AlcottAcre's 2008 Reads

Even though I generally read more than 75 books a year, I thought this would be a good starting point for me to keep track of those I read. I try to read at least 100 nonfiction every year (something I first read about in Louis L'Amour's excellent, if unconventional autobiography Education of a Wandering Man. I do not do reviews as I am not very comfortable articulating what I like or dislike about particular books - I just know what I like and what I do not like. Anyway, here is the beginning of my list for this year:

1. Grace (eventually) by Anne Lamott - I enjoy all her books although I do not necessarily agree with her theology

2. A Rogue's Proposal (audiobook) by Stephanie Laurens - I listen to a lot of audiobooks as I am working, so they are pretty much all fluff

3. Envious Casca by Georgette Heyer - the first I had read of hers and it encouraged me to check out her other mysteries

4. Thursday Next: First Among Sequels by Jasper Fforde

5. I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak - After reading The Book Thief which was highly recommended here on LT, I thought I would give this one a try. I actually preferred it to The Book Thief

6. A Secret Love (audiobook) by Stephanie Laurens

7. How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster - another LT recommendation and a very good one. My first nonfiction of the year.

8. Three Soldiers by John Dos Passos - a title that has been on my TBR list forever. Glad I finally got to it because it was very good.

9. All About Love (audiobook) by Stephanie Laurens

10. Loud and Clear by Anna Quindlen - nonfiction

11. Traveling with the Dead by Barbara Hambly

12. Looking for Alaska by John Green - a young adult book recommended here on LT. Very good.

13. Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen - when I grow up I am going to join the circus - I still have time, I am only 45 now. Another very good LT recommendation

14. The Uncommon Reader by Alan Bennett

15. Denying the Holocaust by Deborah Lipstadt - nonfiction. I read a lot about World War II, its causes and aftermath.

16. All About Passion by Stephanie Laurens (audiobook)

17. The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory - not sorry I read it, just not sure what the big deal is about it.

18. Run by Ann Patchett

19. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - of the 2 books I read by her back-to-back, I prefer this one. Some of the prose was pure poetry

20. Evans to Betsy by Rhys Bowen - I enjoy Bowen's tongue in cheek writing style and am working to complete the Evan Evans mystery series. Very light reading

21. Iced by Carol Higgins Clark - another mystery series I am reading

That's it for the year so far!

I am going to update on a weekly basis, so here it is for this week:

22. Mister Pip by Lloyd Jones - an LT recommendation; I enjoyed it, but not perhaps as much as others

23. Grievous Sin by Faye Kellerman - working to complete the Peter Decker mystery series

24. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert - nonfiction. Enjoyed very much

25. Bootlegger's Daughter by Margaret Maron - started another mystery series

26. The Conservative Intellectual Movement in America by George H. Nash - nonfiction; very good and in-depth look at the conservative movement in the US

27. The Lambs of London by Peter Ackroyd - I was inspired to read after reading an essay by Anne Fadiman about Charles Lamb

28. Open Season by C.J. Box - first in a mystery series recommended by Laurie R. King, enjoyed it and have now picked up the 2nd one from the library

29. Dark Demon by Christine Feehan - audiobook

30. Saturday by Ian McEwan - absolutely loved it; an LT recommendation

31. The Founders of the Western World by Michael Grant - nonfiction, another LT recommendation

32. The War Prayer by Mark Twain - nonfiction, another LT recommendation; very powerful

33. Flying Colours by C.S. Forester - continuing on the Horatio Hornblower series. I enjoyed this one very much

So to date, I have read 8 nonfiction books, which puts me about on schedule to read 100 this year, and listened to 5 audiobooks out of the 33 read so far. Not a bad start to 2008.

34. Penhallow by Georgette Heyer - I enjoy Heyer's books, but thought this one was drug out too long

35. Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

36. Dark Possession by Christine Feehan - my brain candy book for the week

37. The Master by Colm Toibin - this one took me a while to get into, but once in, I was hooked

38. My Grandfather's Son by Clarence Thomas - nonfiction; biography that I thoroughly enjoyed reading

39. Hand of Evil by J.A. Jance - no matter which series of hers I am reading, I always like Jance's books

40. The Falcon at the Portal by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook; one of my Christmas presents

41. Einstein: His Life and Universe by Walter Isaacson

That's it for this past week. I do not know how much reading I will be getting done over the next several weeks and months, as the search for a house is on!

Good luck on the house search, I know how time-consuming that can be!

Thanks avaland for the encouragement. So far, the house search has not yielded anything that we can afford or we would consider living in.

I actually got more read this week than I thought I would considering I get up every morning and hit the internet looking for houses and have been out with the real estate agent for about 6 hours actually looking.

Here's this past week's list:

42. Slander: Liberal Lies about the American Right by Ann Coulter

43. Experiment with Death by E.X. Ferrars

44. A Death in Vienna by Daniel Silva

45. He Shall Thunder in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook; another one of my Christmas presents

46. When the Astors Owned New York by Justin Kaplan - nonfiction, interesting look at one of the US's premier families

47. The Intellectual Devotional by David Kidder and Noah Oppenheim - nonfiction

48. An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina - nonfiction; excellent book, well-written from a man inside Rwanda at the time of the genocide taking place there

49. Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon - I enjoyed this book by Chabon better than I did The Yiddish Policemen's Union, but not more than I liked Kavalier and Clay

50. Comeback: Conservatism that Can Win Again by David Frum - nonfiction; I like this guys ideas

51. Ripples of Battle by Victor Hanson - nonfiction; excellent book and highly recommended

52. Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson - this book took a bit for me to get into, but once I did I could not put it down

That's it for this past week. Currently, I am struggling with Coming Out of the Ice by Victor Herman - there is something about his writing style that just rubs me the wrong way. I have too many other books to read to devote a long time to this one, so I may end up trying it again later.

And so, the house hunt goes on . . .

I did not get nearly as much reading done this week as I had hoped because I spent a good deal of time at the hospital with my hubby (or travelling back and forth - it's an hour drive from our house).

53. The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert - nonfiction; interesting book about an interesting man

54. Scotland Yard Scientist by H.J. Walls - Touchstone for this book does not work

55. Twanged by Carol Higgins Clark - my BC read for this week in an ongoing mystery series I am reading

56. Lord of the Silent by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook; continuing to listen through the entire series

57. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card - enjoyed more as the book went on as I did not really care for the first chapters

58. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke

59. Girl Soldier by Faith J.H. McDonnell - the correct Touchstone does not come up

60. Red Azalea by Anchee Min - nonfiction; for me, this book lost steam toward the end

61. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

Still house hunting and now nursing, too, as hubby got home from hospital yesterday . . .

Hope your hubby feels better soon...

Kathy

Thank you for the good wishes Kathy. He is doing better at this point, although he is still very sore.

Books read this week:

62. The Golden One by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook

63. The Last Six Millions Seconds by John Burdett - very good thriller, makes me wish Burdett had continued with the main character "Charlie" Chan

64. The Six Wives of Henry VIII by Alison Weir - nonfiction

65. Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich - brain candy for this week

66. The Historian's Craft by Marc Bloch - nonfiction; wish Mr. Bloch had had the time to finish it

67. Seeds of Treason by Ralph de Toledano and Victor Lasky - nonfiction

68. Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope - glad to say Mr. Harding came out OK in the end, but I get lost in all the offices within the Anglican church; looking forward to the next book in the series; Touchstone for Trollope not working?!

69. Plum Lovin' by Janet Evanovich - more BC for the week, but I admit I love the Stephanie Plum series

70. Children of the Storm by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook

71. The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion - nonfiction

72. Boone: A Biography by Robert Morgan - nonfiction; excellent and highly recommended biography

As of 2/29, 26 nonfiction books (ahead of pace for my goal of 100 for the year) and 10 audiobooks for the year out of the 72 finished.

alcottacre, how on EARTH do you get so much reading done??? Are you part computer? I'm depressed. Anyhow, you kindly commented on my own race to 75, and your interest in People of the Book. I wanted to tell you that I was so impressed by that book, that I read Brooks' Nine Parts of Desire, which was excellent. I'm sure you've already read it.

Can I second that question. I am so impressed, alcottacre. To find the time for such a fantastic booklist is incredible. Well done...

Thanks for the kudos on my reading. I have certainly broadened my reading tastes since joining LT.

As far as how I get so much done, I have a couple of advantages: I do not sleep more than 4-5 hours a night, and I only work a part time job. I also home school my children, so I am home with them during the day.

Updates for this week:

73. The Causes of War by Geoffrey Blainey - nonfiction

74. The Intelligencer by Leslie Silbert

75. Sword Song by Rosemary Sutcliff

76. An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

77. The River of Doubt by Candice Millard - nonfiction, excellent

78. Evan Only Knows by Rhys Bowen - my BC book for this week

79. Guardian of the Horizon by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook

80. Chocolat by Joanne Harris - enjoyed this one immensely (and I do not even like chocolate!)

81. Fugitive Pieces by Anne Michaels - not at all sure what I think about this one

#13 - ah, the sleep. I get so frustrated sometimes that I need 7-8 hours a night because I think of all of that lovely extra time I could spend reading. You are perfect evidence of that!

This week's update:

82. The Brontes Went to Woolworth's by Rachel Ferguson

83. The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta - not sure what I think about this one

84. Blood Dreams by Kay Hooper - my BC book for this week

85. The Serpent on the Crown by Elizabeth Peters - audiobook

86. The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell - excellent

87. Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King - nonfiction; very good book

Slow week for me since I started a new job and was in training all week:

88. Interred with Their Bones by Jennifer Lee Carrell - OK, but not great

89. Sanctuary by Faye Kellerman - continuing with the Decker/Lazarus series

90. Men in Dark Times by Hannah Arendt - nonfiction

91. Mortal Evidence by Cyril Wecht, Greg Saitz and Mark Curriden - nonfiction

92. The Terror by Dan Simmons - excellent, highly recommended

93. Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters - audibook, last in the series

Wow, maybe next year we'll have to start a 500 books read thread just for you! :) I love your choice of books--nice variety.

Impressive list!

Fugitive Pieces - I've heard many people say the same thing. It's one of my favourite books.

I love Amelia Peabody. I've recently finished The Curse of the Pharaohs, and will be starting the next one soon.

#18: Thanks, Cariola. I've recorded books in a journal for several years now, but this is the first year I have actually counted them. LT has greatly increased the variety of books I am reading.

#19: I have listened to the entire Amelia Peabody series over the course of the past several months. I love the books, although of course, I like some better than others - Lion in the Valley and The Snake, the Crocodile, and the Dog are two of my favorites. It's my understanding the Ms. Peters has another book coming out in August, but it is in her Vicky Bliss series (another series I enjoy), not the Peabody series. If you have not tried the Vicky Bliss series, you might give it a shot. Fun, light reading.

alcottacre: It is so fun to track how much you're reading!!! Would that I could get through as many books! Kudos!

#22: Thanks, alaskabookworm. To me, it's not really how much you are reading that is the important thing, it is that someone is even attempting to read. In the world we live in nowadays, it seems so much hustle and bustle that people (with the exception of LTers, of course) neglect the simple pleasure of reading. Just about nothing better in life than snuggling up with a good book!

Hope that doesn't sound too preachy, because it certainly is not meant that way.

This weeks reading:

94. Death of a Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong

95. Can't Wait to Get to Heaven by Fannie Flagg - I was laughing hysterically at portions of this book

96. Cross Creek by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings - nonfiction

97. The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall - parts of this book I really liked, other parts I just went "Huh?"

98. The Master of Rain by Tom Bradby - very enjoyable mystery set in Shanghai

99. Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons - the secret of the woodshed is out

100. Tom's Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce - YA book, liked a lot

101. Down River by John Hart - Loved this book

I love Cold Comfort Farm!

Your #97 - yes, it was a bit that way. But I really enjoyed it.

#25: Cariola, I had never heard of the book before LT. I saw it mentioned here, so thought I would check it out. I enjoyed it thoroughly, so I am glad I did. Like I have said before, LT has greatly expanded my reading horizons.

There's a wonderful film version of {Cold Comfort Farm with Kate Beckinsale, Rufus Sewell, Eileen Atkins, Stephen Frye, and Ian McKellan. I highly recommend it, now that you've read the novel.

#28: Thanks! I will see if I can find it.

This week's reading:

102. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett - did not like this book nearly as much as I thought I would, will not be reading follow up; liked the first half, hated the last

103. A Crack in the Edge of the World by Simon Winchester - nonfiction; did not care for this book as much as I like others by Winchester

104. The Perilous Gard by Elizabeth Marie Pope

105. 1491 by Charles Mann - nonfiction

106. The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson - young adult

107. Tea: The Drink that Changed the World by Laura C. Martin - nonfiction, very interesting book

108. Shakespeare: The World as Stage by Bill Bryson - nonfiction, and as with all Bryson's books, very enjoyable

109. Three Victorian Travellers by Thomas J. Assad - nonfiction

110. Kabul Beauty School by Deborah Rodriguez - nonfiction

111. Bangkok 8 by John Burdett - did not enjoy nearly as much as I like Burdett's The Last Six Million Seconds

112. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb - one of my favorite series, trying to get caught up

113. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks - loved this book and will buy it in the near future

114. Dark Star Safari by Paul Theroux - nonfiction

115. The Chase by Clive Cussler - my BC book for the week

As of 3/31, 35 nonfiction books and 13 audiobooks for the year out of the 104 completed by that date.

I'm in awe....evny so strong that it qualifies as a sin.

# 17 In any case, how did you like the Cyril Wecht book? A bit out of the normal course of most people's reading but I enjoy the True Crime books from those with credibility, who have actually worked in the field for some period of time. I recommend Henry Lee and Roy Hazzlewood and Robert Ressler also.

Hi, AlcottAcres ~ Finally had a chance to peruse your thread, and I'm in awe. Like blackdogbooks, I have to work to stifle my envy which verges on jealousy. :)

It looks like we have a lot in common, so I'm going to go out on a limb and suggest you try The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter (aka Ellis Peters of Brother Cadfael fame). It's the first of a trilogy that tells the story of the building of a cathedral in around 1200 or so. It's just wonderful, while I couldn't even finish Pillars of the Earth.

I also wanted to ask your opinion of The Lambs of London by Ackroyd. I've heard both good and bad reviews. I just "discovered" Ackroyd, thanks to LT, and recently read The Fall of Troy, which is a historical novel set in the 1800s and based on the discovery of the ruins of Troy. Next on my list of his books is London, the Biography.

#32: I am so glad to hear that someone else had problems with Pillars of the Earth. I did finish it, but did not like the second half of the book much at all, and will not be reading the follow up. Thanks for the recommendation of The Heaven Tree - I will definitely check it out. I have not read any of the Brother Cadfael series, but have always wanted to. It just always seems that other books have come ahead of it.

As far as The Lambs of London goes, it was a trifle of a book, OK, but not something I would go out of my way to read again. It was the first book I had read by Ackroyd, but probably not the last. I would like to read his book on London, but my local library does not have it.

#31: I have read all of Cyril Wecht's books, so he is not new to me at all. I have also read all of John Douglas' books and thoroughly enjoyed them. I have read one of Robert Ressler's and Henry Lee's, so I am very familiar with the true crime genre. I kind of got hooked on it when I was a teenager (centuries ago!) when I started reading books by Colin Wilson. I have a bunch of true crime books in my personal library, most of which is uncatalogued since it is storage (hopefully not for much longer as we are house hunting). I do not read as much in the genre as I used to, but I still enjoy it.

#33 I agree with your assessment of The Lambs of London. It drew me in initially, but I thought it started to drag in the last 1/3. I have several otoher Ackroyds in my TBR stacks, including Albion, The Clerkenwell Tales, and his Shakespeare bio.

This week's reads:

116. Soldiers of the Night by David Schoenbrun - nonfiction; excellent account of the French Resistance movement during WWII

117. Deathstalker by Simon R. Green - science fiction; first book in the Deathstalker series

118. Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton - young adult; absolutely loved this book

119. The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner - young adult

120. Lady Susan by Jane Austen - I love the smell of old books! The copy I read was published in 1892.

121. The Monsters of Templeton by Lauren Goff - OK, but not great

122. Shattered Dreams by Irene Spencer - nonfiction; I kept having to take breaks from this one because I found it so depressing and heartbreaking at times

123. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb

124. Charlatan by Pope Brock - nonfiction, excellent book (Touchstone is not working for title)

125. Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart - another book to add to my favorites list - loved it

Just curious, Alcottacre - you classified Cry, the Beloved Country as Young Adult - I never thought it was. Or did you read a YA version?

Cry, the Beloved Country is one of my favorite books of all time. Beautiful and sad, wise.

#37: Personally, I would not classify it as young adult, however, that is what my local library classifies it as, so I am going with their designation.

#38: I completely concur. I had never read it before and I am certainly glad that I have now.

I have it too - but I lent it to a friend - hopefully I will get it back soon so I can read it.

Isn't Bridge of Birds lovely? One of those deeply charming, funny books that sets up an entire world. The next two in the series are very much worth the effort of finding...

I completely agree with Bridge of Birds. Not so long ago I got it from the library for a re-read and I've got the sequel on reserve to be picked up later this week. Some of my all-time favorites!

It's funny because Bridge of Birds is not something I would probably have picked up on my own to read, but the reviews here on LT were so good I thought I would try it. Now I have The Story of the Stone on hold to try, too. I keep saying it because it is true - LT has greatly expanded my reading horizons.

All this talk of Bridge of Birds - a book I'd never heard of until this morning - inspired me to buy it off abebooks.com.

Cool beans, alaska! I think you will like it (at least I hope you do).

Well, I sure hope you like Master Li and Number Ten Ox! Let us know what you think...

This week's reads:

126. With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge - nonfiction; excellent account of fighting in WWII Pacific

127. A Christmas Secret by Anne Perry - my BC book for this week, I had not read any of the books in Perry's "Christmas" series until recently, but I love her William Monk and WWI series

128. Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb - my favorite in the series, which I am determined to re-read before the next one comes out - I still have not read the last one!

129. Karluk: A Great Untold Story of Arctic Exploration by William Laird McKinlay - nonfiction

130. The Greatest Battle by Andrew Nagorski - nonfiction

131. Last Flag Down by John Baldwin and Ron Powers - nonfiction; tells the story of a little known (at least to me) episode during the Civil War

132. Winterkill by C.J. Box - continuing a series I am reading

133. Marco Polo: From Venice to Xanadu by Laurence Bergreen

134. The Man in My Basement by Walter Moseley - thought provoking and somewhat disturbing

135. The Stranger and the Statesman by Nina Burleigh - nonfiction; account of the founding of the Smithsonian Institution

Even though I read several books this week, it just felt like a "slow" reading week for me. Maybe it was because I had so much other stuff going on - we finally have a contract on a house and will be moving (hopefully) either the last week of May or first week of June. I don't think I will be getting any reading done then!

If anyone is interested in taking a look, here is the house that we have put under contract: http://www.era.com/erabin/listing?Property=2479817#.

I cannot wait to move in!!

Congrats! Looks like a nice place.

Thanks, drneutron! It is all we had hoped for in our new home and more, so I am really looking forward to moving.

It does look nice - I can picture you (or me) reading on that little porch. But one thing worries me - where to put the books!!

Light, open. I like it. Congrats.

Thanks, karenmarie.

As far as where to put the books Fourpawz2, believe me, it was a consideration when we started house hunting. The majority of them will be going into the second living area, which will probably end up having stand alone shelves all over the place. Finding spots for all my books is going to be half the fun of moving!

Cute place! It looks like the lot is big enough to have a separate "book shed".

Thanks, Alaska. I cannot wait to be moved in - although I do not want to do the moving part!

This week's reads:

136. The Lifted Veil by George Eliot - I checked this out of the library and it still had uncut pages!!

137. Pagan in Exile by Catherine Jinks - young adult book

138. Children of God by Mary Doria Russell - sequel to The Sparrow, but while still good, not up to it in quality

139. Loyalty in Death by J.D. Robb - still working my way through the series

140. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon - Excellent; cannot recommend the book highly enough

141. The Promised City by Moses Rischin - nonfiction; excellent, well-researched, well-written history of the Jews in turn-of-the 20th century New York City

142. Lost Men of American History by Stewart Holbrook - nonfiction; enjoyable account of some of history's lesser known characters

143. The Wreck of the Memphis by Edward Latimer Beach - excellent; well-written account of the tsunami that wrecked the Memphis

Only 8 read this week. Have to do better next.

I absolutely loved The Shadow of the Wind as well! I've heard a lot of people lambasting it, which always surprises me. To me, it had a little bit of everything a bibliophile would want in a story.

#58 Alaska: The book was one of those that just drew me in and would not let me go. I finished it in a day and then wanted to immediately re-read it (which I did not do because I have so many others to read). It is now on my list of books to buy.

Well, *I* liked The Shadow of the Wind quite a lot! Definitely a keeper...

I am beginning to think we should form a fan club for Shadow of the Wind . . . Oh, wait, I forgot, that's what LT is for.

alcottacre, love you new home--best of luck for a smooth move. And I agree w/ the opinions of Shadow of the Wind one of my favorite books of all time.

And I too am so jealous of your speed with reading. I am the slowest reader around. Therefore very few per month.

#62 momom248: Thanks for the good thoughts on the new house. I cannot wait - I admit I am obsessing on the move. Unfortunately, the closer it gets, the less reading I will be doing.

Glad to hear there is another fan of Shadow of the Wind. I went out to Amazon today to see about ordering it in hardcover, but they wanted like $45 for it. I like the book, but there are limits (mainly, my pocket book).

And by the way, do not feel bad about the speed of your reading. I am very lucky that way, but to me, it is not the speed of your reading that matters, it is the fact that you are reading. So many people do not.

Hi Alcottacre!!

To you and all the other fans of Shadow of The Wind reading your thread: the author, Carlos Ruiz Zafon has a new book out (in Spanish, of course) called El Juego Del Angel - hopefully there will be a translation available soon for us all to enjoy!!!

BTW, congrats on your new home!!!

Kathy

Cute house, Alcottacre ~ looks bright and spacious (lots of room for books, lots of bedrooms and bathrooms, what more could one ask?). Anyway, congrats and hope the move goes smoothly. Just remember to take lots of deep, cleansing, calming breaths. :)

#64 & 65: Thanks for the good thoughts on the house.

Glad to hear about the new book by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. I hope it is as good as Shadow! I am looking forward to reading it (once it's out in English). My reading Spanish is not nearly as good as my speaking Spanish.

Alcottacre, you got a great price for your new home=for that house in New England--probably $200,000 or more.

#67: Wow! And I thought the houses here in Texas were expensive!

This week's reads:

144. A Day in the Death of Dorothea Cassidy by Ann Cleeves

145. Summer in Mossy Creek by a bunch of people

146. Valley of the Golden Mummies by Zahi Hawass - nonfiction; featured some beautiful photographs

147. Goodbye Darkness by William Manchester - nonfiction

148. Forever by Pete Hamill - liked this book a lot

149. The Atlas of Medieval Man by Colin Platt - nonfiction

150. An Incomplete Revenge by Jacqueline Winspear - I really enjoy the Maisie Dobbs series

151. The Basque History of the World by Mark Kurlansky - nonfiction

152. Witness in Death by J.D. Robb

153. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor - a jewel of a book

154. Raven's Wind by Victor Canning

As of 4/30, 50 nonfiction books thus far for the year, so I am on pace for my 100. I did not listen to any audiobooks in April (an unusual event for me, but then again it is baseball season!), so I am still at 13.

Baseball does intrude.....I find I can watch the game and read a bit in between innings!!!!

I am a huge baseball fan, so I watch quite a bit. I am a real National League fan, so most of my watching is devoted to them. I use the MLBTV.com package so that I can watch several a night.

Good, good. A true fan and one who understands that national League play is true baseball.....none of that soft American League stuff. Sadly, I am a SF Giants fan and I am having a difficult time watching our bull pen give up game after game in the late innings, especially given the great starting pitching we have (not including Zito, who deserves his trip of shame to the bull pen). Who is your team?

Well, a few of us *like* the American League...especially the Orioles! 8^}

alcottacre, how did you like the Ann Cleeves book? And Lucy Gault?

If you are going to be an American League fan, at least your an Oriole fan. I closely follow and cheer for one team from each division and the Orioles are my team in the AL East (BOOOOOOO Yankees). I have enjoyed several fine days at Camden Yards, including Cal's day 2131.

Enjoyed any good baseball books? One of my favorites is The Boys of Summer by Roger Kahn. Own but haven't read Ball Four by Jim Bouton.

Also, in the fiction arena Murder at Wrigley Field-good read!!! Loved Shoeless Joe by Kinsella, much better than the movie. Own but not yet read, The Natural.....can you believe that......it goes on the TBR stack.

Oh, man, I would have loved to have been there on 2131. I was there about a month before he broke the record, I wind up going a few times a year.

The Boys of Summer is on my TBR list. I'm also trying to find a copy of Baseball Between the Numbers and The Numbers Game.

OK, first let it be known that if you are a Yankees fan you are not allowed to post on my page. Cannot stand them! (Actually it is not the players so much as it is the Steinbrenners - yuck).

I am a died-in-the-wool Cubbies fan, although truth to be told I root for most of the teams in the NL Central with the exceptions of Cincinnati and Milwaukee. I also am a big NL East fan, and a huge Arizona Diamondbacks fan (it's the closest I can get to Texas, which has a team completely worthy of indistinction, but some very good players including the underrated Michael Young).

Sorry about the Giants. They do have some spectacular young arms though, with the exception of the aforementioned Mr. Zito, who does indeed deserve his demotion (but not his paycheck!).

As to the books, I wish my local library had more of Ann Cleeves' books, but unfortunately, that was the one and only that they had. I am going to have to keep my eyes open for hers at used books stores, because I really enjoy mysteries.

The Story of Lucy Gault was wonderful - like I said, a jewel of a book. I am very glad to have read it! That was another LT discovery for me.

I will have to check out Murder at Wrigley Field! I have read several of Roger Kahn's books including The Boys of Summer. Shoeless Joe was very good. I have not yet read The Natural either. Maybe one of these centuries!

Hi alcottacre! I was an LA Dodgers fan when I was young - would go to the games and keep score. Kept score for my brother's little league, too.

I just got Shades of Glory as my April ER book - about the Negro Leagues and African American Baseball. I'm looking forward to reading that.

Did you like The Basque History of the World? I've always wanted to read about the Basques. I was traveling to Portugal in 1979 and we were stopped at the border of France and Spain for a while because of a threat to blow up the tracks by the Basques. The only thing I really know about them is that their language is totally unique in the world, not associated with any other language group.

alcottacre.......kudos on your Yankees bashing!!!!! You should check out a website yankeeshater.com or yankeehaters.com (I'm blanking on the proper spelling).....they market and sell yankees haters hats and I am a proud owner!!!!! The design is very cool and they have them in various team colors. The fit of the hats, flexfit, are very comfortable.

#78, karenmarie, i'd really be interested in your thoughts on your ER book as it sounds a great book.

#78 hey blackdogbooks. First I've got to read my March ER book, which came yesterday too - both ER books on the same day! Poor timing. I will make a little note to myself to let you know what I think about it - probably mid-June-ish.

#78: Yes, karenmarie, I did like The Basque History of the World, although I echo the sentiments posted by drneuton on his list for the year: "Parts of The Basque History of the World are fascinating - the discussion of Basque origins and language, social customs, recipes, and other insights. Other parts of the book are confusing and a little tedious - the late 19th and early- to mid-20th century history, for example. Kurlansky tends not to follow a strict chronology. Instead he brings in parallel streams of history that overlap, making the story with such unfamiliar names more difficult to follow. I'm also a little uncertain how unbiased he is when it comes to discussing the conflict between the Spanish government and groups like ETA; I'd like to hear both sides before judging. In spite of this, the book is well worth reading."

Hope you don't mind my borrowing, drneutron :)

Let me know how you like the ER book on the Negro Leagues. It sounds like something I would like!

#81 - Not a bit. Glad I could be of help!

Thanks, drneutron and alcottacre. You've convinced me to add Basque History to my wishlist.

#78 KarenMarie

I too was a huge Dodgers fan in 1960's and 1970's, the Valenzuela, Buckner era. I also kept score, what nerdy kids we were. I also umped for Little League games as a teenager.

This week's reads:

155. King Hereafter by Dorothy Dunnett

156. Eden's Outcasts: The Story of Louisa May Alcott and her Father by John Matteson - nonfiction, excellent book and highly recommended

157. Judgment in Death by J. D. Robb

158. A Life Wild and Perilous by Robert M. Utley - nonfiction

159. Betrayal in Death by J. D. Robb

160. The Arctic Grail by Pierre Berton - nonfiction; I really enjoyed this history of Arctic exploration

161. Overhead in a Balloon by Mavis Gallant

162. Seduction in Death by J. D. Robb

This is a silly question but I'm hoping you can help. I'm relatively new to Librarything and I'm wondering how to highlight (in blue) the titles and authors of books. I'm ususal computer savoy, but this stumps me.

Thanks for your help.

#86 It's easy: put square brackets around titles and double square brackets around authors' names.

Welcome, Whisper1! I'll just add a caveat to Cariola's answer - sometimes the touchstones (getting books and authors to highlight) don't work. It's not you.

When you write your post, completing the square brackets will cause a database search on the title or author. You'll see the result to the right of the message window. Sometimes the search comes up wrong. If so, click on other and a list of all items returned in the search pops up. Click on the one you want the touchstone to link to and it'll be selected.

This week's reads:

163. Reunion in Death by J.D. Robb

164. Purity in Death by J.D. Robb

165. Arthur Conan Doyle: A Life in Letters by Jon Lellenberg and a couple of other people - nonfiction; interesting, learned several things about Doyle that I did not know

166. Portrait in Death by J.D. Robb

167. Bibliotopia by Steven Gilbar - nonfiction, got a bit repetitive at times

168. Mistaken Identity by Don and Susie Van Ryn - nonfiction; the faith of the families involved is incredible and I stand in awe

169. Here There Be Dragons by Jane Yolen - everyone needs a good story now and then

170. Dead Certainties: Unwarranted Speculations by Simon Schama - nonfiction

171. Confessions of a Jane Austen Addict by Laurie Viera Rigler

172. The Soul Thief by Charles Baxter

173. The Joys of Motherhood by Buchi Emecheta

I am currently reading my way through J.D. Robb's In Death series again as I need to get caught up on the last couple of books. To me, it is like visiting old friends all over again. Speaking of which, we are moving 5/31, and I will finally be able to get my 65 boxes of books out of storage where they have been for almost 3 years. I am so excited - it will be like having a whole bunch of new books to read and revisit. Talk about old friends!

65 boxes......I'm drooling. Was the Doyle Life in letters very dry or did it hold your interest. Sometimes I have a difficult time getting through collections of letters and such as they seem a little disconnected.

Interested in the title The Soul Thief. Tell me more.

Yes, did you like The Soul Thief? I'm a big Baxter fan, and I read it back in February, when it came out. I think it's not his very best work, but it's up at the top. I was lucky to see him give a reading from it in Feb--he's a very engaging reader.

#91 blackdogbooks: The Doyle Life in Letters was actually not bad. The editors made comments periodically between the letters so that the reader was aware of events transpiring outside the scope of the letters. I thought the insight into Conan Doyle was well worth the effort of reading the almost 700 page book. I do not, however, recommend sitting down and trying to read it all at one stretch.

#91 & 92: As far as The Soul Thief goes, I had not read any of Charles Baxter's books before, so I did not have anything to compare it to as far as the rest of his works go. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but the ending left me going "Huh?"

I'll have to keep a look out for the Doyle life in letters book. I just picked up a used copy of a compendium or all Doyle's stories and novels. I've always wanted to read East of Eden again at the same time with Steinbeck: A Life in Letters as it details his struggles writing the novel, a favorite of mine, by printing notes and letters to friends and family about his thoughts and choices writing it. Maybe that same kind of reading with the Doyle books would be fun.

#94 blackdogbooks - Be advised beforehand: Conan Doyle wrote quite a bit, but surprisingly does not write a whole lot about his best known character, Holmes, other than from the standpoint of how much money he made from the character. I am not sure that the book would work the same way for you are the Steinbeck book does.

Oh!!! Well, I will still keep a lookout for it....sounds interesting.

If you're still looking for a hardback copy of Shadow of the Wind, try entering ISBN 1594200106 on amazon.com. They have new books on backorder for $16.47, or you can try the 'Used & New' link for lots of choices. The more expensive one appears to be signed copies, and this one doesn't come up when you search by title.

#97 arbjrm: Thanks for the tip! I will check it out AFTER we move.

This week's reads:

174. Miracles: A Preliminary Study by C.S. Lewis - nonfiction

175. Legacies by F. Paul Wilson - the first book I had ever read in the Repairman Jack series and I really liked it

176. Fifth Business by Robertson Davies - the first book in the Deptford Trilogy

177. The Secret Diaries of Miranda Cheever by Julia Quinn - my BC book for this week and desperately needed, it's just been that kind of week

178. Imitation in Death by J.D. Robb

179. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro - first book I had ever read by him, I look forward to reading more

180. Before Lewis and Clark by Shirley Christian - nonfiction and more tedious than it needed to be

181 Remember When by Nora Roberts and J.D. Robb

182. Divided in Death by J.D. Robb

We are moving this next Saturday, so I am not sure how much reading I will be getting done over the course of the week. Oh, well.

Good luck with the move!

#100: Thank you drneutron. I am looking forward to the move being over with, just not looking forward to the move.

Hope the move went well! I moved twice in the past 13 months, and neither time was pretty. But I am so happy in my new place, and I wish for the same for you!

#102: Haven't moved yet Storeetllr, moving this coming Saturday 5/31. This is certainly not going to be a pretty move - stuff in 2 different storage locations plus moving the stuff from the house. Yuck! I cannot wait until this move is over! Thanks for the good wishes.

It will be worth the hassles!

oh how I envy you! WOW! What a very impressive list. I note that you read The Sparrow. I read this when it was first published. It haunted me and while I liked it, I also found it deeply disturbing.
Thanks for all posting all the neat books you have read.

I am very behind in posting due to the move and my husband being off work for the past couple of weeks, so I have about 3 weeks worth of books to list.

183. Two in the Far North by Margaret Murie - nonfiction; very much enjoyed Murie's descriptions of Alaska, especially from her childhood

184. Brother, I'm Dying by Edwidge Danticat - nonfiction

185. Memory in Death by J.D. Robb - still working on finishing the series, although since the move I cannot locate my copies of the last 2 books!

186. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper

187. Iron and Silk by Mark Salzman - nonfiction

188. Letters of a Woman Homesteader by Elinore Pruitt Stewart - nonfiction

189. Parnassus on Wheels by Christopher Morley

190. The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman - nonfiction

191. The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin - I enjoyed this rather tongue in cheek mystery and will have to find more of the Gervase Fen mysteries

192. The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud - YA

193. The Norths Meet Murder by Frances and Richard Lockridge - BC

194. Life and Times of Michael K by J.M. Coetzee - I had never read any of Coetzee's work before and will definitely be on the look out for it in future

195. Born in Death by J.D. Robb

196. Dreamers of the Day by Mary Doria Russell - none of her subsequent books have lived up to The Sparrow, IMHO, although they are worth reading

197. The Chameleon's Shadow by Minette Walters

198. April 4, 1968 by Michael Eric Dyson - nonfiction

199. Pagan's Vows by Catherine Jinks - YA

I have to try and not get so far behind again. It took a while for me to type this up - I fell shortly after the move, breaking my right wrist, my pinkie, and dislocating the 2nd knuckle of my middle finger, so typing is really a chore!

>>>breaking my right wrist, my pinkie, and dislocating the 2nd knuckle of my middle finger, so typing is really a chore!....

Ugh what a drag. Hope you improve quickly.

Thanks nancy. The one causing the most trouble is the dislocation, not the broken bones, and I am hoping everything heals quickly! I am not used to doing everything one handed.

Oh, ouch! Yes, best wishes for a quick recovery. Be sure to get extra calcium, and maybe some of that stuff that is good for joints.
(I know, I am SUCH a mom.)

How is your new home? Can you walk through it yet without having to turn sideways to get around the boxes? lol Mine was a mess for about a month before I finally got it (mostly) put away.

BTW, I agree that Dreamers of the Day is no The Sparrow, but I did enjoy it a lot when I read it a few weeks ago.

Storeetller, I do not think that in 2 years I will be done with boxes! A lot of the boxes of books are in the garage simply because I have no bookshelves on which to put them, but I LOVE my new house. Everyday I get up and ask my hubby, "Have I told you today I love my new house?" I told him it is our 20th anniversary present to ourselves (our anniversary in on the 23rd of June). Of course, breaking my right wrist and fingers has slowed down my progress on emptying boxes, but it is going to be a long, drawn out process in any case. I was just glad I did not hurt myself during the move.

While I enjoy Russell's other books, none of them have come close to The Sparrow IMHO. There is another book of hers that I have yet to read, A Thread of Grace, but I really am not holding out much hope that it will beat The Sparrow.

I definitely agree with you, it's going to be just about impossible to top The Sparrow. One of my top 10 of all time novels.

My reads for this week (I am doing better at keeping up):

200. Pagan's Scribe by Catherine Jinks - YA; a good ending to the series

201. Innocent in Death by J.D. Robb

202. Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks - I really enjoyed this book

203. Mischief by Amanda Quick - audiobook; a bit of fluff for me to listen to while working

204. Second-Chance Hero by Justine Davis - BC for this week, Touchstone is wrong

205. Creation in Death by J.D. Robb - I have not been able to locate my copies of the last 2 books in the series since the move, so I had to go to the library to get them

206. Strangers in Death by J.D. Robb - finally finished the series as it stands to this point; every time I read this particular series I feel like I am revisiting old friends who happen to live 50 years in the future

207. Q's Legacy by Helene Hanff - nonfiction; I love all of her books and highly recommend fans of 84 Charing Cross Road to check this one out as well

208. The Accidental Time Machine by Joe Haldeman - a fun romp through time

209. The Telling Pool by David Clement-Davies - YA

All in all, a pretty good reading week, even though I was really looking forward to my day off of reading this week for some reason. I got right back at it on Thursday, though.

I am slowly but surely emptying boxes of books (I do not care that I do not have books to shelve them on - I need to see them!), and as I am going through, I keep saying "Oh, yeah, I need to read that one again" or "I had forgotten that one" or "This is a great book". What a wonderful joy my books are to me. I am getting to revisit some very old friends. I may move again just to be able to go through the process all over (yeah, right!)

This is one of the reasons I build TBR stacks only about 10-15 at a time. I go through the whole library, shelf by shelf to see what I haven't read and find so many books that I hadn't considered upon starting. And each time I come up with a diverse group, many which I had not intended to take down. Also, I dust the shelves about once a week and some books just call out as I move the feather duster over them, so I pull them out about an inch to wait for me until the next stack is compiled.

Hope the hand is healing well.

Sounds like you have a wonderful system, blackdogbooks. I may try it when I get some shelves to put my books on - right now I have stacks on the floor.

I have a doctor's appointment Monday to see how the hand is healing. We will see - but I already know that the dislocated finger is still not healed. Thanks for the good thoughts!

Alcottacre, I highly recommend Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee.

Sadly, I have been reduced to stacks on the floor a few times when I ran out of shelf room....and I'm about there again. but, like you say, it's better to have them out, old friends that they are!!!

#116 dihiba: Thanks for the recommendation. I will check it out!

This week's reading:

210. The Outcast by Sadie Jones - Very good book, thanks avaland for the recommendation

211. O Jerusalem by Laurie R. King - audiobook

212. The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman - first book of hers that I have read and I really liked it, so I will check into her others

213. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King - audiobook

214. Life of Pi by Yann Martel - another LT recommendation that I really liked

215. The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman - audiobook

216. Lost by Hans-Ulrich Treichel - YA

217. Elizabeth: The Struggle for the Throne by David Starkey - nonfiction

As you can probably tell by the number of audiobooks I listened to this week, I was working more than I normally do, so in order to get any reading done, I had to listen.

Edited to correct Touchstones

I finally found the other two series by Charlaine Harris you recommended. The Aurora Teagarden Real Murders was interesting and good but the Harper Connelly Grave Secrets was outstanding. Now I have to get caught up on those series. Thanks for the recommendations, and good reading.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed them sten! I think my favorite series by Charlaine Harris will still be the Shakespeare series, although I pretty much enjoy everything she writes.

I had a very good reading week - read some very good books, most of which were LT recommendations:

218. The Piano Tuner by Daniel Mason - really liked this book

219. Old Man's War by John Scalzi - had a great time with both the Scalzi books I read this week

220. The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi

221. Twilight at Mac's Place by Ross Thomas

222. Ascension by Steven Galloway - excellent book

223. Rapture in Death by J.D. Robb - audiobook

224. Treasure Hunt by William Honan - nonfiction

225. Hidden Riches by Nora Roberts - my BC book of the week

226. Tales of the South Pacific by James Michener - Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction, really enjoyed it

227. Mad Mary Lamb by Susan Tyler Hitchcock - nonfiction; having read Peter Ackroyd's fictional story of the Lambs, it was interesting to read this factual treatment of their lives

228. The Island of Lost Maps by Miles Harvey - nonfiction

I did not do a recap at the end of May because of the move, but as of 6/30, 68 nonfiction books thus far for the year and 16 audiobooks.

Oh, I really loved The Piano Tuner, too. Great book. I want to read Mason's second novel, even though reviews have been less than stellar.

What did you think of The Island of Lost Maps? It really opened my eyes to the losses faced by reference collections. How sad that many of the maps were not returned to the original owners as they could not be traced and the original libraries may not yet know they are missing. It also opened my eyes to the beauty of antique maps. And yes, now I'd love to have one.

#123 Cariola: I did not realize that Mason had written a second novel. I will keep my eyes open for it.

#124 streamsong: I had no idea that theft was such a problem for librarians, either. The first time the author talked about the Bland slicing pages out of books with a razor, I wanted to cry. What really irked me about the whole situation was how many libraries chose not to pursue legal action against Bland, so that he can get away with it again and no doubt will, and a legal system that basically gave him a slap on the wrist!

I agree about the antique map, too. Maybe one day . . .

This week's reads:

229. Stealing God's Thunder by Philip Dray - nonfiction

230. Careless in Red by Elizabeth George - better than the last couple of books

231. The Language of God by Francis S. Collins - nonfiction

232. The Girl from Botany Bay by Carolly Erickson - nonfiction; interesting biography of a female convict transported to Australia who escapes

233. Dark Symphony by Christine Feehan - audiobook

234. We Wish to Inform You that Tomorrow We Will Be Killed with Our Families by Philip Gourevitch - nonfiction

235. A Soldier's Book by Joanna Higgins - excellent book and highly recommended for Civil War buffs

Hello alcottacre: Since you are such a phenom at reading, and the envy of LT--or certainly of me--let me share my very special tiny list of favorite books in the whole wide worldo--that I didn't see on your list.
1. China Court by Rumer Godden--I read this every yr. or 2.
2. Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman + wife--probably classified as YA
3. Turtle Moon by Alice Hoffman
Of course, Pride and Predjudice by Jane Austin goes without saying, and I'm sure you've read it already!
Let me know if you love these!
This is my first listing on this group, and I love that we all can cheer alcottacre on in her year of reading!!!

Thanks for the input augustdreams! You are correct, I have read Pride and Prejudice, but I have not read the others on your list, so I will be on the look out for them.

This week's reads:

236. I Dreamed I Married Perry Mason by Susan Kandel - a quick, fun read; my BC book for the week

237. Sharpe's Tiger by Bernard Cornwell - a lively adventure story

238. The Murders of Richard III by Elizabeth Peters - I still maintain he did not do it

239. Escape from the Deep by Alex Kershaw - nonfiction; Kershaw is one of my favorite nonfiction authors, The Bedford Boys by him will break the hardest of hearts; highly recommended

240. The Man in the Brown Suit by Agatha Christie - audiobook; a departure for Dame Christie, but good nonetheless

241. Vengeance in Death by J.D. Robb - audiobook

242. The Adrian Mole Diaries by Sue Townsend - YA

243. Fermat's Enigma by Simon Singh - nonfiction

244. Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

245. At Large and At Small by Anne Fadiman - nonfiction; not up to par with Ex Libris, IMHO, but still enjoyable

246. Incompleteness: The Proof and Paradox of Kurt Godel by Rebecca Goldstein - nonfiction; written for math geeks

ok...I am more than a bit envious of this long list!
Seriously, congratulations and thanks for all the excellent books I now have added to my ever growing tbr pile.

#128. Like you, I really enjoyed Turtle Moon, but then all of Alice Hoffman's books are a gem of insight into the human psyche. Plus, I love how she weaves a magical lilt to the stories. I know she has a new book out and I've not read it yet..I'm on the list at the library.

Regarding your professed enjoyment of Helene Hanff's books, I must recommend The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society which I'm currently reading as an LT ER ARC, and will be on sale July 29th (according to the marketing info contained inside my copy). It is written in the epistolary style, is set in post WWII England, and whose characters are great lovers of books and reading. It is a delight and treasure to read.

#131 Whisper1: Thanks - and glad I am adding to your TBR list. I have so many on mine that it will take 2 lifetimes to get them read!

#132 alaskabookworm: Thanks for the recommendation. I will definitely be on the look out for it because I am definitely an Helene Hanff fan.

How was Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World? I've always wondered if a book about cod could be interesting.

Fourpawz2: Actually, Cod: A Biography of the Fish That Changed the World was pretty good. The book highlights the problems of the fishing industry these days because of overfishing, and gives the history of how cod became the mainstay of the industry due to its prevalence. I recommend it.

Thanks for the recommendation, alcottacre. I'm bumping it up on the wishlist.

i found Cod very interesting and well-written. i've always been fascinated with the history/biography of commodities/goods which have played a driving role in the global trade over history -- so right away i knew this book was for me. Kurlansky manages to weave a tight story around facts that are well-researched, including anecdotes that one would not easily associate with cod. like alcottacre, i recommend it too...

This week's reading:

247. Reba: My Story by Reba McEntire - nonfiction

248. Austenland by Shannon Hale - this was a fun book

249. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett

250. The Travels of a T-Shirt in the Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli - nonfiction; I found the book both interesting and thought provoking

251. Carnal Innocence by Nora Roberts - audiobook

252. The Child in Time by Ian McEwan

253. Bel Canto by Ann Patchett - audiobook; I love this book, so I bought it on audio to enjoy as I work

254. Not a Girl Detective by Susan Kandel - I am enjoying this series, it is just good fun

255. The Class of 1846 by John C. Waugh - nonfiction; this book is lengthy at over 500 pages, but very worth the effort for Civil War and history buffs

256. Southtown by Rick Riordan - I needed to catch up on the Tres Navarre series, so I read 3 in a row by Riordan

257. Mission Road by Rick Riordan

258. Rebel Island by Rick Riordan

259. A Little Learning by Evelyn Waugh - nonfiction

260. Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann

My girls will be starting school again in September, so I have to take advantage of the time over the summer to get reading done. Only about 6 more weeks - yikes!

I just read Austenland a couple of weeks ago, and thought it a lot of fun. Good Omens is one of my favorites--what did you think of it?

#139 ronincats: While I did not dislike Good Omens, I am not sure I liked it all that much, either. I had not read anything by either Gaiman or Pratchett and was not sure what to expect, and I guess it was more tongue-in-cheek than I thought it would be. Still, I will probably read more by both authors. I will also probably pick Good Omens back up at a later date now that I know what to expect. I imagine I will enjoy it more.

Hi alcottacre

I'm curious re. your impressions of the Reba McIntyre book. I enjoy biographies. Is this worth the read?

#141 Whisper1: I picked up the book because I also like biographies and Reba is very big in my neck of the woods. I enjoyed the book even though it was written in the mid-1990s (1994 was the publishing date, I think), so it is not current. Reba's writing style is pretty much what you would expect from her, breezy and down home. I got the feeling as I was reading it that she was sitting in my living room just narrating her life to me.

This weeks reads:

261. The Lost King of France by Deborah Cadbury - nonfiction; historical detective story along the lines of the Princes in the Tower

262. Hearts West: True Stories of Mail Order Brides on the Frontier by Chris Enss - nonfiction; much too short to treat the mail order brides of the frontier's stories with the attention they deserve

263. Little Heathens by Mildred Kalish - nonfiction; enjoyed this memoir very much

264. A Treasury of Foolishly Forgotten Americans by Michael Farquhar - nonfiction; interesting selection of people chosen, some of whom I had heard of, most of whom I had not

265. Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie - I enjoyed this book very much with a few minor quibbles; prior to LT I would never have picked it up to read

266. I'd Tell You I Love You, But then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter - YA; fun romp through an all girls spy school - I wanna go, I wanna go!

267. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart - I really appreciate Mary Stewart's writing - I love The Gabriel Hounds and her other books

268. Charlotte Temple by Susanna Rowson - I cannot see this book being read by today's young people and I am not just referring to the overall moralistic tone of the book - I am referring to the vocabulary! It would probably have to been "dumbed down" quite a bit

269. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows - this book is responsible for my complete lack of sleep on Friday; thanks alaskabookworm for the recommendation!

270. Oceans of Fire by Christine Feehan - audiobook

271. The Woman Who Can't Forget by Jill Price and Bart Davis - nonfiction; fascinating to those like me who cannot even remember yesterday

272. Watchmen by Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons - wow

My July recap: 87 nonfiction and 22 audiobooks out of the 272 read thus far this year. Just under 32% of my reading is nonfiction, which is actually higher than I had thought, but I would like to improve that. If only there were not so many good books out there!!

An impressive list, as usual! I haven't yet seen anyone with a bad thought about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It's definitely on my wishlist!

I've loved Mary Stewart since I read Nine Coaches Waiting 30+ years ago when I was in high school. I read The Wicked Day earlier this year and was totally amazed that she could make even Mordred a sympathetic protagonist.

streamsong: If and when you get to Guernsey, plan on blocking off several hours to read it because once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down!

I need to go back and read Stewart's Merlin books again. It has been quite a while since I read them and now they are out of storage, maybe I will get to them. I am picking up Rose Cottage this week at the library - this is one of hers that I have never read.

I agree with your assessment of your book no. 262. I read it last year and found it pretty sparse. I would so love to read something on the subject that was a little more substantial. Wonder if there is anything else out there.

#145 & #146: Guernsey really is a fun book, isn't it? I'm so glad to see it getting so much good press. I even saw it for sale at Costco, at the end of the aisle, right next to Breaking Dawn.

I have decided that I am officially not a Stephen King fan. In the past couple of months, I have tried Blaze, which I could not stand and did not even make to the 50 page mark, Duma Key, ditto, and most recently, Needful Things, which I tried very hard to like, but by page 350 was not enjoying at all and finally gave up on. I have decided that there are too many authors out there that I do enjoy to waste time on one whom I clearly do not.

I am on to Olive Kitteridge which I have heard very good things about. I hope it takes the bad taste of Needful Things out of my mouth.

#147 fourpawz: I am upset with myself that I did not take a closer look at the bibliography of Hearts West because there were probably some books in it which do treat the subject in more depth. Unfortunately, the book did not come from my local library, so getting hold of it again would be a pain. I am just going to keep my eyes open to see if something more worthwhile comes up.

Alcottacre - I think I just had a duh moment back on August 4th. I OWN the doggone book. Guess I'll take a look at the bibliography and if there is anything there I'll let you know.

Thanks! I appreciate it.

A slow reading week for me, primarily because I spent a lot of time (up to about the 350 page point) on Needful Things by Stephen King before deciding it just wasn't for me.

273. Cruel as the Grave by Sharon Kay Penman - another of Penman's medieval mysteries

274. Great Feuds in Science by Hal Hellman - nonfiction

275. The Eight by Katharine Neville - could easily have been shortened by 100 or so pages, but I still liked it although it did not bowl me over

276. Blue Skies, No Fences by Lynne Cheney - nonfiction

277. The Children of Men by P.D. James - not the usual detective novels that I am used to by James, but enjoyable nonetheless

A valiant effort to consume a King. Sorry you didn't like his writing but not every author and story clicks with every reader, and King is sort of a love him/hate him kinda guy. I completely agree about not wasting your time on an author once you decide......I had a similar experience with Faulkner.

How far into a book do you go before you decide it is not for you? My librarian friend gives every book at least 100 pages. If I start something I'll finish it, even if I'm not fond of it.

#155 Clea: I will normally allow 50 pages or so into a book. I kept going with Needful Things because the first part of the book I did appreciate. The problem was that the more I read, the less I liked, which is why I finally abandoned it because I still had at that point about 300 more pages to go. I did not see it improving for me.

#154 blackdogbooks: I know from other threads that you are a big King fan. The whole experience just reiterates to me one of the wonderful things about Library Thing - not every book is for every body and the diversity of people's likes and dislikes is one of the reasons I keep coming back!

Hi AlcottAcre

After struggling through The Tommy Knockers years ago, I gave up on reading King. Obviously, he has a large market of readers..of whom I used to be one...but frankly in my mind, he got just to weird and difficult to follow.

Hi there,

Just curious as to your reactions to Life of Pi and Geographer's Library. Both were book club reads for me, and I wasn't that impressed with Life of Pi at all. However, I loved Geographer's Library.

Mrs. Mike is one of my favorite books, YA or not. It's well told, it's a fast read, and it's historical to boot.

Bel Canto is simply one of my favorite books of all time. A simple story line told well, and, OMG, it even finally got me somewhat interested in opera, something my mother has never managed to do.

Love Mary Stewart, having read her romance mysteries very early, and, then compared other well-known romance writers to her and found them seriously wanting, in stories, characters, or just plain writing skills.

Children of Men I read after seeing the movie the first time. Wasn't sure where I stood with either at time, but on re-viewing the film, I've decided it's a tie for me. I like the movie's characterizations, but the novel is deeply moving.

And for Stephen King--well, have you tried some of his others, specifically The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon, The Shining, or some of his early short stories (Night Shift is one of the collections). Just suggestions here.

Have a great week!

#159 Prop2gether: Of the two books, I definitely prefer The Geographer's Library. I liked Life of Pi, but was not as ecstatic about it as others here on LT seem to be.

I did not know that Children of Men was a film. I almost always prefer books to movies so it may be just as well. I rarely go out to the theatre.

I will have to look for Mrs. Mike. The name sounds familiar, but I do not believe I have ever read it. I just checked, and my local library has it so I have put it on hold there. I will let you know once I have read it.

Up until recently I had not read any of Ann Patchett's books. Having now read both Run and Bel Canto I am definitely going to be on the lookout for her books in the future. I completely agree with you about Bel Canto and some of the prose she uses is lyrical in and of itself.

I think I am done with Mr. King. I have tried 3 of them recently and just cannot get excited about trying more. There are too many other books on my TBR list and in my TBR mountain!

If you like Ann Patchett I recommend her memoir Truth and Beauty; it is beautifully written book about her relationship with fellow writer and cancer victim Lucy Grealy; it is a powerful work on the limits of friendship. I haven't read Bel Canto, but it is on my list.

I, too, liked Life of Pi but I didn't get "ecstatic" about it either, and I think it was because the book had been so "built-up" by others that I had unreal expectations for it, but it is an enjoyable read.

I enjoy a good Stephen King novel every once in a while. I went through a phase in my late teens and my early twenties in which I couldn't read enough of his work. I slowed down after Misery. My husband and I listened to Bag of Bones on a trip recently, and I was intrigued again by his work; I loved Bag of Bones. My favorite short story collection is Different Seasons and up until Bag of Bones my favorite novel was The Talisman. After reading all the reviews here, I think I'll read Duma Key

I notice some folks are still trying to twist your arm to read try another King. Bag of Bones is a pretty good suggestion. But I have to sy, if you didn't care for Blaze you probably wouldn't like that either. And, I think youo've given him a fair reading, something most don't do before writing him off as a pulp writer.

As to the page limit on a book....I am with the 50 page folks. I can't finish books any more which I don't like. I finished Harlot's Ghost and wanted to throw it off a bridge for having wasted considerable reading time I could have devoted to other books.

As to page limits for continuing, I seem to have a very flexible 20 to 100 page limit. If any of the language or story has caught me initially, I'll continue for another 30 pages or so. If the story bogs down, I'll set it aside for a quick read of something else, and then try again. And sometimes it just takes multiple efforts. I do hate not finishing a book, but the only time I did it was gusto was a romance novel given to me years ago, as a gift, and I found myself correcting the grammar after three pages.

Sometimes I just cannot get in the mood for a book (I am very much of a moody reader), so I keep a list of books that I need to go back to just because I was not in the right frame of mind at the time of the initial reading. If I try them again and still do not like the book, I hold by the 50 page rule. It's amazing to me how many of the books I do this with improve on the second try, which only goes to prove the problem wasn't the book it was me all along!

And amen to that thought! I often put a book aside and then come back to it later and find it was worth the reading. Most recently that happened to me with Fitcher's Brides by Gregory Frost in the Fairy Tale series. My first read was a "no way" and I was absolutely hooked by the second attempt.

This week's reads:

278. The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest by Anatoli Boukreev and G. Weston DeWalt - nonfiction

279. Each of Us Is a Book: Poems for the Library Minded by David Drake - some of the poetry I really enjoyed, some not so much

280. The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean - an LT recommendation I really liked

281. Double Indemnity by James M. Cain

282. Wild America by Roger Tory Peterson and James Fisher - nonfiction; this book about traveling around America was interesting to me as it was written the year before my husband was born; some things have changed and some things have seemingly remained the same in the 50+ years since the book was written

283. Light in Shadow by Jayne Ann Krentz - audiobook, my BC for this week

284. Dawn of Modern Science by Thomas Goldstein - nonfiction; interesting juxtaposition of art and science

285. Stanley, the Making of an African Explorer by Frank McLynn - nonfiction; told me a lot of things I would rather not have known

286. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee - I had never read this classic before and I loved it

287. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech - young adult; very good

288. Rose Cottage by Mary Stewart - one of Stewart's books that I had not previously read, this is shorter than the norm for her, but the lady can write

My goal for this week is to reach the 300 book mark, but I am very much entrenched in the Olympics. We shall see!

AlcotAcre: good to see you liked Walk two moons too.

Whew! 300.... I'll be at the look out for your next posting!!!

#167 FAM: Yes, I enjoyed Walk Two Moons very much and appreciate your recommendation. The ending surprised me and I like that in a book.

I added Walk Two Moons to my ever growing to be read list...

The academic semester is fast approaching -- classes at Lehigh University begin on Monday, thus my summer is almost over. My days will be filled with students and their questions. I hope to have time to read all these books I've added to my library....

Library Thing is a marvelous resource. I've expanded my reading habits and embraced books I never would have known about save for this site.

I added Walk Two Moons to my ever growing to be read list...

The academic semester is fast approaching -- classes at Lehigh University begin on Monday, thus my summer is almost over. My days will be filled with students and their questions. I hope to have time to read all these books I've added to my library....

Library Thing is a marvelous resource. I've expanded my reading habits and embraced books I never would have known about save for this site.

Library Thing is a marvelous resource. I've expanded my reading habits and embraced books I never would have known about save for this site. I understand completely - you should see my reading list from 2 years ago when I joined LT. It consisted primarily of romances and mysteries along with a few nonfiction books along the way. Don't get me wrong - I have nothing against romances and mysteries, I still read them - it's just that they do not challenge me the way a lot of the reading I am doing now does. LT has expanded my reading horizon beyond anything I could have foreseen. I get very excited about lists such as avaland's and Cariola's because they seem to read books that are very much outside of my box and it challenges me to try them!

Whisper, Walk Two Moons is probably going to be a one-sitting book for you as it was for me (it is a young adult book after all), but I think you will enjoy it. The ending surprised me, although I read it after a long night of work, so maybe I was just tired, but I would like to see what you think after you get a chance to read it.

Well, I did not quite make my goal of reaching 300 books by the end of the week, but I came pretty close. Darn those Olympics!

289. Stealing Athena by Karen Essex - Having read this one, I am anxious to read nonfiction about Lady Elgin - she sounds like an interesting character

290. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout - I enjoyed this one very much

291. The Wednesday Sisters by Meg Waite Clayton - A good time was had by all

292. River Town: Two Years on the Yangtze River by Peter Hessler - nonfiction; interesting read at a time when I was watching the Beijing Olympics

293. The Bible: A Biography by Karen Armstrong - nonfiction; despite being raised going to church, I learned a lot I did not know about the Bible in reading this book

294. Plague of Doves by Louise Erdrich - I liked this one, too

295. Child of an Ancient City by Tad Williams and Nina Kiriki Hoffman

296. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

297. Clear the Bridge!: The War Patrols of the U.S.S. Tang by Richard O'Kane - nonfiction; indepth writing about a celebrated WWII sub by its commander - made me feel like I was patrolling the Pacific right along with them

298. Truth or Dare by Jayne Ann Krentz - audiobook

All in all, a good reading week.

WOW! I am truly impressed and in awe!

Just curious, what was in Stanley, the Making of an African Explorer that you didn't want to know? Your comment reminded me of the exact point at which I abandoned John Adams: when McCullough started describing in detail how Adams' house was perpendicular to the road while his father's house sat at a slight angle...I'm just proud of myself for not throwing the book across the room at that point.

What did you think of Child of an Ancient City? I like both authors in isolation, especially Nina Kiriki Hoffman, but the description of this book didn't particularly grab me.

#175 wunderkind: I realize I am somewhat naive in my outlook, and I tend to think in idealized pictures of how I imagine people are, but Stanley's streak of sadism just completely took me by surprise. His cruelty to his underlings was just off the (or at least my) scale.

It was not that the author was as nitpicking as McCullough seems to be in John Adams, but that the character of Stanley was just so off-putting. I did think, however, that the author spent too much time in dissecting both Stanley's sexuality and sadism.

#176 ronincats: I had never read anything by either author before so I was not sure what to expect. I had seen both authors highly touted here on LT so thought I would give the book a try. I was pleasantly surprised by the book, although it seemed to be written more for a young adult audience than what I had anticipated. All in all, though, I enjoyed it, but it is really not what I expected of something that I thought was going to be in the science fiction/fantasy genre.

Has anyone else read The Reading Group? I tried it this past week, but could not make myself go beyond the 50 page point. I was not enjoying it at all.

Looking it up, I see that it is her first book, written back in 1992. I would recommend you try The Thread That Binds the Bones or A Red Heart of Memories to get a better sense of her work. Both have later works connected to them, but they are separate story lines. I really enjoy all of her work with the exception of Catalyst, which is an experiment that didn't really work for me.

#180 ronincats: Unfortunately, my local library only had the one book by her. I will have to keep my eyes open at the local bookstores and see if I come across either of the titles you mentioned. Thanks for the recommendations!

Ah, I see. I had never heard that about Stanley (actually, I've never heard anything about his personality before). And even knowing the bare essentials from what you've said is going to change how I think about him now, so I can definitely see how an entire book of it would be too much.

Hi alcottacre.
I'm responding to message #172. And, I want to thank you for your post regarding Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech. You are right, it is/was a book that can be read in one sitting. Still, I did not want to rush the reading because the story, the writing and the characters are so superbly crafted. I have to say that this is one of the best I've read in 2008.

Have you read any of Creech's others?

It is a wonderful book! If not for your recommendation, I would not have discovered this one. So, a BIG thanks to you!

Linda

#183 Whisper: I have not yet read any of Creech's other books at this point although I fully intend to based on the writing in Walk Two Moons.

As for the recommendation, the only reason I read it was because FAM posted it on her list with her recommendation. Just one of the myriad of great things about LT - what goes around, comes around.

Stasia

This week's reads:

299. The Know-It-All by A.J. Jacobs - nonfiction; I read Jacobs' book about trying to keep all the rules in the Bible (frankly, an impossible task!) at the very end of last year and enjoyed his sardonic sense of humor and gave this one a try, too. I enjoyed it.

300. The Heaven Tree by Edith Pargeter - part one of a trilogy

301. Mrs. Mike by Benedict Freedman and Nancy Freedman - YA nonfiction; When I began reading this book, I did not realize that it was based on an actual person, so I enjoyed it all the more when I found out that it was. Thanks Prop2gether for the recommendation!

302. The Code Book by Simon Singh - nonfiction; I love this kind of stuff

303. Holiday in Death by J.D. Robb - audiobook

304. West with the Night by Beryl Markham - nonfiction; I very much enjoyed the spare writing style of this book

305. The Story of Maps by Lloyd A. Brown - nonfiction; the title says it all - and it was very good

306. The Demon Breed by James H. Schmitz - science fiction, I was expecting alot more action than what I got

307. Perfect Partners by Jayne Ann Krentz - audiobook

308. By the Time You Read This by Giles Blunt - the first book of his that I have read, but it certainly will not be the last

My reading pace will be slowing down considerably as the girls start their school year this week. Since I home school, I am the teacher and will not have as much spare time as I did over the course of the summer for reading. The good news is that it is their senior year (which is, of course, also the bad news, because I will greatly miss home schooling - I have been doing it now since they were 4).

So, at the end of August, here is the recap: 102 nonfiction (yea, reached my 100 book goal there) and 27 audiobooks out of the 308 total thus far for the year.

You are truly an inspiration for the well read life. Your reading list is diverse and well balanced. I can only imagine how well read your children are and that will servie them well as they leave the nest for schooling outside the home. I've had to star your list now because of the wide range of books to which you have exposed all of us 75'ers.

By the way, I am glad you enjoyed West with the Night. Markham shames us all in terms of her courage and adventurous spirit. I've talked to a lot of pilots who marvel at her flying over the dark continent in the dark without any instruments and only oil cans to light an ungraded runway in the middle of nowhere.

Hi. I agree with blackdogbooks. You clearly are an inspiration! I check your list often.

And, I too am glad that you enjoyed West With the night. Years ago after watching the movie Out of Africa, I read as much as possible regarding the cast of characters of Markham, Denys Finch Hatton, Karen Blixen (Isak Dinestin) and Bjor Blixen.

If you are interested in learning more about Markham, I recommend the following:

The Splendid Outcast: Beryl Markham's African Stories by Beryl Markahm

The Lives of Beryl Markham by Erroll Trezebinski

Straight On Till Morning: A Biography of Beryl Markham by Mary Lovell

Linda

Thank you for the kind words blackdogbooks and Whisper1. I have enjoyed my experiences here on LT for the most part and one of the best things is reading about other peoples reading choices. The diversity of books read is simply amazing to me!

Re: Demon Breed MORE action? Was that tongue-in-cheek, or was it a different sort of action than you expected? This is a favorite classic of mine, and I'm curious as to how it didn't please.

#189 ronincats: The problem I think was entirely on my part due to a preconceived notion (and I am not sure where it came from) that the book was going to be something like a Bruce Willis Die Hard movie in novel form. I did like the book and will probably read it again. So I guess to answer your question it was a different sort of action than I expected.

BTW - I enjoy looking over your list and discovering science fiction and fantasy books that I have never read or heard of. It has been a while since I have dipped into that pool, so the recommendations are always welcome.

James H. Schmitz was writing interesting female main character leads back in the 60's when very few others were. I love his books (4) and short stories. It was hard to get them for a long time, other than The Witches of Karres, but Baen put out a 7-volume collection of all his work at the beginning of this decade. You will see that I have duplicates--all of those books plus the original publications from the 60s and 70s. AND the Baen Free Library has 4 of those collections for free download! Including most of the Trigger Argee and Telzey Amberdon stories.

Thank you. You are looking at 40 years of collecting. I've made some major purges over the years, but never of stuff I've loved, only marginal reads. Well, I've kept a few marginal reads for the sake of completism, as in my Andre Norton collection. And I think there's a box or two up in the attic I've missed--I know I never would have given away Caves of Steel and The Naked Sun although there's other Asimov I've discarded. I appreciate hearing from people who enjoy my library. One of the things I love about LibraryThing is setting my library to Covers and just enjoying. If you see something that looks interesting, just ask me about it.

Just curious, alcottacre - did you read The Story of Maps because of reading The Island of Lost Maps? I am reading TIOLM now and I just read about the Brown book this AM. (of course it's gone on my wishlist - or desiderata, as Harvey calls them. Sounds much classier, doesn't it?)

Just a note-I read The Reading Group and enjoyed more than the similar one based on Jane Austen books (and I really like Jane's works!). I had just joined a book club at work and wanted to read about groups and how they operated, since ours was pretty much a one-person run group and our selections were similarly limited to that person's tastes. I found several of the author's suggestions on ways to work within a group actually helped us to maintain the group at work when our leader had a serious accident and was out of action for nearly four months.

I'm also one of those people who can read three books at a time until one hooks me to the finish. Some days I'm just in the mood for a no-brainer romance while others I really want to get all the nitty-gritty facts about a historical period. I'll abandon a book for a while if I can't get into it, but I will try at least one more time to see if I just wasn't ready for the work at the time I tried.

Philosophy lecture over--on to the reading!

#192 Fourpawz2: Yes, I did read The Story of Maps because of reading The Island of Lost Maps. I often go through bibliographies of books looking for further reading material if I find the subject one of interest. (I really would love to start collecting old maps, but could never possibly afford that particular hobby!)

#193 Prop2gether: I am glad that you liked The Reading Group. I think my problem with it was that I just did not care about any of the characters. I don't belong to any reading group other than LT, so maybe that would have helped.

I also am one of those people who read several books at a time (normally somewhere between 5 and 7). I am also very much of a moody reader, so I am like you in that regard - 1 day a light mystery, the next history. I will also abandon a book if I cannot get into it and return to it later. I keep a running list of books that I was just not in the mood for at the time, and come back to them. Then if I still cannot get into the book, I will just read something else. The good thing about books is that there is always another one out there that I have not read!

#191 ronincats: I know you have one of my new favorites, John Scalzi, in your library. I stumbled across him on one of the threads and really loved Old Man's War, so I bought several of his.

One of the books I am currently reading is The Little Country by Charles de Lint. I cannot remember who recommended books by him (it may have been you), but I am really enjoying this one, at least to this point. I am at about the 50 page mark on it.

alcottacre, when I visit your thread my head starts to spin...I get dizzy...a voice in my head starts chanting "so many books! so many books!"

I don't think I aspire to read as many books as you do. For me, that would mean I would lose track of my kids (now where did I leave them? Oh, yeah, they're adults and live elsewhere, don't they? at least the last time I checked, none had moved home again) or my husband (it took me ages to find the right one, I'm don't want to lose him), or my housework (well, at least then I might have a good excuse about the state of the housework), and schoolwork (hmmm...); and I might forget I have hobbies and friends (not necessarily listed in a prioritized order).

Still, it is a lovely mix of wonderful reading. One has to smile over a reader who loves reading as much (and as often) as you do (and apparently doesn't let life get in the way too much!). May the book gods bless you.

I just found a quote in The Little Country that certainly fits:

"It's understanding what you read . . . and it's challenging your mind. I've no quarrel with entertainment, but I like to mix my reading about so that I get a bit of everything."

This week's reading, which is light due to Labor Day, hubby's birthday, school, you know, life:

309. Dragon's Lair by Sharon Kay Penman - I am really enjoying this mystery series

310. Wellington at Waterloo by Jac Weller - nonfiction; military history of the famous battle

311. Suite Francaise by Irene Nemirovsky - I really liked this one

312. Camber of Culdi by Katherine Kurtz - I wish this one had been longer, but on the other hand, it is the first book in a series

313. When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt - young adult; highly recommended

314. The Little Country by Charles de Lint - I loved it!

>197 avaland: It's a great list and a wonderful achievement, allcottacre. I say BRAVO to you!

>199 alcottacre: I really enjoyed Suite Francaise too. Have you read any of Nemirovsky's other books?

Someone I know did not enjoy Suite Francaise all that much because it seemed a bit disjointed. I still plan to try it.

Is that your first de Lint?

I got onto him because of one of my 100 best lists. I found a list that was put together by ordinary readers as opposed to critics or literary scholars. Several of his books ended up on the list. I have only read a bit but he went right to my list of favorite authors. I am trying to collect the Newford series and read them in an order he suggested on a website. They don't require that kind of read but part of the fun of books for me is being on the hunt for used copies of books I need. And I have a long TBR list so I can afford to wait.

>198 alcottacre: ah, well said!

#201 blackdogbooks: Suite Francaise is a bit disjointed at times, but to me, that added to the appeal and charm of the book - are things not disjointed in times of war?

As far as Charles de Lint goes, yes, it was the first book of his that I had read, but it definitely will not be the last. I would like to know what list you discovered him on . . . is there a link you could post?

#200 digifish: Thanks!

No, I haven't read any of her other books, but I noticed the other day that my local library has one of hers in the new books section, so I will check that one out, too.

#202 avaland: I know - makes me wish I had said it!

I keep a couple of quotes posted in the front of all my reading journals:

George Gordon, Lord Byron - "I found that my mind wanted something craggy to break upon."

and

Hope Summerall Chamberlain - "A peace offering to a hungry mind"

I may add the de Lint quote to these.

#203, Yes, I agree, things do become disjointed in times of war. I take it, then, that perhaps the disjointed nature of the writing was meant to inform, or did inform, your reading of the book. I still intend to give it a go.

I don't have a link for that 100best list from readers as I got it some 6-7 years back. But I do have an electronic version I could email you. If you want it, leave me your email in a private comment on my profile and I'll send it along. I have been reading the books from that list along with 3 others I have picked up along the way; 1 is from a Barnes and Noble publication picking the 100 best; 1 is from Ratcliffe publishing I think; and 1 is from some other literary group whose name escapes right now. Let me know If you want any of the others.

I have sent you the lists!!!! I only wish I could read at your speed......I'd be done with the lists quickly. Enjoy!

Thanks! I appreciate it very much.

This week's reads:

315. Wellington: The Years of the Sword by Elizabeth Longford - nonfiction

316. Sharpe's Triumph by Bernard Cornwell - second book in the Sharpe series

317. In the Woods by Tana French

318. E = mc2: A Biography of the World's Most Famous Equation by David Bodanis - nonfiction; I thought the book well worth reading

319. Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy by Ally Carter - young adult; second book in the Gallagher Girl's School series - I really want to be a spy when I grow up, lol

320. No Graves as Yet by Anne Perry - audiobook; first book in the excellent World War I series by Anne Perry

321. Love that Dog by Sharon Creech - young adult; I very much enjoyed this book - I could just hear my teenagers as I was reading it; thanks FAM for the recommendation!

322. The Metaphysical Club: A Story of Ideas in America by Louis Menand - nonfiction; overall an interesting subject, but the book was a bit dry at times

323. Prince of Darkness by Sharon Kay Penman - the last book in her medieval mystery series and I certainly hope she writes more

Hi AlcottAcre

Once again you have provided me with more books to add to my pile.
I have read Anne Perry's books, including the Monk series of talkes with the time from of Victorian England. I've enjoyed them. I didn't know she had a new series on WWI. I'll have to check this out. By the way, did you know that in real life.. as a child she was accused of killing her parents?

I was in the children's section of my local library and found Love that Dog and hope to read that book this week.

WOW 323 books on your list...That is incredible!

opps...I gave you the wrong information.
Anne Perry was implicated in the murder of her friend's mother.
Here is information taken from a google search.

In Early life
The daughter of Dr. Henry Hulme, an English physicist, Perry (then known as Juliet Hulme) was diagnosed with tuberculosis as a child and sent to the Caribbean and South Africa in hopes that a warmer climate would improve her health. She rejoined her family when her father took a position as Rector of the University of Canterbury in New Zealand when she was 13.

Together with her school friend Pauline Parker, Juliet murdered Pauline's mother in June 1954. Juliet's parents were in the process of separating, and Juliet was supposed to go to South Africa to stay with a relative. The two teenage girls, who had concocted a rich fantasy life together populated with famous actors such as James Mason and Orson Welles, did not want to be separated. They had hoped to go to England with Juliet's father after the divorce.

Pauline's mother, Honora Rieper1, objected to the closeness of the girls' friendship and Pauline's isolation from other friends. Pauline believed that her mother would block her from leaving New Zealand with Juliet. Pauline began to write in her diary that she wished her mother to die, and eventually hatched a murder plot that she shared with Juliet.

Murder and trial
Main article: Parker-Hulme murder
On June 22, 1954, the girls took Honora Rieper for a walk in Victoria Park in their hometown of Christchurch. On an isolated path Juliet dropped an ornamental stone so that Ms. Rieper would lean over to retrieve it. At that point, Pauline had planned to hit her mother with half a brick wrapped in a stocking. The girls presumed that would kill the woman. Instead, it took 45 frenzied blows from both girls to finally kill Honora Rieper. The brutality of the crime has contributed to its notoriety.

Pauline and Juliet stood trial in Christchurch in 1954, and were found guilty on August 29 of that year. As they were too young to be considered for the death penalty under New Zealand law at the time, they were convicted and sentenced to be "detained at Her Majesty's Pleasure". In practice, this sentence meant they were to be detained at the discretion of the Minister of Justice. They were released separately some five years later. A condition of their release was that they were never to meet or contact each other again.

These events formed the basis for the 1994 film Heavenly Creatures, in which Kate Winslet portrayed teenaged Juliet Hulme.

Yes, I did know. As teenagers, Perry and her best friend were accused and convicted of murder of the friend's mother. There is more information, if you are interested here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anne_Perry.

The World War I series is totally unlike both of Perry's Victorian series (I particularly enjoy the Monk series). The WWI series consists of 5 books that begin prior to the war and then continue on through the war. Perry's pacifism comes through, but I think she is true to the subject matter and the characters throughout. I highly recommend the series. Perry is one of those people who I think could write about dirt and have the beauty of the prose shine through.

Thanks for the additional information.

I agree with you regarding her ability to write beautifully.

I enjoy these communications with you. It seems we have a lot of the same interests.

Take care,
Linda

Yes, we do! Coolest thing about LT to my mind is not only having your interests widen, but also finding people who share the interests you already have.

Best,

Stasia

Just a note that Heavenly Creatures was one of Peter Jackson's first "mainstream" films and it is still a great watch. Melanie Lynsky plays the other girl and the film was a jumpstart for both young actresses.

How are you liking the Sharpe's books? They were the very first books of Cornwell's that I read, although not chronologically. I find that the more recent ones he has written concerning the Penninsula campaign are not my favorites - this story may have been going on too long. However, Tiger and Triumph and the ones written before them are the ones I like best from the series.

#216 Fourpawz: So far, I have only read the first two books in the Sharpe series, so I cannot comment on his more recent ones. I am trying to read the series in order, but my local library does not have all of them, so on occasion I am going to have to scrounge around to find a copy of the next book in the series. I have a feeling it is going to be a while before I get to all of them.

#215 Prop2gether: I did not know until recently that a film had been made about the murder - I found out about the murder on a documentary on the Discover Channel or some other similar station - I cannot remember at this point. I would be interested in watching the film and will have to keep my eyes peeled for it.

I have read most of the Sharpe series by Cornwell and have enjoyed them.

#215 and #218...I'll try to obtain this from my local library. They have a great selection of unusual movies.

You are just smokin' through books!!! That's great! You are probably the only person in this group who has read more books than there are postings to your thread.

#221 alaskabookworm: I would like to point out that I have never smoked a book in my life. Salmon, yes, books, no, lol. I don't know about the books to postings ratio, but I suspect you are correct. I have got to get a life other than LT - not!

Message 221 and 222, you both made me laugh (again.)

alcottacre, re. the comment of needing a life other than LT, last night my husband said "Are you posting to that site AGAIN?" Whereupon I asked him if he was watching yet more television programs on the upcoming election...He merely shook his head and smiled.

I often talk about my LT community of "friends" to my "real life" friends, and I always feel a bit like a blushing love-struck teen. Its almost embarrassing to have a website be such an important part of my life, but this place is so great. Probably more than any other single thing, I would have to credit LT for clarifying my desire to become a librarian.

#223 Whisper: Hey, anything I can do to help out with the funny bone!

#224 alaska: Its almost embarrassing to have a website be such an important part of my life, but this place is so great. I completely and totally agree - especially for those of us, like myself, who are married to people who are not readers. Let's face it - they just don't "get" books, and when you talk to them about books, they go off into la-la land, trying to be polite and listen to you, but on the other hand, not caring a bit. I love being able to bounce books off other people and getting their input, as well as adding to my personal TBR continent, even though I complain about it!

Oh count me in! I saw a post in the elevator today asking what website are you hooked on--and this is it. I don't IM, I don't do the myspace stuff-but the library, the books, the chat about books and writers. OMG, I'm in heaven.

alcottacre, you didn't say anything about In the Woods I found I clipped a blurb about this one from a publication and then some time later clipped a blurb about another of her books but haven't bought or read either one. What'd you think?

alskabookworm, did you know their is a librarian action figure?! you should google it, it's pretty cool. and I'm sure you'd make a good librarian.

#225 - I laughed when I read your comment about having a non-reader spouse. My husband encourages my reading habit (addiction?) and keeps building me bookcases, but when he asks, "How's that book that you are reading?", I know that he's just being polite. I actually sent him to the bookstore the other day to buy a copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society before we went away for a long weekend. Three people in the store tried to engage him in conversation about the book as he was on his way to the cash register, and each time he got away with a mumbled response of "It's for my wife." So, I love being able to talk about books on LT!

porch_reader: That's great story! Your husband was probably just as pained as if he had to buy FHP's (how we refer to "feminine hygeine products" in my house). Of course, in the latter case, one would hope that other shoppers WOULDN'T engage you in conversation about your purchase.

blackdog: It is in fact the case that I already possess the librarian action figure. Like many action figures, this one is based on a real person. She is in fact THE rock star among librarians: Nancy Pearl, author of the unparalleled books, Book Lust and More Book Lust. My Nancy Pearl action figure is still in the box (a fact my kids can't wrap their minds around), so I haven't yet had the occasion to test the "shushing action" that the figure boasts.

I received word that I can pick up my reserve copy of The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society at my local library today. I cannot wait to read it this weekend. There are so many great posts about this book.

#230 Whisper: Set aside a block of time to read Guernsey because if you are like me, once you pick it up, you will not want to put it down!

#227 blackdogbooks: Overall, for a first effort (?) I thought In the Woods was OK, but I thought it could have been cut down by 1/3 or so. Tighter editing would have done it some good, IMHO, but then, I am terrible at reviewing books.

"my personal TBR continent"

That got me laughing. I was just sitting here thinking that, in pre-LT days, I could keep up with my TBR pile over the course of a year. Things got a little backlogged over the winter because my kids had so many activities, but summer always knocked the list back into shape.

Now, I just placed an Amazon order for 7 books that were "absolutely have to have these"...moving 18 books to the "Save For Later" part of the shopping cart. There are 14 books sitting on my fireplace mantel (the official TBR pile). There are over 20 that I left at the cabin this summer that I didn't get to and am "saving" for next year. I've got two books going right now, plus an audio book during my commute.

And all this without actually going out there and mining for book recommendations...

Hi TadAD
so true...so very true...Since joinging LT in January 2008 I've added many, many books to my TBR pile.

Yes, I have given up all thought of Mount TBR, it is now continent TBR, and it still keeps growing! Soon it will be universe TBR! Ah, well . . . I could always have worse vices, lol.

If the TBR pile gets big enough, gravity will make it collapse in on itself and form a black hole. From which none of us will escape...Read! Read like the wind and save the Earth!

alcottacre, will keep an eye out for the Sharpe series at library sales. Now, if I only remember who I'm looking for them for. . .

>236 drneutron: and you will discover that the black hole seems to like some books (and suck them in) but not others. You thus conclude that the black hole has a personality and you promptly fall in love with it. Wait! This sounds a lot like a novel by Jonathan Lethem! (As She Climbed Across the Table) :-)

#237 avaland: Thank you very much! If you come across any of the Sharpe series, let me know. I will gladly reimburse you for them.

I will have to look out for As She Climbed Across the Table. It sounds interesting in a sci-fi kind of way.

#236 drneutron: Read! Read like the wind and save the Earth! I am doing my dead level best, but there are just too many books! Someone is going to have to be my loyal side kick and help out - any volunteers?

This week's reads:

324. Books: A Memoir by Larry McMurtry - nonfiction; although I found the subject matter of the book interesting, I did not care for the choppy style in which it was written

325. Blitz Cat by Robert Westall - YA; excellent book that I enjoyed a great deal

326. The Final Solution by Michael Chabon - I almost feel guilty about counting this as a book since it is so slim, but I did enjoy this, probably more than I liked his Yiddish Policemen's Union but not as much as his Adventures of Kavalier and Clay

327. The Byzantine Achievement by Robert Byron - nonfiction; I have had Byron's Road to Oxiana on my TBR continent forever now, and having read this one, I really need to locate a copy of the other. It is clear that Byron really loved the peoples and countries of that part of the world and celebrated their achievements. Great stuff

328. The White Deer by James Thurber - Maybe I could combine this one with the Chabon book and together they would make a full length novel. Thurber is always good

329. Talking to the Dead by Helen Dunmore - the writing is excellent, but by the end of the book, I wanted to kill just about everyone in it - I do not think I cared for a single character

330. Wit's End by Karen Joy Fowler - I did not care for this book and I really am not sure why

331. The Summer of 1787 by David O. Stewart - nonfiction; excellent account of the Constitutional Convention, although to my mind, the book by Catherine Drinker Bowen, Miracle at Philadelphia, will always be the best

332. The Geography of Bliss by Eric Weiner - nonfiction; I greatly enjoyed this book, laughing out loud in several places; I find Weiner's sardonic style reminiscent of A.J. Jacob's and it suits me well

I was just sitting here thinking tonight about my local library. I use my library quite a bit - probably 95% of what I read comes from it, and I am lucky in the fact that although the city I live in is not large (~30,000 residents), it has formed a library association that allows me to go to the library down the street, but also have access to the college libraries contents as well as the books from a city some 15 miles or so distant. I currently have 66 books checked out, 10 hold books that have arrived, and another 35 books on my hold list, but I have been feeling lately like I am missing something at my library and I figured out what it is tonight - I am missing the joy of going into the library and looking for "treasure". Any more, I go in and pick up my hold books - mostly LT recommendations, not a bad thing - and turn around and walk out again. I may talk to the librarians while I am there - they all know me by name as I do theirs - but then I just leave. I am going to have to work on cutting down on how many books I am checking out and just take the time to go in and savor looking at the books again and picking out something that I feel was written especially for me to read.

Has anyone else felt like that or am I just a nut job?

Our local library is not that good, though the county library is quite good for that. I usually get my fill of browsing by spending and hour or two poking around the local bookstore.

I, too, have the maximum out from two local libraries (30 from one and 10 from the other--using my son's card at the second!), and often put books on hold. I've had to do that with some of the 1001 Must Read because LA County may have a book (or several copies) available but in a branch many miles away. The other option is that the book is shown available, but is really in the stacks.

So I reserve books I want to read for various reasons, then I go once a week and sit and read in the fiction hall--in once of the big overstuffed chairs. Some days I'll look for a new book by an author I've liked or heard about, and then "check it out" by reading during lunch.

I really try to avoid my book stores, especially around payday. Much too much temptation there! And often lots of wonderful older books or authors not on the shelves and bright young staffers who never heard of Edna Ferber or James Thurber. Shakespeare? No problem. Dune by Herbert? Lots of copies. The Santaroga Barrier by Herbert? Can you spell that?

Yeah, I sometimes feel the way you do. As we've talked about, I use the RSS feeds and library holds to get books. So I don't spend much time in the library just browsing anymore. Every now and then I just go and see what they've got, mostly when the wife needs to go by.

Alcottacre - I agree completely. I love to just wonder around my local library and just see what strikes me. (I like to do this at my favorite bookstores too, but Prop2gether is right - that's just too hard on the pocketbook sometimes.) Sometimes I feel like it is serendipitous that I find the "right" book (or it finds me).

I also use this as a way to deal with my huge TBR list. I often have tons of books on the TBR list in my head that I've heard about on LT. If I then read about the book somewhere else and run across it on the shelf of my library, I consider it fate and figure I have to read it!

No, you're not nuts. Part of the joy of the library harkens back to our primordial 'hunting and gathering' memories.

And like you, though I use the hold-list alot, I love to peruse the new arrival shelves.

btw- the best thing ever was when our county picked up the cost of JSTOR.

Hi, alcottacre--

I finally made it over to your list--incredible! I have made a long list of books to look for -- what an incredible variety.

If you like Cod: a biography you might also enjoy The Secret Life of Lobsters by Trevor Corson. which is also nonfiction look at the lobster industry and the scientific research going o to try to protect the industry. I found it fascinating.

#247 MusicMom: Thanks for the recommendation! I will definitely be on the look out for it.

Addendum: As far as the diversity of books on my list goes, you can thank LT for that. I steal ideas for reading off everyone else's reading lists. This challenge has been great for increasing the size of my personal TBR continent (it is no longer a mountain!)

I hope you plan to do this challenge again next year. I plan to and then I will be able to check in on what everyone is reading before I have nearly 250 posts that are "unread." It will be easier to make selection to add the my TBR pile that way, too.

I like the way you do a "weekly" update. I will try that--of course my weekly update will usually be one to three books! I don't see how you get that much reading done--and still have time for LT! ;-)

MusicMom41

With your keen sense of observation you can see that AlcottAcre's list is truly incredible. I've added many of her books to my list. Again, welcome to the 75 challenge group. It is such good fun to be a part of this lively, interesting and intelligent group. I'm having so much fun!

Whisper1

Even starting so late to get through this list I have 2 of my notebook pages with books to look for and books that I own and haven't read to put on my reading list for next year!

It's like going to a smorgasbord and knowing you can't eat it all!

#251 MusicMom:

It's like going to a smorgasbord and knowing you can't eat it all! Boy, if that isn't the truth, lol.

And yes, I do plan to do the challenge again next year. This challenge has been terrific fun and I have really enjoyed reading people's comments and conversations, not just on my thread, but all the others as well. Not to mention that my Mount TBR is now Continent TBR.

#252

I do plan to do the challenge again next year.

But, can the number '75' and the term 'challenge' reasonably be used in conjunction for you? *smile*

#253: Cute, TadAD, very cute.

This week's reads:

333. The Tomb by F. Paul Wilson - the first book of the Repairman Jack series, which I discovered this year

334. Shamus in the Green Room by Susan Kandel - third book in the Cece Caruso series, which is good fun

335. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers - excellent book - a big thank you to drneutron for this one

336. Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl - nonfiction; I had a lot of fun vicariously through Ruth's adventures; another book recommended by an LTer - thanks cerievans

337. Red Spy Queen by Kathryn S. Olmstead - nonfiction

338. The Queen's Head by Edward Marston - the first book in a mystery series of which my local library has only the first book - I hate that

339. Sarah Winnemucca by Sally Zanjani - nonfiction; there appears to be no correct Touchstone for this book, which is a shame because it was an excellent biography

340. Earth Abides by George R. Stewart - I really enjoyed this book which I think would be interesting to read alongside the classic On the Beach by Nevil Shute, one of my all time favorite books

341. The World of Roger Tory Peterson by John C. Devlin and Grace Naismith - nonfiction; disappointing biography of Roger Tory Peterson, this was an "authorized" biography, but by the end I felt like it was an infomercial in book form

342. The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen - young adult; excellent

343. The Trail of Tears by Gloria Jahoda - nonfiction

I also gave up on a book this week for the first time in a while. The History of Hong Kong (incorrect Touchstones again) by G.B. Endacott was so slanted pro-Brit that I could not make it past the first 25 pages.

#254: Ok, I couldn't resist.

#255: I had the same reaction to The World of Roger Tory Peterson. I started it at a friend's house on vacation one year and gave it up after a while. It should have been entitled "Buy our Field Guides!!". The Anubis Gates has been on my TBR pile for a long time, ever since I read Last Call by him and enjoyed it.

Stasia

WOW 343 books! Ok, when do you eat? When do you sleep?
I am impressed!

#257 Whisper: Sleep? What is that? Luckily, I do not require a lot of that particular commodity, so when everyone else is getting their 40 winks in, I generally get in 1-2 books depending on their length.

#256 TadAD: I am so glad someone else felt the same about the Roger Tory Peterson biography. I really would like to find a good one, though.

Move The Anubis Gates to the top of your TBR pile. I do not think you will be disappointed. I would like to see your input on it.

I'm a big Tim Powers fan and think he's one of the most original voices in modern fantasy, along with Steven Brust and Nina Kiriki Hoffman. Despite the fact that the first book of his that I read was Dinner at Deviant's Palace, which is NOT one of my favorites. Last Call and The Anubis Gates are among my favorites of his, however. Hmmm, do I have him listed in my favorites list? I'll have to check.

I am so glad you enjoyed Anubis Gates. When I asked the Doc about it, I had no idea that it was a 'genre' all to itself. I got my copy in a box of books from a bookseller who just boxed up a bunch they hadn't sold and sent it out for a small price. It was a great find.

Where did you find a copy of The Tomb? I am a rummager and I almost never come across any of the early Repairman Jack series. Also, my list of those early ones have The Keep as the first one? But I am not sure, having never really seen a copy of either for sale. The list I got came from fantasticfiction.com.

#261 blackdogbooks: I got my copy of The Tomb off the 'net. I ordered it from www.AbeBooks.com, a site where I am convinced you can get just about any book ever written if you are willing to pay for it (although I think I bought my book for $1 + shipping).

As far as the Repairman Jack series goes, I got my list from www.stopyourekillingme.com:

Repairman Jack, a free-lance investigator regularly working outside the law:
The Tomb (1984)

Legacies (1998)

Conspiracies (1999)

All the Rage (2000)

Hosts (2001)

The Haunted Air (2002)

Gateways (2003)
Crisscross (2004)

Infernal (2005)

The Last Rakosh (2005)

Harbingers (2006)

Bloodline (2007)

Secret Histories1 (2008)

By the Sword (due November 11, 2008)

There is no listing here for The Keep so I am wondering if it is the same book published under different titles in the US and UK? Hope the info helps!

This week's reads:

344. China Road by Rob Gifford - nonfiction; enjoyed it a lot

345. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson

346. What I Talk About When I Talk About Running by Haruki Murakami - nonfiction; part memoir, part philosophy, all enjoyable

347. Brothers in Battle, Best of Friends by William Guarnere and Edward Heffron - nonfiction; true story of 2 men who met for the first time during WWII (even though they were both from South Philly) and have had a friendship now extending 60+ years

348. Murder on the Leviathan by Boris Akunin

349. Shutterbabe: Adventures in Love and War by Deborah Copaken Kogan - nonfiction; wish she would have stuck to concentrating on adventures in war and left the love (read: sex) out of it

350. A Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz - I do not know how I really feel about this book - parts of it I really like, other parts not so much; I really think it just went on a tad too long (it is 500+ pages)

351. Forever Liesl by Charmian Carr with Jean Strauss - nonfiction; Carr's reminiscences of the making of "The Sound of Music'

352. The Long Walk by Slavomir Rawicz - nonfiction

353. No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod - I enjoyed this book very much

354. Legacies by F. Paul Wilson - this is a re-read for me - I am now trying to read the Repairman Jack series in order

355. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo - excellent piece of juvenile literature and highly recommended - thanks for your recommendation Pam!

356. Last Night I Dreamed of Peace by Dang Thuy Tram - nonfiction; I felt when I was reading this diary that the author was so young and so old at the same time; thanks for the recommendation songbirdz!

So wrapping up September, I am at 116 nonfiction and 28 audiobooks for the year. I am hoping to be at 150 nonfiction before the end of the year. We shall see.

Hi.
I'm reading more and more YA fiction/literature these days. I've not heard of The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane so it is now on the mountain TBR pile.
Thanks for this recommendation.

Again, what an incredible list of books you have read thus far this year.

I enjoy checking your thread.

Did you enjoy I am Legend? I saw the movie and was upset about what happened to the beloved dog.

I am in awe of how much you can read in a week! If I get 10 books a month read I consider it an accomplishment.

I loved What I Talk About When I Talk About Running even better than the one fiction book of his I've read--After Dark.

#264 Whisper: I was surprised that the book was so short - somehow I expected it to be a full length novel and it was really more of a novella. I hate what happens to the dog (in the book) as well. I do not know what happened in the movie since I did not see it.

#265 MusicMom: I have not read any of Murakami's works other than his Running book and I really enjoyed it. My local library system does not have much of his stuff, although they do have After Dark and I may give it a shot, although I was thinking of trying Kafka on the Shore first. Have you read that one?

Glad you liked Book No. 353, Alcott. It's my favorite of the year, so far. Is that Rob Gifford the same one who works for NPR?

book #353 will be the third added to the tbr pile today.....
At this rate, I'll be a great grandmother before I finish them all.

#268 Fourpawz: Yes, he is.

I Am Legend though short, evokes much more emotion and thought than the movie did. The movie was a passable but very fun action movie. The book by Matheson got so much deeper into the characters, their motivations, their feelings, and the ending in the book is so much more spooky. It makes a point about xenophobia which was lost in the movie version. I am not one to always choose books over movies in the telling of stories. I have often read books which I thought would make better movies. But, in this case, the book must be read while the movie is a good way to pass a couple of hours.

This week's reads:

357. The Machine-Gunners by Robert Westall - young adult; recommended

358. The Forest Lover by Susan Vreeland

359. Livingstone by Tim Jeal - nonfiction; all in all a fair presentation of David Livingstone, warts and all; recommended

360. Magyk by Angie Sage - young adult; fairly derivative

361. Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury - I really liked this, which kind of surprised me considering my experiences with Mr. King this year

362. The Reader by Bernhard Schlink - notwithstanding the moral implications of a sexual relationship between a 15 year old boy and a 36 year old woman, this book was very good IMHO

363. The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander - historical fiction; recommended

364. On Green Dolphin Street by Sebastian Faulks - Faulks' attention to period detail is unreal - thanks Dihiba for the recommendation!

365. A Summer of Hummingbirds by Christopher Benfey - nonfiction; I did not enjoy this book nearly as much as I thought I would and am not sure exactly why - I did not dislike it, but I did not love it either

366. The Ultra Secret by F.W. Winterbotham - nonfiction; a guarded recommendation on this one - it was interesting because it was written by someone who actually worked breaking code during WWII and the author supplies enjoyable anecdotes as to some of his experiences, but then he does stuff like saying 'Darlan is dead', speaking to two fellow officers and stating that they did not care, but never explaining who Darlan was or why the fellows should not care; one of the big drawbacks for me in the book was that Winterbotham made no mention anywhere of Alan Turing's work at all

#261 There is at least one copy of The Tomb available on PBS if you're still looking for it. It's the only Repairman Jack book I've read although the next one is on the about to fall over TBR pile.

Mike

Thanks for reminding me that I have been wanting to read Livingston by Jeal. I had heard about it a few years ago but never got around to getting it. Now that I am planning to read more about the Congo (inspired by the Poisonwood read) I'll be getting this one and also his book on Stanley: The Impossible Life of Africa's Greatest Explorer. Have you read that one?

This weekend I bought Blood River: A Journey to Africa's Broken Heart by Tim Butcher and The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski. Butcher's book tells of his following Livingstone's route to chart the Congo River in the year 2000. Kapuscinski was a journalist from Poland who was in the Congo reporting on the independence movement during the period in which Poisonwood Bible is set. I think these 4 boos should satisfy my craving to learn more about the Congo!

#274 MusicMom: I had not read Jeal's book on Stanley. In fact, I was looking for it when I stumbled across the book he had written on Livingstone. My library did not have the Stanley book, so I guess I am going to have to find it on ILL.

Both of the other books you mentioned sound very good. I will have to look for them. Thanks for the recommendations!

I'm a big fan of the Repairman Jack books. Hurry up with 'em already! 8^}

The Keep is part of the storyline, but is set well before Repairman Jack's time, as far as I can tell. Although, I haven't read it. I've never been able to find a copy, even at our usually well-stocked public library. Don't know about other countries, though.

#276: Thanks for the clarification and info, doc. I found a several copies available at www.abebooks.com, so I am going to order one and see how I like it.

I write regarding book 361. Ray Bradbury is one of my favorite authors and Something Wicked This Way Comes is right up there as one of the best of his -- right next to The Illustrated Man

Help! I'm drowning!! ;-)

Okay--now Ray Bradbury goes on my list of "authors I've never read that must be checked out". Until LT I didn't even have a list like that! Now it's almost longer than my TBR pile is high.

If you're going to try Bradbury, my two cents is to read either of those mentioned by Whisper1 and wait on the more famous Fahrenheit 451. It's become a landmark science fiction story but, personally, I think it's a bit awkwardly-written and tedious in places...sort of resting a bit on its laurels and there are better distopian novels around now. If you end up loving Bradbury, you can always go back and pick it up.

In my opinion, Bradbury is one of the few authors who can paint such vivid images in one sentence that it almost takes your breath away by the beauty of it all.

He can pack more description in just a few words than any other person I've read.

And while we are adding two cents, I'd like to also recommend the short story There Will Come Soft Rains

Someone read Something Wicked This Way Comes last month on the recommendations of several people in her 75 Book challenge thread, and thought it was flat and didn't see what all the fuss was about. Of course, I've also disagreed with her about a few other books as well! ;-) BUT I haven't read it for probably at least a decade and was thinking about rereading it for Halloween and making sure it still stands up as the powerful book I recall. Anyone for a group read?

At a book fair last weekend, I was able to pick up a hardback first edition of Farewell Summer for $10--Yay! I hadn't bought it when it came out because....well...Dandelion Wine is my very favoritest Bradbury book, and I'm kind of afraid this sequel won't live up to it. And so I wasn't willing to cough up $25 for it. But now, I guess it's meant to be. The best part is I'll need to reread Dandelion Wine and revel in the lyricism of the language.

One of my favorite poetry works is The Complete Poems of Ray Bradbury. If you're looking for lyrical language, there's plenty there...

Thanks for telling me about The Complete Poems of Ray Bradbury. I'm heading to the library tomorrow to see if I can obtain this.

#279 MusicMom: I had not read Bradbury up until last year when I finally got around to Fahrenheit 451, so Something Wicked This Way Comes is only the second book of his I have ever read. They are completely different to my thinking, but the language, just as Whisper says, is vivid and descriptive in both. I think I am going to hunt for Dandelion Wine next.

So, here it is late in the day and I'm not yet sleepy; I added to my own book challenge thread and then I thought, hey, the dear alcottacre has so kindly visited my thread but I have yet to return the visit. I shall remedy the error now!

TWO HOURS LATER, I finally get to the end of your thread (having added at least two pages of recommendations to my Amazon list) and find that you have read 366 books thus far this year. 366?! Holy cow! You are a wonder. I didn't realize that a super-reader was on my thread. I'm honored. Really. And completely floored by your totals.

Don't worry, in a few minutes the shock will wear off.

In the meanwhile, I'm so glad that you are getting into Bradbury. I think Fahrenheit 451 is one of the greatest books of all time, and I also enjoyed Dandelion Wine though again it is something completely different. Bradbury has this way of crafting sentences that hang in front of your eyes like perfect, unblemished apples -- pure, simple beauty. I just had my SciFi students read "There Will Come Soft Rains" as a part of our 'nuclear technology and paranoia week' and they were astounded by it. Wonderful stuff.

Okay, I'll stop babbling now. Looking forward to seeing what you read next!

Beserene, feel free to babble any time on my thread. I babble on everyone else's (and sometimes I even make sense!)

Bradbury seems to be one of those writers who does not want to be pigeon-holed and crosses genres with ease. I am really looking forward to reading more of his stuff, although I am not sure when I will get to it.

Glad I could add to your TBR list. Mine is no longer a list or even a mountain - it is now Continent TBR. Amazon really likes me!

Thanks for stopping by.

Bradbury is a great introduction to science fiction, especially for high school or "I hate science fiction" readers. Try his short stories, "The Pedestrian" or "The Small Assassin" (in several of the collections listed above). You'll be convinced the first is a recent story (not true at all) and the second will make you think twice about infant cognitive abilities. Most of his "books" are really collections of related shorter stories, but several like Fahrenheit 451 are totally complete novels. Films of his works are all over the map, but I recently rewatched Truffaut's version of Fahrenheit 451 and it's pretty decent, as is the Jason Robards version of Something Wicked This Way Comes. Enjoy!

Message 286
Beserene

There Will Come Soft Rains was the first short story I read by Ray Bradbury. In college, my freshman English prof (I won't tell you how very long ago that was) gave the assignment to read this and then write a paper. I've been enjoying Bradbury ever since.

I simply love the way Bradbury wove this particular tale and how the appliances went on doing their automatic work even though all around had ended.

And, you are right...Alcottacre is a marvel!

OK people, please do not make me blush on my own thread :)

I will have to look for Bradbury's short stories as well as Dandelion Wine. Thanks for the info on the short stories, Prop2gether and Whisper. I had no idea.

Well, I probably had more than most at an earlier age--Bradbury graduated from my high school and you know we had to read him in English classes. Plus my ex designed a stage show based on one of his works, so there's that connection. But, mostly, I just like his writing. Have a good time.

Alcottacre, I will need a wishlist the size of the Titanic, a second job and will have to marry Bill Gates and Warren Buffet in order to get all the great books that I see from your reading list. I came here to look at what you are reading and as usual, I stand in awe.

#292 TrishNYC: Turn about is fair play, Trish. I bet I have added just as many from your reading list. It's what LT is all about to me - finding great books I might not otherwise have read.

So that's what it is - we're all just a great big bunch of enablers. I hope there isn't any kind of rehab place that we can be sent to. Remember - the first step to beating any kind of addiction is wanting to stop. Me no want to stop.

Having just joined this group,I'm slowly making my way through different threads. With yours, alcottacre, I can only echo what everyone else says -- I'm in awe and envious! Many many great ideas, as others have said as well.

#294 Fourpawz2: Me no want to stop either. What wonderful English we have learned from reading all those books :)

#295 rebeccanyc: Thank you very much for the compliment. You have provided me with new ideas from your reading list as well.

This week's reads:

367. Dark Curse by Christine Feehan - BC book for this week

368. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson - nonfiction; I generally enjoy Bryson's titles and this one was no exception

369. The Ruins of Gorlan by John Flanagan - young adult; I really liked this one and already have the second in the series on hold at my local library

370. The Incredible War of 1812 by J. Mackay Hitsman - nonfiction; excellent account of the War of 1812, told primarily from Canadian point of view

371. The House on the Strand by Daphne du Maurier - Having not read anything else by du Maurier other than Rebecca, I was not sure what to expect, but I really liked this book. It does not measure up to Rebecca, but the book worked for me

372. Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett - nonfiction; true account of Patchett's friendship with fellow writer Lucy Grealy

373. The Billionaire's Vinegar by Benjamin Wallace - nonfiction; thanks drneutron for the recommendation on this one - I enjoyed it and have begun to think that wine people are almost as crazy as book people, lol

374. The Wonderful O by James Thurber - I love James Thurber! The guy had a wonderful imagination. IMHO the best line in the book is "The more chaotic the clarification the better."

I gave up on 2 books this week, each at about the 50 page point: The End of the Road by John Barth and Sweet Love by Sarah Strohmeyer. I simply was not enjoying the books and I have way too many more to read to spend time on books I do not care for, although I may go back and pick them up at a later time. Maybe it was just my mood.

Hi
I noted The Billionaire's Vinegar on drneutron's list and added it to my tbr mountain. Now that I see you recommend it as well, I'll move it up to the top.

The Billionaire's Vinegar is now on the list of books I'm getting for my husband to read when he retires next year! It's one we will both enjoy and can discuss.

Cool! My work here is done...8^}

See what you started, doc? You are a bad influence, lol!

#297 "I simply was not enjoying the books and I have way too many more to read to spend time on books I do not care for, although I may go back and pick them up at a later time. Maybe it was just my mood."

Re: The End of the Road by John Barth--I found it a difficult read to get into, but about 70 pages in (which I realize is half-way), I got involved, despite the esoteric discussions about nihilistic philosophies. There is a twist to the story which is very strong, and I found that I was glad I had continued reading. And yeah, a lot of times, for me--my mood is everything in my reading. So I generally give a book at least two attempts before I discard reading it.

#302 Prop2gether: I do the same thing. I keep a running list of books I began and what page I got to before I gave up on them. If I try a book twice and still do not like it, it pretty much gets put aside forever.

This week's reads:

375. English Passengers by Matthew Kneale - I really enjoyed this book and thought that Kneale did a great job in conveying the 'voice' of each of his characters

376. The Last Apprentice: Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney - young adult

377. A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway - nonfiction

378. The File on the Tsar by Anthony Summers and Tom Mangold - nonfiction; this book was recommended by dihiba and it was very interesting, even though a lot of the mystery concerning the fate of the Romanovs has now been uncovered

379. The Invisible Wall by Harry Bernstein - nonfiction audiobook; I very much enjoyed this memoir; thanks tloeffler for the recommendation

380. Great Tales from English History, Volume 2 by Robert Lacey - nonfiction; a lifelong history buff, I enjoy these snippets of history

381. The House in Paris by Elizabeth Bowen - I enjoyed the parts entitled "Present" much more than I liked the "Past"; this was another LT recommendation, but unfortunately I cannot remember who recommended it

382. April 1865: The Month that Saved America by Jay Winik - nonfiction; I cannot recommend this book highly enough - it is one of the best books I have read this year, fiction or nonfiction; it is highly readable and more than that, makes the history come alive

Kind of a slow week for me reading wise. Maybe this next week will pick up a bit, although I kind of doubt it. Several of the books I am tackling at the moment are rather lengthy.

What did you think of A Moveable Feast? It's my favorite...
It's funny, I liked the 'past' parts of House in Paris a lot more than the 'present.' ;)

Hi Stasia

Like you, I am a history buff. Can you tell me a bit more about Great Tales from English History?

382 books thus far...You are amazing...simply, incredibly amazing!

Linda

#305 hjelliot: For the most part, I enjoyed A Moveable Feast, which I had never read before. Hemingway's portrait of 1920s Paris was intriguing as were a lot of the people he encountered there. I especially enjoyed his discussions about Gertrude Stein.

As far as The House in Paris goes, what can I say? Tastes differ, lol.

#306: Linda, the Great Tales from English History books now number 3, I believe. Basically, Lacey takes people and/or events from English history and writes brief essays about the facts surrounding those people or events. Some of the things he writes about are not as well known as others. These books are very easy to pick up and put down because of the way they are written, so I will read a chapter here and there and before I know it, I am done. One of the things I really like about the books is the amount of bibliographical material that he supplies, so I can go back to his sources on subjects that I would really like to explore further. Hope this rambling answer is helpful.

WOW alcottacre, you have reached 5 times 75, congratulations!

Thanks, FAM!

I saw at the start of this thread you read The book thief by Markus Zusak, I recently bought this book, could you tell a bit about it?

Stasia...
two of my loves woven into one book, ie history and biography...I'm hooked and will read the Lacey books.
Thanks for the recommendation...

And, by the way, I'm convinced that the only way to make a dent in the TBR mountain is not to read your posts...(I'm smiling of course.)

Take care,
Linda

#311 FAM: The Book Thief is a young adult book set in WWII and narrated by Death. It concerns a young girl who is taken in by a foster family. Seeking to compensate for the loss of her younger brother and the rest of her family, she begins to steal books while at the same time making a variety of friends. I know this synopsis does not do the book justice, but I am trying not to give too much away. The book really is excellent and designed not just for older teens but adult readers as well. I heartily recommend it as well as one of Zusak's other books, I am the Messenger. Any questions, please ask.

#314 Whisper: But, but, Linda, if you do not read my posts, how will I know what you think of my reading :(

Seriously though, I do value your input as well as your reading suggestions as well. And I know all about trying to make dents in Continent TBR - oh, well, I still dream the impossible dream, lol.

Stasia..
Have no fear...I enjoy your posts.
2009 will be a great year to make a dent in the TBR piles.
Plus, Thanksgiving and Christmas are great reading times.

I am blessed!

Thanks for posting about the History books by Robert Lacey. I will be on the lookout for them...must try the library!

Lacey is a historian of some note, but these books are just snippets, not in depth studies by any means. I enjoy them because they spur me on to read more on the topics in which I am interested.

I hope you both enjoy them. Please let me know what you think once you have a chance to read them.

I got one from the library yesterday - think it must be his first volume. I'm looking forward to reading it, if I get time! I also picked up Peter Robinson's latest, just had to read it, but it's only a week lend.

#318 dihiba: One of the nice things about these particular books by Lacey is that the chapters are so short, they are easily read in short spurts. I hope you get a chance to try them all.

Re The House in Paris: I completely agree with you--the Present parts were so much more interesting than the Past. I read it last summer and by now the only parts that stick in my memory were the scenes between the children.

#320 wunderkind: Good to see you back, Erin. Seems like it has been a while. Yes, I enjoyed the present parts more, the same as you did, but hjelliott was the other way around. Oh, well, tastes differ.

Hey Alcott, my friend who is standing over my shoulder wants me to ask you if you are indeed human. He was telling me that I read alot and I laughed and told him that he had not met a reader until he looked at your list. He just wants me to tell you that he is sure you are from another planet :)

Tell him that my sister told me the same thing about when I was born - she was sure I was an alien because I was born green (my mother tells me it was just because I was in her so long I was pickled!). I wonder if I get to pick which planet I am from? If I do, I want to be from whichever planet the days are the longest. More time for reading.

This week's reads:

383. The Promise of the New South by Edward L. Ayers - nonfiction

384. The Nanny Diaries by Emma McLaughlin and Nicola Kraus - I certainly hope I do a better job raising my children than the parents described in this book do!

385. Flyte by Angie Sage - young adult

386. Rome 1960: The Olympics that Changed the World by David Maraniss - nonfiction; this is the 2nd book by Maraniss that I have read, and I really enjoy his writing style

387. Dewey by Vicki Myron - nonfiction; this book is just a simple story told very simply; charming and highly recommended

388. The Expansion of Everyday Life by Daniel E. Sutherland - nonfiction; good general history of America immediately following the Civil War

389. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer - my 17 year old loves these books and I have finally given in and begun to read the series. I must admit I kind of like the idea of a 12 year old criminal mastermind, lol

390. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen - I really liked this one

391. The Ivy Tree by Mary Stewart - I really liked this one

392. Kit's Wilderness by David Almond - young adult; Whisper is right on the money with this one - it sticks with you after you have read it

393. Assumed Identity by David Morrell - I thought this was a pretty good thriller

So, wrapping up October, I have read 136 nonfiction books this year, and have listened to 29 audiobooks out of the 389 I had reached by the end of the month.

I am currently reading Human Smoke and am not quite sure what I think of it at this point.

Happy Sunday morning to you Stasia
I'm glad you liked Kit's Wilderness

In addition, I note you read Garden Spells I found this to be a wonderful book!

Wow! The Ivy Tree brings back memories! At one time I owned and had read everything Mary Stewart had written up to that point and I remember Ivy Tree as one of my favorites. Unfortunately I couldn't bring them with me when I moved to California so I can't go pull it off the shelf and reread it this lazy Sunday afternoon! :-(

If you liked Kit's Wilderness you might like Skellig and Heaven eyes two others from David Almond I read this year.

Hi Fam
You have such wonderful suggestions regarding YA books...Thus far, I've enjoyed every one of your recommendations. I'll add the other two David Almondbooks to the tbr pile.
I'm discovering that my local library has an excellent young adult section. I bet they have the other Almond books you suggest.

Thanks (again)

re your #382nd book this year--April 1865--thanks for the recommendation. I bought it yesterday and it goes into my 999 Civil War category.

#327 FAM: I have already put both of those books on Continent TBR. Thanks again for your recommendations!

#329 MusicMom41: I hope you enjoy the book. Let me know what you think when you have a chance to read it.

I have been going through LT withdrawal all night long. I hope they never shut it down for so long again!

I guess I was lucky--I worked on LT all afternoon and then spent the evening reading Dewey, the Library Cat--a nice easy, relaxing read that I was shocked I enjoyed -- I put my review in my catalog and I will post it on my 75 thread at the end of this week.--or maybe sooner if I have time.

When you get The Turn of the Screw be sure to have plenty of other things to read that day--I read it easily in one evening--you will probably read it in an hour or less! It's short.

#331 MusicMom: Believe me, lack of reading material is not one of my problems - I currently have 92 books out of the library, and I certainly have enough in my personal libary to tak up the slack!

92 books out of the library? WOW! I confess I visited my local library on the way home from work..I checked out 20, but some are short reads, ie YA books.

Once again, I'm impressed by your ability to read so much.
MusicMom, Dewey the Library Cat sounds cute.

When do you dock with the mother ship? Which books will you take back to your leaders?

92 books? Between two library systems here, I can only take a total of 40 out! One system sets up for three week loans plus one renewal period, and the other for two week loans plus two renewal periods. Ends up being the same amount of "out" time. OMG, I just realized that if I use both mine and my son's library cards, I can effectively double that number. Argh!!! I'll be in quad-focals by then! I'm asking Santa for a disk player for books on disk this year.

Stasia, how are you liking the Angie Sage series? I have all four so far, and really think this is an original and well-done children's fantasy series.

#334 blackdogbooks: The mother ship docking takes place every Tuesday and Thursday with an occasional Saturday thrown in for good measure. For the year, I would take back the following books to my leaders:

Fiction
Three Soldiers by John Dos Passos
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Bel Canto by Ann Patchett
Saturday by Ian McEwan
The Last Six Million Seconds by John Burdett
The Brontes Went to Woolworth's by Rachel Ferguson
The Terror by Dan Simmons
Down River by John Hart
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Bridge of Birds by Barry Hughart
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
Forever by Pete Hamill
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
The Geographer's Library by Jon Fasman
Old Man's War and The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean
No Great Mischief by Alistair MacLeod
Something Wicked this Way Comes by Ray Bradbury

Nonfiction
How to Read Literature Like a Professor by Thomas C. Foster
An Ordinary Man by Paul Rusesabagina
The Last American Man by Elizabeth Gilbert
Boone by Robert Morgan
The River of Doubt by Candice Millard
Michelangelo and the Pope's Ceiling by Ross King
1491 by Charles C. Mann
Charlatan by Pope Brock
With the Old Breed by E.B. Sledge
Eden's Outcasts by John Matteson
The Arctic Grail by Pierre Berton
Two in the Far North by Margaret Murie
Escape from the Deep by Alex Kershaw
The Travels of a T Shirt in the Global Economy by Pietra Rivoli
Garlic and Sapphires by Ruth Reichl
April 1865: The Month That Saved America by Jay Winik

Young Adult/Juvenile
Looking for Alaska by John Green
Cry the Beloved Country by Alan Paton
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech
Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
The Wonderful O by James Thurber

All of these books were checked out from my local library (aka the mother ship), although I have since purchased a couple of them so that I could also have them in my personal library.

#335 Prop2gether: All I can say is that if you decide to use both your sons and your library card's have a wonderful system for keeping up with all the books. If I decided to use both mine and my daughters' library cards, I could check out 300 at a time! Wow - I may have to give it some thought.

#336 ronincats: I started reading the books because someone mentioned them on their reading list (I do not think it was you, though), and I was curious. I kind of thought the first one was a little derivative, but the second one was stronger. I have the third home from the library to read, although it may be a bit before I get to it, and then I am sure I will be checking out the fourth one as well.

I just finished reading Looking for Alaska and was floored by it.

How's the weather in your neck of the woods?

I've been out of touch (on board the Mother Ship, of all things), but adjusting to reentry (and more books than ever on my TBR pile).

#340 alaskabookworm: Stormed here last night and it is cool in the evening, but should be warming up again tomorrow. How is the weather up there?

Glad to hear that you are adjusting to reentry. Hope it goes smoothly - and if you only have a TBR pile you will get no sympathy from me - I have a Continent TBR!

Oops - one more thing: you ought to give An Abundance of Katherines by John Green a try as well. It is not as emotionally in-depth IMHO as Looking for Alaska, but still worth the read, if you are interested.

Our weather is low 20s, partly sunny/cloudy. Lovely and mild.

I guess I underexaggerated about Mt. TBR.... It consists of several thousand books - all of which are actually my house. Yikes. I only wish I could read as fast as you.

In fact, I have borrowed An Abundance of Katherines from the library and sits in a safe nook far away from my indigenous books (so as not to get buried and lost forever). I look forward to reading it. Am currently working through March by Geraldine Brooks which is fantastic; that is for book group which is next Tuesday.

But then, I saw the movie trailer for The Reader today; pulled that one from Mt. TBR and want to push it up to the top too.

It never ends.

#342 alaska: Well, I guess the good thing for me is that most (but not all) of Continent TBR is only on paper - I keep a log of books I want to read. If I had them all in my house, I do not know where I would keep them!

Speaking of books in the house, I do actually own March, but have not read it yet. I will have to bump it up on the Continent.

I read The Reader not too long ago. Let me know what you think once you have given it a try.

I am so jealous of your weather! I have told my husband that sometime we will have to take a cruise to Alaska. I have always wanted to go.

Well, if you do come up, you'll have to swing by.

Same goes if you ever come down this way!

This week's reads:

394. Human Smoke by Nicholson Baker - nonfiction; I know others here on LT have commented on how they did not care for the format of the book, but that really did not bother me once I got used to it. What did bother me was not being able to figure out exactly what the author was trying to say. "Does Anyone Win at War?" is one of the questions brought up in the text and I have pretty much decided that is what the book was about, although I am not sure even about that; my ambivalence about it is palpable

395. The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan - young adult; I really am enjoying this series of books

396. Bad Dogs Have More Fun by John Grogan - nonfiction; I picked this book up because I really like Grogan's book Marley and Me; this book of essays was good, but I prefer the other book

397. Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult - a big "Thank You" to Whisper goes out for this one, because it was not a book I would have even picked up before

398. The Buried Book by David Damrosch - nonfiction; as I mentioned over on the nonfiction thread, I really liked this book but felt it could have been longer

399. Salvation in Death by J. D. Robb - an excellent entry into the Dallas/Roarke series; I have read the entire series several times, and every time it is like coming home to old friends

400. Visions of Jazz by Gary Giddins - nonfiction; this is not an easy book to get through - it is lengthy (650+ pages), parts of it are technical, parts are impressionistic, but it is all excellent and well worth the time and effort; I pulled up videos on Youtube as he mentioned an artist or a piece only to discover later that there is a companion CD to the book

401. The Souls of Black Folk by W.E.B. DuBois - nonfiction; this book of essays was an interesting read for me from a historical standpoint since most of the essays were written around 1900

402. Raoul Wallenberg by Harvey Rosenfeld - nonfiction; I expected this book to be more about Wallenberg's role in rescuing Jews from the Nazis since its subtitle is Angel of Rescue, but more than half the book seemed to be on speculation as to what happened to Wallenberg and the efforts to locate him

Not a great week, but not too bad. I gave up on one of Larry McMurtry's books, All of My Friends Are Going to Be Strangers because I just could not get into it. I may give it a go again later, but I sort of doubt it.

Stasia

I haven't read any of Larry McMurtry's books, but two friends of mine count him as their "favorite" author. Have you read any of his other books than the one you listed above?

Linda,

I recently read his Books: A Memoir and was not impressed by it. I have not read any of his other books at all. Maybe I would do better with his westerns, Lonesome Dove et all, than I have with his autobiography and modern books.

#338 Hey Stasia -- I've read one (1) book on that list. I'm stumped, puzzled, bamboozled. How is that of your year's reads there is only one overlap? I don't think I read quite as much as you, but I have a book in my hand most of the time and often when that's so I'm reading :)
hmmm... maybe I need to broaden my selection a bit. That, of course, is hard for me to do where I am geographically. {she wanders off muttering to herself}

Seeing you read about Raoul Wallenberg--I discovered a small autobiography by Varian Fry who was part of the Emergency Rescue Committee which rescued many, many artists and writers. His Surrender on Demand was written during the war, shortly after he was forced home by the State Department, and published after the war ended. I found the book after watching a made-for-TV movie about the story featuring William Hurt, and I was fascinated by the elegant young man who accomplished as much as he did. There are a couple of separate biographies of Fry, but they focus on his life and family, which are not part of the period in question.

#349 suslyn: I do not know why there would only be one overlap for you, although I realize with where you are geographically the books might be harder to come by. I make extensive use of my local library system, so maybe that might be a solution for you? And as far as broadening your selection, believe me when I say LT will do it for you. I read more widely now than I did 2 years ago when I initially joined.

#350 Prop2gether: I looked for the Varian Fry book at my local library, but they did not have that particular one. They do, however, have one called A Hero of Our Own about his work in France during WWII, so I am going to start with that one until I can locate the other. Thanks for passing on the information!

Another book that relates Varian Fry's work during World War II is Villa Air-Bel: World War II, Escape and a House in Marseille by Rosemary Sullivan.

If you are going to read other McMurtry, start with Dead Man's Walk before Lonesome Dove. Also, try his Sin Killer series (4 books) which are really fun westerns!! I think the first is Sin Killer.

>351 alcottacre: alcotacre. I agree that LT broadens one's reading. I have now got 12 categories of books that I am reading from, including fantasy, which I never showed much interest in before. I have recently acquired Philip Pulman's trilogy. Actually looking forward to reading them.

- TT

#355 TheTortoise: Although I will not read Pulman's work, I have read much more fantasy than I used to. Several of the readers here in the 75 book challenge group read extensively in that genre (ronincats, TadAD, lunacat, and drneutron spring to mind right off the bat), so I have used their threads to get ideas for books I would like to read.

>346 alcottacre: While I have been a great fan of Nicholson Baker's fiction, I've not followed him into his nonfiction, so your comments are interesting.

Just stopping by to catch up on what you're reading - as always, there is MUCH to catch up on.

I have not read any of his fiction to my knowledge. Do you have any suggestions, Lois?

hi AlcottAcre / Stasia
just wanted to say that you, besides reading so many books, always leave nice comments in all our threads, thank you!
FAMeulstee / Anita

#348 - I'll chime in on McMurtry - I have to say if you're going to read his Lonesome Dove westerns, read Lonesome Dove first, it's by far the best thing he's ever written. His other Lonesome Dove books pale in comparison, and I'm afraid if you start with Dead Man's Walk you might think it's just so-so (I did) and it will ruin your impression of Lonesome Dove which is one of my favorite books ever. The mini series was fantastic as well and faithful to a T.

#360 FAM: Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate them more than you know.

#361 ktleyed: I watched the Lonesome Dove miniseries when it was one and loved it, which is why it is surprising to me that I just have not been able to enjoy McMurtry's books. I own Lonesome Dove, but am not sure that I have ever read it (if I did it was years ago when the miniseries came out), so I think I will go back and try it. Thanks for your input!

I am currently in the throes of reading Boris Akunin's Death of Achilles, which I am loving. I have also read his Murder on the Leviathan and these are the only 2 books my local library has in the Fandorin series, drats. Has anyone else read them?

Stasia

LIke Fam, I too notice the many very kind words you say on your posts.
You are a caring, kind person and one of the primary reasons I'm very glad I found LT and this particular group.

Linda

Thank you (blushing). I do not know what else to say.

Stasia

#361 -- I'm glad to know Lonesome Dove isn't horrible. That book came in my shipment too, and my knee-jerk reaction was just to immediately recycle it. Guess it's just as well that I didn't. Happy to report that the sequels didn't arrive as well, so I'm left with the better book. Works for me.

I suggested Dead Man's Walk as the starting point out of a sense of chonological obssession. Though you're right, it is not better than Lonesome Dove, I found it still quite good and it tells the early days of the main characters. McMurtry is superhuman at creating colorful, baudy, and interesting characters and I found that the redeeming part of Dead Man's Walk. So, you wouldn't be wrong to start with Lonesome Dove.

I have read all four of the Boris Akunin Fandorin series. I liked numbers three and four better than the first two. I have also read the first Sister Pelagia mystery and have the second in my TBR piles. I keep on checking Amazon in the U.K.to see which novels are being published in English. I know that Akunin wrote more and slowing they are being translated.( check my library to see the publishing details )

Thanks for the info, torontoc! I have only read books 3 and 4 as they were the only ones my local library has. I checked www.stopyourekillingme.com and it looks as if The State Counsellor is due out sometime in 2008 in the UK. It may be out already for all I know.

Just for the heck of it, I took a picture of my reading spot this morning and posted it on my profile page.

I have really got to get more than 1 bookshelf!

#370 alcottacre

Looks very cozy to me--I hope you aren't cluttering those cupboards on the wall with anything unrelated to books! You don't want to waste any space! I also like the natural light from the windows behind you. It looks like a nice place to go on long leisurely journeys through the worlds that books offer you.

#367 - blackdog, I didn't mean to "dis" you in your chronological recommendation, I was really going more on my own impressions when I read the books. I was overwhelmed and in awe of Lonesome Dove when I read it (way back in '86) and all the others just seemed so blah compared to it. I wanted alcottacre to get the best (IMHO) experience out of it. I'm sorry if I came across as overbearing and a know it all.

>263 alcottacre:: Stasia, I have to 'fess up that somehow (how???) I have managed never to post on your thread before and have managed to miss about your last two months' worth of reading....

So this is a question about a book you read way back in early Oct: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running. I have my eye on this for my mother-in-law for Christmas, as she is (a) a big Murakami fan (b) a fitness freak (although she's never run an ultramarathon to my knowledge...). What did you think of it - worth a read?

I just (re-)read at the beginning of your thread that you homeschool your kids too. Truly, I am in awe.

#373 FlossieT: What I Talk About When I Talk About Running is worth the read IMHO. I had never read anything by Murakami before, and still have yet to read any of his fiction (although Kafka on the Shore is going to be read this next week or so), and even though I am not a runner, I found it to be very good.

As far as the homeschooling goes, this is the last year as both of the girls are seniors, so I am doing that and working a full time job. One thing I do not do is sleep!

We knew you never sleep--you read! And if you like Murakami (or split on your decision as I have from two of his novels), try his short story collection After the Quake.

Good luck with Kafka on the Shore--I know it's beloved by most of its readers, but I just couldn't stand the dialogue.

Hey, Stasia, you are going to have to wander over to a new group I found that was just created last week. 250 Book Challenge has 3 members, all of whom have over 250 books listed for the year, but none of whom has as many as you. No discussion either, just book lists. Go show them who rules!

But I like discussing the books! That's why this group rocks. Oh, I know, I do not do high falutin' reviews - I am terrible at them - but I do like the interactions here. Akeela mentioned the new group to me last week, but you guys are stuck with me, because I am not budging.

Oh NO, I didn't mean you should leave US! Not at all. Just go over and post your books to show them what the REAL competition is!

Ah, OK. Thought you were trying to get rid of me there for a minute. I will think about doing it when I have some time, lol.

Stasia--if you tried to leave this group we would send out a posse and hijack you back! But it's okay to go by and show them who "rules on LT"! ;-)

I'd like to know what you think of Kafka on the Shore when you read it. I've read both What I Talk About Running and After Dark by Murakami and would like to try another one. I enjoyed both of those but I understan that neither of them are typical of him.

#381: Carolyn, After I finish Kafka on the Shore, I will let you know what I thought of it. I am working on The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky right now, but I will read the Kafka next. The only other Murakami that I have read thus far as been What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, so it will be interesting to see the difference in style.

Stasia

>363 alcottacre: I have read his Winter Queen which was the first published in English, I think. I liked it, even bought the second, but didn't continue with the series.

Stasia..

I rather like the photo of your book room.....

I'll be interested in learning your impressions of The Boy who Fell Out of the Sky. This one was added to my tbr list a few months ago.

I avoided reading Lonesome Dove for years (I generally don't enjoy any kind of "genre" fiction), but several well-respected readers I know kept saying it was an all time fave. So I took the bait and read it a couple years ago. I loved it! I went right out and bought a bunch more McMurtry, but haven't read them yet. However, I did read Books, and like you, was disappointed by it. Oh well.

You mentioned reading the John Flanagan series. My son has been working on those. He finished #2 last night, and I was dismayed(?) to find on LT Common Knowledge that there are actually EIGHT books in the series so far, but they're not all published for the US market (the author is Australian, I think). I can get #3 and #4 on Amazon for a total of $18, but the others are either $25 or $30 apiece for a second hand copy or not available at all (I was searching Amazon and abebooks.) Do you have a source that you can recommend? I gotta feed my kid's habit.

You may just have to practice patience. All of them WILL be published in the US--the popularity of the series guarantees that. It's just a matter of when. Pretend that Flanagan's still writing them and you have to wait for them to be published!

lol -- maybe bookmooch or some such with an Australian? But if you do get some from there be careful when you go for US publications by the same author. I did that and they changed the titles (different author & series). I guess what sells well in one place might not in the other?

I did find that I can order them from amazon.co.uk; it'll just cost a bit to get them here (still cheaper than trying to buy the hard-to-finds second-hand!). However, I'll probably start with 3-5, which I can get domestically, then go from there.

#384 Whisper1

I'm interested to see what alcottacre has to say about The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky as well. I own it and think I tried to start it but never got anywhere with it. Should I try again alcottacre?

Love the reading nook pic!!!! The tub of books which was most intriguing to me was the one which has a title, written in a red scrawl, "Temptation". I have no idea what's in that tub, but I want to know!!!!

And true to your word, I noticed The Totem on top of one of your piles. I do hope you like it but I am worried after your bad experience with King.

#384 &389: Whisper and lunacat, I do recommend The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky. The entire book is a testament to grief, but not the sackcloth and ashes, beating of the breast type of grieving. Rather, it is the search of a younger brother for the life the older should have had, but never had the chance to enjoy. David, who really was a boy, having never bridged the gap even at age 25 from boyhood to adulthood, goes to college, moves abroad, all in search of himself, and at his death, his brother Ken looks for him through the notebooks and writing David left behind.

All in all, I thought the book was very well written and will stick with me for a while. Hope this helps.

Stasia

Oh, joy! I am a happy person. I just checked with my local library and they have a copy of The boy Who Fell Out of the Sky I'm picking this up on my way home from work today and will start it tonight.
Thanks very much for your recommendation!

I'm so glad you enjoyed The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky, and that other people seem to be interested in it as well!

#391 BDB: The huge stack of tubs to the left is the romance collection that my mother and I were working on together (see profile page for further info if interested). The tub that has Temptation scrawled on it are some Harlequin Temptation romance books, nothing more than that.

As far as The Totem goes, I will get to it after I finish my daughter's Artemis Fowl books. About once a week she asks me how far along I have gotten. I think she is going to burst something if I do not get them read, so at the moment they have priority.

#393: Erin, thanks go to you for recommending it in the first place. See what you started?

#391, Shucks, here I thought the "Temptation" designation was more Freudian or, perhaps, something like the "Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter" moniker, indicating that the books inside were so good, if you opened the tub, you'd be lost forever in a reading frenzy!

Artemis Fowl looks kinda cool......Harry Potterish?

#396 BDB: The Artemis Fowl series is about a 12 year old criminal mastermind who takes on the fairy population by kidnapping one of them and stealing one of their secret books (at least this is what goes on in the 1st book). I kind of think the idea of a 12 your old criminal mastermind is cool. The series does not appear to be very Harry Potterish though.

Am I right in thinking that Eoin Colfer has been commissioned to write a Hitchikers' Guide sequel?

Does the world really need another Hitchhiker's Guide sequel? I mean, Douglas Adams wrote four of them...

It's been quite controversial. A lot of deep-dyed H2G2(?) fans are very upset about it.

The Boy who fell out of the sky sounds fascinating. I am going broke being on this website. The sheer volume of good stuff that all you guys read is just amazing.

TrishNYC

I was going broke, too. But I learned a valuable lesson from alcottacre--when she told me she had 90 LIBRARY! books in her house. I still buy sometimes, but I am really learning to rely on the library--especially if I'm not sure how well I will like it. That way I can save my money for books I know I will want to reread someday. It also helps my "shelf problem." :-)

> 402 MM: I have just had to stop buying books due to the "shelf problem" you mention! Its the library for me too from now on.

- TT

> 402 MM: I have just had to stop buying books due to the "shelf problem" you mention! Its the library for me too from now on.

- TT

Going to the library is how I vet books that I know I would really like to read again later. I have a book journal where I keep a running list of books read, and indicate the ones I actually want to purchase. If I bought every book on Continent TBR, they would have to bring back the concept of debtor's prison especially for me!

#398-400: I wouldn't say I'm upset, but I am a bit cynical about it. As wunderkind said, Adams gave us four sequels. I've only read one Colfer book, but I don't think his sense of humor has the right "wackiness" to continue Adams and the result is going to be disappointing.

This weeks reads:

403. This Republic of Suffering by Drew Gilpin Faust - nonfiction; I thought it was very interesting and would recommend it for history buffs, especially those interested in the American Civil War

404. The Forgery of Venus by Michael Gruber - I thought this was a pretty good book and would recommend it

405. A Burnt Out Case by Graham Greene - another pretty good read

406. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George - young adult; I read this one thanks to the recommendation of FAM, but must admit I prefer George's My Side of the Mountain, although Julie was still good

407. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick - young adult; loved this book and highly recommend it

408. The Death of Achilles by Boris Akunin - this was my 2nd mystery by Akunin in the Fandorin series and I really liked it; unfortunately, I have now depleted the stock of Akunin books my local library had

409. The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky by Ken Dornstein - nonfiction; recommended (see comments above in message 391)

410. Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami - somehow, I managed to read 2 Oedipal books in a row this week, this one and the one that follows; I rather liked this book, although parts of it I did not much care for (OK, what is it with 15 year old boys having sex with older women? this book and The Reader both feature storylines of teenage boys and older women - maybe the problem is just that I am not a 15 year old boy?) Anyway, the book is hard to describe, but I do recommend it

411. The Scarecrows by Robert Westall - young adult; from what I read on my library's website, I thought this book was going to be a horror story, but I did not find it that way at all. It was more of a psychological book. I have enjoyed a couple of Westall's books this year, the ones that are historical, but did not care much for this one

412. The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther - this book was recommended by both Cariola and TrishNYC (thank you, ladies!) and I really liked it, although by the end I wanted to hit Maryam Mazar and tell her to wake up to the reality of the husband and daughter she left behind for a past that no longer existed

413. Seven Years in Tibet by Heinrich Harrer - nonfiction; this book was billed as an adventure book, but to me at least, it was much more of a cultural anthropology book written by an Austrian encountering the Tibetan people; I thought it was very good, although some of the translation was a bit clumsy at times; highly recommended

414. Gallows View by Peter Robinson - the first Inspector Banks mystery and it certainly will not be my last; I enjoyed it a great deal

415. Bloody Jack by L.A. Mayer - young adult; I thought this was a jolly romp of a story and plan to read the other books in the series

Several of this week's reads were recommended here in the group, but unfortunately, I neglected to write them all down. Anyway, a big thanks to all for the recommendations!

I usually like the book better then the movie almost every time. However sometimes after seeing a movie it reduces or eliminates my desire to read the book. I try to read the book before seeing the movie whenever possible. That being said maybe I should move Seven Years in Tibet up the TBR pile a little bit.

Let me know what you think after you have had a chance to read it, sgtbigg.

Will do, it will probably be a couple of weeks before I get to it. I'm in the middle of a couple of books right now and I have a few more waiting in the wings.

I certainly can understand books in a TBR pile. I hope you have some interesting reading ahead of you!

Re Book 414 - Isn't Banks delightful? I love it when people discover that series. So well-written and thoughtful for a mystery series.

Going all the way back to message 350, I can second Prop2gether's recommendation of Surrender on Demand -- a fascinating book.

And I've heard great things about Republic of Suffering (message407), but I've been waiting for the paperback to come out.

#412 nancyewhite: I enjoyed the first book in the series so much that I immediately put the 2nd on hold at the library. I will be picking it up today.

#413 rebeccanyc: I got my copy of Surrender on Demand in today's mail. I will probably be reading it in December or January, months that I tend to concentrate on my own books rather than the library's.

As far as This Republic of Suffering goes, I got my copy of it from the library, and will probably do as you are planning to do - purchase my own copy once the paperback is available.

Okay--I've put a request in for Gallows View in my library system--there are none available in my country and only 3 available in the entire system so have no idea how long I will have to wait. But if it doesn't come before January--I can put it in my 999 mysteries category! :-)

#416 MusicMom: I am a bit confused? There are none available in your country? Aren't you in the States? If you like, I will ship you a copy where ever you are.

Stasia

I suspect she meant county.

Stasia
I've been out of town for a few days. WOW! I see that you have added yet more impressive books to your list.
You are incredible! I added The Saffron Kitchen to my tbr pile awhile ago....reading your review, prompts me to move it up to the top of the pile.

You constantly amaze me with your wonderful lists of books. I have read a couple of those mentioned in your last week's reading and now have a few more of them to add to my tbr pile!

I currently have Hugo Cabret on loan from the library. My son has read it, now I will have to put it on top of the pile! And The boy who fell out of the sky is really calling to me.

judylou
I finished The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky a few days ago. I highly recommend it.

OK, I'm on the library website now . . . add another to the holds list!

Hey Alcot, just want to let you know that even people on your outer space planet have confided in me that they are jealous of you. My goodness, how do you do it? I don't look at your page for a week and I come back and not only have you read a lot but you have also read great stuff. Totally agree with your thots on The Saffron Kitchen. Also I have heard so much about about Murakami from this website. I need to read something from him soon to see what everyone is on about. And I do like an good Oedipal story, the hubris part not the sleeping with you mother part.

Musicmom--That is a very good idea. I think I am going to get back into borrowing books from the library. I stopped for awhile now cause I have tons of books that I really want to read but once I get through them, library here I come.

#420 judylou: Thanks for stopping in and your kind comments. I hope you enjoy both of the books you mentioned.

I can certainly understand adding books to the top of the TBR pile. Mine is no longer a Mount TBR - I call it Continent TBR.

#423 TrishNYC: There are other people occupying my outer space planet?? I must have missed them - my nose was probably stuck in a book.

Once you have a chance to read Murakami, let me know what you think. I have just stumbled across him this year as well.

So glad you like the Insp. Banks series by Peter Robinson. I have read the whole series so far. Also, I have the David Lodge book all ready to mail today - enjoy!

# 417 alcottacre

Oops! I meant county! sorry--Spell check doesn't work if you use a wrong word!

I live in the Central Valley of California, in Fresno County and about 40 miles ESE of Fresno, near the foothill of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Unfortunately, during the 25 years I lived in Georgia, California (at least this part of it) let their library system really go to pot. When we arrived in my little town of Reedley in 1995 the most recent novels in our very tiny library were published before 1985--and there weren't too many that recent. Things have improved greatly and now that we have the Valley CAT system that let's us access all the libraries it is even better. But it takes a while to catch up when things have been allowed to slide that long. Our town now has nearly 25,000 people and we are still in a library that has about 1,200 sq. ft. -- all one room with a very small section curtained off for the librarians to sort books as they come from other libraries.

edited for spelling!

I completely understand about the problems centering around public libraries and their funding. Come January, my local library is cutting back on hours and personnel due to budget cuts.

If there is something you desperately want and cannot find locally, let me know and I will see if I can track it down for you.

Stasia

Thanks, Stasia. I appreciate that.

Right now I have plenty to read--like you I have a huge TBR pile and although there are a few that I'm "on the hunt" for I also have more on the shelves in my house than i can finish "before I die." There is one that I've asked my library to buy that I really want to read in English and it has now been translated. They have three titles in the system by the same author in Spanish, so I have a good chance they will get it for me. (I'd tell you the name--but that is at home on my desk--I'm in Chicago!).

Wish I was in Chicago - I want to see the Oriental Museum! My husband and I are talking about taking a family trip up there when the girls graduate.

There is so much to see in Chicago one trip won't do it all--I hope you get to come. It is a great city. I'm going to have to ask my son about the Oriental Museum--I haven't heard of it and we are going to be deciding what we want to visit when my other son arrives this weekend.

hey alcottacre - did you know there's a 250 book challenge? You should definitely be in it.

I'll be lucky to get 100 books read this year, although the other things in my life are interesting too.

see you around!

karenmarie

430/431--Do you mean the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago? I've been a student at the UofC for three years, and I still haven't been to the Oriental Institute yet...It's on my list of things to do before I graduate.

#433 wunderkind: Yes, Erin that's the one I mean. I want to go visit the Egyptian galleries because both my oldest daughter and I are very interested in Egyptology. I have several books on the subject, including at least one by James Henry Breasted who did his work out of the Oriental Institute (which he founded) in Chicago.

#432 karenmarie: Yes, I did know about the 250 Book Challenge Group, as several people have told me about it, but I really do not want to leave this group. I have 'met' several new friends here and love the discourse and discussions that we as a group have.

Thanks for dropping by!

Msg 432 & 435 Is it a challenge when it's your compulsion and it will happen anyway? Seems like it would be like giving my husband an "eat breakfast every day" challenge. He doesn't miss that meal for anything. :)