DeltaQueen's Big Steal of 2015 - Part 5
This is a continuation of the topic DeltaQueen's Big Steal of 2015 - Part 4.
Talk2015 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
Welcome to my fifth thread for the 2015 Category Challenge. It's summertime and the living is easy. Outdoor reading is one of my passions and I look forward to spending time with a book out on the patio this summer. My Challenge is advancing at a good rate and I can see that I will complete it with a couple of months to spare. I am also closing in on completing my Bingo Card.
I am posting the following pictures to celebrate summer and outdoor reading.
I hope summer brings good reads to all of us!
I am posting the following pictures to celebrate summer and outdoor reading.
I hope summer brings good reads to all of us!
2DeltaQueen50
2015 Categories
A. Grade Five: Sandy (sjmccreary) took us back to school in 2013 and assigned her mystery reading to Grade Five. I will do the same for my police procedural/mystery reading.
B. Endless Rain - In 2012 Dave (Wolfy) based his Challenge on a tribute to the band X Japan, using their song Endless Rain as the category for series. I loved the idea of honouring a musical favorite and have stolen this title for my series reading in 2015.
C. Edgar Allan Poe’s Quill Pen - Based on the Sci-Fi program, Warehouse 13, Jean (Majkia) had some of the most interesting category names in 2013. I have lifted Edgar Allan Poe’s Quill Pen and picturing it being used by the likes of Agatha, Dorothy and Josephine. This category will be for my well-aged mysteries by the previously mentioned authors as well as ones like James Cain and Dashiell Hammett.
D. Is This A Kissing Book? - Stolen from Christina. She used this amusing title more than once before letting it go. Her loss is my gain. This will be the place for books that feature some sort of romance or love story.
E. Cat And Fiddle Arcade - In 2014 Zozette used Tasmanian place names as her theme. I am absconding with this one to use for any of my Cat reading that doesn’t easily fit into other categories.
F. Colts - Using sport team names for her 2013 Categories, Carrie (cbl-tn) used Colts to list her YA reads, I will do the same.
G. I Don’t Remember That From History Class! - Lori (Ikernaugh) used this category in 2011. I have made off with it to use for my historical reading in 2015, both HistoryCats and Reading Through Time Choices will be listed here.
H. Falling Off The Map: Kay (RidgewayGirl) used this category in 2011 for books set in an obscure location. I am going to steal the name and use it for books set in other worlds or the future. Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Speculative Fiction.
I. Around the World - Lori (thorton37814) placed her global reading here in 2012, I am borrowing Lori’s self-explanatory title and using it for the same purpose.
J. Pitcher’s Duel - Linda (LindaPanzo) loves baseball and used that game as her theme in 2013. I’m stealing her category called Pitcher’s Duel and using it, like Linda, for books with a War or Homefront theme.
K. Blindfold Book Selection to be known as Camille's Choices: Of course I am stealing this excellent idea from Anders (Gingerbread Man) but I am changing it up to let my granddaughter do the selections, keeping my promise to her after allowing her brother to pick all the books for a category in my 2014 Challenge.
L. Combined Miscellany - stolen from Andrea (andreablythe). This was the category that gave me the idea of stealing everyone’s creative category names. Starting with one book, my next read will have a connection in some way to this book, and so on until the category is filled. All books read will have some connection with the previous one (i.e.) - main characters or authors’ name is the same, the themes match, or even the covers or tags have something in common. It will be fun to see where my reading leads me.
M. Dust Collectors: In 2014, Paulina (Mathgirl 40) used this category as a way of moving some of those well-aged books from her shelves. I will use this category for the same lofty goal. Any book that has been on my shelves for more than a year will qualify.
N. Woven Ribbons - Betty’s (dudes22) had one of the most interesting and eagerly anticipated threads of 2014 as she named her categories after quilt block patterns. She also assembled each block and by year’s end will have a fully completed quilt. What a lovely keepsake. Not being that creative, I will simply use this colorful title to list my 2015 graphic novel reading.
O. Overflow: Eva’s 2014 Challenge was short, straight-forward, and simple. I am borrowing this category name and using it for my anything goes category. Books that don’t fit anywhere else will find a home here.
These fifteen categories will comprise my 2015 Challenge. I will consider each category complete after 9 books, but give myself license to keep going especially to fit all the CATs in. The exception to this amount will be in Woven Ribbons, I am going to try and read two or three Graphic Novels a month for this category.
A. Grade Five: Sandy (sjmccreary) took us back to school in 2013 and assigned her mystery reading to Grade Five. I will do the same for my police procedural/mystery reading.
B. Endless Rain - In 2012 Dave (Wolfy) based his Challenge on a tribute to the band X Japan, using their song Endless Rain as the category for series. I loved the idea of honouring a musical favorite and have stolen this title for my series reading in 2015.
C. Edgar Allan Poe’s Quill Pen - Based on the Sci-Fi program, Warehouse 13, Jean (Majkia) had some of the most interesting category names in 2013. I have lifted Edgar Allan Poe’s Quill Pen and picturing it being used by the likes of Agatha, Dorothy and Josephine. This category will be for my well-aged mysteries by the previously mentioned authors as well as ones like James Cain and Dashiell Hammett.
D. Is This A Kissing Book? - Stolen from Christina. She used this amusing title more than once before letting it go. Her loss is my gain. This will be the place for books that feature some sort of romance or love story.
E. Cat And Fiddle Arcade - In 2014 Zozette used Tasmanian place names as her theme. I am absconding with this one to use for any of my Cat reading that doesn’t easily fit into other categories.
F. Colts - Using sport team names for her 2013 Categories, Carrie (cbl-tn) used Colts to list her YA reads, I will do the same.
G. I Don’t Remember That From History Class! - Lori (Ikernaugh) used this category in 2011. I have made off with it to use for my historical reading in 2015, both HistoryCats and Reading Through Time Choices will be listed here.
H. Falling Off The Map: Kay (RidgewayGirl) used this category in 2011 for books set in an obscure location. I am going to steal the name and use it for books set in other worlds or the future. Sci-Fi, Fantasy & Speculative Fiction.
I. Around the World - Lori (thorton37814) placed her global reading here in 2012, I am borrowing Lori’s self-explanatory title and using it for the same purpose.
J. Pitcher’s Duel - Linda (LindaPanzo) loves baseball and used that game as her theme in 2013. I’m stealing her category called Pitcher’s Duel and using it, like Linda, for books with a War or Homefront theme.
K. Blindfold Book Selection to be known as Camille's Choices: Of course I am stealing this excellent idea from Anders (Gingerbread Man) but I am changing it up to let my granddaughter do the selections, keeping my promise to her after allowing her brother to pick all the books for a category in my 2014 Challenge.
L. Combined Miscellany - stolen from Andrea (andreablythe). This was the category that gave me the idea of stealing everyone’s creative category names. Starting with one book, my next read will have a connection in some way to this book, and so on until the category is filled. All books read will have some connection with the previous one (i.e.) - main characters or authors’ name is the same, the themes match, or even the covers or tags have something in common. It will be fun to see where my reading leads me.
M. Dust Collectors: In 2014, Paulina (Mathgirl 40) used this category as a way of moving some of those well-aged books from her shelves. I will use this category for the same lofty goal. Any book that has been on my shelves for more than a year will qualify.
N. Woven Ribbons - Betty’s (dudes22) had one of the most interesting and eagerly anticipated threads of 2014 as she named her categories after quilt block patterns. She also assembled each block and by year’s end will have a fully completed quilt. What a lovely keepsake. Not being that creative, I will simply use this colorful title to list my 2015 graphic novel reading.
O. Overflow: Eva’s 2014 Challenge was short, straight-forward, and simple. I am borrowing this category name and using it for my anything goes category. Books that don’t fit anywhere else will find a home here.
These fifteen categories will comprise my 2015 Challenge. I will consider each category complete after 9 books, but give myself license to keep going especially to fit all the CATs in. The exception to this amount will be in Woven Ribbons, I am going to try and read two or three Graphic Novels a month for this category.
3DeltaQueen50
Tickers:
YTD Number of Books Read:
YTD Number of Page Read
YTD Number of Books Read From My Shelves
YTD Number of Books Read:
YTD Number of Page Read
YTD Number of Books Read From My Shelves
4DeltaQueen50
When I rate books it is a gut reaction, I am not a critic, so the ratings on books that I have read are really just how I felt about the book.
The following is an example of how I rate books:
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
The following is an example of how I rate books:
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.
3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
5DeltaQueen50
2015 BINGO DOG
I am am enjoying participating in the 2015 Bingo Dog and hope to go for a complete black-out (25 books).
The following are possibilities that I am considering for the Bingo Dog.
2015 Bingo Squares
1. About language: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Overflow) - Completed
2. Where an animal is of importance: The Bear by Claire Cameron (Combined Miscellany) - Completed
3. That's completely outside my comfort zone: The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins )Overflow) - Completed
4. Owned for more than a year: The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly (Camille's Choices) - Completed
5. With a mythical creature: Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer (Colts) - Completed
6. Genre bender: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
7. With a natural disaster: A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison (Around the World) - Completed
8. Chosen for you by someone else: The Lost Souls of Angelkov by Linda Holeman (Around the World) -
Completed
9. With a protagonist of the opposite gender: Dark Horse by Craig Johnson (Endless Rain) - Completed
10. Published in 1915: Song of the Lark by Willa Cather (Overflow) - Completed
11. Subject of which you are unfamiliar: Sugar In The Blood by Andrea Stuart - Completed
12. Prophecy, signs or portents are part of the plot: Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
13. Read A Cat: On The Beach by Nevil Shute (Cat & Fiddle Arcade) - Completed
14. Set in a country other than your own: Broken Harbour by Tana French (Grade Five) - Completed
15. By An Lt author: Dare Me by Megan Abbott (Grade Five) - Completed
16. Based on a fairy tale or myth: Tender Morsels by Margo Flanagan (Colts) - Completed
17. With correspondence & letters, epistolary: The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.N. Delafield (Camille's Choice) - Completed
18. Authors' first name is the same as your Mother or Grandmother: The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers (Edgar Allan's Quill Pen) - Completed
19. Inspired by another piece of fiction: Longbourn by Jo Baker (I Don't Remember That From History Class) - Completed
20. Centered around a major historical event: Victors & Lords by V.A. Stuart (Pitcher's Duel) - Completed
21. Translated from a language I don't read or speak: He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (Around the World) - Completed
22. With scientists: Invasive Species by Joseph Wallace (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
23. With a LGBTQ main character: Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (Woven Ribbons) - Completed
24. Reminds you of your childhood: Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery (Dust Collectors) - Completed
25. About autism: Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool (Colts) - Completed
I am am enjoying participating in the 2015 Bingo Dog and hope to go for a complete black-out (25 books).
The following are possibilities that I am considering for the Bingo Dog.
2015 Bingo Squares
1. About language: Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn (Overflow) - Completed
2. Where an animal is of importance: The Bear by Claire Cameron (Combined Miscellany) - Completed
3. That's completely outside my comfort zone: The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins )Overflow) - Completed
4. Owned for more than a year: The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly (Camille's Choices) - Completed
5. With a mythical creature: Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer (Colts) - Completed
6. Genre bender: Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
7. With a natural disaster: A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison (Around the World) - Completed
8. Chosen for you by someone else: The Lost Souls of Angelkov by Linda Holeman (Around the World) -
Completed
9. With a protagonist of the opposite gender: Dark Horse by Craig Johnson (Endless Rain) - Completed
10. Published in 1915: Song of the Lark by Willa Cather (Overflow) - Completed
11. Subject of which you are unfamiliar: Sugar In The Blood by Andrea Stuart - Completed
12. Prophecy, signs or portents are part of the plot: Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
13. Read A Cat: On The Beach by Nevil Shute (Cat & Fiddle Arcade) - Completed
14. Set in a country other than your own: Broken Harbour by Tana French (Grade Five) - Completed
15. By An Lt author: Dare Me by Megan Abbott (Grade Five) - Completed
16. Based on a fairy tale or myth: Tender Morsels by Margo Flanagan (Colts) - Completed
17. With correspondence & letters, epistolary: The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.N. Delafield (Camille's Choice) - Completed
18. Authors' first name is the same as your Mother or Grandmother: The Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers (Edgar Allan's Quill Pen) - Completed
19. Inspired by another piece of fiction: Longbourn by Jo Baker (I Don't Remember That From History Class) - Completed
20. Centered around a major historical event: Victors & Lords by V.A. Stuart (Pitcher's Duel) - Completed
21. Translated from a language I don't read or speak: He Who Fears the Wolf by Karin Fossum (Around the World) - Completed
22. With scientists: Invasive Species by Joseph Wallace (Falling Off the Map) - Completed
23. With a LGBTQ main character: Fun Home by Alison Bechdel (Woven Ribbons) - Completed
24. Reminds you of your childhood: Rainbow Valley by L.M. Montgomery (Dust Collectors) - Completed
25. About autism: Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool (Colts) - Completed
6DeltaQueen50
Grade Five - Police Procedurals/Mysteries
Books Read
1. Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives by Sarah Weinman - 4.2 ★
2. Half Broken Things by Morag Joss - 4.2 ★
3. Into The Shadows by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
4. Broken Harbour by Tana French - 4.2 ★
5. Dare Me by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
6. Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer - 5.0 ★
7. The Farm by Tom Rob Smith - 4.0 ★
8. Five by Ursula Archer - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Troubled Daughters, Twisted Wives by Sarah Weinman - 4.2 ★
2. Half Broken Things by Morag Joss - 4.2 ★
3. Into The Shadows by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
4. Broken Harbour by Tana French - 4.2 ★
5. Dare Me by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
6. Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer - 5.0 ★
7. The Farm by Tom Rob Smith - 4.0 ★
8. Five by Ursula Archer - 4.2 ★
7DeltaQueen50
Endless Rain - Series
Books Read
1. Shatter the Bones by Stuart MacBride - 3.7 ★
2. The Dark Horse by Craig Johnson - 4.3 ★
3. Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger - 4.1 ★
4. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin - 4.5 ★
5. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen - 3.8 ★
6. The Unquiet Heart by Gordon Ferris - 3.4 ★
Books Read
1. Shatter the Bones by Stuart MacBride - 3.7 ★
2. The Dark Horse by Craig Johnson - 4.3 ★
3. Purgatory Ridge by William Kent Krueger - 4.1 ★
4. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin - 4.5 ★
5. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen - 3.8 ★
6. The Unquiet Heart by Gordon Ferris - 3.4 ★
8DeltaQueen50
Edgar Allan Poe's Quill Pen - Well-Aged Crime
Books Read
1. Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers - 4.0 ★
2. Double Indemnity by James M. Cain - 4.0 ★
3. The Getaway by Jim Thompson - 3.5 ★
4. Look To The Lady by Margery Allingham - 4.0 ★
5. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie - 4.2 ★
6. Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Five Red Herrings by Dorothy Sayers - 4.0 ★
2. Double Indemnity by James M. Cain - 4.0 ★
3. The Getaway by Jim Thompson - 3.5 ★
4. Look To The Lady by Margery Allingham - 4.0 ★
5. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie - 4.2 ★
6. Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell - 4.0 ★
9DeltaQueen50
Is This A Kissing Book? - Romance
Books Read
1. Love In A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford - 4.0 ★
2. Wedding Tiers by Trisha Ashley - 3.8 ★
3. A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff - 4.1 ★
4. London Belles by Annie Groves - 3.7 ★
5. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley - 3.5 ★
Books Read
1. Love In A Cold Climate by Nancy Mitford - 4.0 ★
2. Wedding Tiers by Trisha Ashley - 3.8 ★
3. A Vintage Affair by Isabel Wolff - 4.1 ★
4. London Belles by Annie Groves - 3.7 ★
5. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley - 3.5 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Cat & Fiddle Arcade - Cat Challenges
Books Read
1. The Swan Maiden by Jules Watson - 4.1 ★
2. Blameless by Gail Carriger - 3.8 ★
3. On The Beach by Nevil Shute - 4.2 ★
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - 4.5 ★
5. The Prow Beast by Robert Low - 4.1 ★
6. The Terrorists of Irustan by Louise Marley - 5.0 ★
7. Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold - 3.3 ★
8. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay - 4.6 ★
Books Read
1. The Swan Maiden by Jules Watson - 4.1 ★
2. Blameless by Gail Carriger - 3.8 ★
3. On The Beach by Nevil Shute - 4.2 ★
4. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn - 4.5 ★
5. The Prow Beast by Robert Low - 4.1 ★
6. The Terrorists of Irustan by Louise Marley - 5.0 ★
7. Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold - 3.3 ★
8. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay - 4.6 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Colts - YA and Children's Literature
Books Read
1. A Stitch In Time by Penelope Lively - 4.0 ★
2. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan - 3.2 ★
3. Sunrise by Mike Mullin - 4.0 ★
4. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - 4.0 ★
5. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant - 3.5 ★
6. Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - 3.6 ★
7. The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer - 4.8 ★
8. The Stowaway by Karen Hesse - 4.2 ★
9. Taken by David Massey - 3.6 ★
Books Read
1. A Stitch In Time by Penelope Lively - 4.0 ★
2. Tender Morsels by Margo Lanagan - 3.2 ★
3. Sunrise by Mike Mullin - 4.0 ★
4. The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness - 4.0 ★
5. The Vanishing of Katharina Linden by Helen Grant - 3.5 ★
6. Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool - 3.6 ★
7. The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer - 4.8 ★
8. The Stowaway by Karen Hesse - 4.2 ★
9. Taken by David Massey - 3.6 ★
12DeltaQueen50
I Don't Remember That From History Class
Books Read
1. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - 4.0 ★
2. Longbourn by Jo Baker - 5.0 ★
3. Lizzie Borden by Angela Carter - 3.5 ★
4. Katherine by Anya Seton - 5.0 ★
5. The Surfacing by Cormac James - 3.0 ★
6. The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger - 2.5 ★
Books Read
1. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant - 4.0 ★
2. Longbourn by Jo Baker - 5.0 ★
3. Lizzie Borden by Angela Carter - 3.5 ★
4. Katherine by Anya Seton - 5.0 ★
5. The Surfacing by Cormac James - 3.0 ★
6. The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger - 2.5 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Falling Off The Map - Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Books Read
1. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - 3.8 ★
2. The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham - 2.8 ★
3. The Fallen by Charlie Higson - 4.1 ★
4. Invasive Species by Joseph Wallace - 3.8 ★
5. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness - 4.0 ★
6. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop - 3.9 ★
7. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness - 4.3 ★
Books Read
1. Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion - 3.8 ★
2. The Midwich Cuckoos by John Wyndham - 2.8 ★
3. The Fallen by Charlie Higson - 4.1 ★
4. Invasive Species by Joseph Wallace - 3.8 ★
5. The Ask and the Answer by Patrick Ness - 4.0 ★
6. Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop - 3.9 ★
7. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness - 4.3 ★
14DeltaQueen50
Around The World - Global Reading
Books Read
1. Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid (Pakistan) - 4.1 ★
2. He Who Fears The Wolf by Karin Fossum (Norway) - 4.1 ★
3. Fiji by Lance & James Morcan (Fiji) - 2.0 ★
4. Disco For The Departed by Colin Cotterill (Laos) - 4.0 ★
5. The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara (Sierra Leone) - 3.6 ★
6. Sugar In The Blood by Andrea Stuart (Barbados) - 3.6 ★
7. The Lost Souls Of Angelkov by Linda Holeman (Russia) - 3.4 ★
8. A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison (India) - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. Moth Smoke by Mohsin Hamid (Pakistan) - 4.1 ★
2. He Who Fears The Wolf by Karin Fossum (Norway) - 4.1 ★
3. Fiji by Lance & James Morcan (Fiji) - 2.0 ★
4. Disco For The Departed by Colin Cotterill (Laos) - 4.0 ★
5. The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara (Sierra Leone) - 3.6 ★
6. Sugar In The Blood by Andrea Stuart (Barbados) - 3.6 ★
7. The Lost Souls Of Angelkov by Linda Holeman (Russia) - 3.4 ★
8. A Walk Across the Sun by Corban Addison (India) - 4.1 ★
15DeltaQueen50
Pitcher's Duel - War & the Homefront
Books Read
1. The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally - 4.5 ★
2. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - 4.2 ★
3. Victors & Lords by V.A. Stuart - 3.4 ★
4. Follow the Drum by James Leasor - 4.0 ★
5. The Marines of Autumn by James Brady - 3.8 ★
6. Small Wars by Sadie Jones - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally - 4.5 ★
2. The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - 4.2 ★
3. Victors & Lords by V.A. Stuart - 3.4 ★
4. Follow the Drum by James Leasor - 4.0 ★
5. The Marines of Autumn by James Brady - 3.8 ★
6. Small Wars by Sadie Jones - 4.0 ★
16DeltaQueen50
Camille's Book Selection
Books Read
1. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - 3.8 ★
2. Dancing In the Dark by Maureen Lee - 3.0 ★
3. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey - 3.8 ★
4. The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield - 4.0 ★
5. Weddings In Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 3.9 ★
Books Read
1. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly - 3.8 ★
2. Dancing In the Dark by Maureen Lee - 3.0 ★
3. The Fairy Godmother by Mercedes Lackey - 3.8 ★
4. The Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield - 4.0 ★
5. Weddings In Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 3.9 ★
17DeltaQueen50
Combined Miscellany - Random Connections
Books Read
1. The Bear by Claire Cameron - 3.6 ★ (Survival)
2. Into The Forest by Jean Hegland - 2.6 ★ (Survival, Forest in Title)
3. The Forest of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan - 3.3 ★ (Forest in Title, Tagged as Dystopian)
4. A Killing Frost by John Marsden - 4.1 ★ (Tagged As Dystopian, Frost in Title)
5. First Frost by James Henry - 4.2 ★ (Frost in Title, Police Procedural)
6. Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt - 3.6 ★ (Police Procedural, Canadian Author)
7. Coventry by Helen Humphreys - 4.5 ★ (Canadian Author, Blue Cover)
Books Read
1. The Bear by Claire Cameron - 3.6 ★ (Survival)
2. Into The Forest by Jean Hegland - 2.6 ★ (Survival, Forest in Title)
3. The Forest of Hands And Teeth by Carrie Ryan - 3.3 ★ (Forest in Title, Tagged as Dystopian)
4. A Killing Frost by John Marsden - 4.1 ★ (Tagged As Dystopian, Frost in Title)
5. First Frost by James Henry - 4.2 ★ (Frost in Title, Police Procedural)
6. Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt - 3.6 ★ (Police Procedural, Canadian Author)
7. Coventry by Helen Humphreys - 4.5 ★ (Canadian Author, Blue Cover)
18DeltaQueen50
Dust Collectors - Books on my Shelf Longer than 1 Year
Read
1. The Great Karoo by Fred Stenson - 4.0 ★
2. To My Daughter In France by Barbara Keating - 4.2 ★
3. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier - 5.0 ★
4. Birmingham Rose by Annie Murray - 3.8 ★
5. How The West Was Won by Louis L'Amour - 3.4 ★
6. Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery - 3.4 ★
Read
1. The Great Karoo by Fred Stenson - 4.0 ★
2. To My Daughter In France by Barbara Keating - 4.2 ★
3. My Cousin Rachel by Daphne Du Maurier - 5.0 ★
4. Birmingham Rose by Annie Murray - 3.8 ★
5. How The West Was Won by Louis L'Amour - 3.4 ★
6. Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery - 3.4 ★
19DeltaQueen50
Woven Ribbons - Graphic Novels
Books Read
1. January I: Fables Vol. 2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham - 4.0 ★, Fables Vol. 3: Storybook Love by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★, Fables Vol 4.: March of the Wooden Soldiers by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★
2. January II: Hark! a Vagrant by Kate Beaton - 4.0 ★, Hyperbole And A Half by Allie Brosh - 5.0 ★, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel - 2.8 ★
3. February I: Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.2 ★, Saga, Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.0 ★, Saga, Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.2 ★
4. February II Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.3 ★, Bride of the Water God, Vol. 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.2 ★, Bride of the Water God, Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.0 ★
5. March: Sweet Tooth, Volume 4: Endangered Species by Jeff Lemire - 4.0 ★, Sweet Tooth, Volume 5: Unnatural Habitats by Jeff Lemire - 4.0 ★, Sweet Tooth, Volume 6: Wild Game by Jeff Lemire - 3.0 ★
6. April: Thumbelina: The Graphic Novel by Martin Powell - 2.5 ★, Snow White: The Graphic Novel by Martin Powell - 2.5 ★
7. April II: Fables Vol.5: The Mean Seasons by Bill Willingham - 4.1 ★, Fables Vol. 6.: Homelands by Bill Willingham - 4.0 ★, Fables Vol. 7: Arabian Nights (And Days) by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★
8. May: Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur by Tony Lee - 3.5 ★, Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood - 3.5 ★, The Last of the Mohicans adapted by Tom Ratliff - 3.8 ★
9. June I: My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf - 4.2 ★, Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen - 4.1 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March To War by Robert Kirkland - 3.6 ★
10. June II: The Walking Dead, Vol. 20: All Out War, Part 1 by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 21: All Out War, Part Two - by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 22: A New Beginning by Robert Kirkland - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. January I: Fables Vol. 2: Animal Farm by Bill Willingham - 4.0 ★, Fables Vol. 3: Storybook Love by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★, Fables Vol 4.: March of the Wooden Soldiers by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★
2. January II: Hark! a Vagrant by Kate Beaton - 4.0 ★, Hyperbole And A Half by Allie Brosh - 5.0 ★, Fun Home by Alison Bechdel - 2.8 ★
3. February I: Saga, Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.2 ★, Saga, Volume 2 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.0 ★, Saga, Volume 3 by Brian K. Vaughan - 4.2 ★
4. February II Bride of the Water God, Vol. 1 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.3 ★, Bride of the Water God, Vol. 2 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.2 ★, Bride of the Water God, Vol. 3 by Mi-Kyung Yun - 3.0 ★
5. March: Sweet Tooth, Volume 4: Endangered Species by Jeff Lemire - 4.0 ★, Sweet Tooth, Volume 5: Unnatural Habitats by Jeff Lemire - 4.0 ★, Sweet Tooth, Volume 6: Wild Game by Jeff Lemire - 3.0 ★
6. April: Thumbelina: The Graphic Novel by Martin Powell - 2.5 ★, Snow White: The Graphic Novel by Martin Powell - 2.5 ★
7. April II: Fables Vol.5: The Mean Seasons by Bill Willingham - 4.1 ★, Fables Vol. 6.: Homelands by Bill Willingham - 4.0 ★, Fables Vol. 7: Arabian Nights (And Days) by Bill Willingham - 4.2 ★
8. May: Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur by Tony Lee - 3.5 ★, Outlaw: The Legend of Robin Hood - 3.5 ★, The Last of the Mohicans adapted by Tom Ratliff - 3.8 ★
9. June I: My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf - 4.2 ★, Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen - 4.1 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March To War by Robert Kirkland - 3.6 ★
10. June II: The Walking Dead, Vol. 20: All Out War, Part 1 by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 21: All Out War, Part Two - by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★, The Walking Dead, Vol. 22: A New Beginning by Robert Kirkland - 3.7 ★
20DeltaQueen50
Overflow
Books Read
1. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers - 3.8 ★
2. Descent by Tim Johnson - 3.7 ★
3. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James - 3.7 ★
4. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn - 4.0 ★
5. The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather - 3.8 ★
6. The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - 4.1 ★
7. The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins - 3.8 ★
8. King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard - 3.8 ★
9. Gossip From Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. The Ballad of the Sad Cafe by Carson McCullers - 3.8 ★
2. Descent by Tim Johnson - 3.7 ★
3. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James - 3.7 ★
4. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn - 4.0 ★
5. The Song of the Lark by Willa Cather - 3.8 ★
6. The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - 4.1 ★
7. The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins - 3.8 ★
8. King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard - 3.8 ★
9. Gossip From Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
21DeltaQueen50
2015 Reading Plans
1. Jane Austen Group Reads
Sept - Oct: Northanger Abbey
Nov - Dec: Persuasion
2. Agatha In August - Agatha Christie
3. Hemingway in the Autumn
4. British Author Challenge (75er Group)
January: A Stitch in Time by Penelope Lively - Completed
February: The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - Completed
March: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne DuMaurier - Completed
April: Lizzie Borden by Angela Carter - Completed
May:
June: The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - Completed
July:
August: The Stamboul Train by Graham Greene
September:
October: The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore
November: Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd
December: Something Fresh by P G Wodehouse
5. The American Author Challenge
January: Carson McCullers: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe - Completed
February: Henry James - The Turn of the Screw - Completed
March:
April:
May:
June:
July: Ursula Le Guin - The Tombs of Atuan
August: Larry McMurtry - Leaving Cheyenne
September:
October: Ray Bradbury - Dandelion Wine
November:
December: E.L. Doctorow - The March
1. Jane Austen Group Reads
Sept - Oct: Northanger Abbey
Nov - Dec: Persuasion
2. Agatha In August - Agatha Christie
3. Hemingway in the Autumn
4. British Author Challenge (75er Group)
January: A Stitch in Time by Penelope Lively - Completed
February: The Night Watch by Sarah Waters - Completed
March: My Cousin Rachel by Daphne DuMaurier - Completed
April: Lizzie Borden by Angela Carter - Completed
May:
June: The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - Completed
July:
August: The Stamboul Train by Graham Greene
September:
October: The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore
November: Brazzaville Beach by William Boyd
December: Something Fresh by P G Wodehouse
5. The American Author Challenge
January: Carson McCullers: The Ballad of the Sad Cafe - Completed
February: Henry James - The Turn of the Screw - Completed
March:
April:
May:
June:
July: Ursula Le Guin - The Tombs of Atuan
August: Larry McMurtry - Leaving Cheyenne
September:
October: Ray Bradbury - Dandelion Wine
November:
December: E.L. Doctorow - The March
22ronincats
Greedy!!!
Such lovely painting so evocative of summer! Have you been warm and dry or cool and rainy? We've been getting rain every Friday for three weeks now! So unusual but so welcome.
Such lovely painting so evocative of summer! Have you been warm and dry or cool and rainy? We've been getting rain every Friday for three weeks now! So unusual but so welcome.
23DeltaQueen50
Hi Roni, we have been having great weather, warm and sunny, but it is getting a little dry so the forecast of rain tomorrow isn't going to break my heart - as long as the rain doesn't linger too long.
24DeltaQueen50
79. The Farm by Tom Rob Smith - 4.0 ★
Category: Grade Five
May Murder & Mayhem
TIOLI #4: A City/Country/Region You Would Like To Visit
The Farm by Tom Rob Smith is a psychological mystery that is full of family secrets. From the moment Daniel receives a frantic phone call from his father in Sweden about his sick mother, the reader is pulled into a story that may or may not be true. Who is Daniel to believe? His mother and father are telling totally opposite stories. His mother could be in great danger or she could be a totally unreliable narrator. Daniel has choices to make, but whichever parent he chooses to believe, he runs the risk of alienating the other. This is a family has been concealing the truth about things for some time. Daniel did not know that there is no money for his parents to retire on, this small farm in Sweden is all they have. Daniel himself has been hiding something from his parents for some time but with everything that is happening, now does not appear to be the right time to reveal his secret. All these truths and lies need to be exposed, but is the truth a straightforward belief in one parent or the other, or does Daniel have to travel to Sweden to discover the answer for himself?
This story definitely drew me in and I had to read to the end as quickly as possible so that I could find out the truth. I do admit that I found Tilde very difficult to put my faith in, her tense and unyielding manner always felt a little off . As her narration becomes more and more paranoid and delusional, my admiration for Daniel’s patience grew. Daniel’s father, on the other hand, appears to have been deliberately left as an incomplete character. This man could have been anything or anybody.
The Farm is a testament to both the fortitude and the fragility of family bonds. Although I did feel a little let down with the ending of the story, it seemed a little rushed and perhaps I wanted a even bigger truth that what was eventually revealed.
Category: Grade Five
May Murder & Mayhem
TIOLI #4: A City/Country/Region You Would Like To Visit
The Farm by Tom Rob Smith is a psychological mystery that is full of family secrets. From the moment Daniel receives a frantic phone call from his father in Sweden about his sick mother, the reader is pulled into a story that may or may not be true. Who is Daniel to believe? His mother and father are telling totally opposite stories. His mother could be in great danger or she could be a totally unreliable narrator. Daniel has choices to make, but whichever parent he chooses to believe, he runs the risk of alienating the other. This is a family has been concealing the truth about things for some time. Daniel did not know that there is no money for his parents to retire on, this small farm in Sweden is all they have. Daniel himself has been hiding something from his parents for some time but with everything that is happening, now does not appear to be the right time to reveal his secret. All these truths and lies need to be exposed, but is the truth a straightforward belief in one parent or the other, or does Daniel have to travel to Sweden to discover the answer for himself?
This story definitely drew me in and I had to read to the end as quickly as possible so that I could find out the truth. I do admit that I found Tilde very difficult to put my faith in, her tense and unyielding manner always felt a little off . As her narration becomes more and more paranoid and delusional, my admiration for Daniel’s patience grew. Daniel’s father, on the other hand, appears to have been deliberately left as an incomplete character. This man could have been anything or anybody.
The Farm is a testament to both the fortitude and the fragility of family bonds. Although I did feel a little let down with the ending of the story, it seemed a little rushed and perhaps I wanted a even bigger truth that what was eventually revealed.
26tymfos
Happy new thread, Judy! You're making good progress with your challenge.
The Farm sounds interesting. Good review!
The Farm sounds interesting. Good review!
27Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Judy. I saw your post about The Surfacing on your previous thread. I am slowly making my way through it as well. I am not sure what to think about it which, after reading your review, seems to be similar to your reaction.
28MissWatson
Happy new thread! Let's hope there will be a summer, it doesn't look like it at this moment. It's far too cold here to sit on the balcony with a book.
29AHS-Wolfy
>24 DeltaQueen50: I still need to finish off his Leo Demidov trilogy but it's good to know he's continuing to write good stories.
31BLBera
Happy new thread, Judy. I also love the ladies reading. I also enjoyed scrolling through your year's reading so far. Impressive. I think you are the challenge queen.
32jnwelch
Congrats on the new thread, Judy! I like the summer book readers up there, too.
Nice to see you're reading graphic novels. You'll want to get your hands on Saga, Volume 4 at some point; my wife and I thought it was the best yet.
Nice to see you're reading graphic novels. You'll want to get your hands on Saga, Volume 4 at some point; my wife and I thought it was the best yet.
35andreablythe
Happy New Thread!seems like just yesterday, you started up thread 3. ;)
38Storeetllr
Ah, the joys of reading outside in the summer! If only we here on the Front Range could experience even a little bit of sun and warmth, I'd be happy. As it is, the sun may come out one in a day, but, as Joanne has pointed out, if you blink you'll miss it.
Happy new thread, Judy! And congrats on your 79 books read so far this year!
Happy new thread, Judy! And congrats on your 79 books read so far this year!
39luvamystery65
Howdy Judy! I definitely want to read The Farm.
40DeltaQueen50
Good morning everyone, and since it's Friday with the weekend on the horizon, it has to be a good day! Our forecasted rain didn't develop but I think it's on the horizon so we could be getting a rainy Saturday. We need the moisture so I am actually hoping for a good soaking.
>25 Kassilem: Hi Melissa, I must get over to your thread, it's getting close to your leaving time!
>26 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. The Farm was interesting, indeed.
>27 Familyhistorian: I was disappointed with The Surfacing as I thought it would be book that I would really enjoy. Instead it was a real slog to get through, I've been working on it since April.
>28 MissWatson: I hope summer arrives in your neighbourhood soon. We are enjoying this weather as during the last couple of years summer has been quite late in arriving.
>29 AHS-Wolfy: I loved Child 44 and was a little less enthusiastic about the other two books in the trilogy, finding them a little grim. The Farm is quite different from the Leo Demidov books.
>30 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I am reading a couple of books right now that I am loving but, boy, where has May gone? It seems to be flying by!
>31 BLBera: Hi Beth, it's been a pretty good reading year so far. I have been enjoying many of the challenges offered here this year, jumping in and out of both the AAC and BAC if I have something on the shelf that fits. I am most proud of the fact that 80% of my reading has come from my own shelves.
>32 jnwelch: I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next Saga, Joe. It's my best "series" discovery of the year!
>33 katiekrug: Waves and offers a big howdy to Miss Katie! ;) (I'm practising my Texan)
>34 leslie.98: Hi Leslie.
>35 andreablythe: It does seem like yesterday! This year is going by to quickly.
>36 mstrust: Oh, Child 44 is a great read and one, I think, you will enjoy.
>37 mamzel: I thought my Cat Burger suited being with the category descriptions rather than with the ladies who read.
>38 Storeetllr: You've had some crazy weather in Colarado this year - I seem to remember a snowfall not all that long ago! Hope summer finds you soon. BTW, Mary, I have started The Terrorists of Irustan and I am loving it!
>25 Kassilem: Hi Melissa, I must get over to your thread, it's getting close to your leaving time!
>26 tymfos: Thanks, Terri. The Farm was interesting, indeed.
>27 Familyhistorian: I was disappointed with The Surfacing as I thought it would be book that I would really enjoy. Instead it was a real slog to get through, I've been working on it since April.
>28 MissWatson: I hope summer arrives in your neighbourhood soon. We are enjoying this weather as during the last couple of years summer has been quite late in arriving.
>29 AHS-Wolfy: I loved Child 44 and was a little less enthusiastic about the other two books in the trilogy, finding them a little grim. The Farm is quite different from the Leo Demidov books.
>30 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I am reading a couple of books right now that I am loving but, boy, where has May gone? It seems to be flying by!
>31 BLBera: Hi Beth, it's been a pretty good reading year so far. I have been enjoying many of the challenges offered here this year, jumping in and out of both the AAC and BAC if I have something on the shelf that fits. I am most proud of the fact that 80% of my reading has come from my own shelves.
>32 jnwelch: I am looking forward to getting my hands on the next Saga, Joe. It's my best "series" discovery of the year!
>33 katiekrug: Waves and offers a big howdy to Miss Katie! ;) (I'm practising my Texan)
>34 leslie.98: Hi Leslie.
>35 andreablythe: It does seem like yesterday! This year is going by to quickly.
>36 mstrust: Oh, Child 44 is a great read and one, I think, you will enjoy.
>37 mamzel: I thought my Cat Burger suited being with the category descriptions rather than with the ladies who read.
>38 Storeetllr: You've had some crazy weather in Colarado this year - I seem to remember a snowfall not all that long ago! Hope summer finds you soon. BTW, Mary, I have started The Terrorists of Irustan and I am loving it!
41DeltaQueen50
>39 luvamystery65: Tip of (Cowboy) hat to you, Roberta. Welcome to my newest thread. :)
42Familyhistorian
>40 DeltaQueen50: Yep, same with me. I thought the book sounded interesting. I started it in April and I am not even at the half way point. I envy you for having finished!
43Storeetllr
>38 Storeetllr:, >40 DeltaQueen50: Yay! So glad you are enjoying it! It may be time for a reread (as if I didn't have enough new books on the WL/TBR pile as it is).
44rabbitprincess
Happy new thread! Send us some of your warm weather if you can spare it. Today we had a high of about 11 or 12! It felt more like October than May.
45thornton37814
Lovely art work in your thread topper!
46DeltaQueen50
>42 Familyhistorian: You can do it, Meg! I have decided to give the ER Program a miss for the next couple of months, I haven't had much luck with the books that I've been getting lately.
>43 Storeetllr: Mary, have you read anything else by Louise Marley? She appears to have written a number of others, glancing through her list, The Maquisarde caught my attention.
>44 rabbitprincess: I would love to share our good weather but unfortunately today is cooler and cloudy and it sounds like you have quite enough of that kind of weather as it is! ;)
>45 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori.
>43 Storeetllr: Mary, have you read anything else by Louise Marley? She appears to have written a number of others, glancing through her list, The Maquisarde caught my attention.
>44 rabbitprincess: I would love to share our good weather but unfortunately today is cooler and cloudy and it sounds like you have quite enough of that kind of weather as it is! ;)
>45 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori.
47DeltaQueen50
80. London Belles by Annie Groves - 3.7 ★
Category: Is This A Kissing Book?
May RandomCat: Destination in Title
TIOLI #8: Word Indicating A Female Is In The Title
Starting off her Article Row series, London Belles by Annie Groves covers the first year of WW II. The story revolves around a house on a small middle class street called Article Row in London. Tilly and her mother decide to take lodgers in to help with expenses, and sensible nurse Sally, shy orphan Agnes and confident shopgirl Dulcie are soon living there as well. These four girls, along with Olive, Tillys’ mother soon find themselves facing the difficulties of being at war, but when the bombs start dropping on their city, they discover that they have also become a family that cares and looks out for each other as well.
The story covers the phoney war, Dunkirk and the beginning of the Battle of Britain and closes at the end of 1940. Each of the girls and Olive have an ongoing storyline and all will experience love, passion and heartbreak through the course of the series. I am sure they will also be learning some valuable life lessons as well. I am currently reading another of Annie Groves wartime series, this one set in Liverpool, so there is a slight cookie-cutter feeling about the book, but I am a big sucker for books set in England during WW II so I will more than likely continue on with this series at some point.
Category: Is This A Kissing Book?
May RandomCat: Destination in Title
TIOLI #8: Word Indicating A Female Is In The Title
Starting off her Article Row series, London Belles by Annie Groves covers the first year of WW II. The story revolves around a house on a small middle class street called Article Row in London. Tilly and her mother decide to take lodgers in to help with expenses, and sensible nurse Sally, shy orphan Agnes and confident shopgirl Dulcie are soon living there as well. These four girls, along with Olive, Tillys’ mother soon find themselves facing the difficulties of being at war, but when the bombs start dropping on their city, they discover that they have also become a family that cares and looks out for each other as well.
The story covers the phoney war, Dunkirk and the beginning of the Battle of Britain and closes at the end of 1940. Each of the girls and Olive have an ongoing storyline and all will experience love, passion and heartbreak through the course of the series. I am sure they will also be learning some valuable life lessons as well. I am currently reading another of Annie Groves wartime series, this one set in Liverpool, so there is a slight cookie-cutter feeling about the book, but I am a big sucker for books set in England during WW II so I will more than likely continue on with this series at some point.
48thornton37814
>47 DeltaQueen50: I have Across the Mersey, the first of the Liverpool series, to be read somewhere. I think it's on my Kindle (keyboard version) which I rarely use any more.
49dudes22
Your Bingo card is looking good. And 80 books so far - very impressive! And love the reading pictures - need to go find a long, flimsy skirt.
50DeltaQueen50
I am very proud of myself as I finally took 40 minutes or so and cleaned my computer desk area. I separated and neatly put in their place all the kindle/kobo chargers, the audio chargers, the headphones etc. I dusted and cleaned all the surfaces, went through a stack of business cards from so many different sources (most ended up in the garbage). Sorted all the pens, and the notebooks that I keep by the computer. I found two nice thick steno pads that I haven't used yet, and three that I am currently making notes in. I put away a few odds and ends that I don't use very often and it looks so clean and tidy that i am happy just sitting here.
>48 thornton37814: Lori, I really like the series that is set in Liverpool, it follows a large family of various ages and I found it more interesting that the one set in London that mostly follows four girls around the same age.
>49 dudes22: Thanks Betty, I am thinking of doing a second Bingo card when I am finished, but if I do, I may give myself permission to skip a square or two. And yes, it looks like we are all supposed to have long, flimsy skirts to wear in the summer heat - my wardrobe is sadly lacking! ;)
>48 thornton37814: Lori, I really like the series that is set in Liverpool, it follows a large family of various ages and I found it more interesting that the one set in London that mostly follows four girls around the same age.
>49 dudes22: Thanks Betty, I am thinking of doing a second Bingo card when I am finished, but if I do, I may give myself permission to skip a square or two. And yes, it looks like we are all supposed to have long, flimsy skirts to wear in the summer heat - my wardrobe is sadly lacking! ;)
51Familyhistorian
>50 DeltaQueen50: Do you do house calls, Judy, my computer desk could do with a good clean! The stacks on either side are growing larger by the day.
52DeltaQueen50
>51 Familyhistorian: Meg, I am ashamed to say how long it has been since I cleaned my desk! It's amazing how much junk gets piled up.
53DeltaQueen50
81. The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer - 4.8 ★
Category: Colts
BingoDog: A Book With A Mythical Creature
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #6: A List of Characters Is At The Front Of The Book
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer is a lively tale of myth and magic set in the long ago days of yore. Jack has been the apprentice to a powerful wizard, called the Bard, for a year when trouble comes to the village. Berserkers from the north lands capture Jack and his sister, Lucy and take them away with them back to their home in the north. But this is only the beginning of the adventure, as Jack eventually must join forces with his captors and embark on quest to save his sister, Lucy from the evil half-troll queen who is planning on sacrificing her.
As Jack and his companions, Olaf One-Brow, the young shield maiden, Thorgil, and a crow called Boldheart, travel deeper and deeper into Jotunheim, the homeland of the Tolls, the magic gets stronger and the creatures more strange and powerful. They eventually arrive at Ice Mountain, home to the Troll Queen Glamdis and she agrees to help him even though she is the mother of the evil queen.
This was a wonderful tale based on Scandinavian legends. The author obviously researched Nordic mythology and came up with this story peopled by trolls, dragons, giant spiders and Vikings. Although aimed at children, this is a book for anyone who enjoys good fantasy, complex characters and exciting adventures. At it’s heart, this is an epic fantasy and the author often uses humor to advance the plot, this worked very well and kept the book light, fresh and fun. The Sea of Trolls was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and although it is complete in itself, this is the first of a trilogy that I am excited to continue on with.
Category: Colts
BingoDog: A Book With A Mythical Creature
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #6: A List of Characters Is At The Front Of The Book
The Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer is a lively tale of myth and magic set in the long ago days of yore. Jack has been the apprentice to a powerful wizard, called the Bard, for a year when trouble comes to the village. Berserkers from the north lands capture Jack and his sister, Lucy and take them away with them back to their home in the north. But this is only the beginning of the adventure, as Jack eventually must join forces with his captors and embark on quest to save his sister, Lucy from the evil half-troll queen who is planning on sacrificing her.
As Jack and his companions, Olaf One-Brow, the young shield maiden, Thorgil, and a crow called Boldheart, travel deeper and deeper into Jotunheim, the homeland of the Tolls, the magic gets stronger and the creatures more strange and powerful. They eventually arrive at Ice Mountain, home to the Troll Queen Glamdis and she agrees to help him even though she is the mother of the evil queen.
This was a wonderful tale based on Scandinavian legends. The author obviously researched Nordic mythology and came up with this story peopled by trolls, dragons, giant spiders and Vikings. Although aimed at children, this is a book for anyone who enjoys good fantasy, complex characters and exciting adventures. At it’s heart, this is an epic fantasy and the author often uses humor to advance the plot, this worked very well and kept the book light, fresh and fun. The Sea of Trolls was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and although it is complete in itself, this is the first of a trilogy that I am excited to continue on with.
54mamzel
We've had this book on our shelves for a long time but I've always managed to find something else to read. I seem to be on a fantasy kick right now and this sounds like it would be right up my alley.
55DeltaQueen50
>54 mamzel: Definitely pull it down off the shelf when you are ready to be carried away on an adventure, Mamzel. I can hardly wait until my granddaughter comes for dinner tonight as I am hopeful that she will want to give it a try. The only reason I didn't give this book a full five stars is that I thought it was a little long for childrens book. At 458 pages, it could be a little daunting. It is however one of those books that reads much faster than the page number would indicate.
56mamzel
Have you read her earlier book, House of the Scorpion? You would probably like it as well.
57DeltaQueen50
>56 mamzel: I haven't read House of the Scorpion yet, but given my love of dystopia and now, this author, it is going on my wishlist. Thanks, Mamzel.
58rosalita
I love those pictures up top, Judy! Nothing says summer reading like those paintings — now if only our weather would turn summerlike!
I've seen lots of recs for Tom Rob Smith and I am going to follow up and read one of his books someday soon. I keep forgetting to look for him at the library — this is where I really wish LT had a good mobile app so I could look at my Wishlist and To Borrow list while out and about.
I've seen lots of recs for Tom Rob Smith and I am going to follow up and read one of his books someday soon. I keep forgetting to look for him at the library — this is where I really wish LT had a good mobile app so I could look at my Wishlist and To Borrow list while out and about.
59DeltaQueen50
>58 rosalita: Hi Julia, I know what you mean about having a good mobile app as I am sure my wish list is every bit as long as yours and rather a pain to carry about. We had gorgeous weather last week but this week it has turned cooler and cloudy. I wish it would just rain as we could use the moisture, but so far nothing.
60DeltaQueen50
82. The Terrorists of Irustan by Louise Marley - 5.0 ★
Category: Cat & Fiddle Arcade
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #12: The Author Shares One of Her Names with My Mother or Grandmother
It’s been some time since I had to read the ending words of a book through my tears, but The Terrorists of Irustan had me reaching for a tissue to mop up the moisture. Although labelled as science fiction, this book speaks of the human condition and how slavery can cause a life to be joyless, empty and unfulfilled. On the planet of Irustan, the veiled women are mere chattels, they belong body and soul to whichever male is the head of their family, be it father, husband or brother. This is a society that is Arabic in nature, they live by their inflexible religion but life has stagnated to the point where woman have no rights, in fact they are not even considered as people. This is a satellite planet, a mining consortium whose minerals are very important to Earth so the resident’s lifestyle is allowed to flourish as long as the mines continue to supply the much needed materials.
Zahra IbSada, is a medicant, a healer, and this profession is one of the very few that allows women a slight degree of independence. She has been thoroughly sickened by having to treat abused women and children only to have to return them to the care of their abuser, but it is not until one of her friends is in crisis that Zahra crosses the line and ensures that at least this man will no longer be able to dictate who he cedes his daughter to. Of course, once this line has been crossed, it becomes much easier to do it again. Travelling down this road goes against her healing nature, but Zahra’s final hope is that her acts of terrorism can cause a slight change that will make things better for the younger women that follow.
This was a thoughtful, wonderfully composed story that deals with feminist issues . Through Zahra’s friendship with a earth woman who disguises herself as a man in order to move about the planet freely, we learn that even women on Earth have issues that are not being met in their futuristic society. Although the plot is fairly predictable, the author has created such realistic, vital and engaging characters that this story totally pulls the reader into this exotic world. The author does not flinch from evoking powerful emotions and when a book speaks this strongly to my heart, I can’t help but give it a full five stars.
Category: Cat & Fiddle Arcade
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #12: The Author Shares One of Her Names with My Mother or Grandmother
It’s been some time since I had to read the ending words of a book through my tears, but The Terrorists of Irustan had me reaching for a tissue to mop up the moisture. Although labelled as science fiction, this book speaks of the human condition and how slavery can cause a life to be joyless, empty and unfulfilled. On the planet of Irustan, the veiled women are mere chattels, they belong body and soul to whichever male is the head of their family, be it father, husband or brother. This is a society that is Arabic in nature, they live by their inflexible religion but life has stagnated to the point where woman have no rights, in fact they are not even considered as people. This is a satellite planet, a mining consortium whose minerals are very important to Earth so the resident’s lifestyle is allowed to flourish as long as the mines continue to supply the much needed materials.
Zahra IbSada, is a medicant, a healer, and this profession is one of the very few that allows women a slight degree of independence. She has been thoroughly sickened by having to treat abused women and children only to have to return them to the care of their abuser, but it is not until one of her friends is in crisis that Zahra crosses the line and ensures that at least this man will no longer be able to dictate who he cedes his daughter to. Of course, once this line has been crossed, it becomes much easier to do it again. Travelling down this road goes against her healing nature, but Zahra’s final hope is that her acts of terrorism can cause a slight change that will make things better for the younger women that follow.
This was a thoughtful, wonderfully composed story that deals with feminist issues . Through Zahra’s friendship with a earth woman who disguises herself as a man in order to move about the planet freely, we learn that even women on Earth have issues that are not being met in their futuristic society. Although the plot is fairly predictable, the author has created such realistic, vital and engaging characters that this story totally pulls the reader into this exotic world. The author does not flinch from evoking powerful emotions and when a book speaks this strongly to my heart, I can’t help but give it a full five stars.
61Chrischi_HH
I'm a little late, but still: Happy new thread! Great choice of summer reading pictures. :) A took a BB from your thread no. 4 (Katherine), and your review of The Terrorists of Irustan sounds great, too!
63DeltaQueen50
>61 Chrischi_HH: You've chosen a couple of excellent reads and I hope you enjoy them.
>62 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne. :)
>62 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne. :)
64mathgirl40
The Sea of Trolls and The Terrorists of Irustan both sound wonderful. I always get a couple of BBs everytime I visit your thread!
65katiekrug
Thanks for adding a couple of reads to my TIOLI challenge, Judy. I was starting to feel so unloved ;-)
66DeltaQueen50
>64 mathgirl40: Those are two great books, Paulina. I've had to start reading Sea of Trolls over again as my granddaughter decided we should read it together so we are alternating reading the chapters aloud to each other.
>65 katiekrug: Katie, I love your challenge! The TIOLI challenges do seem to be slowing down but it's early yet and lots of people don't arrive there until the first of the month. I have been able to fit most of my books into a challenge already, but I still have a couple that I haven't placed yet so I am lurking and waiting.
>65 katiekrug: Katie, I love your challenge! The TIOLI challenges do seem to be slowing down but it's early yet and lots of people don't arrive there until the first of the month. I have been able to fit most of my books into a challenge already, but I still have a couple that I haven't placed yet so I am lurking and waiting.
67lindapanzo
Hi Judy, just finished a beautifully written slender novel that would fit well in your war and the homefront category. Coventry by Helen Humphreys takes place mainly over one night, the night of the German Blitz of Coventry in November of 1940.
Love the artwork at the top of the thread. I also love to read outdoors. I'm off on Friday and was excited to have the chance to sit outside and read. Alas, heavy thunderstorms predicted, followed by a weekend of chilly temps. Oh well, one of these days I'll be able to sit outside and read. Today would've been ideal.
Love the artwork at the top of the thread. I also love to read outdoors. I'm off on Friday and was excited to have the chance to sit outside and read. Alas, heavy thunderstorms predicted, followed by a weekend of chilly temps. Oh well, one of these days I'll be able to sit outside and read. Today would've been ideal.
68DeltaQueen50
83. How The West Was Won by Louis L'Amour - 3.4 ★
Category: Dust Collector
TIOLI #1: Title Has At Least Three Words That Start With The Same Letter
The western expansion of the United States took place over many years but in How The West Was Won author Louis L’Amour simplifies the story by choosing to describe the growth of one family. Through the Prescott family he is able to cover the era of the mountain man, the early settlers that pushed down the Ohio River, the California Gold Rush and, after the Civil War, the building of the railroad that made the west accessible to everyone and the army’s final solution to the Plains Indian.
In typical Louis L’Amour style, his men are bigger than life and his women are strong and true. The Prescott family bred restless people and each generation seemed to turn West to seek new land. They travelled by raft down the raging Ohio, or by wagon train across the plains. They were smart enough to see that California had more to offer than gold, they put down roots and helped develop the land.
Louis L’Amour excels at action and this book has lots of that. He is not one to develop his characters much beyond identifying who is a hero and who is a villain, but this was a simple, fun page-turner delivered in his straight forward style. Although his books stray from the actual historical facts, he certainly helps to develop and nurture the myth of the American West.
Category: Dust Collector
TIOLI #1: Title Has At Least Three Words That Start With The Same Letter
The western expansion of the United States took place over many years but in How The West Was Won author Louis L’Amour simplifies the story by choosing to describe the growth of one family. Through the Prescott family he is able to cover the era of the mountain man, the early settlers that pushed down the Ohio River, the California Gold Rush and, after the Civil War, the building of the railroad that made the west accessible to everyone and the army’s final solution to the Plains Indian.
In typical Louis L’Amour style, his men are bigger than life and his women are strong and true. The Prescott family bred restless people and each generation seemed to turn West to seek new land. They travelled by raft down the raging Ohio, or by wagon train across the plains. They were smart enough to see that California had more to offer than gold, they put down roots and helped develop the land.
Louis L’Amour excels at action and this book has lots of that. He is not one to develop his characters much beyond identifying who is a hero and who is a villain, but this was a simple, fun page-turner delivered in his straight forward style. Although his books stray from the actual historical facts, he certainly helps to develop and nurture the myth of the American West.
69DeltaQueen50
>67 lindapanzo: Linda, Coventry is on my list of planned reads for the year. In fact I almost added it this month! This will be my first by this author, but I have heard good things about Helen Humphreys and have a few more of hers on my shelf as well.
70Storeetllr
Again, I'm delighted you loved The Terrorists of Irustan as much as I hoped you would!
I'm listening to Katherine now. I just started it, so I've got nothing much to say about it yet, except it's starting out in a very promising way.
I'm listening to Katherine now. I just started it, so I've got nothing much to say about it yet, except it's starting out in a very promising way.
71luvamystery65
>68 DeltaQueen50: That is one classic Western that I really should read.
72VivienneR
>69 DeltaQueen50: & >67 lindapanzo: I can back-up the recommendation of Coventry. Of the books I've read by Helen Humphreys, that one is my favourite.
73DeltaQueen50
>70 Storeetllr: I hope you enjoy Katherine as much as I did The Terrorists of Irustan, Mary. :)
>71 luvamystery65: Roberta, I find Louis L'Amour's books are pretty much straight forward, old-style Westerns but every once in awhile I am in the mood for that kind of story.
>72 VivienneR: Vivienne, you and Linda have totally sold me on Coventry and it's been added to my July list of "must" reads.
>71 luvamystery65: Roberta, I find Louis L'Amour's books are pretty much straight forward, old-style Westerns but every once in awhile I am in the mood for that kind of story.
>72 VivienneR: Vivienne, you and Linda have totally sold me on Coventry and it's been added to my July list of "must" reads.
74DeltaQueen50
84. The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold - 3.3 ★
Category: The Cat & Fiddle Arcade
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #2: Next In A Series
The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold is the third book in her Chalion series, and as I had been warned, did not live up to the excellence of the first two books. All three books have plots that explore the religion that the author developed for this world, but this one seems rather over-burdened with it and as a result the story suffered. The book started slowly and seemed to consist of many long conversations about animal spirits, and which spirits were in who, and how they got there.
This was disappointing as this author consistently gives her readers great characters and stories that totally steal your heart, and I think this could have held true with both Lord Ingrey and Lady Ijada had the story been a little more wide open and the characters developed a little more. Overall, I felt this was a difficult book to appreciate due to it’s slow start and baffling theological plot points.
Lois McMaster Bujold is one of my favorite authors, and I hate to give less than a glowing report on one of her books. Luckily all three books in this series are very loosely connected and can be read as stand alone stories. I highly recommend the first two books, The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, and would suggest that only the most dedicated fans pick up The Hallowed Hunt.
Category: The Cat & Fiddle Arcade
May SFFFCat: Girl Power
TIOLI #2: Next In A Series
The Hallowed Hunt by Lois McMaster Bujold is the third book in her Chalion series, and as I had been warned, did not live up to the excellence of the first two books. All three books have plots that explore the religion that the author developed for this world, but this one seems rather over-burdened with it and as a result the story suffered. The book started slowly and seemed to consist of many long conversations about animal spirits, and which spirits were in who, and how they got there.
This was disappointing as this author consistently gives her readers great characters and stories that totally steal your heart, and I think this could have held true with both Lord Ingrey and Lady Ijada had the story been a little more wide open and the characters developed a little more. Overall, I felt this was a difficult book to appreciate due to it’s slow start and baffling theological plot points.
Lois McMaster Bujold is one of my favorite authors, and I hate to give less than a glowing report on one of her books. Luckily all three books in this series are very loosely connected and can be read as stand alone stories. I highly recommend the first two books, The Curse of Chalion and Paladin of Souls, and would suggest that only the most dedicated fans pick up The Hallowed Hunt.
75andreablythe
Playing catch up!
>50 DeltaQueen50:
I love getting organized like that. Always feels so awesome after!
>53 DeltaQueen50:
Gorgeous cover and great review of The Sea of Trolls BB!
>83 Roro8:
I need to get around to reading some Louis L'Amour sometimes, since he was a favorite of my grandfather.
>50 DeltaQueen50:
I love getting organized like that. Always feels so awesome after!
>53 DeltaQueen50:
Gorgeous cover and great review of The Sea of Trolls BB!
>83 Roro8:
I need to get around to reading some Louis L'Amour sometimes, since he was a favorite of my grandfather.
76andreablythe
That's too bad about The Hallowed Hunt, but I'll probably get to it eventually after I read The Curse of Chalion.
77DeltaQueen50
>75 andreablythe: Hi Andrea. Yes, it's great to have a clean desk but I was hoping to get inspired to spread the cleaning out from there as my whole house needs a top to bottom cleaning, but it hasn't happened yet.
Sea of Trolls is a fun read and I am looking forward to getting to the next book in the trilogy, but first, I am happy to finally have my hands on a copy of Monsters of Men so I can finish that trilogy off. :)
If you are in the mood for a straight forward western, then Louis L'Amour is your guy. One of my favorites of his is called Down the Long Hills, about two children, survivors of an Indian attack on their wagon train, trying to reach safety.
>76 andreablythe: I know you loved Paladin of Souls as much as I did, and I remember also loving The Curse of Chalion almost as much. And, you never know, you may really like The Hallowed Hunt as well. Perhaps it just wasn't the right book at the right time for me.
Sea of Trolls is a fun read and I am looking forward to getting to the next book in the trilogy, but first, I am happy to finally have my hands on a copy of Monsters of Men so I can finish that trilogy off. :)
If you are in the mood for a straight forward western, then Louis L'Amour is your guy. One of my favorites of his is called Down the Long Hills, about two children, survivors of an Indian attack on their wagon train, trying to reach safety.
>76 andreablythe: I know you loved Paladin of Souls as much as I did, and I remember also loving The Curse of Chalion almost as much. And, you never know, you may really like The Hallowed Hunt as well. Perhaps it just wasn't the right book at the right time for me.
78andreablythe
>77 DeltaQueen50:
Monsters of Men... YESSSSS.
Monsters of Men... YESSSSS.
79Familyhistorian
>77 DeltaQueen50: Inspiration for house cleaning - that's a tough one. The worst thing about all that effort is that the cleanliness only lasts for a short time.
80msf59
Happy Saturday, Judy! Hope the week went well. Glad you can finish up the Chaos Walking series. I loved that series.
81DeltaQueen50
>77 DeltaQueen50: Hi Meg, today I took my inspiration from my thread topper pictures and have been outside reading for the last couple of hours. My idea of a perfect way to spend a sunny day. I guess the housecleaning will have to wait a little longer.
>78 andreablythe: I am looking forward to starting Monster of Men, Mark. It's the fourth book in my June pile so should get to it next week sometime.
>78 andreablythe: I am looking forward to starting Monster of Men, Mark. It's the fourth book in my June pile so should get to it next week sometime.
82Familyhistorian
>81 DeltaQueen50: Isn't it a beautiful day, Judy. I enjoyed the great outdoors today by doing the Coquitlam Crunch - about the same length as the Grosse Grind but lots easier. Good thing that we did it in the morning as it would have been too hot this afternoon.
83Roro8
Judy I don't know how you are going to fill the bingo square requiring you to read something out of your comfort zone, you seem to read a bit of everything.
84DeltaQueen50
Happy Sunday, everybody. My husband is experimenting with his new fatless cooking machine and so I had breakfast cooked for me this morning. He did sausage patties, eggs and toast for me. He added fried potatoes to his and everything turned out really good.
My only plans for today are to start a mystery/thriller by a new-to-me author, Five by Ursula Archer. This has been translated from German, set in Austria, and has been getting some great reviews.
>82 Familyhistorian: Yesterday was a perfect day weather-wise, Meg, and I applaud you for getting out there and exercising! I stuck with my tread-mill and mostly lounging outside with a book.
>83 Roro8: That has become my hardest square to fill, Ro. If I was perfectly honest I would read a volume of poetry or something by Shakespeare but for now I am thinking of reading a book about the sex trade which will definitely not be a comfortable read.
My only plans for today are to start a mystery/thriller by a new-to-me author, Five by Ursula Archer. This has been translated from German, set in Austria, and has been getting some great reviews.
>82 Familyhistorian: Yesterday was a perfect day weather-wise, Meg, and I applaud you for getting out there and exercising! I stuck with my tread-mill and mostly lounging outside with a book.
>83 Roro8: That has become my hardest square to fill, Ro. If I was perfectly honest I would read a volume of poetry or something by Shakespeare but for now I am thinking of reading a book about the sex trade which will definitely not be a comfortable read.
85DeltaQueen50
85. Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery - 3.4 ★
Category: Dust Collectors
BingoDog: A Book That Reminds Me Of My Childhood
June TIOLI #6: A Summer-y Cover
Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery is about children. The main characters are the six children of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe and their good friends and neighbours the four Meredith children. Mr. Meredith is the local vicar and a widower, and while he is busy tending to his parish and working on sermons, his children have only a very elderly aunt to watch over them and so tend to get into scrapes and difficulties that manage to shock the community. But these are good-hearted children who eventually help keep a girl from being sent to the orphanage and find her a good home. They also put their heads together and help their father find a new wife and helpmate who will also be a friendly guide and companion to the children.
Although this story is very light and the author tends to rely on clichéd phrases, I did enjoy reading of the values and mores of the early 20th Century. So much importance was placed on appearances and what the community would think, that I was quite happy when Faith and Walter shocked everyone by riding a couple of pigs through town. When the children gathered in Rainbow Valley, it reminded me of my own special places that I went to play when I was young.
Rainbow Valley never reaches the perfection of the first three Anne books, but it is a cheerful, sunny story with a few clouds lurking on the horizon. I have very little doubt that these clouds will someday become World War I and that there could be heartbreak and suffering ahead for this family.
Category: Dust Collectors
BingoDog: A Book That Reminds Me Of My Childhood
June TIOLI #6: A Summer-y Cover
Rainbow Valley by L. M. Montgomery is about children. The main characters are the six children of Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe and their good friends and neighbours the four Meredith children. Mr. Meredith is the local vicar and a widower, and while he is busy tending to his parish and working on sermons, his children have only a very elderly aunt to watch over them and so tend to get into scrapes and difficulties that manage to shock the community. But these are good-hearted children who eventually help keep a girl from being sent to the orphanage and find her a good home. They also put their heads together and help their father find a new wife and helpmate who will also be a friendly guide and companion to the children.
Although this story is very light and the author tends to rely on clichéd phrases, I did enjoy reading of the values and mores of the early 20th Century. So much importance was placed on appearances and what the community would think, that I was quite happy when Faith and Walter shocked everyone by riding a couple of pigs through town. When the children gathered in Rainbow Valley, it reminded me of my own special places that I went to play when I was young.
Rainbow Valley never reaches the perfection of the first three Anne books, but it is a cheerful, sunny story with a few clouds lurking on the horizon. I have very little doubt that these clouds will someday become World War I and that there could be heartbreak and suffering ahead for this family.
86leslie.98
>85 DeltaQueen50: I agree that the first 3 books are the best. But Montgomery is always good for a fun relaxing read!
Your Sunday breakfast sounds great! It was a cold and rainy day here so a big breakfast (cooked by someone else) would have been nice *grin*
Your Sunday breakfast sounds great! It was a cold and rainy day here so a big breakfast (cooked by someone else) would have been nice *grin*
87DeltaQueen50
>86 leslie.98: Hi Leslie, my plans are to slowly work my way through L.M. Montgomery's catalogue and I have one more from the "Anne" series and then will start on some of her lesser known books, many of which I did read as a child.
I am not very good first thing in the morning so a big breakfast is out of the question if left up to me. My hubby usually puts something together on Sunday mornings, and he makes delicious pancakes. He's thinking of retiring soon and is looking for things to do to keep him busy, so he may be taking over some of the cooking which is fine by me.
I am not very good first thing in the morning so a big breakfast is out of the question if left up to me. My hubby usually puts something together on Sunday mornings, and he makes delicious pancakes. He's thinking of retiring soon and is looking for things to do to keep him busy, so he may be taking over some of the cooking which is fine by me.
88DeltaQueen50
86. Murder On The Orient Express by Agatha Christie - 4.2 ★
Category: Edgar Allan Poe's Quill Pen
June TIOLI #8: A Word That Could Be A Lotus Model Is In The Title (2 Syllables, starts with an 'E')
I first read Murder On The Orient Express over thirty years ago, but this is one of few Agatha Christie stories that I actually remembered the solution of. Therefore, it was interesting for me to read this book again and pick up some of the clues that were sprinkled throughout. I found this to be a fun read that certainly made clear exactly how much of a master of detection Hercule Poirot was.
It is very hard to describe this story in any way without dropping some spoilers so I will simply say that Agatha Christie outdid herself with this one. I can imagine her chortling away as she was writing it, and even today, some eighty years after original publication, it is still a masterful puzzler. There are better writers and there are more exciting plots but with a trainload of fascinating characters trapped in an isolated setting, Agatha Christie delivers a subtle enigma enhanced with clever and witty dialogue, and shows how she became known as the Queen of the Golden Age Mysteries.
Category: Edgar Allan Poe's Quill Pen
June TIOLI #8: A Word That Could Be A Lotus Model Is In The Title (2 Syllables, starts with an 'E')
I first read Murder On The Orient Express over thirty years ago, but this is one of few Agatha Christie stories that I actually remembered the solution of. Therefore, it was interesting for me to read this book again and pick up some of the clues that were sprinkled throughout. I found this to be a fun read that certainly made clear exactly how much of a master of detection Hercule Poirot was.
It is very hard to describe this story in any way without dropping some spoilers so I will simply say that Agatha Christie outdid herself with this one. I can imagine her chortling away as she was writing it, and even today, some eighty years after original publication, it is still a masterful puzzler. There are better writers and there are more exciting plots but with a trainload of fascinating characters trapped in an isolated setting, Agatha Christie delivers a subtle enigma enhanced with clever and witty dialogue, and shows how she became known as the Queen of the Golden Age Mysteries.
89Storeetllr
Best thing about living with my sister (besides sharing the costs) is that she loves to cook, and I do not.
I'm not a breakfast person either, being happy with a glass of lemon water, a couple lattes, some fruit and maybe yogurt or kefir. When my sis makes something for breakfast, though, I usually have some.
I'm not a breakfast person either, being happy with a glass of lemon water, a couple lattes, some fruit and maybe yogurt or kefir. When my sis makes something for breakfast, though, I usually have some.
90mstrust
>88 DeltaQueen50: That's a great one, one of her best!
>87 DeltaQueen50: When my dad retired, he suddenly started doing dishes and sweeping!
>87 DeltaQueen50: When my dad retired, he suddenly started doing dishes and sweeping!
91susiesharp
That is one of my favorite Christie books!
92jnwelch
>88 DeltaQueen50: A classic. One of my favorites of hers, too.
93DeltaQueen50
>89 Storeetllr: I used to love cooking and baking, but not so much anymore. I don't seem to have the enthusiasm or energy that I used to have, and we are finding that we enjoy fairly simple meals without the extra ingredients. I pretty much eat the same breakfast everyday and I am quite happy with my toast and coffee, whereas my husband loves variety in his breakfast.
>90 mstrust: I would rank Murder on the Orient Express as one of her best as well. It would be great if hubby decided to take up house cleaning as his retirement activity!
>91 susiesharp: Hi Susie, I think I enjoyed MOTOE more at this age than I did when I read it in my twenties. I think I appreciate the twist a little more and the intricate plotting that it involved.
>92 jnwelch: Hi Joe, I am enjoying working my way through Agatha Christie's mysteries, even though I have read many of them, enough time has gone by that most of them seem new to me.
>90 mstrust: I would rank Murder on the Orient Express as one of her best as well. It would be great if hubby decided to take up house cleaning as his retirement activity!
>91 susiesharp: Hi Susie, I think I enjoyed MOTOE more at this age than I did when I read it in my twenties. I think I appreciate the twist a little more and the intricate plotting that it involved.
>92 jnwelch: Hi Joe, I am enjoying working my way through Agatha Christie's mysteries, even though I have read many of them, enough time has gone by that most of them seem new to me.
94BLBera
Hi Judy - I've only read the first three Anne books -- I guess I should keep going with the Montgomery catalog. These will be future Scout books -- my daughter loved the Anne books that she read.
95-Eva-
Well, as usual, I'm terribly behind on your threads. :)
Taking a BB for The Sea of Trolls - I'm always interested in when people have a new take on Scandinavian mythology. ETA: Looks like Gerard Doyle is reading the audio-version, so putting that one on the wishlist!
Taking a BB for The Sea of Trolls - I'm always interested in when people have a new take on Scandinavian mythology. ETA: Looks like Gerard Doyle is reading the audio-version, so putting that one on the wishlist!
96DeltaQueen50
>94 BLBera: I love the Anne books as well, Beth, but I am finding the later ones not as pleasurable as the first three. L.M. Montgomery pours a lot of moralizing and "life lessons" into her work and it really slows down the story. I am looking forward to trying some of her other works like The Story Girl and Emily of New Moon both of which I remember loving as a child.
>94 BLBera: I really thought Sea of Trolls was well done, Eva, and I hope you enjoy it. I am getting to experience it all over again as my Granddaughter and I are reading it together when she comes to visit. I am also looking forward to continuing the adventure with the other two books in the trilogy.
>94 BLBera: I really thought Sea of Trolls was well done, Eva, and I hope you enjoy it. I am getting to experience it all over again as my Granddaughter and I are reading it together when she comes to visit. I am also looking forward to continuing the adventure with the other two books in the trilogy.
97DeltaQueen50
87. Five by Ursula Archer - 4.2 ★
Category: Grade 5
June TIOLI #5: Previously Set Aside As It Didn't Fit TIOLI
Five by Ursula Archer is a riveting police procedural set in Austria and translated from it’s original German. This is the author’s first adult mystery and she has gotten off to an electrifying start. A serial killer is playing a cat-and-mouse game with the police, leaving clues to co-ordinates that must be worked out and transferred into a GPS in order to find the cache. Each cache reveals a grisly memento from one of the killer’s victims and notes to lead the police on another chase to find the next GPS co-ordinate. Tension mounts as the killer gets more and more brazen and eventually contacts one of the detectives directly.
I believe this is the start of a new series. I found the lead character, D.I. Beatrice Kaspary an appealing and interesting character. She is a newly single mother with two children, has issues with her ex, and finds juggling the job and her home life difficult. There is also a violent and life-changing incident in her past that continues to haunt her. Her partner, Florin Wenninger is someone I would like to know more about and their relationship is one I would like to see explored in more depth. There were other secondary characters that seem promising, but have not been thoroughly developed yet.
I found Five to be suspenseful, dark and gripping. The hunt aspect totally hooked me and drew me into this story, and I would like to read more and see if the author can continue to engage me.
Category: Grade 5
June TIOLI #5: Previously Set Aside As It Didn't Fit TIOLI
Five by Ursula Archer is a riveting police procedural set in Austria and translated from it’s original German. This is the author’s first adult mystery and she has gotten off to an electrifying start. A serial killer is playing a cat-and-mouse game with the police, leaving clues to co-ordinates that must be worked out and transferred into a GPS in order to find the cache. Each cache reveals a grisly memento from one of the killer’s victims and notes to lead the police on another chase to find the next GPS co-ordinate. Tension mounts as the killer gets more and more brazen and eventually contacts one of the detectives directly.
I believe this is the start of a new series. I found the lead character, D.I. Beatrice Kaspary an appealing and interesting character. She is a newly single mother with two children, has issues with her ex, and finds juggling the job and her home life difficult. There is also a violent and life-changing incident in her past that continues to haunt her. Her partner, Florin Wenninger is someone I would like to know more about and their relationship is one I would like to see explored in more depth. There were other secondary characters that seem promising, but have not been thoroughly developed yet.
I found Five to be suspenseful, dark and gripping. The hunt aspect totally hooked me and drew me into this story, and I would like to read more and see if the author can continue to engage me.
99msf59
Hi, Judy! Good review of "Five", (I couldn't find the right touchstone). Sounds like a good one.
100Chrischi_HH
>97 DeltaQueen50: I put that directly on my wishlist. There is already a second book published, at least in German. It's called "Blinde Vögel".
101DeltaQueen50
>98 BLBera: Hi Beth, Five was a very good first book and I am hoping she is able to keep up the suspense and thrills in the next one as well.
>99 msf59: I've been having to force the touchstone for Five, also the author's last name is listed as 'Archer' here in North America but as 'Poznanski' in the European version.
>100 Chrischi_HH: Great news! I will have to keep my eyes looking for an English translation.
>99 msf59: I've been having to force the touchstone for Five, also the author's last name is listed as 'Archer' here in North America but as 'Poznanski' in the European version.
>100 Chrischi_HH: Great news! I will have to keep my eyes looking for an English translation.
102DeltaQueen50
I spent most of yesterday and last night glued to the third book in the Patrick Ness trilogy, Monsters of Men and was able to finish it off late last night. Chaos Walking is an excellent trilogy and I liked the way the author concluded it.
Of course the downside of all that late night reading is that I am feeling wiped out today and will probably not get much done.
Of course the downside of all that late night reading is that I am feeling wiped out today and will probably not get much done.
103DeltaQueen50
88. Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness - 4.2 ★
Category: Falling Off The Map
June TIOLI #2: A Word In The Title Means "Male"
Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness closes out his Chaos Walking trilogy with a bang. This was a roller coaster of a book taking the reader through valleys of despair and up to the heights of elation. I was emotionally drained when I finally closed the book as I read this almost in one sitting as I had to know how it was going to end.
First off I must say that I am very happy that I read all three of the books in the trilogy closely together. This is truly one story and each book carries on from exactly where the last book ended. Patrick Ness is an excellent writer and he pulls no punches when it comes to the brutality of war. In Monsters of Men there are varying degrees of battle going on between the human factions, but the main war is that between mankind and the native species of the planet. Over and above the war there is manipulation, lies, violence, fear and control. Todd and Viola mature a lot in this book, but I have to say Viola really came into her own, showing how strong and determined she can be. The love these two have for each other was a driving force in all three books and was one of the many ways that the author showed how love can triumph over war.
Patrick Ness demonstrates his writing skill by unfolding the story through three separate points of view and this was a wonderful way of showing how one’s viewpoint can be influenced and changed by an ardent narrator. Monsters of Men was a wonderful finish to this trilogy and one that I believe I will long remember.
Category: Falling Off The Map
June TIOLI #2: A Word In The Title Means "Male"
Monsters of Men by Patrick Ness closes out his Chaos Walking trilogy with a bang. This was a roller coaster of a book taking the reader through valleys of despair and up to the heights of elation. I was emotionally drained when I finally closed the book as I read this almost in one sitting as I had to know how it was going to end.
First off I must say that I am very happy that I read all three of the books in the trilogy closely together. This is truly one story and each book carries on from exactly where the last book ended. Patrick Ness is an excellent writer and he pulls no punches when it comes to the brutality of war. In Monsters of Men there are varying degrees of battle going on between the human factions, but the main war is that between mankind and the native species of the planet. Over and above the war there is manipulation, lies, violence, fear and control. Todd and Viola mature a lot in this book, but I have to say Viola really came into her own, showing how strong and determined she can be. The love these two have for each other was a driving force in all three books and was one of the many ways that the author showed how love can triumph over war.
Patrick Ness demonstrates his writing skill by unfolding the story through three separate points of view and this was a wonderful way of showing how one’s viewpoint can be influenced and changed by an ardent narrator. Monsters of Men was a wonderful finish to this trilogy and one that I believe I will long remember.
104andreablythe
YESSSS. Reading your review, I the feels come rushing back me all over again. Chaos Walking is an amazing trilogy.
105VivienneR
Book bullets are flying as usual when I read your thread. The Ursula Archer sounds like one for the wishlist.
106ronincats
>103 DeltaQueen50: Judy, I have the first of the series in my tbr pile--you are moving it up!
And you mentioned in another thread that it hadn't been the greatest of days, so here are some hugs...
{{{{{{{Judy}}}}}}
And you mentioned in another thread that it hadn't been the greatest of days, so here are some hugs...
{{{{{{{Judy}}}}}}
107DeltaQueen50
>104 andreablythe: Hi Andrea, I am now going to miss Todd, Viola and the rest of the characters from the Chaos Walking Trilogy!
>105 VivienneR: It seems the book bullets are flying all around LT these days, I've taken a number hits in my travels around the site. :)
>106 ronincats: Thanks for the hugs, Roni, I needed them. I would suggest that you be ready with all the books in the Chaos Walking trilogy close at hand as this is one that really needs to be read close together.
>105 VivienneR: It seems the book bullets are flying all around LT these days, I've taken a number hits in my travels around the site. :)
>106 ronincats: Thanks for the hugs, Roni, I needed them. I would suggest that you be ready with all the books in the Chaos Walking trilogy close at hand as this is one that really needs to be read close together.
108DeltaQueen50
89. The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge - 4.1 ★
Category: Overflow
June British Author Challenge
The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge peels back the covers and takes an in-depth look at the lives of two very different women who happen to share lodgings and work together at a wine bottling factory in London during the 1970s. I can’t say that I liked or identified with either woman as Brenda was very shy, afraid to speak up for herself and constantly casts herself in the victim role, she also has trouble both telling and facing up to the plain truth. Loud and brassy Freda, on the other hand, is bossy, lives on the dreams in her head, bullies Brenda and likes to be in control at all times. As the story opens Freda has planned an outing for all the employees at the factory. Brenda is dreading the outing hoping she can avoid the lecherous advances of Rossi, the manager, while Freda, sees this as an opportunity to further her plans to snare the bosses’ nephew, Vittorio. Things take a dark twist on the outing which to my mind changed the book from a farcical romp to more of a black comedy. I should probably point out here that many people fail to see the funny side of this book, so perhaps it only appeals to those of us who like to snicker at inappropriate times.
What a strange book. Highly readable, both funny and painful in equal measure. The author exhibits an acidic tongue as she describes the dynamics of the love/hate relationship that these two women share. From broken toilets to a tea leaf reading, seductions in the cellar and a trip to Winsor Castle, it was amazing how much story the author was able to pack into a book of less than 200 pages. The Bottle Factory Outing was a read that I really enjoyed, it’s grim, gritty and yes, made me giggle a time or two as well.
Category: Overflow
June British Author Challenge
The Bottle Factory Outing by Beryl Bainbridge peels back the covers and takes an in-depth look at the lives of two very different women who happen to share lodgings and work together at a wine bottling factory in London during the 1970s. I can’t say that I liked or identified with either woman as Brenda was very shy, afraid to speak up for herself and constantly casts herself in the victim role, she also has trouble both telling and facing up to the plain truth. Loud and brassy Freda, on the other hand, is bossy, lives on the dreams in her head, bullies Brenda and likes to be in control at all times. As the story opens Freda has planned an outing for all the employees at the factory. Brenda is dreading the outing hoping she can avoid the lecherous advances of Rossi, the manager, while Freda, sees this as an opportunity to further her plans to snare the bosses’ nephew, Vittorio. Things take a dark twist on the outing which to my mind changed the book from a farcical romp to more of a black comedy. I should probably point out here that many people fail to see the funny side of this book, so perhaps it only appeals to those of us who like to snicker at inappropriate times.
What a strange book. Highly readable, both funny and painful in equal measure. The author exhibits an acidic tongue as she describes the dynamics of the love/hate relationship that these two women share. From broken toilets to a tea leaf reading, seductions in the cellar and a trip to Winsor Castle, it was amazing how much story the author was able to pack into a book of less than 200 pages. The Bottle Factory Outing was a read that I really enjoyed, it’s grim, gritty and yes, made me giggle a time or two as well.
109-Eva-
>103 DeltaQueen50:
I went to put that on my wishlist, but I realized it's already on it under your name... :) Never have to worry about running out of wishlist items as long as you're around!
I went to put that on my wishlist, but I realized it's already on it under your name... :) Never have to worry about running out of wishlist items as long as you're around!
110Storeetllr
Yikes! Just peeked in to say hi and had to quickly duck to (try to) avoid the BBs flying everywhere! Wasn't quite fast enough tho. Oh well. What's another series or two?
Have a lovely weekend!
Have a lovely weekend!
111DeltaQueen50
Another beautiful Saturday here on the West Coast. I've done my chores and after some LT time, I will be heading outside with my books and a glass of iced tea.
>109 -Eva-: Hope you enjoy the series when you get to it, Eva. :)
>110 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! My weekend is going well, we have nothing planned so lots of quiet time for readin' and relaxin'. Hope your weekend is a good one as well.
>109 -Eva-: Hope you enjoy the series when you get to it, Eva. :)
>110 Storeetllr: Hi Mary! My weekend is going well, we have nothing planned so lots of quiet time for readin' and relaxin'. Hope your weekend is a good one as well.
112Chrischi_HH
I was also hit by the Chaos Walking trilogy BB, sounds so great!
113tymfos
Judy, you're doing some great and varied reading!
>50 DeltaQueen50: >77 DeltaQueen50: I really need to give my desk area a good cleaning too -- as well as the rest of my house. I had a short burst of spring cleaning energy during the first warm spell but it seems to have fizzled out.
>50 DeltaQueen50: >77 DeltaQueen50: I really need to give my desk area a good cleaning too -- as well as the rest of my house. I had a short burst of spring cleaning energy during the first warm spell but it seems to have fizzled out.
114rosalita
>103 DeltaQueen50: Marvelous assessment of the Chaos Walking trilogy, Judy! I loved loved loved that series when I read it. At the time, I had read the Hunger Games books not too much earlier and I thought these were so much more complex and nuanced that it was a shame they didn't get the same amount of attention.
115DeltaQueen50
>112 Chrischi_HH: I am glad that you and many others are expressing an interest in the Chaos Walking Trilogy, it really is a great read and I hope you enjoy it.
>113 tymfos: Terri, I am slowly working on the cleaning. My husband and I are doing one room at a time as we really need to sort through a lot of things and start getting ready to downsize. We have accumulated so much stuff - most of it not needed or used.
>114 rosalita: Hi Julia, I don't know why Chaos Walking doesn't get the attention that I think it deserves. It would make a fabulous movie(s) and with both male and female main characters - there's someone for everyone to identify with!
>113 tymfos: Terri, I am slowly working on the cleaning. My husband and I are doing one room at a time as we really need to sort through a lot of things and start getting ready to downsize. We have accumulated so much stuff - most of it not needed or used.
>114 rosalita: Hi Julia, I don't know why Chaos Walking doesn't get the attention that I think it deserves. It would make a fabulous movie(s) and with both male and female main characters - there's someone for everyone to identify with!
116DeltaQueen50
90. My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf - 4.2 ★
Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen - 4.1 ★
The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March To War by Robert Kirkland - 3.6 ★
Category: Woven Ribbons
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
Author Derf Backderf tells an eerily nostalgic story about the future serial killer with whom he shared a friendship during his high school years. It seems clear that he and his friends all knew that Dahmer was strange and probably headed for trouble, but this was the 1970’s and one just didn’t nark on a friend. I use the term friend loosely as during the reading of this book, it seems clear that Dahmer was less of a friend and more of a amusement to Derf and his real friends.
Looking at Jeffrey Dahmer as a disturbed teen made for a dark and heavy story. As he wondered around in an alcoholic fog, acting strangely, exhibiting some very odd behaviour one was left wondering how this boy seemed to fly under the radar. Apparently his parents and his teachers were too wrapped up in their own problems to notice his disintegrating behaviour.
My Friend Dahmer is an original and creative way to tell this story but I couldn‘t erase the feeling that the author was trying to ease a little of the guilt he felt at how he had treated Dahmer back in high school. What this book does make one wonder is what if someone had noticed this boy’s alienation and had got him the help that he so desperately needed. Would things have turned out differently? I found this a very sad and emotional story about a boy going through the process of becoming a monster.
Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen
Living just north of Seattle the Green River Killer was a news story that I remember following for decades. Author Jeff Jensen and artist Jonathan Case have created an homage to Detective Tom Jensen (the author's father), who worked this case for twenty years, and finally got his chance to ask the murderer why.
This is an riveting graphic novel whose main focus is on the 188 days that the detectives got to question Gary Leon Ridgeway. The controversial plea deal was worked out mainly so that they would be able to recover more of the missing remains and gain closure on the cases of the 48 women that the Green River Murderer was eventually charged with. My only quibble with the book is that the timeline was sometimes confusing as the story jumped back and forth between the years and I became unclear as to what year the story was portraying at that point.
It was not the goal of the author to write a full detailed account of these murders, but rather to honor his father whose work and dedication went a long way towards solving this case. The Green River Killer told me all I care to know and overall was a excellent visual story.
The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March to War by Robert Kirkland
Picking up this series again is a little like greeting an old friend, but an older, tired friend that has run out of steam and is just going through the motions. Over the course of many books the actual walking dead have become background as the survival aspect now seems to rely upon the extreme violence inflicted by living people on other living people. They have killed off many of my favorite characters and the heart just seems to be gone from this story. But, I am not yet ready to drop the series and so I have quickly ordered a few more to see if I can recapture some of the excitement I used to feel over this series.
In this issue, war is being planned. And Rick is making alliances with two other groups with the object of taking out Negan’s group but before they are ready Negan comes visiting and Rick sees a chance to get rid of him and jumps the gun. This action has dramatic consequences, with the most serious being that now Negan and his people are forewarned that an attack is coming.
Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen - 4.1 ★
The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March To War by Robert Kirkland - 3.6 ★
Category: Woven Ribbons
My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf
Author Derf Backderf tells an eerily nostalgic story about the future serial killer with whom he shared a friendship during his high school years. It seems clear that he and his friends all knew that Dahmer was strange and probably headed for trouble, but this was the 1970’s and one just didn’t nark on a friend. I use the term friend loosely as during the reading of this book, it seems clear that Dahmer was less of a friend and more of a amusement to Derf and his real friends.
Looking at Jeffrey Dahmer as a disturbed teen made for a dark and heavy story. As he wondered around in an alcoholic fog, acting strangely, exhibiting some very odd behaviour one was left wondering how this boy seemed to fly under the radar. Apparently his parents and his teachers were too wrapped up in their own problems to notice his disintegrating behaviour.
My Friend Dahmer is an original and creative way to tell this story but I couldn‘t erase the feeling that the author was trying to ease a little of the guilt he felt at how he had treated Dahmer back in high school. What this book does make one wonder is what if someone had noticed this boy’s alienation and had got him the help that he so desperately needed. Would things have turned out differently? I found this a very sad and emotional story about a boy going through the process of becoming a monster.
Green River Killer by Jeff Jensen
Living just north of Seattle the Green River Killer was a news story that I remember following for decades. Author Jeff Jensen and artist Jonathan Case have created an homage to Detective Tom Jensen (the author's father), who worked this case for twenty years, and finally got his chance to ask the murderer why.
This is an riveting graphic novel whose main focus is on the 188 days that the detectives got to question Gary Leon Ridgeway. The controversial plea deal was worked out mainly so that they would be able to recover more of the missing remains and gain closure on the cases of the 48 women that the Green River Murderer was eventually charged with. My only quibble with the book is that the timeline was sometimes confusing as the story jumped back and forth between the years and I became unclear as to what year the story was portraying at that point.
It was not the goal of the author to write a full detailed account of these murders, but rather to honor his father whose work and dedication went a long way towards solving this case. The Green River Killer told me all I care to know and overall was a excellent visual story.
The Walking Dead, Vol. 19: March to War by Robert Kirkland
Picking up this series again is a little like greeting an old friend, but an older, tired friend that has run out of steam and is just going through the motions. Over the course of many books the actual walking dead have become background as the survival aspect now seems to rely upon the extreme violence inflicted by living people on other living people. They have killed off many of my favorite characters and the heart just seems to be gone from this story. But, I am not yet ready to drop the series and so I have quickly ordered a few more to see if I can recapture some of the excitement I used to feel over this series.
In this issue, war is being planned. And Rick is making alliances with two other groups with the object of taking out Negan’s group but before they are ready Negan comes visiting and Rick sees a chance to get rid of him and jumps the gun. This action has dramatic consequences, with the most serious being that now Negan and his people are forewarned that an attack is coming.
117msf59
You have been a reading machine, Judy! I love it and I love the GN attention. I was a big fan of both My Friend Dahmer & Green River Killer. Both were very disturbing.
118Matke
>108 DeltaQueen50: Smashed by a BB. I thumbed this one!
119RidgewayGirl
Green River Killer looks really interesting. I can't tell you how much I dislike that the murderer's last name was Ridgeway.
120mstrust
There seems to be a run on people connected with murderers who also write GNs. I'll be looking for My Friend Dahmer and Green River Killer.
121jnwelch
>116 DeltaQueen50: That unfortunately expresses my feelings about the latter volumes of The Walking Dead.
122DeltaQueen50
Another sunny, warm day here - we are being spoiled with great weather! My granddaughter comes for dinner tonight and we will be reading more of The Knife of Never Letting Go together, although she has confessed to me that she has read some on her own so is ahead of where we left off. (This actually pleases me as this is a repeat read for me and it also shows that she is enjoying the story.)
>117 msf59: I have been having a very lazy month, Mark, doing lots of reading and the books seem to be flying off my shelf! I think both authors did an amazing job with their serial killer graphic novels. My Friend Dahmer was quite poignant and gave Dahmer some humanity. i've always wanted to know more about the Green River Killer but didn't want the horror of immersing myself in a detailed book, this gave me just the right amount of information.
>118 Matke: Beryl Bainbrige is a new author to me and I was floored by her creativity and slightly off-kilter viewpoint. I hope you enjoy The Bottle Factory Outing as much as I did.
>119 RidgewayGirl: I can understand the discomfort of sharing a name with the Green River Killer! The book is interesting and the reader gets the information without having to face too much of the horror.
>120 mstrust: Yes, it seems to be my month for serial killers. Both this books are disturbing and emotional reads, but do offer up some interesting viewpoints.
>121 jnwelch: I am too much of a completist to totally drop this series, Joe, but I am hoping that the author soon gives his readers an actual ending. It would be sad if it just fizzled out, after being such a success.
>117 msf59: I have been having a very lazy month, Mark, doing lots of reading and the books seem to be flying off my shelf! I think both authors did an amazing job with their serial killer graphic novels. My Friend Dahmer was quite poignant and gave Dahmer some humanity. i've always wanted to know more about the Green River Killer but didn't want the horror of immersing myself in a detailed book, this gave me just the right amount of information.
>118 Matke: Beryl Bainbrige is a new author to me and I was floored by her creativity and slightly off-kilter viewpoint. I hope you enjoy The Bottle Factory Outing as much as I did.
>119 RidgewayGirl: I can understand the discomfort of sharing a name with the Green River Killer! The book is interesting and the reader gets the information without having to face too much of the horror.
>120 mstrust: Yes, it seems to be my month for serial killers. Both this books are disturbing and emotional reads, but do offer up some interesting viewpoints.
>121 jnwelch: I am too much of a completist to totally drop this series, Joe, but I am hoping that the author soon gives his readers an actual ending. It would be sad if it just fizzled out, after being such a success.
123DeltaQueen50
91. A Walk Across The Sun by Corban Addison - 4.1 ★
Category: Around the World - India
Bingodog: A Book With A Natural Disaster
June TIOLI #3: Set In A Country South of Where You Are
Opening with the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in 2004, A Walk Across The Sun by Corban Addison is about two Indian sisters who survive the waters only to discover the rest of their family did not. At age 17 and 15, they decide to go to their school and put themselves under the care of the nun’s that teach them. Unfortunately before they can get there, they fall into the hands of human traffickers and find themselves being sold into prostitution. The other main character in this book is American attorney Thomas Clarke, who is going through his own personal tragedy and decides to step away from his life in Washington D.C. and to work pro bono in India for an agency that tries to rescue under-age prostitutes from the horrors of the life they have been forced into.
The book explores the horrors of the sex trade business and the corruption that feeds it. There are a few indications that this is a first time novel. I felt the author identified strongly with Thomas and spend a little too much time on his story with his estranged wife at the expense of other plotlines. I would have like to have read more about the rescue agencies and how they traced and tracked both the victims and the perpetrators. Although the writing in places was rather clichéd, the story moved along at a good pace and this reader was quickly absorbed into the characters lives. I felt the author made a wise and conscious decision to veer away from graphic descriptions, preferring to concentrate on the victim’s feeling of outrage, shame and fear. This is an overwhelmingly difficult subject to write about with tact and taste, but I felt the author managed this quite well.
In the afterword the author expresses his hope that A Walk In the Sun will help raise the public awareness of human trafficking and the enslavement of women. This isn’t just something that is only happening in underdeveloped countries, but is a worldwide concern. This author seems to chose very interesting subject material to write about and I would certainly like to read more of his stories. I look forward to seeing how his craft develops.
Category: Around the World - India
Bingodog: A Book With A Natural Disaster
June TIOLI #3: Set In A Country South of Where You Are
Opening with the tsunami that struck Southeast Asia in 2004, A Walk Across The Sun by Corban Addison is about two Indian sisters who survive the waters only to discover the rest of their family did not. At age 17 and 15, they decide to go to their school and put themselves under the care of the nun’s that teach them. Unfortunately before they can get there, they fall into the hands of human traffickers and find themselves being sold into prostitution. The other main character in this book is American attorney Thomas Clarke, who is going through his own personal tragedy and decides to step away from his life in Washington D.C. and to work pro bono in India for an agency that tries to rescue under-age prostitutes from the horrors of the life they have been forced into.
The book explores the horrors of the sex trade business and the corruption that feeds it. There are a few indications that this is a first time novel. I felt the author identified strongly with Thomas and spend a little too much time on his story with his estranged wife at the expense of other plotlines. I would have like to have read more about the rescue agencies and how they traced and tracked both the victims and the perpetrators. Although the writing in places was rather clichéd, the story moved along at a good pace and this reader was quickly absorbed into the characters lives. I felt the author made a wise and conscious decision to veer away from graphic descriptions, preferring to concentrate on the victim’s feeling of outrage, shame and fear. This is an overwhelmingly difficult subject to write about with tact and taste, but I felt the author managed this quite well.
In the afterword the author expresses his hope that A Walk In the Sun will help raise the public awareness of human trafficking and the enslavement of women. This isn’t just something that is only happening in underdeveloped countries, but is a worldwide concern. This author seems to chose very interesting subject material to write about and I would certainly like to read more of his stories. I look forward to seeing how his craft develops.
124DeltaQueen50
I am down to one square left on my Bingo Card and this one, "Completely Outside Your Comfort Zone", is the hardest one for me to fill. Originally I was going to read a book about the sex trade, but considering that I just read and enjoyed a book that dealt with that very subject, I have decided to go in a different direction. I know very little about poetry and don't often read it so I have decided to go with a book of poetry for that last square. I then had to decide on the book, and remembering some poems that were posted by and on Joe's (jnwelch) thread a while ago, I have placed an order for The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins.
125RidgewayGirl
Billy Collins is the perfect poet if you're not usually a poetry reader. I love his poems.
126DeltaQueen50
>125 RidgewayGirl: Good to know, Kay. I did really like the pieces that were posted on Joe's thread.
127BLBera
Hi Judy - You have been a reading machine. The Trouble with Poetry is a great book. I love Collins. I also added A Walk Across the Sun to my wishlist; I've seen it around but hadn't heard much about it. Nice review.
128DeltaQueen50
I picked up my poetry book at the library this morning and have started it. I want to try to savor the poems and will read just two or three a day. It's a fairly short volume and I don't want to just gobble it and forget it.
>127 BLBera: Hi Beth, I am finding Billy Collins very readable with a sense of playfulness that I am enjoying.
>127 BLBera: Hi Beth, I am finding Billy Collins very readable with a sense of playfulness that I am enjoying.
129DeltaQueen50
92. Weddings In Burracombe by Lilian Harry - 3.9 ★
Category: Camille's Choice
June TIOLI #1: Double Letters in First Word of Title and In Author's Last Name
Weddings in Burracombe by Lilian Harry is the 8th book in this series set in a small British village in rural Devon in the early 1950’s. There isn’t too much to say about these books that I haven’t already said in previous reviews. I turn to these books when I am in the need of a quiet, joyful read and although everything in them isn’t all light and happy, there is always the knowledge that things will work out eventually. This book was no exception with three weddings for the village to celebrate, but also a case of thievery at the local school, a son who stayed on in the army only to return home now, with a German wife, expecting the family to agree to all the changes he wants to make, and unhappiness for Hilary Napier whose love affair has taken a very bad turn.
There is at least one more book in the series and I have high hopes that all the problems will be wrapped up and there will be happy endings for all. Burracombe is a special place and I enjoy my time spent there.
Category: Camille's Choice
June TIOLI #1: Double Letters in First Word of Title and In Author's Last Name
Weddings in Burracombe by Lilian Harry is the 8th book in this series set in a small British village in rural Devon in the early 1950’s. There isn’t too much to say about these books that I haven’t already said in previous reviews. I turn to these books when I am in the need of a quiet, joyful read and although everything in them isn’t all light and happy, there is always the knowledge that things will work out eventually. This book was no exception with three weddings for the village to celebrate, but also a case of thievery at the local school, a son who stayed on in the army only to return home now, with a German wife, expecting the family to agree to all the changes he wants to make, and unhappiness for Hilary Napier whose love affair has taken a very bad turn.
There is at least one more book in the series and I have high hopes that all the problems will be wrapped up and there will be happy endings for all. Burracombe is a special place and I enjoy my time spent there.
130ronincats
Such interesting reading here, Judy! Glad you are having such good reading weather there.
131DeltaQueen50
>130 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. June looks to be a very productive month for me reading-wise. :)
132tymfos
Hi, Judy! My Friend Dahmer sounds interesting in an odd sort of way. Good review!
133mathgirl40
A Walk Across the Sun sounds like a good read. I'll have to remember this one.
I'm impressed that you're almost finished with your Bingo card!
I'm impressed that you're almost finished with your Bingo card!
134DeltaQueen50
>132 tymfos: Terri, I think the author did a very good job of showing Dahmer as a teen and although the killing hadn't started yet, this was a very distrubed young man that slipped thorough the cracks. Of course, hindsight is 20/20 and knowing what we know now about this guy, the clues were easy to spot. I also though Derf described the vibe of the 1970's very well.
>133 mathgirl40: Hi Paulina, there were some flaws in the book, but I thought the story that A Walk Across the Sun told was very good and one that needs some attention.
>133 mathgirl40: Hi Paulina, there were some flaws in the book, but I thought the story that A Walk Across the Sun told was very good and one that needs some attention.
135DeltaQueen50
93. Small Wars by Sadie Jones - 4.0 ★
Category: Pitcher's Duel
Commonwealth Challege: Cyprus
June TIOLI #3: Set In A Country South of Where You Are
Small Wars by Sadie Jones is set on the island of Cyprus during 1956. This was a time of military conflict and Major Hal Treherne has been posted there, soon his wife Clara and their two young daughters join him. Theirs is a military family and Hal is soon relishing leading his men into combat and serving his country in the way he has been trained to. Clara feels it is her role to back Hal, accept their living conditions and not complain or let her husband see her fear.
But this isn’t an open battle, this war for independence is being fought by guerrillas and schoolchildren alike. The lines of battle are unclear and civilians are often targeted., atrocities are being done by both sides. As Hal works at being a good solider, he finds himself on the same side as rapists and torturers. He withdraws into himself and Clara feels more and more abandoned. It takes a personal tragedy to change their lives and eventually open the path of communication between them.
The author has turned her microscopic view on this marriage and we can see that love, duty, stress, fear and mostly non-communication all play a role in the distance that separates these two. I felt this was a statement not only about life in the military but also about life in the 1950’s when talking about one’s feelings was not considered acceptable conversation. I applaud the author for telling this story, I loved the setting but unfortunately I never felt emotionally involved with the characters. They seemed to hold themselves as much at a distance from the reader as they did from each other. Perhaps this was the authors’ design, but it kept me from totally falling in love with this book.
Category: Pitcher's Duel
Commonwealth Challege: Cyprus
June TIOLI #3: Set In A Country South of Where You Are
Small Wars by Sadie Jones is set on the island of Cyprus during 1956. This was a time of military conflict and Major Hal Treherne has been posted there, soon his wife Clara and their two young daughters join him. Theirs is a military family and Hal is soon relishing leading his men into combat and serving his country in the way he has been trained to. Clara feels it is her role to back Hal, accept their living conditions and not complain or let her husband see her fear.
But this isn’t an open battle, this war for independence is being fought by guerrillas and schoolchildren alike. The lines of battle are unclear and civilians are often targeted., atrocities are being done by both sides. As Hal works at being a good solider, he finds himself on the same side as rapists and torturers. He withdraws into himself and Clara feels more and more abandoned. It takes a personal tragedy to change their lives and eventually open the path of communication between them.
The author has turned her microscopic view on this marriage and we can see that love, duty, stress, fear and mostly non-communication all play a role in the distance that separates these two. I felt this was a statement not only about life in the military but also about life in the 1950’s when talking about one’s feelings was not considered acceptable conversation. I applaud the author for telling this story, I loved the setting but unfortunately I never felt emotionally involved with the characters. They seemed to hold themselves as much at a distance from the reader as they did from each other. Perhaps this was the authors’ design, but it kept me from totally falling in love with this book.
136DeltaQueen50
94. The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley - 3.6 ★
Category: Is This A Kissing Book?
SFFFCat: Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
June TIOLI #9: June Blooms
I found The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley to be a satisfying romance story with the help of a time travel plot and the lovely backdrop of the Cornish Coast. Eva returns to Trelowarth after a 20 year absence. This was where she and her family spent their summers when she was young. Remembering this as a happy place, she decided that this is where she would scatter her sister’s ashes. She also looked forward to reconnecting with the family that owned Trelowarth, Claire, her stepson Mark and stepdaughter Susan. What Eva found was that time existed on a special plane for some in this small corner of Cornwall and she was soon travelling back to the 1700’s and falling in love with Daniel Butler, a smuggler that lived in Trelowarth. At first she believed she was hallucinating but she soon realizes this is actually happening and that her desire is to be Daniel on a permanent basis.
I have mixed feelings on how the time travel aspect was handled. The author appeared to have thought of some of the questionable details and come up with a solution. The clothing was an interesting problem as Eva continuously arrived in the past wearing modern clothing and returning to the present in 18th century dresses. One of the 18th century characters bemoans the fact that she needs the wardrobe of a queen to cover all the lost dresses. But the larger details, such as the 18th century characters seeming to accept a woman appearing and disappearing right in front of them with barely a raised eyebrow didn’t ring true. Also they seemed to have little curiosity about the future.
The author excelled in her descriptions of the Cornish coast and I enjoyed that part of the book the most. Well I did not find The Rose Garden to be a book that swept me away, overall, it was light, easy to read, and had enough content to hold my interest.
Category: Is This A Kissing Book?
SFFFCat: Does Anybody Know What Time It Is?
June TIOLI #9: June Blooms
I found The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley to be a satisfying romance story with the help of a time travel plot and the lovely backdrop of the Cornish Coast. Eva returns to Trelowarth after a 20 year absence. This was where she and her family spent their summers when she was young. Remembering this as a happy place, she decided that this is where she would scatter her sister’s ashes. She also looked forward to reconnecting with the family that owned Trelowarth, Claire, her stepson Mark and stepdaughter Susan. What Eva found was that time existed on a special plane for some in this small corner of Cornwall and she was soon travelling back to the 1700’s and falling in love with Daniel Butler, a smuggler that lived in Trelowarth. At first she believed she was hallucinating but she soon realizes this is actually happening and that her desire is to be Daniel on a permanent basis.
I have mixed feelings on how the time travel aspect was handled. The author appeared to have thought of some of the questionable details and come up with a solution. The clothing was an interesting problem as Eva continuously arrived in the past wearing modern clothing and returning to the present in 18th century dresses. One of the 18th century characters bemoans the fact that she needs the wardrobe of a queen to cover all the lost dresses. But the larger details, such as the 18th century characters seeming to accept a woman appearing and disappearing right in front of them with barely a raised eyebrow didn’t ring true. Also they seemed to have little curiosity about the future.
The author excelled in her descriptions of the Cornish coast and I enjoyed that part of the book the most. Well I did not find The Rose Garden to be a book that swept me away, overall, it was light, easy to read, and had enough content to hold my interest.
137RidgewayGirl
I hated The Rose Garden so much! Part of that was not knowing that it was a time-travel romance from the beginning, but there were so many problems and issues that the author didn't find worth exploring or made into no big deal that I pretty much rage-read the second half of the book. I'm glad you liked it more than I did!
138cbl_tn
Hi Judy! I hope you're enjoying the weekend. I'm also having trouble with a book outside my comfort zone. My reading is so varied that my comfort zone is large.
139pmarshall
>124 DeltaQueen50:
I have that square to read for and I have been thinking about what 'comfort zone' means. I decided it is a topic or genre I am unlikely to read in. If by chance I like the book so much the better, it makes it easier to read.
So reading a book on the sex trade may be outside your comfort zone, that doesn't mean the author can't engage, educate and entertain you. It speaks well of the writing. The next sex trade book may well be outside your comfort zone and you can't/won't finish it.
Enjoy the poetry!
I have that square to read for and I have been thinking about what 'comfort zone' means. I decided it is a topic or genre I am unlikely to read in. If by chance I like the book so much the better, it makes it easier to read.
So reading a book on the sex trade may be outside your comfort zone, that doesn't mean the author can't engage, educate and entertain you. It speaks well of the writing. The next sex trade book may well be outside your comfort zone and you can't/won't finish it.
Enjoy the poetry!
140DeltaQueen50
>137 RidgewayGirl: I think it helped me that I had very low expectatons for The Rose Garden and that I knew the plot (and romance) was centered around time travel. I am not a big fan of time travel books simply because of the many issues involved. (My exception is the Outlander series, of which I am a huge fan) Often an author is so busy explaining all the technical details that the story suffers. In this case the author simply chose to disregard many of the issues. I truly beieve that if a woman suddenly materialized in front of a couple of men from the 18th century, she would soon find herself being burned at the stake!
>138 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie, yes, that square is the one that I've had to think about the most. I decided the best way for me to go would be either a play or some poetry as they are genres that I don't often read, yet I could enjoy.
>139 pmarshall: Definitely found this square the most tricky to fill. To me, "outside of my comfort zone" could either be a genre that I don't usually read, or subject matter that I tend to avoid. The book that I was going to read, the one about the sex trade, would have fit as I have a feeling that it is a book that will make me uncomfortable. The poetry book that I decided to go with, on the other hand, is in a genre that I don't read, but the actual book is delightful.
>138 cbl_tn: Hi Carrie, yes, that square is the one that I've had to think about the most. I decided the best way for me to go would be either a play or some poetry as they are genres that I don't often read, yet I could enjoy.
>139 pmarshall: Definitely found this square the most tricky to fill. To me, "outside of my comfort zone" could either be a genre that I don't usually read, or subject matter that I tend to avoid. The book that I was going to read, the one about the sex trade, would have fit as I have a feeling that it is a book that will make me uncomfortable. The poetry book that I decided to go with, on the other hand, is in a genre that I don't read, but the actual book is delightful.
141thornton37814
>129 DeltaQueen50: I need to try that Burracombe series.
ETA: I see I have the first one on my wish list!
ETA: I see I have the first one on my wish list!
142DeltaQueen50
>141 thornton37814: Lori, I got the first couple of Burracombe books from the library, then bought some in paperback and then also for the Kindle. I went back and bought paperback copies for the first few as I have got my mother hooked on the series. So I am also in the process of buying the series in paperback in order to give them to my mom.
143Storeetllr
>137 RidgewayGirl: ...I pretty much rage-read the second half of the book. LOLOL! I've done a bit of rage reading in my time too, though I hadn't heard it described that way before. Love it!
>140 DeltaQueen50: I'm not a fan of time travel romance either, and had some trouble with the Outlander series, though I did enjoy the first book in the series. Time travel sci-fi, on the other hand, I can deal with okay.
>140 DeltaQueen50: I'm not a fan of time travel romance either, and had some trouble with the Outlander series, though I did enjoy the first book in the series. Time travel sci-fi, on the other hand, I can deal with okay.
144DeltaQueen50
>143 Storeetllr: Hi Mary, I hope today is getting you off to a good week! My grandson is coming up later to cut the lawns and he will stay for dinner so it'll be burgers on the grill tonight. I'm happy for that as not only do I love burgers, but as my hubby runs the grill, no cooking for me!
145DeltaQueen50
95. The Trouble With Poetry by Billy Collins - 4.0 ★
Category: Overflow
BingoDog: Outside My Comfort Zone
This small volume of poetry by Billy Collins was an unexpected pleasure to read. I tried to only read a couple of poems each time I picked up the book in order to actually think about what I was reading and how it was relevant to me. I do not read poetry on a regular basis so the most surprising thing of all about this book was how easy it was to read, this is a volume of poems that are about ordinary life, yet some of his prose captures life’s perfect moments so clearly that it leaves one amazed at this his vision.
There are many moods to the writing from playful to graceful, ironic to vulnerable but at all times these are words to ponder. I am not saying that I totally understood the meaning of each poem, or exactly what Collins was revealing with each phrase, but there were many that did either speak to me or cause me to pause and think about what I was reading.
In the poem Monday he writes, “The poets are at their windows”, and windows seem to be a reoccurring theme in his writing. In The Trouble With Poetry, Billy Collins has invited his readers to look into his windows and discover how unexpected the ordinary can be.
Category: Overflow
BingoDog: Outside My Comfort Zone
This small volume of poetry by Billy Collins was an unexpected pleasure to read. I tried to only read a couple of poems each time I picked up the book in order to actually think about what I was reading and how it was relevant to me. I do not read poetry on a regular basis so the most surprising thing of all about this book was how easy it was to read, this is a volume of poems that are about ordinary life, yet some of his prose captures life’s perfect moments so clearly that it leaves one amazed at this his vision.
There are many moods to the writing from playful to graceful, ironic to vulnerable but at all times these are words to ponder. I am not saying that I totally understood the meaning of each poem, or exactly what Collins was revealing with each phrase, but there were many that did either speak to me or cause me to pause and think about what I was reading.
In the poem Monday he writes, “The poets are at their windows”, and windows seem to be a reoccurring theme in his writing. In The Trouble With Poetry, Billy Collins has invited his readers to look into his windows and discover how unexpected the ordinary can be.
146DeltaQueen50
My Bingo Square is now complete. I have been thinking about whether or not I want to go for a second square, but I think right now I am going to concentrate on my other challenges. I may add a new square to my next thread if I feel I can work on that as well as everything else I want to get read this year.
147mstrust
Congratulations on finishing! Yes, I hope I'll complete my categories a bit early this year, and just have a few leisurely doorstop reads near the end of the year.
148DeltaQueen50
Well, that resolution didn't last long! I checked through the books that I want to read over the next few months and found many that would fit the Bingo as well. So I have decided to put up a second one and see how far I get with it.
>147 mstrust: I am hoping to wind my Challenge up in November this year, leaving me a good few weeks for free reading. Then by the time January comes around I will be more than ready to start in again with my 2016 Challenge.
>147 mstrust: I am hoping to wind my Challenge up in November this year, leaving me a good few weeks for free reading. Then by the time January comes around I will be more than ready to start in again with my 2016 Challenge.
149DeltaQueen50
Decided to go with the Art Deco theme this time. I will move this card to the top of my next thread.
Books Read
1. A Book Set in a Country Other Than Your Own:
2. A Book That is a Genre Bender:
3. A Book That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
4. A Book Chosen By Someone Else:
5. A Book Where An Animal Is Of Importance:
6. A Book With Correspondence or Letters: The Stowaway by Karen Hesse
7. A Book Owned For More Than One Year:
8. A Book That Is Translated:
9. A Book Centered Around a Major Historical Event: Coventry by Helen Humphreys
10. A Book Published in 1915:
11. A Book With Prophecies/Portents: Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
12. A Book With Scientists:
13. Read A Cat:
14. A Book Whose Author Shares An Ancestor's Name:
15. A Book With A Natural Disaster:
16. A Book With a Mythical Creature:
17. A Book With a LBGTQ Main Character:
18. A Book By an LT Author:
19. A Book About Language:
20. A Book Outside My Comfort Zone:
21. A Book About Autism:
22. A Book Inspired by Another Piece of Fiction:
23. A Book On a Subject You Are Unfamiliar With:
24. A Book Based on a Fairy Tale or Myth:
25. A Book With a Protagonist of the Opposite Gender: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
Books Read
1. A Book Set in a Country Other Than Your Own:
2. A Book That is a Genre Bender:
3. A Book That Reminds You of Your Childhood:
4. A Book Chosen By Someone Else:
5. A Book Where An Animal Is Of Importance:
6. A Book With Correspondence or Letters: The Stowaway by Karen Hesse
7. A Book Owned For More Than One Year:
8. A Book That Is Translated:
9. A Book Centered Around a Major Historical Event: Coventry by Helen Humphreys
10. A Book Published in 1915:
11. A Book With Prophecies/Portents: Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay
12. A Book With Scientists:
13. Read A Cat:
14. A Book Whose Author Shares An Ancestor's Name:
15. A Book With A Natural Disaster:
16. A Book With a Mythical Creature:
17. A Book With a LBGTQ Main Character:
18. A Book By an LT Author:
19. A Book About Language:
20. A Book Outside My Comfort Zone:
21. A Book About Autism:
22. A Book Inspired by Another Piece of Fiction:
23. A Book On a Subject You Are Unfamiliar With:
24. A Book Based on a Fairy Tale or Myth:
25. A Book With a Protagonist of the Opposite Gender: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
152BLBera
Hi Judy - Congrats on finishing one Bingo card. Small Wars looks good. I think I'll pass on the Kearsley. I read one by her that I liked, but then the next one was disappointing. Maybe I had to be in a different mood; generally I'm not a big fan of romance.
153LittleTaiko
Congratulations on finishing your card! Also, BB taken on the Billy Collins poetry. I've been wanting to read something by him and now I know where to start.
154leslie.98
>145 DeltaQueen50: That was my first Billy Collins experience too. I agree with you that his poetry is very accessible. And congrats on finishing your Bingo card!
155andreablythe
The Trouble With Poetry sounds fabulous. Thanks for the review. :)
156DeltaQueen50
>150 cbl_tn: Thanks, Carrie.
>151 msf59: Mark you know me, can't resist those challenges! Plus I love all three styles of Bingo cards that PawsforThought did, I wish I had time to do all three!
>152 BLBera: Hi Beth, Small Wars was very interesting both in theme and setting. I feel pretty much the same about the Kearley books. I have a couple more on my Kindle, but I'm not in any hurry to get to them.
>153 LittleTaiko: I saw a few of his lines posted over at the 75 challenge and he really caught my interest. I will probably now be on the lookout for more of his work.
>154 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie.
>155 andreablythe: Billy Collins is well worth exploring, Andrea, and The Trouble With Poetry gives the reader a pretty good idea of his thought processes.
>151 msf59: Mark you know me, can't resist those challenges! Plus I love all three styles of Bingo cards that PawsforThought did, I wish I had time to do all three!
>152 BLBera: Hi Beth, Small Wars was very interesting both in theme and setting. I feel pretty much the same about the Kearley books. I have a couple more on my Kindle, but I'm not in any hurry to get to them.
>153 LittleTaiko: I saw a few of his lines posted over at the 75 challenge and he really caught my interest. I will probably now be on the lookout for more of his work.
>154 leslie.98: Thanks, Leslie.
>155 andreablythe: Billy Collins is well worth exploring, Andrea, and The Trouble With Poetry gives the reader a pretty good idea of his thought processes.
157mamzel
>116 DeltaQueen50: Sorry I'm late on commenting on this book. For a while after I read the book about Dahmer I looked around my school and wondered if any of the kids would be infamous in the future!
Congratulations on completing your Bingo card. That looked like fun!
Congratulations on completing your Bingo card. That looked like fun!
158DeltaQueen50
>157 mamzel: I can imagine how disconcerting it would be to read My Friend Dahmer anywhere in or around a school!
159lkernagh
Happy new thread, Judy! Love the choice of thread toppers! Makes me think of one of my favorite pastimes, given the glorious weather we have been having. I see your reading has been more or less evenly balanced between all of your categories.... mine is all over the map, LOL!
>53 DeltaQueen50: & >60 DeltaQueen50: - Wow, I thought 4.8 stars for the first book was impressive and then I see the 5 stars for the Marley book. You have been reading some great books!
>85 DeltaQueen50: - Montgomery is a perfect author for me as well for the childhood bingo square, but instead I have gone with a long overdue re-read of The Secret Garden.
One of these months I may actually dip into the TIOLI challenge, but I am determined to try and finish my Bingo challenge by the end of this month (fingers crossed).
>135 DeltaQueen50: - I am so glad to see you found Small Wars to be a good read, even with its flaws.
>136 DeltaQueen50: - Oh, I have a copy of the Kearsley book - or at least I think I have that Kearsley book - but I didn't think of the time travel aspect. I remember SusanJ plowing through the Kearsley books and enjoying them so thanks for the reminder that I have been planning on reading one of her books, but I will keep in mind that it is a romance and to not have high expectations for the story if I read it!
Congratulations on completing your Bingo challenge and good luck with Bingo challenge #2!
I do believe I am all caught up, for now. ;-)
>53 DeltaQueen50: & >60 DeltaQueen50: - Wow, I thought 4.8 stars for the first book was impressive and then I see the 5 stars for the Marley book. You have been reading some great books!
>85 DeltaQueen50: - Montgomery is a perfect author for me as well for the childhood bingo square, but instead I have gone with a long overdue re-read of The Secret Garden.
One of these months I may actually dip into the TIOLI challenge, but I am determined to try and finish my Bingo challenge by the end of this month (fingers crossed).
>135 DeltaQueen50: - I am so glad to see you found Small Wars to be a good read, even with its flaws.
>136 DeltaQueen50: - Oh, I have a copy of the Kearsley book - or at least I think I have that Kearsley book - but I didn't think of the time travel aspect. I remember SusanJ plowing through the Kearsley books and enjoying them so thanks for the reminder that I have been planning on reading one of her books, but I will keep in mind that it is a romance and to not have high expectations for the story if I read it!
Congratulations on completing your Bingo challenge and good luck with Bingo challenge #2!
I do believe I am all caught up, for now. ;-)
160Familyhistorian
Hi Judy, The Bottle Factory Outing looks like a book I would like. Onto the list it goes. Too bad the Kearsley didn't work for you. In the previous works I have read by her the connection with past times is more subtle.
161DeltaQueen50
We are having another beautiful day here on the West Coast, but we really could use a day or two of rain, so hopefully we'll get a weather change soon. I spent the morning out shopping, mostly for boring household items and groceries. I am totally involved with both the books I am reading and I am already dreading finishing them! Stowaway is a YA by Karen Hesse about the first voyage of Captain Cook and I am finding this absolutely fascinating. It is written as a diary or journal by the youngest member of the crew Nicolas Young. My second read is Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay, an author whose work I always love. This is an alternative history to the Tang Dynasty from eighth-century China. A sweeping epic full of excitement.
>159 lkernagh: Isn't this weather fantastic, Lori. Other than the fact that we are getting a little dry, it's nice to have a little heat to enjoy. Both The Sea of Trolls and The Terrorists of Irustan were excellent reads. I am looking forward to continuing with the next book in the Trolls series. I recently read Secret Garden with my granddaughter and I was surprised at how much both of us enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if it would have enough action for her, but she loved it. I thought Small Wars captured the time and place perfectly and I would certain read more by Sadie Jones. I will be reading more by Susanna Kearnsley as I still have a couple of her books on my Kindle, but I am not in any hurry. Good luck on completing your Bingo Card!
>160 Familyhistorian: Meg, The Bottle Factory Outing was my first Beryl Bainbridge so it was an unexpected surprise for me. I am looking forward to trying more by her.
>159 lkernagh: Isn't this weather fantastic, Lori. Other than the fact that we are getting a little dry, it's nice to have a little heat to enjoy. Both The Sea of Trolls and The Terrorists of Irustan were excellent reads. I am looking forward to continuing with the next book in the Trolls series. I recently read Secret Garden with my granddaughter and I was surprised at how much both of us enjoyed it. I wasn't sure if it would have enough action for her, but she loved it. I thought Small Wars captured the time and place perfectly and I would certain read more by Sadie Jones. I will be reading more by Susanna Kearnsley as I still have a couple of her books on my Kindle, but I am not in any hurry. Good luck on completing your Bingo Card!
>160 Familyhistorian: Meg, The Bottle Factory Outing was my first Beryl Bainbridge so it was an unexpected surprise for me. I am looking forward to trying more by her.
162DeltaQueen50
96. The Walking Dead, Volume 20: All Out War, Part One
The Walking Dead, Volume 21: All Out War, Part Two
The Walking Dead, Vo;ume 22: A New Beginning by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★
Category: Woven Ribbons
The Walking Dead Vol. 20: All Out War Part 1
Again in this issue the main storyline is about the living people who are fighting each other. The walking dead are used as weapons against each other as they battle for control.
The war starts out very much looking like Rick and his group are going to cruise to victory, but this is deceiving and by the end of the book the tables have turned. Rick is definitely on the losing side at this point, both himself and Carl have been injured and they have lost a few valuable members of the group. Maggie comes to the rescue with a group from the Hill Top Community, but things are looking very bleak.
The Walking Dead Vol. 21: All Out War Part 2
The war for human control is wound up in this issue, after some dirty tricks of Negan’s. Negan himself is now Rick’s prisoner and he wants to keep him alive, fearing that killing him will make him no better than Negan.
There is talk of rebuilding the communities and working with cooperation, setting up trade routes and building for the future. I have Volume 22 and will start it immediately. I am ready for this series to be over and would like it to end on a high note.
The Walking Dead Vol. 22: A New Beginning
Aieee! Shakes fist in the air. Just when I was ready to give up this series, it’s taken a slight turn putting it’s focus back on the actual walking dead. Of course this issue ends with a cliffhanger, so I have to read on. I think I will probably never be able to totally give up these books as they were one of my first graphic novel series and it was love at first sight. So for now, Rick and the gang will remain on my TBR list.
The Walking Dead, Volume 21: All Out War, Part Two
The Walking Dead, Vo;ume 22: A New Beginning by Robert Kirkland - 3.5 ★
Category: Woven Ribbons
The Walking Dead Vol. 20: All Out War Part 1
Again in this issue the main storyline is about the living people who are fighting each other. The walking dead are used as weapons against each other as they battle for control.
The war starts out very much looking like Rick and his group are going to cruise to victory, but this is deceiving and by the end of the book the tables have turned. Rick is definitely on the losing side at this point, both himself and Carl have been injured and they have lost a few valuable members of the group. Maggie comes to the rescue with a group from the Hill Top Community, but things are looking very bleak.
The Walking Dead Vol. 21: All Out War Part 2
The war for human control is wound up in this issue, after some dirty tricks of Negan’s. Negan himself is now Rick’s prisoner and he wants to keep him alive, fearing that killing him will make him no better than Negan.
There is talk of rebuilding the communities and working with cooperation, setting up trade routes and building for the future. I have Volume 22 and will start it immediately. I am ready for this series to be over and would like it to end on a high note.
The Walking Dead Vol. 22: A New Beginning
Aieee! Shakes fist in the air. Just when I was ready to give up this series, it’s taken a slight turn putting it’s focus back on the actual walking dead. Of course this issue ends with a cliffhanger, so I have to read on. I think I will probably never be able to totally give up these books as they were one of my first graphic novel series and it was love at first sight. So for now, Rick and the gang will remain on my TBR list.
163VivienneR
Congratulations on completing your Bingo card - and for starting another! You are an inspiration.
164andreablythe
>162 DeltaQueen50:
Funny how Kirkman can do that (re: Vol. 22), make a sudden shift and everything is exciting again. I don't think I'm that far in, but you make me excited to get there.
Funny how Kirkman can do that (re: Vol. 22), make a sudden shift and everything is exciting again. I don't think I'm that far in, but you make me excited to get there.
165AHS-Wolfy
>162 DeltaQueen50: & >164 andreablythe: I haven't reached that point in the series yet either. Shame there's a dip but at least it's good to know there's hope for the continuing volumes to pick up again.
166Storeetllr
Congrats on finishing one bingo card and starting another!
I love Kay's work and really enjoyed Under Heaven (and River of Stars) too!
Enjoy your beautiful weather; I wish I could send you a little of ours. We've had much too much rain so far this spring. (Though I'm sure I'll be wishing for some later in the summer.)
I love Kay's work and really enjoyed Under Heaven (and River of Stars) too!
Enjoy your beautiful weather; I wish I could send you a little of ours. We've had much too much rain so far this spring. (Though I'm sure I'll be wishing for some later in the summer.)
167DeltaQueen50
>163 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne - or perhaps you mean an inspiration for what not to do!! ;)
>164 andreablythe: Reading The Walking Dead has definitely been a bumpy road but I am still invested in the story so on I will go!
>165 AHS-Wolfy: There's not the fresh excitement that a series like Saga is bringing, but, strange as it sounds, I am comfortable with The Walking Dead and want to see where the author is taking us now.
>166 Storeetllr: Mary, I am definitely in the market for River of Stars! I have found over the last few years that I am a huge fan of epic fantasy by the likes of Scott Lynch, Joe Abercrombie and Guy Gavriel Kay. These are the kind of stories that I can totally get caught up in!
>164 andreablythe: Reading The Walking Dead has definitely been a bumpy road but I am still invested in the story so on I will go!
>165 AHS-Wolfy: There's not the fresh excitement that a series like Saga is bringing, but, strange as it sounds, I am comfortable with The Walking Dead and want to see where the author is taking us now.
>166 Storeetllr: Mary, I am definitely in the market for River of Stars! I have found over the last few years that I am a huge fan of epic fantasy by the likes of Scott Lynch, Joe Abercrombie and Guy Gavriel Kay. These are the kind of stories that I can totally get caught up in!
168DeltaQueen50
97. The Stowaway by Karen Hesse - 4.2 ★
Category: Colts
June RandomCat: On The Water
BingoDog: A Book With Correspondence or Letters
TIOLI #4: Tagged with my 6th Most Popular Tag
Based on Captain Cook’s first global spanning voyage (1768 - 1771), The Stowaway by Karen Hesse was a fabulous read. Using actual facts and written accounts, the author uses the youngest member of the crew, Nicholas Young, believed to have been a stowaway, to tell her story. Of course she has expanded on the few facts known about Nicholas but still keeps the story within the boundaries of believability. Written as his journal, she has young Nick running away from a vicious master that he was apprenticed to. With the help of three seamen he is smuggled aboard the Endeavour while the ship is at harbour. He is hidden and kept in supplies until after the ship has sailed beyond the point of return.
Nicholas upon showing himself became a valued member of the crew, working with the ships surgeon and also helping to look after the stock. At first he was simply the ships “boy”, but after Tahiti, he was entered into the books and eventually earned the rating of Able-bodied Seaman. Nicholas caught the eye of botanist Joseph Banks who was also on board for the purpose of discovering new life forms, both plant and animal. Nicholas is known to have sailed with Joseph Banks again on a trip to Iceland.
The story was pure adventure as the ship embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Discovering and visiting places where no man had ever been. But even sailing though the South Pacific, charting the waters around both New Zealand and parts of Australia, there was danger, sickness, famine, and storms to overcome. Although this is classed as a YA story, I think The Stowaway will appeal to anyone who loves a good adventure.
Category: Colts
June RandomCat: On The Water
BingoDog: A Book With Correspondence or Letters
TIOLI #4: Tagged with my 6th Most Popular Tag
Based on Captain Cook’s first global spanning voyage (1768 - 1771), The Stowaway by Karen Hesse was a fabulous read. Using actual facts and written accounts, the author uses the youngest member of the crew, Nicholas Young, believed to have been a stowaway, to tell her story. Of course she has expanded on the few facts known about Nicholas but still keeps the story within the boundaries of believability. Written as his journal, she has young Nick running away from a vicious master that he was apprenticed to. With the help of three seamen he is smuggled aboard the Endeavour while the ship is at harbour. He is hidden and kept in supplies until after the ship has sailed beyond the point of return.
Nicholas upon showing himself became a valued member of the crew, working with the ships surgeon and also helping to look after the stock. At first he was simply the ships “boy”, but after Tahiti, he was entered into the books and eventually earned the rating of Able-bodied Seaman. Nicholas caught the eye of botanist Joseph Banks who was also on board for the purpose of discovering new life forms, both plant and animal. Nicholas is known to have sailed with Joseph Banks again on a trip to Iceland.
The story was pure adventure as the ship embarked on a journey of a lifetime. Discovering and visiting places where no man had ever been. But even sailing though the South Pacific, charting the waters around both New Zealand and parts of Australia, there was danger, sickness, famine, and storms to overcome. Although this is classed as a YA story, I think The Stowaway will appeal to anyone who loves a good adventure.
169EBT1002
Judy, you are quickly closing in on the century mark!
I just bought a used copy of The Bottle Factory Outing today. It looks like an enjoyable read.
I just bought a used copy of The Bottle Factory Outing today. It looks like an enjoyable read.
170jnwelch
I'm so glad you had a good time with Billy Collins' book, Judy. I'm a fan, and love the way he makes poetry that is accessible. I've seen him in person a couple of times now, and as you might expect, he's smart, charming and funny.
172mathgirl40
Congratulations on finishing the BINGO card! Nice to see the love for Guy Gavriel Kay. He is one of my favourite authors too.
173christina_reads
Wow, a second Bingo card! Color me impressed. :) Susanna Kearsley is one of those authors that I feel like I should love, but instead I just sort of like her. Mariana is probably my favorite of hers so far.
174DeltaQueen50
>169 EBT1002: Ellen, I really liked The Bottle Factory Outing it was such a different story than what I had expected. I love it when books surprise you in a good way!
>170 jnwelch: I enjoyed The Trouble With Poetry a lot, Joe. Now I need to track down some of his other books, and perhaps some other contemporary poets as well.
>171 tymfos: Thanks Terri. I noticed that you just read the most recent Craig Johnson book, a series that I am slowly working through. I look forward to visiting with Walt and all the gang, I think I read that series more to catch up with them than for the mystery.
>172 mathgirl40: Hi Paulina, I feel in love with GGK with the first book of his that I read and I suspect it was the sheer size of Under Heaven that kept it on my shelves for so long. But the story draws the reader in and it's reading quite quickly, although I still have about half the book to go.
>173 christina_reads: There is something in her writing, Christina, that seems to hold the reader at arms length. I just didn't really care how the book worked out. I think the secret to good romance writing is that the reader must really care about the characters and want to see everything work out for them.
>170 jnwelch: I enjoyed The Trouble With Poetry a lot, Joe. Now I need to track down some of his other books, and perhaps some other contemporary poets as well.
>171 tymfos: Thanks Terri. I noticed that you just read the most recent Craig Johnson book, a series that I am slowly working through. I look forward to visiting with Walt and all the gang, I think I read that series more to catch up with them than for the mystery.
>172 mathgirl40: Hi Paulina, I feel in love with GGK with the first book of his that I read and I suspect it was the sheer size of Under Heaven that kept it on my shelves for so long. But the story draws the reader in and it's reading quite quickly, although I still have about half the book to go.
>173 christina_reads: There is something in her writing, Christina, that seems to hold the reader at arms length. I just didn't really care how the book worked out. I think the secret to good romance writing is that the reader must really care about the characters and want to see everything work out for them.
175tymfos
I look forward to visiting with Walt and all the gang, I think I read that series more to catch up with them than for the mystery.
Me, too!
glitter-graphics.com
Me, too!
glitter-graphics.com
176DeltaQueen50
>175 tymfos: :) !!
177DeltaQueen50
98. Under Heaven by Guy Gavriel Kay - 4.6 ★
Category: Cat & Fiddle Arcade
June SFFFCat: Does Anyone Know What Time It Is?
BingoDog: A Book With Portents and Prophecy
TIOLI #4: Tagged With My 15th Most Popular Tag
In Under Heaven Guy Gavriel Kay once again shows just how good he is at epic storytelling. This is a fantasized version of China’s 8th century Tang Dynasty, and from the referrals to the one moon it is obviously set on a different world that his usual two moon stories are. From the opening chapter the reader is swept along following the story of Shen Tai, and to a lesser extent, that of his sister Shen Li-Mei while around them swirls the treachery, duplicity and ultimately the open rebellion of the powerful and ambitious.
Using the fictionalized country of Kitai, with its complicated traditions, values and beliefs, as a backdrop, the author introduces and brings into the story his well-drawn, fully realized characters that are constantly surprising the reader as they evolve. I didn’t always agree with the characters choices, but every move was well thought out and made sense in the context of the story. Honor, duty, and patriotism were strong motivators. Even the most secondary of characters had depths and motives that added to the intensity of the book.
Under Heaven is a story that tries to find a balance between sheer adventure, political intrigue and romantic tension and for the most part it succeeds. The one area that I found a little lacking was the romance aspect, while the story unfolded in a believable way, I was hoping for some different outcomes. So although this is not my favorite book by this author, it is still a beautifully written, multi-layered epic that I enjoyed immensely.
Category: Cat & Fiddle Arcade
June SFFFCat: Does Anyone Know What Time It Is?
BingoDog: A Book With Portents and Prophecy
TIOLI #4: Tagged With My 15th Most Popular Tag
In Under Heaven Guy Gavriel Kay once again shows just how good he is at epic storytelling. This is a fantasized version of China’s 8th century Tang Dynasty, and from the referrals to the one moon it is obviously set on a different world that his usual two moon stories are. From the opening chapter the reader is swept along following the story of Shen Tai, and to a lesser extent, that of his sister Shen Li-Mei while around them swirls the treachery, duplicity and ultimately the open rebellion of the powerful and ambitious.
Using the fictionalized country of Kitai, with its complicated traditions, values and beliefs, as a backdrop, the author introduces and brings into the story his well-drawn, fully realized characters that are constantly surprising the reader as they evolve. I didn’t always agree with the characters choices, but every move was well thought out and made sense in the context of the story. Honor, duty, and patriotism were strong motivators. Even the most secondary of characters had depths and motives that added to the intensity of the book.
Under Heaven is a story that tries to find a balance between sheer adventure, political intrigue and romantic tension and for the most part it succeeds. The one area that I found a little lacking was the romance aspect, while the story unfolded in a believable way, I was hoping for some different outcomes. So although this is not my favorite book by this author, it is still a beautifully written, multi-layered epic that I enjoyed immensely.
178AHS-Wolfy
>177 DeltaQueen50: Nice review! Glad you enjoyed it too.
179Storeetllr
Great review of Under Heaven, Judy! I thought it was pretty wonderful too.
180DeltaQueen50
>178 AHS-Wolfy: & >179 Storeetllr: Thanks. I found this one a hard book to write about without getting into the plot, and I didn't want to get into the plot because then it would be difficult not to go on and on. I am looking forward to getting to his River of Stars which I understand also takes place in Kitai but in a different century.
181ronincats
>177 DeltaQueen50: That's a Kay I haven't read yet, but it's on my wishlist, Judy. Good to know you enjoyed it so.
182Storeetllr
Yes, each is more or less a standalone connected merely by the world they're set in. Also pretty wonderful.
183DeltaQueen50
>181 ronincats: I had Under Heaven sitting on my shelves for quite some time, Roni. I think I was a little hesitant because of the size of the book, but it actually read fairly quickly.
>182 Storeetllr: It's good to know that I have another one of his to look forward to, Mary.
>182 Storeetllr: It's good to know that I have another one of his to look forward to, Mary.
184DeltaQueen50
99. Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt - 3.6 ★
Category: Combined Miscellany - Police Procedural
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt is the fourth book in his series featuring Detectives John Cardinal and Lise Delorme. Set in the fictional town of Algonquin Bay, Ontario some four hours north of Toronto. John Cardinal is on leave trying to put the pieces together relating to a personal tragedy, meanwhile Lise Delorme is involved in a case of child pornography.
I find this a consistently good series, well written with engrossing storylines. Fields of Grief seemed more straight forward that most of his books, I pretty much knew the outcome of both cases the two main characters were following quite early in the story, yet the book still held my attention and involved me emotionally to the end.
I enjoy reading about both these characters. John Cardinal goes about his work in a direct, thoughtful, linear manner while Lise Delorme is more intuitive, relying on her emotions and becomes very passionate about her work. I look forward to the next book.
Category: Combined Miscellany - Police Procedural
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
Fields of Grief by Giles Blunt is the fourth book in his series featuring Detectives John Cardinal and Lise Delorme. Set in the fictional town of Algonquin Bay, Ontario some four hours north of Toronto. John Cardinal is on leave trying to put the pieces together relating to a personal tragedy, meanwhile Lise Delorme is involved in a case of child pornography.
I find this a consistently good series, well written with engrossing storylines. Fields of Grief seemed more straight forward that most of his books, I pretty much knew the outcome of both cases the two main characters were following quite early in the story, yet the book still held my attention and involved me emotionally to the end.
I enjoy reading about both these characters. John Cardinal goes about his work in a direct, thoughtful, linear manner while Lise Delorme is more intuitive, relying on her emotions and becomes very passionate about her work. I look forward to the next book.
185dudes22
>180 DeltaQueen50: ..."to get into the plot because then it would be difficult not to go on and on..." I often feel that way when I start to talk about a book I've read. I envy those of you who can write about the book and how it reads without just reviewing the action(s) in the plot. Analysis is not my strong point when I read.
>184 DeltaQueen50: - I'm planning to read book 3 later this year, so good to know the series stays good.
>184 DeltaQueen50: - I'm planning to read book 3 later this year, so good to know the series stays good.
186DeltaQueen50
Today is my 7th Thingaversary, what a lucky day it was for me when I virtually stumbled into LibraryThing!
I have got myself 8 new books to help celebrate:
Night Has a Thousand Eyes by Cornell Woolrich
The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
Celebrations in Burracombe by Lilian Harry
The Secret Place by Tana French
China Dolls by Lisa See
Dead Man's Land by Robert Ryan
Safekeeping by Karen Hesse
and a pre-order on Lost Canyon by Nina Revoyr
I have got myself 8 new books to help celebrate:
Night Has a Thousand Eyes by Cornell Woolrich
The Girl With All the Gifts by M.R. Carey
Celebrations in Burracombe by Lilian Harry
The Secret Place by Tana French
China Dolls by Lisa See
Dead Man's Land by Robert Ryan
Safekeeping by Karen Hesse
and a pre-order on Lost Canyon by Nina Revoyr
187DeltaQueen50
>185 dudes22: Hi Betty, I find some books are very difficult to write about without giving away too much of the plot, but often those same books are the ones that either have very complicated plots that once you start it's hard to know where to stop, or that are very easy to spoil if you say to much about the story. Unfortunately that often means relying on the same tried and true words and at times I feel like I am being very repetitive.
188luvamystery65
Happy Thingaversary Judy!
189DeltaQueen50
>188 luvamystery65: Thanks, Ro. It's a day of making records for me - my 7th Thingaversary and, my next review is of my 100 book read year-to-date, and one that really blows me away, this will be my 1,001 posted review!
190DeltaQueen50
100. Taken by David Massey - 3.6 ★
Category: Colts
TIOLI #21: Title Implies A Loss
Taken by David Massey was one of those books that I simply couldn't put down. This is the story of 6 young people who are kidnapped from their boat as they were attempting a round-world sailing cruise for charity. They were barely a day out of Cape Town and didn’t have a chance when overtaken by 4 speed boats. Their boat is sunk and they are brought back to an isolated African beach. What follows is a nightmare march across the plains and jungles of Africa. Constantly on the move, they eventually learn that they are being held for ransom by a group that calls itself the Lord’s Resistance Army, a well-known terrorist group. Of the 6 young people, 4 are handicapped in various ways, three of them had received their wounds while serving with the British Army.
The story that follows is both harrowing and exciting. The only jarring thing to me was that the romantic triangle continued even after they were kidnapped and romance should have been the last thing in their heads. This more juvenile plot line felt like a nod to it’s YA label. As they are marched across Africa and see these terrorists commit horrendous acts both to them and to others, they realise that if they want to be saved, they will have come up with a plan of escape for themselves.
Taken is a story of survival and adventure, there are many scenes of violence both to animals and humans. I would suggest this would be appropriate reading for the more mature YA reader. Although I had very few expectations for this book, I was actually quite taken with the story. Perhaps not the best writing, but nevertheless I found myself both involved with the ongoing story and desperately wanting to know how the book was going to end.
Category: Colts
TIOLI #21: Title Implies A Loss
Taken by David Massey was one of those books that I simply couldn't put down. This is the story of 6 young people who are kidnapped from their boat as they were attempting a round-world sailing cruise for charity. They were barely a day out of Cape Town and didn’t have a chance when overtaken by 4 speed boats. Their boat is sunk and they are brought back to an isolated African beach. What follows is a nightmare march across the plains and jungles of Africa. Constantly on the move, they eventually learn that they are being held for ransom by a group that calls itself the Lord’s Resistance Army, a well-known terrorist group. Of the 6 young people, 4 are handicapped in various ways, three of them had received their wounds while serving with the British Army.
The story that follows is both harrowing and exciting. The only jarring thing to me was that the romantic triangle continued even after they were kidnapped and romance should have been the last thing in their heads. This more juvenile plot line felt like a nod to it’s YA label. As they are marched across Africa and see these terrorists commit horrendous acts both to them and to others, they realise that if they want to be saved, they will have come up with a plan of escape for themselves.
Taken is a story of survival and adventure, there are many scenes of violence both to animals and humans. I would suggest this would be appropriate reading for the more mature YA reader. Although I had very few expectations for this book, I was actually quite taken with the story. Perhaps not the best writing, but nevertheless I found myself both involved with the ongoing story and desperately wanting to know how the book was going to end.
191cbl_tn
Happy Thingaversary Judy! We're almost LT twins! I also purchased Dead Man's Land as one of my Thingaversary books. Maybe we should do a tandem read!
192katiekrug
Happy Thingaversary, Judy! And congrats on 100! You should buy yourself an extra book just for that :)
193DeltaQueen50
>191 cbl_tn: Thanks Carrie, I did notice that you bought Dead Man's Land for your Thingaversary as well. I think we both caught a book bullet from Suzanne! I would love to do a tandem read, I will need a month or so to arrange my reading but just let me know when you want to tackle Dead Man's Land and I will be ready. I am already a fan of Robert Ryan having read a couple of others by him so I am looking forward to this.
>192 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Well, (digs toe into ground and hangs head) I actually have bought a few more than reported. I've put Walking the Perfect Square, In the Palace of the Khans and The Pride of Chanur all on my Kindle yesterday. So, the extra books are also taken care of!
>192 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. Well, (digs toe into ground and hangs head) I actually have bought a few more than reported. I've put Walking the Perfect Square, In the Palace of the Khans and The Pride of Chanur all on my Kindle yesterday. So, the extra books are also taken care of!
194AHS-Wolfy
Happy Thingaversary! Celebrated with a nice selection of books. The Girl with all the Gifts was definitely one of my favourites from last year. Cornell Woolrich is on my to get to at some point list so will be waiting to see what you think of that one too.
195msf59
Happy Thingaversary, Judy. Following you around in your reading life, is one of those little treasures.
Congrats on the nice book haul! Happy reading!
Congrats on the nice book haul! Happy reading!
196ronincats
Woo hoo! Congratulations on hitting the 100 book mark and the 1001 review mark! Happy Thingaversary! What an extraordinary day!
197thornton37814
Happy Thingaversary to you!
198cbl_tn
>193 DeltaQueen50: My July list is overflowing, but I could plan on Dead Man's Land for August or any time after that.
199Familyhistorian
Happy Thingaversary, Judy. That sounds like an interesting book haul.
200DeltaQueen50
>194 AHS-Wolfy: Thanks Dave. I am looking forward to getting to both The Girl With All the Gifts and the Cornell Woolrich. I probably won't wait too long on the Woolrich as my brother is also a fan of his and will want to borrow the book as soon as he can.
>195 msf59: Thanks, Mark. It's been a good seven years and I have connected to so many wonderful readers, and met a few good "warblers" as well! :)
>196 ronincats: Thanks Roni, one of the best things about LT is how my reading has grown, changed and evolved. I literally didn't read fantasy,YA or non-fiction before LT and now they are genres that I look for all the time.
>197 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. :)
>198 cbl_tn: August would work well for me, Carrie. My July reading is pretty much locked up, plus I will be away most of the month at my Mom's. I'll be back home in August and will be more than ready to read Dead Man's Land.
>195 msf59: Thanks, Mark. It's been a good seven years and I have connected to so many wonderful readers, and met a few good "warblers" as well! :)
>196 ronincats: Thanks Roni, one of the best things about LT is how my reading has grown, changed and evolved. I literally didn't read fantasy,YA or non-fiction before LT and now they are genres that I look for all the time.
>197 thornton37814: Thanks Lori. :)
>198 cbl_tn: August would work well for me, Carrie. My July reading is pretty much locked up, plus I will be away most of the month at my Mom's. I'll be back home in August and will be more than ready to read Dead Man's Land.
201RidgewayGirl
Happy belated Thingaversary, Judy! I'm glad that you celebrated in the traditional fashion. I really enjoyed Walking the Perfect Square when I read it.
And Guy Gavriel Kay is one of my favorite authors. My favorite is Tigana.
And Guy Gavriel Kay is one of my favorite authors. My favorite is Tigana.
203dudes22
Happy Thingaversary, 100 books and 1,001 review! I love reading your reviews and have caught quite a few BBs because of you.
204jnwelch
^What Betty said in >203 dudes22:, Judy. Happy Thingaversary!
206rosalita
Happy, happy Thingaversary to you, Judy! I am so glad that you found LT back in 2008, so that I could "meet" you and steal book recommendations from you. :-)
207DeltaQueen50
Just popping in quickly this morning as I have to go to the dentist in an hour.
>201 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. I have had Walking the Perfect Square on my wishlist for some time, so decided it was time to get it even though it's another first book of a series. My favorite GGK is The Lions of al-Rassan, but really I have loved all his books.
>202 msf59: Just keep warbling away, my friend. I'll keep listening. :)
>203 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I have found that writing a few thoughts about what I am reading really seems to help me remember the book. Also I'm glad to be spraying out a few BB's as I certainly get hit with a lot from other people!
>204 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I always remember that the first book bullet I took here was from you!
>205 mstrust: I am already ready for an excuse to buy more books! ;)
>206 rosalita: Welcome Julia. You are becoming altogether too rare a sight around here! Hope all is going well and you are getting lots of good reads in.
>201 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. I have had Walking the Perfect Square on my wishlist for some time, so decided it was time to get it even though it's another first book of a series. My favorite GGK is The Lions of al-Rassan, but really I have loved all his books.
>202 msf59: Just keep warbling away, my friend. I'll keep listening. :)
>203 dudes22: Thanks, Betty. I have found that writing a few thoughts about what I am reading really seems to help me remember the book. Also I'm glad to be spraying out a few BB's as I certainly get hit with a lot from other people!
>204 jnwelch: Thanks, Joe. I always remember that the first book bullet I took here was from you!
>205 mstrust: I am already ready for an excuse to buy more books! ;)
>206 rosalita: Welcome Julia. You are becoming altogether too rare a sight around here! Hope all is going well and you are getting lots of good reads in.
208jnwelch
>207 DeltaQueen50: Ha! I've lost it in the mists of time, Judy - what was the book?
210DeltaQueen50
>208 jnwelch: Joe, you were the one who introducted me to The Hunger Games and also suggested that I give Graceling a try. I promptly fell in love with both books!
>209 BLBera: Unfortunately, Beth, I needed a filling so now I am waiting for the freezing to finally wear off. I also need to go back in August for the first of two new crowns. Not looking forward to that at all.
>209 BLBera: Unfortunately, Beth, I needed a filling so now I am waiting for the freezing to finally wear off. I also need to go back in August for the first of two new crowns. Not looking forward to that at all.
211rabbitprincess
Happy Thingaversary! Enjoy the Woolrich! And I hope the freezing wears off soon.
212DeltaQueen50
>211 rabbitprincess: Thanks, RP! :)
213DeltaQueen50
101. The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger - 2.5 ★
Category: I Don't Remember That From History Class
June HistoryCat: 1500 - 1600 Art & Culture
June Reading Through Time: 1500 - 1600
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger is the story of Margherita Luti, a bakers daughter, and Raphael Sanzio, the influential and popular artist. The book opens in 1514 as these two meet on a Roman street and he becomes convinced that she is the model that he has been looking for. At first resistant to the idea of posing, she is eventually persuaded. They fall in love and she becomes immortalized in many of his paintings. But there is no happy ending for these two as there are powerful people who want to have control over this artist and his works. When Raphael dies in 1520, she is alone, an outcast and being persecuted by her enemies. Seeking refuge in a convent, she is told that she cannot stay unless she gives up to the church the ruby ring that has become a symbol of their love.
This is the story of a great passion, both for each other and for the art. Set in the rich and colorful world of the Italian Renaissance, The Ruby Ring should have been a stunning book that totally captures the reader’s emotions, but instead, I was left feeling rather bored by this slow moving story. I have read Diane Haeger before and always have enjoyed the books she has written, but this one left me cold. The author appeared to have written The Ruby Ring as a love story and my feeling is that since the love affair was the center of her novel, she should have given her story more emotion and her characters more depth. A love story means nothing if the reader doesn’t care about the lovers.
I think it is very telling that I had a hard time staying awake whenever I tried to read it. Unfortunately, The Ruby Ring will be a book that won’t be long remembered.
Category: I Don't Remember That From History Class
June HistoryCat: 1500 - 1600 Art & Culture
June Reading Through Time: 1500 - 1600
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
The Ruby Ring by Diane Haeger is the story of Margherita Luti, a bakers daughter, and Raphael Sanzio, the influential and popular artist. The book opens in 1514 as these two meet on a Roman street and he becomes convinced that she is the model that he has been looking for. At first resistant to the idea of posing, she is eventually persuaded. They fall in love and she becomes immortalized in many of his paintings. But there is no happy ending for these two as there are powerful people who want to have control over this artist and his works. When Raphael dies in 1520, she is alone, an outcast and being persecuted by her enemies. Seeking refuge in a convent, she is told that she cannot stay unless she gives up to the church the ruby ring that has become a symbol of their love.
This is the story of a great passion, both for each other and for the art. Set in the rich and colorful world of the Italian Renaissance, The Ruby Ring should have been a stunning book that totally captures the reader’s emotions, but instead, I was left feeling rather bored by this slow moving story. I have read Diane Haeger before and always have enjoyed the books she has written, but this one left me cold. The author appeared to have written The Ruby Ring as a love story and my feeling is that since the love affair was the center of her novel, she should have given her story more emotion and her characters more depth. A love story means nothing if the reader doesn’t care about the lovers.
I think it is very telling that I had a hard time staying awake whenever I tried to read it. Unfortunately, The Ruby Ring will be a book that won’t be long remembered.
214jnwelch
>210 DeltaQueen50: Ah, two good ones! :-) We should be hearing more soon from Kristin Cashore, I would think.
215BLBera
Oh Judy! I have a mouth full of crowns, so I feel your pain. And not to mention the pain in the wallet... Too bad The Ruby Ring was a snooze.
216DeltaQueen50
>214 jnwelch: Those are two of the reasons why I started reading YA on a regular basis, Joe. And yes, I would think Kristin Cashore is due to release a new book.
>215 BLBera: These are replacement crowns, Beth, I guess all things wear out eventually. Not looking forward to either the work being done or getting the bill for these, that's for sure.
>215 BLBera: These are replacement crowns, Beth, I guess all things wear out eventually. Not looking forward to either the work being done or getting the bill for these, that's for sure.
217lkernagh
Hi Judy! Congrats on 100 books read... and we are still in June! I hope you have a lovely weekend and find ways to stay cool. ;-)
218DeltaQueen50
>217 lkernagh: Thanks Lori, today was a hot one and I think we are in for a few more. My husband's brother and wife are coming for the weekend, but I am planning on mostly BBQ and salads so don't have to do a lot of cooking. They are from Salmon Arm and are used to hot weather.
219DeltaQueen50
102. Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell - 4.0 ★
Category: Edgar Allan Poe's Quill Pen
TIOLI #1: Double Letters in the First Word of the Title and in the Author's Last Name
A Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell is the first in her Mrs. Bradley series. Originally published in 1929, this is a fun romp with a classic setting of a weekend house party. Mrs. Bradley is one of the guests invited to Chaynings and when the first death occurs, it sets the house agog when it is discovered that the victim is not the man they all believed but a well disguised woman. At first it is assumed to be an accident but once they realize that a murderer is in their midst, things start to pop. With screams in the night, someone trying to bash in the head of a rival, and a late night appearance of a lunatic with a carving knife, it was difficult to figure out exactly who was the murderer, or if indeed, there was more than one. When the police decide that Mrs. Bradley is the one to be arrested, she appears to be highly amused by the incompetence of the police and not at all worried about the upcoming trial.
Mrs. Adela Lestrange Bradley is an interesting character and one that I am looking forward to meeting in subsequent books. She is highly intelligent, a psychoanalyst and an amateur sleuth. She is described a reptilian in appearance with claw like hands, and yellowish complexion. She never seems to laugh, she cackles or hoots. Most people are slightly intimidated by her and her unconventional ideas.
Although A Speedy Death was very convoluted and some of the happenings seemed a little over the top, this was such an inventive and humorous story, that I am definitely going to be reading more by this author. I am quite thrilled to have found aother series set in the Golden Age of Mysteries.
Category: Edgar Allan Poe's Quill Pen
TIOLI #1: Double Letters in the First Word of the Title and in the Author's Last Name
A Speedy Death by Gladys Mitchell is the first in her Mrs. Bradley series. Originally published in 1929, this is a fun romp with a classic setting of a weekend house party. Mrs. Bradley is one of the guests invited to Chaynings and when the first death occurs, it sets the house agog when it is discovered that the victim is not the man they all believed but a well disguised woman. At first it is assumed to be an accident but once they realize that a murderer is in their midst, things start to pop. With screams in the night, someone trying to bash in the head of a rival, and a late night appearance of a lunatic with a carving knife, it was difficult to figure out exactly who was the murderer, or if indeed, there was more than one. When the police decide that Mrs. Bradley is the one to be arrested, she appears to be highly amused by the incompetence of the police and not at all worried about the upcoming trial.
Mrs. Adela Lestrange Bradley is an interesting character and one that I am looking forward to meeting in subsequent books. She is highly intelligent, a psychoanalyst and an amateur sleuth. She is described a reptilian in appearance with claw like hands, and yellowish complexion. She never seems to laugh, she cackles or hoots. Most people are slightly intimidated by her and her unconventional ideas.
Although A Speedy Death was very convoluted and some of the happenings seemed a little over the top, this was such an inventive and humorous story, that I am definitely going to be reading more by this author. I am quite thrilled to have found aother series set in the Golden Age of Mysteries.
220leslie.98
Happy Thingaversay! I see that you enjoyed Mrs. Bradley's first appearance a bit more than I did -- she was so different in print than I had imagined her from Diana Riggs in the BBC/PBS series...
221VivienneR
>219 DeltaQueen50: & >220 leslie.98: I had a fixed image of Diana Rigg as Mrs. Bradley. As a result, I've only read one book in the series. It was fine, but just not how I pictured Mrs. Bradley.
>218 DeltaQueen50: It was a hot day here too. Last time I looked it was 38. To be even hotter tomorrow and Sunday.
>218 DeltaQueen50: It was a hot day here too. Last time I looked it was 38. To be even hotter tomorrow and Sunday.
222DeltaQueen50
>220 leslie.98: & >221 VivienneR: I guess this is an instance of where ignorance is bliss. I haven't seen Diana Riggs as Mrs. Bradley, but she sure doesn't look anything like the character. I can see if I had seen her first as Mrs. Bradley, I would have trouble accepting the one on the pages.
After Vivienne saying it was already 38 degrees where she is, I feel like a total wimp complaining about the heat. It is somewhere in the low 30's here. To convert into fahrenheit, at my place the temp. is around 90 degrees while Vivienne is experiencing 100 degrees. We don't often get such high temps. at the coast. I'm ok as long as I sit still under my fan but having company means I have to bustle around getting breakfast etc. Luckily they have gone shopping and won't be back until after lunch. I have whipped up a chocolate cake, made a Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce for the Pork Kebobs that I am BBQing for dinner. Now I just have to make up an interesting Asian marninade for the meat. I am serving small nuggest potatoes and a raw vegtable plate. So basically dinner is done.
After Vivienne saying it was already 38 degrees where she is, I feel like a total wimp complaining about the heat. It is somewhere in the low 30's here. To convert into fahrenheit, at my place the temp. is around 90 degrees while Vivienne is experiencing 100 degrees. We don't often get such high temps. at the coast. I'm ok as long as I sit still under my fan but having company means I have to bustle around getting breakfast etc. Luckily they have gone shopping and won't be back until after lunch. I have whipped up a chocolate cake, made a Thai Peanut Dipping Sauce for the Pork Kebobs that I am BBQing for dinner. Now I just have to make up an interesting Asian marninade for the meat. I am serving small nuggest potatoes and a raw vegtable plate. So basically dinner is done.
223clue
>210 DeltaQueen50: >215 BLBera: I apparently have more crowns than the average, when I'm at the dentist and first open my mouth he always says "Hmmm, let me see if I can find a tooth in here". What bothers me is the grinding away of the tooth, otherwise I do okay. Chalk it down to practice I guess.
224VivienneR
>222 DeltaQueen50: Sorry I made you feel like a wimp, Judy! I just have to add that we set a record today in the Kootenay region of British Columbia with just over 40 degrees Celsius (about 105 F). I don't have central air-conditioning but had a portable running constantly. We didn't cook any meals, just nibbled at anything ready to eat and drank gallons of water. Hard to believe that tomorrow is to be hotter.
225cbl_tn
Hi Judy! I hope you're staying cool. I just realized that Dead Man's Land will fit August's HistoryCAT theme! :)
226-Eva-
>189 DeltaQueen50:
Huge congrats on all those milestones!!
Huge congrats on all those milestones!!
227DeltaQueen50
Well, I survived the hottest day and my company has packed up and gone back home. It has clouded up, cooled down and we might be getting a thunder storm later. Yesterday, we spent the day outside on the patio, constantly shifting around to avoid the sun.
>223 clue: Since both these new crowns are going to be replacing exisiting ones, I am hoping that there won't be much grinding involved!
>224 VivienneR: That's ok Vivienne, I'm glad you made it through, I am sorry that today may be just as bad for you. I will try and send our clouds and cooler temps. your way. I think I was mean to be living in the Scottish Highlands, I would thrive in cool, misty weather where woolen plaid is appropriate clothing year-round!
>225 cbl_tn: Excellent, Carrie! This gives me another reason to look forward to Dead Man's Land. :)
>226 -Eva-: Thanks Eva!
>223 clue: Since both these new crowns are going to be replacing exisiting ones, I am hoping that there won't be much grinding involved!
>224 VivienneR: That's ok Vivienne, I'm glad you made it through, I am sorry that today may be just as bad for you. I will try and send our clouds and cooler temps. your way. I think I was mean to be living in the Scottish Highlands, I would thrive in cool, misty weather where woolen plaid is appropriate clothing year-round!
>225 cbl_tn: Excellent, Carrie! This gives me another reason to look forward to Dead Man's Land. :)
>226 -Eva-: Thanks Eva!
228lkernagh
Glad to see a wonderful weekend was had by all. Like you, I have been watching the cloud cover this afternoon. I would love a good thunderstorm - it is humid enough for one! - but I will be happy with any rainfall that happens to fall. Nothing so far.
229DeltaQueen50
103. The Unquiet Heart by Gordon Ferris - 3.4 ★
Category: Endless Rain
TIOLI #10: Author Shares A Name With My Father
The Unquiet Heart by Gordon Ferris is a sequel to his Truth Dare Kill. The books are about Danny McRae, a damaged war vet who is etching out a living as a private eye. Set in 1947 London, this book didn’t have the dark noir feel that the first one had. The Unquiet Heart is more of a spy thriller, than a noir mystery. This jumping around of genres is perhaps why the author abandoned this series, and began again with the Douglas Brodie series.
Danny meets and falls in love with a beautiful reporter, but strange things seem to happen when she is around. When she disappears, Danny learns that during the war she was a double agent. Being Jewish, she had been forced to work for the Nazi’s in order to keep her family in Germany safe. She had double crossed the Germans by also working for the British. Upon learning that her family had been sent to the death camps, she was after revenge. He tries to follow and bring her back from Berlin, but she eventually disappears again having decided that her true calling is to go to Palestine and help establish a Jewish homeland.
The Unquiet Heart did tie up a few loose ends from the first book, but by the end, the author had written Danny McRae into a corner, but he has found a sort of peace within himself and I am quite happy to leave him to it and move on.
Category: Endless Rain
TIOLI #10: Author Shares A Name With My Father
The Unquiet Heart by Gordon Ferris is a sequel to his Truth Dare Kill. The books are about Danny McRae, a damaged war vet who is etching out a living as a private eye. Set in 1947 London, this book didn’t have the dark noir feel that the first one had. The Unquiet Heart is more of a spy thriller, than a noir mystery. This jumping around of genres is perhaps why the author abandoned this series, and began again with the Douglas Brodie series.
Danny meets and falls in love with a beautiful reporter, but strange things seem to happen when she is around. When she disappears, Danny learns that during the war she was a double agent. Being Jewish, she had been forced to work for the Nazi’s in order to keep her family in Germany safe. She had double crossed the Germans by also working for the British. Upon learning that her family had been sent to the death camps, she was after revenge. He tries to follow and bring her back from Berlin, but she eventually disappears again having decided that her true calling is to go to Palestine and help establish a Jewish homeland.
The Unquiet Heart did tie up a few loose ends from the first book, but by the end, the author had written Danny McRae into a corner, but he has found a sort of peace within himself and I am quite happy to leave him to it and move on.
230DeltaQueen50
>228 lkernagh: I am hoping for a good thunderstorm as well, Lori. I wouldn't let my husband put the outside chair cushions away, my thinking being if you are prepared for rain it doesn't come - so better to be unprepared. Unfortunately, I have a bad feeling that all we may get is a rumble here and there and then it will move along.
231DeltaQueen50
104. King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard - 3.8 ★
Category: Overflow
BingoDog: A Book With a Protagonist of the Opposite Gender
June TIOLI #2: A Word In the Title Implies A Male
Through tri-weekly e-mail instalments from DailyLit, I have read the classic adventure story, King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard. Slightly dated, but still a ripping good yarn, as Allan Quartermain leads a small party consisting of Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good along with their African servants and guides, into the African wilderness in search for Sir Henry’s missing brother. The brother had set out some two years previously on a search for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon but hadn’t been heard of since.
Quartermain agrees to lead the party for a share in the treasure, if found. They set off across a desert and barely surviving, eventually end up in a country called Kukuanaland. Here they are disappointed not to find Sir Henry’s brother but they do meet the vicious upstart King Twala and agree to help the rightful king overthrow him. As a reward for their aid, they will be allowed entry to the legendary mine and to carry away as many diamonds as they wish.
Although the superior attitude of the white people could become very grating it is obvious why this book captured the Victorian imagination when originally published in 1885 and Africa was still truly the Dark Continent. Even today it remains one of the foremost adventure stories. I was going to mention how the characters were stereotypes, but then I got to wondering if the stereotypes of this kind of novel are not based on these original characters. I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and reading this novel in this very different format.
Category: Overflow
BingoDog: A Book With a Protagonist of the Opposite Gender
June TIOLI #2: A Word In the Title Implies A Male
Through tri-weekly e-mail instalments from DailyLit, I have read the classic adventure story, King Solomon’s Mines by H. Rider Haggard. Slightly dated, but still a ripping good yarn, as Allan Quartermain leads a small party consisting of Sir Henry Curtis and Captain Good along with their African servants and guides, into the African wilderness in search for Sir Henry’s missing brother. The brother had set out some two years previously on a search for the fabled diamond mines of King Solomon but hadn’t been heard of since.
Quartermain agrees to lead the party for a share in the treasure, if found. They set off across a desert and barely surviving, eventually end up in a country called Kukuanaland. Here they are disappointed not to find Sir Henry’s brother but they do meet the vicious upstart King Twala and agree to help the rightful king overthrow him. As a reward for their aid, they will be allowed entry to the legendary mine and to carry away as many diamonds as they wish.
Although the superior attitude of the white people could become very grating it is obvious why this book captured the Victorian imagination when originally published in 1885 and Africa was still truly the Dark Continent. Even today it remains one of the foremost adventure stories. I was going to mention how the characters were stereotypes, but then I got to wondering if the stereotypes of this kind of novel are not based on these original characters. I thoroughly enjoyed both the story and reading this novel in this very different format.
232AHS-Wolfy
>231 DeltaQueen50: I've had this and its sequel sat on my tbr shelves for quite a while so it's good to see you enjoyed it. I should probably get around to reading them some time.
233lkernagh
I do love me a good treasure hunt adventure! I haven't read King Solomon's Mines yet. I used to subscribe to DailyLit but somehow that has fallen away. I liked the idea of receiving a book by email via installments, especially since a number of the classics that I wanted to read were originally published in serial format.
Still no rain.... ;-(
Still no rain.... ;-(
234BLBera
Hi Judy - Crowns wear out? I was hoping I was done with all that. :( The Mrs. Bradley mystery sounds fun. I'll check it out at some point.
I hate the heat; I hope you keep it there and don't send it my way.
I hate the heat; I hope you keep it there and don't send it my way.
235DeltaQueen50
>232 AHS-Wolfy: Dave, King Solomon's Mines was definitely a fun read. I thought knew the story from the 1950 Stewart Granger/Deborah Kerr movie but I was surprised at the many differences between the two.
>233 lkernagh: I am really enjoying DailyLit, Lori. Most times I hit the "Send My Next Installment" button a few times before I had enough, but I did like the short installments and I am looking forward to tacking something a little longer next time. I am going to try The Virginian next, a book I have on my shelves but have always found a little daunting. Those clouds on Sunday just passed over us and I see the Interior got the thunderstorms and rain.
>234 BLBera: Well, in my mouth, yes, crowns wear out. :( I hate the heat as well, Beth, but living in the west, it sounds like we better get used to long, hot, dry summers. I told my husband that perhaps we should be looking at air conditioning if this is way of the future!
>233 lkernagh: I am really enjoying DailyLit, Lori. Most times I hit the "Send My Next Installment" button a few times before I had enough, but I did like the short installments and I am looking forward to tacking something a little longer next time. I am going to try The Virginian next, a book I have on my shelves but have always found a little daunting. Those clouds on Sunday just passed over us and I see the Interior got the thunderstorms and rain.
>234 BLBera: Well, in my mouth, yes, crowns wear out. :( I hate the heat as well, Beth, but living in the west, it sounds like we better get used to long, hot, dry summers. I told my husband that perhaps we should be looking at air conditioning if this is way of the future!
236DeltaQueen50
105. Gossip From Thrush Green by Miss Read - 4.2 ★
Category: Overflow
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
The sixth book in the Thrush Green series by Miss Read, Gossip From Thrush Green covers spring, summer and early fall in the rural Cotswolds. And although the inhabitants of Thrush Green are not looking for it, change is on the horizon. One of the biggest events in this book is that the old vicarage burns down due to faulty wiring. Charles Henstock and his wife Dimity are waiting to hear if a new home is going to be built for them, or if further changes will be made. Other changes are going to be coming for the village school as both teachers are planning their retirement. Babies are coming and some of the more elderly residents must learn to slow down and accept help in their daily lives.
Reading about this village is like taking a giant step back into the past. Although these books take place in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, one feels encased in a timeless, idyllic vacuum. The gossip in the title is mostly light hearted discussion between neighbours. One of my favourites was a discourse on the importance of afternoon tea.
I always enjoy my time spent in Thrush Green, but this book appears to be setting the readers up for changes that are going to come in future books, and although it is sad to read of some moving away and others facing health concerns one can take comfort in the fact that these people always look out for each other’s best interests.
Category: Overflow
TIOLI #9: June Blooms
The sixth book in the Thrush Green series by Miss Read, Gossip From Thrush Green covers spring, summer and early fall in the rural Cotswolds. And although the inhabitants of Thrush Green are not looking for it, change is on the horizon. One of the biggest events in this book is that the old vicarage burns down due to faulty wiring. Charles Henstock and his wife Dimity are waiting to hear if a new home is going to be built for them, or if further changes will be made. Other changes are going to be coming for the village school as both teachers are planning their retirement. Babies are coming and some of the more elderly residents must learn to slow down and accept help in their daily lives.
Reading about this village is like taking a giant step back into the past. Although these books take place in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, one feels encased in a timeless, idyllic vacuum. The gossip in the title is mostly light hearted discussion between neighbours. One of my favourites was a discourse on the importance of afternoon tea.
I always enjoy my time spent in Thrush Green, but this book appears to be setting the readers up for changes that are going to come in future books, and although it is sad to read of some moving away and others facing health concerns one can take comfort in the fact that these people always look out for each other’s best interests.
237ronincats
Liaden thread is up, Judy. http://www.librarything.com/topic/192715
238DeltaQueen50
106. Coventry by Helen Humphreys - 4.5 ★
Category: Combined Miscellany
BingoDog: Centered Around a Major Historical Event
Reading Through Time Quarterly: World War II
TIOLI #7: Red Letter Day
Coventry by Helen Humphreys is my first book by this author, but I am now looking forwards to reading more. In this short novel of about 175 pages, a powerful story unfolds set against the backdrop of the bombing of Coventry in November of 1940.
I found this a story of contrast as we read of Coventry’s nightmare, the streets of rubble, the bodies lying where they fell, glass raining down, fires erupting, while we are also exploring the lives of two women. Neither of these women are living the lives that they once thought they would. Both have known hard times and either have or will have experienced loss. Their generation has been shaped by two devastating world wars that left many women alone and grieving for the men in their lives. Yet by the end of the book one feels uplifted by how these women carry on with hope and strength of purpose.
Coventry by Helen Humphreys is a beautifully written story of destruction, war and pain, yet the author gives her audience many small glimpses into the heart and soul of real humanity and gives us the comfort of knowing that from even the worst destruction will come new beginnings.
Category: Combined Miscellany
BingoDog: Centered Around a Major Historical Event
Reading Through Time Quarterly: World War II
TIOLI #7: Red Letter Day
Coventry by Helen Humphreys is my first book by this author, but I am now looking forwards to reading more. In this short novel of about 175 pages, a powerful story unfolds set against the backdrop of the bombing of Coventry in November of 1940.
I found this a story of contrast as we read of Coventry’s nightmare, the streets of rubble, the bodies lying where they fell, glass raining down, fires erupting, while we are also exploring the lives of two women. Neither of these women are living the lives that they once thought they would. Both have known hard times and either have or will have experienced loss. Their generation has been shaped by two devastating world wars that left many women alone and grieving for the men in their lives. Yet by the end of the book one feels uplifted by how these women carry on with hope and strength of purpose.
Coventry by Helen Humphreys is a beautifully written story of destruction, war and pain, yet the author gives her audience many small glimpses into the heart and soul of real humanity and gives us the comfort of knowing that from even the worst destruction will come new beginnings.
239DeltaQueen50
>237 ronincats: I'm on my way!
240Familyhistorian
Have a Happy Canada Day, Judy!
242VictoriaPL
Happy Canada Day!
244Storeetllr
It's Canada Day, eh? Happy happy!
I enjoyed Frozen Thames but haven't gotten to any of Humphreys' other books yet. Sounds like Coventry needs to move up the TBR pile.
I enjoyed Frozen Thames but haven't gotten to any of Humphreys' other books yet. Sounds like Coventry needs to move up the TBR pile.
246DeltaQueen50
It is Canada Day and I am celebrating by doing as little as possible! Although there is a nice breeze today, it is still very warm and the weather experts are saying that it is going to get hotter over the weekend!
Happy Canada day to all my fellow Canadians!
>240 Familyhistorian: That Meg, the very same to you!
>241 VivienneR: Coventry was a great read, I am glad that my attention was caught by the multitude of warbling about here on LT.
>242 VictoriaPL: Thanks Victoria. You guys have a big weekend coming up as well! :)
>243 lkernagh: Lori, I was planning on coming over to Victoria this weekend, but I have decided for purely selfish reasons to put it off a week or so and see if the heat breaks a little. My Mom, bless her, loves the heat, but I find her house almost unbearable in summer. Hope you are having a great Canada Day!
>244 Storeetllr: I have my eye on The Frozen Thames, Mary and I have The Lost Garden on my shelves for later this year.
>245 jnwelch: I remember that you really liked Coventry, Joe. You and LindaPanzo put this one on my radar!
Happy Canada day to all my fellow Canadians!
>240 Familyhistorian: That Meg, the very same to you!
>241 VivienneR: Coventry was a great read, I am glad that my attention was caught by the multitude of warbling about here on LT.
>242 VictoriaPL: Thanks Victoria. You guys have a big weekend coming up as well! :)
>243 lkernagh: Lori, I was planning on coming over to Victoria this weekend, but I have decided for purely selfish reasons to put it off a week or so and see if the heat breaks a little. My Mom, bless her, loves the heat, but I find her house almost unbearable in summer. Hope you are having a great Canada Day!
>244 Storeetllr: I have my eye on The Frozen Thames, Mary and I have The Lost Garden on my shelves for later this year.
>245 jnwelch: I remember that you really liked Coventry, Joe. You and LindaPanzo put this one on my radar!
247lindapanzo
Happy Canada Day, Judy!!
Glad you liked Coventry. I've had The Frozen Thames handy in my car and read a page or two here and there.
Glad you liked Coventry. I've had The Frozen Thames handy in my car and read a page or two here and there.
248lkernagh
I saw that same weather report. I am now trying to find the coolest 'office appropriate' outfit for tomorrow.... we just haven't been having the cool breezes off the water like we usually have during the summer. Good decision on your part to postpone your trip over to the island. My other half loves this heat but I like my summer days to max out at 22'C. ;-)
250Familyhistorian
The Frozen Thames would be a perfect book to read to beat the heat, Judy. It doesn't look like it is going to cool off any time soon.
251dudes22
I haven't read any of her books yet, but do have The Lost Garden on my TBR pile. May have to move it up.
Oh and Happy Canada Day!
ETA: spelling
Oh and Happy Canada Day!
ETA: spelling
252thornton37814
>236 DeltaQueen50: I need to continue re-reading the Thrush Green and Fairacre books.
253DeltaQueen50
>247 lindapanzo: Thanks, Linda. Helen Humphreys can definitely write, and I can see that I will want all her books to eventually grace my shelves!
>248 lkernagh: After moaning and groaning about the weather, the last couple of days has actually been quite pleasant here. We are getting a refreshing breeze that keeps the house quite cool. I will stay home this weekend and then decide next week if I am up for travelling.
>249 msf59: Mark, one of the biggest joys of LT is being introduced to new authors, but also one of the hazards of LT is trying to find room to fit all these new authors into the reading schedule.
>250 Familyhistorian: If I actually had The Frozen Thames on my shelf right now, Meg, I would probably be reading it this month as it would be a perfect fit with one of the new TIOLI challenges!
>251 dudes22: The Lost Garden is also the other Helen Humphreys that I have, Betty. Right now I am planning on reading it in September as it fits a Reading Through Time Quarterly Challenge. (This is a spell however you want thread as my spelling is terrible!)
>252 thornton37814: I am slowly working my way through the Thrush Green series, Lori and then I will turn my attention to the Fairacre Books. These are pure escape/comfort books for me.
>248 lkernagh: After moaning and groaning about the weather, the last couple of days has actually been quite pleasant here. We are getting a refreshing breeze that keeps the house quite cool. I will stay home this weekend and then decide next week if I am up for travelling.
>249 msf59: Mark, one of the biggest joys of LT is being introduced to new authors, but also one of the hazards of LT is trying to find room to fit all these new authors into the reading schedule.
>250 Familyhistorian: If I actually had The Frozen Thames on my shelf right now, Meg, I would probably be reading it this month as it would be a perfect fit with one of the new TIOLI challenges!
>251 dudes22: The Lost Garden is also the other Helen Humphreys that I have, Betty. Right now I am planning on reading it in September as it fits a Reading Through Time Quarterly Challenge. (This is a spell however you want thread as my spelling is terrible!)
>252 thornton37814: I am slowly working my way through the Thrush Green series, Lori and then I will turn my attention to the Fairacre Books. These are pure escape/comfort books for me.
255DeltaQueen50
>254 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
256DeltaQueen50
WHOOPS!! I forgot to use the Continue Button when I set up my new thread!
Here is the link:
My 2015 Category Challenge - Part 6
I would love to have you join me over there!
