Luxx's Haunted Halls: Thread 2

Daniel Gardner's Three Witches may be my all-time favorite depiction of Macbeth's hags.

The end of the semester is within sight, with the promise of more reading time and more sewing, with plenty of monster-filled bike rides in between. After one hell of a year (July 2012-now) I am really looking forward to a real break.

Who knows what next semester will bring, given the tenuous state of department budgets. I'm hanging on to optimism, and will be hunting for CFPs to keep my mind occupied after classes.

And then there's this:

The List of Links
Haunted Halls: Thread 1

Biblio Beau, the second home for all my reviews

Books Read in 2012 (81 Books. Major Events: New - additional - Teaching Position, Moving, Surgery)
Books Read in 2011 (101 Books. Major Events: Birth of Third Monster, Poor health and a death in the family)
Books Read in 2010 (100 Books. Major Event: Second Adjunct Position Obtained)
Books Read in 2009 (145 Books. Major Event: Birth of Second Monster)
Books Read in 2008 (61 Books. Major Events: Birth of First Monster, First Adjunct Position Obtained)
Books Read in 2007 (85 Books. Major Event: Finished my MA in English Lit)

Books Read in 2013
1. Hard Mated by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal Romance. 1.2.13. ***
2. "Orion's Way" by DC Juris. M/M Paranormal Romance. 1.3.13. *
3. "Saint's Curse" by Lee Brazil. M/M Paranormal Romance. 1.3.13. ***
4. Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal Romance. 1.4.13. ****
5. Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal romance. 1.?.13. ***
6. Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn. Urban Fantasy. 1.15.13. ****
7. Girl of Nightmare by Kendare Blake. YA Horror. 1.18.13. **1/2
8. Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn. YA. 1.30.13. ***
9-10. Redwood Pack Volume 1 by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.28.13. **1/2
11. Redwood Pack Volume 2 by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.30.13. ***
12. Blurred Expectations by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.30.13. **
13. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. Fiction. 1.31.13. *****

14. When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. Fiction. 2.5.13. **1/2
15. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. Contemporary Gothic. 2.15.13. *****
16. Megan's Mark by Lora Leigh. Paranormal Romance. 2.?.13. ***1/2

17. The Queen is Dead by Kate Locke. Steampunk. 3.2.13. ***1/2
18. "Night Crow" by Paisley Smith. Paranormal Romance. 3.4.13. **
19. "Purr" by Paisley Smith. f/f Paranormal Romance. 3.4.13. ***
20. The Truth by Terry Pratchett. Satire. 3.8.13. *****
21. "Bitten in the Big Easy" by Delilah Devlin, Paisley Smith. f/f Paranormal Romance. 3.9.13. *1/2
22. Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs. Urban Fantasy. 3.11.13. *****
23. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.15.13. *****
24. Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.14.13. *****
25. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.18.13. *****
26. A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell. 3.21.13. ***1/2

27. Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam. Nonfiction. 4.2.13. **1/2
28. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Fantasy. 4.4.13. ****
29. Beowulf trans. Seamus Heaney. Anglo-Saxon Epic. 4.11.13. *****
30. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. Early Reader. 4.14.13. ***1/2
31. Hedging His Bets by Mina Carter. Paranormal Romance. 4.15.13. **
32. The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells. Scientific Romance. 4.18.13. *****
33. A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.19.13. **1/2
34. Bound in Death by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.22.12. ***
35. Forever Bound by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.27.13. ***
36. Papers Graded by 100 Students. 4.30.13. 1400+ pages.

37. Housekeeping vs. The Dirt by Nick Hornby. Column Collection. 5.1.13. ***1/2
38. The Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Memoir. 5.5.13. *****
39. The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Nonfiction. 5.14.13. ****
40. Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. Nonfiction. 5.17.13. ***1/2
41. Daughters of Darkness by L.J. Smith. YA Horror. 5.20.13. ***1/2
42. The Smoky Corridor by Chris Grabenstein. YA Mystery Horror. 5.22.13. ***1/2
43. Citizen Vince by Jess Walter. Fiction. 5.24.13. **1/2
44. Ever After by Kim Harrison. Urban fantasy. 5.26.13. ***

45. The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell. Fiction. 6.10.13. *****
46. Dead Men Do Tell Tales by William R. Maples. Nonfiction. 6.11.13. *****
47. Death on Demand by Carolyn G. Hart. Cozy Mystery. 6.13.13. ***
48. Priceless by Shannon Mayer. Paranormal Romance. 6.20.13. ***
49. Marked by Elisabeth Naughton. Paranormal Romance. 6.22.13. ***
50. A Mating Dance by Lia Davis. Paranormal Romance. 6.24.13. ***
51. How to Murder a Millionaire by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 6.28.13.
52. Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 6.30.13. ****

53. Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton. Urban Fantasy. 7.4.13. ****
54. Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper. Fiction. 7.5.13. *****
55. "Gabriella" by Celia Kyle. Paranormal Romance. 7.7.13. *
56. Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology, and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Jenna Miscavige Hill. Autobiography. 7.13. ****
57. Some Like it Lethal by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13. ****
58. Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13. ****
59. Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13. ****
60. A Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13. ****
61. Murder Melts in Your Mouth by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.31.13. ****

62. The Hen of the Baskervilles by Donna Andrews. Cozy Mystery. 8.4.13. ****
63. Gulp by Mary Roach. Nonfiction. 8.24.13. ****
64. Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kimrade. Romance. 8.25.13. ***

65. The Lady Submits by Chloe Cox. Romance. 9.1.13. ****
66. The Wolf's Captive by Chloe Cox. Romance. ****
67. Wicked Sexy by R.G. Alexander. Romance. 9.3.13. **
68. Sold to the Sheikh by Chloe Cox. Romance. 9.13. ***1/2
69. Control by Lucia Jordan. Romance. 9.13. *
70. Dark Wolf Rising by Rhyannon Byrd. Romance. 9.13. ***
71. In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell. Cozy Mystery. 9.29.13. ***1/2

72. Othello by William Shakespeare. Drama. 10.7.13. *****
73. Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf. Satire. 10.7.13. *****
74. Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. 10.20.13. YA Fantasy. ***
75. Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare. Drama. 10.21.13. *****

Reposting this, because I'm still thrilled with it all:

29.
Title: Beowulf
Translator: Seamus Heaney
Pages:215
Genre: Anglo-Saxon Epic Poem
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Work Text
Date Completed: April 11, 2013
Rating: *****

Majestic, lyrical, thrilling and compelling: Beowulf is an enchanting epic poem of flawed heroism, broken social systems, gendered tyranny, shifting honor, and imperialistic Christianity. Having read parts of the poem as a first-year undergraduate, I have long intended to read Heaney's best-selling translation. For years it has waited on my shelf, until I decided to take the plunge and teach the text, the better to approach it analytically and while pressured into carefully reading the work in its entirety. To do so proved to be greatly fulfilling, and I found myself weeping for the lost hero that I was cursing and judging a hundred pages before. For perhaps obvious reasons, the question of Grendel's mother and the subject of wergeld proved to be of particular interest, and the definitions of heroes and monsters were inspiration for long classroom debates. Pure joy.

I have the audio cd of Heaney reading this, it's a great complement to the book.

During undergrad I took a full-year course on Old English literature and we spent an entire term on Beowulf (in the original Old English). However, my favourite memories from that class are from watching the hysterically bad film Beowulf and Grendel. My prof kept notes on his favourite ridiculous moments. He was pretty awesome. :)

>2 London_StJ: will I understand this book? Of course I've heard of it, and I want to read it, but I get the feeling its an inaccessible text.....so am put off. Or is it the kind of work that you can let wash over you, and just take the feeling from?
I fear your learned reputation precedes you :)

New thread! Those hags are actually quite pretty if you look at their faces, their costume does a great job of sinister-ising them though. And the cauldron.....goodness knows what they are cooking up.

I hope you do get a break soon, with the end of semester coming up. Just some hanging out with the kiddos could be just what the doctor ordered.

I come bearing smooches for the lovely Luxx. Is she in?

Oh! I love the depiction of the three witches! It's beautiful. :)

Oh, love Beowulf and *love* Heaney's translation. Not surprised that you do, too.

3 - Oh, I bet it's delightful to listen to.

4 - I envy your ability to read it in the original! I actually assigned the latest "Beowful" film to compare, and we spent a good amount of time on Friday comparing ridiculous moments. I wasn't overly thrilled with the Grendel-as-zombie choice, although I found the need to give him more sympathetic motivation very interesting.

5 - Absolutely. I have only the slightest experience with the time, and found the poem to be greatly accessible. Give it a try!

The hags are actually famous 18th-century socialites, apparently, including the Duchess of Devonshire. Apparently the three were great friends and social conspirators, which makes the painting all the more delightful.

6- Ah, yes, I can take them for her.

The painting is probably going to be the base for my next tattoo... ;)

7 - My one problem with Heaney's translation isn't actually with the text, but with my memory. I could swear I read of certain events in college that I didn't find in the text. I should really go back to my first textbook to see what the heck I'm remembering.

I could read it in the original Old English then, I have retained none of what I managed to cram into my head during that year except that "were" means man. Amazing, no? ;)

Ok, I feel slightly better then, although I've always thought it would be fascinating to learn. I've managed to forget most of the ASL I learned in college as well...

30.
Title: From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Translator: E.L. Konigsburg
Pages: 176
Genre: Early Reader
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: April 14, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

Recently, this list of "67 Books Every Geek Should Read to their Kids" popped up through social media, and obviously caught my interest. It is an interesting look at what adult "geeks" feel contributed to their own geekiness, and what they would hope to share with their own offspring. The requirements for the list are bound only by submission, and some are a little more expected than others. Many of the books are familiar, and I've turned to the library for many that are not. The first of these is Frog and Toad are Friends, which the monsters and I enjoyed as a bedtime story recently. The second is From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.

This book has obvious geek appeal: two children run away from home, and decide to hide away in a museum (where it's probably easier to hide than in a library, which would have been my first choice at age seven). Determined to "learn one thing every day," the children set about visiting various exhibits, until they are caught by the mystery of a new acquisition - a statue that may or may not be an early work of Michelangelo. If the museum itself didn't appeal, then surely the mystery does. Determined not to return home until they mystery is solved - or, as Claudia more clearly relates, until she is different - the two search for clues in the library, the museum, and finally turned to the previous owner of the statue.

The story is charming, and the narrative is well-paced, which will hold a child's imagination without rushing them through. A positive perspective on voluntary learning, and the passion one has for discovering the unknown, is certainly a lesson worth encouraging in children of all ages.

Hi There Stranger. It has been too long since I've visited here. It is a wonderful way to start Sunday morning by visiting one of my favorite readers and all time wonderful person.

In my quest to read all Newbery books, I read From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It wasn't one of my favorites. It was worth the read, but not memorable.

How are you? The Monsters?

Love

It was worth the read, but not memorable. That is exactly how I would describe it as well. I didn't dislike it, but it's not one I'll rush to buy for the boys' shelves.

How good to hear from you this morning! I am dreadfully behind on threads this semester, although you are still very frequently on my mind. How are you feeling? How is work? Are you getting a chance to enjoy any spring weather?

We are all well. I just got a bike for my birthday, and nearly every afternoon has lead to circles on the bike path. I'm really ready for summer break, playing outside, and time to sew!

Alright, you and Linda are clearly taking crazy pills: I'm completely in love with every Konigsburg book I've read! Ha!

I am, of course, going straight from here to that list link you've provided. *ahem*

I can see why you would love Mixed Up Files, Amber. ;)

Let me know what catches your eye from the list! I'd love to hear what you think.

The painting is probably going to be the base for my next tattoo... ;)

Oh, awesome! Do you watch any of the tattoo compitition on TV, by any chance? Generally I'm not fond of reality, but skill compititions are generally decent and I've found these to be a lot of fun to watch. Oxygen is running Best Ink right now, and Spike has Ink Masters, which is a lot better in my opinion. They are pretty cool, and I love seeing all the art. :)

I haven't caught them, no, but they sound like a lot of fun! I have watched a couple episodes of "America's Worst Tattoos" on TLC. Oh man.

MIL sent my boys home with a shoe gift card for me less than an hour ago ... and I've already put it to good use. One pair of black cowboy boots are coming my way! ;)

I've looked through the list, and I've read 67 of them (clearly there are more than 67 in the list). Of those, some have been really great, but others were real stinkers.

I apparently have a different brand of geekiness - some of my favorites from childhood are The Silver Kiss, The Egypt Game, The Last Vampire, etc. ;)

After reading many Newbery books, there are some instances when I question why a certain book rec'd. the prize whereas others were overlooked.

For example, I thought Almost Home from Joan Bauer was excellent and well deserving of the Newbery.

I really applaud you for making the effort.

I love that authors' works are recognized with awards, but I've often found that taste can really play a big part, and my own taste doesn't often coincide with award committees.

I've recently finished the Newbery list (I'm a Newbery Nut!) and I agree with Linda that there were some years that I thought there must have been a dearth of choices, and I've read some of the honor books and thought, in many cases that they were more deserving than the winners for those years. I've read all of the Caldecott winners, too, and feel similarly about many of those as well.

Black cowboy boots sound great. I tend to borrow my sister vintage cowboy boots for special occasions, and might so again for my next dressy occasion, a winter wedding at the end of June. *excited*
How is your bike riding with the 3 boys going, Luxx? Did you get a method sorted? We are biking to kindy 3 mornings a week, Lenny loves the back of the bike, and Wilbur is a whizz on his bike and still loves the journey. (easier with just 2, I know).

23 - We're off to a good start. Doc loves riding on the back of my bike, and thankfully relaxes into it. I'm still not as certain as I once was, but I'm sure I'll gain confidence the more we ride. Middle Child is just on a trike, but he's pretty speedy; the problem, as usual, is First Born, who throws fits when someone passes him, and who often claims his bike isn't working. I was thinking of a longer ride today (instead of just circles behind the house), but we'll see.

I ordered a mirror so I can keep an eye on the littles behind me, and a basket so we can carry lunches or towels, etc. It's so much fun. Is Wilbur good about listening and sticking with you when he needs to? Any advice for herding the cats when we're out and about?

I just contacted an artist about the tattoo I've been dreaming of. Inspiration came at a conference, and it's been on my mind every since. I want a tattoo of wicked women from literature, including the above "hags," Burne-Jones' "The Vampire" and perhaps some Bertha Mason, Lady Geraldine, "Goblin Market" and Lucy in-between. We'll see what he has to say!

31.
Title: Hedging his Bets
Author: Mina Carter
Pages: 176
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: April 15, 2013
Rating: **

Conference-prep isn't an excuse this time around - I picked up Hedging His Bets for a bit of fun fluff, as I claw my way out from under a stack of research papers.

The research papers are better.

The genre itself doesn't need much explanation, so a summary is brief: Honey owns a bar and one of her patrons wants Honey. The different turn in this one is that the romantic interest is a - wait for it - ..... werehedgehog. Yup. Ok, points for originality there - I did laugh at the uber-masculine character struggling with his "cute" alternative form.

But no adult woman should ever say "hedgie," - and no adult should write it, either. Perhaps some readers are more forgiving of the baby talk than I, but even my babies don't speak like this.

I'm still open to exploring the genre as a whole, but I doubt I'll try any other novels by Carter.

We had the most enormous big gay rainbow... it has to be a sign!
Beautiful.

How are you doing? :)

Is Wilbur good about listening and sticking with you when he needs to? Any advice for herding the cats...
I had the luxury of having a lot of "training time" with Wilbur and roads. Quite a few times when he was a toddler we would go for a practice walk and I would say that if he went off the footpath we would have to go home. A few cancelled playground trips and he was good at staying on the footpath.
This has transated well to biking (also on footpaths), he isnt to go too far ahead, and always to stop at corners. We walk the bike across the road (unless we are in a hurry to get to kindy and I give the all-clear to ride across). Wilb gets royally pi$$ed off when riding around our house with his cousin if she passes him. I guess that is about learning you cant always win!
I reckon go on a few rides where you have set up exactly what you want them to do, and are fully prepared to pull the pin and go home, if it isnt followed to the letter. Take turns at being first? Call the second rider "tail end charlie" like its super-impt? lol, whatever works.

Ooo, great ideas. I recently pulled the plug on a ride when Big One raced ahead and wouldn't listen; I think some practice rides to the pool will be a good start. There's a playground right next to it, so there's even a fun destination we can use for motivation before the summer actually begins (and then by the time school comes around we'll be set!). Thankfully, Max isn't nearly as slow on a bike as he is on foot The child must take in everything when walking, which is both endearing and infuriating when trying to get somewhere. Oh, three-year-olds...

Life is good around here!

32.
Title: The Island of Doctor Moreau
Author: H.G. Wells
Pages: 176
Genre: Scientific Romance (aka Science Fiction, although I would call this more of a horror...)
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Work Text
Date Completed: April 18, 2013
Rating: ****

I reintroduced The Island of Doctor Moreau to my syllabus, with some minor trepidation (in a previous semester it lead to an uncomfortable after-class discussion with a student which began with, "You can't honestly believe we came from monkeys..." and ended with a letter that begged for the souls of my children), but was once again pleased with the discourse generated. Though short on pages, Wells' second novel is ripe for analysis and consideration, and Margaret Atwood's introduction "Ten Way of Looking At..." is a great guide for freshman readers. This time around we focused most on defining humanity and examining sympathy, both within the novel and on the part of the reader. I find that I have less sympathy for Prendick, the narrator, as he shows greater apathy and loathing for the Beast Folk.

Our final discussion inspired me to begin notes for another paper, although I have no idea if I'll find a place to publish and/or deliver it. The idea of missing stories is haunting me at the moment, and actually ties in to another piece I had started on Sappho...

I'm going to have a fun summer trolling the CFPs.

33.
Title: A Bit of Bite
Author: Cynthia Eden
Pages:
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: April 19, 2013
Rating: **1/2

Not as cheesy as werehedgehogs, but meh. I should start looking at length more carefully - I'm tired of reading bad short stories that are marketed as novels.

A bit behind, but I loved From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler...but that's because I read it as a child. I was totally fascinated with the idea of running away from home to live in a museum! Actually, I think I ended up deciding that living in a library would be even better--nice to know that my tastes haven't changed much.

"Mommy, can we please go to the library?"

I love hearing that as much as I love being begged to take them to school. Gosh, I hope this keeps up for awhile.

I saw that E.L. Konigsburg just died the other day. That is sad. I still have not read all of her books, but I have enjoyed those that I have read.

*waving* at Luxx

Hi Stasia! Thanks for stopping by!

I have three days of work left, over 100 essays to grade, and I can't get sewing out of my mind. In addition to the list of costumes and costume pieces I have planned for the summer (and have already purchased the materials for!), I am now obsessing over two summer dress projects. I want to make a red chiffon one-shoulder Grecian dress, and another "maxi" dress of my own design, with a very fitted and structured sleeveless bodice, drop waist, and very full but lightweight skirt. Ooo, the day dreaming (and fabric shopping online, oh no!).

I finished another junkfood read last night, and I'm looking forward to being able to start The Hitman's Guide to Housecleaning.

34.
Title: Bound in Death
Author: Cynthia Eden
Pages:
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: April 22, 2013
Rating: ***

I didn't realize until posting the title that Bound in Death is the fifth in an established series; this may explain some of the confusing allusions made by various characters, but the novel can certainly stand on its own. The story follows a werewolf who has tracked his lover for 200 years, trying to find the place of her imprisonment. When she is finally released she has no memory, and is left navigating a confusing world - one in which she finds herself at the mercy of a number of men around her.

Jane Smith, as she calls herself, is not a sympathetic protagonist, as she is incredibly two-dimensional, and her eventual growth is sudden and inexplicable. However, the struggle of her alpha partner is interesting, and proved to be more rewarding than my other recent reads in the genre. I will likely find the first four to idle away an afternoon, post-semester.

35.
Title: Forever Bound
Author: Cynthia Eden
Pages: 342
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: April 27, 2013
Rating: ***

These novellas by Cynthia Eden, bound as one Kindle book, establish the trend in her writing that I saw in Bound in Death. While standard for the genre - male werewolf finds his "mate" in a vampire female, and defends their relationship despite the taboo - the collection that is so clearly defined by the conflict between races left me thinking about the racism inherent in - and accepted in - paranormal fiction. That is essentially what so many of these stories come down to - racism that is defended by arguments of tradition and nature - that these supernaturals are different by birth and blood, and therefore cannot help but try to dominate the others. My mulling may perhaps turn into a project this summer...

36.
Title: Papers Graded
Author: 100 Students
Pages: 1,400+
Genre: Work
Medium: Word
Acquisition:
Date Completed: April 30, 2013
Rating:

I first began keeping track of my reads while a graduate student, and would include any academic article over 40 pages as part of my reading list. As I waded through the last of my grading over the weekend I decided to take a minute to calculate just how many pages of student work I had read ... and came to approximately 1,400. As the volume is Richardson-esque, I've decided to include the pages here. After all, paper grading is my biggest reading deterrent. This number does not include classwork, creative assignments, or extra credit, but rather all formal essays submitted by the approximately 100 students I've had the pleasure to work with this semester.

As ready as I am for a grading break, I already miss my students, and, as usual, this break is bittersweet.


Today is rainy and dreary and will be a day of catching up; I hope to catch up on chores and paperwork, and first thing this morning I stitched the blackout curtains First Born has needed since we moved here in August. Hopefully this means we can sleep in a bit this summer!

Haha! I like that last one, and you definitely should count them...that's a lot of pages!

All semester I've said, "I'll do 'x' over break," or, "I'll have time for that in May."

Well, my campus semester came to a close on Monday (my one online class will continue until the 13th, but it's only twelve students with one more assignment to go), and I've been determined to tackle that list from the start.

Tuesday: First day off, cleaned the house from top to bottom and lined B's curtains with blackout fabric - something I've meant to do since August.

Wednesday: Made a faux bedskirt for Max, and finished our couch. I bought the fabric last summer before the move, got the frame done during a blizzard scare this winter, and finally finished the rest yesterday.



Thursday: Running the ship solo today. Banana muffins are in the oven, laundry is in the works, and I'm nearly done cutting out 39 pairs of monster pajamas. I hope to finish two sets each tonight to take on vacation tomorrow. I also hope to get through a stack of ten essays for that online class...

37.
Title: Housekeeping vs. The Dirt
Author: Nick Hornby
Pages: 200
Genre: Column Collection
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 1, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

I had never heard of Nick Hornby or his column, but when I saw a passing mention on Richard's thread I was intrigued; I wasn't sure what to expect from a collection of book reviews, but a library book never hurts. Actually, what I expected was something either terribly snooty or completely commercial. What I found was a collection of articles written in a tone I found appealing, about a number of books and authors I've never heard of. While the articles were amusing enough, and I walked away with one or two items for my next library trip, what I appreciated most about Hornby's book was his introduction. Specifically, his argument for reading, and the tendency to pass judgement on another's reading habits. Hornby argues for reading in all genres and types, as best fits the reader - and he argues against snide comments on that material, as someone making the effort to read any book is better than the alternative. His example of choice is The DaVinci Code, although I'd argue Twilight could take its place today; still, the sentiment is the same, and the snoot is something I remember well from my own undergraduate years, before I started thinking about the works I was reading instead of just reading them because they were "classics." I also like his encouragement to simply put down books that aren't thrilling: life is too short to be bored with reading.

Oh, that fabric is *lovely*!!

I need to get round to making pajama shorts out of the flannel pajama pants I made for Charlie last fall. Or perhaps I'll wait until the forecast shows temperatures above 50 again... Sigh.

The couch is amazing! So is the rug, for that matter. I know where I'm going if I need a couch to crash on. :P

Oh Stephen, it's such a great couch to sleep on, too.

Amber, I figured it was busy enough to hide cat and kid, while still improving on the horrible second-hand cream original that did not at ALL match my personality. The couch has a corset, too! There's a busk in front and corset lacing at the back. ;)

I love the couch.... I totally need to reuphoslter my couch and chairs.... what a productive first few days off....

Thank you! I have two wingbacks which I love, and recover every few years. Ah, the "joys" of cat ownership. ;)

Just adding my admiration for that beautiful fabric you selected for your couch. :)

>37 London_StJ:
39 pairs of monster pajamas!!?? That is a lot of sleep wear, how many kids do you have again!? (are you selling them?- the pjs, not the kids)

I admire your workmanship. If I covered a couch, it would look like a couch with a sheet thrown over it :)

43. Thanks!

44. Nope, not selling them, although I have before - every spring I make a new set for each monster, including lighter "summer" pajamas and warmer fleece pajamas. So, thirteen sets per child, but six winter pairs and seven spring pairs; it's a bit like a mini assembly line when I get into it all.

Whew! We just got back from Jamestown/Colonial Williamsburg. We had intended to spend two nights in the hotel, but after traipsing around Jamestown all day we found ourselves in our hotel room with three small people with tons of energy - energy we lacked. Plus, I was tired of being cold all day, and failed to bring a jacket. So, we packed up and came home early, and tonight everyone can sleep comfortably in separate beds. It was all great fun, though, and I have tons of photos to smile over.

I think we need to look for books on the colonists when we go to the library next week...

Happy Spring My Dear.

And another for you.


Happy Spring!

It has been awfully chilly here in VA this weekend.... Friday I was deceived into believing it was a beautiful day and went outside to read only to freeze and hop into my car and read instead... glad you had fun in Williamsburg/Jamestown even if it was cold!

Thank you, Linda! Your greetings match my day: I spent the early afternoon working in my new garden. :)

48. I thought for sure we could get away without jackets, but I was wrong. I want to see if there are any campgrounds near Jamestown, as I would really love to go spend more time there. Williamsburg is nice, but it's not very different from downtown Annapolis; Jamestown, however, seems like a great place to spend a weekend or more exploring.

Usually at this time of year you can definitely get away with no jackets!.... but the last week has been horribly cold :(

my husband told me that there is a campsite near Powhatan Resort that is nice.... they are near both williamsburg and jamestown area... I think it is on the river and they rent out john boats, you can fish, and there is a golf course nearby....

jamestown is fun to explore and so is yorktown.... just a little south of williamsburg and jamestown is the Virginia Living Museum in newpot news/hampton.... live animals and all.... which I love..... if you want something else fun and close to home in VA I would suggest Luray Caverns in Luray, VA.... absolutely beautiful.... but if you do go take a jacket it gets cold underground....

Thanks for all the info!

I visited Lurray Caverns in gradeschool - it was part of a field trip cycle that included Philadelphia and Mt. Vernon. Very cool. I actually suggested Lurray for this trip, but hubster wasn't sure he would enjoy the underground exploration. ;)

38.
Title: The Midwife
Author: Jennifer Worth
Pages: 352
Genre: Memoir
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 5, 2013
Rating: *****

Jennifer Worth's memoir of her midwifery training in London in the 1950s is fascinating and entertaining. The narrative device of childbirth and midwifery is used as a great equalizer that allows Worth to examine and describe not just the obstetric practices of post-war England, but housing and class, education, personal relationships, and evolving culture. The personalities Worth describes are both bigger than life and entirely natural, and more than once I found a character either strangely familiar, or wishing they were. The conditions of life in the not-too-distant past seem to be from another world, and yet completely sympathetic to a contemporary American reader, as I viewed it through the lens of a mother and supporter of modern midwifery. The Midwife (also titled Call the Midwife) is a joy, and I am very grateful I found Megan's original review.

I'm very far behind, but wanted to say you got me with Mixed up Files! I've never even heard of it, but sounds really good. Also, the Geek Dad list is great! Thanks for sharing!

Hornby is a fun guy to read, glad he could amuse you.

*smooch*

393
Title: The Devil in the White City
Author: Erik Larson
Pages: 447
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 14, 2013
Rating: ****

Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City, about Chicago's Worlds Fair and serial killer H.H. Holmes is not a book I would have ever found on my own; credit for this read goes to one of my students, who was assigned the book in high school and was shocked that I had never heard of it, given my own reading habits. A big thank you goes out to her for a fantastic read.

For most of this book I assumed I was reading historical fiction. In fact, I assumed as much up until my sister-in-law invited me to see a rock opera about "America's first serial killer, H.H. Holmes." Thus is the narrative style of the text, that it allows for such misconception - Larson's books is a story that seems to imitate true crime writing, as opposed to an overly technical nonfiction account. As such, I'm sure the scholarship of the text may be suspect to someone who knows the Fair or Holmes better than I, but as someone with no prior knowledge or experience I found the book to be engrossing, and the characters fascinating.

Oh, Im glad you found the Midwife, and found it to be great reading. I still think about it, particularly the old woman who had been in the poor house and had to have her boots removed by the nurse on account of her toenails.....wow. That was a very sad story. It makes me so grateful just to be in a position where I can support my kids and have them near me all the time.

I have been turned on to Erik Larsen too, but by 75ers. I havent read anything of his yet but do intend to.

I read a lot of true crime in college, but never anything spectacular, unless you count Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, which I really enjoyed (then again, Chablis is my favorite character in the book...). Larsen's book is true crime, but better.

40.
Title: Assassination Vacation
Author: Sarah Vowell
Pages: 258
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 17, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

An excerpt of Assassination Vacation in Housekeeping vs. The Dirt inspired me to pick up Vowell's book; I know shamefully little about presidential history, but the premise of the novel is appealing for anyone with a taste for the macabre or off-beat, so I thought it would be an interesting way to dip my toe into the subject. And Vowell really seems to know her stuff, from textbook history to asides and anecdotes about the key players that keeps the story interesting and clearly represents the author's slightly quirky voice.

So why just 3.5 stars? In the middle of the book I turned to my partner and said, "I wish she'd just stop talking. This book could be so good if she'd just get out of her own way." Sarah Vowell is a vociferous liberal, which is not wrong by any means, but she's a liberal like some conservatives are Confederate sympathizers: loud and angry with a great sense of superiority that doesn't actually help anything. I even understand her anger and frustration, because I, too, had to live through the Bush administration and the shameful wars we are still plagued with, but her rhetoric is textbook without any constructive input, rendering the passages as effective as waving a Confederate flag. Passion is admirable, but passion without action seems sophomoric. And this is why I chose not to read about politics.

In a nutshell, Assassination Vacation is a great popular historical text that brings the assassinations of Lincoln, Garfield, and McKinley to a (perhaps under-informed) contemporary audience, drawing lines between places and events through the gaze of someone who demonstrates passion for both her history and her future.

Point well made.

It feels funny, because I agree with what she has to say about Bush and the Iraqi war and people being held without trial and so forth, but I'd rather see suggestions for improvement or changes or even actions being taken rather than just calling BS. And this is why I don't often share my own political views - I don't have the answers. *shrug* The best thing I can (and do) do is vote.

Then it's the best thing for you to do. I myownself am strongly opposed to silence on any sort of wrong, public or private. Shaming and embarrassing the wrongdoer is an ancient and effective means of silencing *them*, which (free speech be hanged) I favor.

I keep wanting to check out Sarah Vowell, I just haven't done it yet. I'm sorry to hear the problems you had with that one, it's a good thing I wasn't leaning towards reading that one first anyway. :)

60 - I'm not advocating silence, just action over whining. Poignant speech is active and can be very effective, but slactivism is just that.

61 - I wouldn't steer away from her in the future myself, and overall it wasn't a bad read.

I haven't run across a definition for "slactivism" yet. I love the word!

Slactivism is "activism," (lazy activism - doing something in a very small way, like re-posting angry memes on Facebook, and calling it activism).

OIC

Heh. Wonderful word!

>57 London_StJ: ...loud and angry with a great sense of superiority that doesn't actually help anything.
That is annoying. It is what I would be like (plus emotional) and is the reason I am not in politics. (haha, as if I would)

Great review.

>60 richardderus: yes, RD, I so so so agree with that (and have proven it with my overuse of the word "so").
Here there is so much use of "name suppression" in criminal proceedings. I say get them into the town square, have them on a raised platform to be seen, with a notice at their feet saying what they did. I am convinced that re-offending would be reduced.

I find Sarah Vowell to be best consumed in small doses. I always enjoyed her pieces on 'This American Life' and her appearances on 'The Daily Show', but whole books are a bit much for me.

41.
Title: Daughters of Darkness
Author: L.J. Smith
Pages: 240
Genre: YA Horror
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition:
Date Completed: May 20, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

A reread from my childhood, just for good fun. I'm working on an abstract for an academic volume on werewolves, and was looking for a particular passage that first sparked my interest in the project.

42.
Title: The Smoky Corridor
Author: Chris Grabenstein
Pages: 336
Genre: YA Mystery Horror
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 22, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

Grabenstein's book caught my eye while the monsters and I were browsing the children's section at the library, and it proved to be good fun. The protagonist is a middle-schooler who (along with his dog Zip) can see ghosts, who lead him to solve mysteries and save the day, with occasional help from his amazing and supportive stepmother.

43.
Title: Citizen Vince
Author: Jess Walter
Pages: 320
Genre: Fiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: May 24, 2013
Rating: **1/2

A donut-making conman in witness protection, a hooker with a heart of gold, a mob hitman who happens to appear in a small town (leaving a trail of bodies in his wake), and an ex-felon's moral dilemma over which 1980s presidential candidate to vote for. What's not to like?

Plenty, including the pace, the protagonist, and a parallel plot about an honest cop that does nothing to develop the story. I'm sure that fans of the genre would be more interested than I, but for me it was a real flop.

I loved the rather strange excerpt included in Housekeeping versus The Dirt, but apparently Hornby's recommendations are not for me.

44.
Title: Ever After
Author: Kim Harrison
Pages: 448
Genre: Urban fantasy
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Pre-order
Date Completed: May 26, 2013
Rating: ***

It really says something about this book that I pre-ordered the book, started reading it, and managed to put it down for several months with no desire to go back.

So why three stars? When I finally did get around to finishing it I found the conclusion very satisfying.

I've had a hard time with this series before, and Harrison at one point "won me back" when I happened to win an ARC that showed the first real progress and character development in the series. Ever After, satisfying solution aside, is built on angst and vague descriptions of entirely magical fights that are just not engaging. This book would be successful, in my opinion, if it ends up being the last of the series. If it's not, it'll likely be the last that I read.

"Better to read YAs about werewolves than Jess Walter" is my take-away. Fair assessment?

This week, perhaps. Far better to read historical accounts of midwives than Jess Walter. Better to read Old English epic poems than Jess Walter. Better to read about the building of the World's Fair in Chicago than Jess Walter. Really, I just tried a new genre, and it didn't fit.

Actually, I'd prefer to read a telephone book than Jess Walter. I think his writing is competent and his storytelling *awful*.

Having attended a birth already, I'll pass on the midwife books...Call the Midwife is more than enough for my dramatic-birthing needs! (Show's outstanding, if you haven't watched. Available on Netflix/Amazon.)

Heh, I won't be seeking out more Walter, either.

I haven't seen the show, but I've heard it's wonderful! Isn't it based on Worth's book? I should add it to my Netflix list...

It's based on her books, all right, though without a few of the grislier moments. Not sanitized, not prettified, but not graphic. I think it's done very well, and is true to the spirit and the energy of the books.

Oh, then it's a must-see.

It is a must see, I am convinced. But I have yet to see it myself :)

Oh dear, is it ever. I'm already three or four episodes in.

Wait til you see the season ender for season 2. Oh my heck.

45.
Title: The Death of Sweet Mister
Author: Daniel Woodrell
Pages: 240
Genre: Fiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 10
Rating: *****

Daniel Woodrell's The Death of Sweet Mister is as poetic as it is repulsive. Though the jacket informs readers that the narrative takes place in the Ozarks, apparently like Woodrell's other works, there is an every-place feel to the story that allows the reader to imagine the events in a time and place of want and need that may be more familiar. It is a story of poverty, crime, and abuse, with a startling conclusion that fully emphasizes the impact of the title. This is an ugly and at time horrifying LT friend recommendation that moved me as much as promised.

46.
Title: Dead Men Do Tell Tales
Author: William R. Maples
Pages: 304
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 11
Rating: *****

In one chapter of Dead Me Do Tell Tales, Dr. Maples recounts being asked if his job was anything like a particular television program I've never heard of. No, he would say, and expressed desire for the protagonist's brilliant assistant that helped the scientist solve cases in mere days. As such, the good doctor wouldn't likely appreciate a comparison between his life's work and "Bones," but it's just this which first drew me to the book, and I was not disappointed. Maples is an actual forensic anthropologist, and his book shares his thoughts on the development of the science, its successes, and where he hopes it will go in the future, supported by often gruesome professional anecdotes. I found the former-English-major's narrative to be entertaining and informative, without surging too far above my head. I've had this on my shelf for some time now, and I'm very glad I finally got around to reading it.

47.
Title: Death on Demand
Author: Carolyn G. Hart
Pages:
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: June 13, 2013
Rating: ***

Just another cozy mystery, which I'll likely forget in another week. It wasn't the worst I've read, but it's largely unremarkable. The plot seems to borrow elements from other cozies just like the characters borrow quips from mystery novels I've never read. I suppose I'm just not enough of a mystery devotee to sympathize with mystery shop owners solving alarmingly frequent murders in very small communities.

Luxx guess what I found out today? I'm expecting!

Congratulations!

BWAHAHAHAHAHA!

Dearest one,

I do sincerely apologize for my intrusion of your privacy here on Librarything, I have a serious concern with which I believe you might be of help and for this reason, I cannot but reach out to someone. My name is,

Mrs Lillian Jones. A Nationality of Cape verde .

I am married to late Mr. Daniel Jones , who worked with the United Nation Office in Iraq for 18 years before he was killed in a Car bomb accident.

We were a dedicated Christians (Catholic) and decided to serve mankind to the best of our ability. Since his death, I have lived with the memories, fighting effortlessly to live a normal life but all to no avail.

I suffered mentally and psychologically and shortly was diagnosed of Cancer. I lived with the scourge praying earnestly for divine intervention. Just a month ago, the doctor informed me that I have just about three months more to live. I was not shocked. I accepted the news in good fate.

My dear beloved, it is in this regard that I write to you, having sourced you after fervent prayers. Before my husband died, he deposited a sum of $8.3Million (Eight Million, Three Hundred Thousand United States Dollars) with a bank in benin.

I alone have the deposit details and they will release the deposit to no one unless I instruct them to do so. The bank has no single idea of what’s the history or nature of the deposit. They are simply awaiting instructions to release the deposit to any party that I may direct. This is the situation. I will simply nominate you as the next o! f kin and have them release the deposit to you.

I have wholeheartedly decided to donate the entirety of this fund to any devoted believer or organization and to achieve this, I need an individual that will utilize this funds adherently for these purposes:

1: For the sick, less-privileged and destitute.

2: For the Widows and the motherless babies e.t.c.

3: orphanages, Research centers and widows propagating.

4. To adopt children and give them good future

These are the wishes of a dying woman.

When I receive your response, I will direct you at once to an attorney who shall assist you with the deposit portfolio transfer of ownership procedures.

I wish to state here that! my communication with you will seize once I have given you the attorney contact and of

course a letter of authority mandating the bank to entertain your claims of right of ownership.

All I need from you is Truthfulness, Honesty and Sincerity assuring me that you can in all honesty and obedience utilize the funds for the purpose with which it is meant.

In any a case, a quick response from you will be highly appreciated as I am already on a count-down and may not have ample time to finalize the procedures. Any delay in response may compel me to source for other measures or perhaps choose the alternative which I will not be happy to. Please, do not see this as a strange possibility or an unbelievable Opportunity to make wealth, rather see this as a rare chance to assist the less privileged in truth and in spirit with a substance.

Do not betray my confidence in you.please reply me on my personal email which mrslilianjones@yahoo.com

I insist that you reply me via this address.

Thank You and Bless You richly!

Mrs Lillian Jones

private comment posted by lilijones at 8:33 am (EST) on Jun 15, 2013

Ha!

>81 London_StJ: Got that one too. :)

It's ridiculous on so many levels.

So, anyone remember those beautiful $60 iPhone cases that look like books?

They're now $20 on Amazon for a 4, and even less if you have a iPhone 5. Apple stores still sell them for $50 ...

>81 London_StJ: I got it too. How hilarious, no one would fall for it would they?

>85 London_StJ: very cool! A great way to bring some charm to an electronic gadget.

86 - I always imagine little old ladies trying to figure out how they know this person...

I'm a fan of gadgets, but I love books even more. :)

I've finished two more recently, but I think I'll go read instead of posting just now.

It's been far too long since I visited here. I hope you are having a lovely summer with the monsters.

Much Love

Thank you, my dear. The summer as a whole has been pretty good, but this week has been terrible: among other things that now seem trivial, my baby brother was in a near-fatal car accident this weekend (he fell asleep and hit a pole). He's out of the woods and may be on his way to rehab for a broken hip tomorrow, but it still scares me. I spent Monday and Tuesday at the hospital, and then spent today out of state helping a friend with a newborn. I'm tired.

The up-side: Uncle Bo will be here to teach the monsters to skate, the bigs begged to share a room and we agreed, which left me with a surprise office, and I was accepted at a fashion conference in NYC this fall.

48.
Title: Priceless
Author: Shannon Mayer
Pages:
Genre: Paranormal ... romance?
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition: Kindle Library Book
Date Completed: June 20, 2013
Rating: ***

Amazon had this filed under "Paranormal Romance," although the latter part of the genre was suspiciously missing. It's actually a stronger book for its lack of "romance," although it's very clear where the series is heading. I found the plot - about a quasi-supernatural searching for missing children, after the disappearance of her own sister - interesting, but the lack of character development or sympathy will keep me from digging further into the series.

49.
Title: Marked
Author: Elisabeth Naughton
Pages:
Genre: actually Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 22, 2013
Rating: ***

I'm pretty sure I've read this story nearly fifty times before. A bookish and overlooked woman, who waits tables at a strip club to keep her bookstore afloat, finds out that she's "actually special," meets a "god-like" brute of a man, etc etc etc. It's exactly what you'd expect from the genre, but didn't hold singular interest for me. So, again, not a series I'll dig back into.

50.
Title: A Mating Dance
Author: Lia Davis
Pages:
Genre: actually Paranormal Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 25, 2013
Rating: ***

OH THE ERRORS! In this case, Ms. Davis cannot even get away with the excuse of typos - not only are there whole words missing from sentences, but there are endless homonym errors, of the high school freshman variety. The final line of the book reads: "...to help keep me sane threw it all." Also, something or other may not be "full proof." Apparently Lia Davis is a "co-owner to Fated Desires Publishing, LLC," and I only hope someone steps up and tells the boss that she needs a good editor - spell check just won't catch these things.

The book itself is about a "triad" of shapeshifters. There's a conflict with "rogues" and dying or missing people, and the kind of mistakes that leave you staring at the page for several minutes, because there's no way these kinds of mistakes can slip into professional publications with such regularity.

Now I've started a new cozy series, and I have a few preorders coming this summer. In-between I think it may be time to actually read something with some history behind it.

Decor help!

I'm putting together an allusion for my living room - I'm hanging a curtained portrait of a duchess a la "My Last Duchess" by Robert Browning. Mike suggested I include the poem in some way, such as framing it next to the portrait, but it's a long poem. So, I thought about having a vinyl decal made of a quote.

Now, the question: how long should it be? If I include 15 lines it'll explain everything down to the curtain. Or there's a good stopping point at about line 5 ("Will't please you sit and look at her?").

"That's my last Duchess painted on the wall,
Looking as if she were alive. I call
That piece a wonder, now: Frà Pandolf’s hands
Worked busily a day, and there she stands.
Will’t please you sit and look at her? I said
'Frà Pandolf' by design, for never read
Strangers like you that pictured countenance,
The depth and passion of its earnest glance,
But to myself they turned (since none puts by
The curtain I have drawn for you, but I)
And seemed as they would ask me, if they durst,
How such a glance came there; so, not the first
Are you to turn and ask thus. Sir, ’twas not
Her husband’s presence only, called that spot
Of joy into the Duchess’ cheek..."

I'd go with all 15 or so lines. Much more complete image. Hiya!

Now, see, I'd go with just the first two lines, down to "alive." Make people ask if they don't know.

93 - I get that, but knowing that 100% of the people who come into our home will not know the poem I thought a little more explanation might be necessary, without asking. I was going to put it in my office originally, but Michael convinced me to put it in the living room as a "conversation piece." I guess I'll ask him just how much conversation it should generate. ;)

Another question - what material should I use for the curtain? Originally I thought an organza of some sort, to be more symbolic than obstructive, but when I asked Michael his immediate response was "Velour - all serious curtains are made of velour" (by which we decided he actually means velvet).

Oh, velvet, definitely.

What?! Which brother is in the hospital?! Why is he in the hospital?! Nothing here or on FB about it. Wassup?

"Nothing here or on FB about it." Post 89. ;) I did purposefully leave it off facebook, though.

My babiest brother is in the hospital (actually, now a rehab center for his shattered hip). He fell asleep driving home from the beach, and hit a pole going pretty fast. His left arm and hip are badly broken, but both will heal like new. He has some head trauma that will likewise be fine. He'll be confined to a wheelchair for three months, but if that's the worst of it I think we're lucky. Pictures of the car are just terrifying.

51.
Title: How to Murder a Millionaire
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 272
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 28, 2013
Rating: ****

Although Nora Blackbird is a daughter of a highly distinguished Pennsylvania family, she is on a blacklist: her coke-snorting husband is murdered by his drug dealer, and her parents have left the country as tax evaders after blowing through the family fortune, taking some of their friends' fortunes with them. Faced with needing a job for the first time, she turns to a sympathetic family friend who owns a newspaper, and gives her a job writing for the society page - a place she knows well. When this same family friend is found murdered the police find themselves floundering in a world of manners and social decorum grounded in old bloodlines, and turn to Nora to help them work through the niceties.

This cozy mystery grounds itself more in parties, couture, and gossip more than actual mystery, and I was shocked to find myself 90% through the book - and facing the murderer - before much was really discovered. Apparently accessories can be very telling. Still, I enjoyed some of the eccentric characters, and look forward to seeing the mess of the next book.

52.
Title: Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 272
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 30, 2013
Rating: ****

The second in the Blackbird Sisters series, Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds features the murder of a high society kleptomaniac, with missing jewelry, abusive relationships, and high society drama galore. The pacing is improved, but still requires some practice. The relationship between Nora and Mick progresses, but still seems to come out of nowhere - for someone who is supposed to be "all wrong" and whose actions are so offensive from the first, Nora falls too easily and too quickly, making a suspension of disbelief overly difficult. Still, he proves a likeable character, so I'll overlook the hasty beginning in favor of a little more consistent development later.

53.
Title: Affliction
Author: Laurell K. Hamilton
Pages: 576
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Preordered
Date Completed: July 4, 2013
Rating: ****

The debates surrounding Laurell K. Hamilton's 20-year-old series have grown far too heated for me to offer much of a review; I just don't care enough to slug it out with other readers. As usual, Hamilton delivers what I've come to expect, while touching on the popular trends in fiction today. The one specific comment I will offer is this: I could barely stomach the moment of "religious vision" in the hospital. I fully intend to continue reading the series for the general enjoyment I find, but if that's the next turn Hamilton will take even I will have to abandon ship.

54.
Title: Newes from the Dead
Author: Mary Hooper
Pages: 272
Genre: Fiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 5, 2013
Rating: *****

In 1650 Anne Greene is hanged for murder, and "miraculously" revived as she lays on the dissection table. From this true account, documented in publications from the time, Mary Hooper spins an intriguing narrative, told both from Anne's perspective as she lies trapped in a kind of coma, and the young medical student who becomes the corpse's champion as the first to notice her fluttering eyelids. Though Hooper professes that she has done her research, she first admits that this is a work of fiction, and there is no doubt she takes countless liberties. Still, the end result is a charming (and occasionally claustrophobic) young adult novel that may well spark an interest in history.

55.
Title: Gabriella
Author: Celia Kyle
Pages: 79
Genre: Paranormal BBW Romance
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: June 30, 2013
Rating: *

There's no touchstone for this one, because it's not actually a book. It's just as well, because it's not at all worth the purchase price. The women have completely repulsive personalities, and I still don't understand how one includes homophobic remarks in a polyamorous "romance."

Reading now: Gulp, Beyond Belief, and The Anatomy Murders. I have a nice big stack of library books to get through, too, which will likely keep me tucked away for the next few weeks.

*smooch* for my dear Crypto...bad few days so I missed the Stephen update. Oh oh oh. So scary.

Scary in a different, and unpleasant, way is that last read. Ick!

Thanks, sweetie. Stephen is home at my mom's now; we spend the day with him on Tuesday (he needs 24-7 care). He's recovering well, and although he's depressed about being stuck in the chair for a few months he at least sounds like himself. We stuck the kids in front of a movie and sat on the porch for two hours, taking wildlife pictures and just talking.

In other news, Littlest Monster is two today. I may never forgive him for not coming tomorrow.

Oh, happy birthday to the 2-year-old monster! My mom's (and my MIL's!) birthday is tomorrow.

Lucky ladies! All three monsters were due on the 13th, and I desperately wanted a 13th baby. Doc was scheduled for eviction that day, and came a day early.

...sat on the porch for two hours, taking wildlife pictures and just talking.
That sounds like a fab way to catch up and chill out at the same time. Sounds like a rough deal for him!

Happy Birthday to my pal Victor! Love from Lenny ;)

I still can't make myself believe the awfulness of Stephen's accident. So sad. But Doc V having a birthday is the best antidote I can conceive (!) of.

Happy 2nd birthday to a fellow 2011 LT baby!

I just got the first 7 books by Hamilton. I have been meaning to read them, but I am just getting to them now. I have heard interesting things about the later books in the series.

Catching up with your recent reading. Sorry to hear about your brother and hope he recovers quickly!

He is doing well, thank you. He'll be up and skating again by the end of the fall!

56.
Title: Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology, and My Harrowing Escape
Author: Jenna Miscavige Hill
Pages: 416
Genre: Autobiography
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 2013
Rating: ****

I picked up Hill's memoir on a LibraryThing recommendation, and like the original review I can't help but scoff a bit at the author's claim to a "harrowing escape" - a phrase which inspires images of midnight excursions by leaky raft as one flees a communist state, perhaps, as opposed to arguing with family and inlaws.

What I appreciated and enjoyed about Hill's story is the information she provides on Scientology - the practices, the beliefs, and the politics. This story could potentially describe any number of cults, and for that I found it supremely interesting and engrossing. However, the narrative itself is often alienating (no pun intended); it's difficult to feel sympathy for someone who already feels so very sorry for herself. I applaud her efforts to shed light on the institution and its often nefarious practices, but many times in her story it seems that Hill's negative reactions are not to the abuses she experiences growing up in the church as a child or young adult, but rather that she would be exposed to this same abuse as the niece of the church's leader.

Overall, the story is enlightening, and worth a read.

57.
Title: Some Like it Lethal (#3)
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 320
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 2013
Rating: ****

58.
Title: Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die (#4)
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 288
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 2013
Rating: ****

59.
Title: Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too (#5)
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 272
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 2013
Rating: ****

60.
Title: A Crazy Little Thing Called Death (#6)
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 368
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 2013
Rating: ****

As a typical cozy series, I find I can review most of the books as a whole. Obviously, I enjoy them - I enjoy the parties, I enjoy the clothes, and I enjoy several characters. However, Nora Blackbird is a ninny; her sisters and Mick are far more entertaining. My real problem so far is a question of consistency; one of my biggest pet peeves in serial fiction is a lack of consistency, particularly in character development. I enjoy watching characters evolve and grow and even take nose-dives into a dark abyss now and again, but one cannot simply be the upright, sensible prude of the family ... and then have sex in a phone booth. Or kiss other men while seeing someone exclusively. I understand that Nora's sense of self and propriety are supposed to be terribly at odds with her personal life, but there are several moments when one has to question just how strict her moral compass truly is.

61.
Title: Murder Melts in Your Mouth (#7)
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 304
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: July 31, 2013
Rating: ****

This last read was far more satisfactory than most of the others in the series. The pacing of the mystery was strong, with a highly satisfying conclusion. emotional and personal matters develop in a far more natural fashion, and for once Nora seems like an actual person. However, I spent the whole day craving chocolate.

Hi Luxx! I miss you! *Smooches* I'm glad to hear Other Stephen is healing well. :)

"Other Stephen" *snort* He might have something to say about that retronym, This Stephen.

Lots of Nancy Martin goodness. I've wondered about the series, since it's gone on so long. Four stars from you! Well, that seals the deal.

109/10 - Our Stephen has been called "Bo" his entire life - Ste-Bo as a kid, Bo as a teenager/adult. I don't think my kids even know his real name...

110 - It may not be to your taste, Padre - she's certainly no Louise Penny. But I found it to be more consistent and more entertaining than some of the other cozies I've read this summer, so I thought it deserved a healthy rating. I find I like the characters of Mick (love interest) and Emma (crazy younger sister) a lot more than the protagonist, but it's full of strong personalities as a general rule.

I just started The Hen of the Baskervilles, and still have a few more library books to get through. So much for doing serious reading this summer- it's been too emotional for me to reach for anything other than fluff. Thank goodness I have that to turn to, though.

The fall is promising to be much better than the summer.
A) My favorite job came through, and I'm thrilled to go back.
B) I'm speaking at two conferences, including a fashion conference in NYC.
C) I've just had an article accepted for publication - my first! - which lets me strike another resolution off my list.
D) Autumn marks costuming season for me, and I have a dozen or more fantastic projects lined up and ready to go, including B's request for Bewowulf, M's request for King Arthur, and V as the Green Knight.
E) Every weekend through mid-November is booked with fun events, from faire to traveling to weddings.

I can't promise I'll be around any more than I have this summer, but at least I'll have fun things (and hopefully some good books!) to report when I can pop in!

YAY in a big way for the job!!!

Brava for the publication!!!

Hip hip hooray for the conferences!!!

Whatevs on the dressup stuff. Just so far outside my ken...

*smooch* for the coolest Crypto anywhere ever!

Huzzah for job! :D

I just popped in to say hi and see how you are doing :) Yay for the job!!!

62.
Title: The Hen of the Baskervilles
Author: Donna Andrews
Pages: 320
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Preordered
Date Completed: August 4, 2013
Rating: ****

The Hen of the Baskervilles finds blacksmith Meg Langslow nowhere near her forge (as has become usual), but rather in a sheep barn. Directing the county fair with the major, Meg finds herself in the usual level of chaos, with the body of a predictably unlikeable person to boot.

The Hen of the Baskervilles follows Andrews's formula well, although it's nice to see Meg out of the house and with far fewer relative in tow. Some elements of the novel are rather incongruent (or perhaps simply overly-absurd), but some level of farce is to be expected in this series. While the novel won't be winning any awards, it's another fun feather for Andrews's cap.

That sounds like a fun book by Donna Andrews. I'll have to try to read it.

63.
Title: Gulp
Author: Mary Roach
Pages:
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Gifted
Date Completed: August 24, 2013
Rating: ****

Holy busy, Batman. Vacation, work, faire, more work, kids, sewing, cooking, what?

Maybe I'll find time to write a review in December...

....including B's request for Bewowulf...
WOW
That sounds impressive- what does Beowulf look like anyway!? I am over half way through Seamus Heaney's translation and am really liking it (mush to my surprise).

Oh, I love Heaney's translation (the only one I've read, to be honest).

Um, for us Beowulf wears a blue tunic, a silver chestplate with a wolf on the front, and Grendel's arm hanging from his belt. Brooks is very taken with his stuffed Grendel arm.

By the way, the news broke this morning that Heaney died overnight (for us in the US).

I was actually just coming here to post the article: Seamus Heaney.

Very sad day. The world loses something irreplaceable every time an artist dies.

63.
Title: Gulp
Author: Mary Roach
Pages:
Genre: Nonfiction
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Gifted
Date Completed: August 24, 2013
Rating: ****

Mary Roach has been between the sheets, on the edge of the afterlife, in the grave, and out in space. In Gulp she's back to her roots - the body - as she takes a "trip down the alimentary canal." After a bit of a disappointment from Packing for Mars, it was good to see her there. In Gulp Roach is once again pestering scientists and asking inappropriate questions, and along the way exposes the secrets behind foot testing, flavored pet foot, and Elvis' super colon. While someone in the field may not learn something new, it kept this general audience member interested and giggling.

I have the latest Louis Penny waiting in the wings, I'm halfway through another reading of Frankenstein, and life is spinning: faire season, soccer x2, teaching six classes, and everything in-between. I've submitted the final edits for an article that was accepted for publication, and I'm swimming in abstracts, with two conferences coming up this fall. I love this time of year, but holy cow!

Your thread has become ridiculously blush-inducing lately!

Really, a love of Mary Roach is nothing to be embarrassed about.

Don't worry, my list will soon turn to grading and Shakespearean plans once again, with perhaps some Stoker and Bronte, if any of these abstracts go as planned.

I've lost my Louise Penny review. I don't know what file I mistakenly saved it in, and I've been through everything I modified on the date I did it.

I'm torn between hanging myself and going on a shooting rampage in the US Capitol.

Oh dear, now I'm afraid to even open the book.

Don't be, it's a wonderful read, and I think easily the best in the series to date.

I'm in despair over lost labor.

If you have Windows 7, you can click the Start button in the bottom left corner of your screen, type in a word or sentence you remember from your review, and it'll not only search all the titles of your files but also search all the text in all the text documents on your computer and display them for you. It'll probably take show you the files first and then take a dozen seconds or so for the text documents to start popping in, but it'll show up eventually.

Now, if you have when of those Apple/Mac things, I can't help you. :P

Command+space lets one search their whole Mac. The filing system on my Mac makes no sense to me, so I have to use that function every time I look for a file at all.

The new Roach sounds funny... I have Stiff waiting on one of my shelves around here but I just haven't had time to get to her yet!

I'm using a Chromebook, and the search function is different but equally free-ranging. It's brought to my attention the startling number of times I've used variations on "how the light gets in," "Louise", "Penny", and it wasn't until I thought of searching "Gamache" that I found it.

If the gorram thing was case-sensitive I'd've been done a lot quicker.

131 - Stiff is by far my favorite, with Bonk coming in as a close second. I hope you can get to her soon!

132 - I love your thought-process re: finding your review. Perfect. Also, your computer now understands your reading habits.

It does, doesn't it. I suspect the darn thing will start ordering Kindle books for me without letting me know. Happy semester!

134 - I wouldn't mind an endless supply of thoughtful suggestions.

Oh wait, that's what I have here on LT.

>135 London_StJ: Ain't that the gawd's honest. Some days I wish the reading machine would spew only romantic fiction and werewolf porn at me, and then I realize that I read those too. I am well and truly never safe!

71.
Title: In a Witch’s Wardrobe
Author: Juliet Blackwell
Pages:
Genre: Paranormal Cozy Mystery
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: September 29, 2013
Rating: ***1/2

Lily once again finds herself neck-deep in an investigation - actually, more than one. First, she is tasked by Aiden to discover just who killed one Wiccan coven member, and poisoned another (also accidentally poisoning her young daughter). And if the threat of a murderer isn't enough, a series of vandalisms at the hands of an anti-magic hate group has disrupted the neighborhood.

The mysteries as a plot device are less compelling to me than the personal relationships; here, Lily is forced to reconcile herself with growing attached to others, and the emotional turmoil that can come just from caring. As always, I find the personal development very satisfying, and Blackwell's cliffhanger of a conclusion is sure to lead me to her next installment.

I still haven't managed to finish Frankenstein, or even start Penny's latest. Instead, I am halfway through another reading of Othello, and I'm about to pick up Who Censored Roger Rabbit. Conferences and grading and paper deadlines are looming, not to mention costuming to be completed in the next few weeks. If anyone knows how to pack a fall, it's me!

72.
Title: Othello
Author: Shakespeare
Pages:
Genre: Drama
Medium: Paperback, Folger Edition
Acquisition:
Date Completed: October 7, 2013
Rating: *****

73.
Title: Who Censored Roger Rabbit
Author: Gary K. Wolf
Pages:
Genre: Satire
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: October 7, 2013
Rating: *****

Twenty-five years after Zemeckis establishes Roger and Jessica Rabbit as nostalgic icons in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," I was delighted to discover that the rather silly film from my youth is in fact based on a novel by Gary K. Wolf published six years earlier: Who Censored Roger Rabbit?

Wolf's novel again demonstrates the familiar adage that the book is better than the movie. While Zemeckis' film is goofy and cute but ultimately shallow (to memory - it's been a very long time), Wolf's novel is a brilliant and entertaining satire. A parody of gritty noir novels, Wolf's novel paints a grim picture of racism and prejudice, establishing Toons as a second class of citizens trying to better their own lives. Responding to a rumor that someone is attempting to buy his contract and make him a star, Roger hires Eddie to look into his employer, who apparently refuses to sell. Along the way it comes to light that Jessica Rabbit has left Roger for this same employer, and it's not to play patty-cake.

The further Eddie gets into Roger's case, the more complicated it becomes, as elements of racism and criminal activities compound the seemingly useless investigation. Eventually bodies start piling up, and Eddie is left with conclusions that some character's don't want to hear.

For me, it is the conclusion that makes this story: the ridiculous resolution at first seems to challenge narrative development, but in reflection is perfectly suited to the Toons involved. Ultimately, it is the characterization - and the confirmation that even good guys can be bad guys - that makes the story so satisfying, regardless of the turn of events.

I am so glad I found Wolf's novel; Roger Rabbit will never seem the same, and I like him better for it.

I never knew there was a book! Coolio. Must get.

Othello is a paranormal cozy mystery? Can I have some of whatever you're smoking, please?

That's what I get for copying and pasting - thanks, Padre. :-p

De rien, ma amie.

I didn't know there was a book either. Crap, all this time I've liked the movie without even know it was based on a book. Great, now I'm ONE OF THEM.

Hi Luxx,
I just visit today to point you in the direction of my thread to see (if you are interested) the pics of W's first day at school. It was a grand success, which I am extremely happy to report *phew*

The Beowulf costume sounded fantastic! I attended a screening of the Princess Bride last night on the big screen, and saw a family of 4 dressed up there. It was awesome (the sighting of the costumed family, and the film- which I had never seen before).

School pictures? I'm on my way!

Stephen, now you're in the know, can find a copy at your local library, and scoff at those who just have no idea. ;)

King Max, in his wolf suit:

And my knights:

And one last round: Knights, and then kilted Merry Men

Sooooooooooo sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!! *puddle*

That's generally how I feel, until they start screaming over something. Most of the time they're as sweet as pie, though.

The days can be very very long as a parent. Hardest damn job there ever was. The good days are amazing, though.

You can say that again.

The days can be very very long as a parent. Hardest damn job there ever was. The good days are amazing, though.

Cuties patootie.

152. :-p I knew that was coming, though.

153. I think so, too.

>152 richardderus: ba dum tish!

Great pics Luxx, I barely recognise those big kids you have now!

Hush, you - those are my sweet babies.

*snickers at the universal Parent Denial Syndrome*

(Ask your mom. She knows too. When they're parents themselves, you'll be picturing them in footiejammies and misting over.)

Charlie's new thing is to talk about when he "was a little kid," as if it's some distant memory for us all. *snork!*

Oh, the bigs do that, too! Max is convinced that being four makes him a REALLY BIG kid.

74.
Title: Gregor the Overlander
Author: Suzanne Collins
Pages:
Genre: Children's Fantasy
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition: Purchased by rec of a colleague
Date Completed: October 20, 2013
Rating: ***

A colleague revealed himself to be a big fan of Suzanne Collins' work, and, interested in more than The Hunger Games, I asked him for a recommendation. I could barely finish my sentence before he exclaimed, "Gregor the Overlander!"

Like The Hunger Games, I found that Collins is not actually doing anything new with this book: an eleven-year-old boy and his two-year-old sister fall down a hole in their laundry room, and find themselves in an underground world, where they must go on a quest to save their father who disappeared two years before. Most elements of the story are familiar, from the quest to the hole to the talking spiders. However, unlike my reading of The Hunger Games, I did not find Collins' spin in Gregor the Overlander to be compelling; there just isn't much that feels new or fresh or even sympathetic.

One reason I may find the story unappealing is that is seems to be written for a much younger audience; while I enjoy YA for what it is, I find myself more interested in "teenage" YA than elementary-level YA (except for those gems of nostalgia).

That said, I'll likely give the next in the series a try, if only to give it a full shot. However, I cannot say that I share my colleague's enthusiasm just yet.

75.
Title: Titus Andronicus
Author: William Shakespeare
Pages:
Genre: Drama
Medium: Paperback Folger edition
Acquisition: work text
Date Completed: October 21, 2013
Rating: *****

I am a little pleased that Titus has (accidentally) ended up as my 75th text of the year.

Happy 75th Read!

Felicitations on reaching the magic number, Luxx!

Congrats!

Thanks, everyone! I just started number seventy-six - Six Geese A-Slaying. ;)

Wooohooo! *High fives*

Congratulations, Luxx! :)

Congratz on 75!!!!

76.
Title: Six Geese A-Slaying
Author: Donna Andrews
Pages: 336
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Pre-ordered
Date Completed: November 3, 2013
Rating: ****

I think Donna Andrews is one author who can write a mystery involving churches that leaves me feeling amused as opposed to alienated. There's little preaching and plenty of cheer as members of various denominations band together to lend a hand when a series of pranks renders some sanctuaries inhabitable during the Christmas season. As usual, there is a perfectly detestable deceased and a likewise repugnant culprit. Although I held out hope for a different outcome, I knew it was unlikely to come, and am no less charmed for Andrews' own authorial choices.

I tend to balk at anything winter-holiday until after Thanksgiving, but Andrews has given me a bit of holiday cheer that may carry me through the long weeks at the end of the semester.

77.
Title: Oedipus Rex
Author: Sophocles
Pages:
Genre: Drama
Medium: Fitts edition
Acquisition: work text
Date Completed: November 3, 2013
Rating: *****

I've found there are a few works that just don't seem to grow stale, and Oedipus Rex is one of these. I look forward to teaching it every semester, and leading students through all the devious twists and turns. One of my favorite tasks is tracing the changes in the tone of the Chorus, and considering whether or not they are in part to blame for the drama's outcome.

I am, however, a bit suspicious about this particular translation, but it seems like a bit of a standard.

Oh, we have survived the costuming season!

We wrapped it up properly yesterday, with costumed family photos (a yearly misadventure) and an adult Halloween party we attend annually. My Gozer the Gozerian costume won the midnight costume contest, much to my delight, although I'm disappointed I went head-to-head with my beloved sister-in-law.

Now the costumes are packed away for the winter, and we can focus on finishing the semester, and moving on to winter holidays. I'm so pleased to have the day off today .... to clean, to do laundry, and to grade.

I'm looking forward to some time off, during which I fully intend to haunt LT with more vigor!

Life is packed to the gills chez Luxx, as always, and it certainly sounds like it was a lot of fun!

78.
Title: Night of the Living Deed
Author: E.J. Copperman
Pages: 336
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library Book
Date Completed: November 17, 2013
Rating: **1/2

A (bitter) divorcee and her young daughter buy an old Victorian on the Jersey shore with the hopes of running a sustainable guesthouse, and soon find that the previous owner and a detective haven't quite made a full exit. As a whole, the novel is one-dimensional, and there is no shred of sympathy to be had for any of the characters. I was hoping for another crossover between my favorite genres, but this series will not be it.

79.
Title: Student Essays
Author: 114 Students
Pages: 1,500
Genre:
Medium: Electronic
Acquisition:
Date Completed: November 21, 2013
Rating:

I always said I'd count anything over 40 pages in my reading list, so I'm again defending my choice to include graded papers in my list. It has certainly mad up the bulk of my reading material this fall. I'm jumping the gun a bit here - I have about 20 more papers to grade before the end of the semester, and I'm not including final exams in my totals. Still, the semester is nearly over!

80.
Title: The Importance of Being Earnest
Author: Oscar Wilde
Pages:
Genre: Drama
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Work Text
Date Completed: November 15, 2013
Rating: ****1/2

This was my first semester teaching The Importance of Being Earnest, and my first time in a long while teaching Wilde. Generally, my students had been complaining about the number of tragedies we read, and most appreciated a turn to comedy. It went over fairly well, and I focused on an argument of vanity as part of our class analysis, emphasizing that the characters are essentially replicas, that all speak in the voice of Wilde, and that the work is an expression and act of vanity in itself. It was very interesting to read it in the context of his immediate trials, too.

81.
Title: The Norton Anthology of Short Stories, The Oxford Book of Essays, Literature: An Introduction, Pratchett, Roach, and a Poe in a Pear Tree.
Author: Several
Pages: 38 short stories and articles, 16 poems, misc. chapters on grammar and rhetoric
Genre: Varied
Medium: Electronic
Acquisition:
Date Completed: November 27, 2013
Rating:

Hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to you, Crypto, and to all the family! I myownself send up my happiest thanks for Stephen's full recovery and ability to be with you all today.

Thank you so much! I'm sorry I wasn't able to respond sooner. I, too, am thankful for the family that is here and well (or on the mend).

Stephen is climbing trees and riding his longboard and is nearly 100%, against so many odds. We are very happy to have our Uncle Bo.

I hope you had wonderful, food-filled days.

Today I am giving exams, which means this is the last day of work for a whole month!

To celebrate, my best friend and I got matching tattoos yesterday - a bust of Shakespeare with a raven sitting on the shoulder, to suit our equal English geekery (she's a high school English teacher, and therefore both saintly and insane). I have a very tender leg today!

82.
Title: No Way to Kill a Lady
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 368
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Paperback
Acquisition: Library
Date Completed: November 24, 2013
Rating: ****

When dynasties fall, colorful characters - and deeds - come out of the woodwork. In No Way to Kill a Lady the reader is treated to a skeezy cousin, a crumbling castle, and a body in an elevator. This is one of the more compelling mysteries in the series, with satisfying family melodrama to accentuate a rather curious murder victim.

83.
Title: Little Black Book of Murder
Author: Nancy Martin
Pages: 384
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library
Date Completed: November 25, 2013
Rating: ****

The most recent book in the Blackbird Sisters mysteries is a bit of a mixed bag. There is conflict in Nora's job that challenges the suspension of disbelief, and creates a position greater for her than one could believe she has. However, Martin offers wonderful personal resolution on several fronts, making the novel satisfying in the long run.

Taking a page from Amber's book, and thinking about fifteen books that have changed me.

In no particular order:

1. The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause. I read this vampire novel when I was eight years old, and it inspired a fascination that followed me through graduate work, conferences, and beyond.
2. Macbeth by William Shakespeare. I read this play for the first time when I was nine. I may not have completely understood the work, but it inspired a lasting interest in the Bard.
3. The Last Vampire by Christopher Pike. I list this one as the common ground that lead me to form a friendship with the girls who remain my closest friends.
4. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. This novel has always enchanted me. My Darwinist reading of this classic gothic is set for publication in August of 2014!
5. The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde. This was assigned reading for AP English, and confirmed once and for all that Victorian novels are not all so terribly Dickensian.
6. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi helped me embrace alternative forms of literature, and shed some of the snobbishness I held as an undergraduate.
7. L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton is the first mystery novel I ever read, borrowed from my grandmother. I probably read more mystery (of various subgenres) than horror, which surprises many who know me in real life.
8. If Not, Winter Fragments of Sappho. I cannot fully describe the beauty and mystery and sense of loss this collections inspires.
9. The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien. I had read The Hobbit as a child, and avoided The Lord of the Rings for quite some time. However, when I decided to take a Tolkien class in graduate school I was delighted and enthralled by this mythology.
10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen.
11. Dracula by Bram Stoker.
12. Against Love Poetry by Eavan Boland.
13. Carmilla by Sheridan Le Fanu.
14. The Truth by Terry Pratchett.
15. Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

Ooo! Quel list! Funny about The Silver Kiss...I worked at Delacorte when it came out and ordered so many reprints it wasn't funny anymore. I kept wondering who was reading this (ahead of its time) vampire book! Now I know.

V. cool!

178. I came upon the book in my elementary school library, and finally bought my own copy just a few years ago. Oh, the memories.

84.
Title: Mistresses: A History of the Other Woman
Author: Elizabeth Abbott
Pages: 512
Genre: Nonfiction, memoir
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library
Date Completed: December 10, 2013
Rating: **

From the title, I assumed it would be a history of the position of mistresses, looking at laws, social expectations, and the changes in affairs throughout history. Abbott does address much of this, but through encyclopedic memoirs of historically known mistresses. What begins as an enthralling look at the lives of women who, by choice or (more often) force, find themselves in the beds of married or emotionally unavailable men, becomes as odious as the mechanical sexual chores by the time Abbott reaches Hitler - and there's still another half to go.

Though I have no qualms with the research, which seems thoughtful and as complete as it can be, Abbott's writing is sophomoric, as she uses repetitive catchphrases to describe the same individuals (for example, repeatedly calling Jackie Kennedy "the world's most eligible widow" in the space of a few pages). The text systematically dismisses wives - unless they becomes mistresses themselves - and shows little sympathy for the men in these relationships, unless it is to reveal them as foolish for their parts in the affairs.

These stories - from Hagar to Eva Braun, through Marilyn Monroe and on to Simon de Beavoir - are already well known, so much so that the text as a whole is shallow for not giving the reader something more. Additionally, Abbott butchers the mistresses of literature, writing Cliff's Notes to pad out a chapter that discusses everything from Jane Eyre to The Scarlet Letter, which contributes little and confuses the previously-established focus of the book.

Although some chapters were very interesting, the book as a whole was a chore to read for someone who is already familiar with most of the material.

Hmmmm. Disappointing. That could have been a great book.

I know! And I was really hoping it would be.

>181 London_StJ:: I'll chime in on the disappointment in hearing your review. That's really too bad.

>181 London_StJ: Sophomoric writing with serious amounts of padding = death.

Your card arrived! Thanks, you crafty devil you. *smooch*

Bummer about the dud read because the title is so promising. :(

I've come to realize that "sophomoric" is my favorite adjective for weak writing.

There are more interesting (though perhaps not better-composed) books about mistresses readily available, so I really hoped for something a bit more historical and analytical. Oh well, at least it was a library book!

In awed amazement at your multivarious accomplishments, and the passion and verve you bring to each and every one of them, my beloved Crypto:



Celebrate the return of the light with feasts, merriment, and gratitude for all the wonders of this wide green earth.

RMD

How wonderful to be remembered with such lovely wishes. Thank you, Padre, and a happy Solstice to you!

85.
Title: Claimed: Club Sin
Author: Stacey Kennedy
Pages: 239
Genre: Erotica
Medium: Kindle
Acquisition:
Date Completed: December 2013
Rating: ***

For the genre, I found this to be a stronger sample than many, and I always appreciate when erotica novelists actually try to flesh out their stories to novel-esque length.

86.
Title: Scarlet
Author: Marissa Meyer
Pages: 464
Genre: Science Fiction, YA, Revised Fairytale
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library
Date Completed: December 24, 2013
Rating: ***

Initially, I was greatly disappointed with Scarlet; I did not find the novel to be nearly as compelling as the first, and I found the character of Scarlet to be forced and awkward, as the association with the fairy tale is clumsy at best. However, once the parallel plot sequences involving the emperor and Cinder become more developed, the novel shifts, and becomes much more cohesive and thus entertaining. I was pleased to see Cinder gain a few allies, and to see not only some of her past, but a plan for the future as well.

87.
Title: Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond
Author: Kim Harrison
Pages: 528
Genre: Urban fantasy, short stories
Medium: Hardback
Acquisition: Library
Date Completed: December 30, 2013
Rating: **

This is a book for the uberfans, of which I am not one; Into the Woods is a collection of short stories, many of which detail how Rachel and her friends come to be. The stories themselves are sentimental and lacking strong development, providing some detail and intrigue for those who are deeply invested in the Hollows characters, but with little to interest those who may be less enthralled. In this case, the low rating is indicative of audience: I am not the reader for whom Harrison is writing this collection.

Based on a scale of one * to five *****, and rated within genre only.

Unrated for varying reasons
Papers Graded, by 100 Students. 4.30.13. 1400+ pages.
The Norton Anthology of Short Stories, The Oxford Book of Essays, etc. 11.27.13.
Papers Graded, by 114 students. 11.27.13. 1,500 pages.

*****
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey. Fiction. 1.31.13.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson. Contemporary Gothic. 2.15.13. *****
The Truth by Terry Pratchett. Satire. 3.8.13.
Frost Burned by Patricia Briggs. Urban Fantasy. 3.11.13.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.15.13.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.14.13.
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. YA Dystopian. 3.18.13.
Beowulf trans. Seamus Heaney. Anglo-Saxon Epic. 4.11.13.
The Island of Doctor Moreau by H.G. Wells. Scientific Romance. 4.18.13.
The Midwife by Jennifer Worth. Memoir. 5.5.13.
The Death of Sweet Mister by Daniel Woodrell. Fiction. 6.10.13.
Dead Men Do Tell Tales by William R. Maples. Nonfiction. 6.11.13.
Newes from the Dead by Mary Hooper. Fiction. 7.5.13.
Othello by William Shakespeare. Drama. 10.7.13.
Who Censored Roger Rabbit? by Gary K. Wolf. Satire. 10.7.13.
Titus Andronicus by William Shakespeare. Drama. 10.21.13.
Oedipus Rex by Sophocles. Drama. 11.3.13.

****1/2
The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Drama. 11.15.13.

****
Pride Mates by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal Romance. 1.4.13.
Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn. Urban Fantasy. 1.15.13.
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Fantasy. 4.4.13.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Nonfiction. 5.14.13.
How to Murder a Millionaire by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 6.28.13.
Dead Girls Don't Wear Diamonds by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 6.30.13.
Affliction by Laurell K. Hamilton. Urban Fantasy. 7.4.13.
Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology, and My Harrowing Escape by Jenna Jenna Miscavige Hill. Autobiography. 7.13.
Some Like it Lethal by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13.
Cross Your Heart and Hope to Die by Nancy Martin. Have Your Cake and Kill Him Too by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13.
A Crazy Little Thing Called Death by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.13.
Murder Melts in Your Mouth by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 7.31.13.
The Hen of the Baskervilles by Donna Andrews. Cozy Mystery. 8.4.13.
Gulp by Mary Roach. Nonfiction. 8.24.13.
The Lady Submits by Chloe Cox. Romance. 9.1.13.
The Wolf's Captive by Chloe Cox. Romance.
Six Geese A-Slaying by Donna Andrews. Cozy Mystery. 11.3.13.
No Way to Kill a Lady by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 11.24.13.
Little Black Book of Murder by Nancy Martin. Cozy Mystery. 11.25.13.

***1/2
Megan's Mark by Lora Leigh. Paranormal Romance. 2.?.13. ***1/2
The Queen is Dead by Kate Locke. Steampunk. 3.2.13. ***1/2
A Charmed Life: Growing Up in Macbeth's Castle by Liza Campbell. 3.21.13.
From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg. Early Reader. 4.14.13.
Housekeeping vs. The Dirt by Nick Hornby. Column Collection. 5.1.13.
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell. Nonfiction. 5.17.13.
Daughters of Darkness by L.J. Smith. YA Horror. 5.20.13.
The Smoky Corridor by Chris Grabenstein. YA Mystery Horror. 5.22.13.
Sold to the Sheikh by Chloe Cox. Romance. 9.13.
In a Witch's Wardrobe by Juliet Blackwell. Cozy Mystery. 9.29.13.

***
Hard Mated by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal Romance.
"Saint's Curse" by Lee Brazil. M/M Paranormal Romance. 1.3.13.
Primal Bonds by Jennifer Ashley. Paranormal romance. 1.?.13.
Tiger Lily by Jodi Lynn. YA. 1.30.13.
Redwood Pack Volume 2 by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.30.13.
"Purr" by Paisley Smith. f/f Paranormal Romance. 3.4.13.
Bound in Death by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.22.12.
Forever Bound by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.27.13.
Ever After by Kim Harrison. Urban fantasy. 5.26.13.
Death on Demand by Carolyn G. Hart. Cozy Mystery. 6.13.13.
Priceless by Shannon Mayer. Paranormal Romance. 6.20.13.
Marked by Elisabeth Naughton. Paranormal Romance. 6.22.13.
A Mating Dance by Lia Davis. Paranormal Romance. 6.24.13.
Seduced by Innocence by Kimberly Kimrade. Romance. 8.25.13.
Dark Wolf Rising by Rhyannon Byrd. Romance. 9.13.
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins. YA Fantasy. 10.20.13
Club Sin by Stacey Kennedy. Romance. 12.2013.
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer. YA Science Fiction. 12.24.13.

**1/2
Girl of Nightmare by Kendare Blake. YA Horror. 1.18.13.
Redwood Pack Volume 1 by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.28.13. **1/2
When She Woke by Hillary Jordan. Fiction. 2.5.13.
Gracefully Insane by Alex Beam. Nonfiction. 4.2.13.
A Bit of Bite by Cynthia Eden. Paranormal Romance. 4.19.13.
Citizen Vince by Jess Walter. Fiction. 5.24.13.
Night of the Living Deed by E.J. Copperman. Cozy Mystery. 11.17.13.

**
Blurred Expectations by Carrie Ann Ryan. Paranormal Romance. 1.30.13.
"Night Crow" by Paisley Smith. Paranormal Romance. 3.4.13. **
Hedging His Bets by Mina Carter. Paranormal Romance. 4.15.13.
Wicked Sexy by R.G. Alexander. Romance. 9.3.13.
Mistresses: A History of the Other Woman by Elizabeth Abbott. Nonfiction. 12.10.13.
Into the Woods: Tales from the Hollows and Beyond by Kim Harrison. Urban Fantasy. 12.30.13.

*1/2
"Bitten in the Big Easy" by Delilah Devlin, Paisley Smith. f/f Paranormal Romance. 3.9.13.

*
"Orion's Way" by DC Juris. M/M Paranormal Romance. 1.3.13.
"Gabriella" by Celia Kyle. Paranormal Romance. 7.7.13.
Control by Lucia Jordan. Romance. 9.13.