Karen's (klobrien2) 75-books Challenge for 2010 - Second Verse

Charlas75 Books Challenge for 2010

Únete a LibraryThing para publicar.

Karen's (klobrien2) 75-books Challenge for 2010 - Second Verse

Este tema está marcado actualmente como "inactivo"—el último mensaje es de hace más de 90 días. Puedes reactivarlo escribiendo una respuesta.

1klobrien2
Editado: Oct 31, 2010, 5:35 pm

Welcome to my second 75-books thread!

Here's my first thread:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/80597

I had a lot of fun with the 2009 group, and want to do it again! I read over 90 books in 2009, and I hope to exceed that number in 2010. See you around!

Karen




August 27: Adding a ticker for my 1001 Books project. I'll work in 50-book-per-year increments, so my next goal (by 12/31?) is 150.




Books from This Thread:

110. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart - 250
109. The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (book 131 of 1001) - 245
108. Naked Heat by Richard Castle - 245
107. Nowhere Man by Aleksandar Hemon (book 130 of 1001) - 241
106. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving - 236
105. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum - 232
104. The Story of O by Pauline Reage (book 129 of 1001) - 232
103. Persuasion by Jane Austen (book 128 of 1001) - 226
102. The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan - 220
101. Out of the Whirlwind by Kathryn Schifferdecker - 212
100. Into the Mummy's Tomb ed. John Richard Stephens - 205
99. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz - 200
98. The Woman's Migraine Toolkit by Dawn A. Marcus and Philip A. Bain - 193
97. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison (book 127 of 1001) - 189
96. Still Life by Louise Penny - 183
95. The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum - 174
94. The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester - 170
93. If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle - 163
92. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole (Book 126 of 1001) - 158
91. The Joy of Cataloging by Sanford Berman - 153
90. Prejudices and Antipathies by Sanford Berman - 153
89. Old School by Tobias Wolff - 153
88. Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida - 143
87. The Journal of Hildegard of Bingen by Barbara Lachman - 138
86. Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy O. Frost & Gail Steketee - 133
85. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle - 125
84. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson - 116
83. The Awakening by Kate Chopin (Book 125 of 1001) - 116
82. Beowulf on the Beach by Jack Murnighan - 114
81. The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith - 111
80. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson - 98
79. Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Moskowitz and Romero - 98
78. A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava - 98
77. The Reveries of the Solitary Walker by Jean-Jacques Rousseau (Book 124 of 1001) - 96
76. Kim by Rudyard Kipling (Book 123 of 1001) - 89
75. This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson - 77
74. The Arabian Nights, tr. Husain Haddawy (Book 122 of 1001) - 73
73. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad (Book 121 of 1001) - 70
72. Librarians as Learning Specialists by Allison Zmuda and Violet H. Harada - 68
71. Montana 1948 by Larry Watson - 68
70. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore et al. - 58
69. Roman Soldier's Handbook by Lesley Sims - 53
68. Stone Heart by Diance Glancy - 53
67. The Book of Merlyn by T.H. White - 51
66. Microterrors by Tony Hart - 36
65. The Mystery of the Jeweled Cross: A Shadwell Rafferty Adventure by Larry Millett - 33
64. Built of Books: How Reading Defined the Life of Oscar Wilde by Thomas Wright - 26
63. The Once and Future King by T.H. White (Book 120 of 1001) - 17 - A.R.T.
62. I Thought You Were Dead: A Love Story by Pete Nelson - 13 - A.R.T.
61. Harriet Hume by Rebecca West (Book 119 of 1001) - 5

Books from Thread One:

60. Hideous Kinky by Esther Freud (Book 118 of 1001)
59. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (Book 117 of 1001)
58. This is Getting Old: Zen Thoughts on Aging with Humor and Dignity by Susan Moon
57. The Whole Five Feet: What the Great Books Taught Me About Liife, Death, and Pretty Much Everything Else by Christopher R. Beha
56. Stephen Fry in America by Stephen Fry - A.R.T.
55. Blockade Billy by Stephen King
54. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha by Roddy Doyle - rec. by arubabookwoman and kidzdoc
53. Civilization Before Greece and Rome by H.W.F. Saggs - rec. by alcottacre - A.R.T.
52. Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
51. Lugalbanda: The Boy Who Got Caught in a War by Kathy Henderson - rec. by scaifea
50. Sharp Teeth by Toby Barlow (ART) rec. by bonniebooks and msf59
49. I'll Mature When I'm Dead by Dave Barry
48. August is a Wicked Month by Edna O'Brien (Book 116 of 1001)
47. The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley (Book 115 of 1001)
46. Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren
45. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
44. The Magdalen Martyrs by Ken Bruen
43. The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Marilyn Barbery (ART)
42. Green Grass, Running Water by Thomas King
41. At Witt's End by Beth Solheim
40. The Unbearable Lightness of Scones by Alexander McCall Smith
39. Madame Bovary by Gustave Flaubert (Book 114 of 1001)
38. Mama's Bank Account by Kathryn Forbes
37. Dear Enemy by Jean Webster
36. I Remember Mama (play) by John van Druten
35. Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
34. Daddy-Long-Legs by Jean Webster
33. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies: Dawn of the Dreadfuls by Steve Hockensmith
32. The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine
31. Moby Dick by Herman Melville (Book 113 of 1001)
30. Winter Rose by Patricia A. McKillip
29. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf (Book 112 of 1001)
28. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick 27. Solaris by Stanislaw Lem (Book 111 of 1001)
26. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Seth Grahame-Smith
25. Sarah the Priestess: The First Matriarch of Genesis by Savina Teubal
24. The Wind-up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami (Book 110 of 1001)
23. The Egyptian by Mika Waltari
22. Wormwood, Nevada by David Oppegaard
21. The Willows in Winter by William Horwood
20. Go Ask Alice by Anonymous
19. Biblioholism:The Literary Addiction by Tom Raabe 18. Shutter Island by Dennis Lehane
17. Les Miserables by Victor Hugo (Book 109 of 1001)
16. Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
15. The Book of Genesis, Illustrated by R. Crumb 62
14. Make It Fast, Cook It Slow by Stephanie O'Dea 13. Miss Buncle Married by D.E. Stevenson
12. The Giant, O'Brien by Hilary Mantel
11. Miss Buncle's Book by D.E. Stevenson
10. 9 Dragons by Michael Connelly
9. Homer's Odyssey: A fearless feline tale, or how I learned about love and life with a blind wonder cat by Gwen Cooper
8. Good Omens by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett 7. The Education of H*y*m*a*n K*a*p*l*a*n by Leonard Q. Ross
6. Stardust by Neil Gaiman and Charles Vess
5. La's Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith
4. The Education of a Wandering Man by Louis L'Amour
3. The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins (Book 108 of 1001)
2. Coraline by Neil Gaiman
1. The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2Carmenere
Jul 25, 2010, 7:04 pm

Yeah! For once, I am numero uno!

3klobrien2
Jul 25, 2010, 7:06 pm

Yeah! Nice to see you!

4AMQS
Jul 25, 2010, 8:00 pm

I'm back, too -- congrats on your second thread!

5klobrien2
Editado: Jul 25, 2010, 8:09 pm



61. Harriet Hume : A London Fantasy by Rebecca West

Fascinating book, but a little difficult to describe. The book is about two characters: beautiful, sensitive pianist Harriet, and her beau/antagonist/"opposite," Arnold. Harriet and Arnold meet up throughout the passing years; their meetings separated by several years, perhaps decades.

I started off thinking that the book was a romance; then maybe a political commentary, then an allegory. Now I think it's a combination of all of them. Plus a good smattering of tribute tothe city of London. According to "1001 Books," "this 'London Fantasy'--as the novel was subtitled--was written, West claimed, to find out why it was that she loved London."

The book read a little slow in parts for me, usually when Arnold was carrying on extensive monologues. The character of Harriet, however, is completely charming and beautiful.

I'd read this one again (I already dipped back into the beginning of the book). If you don't mind a little vagueness, I think you'd like this book.

6klobrien2
Jul 25, 2010, 8:10 pm

#4: AMQS: Thank you! I feel like one of the big kids now!

7brenzi
Jul 25, 2010, 9:33 pm

Got you starred Karen:)

Great review of Harriet Hume as I already have her Return of the Soldier on my shelf so ...why not?

8alcottacre
Jul 26, 2010, 12:14 am

#5: I will have to look for that one. Thanks for the recommendation, Karen!

9cameling
Jul 26, 2010, 3:40 pm

Harriet Hume sounds interesting, Karen. Off to the obese wish list it goes.

10bruce_krafft
Jul 26, 2010, 4:58 pm

I concure, Harriet Hume : a London fantasy goes on the ever growing wish list in our household too!

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

11gennyt
Jul 27, 2010, 11:07 am

Hello, de lurking to say I've found your new thread, and that I too enjoyed the film Hideous Kinky, but haven't read the book - must look out for it now.

12klobrien2
Jul 27, 2010, 3:57 pm

I hope you all like Harriet Hume as much as I did!

Thanks for stopping by!

13klobrien2
Editado: Jul 27, 2010, 5:26 pm



62. I Thought You Were Dead: A Love Story by Pete Nelson

(Touchstone not working; some spamming crap happening)

I thoroughly love this book! I don't give many 5-star ratings, but this one earned one. The author excels at writing about relationships and characters and the book was a joy to read.

The protagonist is a writer, caught in a bunch of midlife crises: he is divorced, his father has just had a stroke, his girlfriend is dating another man, and his dog is elderly and frail. The title of the book, in fact, refers to his dog, Stella, with whom he (and only he) converses. "Stella had no sense of permanence and therefore assumed Paul was dead whenever he was out of sight, hearing, or smell."

The book is incredibly funny, honest, and intelligent. It was a rare treat to find myself liking all of the characters, faults and all. I often found myself laughing, and almost as often, sobbing.

Recommended for anyone who likes dogs and love stories (parent/child, siblings, and romantic). Well, I'd recommend this for anyone.

14cameling
Jul 27, 2010, 5:27 pm

'nuff said ..... you had me at the quote on Stella .... off to the obese wish list it goes. Sounds like a great read.

15klobrien2
Jul 27, 2010, 5:34 pm

Cameling, it was one that was hard to set down. I really wanted to know what happened next.

16tututhefirst
Jul 27, 2010, 8:37 pm

Ok, you convinced me. #62 is going onto the TBR pile. Anyone who can converse with a dog must have something entertaining to offer.

17klobrien2
Editado: Jul 29, 2010, 7:39 pm



63. The Once and Future King by T.H. White

I first read this when I was a teenager (never mind how many years ago - 8>) ) and have just now finished it again. I participated in the group read and am so glad I did. I had read the whole thing before, but again, it's amazing what another thirty years of life experience can do for one's point of view and understanding.

Two things: this book attracted a real assortment of reviews on LT. I'm P.O.ed at one reviewer who damned the book with two stars and a one-sentence review: "I wish I could like this book but I just can't. I JUST CAN'T!" What?? I don't think you even read the book!

Second thing: there is a follow-up to the book? Something called The Book of Merlyn: The Unpublished Conclusion to The Once and Future King by T.H.White. There's mixed reviews for it on LT, but I think I'll give it a look.

So, Once and Future King? In the running for my favorite book this year. I gave it five stars.

18AMQS
Editado: Jul 29, 2010, 8:56 pm

In the running for my favorite book this year. Me, too!! I just loved it. This was the first time for me, and I'll definitely reread it at some point.

19Donna828
Jul 29, 2010, 9:49 pm

>13 klobrien2:: Karen, I'm a sucker for good dog stories so I Thought You Were Dead is going on my list. This dog on my book cover looks like my Lucky, but L. is a male.

I think we all loved The Once and Future King. Whenever I'm discouraged, I'm going to think of King Pellinore and his Questing Beast. That's certain to make me feel lighthearted again!

20LauraBrook
Jul 29, 2010, 11:06 pm

I'd heard of The Once and Future King but didn't know anything about it and I haven't heard about it from any of my reader friends. Guess I'm going to right that wrong and make a stop at the library this weekend!

21alcottacre
Jul 30, 2010, 5:33 am

I am adding I Thought You Were Dead to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation, Karen!

22bonniebooks
Jul 30, 2010, 6:48 am

I like your description of, and reaction to I Thought You Were Dead--what does that say about me that I look forward to sobbing? ;-)

23alcottacre
Jul 30, 2010, 7:07 am

#22: I think it says that you are looking forward to a good read that will touch you emotionally.

24klobrien2
Jul 30, 2010, 6:42 pm

>20 LauraBrook:: Laura, when I was a kid, I loved stories of knights and chivalry. The Once and Future King has a lot of that, but definitely more real-world than made-up-world. Maybe just try the first part (Book 1) "The Sword in the Stone" which is the easiest to enjoy. I hope you like it! There are a lot of folks who love this book!
>21 alcottacre:: Stasia, I just love it when you visit my thread! You always have something nice to say. I appreciate you mucho bueno!
>22 bonniebooks:: Bonnie, although there is some sadness in the book, there is joy, and satisfaction, and lots of love (I don't want to say further and only hope that I haven't spoiled anyone's read already). I'm sure you would love it!

25alcottacre
Jul 31, 2010, 1:06 am

#24: Thank you for that, Karen!

26klobrien2
Editado: Ago 19, 2010, 8:03 pm



64. Built of Books: How Reading Defined the Life of Oscar Wilde by Thomas Wright

(I just typed the author's last name as "Write"--good last name for an author, no matter how you spell it!)

I read this for the July TIOLI "Books about books" challenge, and just squeaked in under the wire. I found the concept of the book very interesting, and I've added some items to my TBR (both books that Wilde read, and things that he wrote). The book is a biography of Wilde, seen through a lens of the books with which he surrounded himself.

27alcottacre
Ago 1, 2010, 10:03 am

#26: I already have that one in the BlackHole. I have got to get to it soon (in my parlance, that means any time in the next year, lol.)

28klobrien2
Ago 1, 2010, 10:08 am

Stasia, it's all relative, right? 8>)

When I was reading this I was reminded at times of another of our favorite books--Education of a Wandering Man--although the lives of L'Amour and Wilde were WAY different.

29alcottacre
Ago 1, 2010, 10:11 am

#28: OK, comparison to Education of a Wandering Man moves the Wilde book to the short list - 6 months, lol.

30BookAngel_a
Ago 2, 2010, 7:40 am

26- That one looks good!

31carlym
Ago 2, 2010, 8:54 am

Ditto. Adding that one to my wishlist.

32klobrien2
Ago 2, 2010, 4:04 pm

stasia, you made me laugh, but I'm happy you're moving Built of Books up!

BookAngel_a and carlym, thanks for coming by! And, if you do give Built of Books a try, I hope you like it!

33klobrien2
Editado: Ago 5, 2010, 4:02 pm

65. The Mystery of the Jeweled Cross: A Shadwell Rafferty Adventure by Larry Millett

Came across this tiny little chapbook (one of only 200 copies!) when shelving at the library this weekend. I'd read another Larry Millett book; this one was a lot of fun, more a short story, of course. Produced by the Minnesota Center for Book Arts in 2002.

It is a very short book, but I will still count it as a book.

8/5/10 I added this to the August TIOLI as an "Overlooked" book - there is only one "owner" of the book on LT - ME!

34alcottacre
Ago 3, 2010, 9:42 am

#33: It is a very short book, but I will still count it as a book.

If it is between covers it counts! (although I still do not know what a chapbook is, Karen)

35klobrien2
Ago 3, 2010, 10:11 am

#34: I only referred to it as a "chapbook" because an afterword in the book said that!

Chapbook (def.): A small book containing ballads, poems, tales, or tracts.

This book is soft-sided; it's only 4" by 6" or so. Just so sweet and teeny.

36klobrien2
Editado: Ago 3, 2010, 10:22 am



66. Microterrors: The Complete Guide to Bacterial, Viral and Fungal Infections That Threaten Our Health by Tony Hart

Thanks to Stephen (Ape) for reading and reviewing this and causing a minor sensation on LT. This one is fascinating to read; it was great to get more in-depth knowledge of these things that have had such impact on history and current events.

A favorite quote from the book: "It is estimated that a human adult is less than 10 percent human. An adult comprises some 100 million million (10-to-the-14th) cells but fewer than 10 million million (10-to-the-13th) are human. The remaining 90 percent are the viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, worms, and insects that make up our normal flora."

The book is very well laid out, and beautifully illustrated with color photographs of the stained viruses, bacteria, etc.

37bonniebooks
Ago 3, 2010, 10:34 am

Love the quote, and the image. Looking forward to at least the pictures.

38LauraBrook
Ago 3, 2010, 12:19 pm

Sounds like another one to add to my enormous TBR heap. Will probably feature in panicky nightmares also. Thanks for the review Karen!

39alcottacre
Ago 3, 2010, 12:23 pm

#35: Thanks for the definition, Karen.

#36: That one is already in the BlackHole. I just need to get my hands on a copy.

40BookAngel_a
Ago 3, 2010, 9:05 pm

I've been trying to find/read that Larry Millett book for so long now! I'm amazed you were able to locate a copy. Thanks for the review.

41klobrien2
Ago 4, 2010, 12:26 pm

#39 and #40: I live in Minnesota (as does Larry Millett, and the Center for Book Arts), so my library had a better shot of ending up with one of the 200 copies that were made.

Would it be proper to make a copy of the book, since it is so limited in availability? I'd be glad to make a copy for you two. Not as good a reading experience as holding the little thing in your hands, but at least you'd be able to read it.

Just let me know!

42BookAngel_a
Ago 4, 2010, 1:08 pm

41- I'm not sure if it's 'proper' or not, but I'd love a copy! I could promise to destroy it when I'm done, so you or I aren't profiting from it in any way. *this copy will self destruct* lol...

43klobrien2
Ago 4, 2010, 1:37 pm

42: I will get right on it, then. I think you can send your snail mail address to the email address on my page. (There's still so much about LT that I don't know!)

As long as I'm at it, I'll make an extra copy, so I can send it to Stasia if she'd like it.

I've seldom read such a rare book.

Karen O.

44alcottacre
Ago 4, 2010, 5:13 pm

#43: Stasia would love it!

45brenzi
Ago 4, 2010, 6:10 pm

Great review of Microterrors Karen. I must've missed Stephen's review. I don't remember it.

46klobrien2
Ago 4, 2010, 6:46 pm

45: brenzi, here's Stephen's review (I always want to refer to him as Ape) - http://www.librarything.com/work/75281

His is the review at the top. Also the only review, I think. I just gave him a thumbs up.

He talked about the book in his second thread. I think I remember that the discussion was pretty funny. Then he found a website that has cute little stuffed toys of bacteria and viruses that was also a hoot.

47klobrien2
Ago 4, 2010, 6:49 pm

Stasia would love it!

Great! Angela posted her mailing address on my page; you could do the same, if you would. I'll let you know when I mail the book(let) out (it is really teeny).

48cameling
Ago 4, 2010, 6:51 pm

Good review, Karen ... I've got that already on my obese wish list after reading Stephen's review. I'd recommend it also to my husband if I didn't know that he would probably be more of a germaphobe than he is now.

49sibylline
Ago 4, 2010, 10:38 pm

I've plonked I Thought You Were Dead on my wishlist. Grrrrrowl. (That means, too many darn books).

50alcottacre
Ago 5, 2010, 1:24 am

#47: Thanks ever so much, Karen. I will PM you with the address.

51klobrien2
Editado: Ago 5, 2010, 4:04 pm



67. The Book of Merlyn by T.H. White

White wrote this book as the final chapter of The Once and Future King but it wasn't included in that quartet of books. Opinion was divided about "the worth" of reading The Book of Merlyn, so I decided to give it a try and see for myself.

I'm glad I read this! It has a lot of the same beautiful natural history writing of TOAFK, witty dialogue, interesting characters. In fact, two of my favorite episodes from the former book are included here (Arthur's time as an ant, and as a goose). There is some political content, because White's intent was to address the issues of war and peace. This book winds up the whole story cycle, tying up the loose ends that were left at the end of TOAFK.

The edition I read (Texas Press) had some wonderful illustrations (Trevor Stubley), as well.

It's not a huge book, but I found it a very satisfying conclusion to The Once and Future King.

52AMQS
Ago 5, 2010, 5:26 pm

Good to know! It's hard for me to imagine an ending being better that that of The Once and Future King, but I loved your review, and I'll look for The Book of Merlyn at the library. Thanks!

53klobrien2
Editado: Ago 8, 2010, 4:22 pm



68. Stone Heart by Diane Glancy

Excellent read, juxtaposing a fictional (almost poetical) rendering of the true story of Sacajawea with excerpts from the journals of Lewis and Clark. The two accounts run side by side through the book.

Whisper1 recommended this book on her thread, and I'm glad she did.



69. Roman Soldier's Handbook by Lesley Sims

Very fun but informative look at life in the Roman army. Wonderful illustrations and format. It's a juvy book, but there are some complicated concepts presented. This one was recommended by jbeast (Thanks!)

54alcottacre
Ago 9, 2010, 12:09 am

#53: I already have those in the BlackHole so I do not need to add them again. I just need to get on the stick and read them :)

55dk_phoenix
Ago 9, 2010, 9:06 am

The Roman Soldier's Handbook looks adorable!

56Ape
Ago 9, 2010, 3:14 pm

Hi Karen! I'm so late to your thread, sorry! I'm glad you liked Microterrors, I was afraid others would think it was dry. I remember reading that quote too and being quite surprised by it.

Some of the other books you've been reading seem interesting too, I should have came here sooner! :)

57klobrien2
Ago 9, 2010, 4:29 pm

Hi, Stephen! Thanks for stopping by! Microterrors has a lot going for it--it's such a beautiful book, for one thing. And its format makes it easy to pick up, read a few pages, and then easily come back to it later.

dk_phoenix, Roman Soldier's Handbook IS charming, but there's a lot of solid info in there. I think you'd like it!

Stasia, always nice to see your posts! Have a good day!

58klobrien2
Editado: Ago 9, 2010, 4:33 pm



70. V for Vendetta by Alan Moore et al.

I've read hardly any graphic novels, but I'd heard so much about this one. I'd also seen the film version. I was very happy that I read it--it has a great storyline, wonderful drawing, and a good message.

I've added this to the August TIOLI for Challenge 11 (genre seldom visited).

59bruce_krafft
Ago 9, 2010, 5:36 pm

We liked the movie so much we got Gunpowder Plot by Alan Haynes, becuase of the whole - remember, remember the 5th of November. . .

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

60alcottacre
Ago 9, 2010, 7:51 pm

#58: I read that one already too :) I am dodging book bullets right and left on your thread, Karen.

61klobrien2
Ago 10, 2010, 1:53 pm

Stasia, I just got this image in my mind with those bullets zinging around (I've been watching too many cop movies, I guess). This is high praise from you, to say that you're dodging BBs here!

62cameling
Ago 10, 2010, 2:20 pm

I loved V for Vendetta. I like graphic novels, but as with books, there are fewer gems than there are crappy ones out in the market. Have you read Persepolis? That's another good graphic novel I'd recommend.

63alcottacre
Ago 10, 2010, 10:34 pm

Since you liked V for Vendetta, you might consider reading Moore's Watchmen too.

64klobrien2
Ago 10, 2010, 11:55 pm

Thanks for the recommendations! I have seen the film version of Persepolis but I think I will put the book on my TBR list. Thanks, cameling!

And I will also put Watchmen on the aforesaid list. Thanks to you, Stasia.

There is something special about graphic novels--is it their visual nature? Do they specially appeal to those who have spent their lives watching TV and seeing movies? I'm certainly in that target audience.

65klobrien2
Ago 11, 2010, 12:00 am

One of the books I'm currently reading is Lord Jim and I came across something I thought really interesting. The main character is preparing to go to an exotic locale, leaving a situation of shame and infamy, probably never to return. So, what does he pack? Well, some books...

"I saw three books in the tumble; two small, in dark covers, and a thick green-and-gold volume--a half-crown complete Shakespeare. 'You read this?' I asked. 'Yes. Best thing to cheer up a fellow,' he said hastily. I was struck by this appreciation, but there was no time for Shakespearian talk."

66alcottacre
Ago 11, 2010, 2:20 am

Smart fellow, packing books. I am not planning on taking any clothes on my trip to PA, just books, lol.

67Donna828
Ago 11, 2010, 10:26 am

>65 klobrien2:: I love seeing literary quotes pop up on the different threads. I have a lovely Franklin Library copy of Lord Jim that you might just have inspired me to read. I'm one of the few that I know of that actually liked Conrad's Heart of Darkness. I just looked it up in my library here, and it was in my Top Ten favorites in 2002!

Karen, I think you may be onto something about the visual appeal of graphic novels. They don't do much for me, but neither does watching TV -- and I'm also pretty selective about the movies I watch. I think I prefer the pictures in my head, if that makes sense.

68klobrien2
Editado: Ago 13, 2010, 4:14 pm


71. Montana 1948 by Larry Watson

I finally got around to reading this book, and loved it. My favorite kind of writing: simple, honest, profound. Not a word wasted. Thanks to richardderus for the recommendation!

p.s. I was able to fit this into August TIOLI (no "e"s in the title or the author's name)


72. Librarians as Learning Specialists: Meeting the Learning Imperative for the 21st Century by Allison Zmuda and Violet H. Harada

This one was recommended by AMQS. Lots of good information here for teachers and school librarians. As someone who works in the public library scenario, I can pull ideas and lessons from books like this.

69alcottacre
Ago 13, 2010, 11:21 pm

I have really got to find what I did with my copy of Montana 1948!

70klobrien2
Editado: Ago 18, 2010, 8:34 am



73. Lord Jim by Joseph Conrad

I read this for the 1001 Books project. It's quite the adventure story, but it took me a while to slog through it; the book seemed to get stuck and grind away on the same spot periodically.

However, there were great characters and sense of place. So I'd consider it a worthwhile read.

71brenzi
Ago 19, 2010, 10:00 pm

You're doing some great reading here Karen. I've had Montana 1948 on my shelf for awhile; got to get to it.

72TadAD
Ago 20, 2010, 8:23 am

I really enjoyed Lord Jim but I can understand your reaction. There were moments where the gears ground a bit and the story seemed to go nowhere.

73klobrien2
Editado: Ago 20, 2010, 10:55 am

#71: Brenzi: Thanks for stopping by! Montana 1948 was a really good read--I hope you like it.

#72: TadAD: I think we had a similar reaction to Lord Jim! I am glad that I read it, and glad that you liked it, too.



74. The Arabian Nights tr. Husain Haddawy

Shahrazad has married a king who marries frequently and consistently kills each bride the morning after their wedding night. Shahrazad is determined to survive, and so she tells the king such interesting and involving stories over the course of many nights that he keeps her alive to hear the next night's story.

Many of the stories are stories within stories, sometimes to several levels. For example, The One Hundred and Fifty-Ninth Night's tale is introduced by Shahrazad: "I heard, O happy King, that the tailor told the king of China that the barber told the guests that he said to the caliph...". It makes sense when you are reading the tales, but gave me a wonderful feeling of a spiral or enveloping of stories.

I finally finished this, a beautiful book, but kind of a chunkster. I read this for the 1001 Books project; it's listed as A Thousand and One Nights but had a terrible time finding a version to read. Part of that is in the history of the tales; they have quite a convoluted oral and print history.

I started with an ebook of the Sir Richard Burton version: it was just horrible, both the ebook rendition (filled with grammatical and typographical errors) and the translation, which seemed awkward and overly flowery.

So I looked for another version. I found The Arabian Nights, the one translated by Haddawy, and was amazed at the difference. The writing is lovely, with many sections of poetry left intact. There is humor, romance, adventure, and love.

This one was definitely a memorable read for me.

74alcottacre
Ago 20, 2010, 8:55 pm

I will have to give that one a try - and look for the Haddawy translation. Thanks for the recommendation, Karen!

75Whisper1
Ago 20, 2010, 9:04 pm

I apologize for the fact I'm way behind on your thread. I'm glad you liked both Stone Heart and Montana 1948. Both are great books.

76souloftherose
Ago 22, 2010, 6:10 am

#73 I've read the Arabian Nights before but always wondered which would be the best translation - I'm adding those to my list!

77klobrien2
Editado: Ago 23, 2010, 4:04 pm

Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by!



75. This Book is Overdue! How Librarians and Cybrarians Can Save Us All by Marilyn Johnson

I made it! Seventy-five books! I had hope to make Kim my number 75 (I am just loving it), but This Book is Overdue! is really overdue and someone else is waiting to read it. (It just cracks me up to see this book on my account as overdue--see the title--but I think I've gotten enough chuckles from it).

This was an excellent read. The author gives a report on the existing state of librarianship, and it's quite an homage. In a series of essays she covers new developments/old developments, new libraries/old libraries--it really is like a smorgasbord of library ideas. For the first time I read about Second Life and it didn't seem like it would be a total waste of time. One chapter covered the story of the Connecticut librarians who stood up against the "Patriot Act" attack on patron privacy. Other topics include librarians who blog, the New York Public Library, and Library Thing even was mentioned! (However, the author gave the impression that LT is a professional librarian's tool only).

Here's a quote:

"I was under the librarians' protection. Civil servants and servants of civility, they had my back. They would be whatever they needed to be that day: information professionals, teachers, police, community organizers, computer technicians, historians, confidantes, clerks, social workers, storytellers, or, in this case, guardians of my peace.

"They were were the authors of this opportunity--diversion from the economy and distraction from snow, protectors of the bubble of concentration I'd found in the maddening world. And I knew they wouldn't disturb me until closing time."

I'd very much recommend this book to any librarians or librarian-wanna-bes; for that matter, to anyone who uses libraries and information.

78AMQS
Ago 23, 2010, 6:46 pm

Congratulations on reaching 75 books! Looks like a good book for the milestone, too. As you know, I'm a librarian wanna-be, so I'm putting it on my wishlist. Thanks!

79drneutron
Ago 23, 2010, 10:10 pm

congrats!

80tymfos
Ago 24, 2010, 12:04 am

Congrats on reaching the goal! And what a fine book for #75! Great review of it, too!

81alcottacre
Ago 24, 2010, 8:08 am


82Ape
Ago 24, 2010, 8:20 am

Congratulations Karen! :)

83dk_phoenix
Ago 24, 2010, 9:00 am

Congrats on reaching the goal!!! I have This Book is Overdue on my TBR list... :)

84souloftherose
Ago 24, 2010, 12:25 pm

Congratulations and woo hoo!

85sibylline
Ago 24, 2010, 6:59 pm

Congratulations indeed! What a fun book to end (this chapter only, no doubt) on.

86LauraBrook
Ago 24, 2010, 8:32 pm

Congratulations! Will you start another thread in some form? Or will you disappear from LT until the New Year? (I hope not!)

87brenzi
Ago 24, 2010, 9:18 pm

Congratulations on starting your second 75 Karen;-) And so soon too.

88klobrien2
Ago 25, 2010, 12:31 pm

Thanks, everyone, for your congratulations and nice thoughts! And, Stasia, for the "jumping guy"! I was hoping you would post him here.

I am just proceeding along, full bore. I set up my ticker to 100 books for 2010, and I can certainly push it out further if I need to! I've been enjoying my reading immensely this year, so I'll just keep reading and posting away.

Have a great day, everyone!

89klobrien2
Editado: Ago 25, 2010, 12:40 pm



76. Kim by Rudyard Kipling

What a great book! Such great evocation of India and the characters that made up Kim's world. I know the book was recommended by someone on LT (couldn't find specifically who that was when I "search"ed it), but thank you very much!

I read this both as part of the 1001 Books project (#123 for me!) and for the August TIOLI (Spies--and it really includes a spy plot).

90alcottacre
Ago 26, 2010, 1:49 am

#89: I was hoping to fit that one in for the August TIOLI, but there is not enough time. I will get to it in the near future though. I am glad you enjoyed it. I know that it is one of Roni's favorite books, but I am not sure if it on her recommendation that you read it or not.

91Donna828
Ago 26, 2010, 10:44 am

Karen, I'm a little late on the congratulations for reaching that magic number of 75....Congrats to you!! Your last two books are now on my infinite wishlist.

How funny that This Book Is Overdue was really overdue! I've been on vacation and now have too many library books checked out so I may be in that position if I don't speed up the reading!

92klobrien2
Ago 26, 2010, 6:24 pm

#90: Stasia, I bet the recommendation did come from Roni. I have a memory of someone saying that someone else really liked Kim--I bet that was you, saying that about Roni! Mystery solved! Always good to read your messages, Stasia; thanks for stopping by!

#91: Donna, thanks for the nice words and for stopping by! I hope that you get your library books read before they're due!

93alcottacre
Ago 27, 2010, 1:25 am

That's me - detective Stasia :)


94klobrien2
Ago 27, 2010, 2:23 pm

Oh, I love that Scotty! Thanks, Stasia!

95souloftherose
Ago 27, 2010, 2:26 pm

#89 I really enjoyed King Solomon's Mines when I read it yonks ago so I should look out for Kim. Glad you enjoyed it!

#93 Love it!

96klobrien2
Editado: Ago 30, 2010, 4:53 pm



77. The Reveries of the Solitary Walker by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

I read this for the August TIOLI (Walking) challenge, and because it is one of the 1001 Books. It is not fiction, but more of a journal by Rousseau; it's almost as if he does a self-analysis of his life. This was the last book Rousseau wrote.

I found it really difficult to get through this book; it's the kind of book that should be read slowly and digested, and I was just anxious to be through it. Maybe I'll read it again sometime.

Here's a quote that I liked: "Youth is the time to study wisdom; old age is the time to put it into practice."

97alcottacre
Ago 27, 2010, 11:54 pm

I am glad you liked the Scotty.

I have never read anything by Rousseau. I will have to look for that one. Thanks, Karen!

98klobrien2
Editado: Ago 31, 2010, 1:35 pm

I've been doing some quick, fun, change-of-pace reading.



78. A Perfect Evil by Alex Kava

My friend had recommended Alex Kava for a read that was a little lighter than what I had been reading. I was a little snooty about reading genre (I guess I'd call this book serial killer/police mystery or something like that), but towards the end of this book, I didn't want to put the book down! I really enjoyed the book (an easy, fun read), and I've already got the next book in the Maggie O'Dell series requested at the library.



79. Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World by Moskowitz and Romero

Excellent cookbook with lots of background pages describing ingredients, equipment, and techniques. Beautiful photographs. The authors are really funny and helpful. I didn't try any of the recipes, but I want to find my own copy of this book and get baking. This book was recommended by QuiteTheHuman (thanks!)



80. Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

This will be a long-remembered book for me. The author describes a world so well (a small island in Chesapeake Bay where nearly everyone fishes for a living). It's the story of Sarah Louise (Wheeze), as she grows up and finds her own life. It's bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter. I'm giving this 5 stars.

99alcottacre
Ago 31, 2010, 1:00 am

#98: I will be looking forward to what you have to say about A Perfect Evil since I had already downloaded that one to my Nook.

I am glad you had a nice series of reads in a row, Karen!

100klobrien2
Ago 31, 2010, 1:37 pm

I added itty-bitty reviews up in message 98 for A Perfect Evil, Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World, and Jacob Have I Loved.

101BookAngel_a
Sep 1, 2010, 8:57 am

Congrats on meeting the 75 book challenge...sorry I'm so late to the party.
I just read your book #75 too - we must be on a similar wavelength right now. :)
Looking forward to the book(let)!

102TadAD
Sep 1, 2010, 8:59 am

>100 klobrien2:: I'm a bit tired and blurry and my eyes read this post as being about a book entitled Perfect, Evil Vegan Cupcakes Take Over the World and was thinking, "Wow! There's one I have to try out...a soulmate to Attack of the Killer Tomatoes". :-D

103klobrien2
Sep 2, 2010, 10:08 am

Thanks for the giggle, TadAD! And thanks for stopping by!

#101, BookAngel_a: I saw that you'd just read This Book is Overdue! It is eerie sometimes how reading coincides. We could tell everyone that we just finished our group read of the book! Thanks for stopping by!

Karen O.

104klobrien2
Sep 3, 2010, 8:49 pm

I just checked my library's website, and I now have eleven books there waiting for me! It is to laugh! Every time I turn around, another book has come in. Several of the books are ILLs, and at least a few of them are chunky monkeys. Well, I'm not going to complain about too many books!

Also, I am so psyched because I just registered for a class in the Lay Theology department of a local seminary. Since getting my MLIS a few years back, I have been itching to be back in school. Even better, this class is on the Dead Sea Scrolls. Definitely my cup of tea! The class is being taught in conjunction with the Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Science Museum in St. Paul. And because I'm a first-time student in the program, I get a reduced admission. What's not to like?! I can't wait!

105alcottacre
Sep 4, 2010, 1:34 am

#104: A Dead Sea Scrolls class? I am in! You are going to have to impart to me everything you learn and share every textbook you read :)

106Eat_Read_Knit
Sep 4, 2010, 6:51 am

#104 Ooh, that class sounds interesting! I hope you enjoy it.

107souloftherose
Sep 5, 2010, 3:42 am

#104 Your class definitely sounds interesting! Let us know how it goes.

I can empathise with the library books problem, I am trying to cut down on the books I get out of the library so that I can read more books from my TBR pile but I'm not sure how successful I am being!

108klobrien2
Editado: Sep 5, 2010, 3:17 pm

#105: I sure will post the books from the class, Stasia. So far, recommended reading is The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls by VanderKam and Flint and The Dead Sea Scrolls: A New Translation by Michael Wise, et al.

#106: CatyM, I can't wait! The class starts Sept. 13, runs from 12-2 every Monday (which I can do since so many of my work hours are evenings and weekends).

#107: I love getting books from the library, but then the pressure is on to get them read in a timely fashion. So, yup, books we own just sit there waiting.

Thanks, everyone, for stopping by and chatting!

109alcottacre
Sep 6, 2010, 12:35 am

#108: My local library has a copy of the Michael Wise book, so I will have to get hold of that one.

books we own just sit there waiting.

That is because we are all afraid of the upcoming WWBF (WorldWide Book Famine).

110klobrien2
Sep 6, 2010, 8:59 am

"That is because we are all afraid of the upcoming WWBF (WorldWide Book Famine)."

Oh, yeah...I forgot about that!

111klobrien2
Editado: Sep 7, 2010, 1:28 pm



81. The Double Comfort Safari Club by Alexander McCall Smith

This is the latest book in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" books. Very sweet, full of wisdom and humor, as you could predict. This one was, somehow, not satisfying. I'm wondering if the author is stretching himself too thin--he's got three? other series going, and it seems like there's always a new book coming out.

I still liked this one a lot, and would recommend it to fans of the series.

112souloftherose
Sep 7, 2010, 6:01 am

#111 It has been so long since I read any of the books in that series that I think I need to reread them all.

113AMQS
Sep 7, 2010, 11:28 am

What a great class to take! I hope you'll let us know what you're learning and how you like it!

114klobrien2
Editado: Sep 7, 2010, 1:39 pm



82. Beowulf on the Beach: What to Love and What to Skip in Literature's 50 Greatest Hits by Jack Murnighan

I found this book really interesting and helpful (I'm going to pick up my own copy to have on hand when I tackle some of the "great reads" that I haven't yet).

The author seems to be spot-on with his notes on the books that I have read, and so I trust him with the others. There are some great tips on reading, in general, and very specific recommendations for the books that the author addresses here.

I really enjoyed Murnighan's writing, and he is sharp and witty.

115alcottacre
Sep 7, 2010, 2:25 pm

#114: Sounds like a good one. I know I already have it in the BlackHole, I just need to get to it some time!

116klobrien2
Editado: Sep 8, 2010, 10:49 pm



83. The Awakening by Kate Chopin

I really liked this one. It is hard to believe that this book was published in 1899--it seems so modern in its style. Beautifully written; terrific sense of place and characters. Read for September TIOLI Challenge 1 (ING).



84. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson

Two good reads in a row! Actually, I was reading these at the same time, so the goodness was intensified.

I LOVED this book. One of my favorites so far this year. I loved the characters, the plot, the content. A mature love story! I can't wait to see what the author comes up with next (this was her first novel). Read for September TIOLI Challenge 17 (possessive apostrophe "s").

117alcottacre
Sep 9, 2010, 6:46 am

#116: I loved Major Pettigrew too! I am glad you did as well, Karen.

118Carmenere
Sep 9, 2010, 7:29 am

So very many good reads, Karen! I wishlisted The Awakening, Beowulf on the beach and the latest AMS mystery. I haven't read any of them yet but I've been picking them up at booksales for later reading.
Your upcoming class sounds so interesting. I had the chance to see the traveling exhibit at a local Jewish Museum. I'm with Stasia, please let me know what tomes are used in your class. Thanks :0)

119TadAD
Sep 9, 2010, 8:35 am

>114 klobrien2:: The Murnighan sounds interesting.

I found the reviews (here, on Amazon, and on a couple of blogs) amusing. I particularly liked the ones who start by saying that any list is just an author's opinion and shouldn't be viewed as a mandate.......and then they proceed to mandate what changes should be made to the list. :-D

I'll give this a try. Apparently (to quote from another review): Jack is a GUY. He is looking for action in books. Plot. Fighting. Killing. Plunder. You know. Now that I know what type of books I'm required to like because of my sex, I should be in good shape. ;-) Hmmm, should have had that person in on that big discussion we all had about "women's books" vs. "men's books".

120Carmenere
Sep 9, 2010, 9:32 am

Apparently (to quote from another review): Jack is a GUY. He is looking for action in books. Plot. Fighting. Killing. Plunder. You know.

Tad, that quote makes me cringe. I've come to realize that though a person, regardless of sex, may favor a certain genre, most are inclined to read across the board.

121Ape
Sep 9, 2010, 2:20 pm

Jack is a GUY. He is looking for action in books. Plot. Fighting. Killing. Plunder. You know.

*Sigh*

122klobrien2
Editado: Sep 9, 2010, 4:36 pm

You know, I didn't get that impression ("Jack is a GUY. He is looking for action in books. Plot. Fighting. Killing. Plunder. You know.") at all from Beowulf on the Beach. Murnighan just came across to me as an intelligent, thoughtful, and very funny writer. The kind of literature teacher you'd like to have.

Of course, he's going to mention the action, blood, and guts of something like The Iliad.

It makes me wonder if the person who wrote that review read the whole book. It doesn't seem like I read the same book.

I'll go and read those reviews, see if I get any insight.

Later: Well, I read the reviews that have been posted on LT. Didn't gain any insight, but I'm sticking with my original I-love-it rating.

123alcottacre
Sep 9, 2010, 5:06 pm

#122: I'm sticking with my original I-love-it rating.

Why change? The book worked for you, did not work for other people - the same with every other book out there!

124klobrien2
Editado: Sep 9, 2010, 5:10 pm

Yep, you're right! And, as they say, "Variety is the spice 'o life."

(I had to go look it up. William Cowper said, "Variety's the very spice of life, That gives it all its flavor.")

125klobrien2
Editado: Sep 12, 2010, 7:35 pm



85. Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle

I'd seen this one on the August TIOLI list, and meant to read it then, but you know how that goes.

Charming, fun read, maybe a little on the light side, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a murder mystery with a difference; the heroine is an educated book restoration expert, and the book is filled with quirky, interesting characters. I'm definitely going to look for more books from this author (I think there's at least one more).

126alcottacre
Sep 15, 2010, 8:38 am

#125: Yes, there is another one in the series, Karen: If Books Could Kill.

127dk_phoenix
Sep 15, 2010, 8:56 am

I know I'm a little late to the party, but a Dead Sea Scrolls class sounds fantastic! I saw the exhibit when it was here in Toronto, and it was marvelous. There are lots and lots of artifacts from the time period before you get to see the actual scrolls, which I thought was great -- how can we understand them if we don't understand their context?

I hope you enjoy the exhibit when you go!

128Donna828
Sep 15, 2010, 10:35 am

I'm green with envy about your class on the Dead Sea Scrolls and could kick myself for not making the effort to see the exhibition when it came to...KC or Tulsa...I'm midway between those cities and now I can't remember which one. Oh well, lucky you...and lucky us, because I know you're going to share your experience!

I'm also wishlisting Beowulf on the Beach. I definitely need some guidance in the classic arena. I've had some hits and misses lately!

129klobrien2
Sep 15, 2010, 5:36 pm

Stasia: I didn't waste any time; I requested If Books Could Kill, and it just came in today!

dk_phoenix and Donna828: I had the first class on Monday. It was great! It is so nice to have everyone awake (!) and paying attention and asking thoughtful questions. The professor who taught the first session is Kathryn Schifferdecker, and she has a book out Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job, which I can't wait to read (I ILL'ed it).

The exhibit itself has been at the Science Museum in St. Paul for months, and I can't believe I haven't been to see it yet! However, now I have a plan!

Thanks for stopping by and commenting here!

130bruce_krafft
Sep 15, 2010, 10:36 pm

I should ask my Mom about the Science Museum exibit. She used to volunteer there but I think that she only does the MN History Center now. But she has been a member forever (3 buildings ago?) We got to take a tour of the new building before it was oipened to the public, it is very cool.

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

131alcottacre
Sep 16, 2010, 3:26 am

#129: Oh, now I am going to have to find Out of the Whirlwind too!

132klobrien2
Editado: Sep 16, 2010, 1:46 pm

130: It's nice having connections, isn't it?! Both the Science Museum and the History Center are VERY cool.

131: I know! Doesn't Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology sound good?!

133klobrien2
Editado: Sep 16, 2010, 1:52 pm



86. Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things by Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee

I found the topic to be a very interesting topic, and the book to be a very well-written book. Stuff offers both descriptive and practical insights into the hoarding disorder. The book includes a wonderful Reference List (I've added several items to my TBR list). Highly recommended.

134BookAngel_a
Sep 16, 2010, 3:04 pm

133- Oooohhh...I really want that one! (drools...)

135Ape
Sep 16, 2010, 3:32 pm

What Angela said. :) It looks good, wish my library had it!

136klobrien2
Sep 16, 2010, 5:38 pm

BookAngel_a and Ape (I know that you have real names, but I'm afraid of messing up, so I stick with the LT names): If I owned it, I would send it along to you, but my library had it, so I didn't have to spend my dinero.

BookAngel_a: very funny! There was a kind of funny statement in the section where the authors were discussing self-help books for people dealing with hoarding disorder: the authors were leery of suggesting books because then the people with the problem got more books to put on their bookshelves, exacerbating their problem. I can sure identify with that!

137BookAngel_a
Sep 16, 2010, 9:54 pm

136- One time in conversation I got laughed at because I mentioned that I had a big pile of 'simplifying' and 'decluttering' books at home! I very quickly explained that as soon as I read each one, they were OUT of the house...I immediately pass them along. Wouldn't want the decluttering books to cause clutter, lol!

138klobrien2
Editado: Sep 17, 2010, 1:48 pm



87. The Journal of Hildegard of Bingen by Barbara Lachman

This was a strange little read. Hildegard was a real person; I learned about her in my Medieval History class. She was abbess of a women's monastery, composer, scientist, mystic. The author of this book sets it up as the journal of Hildegard in one year of her life.

The insights into the Benedictine way of life were fascinating, as was the look into what Hildegard's life might have been like.

139klobrien2
Sep 17, 2010, 8:10 pm

I'm so sad to hear the news about Edwin Newman's passing. The St. Paul paper printed one of Newman's puns:

A man returns from a walk in the rain and sets his wet shoes on some old newspapers. He says, "These are the Times that dry men's soles."

Groan (but I liked it!)

I'm going to look for his book--Strictly Speaking. There's also an edition that has that book and his A Civil Tongue.

140tututhefirst
Sep 17, 2010, 9:28 pm

My local library has Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and I have it on hold to pick up over the weekend. I may be dealing with this problem in a long-distance family member so I'm anxious to get some wisdom under my belt.

141dk_phoenix
Sep 18, 2010, 9:41 am

Sounds like The Journal of Hildegard of Bingen is right up my alley. I have another one called The Book of Margery Kempe which is the diary of a Medieval woman and her spiritual pilgrimages... er, I'm not making it sound very interesting, but it's on the top of my TBR pile. I love learning about women's lives during this time period, as women's history tends to get underrepresented in favor of the bigger, more 'exciting' events. After all, there's only so much time to teach & learn in a history class.

142klobrien2
Sep 18, 2010, 3:52 pm

140: tututhefirst, Stuff:Compulsive Hoarding is a great mix of theoretical and practical, so I felt like I could understand the disorder a little better, and then have some help with deciding what to do about it.

There seems to be a slight hoarding tendency in my family (not anywhere near as disabling as recounted in the book), so I felt really enlightened by the book.

141: dk_phoenix, I bet you'd like the Hildegard book. The real Hildegard was fascinating, and this imagined journal really brought her to life for me.

143klobrien2
Editado: Sep 18, 2010, 4:09 pm



88. Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida

Joined in this read for the TIOLI North/South/East/West challenge. I really liked this book. It's about identity and family, and making your way in life. Also a great view into Lapland and the culture of the Sami people.

144alcottacre
Sep 18, 2010, 11:55 pm

#143: I already have that one in the BlackHole, so I can dodge that particular BB!

145Eat_Read_Knit
Sep 19, 2010, 10:32 am

I'm glad you enjoyed the Vida book: I liked it a lot.

The Hildegard of Bingen book sound interesting: she was a fascinating person.

146Whisper1
Sep 19, 2010, 10:59 am

Karen

I re found your thread this morning. Sorry to be so far behind. Congratulations on reaching the 75 challenge goal!

Back up to post #98. I'm on a quest to read all the Newbery medal and honor books. Jacob I Have Loved is one of my favorites. I'm glad you liked it as well.

Happy Sunday!

147klobrien2
Sep 19, 2010, 4:44 pm

Omigosh! In honor of "International Talk Like a Pirate Day," you can switch from English to "Pirate" for LT language. Lots of fun!

148alcottacre
Sep 19, 2010, 8:02 pm

#147: I cannot handle 'Pirate Speak' for very long unfortunately :)

149klobrien2
Sep 20, 2010, 5:21 pm

I know! My husband really gets into the pirate-talk on September 19. I try to stay away from him when he gets going. But he really enjoys it, so...I guess it's a guy thing?

150alcottacre
Sep 20, 2010, 6:22 pm

#149: No idea if it is a guy thing or not, but I would probably be staying away from my hubby if he got going on the pirate-talk.

151brenzi
Sep 20, 2010, 6:46 pm

I guess I missed the pirate talk altogether. I remember when they did it last year and I thought there was something gone wrong. I kept refreshing the page trying to get rid of it. LOL

152klobrien2
Sep 21, 2010, 4:13 pm

The LT pirate-talk is very disconcerting! It made me dizzy just to read the "pirate" translations. So I switched back to English really quickly.

153klobrien2
Editado: Sep 22, 2010, 3:46 pm

I've got a number of books "in the works" and finished some up today (they're due back at the PL):



89. Old School by Tobias Wolff

I read this for TIOLI challenge 5 ("school" books). I just loved this--it's a wonderful look into an elite boys' school, with emphasis on English Lit and writing and famous authors of the mid-20th century. I definitely will look for more books by the author.



90. Prejudices and Antipathies Sanford Berman
91. The Joy of Cataloging Sanford Berman

Sanford Berman is a legend amongst library catalogers, maybe especially here in Minnesota. I'd never read anything by him, and these books were a treat. The first book was published almost 30 years ago; the second, almost 40 years ago. They shine with wit and intelligence.

Prejudices and Antipathies is a classic, and there's so much to recommend it for what it says about the philosophy of cataloging, AND the culture and history of the times. Berman's proposals are well-researched and thought out. The main premise of the book is that subject headings matter; they should be clear and without bias in order to allow the reader to have the best access to the information.

I loved the arrangement of the book--it's arranged in a very organized manner, which enables both skimming and detailed study.

The book does use underscoring, not just to underline titles and headings, but for emphasis of words. Very annoying and difficult to read at times. I don't know why they did that.

The Joy of Cataloging is an assemblage of Berman's writings on the subject; there are definite echoes of the first book. The inclusions of many types of documents made for very interesting reading. Again, like reading primary source documents in history. A real treat for a historian or a librarian.

154bruce_krafft
Sep 22, 2010, 6:04 pm

<133 Stuff: Compulsive Hoarding and the Meaning of Things
OK, so I'm a bit behind.

I had to put this on the wish list. "People who hoard . . . .are often highly distractible and show symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. These symptoms make is difficult for them to concentrate on a task without being diverted by other things." That so discribes my hubby! We say that he has ADOSS - attention deficit . . . oh Shinney!

Joy of Cataloging how could I not add this to the wish list after what you said about it??

DS
(Bruce's evil twin :-))

155alcottacre
Sep 23, 2010, 3:47 am

#153: Karen, This Boy's Life by Wolff is excellent.

156klobrien2
Sep 23, 2010, 3:38 pm

Stasia, I will have to put This Boy's Life on my sooner-than-later list. Thanks!

157klobrien2
Sep 23, 2010, 3:41 pm

Well, I couldn't wait...I don't think a minute had passed and I had requested the book from my library. Ain't computers great?!

158klobrien2
Editado: Sep 23, 2010, 4:18 pm



92. The Castle of Otranto by Horace Walpole

I read this for 1001 Books; by chance it was being read for others for September TIOLI, so I got double duty out of it.

TIOLI is really helping me to focus on my reading, and my numbers of completed books are way up. And I'm really enjoying the reading (which is the most important thing, I guess). Social networking, yay!

Another strange little book; it's called the first Gothic novel, and the plot is quite outrageous. Well, the characters are outrageous, too. Ghosts, giants, villains, princesses, knights in armor, true love...it's all there. It doesn't follow any modern rules of dialogue, so you have to really pay attention to know which character is speaking at any given point.

It is awfully funny at points, and I'd recommend it to anyone who wants to spend a few hours (it was only seventy pages in my book). You gain an appreciation for the roots of modern novels.

159alcottacre
Sep 23, 2010, 6:03 pm

#157: I hope you enjoy it, Karen. Yes, computers are great, but they tend to get me into all kinds of trouble :)

#158: I have had that one in the BlackHole far too long. I really must get to it soon - perhaps a Halloween read? Hmmm.

160BookAngel_a
Sep 24, 2010, 9:26 am

The Otranto book is on my Kindle. One of these days...

161klobrien2
Sep 25, 2010, 12:29 am

The Castle would be a GREAT Halloween read. Goofy fun!

Karen O.

162alcottacre
Sep 25, 2010, 3:08 am

#161: Good - I will read it next month then.

163klobrien2
Editado: Sep 27, 2010, 4:32 pm



93. If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle

The second book in the "Bibliophile Mystery" series. I'm still liking the series and its set of crazy characters. Nice and fluffy (except for the murders, of course). I also loved the continued look at book arts, and the brand-new look at Edinburgh. The third book is already in the works.

164cameling
Sep 27, 2010, 4:39 pm

Ok, I'll bite ... I thought Homicide in Hardcover sounded interesting but I was trying to be good about not adding another mystery series to my TBR Tower ... but now you're saying that the 2nd is just as good and the characters are crazy.....I desist no longer. Off to the obese wish list they go.

165klobrien2
Sep 27, 2010, 4:49 pm

But remember...Stasia didn't like the second one very much (and she is spot on almost all of the time). I'm just saying that If Books Could Kill is a quick, fun read. Very portable (I read it waiting in line). I wasn't too excited about it at the start, but gave it the old 50 pages. By that point, I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next.

If you do read the series, I hope you like it!

166carlym
Sep 27, 2010, 6:50 pm

I'm glad to see the positive comments about Old School. It's been on my shelf for a while, and the TIOLI challenge reminded me about it, although I won't get to it this month.

167alcottacre
Sep 28, 2010, 4:04 am

#165: Stasia is often known to be wrong :)

168klobrien2
Editado: Sep 28, 2010, 2:54 pm

What?? This can't be!


I really think it's just personal preference, and particular mood, and whatever...

169alcottacre
Sep 29, 2010, 2:08 am

#168: I really think it's just personal preference, and particular mood, and whatever.

True, especially for someone like me who is a very moody reader.

170klobrien2
Editado: Oct 1, 2010, 12:35 am



94. The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity, and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester

What an interesting book! I loved the author's style--very easy to read, so you can be sure that he spent a lot of hard work making it so.

Here's one of my favorite bits:

Other dictionaries in other languages took longer to make, but none was greater, grander, or had more authority than this. The greatest effort since the invention of printing. The longest sensational serial ever written.

171alcottacre
Oct 1, 2010, 2:18 am

#170: I loved that one! I am glad you enjoyed it as well, Karen.

172Eat_Read_Knit
Oct 1, 2010, 3:20 pm

That's the second recommendation for The Professor and the Madman I've seen/heard this week: I think I shall have to read it.

173klobrien2
Oct 2, 2010, 6:29 pm

171-172: Oh, yes, CatyM, I think you should read it sooner rather than later. It's very readable! And the story of how the OED was created is just amazing. They did it without computers!

174klobrien2
Editado: Oct 2, 2010, 6:34 pm



95. The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum

I am enjoying the heck out of these "Oz" books; Baum wrote fourteen, so I have some catching up to do (let alone all of the Oz books written after Baum).

This one was goofy, silly fun; so inventive and imaginative. I started this last month, but included it in this month's TIOLI Challenge 4 ("old-fashioned" type of children's story). I've got the next book in the series on request at the library already.

This book also marks the reaching of a personal goal--to read more books this year than last year. And there's still three more months left in the year.

175KiwiNyx
Oct 2, 2010, 7:00 pm

Hi there, thought I'd actually say hello, especially when I saw you enjoyed The Professor and the Madman as much as I did. An unusual book that not many people have read, at least outside of LT. Have you read any other Simon Winchester books? He seems to have an interesting range of topics.

176klobrien2
Oct 2, 2010, 7:13 pm

KiwiNyx, I haven't read any other of his books, but they do look interesting--like the Krakatoa one. I will definitely have to check them out.

Thanks for stopping by!

177drneutron
Oct 2, 2010, 8:18 pm

Krakatoa is definitely a good read!

178alcottacre
Oct 3, 2010, 12:57 am

I second Jim's recommendation of Krakatoa.

179klobrien2
Oct 3, 2010, 6:13 pm

When the both of you come out strongly in favor of a book, I head straight to my library's website and get it requested! Thanks!

Did you see that, KiwiNyx? I'm heading for Krakatoa!

180KiwiNyx
Oct 3, 2010, 11:39 pm

Ooh, ditto. What's one more book from the library this week..

181BookAngel_a
Oct 4, 2010, 9:54 am

The Professor and the Madman is now on my giant wishlist!

182sibylline
Oct 4, 2010, 11:21 am

I listened to Prof and Madman on an audio book and loved it!

183klobrien2
Editado: Oct 6, 2010, 7:26 pm



96. Still Life by Louise Penny

Thoroughly enjoyable read for the TIOLI Police challenge. I loved the characters, location, and the writing. I didn't know that "tabernacle" in French is swearing (must research that one), and I must find a recipe for French-Canadian Pea Soup (doesn't that sound good?!)

184BookAngel_a
Oct 6, 2010, 8:11 pm

Woohoo! Glad to find another Louise Penny fan.

185alcottacre
Oct 7, 2010, 3:42 am

Great! Karen is on the Three Pines bus!!

186klobrien2
Oct 7, 2010, 3:29 pm

Yup, I made it! When I was reading Still Life, I kept thinking how wonderful it would be to live in Three Pines and get together for potlucks with those people. I even found a recipe for French Canadian Pea Soup (Soupe aux Pois).

187alcottacre
Oct 7, 2010, 8:39 pm

#186: Post the recipe! Either here or in the Kitchen. Please!

188LauraBrook
Editado: Oct 7, 2010, 10:41 pm

Aw, man! Now, not only am I going to get caught up in a wonderful new series, but I'm going to have to find yummy recipes too?!? I don't know, guys ... maybe this whole reading and eating thing will be too much for me.

189klobrien2
Editado: Oct 8, 2010, 1:28 pm

I'll post the recipe, but I can't right now (got to leave for work in about 15 minutes)...



97. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison.

Truly a classic, and quite memorable, but it was a difficult read emotionally at times. This was a TIOLI read as well as a 1001 Books read.

190klobrien2
Oct 8, 2010, 7:20 pm

The characters in Still Life by Louise Penny love food and drink and getting together to enjoy it all. One of the dishes mentioned in the book was "French Canadian Pea Soup" and, of course, I had to go look up a recipe. I haven't made the recipe yet, but it looks very similar to soup that I have made, and loved.

French Canadian Pea Soup (Soupe Aux Pois) from RecipeLand.com

Yields: 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 pound whole yellow peas, dried
8 cups water
1/2 pound salt pork, all in one piece
1 large onion, chopped
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup carrots, grated
1/4 cup parsley leaves, fresh, chopped
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. dried savory
salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Newfoundland Pea Soup is very similar, but usually includes more vegetables such as diced turnips and carrots, and is often topped with small dumplings.

This soup is very good reheated. The most authentic version of Quebec's soupe aux pois uses whole yellow peas, with salt pork and herbs for flavour. After cooking the pork is usually chopped and returned to the soup, or sometimes removed to slice thinly and serve separately. Instead of fresh or dried herbs, herbes salees (herbs preserved with salt) are often used; they are available commercially or prepared at home.

Pea soup remains a popular dish in restaurants where tourists enjoy a true taste of old Quebec. In some variations, a little garlic, leeks, other vegetables or a ham bone are added for flavour. For a thick consistency (although this is not traditional) a cup or two of cooked peas can be be pureed then returned to the soup.

Wash and sort peas; soak in cold water overnight.

Drain and place in a large pot; add water, parsley, salt pork, onion, celery, carrots, parsley, bay leaf, savory, and 1 tsp. salt.

Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer until peas are very tender, about 2 hours, adding more water if needed.

Remove salt pork; chop and return to soup. Discard bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

(I think I'll post this to the Kitchen thread as well)

191alcottacre
Oct 8, 2010, 11:44 pm

#190: I am going to give that one a try. Thanks for posting it, Karen!

192klobrien2
Oct 10, 2010, 12:02 am

Yep, it's on our menu for this week, too!

193klobrien2
Editado: Oct 10, 2010, 12:08 am



98. The Woman's Migraine Toolkit: Managing Your Headaches from Puberty to Menopause by Dawn A. Marcus and Philip A. Bain

I received this book from Early Reviewers, and finally got it read and reviewed.

It's really a wonderful, practical book, and I'd recommend it to anyone who gets migraines, even if they aren't female!

Please see my review here - http://www.librarything.com/work/10115885

194alcottacre
Oct 10, 2010, 12:17 am

#193: I do not suffer from migraines often, but when I do, put me in a dark room and leave me alone! Thankfully as I have gotten older, the migraines seem to be decreasing in frequency. I will have to look for that book so that when they do hit, I have some practical advice. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Karen.

195alcottacre
Oct 10, 2010, 12:23 am

Just in case you do not see the message on Megan's thread in response to your inquiry:

You put the word 'Strike' where the 'i' is in the italic thing!

196klobrien2
Editado: Oct 10, 2010, 12:29 am

Thanks! I thought it was something like that! I'll have to try it out give it a try!

Oh, and re: 194: An interesting thing I read in the book is that it might be better to distract yourself from the migraine rather than the dark-quiet-room thing. The book includes all kinds of relaxation therapies and other non-medication things to get through/prevent the migraine. I dunno--but that's what the book said!

AHA! It worked (the striking out)(very reminiscent of my Twins tonight)(boohoo)! Thanks!

197alcottacre
Oct 10, 2010, 12:30 am

#196: I prefer not to take pills if I can avoid them, so I like the idea of nonmedication ideas for migraines. Another reason for me to get hold of the book!

198Ape
Oct 10, 2010, 6:27 am

Wouldn't it suck if the book gave you a migraine? :(

199klobrien2
Oct 10, 2010, 10:51 am

That would not be a good thing!

200klobrien2
Editado: Oct 13, 2010, 5:57 pm



99. Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

I haven't read much Dean Koontz, but have kind of liked what I have read. This series, about an everyday hero with paranormal abilities, always drew my eye. I decided to read the first in the series.

I really like Koontz's writing, and the plot was just spooky enough for me. Just when I would think I had it figured out, the author added a twist or two.

This was a fun change of pace read for me, and I'm adding it to the TIOLI "Not exactly horror" challenge.

201drneutron
Oct 13, 2010, 9:38 pm

I'm not so much a Koontz fan - some of his stuff I love, some I hate. But Odd definitely falls into the love category. The rest of the series are really good too!

202alcottacre
Oct 14, 2010, 2:52 am

#200: I love the Odd Thomas series too, Karen. Glad you enjoyed the first book. Jim was the one who first got me started on those books.

203Carmenere
Oct 14, 2010, 7:14 am

Hi Karen, I've finally caught up with your thread. Ohhhh, and what a dangerous thread it is! I've wishlisted almost everything you've read since (let me check) Sept. 9th. Some were already wishlisted.
Big booksale at my semi-local library in November, hopefully I'll find some there.

204klobrien2
Oct 15, 2010, 7:00 pm

Hello, drneutron, Stasia, and Carmenere! Thanks for stopping by and posting. I am always so thrilled to get feedback on this thread, especially from readers like you folks.

And I certainly plan on continuing with the Odd Thomas series. I'm so glad to know that you liked the books!

205klobrien2
Editado: Oct 16, 2010, 2:01 pm



100. Into the Mummy's Tomb ed. John Richard Stephens

I really enjoyed this anthology of mostly fiction (with a few nonfiction accounts) dealing with Egypt, archeology, and...mummies. The editor collected the stories from a wide range of sources, and it made for some very interesting reading.

I read this for this month's TIOLI Not Exactly Horror challenge, but I'm a nut for anything ancient Egypt so this had been on my TBR list for a while, ever since jadebird recommended it (thanks, jadebird!)

206KiwiNyx
Oct 16, 2010, 8:13 pm

I love the look of that one, also being a nut for anything Egypt. Thanks for the heads up.

207alcottacre
Oct 17, 2010, 2:15 am

#205: I remember Ren recommending that one. I still need to get my hands on a copy! Thanks for the reminder, Karen.

208souloftherose
Oct 17, 2010, 5:02 pm

Hi Karen - just catching up with you! Into the Mummy's Tomb sounds like a good read so I will keep an eye out for it.

209RosyLibrarian
Oct 18, 2010, 3:22 pm

Hello Karen - finally caught up with your thread. Do I see recipes? This thread is dangerous to both my wish list and waistline!

210Carmenere
Oct 18, 2010, 8:55 pm

Into the Mummy's Tomb really sounds like a book I could get myself wrapped up in. Onto the wishlist it goes.

211klobrien2
Oct 19, 2010, 10:26 am

209: Hi, mihess! Actually, the recipe I posted was for a very healthy French Canadian Pea Soup (well, it is seasoned with salt pork).

KiwiNyx, alcottacre, souloftherose: I really liked Into the Mummy's Tomb; there are non-fiction essays from the 19th century that I spent less time with (that horrible colonialist right-to-raid-indigenous-culture thing); and some of the stories I had read before, so it was nice to revisit them; the real treats were the stories I hadn't read before! The book is like a banquet!

212klobrien2
Editado: Oct 19, 2010, 2:14 pm



101. Out of the Whirlwind: Creation Theology in the Book of Job by Kathryn Schifferdecker

The author taught a class that I attended recently--the topic was the Dead Sea Scrolls. I was very impressed with her teaching and now, with her book.

Job is a book of the Hebrew Bible. It is part prose, part poetry; it deals with Job, a man who has great wealth and happiness, then loses it all. How will his relationship with God change? Job's friends come by to commiserate and to try to help him figure things out. Towards the end, God speaks to Job in a set of monologues.

Biblical scholarship is usually very dense and is not quick reading. This book is built on a lot of detailed analysis which, thankfully, gets pulled off into a separate Appendix, although much gets brought into the main book. I really appreciated the indexes, the bibliography, and the fact that there are footnotes (and not endnotes), as well.

Schifferdecker is a beautifully clear and organized writer. Her writing structure allows the reader to delve into the subject at different levels: I was interested in the higher level issues of God's relationship with humanity, and nature in creation (I've always been fascinated with Behemoth and Leviathan, mythological beasts listed among many other real-life creatures in Job).

If you're interested in the topic, I'm sure you would like this book.

In other good news, I can include this in TIOLI Challenge 1 (the name "Schifferdecker" has 14 letters!)

213Eat_Read_Knit
Oct 19, 2010, 2:47 pm

That one sounds interesting: onto the wishlist it goes.

It sounds like the Dead Sea Scrolls class was good!

214klobrien2
Oct 19, 2010, 3:10 pm

I really enjoyed the class. Each session was taught by a different teacher, and there were differences in teaching style (and teacher preparedness, maybe?) Overall, it was great to be back in a school situation.

215alcottacre
Oct 19, 2010, 3:13 pm

I had already put Out of the Whirlwind in the BlackHole. Too bad the local libraries do not have it yet. I will have to widen the search!

216klobrien2
Oct 19, 2010, 6:13 pm

I had to ILL it, and it came to me from a Catholic university in St. Paul. I hope you can get your hands on it, and that you like it as much as I did!

217KiwiNyx
Oct 19, 2010, 10:48 pm

What a fascinating looking book. I am a bit jealous of the Dead Sea Scrolls class, that does sound like an amazing lesson. Are you studying for something?

218klobrien2
Oct 20, 2010, 6:56 pm

Hi, KiwiNyx!

I recently made a midlife change, went back to school, and got my Bachelor's and an MLIS (Library and Information Science). I'd been done with school for a few years when I decided that I LOVED school, and wanted to get back into it in some form, so I took that no-pressure, non-credit class. It was a lot of fun, but now I'm thinking I want something with a little more meat to it, with a little pressure rather than no pressure.

The school where I took the class offered it because St. Paul has had a Dead Sea Scrolls exhibit at the Science Museum (I think it's moving on after this weekend). So the timing was very fortuitous (great word!) for me.

I'm by no means a biblical scholar, but I've always been fascinated by ancient writings.

219souloftherose
Oct 21, 2010, 9:35 am

#212 That one sounds really good, glad you're enjoying your class (and only a teensy bit jealous that I can't go back to school myself at the moment!). The book has definitely gone on my wishlist.

220klobrien2
Editado: Oct 21, 2010, 5:05 pm



102. The Earth Hums in B Flat by Mari Strachan

What a wonderful book! I joined in an ad hoc group read under one of the TIOLI challenges with this one, and am so glad I did. I really didn't want to stop reading this one once I started--I think I've only had this out from the library for a few days.

The sense of place in this book - small-town Wales - is incredibly strong and attractive. There are wonderfully etched characters, including a young heroine, very imaginative and prococious. The difference here is that she is such a realistic kid-turning-teen.

I don't give many 5-star ratings, but I definitely think this book deserved it. I can't wait to see if the author has more books out or on the way.

221RosyLibrarian
Oct 21, 2010, 5:28 pm

220: What an attractive book title. If I saw this on the shelf I would be curious enough to want to check it out based solely on it's name. It looks like it's had nothing but good reviews too. Hmmm, on to the wishlist it goes!

222alcottacre
Oct 22, 2010, 1:39 am

#220: I have started that one and am really enjoying it. Glad you ended up loving it, Karen!

223KiwiNyx
Oct 22, 2010, 5:27 pm

Whenever I see 5 stars, it is an automatic hit for me. This looks too good to pass up, thanks for the heads up.

And good luck with the study. I've got half a degree with a mind to finishing it one day. Currently majoring in English and Education but am toying with the idea of changing the second major to Library Studies if I can.

224bryanoz
Oct 22, 2010, 11:02 pm

#220 Sounds great klobrien2, I'll look for that one, thanks !

225klobrien2
Oct 23, 2010, 9:43 am

The Earth Hums in B Flat IS a great book, and I wouldn't have found about it without LT. This is another testimonial to the power of LibraryThing!

226klobrien2
Editado: Oct 23, 2010, 9:49 am



103. Persuasion by Jane Austen

Pride and Prejudice has always been one of my favorite books (if not my absolute favorite) but now Persuasion is in the running. Persuasion has more of the class system fol-de-rol, and a few of the characters are plain out horrible. The age of the female heroine is older (that's part of the setup to the story). Even though the feel of the book is darker, the story is sweet and the writing is great.

227alcottacre
Oct 23, 2010, 10:12 am

#226: I will be getting to that one next year! Glad to see you enjoyed it, Karen!

228souloftherose
Oct 23, 2010, 10:29 am

#220 I read The Earth Hums earlier this year after someone else in the group reviewed it and really enjoyed it. I'm also hoping Mari Strachan is going to write something else at some point.

#225 That's my favourite Austen! Glad you enjoyed it :-)

#227 And I will be joining you on a reread if you're still planning your Austenathon.

229alcottacre
Oct 23, 2010, 10:48 am

#228: Oh yeah, Heather, the Austenathon is still on for next year, even if I am the only one doing it :)

230sibylline
Oct 23, 2010, 2:14 pm

I've wishlisted Hums, I don't know why I hadn't sooner, sigh..... thanks for the push.

231KiwiNyx
Oct 23, 2010, 9:24 pm

So pleased to hear you enjoyed Persuasion, I just adore it and re-read it every year.

232klobrien2
Editado: Oct 25, 2010, 5:02 pm

Just finished two books today that seem like polar opposites to me. I'm glad that I was reading both at the same time because one acted as an antidote to the other.



104. The Story of O by Pauline Reage

I read The Story of O for the TIOLI challenge (Books with Sex), and because it is listed as one of the 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die. This book made me WANT to die. Horribly graphic, sadistic, mean-spirited. Blecchh. I kept reading because I thought I would get something out of it. It could be read as a psychological terror treatise, or a commentary on how women are treated in the world. Just horrible. I looked for analysis of the book, to see if I could find help understanding it, but I think others were just as confused as I. And I think there was a sequel. Blecchh.



105. Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum

Ozma of Oz, on the other hand, was a real delight. I'm having such a good time reading the L. Frank Baum books. This one is the third in a series of 14 by Baum. Ozma of Oz has humor, wonderful! illustrations by John R. Neill, and just the right tone of sweetness and light to get the "taste" of that other book out of my head.

233alcottacre
Oct 25, 2010, 5:40 pm

#232: Skipping The Story of O as I never had any desire to read it to begin with and am currently reading Ozma of Oz, so I hereby dodge the Book Bullets!

234RosyLibrarian
Oct 25, 2010, 7:14 pm

232: Wow, I haven't heard of that book, but it sounds super horrible.

Glad the Oz books are going better!

235KiwiNyx
Oct 25, 2010, 10:58 pm

Blecchh! is a fantastic interpretation of a bad book. Avoiding it at all costs. Oz on the other hand, I must get around to..

236klobrien2
Editado: Oct 26, 2010, 4:56 pm



106. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving

I'd read this in honor of upcoming Halloween, and was really glad I did. It's a short little thing, but has atmosphere and characterization galore (my kind of book!) AND Deern read it for the TIOLI Not-quite-horror challenge so when I add my name, we'll earn another point. Points are good!

If you haven't read this, do yourself a favor and read this classic.

237alcottacre
Oct 26, 2010, 8:46 pm

#236: It has been a while, but I have read it. I probably should give it a re-read some time - but not right now :)

238Deern
Oct 27, 2010, 4:26 am

I am glad you liked Sleepy Hollow.
Btw I am just reading Beowulf on the Beach, following your recommendation in posting #114. I generally like those 'books about books'. I've already read many of the books he is listing (and have more on my tbr pile) and I found that in most cases I agree with him. Thanks for recommending it! :-)

239Carmenere
Oct 27, 2010, 4:39 am

I really need to catch up on all the classic horror books. The legend of SH, Frank, Dracula, Phantom, what else am I missing?

240klobrien2
Oct 27, 2010, 11:06 am

How about the Edgar Allen Poe stories? I loved those when I was younger (and I still do love them). Good stuff!

241klobrien2
Editado: Oct 27, 2010, 6:12 pm



107. Nowhere Man by Alexsandar Hemon

I read this for the TIOLI Book-title-with-a-song-title challenge. One reason I'm glad to be done with it is because, everytime I look at the book, I start singing "Nowhere Man" in my head!

More reasons I'm glad I read the book: it's full of humor, drama, peeks at Sarajevan history and American culture, and a really weird ending that I haven't quite figured out. It was a truly memorable book, one that I'll be thinking about for a while.

242Deern
Oct 28, 2010, 4:05 am

I felt the same, the first five parts were brilliant, but I found the last bit just confusing. And you are right about the title, now I have that song in my head again. :)

243Carmenere
Oct 28, 2010, 8:40 am

#240 Yes! I read a few pieces in high school but haven't picked up since, so I'll add EAP to the list. Thanks Karen. Would Sherlock qualify?

244KiwiNyx
Oct 28, 2010, 6:26 pm

Legend of Sleepy Hollow is another for my classics challenge I think. And you've reminded me that I need to read the Edgar Allen Poe I got for my daughter. I bought a small collection of his short stories in graphic novel form and then went and got a more condensed full collection. Lots of good reading for next year I think.

245klobrien2
Editado: Oct 31, 2010, 1:02 am



108. Naked Heat by Richard Castle

This is the second of the "Nikki Heat" novels, written by the fictional TV character Richard Castle. It's a fun read, probably best appreciated by those who watch the television show "Castle."



109. The Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad

I wouldn't call this one a "fun read," but it was compelling and captivating. This is my second Conrad read (Lord Jim was my first), and I'm really getting to like his writing.

Both of these were read for the October TIOLI challenges--Naked Heat, for the police challenge, and The Heart of Darkness, for the read-by-multiple-75ers challenge. I liked each of them quite well.

246AMQS
Oct 31, 2010, 1:22 am

Hi Karen, I am catching up on your thread -- what a lot of great books you've read lately! I loved Persuasion when I listened to it earlier this fall. Definitely my favorite Austen, but it's been a long time since I read P&P.

I loved your review of The Earth Hums in B Flat. That one has been on my wishlist ever since Joanne reviewed it several months ago. I am excited by positive recommendations from LT friends, and I love anything Wales. I was so taken by your comment: The sense of place in this book - small-town Wales - is incredibly strong and attractive. I have found that to be true of all of the (admittedly few) books I've read about Wales. That only makes them more special to me. I was hoping a copy of The Earth Hums in B Flat would come my way via Bookmooch, but I may end up buying one sooner rather than later. Thank you!

247Carmenere
Oct 31, 2010, 7:21 am

At some point, I may need to re-read Heart of Darkness. Conrad's style just irked me, not sure why. I've got Lord Jim on the Tipping Tower and I hope that I will enjoy it more now that I know what to expect from Conrad.

248klobrien2
Oct 31, 2010, 5:26 pm

Conrad really has an unusual style, doesn't he? It's kind of like stream of consciousness, but not quite. I hope you get a chance to try Heart of Darkness again, Carmenere (and Lord Jim, too!)

249klobrien2
Oct 31, 2010, 5:28 pm

246:AMQS: Hi! Thanks for stopping by! I have really been enjoying my reading, and I think a lot of that enjoyment is from participating in the Take It or Leave It challenges--I'm doing more planning of my reading, and taking some chances to broaden my reading.

250klobrien2
Editado: Oct 31, 2010, 5:33 pm

One more for this thread, and then it's time to wind up October reading and start...a third thread?



110. The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart

I've been working on this book for a few months, I guess. It's not that big of a book, but the version I read had packaged the three Merlin books into one big tome, and it was really a brick. I used my drugstore glasses to read it, and I still struggled at times.

The book, itself, was great! It had been suggested to me as another "Arthurian" read when I read The Once and Future King and just loved that book.

I'm looking forward to the other two books in the series, but I'll look for them in individual covers, thank you very much.

251klobrien2
Oct 31, 2010, 5:44 pm

Please join me on my new 75 Books thread - it's right here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/101540

I really hope to see you there!

Karen O.

252LauraBrook
Oct 31, 2010, 5:47 pm

Some excellent reading and reviewing going on here, Karen! And I always like the idea of "doorstoppers", but when it comes to actually reading them I never feel like I'm getting anywhere. Not that that necessarily prevents me from picking them up or anything, but ... glad to see someone else has the same struggles!

253klobrien2
Abr 12, 2012, 12:09 am

Wake up! Wake up!