Dudes22 (Betty) ROOTS through the TBR pile

I'm here again with the goal of clearing 70 books from my TBR pile this year. For me, they have to be on the pile or in the mail to me by Dec 31.




TBR 1 Jan 13: 1139

Books Read:
2012 - 25
Pre-2012 - 63
Paper - 78
Nook - 10

Books SOY:
Paper - 1067
Nook - 72

Added:
Paper - 90
Nook - 21
I-book - 4

Read:
Paper root - 78
Paper new - 3
Nook - 10
Reread -1
Purged - 4(already read)

TBR: 26 Jul - 1160
Paper - 1072
Nook - 88

Jan-Mar:

Jan:
1. Love Anthony by Lisa Genova
2. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
3. The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman
4. Witch's Bane by Susan Wittig Albert
5. The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch
6. The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil
7. The Cross Country Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini
8. Death by Darjeeling by Laura Child

Feb:
9. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
10. The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers
11. Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride
12. Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett
13. Riding the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon
14. The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister
15. The Hunt by Jan Neuharth (**)
16. The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Mar:
17. The Sunday List of Dreams by Kris Radish
18. The Cove by Catherine Coulter
19. The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery AAmes
20. An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England by Brock Clarke
21. Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien
22. Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje
23. Knit Two by Kate Jacobs
24. Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell

Apr-Jun

Apr:
25. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny
26. Day After Night by Anita Diamant
27. A Can of Peas by Traci Depree
28. Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett
29. A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall
30. A Cat Was Involved by Spencer Quinn
31. The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis

May:
32. Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich
33. State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy
34. Ironweed by William J Kennedy
35. The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson
36. The Butter Did It by Phyllis Richman
37. The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Jun:
38. Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler
39. The Witch Doctor's Wife by Tamar Myers
40. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke
41. Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke
42. The Messenger of Magnolia Street by River Jordan

Jul:
43. Dead as a Scone by Ron Benrey
44. Uncommon Grounds by Sandra Balzo
45. An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor
46. Out of the Deep I Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming
47. The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin
48. A Pig in Provence by Georgeanne Brennan
49. Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs

Aug:
50. The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver
51. Eat, Memory: Great Writers at the Table edited by Amanda Hesser
52. Charm City by Laura Lippman
53. Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins
54. A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins
55. The Promise of Lumby by Gail Fraser
56. On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle
57. Blessed Are the Cheesemakers by Sarah-Kate Lynch
58. The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart

Sep:
59. Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell
60. An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson
61. Frangipani by Celestine Vaite
62. No! I Don't Want to Join a Bookclub by Virginia Ironside

Oct:
63. The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds
64. Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait
65. Sula by Toni Morrison
66. The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen
67. Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck
68. It Is Well with My Soul by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson
69. Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovitch
70. The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert
71. American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Nov:
72. Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais
73. A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick
74. Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison
75. A Violet March by Evan Katy
76. Never Change by Elizabeth Berg
77. A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury
78. A Body in the Belfry by Katherine Hall Page
79. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B Ross
80. Gunpowder Green by Laura Childs
81. Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich
82. Body Double by Tess Gerritsen
83. Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans

Dec:
84. Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb
85. A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry
86. The Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
87. I Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley
88. The Body in the Kelp by Katherine Hall Page

Welcome Dudes!

Hi Betty - this is my first time with this group and I am looking forward to clearing some books off of my TBR bookcase. I will be cheering you on to your goal of 70 books!

Hi, Betty! Looking forward to another year of muddling through old books while trying to resist new ones! Hahahahaha! Like we ever resist the new ones......

Good luck, Betty.

9 - Thanks - I'll need it

8 - I know. I'm also going to try really, reeeaaaallly hard to read more than I acquire. I'm thinking of adding a tracker for that so it's in my face every time I open this thread.

7. I'll come cheer you on too.

It's hard when you have it showing you that you are losing ground even though you are trying as hard as you can to make headway.

I've decided it's time to pull the plug on 2012 and start 2013. I've got a lot going on today and tomorrow and doubt I'll finish another book, so I'm starting my first root for 13.

I've used up all my gift cards from Christmas and added the books to my TBR collection even though they're not here yet. So with a TBR total of 1140, I'm set to begin. Already started my first one.

So with a TBR total of 1140, I'm set to begin.

Nice! ;-)

Happy New Year! I'll be cheering for you this year!

>Lori - I found one that I finished last year and forgot to move, so it's only 1139.

Book 1: Love Anthony by Lisa Genova

Another book by one of my favorite authors. This one revolves around two women. Olivia, who has lost her autistic son and is separated from her husband, has moved to their house in Nantucket. Beth has discovered that her husband is having an affair and has realized that she has sublimated herself as a wife and mother from the person she used to be and the desires she used to have.

Beth finds a box in the attic containing some of her attempts at writing and she decides to begin writing again. Starting with a short story she had previously written she gradually channels the voice of an autistic boy named Anthony.

This book is a story within a story as chapters from the book Beth writes are part of the story. As with her other two books, the author shows great sensitivity to the subjects she chooses to write about.

First book of the year done. I'm on my way. I started this a couple of days ago and had to hold myself back a little so I wouldn't finish until today.

Congrats on finishing your first book of the year!

Congrats on your first book! I have Love Anthony on my iPhone, and I am slowly meandering through it as I get caught waiting places. I'm really enjoying it so far.

I actually think this might be the weakest of her 3 books, so if you haven't read her before and enjoy this one, you should try one of the others. Her first book Still Alice is one of my most favorite books ever.

Good luck, Betty! You can do it, I know you can. :)

We all have to start with 1!

Hooray, first book already taken care of! It feels good to start in fresh again, doesn't it.

It does Judi - I wonder why that is? For me I think it's knowing the hustle and bustle of fall and Christmas are over and I can settle down for some good reading and sewing time before spring gets here and I'm back outdoors again.

I was feeling somewhat virtuous yesterday that I'd made it though the first week in Jan without buying, borrowing, mooching, downloading or in any way adding to my TBR pile. Then today I took a book from the take one/leave one box at the nail salon and came home and mooched a book also. So much for getting smug.

Book 2: The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

The story of a circus that opens only from dusk to dawn and the competition between two illusionists who design magical tents within the circus. Great descriptions and very quick read.

Congratulations on your two books so far, Betty!

I also just finished The Night Circus! A very easy read. I enjoyed it a lot!

@ 27 -- My first ROOT as well. :)

Book 3: The Shape Shifter by Tony Hillerman

Recently retired Navajo Tribal Police Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn is drawn into looking into a cold case centering around an old Navajo woven rug which was supposedly destroyed in a fire. 12th in the series. I've not read the others; fairly straightforward mystery.

31> I've read the first one in the series (and have the second one on my shelf), and liked it a lot. Especially the setting gave it a bit of extra flavour.

Book 4: Witch's Bane by Susan Wittig Albert

2nd book in the China Bayles cozy series about a lawyer who has left the practice of law to open an herb store and ends up helping solve murders. This book takes place around Halloween, hence the title.

That's on my TBR list for this year too!

I didn't realize and read the 3rd book thinking it was the second so the 4th is my next one - maybe later this year.

35> No, Witch's Bane is the 2nd book in the China Bayles series (assuming that's what you meant with "read the 3rd book thinking it was the second" - if not, ignore me.)

Also, in your review you said: "This book takes place around Halloween, hence the title." Acutally, all the titles of the China Bayles series have to do with herbs, in specific with the signature herb of the series. Witch's Bane is a folk name for wolfsbane, also known as monkshood, or old wiveshood, or aconite. From the China Bayles site:

"It was once believed to be the creation of Hecate, the goddess of the underworld. In various times and places over the centuries, the herb has been used to kill wolves and tigers, poison wells against an advancing army, and execute criminals. Its thick root has occasionally (and fatally) been mistaken for horseradish. "

No I actually meant that I read the 3rd book before I read this one, so out of order.

37 > I figured I was getting it wrong. Like I said, ignore me :D.

Book 5: The Fleet Street Murders by Charles Finch

I think I enjoy this series more with each book. There's something about communicating by note or telegram, traveling by hansom cab or train, no DNA or fingerprints, that makes these mysteries all the more interesting to me.

39> There's something about communicating by note or telegram, traveling by hansom cab or train, no DNA or fingerprints, that makes these mysteries all the more interesting to me.

I know what you mean! That's why I like Victorian mysteries (like those written by Robin Paige), there's enough "old-fashioned" detective work, but some of the forensic sciences - like fingerprints - are just starting to be discovered. Makes for an interesting mix.

Yes it does. I think there was a mention of fingerprinting near the end of book 2. And I do think the author has the right tone to the books. Particular words he uses although I can't think of an example right now; but I noticed it while I was reading. Now I have to get more in the series as I've read all I have.

I succumbed today to the free Friday book on my nook: first book "buy" of the year. I now start down that slippery slope.....

Book 6: The Beach Street Knitting Society and Yarn Club by Gil McNeil

In this chick-lit book, Jo is taking over her grandmother's yarn shop and moving. Her husband was killed in a car crash after telling her that he had been having an affair and wanted a divorce. Then she finds out he took outa second mortgage on the house which forced her to sell. So the story's about her first year in the seaside town where her Gran's yarn shop is. It took me a long while to come round to the story and I still have a few issues with it. There are many run-on sentences and quite a bit of one particular swear word which I'm not a fan of. But there were also some fairly cute conversations which made me smile, so I'll probably read some more of this series, especially since they are already on the shelf.

Book 7: The Cross Country Quilters by Jennifer Chiaverini

Book 3 in the Elm Creek Quilters series, this time a group of friends challenge each other to use part of the same fabric to create a quilt block, but only after each has taken steps to solve a particular problem in each of their lives.

Book 8: Death by Darjeeling by Laura Child

First in another cozy series, this time centered around a tea shop.

January Summary:

TBR start: 1139
Total books read: 9
Roots read: 8
Rereads: 1
Books Added: 1
New TBR: 1132

I'm happy with my progress this month. I'm hoping to keep it up.

Great work! :)

Thanks princess!

Book 9: Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

I don't know what to say about this book; although the story was interesting, I really, really disliked every single character in this book - which may mean that the author was really, really good.

Now I'm really curious about Donker hart = Gone Girl. I'm moving it up the pile, but sadly enough it can not be a ROOT since I got the digital version this year.

Book 10: The Scarlet Thread by Francine Rivers

Book Blurb: "Two women, centuries apart, are joined through a tattered journal as they contend with God, husbands - even themselves...."

I read this book for the Rita Award challenge over in the 13 in 13 group. I'm not a big fan of romance novels but, after a slow start, this book was pretty good. I preferred the part of the story that was the journal of Sierra's great-great (many greats) grandmother's journey to California at the time when people were just beginning to travel west.

Betty, Jennifer Chiaverini has just released a book about Elizabeth Keckley called Mrs. Lincoln's Dressmaker (I haven't read it yet; my cousin Chris has started and says it's fascinating). Chris and I went to her book-signing a few weeks ago. She's a delightful woman!

There's an interesting discussion of Gone Girl on the Missouri Readers group (http://www.librarything.com/topic/143210). My real-life book group also read it. Gillian Flynn is a good writer, but she can sure write in some harsh characters.

Terri - I had heard of Jennifer Chiaverini's new book. Think I have it on one of my wish lists. How great you got to see her. Interesting discussion on GG. Still will probably not read another of her books, tho.

Book 11: Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride

A gritty, dark, damp book about a serial killer of children in Aberdeen, Scotland. DS Logan McRae is returning to work after a year off because he was stabbed almost to death. With no time to settle back not the job, he's soon trying to catch the serial killer, find out who the mole to the local newspaper is, and who killed a man who is pulled from the water with his knees "matcheted" off.

Still I do like a flawed hero and will continue with this series. (I just hope it's not raining in the next book.)

Book 12: Murder is Binding by Lorna Barrett

First in another cozy mystery series, this one set in a New Hampshire town which has fashioned itself after Hay-on-Wie with many bookstores in town.

Book 13: Riding the Bus With My Sister by Rachel Simon

Moved this up the TBR pile based on a review by Lori (ikernagh) for the awards CAT over in the 13 challenge. A memoir based on the year that Rachel Simn spent riding buses with her sister Beth who is mentally challenged.

Book 14: The Lost Art of Mixing by Erica Bauermeister

Sequel to The School of Essential Ingredients, I received this as an ER book. Will be posing my review over in the 13 challenge once I organize my thoughts. A book whose opening quote "Every truth has two sides" - Aesop is a good synopsis.

Book 15: The Hunt by Jan Neuharth

A mystery set around the fox hunting area of Virginia, there was just too much contrived idiocy by the main character to make it enjoyable. Obvious from the ending that this must be a series - one I won't continue.

You are doing great, Betty!

I need to move along now for when I slow down around the holidays

I always read more in holidays.

Connie - I think maybe I wasn't clear enough. I meant around the American holidays of Thanksgiving - Christmas when I never seem to be caught up (shopping, baking, parties, etc) and my reading slows down. I think you were thinking of what I would call vacation - which I am currently on in sunny Mexico and reading tons!

Betty, You were clear enough, but i did not know the difference between the two. Well, I keep on learning, never to old for that.

And yes. Holydays are bad for reading ;-)

Well - I won't be finishing another by tomorrow, I don't think, so I think I'll post my summary.

February Summary
TBR start 1 Feb: 1132
Total books read: 8
Roots read: 8
Rereads: 0
Books Added: 4
New TBR: 1128

YTD read: 16
YTD added: 5

So far, I'm pleased with my progress - more off than on.

ETA: Book finished 2/28

Managed to finish The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton; a story of a search across three generations of women to find the history of a family.

> 65. I loved that book!

Yes - I've read 2 of hers now and loved them both - need to get more

Book 17: The Sunday List of Dreams by Kris Radish

Another of her books about women's issues, thoughts, and mother-daughter relationships. Some would find it somewhat feminist. Not one of my favorites of the ones I've read so far.

Book 18: The Cove by Catherine Coulter

The first book in her FBI series: I read one of these many years ago and wanted to go back and start from the beginning which I am now doing. I don't find them too gruesome and there are even some moments of levity.

Book 19: The Long Quiche Goodbye by Avery AAmes

I decided to start another cozy mystery series, this one centered around a cheese shop.

Sounds nice, Betty. Cozy Cheese!

Book 20: An Arsonist's Guide to Writers' Homes in New England by Brock Clarke

I read 49 pages, skimmed the next 12 to a major break in the book, and the quit. But it is off my TBR.

70 > How did you like The Long Quiche Goodbye? I have it buried somewhere on my TBR stack...

Because it's the first book, it introduces a lot of characters. I enjoyed it because I loved all the talk about cheese. Let's face it - it's a cozy. As long as you can suspend belief that all the bumbling around by the main character solves the mystery before the police, it's all good.

74 > Ah, I've got plenty of practice in suspending disbelief in cozies - but I have to admit that the more I read them the more discerning I get about which ones I 'believe'.

Book 21: Wesley the Owl by Stacey O'Brien

A heart-warming book about a biologist who takes in a barn owl with an injured wing who is only 4 days old and cares for it over the next 20 years. I learned a lot of intersting facts about owls while reading this and recommend it for any animal lovers.

Finished two more:

Book 22: Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje.
The story of Michael Ondaatje's journey back to his native land of Ceylon in the 1970's to learn more of his family history. Told as a series of vingettes, I found it hard to follow the stories of his family, many of which sounded exaggerated to me.

Book 23: Knit Two by Kate Jacobs
A sequel to Kate Jacob's book The Friday Night Knitting Club, this book starts 5 years after the end of the first and follows the original characters and their relationships.

I'm hoping to fit one more in before the end of the month.

Book 24: Die in Plain Sight by Elizabeth Lowell

I just realized as I was getting ready to post my summary that I never enter this book here Suffice it to say that I enjoyed this book except that I felt the ending was rushed.

Book 25: A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny

Although I came later to this series than some others, I'm really enjoying the stories of Three Pines and Inspector Gamache. I seem to be missing book 3 though, so I'll have to look extra hard at the library sales this year. (Or breakdown and buy it)

Well, I hit my first library sale of the season today and I must say I showed remarkable restraint - only 5 to add to the TBR pile. But with a couple of ebooks this month too, my TBR total is higher than at the beginning of the year. Oh well - I'll just have to read faster. Maybe I can at least be even at the end of the month.

Book 26: Day After Night by Anita Diamant

Based on the true story of the rescue of more than 200 prisoners from the Atlit interment camp in 1945, this is a fictionalized story of 4 women from the camp. Although I've enjoyed other books by Ann Diamant, I didn't think this one was as emotionally gripping as the others.

Book 27: A Can of Peas by Traci DePree

The story of Peter and Mae who leave St Paul, Mn and move to the farm that his grandfather owned. Similar to the Lumby Series or the Mitford series.

You are really doing great, Betty!

Thanks - I really am tying to make that TBR pile smaller.

And succeeding at it!

Book 28: Bookmarked for Death by Lorna Barrett

This time a prominent author who is at Tricia's bookstore for a signing is murdered while at the shop. One again Tricia must figure out who murdered the author and why.

Book 29: A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall

First in the series about a lady who writes crossword puzzles and also solve murders. Although I wasn't too fond of the style when I started this book, I think I'll at least continue to book 2 to see what happens.

Book 30: A Cat Was Involved by Spencer Quinn

I almost feel bad calling this a Root since it's only a 22 page short story/prequel to the Chet and Bernie series. Tells how they ended up together.

Book 31: The Necklace by Cheryl Jarvis

Back in 2004, 13 women pooled their money to buy a $37,000 diamond necklace for $15,000. This is the story of what happened to each of them as a result of having the necklace to wear approximate once a year for 28 days at a time.

Book 32: Finger Lickin' Fifteen by Janet Evanovich

Another in the rollicking funny Stephanie Plum series. This time Lulu witnesses a murder where the victim's head is machetes off. And there's barbecue!

I can't believe I'm only now getting to your thread! You hit me with a book bullet with the very first one, Love Anthony. I loved Genova's Still Alice when I read it.

Glad to see you're enjoying the Three Pines series.

It was very good.And so was her second one Left Neglected. Still Alice is one of my top reads of all times. I loved that book.

Book 33: State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy

Cozy series about an executive chef at the White House. I'm still on the fence about how much I liked this or not. I'll at least try book 2 before I decide for sure.

93 > I find that this series gets better with each subsequent book, so I would definitely recommend reading book 2 as well. If you still don't know if you like it then, it's probably not the series for you.

Good to know - I usually read at least 2 or 3 before I decide.

I read the second in that series, Hail to the Chef, and liked it. I wouldn't call it a favorite, but fine when in a cozy reading mood.

Book 34: Ironweed by William J Kennedy

1984 Best Novel Pulitzer Winner.

Story of an alcoholic bum trying to make some sense of his life over 3 days in Albany NY at the end of the Depression after a terrible accident 22 years before which started his downward fall into alcoholism.

Book 35: The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Last book in the Salander trilogy. How unfortunate the author died before ever knowing how much people have enjoyed his books. This was my favorite.

Book 36: The Butter Did It by Phyllis Richman

First in a cozy mystery about a restaurant critic who must solve the murder of a chef who has been a friend for a long time.

Book 37: The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Cross between Harry Potter and the Narnia Cronicles but less fun.

Book 38: Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler

First book in the Bryant and May mystery series set in a World War II London theater.

Book 39: The Witch Doctor's Wife by Tamar Myers

Although a lot of the story is about finding a diamond in the Belgian Congo and the various people affected by the discovery, the book basically introduces a lot of the characters that I assume will show up in other books in this series.

Book 40: The Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

First in another cozy series, this one doesn't have a heroine that does too many stupid things instead of calling the police. Like this one quite a bit.

this one doesn't have a heroine that does too many stupid things instead of calling the police.

Good! I have that one on my shelf.

Book 41: Strawberry Shortcake Murder by Joanne Fluke

The second in this series is just as quick a read as the first. Cozy series usually follow a formula in each book and in this series a cookie shop owner tries to help the police solve murders by asking questions to get information from people. (Ok - she occasionally breaks into places.) In this one, there were a couple of things that made me shake my head a little, but you do have to suspend belief a little for these, so still a good read which I've needed this week.

Book 42: The Messenger of Magnolia Street by River Jordan

This is a story of good versus evil in a small town; somewhat mystical. Very hard for me to describe.

Book 43: Dead as a Scone by Ron Benrey

This cozy series takes place (so far) in a tea museum in England. Only 2 books listed on Fantasticfiction.com so a rather short series.

Book 44: Uncommon Grounds by Sandra Balzo

In this series, three women are opening a coffee shop. On opening day, one of them is found dead in the shop. I thought there was an I threshing twist near the end and I'm going to continue this series.

Uh-oh, a tea museum in England? I may have to check this out if I see it at the library :)
Also, I would totally visit a tea museum.

Me too!

Book 45: An Irish Country Doctor by Patrick Taylor

Story of a young doctor who goes to a small Irish village to do an apprenticeship and see if the life of a GP is what he wants. Similar in style to Mitford or Lumby story.

Wow, Betty, you're really moving along! And reading some great books. The Bryant & May series is one of my very favorites (especially the audio versions). I did not know there was a prequel to the Chet & Bernie series--I'll have to check that out. And Cheryl Jarvis is my second cousin (or once removed or something--our fathers were cousins & her father delivered me!).

Keep it up!

Thanks - I've been pciking lighter reading this year in an attempt to cut back on the physical books in the house. Of course, my favorite library sale was last month and I'm now back over the total I had at the begining of the year. So I must read faster, faster! I read the prequel on my ereader and it was only 40 pages I think - very quick.

Book 46: Out of the Deep I Cry by Julia Spencer-Fleming

I'm still enjoying this series about the minister and the cop.

113 Betty, that's one of the few series I'm actually caught up with!

Well I need #4&5 to keep going. Maybe one of the library sales is summer will yield some results.

Good luck finding them! I was lucky to be able to check them out of the library. That's a good series.

Yeah - I have a few authors that I seem to always be looking for. Sometimes I luck out. If I want to read the next one and haven't found it yet, I'll probably get it from the library. Part of me wants to read them right in a row and part of me wants to stretch it out.

Book 47: The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin

A mystery set in Istanbul, Turkey in 1836. Lots of interesting history mixed in with a mystery or two. Won the Edgar award for Best Novel in 2007.

Book 48: A Pig in Provence by Georgeanne Brennan

A story about the seasons that the author spent in Provence and the wonderful food that she found there.

Book 49: Knit the Season by Kate Jacobs

Third book in the series about a knitting store in NY and a group of friends who met there.

Book 50: The Bodies Left Behind by Jeffery Deaver

One of Deaver's stand-alone novels, this thriller take place in the woods of Wisconsin. Plenty of twists in the plot to keep you on the edge of your seat.

That one sounds good, Betty! And a stand-alone appeals to me now, as I don't want to get caught up in too many more new series . . .

ETA to add And we have it at the library!

Well Terri - if you decide to try it, I'll be looking to see what you think of it. I read it for the Award Cat in the 13 in 13 group as it won the Thriller award in 2009 and it was on my shelf. I think I have a couple more of his stand-alone books still in the TBR pile.

Book 51: Eat, Memory: Great Writers at the Table: A Collection of Essays from the New York Times edited by Amanda Hesser

When Amanda Hesser became the editor of the New York Times Magazine in 2004, she started a column called "Eat, Memory", asking well-known writers to contribute essays about important moments in their lives that involved food. Now she has collected some of them and some recipes for this book.

Book 52: Charm City by Laura Lippman

2nd in the Tess Monaghan series about a journalist turned PI. This time Tess is called in to the city newspaper to investigate how a story which had been "killed" made it into the paper anyway. Along the way, there's also a murder, a greyhound, and some romance.

Book 53: Bring on the Blessings by Beverly Jenkins

Start of a series about a woman who buys a town in Kansas and decides to rebuild the town and bring parents and foster children there to live. Very light summer read. Going to start the next one later tonight after football.

Book 54: A Second Helping by Beverly Jenkins

After reading the first, I couldn't hold off for starting the second right away and finishing it. Continuing story of the town in Kansas, bought on e-bay by a woman who wants to bring foster children and their parents there to live. Heartwarming story.

Book 55: The Promise of Lumby by Gail Fraser

#4 in the Lumby series about a small town in the Pacific Northwest. This time a new vet buys the practice of the retiring one, but is hiding a secret from his past. Plus lots of the usual antics by residents and animals alike.

Book 56: On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle

Start of another series, this one based on a coffee shop in the West Village of NY City. Jury's still out on whether I'll keep going with this series or not. Found myself annoyed by some of the characters.

That does not sound to good, Dudes22.

Hey Connie - not sure if it was my mood or what. I've been trying to start a bunch of series this year that I keep meaning to get to, so maybe I'm on overload. I've still got some more in this series in the TBR, so I'll at least wait til I read the next one before I decide.

Good idea, don't hurry things. Books don't run away, they will wait patiently until you are ready for them.

Amen to that. Just finished a series that's been languishing on my shelves for more than a decade.

Book 57: Blessed Are the Cheesemakers by Sarah-Kate Lynch

A goat cheese farm in Ireland is at the center of this novel. Ended up being very good, although I wasn't so sure at the beginning.

Book 58: The Stone Carvers by Jane Urquhart

Intertwined stories over multiple years and generations about wood and stone carvers. The center of the story is Klara who learned wood-carving from her grandfather in Canada and eventually uses her knowledge to help build the monument at Vimy to the unidentified Canadian soldiers from WW I. Well-told and well-woven-together of multiple stories.

Book 59: Postmortem by Patricia Cornwell

First in the Kay Scarpetta medical examiner series; I've decided to reread them as I can't remember how many I've already read.

Book 60: An Expert in Murder by Nicola Upson

Ms Upson uses author Josphine Tey as a character in a murder mystery. Enjoyed this and will read more from her.

I need to ROOT out An Expert in Murder as well...maybe I'll get to it this year!

Book 61: Frangipani by Celestine Vaite

Light chick-lit book about a mother and daughter in Tahiti.

Book 62: No! I Don't Want to Join a Book Club by Virginia Ironside

Written in diary form, this book is a fictional narrative of a woman's sixtieth year, stating @ 3 months before her brirthday and continuing for 21 months. (Oddly, no mention is made of her 61st birthday when the day comes round again. I liked the start, but got kind of bored by the end.

Book 63: The Quickening Maze by Adam Foulds

My intention was to finish this by the end of Sept, but a busy weekend prevented that, so it's my first one for Oct. Man Booker Prize shortlist in 2009, this book is a fictionalized account of a mental institution located on the outskirts of London in 1837, where Alfred Tennyson places his brother and where John Clare is also a patient.

Book 64: Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait

Cozy mystery murder at an antiques fair.

Wow, you're almost to your goal, Betty!

Book 65: Sula by Toni Morrison

Book 66: The Sinner by Tess Gerritsen

As a fan of the Rizzoli & Isles TV series, I decided to try the books that the series is based on. I read a couple last year and enjoyed them enough to keep going. This one definitely takes a different turn in the lives of the two main characters compared to the show, but I'm still enjoying them.

You have lots of R&S to go, dudes! And all good ones.

Nice to know Connie!

Book 67: Glazed Murder by Jessica Beck

Start of another cozy mystery series (I've started a few this year). Not as thrilled by this one. I didn't think the character development was as good as it could have been. I've got one morein the TBR so will be holding a final opinion till then. It did make me want to make donuts though. Might try one of the recipes in the book this weekend.

Book 68: It Is Well with My Soul by Ella Mae Cheeks Johnson

Subtitled "The Extraordinary Life of a 105-Year-Old Woman" this short book tells how Ms Johnson has lived and her philosophy of life. Patria Mulcahy helped to write/organize this book and has maintained the voice that would sound like your grandmother/great-grandmother would sound if she were telling what happened in her life.

Book 69: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

Even after sixteen books, I can still find something to chuckle over when I read these books. This time Vinnie's in trouble/debt from gambling and he gets kidnapped and the bonds office need to come up with lots of money so he won't be killed.

I was feeling rather virtuous earlier this week when I realized that I had less physical books in the TBR pile than I started with at the beginning of the year even though the total # was higher and I still had 2 months of reading ahead to reduce the pile even more. Then I stopped at the local library sale this morning and came away with 21 books - yikes! Plus 6 for hubby and a few duplicates that will end up going back next time they have a sale. Mostly fill- ins for series, lots of mysteries, and a few Christmas novels. And I've been so good/restrained this year.

You can alway get back on the wagon, Betty ;-)))

Betty, since it was a library sale, at least the money went to a good cause.

I did the same sort of thing when I was on vacation this summer -- went on a book-buying binge at library sales and used bookstores I found. And I think I added a lot more than 21 books over the course of my vacation, too. Many of them were, like yours, mysteries and filling-in of series. And then our library has been weeding, and I've been grabbing (at $1 a bag!) the books they're withdrawing that I had on my list to read . . .

BTW, I noticed you said "physical books in the TBR pile. How about e-books? ;-)

They've gone up too but since they don't take up space, I'm not as concerned with them. I did find space for another bag of books in one of my closets, but I'm just about out of space. And my sister just gave me back two bags today that were out on loan to her. Oh well - one book at a time.

Book 70: The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree by Susan Wittig Albert

The first in another series by Susan Wittig Albert. This one takes place around the 1930s and a gardening group who solve murders.

With this book, I reach my goal for 2013, but plan to continue on reading roots off my shelves till the end of the year.

Well done, Betty! and 70 books is a lot. Congratulations!

Ding ding ding! Yay! Congratulations!

Thank you - we all keep pressing on.

Congrats! And thanks for helping us with the group total!

Book 71: American Gods by Neil Gaiman

Even though I have 50 pages to go I know I'll finish this today, but I'm not sure if I'll have time to post later so getting it in now. In case Cheli decides to do statistics today.

Well done!!!

Thanks so much!

Book 72: Stalking the Angel by Robert Crais

A book in the Elvis Cole detective series which has Elvis trying to find a stolen ancient Japanese text and a kidnapped girl.

Congratulations!

Book 73: A Single Thread by Marie Bostwick

Story of a woman who gets divorced, drives to New England on a whim, finds a nice town, and an old store in an old building, decides to start a quilt store, gets a few friends, finds out she has breast cancer, and maybe finds love.

Book 74: Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison

Series of stories of events that happened while the author was working as a safari guide in Africa.

Congrats for surpassing your ROOTS goal, Betty!

Thanks Terri! Need to keep pressing along....

Book 75: A Violet March by Evan Katy

3rd in a series about a teacher who seems to fall into mysteries ala Stephanie Plum.

Book 76: Never Change by Elizabeth Berg

Visiting nurse Myra is contacted by former classmate and popular student Cliff, who is dying of a brain tumor and has decided on no life-extending measures, asking her to care for him. Myra, still single at 51 with low self-esteem and with only her dog Frank for company, agrees.

Book 77: A Thousand Tomorrows by Karen Kingsbury

Not sure how this came to be in my TBR pile - I suspect my sister. But not really my style of book.

I don't think it would be my style of book, either, Betty.

Isn't it funny how we sometimes dig books out of the TBR pile and aren't sure how they came to be there? It happens to me more than I like to admit, even with LT to help me keep things straight.

That's true Terri - I usually tag mine as to where I got it until I read it, but this one didn't have a tag so usually that means someone gave it to me after they'd read it. That's why I suspect my sister.

Book 78: A Body in the Belfry by Katherine Hall Page

Another start in a cozy mystery series - I've been starting a few series this year that have been languishing on my shelves. Faith Fairchild had a successful business as a caterer in Manhattan until she married her minister husband and moved to a small town in New Hampshire. Now she's also a new mom and while taking her son for a walk, finds a murdered body in a belfry. Wasn't sure I'd like this one at the beginning, but it grew on me so I'll be continuing with this at some time in the future.

I really like the Faith Fairchild series, though I haven't read one for a while. But aren't they set mostly in Massachusetts? Aleford, as I recall, a fictional town outside of Boston. (I always loved that town name, Aleford!)

Probably - I couldn't remember and the book wasn't close when I wrote that - just goes to show I wasn't paying that much attention.

The locale was part of what drew me to the series. I have friends in one of the real towns mentioned in at least one of the books.

Since I'm not that far from Boston myself, I'll have to pay more attention to the towns mentioned. I blame it on the fact that I'm rushing to finish my 13 challenge by the end of the year.

When rushing to finish a challenge, it's easy for some details of the books to get fuzzy. Been there, done that! :)

Book 79: Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B Ross

First of the Miss Julia series, I first heard of this series here on LT. One day soon after her husband dies, a young woman arrives at her doorstep with a young boy who looks like her husband and turns out to be his illegitimate son. Suddenly her world is turned upside down as everything she believed about her life changes. Plenty of twists and turns and lots of fun.

Book 80: Gunpowder Green by Laura Child's

Second in Laura Child's tea shop cozy murder mystery series. Set in Charleston, this is becoming one of my favorite series and this is only book 2. When an antique pistol explodes and kills one of Charleston's elite, Theodosia thinks something is amiss Nd starts to poke around. Lots of potential suspects as we get to know the story characters better.

I've heard several people say how much they like that tea shop series, Betty. I really should try it.

Book 81: Smokin' Seventeen by Janet Evanovich

Number 17 in the Stephanie Plum bounty hunter series. More madcap adventures with the usual cast of characters.

Book 82: Body Double by Tess Gerritsen

In this book in the "Rizzoli and Isles" series, Maura's parentage is explored. Because TV takes a lot of liberties when they base a TV series on a book, I know things will be different and so this was! Not saying anything else as I don't want it to be a spoiler.

Book 83: Timepiece by Richard Paul Evans

in this sequel to the Christmas Box, Richard Evans uses the diaries of David Parkin to go back to the beginning of his meeting and marriage to his wife.

Book 84: Wishin' and Hopin' by Wally Lamb

Story of ten year-old Felix Funicello and distant cousin to Annette of Mickey Mouse fame. Tales from his class at St Aloysius Gonzaga Parochial School in 1964, his classmates, his family, and the build-up to the annual Christmas pageant.

Book 85: A Christmas Journey by Anne Perry

First in a series of Christmas novellas and the first Anne Perry that I've read. Story takes place in Victorian England where a young lady who is part of a house party commits suicide and the person who is "blamed" for precipitating the event is sent on a journey of expiation to bring the girl's mother a letter and escort her back to London. It's always interesting to read a story where there are no phones or cars and it takes a week to get somewhere by horse and train.

Book 86: The Rose of Fire by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

I hesitate to call this a book because it's only a short story. The Nook description says it's 30 pages, but it's really only 12 and the rest of the "story" is an exerpt from the 3rd book in the Cemetary of Forgotten Books series. It's supposed to explain the origins of the labrynthine library The Cemetary of Forgotten Books that is the center of the books in the series. If it fits into my challenge next year, I'll probably try to read the second book.

Book 87: i Was Told There'd Be Cake by Sloane Crosley

I feared with in the first few pages that this book would be just a little too "cutesy" for me. Alas that was true. Or maybe reading humor is just not for me. After about 85 pages, I decided that I would "Pearl Rule" this one. It felt forced to me, like she was trying to be funny rather than just being funny/humorous. And yet I could hear a voice saying these things in a comedy club where I think it might have worked. Just not in writing and not for me.

Book 88: The Body in the Kelp by Katherine Hall Page

I enjoyed this second book in the Faith Fairchild series. The author took almost 1/3 of the book before the murder even took place. And there's a secondary related mystery involving a quilt which was interesting.

I think this will be my last root for this year. Since the next couple of weeks will be so busy, I've decided to choose one of my chunksters to start for next year and not worry about finishing another one.

WOW, 88 books, and ROOTS at that !

Well Done, Betty!