Karen's (klobrien2) 75-book Challenge for 2010 - Third Thread

Welcome to my THIRD 75-books thread! I'm already way ahead of my reading for last year, and having some great reads. Thanks for that is due to my fellow 75 Book-ers and LT. How many books will I read this year? Let's find out!

Here are my first and second threads:

http://www.librarything.com/topic/80597
http://www.librarything.com/topic/95537




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:

148. An Assembly Such as This: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman by Pamela Aidan - 138
147. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham - 134
146. The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien - 128
145. 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik - 127
144. The Midnight Examiner (Book 133 of 1001) by William Kotzwinkle - 125
143. A Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle - 113
142. The Natural History, Volume 1 by Pliny the Elder - 112
141. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo - 107
140. The Eleven Religions and Their Proverbial Lore: a Comparative Study by Selwyn Gurney Champion - 107
139. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens - 105
138. The Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott - 102
137. The Emerald City of Oz by L.Frank Baum (6 of 14) - 97
136. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams - 97
135. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny - 89
134. Dream Angus: The Celtic God of Dreams by Alexander McCall Smith - 81
133. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern - 81
132. It's a Book by Lane Smith - 76
131. The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Wonder Dog - 76
130. The White Stag by Kate Seredy - 76
129. The Extra Large Medium by Helen Slavin - 73
128. The Road to Oz by L.Frank Baum (5 of 14) - 72
127. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle - 65
126. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - 61
125. Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer - 57
124. Room by Emma Donoghue - 55
123. A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters - 51
122. Still Alice by Lisa Genova - 43
121. Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier - 40
120. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange - 36
119. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein - 34
118. World War Z by Max Brooks - 31
117. Living With Books by Helen E. Haines - 28
116. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan - 26
115. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by L. Frank Baum (4 of 14) - 26
114. Silk by Alessandro Baricco (Book 132 of 1001) - 19
113. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling - 19
112. How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen - 15
111. The Charming Quirks of Others by Alexander McCall Smith - 15

Books from second 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

*Waves at Karen*

I haven't been posting much, but I've been reading! :(

*Also waves*
Sadly, I've neither posted nor read very much lately:( I'm here, though!

Hi, Ape! Thanks for stopping by and being my first poster on this thread! I have to tell you--I'm going to be reading World War Z for the TIOLI Title-with-a-Z challenge this month. And that's mainly due to your recommendation! So, thanks!

Anne, it's always great to hear from you. I hope you get more time for reading in the future!

I hope you like it. :)

Hi there, will be awaiting you review of World War Z with interest as it sits on top of the hall bookshelf unread at the moment.

Just waving as I head through the threads . . .

Found and starred you!

You've been reading some great stuff -- glad you liked The Crystal Cave! I could happily reread all of them.....

Hello!

Hi, everyone! Thanks for stopping by! Good reading!

Found you! The Crystal Cave is definitely on my wishlist. And World War Z too.

Well, The Crystal Cave and World War Z are just about as different plot-wise as you can get. I shouldn't say that (at this point) because I haven't really gotten going on World War Z yet. Whatever, I hope you like them both!

111. The Charming Quirks of Others by Alexander McCall Smith

The latest in the series of books about Isabel Dalhousie, the charming philosopher, journal editor/publisher, partner of a younger man, mother of a two-year-old little boy. I love these books: Isabel thinks about everything, and we get to be privy to her rambling thoughts.



112. How Reading Changed My Life by Anna Quindlen

Sweet little memoir of a reading life; love story of a reader and her books. Some nice reading lists in the back, so this is a very handy book.

I have read How Reading Changed My Life a couple of times now. I am glad you enjoyed it too, Karen!

I need to find this Anna Quindlen book, thanks for the heads up!

I'm sure I've read a couple of other good reviews of that Anna Quindlen book so it just keeps goig up to the top of my wishlist after another great review.

113. The Tales of Beedle the Bard by J.K. Rowling

I needed a nice comfort read after work today, so I read this little treat of a book. It fits TIOLI Challenge 5, and served as a little warm-up for my re-reading of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Very sweet read.



114. Silk by Alessandro Baricco

(This review is posted on the November TIOLI thread as well)

I read an amazing book for TIOLI Challenge 6 (4-letters-or-less). This book is so elegantly written and translated that it often seems that you're reading poetry. Not a word wasted.

The book is set in mid-19th century France, in a village where the making of silk fabric is the main occupation. Silkworms in Europe are struck with disease, and one of the silk factory owners travels to Japan to procure healthy silkworm eggs. He encounters a local baron who aids him in his under-the-table deals. In his trips to Japan he falls in love with the baron's concubine, to whom he never speaks.

The reviews on the book's page are very good--Luli81 describes the book as "A tale, but not a tale. A novel, but not a novel. A sad story, but not a sad story. A love story, but not a love story. Silk is everything summed up in a few lines. A masterpiece." (What a great review, too!)

#19: Wow! Silk sounds like a dandy. I will look for it. Thanks for the recommendation, Karen!

Adding Silk to the wishlist: it sounds wonderful.

Another wishlist hit for me with Silk.

Add me to the wishlisters of Silk - sounds good! (I also need to read the JK Rowling book, it's been on my shelf for years.)

Adding Silk straight away and you have also tempted me to read Tales of Beedle the Bard as I bought it for the girls years ago and still haven't read it.

Wonderful review of Silk, Karen!

Thank you all for visiting and posting! I hope you like Silk and Beedle as much as I did.

I guess I'm in kind of a juvenile fiction frame of mind right now (here are two more):



115. Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz by L. Frank Baum

I'm reading my way through Baum's Oz books (there are 14 of them). This one was another delight (Baum's sense of humor is sharp but never mean). The illustrations were terrific, and this book is one of two that have full-color illustrations--a real joy for the eyes.



116. The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

Thanks to the LT-ers who recommended this book! I enjoyed it, but it did seem to drag on a little. It was an interesting concept to put modern-day kids into the world of ancient Egypt, and to mix up mortals and gods and hybrids. There were some very moving moments, dealing with family and loss.

I loved The Red Pyramid. I am glad you enjoyed it, Karen.

Here's another one recommended by Stasia (thanks!):



117. Living With Books: The Art of Book Selection by Helen E. Haines

This book is hefty, over 600 pages long with its index; and its mission is broad--to assist the librarian in book selection. It's jam-packed with anything and everything you'd like to know about books.

Granted, the book is dated (the first edition came out in 1935; the second, which I read, in 1950). I was pleasantly surprised, however, to find how much of it sounded fresh and current.

Haines' writing is terrific; she is organized and witty. There are lots of good lists and a nice index. I came away with several books to put on my TBR, and a desire to get a copy of the book for my own (I used ILL to get this copy).

Here's one of my favorite quotes from the book: "The reader should at least be receptive, should give the author the courtesy of polite attention until politeness becomes no longer a virtue. Be open-minded; allow other people to have a different point of view from your own." Good advice for readers from any time. And it sounds very close indeed to discussions on LT!

#28: I am glad you enjoyed that one, Karen.

That quote is so bang on for me, I love it and I think I give an author sufficient politeness until I either get hooked or give up.

118. World War Z by Max Brooks

Thanks to ape for recommending this book! The book seems to have made a big impression on him, and now I know why. It's a fascinating look at a world-wide disaster, an event that totally changes life for all living creatures. I liked the format (oral interviews with those who lived through the war). Especially interesting to me was the details of how the world changed, seen through many different eyes. Fun and thought-provoking.

I'm glad you liked it Karen! :D It was nice to read a zombie book with bit more meat to it...errr...so to speak...

I love World War Z. I am glad you enjoyed it too, Karen!

119. The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein

Loved this book! It was really an emotional rollercoaster of a read, however. I was sobbing at the end, though I knew from the start that Enzo, a dog, and the book's narrator, is old and is dying.

A real study of life and love. AND I learned about race car driving!

I am glad you enjoyed that one more than I did, Karen.

120. For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf by Ntozake Shange

I think I read this back in high school but, like so many books that I read in my youth and have reread as an adult, I perceive it so differently.

This is written in a format called "choreopoem"--it's a play with music and dance and must be so great to see performed. The poems that make up the choreopoem are very moving, sometimes shocking in their drama and intensity.

Great review of World War Z, it is there in the hallway waiting for me one day, but I am very intrigued with this Art of Racing in the Rain book. I love race car driving, thanks for the heads up.

Hi Karen

Great reviews! I've added Silk to the tbr pile.

#36: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!

As always, it's great to have you all post on my thread! It makes me very happy(!) to think that my report on a book might help someone else find a book they'd like!



121. Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier

Once again, thanks to LT 75-bookers who recommended this book! I remember reading about it in my local newspaper, but it was definitely LT (and the chance to earn TIOLI points) that got me reading this book.

I really enjoyed it. Getting a glimpse into the frustratingly-sexist-and-classist world of the mid-19th century, being an "eye-witness" of the discovery of prehistoric fossils, and seeing the friendships of the women in the book arise--all good. I'd read the author's Girl with a Pearl Earring and loved it, and this book confirms her as one of my favorite authors.

Glad you enjoyed that one, Karen: I loved the excitement of the fossil discoveries, and thought it was an excellent picture of the society of the time.

I enjoyed Remarkable Creatures as well, so I am glad to see the book has found another fan!

Hi, Caty and Stasia! I've been having a lot of good reads lately, and Remarkable Creatures is certainly on that list!

Here's another one: I read this for the TIOLI "Stasia" challenge (L-Z):



122. Still Alice by Lisa Genova

A remarkable book! Written by a neurologist, but artistically written, this is the story of a woman dealing with her own early-onset Alzheimers Disease. I found it very moving (couldn't bring this one to work for my break-time read!) I can't call it a thoroughly "enjoyable" read, because there is pain and sadness there, but I am very glad that I finally read this little gem.

I should figure out what TIOLI is so I can start finding good books like you. This one does sound rather sad, but good and I'm glad you enjoyed it. :)

I love the sounds of both of your last books. I own Girl with a pearl earring but still haven't read it and I think I'm definitely missing out here.

44: TIOLI stands for "Take It or Leave It" and it is a challenge run by SqueakyChu. It started as one single challenge, selected by SqueakyChu, and the thing has evolved so that a lot of different people post different challenges in conjunction with the main challenge offered. It's got it's own wiki pages and has gotten really involved, but I have had so much fun with it. Here's a link to the latest page for this month - http://www.librarything.com/topic/102675

Please consider joining in -- in December, or next year. It's great fun!

45: Girl With a Pearl Earring (the book) is great, and so is the movie (with Scarlett Johansen and Colin Firth)!

#43: Glad you liked that one, Karen!

I read Still Alice last month, and our book group has chosen it for their December discussion. I'm anxious to see how they feel about it. It is truly a memorable book, with something for just about everyone these days. It felt almost like non-fiction.

46: Ah, thanks for the link! It does sound really fun. I'll try to jump in next year. :)

Gail....long magazine article.....I love it! definitely worth a try.

123. A River in the Sky by Elizabeth Peters

I've been reading the Amelia Peabody series for decades(!), but hadn't read one for several years. Reading this one was a real treat, a very pleasant renewal of acquaintances although the story takes place in Jerusalem, rather than the usual Egypt.

One of my favorite quotes comes from a scene where Peabody's son, Ramses, is explaining how he comes to know so much trivia...

"You certainly are a repository of useless information. How do you know all that?" David asked, with more amusement than admiration.

"I have a mind like a magpie's, easily distracted by interesting odds and ends," Ramses admitted.

This is one magpie who really enjoyed this book!

I liked it too!

Thanks for the reminder....I need to get back and read some more of that series. I only read the 1st two, but really enjoyed them. I'm thinking 2011 is going to be the year of reading beloved series......yum....

I'm thinking 2011 is going to be the year of reading beloved series......yum....

Ooh, I like that thought! The Amelia Peabody's would be one for me. And I would include series that I haven't read yet, but that I know will be beloved--so I'll continue my read of the L. Frank Baum Oz books, and the Three Pines mysteries.

124. Room by Emma Donoghue

What a good read! The characterizations of Jack and Ma (the mother and son trapped in Room), their family and friends are very real and emotionally moving. This is one for the triumph of the human spirit, and the power of love.

#55: I loved Room. I am glad you enjoyed the book too, Karen!

Hi, Stasia--I think we agree on most books, except for "Austen follow-up" things. Which my next book definitely is...



125. Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer

This book is flagged as "Pride and Prejudice told from a whole new perspective," that of Fitzwilliam Darcy, one of the two main protagonists in the Jane Austen classic (which is way at the top of my favorites list).

It was interesting to consider a different point of view in the telling of the tale, and Aylmer made a point of remaining true to the plot and the language of the original. I think the author made a good run at this, but it's a huge task to write prose to match Austen's.

This was a fun book to read, but only if you're already a fan of P and P; otherwise, you won't get it.

Yes, I will be skipping that one :)

I planned on reading that one this year for my Austen-esque category in the 1010 challenge, but I've already got my open slots planned out. Will probably get to it some time next year, but based on your review, I'm not in a huge rush to do so. I'm currently listening to An Assembly Such as This, the first of a trilogy about P&P told from Darcy's POV, same as the one you read. So far it seems pretty good (only on chap 5), but we'll see how it pans out over 3 books.

At least Darcy's Story has a nice cover, right?!?

Hi, Laura! I'll have to check into An Assembly Such as This. (after about a minute) Better yet, I just requested it from my library! I did like the way that Aylmer stayed true to Pride and Prejudice. Is An Assembly... doing that?

126. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

What a fun read! It's actually a reread for me, done for the fun of the TIOLI challenge, and to prepare for a viewing of the new movie. I have always loved the way that Rowling completed the series, but this book is really a chunkster! My arms are tired!

#61: I re-read the first three in the series early this year and then got off track. I really need to get back to the series!

>61 klobrien2:, 62, when I finish up my student teaching (and submit my Teacher Work Sample) I'm going to reward myself with a re-read of the whole series. Looking forward to it!

The Potter books are a real treat, I agree. I read the whole series again before the last one came out. I think it's great for kids who realize that they can read a physically big book, and that there are real benefits to it.

Anne, when will you finish your student teaching? I think you'll be a wonderful teacher!

127. A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle

I'd wanted to read this for a while, and I came across it when I was shelving at the library.

Wonderful story of family and adventure and learning to trust in oneself. It's a good'un, and (oh, no) it's the first in a series. There are elements of faith and good vs. evil, but it's not preachy. I gave it 5 stars.

>64 klobrien2:, Thank you! I am actually finishing it right now as we speak! My official 'lead teaching' period is over. I am still teaching every day, but no longer have to prepare detailed plans for instruction, differentiation and assessment from bell-to-bell. My Teacher Work Sample is due November 30, but I am determined to finish and submit it today or die trying. I'm close -- maybe 95% done. I'll be finished completely on December 16.

60: Karen, I have to confess that I have never read Pride & Prejudice! I didn't even own a copy until about a year ago, which is, I think, officially illegal for an English major. Please don't turn me in to the Literature Police! However, as an avid re-watcher of almost every version of P&P out there, and from other P&P-esque books I've read, I think An Assembly... does follow the original story line closely. I'm now in chapter 7, and it's getting pretty good. I hope you like it when you pick it up at the library!

Another book I haven't read is A Wrinkle in Time, but I'm planning on it for next year. Glad to see that you liked it so much!

#65: I love A Wrinkle in Time. I am glad to know that it has another fan.

If you have not read When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead yet, Karen, I would recommend that one to you. The protagonist in that book loves 'Wrinkle' too.

Stasia, anytime you recommend a book, I'm on it! I've added the Stead book to my TBR. Thanks!

Karen, you've been doing some great reading! I agree with you on ones that we've both read . . . Still Alice, The Art of Racing in the Rain . . . I loved A Wrinkle in Time when I was younger, must do a re-read sometime . . . and I must try Room, as everyone seems impressed by it.

Hi, Teri! I have been loving my reading lately (even more than usual). And I hope you try Room--the author really *gets* a five-year-old mindset (even one who has grown up under such unusual circumstances).

128. The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum

These books are such a delight to read! This one revisited nearly all of the previous characters, plus a bunch more. Illustrations were wonderful, this time only drawings, but really nice drawings. This is the fifth Oz book written by L. Frank.

The Oz books are filled with wonderful humor: here is one example:

"I've learned from long experience that every road leads somewhere, or there wouldn't be any road; so it's likely that if we travel long enough, my dear, we will come to some place or another in the end. What place it will be we can't even guess at this moment, but we're sure to find out when we get there."

129. The Extra Large Medium by Helen Slavin

Tasty treat of a book about a medium (not actually extra large), who deals with loss and sadness by providing communications between the dead and the living.

I'd actually read this three years ago, but didn't realize that until partway into the book--and by then, I was enjoying it so much that I just kept going.

Three years ago, I was hoping that the author would write more--I don't think she has! (Boohoo)

#69: I hope you enjoy it, Karen.

#72: I agree with you about the Oz books. They are a delight.

#73: I came across two more titles by Slavin: The Stopping Place and Cross My Heart. Have you read either of those?

#74: No, I haven't but I'm THRILLED to know that she has other books out there! Thank you very much for pointing them out to me!

130. The White Stag by Kate Seredy

Classic telling of the myths of the founding of the Huns and the Magyars, and their culmination in Attila. Lots of beautiful imagery.

I'm adding this wonderful quote from the beginning of the book, about the nature of myth:

Those who want to hear the voice of pagan gods in wind and thunder, who want to see fairies dance in the moonlight, who can believe that faith can move mountains, can follow the thread on the pages of this book. It is a fragile thread; it cannot bear the weight of facts and dates.



131. The Shepherd, the Angel, and Walter the Christmas Miracle Dog by Dave Barry

Very fun Christmas story--reminded me quite a bit of "The Christmas Story" movie, with a young boy on the cusp of young adulthood, and some general silliness, and some sadness. Great story of family.



132. It's a Book by Lane Smith

This one is so cute--the monkey is reading a book, and the jackass doesn't know what it is, so the monkey explains. This is a great "book about books" for the younger set (and booklovers of all ages).
Three little gems that, all together, maybe add up to one physically-average-sized book.

Well, I am finally admitting that I am going to try to read 150 books by the end of the month. I'm so close, and the idea of "double-75-books" is very attractive to me. So, it's official! I'm heading for 150.

Excellent! Maybe someday I can tag a double. :)

#75: Excellent! Glad I could help. I hope you enjoy the books, Karen.

#77: Good luck with the new goal!

Good luck trying to hit 150, Karen.

133. Sh*t My Dad Says by Justin Halpern

I found this book truly funny and moving. The intersersed stories and adages paint a very descriptive portrait of the dad, the son, and the relationship between them.

I wondered if the language (very heavily weighted toward vulgarities) might be a turnoff for me, but was pleasantly surprised to find...not so much. I laughed out loud quite often, and couldn't stop reading.



134. Dream Angus: The Celtic God of Dreams by Alexander McCall Smith

Came across this one while shelving at the library. I thought I'd read everything the author has written (and he's written a LOT) but I missed this one. It's a really interesting entry in the "Myths" series from Canongate (another volume is Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad). In Dream Angus, portions of the Angus myth are interspersed with stories of modern life which interpret the myth. Like I said, pretty interesting.

Here's a cool quote: "Myth is a cloud based upon a shadow based upon the movement of the breeze."

#81: Although I am not a fan of Smith's Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, I do want to find Dream Angus. I am glad you liked it, Karen.

I hope you do find Dream Angus and that you like it. It's a quick little read, but I know it's going to stay with me for a while--I would definitely call this one "memorable." (tip of the hat to your "memorable reads.")

Karen

I'm sorry to be so far behind on your thread. My, but you read some marvelous books!!! I'll return tomorrow when I have more energy and then I'll add some of your recommendations.

#83: A memorable read, huh? I will have to get to it soon! My local library does have it, I already checked, so that makes it much easier for me.

Hit by two Book Bullets, and I was just passing through ... sigh.

86: I'm really sorry...not! I hope that you have some good reads.

I need to read the Justin Halpern book - it looks good!

135. A Fatal Grace by Louise Penny

Really good mystery read--I could hardly put it down. I see why so many 75-bookers are gaga for this series. This particular book in the series is set right around Christmas time in the town of Three Pines, so while I included this read in this month's TIOLI Challenge #16 (I'm not really sure it belonged there, since it's not a hot-off-the-press book, but we earned a point!), I probably could have included it in the Christmas Challenge. The book had an incredible sense of place and time (and a groan-inducing power of description of bitterly cold climes)(I live in Minnesota).

Now I have to go recipe hunting; after reading the first book in the series, Still Life, I had to find a recipe for French Canadian Pea Soup. This book's recipe is Beef Bourguignon--anybody have a recipe?

Have just requested the third book in the series -- The Cruelest Month. Yippee!

Glad you're enjoying the Three Pines series. I love them!

Woot! Karen is on the Three Pines bus!

Karen, I'm new to Three Pines too! Glad to see another late-comer to the series. I'm working on the first book now, and I have it on good authority that Santa is bringing me the next two. Yay for Santa!

#92: What? Santa is only bringing two? You need to tell Santa that there are more books in the series!

93: I told Santa that there were more and Santa thought I had enough books of my own to read and that I could wait for the rest of the series. I tried to argue, but Santa wouldn't budge. I didn't want to push it too much more and end up on the Naughty list, so I let it be. Hopefully Santa will get me a gift card, though!

#94: I hope Santa gets you a gift card too! I think Santa belongs on the Naughty list if he does not!

#90-95: As Detective Monk would say, "I'm LOL-ing, out loud"!

Santa might be thinking that you might want to portion out the reading of these wonderful books, to make them last longer. Ms. Penny can write only so fast, right??

I've got the third one (The Cruelest Month) started already! It came in super fast at the library. Looks really good!

136. The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams

Sweet classic book about growing up and love and what makes us "real." I had read this one before, but it was wonderful to revisit.



137. The Emerald City of Oz by L.Frank Baum

Sixth L.Frank Baum "Oz" book. The "Books of Wonder" reprints are fantastic! This one is very funny (if you think puns and wordplay are funny), has terrific illustrations. The illustrations featured the use of green metallic ink on the full-color illustrations. The plot revisits most of the old characters, along with many new characters. It was another real treat to read.

I do not think I have ever read The Velveteen Rabbit. One of these years I will correct that.

The Williams book rather reminds me of one of Kate DiCamillo's books, The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane. Have you read that one, Karen?

I think it is so great that you are reading all of Baum's books in order. I stopped after the second one and every time I stop by your thread I wish I would have kept going. I'm glad you're enjoying them!

98: I hope you do read Velveteen Rabbit; I'm sure you'd like it. It's a short and sweet read. (A book you haven't read? hehe)

I've read Tale of Despereaux but I don't think I've read Edward Tulane. It's definitely going on my TBR list. Thanks!

99: I hope you keep going with the L. Frank Baum books--each one seems even better than the one before to me. If you can, get the "Books of Wonder" editions--they are beautiful facsimiles of the originals, and the books are just gorgeous.

Both of you--thanks for stopping by and chatting!

#100: A book you haven't read?

Unfortunately I am reminded all to often of how many of those there are :)

I hope you enjoy Edward Tulane when you get a chance to read it, Karen.

138. The Alchemyst: Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott

This is Book 1 of a series of a three dealing with a apocalyptic battle between a group of evil gods and their immortal minions on one side, and Nicholas Flamel, his wife, teenage twins and other good gods.

I don't read a lot of fantasy/supernatural, but I enjoyed this. I guess a good testament to how much I liked it is that I plan to find the second volume quickly.

Thanks to Ellie for her review and recommendation!

Oy, I've had that on my shelves for over a year now, and I really must get to it. Thank the Lord above that it's almost 2011 and I can start some more "free-reading"!

#102: I have read the first several in that series and enjoyed them too. You remind me that I need to get back to it, Karen!

139. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

What a treat! I've read this several times, and I've seen every film version made, and I still just love this book. It is so good to be reminded that "Mankind is my business."

#105: I've read this several times, and I've seen every film version made, and I still just love this book.

I am as bad as you are about that one, Karen!

140. The Eleven Religions and Their Proverbial Lore: a Comparative Study by Selwyn Gurney Champion

I found this book more interesting than I thought I would! I bought my own copy.

The book is split into chapters, each providing an introduction to the particular religion along with a table of keyword-ordered proverbs. There are also combined indexes at the back.

The writers of the introductory essays vary in their writing skills, and the book dates back to mid-20th century so it is probably out-of-date, but I love proverbs, and this one is replete with them. I loved the comparative nature of the book.



141. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

And now for something completely different! I really enjoy DiCamillo's books, and this one was great. I hope this isn't a spoiler, but is this book too sad for juvenile readers? I cried often while reading it. Maybe it's good for kids to be able to learn about some sad things through reading a book, to prepare them for sad things in life?

Illustrations were terrific, writing was top-notch.

#107: Glad you liked the DiCamillo book, Karen!

108: I KNEW I was missing something from my Edward Tulane post! Thank you so much for the recommendation, Stasia! (after I read Velveteen Rabbit)

I found Edward Tulane so beautifully, achingly sad, but very memorable. Thanks again!

#109: No problem. I was not looking for the credit, I was just glad you liked it :) Most of the time I cannot remember who to credit for my reads, lol.

edited because I forgot an important word

I just set up my thread for next year! Here it is -- http://www.librarything.com/topic/105184

I'll keep posting here until the year actually changes.

142. Pliny's Natural History, Volume 1 by Pliny the Elder

Now here's a book that shows how eclectic I can be in my reading! I went searching for this volume when the teacher in my Dead Sea Scrolls class said that Pliny had written about the Essenes. I LOVE reading primary sources!

The complete Natural History is some 30+ volumes long, so it took me a few tries to locate the correct volume--it was Pliny's Book 5 that I was after. My first try, I ended up with a volume that was just fascinating--it had medical information, things like the use of particular plants to cure various maladies. It had a chapter devoted to basilisk venom, I'm not kidding!

The volume I read has the first five books of the Natural History: Book I consists of just a dedication, Book II "An account of the world and the elements,", Book III "An account of countries, nations, seas, towns, havens, mountains, rivers, distances, and peoples who now exist or formerly existed," Books IV and V (same thing).

I have to admit that I skimmed through most of the volume--every chapter is labeled, and it's very easy to skim. Quite a lot of it is lists, and the volume I read is VERY heavily footnoted; if you skim the footnotes, it reads very fast indeed).

I found the section dealing with the Essenes, and that chapter (really, all of the volume) are just fascinating, both for the knowledge they impart (which one has to take with a grain of salt) and for the sense of the time and place. Just a delight!

143. The Wind in the Door by Madeleine L'Engle

The second in the series which began with A Wrinkle in Time. Same themes of good vs. evil and courage in the face of disaster. I love the characters and the twisty fantasy plots. Next in the series is A Swiftly Tilting Planet--can't wait!

#113: Although I like the other books in the series, 'Wrinkle' will always be my favorite.

#113 I read A Wrinkle in Time earlier this year but haven't managed to get hold of the other books in the series yet. Glad to hear you are enjoying the series.

I've always wondered about Pliny's works, and I'm glad to hear that they're readable. *adds to TBR list* I've never read the Wrinkle in Time series, and purchased the first book earlier this year. I'm really looking forward to it in 2011, thanks to your review!

With everything I'm planning on reading next year, I should really just quit both of my jobs and stay home to read. Now that sounds like my kind of work!

#116: I like that plan, Laura! Let me know how it works out for you and I will consider it :)

117: Will do! I can be the LT Guinea Pig!

#118: Good!

Happy Holidays, Karen and thank you for many great recommendations in 2010! Looking forward to your reviews in the new year.

Merry Christmas Karen!

Merry Christmas Karen!

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas, Karen!

Happy Christmas, Karen!

Yikes, I haven't been on for a few days here! I missed all of your fine wishes. I'll take them now, and thank you very much for them. I hope you all had happy Christmases and are heading for wonderful new years!



144. The Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle

I wanted to read a book for the TIOLI "time" challenge, and this one is on the 1001 Books list. I found this book a real treat--it's very funny, almost slapstick in its plot, but sweet, not nasty. The title refers to a tabloid produced by the publication company for which many of the characters work. This was a really fun read.

#125: That does look like a fun read! Thanks for the recommendation, Karen.

145. 365 Thank Yous: The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life by John Kralik

This book is non-fiction that reads like a novel. I found everything about the book likable: the author himself, his simple but profound views of life, his writing (he's a GOOD writer and I've read some bad writing!). He's intelligent, wise, and sometimes very funny.

He is never preachy or boring, and I'm left thinking, "Yes. This could work." I've written thank-you notes all my life, but for Christmas presents, not at this level. Now I feel challenged to give it a try.

**This book was given to me as part of LT Early Reviewers. It's my fourth LTER book, and it's the best by far.

146. The Father Christmas Letters by J.R.R. Tolkien

This is a beautiful little children's book, made up of letters and pictures created by J.R.R. Tolkien for his children. Every year, the father would send these letters, as if they were written by F.C. himself. The letters are funny and exciting, and the pictures are gorgeous.

I read a copy from my library, but now I'm going to find a copy to have for my own.

Thanks to souloftherose for putting this on the TIOLI Christmas challenge.

127: I had that one from ER too and felt the same way about thank you letters afterward!

>127 klobrien2: I added that one to my wishlist after your thoughtful review. Thank you!

eta: I really, really need to read The Father Christmas Letters as well!

127/128: Both of those are already in the BlackHole, so I get to dodge BBs for a second or two :)

#128 Yay! Glad you enjoyed it :-)

129 (mihess): And you wrote that inspired review of the book that I just loved--in the form of a "thank you" note. Glad that we were ER buddies!

130 (AMQS): I can't recommend The Father Christmas Letters enough. I think you'll really like them.

131 (alcottacre): I'll let you off this time, Stasia! Are you able to have a count of how many items are actually in the BlackHole? Or is that something you don't want to think about too much?!

132 (souloftherose): Thank you so much for bringing The FCL to my attention! I'm actually reading another book about the Mythology of Middle-Earth (hey, wait, that's the title), so I appear to be gearing up to read The Lord of the Rings trilogy in the new year. I think I'm ready!

147. Skipping Christmas by John Grisham

This was a reread for me, but the book can certainly bear it. I think it's charming, funny, sweet, touching--all about the meaning of Christmas, family, and neighbors.

And it gets me more quickly to my goal of 150 books for the year! I've got the last three books in progress, and, if God wills and the creek don't rise, I'll easily get them read (and enjoy the reading while I'm at it).

Well aren't you a sneaky thing :) I had to look for your thread on the 75 group page. I didn't see a link on your profile.

Well I found you and starred you :) Now I will mosey on up to the top of this thread and start reading

thread/theme ideas you gave me are good ones :) thanks

Finished! and caught up :)

You got me on Silk :) added that to wish list

Looking at Still Alice and World War Z....Room is already on my wish list and Art of Racing in the Rain I loved!

Skipping Christmas was an ok read for me, glad you enjoyed it more :)

now I am off to your 2011 thread

Thanks for visiting and posting! And don't worry--my 2011 thread is still small (I'm trying to avoid reading the 2011 threads until it's actually...2011).

#133: I try very hard not to think of the 10,000+ books already in the BlackHole. It makes my head (and wallet) hurt when I do!

Wow, 10,000+! Maybe I'll face facts in 2011 and see how many I have on my list (I'm sure it's not 10,000+).

Closing in on 150! Here's one I just finished:



148. An Assembly Such as This: Fitzwilliam Darcy, Gentleman by Pamela Aidan

This Pride and Prejudice-like book was really a new take on the story. The book really concentrates on Darcy's point of view; in fact, the second book in the series doesn't seem to concern itself with Elizabeth at all (during the "quiet time" of P and P).

Good writing, strong character development, and interesting insights into the times. I really enjoyed this one.

One flaw--lots of typos. C'mon, people, have someone else proofread your book! Ask your Mom or your roommate, but some of these were egregious (e.g. "Hearst" for "Hurst"; missing punctuation, apostrophes propagating like rabbits). This stuff just brings reading to a screeching halt. (End of rant).

But I really did like the book!

I just read that one recently, but listened to it on CD. I liked it a lot too, but those typos would have really annoyed me, much like it annoyed you. I plan on finishing the trilogy on audio, the narrator does a pretty good job.

Happy New Year to you Karen!

Happy New Year, Karen!

Happy New Year, Karen -- see you on your new thread!

Happy New Year Karen!

#139 I think Mary (bell7) read that one recently and I thought it sounded interesting but lots of typos in the book would drive me mad so I may reconsider...

Congratulations on almost doubling the challenge for 2010. Did you make it by the 31st?

Happy New Year Karen!

Wake up! Wake up!

Is there a reason why you're waking up your 2010 thread?? ;)

I'm busy making lists of my reading history. I saw that another LTer had included her lists in her current thread, and I thought that was pretty cool! I've gotten done through 2010, and the links are at the top of my current 2012 thread.

So now I bet you want to go see the lists, eh? They're at my blog, http://librata.blogspot.com/ (librata stands for Library Ratatouille). I started the blog when I was learning all kinds of "Library 2.0" things, and it is definitely a beginner's blog, but it is what it is.

Thanks for asking the question, tymfos!