My So Called Life - Reading past the 75 Books Challenge

The current (11.17.10) thread for womansheart/Ruth.




90. Godless - Pete Hautman - Three and 1/2 Stars
89. Do You Want to Know A Secret? - Mary Jane Clark - Three and 1/2 stars
88. True Grit - Charles Portis - Five Stars
87. Birdman - Mo Hayder - Four Stars
86. Up From the Blue: A Novel - Susan Henderson - Five Stars
85. Angel Time - Ann Rice - Three Stars
84. Candide - Voltaire - Five Stars
83. Reality Check - Peter Abraham - Five Stars
82. The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin - Josh Berk - Four Stars
81. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - Grace Lin - Five Stars
80. Revolution - Jennifer Donnelly - Four and 1/2 Stars
79. Kisscut - Karin Slaughter - Three and 1/2 Stars
78. Snake Woman of Little Egypt - Robert Hellenga - Five Stars
77. Olivia Kidney - Ellen Potter - Five Stars
76. Let's Take the Long Way Home - Gail Caldwell - Five Stars
75. Broken - Karin Slaughter - Four and 1/2 Stars
74. Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk - David Sedaris - Three Stars
73. Sister Mine - Tawni O'Dell - Three Stars
72. Let the Right One In - John Ajvide Lindqvist - Four Stars
71. The Island - Victoria Hislop - Three Stars
70. Fragile Beasts - Tawni O'Dell - Four Stars
69. One Day - David Nicholls - Four Stars
68. Death Comes for the Archbishop - Willa Cather - Four and 1/2 Stars
67. Roseanna - Maj Sjowall & Per Wahloo - Four and 1/2 Stars
66. 95 Pounds of Hope - Anna Gavalda - Three and 1/2 Stars
65. East of the Mountains - David Gutterson - Four Stars
64. The Invisible Bridge - Julie Orringer - Four and 1/2 Stars
63. Await Your Reply - Dan Chaon - Four Stars
62. Gods of Manhattan - Scott Mebus - Four Stars
61. The Capture (The Guardians of Ga'Hoole, Book 1) - Four Stars
60. The Girl Who Dreamed Only Geese and Other Tales of the Far North - Five Stars
XX. The Killer's Wife - a re-read
59. A Call From New Jersey: A Novel - P. F. Kluge - Five Stars
58. A Visit From the Goon Squad - Jennifer Egan - Four Stars
57. Faithful Place - Tana French - Four Stars
56. Between Heaven and Earth - Howard Norman - Five Stars
55. Beavers Eh to Bea - Lillian Anderson - Four Stars
54. Biblioholism: The Literary Addiction-Tom Raabe-One Star
53. As Husbands Go - Susan Isaacs - Four Stars
52. Unfinished Desires: A Novel - Gail Godwin - Four and 1/2 Stars
51. I'd Know You Anywhere - Laura Lippman - Four Stars
50. What The Dead Know - Laura Lippman - Four Stars
49. The Surgeon - Tess Gerittson -
48. The Good Psychologist: A Novel - Noam Shpancer - Four Stars
47. Walking to Gatlinburg - Howard Frank Mosher - Four Stars
46. A Dog's Purpose - W. Bruce Cameron - Four Stars
45. A Place of Execution - Val McDermid - Four and 1/2 Stars
44. The Tin Collectors - Stephen Cannell - Three and 1/2 Stars
43. The Solitude of Prime Numbers - Paolo Giordano - Four and 1/2 Stars
42. Sweeping Up Glass - Carolyn Wall - Four and 1/2 Stars
41. The Circle of Blood - A Forensic Mystery by Alane Ferguson - Four Stars
40. The Angel of Death - A Forensic Mystery by Alane Ferguson - Four Stars
39. Property: A Novel - Valerie Martin - Three Stars
38. A Gate at the Stairs: A Novel - Lorrie Moore - Four and 1/2 Stars
37. Woodsburner: A Novel - John Pipkin - Three Stars
36. In the Heart of the Canyon - Elizabeth Hyde - Five Stars
35. Flight of Aquavit: A Russell Quant Mystery - Anthony Bidulka - Three and 1/2 Stars
34. Remarkable Creatures - Tracy Chevalier - Five Stars
33. The Lotus Eaters - Tatjana Soli - Five Stars
32. A Treasury of Regrets - Susanne Alleyn - Four Stars
31. In the Shadow of Gotham - Stepfanie Pintoff - Four and 1/2 Stars
30. Pray for Silence - Linda Castillo - Four and 1/2 Stars
29. The Invention of Hugo Cabret - Brian Selznick - Five Stars
28. Deep Hollow Creek - Sheila Watson - Four Stars
27. The Christopher Killer: A Forensic Mystery - Alane Ferguson - Four Stars
26. Cavalier of the Apocolypse - Susanne Allyen - Four and 1/2 Stars
25.* The Last Child: A Novel - John Hart - Four Stars
24. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa: A Novel - Nicholas Drayson -
23. Stiches: A Memoir - David Small (Author and Illustrator) - Three and 1/2 Stars
22. The Next Place - Warren Hansen - Five Stars
21. Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History by Art Spiegelman - Four Stars
20. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks - Rebecca Skloot - Four and 1/2 Stars
19. The Spare Room - Helen Garner - Three and 1/2 Stars
18. Game of Patience: A Novel - Susanne Alleyn - Four Stars
17. Hush, Hush by Becca Fitzpatrick - Series: Fallen Angels - Becca Fitzpatrick (1) - Three Stars
16. The Colony of Unrequited Dreams by Wayne Johnston- Four and 1/2 Stars
15. Here on Earth by Alice Hoffman- Three Stars
14. Thereby Hangs A Tail by Spencer Quinn- Three Stars
13. Wench, A novel by Dolen Perkins-valdez- Four Stars
12. The First Rule by Robert Crais- Four Stars
11. Now & Then by Jacqueline Sheehan - Four Stars
10. The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker- Four and a half Stars
9. The Brutal Telling by Louise Penny - Four Stars
8. The Day the Falls Stood Still by Cathy Marie Buchanan - Two and a half stars
7. The Moonflower Vine by Jetta Carleton- Four Stars
6. Molly Fyde and the Land of Light by Hugh Howey - Five Stars
5. Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue by Hugh Howey - Four Stars
4. When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead- Five Stars
3. Confessions of an Ugly Stepsister: A Novel by Gregory Maguire - Four Stars
2. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff - Four Stars
1. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson- Three Stars
0. Black Swan Green by David Mitchell- unfinished

I loved Where the Mountain meets the Moon myself, reading it after Linda's review. I bought it for my greatniece for Christmas.

Hope the new therapies provide some relief, Ruth.

Glad to hear from you, Roni, out there in what I consider to be my *favorite place to live*, ever.

That will be a wonderful Christmas gift. Very, very special for any reader, really.

Visit my thread anytime you like and I will be pleased to visit yours, also.

A quick glance at your profile was like walking on the slippery slope for me. My eyes floated over a plethora of titles quickly and my brain whispered ... return and read at your leisure, 'cause there are books to be added from this list.

Happy that you stopped by.

Hi, Ruth. Just saw your note on the Backslapping thread and thought I'd stop by and congratulate you. I've seen you posting, mostly on Mark's thread I think. I'll have to come back and catch up on your reading in 2010 (I have you starred now). I'm sorry you're not feeling your best these days and hope that can be remedied sooner rather than later. "See" you soon.

Pat

Hi, Ruthie!

Nice to have you stop by, Pat.

I have noticed your posts also. Good to meet through mutual LibraryThing friends, too. Mark is a terrific person.

One of the doctors I met with, told me that six months in the future might be a period of time to look forward to experiencing much less pain and maybe less fatigue. So next Spring (2011) may find me having more adventures out and about in the neighborhood, community, region, et cetera.

You are welcome to come back and see some of the good books that I've read this year. Lots of four and a half and five stars books are in my list. If I have not reviewed something that you are interested in knowing more about, just leave a post on my profile page and I will let you know why I liked the title or author. Happy to do so in fact.

Good and enjoyable reading to you, Pat.

Morning, Ruthie! Love the spiffy new thread!

Yes, Thank you. It was time. Happy Trails, Stasia.

Hi, Ruth! I would have been your first visitor this morning, but I wasn't sure you were all finished setting up. Lots of books on your list that I don't know anything about. Looking forward to seeing your Best of 2010.

Ruthie- Congrats on the New Thread! I'm so glad you loved Revolution. I've been shouting it's praises. It's one of my top reads of the year and that's in a very crowded field. Keep spreading the word.

>9 bonniebooks: - Bonnie - Thanks for the reminder about *The Best Books of 2010*. I haven't been thinking about special things like that for a while. It will be fun and I will make a note in my appointment book to draft and edit a *Best of Book List*. Glad that you stopped by to see what I am up to these days.

>10 msf59: - Mark - How are you doing? I am adding books here and there, and trying to stay in touch with my friends. Haven't been able to keep up, but , you are definitely always in my heart.

Yes, I did enjoy Revolution. The time period of the French Revolution is a recurring one in many of the books that I read and enjoy. I also enjoyed the inclusion of all of the music background and the parallel lives aspect of the novel.

Take care. Hope to catch up with your thread soon.

Congrats on passing 75! You have lots of interesting books on your list. Glad to see the recommendation for a good Christmas gift, which I just needed to read today!
--BJ

well then .. here you are!

11: Good! Come January, I'm going to put together a new Best of your Best from which to select next year's books, so be sure and share your list.

Early Morning Sneak Attack!!

Hello, Ruthie!

;-}

I am sitting here smiling as I read over these posts from you, my friends on LibraryThing.

Today is my special day, my Birthday, (Nov. 24th) and I would like to share this snippet from The Writer's Almanac with each of you, as my way of gifting you with a bit of poetry read by Garrison Keillor.

http://writersalmanac.publicradio.org/

When you go to the website you can read the poem yourself, or listen to Mr. Keillor read it. He is very good with poetry. I believe you will enjoy it. The poem is beautiful. At the top of the web page click on LISTEN.

Also, I finally finished another book, The Piano Teacher by Janice Y. K. Lee. It was wonderful debut novel full of marvelous characters and plays out in Hong Kong before during and after WWII. So this is number eighty-two for me. I recommend this book for those who appreciate vivid characterization, interesting perspectives on history and reading about the remnants of British Colonialism.

I'm starting today preparing some of the dishes of food for the Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow at my younger daughter's house. I am having some pain relief with a new medication that I am trying. Now, that is something to be grateful for indeed.

Welcome. Glad you have stopped by and have a lovely, safe day tomorrow in whatever country in the world you happen to be living.

Happy Thanksgiving.

Happy birthday! I used to love listening to Writer's Almanac on my way to work every morning, but then the local NPR station moved it an hour earlier and replaced it with Power Breakfast, a short segment on the doings of Congress. Blech! Thank goodness for the internet and the ability to listen in every day on *my* schedule. :)

Thanks, Jim, for the birthday wishes.

Don't miss this poem. This one is worth wearing a string around your finger or sending yourself an email to remember to listen to it.

Hi Ruth, I'm waiting (rather impatiently) for the dryer to 'ding' so I can get the final guest bed made. A little birdie told me it was your birthday today. I'm thankful for you and the day you were born.

H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y!!!

I don't "gif" so that will have to do. Btw, spiffy new thread here. I'm glad it didn't sneak by me with the new title. I'm also glad you are finally getting some pain relief. Hoping that it continues. {{Hugs!}}

Happy Birthday!

glitter-graphics.com

Ruthie - Wishing you a day of good books and good friends
Hope you are having a wonderful (pain free) day.

Happy Birthday, Ruth!

Oh Ruth......thank you so much for the gift of the poem. It touched me alot...makes me realize why I LOVE living here in Maine, and will provide with a much more elegant answer to give to people who ask "why?"

Please have a wonderful restful, readingful day. We all love you and hope to be here for years to come to wish you many more.

Hi Ruth,

De-lurking to wish you a Happy Birthday today and a Happy Thanksgiving tomorrow. I loved the poem especially the title and the image of a mitten that has lost its hand. I also loved The Piano Teacher and glad you did too.

Pat

Happy Birthday Ruthie!! I don't "gif" either, so you'll have to settle for the old-fashioned greeting! Hope you enjoy your day and also have a great Thanksgiving!

Hi there!

Happy, Happy Birthday to you! I am ever so thankful for you and deeply appreciate the kind, loving soul you are!

Well, I missed the day, so I will wish you a happy belated birthday as well as a wonderful Thanksgiving, Ruth!

Thank you to each one of you for the annual birthday wishes. I had a good day (on Wednesday) doing some early food preparation, homemade cranberry sauce infused with a bit of Grand Marnier and a homemade Chocolate Cream Pie for my younger Granddaughter, with fresh and real whipped cream. She declares this is a new tradition for Thanksgiving in our family.

So, the suspense is over. I DID get an iPad for my B'Day. I'm somewhat surprised that the joyful shout was not heard around the LibraryThing world as we know it! Happy, happy.

I do need to upgrade my operating system on the Mac, before I can sync the new device to my computer, however, ... that should not take long once I talk to Customer Support at Apple. It's hard to keep up when I don't ever make it to the local Apple users group meetings!

Those of you still holding your tummies won't care so much, however, for the rest of you who love to cook (and enjoy eating) I roasted an Organic Turkey, made homemade turkey gravy with giblets, roasted Garnet Yams with Spiced Brown Sugar Glaze, and for the first time ever, bought a huge pumpkin custard pie from Costco, which was served with the requisite fresh whipped cream, of course. Or, with tangy grape jam, which is the way my DH likes it ... go figure; it must be a South Carolina, USA thing.

My daughter served the rest of the feast. Spiral cut, honey roasted ham, smashed potatoes, green bean casserole, macaroni and cheese casserole, traditional bread dressing, and soft yeast rolls, with iced sweet tea. Can you tell that our roots are from the Southern United States?

Back to the true topic of why we are here on LT ... books ... I have been enjoying reading Hamburger Halpin between the other tasks or in the middle of the night, as the case may be. It looks to be a real good one, thus far. I love the author's style.

It is hard to believe, but, some who *celebrate* Christmas are already out and about, shopping on Black Friday for big bargain savings. (It is after one AM in North FLorida, USA, and I'm happy to be at home, with my computer and my friends from LT).

Caio. Happy Trails. Warm regards. All of the usual good stuff to each and every one of you.

Congrats on the IPad, Ruthie! I hope you have fun with it.

Sounds like you had a great day with your family. I am glad.

Stopping by for an early morning Hello! It's cold and rainy, as it was yesterday. I did not do the traditional Thanksgiving feast...instead I made a large pot of Turkey Noodle soup, with a cheese plate and assorted crackers, raw veggies w/dip....and a big beautiful romaine salad....no dessert, since my friend Angie didn't show up ;-(...I was just me & the cats...a fire in the woodburner...peace & quiet and time to read! Today looks to be the same...cold and rainy w/a chance for snow.......guess Winter really has arrived (without an Invitation!)...or is this still Fall?

Congrats on the iPad! Your feast sounded wonderful...

;-}

A Thanksgiving birthday .. perfect!

Lovely day for you to celebrate :)

Congrats on the iPad! I'm posting this from one as well, so welcome to the Cool Kids!

Yeah, another iPad owner. And you can still have lots of fun on it without syncing it up to your computer, so enjoy! We'll have to talk apps soon. Be sure and get a stylus if you don't have one. I got mine at the Apple store, but somebody told me that they're a lot cheaper at Amazon. If your bookstore has WiFi, you can access your wish list and sort by title, author, genre... I tag my wish list, so I could, for example, look at just the books I added to my list based on your recommendations. Or you can access reviews. I had so many books on my wish list, I forgot what made me put them there. Being able to read a review was usually enough to trigger my memory. Next year, I'm going to copy variations of my list to my iPad, so even if I don't have WiFi access, I'll still have all that info with me. Last time I went to Powell's, I couldn't access their WiFi so a very nice employee there offered to let me use his computer to look at it on LT, then he copied ALL 30 pages of it. Imagine if I had to copy all the different variations of my list--it would be a book!

*mops iPod envy drool from keyboard*

Hi, Ruth! Belated happy birthday! I had lost you for a while, but now you are found (via the link you left on Jude's thread).

Enjoy your iPad!

I completed reading #82, The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpinby Josh Berk. Excellent writing. Great dialogue between a deaf high school sophomore and a new friend he makes at the *mainstream* public high school. He has formerly attended the Deaf School in his town.

The death of a classmate during a field trip, generates a closer relationship between the friends as they use every means at their disposal to help solve the mystery of who killed their acquaintance/fellow student. Computer skills, texting and lip-reading aficionados are involved. Yeah!

Read more here

___________________________________________________________________

#83 - Stayed up late to finish the bright and compelling Young Adult fiction book, Reality Check by Peter Abrahams.

This book has a fresh and wonderful plot driven by an appealing and believable young man who travels across the USA from his home in Colorado, to Vermont, where his sweetheart has gone missing from her boarding school.
More of the review appears here

I'm an ipad user also (technically, it belongs to the hubby)

#36: Nice reviews, Ruthie!

32: welcome to the Cool Kids!

Haha! Well, I'm a Cool Kid then, too--I got one for my birthday in September. My husband is on it a lot more than I am, though. We use it mostly for quick access to the Internet (to look up a movie, or to check email). It's great for looking at LT threads, but not so much fun to type on (I really want to get a keyboarding dock thingey).

Congratulations on the iPad and for your good recent reads!

Karen O.

For some completely unknown reason I lost track of your new thread. Oh my! I don't have time to catch up now, but I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving.

#84 - Candide by Voltaire.

Laughed quite a bit at the start. Smiled quite often as the story continued on. I was pleased to finish it again for the ???teenth time.

Still great after all these years.

Just checking in on you, Ruthie.

I need to give Candide a re-read. It has been far too long since I read it.

I'm currently in limbo.

I cannot find the book that I was reading, Angel Time anywhere. It is such a mystery and very frustrating. I was about three quarters of the way through the book, had it with me on an outing on Monday as I thought I might have to wait some of the places that I was stopping, got home, my DH and I unloaded the car, and now we can't find the book. I've never lost a book. Oh, well. Hopefully it will turn up. It was actually charged on Robert's library card.

Everyone wish me luck.

Good luck!

Best of luck in finding the book, Ruthie!

Good luck! I really hope you find the book, Ruth!

Missing book, Oh No!! Hope you find it, so you can finish it! Hugs.

Did you find it?! Tap your wand and say, "Accio library book!"

It worked! I found it.

It was wedged under the front passenger seat of the car after it escaped from the carry-all bag where it had been sharing space with the now defunct lap-top computer.

Yeah. I did get to finish the book and returned it safely to the library.

It was Angel Time (#85) as I mentioned, permeated with a theme of guardian angels. I guess mine was watching over me the day it finally revealed itself.

I would give this one three stars. Unfortunately, I did not become engaged with or connected to the main character at all, although some of the other characters were worthy and interesting. Not sure I will track down the next book in the series. So many books that are calling my name to be read.

I'm happy to say that I have had some gradual relief from the worst of the pain. I have my fingers crossed that it continues and that I am able to have a bigger life than I have had for quite a while. I am very, very grateful for the lessening of the pain. Thanks for all who think of me and send care and prayers my way.

PBP - I think the summoning charm also put the double whammy on finding the book! Thanks for the reminder.

Our family is going together to buy our younger granddaughter the boxed set of the hard bound copies of the Harry Potter books. She will be surprised. She has the *reading* gene which makes me very happy.

Ruthie- Good to see you back! Missed you!

I'm glad you found your book, Ruth, but I'm even happier to hear that you are finally getting some pain relief.

It's always good to have a reader in the upcoming generation. Three of my grandchildren love books and there is hope for the fourth one because she's only 3 months old!

There is lots of craziness going on tonight over on the 2011 75 Book Challenge Thread. I feel as if I am in a time warp or something.

#49: I'm happy to say that I have had some gradual relief from the worst of the pain.

Woot! Excellent news!!

Glad to hear that you're getting some pain relief.

Picking up this thread to post a recent read ... #86 - Up From the Blue: A Novel. I gave this book five stars. This is the first work that I have read by Susan Henderson. I am looking forward to reading more writing from her.

Though this book was filled with the day to day experiences of a young girl in dire straights, who had little emotional comfort and support, she became a very important character to me and I always looked forward to picking up this book to see how she was doing. My heart went out to her and I was full of admiration for her ingenuity and the wisdom she showed at such a young age.

I am up here in the middle of the night, (1:05 PM, EST) hoping to see part of the lunar eclipse. I am distracted knowing that I will soon be out in my yard, hoping for clear skies, and looking at the moon.

I plan to return with more comments on Up from the Blue: A Novel. Until then, I can recommend it for those of you who admire the strength and resiliency of young people and who will jump into this journey with this young girl.

Up from the Blue looks like a good one! Thanks for the recommendation, Ruth.

We did not get to see the lunar eclipse here in Sherman. It was far too overcast :(

Hi Ruth,
I'm thinking you might like Breaking Night by Liz Murray. It was an ER book I got a few months ago - and loved it. Non-fiction. Written by a young woman who was homeless as a girl, had tragic family and personal issues and worked her way through to... well, I won't tell you. Don't want to spoil anything.

I may have to add Henderson's book to my WL!

Hope you got some sleep last night after seeing the eclipse. Too cloudy here.
Have a nice day!

Books #87 & #88 - for the end of 2010 (maybe)

Let's see, first #87 - Birdman written by Mo Hayder. This debut British crime fiction novel has some real twists and surprises to jolt the reader and keep one reading. It always kept my interest as I managed to keep my distance.

For those who do not want to read about violence and sexual aberration(s) you can skip this one. It is about serial killings and the work of the detectives who work to track the killer down before he kills more women. I remind myself sometimes, "It's fiction, it didn't really, truly happen".

One of the reasons that I chose to read this book however, is the authors biography which is so intriguing to me.

She left school at fifteen years of age and has worked as a bartender, a security guard, a filmmaker, a hostess in a club in Tokyo, an educational administrator, and a teacher of English as a foreign language. She has a MA in film and another MA in Creative Writing. She teaches Creative Writing at Bath Spa University in Bath, UK. This is pretty much quoted verbatim from bios on various Internet websites.

I gave Birdman four stars. I liked the main character (DI Jack Caffery) for his intensity as a newbie detective inspector and for his human flaws and foibles which are seamlessly integrated into the story. Caffery's character has survived to re-appear in four or five more novels written by Hayder. Recommended if you enjoy thrillers and British crime fiction.

#88 - Now, here's a book, True Grit, I read to get the story first hand from the author, Charles Portis before going to watch the re-make by the Cohen brothers of the earlier film version starring the legendary John Wayne.

True Grit is a book, which is simply some of the best writing and story telling that I have had the pleasure to read. It is fresh, lively, funny, action packed and teeming with wonderful characters. The language is completely suited to the time and place and to the voice of each character as they speak, and although the story is told in the first person by the young heroine/protagonist, fourteen year old Mattie Ross, it is quite easy to follow the conversations of the primary group of people.

I devoured this book quickly, reading late into the night and grabbing time during the day to finish reading a book that I so dreaded to see my hand turn to the very last page and the end of the story that I can truly say I did not want it to end.

It is a book I will read again. I gave it five snazzy stars, not unlike the stars worn by Rueben J. (Rooster) Cogburn, deputy marshall and a Texas Ranger with the name of La Beouf.

I just love a good western with lots of action packed adventure. This book fits the bill. I hope the film is a good one.

Hi Ruth!
2 good books and reviews for you! I will definitely avoid Birdman but might go for True Grit sometime.
Hope you are well. :)

#57: Nice reviews, Ruth! I already have True Grit in the BlackHole, but I am adding Birdman as well. Thanks!

I just might read True Grit based on your enthusiastic review, Ruth, but not that excited about seeing the movie--though my son--whose already seen it--insisted that I would like it. Probably will be a "DVD-To-See" for me. Happy Holidays! :-)

I've gotten interested in the book as well. Once the new movie's out on Netflix, I think I'll get both the new one and the John Wayne version and do a comparison.

Sneaking in another book for the 75 Books in 2010 - addendum to the goal -

Book #89 - Do You Want to Know a Secret? is a mystery/thriller by Mary Jane Clark - author - and a producer for CBS News. This novel, based on the sale at auction of a *fauxberge* Easter egg (and an authentic Faberge egg waiting offstage in the wings to increase the suspense). Politics in the office of the network news, a large auction house that sells valued art pieces, murder, the FBI, New York City, another murder, old friends, adult children, long lost family, Russian art and history all come together in this book to offer something for everyone. I thought the characters and the story were fairly believable and the writing was tight. I gave it three and a half stars.

Would recommend for readers who enjoy mysteries and enjoy books with short chapters. (I liked the short chapters part for these busy holiday times). Good for reading on planes and trains and for reading while sitting in waiting rooms for medical/dental, or business appointments. It beats the heck out of out-dated, tattered magazines. I would classify it as an easy and enjoyable read for an escape from everyday circumstances in our lives. Who doesn't want THAT every once in a while?

#62: Who doesn't want THAT every once in a while?

WANT it?! I NEED it!

I am so late in dropping by...but...oh boy...I read Birdman this past year...and think Ms Hayder is a Killer Writer (pardon the pun...or whatever)...I agree it's not for the squeamish...but neither is it gratuitously violent/gross/icky...everything works..if not for the better, for the characters.

True Grit I read, and loved, many years ago...saw the movie with John Wayne..and while I was not one of his Fans...I liked him in the film.....an not planning on seeing the Coen brothers remake, though....from what I have heard it is so dark and gnarly..it left my friends, who saw it, going "so what?".....not a good recommendation

hope you are feeling better..pain of any sort is not a good companion.

;-}

I watched the John Wayne movie many years ago. but never read the book. Loved your review of the book.

Dear Ruth

You are an inspiration and source of joy to so many! I am blessed by you! All good wishes for a healthy New Year!

Happy New Year Ruthie!! Big Hugs.

Happy New Year Hugs from me too, Ruthie!

Hi Ruth! I will look forward to seeing you on the 2011 challenge!

Angela

This is my belated final post to the 75/2010 Challenge.

Book #90 - Godless by Pete Hautman

I read this book, because I had noticed that others had enjoyed it and it had won the National Book Award, also.

I decided to buy it for my granddaughter, who is a ninth grader in high school and has been thinking a lot about religion after attending and visiting a few different churches over the years with close friends. She and her mom have discussed some of the ways people think about things and live their lives based on what they (or their parents) believe in.

I did enjoy it myself, although is didn't have the charge for me that I thought it would.

The young man who was the primary character decides to make the local water tower into *-od* and many of his friends over time listen to him and collectively and on their on take on various levels of commitment to this made-up religion of their friend. Most of the high jinks that occur are gut wrenching for parents to imagine, but, pretty believable from the standpoint of the teens involved in climbing the water tower and messing around, including a swim in the tank of the tower. The book deals with the aftermath of this escapade and the responsibilities meted out to the participants by the law and by their parents.

Less this appear to be a story primarily about teens getting in trouble and experiencing the consequences of their actions, I would remind you that this was the result of the beliefs of the group in the new religion and the tenants of the religion. It lets young adults, teens and other readers think outside the box of their own religion and the religion of their parents. It also gives the reader an opportunity to think about how religion(s) came to be and how each group of human beings has an idea of what and who the being of *-od* is for them and how religions are built up around that belief.

I would recommend this to anyone interested in the subject matter of this book. A teacher might us this book as a text in an English course for a topic of a paper written by the students, if not a classroom discussion which for some school guidelines might not be appropriate or acceptable. This book might be difficult for those who practice the Catholic faith and others who have an established religious practice that is meaningful to them. Please remember that this young man invents this religion and this *-od* for himself and his friends as somewhat of a joke.

Farewell to the 75 Books in 2010 Challenge. It was great! The books and the wonderful friends, like you, are what made it so.

I will return and post a link to my thread for 2011. I am in the 75 Books in 2011 Challenge, but, as yet haven't set up my thread, though I have read three or four books.

Cheers.

Congratulations on a year of good reading, Ruthie. I love your reviews and enjoy reading about books that are new to me. I'll be watching for your new thread. Happy New Year to you and Robert!

I haven't read Mo Hayder's first two books and probably never will, but I did read Tokyo which has also been published under another title, in which a present day storyline goes back to the Japanese invasion of Nanking (now Nanjing) in China and the atrocities carried out (during WWII).

Happy New Year.

Sorry that I forgot to do this ...

Link to my thread for 2011: http://www.librarything.com/topic/107159#2588285