jmaloney17's reads in 2009

Charlas75 Books Challenge for 2009

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jmaloney17's reads in 2009

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1jmaloney17
Dic 8, 2008, 5:08 pm

I have been lurking around the 08 challenge for a couple of months waiting with baited breath to start the 09 challenge.

I generally read english and french lit, new fiction, and trashy romance novels (regency or vampires only) with a nonfiction book thrown in there once in a while. My favorite book of all time is Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maughan. I do not tend to reread books. I always want something new.

I want to write reviews for books but honestly I have trouble getting past I liked it or I didn't like it. I am determined to try though. I have compiled a list of over 2500 important books that I am thinking about reading, so hopefully I will read some of the ones off of that list this year.

I average about 1.5 books a week, so I should be able to make it through 75 in 2009. I can't wait to get started on Jan 1!

2alcottacre
Dic 9, 2008, 2:43 am

Welcome!

As for writing reviews, do not stress out about it. I am the same way you are - I either like it or dislike it. Believe me, if someone in this group has a question about a book, they will ask.

3Whisper1
Ene 2, 2009, 2:32 pm

Welcome!

4jmaloney17
Ene 5, 2009, 2:26 pm

I am off to a slow start so far this year. I got a Wii for Christmas, so it has cut into my reading time a smidge. I am reading The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton. I am enjoying it so far. She definately had an opinion on New York "aristocracy." Hope to be through the book in a couple of days.

5ladydzura
Ene 5, 2009, 3:00 pm

I must say, my Wii and my DS Lite are probably two of the main reasons I don't read nearly as much as I'd like. :) Let us (me!) know how you like The Custom of the Country. I started The Age of Innocence last year and just couldn't get through it at the time. I hope to give it another go sometime soon.

6jmaloney17
Ene 6, 2009, 2:12 pm

alynnk:
I have not read The Age of Innocence, but I really like The Custom of the Country. Undine, the main character, is just so horrible. She is incredibly insecure, and doesn't have a sense for anything other than what she wants. I just got through one part that has one of the male characters going on about how the women of the time shouldn't be expected to think about the consequences of their actions or be concerned with the actions of their husbands, because the men never taught them or expected better of them. It was rather an interesting bit.

7jmaloney17
Ene 9, 2009, 2:06 pm

Finally!!!
#1 The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton
470 pgs.

I liked this book more than I thought I would when I picked it up. Undine Spragg, the main character, is a deplorable human being. She never passed the stage in life where she realised there was more to life than her own person. She was extremely selfish and constantly wanting more. She had no thought for anyone else. She divorces and remarries as often as she buys a new dress. When the husband is no longer in fashion or no longer can provide her what she wants she moves on. She was never taught that she couldn't have everything she wanted. Undine was never satified.

If you enjoy classics, like I do, you should like this book. Edith Wharton depicts the times when nouveau riche were invading the stolid New York "aristocracy" with witty criticism.

8jmaloney17
Ene 16, 2009, 2:37 pm

#2 Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood
374 pgs.

I liked this book until the very last page. I am not certain if it is because I didn't feel like the ending had been resolved or if I just wanted more book. Throughout the book I couldn't wait to get to the end to find out why everything happened the way it did. Now I feel let down. I may just need to think about it some more. If I come up with any new thought on it I will come back and write some more.

9jmaloney17
Editado: Ene 26, 2009, 5:19 pm

#3 Super in the City by Daphne Uviller (book title Touchstone incorrect)
295 pgs.
Early Reviewer Book

This book has potential. The story was pretty good, but the characters need more development. This could easily be a series of mysteries for the author. The story was fun with interesting characters, but the meat was missing. It felt more like it was a short story that had extra words added to it to make it just long enough for a full book. I think there is really a great beginning here, but it is not ready for the public.
I am really rooting for the author. I would read a series about these characters. The world just needs to be developed more.

10jmaloney17
Ene 26, 2009, 5:54 pm

#4 Ecstasy by Jacquelyn Frank

Frank's books are always good. I like the relationships, the stories and the tension. This is the first in her Shadowdwellers series. It is related to the Nightwalker series, the mythlogy is the same, but the group of people are different. You can enjoy this one without reading the Nightwalker series, but why would you want to?

11girlunderglass
Editado: Feb 3, 2009, 8:50 am

"I got a Wii for Christmas, so it has cut into my reading time a smidge"
oooo the danger of owning a wii, my friend! I'm afraid whenever I'm near a wii it reduces my chances of reading by almost 90%. I am impatiently waiting for the day I will get bored with it but , alas, my boyfriend keeps buying new games for it!

12jmaloney17
Editado: Feb 3, 2009, 11:16 am

Message 11 -- I haven't had the problem of buying new games yet, but I get obsessed with games. I have trouble starting a new game before I beat one. I am still on Mario Galaxy, but I always want to play. Luckily, my hands get cramped up after about an hour of play. I am really bad at video games so it takes forever for me to finish levels.

13jmaloney17
Feb 3, 2009, 11:15 am

#5 Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh
What a good book. I really enjoyed it. The characters were great. I wanted to follow Sebastian a little more, since I liked him so much. But all the characters were engaging.

I always find it interesting that in Brit Lit there is so much ambivalence toward religion once the monarchy loses power on that front. It seems like the characters only go to church when they are expected to by society. Religion is a major topic in this book, and it surprised me. It affects all the characters in the book, except the main character, and plays into all their decisions. It was frustrating for me and the main character Charles. Life would have gone much more smoothly for him and his friends if the religious beliefs and habits had not gotten in the way.

I have not fully developed my ideas on this yet. I will have to think about it some more.

I now am ready to see the movie of Brideshead Revisited that came out in 2008. I am really anticipating that. As much Brit Lit as I read, and Brit hitory I am familiar with; I generally have trouble understanding the politics of what is going on. A lot of times that smooths itself out when I see the movie version. I get frustrated when they compare people to a politician or a member of society I have never heard of. It is easier to see what they are talking about on film.

Please do read this book if you are a fan of Brit Lit, classics or if you are interested in catholicism in Britain.

14jmaloney17
Feb 17, 2009, 3:10 pm

#6 The House of the Spirits by Isabel Allende

I love Allende's books and this was no exception. I definately suggest you read any of her titles.

This one takes place over three generations (likely late 1800s through the 1970s) of a family in Chile, in which the women have special gifts of clairvoyance, imagination, etc.

Enjoy!

15jmaloney17
Feb 21, 2009, 12:01 am

#7 Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

This is a book that many women who do not like scifi could easily enjoy.

The story takes place in 2054, and the historians at Oxford are sending people back in time! Much of the story takes place in the Middle Ages, where people get sick easily and die in inscrutiating pain.

The book also shows how people are idiots no matter what period of time. Gossip and pride really runs the world.

Read the book. It's good.

16loriephillips
Feb 21, 2009, 1:13 pm

I read Doomsday Book last month and thought it was fabulous. Glad you enjoyed it as well.

17alcottacre
Feb 22, 2009, 12:34 am

#15: The book also shows how people are idiots no matter what period of time.

Ain't that the truth?

Like you, I also liked Doomsday Book. It is one of my memorable reads for the year.

18jmaloney17
Feb 25, 2009, 10:28 pm

#8 Sandition by Jane Austen and Another Lady

It's Jane Austen, what is there to dislike. Eventhough Austen only wrote the first 11 chapters the "lady" did a nice job finishing it for her.

19jmaloney17
Mar 4, 2009, 11:14 am

#9 Agnes Grey by Anne Bronte

I just realised I had not posted this yet. I saw a few people were reading this and enjoyed it, so I picked it up. I enjoyed it too.

Sometimes I get a little tired of piety and this book has a lot of it. It is a short book though so it did not grate on me as much as it could have. It was unfortunate that Agnes had such a miserable young adulthood.

20jmaloney17
Editado: Mar 9, 2009, 4:36 pm

#10 Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I thought I had read this before, but I had only seen the BBC mini-series. I thought I would read because I had just finished Agnes Grey. I think I liked Anne Bronte's writing better. I have Shirley on my shelf, I may read that one soon to see how the writing compares. I am also considering reading Widefell Hall by Anne Bronte. I think that is the name of the book.

I did like Jane Eyre. She had a pleasant demeanor. So many terrible things happened to her that I did wish that the happy ending was a little happier.

I am now reading Middlemarch by George Eliot. It is about 1000 pages so it may be a bit before I am able to finish it. I have seen this mini-series too. It is set up very different from the book. I am interested to see how the story will progress in the book, and which I will like better.

21alcottacre
Mar 10, 2009, 12:14 am

Oh, Middlemarch is terrific! The best of Eliot, IMO. Enjoy!

22jmaloney17
Mar 10, 2009, 10:07 am

Thank you. I am enjoying it so far aa. I forgot to bring my book with me to work today, so I won't be able to read at lunch. I am very disappointed.

23alcottacre
Mar 10, 2009, 12:16 pm

#22: I would be, too. You may have to stoop to reading cereal boxes or something for lunch today, and there is just no comparison, lol.

24jmaloney17
Mar 10, 2009, 2:17 pm

23--I resorted to Su Doku puzzles. They were too easy though. I did about 5 of them in 30 minutes.

25alcottacre
Mar 10, 2009, 2:31 pm

Still not the same as Eliot, but probably above cereal boxes lol.

26jmaloney17
Mar 23, 2009, 2:30 pm

#11 Middlemarch by George Eliot

This is a long book! Over 1000 pages.

While I thoroughly enjoyed it, the extremely long sentences were a little difficult to get through sometimes. I often had to read things over because I read the sentance incorrectly. There were a lot of commas in there.

The book is about the town of Middlemarch and three couples that fall in love. The BBC mini series version is very close to the book. If you are interested in the book, but are a little afraid of the language or the length of the book, rent the BBC version. There is really nothing lost. You can get it on Netflix if you are in the U.S.

27jmaloney17
Mar 23, 2009, 5:03 pm

Just wanted to let you all know that I went to a book sale this weekend. I came away with 33 books at 50 cents a pop!

I have not really been to book sales since I was a kid. After I started reading the first one today, I remembered that a lot of the books fall apart when you turn the pages. Old glue I am guessing. Well the words still read, so I guess that is ok.

Anyone have any tips on avoiding these books at the used book sale? I plan on going to another one in mid-April, so I want to be prepared.

28Prop2gether
Mar 25, 2009, 7:04 pm

LOL--if we had tips like that, we'd all use them. There's a $1 book store on my way to the bus from the library--and I never manage to miss it, no matter how hard I try!

29jmaloney17
Abr 4, 2009, 3:42 pm

I have been out of town, so I have not been keeping up. I have a couple of books to add.

#12 The Left Hand of Darkness by Ursula K. LeGuin

#13 Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur

Reviews to come ... .

30blackdogbooks
Abr 5, 2009, 10:20 am

Great reading list for this year. I've got you starred now!

31girlunderglass
Abr 5, 2009, 3:12 pm

only three stars for TLHOD??? But whyyy?

32jmaloney17
Abr 7, 2009, 2:09 pm

Message 31-- GUG, I was just not that intrigued by the story. I actually had a little trouble getting in to it. I thought there was so much more that could have happened. I think I wanted more adventure and exploration. I think this easily could have been a much longer book that explored Genly's different quests. I liked it. I just wanted more.

I have The Dispossessed at home. I will likely read that soon.

33jmaloney17
Abr 13, 2009, 12:00 pm

#14 The Warden by Anthony Trollope

I finished The Warden on Friday. It is only a couple hundred pages long. The book talks about the church in England and how it takes advantage of society. However the Warden in this case is only guilty of not knowing he is taking advantage.
I liked the book, it evidently is the least popular of the 6 books that are included in Trollope's Barset Chronicles. I plan on reading them all this year. I am looking forward to starting Barchester Towers soon.

34alcottacre
Abr 13, 2009, 12:12 pm

#33: Part of the problem for me when I read The Warden was a complete and utter lack of knowledge of the structure of the Anglican church, and this in turn, detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book. I liked Barchester Towers and Doctor Thorne, the only 2 Trollope I have read since, much better.

35jmaloney17
Abr 14, 2009, 1:52 pm

34--Are you planning on reading the rest of the Barset series? The other books in the series are Framley Parsonage, The Small House at Allington and The Last Chronicle of Barset. I should be starting Barchester Towers sometime this week. I have read so much Brit lit that I have a good handle on the Anglican church and how they worked in back then (essentially the same way the catholic church worked). I can see how it would hard to get a good grip on what was going on if you weren't sure of the heirarchy and politics of the church.

36arubabookwoman
Editado: Abr 14, 2009, 2:02 pm

I had to read The Warden in college and I found it incomprehensible for the reasons alcottacre says. That experience turned me away from Trollope, and I never read anything else by him, though I know he is a favorite of many serious readers. As part of my reading goal to give books and authors that I couldn't stand when I tried them in school, I now plan to read some Trollope, so it's good to hear that The Warden seems to be the exception rather than the rule in terms of Trollope-enjoyment. (Virginia Woolf is another author who falls into this category for me).
edited to correct spelling

37alcottacre
Abr 15, 2009, 1:00 am

#35: Yes, I will continue on with the series. I just have not been consistent at reading it, sneaking in a book at a time here and there, but I do appreciate Trollope's writing.

38jmaloney17
Editado: Abr 15, 2009, 1:33 pm

#15 Curse the Dawn by Karen Chance

I really like the Cassandra Palmer series by Karen Chance. There is always a lot of magical action, sexual tension and political intrigue. I really dig it. They are just light, fun reads.

39blackdogbooks
Abr 22, 2009, 1:17 pm

The Last Chronicle of Barset is on one of my lists and I've always wondered if it would stand alone without having read the previous 5 books. You'll have to let me know what you think.

40jmaloney17
Abr 22, 2009, 6:19 pm

Blackdog--I am 3/4 of the way through Barchester Towers. It stands alone from The Warden but you get a good introduction to the characters that are in Barchester Towers.

41jmaloney17
Abr 24, 2009, 1:35 pm

#16 Barchester Towers by Anthony Trollope

This is the 2nd of 6 books in the Barset Chronicles by Trollope. The story of Barchester continues. This time Trollope discusses the infighting amongst the clergy. There are two factions of clergy, one group wants to adhere to the old ways and the 2nd group wants reform. Many of the same characters that appeared in The Warden appear in this book. There are some new faces though.

The political backstabbing is really what the book was about. Some of the characters are particularly deceptive. It was quite enjoyable.

I am reading Twilight now and then I will start the 3rd book in the Barset Chronicles Dr. Thorne.

42Prop2gether
Abr 24, 2009, 2:48 pm

LOL about The Warden and the Anglican church discussion above--I have a British brother-in-law who includes a Catholic bishop and an Anglican bishop in his lineage! That makes for interesting conversation around the table. I have The Warden on the coffee table, but *sigh*, so many other books on the current reading level to finish first. Thanks for the review-it makes the nudge to push the book a bit harder to resist.

43jmaloney17
Abr 27, 2009, 1:52 pm

#17 Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I enjoyed the story. It is basically a paranormal romance without the gratuitous sex. I like paranormal romance, so I liked the book. I am reading New Moon now, so I'll see soon if I like how the story continues. I can understand how so many women are frustrated with Bella and her unbelievable deity-izing (I know it is not a word) of Edward. I understand the choice in the first book, but now that I am in to the second book I am starting to get annoyed with it.

On a further note, I watched Twilight, the movie, this weekend. The acting was so atrocious that it marred the story. I blame it all on bad directing. They have some better directors doing the other books so maybe they will not be as bad.

44girlunderglass
Abr 27, 2009, 2:04 pm

haha well just to note how much opinions can differ: I actually thought the movie for Twilight was better than the book (which is rare). First of all because in the book the writing is SO bad (which you don't see in the movie). And second of all because the Bella of the movie was about 1000000 times better & cooler & more normal than the one in the story (who was pathetic, whiny, obsessed, a disgrace to her sex and possibly psychologically deranged in my opinion). But that's why books were made, so people can read them and disagree about them :)

45jmaloney17
Abr 29, 2009, 11:34 am

#18 New Moon by Stephenie Meyer

So I have not made it to Dr. Thorne yet. I could not resist reading the next book in the Twilight series. Yes, I liked it and I am now addicted to the story. I even went to the bookstore on my way to work to pick up Eclipse, but it is not in paperback yet. I was sorely disappointed. I am borrowing it from a co-worker instead, so I will not be able to start on it until tomorrow. In the meantime, I have no book to read at lunch today. Boo!

46jmaloney17
mayo 11, 2009, 4:21 pm

#19 Lover Avenged by J. R. Ward

I love this series. I was really excited to be able to read this book. The story is about Rhevenge the owner of ZeroSum and his battle with his Sympath side. Though the story of Rhev is a good one, there are a lot of loose ends that still need to be tied up in the end. I think John will be the main character in the next book, but Ward could hold it off again.

I know I will have to wait another year for the next book, which will again come out in paperback, so I will have to borrow it from someone. Frustrating. I want to read it now.

47jmaloney17
mayo 26, 2009, 3:25 pm

#20 Doctor Thorne by Anthony Trollope
This is the third book in the Chronicles of Barsetshire. I am really enjoying this group of books. Whereas the first two books were more aboout the clergy and their dealings with moral issues, this book dealt with the medical profession and other society issues. This one had more of a love story to it.

Someone asked me awhile back if I thought that they could read the sixth book in the series without reading the others. Now that I am a few books in I think I can answer YES. Though a lot of the same characters are in the books the repeating characters are generally in the background. They are talked about instead of visited. Thought the books really are enjoyable, if you have the opportunity to read them all, go for it!

48jmaloney17
mayo 26, 2009, 3:29 pm

#21 Dead and Gone by Charlaine Harris
This is book 9 in the Sookie Stackhouse series. This is not the best of the books but it did tie up some loose ends.

I have to say the book did not warrant a hard cover. I am tired of my $7 brain candy, becoming $25 Hard (to wait for) backs. GREED!!

49alcottacre
mayo 27, 2009, 4:48 am

#47: I finished up Doctor Thorne recently as well and will be reading Framley Parsonage in the coming weeks. I am hoping to make it through the Chronicles of Barsetshire this year.

50jmaloney17
mayo 27, 2009, 2:57 pm

I am currently reading Framley Parsonage. This one is moving along quickly for me. Trollope also revisits a lot of characters that were in the previous books in this one. I am trying to get through the Chronicles this year too.

51alcottacre
mayo 28, 2009, 3:43 am

#50: Cool beans!

52jmaloney17
Jun 1, 2009, 12:19 pm

#22 Framley Parsonage by Anthony Trollope
This has been my favorite of the Trollope books so far. The people, the scrapes, and the love stories were all interesting. And one of my favorite characters, Miss Dunstable, had a more prominent part in this book.

I am reading Eclipse now.

53blackdogbooks
Jun 1, 2009, 9:28 pm

That was me who asked about whether you could read the last of the books as a stand alone and I appreciate your anwer after having read a few now! That one is on one of my lists and I hate to read the whole series to find that I don't like them. So, when I get to it, I'll read and if I like it go back and pick up the rest.

54jmaloney17
Editado: Jun 2, 2009, 10:33 am

Yeah, I think you will be fine with out reading the previous. He gives brief descriptions of the characters if they were in a previous book and they have not been very large portions of the books so far.

55jmaloney17
Editado: Jun 3, 2009, 1:35 pm

#23 Eclipse by Stephenie Meyer

I finally purchased and received the last 2 books in the Twilight series. I bought them in paperback from www.bookdepository.co.uk since I could not get them in paperback in the states yet.

I am surprisingly liking this series more and more. I liked Twilight, but as I get further along in the series I am becoming more invested in the characters and what happens to them. I am a few chapters in to Breaking Dawn now.

56girlunderglass
Jun 4, 2009, 10:26 am

I want to find out what happens in the books as well - also I've heard the the writing does get a little bit better, o I'm curious to see. I wasn't sure if I was planning to get the rest of the series after I read Twilight - I was leaning towards "No" - but then I saw the movie and liked it more than the book. SO decided to find out what happens after all. :)
I'm gonna wait to see if I can get them on Bookmooch though, trying not to pay for them :)

57jmaloney17
Jun 4, 2009, 10:40 am

girl--
If I decide to release them, I will let you know. I have not decided as of yet. I am almost done with the last book now. I was late to work this morning because I decided it would be a good idea to read a chapter before I left.

58jmaloney17
Jun 5, 2009, 10:42 am

#24 Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyer

As this series progressed I liked the books more and more. Meyer is no great writer, but what she has succeded in is tension. There is tension in love, sex, friendship, family relations, warring factions, etc. That's is what makes these books page turners. If these books were intended for adults they would likely be even steamier, more erotic and extremey tense. The only thing I really missed in the books was some good hard core action. If the books were for adults there would have been some big fights going down.

59jmaloney17
Jun 9, 2009, 10:15 am

#25 Kushiel's Mercy by Jacqueline Carey
I have enjoyed this series tremendously. I am a little sad to see it over with. I was really surprised when I discovered how much I liked it. Carey is really a good writer of intrigue, politics and love. I am excited to read the first book in her new series, Namaah's Kiss. I do have to wait for paperback though.

60TadAD
Jun 9, 2009, 3:46 pm

>59 jmaloney17:: I liked the first series so much, I'm a little afraid to try the new one. What will it be like without the characters I came to love?

61jmaloney17
Jun 9, 2009, 4:23 pm

TadAD--I think the new one takes place on Alba, so hopefully there will be an old character here and there. I too am saddened that I will no longer be able to root for Phedre, Jocelin and Imriel, but really it was time that Imriel had something good happen.

62TadAD
Jun 9, 2009, 4:30 pm

>61 jmaloney17:: I think the new one takes place on Alba, so hopefully there will be an old character here and there

I had seen an interview with her that said the books would be set in a completely different time period, so I assumed that (other than, possibly, Hyacinthe) no one we knew would be present.

Perhaps I've got it wrong, however. I saw that a long time ago.

63jmaloney17
Jun 10, 2009, 11:23 am

Hmmm...I am sure you are right. That is too bad. I will miss a lot of the characters.

64jmaloney17
Editado: Jun 12, 2009, 11:22 am

#26 Dayhunter by Jocelynn Drake

This urban fantasy series is good. There is action and tension and everything else you could look for. When I picked up the first book int he series, Nightwalker, I was surprised how much I liked it. While this second book is not quite as good as the first, I will continue to read the others as they come out.

65jmaloney17
Jun 16, 2009, 4:02 pm

#27 Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte

This is the first of a series of swashbucklers by Perez-Reverte. It takes place in Madrid during the Inquisition. Spain is very profitable, but the people are hard-pressed for money, jobs etc. Alatriste is a former soldier that makes his money by sword. He has taken in a boy, Inigo, of a soldier that died in one of the many wars the Spanish were fighting. Inigo, the narrator, talks about the many scrapes that Alatriste is involved in as well as his own blossoming affection of a wicked girl. I enjoyed the short book and am looking forward to the next one.

66TadAD
Jun 16, 2009, 5:31 pm

>65 jmaloney17:: I just finished the second, Purity of Blood and liked it just as much. I've got the third waiting to go.

67jmaloney17
Jun 17, 2009, 10:16 am

I will have to mooch it. I have so many books to read now. I don't know what to do with myself.

68jmaloney17
Jun 17, 2009, 9:34 pm

#28 The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy by Maya Slater

I whipped through this book in less than 24 hours. I read this morning before I went to work. I read as I walked to work. I snuck a couple pages in at work. I read at lunch and on my breaks. I read on my way home from work, and finished shortly after I got home. I guess one could say that I liked it.

I found the tale of PnP from the view of Darcy to be quite enlightening. I liked having the new perspective. I also liked being able to get to know Georgiana a little more. She was a lot less pitiful. Also, did you know that Darcy is friends with Lord Byron? Byron is eccentric and wicked. Darcy even participates in some of the fun.

It was a lot of fun. If you are a PnP or Austen junky, don't pass this one up!

69loriephillips
Jun 18, 2009, 9:44 am

I just finished The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy and liked it as well. It was a fun, quick read, but I think Jane Austen would be shocked!

70jmaloney17
Jun 25, 2009, 1:42 pm

#29 The Small House at Allington by Anthony Trollope

I finished this one on my walk to work this morning. I could not wait any longer to finish the last chapter. This is as good as the others. The characters are very well developed. The main female character, Lily Dale, is frustrating. I did like her though. She is a good person with a lot of spunk, but sometimes you just want to shake some sense into her.

I started The Last Chronicle of Barset at lunch. It is over 800 pages, so it may take a bit to finish. The Lily Dale story evidently continues in this book. I now have changed my mind and advise those interested in this last book to read the others first. Trollope does a good job of reintroducing the characters in each book, but their backstories will add a lot to the reading.

71digifish_books
Jun 25, 2009, 10:41 pm

>70 jmaloney17: Lily Dale does become a little annoying after a while, doesn't she?! Enjoy The Last Chronicle and try to savour it...there is no more Barchester after that :)

72jmaloney17
Jul 8, 2009, 11:16 am

#30 The Last Chronicle of Barset by Anthony Trollope

I have finally finished the Barchester series!! I loved the series. Anyone that is looking for something to fill their time for a month or so, this series is a good one to delve in to. I did find it helped to read a short book fluffy book in between the long books in this series. I hope you can enjoy these books as much as I did.

73jmaloney17
Jul 9, 2009, 10:51 am

#31 The Eyre Affair by Jasper Fforde

This book was alright. Not as good as I thought it might be. I of course like all the mentions to classic books. I was under the impression that the book was a "laugh riot." I didn't laugh. I liked the book well enough, I just didn't think it was all that.

74alcottacre
Jul 10, 2009, 5:07 am

Congratulations on finishing the Barchester series!

75BookAngel_a
Jul 10, 2009, 1:16 pm

I agree with your thoughts on The Eyre Affair. I really enjoyed it and will continue to read the series, but I was a tiny bit disappointed.

76blackdogbooks
Jul 11, 2009, 9:58 am

Initially, you commented that it wouldn't be necessary to read all of the series to read the last one.....but I think you've changed your mind since, right?

77jmaloney17
Jul 13, 2009, 9:26 am

I think that you can read the last book without reading the others. Trollope does well in explaining the recurring characters. The only book you may want to really consider reading first is Small House at Allington. The main characters in that book are main characters in the last book.

I also think that reading all the books will enhance the experience of the last. I became very attached to some of the characters.

78Prop2gether
Jul 14, 2009, 11:04 am

I'm in agreement about The Jane Eyre Affair as well, and found much of it strained. However, I listened to the second book in the series and it was a hoot. Whether it's the reader or the story, I liked the second one much better.

79jmaloney17
Jul 14, 2009, 12:19 pm

#32 Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell

It took me too long to read this book. It read a little slow for me, but the ending is so sweet that it made up for it.

80BookAngel_a
Jul 14, 2009, 9:22 pm

#78 - Miss Havisham from Great Expectations stole the show in book #2, in my opinion. She was a riot. I especially loved the real life 'riot' she caused in a bookstore. :D Book #2 made me want to keep going. I haven't read #3 yet though.

81jmaloney17
Jul 15, 2009, 10:51 am

I think I might try to pick up the next book in the Thursday Next series. I do do love antics.

82Prop2gether
Jul 17, 2009, 12:26 pm

#80--I'm with you all the way about Miss Havisham in book two. However, I also stumbled across a great reader for the book as well, and really enjoyed it so much more than the first.

83jmaloney17
Jul 17, 2009, 1:53 pm

#33 Rapture by Jacquelyn Frank

I love this series. I enjoy it more and more with each book. This one is about the highest priest of the Shadowdwellers and how he learns to trust again. Of course there is a lot of sword fighting and sex too. That helps. I really liked his partner. She was a slave and he "bought" her to become his handmaiden. Handmaiden's are the priests right hand. She has trust problems too, since she was a slave for most of her life. But she is very strong and intelligent and knows just what her priest needs. Next one comes out in January. I am looking forward to it.

84jmaloney17
Jul 22, 2009, 10:15 am

#34 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

Excellent!
Larsson was an excellent writer. This mystery was really the best I have ever read, not that I have read that many. The characters were excellent. Salander is odd but not too odd. Blomquist is the solid regular guy. And the bad guy is completely sadistic. I finished this on my walk to work today. I am starting The Girl who Played with Fire at lunch.

It really is sad that this writer met such an untimely death. His writing will be missed.

85alcottacre
Jul 22, 2009, 2:54 pm

#84: Dragon Tattoo was one of my favorite books from last year. I have not received my copy of the sequel yet, but I have ordered it. I cannot wait to get it.

86jmaloney17
Jul 22, 2009, 3:02 pm

I started reading it at lunch. It picks up right where it left off. In a half hour I am going to go take a break and sneak in a chapter.

87jmaloney17
Jul 22, 2009, 3:02 pm

Alcottacre--Also, I think the 3rd book is out in the UK now.

88alcottacre
Jul 22, 2009, 6:07 pm

#87: I am beyond jealous if that is true. I looks like I will not get a copy of the second book until around 7/30 or so.

89jmaloney17
Jul 23, 2009, 10:51 am

www.bookdepository.uk.co has no shipping fees and generally has the same prices as here. If you really want it you should order from there. It only takes about a week to get the book. Though I know you try to get most of your books from the library.

90alcottacre
Jul 23, 2009, 3:54 pm

I pre-ordered it from Amazon months ago since that one is definitely one I want to own. I have ordered numerous times from the Book Depository and will probably get book 3 from them - thanks for the reminder!

91loriephillips
Jul 24, 2009, 8:28 am

I've heard so many positive comments about The Girl with the Dragon Tatoo that I'm finally adding it to the wishlist. Thanks for the reccomendation!

92jmaloney17
Jul 24, 2009, 9:49 am

>loriephillips--I'm am glad you added it to your list. It just came out in paperback a couple of weeks ago. I really can't speak highly enough about it.

93jmaloney17
Jul 27, 2009, 11:59 am

#35 The Girl who Played with Fire by Stieg Larsson

This book was as engrossing as the first. It went a little slower for me, but I still couldn't wait until the end. I think Salandar's character really draws me in. There is quite a stretch in the middle where she is not the narrator, so it slowed down there for me and I couldn't wait until I saw her again. All in all, it was very enjoyable. I can't wait until the 3rd book comes out!

94jmaloney17
Jul 28, 2009, 9:43 am

#36 Candide by Voltaire

When I finished reading this shorty, I said, "Hmmm ... , interesting." It is a philosophical work. The moral of the story? Work and you will find happiness.

95jmaloney17
Ago 3, 2009, 10:11 am

#37 Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

This was definately and introductory book. I can see the potential in the series, but this book was not great. I am sure I will read a couple more, since so many rave about it. I am sure there is something there. I liked Good Omens so I know the potential.

96loriephillips
Ago 3, 2009, 9:32 pm

I had the same reaction to The Color of Magic but have not yet gone on to the next in the series. I hate to give up on Pratchett since so many people here on LT rave about his books. I'll try again someday.

97jmaloney17
Ago 4, 2009, 11:29 am

#38 Mastered by Love by Stephanie Laurens

The last of the Bastion Club novels. The relationship between Dalziel and Minerva was good. The sex scenes were good. Only real disappointment was how the story of The Last Traitor ended. It was an afterthought. Definately worth the read to finish out the series.

She has a new series coming out in Oct. called The Black Cobra Quartet. Includes the Bastion Club and the Cynsters. Might be interesting. I think it may have more to do with the spies and adventure than sex scenes.

98jmaloney17
Ago 6, 2009, 4:47 pm

#39 Purity of Blood by Arturo Perez-Reverte

These books have intrigued me. I love the Inigo character (the narrator). I really feel for him in all his adventures with Captain Alatriste. He is curious so he gets himself into trouble.

What has really happened while reading these books is now I am really interested in the Spanish Inquisition. I know a bit about the Inquisition in England and Germany (well, I know about Martin Luther), but I never learned about it in Spain. Since that is really where it started, I really have to know. If any one can recommend a good, readable NF book on it, please advise.

99Prop2gether
Ago 7, 2009, 12:33 pm

Captain Alatriste--*sigh*--he's a marvel. I love the history wrapped into the story of one man and his protege through these novels.

100alcottacre
Ago 8, 2009, 5:17 am

#97: I did not know Laurens had a new series coming out. I will have to watch for it, especially if it is more concentrated on the spy stories.

I have all of the Cynster books and quite a few of the Bastion Club books as well. I need to finish out the BC series.

101jmaloney17
Ago 13, 2009, 10:23 am

#40 Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin

I liked this story. Maybe not as much as a lot of other people on LT liked it. I am still willing to read the next book in the series even though it is not supposed to be as good as the first. I liked all of the characters. I think I just did not like Franklin's writing style all that much. It made the story drag a bit.

102alcottacre
Ago 14, 2009, 12:34 am

#101: I am sorry you did not enjoy the book more - I enjoyed it very much. I did not like the second book nearly as much :(

103jmaloney17
Ago 20, 2009, 8:54 am

#41 The Spanish Inquisition by Joseph Perez

I had been reading the Captain Alatriste series by Arturo Perez-Reverte and I became interested in the Spanish Inquisition. I just picked up a book from Borders that looked like the kind of information I was looking for. It was the correct information written in the most dry uninteresting way possible. I really felt like I was reading a thesis. How dry was it? It took 5 days to read this 225 page book. Boring!

104alcottacre
Ago 20, 2009, 9:14 am

#103: OK, skipping that one! I hope the next read for you is better.

105lunacat
Ago 20, 2009, 1:40 pm

Just want to say don't give up on Terry Pratchett!!

I am one of the few that really enjoyed The Colour of Magic but most people find it a definite weaker one.

There is a reading guide showing the start of the various sub series within his collection of works. If you like Good Omens, I would suggest starting either the 'Death' novels, beginning with Mort, or the 'Witches' novels, beginning with Equal Rites.

106jmaloney17
Ago 20, 2009, 2:09 pm

Lunacat:

I fully intend to read a few more of the Prachett novels. I want to read them in the order they were written for some reason. I had heard that The Color of Magic was considered weaker. I am intrigued enough to continue. I think I will like the Death and Witches novels the best too. Thank you for the nudge to read them though. I am headed to the beach on Sunday, so I may just pick up a couple before I go.

107lunacat
Ago 20, 2009, 2:14 pm

I also read them in the order they were written, but I want to warn you that The Light Fantastic is, imho, poorer than The Colour of Magic and so you will probably not enjoy that so much either!

Just thought you should know :)

108jmaloney17
Editado: Ago 20, 2009, 2:21 pm

I am going on vacation Sunday. A whole week in the Outer Banks (N. Carolina). The town we are headed to does not have much to do. Not even a grocery store. So I will be bringing plenty of reading material.

My boyfriend picked up a few books for me by Jennifer Colt. (He does love me. He bought me books!) They are chick lit mysteries with a paranormal twist I think. I don't know much about them, but I will be bringing those.

I think I will bring Karleen Koen's latest book Face to Face as well. Lunacat just reminded me that I wanted to read some more Terry Pratchett, so I think I will pick up the next two in the Discworld series.

I think I want one more to bring. Maybe some classic Brit Lit.

I can't wait. A week of reading and sitting in the sun!

109alcottacre
Ago 21, 2009, 10:52 am

Have a lovely reading vacation!

110jmaloney17
Ago 21, 2009, 12:16 pm

Thanks Stasia. I did go to the book store yesterday and picked up the second book in the Discworld series and the first book in Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.

111jmaloney17
Editado: Ago 31, 2009, 4:45 pm

I am back from the beach. I wore my shirt with rainclouds on it on the way home to prove my displeasure with leaving.

I did do a little reading. Not as much as I thought I would, but enough all the same.

#42 Mr. Darcy's Daughters by Elizabeth Aston
I enjoyed the book well enough. Not one of the best Austen world knock offs, but enjoyable enough.

#43 Storm Front by Jim Butcher
I liked the book all right, but I was somewhat distracted by the waves crashing on the beach. I kept staring at them and then dozing off. I think I will try another Dresden book to see if I can read one without rereading the chapters over because I lost my place.

#44 The Butcher of Beverly Hills by Jennifer Colt
Silly fluffy detective novel. Two twins in their twenties become private investigators. One is a goody goody and the other was in jail for cocaine. They like puppies. I have 2 more to read in the series. I don't think I will mind it. Something easy to read between heavier novels.

112alcottacre
Sep 1, 2009, 11:25 am

#111: Welcome back! Glad you enjoyed your time at the beach.

113jmaloney17
Sep 4, 2009, 3:11 pm

#45 The Darkest Whisper by Gena Showalter

The most recent in the Lords of the Underworld series. We now have Harpies in the mix! This was a pretty good story, but I think I might be getting a little tired of the Lords. This is only the 4th book, so I don't know how I will feel about it when the next one comes out in early 2010.

I have one more paranormal romance to read and then I think I will switch back to something that means more toward literature.

114jmaloney17
Sep 8, 2009, 1:33 pm

#46 Pleasure: The Shadowdwellers by Jacquelyn Frank

Another great paranormal romance by Jacquelyn Frank. I enjoy her imagination. Though I am getting a little used to her writing. I am starting to guess what will happen next. I also wish the Sagan and the Malaya stories were more intertwined. I did enjoy it though, and that is all that counts!

115jmaloney17
Sep 16, 2009, 10:51 am

#47 Villette by Charlotte Bronte

Many people say this book is better than Jane Eyre. It was written later in her life and is apparently semi-autobiographical. I have to say I liked Jane Eyre better. I did enjoy Villette, but Lucy often irritated me. She tended to be a little meek. I tend to like strong female characters. The story also ended with no true resolution, and of course that made me insane. I like a resolution. Many of the characters were very interesting, Dr. John and M. Paul in particular.

There is a lot of French in the book. I know some French, so I could get through some of it, but it would have been helpful if I had had an annotated version of the book. Also, the French portions were not necessarily integral to the story line.

The other thing I did not like particularly was the very long way Bronte chose to say something simple. I usually like overwritten depscriptive books, but this one had a little too much. I prevented me from following what was going on sometimes.

All in all, it was a good book, but I think I would have liked a version that was printed in the last couple of decades. My copy was printed in the 50s.

116alcottacre
Sep 16, 2009, 11:12 pm

#115: The copy of Villette that I read was newer than the 50's (1991), but still had no translation of the French either.

117BookAngel_a
Sep 17, 2009, 8:20 am

I don't remember too much about reading Villette (need to re-read that one and Shirley), but I do remember the french bothered me. I felt like I lost whole sections of the plot because I didn't understand it and it wasn't translated. If I re-read them I'll try and find a newer version with footnotes.

118jmaloney17
Sep 23, 2009, 1:05 pm

I have been in St. Louis all week so I have not been keeping up here. But I have finished a book!

#48 The Coral Thief by Rebecca Stott

This was an early reviewer copy, but it is out now in the stores. It is a historical fiction book and takes place in Paris around the time that Napolean was defeated the second time and was waiting to find out where the Brits were going to send him (St. Helena). At many points in the story the author takes a page or two to tell you what is happening with Napolean, but this is not what the story is about.

The story is about a scientist from Edinburgh that has taken a position at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, and his exploits with a philosopher/thief woman. They often discuss evolution and creationism and their merits. This is before Darwin's On the Origin of Species.

I really liked this story. Though I thought there were ssome faults. For one, though it was nice to know what was going on with Napolean, I don't think it deserved the emphasis it was given. I would have much rather had a more fleshed out story. I would have liked more on the philosophies, culture, and ideas of the time. What was driving the people to these ideas? What was making the people of Paris desire the truth in science. Why was Paris the best place to go for this. Why did the citizens of Paris like Napolean? I have a hunch and the author touches on many of these, but none of it is fully realised.

It was good I just wanted more. So essentially my opinion was the book was too short. I always think that if the book i s shorter than 400 pages.

119alcottacre
Sep 24, 2009, 4:48 am

#118: I already have that one on Planet TBR. Glad to hear it is out in stores now.

120jmaloney17
Sep 28, 2009, 2:48 pm

#49 The Mangler of Malibu Canyon by Jennifer Colt

This is the second book in the series of books about twin sisters from Beverly Hills that are PIs. I enjoyed this installment more than the first. Just some silly fun with plenty of goofball characters.

121jmaloney17
Sep 29, 2009, 10:55 am

#50 Mr. Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

When I saw this in the store I had to pick it up. I saw it and giggled. Austen and Vampires how could I not enjoy it?

I did like the book. The tension was quite good. The ending was a little flat though. There were a lot of questions unanswered, or rather the answers were incomplete. I still liked the book for its kitch. If you like Austen and vampires it is worth the read, otherwise you can skip it.

122jmaloney17
Editado: Oct 5, 2009, 11:23 am

# 51 Covet by J.R. Ward

This is a new series by J.R. Ward. It has to do with Fallen Angels, Demons and the 7 Deadly Sins. The story takes place in Camden where the Black Dagger Brotherhood resides. We even get a fleeting glipse of one of the brothers. Can you find him?

The story is good and typical of Wards writing. I like BDB better but this story works too, especially if BDB is going the way of the Dodo.

123alcottacre
Oct 6, 2009, 5:32 am

#122: I passed the news about the new series on to my oldest daughter, who really likes the BDB books. Thanks for the mention.

124jmaloney17
Oct 8, 2009, 1:53 pm

#52 The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

I know there are a lot of people on this site that dislike Dan Brown's books. I happened to have read the books before they got all the hype. Originally, I was really excited for another book to come out, but a few years later I did not care so much. But I got a copy for my birthday, so I read it.

I like the ideas behind Brown's books. I like the fast paced story and the short chapters. This book is much the same. But I did not like the ending! The end became a lecture on spiritualism and it turned me off. The book did not need it. The action was over and done with. All in all, it made the book underwhelming.

I did like that it takes place in DC, because I live here. It was fun to see in my head where they were at in the book, and learn some of the history behind some of the monuments.

125jmaloney17
Oct 13, 2009, 12:17 pm

# 53 Dawnbreaker by Jocelynn Drake

Another fast-paced book about vampires and other paranormal creatures. Good addition to the series.

126jmaloney17
Editado: Oct 19, 2009, 3:11 pm

Just wanted to mention that I am currently reading The Crimson Petal and the White by Michel Faber. I really like it so far. Faber really grabbed my attension right from the beginning. If you like historical fiction and have not read this one yet; I think you would really enjoy it. It is not about famous or rich people; it is about everyday people. I think I am really getting a sense of how they lived.

127jmaloney17
Oct 27, 2009, 2:39 pm

#54 The Crimson Petal and the White by Michael Faber

This is a long book so it took a while to read. I found it very vivid and detailed. It was easy to imagine the time period and the circumstances. I really liked it. Very well done. I recommend it to all historical fiction fans.

128alcottacre
Oct 27, 2009, 6:20 pm

#127: I have read a couple of Faber's books and The Crimson Petal and the White is his best, IMHO.

129jmaloney17
Oct 28, 2009, 10:09 am

I was wondering if any of his other books were as good. I saw he has a book of short stories about the same characters in The Crimson Petal and the White, but from the reviews I've read they do not seem worth it. Are any of his others worth spending the time to read them?

130arubabookwoman
Oct 28, 2009, 1:52 pm

I read Under the Skin by Faber before I read The Crimson Petal and the White. I liked Under the Skin a lot more than The Crimson Petal, which I also liked a lot. Under the Skin is quite a bit shorter, and very different than The Crimson Petal. Without giving too much away, I would describe it as somewhat of a science-fiction work.

131jmaloney17
Oct 28, 2009, 2:20 pm

Thanks arubabookwoman. I will have to look out for Under the Skin. The synopsis and reviews interested me.

132jmaloney17
Nov 2, 2009, 11:17 am

#55 Beowulf on the Beach by Jack Murnighan

I was curious what a prof. of lit. would think about the classics and if the ones I avoi are really worth reading. Beowulf in particular is one I avoid. I of course had to read the Grendal bit in college, but I have been avoing the rest. Thank goodness Murnighan said that I do not need to read the rest of it.

One other book I was interested in reading about was Madame Bovary. I hated that book. Well, Murnighan hates it too. I am so glad he agrees with me.

This is not the greatest book in the world, but I enjoyed reading it to see what he thinks about certain books. One thing he said that made me feel better is that no one will understand everything written in these books. This is especially true for Ulysses and a few others he mentions. He says not to worry about it. That is just the way it is.

133jmaloney17
Nov 3, 2009, 10:35 am

#56 Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur

This is Book 8 in the Riley Jensen Guardian Series. I have mentioned before that I rather enjoy these books. Riley is a dhampir, part werewolf and part vampire. In this story, Riley is having more and more trouble with her Soul Mate, Kye. He is an evil, heartless man. Beyond that the story was trying to get to the next book, so it was not the best in the series. It was still enjoyable though.

134jmaloney17
Nov 5, 2009, 11:19 am

#57 Equal Rites by Terry Pratchett

I agree with a the talk on LT about Pratchett. The thord book is much better than the first two. I am also sad to learn that Esk does not show up in later books. I really like her. I have the 4th book at home and I plan on reading it later this month. There were a lot of fun characters in this book. The only thing I did not like about it was there were no chapters, so I had a hard time finding places to stop reading when I needed to go back to work after lunch. That was frustrating. I kept reading and reading and got back to work 20 minutes late. Urghhh.

135jmaloney17
Nov 6, 2009, 12:20 pm

#58 The Society of S by Susan Hubbard

This was a coming-of-age story. And it was about vampires. I found it on a bargain rack somewhere so I picked it up. It is a YA novel.

It was pretty good. Nothing too great. I do believe it is a series, but I probably will not read any more. Not that they are not worth reading. I just have a lot of books to read. Any pre-teen/teen involved in the current vampire craze would like the book. Definately better writing than the Twilight series. It is not as sappy. Deals with loneliness.

136jmaloney17
Nov 6, 2009, 4:52 pm

What Kind of Reader Are You? Your Result: Dedicated Reader  

You are always trying to find the time to get back to your book. You are convinced that the world would be a much better place if only everyone read more.

Obsessive-Compulsive Bookworm Book Snob Literate Good Citizen Fad Reader Non-Reader  What Kind of Reader Are You?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

137jmaloney17
Nov 11, 2009, 7:41 pm

#59 Small Gods by Terry Pratchett

I am enjoying the Discworld books more and more. A friend of mine read The Color of Magic but could not get interested. Then she realised how many books there are in the series and decided not to read anymore. I told her, as I tell you, that all the books do not have to be read in order to enjoy them. The first two books really are not as good as the others I have read. Look Discworld up on Wikipedia and decide what group of books you want to read. I loved Equal Rites, so I suggest reading the group of books on the Witches.
Cheers!

138jmaloney17
Nov 11, 2009, 7:42 pm

I had a lovely day, so I thought I would just tell everyone. Hope your day was good too.

139alcottacre
Nov 13, 2009, 6:34 am

Glad to hear you had a lovely day! Mine was pretty good too - just spending time with the family, visiting the OKC Memorial before heading back to Texas, and enjoying the new 3D version of A Christmas Carol.

140jmaloney17
Nov 13, 2009, 11:19 am

#139: How was the new version of A Christmas Carol? I love the story, but 3D animation creeps me out. I am weary of going to see it in the theatre.

141jmaloney17
Nov 13, 2009, 11:02 pm

#60 Poison Study by Maria Snyder

Quite an enjoyable book. The characters were good and the story was very interesting. It is about a girl who is sentenced to be executed but is given a reprieve because she agrees to be the "Commander's" food taster. This book reminds me a little of The Mistress of the Art of Death, but with some more fantasy aspects. (The world is imaginary. There is magic involved.)

142alcottacre
Nov 14, 2009, 3:26 am

#140: I was very pleasantly surprised by the movie. I was leery of Jim Carrey doing the lead (fearing that he would make a travesty of my beloved Dickens), but the movie stuck with the book, using portions of it for the actual dialogue. The 3D glasses made me have a bit of a headache, but that was my only real complaint.

143jmaloney17
Nov 17, 2009, 2:20 pm

#61 The Vampire of Venice Beach by Jennifer Colt

These silly chic lit detective novels have gotten a little better as they have gone along. I laughed quite a few times while reading, which is unusual for me. I even quoted a few of the lines to my boyfriend, so he would know why I was giggling. This was definately the best of the three books I read in the series.

144jmaloney17
Nov 27, 2009, 3:27 pm

#62 The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

Five stars for all three books in the series. I cannot say enough about this book. Larsson was such an excellent writer. Beyond the absolutely beautiful characters, he excellently describes the processes of the Swedish legal system. I knew next to nothing about their system, I easily understood what was happening without being bogged down with excessive details on how things work. Read the series!

145alcottacre
Nov 28, 2009, 2:34 am

I have that one in and will be getting to it early next year. I think I am just going to re-read the first two as well for the heck of it. Glad to know that book 3 is just as good as the first two!

146jmaloney17
Editado: Dic 3, 2009, 3:35 pm

#63 What Jane Austin Ate and Charles Dickens Knew by Daniel Pool

This is a book I discovered through LT earlier this year. I read a lot of 19th century classics. This book explained a lot things I did not realize I did not understand. I really liked the parts on diseases and order of importance among the elite. I was really grateful for the diseases. I always wondered what the difference between the croup and consumption was, and what exactly dropsy was. I was interested to find out that many of the diseases no longer exist and that they could catch malaria in England. I thought malaria was just a tropical disease. It was all very interesting. I also discovered why the workhouse was so deplorable (very nasty people), and why everyone seemed to drink so much.

I recommend this book to anyone that reads classic Brit lit. You will likely learn something that will help you understand the books better. There also is a glossary at the end of the book, so if you ever come across something that you do not quite get, you can look it up!

147girlunderglass
Dic 3, 2009, 4:02 pm

back to Faber (I was really behind your thread) I think if you liked Crimson Petal you would enjoy The Apple - the short story book. It's no CP but it's not trying to be. It just supplements what we know about the characters and, in some cases, continues the story. (in one particular story, he continues it almost a century later!). It's a very quick read. Personally, I was delighted to get more of Sugar & co.

148jmaloney17
Dic 4, 2009, 11:28 am

#64 The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

What a great book! I was not so sure I would like it. I read it in 24 hours and have started Catching Fire already. Great female lead. The relationships are excellent. The emtional and physical turmoil that the characters go through is great. Much better written than Twilight with a female lead that you do not want to strangle. I recommend this book.

149jmaloney17
Dic 4, 2009, 1:29 pm

girlunderglass: I was thinking about picking up The Apple. I have so many books sitting at home to read though, I am putting it off. I will surely read it one of these days.

150alcottacre
Dic 5, 2009, 2:41 am

#148: I loved The Hunger Games when I read it earlier this year, but I am holding off on reading Catching Fire until the third book is out. I completely agree with you about the female lead.

151jmaloney17
Dic 7, 2009, 9:56 am

#65 Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The second book is as good as the first. I can't decide who I want the main character to fall in love with. And President Snowe is an evil, horrible man! I am ready for the next installment. Now.

152jmaloney17
Dic 9, 2009, 9:43 am

Everyone:

I am going to South Africa for a couple of weeks in Feb./March. Anyone have any suggestions on books fiction or nonfiction about the country?

153jmaloney17
Dic 9, 2009, 1:42 pm




You're As I Lay Dying!

by William Faulkner

Schizophrenic and unpredictable, you are able to hold many
conflicting ideas in your head at once without getting confused. However, this
doesn't mean those around you or trying to communicate with you fail to be confused.
In fact, your willingness to say precisely whatever is on your mind lends a kind of
mystery to you that makes some people afraid of you. But maybe it's just that people
don't like being as morbid as you can be. Despite this dark streak, you really like
the singer/songwriter Jewel.


Take the Book Quiz II
at the Blue Pyramid.

154alcottacre
Dic 10, 2009, 1:47 am

#152: How about Cry the Beloved Country for fiction and Move Your Shadow for nonfiction?

155jmaloney17
Dic 10, 2009, 11:53 am

I have Cry the Beloved Country, but I will have to check out Move Your Shadow. Thank you for the suggestions.

156alcottacre
Dic 11, 2009, 6:28 am

You are quite welcome. Cry the Beloved Country was on my memorable reads list for last year - a terrific book. I hope you enjoy it!

Move Your Shadow was written when apartheid was still in full force in South Africa. Overall, I found it a pretty good read.

157jmaloney17
Dic 14, 2009, 3:43 pm

#66 Ex Libris by Ross King
This was a pretty good Hist. Fic. book. I was definately interested in the mystery behind the "book" that was being searched for. Though I often thought that the book was trying too hard to be intelligent. I got a little frustrated with all the sailing lingo. I had no idea what they were talking about. I also thought that the author rushed the ending a bit. A- for mystery and intreguing story. C- for too much sailor speak.

158alcottacre
Dic 15, 2009, 1:00 am

Getting ever closer to the 75 book point!

159avatiakh
Dic 17, 2009, 6:24 am

Just catching up on your thread. I haven't read much from South Africa but will mention John van de Ruit's Spud, a popular coming of age novel set in a SA boarding school.

160jmaloney17
Dic 17, 2009, 3:20 pm

#67 The Spy Who Came in from the Cold by John Le Carre

I finished this at lunch today. This is an ok book. I thought I would like it a lot more because I really like spies. It lacked action. It was ok and all, just not for me.

161alcottacre
Dic 18, 2009, 12:48 am

#160: I felt the same way about that book - just not for me.

162jmaloney17
Dic 18, 2009, 11:39 am

#68 The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling
This short book of magical fairy tales has been sitting on my shelf since last Christmas. I thought it was time to give it a go. I was simple and cute. It doesn't add anything to the Harry Potter lore. It is not a must read or anything. I was happy that the proceeds from the book went to charity.

163jmaloney17
Dic 21, 2009, 3:12 pm

I have 2 ft. of snow on my patio from the storm on Fri./Sat. I have not read enough this weekend, but I have the day off today, so I plan on doing some reading at some point. So happy that DC shuts down in the snow. Glad all the Christmas shopping is done too.

164jmaloney17
Dic 21, 2009, 3:12 pm

I have 2 ft. of snow on my patio from the storm on Fri./Sat. I have not read enough this weekend, but I have the day off today, so I plan on doing some reading at some point. So happy that DC shuts down in the snow. Glad all the Christmas shopping is done too.

165alcottacre
Dic 21, 2009, 3:40 pm

Happy reading day!

166jmaloney17
Dic 24, 2009, 10:09 am

#69 The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver

What a lovely book. Kingsolver has such a way of describing nature. It is wonderful and always makes me want more. This book is a nice story about people caring for others. It made me want to hug someone and tell them everything will be alright.

167alcottacre
Dic 25, 2009, 3:43 am

#166: I have been meaning to get to that one for years now. I really have got to bump it up in the BlackHole!

168jmaloney17
Editado: Ene 1, 2010, 7:32 pm

169jmaloney17
Editado: Ene 1, 2010, 7:44 pm

There were only 2 books that I really did not like in 2009.
1. The Spanish Inquisition
This is a nonfiction book. Boy was it dull. The info was accurate, but it read like a thesis.

2. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
The story was ok, but the ending was absolutely horrible. If I wanted to be preached at, I would go to church!

170mjk8293
Ene 1, 2010, 9:01 pm

Este mensaje fue borrado por su autor.