DeltaQueen's Random Miscellaneous Challenge - Part 7

Delta Queen's Random Miscellaneous Challenge - Part 7



The festive season is upon us and I am celebrating another successful reading year. I have 2 more books to read in order to complete my 2019 Category Challenge and I have accomplished all my other reading goals. Now I am ready to relax, read some more books and concentrate on my health. Welcome, my name is Judy and I live in the suburbs of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. I love to welcome visitors to my thread to discuss books and life. Please feel free to join in on any conversations that are going on here, the welcome mat is always out.

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Since my Category Challenge is set up for most any book that I chose to read, I will simply carry on until the year ends and then switch over to my 2020 Challenge.

2019 Categories


A. Armchair Travel: “To those who can dream, there is no such place as faraway.”
Anonymous
I will read 8 books set in 8 different countries

B. Book Bullets: I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
Lennon-McCartney
So many of the books on my shelves and Kindle are there because of recommendations from friends here on Library Thing. I will read at least 8 books and hopefully more of these recommendations

C. One Word Titles: “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
Buddha
I will read at least 8 Books that have a one word title.

D. Love Stories: “Every love story is beautiful, but my favorite is ours.”
Anonymous
I will read 8 books that have a connection to love.

E. Reading From My Shelves: “Having too many books is not the problem. Not having enough shelving – That’s A Problem.”
Anonymous
This category will be for books that I pull from my shelves either to fulfill a challenge or simply just because I felt like reading it at this point in time.

F. Let’s Eat!: “People who love love food are always the best people.”
Julia Child
I will read at least 8 books that have an item of food or drink in the title.

G. Doing My ABCs: Okay everybody, line up in alphabetical order according to your height.”
Casey Stengel
Throughout the year I will randomly read alphabetically by author’s name. Will use these reads for the AlphaKit.

H. 1,001 Books List: “A Classic never goes out of style.”
Coca-Cola Ad
Because of a bet with my brother I have been reading on books from the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List, trying to catch up with his total. This is where I will list most of my reads from that list.

I. Series: “Happiness is finding the first good book of a series and knowing there are more to follow.”
Anonymous
In an effort to catch up in my series reading, I will read at least 8 series books.

J. Crime Stories: “Reading mysteries is recreation for intelligent minds.”
Donna Andrews
I will read at least one mystery or police procedural every month.

K. Vintage Crime: “I specialize in murders of quiet, domestic interest
Agatha Christie
I am a huge fan of the classic mysteries from the golden age of detective fiction and I will read at least 8 classic mysteries over the course of the year.

L. Out of the Past: “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”
Teddy Roosevelt
I will read at least one book a month that delves into history – as set by the Reading Through Time Group or to fit other challenges

M. Science Fiction: “If you take the shackles off your imagination, you can go anywhere with science fiction.
Lani Tupu
I will read at least 8 science fiction books over the course of the year.

N. Fantasy: “A Single Dream is More Powerful that a Thousand Realities”
J.R.R. Tolken
I will read at least 8 fantasy books over the course of the year.

O. Young At Heart: “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.”
Walt Disney
I will read 8 YA books during the year.

P. Non-Fiction: “Any truth is better than indefinite doubt”
Arthur Conan Doyle
I will read at least 8 non-fiction books during the year

Q. Library List: Libraries: “The medicine chest of the soul”
Inscribed over the door of the library at Thebes
It’s not just about my own shelves. I will also read the following from the library in an effort to reduce my very long library list.

R. Saddle Up!: Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway!
John Wayne
Books about the American West and the cowboy way will be make up this category.

S. Overflow: “Sleep is good, he said, and books are better.”
George R.R. Martin
Books that don’t fit any of the above challenges, will be placed here.

Books Read



Pages Read



Read From My Shelves

How I Rate Books:

I am not a professional book critic nor do I consider myself to be an expert on literary standards, my reviews are based on my reaction to the book and the opinions expressed are my own personald thoughts and feelings.

2.0 ★: I must have been dragged, kicking and screaming, to finish this one!

2.5 ★: Below Average but I finished the book for one reason or another.

3.0 ★: Average, a solid read that I finished but can't promise to remember

3.5 ★: Above Average, there's room for improvement but I liked this well enough to pick up another book by this author.


4.0 ★: A very good read and I enjoyed my time spent with this story

4.5 ★: An excellent read, a book I will remember and recommend

5.0 ★: Sheer perfection, the right book at the right time for me

I use decimal points to further clarify my thoughts about the book, therefore you will see books rated 3.8 to show it was better than a 3.5 but not quite a 4.0; etc. These small adjustments help me to remember how a book resonated with me.

A. Armchair Travel: “To those who can dream, there is no such place as faraway.”
Anonymous
I will read 8 books set in 8 different countries



Books Read

1. When the Rainbow Goddess Wept by Cecilia Manguerra Brainard - Philippines - 4.0 ★
2. The Nose by Nikolai Gogol - Russia - 4.0 ★
3. Broken April by Ismail Kadare - Albania - 3.7 ★
4. The Ghost Bride by Yangsze Choo - Malaysia - 2.8 ★
5. Salt Houses by Hala Alyan - Middle East - 4.0 ★
6. Moon At Nine by Deborah Ellis - Iran - 4.0 ★
7. Whitefly by Abdelilah Hamdouchi - Morocco - 4.0 ★
8. Queen of Water by Laura Resau - Ecuador - 4.0 ★
9. Sapphire Skies by Belinda Alexandra - Russia - 4.0 ★
10. Tiger Hills by Sarita Mandanna - India - 4.0 ★
11. A Map of Salt and Stars by Jennifer Joukhadar - Syria - 4.2 ★
12. The Pearl that Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi - 4.5 ★

B. Book Bullets: I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends
Lennon-McCartney
So many of the books on my shelves and Kindles are there because of recommendations from friends here on Library Thing. I will read at least 8 books and hopefully more of these recommendations.



Books Read

1. The Rules of Survival by Nancy Werlin - Kerry - 5.0 ★
2. Hell’s Bottom, Colorado by Laura Pritchett - Katie - 5.0 ★
3. Logan's Run by William F. Nolan - Mamie - 3.6 ★
4. Beartown by Fredrik Backman - Chelle - 4.5 ★
5. Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk by Kathleen Rooney - Linda P. & Beth - 4.0 ★
6. Norwegian By Night by Derek B. Miller - Mark - 4.2 ★
7. Dark Chapter by Winnie M. Li - Kay - 5.0 ★
8. The Face in the Frost by John Bellairs - Roni - 4.2 ★
9. So Long A Letter by Mariama Ba - Beth - 4.5 ★
10. H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald - Mark - 4.0 ★
11. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman - Roro - 4.2 ★
12. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells - Joe - 4.2 ★

C. One Word Titles: “Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.”
Buddha
I will read at least 8 Books that have a one word title.



Books Read

1. Coldbrook by Tim Lebbon - 3.6 ★
2. You by Caroline Kepnes - 4.0 ★
3. Firmin by Sam Savage - 4.0 ★
4. Legend by David Gemmell - 5.0 ★
5. Sycamore by Bryn Chancellor - 3.6 ★
6. Safekeeping by Karen Hesse - 3.8 ★
7. Faithless by Karen Slaughter - 3.7 ★
8. Shift Omnibus by Hugh Howey - 2.5 #9733;
9. Canyon by Tom Abrahams - 3.2 ★
10. Hauntings by Ellen Datlow - 4.0 ★
11. Rivers by Michael Farris Smith - 4.0 ★
12. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov - 2.8 ★

D. Love Stories: “Every love story is beautiful, but my favorite is ours.”
Anonymous
I will read 8 books that have a connection to love.



Books Read

1. Romancing Mr. Bridgerton by Julia Quinn - 3.8 ★
2. I Think I Love You by Alison Pearson - 3.3 ★
3. Crescent by Diana Abu-Jaber - 4.0 ★
4. My Lady's Choosing by Kitty Curran - 2.0 ★
5. A Vintage Wedding by Katie Fforde - 4.0 ★
6. Love By the Morning Star by Laura L. Sullivan - 3.1 ★
7. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson - 4.0 ★
8. From Penvarris With Love by Rosemary Aitken - 3.4 ★
9. The Girl With the Persian Shawl by Elizabeth Mansfield - 3.8 ★
10. The Love Knot by Elizabeth Chadwick - 4.0 ★
11. Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies - 4.5 ★
12. Wonderful by Jill Barnett - 3.4 ★

E. Reading From My Shelves: “Having too many books is not the problem. Not having enough shelving – That’s A Problem.”
Anonoymous
This category will be for books that I pull from my shelves either to fulfill a challenge or simply just because I felt like reading it at this point in time.



Books Read

1. I Am Legend by Richard Matheson - 5.0 ★
2. Girlchild by Tupelo Hassman - 4.2 ★
3. Celebrations At Thrush Green by Miss Read - 3.3 ★
4. Tales of the City by Armistead Maupin - 4.5 ★
5. Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman - 4.1 ★
6. The Moor by Sam Haysom - 3.7 ★
7. Hell is Empty by Craig Johnson - 3.2 ★
8. The Souvenir by Patricia Carlon - 4.0 ★
9. Ginny Moon by Benjamin Ludwig - 3.6 ★
10. Hostage Three by Nick Lake - 4.0 ★
11. Wolf Willow by Wallace Stenger - 4.2 ★
12. Medicine Walk by Richard Wagamese - 4.5 ★
13. I Remember You by Yrsa Sigdardottir - 4.5 ★
14. China Dolls by Lisa See - 3.2 ★

F. Let’s Eat!: “People who love love food are always the best people.”
Julia Child
I will read at least 8 books that have an item of food or drink in the title.



Books Read

1. At The Sign of the Sugared Plum by Mary Hooper - 3.6 ★
2. Chocolate Wishes by Trisha Ashley - 3.7 ★
3. The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See - 4.3 ★
4. The Sugar Pavilion by Rosalind Laker - 4.0 ★
5. A House of Pomegranates by Oscar Wilde - 3.4 ★
6. The Corn Maiden and Other Nightmares by Joyce Carol Oates - 4.5 ★
7. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver - 5.0 ★
8. Salt & Stone by Victoria Scott - 3.3 ★
9. The Rice Mother by Rani Manicka - 3.8 ★
10. The Saffron Kitchen by Yasmin Crowther - 3.6 ★
11. Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin - 3.4 ★

G. Doing My ABCs: "Okay everybody, line up in alphabetical order according to your height.”
Casey Stengel
Throughout the year I will randomly read alphabetically by author’s name. Will match my reads to the AlphaKit monthly letters.



Books Read

1. A - American War by Omar El Akkad - 3.8 ★
2. B - His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet - 4.2 ★
3. C - His Monkey Wife by John Collier - 2.0 ★
4. D - The Divine Wind by Garry Disher - 4.0 ★
5. E - The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis - 3.5 ★
6. F - Dead Lovely by Helen Fitzgerald - 4.3 ★
7. G - A Small Weeping by Alex Grey - 4.0 ★
8. H - Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer - 3.5 ★
9. I - The Draining Lake by Arnaldur Indridason - 4.0 ★
10. J - The Sultan's Wife by Jane Johnson - 4.5 ★
11. K - At Home In Mitford by Jan Karon - 4.0 ★
12. L - Legend by Marie Lu - 3.7 ★
13. M - The Delivery Man by Joe McGuinniss Jr. - 2.5 ★
14. N - Collusion by Stuart Neville - 4.5 ★
15. O - Zahrah The Windseeker by Nnedi Okorafor - 4.0 ★
16. P - Lost And Found by Carolyn Parkhurst - 4.0 ★
17. Q - The Alice Network by Kate Quinn - 3.7 ★
18. R - The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham
19. S - The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak - 4.2 ★
20. T - When the Wind Blows by Derek Tangye - 3.5 ★
21. U - The Witchfinder's Sister by Beth Underdown - 3.6 ★
22. V - Oushata Massacre by Robert Vaughan - 3.2 ★
23. W - Billy Liar by Keith Waterhouse - 3.4 ★
24. X - Disappeared by Francisco X. Stork - 4.2 ★
25. Y - Black Chalk by Christopher Yates - 2.5 ★
26. Z - The Sandbox by David Zimmerman - 3.4 ★

H. 1,001 Books List: “A Classic never goes out of style.”
Coca-Cola Ad
Due to an on-going bet with my brother I have been reading books from the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die List, trying to catch up with his total. This is where I will list most of my reads from that list.



Books Read

1. Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston - 4.5 ★
2. The Country Girls by Edna O'Brien - 4.2 ★
3. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert - 4.0 ★
4. The Double by Jose Saramago - 3.8 ★
5. Absolute Beginners by Colin MacInnes - 4.0 ★
6. Lives of Girls and Women by Alice Munro - 4.2 ★
7. House of Mirth by Edith Wharton - 4.2 ★
8. Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis - 2.5 ★
9. Portrait of the Artist As A Young Man by James Joyce - 3.0 ★
10. The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood - 4.5 ★
11. Adam Bede by George Eliot - 4.0 ★
12. The Quiet American by Graham Greene - 4.1 ★
13. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole - 3.4 ★
14. The Violent Bear It Away by Flannery O'Connor - 2.0 ★
15. Kieron Smith, Boy by James Kelman - 3.3 ★
16. Tom Jones by Henry Fielding - 4.0 ★
17. Disgrace by J.M. Coetzee - 4.1 ★
18. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams - 4.0 ★
19. The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe - 3.5 ★
20. The Cement Garden by Ian McEwan - 3.6 ★
21. Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen - 4.0 ★
22. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte - 5.0 ★
23. Like Life by Lorrie Moore - 4.0 ★

I. Series: “Happiness is finding the first good book of a series and knowing there are more to follow.”
Anonymous
In an effort to catch up in my series reading, I will read at least 8 series books. I expect the SeriesCat will help me in making my reading choices.



Books Read

1. Excursion to Tindari (5) by Andrea Camilleri - 4.0 ★
2. Finders Keepers by Belinda Bauer - 4.5 ★
3. The Strange Death of Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham - 4.3 ★
4. When Will There Be Good News? by Kate Atkinson - 5.0 ★
5. The Last Detective by Peter Lovesey - 4.1 ★
6. The Devil's Star by Jo Nesbo - 4.2 ★
7. A Finer End by Deborah Crombie - 4.0 ★
8. Cold in Hand by John Harvey - 4.3 ★
9. The Point of Rescue by Sophie Hannah - 4.3 ★
10. Waiting for Wednesday by Nicci French - 4.5 ★
11. The Red Road by Denise Mina- 4.2 ★
12. Death at Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn - 4.0 ★

J. Crime Stories: “Reading mysteries is recreation for intelligent minds.”
Donna Andrews
I will read at least one mystery or police procedural every month.



Crime Stories

1. See How Small by Scott Blackwood - 3.8 ★
2. The Yard Dog by Sheldon Russell - 3.4 ★
3. Farewell My Lovely by Raymond Chandler - 4.2 ★
4. Kiss Her Goodbye by Allan Guthrie - 3.8 ★
5. Waltz Into Darkness by Cornell Woolrich - 4.2 ★
6. Live Bait by P. J. Tracy - 4.5 ★
7. Murder At The Old Vicarage by Jill McGown - 3.8 ★
8. When the Devil Holds the Candle by Karin Fossum - 4.5 ★
9. Under A Silent Moon by Elizabeth Haynes - 3.7 ★
10. You Bet Your Life by Stuart Kaminsky - 4.0 ★
11. The Hypnotist by Lars Kepler - 4.2 ★
12. After Dark, My Sweet by Jim Thompson - 4.5 ★

K. Vintage Crime: “I specialize in murders of quiet, domestic interest
Agatha Christie
I am a huge fan of the classic mysteries from the golden age of detective fiction and I will read at least 8 classic mysteries over the course of the year.



Books Read

1. The Secret of Chimneys by Agatha Christie - 3.8 ★
2. The Private Wound by Nicholas Blake - 3.4 ★
3. The Case of the Late Pig by Margery Allingham - 3.8 ★
4. Towards Zero by Agatha Christie - 4.0 ★
5. The Nursing Home Murder by Ngaio Marsh - 3.5 ★
6. The Mirror Crack'd From Side to Side by Agatha Christie - 3.8 ★
7. The Nine Tailors by Dorothy Sayers - 5.0 ★
8. Rose's Last Summer by Margaret Millar - 3.3 ★
9. The Regatta Mystery and Other Stories by Agatha Christie - 3.7 ★
10. Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie - 3.8 ★
11. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay - 3.6 ★

L. Out of the Past: “The more you know about the past, the better prepared you are for the future.”
Teddy Roosevelt
I enjoy historical fiction and will use this category for my Reading Thru Time choices or any other historical stories that don't fit elsewhere.



Books Read

1. The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks - 4.2 ★
2. The Colour by Rose Tremain - 4.5 ★
3. Footprints - Secret lives At Bletchley Park by Philomena Liggins - 2.0 ★
4. An Echo In The Bone by Diana Gabaldon - 4.3 ★
5. The Lost Girls of Paris by Pam Jenoff - 3.0 ★
6. Confessions of a Pagan Nun by Kate Horsley - 3.8 ★
7. Stone Spring by Stephen Baxter - 4.0 ★
8. O Pioneers! by Willa Cather - 4.5 ★
9. The Sapphire Widow by Dinah Jefferies - 3.3 ★
10. The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis - 3.0 ★
11. Little Exiles by Robert Dinsdale - 3.8 ★
12. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - 4.3 ★

M. Science Fiction: “If you take the shackles off your imagination, you can go anywhere with science fiction.
Lani Tupu
I will read at least 8 science fiction books over the course of the year.



Books Read

1. City by Clifford D. Simak - 3.4 ★
2. Mordacious by Sara Lyons Fleming - 4.3 ★
3. The Final Six by Alexandra Monir - 4.0 ★
4. Ex-Heroes by Peter Clines - 3.7 ★
5. The Last One by Alexandra Oliva - 4.0 ★
6. Micro by Michael Crichton & Richard Preston - 2.0 ★
7. The Witches of Karres by James H. Schmitz - 4.0 ★
8. Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold - 4.2 ★
9. Fledgling by Sharon Lee - 4.0 ★
10. The Book of Flora by Meg Elison - 3.0 ★
11. Tool of War by Paolo Bacigalupi - 4.1 ★
12. River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey - 3.5 ★
13. The Plague Year by Jeff Carlson - 3.7 ★

N. Fantasy: “A Single Dream is More Powerful that a Thousand Realities”
J.R.R. Tolken
I will read at least 8 fantasy books over the course of the year.



Books Read

1. A Conspiracy of Kings by Megan Whalen Turner - 4.1 ★
2. The Stepsister Scheme by Jim C. Hines - 4.2 ★
3. Half A War by Joe Abercrombie - 4.5 ★
4. The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien - 4.2 ★
5. The Two Towers by J. R. R. Tolkien - 4.5 ★
6. Blood of Elves by Andrzej Sapkowski - 4.0 ★
7. The Return of the King by J. R. R. Tolkien - 5.0 ★
8. Autumn Princess, Dragon Child by Lian Hearn - 4.2 ★
9. Beauty by Robin McKinley - 4.2 ★
10. Lord of the Darkwood by Lian Hearn - 4.0 ★
11. Drawn Away by Holly Bennett - 4.0 ★
12. Slasher Girls & Monster Boys by April Genevieve Tucholke - 4.2 ★
13. The Tengu's Game of Go by Lian Hearn - 4.0 ★

O. Young At Heart: “Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.”
Walt Disney
I will read at least 8 YA books during the year.



Books Read

1. The Other Side of Dawn by John Marsden - 4.0 ★
2. Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott - 3.7 ★
3. The Star of Kazan by Eva Ibbotson - 4.0 ★
4. Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan - 4.5 ★
5. Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter - 3.6 ★
6. The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin - 4.0 ★
7. Walkabout by James Vance Marshall - 4.5 ★
8. Origin by Jessica Khoury - 3.7 ★
9. The Other Life by Susanne Winnacker - 3.6 ★
10. The Bitter Side of Sweet by Tara Sullivan - 4.0 ★
11. The Wednesday Wars by Gary Schmidt - 4.2 ★
12. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George - 4.0 ★

P. Non-Fiction: “Any truth is better than indefinite doubt”
Arthur Conan Doyle
I will read at least 8 non-fiction books during the year



Books Read

1. The Profession of Violence by John Pearson - 3.7 ★
2. Dove by Robin L. Graham - 3.0 ★
3. The Complete Beatles by Steve Turner - 5.0 ★
4. I’ll Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara - 4.0 ★
5. Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann - 4.0 ★
6. Dear Fahrenheit 451 by Annie Spence - 3.7 ★
7. Code Girls by Liza Mundy - 4.2 ★
8. Blue Highways: A Journey Into America by William Least Heat-Moon - 4.5 ★
9. Good Vibrations: My Life as a Beach Boy by Mike Love
10. Jackie's Girl by Kathy McKeon - 3.7 ★

Q. Library List: Libraries: “The medicine chest of the soul”
Inscribed over the door of the library at Thebes
It’s not just about my own shelves. I will also read the following from the library in an effort to reduce my very long library list.



Books Read

1. A New Day by Beryl Matthews - 3.3 ★
2. The Weight of Blood by Laura McHugh - 4.0 ★
3. The Dress Shop of Dreams by Meena Van Praag - 3.6 ★
4. Buffalo Trail by Jeff Guinn - 4.2 ★
5. Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell - 4.2 ★
6. The Sun Is Also A Star by Nicola Yoon - 4.1 ★
7. The Walking Dead: The Rise of the Governor by R. Kirkman and J. Bonansinga - 4.0 ★
8. Closed Doors by Lisa O'Donnell - 4.2 ★
9. The Magdalen Girls by V. S. Alexander - 3.2 ★
10. Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers - 4.2 ★
11. Red Leaves by Thomas H. Cook - 3.7 ★
12. Threatened by Eliot Schrefer - 4.0 ★

R. Saddle Up! - “Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway!”
John Wayne
Books about the American West and the cowboy way will be make up this category.



Books Read

1. Deep Creek by Dana Hand - 4.2 ★
2. Sundance by David Fuller - 4.0 ★
3. Glorious by Jeff Guinn - 4.5 ★
4. The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles - 4.5 ★
5. The Hide Hunters by Lewis B. Patten - 3.6 ★
6. The Way West by A. B. Guthrie - 5.0 ★
7. Huck Out West by Robert Coover - 4.2 ★
8. The Jump-Off Creek by Molly Gloss - 4.2 ★
9. Silver City by Jeff Guinn - 3.7 ★
10. The Vengeance of Mothers by Jim Fergus - 4.1 ★
11. The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock - 5.0 ★
12. Last Stand At Saber River by Elmore Leonard - 3.8 ★

S. Overflow: “Sleep is good, he said, and books are better.”
George R.R. Martin
Just in case I don't have enough books to read, any that don't fit the above categories will reside here.



Books Read

1. Three Graphic Novels: Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World by Penelope Bagieu, Step Aside, Pops by Kate Beaton, Sabrina by Nick Drnaso
2. The Walking Dead Volume 28: A Certain Doom
The Walking Dead Volume 29: Lines We Cross
The Walking Dead Volume 30: New World Order
3. Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy by Rey Terciero and Brie Indigo - 4.2 ★

Here's wishing us all a peaceful and happy December.

Happy new thread, Judy. It is amazing you have completed so many reading goals.

Wow! That is some reading year! Great that you have (almost!) accomplished all that you planned. Those two books will be done in no time.

Good news about your knee especially if you can dodge the replacement.

Enjoy your December reading.

Happy New Thread, Judy!

I love all the reading categories - that must've taken a while to organize. And what a lot of good reading you've done!

Happy new thread, Judy! Your reading this year has been very impressive.

>26 BLBera: Thanks, Beth. I've had plenty of time for reading - especially lately!

>27 JayneCM: I just have the two books for the December AlphaKit to read and then I will have completed 2019. A few weeks of free time - and then I will be ready to plunge into 2020's categories!

>28 hailelib: I am very thankful that the knee doesn't have to be replaced. My husband is scheduled for a knee replacement in February and now it looks like I will be ready to help him with his recovery. The knee feels stronger today and I seem to be pain free. We are going to try going grocery shopping today - which sounds like a small thing but I am so excited to be getting out of the house!

>29 jnwelch: After over 10 years doing the Category Challenge, I have a formula that works. Next year will be more of a surprise for me as many of categories are being left up to chance.

>30 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. As my knee gets stronger I will be able to spend more time sitting at my computer and hopefully get caught up with everyone's threads.

Happy new thread, Judy. Good to hear that your knee is starting to improve already. Good luck with your grocery shopping expedition!

I'm glad that you're finally seeing some relief for your poor knee. Hope it continues to improve.

Hi Judy and Happy New Thread! I'm glad your knee is on the mend. I know I have mentioned that I have moderate arthritis in my right knee. I don't know what is in my future but I'm thinking (and hoping) some kind of minor scoping will help it. Not in the immediate future, though.

Happy new thread, Judy! Sorry to learn about the specialist booking snafu reported on your previous thread but happy to learn that you will not need a knee replacement. I think it is high time our medical system moved on from faxes... too many faxes don't seem to make it to their destination. My other half has had the same problem with bookings for his specialist appointments. They never seem to receive the faxes until he follows up, and then suddenly, everything works perfectly the next time. Starts to sound like a bit of a cop-out for an overly busy administrative staff, and I am not pointing the finger at which office is overly busy. ;-)

I'm glad you are getting some relief from the knee pain, Judy!

Happy new thread, and I'm glad you're getting a bit of relief from the dodgy knee!

Glad to hear you're getting relief for your knee. Had a good time strolling through the books you've read this year. I love doing this when someone starts a new thread.

Happy new thread, Judy. I hope the knee saga ends well for you! I love that tree ornament with the books!

Welcome to December Judy. I'm glad your knee is feeling better.

Excellent approach to the end of the year. Love the book ornament.

>32 Familyhistorian: Meg, we went to two different grocery stores and also stopped to pick up a parcel at the local post office - I was exhausted when we got home and slept for a couple of hours. I've been such a stay-at-home for the last couple of months, it's like learning to walk again. I think it's pretty obvious that I won't be up for any long Christmas shopping expeditions this year so hubby and I will be giving gift certificates and/or money.

>33 RidgewayGirl: Kay, it's improved so much in terms of pain but I can't bend it much and it's still so weak. Hopefully it will continue to mend especially as I start to move around more.

>34 EBT1002: Hi Ellen, I have had some problems in the past with my knees. The left one was operated on about 12 years ago, and this right one has had a previous cortisone shot. Hopefully your knee will stand up for a long time, cause mobility is so important.

>35 lkernagh: Lori, at first I was reluctant to phone as I didn't want to seem pushy but thank heavens I did follow up or I would still be waiting!

>36 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie. I think my next step will be to get a knee brace to combat the weakness, the last thing I need now is to take a nasty fall.

>37 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie.

>38 dudes22: I've had a very good reading year, Betty, and have whittled away at my TBR piles. Here's hoping 2020 will be another good year.

>39 MissWatson: I love that ornament as well, Birgit, and would love to get one for our tree!

>40 luvamystery65: Thanks, Ro.

>41 Helenliz: This year has simply flown by - hard to believe we are entering the last few weeks of 2019!

225. The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis - 3.5 ★
Category: Doing My ABCs
December AlphaKit: E



The Funeral Boat by Kate Ellis is the fourth book in her Wesley Peterson Murder Mysteries. Set in the fictional town of Tradmouth in Devon, DI Wesley Peterson and the rest of the crime solving team are investigating the disappearance of an attractive Danish tourist as well as a series of armed robberies. Wesley is an amateur archaeologist and is fairly certain that when a body is found buried in a farmers’ field that, even though apparently the victim of a crime, it is that of an ancient Viking.

The author interweaves both this mystery from the past with the contemporary crimes and delivers an entertaining and interesting story. The Funeral Boat is another good addition to this series that falls somewhere between a cozy mystery and a police procedural.

Happy New Thread, Judy, and glad to hear the knee is much less painful--such a relief!!

>44 ronincats: Thanks, Roni. I'm not sure what to say about my knee - at times I am convinced that it is getting better but at others I'm not so sure. Trying to stay positive.

226. After Dark, My Sweet by Jim Thompson - 4.5 ★
Category: Crime Stories
December TIOLI #7: Rolling Challenge Based on "Christmas"



After Dark, My Sweet is a 1955 American crime novel written by Jim Thompson. William Collins is a former boxer now drifter who has broken out of a mental hospital. In a roadhouse he meets the beautiful, alcoholic Fay, who in turn introduces him to her “Uncle” Bud. They lure him into joining them in the kidnapping of a young boy from a wealthy family. Collins is neurotic, jumpy and paranoid but, it appears, with good reason. Has he been brought into this to become the fall guy and are they planning on ever returning the child?

Dark and gritty, filled with completely unredeemable characters, After Dark, My Sweet is short, concise and highly readable. Collins is an unreliable narrator and his paranoia and prevalence for violence keeps the reader on edge with the knowledge that this story will not end well. Awash in alcohol and double crosses this kidnap-gone-wrong tale is an excellent noir from one of it’s masters.

There aren't enough Thompson readers on LT. Hooray for your review, Judy, I'm glad you like that one!

>42 DeltaQueen50: It's surprising how quickly stamina can be lost when you are sidelined, Judy. I hope that you will be back to strength for your husband's recovery from his operation.

You reminded me about the Wesley Peterson series that I started. I just put the third book on hold. At least it won't take as long to read as all my nonfiction holds!

>42 DeltaQueen50:

The knee brace is worth a try. It might help enough to keep you mobile.

>47 mstrust: Thanks Jennifer.

>48 Familyhistorian: & >49 hailelib: My knee seems to be operating at about 80% which is a relief but now my foot is giving me trouble. I think I have either broken a bone in the foot or, and most probable, I may have plantar fasciitis. I can't get in to my doctor until next week so we are heading back to the ER today.

227. The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock - 5.0 ★
Category: Saddle Up!
December TIOLI #9: Rolling Challenge Based on Trivial Pursuit Categories



The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock is a wonderful mix of lively adventure and vulgar satire as we read about three brothers: Cain, Cob and Chimney Jewett who, upon the death of their father, decide they have had enough of their hard scrabble life. Much in the manner of their pulp-fiction hero, Bloody Bill Bucket, they rob the landlord of his horses and his life and set off on a crime spree as they head north to Canada. It isn’t long before they become known as the notorious Jewett Gang with a large reward posted and a rag-tag posse on their heels. Meanwhile in the small town of Meade, Ohio, Eula and Ellsworth Fiddler are trying to recover after being swindled out of their life savings. Their alcoholic son has run off and although they are concerned about him, and Ellsworth has tried to find him, they come to realize that perhaps his absence is for the best.

The Jewetts and the Fiddlers are destined to meet and the reader is constantly wondering whether this meeting will end in destruction or redemption. I was totally engaged by this rollicking story. Although the author follows the format of a classic western he challenges us with the setting, the timing and his subtle messaging. Given the level of violence and irreverent vulgarity, this is not a book for everyone but for me the author’s dry wit and humor, along with his descriptive prose and fabulous characters made The Heavenly Table a great read and Donald Ray Pollock an author that I will be reading again.

>51 DeltaQueen50: - Sounds excellent! Adding it to my WL.

Sorry about your foot :(

After spending a great deal of the day at the hospital, I have been informed that I have torn a ligament in my foot. So once again I am crippled and hobbling around. I've come home with my ankle and foot wrapped in a brace and I've been told to stay off my feet and let it heal. Christmas for my family is going to have to happen without much input from me, but my girls assure me that they and my husband can put the Christmas brunch together so I am to relax and not stress about it.

>52 katiekrug: Oh, I think you will like The Heavenly Table, Katie.

>53 DeltaQueen50: Bad news about your foot, Judy. Enjoy being waited on?

>43 DeltaQueen50: I've read the first two in that series and really enjoyed them. You remind me to keep going. Are there a lot left? I miss FictFact!

Let your family take care of you and of the holiday celebrations. Best wishes for healing - and for allowing others to take care of you!

And I'm so glad you liked The Heavenly Table! I enjoyed that wild ride so much, but my book club hated it.

When I had a torn ligament years ago my son was two. I spent a lot of time hopping on one foot! It does eventually heal up though it’s very inconvenient. Hope you have a great Christmas anyway.

>54 BLBera: Actually, I feel a little guilty, Beth. My husband is still recovering from his day surgery of yesterday. I think there are over 20 books in the Wesley Peterson series, so lots of reading!

>55 RidgewayGirl: I find it hard to let go of the control, Kay. This is going to be a difficult time for all of us! I loved The Heavenly Table but I can see where many would not. It's one of those books that either gets a very high rating or a very low one.

>56 hailelib: Thanks, Tricia. My fragile knees will not allow hopping, but I sort of shuffle and drag myself around.

>50 DeltaQueen50: What a trying time for you! But it will surely heal quickest if you follow doctor's orders and rest.

I'm so sorry to hear that Judy. And I know how sometimes you want to just do it yourself and get it done. Try to klet others help you and hope your feeling better soon.

>53 DeltaQueen50: I'm so sorry to hear of all the challenges you're facing lately, Judy - particularly during the holiday season. It's good that you've got family to support and aid you even though accepting help can be a challenge unto itself. Take care, and heal, heal, heal!

Ouch! I hope you have lots of good books to read while you're resting that foot.

Feet are like backs, necks and hands, they're almost impossible to actually rest. Hope the knee continues to improve while the foot is resting.

Oh torn ligaments are the worst! (I am an expert in tearing my knee ligaments, although I've torn my ankle ligaments once too :( ). The only thing I can recommend, along with lots of rest, is that you don't completely stop moving it, as I have found that once it heals, movement is somewhat restricted. It might be worth contacting a physiotherapist and seeing if they have any exercises they can recommend. I hope you feel better soon, and that you let your daughters help as much as they can (easier said than done, I know!).

>58 MissWatson: Thanks Birgit. I am trying to rest it, but I also find if I get up and move around every now and again it seems to limber up and allow me to move a little easier.

>59 dudes22: Betty, I'm working hard not to stress over Christmas too much. The important thing is that the family will get together on Christmas morning here and we will manage just fine.

>60 Dejah_Thoris: Thanks, Dejah. My granddaughter came over this afternoon and she and my husband brought all the Christmas decorations up and have put up the tree.

>61 rabbitprincess: I am reading but I think I am fighting a little bit of a slump as I am not getting through the books as quickly as I usually do. I keep adding more books to my December pile, but I think I will have quite a few left-overs come January.

>62 Helenliz: That is my biggest fear, that all this lurching and stumbling around is going to cause my knee to flare up again! Today my hubby went out and came home with one of those wheeled walkers and it really helps to steady me. Also I broke down today and took one of the pain killers which really does make it easier to get about.

>63 Jackie_K: Thanks, Jackie. I do have a couple of exercises that they gave me at the hospital, one is to scrunch up my toes as if I was trying to pick up something from the floor with my toes and the other is to periodically try to point my toes toward my face, which stretches and strengthens the calf muscles.

228. The Night Ferry by Michael Robotham - 4.0 ★
Category: Doing My ABCs
December AlphaKit: R
December TIOLI #3: A Book Acquired During 2019



The Night Ferry is an intricately plotted thriller that features London police detective Alisha Barba, a Sikh woman who is recovering from a serious back injury incurred in the line of duty. On her own time, she becomes involved in investigating a situation that her best friend became involved in that concerns a surrogate pregnancy and human trafficking. As Alisha digs deeper the case escalates into murder and kidnapping.

Although at times the story seems to bog down a bit, it did hold my interest as the investigation carries Alisha from England to Holland and back again. I also enjoyed the secondary plot about Alisha’s personal life.

This was my first book by Australian author, Michael Robotham and I will look for more by him as this thriller painted a very realistic portrait of the problems facing refugees seeking asylum and how easily they can be taken advantage of and exploited. The Night Ferry had such a strong and gripping narrative that I was more than willing to overlook it’s few flaws.

Sorry to learn about the torn ligament, but glad to see that your girls and husband are already stepping up in advance of the holiday season. The important thing - as you have pointed out - is to take thing easy and not engage in activities that will cause your knee to flare up.

Happy Belated New Thread, Judy. I somehow missed the beginning. Bad Mark! I thought I had read After Dark, My Sweet but I am not completely sure. I do remember really enjoying the film version though. Hooray, The Heavenly Table. I loved this one too, and I highly recommend his earlier stuff too.

Happy Sunday, my friend.

>66 lkernagh: Hi Lori. I am finally starting to look forward to Christmas rather than dreading it. I know we will still have a great time with the family, even if I'm not able to supply all the "bells and whistles' that I usually do. :)

>67 msf59: Hi Mark, yes, I loved The Heavenly Table and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. I haven't seen the After Dark, My Sweet film but I sure would like to!

229. Artificial Condition by Martha Wells - 4.2 ★
Category: Book Bullet - Joe
December SFFFKit: 2019 Wrap-Up
December TIOLI #6: Title has been touch-stoned by a member during 2019



Artificial Condition is the second in author Martha Wells’ Murderbot Diaries and this one is every bit as good as the first one which won both a Hugo and a Nebula Award in 2018. These short, lively stories are about a cyborg who is on the lam but would rather be watching soap operas than deal out the violence that she has been programmed to do. She connects with the AI of the transport that she is travelling on and in turn this ART intelligence aids her on the self-imposed mission to find out what really happened at the mining facility where she originally went rogue.

In order to blend in on this fact-finding mission she takes on a job as a security guard for a trio of researchers who have been cheated by their employer giving the reader plenty of action to follow. Murderbot also realizes that as she seeks answers she is also studying, planning and improving how to pass itself off as a human. Although she finds humans difficult to be around and frustrating she also learns that she too can “care”.

Murderbot’s deadpan, sarcastic, leave-me—alone attitude, along with ART’s snarky, fun comments make Artificial Condition a great read, and I am looking forward to the next installment of this great escape-stye read.

Sorry about your foot injury! You must be really sick of going to the doctor's by now, not to mention the pain.
I hope you recover quickly, but maybe you don't tell your family and they continue to do all the Christmas chores.

Oh, I'm glad you enjoyed Artificial Condition, Judy. Aren't the Murderbot Diaries great? The fifth, Network Effect comes out next May. Can't wait!

>70 mstrust: Jennifer, even though I hate most housework, I'd gladly being doing it if it meant I had my mobility back! I will really appreciate the freedom of being able to come and go as I please when I finally heal.

>71 jnwelch: I love these stories, Joe. And even better, I also heard that Network Effect is going to be a full length novel instead of a novella!

230. Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies - 4.5 ★
Category: Love Story
December CalendarCat: Seasonal Reading
December RandomCat: Title Begins with one of the letters from "December"
December TIOLI #11: Set in the first half of the 20th century



Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies is a lovely story that reminds us of what is important at Christmas time. It’s not how well you decorate, cook, spend and wrap – it’s about that magical sense of believing in the impossible, feeling good will towards others and being with the ones that you love.

The story opens in New York City as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is about to get underway. The crowning glory of the parade is the Santa Claus float, but unfortunately this year’s Santa has been spending his time drinking and is now decidedly tipsy. The Macy’s parade organizer, the very practical Doris Walker, finds a bystander who looks perfect for the part and asks him to step in. This bystander, with the name of Kris Kringle, readily agrees and thus sets in motion a wonderful time in New York as his goodwill spreads to others. Unfortunately there is always a “nay-sayer” and the book ends in a court case where Kris Kringle must prove he is both sane and, indeed the real Santa Claus.

Woven into the narrative is the story of how Doris Walker learns to believe in the magic and finds true love while her young daughter learns to believe in Santa as well as how to use her imagination and have fun. Truly a story to warm the heart at this time of the year.

>73 DeltaQueen50: The movie Miracle on 34th Street is one of my absolute favorite Christmas films! Now I'm curious about how much the book differs from the movie, if at all.

>73 DeltaQueen50: I came across an old red hardcover of that book years ago. I'm pretty sure I still own it, but it's boxed up.

>74 christina_reads: I love that film as well, Christina. I believe that Valentine Davies wrote the story to be filmed and some changes were made by the director, George Seaton. I suspect some of the roles were beefed up a little but I thought the story and the film were very close.

>75 thornton37814: It's worth looking for Lori, it's a lovely Christmas story and not too overly sweet.

>73 DeltaQueen50: I have some special vintage books and this is one of them. I bought it years ago, its a first edition and has the jacket you are showing. I love it! Even though it's a first, it's not worth much money, I have it, and others, because I love them. While I'm generally not in favor of having books for decoration, I put this on a stand among the gifts under my tabletop Christmas tree and no one can resist picking it up.

So sorry to hear about your torn ligament, Judy. You really are having a hard time of it. Good for everybody lending a hand which is as it should be at Christmas.

>77 clue: I love that cover. My copy of the book is on my Kindle and has a completely different cover but I chose to use this one as it so Christmas-y and captures the look of the late 1940s as well.

>78 Familyhistorian: I am consoling myself with the thought that 2020 has to be a better year health-wise for me, Meg. I can hardly wait to heal and get back my freedom!

231. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov - 2.8 ★
Category: One Word Titles
December 1,001 Group Challenge Read: Completing a Yearly Goal
December TIOLI #6: Title Has Been Touch-Stoned by A Member During 2019



I tried to keep an open mind about the novel Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov, but I really couldn’t get past the distasteful fact that the main character was sexually obsessed with pre-pubescent girls. I am afraid that I could find no literary value in his perverse and destructive relationship with the 12 year old Dolores Haze. I simply found the main character and, ultimately, the book repulsive.

This is an author that has great command of language, bending it to the shape of his thoughts and insights. In writing about the nature of lust, there are moments of humor as well as moments of despair. I wasn’t shocked by the subject matter as much as off-put by Humbert’s selfishness and how he uses his writing ability to disguise the nature of his desire. This is not a tragic love story but rather a pervert’s well written cover-up trying to normalize a grown man’s illegal actions towards a child.

I realize that my opinion of this book differs greatly from most critics who have hailed the novel as one of the greatest works of the 20th century. I tried to give this book an opportunity to draw me in but unfortunately I was not able to get beyond the difficult and vile subject matter.

This is not a tragic love story but rather a pervert’s well written cover-up trying to normalize a grown man’s illegal actions towards a child. Well said!

For the reasons you give, Judy, I haven't been able to pick this one up to read it. Surprisingly, both our kids have urged me to read it because of the great writing, but so far I just can't do it.

>81 jnwelch: I can certainly understand and sympathize with your reluctance, Joe. I dragged my feet on this one as well. Being a completist, I am now happy that I can check this one off my 1,001 List.

>80 DeltaQueen50: - I forget now why I picked this up a few years ago (probably I needed it for a challenge), but I thought I was alone in not liking it. I think I even skipped parts just to finish it.

>69 DeltaQueen50: So glad you had a book to enjoy to balance out the ongoing ligament saga! I hope you feel better soon and that Martha Wells (and others) keep delivering the goods in the meantime. :)

>80 DeltaQueen50: Oh yes, I ended up skimming sections of this book. I think Lolita speaks to people in the same way that car crashes do -- there's something about blinking lights and sparkling glass and everything being out of place that is attractive even when the core is utterly and completely problematic and wrong and disturbing.

I also count myself among the people who were overcome by amazement at Nabokov's writing. It blew me away that he was a non-native English speaker and that the language he used could be so persuasive to have anyone at all even give this book a second look, let alone rank it highly....

I came away wanting to read something else by Nabokov, something on a less disturbing topic, to get to experience the language and craft in a less unsettling way. Of course, it's been probably a decade and I haven't picked up anything else by him yet.... but maybe someday, when a recommendation comes across my path at the right moment.

>80 DeltaQueen50: I was amazed by both Nabokov's use of language, and how he was able to portray Dolores suffering and the harm Humbert did despite using only Humbert's self-serving words. But I can certainly understand discomfort with the subject matter.

I wondered how Lolita could be a classic given its subject matter, which is icky, so I didn't read it until a group read came along. The story was so engrossing. The author created a narrator who always reasoned why his horrible behavior was acceptable, who saw himself as a hero while the reader was hating him. I ended up admiring Nabokov's tremendous skill.

>83 dudes22: Lolita certainly is a book that brings out strong opinions from people. Most admire the author's skill despite the subject matter. I'm not sorry that I have finally read it, but it will never be a book that I look back fondly on.

>84 pammab: My foot seems a little better, the pain isn't quite so intense as it was. I think it's just a matter of giving it time. Reading is keeping me sane right now!

>85 pammab: I, too, was left feeling that I want to read something else by this author and since he has a number of books on the 1,001 List, I will be visiting him again at some point.

>86 RidgewayGirl: & >87 mstrust: As much as I was put off by the subject matter, by reading yours and other comments, I am starting to see the value of Lolita. It is amazing that he is able to put the reader inside the head of a pervert to listen to his inner thoughts and justifications. I expect an author's number one priority is to immerse his reader into something different from their everyday experience. Nabokov certainly does that! It could be that time will soften my view and have me revise my rating upwards.

232. Last Stand at Saber River by Elmore Leonard - 3.8 ★
Category: Saddle Up!
December TBRCat: Bought Because It was Inexpensive (Second-Hand)
December TIOLI #1: An Animal With Horns Is On The Cover



Last Stand at Saber River by Elmore Leonard is a sold western tale of a confederate soldier coming back to his Arizona ranch with his wife and children only to find it has been taken over by a gang of union sympathizers who have no intention of letting the legal owner take over. Although rather formulaic the book has plenty of tense standoffs and shootouts that keep the pages turning.

Leonard defines his main character, Cabe, by describing the pull between his loving relationship with his wife and children against his hard, unwavering side that will not allow himself to lose his land. The story moves along at a rapid pace with confrontations between Cabe and the two Union brothers that have taken over his land, but it is the shady figure of Janroe, a Confederate sympathizer who escalates the disagreement, that seems the most detestable. While most Westerns portray their characters as either the “good guy” or the “bad guy”, Leonard crafts his characters in various shades which enhances the reading experience.

Many of the Western tropes that I enjoy are present in Last Stand at Saber River making this a fun and enjoyable read.

233. Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie - 3.8 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
December TBRCat: Bought Because It Was Inexpensive (Second-Hand)
December TIOLI #11: Set in the First Half of the 20th Century



Lord Edgware Dies by Agatha Christie was originally published in 1933. It features Hercule Poirot and his friend Arthur Hastings as they originally assist an American actress to get her estranged husband, Lord Edgware, to agree to a divorce, but all too soon are investigating his murder. One murder is soon followed by another and by the end of the book three people have been killed.

The book is riddled with suspects and alibis that seem to shift and change with every chapter. This case seems to genuinely puzzle Poirot for most of the book, but eventually an inane remark of Hastings helps him to put all the pieces together. Although I am fairly certain that I read this book many years ago under it’s American title of “Thirteen At Dinner”, I was truly surprised at the final outcome. It is unfortunate that this clever mystery held more than a few examples of anti-semitism which I found very distasteful as other than that, I found Lord Edgware Dies to be an inventive and clever mystery.

234. Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George - 4.0 ★
Category: Young At Heart
TIOLI #8: Morphy's Challenge - Festivus



A 1973 Newbery Medal winner, Julie of the Wolves by Jean Craighead George is the story of a young Inuit girl named Miyax, Julie is her English name given to her by her aunt who sends her to an American school after the death of her father. Forced into an arranged marriage at age 13 to the mentally challenged son of her father’s best friend, she flees after he tries to rape her. She becomes lost on the Alaskan tundra and survives by befriending a wolf pack. Her father had been a skilled hunter and she learned from him many of the skills she needed to survive in such a harsh environment. Her plan is to make her way to a harbour town and escape south to San Francisco where she has a pen pal friend who has invited her to stay.

While the book is obviously written for a younger audience, I found it an engaging and educational read. As Miyax travels with the wolf pack, they become like a family to her, but there are some difficult decisions ahead for when she discovers that her father didn’t die but is now hunting wolves from an airplane. The simple prose and bittersweet story gives the reader a strong picture of how the original Inuit customs and culture are being forever altered by the modern world.

I remember loving Julie of the Wolves when I was younger. Gripping storytelling.

>92 jnwelch: I thought so too, Joe.

So my horrible year continues on. On Thursday my husband had to be taken to hospital with pneumonia. He collapsed in the parking garage and we had a heck of a time getting up off the cold cement. He's improving but they say he probably won't be coming home until later on next week. Thanks heavens for my daughters who have been there for me and helped me get out to visit him and keep myself supplied. I tell you 2019 can't be over soon enough for us!

>94 DeltaQueen50: Oh my goodness! I hope he's home soon.

Oh, Judy - I'm so sorry to hear that. I hope he improves quickly.

>94 DeltaQueen50: Oh how awful, I hope he feels better soon and responds well to treatment. And here's hoping for an infinitely better 2020 for you both!

So sorry to hear about your hubby. Hope he makes a quick recovery and you can get some rest also.

How frightening! I hope he wasn't injured in the fall on top of everything else. Best wishes for better times ahead.

OH, Judy, I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. Thank goodness your daughters are close by, but yes, 2020 needs to get here STAT!

Take care.

How awful for you both. Hope that 2020 is a significant imrpovement on 2019.

>91 DeltaQueen50: I read that one in the 80s or 90s and loved it.

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband. I'm adding my best wishes to you both.

A big thank you to everyone for your good wishes. Ken is doing well, he seems to take two steps forward and then one back. I was visiting him this morning when the doctor came by and she said that his left lung is almost clear but the right one is still clogged. They are starting to get him up more and have him walk around. I could see a definite improvement in him from yesterday so we are hopeful. My younger daughter is a nurse which is helpful as she can check out what medications they are giving him and translate the medical language for us.

>95 rabbitprincess: Thanks RP. They seem to think he will be some time next week. I just want them to keep him until it's safe for him to come home.

>96 dudes22: Thanks Betty.

>97 Jackie_K: Jackie, I have my fingers crossed that this wave of bad luck will end with 2019!

>98 Tess_W: Thanks Tess.

>99 clue: Thank heaven he was aware enough that when he fell he held his head up off the cement so his butt and his shoulders took the brunt of the fall. They did check him over carefully at the hospital as he is on blood thinners and they wanted to make sure there were no internal injuries.

>100 katiekrug: Thanks, Katie - it's been a pretty dreadful last few months for us!

>101 Helenliz: Thanks - I know we will both appreciate good health over just about anything else from now on!

>102 thornton37814: I'm glad that I read it, Lori. I don't recall either of my daughters reading it when they were younger, and of course, I was in my twenties when it was originally published.

>103 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. :)

I am so sorry, to hear about your husband, Judy. I am hoping that Ken rebounds quickly. He sure seems to be getting a lot of love and support. Hugs to my pal!

Ouch, Judy! I am so glad your daughters are there to support you, and hope all these health issues will depart with the old year!

Just wishing you all the best for a much improved 2020, Judy.

It's so nice to have a family member who's a nurse. My daughter-in-law is one and somehow that makes it more comforting to know she'd let us know what's what. And can sometimes give you advice about something you should ask the doctor. Glad the hubs is feeling better.

Thought my message hadn't posted and ended up posting twice - sorry

Judy, my sympathies for your truly wretched end to the year. I'm glad your husband is recovering and your family is close by and supportive. And having a medical professional around to advocate and interpret is so reassuring -- my SIL is a pharmacist and when she and I have taken my MIL to appointments, she's the one who knows which questions to ask and how to ask them.

I'm hoping that you are able to take comfort from your family and are able to enjoy reading as you wait for both of you to recover.

Sorry to read about your husband. I hope he continues improving and this is the last new health problem this year!

I'm so sorry about all your troubles, Judy. I hope that both your and your husband's recoveries go quickly and smoothly - and that 2020 is a better year for us all!

Very sorry to hear about your husband's illness, Judy. I do hope he recovers completely soon and that 2020 will be a much better year for you and your family!

>105 msf59: Thanks, Mark. Recovery seems to be slow at this point but I am glad that he is in the hospital and getting the help he needs.

>106 ronincats: Don't know what I would do without the family, Roni. My elder daughter took me to the hospital this morning to visit and then later on this afternoon my younger daughter came out and helped go to the bank and get some groceries. She is off now to visit her Dad.

>107 MissWatson: Thanks, Birgit. :)

>108 dudes22: I am very thankful that we do have a medical person in the family as I am totally clueless in that area. I don't even know what questions to ask so we definitely rely on her to keep us in the know.

>110 RidgewayGirl: Thanks., Kay. I was finding it difficult to put much attention into my reading for a couple of days but it's getting better and now I can escape into a book.

>111 hailelib: Me, too, Trisha, me, too!

>112 Dejah_Thoris: I don't want to wish time away, but New Years Eve can't come quick enough for me!

>113 mathgirl40: Thanks Paulina. This last part of 2019 has been pretty rough on us, hopefully only good things are in our future.

235. The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah - 4.3 ★
Category: Out of the Past
December Reading Through Time - Let's Go Retro (Survival)
December TIOLI #6: Title has been Touch-stoned by a Member During 2019



The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah is the story of two sisters and the extraordinary courage and endurance they displayed during World War II in Nazi controlled France. The story is told in flashbacks as an elderly widow looks back on her life and we do not know until the final pages of the book which sister is actually telling the story.

In the spring of 1940, elder sister Viann has said goodbye to her husband as he sets off to fight for France. She and her daughter are expecting that he will come back to them soon but the Germans overrun France quickly and she eventually learns that her husband is a prisoner of war in a German work camp. Her younger sister arrives from Paris and while Viann intends to keep her head down and keep herself and her daughter safe, Isabelle is outspoken and obvious in her hatred of the Nazis. She eventually becomes a member of the Resistance and becomes known under the code name Nightingale for guiding downed Allied airmen to safety. Viann soon learns that it is impossible to stay human and do nothing and she becomes involved in saving young Jewish children from being sent to the death camps.

Both woman’s stories were exciting and interesting. Isabelle faces danger head on and relishes the excitement while Viann’s journey from passive to active resistance is a slower story but just as involving. The author pulls no punches when she describes the conditions that France had to endure during the war years – starvation and brutality were the order of the day. My only quibble with the story is that I couldn’t understand why the surviving sister kept her story to herself for thirty years and went under a different name.

The Nightingale highlights the author’s storytelling skills and I am looking forward to reading more from Kristin Hannah.

So sorry to read about your husband, Judy. I hope he is doing better soon.

Just catching up on threads after being away from LT for a couple of weeks. I'm so sorry to hear of your foot injury after all your worries about knees. And so sorry to hear about your husband. It's been a disastrous year for both of us. 2020 can't come soon enough. Wishing you and your husband the best of health.

>94 DeltaQueen50: - Oh my, sorry to learn about the latest news! I hope he has a quick recovery.

>115 DeltaQueen50: - Great review!

>116 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg. I am very hopeful that he will be coming home tomorrow.

>117 VivienneR: I'll be thinking of you on New Year's Eve, Vivienne. We both will be happy to see the end of 2019 and the start of a much better year!

>118 lkernagh: Thanks, Lori.

236. Death At Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn - 4.0 ★
Category: Series
December SeriesCat: First in a Series
December RandomCat: Title Starts With a Letter from the Word "December"
December TIOLI #5: Snow Pictured on Cover



I was very taken with the lively mystery Death At Wentwater Court by Carola Dunn that is the first in the series of mysteries that feature the Honorable Daisy Dalrymple. Set in the 1920s, Daisy is the daughter of a viscount but prefers to earn her own living. On assignment for Town and Country Magazine, she arrives at Wentwater Court to write about the Earl and his family.

When a death occurs and the police are called, Daisy meets the handsome Scotland Yard Inspector Alec Fraser. Since everyone at the estate is under suspicion, Daisy acts as the liaison between the working class police and the landed gentry. Sympathetic, intelligent and inquisitive, Daisy figures out who the murderer is and is also able to suggest a solution that is most pleasing to everyone concerned.

Since Daisy seems to show a knack for crime solving I expect that she and the Inspector will be spending a lot of time with each other in subsequent books. Death at Wentwater Court is the first in this series of over twenty mysteries and I expect that I will be delving into a few more of these cozy mysteries as I enjoyed this one very much.

>120 DeltaQueen50: I've taken a bullet with that one! I don't think I've read any Carola Dunn before although the name is so familiar. Sounds like fun.

>121 VivienneR: I've read Carola Dunn before as she also wrote some Regency romances which, of course aren't Georgette Heyer, but as I recall were pretty good.

>122 DeltaQueen50: Well, that's caught my attention! I'll have to look out for some of Dunn's Regencies! I recall liking Death at Wentwater Court as well, although I haven't continued with the series yet.

>123 christina_reads: I am always on the lookout for Regency Romances - they are one of my great escapes.

I brought my hubby home from the hospital today and he is now resting comfortably on the living room couch. Apparently he needs rest and lots of fluids. He's also on some very strong antibiotics. He is to go for another chest xray in January just to be sure that all traces of the pneumonia have disappeared. I feel like we can finally relax a little.

>125 DeltaQueen50: Wonderful news! All the best for a speedy recovery.

I missed the news about your husband until now -- so sorry to hear it! I hope everything stays better now. Thank goodness for being a person who inspires helping hands.... That is all such a load to bear, and such persistent worry -- each time something seems to move out of acute need, it feels like something else moves right on it. Good luck with the next couple days as the antibiotics chase the worst of it far away!

Glad to hear he's home, Judy. Make sure he does rest and not try to do too much too soon.

Happy Friday, Judy. Glad to hear Ken is home and under your loving care. The Nightingale has been on and off my list, since it came out. I will have to get to it, one of these days. Have a good weekend.

I am glad Mr. DeltaQueen (DeltaKing?) is home now, Judy. Remember to take care of yourself as you also care for him!

It’s great that your husband is home now.

The Carola Dunn mystery sounds fun.

>126 JayneCM: Thanks, Jayne.

>127 pammab: Thanks, he's coming along nicely and I can see in a couple of days I will have trouble trying to keep him in recovery mode! Unfortunately all this added activity has caused my foot to flare up again and I am not much use to anybody right now.

>128 dudes22: I can tell that he's still feeling low, Betty, cause he is quite happy to lie quietly and rest a lot. I know once he starts to feel better, I will have to be quite firm with him to keep him from over-doing it!

>129 msf59: Nightingale spent time on and off my list as well, Mark, but it was the perfect book for me at the time.

>130 katiekrug: Katie, shh - I don't want him to know he's the king - he'll get a swelled head!

>131 hailelib: I think all my reads should be on the light side right now. I am currently reading a book of short stories by Lorrie Moore and it's causing me to scratch my head and wonder what the heck is going on! My current YA read is doing a better job of entertaining me.

Good to hear that your husband is home and in your care, Judy, even if it is taxing on your foot. Take care of yourself. Being a caregiver is more taxing than you realize when you are doing it.

>133 Familyhistorian: Hi Meg. I obviously overdid the last few days and now I am paying for it with a foot that is very painful and keeps swelling. I have tried wearing a brace and using ice on it but nothing seems to help so now I am trying to rest it as much as I can.

237. Like Life by Lorrie Moore - 4.0 ★
Category: 1,001 Books List
December TIOLI #16: December Birthstone Challenge - Blue Cover



Like Life by Lorrie Moore is a volume of short stories, each one about ordinary people living quiet lives of desperation. The characters are often trying to disguise their fears and weaknesses with plenty of sarcasm or poignancy. There are eight stories, all quite different, yet all paint pictures of the empty lives of unhappy, neurotic and at times quite bitter people.

I can’t say that I enjoyed reading these stories, yet I did find them all memorable which speaks to the quality of the writing. At times these bleak stories hit close to home with recognizable emotions and feelings as she details life’s trite experiences. Stories about trying to disguise an empty life, or attempting to stay true to one’s muse are delivered in a sharp, incisive and witty manner that emphasizes rather than disguises the characters’ disorganized lives.

Complicated, cruel and cynical, the stories in Like Life speak to all of our insecurities and make the reading of it a very personal experience.

So glad your husband is back home but please remember to take care of yourself too! Wishing you both good health.

>136 VivienneR: Thanks, Vivienne.

238. Tool of War by Paolo Bacigalupi - 4.1 ★
Category: Science Fiction
December SFFFKit: Yearly Wrap - Reader's Choice
December TIOLI #17: Author's Name has an Odd Number of Letters



Tool of War by Paolo Bacigalupi is the third book in his Shipbreaker trilogy. Set far into the future, Bacigalupi envisions a world shaped by climate change and run by multi-national companies. In this novel, we finally have as a main character, Tool, the genetically engineered, DNA-spliced augment, who was bred as a killing machine. Blood-lust, survival and loyalty are part of his genetic make-up, but after breaking free of his servitude, he now represents the ultimate threat to those who used to control him for Tool also was designed to turn other augments away from their masters and to think for themselves.

All the previous characters from the first two books appear in this one, and the point of view shifts between them and some new characters as well. Tool has appeared in all three books, but it is in this one that he finally takes center stage and we learn more about his intricate relationships with other humans and augments.

I have really enjoyed this YA science fiction trilogy. Bacigalupi is a master at world-building; and the on-going story has proved to be just as intriguing. The tension builds throughout the book until the final confrontation between Tool and the man who created him. There is a fair amount of violence and bloodshed so it is more suitable for the older YA spectrum. Tool of War is a strong, entertaining addition to the author’s post-apocalyptic series.

Judy, I am just catching up about your husband's pneumonia. How scary. I hope his recovery continues to occur (in both lungs!!). I have had pneumonia once and getting over it was slow business.

And your foot. Sheesh. I'm still nursing my heel along. The arthritic knee is, well, just arthritic, so we'll see how that progresses. Getting old is for the birds (except that retirement that looms so near in my future...)!!

>139 EBT1002: Hi Ellen. Yes, we are certainly feeling every year we've lived these days! My husband is coming along nicely and I am nursing myself along. I've found that soaking my foot in warm water with apple cider vinegar really helps with both the pain and the swelling. I guess the trick to retirement is to keep your health so that you can enjoy your free time when you get it!

239. Christmas At The Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin - 3.4 ★
Category: Let's Eat!
December CalendarCat: Seasonal Reading
December AlphaKit: R
December RandomCat: Title Starts with a Letter from "December"
December TIOLI #7: Rolling Challenge - Based on "Christmas"



Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe by Rebecca Raisin is a short, light Christmas story that reminded me of the Hallmark Christmas movies that are currently airing. Fine for seasonal reading but really having no substance to speak of.

During the lead up to Christmas, two unhappy people meet, starting out as rivals with their shops opposite each other but after learning to cooperate and work together, they fall in love and most probably will live happily ever after. The story is embellished with holiday baking, decorations, Christmas trees and carol singing – so it was a cozy Christmas read that I enjoyed at the time but expect will have no memory of it within a couple of weeks.

Glad the husband is home so you can have all your worries in one place--and the good things too! I know what you mean--I have developed a Baker's cyst behind my left knee this last week and have to stay off of it a lot or it acts up! The good thing is that all the Christmas stuff is done (except for cards, but that's another story) and I can just relax at home and get some reading done. Hugs!!

>142 ronincats: Hugs right back at you, Roni. I hope your knee doesn't keep you from enjoying Christmas!

Happy Sunday, Judy. I had not heard of Like Life: Stories, but I do like Moore's short fiction. I will have to keep this one in mind. I also remembering really enjoying Tool of War. I like this author.

You weren't kidding Judy about your knee issues not holding back your reading. Certain to average 20 books a month once again. As impressed as always, dear Guru.

One of my aims for next year is to keep up with all my friends much better - even when I have to leave the 75ers occasionally to come and hunt you down!

Have a wonderful Christmas, dear Guru.

I hope that you and your hubby get better soon, Judy. Take care of yourself.

>144 msf59: Like Life was my first experience with Lorrie Moore, Mark, and I will certainly be looking for more from this author. I am also a big fan of Paolo Bacigalupi.

>145 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul. All the best to you and your family as well.

>146 Familyhistorian: Thanks, Meg.

Merry Christmas to you, Judy!

Hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

Have a fine Christmas, Judy.

Judy you and your husband have had a rough year. I hope you are all on the mend. I'm so glad you have a nurse in your family and that your girls are helping you out.

>148 mstrust: Thanks, Jennifer. All the best to you and yours.

>149 ChelleBearss: Chelle! I was just checking your thread today to see if you were around - great to hear from you. Merry Christmas to you and your family as well.

>150 hailelib: Thanks, Trisha. The same to you.

>151 luvamystery65: Thanks, Ro. The family is really helping us get through all our troubles. Have a wonderful Christmas.

240. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay - 3.6 ★
Category: Vintage Crime
December CalendarCat: Seasonal Reading
December Reading Through Time: Let's Go Retro (Vintage Mystery)
December TIOLI #4: Something in the Title Connects it to Winter



Originally published in 1936, The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay is a very clever country-house murder mystery set at Christmas. With it’s great setting, a murdered aristocrat and plenty of suspects, the only thing I found slightly lacking was some humor. It is all told very seriously with a lot of clues strewn about the narrative, there were also a few red herrings and twists to make this a classic Christmas mystery.

I found this novel dragged a little as each character at some point was suspected by the police and then had to be exonerated. The chapters were narrated by the various characters with the bulk of the investigation being told by Colonel Halstock, the Chief Constable, as he slowly puts the pieces together. I felt these multiple points of view helped to define the characters and gave them each their own identity.

The Santa Klaus Murder is a selection from the British Library Classics and although this is not destined to be a favourite of mine, I do appreciate that we have been given a chance to sample some of these lesser known authors from the golden age of mysteries.

I visited a few threads this morning with Christmas greetings, but now I have company coming so I will post this one to all my friends here at LT:



Hope everyone has a lovely holiday!

Merry Christmas to you and your family, Judy. I've so enjoyed our conversations about books (and everything else) this year. Looking forward to more in 2020.

Have a great holiday, with the family, Judy!

to you and all yours, Judy!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas, Judy. May it be filled with good books and love.

>155 VivienneR: I am looking forward to many bookish concersations with you as well, Vivienne. Here's to 2020!

>156 msf59: Happy Holidays to you too, Mark. That owl picture is perfect!

>157 EBT1002: Thanks, Ellen. Enjoy Hawaii!

>158 Helenliz: Thanks, Helen.

I've been banished from the kitchen and forbidden to do any chores so here I am catching up on my computer. Daughters are putting together a Christmas brunch of waffles and fruit. I did receive a few books this morning:

Nights At the Circus by Angela Carter
The Twins by Tessa de Loo
I'm Not Scared by Nicolo Ammaniti
Over My Dead Body by Rex Stout
The Sheep Queen by Thomas Savage
The Circle by Peter Lovesey
The Headhunters by Peter Lovesey

Now to go find some space on the shelves.

Mmmm waffles! Merry Christmas!

>160 rabbitprincess: They were delicious and best of all, I have also been banished from any clean-up!

241. River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey - 3.5 ★
Category: Science Fiction
December TIOLI #15: A Book From NPR's Annual Book Concierge (2017)



River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey is an alternative history novella that is built around a failed 1909 proposition that Hippos be introduced to Louisiana as both an alternative meat source and a way to control the invasive water hyacinth. Author Sarah Gailey has imagined that this bill was passed and hippos came to America not only to be raised for meat but also as a means of transportation in the Mississippi wetlands.

Reading much like a western, this is a story about a group of misfits, hired by the government to move feral hippos from a damned lake out into the Gulf of Mexico. Each member of the crew has a ‘specialty” from explosives to gun play that they excel in. Of course, like all westerns, there is a black-hatted villain that wants to prevent the hippos from being moved as having a lake full of feral hippos outside his gambling ship comes in handy when he wants to punish cheaters or welshers.

River of Teeth is a highly imaginative story that I wish had been more fully fleshed out. There wasn’t enough time for the author to develop her characters, or indeed, to build upon the relationship that each character has with their own hippo mount. This fantasy western was a well written, interesting concept that left me wanting more story than I got.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Solstice, some other tradition or none at all, this is what I wish for you!

>162 DeltaQueen50: That is certainly an interesting storyline! Was it true that they were considering such a proposal? In Australia, we know all about the catastrophes of introducing other species! Rabbit, fox, cane toad, carp, lantana.

Hope you had a lovely Christmas - it sounds as though you were well looked after.

>164 JayneCM: Hi Jayne, yes, apparently a congressman proposed bringing in hippos to raise for meat but after their agressive and violent nature was discussed, this proposal did not get a single vote - but it certainly made for an interesting plot line!

>165 DeltaQueen50: Sometimes fact is definitely stranger than fiction! So why not combine the two!

>115 DeltaQueen50: Glad you enjoyed that one. It was a favorite for me when I read it.

>120 DeltaQueen50: I read that one several years ago and rated it roughly the same as you. I do like your cover better though!

>141 DeltaQueen50: I think I've seen that one mentioned on someone's GoodReads thread. I enjoy those reads once in awhile.

>153 DeltaQueen50: I'm pretty sure I own that book, but it's not in my library. I need to check and add it if it isn't there. I thought I read it last year, but it would be there if I had. I must have acquired it last year though. I'll look when I get home. I think I know where the book is.

Happy Holidays, Judy. I am happy to hear that you are both on the mend. Take it easy! I imagine you'll be able to set up your 2020 thread. I always look forward to your yearly themes.

>166 JayneCM: Exactly! :)

>167 thornton37814: Re: The Nightingale - I loved the story and look forward to reading more of this author. Death At Wentwater Court That cover suits the book very well. Hard to see in the small picture but the snow flakes are actually skull and bones. The Santa Klaus Murder hope you find your copy, Lori.

>168 BLBera: Here's the link to my January thread, Beth: https://www.librarything.com/topic/313184# This year it's all about how I choose what to read.

>163 ronincats: OMG! Roni!! So sorry I missed your post till now. I did have a lovely Christmas and I sure hope you did as well.

242. Plague Year by Jeff Carlson - 3.7 ★
Category: Science Fiction
December TIOLI #17: Author's Name Has An Odd Number of Letters



Plague Year by Jeff Carlson is the first book in his science fiction trilogy about nanotechnology that was designed to fight cancer but instead evolves into the Machine Plague as it not only kills the cancer cells it was designed for, but every other kind of cell it can find in a warm blooded organism. It speedily spreads across the globe changing the world forever. The few survivors are the ones that climbed to high elevations, since the nano doesn’t survive at over 10,000 feet.

Surviving at such altitudes is extremely difficult and the descriptions of both scavenging and cannibalism are distressing and grisly. The story is centered on two individuals, survivor Cam who was a ski bum in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California, and Dr. Ruth Ann Goldman, who could be the world’s best chance at finding a cure. Of course there is more to this story than survival and medical research. Politics are playing an important role in who survives and who doesn’t, both on the world stage as Russia is fighting both the Muslim world and India in order to control the world’s high altitudes, and, in America, where there are class divisions as to who gets food and help, and who are left to fend for themselves which in turn has created terrorist cells.

My copy of this book is the author’s cut, and actually I think I would have preferred the edited version as I found this to be a little too wordy with scientific explanations. This is meant to be a thriller and long-winded science lectures took away from the excitement. Also I had difficulty in accepting the idea that an ideological obsessed politician would be more interested in using the nano technology to create a weapon of mass destruction than in saving civilization.

>171 DeltaQueen50: There definitely needs to be the right balance of science and story. I really loved The Martian - I think Andy Weir hit just the right balance. Surprising how gripping the story was when really everything happens in slow motion in space!

I just found your 2020 thread today, Judy. My you have been busy!

>172 JayneCM: I loved The Martian - such a fun story!

>173 Familyhistorian: Too much time on my hands, Meg. :)

>169 DeltaQueen50: Thanks Judy. I will look at it in the new year -- by then you will probably be ready for a second thread!

>175 BLBera: See you in 2020, Beth!

243. The Pearl that Broke it's Shell by Nadia Hashimi - 4.5 ★
Category: Armchair Travel
December TIOLI #10: Set Somewhere Hot or a Hot Word in Title (Embedded)



The Pearl That Broke It’s Shell is the debut book by author Nadia Hashimi and delivers a powerful story of two young Afghan women, separate by a century, who disguise themselves as boys in order to survive. The story alternates between Rahima and Shekiba’s stories, weaving them together in an engrossing and disturbing story.

After she and her sisters are harassed while walking alone, Rahima becomes a bascha posh, an ancient custom of allowing a girl to dress, act and be treated like a boy, until she reaches marriageable age. She loves the freedom being male brings her but with a drug-addicted father and five girls in the family, money is an issue and eventually her father sells three of the girls, including Rahima, into marriage within a powerful warlord family.

A hundred years earlier, Shekiba, Rahima’s great-great-grandmother who is left orphaned by an epidemic and mistreated badly by her remaining relatives finds herself passed along as a servant to one family and then, given to the royal palace to become a male-like guard at the harem. Shekiba is betrayed and falsely accused by a fellow guard and again finds herself powerless and without much hope.

The Pearl That Broke It’s Shell is beautifully written with a moving story line and complex, realistic characters. These two stories are about amazing women who live in a world where men have all the power. Every step they take has to be planned and executed with great care as position and power are guarded jealously by other women. Heartbreaking and informative, this is a book to make women of the Western world appreciate the freedoms that we so casually possess.

>177 DeltaQueen50: - I think I'll take a BB for this, Judy.

>178 dudes22: I have a couple more of her books on my shelves as well, Betty. In fact next month I will be reading another of hers, When the Moon is Low.

I'll be waiting to hear how it is.

Hi, Judy. I hope you had a good weekend. Good review of River of Teeth. I remember hearing a little buzz on this one, so it was on my radar. Sounds interesting, despite your misgivings.

>181 msf59: Hi Mark, River of Teeth was intriguing enough that I have since purchased the sequel called Taste of Marrow. There is also a prequel called Worth Her Weight in Gold that I may also pick up at some point. I loved the concept and I'm hoping that these additional novellas will deliver more story and character devvelopment.

Wow! I did not realize it was part of a series of books. Very interesting. BTW- You said you were a fan of Olmstead. I highly recommend Savage Country. Terrific western.

244. Wonderful by Jill Barnett - 3.4 ★
Category: Love Story
December TIOLI #17: Odd Number of Letter in the Author's Name



Wonderful by Jill Barnett is a historical romance set in medieval times as Clio, a young, orphaned ward of King Edward II is awarded to Merrick, Earl of Glamorgan as a bride. Along with Clio comes Camrose Castle, her family’s rundown castle in the Welsh Marches.

At first these two, although attracted to each other, battle over everything. Merrick’s main concern is to repair and fortify the castle, while Clio had dreamt of a romantic courtship. She’s had to wait six years for her knight to claim her as he was off battling in the Crusades. Now her main purpose in life seems to be to goad and annoy him. Of course as time goes by, they learn not only to understand each other, but to love each other as well. The story has some history, along with plenty of action and romance, and while I would hesitate to recommend it, this story was exactly the light escape I was looking for.

Wonderful is much more of a bodice-ripper than a proper historical fiction story, the thoughts and actions Clio are far too modern in scope to be believable but there was romance, humor and some descriptions of day-to-day life so although rather silly, I enjoyed the time I spent with the book.

With this last review, I believe my 2019 reading year has ended. My next books will be for my 2020 Category Challenge.

My Top Books of the 4th Quarter were:

The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock
The Tenant of Wildfell Hall by Anne Bronte
After Dark, My Sweet by Jim Thompson
The Pearl That Broke Its Shell by Nadia Hashimi
The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
The Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

My Top Books of 2019 were:

Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Heavenly Table by Donald Ray Pollock
The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver
Legend by David Gemmell
The Color of Lightning by Paulette Jiles
I am Legend by David Matheson
Hell's Bottom, Colorado by Laura Pritchett

I hope you come and join me for another year of reading adventures. My 2020 Category Challenge can be found at: https://www.librarything.com/topic/313184#

What a great reading year - looking forward to seeing your choices in 2020!
Only twelve and a half hours to go for me (but I have already started my first book for 2020.)