Carsten's (ctpress) 2015 - Take and Read - part 2

Danish painter Anne Ancher “Høstarbejdere” (Harvest Workers), 1905

Welcome to a new year of book-sharing, novel-talk, fiction-discussion, chit-chat and/or deep philosophical musings.

BOOKS READ

September
29. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (2014) 4,5/5 (audiobook)
28. Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indridason (2005) 4/5 (audiobook)
27. White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1848) 3,5/5
26. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley (1941) 3/5
25. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) 4/5 audiobook

June
24. Sounder by William H. Armstrong (1964) 4/5 - audiobook
23. Letter from the Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963) 5/5 - audiobook

June
22. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming (1964) 3,5/5
21. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811) 5/5 audiobook (reread)

May
20. Matilda by Roald Dahl (1988) 4/5 audiobook

April
19. Family Happiness and Other Stories by Leo Tolstoy (1859) 3/5
18. The Last Town by Blake Crouch (2014) 3,5/5 (Wayward Pines Trilogy 3) audiobook
17. The Waste Land, Prufrock and other Poems by T. S. Eliot (1922) 2,5/5

March
16. Very Good, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse (1930) 3,5/5
15. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George (1972) 4/5 audiobook
14. The Constant Wife by W. Somerset Maugham (1926) 3,5/5 audiobook
13. Anne’s House of Dreams by L. M. Montgomery (1917) 4/5
12. A Month in the Country by J. J. Carr (1980) 4,5/5

February
11. Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico (1958) 3,5/5
10. The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner (1942) 3/5
09. Rabbit Hill by Robert Lawson 4/5 - audiobook
08. Eventide by Kent Haruf (2004) 4/5 - audiobook

January
07. Plainsong by Kent Haruf (2012) - audiobook - 5/5
06. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (2012) - audiobook - 4/5
05. Wolves of Willoughby Chase by Joan Aiken (1962) 3,5/5
04. Skylark by Patricia Maclachlan (1994) 4/5
03. Lila by Marilynne Robinson (2014) - audiobook - 5/5
02. Surprised by Joy: The shape of my early life by C. S. Lewis (1955) - audiobook - 4/5
01. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis (1950) - audiobook - 5/5 (reread)

21. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (1811) 5/5
Audiobook narrated by Juliet Stevenson



“What do you know of my heart? What do you know of anything but your own suffering. For weeks, Marianne, I’ve had this pressing on me without being at liberty to speak of it to a single creature. It was forced on me by the very person whose prior claims ruined all my hope. I have endured her exultations again and again whilst knowing myself to be divided from Edward forever. Believe me, Marianne, had I not been bound to silence I could have provided proof enough of a broken heart, even for you.”

Narrator Juliet Stevenson build up this scene just perfectly - this central scene where sensible Elinor looses it and becomes all sensibility (for a while). Where Marianne also get a glimpse into Elinor’s heart and suffering. Juliet captures it all. The suppressed feelings and then Elinor’s outburst.

It’s a good illustration of why I love audiobooks so much - and in particular Juliet Stevensons Austen-narrations.

Oh good, I'm the first visitor on your new thread. We have had lots of wind here so it has stirred up the ocean and lowered the temperatures for swimming. I have just finished a book on Sedums. I love how an author can get so knowledgable about an area and then so good at sharing their expertise. It is very dry where we live so we need drought tolerant plants but then there is rain forest behavior for part of the year too. So it's tricky! Has summer arrived there yet for you Carsten?
You inspire me! I have yet to listen to an audiobook. Maybe I have a short attention span! But I will try one soon. I have heard on L.T. about Juliet Stevenson being such a good narrator.

Yes, Mary - summer has arrived here and I'm so thrilled. I took a long walk yesterday - about 13 km - and just enjoyed the sun and nature.

I know audiobooks isn't for every one - and sometimes I can't concentrate either - but normally it relaxes me a lot to just let others do the reading while I walk, rest on the couch or do other things.

Happy New Thread, Carsten! I love the painting up top.

Hi Amber - Anne Ancher is one of the great artists in Denmark, I think. I love this period where several painters formed a community in northern Jutland (Skagen) and shared life and art together.

22. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Ian Fleming (1964) 3,5/5



“Never say 'no' to adventures.”

Yes, THE Ian Fleming! When he wasn't writing about secret agents with a hang for cocktails and beautiful ladies he tucked his children in and told them bedtime stories. One he created for his son Casper.

A tale about a magical car that flies, floats and yes, thinks. What a wonderful ride the Pott family takes as they try to learn their new car and how it reacts.

The plot soon centers on the discovery of some burglers and their efforts to catch them (or rather run away from them). It’s all wonderful fun with the typical british high spirit and good cheer.

In 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up.

I love the original John Burningham illustrations.

Woot! Lovely new thread here, Carsten, and I always love the art work you open with.

Ooohhh, I'll bet Juliet Stevenson just ROCKED that scene from Sense and Sensibility! You know, I've collected Austen's six audiobooks over the past couple of years so that I can listen, hopefully uninterrupted, to them at some point. Juliet Stevenson narrates several, but not all of them. Of course, wherever I could find her narration, I bought it!

Fun art with your Chitty Chitty Bang Bang post!

Those are great illustrations - I'd love to have a copy!

HI Carsten, I love the John Burningham books and when you look him up you see he has 81 publications. Our books of his are bound with so much tape from fixing and "overuse'. Can there be such a thing? Thanks for reminding me about his books.

Nancy - I've also bought several of her audiobooks. She excels indeed. Austen have never been more entertaining :)

Jim - it makes all the difference with good illustrations.

Mary - 81!!! Wow. I didn't know he was that prolific. I better look out for some more to the collection.

I've been typing in all my audiobooks in a book-database (I use Bookpedia for the Mac, as it also has an iPad/iPhone app that syncs). I was beginning to lose track of the books in the audible-app.

All this cataloguing made me think of my best narrator-moments. Extremely difficult to make a list as so many good ones there - and I have probably forgotton some great performances.

But here goes my top ten:

1. Simon Vance - reading the Barchester Cronicles by Trollope - have listened to four of the six books by Vance.
2. Juliet Stevenson - reading Jane Eyre
3. Stephen Fry - reading A Bear Called Paddington
4. Rob Inglis - reading The Hobbit
5. Ralph Cosham - reading Watership Down
6. Peter Coyote - reading Hatchet
7. Michael York - reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
8. Jonathan Cecil - reading Thank You, Jeeves
9. Maggie Hoffman - reading Lila
10. Dominick West - reading The Remains of the Day

- and shame on me for not including Simon Prepple, Scott Brick, Grover Gardner and several more. What a treat for the ear, mind and heart.

Anyone you can recommend?

I share your love of several of these audiobooks, Carsten: Simon Vance reading Trollope, Juliet Stevenson reading Jane Eyre and Ralph Cosham reading Watership Down. I have to recommend Alan Rickman reading Hardy's The Return of the Native … sublime! superb! 5*

I very much agree that Stephen Fry's Paddington is wonderful!

Hi Carsten!
>12 ctpress: that's a dream line-up right there! I have not been able to find Austen narrated by Juliet Stevenson, so I may just have to buy them. A worthy investment, I'm sure. The only audiobook I've actually purchased is Three Men in a Boat narrated by Frederick Davidson. It's perfection:)

Wow, what a great list of audio books. I think I have to copy and paste it for my line up!
Finished Dicte season 2 tonight and it was very good. I will miss my Danish "fix"!

Happy new thread!

>12 ctpress: Great list. I was glad to see some Wodehouse on there. I also enjoy Jim Dale as a narrator.

Nancy - Ah, yes. Alan Rickman. I would guess he can deliver a perfect performance with that deep distinct voice.

Amber - I've bought the next one also - More of Paddington for some summer fun listening.

Anne - Thanks for the suggestion. I loved Three Men in a Boat but it's a long time since I read it. I might have to consider a reread.

Mary - Great that Dicte is so good. I have something to look forward to.

Marie - Jim Dale is one I yet has to listen to. His Harry Potter readings have been praised, I believe.

Happy new thread Carsten!

>12 ctpress: That's a great list of audiobook narrators Carsten. I don't tend to listen to audiobooks anymore now I'm not driving to work but I've added that message to my favourites in case I start listening to them again. I can see it would be a lovely way to revisit some of my favourites like Jane Eyre or Trollope's Barsetshire novels.

Heather - I also do a lot of my listening when I'm commuting or taking long walks.

I'm very late to say so, but that is a beautiful painting as your thread topper.

Well, welcome to the thread, Charlotte. I love Anne Anchers paintings along with a lot of others from her in that period.

Just a quick fly by, Carsten! Wonderful new thread! Looking fabulous! I love the picture on your thread! We have read quite a few of the same books this year. I read Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf and it was wonderful! Such a different story than the others, and yet so similar in tone. Currently with the wedding coming up I'm having a festival of reading mysteries by Elly Griffiths. The mysteries and characters are quite interesting and there is it bit of ironic humour in them too. The characters carry over from one book to another with an interesting story arc. Headed out yesterday to get my shoes and some " bling ' for the wedding. Alas, I am Duchess Kate with my own shoppers and stylists and no one is knocking on my door with samples or gifts of jewellery. On the happy front, passed the interview with the priest. Currently agonizing over my earrings and a couple of different bracelets.

Kate's first appearance did thrill me! Oh yes, I check on the Daily Mail online in Britain nearly every day for the newest pix of Kate, George and Charlotte and even William .

Hope life is going well in your corner. It has been very warm here - how about in your area?

Happy reading - see you again fairly soon, my friend!

ETA - the Elly Griffiths mysteries are well written but not too taxing for me right now! ;)

>22 ctpress: Thanks Carsten. One of the unexpected benefits of LT has been the introduction to artists I'd not previously come across :-)

Hi Deborah - Oh, I look forward to reading Ken Haruf's last novel - I have already downloaded it from Audible.com. I haven't heard of Elly Griffiths - but always nice to explore a new good mystery-writer.

I hope you'll get exactly that bling-factor you are looking for for the wedding. Happy shopping :)

I've been stressed out recently as we have had an election and a lot of overtime at work - so reading is a little slow. But I hope in a few days there will be time to relax. Also they are saying that summer is on the way - so far cloudy and not that warm.

Hi Charlotte - I also like the many creative ways people are putting photos and art on their threads - yes, an unexpected benefit :)

Hi Carsten. Oh, with an election in Denmark I guess you have been very busy. I checked in online and it seems like it was / is a complicated election - minority government or a proposed coalition government? We have a federal election coming up in October and I really hope we get rid of our current Conservative government. I guess people are anxious in Europe, never mind in North America with the situation in Greece.

Elly Griffiths is a mystery author that I happened upon in the small bookstore that is close to me. Of course I could not purchase her latest book, but had to go back to the beginning. Not necessarily an author that needs to be read , but I'm enjoying them right now. The bling purchasing is proving to be challenging. I 'm really not a shopper and I can't quite decide on the earrings and necklace that I think might be appropriate. We have had far too much summer already. I think we've only had one day of rain since the beginning of May and the temps are in the 30's C or 90F - depending what system that you use. Normal for this time of year would be 70 F - 73 , with the odd warmer day. I feel like it islate July already , weather wise. Oh I will trade you weather! Much too hot for me. And like you, our days are quite long, with sunrise at about 5 am and twilight at about 9:30. It is hot!

Hi Deborah - Yes, it was a very muddled election - now the government is one conservative party who got less than 20 percent of the votes. About the economy not much will change. They are forced to concede to a lot of demands from the opposition.

Two issues makes the headlines at the moment. Greece with its uncertain economy and then the refugees coming from Africa across the Mediterranean - 135.000 have come across in little boats so far this year and they travel then to various other european countries - or are housed in refugee camps in Italy, France, Greece etc.

My apartment gets too warm when the temperature hits 30 - which it will probably do this weekend for the first time this summer. No I will NOT change with you :) It sounds too warm to me. Unless one is close to the sea in a summer house....

Sounds like you needs some uncomplicated mystery fiction with all the other things/worries about the wedding :)

23. Letter from the Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr. (1963) 5/5
Audiobook narrated by Dion Graham



“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Martin Luther King is in jail for participating in civil rights demonstrations. He writes to some white clergymen who had urged him to drop his campaign of nonviolent resistance.

Kings response might lack the intense fervor of his public speeches, but it is still a powerful statement of the need for change - a change in the perception that all will end well if we just let the courts and government do its job. What if the laws in itself is unjust? And how do you know if a law is unjust? How are you going to fight against it? What means can you do it with?

King writes lucidly and his firm Christian conviction grounded in the Bible and it’s teaching on social justice is clearly the basis for his arguments.

“The early Christians rejoiced when they were deemed worthy to suffer for what they believed. In those days the Church was not merely a thermometer that recorded the ideas and principles of popular opinion; it was a thermostat that transformed the mores of society.”

24. Sounder by William H. Armstrong (1964) 4/5
Audiobook narrated by Avery Brooks



I was expecting a heartwarming story about a black boy and his dog. What I got instead was a story of loneliness and longing. A boy longing for his dog and his father.
A story set in a harsh racist world - a world of poverty and heart wrenching despair as pictured in the mother. The boy first loses his father, as he is sent to prison for stealing a ham. Then the dog runs away after being wounded after a shooting.

The boy struggle to rise above his environment with determination and faith, with his love for old bible stories, his aspiration to learn how to read, so his world can be expanded.

I wanted to hear more about this kid as he grows up. What would become of him. Excellent narration by Avery Brooks.

In 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up.
Winner of the Newbery Medal 1970

Superb reviews, Carsten. That is a well-known quote of King's that never loses its power for me. Sounder is one I need to explore when I get back to 1001 Children's Books. Glad you have caught some reading time amidst all-out-crazy at work.

Thanks, Nancy. The all-out-crazy work has stopped now and we are getting into holiday season with some low key days. Hopefully. I need that. Everyone's tired after the election-stress.

And now summer is over us with 30 celcius this weekend. Looking forward to a dip in the ocean :)

Great reviews, Carsten. I have never read Sounder , but your review makes me interested in the book. I'm so glad that you will get a chance to take a dip in the ocean. I live close to the Ocean ( not beside the sea or anything, but we could get to a swimming area in 30 -45 minutes, assuming we could find a place to park. And brrr the ocean is cold! 30 C! Oh it is as bad ( or good ) as here. Enjoy your time off and don't forget that Princess Charlotte will be baptized tomorrow! :) Despite the wedding stress and preparations, I know where my priorities lie :) What will Kate wear? I am so surprised you are not busy with that event!

I'm also rather close to the sea - but we also have opportunity to take a dip in the center of the city as the water in the channels are clean enough several places where they have made it accessible. I did it last summer.

Oh, I did cover the baptism as I had to work this sunday. Unfortunately no inside the church pictures :)

Okay I'll swim with my thermometer and we can compare notes (B.C. coast, Gulf Islands). It sure was warm and calm today!

Suddenly a big drop in temperature here, and summers gone for a while, Mary. No contest right now, please :) Well, the weather is very tricky here and best not make to many plans for ocean dipping etc.

That's why a lot of Danes travel to Spain, Italy and Greece for the summer holiday.

Hi Carsten! Long time no see....all my fault.

>7 ctpress: my kids have seen the film of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and loved it. It is a crazy movie, definitely one of two distinct halves. I take it the book is the same?

The weather here is wintery cold. We have had -4 degC overnight last night, and are forcast for the same the nextfew nights. That is a cold night for us here, it often gets to zero in winter, but below one or two dgrees under is rare. We have our fire roaring and it is wonderful to be cosy in such cold. Plus, we get a sunny day tomorrow which is great.

Brr - ocean temps at say, Spanish Banks in Vancouver get as high as 73F or 22 C! Far too cold for me, except to dip a foot into. I need a pool to be 86 F or warmer before I am going to shock my body. http://www.vancouver.hm/beaches.html My parents had a pool when I was growing up and we always kept it warm , like 82 F if my dad his way and 86F if he thought I was going to get into it :) Even the one community pool that I will swim in keeps the temp at 84 - 86 C. None of this cold water for me! Finally it's cooling off to 19 C today! Nice! We are getting some rain - or so they say - over the next few days! Yeah -we need it! Supposedly for the wedding day of my son and his finace , temps are supposed to be 21 C or so, and not raining, but of course, when you live on the coast you never know. Weather here is usually tricky too, Carsten, but May, June and til now we have barely had a cloud in the sky , never mind rain. Very unusual for here.

So glad you covered the baptism . I knew you would! Here in the Vancouver area, people go to Hawaii to ensure a nice warm ocean temp and air temps. People also go to Mexico, Cuba, maybe Florida if you live in Eastern Canada.

Hi Megan - welcome to the thread. i haven't seen the Chitty, Chitty movie but would love to.

Enjoy your cosy fire and curl up with a book. Perfect winter scene :)

Deborah - hope you have had some rain to cool it all down. I took an 80 km bicycle ride yesterday with a friend up the Northern coast. A lot of sun, sea, salt and wind in my face. I can feel it today. But a lovely afternoon.

Carsten, that is a great list of audiobooks you posted upthread. I have been trying to listen to more books. I like to listen at night in bed, but it's tricky if I go to sleep before my 30-minute timer turns the book off. You remind me that one of my goals was to listen to Watership Down this year. I'm glad I have plenty of year left!

Anyway Donna, it's a good way to fall asleep. Watership Down is wonderful narrated - and a very exciting story. Good listening :)

Hi Carsten! At last the wedding is behind me! I had fun, but I was also glad that it was all done with and my son is happily married. If you look on my thread, there is a link to some pix of my son and new daughter in law. There is also a 4 minute video at the top of the pictures at the link. You will see a wedding cake with a little marker that starts the video. There is only a fleeting glimpse of me in the wedding video - I am in a black and white dress.

I hope to soon get back into reading!

Hi Deborah - Congratulations on your son's wedding. When I see the pictures and video I can understand the pressure of looking "perfect" for the occasion. It sure looks glamorous and romantic. I did spot you in the video - now you can breath and relax and look at the beautiful pictures. That will be fond memories.

Reading is very slow here, although I am listening to one of your recommendations - All the Light We Cannot See - very exciting story so far.

I've had All the Light We Cannot See in my iPad for a long time, waiting on me to get to it. Good idea to go for audio, Carsten. I need to look this one up.

Oh! I really did love All The Light We Cannot See. I hope you enjoy it, Carsten. Reading is slow on my part too!

Hi Nancy and Deborah - Yes, I'm enjoying it a lot. A fascinating story told from two very different perspectives, and I'm trying to figure out the connection. No doubt it will be more clear soon.

Yes indeed, Carsten, All The Light We Cannot See will come together is a most fascinating and touching way!Do enjoy!

Uhh...it's getting more and more exciting. Can't wait for the end - now I have almost three weeks holiday - and some time to listen to the audiobook.

Monday I'm traveling to Georgia and Armenia - two countries with deep Christian roots and beautiful mountain scenery. Looking forward to that. Some more hiking :)

Georgia and Armenia - that sounds so exotic! Enjoy yourself!

Hi Deborah (and everyone else)

Thanks for well wishes for the holiday to Georgia and Armenia. The trip was a mixed experience - the first half was good and interesting, but I had some severe stomach problems the last part of the trip. So I was unable to really enjoy it so much, mostly fatigue and looking for a toilet all the time :) which also meant that I didn't get so much hiking and enjoying the landscape and nature.

Here's some pictures from the trip:

The first one is an old monastery with Mount Ararat in the background

Gorgeous pictures. Sorry to hear about your health problems. Hope you're feeling recovered.

Thanks Charlotte - I can't say I'm fully recovered but the worst stomach problems is fortunately over. I don't really have serious health issues, but the stomach is one of my weak points, I'm afraid. It does a lot of complaining at the moment.

Beautiful pictures, Carsten! Overall I'm sure you enjoyed the trip. But of course, tummy troubles really make it a bit ( a lot) of a challenge. I imagine if there is a change of food or sanitation of the food you were eating on your trip, that is enough to set a stomach off. So sorry and I hope you feel much better soon! I traveled once with my sister and brother in law some years ago and he has a tricky stomach -set of by dairy products in particular, and oh my , it was a really tough time for him. You have my greatest sympathy. Feel better soon.

Fantastic pictures. I hope you feel better soon.

Welcome home, Carsten. What beautiful photos! Mount Ararat is stunning, and I just love the composition of the photo you've taken with the watermelons (I think?) in the trunk of the car. So sorry to hear that the second part of your trip was plagued by stomach problems. Hope you are feeling much better!

Deborah - Yes I enjoyed my time in two new countries for me. Very friendly people I have to say.

Erik - Thanks - I'm feeling much better now.

Nancy - Yes, it is watermelons. The taxi-driver, my friend and I ate a whole watermelon in five minutes :) Very fresh and tasty.

That is a very lovely lit up church - is it a church? Your pictures are really lovely and intriguing. What is the bottom picture of? I'm guessing maybe an old orthodox Greek Catholic church, but really I have no idea. Living in Canada, our idea of a " heritage building' as they are designated often means a building is 100 years old - sometimes less.

Yes it is a lit up church in Tbilisi, Georgia, but actually a rather new one that has become something of an emblem for the capital.

The bottom picture is from Armenia and one of the many, many old Armenian Apostolic Churches or as some call it the Gregorian Church. This is in fact the world's oldest national church - as Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity as its official religion (according to the tradition in 301).

There's a little church history for you, Deborah :)

I loved your pictures Carsten. What an adventure. So sorry that you could not take full advantage with exploring hampered by illness. I was sick too this summer and just getting some energy back and haven't done much reading but the tbr list is mounting like Mount Ararat! Beautiful picture. My very good friend in high school fled with his family from Armenia and there is so much history and challenges in that part of the world. Had a talk with my Danish neighbour here today and thought of you!

Thanks, Mary. It's a beautiful country.

We went to the Armenian Genocide Memorial and Museum when we stayed in Yerevan. A very powerful memorial and informative museum. A lot of painful history there. Easy to see the former sovjet influence on the city.

I really enjoyed the church history information, Carsten and I looked into a little more online. What a fascinating trip you took. I was looking on facebook and ran across a photo of the The Øresund Bridge and tunnel. They make the tunnel part look really scary! Have you traveled it? We have a below the river tunnel ( close to the mouth of the river ) here that I have travelled very often, the George Massey Tunnel, and it's a bit creepy to think you are under water and boats can pass above you, but it does not look nearly as scary as that portion of the Oresund Bridge that goes underground.

Hi Deborah - Yes I've travelled both by car and train through the tunnel. It is a strange feeling seeing the waterfront dissapear and then going under water :)
It's also quite a long bridge and tunnel.

You get beautiful pictures of Denmark and Sweden and the bridge in the Danish-Swedish crime tv-series "The Bridge" (Broen). If you have a chance, see it.

I loved the Danish tv series, The Bridge! Caught it on Netflix, and am hoping for more seasons to come!

Nancy - Oh yes, Netflix - that would be the place to catch it. A new season is on the way on Danish tv.

25. All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (2014) 4/5 (audiobook)



A very fascinating story that follows a blind French girl and a German boy as they both try to survive the devastation of World War II.

As the occupation of France begins Marie-Laure flees with her father from Paris to northern France and hide at her uncle’s place.

Werner has an interest in radio transmission and learns by himself to repair radios. He is sent to a strict elite military academy to be trained but he’s an outsider and have trouble to fit in.

One sense that the two teenagers paths must collide at some point and Doerr patiently build up to the climax.

This is also a story about the search for a very big diamond - and the secrets of a hidden radio - but you have to read the novel to find out what that’s all about.

Oh I'm so glad that you enjoyed All The Light We Cannot See. Great review! It is an unique story, isn't it! When you feel like you want a little more WW11, do read The Nightingale. I'd never read anything by Kristin Hannah prior to that, but I think The Nightingale is very fascinating too.

I've been thinking of you, likely having to cover the Syrian refugee crisis there in Europe. In Canada, I feel our government is falling very short of what we could take as far as Syrian refugees go , and it's become a point of contention within Canada. I think most Canadian's feel we should have the capacity to take in refugees immediately , but our current goverment sits on it's hands. I hope they are voted out in October! A girl can hope!

Thumb up for All the Light We Cannot See, Carsten : ). I remember that Deb really enjoyed this one, as well as many others, and it's one I've got on the never-ending list! Going to see whether I can find it on audio … thanks for that. ETA: Woot! My library has an e-audiobook, so I've just placed a hold!

Deborah - Thanks for the recommendation of The Nightingale - another one on french ground. Always looking for good WWII-fiction.

The Syrian refugee crisis is indeed something we cover intensely. Two days ago many started to come in to Denmark as Germany have welcomed a lot of refugees and they continue by train and fery to Denmark - most of them want to go on to Sweden as many have relatives there. It's such a complex crisis - each european country has their own way of tackling it - where are they going to stay - how many in each country etc. EU has to step up and work more together on this. Right now it's chaotic.

Another tragic thing is the lack of economic support to the refugee cams in Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey. They take millions in, but as the UNHCR funds for food and support etc. are beginning to run out many can't even make it in the camps and have to leave - and if they have means they will take the risky journey over the Medieterranian to Italy or Greece where many drown. And what are the Golf-states doing with their oil-money. Next to nothing.

Nancy - This one could become a classic on your WWII-list if you have such a one :)

26. The Black Stallion by Walter Farley (1941) 3/5



A classic children’s book about a boy and a horse. Alec Ramsey have a first brief scary meet with the wild black stallion on a ship - then tragedy strikes and he is shipwrecked on a desert island - and the only survivor apart from him is the horse.

I liked the first part of this book a lot - when Alec and the stallion learn to take care of each other and they become inseparable. Back on safe ground in USA the second part deals with entering a horse race.

In 1001 Children’s Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up

27. White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1848) 3,5/5



In this Danish translation the volume includes White Nights, The Landlady and A Little Hero - two novellas and one short story.

The two novellas are in a way portraits of Dostoevskys typical “hero”. Young, poor, lonely, hypersensitive men, with deep longings and itching with restlessness.

Both in White Nights and The Landlady the young men are falling in love with women who are already engaged (White Night) or married (The Landlady).

White Night is poetic and beautifully written, The Landlady mystical and deeply psychological.

Reading Dostoevsky's work is a challenge but also rewarding. Not easy litterature, but I’m amazed at how strong an impression his stories have on me.

Reading more Dostoevsky … way to go, Carsten! Wonderful description of D's typical hero: Young, poor, lonely, hypersensitive men, with deep longings and itching with restlessness.

Haven't thought of The Black Stallion books for along time. I remember these being popular when I was in elementary school. I know this one is also a movie, not sure about the rest.

You read the most diverse and interesting books, Carsten! Wow, more Dostoevsky and such great description about them, as Nancy says. I'm not sure if I've ever read a The Black Stallion Book , but I expect it was a nice diversion from the challenging Dostovsky.

Yes, I imagine that Syrian Crisis is very much on your doorstep. I read a lot about it here , and watch the news on TV, but it's not the same as you who are in the thick of it, and covering it yourself. It's my feeling that the rest of the world needs to step up and by that I mean Canada and the rest. So far our current Prime Minister has refused to budge, but the other two contenders have promised fast action should they become the Prime Minister in October, so I guess we will have to wait and see as far as Canada goes.

Hi, Carsten! Charlie has the entire Black Stallion series waiting for him on his shelves, should he decide he wants to read them. I really enjoyed the first few as a kid, so later on decided, of course, that I must complete the set! *grins*

Nancy - There is indeed a movie adaptation which I saw several years ago, The Black Stallion - 1979 - directed by Carroll Ballard. Beautifully nature footage, quite scary beginning.

Deborah - Yes, I love diversity and reading from several genres at the same time.

One can hope that other countries step up and help in this desperate situation. In a way it's unfortunate and frustrating that the ones who make it to Europe are the ones who can afford the expensive price the illegal human trafficing demand. Those who are left behind are the ones who have lost everything in the war and are stranded in a refugee-camp. Those are the people we should really help - or also help.

Amber - I think he would enjoy them - I have only read the first one, so I don't know about the rest of the series, but it's a great tale of overcoming difficulties.

Carsten is back! Yay! and reading An Arctic Chill. Try to stay warm, Carsten. My nephew that is off to Cambridge to school made 3 day side trip to Iceland , and is now in Berlin for few days and then to Nice and then off to Cambridge. My sister and her husband are on cruise from Spain and end up in Nice and they are meeting my nephew / their son in Nice . If I ever dared fly I would think it a a wonderful trip! I've put my nephew on " Duke and Duchess of Cambridge " watch" but how much cooperation I will get I don't know ;)

Deborah - Sounds like you're not going to get much out of your nephew regarding the latest royal news - dilly-dallying around Europe in stead of being on "Duke-and-Duchess-watch" :)

Still enjoying Arctic Chill despite the cold weather :)

Indeed, I suppose my nephew is dilly - dallying around Europe instead of being on Duke and Duchess Watch! I shall have to have a word with him. But do him justice, he is not coming home for Christmas, because he feels his study / research won't allow him to come home this Christmas. His studies don't start until ? end of September / beginning of October, my sister and her husband thought it would be nice for him to see some of Europe. He was at Oxford , summer thing, in 2014 . Young people these days :) I'll know you will cover Duke and Duchess watch for me - or else I just have to watch the blogs. So sad .

Deborah - It's a good choice to travel a little in Europe while one has the chance. Nice is nice. Been there a few years ago travelling up the Cote D'Azur - Monaco, Nice, Saint Tropez. Ah, for a little time right now at a café on the Riviera feeling the warm sun.

Maybe he will be ready for some Duke and Duchess duty when he returns :)

I've been down with a cold the last few days, so not much energy - that's when a couch and some audiobook-listening comes in handy.

28. Arctic Chill by Arnaldur Indridason (2005) 4/5 (audiobook)



Another chilling crime story from Reykjavik, Iceland. Good to get acquainted again with well-known characters Erlendur, Sigurdur Oli and Elinborg. A boy of Thai descent is found stabbed to death - and racism is suspected as the motive, specially after knowing about problems with bullying in the school and a teacher very hostile towards immigrants.

While the investigation seems to go nowhere for a long time there's also focus on inspector Erlendurs private life, where he finally seems to open up more on the issue of his brother who died in a snow storm as a child. Pressed by his two children who are curious to know why this has haunted Erlendur so much over the gears.

Woot! Thumb-up for a great review of Arctic Chill, Carsten! I think Indridason is my favourite of the Scandi-crime writers I've read so far: Indridason, Mankell, Fossum, Adler-Olsen. That said, I do enjoy all of them. I've only got a couple more to go in this series … must get back to them.

Great review of Arctic Chill, Carsten.I do enjoy my Scandi -Crimes! I think my favorite is Karin Fossum, but I've not seen anythingnew from her lately. Like Nancy, Indridason , Mankell, and Adler - Olsen are my fav's. Lately I've been parked in the UK with my Briti - Crime :)

I'd agree with you that while my nephew has a chance, he might as well see a little of Europe. Quite a bit actually. Earlier in June , that same nephew had some sort of course related " thing" in Spain, with some of his fellow students to be. Who knows where he will end up in the end He plans to get another PhD after this - I think that sort of thing is necessary to teach and do research. Research in his area of interest is his passion.

Nancy - Oh, yes, there's a great handful of Scandic-Crime writers. Although I like the action and humor of Adler-Olsen, I have a special affinity for Indridason's character Erlendur. A well-drawn many faceted character.

Deborah - I haven't read Karin Fossum yet, so I must try one of her novels. I'm actually also into BritCrime - another P. D. James. Oh boy it's long, let's see if I have the stamina.

Hello Carsten, it's been too long since I visited. I enjoyed your travel photos very much, and I'm sorry that you fell ill on your trip. Hope you are well now and that life is good!

Thanks for stopping by, Anne. I'm over my stomach problems. And I feel I'm getting back into "reading-mode" again after a "dry season".

29. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald (2005) 4,5/5 (audiobook)



When Macdonald, a Cambridge lecturer, poet, and naturalist, was in her late 30s, she lost her father to a heart attack on a London street. Then she lost herself. Torn by grief, she acquired a goshawk—a huge, bloodthirsty dinosaur, “the birdwatchers’ dark grail”—to plug the wound. Macdonald, an experienced falconer, withdrew from people to train her murderess, transforming her fridge into a morgue for raw animal parts. From a review in The Slate.

Training a goshawk doesn’t seem to be the most obvious choice for handling grief - and for a long time one questions how this almost impossible “hobby” can bring healing - so seclusive and difficult a process of training. But slowly you are drawn into a mysterious world of deep relationship with the animal world. It’s both beautiful and frightening.

Interspersed in this memoir are flashbacks of her relationship with her father - but also a fascinating account of the writer and falconer T. H. White and his conflicted life - another reclusive individual whom Macdonald shares a speciel bond with.

Read by Helen Macdonald herself. Normally I’ve had some bad experiences with authors reading their own work, but in this case I just loved it. It was a perfect reading.

Woot! Thumb up for a great review of H is for Hawk, Carsten! This one sounds fabulous, and I must see if I can find the audiobook. I've had, like you, not always great experiences with authors reading their own work, but it sounds like MacDonald nailed it. Love this: But slowly you are drawn into a mysterious world of deep relationship with the animal world. It’s both beautiful and frightening.

Great review of H is for Hawk, Carsten. Eventually I will read this book, but somehow I don't have it in me to read about real life grief right now. Not sure why. Perhaps a small autumn funk is affecting me? And yes, training a hawk does not seem like a way obvious way to cope with grief. So glad you enjoyed and I know eventually I will get to this book too. It has been so popular on LT! For now I will stick with snuggling with my little Poppy and pix of the Duchess of Cambridge to sustain me! :) Thumb up! Well , snuggling with my husband is not so bad either! :)

Oh dear, Nancy tells me that you are freezing in Iceland again, with Hypothermia . Do take care, Carsten and load up on nice warm tea, as they seem to do in my British novels. Tis a cure for anything. :)

Nancy - Yes I would recommend the audio-version. Knowing she's telling her own story makes it more real. It is very beautifully written.

Deborah - It is a dark memoir and a painful one, so best be in the mood for it. Training Poppy will do the trick for now - or some time with Duke, Duchess and/or Dave :)

Carsten I could not help thinking that you might as well enjoy freezing in Hypothermia , because one of the next in the series by Arnaldur Idridason is Oblivion. Perhaps being cold is better than oblivion ;)

Ha, ha. You got a point there, Deborah. Better cold than just vapour :) Freezing a lot, but also enjoying Hypothermia. It's an interesting investigation. Don't really know where this one is going.

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, Carsten!

Happy Thanksgiving Carsten! I hope you are not suffering from Hypothermia and lost in the wilds of Iceland! :) Sending warm vibes!

And happy thanksgiving to my lovely Canadian friends :)

I was at a wedding party last night so I got to celebrate also in another way. Good food.

Almost finished with the icy cold crime :)

Oh I hope you enjoyed the wedding , Carsten and yes a source of good food most often! :) Sorry to hear that your copy of Hypothermia err- disappeared on you and your are forced to seek out the resources of a library. You go, Carsten!

Yes, Deborah, I got hold of a copy and finished the novel yesterday. Review coming up shortly :)

30. Hypothermia by Arnuldur Indridason - 4,5/5

One cold autumn night, a woman is found hanging from a beam in her summer cottage. At first sight it appears to be a straightforward case of suicide; but some strange facts are revealed when Erlendur digs deeper into the woman’s past.

This one might be the best I’ve read so far in the Erlendur-series. Indridason had me guessing all the way to the very end. What really happened to Maria? Inspector Erlendur is obsessed with finding out the truth, even when there’s almost no sign of a crime committed. At the same time he’s investigating two missing persons cases that might be connected.

There’s a sense of closure for Erlendur in the heartbreaking finale scene. After being pushed out of his shell by his daughter Eve - Is he finally able to find some relief in his grief over his lost brother? I hope so.

>97 ctpress: I am tempted to say that I remember Hypothermia being a chilling read but that would be too corny of course.
Have a great weekend, Carsten.

Delighted you enjoyed Hypothermia so much, Carsten! Yes, Paul, a chilly read is corny, LOL, but true!

>98 PaulCranswick:
>99 lit_chick: I love your corny takes, Nancy and Paul! :)

Ah, Carsten I have read Hypothermia. Thanks to LT, I was able to see that I gave it 4 stars. Great review! A seance and the dark arts a part of Hypothermia - truly a Halloween read! :) Not really .

Glad to hear you've found a new TV series that you are enjoying. I'll have to look into it. My sister came by today with some suggestions for - Scandi Crime! I had to chuckle and tell her I had discovered Scandi Crime a whilte back , and she had not known to dub it as ScandiCrime. LOL! I'll have to go and check the author's name. Just checked - and her suggestion was Herman Koch for a bit of weird creepiness....

Paul and Nancy - yes, a chilling read, indeed :) I also love a corny comment, he, he.

Deborah - Your sister was - unaware - talking to a true expert :) Then you can show her the way to Iceland.

I'll write some more about Grantchester as soon as I've seen the first season.

HI Carsten, Glad that you have enjoyed the Iceland mysteries. We have just finished what is now available in N. Am. a German DVD series Bukow and Konig and really liked it. I hope you like your viewing of Grantchester. I thought it was very good and like having a visit to a gorgeous English village.

Hi Mary - I will look into Bukow and Konig. Doesn't ring a bell, so not sure if it has been on Danish television.



I really liked Masterpiece Mystery: Grantchester a lot. The first season is only six episodes. Takes place in a cosy english village, 1953. A priest with loose morals and a drinking problem (due to bad memories from the war) start to help the police solving crimes. Some of the crime mysteries seemed a little weak, but I think it's because the series focuses a lot on the priest, Sidney, and the women in his life and life in the vicarage. Beautifully shot and also very good humor.

Carsten, don't know how I managed to miss your Masterpiece Mystery: Grantchester post until just now, but I did. Woot! This one sounds like exactly my cuppa! *off to Netflix and the library, in that order, to see whether I can find*

ETA: Yay! My library has it, and I've put in a request. Zero copies available, so it must be popular!

Carsten, don't know whether Halloween is a thing in Denmark, or whether you celebrate it, but here's a fun graphic for you anyway : ). I get ZERO trick-or-treaters here at my townhouse, but I love to see the little ones collecting candy in our downtown.

Happy Halloween, Carsten! I have not graphics to offer like Nancy. Unlike Nancy, I do get trick or treaters at my door. Maybe I'll scare them away by letting my hair do it's naturally curly thing. Better yet, put it curlers in my hair and wear an old robe and pretend like I am a stay at home wife! :) ( and mom , but the kids have moved out ).

Great that the library had it. I think you'll like it, Nancy. Cosy british village and murders en masse :)

Wow - great halloween graphic. Halloween is beginning to catch on here in Denmark.

Deborah - Ha, ha - hope your "stay home mom"-costume will do the trick :)

Actually I was visiting my parents yesterday and there were two trick or treaters at the door - so I guess the festivities have at least caught the attentions of the kids.

Happy Halloween!!

I've put a hold on Masterpiece Mystery: Grantchester , Carsten. A little line of holds ahead of me at the library yet! Nice to know that Halloween has caught on at least somewhat in Denmark.

Wy up there somewhere you read The Black Stallion... I am keen to give that a go, otherwise, I could give it to m y friend who has a love of horses. I buy her nearly every 2nd hand copy of that other horse book that I see!

Hi Carston,
I read this article today and found it fascinating about Denmark's " hygge".
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/secrets-danish-happiness_5630f211e4b06317991...
I will have to try and find this book about Danish parenting. It sounds very interesting. So Denmark has been considered one of the happiest places to live for over 40 years. Very impressive!

Deborah - Ah, Grantchester do seem to be popular. It deserves to be so. You'll love it, I'm sure.

Megan - Yes, give it a go. The first part is the best, so if it doesn't grab you right away give it away :)

Mary - Funny to read the article. I haven't given it much thought - the Danish "hygge", as it is so ingrained in our culture...we just do it :) Difficult to define it, but I think the article gives a very good description of it's essential qualities. Yes, it might add to our overall sense of happiness. How can one live without "hygge"? :)

>103 ctpress: It is a great TV series. I picked up the books after I finished watching it, and while they are very different, I have enjoyed them too.

Hi Marie - Great to know that the books are also good. I have thought about doing the same, reading the novels behind the series - but so many crime series....I don't know :)

31. Onkels Drøm (Uncle's Dream) by Fyodor Dostoevsky (1859) 3,5/5



An ambitious mother seeks to marry off her proud daughter to the senile but rich Prince K (who everyone expects to die within a few years). The problem is that the prince is rather absent-minded. He even forgets that he is tricked into a marriage proposal. Believing it to be a dream, he ignores the young lady and a scandal is on the way.

Who would have thought that Dostoevsky would write such a witty story? One humorous scene follows the other as this frail old man prone to forgetfulness frustrates the plans of his relatives.

Finished the Maria Wern (a Swedish DVD detective series ) and once again we were hooked!

Carsten, great review of Uncle's Dream. I've yet to read Dostoevsky, and you've read so much of his work! Impressive! I love this: He even forgets that he is tricked into a marriage proposal. Believing it to be a dream, he ignores the young lady and a scandal is on the way. Thumb-up : ).

*I don't see your review on the book page. Did you post it?*

You read such fab stuff, Carsten! Like Nancy, I've yet to read any Dostoevsky. Great review! Maybe even I could grasp this story! It looks like you forgot to " star" your book on LT never mind post your review! I'd recommend The Rector's Wife is you can find a copy. It really has a fabulous English Village feel to it, and I really enjoyed it.

Mary - Great, that you continue to enjoy the Scandic-Crime (on tv) :) I haven't seen the Maria Wern-series yet. But it has been shown on one of the tv-channels here. Maybe I'll try to get it on dvd (library).

Nancy - Review of Onkels Drøm is up now. I really enjoy Dostoevsky, but of course this one is much lighter than most of his stories. Still a long way before I finish all of his stories.

Deborah - Yes, I think even you could grasp the story :) Maybe a shorter work of Dostoevsky is a good way to be introduced to his style of writing. My first encounter with Dosto was The Brothers Karamazov - I gave up two times and only finished it the third time and it took me a long time to read. Not the easiest book to start with.

>118 ctpress: And thumbed : ).

Thumbed last night, Carsten!

Thanks, Nancy and Deborah.

I've been working 30 plus hours this weekend covering the terrorist attack in Paris. Feel rather drained now. Too much hatred and grief to take in.

I've been thinking of you, Carsten. I can imagine all of the hate and grief you have had to deal with, but on a bigger scale than we in Canada. Hugs to you! Hang onto love and all that is good.

>121 ctpress: I can't imagine covering something like that attack, but as someone who has been trying to keep up with all the events - thanks for making sure the rest of us know about it. Sending you good vibes and hoping you catch up on some sleep.

Carsten, I was thinking of you over the weekend, trying to cover the Paris attacks, that you must be exhausted: emotionally as well as physically. Exactly: Too much hatred and grief to take in. Look after yourself!

Thanks, Deborah, Marie and Nancy for thinking of me.

I didn't really reflect so much about it during the weekend, just working and trying to keep up with all the news coming in. But on my day off today the whole thing just hit me. Emotionally exhausted is pretty much it.

Yesterday 20.000 danes were on the streets with torches in front of the french embassy to show sympathy. It was good to be able to report that.

Thanks Carsten for your description of the 20,000 Danes with their torches of sympathy at the embassy. It made such a good visual image. Take care of yourself!

Oh, wow, I hadn't thought of you covering things. I can't imagine having to bury myself in those stories. I'm glad you're getting to see some good things too.

Thanks Mary and Jim - Yes it was good - in the midst of it all - to experience such a large gathering in the centre of Copenhagen. The need for expressing sympathy and standing together was huge.

Hang in there, Carsten. I'm so glad that you had a feeling of healing and peace with the large gathering in Copenhagen. 20,000 Danes is a powerful image and I'm sure, even more so as a part of the group. I've been following the entire thing very carefully on TV and in the newspapers, as well as online. It is all quite overwhelming. I even worried about my nephew in the UK, but he tells me via email that he feels okay about it all, in the sense that he is not anxious for his safety. I was concerned that he might not have yet made some good mates to talk about the whole thing with as yet.

Take care , Carsten and read something by P.G. Woodhouse,or watch some good tv -and not the news. xo Deborah

Hi Deborah - Oh yes, some good old Wodehouse would be good, you're right. I'm really exhausted or should I say used up when I get from work these days. Hopefully the breaking news situation will soon die out for a while.

I hope the breaking news will quiet, too, Carsten. I understand how you are used up after work this past while.

Found the Grantchester DVD at my library and am presently through the first half. Thoroughly enjoying! Very well done, and superbly acted. Thanks for the rec!

Talk about coincidence, Carsten and Nancy! My copy of the Granchester DVD just came into the library ( it had 3 holds on it ) so I hope to get into the library soon to pick up my copy.

I am hoping that the breaking news will soon come to halt too, Carsten. Unlike some of us, you cannot just turn off the TV or decide you will not read the paper. ( not that I have done that , but I am getting weary) so I can't imagine what it is like for you.

Nancy - Great that you're enjoying the Grantchester DVD's. I read that season 2 will air in 2016, so we can look forward to some more crimes to be solved.

Deborah - Good timing :) I hope you'll enjoy the series. Yes, fortunately some more quiet days on the news front. I try to avoid following the news too much on my days off. Normally that helps with "information overload".

Good to see you today, Carsten, on my thread! Enjoy December, which is rapidly upon us!

it's going fast, Deborah. December already....I've been quite busy because we have an EU-election this week in Denmark,and we cover it a lot. But I look forward to next week and some more relaxed situation :)

Ah! I did not realize that there was an EU-election. Yes, I would imagine that would take a lot of coverage. Carsten, you should really take on the British Royal Family, William , Kate and George and Charlotte in particular. I think that would be a relatively quiet " newsbeat" for the most part and and I'd be so happy! ;)

Hi Carsten, so glad to hear you say that next week you can look forward to a more relaxed time. You've certainly earned it!

A bit of royal news sounds like the distraction i need at the moment, Deborah. I'm afraid I've neglected Kensington for a while...

Anything but this complicated annoying election. Nobody really knows what the consequences of it are - more integration into EU, and giving some sovereignty away, but exactly what? Politicians and experts are fighting. I guess it's all for the common good of EU, but Danes have always been rather skeptical towards EU. The prediction is again that we say no way, EU.

I really look forward to next week, Nancy. Not so much work and hopefully a good book with a cup of tea to cheer me up :)

Hi Cartsten, Three cheers for good books with accompanying cups of tea. Have a good break!

Hi Carsten,
Just popping in for a quick hello.
See you again!

Thanks, Mary. I have a few days now to relax and some time to read. And a good weekend to you.

Hello, Megan. And a quick hello from Copenhagen. Have a nice weekend.

Ah! The referendum about joining the EU is over, I think , so now you can relax, I hope, Carsten.

Yes, Deborah - it was another cold shoulder to the EU. Now the Danish politicians are trying to get to some other agreements with EU on certain issues.

I hope we'll have some more easy going news-days ahead of us. And perhaps I can get into the reading-mode again.

32. Emily of New Moon by L. M. Montgomery (1923) 4,5/5
audiobook narrated by Susan O'Malley



If it's IN you to climb you must -- there are those who MUST lift their eyes to the hills -- they can't breathe properly in the valleys.

There’s a lot of similarities between Anne og Green Gables and Emily of New Moon (the title being one of them). Both orphaned girls being adopted into new families where they have a hard time to fit in. Both fond of creating a dream world of their own, both aspiring writers.

I thought it might be difficult to separate the stories and not think of Anne all the time, but quickly Emily emerged as her own unique, lovely character, timid, with a poetic mind, a strong sense of justice and inability to understand the grown up world. She has several battles with her “nemesis”, the strict aunt Elizabeth, but both learn valuable lessons living under the same roof.

I liked the letters Emily writes to her father (who has just passed away), letters in which she pours out her heart like small laments, trying to make sense of her new life at New Moon.

Emily meet “kindred spirits” (phrase taken from Anne) and one in particular who understands her and who talks of fairies and the make-believe. That’s a beautiful moment in the story.

Last week I read an essay about the difference between being childish and childlike. I think Emily learns something of this too. I think that’s why I like children’s books so much. It reminds me of the importance of being childlike - and not grow into an old cynic. Not to have a frozen heart like aunt Elizabeth - but like Emily to write poems of the wonder of nature and small details of life.

Fabulous review, Carsten! Your review makes me want to find a copy of Emily of the New Moon and re - read it! Such a gorgeous cover too, compared to the one I read in my teens ! Happy Christmas week Carsten!

Hi Deborah - I like the covers for the new Virago Modern Classic series of the Emily-books. Almost want me to buy them just for the covers, but I have the cheap ebook-versions. And I listened to this one. Modern world, many versions :)

Carsten, wonderful review of Emily of the New Moon. I do adore Lucy Maude Montgomery, but this one I am not familiar with. That needs to change! The audiobook sounds wonderful. Thumb-up : ).

Have a wonderful Christmas week, my Danish friend!

Thanks, Nancy. There's three novels in the "Emily-series", so I have some more Montgomery on hold. I saw that there's a tv-version, but I don't know if it's any good.

The audiobook can be recommended. Very good narration.

And a wonderful Christmas week to you too :)

Oh, I can recommend all of the Emily series! I think I read most everything that L.M. Montgomery every published " back in the day." I love the phrase ' kindred spirits." In my high school years, I worked part time at a bookstore -and I guess, even in my first year at university. Oh those wonderful days of 25 % off my purchases and being surrounded by books when I worked! Even then I secretly wondered why people purchased Westerns or Sci - Fi. I guess my taste in books was already fairly set at a young age! :) I remember the mutual embarrassment I and a customer would feel when someone purchased The Joy of Sex etc . That was fairly popular in the late 70's early 80's . The good old days!

Good to know that the Emily-series is a strong one, Deborah. I think I will get to the other two when I get my audible subscription back in the new year (hopefully). Must be wonderful to be surrounded by books and getting paid for it - despite the awkwardness of certain books :) Ah, on sci-fi I can't agree. Although I seldom venture there, I like to make it to outer space from time to tome.

Wishing my best Danish friend the Merriest of Christmases, ! Hope it's full of love, laughter, and books!

Happy Christmas Carsten!

Merry Christmas Carsten! I have no graphics, but I wish you the happiest of Christmases and much Hyygge!

>142 vancouverdeb: The Emily of New Moon series is my favorite Montgomery of all!



For my Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Holiday image this year (we are so diverse!), I've chosen this photograph by local photographer Mark Lenoce of the pier at Pacific Beach to express my holiday wishes to you: Peace on Earth and Good Will toward All!

Have a lovely holiday, Carsten.

Nancy and Deborah - thanks. A Merry Christmas to my two best Canadian friends :)

Rhian - Lovely Christmas tree. Merry Christmas.

Roni - Beautiful view. Merry Christmas.

Paul - Ha, ha. I love nine Hobbits dancing, Merry Christmas, mate.

HI Carsten, Wishing you a very wonderful Christmas. I'm wondering if Santa visits you in Denmark before he visits here in British Columbia.

Happy New Year, Carsten! I'm looking forward to your 2016 thread! Happy to hear that you read Our Souls At Night. It is really a lovely story .

Hello Carsten, this is the LT meme police. Where is your year-end book meme, kind Sir? Do explain!

Happy New Year, friend!

Hi Mary, Deborah and Nancy. Hope you have entered 2016 in a good and pleasant manner. I wish you all the best for the new year.

Oh, the LT Meme Police. I fear a knock on the door so I better get to it: Here's my End of the Year Book Meme:

Describe yourself: A Man Called Ove
Describe how you feel: Very Good, Jeeves
Describe where you currently live: The Last Town
If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Mrs. Harris goes to Paris
Your favorite form of transportation: The Black Stallion
Your best friend is: Julie of the Wolves
You and your friends are: The Boxcar Children
What’s the weather like: Arctic Chill
You fear: White Nights
What is the best advice you have to give: A Month in the Country
Thought for the day: H is for Hawk
How I would like to die: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang
My soul’s present condition: Surprised by Joy

The LT Meme police have come knocking at your door, Carsten! Ah, I never suspected you were A Man Called Ove , you old curmudgeon, you! :) The weather The Arctic Chill - good one and fearing White Nights. Good ones Carsten. I had to go out for New Years Eve day for dinner and I had to scrape frost off the windows of my car. I call that Harsh!

All the best for the New Year. Remember the thread of the LT thread police, lest your thread get to long!

Happy Reading in 2016 and the best for the year!

Ah - just saw Nancy's post! Be afraid, very afraid! ;)

Oh, Carsten, I LOVE the meme! So, you are A Man Called Ove who rides The Black Stallion! Mercy, what a wild life you live!

Deborah and Nancy - yes, I am a man called Ove :) and actually the weather right now is pretty close to Arctic Chill.

OK - I've moved onto a new year: You can find me here:

https://www.librarything.com/topic/211135