up scripts in his head is to avoid reality: his mom is a political activist on the run for the FBI. He hasn't seen her for years. He is sure everything would be allright again if only she would return. Or is it a daydream, like the movies in his head...

251thearlybirdy
Gen 10, 2017, 7:36 am

Good morning, Anita. Nice review, and wow nine books in almost as many days!! Wishing you a great Tuesday.

252FAMeulstee
Gen 10, 2017, 8:12 am

Thanks Birdy, almost on track for at least one book a day :-)
Happy Tuesday!
Questa conversazione è stata continuata da Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017 (2).