Tricia's 1010

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Tricia's 1010

Denna diskussion är för närvarande "vilande"—det sista inlägget är mer än 90 dagar gammalt. Du kan återstarta det genom att svara på inlägget.

1hailelib
jan 3, 2010, 4:21 pm

Back for another year!

A lot of my categories are the same but there are a few changes. The biggest change is that I am going to try for five in each of the categories by the end of June (excepting any extended group reads). I found that at the end of both 2008 and 2009 I had left myself with a hefty amount of nonfiction that required going over into the next year a few days in order to finish. So I want to try to pace myself better and balance the fiction and nonfiction a little better.

Right now the categories are

1. Young at heart - YA and possibly some for even younger children here.

2. Whodunits - Mystery and Suspense

3. Comfort reads - from favorite authors in any genre.

4. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

5. Howling at the Moon - Paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

6. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

7. The Inner Life - A mix of religion (1), philosophy (3), mythology (5), and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible

8. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works

9. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same

10. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (2), Language (3)

2hailelib
Redigerat: maj 1, 2010, 11:19 am

I. Young at Heart: YA and possibly a book or two for younger children as well.

1. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - finished January 21
2. So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - February 15
3. The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - February 16
4. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20
5. Savvy by Ingrid Law February 23
6. The Battle of the Labyrinth - about March 25
7. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac - Finished about Mar 30
8. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - finished April 10
9. Into the Wild : Warriors by Erin Hunter - mid-April
10. My Daniel by Pam Conrad - April 23

3hailelib
Redigerat: maj 20, 2010, 1:45 pm

II. Whodunits: Mystery and suspense. Maybe even romantic suspense. (I'm keeping the categories a bit broad.)

1. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
2. Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance
3. 100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander
4. The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh
5. Fantasy in Death by J. D, Robb - finished March 1
6. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March
7. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (screenplay) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29
8. The Nicholas feast by Pat McIntosh - finished about April 5
9. Shakespeare's Champion by Charlaine Harris - mid-April
10. An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters - mid-May

4hailelib
Redigerat: maj 31, 2010, 9:41 am

III. Comfort Reads: Novels from favorite authors in any genre.

1. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney _ started Jan 3 - finished 13
2. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26
3. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Finished February 18
4. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - finished Feb 26
5. Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer -- finished about April 8
6. Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - Finished April 22
7. Blood Ties by Kay Hooper - finished May
8. Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - Finished late May
9. Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris - Finished lzte May
10. A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters - Finished May 30

5hailelib
Redigerat: maj 20, 2010, 1:48 pm

IV. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

1. Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance
2. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - started Jan 14; finished January 20
3. The Mouse that Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22
4. The Riddle by Alison Croggan - finished February 22
5. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast
6. Street Game by Christine Feehan - finished early April
7. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - finished early April
8. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - finished about April 6
9. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris -mid-April
10. Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris - mid-May

6hailelib
Redigerat: okt 2, 2010, 9:19 am

V. Howling at the Moon - Mostly paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - finished January 22
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished January 24
3. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Finished January28
4. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
5. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz - finished March 8
6. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished about March 27
7. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - finished early April
8. Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - finished April 23
9. Living with the Dead by Kelly Armstrong - finished June
10. Waking the Witch by Kelly Armstrong - Finished September 30

7hailelib
Redigerat: jun 28, 2010, 7:23 pm

VI. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

1, The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Started
2. 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30
3. Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel
4. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen - March 2010
5. Animal,Vegetable,Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver - finshed April 2
6. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi - finished end of March
7. Snow by Tracy Lynn - mid-April
8. A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris - mid-May
9. Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs - finished late May
10. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes - finished June

8hailelib
Redigerat: dec 31, 2010, 10:24 am

VII. The Inner Life - A mix of religion, philosophy, mythology, etc. and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible. Also a little education and mental development.

1. The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - finished II Kings - see Message 22
2. Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell - started Jan 16 - finished March 30
3. Tales from the Thousand and One Nights translated by N. J. Dawood - finished September 30
4. The Egyptian Gods and Goddesses by Clive Barrett - finished October 4
5. From Plato to Nietzsche by E. L. Allen - Finished Mid-November
6. A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong = finished December 22
7. The Einstein Syndrome by Thomas Sowell - finished Dec 23
8. Til We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis - finished Dec 29
9. The philosopher at the end of the universe by Mark Rowlands - finished December 29
10. Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith - finished Dec 30

9hailelib
Redigerat: dec 24, 2010, 9:36 am

VIII. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works.

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March 6
2. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25
3. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh -Very short novel, more novella. - finished mid-April
4. Starbound by Joe Haldeman - May - abandoned
5. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith - June
6. Tales of O. Henry by O. Henry; publiished by Doubleday - finished in July
7. Cats! Cats! Cats! A Loving Look at Those Fabulous Felines by Mary Alice Loberg (ed.) - Finished July 14
8. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - finished September 16
9. Poetry for Cats by Henry Beard - finished mid-September
10. Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare - finished November 5

10hailelib
Redigerat: jan 1, 2011, 10:22 am

IX. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same.

1. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Started January 15 - finished July
2. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March
3. The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking - finished April 20
4. The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin - Finished May 31
5. The First Fossil Hunters by Adrienne Mayor - finished September 19
6. Empires of Time by Anthony Aveni - finished October 11
7. The World without Us - by Alan Weisman - finished November 24
8. Microcosm: E. Coli and the New Science of Life by Carl Zimmer - Finished November 29
9. Decoding the Heavens by Jo Marchant - Finished December 15
10. The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin - started about Nov 1

11hailelib
Redigerat: dec 21, 2010, 9:05 am

X. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (3), Language (2)

1. The Histories by Herodotus - started
2. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7
3. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished April 22
5. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris - finished May
6. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - finished mid-September
7. The Fires of Vesuvius by Mary Beard - finished September 21
8. The Life of Language by Sol Steinmetz and Barbara Ann Kipfer - finished December 10
9. Language in Danger by Andrew Darby - Finished December 18
10. Early times in the Cumberland Valley : from its beginnings to 1800 by James A. Crutchfield - finished December 20

12cmbohn
jan 5, 2010, 9:00 pm

Welcome to the challenge! And thanks for the reminder about pacing.

13hailelib
jan 7, 2010, 1:25 pm

1. Whodunit #1

Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle - begun around New Year's, set aside, picked up and finished January 6.

This debut mystery is a fairly good first attempt featuring the rare book restorer Brooklyn Wainwright trying to figure out who murdered her mentor Abraham during the opening of a book exhibition at the Covington Library. We meet some interesting characters and the mystery does get solved but, for me, the details about book restoration were mostly what kept me reading. While I will probably read the next installment in Brooklyn's adventures when I come across it, I won't be haunting the bookstores looking for it.

From the public library. 375 pages (large print)

14hailelib
jan 14, 2010, 9:46 am

2. Comfort Reads #1

Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney Finished January 13.

In the past, Mary Jo Putney has turned out one very good book after another. Several are books that I have reread more than once. Unfortunately this book was a bit of a disappointment. The main characters were not as compelling as they should have been and as coincidence piled on coincidence I was able to put the book aside for several days and finally finished only because this particular novel seems to be setting up a new series of Regency-era historicals. Since that is a favorite subgenre I hope the next book is more like the ones she used to write.

From the public library. 414 pages (large print)

15hailelib
jan 14, 2010, 10:05 am

Besides the two fiction books above I've also started a couple of long term reads. These are The Histories by Herodotus and The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics). I'll give each of these their own message later.

16hailelib
Redigerat: jan 15, 2010, 1:27 pm

3. Whodunit #2

Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance - finished January 14

This is the fourth book featuring Ali Reynolds and her family and friends in Sedona, Arizona. While remodeling her recently purchased home Ali runs into a major complication; the contractor's wife turns up brutally murdered and he's looking like the chief suspect to the local law enforcement officer. It's up to Ali and her family and friends to solve the crime and bring down a clever serial killer. Along the way her Mom starts carrying a Taser and she finally meets another recent returnee to Sedona, B. Simpson, computer genius and hacker extraordinaire who is a great help in ferreting out the essential information on the real killer. Recommended for fans of Jance's other mystery/suspense books set in Arizona.

From the public library. 340 pages.

17hailelib
Redigerat: jan 15, 2010, 1:45 pm

4. Next in Line #1

Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance - finished January 15

Book five of the Ali Reynolds series. This one moves back and forth between Sedona, Prescott, and Phoenix and takes place a few months after the previous book. Gordon Maxwell, the Sheriff of Yavapai County, asks Ali to become the temporary media consultant for his department during an investigation into the life of the recently suspended Media Relations Officer. Ali takes on the position, encounters intradepartmental politics which will hamper her in doing the job, and becomes involved in an investigation into the identity of a badly burned victim of arson. One of the themes explored is the importance of family ties and why one should try to mend any broken or badly dented ones. There are the usual subplots with her family and friends and towards the end a possible new romantic involvement for Ali. There's even an eventful helicopter ride. This series really should be read in order for maximum enjoyment and this installment is recommended.

From the public library. 357 pages.

18hailelib
jan 20, 2010, 5:18 pm

5. Next in Line #2

Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - Started Jan 14 & finished Jan 20.

This is one that I started months ago, put down, and somehow didn't pick up again. I did enjoy it this time once I got well into the story but I still prefer the Nursery Crime series to the Thursday Next. I will be reading more of Fforde however.

From the public library. 399 pages.

19hailelib
jan 23, 2010, 11:40 am

Several books to add:

6. Young at Heart #1

Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - Finished January 21

For all its length this book is a quick read, partly because it's YA and partly because I was interested in seeing how the story went. Paolini begins with a short synopsis of the two previous stories which was helpful as it had been a while since I read Eldest. While I can see why some reviewers think that cutting out at least a hundred pages would have improved the story, on the whole I enjoyed once again being in Eragon's world. Eragon and Saphira are still growing up and learning about themselves and others and still trying to fix past mistakes. While Galbatorix is still very powerful, by the end of the book they are beginning to see how he might be defeated. We also see a lot more of Roran as they rescue Katrina and Roran makes a place for himself among the Varden. I do want to continue to the end of the Inheritance Cycle but I don't really see myself rereading this series anytime soon.

From the public library. 747 pages.

20hailelib
jan 23, 2010, 11:50 am

7. Howling at the Moon #1

Dead Until Dark - finished January 22

The first in the Sookie Stackhouse series. Shortly after Bill, the new vampire in town, arrives in this small Louisiana town the bodies begin to pile up. However, autopsies show that they were not vampire killings and Sookie's brother becomes a suspect. Who's killing these women and why? Should Sookie get involved with Bill? After all she's not precisely a normal human herself! Good fun if you like vampire/paranormal books.

From the public library. 260 pages.

21hailelib
jan 23, 2010, 12:07 pm

8. Next in Line #3

The Mouse That Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22

I enjoyed this entry into the tales of the Count of Mountjoy and Grand Fenwick although it would probably have seemed funnier if I had read it years ago. It also helped that I had previously read at least two of the other books about Grand Fenwick's ventures into international diplomacy.

Grand Fenwick is a small, independent Duchy located in a fold in the Alps. Their access to the outside world is via France and hardly anyone has heard of them but the Duchy is the Guardian of the Q-bomb, the most powerful weapon in the world. When a looming oil shortage makes it impossible for the Prime Minister, Count of Mountjoy, to get a hot bath, he decides that Grand Fenwick must once more intervene in international politics and fix the Western economies. This is achieved in a most unlikely fashion. Fun and recommended for fans of Wibberley's books.

From the public library. 177 pages.

22hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 11:35 am

The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - started

I'll use this spot to keep up with my progress in reading the KJV.

Disclaimer: I'm not one who believes that history as given in the Bible is literally true so this edition, treating KJV as a great piece of literature, works for me.

January 24 - So far I have read the Preface, the Introduction (36 pages),"The Translators to the Reader" (19 pages), the Explanatory Notes thru Genesis (9 pages), looked at the maps, and read the Book of Genesis (from page 1 - 64 of The Old Testament). All in small print.

So far quite interesting even with all the begats filling whole chapters of Genesis. Reading it straight through reminds one that some of the stories are given in several versions and these versions don't always completely agree. It is easy to see that much of Genesis is arrived at by collecting important stories and genealogies from many, possibly oral, sources when the time came that a written version of the legendary history of the world and the Israelites was needed.

Genesis begins with the Creation stories and ends with the death of Joseph in Egypt.

February 9 - Finished Exodus and the notes on Exodus.

This book of the Bible begins with the growth of the people of Israel after the death of Joseph. They became so numerous that the Egyptians rulers put them to work and decreed that all male children born to them should die, Thus the legend of the birth and adoption of Moses. Moses flees after killing a man and takes as wife, a daughter of a priest of Midian. There God talks to him and sends him back to Egypt to engineer the release of the Israelites. There is a fair amount of repetition here concerning the people and the plagues but finally the Israelites leave Egypt via a miraculous crossing of the Red Sea. The wanderings in the wilderness commence with much complaining among the people even after the providing of manna. God gives the law to Moses and also directions for building the Tabernacle. These directions are very detailed and are repeated. Exodus ends with the completion of the Tabernacle.

February 25 Finished Leviticus and notes.

Many repetitions of the proper way to offer various sacrifices as well as other rules about what is clean and what is unclean (some of which actually make sense) and so forth.

March 27 Finished Numbers and notes.

Details of the census of the Tribes. This was basically a numbering of the 'able to fight in a war' males of tribes other than Levi and a counting of those able to serve the priests among the Levites.

Also the error of Aaron and then Moses which kept them from entering the Promised Land at the end of Israel's sojourn in the Wilderness.

23hailelib
Redigerat: feb 12, 2010, 11:36 am

The Histories by Herodotus

Progress so far:

January

All the introductory material finished.

Book One and notes.

A very readable mix of legend and fact. The theme is the early history of the Greeks and Persians and why they were enemies.

February

Book Two and notes - finished Feb 11

Herodotus wants to tell his audience about Cambyses and his invasion of Egypt. He spends Book Two telling us what is known about the geography and customs of Egypt. Some is what he has been told and some is what he saw for himself. Then we have the history of Egypt from legendary times to the reign of Amasis (570 to 526 B.C.)

24hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 11:41 am

Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell

January

Finished parts One and Two and began the section on the Greeks.

February

Finished section on the Greeks and began the section on the Romans and the beginnings of Christianity.

March

Finished this volume of The Masks of God

Part Four contained a lot of the history of Christianity and Islam that I was unfamiliar with and a lot that has surfaced in other reading. There was even a section that helped me understand a story I heard on NPR yesterday!

25hailelib
Redigerat: jan 28, 2010, 12:21 pm

9. Howling at the Moon #2

Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished Jan 24

The first in a series about Harry Dresden, Wizard, PI, and police consultant. Good enough for me to try the next in the series although I noticed a couple of fairly minor 'continuity' problems.

Harry makes an appointment with a new client who wants her husband's whereabouts investigated. He then gets a call from Lt. Murphy who is assigned the weird, possibly supernatural, cases that come to the attention of the police. She needs him to check out a recent murder scene pronto. The two cases lead Harry straight into danger from every direction including the threat of a death sentence from the White Council and the enmity of a local vampire. Butcher managed to put together an interesting alternate Chicago that I will visit again.

From the public library. 322 pages.

26hailelib
jan 28, 2010, 12:37 pm

10..Comfort Reads #2

Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26

Book One of the Dreamlight Trilogy which is part of the Arcane Society Trilogy. The next will be historical (Amanda Quick) and the third is planned as a futuristic taking place on Harmony (Jayne Castle). This was not as strong as some of the other Arcane Society stories and I did not feel that Dreamlight was very well explained. However for those already following this series we do learn more about Fallon and Nightshade so it probably should not be skipped. An evening's light entertainment.

From the public library. 348 pages.

27hailelib
Redigerat: jan 30, 2010, 1:53 pm

11. Howling at the Moon #3

Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - finished January 28

In some ways better than the first book in the series. With a lot of the main characters already established Ms. Harris was able to devote some time to Sookie's growing realization that Bill is really not human and she can't expect him to always react the way a human would. Sookie also meets another telepath, the vampires of Dallas, and more shapeshifters. Her investigation into the disappearance of a Dallas vampire has a few complications and Sookie sees that becoming a part of the supernatural world is definitely not going to be a piece of cake. If you enjoyed the first book in this series be sure to read Living Dead in Dallas.

From the public Library. 291 pages.

28hailelib
jan 30, 2010, 1:56 pm

Off challenge rereads:

1. Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle - Jan 29

2. Holiday in death by J. D. Robb - Jan 30

29hailelib
jan 31, 2010, 12:20 pm

12. Anything Goes #2

10-10-10- by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30

No good touchstone for the title.

This easy read is supposed to show you how to transform your life by making more thoughtful, better decisions about problems both large and small. This is done by considering the answers to three questions: If I do, don't do, this: What will be the consequences in 10 minutes? Ten months? Ten years? The answers should lead to insights into the best decision for your particular circumstances. Somehow Welch's explanation of the process and the successes people have had with this technique didn't inspire me. Yes, considering consequencies is a good thing. No, she didn't inspire me to start applying 10-10-10 in any consistent way to my own life. Only recommended for self-help junkies.

From the public library. 222 pages. 153.83

30hailelib
Redigerat: feb 5, 2010, 8:22 pm

13. Whodunits #3

100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander - finished February 4

This anthology was first published in 1981 so all of the stories are 30 or more years old. However I didn't notice them being particularly dated. Many were straight mysteries but a fair number verged on horror and most had a twist ending. For those who like short and short short stories a very nice collection. Recommended.

From the public library. 430 pages. 808.83

31hailelib
Redigerat: feb 5, 2010, 8:37 pm

14. Anything Goes #3

Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel - finished February 2

I checked this anthology out of the library because I've had generally good experience with these authors. However none of the stories were more than just barely acceptable. These writers usually pen historical romance and Putney is a favorite but fantasy of the dragon kind doesn't seem to be their thing.

From the public library. 373 pages.

32hailelib
Redigerat: feb 8, 2010, 11:01 am

15. Whodunits #4

The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh - finished February 7, 2010

The first book in a series with Gil Cunningham as the investigator. It's May Day, 1492 in Glasgow and Gil is watching the festivities and he not only meets Alys, daughter of the mason overseeing some building at St. Mungo's, but also sees the woman who was to be murdered and her murderer. Gil has been living with his uncle, Canon David Cunningham, and studying to practice law and become a priest. He's not overly enthusiastic about this future so welcomes the opportunity to investigate the crime. By the last chapter, Gil solves the murder and finds that the course of his life has changed.

I enjoyed this book as much for the period detail as for the story. We get something of the everyday life of the people of Glasgow and the way recent political events have affected them. For instance, Gil had been studying law in Paris but his family having picked the wrong side and perishing in battle, he is left with few funds and no lands. The only way to support himself seems to be the priesthood. There are also a number of Campbells and Stewarts about.

I enjoyed this mystery and its setting and will be looking for the next in the series. Recommended for those who like historical mysteries.

From the public library. 295 pages

33hailelib
feb 12, 2010, 11:47 am

16. Anything Goes #1

The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Finished Feb 10

This was the first book I started and the third finished for this category. It's one of those books that is best read in small pieces. After reading Crouse's book I know a lot of movies that I really don't want to see. But he did say why he felt they were worth spending some time with and he did convince me that some of the films he describes would be worth at least one viewing ether because of the movie itself or because of its place in film history. Recommended primarily for film buffs who find obscure facts about the movie business interesting.

From the public library. 254 pages. 791.43

34hailelib
feb 21, 2010, 9:39 am

17. Young at Heart #2

So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - finished February 15

Set in Australia in the mid-eighties, this first person narrative follows the experiences of 14 year old Marina after being transferred from a hospital to a new boarding school. The narrative is in the form of entries in a journal that her English teacher is requiring all his students to keep. Only gradually do we begin to see her and learn why she is at the school and why she doesn't speak. I began reading this book to see if it should be included on my school's shelves and soon found myself unable to put the book down as Marina learned to relate to those around her. The publication page indicates an interest level of 6th grade and up and I would recommend it for that age group.

From the CMS library. 119 pages.

35lkernagh
feb 21, 2010, 11:16 am

hailelib - So Much to Tell You sounds fascinating. I skimmed the on-line catalogue of my local library - founds lots by John Marsden, but not this particular book. Have you read any of his other works, and if so, are there any that you would recommend?

36hailelib
feb 21, 2010, 11:52 am

He was entirely new to me. This was apparently his first book, copyright 1987. It won a least a couple of awards according to the cover material.

37hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:39 am

18. Young at Heart #3

The Naming : The First Book of Pellinor also known as The Gift - by Alison Croggan - finished about Feb. 16

Good enough to immediately order Book Two from the library.

From the public library. 492 pages.

38hailelib
Redigerat: feb 21, 2010, 1:24 pm

Off-challenge rereads this week:

3. Dead Cert by Dick Francis

4. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

5. The Wizard of London by Mercedes Lackey

39hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:43 am

Comfort Reads #2

19. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon

OK, but I'm glad I didn't buy this. Pairs with Born of Night but for various reasons the continuity between the two is off. Futuristic romances that don't quite work.

From the public library. 540 pages.

40hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:47 am

Young at Heart #4

20. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20

More of Percy Jackson's adventures with some new characters introduced. What will happen when the time for the prophecy to be fulfilled comes? By the end of this installment Percy has a reprieve but there are obviously more dire happenings in his future.

From the public library. 312 pages.

41hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:35 am

I've gotten behind on posting these so brief catch-up remarks!

Comfort Reads #4

21. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - February

A pleasant minor effort from Ms. Roberts. This is part two of a four book series that chronicles the loves of four friends and gives us the story of Emmaline. Her passion is flowers so she is the florist, landscaper, etc. in the wedding business run by the friends. Now it's her turn to fall in love.

Recommended for fans of Roberts' early category romances

From the public library. 335 pages.

42hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:33 am

Whodunits #5

22. Fantasy in Death By J. d. Robb - February

This entry into the "...in Death" series begins with a scene with the victim rather than with Eve getting a call from Dispatch. A worthy entry but I did get the feeling of something different that I can't quite put my finger on. Maybe it's just that after so many years the author and the character have changed enough that there's a slightly different feel to the story. However many of the continuing characters make at least a brief appearance and we have a locked room mystery that puzzles our detective for some time. Fans should read this although the solution may be a bit fantastic for some.

From the public library. 356 pages

43hailelib
Redigerat: mar 8, 2010, 10:32 am

Next in Line #4

23. The Riddle: The Second Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - Finished February

Could have been YA but also a continuation of The Naming. Good enough that I will continue when I can get a copy of Book Three. Maera had further adventures in the frozen Northern lands and also grew up a bit as well as learning more about her powers and the mysterious riddle of the Treesong.

From the public library. 460 pages.

44hailelib
mar 8, 2010, 10:31 am

Young at Heart #5

23. Savvy by Ingrid Law - Finished February

Saw recommended on LT and so got from my public Library. A fun book aimed at young teens and preteens and a Newbery Honor Book. I enjoyed Mib's road trip and her learning just what her 'savvy' or 'extra power' really was. Recommended, especially for its target audience.

from the public library. 342 pages

45hailelib
Redigerat: mar 11, 2010, 10:34 am

Language and the Past

24. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7

By stretching my definition of history a bit I'm putting Harris' look at Hollywood and film history of the sixties into this category.

Pictures at a Revolution: Five Movies and the Birth of the New Hollywood took some getting into and the cast of characters was so vast that following the events depicted kept me on my toes. In the end this was a very interesting look at the change from the 'Old Hollywood' to the 'New Hollywood' in the mid-60's. Harris takes the five movies nominated for Best Picture for the Oscar's awarded in 1968 and follows them from their inception several years earlier to the Awards ceremony and its aftermath. The nominees were Bonnie and Clyde, Doctor Doolittle, The Graduate, Guess Who's Coming to Dinner, and In the Heat of the Night. We learn a lot of studio history and politics while following the way these movies were made. There's lot of how, why, who, and when and even a follow up of some of the major players. This was also the period when the old Production Code was under siege, leading to its replacement by an early version of our current rating system.

For anyone who is very interested in film history this should be an interesting read. Recommended.

From the public library. 426 pages with appendix and notes added. 791.43

46hailelib
Redigerat: mar 11, 2010, 11:12 am

Howling at the Moon #4

25. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper - March 9

This is one of Hooper's books featuring the Special Crimes Unit first published in 2006 and is Riley's story. I'm not sure how I missed reading it before now but it was definitely a new book for me. Not my favorite in the series but still enjoyable. The other members of SCU are very busy with high profile cases so Riley travels, unofficially, to the sleepy little town on Opal Island to check out an old friend's reports of strange, possibly occult happenings. Naturally, events quickly escalate and Riley isn't at all sure if anyone can be trusted. There is also no chance of help from Bishop and the rest of the team. All she is sure of is that she needs to stay on Opal Island ...

From the public library. 292 pages.

47hailelib
mar 11, 2010, 11:22 am

Short Stuff #1

26. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March

A slim but interesting little volume of stories for young children from the wizarding world of Harry Potter with commentary by Albus Dumbledore. This was a very fast read but I enjoyed it and thought the book was well done right down to the illustrations.

From the public library. 115 pages.

48hailelib
Redigerat: mar 28, 2010, 11:24 am

Next in Line #5

27. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristin Cast

This book was read for the back story as I have already read others in the series (last year). I will be looking for the next one that I have not read in order to continue this series.

From the public library. 320 pages

49hailelib
Redigerat: mar 28, 2010, 11:28 am

Howling at the Moon #5

28. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz

Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz and

Revelations by Melissa de la Cruz - finished about March 18

Since I read these one after the other, they will count as one book for my challenge. These books seem to be aimed at the upper end of the YA category and have an interesting version of vampires and how they came to exist. While the books caught my interest (otherwise I would have stopped at one) and I will be looking for the fourth book I don't think that they will ever merit rereading. One of the lead characters is nauseatingly self-centered and the many scenes about modeling and fashion are ones that I skim or even skip. Anyone who likes stories about vampires AND stories about the lifestyles of the super-rich should probably give the series a try.

All from the public library. YA collection. 960 pages

50hailelib
Redigerat: mar 28, 2010, 11:30 am

Catching up . See messages 48 and 49 for additional remarks.

29. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen - finished about Mar 20

A very interesting interweaving of an old fairy tale and the life of a Holocaust survivor. While my library has put this book in the YA section it is primarily for more mature teens and, of course, adults. After her grandmother's death, Becca realizes how little anyone knows about Gemma's life before she came to the US as a WWII refugee. Therefore she sets off on a quest trying to follow the few clues her family has. Finally, in Poland, Becca learns about the Chelmno death camp and the young Gemma's escape. These experiences were so traumatic for Becca's grandmother that later she could only refer to them through her repeated telling of her own version of Briar Rose. The reader gradually learns Gemma's version and how it relates to her life as Becca finds new information that she uses to weave the tapestry of her grandmother's life story.

From the public library. 224 pages

51hailelib
Redigerat: mar 28, 2010, 11:22 am

More catching up on finished but not posted books. I've read 'ahead' in some categories (fiction) and am lagging more than I should be in the mainly non-fiction categories as I went on a bit of a fiction binge in March.

Whodunits #6

30. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March

I'm still undecided about whether or not I liked this novel set in a small Irish town. Israel Armstrong must be one of the most incompetent, as well as reluctant, detectives ever created. Though the premise was interesting and there were a number of humorous incidents I never built up much sympathy or liking for israel or any of the other characters. Even so, something kept me reading and I might even read the next book in this series if I stumble across it.

From the public library. 326 pages.

52hailelib
mar 28, 2010, 11:20 am

A Scientific Bent #2 (Haven't actually finished #1 as yet, but I intend to continue with it!)

31. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March

A multi-disciplinary book that could have gone into other categories but I settled on this one. The library here has it as Dewey 303.4.

I very much much enjoyed Diamond's book about world history, how that state we call civilization came to be, and how environment affected the development of technology on the different continents. The question of why the Europeans came to dominate the world in the twentieth century turns out to have its roots in the prehistoric pasts of the various continents. The resources available in the various environments and the ability of people to trade goods and borrow ideas greatly influenced the rate at which they settled into villages and found themselves able to support craftsmen and, eventually, priests and kings and cities. If this subject interests you do have a lookk at this book. A relatively easy read with a long section of recommended further reading at the end.

From the public library. main text is 415 pages. 303.4

53hailelib
Redigerat: mar 29, 2010, 9:50 am

Language and the Past #3

32. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20

This book is a picture of English society during the reign of King James I of England (and VI of Scotland). While there is a great deal about the state of the Church of England, the various Protestant groups (especially the many varieties of Puritans), and the persecutions of any dissenters from majority opinion, mainly Nicholson tries to give us a snapshot of Jacobean society and how it informed the translation that eventually became the most accepted version of the Bible in England and North America. For anyone interested in Jacobean history or the history of the Bible as we have it today this is an interesting book. The author does include what is known about the translators and their methods and a bibliography for further reading.

Recommended.

This is a public library book. 263 pages with appendices. 220.5

54hailelib
mar 29, 2010, 10:26 am

Short Stuff #2

33. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25

For this book, I read the Introduction and the translation by Heaney without much attempt to 'get' the Old English version. The arrangement was nice with the original facing the translation and Heaney's version moved right along so that it was easy to stay with. While, decades ago, I had read the usual excerpts included in high school English lit texts somehow I had never attempted the whole thing. This is a great version and I would recommend it but be prepared for a heavy dose of 'the God of Christianity can do anything'.

From the public library. Introduction 29 pages. Poem 106 pages. 829.3

55hailelib
apr 1, 2010, 10:46 am

Young at Heart #6

34. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - finished about March 25

Book number four in the Percy Jackson series. Getting older and more experienced isn't making staying alive any easier for Percy. Navigating the Labyrinth is especially tricky and telling who is an ally and who isn't is really difficult for our young heroes. I enjoyed the new characters that were introduced as well as the return of old friends. Good fun for those already into this particular series.

From the public library. 361 pages.

56hailelib
apr 1, 2010, 11:07 am

Howling at the Moon #6

A bit of a strech for this category but I think magic can be allowed!

35. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished late March

I read this book straight through and enjoyed it well enough while I was reading. But after finishing my reaction was that some indefinable thing wasn't quite satisfactory about the story. Tessia has been assisting her Healer father for years and wants to become a Healer herself even though that is considered a role for men only. Then she discovers that she has Natural magic and the local magician, Lord Dakon, undertakes her training since an untrained Natural can be dangerous to themselves and others. A good start to the story but somehow it doesn't come together for me in the end. Still, Ms. Canavan's fans might give the book a try.

From the public library. 588 pages.

57hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 11:19 am

Whodunits #7

36. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (play) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29

This 'novel' was a very fast read and the solution was one I had toyed with before reaching the explanation but fans of Christie will most likely enjoy it. As the adaptation of a play it did read a bit like a novelization and much of the story was contained in the dialog with a lot of the action taking place offstage. That didn't detract from my enjoyment however and I could understand why several of her plays were very successful both on the stage and as movies.

From the public library. 196 pages.

58hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 12:02 pm

Summary of reading so far in 1010

I. Young at Heart: YA and possibly a book or two for younger children as well.

1. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - finished January 21
2. So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - February 15
3. The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - February 16
4. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20
5. Savvy by Ingrid Law February 23
6. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - about March 35

II. Whodunits: Mystery and suspense. Maybe even romantic suspense. (I'm keeping the categories a bit broad.)

1. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
2. Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance
3. 100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander
4. The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh
5. Fantasy in Death by J. D, Robb - finished March 1
6. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March
7. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (screenplay) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29

III. Comfort Reads: Novels from favorite authors in any genre.

1. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney _ started Jan 3 - finished 13
2. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26
3. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Finished February 18
4. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - finished Feb 26
5.

IV. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

1. Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance
2. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - started Jan 14; finished January 20
3. The Mouse that Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22
4. The Riddle by Alison Croggan - finished February 22
5. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast

V. Howling at the Moon - Mostly paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - finished January 22
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished January 24
3. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Finished January28
4. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
5. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz - finished March 8 (Also includes Masquerade and Revelations)
6. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished about March 27

VI. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

1, The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Started
2. 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30
3. Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel
4. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen March 2010
5.

VII. The Inner Life - A mix of religion (1), philosophy (3), mythology (5), and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible.

1. The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - started - see Message 22
2. Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell - started Jan 16 - finished March 30
3.
4.
5.

VIII. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works.

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March 6
2. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25
3.
4.
5.

IX. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same.

1. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Started January 15
2. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March
3.
4.
5.

X. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (2), Language (3)

1. The Histories by Herodotus - started
2. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7
3. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20
4.
5.

59hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 12:12 pm

At around message 44 misnumbered so actually at 37 books read.

Also finished Occidental Mythology which is book 38. See message 24.

60hailelib
Redigerat: apr 1, 2010, 1:26 pm

Off challenge rereads:

1. Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle - Jan 29

2. Holiday in death by J. D. Robb - Jan 30

3. Dead Cert by Dick Francis

4. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

5. The Wizard of London by Mercedes Lackey

61hailelib
apr 3, 2010, 2:40 pm

Young at Heart #7

39. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac - Finished about Mar 30

This book went quickly, partly because it is a YA book but also because it was a novel about a subject that interests me and is written in an interesting style. Ned Begay is telling the story of his medal to the Grandchildren, starting at the very beginning when he was a small boy of six years. His family was sending him to the mission school to learn English and the white men's ways. There he became Ned Begay instead of Kii Yazhi. When sixteen, the young man left school to enlist in the Marines for a special duty only for the Navajo. Although Ned Begay, our narrator, is fictional most of the other marines in this story of the Code Talkers work were real. Bruchac got much of his information from the remaining Code Talkers themselves and he gives us many details about both the Navajo experience and the war in the Pacific.

Recommended.

From the public library. 230 pages. historical fiction

62hailelib
apr 4, 2010, 10:56 am

Anything Goes #5

40. Animal,Vegetable,Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver - finshed April 2

Ms. Kingsolver and her family embark an a year-long experiment to see if they could 'eat locally' by growing their own food (including the Thanksgiving turkey) and found that this is indeed possible with some changes in what they eat. Not only did they spend considerably less money and eat healthier meals and snacks but the family's food 'footprint' was considerably smaller than the national average. An inspiring and fun book which also brought back memories of gardens past.. I will be checking out our local farmer's markets and pick your own places when they open.

63hailelib
apr 11, 2010, 1:56 pm

Some short entries since I'm way behind...

Anything Goes #6

41. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi - finished toward end of March

From the Public library. 180 pages. 641.5954

42. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - finished early April

From the Public Library. 342 pages

64hailelib
apr 11, 2010, 2:58 pm

Next in line #6

43. Street Game by Christine Feehan - finished early April

From my own shelves. 423 pages.

Next in Line #7

44. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - finished early April

From the public library. 287 pages

65hailelib
Redigerat: apr 11, 2010, 3:16 pm

Whodunits #8

45. The Nicholas Feast by Pat McIntosh - finished about April 5

From the public library. 325 pages.

Next in Line #8

46. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - Finished about April 6

from the public library. 378 pages

66hailelib
apr 11, 2010, 4:02 pm

Comfort Reads #5

47. Wild Ride - by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer - finished about April 8

from the public library. 351 pages.

Young at Heart #8

48. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - finished April 10

From the public library. 377 pages

67hailelib
apr 21, 2010, 9:54 am

Again, no time to write up my books properly, so I'll just list them quickly.

Young at heart - YA #9

49. Into the Wild : Warriors by Erin Hunter - mid-April

public library - 272 pages

Anything Goes #7

50. Snow by Tracy Lynn - mid-April

public library. 259 pages

Whodunits #9

51. Shakespeare's Champion by Charlaine Harris - mid-April

public library 206 pages

Short Stuff #3

52. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh -Very short novel, more novella. - finished mid-April

public library. 190 small pages

Next in Line #9

53. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris -mid-April

Public library. 292 pages

A Scientific Bent #3

54. The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking - finished April 20

Public library. 201 pages. 530.12

68hailelib
apr 23, 2010, 9:00 am

Language and the Past #4

55. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished April 22

While I understand why the library has this book classified as it does I read it as biography/memoir. Of course it is also about Africa, learning to make do with what one has, and, even more importantly, never giving up. William is an inspiration to us all and I found this book hard to put down once I was well into it. If you find the other reviews here on LT for The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind intriging then by all means search out this book. Recommended.

From the public library. 270 pages. 363.61

69hailelib
Redigerat: apr 23, 2010, 9:09 am

Comfort Reads #6

56. Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - Finished April 22

A quick read by an author who is rapidly becoming a favorite. Lily Bard is returning home for her sister's wedding and dreading the whole experience. Naturally, not long after her arrival, there are bodies and a mystery as well as the current lover (and PI) coming to town following clues from an eight year old child abduction. A satisfying light read that would also fit the mystery category.

From the public library. 209 pages.

70hailelib
maj 1, 2010, 11:09 am

Howling at the Moon #8

57. Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - finished April 23

An Ok entry in the Riley Jenson series.

from the public library. 352 pages.

71hailelib
maj 1, 2010, 11:24 am

Young at Heart #10

58. My Daniel by Pam Conrad - April 23

I read this after seeing the movie (on video) and found that I liked both even though there were definitely changes in the story for the movie. Both are family friendly but I have a slight preference for the movie.

From the public library. 135 pages

72hailelib
Redigerat: maj 20, 2010, 1:18 pm

Need to do some catching up here.

Rereading first: lots of that due to needing light entertainment after days of dealing withh the flood in Nashville and its impact on my Dad (by phone, fax, etc. from South Carolina).

6. Family Man by Jayne Ann Krentz

7. Wait Until Midnight by Amanda Quick

8. Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb

9. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper

10. Hiding in the Shadows by Kay Hooper

11.Out of the Shadows by Kay Hooper

12. Touching Evil by Kay Hooper

13.Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper

14. Something in the Air Emma Lathan

15. Right on the Money by Emma Lathen

16. East is East by Emma Lathen

73hailelib
Redigerat: maj 20, 2010, 1:40 pm

For the Challenge:

Comfort Reads #7

59. Blood Ties by Kay Hooper - Early May

From the public library. 320 pages

Language and rhe Past #5

60. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris - mid-May

A very good book chosen because of the strong recommendation on another challenge thread.

From the public library. 553 pages plus extensive notes and bibliography. 973.91'1

74hailelib
maj 20, 2010, 1:58 pm

More challenge reads:

Whodunits #10

61. An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters

From the public library. 219 pages

Next in Line #10

62. Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris

From the public library. 243 pages

Anything goes #8

63. A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris

From the public library. 198 pages

75hailelib
maj 21, 2010, 12:26 pm

Short Stuff #4

64. Starbound by Joe Haldeman - May - abandoned

Decided I could include one or two abandoned books as long as I gave them a good chance.

Haldeman's book is written in a style that just doesn't work for me. Also it appears to be headed in an unsatisfactory direction. (I did peek at the ending.) Very much doubt that I will ever attempt to finish Starbound as there are so many others I'm more interested in. Read 143 of 291 pages.

From the public library. 143 pages read.

76hailelib
Redigerat: maj 24, 2010, 8:13 am

New Category: Bonus Mystery, Suspense, Paranormal

1. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris - May 2010

The first book that I've read in the series featuring Harper Connelly and her stepbrother Tolliver Lang. I enjoyed this book with its somewhat novel version of a paranormal 'talent', the relationship Harper has with her brother, and the mystery they become involved in while demonstrating Harper's abilities to a group of college students. Though not the first book in the series it was easy enough to follow that I didn't feel hampered by not having read Grave Sight first. Others in this series are definitely on my TBR list.

From the public library. 295 pages.

2. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris - May 2010

The second book and the first I've read in the Aurora Teagarden series by Harris. While this wasn't one of my favorite books by the author it was definitely good enough to read more of Roe's adventures. She begins her year by attending the wedding of an ex-boyfriend, then the wedding of her mother. Next comes the funeral of an elderly friend. Imagine Roe's surprise when she inherits a substantial estate from said friend as well as a mystery to solve. The book was entertaining and I would recommend it to Harris's fans, especially if they enjoy cozies.

From the public library. 262 pages.

77hailelib
maj 28, 2010, 11:49 am

Rereads:

17. Obsidian Prey - grabbed this one cause I needed something fairly mindless last night.

18. White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz -finished late May.

Will probably reread al the 'Arcane Society' novels before the next one shows up at the library

78hailelib
Redigerat: maj 31, 2010, 3:18 pm

Comfort Reads #8

65. Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - finished late May

The second in the Dreamlight Trilogy as well as a historical romantic suspense novel from the Arcane Society series. While this could probably be read as a stand alone it would work better if read in the proper sequence with the others about the Arcane Society. Set in late Victorian London, Griffin Winters needs to find the missing Burning Lamp and a Dreamlight reader to help him control the powers connected to the lamp. Enter Adelaide Pyne and the odd artifact she acquired over a decade earlier...

Recommended mostly for its continuance of the series and for the appearance of Jones & Jones.

From the public library. 330 pages.

79hailelib
Redigerat: maj 31, 2010, 3:16 pm

Comfort Reads #9

66. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris - Finished late May

I could probably have had a category just for books by Harris!

This is the fourth book in the Sookie Stackhouse series which I am trying to read in order. Bill and Sookie are still on the outs and he has gone to Peru to collect some information for a database he has been working on. One night as she returns home from work she finds a lost and confused vampire by the side of the road. It turns out to be Eric and his memory has been erased by a witch's spell. So we are introduced to another group of Supernaturals in Sookie's world, see some returning characters (Bubba is as clueless as usual) and follow Sookie and her allies thru another set of 'Are we going to get out of this alive?' adventures. I'm looking forward to entry #5.

From the public library. 291 pages

80hailelib
maj 31, 2010, 3:34 pm

Comfort Reads #10

67. A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters. Finished May 30

An OK entry in the Amelia Peabody series. Ms. Peters has gone back in time again inserting this adventure between the events of Guardian of the Horizon and The Falcon at the Portal. Most of the adventuring belongs to Ramses and David but Peabody, Emerson, and Nefret have their shares in solving the mystery of what Morley is up to in his rather amateur dig in Palestine and where Plato Panagopolous fits into things. Along the way we see some of the sights of Jerusalem and meet the mysterious Sons of Abraham.

Fans of the recent Amelia Peabody books should pick this one up.

From the public library. 307 pages. The hardcover has endpaper maps.

81hailelib
maj 31, 2010, 4:31 pm

Anything Goes #9

68. Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs - late May

I've enjoyed every book I've read by Patricia Briggs and this fantasy adventure was no exception. I'll definitely be looking for the sequel Raven's Strike.

A Traveler and a Raven Order mage, Seraph loses most of her family to plague and her brother to a fearful mob who are afraid of Traveler magic. Saved by Tier, an ex-soldier returning home after years of war, she goes on to build a new life as a farmer's wife with him. But fate calls her back to her Traveler heritage when Tier goes missing and is presumed dead. Seraph investigates and finds evidence that Tier was kidnapped and taken to the city of Taela. Accompanied by her sons and another Raven , Seraph sets off to rescue Tier and discover the source of the evil that is now abroad in the land.

From my own shelves. 332 pages.

82hailelib
Redigerat: maj 31, 2010, 4:47 pm

A Scientific Bent #4

69. The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin - Finished May 31

Although intended for the lay reader, the first two-thirds of this book, covering the details of the various versions of string theory, were rather slow going and I kept putting the book down for a few days or even weeks. However, I am glad that I kept on trying as the last part of Smolin's book was worth the effort. Here he explains a bit about his philosophy of science and what he thinks science is, how it should work, and how it really works, especially in academia. He also gives a few ideas about how to make science, particularly theoretical physics, work better. Recommended for those who have read enough about string theory to be able to follow the first parts of the book without too much trouble.

From the public library. 370 pages including the introduction. 530.14

83hailelib
jun 2, 2010, 1:36 pm

Rereads

19. Sizzle & Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz - June 2 - More Arcane Society

84hailelib
jun 19, 2010, 3:23 pm

Reread

20. Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters Mid-June

Started one evening after a particularly bad day in Dad's house. Still fun to read as our heroine finds all kinds of trouble on her way to her summer job in Scotland.

I'm way behind posting as I've been in Nashville trying to cope with my Dad's house and the aftermath of the flood/storm of May1 & 2. While I've done some reading there were two weeks without internet access!

85cmbohn
jun 19, 2010, 6:20 pm

I tried The Trouble With Physics this year and couldn't make it all the way through. It wasn't the writing - he was very clear - it was the ideas. I just couldn't get my head around the concepts. I did make it pretty far, so I wasn't too discouraged by not finishing it. I will give it another try in a couple more years. It's funny how physics was the one high school subject I just couldn't seem to understand, but it's one I still enjoy reading now.

Sorry about the mess in Tennessee. That's where my in-laws are from and they escaped the worst of it, but the place where they used to live was really affected.

86hailelib
jun 19, 2010, 10:14 pm

Even though it's a major pain right now, the fact that there was a lot of damage and his granddaughter, who was acting as caregiver, lost her living space, meant we were able to get him to move to an assisted living facility. Dad was resisting the move even though his doctor had told him it was past time.

I have a decades old degree in physics but have used it so little in recent years that The Trouble with Physics was not a particularly easy book but I am glad I read it.

87hailelib
jun 28, 2010, 7:42 pm

A quick list of books I've read in June:

Howling at the Moon #9

70. Living with the Dead by Kelly Armstrong - Finished early June

From my own shelves. 540 pages.

Anything goes #10

71. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes - finished June

May move to 'A Scientific Bent'

From the public library. about 600 pages. 613.283

Short Stuff #5

72. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith - Finished June

short and funny

from the public library. 120 pages

88hailelib
jun 28, 2010, 7:53 pm

Off challenge reads in June

For the bonus Mystery, etc. category:

3. Booked to Die by John Dunning

4. The Mind Readers by Margery Allingham

5. An Owl Too Many by Charlotte MacLeod

6. The Christie Caper by Carolyn G. Hart

Other Bonus Books

1. Deep in the Heart by Sharon Sala

2. The Food of a Younger Land by Mark Kurlansky (ed.) Library

3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Library

4. The name of the Cat by Barbara Holland

5. This Scepter'd Isle by Mercedes Lackey

89hailelib
jun 30, 2010, 5:30 pm

Another bonus mystery that I am pretty sure is not a reread:

7. The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod

OK, but I can see why I quit reading these. This particular one features Max Bittersohn and Sarah Kelling.

90hailelib
jul 9, 2010, 2:59 pm

More bonus books:

6. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

7. Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey

91hailelib
jul 13, 2010, 12:51 pm

Bonus books:

Mystery/suspense:

8. The Dream Walker by Charlotte Armstrong

Others:

8. Never Less than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney

92hailelib
jul 13, 2010, 1:04 pm

Short Stuff #6

73. Tales of O. Henry by O. Henry. finished July 12.

I've been reading this for about a month now and I only recognized 2 or 3 of the 62 stories included in this collection. Most were interesting although the twists were pretty mild. The stories do throw some light on the lives of Americans a hundred plus years ago. Recommended, if read in small doses, especially for those who enjoy short stories.

93hailelib
Redigerat: okt 3, 2010, 11:46 am

Summary of reading so far in 1010

I. Young at Heart: YA and possibly a book or two for younger children as well.

1. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - finished January 21
2. So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - February 15
3. The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - February 16
4. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20
5. Savvy by Ingrid Law February 23
6. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - about March 35
7. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac - Finished about Mar 30
8. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - finished April 10
9. Into the Wild : Warriors by Erin Hunter - mid-April
10. My Daniel by Pam Conrad - April 23

II. Whodunits: Mystery and suspense. Maybe even romantic suspense. (I'm keeping the categories a bit broad.)

1. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
2. Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance
3. 100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander
4. The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh
5. Fantasy in Death by J. D, Robb - finished March 1
6. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March
7. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (screenplay) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29
8. The Nicholas feast by Pat McIntosh - finished about April 5
9. Shakespeare's Champion by Charlaine Harris - mid-April
10. An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters - mid-May

III. Comfort Reads: Novels from favorite authors in any genre.

1. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney _ started Jan 3 - finished 13
2. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26
3. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Finished February 18
4. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - finished Feb 26
5. Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer -- finished about April 8
6. Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - Finished April 22
7. Blood Ties by Kay Hooper - finished May
8. Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - Finished late May
9. Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris - Finished lzte May
10. A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters - Finished May 30

IV. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

1. Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance
2. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - started Jan 14; finished January 20
3. The Mouse that Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22
4. The Riddle by Alison Croggan - finished February 22
5. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast
6. Street Game by Christine Feehan - finished early April
7. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - finished early April
8. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - finished about April 6
9. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris -mid-April
10. Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris - mid-May

V. Howling at the Moon - Mostly paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - finished January 22
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished January 24
3. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Finished January28
4. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
5. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz - finished March 8 (Also includes Masquerade and Revelations)
6. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished about March 27
7. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - finished early April
8. Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - finished April 23
9. Living with the Dead by Kelly Armstrong - finished June

VI. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

1, The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Started
2. 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30
3. Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel
4. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen March 2010
5. Animal,Vegetable,Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver - finshed April 2
6. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi - finished end of March
7. Snow by Tracy Lynn - mid-April
8. A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris - mid-May
9. Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs - finished late May
10. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes - finished June

VII. The Inner Life - A mix of religion (1), philosophy (3), mythology (5), and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible.

1. The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - started - see Message 22
2. Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell - started Jan 16 - finished March 30
3.
4.
5.

VIII. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works.

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March 6
2. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25
3. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh -Very short novel, more novella. - finished mid-April
4. Starbound by Joe Haldeman - May - abandoned
5. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith - June
6. Tales of O. Henry by O. Henry; publiished by Doubleday - finished in July

IX. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same.

1. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Started January 15
2. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March
3. The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking - finished April 20
4. The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin - Finished May 31

X. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (2), Language (3)

1. The Histories by Herodotus - started
2. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7
3. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished April 22
5. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris - finished May

94hailelib
Redigerat: jul 13, 2010, 2:10 pm

Off challenge rereads:

1. Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle - Jan 29

2. Holiday in death by J. D. Robb - Jan 30

3. Dead Cert by Dick Francis

4. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon

5. The Wizard of London by Mercedes Lackey

6. Family Man by Jayne Ann Krentz

7. Wait Until Midnight by Amanda Quick

8. Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb

9. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper

10. Hiding in the Shadows by Kay Hooper

11.Out of the Shadows by Kay Hooper

12. Touching Evil by Kay Hooper

13.Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper

14. Something in the Air Emma Lathan

15. Right on the Money by Emma Lathen

16. East is East by Emma Lathen

17. Obsidian Prey - grabbed this one cause I needed something fairly mindless last night.

18. White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz -finished late May.

19. Sizzle & Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz - June 2 - More Arcane Society

20. Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters Mid-June

95hailelib
jul 13, 2010, 2:12 pm

New Category: Bonus Mystery, Suspense, Paranormal

1. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris - May 2010

2. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris - May 2010

3. Booked to Die by John Dunning

4. The Mind Readers by Margery Allingham

5. An Owl Too Many by Charlotte MacLeod

6. The Christie Caper by Carolyn G. Hart

7. The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod

8. The Dream Walker by Charlotte Armstrong

96hailelib
jul 13, 2010, 2:14 pm

Other Bonus Books

1. Deep in the Heart by Sharon Sala

2. The Food of a Younger Land by Mark Kurlansky (ed.) Library

3. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Library

4. The name of the Cat by Barbara Holland

5. This Scepter'd Isle by Mercedes Lackey

6. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith

7. Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey

8. Never Less than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney

97hailelib
jul 15, 2010, 7:49 am

Short Stuff #7

74. Cats! Cats! Cats! A Loving Look at those Fabulous Felines by Mary Alice Loberg (ed.)

A slim collection of poetry and prose about those cats who have walked through the lives of the authors. Ranging from Christopher Morley to Kipling to Ogden Nash, I enjoyed this litte volume and loved the illustrations. For all cat lovers.

From my own shelves. 820.8 59 pages

98hailelib
Redigerat: aug 2, 2010, 11:47 am

A Scientific Bent #4 (although numbered as 1)

75. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Finished in July -- finally!

I had been reading this off and on since January. While interesting, some of the geometry of the early writers on the subject was hard to follow. It was interesting how long in took people to figure out the causes and the correct optics for forming a rainbow. Not only was progress in fits and starts but various writers on the subject kept reverting to earlier and erroneous ideas, in particular, those of the Greeks.

Recommended for those with an interest in the history of science and, in particular, the history of optics.

From my own shelves. 316 pages plus notes. 551.5

99hailelib
aug 2, 2010, 12:12 pm

Other bonus books

9. The Unusual Suspects - Book II of The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley -Finished July

A fair sequel but ends on a real cliffhanger with Sabrina in a very bad situation.

From my own shelves.

100hailelib
sep 19, 2010, 2:04 pm

Way behind again so short posts to catch up.

Bonus Mystery,suspense,paranormal:

9. Crossfire by Dick Francis and Felix Francis

10. Midnight Crystal by Jayne Castle

Other Bonus:

10. Over on the Dry Side by Louis L'Amour

101hailelib
sep 22, 2010, 9:56 am

Short Stuff #8

76. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch -finished September

This little book wasn't quite what I expected but I did find it to be quick to read as well as interesting. Pausch tries to give the reader some insight into how to live a full and satisfactory life. His main purpose here was not to just say goodbye to family, friends, and co-workers but to leave his children something of himself.

From my own shelves. 206 {small} pages. 004.0928

102hailelib
sep 22, 2010, 10:12 am

Short Stuff #9

77. Poetry for Cats by Henry Beard - finished September

Amusing little book of feline poetry featuring items like 'Vet, Be Not Proud' by John Donne's Cat. Clever and funny, especially when read aloud. Has some good illustrations.

From my own shelves. 87 pages 811.54

103hailelib
sep 24, 2010, 9:16 am

Language and the Past #6

78. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - finished mid-September

A quick read with some good photos illustrating the various chapters. This book not only gives us some insight into just who Harry and Bess Truman were but gives the reader a very nice snapshot of the United States in the early fifties. The author's own adventures while following the route of the Truman's road trip helped point out what has and hasn't changed over the last half century.

From the public library. 231 pages. 973.918

104hailelib
sep 25, 2010, 10:51 am

Language and the Past #7

79. The Fires of Vesuvius by Mary Beard - finished September 21

A very interesting but somewhat dense book about everyday life in Pompeii in the years before the eruption of 79 CE. Bread explores the history of the city back to its beginnings in the sixth century BCE through its place in the Roman Empire at the time of its destruction. She also points out that we are not really seeing Pompeii as it would have been on a normal day in 79 CE. The inhabitants did have some warning and many had evacuated, taking much of their possessions with them. Also, there is evidence of digging and removal of valuables by locals and, perhaps, looters in the period following the eruption. Recommended for anyone interested in everyday life in the Roman Empire. Well illustrated with drawings and photos.

From the public library. 316 pages with list for further reading. 937.725

105hailelib
sep 25, 2010, 11:18 am

A Scientific Bent #5

80. The First Fossil Hunters by Adrienne Mayor- finished mid-September

I really enjoyed reading this book about the reactions of ancient Mediterranean peoples (especially the Greeks) to the large mammalian fossils that apparently littered the landscape. Many of these fossils were collected, measured, and often displayed in the temples and other public buildings. Explanations for them were incorporated into myths and hero tales with the ancient heroes being of larger stature than modern humans and fighting giants and monsters of all kinds. A fascinating look at how the Greeks and their neighbors explained the mysterious fossils from prehistoric times.

From the public library. main text 251 pages plus foreword,appendices, and notes. 560

106hailelib
sep 27, 2010, 10:17 am

More Bonus

1. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith September 24

A good book but I think that I like those in The No. 1 Ladies' detective Agency series better.

From my own shelves. 259 pages.

107hailelib
Redigerat: okt 2, 2010, 9:21 am

In the past two months I've done a lot of rereading (needed something easy as I was mostly sick in bed) which was mostly Dick Francis, Jayne Ann Krentz, and J.D. Robb. Now that I'm recovering I've been getting back into my challenge books. Still plenty of time to finish if I don't digress too often.

108hailelib
Redigerat: okt 2, 2010, 9:39 am

Howling at the moon #10

81. Waking the Witch by Kelly Armstrong - finished September 30

The latest installment of 'Women of the Otherworld' series. Savannah Levine, now that she is 21, thinks she's all grown up and ready to tackle an investigation on her own. However she still has a lot to learn...

This is only a so-so installment in the series and I was a bit disappointed that the book ended on something of a cliffhanger for Savannah. Still, we did catch a glimpse of some of the continuing characters from the Otherworld, especially Adam.

from the public library. 308 pages.

109hailelib
okt 2, 2010, 12:45 pm

The Inner Life #3

82. Tales From the Thousand and One Nights translated by N. J. Dawood = finished September 30

I had never read any versions of these stories except those which had been retold for children. Thus, even the tales of Sindbad and Aladdin were somewhat new to me. I've no way of knowing how this translation stacks up to others but I did find it easy and interesting to read. A good introduction to a classic of world literature and to the folklore and legends of the Arabic peoples.

From my own shelves. 401 pages. 398.2

110hailelib
Redigerat: okt 3, 2010, 12:00 pm

Summary of books read for the challenge so far in 1010

I. Young at Heart: YA and possibly a book or two for younger children as well.

1. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - finished January 21
2. So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - February 15
3. The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - February 16
4. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20
5. Savvy by Ingrid Law February 23
6. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - about March 35
7. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac - Finished about Mar 30
8. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - finished April 10
9. Into the Wild : Warriors by Erin Hunter - mid-April
10. My Daniel by Pam Conrad - April 23

II. Whodunits: Mystery and suspense. Maybe even romantic suspense. (I'm keeping the categories a bit broad.)

1. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
2. Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance
3. 100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander
4. The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh
5. Fantasy in Death by J. D, Robb - finished March 1
6. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March
7. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (screenplay) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29
8. The Nicholas feast by Pat McIntosh - finished about April 5
9. Shakespeare's Champion by Charlaine Harris - mid-April
10. An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters - mid-May

III. Comfort Reads: Novels from favorite authors in any genre.

1. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney _ started Jan 3 - finished 13
2. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26
3. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Finished February 18
4. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - finished Feb 26
5. Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer -- finished about April 8
6. Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - Finished April 22
7. Blood Ties by Kay Hooper - finished May
8. Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - Finished late May
9. Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris - Finished lzte May
10. A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters - Finished May 30

IV. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

1. Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance
2. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - started Jan 14; finished January 20
3. The Mouse that Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22
4. The Riddle by Alison Croggan - finished February 22
5. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast
6. Street Game by Christine Feehan - finished early April
7. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - finished early April
8. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - finished about April 6
9. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris -mid-April
10. Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris - mid-May

V. Howling at the Moon - Mostly paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - finished January 22
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished January 24
3. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Finished January28
4. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
5. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz - finished March 8 (Also includes Masquerade and Revelations)
6. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished about March 27
7. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - finished early April
8. Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - finished April 23
9. Living with the Dead by Kelly Armstrong - finished June
10. Waking the Witch by Kelly Armstrong - Finished September 30

VI. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

1, The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Started
2. 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30
3. Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel
4. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen March 2010
5. Animal,Vegetable,Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver - finshed April 2
6. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi - finished end of March
7. Snow by Tracy Lynn - mid-April
8. A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris - mid-May
9. Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs - finished late May
10. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes - finished June

VII. The Inner Life - A mix of religion (1), philosophy (3), mythology (5), and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible.

1. The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - started - see Message 22
2. Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell - started Jan 16 - finished March 30
3. Tales from the Thousand and One Nights translated by N. J. Dawood - finished September 30
4.
5.

VIII. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works.

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March 6
2. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25
3. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh -Very short novel, more novella. - finished mid-April
4. Starbound by Joe Haldeman - May - abandoned
5. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith - June
6. Tales of O. Henry by O. Henry; published by Doubleday - finished in July
7. Cats! Cats! Cats! A Loving Look at Those Fabulous Felines by Mary Alice Loberg (ed.) - Finished July 14
8. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - finished September 16
9. Poetry for Cats by Henry Beard - finished mid-September

IX. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same.

1. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Started January 15
2. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March
3. The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking - finished April 20
4. The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin - Finished May 31
5. The First Fossil Hunters by Adrienne Mayor - finished September 19

X. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (2), Language (3)

1. The Histories by Herodotus - started
2. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7
3. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished April 22
5. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris - finished May
6. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - finished mid-September
7. The Fires of Vesuvius by Mary Beard - finished September 21

111hailelib
Redigerat: okt 3, 2010, 12:38 pm

The Inner Life #4

83. The Egyptian Gods and Goddesses by Clive Barrett - finished October 4

A short, easily read book. Barrett begins with a concise history of Egypt and then gives a short explanation of each deity (many with only one page of text) including their origin, major centers of worship, and relationships to the other gods. What makes the book stand out are the many drawings by Barrett that give the reader a feel for life in ancient Egypt.
This volume would be an excellent quick reference on the subject.

from my own shelves. 163 pages. 299.31

112hailelib
okt 10, 2010, 11:42 am

More rereading, including some Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh.

More bonus

2. Frostbitten by Kelly Armstrong - finished Oct 8

Elena and Clay make a little relationship progress while investigating some odd occurrences in Alaska. Fairly good entry into the Otherworld series.

113hailelib
okt 11, 2010, 2:50 pm

A Scientific Bent #6

84. Empires of Time by Anthony F. Aveni - finished October 11.

As the subtitle says, this is a book about calendars, clocks, and cultures. Aveni is both an astronomer and an anthropologist and has studied pre-Columbian cultures extensively. The central part of the book explains where our Western European calendars and methods of keeping time came from and then examines the way other cultures such as the Maya developed their calendars and how they experienced time. A good and readable book for those interested in the subject. Well illustrated.

From my own shelves. 340 pages plus notes. 529

114hailelib
Redigerat: okt 25, 2010, 10:56 am

Some rereading:

Bonecrack by Dick Francis - one of the few I skipped over earlier this year.

Vintage Francis with a copyright date of 1971. Neil Griffon has returned to Rowley Lodge to look after the training stables while his father is in the hospital with a badly broken leg. The story opens when two thugs kidnap him and take him to their boss, Enso Rivera. Rivera tells Neil that he will take on Enso's son as the lead jockey for Rowley Lodge or else the stable and its business will be destroyed. Among other themes the novel explores father-son relationships, especially dysfunctional ones. I would rate this particular book as being about middling quality for Francis and would recommend it, especially for Francis fans.

from my own shelves. 180 pages with a map of Newmarket.

Where There's a Will by Rex Stout

This was very much like reading a book for the first time as I remembered almost nothing about the plot.

It's summer in the city (not long before WWII comes to the US) and Wolfe's business is in a bit of a slump. So when three sisters bring him a case concerning their brother's rather odd will Archie persuades Wolfe to consider taking it on. Then comes the news that the brother was in fact murdered and Wolfe finds that he will have to solve that as well. One of the rare books where Nero Wolfe actually leaves his home in order to investigate. I enjoyed this mystery and would recommend it.

from my own shelves. 156 pages.

115hailelib
Redigerat: okt 27, 2010, 2:33 pm

bonus fiction

3. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith Finished mid-October

Third in the series about Precious Ramotswe and her detective agency. We have some further developments in the lives of the main characters. Mma Makutsi takes on the responsibility of running Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and also solves her own 'case' while J.L.B. Matekoni is indisposed and Mma Ramotswe is away on another investigation. While mysteries are solved the most interesting parts of the book are those dealing with the lands and people of Botswana. One theme here seems to be the way modern ideas are causing less respect for the traditional ways.

This is an enjoyable book and I am looking forward to continuing the series.

From the public library. 225 pages.

4. Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis - finished Oct. 20

I really enjoyed Silver Pigs by Davis. This was my introduction to Falco and his family and friends. Not sure whether it was the characters or the settings (Rome and Britain) that got my attention but I intend to read more of this series.

Recommended for those who like books set in the Roman Empire and who like a good historical mystery.

From my own shelves. 241 pages. Maps and list of Characters.

5. How to Trap a Tycoon by Elizabeth Bevarly - finished Oct 24

A light but enjoyable romance that might best be described as 'chick lit'. Dorsey is a serious academic who is working on her PhD in sociology. Using a pen name she has written a book called "How to Trap a Tycoon" that has become a major best seller. Now the publisher is insisting on a book tour, etc. which threatens her academic credibility, her after-hours job and her fragile new romance.

This novel had been on my shelves for a long time but I had never read it. When I did pick it up to read I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it.

From my own shelves. 375 pages.

116hailelib
okt 28, 2010, 6:52 pm

another reread:

Death Walker by Aimee Thurlo and David Thurlo

117hailelib
Redigerat: okt 29, 2010, 11:09 am

for the challenge:

The Inner Life

85. The Bible: Authorized King James Version: from the introductory material to II Kings

Actually finished some time ago but was thinking of adding another book or two. Now with all that's happening I'll leave it for the 11 in 11 challenge.

Language and the Past

86. Herodotus - the Histories - Finished Oct 27

May come back with some comments later

From my own shelves. 601 pages plus Introduction, maps, and Notes. 930

118hailelib
Redigerat: nov 6, 2010, 11:55 am

Short Stuff #10

87. Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare - finished November 5

Earlier this week we watched our copy of Kenneth Branagh's Much Ado about Nothing. Watching the movie reminded me that I had been meaning to read the play for some time to see how his adaptation compared to the full play. As I read it was easy to see why certain lines were dropped as they were not necessary for today's audiences. There was only one scene that was entirely missing and I didn't find it added much, if anything, to my understanding. (It was about Hero dressing for the wedding.)

Out of several versions we own, I choose to read the copy that belonged to my grandfather. This is a small book containing the play and some introductory material and notes (at the bottom of each page) that was apparently used in school courses in the early 20th century.

The play begins at the house of Leonato where we find him with his daughter, Hero; his brother; and his niece, Beatrice. In the first scene a messenger brings news that Don Pedro of Aragon will be arriving shortly and brings with him Claudio and Benedick as well as his brother John. On their arrival, Claudio and Hero are immediately infatuated with one another and we find that Beatrice and benedick are old acquaintances who have become rivals in witty badinage. Soon Hero and Claudio are engaged and Don John hatches a plan with his man, Borachio, to put a stop to the wedding. Don Pedro is busy about his own plan to bring Beatrice and Benedick into a realization that they love one anther.

We always enjoy watching the movie and I found that reading the play was fun too. It is one of the plays of Shakespeare's middle period and shows his appreciation of a good story and his deep understanding of people. Especially interesting is the contrast of the young, rather immature lovers and the older and wiser lovers, Beatrice and Benedick. And don't forget the broad humor of the scenes featuring the constable Dogberry and his partner Verges.

From my own shelves. 59 pages introductory material and 131 pages play.

119hailelib
nov 6, 2010, 12:26 pm

Bonus fiction

6. Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn - finished Nov 1

from the public library 339 pages including short story: 'Kitty meets the Band'

120hailelib
nov 14, 2010, 11:33 am

While I have been doing some challenge reading, the books I've actually finished are rereads and bonus fiction:

Reread: Killer Dolphin by Ngaio Marsh - November

From my own shelves. 346 pages

bonus:

7. Thrones, Dominations by Dorothy L. Sayers and Jill Paton Walsh - finished November

I may read another of these but this one wasn't quite up to the level of the original Wimsey novels. Not awful, just slow to get into and only a mildly interesting mystery.

From the public library. 310 pages.

8. Bad Medicine by Aimee and David Thurlo - finished November

Third in the Ella Clah series. Several interlocking cases to be solved by Ella and Justine lead them into danger and to the realization that the Navajo Rez is becoming evermore afflicted by the problems associated with alcohol and racial tensions.
Recommended for Ella's fans but if you are new to the series it is best read in order.

From the public library. 338 pages

9. Enemy Way by Aimee and David Thurlo

The fourth Ella Clah mystery. Maybe I've read these too close together, but I would like some cases where skinwalkers and skinwalker wannabes don't figure in the plot. However the description of the intrusion of gangs onto the Rez was interesting.

From my own shelves. 340 pages

121hailelib
Redigerat: nov 25, 2010, 11:59 am

Reread:

Ashes to Ashes by Emma Lathen - mid-November

Bonus fiction:

10. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan - finished November 24

This YA fantasy was a fun read. Riordan has used Egyptian myth and history as his inspiration and created a fast-moving story filled will magic and ancient gods. His heroes (Carter and Sadie) are the last of a family that can trace its linage back to the pharaohs and they are the only ones who can save the world. If you liked the Percy Jackson series try this new one from Rick Riordan.

122hailelib
Redigerat: nov 25, 2010, 2:25 pm

Two for the challenge:

The Inner Life #5

88. From Plato to Nietzsche by E. L. Allen - finished November 20

This book wasn't quite what I expected as an introduction to the ideas of some great thinkers who have influenced Western civilization. It seemed, in its conciseness, to be more of a summary for those already somewhat familiar with the writings of these men than an introduction for those who are not. I'm not inclined to recommend this book.

From my own shelves. 182 pages. 109.

A Scientific Bent #7

89. The World without Us by Alan Weisman - finished November 24

I really enjoyed this book although the subject is a very serious one. The author explores what would happen to the earth if humans were to suddenly disappear from the world. How long would it it take for the earth to heal itself, reverse climate change, and generally become self-regulating again? If we don't disappear, is there any way to reverse and fix the damage already done to the environment?
The style of presentation may not be to everyone's taste but the ideas and little known facts he gives us are fascinating.

From the public library. 275 pages + bibliography. 304.2

123hailelib
nov 30, 2010, 11:47 am

A Scientific Bent #8

90. Microcosm: E. Coli and the New Science of Life by Carl Zimmer - finished November 29

Microcosm is an interesting and fairly up to date look at how and why E. Coli became the 'lab rat' of the microbiologist. Zimmer gives us lots of facts in this easy to read (and understand!) book about E. Coli, evolution, and genetics. I found the anecdotes about the various researchers and their experiments helped enliven the narrative. Recommended for non-microbiologists interested in the life sciences.

From the public library. 197 pages + notes and bibliography. 579.342

124hailelib
Redigerat: nov 30, 2010, 3:03 pm

An off-challenge read:

10. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn - finished November 30

This series is still entertaining me so I've ordered the next one from the library.

125hailelib
Redigerat: nov 30, 2010, 3:18 pm

Summary of books read for the challenge so far in 1010

I. Young at Heart: YA and possibly a book or two for younger children as well.

1. Brisinger by Christopher Paolini - finished January 21
2. So Much to Tell You by John Marsden - February 15
3. The Naming: The First Book of Pellinor by Alison Croggon - February 16
4. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan - February 20
5. Savvy by Ingrid Law February 23
6. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan - about March 35
7. Code Talker by Joseph Bruchac - Finished about Mar 30
8. The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan - finished April 10
9. Into the Wild : Warriors by Erin Hunter - mid-April
10. My Daniel by Pam Conrad - April 23

II. Whodunits: Mystery and suspense. Maybe even romantic suspense. (I'm keeping the categories a bit broad.)

1. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle
2. Cruel Intent by J. A. Jance
3. 100 Malicious Little Mysteries by Isaac Asimov, Martin H. Greenberg and Joseph Olander
4. The Harper's Quine by Pat McIntosh
5. Fantasy in Death by J. D, Robb - finished March 1
6. The Case of the Missing Books by Ian Sansom - Finished mid-March
7. The Unexpected Guest by Agatha Christie (screenplay) adapted as a novel by Charles Osborne - finished ~ March 29
8. The Nicholas feast by Pat McIntosh - finished about April 5
9. Shakespeare's Champion by Charlaine Harris - mid-April
10. An Excellent Mystery by Ellis Peters - mid-May

III. Comfort Reads: Novels from favorite authors in any genre.

1. Loving a Lost Lord by Mary Jo Putney _ started Jan 3 - finished 13
2. Fired Up by Jayne Ann Krentz - Finished January 26
3. Born of Fire by Sherrilyn Kenyon - Finished February 18
4. Bed of Roses by Nora Roberts - finished Feb 26
5. Wild Ride by Jennifer Crusie and Bob Mayer -- finished about April 8
6. Shakespeare's Christmas by Charlaine Harris - Finished April 22
7. Blood Ties by Kay Hooper - finished May
8. Burning Lamp by Amanda Quick - Finished late May
9. Dead to the World - Charlaine Harris - Finished lzte May
10. A River in the Sky - Elizabeth Peters - Finished May 30

IV. Next in Line - for those unread books from a series that I've already started.

1. Trial by Fire by J. A. Jance
2. Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - started Jan 14; finished January 20
3. The Mouse that Saved the West by Leonard Wibberley - finished January 22
4. The Riddle by Alison Croggan - finished February 22
5. Marked by P. C. Cast and Kristen Cast
6. Street Game by Christine Feehan - finished early April
7. Iron Kissed by Patricia Briggs - finished early April
8. Grave Peril by Jim Butcher - finished about April 6
9. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris -mid-April
10. Shakespeare's Counselor by Charlaine Harris - mid-May

V. Howling at the Moon - Mostly paranormal with a touch of romance allowed.

1. Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris - finished January 22
2. Storm Front by Jim Butcher - finished January 24
3. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris - Finished January28
4. Sleeping with Fear by Kay Hooper
5. Blue Bloods by Melissa de la Cruz - finished March 8 (Also includes Masquerade and Revelations)
6. The Magician's Apprentice by Trudi Canavan - finished about March 27
7. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher - finished early April
8. Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur - finished April 23
9. Living with the Dead by Kelly Armstrong - finished June
10. Waking the Witch by Kelly Armstrong - Finished September 30

VI. Anything Goes - can be either fiction or nonfiction on any subject. For those books that don't quite fit anywhere else.

1, The 100 Best Movies You've Never Seen by Richard Crouse - Started
2. 10-10-10 by Suzy Welch - finished Jan 30
3. Dragon Lovers - an anthology by Jo Beverley, Mary Jo Putney, Karen Harbaugh and Barbara Samuel
4. Briar Rose by Jane Yolen March 2010
5. Animal,Vegetable,Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver with Steven L. Hopp and Camille Kingsolver - finshed April 2
6. 50 Great Curries of India by Camellia Panjabi - finished end of March
7. Snow by Tracy Lynn - mid-April
8. A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris - mid-May
9. Raven's Shadow by Patricia Briggs - finished late May
10. Good Calories, Bad Calories by Gary Taubes - finished June

VII. The Inner Life - A mix of religion (1), philosophy (3), mythology (5), and a substantial portion of the KJV Bible.

1. The Bible: Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha (Oxford World's Classics) - at least thru II Kings - started - see Message 22
2. Occidental Mythology by Joseph Campbell - started Jan 16 - finished March 30
3. Tales from the Thousand and One Nights translated by N. J. Dawood - finished September 30
4. The Egyptian Gods and Goddesses by Clive Barrett - finished October 4
5. From Plato to Nietzsche by E. L. Allen - Finished Mid-November

VIII. Short Stuff - essays, short stories, plays, poetry, and excerpts of at least 50 pages from longer works.

1. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J. K. Rowling - finished March 6
2. Beowulf, Bilingual edition translated by Seamus Heaney - finished about March 25
3. A Matter of Class by Mary Balogh -Very short novel, more novella. - finished mid-April
4. Starbound by Joe Haldeman - May - abandoned
5. Portuguese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith - June
6. Tales of O. Henry by O. Henry; published by Doubleday - finished in July
7. Cats! Cats! Cats! A Loving Look at Those Fabulous Felines by Mary Alice Loberg (ed.) - Finished July 14
8. The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch - finished September 16
9. Poetry for Cats by Henry Beard - finished mid-September
10. Much Ado about Nothing by William Shakespeare - finished November 5

IX. A Scientific Bent - Science, technology, math and history of same.

1. The Rainbow: From Myth to Mathematics by Carl B. Boyer - Started January 15
2. Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond - finished mid-March
3. The Universe in a Nutshell by Stephen Hawking - finished April 20
4. The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin - Finished May 31
5. The First Fossil Hunters by Adrienne Mayor - finished September 19
6. Empires of Time by Anthony Aveni - finished October 11
7. The World without Us - by Alan Weisman - finished November 24
8. Microcosm: E. Coli and the New Science of Life by Carl Zimmer - Finished November 29

X. Language and the Past - History (5), Biography/Memoir (3), Language (2)

1. The Histories by Herodotus - started
2. Pictures at a Revolution by Mark Harris - finished March 7
3. God's Secretaries : The Making of the King James Bible by Adam Nicolson - Finished about March 20
4. The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer - finished April 22
5. Theodore Rex by Edmund Morris - finished May
6. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure by Matthew Algeo - finished mid-September
7. The Fires of Vesuvius by Mary Beard - finished September 21

126hailelib
Redigerat: nov 30, 2010, 3:50 pm

Other books read for the first time:

1. Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris
2. A Bone to Pick by Charlaine Harris
3. Booked to Die by John Dunning
4. The Mind Readers by Margery Allingham
5. An Owl Too Many by Charlotte MacLeod
6. The Christie Caper by Carolyn G. Hart
7. Deep in the Heart by Sharon Sala
8. The Food of a Younger Land by Mark Kurlansky (ed.) Library
9. Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell Library
10. The name of the Cat by Barbara Holland
11. This Scepter'd Isle by Mercedes Lackey
12. The Palace Guard by Charlotte MacLeod
13. Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
14. Phoenix and Ashes by Mercedes Lackey
15. The Dream Walker by Charlotte Armstrong
16. Never Less than a Lady by Mary Jo Putney
17. The Unusual Suspects - Book II of The Sisters Grimm by Michael Buckley
18. Crossfire by Dick Francis and Felix Francis
19. Midnight Crystal by Jayne Castle
20. Over on the Dry Side by Louis L'Amour
21. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith
22. Frostbitten by Kelly Armstrong
23. Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
24. Silver Pigs by Lindsey Davis
25. How to Trap a Tycoon by Elizabeth Bevarly
26. Kitty Goes to Washington by Carrie Vaughn
27. Thrones, Dominations by Dorothy L. Sayers and Jill Paton Walsh
28. Bad Medicine by Aimee and David Thurlo
29. Enemy Way by Aimee and David Thurlo
30. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
31. Kitty and the Dead Man's Hand by Carrie Vaughn

127hailelib
Redigerat: dec 5, 2010, 11:38 am

Rereads in 2010

1. Obsidian Prey by Jayne Castle
2. Holiday in death by J. D. Robb
3. Dead Cert by Dick Francis
4. Born of Night by Sherrilyn Kenyon
5. The Wizard of London by Mercedes Lackey
6. Family Man by Jayne Ann Krentz
7. Wait Until Midnight by Amanda Quick
8. Conspiracy in Death by J. D. Robb
9. Stealing Shadows by Kay Hooper
10. Hiding in the Shadows by Kay Hooper
11.Out of the Shadows by Kay Hooper
12. Touching Evil by Kay Hooper
13.Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper
14. Something in the Air Emma Lathan
15. Right on the Money by Emma Lathen
16. East is East by Emma Lathen
17. Obsidian Prey - grabbed this one cause I needed something fairly mindless last night.
18. White Lies by Jayne Ann Krentz
19. Sizzle & Burn by Jayne Ann Krentz -- More Arcane Society
20. Legend in Green Velvet by Elizabeth Peters
21. Reread most of Dick Francis, Jayne Ann Krentz, some J. D. R0bb, mostly in Aug and Septemberwhile stuck in bed. Also some Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh.
22. Where There's a Will by Rex Stout
23.Death Walker by Aimee Thurlo and David Thurlo
24. Ashes to Ashes by Emma Lathen

128hailelib
Redigerat: dec 5, 2010, 11:47 am

Bonus Fiction

32. the Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Steig Larsson - finished December 4

129hailelib
Redigerat: dec 11, 2010, 3:20 pm

Bonus Fiction

33. Indulgence in Death by J. D. Robb - finished December 5

130hailelib
dec 6, 2010, 9:13 am

Bonus Fiction

34. Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

131hailelib
dec 11, 2010, 3:35 pm

Language and the Past #8

91. The Life of Language - the fascinating ways words are born,live & die by Sol Steinmetz and Barbara Ann Kipfer -- finished December 10

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting but I still found it somewhat interesting. There was a lot about verbs, nouns, adjectives, etc. and how they are formed from one another and many lists of examples of the different ways in which English acquires new words. The authors are writing for the nonspecialist and they try to cover their subject in an entertaining manner. However, i will be returning to this book only when I want to look up a specific area of word formation. Included is a list of books consulted and a suggested reading list.

From my own shelves. 368 pages. DD422

132pammab
dec 13, 2010, 11:35 am

I'm curious, what were you expecting from The Life of Language? I have no horse in this race, of course, but I'm always curious to find out what people go into books about language hoping to find. Sounds like it was mostly a morphology textbook with all the big jargon words replaced by explanations, which is unfortunate.

133hailelib
dec 13, 2010, 11:59 am

>132 pammab:

I think I wanted a little more of the history of language and a little more of why and not just how word formation works the way it does. My expectations may have been colored by the other books about language that I have read during the past three or four years.
The book did do a fairly good job explaining why English is so accepting of new words and how this makes English unusually expressive and flexible. It just didn't tell me much that I didn't already know. I'm glad that I got it for the used rather than the new price.

134hailelib
Redigerat: dec 15, 2010, 9:58 am

A Scientific Bent #9

92. Decoding the Heavens by Jo Marchant - Finished December 14

This book was a quick read for me at least partly because I'm very interested in archaeology and the history of science. Marchant also wrote this in a way that I liked.

The story begins in 1900 with some Greek sponge divers and their discovery of a 2000 year-old shipwreck off the coast of Antikythera. Its cargo consisted of bronze statues as well as marble ones, amphoras, and items of glassware. There was also a curious device made of bronze that had been enclosed in a wooden case. It was in fragments but appeared to be similar in structure to the works inside a mechanical clock. This became known as the Antikythera Device.

Decoding the Heavens is the story of the century-long attempt to find out what the device did and where and when it was made. A good book that is especially recommended for those interested in the history of science and instrumentation.

From the public library. 300 pages + bibliography. 681.111

135pammab
dec 15, 2010, 10:43 am

... how odd. I actually just heard about this device for the first time a few days ago, in a completely different context -- a friend linked me to a video about a Lego version of the Antikythera Device. (Yes, fully functional, built in Legos.) Perhaps I will pass this book on to him in return! Something must be in the air...

136hailelib
Redigerat: dec 19, 2010, 10:29 am

>135 pammab:

I actually read about the book in a Talk thread but don' remember who was recommending it...

I had never heard of the device either but it sounded interesting and my local library had Marchant's book. I've found out about a number of good books on LT!

ETA: My husband is now reading it and thinks it is 'really well-done' which is high praise from him!

137hailelib
Redigerat: dec 21, 2010, 8:59 am

Language and the Past #9

93. Language in Danger by Andrew Dalby - finished Dec 18

A fairly quick read as Dalby was aiming for a general audience and didn't use a lot of the specialist's jargon. However, I did feel that the book would have benefited by another round of editing as there were (apparently) missing words in places making some sentences hard to understand without rereading them. Also, while the overall structure made sense some sections seemed to be jumbled up inside so that there was a less natural flow within the section. (I noticed these problems mostly in the first half of the book.)

As far as content goes, Dalby did a good job of laying out the reasons why languages fall into disuse and how they finally disappear. He is particularly good at explaining why he believes that the world becomes poorer as languages and the cultures and knowledge they represent disappear with them.

I would cautiously recommend Language in Danger to anyone looking for an introduction to this subject.

From the public library. 292 pages + Notes and References. 417

138hailelib
dec 21, 2010, 9:27 am

Language and the Past #10

94. Early times in the Cumberland Valley : from its beginnings to 1800 by James A. Crutchfield - finished December 20

An interesting look at the early history of the Cumberland Valley with an emphasis on the first settlers of European descent in the area around Nashville. The book does begin with the pre-Columbian inhabitants, especially those belonging to the Mississippian culture. Next, Crutchfield goes on to discuss the various early explorers in the area before he introduces James Robertson and John Donelson who led the party that settled the area around Nashville.

While the narrative was a little dry it was short enough that that didn't bother me and I found out a lot that was previously unknown to me about the area where I grew up. The time I spent with this book was worth it.

From my own shelves. 116 pages plus appendices and references. 976.8

139hailelib
dec 22, 2010, 3:32 pm

Bonus Fiction #35

Heat Wave by Richard Castle - finished Dec. 21

As a mystery I found there was nothing special about this novel. It wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. As a TV tie-in it was somewhat interesting and I would primarily recommend Heat Wave for fans of the show "Castle".

From the public library. 198 pages.

140hailelib
dec 23, 2010, 10:09 am

The Inner Life #6

95. A Short History of Myth by Karen Armstrong - finished Dec 22

A short book that covers mythologies of the world from Early Man to modern times. The author shows a deep understanding of how myths came into being and the importance of its myths to any culture. She also explains why our modern practice of dismissing myths as irrelevant and our insistence on reading religious texts like the Bible as literal and historic rather than mythic is misguided and even dangerous. Armstrong has interesting ideas and comes at her subject from a slightly different angle than other authors on this subject. I felt that her book was worth the time I spent with it.

from the public library. 149 pages plus references. 201.3

141hailelib
Redigerat: dec 24, 2010, 10:21 am

The Inner Life #7

96. The Einstein Syndrome by Thomas Sowell - Finished Dec 23

I checked this book out of the library because of its subtitle, 'Bright Children Who Talk Late' and when my husband saw it he sat down and read the book before I could get to it. Then I read it in one day. This author was describing our son! Although Sowell's main audience was worried parents of very young children we were fascinated by the descriptions of children in this subset of late talkers.

Because of the different development patterns of the brain in males and females, most of the children in this group are male; many are left handed, strong-willed, and they often have violent tempers and are easily frustrated when very young. They are also often labeled autistic and ADHD even though they aren't really and frequently just need an environment that will let them march to their own very different drummer. Another commonality is the prevalence of engineers,mathematicians, and musicians among their close relatives.

The reassuring message here is that this particular group of late talkers nearly always grow out of this stage by middle school, catch up socially, and often become successful in their chosen fields.

Though the case histories can become a little repetitive I would definitely recommend this book. Not just because it can be reassuring to find out that your family isn't the only one with a child who is obviously smart but not at all verbal but because Sowell advises the truly worried parent to get a variety of completely independent professional opinions about whether or not their child really needs interventions, medications, etc. and also which ones will do more good than harm.

Disclaimer: We didn't do anything special with our son and he began talking just a couple of weeks before his third birthday and hasn't stopped talking since. He is now, at age 30, a software engineer and one of the founders of a tech start-up headquartered in Silicon Valley.

From the public library. 177 pages plus notes and appendices. 155.6

142hailelib
Redigerat: dec 29, 2010, 12:08 pm

The Inner Life #8

97. Til We Have Faces by C. S. Lewis - Finished Dec 29

This retelling of the story of Psyche and Cupid took forever to read as I kept putting it down and reading half a dozen other books before trying again. The last third, however, went quickly and I came away thinking that it was probably a worthwhile book even though I'm unlikely to read it again. The most interesting facet was that the narrator was Psyche's older sister.

For anyone thinking about reading this book, I would advise first checking out some of the many reviews as there are very different opinions about Lewis's story.

From the public library. 307 pages

143hailelib
Redigerat: dec 30, 2010, 4:56 pm

The Inner Life #9

98. The Philosopher at the End of the Universe by Mark Rowlands - finished Dec 29

A somewhat interesting and occasionally entertaining look at modern philosophy. Don't be fooled by the somewhat frivolous title as Rowlands has taught philosophy for some years after receiving a PhD from Oxford. However, the book reminded me why I don't read a great deal in this area. Too much philosophy seems to be nonsense wrapped up in jargon and it's a lot of work to find the idea buried in all that verbiage.

From the public library. 263 pages plus glossary 791.43

144pammab
dec 30, 2010, 10:25 pm

The Einstein Syndrome sounds really interesting. I have always loved books that manage to say things that truly "fit" and even go a step further to explain connections that I otherwise wouldn't have seen -- especially personal development-wise.

And I agree about philosophy. It must be something about the field that makes people want to say relatively straightforward things in as highfalutin prose as they can manage....

145hailelib
Redigerat: dec 31, 2010, 10:40 am

The Inner Life #10

99. Dream Angus by Alexander McCall Smith - finished Dec. 31

The story of the Celtic god of dreams interwoven with some 20th century stories in which Angus plays an elusive part, as told by Alexander McCall Smith. This particular Celtic myth was a new for me and I found the author's treatment of the story interesting and one I might reread sometime. Recommended.

From the public library. 119 pages 823.9'14

146hailelib
jan 1, 2011, 10:31 am

A Scientific Bent #10

100. The Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin -- At page 250 about half read as of Dec. 31.

From my own shelves. 505 pages. 508.

I do intend to finish and will be back with a few remarks. It's an interesting book but a slow one for me.

147hailelib
jan 1, 2011, 10:41 am

Although I didn't quite finish the last book I feel that my challenge was a successful one, especially considering how the year went otherwise!

Summary: 9 categories definitely completed and the tenth very nearly so. I did have a mid-course correction or two but the categories were only tweaked a little over the course of the year.
Additionally there were 35 bonus fiction books read for the first time and many rereads.