JenthePen tries again. 75 in 2012 here we come!

Second time lucky!

2012 at a glance
January
1. The Faded Map by Alistair Moffat
2. The wild hunt of Hagworthy by Penelope Lively
3. A genius at the Chalet School by Elinor M Brent-Dyer
4. Serpent on the crown by Elizabeth Peters (audio, read by Barbara Rosenblat))
5. Weighing the world by Edwin Danson
6. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
7, 8, 9. Guardians of Time by Marianne Curley
10. Over sea, under stone by Susan Cooper

February
11. Failure is not an option by Gene Krantz (audio, read by Danny Campbell)
12. Pilgrim in Celtic Scotland by John J O'Riordain
13. Glasgow, Kyle and Galloway by Theo Lang
14. Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo
15. Star Trek in myth and legend by Thomas Richards
16. West of Scotland rambles by Sydney Smith
17. A Short Historical Account of Dalserf Parish Church by Andrew Cunningham

March
18. The wayward bus by John Steinbeck
19. Viking Gold by V Campbell
20. Edinburgh and the Lothians by Theo Lang
21. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
22. Border counties by Theo Lang

April
23. Tomb of the golden bird by Elizabeth Peters (audio, read by Barbara Rosenblat)

May
24. The ancient roads of England by Jane Oliver
25. Map of a nation by Rachel Hewitt
26. Good omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (audio, read by Tony Robinson)
27. Jam and jeopardy by Doris Davidson
28. Sepulchre by Kate Mosse

June
29. An Orkney murder by Alanna Knight
30. The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry (audio, read by Stephen Fry)
31. Nation by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Tony Robinson)
32. Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett (audio, ready by Tony Robinson)

July
33. A test of time by David Rohl
34. The spark gap by Julie Bertagna
35. Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large by William Shatner (audio, read by William Shatner)
36. Knock down by Dick Francis
37. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie
38. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
39. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - Dumb witness by Agatha Christie
40. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - Curtain by Agatha Christie
41. The wee free men by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Stephen Briggs)
42. A hat full of sky by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Stephen Briggs)

August
43. Periodic Tales: the curious lives of the elements by Hugh Aldersley-Williams
44. Landscape detective: discovering a countryside by Richard Muir
45. 50 shades of grey by E L James
46. 50 shades darker by E L James
47. 50 shades freed by E L James

September
48. Warlords and holy men by Alfred P Smyth
49. Macbeth: a true story by Fiona Watson
50. Shadow of the minotaur by Alan Gibbons
51. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl

October
52. H-Bomb girl by Stephen Baxter
53. The ASBO fairy tales by Hans Christian Asbosen
54. Politically correct bedtime stories by James Finn Garner
55. Wolf brother by Michelle Paver
56. The kingdom of Fife and Kinross-shire by Theo Lang

November
57. Spirit walker by Michelle Paver
58. Soul eater by Michelle Paver
59. Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen (audio, read by Emilia Fox)
60. Airdrie a historical sketch by James Knox (reading)
61. Outcast by Michelle Paver
62. Oath breaker by Michelle Paver
63. The weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner
64. Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner
65. The gift by Alison Croggan
66. Ripping yarns by Terry Jones and Michael Palin

December
67. Death comes to Pemberly by P.D. James
68. The riddle by Alison Croggan
69. I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter
70. The chimneys of Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston
71. The crow by Alison Croggon
72. The lost symbol by Dan Brown
73. The river at Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston
74. The Stone Book Quartet by Alan Garner
75. Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter


76. Game of thrones by George R R Martin (reading)
77. Exploring Britain's castles by Donna Wood (reading)
78. Riddles in the British landscape by Richard Muir (reading)
79. The island by Victoria Hyslop (reading)
80. Britain AD by Francis Pryor (reading)
81. The time of the ghost by Diana Wynne Jones (reading)
82. I, Robot by Isaac Asimov reading)
83. Dreaming of Iceland: the lure of a family legend by Sally Magnusson (reading)

Happy New Year to everyone. It's just hit 12.45 in Scotland and 2012 is off to a great start xxx

Happy New Year, Jen!

Welcome back!

Thanks, guys! Glad to be back :-)

OK, you are starred! Looking forward to a great year! I'll be interested in your history readings. My ancesters, at least some of them, came to USA from Scotland and so I have some natural curiosity about the history of the Scots. My RL last name is Morgan. And there is some Main in there, too.

Any way: Happy New Year!

Sounds like you had a good start to the new year!

I'll be peeking in, Jen!

Welcome one and all. I know how tough it is to keep up with everyone, and there's just not enough hours to comment , or at least, not if you want to read too :-)

Currently trying to finish lots of stuff started in 2011.

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke. I don't care how the character is written, you really can't be that stupid all the way through, can you ? And the short chapters are doing my head in. Had to take a break. I might go back eventually, but it's not definite yet.

Weighing the world by Edwin Danson. Brilliant scientific history.

Over sea under stone by Susan Cooper. Reading to daughter.

The faded map by Alistair Moffat. Fascinating but flawed history of southern Scotland in the Dark Ages.

The serpent on the crown by Elizabeth Peters. Audio book for falling asleep to. Falling asleep a bit too easily this time, so it's taking forever.

1. The Faded Map: lost kingdoms of Scotland by Alistair Moffat



So the first book finished in 2012 is history (no surprise), non-fiction (still no surprise) and a bit of an editing disaster. Sadly that's not a surprise either. I've lost track of the number of Scottish history books in need of proper proofreading, and preferably an editor who knows their subject.

Scotland was never inevitable

says the Introduction, and it's right. Scotland as a concept is a historical accident, but so is every other country. I'm unashamedly biased when I say that this mongrel nation of ours is particularly intriguing as different ethnic and cultural groups vie for control, and the shenanigans of the Early Middle Ages (or Dark Ages if you prefer) have a special role to play in the eventual line drawn between us and England, but unfortunately, there's not a lot known about them.

There's lots of really interesting material here. The author comes from the Borders and when he's discussing his own area he's really good. He is also quick to use all the evidence available to him, including placenames, poetry, art and archaeology as well as the traditional historical materials, a tactic which I would applaud, and one of the elements that draw me towards this period in the first place.

Unfortunately, this is also where it starts to fall apart, as the timeline is pulled ferociously backwards and forwards to help the author with his discussion. Arguments made in one chapter are quickly forgotten for the next one, and I've got serious doubts about some of his placenames

And perhaps I'm being picky but please, could someone not have caught this:

This was 1919... Treasures like Tutankhamen's were the stuff of archaeological legend

except that Tutankhamun's tomb wasn't discovered until 1922. Argh!

I won't go on about the errors, but I wouldn't recommend the book to anyone who didn't already have an idea about the period who could dismiss the mistakes and work through the evidence he offers for themselves.

#11: Skipping that one!

On the nonfiction thread, I mentioned Fergus Fleming, but I am afraid you will not see the comment there. If you have not read his Barrow's Boys, give it a shot. I thought it was a great book for armchair explorers (of which I am proudly one!)

Got ya starred.

>11 JenMacPen:: Maybe he meant Tutankhamen's treasures were the stuff of legend precisely because they hadn't been discovered yet? Though I suppose that would make them myth... but I suppose one could argue legend... er, but anyway, sounds like it could have been a very interesting book, a shame it ended up being full of errors! Is there another good introductory book about the time period you could recommend?

>12 alcottacre:. Given the review, that's not surprising, but still, it's such a responsibility, Stasia. You might really like it. Perhaps I should just list the good stuff so you don't miss out :-)

>13 Morphidae:. Hiya Morphy! Your thread is buzzing!

>14 dk_phoenix:. Hi Faith. (Got you starred, btw.) I know how pedantic I can be, but that really was the icing on the cake. In search of the Dark Ages by Michael Wood wasn't bad, and there's usually copies to be had on eBay and Amazon. I can't really think of any that cover the whole of the UK, but there are plenty that do bits really well. If I think of any more, I'll let you know.

2. The wild hunt of Hagworthy by Penelope Lively
3. A genius at the Chalet School by Elinor M Brent-Dyer

I had a clear out from the LRC shelves just before Christmas and offered the removals to my library helpers first (which was a joy to see - teenagers struggling home with bags and bags full of books).

I was secretly delighted that these two were left over, snaffled them for myself and tonight I grabbed the chance for a long, long, long bath and read the pair of them.

Hagworthy is based on and around Exmoor, and the legend of the Wild Hunt (usually led by Herne, but not mentioned here). It's got a nice feeling of ancientness and depth of time, and looking at the meaning behind old customs and not simply reviving them as being quaint as the teenagers involved are dragged into events without understanding why.

And what else can be said about the Chalet School, except that it's like dipping your face into another world for a brief time. Did schoolgirls ever really behave like this?

Of the two, Hagworthy actually seems more realistic :-)

I will have to look for the Penelope Lively book. Thanks for the recommendation!

I grew up reading Brent-Dyer's Chalet School series, along with Enid Blyton's boarding school books so reading your review was a nice quick trip down memory lane... thank you for that!

I wish I could easily locate that Chalet School series that people keep mentioning. Our libraries don't have it. The used prices are too steep for my blood here in the U.S. The books are close to $20/each on BookDepository. Most libraries holding them are in Europe so even ILL isn't a good option. Sigh :-(

>17 alcottacre:. Stasia, I never read a Penelope Lively I didn't like. I'd happily recommend anything by her.

>18 lkernagh:. It's funny how some books seem old-fashioned compared to when you first read them, while The Chalet School was so unreal right from the start, that it never changes.

>19 thornton37814:. Lori, I had a quick peek on eBay and while some of the older editions of chalet School books are outrageously expensive, there are some available for just a few dollars, so don't know if that would be an option for you. I get most of my books from eBay now. I have ongoing arguments with the library over fines and my habit is just too expensive for bookshops :-)

4. The serpent on the crown by Elizabeth Peters (audio)

Amelia Peabody 17. Read wonderfully as always by Barbara Rosenblatt.

I love Amelia (and adore Emerson), but I'm not leaping to order the new novels anymore. Maybe because it's more of the same each time. I know what I'm getting, I'm amused and entertained, but it's not new.

This one is set in 1922, so I spent most of the book wondering when Tutankhamun was going to make an appearance (it's actually the next book). I miss the background information, setting the archaeology into the wider events taking place around them.

I would recommend the series wholeheartedly, but start at the beginning, when everything is new, for both Amelia and the reader.

I love Barbara Rosenblat as a narrator! The very first audiobook I ever listened to was The Crocodile on the Sandbank and I kept checking to make sure there really was only one narrator. Sure enough, there was only her doing all those voices.

>15 JenMacPen:: Thanks very much for the rec! I'll take a look for it... any excuse to read more history is worth it, really. :) And your review of the Peters book reminds me how much I wish I kept reading that series... I read the first one, loved it, and for whatever reason didn't continue. Too many books to read, I think... oh well, I'll get back to them someday! Maybe I'll pull book two to the front of the shelves tonight... encourage my subconscious every time I walk past, perhaps...

Well, the Steinbeck has arrived and I'm a few chapters into Cannery Row, but of course, I've still got several others on the go.

I've already mentioned

Inkheart by Cornelia Funke - still annoying
Weighing the world by Edwin Danson - still fascinating, almost finished
Over sea under stone by Susan Cooper

The current falling asleep to audio book is Failure is not an option by Gene Krantz, which was a good read a couple of years ago. The reader isn't brilliant and it's difficult to track where exactly we are in the story most nights, so I think wemight have missed little bits here and there.
My name is Mina by David Almond is the reading to husband book for when I can't take the audio anymore.

Since audio books count, what about podcasts? I'd like to put in a mention for History of the world in 100 objects which I've got downloaded from iTunes (free), and which I thoroughly recommend. Each little 15 minute episode is a gem of precision and insight into the contents of the British Museum. You can find out more on the BBC website. I love it, but I'm only halfway through. It's worth savouring.

A history of the world in 100 objects website

I need to read Failure is Not an Option but I think I will take it in text form rather than audio.

If you want to count podcasts, Jen, by all means do! It is your thread - your rules.

> 24: hi Jen
I was not annoyed by Inkheart, but not a fan either. I started the next book Inkspell but abandoned it. Many seem to love it, when I look at the ratings, but it is not my cup of tea ;-)
Anita

>25 alcottacre:. Stasia, I really enjoyed the book of Failure is not an option, but be prepared for Gene Krantz, Ultimate Boy Scout. He probably wears read, white and blue undies. I read a lot of stuff about Apollo (more exploration!) so it was interesting to see it from the POV of those stuck on the ground with new view of what was going on, apart from their instrumentation.

And if I ever get to the end of the complete podcast, I'll probably include it.

>26 FAMeulstee:. Lots of the kids at school recommended Inkheart to me, but it's proving more troublesome than a book read for fun should be. It isn't at all what I thought it would be like: perhaps that's the problem.

I went into reading Inkheart after having seen the film. I really loved the first book, the second book was ok, but I skimmed huge chunks of the third (which is very rare for me). But if it isn't working for you, maybe it's time to ditch it?

I was annoyed by Inkheart too. Whatsherface kept making the dumbest decisions in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary.

I loved the History of the World in 100 objects when it was broadcast in 2010. There's a related book too, presumably with photos of all the objects, but it's expensive.

> 29. At last someone who agrees! How dumb can you get?

>28 MickyFine:. I do hate abandoning a book in the middle.

>30 gennyt:. I noticed the touchstone for the book, but I don't know what it could provide that the website and the podcasts didn't. If it's expensive, I won't be finding out either :-)

5. Weighing the world by Edwin Danson

An absolute joy to read, even though the maths is maybe a touch over my head. Quite a big touch. It doesn't matter because this story of the people (ok, men) who wandered the world (and Scotland) trying to figure out how to measure it and map it and figure out how big it was is just wonderful. Just because they had their minds set on higher things didn't mean they weren't down to earth and sometimes downright dirty, especially when it came to taking the credit.

Watching what's going on in the background is even better. The Government obviously hasn't improved any in 300 years: it's still stuck in its own little box, dictating what's should happen round about it, not noticing incipient revolution in the west and incipient empire in the east.

It's nice that the scientists were allowed to wander the world during numerous wars and conflicts without restraint, although it seems a tad naive about espionage. Maybe they were too gentlemanly to be spies in those days.

Oooh, adding Weighing the World to my wishlist - sounds great!

Onto the wishlist it goes!

>33 scaifea:, 34 Hope you enjoy it as much as I did :-)

It's currently £5.99 from PostScript (www.psbooks.co.uk)

6. Cannery Row by John Steinbeck

I thought I'd take part in the Steinbeckathon because I hated both Steinbecks I read in school, but so many people tried to persuade me how wonderful he was, I figured he deserved a second chance.

And thus Cannery Row has the honour of becoming the first Steinbeck I loved, but only once I got the swing of its episodic nature, which reminded me a bit of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Not everything bears an obvious connection to what's come before, but it builds into an extended picture of a place and a time and a feeling.

The relationships between the characters are what make the book, but there's also a feeling of sadness and acceptance of hardship throughout, which makes the end so much more satisfying.

7. The Named by Marianne Curley



I was hooked from the minute I started The Named which is the first of the Guardians of Time trilogy, but I kept wondering why. There's not really anything new: group of people battling an evil foe to fulfil an ancient prophecy. That's just The Belgariad or The Mallorean. Hidden identities and time travel were covered long ago by Poul Anderson in Time Patrol. And you can hardly open a book these days without tripping over teenagers with horror stories in their backgrounds and dysfunctional families. Nor was it a literary masterpiece with an elegant turn of phrase, or cunningly plotted with unforeseen twists and turns.

It was just a bog standard time travelling, ancient prophecy, good vs evil, chilled out teen fantasy, and I absolutely adored it. Only at the very end did it start to flag, but I've a funny feeling that was down to me being desperate to complete it, rather than a change in the story itself.

It's also a book from the school library, but I don't think I've got the other two parts yet. Eek!

The Named does sound good.

>38 jadebird:. Found a copy of the second in Marianne Curley's trilogy, The Dark, and it has just leapt into a new place of its own. I hate to use the word, but the vibe from the series is sensational. I only put it down because I can't keep my eyes open any longer!

Good grief, Jen!! Here you have hit me with two Book Bullets in a row--4 if you count the whole The Named series! Have mercy!

> 40 Have at you, Roni!

But hang on - 3 for Guardians of Time. What's the other one?

8. The Dark by Marianne Curley

Part 2 of Guardians of Time (which for some reason won't allow the touchstone to come up under its own name).

Completed, and I'm bereft. And I don't have the third part and that's not good.

My pull towards this series makes no sense. So much of the plot is obvious, the writing is aimed at a young teenage audience, and it's all too simple, but it continues to draw me in, demanding I read it.

I have got to find part 3.

Adding Weighing the World and The Named to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendations, Jen.

I hope you get part 3 in hand soon!

>43 alcottacre: Me too, Stasia!

I hate when this happens; three books on the go at once and I'm desperate to read all of them.

I'll be somewhere deep on page 148 of The Key (it appeared yesterday - hurray!) and my mind wanders to Viking Gold and the fog of Vinland.

But if I launch into the early Middle Ages, I'll think of Glasgow, Kyle and Galloway and the stories told within.

And the whole while, I'm desperate to know what's happening with the Guardians of Time.

Oh well, at least the other books are happy to wait.

I have the same problem with reading more than one book at a time. But I like having the option of reading what I am in the mood for. I usually have a biography or memoir and a fiction, fantasy or mystery in audiobook form and right now working through the Game of Thrones series. And you have interested me on the Naked series now!

Weighing the World was the 4th one, Jen.

9. The key by Marianne Curley

I had to ponder this for a while before reviewing. I still don't know what it is about this trilogy that's grabbed me. In some places it's just cliche city (including one huge one which just made me groan) but yet, I had to continue with it, even at the expense of abandoning two other books I was in the middle of and loving.

Some plotlines I could spot a mile off, but not to the extent I could dismiss all the red herrings, and the ending was not the one I foresaw.

Overall, bog standard fantasy, with some nice touches and a very strange irresistible pull.

10. Over sea, under stone by Susan Cooper

Three children on holiday in Cornwall discover an old manuscript. An friend of their parents, Professor Merriman Lyon, explains that it leads to knowledge wanted by two sides in a long standing ages old battle, so the children set out to discover it before The Dark can get their hands on it.

I finished reading this to my daughter last night. We've all had a lovely bout of norovirus, so reading gave us something to do between, er, incidents of the bug. It's been nice to have something to keep us occupied when we can't sleep.

The dark is rising series is one of my favourites and has been since I first read it - which actually must be over 30 years ago now. EEK! I've read it since but as so often, the better I know a book, the more likely I am to skim through it on a subsequent reading. Reading it aloud made me pay much more attention, and my daughter's detective mind spotted many more points of interest than I reckon I ever did at her age.

The first thing that struck me was how outdated some of the children's slang was: 'Gosh!' is not a comfortable word for me. Another twenty years and it'll probably be old enough to feel more of its period, like Agatha Christie.

The next thing was just how dumb the children are, giving away secrets left, right and centre, but I later revised this thought to how realistic the children are, not realising the dangers of sharing information with all and sundry.

And of course, I had the final showdown slightly wrong in my memory, but overall, it's just as wonderful as it ever was. And my daughter caught her breath at exactly the same place as I did on first reading. What more could you want when you share a book?

Plus I discovered that the village of Trewissick is actually based on the real Cornish village of Mevagissey. Another location to be added to the 'places to visit one day' list. It's almost as lengthy as the books to be read list.

Almost :-)

I just read The Dark Is Rising series this past summer for the first time and loved it - I can't wait to read it to Charlie when he gets a little older!

I was a big Susan Cooper fan while I was teaching Middle School kids (ages 10-14 +/-) so it has been a while since I've read her works, but I definitely think she's a gifted writer.

I enjoyed the Dark is Rising series when I read it a few years ago as well. I haven't managed to get to her other books yet, but I definitely hear you on the "places to visit one day" thing! I'd love to go see the village she based the stories on...

11. Failure is not an option by Gene Krantz (audio)

I read the book a couple of years ago, and quite enjoyed seeing the space race from a different angle. Most people thinking of the heroes of Apollo, Gemini or Mercury programmes would think of the astronauts, but they couldn't have done it without the mission controllers. From that point of view, this is a great read/listen.

However, Mission Control is also a land of acronyms. Maybe if the acronyms had been explained once and then just accepted into the text I could have lived with it, but in this version every acronyms is pronounced with "inverted commas" which was quite annoying. And ... the... reading ...was ... quite ... slow. I kept wanting to play it faster.

Mr Jenn prefers the lights off as he's falling asleep. I absolutely have to read at bedtime. Audio books make a great compromise, but only when the reading matches the story. This makes an intersting read, but definitely not recommended for listening.

Got an audio copy of Good Omens given to me, but it was flippin' awful. Where are all the decent readers?

12. Pilgrim in Celtic Scotland by John J O'Riordain

Not a bad wee read for bathtime. Fr John is a missionary himself, and likes to indulge in little busman's holidays. He's a relatively entertaining travelling companion, telling decent stories and actually interested in where's he's going. He's also a fellow explorer at heart, with almost every chapter starting with 'I've wanted to visit this place for years, ever since I read ...'

I'm used to reading more academic books about Celtic Christianity, so reading one from the point of view of a believer, especially one in the same line of work, made an interesting change. Mind you, his hero worship of the saints got a bit wearysome. It's ok if Columba had a temper. It's ok if the saints weren't perfect. They're allowed to be human.

A book I'd recommend or a quick read if it's a subject you're already interested in, but otherwise I'd leave it be.

13. Glasgow, Kyle and Galloway by Theo Lang

I loved this book. It's basically one of a series of guides to Scotland, pointing out points of interest in as many towns and villages as the author can cram in. But it's also approximately 60 years old. It's like an old postcard: outdated but from a time so close to ours that you can almost touch it. My parents were at school when this book was researched and written: this is genuinely living history.

I know a lot of the places in the book, and the changes in the landscape are scary. Where the book describes green fields cut by sparkling burns, there's now concrete jungles; where the book discusses prehistoric antiquities and the remains of medieval mottes, there's now housing estates. Some if the prehistory has survived, but much of it is in the museums.

And it's not just the landscape.

In the book, the Clyde is a river full of shipping being built and docks taking goods all over the world. All gone now. In the book, Kilmarnock in Ayrshire is described as the perfect town that could never lose its industry because it was so varied. There's none left.

On the other hand, places that I know as smart and elegant are described in the book as filthy and black. Industry has gone, but it's taken a lot of the pollution with it. It's not all bad.

And of course, there's that voice from the past describing places I've never been to yet, and telling me stories I've never heard of places I thought I knew well. It's a voice full of affection for its subject, even the grimy bits, and I can't wait to get out and about to explore with my brand new 60 year old eyes.

And of course, there's another 5 books in the series.

Such a disappointment that Good Omens had a lousy reader--don't you hate it especially when a really good book is ruined that way?

Totally. I've lost count of the number of terrible audiobooks I've suffered. Not for long, mind you, but those minutes were dreadful.

14. Kensuke's Kingdom by Michael Morpurgo

Short but ever so sweet. A family set off round the world on a yacht, only for their son to fall overboard in an attempt to rescue the dog. He wakes up on the island of the title, occupied by an elderly Japanese man, some orangutans and gibbons.

There's not a whole lot of book in the book, but there's plenty story, a little squished in, but none the worse for wear. Its target audience (7-10 year olds) would certainly enjoy it. Definitely worth a read.

15. Star Trek in myth and legend by Thomas Richards

The subtitle of the book is inaccurate. Nowhere does the discussion tend towards the 'stories behind the episodes' which is why I wanted to read it. Instead it's more of an analysis of what Star Trek is 'about' according to Mr Richards.

The concept that there are only seven basic stories is a fascinating one, and I'd hoped that this book would suggest some analogies with myths from around the world. But it doesn't. We do get told that Trek disapproves of religion and death and approves of life and stories.

And like all books of its sort, everything had to be written to a grand plan. While Trekkers will know that that Roddenberry did have a philosophy that he wanted to explore, I still feel that his analysis goes too far. For example, he spends a lot of time of the episode called 'Darmok', which happens to be my favourite Trek story and one I know quite well.

Without getting into too much detail, Richards claims the alien captain has to follow the imperative of myth. Mince. The alien captain is attempting to make contact - his crew actively attempt to dissuade him, but he is determined. Myth has nothing to do with it. This race uses metaphor to express themselves, but they are not led by it.

I'm such a geek at heart, but it makes me happy :-)

An interesting wee book, and plenty to disagree with.

16. West of Scotland rambles by Sydney Smith

First thing I do when I read a book about walking routes is to check a location I know fairly well, and compare the writing with the reality. Mr Smith let me down quite badly in his route. Firstly he describes it as a four mile walk, but then tags on an extra 16 mile return to Glasgow. Secondly he describes things to be seen in the wrong order and finally, and perhaps worst of all, there are large gaps in his directions. In this instance, he instructs the rambler to miraculously jump to a vague location two miles away before blithely abandoning them to return to Glasgow themselves, despite the need to walk across a busy dual carriageway (even when the book was published).

This is why you take a map with you when you go for a walk.

One the other hand, he does include lots of places close by that I wouldn't have considered worthy of wandering about in, along with some brief little historical nuggets - yum, my favourite - and he is very obviously a highly experienced megarambler. I'd never be able to keep up with him, but I'd admire his stamina.

17. A Short Historical Account of Dalserf Parish Church by Andrew Cunningham

A tiny wee book outlining the history of a 300 year old church and its much older parish in the Clyde Valley, this type of local history book is right up my street. It's extremely short but the level of detail is wonderful. It's possibly of little interest to the vast majority of humanity, but I'm very glad that someone took the time to write it.

Just for background, Dalserf is now a village with a single street of maybe a half dozen houses, but in the graveyard there is a Viking hogback stone. The church was specifically built with multiple exits so people could flee for their lives if the government troops appeared. There was a ferry across the Clyde here and a castle close by on the opposite bank. One of the burns leading down to the Clyde has names attached to various parts of it like Happy's Leap and Ladies Plums. I have no idea why, but I'm going to go and find out, and reading this little volume is part of that journey.

18. The wayward bus by John Steinbeck

My second Steinbeck this year. My English teachers would be proud of me. I've deliberately kept away from the thread this time so I could read it without prior knowledge, just out of interest to see what I got from it before finding out others' thoughts.

The characters are a pretty unattractive bunch, some in appearance and others in their innermost souls. Sex is a constant, love is nowhere to be seen, and everybody's inner life is hidden to everyone else. The passengers are in fact in as bad a way as the bus. They need repairs as much as it does. They seem to be prevented from taking the easier routes, often by matters apparently out of their control just as the bus is stopped by the river. They too are stuck in ruts, just like the bus.

There's a nastiness about this that was missing from Cannery Row, although the people and the locations are so close. The violence towards women is a lot worse, and the number of people that wish others out of the way is alarming.

So I have mixed thoughts about it. I would hesitate to say I enjoyed it, because I was repulsed by so many of the characters, both by the way they lived their lives and by their actions throughout, but it did grab me, and of course, the writing was outstanding.

However, I've read it, it can go in the pile and we move on.

19. Viking Gold by V Campbell

I've been reading this on and off for weeks. It's an entertaining enough read, but it's just not been important enough for me to devour in a single helping.

I met the author, who is charming, and she kept an entire year group of twelve year olds mesmerised for an hour, so you can't deny the appeal of the story. We had a great time discussing anachronisms and various bits of Viking armour and I would happily invite her back to the library again. I know that several pupils have read the book and loved it and can't wait for a sequel. I know that it's not aimed at me as a reader, so I don' really have the right to quibble.

But I'm going to.

The plot tells of Redknee's quest for hidden treasure and for his father, which takes him to Shetland, Iceland, Greenland, North America and beyond. It's full of action, adventure, Vikings, sailing, storms, danger, slaves, feasting, fighting, more Vikings, a wee bit of romance, religion, Native Americans and a very cute wolf cub.

There are four parts, one for each leg of the journey, and there are numerous sub-plots circulating simultaneously and that's where the problems start.

To my mind there are just too many accusations, too many blind alleys, and perhaps, just too many characters. Yet again, I get the feeling that a decent editor would have swept away huge chunks of the book, or cut it into two perhaps. The individual pieces are fine, but all together it's too much, for me anyway.

This is V Campbell's first book, and I'm sure it won't be her last, but I'm looking forward to a slimmer volume.

>64 JenMacPen:: I like your review, and you're very gracious to the author. :) Sometimes it's nice to be able to see potential in an author's first work, even if it isn't quite what we want out of a story. Everyone has to start somewhere!

Too true. She's accomplished something I've dreamed of since I was wee. There's definite potential and I was never bored, which is more than I can say for many more seasoned authors.

20. Edinburgh and the Lothians by Theo Lang

Not as interesting as its western companion book about Glasgow and the south west, but perhaps that's because I know the latter area better, but also maybe because this was the first in the series and they hadn't got their teeth sunk into the idea yet.

In this book, Edinburgh takes the starring role to the detriment of the rest of the Lothians. Edinburgh is a fabulous city and there's lots here that I wasn't aware of, but it does seem to leave the rest of the area as an afterthought.

21. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

I'm not fond of dystopian novels, never have been. I can see the attraction, but they're not for me. I'll take a happy ending over constant pain any day. So I must admit that I started The Hunger Games less from a desire to read it than from professional interest. The books have of course been sitting on the shelf for years but now that there's a movie, everyone wants to read them. So I bought another set and grabbed the chance to read them befor they went out on the shelves too.

Now that I've completed the first one, I can't say I'm desperate to move on to the second. It was worthy of a read, but it didn't grab me as it has so many others. Usually after completing a book, it stays with me, runs over and over through my memory, with different plot lines and quotes coming together and suggesting new connections. At the moment, I actually find myself at a bit of loss for anything to say about it, except that the whole concept was repulsive.

The weather's been brilliant over the last couple of weeks which means I'm out and about taking photos and researching locations and writing up the trips on the blogs rather than reading books all the way through. Naturally there are a good half dozen on the go simultaneously, which will probably all be finished at the same time leaving me bereft again. :-(

However, I did finish one book beofe the end of the month:

22. The Border counties: Tweedale, Merse and Teviotdale-the stories and pictures of all the places of interest in Peebleshire, Berwickshire, ... and Dumfriesshire (Queen's Scotland series) by Theo Lang

Another of the Queen's Scotland series - the third I've read - and I'm still hooked. The Glasgow and SW volume was wonderful while Edinburgh and Lothian was a bit twee and polite. This chapter has provided another huge list of places to visit, and has provided many armchair adventures and detailed examination of maps.

23. Tomb of the golden bird by Elizabeth Peters (audio)

And so at last we come to the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb. I always wondered if we'd make it this far - the series has been running out of zing for a bit - and if it did reach 1922, how Elizabeth Peters would work the Emersons into such a renowned and oft-told tale.

Well, she does it with a fair bit of style, although it's been made clear long ago that Emerson has known of the tomb all along, and of course, would have been the superior choice for excavator. Naturally, there's a subplot, this time involving Sethos and some mysterious documents, which is frankly just irritating.

It wasn't a bad book, but it wouldn't be my first choice to read again. What does it suggest when the highlight of a book is a dream sequence with a long dead character?

I agree with you about The Hunger Games, though I've never been a dystopian fan either. They're just so unerringly dreary.

24. The ancient roads of England by Jane Oliver
25. Map of a nation by Rachel Hewitt
The winter of our discontent by John Steinbeck

These books (and another handful) have lived by my bed for the past couple of months while I struggled with the Steinbeck. You may have noticed that JS has no number beside the title, and for good reason.

Steinbeck is a writer who sees the world with his eyes wide open. He clearly sees the desperate dreams, the little foibles, the self-imposed demands that lead humans into traps of their own making. He may be right, but reading about yet another good person who gets brought low by the power of Steinbeck’s pen, leaves me filled with despair. I yearn for Ethan not to make the mistakes I can see coming, so I try to keep reading, try to keep hoping that something will make him turn back from the stupidities he’s about to commit, but knowing that JS won’t let him. Happy endings aren't essential, but constant negativity is draining, and takes too much energy to read for long.

So the unfinished book sits there accusingly, like last night’s dinner put down for breakfast (not that my parents ever did that, btw, mainly because we always ate what was on our plates), leaving me behind on the Steinbeckathon. And I don’t want to give up on him, or myself, but I think this is one I might just have to metaphorically feed to the dog, and give something else a go.

In between the attempts at Winter, I was reading The ancient roads of England which was a wonderful book looking at the transport routes of my southern neighbour from the point of view of those using them, the Romans, the highwaymen, the rivermen and so on. This angle lent itself to seeing old information through new eyes. Perhaps the first thing which jumped out at me was the fact that the Romans didn't carve out new routes for their roads, but took advantage of existing highways and improved them, the same thign we've been doing ever since. Somewhere in my head, I already knew that, but I can't remember it being put quite so succinctly before.

And meanwhile in the background, I was nursing Map of a nation. Anyone who's read my mutterings before will know my love of maps, so this was a fine vintage to be savoured. Back in January I read Weighing the world by Edwin Danson which was wonderful. Map of a nation is superior in every way. I normally fly through a book, but I couldn't bear that with this little beauty. It was obviously a labour of love for Rachel Hewitt to write and it was a joy for me to read. The detail was phenomenal, but always retained the human touch. Perhaps my favourite story was that of the Irish Ordnance Survey attempting to become a one stop shop for Irish heritage, toponymy, linguistics and geology, along with the mapping. And the notes will keep you occupied for additional hours, should you wish to indulge. I did.

And Steinbeck? He's not a bad lad, and he's a damn fine writer. Sometimes, you just need a break.

26. Good omens by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman (audio)

We finally found the Steven Briggs version of Good Omens. It is wonderful, and funny and said and philosopical. Everyone should read or listen to this book.

27. Jam and jeopardy by Doris Davidson

I grabbed this as an antidote to Steinbeck, something simple, uncomplicated and quick to read through.

The premise is interesting. An nasty but rich old woman lives in a village spreading malicious rumours and gossip, and being nasty to everyone. She decides to test her two nephews by telling them she has some arsenic. If one of them tries to kill her, he will inherit everything. She didn't count on the rest of the village feeling equally homicidal.

It actually sounded quite funny, a bit of a farce, but it was actually rather serious. Seriously deficient in any characterisation, plot or decent writing. It's set in NE Scotland, but it could have been anywhere. Accents appear from nowhere and vanish. And perhaps the worst thing of all, the actual murderer is clearly pointed out about halfway through the book. I am useless at spotting the 'dunnit, but this culprit was practically jumping up and down waving a big flag shouting 'Look at me'.

How on Earth did this ever get published?

Glad you enjoyed Good Omens, one of my favorite books, although I've never tried it in audio. Sorry about the time and effort wasted on your last book.

>75 ronincats:. Don't often think of it as wasted, Roni. It was an exploration that went up a rather mediocre path.

Am now reading Sepulchre by Kate Mosse and there's just no comparison.

I haven't got round to Good Omens yet, though I have a copy waiting. Must bump it up the pile...

>77 gennyt: Genny, you have GOT to read Good Omens. Move it instantly to the top of the pile!!!!! You will not regret it :-)

28. Sepulchre by Kate Mosse

Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful.

Covering two stories a century apart in Paris and Languedoc, with a touch of fantasy, a really nasty bad guy, a rather lovely if unexpected hero (none of the protagonists btw) and a number of family mysteries.

I did have a couple of misgivings when it appeared to be straying in Da Vinci Code territory. Actually, the DVC link was deliberately planted, partly as a red herring, but mostly to point out the depth of legend in the area.

Some of the plot is too obviously signposted at times, but I really enjoyed it and its little surprises.

29. An Orkney murder by Alanna Knight

Rose McQuinn has returned home to Orkney to discover her sister has been hiding things from her for the past ten years, including a great grandmother, and her husband's previous wife, whose body was discovered in a peat bog during an archaeological dig. She tries (extremely clumsily) to investigate what happened, while not allowing any of her family to know what she's doing.

A third of the way in, I thought this was going to be yet another obvious, jump up and down shouting "Look, there's the guilty person!" sort of books, but it grew on me. It also comes in the middle of a series which appears to itself be an offshoot of a previous series. So there's a lot of backstory. If I had read all of the previous books, the backwards nods would have become extremely irritating, but I found them intriguing. Having said that, I don't know if I oculd actually read any of them, since I know the endngs already.

The book is set in the late 19th century, but I honestly wouldn't have known if the author hadn't pointed it out. Historical atmosphere does not really play a major part. Knowing a bit about archaeology, I would have to agree that many digs at that time were purely interested in treasure rather than knowledge, but it still jarred, as did much of the anachronistic language. She is also one of the clumsiest investigators I've ever read, which would make an interesting characterisation, but she's supposed to be really good.

And of course, she can't just rely on reality. I love magical realism, but badly done it is just annoying.

Despite all of that, I still managed to get to the end.

I did however, have to go and fling myself into some deep archaeolo-historical analysis just to reset the balance of the world again.

30. The Fry Chronicles by Stephen Fry (audio, read by Stephen Fry)

I don't know everyone on the planet of course, but even so, I'd have to guess that Stephen Fry has to be one of the funniest, most literate and most intelligent people alive today. Even if he isn't, he's still wonderful.

I read his first bout of autobiography Moab is my washpot when it was first published, and it was a bit like being punched in the stomach. He held nothing back, or at least I wouldn't dare to imagine what it was if he did. Theft, cheating, prison. He was not a nice person.

As a result, when Mr Jenn appeared with this update, I was a touch concerned. was this really appropriate for bedtime listening? Fortunately, the answer was yes, as Stephen's awful youth became transformed into a golden time at university and safe delivery into writing, acting and presenting.

Unfortunately, it wasn't ideal for listening to when dropping off to sleep, as I was kept awake by Fry's mellifluous voice and giggled away for ages, rather than falling asleep.

31. Nation by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Tony Robinson)

It's amazing what a good reading will do. I love Terry Pratchett to bits, but just couldn't get into this. Then my daughter begged that we listen to the audio version on a long car journey and I just fell back into the magic. We took the long way round just so we could listen to it longer.

Nation is the story of the aftermath of a tidal wave for a small Pacific island, both for the islanders and a British girl traveling to meet her father.

It is utterly, utterly magical and I recommend it to everyone, especially the audio version for long journeys.

There's a lovely interview with Susan Cooper in the School Library Journal this month which you can read online

http://www.slj.com/slj/home/894510-312/staying_power_edwards_award_winner.html.c...

I've still not got round to Good Omens, obviously need to add Nation to the list as well.
As for Stephen Fry, I've not read either of the autobiography volumes, but recently read The Liar which I think was his first novel, and is I understand semi-autobiographical - though as it starts with the premise that the narrator is an inveterate liar, as the title suggests, it's hard to know what to believe! But you might enjoy reading it and seeing where there is overlap with the autobiography and where he is inventing.

#84 Hi Genny! Gave up reading most Stephen Fry novels ages ago, basically because I didn't like them, but yup, it would make an interesting comparison now I know the truth! (kind of)

Actually, I need to make two exceptions. I loved Making history, and Paperweight is a work of collected comic genius. Have hankies ready to wipe away tears of laughter.

32. Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett (audio, ready by Tony Robinson)

Forgot all about this! We go adventuring a lot, jump in the car and drive off, only stopping when we feel like it, listening to music or stories as we go. This was a perfect story for one of those days, despite the fact it was a beautiful June day and this was all about winter.

Tiffany Aching, trainee witch, is taken along t see the Dark Morris and gets caught up in the dance, leading the Wintersmith to seek her out to be his bride.

Hauntingly beautiful, a little scary and utterly magical, this has to be added to my list of perfect winter books, along with Dark is rising, Box of delights, The lion, the witch and the wardrobe and Kit's Wilderness. I think it's actually one of the loveliest books Terry Pratchett has ever written, while still retaining his trademark high comedy and philosophical ponderings.

And Tony Robinson's Scottish accent isnae bad at a'.

33. A test of time by David Rohl

Oh good grief. I have been determined to finish this tome and finally got there, alternately fascinated and tearing my hair out along the way.

Mr Rohl is an Egyptologist by trade. He and some colleagues have spent approximately twenty years researching what he calls 'The New Chronology', a thesis that the existing dating of ancient Egypt is wrong by about 300 years.

Along the way, he tries to demonstrate his thesis using a variety of techniques - ancient astronomical data, archaeology and linguistics amongst others. I haven't the knowledge to argue with his arguments, either from the information he uses or the data that he leaves out, but it's clear that he's leaving out plenty.

What I can argue with is his slap-dash methodology in places, allowing 30 years for a pharaonic reign here, but only 5 years here. (I'll return to this with the book by my side and add some specific examples).

The main purpose of the book is to use the New Chronology to make connections between the Bible and archaeology finds that were previously identified as belonging to later times. And a lot of his reasoning is quite fascinating, but again full of holes.

The book is full of explanations for various miracles, but those that can't be explained are set aside as mythology. Picking and choosing the evidence does not work.

He also uses a set of names from cuneiform tablets and identifies them with Saul, David, Jesse and so on. I've always wondered when writers do this, whether they've ever considered the possibility of there being more than one person with the same name. He's an Egyptologist after all, and seems happy enough to accept multiple Ramesses.

Towards the end, his reasoning becomes frankly ridiculous, as he turns the head of a broken statue into a portrait of Jacob in his coat of many colours. Only the head and one shoulder remain of this statue, there are no suggestions of face or body, but miraculously, it manages to be restored as a full size golden image. Too silly.

So, an interesting book, beautifully put together, and I'm very glad I read it, but please read with a large pinch of salt (and keep a pen and paper handy for noting non-sequiturs throughout).

34. The spark gap by Julie Bertagna

Well, this had a sudden shift in tempo that I didn't expect, and I'm still coming to terms with it.

Kerrie comes home to find her happy, safe world turned on its head. She needs a new place to go, and ends up living on the roof of her own tower block, with two other homeless people, Mauve, an artist and Skip, a strange boy. Kerrie struggles to adapt to her new life and panics as she feels the old one slipping away becoming more alien to her.

So far so good, but then a windfall takes them on a trip to the Highlands and it all goes weird. Magical realism here we come again (only, maybe it's not magical realism at all!)

I suppose I'm looking for the right place for it on my mental bookshelves, and I'm not sure where it goes yet. Could be it deserves a wee shelf all to itself.

I *loved* Paperweight, too, and I'm about halfway through Making History right now, and it's wonderful! But then again, I haven't picked up anything by him that I haven't just adored...

#89 Hi Amber. Don't know what it is about his earlier stuff like The Liar or The Hippopotamus but they just didn't do it for me. He's such a talented writer, I should probably give them a second chance. At the very least it would remind me why I didn't like them :-)

35. Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World at Large by William Shatner (audio, read by William Shatner)

It made me giggle just as much as Stephen Fry's book, but until I got into the rhythms of Bill's (can I call you Bill?) speech, I couldn't keep up with his narration, but once I did it was a joy to end the day with.

Being open to new possibilities is Bill's hallmark. 'Just say yes' is a useful motto for life, although I doubt that he's said yes to absolutely everything suggested to him, unless he's been really lucky. As he points out, saying 'Yes' to some strange projects eventually led to him being invited to do so much more. In my neck of the woods, we'd say "Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye" (a state of mind that only works if you're also working towards your goal - just sitting back and waiting doesn't work).

I was a bit concerned at the chapter about the Shatner Roast (don't think these are shown in the UK, and I think I'm happier if it stays that way). I don't understand why he would think it fun to set himself up for constant abuse from people who he knew didn't like him? Was it the money? Or was it all part of his 'Just say yes' philosophy?

I appreciate his open attitude to what he's done, the mistakes he's made and his honesty about the ups and downs of his life and his fear of it coming to an end. It's also refreshing to see someone enjoying their life and what it's brought them, and not afraid to acknowledge their success.

Mind you, as a purveyor of fine sarcasm and irony myself, I have to admire a master at work. I've lost track of how often one of my sarcastic comments has landed me in trouble. I can see how someone not getting the point would think him arrogant and over-egoed. True, he's not appreciative of people being hostile or uncomplementary about his work, but then, few people are.

So, it was funny, it was brutally honest on occasion and I've spent some instructive time on YouTube watching a damn good actor who's not afraid to laugh at himself or his larger than life public persona.

36. Knock down by Dick Francis

I'm still escaping from the heavy concepts of A test of time and since it's the summer holidays, this school librarian is absolutely surrounded by books being catalogued and classified and keyworded. In most ways it's heavenly, but in others it's a drain constantly reading blurbs and skimming through thousands of pages, but never completing a whole story.

Every now and again, a book will appear that demands a longer read, and that's also annoying because there's just no time just now. Stopping to read one book is a disaster and you've got to remain strong until you've actually got the opportunity :-)

Doesn't mean you don't read other books, but being straightforward, uncomplicated and above all, short become definite virtues. At the same time, it's still got to be interesting and preferably still provide something new to learn about.

This is a perfect example. Jonah Dereham is an ex-jockey who's retired due to too many accidents and is now working as a bloodstock agent, buying and selling horses for commission. Jonah gradually becomes embroiled with some of the seedier goings-on, while trying to cope with an alcoholic brother and a woman he's love to settle down with.

It's a completely alien world, but one I'm happy to delve into. Dick Francis is one of those writer that you find in staffroom bookshelves (where I found this one), charity shops and jumble sales. I don't necessarily seek them out but I've never read one I didn't enjoy, including this one. Like I said, straightforward, uncomplicated and short can be virtues.

Dick Francis and Zane Grey are two "old-timey" authors who I know will always deliver!

#93 Do you know what, Karen? I've never read a Zane Grey. Always meant to, especially after Colonel Potter in M*A*S*H kept going on about him.

Is it worth sending out a posse to hunt one down?

Yes, I think so. His work is a little dated but it is do dead on authentic about the "old west" and is romantic in the best of ways! Books are short, and snappy, so if you try one and don't like it, it will not be too painful.

Let me know what you think.

Hi folks,

I'm still thinking over what's happened, so I'm putting my first thoughts about this incident here, because I got a bit of a surprise in my email.

I updated some of my reviews from LibraryThing onto my blog a few days ago and today I got a comment. An abusive comment, calling me names, calling me stupid. It claims to be from the author. Obviously I have no way of proving whether it is or it isn't because anyone could add any email address and a blog address to a comment.

I'll hold my hands up to making a mistake at one point in the review - a somewhat dumb mistake, and one that was legitimately pointed out. And I'm all for people standing up for their work, but this person doesn't. It's just constant invective. I would be happy to explain my comments, but I doubt they'd listen, which is a shame. I was interested enough to read other online material about the ideas behind the book, and I've got loads of questions, but why open myself up to further insult?

And while the personal attack is a little startling, it doesn't change my opinion. It doesn't make me want to abuse the author of the comment in return nor will I be making the comment live, because that sort of attitude has no place on my blog.

But what gets me is that if you write a book, then some people will like it and some people won't. You cannot assume that everyone will agree with you, or that everyone will understand you. If I write a review on here or on my blog, some people will agree with my opinion and some won't, and not everyone will appreciate my well-honed words. That's life, and if you don't like it, don't stick your neck on the line. Bring me an argument and I'll discuss it. Bring me put-downs and I'll turn my back and walk away.

What's amusing is that the comment author also insulted the title of my blog, which is a phrase I took from a best-selling author because it caught my eye and made me think. It would appear that thinking for oneself is not a habit that the comment author approve of.

It's all a bit sad really (and I mean that in the Scottish sense).

#95 Thanks, Karen, I've added Zane Grey to the wishlist. Should be able to pick one up at the next jumble sale :-)

>96 JenMacPen: Wow. If your comment was actually from the author, then that person doesn't know how to market books and create a good relationship with readers! Was it an Indie author?

I'm ignorant! What does the Scottish sense of sad consist of?

#98 The book was by a well-established author, not indie. Friends have told me to publish and show them up for their attitude, but there's no way of being sure.

Can't decide whether to copy my post #96 onto the blog or whether to just walk away shaking my head.

#99 Karen, current Scottish slang use of 'sad' = 'pathetic', as in "That's pure sad, by the way".

I've seen on other sites where people have been downright nasty in response to other peoples reviews, and I find that really sad. I think we can all agree to disagree without making it personal. Sorry to hear about your bad experience. Perhaps that is why I've chosen to stick around LT since for the most part, people here are respectful of other people's opinions and little spats are all done in jest and good humour.

Thanks for the definition. Pathetic certainly is sad so I can see how that might work.

Language is such a beast.

#101 I know Valerie. I've always been really lucky with online blogs, but I'm well aware there are a lot of idiots out there.

#102 Actually 'beast' has another meaning too, but I reckon that one is probably international :-)

On the funny side, two friends I've told about it now want to read the book!

37. Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie

This is one of the Poirot books narrated by Captain Hastings. There are eight in total (says the blurb) and four of them are in this particular volume, The Complete Battles of Hastings.

Lady Edgware and her husband are estranged. She wants a divorce so she can remarry and asks Poirot to intervene. Surprisingly Poirot agrees to help out and goes to visit Lord E who says he's now willing (although he doesn't give his reasons). Shortly thereafter he's dead.

I thought this was a great wee mystery, and I was delighted not to foresee the culprit thanks to some fantastic misdirection.

Now onto the ABC Murders.

38. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

Poirot receives a letter from A B C claiming that he will commit a series of murders starting at Andover. The police do not take the matter that seriously until a woman called Alice Ascher is killed in that town with a railway ABC guide left beside her. This continues until an E is killed instead of a D. And throughout, Poirot is troubled by one thing in particular - why were the letters sent to him?

Meanwhile Alexander Bonaparte Cust goes about his business, turning up in Andover, Bexhill and Churston, and spending a lot of time in railway stations.

I can't remember any other Christie books focusing on a serial killer. There are plenty of books in which many people are murdered, but the concept of an egotistical, monomaniac serial killer is, in my recollection, something different. There's a reason why we get one in this book, and that appears at the conclusion, so I'm obviously not going to give anything away. I shall restrain myself with the thought that it's a damn good reason.

Another excellent mystery.

39. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - Dumb witness by Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie was often accused of being formulaic, but I've never thought that. And here's more evidence to suggest otherwise.

The narrative opens with Miss Emily Arundell making arrangments for the arrival of her family for Easter. Each of them is after money, and Miss Arundell, an elderly and extremely rich woman, is determined that they're not getting any. A few weeks after Easter she's dead.

Jumping forward a couple of months, Poirot receives a letter from the deceased woman which vaguely expresses a concern without specifics. He decides to find out more with the help of Hastings and heads off for high comedy. It seems more Enid Blyton than Agatha Christie at times, but that's its charm.

An inexplicable letter. A group of people. A dog. Was there a murder? How do you prove it? Who's the guilty party?

Loved it.

My Grampa died on Monday morning. We were on holiday and got back today in time for the funeral tomorrow. It will be a grand celebration of his life with much crying and laughing and many many stories.

He wasn't a perfect person, he was very much a man of his time (he was 92), but he was my Grampa and I loved him, and I'm just beginning to realise how strange it will be to have that shape missing in my life.

I will forever associate him with sun-bathing at the slightest hint of sunshine (from March onwards), getting us to brush his hair while he fell asleep (his version of babysitting) and showing us how to gut the fish he'd caught down the coast that morning.

Sleep well, Grampa xxx

Much love to you and your family. Condolences and hugs! Your Grandfather sounds like a perfect Grandpa!

So sorry to hear... big virtual {{hugs}} to you this morning.

Sympathies for you and your family on your loss.

Thanks everyone. The funeral was lovely. We played Oh what a beautiful morning, By Cool Shiloam's Shady Rill, Abide with Me and So long, it's been good to know you. And aunties and uncles wandered around with Grampa's signature, a big pile of sweeties. He was always giving them out to everyone. That really got me going. But I know he would have loved his send-off.

Catching up.

40. Poirot: Complete Battles of Hastings volume 2 - Curtain by Agatha Christie

This is the last ever book featuring Poirot for a very good reason - he dies. I knew that before reading it, and it did make me hesitate, but in a lot of ways, it doesn't seem like an ending at all. It showed a different side to the man I think, perhaps because he's meant to be much older, in pain and aware of the time he has left. His investigating all has to be done via Hastings and the crime itself is a strange one. But overall, I'm left wondering if there were elements of the personality shown in this novel to be seen in his earlier books. I've not read them all, but I'm considering the possibility not just of taking them all on, but of reading them in sequence. Would it be worth it?

41. The wee free men by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Stephen Briggs)
42. A hat full of sky by Terry Pratchett (audio, read by Stephen Briggs)

We deliberately chose these as our holiday travel audio books. Ideal for keeping everyone in the car occupied and letting the miles stroll by. Mr Briggs is an excellent reader, although his Feegle accent does set my teeth on edge at times. I can't recommend these books highly enough. They are full of adventure, comedy and wisdom, and unafraid to deal with difficult issues. Perfect books for demonstrating that your grandparents aren't necessarily the people you think they are, but then, maybe you're not the person you think you are either.

43. Periodic Tales: the curious lives of the elements by Hugh Aldersley-Williams

A fabulous book, perfect for both scientists and laymen. A fascinating look at the history of the elements, their uses, the stories of their discoveries and the cultural associations that have developed around them. Not forgetting the creation of the Periodic Table by Mendeleev, and the hilarious and occasionally terrifying adventures of author, Hugh, as he tries to collect various samples of each element. I loved the insights into element names (cobalt is one of my new favourite words), and finding out how many elements appear in everyday items. I even loved the cover. Totally recommended.

Hi Jen, you've been having some ups and downs since I last dropped by. Sorry to hear about your Grampa, but sounds as if his funeral was a good occasion. I love the idea of 'So long, its been good to know you'!

And the aggressive author on your blog sounds very disturbing. I think you are probably right not to try to continue the exchange since it sounds as if they are unable to enter into reasoned critical conversation about their book.

I know what you mean about Dick Francis, I've found those to be good straightforward reads especially in difficult times. And I loved your enthusiastic review of Wintersmith - another one to add to the list!

#114 Hi Genny thanks for dropping in and thanks for your condolences. I feel for my poor Granny, who's 94. They would have been married 70 years the week after he died. They saw each other the day before and sat and held hands. Think Granny had every expectation that he would come home, but my Mum says Grampa knew he wasn't going to be able to.

I haven't deleted the remark from the abusive author, although it's not live on my blog. I've kept it as a reminder that the internet is a public place, and whatever gets said is open to everyone. I absolutely don't accept the abuse, but I also think that if you have the right to speak your mind, then you have the responsibility to get it right.

We've actually listened to Wintersmith again, just to keep Tiffany's saga in the right order. Waiting for I shall wear midnight and listening to Equal Rites in the meantime for our in car entertainment. I haven't read the latter in a long time, so it's really intriguing to see the original version of Granny Weatherwax.

44. Landscape detective: discovering a countryside by Richard Muir

I LOVED this book. Landscape archaeology involves studying your environment to identify how people used it in the past, including roads and pathways, boundaries and land use. Often the researcher will require access to written records before definite conclusions can be reached, but there's plenty of investigating that can be done even from the comfort and safety of your own armchair.

Richard Muir has focused this book on his research on the town of Ripley in Yorkshire, but uses the information to guide his readers through ways of conducting their own investigations. For example, certain maps will show you the outline of fields. If there's also a road, you can gauge its age in relation to the fields by whether it follows the field boundaries or cuts across them.

Of course, there's nothing to beat getting out in the field to root about for yourself, but if you're stuck in the house, we're lucky to have the tools to still let us explore from far away. Looking at Ripley on Google maps, you're struck by an odd fish-hook shape in the fields. Muir explains that this is the remains of an original meander of the river, prior to it being straightened.

There are hidden surprises all around, even if you can't see them yet. This wee book is a good step to helping you see them.

45, 46, 47 50 shades trilogy by E.L. James

I had read about it, heard about it and had picked up on the general sniggering. Everything suggested it was dreadful, but no-one I knew had actually read it.

And then Mr Jenn told me bought the audio version!!! So we gave it a listen, turned down very low, just in case the children overheard - that's a level of explanation I'd rather not delve into just yet. And yes, it was dreadful. My apologies to the narrator, but Ana couldn't have sounded much more ridiculous. I could only assume that she was doing the best she could with some useless material. I could imagine her, eyebrows raised in the recording studio, demanding, 'How in hell am I supposed to make this sound good?'

But at the same time, I was also wondering if the narration was making the book worse than it was. So I took a miserable, rainy weekend (plenty to choose from this summer) and got stuck in.

And at least I can now comment from a more, shall we say, 'informed position'? (Sorry, couldn't resist that).

Well, it's not high literature. It's a fantasy, and a romance above all else. The relationship between them does get mildly more interesting as time goes on (at least until halfway through the second book), but the third book shows definite signs of strain and running out of ideas.

At its best, it's X-rated Mills and Boon fluff in need of a thesaurus, but hey, plenty of people adore Mills and Boon fluff. Congratulations, Ms James, you've got people reading.

What I am concerned about is the number of 12 year olds wondering why our school library doesn't stock it!

48. Warlords and holy men by Alfred P Smyth

In theory I've been reading this book for over twenty years without actually reading it. It was on the reading list for numerous essays at uni, but I only ever read the relevant chapters and not the rest.

I've maintained my interest in the Early Middle Ages, but usually I'd be focusing on the Picts or the Scots or the Vikings one at a time, so again, I'd maybe borrow it from the library just to read the relevant chapter again.

Time moves on, continuing research has made some of the ideas in the book a bit out-dated, and in places it feels a bit biased, but it's still a great introduction to Scotland in the Dark Ages, if not necessarily an easy read.

I just wish that at university I'd been able to understand this as I do now. Of course, that's a bit of a paradox, since I've only gained that level of understanding as a result of twenty years worth of reading, and even now I reckon I only know enough to know how much I don't know!

#117 You're about the only person I know who'll admit to having read them - gives you more right than most to voice an opinion about them! I like your vision of the narrator in the recording studio trying to make a silk purse out of something... But that is worrying indeed that 12 year olds are expecting to read it.

#119 Apologies for not replying sooner, Genny. Only had time to drop in and out of LT, a quick look about and away again. Too many blogs, too much work, too many colds :-(

The point about the 12 year olds bears further thinking about. Why are they looking for it? Do they actually know anything about it? In one or two cases, I'm aware of 14 year olds reading it (male and female) and both were quick to dismiss it as rubbish, but mainly the pupils are picking up on the fact that the adults around them are talking about this book, and they want in.

Wouldn't it be great if it was a whole pile of books? Does it suggest that hype will get more kids reading? A point worth pondering.

49. Macbeth: a true story by Fiona Watson

Macbeth was a good guy, for the period he lived in. The postscript is important. He was a man of his times, but he wasn't the vicious no-good that Shakespeare created to keep his Stewart patron happy. He went on pilgrimage to Rome, and - something I find astonishing for this period in history - nothing bad happened while he was away!

The first half of the book concentrates on the period leading up to Macbeth, and it's such a complicated story that it's time well spent. A wee bit of my brain though wonders if it's also there precisely because so little of Macbeth's own story is known, that it would have been a rather slim volume without this background.

It's almost a shame that Ms Watson (or her publishers?) felt it necessary to add the little fictional imaginings of events. There aren't a lot of them for a start, and I'm not sure why they were necessary, as opposed to "I can just imagine ...". I suppose neither would be acceptable in an academic history, and at least this way they are clearly signposted, but still, I'm not entirely convinced that they add anything to the story.

Not an especially easy read, given the turbulent history of the period and the lack of evidence available, but it's very much worth taking your time over if it's something you're interested in.

50. Shadow of the minotaur by Alan Gibbons

Phoenix feels out of place at his new school. Despite making a new friend in Laura, he's being bullied and he's fed up with his father's decision to move them away from London. His interest is sparked with the new computer game his father is working on. Legendeer is a virtual reality with extremely real seeming scenarios based on Greek mythology. Unknown to him though, there is an evil intelligence within the game seeking to use players as a way to enter our world. Phoenix is only one of many people from his family who have fought this being over many years, although the others were assumed to have lost their minds.

This has been on my TBR list for ages, and it ended up being much deeper but also much briefer than I expected. It was also a lot scarier in places (not good for a big wuss like me) with genuine danger, so I struggled in places. The next title is Vampyr Legion and I really don't like vampires (even vampires aimed at 12 year olds) so I don't know if I'll continue. The temptation is to turn to the back page and see what happens at the end, but the books deserve better.

I am left wondering why they haven't been dramatised long, long ago though. They seem an obvious candidate for Sunday evening television (and I might even be able to watch from behind my fingers).

51. The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar by Roald Dahl

I was never a huge Roald Dahl fan when I was wee. I quite liked James and the Giant Peach, but I was always looking for a happy books. Dahl's were always a bit on the nasty side for me. I've grown to appreciate them, and probably take them less seriously, as I've aged, and definitely appreciate his storytelling abilities.

However

There is a style of short story that I find confusing. The kind where nothing seems to happen. Or the kind where something happens but there's no conclusion. They always seem very meaningful, but I'm not getting the meaning.

I'm currently trying to read all of those books that I recommend to pupils in school. The ones that I've skimmed through, or know a bit about, and can talk knowledgeably about, in order to help young people come to a decision. And I've had copies of 'Henry Sugar' around for years without reading it, and so in I plunge.

And in places it was like those short stories where things happen without conclusions, but overall I really enjoyed it, purely for the storytelling vibe. I can best describe it as a conversation with a good friend who says, "Wait til I tell you about this!" and then launches into some long rambling anecdote which doesn't seem to be about anything in particular, but is entertaining in itself.

I'll definitely be recommending it to other people in the future :-)

52. H-Bomb girl by Stephen Baxter

Yeah, yeah, yeah - the Beatles save the world!

Not quite, but they make several appearances in this teen novel set in Liverpool, 1962. Laura has a key. A key to a Vulcan bomber. A Vulcan bomber that will drop nuclear weapons if Laura also provides the codes that go with it. All supplied by her military dad. With the Americans and Russians bringing the world to the the edge of the abyss over Cuba, Laura is faced with several decisions, not least which of herselves to trust.

Yup, herselves. That came as a bit of a surprise, because up til that point it was a fairly straightforward teen novel set in the 60s. I even remember thinking, not Stephen Baxter's usual style. But after that little bombshell, it really got going.

A decent mix of the usual teen issues and alternative realities, with decent characters (and it's clear that Mr Baxter is a Lennon fan), but it would be nice to read a teen novel without all the usual angst every once in a while.

53. The ASBO fairy tales by Hans Christian Asbosen
54. Politically correct bedtime stories by James Finn Garner

Two birthday presents. Very silly. Very funny (the latter is funnier though), with titles like The Three Codependent Goats Gruff and The Princess and the Oven-Chip. Great for dipping into (although I actually sat and read the bedtime stories aloud to my family while we all groaned and giggled).

55. Wolf brother by Michelle Paver

This has been on my wishlist for a long, long time. Mr Jenn was away overnight this weekend I knew I'd need something to keep my attention so I grabbed all five books in the Chronicles of Ancient Darkness series (except now I know there are six) from the LRC shelves as I headed home.

Sure enough it took ages to get to sleep and I woke up often so it was comforting to have such great reads available. I know there are plenty of people on LT that have much greater problems with insomnia than me that will appreciate this thought.

The story starts with a tragedy and then the chase is on and it doesn't stop. But whereas a lot of stories feel as if difficulties have been deliberately invented to get in the way, these were very natural. That might sound silly as obviously all of the problems in a given fictional work have been invented, but some do seem much more artificial than others; a stipulation of one setback every thousand words or so. In Wolf brother, danger is a constant presence, but in varying appearances. It's never clear where it's coming from next.

Even the riddle had intriguing solutions, and I didn't mind that the answers just came to the protagonists. It is a children's book after all, and I've had too much experience of ideas just appearing from nowhere at the right time (as well as much more experience of being completely clueless :-) )

The hunter-gatherer period was realistic without all of the dreary lists and explanations that mar the Clan of the Cave Bear series. In fact, there's a lot left unexplained throughout, which caused confusion to begin with, (e.g. what exactly are the Nanuak?), but since the characters just accept that they can't know everything, I eventually did too.

A world I'll be diving into again as soon as I get the chance.

56. The kingdom of Fife and Kinross-shire by Theo Lang

Another in the King's/Queen's Scotland series from the 1950s, and it's another volume full of fascinating stories about out of the way places. I could quite happily holiday in Fife for a month with all these places to see.

The joy of these books is in the unknown details of the past hidden in plain sight around the country, such as the Bull Stone at Leslie, which is a relic from the obscene practice of bear and bull-baiting, or the Blue Stone at Crail, thrown at the church by the devil and still carrying the indentation of his thumb. Magical.

Of course, being 50+ years old, they do have the feel of their age, which is another part of their charm. Apparently, it was said that all Scottish students have two universities: the one they studied at and St Andrews. Sorry, no we don't.

The best story though was that of the lost treasure of Largo, where apparently a key is just waiting to be rediscovered. Now there's a reason to go visit :-)

57. Spirit walker by Michelle Paver

The second of the Chronicles of ancient darkness series and it's a wonderful sequel. Torak is hunting for the cure to a sickness that's killing people in the forest. Without Renn or Wolf, he's soon in trouble and struggling to make his case to the other tribes.

Torak's story is very gradually unfolding throughout the series, but it feels a very natural pace, with nothing rushed or dropped in just to keep the plot moving. his world seems very real, and Michelle Paver's notes at the end show just how much homework she's done - swimming with orca?! - gathering information from all over the world.

Fortunately, Daughter has now finished number three so I can get stuck straight in. Just as well Husband is out again today :-)

58. Soul eater by Michelle Paver

First time in ages that I've read an entire book cover to cover. The third in the Chronicles of ancient darkness series brings Torak and Renn to the far north and a struggle to to rescue Wolf.

Fantasy has never been far from the surface, although my brain is happy to supply alternative explanations for what the clans see as magic, but this book seems to have more intentional supernatural goings on.

And of course, by the end of Book 3, Torak is now hiding a very dark secret. What (and where) next?

59. Pride and prejudice by Jane Austen (audio, read by Emilia Fox)
60. Airdrie a historical sketch by James Knox (reading)

These two have been on the go for aaaaages. {Pride and prejudice is one of my all time favourite books, but this is the first time Mr Jenn has read it, or specifically, listened to it. Emilia Fox, who played Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 BBC version, does a great job (although she struggles a little with the men's voices). Interesting that she carries almost exactly the same intonations with Lady Catherine de Bourgh as Barbara Leigh-Hunt, who played that character in the BBC series. Sometimes characterisations are just too iconic I suppose.

Airdrie is a large town in central Scotland, with a long history. Like a lot of local history books from the early 20th century, this has a fair bit about the great and the good of the local council. Not knowing the gentlemen in question, I can't comment, but it does feel a little 'jobs for the boys' towards the end. En route though, are wonderful stories of local witches, ancient routeways and people stepping up in times of crisis. Very much a book for dipping into, which is partly why it's taken so long to complete.

(Edited because I can't count)

61. Outcast by Michelle Paver
62. Oath breaker by Michelle Paver

Parts 4 & 5 of Chronicles of ancient darkness and its seriously getting exciting. The series has now moved into the hunt for the soul eaters, and moves about the world of the clans, bringing each one to life, with all its fears and beliefs.

Outcast in particular has real zing to it, a depth of passion and aching loneliness, and so utterly, utterly believable.

63. The weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

I read Brisingamen when I was about 10 or so I think, and I remember that it was quite good, but it didn't fire me up as much as my other books did. Strange perhaps, since it was fantasy that pulled me back from the edge of non-reading as a teenager when I found the Earthsea books.

As a librarian, I've seen Alan Garner listed over and over again as one of the outstanding authors for children and young people. I've bought and re-bought copies of his work for the library, and have happily recommended it to pupils. I brought it home for my daughter to read (not having a library at her school at present) and got stuck in while she read ahead of me in Michelle Paver's series. So I'm confused and a little upset that it was just ok. Nothing special. Even a little irritating in places.

Maybe I wasn't in the right frame of mind? Maybe I'm too old now? There are certainly wonderful ideas, but at the moment, this classic seems just a little colourless in the light of current fiction for young people.

I'm wondering if I should revisit more of the books I read when I was younger or whether I should leave them happily meandering about in my memory, where they're safe and warm.

Or maybe I should read Brisingamen again another time, and see how it goes down then. Alan Garner's too good to go down without a fight.

64. Moon of Gomrath by Alan Garner

First time I read this sequel to Weirdstone of Brisingamen and it's much the same as its predecessor but I think I've got the secret. You have to read more slowly. At child speed. It's one of those books where - every - word - counts - so - it - is - important - that - every - single - word - is - noticed rather than skimmed. That's just the nature of the writing which is undeniably wonderful.

In the notes at the end, Alan Garner comments that every time he thought he'd written something original, he found the same story hidden away in old collections of folk tales. Certainly the highlight for me was the arrival of the Wild Hunt and Herne the Hunter.

Those are my two favorite Garners, Jen. And I think you do have to sink into the flow of the language and the mindset of a child to really appreciate them.

That's a far better way of saying it, Roni :-)

I'm absolutely adoring The gift by Alison Croggan. Like most fantasies there are shadows of Lord of the Rings but it is all engrossing, drawing you deep into the world of the bards. It's the best book I've read all year.

Also notice it's the second Australian fantasy series I've read this year (or ever, I think!)

65. The gift: the first book of Pellinor by Alison Croggan

My version is called The Gift, but I've noticed current versions are called The Naming.

Whatever its title, this is the first of the Pellinor quartet, an epic story of Maerad, the apparently foretold liberator of the lands from evil and darkness. While there are overtones of Tolkien, the writing is more like Garth Nix - meaning incidentally that I was wrong about this being only the second fantasy series I'd read written by an Australian, because I'd forgotten about the Old Kingdom books.

Enough asides, this is a glorious tale, seeming to borrow from traditional fantasy, but not afraid to dip into philosophical musings, abounding with deep mythology, and book-ending the story with a strange mind-bending fake academic analysis of the fictional sources for the novel. It grabbed me the minute I read the opening lines and hasn't let me go. And unlike the recent Garners, the writing and I are happily keeping pace.

Fortunately I already have the second and third books in the library. Unfortunately I didn't know there was a fourth. Fortunately that means I get to go book buying :-)

why oh why do they rename the same book

What if I read the first named one, and then bought the second named one, not knowing it was the same, and then opened it to find "I've read this before"... Rip Off!

Drives me mad too, Karen. Been caught out loads of times buying books for the library.

66. Ripping yarns by Terry Jones and Michael Palin

This book contains the scripts from the 1st (?) series of Ripping Yarns, a series of programmes from the late 1970s starring Michael Palin. Some of them are laugh out loud funny, others more obviously require the visuals to accompany them (e.g. Over the Andes by Frog).

I did a bit of digging and discovered the DVD release includes these six scripts too! Oh Santa!

67. Death comes to Pemberly by P.D. James (audio)

Pride and Prejudice is one of my top ten books of all time, and I've read many a sequel, but none as dreary as this. I've listened to an audio version of P+P and it does not come across the same way.

There were one or two interesting aspects of the whole thing: the first was the focus on Darcy and his inner voice; and the other was the revelation of just how nasty Wickham actually was meant to appear. Thoughout P+P, he comes across as a bit of a cad, but to modern morals, hardly criminal. P D James' perhaps clarifies how low he could go.

The actual death is a little boring, what with Lydia's hysteria and Wickham's drunken-ness. I don't want to give away any endings here, but a different outcome would have been welcome.

Over all I get the impression that PD James is out to clear up some of the mysteries of Pride and Prejudice, the little bits that have perhaps annoyed her on reading the original. It might have helped with her own irritation. I'm happy to say that mine has cleared up now that it's finished.

68. The riddle by Alison Croggan

This series just gets more and more wonderful, in all senses of the world. I couldn't ask for a better saga to see out the year with. It makes perfect "curl up in a chair and while away a cold afternoon material".

My only very minor niggle are some of the names, which sound like people the author knows with a letter changed to make it look more alien, but this is nit-picking of the highest order.

In this particular part of the sage, Maerad travels into different lands, with new cultures, and discovers that she's not especially in control of her power, or her emotions; having someone less than perfect is essential in a fantasy novel. The lesser characters are also pretty decent, not just there to fulfil a need for someone to say something relevant, but much more rounded.

And even though you know that our heroine is going to escape outrageous situations, the methods used are well in keeping with the world of the story while not being foreseeable. In fact I had a whole other story arc in my head.

Go read it. You won't be disappointed.

69. I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you by Ally Carter

As a prize for our Reading Trail at work, we take a group of pupils along to a big bookshop and let them select some books for the library. This was one of them. To be honest, I was completely unaware of the Gallagher Girls series, and for that reason, letting the kids have access to the budget works well for both sides.

I was quite taken with the blurb and the concept of the school for spies, but to be honest it was a bit more pink than that. Girly pink that is. As someone allergic to pinkosity, it would not have been my first choice of reading material, so it was, rather appropriately, well camouflaged.

And it managed to keep my attention for the duration of a bath, and many a tale has failed that task. I even heated up the water a couple of times!

Ah, the hot bath test. I know it well, and yes, it is a good way to test the worthiness of a tale. If the tale is soporific, then, well, I usually want to fall to sleep in the tub.

Done that many a time! In fact, even if the story isn't dry as dust, I have awoken to the unheard cry of the pages as they seep gently beneath the bubbles.

But maybe that's just me :-)

My daughter takes full advantage of having her own personal school librarian, but I've found recommendations work far better by leaving books lying around as opposed to me pointing them out.

So I've been treated to the sight of her laughing her way through I'd tell you I love you but then I'd have to kill you, and it reminded me that these stories are all new to her and those of her age. And she's seeing far more comedy in the juxtaposition of spies / teen romance than I would. And her sharing the bits she likes (and the sad bits) is adding to my own thoughts about the book.

Let's face it, nothing like a shared story, is there?

70. The chimneys of Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston

I've been identifying older books that have served their time on the LRC shelves. This one sadly, has never been borrowed since it was bought in 1993. The cover is still interesting, but the title, I think, while causing sharp intakes of delighted breath in some, will cause nothing at all in others. It has been overlooked all its life.

Including by me, I have to say. So I brought it home for a change of scenery and read it tonight (in the bath again).

Children of Green Knowe is an absolute classic, with a deep understanding of small boys and their connection with older people, and old houses and their stories. This is a continuation of the former, with Tolly home again for the holidays. It's not quite so seamless as its predecessor, but it's still a cracking story, of Susan, born blind and Jacob, the young boy from Barbados that her father buys (and then immediately frees) to be her companion and servant.

And of course, there are people in the house (19th century) who bully Jacob, spouting a selection of racist comments (uncomfortable reading), and Jacob's own little revenges. It's a story about equality and caring for people and giving them the freedom to live their lives, no matter the colour of their skin or their abilities, but it's not preachy.

Overall, not a bad wee read, but there are plenty of other books I'd buy first.

Children of Green Knowe has been on my tbr list since 2010. I vow to read this in 2013.

I've recently finished the Green Knowe series, and very much enjoyed them. I wish I'd read them when I was a kid!

Just imagine how many hidden treasures are sitting on library, and LRC, shelves!

Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics

I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Jen!

#147 / 148 Started reading The River of Green Knowe bu can't see where I've planked it :-( and it also hit me with an uncomfortable episode of 'we can't pronounce his Chinese name, so we'll call him Ping' followed by the children's philosophical musings on why the sky doesn't reflect like water and whether you can kill a thought. Eclectic.

Unfortunately, the bath is out of bounds at the moment as the tap broke :-(

#149 Too, too many. I saw a great picture somewhere - probably on Facebook - where all of the mystery books had been turned round so their pages were facing outwards. I enjoyed the pun, but it also got me wondering about how having every book covered up would affect the borrowing. KNowing my luck I'd have little angels turning books arund for ever after if I tried it :-)

#150 That's really sweet, Roni. Hope you had a lovely Christmas too xxx

I've not really bothered with downloading ebooks, mainly because I had nothing that would show them except the laptop, and that's in high demand in the house.

However, this Christmas, we bought Daughter a tablet, immediately plugged her into the Kindle app and set off in search of myths and legends for her to guzzle.

In the process, we discovered some free downloads, one of which is The Friendship, a Pellinor short story. I am a happy, happy person, except now of course, I have to steal my Daughter's tablet to read it. Not sure how happy she is :-)

Of course, this is the UK website. Don't know if its available in the States.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Friendship-Free-eBook-ebook/dp/B0095UXP2Q

New additions
The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamen by Howard Carter - 2nd hand bookshop, present from Mr Jenn
Vikings signed by author, Neil Oliver - also a present from Mr Jenn. Unfortunately I was working so couldn't go meet the man myself :-(
Exploring Scotland's historic landscapes by Ian and Kathleen Whyte - 2nd hand, picked out by me for Mr Jenn to add to my parcel
Ancient stones of Scotland by W Douglas Simpson - as above
The ringmaster's daughter by Jostein Gaarder - as above, except spotted in a thrift shop for £1!
Exploring Britain's Churches and Chapels - present to self, seen in a different thrift shop, contains one of my own pictures :-). Finally got my name in print (and yes, they did pay me).

Add to that a couple of lovely vouchers for local bookshops and this is one happy reader :-)

And of course, I get to nick Daughter's tablet occasionally and read her myths and legends.

71. The crow by Alison Croggon

I was updating my current reads when I noticed that I hadn't included a review of this yet. What can I say that I haven't already?

Simply, if you like fantasy, I think you will adore this series. Yes, there are very minor elements that jar and seem borrowed or inspired from elsewhere (names in particular), but the vast, vast majority is fresh and new and it is all beautifully written.

This story focuses on Maeve's brother, Hem, and his own struggle to stay alive as the war comes to the city of Turbansk. Never knowing if his sister is alive or dead, he fights alongside the Bard, Saliman, and an outcast white crow, and a young girl determined to revenge her family.

There is a lot of heartfelt grief and a nasty thread of sheer evil running through this book. Not only-in-fiction evil; real vicious evil, straight from Vlad the Impaler and inflicted by children on children. Honestly made me shudder. It's a theme recurring more often in teen fiction, and not one I'm personally at ease with. I already have an overactive imagination thank you, I really don't need graphic descriptions.

Despite my unease, I wouldn't stop reading this if you paid me. My only problem is waiting for part 4 to appear ...

And so, with four days to go until 2013, I find myself partway through ten books. I doubt I'll get back into Game of Thrones any time soon. There are lots of great plotlines that grab, but the overwhelming sense of doom and disaster running throughout is just too much for the present. Others are around somewhere under the detritus of Christmas, but who knows where? This would not suggest a successful completion of 75 books this year.

On the other hand, if the weather stays as lousy as it is right now, I'll be perfectly happy curled up in a chair with one or other of the tomes I'm aiming to complete.

Outwardly I would probably say the number is not important, and of course it's reading great books that really counts, but secretly, I'd be gutted to get so close and still not reach 75. I'm just too competitive with myself :-)

72. The lost symbol by Dan Brown

I ended up reading this until 3 am and finished it earlier this evening. It's not such a great page turner as Angels and Demons, but there's certainly enough to keep you going.

What I do like about Dan Brown is his use of art and architecture to tell his stories. I already like both subjects so really, it acts more as a fictional guidebook, except to real places. Washington being a place I know nothing about whatsoever, this was quite an interesting, if long-winded, introduction to the buildings of the city.

If anyone knows some real books on symbology that they'd recommend, I'd be interested.

73. The river at Green Knowe by Lucy M Boston

It took me a while to get into this, perhaps because of the attitude of the two elderly women, who believe that children are like cats, all you need to do when looking after them is feed them and put them out.

Also, no-one things the strange stuff is strange. A bit like the original Mary Poppins books. So children shrink to the size of harvest mice, talk to giants, meet an ex-bus-driver-hermit and it's all just ordinary. There's a tinge of this in all the Green Knowe books, now that I think about it, but I suppose when I read the first one as a child, it didn't strike me as unusual. Perhaps because it's told through the eyes of a child.

It does seem weird that as an adult, I can read all sorts of fantasy stuff without blinking an eyelid but suggest that children see a field full of flying horses and my willing suspension of disbelief goes out the window.

Once i got used to it, it was fun and exciting and adventuresome and a worthy addition to the Green Knowe library.

Catching up at last... I read some of the Green Knowe books as a child, and recently picked up and read a copy of The River at... which I hadn't previously read. I think I prefer the ones which focus more on the house, but I still enjoyed it.

Re Alan Garner, I think that Weirdstone and Gomrath are his weakest - though I'd like to re-read them as I gather he has all these years later just published a third, called Boneland. Even as a child, I think I found them a bit rushed and eclectic (references to all kinds of myths and legends creeping in there) - but the strong sense of place is already there which becomes more and more powerfully evoked in his later work. For me, The Owl Service, Red Shift and The Stone Book Quartet are the masterpieces.

I hope you find time for completing another two books and reaching the (arbitrary but symbolic) goal of 75!

#158 Genny, you are a genius!!! I completely forgot about the Stone Book Quartet. I brought it home from work with the other Garners and read it gradually between other books, one story at a time. It didn't have a big impact on me at all, which is probably why I forgot it.

So, 74. Stone Book Quartet by Alan Garner, and yes, I do accept that the number is arbitrary, but like I said, I'm competitive with myself :-)

So far as the book goes, there are four stories, originally published separately, so whether there's meant to be a theme at all is open to question. Nevertheless, I thought there was an idea flowing (if that's the right word) between them all, from holding and sharing secrets between and amongst families, secrets from high above steeples to deep within the earth.

Beautifully written again, it's a book to be savoured for the language, but not, for me, for the contents.

Now, let's see if I get the chance to finish something tomorrow. Why isn't there an online symbol for fingers crossed?

OK, waaaaay too competitive. But I made it :-)

75. Cross my heart and hope to spy by Ally Carter

So hunting through the shelves last night for something I'd not finished yet, I found this sequel to I'd tell you I love you, but then I'd have to kill you, which was an acceptable teen read at the time, but not something I'd been transfixed by.

This is far, far superior. Exactly how are you supposed to be a decent spy if you go scarlet when you look at a boy? Or when you can't deal with a previous boyfriend? It's s known fact that girls work best at girls only schools, and boys work best at mixed gender schools. So put the ladies from the girls only school together with the boys from a boys only school and stand back and watch.

I've noticed of late that many plotlines are occuring to me as I go through stories. Just as a flickering idea oh, is this what's going to happen? and then gone. Not enought o spoil the writing, just enough to notice that I was right.

Anyway, I'll be buying the next volumes in this series if they're as good as this.

(And it was nice to be in Washington again. After my in-depth guide with Robert Langdon I could see the whole route in my mind's eye).

OK, what's next?

Congratulations on the 75 Jen. I love reading your thread:)

Congrats on hitting 75 before midnight tonight! Well done. And being competitive is OK as long as you know you are competitive, and you allow the Angels of Your Better Nature supervise.

Onwards! A new year, and some new books, eh?

calm, what a lovely thing to say! Thanks for the congratulations and have a lovely Hogmanay!

Karen, if I can find the Angels of my Better Nature, I'll tell to watch out for me :-) You have a great New Year too :-)

And ... I got a LT Badge!! I didn't even know they existed (mine is for uploading book covers apparently).

Congrats on finishing - and congrats on the badge!

Thanks, just getting set up for next year now :-)

Here's to a great new year ahead, Jen! And congrats on reaching the 75 book mark!

Congrats on reaching 75, Jen!

Thanks, Roni, what a sweet card :-)

Congratulations Jen - I'm glad my mention of Stone Book was so timely, even if you didn't particularly enjoy the book! I think I loved it because the four stories were such beautifully crafted writing, yet about non-literary craftmanship - the fine writing pointing to the value of other skills and other kinds of beauty, often in hidden places...

Fair point, Genny. The beauty of books being that they speak to us all in their own ways :-)

Jen - I'm curious if the church (St. John the Baptist) in Hillmorton (outside Rugby) is pictured in the book you mentioned that has your photo included. I've seen photos of it online, but it is an ancestral church so I'm quite interested in it.

Hi Lori,

I'll check it out and get back to you. I the meantime, have you spotted this?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/amthomson/6172690909/

Jen

That's very cool, Jen.

I thought so, Lori :-)

What about these?

http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=39187907