NanaCC's 2014 Reading Part 3

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NanaCC's 2014 Reading Part 3

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1NanaCC
Editado: Dic 30, 2014, 10:34 pm

Part 3 - The fun continues...

I'm Colleen, and this is my second year in LT and in Club Read. I have been enjoying the reviews of the group and have been enjoying the books I've been reading too.

I've read several books that either are about WWI, or take place during the time period of the Great War, and have several more lined up for the remainder of the year.

My shelves and Kindle are full of books that I want to read. And of course, I could be pulled toward other books that are highlighted by the folks in this group.

CURRENTLY READING:



Mrs. Robinson's Disgrace: The Private Diary of a Victorian Lady by Kate Summerscale



We That Were Young by Irene Rathbone


World's Great Romances by Various (Trying to read one a night, but this will be year long - maybe forever)

CURRENTLY LISTENING:

2NanaCC
Editado: Dic 30, 2014, 10:33 pm

BOOKS READ 2014

42- The Night Before Christmas by Nikolai Gogol, Translated by Anna Summers
41- A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie (Kindle)
40- A Little Princess; being the whole story of Sara Crewe now told for the first time by Frances Hodgson Burnett (Kindle)
39- The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell. (Kindle)
38- The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie. (Kindle)
37- Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout
36- Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope (Kindle)
35- The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert (Kindle)
34- Mortal Causes by Ian Rankin
33- The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton (Kindle)
32- Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert. (Kindle)
31- The Secret Place by Tana French. (Kindle)
30- Wild Strawberries by Angela Thirkell
29- Fighting France, from Dunkerque to Belfort by Edith Wharton (Kindle)
28- The Young Clementina by D. E. Stevenson. (Kindle)
27- A Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym. (Kindle)
26- The Man From Beijing by Henning Mankell
25- All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque
24- The Care and Management of Lies: A Novel of the Great War by Jacqueline Winspear
23- The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling)
22- The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins (Kindle)
21- The Black Book by Ian Rankin
20- A Long Long Way by Sebastian Barry
19- Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
18- Birdsong: A Novel of Love and War by Sebastian Faulks
17- High Rising by Angela Thirkell
16- Wild Decembers by Edna O'Brien
15- The War Workers by E. M. Delafield. (Kindle)
14- The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (Kindle)
13- The Daughters of Mars by Thomas Keneally (Kindle)
12- Strip Jack by Ian Rankin
11- The Warden by Anthony Trollope (Kindle)
10- One of Ours by Willa Cather (Kindle)
9- The Rising Tide by M. J. Farrell (Molly Keane)
8- Tooth and Nail by Ian Rankin
7- Five Days at Memorial by Sheri Fink (Kindle)
6- The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling)
5- Miss Buncle Married by D.E. Stevenson (Kindle)
4- Mr. Britling Sees It Through by H. G. Wells (Kindle)
3- COLD COMFORT FARM by Stella Gibbons
2- The Murder at the Vicarage (Miss Marple Mysteries) by Agatha Christie (Kindle)
1- William, an Englishman by Cicely Hamilton (WWI theme) (Kindle)

AUDIO 2014

23- Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside by Martin Walker, Narrated by Robert Ian MacKenzie
22- My Antonia by Willa Cather, Narrated by Jeff Cummings, Introduction by Ken Burns
21- Bryant & May and the Bleeding Heart: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman
20- Macbeth: A Novel by A. J. Hartley, David Hewson, Narrated by Alan Cumming
19- The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, Narrated by Eric Meyers
18- The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell, Laurie Thompson (Translator), Robin Sachs (Narrator)
17- A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny, Narrated by Ralph Cosham
16- Around The World in 80 Days by Jules Verne, Narrated by Jim Dale
15- A Share in Death by Deborah Crombie, Narrated by Michael Deehy
14- Curse of the Pogo Stick by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer
13- Fall of Giants by Ken Follett, Narrated by John Lee
12- The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley, Narrated by Jayne Entwistle
11- Still Life by Louise Penny, Narrated by Ralph Cosham
10- A Duty to the Dead by Charles Todd, Narrated by Rosalyn Landor
9- The Man in My Basement by Walter Mosley, Narrated by Ernie Hudson
8- Anarchy and Old Dogs by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer
7- The Devil of Nanking by Mo Hayder, Narrated by Josephine Bailey and Simon Vance
6- Disco For The Departed by Colin Cotterill, Narrated by Clive Chafer
5- Agent Zigzag: A True Story of Nazi Espionage, Love and Betrayal by Ben Macintyre, Narrated by John Lee
4- The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party by Alexander McCall Smith, Narrated by Lisette Lecat
3- The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith, Narrated by Lisette Lecat
2- Heartstone: A Matthew Shardlake Tudor Mystery (Matthew Shardlake Tudor Mysteries) by C. J. Sansom, Narrated by Steven Crossley
1- Wings of Fire by Charles Todd, Narrated by Samuel Gillies

Books Read Total = 65
Print/Kindle = 42; Audio = 23; Women authors = 33; New to me authors = 29; WWI related = 13

PLAYS

1- Twelfth Night by William Shakespeare
2- Macbeth by William Shakespeare

3NanaCC
Editado: Ago 25, 2014, 8:02 pm

I read so many really good books in 2013, that it is hard to pick favorites, but here they are:

FAVORITE FICTION 2013

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
--I can't believe that I never read this before.
The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
--Undine Spragg, the character I loved to hate. Written in 1913, the story could be about any number of the beautiful, spoiled celebrities one reads about in the glossy magazines today.
Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
--I couldn't put it down, and when I finished, I didn't want it to end.
At Swim, Two Boys by Jamie O'Neill
--The 1916 Easter Uprising in Ireland is the backdrop to this beautiful coming of age love story of two 16 year old boys.
Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
--This is a story of love and loss, passion and longing, old money vs. new money, marriage, adultery, and perhaps most of all agnosticism vs. the faith of Catholicism. The writing is beautiful.
The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton
--My favorite quote "EACH TIME YOU HAPPEN TO ME ALL OVER AGAIN."
Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell
--How could you not love a book that is intelligent and witty with lots of literary references thrown in. The dialog is quick, crisp and very British. It was named one of the favorite hundred mysteries of the century.
Regeneration by Pat Barker
--This book is the first in Barker's WWI antiwar trilogy, and was a Booker Prize nominee. The third book in the trilogy won the Booker Prize in 1995.
Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates
--In JCO's hands, this fictional story of Marilyn Monroe's life was so much more "real" than fiction. More like "embroidered truth".
The Lucia & Mapp series - Queen Lucia; Lucia in London; Miss Mapp; Mapp & Lucia; The Worshipful Lucia; Trouble for Lucia by E. F. Benson
--I loved this "new to me" series which takes place in a 1920's small British town where the lives of everyone are fodder for gossip and one-upmanship.

FAVORITE NON-FICTION 2013

Team Of Rivals: The Political Genius Of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin
--The detail is rich and the use of diaries and letters provides so much of the actual sentiment's of those involved.
No Ordinary Time by Doris Kearns Goodwin
--Goodwin won the Pulitzer Prize for her history of Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt, and of the home front during World War II.
Island of the Lost: Shipwrecked at the Edge of the World by Joan Druett
--This non-fiction story is a page turner that reads like fiction. If it were not for the fact that the story is true, you would find it implausible.
Seeking Palestine: New Palestinian Writing on Exile and Home Edited by Penny Johnson and Raja Shehadeh
--Recommended for anyone willing to listen with an open mind. It provides much food for thought.

FAVORITE AUDIO 2013

The Matthew Shardlake mystery series - Dissolution; Dark Fire; Sovereign; Revelation by C. J. Sansom, Narrated by Steven Crossley
--Shardlake is a lawyer during the time of King Henry VIII. He has a knack for solving mysteries.
Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter, Narrated by Edoardo Ballerini
-- Full of colorful people. Part satire, part love story, it made me laugh and it made me care about a few of the characters.

My final thread for 2013 is http://www.librarything.com/topic/161348

Books Read Total = 69
Print/Kindle = 45; Audio = 24; Women authors = 30

I was hoping for 75, but fell short. Maybe this year.

4avidmom
Ago 25, 2014, 10:22 pm

Just stopping by to star...

5VivienneR
Ago 25, 2014, 11:18 pm

It's good to see your favourites books and this year's books again. It reminded me of where some of my wishlist originated :)

6NanaCC
Ago 25, 2014, 11:37 pm

Thank you, Susie. :)

Vivienne, that wishlist thing goes both ways. :)

7labfs39
Ago 26, 2014, 3:12 pm

Fighting France sounds fascinating. I had no idea Edith Wharton had written such a memoir. Are you enjoying it so far?

I read, and enjoyed, Barchester Towers long ago and have always meant to get back to Trollope. Someday...

8NanaCC
Ago 26, 2014, 4:01 pm

Lisa, I am enjoying Fighting France, but it has been slow going. I have been watching two of my granddaughters, and I really didn't have a lot of time to read. They left for Disney World today, so I think I am making progress today. It is a short little book, and I should have been done long ago. I will finish it today and post my comments.

9labfs39
Ago 26, 2014, 5:40 pm

From the reviews I read, it seemed as those Wharton was a staunch Francophile, as were many English in early days, even those not living in France. Reading Testament of Youth gave me a greater appreciation of how that early enthusiasm became tainted. I wonder if Wharton's views changed as the war dragged on.

10lauralkeet
Ago 26, 2014, 8:34 pm

I plan to read Fighting France in September, Colleen. Edith Wharton is one of my favorite authors, but this is one I haven't read yet. I'm looming forward to your thoughts on it.

11laytonwoman3rd
Ago 27, 2014, 12:27 pm

Interesting to see Seeking Palestine on your favorite non-fiction list, Colleen. I started reading that some time ago, and set it aside. I didn't think the first couple selections enlightened me much, but I must get back to it, especially since you found it so thought-provoking.

12NanaCC
Ago 27, 2014, 1:40 pm

>10 lauralkeet: Laura, I will be finishing it shortly.

>11 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I really did try to read it with an open mind, and some of the essays were more thought provoking than others. I know that a few other people here loved it too. (Lois and Dan come to mind.) It is such a touchy subject and I think that the essays were selected thoughtfully.

13NanaCC
Ago 27, 2014, 5:55 pm



45. Fighting France, from Dunkerque to Belfort by Edith Wharton

American novelist, Edith Wharton, settled permanently in Paris in 1907. She loved France, and had great admiration for its people. When war was threatening to break out at any minute, she and her good friend Walter Berry were traveling in Spain. They hurried back hardly able to believe that the stories were true, and through Berry's influence, they were able to begin their adventure that would take them to the front bringing supplies to the soldiers. They traveled in Wharton's car, which she had shipped from New York. During this time, Wharton wrote a series of essays that were published by Scribner's.

In Hermione Lee's biography Edith Wharton, she says that Wharton sent a telegram to:

"the Scribner office: "JUST RETURNED FROM FIGHTING LINE IN ARGONNE MAILING ARTICLE NEXT WEEK." She was very keen to let her publishers and friends know that she was being given special, unrivaled access. (Scribner was not entirely convinced: in reply to her asking whether he would not prefer her war articles to the fiction she had promised them, he cabled back: "PREFER SHORT STORY.")...............Her passion for cultured tourism was being translated into the the ambitious curiosity of that dauntless and idiosyncratic twentieth-century breed, the woman "special correspondent" at war. And her publishers were, in the end, duly impressed. Scribner wrote to Wharton in July 1915: "What tremendous experiences you have been through! And I did not realize until your last letter that you were attended with real danger --- that you had actually been under fire." Wharton made five journeys with Walter Berry into the war zone between February and August 1915, which were condensed into four articles published in Scribner's Magazine, and then in Fighting France in November."

In this little book of around 100 pages, Wharton's experiences are told with Wharton's typical beautiful descriptions. Throughout she describes the courage of the people. Her hope was that her words would spur the Americans back home to give up their isolationist attitude and come to the aid of this country that she loved. It is interesting to note that she really did get right up to the front line, and even writes of going through one of the trenches.

Her efforts during the war did get many of her very rich friends back home to send money to help with the relief efforts she was very involved in. In 1916, she was awarded the French Legion d'honneur for her work.

I enjoyed this interesting book, and would recommend it to anyone interested in Wharton's travels during the first year of the war, and her view of the people she met and the countryside she traveled through..

I gave it 4 stars.

14NanaCC
Ago 27, 2014, 6:39 pm

>9 labfs39: Lisa, From what I've read so far, in the Hermione Lee biography, I can't tell if Wharton's early enthusiasm for the war was dampened by the experience. I found myself reading bits of that biography as I tried to find background for Fighting France. I will need to read the full biography at some point.

I have yet to read Testament of Youth. It is on my wishlist, but it hasn't gone further than that.

15lauralkeet
Ago 27, 2014, 8:34 pm

I have that biography too. It's massive. Despite my love for Wharton I haven't been able to being myself to reading it!

16NanaCC
Ago 27, 2014, 8:56 pm

>15 lauralkeet: Laura, I have been intimidated by the size of the biography too, but the chapters I read that related to Wharton's time during the war were quite good. I will get to it sometime, but not now.

17labfs39
Editado: Ago 27, 2014, 9:54 pm

Great review! Onto the wishlist it goes...

ETA: You should post your review, so I can give it a thumb. ;-)

18RidgewayGirl
Ago 28, 2014, 2:13 am

Good review! I'll keep an eye out for Fighting France.

19rebeccanyc
Ago 28, 2014, 9:20 am

Although I've never read any Wharton, I have several books by her on my TBR, so I'm not sure I'll be adding to it with this book, although I enjoyed your review.

20NanaCC
Ago 28, 2014, 1:36 pm

>18 RidgewayGirl: Kay, It is a fairly quick read.

>19 rebeccanyc: Rebecca, I definitely wouldn't put this up against any of her better novels. It is what it was meant to be - an idealized description of the face of France at the beginning of WWI, with a goal of persuading the U.S. to drop its isolationist stance, and come to the party. She is a wonderful writer, and her descriptions here are wonderful, but it isn't a competitor to her novels.

21lauralkeet
Ago 28, 2014, 4:53 pm

>19 rebeccanyc: I agree with Colleen's comments in >20 NanaCC: regarding Wharton. I'd start with something like House of Mirth, if that's one you have on your TBR.

22rebeccanyc
Ago 29, 2014, 12:25 pm

>21 lauralkeet: I've had The House of Mirth for years, judging by the cover of my edition, and I also have The Age of Innocence and The New York Stories of Edith Wharton. I have to wait a while to read one of them, because I'm still under the influence of Janet Malcolm's essay in Forty-One False Starts, which basically excoriated Wharton for her characterizations of women.

23labfs39
Ago 29, 2014, 11:12 pm

which basically excoriated Wharton for her characterizations of women

hmm, that would tint your enjoyment of the novels...

24lauralkeet
Ago 30, 2014, 6:30 am

>23 labfs39: yeah ... I could see that.

25dchaikin
Ago 30, 2014, 9:45 am

>13 NanaCC: wow, what a interesting book to read!

>11 laytonwoman3rd:, >12 NanaCC: - just want to yes I did love Seeking Palestine. Not sure you will if you didn't like the opening stories, as I liked everything there. As for it's value, I think it does a great job of bringing well rounded human perspectives and experiences to a difficult, and polarized issue.

26laytonwoman3rd
Editado: Ago 30, 2014, 2:06 pm

>25 dchaikin: It's not that I didn't like the stories I read, just that I didn't feel I got any sense of perspective from them. When I pick the book up again, I will start over at the beginning, I think, since it's been a while and I want to get the "entirety" feeling of it. Looking back, it was you, Colleen, who put me onto Seeking Palestine after I read My Promised Land last year.

27NanaCC
Ago 30, 2014, 11:46 am

>25 dchaikin: Thank you, Dan. It was an interesting book.

>26 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I hope that a second attempt will be the right time for you. If not, pass it by. We can't all like exactly the same things. :)

28NanaCC
Sep 1, 2014, 6:06 pm



46. Wild Strawberries by Angela Thirkell (Published 1934, Edition: Virago Press Ltd (2012), Paperback, 275 Pages)

This is my second book by Angela Thirkell, which is part of her Barsetshire series. I received it as part of my Secret Santa gift in the Virago group. LT has it at #2, but I've seen it listed as #3 elsewhere. In this installment, Mary Preston comes to stay with the Leslie family for the summer holidays at the request of her aunt. Her aunt dotes on her children in a delightful way, and they can do no wrong. The matriarch of the family goes about interrupting everyone and causing a little bit of confusion, but in a very funny way. A little romantic comedy enters the story as Mary is attracted to one brother and becomes the attraction of another. Thirkell's humor allows her to make fun of just about everyone. I did laugh at many of the scenes, but there were some that I found very uncomfortable as they would not pass any test of appropriate in today's world. The dialog is very witty and quick. I will look for more in this series.

I gave it 3 1/2 stars.

29NanaCC
Sep 5, 2014, 9:18 pm



47. The Secret Place by Tana French (Penguin Group (USA) LLC, Viking Adult (2014), Kindle Edition, 529 pages)

I will start by saying, I love Tana French. Her books are smart, well written, and leave you wanting more.

The Secret Place is the fifth book in her Dublin Murder Squad series. These books stand alone, however, she does use characters from a previous book (usually minor characters) which give a familiarity from the get go. In this book, 15 year old Holly Mackey, who was 9 years old in Faithful Place, attends a posh girls' boarding school. The previous year, a boy from a nearby boys' boarding school was killed on the girls campus. Holly finds a card on a board that the girls call "the secret place" and brings it to the police station. Detective Stephen Moran is currently working Cold Cases and wants to get into the Murder Squad. Holly asks for Stephen, and hands him the card which is a picture of the boy, Chris Harper, with cutout words "I know who killed him". She knows Stephen (also from Faithful Place) from a case 6 years previous, where she became a witness. Stephen uses the opportunity to get his foot in the Murder Squad door and brings the card to the detective, Antoinette Conway, who had originally worked on the case which has come to a major stall. She agrees to let him come along to the school and together they work the case. Stephen knows that Holly's father, Frank Mackey, will be watching if they get too close to her. The detectives are focused on two groups of girls, one group being Holly and her roommates. They know they have a limited amount of time to get it right by end of the day.

The story is told from Stephen's point of view, alternating with chapters that are flashbacks into the kids lives leading up to the murder. French's snappy dialog of the detectives and of the teens feels very real.

I don't want to say more. I hate that I might give something away. I know that I had a hard time putting the book down and yet wasn't ready for it to end. If you haven't read any of Tana French's mystery thrillers, you are in for a treat.

I gave it 4 1/2 stars.

30labfs39
Sep 5, 2014, 9:35 pm

Sounds like you enjoyed your last read a lot, Colleen! Great way to end the summer.

31NanaCC
Sep 5, 2014, 10:08 pm

It is indeed, Lisa. I'm headed up to my daughter's in Massachusetts on Monday. Trying to decide what to read next. We'll be going up to Maine next weekend and I will want something good there too. My kindle is full of books, so I can't stress too much.

32labfs39
Sep 5, 2014, 11:51 pm

Packing books for a trip is always so difficult. It's hard for me to predict what I'll be in the mood to read. I usually end up over-packing, but then this summer I under-packed for Maine and had to go to the library. I got involved in a book that I didn't finish before leaving and had to mail the book back to Maine once I got home and finished it. The worst is to run out of reading material on a plane. It's one of my worst nightmares!

33baswood
Sep 6, 2014, 4:38 am

On my recent trip to the coast; horror of horrors I had forgotten to pack my kindle.

I have one of those Tana French novels around here somewhere, I might just dig it out.

34lauralkeet
Sep 6, 2014, 6:15 am

>29 NanaCC: I barely read your review because I've only read the first book and recently recommitted to this series (planning to read the second in the next few weeks). But I saw "I love Tana French" and 4 1/2 stars -- hurray! It's great to know I have this to look forward to.

Enjoy your travels!

35NanaCC
Sep 6, 2014, 7:56 am

>32 labfs39: Lisa, that is why the Kindle is so great. I have hundreds of books on there that I haven't read. Many are the complete works of authors like George Eliot, the Bronte sisters, Jane Austen, Dickens. It makes it less stressful, and since I'm going in the car, I like to bring a few paper books off the shelf.

>33 baswood: Oh, the horror of forgetting, Barry. That would be awful. Which Tana French do you have?

>34 lauralkeet: I will be interested to hear what you think of the second book, Laura. I know that Kay (RidgewayGirl) likes these books too. In fact she was able to read this one before it came out here in the U.S., as she's living in Germany right now.

36RidgewayGirl
Sep 6, 2014, 8:29 am

I'm glad you liked it, too, Colleen. Of course, now we have a long wait until French finishes the next one.

Being stuck somewhere without a book is a fear of mine that causes much over packing of books on my part. Yes, the ereader is nice, but what if it runs out of power?

37laytonwoman3rd
Sep 6, 2014, 9:27 am

>29 NanaCC: I'm glad to hear French still has her mojo, Colleen. I've loved this series, and I think Faithful Place might have been my favorite. I'm with >34 lauralkeet: Laura, though; I won't read your whole review right now. I can't wait to get my hands on this book.

38NanaCC
Sep 6, 2014, 11:36 am

>36 RidgewayGirl: Waiting on the next book in favorite series always feels extra long, but thankfully you folks in LT have introduced me to quite a few series where I have loads to go through before I get to that point. I am patiently waiting for Christopher Fowler's new book in the Bryant and May series, due in December. I have them all on audio, and the reader is spot on.

>37 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I think she has mojo to spare. I always try not to give anything away when I write comments about a book, especially with mysteries. But, I understand. I did that with Kay's review. Saw that she liked it, and left it until after I'd read the book. It was $11.99 on Kindle, so bought it as soon as it came out.

39avidmom
Sep 6, 2014, 4:11 pm

>13 NanaCC: Oooh, I didn't know any of that about Edith Wharton. Cool.
OK. Back to lurking ........

40NanaCC
Sep 6, 2014, 4:12 pm

>39 avidmom: Susie, I have been mostly lurking on threads myself, but always glad to see you pop out. :)

41NanaCC
Sep 8, 2014, 5:02 pm



A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny, Narrated by Ralph Cosham. (Blackstone Audiobooks (2007), Edition: Unabridged, Audio, 2014 Macmillan Audio)

I will keep this short and sweet, as I am on my iPad.

I am really enjoying these cozy mysteries set in the picturesque little town of Three Pines just outside of Montreal. Three Pines sounds like an idyllic place, however, this is the second book in the series and this charming little village has had two murders in just over a year. :) Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Surete du Quebec is there with his team to solve the crime, so no real worries. I enjoy the descriptions of Gamache, of the town, of the bistro, of the food and the wine, and several of the inhabitants of Three Pines.

I think I will keep coming back for more. Somewhere between 3 1/2 and 4 stars. The reader makes it a 4.

42japaul22
Sep 8, 2014, 5:06 pm

I have the first in this series on my shelf and I'm on the fence about it. The "cozy mystery" description doesn't really suit my taste, but I've seen a lot of positive reviews.

43NanaCC
Sep 8, 2014, 8:56 pm

>42 japaul22: I like all kinds of mysteries, from cozy to gruesome. I'm not sure if this qualifies as cozy, but it has a charm about it that I like.

44NanaCC
Sep 11, 2014, 8:55 pm



49. Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert, (Penguin Books (2000), Edition: Reprint, (2009) Kindle Edition, 316 pages)

My daughter, Chris, had suggested that I read Elizabeth Gilbert's The Signature of all Things as my next book. My other daughter said that since we are headed to Maine this weekend, I should read Gilbert's Stern Men instead, as it is very Maine. I'm glad I decided to go with that. I really enjoyed it. Although the stories are very different, I thought it had the "feel" of Howard Norman's The Bird Artist, most likely because of the islands and the lobstermen.

It is the story of two islands off the coast of Maine, where the lobstermen have been feuding for decades. Every so often there is a lobster war, and then things settle down for a while, but the hatred lingers on. Ruth Thomas has grown up on one of these islands and is at the center of the story. She is a strong character, and I liked her. While it is her coming of age story, it is also the story of the lobstermen and their fight to make ends meet. The men on the islands remind me of some of the fishermen we have met on our journeys up to Maine. The story is full of humor and some great characters.

If you are expecting Eat, Pray, Love you won't find it here. (I haven't actually read that one and have no desire to read it, but know enough to know this one isn't it).

I gave it 4 stars.

45laytonwoman3rd
Sep 11, 2014, 9:20 pm

>44 NanaCC: That sounds like a good one, Colleen. I think you may be the only other person I've come across who has read The Bird Artist. I met Howard Norman at a book festival in Scranton a few years ago. I found him a bit aloof, but I enjoyed that novel enough to buy several others of his which I haven't read yet, as well as his memoir, In Fond Remembrance of Me, which I have.

46NanaCC
Sep 11, 2014, 10:24 pm

Linda, Chris had given me The Bird Artist several years ago, because she knew I'd like it. She did too. Stern Men is different, but it really reminded me of that book.

47avidmom
Sep 15, 2014, 10:22 pm

Totally off topic - Just stopping by with a question: Are you watching the Ken Burns PBS special series on the Roosevelts? I'm DVRing the whole thing and have managed to watch a whole whopping 5 minutes of it so far, but it seems really interesting. Goodwin is featured throughout, I think. :)

48RidgewayGirl
Sep 16, 2014, 6:50 am

I really liked The Bird Artist when I read it several years ago. I wonder if I still have my copy?

49NanaCC
Sep 16, 2014, 7:03 am

>47 avidmom: Susie, I've been at my daughter's house for a week. If my husband saw it, he would record it, but he hasn't mentioned it. I'll have to call him and ask. When did it start?

50NanaCC
Sep 16, 2014, 7:15 am

>48 RidgewayGirl: Kay, I think that when I read The Bird Artist, the descriptions of the island and the Newfoundland coastline, and the inhabitants, were so vivid that it put in my mind pictures of Maine's coastline and the people I've met there. Stern Men takes place on islands off of Maine's coastline, and had a similar feel.

51laytonwoman3rd
Sep 16, 2014, 7:43 am

The Ken Burns special started Sunday night, and it's running for 7 consecutive nights, at least on our PBS station. Naturally, they are building a fund-raising campaign around it. We're recording the whole thing to watch later.

52NanaCC
Sep 16, 2014, 11:34 am

I just sent my hubby a text. He responded and said he would record what he found, but wasn't sure if he got them all.

I would do the same thing, Linda. I rarely watch anything when it is actually on.

53avaland
Sep 24, 2014, 6:36 am

Oh, you are on to Rankin now! Hope you are enjoying him. I went to the bookstore yesterday and heavily browsed in the mystery/crime section. All of my regulars are between books and I am in need --- I'm quite picky about them and it seemed each one I picked up had a young girl disappearing or mutilated. Ignored those and have picked up three new-to-me mystery/crime writers. We shall see.

We happened to run across Ken Burns addressing the National Press Club on one of the CSpan channels and found his very enthusiastic overview of the Roosevelts series riveting. Of course, we discovered the series had already started and was already into FD and Eleanor. We didn't want to step into the middle of it, so we will hope for a rebroadcast.

54NanaCC
Sep 24, 2014, 8:38 am

>53 avaland: Lois, They must be rebroadcasting because we have the first one set to record. I just need to record the second and then I will have all 7.

As for Rankin, you may have been the one to recommend him. Thank you. Have you ever tried Christopher Fowler's Bryant and May series? I have listened to all of them, because the reader is so good. The main characters are 2 crotchety old detectives in the Peculiar Crimes unit in London. It isn't fantasy as that may sound. They are called peculiar crimes because no one else can or wants to solve them. I am patiently waiting for the newest one due out in December.

55avidmom
Sep 24, 2014, 11:00 am

We have been watching the Roosevelts here (DVR'd them all and still have a long ways to go) but what I have seen is excellent. Thankfully, the PBS station here is not interrupting it every so often for a pledge drive!

I saw Kearns' Bully Pulpit on the library's new books shelves and passed it up 'cause it's another tome, but now ...... well .....

56NanaCC
Sep 24, 2014, 11:35 am

>55 avidmom: Susie, I might look into Bully Pulpit, but not this year. Goodwin's writing is always so good, it makes it hard to resist. Right now I am reading The Luminaries and it is a TOME. I'm enjoying it, but it is taking me a while. Too many other things going on in RL.

57laytonwoman3rd
Sep 26, 2014, 7:59 am

>54 NanaCC: Hmmm...Christopher Fowler sounds good to me. I wonder if our library has those audios (fat chance, probably).

58NanaCC
Editado: Sep 26, 2014, 9:29 am

>57 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, I got mine at Audible since I have a membership. My library has a pitiful selection of audio and Kindle books (at least in terms of the ones I want to read or listen to).

ETA: The first book in the series, Full Dark House, wasn't available at Audible when I first started listening to the series. I listened to it last year, and it worked as a prequel, as it sets up the rest of the series. I didn't miss it before I read it, but it did answer a couple of things that I previously had wondered about. IMO the stories got better as the series went on.

59laytonwoman3rd
Sep 26, 2014, 12:34 pm

No audio at my library either, but they do have Full Dark House available in print, so I put it on hold.

60laytonwoman3rd
Editado: Sep 27, 2014, 8:37 pm

No audio at my library either, but they do have Full Dark House available in print, so I put it on hold.

Edit: Ummmm...just for the record, I did not delete a message. I typed what appears here before the Edit, hit Save, and both 59 and 60 showed up simultaneously.

EDIT again: And now the previous edit makes no sense at all, since the "deleted message: has disappeared! Gremlins, I guess.

61NanaCC
Sep 26, 2014, 12:51 pm

I'll be curious to hear your thoughts, Linda. As I said, I listened to all of them, and the reader was really good.

62NanaCC
Oct 2, 2014, 8:20 am



50. The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton, (Little, Brown and Company (October 15, 2013), Kindle Edition, 849 Pages) Booker Prize Winner

I will start by saying that IMO The Luminaries was a wonderful tale, and a very satisfying read. I love a historical novel, and this one had so many of the things I love in a book. The story takes place in the town of Hokitika, New Zealand, during the gold rush in 1865-66. There are good guys and bad guys, much like an old western. This is a mystery, filled with richly developed characters. Yet, it is so much more than a mystery. As the story starts, Walter Moody arrives in Hokitika on a stormy night on the ship Godspeed, which runs aground as it approaches land. Moody arrives at the Crown hotel after his terrifying journey, and goes to the lounge to unwind with a drink and a cigar. There are twelve men in the bar, and Moody soon realizes he has stumbled into a secret meeting. The men are discussing the death of an old hermit, the attempted suicide of a much loved prostitute, and the disappearance of a wealthy young man. Moody gains their trust, and as each man relates his story, it is apparent that they are all, in some way, touched by these events.

The book starts slowly, builds a great yarn, and then you feel yourself racing to the end. I know that part of that has to do with the brilliant structure. The book has twelve parts. The first part is the longest, and each part after that is about half the length of the part before it. This gives it that feeling of the slow buildup, and the fast paced ending.

I remember originally seeing reviews by Darryl, Laura and Chris that piqued my interest. I'm so glad that I finally got to it. I think it was Laura who likened it to a puzzle, and I felt the same way. You are filling in the gaps as you go along. It had a similar feel to Wilkie Collins' The Woman in White. (I've only read that one by Collins, so I can only compare it to that).

I know I'm not doing justice to this wonderful book. You have to be prepared for a very slow beginning, but it is worth it in the end. I gave it 5 stars.

63lauralkeet
Oct 2, 2014, 8:44 am

Oh, I'm glad you liked this as much as I did! I just loved getting immersed in it. But it's tough to review, isn't it?

64NanaCC
Oct 2, 2014, 9:02 am

>63 lauralkeet: But it's tough to review, isn't it?

It sure is, Laura. I know that you, Darryl and Chris put it on my wishlist because of your great reviews. Every time I wanted to pick it up, and saw the length of it, I just wasn't ready to make the commitment. I was also intimidated by the astrological aspect, a subject of which I am completely in the dark. I'm sure for someone with that knowledge, it would have added even more depth. But, in the end, that didn't matter. I'm glad I chose to read it now.

65dchaikin
Oct 2, 2014, 9:52 am

Your review is good encouragement. I should try this one sometime.

66japaul22
Oct 2, 2014, 9:56 am

I am still a little on the fence about The Luminaries. Overall, it was a good book - I loved the plot and writing and historical setting. But I thought some of the structuring devices (using the zodiac to choose which characters were present in each chapter and the page count decreasing so rigidly) kind of took away from the story instead of adding to it. In the end, though, it's a book I'm still thinking about and I always like that! Glad you enjoyed it so much!

67NanaCC
Oct 2, 2014, 10:15 am

>65 dchaikin: Thank you, Dan. I felt it was worth my time.

>66 japaul22: Jennifer, I ignored the zodiac relationship, and I think that helped me. I thought that aspect would be too confusing, since I am really not familiar with the signs, other than knowing what signs go where on the calendar. And, my daughter said I didn't need to be familiar with astrology in order to enjoy the book.

68lauralkeet
Oct 2, 2014, 1:26 pm

I ignored it too and it was no problem for me. Later I listened to an author interview where she explained it, and while I can't remember a bit of that I remember thinking it was interesting and creative.

69avidmom
Oct 2, 2014, 7:58 pm

>62 NanaCC: That's definitely going on the wishlist. NOW. The zodiac aspect sounds like fun, and I do know about astrology. Great review!

70NanaCC
Oct 2, 2014, 8:51 pm

>69 avidmom: Thank you, Susie! I will be curious to hear your thoughts.

71baswood
Oct 3, 2014, 10:26 am

Enjoyed your review of The Luminaries

72NanaCC
Oct 4, 2014, 10:05 pm



51. Mortal Causes by Ian Rankin, (Original Publication 1994, Edition: Minotaur Books (2009), Paperback, 320 pages

This was 6th in the Inspector Rebus series, and another solid police procedural. The story starts with the torture and murder of a young man in the underground of St. Mary’s King Close in Edinburgh. All signs point to a militant sectarian group and suddenly Rebus is on loan to the Scottish Crime Squad. The nature of the crime means that the Special Branch from London takes an interest. To add more interest the yearly late summer festival has filled the town with tourists and terrorist bomb threats keep coming in. The story even takes Rebus to Northern Ireland to help solve the crime.

Rebus is still a wreck of a man, but he knows his stuff. Rankin's characters are becoming real people as these stories get better. I'll be back for more. I gave this one 4 stars.

73rebeccanyc
Oct 5, 2014, 10:45 am

I ran out to get The Luminaries based on reviews here, and it's been sitting on my "read soon" shelf for over a year! Now you make me want to get to it sooner rather than later, although I'll have to wait until I finish the tome I'm currently reading.

74NanaCC
Oct 5, 2014, 6:02 pm

>71 baswood: Thank you, Barry.

>73 rebeccanyc: Rebecca, I've had it on my Kindle for a while. I just wasn't sure if my lack of knowledge regarding the astrological aspect would take away from it. I found that it didn't take away from the story at all. I'm sure for those who are familiar with astrology, it would enrich the experience.

75OscarWilde87
Oct 11, 2014, 3:52 pm

Thanks for your thoughts on The Luminaries. I just put it on my wishlist. I have actually been to Hokitika in New Zealand. It's been a while but I liked it!

76NanaCC
Oct 11, 2014, 4:28 pm

>75 OscarWilde87: Nice to see you here. I would love to visit that part of the world someday. I know it won't happen though, so I visit vicariously through the books I read. I'm sure the Hokitika of today is nothing like the Hokitika of The Luminaries, but what an awesome place to go. I hope you enjoy the book as much as I did.

77NanaCC
Oct 17, 2014, 7:30 am



52. The Troubled Man by Henning Mankell, Laurie Thompson (Translator), Robin Sachs (Narrator) (2009: Edition: ©2011 Henning Mankell (P)2011 Random House)

This book is the last in the Kurt Wallander crime series. Wallander's daughter, Linda, is now a mother, and Wallander is getting to know his granddaughter. The story centers around the disappearance of Linda's future in-laws. Wallander uses vacation time to do some investigating on his own, as the events fall outside his jurisdiction. The story also focuses on Wallander's fear of growing older.

The story seemed a little slow at times, but it was a satisfying end to a series that I have enjoyed. I've listened to all of the books in the series, and while this reader was ok, I did prefer the familiarity of the reader in the previous books.

I gave it 3 1/2 stars.

78NanaCC
Oct 18, 2014, 5:13 pm



53. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert (Viking Adult (2013), Kindle Edition, 513 pages)

This historical novel starts with the story of Henry Whitaker, a self-made man who brings himself up from a life of poverty to a place of importance in the botanical and pharmaceutical world of the late 1700's - early 1800's. His daughter, Alma, is born in 1800. Alma is really the center of the story. She is brought up to be inquisitive, and her brilliant mind leads her to the study of mosses. Alma's story is one of discovery - discovery of the ever changing world of science, the mysteries of evolution, of the secrets of the people she thinks she knows, and discovery of herself.

I enjoyed this one, and gave it 4 stars.

79japaul22
Oct 18, 2014, 7:10 pm

>78 NanaCC: I bought this for my kindle months and months ago, thinking I'd get to it right away. Maybe next year! Glad to know you liked it.

80NanaCC
Oct 19, 2014, 10:43 am

>79 japaul22: I will be curious to see what you think, Jennifer. Both of my daughters read it, but their reactions were different. Chris thought she would love it based upon the cover description- woman botanist, mysteries of evolution - but she felt it was just OK. My other daughter loved it. I see mixed reviews on LT.

81japaul22
Editado: Oct 19, 2014, 11:59 am

>80 NanaCC: yep, I've really been hesitating on it because of the mixed reviews, but based on the subject, I would think that I'd love it.

82Poquette
Oct 19, 2014, 6:55 pm

I was unfamiliar with Henning Mankell until I happened to see the Swedish productions which have been broadcast on an obscure public television network, which shows a lot of European mysteries — all with English subtitles. Anyway, I have not read any of the books, but I did enjoy the filmed production of The Troubled Man. The producers worked with Mankell, so the episodes are apparently quite true to the original. Have you happened to see any of the Swedish films?

83NanaCC
Oct 19, 2014, 7:59 pm

>82 Poquette: Suzanne, I have seen the BBC episodes, starring Kenneth Branagh. They are quite good.

84Poquette
Oct 20, 2014, 1:43 am

>83 NanaCC: I forgot about those. Kenneth Branagh was easier on the eyes than the Swedish actor, but I preferred his characterization.

85Oandthegang
Oct 22, 2014, 2:03 am

>82 Poquette:, >83 NanaCC: I've read a number of Henning Mankell books, but they haven't engaged me. The BBC has transmitted all series of the Swedish TV production starring Krister Henriksson, as well as the other Swedish productions starring Rolf Lassgard. I really couldn't bear watching Kenneth Brannagh endlessly weeping in the BBC series (perhaps that is unfair, but it's how it struck me). Although the BBC did film in Sweden I love comparing the sets and approach between the Swedes, shooting their own stories in their own country, and the British idea of what is Swedish. At least one of the Mankell novels was filmed by all three. I perhaps prefer Rolf Lassgard, who comes over as a sort of Scandinavian Depardieu, but for the ensemble work the Henriksson, which is slower and develops across the series. Those familiar with Ola Rapace might be interested to know that he plays one of the main characters in the first two series of the Henriksson version. These are all available as box sets, though presumably with differing availability in different countries.

One point in favour of the BBC series for me was the wonderful David Warner, a sublime actor not seen enough, who played Wallander's father.

Also interesting the degree to which the various productions chose to use differing elements of the Mankell originals.

86PawsforThought
Oct 22, 2014, 4:29 am

I haven't read any of Mankell's Wallander books (oh, the shame!) but I have watched some of the Lassgård movies and nearly all of the Henriksson ones. Rolf Lassgård is a wonderful actor but I prefer Henriksson as Wallander. Not quite sure why, possibly because his face isn't as well known so I don't associate it with other movies and roles the way I do Lassgård (he's one of the most recognisable actors in the country, and he's been one of the leads in another long-running police movie series).
I love Kenneth Branagh but can't bear to watch his version because the pronunciations of Swedish names and things grate at my ears and I can't stand it.

87NanaCC
Oct 22, 2014, 9:07 am

>85 Oandthegang: & >86 PawsforThought: Thank you for stopping by. I really must try to find the series that you mention. I didn't know that they existed. Wallander is such a morose character, you get the impression that he will never be happy. As far as the books go, I have listened to them in the car, so may be more forgiving of the flaws than I would be if I read them in print. With this last book, there was a different reader, and I felt that the translation also had a different feel. (not in a good way). Looking at my Audible account, it seems that there are a few different translators. I think that may account for some of my feeling that the writing has been uneven.

88Poquette
Oct 24, 2014, 1:49 pm

My preference overall was for Krister Henrikkson. Lassgård I did not care for at all. I have seen him in some other things and did not like him there either. Henrikkson grew on me over time. Sorry the Mankell books seem to suffer by comparison to the films.

89NanaCC
Oct 24, 2014, 2:03 pm

>88 Poquette: Great literature, they are not, Suzanne. But since I have listened to all of them, I can only say that they fit the mood for driving in the car at the times that I listened to them. :)

I'm reading Trollope now, so may need another dose of something light to follow. But I am loving this book - Barchester Towers.

90lauralkeet
Oct 24, 2014, 8:34 pm

Oh I loved Trollope's Barsetshire novels. Did you start with The Warden or is this your first Trollope?

91NanaCC
Oct 24, 2014, 8:39 pm

>90 lauralkeet: I read The Warden in March, and loved it. Liz' tutored thread was very helpful. I am using her thread for Barchester Towers too.

92lauralkeet
Oct 24, 2014, 8:53 pm

Oh that's great. Now you mention it, I remember discussing the tutored read threads.

93edwinbcn
Oct 25, 2014, 8:35 am

>>

Next year with be Trollope's (1815–1882) 200 centennial, and I think we will read many of his novels in the Literary Centennials Group.

94japaul22
Oct 25, 2014, 8:58 am

>93 edwinbcn: that's great! I'm already planning to start the Palliser series next year. I loved the Barsetshire series!

95rebeccanyc
Oct 25, 2014, 10:13 am

>93 edwinbcn: >94 japaul22: I recently bought Can You Forgive Her?, which is the first in the Palliser series, because of a discussion here on LT. It's quite a tome, but I hope to get to it sooner rather than later.

96lauralkeet
Oct 25, 2014, 10:56 am

>93 edwinbcn: ooh, that's good to know!

97NanaCC
Oct 25, 2014, 2:37 pm

>93 edwinbcn:, >94 japaul22:, >95 rebeccanyc: & >96 lauralkeet: I have all of the The Chronicles of Barsetshire and Palliser series on my Kindle in "The Works of Anthony Trollope". It includes 50+ of his works, so I think I'm covered. Thank you for the heads up, Edwin. I look forward to it.

98NanaCC
Oct 30, 2014, 3:52 pm



54. Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope (Published 1857; Kindle Works of Anthony Trollope from Mobile Reference)

I would never have imagined that a book about church politics could be so entertaining. I read and enjoyed the first book in the Barsetshire Chronicles, The Warden, in March, and it definitely set up the storyline which is carried forward in Barchester Towers. Familiar characters are reintroduced, as the story begins. The bishop is dying and all expectations are that his son, Archdeacon Grantly, will become the new bishop. The position of warden of Hiram's hospital is still open, and hopes are that Mr. Harding will once again be given this role. However, a change in government introduces a new man, the henpecked Bishop Proudie and his domineering wife, Mrs. Proudie. We are also introduced to the odious Mr. Obadiah Slope, the bishop's chaplain. They are determined to have someone of their own religious views installed as warden, and offer the job to Mr Quiverful, a poor pastor with 14 children. (You have to appreciate the names given to some of Trollope's characters). Mr. Harding's younger daughter, Eleanor Bold, is now widowed, and quite wealthy. This of course leads to speculation about who can win her hand and the money that comes along with it. She causes some angst with her father, sister, and her bother-in-law, the archdeacon, as she refuses to say anything against Mr. Slope. We are also introduced to the Stanhopes, a new vicar Mr. Arabin, and squire Thorne and his eccentric spinster sister.

Trollope's characters are well developed, and, in case there is any doubt, the author's asides to the reader lead you through who to like and who to dislike.

I must give thanks to Liz (lyzard) for her tutored thread for this book http://www.librarything.com/topic/144010. It helped a lot with the church politics which were far removed from my knowledge base.

I intend to work my way through the remainder of this very enjoyable series. I gave this book 4 1/2 stars.

99dchaikin
Oct 30, 2014, 4:26 pm

Haven't read Trollope. Enjoyed your review.

100japaul22
Editado: Oct 30, 2014, 4:47 pm

>98 NanaCC: I'm reliving my Trollope reading through you! I absolutely loved the Barsetshire series. I'm planning to start the Palliser series next year.

ETA Dr. Thorne, which I think is the next one, was my favorite, though I loved them all.

101lyzard
Oct 30, 2014, 5:21 pm

>98 NanaCC: Glad the thread was helpful, Colleen, and even more glad you enjoyed the novel! :)

102edwinbcn
Oct 30, 2014, 6:19 pm

Thanks for posting the link to Liz' (lyzard) tutored thread for Barchester Towers ( http://www.librarything.com/topic/144010). Together with your review, it will be very helpful whan I want to read the novel next year.

103NanaCC
Oct 30, 2014, 8:26 pm

>99 dchaikin: Dan, I really have enjoyed the two I've read so far.

>100 japaul22: Jennifer, I will keep going with this series, and then try to read the Palliser series next year as well.

>101 lyzard: Liz, I am pretty sure that I wouldn't have been able to get as much out of these books without your tutored threads. They were very helpful. Thank you again.

>102 edwinbcn: Edwin, Liz has one for The Warden too. I used that one when I read the first book in March. http://www.librarything.com/topic/140276

104lauralkeet
Oct 30, 2014, 8:47 pm

yay for Trollope!!

105NanaCC
Oct 30, 2014, 8:52 pm

>104 lauralkeet: Quoting the archdeacon, "Good heavens!." Yes!

106lyzard
Oct 30, 2014, 9:04 pm

:D

107lauralkeet
Oct 31, 2014, 5:50 am

Which reminds me, Colleen, there's a BBC dramatization of the first 2 novels with Nigel Hawthorne as the archdeacon, and he's perfect.

108edwinbcn
Oct 31, 2014, 6:32 am

Thanka, Colleen and Liz. I have now starred both threads. I have already read The Warden, but may consider a reread.

109FlorenceArt
Oct 31, 2014, 10:15 am

>98 NanaCC: I am becoming more and more intrigued as I read reviews of Trollope's books. I have to admit that, like you were, I am a bit doubtful whether I can enjoy a book on such a subject. But I guess I will have to find out for myself at some point. I am not too fond of authors who "lead you through who to like and who to dislike", but I can forgive it in authors of Trollope's age better than in my contemporaries.

110NanaCC
Oct 31, 2014, 10:49 am

>109 FlorenceArt: "I am not too fond of authors who "lead you through who to like and who to dislike""

I understand that feeling, but it worked for me with this book. It was rather humorous.

111NanaCC
Oct 31, 2014, 10:52 am

>107 lauralkeet: I will have to look for the BBC production. I love the period pieces that they do.

112baswood
Nov 3, 2014, 6:36 pm

Your ahead of the game reading Trollope this year.

113NanaCC
Nov 3, 2014, 9:12 pm

>112 baswood: I've only just started, and have a long way to go. :)

114NanaCC
Nov 4, 2014, 4:54 pm



55. Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout (Random House LLC (2008), Edition: Kindle, 288 pages)

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the 13 short stories in this book are bound together by the title character, Olive Kitteridge. Olive has been a middle school math teacher in the small town of Crosby, Maine. A small town where everyone knows everyone, and they all have an opinion about Olive, who is sometimes abrasive, sometimes mean, sometimes full of compassion, and at most times afraid of getting old. She is loved by her mild mannered husband, Henry, and her grown son, Christopher, can't stand to be in her company for very long. There are stories that touch on love, suicide, anorexia, death, loneliness and murder. The stories are told with some humor, and even though you start out not really liking Olive, you finish the book rooting for her to find a little happiness.

I gave the book 4 stars. I read the book now, because I wanted to read it before watching the HBO mini-series starring Frances McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray, which aired this week.

115lauralkeet
Nov 5, 2014, 6:55 am

>114 NanaCC: well that was quick! I'm glad you enjoyed it. I read this back in 2009 so when I watched the series, the details were not as fresh in my mind as they will be for you. I will be interested to hear what you think!

116NanaCC
Nov 5, 2014, 7:09 am

Laura, I need to find a time when my daughter-in-law can watch it with me. They don't have HBO, and she loved the book too. I love the cast.

117laytonwoman3rd
Nov 5, 2014, 3:56 pm

>114 NanaCC: That WAS fast. So now you know Olive, one of the most memorable characters for me in 21st century literature so far. I'm glad you enjoyed meeting her.

118NanaCC
Nov 5, 2014, 5:11 pm

>117 laytonwoman3rd: I agree, Linda. Olive is a great character, isn't she?! As far as fast.... I couldn't put the book down.

Funny thing is that I know someone who has many of her traits. Maybe not quite as bad as Olive on the bad end of the scale, but she can say some very abrupt things at times. Yet, she has a heart of gold, and is actually a very nice person..

119baswood
Nov 6, 2014, 7:24 pm

I am watching the HBO series of Olive Kitteridge which is very good, I am sure you will enjoy it.

120NanaCC
Nov 6, 2014, 7:30 pm

>119 baswood: I'm going to have to wait until next week. My hubby has no interest, unfortunately. I'll save it and watch a second time with my DIL when she has time. I'm glad you're enjoying it, Barry. I'm hearing nothing but good things.

121NanaCC
Editado: Nov 15, 2014, 5:36 pm



56. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett, Narrated by Eric Meyers (©1930 Dashiell Hammett (P)2011 Naxos AudioBooks)

Sam Spade is one of the most well known private detectives in the genre. I have seen the movie with Humphrey Bogart several times, but this is the first time I've read the book. A beautiful woman comes to Spade's office, looking for help. His partner is murdered, and the cops want to believe he didn't do it. Or do they? Bad guys want something that Spade may or may not be able to deliver. At the center of it all is a valuable black statuette of a bird. The story is fun. The narrator was ok. A few of his voices were over the top. I gave this one 3 1/2 stars.



57. The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie (P 1942, William Morrow Paperbacks (2011), HarperCollins Publishers, Kindle Edition, 224 pages)

This is one of the first in the Miss Marple series. The body of a young woman is found on the hearth rug in Colonel Bantry's library. Who is she? Who killed her? How did she get there? The Colonel's wife Dolly calls on her friend, Miss Marple, to help the police solve this one, before her husband loses all of his friends. It is classic Agatha Christie. Quite a good mystery wrapped up in a cozy package. I gave it 4 stars.

ETA: Book covers

122NanaCC
Editado: Nov 15, 2014, 5:40 pm



58. The Crocodile Bird by Ruth Rendell (Open Road Media (2010), Kindle Edition, 384 pages)

This book was my first experience with Ruth Rendell, and came highly recommended by Linda (laytonwoman). I was not disappointed.

Eve and her daughter Liza live an isolated existence in the gatehouse of a beautiful British estate tucked away far from anything or anyone. Eve has kept her daughter away from people and everything in the outside world. Liza has only met a handful of people by the time she is sixteen, and while she has been "home schooled" by her mother, she is pitifully unaware of life. She has read loads of 19th century literature and can recite Shakespeare, but she doesn't know math or anything about money. As the book begins, the police have been to see Eve about the shooting of the estate owner, and she knows they will be back. She sends Liza off with money and instructions to get to London to stay with one of her mother's friends. Does she get there? You'll have to read the book to find out. And, as you read, the story will unfold slowly. Layer after layer will be peeled back revealing why Eve is obsessed with Shrove House, and why she has vowed to protect her daughter from the realities of life, even if it means she must commit murder.

This was my first Rendell, but if they are all this good, it won't be my last. I gave it 4 stars.

ETA: Book cover

123laytonwoman3rd
Nov 17, 2014, 5:36 pm

Oh, good *wipes brow* I'm always a bit nervous when someone takes one of my strong recommendations, until I know they liked it!

124NanaCC
Nov 17, 2014, 7:08 pm

>123 laytonwoman3rd: No worries, it was really good. :)

125NanaCC
Dic 2, 2014, 8:56 pm

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

It has been several decades since I last read Macbeth, and I wanted a more current reading of Shakespeare's brilliant play to coincide with listening to Macbeth: A Novel.



59. Macbeth: A Novel by A. J. Hartley, David Hewson, Narrated by Alan Cumming (©2011 A.J. Hartley, David Hewson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.)

A. J. Hartley is a professor of Shakespeare in the Department of Theater at the University of North Carolina. He is also a novelist. In the Afterword, he says that he and David Hewson didn't want to rewrite Shakespeare's play, but wanted to write about the "real" Macbeth, the historical King of Scotland, using Shakespeare's play as the stepping stone for their story. Because it is a novel, without the restraints of dialog and timing of a play, they are able to delve further into the motivations, and aspirations that drove the characters to behave the way they did. They are able to add the backstory and fill in many details about the characters. The Macbeths are much more sympathetic and understandable. The witches have a bigger role, and Lady Macbeth is given a name. Duncan, Macduff, and Banquo are fully developed in this tale. Bloody gore, battles, and murders are all included. The narration by Alan Cumming is brilliant. He uses his natural Scot's accent to provide the atmosphere and to give life to men and witches alike.

I am glad that the authors didn't try to rewrite Shakespeare. Instead they made the story of Macbeth their own. It was very entertaining, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you to Deborah (Cariola) for the recommendation.

I gave it 4 1/2 stars.

126laytonwoman3rd
Dic 3, 2014, 10:47 am

I'm thinking I need to give that one a try. I'd love to do the audio, since you say Cumming is so good. Unfortunately, our library system does not have it in any format at the moment.

127NanaCC
Dic 3, 2014, 12:13 pm

>126 laytonwoman3rd: Linda, They actually wrote it for the audio version, although I understand that it came out later in print format. I had ordered it with my Audible.com credit.

128laytonwoman3rd
Dic 3, 2014, 12:30 pm

Interesting. I don't use Audible, as I only listen in the car, for the most part, and need to use discs. One of these days I'll drift into the 21st century, I imagine! Maybe I should ask Santa for something that could accept e-books and plug into my car's audio...

129NanaCC
Dic 3, 2014, 1:08 pm

Linda, I download the books to my iPod. They have several different subscription levels. While I was working, I had a plan that gave me two credits per month (most books are 1 credit). Now that I've retired, I have a plan that gives me one credit per month. I really like it, because the selection of books is huge. Having it on my iPod allows me to listen while I'm doing chores, cooking or walking.

130RidgewayGirl
Dic 3, 2014, 2:58 pm

I have Macbeth: a Novel on my audible wish list, because of the reader.

And I can't believe you'd never read any Ruth Rendell! Of course, you would like her. I do suggest sticking with her earlier books; the ones written in the last decade are a lot weaker than her others. And also look for the books she wrote as Barbara Vine. You have lots of wonderful reading ahead of you.

131NanaCC
Editado: Dic 3, 2014, 3:42 pm

>130 RidgewayGirl: Thanks, Kay. I look forward to lots more of her.

ETA: I hope you do get to Macbeth: A Novel. I think you'll enjoy it. The authors also wrote Hamlet, Prince of Denmark: A Novel, narrated by Richard Armitage. Deborah gave that one a good review too.

132Poquette
Dic 3, 2014, 7:24 pm

Macbeth: A Novel sounds interesting. I'll watch out for it.

133lauralkeet
Dic 3, 2014, 8:47 pm

My daughter loves Audible. She is an English major and reads a lot for school, but uses Audible for leisure reading. She listens while knitting, and also in the car.

134NanaCC
Dic 3, 2014, 11:28 pm

Yes, listening while knitting, Laura. I have a knitting project I am trying to finish for Christmas, so audio is the way to go right now.

135NanaCC
Dic 9, 2014, 8:02 pm



60. Bryant & May and the Bleeding Heart: A Peculiar Crimes Unit Mystery by Christopher Fowler, Narrated by Tim Goodman (©2014 Christopher Fowler (P)2014 W F Howes Ltd, Recorded Books Unabridged)

This the 11th in Christopher Fowler's Bryant & May series, and I enjoyed it as much as any in this delightful series. Here we have two teenagers entering a cemetery to look at the stars. While there, they are disturbed by a body seeming to rise from its grave. The boy runs over to investigate, and he thinks the body points ahead saying Ursa Minor. Body snatchers, murders, and theft of the Ravens at the Tower of London are at the heart of this story. Of course being peculiar crimes, the Peculiar Crimes Unit are asked to investigate and solve the crimes. Bryant and May are two elderly detectives who working together have a knack for solving such mysteries. John May is neat and tidy, and methodical. His Partner, Arthur Bryant is the complete opposite, and willing to try unconventional means to get to answers. Together they have a very high solve rate.

I really enjoy these dark, quirky mysteries that are full of tidbits of London's history, and always good for a laugh or two. The characters are enjoyable, and the reader in the audio versions is very good.

I gave this one 4 stars.

136NanaCC
Dic 22, 2014, 8:01 am



61. My Antonia by Willa Cather, Jeff Cummings (Narrator), Ken Burns (Introduction) (p: 1918, P)2007 Blackstone Audio Inc., Audible Audio Edition)

As a young orphan, Jim Burden travels by train to his grandparents home in Nebraska, where he meets the lovely Antonia. Their friendship becomes a close one that lasts a lifetime. The story is told through Jim's reminiscences. Willa Cather's story telling is easy and picturesque, and her characters are recognizable.

I enjoyed this one, and gave it 4 stars.

137NanaCC
Dic 22, 2014, 8:32 am



62. A Little Princess; being the whole story of Sara Crewe now told for the first time by Frances Hodgson Burnett (P: 1905; 2012, Amazon Digital Services, Inc., 257 pages)

This is a lovely riches to rags to riches story that I have seen in movie form several times. I had never read this lovely book about a little girl who loses everything and yet believes that if she pretends she is a princess, she can rise above the cold and hunger that has become her reality. The ending in the book is different than the one in the movie version. Although this was written as a story for little girls, I believe that adults can enjoy the heartwarming story too.

I am giving it 4 stars.

138lauralkeet
Dic 22, 2014, 11:01 am

>137 NanaCC: I remember watching the film adaptation when my daughters were small. Lovely story.

139NanaCC
Dic 22, 2014, 11:41 am

>138 lauralkeet: I've seen the Shirley Temple version several times, and the newer version when my oldest granddaughter was about 3. I remember at a very sad part, she turned to me, and said "Nana, why are my eyes wet?"

Now, I'll have to read The Secret Garden, another that is on my "should have read" list.

140janeajones
Dic 23, 2014, 12:57 pm

I loved both A Little Princesss and The Secret Garden as a kid -- I must have read The Secret Garden at least a dozen times and just gifted it for Christmas to my niece.

The Sarasota Ballet commissioned a ballet of The Secret Garden to open its season this year: http://www.bradenton.com/2014/10/23/5430567/sarasota-ballet-opens-its-season.htm...
It was delightful.

141lauralkeet
Dic 23, 2014, 4:42 pm

>139 NanaCC: well whaddaya know, I didn't know there was a Shirley Temple version! We watched a 1995 version. This was probably around 2002-2003 so it was still kind of new.

142NanaCC
Editado: Dic 23, 2014, 6:02 pm

>141 lauralkeet: that's the one I watched with my granddaughter. My grandson watched the Shirley Temple version with us this summer while he was staying with us. We bought the kindle version so that he could read it.

>140 janeajones: I'm sure I'll like The Secret Garden.

ETA: The play adaptation sounds lovely. Interesting about Burnett's beliefs.

143lauralkeet
Dic 24, 2014, 8:51 am

Hi Colleen, just stopping by to wish you a very merry Christmas!!

144NanaCC
Dic 24, 2014, 11:41 am

>143 lauralkeet: thank you, Laura. A very Merry Christmas to you and your family too. We started our festivities this morning with our pretend Christmas with Chris and her family. (Well actually with dinner last night.). We have a party at my son's house later today. I have about 11 people coming for dinner tomorrow. I am hosting a party for several of my neighbors on Sunday, and then I have my big family party on January 3rd. I will be wiped out after all of that, just in time to relax and dig into all of the books I've received. :)

145janeajones
Dic 24, 2014, 12:12 pm

Sounds busy, busy, Colleen. Enjoy all the celebrations!

146laytonwoman3rd
Dic 25, 2014, 8:25 pm

Hope you are having a wonderful time with all your celebrations, Colleen. Merry Christmas!

147NanaCC
Editado: Dic 26, 2014, 11:19 am

Thank you for stopping by Jane and Linda. I hope your celebrations were wonderful too.

I am not quite ready to put together my stats for the year, but I wanted to post about all of the wonderful books I received as presents for Christmas. Most were on my wishlist, or by authors on my wishlist.

From my very generous Virago Secret Santa, I received these books:
The Cooked Seed by Anchee Min
The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox by Maggie O'Farrell
Coventry by Helen Humphreys
Atonement by Ian McEwan
O Pioneers by Willa Cather
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
The Gift of Rain by Tan Twan Eng
Passion by Jude Morgan
Three Green Viragos by Molly Keane, Loving Without Tears, Devoted Ladies, and The Rising Tide

From my daughter and her family I received these books:
The True Deceiver by Trove Jansson
An Ice Cream War by William Boyd
The Long Ships by Frans G. Bengtsson
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
Goodbye To All That by Robert Graves
The Yard by Alex Grecian

I am very lucky to have the start of my reading plans for 2015 sitting right in front of me.

ETA: To fix touchstones

148japaul22
Dic 26, 2014, 12:29 pm

THat's a fantastic list of books! Merry Christmas!

149VivienneR
Dic 26, 2014, 2:06 pm

Wonderful haul of books, Colleen. Coventry and Goodbye To All That are special favourites of mine. Great reading ahead!

150avidmom
Dic 26, 2014, 2:23 pm

>144 NanaCC: I need to go take a nap after reading that! LOL!

>147 NanaCC: That is quite the haul! I'll have to go look up what An Ice Cream War is about ....

151NanaCC
Dic 26, 2014, 3:33 pm

>149 VivienneR: Yours was one of the reviews that put Coventry on my wishlist. And maybe Goodbye to All That too. I didn't mark down a comment so not sure. And yes, lots of great reading ahead. :) I am lucky to have received them from people who know my tastes in books.

>150 avidmom: Hi, Susie. :)

152kidzdoc
Dic 27, 2014, 12:34 am

Great book haul, Colleen!

153NanaCC
Dic 29, 2014, 7:31 pm



63. A Murder is Announced by Agatha Christie, (Published: 1950; Harper Collins; William Morrow Paperbacks; Reprint Kindle Edition; 297 Pages)

In the village of Chipping Cleghorn the North Benham News and Chipping Cleghorn Gazette was the paper that all of the inhabitants went to for their local news. So they all have their interest piqued when they see the following advertisement: "A murder is announced and will take place on Friday, October 29th, at Little Paddocks at 6:30 p.m. Friends please accept this, the only intimation." Of course, all are curious, and thinking it is a murder game party, they all show up. In good Agatha Christie fashion, there really is a murder - or is it suicide, an accident? Miss Marple is there to give her thoughts to the inspectors.

I've needed very light reading during this busy holiday season, and this fit the bill. I enjoyed it very much and gave it 4 stars.

154NanaCC
Dic 29, 2014, 8:40 pm

The Night Before Christmas by Nikolai Gogol
The Nutcracker by E.T.A. Hoffmann
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

I received these three beautiful little books as part of my Christmas present from my son and his family. They are published by Penguin, and the covers are really beautiful. They are looking rather lovely right now standing on a shelf with a Waterford bowl filled with pinecones and red berries on stems. I had hoped to read them before year end, but RL isn't going to let that happen. I've decided to try to read the shortest one tonight. The Night Before Christmas by Nikolai Gogol was written in 1831, and "tells of the blacksmith Vakula's battle with the devil, who has stolen the moon and hidden it in his pocket, allowing him to wreak havoc on the village of Dikanka."

155janeajones
Dic 29, 2014, 8:57 pm

Oooh -- how lovely -- can't wait to hear about the Gogol.

156RidgewayGirl
Dic 29, 2014, 9:09 pm

Those covers are beautiful!

157NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 12:01 am


64. The Night Before Christmas by Nikolai Gogol (Penguin Christmas Classics; Hardcover (2014); 80 pages)

This tale written by Nikolai Gogol in 1831 is full of humor. A devil, a witch, a very vain beautiful girl, a very devout blacksmith, love, jealousy and revenge are all wrapped up in this neat little adult fairy tale. One funny scene has the witch, who is the blacksmith's mother, hiding one suitor after another in big sacks as another suitor comes to the door. I wouldn't think it would be suitable for children, but the description says that it is still read aloud to children on Christmas Eve in Ukraine and Russia.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and gave it 4 stars.

158avidmom
Dic 30, 2014, 12:07 am

>154 NanaCC: Those covers are stunning!

>157 NanaCC: That sounds like so much fun. XD

159NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 12:08 am

>158 avidmom: very entertaining. :)

160lauralkeet
Dic 30, 2014, 6:57 am

>154 NanaCC: I was in a bookstore yesterday and those covers caught my eye. I resisted temptation, but they are oh so pretty.

161NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 8:56 am

>159 NanaCC: Laura, I know that my DIL bought them more for the decorative aspect, because of the way I decorate at Christmas. But they also knew that I love to read, and that A Christmas Carol is a yearly re-read.

162baswood
Dic 30, 2014, 6:04 pm

Be careful when you handle this books Colleen; they look beautiful.

163NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 6:06 pm

>162 baswood: I like my books to look unread, as much as possible, so that is my plan. :)

164rebeccanyc
Dic 30, 2014, 6:16 pm

>162 baswood: >163 NanaCC: Have you ever read the essay in Anne Fadiman's Ex Libris about courtly versus carnal book lovers?

And they do look beautiful.

165NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 8:08 pm

>164 rebeccanyc: I have not read Ex Libris, but I am adding it to my list of books to borrow from Chris. Thank you.

166NanaCC
Dic 30, 2014, 10:30 pm



65. Bruno, Chief of Police: A Novel of the French Countryside by Martin Walker, Narrated by Robert Ian MacKenzie. (©2008 Walker and Watson Ltd.; (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC)

This is the first book in the Bruno Courreges crime series. Lots of lovely descriptions of the French countryside, food and wine. Bruno is far less damaged than many of the other detectives in the crime series I've read. A brutal murder, racial tension, and some WWII facts of which I was unaware.

I gave this one 4 stars. 3 1/2 for the book plus another half star for the narrator.