tjblue the long and the short of it--

Discussie75 Books Challenge for 2013

Sluit je aan bij LibraryThing om te posten.

tjblue the long and the short of it--

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1tjblue
jan 6, 2013, 3:05 pm

Hi!! I'm Tammy. I've been with the 75 group since 2010. I'm 45, from Wisconsin and live with my boyfriend, teenage son, 3 dogs and a cat. I work in home healthcare and for the last 4 years have been an assistant manager with a company that runs CBRFs for people with chronic mental illness and traumatic brain injury.

I grew up in a family of readers and reading seems to be the only real interest that has stuck with me through the years. I seem to like a little bit of everything, other than sci-fi and the older I get the more I seem to enjoy nonfiction.

Last year I made my goal of 75 books. This year I hope to make 75 again, but still would like to make more selections from both of the 1001 lists. Last year I only read 1 from each list.

I don't normally do reviews, but sometimes make note if a book has a big enough impact on me.

I welcome visitors and recommendations!! Happy Reading!!!

2tjblue
Bewerkt: dec 31, 2013, 8:51 am

2013 list:

Fiction--

1.The Casual Vacancy--Rowling
2.Sarah's Key--de Rosnay
3.The Big Rock Candy Mountain--Stegner!!!!
4.The Widower's Tale--Glass!!!
5.The End of The Point--Graver!!!
6.A Step Of Faith--Evans!!!!
7.Don't Go--Scottoline
8.Candlemoth--Ellory!!
9.Horns--Hill
10.American Rust--Meyer!!
11.Whistling Past The Graveyard--Crandall
12.Doctor Sleep--King!!!!

Short stories--

1.Unaccustomed Earth--Lahiri!!!
2.The Best American Short Stories 2012--T.Perrota

Mystery--

1.The Cutting Season--Locke!!!!
2.I Am Half-Sick of Shadows--Bradley!!!!!
3.Heart of Ice--Parrish!!!
4.The Racketeer--Grisham!!!
5.Snow White Must Die--Neuhaus
6.Speaking From Among The Bones--Bradley!!!
7.Poppet--Hayder!!
8.The Bookman's Tale--Lovett!!
9.R.B.P.'s Damned If You Do--Brandman!!!!
10.R.B.P's Fool Me Twice--Brandman
11.The Bones of Paris--King!

Historical--

1.Freeman--Pitts!!!!!
2.Garden of Stones--Littlefield
3.Mary Coin--Silver!!!!
4.Crossing On The Paris--Gynther
5.The Son--Meyer!!!!
6.Girl With a Pearl Earring--Chevalier!!!!
7.Songs of Willow Frost--Ford!

Early Reviewer's

1.Ten Thousand Heavens--Rosenthal
2.Little Joe--Glasscock!!
3.The Trial of Dr. Kate--Glasscock
4.My Mother's Secret--Witterick!!

Nonfiction--

1.The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating--Bailey!!!!
2.The End of Your Life Book Club--Schwalbe!!!!!
3.Life After Death--Echols!!!
4.I'd Like To Apologize To Every Teacher I've Ever Had--Danza!!!
5.The Outpost--Tapper!!!!
6.Short Nights of The Shadow Catcher--Egan!!!!!
7.Small-Space Container Gardens--Richardson!
8.Tiny World Terrariums--Inciarrano & Maslow!!!!
9.The New Terrarium--Martin!!!
10.Expert Companions Household Skill and Tips--Baker!!!!
11.Women of The Frontier--Miller!!!
12.The Supper Club Book--Hoekstra!!!!!
13.Wisconsin Supper Clubs--Faiola!!!!
14.DDD-- Fieri
15.Vagos,Mongols,Outlaws--Falco
16.Salt, Sugar, Fat-- Moss!!!
17.Pilgrim's Wilderness-- Kizzia!!!
18.Empty Mansions--Dedman!!!!
19.Ultimate Recycled Style Guide--Mead!
20.What's So Funny:My Hilarious Life--Conway!!
21.Bootstrapper--Link!
22.Son of a Gun--St. Germain!!
23.Heads In Beds--Tomsky!!
24.Bottoms Up--Draeger & Spetz
25.Still Foolin' 'Em--Crystal!!!!!
26.Flea Market Decorating--BH & G
27.Country Living Seasons at Seven Gates Farm
28.Tiny Beautiful Things--Strayed
29.Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition--Whitney!!!!!
30.The Unexpected Houseplant--Martin!!!

Cookbooks--

1.The Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker--Alley
2.Betty Crocker More Slow Cooker Recipes!!!
3.The Pillsbury Dough Boy Slow cooker Recipes!!!
4.The Comfort Diner Cookbook--Freehof!!!

1001 Books You Must Read Before You Grow Up--

1.Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm-- Wiggins!!!
2.Anne Of Green Gables--Montgomery!!!

Graphic Novel:

1.Goliath--Gauld
2.Julio's Day--Hernande
3.Marbles--Forney

3drneutron
jan 6, 2013, 3:39 pm

Welcome back!

4Copperskye
jan 6, 2013, 7:47 pm

Hi Tammy, Welcome back and Happy New Year!

5JechtShot
jan 6, 2013, 10:12 pm

Hi Tammy! Stopping by to wish you a Happy New Year and to star your thread. Happy reading!

6tjblue
jan 11, 2013, 8:00 am

Hi Jim, Joanne, and Nick!!!

I was looking forward to sleeping in this morning. I don't think 5am counts as sleeping in. :-( I did finally finish a book.

1.Unaccustomed Earth Jhumpa Lahiri 4 stars Short stories really aren't my thing, but every once in a while I find a book of short stories
I like.

7tjblue
jan 17, 2013, 6:48 pm

2.The Cutting Season by Attica Locke 4 stars A murder mystery and historical novel all in one. This is a good story set in Ascenscion Parrish Lousianna. It is Locke's 2nd book and liked it so much I'm going to look for her 1st one.

8msf59
jan 17, 2013, 7:21 pm

Hi Tammy- Good to see you over here! You were missed. Glad you liked Unaccustomed Earth! Lahiri is amazing and she better put out a new book soon.

9tjblue
jan 18, 2013, 9:08 am

Hi Mark!! Thanks for visiting me!!! How are you doing with Anna Karenina? I'm slowly chugging along and finding it a very enjoyable read.

10billiejean
jan 19, 2013, 10:12 am

Hi, Tammy! Happy New Year!

My daughter has a book by Lahiri, so I am glad to see that you liked the one you read.

11tjblue
jan 20, 2013, 8:17 am

Hi BJ!! Thanks for visiting! I enjoy reading about people and othet cultures and Unaccustomed Earth was just that.

3.The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey 4 stars

Thanks to Claudia for reminding me about this little gem!!!

12msf59
jan 20, 2013, 9:23 am

Tammy- Hope your weekend is going well. Bundle up, we have some bitter cold stuff moving in. Brrrrrr...!

13tjblue
jan 20, 2013, 1:29 pm

Hi Mark!! We've mostly been hanging out watching movies. So far we watched Avatar and the 80's Alan Quatermain and The Lost City of Gold. I remember going to the movie theater with my dad when that one came out, but I don't remember it being so cheesy and laughable. Sometimes things aren't the same the 2nd time around.

When it's this cold I don't like to push my luck to much and get stranded somewhere. I'm glad your not out in this today. I guess tomorrow is supposed to be the coldest day. I hope the sun is shining on you all week!!!

4.The Gourmet Vegetarian Slow Cooker Simple and Sophisticated Meals From Around The World by Lynn Alley

Not sure about sophisticated, but the recipes are simple. There are a few I think I will try. We use the slow cooker at work a lot, so maybe my ladies will be the guinea pigs.

I've been pretty good at sticking to my plant based diet over the last several months and it has paid off. I've kept off 20 of the 25 lbs I lost and at my last visit to the doctor my cholestrol reading dropped from 400 to 234. I have new general practioners and so far they are more open to me trying to lower it more with diet than insisting I take medication, which makes me happy.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!!

14tjblue
jan 28, 2013, 1:44 pm

5.The End of Your Life Book Club by Will Schwalbe 5 stars

15billiejean
jan 29, 2013, 1:01 pm

Great job with your cholesterol! I am impressed!

16tjblue
feb 3, 2013, 8:05 pm

Hi BJ!!! Thanks.

I can't seem to concentrate on more than 1 book right now, so I set Anna Karenina aside. I finished--

6.Freeman A Novel by Leonard Pitts, Jr.
4.5 stars

17tjblue
Bewerkt: feb 10, 2013, 10:55 am

7.Life After Death by Damien Echols 4 stars

18tjblue
feb 20, 2013, 3:08 pm

8.The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling 3.5 stars

19Copperskye
feb 21, 2013, 11:49 pm

Hi Tammy, Wasn't The End of Your Life Book Club a treat? I'm glad to see it was a 5 star book for you, too!

20tjblue
Bewerkt: mrt 3, 2013, 8:13 am

Hi Joanne!! Yeah. I was able to relate to the author. Talking about books and hours in the book store were things we did with my dad.

9.I Am Half-sick of Shadows by Alan Bradley 4 stars

21tjblue
feb 24, 2013, 10:45 am

Haven't been on LT much the past few weeks. I've been busy with work and shoveling. Going to basketball games. I give credit to parents with several children, I have a hard time keeping up with one.

It looks like our foster doggy will be going back to his family soon. I've been helping them with their latest move and they found a place that accepts dogs. I'm happy my friend can have her dog again, I know she missed him. I will miss him, but I will be glad to be back to having just 2.

I'm slowing finishing Anna Karenina in between other books. I can't seem to read it straight through, but I will finish it.

Hope everyone is having a relaxing Sunday!

22tjblue
Bewerkt: mrt 3, 2013, 8:13 am

It's been a long week!! Spent most of yesterday in the car driving, just to be at a court hearing that lasted 30 min. Today I am driving my niece to MN to pick up a car. It's going to be a long day!!

10.Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay 4 stars

23Storeetllr
mrt 8, 2013, 8:47 pm

Hi, Tammy! You have been busy! Glad you are getting a chance to do at least some reading. I'm going to have to get The End of Your Life Book Club. I've heard good stuff about it.

24msf59
mrt 8, 2013, 10:06 pm

Hi Tammy- "I've been busy with work and shoveling". I am with you there, my friend. Hope all is well with you. Come on, Spring!

25tjblue
mrt 16, 2013, 8:48 am

Hi Mary!!

Hi Mark!!

Thanks for stopping to visit me.

I'm working on 3 books, Outpost, which is very long, Heart of Ice and still reading AK bit by bit.

Today is New London's big St. Patty's parade. Still trying to decide if I want to watch the parade or get out of town for the day.

26tjblue
mrt 16, 2013, 9:42 pm

11.Heart of Ice by PJ Parrish 4 stars Another Louis Kincaid

28tjblue
mrt 29, 2013, 9:30 am

13.The Racketeer by John Grisham 4 stars
I enjoyed this one, just enough twists and turns. Reading Grisham is like visiting an old friend.

29Storeetllr
mrt 30, 2013, 4:22 pm

Hi, Tammy ~ Happy Easter! Hope you are off this weekend and can enjoy a nice relaxing fun-filled couple of days.

I read one of the Kincaid mysteries and remember enjoying it, but haven't gone back to the series. I'll have to put it on my list for reading in the near future.

30tjblue
mrt 30, 2013, 9:14 pm

Hi Mary! Happy Easter!!! I do have this weekend off. We will be going to church in the morning and then having a early supper with my Uncles. We usually do lunch, but Tylan has to work at his dad's restaurant over the noon hour.

31Storeetllr
mrt 30, 2013, 9:16 pm

Sounds like a very good plan for Easter! Enjoy!

32billiejean
apr 1, 2013, 12:58 pm

Happy Easter! Glad to hear about the Grisham book. I haven't read one in quite a while, but I always like them.

33tjblue
apr 5, 2013, 12:17 pm

Hi BJ! Hope you are doing well!! Have you seen any signs of spring? We are supposed to get rain and snow today. Ughhhhhhh!!!

34tjblue
Bewerkt: apr 5, 2013, 12:34 pm

14.Betty Crocker More Slow Cooker Recipes: all-new recipes easier than ever
15.Pillsbury Dough Boy Slow Cooker Recipes: 140 new ways to have dinner ready and waiting
16.The Comfort Diner Cookbook by Ira Freehof

35tjblue
apr 11, 2013, 11:16 pm

17.The Big Rock Candy Mountain by Wallace Stegner 4 stars

36tjblue
apr 16, 2013, 12:15 pm

37msf59
apr 16, 2013, 8:14 pm

Hi Tammy- How are you? I haven't been by in awhile. I am glad you liked Candy Mountain. Stegner is an amazing writer and I am looking forward to reading many more of his titles. Hope all is well.

38tjblue
apr 25, 2013, 1:00 pm

Hi Mark!!! Thanks for visiting me!! Things up here are good. I've been trying to enjoy the warmer weather. Ty's baseball season has finally started. Several games had to be canceled due to snow. :-{ My doggies, work and reading have kept me busy. Hope the sun is shining on you today!!!

19.Short Nights of The Shadow Catcher: The Epic Life and Immortal Photographs of Edward Curtis by Timothy Egan
5 stars. This is about the life of Edward Curtis; photographer, historian, anthropologist. This is a very interesting and enjoyable read. The only thing I was a bit disappointed about is there are only a few of his photos in the book. I don't remember learning about him in school. I will be looking for more books on Curtis.

39markon
apr 25, 2013, 3:04 pm

Hi Tammy, hope the sun is shining for you.

I read a novel called The Shadow Catcher by Marianne Wiggins a few years ago that Edward Curtis figured in. Wiggins writes well, but I got frustrated with the novel because there were some things that happened in the novel that definitely did not happen in Curtis' life. He was definitely an interesting and driven character. I may have to check into that biography.

I noticed your intro at the top of the thread that you're working with CBRFs. (This was a new term to me and I had to look it up.) I have a good friend who is a TBI survivor, and continues to struggle with health issues. I don't know what, if anything, the state I live in (Georgia) offers in this category, but I'm definitely going to check it out. Thanks for introducing me to the possibility of group homes for people with brain injuries & mental health issues.

40tjblue
mei 1, 2013, 4:20 pm

Hi Ardene!!! Thanks for visting me. I thought Curtiss was quite an interesting person. I would probably agree with you and won't read Marianne Wiggins book. I think it would be hard to read a fictional account of one person's life, unless they were a larger than life kind of person.

I hope you are able to find some support and assistance for your friend.

41tjblue
mei 1, 2013, 6:13 pm

20.Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm by Kate Douglas Wiggin 4 stars

42msf59
mei 1, 2013, 9:04 pm

Hi Tammy- Wow! 5 stars for Short Nights of The Shadow Catcher. That's great to hear. I am a huge fan of timothy Egan.

43tjblue
mei 2, 2013, 11:42 am

Hi Mark!!! I don't think I've read Egan before. I found Short Nights of The Shadow Catcher quite interesting and I wonder why I didn't hear about Curtis before.

44tjblue
mei 10, 2013, 2:48 pm

21.The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass 4 stars

45tjblue
mei 12, 2013, 12:45 pm

22.Small-Space Container Gardens by Fern Richardson 4 stars This one has a few projects that look fun but simple enough that I'm going try them as an activity with my ladies at work.

23.Anne Of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery 3.5 stars

46tjblue
mei 30, 2013, 10:41 am

24.Snow White Must Die by Nele Neuhaus 3.5 stars
A murder mystery set in Germany. Really could have been set anywhere. The names of places and people was the only thing letting the reader know it was Germany. It was ok, but not great.

47tjblue
jun 1, 2013, 1:28 pm

25.Tiny World Terrariums by Michelle Inciarrano and Katy Maslow 4 stars
Two ladies that do crafting together decided to try making terrariums. The book is full of whimiscal ideas.

48billiejean
jun 5, 2013, 3:35 pm

You have been reading some interesting books this year. I need to look into those slow cooker recipes myself. I love those, but I don't know how to make many things.

49tjblue
Bewerkt: jun 12, 2013, 4:37 pm

Hi BJ!!! Thanks for stopping!! How have you been?

26.The End of The Point by Elizabeth Graver 3.75 stars I'll be back to comment on this one.

This is a story of a wealthy old money family. The main location is their vacation property on the coast in Massachusettes. By the ordinary description it could take place anywhere on the upper east coast. This is one I started off liking, then not liking, then liking. In the end I'm glad I stuck with it.

50billiejean
jun 8, 2013, 3:55 pm

I have been doing ok. We are having quite a cool summer so far. I hope that we will have warm enough weather for swimming soon.

51tjblue
jun 12, 2013, 4:33 pm

I don't mind the cooler weather. My ladies at work already think it's to hot. I keep asking them what they are going to do when it is really hot. And they've been asking to go to the beach.

52tjblue
jun 12, 2013, 4:43 pm

27.A Step Of Faith by Richard Paul Evans 3.5 stars The 4th in The Walk series. It's not as good as the first 3, but good enough and it only took me a few hours to read. The 5th book comes out next spring and I'll be looking for it.

28.The New Terrarium by Tovah Martin 4 stars Another one with some good ideas and helpful info about plants that are good in terrariums.

Boy oh boy am I behind this year!! Anyway I told myself I'm not going to shy away from the longer books this year and I'm enjoying baseball season.

53billiejean
jun 14, 2013, 11:05 am

I am behind as well. I think you are right.

54tjblue
jun 14, 2013, 2:18 pm

29.Garden of Stones by Sophie Littlefield 3.5 stars I have read several other books about the Japanese-Americans and WWII and enjoyed them. This one was only ok.

55tjblue
jun 19, 2013, 11:27 pm

30.Don't Go by Lisa Scottoline 3 stars

56tjblue
jun 25, 2013, 10:53 am

31.Mary Coin by Marisa Silver 4 stars This was a good one!!! I'm going to think it over and I'll be back to comment.

57tjblue
Bewerkt: jul 11, 2013, 11:58 am

32.Ten Thousand Heavens by Chuck Rosenthal 2.5 stars This was from Early Reviewer's giveaway.

33.Expert Companions Household Skills and Tips by Sarah Baker 4 stars This is full of all the day to day general information that grandma and mom used to pass on. This would make a good gift for young people starting out on there own.

59tjblue
jul 16, 2013, 10:37 am

35.Candlemoth by R.J. Ellory 3.75 stars will be back to comment.

60tjblue
jul 18, 2013, 8:12 pm

36.The Supper Club Book by Dave Hoekstra 4 stars A nice list of Supper Clubs. The book is full of nostalgia and history. When I was growing up my family frequented a few supper clubs in this area and its true that the patrons do get to know the owners very well. Reading the book made me want to travel around and visits the establishments in the book. Maybe even look up some local ones.

61tjblue
jul 23, 2013, 11:14 am

37.Crossing On The Paris by Dana Gynther 3.5 stars

Chick Lit The story of 3 women from different social classes sailing on the maiden voyage of The Paris.

62tjblue
jul 23, 2013, 11:19 am

Half way to 75!! Yay!! And I have to finish 2 more books before Friday, so I can turn in my last raffle ticket for the libraries summer reading program.

63tjblue
jul 31, 2013, 11:18 am

38.Horns by Joe Hill 3.5 stars Not my cup of tea.

64tjblue
aug 15, 2013, 10:37 am

39.Speaking From Among The Bones by Alan Bradley 4 stars

65tjblue
aug 17, 2013, 1:01 pm

40.Poppet by Mo Hayder 4 stars An enjoyable mystery, thriller. I'm guessing this is a series. The jacket cover says a Jack Caffery Thriller. Hayder does a good job of making the book a stand alone. I didn't feel like I missed anything by not reading the others.

66tjblue
Bewerkt: aug 20, 2013, 7:29 pm

67msf59
aug 20, 2013, 9:33 pm

Hi Tammy- How are you? I haven't been by in awhile. I was just through your state on 2 different occasions, this past week. The weather was gorgeous.
I loved Horns but I agree it's not for everyone. I have still not read Hayder.

68tjblue
aug 24, 2013, 10:36 am

Hi Mark!!! Thanks for stopping!!! Summer is going to fast. I finally have some much needed time off. My sister and her 2 youngest children are visiting. We have been doing the usual-- picnics, swimming, petting zoos and shopping. Also still watching baseball, Ty signed up for the fall baseball league. Hope you are enjoying the last few weeks of summer!!

42.Diners Drive-Ins, Dives by Guy Fieri 3.5 stars I didn't really like this one. I guess you havr to watch the show to appreciate it.

70tjblue
sep 1, 2013, 9:23 am

44.Salt, Sugar, Fat by Michael Moss 4 stars I found this interesting and educational. The book is part history and overall view of the processed food industry. Reading it helped to remind me why I'm working on cutting back on most of those foods at home and for my residents at my job. It is not an easy task. At home my family chooses convience foods for bag lunches and for a quick meal or snack on the go. At my job the residents have enough difficulties managing there emotions, behaviors, side effects of meds and activities of daily living. Changing eating habits is hard and sadly food is 1 of their biggest enjoyments and 1 part of life they have freedom of choice. I do try to mainly make meals (especially suppers) from whole foods. But this can cause much complaining and sometimes acting out behaviors. I find it a bit amusing and a bit sad when they sit quietly through a meal of pizza or fish sticks and fries and later thank me for such delicious food.

72tjblue
sep 15, 2013, 12:26 am

46. The Bookman's Tale: A Novel of Obsession 4 stars. This is a story filled with history, mystery and a little bit of romance.

73Copperskye
sep 15, 2013, 2:03 am

Hi Tammy, I really liked Salt, Sugar, Fat, too. I only wish I could have gotten my family to read it!

74tjblue
sep 17, 2013, 11:21 am

Hi Joanne!! I'm finding the older I get the more I read non-fiction.

47.Little Joe Book one of The Round Rock Series by Michael E. Glasscock III 3.5 stars

I received this from the Early Reviewer's Giveaway. The publisher also sent me book 2, The Trial Of Dr. Kate. Little Joe is set in Round Rock, Tennessee during WWII. The story is about a boy, Little Joe Stout, and how he came to live with his grandparents. It's a nice, simple story. I think it could be considered a YA novel.

There are going to be a total of 4 books in the series. I'm starting the book 2 today and will probably seek out book 3 and 4.

75tjblue
Bewerkt: sep 20, 2013, 9:16 am

48.The Trial of Dr. Kate Book Two of the Round Rock Series by Michael E. Glasscock III 3 stars

76tjblue
sep 27, 2013, 11:58 am

Reading rut or just not choosing the right books. Looking back over the last 3 months I've started 7 books that I couldn't get past the 1st few pages. Maybe it's better I had the smarts to return them to the library and not waste my time.

49.American Rust by Phillip Meyer 3.75 stars

This is Meyer's first novel. Here on LT it got mixed reviews. I wanted to read it before reading his new 2nd novel even though they aren't series.

This one is set in Buell, a steel town in Pennsylvania. It is a fairly good story about tragedy, connectedness to family and community and the path one chooses in life.

It's stories like this when I wish the rating system was broader. I don't really think it is a 4 star book, but I don't want to rate it 3.5 stars either. I'm often pass by books that are rated 3.5 stars, but I think this one should not be passed up.

77tjblue
sep 28, 2013, 10:11 am

50.My Mother's Secret by J. L. Witterick

78tjblue
okt 9, 2013, 1:33 pm

51.The Son by Phillip Meyer 4 stars

79tjblue
Bewerkt: okt 10, 2013, 12:15 pm

52.Robert B. Parker's Damned If You Do: A Jesse Stone Novel by Michael Brandman 4 stars These read like a movie script which is ok cause I already have the movie playing in my head. Though they are short I enjoy them. It's always like visiting an old friend.

80msf59
okt 10, 2013, 7:51 pm

Tammy- I think I gave American Rust 3.5. There was some good writing there but I am not sure it held together. I think his writing is much better in the Son, which I am nearly done with. I think it may be overlong and I think I prefer the 1st half over the 2nd, but there is some great stuff here.

81tjblue
okt 11, 2013, 11:49 am

Hi Mark!!!

I liked The Son, because I like stories of family and history. I'm not sure if I liked the 2nd part better than the 1st, but I understood the 2nd half better. The 1st half confused me.

I'm always rooting for a good ending, sometimes a good ending makes up for all the things I don't like about a book.

82tjblue
okt 12, 2013, 10:05 pm

53.Whistling Past The Graveyard by Susan Crandall 3.75 stars

83tjblue
okt 17, 2013, 3:14 pm

54.Girl With a Pearl earring by Tracy Chevalier 5 stars

84Copperskye
okt 18, 2013, 9:37 pm

Hi Tammy, Oh, lucky you, a 5 star read! The only Chevalier I've read is Remarkable Creatures, which I loved. I have several of her books on my shelf - including The Girl with the Pearl Earring. I really should move it up!

Have a great weekend!

85tjblue
okt 26, 2013, 6:16 pm

Hi Joanne!!!

I think Tracy Chevalier might be my new favorite author. I didn't realize that she has been writing since the 90's.

55.Songs of Willow Frost by Jamie Ford 3.75 stars

86tjblue
okt 27, 2013, 1:03 pm

56.Fool Me Twice by Michael Brandman 3 stars

87tjblue
okt 31, 2013, 8:46 pm

57.Empty Mansions The Mysterious Life of Huguette Clark and the Spending of a Great American Fortune by Bill Dedman and Paul Clark Newell JR. 4 stars

58.Matthew Mead's Ultimate Recycled Style Guide 4 stars

88tjblue
nov 9, 2013, 9:13 am

59.The Bones of Paris by Laurie R. King 3.75 stars

89tjblue
nov 12, 2013, 11:40 am

60.What's So Funny: My Hilarious Life by Tim Conway 3.75 stars

90tjblue
nov 12, 2013, 11:51 am

So far this year 26 four star books and 3 five star books. Not too bad!!

91tjblue
nov 21, 2013, 3:07 pm

61.Bootstrapper: From Broke to Badass on a Northern Michigan Farm by Mardi Jo Link 3.75 stars Not sure were badass part comes in, but this was a fairly good memoir.

92tjblue
nov 23, 2013, 10:15 pm

62.Son of a Gun: A Memoir by Justin St. Germain. 4 stars

93tjblue
nov 28, 2013, 10:42 am

Guess I"m on a memoir kick.

63.Heads in Beds: A Reckless Memoir of Hotels, Hustles, and So-Called Hospitality by Jacob Tomsky. 3.75 stars

94msf59
nov 28, 2013, 10:55 am

Happy Thanksgiving, Tammy. I hope you and your family have a great holiday. I loved Son of a Gun and I also liked heads in Beds.

95tjblue
Bewerkt: nov 28, 2013, 9:49 pm

Hi Mark!!! We had a nice dinner with my uncles and my sister's family. I ate so much I'm not eating supper.

64.The Best American Short Stories 2012 Tom Perrota editor. 2 stars. Didn't like even 1 story in this collection.

96Storeetllr
nov 29, 2013, 11:28 pm

Hi, Tammy! Glad you had what sounds like a perfect Thanksgiving Day! I was out of town without my laptop so didn't get a chance to send you my wishes yesterday.

My sister and I went up to Frisco (in the mountains about 2 hours away) for dinner with her daughters and their significant others and the family of one of the guys and sundry other good friends of theirs. It was so much fun to be with so much family! (I also ate like a horse and hardly ate anything today.)

97tjblue
dec 2, 2013, 3:23 am

Hi Mary!! Glad you had a nice holiday with family and friends!!

65.Bottoms Up: A Toast to Wisconsin's Historic Bars & Breweries by Jim Draeger and Mark Speltz

98tjblue
dec 6, 2013, 11:14 am

99Copperskye
dec 10, 2013, 10:37 pm

I just finished the audio version of Billy Crystal's book (he reads it). I thought it was a lot of fun!

100tjblue
dec 12, 2013, 7:24 pm

Hi Joanne. I enjoyed reading Crystal's book. I also read700 Sundays last fall and liked it.

67.Goliath by Tom Gauld

101tjblue
dec 15, 2013, 8:28 pm

68.Doctor Sleep by Stephen King. 4.5 stars. The best by King I've read in awhile.

102Storeetllr
dec 16, 2013, 2:16 pm

Oh! Good to know you liked the latest King. I've got a hold on it at the library, and just finished a reread of The Shining in prep.

103tjblue
Bewerkt: dec 16, 2013, 5:06 pm

I thought about doing that. The Shining was the very first King book I read and I was in the 6th grade. Oh my!!!

69.Julio's Day by Gilbert Hernandez 2 stars Did not like this one.

104drneutron
dec 16, 2013, 8:07 pm

Oh, yeah. Doctor Sleep was definitely one of my top reads of the year!

105msf59
dec 16, 2013, 9:18 pm

Hi Tammy- I have the Crystal memoir saved on audio. And I plan on closing out the year with the audio of Doctor Sleep. Glad to hear you loved it.

What did you think of Goliath? I really liked that one.

106tjblue
dec 22, 2013, 9:35 am

Hi Jim!! Yeah, I agree. Reading it reminded me I need to give some more of his recent books a try.

Hi Mark!! Goliath was pretty good. I'm not a really big fan of graphic novels, but sometimes I need something in between the long novels.

70.Marbles: Mania, Depression, Michelangelo and Me: A graphic memoir by Ellen Forney. 3 stars

71.Flea Market Decorating: Creating Style with Vintage Finds Better Homes and Gardens. 3.5 stars

108tjblue
dec 23, 2013, 12:03 pm

73.Tiny Beautiful Things Advice On Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed 3.5 stars This normally a type of book I like to read, but I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped I would.

109Storeetllr
dec 25, 2013, 1:48 pm

Merry Christmas, Tammy! Hope you're having a great holiday so far and that the New Year is filled with good books, good times and good friends!

110msf59
dec 25, 2013, 1:57 pm

Merry Christmas, Tammy! Hope you have a great day planned with your family. Sorry, Tiny Beautiful Things didn't work for you. It was one of my top books of the year and I also loved Marbles.

111tjblue
dec 29, 2013, 5:32 pm

Hi Mary!!

Hi Mark!!!

Only 2 more days and 2014 begins. Oh my!!!

74.Junk Beautiful Outdoor Edition by Sue Whitney 3.5 stars

112tjblue
Bewerkt: jan 2, 2014, 11:27 am

Still have one to finish, but I won't have much internet access tomorrow.

This is my list of favorites for the year:

The Big Rock Candy Mountain--Stegner
Doctor Sleep--King
I Am Half-Sick of Shadows--Bradley
Speaking From Among The Bones--Bradley
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating--Tova
The End of your Life Book Club--Schwalbe
Heart of Ice--Parrish
Mary Coin--Silver
Girl with a Pearl Earring--Chevalier
I'd like to Apologize to Every Teacher I've Ever Had--Danza
Tiny World Terrariums--Inciarrano and Maslow
The SupperClub Book--Hoekstra
Wisconsin Supper Clubs--Fiaola
Salt, Sugar, Fat--Moss
Empty Mansions--Dedman
Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher--Egan
Heads In Beds--Tomsky
Son of Gun--St. Germain
The Outpost--Tapper
The New Terrarium--Martin
The Unexpected Houseplant--Martin

So on to the New Year!!!

113Storeetllr
dec 30, 2013, 11:54 pm

Interesting list of faves! I haven't read a-one, but I've got Doctor Sleep in the queue for 2014. I'm putting the Stegner on my wishlist. I've read some of his criticisms but never any of his novels. It's about time!

Happy New Year! Wheeee!

114tjblue
Bewerkt: dec 31, 2013, 10:09 am

Happy New Year Mary!!! Do you have big plans for today? I have the day off, but I am on call. Which means no partying for me. :-)

75.The Unexpected House Plant: 220 Extraordinary Choices For Every Spot In Your Home by Tovah Martin 5 stars

115drneutron
dec 31, 2013, 10:52 am

Oh wait, I almost missed that #75 sneaking in there! Congrats!

116tjblue
jan 2, 2014, 11:27 am

Hi Jim!! Thanks for stopping. Yep I made it. Yay!!!