fuzzi's Rolling Along on Her Way to 75

Charlas75 Books Challenge for 2015

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fuzzi's Rolling Along on Her Way to 75

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1fuzzi
Dic 27, 2014, 12:02 am

Rolling, rolling...

...here's my combined 75/100 books read ticker for 2015:




And here's a link to my "Reading Register":

http://www.librarything.com/topic/184858#4960286

Hope each of you can stop by from time to time. :)

2SqueakyChu
Dic 27, 2014, 12:04 am

Good luck on your new year's challenges!

3fuzzi
Dic 27, 2014, 12:14 am

Thanks!

4drneutron
Dic 27, 2014, 9:43 am

Welcome back!

5fuzzi
Dic 27, 2014, 12:27 pm

>4 drneutron: thanks for creating the group...I am glad to be back for 2015!

6The_Hibernator
Dic 28, 2014, 9:28 pm

Good luck fuzzi! Welcome back to 2015!

7fuzzi
Dic 29, 2014, 8:21 pm

::waves to The_Hibernator::

8scaifea
Ene 1, 2015, 10:00 am

Happy New Year!!

9qebo
Ene 1, 2015, 6:23 pm

Happy New Year!

10fuzzi
Editado: Ene 1, 2015, 9:03 pm

First book of 2015 has been read:

#1 Memoirs of a Twentieth Century Circuit Riding Preacher by Peter S. Ruckman

What a hoot! This book is comprised of short remembrances by a preacher who traveled around the US (and the world) between 1950 and 2000, when this book was published. Some of what I read was sad, but much of what Dr. Ruckman writes about is very funny, based upon people, and how silly they (we) can be.

11leahbird
Ene 2, 2015, 11:25 am

Happy new thread and New Year, fuzzi!

12fuzzi
Editado: Ene 2, 2015, 12:25 pm

Thanks, leahbird!

#2 Old Bones the Wonder Horse by Mildred Mastin Pace

This is a reread of a book I read as a child. It is a short book, written in a similar style to many Marguerite Henry stories such as Misty of Chincoteague, but is suitable for adults who are interested in a mini-biography of the great race horse Exterminator, aka "Old Bones". The drawings by Wesley Dennis are wonderful, as are all that illustrator's works.

13jnwelch
Ene 2, 2015, 2:40 pm

Happy New Year, fuzzi! Congrats on already having some good reading underway.

14justchris
Ene 2, 2015, 8:31 pm

Way to jump into the books for 2015! I used to love biographies of racehorses and other animal-centered stories when I was young. I still greatly enjoy them. Thanks for stopping by and taking an interest. I hope your New Year is full of great reads and fun.

15AuntieClio
Ene 3, 2015, 1:44 am

Hi fuzzi, just stopping by to drop my star.

16fuzzi
Ene 3, 2015, 5:05 pm

17LauraBrook
Ene 4, 2015, 2:16 pm

Dropping off a star as well!

18fuzzi
Ene 4, 2015, 8:00 pm

19fuzzi
Editado: Ene 8, 2015, 12:42 pm

#3 Don't Give Up, Don't Give In by Louis Zamperini

This book is full of "proverbs", each accompanied with a short story from Louis Zamperini's life. I got to know him just a little more, a little better than I had previously, from reading Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption. A sweet, fun, and interesting little book.

20fuzzi
Ene 8, 2015, 12:42 pm

#4 Moominpapa at Sea by Tove Jansson

This was my first Moomin-themed book. I did enjoy it, but it wasn't something I want to reread, and I am not in any hurry to read the others.

21GeorgiaDawn
Ene 11, 2015, 1:43 pm

Following you here, too!

22fuzzi
Editado: Ene 11, 2015, 5:50 pm

#5 He Is There, and He Is Not Silent by Francis Schaeffer

This is a fascinating book. The author writes about philosophy and faith, and makes some deep points about how mankind sees God, morals, and reason. He extensively draws thoughts and teachings from the world's great philosophers, including Plato, Aristotle, Camus, and Sartre, to name a few.

It's not a long book, about 100 pages, but it took me several days to work through what Schaeffer was trying to convey. I am keeping it for a reread, and study.

One of the things that amazed me was the author's ability to predict what would be happening in the future, based upon trends in the 1960's and 1970's.

As I said before, fascinating.

23fuzzi
Ene 11, 2015, 5:48 pm

24fuzzi
Ene 27, 2015, 10:52 pm

#6 Friday by Robert Heinlein

A reread of one of my favorite books, and the best effort by this author, imo.

25fuzzi
Ene 27, 2015, 10:52 pm

#7 The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

Author Tom Wolfe has done something that I did not expect when I started reading The Right Stuff, his book about the first astronauts and the Mercury program. He did not just write a history of the early days of the race to space, pre-NASA, nor did he just write an expose of the personal details of those involved in that program. No, Tom Wolfe wrote a factual and funny commentary on test pilots, the military, government bureaucracy, and the news media. It's entertaining, informative, amusing, and interesting: I was never bored, nor did my focus wane over the course of almost 400 pages. Highly recommended.

26countrylife
Ene 28, 2015, 8:37 am

Nice review of The Right Stuff. I haven't read it, but I remember loving the movie from the 80s. I used to get annoyed with people who raved about the movie, Top Gun, but when asked about The Right Stuff, no raves, or they hadn't bothered to see it. Have you seen it? Did they do a good job putting the book on film?

27fuzzi
Ene 28, 2015, 12:29 pm

>26 countrylife: I have not seen the movie version of The Right Stuff, but heard it was good, even if not up to par with the book.

Top Gun remains a guilty pleasure, although I can't stand the he/she scenes. I watch it for the music and the flight sequences. ;)

28jnwelch
Editado: Ene 28, 2015, 5:01 pm

>24 fuzzi: You know, it's been years for me, fuzzi, but I really liked Friday, too. Great to see it's a favorite of yours. I may need to make time for a re-read.

ETA: Oh, somehow I missed your positive comments about The Right Stuff! I'm so glad you liked it so much. Me, too. To me, it's the best thing he's ever written.

29arubabookwoman
Ene 28, 2015, 5:02 pm

I saw the movie and read the book of The Right Stuff (years ago) and loved both, though the book is better. The book is on my reread list.

30fuzzi
Editado: Ene 29, 2015, 7:21 am

#8 Just a Dog by Helen Griffiths

This is a realistic, sad, but also hopeful story of a stray dog that yearns for a home to belong to. It is not specifically aimed at children, but suitable for most ages, including adults.

31fuzzi
Editado: Ene 28, 2015, 10:09 pm

#9 Brian's Return by Paulsen, Gary

In this final installation of the series that began with Hatchet, we journey with Brian as he returns to the wilderness, to answer a call that will not be denied.

32jnwelch
Ene 29, 2015, 10:31 am

>31 fuzzi: I enjoyed all the Brian books, fuzzi, and thanks for pushing me on them. My faves probably were Hatchet and Brian's Winter, but they were all good.

33fuzzi
Ene 29, 2015, 12:22 pm

>32 jnwelch: I've not yet read Brian's Winter (I know, I read them out of order!), but plan to, shortly. I read Brian's Return as it was a ROOT (old book) that I wanted to get off my shelves in January.

There's a nice epilogue in Brian's Return about how and why the author came to write the Brian books. If anyone here has NOT seen it, be sure to read it when you get a chance.

34fuzzi
Feb 2, 2015, 12:50 pm

#10 Escape From Reason by Francis Schaeffer

This book has been described as "a penetrating analysis of trends in modern thought", and it certainly is!

Written in 1968, this is a deep and fascinating look at how the concept of reason has changed over the centuries, to the point where people not only think differently, but claim that truth cannot be known, there are no absolutes.

It took me several days to work though the ideas inside this small book, but it was worth it, and gave me much to meditate upon.

I think I'll reread it, soon, too.

35rretzler
Feb 4, 2015, 11:06 am

Just stopping by to drop a star as we seem to have a lot of books in common!

>24 fuzzi: >28 jnwelch: I thought Friday was okay, not one of his best. I just happened to comment on another post that I've always found Heinlein rather hit or miss. While I love a lot of his books - The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Podkayne of Mars, The Door into Summer, etc. - I definitely did not like others. Stranger in a Strange Land is one that definitely sticks out on that list. I've wondered what the 70s must have been like for Heinlein!?!

36fuzzi
Editado: Feb 4, 2015, 9:09 pm

>35 rretzler: glad you did stop by!

My favorite Heinlein books are Friday (I really, REALLY like her!) and The Number of the Beast. However, I have read and liked The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, and I Will Fear No Evil, although I have no desire to reread the latter.

I read Starship Troopers after the movie came out, it was okay. I disliked Stranger in a Strange Land, and totally despised Job: A Comedy of Justice.

This author's sometimes puerile focus on free love can be ignored with many of his works. Skip over what bores you, and enjoy the social commentary, such as this bit from Friday:
“Sick cultures show a complex of symptoms such as you have named...but a dying culture invariably exhibits personal rudeness. Bad manners. Lack of consideration for others in minor matters. A loss of politeness, of gentle manners, is more significant than is a riot.”
Robert Heinlein's biggest weakness, for me, is his inability to end a story well. If I want a good scifi from beginning to end, I skip Heinlein, and read books by CJ Cherryh.

37rretzler
Feb 5, 2015, 12:58 pm

>36 fuzzi: I'll have to add something by Cherryh to my reading this year. I've often heard of her books, but don't know what's been stopping me. Just musing...but perhaps its because I really do love a great scifi novel, but perhaps I've found the entire realm of scifi, much like Heinlein, very hit or miss. Although I guess one could say that for any genre. I was just telling my husband the other day that I have TBR books that I actually hesitate to read because I'm afraid I will be disappointed in them...quite strange! I may have to give Friday a reread, as it been years - she may grow on me.

38fuzzi
Feb 5, 2015, 4:57 pm

>37 rretzler: I highly recommend CJ Cherryh! She not only does believable SciFi, but has complicated societies, relationships, and politics within it.

I will let you know ahead of time that she does not spoon-feed her reader, but drops you in and lets you learn as you read.

My favorite CJ Cherryh work is the Chanur series of books, but her Downbelow Station is not only a fantastic read, it also won the Hugo award in 1982.

The Morgaine series is also excellent. Upon looking at the covers you might think it's sword & sorcery, but it is not.

Last year I read for the first time another series I'd neglected, the Faded Sun: trilogy, and I was sorry I'd waited so long. It's also complicated, and deep.

The Foreigner: series is long, made up of many books, and I've only read the first three, but they were all very good.

If you like a little more horror in your SciFi, I recommend The Rider at the Gate and its sequel, Cloud's Rider.

I've yet to tackle Cyteen, but I've been told it's wonderful. Maybe this year I will finally get to it.

Instead of reading all this gushing forth of praise, just go to my library and read my reviews for CJ Cherryh's books. I do NOT put spoilers in my reviews (for the most part), but warn when I do reveal particulars. Read my reviews with confidence that I won't ruin the plot for you.

:)

39fuzzi
Editado: Feb 7, 2015, 6:53 pm

#11 Beowulf

This was the first time I tried reading this classic. It was not as quick a read as I had anticipated, based upon its length, nor was it an easy undertaking. However, it was worth all the effort I expended to read, and understand this ancient poetry. I plan to keep and reread this classic.

40fuzzi
Feb 7, 2015, 7:06 pm

#12 A Christmas Sonata by Gary Paulsen

This is a nice little book, aimed for younger readers, but with some deeper themes well presented. A young boy and his mother travel to the countryside in 1943 Minnesota, to spend Christmas with family. The boy's father is away, fighting in the war, and his cousin Matthew is dying of some disease, but the big question for both boys is whether or not Santa is real. I enjoyed reading it as an adult, and the pencil drawings are a perfect match for the story.

41fuzzi
Editado: Feb 7, 2015, 7:15 pm

#13 The Arrival by Shaun Tan

No need for words, this tale is told in pictures only, of what it is like to be in a new and strange country. The artwork is superb, a feast for the eyes, and the story is sweetly told by the illustrations only.

42fuzzi
Editado: Feb 7, 2015, 7:27 pm

#14 Lost and Found by Shaun Tan

Three picture books make up this volume. The first was puzzling at first, but once I understood the basis for "The Red Tree", the fantastic drawings made perfect sense. All three stories were a bit strange, but so are Roald Dahl's books, so...?

Even if you don't appreciate the tales, you should study the illustrations, which boggle the mind.

43drneutron
Feb 7, 2015, 7:42 pm

Which translation of Beowulf did you read? My favorite is Seamus Heaney's!

44fuzzi
Feb 7, 2015, 8:12 pm

>43 drneutron: my copy says R.K. Gordon did the translation.

45drneutron
Feb 8, 2015, 7:46 am

Hmm, haven't tried that one.

46fuzzi
Feb 8, 2015, 9:45 am

>45 drneutron: in the front of this edition it states that it was taken from Anglo-Saxon Poetry by R.K. Gordon, published by J.M. Dent & Sons, Ltd. in 1926.

47fuzzi
Editado: Feb 10, 2015, 10:34 pm

#15 War Dogs: Tales of Canine Heroism, History, and Love by Rebecca Frankel

From ancient battles to the recent conflicts in the Middle East, the author takes us through an informative, interesting, and often touching history of how dogs have served with and for mankind. This is not a typical narration, as it is not laid out in a straight chronological order, but skips back and forth in time and places, over the last century or so. I especially appreciated the look at how these war-time partners (and their humans) are trained for dangerous duty in times of combat.

48fuzzi
Editado: Feb 19, 2015, 8:59 pm

#16 Persuasion by Jane Austen

A delicious romp with a large cast, including protagonist Anne Elliott, her eccentric family, several hanger-ons and ne'r-do-wells, stuffy society types, young hopeful misses, and a few sane and sensible characters, including Anne's ex-fiance, Captain Wentworth. This is probably my second favorite book by Jane Austen, eclipsed only by the wonderful Pride and Prejudice. A keeper.

49jnwelch
Feb 20, 2015, 12:57 pm

So glad you enjoyed the Shaun Tan books, fuzzi. Persuasion is one of my favorite books ever.

50fuzzi
Feb 20, 2015, 8:33 pm

Thanks for stopping by, Joe. I've gotten quite a few BBs from you, books that I have truly enjoyed. I passed on a recommendation for Longbourn, too, in my ROOT thread. :)

51fuzzi
Editado: Feb 21, 2015, 2:04 am

#17 Winter Horse by Glenn Balch

It's the hardest winter in years, with storm after storm burying the good Idaho grass. While the ranch horses are well cared for, young Ben Darby goes on a quest to find and aid King and his wild horse herd, before they all succumb to starvation or predators.

This is another satisfying read about the Tack Ranch family.

52jnwelch
Feb 21, 2015, 2:10 pm

>50 fuzzi: Yay for Longbourn! Well, you've paid me back on the book BBs many times over, fuzzi, I'm glad to say.

53fuzzi
Editado: Feb 21, 2015, 10:51 pm

#18 Horse in Danger by Glenn Balch

And with the completion of this book, I have finished the entire Tack Ranch series, aw...

King, the wild thoroughbred, is accused of stealing mares from not only neighboring ranches, but those that are as far away as Nevada. Ben and Dixie, with the aid of Gaucho, try to unravel the mystery, before some irate horseman shoots King! Enjoyable read.

54fuzzi
Editado: Feb 28, 2015, 10:24 pm

#19 Sitka by Louis L'Amour

I've owned this book for a couple years, but had not read it as I thought I already had!

Not a typical Louis L'Amour western, Sitka takes place mainly in Russian-owned Alaska. Our protagonist, Jean LaBarge, is daring, smart, and interested in making his fortune trading with the Russian colony. Politics are ever-present in this book, but not annoyingly so. While not one of this author's better works, I did enjoy reading it.

55fuzzi
Editado: Mar 1, 2015, 11:42 am

#20 The Lilies of the Field by William E. Barrett

This is a quick but pleasant read, of faith, and humor, of people, and of determination. Not a religious book, not a Christian book, this is about us, about people, and what we do to help others, not necessarily with gain in mind. Recommended.

56fuzzi
Editado: Mar 8, 2015, 2:17 pm

#21 The Bones of Paris by Laurie R. King

An American detective is in Paris, looking for a missing girl he once knew, and working his way through the debauchery of the streets, bars, and artistic community of post WWI. I would label this as an average read, but the author has a talent for characters, emotions, and situations that raises it above other noir detective stories.

57rretzler
Mar 8, 2015, 2:08 pm

>56 fuzzi: I agree about The Bones of Paris. I liked it, but not nearly as much as her Russell/Holmes series which I really enjoy. Have you tried her Kate Martenelli series? I often wonder if I would have liked The Bones of Paris that little extra if I would have read Touchstone first.

58fuzzi
Editado: Mar 8, 2015, 2:16 pm

>57 rretzler: I have have not yet tried her Kate Martenelli series, although I did read another one which was way too dark for me, Keeping Watch.

I really prefer her Russell/Holmes stories, my favorites which are The Beekeeper's Apprentice, A Monstrous Regiment of Women, O Jerusalem, and Locked Rooms. The rest are very good to just good, but those four are the ones I keep rereading!

I also have not read Touchstone, but was advised it was not necessary to read it before The Bones of Paris, and since my time was limited and the latter was an Early Reviewer book, I skipped the first in the series. Upon reading the reviews, I don't think that it made a big difference. I don't plan to reread The Bones of Paris, and plan to take it to the used book store in town, for credit. :)

59rretzler
Mar 8, 2015, 2:30 pm

>58 fuzzi: Those are also probably my favorite Russell/Holmes stories as well, although I have really enjoyed all of them. A little more Holmes would not hurt now and again, in my opinion! It's been a few years since I've read them so I may have to reread them since I expect it will be awhile before another one comes out.

I read one of the Martinelli's, The Art of Detection, because Holmes was supposed to "make a cameo". It was OK...but honestly, I liked Bones of Paris better, and like you I will not reread it. I don't think I'm going to read any of the other Martinelli's any time soon.

60fuzzi
Mar 8, 2015, 3:32 pm

>59 rretzler: one thing that endeared me to the Russell/Holmes stories is the actual relationship between the two. When there is little to no affectionate or even friendly interactions, the book is less inviting in my eyes. I certainly do not want a romance novel, but the little caring bits to the stories are special.

61fuzzi
Editado: Mar 9, 2015, 3:08 pm

#22 Emily of New Moon by L.M. Montgomery

After her father dies, Emily goes to live with her mother's eccentric side of the family, and finds herself struggling to cope with two spinster aunts and one bachelor uncle, none of who have any idea how to raise a young girl of eleven years. Emily's passion is writing, and despite the sarcastic commentary of adults and family, will not stop her daily journals and letters.

This story is similar to Anne of Green Gables in some ways, but not in most, so this did not feel like a copy of that classic. However, for me it didn't have the same charm as Anne's books, so while I'd recommend it, I can't rate it as high as other books by this author.

62rretzler
Mar 9, 2015, 3:13 pm

>60 fuzzi: I agree with you wholeheartedly on that!

63fuzzi
Mar 9, 2015, 3:19 pm

>62 rretzler: :)

Laurie R. King seemed to lose that special relationship between the characters with The Language of Bees and The God of the Hive, but it was back in Garment of Shadows.

I also loved The Game and The Moor, but have only reread them once, I think.

64fuzzi
Mar 9, 2015, 11:37 pm

#23 Sire Unknown by Marjorie Reynolds

Jim lives in the country with his parents, but is dissatisfied with his life. The elderly neighbors on one side are wealthy, and the boy next door gets whatever he wants from his father, but Jim has to be content with riding an old pony. He dreams of being adopted by someone rich, or even of having royal blood. Then Warrior comes into his life, a skewbald horse of unknown pedigree, but with tremendous potential.

This author writes good stories, of youth that face less than rosy lives, but who overcome obstacles with the company of a horse. Her tales are never sappy or preachy, just enjoyable, for any age. Recommended.

65fuzzi
Mar 13, 2015, 6:56 am

#24 Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

This is one of Agatha Christie's best-known Poirot mysteries, and the second book with that detective that I have read. There will not be a third...why? It was an okay read for me, but there were too many cliches, and Poirot doesn't impress me.

66rretzler
Mar 14, 2015, 12:51 am

>65 fuzzi: Murder on the Orient Express is NOT one of Poirot's best, even thought it is one of the most well-known, IMO. What was the other Poirot that you read?

I've been a Christie fan for more years than I would care to mention and my two favorite Poirot's are The Mysterious Affair at Styles and The Murder of Roger Ackroyd. I also enjoyed Sad Cypress, The ABC Murders, Cat Among the Pigeons, Peril at End House, the Five Little Pigs and Curtain.

I think Murder on the Orient Express gets more PR because of the unique plot and the movie, more so than it being a good Poirot. It is just average for me - and the movie sticks with me more than the book, which is unusual.

The plots of some of his novels revolve around war time and spies and I didn't not care for those as much as some of the others. Also, a lot of people seem to like Murder on the Nile and Death in the Clouds , as well as Cards on the Table but those were just okay for me.

67fuzzi
Editado: Mar 14, 2015, 4:49 pm

>66 rretzler: The Mysterious Affair at Styles was the other book. I have read two Poirot books, didn't care for either, so I don't see any reason to read a third.

I'm not much of a mystery fan, although I love Laurie R. King's Russell/Holmes books. I've also enjoyed Spencer Quinn's Chet books, and the first few "The Cat Who..." books by Lilian Jackson Brown. Sharon Kay Penman has written several mysteries set in the reign of Richard/Prince John which I enjoyed, too.

But I don't think Agatha Christie is for me, no offence.

Addendum: I enjoy Stuart Kaminsky's Rostnikov mystery series, too.

68fuzzi
Mar 14, 2015, 10:18 pm

#25 Yondering by Louis L'Amour

Louis L'Amour is probably best known for the dozens of western stories he cranked out, year after year. However, buried deep amongst his tales of the American "wild west" are some stories of seamen, adventurers, and explorers. Yondering is a collection of short stories of that ilk. I liked reading these remembrances of the author's younger wandering, aka "yondering" days, clothed in fictitious characters.

69fuzzi
Mar 14, 2015, 10:33 pm

I plan to attend a wedding in Minnesota, at the end of April. It will be held in a small town about an hour's drive north of Minneapolis.

Anyone there?

Got a bookstore to recommend?

:)

70fuzzi
Editado: Mar 15, 2015, 11:15 pm

#26 Wallace: The Underdog Who Conquered a Sport by Jim Gorant

The author tells the incredible story of an unwanted pitbull who was rescued from a shelter and certain euthanasia, only to become a champion "disc dog", and goodwill ambassador for his breed. This is a well-written book: I kept reading in order to find out what would happen next. Recommended.

Here's Wallace in action: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xK4FXgbLW6w

71fuzzi
Editado: Mar 16, 2015, 5:14 pm

#27 The Lusitania: Triumph, Tragedy, and the End of the Edwardian Age by Greg King and Penny Wilson

After reading A Night to Remember, I requested this book through Member Giveaways, and was happy to win a copy. However, I was disappointed at the structure of the story. For one thing, the pages are filled with so many footnotes, I found it distracting. Also, there is such a plethora of information, it bogs down the narrative. After a promising beginning, the book dragged through page after page of descriptions of the rooms, and the bios of the passengers. By page eighty, I did something I never do: I skipped ahead...to the sinking of the ship and the after effects.

There was an incredible amount of research done, and it could be a good book, but it desperately needs a slash and burn editor.

72bell7
Mar 17, 2015, 6:09 pm

>69 fuzzi: I've only been to Minnesota once myself and sadly only to the Barnes & Noble at the Mall of America. I don't know if you'll be getting to Minneapolis, but the two bookstores I know of are there:

In another thread, Morphidae recommended this bookstore: http://www.librarything.com/topic/187115#5029629

And Birchbark Books is owned by author Louise Erdrich and looks neat. I'd like to go to both someday...

Enjoy the wedding!

73fuzzi
Mar 17, 2015, 6:57 pm

>72 bell7: thank you, for the information AND the well-wishes! It's my third-eldest nephew that is getting married, my eldest sister's second boy. He just turned 31, I think.

74countrylife
Mar 17, 2015, 8:53 pm

>69 fuzzi: : I don't know of any bookstores in Minnesota, personally. But have you checked LibraryThing Local? Just put the city in the "search site" box and then click LibraryThing Local under Book World in the left column. You'll get a list of bookstores, plus it tells you how many members have marked each one as a favorite.

75fuzzi
Mar 17, 2015, 9:07 pm

I did try local, but I like personal recommendations, because people can tell me more than a website. :)

76fuzzi
Mar 23, 2015, 11:33 am

#28 Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones

I was given this book over a year ago, through SantaThing, and was not terribly interested in reading it. However, after it spent a year on my shelves, collecting dust, I felt it was time to get it read and off my TBR list.

And I was pleasantly surprised!

This is a sweet, funny, and interesting little gem of a story. It might be listed as a YA/children book, but I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. The characters are not typical, nor are the events that occur during the story...like the green slime issue (no spoiler).

There are sequels to this book that I plan to read in the future, and for me, that's a pretty good recommendation.

Thank you, SantaThing!

77jjmcgaffey
Mar 24, 2015, 1:22 am

I _love_ Howl's Moving Castle. The sequels aren't nearly as good - which means they're only good stories, not excellent (I also love Diana Wynne Jones - just about all of her books are great). And while you'll find her (mostly) in the YA section, quite a few of her books deal with some pretty deep matters. People and connections, truth, what love is (and isn't), like that. My other favorites of hers are Dogsbody (which was the first of hers I read), Deep Secret, and (for some reason, because it's not at all my usual style) Fire and Hemlock. And now I want to read some/all of those...

78fuzzi
Editado: Mar 24, 2015, 12:07 pm

#29 The Dogs Who Found Me: by Ken Foster

I really have to find more words to describe a "fun" read... ;)

Anyway, someone recommended this book to me, and I was thoroughly entertained by the anecdotes of this author. Some of the chapters are nothing more than short topics such as "How To Let Go" (he experienced "foster fail", that is, keeping the dog he was fostering), and a list of what one of his dogs did to get his attention. He isn't all gaiety, though, but includes short articles about the paradox of a "no-kill" shelter, etc.

A satisfying read for dog lovers, or animal lovers in general, and even for some animal-ambivalent types.

79fuzzi
Editado: Mar 29, 2015, 8:38 pm

#30 Find Momo Coast to Coast by Andrew Knapp

Andrew Knapp has done it again: made a photo book that is pure delight to read. When I do spot Momo, I laugh out loud, literally. This book would make a good gift for young, or old, or in-between...if you can let it go!

80scaifea
Mar 25, 2015, 6:50 am

Oh, a new Momo book - that's a must-get for Charlie (and Tomm and me, too).

81fuzzi
Mar 25, 2015, 8:18 am

>80 scaifea: I'd offer to share mine, but...nope. ;)

82fuzzi
Editado: Mar 29, 2015, 8:37 pm

#31 Frederica by Georgette Heyer

Frederica is the eldest of five siblings, filling in as their parent as best as she can. She is determined to give her stunningly beautiful younger sister, Charis, the opportunity to have "a season" in London, in order to find a good husband to provide for Charis "comfortably".

But Frederica's family assets are modest, and she needs a patron for introduction into the stylish rich society of Regency London. So Frederica calls upon Lord Alverstoke, a very distant cousin, and he agrees to assist Charis' introduction to society, if only to tease and annoy his own sisters.

Frederica was an engaging story, in a spirit and genre somewhat between Jane Austen and Marion Chesney. It never felt like formula writing, and I was pleased at the lack of cliches. I also enjoyed the character development, which is sadly often lacking in Regency novels. It was recommended to me, and I recommend it to others.

83fuzzi
Mar 30, 2015, 2:55 pm

The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Predictable, unengaging, flat, disappointing. I only made it through 100 pages, and only that far because it was a Christmas gift from my son.

84fuzzi
Mar 31, 2015, 8:53 pm

#32 Brian's Winter by Gary Paulsen

What if?

What if Brian, lost in the northern wilderness in June, was not rescued by the time winter arrived? How could he survive the subzero cold, how could he eat, how could he stay warm?

Author Gary Paulsen has taken the main character of his book Hatchet, and has spun another tale of perseverance and determination. As with the other books in this series, the reader is drawn into Brian's world, and kept there by an excellent storyteller. And as before, I did not want to put down Brian's Winter until the conclusion. Recommended.

85fuzzi
Mar 31, 2015, 9:45 pm

Best Reads of January-March 2015

He Is There, and He Is Not Silent by Francis Schaeffer

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

And a bunch of reads as well...

86scaifea
Abr 1, 2015, 7:00 am

>84 fuzzi: I really enjoyed Hatchet...I'll have to add this one to the list!

87jnwelch
Abr 1, 2015, 10:43 am

>84 fuzzi: I'm glad you liked Brian's Winter, fuzzi. Me, too. You got me hooked on the Brian books.

88fuzzi
Abr 1, 2015, 1:00 pm

>86 scaifea: try to read them in order, although I didn't. LOL.

Gary Paulsen writes so well, I tend to forget that he's a YA author. However, when I read The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan, I felt it was garbage, tripe, junk. I love children's and YA's books, but some are just awful.

>87 jnwelch: I did, didn't I? LOL. Well, you got me hooked on Shaun Tan's books, and Longbourn!

90scaifea
Abr 2, 2015, 6:29 am

Is it mean of me that it makes me happy to find someone else who really doesn't like Riordan's tripe? How can those books be so popular?! Sheesh.

91fuzzi
Abr 2, 2015, 8:14 am

>90 scaifea: no, it's not mean of you, and I appreciate your candor. I felt bad about not liking The Lightning Thief, mainly because my son gave it to me. He has the entire series. Oh well, on to the next book, Jane of Lantern Hill, which is an absolute delight so far. :)

92fuzzi
Abr 2, 2015, 9:28 pm

#33 Jane of Lantern Hill by LM Montgomery

What a charming, delightful, and satisfying read this was!

Jane Victoria lives with her mother and grandmother in the city. Grandmother takes pleasure in making Jane's life miserable, and manipulating everyone else's. However, when a letter arrives from Jane's father, demanding his daughter's presence in Prince Edward Island for the summer, no one is more scared and horrified than Jane. She was sure her father was dead, and has only heard how horrible he was to her as a baby. Dutifully, she goes...and discovers that she has only begun to live, and grow.

I liked Jane, very much, and how the author developed the story and characters. Recommended.

93fuzzi
Abr 3, 2015, 11:53 pm

#34 The Sea of Grass by Conrad Richter

Some books are simple, light, breezy, and while enjoyable, are like eating cotton candy. Others, like The Sea of Grass, are deeper, darker, serious, and more akin to eating a good steak.

Hal narrates this story, partly of big ranchers, partly of nesters/settlers, but mostly about a mail-order bride, and how she changed those who knew her. The prose is rich, and descriptive, and I found myself backtracking to reread the passages that made me think. Very good, recommended.

94fuzzi
Abr 6, 2015, 10:48 am

On Sunday I was feeling "under the weather", so I picked up a CJ Cherryh as a comfort reread, Merchanter's Luck. I'm enjoying the reread.

95fuzzi
Editado: Abr 6, 2015, 10:46 pm

#35 Merchanter's Luck by CJ Cherryh

A better than average SciFi "space opera", and a reread for me.

96fuzzi
Abr 9, 2015, 10:59 pm

#36 Last Man Off by Matt Lewis

A well-written and satisfying read of a maritime disaster, as told by a survivor.

97fuzzi
Abr 12, 2015, 3:43 pm

#37 The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation by Elizabeth Letts

I knew virtually nothing of the champion show jumper Snowman before I read this book. However, the author not only told his story, but also the stories of the family that owned him, their early beginnings in Europe, the history of show jumping, and Madison Square Garden, to name a few. While I enjoyed reading this book, it did seem a tad bloated, and could have used a little trimming by the editor. Overall, a good, albeit long, read.

98fuzzi
Abr 14, 2015, 11:04 am

#38 Dogs I Have Met and the People They Found by Ken Foster

Another good read by this author. He has a talent for taking everyday events in his life, mainly concerning found/foster animals, and making us see the humor in them. In one passage he is attacked by a beagle in a dog park, and he referred to the dog's biting his arm as being similar to someone eating corn on the cob. Recommended.

99fuzzi
Abr 16, 2015, 9:50 pm

#39 Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik

An intriging and stimulating book, full of scientific discoveries and concepts. It is written in a style that never condescends, but encourages the less science-minded to delve deeper into material science secrets. This book is for the casually interested, or hardcore science geek, and everyone else in between. And for chocolate lovers, too! Recommended.

100Whisper1
Abr 16, 2015, 10:14 pm

hi there I am impressed with all the books that you are reading so far this year, and some very good ones at thatI know I would like to add many to the to the red pile but I already have more than a few thousand in that category. I enjoyed your discussion regarding Robert Heinlein I was very much into his books when I was in college years ago and still remember the poem of the blue green hills of Earth I can't remember which book that was from but the poem stayed with me. keep up the good work with all the reading you been doing all good wishes to you

101fuzzi
Abr 17, 2015, 5:10 pm

>100 Whisper1: thank you! I looked up the poem, and found it here: http://wonderingminstrels.blogspot.com/1999/10/green-hills-of-earth-robert-heinl...

And here's the poem:

The Green Hills of Earth

Let the sweet fresh breezes heal me
As they rove around the girth
Of our lovely mother planet
Of the cool, green hills of Earth.

We rot in the moulds of Venus,
We retch at her tainted breath.
Foul are her flooded jungles,
Crawling with unclean death.

--- the harsh bright soil of Luna ---
--- Saturn's rainbow rings ---
--- the frozen night of Titan ---

We've tried each spinning space mote
And reckoned its true worth:
Take us back again to the homes of men
On the cool, green hills of Earth.

The arching sky is calling
Spacemen back to their trade.
ALL HANDS! STAND BY! FREE FALLING!
And the lights below us fade.

Out ride the sons of Terra,
Far drives the thundering jet,
Up leaps a race of Earthmen,
Out, far, and onward yet ---

We pray for one last landing
On the globe that gave us birth;
Let us rest our eyes on the friendly skies
And the cool, green hills of Earth.

-- Robert A Heinlein

102fuzzi
Editado: Abr 21, 2015, 10:41 pm

#40 Epitaph: A Novel of the OK Corral by Mary Doria Russell

This is a good, if slightly uneven follow-up to Doc, which I loved.

The author pulls you into the story of the Earps, the Clantons, and the political backbiting of the times. Her writing gives you a sense that you really know the players, the people who lived in Tombstone, as if you were living there with them, during the boom years.

But perhaps strong interest just couldn't be sustained for a novel of this length and scope. I found myself wandering away a little, about 50 pages from the end. Still recommended, especially if the American "Wild West" interests you.

103fuzzi
Abr 22, 2015, 12:55 pm

104fuzzi
Abr 30, 2015, 12:50 pm

#41 HMS Ulysses by Alistair MacLean

A gripping, frustrating, and involving story of British Naval convoys during World War II. Most of the characters are well-developed and believable, and the technical aspects are not overwhelming. Good read.

105fuzzi
mayo 1, 2015, 9:41 am

#42 Prufrock and Other Observations by T.S. Eliot

I am not a fan of most poetry, but a friend of mine loves T.S. Eliot's poems, so I decided to give Eliot's works a try. I enjoyed some of the phrases and descriptions he used in this work of poetry, but it did not turn me into a T.S. Eliot fan.

106jnwelch
mayo 1, 2015, 12:31 pm

^ Sorry T.S. Eliot didn't resonate more with you, fuzzi. I'm a fan, like your friend. The Prufrock poem and others of his amaze me to this day.

107fuzzi
mayo 1, 2015, 12:56 pm

>106 jnwelch: but I liked this one:

The winter evening settles down
With smell of steaks in passageways.
Six o'clock.
The burnt-out ends of smoky days.
And now a gusty shower wraps
The grimy scraps
Of withered leaves about your feet
And newspapers from vacant lots;
The showers beat
On broken blinds and chimney-pots,
And at the corner of the street
A lonely cab-horse steams and stamps.
And then the lighting of the lamps.

108jnwelch
mayo 1, 2015, 1:21 pm

^ Yes! Love that one.

109scaifea
mayo 2, 2015, 7:27 am

Chiming in as another Eliot fan - his stuff is beautiful.

110fuzzi
Editado: mayo 5, 2015, 10:54 am

#43 Run Silent, Run Deep by Edward L. Beach

This was an excellent read, and totally unlike the movie of which I am extremely fond!

The author was obviously a veteran of military service, as there is a convincing ring of authenticity throughout this book. However, it was never boring, never dry, or even sensational, just factual. I liked the characters, and the brief yet interesting descriptions of the equipment and duties of the men assigned to the submarine service. It's also not a "gung ho!" pro-military perspective, nor anti-military, it just IS.

I stayed up past 1:00am in order to finish it, and I don't give up my sleep for just any book. Highly recommended.

111fuzzi
mayo 10, 2015, 4:31 pm

#44 Miss Buncle Married by DE Stevenson

A delightful fun and witty look at small town life in early 20th century England, and a worthy sequel to "Miss Buncle's Book".

112fuzzi
Editado: mayo 10, 2015, 4:34 pm

#45 A Dog of Flanders by Ouida

A classic story of love and devotion, set in a world that sees only monetary worth.

113fuzzi
mayo 14, 2015, 8:18 am

#46 The Road to Yesterday by L.M. Montgomery

I'm close to finishing this collection of "Avonlea"-type of short stories, close enough to do a review. If you like Anne of Green Gables genre stories, you will enjoy these. I am enjoying them, but they're not as good as the original Anne books, imo. Overall, they are entertaining, and will bring a smile to your face as you read.

114jjmcgaffey
mayo 14, 2015, 2:23 pm

Have you read Akin to Anne, also by L.M. Montgomery? Fun, though I prefer Anne - it's all orphan stories, with various twists.

115fuzzi
Editado: mayo 14, 2015, 6:06 pm

>117 fuzzi: yes, I did read that one, last year I believe!

Edit: um...I read it in 2012! How quickly time flies...

116jjmcgaffey
mayo 15, 2015, 3:02 am

>115 fuzzi:...which shows how much it impressed you, that you remember it that well. At least, that's what I always tell myself when it's been years and years since I read a book but I remember it...

117fuzzi
mayo 15, 2015, 9:37 pm

>116 jjmcgaffey: I remember some books really well, yet others get fuzzy in my memory, so if I reread them, it's as if they are new to me. :)

118fuzzi
mayo 15, 2015, 9:49 pm

#47 Baby by Patricia MacLachlan

This is a children's book, yet, it isn't. As she has done in a similar fashion in her other books, the author places us in a simple setting, and tells us of love, sadness, and loss...but from the perspective of a child. In this instance it is Lark who relates the year that a baby became part of her family, temporarily.

119scaifea
mayo 17, 2015, 8:55 am

>118 fuzzi: Oh, I'd not heard of that MacLachlan - I'm adding it to the list!

120fuzzi
mayo 17, 2015, 4:13 pm

>119 scaifea: great! I'd not heard of it, either, until I saw it at our (only) local used book store on Thursday. :)

121fuzzi
mayo 22, 2015, 11:24 am

#48 Sink the Bismarck! by C.S. Forester

I love the movie version of this story, and finally found/purchased a copy for my reading pleasure. However, having recently read books by Edward L. Beach and Alistair MacLean, I was less than thrilled with Sink the Bismarck! It is a good, solid read, but it didn't grab me nor draw me in as those other authors' books did.

I do recommend this book, but you might want to find a free copy before buying. My copy is going to be passed on to someone else who will enjoy it, my father.

122fuzzi
mayo 24, 2015, 7:55 am

#49 The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot

This was my second attempt to read a book by this author, and I did not appreciate it. To be fair, I'm not much of a poetry fan, so if you like poetry, you might like this.

123fuzzi
mayo 25, 2015, 2:38 pm

I'm at my 2/3's mark for the challenge, woo!

#50 May There Be a Road by Louis L'Amour

Made up of short stories not previously published in book form, this collection contains some very good examples of Louis L'Amour's diverse body of works. From a tale of Tibet, to pre-WWII Brazil, these short stories should entertain the reader. Recommended.

124fuzzi
mayo 27, 2015, 7:46 pm

#51 The Pride of Chanur by C.J. Cherryh

After my most recent reread, I still hold to my opinion of this book: an excellent blend of scifi, technology, politics, and culture, from a different universe...yet the characters remain likeable, and believable, despite non-human appearance. The author and this series is superb!

125fuzzi
Editado: mayo 29, 2015, 12:34 pm

#52 Chanur's Venture by C.J. Cherryh

I just re-read this book, again, but can't say how many times I've read it before. Upon this umpteenth read I will affirm it's still a good, intense story of aliens and alien worlds, filled with believable characters and intriguing technical details. Recommended!

126fuzzi
Jun 1, 2015, 10:11 pm

#53 The Kif Strike Back by C.J. Cherryh

Intrigue, action, politics, rescues, firefights, plot twists and turns aplenty, what's not to love?

Onward, to book #4...

127fuzzi
Editado: Jun 9, 2015, 11:03 pm

#54 Chanur's Homecoming by C.J. Cherryh

I just completed yet another reread of this, and I still love it. The author writes interesting, real characters, and the worlds they inhabit are filled with other alien species, each with their own well-developed culture. There is plenty to keep the reader riveted: action, politics, suspense, and more. Highly recommended, but read the first three books in the series prior, or you will have a hard time following the plot(s)!

128fuzzi
Jun 11, 2015, 1:01 pm

#55 Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress by Oliver Hunkin

I decided to read Dangerous Journey: after a friend recommended it. It is a children's version of the classic Pilgrim's Progress, and seems to keep the heart of that book while yet simplifying it for younger readers. The illustrations are fantastic, too, and add to the reading enjoyment. Highly recommended read for young, or adult.

129fuzzi
Editado: Jun 27, 2015, 11:10 am

Best of April to June:

My only were rereads:

The Pride of Chanur by C.J. Cherryh
and
Chanur's Homecoming by C.J. Cherryh

The other two books in the series that I reread were each , so instead, I'll concentrate on the new reads.

Here are my top five:

Run Silent, Run Deep by Edward L. Beach

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress by Oliver Hunkin

Baby by Patricia MacLachlan

Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik

The Sea of Grass by Conrad Richter

130fuzzi
Jun 28, 2015, 8:08 am

#56 Dust on the Sea by Edward L. Beach

After completing the excellent Run Silent, Run Deep, I searched for and managed to find a copy of its sequel, written almost 20 years later: Dust on the Sea. This book continues the narrative started in Run Silent, Run Deep, but does not show how good it is immediately. However, once the subs are on their way to sink enemy shipping, the tension builds, and the dangers without and within the sub grip you. The last 100 pages were quickly read, to find out what would happen to the officers and crew of the Eel. I think of the author's works as Tom Clancy concise, not "lite". Authentic, engaging, excellent read. Recommended.

131fuzzi
Jul 9, 2015, 1:04 pm

#57 The Ship Who Sang by Anne McCaffrey

The first few chapters of this book did not encourage me to read the rest, but I hate to give up on any story, especially by an author I generally like...so I persevered and finished it last night. McCaffrey fans may enjoy it. I have no plans to reread or continue the series. Not one of McCaffrey's better stories, imo.

132jjmcgaffey
Jul 9, 2015, 7:32 pm

>131 fuzzi: I've read and enjoyed it several times, though not very recently (last time ~5 years ago, not reviewed but rated 3.5 stars). However, I _love_ Mercedes Lackey's The Ship Who Searched, and quite like Margaret Ball's PartnerShip - it's not really a series, it's other authors writing in McCaffrey's universe (and expanding on it, in several directions). The ones after that - The Ship Who Won by Jody Lynne Nye, and its sequel The Ship Errant, and S.M. Stirling's The City Who Fought and The Ship Avenged - are not nearly as good (so why did those get sequels and the good ones not? Grrr!). Nye's two are too silly for me, and Stirling's (as usual for him) go in too much for torture and other nastiness.

If you enjoy Lackey's other books, I'd recommend you read the next two in the series; I find both of them more interesting than the original. And I'd recommend skipping the other four. Basically, if you like those authors, try them writing in McCaffrey's universe, and otherwise skip.

133fuzzi
Editado: Jul 9, 2015, 8:48 pm

>132 jjmcgaffey: thank you. I do like some Mercedes Lackey books, so I will keep that in mind.

134fuzzi
Editado: Jul 17, 2015, 5:24 pm

#58 A Weed by Any Other Name: The Virtues of a Messy Lawn, or Learning to Love the Plants We Don't Plant by Nancy Gift

This is a light yet informative look at the "volunteers" that fill flower beds and farmers' fields. I've been gardening for about 50 years, and yet I learned some things! An enjoyable, and humorous read, yet not just a "funny" look at the plants around us.

135fuzzi
Jul 17, 2015, 8:52 pm

#59 Come on Seabiscuit by Ralph Moody

Don't compare this simplified tale of the champion thoroughbred Seabiscuit to the superb book by Laura Hillenbrand, but judge it on its own merits. The author has done a good job with abridging this familiar story into a form that both younger and older readers can enjoy. There's enough "horse" talk to satisfy a corral-full of preteen girls, yet not too much to bore an adult unfamiliar with racetrack lore. Nice read.

136fuzzi
Editado: Jul 24, 2015, 7:47 pm

#60 Cranes in My Corral by Dayton O. Hyde

This is an amusing story of an Oregon rancher who decides to raise four Sandhill Cranes after a female adult abandons her eggs.

137fuzzi
Editado: Jul 27, 2015, 1:57 pm

The ticker site is not working correctly...oh well...I'll update it later...

#61 The Collected Short Stories of Louis L'Amour Volume 5: Frontier Stories

Another good selection of Louis L'Amour's short stories of the American West, of the 1800's and 1900's. These are solid tales of people and situations, and I never tire of reading this author's works.

138fuzzi
Jul 27, 2015, 11:42 pm

#62 Fuzzy Sapiens by H. Beam Piper

A continuation of the highly-entertaining Little Fuzzy, entertaining in its own right.

Yes, much of the technology is outdated, archaic, but do we spurn Jane Eyre or Macbeth because there are no electric lights? Do we degrade Ulysses because there are no cars? Of course not. We enjoy reading stories for what they are, what tales they tell, even though they might sound outdated.

But back to my review: Fuzzy Sapiens is very much enjoyable, on a par with the first book.

139fuzzi
Jul 31, 2015, 8:10 pm

#63 Magic For Marigold by L.M. Montgomery

A solidly enjoyable tale of an only child, and her make-believe friend Sylvia.

140jjmcgaffey
Ago 1, 2015, 2:37 am

Hmmmm, I'd never seen that. I'll have to check it out - I like most of Montgomery's stuff.

141fuzzi
Ago 1, 2015, 7:39 am

>140 jjmcgaffey: it was worth reading...not as good as Anne books, but still entertaining.

If you can't find a copy, let me know. I am planning to take it to the used book store.

142fuzzi
Ago 8, 2015, 4:56 pm

#64 Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

An enjoyable story of a truly clueless young lady, and her visit to Bath. The dialogue is, as always, delightful, and I especially liked Mr. Tilney's sense of humor. Solid Austen.

143fuzzi
Ago 8, 2015, 11:19 pm

#65 Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

Within the pages of this book is a story that could have been told by any one of thousands of children, of what it was like living during the Nazi occupation of Denmark. Annemarie Johansen is ten, and her best friend, Ellen, is Jewish. What will happen if the soldiers find Ellen hiding in the Johansen's apartment? And what will Annemarie do when faced with Nazis with dogs and guns?

Well-written and engaging, for adults as well as children.

144jnwelch
Ago 9, 2015, 6:12 pm

>142 fuzzi:, >143 fuzzi: Those are two I enjoyed, too, fuzzi. I didn't expect Northanger Abbey to be as funny as it was.

145fuzzi
Editado: Ago 11, 2015, 10:29 pm

Final countdown to 75 begins!

#66 The Heart of a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

A very good and worthy collection of stories by the master and author of Lad: A Dog. Some of the tales will make you smile, a couple will pull hard at your heart, tug at your emotions, but none will bore you.

146jjmcgaffey
Ago 11, 2015, 11:29 pm

I love Terhune...so many good stories.

147fuzzi
Ago 12, 2015, 12:52 pm

>146 jjmcgaffey: yippee! Another Terhune-o-phile.

There's more of his books I have yet to read...but I'm working on 'em.

148jjmcgaffey
Ago 12, 2015, 11:00 pm

Well, if I look at his LT page, I see books I don't know if I've read...but I've read (and own) a lot of them. And there's one (UNSEEN!) that I appear to be the only person to have it on LT - weird, it's a favorite. I got hooked on the Sunnybank books about the time I started reading to myself. Love them all...

149fuzzi
Ago 13, 2015, 4:27 pm

>148 jjmcgaffey: wow, one I'd not "seen" before!

There are some of Terhune's books that are available to read online for free, but a cursory look didn't locate any copies of this one.

150fuzzi
Editado: Ago 13, 2015, 7:06 pm

#67 Lady Susan by Jane Austen

An amusing short work composed of letters written by family members and friends, illuminating the machinations of determined gentry of Austen's era.

Eight books to go...

151jnwelch
Ago 14, 2015, 10:05 am

Ah, good, fuzzi. Glad you liked Lady Susan. What a character.

152fuzzi
Ago 14, 2015, 5:51 pm

>151 jnwelch: it took me a little while to try to figure exactly what the truth was...those people were very good at convincing themselves of their philanthropy.

153jnwelch
Ago 15, 2015, 3:08 pm

154fuzzi
Ago 18, 2015, 7:14 pm

#68 A Prince Among Dogs by Callie Smith Grant

This is a selection of very short remembrances about dogs, written by people who knew them. It reminded me of Readers' Digest stories: not deep, but satisfying light reading.

Seven books to go...

155fuzzi
Editado: Ago 18, 2015, 7:50 pm

#69 Cyteen: the Betrayal by C.J. Cherryh

An extremely plausible and well-written book about genetic engineering and the politics involved. The characters are superbly fleshed out, and the technology is matter-of-fact believable. This is the first third of the Hugo Award-winning novel, Cyteen. On to part two...

Six books to go...

156fuzzi
Ago 18, 2015, 7:56 pm

#70 Arrow Book of Funny Poems

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this little book, which I owned as a child. Although many of the limericks and doggerel are more than 60 years old, they transcend generations. With this book I had my first exposure to Ogden Nash. Fun for all ages!

Five books to go...

157fuzzi
Ago 20, 2015, 10:02 pm

#71 Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West by Marguerite Henry

Marguerite Henry tells the story of Annie Johnston, the woman who helped lead the charge to outlaw the use of planes and trucks in the roundup of wild mustangs, and to prohibit the cruel practices employed to transport captured horses to the slaughterhouse. I was unaware of this lady and her role in protecting the few wild horse herds remaining. Worth reading, especially if you are a lover of horses.

158fuzzi
Editado: Ago 22, 2015, 8:45 pm

#72 Cyteen: the Rebirth by C.J. Cherryh

Ari is heading into adolescence and finding out who she is, or was, and is...as a replica of a woman who was murdered over a decade before. She is not unaware of the politics that swirl around her, just due to her existence. Justin is still struggling with the power plays that keep him apart from his family, and leave him on the edge of sanity.

As usual, this author throws you into the plot, with little explanations, but with plenty of character development and intrigue. I am looking forward to the third installment of this story. On to part three...

Three books to go...

159fuzzi
Ago 26, 2015, 9:40 pm

#73 Cyteen: the Vindication by C.J. Cherryh

Ari Emory is not quite an adult, legally, yet she is superbly capable to take over Reseune Corporate as Administrator. However, someone wants to remove her from consideration of that high office...permanently. This is a very good continuation and finale of the Cyteen trilogy. An intriguing, fascinating, and extremely entertaining read.

Two books...

160fuzzi
Editado: Ago 27, 2015, 10:03 pm

#74 Viking Dog by Glenn Balch

Olaf starts his life in a kennel, a purebred Elkhound...yet different from his siblings. He learns quickly that people can inflict pain, and so he distrusts all men, until a soft-spoken young man comes into his world. But Olaf suddenly finds himself in the wilderness, struggling to survive, and relearning the hard lesson that men cause pain.

Good story, with lots of tension and suspense as Olaf tries to live on his own.

161fuzzi
Ago 27, 2015, 10:03 pm

One more to meet my goal of 75...

162drneutron
Ago 28, 2015, 8:19 am

Excellent! Any idea what it's going to be?

163fuzzi
Ago 28, 2015, 11:52 am

I started The Education of Little Tree today, and am enjoying it.

164fuzzi
Ago 31, 2015, 12:31 pm

DONE!!! WOO!!!

#75 The Education of Little Tree by Forrest Carter

A five year old boy loses his parents, and is then taken home by his grandparents, both Cherokee. They teach him the Cherokee Way, and he learns to love nature and life itself, until the government tries to place him "more appropriately".

Involving read, very enjoyable, and worth a reread in the future. Recommended.

165fuzzi
Ago 31, 2015, 12:33 pm

Now that I've met my 75 book challenge, I'll be working (reading? working? Nah!) towards 100.

Please join me over at my 100 book challenge thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/184975#5255868

I hope to see you all there. :)

166drneutron
Ago 31, 2015, 3:30 pm

Congrats!

167fuzzi
Ago 31, 2015, 6:41 pm

>166 drneutron: thank you!!

168leahbird
Ago 31, 2015, 7:57 pm

Congrats on 75! Does this mean you won't post here anymore?

169fuzzi
Ago 31, 2015, 8:07 pm

>168 leahbird: well, I was thinking of just posting on the 100 thread...but I can still post here, too. :)

170leahbird
Sep 1, 2015, 12:44 pm

Don't change for me. ;) I can follow you over to the other group. Just wanted to be sure I wouldn't be missing out.

171fuzzi
Sep 1, 2015, 4:57 pm

It would be easier to just update ONE thread, but I don't want to lose anyone, either. :)

172scaifea
Sep 2, 2015, 9:32 am

Congrats on 75!!

173fuzzi
Sep 2, 2015, 12:15 pm

>172 scaifea: thank you!

174fuzzi
Sep 7, 2015, 9:27 pm

Three more read, up to 78!!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/184975#

175fuzzi
Editado: Ene 2, 2016, 12:04 pm

Final count for the year was 122 books read, 66 ROOTs off the shelves, and 100 books rehomed...

I read three fewer books in 2015 than in 2014, but I am satisfied.

I read 22 more ROOT books in 2015 than the year before, an increase of 150%!

Best NEW reads of 2015, all reads:

Little Boxes of Bewilderment by Jack Ritchie

The Trees by Conrad Richter
The Fields by Conrad Richter
The Sea of Grass by Conrad Richter

Run Silent, Run Deep by Edward L. Beach

Baby by Patricia MacLachlan

Stuff Matters by Mark Miodownik

He Is There, and He Is Not Silent by Francis Schaeffer
No Little People by Francis Schaeffer

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton

The White Throne Judgment by Peter S. Ruckman

Dangerous Journey: The Story of Pilgrim's Progress by Oliver Hunkin

My favorite NEW author for the year is Conrad Richter. I've loved his Light in the Forest and A Country of Strangers for years, but never realized how many more books he wrote. What a treasure trove I found!

Come join me for 2016 here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/208636#5380023