Whisper's 2008 Reading List

My list thus far includes

1. We are Their Heaven: Why the Dead Never Leave us by Allison Dubois
2. Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rys
3. Skylight Confessions, Alice Hoffman
4. The Sixth Wife of Henry VIII by Jean Palaidy
5. The Romanov Bride by Robert Alexander
6. Rasputin's Daughter by Robert Alexander
7. Portrait of an Unknown Woam by Vanora Bennett
8. The Pefect Royal Mistress by Diane Haeger
9. Museum- Behind the Scenes at the Metropolitan Art Museum by Danny Danizer
10. Murder Most Royal - The Story of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard by Jean Plaidy
11. The Angel Tree: A Christmas Celebration by Linn Howard
12. Behind the Scenes of the Museum by Kate Atkinson
13. Earthly Joys by Phillipa Gregory
14. Garden Spells by Sara Addison Allen
16. Eden Close by Anita Shreve
17. The Irresistible Revolution: Living as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne.

18. The Kitchen Boy by Robert Alexander

I picked up Case Histories as a recommendation of a favorite author who was reading it. Did you like Behind the Scenes of the Museum?

Hi Blackdogbooks

I did not particularly care for Behind the Scenes of the Museum by {{Kate Atkinson.}} After reading many reviews, I know I'm in the minority regarding my opinion on this. It simply seemed to me that the author was making a stab at british humor and missed the mark. It was a book wherein so many pages contained yet one more crisis. I found it a gloomy (not funny) book.

Thanks for asking.

19. The Fall of the Romanovs: Political Dreams and Personal Struggles in a Time of Revolution by {{Mark D. Steinberg}}

20. The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold
Unliked Sebold's previous books, I really could not recommend this one.
She did the same thing in this book as she did in The Lovely Bones--concluded with a real weird ending! Yikes

21. Say When by Elizabeth Berg
A quick, easy read

Alexandra: The Last Tsarina by Carolly Erickson. I read this while bed ridden with streph throat. I acutally read three books in three days.

23. Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
It was good to laugh out loud.

Hi Whisper

Hope you’re feeling better. True to your word, I see you’ve already read Say When by Berg. Did you enjoy it? Have you read any of Berg’s other books? Range of Motion is my favourite of her novels.
I spotted Philippa Gregory and Jean Palaidy in your list. Do you enjoy historical fiction? I watched The Tudors television series lately and want to read The Other Boleyn Girl by Gregory. Isn’t Tudor history is fraught with fascinating stories?!

Hi Akeela
Thanks for your post. I did enjoy Say When. It was a well-written and I think what I liked most about it was the lack of drama. It was a simple story about abiding love.

Thanks for telling me about Range of Motion. I'll check this out of the library when I return Say When.

I enjoy reading historical fiction. If you haven't discovered the site historicalfiction.org, I highly recommed this.

Tudor history is fraught with fascinating stories. I don't have showtime, so I don't watch season II of the Tudors, but received season I as a present and loved the castles and customes. My only criticism is that it was not alays historically accurate. For example, Woolsey did not kill himself.

Thanks again for your recommendation.

#24 Whatever You Do, Don't Run: True Tales of a Botswana Safari Guide by Peter Allision
I liked this book very much. Since a young child visiting the Natural History Museum in New York City, I was fascinated by African animals. Reading this book was delightful, particularly because I could take a safari from the comfort of my living room.

Thanks, Whisper. I will check out the website. I'm only intrigued because of the incredible lives of the Tudor monarchs - especially now that I've done some extra background reading. It's so compelling, better than fiction ")

HI Akeela

Since reading my first historical novel regarding Anne Boleyn, I was hooked. Lo, many years later, I still continue to read as much about the Tudors as possible. You might want to check my library for ideas of books concerning this fascinating historical period.

Historicalfiction.org is filled with interesting people, who like us, are enamoured by the Tudors.

All the best,
Linda

#25 The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell

Whisper - I'm interested in what you thought of The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox. I read it earlier this year when my mom loaned me her copy. I liked the way the story was revealed through flashbacks, but was a little surprised by the ending. (I will say no more, so as not to spoil it for others!)

Bi Porch Reader

I finished The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox last night. I admit to being a bit confused about the ending.
What is your interpretation of this? So we don't spoil it for others, can you send a message to me on my library page.

I liked the book a lot and will begin After You'd Gone tonight. Another LT reader highly recommended this additional book by Maggie O'Farrell. Have you read it?

Whisper - No, I haven't read After You'd Gone. Another book for my TBR list! I'll be interested to hear what you think about it. And I'll pop over to your library page to chat about Esme Lennox.

#26 After You'd Gone Maggie O'Farrell

Excellent book regarding loss, grief, family, love and forgiveness.

#27 Visions of Sugar Plums by Janet Evanovich
While I truly enjoy the Stephanie Plum series because of the quick, witty writing and laugh-out-loud humor, this book was very disappointing. I'm glad it wasn't my first book by this author, or I would not have continued to read others.

#28 I'm Looking Through You: Growing Up Haunted: A Memoir by Jennifer Finney Boylan. A well written book weaving the emotional haunting of a transgender young man with the physical haunting of a house on main line Philadelphia. I liked this book and it held my interest until the very end when I think it got a bit out of control and difficult to follow.

#29 Ten Big Ones by Janet Evanovich
I read this while in New Orleans, LA on a conference. After taking a three hour tour of the areas impacted by hurricane Katrina, I needed to go back to the hotel and read something light and funny. This book is not up to par with her others. It wasn't as humorous. Usually while reading one of the Stephanie Plum series, I laugh out loud many times. This book seemed lack luster and cookie-cutter like.

#30 Hurricane Katrina: CNN Reports: State of Emergency by CNN News
If you want to read about how the local, state and federal government dropped the ball during this major crisis, this is a must read.

#31 Sin in the Second City, Ministers, Playboys, and the Battle for America's Soul by Karen Abbot

While I cannot highly recommend this book, I can say it was packed with good, solid research of Chicago's underbelly and brothels at the beginning of the 20th century. I had not heard of the Everleigh sisters and did not know a lot of history re. Chicago, therefore, it was fascinating to read about this particular historical period.

#32 The Pre-Raphaelites by Andrea Rose

Very nice prints and good description not only of the paintings but background of the artists as well.

#33 1 Dead in Attic by Chris Rose. The title is taken from writing on a flood destroyed house, indicating yet another victim of the Hurricane Katrina New Orleans tragedy .

This book, written by an award-winning Times Picayune columnist, contains one-chapter short stories that are simply incredible.

Rather than outline what lead to Katrina, he focuses on the aftermath of the hurricane. His heart rendering account of a year and a half after is so well written that at times I laughed and others I cried. His pithy, heart breaking and poignant tales of the people who are the soul of New Orleans will haunt me for a long time. I laughed at the tale of refrigerator wars; I cried for a city trying to re-claim itself.

After reading this I feel as though I've walked the streets of New Orleans, glened some knowledge of what makes the city tick -- the good (those stubborn hold outs who want to rebuild and renew) , the bad (the local politicians, the Army Core of Engineers and the ineffective mayor) and the ugly (very nasty culture that loots, robs, rapes and waits for handouts and blames all others.)

#34 Not Left Behind: Rescuing the Pets of New Orleans by Best Friends Animal Society

nice review, I think I'll check out this book. after reading it I was thinking about how I kept waiting for things to get back to normal. where I live we didn't get hit as bad, it was more Rita that took us out. my little dog is a rescue puppy and I had forgotten that.

Thanks for your comments Beeg. I'm glad that where you live you didn't get hit as badly. Sorry to hear that Rita was so difficult for you. How nice of you to rescue a puppy.

I highly recommend the book 1 Dead in Attic.

#35City Adrift New Orleans Before And After Katrina by Jenni Bergel Excellent book with an objective outline of chapters containing on the enviornment and government of Louisiana and New Orleans. The insurance agencies and FEMA are taken to task. Each chapter emphasizes the magnitude of Katrina and the ineptitude of local, state, federal government. The chapters focusing on health care issues and the lack of preparedness were particularly sad to read.

#36 Mudbound by Hillary Jordan I found this to be a very disturbing story -- one that will haunt me for a long time. Jordan's first book is a masterful portrayal of the cruel, evil underbelly of the deep mucky, nasty, bigoted post WWII south.

I read Mudbound a few weeks ago, and completely agree that this is a story that will haunt me for a long time. Even small scenes from the book - like when Ronsel remembers his encounter with a concentration camp victim - have stuck with me. But, despite the brutality of this time period in the south, I felt that Jordan introduced a bit of hope as well - especially in the characters of Ronsel and Jame.

#37 Down In New Orleans Reflections from a Drowned City by Billy Southern
Written with a very liberal slant, I found this book to be too biased in blaming the government for the woes of those left behind. While certainly, there is enough blame to go around, the lack of emphasis on personal responsibility was troubling to me. However, I did enjoy learning about Louisiana politics and history. And, I did appreciate the authors clear, concise depiction of the political machine in place that allowed a swamp land to be developed for the sake of the almighty dollar.

Okay, I have been wondering about your spat of books here on Hurrican Katrina and New Orleans; is this a personal interest or educational related. You are really getting a broad perspective on the tragedy. I did something similar a couple of years ago with Watergate; I read all the books I could get my hands on that were essentially first person perspectives written near the time of the events. It was great fun.

Hi blackdogbooks -- nice to hear from you. Thanks for checking my reading list. I periodically pop into yours as well and I note that many people respond to your posts. Your library is a very interesting one.

Thanks also for asking about the long list of books I've read re. Hurricane Katrina. My interest was sparked by a recent visit to New Orleans where I attended a conference with three of my students from Lehigh University. While there, we took a three hour bus trip of the areas most impacted by Katrina. The disaster struck me in a very deep way. Since then I've tried to read as much as possible to get a broad perspective. I know that what the media presents is usually biased, so I am trying to dig as deep as possible and read about this tragedy from all perspectives.

Regarding your reading many books on Watergate, do you feel you can now make an informed opinion of what occurred? I'm curious re. your take of Richard Nixon. I'm 55 and remember the Watergate hearings...John Dean recently spoke at Lehigh.

#38 Quiet Moments For Your Soul by Steve Chapman A small book filled with beautiful photos and comforting words of wisdom.

The interesting thing about reading all those Watergate books was that you had to pick through each author's rationalizations about the events. I think there were some pretty clear threads running through all of the books: unthinking ambition, hunger for power, with a little personality disorder sprinkled in to make things interesting. What was so striking in reading these books was the unbelievable and uncanny likenesses between Nixon's presidency and Bush's. They both played with the Supreme Court in the same ways, they both instituted national security policies which gave the Soviet Union a run for it's money in the area of secrecy, they both relied heavily on an unusually broad reading of Executive Privilege, and they were both desperately out of touch with the people of the country, often including their own advisors, which made for bunker mentalities in both of their White House's. I was young and remember some of the events of the day but was not old enough to understand much. So, it was a fun and eye-openining excursion. BTW, Dean seemed the most self-deluded and eager to explain away his choices.

That experience informed my reading choices when it comes to issues or large events. And you are doing the absolute right thing, reading as much as possible from every angle and trying to de-cipher the truth on your own.

Hi
I have to agree with you re. John Dean. I find it appalling that these guys were criminals and have profited from their misdeeds via the lecture circuit and publication.

And, I agree that when reading various books on one subject, it is wise to keep a clear reminder that all authors are writing from their on perspective and sometimes have a tendency to be self aggrandizing.

I like your comparison of Nixon and Bush...this certainly rings true in my mind.

I think one of the blessings of Watergate is that it taught my generation NOT to blindly trust government.

#39 Breach of Faith Hurricane Katrina and the Near
Death of a Great American City Jed Horne

I seem to be obsessed with learning as much as I can about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation of New Orleans. This most recent read is one of the best thus far. The author does an excellent job of pulling the reader in by telling human interest stories. Unlike some of the prior books I read, this one didn't seem to have a political agenda.

#40 Not The End of the World by Kat Atkinson
This is quite a different kind of book...short stories that seem unrelated until the end of the book when the author ties it all together. It was very creatively written. I thought I'd give Atkinson another try because so many LT readers rave about this author. This is the second of her books that I've read.

I think Atkinson's Case Histories will make my next TBR stack. I am having a hard time narrowing it down to 10-15 titles.

Can't Wait To Get To Heaven by Fannie Flagg
A quick read that lacked the humor and depth of characters that her other books contained.

#42 All Over But the Shoutin by Rich Bragg. This is one of the best well-written books I've read in a long time. His powerful story of a ragged, poverty-filled childhood with an abusive, neglectful, alcoholic father is very compellingly told.

Bragg's focus is on his strong and yet victimized mother. The only nagging thing that bothered is Bragg's adulation of his mother to the point that he neglects the fact that she bears some responsibility for continually going back to the loser and exposing the kids to the financial and emotional depravation that occurred.

I will read his other books.

#43 The Collector by John Fowles...deeply disturbing.

I think either The Collector or The Magus is going to make my next TBR stack. Have you read the latter?

Hi Blackdogbooks.
First, I want to say that I note you are always so welcoming to new members and that you take an avid interest in what other people read. I enjoy your posts!

I read The Magus a long time ago. A previous faculty member in the department where I work taught courses on John Fowles. She convinced me to read the Magus. I wasn't too enamoured with it.

43 / 75 words. 57% done!

Well done!

Enjoy the rest of this wonderful journey of enjoyment, relaxation and learning!

Hi Akeela

I listened to NPR today enroute to work and learned that it is Nelson Mendella's 90th birthday.

Yes, it is!! Big celebrations going on countrywide! ")

An interesting event.
A co-worker was from South Africa. Came to this country about 15 years ago...sad the theft and violence in South Africa was more than his comfort level.

He was/is a journalist. I smiled and told him to read the papers in this country and his eyes might be opened to the fact that America sure has its share of problems.

There's a post doctoral fellow in my lab from South Africa. Her family has advised her not to come home at this time as the violence is so bad. It sounds as those things have deteriorated there in the last year or so.

I think the media sometimes distorts things inordinately - especially when the only focus is the violence and crime in our country. There is so much more going on here!

My family and I live in South Africa quite happily, and wouldn't want to move elsewhere. We have great weather, friendly people, amazing natural beauty …

True, there is a great deal of poverty, still. Apartheid left a lot of devastation in its wake and the government faces a mammoth task in reversing these inequalities - it’s going to take time to undo 300 years of oppression.

This group is so great ... it enables us to share information from differing points of view and from different countries. It is very exciting!

Regarding violence in the US, today's paper noted various slayings in my local area...

Working in publications, I'm well aware that the media feeds us what they believe we want to read and usually it is the bad stuff, not the great human interest kinds of things that I believe most would relish learning.

My part of Canada seems to be changing too - more rudeness (and we are supposed to be so "nice"), more self-centeredness, more whining about every little thing.... Don't know if the violence is up, but the selfishness certainly seems to be.

Hi dihiba

I work in academia, as publications adviser for the yearbook and newspaper at a local college. I've been doing this for 25 years. Increasingly, the students are more rude, more self centered and nasty. Not all students are this way; many are wonderful. But, I am noticing an increase in % of the nasty ones and a decrease in the nice ones. The lack of respect is bothersome, but then they don't even respect each other either!

I gotta agree with Akeela. Though I am not in South Africa or ever lived there, I used to live in Nigeria and I was sometimes shocked and amused by its portrayal in the American media. There were times when CNN had the country on the brink of civil war or engaged in full out civil war and all of us would look at each other and go "We're at war? Really, first I've heard of it." People do it to me all the time even now, they will see me and ask me if my friends and family who still live in Nigeria are okay because they heard such and such on some news broadcast. When I call Nigeria to confirm, no one knows what I am talking about. I am not saying this to say that there have not been problems in Nigeria and Africa in general but sometimes it is way over exaggerated. Its interesting the focus that is placed on Africa's demise by the media but when there are real problems over there, the media just does not focus that much on it. Where was the media during the genocide in Rwanda? And Darfur is going on right now, where is the media focus on that? I know that Darfur gets mentioned from time to time but I am sure that if the media really pushed it more, the effect would be felt. Please do not misunderstand me, I am not saying that the media should be looked on to correct all of society's ills, the politicians have been asleep on the job for a long while, but if they really reported more hard hitting news rather the latest celebrity child birth, I think it would have an effect.

Whisper and Dhiba, I totally understand what you mean. I sometimes feel that the age of technology with its online social networks, ipods, high tech cell phones etc has created a generation of people who can only communicate in the abstract. People are getting worse at one on one communication and have replaced real conversation and interaction with sarcasm and cynicism in their quest to look more intelligent. But I live in hope, maybe people will realize their behavior and try to change. We can hope right.

Book #44 Ava's Man by Rich Bragg. Ava's Man was Bragg's maternal grandfather who passed away before Rich was born into poverty.

Like William Faulkner and Pat Conroy, Bragg writes of the poor American South with such vivid descriptions that you feel as though you are walking along a hot, dusty path in a depression era back woods, spiting tobacco and drinking moon shine as your caloused hands and achy back trudge along yet one more soul depleting day.

Life was hard, mean and nasty and wore Bragg's family down to a pulp. Bragg's admiration for his grandfather shone through.

This is the second book of his that I've read and I'll continue to learn of Bragg's saga. It is wonderful to read such clear, crisp images. This guy can write!

#60 Whisper1: I will have to look for Ava's Man. I read All Over But the Shoutin' several years ago and enjoyed it. I did not realize he had written any follow up books, so I will definitely be on the lookout for them.

Hi Alcottacre
Nice to hear from you. I believe Bragg has three books in addition to All Over but the Shoutin; one of them is Ava's Man, another is a most recent continuing follow up of stories re. his family. I believe the latest is about his father and is titled The Prince of Frogtown. And, there is also a book containing articles written when he was a New York Times reporter.

Co-workers (I am employed in the Journalism Department of Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA) told me he left the New York Times under not so great terms...accused of plagerism and using an intern/stringer to write his articles without giving credit. I believe it was quite a controversy.

I read All Over but the Shoutin when it was required college reading for one of my sons. I liked it so well that I also bought Ava's Man, which I liked even better! My only regret was that I didn't make it to see him in person when he visited the college.

Hi tloeffler
Yes, I'm sure it is a regret that you didn't get to see Rick Bragg. He really is an incredible writer.
By the way, I checked your library and found many interesting books!

Turnabout is fair play, so I did the same to yours. I'm sorry I did. Several more books added to my ever-growing spreadsheet. A lot of the ones you have are favorites of mine, even though I don't own them (or haven't catalogued them, because they really belong to one of the boys!). I'll have to keep watch!

Thanks for your nice comments tloeffler!

Book #45 Wild Nights! Stories About the Last Days of Poe, Dickinson, Twain, James, and Hemingway by Joyce Carol Oates.
This is a fascinating book, weaving fictional accounts of these great authors with some researched tid bits of facts.

It is a bit dark, but then most of her books are. I learned some things I didn't previously know, including that in his older years Twain had a penchant for "collecting Angelfish" -- his term of endearment for little girls aged 12-15 whom he asked to call him "grandfather." While it is believed the relationships were platonic, still it is such a weird predilition that I found disturbing. Twain is one of my favorite American Literature authors, so I'm a bit disturbed at the man who sarcastically shone a harsh light on human nature, indeed had some nasty skeletons in his own closet.

Book #46 The Rule of Life on Earth by Joyce Carol Oates

46 / 75 words. 61% done!

Good job, Whisper! You seem to be right on target to get the 75 in before year's end.

Thanks for your encouragement.

Book #47 Until The Real Thing Comes Along by Elizabeth Berg
I was looking for something light to read and having previously read another of Berg's book, I thought I'd give this one a try.

Originally, it was slow and boring, but as the characters developed I was drawn into the story of Patti who loved Ethan who was gay who loved Patti but not in the way she needed and of Patti's father who loves his wife who develops alzheimers and thus is no longer able to love him as she originally did before her mind was taken from her.

While at first this seemed to be a light, breezy kind of read, it truly is a book filled with incredible poignancy and understanding of the trite but true phrase "the meaning of love."

Book #48 The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean.

Linda, you're absolutely right about Berg's writing. She has a way of depicting love and the marital relationship that is so, so special!

I read Never Change recently, and loved it. I'm a sucker for human suffering it seems - or rather, grace through suffering. Inner strengths and the things that keep us going, and living.

I finished Never Change last week, and enjoyed it. Also liked The Pull of the Moon in Feb and it was also very good. I've read two other Bergs this year as well.
Severn, your comment on human suffering - well, it is a fact of life, isn't it? Despite the modern attitude that everyone should have a pain-and-conflict free life, and that suffering becomes a chance for Oprah to parade some poor soul on television, it's always been with us and always will. Most of us will have to deal with it at some point in our lives. If authors deal with it, so much the better; they deal with it in a humanistic way, without sensationalizing it, great!

Hi Dihiba

I enjoyed reading your post! I think I like Berg's writings for the exact comment you made..ie, she writes about suffering in a non-sensational way! Say When is an example of this...a marriage in trouble, the emotions of all involved in a non-soap opera telling of the story.

I read Say When several years ago and it lead me to reading more of Berg's books, and have a few more to go. She is one of my favourite of that "genre" and I find her generally consistent, unlike Anita Shreve or Sue Miller who have veered off track at times, IMHO!

Hey Whisper, where did you get that cool little counter bar?

I'll send an email to you with the link.

Hey Whisper,

Me too, please! I love your counter bar.

Thank you, Whisper1!

Prop2gether
I sent two emails to you. I'm having trouble forwarding the link from my home computer. If you scroll down (on the second email I sent,) I think you can obtain the meter.

Please let me know if you rec'd. the information. If not, then I'll send it again from my office computer tomorrow morning.

Book #49
Society's Child by Janis Ian.

After seeing her perform at a recent Musikfest, I purchased a copy of her recently released autobiography which she signed.

Listening to her perform was a trip down memory lane. I realized I knew the words to her songs and reconnected with the depth of feeling of her poetry.

While the book is pedantic and slow moving, it was interesting to learn the stories behind the songs and the twists and turns life has taken her. Her vulnerability is present throughout and she holds a bright mirror to uncover the dark spots.

49 / 75 words. 65% done!

Hi Whisper,

It's probably because there's an excellent spam filter on my personal account, but I got your links, so thanks very much.

You are welcome!

#50 What Jane Austen Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool
A quick, interesting read. The early 19th century was filled with a bunch of silly society fools with a plethora of hyporcritical behaviours.

Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates

This is a large book that weaves some fact with fiction regarding the life of Marilyn Monroe. What a sad life this woman had. At the end of the book, JFK is portrayed as a VERY sleazy, self absorbed and selfish man.

It was interesting that I was reading this book while listening to the tv coverage of John Edwards and his indiscretion.

Hey Linda, you were not wrong when you said that you have read a lot about Hurricane Katrina. I was just looking over your list and I see that you have read many books on the subject. Which would you consider the most informative and free of individual agendas?

I see that you read Rasputin's Daughter earlier this year. What was your take on it? Did you like it?

Hi Trish:

Thanks for your post and for asking about recommendations re. Hurricane Katrina. Here are the two I thought did the best job covering this subject.

Hurricane Katrina: CNN Reports: State of Emergency by CNN News

1 Dead in Attic by Chris Rose is by far (in my opinion) the best book written about this sad situation.

The one I would not recommend is:

Down In New Orleans Reflections from a Drowned City -- this is NOT free of individual agendas. There was way too much blame placed on the government and no chagrin or judgment on the individuals who lacked personal responsibility and thus were portrayed as helpless victims. There was no attempt at writing about the middle ground point of view.

Thanks also for asking about Rasputin's Daughter, unlike The Kitchen Boy which was well written, I thought the former rambled and I grew weary of the story line.

#52 Two Tales Washington Irving
A quick, delightful read. I forgot what a great American writer Irving was. Reading this book brought back wonderful memories of studying his works in a literature class many years ago.

#53 Einstein's Dreams by Alan Lightman A small, and very creative, interesting book regarding the concept of time. I'll read this one again in the future...if I have time....

Loved it....a fav for this year!!

#54 The Wednesday Letters Jason Wright I have been invited to join group of friends who meet once a month to discuss books.

This one is the reading for the September. I found the book to be sappy and melodramatic and not what I would usually read. I'm curious to hear the opinions of others.

#55
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

This is an interesting spin on Penelope and Odysseus. I enjoyed the book very much.

55 / 75 words. 73% done!

#56 Black Water by Joyce Carol Oates

What did you think of Black Water? I enjoyed it, if you can call reading about dying enjoyable. I thought it was well worth the time.

Thanks for asking about my impressions of Black Water. Actually, the book has stayed with me and I've been thinking about it since I read it. I came away with a deep disdain for the "senator" aka Ted Kennedy who made sure he escaped and let the poor young woman to die. It prompted me to do a google search about the actual incident and I learned that at the inquest, it was discovered that he actually walked past a house/or houses that were lit and he could have gone in and asked for help for her...but did not..in order to try to save his own political career.

I thought it was/is one of Joyce Carol Oates finest. While the subject matter was troubling, her writing was/is incredible!

#57 Apex Hides the Hurt by Colson Whitehead

The Zombie by Joyce Carol Oates
This is a deeply disturbing book regarding the life of a serial killer who preys on young men in an attempt to make them his pliable zombies. It seems to be loosely based on the infamous sicko Jeffrey Dahmer.

If you are more curious about the Chappaquiddick incident, I recommend Senatorial Privilege. I read this some years back but found it very well written and researched.....and also galling!!

http://www.librarything.com/work/222624

Hi blackdogbooks

Thanks for letting me know about this book. I will try to obtain it via my local library. "Galling" is a great word. I heard there will be tribute to Ted Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention this week...made me shake my head in disbelief!

#59 The Secret Life of Josephine: Napoleon's Bird of Paradise by Carrolly Erickson.

A historical novel based loosely on the life of Josephine. Carrolly Erickson has a caveat in the beginning of the book warning the reader that some of the events and characters are fictionalized.

While the story line was easy to follow, it felt as though Erickson was forcing the character and, in particular, the ending seemed contrived and hurried. Normally after reading historical fiction, if I am not familiar with the person, I try to learn as much as possible to match fact with fiction. In this case, I have no desire to learn more about Josephine and thus I rate the book poorly.

My next read will Senatorial Privilege -- recommended by blackdogbooks. I obtained a copy from local library and I'm anxious to learn more of Chappaquiddick and Kennedy's cover up.

Well, putting politics aside for the moment, and sticking just to Black Water, I, too, find the book staying with me. I thought the writing was clean and really managed to convey all the emotion of the young woman without becoming "emotional."

However, every time I want to get incensed about an individual's actions, I try to remember that no one is without a "history" of some sort. That doesn't mean that any of us can't learn and improve along the way.

I'm finding that my reading right now is stuck on about 250 pages or less--my attention span is too scattered, with family issues right in front of me. But I'm getting some great reads in on that basis!

Just finished Waiting for the Barbarians by J.M. Coetzee, and it's another one that is "staying" with me. From the 1001 Must Read, and I do recommend it.

Hi Prop2gether

Thanks for the recommendation regarding The Barbarians by Coetzee I'll add this to my ever expanding tbr pile. Actually I'm going to search bookcloseouts.com today to see if I can obtain it there. I recently found this (saw a post from someone who talked about this site.) They have incredible bargains and if you haven't discovered them yet, you might want to check it out. I ordered about 20 books (most of them hard cover) and only paid $36.

Msg#104-106.....Politics is often just a matter of timing!!!!! You should enjoy the book as I remember it being fairly detailed and informative.

Computer freaked out!!!!!! Ughh, sorry.

LOL!

Oh, thanks for the site recommendation. I'll check it out. Currently reading Senor Vivo and the Coca Lord and really, really enjoying this one--again from that #$#$#$ list.

Dear Blackdogbooks, or should I call you Rosemary Woods? Thanks for the laugh!

#60 Senatorial Privilege: the Chappaquiddick cover up by Leon Damore. A meticulous account of a day and night of partying gone awry and the tragic death of young, beautiful Mary Jo Kopechne.

Using materials and quotes from the inquest, Damore carefully shows the lack of judgment evidenced by Ted Kennedy.

A clear portrait emerges of a hedonistic, self-absorbed politician who was responsible for the death of Mary Jo, both by his reckless driving and in the fact that if he would have sought immediate help, could have saved her life.

At the end of the book, Demore plainly writes that while this terrible incident did not cost Kennedy the loss of his senatorship, it certainly haunted his career and did indeed cost him the presidency. To that I say AMEN!

Speaking as a non-American, though, I ask is there any merit to what he has done in the Senate since then? I know it does not absolve him, but perhaps he has contributed nonetheless?

Hi dihiba

Thanks for your post! You have a great point.

I have been and remain a supporter of Kennedy's advocacy for the homeless and for those disadvantaged and dis-enfranchised from the "American Dream."

I think he is a great senator and this is proven by the fact that he retains his office and is respected for his political stance (and I am one of those who support his views.) However, I would not have voted for him as President.

And yes, there is a lot of merit to him. However, my disappointment is that he was and remains the advocate of the little person and those who are powerless, yet, he recklessly abandoned a young helpless woman and not only left the scene of the accident, but, in addition, did not follow the rules and report it.

I don't mean to sound self righteous. I guess, even though I'm not young, I am still naive when I hold politicians to a standard by which they preach.

I think there might have been more severe sentencing if an everyday, average person did what he did.

Again, thanks for this exchange. I enjoy LT because of very bright people like you who post here!

What a thoughtful and insightful post. I agree with you. I am old enough to remember the Kennedy era, watching it from Canada (and enjoying our own Pierre Trudeau era), where our take on politicians is a little different (for example, I am at a lost to understand why political wives are thrust into the spotlight so much in the US). I have actually read a few books on the Kennedys because they are a fascinating, if flawed, family.
This does bring up a philosophical question (and religious, I suppose, if one leans that way) of whether an irresponsible action that lead to a death can ever be made up for? I know that Laura Bush drove a car that killed a young man when she was very young. I can't quite remember what the verdict was there - did she run a stop sign? I know this is not the same as Kennedy's action but there are some similarities if she had some culpability.
Kennedy is also judged very harshly because he is a Kennedy - rich, privileged, etc. My bet he has felt a lot of guilt and has tried in some way to attone for Kopechne's death.

What a great exchange! Thanks ever so much!

I very much agree with the ability to look at one situation and inspect it, turn it around and examine it from many perspectives.

How right you are to note that the flip side of the Kennedy's liberty and license to get away with so much also contains a dark negative of society's extreme accountability and harshness re. the family.

Your philosophical question whether an irresponsible action causing the death of someone can ever be made up for challenges me to think about this. Personally, I know I would struggle greatly and might have a difficult time putting one foot in front of the other on a daily basis..

I'm currently reading another book Good Ted Bad Ted: The Two faces of Edward M. Kennedy by Lester David. This author paints a more sympathetic picture of Ted Kennedy. In no way does he condone the actions, he simply provides a snap shot of a very troubled soul who was in the throes of incredible grief after the assignation of his brother Robert. Fearful that he would be next to be shot, Kennedy drank his way to oblivion to ease the pain.

He states that "He (Kennedy) will always bear the blame for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, and he knows it. But the Kennedy loyalists who gathered at the compound the day after and, coolly and dispassionately, schemed to find a way to preserve the Kennedy dynasty were reprehensible, too. The sorry spectacle of New Frontiersmen of high status planning strategy to minimize Ted's involvement was a low point in the Kennedy political saga. It underscored old Joe Kennedy's credo that Kennedy's must win...whatever the cost."

Ted is portrayed as a troubled soul in the shadow of his highly successful brothers and his very strong, manipulative father.

Thanks again dihiba, I enjoy these exchanges of thought.

I have always thought of him as a somewhat tragic figure - greatly flawed, but fascinating.
Have enjoyed this exchange!

#61 Good Ted Bad Ted The Two Faces of Edward M. Kennedy by Lester David

#62 Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech

I can't say enough good things about this book. It is written from the perspective of 13 year old Salamanca Tree Hiddle who faces the challenge of a new school, new friends and the perceived abandonment of her mother.

It is an incredible story of love, friendship, redemption and difficult lessons learned.

I highly recommend this Newberry Award Winning book. While I found this in the young adult section of the library, truly it is a book for all ages.

hi Whisper
glad you enjoyed Walk two moons as much as I did ;-)

Hi Fameulstee
I also noted that you posted positive comments on Alcottacre's list and thus reading your comments and hers prompted me to read this.

Thanks very much!

The 13 Clocks by James Thurber

A small and charming book written in a fairy tale mode...a evil man, a good man, some wizard like characters, a princess, a tower, some nasty looking creatives, a journey and a woman that weeps precious stones. The writing is wonderfully creative. This is the first work of Thurber's that I've read and I will search for more of his works.

I found this book on the 75 book challenge list of Fog-Struck and Flissp...Thanks to both!

I hope you guys will pardon me from coming to the Kennedy discussion late in the game. The whole Chappaquiddick saga happened way before my time but I have heard about it and casually read on it in recent years. I think that what Kennedy did on that night was morally and ethically reprehensible. He fled the scene and his actions led to a young woman's demise. However, I am of the persuasion that people can change and I really do believe that he has tried to change and use his power to make amends in other ways. I think that it is very possible that his advocacy work and many of his senatorial decisions and leanings may have been shaped by that fateful night and his inability to do what was right in a crucial moment. Some people will never forgive him for what happened that day and I can totally understand why. The young lady's family may never forgive him and they are totally within their rights not to. For them no matter what he does, builds homeless shelters in every town, saves every lost child, donates both his kidneys, all that pales in light of the the fact that he was responsible for the death of their daughter. Can one blame them if they take that stand? I personally cannot. When you lose someone you love under such circumstances and have the massive force of the Kennedy dynasty in opposition to you, its hard to forget no matter how much Ted Kennedy may apologize.

Is Kennedy judged harshly because he is a Kennedy? Well that answer is up for grabs but I have to ask if Joe Public had been involved in that accident and had fled, can we honestly say that once the police caught up with him, he would not be spending quality time behind bars. Public figures, the exceedingly wealthy and celebrities get a pass on many things they do. Does this mean that I advocate treating them unfairly when things are not in their favor? Absolutely not. But the same way in which they are granted unfair priviledge because of their status, so they must be prepared to deal with unfair scrutiny and possibily harsh criticism when the tables are turned. Such is the nature of the life they have chosen.

Anyway that is my two cents on the subject.

WOW! Thanks Trish! I really appreciate your very well-written and thought-provoking comments.

Everyone's optimism and hope with regards to the ability of people to change for the better is very inspiring and humbling to me. I am not always of that persuasion when it comes to people's basic nature. I agree that Sen. Kennedy's actions of the night were reprehensible and morally bankrupt; I also agree that he has been involved in a life of public service which speaks well of his sense of duty to the public; but I guess I am of the opinion that one type of behavior does not rule the other out. While it's possible he was affected by what he did and has engaged in public service to overcome that awful episode in his life, I suspect that put in the same position, he might repeat much of the nights events. I guess I am of the opinion that we are, all of us, just big bundles of contradictions, acting at oppositeends of the spectrum given the circumstances of each set of events. But I aspire to y'alls hope for the human spirit's ability to evolve towards the good.

#64 When Zachary Beaver Came to Town by Kimberly Willis Holt.

A children's book that transcends all ages. When 600 pound Zachary Beaver arrived in sleepy little Antler Texas via a tiny, teeny trailer, the town folk paid $2 each to see the "freak. "

When Zachary Beaver Came to Town and was abandoned by his agent the town folk who previously gawked at him now leave food, wash his clothes and find help.

Set in the 70's and the Viet Nam era, This National Book Award winner is a coming of age story containing many wonderful lessons learned by a trio of three young boys.

Dealing with difficult issues of abandonment, loss and grief, this is a powerfully written story about the 'true' meaning of friendship.

blackdogbooks, TrishNYC, dihiba, Prop2gether...
I'm enjoying the posts re. Ted Kennedy, politics, human nature, forgiveness, bad decisions that haunt us.

It is great to share thoughts, feelings and ideas. This is an incredible site and I'm glad I found it via the recommendation of a co-worker.

Okay, but I've stayed far away from political discussions this year because I'm literally surrounded by people espousing every opinion and most of them not willing to listen--that said,

Really glad you like Thirteen Clocks. It's on the 1001 Must Read list with another Thurber classic (which I just read this year) The Wonderful "O" wherein a pirate king decides he doesn't like the letter "o" and wants it eliminated everywhere it is used. What a great dissertation on language this turned out to be!

Currently into Mrs. Dalloway, Farewell My Lovely, and Grimus (three months and counting here on this one). And spent Labor Day watching truly bad movies! What a blast!

#141 Prop2gether: Sounds like your Labor Day was much better than mine (I had to work). I am jealous!

As a Thurber fan, I am inspired to go back and re-read some of his books that I have not read for years, and to check out some of the books of his that I have not read at all.

Just think--Leprechaun in the Hood was one of the pictures we watched and you can wonder about my weekend!

I had forgotten how much fun Thurber is to read until I hit the 1001 Must Read list, although I have mostly read his plays.

I recently found an irresistably titled book written by both Thurber and E. B. White: Is Sex Necessary?. I must admit, it was a bit baffling. Has anyone else read it? Sounds like Thirteen Clocks and The Wonderful "O" are a must. This has been a fun thread to read. (And very refreshing to hear respectful political discussion. Like Prop2gether, I have been on the receiving end of a lot of "not willing to listen" espousers.)

Hi alaskabookworm.

Yes, I am very sure that politics are discussed a lot in Alaska right now given that Palin is from that state.
Like you, I am surrounded with those who don't listen. I don't care what party people vote for but if there cannot be a healthy exchange then the result is stupidity.... I work in academia and I swear the more educated people are the more closed minded they become (at times.) I admire the ability to look at something from all sides and don't like wasting my time with those who simply talk and don't listen.

On another topic, Thirteen Clocks is a fun book. Thurber's writing is quick witted and similar to Ray Bradbury in that some sentences are so brilliantly phrased that you need to go back and read them again simply for the joy of it all.

I've not read Is Sex Necessary but it will be yet one more added to the ever growing tbr pile.

Take care,
Linda

Hi!

Glad you enjoyed Thirteen Clocks so much - it was also an instant favourite for me - I have to say, I'd never heard of James Thurber before reading about the book on Neil Gaiman's blog (he introduced the recent edition) - a great find - I shall now be on the lookout for The Wonderful O thanks to Prop2gether!

On another note, coming from the other side of the Atlantic, it's been really interesting reading these political discussions - I have to admit, I'm shockingly undereducated about even UK politics (to be honest, I find it hard to care who gets in at our next election, no party seems any better than the others), so everything is worth learning.

I love it! Neil Gaiman introducing James Thurber! My life may now be complete!

I've never heard of Neil Gaiman. I'll check the blog.
Thanks!

Definitely one of my favourite authors - I'm not quite sure how to describe him, except that he's extremely versatile and always very readable; i'll recommend American Gods and Neverwhere as the books I've enjoyed the most to date (his blog's at www.neilgaiman.com)... Small advert there!

Thanks. I'll will check this.
I appreciate your suggestions.

Is Sex Necessary is a modern (okay, last century) classic, but Thurber's eccentric wit was all over the boards--he wrote poetry, stories, plays, and drew cartoons. Just check The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and then watch the funny (for almost different reasons) of the film starring Danny Kaye!

I read Gaiman's Stardust after seeing the movie and was seriously disappointed in the work because it was really static, but decided to include Neverwhere on my TBR stack--so someday soon.

you can read Neverwhere online for free for a limited time:

http://www.harpercollinsebooks.com/887C41C9-664A-467B-839D-99A8AF768AA0/10/125/e...

My son just bought a copy of The Thirteen Clocks and The Wonderful O back from his grandparents' - I may have to poach it after all these warm recommendations!

Prop2gether, interested that you found Stardust static - I really enjoyed it, thought it had a lot going on and was really entertaining. Actually watched the film for the first time at the weekend - for me one of the few examples of not being really disappointed by the film despite having read the book. Great fun.

I've had Neverwhere in my TBR pile for ages, and American Gods and Anansi Boys on the list. Stack of library books to work through first....

My mother and grandfather were HUGE Thurber fans (as wells as Benchley and Perelman) and I used to have all of his books. Lost all but one in the Great Basement Flood of 1992. However I still have my favorite one The Thurber Album. My mother used to read bits and pieces to me out of it and I remember that it was very, very funny. I must dig it out and run through it again.....

Thanks Fourpawz2.

I'll see if my local library has The Thurber Album I see that it was published in 1952, so maybe it is in the special collections section.

Well, enjoy all the gentlemen! Wit at its absolute finest!

#65 Plain Truth by Jodi Picoult

I was pleasantly surprised by this well-crafted, insightful book regarding a young Amish girl accused of killing her newly born infant after the denial of pregnancy.

I was captivated by the intertwining of the lives of the Amish family, the defense attorney and those deeply impacted by the birth and death of the baby.

I highly recommend this book and will read more by Picoult.

#157 Whisper 1: I have not yet read any of Picoult's books, so I think I will give Plain Truth a try based on your recommendation. It looks very good!

Just trying to catch up on your thread, whisper. So many good discussions that I'm coming to very late!

Nixon. I'm only two years younger than you and came of age to vote in '73. To say the Watergate scandals influenced me during this time would be an understatement! One of my best friend's father was on Nixon's enemies list (he was a civil right attorney), although I didn't know her at the time.

Ted Kennedy. I live in Massachusetts currently and also did back in the late 70s and early 80s. The value of Ted Kennedy to this state and the nation as a whole cannot be underestimated. It seems so many of the Kennedys f&*k up royally in their youth and then straighten out to become productive, caring civil servants. I remember the scandal but also remember that this was during a time when drunk driving didn't get much more than a slap on the wrist (I worked in the law enforcement field from the mid-70s to the late 90s).

I can't speak about South Africa but the discussion was very interesting. Sorry I missed it.

You seem to have been on an Oates lag lately, whisper, any particular reason? My Oates's are piling up and I think I need to have one of those jags myself!

You do read some interesting books. . .

Alcottacre...

I enjoyed the writing of Picoult. Plain Truth was well crafted. I think what I liked best was that while the events portrayed were powerful, Picoult wrote in a breezy, yet in-depth way. Her writing was very heart warming and while the court room scenes were dramatic, they were written simply, with depth of feeling but not in an overly intense manner. I grew to like the characters and to appreciate the Amish way of life.

I started reading Second Glance and the writing style is (in my mind) very similar to that of Alice Hoffman.

Have you read any of Alice Hoffman's books?

avaland.

Thanks for your comments.

I am ever so glad I found library thing. I enjoy the posts, the sharing of ideas and opinions, learning about books I never would have read previously, and it is great to communicate with intelligent and caring people!

Joyce Carol Oates is an author I recently revisited thanks to LT. Thinking her books were too dark and heavy, I previously gave up on her. However, now that I'm reading her works again, I have to say I have a deeper appreciation of her talent.

She seems to have a knowledge base of human nature and a great way of writing about emotions.

Regarding the political posts, it was/is a neat experience to examine an issue and share thoughts/feelings. Ted Kennedy has a way of self destructing. Yet, he is the bedrock of the family. He is a character study for sure.

And, like you, the Nixon era certainly has molded my impressions of politics and standards that are/should be requisite for the job. I'm not really sure what is required, but I'm naive enough to hope for honesty at least on some level.

Thanks for your comment about my "interesting" books.

And, I love Boston! My daughter and son-in-law lived in Waltham, MA for a few years when my son-in law was in the Air Force went to Tufts for his master's degree in engineering.

It is a 7-8 hour drive from where I live in PA and I visited them frequently. I grew to appreciate the people, the history and the ambiance.

Good to chat with you!

#66
The Rossettis by Elisabeth Luthur Cary. This book, found in storage at a local library, is a long-winded, difficult to read sage of the Rosetti's (Dante and Christina.)

I have an affinity for Pre-Raphalite art and thus enjoy learing as much as possible about the ecclectic group of artists who were a part of this daring bunch during the Victorian period of history.

Published in 1900, the language is older prose, cumbersome and detailed. There are interesting insights regarding Lizzie Siddal (the model for many Pre-Raphelite paintings) and the complicated relationship she shared with Dante.

While there are more informative and easier to read books regarding the Pre-Raphalite brotherhood, this one provided additional facts. Still, I cannot recommend it -- even for those of us who like Pre-Raphalite art.

>161 Whisper1: and I know where you are because my middle daughter went to graduate school at Lehigh for a semester before deciding it was not for her (geology). And I know that drive too!:-)

#160 Whisper: I have not yet read any of Hoffman's books, although I believe there are some on my TBR mountain.

As far as the Rossettis go, there was a very good biography of Christina Rossetti published a few years back, if you are interested. The book by Jan Marsh is called Christina Rossetti - A Writer's Life.

Book #67 Beasts by Joyce Carol Oates

Deeply disturbingly Gothic in the portrayal of "innocent" college girls infatuated by their manipulative professor who seduces and uses them to the point of their self destruction.

Set in the backdrop of a small New England college, the literal coldness of the winter frames the cruely of the professor and his wife as the young college girls happily feel honored to trek to the snow covered, pine-tree laden house of biazare beastly happenings.

This is one of Oates darker books exploring the nature of self destruction.

Hi alcottacre

Thanks for the information regarding Christina Rossetti-A Writer's Life. I hadn't heard of this book and I appreicate your mentioning it.

I'll see if I can find it at the library today.

(by the way, I'm curious regarding your name..alcottacre)

#166 Whisper: Nothing terribly mysterious about my nom de plume - we had a house we called Alcott Acre because it was on an acre of land and my daughter's were at that time just discovering Louisa May Alcott, who became a great favorite of theirs as she is of mine, so I just began using the name of the house as an internet moniker.

#68 Blitz Cat by Robert Westall A remarkable book...Highly recommended!

#168 Whisper: I just finished Blitzcat today, too, and completely agree with you.

Hi alcottacre

Yes, it was a delightful book, one that I've been thinking about since finishing.
I will look for more by this author.
My love of animals is reflected in my nickname -- Whisper was a beloved dog who was with me for 17 years..through major surgeries, through a divorce, through the loss of a family member....
She was #1 in my life. It was a terribly sad day when I had to say goodbye to her and take her to the vet so she could die with dignity.

hi Whisper1
using that name is a great tribute to Whisper.
Dogs are great, their lives are always too short, they leave pawprints on our hearts....

Hi FAMeulstee

Thanks for your comments...true..how very true.

A co-worker's beloved cat had to be put to sleep a few days ago. She is really hurting right now. I told her she might want to read Blitzcat to reinforce the special contribution animals have in our lives.

Book #69 White Lies, Tropical Truth, Darkest Gossip and Rumblings of Rumor - from Chinese Gordon to Beryl Markham, and Beyond by Denis Boyles.

I have mixed feelings about this one. I cannot recommend it. While I like reading about African history and the characters that lived there and helped shape the country, this book seemed boring, wordy and not all that interesting.

I enjoyed the paragraphs re. Beryl Markham and Karen Blixen/Isak Dinesen and the statement that Beryl Markham's life was much more interesting than Karen Blixen's and therefore a movie should have been made about Beryl instead of Karen. But, the rest simply bored me to the point that it was difficult to finish the book.

Oooh! You're getting close to 75 too!

#174 Whisper: Too bad about that book because it sounded interesting. Don't you hate it when an author takes what should be an interesting subject and makes it so dull you cannot countenance reading the thing?

#176 alcottacre: I agree. Tragic.

Book #70
Yaxley's Cat by Robert Westall. After reading and enjoying Blitz Cat I thought I would find another Westall gem. Sadly, this is not a book I can recommend.

While some of the images are clear and the writing is crisp, unlike Blitz Cat the story line in Yaxley's Cat simply didn't hold my interest. Also, at the risk of sounding prudish, I thought that for a young adult book, Westall used too much profanity and inappropriate language for the market that he was writing for.

Thanks for the review on Yaxley's Cat. Wow --you mean there is one I can take off my saveforlater/tbr list??!! I had put Blitz Cat on it earlier after you and alcott were talking about it.

I'm sorry to hear that, Whisper. I got carried away after hearing about it and ran out - actually I just clicked my way over to Amazon - and bought the dang thing. On the good side I didn't spend much. Oh well. I doubt it will be the worst purchase I've ever made.

oh gosh, Fourpawz2, now I feel terrible that you bought the book. Actually, I do have mixed feelings about it. It simply was not as good as Blitz Cat. Please do let me know what you think about it after you read it. The book does have redeeming value.

streamsong, as mentioned above, Blitz cat is worth the read.

Don't feel terrible about it. It was 4 bucks. Besides - it's about cats, or has cats in it, so it has to have some redeeming value. (See how well Willie has me trained. I'm at work - he's at the other end of the city - and I'm STILL being slavishly complimentary to him and his kind.)

thanks for your post..I feel better now.

is your name Fourpawz2 in honor of your cat?

And, Yaxley's Cat is worth $4.00. (I'm smiling)

Basically the story line is about a woman who rents a cottage in a small countryside. She and her two children are charmed by the house only to later discover the town folk are a nasty bunch of people out to do harm.

I picked the name out when I still had two cats. Myrtle has since died, but I still have Willie. I would love to get another cat (a kitten would be better) but Willie hates all animals (except himself) and I know he would try to kill anything I brought into the house. Aside from that little personality quirk, he is really a good cat. Someday, of course, I will again have two cats. But in the meantime, I'm keeping the name.

(Glad you feel better, Whisper - Did not want to cause any guilty anxiety feelings in you.)

Book #71
Pale As the Dead by Fiona Mountain

Set in the Cotswolds and Oxford, this delightful mystery/suspence book would be of interest to those who, like me, appreciate the art of the Pre-Raphalietes.

Using the mystery of the Victorian death/suicide of Lizzie Siddal, the beautiful and haunting model (wife of Dante Gabrial Rossetti) portrayed in many Pre-Raphelite paintings, the author weaves the present with the past.

Natasha Blake, a present day genealogist is hired to investigate the disappearance of a young girl, Bethany, who was obsessed with possibly linked to Lizzie Saddal.

The author clearly studied a lot about the intertwining lives and scandals of the Pre-Ralphalite brotherhood and creatively wove their happenings into a fascinating detective novel.

That book sounds very interesting- onto the wish list it goes!

I found Pale As the Dead on bookcloseouts.com. It sounded interesting. If you would like, I can send the book to you. Please post your addresss on my LT page and I'll put it in the mail.

I agree with toronotc. The book does sound interesting. So much so that I went over to bookcloseouts.com and ordered my own copy, lol.

Hi alcottacre. I think you will enjoy it! You and I seem to have a lot of the same reading habits. I'll watch for your post and impressions re. what you think.

And, I warn you that bookcloseouts.com is very addictive.

Oh, I know all about bookcloseouts.com. I have been using them for a while now. I also use Hamilton Books, abebooks.com, Alibris, my local bookstore, the library . . .I think I may have a small problem.

Thanks for telling me about the book sites I did not know about. I should say, thanks --- I THINK.

I smiled reading your comment about maybe having a "small" problem.

I should have known you already knew about bookcloseouts.com.
I recently discovered this site via a post on LT and thus far have ordered four huge boxes of books....
I think I have "BIG" problem.

haha! You guys are a scary lot! I'm glad I don't live in the States --- I think.

I'm telling myself the shipping costs are prohibitive for me all the way down here in South Africa, but I won't be checking to confirm that ... I'll just work on that assumption :)

Hi akeela

Thanks for making me smile!

Over here we have boekwinkeltjes.nl (bookshops), a site where many second hand bookshops sell their books. Once a month I order from one of the shops all books they have from our wishlist.
Waiting now for my order to arrive...

#185: this sounds really good! (Did you know there is a British litblogger whose nom de plume is Lizzie Siddall?)

Hi FlossieT
It actually is a good book and I am fascinated by Lizzie Siddal. I did not know of the British litblogger.

Thanks for the information.

#72 We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

akeela, BookDepository.com (UK), free shipping anywhere in the world (the Aussies told me about it). . .:-)

#73 Truman Capote Dear Heart, Old Buddy by John Malcolm Brinnin
While there are only 182 pages in this book, it was difficult to get through. There were laborious details regarding Capote's lifestyle, social circles and his self-destructive and creative personality.
I cannot recommend this one! If there is a best and worst read book of 2008, I'd have to add this one to the worst of the worst.

Hi--finally got a chance to visit your challenge. What an interesting range of books you've read. I will be back because I was too tired to write down the books about Katrina you recommended and I would like to read them. Lots of good stuff you read.

Next year i won't be playing "catch -up" on these challenges ---it will be easier to keep track!

Hi MusicMom41.

Thanks for your post. If you are eager to learn more about Katrina, of all the books I've read, I highly recommend 1 Dead in Attic. Actually, if you provide your address to me at lcl1@lehigh.edu, I'll send the book to you.

#74
Circle of Cats by Charles De Lint

I read this because Prop2gether mentioned it on her list and the description she wrote was intriguing. She is right...Circle of Cats is a charming book.

Filled with magical descriptions of a young 13 year old girl who lives with her Aunt in a heavily wooded forest, this book contains images that are simply beautiful.

It is mythological in the portrayal of a girl who gives to the earth and the creatures therein and when she is in danger, the creatures give back to her.

The poisonous snake that bit her is destroyed by the circle of cats she has fed and they transform her into one of them thereby saving her from death.

It is a small book that can be read in a short period of time and it is a treasure to savor. I highly recommend it.

Thanks Prop2gether!

You're very welcome. I so enjoyed this second or third outing with de Lint that I actually bought a book of his last time I was in a book store!

I checked your library to see if you had read other de Lint books but don't see any. If you enjoy the urban fantasy genre, I think he's one of the better ones going. If not, of course, just ignore this. :-)

Lately, he's drifted into writing a semi-series called the Newford stories and it can take a while to get to know all the characters. However, if you try some of his older stuff like Mulengro or Moonheart, you might find an author you like. If you're more of a YA fan, you could try The Riddle of the Wren or Jack of Kinrowan.

Thanks TadAD

I've added your suggestions to my mountainous pile.

I'm recently learning about YA fiction through Prop2gether and Alaskabookworm and others. I am quite enjoying it.

I appreciate your recommendations.

Did you read Circle of Cats and if so, what were your impressions.

No, I haven't read it, yet. I think he's written somewhere around 60 books so far and I've read 24 of them. However, of those 24, I liked most and disliked none. I'll eventually get through them all...my TBR pile is simply too large. :-)

Ooh, Whisper - so nearly there!! What's your "last" book going to be, I wonder...

FYI Jack of Kinrowan was also published as Jack the Giant-Killer with the same cover art and ISBN, so if you can't find it under one name, try the other. I found it delightful and an easy read, meaning in this case, simply that I didn't have second-guess everything the author was doing. Reading so many books off the 1001 Must Read has somewhat warped that sense for me. I've found lots of good reads, but I've also found at least two authors I can't stand. In any event, enjoy de Lint.

You might be right, Prop2gether, but I thought Jack of Kinrowan combined Jack the Giant-Killer with its sequel Drink Down the Moon. I can't say for certain as I have Jack the Giant-Killer from the old Terri Windling Adult Fairy Tales series and Drink Down the Moon in paperback. I recommended the Jack of Kinrowan version because it would be less expensive combined, but I may have been mistaken.

#208 & 209: I double-checked Amazon just to be sure, and they confirm that Jack of Kinrowan does indeed combine Jack the Giant-Killer and Drink Down the Moon. I am also reading De Lint these days, lol.

Thanks, Avaland, but it'll still cost me a small fortune! The Rand-Pound exchange rate: R15 = £1 ... need I say more?

Way to go, Linda!

BOOK #75!
The Brontes Branwell, Anne, Emily, Charlotte by Bettina L. Knapp.

Using Jungian Psychology as a spring board to carefully, meticulously shine a light on both the personalities and the writings of the Brontes, Knapp writes an informative and in depth book on four very complicated individuals.

I would recommend this book only if you, like me, are fascinated by the Brontes. If they are not your "cup of tea" then I think you might find the reading too pedantic and analytical.

Yay Linda!! Well done on reaching the target.

Book #75 sounds interesting - I'm fascinated by the Brontes, but I'm not quite so into Jungian psychology....

congrats!

Congratulations Linda!

yet again a member of this group reaches #75, way before the end of 2008 :-)

Yay on the 75! Any guesses what you'll reach by year's end? Do you have a goal or will you just wait to see what number you reach?

After reading Agnes Grey for the first time earlier this year, I watched several of the Netflix biopics on the Brontes (The Brontes of Haworth and the Bronte Sisters). Neither was exceptionally well done, but they were a very interesting family!

Add my congratulations to the rest! Well done.

Thanks to all for your encouragement and your support. I really appreciate this group and all the wonderful people and books I've discovered!

streamsong, thanks for your question. Now that I no longer have the self imposed pressure of reaching the 75 challenge, I think I would like to start to make a dent in the TBR pile accumulated from the very interesting recommendations here on this group.

Woohoo! You made it! Congrats!

Congrats on reaching your goal; looks like you'll hit 100 or so for 2008 (unless of course you're taking a break now...).

75 / 75 words. 100% done!

Congrats! Now you can aim higher or longer as the case may be. Turns out the only copy I could find of deLint's book in the Fairy Tale series is a combination (#209 & 210)--but I still recommend it in whatever form you can find. I've really enjoyed his work thus far.

For something very different, you can try In the Heart of the Seas by Agnon (no matter what the touchstone says, that's the author I found it under). It's the story of a group of Jews traveling across Europe to Israel and the young man they encounter early on who joins the group. It's told as the narrator were simply sitting by your side and telling you the story ("and the other Rabbi whose name I can't remember"), and it was a touching story of faith and perserverance. It's deceptively short, but very entertaining.

Thanks Laurie

I appreciate your recommendation. I'm heading to the library on my way home today and I'll see if I can obtain In the Heart of the Seas by Agnon

And, re. the touchstones, I too note that there are times when the wrong author pops up with the title.

BTW, thanks again for the fact that I now read YA. I am currently reading another Westall book. Thus far In Camera and other stories is holding my interest.

I love some YA stories. When they are well told, that's it--I'll recommend them all the way. When the grammar or story are not good, well, they're still around if I need to find something, anything, that will capture a young reader's mind. I read "trash" as well as "great works" because it's all part of what's out there--and you know, there's reasons why some of these authors are so popular!

A belated congratulations, Linda. It's all gravy from here on (until 11:59 PM on 31 December, that is).

Thanks for your kind words.

Here's too the 2009 75 book challenge eh?

Whisper: I raise my glass for next years 75 too :-)

I am 'whispering' my congratulations to you. You may not hear!

blackdogbooks...I heard...Thanks!

A belated congratulations! I assume you won't stop now--but it's so nice to reach a goal.

Did you find In the Heart of the Seas? I'm going to be looking for it because it sounds intriguing. And with Kristin Lavransdatter staring at me--starting tonight--short sounds good!

Hi
I didn't locate In the Heart of the Seas at one of my local libraries. I have to go to my hometown library to see if they can find this for me via interlibrary loan.

I just checked my library Valley Cat system (for the entire Central Valley) and they have 2 copies--the one in my county is in storage! The book was published in the 40's. I've put a request in for it but heaven only knows when I will get it--the very new and the very old seem to take forever to come. The new because so many people are on the list and the old because they seem to have trouble finding them. Oh, well--at least it's free! (taxes don't count because we have to pay them whether we use the library or not!)

Akeela will be disappointed (or relieved) to learn that The Book Depository does not offer free shipping anywhere in the world. South Africa is not one of the places to which they will dispatch books.

If you're in California, you can check out the location of books throughout the state in public or private (i.e., school) libraries at http://www.calcat.org/ and then request copies sent to your local library. I recommend In the Heart of the Seas (again the touchstone shows an alternate author name, but I found my library copy under Agnon). It was worth the wait and the reading.

>233 dcozy: That takes care of that for now then! :)

Book #76
In Camera and other stories by Robert Westall.

I liked this book a lot. It contained five incredibly well-written short stories, namely, In Camera, Beelzebub, Blind Bill, Charle Ferber and Henry Marlborough.

Each story was delightfully intriguing and insightfully wonderful. The ending of each seemed to focus on the deep truths that lie within each of us.

Because I recently read Shriley Jackson's book We Have Always Lived in the Castle, I found Westall had a similar type of writing style.

While the stories were not necessarily of the horror/gothic genre, there were enough simple twists and turns that the book had a science fiction type of feel about it.

This book was a joy to read and I highly recommend it.

boy, have I been out of touch! This is the first time in a week or more that I've read the "Talk" threads. Congratulations!!!! Keep going!!

Hi
I've missed your posts. Welcome back. I hope you are simply busy and not posting because of health issues.

Take care

Congratulations, Whisper!

I am really sorry I missed all the Thurber posts (working too hard)--I love James Thurber and cannot resist any of his books that I find at the Library Book Fair each year. I was in Ohio once and found his home, and bought my son a T-shirt with one of his dog drawings on it. I just laugh and laugh. For as long ago as most of it was written, it doesn't seem dated at all. Sorry to be late, but I can't let a Thurber comment pass!

Haven't the NYRB press just reissued The Thirteen Clocks? Or am I imagining that?

Oh, I'm doing fine, but reading really, really slowly right now, and super-busy. I probably won't make it to 100 this year. Ah well. As I sit here writing this, its starting to snow!!!! Yah! Probably won't stick, but still.... The forecast does say there could be two inches overnight.

Book #77
Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

Well written, but very depressing.

If you think the book was depressing, try the film where they did try to make it less so--features Liam Neeson as Ethan Frome.

On another post, I am Legend in its third film version out is much closer to the story in the book than the two earlier versions (anyone remember The Omega Man?) although I really wish the ending had stayed put.

I do remember that I did see the movie and was impressed with Liam Neeson's portrayal. I still wanted to wop him against the side of his head for the extreme passivity.

Loved that movie. Liked the book too, when I read it for high school - sophmore year and would like to read it again. Guess I should put it on the pile, huh?

Fourpawz2

It is a small book, one that can be read easily in a few hours.

Yep. My mother was forced to read Wharton in high school and despised her work. I read it because it was on the optional list for my children, and, guess what--I loved her work. Also George Eliot, which was a bigger surprise to me.

Enjoy!!

Thus far, I like Edith Wharton's books. I started to read a bit about her life... a child of privilege, married to a insane man, had a three year affair (which some believe led to her writing Ethan Frome.) I need to study more about her.

Man, I go away for a week and come back to 38 new messages in this thread alone...Congrats on reaching 75, even if it is a bit late!

drneutron
Welcome back!

Congrats on your reaching 75 books read...Me, I'm still plugging along....

mamachunk

Book #78
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer

This book is everything LT members raved about! It is incredibly beautiful, profoundly moving and poignant.

There are times when writing a review would not do a book justice; this is one of them.

Of all 78 books I've read since January, this one is at the top of the list.

Oh, I'm glad you liked it so much! My mom is reading my copy right now - she's not done yet and has been plugging away at it for over a week. I'm thinking to myself, "How is this possible?" I couldn't put it down.

I read it in one sitting..Like you I couldn't put it down. I found that as I neared the end I keep checking re. how many more pages...not because I wanted it to end, but rather, I didn't want it to end.

What a delightful book. Thanks for recommending this one! You were spot on!

I felt exactly the same way about The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society! It was a wonderful book - and definitely among my top 5 of the year. My mom read my copy too, and felt the same way. I'm now recommending it to everyone. I'm glad you liked it, Linda!

I'll have to look out for this one! I missed the LT ER copies as I was gunning for Paul Auster and put ALL my eggs in that basket.

May catch it in PB (though judging by current rates, I must not acquire any new - or borrowed - books that are not already on my list until approx. this time next year...and I haven't even read the review pages from the last 6 weeks either. Why can't one retire at 40???).

Whoa Whispers, I am shocked to find that I have not really explored your thread for sometime. And I am amazed at your selection of books. I have my pen and paper, taking down names of books that you have read that sound so interesting.

I gotta say that I really want to read Beasts. It sounds amazing(well amazing in that depressing, bleak Joyce Carol Oates kind of way).

And a belated congrats on reaching 75!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! Very Cool.

I also agree about Ethan Frome, that one just had bad idea written all over it. By the way there is something about the beginning of the book that reminds me of Wuthering Heights. I think its the way that both tales are relayed by strangers to the town and have the story of the main character told to them by someone else(sheesh...did that even make sense?).

This book has been highly touted but the title really puts me off - The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. It sounds silly and contrived. How does it relate to the story?

The title is the weakest part of the book...it really creates an impression of another type of book altogether.

How does it relate to the story?
The title isn't really integral to the story...the Guernsey Literary Society was made up to explain some curfew breaking to the German occupiers, and the Potato Peel Pie part got added when one member kept bringing it during the food shortages.

I'd recommend you just ignore the title and try the book; it's worth it.

Yes, I can't imagine anyone of my mother's or earlier generation (and she grew up in England) giving a society such a name. Cuteness was not their style!

I will give it a try - perhaps by summer 09 - the TBR pile might have been reduced slightly by then : ).

Today, I reduced my tbr pile by one ...

Book #79
Robert Westall's The Kingdom by the Sea

This is a wonderful book and I highly recommend it.

#254 Whisper: I am also one of the people who loved Guernsey and read it in one sitting - I blame alaskabookworm for my not getting any sleep that day, because I could not put the book down.

Regarding message 261, how does Westall's The Kingdom by the Sea compare to the other books of his that you have read?

On my book buying spree this long weekend up in the East Bay area my one impulse buy was Guernsey. I know I'm going to need a "comfort" read when I finally finish the "obligatory" reading I've stacked myself with for the next few weeks. Maybe I'd better hide it so I'm not tempted to "cheat" and read it now!

Stasia.

Thanks for asking about The Kingdom by the Sea Here is a brief review:
A wonderful coming of age book regarding a twelve year old Enlgish boy whose house and family were destroyed during a WWII bombing.

While initially traveling alone, he then finds a dog and both bond and search for a sense of belonging and a place to call home. Before finding their Kingdom by the Sea, they face many difficult situations.
This beautifully written gem is an incredible book. Once again Westall's young adult book deals with very heavy topics and leaves the reader in awe of his ability to search the soul and clearly identify human emotions.

I give this five stars!

Book #80
A Dish Taken Cold by Anne Perry
The setting is the French Revolution, the characters seem shallow; the story line is not well developed and overall I was very disappointed. The good news is that it is a small book and I didn't have to waste a lot of time reading it. I can't recommend this one!

hi Whisper
The only thing that disappointed me a bit in The kingdom by the sea was the ending, did you have the same feeling?

I gave it 4 stars.

edited to correct typo

#265 Whisper: Disappointing about that Anne Perry book - normally I quite like her stuff. I will avoid this one, which I admit, I had never heard of.

Have you tried her WWI series yet?

Thanks for the additional info regarding The Kingdom By the Sea, BTW. My local library does not have that one, so I am going to have to hunt around for it.

Fam
Yes, you are right. I was disappointed by the ending. Somehow I wanted a big red bow on the package of his life.

yes Whisper, although it was a realistic end, I had hoped for something like that.
I just thought you might like Kit's wilderness by David Almond. I read that one earlier this year, before I got involved with LT.

Thanks for the recommendation of Kit's Wilderness. I'll try this one. You haven't steered me wrong yet...(I'm smiling)

Book #81
The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral by Robert Westall

A great read for the Halloween season. Westall is amazing because no matter what the subject, ie his stories regarding WWII or, switching gears to a supernatural genre, he gently coaxes, entices and persuades the reader to join him on a journey to a landscape where his descriptions hold your interest to the very end.

Similar to some short stories found In Camera and Other Stories, this small book, read in one sitting, is darkly spooky. Westall quietly weaves a tale of a series of unnerving events occurring to a stone mason/steeplejack when he and his partner are repairing a cathedral composed of a southwest and northwest tower -- one tower "normal" the other quite hideous with a evil looking gargoyle.

This is yet another Westall book found in the childrens/YA portion of the library that appears to be mis-shelved and needing to be filed in the adult section.

I am adding both Kit's Wilderness and The Stones of Muncaster Cathedral to my Continent (soon to be Planet) TBR list.

Book #82
Recommended by Fourpaws2 (thanks),
A Private Disgrace: Lizzie Borden by Daylight by Victoria Lincoln

Worth the read, but slow going. The author seems to be living vicariously through the Borden tragedy. Filled with minuscule details, there were parts of the book that drug on and on. Then, the next page was filled with clear insight.

A good book to read during the Halloween season.

Glad you liked it Whisper. I know what you mean about the dragging on part. Personally, I didn't think that it was too, too bad, but then again it may have been the local connection that fascinated me. Still and all though, it was pretty good. I think I need to read it again as it has been some years.

Oooh, belated congratulations on reaching 75!

Even with this tagging thing, I keep getting way behind on everyone's lists - you've got several there since I last checked that sound like they should be on my TBR pile - help!

Book#83
The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark
A classic that I had not read until now.

I loved the movie with Maggie Smith. Have you seen it and, if so, was it fairly faithful to the book?

#84 Why The Devil Chose New England for His Work by Jason Brown

I found this on Avaland's book list. (Thanks Lois.)
Written in a series of short stories in a fictional Maine town called Vaughn, the tales are Joyce Carol Oates like in that there is a dark, in-depth
brooding quality.

Water is a predominate back drop where people drown, log and fall in it. The small town characters are of hearty stock and the atmosphere is claustraphobic and hard. Some folk are victims and then others are the perpetrators of cruel deeds.

This book is Norman Rockwell Americana turned upside down.

#277--The movie of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie is based on the play which was based on the book, so it's twice removed from the original story. It is a fabulous play and movie, but the book had more depth to it, and you do find out what happened to her girls. As you liked the film, I think you will enjoy the book.

Amazon and the local second hand bookstores are lovin' me since I joined LT! :-)

TadAD. If you haven't discovered BookCloseouts.com, you might want to check this. In August they had hard cover books for $1.00... Since then, I've found many great sales. I think the most I paid for a book is $5.99. I've ordered five shipments...all are great. Now, I only have to find more room to put them.

I haven't seen the play or movie of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie, but will rent the movie soon.

My aunt and I just saw that movie a week ago last Saturday and we both loved it. So naturally the book's on the wishlist now.

Fourpawz2
The book is small and exceedingly well written. Most likely it can be read in a few hours.

#85 Shoot The Moon Billie Letts

A heart warming, suspenseful book regarding middle aged Mark Albright, who, when his parents die, not only surprisingly discovers he was adopted, but in searching for his biological mother, also learns she was stabbed to death when he was ten months old. Furthermore, prior to his return to small town DeClare Oklahoma, there was a belief that he too was murdered and his body hidden.

Letts takes us to the underbelly of a town that has a lot to hide. She also shows the wonderful attributes of southern love and hospitality through the sincere people who help Mark unfold the story.

This is the first book I've read of Billie Letts and after reading this one, I'll be checking her others.
Letts included mystery, suspense, betrayal, love and romance all in 333 wonderful pages.

Wow, sounds like another good one Whisper. On to Continent TBR it goes.

Stasia

I highly recommend this.

#284 - whisper, this does sound good! Adding to my list, thanks!

So try The Honk and Holler Opening Soon--it's a terrific Letts novel.

Thanks Prop2gether...I'll add this to my list.

Another new author to search out and try--Shooting the Moon sounds really good. Thanks Whisper1 and Prop2gether for the suggestions!

I am adding both of the Letts' books to Continent TBR. Thanks Whisper and Prop2gether for the recommendations.

Book #86
Kit's Wilderness by David Almond
This one was recommended by Fameulstee (Thanks Fam.)

Yet another YA book that deals with very heavy subjects such as the love of family and friends, sacrifice, death, alcoholism, abuse, the need to fit in and conversely the importance of finding individuality and oneself amid peer pressure.

This coming of age tale seen through the eyes of Christopher "Kit" Watson is compellingly beautiful.

In order to care for Kit's aging, ailing grandfather, his family moves to the village of Stonegate, previously a coal mining town and scene of tragic deaths of young children who worked underground in the blackness years before.

As Kit's beloved grandfather nears death, a mythological story unfolds and the lives of Kit and his two new classmates become entwined with the spirits of those who roam the mines and the memories of Kit's grandfather.

While it is only 229 pages, this is not a breezy read though I do recommend it.

I am glad you liked it Whisper.

It was a bit frightning at first to recommend books, I would feel a bit guilty if someone did not like a book I recommended... but I start to feel a bit more confident about it ;-)

Yeah, me too...So far, we all seem to agree pretty well on books, though. Great minds thinking alike, right! 8^}

I am so glad that a co-worker told me about Library Thing. My reading has expanded in directions that I never before would have chosen.

Thanks again Fam for all the wonderful recommendations regarding YA books.

drneutron....You are right....one of the greatest things about this site is the ability to share ideas with very intelligent people!

I have Kit's Wilderness home from the library and am obviously going to have to bump it up to the top of the stack with such great recommendations as yours and FAM's, Linda.

Stasia - one of the not so intelligent, but aspiring to be, people

Good Morning Stasia
I would NEVER say you are "not so intelligent." IMHO, you are one of the smartest people on this group....

I hope you like Kit's Wilderness. It is a book that haunts you. I've been thinking about it since I finished it a few days ago.

Linda,

I am probably not to coherent at the moment (I just got home from work about 30 minutes ago), but thank you for the compliment. I am trying very hard to learn all those things I should know, but do not, which is one of the reasons that I read so much.

I will let you know how I feel about Kit's Wilderness. I have a bunch of stuff ahead of it, but will probably squeeze it in ahead of others. I like books that stay with you after you have read them!

Stasia

Book #87
Zarafa: A Giraffe's True Story, from Deep Africato the Heart of Paris by Michael Allin

This wonderful book chronicles the 4,000 mile trek of a giraffe captured in the Ethiopian highlands then shipped by land and sea from Central Africa to Marseille in Paris.

Zarafa was given to King Charles X of France by Muhammad Ali, The Ottoman Viceroy of Egypt in 1827.

Rich in historical detail, the author does not bore the reader, but rather weaves fascinating tidbits regarding Africa, Egypt and France during the early 1800's.

I learned about the slave trade perpetrated by the Arabs, about Napoleon and his attempt to invade and conquer Egypt, about Muhammad's attempt to capture Alexandria, about the Rosetta stone and much more. This small book is one of the best I've read thus far this year and I highly recommend it.

I give it a five star rating.

Sounds like something I would like a lot. Thanks.

Hi TadAd
It really is a great book!
I bought this in August for 1.00 on bookcloseouts.com

Whisper - You've unearthed a gem! Thanks for recommending Zarafa - onto the TBR list it goes!

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1511/is_11_19/ai_57564236

I hope this link re. the book comes through

Great review--Thanks.

I'm going to look for this one--it can go into my "Africa" category next year. It sounds like it would be an interesting and "fun" read. Sometimes I forget we are supposed to be having fun! ;-)

Book #88

Stiff: The Curious Lives of Human Cadavers by Mary Roach

I found this one on Dr.Neutron's list. It is a great book and while the subject matter sounds morbid, with the exception of a few gory details, the chapters are very interesting and well written.

Roach uses a catchy title and an accompanying humorous photo to outline each chapter regarding the remarkable things cadavers have contributed to our understanding of science.

In particular, I learned a lot from the chapters regarding the research used by FAA members and the auto industry to determine the cause of a crash and or the impact the body sustains as a result. These particular chapters are titled "Dead Man Driving" and "Beyond the Black Box."

While this is a serious subject, Roach uses humor along the way, but at no time is she disrespectful, garish or ghoulish.

I highly recommend this book.

Books 89 and 90

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane (found on Alcottacre's list)
Because of Winn Dixie

Both by Kate DiCamillo
Both quick reads
Both incredibly insightful
Both remarkable.

#89
Edward Tulane is a self absorbed china rabbit who, much like The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams, becomes real and filled with the ability to feel only after he has taken difficult journeys and experiences some bumps, bruises and loses along the way and opens his heart to love.

#90
Ten year old India Opal Buloni recently moved with her preacher father to Naomi, Florida where she struggles with the heartbreak of a mother who abandoned her at three, the loss of friends left behind and the difficulty of starting all over again.
By wonderful chance, she adopts a loving, "smiling", sneezing dog whom she calls Winn Dixie.

#307 Whisper: Linda, glad you enjoyed The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. I got it off The Pam's list and she recommended another one of DiCamillo's books to me, The Tale of Despereaux, but I have not gotten to it yet. You might want to check this one out as well.

Thanks for the suggestions regarding another DiCamillo. I will check out The Talke of Despereaux when I return the others to the library tomorrow.

Whisper - I've been out of commission for several weeks, and am way behind on posts. You're just booking through the books! You're reading some great one's too, by the sound of it.

Hi alaskabookworm..Welcome back! I hope you are well.

Book #91
The Finishing School by Muriel Sparks

Found on Prop2gether's list. This was a quick read. I didn't enjoy it as much as The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie While it did hold my interest, I thought parts were boring and simply drug on and on and on.

Linda, be sure and check out Sparks' autobiography Curriculum Vitae. I think you would enjoy it.

Thanks Stasia. I'll see if my local library has Curriculum Vitae. It isn't that I didn't like The Finishing School, it is simply that thought Sparks made her point and then repeated the storyline over and over again, ie the headmaster of the school who is attempting to write a novel and is supremely jealous of a young 17 year old student who has the ability to write marvelously while the headmaster procrastinates in his own endeavors.

Your issue with The Finishing School was the major one voiced by the critics, but I had fun with it. Try The Ballad of Peckham Rye, a much earlier book of Muriel Spark's which definitely is not boring.

Prop2gether

Many thanks for the recommendation of another Muriel Spark book. I'm heading to the library on my way home today.

Take care
Linda

Book #92
I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Because work has een stressful, I wanted to read something light and silly. Sadly, this book missed the mark.

Because Heartburn is one of my all-time favorite movies, I hoped for more insightful humor in this book than it delivered. It simply lacked something and I was disappointed.

Ephron seemed self obsessed and whining.
One chapter is actually titled "I Hate My Purse." My thought on this: Who cares????

The bottom line is that I'm glad I checked this out from my local library and didn't waste money on a purchase.

Whisper1

I never read a Nora Ephron I could finish! Whining sums it up for me.

Note to self - along with avoiding Phillipa Gregory, avoid Nora Ephron as well. At least I have never read any of Ephron's books, and wish I could say the same (even though it was only 1) about Gregory.

hey, Whisper, checking in to see what you're reading:-)

I've never read any Nora Ephron, but she always came across as really sparky in interviews - what a shame! I won't rush to pick one up.

Okay, I've never read her books, but Nora Ephron's screenplays and directing are usually much closer to the mark. Sadly, it took three Gregorys to convince me that the lady has no respect for the history she purports to write.

Prop2gether...
You are right on the mark re. your comments about Ephron's screenplays.

I, too, have no problem with her screenplays. And I also know people who love her books--I read her for a book group--twice! Didn't finish either one but read enough so I could feel qualified to criticize. Can't remember what the titles were now--it was a while ago.

I've only read Heartburn of Ephron's which I thought was okay, but Delia Ephron her sister is very funny. She wrote a little book called How To Eat Like a Child that was hilarious!

thanks ktleyed
I didn't know Nora had a sister. I'll add How To Eat Like a Child to my tbr mountain.

Thanks, ktleyed

I knew Nora had a sister, but i didn't know tew sister wrote books! I will have to check her out. Maybe she has the humor without the whine ( of course wine would be okay) ;-)

I, too, will add How to Eat Like a Child to Continent TBR. Looks like fun! Thanks for the mention, ktleyed.

The sisters have often worked together on the films, sometimes both writing and Nora directing. But they are a funny team.

Book #93
The D-Day Bank Massacre by John M. Morganelli

This is a fascinating true-crime book written by the prosecuting attorney of Martin Appel, who on June 6, 1986, wantonly, calmly, calculatingly slaughtered/shot bank employees in the small town of Bath, PA.

This case holds special interest for me. The bank is located approximately five miles from my house and I vividly remember the news coverage at the time of the killings and the ensuing years when Morganelli tried to enforce the death penalty for Appel.

Appel and his partner in crime Stanley Hertzog planned the robbery to coincide with the 42nd anniversary of D-Day.

While coldly, horribly killing two bank tellers and a customer service representative, they wounded a customer and another teller they assumed left for dead.

Spraying bullets throughout the bank, the two twisted individuals netted only $2,000.

Undiscovered by Appel and Hertzog, two employees working in the back of the bank, escaped and ran into a nearby field where they watched the get away car and were able to obtain part of the license plate number.

Appel and Hertzog calmly drove to Appel's nearby trailer and counted their loot and stashed the guns.

The book focuses mainly on the twisted justice and manipulation of Appel, who at first begged for the death penalty and then used the Pennsylvania legal system for his own self aggrandizement.

While it is not a light read and the subject matter is disturbing, I give this book a five star rating and highly recommend it.

#330: Sounds like an interesting book, Linda. I will look for it. Thanks for both the review and the recommendation!

'23. Plum Lucky by Janet Evanovich
It was good to laugh out loud' -- what a nice recommendation :)

Hi Suslyn

Janet Evanovich's original, ie earlier works really were funny. She lost the spark and magic in the recent books. Some of the earlier editions were so funny that tears streamed down my face as I laughed so hard.

Book #94
The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky: a True Story by Ken Dornstein

On December 21, 1988 Ken Dornstein's brother David was a passanger on the doomed Pan Am Flight 103. Within an hour after take off from England's Heathrow airport, the Boeing 747, with a bomb implanted in a Samsonite suitcase hidden in the cargo area, exploded over Lockerbie Scotland.

This well-written book chronicles Dornstein's investigation of his brother's tragic death and the process of grief as he is compelled to learn as much as possible about his brother's hopes, ambitions and life.

It ends with the trial of two Libyan intelligence agents charged with the deaths of 270 people.

#334. Sounds very, very interesting and compelling.

Hi alaskabookworm.
It is a compelling book. It is sad and it is well worth the read. Thanks to wunderking and Stasia for recommending this one. I remember the news when this happened, but did not know all the details that Dornstein chronicled.

Book #95
Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson
I saw this listed on TadAd's thread and I'm glad I paid attention to the review.

This YA historical fiction book focuses on the yellow fever epidemic in Philadalphia, PA which killed roughly 10% of the population during the sweltering summer of 1793.

Young Matilda's father died before the fever outbreak, leaving her small family to fend for themselves by runnig a cooffeehouse. As more people die, Matilda and grandfather flee to the countryside where they find both the generosity and of the cruelty of those who survived.


One of the fascinating items described is the way in which the Free African Society (I had never heard of this group prior to reading the book) heroically nursed white and black yellow fever victims and cared for the children of the parents who died as a result of the outbreak.

This coming of age book is well worth the read.

Book #96
Skelling by David Almond
After reading Almond's Kit's Wilderness, I was interested in finding some of his other YA books. I'm glad I did!

Michael is a ten year old boy whose life is confused and troubled when his family moves to a run down, ramshackled house. Both the house and the family are in dire need of repair as we learn that a tiny, newborn baby sister is gravely ill.

I liked the way Almond portrayed Michael's emotions in relation to the sibling who at first elicited jealously and then a transformative metamorphosis occured when David began to want the best for the struggling infant.

While stumbling around in broken down garage, Michael discovers a sickly creature-like man named Skelling. Michael is drawn outside of his own troubles when he altruistically assists Skelling.

When showing his new-found friend Mina his discovery, they both embark on a magical journey of caring as they reach out to Skelling by providing food and shelter.

This book is mythological reagarding the deep emotions set in place when David is forever changed by helping and caring for and about others.

I rate this five stars for the magical portrayal of the adage "in helpling others we are indeed helped."

Skelling is a wonderful book to read during the holiday season when we are reminded of the power and beauty of love.

This is a story of things and people who are broken down and in need of fixing.

This is a story of people who find redemption in the power of love.

Your description of The boy who fell out of the sky broke my heart. I have read about and heard about the whole Pan Am attack but its still sad to see it from a personal perspective. Will be adding this to one of my many list, though I have to save it for a time when I am really sad.

Linda, it looks like you're steadily making your way to 100+ books for 2008 - that's amazing!

Thanks for your encouragement Akeela.
And, Trish, you might want to hop over to Alcottacre (Stasia's) list and Wunderkind's as well. They also describe The boy who fell out of the sky.

You do nice reviews!

Thanks suslyn...

Suslyn is right, you do do(lol) go reviews.

ah gee, thanks to both of you.
Truth be known, I have a condition that requires spinal taps to help relieve nasty, relentless headaches. Sometimes, I go back over what I've written and see lots of typos, particularly when I write late at night and I'm head achy and tired. Therefore, I want you to know how much I appreciate your affirmation! It means a lot because there are instances when I am not as sharp as I'd like to be.

that sounds completely horrible! So sorry!!

i blame my typos on switching back and forth between french and english keyboards :)

I think yours is better, but mine is more comfortable. ;-> My mom's life was reduced piece by piece due to migraines/lymes til there was almost nothing left, it seemed. However we're grateful that after 10 years or so, everything seems to be cleared up. Hoping the same kind of thing happens with you.

Ooh you're in the Lehigh Valley area? I lived in Allentown when a small child, just off Lehigh park -- what a dream. I thought Bethlehem was THE Bethlehem and wanted to go see where Jesus was born :)

I too am interested in The Boy Who Fell Out of the Sky. At the time of the PanAm bombing, I worked with someone who had grown up with someone who was killed. Also, I believe this was the attack in which the bomber gave his pregnant girlfriend the bag with the bomb --- so so cold, as if blowing up a plane isn't cold enough.

I am glad you liked Skellig and I love your review!

suslyn
WOW! What a small world we inhabit. Nice to know you lived in Allentown when you were a small child. I like living and working in Bethlehem. It is a pretty town, especially at this time of year when downtown is aglow with pretty white lights and the Moravian church has wonderful services of music.

And, I'm sorry to hear that your mother suffered from migranes..not fun! But, I'm glad that she has recovered.

rebeccanyc, I didn't know that the bomber gave his pregnant girlfriend the bag with the bomb. If the book mentioned this, I missed it. Yikes, how very, very sociopathic for someone to do this to others....I was upset when I read that one of the men who was charged was not prosecuted because the evidence against him seemed circumstantial...I can only imagine the pain of those who witnessed the trial, hoping for justice. According to the author, sadly, the man who was found guilty, was/is living in very comfortable, luxury like conditions...

Fam, again, many, many thanks for all your recommendations regarding YA books. I am having such great, good fun reading all these wonderful coming of age tales. What I'm finding is very deep subjects and incredible life happenings that occur to the characters.

Whisper, I was confusing Lockerbie with something else -- sorry. Per the Guardian online, "Two years before Pan Am 103 came down, Nezar Hindawi, a Syrian agent, persuaded his pregnant (and unwitting) Irish girlfriend to carry a bomb onto an El Al Jumbo at Heathrow. He richly deserved the 45 years he is now serving." As I now recall, I was mixed up. This plane didn't blow up, but he poor girlfriend discovered how despicable her boyfriend was in a horrifyingly worse way than the rest of us sometimes find -- or don't, in my very happy case.

thanks rebeccanyc. I appreciate the information. I'm very interested in learning more regarding the Syrian agent who persuaded his pregnant girlfired to carry a bomb on the El Al Jumo at Heathrow...What a low life. Somehow 45 years simply doesn't serve enough justice.

I love these threads. My house is going to pot 'cause between this and facebook I can't stay away from the computer. Over the last few days the cat has gotten closer and closer to the chair (yesterday it was the lap), til now he's lying under it. Too bad its on rollers -- oops!

Thanks for making me laugh suslyn!
If I remember currently from reading your home page, you have three cats...right?
I have a sick sense of humor and therefore I'm going to say if you run over one .... you still have two more to go...
oh, I am bad...

Book #97
The Man In The Picture: A Ghost Story by Susan Hill
I found this one on Avaland's list. It is a small, compact book both in page length (145 pages) and size (maybe six by four inches), but it packs a punch within.

I'm usually not drawn to horror/ghost stories, but this one was a good read.

Reminiscent of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone and The Night Gallery television shows of the 1950-60's in the US, the storyline is thought provoking and highly creative.

We are introduced to a Cambridge Professor and his previous student who visits him on a bitterly cold evening as the wind whips across the Fen...

The elderly professor is compelled and driven to share the story about his eerie 18th century painting of a carnival scene in Venice. There is an evilness about the characters in the canvas.

As the Professor weaves his haunted tale, I became drawn into the story, much like the alum was pulled into the painting.

The writing is crisp, concise and the images are wonderfully "painted."

I just started reading The Boy Who Fell From the Sky last night. Extremely compelling, though the author's jumping around momentarily confuses me from time to time. Once I regroup, though, I'm back on track. I'm only to page 74.

HI alaskabookworm...I agree with you regarding the author's skipping around and the confusion. There were times where his writing was very clear -- particularly in the beginning when he provided so many details regarding the bombing -- but then in the next chapter he seemed to doze off a bit. Hang in there though, it is a good book. I'm interested in your comments when you are finished.

Msg 353 Well I snorted when I read your msg -- have to say I don't like doing that! It hurts and it's embarrassing, so stop being funny!

Hill's book sounds like a fun read.

Hey Whisper1~

Book 97 sounds great. I read a Susan Hill this year and really enjoyed her style of writing. I will definitely have to check it out!

Book #98
An Abundance of Katherines by John Green.

Yet another book found in the YA section of my local library, but, this one is a lot more humorous than some previously read.

Dumped 19 times by Katherines, Colin Singleton, a recent high school graduate is a mesa plus genius who now struggles with the existential reality that there are two types of knowledge, ie book learning and life experience.

While Colin is able to immediately site tid bits of irrelevant facts, he lacks social skills and thus has only one lone friend.

Fearful that all his prodigious abiltiies will come to naught and that he will not make a mark in society, with a broken heart from the recently failed relationship with Katherine #19, Colin and his friend Hassan take a long road trip.

Stopping in Gunshot Tennesse, they meet a lovely, spunky, intelligent young woman who lives in a pink mansion with her CEO mother of a factory that employs many of the local population.

Green's writing is creative and I enjoyed the way in which his words seemed to bounce, much as the old car driven by Calvin and Hassan along the southern roads.

I'm the mother of two daughters and thus the only negative for me is that I couldn't follow the teen age boy banter and exchanges. At times, this aspect of the book seemed forced and redundant.

If you are looking for a book wherein you don't have to think a lot and you want to laugh, then this is one for you.

#359 Whisper: Linda, have you tried Looking for Alaska by John Green yet? If not, I highly recommend it. I enjoyed An Abundance of Katherines after I had read Alaska, and it is interesting to see both the similarities and disparities between the two books.

>359 Whisper1:, Linda, this does sound good for a laugh! As my eldest son accelerates towards his teenage years (gulp) I may find myself picking up this sort of thing more and more often...

Hi Stasia.
Next up...Looking for Alaska

Flossie...I always wanted a son. If you read An Abundance of Katherines, I'll be interested in hearing your comments. I liked the book, but as mentioned, I couldn't understand the quips and boy-like bantering of the characters.

I'm reading two books today and finished one. Thus far, I'm really enjoying Looking for Alaska by John Green.

I finished book #99
When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski

From the age of four, Mary Ann Winkowski was able to see spirits who recently departed.

While some of the stories can be perceived as a bit over the top new-age like, other passages made sense and were fascinating.

Winkowski seems grounded and the skeptic in me wanted to find unbelieveability, so, I was pleasantly surprised to find that her stories were interesting.

This is not my usual type of reading, and I'm glad I was open to understand what she wrote.

hi Linda

I picked up An abundance of Katherines at the library yesterday and I am about halfway now.

I am no genius, although I would qualify for Mensa, but I did read very early (at 4 years my first books) and I can relate a lot to Colin. Being the outcast at school, seen as a nerd and easy remembering trivialities, although I did not have any dates in my school life (lucky him LOL).

So I am not sure it is a gender thing.

Hi Fam
Let me say that I'm not surprised you would qualify for Mensa...Congratulations.

And, while not a mensa, I can relate to being an outcast at school. And I think any one would have been very fortunate to date you!

Getting back to the outcast feeling, there are times when I am snickered at because of my vocabularly. At the age of 56, I now have developed a tougher skin and am REAL careful of the people I spend time with.

Thanks for your post!

hi Linda
At the age of 45 I have similair feelings ;-)
In my twenties it turned out all for the best: I found my soulmate and married him.

:)

Book #100
A Three Dog Life by Abigail Thomas

Abigail Thomas beautifully chronicles the process of discovery, disbelief, grief, hardship and then the realization that life must go on after a devasting accident which left her husband permanently brain damaged.

Short chapters weave life before and after the devasting moment when her husband tried to save their dog and was hit by a car.

Without self pity or self agrandizement, Thomas tells the story of courage and self discovery after reconciling the inexplicable fact that her husband will never recover.

In a profoundly poignant, insightful manner, Thomas shares her journey to the institution where she witnesses both the shell of the vibrant person her husband once was deteriorate into a raving, hullicinating, angry and tramatized man and the small, short periods when he is lucid.

When all around is out of control, Thomas finds solace in simple comforts such as three dogs, a cozy bed, soft snow, a warm fire, friends and family.

I recommend this book. It isn't over the top dramatic, rather it is a beautifully written simple story of a very complicated situation.

> 368 Whisper, congrats on reaching 100. A Three Dog Life sounds like a very poignant story -It sounds incredibly sad, I bet you wept buckets!

- TT

ditto

Woo Hoo! 100! Congrats!

Well done, Linda!!!

Congrats on your 100!

Congrats!

Thanks to all for your encouragement!

And another congratulations!

Congratulations! Doesn't it give you a feeling of accomplishment? It should!

I did not think I would read 100 books, but you all have been quite an inspiration.

Congrats, Whisper! Not only have you read 100 books this year, but you've also encouraged me to keep reading with all of your nice comments!

Well done, Linda!!

Congratulations Linda!

congratulations!

Book #101
The King and Mrs. Simpson: The True Story of the Commoner who Captured the Heart of a King by Erin Frances Schultz

This is a book I snagged on early review.

If there is a word to describe this book, I would say "too." There are too few details; there is too much choppiness; there is too much jumping around and this is too confusing and too short of a book to reflectively, romantically, chronicle the fascinating story of King Edward VIII of Great Britain and Wallis Simpson, the woman for whom he abdicated the throne in December of 1936.

Written in a novella style, the format contains too many brief, redundant sentences and chapters. This book is an attempt to be pithy but lacks a directional path, strength or vigor.

As someone who loves history, I thought this would be a book I could enjoy. However, I was disappointed.

The book lacks the ability to capture the story of Edward and Wallis in a fascinating way. The true legend is romance filled and a story book drama of a Prince of Wales who falls in love with a lovely lady and rides a white horse through the thick ivy and bramble of parliment to kiss the snow white lady and awaken her passions by fleeing to live in France.

This was a love that meant so much to Edward that he willingly set aside a role that others in British history literally killed, mamed and chopped their way to attain.

Yet, the author does not give the story the romance it needs. Instead, the book is dry, pedantic and emotion less.

The book would have been more interesting if the author would have written as well as she did on the last few pages when she outlined the historical context and significance of the events happening throughout the United States and Europe during this historical time.

If you want a very different approach to Wallis Simpson, ( spoiler-not very flattering)read Famous Last Words by Timothy Findley.

>383 Whisper1: -- But Whisper, how did you really feel? ;->

torontoc
Thanks for the recommendation. I usually read as many books on a particular subject as possible, so I am going to read Famous Last Words. Did you like this book?

suslyn...
Thanks for the smiles.

Book 102
Not the Girl Next Door: Joan Crawford, a Personal Biography by Charlotte Chandler.

What a shame to read two poorly books consecutively. This one followed the The King and Mrs. Simpson. And, both were disappointing.

The author is obviously biased re. Joan Crawford. That would be fine, except for the fact that the writing lacks depth and compassion and in the end we really don't know Joan at all save for the authors repeated assumptions that Crawford's daughter was a liar who fabricated her mother's treatment.

It was boring, dull and flat. The title could have been What Ever Happened to Baby Crawford.......

msg 387 and thank you for the laugh!! LOL for real

I really liked Famous Last Words but it is very nasty towards Mrs. Simpson! It is a good book and very dramatic. ( Findley was a former actor , I believe.)

I'll see if my local library has a copy of this. I'm very interested in reading more about "Mrs. Simpson." The book I finished painted her in a kind fashion stating that she encouraged Edward not to abdicate.

I think that there is a lot of material on that relationship- and on their activities after they married. The Duke was governor in the Bahamas ( I think ) when there was a murder of a Canadian mining millionaire- the trial and investigation was infamous.
The Duke of Windsor was never interested in single women when he was prince-his girlfriends were always married women. He was also treated badly by his father. Hmm-I used to read all about them. Can't remember the name of the books. however.

I want to thank you personally, Linda, for helping me increase the size of the stack of books not to read! Now, if only I could make progress on the other . . .

>382 deebee1: Linda, it sounds like the title is more interesting that the the book! I thought I would liked to have snagged that - glad they gave it to you instead! :)

- TT

TT
I'll be happy to send it to you if you would like the book. Perhaps your take on it would be different than mine. Seriously, if you would like the book, simply send your address on my LT home page.

Message 391.
Torontoc, Thanks for all this information about Edward and Wallis...
I hope to be able to find more books in the library today.
My usual mode of reading is to get hooked on one subject and then not let it go until I've read as much as possible.

Message 392..
Stasia...would you kindly return the favor...My TBR list has grown by mounds because of your excellent recommendations..... (I'm smiling; I'm smiling)

belated congratulations on 100! and it sounds like a fascinating one too...

#395: OK, Linda, this is me returning the favor. Do not waste your time reading The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao. I had high hopes for this book, but once I got past the first part of the book, it just went downhill for me. I was very disappointed. I know it got some very good reviews here on LT, but it did nothing for me. The overuse of the "F" word and "N" word did not help with my enjoyment of the book, either.

lol -- I'm wracking my brain and can't find an 'n' word. And to think I used to swear like a sailor!

#397 alcott So glad someone feels the same way I did about The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao in fact I congratulate you on finishing it. It was one of only four that I abandoned this year. Not only the use of the two words you mentioned but the over-use of Spanish, which I don't speak, left me unable to understand most of the dialog.

> 398 suse, you don't need to learn any new swear words! :) But what is a swear word beginning with "n"?!!! Only so I can avoid it, you understand.

- TT

I would assume a racial epithet.

#401 Tad: You are correct.

Linda
I have a book that you might like to read- I can't recall whether it was very good or just ok-
The Duchess of Windsor The Secret Life by Charles Higham. I was going to put it on bookmooch- let me know if you want to read it and I will send it to you.

>401 TadAD: & 402:Oh, that's not nice. that's worse than swearing. However, in it's historical cultural context it cannot be avoided. One of the books I am reading about the Civil War Rebel by Bernard Cornwell is a case in point.

- TT

#404 TT: In the case of the Oscar Wao book, it seemed to serve no other purpose than being derogatory.

I agree that in a historical cultural context, that word and others are used and needed for the story.

I've read several books on the Duke of Windsor and Simpson - and from what my mother added (she was a British teenager when he abdicated), I think the story has been over-romanticized. My conclusion is that he simply didn't want to be King that much anyway - and he wasn't really fit for the job. Simpson was something of a cold schemer. The ordinary Brits at the time did not hold them in high regard.
Much more sad was the story of Princess Margaret, the late younger sister of Queen Elizabeth, who fell in love with Capt. Peter Townshend and had to give him up because he was divorced.

>406 dihiba:: Makes you think about timing. Margaret was only heir presumptive and, unless her sister died unexpectedly, was unlikely to be Queen. But, it was the 1950s.

Now it's the 21st century and the heir apparent, divorced himself, is free to marry a divorcée.

Yes, that might cause a bit of a problem when his mother dies and he becomes head of the Church of England. But heck, Henry VIII was the first head of it, and he was divorced too!

>408 dihiba: LOL good one

In all fairness I should add that Henry never considered himself anything but a Catholic... just one that didn't listen to the Pope!

sorry to be out of the loop re. messages. I was in the hospsital for four days...ugh. I'm home and better -- but weak.

I am enjoying all these conversations regarding British Royalty.

Message 403

TT
Yes, please do send me the book. I'll return the favor and send another to you.

Message 384
TT -- My local library has this in storage and I can obtain it next week.

Message 397 and 399
The world is filled with so many wonderful books to read. Thanks for saving me time by not recommending this one!

Message 406
Dihiba:
Quoting your comments:
"I think the story has been over-romanticized. My conclusion is that he simply didn't want to be King that much anyway - and he wasn't really fit for the job. Simpson was something of a cold schemer. The ordinary Brits at the time did not hold them in high regard.
Much more sad was the story of Princess Margaret, the late younger sister of Queen Elizabeth, who fell in love with Capt. Peter Townshend and had to give him up because he was divorced."

I agree with you that he didn't seem to want the job. I've only read one other book on him and in both he came across as a whimpie little whiner.

The book I just finished seemed to glorify Wallis and portray her as someone simply caught up in a situation. This is yet another part of the book I didn't like because it didn't seem to ring true.

Thanks for the information re. Princess Margaret. I had forgotten this and now am prompted to read more about her.

I am always learning something new from this group!

Being in the hosp is never fun!! Was this a planned visit? While not much better, it can be a little. Either way I pray you're fully recuperated soon.

Susan

Book #103
How to Breathe Underwater by Julie Orringer
I found this on Rachbxl's list and added it to my tbr pile.

I liked this book very much. All of the nine short stories contain an in-depth study of teen age years and situations that occur, some of which impact us for a lifetime.

Note to Sixth Grade Self is a superbly written tale of a young woman who simply doesn't fit in no matter how hard she tries.

The Isabel Fish deals with the heavy subject of two young girls who took a fast ride in a car and one died, leaving the other with incredible guilt and remorse and a brother who cannot forgive her because she survived and his girlfriend did not.

Stations of the Cross also chronicles the sense of non belonging and the terrible things we do in order to fit in and thus buckle under peer pressure.

While some of the stories were deeply disturbing, it is a book that many can relate to. I highly recommend this.

thanks suslyn
both visits were unplanned..two different hospitals..two different stays.

I did have time to read though and this was the blessing of it all.

Thanks for your good wishes.

Linda

I hope you will be completely well soon! Christmas vacation is no time to be ill--you have plenty of reading time any way! :-)

well -- I'm grateful that you were there! Steph had to go to emergency becauses he sliced open his finger. The nurse was falling asleep and the doc sent her away. There was no table for the instruments so the doc used Steph's belly to hold things. And, the worse, the pan which held the implements was rusting! horrors

Very sorry. Glad you're home.

Whisper1, hope you fully recover soon.
I wonder if there a good biography about Princess Margaret out there? It would be fascinating; she had quite a life - much more of a social butterfly than her sister, but of course, her sister had those pesky obligations!

suslyn
Yikes..this sounds like a horror storry... Is Steph ok?
Dihiba
I'm going to check about a biography of Princess Margaret.
Musicmom...thanks ever so much to you and all who have wished me well.
What a wonderful group we have!

In appreciation,
Linda

I went to my local library site and found one published in 2007. Already I've forgotten the author!
I put it on reserve. I'm in the mood for a biography and this would be just the thing for my 2 weeks off coming up.

Thanks dihiba
I'll do a search on my local library site.
Have a great, restful two week break!

Hi Linda
Glad that you are out of hospital- I will send you the book this week. You will find that the Duchess of Windsor is portrayed as a rather interesting character!

>418 Whisper1: Linda, Steph's finger is fine. That was ages ago -- our first brush with Romanian medical care!

Hi Linda
I am glad you are back with us and hope you feel better soon!
Anita

Linda - I do hope that you are feeling lots better. It is no fun to be sick for the holidays. Take care of yourself.

The book on the Duchess of Windsor is on its way to you-should be there in a week.

Thanks to all for your good wishes. I'm weak, but better.
Torontoc...many thanks!

So sorry you have been ill, Linda, but glad you feel on the mend. Take it easy now - lots of putting your feet up and resting, OK?

Take care.

Book #104
Lullabies for Little Criminals by Heather O'Neill.

What an incredible book! It is not an easy read, but I highly recommend this one found on Torontoc's list.
Thanks Torontoc!

O'Neill takes us to the deep, dark underbelly of the Montreal Canada streets where 12 year old "baby" scrapes by on a day to day existence with her heroin addicted, crazy, neglectful and unstable father.

While the subject matter is sad, overall I came away undisturbed, but simply in awe and admiration for the street wise, spunky character who learned way too much way too fast.

The saddest partwas the realization that no matter how much abuse occurred, baby still craved the love and affection of her father.

a quote from page 59 of the book:
"If you want to get a child to love you, then you should just go and hide in the closet for three or four hours. They get down on their knees and pray for you to return. That child will turn into God. Lonely children probably wrote the Bible."

I give the book a five star rating!

Wow, what an amazing quote.

Hope you're feeling better.

Thanks for your good wishes Linda

Happy holidays to you. Is it cold where you are? It is lightly snowing here and I'm watching the soft flakes cover the holiday lights in the neighborhood.

Happy holidays back.

Its about 15F. Might get to zero or so overnight. My favorite winter temps are in the low 20s (without a breeze, thanks). We've had a couple feet of snow since freezing temps set in at the beginning of October. So far it has been a great snow year! Often in the fall we go through a nasty freeze/thaw cycle, characterized by roaring chinooks. One Christmas we only had the merest dusting of snow on the ground! Anyway, this winter is going great! Right now we've also got about an inch of hoar frost on just about every tree in town. today was mostly clear (to the west anyway) and the low sun lit all the frosted trees pink! It was so beautiful! And I know exactly what you mean about the snow on the lit trees. People put colored lights on the little spruce trees in their yards, then the snow covers them all up, and you get the lights shining out through the snow, all soft and glowy. It makes me happy to see.

Aren't you coming up here this next summer? Is that you or someone else? (My poor addled brain.)

Hi Linda
Yes, my husband and I booked a cruise in July - August. We have wanted to go to Alaska for a long time and finally made the reservations. I'm so looking forward to this.

And, I love your descriptions. Can you please explain hoar frost? I've heard this term, but I'm not sure what it means.

It's when the ice crystals in fog stick to stuff as the fog moves through. In a thick fog, the frost can build up fairly thick, so that you can't see what's underneath it. It covers more completely than snow, because fog surrounds the tree. So, imagine every twig, branch, and trunk covered in solid glittering white. Now imagine every tree as far as the eye can see flocked with ice. I'm really bad at html stuff, but if you go to flickr.com and do a search of "alaska", "hoar frost", and/or "ice fog", you'll see some examples.

Hey, if you've got extra time while you're up here, it would be fun to say "hi"!

>428 Whisper1: I will have to keep that book in mind. Despite content, readers seem to like it. I remember seeing it first on the Orange Prize longlist.

>433 alaskabookworm: - wow, that sounds like an amazing sight!

Whisper1 I'm sorry to hear about the hospital trips, hope you're fully recovered now, or will be in time for Christmas?!

Lullabies for Little Criminals sounds truly upsetting, but it's definitely going on my list for next year!

avaland and flissp
It is a good book and I recommend it.

Thanks for the good wishes regarding my recovery. Pancreatitis is not fun!

Happy Holidays to all

Book $105
The Curious Incident of the dog in the Night-Time by Mark Haddon.

A quick read and delightful book...

Christopher is 15 and has Asperger's Syndrome. He is challenged in social skills, but stellar in physics and math.

When he is wrongly blamed for killing his neighbor's dog, he decides to use his powers of logic to find murdered the animal.

highly recommended!

ah Linda
we sure have a similair taste in books :-)
Glad you enjoyed "The curious incident" too!
Anita

Linda, I loved Curious Incident too - so different and refreshing, plus tugged at my heartstrings too. A great read!

Add me to the fan club for this book. My book club read it last year and it was one of the best we read last year.

Curious Incident was one of my favorites last year, also! Haddon really helped us see the world the way Christopher sees it. I have known several children with Asperger's Syndrome and I love the way he showed Christopher to be pretty much like everybody else in feeling and spirit--his brain is just "wired differently!"

Fam, ktleyed, Prop2gether and MusicMom.

I finished The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night time a few days ago and it has haunted me since..and that is my gauge for a quality story. It really is a wonderful book and very heartbreaking.

I'm curious what you thought about Christopher's father. Was he abusive? Was he simply a man who had a lot of love for his son but was overwhelmed?

At first I felt empathy for him. But I also feel that he did some pretty nasty out of control stuff. I'm not wanting to spoil it for those who haven't read the book, but if you can take a minute and let me know your opinions re. him, I would appreciate it.

MusicMom, I have a friend who has two teenage sons, both with Asperger's Syndrome. It is not an easy life for her...or them.

SPOILER!

Whisper, as much as I felt what the father did to Christopher by witholding the truth was despicable, I felt sorrier for him than the mother. I felt the father loved him, but as you put it, was overwhelmed and didn't know what to do, so he lied. Imagine the heartbreak he went through upon realizing he'd lost Christopher's trust after taking care of him for all that time on his own. I especially felt the one sided conversation he had with him was heart breaking for all.

ACK!!! ktleyed SPOILER!!

I got the book as a gift and haven't read it, yet.

Mark it next time, please!

Sorry TAD! Will change it now...

> 444 TadAD
Move the book way up in your TBR pile, so you can chat with us!

tried to avoid spoilers

>442 Whisper1: Linda

I felt sorry for his father, I had more problems with his mother. I think he was indeed overwhelmed and that made him do what he did...

Anita

ktleyed, Fam and Whisper

SPOILER

I agree with you. In spite of what he did, my heart went out to the father. He really loved his son who was incapable of returning that love. I thought his actions were the result of being overwhelmed and his lying about his wife was trying to protect his son, not realizing that to his son the truth was more important. In some ways his father didn't get the fact that Christopher needed to be able to trust his father more than he needed to not know his mother had left them for another man. The father's lying about the "incident" was done out of guilt, IMO. I couldn't work up any sympathy for the mother--she thinks she has "motherly" feelings but I wonder how long they would last having the daily care of a child that can't respond the way she would want.

Linda

I know it is hurtful that your husband's children are embracing their mother. In part that may be because they know they were cared for by their father, but they are trying to find love from the parent that abandoned them in order to erase the pain they must have suffered.

Merry Christmas!!!

SPOILER

MusicMom.

I agree with you re. your comments about the Christopher's father. But, I started to write something and forgot to propery include it in my message.
One of the concerns I had was that the father seemed to have a temper, ie harming animals, hitting his son, nasty comments to his wife.

He was a decent man, and he was very overwhelmed by life.

How sad that in the end, he lost it all.

spoiler

Linda

Nobody is perfect and you are right on what weak points Christopher's father has... he is just human, more human than his (ex-) wife IMHO.

Anita

Spoiler!

Linda and Anita--

I think that you both have really summed it up well. I remember being sad at the end for Christopher because I don't think he will get what he needs from his mother and it doesn't look like he would be able to go back with his father.

I like the exchange of comments regarding a book. Is there a group on LT similar to what we are doing, ie, reading a book and then exchanging ideas about it -- an online book club?

Whisper1

I know of 2 and I'm sure there are more. Group Reads Literature is selecting a their next book to read now; they read a wide variety of what would be called "classics".

The Highly Rated Book Group will be starting The Coffee Trader by David Liss on Jan. 5th. This is the third book for this group (the group was actually started as a group with the second book, A Pirate of Exquisite Mind. The first book we read together was Poisonwood Bible. I find this group really fun; lots of discussion on the reading which is parceled out over a few weeks. I read it as 'assigned' because that way I can discuss without being afraid of spoilers and also have time to read other books at the same time. There are also lots of extras that are optional, including a contest--last book it was riddles and multiple choice fact quizzes. TheTortoise does the quizzes and they are fun! A

sometimes other groups do a group read occasionally: last year I read Orlando by Virginia Woolf with several others on the I Prefer Men to Cauliflowers group--which is the Virginia Woolf group.

Or pick a book you want to do a group read on and ask if anyone else would like to join. The Highly Rated Book Group got started because msgemini and I decided on some thread that we would read Poisonwood Bible together; so many people wanted to join us we had to start a new thread and someone on that thread volunteered to be the "facilitator" and the rest is history!

Well, you probably have a dozen other answers in the time it took me to write this tome! But you get the idea--group reads are yours for the asking on LT!

ETA I just found out that the Group Reads Literature has chosen Pere Goriot by Balzac for the next read.

>452 Whisper1:. Whisper1

Also, if the book you wanted to discuss wasn't going on in a book group, you could just start threads on a book in this forum (or the 2009 one). People who haven't read the book can avoid it; people who have can chime in with their thoughts.

>453 MusicMom41:. MusicMom41

That sounds interesting. I hesitate to join another group because of the time commitment, but I enjoy Liss' books and it might be fun.

Message 453 and 454...
Thanks very much for the information. I joined the Highly Rated Book Group and I'm looking forward to reading specific books and exchanging opinions.

All good wishes,
Linda

Alas, even though I had high hopes to read some books during the holiday, my energy is low and I therefore believe whatever I started will be completed in 2009.

I want to say thanks to everyone for all the wonderful suggestions. I've expanded my horizons more than I imagined possible.

Happy 2009 to all!

Hi
I have an assignment to do on the famous last word by timothy findley. but i'm kinda having a hard time putting all the pieces together.

can somebody that has read the famous last words by Timothy Findley please help me...i need help understanding the famous last words by Timothy Findley.
my Question is

What happened to Wallis and the Duke in the end of the novel? the only thing i could understand was that they were on the boat waiting for the submarine that has already been canceled and Wallis realizes that it was not going to show up-and the next thing i read is that they are on an island...i dont know where the island was and how they got there...the book says they lived there....how did they survive on the island(?).
and also where were they going to be heading had it been that the submarine showed up?...how will their running away help anybody?...who was the present king and queen as the duke(David) declined from being king? and who was his father..was his father Edward Allenby?

It's alot of question... i know. but help please:)

>457 proudlycanadian: Haven't read the book myself, so I can't help! But I do understand the problem -- I just hate that! Same for movies with ambiguous endings :) Hope your help arrives soonest!

proudlycandadian
I'm sorry I cannot help you. I haven't reading this book.
You have come to the right group though so perhaps one of the members can assist.

All good wishes

I have not read the book, either, so I cannot help. Perhaps someone in the "Book Talk" group might be able to help.

Happy New Year! I've enjoyed watching your lists!

Thanks Oklahoma.

Happy New Year to all!

TOP BOOKS FOR 2008

I'm reasonably proud....I was able to import some of the covers from my favorites.
Thanks to TadAd and all for showing me how to do this.

My Favorite of 2008

well done Linda putting the covers here!

I preferred Kit's Wilderness over Skellig.
And I just got The Guernsey... from the library.

Anita

Anita!

I'm very interesting in learning your impressions of Guernsey.

Thanks for your kudos re. the covers. It took a while for me to figure this out...I'm rather proud...

You did good!

Thanks my friend! It took awhile, but I think I have the hang of how to import the book covers!

Are you well today?

I am doing just fine. A bit tired is all - I had a long night at work. I hope you are doing better?