DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 7
Dette er en fortsættelse af tråden DeltaQueen's 2021 Challenge - Reading Is Like a Box of Chocolates - Part 6.
Snak2021 Category Challenge
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1DeltaQueen50
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The year is winding down and we are starting to look forward to 2022. For this thread, I am highlighting chocolate as an ingredient in main courses. The three pictures above are of Chocolate Braised Short Ribs, Chicken Mole, and a Chocolate & Coffee Rubbed Sirloin Steak. Down below I have added a picture of Duck with Chocolate Orange Sauce. Hearty meals for this colder part of the year.
Welcome to the seventh thread of my 2021 Category Challenge thread. My name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. I live quietly with my husband, but luckily, our two grown daughters live fairly close by. Of course, our two grandchildren are the apples of our eyes, a girl, aged seventeen and a boy, aged 22. I have been a member of the Category Challenge for a good number of years and enjoy the preparation and planning that goes into building our categories. I don’t always follow my plans, but they are fun to make. Please feel free to join in on any conversation here, bookish or otherwise. All opinions are respected as long as we are polite and friendly to each other.
Adapting a phrase from the movie Forest Gump, my motto this year has been “Reading is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get” I then based my 2021 Category Challenge on Chocolate. This phrase rang true throughout the year as my reading was varied and I truly never knew what I was going to get! I set my categories to match with chocolates from Purdy’s, a Canadian chocolatier that is based in Vancouver. Although Purdy’s still define each of my categories, I have also highlighted other chocolate goodies throughout the year.
My reading goals during 2021 was pretty much the same as they have been in previous years:
1. Reduce the number of books on my shelves, kindles and audio account.
2. Read a good number of books from the 1,001 Books to Read Before You Die List.
And this year -
3. Series, series, series – try to gain some control over my series reading.
I didn’t set specific amounts for my categories but I have noticed that by the end of October each one has 10 or more books entered therefore I feel like I have completed my challenge, but will continue using these categories for the remainder of the year. Plus I am going to add a couple more categories which I will explain further down the thread.
Please pull up a comfy chair, grab a book, and settle in for these last two months of the year.
2DeltaQueen50
2021 Categories
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
1. Sweet Georgia Browns – Mystery & Police Series: In other places this candy goes by the copyrighted name of Turtles. I could both eat this candy again and again and read mysteries over and over so this is where I place some of my police procedurals and mystery series reading.
2. Cherry Cordials – Vintage Crime: I picture little old ladies (I think of Sylvester and Tweety’s Granny) munching on these while they also devour classic whodunits.
3. Chocolate Creams – Crime/Mysteries: Dark, rich and mysterious these chocolates match perfectly to the rest of my crime reading.
4. Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels – Fantasy: These chocolate covered beauties are one of my favourites and I can easily “fantasize” that I am working my way through a box of them!
5. Almond Crunch – Science Fiction: Filled with a creamy chocolate filling and bits of almonds, these are “out of this world” delicious and hence my match with science fiction.
6. Passionfruit Hearts – Romance: The shape, the flavour, and the name of these chocolates bring on the feeling of romance. So books that deal with love and romance will be placed here.
7. Peanut Butter Daisies – YA & Children’s Literature – These creamy delights are often a child’s first favourite. And like all good things, many of us never grow out of them.
8. Chai Tea Caramels – Global Reading – This chocolate is exotic enough to match with my reads that are set in far-away countries.
9. Hedgehogs – 1,001 Books – The Hedgehog is probably Purdys best known chocolate, a classic in it’s own right and so it matches well with the classics of this list.
10. Vanilla Creams – Non-Fiction – A straight forward, no nonsense chocolate that consists of a vanilla cream centre wrapped in chocolate. Non-fiction will go well with this.
11. White Cameos – Historical Fiction – Although I am not a huge fan of white chocolate, this delicate candy with the cameo picture has old fashioned appeal and would go well with any historical fiction.
12. Chocolate Letters – AlphaKit – I intend to participate in the 2021 AlphaKit and will place my reads here.
13. Purdy’s Gift Box – Since I am reading so many series, having only one category for Mystery or Police Procedural series isn’t going to be enough. I will use this category to randomly pick a series read from one of the many genres that I read from.
14. Sake and Sakura Truffles – These chocolates are a new addition to the Purdy’s lineup and since I have quite a few books that are written by new-to-me authors, this makes a perfect place to track them.
15. Maple Leaf Melties – All Others – In the shape of the Canadian Maple Leaf, these candies are meant to be popped in the mouth and allowed to melt slowly. This will be where I place all my reading that doesn’t fit anywhere else – what’s the connection? I am Canadian plus I love these candies and wanted to use them!
3DeltaQueen50
2021 Tickers
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
Total Books Read:
Total Pages Read:
Books Read from My Shelves:
4DeltaQueen50
How I Rate Books:
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another probably due to sheer stubborness!
3.0 ★: Slightly below average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A Good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - this will be an author I return to.
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book that touched me and gave me an emotional reaction. This is a book that I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personal thoughts and feelings.
2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!
2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another probably due to sheer stubborness!
3.0 ★: Slightly below average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember
3.5 ★: Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.
4.0 ★: A Good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story - this will be an author I return to.
4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book that touched me and gave me an emotional reaction. This is a book that I will remember and recommend
5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me
I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me
5DeltaQueen50
Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge - Completed
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning": The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg (Beginning a series)
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List: The Island by Olivia Levez
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year: Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum: Valley of the Kings by Cecelia Holland
12. Written by a woman and translated to English: Claudine's House by Colette
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020: In The Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author: Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U: Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads: Educated by Tara Westover
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
25. Set on an island: The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice: Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book: Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer: Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris
36. Six or More Words in the Title: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List": In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
38. Related to a word given to you by a random word generator: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee (Guide)
39. Involves an immigrant: Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover: The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author: The Known World by Edward P. Jones
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic: Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold
44. Title Contains a Negative: Not Dead Yet by Peter James
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet: The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!": My Life As A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021: Safe and Sound by Philippa East
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End": The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque
This is a Good Reads Reading Challenge that I am going to do in 2021. I am not going to participate in the Good Reads Groups or follow their weekly guide but simply work the challenge on my own.
1. Related to "In the Beginning": The Ice Princess by Camilla Lackberg (Beginning a series)
2. Author's Name Has No "A, T or Y": Rabbit, Run by John Updike
3. Related to the lyrics of the song "Favorite Things": The Gown by Jennifer Robson - "Girls in White Dresses"
4. Monochromatic Cover: My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell
5. Author is on USA Today's List of 100 Black Novelists You Should Read: The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory
6. A Love Story: Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James
7. Fits a Suggestion that Didn't Make the Final List: The Island by Olivia Levez
8. Set somewhere you have never visited: Massacre At Cawnpore by V. A. Stuart
9. Associated with a specific season or time of year: Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus
10. A female villain or criminal: The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines
11. Celebrates The Grand Egyptian Museum: Valley of the Kings by Cecelia Holland
12. Written by a woman and translated to English: Claudine's House by Colette
13. Written by an author of one of your best reads in 2020: In The Cold Dark Ground by Stuart MacBride
14. Set in a made up place: Red Country by Joe Abercrombie
15. Siblings as main characters: A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
16. A building in the title: White Houses by Amy Bloom
17. Muslim character or author: Bled Dry by Abdelilah Hamdouchi
18. Related to the past: Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
19. Related to the present: Friday On My Mind by Nicci French
20. Related to the future: In the After by Demitria Lunetta
21. Title and Author contain the letter U: Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud
22. Posted in one of the ATY Best Book of the Month Threads: Educated by Tara Westover
23. A Cross Genre Novel: The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
24. About Racism or Race Relations: The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
25. Set on an island: The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley
26. A Short Book (less than 210 pages): The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon
27. Book has a character that could be found in a deck of cards: Poppet by Mo Hayder
28. Connected to ice: Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
29. A Comfort Read: Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read
30. A Long Book: Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming
31. Author's career spanned more than 21 years: Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie
32. Cover shows more than 2 people: Die A Little by Megan Abbott
33. A Collection of Short Stories, Essays or Poetry: The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates
34. A book with a travel theme: The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
35. Set in a country on or below the Tropic of Cancer: Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris
36. Six or More Words in the Title: An Olive Grove At The Edge of the World by Jared Gulian
37. From the "Are You Well Read in Literature List": In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez
38. Related to a word given to you by a random word generator: The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzie Lee (Guide)
39. Involves an immigrant: Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li
40. Flowers or Greenery on the cover: The Second Empress by Michelle Moran
41. A new-to-you BIPOC Author: The Known World by Edward P. Jones
42. A Mystery or Thriller: The Redeemer by Jo Nesbo
43. Contains elements of magic: Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold
44. Title Contains a Negative: Not Dead Yet by Peter James
45. Related to a codeword from the NATO phoenic alphabet: The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Campbell Allen
46. Winner or nominee from the 2020 Goodreads Choice Awards: Long Bright River by Liz Moore
47. Non-Fiction book other than a Memoir or a Biography: Bachelor Nation by Amy Kaufman
48. Might cause someone to say "You Read What!!": My Life As A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland
49. Book with an ensemble cast: Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys
50. Published in 2021: Safe and Sound by Philippa East
51. Title refers to a character without giving their name: The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs
52. Related to "The End": The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque
6DeltaQueen50
When One Won't Do -- Have Two
In an effort to continue to move my series and TBR along, I am adding these two categories for November and December.
One Series, Two Books
I will pick a series that I want to advance in and read two books from that series during the month.
1. Dark Flight by Lin Anderson - 3.8 ★
2. Easy Kill by Lin Anderson - 4.0 ★
3. Not Dead Yet by Peter James - 4.3 ★
4. Dead Man's Time by Peter James - 4.2 ★
5. Dead Run by P.J. Tracy - 4.3 ★
6. Snow Blind by P.J. Tracy - 4.0 ★
One Author, Two Books
I have authors on my TBR where I have a number of their books so I will read two books by a chosen author during the month.
1. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner - 4.0 ★
2. As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner - 4.1 ★
3. White Fang by Jack London - 3.8 ★
4. The Iron Heel by Jack London - 3.2 ★
In an effort to continue to move my series and TBR along, I am adding these two categories for November and December.
One Series, Two Books
I will pick a series that I want to advance in and read two books from that series during the month.
1. Dark Flight by Lin Anderson - 3.8 ★
2. Easy Kill by Lin Anderson - 4.0 ★
3. Not Dead Yet by Peter James - 4.3 ★
4. Dead Man's Time by Peter James - 4.2 ★
5. Dead Run by P.J. Tracy - 4.3 ★
6. Snow Blind by P.J. Tracy - 4.0 ★
One Author, Two Books
I have authors on my TBR where I have a number of their books so I will read two books by a chosen author during the month.
1. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner - 4.0 ★
2. As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner - 4.1 ★
3. White Fang by Jack London - 3.8 ★
4. The Iron Heel by Jack London - 3.2 ★
7DeltaQueen50
Sweet Georgia Browns Mystery and Police Procedural Series
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
5. The Ice Princess (1) by Camilla Lackberg - 3.8 ★
6. The Retribution (7) by Val McDermid - 3.8 ★
7. In the Cold Dark Ground (10) by Stuart MacBride - 4.1 ★
8. Thirteen Hours (2) by Deon Meyer - 4.1 ★
9. Last Reminder (4) by Stuart Pawson - 4.1 ★
10. Snowblind (1) by Ragnar Jonasson - 3.7 ★
11. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. The Secret Place (5) by Tana French - 4.1 ★
2. Blood Salt Water (5) by Denise Mina - 4.1 ★
3. Diamond Solitaire (2) by Peter Lovesey - 4.2 ★
4. The Redeemer (6) by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
5. The Ice Princess (1) by Camilla Lackberg - 3.8 ★
6. The Retribution (7) by Val McDermid - 3.8 ★
7. In the Cold Dark Ground (10) by Stuart MacBride - 4.1 ★
8. Thirteen Hours (2) by Deon Meyer - 4.1 ★
9. Last Reminder (4) by Stuart Pawson - 4.1 ★
10. Snowblind (1) by Ragnar Jonasson - 3.7 ★
11. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham - 4.2 ★
8DeltaQueen50
Cherry Cordials Vintage Crime Novels
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
7. Green For Danger by Christianna Brand - 4.5 ★
8. The Saltmarsh Murders by Gladys Mitchell - 3.8 ★
9. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
10. Murder For the Bride by John D. MacDonald - 3.6 ★
11. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie - 4.3 ★
12. Brass Cupcake by John D. MacDonald - 4.2 ★
13. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
14. The Party At No. 5 by Shelley Smith - 4.5 ★
15. An English Murder by Cyril Hare - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Mystery in the Channel by Freeman Wills Crofts - 3.0 ★
2. The Gilt-Edged Mystery by E. M. Channon - 3.8 ★
3. The Case of the Sulky Girl by Erle Stanley Gardner - 4.0 ★
4. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr - 2.5 ★
5. Too Many Cooks by Rex Stout - 4.0 ★
6. Missing or Murdered by Robin Forsythe - 3.6 ★
7. Green For Danger by Christianna Brand - 4.5 ★
8. The Saltmarsh Murders by Gladys Mitchell - 3.8 ★
9. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain - 4.0 ★
10. Murder For the Bride by John D. MacDonald - 3.6 ★
11. Death in the Clouds by Agatha Christie - 4.3 ★
12. Brass Cupcake by John D. MacDonald - 4.2 ★
13. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
14. The Party At No. 5 by Shelley Smith - 4.5 ★
15. An English Murder by Cyril Hare - 4.0 ★
9DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Creams More Mysteries and Crime Stories
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
6. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - 4.0 ★
7. Darktown by Thomas Mullen - 5.0 ★
8. The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow - 5.0 ★
9. Nobody's Perfect by Donald E. Westlake - 4.2 ★
10. Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus - 3.4 ★
11. Young Man, I Think You're Dying by Joan Fleming - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. Poppet by Mo Hayder - 4.0 ★
2. Friday On My Mind by Nicci French - 3.8 ★
3. Dodgers by Bill Beverly - 5.0 ★
4. Die A Little by Megan Abbott - 4.2 ★
5. Crimes in Southern Indiana by Frank Bill - 3.7 ★
6. Strangers on a Train by Patricia Highsmith - 4.0 ★
7. Darktown by Thomas Mullen - 5.0 ★
8. The Power of the Dog by Don Winslow - 5.0 ★
9. Nobody's Perfect by Donald E. Westlake - 4.2 ★
10. Blood Sugar by Daniel Kraus - 3.4 ★
11. Young Man, I Think You're Dying by Joan Fleming - 4.5 ★
10DeltaQueen50
Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels Light and Dark Fantasy
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
6. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.6 ★
7. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - 4.3 ★
8. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.0 ★
9. Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
10. Dark Days by Manel Loureiro - 4.0 ★
11. The Wrath of the Just by Manel Loureiro - 3.5 ★
12. Bird Box by Josh Malerman - 4.5 ★
13. My Life As A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland - 3.8 ★
14. Autumn: Aftermath by David Moody - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. Red Country by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
2. The Mermaid's Madness by Jim C. Hines - 4.0 ★
3. Among Monsters by Jamie McGuire - 3.8 ★
4. Monster Planet by David Wellington - 2.0 ★
5. Fighting to Survive by Rhiannon Frater - 4.0 ★
6. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones - 3.6 ★
7. Dread Nation by Justina Ireland - 4.3 ★
8. Instauration by Sarah Lyons Fleming - 4.0 ★
9. Beguilement by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.0 ★
10. Dark Days by Manel Loureiro - 4.0 ★
11. The Wrath of the Just by Manel Loureiro - 3.5 ★
12. Bird Box by Josh Malerman - 4.5 ★
13. My Life As A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland - 3.8 ★
14. Autumn: Aftermath by David Moody - 4.1 ★
11DeltaQueen50
Almond Crunch Science Fiction
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
4. Death is a Welcome Guest by Louise Welsh - 4.3 ★
5. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks - 3.0 ★
6. The Ion Raider by Ian Whates - 4.1 ★
7. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - 3.5 ★
8. Adrift by Rob Boffard - 4.0 ★
9. Primordia: In Search of the Lost World by Greig Beck - 3.8 ★
10. Dark Angels Rising by Ian Whates - 3.8 ★
11. Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton - 3.3 ★
12. The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction by Mark Clifton - 4.0 ★
13. The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque - 3.3 ★
14. No Dominion by Louise Welsh - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Network Effect by Martha Wells - 4.5 ★
2. The Raven's Gift by Don Reardon - 3.6 ★
3. A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold - 5.0 ★
4. Death is a Welcome Guest by Louise Welsh - 4.3 ★
5. Lotus Blue by Cat Sparks - 3.0 ★
6. The Ion Raider by Ian Whates - 4.1 ★
7. Starship Troopers by Robert Heinlein - 3.5 ★
8. Adrift by Rob Boffard - 4.0 ★
9. Primordia: In Search of the Lost World by Greig Beck - 3.8 ★
10. Dark Angels Rising by Ian Whates - 3.8 ★
11. Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton - 3.3 ★
12. The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction by Mark Clifton - 4.0 ★
13. The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque - 3.3 ★
14. No Dominion by Louise Welsh - 4.0 ★
12DeltaQueen50
Passionfruit Hearts Romance
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
4. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
5. Slightly Married by Mary Balogh - 4.5 ★
6. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams - 4.0 ★
7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - 3.5 ★
8. The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Cambell Allen - 3.5 ★
9. The Captain's Daughters by Benita Brown - 3.3 ★
10. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer - 4.2 ★
11. The Blue Lagoon by Henry de Vere Stacpoole - 4.0 ★
12. Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin - 3.8 ★
13. A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh - 3.8 ★
Books Read
1. Restoring Grace by Katie Fforde - 3.5 ★
2. Desperate Duchesses by Eloisa James - 3.7 ★
3. The Trader's Sister by Anna Jacobs - 4.0 ★
4. Secrets of a Summer Night by Lisa Kleypas - 4.0 ★
5. Slightly Married by Mary Balogh - 4.5 ★
6. A Certain Age by Beatriz Williams - 4.0 ★
7. The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory - 3.5 ★
8. The Secret of India Orchid by Nancy Cambell Allen - 3.5 ★
9. The Captain's Daughters by Benita Brown - 3.3 ★
10. The Corinthian by Georgette Heyer - 4.2 ★
11. The Blue Lagoon by Henry de Vere Stacpoole - 4.0 ★
12. Christmas at Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin - 3.8 ★
13. A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh - 3.8 ★
13DeltaQueen50
Peanut Butter Daisies Children's Lit/YA
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 ★
5. Witch Child by Celia Rees - 3.8 ★
6. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - 4.0 ★
7. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall - 3.6 ★
8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - 4.3 ★
9. The Island by Olivia Levez - 3.6 ★
10. A Separate Peace by John Knowles - 4.5 ★
11. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - 3.3 ★
12. Sorceress by Celia Rees - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. In the After by Demitria Lunetta - 3.7 ★
2. While I Live by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
3. Salt to the Sea by Ruta Sepetys - 4.5 ★
4. Follow the Rabbit-Proof Fence by Doris Pilkington - 3.3 ★
5. Witch Child by Celia Rees - 3.8 ★
6. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee - 4.0 ★
7. When We Were Lost by Kevin Wignall - 3.6 ★
8. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas - 4.3 ★
9. The Island by Olivia Levez - 3.6 ★
10. A Separate Peace by John Knowles - 4.5 ★
11. Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls - 3.3 ★
12. Sorceress by Celia Rees - 4.0 ★
14DeltaQueen50
Chai Tea Caramels Books Set Around the World
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
5. The Taliban Cricket Club (Afghanistan) by Timeri Murari - 4.3 ★
6. A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar (China) by Suzanne Joinson - 4.2 ★
7. Valley of the Kings (Egypt) by Cecelia Holland - 3.1 ★
8. Little Black Lies (Falkland Islands) by Sharon Bolton - 3.8 ★
9. Bled Dry (Morocco) by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - 3.7 ★
10. The Age of Orphans (Iran) by Leleh Khadivi - 3.8 ★
11. The Devil's Highway (Mexico/USA) by Luis Alverto Urrea - 4.5 ★
12. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - 5.0 ★
13. Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris - 4.0 ★
14. The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud - 4.0 ★
Books Read
1. Us Against You by Fredrik Backman (Sweden) - 4.2 ★
2. Shadows of the Pomegranate Tree (Spain) by Tariq Ali - 4.0 ★
3. Rashomon by Ryunosuke Akutagawa (Japan) - 4.1 ★
4. The Tea Planter's Wife (Ceylon) by Dinah Jeffries - 4.0 ★
5. The Taliban Cricket Club (Afghanistan) by Timeri Murari - 4.3 ★
6. A Lady Cyclist's Guide to Kashgar (China) by Suzanne Joinson - 4.2 ★
7. Valley of the Kings (Egypt) by Cecelia Holland - 3.1 ★
8. Little Black Lies (Falkland Islands) by Sharon Bolton - 3.8 ★
9. Bled Dry (Morocco) by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - 3.7 ★
10. The Age of Orphans (Iran) by Leleh Khadivi - 3.8 ★
11. The Devil's Highway (Mexico/USA) by Luis Alverto Urrea - 4.5 ★
12. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez - 5.0 ★
13. Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris - 4.0 ★
14. The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud - 4.0 ★
15DeltaQueen50
Hedgehogs Books From the 1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
7. Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud - 3.8 ★
8. She by H. Rider Haggard - 3.2 ★
9. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood - 4.0 ★
10. Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton - 4.5 ★
11. Claudine's House by Colette - 4.2 ★
12. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson - 5.0 ★
13. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre - 5.0 ★
14. Promise At Dawn by Romain Gary - 4.0 ★
15. Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong - 5.0 ★
16. The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat - 2.0 ★
17. The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe - 3.3 ★
18. The Driver's Seat by Muriel Spark - 4.1 ★
19. Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.3 ★
20. The Stranger by Albert Camus - 3.7 ★
21. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. A Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift - 3.5 ★
2. The Posthumous Memoirs of Bras Cubas by J. M. Machado de Assis- 3.8 ★
3. Voss by Patrick White - 2.0 ★
4. The Book of Evidence by John Banville - 3.7 ★
5. Foe by J. M. Coetzee - 4.0 ★
6. Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - 3.7 ★
7. Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud - 3.8 ★
8. She by H. Rider Haggard - 3.2 ★
9. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood - 4.0 ★
10. Glimpses of the Moon by Edith Wharton - 4.5 ★
11. Claudine's House by Colette - 4.2 ★
12. The Summer Book by Tove Jansson - 5.0 ★
13. The Spy Who Came In From The Cold by John le Carre - 5.0 ★
14. Promise At Dawn by Romain Gary - 4.0 ★
15. Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong - 5.0 ★
16. The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat - 2.0 ★
17. The Purloined Letter by Edgar Allan Poe - 3.3 ★
18. The Driver's Seat by Muriel Spark - 4.1 ★
19. Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.3 ★
20. The Stranger by Albert Camus - 3.7 ★
21. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - 4.5 ★
16DeltaQueen50
Vanilla Creams Non-Fiction
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
6. An Olive Grove At the Edge of the World by Jared Gulian - 4.0 ★
7. Columbus in the Americas by William Least Heat-Moon - 3.8 ★
8. Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier - 4.0 ★
9. Educated by Tara Westover - 4.5 ★
10. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel - 4.0 ★
11. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn - 5.0 ★
12. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett - 4.2 ★
Books Read
1. Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell - 4.5 ★
2. Below Stairs by Margaret Powell - 3.8 ★
3. Grave's End by Elaine Mercado - 2.0 ★
4. Bachelor Nation Inside the World of America's Favorite Guilty Pleasure by Amy Kaufman - 2.8 ★
5. Beyond the Trees by Adam Shoalts - 4.3 ★
6. An Olive Grove At the Edge of the World by Jared Gulian - 4.0 ★
7. Columbus in the Americas by William Least Heat-Moon - 3.8 ★
8. Enchanted Cornwall by Daphne Du Maurier - 4.0 ★
9. Educated by Tara Westover - 4.5 ★
10. I'd Rather Be Reading by Anne Bogel - 4.0 ★
11. The Salt Path by Raynor Winn - 5.0 ★
12. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett - 4.2 ★
17DeltaQueen50
White Chocolate Cameos Historical Fiction/Reading Through Time
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
6. Empire by Devi Yesodharan - 3.5 ★
7. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 4.3 ★
8. The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley - 4.1 ★
9. The Cannons of Lucknow by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
10. Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane - 4.0 ★
11. Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell - 4.5 ★
12. The Second Empress by Michelle Moran - 4.2 ★
13. Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson - 3.1 ★
Books Read
1. Enter Three Witches by Caroline Cooney - 3.6 ★
2. The Gown by Jennifer Robson - 4.0 ★
3. Pieces of Eight by John Drake - 3.8 ★
4. White Houses by Amy Bloom - 4.0 ★
5. The Beacon At Alexandria by Gillian Bradshaw - 4.5 ★
6. Empire by Devi Yesodharan - 3.5 ★
7. Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly - 4.3 ★
8. The Monster's Wife by Kate Horsley - 4.1 ★
9. The Cannons of Lucknow by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
10. Dawn's Early Light by Elswyth Thane - 4.0 ★
11. Tomato Rhapsody by Adam Schell - 4.5 ★
12. The Second Empress by Michelle Moran - 4.2 ★
13. Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson - 3.1 ★
18DeltaQueen50
Chocolate Letters AlphaKit - 2 Letters Each Month
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B. Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio - 5.0 ★
C. The Whispering Wall by Patricia Carlon - 4.0 ★
D. Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas - 4.0 ★
E. Watching the Ghosts by Kate Ellis - 4.0 ★
F. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn - 4.5 ★
G. A Gun For Sale by Graham Green - 4.0 ★
H. Pirate Code by Helen Hollick - 4.0 ★
I. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - 4.1 ★
J. The Almost Sisters by Josilyn Jackson - 3.8 ★
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L. Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li - 3.3 ★
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter - 4.3 ★
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q. It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S. Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart - 4.5 ★
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V. The French for Always by Fiona Valpy - 4.0 ★
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y. The Hand of Death by Margaret Yorke - 3.7 ★
Z The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - 3.7 ★
A. The Last Escape by Bobby Adair & T. W. Piperbrook - 2.5 ★
B. Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio - 5.0 ★
C. The Whispering Wall by Patricia Carlon - 4.0 ★
D. Fallen Women by Sandra Dallas - 4.0 ★
E. Watching the Ghosts by Kate Ellis - 4.0 ★
F. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn - 4.5 ★
G. A Gun For Sale by Graham Green - 4.0 ★
H. Pirate Code by Helen Hollick - 4.0 ★
I. Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim - 4.1 ★
J. The Almost Sisters by Josilyn Jackson - 3.8 ★
K. Rich People Problems by Kevin Kwan - 4.0 ★
L. Number One Chinese Restaurant by Lillian Li - 3.3 ★
M. Cop Hater by Ed McBain - 4.3 ★
N. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - 3.4 ★
O. Paper Aeroplanes by Dawn O'Porter - 4.3 ★
P. Dreams of the Red Phoenix by Virginia Pye - 2.8 ★
Q. It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
R. Algonquin Sunset by Rick Revelle - 4.2 ★
S. Girl Waits With Gun by Amy Stewart - 4.5 ★
T. Thick as Thieves by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.2 ★
U. Rabbit, Run by John Updike - 3.7 ★
V. The French for Always by Fiona Valpy - 4.0 ★
W. Monster Nation by David Wellington - 3.0 ★
X. Irises by Franciso X. Stork - 3.7 ★
Y. The Hand of Death by Margaret Yorke - 3.7 ★
Z The Serpent King by Jeff Zentner - 3.7 ★
19DeltaQueen50
Purdy's Gift Box Series Reading From All Genres
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
4. Crimson Lake by Candice Fox - 4.5 ★
5. Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
6. Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger - 4.2 ★
7. A Pinch of Snuff by Reginald Hill - 3.5 ★
8. The Fashion in Shrouds by Margery Allingham - 4.2 ★
9. Cross and Burn by Val McDermid - 4.2 ★
10. Over the Gate by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
11. Sackett by Louis L'Amour - 3.7 ★
Books Read
1. A Darker Side by Shirley Wells - 3.5 ★
2. Massacre At Cawnpore by V.A. Stuart - 4.0 ★
3. Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill - 4.0 ★
4. Crimson Lake by Candice Fox - 4.5 ★
5. Now You May Weep by Deborah Crombie - 4.3 ★
6. Blood Hollow by William Kent Krueger - 4.2 ★
7. A Pinch of Snuff by Reginald Hill - 3.5 ★
8. The Fashion in Shrouds by Margery Allingham - 4.2 ★
9. Cross and Burn by Val McDermid - 4.2 ★
10. Over the Gate by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
11. Sackett by Louis L'Amour - 3.7 ★
20DeltaQueen50
Sake & Sakura Truffles Author I Haven't Read Before
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
6. Safe and Sound by Philippa East - 4.0 ★
7. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - 3.5 ★
8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - 4.5 ★
9. The River At Night by Erica Ferencik - 3.7 ★
10. Over and Under by Todd Tucker - 4.1 ★
11. See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt - 4.1 ★
12. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon - 3.4 ★
13. The Known World by Edward P. Jones - 4.1 ★
Books Read
1. Border Songs by Jim Lynch - 4.0 ★
2. The Women in Black by Madeleine St. John - 4.0 ★
3. Long Bright River by Liz Moore - 5.0 ★
4. A Head Full of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay - 4.0 ★
5. My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell - 4.2 ★
6. Safe and Sound by Philippa East - 4.0 ★
7. Zone One by Colson Whitehead - 3.5 ★
8. The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - 4.5 ★
9. The River At Night by Erica Ferencik - 3.7 ★
10. Over and Under by Todd Tucker - 4.1 ★
11. See What I Have Done by Sarah Schmidt - 4.1 ★
12. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon - 3.4 ★
13. The Known World by Edward P. Jones - 4.1 ★
21DeltaQueen50
Maple Leaf Melties Book That Don't Fit Elsewhere
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
7. River of Porcupines by G. K. Aalborg - 3.7 ★
8. Descender Vol. 4, Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
9. Rotters by Daniel Kraus - 3.5 ★
10. Mrs. Harris Goes to New York by Paul Gallico - 4.0 ★
11. Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics - 4.2 ★
12. The Lost Village by Camilla Sten - 4.5 ★
Books Read
1. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson - 4.5 ★
2. Miss Clare Remembers by Miss Read - 4.0 ★
3. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell - 4.2 ★
4. The Doll-Master and Other Tales of Terror by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.4 ★
5. Blue Jacket by Allan Eckert - 4.0 ★
6. Descender Vol. 1, Tin Stars by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 2, Moon Machine by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol. 3, Singularities by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
7. River of Porcupines by G. K. Aalborg - 3.7 ★
8. Descender Vol. 4, Orbital Mechanics by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 5, Rise of the Robots by Jeff Lemire
Descender Vol 6, The Machine War by Jeff Lemire - 4.3 ★
9. Rotters by Daniel Kraus - 3.5 ★
10. Mrs. Harris Goes to New York by Paul Gallico - 4.0 ★
11. Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics - 4.2 ★
12. The Lost Village by Camilla Sten - 4.5 ★
22DeltaQueen50
Welcome and remember:
24DeltaQueen50
>23 hailelib: Yes and my last one of 2021. Next time I build a thread it will be 2022!
ETA: Next thread will be for 2022 and will most likely go up in November.
ETA: Next thread will be for 2022 and will most likely go up in November.
25VivienneR
Happy new thread! As a vegetarian I'll pass on the gourmet meals at the top and go with chocolate creams!
27Nickelini
I heard there were chocolates and books happening here, so I'll just hang around if you don't mind
29dudes22
Always nice to stroll through your categories on a new thread, Judy. Happy reading til the end of the year.
30DeltaQueen50
>25 VivienneR: Wecome Vivienne, that's one of the joys of chocolate - it meets everyones needs! I'll order in more chocolate creams so help yourself!
>26 NinieB: Thanks, Ninie - chocolate creams are popular today!
>27 Nickelini: Grab a comfy chair, Joyce, and settle in. I happen to be reading two quite long books right now, one is almost 800 pages so it may be awhile before I get a review posted.
>28 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.
>29 dudes22: Welcome, Betty. I am looking forward to these last 2 months of the year and hopefully some great books are yet to come!
>26 NinieB: Thanks, Ninie - chocolate creams are popular today!
>27 Nickelini: Grab a comfy chair, Joyce, and settle in. I happen to be reading two quite long books right now, one is almost 800 pages so it may be awhile before I get a review posted.
>28 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie.
>29 dudes22: Welcome, Betty. I am looking forward to these last 2 months of the year and hopefully some great books are yet to come!
32DeltaQueen50
>31 BLBera: Hi Beth. Well, along with reading - eating is one of life's joys!
33mstrust
Happy new thread! You've managed to put a nice twist on your chocolate theme with the savory dishes. I happen to love mole enchiladas.
34DeltaQueen50
>33 mstrust: Hi Jennifer, I love mole dishes as well. There used to be a wonderful little Mexican restaurant in Victoria, it was family run and the food was excellent - and a little different from what one would expect. They made the most delicious Chicken Mole!
35DeltaQueen50
If anyone is interested in reading historical fiction, come on over and check out the Reading Through Time Group: https://www.librarything.com/ngroups/8853/Reading-Through-Time
We are in the process of setting up our 2022 schedule. It is run much like our Cats in that someone volunteers to be a host for a particular month and choses the theme that they would like to explore.
We are in the process of setting up our 2022 schedule. It is run much like our Cats in that someone volunteers to be a host for a particular month and choses the theme that they would like to explore.
36thornton37814
Happy new thread!
37Jackie_K
Happy new thread! Like Vivienne, I'm a vegetarian so will pass on the meat dishes, but I'm sure there's plenty of chocolate left for us :)
39DeltaQueen50
>36 thornton37814: Thanks, Lori. Hard to believe we are entering the last two months of the year!
>37 Jackie_K: Jackie, I have added a new category and it's a double helping of chocolate candy - so help yourself!
>38 msf59: Hi Mark, this coming week is full of medical appointments - my flu shot on Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday I am off to the hospital for some heart tests. It's been 7 years since my heart attack and they want to check to make sure I don't need another stint.
>37 Jackie_K: Jackie, I have added a new category and it's a double helping of chocolate candy - so help yourself!
>38 msf59: Hi Mark, this coming week is full of medical appointments - my flu shot on Wednesday, then Thursday and Friday I am off to the hospital for some heart tests. It's been 7 years since my heart attack and they want to check to make sure I don't need another stint.
40Nickelini
>39 DeltaQueen50:
It's been 7 years? Jeez time is flying!
It's been 7 years? Jeez time is flying!
41MissWatson
Happy new thread, Judy. November already? Where has the year gone?
42DeltaQueen50
>40 Nickelini: It does seems a lot more recent than 7 years to me. Fingers crossed that everything is tickety-boo cause I'd rather not go through that again!
>41 MissWatson: This year has flown by for me, I can't believe we are almost to 2022!
>41 MissWatson: This year has flown by for me, I can't believe we are almost to 2022!
43LadyoftheLodge
>35 DeltaQueen50: Thanks for the tip-off. (Like I needed another cool group to join. ;+) See you there!
44DeltaQueen50
>43 LadyoftheLodge: I'm glad that you have decided to join, it was originally a group of us from the Category Challenge who loved reading about history that formed Reading Through Time. It's a small group but I enjoy picking a book to read for the various themes.
45DeltaQueen50
187. Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner - 4.0 ★
Category: One Author, Two Books
November TIOLI #7: Another Book Title Is Shown on the Front Cover
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner is an interesting story of two young women who are working at the Selznick Studios as secretaries during the time of the filming of Gone With the Wind. Both girls have secrets that they don’t want exposed, Violet Mayfield is recovering from an operation that left her unable to have children. She was abandoned by her boyfriend and decided to leave the South and come to Hollywood. Audrey Duvall meets Violet and invites her to share her bungalow. Although working as a secretary, Audrey dreams of becoming a star, in fact she has no room in her life for anything other than her ambition. Audrey’s secret is that she has been pregnant twice and given up both babies.
While it was pretty obvious where the story was going, it was well written and engaging. I really enjoyed that the story was set against the backdrop of filming Gone With Wind, one of my favorite movies. Both the glimpses into cinematic history and the way the book examined the ups and downs of the friendship between these women kept the story moving along and the author wisely provided a couple of likeable yet flawed characters that kept the story from becoming too sweet.
There is a dual timeline to the story, but the modern parts are really just used to cement the story together and, in my opinion, didn’t add much to the story. This was the first book that I have read by this author although I have a number of hers on my shelf. I look forward to reading another one later on this month.
Category: One Author, Two Books
November TIOLI #7: Another Book Title Is Shown on the Front Cover
Stars Over Sunset Boulevard by Susan Meissner is an interesting story of two young women who are working at the Selznick Studios as secretaries during the time of the filming of Gone With the Wind. Both girls have secrets that they don’t want exposed, Violet Mayfield is recovering from an operation that left her unable to have children. She was abandoned by her boyfriend and decided to leave the South and come to Hollywood. Audrey Duvall meets Violet and invites her to share her bungalow. Although working as a secretary, Audrey dreams of becoming a star, in fact she has no room in her life for anything other than her ambition. Audrey’s secret is that she has been pregnant twice and given up both babies.
While it was pretty obvious where the story was going, it was well written and engaging. I really enjoyed that the story was set against the backdrop of filming Gone With Wind, one of my favorite movies. Both the glimpses into cinematic history and the way the book examined the ups and downs of the friendship between these women kept the story moving along and the author wisely provided a couple of likeable yet flawed characters that kept the story from becoming too sweet.
There is a dual timeline to the story, but the modern parts are really just used to cement the story together and, in my opinion, didn’t add much to the story. This was the first book that I have read by this author although I have a number of hers on my shelf. I look forward to reading another one later on this month.
46lindapanzo
>39 DeltaQueen50: Hoping for positive results for your heart tests later this week, Judy.
47DeltaQueen50
>46 lindapanzo: Thanks Linda - I think the hardest part for me is that I have to give up caffine for 24 hours prior to starting the test. I am going to be a wreck by the second day!
48Helenliz
Happy new thread!
And happy anniversary (belatedly from your previous thread). My brother's birthday is halloween, which always strikes me as appropriate. >;-)
>47 DeltaQueen50: no caffeine? Welcome to my world, I can't tolerate it any more. Hoping the tests go well and the sufferings of withdrawal come up with the right result.
And happy anniversary (belatedly from your previous thread). My brother's birthday is halloween, which always strikes me as appropriate. >;-)
>47 DeltaQueen50: no caffeine? Welcome to my world, I can't tolerate it any more. Hoping the tests go well and the sufferings of withdrawal come up with the right result.
49DeltaQueen50
>48 Helenliz: Thanks, at times it seems like we were married yesterday and at others it feels like every minute of the 43 years!
I survived my two days of medical tests. The shortage of caffine wasn't as bad as I feared as I was able to drink coffee after 24 hours not 48. Now I just need to wait a couple of weeks before I get the results from my doctor.
I survived my two days of medical tests. The shortage of caffine wasn't as bad as I feared as I was able to drink coffee after 24 hours not 48. Now I just need to wait a couple of weeks before I get the results from my doctor.
50DeltaQueen50
188. Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio - 5.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
November AlphaKit: B
November Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ________
Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio was a fantastic historical fiction read. Based on a true story, we follow along with the beautiful con-artist, May Dugas, as she lives a life of excitement and glamour – all paid for by her admirers. Of course she has her difficulties as well as she is constantly being pursued by a Pinkerton detective, and, as the book opens, she is facing a trial where she is accused of extortion. May’s story opens in the late 1800’s and takes us through to 1917.
Beautiful, resourceful, intelligent and cunning, May takes herself from a small town in northern Michigan to exotic locations all over the world. The story is narrated by May and her voice immediately draws you into her life. The scenario switches from her on-going trial to glimpses of how her life unfolded. We cover over thirty years of May’s life, from her short stint in an upscale brothel to becoming a baroness. At one time the Pinkerton Agency considered her the most dangerous woman in the world, but I couldn’t help but root for her, although it was pretty obvious that she was ensuring that we always saw her in the best light possible.
Parlor Games is a well written, very engaging story. May’s life with it many twists and turns kept me glued to the book as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the story even though I was very aware that May was a master manipulator. This is a woman who only kept to the rules of society when they worked in her favor. She relies on her beauty and her wit to carry her through, and however you feel about her, she sure made for a great read!
Category: Chocolate Letters
November AlphaKit: B
November Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ________
Parlor Games by Maryka Biaggio was a fantastic historical fiction read. Based on a true story, we follow along with the beautiful con-artist, May Dugas, as she lives a life of excitement and glamour – all paid for by her admirers. Of course she has her difficulties as well as she is constantly being pursued by a Pinkerton detective, and, as the book opens, she is facing a trial where she is accused of extortion. May’s story opens in the late 1800’s and takes us through to 1917.
Beautiful, resourceful, intelligent and cunning, May takes herself from a small town in northern Michigan to exotic locations all over the world. The story is narrated by May and her voice immediately draws you into her life. The scenario switches from her on-going trial to glimpses of how her life unfolded. We cover over thirty years of May’s life, from her short stint in an upscale brothel to becoming a baroness. At one time the Pinkerton Agency considered her the most dangerous woman in the world, but I couldn’t help but root for her, although it was pretty obvious that she was ensuring that we always saw her in the best light possible.
Parlor Games is a well written, very engaging story. May’s life with it many twists and turns kept me glued to the book as I couldn’t wait to see what would happen next. I enjoyed the story even though I was very aware that May was a master manipulator. This is a woman who only kept to the rules of society when they worked in her favor. She relies on her beauty and her wit to carry her through, and however you feel about her, she sure made for a great read!
51Tess_W
>50 DeltaQueen50: Hit me with a BB there!
52DeltaQueen50
>51 Tess_W: I'm still kicking myself that I let Parlor Games sit on my library list so long before getting to it!
53threadnsong
Hello Judy and Happy New Thread! Congrats on good test results and continued good health. I must say, the dishes at the top of your new thread just looked oh-my delicious.
While I realize that Thanksgiving as it is observed in the States is quite problematic, I *do* think that giving thanks at harvest time is an appropriate way to show gratitude. And this year, with this thread, I am grateful for chocolate!! Thanks for all your creativity with it.
While I realize that Thanksgiving as it is observed in the States is quite problematic, I *do* think that giving thanks at harvest time is an appropriate way to show gratitude. And this year, with this thread, I am grateful for chocolate!! Thanks for all your creativity with it.
55DeltaQueen50
>53 threadnsong: Hi Threadnsong! I am going to miss my chocolate theme when I move on to next year. Fingers crossed for my medical results - I will find out later on this month.
>54 hailelib: Thanks Trisha.
>54 hailelib: Thanks Trisha.
56DeltaQueen50
189. The Hand of Death by Margaret Yorke - 3.7 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
November AlphaKit: Y
November TIOLI #1: The word "Police" is on the front or back cover
The Hand of Death by Margaret Yorke was originally published in 1981, and it definitely reflected many of the opinions that were held at that time about rape. This book is a character study of a rapist who outwardly appears to be living a normal life but has a lot going on inside.
The book opens with a description of a day in the life of Ronald Trimm a successful antique store owner. As we start to know this man we are privy to his discontent and sexual frustration that will eventually drive him to murder. Women don’t treat him as he feels he should be treated and so he must punish them. He gets great enjoyment from the control he gains over his victims, but eventually he goes too far and a woman dies. Does this cause him to pause or feel remorse, no, it only eggs him on. Meanwhile the police have zeroed in on a suspect, the totally innocent George Fortescue, who embarrassed about what he was actually doing got caught up in a lie that caused the police to take more than a passing interest in him and delayed the investigation.
The Hand of Death moves along at a rapid pace and as it nears the end, the suspense of whether his latest victim will be murdered builds. I didn’t really like the ending, I wanted one of his victims to expose him, instead we are given a rather random conclusion. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and will continue reading this author.
Category: Chocolate Letters
November AlphaKit: Y
November TIOLI #1: The word "Police" is on the front or back cover
The Hand of Death by Margaret Yorke was originally published in 1981, and it definitely reflected many of the opinions that were held at that time about rape. This book is a character study of a rapist who outwardly appears to be living a normal life but has a lot going on inside.
The book opens with a description of a day in the life of Ronald Trimm a successful antique store owner. As we start to know this man we are privy to his discontent and sexual frustration that will eventually drive him to murder. Women don’t treat him as he feels he should be treated and so he must punish them. He gets great enjoyment from the control he gains over his victims, but eventually he goes too far and a woman dies. Does this cause him to pause or feel remorse, no, it only eggs him on. Meanwhile the police have zeroed in on a suspect, the totally innocent George Fortescue, who embarrassed about what he was actually doing got caught up in a lie that caused the police to take more than a passing interest in him and delayed the investigation.
The Hand of Death moves along at a rapid pace and as it nears the end, the suspense of whether his latest victim will be murdered builds. I didn’t really like the ending, I wanted one of his victims to expose him, instead we are given a rather random conclusion. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and will continue reading this author.
57DeltaQueen50
190. Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.3 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
November 1,001 Books Group Read
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete 2021 Challenges and Group Reads
Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates is the author’s portrait of an American icon, Marilyn Monroe, and while the author illuminates her life, it’s biggest impact is how she was able to get inside her subject and deliver interior dialogues that felt visceral and real. We know Marilyn Monroe through her appearance and her work in film, she’s the dumb/smart blonde, the sexy bombshell. We have also read enough about her in the past to see her as a lost soul, a self-destructive diva, a star that was used and abused by Hollywood.
In this novel, Joyce Carol Oates brings her to life and gives her a voice on these pages. Using the facts of Marilyn Monroe's life and blending in the author's insights, we learn that Norma Jeane Baker was doomed almost from birth. She was damaged by her single parent mother and she grew up never knowing her father. By the time she was eleven, her mother was in a psychiatric hospital and Norma Jeane was in an orphanage and later foster homes. Her first marriage was at fifteen and she appeared to be searching for a father figure most of her life. Although today she is remembered as the leading sex symbol of the 1950s this engrossing novel gives us not only Marilyn but is an epic story about the dangers and pitfalls of becoming a celebrity. We experience her triumphs and her downfalls, her troubled private life, along with her addictions and mental disorders.
Blonde plays upon mythology of Marilyn Monroe but also delivers a story of a character that is imaginative, engrossing and complex. I had become a fan of this author through her short stories and this was the first full-length novel of hers that I have read, and although I have to admit I did find this novel of over 750 pages to be overly long, my admiration for Joyce Carol Oates has grown.
Category: Hedgehogs
November 1,001 Books Group Read
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete 2021 Challenges and Group Reads
Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates is the author’s portrait of an American icon, Marilyn Monroe, and while the author illuminates her life, it’s biggest impact is how she was able to get inside her subject and deliver interior dialogues that felt visceral and real. We know Marilyn Monroe through her appearance and her work in film, she’s the dumb/smart blonde, the sexy bombshell. We have also read enough about her in the past to see her as a lost soul, a self-destructive diva, a star that was used and abused by Hollywood.
In this novel, Joyce Carol Oates brings her to life and gives her a voice on these pages. Using the facts of Marilyn Monroe's life and blending in the author's insights, we learn that Norma Jeane Baker was doomed almost from birth. She was damaged by her single parent mother and she grew up never knowing her father. By the time she was eleven, her mother was in a psychiatric hospital and Norma Jeane was in an orphanage and later foster homes. Her first marriage was at fifteen and she appeared to be searching for a father figure most of her life. Although today she is remembered as the leading sex symbol of the 1950s this engrossing novel gives us not only Marilyn but is an epic story about the dangers and pitfalls of becoming a celebrity. We experience her triumphs and her downfalls, her troubled private life, along with her addictions and mental disorders.
Blonde plays upon mythology of Marilyn Monroe but also delivers a story of a character that is imaginative, engrossing and complex. I had become a fan of this author through her short stories and this was the first full-length novel of hers that I have read, and although I have to admit I did find this novel of over 750 pages to be overly long, my admiration for Joyce Carol Oates has grown.
58mathgirl40
>57 DeltaQueen50: I've read some of Joyce Carol Oates's short stories but not any of her longer works. This book sounds fascinating.
I hope your test results turn out OK.
I hope your test results turn out OK.
59DeltaQueen50
>58 mathgirl40: Thanks, Paulina. Up to this point I had only read a couple of Joyce Carol Oates short story books, this was my first novel. It's definitely dark and grim as you would expect from this author, but I found the story really held my attention and I would definitely read more full length novels from her.
60RidgewayGirl
JCO is one of my favorite authors. She's kind of weird and can be wordy, but she really knows how to write damaged characters. I'm still thinking about Blonde and I read it months ago.
61Familyhistorian
Very interesting use of chocolate in your opening pictures, Judy. I didn't realize that Joyce Carol Oates had written a book about Marilyn Monroe, interesting.
62DeltaQueen50
>60 RidgewayGirl: She has become one of my favorite authors over the last couple of years as well. I will be thinking about Blonde for a long while as well, JCO made you feel that you were actually privy to Marilyn's deepest thoughts.
>61 Familyhistorian: Blonde is a fascinating character study, Meg, although very dark, rather grim and exceedingly long - over 750 pages. It was difficult to know the division between fact and fiction.
>61 Familyhistorian: Blonde is a fascinating character study, Meg, although very dark, rather grim and exceedingly long - over 750 pages. It was difficult to know the division between fact and fiction.
63DeltaQueen50
If anyone is interested in the AuthorCat that we will be running in 2022, we are in the process of choosing topics and hosts. Please come by and check it out: https://www.librarything.com/topic/336548#
64clue
I read a lot of JCO long ago but eventually moved away from her. I was just looking to see if I could find the title of the book I liked best but I only remember it was about a woman that was "escaping" because she went down a river in a boat alone. Can't find such a book but I'm sure it was her! I've always meant to read We Were the Mulvaneys.
66lsh63
>57 DeltaQueen50: I have this on my Kindle and hope to get to it next year. Maybe I’ll do a big book category, I also bought The Love Songs of W.E.B. Dubois.
67DeltaQueen50
>66 lsh63: There's a lot to explore with Joyce Carol Oates. I have Zombie, Triumph of the Spider Monkey, Black Dahlia & White Rose and the novella Miao Dao all on my shelves. I am eager to get to all of them!
68DeltaQueen50
191. As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner - 4.1 ★
Category: One Author, Two Books
November HistoryCat: Events
November Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete 2021 Challenges
As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner is story of historical fiction that deals with the 1918 flu pandemic. The main characters are from the Bright family that moves to Philadelphia so that the father, Thomas, can join his uncle in his mortuary business. The whole family, wife Pauline, and daughters Evelyn, Maggie and Willa are grieving the death of 4 month old Henry, who was born with a defective heart. This was a difficult time as the Great War in Europe was escalating and then as the family settles into their new home and business, their lives were about to be torn apart by the devastating epidemic that struck with deadly intent.
The story is divided into halves, the first part is about how the family and the city of Philadelphia deals with the pandemic, while the second half shows what life became after the end of the war and the flu. The Bright family were however strongly impacted by events and choices made during that time. The book’s main focus in on the females of the family and the story unfolds from their viewpoint, alternating between the mother and her daughters.
As Bright As Heaven gives us a detailed look at the 1918 pandemic, and there were certainly many aspects that reminded me of what we are experiencing today with Covid. The author is to be commended for her historical research and also for delivering a story that was unique and absorbing. I did find the ending was a little too neatly wrapped up but overall, I enjoyed this story. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by her.
Category: One Author, Two Books
November HistoryCat: Events
November Reading Through Time: Reader's Choice
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete 2021 Challenges
As Bright As Heaven by Susan Meissner is story of historical fiction that deals with the 1918 flu pandemic. The main characters are from the Bright family that moves to Philadelphia so that the father, Thomas, can join his uncle in his mortuary business. The whole family, wife Pauline, and daughters Evelyn, Maggie and Willa are grieving the death of 4 month old Henry, who was born with a defective heart. This was a difficult time as the Great War in Europe was escalating and then as the family settles into their new home and business, their lives were about to be torn apart by the devastating epidemic that struck with deadly intent.
The story is divided into halves, the first part is about how the family and the city of Philadelphia deals with the pandemic, while the second half shows what life became after the end of the war and the flu. The Bright family were however strongly impacted by events and choices made during that time. The book’s main focus in on the females of the family and the story unfolds from their viewpoint, alternating between the mother and her daughters.
As Bright As Heaven gives us a detailed look at the 1918 pandemic, and there were certainly many aspects that reminded me of what we are experiencing today with Covid. The author is to be commended for her historical research and also for delivering a story that was unique and absorbing. I did find the ending was a little too neatly wrapped up but overall, I enjoyed this story. This is the second book I have read by this author and I am looking forward to reading more by her.
69DeltaQueen50
192. Dark Flight by Lin Anderson - 3.8 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
November TIOLI #11: Author's Name ends in the suffix "son"
Dark Flight by Lin Anderson is the fourth novel in her crime series about forensic scientist, Rhona MacLeod. After arriving at a horrific murder site where an older woman and her daughter, Carole, had been murdered, the police realize that the daughter’s young mixed-race son, six year old Stephen Devlin has been taken by the murderer. The discovery of an African talisman and other evidence leads Rhona to believe that these murders were ritualistic and that Stephen is in great danger. As Stephen and Carole recently came to Scotland from Nigeria, Rhona and DS Michael McNab travel to that country to try and find the young boy.
I think this book has moved the series up a notch as this story was a little more complex that the previous three. The book follows the personal lives of Rhona and some of her cronies, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The murdered women and abducted child eventually led to a story involving human trafficking and African black magic that was chilling and dark.
Although Rhona appears to be hesitant and overly cautious when it comes to her personal life, she is a highly trained and competent forensic scientist who is pretty fearless when it comes to her work. These books are an interesting mix of science and investigation and I will be continuing on with the series.
Category: One Series, Two Books
November TIOLI #11: Author's Name ends in the suffix "son"
Dark Flight by Lin Anderson is the fourth novel in her crime series about forensic scientist, Rhona MacLeod. After arriving at a horrific murder site where an older woman and her daughter, Carole, had been murdered, the police realize that the daughter’s young mixed-race son, six year old Stephen Devlin has been taken by the murderer. The discovery of an African talisman and other evidence leads Rhona to believe that these murders were ritualistic and that Stephen is in great danger. As Stephen and Carole recently came to Scotland from Nigeria, Rhona and DS Michael McNab travel to that country to try and find the young boy.
I think this book has moved the series up a notch as this story was a little more complex that the previous three. The book follows the personal lives of Rhona and some of her cronies, and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The murdered women and abducted child eventually led to a story involving human trafficking and African black magic that was chilling and dark.
Although Rhona appears to be hesitant and overly cautious when it comes to her personal life, she is a highly trained and competent forensic scientist who is pretty fearless when it comes to her work. These books are an interesting mix of science and investigation and I will be continuing on with the series.
70msf59
Happy Friday, Judy. I read Blonde for the AAC a few years back and I liked it a lot. I had meant to read more JCN but she keeps getting lost in the shuffle.
71DeltaQueen50
>70 msf59: I know how that is, Mark. There's been a number of authors that I have discovered through LT and vow to read more of - but then failing to fit them in. Hope you are having a good week with plenty of Jackson time!
72DeltaQueen50
I have set up my 2022 Category Challenge thread which can be found here: https://www.librarything.com/topic/336683#
I am looking forward to another year of great reading and great conversation!
I am looking forward to another year of great reading and great conversation!
73Tess_W
>68 DeltaQueen50: I just love Susan Meissner. I've read A Fall of Marigolds as well as The Shape of Mercy. This one is on my WL and I hope to get to it in 2022!
74DeltaQueen50
>73 Tess_W: It's always great to discover a new author - I am sorting through her catalogue and adding titles to my list.
75BLBera
>72 DeltaQueen50: Wow! You are organized. I look forward to another year of following your reading.
I've never been a fan of JCO, but I do have Blonde on my shelves, among others. I should give her another try, and if I am still not convinced, maybe it's time to pass on any of her books to others.
I've never been a fan of JCO, but I do have Blonde on my shelves, among others. I should give her another try, and if I am still not convinced, maybe it's time to pass on any of her books to others.
76DeltaQueen50
>72 DeltaQueen50: Beth, I can certainly see that JCO is an author that one would love or hate. Blonde was a group read and many of us loved it, but there were a couple that gave up on the book finding it too dark and grim.
77DeltaQueen50
193. The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction by Mark Clifton - 4.0 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
November SFFFKit: Short Stories/Novellas
November GenreCat: Science Fiction
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ____
The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction is a collection of science fiction stories by Mark Clifton who was an American science fiction writer who was first published in 1952. He won the Hugo Award for best novel in 1958 for "They’d Rather Be Right" which is included in this collection.
Like all collections, I enjoyed some of the stories much more than others. I actually wasn’t all that taken with the Hugo winner, much preferring the first story “Star Bright” from 1952 which concerns a father discovering that his young daughter is much brighter than he, in fact, using ESP she has worked out how to time travel and how to travel to other planets. But although she is of a far superior mind, she is still a little girl and how is he going to be able to keep her safe. My other favorite story was “Do Unto Others” (1958), in this short and humorous story, a young man accompanies his strait-laced aunt as she travels to another planet to ensure the aliens are clothed and not walking around naked.
Considered an innovator of science fiction his stories are of alien invasion, expanding technology, and space colonization but as he was writing in the 1950s his work gives us insight into what people were thinking about and concerned with at that time. He seemed to feel that advanced technology was something to be feared far more than aliens. The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction was an interesting collection that I enjoyed.
Category: Almond Crunch
November SFFFKit: Short Stories/Novellas
November GenreCat: Science Fiction
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ____
The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction is a collection of science fiction stories by Mark Clifton who was an American science fiction writer who was first published in 1952. He won the Hugo Award for best novel in 1958 for "They’d Rather Be Right" which is included in this collection.
Like all collections, I enjoyed some of the stories much more than others. I actually wasn’t all that taken with the Hugo winner, much preferring the first story “Star Bright” from 1952 which concerns a father discovering that his young daughter is much brighter than he, in fact, using ESP she has worked out how to time travel and how to travel to other planets. But although she is of a far superior mind, she is still a little girl and how is he going to be able to keep her safe. My other favorite story was “Do Unto Others” (1958), in this short and humorous story, a young man accompanies his strait-laced aunt as she travels to another planet to ensure the aliens are clothed and not walking around naked.
Considered an innovator of science fiction his stories are of alien invasion, expanding technology, and space colonization but as he was writing in the 1950s his work gives us insight into what people were thinking about and concerned with at that time. He seemed to feel that advanced technology was something to be feared far more than aliens. The Second Golden Age of Science Fiction was an interesting collection that I enjoyed.
78hailelib
I was intrigued by the Mark Clifton collection and with it being only 99 cents I went ahead and bought it. Also, As Bright as Heaven is going on my wishlist!
79DeltaQueen50
>78 hailelib: I'll be interested in what you think of his stories, Trisha. I hadn't heard of him before I saw his name on a list of Hugo Award winners. Happily, I enjoyed many of the stories in the collection.
80DeltaQueen50
194. My Life As A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland - 3.8 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
November GenreCat: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Around the Year in 52 Books: People Might Say - You Read What!!
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ______
My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland is a combination of horror, urban fantasy and humor as we read about Angel Crawford. Angel has been labelled one of life’s losers, she lives with her alcoholic dad in the swamps of southern Louisiana, she’s a high school dropout who has a pill habit, a loser boyfriend and can’t seem to hang onto a job for long but now she finds that she has been turned into a zombie.
Angel is an old school zombie, one that needs to feed on brains in order to survive. She has no idea who turned her into a zombie as she was in the middle of a drug overdose when it happened, but whoever did, also lined her up with a job at the local morgue, giving her a steady supply of brains. This is the first book of a series so much of the book was taken up with introducing the characters and laying out the zombie rules. Of course there is some suspense as well as someone is systematically hunting down and destroying zombies and Angel seems to be the one to figure out who that someone is and who needs to be saved.
As zombie books go, this was a pretty mild one but the characters, in particular, Angel, are well developed and fun to read about and there was enough action to keep the story interesting. Angel soon finds out that her new life as a zombie is actually better than her life before, she has kicked her drug habits, loves her new job and can actually see a future for herself. I listened to an audio version of the book as narrated by Allison McLemore who did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Personally, I probably won’t be continuing on with the series as I usually prefer my zombies a little rougher but this was a fun interlude.
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
November GenreCat: Science Fiction/Fantasy
Around the Year in 52 Books: People Might Say - You Read What!!
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for ______
My Life as a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland is a combination of horror, urban fantasy and humor as we read about Angel Crawford. Angel has been labelled one of life’s losers, she lives with her alcoholic dad in the swamps of southern Louisiana, she’s a high school dropout who has a pill habit, a loser boyfriend and can’t seem to hang onto a job for long but now she finds that she has been turned into a zombie.
Angel is an old school zombie, one that needs to feed on brains in order to survive. She has no idea who turned her into a zombie as she was in the middle of a drug overdose when it happened, but whoever did, also lined her up with a job at the local morgue, giving her a steady supply of brains. This is the first book of a series so much of the book was taken up with introducing the characters and laying out the zombie rules. Of course there is some suspense as well as someone is systematically hunting down and destroying zombies and Angel seems to be the one to figure out who that someone is and who needs to be saved.
As zombie books go, this was a pretty mild one but the characters, in particular, Angel, are well developed and fun to read about and there was enough action to keep the story interesting. Angel soon finds out that her new life as a zombie is actually better than her life before, she has kicked her drug habits, loves her new job and can actually see a future for herself. I listened to an audio version of the book as narrated by Allison McLemore who did an excellent job of bringing the story to life. Personally, I probably won’t be continuing on with the series as I usually prefer my zombies a little rougher but this was a fun interlude.
82DeltaQueen50
>81 mstrust: It was a fun read, I am glad that I listened to the audio version as the reader made the main character very likable and engaging.
83DeltaQueen50
195. Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
November RandomCat: Fortune and Glory
November TIOLI #10: Can Be Found At Library Thing in At Least 3 Different Languages
Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie is the second book featuring the young sleuths, Tommy and Tuppence. This book is actually a collection of short stories, linked together as cases they solve while running Blunt’s International Detective Agency for Scotland Yard. Tommy takes on the role of Mr. Blunt while Tuppence plays at being his confidential secretary, Miss Robinson. While aiding Scotland Yard to expose international spies, they also work on various cases.
In order to help them seem like professional detectives, they borrow the different styles of famous literary detectives, from Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot. Although I haven’t read about all the detectives they mimic here, I did recognize a few, which greatly added to the fun of the book. The twosome is now married and they engage in bright and animated banter which keeps the reader engaged and interested in what they are doing. Tommy and Tuppence are a lively duo and Partners in Crime was an entertaining read.
Category: Cherry Cordials
November RandomCat: Fortune and Glory
November TIOLI #10: Can Be Found At Library Thing in At Least 3 Different Languages
Partners in Crime by Agatha Christie is the second book featuring the young sleuths, Tommy and Tuppence. This book is actually a collection of short stories, linked together as cases they solve while running Blunt’s International Detective Agency for Scotland Yard. Tommy takes on the role of Mr. Blunt while Tuppence plays at being his confidential secretary, Miss Robinson. While aiding Scotland Yard to expose international spies, they also work on various cases.
In order to help them seem like professional detectives, they borrow the different styles of famous literary detectives, from Sherlock Holmes to Hercule Poirot. Although I haven’t read about all the detectives they mimic here, I did recognize a few, which greatly added to the fun of the book. The twosome is now married and they engage in bright and animated banter which keeps the reader engaged and interested in what they are doing. Tommy and Tuppence are a lively duo and Partners in Crime was an entertaining read.
84rabbitprincess
>83 DeltaQueen50: This book was such fun in audio, too! I found that having read a lot of British Library Crime Classics books helped me recognize some of the more obscure detectives, which did indeed add to the fun :)
85VivienneR
Judy, I hope you are staying safe and dry - same goes for all the other LTers in Southern BC. We've been glued to the news all day listening to horror stories about landslides and the unfortunate people trapped on highways. It's been raining hard here but so far no damage (that I know about). A Pineapple Express always sounds so good, but in reality, not to be envied. Best of luck.
86DeltaQueen50
>84 rabbitprincess: I really enjoyed Partners in Crime, it was fun recognizing some of these detectives!
>85 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. We are certainly getting a lot of rain and when we were out today, I was surprised to see that the ditches and fields around here are full of water. If we get much more rain I think we will see some of the low lying roads being flooded. It doesn't help that the gutters are full of old leaves, as that often causes a backup of water.
>85 VivienneR: Hi Vivienne. We are certainly getting a lot of rain and when we were out today, I was surprised to see that the ditches and fields around here are full of water. If we get much more rain I think we will see some of the low lying roads being flooded. It doesn't help that the gutters are full of old leaves, as that often causes a backup of water.
87LadyoftheLodge
>86 DeltaQueen50: Wow, I get that! Before we moved to our new community, our road would regularly flood and we would have to look for other routes. Sometimes those would be flooded as well or blocked by downed trees. My steep gravel driveway became a small stream of quickly flowing water. I do not miss those times.
88DeltaQueen50
>87 LadyoftheLodge: Luckily, we woke up this morning to bright sunshine and blue skies. The lower mainland of B.C. is cut-off from the rest of the province as the two highways that lead into the interior of the province are closed due to flooding and/or landslides. As long as the good weather holds,we should be back to normal in a day or so.
89DeltaQueen50
196. Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris - 4.0 ★
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books: Set in a Country That is On or Below the Tropic of Cancer
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete a 2021 Challenge
Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris is the third book in her trilogy of mysteries that are set in Saudi Arabia and feature forensic technician, Katya Hijazi. These are well written, interesting books but I have to admit a certain amount of difficulty reading them as the Muslim culture, and in particular the treatment and rights of women is so foreign to me. Saudi Arabia has the reputation of having one of the most restrictive societies in the world and the contrast of this world and my own is almost indecipherable.
This particular book deals with the hunt for a serial murderer after the bodies of 19 women are discovered in the desert. The lead inspector Ibrahim Zahrani, has allowed Katya a certain amount of freedom in the working environment, but he is also dealing with a devastating mystery of his own, as his mistress, Sabria, has suddenly disappeared. As a married man, he enlists Katya’s help in this as he faces beheading if his relationship with Sabria is discovered. Katya is drawn into both investigations but faces a lot of distrust from her male co-workers.
Kingdom of Strangers portrays the hunt for a serial killer as well as giving us an insight into the on-going trafficking of women, brought into the country under false pretenses. The author has also calmly pulled the curtain back to reveal how ordinary women are treated and expected to behave in this culture. Overall this was an intricate and fascinating read.
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
Around the Year in 52 Books: Set in a Country That is On or Below the Tropic of Cancer
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete a 2021 Challenge
Kingdom of Strangers by Zoe Ferraris is the third book in her trilogy of mysteries that are set in Saudi Arabia and feature forensic technician, Katya Hijazi. These are well written, interesting books but I have to admit a certain amount of difficulty reading them as the Muslim culture, and in particular the treatment and rights of women is so foreign to me. Saudi Arabia has the reputation of having one of the most restrictive societies in the world and the contrast of this world and my own is almost indecipherable.
This particular book deals with the hunt for a serial murderer after the bodies of 19 women are discovered in the desert. The lead inspector Ibrahim Zahrani, has allowed Katya a certain amount of freedom in the working environment, but he is also dealing with a devastating mystery of his own, as his mistress, Sabria, has suddenly disappeared. As a married man, he enlists Katya’s help in this as he faces beheading if his relationship with Sabria is discovered. Katya is drawn into both investigations but faces a lot of distrust from her male co-workers.
Kingdom of Strangers portrays the hunt for a serial killer as well as giving us an insight into the on-going trafficking of women, brought into the country under false pretenses. The author has also calmly pulled the curtain back to reveal how ordinary women are treated and expected to behave in this culture. Overall this was an intricate and fascinating read.
90Nickelini
>88 DeltaQueen50: Luckily, we woke up this morning to bright sunshine and blue skies. The lower mainland of B.C. is cut-off from the rest of the province as the two highways that lead into the interior of the province are closed due to flooding and/or landslides. As long as the good weather holds,we should be back to normal in a day or so.
It was lovely today! But the waters are still pouring off the mountains, and the flooding in some areas got worse today. The pictures of the flooding along the #1 through east Abbotsford is shocking, never mind the other highways that were destroyed (the 3 that go to the rest of Canada). I am relieved to hear that in all this destruction, only one person has been reported to have died.
I love your optimism, but the Coquihalla isn't going to be repaired in a few days, and all the other truck and rail routes are destroyed too. It will be a while before you can drive out of the Greater Vancouver area to anywhere in Canada, without going into the US and back into Canada.
The forecast shows rain for the next few days . . . not a storm or crazy rain, but not dry either. This hasn't affected my commute at all, but I saw a notice at the SkyTrain today that said to expect liquor shortages . . . i think we are going to have lots of shortages. Before this, there were already supply-chain problems, and this will make it worse, especially for those east of us. I hope I'm wrong and we look back at this in a few months and say how silly I was.
Perfect excuse for a minimalist Christmas!
It was lovely today! But the waters are still pouring off the mountains, and the flooding in some areas got worse today. The pictures of the flooding along the #1 through east Abbotsford is shocking, never mind the other highways that were destroyed (the 3 that go to the rest of Canada). I am relieved to hear that in all this destruction, only one person has been reported to have died.
I love your optimism, but the Coquihalla isn't going to be repaired in a few days, and all the other truck and rail routes are destroyed too. It will be a while before you can drive out of the Greater Vancouver area to anywhere in Canada, without going into the US and back into Canada.
The forecast shows rain for the next few days . . . not a storm or crazy rain, but not dry either. This hasn't affected my commute at all, but I saw a notice at the SkyTrain today that said to expect liquor shortages . . . i think we are going to have lots of shortages. Before this, there were already supply-chain problems, and this will make it worse, especially for those east of us. I hope I'm wrong and we look back at this in a few months and say how silly I was.
Perfect excuse for a minimalist Christmas!
91hailelib
>89 DeltaQueen50:
Thanks for the review on Kingdom of Strangers. I've read the first two but hadn't seen anything about this one. Now on my list.
I've seen the stories on the flooding and it does seem serious so normal may take a while.
Thanks for the review on Kingdom of Strangers. I've read the first two but hadn't seen anything about this one. Now on my list.
I've seen the stories on the flooding and it does seem serious so normal may take a while.
92VivienneR
>90 Nickelini: I believe they are still searching in the debris of the landslides for two other people reported missing. BC news is filled with photos of empty produce shelves in the interior of the province. It might only take a week or so to repair some of the highways but will take a long time to repair the severe damage to the Trans Canada highway and the Coquihalla, the main trucking routes. The railroad was damaged too at the spot where it crosses a highway so there will be delays in that repair. I'm just thankful that the rain has stopped. At least you can shovel snow.
93DeltaQueen50
>90 Nickelini: & >92 VivienneR: I guess I haven't been paying as much attention as I should to the news. The damage and flooding is far worse than I thought and you're right, this isn't going to be a quick fix. I've been doing more medical tests the last couple of days and the doctor has asked everyone to bring in a non-perishable donation for the Vancouver Food Bank as they are getting concerned over supply.
>91 hailelib: I've had Kingdom of Strangers on my shelf for some time so I am pretty sure that it's the final book of what became a trilogy of mysteries set in Saudi Arabia.
>91 hailelib: I've had Kingdom of Strangers on my shelf for some time so I am pretty sure that it's the final book of what became a trilogy of mysteries set in Saudi Arabia.
94VivienneR
>93 DeltaQueen50: You're excused, Judy, not everyone is a news hound like I am. :) I'm glad the word is going out for food donations. Farms have been hit worst, thousand of animals lost and dairy farmers have been told to dump milk because it can't be transported. So far this year we've had drought, heat, fires and now disastrous flooding. I wonder when the locusts arrive?
95DeltaQueen50
>94 VivienneR: I know, and of course, we are dealing with disease all the time - we do seem to be seeing the worst side of life these days! My husband and I had to go to Walmart today and it was crazy there, people furiously buying groceries and signs being put up to say that only 1 item per family was allowed on many items.
96DeltaQueen50
197. The Stranger by Albert Camus - 3.7 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
November 1,001 Group Challenge Read: A Bestseller
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete a 2021 Challenge
I was rather taken aback by The Stranger by Albert Camus. I had heard that this book was a fine example of both existentialism coupled with absurdism and these terms had me convinced the book would be a difficult read and most likely, impossible to understand. Actually I found the very opposite, this very short novel was easy to read and on the surface, easy to understand. It’s only when one starts to dig a little deeper into what the author was writing, that one can see that the author was exploring the meaning of life by raising questions about morality, justice and the responsibilities of the individual.
The book, set in Algiers, is divided into two parts, the first introduces the main character while he attends to the death of his mother. This character is one of most apathetic and inaccessible characters that I have come across. We see aspects of his life but the ending of this part happens when this main character commits a totally senseless murder. The second part of the book deals with his incarceration and the eventual trial for the murder. I should mention that I read the novel as translated by Stuart Gilbert, and I wonder if the original work and/or other translations have made this character more sympathetic.
While the murder was shocking and the trial seemed utterly ridiculous, the main character never seemed to advance beyond indifference. Although it was this very indifference that brought about his downfall as it spoke volumes about his lack of remorse and his absence of character. It isn’t until the final paragraphs of the book that he expresses a moral or ethical concern and even then his philosophy seems to be that life is pointless and that everyone has to face their end in their own way.
Category: Hedgehogs
November 1,001 Group Challenge Read: A Bestseller
November TIOLI #5: Helps to Complete a 2021 Challenge
I was rather taken aback by The Stranger by Albert Camus. I had heard that this book was a fine example of both existentialism coupled with absurdism and these terms had me convinced the book would be a difficult read and most likely, impossible to understand. Actually I found the very opposite, this very short novel was easy to read and on the surface, easy to understand. It’s only when one starts to dig a little deeper into what the author was writing, that one can see that the author was exploring the meaning of life by raising questions about morality, justice and the responsibilities of the individual.
The book, set in Algiers, is divided into two parts, the first introduces the main character while he attends to the death of his mother. This character is one of most apathetic and inaccessible characters that I have come across. We see aspects of his life but the ending of this part happens when this main character commits a totally senseless murder. The second part of the book deals with his incarceration and the eventual trial for the murder. I should mention that I read the novel as translated by Stuart Gilbert, and I wonder if the original work and/or other translations have made this character more sympathetic.
While the murder was shocking and the trial seemed utterly ridiculous, the main character never seemed to advance beyond indifference. Although it was this very indifference that brought about his downfall as it spoke volumes about his lack of remorse and his absence of character. It isn’t until the final paragraphs of the book that he expresses a moral or ethical concern and even then his philosophy seems to be that life is pointless and that everyone has to face their end in their own way.
97Nickelini
>96 DeltaQueen50: It's been a decade or more since I read The Plague, but your description sounded vaguely familiar. Hmm, but not the same book. I didn't hate it (The Plague), but I haven't read Camus since. Sounds like I'm in for more of the same with this one. Which is fine. I have a decade of life experience to add to my reading. One day I'll get to The Stranger.
Are you still competing with your brother, or did he drag his sorry butt home?
Yes! The crazy flooding! Did you see the sad story of the couple who had a retirement farm in Merritt and their son filmed the whole thing swept away? I cried along with them. How horrible!
Are you still competing with your brother, or did he drag his sorry butt home?
Yes! The crazy flooding! Did you see the sad story of the couple who had a retirement farm in Merritt and their son filmed the whole thing swept away? I cried along with them. How horrible!
98MissWatson
>96 DeltaQueen50: I have read this in French and your impression of the main character is the same as mine. He is unsympathetic, aloof, shows no remorse. One of the strangest books I have ever read.
99pamelad
>96 DeltaQueen50: I look at the main character more as as an embodiment of a philosophy than a real person. We read The Outsider in French in year 12, and it made a big impression. Since then I've read it a few more times, and have two English translations, one by Sandra Smith and the other by Joseph Laredo. In the Smith translation the main character is more sympathetic.
100DeltaQueen50
>97 Nickelini: I never really identified with the main character as a person, he totally felt like the author's way of expressing his theories, and it sounds like he may have done the same thing in The Plague.
As for my brother, I don't trust him. I noticed that he is still reading some books from the 1,001 List and knowing him, he will quietly read and then annouce that he has passed me. So I am continuing to whittle away at the list.
The stories that are coming out about the flooding are touching. The heroine nurse who managed to organize a rescue of a number of people from a van that was almost swept away by a river and I also saw a women who had been stranded on her car roof for hours and hours. But the people who have had to see their home and dreams swept away - that is really sad.
>98 MissWatson: It seems like Camus was struggling with the age old question of "Why are we here?" and "What is our purpose?" so perhaps having such a disconnected main character enabled him to explore his questions.
>99 pamelad: I look at the main character more as as an embodiment of a philosophy than a real person.
Ah, that what I was trying to say above but couldn't find the right words. As The Stranger was so easy to read, I imagine it makes a great book to study in school as students wouldn't have to struggle to absorb the text.
As for my brother, I don't trust him. I noticed that he is still reading some books from the 1,001 List and knowing him, he will quietly read and then annouce that he has passed me. So I am continuing to whittle away at the list.
The stories that are coming out about the flooding are touching. The heroine nurse who managed to organize a rescue of a number of people from a van that was almost swept away by a river and I also saw a women who had been stranded on her car roof for hours and hours. But the people who have had to see their home and dreams swept away - that is really sad.
>98 MissWatson: It seems like Camus was struggling with the age old question of "Why are we here?" and "What is our purpose?" so perhaps having such a disconnected main character enabled him to explore his questions.
>99 pamelad: I look at the main character more as as an embodiment of a philosophy than a real person.
Ah, that what I was trying to say above but couldn't find the right words. As The Stranger was so easy to read, I imagine it makes a great book to study in school as students wouldn't have to struggle to absorb the text.
101Nickelini
>100 DeltaQueen50: As for my brother, I don't trust him. I noticed that he is still reading some books from the 1,001 List and knowing him, he will quietly read and then annouce that he has passed me. So I am continuing to whittle away at the list.
Oh that did make me laugh!
Oh that did make me laugh!
102Familyhistorian
>95 DeltaQueen50: I went to Costco yesterday and there were no parking spaces and cars circling the lot. This morning I went out early to fill up with gas because I was getting close to empty and there were reports of gas stations being out of gas but I didn't need to worry. There were no line-ups and plenty of gas. Save On Foods was normal today too and no shortages. I guess people who hoard go to Walmart and Costco.
103Nickelini
>102 Familyhistorian: You're close to me (I'm in New West). Good thing my husband went to Costco on Saturday and brought home 2 packs of TP!
I hadn't been to the store since the storm, but I went this afternoon to our local Choices, and they had full shelves except . . . the fancy cheese section. L'horreur! Only 20 types of fancy cheese instead of 100. And they did have the Kaltbach from Switzerland that I like, so all good. I also threw in some cheese from Abbotsford as a symbol of support (not actually meaningful, but shhh). People in the Greater Vancouver area shouldn't be hoarding! We have the port, we have access to the US.
I hadn't been to the store since the storm, but I went this afternoon to our local Choices, and they had full shelves except . . . the fancy cheese section. L'horreur! Only 20 types of fancy cheese instead of 100. And they did have the Kaltbach from Switzerland that I like, so all good. I also threw in some cheese from Abbotsford as a symbol of support (not actually meaningful, but shhh). People in the Greater Vancouver area shouldn't be hoarding! We have the port, we have access to the US.
104DeltaQueen50
>101 Nickelini: Typical brother/sister behavior - hardly competitive at all!!
>102 Familyhistorian: & >103 Nickelini: It seems that many people react to disasters by stocking up their own shelves. I am willing to take my chances and as long as fancy cheeses are available - I'm happy!
>102 Familyhistorian: & >103 Nickelini: It seems that many people react to disasters by stocking up their own shelves. I am willing to take my chances and as long as fancy cheeses are available - I'm happy!
105Tess_W
>96 DeltaQueen50: That is on my list to be read in 2022.
106DeltaQueen50
>106 DeltaQueen50: I will watch for your comments. I did pick up a copy of The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud today. This is an answer book to The Stranger written as if by the brother of the murder victim. I am interested in the Muslim point of view. It's another very short book so I am hoping to fit it in next month.
107DeltaQueen50
198. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon - 3.4 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
November TIOLI #3: The Book Fits 3 or More of October's TIOLI Challenges
The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon is a part coming-of-age, part mystery story. It is the record heat-breaking summer of 1976 and all seems quiet on the Avenue. Then Mrs. Creasy goes missing and the gossip and speculation start. Ten year old Gracie and her friend, Tilly are two young girls who live on the Avenue, they decide to spend their summer holidays in solving a couple of mysteries that have caught their interest. First they would like to find God and secondly, Mrs. Creasy.
Their method of investigating is mostly eaves-dropping on the adults of the street and apparently this quiet neighbourhood has more than a few secrets. The story alternates between Gracie’s point of view and that of various residents who are quite an unlikable bunch. There appears to have been a baby kidnapping and an unexplained fire 10 years ago and the neighbours all seem to look to the weirdo at the end of the street as being to blame for all their problems. Many are quite sure that he has played a part in the disappearance of Mrs. Creasy. But it also turns out that Mrs. Creasy was privy to many of their secrets so paranoia erupts.
I was looking forward to this book as I usually enjoy stories that are told from a child’s perspective but unfortunately this book didn’t totally grab me. Gracie and Tilly made the book fun although Gracie’s observations sometimes felt like a forty year old’s and the author tended to wander when she wrote about the other characters which meant there were a number of side plots that I didn’t feel were needed. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep is this author’s debut novel and it did show a lot of promise. The writing was good and the author wisely inserted a great deal of humor to lighten the mood. I will definitely give this author another try in the future.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
November TIOLI #3: The Book Fits 3 or More of October's TIOLI Challenges
The Trouble with Goats and Sheep by Joanna Cannon is a part coming-of-age, part mystery story. It is the record heat-breaking summer of 1976 and all seems quiet on the Avenue. Then Mrs. Creasy goes missing and the gossip and speculation start. Ten year old Gracie and her friend, Tilly are two young girls who live on the Avenue, they decide to spend their summer holidays in solving a couple of mysteries that have caught their interest. First they would like to find God and secondly, Mrs. Creasy.
Their method of investigating is mostly eaves-dropping on the adults of the street and apparently this quiet neighbourhood has more than a few secrets. The story alternates between Gracie’s point of view and that of various residents who are quite an unlikable bunch. There appears to have been a baby kidnapping and an unexplained fire 10 years ago and the neighbours all seem to look to the weirdo at the end of the street as being to blame for all their problems. Many are quite sure that he has played a part in the disappearance of Mrs. Creasy. But it also turns out that Mrs. Creasy was privy to many of their secrets so paranoia erupts.
I was looking forward to this book as I usually enjoy stories that are told from a child’s perspective but unfortunately this book didn’t totally grab me. Gracie and Tilly made the book fun although Gracie’s observations sometimes felt like a forty year old’s and the author tended to wander when she wrote about the other characters which meant there were a number of side plots that I didn’t feel were needed. The Trouble with Goats and Sheep is this author’s debut novel and it did show a lot of promise. The writing was good and the author wisely inserted a great deal of humor to lighten the mood. I will definitely give this author another try in the future.
108clue
<107 I had much the same reaction to this one. A friend recommended Three Things About Elsie and I have it on my next year sometime list.
109Nickelini
>107 DeltaQueen50:
This is one of those books that I always plan to read soon . . . but for me, in summer when it's hot. Because I'm like that. I remember that heat wave because it even made the news here in Canada. I think there was a "shower with a friend" campaign, because it was the 70s and not the uptight 80s. Anyway, you make it sound fun, even though your final assessment was more "meh". Simon Savidge loves that one, and I mostly agree with his recommendations. Maybe you needed to read it in summer, and not during a flood? ;-)
This is one of those books that I always plan to read soon . . . but for me, in summer when it's hot. Because I'm like that. I remember that heat wave because it even made the news here in Canada. I think there was a "shower with a friend" campaign, because it was the 70s and not the uptight 80s. Anyway, you make it sound fun, even though your final assessment was more "meh". Simon Savidge loves that one, and I mostly agree with his recommendations. Maybe you needed to read it in summer, and not during a flood? ;-)
110Jackie_K
>107 DeltaQueen50: What I really loved about The Trouble With Goats and Sheep was that (as someone who was a child in the 1970s on a nondescript avenue in a nondescript East Midlands town, ie exactly where this book was set) was that she nailed the time, the dialogue and the attitudes of that time *perfectly*. The whole time I read it I was imagining the street where I grew up, the local shop, and it was pitch-perfect for the place and time.
I also really liked Three Things About Elsie. Richard Osman owes that book a lot!
I also really liked Three Things About Elsie. Richard Osman owes that book a lot!
111Helenliz
>109 Nickelini: I think it was bath with a friend, showers being a new fangled thing that we didn't get to grips with very early on.
My mum was pregnant with my brother that summer. I have some vague memories of it, but nothing specific. I admit to being tempted by the book though...
My mum was pregnant with my brother that summer. I have some vague memories of it, but nothing specific. I admit to being tempted by the book though...
112Jackie_K
>111 Helenliz: I remember going for a walk with my parents to Pitsford Reservoir that summer and it being all cracked and dried mud and almost no water. And the other random thing I remember were a couple of days where there was a plague (it felt like) of greenfly, we had to stay indoors because the air was thick with them, but of course they got inside too (funnily enough, I don't remember the millions of ladybirds that fed on them!). I turned 7 that summer.
Interestingly, this has prompted me to google, and this very interesting article mentions both things I remember, there's even a photo of Pitsford Reservoir! https://www.countryfile.com/countryfile/great-drought-of-1976-what-happened-and-...
Interestingly, this has prompted me to google, and this very interesting article mentions both things I remember, there's even a photo of Pitsford Reservoir! https://www.countryfile.com/countryfile/great-drought-of-1976-what-happened-and-...
113dudes22
From my list, it looks like I took a BB for this 5 years ago but still haven't read it. Even if you weren't overly thrilled, I'll probably still give it a try - it's been on the list a while so maybe next year I'll try to get to it.
114Nickelini
>112 Jackie_K: interesting article! I didn’t realize a lot of that. The last line though… I think the writer thought themselves clever but I disagree. I was waiting for a comparison to heatwaves the UK has had since but maybe there hasn’t been one that long.
115Nickelini
>111 Helenliz: you’re right! The linked article in >112 Jackie_K: mentions “bath with a friend”
116BLBera
Hi Judy - Sorry to hear about your flooding. Good luck! I hope your tests all go well, too.
>89 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like an interesting series. I think my library has copies.
I read Camus in high school and have been thinking I should pick him up again. I might get more from it now. :)
I think I liked The Trouble with Goats and Sheep more than you did, but I will definitely look for more by Cannon. I thought it was a strong first novel.
>89 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like an interesting series. I think my library has copies.
I read Camus in high school and have been thinking I should pick him up again. I might get more from it now. :)
I think I liked The Trouble with Goats and Sheep more than you did, but I will definitely look for more by Cannon. I thought it was a strong first novel.
117DeltaQueen50
>108 clue: I hadn't realised that Joanna Cannon has more books out. I am taking a book bullet for Three Things About Elsie and when I was checking that one out I came across A Tidy Ending which also sounds good. So two more books to add to my list!
>109 Nickelini: I am just the opposite - I like to read books set in winter during the hot months and summer books in the colder ones. I think there is a lot to admire and enjoy with The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and I will look forward to your comments.
>110 Jackie_K: The descriptions of the summer heat and of life on the Avenue were so well done that even though I am not from England, she placed me there. I need to get to the Richard Osman book!
>111 Helenliz: I am so old that the 1970s don't feel like the past for me - but when I stop and realize that 40 some years have passed since then I am amazed.
>112 Jackie_K: That was an interesting article, Jackie. I have read other books set in the summer of 1976 where the heat/drought played a big part. I can't remember specific titles but I am pretty sure one dealt with a serial killer.
>113 dudes22: I'll watch for your comments as well, Betty.
>109 Nickelini: I am just the opposite - I like to read books set in winter during the hot months and summer books in the colder ones. I think there is a lot to admire and enjoy with The Trouble with Goats and Sheep and I will look forward to your comments.
>110 Jackie_K: The descriptions of the summer heat and of life on the Avenue were so well done that even though I am not from England, she placed me there. I need to get to the Richard Osman book!
>111 Helenliz: I am so old that the 1970s don't feel like the past for me - but when I stop and realize that 40 some years have passed since then I am amazed.
>112 Jackie_K: That was an interesting article, Jackie. I have read other books set in the summer of 1976 where the heat/drought played a big part. I can't remember specific titles but I am pretty sure one dealt with a serial killer.
>113 dudes22: I'll watch for your comments as well, Betty.
118Jackie_K
>114 Nickelini: No, there hasn't been a heatwave like that since. We've had hot summers, but the combination of dry preceding winter/spring and hot summer which led to the spectacular drought in 1976 hasn't happened since to anywhere like the same extent.
119pamelad
>106 DeltaQueen50: I will be interested to read what you think of The Meursault Investigation. While it takes The Outsider as its starting point, its structure is based on another book by Camus, The Fall, which is also worth reading.
120DeltaQueen50
>119 pamelad: Sounds like I am about to fall into a rabbit hole of "Everything Camus"!
121Jackie_K
My husband commented on that 1976 drought article that he remembered the pandas in London Zoo needing blocks of ice to keep cool!
122DeltaQueen50
>121 Jackie_K: We take our climate so much for granted and it's only when nature rises up and changes things that we realize how much things can change!
123DeltaQueen50
199. Easy Kill by Lin Anderson - 4.0 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
November TIOLI #11: Author's Last Name Ends in the Suffix "son"
Easy Kill, the fifth book in Lin Anderson’s series about forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod was a fast paced thriller as Rhona and her cohorts come up against a very clever serial killer. Rhona is called to a cemetery where a body of a prostitute has been found left sprawled on top of old grave-site. After removing the body, Rhona discovers another dead woman buried shallowly, just under the first. A further investigation of the area turns up one more body. Three dead women, all young prostitutes alerts the team to the fact that a serial killer is working the streets of Glasgow.
The search is on and all members of the team are on alert, Professor Magnus Pirie is brought in to profile the murderer but both the man in charge of the case, DI Bill Wilson, and Rhona believe more in the facts and evidence than in the intangible offerings of the professor. This entry in the series was the best story yet, and I particularly thought the chase through Glasgow underground sewers was riveting. However I was less pleased with how the serial killer was able to reach out and involve himself in the private lives of some of the investigating team.
This volume moved the life of Rhona MacLeod along as well with what appears to be a final break between Rhona and her Irish lover, and perhaps a new man coming into her life. As the series moves along, I am finding each book is getting better and the cases more complex. I am enjoying reading about how the forensic science plays a part in the investigations and I am looking forward to the next book.
Category: One Series, Two Books
November TIOLI #11: Author's Last Name Ends in the Suffix "son"
Easy Kill, the fifth book in Lin Anderson’s series about forensic scientist Rhona MacLeod was a fast paced thriller as Rhona and her cohorts come up against a very clever serial killer. Rhona is called to a cemetery where a body of a prostitute has been found left sprawled on top of old grave-site. After removing the body, Rhona discovers another dead woman buried shallowly, just under the first. A further investigation of the area turns up one more body. Three dead women, all young prostitutes alerts the team to the fact that a serial killer is working the streets of Glasgow.
The search is on and all members of the team are on alert, Professor Magnus Pirie is brought in to profile the murderer but both the man in charge of the case, DI Bill Wilson, and Rhona believe more in the facts and evidence than in the intangible offerings of the professor. This entry in the series was the best story yet, and I particularly thought the chase through Glasgow underground sewers was riveting. However I was less pleased with how the serial killer was able to reach out and involve himself in the private lives of some of the investigating team.
This volume moved the life of Rhona MacLeod along as well with what appears to be a final break between Rhona and her Irish lover, and perhaps a new man coming into her life. As the series moves along, I am finding each book is getting better and the cases more complex. I am enjoying reading about how the forensic science plays a part in the investigations and I am looking forward to the next book.
125DeltaQueen50
>124 hailelib: I originally bought about 5 or 6 of these books on a reduced price. They have definitely been more of a back burner or secondary series for me, but this last book definitely was the best one and has me thinking that I will probably pick up a couple more.
126DeltaQueen50
200. The Blue Lagoon by Henry de Vere Stacpoole - 4.0 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
2021 GeoKit: Oceania, Australia & New Zealand
November TIOLI #9: Double OO in Title or Author's Name
I have read many of the classic “ship wrecked on a desert isle” books including Swiss Family Robinson and The Coral Island but somehow I had missed The Blue Lagoon by Henry de Vere Stacpoole. I had the idea that this book was written more as a salacious look at two young people discovering sex, but in actuality, I found this to be a fascinating story of survival.
Two young cousins, Dick and Emmeline are stranded on a remote South Pacific Island. They are cared for by an elderly Irish sailor, Paddy Button, who teaches them the art of survival. Paddy dies after two years on the island when the children are about thirteen. Distraught and uncertain, they carry on without him, living well on fruits they gather and fish they catch. Another few years pass and during this time the children mature and, yes, do discover each other sexually. This is handled very discreetly and Emmeline goes on to have a baby. Meanwhile Dick’s father has never given up hope that the children are alive and continues his search for them.
Originally published in 1908, this is a short book with a lot of story packed into it. The author himself had spent time at sea in the South Pacific so his descriptions were accurate and his writing lyrical. Parts of the story were quite dated and parts required the reader to stretch his imagination (I am thinking of Emmeline giving birth), but I particularly loved the ambiguous ending. The Blue Lagoon was a very good read and deserves a place of honor on my Desert Island shelf.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
2021 GeoKit: Oceania, Australia & New Zealand
November TIOLI #9: Double OO in Title or Author's Name
I have read many of the classic “ship wrecked on a desert isle” books including Swiss Family Robinson and The Coral Island but somehow I had missed The Blue Lagoon by Henry de Vere Stacpoole. I had the idea that this book was written more as a salacious look at two young people discovering sex, but in actuality, I found this to be a fascinating story of survival.
Two young cousins, Dick and Emmeline are stranded on a remote South Pacific Island. They are cared for by an elderly Irish sailor, Paddy Button, who teaches them the art of survival. Paddy dies after two years on the island when the children are about thirteen. Distraught and uncertain, they carry on without him, living well on fruits they gather and fish they catch. Another few years pass and during this time the children mature and, yes, do discover each other sexually. This is handled very discreetly and Emmeline goes on to have a baby. Meanwhile Dick’s father has never given up hope that the children are alive and continues his search for them.
Originally published in 1908, this is a short book with a lot of story packed into it. The author himself had spent time at sea in the South Pacific so his descriptions were accurate and his writing lyrical. Parts of the story were quite dated and parts required the reader to stretch his imagination (I am thinking of Emmeline giving birth), but I particularly loved the ambiguous ending. The Blue Lagoon was a very good read and deserves a place of honor on my Desert Island shelf.
127mstrust
Huh, I had no idea it was a book. I thought it was just a movie vehicle for Brooke Shields. I'm going to credit you with "discovering" it.
128DeltaQueen50
>127 mstrust: I always wanted to be an explorer, discovering new things. I guess this would qualify me as an "armchair explorer"!
129DeltaQueen50
201. The Party At No. 5 by Shelley Smith - 5.0 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for _____
I had never heard of The Party at No. 5 by Shelley Smith before seeing it on H. R. Keating’s List of 100 Best Crime Novels. Originally published in 1954, this is an odd story that has been labelled an “inverted mystery” by one critic, and a story of domestic malice by another. I was totally absorbed by this book and needing to see the resolution, read it in one sitting.
Two elderly ladies are brought together, one as a companion to the other, and we see them become more and more resentful of each other. Mrs. Rampage is spoilt and insensitive, although she lives in a large house and is surrounded by beautiful things, she pinches every penny and counts the cost of everything. Her niece has brought Mrs. Roach into the house to be her companion. Mrs. Roach is a widow who has no financial security and must work for a living. On the surface Mrs. Roach appears to be a patient, caring person but as the book develops we find she is deftly separating Mrs. Rampage from her friends and family as well as procuring valuable items from the house. The two women circle around each other, their relationship moving from friendly, to resentful, to hatred. The tension mounts and we wonder which one of the two will finally gain the upper hand.
The author did an excellent job with both the interplay between the two characters and with slowly building the tension as Mrs. Rampage feels more and more trapped in a situation that she can’t control. The atmosphere in the book changes as the story develops and we go from the light, almost humorous mood at the beginning of the book to downright horror. The Party At No. 5 may not work for everyone as it is a very claustrophobic story but I thought it was pure genius.
Category: Cherry Cordials
November TIOLI #2: I Am Thankful for _____
I had never heard of The Party at No. 5 by Shelley Smith before seeing it on H. R. Keating’s List of 100 Best Crime Novels. Originally published in 1954, this is an odd story that has been labelled an “inverted mystery” by one critic, and a story of domestic malice by another. I was totally absorbed by this book and needing to see the resolution, read it in one sitting.
Two elderly ladies are brought together, one as a companion to the other, and we see them become more and more resentful of each other. Mrs. Rampage is spoilt and insensitive, although she lives in a large house and is surrounded by beautiful things, she pinches every penny and counts the cost of everything. Her niece has brought Mrs. Roach into the house to be her companion. Mrs. Roach is a widow who has no financial security and must work for a living. On the surface Mrs. Roach appears to be a patient, caring person but as the book develops we find she is deftly separating Mrs. Rampage from her friends and family as well as procuring valuable items from the house. The two women circle around each other, their relationship moving from friendly, to resentful, to hatred. The tension mounts and we wonder which one of the two will finally gain the upper hand.
The author did an excellent job with both the interplay between the two characters and with slowly building the tension as Mrs. Rampage feels more and more trapped in a situation that she can’t control. The atmosphere in the book changes as the story develops and we go from the light, almost humorous mood at the beginning of the book to downright horror. The Party At No. 5 may not work for everyone as it is a very claustrophobic story but I thought it was pure genius.
130Tess_W
>179 DeltaQueen50: definitely a BB for me!
131RidgewayGirl
>129 DeltaQueen50: That sounds great, I'll look for a copy.
132pamelad
>129 DeltaQueen50: I also found The Party at No. 5 via Keating's list and was very pleased that it was available on Kindle Unlimited, along with some of her other books. I've read five, and liked them all.
133Tess_W
>129 DeltaQueen50: Found it under the title The Cellar at No. 5
134DeltaQueen50
>130 Tess_W: & >133 Tess_W: I hope you enjoy it, Tess. It's American title is The Cellar at No. 5.
>131 RidgewayGirl: I love it when a book totally jumps out at you. So far H. R. Keating's list has given me some very interesting reads.
>132 pamelad: I will have to look for more books by Shelley Smith. Ohh, I just checked Kindle Unlimited and they have quite a few - now I just have to fit them into my reading schedule.
>131 RidgewayGirl: I love it when a book totally jumps out at you. So far H. R. Keating's list has given me some very interesting reads.
>132 pamelad: I will have to look for more books by Shelley Smith. Ohh, I just checked Kindle Unlimited and they have quite a few - now I just have to fit them into my reading schedule.
135mstrust
>129 DeltaQueen50: That one's going on the WL!
136DeltaQueen50
>135 mstrust: I think you will enjoy it, Jennifer. :)
137DeltaQueen50
I had very good news today when I went to see my doctor. All my tests came in with very good results. My heart is working fine and getting plenty of blood so no further blockages. My blood pressure was monitored over 24 hours and came back pretty well perfect. My only problem is occasional irregular heartbeats or A-Fib, so they will continue to monitor that, but overall excellent results.
To celebrate I took the night off from cooking and we ordered Pizza!
To celebrate I took the night off from cooking and we ordered Pizza!
138katiekrug
>137 DeltaQueen50: - That's great news, Judy! Pizza well deserved :)
144DeltaQueen50
I did enjoy my pizza and I enjoyed a night off from cooking even more!
145thornton37814
Hope you are enjoying Thanksgiving today! Glad you enjoyed the pizza last night.
146DeltaQueen50
>145 thornton37814: I hope you are enjoying your Thanksgiving, Lori. We Canadians celebrated our Thanksgiving in October and I did have a lovely day then.
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends who are celebrating today!
Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends who are celebrating today!
147DeltaQueen50
202. Autumn: Aftermath by David Moody - 4.1 ★
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
November TIOLI #9: Double OO in Title or Author's Name
Autumn: Aftermath by David Moody is the fifth and final volume in his zombie apocalypse story. Over the course of the five books I have been following a number of different groups of people, and in this book the various groups come together and those still on the mainland plan to join with those who found shelter on an island off the coast of England.
It’s now almost 100 days since the dead became reinanimated and they have deteriorated to such a degree that they aren’t really that threatening any more. In fact, they seem to have some knowledge of their condition and have moved on from anger to wanting to be put down. Unfortunately, some of the people who are left have fallen into such depression that nothing seems to be able to bring them back. We also find a small group of men who decide they would rather set up on their own, with a number of captives to do the heavy work, including a number of women to cook, clean and offer sexual favors. Tempers and tensions mount as people see a way out of this enslavement and a chance for a new life.
I have enjoyed this series and appreciated that the author took the time to develop some interesting characters along the way. There was plenty of zombie action, but the author also took the time for the characters to plan their futures and to see what the post-apocalyptic world was going to develop into.
Category: Himalayan Pink Salt Caramels
November TIOLI #9: Double OO in Title or Author's Name
Autumn: Aftermath by David Moody is the fifth and final volume in his zombie apocalypse story. Over the course of the five books I have been following a number of different groups of people, and in this book the various groups come together and those still on the mainland plan to join with those who found shelter on an island off the coast of England.
It’s now almost 100 days since the dead became reinanimated and they have deteriorated to such a degree that they aren’t really that threatening any more. In fact, they seem to have some knowledge of their condition and have moved on from anger to wanting to be put down. Unfortunately, some of the people who are left have fallen into such depression that nothing seems to be able to bring them back. We also find a small group of men who decide they would rather set up on their own, with a number of captives to do the heavy work, including a number of women to cook, clean and offer sexual favors. Tempers and tensions mount as people see a way out of this enslavement and a chance for a new life.
I have enjoyed this series and appreciated that the author took the time to develop some interesting characters along the way. There was plenty of zombie action, but the author also took the time for the characters to plan their futures and to see what the post-apocalyptic world was going to develop into.
148thornton37814
>146 DeltaQueen50: I forgot you were in Canada! Sorry about that! Perhaps you need to indulge in an American Thanksgiving feast to extend your celebration.
149DeltaQueen50
>148 thornton37814: I have to admit a Turkey dinner with all the fixings sounds mighty good. Of course I would also like a chef to come along and cook it for me!
150dudes22
Glad to hear your test went well. My husband has a touch of A-fib and his doctor thought my husband should get one of those new watches so if he needed to see what was going on, there's some way to transmit it to the doctor.
152DeltaQueen50
>150 dudes22: Thanks Betty. That sounds like something to look into.
>151 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. It's a load off my mind, I thought for they were going to find something. I was shocked when he said it's all good news!
>151 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. It's a load off my mind, I thought for they were going to find something. I was shocked when he said it's all good news!
153BLBera
Congratulations on your good doctor report, Judy.
>129 DeltaQueen50: I'll look for this one as well. It sounds like a good one.
>129 DeltaQueen50: I'll look for this one as well. It sounds like a good one.
154LadyoftheLodge
Good to hear of your doctor report. That should give you some hope going into the new year.
155DeltaQueen50
>153 BLBera: Thanks, Beth.
>154 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks, Chery, it was reassuring to hear that I passed all the tests. Of course I think the stress of waiting for the results has brought on the darned cold sore that has come up, but hopefully this will quickly pass as well.
>154 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks, Chery, it was reassuring to hear that I passed all the tests. Of course I think the stress of waiting for the results has brought on the darned cold sore that has come up, but hopefully this will quickly pass as well.
156DeltaQueen50
203. This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham - 4.2 ★
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
November TIOLI #7: Another Book Title Is Shown on the Cover
This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham is the fourth book in the Fiona Griffiths series that is set in Cardiff and South Wales. Fiona is undergoing a number of changes in this book not least of which is getting used being single again. She is still struggling with her mental health and with following the rules of proper police procedure but two particular cases capture her interest and as she establishes that each victim was murdered, she soon realizes that these cases are connected and that she is dealing with a million dollar conspiracy involving deep sea cables.
Fiona has a unique ability that allows her to see connections that others miss. She throws herself into her work and is only being held back by an assignment as a temporary exhibits officer. This desk job causes her no end of bother, she wants to be out doing the detecting not stuck in a basement recording and filing the evidence. Luckily, her bosses give her an opportunity to continue on with her investigations.
This was an interesting and complex story. We are following several inter-linking plots and as the author develops Fiona we continue to learn about Fiona’s personal life, her adoption, her medical condition and her criminal father. It seems obvious that eventually all the evidence will point to her father, and that a major showdown will result. I have enjoyed all of these books and look forward to continuing on with this compelling and entertaining series.
Category: Sweet Georgia Browns
November TIOLI #7: Another Book Title Is Shown on the Cover
This Thing of Darkness by Harry Bingham is the fourth book in the Fiona Griffiths series that is set in Cardiff and South Wales. Fiona is undergoing a number of changes in this book not least of which is getting used being single again. She is still struggling with her mental health and with following the rules of proper police procedure but two particular cases capture her interest and as she establishes that each victim was murdered, she soon realizes that these cases are connected and that she is dealing with a million dollar conspiracy involving deep sea cables.
Fiona has a unique ability that allows her to see connections that others miss. She throws herself into her work and is only being held back by an assignment as a temporary exhibits officer. This desk job causes her no end of bother, she wants to be out doing the detecting not stuck in a basement recording and filing the evidence. Luckily, her bosses give her an opportunity to continue on with her investigations.
This was an interesting and complex story. We are following several inter-linking plots and as the author develops Fiona we continue to learn about Fiona’s personal life, her adoption, her medical condition and her criminal father. It seems obvious that eventually all the evidence will point to her father, and that a major showdown will result. I have enjoyed all of these books and look forward to continuing on with this compelling and entertaining series.
157dudes22
>156 DeltaQueen50: - I was planning to get to the first book in this series this year, but picked a book in a series I'm already reading instead for my "B" this month. Hopefully next year.
158Helenliz
Not been past your thread in a while, but hurrah on the lack of findings at the doctors.
>:-)
>:-)
159DeltaQueen50
>157 dudes22: You have some great reads to look forward to with this series, Betty!
>158 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen, it was a relief and I take great pleasure in knowing that I don't have to get medically poked or prodded for some time.
>158 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen, it was a relief and I take great pleasure in knowing that I don't have to get medically poked or prodded for some time.
160VivienneR
Congratulations on your good health report! Removing any worry should make it even better.
>156 DeltaQueen50: Nice review! I've only read two in the Fiona Griffiths series but they were excellent and I'm looking forward to continuing. She is such an interesting character.
>156 DeltaQueen50: Nice review! I've only read two in the Fiona Griffiths series but they were excellent and I'm looking forward to continuing. She is such an interesting character.
161DeltaQueen50
>160 VivienneR: Thanks. Vivienne. I find mysteries the hardest type of book to review as I want to give an essence of the book without giving away any important points. Of course, that said, mysteries are probably the type of book I read the most of!
162thornton37814
>161 DeltaQueen50: I agree mysteries are difficult to review without giving away key plot elements. I often feel my reviews/comments don't go far enough to really help me remember enough about the story, but then if I add what I really want to say, it gives away too much. I sometimes compromise by using the spoiler tag, but not that often.
163LadyoftheLodge
>162 thornton37814: I have noticed lately that book reviews on Amazon are way too long and narrate the entire storyline. Why bother to buy the book?
164DeltaQueen50
>162 thornton37814: & >163 LadyoftheLodge: There's definitely a fine line between writing a good review and being too informative. I find the mysteries that I like harder to review than those that I don't. When I don't care for the book, there is usually something to complain about without getting into the details of the story.
165dudes22
I agree - sometimes there's a bunch I want to say but worry about giving too much away. So they tend to sound like the flyleaf of a book rather than a review.
166DeltaQueen50
>165 dudes22: Sounds like we all have problems with reviewing mysteries!
167LadyoftheLodge
When I do not like a book, I am a bit reluctant to make any negative comments about the author or something that might reflect badly upon that person. Just because I do not like a book does not mean someone else won't like it. How does a person get around that?
168mstrust
I find myself getting really vague when I'm worried about giving away a plot point or making it obvious who dunnit. To the point where I find myself saying something like, "I recommend this book."
170Helenliz
I think it depends why you are reviewing. I write my reviews so that I can remember the book at a later date, so my reviews sometimes tend towards the spoiler laden.
I don't usually find it difficult to separate a bad review from the author - unless I think the author's views are being expressed in the book and I disagree with them on that basis. I usually make the review about my response to the book in those instances, lots of "I felt ..." language.
I don't usually find it difficult to separate a bad review from the author - unless I think the author's views are being expressed in the book and I disagree with them on that basis. I usually make the review about my response to the book in those instances, lots of "I felt ..." language.
171Jackie_K
>167 LadyoftheLodge: For books I dislike I try to say what it was about the book's contents that didn't work for me - annoying characters, poor grammar, whatever - without getting personal about the author (hopefully anyway, I know I'm not perfect). I've appreciated poor reviews from others, as I find them as helpful sometimes as good reviews. Something specific (eg a political position) that someone else hated might be just what I'm looking for, or I might think that I'd be likely to agree with their assessment.
172Tess_W
Same with me...so I usually stick with no more than two sentences of summary (unless it's a non-fiction) and then on to the writing, flow, etc.
173pamelad
Often the bad reviews are the most entertaining. While I appreciate a fair, even-handed review, what I really like is an unfair, biased, scathing review that makes me laugh.
174DeltaQueen50
>167 LadyoftheLodge: I love a good "bad" review, even if it's a book that I love I find it interesting to read why it didn't mesh with someone else. I do try to be somewhat careful as after all "one man's garbage is another man's treasure". One of the best things about LT is that we are all readers and I have not run into anyone who judges what we read.
>168 mstrust: I often write my thoughts down and then erase the whole middle paragraph that it about the plot and put in some generalities, "I recommend this book" is a good way to go.
>169 hailelib: It's definitely hard to strike the right balance.
>170 Helenliz: I am amazed at how I remember books that I have reviewed over the ones that I didn't write anything about. When I look back, I use my comments to bring back my memories of the book both good and bad.
>171 Jackie_K: We are all obviously doing something right with our reviews since we all are handing out book bullets on a regular basis!
>172 Tess_W: When my reviews start becoming too long and involved, then I know it's time for a rewrite.
>173 pamelad: Yes! Some of my favorite reviews have been "bad" reviews, and if a shot of humor has been added, well, so much the better. I guess the bottom line is that none of us are professional reviewers (at least I don't think we are) yet, we are all pretty good at getting our feelings about a book across.
>168 mstrust: I often write my thoughts down and then erase the whole middle paragraph that it about the plot and put in some generalities, "I recommend this book" is a good way to go.
>169 hailelib: It's definitely hard to strike the right balance.
>170 Helenliz: I am amazed at how I remember books that I have reviewed over the ones that I didn't write anything about. When I look back, I use my comments to bring back my memories of the book both good and bad.
>171 Jackie_K: We are all obviously doing something right with our reviews since we all are handing out book bullets on a regular basis!
>172 Tess_W: When my reviews start becoming too long and involved, then I know it's time for a rewrite.
>173 pamelad: Yes! Some of my favorite reviews have been "bad" reviews, and if a shot of humor has been added, well, so much the better. I guess the bottom line is that none of us are professional reviewers (at least I don't think we are) yet, we are all pretty good at getting our feelings about a book across.
175Nickelini
>173 pamelad: i do enjoy writing those when a book warrants it
176DeltaQueen50
>175 Nickelini: And you've written some very entertaining ones!
177DeltaQueen50
204. It's In His Kiss by Julia Quinn - 4.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
December AlphaKit: Q
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn continues her series about the Bridgerton family and their romances. In this one the youngest Bridgerton, Hyacinth is featured as she falls in love with Gareth St. Clair. While their love story is fairly straight forward, the circumstances surrounding Gareth’s birth are not and it takes a diary written in Italian and translated by Hyacinth to unearth Gareth’s true lineage.
We have seen Hyacinth growing up in all of the books and now that she is twenty-two, it is lovely to see her featured in her own love story. This was a fun outing in the series with lots of humor, a bit of mystery, and plenty of romance. The elderly, opinionated Lady Danbury plays a large part in this story as she is Gareth’s maternal grandmother, and she and Hyacinth have developed a strong friendship over the years. Gareth is very likeable and he is a perfect match for the independent, intelligent Hyacinth.
I gave my heart to the Bridgertons with the first book and now there is only one book left in the series for me to read but luckily this author has also penned some other series for me to discover. If you like light and funny historical romances, It’s In His Kiss is an enjoyable addition to the Bridgerton series.
Category: Chocolate Letters
December AlphaKit: Q
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
It’s In His Kiss by Julia Quinn continues her series about the Bridgerton family and their romances. In this one the youngest Bridgerton, Hyacinth is featured as she falls in love with Gareth St. Clair. While their love story is fairly straight forward, the circumstances surrounding Gareth’s birth are not and it takes a diary written in Italian and translated by Hyacinth to unearth Gareth’s true lineage.
We have seen Hyacinth growing up in all of the books and now that she is twenty-two, it is lovely to see her featured in her own love story. This was a fun outing in the series with lots of humor, a bit of mystery, and plenty of romance. The elderly, opinionated Lady Danbury plays a large part in this story as she is Gareth’s maternal grandmother, and she and Hyacinth have developed a strong friendship over the years. Gareth is very likeable and he is a perfect match for the independent, intelligent Hyacinth.
I gave my heart to the Bridgertons with the first book and now there is only one book left in the series for me to read but luckily this author has also penned some other series for me to discover. If you like light and funny historical romances, It’s In His Kiss is an enjoyable addition to the Bridgerton series.
178katiekrug
>177 DeltaQueen50: - Glad you liked that one! The last two in the series are probably my least favorite, but I still enjoy them.
The trilogy (or quartet? I can't remember...) about the Smythe-Smiths is pretty good. I haven't read the Bridgerton "prequels" yet.
The trilogy (or quartet? I can't remember...) about the Smythe-Smiths is pretty good. I haven't read the Bridgerton "prequels" yet.
179DeltaQueen50
>178 katiekrug: The first three Bridgerton books are my favorites but I still enjoy reading about this family. I have all the Bridgerton "prequels" ready to go and now I will start to gather the Smythe-Smith quartet.
180Nickelini
>176 DeltaQueen50: Thanks! :-D
181msf59
Happy Wednesday, Judy. I hope you and the family are doing well and I hope those books are treating you good.
182DeltaQueen50
>181 msf59: Hi Mark, I am doing very well. I just finished reading White Fang which I didn't think I had read before but found it very familiar - perhaps it just was that it was covering a lot of the same ground as Call of the Wild which I read a couple of years ago. So I get to start a new book this evening!
183DeltaQueen50
205. White Fang by Jack London - 3.7 ★
Category: One Author, Two Books
December Reading Through Time: Brrr Cold!
December TIOLI #17: Takes Place in a Cold Setting
White Fang by Jack London is the story of a wolf who is born in the wild to a half wolf/half dog mother and a full wolf father. He spends his first few formative months in the wild being raised by his mother and then the two of them are absorbed into an Indian village and White Fang learns about living with humans. There is always an aspect of wildness about White Fang and unfortunately as he is passed on to other humans this aspect is taken advantage of. He is tortured and mistreated and set to fight against other animals. Eventually he is rescued from the fighting ring but now must learn how to trust and care for a human again.
This book shows both the cruelty and kindness that an animal can face during it’s lifetime. It reminded me a lot of his Call of the Wild, although to my way of thinking White Fang should have been left in the wild where he truly belonged. Set in the Canadian Yukon at the time of the Klondike Gold Strike, I found this to be an absorbing read. I know that research into wolves has advanced since Jack London wrote about them, but the writing here is extremely descriptive and at times quite lyrical. I couldn’t totally buy into this story as the author’s descriptions of White Fang’s thought processes were a little too detailed and human-like, but I can certainly understand this author’s popularity as the book was a true adventure read.
Category: One Author, Two Books
December Reading Through Time: Brrr Cold!
December TIOLI #17: Takes Place in a Cold Setting
White Fang by Jack London is the story of a wolf who is born in the wild to a half wolf/half dog mother and a full wolf father. He spends his first few formative months in the wild being raised by his mother and then the two of them are absorbed into an Indian village and White Fang learns about living with humans. There is always an aspect of wildness about White Fang and unfortunately as he is passed on to other humans this aspect is taken advantage of. He is tortured and mistreated and set to fight against other animals. Eventually he is rescued from the fighting ring but now must learn how to trust and care for a human again.
This book shows both the cruelty and kindness that an animal can face during it’s lifetime. It reminded me a lot of his Call of the Wild, although to my way of thinking White Fang should have been left in the wild where he truly belonged. Set in the Canadian Yukon at the time of the Klondike Gold Strike, I found this to be an absorbing read. I know that research into wolves has advanced since Jack London wrote about them, but the writing here is extremely descriptive and at times quite lyrical. I couldn’t totally buy into this story as the author’s descriptions of White Fang’s thought processes were a little too detailed and human-like, but I can certainly understand this author’s popularity as the book was a true adventure read.
184pamelad
>177 DeltaQueen50:, >178 katiekrug: I liked the three books in the Bevelstoke series more than the Smythe-Smith quartet.
185VivienneR
>183 DeltaQueen50: Now that's an example of a well-written review! With just enough information to remind me of the Jack London books I read many years ago. While I enjoyed them at the time, I know now that I've no desire to read them again. I enjoyed the discussion about reviews further up.
186DeltaQueen50
>184 pamelad: LOL! Looks like I will have to get all of Julia Quinn's series!
>185 VivienneR: Jack London was one of my mother's favorite authors when she was growing up but his writing is definitely quite dated by today's standards. I have one more of his that I want to read, this one from the 1,001 List and then I think that will be it.
>185 VivienneR: Jack London was one of my mother's favorite authors when she was growing up but his writing is definitely quite dated by today's standards. I have one more of his that I want to read, this one from the 1,001 List and then I think that will be it.
187DeltaQueen50
206. Not Dead Yet by Peter James - 4.3 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
Around the Year in 52 Books: Title Contains a Negative
December TIOLI #9: A Book of 500 + Pages
Not Dead Yet by Peter James is the eighth book in his series that features Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. The series is set in Brighton and the author has made full use of many of Brighton’s landmarks throughout the season. In this book, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion comes into play as one of Roy’s assignments is ensuring the safety of world famous movie star, Gaia, who has received a number of death threats recently. Roy’s team is also working on a case that involves the discovery of a male torso and until they discover more body parts, they haven’t a clue as to who he is. Roy’s personal life also plays a large part of the story as Roy and his partner, Cleo, are preparing for the birth of their first child.
Ongoing secrets, hunting an obsessed stalker, and former enemies all come into this forceful and tense story. The author delivers a gripping story that keeps the reader turning the pages and hoping for a good outcome. While some aspects of this story are a little difficult to believe, the author builds his plot into a complicated yet fascinating narrative that is a great addition to the series.
Category: One Series, Two Books
Around the Year in 52 Books: Title Contains a Negative
December TIOLI #9: A Book of 500 + Pages
Not Dead Yet by Peter James is the eighth book in his series that features Detective Superintendent Roy Grace. The series is set in Brighton and the author has made full use of many of Brighton’s landmarks throughout the season. In this book, Brighton’s Royal Pavilion comes into play as one of Roy’s assignments is ensuring the safety of world famous movie star, Gaia, who has received a number of death threats recently. Roy’s team is also working on a case that involves the discovery of a male torso and until they discover more body parts, they haven’t a clue as to who he is. Roy’s personal life also plays a large part of the story as Roy and his partner, Cleo, are preparing for the birth of their first child.
Ongoing secrets, hunting an obsessed stalker, and former enemies all come into this forceful and tense story. The author delivers a gripping story that keeps the reader turning the pages and hoping for a good outcome. While some aspects of this story are a little difficult to believe, the author builds his plot into a complicated yet fascinating narrative that is a great addition to the series.
188DeltaQueen50
It's been a couple of difficult days as my brother, sister and my mother all came down with what seemed like a very bad cold or cough. They were tested for Covid which came back negative, thank heavens, but my Mom was put in hospital and was diagnosed with pneumonia. They kept her for two nights and then sent her home under something they call "Hospital At Home". She was able to come home and a nurse comes around two or, if needed, more times a day. This was only possible as my brother was there and he was able to monitor and post her vitals. Anyway she has shown a lot of improvement and today they "released" her. She responded so much better once she was allowed to go home, I think this was an excellent way to provide her with the care she needed and yet allow her to stay in her home. I wanted to go over there but was advised that I should stay away for now as I don't want to catch whatever it is that they have. I am planning to go over just after Christmas and for now, will stick with that plan.
189DeltaQueen50
207. The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque - 3.3 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book that Relates to "The End"
I don’t have much to say about The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque as it felt like many other books that I have read. It starts out with most of world’s population being wiped out by a fungal infection and then turns into an apocalyptic survival story that was neither original nor all that interesting.
The most interesting parts of the book were early on as people came into contact with microscopic seeds that once breathed in, implanted itself in the sinus. There it grew and fed upon the host, eventually erupting out of the face, killing the victim and spreading more seeds into the air. Fifteen year old Scarlett appears to be an average teenager, but for some unexplained reason, she seems to be immune to the fungus. The story follows Scarlett and eventually other survivors through out the first year after the fall of civilization.
I found it difficult to believe that Scarlett had the knowledge of survival that she seemed to instinctively have and while the author did a good job with describing both the disease and the resulting emptiness of Los Angeles, I felt the later parts of the book were pretty mundane. The Girl at the End of the World was an okay read, but definitely left me crying out for a more original and believable story.
Category: Almond Crunch
Around the Year in 52 Books: A Book that Relates to "The End"
I don’t have much to say about The Girl at the End of the World by Richard Levesque as it felt like many other books that I have read. It starts out with most of world’s population being wiped out by a fungal infection and then turns into an apocalyptic survival story that was neither original nor all that interesting.
The most interesting parts of the book were early on as people came into contact with microscopic seeds that once breathed in, implanted itself in the sinus. There it grew and fed upon the host, eventually erupting out of the face, killing the victim and spreading more seeds into the air. Fifteen year old Scarlett appears to be an average teenager, but for some unexplained reason, she seems to be immune to the fungus. The story follows Scarlett and eventually other survivors through out the first year after the fall of civilization.
I found it difficult to believe that Scarlett had the knowledge of survival that she seemed to instinctively have and while the author did a good job with describing both the disease and the resulting emptiness of Los Angeles, I felt the later parts of the book were pretty mundane. The Girl at the End of the World was an okay read, but definitely left me crying out for a more original and believable story.
190Jackie_K
>188 DeltaQueen50: That's a relief that whatever the bug is it wasn't Covid, and I'm so pleased to hear that Hospital at Home worked out so well for your mum. I hope she continues to get better and you get to see her as planned. That must have been a huge worry for you all.
191rabbitprincess
>188 DeltaQueen50: Hospital at Home sounds like an excellent idea! Glad your mom was able to come home and that she's doing better. Hope everyone is back to 100% soon.
193clue
Best wishes to your mom for a speedy recovery and I hope the days between now and your time to see her will go by quickly.
194dudes22
Glad to hear your mother is doing better. That "Hospital at Home" thing sounds like a great idea.
195DeltaQueen50
>190 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie. We are are very pleased that she responded so well and is on the road to full recovery.
>191 rabbitprincess: I think the adults in my family caught the germs from the very youngest members. Apparently two of my grand-nephews came home from day care with bad colds and I guess it spread through the family.
>192 Nickelini: Thanks, Joyce. I was heartened when my brother told me that the nurse said that other than the pneumonia, my mom was the healthest 100 year old that she had seen.
>193 clue: Hopefully she will continue to improve and the rest of the family will shake off the germ so I can go over and not have to worry about coming down with something.
>194 dudes22: I think "Hospital at Home" is a great idea. So many people are scared to go into hospital these days and I really do think they are better off in their own homes. Of course, this only works if there is someone at home to watch over them.
>191 rabbitprincess: I think the adults in my family caught the germs from the very youngest members. Apparently two of my grand-nephews came home from day care with bad colds and I guess it spread through the family.
>192 Nickelini: Thanks, Joyce. I was heartened when my brother told me that the nurse said that other than the pneumonia, my mom was the healthest 100 year old that she had seen.
>193 clue: Hopefully she will continue to improve and the rest of the family will shake off the germ so I can go over and not have to worry about coming down with something.
>194 dudes22: I think "Hospital at Home" is a great idea. So many people are scared to go into hospital these days and I really do think they are better off in their own homes. Of course, this only works if there is someone at home to watch over them.
196Tess_W
>188 DeltaQueen50: Glad that your mother is recovering nicely. I think "Hospital at Home" is a great idea. One can certainly get more rest in their own bed.
197JaydenPoole
Denne bruger er blevet fjernet som værende spam.
199DeltaQueen50
We had our first snowfall last night and have woken up to a world of white but which is rapidly being washed away as it has turned to rain. At this rate I expect it mostly be gone by the end of the day. I have no plans for today so will most likely drape myself in a quilt and relax in my recliner with a book or two.
>196 Tess_W: Thanks, Tess, she is recovering nicely. I hope you are as well.
>198 mstrust: I am very happy that she is getting better, I just hope she and the rest of the family take care and don't push things as I know it takes quite a lot of time to get over pneumonia.
>196 Tess_W: Thanks, Tess, she is recovering nicely. I hope you are as well.
>198 mstrust: I am very happy that she is getting better, I just hope she and the rest of the family take care and don't push things as I know it takes quite a lot of time to get over pneumonia.
200DeltaQueen50
208. The Known World by Edward P. Jones - 4.1 ★
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
Around the Year in 52 Books: A New-to-You BIPOC Author
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Book
The Known World by Edward P. Jones is a 2003 historical novel that is set in Virginia during the antebellum era. This Pulitzer Prize winning book examines the issues regarding the ownership of black slaves by both white and black Americans. This is an area of history that isn’t often discussed or written about, and I was surprised to find that there were black slave owners.
He writes of Henry Townsend, himself a former slave who is now the master of 33 slaves of his own who work the 50 plus acres of his land in Manchester Country, Virginia. In his early years, Henry strove to make himself indispensable to his white master which actually had the effect of making his price go up when his parents came to purchase his freedom. Henry stayed close to his white master who in turn helped him get set up in his first business and in the purchase of both the first of his slaves and his land. While I wasn’t totally swept up by the story here, I was both intrigued and startled by some of the information that the author passed on. While this white master could be cruel and hard-hearted to his slaves, his mistress was a free black woman and he was deeply in love with her. Henry, the black slave owner, apparently beat his slaves as readily as a white master. When Henry dies at a young age, his wife, Caldonia is thrown into a moral quandary as to her position on owning slaves.
The Known World is not an easy read, in his quest to show the corruption of owning others, the author has supplied multitudes of historical detail and peopled his book with a lot of characters. There is a great deal of tragedy in this story, but it is a powerful tale and one that needs to be told and while Manchester County doesn’t actually exist, the story and characters in this book help to shed a light on a difficult and complex subject.
Category: Sake and Sakura Truffles
Around the Year in 52 Books: A New-to-You BIPOC Author
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Book
The Known World by Edward P. Jones is a 2003 historical novel that is set in Virginia during the antebellum era. This Pulitzer Prize winning book examines the issues regarding the ownership of black slaves by both white and black Americans. This is an area of history that isn’t often discussed or written about, and I was surprised to find that there were black slave owners.
He writes of Henry Townsend, himself a former slave who is now the master of 33 slaves of his own who work the 50 plus acres of his land in Manchester Country, Virginia. In his early years, Henry strove to make himself indispensable to his white master which actually had the effect of making his price go up when his parents came to purchase his freedom. Henry stayed close to his white master who in turn helped him get set up in his first business and in the purchase of both the first of his slaves and his land. While I wasn’t totally swept up by the story here, I was both intrigued and startled by some of the information that the author passed on. While this white master could be cruel and hard-hearted to his slaves, his mistress was a free black woman and he was deeply in love with her. Henry, the black slave owner, apparently beat his slaves as readily as a white master. When Henry dies at a young age, his wife, Caldonia is thrown into a moral quandary as to her position on owning slaves.
The Known World is not an easy read, in his quest to show the corruption of owning others, the author has supplied multitudes of historical detail and peopled his book with a lot of characters. There is a great deal of tragedy in this story, but it is a powerful tale and one that needs to be told and while Manchester County doesn’t actually exist, the story and characters in this book help to shed a light on a difficult and complex subject.
201DeltaQueen50
This last book has enabled me to complete the 2021 "Around the Year in 52 Books" that I have been working on. Since I am a sucker for punishment, I have already posted next year's challenge on my 2022 thread.
202dudes22
I went over and looked at the list and except for a couple I'm not familiar with, it looks interesting. I just think I don't read enough books in a year to fit that in with everything else. But I do like a good challenge. Maybe I'll make it part of my 2023 challenge. Maybe I'll put it in my spreadsheet just to see how I'd do.
203RidgewayGirl
The Known World is a memorable book. I've picked up a collection of short stories by Jones, but I have yet to read it.
I'm glad your mother is on the mend. That must have been worrying.
I'm glad your mother is on the mend. That must have been worrying.
204DeltaQueen50
>202 dudes22: Betty, there's no set rule that you have to fill in all 52 prompts. You could build a challenge for yourself by using as many or as few of the prompts as you want. I always have trouble picking my next read and having challenges to work on helps me make a decision.
>203 RidgewayGirl: I had never heard of Edward P. Jones before I stumbled on the book. I did have to keep checking that this was a work of historical fiction as it read like non-fiction. He certainly deserved the Pulitzer Prize!
>203 RidgewayGirl: I had never heard of Edward P. Jones before I stumbled on the book. I did have to keep checking that this was a work of historical fiction as it read like non-fiction. He certainly deserved the Pulitzer Prize!
205MissWatson
>201 DeltaQueen50: Well done on that challenge, Judy! I think I'll tiptoe over now and look at next year's list. Even if I don't finish it, it's fun to play.
And that is certainly good news about your mom.
And that is certainly good news about your mom.
206dudes22
I've had The Known World on my TBR pile for quite a while and look at it whenever there's a prompt for an award book. I guess I should move it up.
>204 DeltaQueen50: - But I'm such a "completist".
>204 DeltaQueen50: - But I'm such a "completist".
207msf59
Hi, Judy. I am always glad to see someone read The Known World. I never feel like it gets it's due. I think it is a 5 star read and worthy of the Pulitzer.
>206 dudes22: You got to read it, Betty!
>206 dudes22: You got to read it, Betty!
208DeltaQueen50
>205 MissWatson: Thanks Birgit - I am very happy that she seems to have recovered so quickly. I have a hard time resisting a book challenge and the Around the Year in 52 Books is one that requires a certain amount of planning - and I love planning and making lists of books that I intend to read - the hard part is trying to stick to the plan!
>206 dudes22: I understand completely, Betty, I am a completist as well. I enjoy the challenge and I also intend to interpret the prompts in a way that will fit my reading.
>207 msf59: Hi Mark. I am amazed that The Known World is more well known and I agree that it definitely deserved the Pulitzer.
>206 dudes22: I understand completely, Betty, I am a completist as well. I enjoy the challenge and I also intend to interpret the prompts in a way that will fit my reading.
>207 msf59: Hi Mark. I am amazed that The Known World is more well known and I agree that it definitely deserved the Pulitzer.
209DeltaQueen50
209. An English Murder by Cyril Hare - 4.0 ★
Category: Cherry Cordials
December RandomCat: Seasonal Reading
December GenreCat: Mysteries
December TIOLI #16: The First Paragraph Contains At Least Three Numbers
Originally published in 1951, An English Murder by Cyril Hare is a post-WWII murder mystery that uses many of the classic ingredients from the Golden Age of Murder Mysteries. He sets his mystery at an English country manor during the Christmas season and has the cast totally snowed in. The use of Christmas is really only an excuse to have a gathering as there is very little festivity involved in this story.
Be delving into English hereditary laws and customs, Cyril Hare came up with a unique murder mystery. The guests are a mixed bag and come with assorted tensions both personal and political. As this group of rather unlikable people are being cut down one by one, only one of the guests appears to be trying to solve the mystery. Historian Dr. Bettwink uses his research into old papers, his knowledge of human nature and a book about the life of William Pitt, to decipher the motive behind the three deaths.
I felt that An English Murder was the author’s clever homage to vintage English country house murder mysteries. He tweaked the ingredients just enough to come up with an original and interesting plot and added a more modern touch, well, 1950s modern, by including discussions revolving around class distinction and prejudices. I enjoyed this book and will look for more mysteries by this author.
Category: Cherry Cordials
December RandomCat: Seasonal Reading
December GenreCat: Mysteries
December TIOLI #16: The First Paragraph Contains At Least Three Numbers
Originally published in 1951, An English Murder by Cyril Hare is a post-WWII murder mystery that uses many of the classic ingredients from the Golden Age of Murder Mysteries. He sets his mystery at an English country manor during the Christmas season and has the cast totally snowed in. The use of Christmas is really only an excuse to have a gathering as there is very little festivity involved in this story.
Be delving into English hereditary laws and customs, Cyril Hare came up with a unique murder mystery. The guests are a mixed bag and come with assorted tensions both personal and political. As this group of rather unlikable people are being cut down one by one, only one of the guests appears to be trying to solve the mystery. Historian Dr. Bettwink uses his research into old papers, his knowledge of human nature and a book about the life of William Pitt, to decipher the motive behind the three deaths.
I felt that An English Murder was the author’s clever homage to vintage English country house murder mysteries. He tweaked the ingredients just enough to come up with an original and interesting plot and added a more modern touch, well, 1950s modern, by including discussions revolving around class distinction and prejudices. I enjoyed this book and will look for more mysteries by this author.
210pamelad
>209 DeltaQueen50: I envy you, having the rest of Cyril Hare's books still to read. I'm a fan.
211mstrust
That's a BB! I think I'd like that one, and I'll have to look into the author's catalog. Thanks for the review!
212Tess_W
>209 DeltaQueen50: a BB for me!
213DeltaQueen50
>210 pamelad: That good to hear, I am now looking forward even more to reading more by Cyril Hare.
>211 mstrust: This was my first book by Cyril Hare, but I will be exploring his catalog as well.
>212 Tess_W: Good to know that I can still aim straight!
>211 mstrust: This was my first book by Cyril Hare, but I will be exploring his catalog as well.
>212 Tess_W: Good to know that I can still aim straight!
214DeltaQueen50
210. Island of the Lost by Joan Druett - 4.2 ★
Category: Vanilla Creams
December HistoryCat: Adventure/Exploration
December TIOLI #1: Non-fiction by an author who also writes fiction that you have read
Island of the Lost by Joan Druett is a fascinating account of two different shipwrecks that occurred on the remote Auckland Island in 1864. The first vessel was the Grafton, with a small crew of 5 men. They had been on a voyage to Campbell Island to check out a rumour of the possibility of mining silver laden tin. The rumour was inaccurate and on their return voyage, they ran into inclement weather that drove them upon the jagged reefs of the uninhabited Auckland Island. These resourceful men worked together, adapted to their surroundings and survived although food was scarce and rescue did not seem to be coming.
In contast to the above, the other ship, the Inversauld went down a few months later and about twenty miles to the north of where the Grafton’s men were. Although there were a number of survivors, their situation was much different from the others. They did not cooperate very well with one another and many of the survivors starved to death until there were only three left. Luckily they were rescued by a passing Spanish vessel.
The author of this account, Joan Druett, is a maritime historian who has written a number of books, both factual and fictional. She lays out the details of this amazing saga in a factual, straight-forward manner that includes many references to the writings of the actual men who were involved. Her research was obviously extensive as her descriptions of the flora and fauna, geography and weather conditions were precise and descriptive. The Island of the Lost was a captivating tale of survival.
Category: Vanilla Creams
December HistoryCat: Adventure/Exploration
December TIOLI #1: Non-fiction by an author who also writes fiction that you have read
Island of the Lost by Joan Druett is a fascinating account of two different shipwrecks that occurred on the remote Auckland Island in 1864. The first vessel was the Grafton, with a small crew of 5 men. They had been on a voyage to Campbell Island to check out a rumour of the possibility of mining silver laden tin. The rumour was inaccurate and on their return voyage, they ran into inclement weather that drove them upon the jagged reefs of the uninhabited Auckland Island. These resourceful men worked together, adapted to their surroundings and survived although food was scarce and rescue did not seem to be coming.
In contast to the above, the other ship, the Inversauld went down a few months later and about twenty miles to the north of where the Grafton’s men were. Although there were a number of survivors, their situation was much different from the others. They did not cooperate very well with one another and many of the survivors starved to death until there were only three left. Luckily they were rescued by a passing Spanish vessel.
The author of this account, Joan Druett, is a maritime historian who has written a number of books, both factual and fictional. She lays out the details of this amazing saga in a factual, straight-forward manner that includes many references to the writings of the actual men who were involved. Her research was obviously extensive as her descriptions of the flora and fauna, geography and weather conditions were precise and descriptive. The Island of the Lost was a captivating tale of survival.
215dudes22
>214 DeltaQueen50: - I usually get my recommendations for ship-wreck books for my husband from rabbitprincess, but I'm going to add this one to the list I have for birthdays and Christmas.
ETA: It's already on the list - a BB from Katiekrug.
ETA: It's already on the list - a BB from Katiekrug.
216BLBera
>209 DeltaQueen50: This sounds like a good one, Judy.
217lindapanzo
>209 DeltaQueen50: Back in the mid 1980's when I was going to school in downtown Chicago, there were a lot of massive bookstores. I tracked down all the Cyril Hare books and read them during my long train rides. Loved them.
218DeltaQueen50
>215 dudes22: I may very well have taken a BB from Katie for this book as well.
>216 BLBera: I thought it was both very clever and very well written, Beth.
>217 lindapanzo: I am looking forward to reading more by him, Linda.
>216 BLBera: I thought it was both very clever and very well written, Beth.
>217 lindapanzo: I am looking forward to reading more by him, Linda.
219hailelib
>214 DeltaQueen50:
I'm adding Island of the Lost to my 'someday' list. Also good that your mother has been recovering so well.
I'm adding Island of the Lost to my 'someday' list. Also good that your mother has been recovering so well.
220DeltaQueen50
>219 hailelib: If you happen to buy into Kindle Unlimited, it is one of their free books. I've stumbled on a number of good reads through the Kindle Unlimited program.
221DeltaQueen50
211. The Iron Heel by Jack London - 3.2 ★
Category: One Author, Two Books
1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
The Iron Heel by Jack London is considered one of the first modern dystopian novels. Published in 1908, the story paints a picture of a futuristic society that becomes repressive and it is obvious that the author presented this as a warning that if society continued along its current path then this repressive society would be the result. This book highlights his interest in Socialism and his strong leftist leanings.
While I personally did not care for the book, finding it entirely too heavy handed, I can see why it is considered to be influential. George Orwell praised the author and credited him with prophesying the rise of Fascism that was destined to tear the world apart in the 1930s and 40s. This story, although portraying the future, deals with the politics of the time rather than any technical advances as his main character’s focus appears to be on the unequal distribution of wealth and power that leaves the working class struggling for justice and equality.
While Jack London is mostly identified as a writer of adventure novels, this particular book is a sympathetic nod to socialist causes. Although it was unusual for a male author to use a female as his first person narrator, I did appreciate that Jack London did so here. He also appeared quite comfortable pointing fingers at governments, religious organizations and big business and skewering them with a few home truths.
Category: One Author, Two Books
1,001 Books To Read Before You Die List
The Iron Heel by Jack London is considered one of the first modern dystopian novels. Published in 1908, the story paints a picture of a futuristic society that becomes repressive and it is obvious that the author presented this as a warning that if society continued along its current path then this repressive society would be the result. This book highlights his interest in Socialism and his strong leftist leanings.
While I personally did not care for the book, finding it entirely too heavy handed, I can see why it is considered to be influential. George Orwell praised the author and credited him with prophesying the rise of Fascism that was destined to tear the world apart in the 1930s and 40s. This story, although portraying the future, deals with the politics of the time rather than any technical advances as his main character’s focus appears to be on the unequal distribution of wealth and power that leaves the working class struggling for justice and equality.
While Jack London is mostly identified as a writer of adventure novels, this particular book is a sympathetic nod to socialist causes. Although it was unusual for a male author to use a female as his first person narrator, I did appreciate that Jack London did so here. He also appeared quite comfortable pointing fingers at governments, religious organizations and big business and skewering them with a few home truths.
222DeltaQueen50
212. Dead Run by P. J. Tracy - 4.3 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
The third book in the excellent Monkeewrench series by mother/daughter writing team, P. J. Tracy, is entitled Dead Run. Dealing with domestic terrorism and counting down to a horrendous outcome, the four misfit partners of the crime-gaming firm of Monkeewrench have stumbled into a very dangerous situation.
Grace and Annie, along with sheriff's deputy, Sharon Mueller embark on a road trip from Minneapolis to Green Bay, Wisconsin. They decide to take the scenic route and so are a long way from civilization when their car breaks down. They walk into a small hamlet entitled Four Corners, only to find the village entirely empty, they are soon trapped in the town and being hunted by an armed group clothed in camouflage and carrying automatic weapons. Meanwhile as their Monkeewrench counterparts are becoming more and more worried about where the women could be and why they haven’t arrived at their destination. When Detective Leo Magozzi and Sheriff Mike Halloran also become concerned, they all jump in the Monkeewrench bus and head out to Northern Wisconsin to locate the women.
This was a thriller that grabs you from the get-go and keeps you turning pages in order to discover what is going to happen next. The women have a certain attitude and some amazing survival skills that come into play, and their male counterparts have the computers and the programming knowledge to hopefully be able to shut down the terrorists if they can find them. Add a paranoid FBI and a ticking clock into the mix and you have a thriller that really delivers. With their strong story lines and well developed characters I can’t wait to see what this talented author gives us next.
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
The third book in the excellent Monkeewrench series by mother/daughter writing team, P. J. Tracy, is entitled Dead Run. Dealing with domestic terrorism and counting down to a horrendous outcome, the four misfit partners of the crime-gaming firm of Monkeewrench have stumbled into a very dangerous situation.
Grace and Annie, along with sheriff's deputy, Sharon Mueller embark on a road trip from Minneapolis to Green Bay, Wisconsin. They decide to take the scenic route and so are a long way from civilization when their car breaks down. They walk into a small hamlet entitled Four Corners, only to find the village entirely empty, they are soon trapped in the town and being hunted by an armed group clothed in camouflage and carrying automatic weapons. Meanwhile as their Monkeewrench counterparts are becoming more and more worried about where the women could be and why they haven’t arrived at their destination. When Detective Leo Magozzi and Sheriff Mike Halloran also become concerned, they all jump in the Monkeewrench bus and head out to Northern Wisconsin to locate the women.
This was a thriller that grabs you from the get-go and keeps you turning pages in order to discover what is going to happen next. The women have a certain attitude and some amazing survival skills that come into play, and their male counterparts have the computers and the programming knowledge to hopefully be able to shut down the terrorists if they can find them. Add a paranoid FBI and a ticking clock into the mix and you have a thriller that really delivers. With their strong story lines and well developed characters I can’t wait to see what this talented author gives us next.
223dudes22
>222 DeltaQueen50: - I skipped over this once I saw "third book". And then read the last sentence. I just started this series this year and have book 2 on the list for "T" in the Alpha Kit next year. I'm looking forward to continuing with it.
224DeltaQueen50
>223 dudes22: Betty, I am really enjoying this series. I will probably start the next book next week, it's an audio version and I am interested to see how that works for me.
225hailelib
>222 DeltaQueen50:
I added Monkeywrench to my list. I'm also somewhat interested in The Iron Heel. And the local library has both for a change.
I added Monkeywrench to my list. I'm also somewhat interested in The Iron Heel. And the local library has both for a change.
226DeltaQueen50
>225 hailelib: I predict that you will be hooked on the Monkeewrench series once you have read that first book, Trisha!
227dudes22
>225 hailelib: - >226 DeltaQueen50: - I agree!
228Familyhistorian
The Hospital at Home program sounds like a good idea, Judy, especially for seniors who have someone at home to look after them. Good to see that your mother is doing better.
As always I was dodging BBs while I caught up on your thread.
As always I was dodging BBs while I caught up on your thread.
229DeltaQueen50
Hi Meg. I think that "Hospital At Home" is fantastic as most seniors, myself included, dread having to stay at the hospital. Of course, it does depend on someone being there and probably only works on cases that require rest, monitoring and minimal care but it's one more thing to help overcrowded hospitals.
230DeltaQueen50
213. Dead Man's Time by Peter James - 4.2 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could Be Used As A First Name
And the thrills continue with Dead Man’s Time, the 9th book in Peter James’ series featuring DS Roy Grace. Picking up immediately after the last book, an on-going threat to Roy’s family continued to develop as also does another mystery that has been part of the series from the first book. Roy and his crew are working on a particularly heinous crime where an elderly woman was beaten and tortured as her house was robbed of valuable antiques.
Having just become a father, Roy is battling fatigue and guilt at not being able to help Cleo more with their newborn son, Noah. He also feels a responsibility to solve this crime that is growing ever more intricate and eventually has him heading to New York for a few days. Unknown to him an old enemy sees his absence as an ideal time to strike at Cleo and the baby. The action, as always in this series, is fast and furious, the various plots weave throughout the book but eventually come together to give the reader a satisfactory conclusion.
Having read the last two books almost back-to-back, it is now time to give this series a rest but I will be back to read on as this is a series that I can rely upon to provide plenty of twists and turns that keep me engaged.
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could Be Used As A First Name
And the thrills continue with Dead Man’s Time, the 9th book in Peter James’ series featuring DS Roy Grace. Picking up immediately after the last book, an on-going threat to Roy’s family continued to develop as also does another mystery that has been part of the series from the first book. Roy and his crew are working on a particularly heinous crime where an elderly woman was beaten and tortured as her house was robbed of valuable antiques.
Having just become a father, Roy is battling fatigue and guilt at not being able to help Cleo more with their newborn son, Noah. He also feels a responsibility to solve this crime that is growing ever more intricate and eventually has him heading to New York for a few days. Unknown to him an old enemy sees his absence as an ideal time to strike at Cleo and the baby. The action, as always in this series, is fast and furious, the various plots weave throughout the book but eventually come together to give the reader a satisfactory conclusion.
Having read the last two books almost back-to-back, it is now time to give this series a rest but I will be back to read on as this is a series that I can rely upon to provide plenty of twists and turns that keep me engaged.
231BLBera
I've really enjoyed the Monkeewrench series as well, Judy. The author started another series, so I wonder if she will write anymore in this series. I hope so.
232DeltaQueen50
>231 BLBera: It's a great series and I hope she hasn't ended it.
233DeltaQueen50
214. A Gun For Sale by Graham Greene - 4.0 ★
Category: Chocolate Letters
December AlphaKit: G
December GenreCat: Mysteries
December TIOLI #15: First Sentence Has 7 Words or Less
A Gun For Sale by Graham Greene was originally published in 1936. It is a story about a professional assassin, Philip Raven, who kills the Czech War Minister and leaves behind evidence that points to other European nations. This is a ploy by those who hired him to push Europe towards war, but they make the mistake of betraying Raven by paying him off in counterfeit money. Now Raven is being sought by the police for passing phony money, but he is also on the trail of those who betrayed him. He manages to lure a young woman into helping him even though he plans on murdering her when she is no longer useful.
I found this to be a story of contrasts. Raven is a dark, damaged character who speaks in a hard-boiled manner. Anne, the girl he uses, is idealistic and has hope for the future. The times are politically difficult as war is looming over Europe and the general population is fearful and uncertain. Yet Raven was hired to provoke war as there are some who would profit greatly from war.
Graham Greene has produced a claustrophobic manhunt novel that immediately grabs the readers attention. His writing skill is such that Raven, the main character, is someone who the reader can both hate and empathize with. While the story is quite bleak and chilling, the use of Anne with her innocence and idealistic hopes for the future helps to lighten the tone. A Gun For Sale is a tight, well crafted story that captures the pre-war jitters and sentiments of the times.
Category: Chocolate Letters
December AlphaKit: G
December GenreCat: Mysteries
December TIOLI #15: First Sentence Has 7 Words or Less
A Gun For Sale by Graham Greene was originally published in 1936. It is a story about a professional assassin, Philip Raven, who kills the Czech War Minister and leaves behind evidence that points to other European nations. This is a ploy by those who hired him to push Europe towards war, but they make the mistake of betraying Raven by paying him off in counterfeit money. Now Raven is being sought by the police for passing phony money, but he is also on the trail of those who betrayed him. He manages to lure a young woman into helping him even though he plans on murdering her when she is no longer useful.
I found this to be a story of contrasts. Raven is a dark, damaged character who speaks in a hard-boiled manner. Anne, the girl he uses, is idealistic and has hope for the future. The times are politically difficult as war is looming over Europe and the general population is fearful and uncertain. Yet Raven was hired to provoke war as there are some who would profit greatly from war.
Graham Greene has produced a claustrophobic manhunt novel that immediately grabs the readers attention. His writing skill is such that Raven, the main character, is someone who the reader can both hate and empathize with. While the story is quite bleak and chilling, the use of Anne with her innocence and idealistic hopes for the future helps to lighten the tone. A Gun For Sale is a tight, well crafted story that captures the pre-war jitters and sentiments of the times.
234Familyhistorian
Hi Judy, I was really surprised to see it snowing here this morning. Did you get snow where you are?
235DeltaQueen50
>234 Familyhistorian: No snow here today, Meg, although we could get some before the week is over. I hope not tomorrow as we are going to Langley for some Christmas shopping.
236mstrust
>233 DeltaQueen50: That looks like a good one. I liked his England Made Me and hope to get to Our Man in Havana soon.
237DeltaQueen50
>236 mstrust: Graham Greene is rapidly becoming an favored author. I haven't read either of the ones you have mentioned but I did love his Brighton Rock, End of the Affair and The Quiet American.
238DeltaQueen50
215. No Dominion by Louise Welsh - 4.0 ★
Category: Almond Crunch
December SFFFKit: Last Chance
December TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge - First or Last
Envisioned long before Covid and published in 2017, No Dominion by Louise Welsh is the third book in her trilogy about a grim near-future where a flue like epidemic has killed off three-quarters of the world’s population. The survivors are left facing chaos and an uncertain future. After following two people north from London, we find in this third volume that is set about seven years later, that they have settled on the Orkney Islands and live a simple, rural life.
Three strangers arrive on the island and lure a group of teens to leave with them. They have also kidnapped a small child and left behind a murdered couple. The two main characters from the previous books set out after them. One of the children is Magnus’ foster son so this a very personal quest for him. The story as it unfolds is full of action and violence as well as quiet, surreal moments describing how nature is overtaking the land, or how technology has faded away.
Beautifully written, No Dominion paints both a dark picture of what humanity has lost, but also allows a glimmer of hope as we see the people on Orkney striving to build a community that has solid values and family connections. Although there were parts of this third volume that I found rather episodic, overall this is an intriguing and imaginative trilogy where the author has placed as much attention on character and world building as she has on the violence and action.
Category: Almond Crunch
December SFFFKit: Last Chance
December TIOLI #4: Rolling Challenge - First or Last
Envisioned long before Covid and published in 2017, No Dominion by Louise Welsh is the third book in her trilogy about a grim near-future where a flue like epidemic has killed off three-quarters of the world’s population. The survivors are left facing chaos and an uncertain future. After following two people north from London, we find in this third volume that is set about seven years later, that they have settled on the Orkney Islands and live a simple, rural life.
Three strangers arrive on the island and lure a group of teens to leave with them. They have also kidnapped a small child and left behind a murdered couple. The two main characters from the previous books set out after them. One of the children is Magnus’ foster son so this a very personal quest for him. The story as it unfolds is full of action and violence as well as quiet, surreal moments describing how nature is overtaking the land, or how technology has faded away.
Beautifully written, No Dominion paints both a dark picture of what humanity has lost, but also allows a glimmer of hope as we see the people on Orkney striving to build a community that has solid values and family connections. Although there were parts of this third volume that I found rather episodic, overall this is an intriguing and imaginative trilogy where the author has placed as much attention on character and world building as she has on the violence and action.
239DeltaQueen50
216. The Lost Village by Camilla Sten - 4.5 ★
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
December ScaredyKit: Horror Thriller
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Book
In August 1959 a couple of policemen arrive at the Swedish village of Silvertjarn only to find the place wrapped in silence and the inhabitants missing. They did find a woman who had been stoned to death in the village square and a living baby in the local schoolhouse, but other than that not a trace of any living person was to be found. Now, in the present, a documentary film team has arrived to explore the ghost town and see if they can put together enough information to make a film possible. There are five members of the team but two of them have close connections to the missing.
There are tensions among this five even before they arrive as some of them have a shared and difficult past. The story jumps back and forth between 1959 and the last months of the village, and to the present with the film crew as they experience mysterious and ghostly happenings.
The Lost Village reminded me of how I felt when I visited an old ghost town on Vancouver Island and the creepy feeling of being watched by past inhabitants and never really knowing if anyone else is in the town were perfectly transferred to this story. I had chills running up and down my spine and I had to take frequent breaks from the book to recover my breathing. The Lost Village is both deliciously scary and intensely dark, an excellent horror read.
Category: Maple Leaf Melties
December ScaredyKit: Horror Thriller
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Book
In August 1959 a couple of policemen arrive at the Swedish village of Silvertjarn only to find the place wrapped in silence and the inhabitants missing. They did find a woman who had been stoned to death in the village square and a living baby in the local schoolhouse, but other than that not a trace of any living person was to be found. Now, in the present, a documentary film team has arrived to explore the ghost town and see if they can put together enough information to make a film possible. There are five members of the team but two of them have close connections to the missing.
There are tensions among this five even before they arrive as some of them have a shared and difficult past. The story jumps back and forth between 1959 and the last months of the village, and to the present with the film crew as they experience mysterious and ghostly happenings.
The Lost Village reminded me of how I felt when I visited an old ghost town on Vancouver Island and the creepy feeling of being watched by past inhabitants and never really knowing if anyone else is in the town were perfectly transferred to this story. I had chills running up and down my spine and I had to take frequent breaks from the book to recover my breathing. The Lost Village is both deliciously scary and intensely dark, an excellent horror read.
240DeltaQueen50
217. Christmas At Lilac Cottage by Holly Martin - 3.8 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
December RandomCat: Seasonal Reading
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
I don’t have particularly high expectations for the Christmas romance stories that I read at this time of the year. As long as there is a romance and lots of Christmas events, food and decorations scattered throughout, I am happy. Christmas at Lilac Cottage fulfilled all of the previous items so I was pleased with this story about an ice-carver who rents the annex of her seaside cottage to a very handsome single father. Penny and Henry fall in love surrounded by the spirit of Christmas, and Henry’s teenage daughter, Daisy is an added bonus to the life they are making for themselves in the charming town of White Cliff Bay.
The story line is heart-warming if somewhat predictable and Christmas At Lilac Cottage was the perfect book to curl up with in front of the Christmas tree.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
December RandomCat: Seasonal Reading
December TIOLI #5: Author's Last Name Could be Used as a First Name
I don’t have particularly high expectations for the Christmas romance stories that I read at this time of the year. As long as there is a romance and lots of Christmas events, food and decorations scattered throughout, I am happy. Christmas at Lilac Cottage fulfilled all of the previous items so I was pleased with this story about an ice-carver who rents the annex of her seaside cottage to a very handsome single father. Penny and Henry fall in love surrounded by the spirit of Christmas, and Henry’s teenage daughter, Daisy is an added bonus to the life they are making for themselves in the charming town of White Cliff Bay.
The story line is heart-warming if somewhat predictable and Christmas At Lilac Cottage was the perfect book to curl up with in front of the Christmas tree.
241DeltaQueen50
I'm going to indulge in at least one more Christmas romance as I need an escape read. This new version of Covid has the government requesting that we don't travel this Christmas and to limit our guests to those that are in our immediate bubble. I have decided not to travel to Vancouver Island just after Christmas as I don't want to risk picking up the germs and then passing it on to my mother. Hopefully we will get this varient under control soon and I will be able to visit my Mom later on in January. Meanwhile, I am feeling sorry for myself so need to bury myself in something sentimental.
242Nickelini
>241 DeltaQueen50:
Sorry you're Christmas plans got covid-cancelled. This whole thing sucks. I had 3 PCR tests in 12 days, showed my COVID pass more times than I can count, and next time I see a QR code I think I'm going to scream. I definitely have COVID fatigue, but am still complying.
Anyway, I'm all in for the predictable, stress-free Christmas books right now too.
Sorry you're Christmas plans got covid-cancelled. This whole thing sucks. I had 3 PCR tests in 12 days, showed my COVID pass more times than I can count, and next time I see a QR code I think I'm going to scream. I definitely have COVID fatigue, but am still complying.
Anyway, I'm all in for the predictable, stress-free Christmas books right now too.
243MissWatson
>241 DeltaQueen50: Sorry to hear your plans are disrupted. It's going to be another difficult holiday. I hope you fnd lots of books to take your mind off it.
244Helenliz
>241 DeltaQueen50: It's one of the bad good decisions. The decision is the right one, but that's not to say you're enjoying it. Hope that a book comes to the rescue.
245lsh63
>241 DeltaQueen50: Hi Judy, I'm sorry that you can't visit with your mom right now, but you made the right call. It's kind of tense with certain members of my husband's family and mine, some still unvaccinated ,who are playing fast and loose with getting together and going places that I consider risky. I'm getting my booster on Thursday and am actually looking forward to it!
246katiekrug
Oh, I'm so sorry you've had to change your plans, Judy. Light holiday reading is definitely in order!
248mstrust
I'm sorry about your Christmas plans. That's so disappointing. I hope you have a Merry Christmas anyway and get lots of books.
249dudes22
I think we're all feeling bad that you can't be with your mother. Light reading is definitely wanted.
250DeltaQueen50
Thanks >242 Nickelini:, >243 MissWatson:, >244 Helenliz:, >245 lsh63:, >246 katiekrug:, >247 clue:, >248 mstrust:, >249 dudes22:. I feel like such a baby, here I am an old lady of (gulp) 70 and I want to see my Mommy! I know not going is the sensible and adult thing to do, so I will carry on and hopefully get over there as soon as it is deemed safe to travel.
251DeltaQueen50
218. Snow Blind by P. J. Tracy - 4.0 ★
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #12: Someone Wearing Glasses is on the Cover
Snow Blind by mother-daughter authors P. J. Tracy is the fourth book in their Monkeewrench series. The story is set during a few days when Minnesota is experiencing severe winter weather, Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are attending a charity event of snowmen building when the bodies of two other Minneapolis policemen are discovered inside two of the snowmen. A day later, as the newly elected sheriff starts her first day, the another body in a snowman turns up in her rural community north of Minneapolis. This body is that of a parole officer and it appears that parolee Kurt Weinbeck is missing.
While the Monkeewrench people are present, they don’t play much of a role in this outing, mostly coming along when their expertise is required. Detectives Magozzi and Rolseth are front and centre for the most part and are in fine form. Some new characters, in the form of English teacher turned Sheriff Iris Rikker and her stalwart deputy, enhance the story. Both the reader and the detectives are left in a quandary as the case comes together and a resolution appears doubtful.
Snow Blind is another excellent entry in the Monkeewrench series. The authors put together a great story and peopled it with entertaining and interesting characters. I listened to an audio version of the story as narrated by Mel Foster, who did a fine job. I find these books compelling reading and look forward to continuing the series.
Category: One Series, Two Books
December TIOLI #12: Someone Wearing Glasses is on the Cover
Snow Blind by mother-daughter authors P. J. Tracy is the fourth book in their Monkeewrench series. The story is set during a few days when Minnesota is experiencing severe winter weather, Detectives Leo Magozzi and Gino Rolseth are attending a charity event of snowmen building when the bodies of two other Minneapolis policemen are discovered inside two of the snowmen. A day later, as the newly elected sheriff starts her first day, the another body in a snowman turns up in her rural community north of Minneapolis. This body is that of a parole officer and it appears that parolee Kurt Weinbeck is missing.
While the Monkeewrench people are present, they don’t play much of a role in this outing, mostly coming along when their expertise is required. Detectives Magozzi and Rolseth are front and centre for the most part and are in fine form. Some new characters, in the form of English teacher turned Sheriff Iris Rikker and her stalwart deputy, enhance the story. Both the reader and the detectives are left in a quandary as the case comes together and a resolution appears doubtful.
Snow Blind is another excellent entry in the Monkeewrench series. The authors put together a great story and peopled it with entertaining and interesting characters. I listened to an audio version of the story as narrated by Mel Foster, who did a fine job. I find these books compelling reading and look forward to continuing the series.
252BLBera
Hi Judy - I must start the Welsh trilogy; it sounds like something I would like. The Lost Village sounds good as well.
253dudes22
>251 DeltaQueen50: - Yikes! You're already up to #4. I'm going to have to read a few next year and catch up. And - nothing wrong with wanting to see your mother. Lots of us wish we still could.
254DeltaQueen50
>252 BLBera: Hi Beth, the Plague Times trilogy by Louise Welsh is definitely worth looking into. I am looking forward to reading other books by this author. The same goes for The Lost Village, well worth looking into.
>253 dudes22: This is a series that I could read back-to-back, it's addictive!
>253 dudes22: This is a series that I could read back-to-back, it's addictive!
255DeltaQueen50
219. Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson - 3.1 ★
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
December TIOLI #7: The Words "Night, Long or Dark" are in the Title
Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson is a tale of spies and love set in the summer of 1936. Carson Weatherell, the sheltered daughter of wealthy American parents is invited on a European trip by her English Aunt Jane and Uncle Lawrence, a British intelligence officer. On the night train from Paris to Lisbon, Carson meets a young British physicist, Alec and the two proceed to fall in love while enjoying the summer in Portugal. Everything seems perfect, until Carson’s uncle informs her that British Intelligence is positive that Alex is a Nazi sympathizer and is passing secrets to the Germans.
While I found the story idea interesting, the actual result needed improvement. The book was quite short and I believe it could have used some extra length to give both the characters and the story greater depth and substance. Also a plot twist was added to the end of the story that was quite unneeded.
Night Train to Lisbon was a lightweight story that was a disappointing read and one that I can’t recommend to anyone.
Category: White Chocolate Cameos
December TIOLI #7: The Words "Night, Long or Dark" are in the Title
Night Train to Lisbon by Emily Grayson is a tale of spies and love set in the summer of 1936. Carson Weatherell, the sheltered daughter of wealthy American parents is invited on a European trip by her English Aunt Jane and Uncle Lawrence, a British intelligence officer. On the night train from Paris to Lisbon, Carson meets a young British physicist, Alec and the two proceed to fall in love while enjoying the summer in Portugal. Everything seems perfect, until Carson’s uncle informs her that British Intelligence is positive that Alex is a Nazi sympathizer and is passing secrets to the Germans.
While I found the story idea interesting, the actual result needed improvement. The book was quite short and I believe it could have used some extra length to give both the characters and the story greater depth and substance. Also a plot twist was added to the end of the story that was quite unneeded.
Night Train to Lisbon was a lightweight story that was a disappointing read and one that I can’t recommend to anyone.
256christina_reads
>255 DeltaQueen50: Oh man, that summary does sound good! Sorry the actual book was so disappointing.
257DeltaQueen50
>256 christina_reads: I was expecting to be carried away by this story like I used to be by Helen MacInnes or Mary Stewart, but unfortunately it just didn't work as either a romance or a thriller.
258DeltaQueen50
I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. I hope Santa brings us all what we are wishing for. We are only seeing immediate family over the holidays and I am responsible for dinner on Christmas Eve and again on Boxing Day. I am about to launch into final Christmas preparations so will not be around much over the next few days.
259LadyoftheLodge
>250 DeltaQueen50: It is good you have a Mom to visit. My mom passed away in 1987 and my mother-in-law in 2016. I miss both of them. I am sorry you will not be able to see her.
260LadyoftheLodge
>245 lsh63: We are in the same boat. My sister-in-law wants to reinstate the family tradition of an all-day open house at her home. That includes many young people and kids, and we have no idea who has been vaccinated or boosted. We just cannot risk catching something at the party. Our retirement community has strict protocols about vaccinations and masks, and we have to think of the others who live her besides ourselves. So it will be just the two of us this year again.
261threadnsong
Hi Judy, and I add my sadness that you won't be able to visit your mom this year. >244 Helenliz: - you are absolutely right Helen - it's a tough good decision. You're doing the right thing, and you have this year to celebrate and make delicious food for Christmas Eve.
Enjoy your holiday and thanks for the always inspiring books and discussions!
Enjoy your holiday and thanks for the always inspiring books and discussions!
263Carmenere
Best wishes for a very merry Christmas to you and yours, Judy! May if be joyous and full of good cheer!
264hailelib
I hope your Christmas is a good one and that you can make that trip to see your mother soon.
266VivienneR
I haven't been around for a while and missed so many conversations. I have to commiserate with you for not being able to visit Mom but a wise choice given the present circumstances and what she has just been through. Hospital at Home sounds like an excellent idea.
I hope you have a merry Christmas with all the treats you love.
I hope you have a merry Christmas with all the treats you love.
267RidgewayGirl
Merry Christmas, Judy. We're all celebrating a little differently for another year, but I hope you still have a lovely day. We're neck-deep in preparing our house for sale and while I had hoped we'd all just enjoy this one day, both my husband and my father have snuck off to work on their projects and my children have fled to their rooms, where they can relax without fear of being asked to help.
268DeltaQueen50
Merry Christmas to all! We did have a small family gathering last night with my younger daughter and her husband but we made a collective decision to cancel the brunch my elder daughter was going to have today. Her husband is experiencing what we are all hoping is just a cold, so she is coming by to drop off our presents and pick up our presents to her family. We have enough food to last for days here so we are quite happy to just be on our own. The other big news here is that it started snowing yesterday and it's still coming down, this is our first white christmas in years.
>259 LadyoftheLodge: I am very fortunate indeed that Mom is still with us, she's 100 and although frail, is still living at home with my brother to look after her.
>261 threadnsong: Thank you, I hope you have a lovely holiday as well.
>262 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I know you will be enjoying your first Christmas with your new grandson!
>263 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. We are trying to be joyful but our hearts are heavy for all the people who are suffering either from Covid or from having to be alone.
>264 hailelib: Merry Christmas, Trisha. From the reports that I have heard they are expecting this new varient to peak around mid-January so it looks like I might have to wait until Spring, although we can't talk on the phone as she is totally deaf, we can set up on Zoom and see each other that way.
>265 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. I hope you are having a happy Christmas in your new home.
>266 VivienneR: Happy holidays, Vivienne. I hope all is well with you and your family. I expect you are getting lots of snow in your corner of B.C.
>267 RidgewayGirl: Merry Christmas, Kay. I can't even imagine how busy you are going to be for the next while. We only moved a few blocks last time and it was a major upheaval - you're going a much father distance! I hope you get some quiet moments today to relax (and maybe crack open a book or two).
>259 LadyoftheLodge: I am very fortunate indeed that Mom is still with us, she's 100 and although frail, is still living at home with my brother to look after her.
>261 threadnsong: Thank you, I hope you have a lovely holiday as well.
>262 msf59: Thanks, Mark. I know you will be enjoying your first Christmas with your new grandson!
>263 Carmenere: Thanks, Lynda. We are trying to be joyful but our hearts are heavy for all the people who are suffering either from Covid or from having to be alone.
>264 hailelib: Merry Christmas, Trisha. From the reports that I have heard they are expecting this new varient to peak around mid-January so it looks like I might have to wait until Spring, although we can't talk on the phone as she is totally deaf, we can set up on Zoom and see each other that way.
>265 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. I hope you are having a happy Christmas in your new home.
>266 VivienneR: Happy holidays, Vivienne. I hope all is well with you and your family. I expect you are getting lots of snow in your corner of B.C.
>267 RidgewayGirl: Merry Christmas, Kay. I can't even imagine how busy you are going to be for the next while. We only moved a few blocks last time and it was a major upheaval - you're going a much father distance! I hope you get some quiet moments today to relax (and maybe crack open a book or two).
269DeltaQueen50
I was fortunate enough to receive some lovely gifts this morning and among them were a couple of good-sized gift certificates from Amazon. I have already spent one and have the following loaded onto my Kindle:
The Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh
Devolution by Max Brooks
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
The Real Charlotte by Edith Somerville
Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham
I will hang onto the second gift certificate for now.
The Girl on the Stairs by Louise Welsh
Devolution by Max Brooks
Sisters in Arms by Kaia Alderson
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
The New Wilderness by Diane Cook
The Real Charlotte by Edith Somerville
Cakes and Ale by W. Somerset Maugham
I will hang onto the second gift certificate for now.
270rabbitprincess
>269 DeltaQueen50: Excellent Kindle haul! And how fun to have two gift cards; you get the thrill of plotting two hauls instead of one :) Merry Christmas!
271DeltaQueen50
>270 rabbitprincess: Thanks, RP and a very Merry Christmas to you as well.
272DeltaQueen50
220. A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh - 3.8 ★
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh is a historical romance story set against the backdrop of Christmas celebrations. Randolph, Earl of Falloden is coerced into marrying the daughter of a wealthy coal merchant in order to clear the debts that the previous Earl left. The daughter. Ellie, agrees to the marriage in order to please her father who is dying. Randolph believes his new wife is a cold fish who only married him in order to have a title and Ellie believes that Randolph is a spendthrift and gambler who wasted his own fortune and now will do the same to her father’s.
One of last things that her father asks of her is to promise not to mourn too deeply and for her and her new husband to celebrate Christmas together. The couple become sworn enemies from the moment they meet, but agree to keep the Christmas promise and celebrate the holiday at their country estate. Surrounded by his friends and her family, they start to look at each other with new eyes and could this new unwilling attraction possibly lead to love?
I enjoyed this book and especially loved all the Christmas touches that were included. However, I was uncomfortable reading about the wedding night as the couples’ passion reflected the dislike they each felt for one another. Luckily their feelings toward each other softened and their romantic encounters became more tender and caring. Both Ellie and Randolph make many mistakes but as they get to know one another the distrust and dislike fades away and makes room for the new feelings they are developing for each other.
Category: Passionfruit Hearts
A Christmas Promise by Mary Balogh is a historical romance story set against the backdrop of Christmas celebrations. Randolph, Earl of Falloden is coerced into marrying the daughter of a wealthy coal merchant in order to clear the debts that the previous Earl left. The daughter. Ellie, agrees to the marriage in order to please her father who is dying. Randolph believes his new wife is a cold fish who only married him in order to have a title and Ellie believes that Randolph is a spendthrift and gambler who wasted his own fortune and now will do the same to her father’s.
One of last things that her father asks of her is to promise not to mourn too deeply and for her and her new husband to celebrate Christmas together. The couple become sworn enemies from the moment they meet, but agree to keep the Christmas promise and celebrate the holiday at their country estate. Surrounded by his friends and her family, they start to look at each other with new eyes and could this new unwilling attraction possibly lead to love?
I enjoyed this book and especially loved all the Christmas touches that were included. However, I was uncomfortable reading about the wedding night as the couples’ passion reflected the dislike they each felt for one another. Luckily their feelings toward each other softened and their romantic encounters became more tender and caring. Both Ellie and Randolph make many mistakes but as they get to know one another the distrust and dislike fades away and makes room for the new feelings they are developing for each other.
273DeltaQueen50
221. The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud - 4.0 ★
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
December TIOLI #15: First Sentence has 7 Words or Less
The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud is an Algerian answer to Albert Camus’ story The Stranger in which a Frenchman, Meursault, casually murders an Arab on the beach at Algiers. This short novel is supposedly narrated by the brother of the murdered Arab and is told some 70 years after the event.
In The Stranger much is written about Meursault, his feelings, his reactions, his story and yet the victim of the crime remains a nameless Arab. In this account we are given his name, Musa, and although he is unable to speak for himself, his brother, Harun, tells of his family and home. One of the tragedies of this story is the fact that Harun and his mother were unable to claim the body, as his name is never entered into any of the official records. The mother, tremendously grief-stricken becomes obsessed with seeking retribution. In an effort to appease his Mother, Harun kills a French settler, but instead of calling attention by committing a revenge murder, his action is considered a badly-timed killing as it occured shortly after the cease-fire that signalled the end of the war for independence.
The Meursault Investigation is a literary re-telling but in this version it is more than a simple counterpoint to the original. The country of Algeria becomes more than just the setting as the author meditates on the post-colonial failures of his country and doesn’t particularly sing out praises for how it is now being run. The author has received mixed reactions to this book, some shower him with literary acclaim, while many right-wing Muslims feel he should be on trial for blasphemy.
Category: Chai Tea Caramels
December TIOLI #15: First Sentence has 7 Words or Less
The Meursault Investigation by Kamel Daoud is an Algerian answer to Albert Camus’ story The Stranger in which a Frenchman, Meursault, casually murders an Arab on the beach at Algiers. This short novel is supposedly narrated by the brother of the murdered Arab and is told some 70 years after the event.
In The Stranger much is written about Meursault, his feelings, his reactions, his story and yet the victim of the crime remains a nameless Arab. In this account we are given his name, Musa, and although he is unable to speak for himself, his brother, Harun, tells of his family and home. One of the tragedies of this story is the fact that Harun and his mother were unable to claim the body, as his name is never entered into any of the official records. The mother, tremendously grief-stricken becomes obsessed with seeking retribution. In an effort to appease his Mother, Harun kills a French settler, but instead of calling attention by committing a revenge murder, his action is considered a badly-timed killing as it occured shortly after the cease-fire that signalled the end of the war for independence.
The Meursault Investigation is a literary re-telling but in this version it is more than a simple counterpoint to the original. The country of Algeria becomes more than just the setting as the author meditates on the post-colonial failures of his country and doesn’t particularly sing out praises for how it is now being run. The author has received mixed reactions to this book, some shower him with literary acclaim, while many right-wing Muslims feel he should be on trial for blasphemy.
274VivienneR
>268 DeltaQueen50: Yes, LOTS of snow! As well as continuing snowfall, a gusty wind started last night and the snow is forming beautiful shapes. Too windy today to do any snow-clearing (at least for me) so it will be tomorrow before we start digging ourselves out. A neighbour cleared a path to our front door yesterday and it is waist-deep today.
Sorry to hear your Christmas plans fell through but wise to take precautions. I hope you and the family stay healthy now and in the new year.
Sorry to hear your Christmas plans fell through but wise to take precautions. I hope you and the family stay healthy now and in the new year.
275DeltaQueen50
>274 VivienneR: We have about 5 cm of snow in total which is rather nice - enough to turn the world white but not too much to deal with. I spoke to my brother in Victoria and they got about 10 cm and at that point the snow was still falling - he's not a snow lover and was exhausted from shovelling their quite long driveway. We also just spoke to our friends who live north of you in Invermere and they have lots of snow which must make the skiers happy.
276LadyoftheLodge
>267 RidgewayGirl: Blessings to you! We are starting to feel at home in our new place, just five months after moving in! I hope never to have to do moving again. What a trauma! I am still looking for things that I cannot find/have packed/or horrors, gotten rid of in the move!
277DeltaQueen50
222. North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell - 4.5 ★
Category: Hedgehogs
December 1,001 Group Read
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Read (a joint read)
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a wonderful blend of romance and social commentary. Set in England during the time of the Industrial Revolution, the book takes on some of the major economic and social issues of the time. The author also cleverly depicts the difference between the rural agricultural south of England with the harsher home of manufacturing in the north. Throughout the story we follow the life of pastor’s daughter, Margaret Hale and her romantic prospects with the author’s observations on class struggles, social injustice and the effect of capitalism woven throughout. The result is an engaging and informative story that I really enjoyed.
The main character, Margaret Hale is 19 when the book opens. She has just returned to her parents home in Hampshire after receiving a genteel upbringing in her aunt’s London home. At the same time her father announces his decision to leave the church and that he has accepted a position as a private tutor in the northern industrial town of Milton. The family has a lot of adjustments to make when they settle in Milton. Margaret has a lot on her shoulders and she tends to withdraw from people causing them to think her haughty and prideful but one man, Mr. John Thornton, a local mill owner, takes the time to see her true personality and is very taken with her. Unfortunately, when she barely knows him, she lets others know that she thinks he is unrefined and lacking in his treatment of others.
Elizabeth Gaskell develops her story through social and economic upheavals, personal tragedies, and the development of her characters. Margaret in particular grows throughout the story. She is steadfast and loyal and takes it upon herself to hold her family together. She does what needs to be done, sometimes even to the point of damaging her reputation. But she also acknowledges her errors and has a sense of humor which makes her altogether very human. North and South was an excellent read and had me rooting that the southern lady would eventually bend to the will of the formidable northern man.
Category: Hedgehogs
December 1,001 Group Read
December TIOLI #8: A Borrowed Read (a joint read)
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell is a wonderful blend of romance and social commentary. Set in England during the time of the Industrial Revolution, the book takes on some of the major economic and social issues of the time. The author also cleverly depicts the difference between the rural agricultural south of England with the harsher home of manufacturing in the north. Throughout the story we follow the life of pastor’s daughter, Margaret Hale and her romantic prospects with the author’s observations on class struggles, social injustice and the effect of capitalism woven throughout. The result is an engaging and informative story that I really enjoyed.
The main character, Margaret Hale is 19 when the book opens. She has just returned to her parents home in Hampshire after receiving a genteel upbringing in her aunt’s London home. At the same time her father announces his decision to leave the church and that he has accepted a position as a private tutor in the northern industrial town of Milton. The family has a lot of adjustments to make when they settle in Milton. Margaret has a lot on her shoulders and she tends to withdraw from people causing them to think her haughty and prideful but one man, Mr. John Thornton, a local mill owner, takes the time to see her true personality and is very taken with her. Unfortunately, when she barely knows him, she lets others know that she thinks he is unrefined and lacking in his treatment of others.
Elizabeth Gaskell develops her story through social and economic upheavals, personal tragedies, and the development of her characters. Margaret in particular grows throughout the story. She is steadfast and loyal and takes it upon herself to hold her family together. She does what needs to be done, sometimes even to the point of damaging her reputation. But she also acknowledges her errors and has a sense of humor which makes her altogether very human. North and South was an excellent read and had me rooting that the southern lady would eventually bend to the will of the formidable northern man.
278Nickelini
>277 DeltaQueen50:
That's been on my TBR list for a few years. Your review was lovely! I must try to get to it in 2022. Sounds like a Pride and Prejudice type story (plus other things), and I'm just a fool for a P&P patterned story.
That's been on my TBR list for a few years. Your review was lovely! I must try to get to it in 2022. Sounds like a Pride and Prejudice type story (plus other things), and I'm just a fool for a P&P patterned story.
279Jackie_K
>277 DeltaQueen50: I've got that on the list for 2022, for one of the challenges. I've only seen good reviews of it here!
280DeltaQueen50
>278 Nickelini: North and South is definitely darker than P&P, maybe a cross between Austen and the Brontes. I loved it and I am looking forward to reading more by Elizabeth Gaskell.
>279 Jackie_K: Once I got into it, I was totally absorbed by it, Jackie. I hope it works for you as well.
>279 Jackie_K: Once I got into it, I was totally absorbed by it, Jackie. I hope it works for you as well.
281DeltaQueen50
I think North and South is my last book of 2021. I am off to the library this morning as my long awaited request for The Lincoln Highway has been filled. I suspect it or the mystery I am currently reading will be my first book of 2022.
2021 was another great reading year and I enjoyed matching my reads to various chocolates. However I am looking forward to moving over to the new thread and starting a brand new reading list.
My new home will be at: https://www.librarything.com/topic/336683# Come on over, I intend to always have the kettle simmering and a chair waiting!
2021 was another great reading year and I enjoyed matching my reads to various chocolates. However I am looking forward to moving over to the new thread and starting a brand new reading list.
My new home will be at: https://www.librarything.com/topic/336683# Come on over, I intend to always have the kettle simmering and a chair waiting!
282LadyoftheLodge
>277 DeltaQueen50: Thank you for this lovely review. This book sounds like a winner to me--taking a BB here!
283katiekrug
>277 DeltaQueen50: - I'll be starting N&S today. It should be my first completed read of the new year!
284DeltaQueen50
>282 LadyoftheLodge: North and South is a great example of classic Victorian drama. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do too.
>283 katiekrug: Katie, I hope you enjoy North and South. I found that I had to be patient as it took awhile before I was fully captured by the story, but it was worth the wait.
>283 katiekrug: Katie, I hope you enjoy North and South. I found that I had to be patient as it took awhile before I was fully captured by the story, but it was worth the wait.
285DeltaQueen50
My Top Reads of 2021:
The Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by John le Carre
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Dodgers by Bill Beverly
A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
Power of the Dog by Don Winslow
Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
My least favorite books:
The Blind Owl by Sadiq Hidayat
Monster Planet by David Wellington
The Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong
The Summer Book by Tove Jansson
The Spy Who Came In From the Cold by John le Carre
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
Dodgers by Bill Beverly
A Civil Campaign by Lois McMaster Bujold
Power of the Dog by Don Winslow
Ring of Bright Water by Gavin Maxwell
Long Bright River by Liz Moore
My least favorite books:
The Blind Owl by Sadiq Hidayat
Monster Planet by David Wellington
286Helenliz
I'm glad you enjoyed The Summer Book I read it the previous year (in November!) and thought it lovely.
287avatiakh
>277 DeltaQueen50: I just pulled North and South off the shelf for reading in 2022.
I'm so happy we managed that read of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
I'm so happy we managed that read of Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
288DeltaQueen50
>286 Helenliz: I loved the interaction between the grandmother and her granddaughter, it wasn't parental yet there was mutual caring, respect and devotion. Having a granddaughter myself, I am always trying to find that perfect balance in our relationship.
>287 avatiakh: I am so glad that I got Romance of the Three Kingdoms read, it was both a pleasure and an accomplishment. I hope you enjoy North and South, Kerry, when you get to it next year.
>287 avatiakh: I am so glad that I got Romance of the Three Kingdoms read, it was both a pleasure and an accomplishment. I hope you enjoy North and South, Kerry, when you get to it next year.
289BLBera
Great list, Judy. The only one I've read is Long Bright River but others are certainly on my WL. Happy New Year!
290msf59
Happy New Year, Judy! Love the Best of List and I am glad to see Dodgers & Long Bright River on there. Have a safe and healthy holiday!
292RidgewayGirl
Thank you for a wonderful reading thread full of recommendations this year and I look forward to following your new thread next year.
293LadyoftheLodge
Happy New Year! Looking forward to keeping up with you in 2022!
294DeltaQueen50
>292 RidgewayGirl: Right back at you, Kay!
>293 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks, Cheryl. Fingers Crossed that we get lots and lots of great reads next year. Actually I am off to a very good start as I am currently reading The Lincoln Highway and loving it.
>293 LadyoftheLodge: Thanks, Cheryl. Fingers Crossed that we get lots and lots of great reads next year. Actually I am off to a very good start as I am currently reading The Lincoln Highway and loving it.
295threadnsong
Thank you for inspiring me with your chocolates, Judy! I was able to dress up my 2022 thread with some pictures and slightly different categories.
Congratulations on your reading accomplishments for 2021! I remember watching the mini-series for North and South because Richard Armitage, and your review speaks highly of the source material.
See you on the new thread!
Congratulations on your reading accomplishments for 2021! I remember watching the mini-series for North and South because Richard Armitage, and your review speaks highly of the source material.
See you on the new thread!
