Sundays on the Acre, Take 34

I figured I had better start another thread before the Sunday morning onslaught!

A note about my rating scale:

3 stars or below - Not Recommended

3.5 stars - Guardedly Recommended

4 stars - Recommended

4.5-5 stars - Highly Recommended and you best get the book in hand now!

For those interested in my wiki, it is here: http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/User:Alcottacre, but I do not really recommend it, as it is boring. All the action takes place on my threads :)

Books Read from My Personal Library in 2010



Pages Read 2010



Memorable Reads for 2010:

Nonfiction
The National Parks: America's Best Idea by Dayton Duncan & Ken Burns
Larry Burrows: Vietnam by Larry Burrows
The Morville Hours by Katherine Swift
Waterlog by Roger Deakin
Mountains Beyond Mountains by Tracy Kidder
Slavery By Another Name by Douglas A. Blackmon
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebekah Skloot
At the Hands of Persons Unknown by Philip Dray
On Hallowed Ground: The Story of Arlington National Cemetery by Robert M. Poole
The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich by William L. Shirer
Roosevelt and Hopkins: An Intimate History by Robert Sherwood
Provenance by Laney Salisbury and Aly Sujo
The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum
Hellhound on His Trail by Hampton Sides
The Day the World Came to Town by Jim DeFede
The Rest Is Noise by Alex Ross
My Reading Life by Pat Conroy

Fiction
Salvation by Sholem Asch
The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery
Crossing to Safety by Wallace Stegner
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami
Britten and Brulightly by Hannah Berry
The Party by Rudolph Von Abele
The Egyptian by Mika Waltari
Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill
The Straight and Narrow Path by Honor Tracy
Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski
The War of the End of the World by Mario Vargas Llosa
Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip
Silence by Shusaku Endo
In This House of Brede by Rumer Godden
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Still Alice by Lisa Genova
The Postmistress by Sarah Blake
Troubles by J.G. Farrell
The Idiot by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close by Jonathan Safran Foer
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Oblomov by Ivan Goncharov
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf
Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes
Music and Silence by Rose Tremain
The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver
The Siege and The Betrayal by Helen Dunmore
Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham
Life With a Star by Jiri Weil
The Finkler Question by Howard Jacobson
Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny
2666 by Roberto Bolano
Room by Emma Donoghue
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese

Young Adult
Genesis by Bernard Beckett
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
Airborn by Kenneth Oppel
The Four-Story Mistake by Elizabeth Enright
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen
Good Night, Mr. Tom by Michelle Magorian
Iqbal by Francesco d'Adamo
Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly

A note about my memorable reads: I am not a book critic. My memorable reads list is just that: books that are memorable to me - that for some reason or other resonate with me. I do not review books as many people here do for the simple reason that I am a terrible book reviewer!

For those who may not have heard about the tragic death of Sandy McCreary's son, Bill, I am reposting the original notice:

Donna - we got terrible news this afternoon. Our son Bill was walking along St Louis street, only a couple of blocks from home, when he was hit by a car and died. We don't know any more than that and are in shock. Will you save the newspaper write-up, if there is one, for me? I don't know if I'll really want to look at it later, but right now I'm starved for information.

If you want to share the news with LT friends, that is OK with me. I'll pass along more news when we know it.

Please keep us in your prayers - and call your sons tonight to tell them you love them.

Sandy

Please post to either her thread or her profile and let her know you are thinking of her.

This is Sandy's profile page: http://www.librarything.com/profile/sjmccreary

Oh goody good! I can come in at this hour on Sunday and not fear The List!

Now back to sleep.

#3: Nope, you beat the list - at least thus far.

I hope you get some sleep, RD :)

I was peacefully a-slumber when ****WHAM**** and "moan" came from the hall. The Divine Miss tripped and fell on the landing, apparently on the carpeting as there's nothing at all outside her door. I thought the Canadians had launched a sneak atomic attack. She's all tucked up again, but I'm a little jittery after that awakening. Auntie's deaf as a post, so she's blissfully snoring away -- a beautiful sound.

#5: I hope Claudia is OK! Glad to know that Vickie is snoring away - I hope you are soon as well.

I'm marking a spot for this week's Sunday post. I missed last week. Ouch, Richard, I hope all is well.

#7: You did not miss much last week, Kerry, as I spent half my week driving :)

This week's reads:

548. Roller Skates by Ruth Sawyer - juvenile; it was interesting reading this book immediately after reading Sawyer's The Way of the Storyteller because I could see hints of that book in this one, an autobiographical in nature children's book set in 1890s NYC whose heroine Lucinda, reminded me greatly of Anne Shirley from Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables series: as her uncle says to her aunt "You must remember, Emily, that all children are not turned out the same, like button-molds, or like your own little gazelles." after Lucinda's temper tantrum at Emily; this book won the Newbery prize in 1937; guardedly recommended (3.75 stars)

549. The Kind Diet by Alicia Silverstone - nonfiction; if you are considering vegetarianism, I would recommend this book as Silverstone presents good ideas as to why it is a wise decision, although I admit that some of her explanations are a bit juvenile (I felt like I was being talked down to at times) and occasionally a bit 'out there' for me; included in the book is an excellent recipe section and I am going to be trying several of them in the near future; guardedly recommended (3.5 stars)

550. My Reading Life by Pat Conroy - nonfiction; a huge 'thank you' to my secret Santa, LindaP, for sending this book my way - I absolutely loved it; Conroy takes his life and traces his reading and the books that influenced him in a kind of memoir; I especially related to his early chapters where he mentions his mother and her quest for self-education; highly recommended and on my memorable reads list for the year (4.5 stars) Mine

551. Sanctuary by William Faulkner - if you have not read Faulkner before, I would definitely not recommend this book as a place to start because, although it may be one of his most accessible books, it is also among his poorest; I never got any real feel for the characters (except the prostitute mother), they had little depth, although I thought Faulkner did the setting and the grimness of it well; not recommended (2 stars)

Continuing:

552. Shadows on the Rock by Willa Cather - Cather is one of my favorite authors and although not her best work, this book is good historical fiction set in seventeenth century Quebec, the book is more character studies than anything else and I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Cecile and her father Euclide, as well as Jacques; recommended (4 stars)

553. Pictures at an Exhibition by Sara Houghteling - having recently read a book about the looting of European art by the Nazis, I thought to try this fictional book on the same subject and was disappointed; the first section of the book is less than 10 pages long and when you finally feel like you are learning the character of Max, you are in the third section of the book which skips over a period of some 4-5 years; I think Houghteling writes well and I would read more of her work (this was her first book I believe); not recommended (3 stars)

554. A Northern Light by Jennifer Donnelly - young adult; I did something (twice) this week that I rarely do, and that is read the same author's books back-to-back; this book by Donnelly is historical fiction set in the early 20th century and revolves around the character of Mattie Gokey, a well-read, intelligent teenager coming to grips with her situation in life after the death of her mother and the abandonment of her older brother; Mattie wants so much more than life on the farm and reaches out to get it, by so doing runs into Grace Brown, whose story is told in Dreiser's fictional An American Tragedy; there are echoes in Mattie's story of Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own; highly recommended (4.25 stars)

555. Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly young adult; 'Thank you' to Mark for sending this book my way!; although I could relate more to the character of Mattie in Donnelly's previous book, I think this book is actually better written - all of the anger and turmoil that Andi is going through in this book comes at you from every page and rings true to her character; highly recommended and on my memorable reads list for the year (4.5 stars)

That wraps it up for this week!

>9 alcottacre:: We got The Kind Diet as a gift and I had the exact same reaction—I was being talked down to. It annoyed me no end. Since I'm not a vegetarian, my limited needs in that area are still covered by that oldie-but-goodie, The Moosewood Cookbook.

#11: I love The Moosewood Cookbook, Tad. You are right - it is an oldie-but-goodie.

All this cookbook talk these days.. lol

Nice solid looking list today Stas :)

Morning, Stasia! Doing the Jingle Bell Hop because nothing really hits me this week so the Tipping Tower stays just where its at. Have a super duper week! :)

#13: It is the time of year to talk about cooking, isn't it, Kath? Of course, I think any time of year is a good time to talk about cooking!

#14: I want pictures of you doing the Jingle Bell Hop, Lynda!

Morning Stasia- I'm so glad you liked Revolution. Let's hope between us, we can get some more folks here on the band-wagon. I'm looking forward to reading more of Donnelly's work. My Reading Life is already on the list. Have a good day!

#16: I am going back to read Donnelly's The Tea Rose and The Winter Rose since I liked the two of hers I read this week so much.

Mornin' Stasia!
Most of your books here that look good are already on my WL...
starting to feel a little less intimidated by your Sunday posts! LOL

I am adding Shadows on the Rock.
I love Willa Cather - though it's been a long time since I've read anything by her. I may have to sneak in a re-read or two of her books.
Have a good one!

Roller Skates and the Jennifer Donnelly books are already on the list but I've also added Shadows on the Rock as I've been wanting to read more about Quebec's history since reading Bury Your Dead.

Seems like you had a pretty good reading week :-)

Good morning, Stasia. I already have The Reading Life on my WL but obviously must get a copy soon. Everyone seems to love it. I love Willa Cather so I'll have to look for Shadows on the Rock. I'm assuming you liked Revolution the best of the two Donnelly books so I think I'll start with that one. So glad I found you early this morning. I don't feel hopelessly behind!

Glad you are reading Jennifer Donnelly - reminded me that I have had The Tea Rose on the giant wishlist forever, so I went and bought the dang thing.

My Reading Life is tempting; I'll have to look for it this week. Sanctuary sounds horrible, and I'll push that way down on my list of Faulkner reads for next year.

Morning Stasia, I'm glad to see you liked A Northern Light since I have it on my shelf. It seems like everyone loves My Reading Life so I'll have to get to that at some point. Have a great day.

I'll have to add My Reading Life to my TBR stack but I refuse to do so until the list goes under 900 titles. Assuming no new additions (yeah, right!) and average reductions that could be as soon as February.

Ooh, Revolution definitely goes on the wishlist.
Btw...the Jennings novels are on the way.

Dodged the book bullets again this week. I've already read (and loved) My Reading Life.

otoh, Madeline mentioned WaPo's top nonfiction for the year and I'm adding a few titles from that.

Also dodged any direct bullets. I've already read My Reading Life. I do want to read some Willa Cather, but not that one in particular. And I will put Jennifer Donnelly on my watch list.

I've got Jennifer Donnelly's Revolution on my tbr as I've read her A Gathering Light a long way back. I want to try some of Conroy's fiction before I tackle My Reading life.

28 posts late but I'm here! *Waves arms frantically*

Hi Stasia

The books that I would like to read from your list this week are ones already on the tbr pile.

Happy Sunday

hi Stasia
I am glad to read you liked A northern light too!
Frank did read Sanctuary not long ago and he liked it much better that you did.

I'm here I'm here!

Have all the Jennifer Donnelly added. .

Added the Willa Cather book. . .

:)

Why lookee here! A shiny new list, and not one thing on it! Really! I couldn't see the list-post! LT goddesses smiling on me. Bless their hearts!

Oh, you got me good, Stasia! Not only did I add several to my TBR, but they are already requested. Keep them coming!

Karen O.

Stasia, Seeing Roller Skates on your list brings happy memories from my college children's literature class. I loved this story so much that I wanted to go buy myself roller skates to cover the mile I had to walk to get on campus. (Probably a good thing that I didn't find any!)

Waving hello - added the two Donnelly books to my list. Thanks!

I've been hearing lots of good things about both My Reading Life and Revolution lately, so they're definitely going on the list. I also have a copy of Roller Skates that I found at a yard sale this fall and have been meaning to get around to.

#18: Claudia, my Sunday posts are never meant for anyone to feel intimidated by! I have done them on Sundays since I joined the group simply for my ease rather than posting a daily one. I am glad that you are no longer feeling so intimidated!

#19: Heather, I enjoyed Shadows on the Rock despite my feeling that it is not Cather's best book - nothing beats My Antonia for me in that regard. I hope you enjoy 'Shadows' when you get to it!

#20: I do not think you will want to miss My Reading Life, Pat! I am sure every reader can relate to something in that book. I hope you like the Cather book as well.

#21: I put The Tea Rose on hold at the local library, so I am hoping to get to it soon too, Charlotte.

#22: Darryl, you may like Sanctuary more than I did, but if I were you, I would start off with one of Faulkner's better known works. My favorite is Absalom, Absalom although it has been 30+ years since I read it. Do get to My Reading Life soon though!

#23: Bonnie, I know you do not normally read young adult books, but I do hope you will give A Northern Light a try at some point.

#24: Here's hoping that My Reading Life goes to the top of the TBR stack when it finally makes it there, Kathy!

#25: Karen, I hope you enjoy Revolution! Thanks for sending the books my way!

#26: WaPo? Is that some new Chinese thing I should be aware of? Please share, Linda!

#27: Roni, I do not think you will be disappointed if you give the Donnelly books a shot. I hope you get round to them some time or other.

#28: Kerry, thus far the only fiction book of Conroy's that I have read is South of Broad, which I enjoyed. I do not think a familiarity with his fiction is needed to appreciate My Reading Life though.

#29: Hello, Stephen!

#30: Rats! I will get you next week :)

#31: I am glad someone enjoyed Sanctuary more than me! Throughout the entire book I kept wondering what I was missing. Oh well. Have you read any of Donnelly's other books yet, Anita?

#32: Hey, Tamara! Glad you found something to like this week!

#33: Humph.

Stasia,
When I first joined LT (way back in April!) your thread was one of the first that called out to me. When I tried to follow it I couldn't imagine anyone reading that much! Especially with all the other stuff you do. And so many friends responding. Yikes :)

Also, I have to say the term Book Bullet gave me pause till I figured it all out! LOL

As I got to "know" you better, I was afraid to look - cuz I knew I'd get hit big time. I feel like I'm making progress now. I already have some of your reads on my WL and I welcome your comments and recs for new titles. I still tremble on Sundays ... just a little... but...
You turned out to be pretty nice! ;-)

#34: OK, Karen! You make up for the fact that I missed Linda this week :)

#35: I cannot imagine skating across a college campus myself. I broke my ankle roller skating when I was a kid though, so that might have something to do with it. Glad you stopped by, Regina!

#36: I hope you enjoy them, Jenn!

#37: Looks like you have plenty of good reading ahead, Zoe. I hope you enjoy the books.

#40 Sorry, Stasia. WaPo is the Washington Post. Their excellent Book World published a list of their top nonfiction books for 2010 today. See: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/10/AR2010121003218....

One top nonfiction book for 2010, according to WaPo is Suzanne's Chasing Goldman Sachs, which was called "an exceptionally lucid, well-written account of how and why the financial system broke down."

I was aware of the new Simon Winchester book Atlantic: Great Sea Battles, Heroic Discoveries, Titanic Storms, and a Vast Ocean of a Million Stories as well as Hellhound on His Trail but added several others to the TBR list, including Colossus: Hoover Dam and the Making of the American Century.

#42: You turned out to be pretty nice yourself, Claudia ;

One of the things I appreciate about this group is that no matter how much or how little one reads, book recommendations are always appreciated. To me, it is not the quantity that you are reading but whether or not you as a reader are enjoying what you read. I would make the entire world into readers if I could!

#44: Woot for Suz! What terrific news!

Thanks for sharing the list with me Linda. I will look up some of the titles with which I am not familiar. I have the Winchester book home from the library now, but have not heard of Colossus before.

I used to subscribe to the WaPo Book World but now just read it online, when I think of it.

Most embarrassing to me: the New York Times notable books of 2010 list has three baseball biographies on it (of Mickey Mantle, Hank Aaron, and Willie Mays) and, while I own all three, I haven't read any of them yet.

Linda-Thanks for sharing the "top nonfiction" link. A bunch of interesting books there. Luckily, I have Hellhound on his Trail & Bloody Crimes in the stacks.

I almost read A Northern Light -- there was a copy in our room when we stayed at the Big Moose Inn last summer. (The Grace Brown murder happened on Big Moose Lake.) But I was busy with Gilead, and never got to it.

Linda Thanks for sharing that link...And, congratulations to our own Chatterbox who made the top ten!!!

Quote for the day from The Joy of Snow by Elizabeth Goudge:

"After God, his deepest love was for his books. They proliferated. My father's books proliferated too but he had a plan by which when he bought six new books, he sold six old ones, thus keeping the tide down and slightly salving his conscience over the expense of the new books. But Dr. Jenkins could not have parted with a book to save his life. A multitude flowed into his house but none flowed out. When every bookcase in the study was full they stood in piles of varying heights all over the floor so that the room looked like a wood where the trees had all been cut down."

Dr. Jenkins and I have a lot in common!

(posted to the Kitchen too)

Hi stasia, so many interesting books once again. I put A Reading Life on my watchlist. And thanks for warning me off Sanctuary - I was planning to read some Faulkner soon, now I will certainly avoid this one!
And I'll put Chasing Goldman Sachs on my tbr for early 2011.

#52: Suz's book is very good, Nathalie, so I hope you enjoy it. I was lucky enough that she sent me an ARC of the book and I managed to get it signed by all the attendees at Richard's birthday party, so I have a one-of-a-kind copy :)

As for My Reading Life, I do not know how any reader in this group could not find someone in that book to relate to, so I feel sure you will love it as much as I do!

Morning Stasia, I managed to get about one and a half threads behind somehow, so I've just skimmed through to catch up. I noticed you'd read Half Magic by Edward Eager a week or two back. That book amused me very much as a child! The bit with the cat and its half-restored voice especially...

Love the quote from The Joy of Snow - and that's a Goudge I haven't read so I shall be interested to hear your thoughts on that one when you've finished.

#54: Genny, I finished the Goudge book and I enjoyed it for the most part, especially her descriptions of the places she grew up.

#51 Nice quote. An array of stacks next to overflowing bookcases is perfectly normal as far as I'm concerned.

#56: Me too, Caty!

56 me too!

Ooh, I relate to that quote as well...!

No books added to my list here today, but that's just as well since I bought a few at the bookstore yesterday... and a few books I've recently purchased as Christmas gifts also need to be read (very carefully) before they're wrapped... haha.

I admit I did a shameless little happy dance when Linda told me about the Washington Post list! And also because it seems to be the only finance book on the list... *grin* Having been royally dissed by the NY Times, it felt good that a big reviewer "got" the book's ideas.

OK, just got sideswiped by the Willa Cather book -- I hadn't even been aware she had written about Quebec under the French, so that will be interesting. For anyone interested in the tension between Anglos and Francophones in Quebec, try Oh Canada, Oh Quebec by Mordechai Richler. It's great background, and while not a novel, it is written by one of Canada's great novelists of the 20th century.

Caty, yes, it's when the stacks collapse on your head or on top of a cat that I start worrying.

I have a couple ARCs that are up for grabs: Ice Cold by Tess Gerritsen and Crazy for the Storm by Norman Ollestad. If anyone is interested in either of the books, PM me and I will send them your way. I will ship internationally. First come, first served.

ETA: Crazy for the Storm has been claimed.

I am off to bed for a while. Everyone have a great day!

>51 alcottacre:: Stasia, I can relate to Dr. Jenkins too. Books flowing in but not flowing out! You find the best quotations about books in your reading. Thanks for sharing with us.

Hi Stasia, I've read The Tea Rose a couple of years ago in my pre-LT-years and remember I liked it. I almost wrote "please let me know what you think of it", but that would be something ridiculous to say to a lady who posts more than anyone on LT, wouldn't it :-). Nevertheless, I'll be looking forward to your comments!

> 41
No Stasia, I haven't read any others by Jennifer Donnelly, but I just discovered the first two of her Rose books are translated! Anyone here who has read these?

#65 - Yes, I've read Theeroos (see #64).

I'm finally here...66 messages and I'm all caught up (for now)! I really want to read My Reading Life. It looks very good to me.
Hope you are having a good Monday. :)

Oddly, I got The Kind Diet out of the library this week looking for some non-meat protein recipes. I think most if not all vegan cookbooks w/ an animal rights agenda can feel forceful and make a non-veggie reader feel the writer doesn't think very highly of them, and that this one is actually better than most in that regard. I think Silverstone means to be encouraging rather than disdainful, but any agenda to which a reader doesn't subscribe feels 'bad' when it is so blatant. However, I think the recipe section looks pretty good and am eager to look at it more deeply.

Hooray for The Moosewood Cookbook an oldie but yummy.

I picked up a used copy of Moosewood, because I have no self control

I heard an interview on NPR last night, where someone asked the (unidentified to me) guest why he wasn't a vegetarian. He replied that to be a vegetarian in New England ignored the particular qualities of the kind of arable land there is, great for cows, for instance, not for vegetables in the colder months. So to be a vegetarian in New England, he felt he would be doing more ecological harm by eating lots of trucked-in food, especially in the winter, instead of local food. He was quick to point out that this didn't address the ethical constraints many vegetarians feel outweigh other considerations but I thought the remark was interesting.

I also just finished The Kind Diet. The writing is definitely simple. Silverstone is an actress and not a writer so I cut her some slack. It did annoy me that in some sections she's writing to only a female audience (You go girl! - kinda stuff), as if men wouldn't read the book. I can't speak to how the vegetarian agenda might make non- vegetarians feel when reading the book. I've been vegetarian for 40 years. The majority of the recipes that I've tried from the book have been very good. Just started reading Veganomicon -it seems to have a larger variety of recipes and ingredients, most of which look good.

passing by to say hi!

#63: Quotes are meant for sharing! I am excited about having a thread devoted to them next year, Donna.

#64: I am glad you enjoyed The Tea Rose, Monica. It raises my hopes for another good Donnelly read.

#65: Looks like both of us have more good Donnelly books to look forward to, Anita!

#67: I sent you a PM, Angela.

#68: Nancy, I copied several of the recipes and am anxious to try them. I was vegetarian when I got married, but my hubby let me know he was not converting, so we split - every other night is vegetarian night here. I am going back to being a full-time vegetarian in the new year though and have already warned him :)

#69: I need to get a copy of Moosewood too, Kath. Maybe after the book buying ban is over.

#70: It is interesting, Judy. I am trying to find a local farmer's market that I can use here - somewhere close that I do not have to drive 40 miles or so to get to.

#71: Thanks for the mention of Veganomicon, Kelly. I will look for that one, although I am not planning on being a vegan.

#72: Hey, Kara! Thanks for stopping by!

Finally found your thread! I'm still figuring out how to do the whole group thing in general, sorry it took this long! :-)

G'night!

#74: No worries, Ilana. Have a good evening!

Hi There Friend.

It is cold and the wind is whipping around outside. I'm snug as a bug in a rug (as my grandmother would say).

#76: It is cold and windy here too. Who knew that Texas could have Pennsylvania weather?

I wish I had read your comments on Sanctuary before I picked it up on Saturday as my next read. Your comments are spot on--I kept wondering whether Faulkner was writing that poorlu on purpose. My favorites are Absalom, Absalom and The Sound and the Fury.

And congratulations to Suzanne!

#78: Sorry, Deborah. Have you finished Sanctuary yet? Maybe you will like it better than I did in the end.

Cool thing about having a Nook (or any e-reader, I suspect): the book I am currently reading, The Man Who Ate His Boots, mentions a book by F.W. Beechey as 'one of the best travel narratives of the nineteenth century,' which of course, my local library does not have, but because it is in the public domain, I was able to download it to my Nook for free. I love that!

Yay for free downloads! Also, the title of The Man Who Ate His Boots is making me extremely curious...

#81: John Franklin was The Man Who Ate His Boots, Faith, on one of his expeditions looking for the Northwest Passage.

I was able to download it to my Nook for free. I love that

Oh man, I love that ability. I kept my Kindle on hand while reading Built of Books just so I could check out what Oscar Wilde was reading. So many free books are available!

#83: So many free books are available!

I agree, and some very good ones too. When I was reading Helen Haines' Living with Books, which was originally published in 1937, I was constantly looking on Barnes & Noble's website to see if books she was referencing were available. I was able to get quite a few that way and all of them were free.

edited to correct Touchstone

I just finished reading a wonderful little book: Hotel du Lac by Anita Brookner. I could barely sleep at all and woke up very early (for me) as just had to finish it more or less in one sitting. I'll go over and write my impressions on my thread shortly.

I consider myself tech-savvy enough, but haven't been attracted to e-books so far. I'm a Mac addict and could see getting an iPad eventually, but even as someone who spends A LOT of time online, I have to say the pleasure of holding a book in my hands is something I cherish. Though yes, I do understand the many advantages of e-books.

I haven't read Faulkner yet but have both Light in August and The Sound and the Fury in my library and am looking forward to reading those in 2011.

#85: I have had Hotel du Lac in the BlackHole for quite a while now. I am obviously going to have to bump it up!

For me, e-books are never going to replace the dead tree variety, but I enjoy using my Nook as a 'fill in' for books that my local library does not have or that I do not want to buy for my permanent library. I find it very convenient for the rare times that I travel too.

I read The Sound and the Fury more years ago than I care to recall, but have not yet read Light in August. Maybe in 2011 I will finally get around to it!

I've heard of Hotel du Lac and I like Anita Brookner's work. Must look for it.

I gave Jim a Kindle for his birthday, and I can't decide if I should get the same, or get a Nook to vary the possibilities. I have to take a Nook in my hand to see how it feels. I think it's time to get technical.

#87: I think you are on the right track, Judy. Give the Nook a test spin and see which you prefer.

For me, e-books are never going to replace the dead tree variety, but I enjoy using my Nook as a 'fill in' for books that my local library does not have or that I do not want to buy for my permanent library. I find it very convenient for the rare times that I travel too.
Same for me: I use my e-reader for all the books that are in the public domain and are rarely found in the library or in the book-stores anymore. E.g. I'm currently reading the classic The way of all flesh on my e-reader. If I find an e-reader-book really worthwhile, I tend to go out looking for the paper version.

Speaking of which, Austenprose just announced that on Jane Austen's birthday Thursday, December 16, Sourcebooks will be offering free digital copies of 10 "Austen-inspired" novels AND, for that day only, Sourcebooks will also be offering free illustrated eBook editions of all six of Austen’s major novels filled with unabridged texts and the legendary color illustrations by the Brock brothers circa 1898.

I think I will back up my paper copies with these! I don't see any details on the Sourcebooks.com site yet, but you can see the announcement for yourself at

http://austenprose.com/2010/12/14/download-free-jane-austen-inspired-ebooks-on-h...

I've just reviewed Hotel du Lac. The review can be found right here if you'd care to have a look. My 50th book this year and was it every worth every second!

ETA: oops, my link was a bit confusing. Hope it's better now!

Thanks Roni - I've made a note to look for those books on Thursday. What a deal!

drive-by hug

#80 I misread The Man Who Ate His Boots as The Man Who Ate His Books, and thought that was taking bibliophilia a little too far...

>94 gennyt: LOL. Same here! :-D

Genny

Thanks for the laughter.

#90: Thanks for the heads up about that, Roni!

#91: Good for you, Ilana! You might as well make the milestone with a good book, right?

#93: (Warmly returned)

#94: Well, I know eating books has happened, but I am with you, Genny - that is a bit much.

#95/96: You all have books on the brain! I wonder why.

drive by and say hi

Drat, talk about a delayed reaction! I saw further discussion about one of the books mentioned on your weekly update, Revolution, on Mark's thread. So I had no choice but to wishlist it. Sheesh, now you and Mark are double teaming me.

#98: Thanks for stopping by, Paul!

#99: Mark sent Revolution my way, Lynda. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I hope you do too when you get to it.

Dangerous territory here.. but for e-readers this time rather than books..

Joining in the e-reader discussion belatedly, I have had no desire to acquire one as a separate gadget, but my recently-bought new smartphone (HTC Wildfire) has an application for Kindle on Android so I find I have access to all those free Kindle classics and need never be stuck without a book again when out of the house. I expect the functionality is not as sophisticated as with the proper e-reader, but it does allow me to bookmark, look up words, make notes etc, so I am happy to have the benefits of an e-reader without actually having to purchase another gadget. I can't imagine spending money on newer downloads, I think I would always prefer to own a physical copy, but for free older books it is great.

#102: Personally Genny, I think that the designated devices simply functioning as e-readers are going to be obsolete fairly quickly. There are just too many other multi-functional gadgets out there to compete with.

There was an interesting discussion on the radio here last night about the use of ereaders for visually impaired people.

#104: I can see how e-readers would be of great benefit to the visually impaired. I love how big I can increase the font size - one of the primary benefits to me of having an e-reader.

>97 alcottacre: Yes indeed, it certainly helps make them more memorable!

>102 gennyt:-105 I agree that the reading-only gadgets will probably have a limited shelf-life. Who wants to walk around with a bunch of electronic equipment when you can just have one gizmo that does it all? Which just reminded me that I can use my iPhone for same purpose, just never think to do it, but yes, when I'm out of the house, instead of playing stupid video games to fill the odd down time, an e-book would make more sense. I also think it's great that people can increase font-size as needed. I consider myself still quite young and though I wear glasses for astigmatism and a touch of far AND near-sightedness, I'm definitely not visually impaired (can do fine without them) and already I'm having a hard time reading so many books with glasses ON! I have a story about decreased font sizing in magazine publications for marketing purposes, but I'll keep it for those who want to hear it!

#106: Who wants to walk around with a bunch of electronic equipment when you can just have one gizmo that does it all?

My point exactly, Ilana.

I am off to get my 3 hours in for today. See you all later tonight :)

Nighty Day, Stasia!

Sweet dreams... wish I had your constitution! I need 8 hours. Period.

Wow, I got 5 hours a night these past couple of days and thought that was short! Rest well, even machines need down time you know! ;-)

#106 - 107: There are still some of us who WANT a gadget that only does one thing and does it well. For example - I have a cell phone that is just a phone. It doesn't text, play games, surf the Web, download music . . . It just places and receives phone calls. I'm thrilled that my e-reader is the same. I really hope that there will always be a "plain Jane" version for those of us who want them. Does that make me a "mini-Luddite"? :-)

Jumping in on the e-reader comments - i am heading to South Africa next year to work and am getting a kindle so that I dont have to lug all of my book with me :) plus I think I will be getting the 3G one so that i can still download new/mpre books whilst I am over there.....buying a kindle and putting books on it a lot cheaper than paying for the extra weight at the airport because I am carrying 50 books :)

Stasia!! Where are you?!? The 2011 forum is up and it's all nekkid an' stuff 'cause you ain't there!

it's all nekkid an' stuff

teehee *childish giggle*

The 2011 forum will stay nekkid for a bit. I will set up my thread in 2011, probably about mid-January :)

:) at stasia

>111 dulcibelle: Not a luddite, no, but you probably don't usually carry around a lot of things with you the way I do... I'll probably have back problems considering the size and usual weight of my purse!

>113 richardderus: I think I'll go over there and set up my new home, although I won't be moving in until Jan 1.

OK, weird happening of the day - Tim Spalding has sent me a one-year membership here on LT. I have had a lifetime membership since like 2 seconds after I discovered this site, so not sure what is up with that. Did anyone else receive an e-mail from Tim about this?

No I haven't - I am a life member too - wonder what is happening?

No idea. Oh well, maybe I will just apply it to my other account, which is not a lifetime one.

Morning Stasia- I think LT Ambassadors should get free lifetime memberships! Have a great day!

Talking about e-readers. I don't have one but I thought for those who do, and may not be aware of this, here is a great site for free, classics books on all kinds of topics.

http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

I use this site a lot even though I don't have an e-read, oftentimes to determine whether I would like to purchase a paper copy of a specific book.

#121: I wish I could be a full-time LT ambassador in real life, Mark!

#122: I love Project Gutenberg, Manuel!

Stasia,
Do you think the free one-year membership is for the year *after* you die?
To accommodate the time it will take for your eyes to finally close and stop reading? ;-)

>124 -Cee-: ROFL CLaudzilla!!

Stasia, did you get to see the 1960 World Series game? Or just record it so far?

I've got a lifetime membership but I love LT so much that I occasionally send a contribution!!

>124 -Cee-: LOL @ Claudia's comment!

>118 alcottacre: Stasia, could it maybe be a one-year membership that you can give to someone else? Because I think they're selling those at the Christmas store, right? Maybe that's how he meant it but forgot to explain?

#124/125: You are both ridiculously silly. Everyone knows it will take at least 10 years for my eyes to finally close! I just hope they bury me with my glasses on!

#126: No, I have not watched it yet, Linda. I will probably not get to it until the beginning of next week. My work week starts tonight.

#127: I sent Tim an e-mail asking about it. Here's what he wrote me: "I'm a bit confused by it too, actually. I restarted a process and it spat out a bunch of these. So, give it to a friend if you like."

Glad to find someone who is still living in 2010...

>128 alcottacre: See? I guessed at his intention even before he did! My dad would call that intuition. lol

and btw, I guess you'll just have to specify 'glasses on' in your will. Can you say morbid?

"I hereby leave ~insert name~ the responsibility of replenishing my withering earthly form with a regular supply of fresh books to read."

Wow, away for 3 days and 81 posts to read on your thread! I loved that quote way up thread (by Goudge) and am so happy you've started a quote thread for 2011 (I've got it starred).

waving hello! and back to Wolf Hall.

#130: Morbid.

#131: Sounds like a job for you, Super Stephen!

#132: Never spend 3 days away from my thread, Pat. You will never get caught up again :) I am glad you like the 2011 Quote thread - I am hoping that it will be well-used.

#133: Hey, Jenn! Enjoy Wolf Hall!

Hi Stasia!

* makes note in VIN (very important notebook)... if Stasia dies first, make sure she has glasses on and tuck some books in with her! *

>134 alcottacre: Wow, impressive. You're way faster than I am today obviously (pant, pant!)

#136: Thank you for making a note of that, Claudia!

#137: lol, Ilana.

Morning Stasia- Did you finish the Stieg Larsson trilogy? I'm half-way through Hornet's Nest on audio. It's been good! Have a good Friday!

#139: Nope, I have not finished yet. Maybe one day!

Hi stasia, this morning I loaded three of the illustrated birthday edition Austen books on my Kindle (at 2,30 USD each for the wireless transport to far-away Europe). So I am going to join you in the Austenathon 2011, at least for Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility and the so far unread Northanger Abbey.

#141: Cool beans! Great news, Nathalie. I am glad you are joining in with us.

>90 ronincats: I'm far behind, but apparently I popped in just in time to snag a bunch of free Austen-inspireds! I've been wondering about a few, and considering they're free Kindle books, how could I turn them down? Thanks for the heads up!

Off to go get a few hours sleep in, visit with my hubby, and then head off to work again. . .I will catch everyone up tonight!

Pleasant dreams!

Thanks, Pat!

I've got Pride and Prejudice and Northanger Abbey as well - I would be interested in reading along with you

I feel so behind...
No direct book bullets for me this week, as My Reading Life and Revolution are already on the ever-growing TBR list. I read Roller Skates as a kids and remember really liking it; I wonder how it would hold up in a reread.

you input needed Stasia. I cried for help on Richard's thread and he was not helpful in the least. Maybe you will understand my plight better. But then, maybe not at all! Stop by my future place when you get a chance.

ETA: Oh never mind. Not sleeping's NOT an option. I get cranky and cry for nothing and it's hard to read with tears in your eyes. It's lots of sleep for me or the looney bin I'm afraid!

hello there, Stas ... I'm just gearing up for your Sunday list.

Quote for the day from The Children's Book by A.S. Byatt, which Peggy and I are reading together:

"She thought about the relation between readers and writers. A writer made an incantation, calling the reader into the magic circle of the world of the book. With subtle words, a writer enticed a reader to feel his or her skin prickle, his or her lips open, his or her blood race."

I am glad I get to spend time in the magic circle world of the book!

BTW - Next year, there is a dedicated thread for quotes. I do hope that you will use that thread to share what you are reading in 2011!

(posted to the Kitchen too)

I love all these quotes, Stasia, and am so glad they'll be a dedicated thread for them next year.

Hello, Stasia, the quotes have been very enjoyable this year and will make a very interesting thread in the coming new year.

> 151 Can't wait to read it! I was thinking I'd start the year with it but then aren't you starting the Sense and Sensibility group read at that point?

Sense and Sensibility group read? Ooh...what a wonderful way to start off the new year.

Hello Friend

Good to talk to you last evening. I hereby announce that you and I are committing to read the books we have on our shelves or obtaining books from the library and trying VERY hard NOT to buy too many new books next year. Too many books is defined as anything above ten. As in any addiction, we will take this one day at a time.

#152/153: I am glad you ladies think that the Quote thread in 2011 is a good idea! I hope you will share too :)

#154: Yes, Ilana, the group read of Sense and Sensibility begins in January. We will start up around the 15th.

#155: Yes, it is! Are you going to join in, Caro?

#156: Max of 10. Got it. Well, for now anyway :)

I need to be clear on this: a maximum of 10 --- for the whole year????????? Oh, please not!

#158: That is what Linda is saying. I am not sure I can stand it, but I am going to give it a try.

Seriously, my TBR stack at the house has over a thousand books in it. I really have got to do something about it!

I think there are going to be quite a few of us on LT that die by book avalanche. Our houses are going to cave in on us from the weight of our books! Oh well, I'm sure there are worse ways to die!

#160: If there is ever an earthquake while I am standing in the library of my house, I am done for :)

I will have to remember to lift up prayers for no earthquakes in Texas!

#162: Thanks, Regina!

>157 alcottacre: The 15th is perfect! That gives me plenty of time to start and finish The Children's Book! Little things like than can make my whole day sometimes. :-)

#164: Starting mid-month, especially at the beginning of a new year, seems to work best for everyone. That way the holiday hustle and bustle is over with and people are wrapping up year end stuff.

Music for a Sunday, one of my favorites: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bVRTtcWmXI

This week's reads:

556. Nightmare at the Book Fair by Dan Gutman - juvenile; this book was fun - Trip Dinkleman, who hates to read, gets rooked into helping carry books to a Book Fair, is knocked unconscious and dreams he is in a variety of different genres of books, everything from horror to 'girly' books; Gutman did a good job of putting Trip into the different genres (every chapter of the book covers a different genre), and the fantasy chapter is a hoot!; Kathy Martin recommended this one (thanks!); I think for kids who do not enjoy reading, this book provides good exposure to the different types of books that are available; guardedly recommended for old folks like me (3.5 stars; for kids, I think it would be closer to 4 stars)

557. The Joy of the Snow by Elizabeth Goudge - nonfiction; Roni recommended this one (thanks!) and I very much enjoyed Goudge's autobiography, especially her descriptions of her childhood and the places she grew up; Goudge writes from a staunchly Christian point-of-view, and puts everything into that perspective; recommended (4 stars)

558. The Man Who Ate His Boots by Anthony Brandt - nonfiction; recommended by Suz (thanks!); this one did not really add anything new to my knowledge of the exploration of the Northwest Passage, but I did enjoy it, although why it is titled only after Sir John Franklin, I do not understand when so many other men are mentioned as well and there are some disturbing factual errors contained in the book too; the entire point of the book is summed up in: "they maintained their touchingly simple fate in quick, easy Arctic expeditions to the end. Why they did so remains one of the enduring mysteries in the history of exploration."; recommended (4 stars)

Continuing:

559. Fool by Christopher Moore - I do not think I have the right sense of humor (which I am beginning to suspect I do not have at all!) for Moore's books, because although this book did provide some laughs for me, the offensive nature of his comments about both Christians and homosexuals (and there were many more about the latter than there were the former), plus overuse of the 'F' word, just made this book unfunny to me; not recommended (2 stars)

560. Storm Warning by Linda Sue Park - juvenile; book 9 of the 39 Clues Series and IMHO, one of the best books in the series as Dan and Amy are coming to the end of their hunt; be advised, if you are reading this book to or with your child(ren) that there is a death in the book, something I was completely unprepared for, given the way the series was written; recommended (4.25 stars)

561. Middlemarch by George Eliot - an absolutely delightful re-read for me of Eliot's classic; it had been 15 or so years since I initially read this one, and I enjoyed it more this time around I am sure due to the group read of the book; I love Eliot's descriptions of her characters and the way their lives are played out for us to watch - if you have not read this one, please do so! it is a treat to read; highly recommended, and on my memorable reads list for the year (5 stars)

562. Into the Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix - juvenile; the last book of the 39 Clues series, and a bit of a letdown for me after book 9, although this is a good ending (or possibly not) to the series; recommended (4 stars)

563. Glory by Vladimir Nabokov - this is one of Nabokov's early novels, originally published in 1932, and although not one of his best, it is interesting to see that he was working on his craft as a wordsmith because some of the prose passages are wonderful; unfortunately, I do not think the book stands up well at all, especially such a lackluster character as Martin - I read the book and still did not feel as if I knew him; not recommended (3 stars)

That is it for this week! Sorry I do not have some better selections for you.

I was here a little bit ago.. and knew i should wait for more :)

I just heard about the 39 clue series on NPR . They are starting a new series.. and one of them will be written by James Patterson :)

#168: They are starting a new series.. and one of them will be written by James Patterson :)

Oh, I seriously hope not.

I promise. That is what they said.

#170: I cannot figure out for the life of me why they would include Patterson as an author in a children's series. I know he has written a couple of young adult series, but still.

Morning Stasia, Happy week before Christmas!
I really hope to read the 39 clues series sometime soon, thanks for reminding me to line those up at the library.
Your take on Glory was very similar to mine. IMO, Martin was not an easy person to follow, simply frustrating me at times.
Have a good day!

Morning Stasia! Middlemarch has been among the very first books I read 3 years ago when I decided to finally turn to "serious" literature. It is also the first big classic I ever read in English and it took me a while to get through the 800+ pages, but I absolutely loved it. It is still one of the best character studies I ever read and a 5star all-time favorite.

I like Nabokov's writing, but might give "Glory" a pass.

#171: Good morning, Lynda! I hope when you get to the 39 Clues series that you (and your son?) enjoy the books.

I remember that you read Glory recently too. I do not know if you have read any other Nabokov, but if not, do not judge him simply by this book.

#173: I am glad to hear of another Middlemarch lover around, Nathalie!

Overall, I think giving Glory a pass is a good idea, unless you are a completist who must read every book by an author.

I do not think I have the right sense of humor (which I am beginning to suspect I do not have at all!) for Moore's books,

I'm not really a fan, either. I simply don't find him very witty. Sure, I know what's supposed to be funny, but Moore just doesn't do it for me. One of my very good friends just adores him, though.

#176: I am glad to know it is not just me. Although I really am seriously beginning to wonder between Pratchett, Wodehouse, and Moore where my funny bone has got off to. I know I used to have one :)

I'll eventually get to Middlemarch but not just yet, I've read everyone's high praise for it, but I have to make Les Miserables my next priority.
I've decided not to read the 39 clues series, too many other children's books jostling for my attention!

It is entirely possible that I have been frightened off from Middlemarch forever by comments here on LT. I will let y'all know at the end of time .

Ah, I will forever love Pratchett, but much of what I find funny comes from my own weird take on lit and history.

#178: I understand, Kerry. I was determined to finish up the series by year end. I decided not to continue on with the Darren Shan series, electing rather to take the couple of books I had home from the library back unread. I do not think I will go back to that particular series. I need to do a re-read of Les Miserables some time. I doubt it will be in 2011, but one never knows.

#179: I am sorry to hear that we have frightened you off Middlemarch, Kath!

#180: Yes, I know you and several others in the group love Pratchett, which is why I am trying very hard to like him. I cannot say that I have been overwhelmingly successful in my attempts though.

Just The Joy of Snow for me this week (which is very apt given our weather at the moment!). Glad you enjoyed MM.

ETA: And I forgot to say the Bach was lovely.

#183: Glad you enjoyed the Bach, Heather!

Just checking in....boy am I behind here!

Going way back to the Vegetarian Talk...I try to eat vegetarian at least twice a week...easy in the winter because I cook with dried beans/pulses a lot...My best cookbook "find" was a copy of Sundays at the Moosewood Restaurant for a dime at a local Library sale....this book is great to read (of course the recipes are to-die-for) because of the Ethnic background(s) given for the different cuisines..

Terry Pratchett? I read the first 6 volumes of theDiscworld series back when my Dad was still alive (pre 2005) and went into serious overload...have not gone back..

Christopher Moore? I love his work..He is so Out There..but is up front about it...sure he can be boorish/juvenile/offensive...but sometimes it's the character(s) talking...sometimes not...he's still one of my favorite satirists.

;-}

#185: I picked up a copy of the Sundays at the Moosewood Restaurant at the local library the other day so that I can stockpile some more vegetarian recipes. I am glad you found it a good read, Jude!

I'm enjoying the Bach Chaconne!

I'll have to read Middlemarch, but I'm sure that I won't get to it in 2011. Thanks for the warning about Glory. I do want to read more by Nabokov, including a book or two this year (probably Lolita and Pnin), but I won't get this one. I don't think I'd read anything by Christopher Moore unless my life depended on it.

#187: Yeah, I think the decision on Christopher Moore is a good one for you, Darryl. He is definitely not a four hankies-and-a-pistol kind of writer.

I enjoyed Pnin, so I hope you get a chance to read that one. It is also not Nabokov's best, IMHO, but I thought it more worth the read than Glory. I do not think I will ever read Lolita, but would like to read other's of Nabokov's in future. I think that thus far, my favorite of his has been his autobiography, Speak, Memory.

Morning Stasia, No BB's this week. Maybe you can get me next week. :)

Morning Stasia, No BB's this week. Maybe you can get me next week. :)

I am not surprised, Monica. This was not one of my better reading weeks this year.

I forgot that I have Speak, Memory; maybe I'll read that before I get to Pnin, but I almost certainly will read Lolita next year.

#192: Although it is not a traditional autobiography, I thought Speak, Memory was terrific. I hope that if you do get to it in 2011, you enjoy it as much as I did, Darryl.

Not a Pratchett fan... I have tried him a time or two, since Cory owned all of his books ( until this years sale for the Humane Society ) and they were here so ... did not like. Good thing everyone has different taste in books, eh?

Stasia, I mentioned somewhere that my BIL bought my sister a NOOK for Christmas this year. I was looking for some books that I know she wants. christian fiction ( ugh) among others so I can email the links to her when she gets it. .. anyway .. it seems to me that the prices of nook books are higher than kindle. Have you ever compared the two?

#194: No, Kath, I have never done price comparisons between the books on the Kindle and the Nook. I did not choose my e-reader, my hubby did, so I have never done any investigation of that kind. Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

Yes, it is a good thing everyone has different taste in books. What a boring world it would be if we did not!

I just thought I would ask. I rarely go to B&N online since they have such horrible customer service... and to be honest do not often look at the ebooks costs on Ammy either..

#196: I guess I have been luck in my dealings with B&N. I have never had any trouble with them.

When I am on Amazon, I am never looking at the ebooks costs since I do not own a Kindle.

Morning Stasia- Been busy over here, huh? I guess this is the place to be on Sunday mornings. I have read only one of Christopher Moore's books. It was one of his comic vampire books, You Suck and thought it was pretty funny.
I might join you on the Sense and Sensibility read, if I can snag it on audio. I'll also be hosting the Cloud Atlas G.R. at the same time.

I'm a fan of Middlemarch too, Stasia. Read it completely for the first time a couple of years ago. Would like to do the S&S GR, but I probably won't. Don't seem to do those GRs well, for some reason. Never feel I have anything to contribute.

You can place me in the group that just doesn't get Terry Pratchett's humor too. I have also tried a couple of books because one of my favorite authors is a fan - but I just don't find them amusing.

I also have a couple of Christopher Moore's books on the TBR stack because they were recommended. I haven't had a chance to see if his sense of humor is more of a match with mine yet.

Buying just 10 books in 2011 could be a problem for me. I think I already have more than that pre-ordered from Amazon. But I would like to try to lower TBR mountain in 2011 since I am also edging up to 1000 unread at my house too.

I'm glad you enjoyed Nightmare at the Book Fair, Stasia. I really thought it might be more for adults who are already familiar with the various genres than for kids. I think they might miss some of the humor.

James Patterson and children's books? I read The Angel Experiment which was the first Maximum Ride book and thought it was OK but I didn't feel any need to read the rest of the series. Lots of my students really enjoyed them though. He might do all right as a children's author. I don't really care for his adult books either.

Hi Stasia!
I like the looks of The Joy of Snow and The Man Who Ate His Boots... I think because of your comments... but maybe it's the snow thing. ???
Doesn't matter why. I'll check out these two when company leaves.

I don't know why I like Pratchett. I shouldn't.
I have only read a few - so no overload.
LT gizmo says I definitely will NOT like ... but I do.
I don't like Monty Python... ???

I'm reading Hogfather right now. Don't like the title "Hogfather?" - or the story line yet (it's unraveling rather slowly; well I'm really not reading it at an acceptable pace) ... but overall I think it's a hoot!

Thanks for the Sunday post, Stasia - always better than the Sunday paper! :)
I don't like reading newspapers. :P

Christopher Moore's books look pretty funny to me.. I wouldn't mind giving one a try one day.. when my tbr pile is a bit smaller.. :P

YOU don't like Monty Python!!!!!!!!!!!!! omg I adore them!
And Cory tells me Cleese is quite a good writer, and I know that he is a genius. I would love to meet him!

And you do like Pratchett?? well huh.
*scratches head*

Buying just 10 books in 2011 is not possible. 10 books a month I might be able to manage...

#199 Sometimes I feel that way about group reads too but it's interesting to read other people's thoughts and I am sure you would have something to contribute (even if you don't think so yourself)

#198: Evidently, this is the place to hang out on Sunday mornings, Mark :) You just need to get up earlier! I also read one of Moore's vampire books, which I liked better than Fool, but that is not saying a whole lot.

#199: I never feel like I have anything to contribute either, Charlotte. That does not keep me from doing them though. I enjoy seeing what other people contribute!

#200: The only Patterson books I read any more are his Woman's Murder Club books which I still enjoy. I just cannot see him doing a follow up 39 Clues series any justice.

#201: I do not like newspapers either, Claudia. Too depressing. LT is a much better place to hang out on Sunday mornings. I am glad you found something to like on this week's rather shabby list.

#202: People's sense of humor has no rhyme or reason, does it? I know mine does not!

#203: Well, Linda and I are going to hold each other accountable. If you hear of a woman dying in Texas from book buying deprivation, you will know who it is :)

Dan will sometimes pick up a sunday paper.. I never read it.. :P

Morning Stasia, no BBs for me this week but you did remind me that I was going to read Nabokov's Speak, Memory and Pale Fire after loving both Pnin and Lolita last year. I'll try to get to them in 2011.

I haven't heard of anyone who didn't love Middlemarch so I wonder who scared Kath off. It was a 5 star read for me too.

>207 brenzi:: Oh no, it was me. I said it was too long. Maybe I should have qualified that statement with "too long for this time of year." Sorry Kath, if I mislead you. It is worth every page and, once you get acquainted with the fascinating characters, it reads quickly. Please give it a try.

Stasia, I could join you and Linda in the book limit of ten books IF those were new books. I absolutely love my cheap books at library book sales...and then there's the Changing Hands Book Shoppe in Joplin. I think used books should be excluded from all book bans. After all, it is recycling at it's best!

Morning, Stasia; happy Sunday to you!

Both Nightmare at the Book Fair (gee, that sounds right up my alley) and The Joy of Snow stuck in my arm/heart/head this week. I've got Green Dolphin Street around here somewhere and I remember enjoying E. Goudge waaaay back in the mists of past books.

Now, let me get this clear. A limit of 10 books purchased for the entire year?? Would that include(please, noooo) books from Bookmooch or Bookcrossing, which are technically not bought books, but more of a case of swapped books? Perhaps I could do 12, as in one per month...what is that itch? Why, it's the dreaded book-buying hives!

While I don't have a thousand books here, I have several hundred...oh dear. Someone help me...

eta: fixing typos caused by the nervous attack caused by the idea of only 10 books...

Hi, Stasia. Nightmare at the Book Fair, The Joy of Snow and The Man Who Ate His Boots all look interesting to me and will go into my "take out of the library" collection on LT.

I also have bought too many books which I haven't read and need to do something about that. But I don't think there's anyway to limit myself to 10 new books next year. It makes me anxious just to think about that!

I safely dodged the book bullets this week but have to agree that buying 10 books in 2011 is not doable. However, buying only 10 books per month is about right.

Happy Sunday before Christmas!!

10 books sounds like a good limit for next year. With me, it's more a matter of space than anything else - if I can get rid of a significant shelf-worth of books, I might have room for more. Too many are just languishing in either the after-I've-read-them or wait-til-I-read them status.

I already have the books for the next three face-to-face book club meetings scheduled between now and the first week of February, so that saves me a bit of room.

Okay, I can't keep up! I admit it. I need all my reading time to finish the last 5 books of 2010. Can I start fresh next year?

The conversation regarding a ten book limit revolved around the fact that both Kerry and Will are very patient, but it isn't fair that we have taken over the space we share with them.

In perspective, if Will liked specific items and placed them in every available niche, I'd have a problem with that. Still, he understands (but does not encourage) this obsession. My Christmas present from him will be a Nook.

This obsession is out of control. I now have plastic bins of books under the beds. They are spilling over in closets, on shelves, in boxes in the attic and basement, on my office shelf...

I must read what I have and then donate them. I will keep my Tudor, Pre-Raphaelite art books and Newbery winners. The rest have to eventually find another home. When I read a book from my collection and someone here on LT expresses interest, I'll give the book away to the first person who wants it.

Stasia, I think we said we were going to start a ticker of books purchased.

Linda (and Stasia), I suspect you will be able to get a new sort of pleasure from giving away all those books. I now give most of my "new" second hand books either right back to the charity shop or to friends as soon as I read them, unless they are really special, ones I think I will certainly want to re-read, or expect my children to want soon. This has felt very liberating. And of course, now, with e-books, it's not like most of them are really beyond reach if you change your mind. Enjoy the new freedom it gives you.

Linda, I have ticker of the new books that come into my house (no matter how) on my Books off Your Shelf Challenge thread. 2010 I read 57 books that I owned but I got 71 new books, I'm losing ground. Next year I'm trying to make that a positive number.

Don't forget we can always give our books to the troops.

*sigh* Middlemarch has been on my bedside table for about 18 months. I really should get to it in 2011. I also have the 39 clues series in the TBR pile. My son would very much like me to get those read.
I think I will add The Joy of Snow.

Count me in for the Austen readathon if that's what is starting in January? It's been ages since I read them all.

No adds to the TBR list today, Stasia.

I do still want to read Middlemarch, but wasn't able to complete it and all the other books I have out from the library, so back it went, unfinished. Maybe next year?

Good luck in your book-buying limit. I'm hoping in 2011 to read more of my own books and clear out some space for building up my library with more favorites, but I haven't gotten to the point of needing a limit...yet.

I don't have the right sense of humor for Christopher Moore either, Stas. I read Fool but never finished it because I found it as offensive as I found the movie 'Borat' that so many others apparently found hilarious.

Joy of Snow sounds interesting, so I'm adding that to my obese wish list.

Aren't you glad 2010 is coming to an end and with it your book-buying ban? I can't wait to see how many hours into the new year elapses before you run to a bookstore.

I think there are going to be quite a few of us on LT that die by book avalanche. Our houses are going to cave in on us from the weight of our books!

I know a pastor who actually had extra supports added in his house to accommodate his library . . . when he moved, the theological books became an entire section of a nearby university's library!

eta to add I think I dodged your book bullets this week, Stasia! I am trying to get more . . . . picky? selective? . . . about adding to my list.

The giving away of books is quite thrilling; almost as much of a little rush as getting a book. With Madeline's encouragement I joined Bookcrossing, and I already belong to Bookmooch. Another thing I'm planning on next year is giving some to LT'ers who find them on my thread and then wishlist them...just send them right out. There are fewer books I want to actually keep than I once thought, although probably still far too many. I'm in negative numbers this year, but did manage not to buy any books for three months. That was a record for me. I'm so glad that all of you here understand and sympathize with this, um, problem. One day at a time...

Want to hear the saddest part? I put several Trollopes on my Nook, and then couldn't bring myself to give up my old Penguin Classics of same. They are going on to fresh libraries and owners new next year, I swear.

#207: Well, I am glad to be able to remind you of your Nabokov intentions without adding to your TBR stack, Bonnie!

#208: The library sales are going to be tough for me, Donna, but I am determined! I may hold all of my book buying back for the year until we meet in Joplin again - and then splurge and buy all 10 at one time :)

#209: Gail, books on PBS do not count since they are swaps. The only books that count are books for which we are paying.

#210: Pat, I hope you enjoy the books from this week's list.

#211: Hey, Linda! Sorry I missed you with BBs this week :)

#212: Hey, Judy! You can join Linda and I you know :)

#213: Anyone recovering from major surgery gets a pass from me, Cheli!

#214: I will be sure and post my ticker to my 2011 thread whenever I start it.

#215: Thanks, Janet! I suspect you are right.

#216: Thanks for the reminder about Operation Paperback, Cheli.

#217: Maybe 2011 will be the year for Middlemarch, Jenn! I hope so!

#218: Thanks for the luck on the book buying ban for 2011, Mary. We shall see how it works out for Linda and me.

#219: I am glad to know it is not only me with the Moore books, Caro. As far as the book buying ban goes, it is continuing into 2011, so I will not be running into a book store any time soon!

#220: No problem with dodging BBs this week, Terri. It was not one of my best for the year.

#221: I put several Trollopes on my Nook, and then couldn't bring myself to give up my old Penguin Classics of same. I did the same with some of my favorites, putting them on my Nook and keeping the dead tree versions as well. For right now, I am keeping both.

Hej Stasia, I am way behind here. I started to read in the double digits and got lost in the hundreds. I just saw something about Pratchett: My son likes him very much, so I read a few of his books, but I didn't like it much. So, not to much for me.

I also saw some comments about Middlemarch which intrigued me more, so I may pick that up next here.

#226: No problems with being behind around here, Paul. It is almost expected :)

I hope you get a chance to read Middlemarch!

Quote for the day from Looking Backward: 2000-1887 by Edward Bellamy:

" 'Here are your friends,' said Edith, indicating one of the cases, and as my eye glanced over the names on the backs of the volumes, Shakespeare, Milton, Wordworth, Shelley, Tennyson, Defoe, Dickens, Thackeray, Hugo, Hawthorne, Irving, and a score of other great writers of my time and all time, I understood her meaning. She had indeed made good her promise in a sense compared with which its literal fulfillment would have been a disappointment. . . Their spirit was as high, their wit as keen, their laughter and their tears as contagious, as when their speech had whiled away the hours of the former century. Lonely I was not and could not be more, with this goodly companionship."

(posted to the Kitchen too)

Morning Stasia- Boo to Book Buying Bans! Wait a second, that makes perfect sense, glancing over to towering shelves! Have a great day!

it was all of the plodding and groaning while on the way to the liking, I think?
Maybe I will read it someday, but it is now firmly anchoring my tbr pile....

I too hope that I can keep it down to one book a month and read more off the shelves, We shall see.

#230: We will have to try and support each other in our book buying bans, Kath!

#182 - Oh, it's perfectly ok if he's not for you! Everyone has different tastes in reading. I, for one, could never make it through Hummingbird's Daughter, despite the massive rave reviews here in the 75ers.

#232: One of the best things about this group is the fact that we can all appreciate other people's tastes in reading material, even if it is not for us. Because there are so many people in this group who do like Pratchett (and people whose opinion's I respect), I have tried gamely. I think, however, that I am just going to give it up as a bad job :)

caught up....finally :)

hmmmm 233 posts? you live on the wild side don't you Stasia?

I can just hear richard now

Me? It is all those other people, I swear!

235: Ha! I already try to use that excuse and it never works. Nice try! :)

I think that despite your qualifications, Stasia, I'm going to have to check out Nightmare at the Book Fair. I'm glad you enjoyed Joy of the Snow-it definitely is for a specialized audience, but I enjoy her books so much that I appreciated the wider view of the person.

I didn't keep a ticker of books bought, but in the first message on my threads, under the list of books read for the year to date is a list of books coming into the house for the year--bought, gifts, bookmooch and PBS. I was doing pretty good for a while, but now I'm at 112 books into the house, and have only read 132. And only 22 books have actually gone out of my house.

#237: I hope you like Nightmare at the Book Fair, Roni. Keep your tongue firmly in cheek when you read the fantasy chapter. I thought it was funny :)

Sounds like you need to join the book buying ban next year too!

NOooooooooo...

Somehow I did not think you would see it as a good idea!

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Book buying ban....
*wipes tears from eyes*

This is why I will probably never marry again. No one that I have to be considerate of. Except Keith, and really, I don't worry about what he thinks.

Stasia, just a note to let you know I've set up a thread for "Future Women: Explorations and Aspirations" in the 2011 group. This is for the readings we talked about after reading The Postman in October, with post-apocalyptic or otherwise future views of women's role in societies. I'm not scheduling reading to start until February 1, but am letting people know so that they can star it and start acquiring books if they so choose.

http://www.librarything.com/topic/105210

Spent a good part of my day finishing Middlemarch
So... I'm still struggling to keep up with threads and failing miserably!
Waves for you! Hurrying on....

Stasia,
You got me with Nightmare at the Book Fair and The Joy of the Snow. Have a good week of reading and thanks for keeping us informed about sooo many books! Merry Christmas to you and everyone that reads your thread.

I have been thinking about a book buying ban myself, but I am not sure that I could do it. I went book shopping today for Christmas gifts (when I think gift, I always think either book, chocolate or coffee). And I just had to buy Cloud Atlas for Mark's group read for myself. I don't read fast enough to make it on library books. But I saw at least a dozen more that I wanted.

I added some of your reads to my wishlist this week.
--BJ

Hi; Stasia! I'm so far behind on this one, I'm not even going to try! At least you wont make a hundred threads this year:) I'm skipping the blue ones too this time, just cry out if you read something exceptionally good:)

Morning Stasia- Question: Does Bookmooch qualify, in book buying? Personally, I would say no, but I've been wrong before. Have a good day!

#241: I am saving all my money up for the second annual Joplin trip in November, Terri! I will buy all 10 at the same time :)

#242: Thanks, Roni! I will join in for some of the reads - those that I can get my hands on the book.

#243: *waving* back at Claudia!

#244: I hope you enjoy them, Regina! Merry Christmas to you as well!

#245: I received a gift card for Christmas that I used to buy Cloud Atlas with too, BJ. I know how that goes!

#246: Hey, Bente! Thanks for dropping by.

#247: I am not on Bookmooch, but I am on PBS. As far as Linda and I are concerned, those books do not count. You have a good day too, my friend!

Trying to wrap my head around this book buying ban...
is the primary goal to save money or get the TBR pile down?
Both would be good,I suppose. Just wondering what you are thinking, Stasia. :)

My daughter is moving into a new house soon with TONS of empty bookcases. When she saw my books spilling out all over, she offered to take my books for me! Hahahahahaha! Silly girl. (I mentioned she might want to bring me a bookcase or two if she had too many!)

In my case, it is to get the TBR pile down, Claudia. I have over 1000 unread books at my house.

Can I borrow your daughter's empty book cases? lol

She may have a long line of LTers outside her door once word gets around about empty bookcases, huh? LOL

Empty bookcases! Imagine!

Definitely! I will be first in line though - most of my books are on the floor.

#248: What is PBS? Almost the same as Bookmooch? I'm considering some form of bookswaping, just not sure what is the best:)

#254: PBS = Paperback Swap, Bente. I have no idea which is the best, since I never joined Bookmooch.

I belong to both PBS and BookMooch. I find PBS the better website, and it has some real conveniences in terms of mailing assistance and tracking. But appetites vary. Sometimes I delete a book from PBS and offer it on Bookmooch, to get a different audience. I so love the feature in LT now that allows you to see, by swapsite, what books are wanted.

Judy, since you belong to both, maybe you know: Does PBS ship internationally? Bente lives in Norway.

#255 & 256: Thanks! I'll check it out. Haha, I think it took me a couple of months to decide that I will join a book swaping thing..I guess it will take me even longer to deide which one. Have to do it soon, though, since books I don't intend to keep take up a lot of space!:)

#257: That would be an issue, of course! If not, maybe it would ease my decision:)

PBS doesn't actually do any shipping. You print out the shipping label, and PBS advises you on the cost, and if it's not a 13 oz or less package, you trot over to the post office, where they ask you all the silly questions about liquids when the package is obviously a BOOK.

The problem with shipping out-of-country is that it is so expensive - often the price of the book new! However, since PBS, as far as I know, is international, there may be other people in Europe who would have a more economical way to exchange books. I've turned down some requests on both PBS and BookMooch that were between the US and Canada, because of the unavoidable cost. It's the same problem as in BookCrossing. I'd love my books to circulate world-wide, but that shipping cost is fairly prohibitive.

If anyone knows a cheaper way to ship over the border, I'd love to know.

#259: That is why I asked :)

#260: Yes, shipping costs might be a problem. I read something about it on bookmooch, that you get more points or two books instead of one, if you ship aborad. I might remember it incorrectly, but it was something like that.

#261: Thanks!:) I guess I shouldn't everything to be international. I seem to forget when I'm in here, though.

PBS is US only, not international.

BookMooch gives you one point when you send out a domestic transaction, three for an international. When you request books, they cost one point domestic and two points international (the system generates an extra point for the sender). I find it is slightly cheaper per point to send internationally, but that depends on the postage rates in a given country. Some people ask for a 2-book minimum for international, which is entirely within the rules, but many others don't.

BookMooch also has an 'angel network', which means that if you want to request a book from someone in another country who doesn't send internationally you can get an 'angel' in their country to mooch it, and then mooch from the angel. There's a BookMooching group on LT where a lot of informal angeling also goes on.

#263: Thanks Caty! I guess that makes my choice slightly easier!:)

#263: Thanks for the info, Caty! I am so glad someone could answer the question.

It looks like I am going to have to start one more thread before the year is out. *sigh* I was hoping this one would last.

New thread is here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/105247

No book-buying ban for me! I just keep asking my friend the architectural designer to make new bookcases for me! Eventually there'll be books on every possible surface in my place, but that's why there are so many books about "living with books" i.e. people who manage to use books as a decor element! You can make temporary furniture out of books, ever thought about that? :-)

Bente, if you join bookmooch, some people only send in their own country, but I quite like sending to Europe (from the UK) as I get 3 times the points to sending in the UK, and the postage is more but not so much more, and that's for airmail, I think it's normally about 50% extra.

There's a very lively group of obsessive bookmoochers here on LT.

When I catch up with my reviews, I must list some books on BM.