VivienneR Reads in 2016, volume 4

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VivienneR Reads in 2016, volume 4

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1VivienneR
Editado: Oct 2, 2016, 2:22 am



Welcome to my 4th and final thread this year. This glacier photo is appropriate to take me into the winter months - although the photo was taken in summer, from Mount Temple near Banff in the Canadian Rockies.

This is my fourth year at Club Read. As usual I am planning on making some headway with Mt. TBR although I seem to buy more than I read so it has grown instead. This was supposed to be the year to change all that but books still seem to arrive faster than I can read!

I'm also doing the Category Challenge and can be found at VivienneR's 2016 Category Challenge

2VivienneR
Editado: Dic 31, 2016, 8:51 pm




Up Next:
reading in 2017...

3VivienneR
Editado: Oct 2, 2016, 2:14 am

1st Quarter:

January
1. Best of Women's Short Stories edited by William John Locke
2. Virginia Woolf by Nigel Nicolson
3. Miracle in the Andes: 72 days on the mountain and my long trek home by Nando Parrado
4. Monsieur Pamplemousse Afloat by Michael Bond
5. Person or persons unknown by Bruce Alexander
6. A walk in the woods : rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail by Bill Bryson
7. A Peter Gzowski Reader by Peter Gzowski
8. Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson
9. Untold Stories by Alan Bennett
10. Dressing Up for the Carnival by Carol Shields
11. Photograph by Ringo Starr
12. George Harrison: Behind the Locked Door by Graeme Thomson
13. The Clothes They Stood Up In and, The Lady in the Van by Alan Bennett
14. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
15. Miss Petitfour by Anne Michaels
16. A Royal Pain by Rhys Bowen
17. Death of a Bore by M.C. Beaton
18. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou

February
19. One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest by Ken Kesey
20. Train Dreams by Denis Johnson
21. Johannes Cabal, the necromancer by Jonathan Howard
22. The Queen's Man by Sharon Kay Penman
23. Fifteen Days: stories of bravery, friendship, life and death from inside the new Canadian Army by Christie Blatchford
24. The Lost Painting by Jonathan Harr
25. The World of Jeeves by P.G. Woodhouse
26. Station Eleven by Emily St John Mandel
27. The Magical Adventures of the Wishing-Chair by Enid Blyton
28. Be Careful What You Wish For by Jeffrey Archer
29. Mightier than the Sword by Jeffrey Archer
30. The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen
31. The Cat Who Knew a Cardinal by Lilian Jackson Braun
32. Benediction by Kent Haruf
33. No Time for Goodbye by Linwood Barclay

March
34. The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith
35. The Dog Who Knew Too Much by Spencer Quinn
36. Diamond Solitaire by Peter Lovesey
37. Celebrations at Thrush Green by Miss Read
38. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Other Jazz Age Stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald
39. A Murder of Quality by John le Carré
40. The Warden by Anthony Trollope
41. A Country Doctor's Notebook by Mikhail Bulgakov
42. Miss Moon, Wise Words from a Dog Governess by Janet Hill
43. The Heretic Queen by Michelle Moran
44. Far from the Rowan Tree by Margaret Gillies Brown
45. Who asked you? by Terry McMillan
46. Last Orders by Graham Swift
47. The Féte at Coqueville by Émile Zola
48. The Camomile Lawn by Mary Wesley
49. Wilful Behavior by Donna Leon
50. Hark! A Vagrant by Kate Beaton
51. Plainsong by Kent Haruf
52. End of the Wasp Season by Denise Mina
53. Q & A by Vikas Swarup

4VivienneR
Editado: Oct 2, 2016, 2:16 am

2nd Quarter:

April
54. The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondō
55. The Phantom Major: the Story of David Stirling and the SAS Regiment by Virginia Cowles
56. Leaven of Malice by Robertson Davies
57. A Brief History of Montmaray by Michelle Cooper
58. You Had to Be There: an intimate portrait of the generation that survived the Depression, won the War, and re-invented Canada by Robert Collins
59. Pomegranate Soup by Marsha Mehran
60. What Was She Thinking: Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller
61. Going Solo by Roald Dahl
62. The Good Thief's Guide to Vegas by Chris Ewan
63. The Solitude of Thomas Cave by Georgina Harding
64. The Music Lovers by Jonathan Valin
65. No Fixed Address: an amorous journey by Aritha van Herk
66. Boy: tales of childhood by Roald Dahl

May
67. Grave Goods by Ariana Franklin
68. Red Glass by Laura Resau
69. A Complicated Kindness by Miriam Toews
70. What we talk about when we talk about the tube : the District line by John Lanchester
71. A Mixture of Frailties by Robertson Davies
72. The English Patient by Michael Ondaatje
73. The Roald Dahl Omnibus: Perfect Bedtime Stories for Sleepless Nights by Roald Dahl
74. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy
75. Tender: a cook and his vegetable patch by Nigel Slater
76. Murther & Walking Spirits by Robertson Davies
77. The Light of Evening by Edna O'Brien

June
78. Sorry by Gail Jones
79. Grammar snobs are great big meanies: a guide to language for fun and spite by June Casagrande
80. The Marriage Casket by Deborah Morgan
81. A Far Cry from Kensington by Muriel Spark
82. Gilead by Marilynne Robinson
83. Unfinished Portrait by Anthea Fraser
84. The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin
85. The Bookshop by Penelope Fitzgerald
86. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

5VivienneR
Editado: Oct 3, 2016, 2:12 am

3rd Quarter:

July
87. Longitude: the true story of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time by Dava Sobel
88. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan
89. The Catering Queen by Alison Lawrence
90. Mr Mercedes by Stephen King
91. The Lake District Murder by John Bude
92. And thereby hangs a tale by Jeffrey Archer
93. Lost in Shangri-La: A true story of survival, adventure and the most incredible rescue mission of World War II by Mitchell Zuckoff
94. Through early Yellowstone: adventuring by bicycle, covered wagon, foot, horseback and skis edited by Janet Chapple
95. A Death in the Family by James Agee
96. Bandits by Elmore Leonard
97. The Dame by Richard Stark
98. Death of My Aunt by C.H.B. Kitchin
99. Wait for me!: memoirs of the youngest Mitford sister by Deborah Devonshire
100. Gutshot Straight by Lou Berney
101. Slide by Norah McClintock
102. Perfect Hatred by Leighton Gage
103. Macbeth by William Shakespeare

August
104. The Hours by Michael Cunningham
105. A House in the Sky : a memoir by Amanda Lindhout
106. Wilderness Tips by Margaret Atwood
107. The Garden at Chatsworth by Deborah Devonshire
108. Chatsworth: The House by Deborah Devonshire
109. The Toad : the disgusting critters series by Élise Gravel
110. Wild: from lost to found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed
111. Gently with the Painters by Alan Hunter
112. The Silkworm by Robert Galbraith
113. In the midst of life by Jennifer Worth
114. A beautiful place to die by Malla Nunn
115. Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers
116. Sweetness in the Belly by Camilla Gibb
117. Graveyard shift: and other stories from Night Shift by Stephen King
118. Echo Burning by Lee Child
119. Résistance: a woman's journal of struggle and defiance in Occupied France by Agnes Humbert

September
120. Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje
121. Big little lies by Liane Moriarty
122. Now May You Weep by Deborah Crombie
123. The Dead Hour by Denise Mina
124. Canada's Weather: the climate that shapes a nation by Chris St. Clair
125. Slip of the Knife by Denise Mina
126. Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell translated by Steven T. Murray
127. Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky, translated by Sandra Smith
128. Seabiscuit by Laura Hillenbrand
129. Samuel Maclure, Architect by Janet Bingham
130. Bourbon Island 1730 by Lewis Trondheim, Appollo translated by Alexis Siegel (GN)
131. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
132. Gold boy, emerald girl by Yiyun Li
133. Crooked Lake by Nelson Brunanski
134. Ten things I've learnt about love by Sarah Butler

6VivienneR
Editado: Dic 31, 2016, 8:53 pm

4th Quarter

October
135. Finders Keepers by Stephen King
136. Academy Street by Mary Costello
137. The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
138. Into the wild by Jon Krakauer
139. Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald
140. Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope
141. The noise of time by Julian Barnes
142. In his own write & A Spaniard in the works by John Lennon
143. Startle and illuminate: Carol Shields on writing by Carol Shields
144. The Importance of being seven by Alexander McCall Smith
145. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame
146. The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield
147. The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham
148. The Queen of Water by Laura Resau
149. Tall story by Candy Gourlay
150. In a dark house by Deborah Crombie
151. The Halloween Tree by Ray Bradbury
152. Andreo's Race by Pam Withers
153. Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray

November
154. Lawrence and the Arabs by Robert Graves
155. Last train to Zona Verde: my ultimate African Safari by Paul Theroux
156. The Girl on the train by Paula Hawkins
157. Shakespeare: the world as stage by Bill Bryson
158. Land of a thousand hills: my life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr
159. The outsider: my life in intrigue by Frederick Forsyth
160. Everything I never told you by Celeste Ng
161. Blood, Salt, water by Denise Mina
162. A clubbable woman by Reginald Hill
163. Montreal Stories by Mavis Gallant

December
164. Water like a stone by Deborah Crombie
165. Pearl Harbor Christmas by Stanley Weintraub
166. A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install
167. The Good Thief's Guide to Paris by Chris Ewan
168. The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth
169. Malcolm X: by any means necessary by Walter Dean Myers
170. The Gathering by Anne Enright
171. Gentlemen and Players by Joanne Harris
172. Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson
173. The day Santa stopped believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus illustrated by Cale Atkinson
174. Gertrude and Toby meet the wolf by Shari Tharp illustrated by Jim Heath
175. The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin
176. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay
177. Selected stories by Muriel Spark
178. Cover her face by P.D. James

7Caroline_McElwee
Oct 2, 2016, 12:09 pm

I liked both Academy Street and Offshore Vivienne. I've liked all of the Penelope Fitzgerald novels I've read, I think we may have had that discussion before. Love the photo at the top. Such drama and majesty.

8VivienneR
Oct 2, 2016, 12:37 pm

You are right, Caroline, I received the Costello and Fitzgerald recommendations from you.

My son is a climber and he took the photo. He'll be happy to hear your comments.

9Nickelini
Oct 2, 2016, 8:25 pm

Great picture! Looking forward to hearing what you're reading in October.

10VivienneR
Oct 6, 2016, 1:32 pm



Finders Keepers by Stephen King

This is the second in the Bill Hodges trilogy and just like the first one, it grabbed my attention right away and held on to the finish. It has plenty of twists and turns, excitement, and suspense, none of which is so far-fetched as to make the reader incredulous. The story flows naturally without the annoyance of having details obviously worked into the plot to make it come off. What I enjoy most are the great characters and I was glad to see Holly and Jerome return to join forces with Bill Hodges. I'm looking forward to the next, the last in the series.

As this storyline has a connection with Mr Mecedes it is a good idea to read the series in order.



Academy Street by Mary Costello

Even as a child, Tess Lohan is hampered by a quiet introspective personality. Costello's story begins in Ireland when the mother of seven-year-old Tess dies. No one tells the child what exactly has happened so her limited understanding of death creates imaginative pictures.

"A car is coming down the avenue. It is the hearse, she thinks, returning. With her mother sitting up in the front seat, smiling, and the coffin behind open, empty - a terrible mistake put right. They had come to the wrong house."

The story follows Tess's lonely life: growing up in Ireland then the move to New York and becoming a single mother of a son, Theo. Like real life, amid the humdrum days Tess has moments of great joy and as many of misery and disappointment. The early uncertainty of Theo's death in the tragedy of 9/11 mirrored the episode of her mother's death. Costello captured the contemplative world of Tess in this perceptive, beautifully written character study.

11VivienneR
Oct 11, 2016, 3:48 pm



Into the wild by Jon Krakauer

Soon after graduating from university in 1990 Chris McCandless gave away most of his belongings and cash and set out on on an adventure with the name Alexander Supertramp, taken from The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp by W.H. Davies. If the books he carried are any indication, he obviously admired Davies as well as Jack London, Tolstoy and Henry David Thoreau. His goal was to live simply, own little or nothing and experience a spiritual, ascetic life. After travelling around in the US, and working in casual jobs to earn just enough to get by, this friendly, amiable young man set off on a solitary adventure in Alaska, reaching his destination in April 1992. He took shelter in an abandoned bus and for a while lived on berries and small game. When he attempted to hike out of the area he found he was trapped by a river in flood. He returned to the shelter of the bus where he eventually became severely weakened after apparently eating poisonous seeds. He died there in August 1992. His body was found by hunters 19 days later. Krakauer investigated the life and death of Chris McCandless thoroughly, which brought about this excellent account of the young man who loved solitary adventure. Maybe it was because Krakauer shared that love, described in a chapter of the book, and survived some perilous situations himself, that he was able to understand McCandless's temperament and goals. His story was written with compassion and sensitivity, a fine tribute to Chris.

12VivienneR
Oct 12, 2016, 12:33 am



Offshore by Penelope Fitzgerald

This is a beautifully quirky story about a little community of houseboats and barges at Battersea Reach, on the Thames in the early sixties. Fitzgerald has an uncanny ability to weave eccentricities into her characters yet make them completely normal. Their lives fluctuate as much as the tidal river, forever ebbing and flowing, yet we know life on the Reach to be nearing its demise. Fitzgerald does not use an extraneous word in this charming and clever story.

13rachbxl
Oct 12, 2016, 5:27 am

>10 VivienneR: ooh, good timing! I'm into the last 100 pages of Mr Mercedes and I'm completely gripped. I had no idea there were more.

A few years ago I picked up China Factory, Mary Costello's short story collection, in a Dublin bookshop where it was part of a 'local writers' display, and I was blown away by her writing. I was excited to hear she'd published a novel - thanks for reminding me.

14VivienneR
Oct 12, 2016, 11:32 am

>13 rachbxl: I think I enjoyed Finders Keepers even more than Mr Mercedes. Can't wait to get into End of Watch.

Mary Costello's writing is wonderful. She's an author to watch for.

15Nickelini
Oct 12, 2016, 12:10 pm

>11 VivienneR: & >12 VivienneR:

Nice reviews on two books that I enjoyed as well.

I read Into the Wild when it was first published. I saw Krakauer on one of those morning shows and went right out and bought it in hardcover. I remember having the impression that Chris McCandless was a spoiled rich kid who didn't have a clue about what he was doing. I still haven't seen the movie, so I'm going to make a point of watching it now.

Love the cover of Offshore that you have.

16AlisonY
Oct 12, 2016, 5:39 pm

Noting Into the Wild - sounds sad but interesting.

17dchaikin
Oct 12, 2016, 9:48 pm

I loved Into the Wild. I felt it was really more about Krakauer than McCandless, who I mainly felt bad for because Krakauer did. Haven't seen the movie.

Nice review of Acadmeny Street.

18VivienneR
Oct 12, 2016, 9:51 pm

>15 Nickelini: Thanks Joyce. I didn't get the impression that McCandless was any more spoiled than any other kid who can go to college without incurring student loans. He gave the remains of his college fund to Oxfam, a significant $24,000. I think he was desperately disappointed in his father. There are so many theories about what happened to McCandless, most of them without any kind of evidence. I'd like to see the movie too, but I bet it won't be a patch on the book.

I love the Fitzgerald cover too.

>16 AlisonY: Because Krakauer keeps his writing factual, he portrays the character of McCandless and what led up to the trip without emotion - until close to the end, which was sad.

19Nickelini
Oct 12, 2016, 10:02 pm

I didn't get the impression that McCandless was any more spoiled than any other kid who can go to college without incurring student loans. He gave the remains of his college fund to Oxfam, a significant $24,000.

It's been a really long time since I read this, and my husband will assure you that I have a terrible memory. Maybe what I'm thinking was that Krakauer viewed him as living in a bubble world of privilege and being completely ill-prepared for the whole living in the wilds of Alaska thing. I thought he was presented as too naive to carry out his world view without actually preparing himself, and maybe a little bit crazy (that's what I thought all the mountain climbing bits were about). Like I said, it's been a long time and I could be completely misremembering.

Oh, and I think Krakauer would think that those other college kids that come out $24,000 ahead are also spoiled and living in a bubble world. Not saying it's their fault either. (Said as someone who has been accused of growing up spoiled. Trust me, I didn't ask for all those clothes--my mother had a shopping addiction. But that's another story).

20VivienneR
Oct 13, 2016, 1:45 am

Yes, he was naive, strange for such an intelligent guy. I explain it by saying he was young. I got the impression he thought it would be easy: just a matter of putting one foot in front of the other and anything else would look after itself.

Krakauer didn't mention the amount of the college fund, it was on a website created I believe by McCandless's sister.

My mother would have loved you. Another shopaholic but I had different taste entirely and couldn't pull off her fashion-plate looks.

21VivienneR
Oct 18, 2016, 5:39 pm



Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

Not nearly so serious as The Warden, this, the second in the Barsetshire series is liberally sprinkled with humour. Trollope's mastery with language ensures this will forever be a favourite. It's a story that is difficult to put aside and the characters, becoming old friends or foes as rendered, will remain with the reader for a long time. And no matter their disposition, those characters are so richly coloured that the reader can almost see them in person. My usual dislike of long, wordy books is withheld for Trollope who can entertain as much with his choice of words as with the action.

22VivienneR
Editado: Oct 19, 2016, 3:42 pm



The noise of time by Julian Barnes

In spare, eloquent prose, Barnes packs a lot into this fictional look at the life of Russian composer Shostakovich. To be at the forefront of any art under Stalin was dangerous, maintaining integrity almost impossible. Was Khrushchev, "the corn cob" any different? Thought-provoking, poignant, compassionate, this is a brilliant work, worthy of the accolades.

Thanks to CarolineMcElwee for the recommendation.

23VivienneR
Oct 19, 2016, 3:34 pm



In his own write & A Spaniard in the works by John Lennon

This little volume of nonsense verse perfectly depicts the Lennon we all remember. The irreverent words and illustrations show the originality and spontaneity typical of Lennon. Many of the pieces are John's version of a classic. One of my favourites was "Treasure Ivan", a unique take on Robert Louis Stevenson's work. I don't pretend to understand it, but I appreciate this nostalgic look back at an era of fun.

I Wandered

On balmy seas and pernie schooners
On strivers and warming things
In a peanut coalshed clad
I wandered happy as a jew
To meet good Doris King.

Past grisby trees and hulky builds
Past ratters and bradder sheep
In a resus baby stooped
I wandered hairy as a dog
To get a goobites sleep

Down hovey lanes and stoney claves
Down ricketts and sticklys myth
In a fatty hebrew gurth
I wandered humply as a sock
To meet bad Bernie Smith

24VivienneR
Oct 19, 2016, 4:36 pm



Startle and illuminate: Carol Shields on writing by Carol Shields

Intending to help aspiring and established writers, Anne and Nicholas Giardini, daughter and grandson of Carol Shields, have put together this collection of her writing taken from correspondence, essays, notes and so on. Although it is interesting to get Shields' opinion and advice on writing in one volume, it appears to be intended as a writing class text book. Summaries and some writing assignments follow each chapter.

25Caroline_McElwee
Oct 19, 2016, 6:22 pm

>22 VivienneR: Glad it lived up to expectations Vivienne.

>24 VivienneR: this could have been write right up my street, but it seems not, based on your comments. Ah well. I love creatives writing about their craft, but suspect this might disappoint.

26VivienneR
Oct 19, 2016, 7:54 pm

>25 Caroline_McElwee: I loved The Noise of Time.

Another reader may get more out of Startle and Illuminate than I did. I'd prefer to read her books. I've been in the middle of more than my usual number of books at one time. I hope this didn't affect my judgement.

27dchaikin
Oct 19, 2016, 10:04 pm

The Noise of the Time sounds really good. You have me interested in how he managed that balance.

28VivienneR
Oct 19, 2016, 11:14 pm

Well, Khrushchev got Shostakovich join the Communist Party, which was against what he believed. It is to be wondered if that was to avoid a possible repeat of the terror and paranoia that he had experienced under Stalin.

29VivienneR
Oct 21, 2016, 6:55 pm



The Darkest Dark by Chris Hadfield

This is a beautiful picture book for children. It tells the story of Chris Hadfield, Canadian astronaut, who was scared of the dark until 1969 when he watched the Apollo 11 moon landing on television and noticed the velvety darkness of space. The story shows a considerate understanding of a child's fear as well as the satisfying success of conquering it. It would be an excellent book for any child, especially for a child who is afraid of the dark, or one who enjoys the idea of space travel. Adding background to the story, the book concludes with "About Chris Hadfield" and "A Message from Chris" accompanied by photographs. The illustrations by Eric and Terry Fan are outstanding.

Thanks to LibraryThing Early Reviewers and Tundra Books for this book!

30Nickelini
Oct 22, 2016, 1:50 am

>29 VivienneR: Oh wow, I saw that at the Superstore today with a 40% off sticker on it and it was absolutely screaming at me to buy it. I flipped through it the other night at the Vancouver Writers Festival bookstore and thought that I loved it, but with kids being 16 and 20, and no little ones around I couldn't justify it. One of those nights where I wanted to buy everything so bought nothing. Anyway,I didn't realize it was THAT Chris Hadfield. Well, it can go on the general shelf. Picking up a copy next time I see it. So glad you pointed it out.

31VivienneR
Oct 22, 2016, 2:12 am

>30 Nickelini: I have a little 6 year-old friend who gets my children's books. In this case I'll be sorry to part with it. One of the photos at the back shows a young Chris Hadfield in his first "spacecraft" - a cardboard box that once contained Quaker Oats!

32NanaCC
Oct 22, 2016, 6:29 pm

>21 VivienneR: the Barchester series kept getting better as it went on.

33VivienneR
Oct 22, 2016, 7:06 pm

>32 NanaCC: I'm really looking forward to it - thanks for the most part to your good opinions!

34VivienneR
Oct 24, 2016, 7:15 pm



The Painted Veil by W. Somerset Maugham

Written in 1925 when Hong Kong was a Crown colony, this is the story of Kitty Fane. Married to a man she didn't love, this spoiled young woman fell in love with charming, married, government official Charles Townsend. When Walter Fane discovered her affair, he gave her the option of divorce but only on the condition that Townsend will marry her. Of course, Townsend has no intention of that, so Walter compels her to accompany him to the heart of a cholera epidemic. The story is an examination of love and fidelity that Maugham does so well. Although the setting is not as clearly defined as most of Maugham's stories, the early 20th century culture and manners of British Empire days are beautifully portrayed.

35RidgewayGirl
Oct 24, 2016, 7:39 pm

Have you seen the movie of The Painted Veil? It's stunning.

36VivienneR
Oct 24, 2016, 9:35 pm

No, I haven't seen the movie, I"ll watch out for it. Thanks for telling me about it. Maugham has been one of my favourite writers for many years.

37VivienneR
Oct 24, 2016, 9:38 pm



This was chosen for the last square in my Bingo challenge at the 2016 Category Challenge group. A surprisingly worthwhile read.

The Queen of Water by Laura Resau

It was common for poor indigenous families in Ecuador to send their young daughters to work and live with wealthy mestizo families of Spanish origins. The arrangements seldom had any agreement about payment or when the girl might be allowed to visit her family. This is what happened to Maria Virginia Farinango when she was about six or seven years old. Her "owners" treated her horrendously for eight years until she was able to escape. During that time she had developed contempt for her Quichua heritage, thanks to the constant slurs about indigenous people from the family who owned her. Eventually Virginia was able to take charge of her own life and succeed in areas she only dreamt of. She was smart, resourceful and able to understand the possible outcome of a wrong decision. When Laura Resau met her, Virginia told her she'd like to write the story of her life, a job Resau was delighted to help bring about. Happily, Virginia recovered pride in her heritage. Although heartbreaking, this is a beautifully written story of a delightful young woman who will remain in your thoughts for a long time. Although it is intended for young adults, the story would appeal to any age group from tweens to adult.

38SassyLassy
Oct 25, 2016, 12:58 pm

>35 RidgewayGirl: >34 VivienneR: I was going to ask the same question about the movie. It was truly beautiful and led me to read the book, which as you say, captured the time and place beautifully.

39VivienneR
Oct 25, 2016, 1:20 pm

>38 SassyLassy: & >35 RidgewayGirl: Thank you, I just found the movie at the library! As I always think of Diana Rigg as Mrs Peel in The Avengers, it is difficult to imagine her as the Mother Superior.

40Caroline_McElwee
Oct 26, 2016, 7:49 am

>35 RidgewayGirl: agreeing, the film was very good, and has the wonderful Toby Jones in.

41VivienneR
Editado: Oct 28, 2016, 1:41 pm



In a dark house by Deborah Crombie

Another excellent mystery from Crombie who combines relationships, details of a specific and unique area of London, with tricky investigations. Mystery novels by American authors that are set in England are often flawed in a way that signals the writer's origin, but Crombie gets it just right.

42NanaCC
Oct 29, 2016, 2:40 pm

>41 VivienneR: I just finished the fifth book in this series. I'm glad to hear it is holding up.

43VivienneR
Oct 29, 2016, 2:55 pm

>42 NanaCC: Colleen, my concern is that when I catch up with the series I'll have to wait for Crombie to write more.

44NanaCC
Oct 29, 2016, 2:56 pm

>43 VivienneR: that is always the concern with series that I enjoy. :)

45VivienneR
Oct 29, 2016, 4:20 pm



Andreo's Race by Pam Withers

When searching for a book to fill one of my category challenges, I found this. It was a surprisingly fun read.

Sixteen-year-old Andreo and his friend Raul were both adopted as newborns in Bolivia. When Andreo's adoptive family plan a week-long multi-sport adventure race in Bolivia, the boys see it as a chance to find details of their births. News of a recent criminal investigation into the adoption agency suggests they may have been adopted illegally as part of a baby trafficking business. Long days and nights of canoeing, cycling, hiking, and caving in harsh mountain conditions are combined with their research in an adventure-packed story. This is a book I would have devoured when I was a teen for the adventure alone never mind the mystery element. Highly recommended for young adults - and even some of us older adults.

46AlisonY
Oct 30, 2016, 2:08 pm

Too many good reviews to comment on them all, but enjoyed catching up on your thread.

47VivienneR
Oct 30, 2016, 10:29 pm

Glad to see you drop in Alison. It's tough to keep up to date on everybody's threads.

48VivienneR
Oct 30, 2016, 10:30 pm



Calling Invisible Women by Jeanne Ray

A quirky satire about women becoming invisible to everyone. No one notices, not even their families. It's an extension on the concept that women are ignored after reaching a certain age. This is a humorous story that shows a number of ways to use the condition of invisibility. The cause is discovered to be a combination of drugs. It's a creative and fanciful story that is quite thought-provoking in places.

49kidzdoc
Nov 2, 2016, 12:38 am

I'm glad to see glowing comments about The Noise of Time! I'll probably read it next month.

50VivienneR
Nov 2, 2016, 1:38 pm

I'll look forward to reading your opinion, Darryl. I hope you enjoy it.

51VivienneR
Nov 5, 2016, 3:22 pm



Lawrence and the Arabs by Robert Graves

Many details about T.E. Lawrence are well-known, but there is still some interesting information to be gleaned in Graves' book, published in 1928. Lawrence is best known for his role in helping the Arabs against the Ottoman Empire, the main subject of this work. Lawrence chose Emir Faisal, the son of Sharif Hussein, to lead the Arab Revolt. And it was Faisal who asked Lawrence to wear Arab costume because his men associated khaki with Turkish soldiers.

Graves' writing tends towards the dated style that is quite dry, but it is clear, without resorting to promotion of his friend, although he clearly thought highly of the very talented Lawrence. In fact, his friendship with Lawrence meant he was able to write more knowledgeably about him. A lot of the military manoeuvres were less interesting to me and at times difficult to follow, but necessary to understand events then and later. He was an exceptional strategist making him a hero with Arab forces and legend throughout the world.

There is an interesting section about Lawrence's life after the Arab Revolt when he joined the RAF, and his interest in motor cycles. There is no doubt that Lawrence had a magnetic personality. This section includes information about his work Seven Pillars of Wisdom and the shorter version Revolt in the Desert. The former, was written as a record of the Revolt, not meant for popular publication.

A snippet of information from another source reports that Lawrence gave a copy of Graves' book to his commanding officer, Sydney Smith. He had pencilled in over 30 amendments, and advised Smith with typical modesty "Do not take Graves' book as very true!". This copy sold for £7200 at auction in 2010.

52baswood
Nov 6, 2016, 10:12 am

>51 VivienneR: very interesting

53VivienneR
Nov 7, 2016, 11:27 am

>52 baswood: Yes, it got more interesting the further I got into it.

54VivienneR
Editado: Nov 7, 2016, 11:34 am



Last train to Zona Verde: my ultimate African Safari by Paul Theroux

Theroux returned to Africa to find out what has changed or improved since his last visit, described in his book Dark Star Africa. His writing is clear and straightforward, with an easy style as if writing to a friend. He visited South Africa, Namibia, and Angola, where he witnessed both great wealth and desperate poverty, rarely anything in between. Given that he was travelling by bus Theroux was brave indeed to venture into Angola, where the situation is particularly bleak. Although the country is rich in oil, gold and diamonds, life for the ordinary person is dire. This is a remarkably interesting book even though many of his findings were disheartening to say the least, and with no solutions in sight. It seems unlikely that growing Chinese involvement will bring about any change for Angolans.

55VivienneR
Editado: Nov 8, 2016, 10:33 pm



The Girl on the train by Paula Hawkins

Lots of twists and turns but the reader is able to keep up with details, maybe not with who is lying, or who is telling the truth, or if Rachel can stay sober long enough to tell what is going on. The story was a gripping page-turner that moved along quickly, and although the denouement wasn't a tremendous surprise the fun was in trying to tell truth from fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it. As this is a debut novel, I'll look forward to more from Hawkins.

But why was it not titled The Woman on the Train? There was no "girl" in the story.

56Nickelini
Nov 9, 2016, 1:31 am

That pretty much covers my comments too

57VivienneR
Nov 9, 2016, 1:42 am

I have a feeling (well, I hope so anyway) that Hawkins will get better. She knows how to keep the suspense going.

58VivienneR
Editado: Nov 11, 2016, 12:02 am



Shakespeare: the world as stage by Bill Bryson

My version was a short audiobook that I found to be very enjoyable and informative. It's a good concise biography, which is what it sets out to be, so it won't overwhelm the reader with an academic lecture. As well, Bryson adds segments describing life in Elizabethan England in a common sense way, without rising to melodrama about how disagreeable Shakespeare's England was.

We've all heard the alternate author theories, but Bryson dismisses these firmly and is able to back up his argument well. This was done in part by describing some of the "eccentrics" who made the claim, but he also provided credible reasoning that Shakespeare was indeed the author.

The audiobook ended with a good interview with Bryson by his editor. I enjoyed this so much that I ordered a print copy because there are several lines, words, names etc. that I want to remember for reference. The worst of audiobooks is that you can't stick post-it notes in them, but the best of this one was that it was an excellent narration by Bill Bryson.

59Nickelini
Nov 11, 2016, 3:21 am

>58 VivienneR: I've had that in my TBR for years. Need to pull it up. I got my English literature BA 5 years ago, and my Shakespeare prof didn't think much of the alternate author theories either. I don't believe LT member Cariola, who is a retired Shakespeare professor, thinks much of it either.

60janeajones
Nov 11, 2016, 9:47 am

I don't believe in alternate author theories, but the new claim that Shakespeare collaborated with Marlowe on the 3 Henry VI plays is intriguing.

61VivienneR
Nov 11, 2016, 3:01 pm

>59 Nickelini: I've always believed that the alternate author theories became popular because they create a bit of mystery and drama Shakespeare - as if he needed any more! Glad to hear academics are not taken in.

>60 janeajones: A collaboration sounds much more credible, and as you say, intriguing.

62Caroline_McElwee
Nov 11, 2016, 3:13 pm

I have an audio book subscription, but so rarely listen to books this way. Maybe not being a driver is the issue, as I know that's where many folk 'read' them.

63VivienneR
Nov 12, 2016, 2:44 am

I never listen to audiobooks and drive, I know my attention would wander from one or the other. I listen as I when I exercise, do housework, cooking, sewing and things like that. In fact my exercise sessions have been known to take twice as long when I have a good book! I gain both ways.

64VivienneR
Editado: Nov 16, 2016, 2:43 am



Land of a thousand hills: my life in Rwanda by Rosamond Halsey Carr

In 1949 Rosamund Halsey Carr left New York for what was then the Belgian Congo. Her marriage to a hunter-explorer was not to last but by the time of her divorce, she had fallen in love with the country. To support herself she started a pyrethrum farm (a natural insecticide). Her descriptions of the country and its people are captivating. She met and became good friends with Dian Fossey, who was murdered in the middle of writing a letter to Carr.

Over the years she faced many tragedies and difficulties, however the Rwandan Genocide of 1994 was the most heartbreaking. She had stayed through previous conflicts but this time was given minutes to grab essentials and make her escape. She left the country for some months returning when the risk was reduced. She was 82 years old and determined to return "home" and convert her old farm into an orphanage to take in some of the thousands of children left without parents. When she returned to the devastated country and her destroyed house, the first friends who arrived soon after were her two dogs and cat who were starving and in bad shape. She concluded that the cat had kept the dogs alive by catching small animals for them to eat. Rosamund Halsey Carr died in 2006 and is buried next to the orphanage she founded.

Carr's niece, Ann Howard Halsey, collected information from letters, diaries and notes as well as her own first-hand accounts to create this book. It is a charming account of one of the most courageous women I have come across.

65Caroline_McElwee
Nov 16, 2016, 5:31 am

>64 VivienneR: you got me with a book bullet there Vivienne. I'm also a fan of Fossey.

66SassyLassy
Nov 16, 2016, 11:13 am

>64 VivienneR: That definitely sounds worth reading.

67VivienneR
Nov 16, 2016, 12:58 pm

>65 Caroline_McElwee: & >66 SassyLassy: I enjoyed it a lot, more than I expected to. I know Dian Fossey was against using land for growing pyrethrum but they don't seem to have had any bad feelings over it. Fossey's concern was probably for higher ground, the gorilla's habitat.

68VivienneR
Nov 19, 2016, 8:02 pm



The outsider: my life in intrigue by Frederick Forsyth

Forsyth had a lot of lucky breaks in his life, but he also prepared well in order to reach his goals, so those breaks were earned and deserved. As a child he decided he wanted to be a pilot, flying a Spitfire for the RAF. He earned his wings, and finished a two-year stint with the RAF at barely twenty, going on to be a foreign correspondent with Reuters. A job as correspondent with the BBC didn't work out as expected and finding himself broke and unemployed, he wrote a book. Using the real story of an assassination attempt on De Gaulle from his days as a journalist he wrote The Day of the Jackal. He had no idea of how the publishing business worked but one of those lucky breaks (and persistence) got the book published and his new career had begun. The details of the agreement for book and film are especially interesting in hindsight.

This is a fascinating story, told in short chapters, that will entertain, especially if the reader is familiar with The Day of the Jackal or any of Forsyth's other books. The downside is that this James Bond-type life story never gets to the heart of the man. There is so much left unsaid. And some accounts have an almost adolescent expression. Still, I can recommend it strongly.

On a personal note: Forsyth earned his pilot's licence at Rochester at the same time that my father worked there. I can't help wondering if they ever met.

Thanks to AnnieMod for this recommendation.

69VivienneR
Nov 21, 2016, 2:26 pm



Everything I never told you by Celeste Ng

This one was a real drag. There was just too much despair, misery, racism, and I could not relate with any of the characters. At times the writing might have saved it, but not enough to make a difference.

70VivienneR
Nov 22, 2016, 12:55 pm



Blood, Salt, water by Denise Mina

As usual, a high quality story from Mina. She manages to soften the lines between crooks and victims and the reader may sympathize with the guilty as much as the innocent. The story is sprinkled with Mina's perceptive, often acerbic lines. Alex Morrow is a winning character, scrupulously honest, even about her own feelings, unafraid, and without the peculiar habits and flaws suffered by most fictional detectives. She begins what appears to be a straightforward investigation of what looks like money laundering, which of course becomes much more complex as layers are uncovered. This is a book that will appeal to all readers, not just those who read mysteries. Mina has taken the crime novel to new heights.

71RidgewayGirl
Nov 22, 2016, 1:02 pm

I liked Blood, Salt, Water, too. I don't think I have ever not loved a novel by Mina. Her new Morrow book is out in May, not like I'm keeping track or anything.

72VivienneR
Nov 22, 2016, 1:20 pm

Glad you reminded me of the release date for the new book. I've never been in this position before where I am up to date on a series and waiting for the next one to come out.

73NanaCC
Nov 26, 2016, 7:12 am

I hate waiting for the latest installments on series that I love. It happens far too often. And then when you learn there will be no more....ugh.

74VivienneR
Nov 26, 2016, 3:14 pm

I know that feeling, Colleen. I wish there were more in the Paddy Meehan series. But I have lots of other unfinished series, so I can't complain too much.

75NanaCC
Nov 29, 2016, 10:06 am

>74 VivienneR: I haven't started the Paddy Meehan series, so I know that I've got some good books to go.

76VivienneR
Nov 29, 2016, 2:03 pm



A clubbable woman by Reginald Hill

Published in 1970 and the first in the Dalziel and Pascoe series. Not bad, but Hill improved as the series progressed. Apparently Dalziel came perfectly formed in all his obnoxious glory from the beginning.

77Caroline_McElwee
Nov 30, 2016, 7:21 am

I loved the tv series they made of the Hill books Vivienne.

78edwinbcn
Nov 30, 2016, 9:44 am

So much to catch up with. Yes, I found Bryson's biography of Shakespeare very informative.
and,

The noise of time by Julian Barnes is definitely a book I will be interested to read.

79VivienneR
Nov 30, 2016, 2:47 pm

>77 Caroline_McElwee: Yes, there were a lot of fun although I have only seen some of the series. Dalziel is such a character.

>78 edwinbcn: Bryson made a lot of sense. The noise of time certainly made me want to read more about Shostakovich - and listen to more of his work.

80VivienneR
Dic 3, 2016, 1:08 pm



Montreal Stories by Mavis Gallant

Known as Varieties of Exile outside Canada, many of these stories were originally printed in The New Yorker. Most were set in the mid-20th century, before Quebec's Quiet Revolution (Révolution tranquille), at a time when social conventions and manners were quite rigid. Gallant accents many details that create a very realistic social memory of a Montreal now gone. Several stories feature the same characters, such as Linnet Muir, an independent young woman seeking emancipation and liberation.

Unlike most collections of short stories where some appeal more than others, my enjoyment of this collection was even. One that stood out was Between Zero and One about a young woman working in an office of men during WWII: is she taking a job from a man; should she earn as much as she does - or even anything at all? After all, she doesn't have to support a family. A new female supervisor proves to be even more antagonistic. Although Gallant was obliged to tolerate this anti-feminist attitude, this story gave her the last word.

Gallant shows an outstanding perception and ability to describe the most minute of social graces and domestic niceties. Highly recommended.

This was an audiobook with excellent narration by Margot Dionne. The stories were interspersed by Twelve Fantasias for violin without bass by Teleman, performed by Angèle Dubeau.

81dchaikin
Dic 3, 2016, 3:24 pm

Nice review Vivienne. I'm interested in the story Between Zero and One.

82VivienneR
Dic 3, 2016, 9:58 pm

Thanks, Daniel. They were all excellent stories. This book is a keeper, one for the re-read list.

83VivienneR
Dic 7, 2016, 1:50 pm



Water like a stone by Deborah Crombie

This story takes place at Christmas when Duncan, Gemma, Kit and Toby visit Duncan's parents for the holidays. Their family intricacies mean Kit finds it hard to accept Duncan's parents as his grandparents, while Toby, not blood-related, comfortably settles in as a grandchild. The story involves the people who live on narrowboats and travel the canal system as employment opportunities demand. Naturally - this is a crime novel, after all - there are some nasty characters around. In fact Christmas isn't so cosy at all. It is an excellent story, written with Crombie's typical flair and knowledge, but I'm just glad my holidays are not spent with the Kincaids.

84VivienneR
Editado: Dic 7, 2016, 2:02 pm



Pearl Harbor Christmas by Stanley Weintraub

December 1941 and Pearl Harbor was a Christmas never to be forgotten. Churchill took time away from the grim circumstances in Europe to make a surprise visit with Roosevelt, while US forces were battling Japanese in the Philippines and on Wake Island. It was a remarkable, and dangerous journey for Churchill, but it had a positive outcome with the beginnings of the United Nations being formed.

An interesting and well-written historical account.

85VivienneR
Dic 10, 2016, 12:14 pm



A Robot in the Garden by Deborah Install

Not science fiction, not fantasy, but a creative tale about a broken, outdated robot in need of some TLC. This is a warm-hearted story about friendship, love, nurturing, solicitude, and acceptance. It's the most enchanting book I've read this year! Highly recommended.

Thanks to whitewavedarling for the bookbullet!

86VivienneR
Dic 11, 2016, 10:37 pm



The Shepherd by Frederick Forsyth

I believe this is my third reading of Forsyth's wonderful Christmas story that I enjoy more each time. I listened to CBC's podcast too, and enjoyed the annual tradition of it, as well as the additional information about the plane and the story, but the printed word will always be my favourite. Five stars!

87NanaCC
Dic 12, 2016, 6:48 am

>86 VivienneR: I've had this one on my wishlist for a while. I'll look for it.

88VivienneR
Dic 12, 2016, 11:28 am

Colleen, it's a great story, you will enjoy it. It's short, not even a novella, and has lots of illustrations that enhance.

89brodiew2
Dic 12, 2016, 1:32 pm

Hello Vivienne! I hope all is well with you.

>84 VivienneR: This looks very interesting. I'll be looking into it.

90VivienneR
Dic 12, 2016, 10:26 pm

Hi Brodie! All is well. It's been a good year of reading. This month and year is a good time to read any of the books on Pearl Harbor. I'm sort of surprised that there are not more around considering the 75th anniversary. I grew up in the UK so it was interesting to see the connection between the two countries after Pearl Harbor.

91VivienneR
Dic 17, 2016, 9:50 pm



The Gathering by Anne Enright

In Enright's fourth novel, Veronica Hegarty mourns her brother who committed suicide by walking into the sea at Brighton. As Veronica broods she creates portraits of all her family with a reality that is startling although she is the first to admit that her memory may be faulty. Enright does not hold back on earthy metaphors or boorish sex but never sinks to mindless coarseness. Her first-rate writing sparkles with insight and acumen, although not everyone is comfortable with her particular kind of merciless narrative

92AlisonY
Dic 20, 2016, 9:26 am

Catching up here, Vivienne. Noting the Rwanda book in particular - onto the wish list pile.

93VivienneR
Dic 20, 2016, 7:26 pm

Glad to see you, Alison. Glad we'll be starting a new year soon as I'll never get caught up with threads. I can't tell you how many times I've thought of Halsey-Carr's Rwanda book when I'm browsing news stories. I learned a lot from it.

94VivienneR
Dic 22, 2016, 9:52 pm



Wishing everyone fun and merriment for the Christmas holidays!

95NanaCC
Dic 22, 2016, 10:55 pm

>94 VivienneR: Happy Christmas to you as well, Vivienne. Snow angels! So many memories of fun times as a kid.

96Caroline_McElwee
Dic 23, 2016, 5:07 am

Happy Christmas to you too Bivienne.

97RidgewayGirl
Dic 23, 2016, 9:41 am

Enjoy the holidays, Vivienne!

98VivienneR
Dic 24, 2016, 1:29 pm

Thank you all. I expect to be doing more snow shovelling than reading over Christmas! That's ok. It's an excuse to play in the snow!

>96 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, your spelling reminds me of what my childhood friend called me when I was a little kid :)

99VivienneR
Dic 26, 2016, 3:45 pm

Just received two Early Reviewer books last week:



The day Santa stopped believing in Harold by Maureen Fergus illustrated by Cale Atkinson

An endearing, original story that gives the reader sympathy with Santa. While Santa never changes, "real people" change from one Christmas to another making it difficult for Santa to know if Harold is real. A clever reversal of the fable.

The illustrations by Atkinson are colourful with a cozy Christmas appeal. They have plenty of detail to peruse and maybe find something new with each reading. Making Harold's parents interracial was a nice touch, keeping up with current lifestyles.



Gertrude and Toby meet the wolf by Shari Tharp illustrated by Jim Heath

In this, book 3 of the Gertrude and Toby Fairy-Tale Adventure series, Gertrude and Toby choose to go fishing for their weekly adventure while Farmer Sam goes shopping. They meet many familiar faces from other tales, just as the young reader will recognize old acquaintances, such as the three little pigs, the boy who called "wolf" and of course, the big, bad wolf.

The illustrations are beautifully expressive, demonstrating all the emotions of the gentle goat and tortoise as well as the ferocity of the wolf.

100PaulCranswick
Dic 27, 2016, 1:20 pm

Vivienne, I thought I would just pop along and say hi, having seen your comment in response to my post on Caroline's thread. I don't often moonlight over here from the 75ers but I must say with a number of my pals already here I might find myself over here too more than once in a while next year.

101VivienneR
Dic 27, 2016, 1:41 pm

In that case, I'll look forward to seeing you around, Paul.

102VivienneR
Dic 29, 2016, 2:33 pm



The Serpent's Tale by Ariana Franklin
Even more than the mystery, what I like best are the details of 12th century life.



The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay
A golden age mystery set in a large country house where the family are gathering for Christmas. Slow, but saved by the Christmas atmosphere.

103Caroline_McElwee
Dic 29, 2016, 3:45 pm

You may have hit me with a bullet, with The Serpent's Tale Vivienne.

104VivienneR
Editado: Dic 29, 2016, 4:19 pm

>103 Caroline_McElwee: Caroline, the mystery element could have been omitted and I would still have enjoyed The Serpent's Tale.

105VivienneR
Dic 29, 2016, 5:09 pm

Meme Based on books I read in 2016

Describe yourself: The girl on the train

How do you feel? Mightier than the sword

Describe where you currently live: A house in the sky

If you could go anywhere...? No fixed address: an amorous journey

Favorite form of transportation: Train dreams

Your best friend is: The scarlet pimpernel

You and your friends are: Bandits

What's the weather like? The darkest dark

Your favorite time of day is: The light of evening

What is life for you? Dressing up for the carnival

You fear: A robot in the garden

Best advice: Finders keepers

Thought for the day: And thereby hangs a tale

How you would like to die: Going solo

106bragan
Editado: Dic 29, 2016, 9:44 pm

>105 VivienneR: I love that meme! It looks like a slightly better version of one I remember doing last year. I will have to steal it for my thread. :)

107VivienneR
Dic 29, 2016, 9:57 pm

Reading memes are always fun, aren't they? Please copy!

108VivienneR
Dic 30, 2016, 3:04 pm



To my visitors, best wishes for 2017

109VivienneR
Dic 31, 2016, 8:52 pm

Just finished the last books for this year:

I'm not writing full reviews because I'm recovering from a minor accident.



For Muliebrity:
Selected stories by Muriel Spark
Four short stories in this small book. Ok, but nothing really stood out.


For Tenterhooks:
Cover her face by P.D. James
Can't beat Adam Dalgliesh as an investigator. James is too late for Golden Age, but not old enough to be dated. Recommended.

My reading stats for the year:
total books read 178- a record for me
female authors - 92
male authors - 86

The male/female ratio has been my average over the last few years when I've kept a record.

110RidgewayGirl
Dic 31, 2016, 8:54 pm

Wishing you a speedy recovery! And a Happy New Year.

111AlisonY
Ene 1, 2017, 3:17 pm

>109 VivienneR: get well soon, Vivienne, and a Happy New Year! Look forward to your 2017 reading.

112dchaikin
Ene 1, 2017, 9:42 pm

Yes, get well soon. And congrats on your record of books read. 178 - this is quite a huge number.