Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017 (4)

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Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017 (4)

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1FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: feb 27, 2017, 12:19 pm

On February 26th we went to museum Boijmans van Beuningen to visit the exposition "Mad About Surrealism", with works from René Magritte, Salvador Dalí, Max Ernst, and many others. Here a few highlights:

René Magritte: La reproduction interdite (1937), Le poison (1939), Au seuil de la liberté (1930)
  

Salvador Dalí: Le visage de la guerre (1940); Table solaire (1936); Couple aux têtes pleines de nuages (1936)
  

Max Ernst: Jeune homme intrigué par le vol d'une mouche non-euclidienne (1942-1947); Deux jeunes filles nues (1925); Pietà ou La révolution la nuit (1923)
  

2FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mei 31, 2017, 7:00 pm

total books read in 2017: 95
own 64 / 31 library

total pages read in 2017: 24.306
--

currently reading
--

Books read in March 2017 (28 books, 6.772 pages)
book 95: De stenen engel by Margaret Laurence, TIOLI #4, 284 pages, , msg 267
book 94: De weglopers by Victor Canning, TIOLI #8, 211 pages, , msg 260
book 93: De dag van de geitenman by Betsy Byars, TIOLI #6, 104 pages, , msg 258
book 92: De gebroeders Karamazow by F.M. Dostojewski, TIOLI #2, 959 pages, , msg 249
book 91: Stilte by Shusaku Endo, TIOLI #2, 233 pages, , msg 244
book 90: De blauwe tweeling (Reders & Reders 4) by Jan & Sanne Terlouw, 285 pages, , msg 243
book 89: Tegenstroom (DCI Banks 3) by Peter Robinson, 304 pages, , msg 234
book 88: De gehangene van Dartmoor (Sir Baldwin 3) by Michael Jecks, TIOLI #15, 311 pages, , msg 231
book 87: Hoe schilder hoe wilder : Haarlem by Miep Diekmann, TIOLI #3, 248 pages, , msg 214
book 86: Hoe schilder hoe wilder : Leiden by Miep Diekmann, TIOLI #3, 192 pages, , msg 214
book 85: Het laatste lijk (Cadfael 2) by Ellis Peters, TIOLI #7, 218 pages, , msg 206
book 84: Blote handen by Bart Moeyaert, TIOLI #14, 94 pages, , msg 183
book 83: De geest op de rotswand by Ann O'Neil Garcia, TIOLI #14, 146 pages, , msg 182
book 82: De Boeddha in de wereld by Pankaj Mishra, TIOLI #11, 415 pages, , msg 158
book 81: Winterdieren by Bibi Dumon Tak, TIOLI #5, 137 pages, , msg 144
book 80: Zoon (My struggle 3) by Karl Ove Knausgård, TIOLI #15, 443 pages, , msg 142
book 79: Chocolade oorlog by Robert Cormier, TIOLI #13, 234 pages, , msg 132
book 78: Boris Beer by Dick Bruna, 25 pages, , msg 123
book 77: Lieve oma Pluis by Dick Bruna, TIOLI #1, 25 pages, , msg 121
book 76: Het dansende licht by Tonke Dragt, TIOLI #6, 104 pages, , msg 120
book 75: Tegenvoeters Bill Bryson, TIOLI #2, 382 pages, , msg 105
book 74: Aan de rivier by Steven Herrick, TIOLI #12, 234 pages, , msg 96
book 73: Balthasar by Henri van Daele, TIOLI #9, 116 pages, , msg 81
book 72: De man in het bruine pak by Agatha Christie, TIOLI #10, 234 pages, , msg 80
book 71: Rokus en het Tiende Leven by Alet Schouten, TIOLI #8, 92 pages, , msg 61
book 70: Heraios en de beker by Sacha Burger, TIOLI #2, 231 pages, , msg 56
book 69: De zwerfkatten by Betsy Byars, TIOLI #7, 105 pages, , msg 45
book 68: Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow, TIOLI #4, 406 pages, , msg 44

3FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 21, 2017, 8:03 pm

Books read in February 2017 (34 books, 7.778 pages)
book 67: Kinderverhalen by Mies Bouhuys, 176 pages,
book 66: De Cock en het duel in de nacht (De Cock 38) by A.C. Baantjer, 135 pages,
book 65: Het bittere kruid by Marga Minco, 90 pages,
book 64: De vloek van Woestewolf by Paul Biegel, 135 pages,
book 63: Lang zul je leven : bakerrijmpjes by Ienne Biemans, 43 pages,
book 62: De kleine kapitein by Paul Biegel, 127 pages,
book 61: Nachtlicht (DCI Banks 2) by Peter Robinson, 243 pages,
book 60: Bij nader inzien by J.J. Voskuil, TIOLI #21, 1207 pages,
book 59: The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan, 88 pages,
book 58: Kwaad bloed by Marita de Sterck, TIOLI #13, 159 pages,
book 57: Laatste verhalen van de eeuw by Paul Biegel, TIOLI #7, 222 pages,
book 56: Heerlijke nieuwe wereld by Aldous Huxley, TIOLI #8, 301 pages,
book 55: Dief van de duivel by Mikael Engström, TIOLI #4, 272 pages,
book 54: Wie is Julia by Alyssa Brugman, TIOLI #5, 195 pages,
book 53: Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín, 316 pages,
book 52: Ver heen by P.C. Kuiper, TIOLI #16, 168 pages,
book 51: Misdaad en straf by F.M. Dostojewski, TIOLI #2, 568 pages,
book 50: Van den vos Reynaerde by Willem, transl H. Adema, TIOLI #11, 127 pages
book 49: Lasse Länta by Cor Bruijn, TIOLI #6, 176 pages,
book 48: Man zonder land by Kurt Vonnegut, TIOLI #9, 143 pages,
book 47: Dromen van mijn vader by Barack Obama, TIOLI #15, 415 pages,
book 46: Lawines razen by An Rutgers van der Loeff, TIOLI #18, 160 pages,
book 45: Walden ; Burgerlijke ongehoorzaamheid by Henry David Thoreau, TIOLI #10, 412 pages,
book 44: De rode prinses by Paul Biegel, TIOLI #20, 128 pages,
book 43: De verjaardag van de eekhoorn by Toon Tellegen, TIOLI #14, 36 pages,
book 42: De verjaardag van alle anderen by Toon Tellegen, TIOLI #14, 112 pages,
book 41: Bajaar by Martha Heesen, 124 pages,
book 40: De eeuwigheid verzameld : Helene Kröller-Müller (1869-1939) by Eva Rovers, 602 pages,
book 39: Overal en nergens by Bill Bryson, TIOLI #19, 287 pages,
book 38: De Cock en de ontluisterende dood (De Cock 37) by A.C. Baantjer, 138 pages,
book 37: Zand erover by Laura Broekhuysen, TIOLI #17, 110 pages,
book 36: Sjanetje by Thea Dubelaar, TIOLI #12, 95 pages,
book 35: Krik by Miep Diekman, TIOLI #1, 174 pages,
book 34: De twaalf rovers by Paul Biegel, TIOLI #3, 94 pages,

Books read in January 2017 (33 books, 9.756 pages)
book 33: In de ban van de ring by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1242 pages,
book 32: Fiona : In koelen bloede by Harry Bingham, 448 pages,
book 31: Fiona by Harry Bingham, 448 pages,
book 30: Het olifantenfeest by Paul Biegel, 112 pages,
book 29: Stille blik (DCI Banks 1) by Peter Robinson, 299 pages,
book 28: Het eiland daarginds by Paul Biegel, 95 pages,
book 27: De mens is een grote fazant by Herta Müller, 126 pages,
book 26: Swing by Paul Biegel, 92 pages,
book 25: Haas by Paul Biegel, 192 pages,
book 24: Liefde (My struggle 2) by Karl Ove Knausgård, 602 pages,
book 23: Anderland by Paul Biegel, 90 pages,
book 22: Het gen: een intieme geschiedenis by Siddharta Mukerjee, TIOLI #3, 666 pages,
book 21: Tussen de wereld en mij by Ta-Nehisi Coates, TIOLI #14, 148 pages,
book 20: 7 jaren van een wielrenner by Herbert Friedrich, TIOLI #17, 366 pages,
book 19: De inspirerende wijsheid van de Dalai Lama by Dalai Lama, TIOLI #12, 191 pages,
book 18: Zout op mijn huid by Benoîte Groult, TIOLI #15, 243 pages,
book 17: Padden verhuizen niet graag by Gerard Brands, TIOLI #13, 120 pages,
book 16: Francesco by Jean Dulieu, TIOLI #7, 167 pages,
book 15: Het knoopjeskabinet by Edmund de Waal, TIOLI #2, 320 pages,
book 14: De aanslag by Harry Mulisch, 256 pages,
book 13: We moeten allemaal feminist zijn by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, TIOLI #1, 64 pages,
book 12: Dokter Zjivago by Boris Pasternak, TIOLI #5, 685 pages,
book 11: Kikker in de kou by Max Velthuijs, TIOLI #9, 28 pages,
book 10: Ik maak nooit iets mee by Guus Middag, TIOLI #8, 132 pages,
book 9: Een goudvis van tweeduizend pond by Betsy Byars, TIOLI #6, 107 pages,
book 8: Hidden Doe : Wij zijn Mesquakie, wij zijn één by Hadley Irwin, TIOLI #18, 122 pages,
book 7: De donkere kamer van Damocles by Willem Frederik Hermans, 335 pages,
book 6: Het veterdiploma by Wiel Kusters, TIOLI #19, 47 pages,
book 5: Onvoltooide geschiedenis by Boualem Sansal, TIOLI #4, 251 pages,
book 4: De wervelstorm by Ivan Southall, TIOLI #16, 178 pages,
book 3: Nachtverhaal by Paul Biegel, TIOLI #11, 159 pages,
book 2: Oorlog en vrede 2/2 by Leo Tolstoj, TIOLI #10, 769 pages,
book 1: Oorlog en vrede 1/2 by Leo Tostoj, 756 pages,

4FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mei 31, 2017, 7:04 pm

Reading plans in March 2017

5FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mei 31, 2017, 7:01 pm

Books aquired in 2017: 13

March 2017:
Verzamelde werken 2 : Gedichten by Boris Pasternak
Het nieuwe vogels kijken by Kester Freriks
Makkelijk leven by Herman Koch
De moeder van Nicolien by J.J. Voskuil
De klokkenluider van de Notre-Dame by Victor Hugo

February 2017:
Bajaar by Martha Heesen (e-book, Gouden Lijst 2012)
Kwaad gesternte by Hannah van Binsbergen (VSB Poëzieprijs 2017)
Tussen de wereld en mij by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Walden ; Burgerlijke ongehoorzaamheid by Henry David Thoreau
Tegen verkiezingen by David van Reybrouck
The Poet's Dog by Patricia MacLachlan
Binnen de huid by J.J. Voskuil
Terloops : Voettochten 1957-1973 by J.J. Voskuil

Books culled in 2017: 19

6FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 18, 2017, 4:39 am

Reading plans in 2017

I have a large collection of mostly awarded childrens & YA books. At the moment I am reading them all, mostly alphabeticly, to decide wich to keep. The ones not to keep are donated to a library in Rotterdam (where we lived until 2005).
I started in 2016 with 803 books, now down to 747 books (on March 1st: 105 read, 56 culled).

I will try to read more of my own books, of the 244 books I have read in 2016 83 were own and 161 from the library.

I join the TIOLI (Take It Or Leave It) challenges each month.

And I try to read a Russian classic each month from our Russian Library editions.

7FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mei 31, 2017, 7:03 pm

Series I read, mostly mysteries, a list to keep track

Armand Gamache by Louise Penny 4/4 (others not translated)

Bernie Gunther by Philip Kerr 3/11
1 Een Berlijnse kwestie; 2 Het handwerk van de beul; 3 Een Duits requiem
4 De een van de ander (library); 5 Een stille vlam door (library); 6 Als de doden niet herrijzen (library); 7 Grijs verleden (library);
8 Praag fataal (library); 9 De man zonder adem (library); 10 De vrouw van Zagreb (library); 11 De schaduw van de stilte (library)

Broeder Cadfael by Ellis Peters 5/20
1 Het heilige vuur; 2 Het laatste lijk; 7 Het vege lijf; 11 Een hard gelag; 13 Een witte roos
3 Het gemene gewas (library); 4 De kwade knecht (library); 5 De eenzame bruid (library); 6 De kille maagd (library);
8 De duivelse droom (library); 9 De gouden speld (library); 10 Een wisse dood (library); 12 De ware aard (library);
14 Het stille woud; 15 De laatste eer (library); 16 Het rechte pad (library); 17 Een zijden haar (library);
18 Een lieve lust; 19 De heilige dief (library); 20 De verloren zoon

De Cock by A.C. Baantjer 38/70

Cormoran Strike by Robert Galbraith 3/3

DCI Banks by Peter Robinson 2/22
1 Stille blik; 2 Nachtlicht; 3 Tegenstroom
4 Zondeval (e-book, library); 5 Schijnbeeld (library); 6 Woensdagkind (library); 7 Zwanenzang (library);
8 Innocent Graves not translated; 9 Dead Right not translated; 10 Verdronken verleden (e-book, library);
11 Kil als het graf (library); 12 Nasleep (library); 13 Onvoltooide zomer (library); 14 Vuurspel (library);
15 Drijfzand (e-book, library); 16 Hartzeer (library); 17 Duivelsgebroed (library); 18 Overmacht (library);
19 Uitschot (library); 20 Dwaalspoor (library); 21 Dankbare dood (library); 22 Slachthuisblues (library)

Erlendur Sveinsson by Arnaldur Indriðason 14/14

Fiona Griffiths by Harry Bingham 2/2

Flavia de Luce by Alan Bradley 2/5
1 De smaak van venijn; 2 Het stroeve touw
3 De kunst van het liegen (library); 4 De show van je leven (library); 5 Slotakkoord voor een moord (e-book, library)

Konrad Sejer by Karin Fossum 3/12
1 Eva's oog; 2 Kijk niet achterom; 3 Wie de wolf vreest
4 De duivel draagt het licht (library); 5 De Indiase bruid (library); 6 Zwarte seconden (library); 7 De moord op Harriet Krohn (library);
8 Een andere voorkeur (library); 9 Kwade wil (e-book, library); 10 De waarschuwer (e-book, library); 11 Carmen Zita og døden (no Dutch translation);
12 Veenbrand (library)

Kurt Wallander by Henning Mankell 5/12
pre De jonge Wallander; 1 Moordenaar zonder gezicht; 2 Honden van Riga; 3 De witte leeuwin; 4 De man die glimlachte
5 Dwaalsporen (e-book, library); 6 De vijfde vrouw (e-book, library); 7 Midzomermoord (e-book, library); 8 De blinde muur (e-book, library);
9 Voor de vorst (e-book, library); 10 De gekwelde man (e-book, library); 11 Wallanders wereld (e-book, library)

Mijn strijd (My Struggle) by Karl Ove Knausgård 3/6
1 Vader; 2 Liefde; 3 Zoon;
4 Nacht (e-book, library); 5 Schrijver (e-book, library); 6 Vrouw (e-book, library)

Nic Costa by David Hewson 10/10

Rechter Tie by Robert van Gulik 1/18
1 De vergiftigde bruid
2 Labyrinth in Lan-Fang; 3 Klokken van Kao-yang (library); 4 Fantoom in Foe-Lai (library); 5 Meer van Mien-yuan (library);
6 Nagels in Ning-Tsjo (library); 7 Zes zaken voor Rechter Tie (library); 8 Vijf gelukbrengende wolken (library); 9 Het rode paviljoen;
10 Het spookklooster (library); 11 De parel van de keizer (library); 12 De nacht van de tijger; 13 Het Chinese lakscherm (library);
14 Het wilgenpatroon; 15 Moord in Canton (library); 16 Het spook in de tempel (library); 17 Halssnoer en kalebas (library);
18 Moord op het maanfeest (library)

Reders & Reders by Jan Terlouw 3/6
1 De charmeur; 2 Venijn; 3 De apotheker; 4 De blauwe tweeling
5 Vuurtoren (e-book, library); 6 Hellehonden (e-book, library)

Sir Balwin by Michael Jecks 2/8
1 De laatste tempelridder; 2 De heks van Wefford; 3 De gehangene van Dartmoor
4 Het mooie lijk (e-book, library); 5 Het lijk zonder hoofd (e-book, library); 6 Het zevende gebod (e-book, library);
7 De dood van de erfgenaam (e-book, library); 8 Moord in het klooster (e-book, library)

Yashim Togalu by Jason Goodwin 4/4

8FAMeulstee
feb 27, 2017, 10:46 am

one more to be sure

9PaulCranswick
feb 27, 2017, 11:07 am

Happy new thread, Anita, great to be first.

10harrygbutler
feb 27, 2017, 11:11 am

Happy new thread, Anita!

11Crazymamie
feb 27, 2017, 11:24 am

Happy new thread, Anita! I like your mystery series list.

12FAMeulstee
feb 27, 2017, 11:42 am

>9 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, always good to see a note from you :-)

>10 harrygbutler: Thank you Harry!

>11 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie, I had to edit a lot, my original idea didn't work out well...

The toppers >1 FAMeulstee: are up now!

13jessibud2
feb 27, 2017, 11:59 am

Happy new thread, Anita!!

14ronincats
feb 27, 2017, 12:41 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita. It is pouring down rain here, and poor Molly doesn't want to go out in it to do her business. A great reading day!

15Ameise1
feb 27, 2017, 12:48 pm

Happy new one, Anita. Great topper.

16lunacat
feb 27, 2017, 12:51 pm

Happy new thread Anita. I hope the beginning of the week is treating you well.

17jnwelch
feb 27, 2017, 1:11 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita. Love the toppers. There was a great Magritte exhibition here in Chicago a year or so ago.

18foggidawn
feb 27, 2017, 1:43 pm

Happy new thread!

19charl08
feb 27, 2017, 2:30 pm

Happy new thread. Love the art. Especially the night scene. I'd have that one on my wall.

20FAMeulstee
feb 27, 2017, 3:54 pm

>13 jessibud2: Thanks Shelley

>14 ronincats: Hi Roni, we walked dry this morning, we were not so lucky on our second walk. I hope for Molly the weather clears up!

>15 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara, it was a great exhibition.

>16 lunacat: Thank you Jenny. Today was a good day.

>17 jnwelch: Thanks Joe, did you see it?
It was so lovely to see many famous painings for real. I knew I liked Magritte and Dalí. After this exhibition Max Ernst is a new favourite of mine.

>18 foggidawn: Thanks foggi!

>19 charl08: Thank you Charlotte. Yes that one was very nice, he used that moon in more paintings. My favourite was the first Max Ernst.

21johnsimpson
feb 27, 2017, 3:55 pm

Happy new thread Anita and a great thread topper my dear.

22jnwelch
Bewerkt: feb 27, 2017, 5:00 pm

>20 FAMeulstee: Yes, we're members of the Art Institute here, and went to the Magritte exhibition. We loved it. "This is not a pipe", and all that. :-)

23PawsforThought
feb 27, 2017, 4:58 pm

>1 FAMeulstee: Oh, how lovely. I'd love to see a Magritte exhibition. Can't remember if I've ever actually seen his work in person, but I don't think so.

24rosalita
feb 27, 2017, 5:27 pm

Love the photos up top, Anita. And I am a bit behind but I wanted to add my condolences for Frank's aunt's worsening dementia. That is one of those diseases that almost seems harder on the loved ones and caregivers than it is on the patient. I hope with all my heart that I never experience it.

25FAMeulstee
feb 27, 2017, 6:33 pm

>21 johnsimpson: Thanks John, we loved the exhibition.

>22 jnwelch: That is probably his most famous work, Joe, we loved to see some of his other works.

>23 PawsforThought: I hope you get to see Magritte someday, Paws.

>24 rosalita: Thank you Julia.
That is probably true in the last stage of dementia, but the time someone knows he is loosing his memories must be hard.
We probably all hope dementia won't happen to us.

26EllaTim
feb 27, 2017, 6:55 pm

That must have been a great exhibition, Anita. Lovely pictures.

I'm sorry to hear about Frank's aunt. Dementia must be so hard to deal with.

Your reading list is impressive, I think I should visit my library's department for children, the Paul Biegel books seem really charming!

27drneutron
feb 27, 2017, 7:35 pm

Happy new thread!

28karenmarie
feb 27, 2017, 8:03 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita! Wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing.

I'm so sorry to hear about Frank's Aunt.

Our neighbor, Harold, has dementia, and his wife Louise has such a hard time coping with it. She can't afford to place him in a home, and here in the US you either have to have lots of money or no money at all. I always tell him who I am when I first see him, and then five minutes later he asks who I am. Or, even worse, he'll ask where his wife is (she's right there), or who the lady is. It's so sad and scary, and what makes it worse is that sometimes Harold knows that he's not right in his mind. Fortunately, he forgets that five minutes later, too.

29msf59
feb 27, 2017, 8:05 pm

Happy New Thread, Anita. I like those surreal toppers.

30cammykitty
feb 27, 2017, 9:08 pm

I'm jealous of your time at the museum! I love surrealism, and there's nothing like seeing the originals. Reproductions just don't do most of them justice.

31Deern
feb 28, 2017, 2:26 am

Happy New Thread, Anita. I'll read up on the last one, but for now I'm settling here.
Lovely thread toppers!

32souloftherose
feb 28, 2017, 6:19 am

Happy new thread Anita!

33FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: feb 28, 2017, 6:32 am

>26 EllaTim: Thanks Els, it was a great exhibition. I took some pictures myself, but the ones on top come from searching the internet, they are much better than my own photos.
Yes, Paul Biegel wrote a lot of good childrens books, I will look for the next two De kleine kapitein books at the library.

>27 drneutron: Thank you, Jim.

>28 karenmarie: Thanks Karen, looking some art always makes me feel better. So after visiting Franks aunt we had a positive end of the day in Rotterdam.
That is sad your neighbor can't afford a home for her husband, must be very hard on her. It would be impossible for us to take care of Franks aunt, as she has no money at all and no other relatives near... Fortunately there is care for everyone here, although it isn't easy to get admitted to a home. And even in a home, there is expected help from relatives. As we don't live near and Frank has very limited energy, we are not reqired to help there.

>29 msf59: Thank you Mark, it was surreal to see them in real ;-)

>30 cammykitty: Thanks Katie, the real thing is the best. Althoug I am also happy with reproductions, for that is in many cases the only way to see them.

>31 Deern: Thank you, Nathalie, it is good to see you have time and energy to go around the threads.

>32 souloftherose: Thanks Heather!

34scaifea
feb 28, 2017, 6:40 am

Happy new thread, Anita!

Magritte and Dali are two of my favorites!

35DianaNL
feb 28, 2017, 7:15 am

Happy new one, Anita.

36ChelleBearss
feb 28, 2017, 1:54 pm

Happy new thread!!

37Whisper1
feb 28, 2017, 8:28 pm

Anita, What an incredible exhibit. Of those posted, I am drawn to the first row of paintings and the one in the middle.

38Berly
mrt 1, 2017, 12:37 am

Happy new thread!! I love the 3rd Dali with the two figures inclined towards one another. Have fun purging the YA and kids books!!

39SirThomas
mrt 1, 2017, 5:52 am

Happy new thread, Anita.
Great pictures!
The museum seems to be worth a visit - Unfortunately, it is far away from me - but who knows...

40lunacat
mrt 1, 2017, 6:31 am

41FAMeulstee
mrt 1, 2017, 7:31 am

>34 scaifea: Thanks, Amber, Magritte and Dalí were both great artists :-)

>35 DianaNL: Thank you, Diana.

>36 ChelleBearss: Thank you Chelle

>37 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda, it was a joy to see all these paintings.

>38 Berly: Thanks, Kim, that is a beautiful painting, or two paintings that belong together. Dalí really though "outside the box" here!
I am going very well with the childrens and YA books, on nearly 5 shelves read there are almost 2 shelves empty now :-)

>39 SirThomas: Thank you Thomas, if you ever want to visit Rotterdam, Frank and I would be glad to show you around.

>40 lunacat: Thanks Jenny, it is March and there is a hint of spring in the air :-)
And I can't help it, I started spring cleaning yesterday, bookcases in the livingroom are nearly done.

42karenmarie
mrt 1, 2017, 8:44 am

Hi Anita! There's a hint of summer in the air here, with the temperature expected to be 83F today with gusty winds. Too warm by far.

Good luck with your spring cleaning - I love that sense of accomplishment when it's done.

43Familyhistorian
mrt 1, 2017, 9:13 am

Happy new thread, Anita. I started cleaning and reorganizing the bookcases too but I didn't get as far as you did. Looks like we are sliding back into winter weather here, maybe I can blame my lack of progress in cleaning on the back slide in the weather - after all it can't be spring cleaning if it doesn't feel like spring LOL.

44FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 5, 2017, 10:40 am


book 68: Celia Garth by Gwen Bristow
own, English, YA, TIOLI #4, no Dutch translation, 406 pages

I received this book and Johnny Tremain back in 2009 from Stasia, as we had been discussing how little I knew about American history.

I was a bit worried to start this one, as the blurb on the front compared it to Gone with the wind and if there was ever a book I disliked... But is wasn't that bad, it was even a good story.
It is set in Charleston during the American Revolution. Celia Garth works as a seamstress in Charleston. Around this fictional character the battles between the Brittish army and American rebels are told. How the Americans lost Charleston and finally won the town back. Meanwhile there is love, loss and love again :-)

Despite of all my practice here on the threads, it is still not easy to read a whole book in English. This 406 page book took me longer to read than Bij nader inzien, a 1207 page Dutch book I read last month!

45FAMeulstee
mrt 1, 2017, 9:24 am


book 69: De zwerfkatten by Betsy Byars
own, translated, awarded, Zilveren Griffel 1984, TIOLI #7, original tile The Pinballs, 105 pages

Carlie, Harvey and Thomas J., are three foster children, who just came into the care of Mr and Mrs Mason. They have different backgrounds and problems. At first they don't really like eachother, but in they end up as friends.

46FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 1, 2017, 9:32 am

>42 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen, summer? it is way too early for summer ;-)
Cleaning it is hard work this time, last year I could not do spring cleaning, after the broken arm & thyroid levels too low. I had no energy at all. But I am glad I am able now.

>43 Familyhistorian: Thanks Meg, indeed spring weather is required for spring cleaning!
There are only 6 bookcases in the livingroom. I remember doing them all in a day, but now I need 2 or 3 days. Tomorrow it will be finished and than on with cleaning the rest of the livingroom and after that upstairs, where another 12 bookcases wait for me ;-)

47Whisper1
Bewerkt: mrt 1, 2017, 9:53 am

Good Morning Dear Friend Anita.

I hope the day is a good one for you.

48nittnut
mrt 1, 2017, 10:14 am

I haven't read Celia Garth. I'll have to add it to my pile. I think it's awesome to be able to contemplate reading a novel in a second language. I took German literature at university after studying German for 5 years, and I rapidly discovered that my vocabulary was just not up to it. I needed a semester abroad, but it wasn't in the cards. So hooray for you finishing a big fat historical fiction novel!

49aktakukac
mrt 1, 2017, 2:11 pm

Hi Anita, and happy newish thread! Congrats on finishing Celia Garth and reading it entirely in English! I read the author's Jubilee Trail five years ago or so and have thought about reading more of her novels.

50FAMeulstee
mrt 1, 2017, 5:42 pm

>47 Whisper1: Thanks dear Linda, over here all is well, I hope it is the same for you.
That is a lovely image with all those books :-)

>48 nittnut: Thank you Jenn, I rarely read books in English, because it is so time consuming. But I am glad I read this one and hope you like it too, when you get to it.

>49 aktakukac: Thank you Rachel, I seethat one is translated into Dutch. I might try to find a copy.

51FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 2, 2017, 5:06 am

I just saw that >49 aktakukac: Rachels post was post #5000 since I joined the 75 group in 2008 :-)

52Deern
mrt 2, 2017, 5:28 am

>47 Whisper1: OMG, a book and flower tree, I love it and wouldn't if be lovely if they grew that way? :)))

53msf59
mrt 2, 2017, 6:54 am

Sweet Thursday, Anita! Hooray for 5000 posts! 2008 was a good year. It was also when I joined LT. Smiles...

54Familyhistorian
mrt 2, 2017, 9:32 am

>46 FAMeulstee: That sounds like a big cleaning project and a lot of bookcases, Anita. It sounds like you have more book cases than me! I have 7 large and 4 smaller ones downstairs where I have started and stalled on my reorganization. Strangely enough I have no bookcases in my living room just a few books ended up on the couches and tables before they make their way either up or down stairs.

55FAMeulstee
mrt 2, 2017, 3:21 pm

>52 Deern: Yes it would be, Nathalie :-)

>53 msf59: Thanks, Mark. The same year I joined, in 4 days it is my Thingaversary, I found the 75 group that July.

>54 Familyhistorian: Yes it is a big project, Meg. I didn't finish downstairs today, my shoulder was acting up.
We used to have all books in a seperate room, library, but in the small house we needed to put some in the livingroom.

56FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 3, 2017, 6:42 am


book 70: Heraios en de beker by Sacha Burger, illustrations by Tonke Dragt
own, YA, Dutch, awarded, Zilveren Griffel 1984, TIOLI #2, no translations, 231 pages

Athens, 6th century BC, Heraios is training for the city games. A week befor the games he hurts his foot, he is afraid he will miss the games. But then a silver beaker of his friends father disappears...

57Berly
mrt 2, 2017, 4:20 pm

>51 FAMeulstee: How did you know you've posted that many? Congrats!!

58FAMeulstee
mrt 2, 2017, 4:43 pm

>57 Berly: Pauls statistics made me do my own, Kim, so now I have a little list with totals of my threads. Most of the time I forget to check, but today I looked it up after Paul published his monthly stats on his thread. And then I noticed the total was 5001, so I could easily track #5000.

59EllaTim
mrt 2, 2017, 6:25 pm

>58 FAMeulstee: So 5000 posts, would be like 200 threads? But you posted in other threads as well.
Anyway, it's a lot, congratulations!

i am waiting a bit, for the spring cleanup, untill the weather feels like spring to me. When I start seeing how dusty everything is, because the sun is shining:)

60FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 4, 2017, 3:59 am

>59 EllaTim: No not that much, Els, only 24 threads between July 2008 and now. The total of messages you posted on the threads can be found under "Statistieken" on top of your profile page, then click "Groepen en discussie" and there is "Totaal aantal berichten". My total is now 6905.

I can't wait too long, when the weather gets warmer the garden-season starts. The garden was also neglected a bit last year, so there will be a lot to do. The snowdrops are blooming and the first crocussus are coloring, so spring is on its way! :-)

61FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 3, 2017, 6:42 am


book 71: Rokus en het Tiende Leven by Alet Schouten, ilustrations by Francien van Westering
own, YA, Dutch, TIOLI #8, no translations, 92 pages

We all know cats have nine lifes. You can imagine how surprised Rokus, a red cat, was when he met this "Tenth Life". On a rainy day his human didn't come home to feed Rokus. So he went out to find something to eat. He ended up in the house of a very old, nice, and polite human. And there on top of the pianola was Pascha, the Tenth life. He didn't smell like a cat, but when the pianola started to play, he could talk. They have some adventures together and with other friends.

Lovely and funny story, told from the cats perspective.

62Ameise1
mrt 3, 2017, 7:00 am

Happy Friday, Anita.

63EllaTim
mrt 3, 2017, 3:42 pm

Hi Anita, the book arrived today. Thank you very much!
I love it, still have to read it, but as a book, you know, the fysical object, it's lovely. And you must be very neat, because it looks totally unused;)
Can't wait to begin.

64LovingLit
mrt 3, 2017, 3:57 pm

>51 FAMeulstee: aw, that is a milestone. Congrats on interacting 5000 times with your fellow booklovers!

65FAMeulstee
mrt 3, 2017, 6:11 pm

>62 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara!

>63 EllaTim: You are very welcome, Els. I did read it and I care about my books :-)
Enjoy!

>64 LovingLit: Thank you, Megan, I am so happy with this group!

66lunacat
mrt 3, 2017, 6:23 pm

Huh, well there you go, that is a stat I didn't realise you could find! Apparently my total messages are 8121 - I just missed my 8000th message! Darn it. Ah well, I'll work slowly toward the 10000 and hope I don't do my usual and vanish inexplicably.

67karenmarie
mrt 3, 2017, 7:08 pm

I didn't realize either.

Total messages: 12,173

Word count: 968,700

Words/message: 79.58

Yeesh.

68Ameise1
mrt 4, 2017, 4:10 am

Happy weekend, Anita.

69charl08
mrt 4, 2017, 4:18 am

My favourite bit of that statement page is the graph of books logged in the library - there's a clear change at the point I joined the 75ers :-)

70FAMeulstee
mrt 4, 2017, 4:19 am

>66 lunacat: There are so many fun facts on LT, Jenny, once in a while I go to my statistics just for fun.

>67 karenmarie: Part of the fun on LT, Karen, my messages are shorter Words/message: 48.44 ;-)

71FAMeulstee
mrt 4, 2017, 4:29 am

>68 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara, the same to you.

>69 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, and your reviews went up at the same time.

72DianaNL
mrt 4, 2017, 6:27 am

73scaifea
mrt 4, 2017, 9:53 am

Happy weekend, Anita, and happy #5000!!

74karenmarie
mrt 4, 2017, 10:46 am

Happy weekend, Anita!

75mdoris
mrt 4, 2017, 1:41 pm

Dropping by to say hi Anita! Hope that you're having a great weekend.

76johnsimpson
mrt 4, 2017, 4:34 pm

Hi Anita, hope you are having a good weekend my dear and send love and hugs.

77michigantrumpet
mrt 4, 2017, 4:41 pm

Just adored all the artwork on your topper! Magritte, Dali, Ernst - you've hit the big time with each of them. Nothing like stupendous art to feed the soul, I find.

Happy new thread, and happy weekend!

78Berly
mrt 4, 2017, 4:54 pm

>60 FAMeulstee: With your help, I found the stats! Very fun look at. So far this year I am a very prolific poster. ; )

79FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 5, 2017, 8:01 am

>72 DianaNL: Thanks, Diana!

>73 scaifea: Thanks and thank you, Amber!

>74 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen!

>75 mdoris: Thank you, Mary!

>76 johnsimpson: Thanks John!

>77 michigantrumpet: Thank you Marianne, that is beautifully said, indeed art feeds the soul.

>78 Berly: Thanks Kim, I thought the stats were better known. I am glad you found them, as they are fun!

Weekend is going good, reading and cleaning, bookcases in the livingroom are done, now on with Franks computerdesk. I will probably need the whole month to do a complete spring cleaning. So if I spend a bit less time here, you know what is keeping me ;-)

80FAMeulstee
mrt 5, 2017, 8:11 am


book 72: De man in het bruine pak by Agatha Christie
from the library, translated, mystery, TIOLI #10, original title The man in the brown suit, 234 pages

Anne Beddingfield is alone after her father dies. He was an famous anthropologist, but never very good with money, so Anne is left with only 87 pound. She goes to London to find adventures and her fortune. When she witnesses a man falling from a train station platform, the adventure has found her. The police thinks it was an accidet, but Anne is sure it was murder and is on her way to investigate.

My first Agatha Christie, a fun mystery and adventure, mixed with a bit of romance.

81FAMeulstee
mrt 5, 2017, 8:20 am


book 73: Balthasar by Henri van Daele
own, YA, Dutch, TIOLI #9, no translations, 116 pages

Flandres, 1950s, Henri is nine years old when he finds a substancial sum of money. He tries to give it back to the owner, but is held at the door of the big mansion. He goes back home and decides to keep the money. This uneases him and he goes by train to his uncle Balthasar in Brussels. He tells his uncle what has happened, and he can stay with his uncle for a week.

Lovely memoires about a well loved and funny uncle.

82lunacat
Bewerkt: mrt 5, 2017, 8:57 am



I hope Sunday is treating you well, Anita.

83charl08
mrt 5, 2017, 8:58 am

>80 FAMeulstee: How have I not heard of ths one? Wishlisted.

Hope your Sunday is a good one.

84cammykitty
mrt 5, 2017, 12:24 pm

71 - Rokus does sound fun! Happy weekend!

85karenmarie
mrt 5, 2017, 1:55 pm

>80 FAMeulstee: Your first Agatha Christie, Anita! I hope you liked it enough to continue - there are so many good ones. Colonel Race is good. So are Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, Harley Quin and Mr. Satterwaite, and Ariadne Oliver. There's also Tuppence and Tommy, but I don't particularly care for them.

Good luck with Frank's computer desk! I leave my husband's home office alone.

86alcottacre
mrt 5, 2017, 2:07 pm

#44: Glad you enjoyed it, Anita! Now, do you know any good books on Dutch history (that are written in English, since I cannot read a single word of Dutch!)

87FAMeulstee
mrt 5, 2017, 2:54 pm

>82 lunacat: Thank you, Jenny, it has been a good day today :-)

>83 charl08: I don't know why you missed this one, Charlotte, I stumbled upon it at the library serching a book for a TIOLI challege.

>84 cammykitty: Yes, it was, Katie, hope you have a good weekend too!

>85 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen, Franks computer desk is in the livingroom, so part of cleaning chores.
Yes, I liked my first Agatha Christie, and for sure I will read more by her. Don't know when I get to them, so many other mysteries are waiting, as I only started reading mysteries last year...

>86 alcottacre: Glad you sended it to me, Stasia!
From the top of my head (and I own them & plan to read this year): The Embarrassment of Riches: An Interpretation of Dutch Culture in the Golden Age by Simon Schama and Max Havelaar: Or the Coffee Auctions of the Dutch Trading Company by Mutatuli.
If I think of other books I will let you know.

88alcottacre
mrt 5, 2017, 5:32 pm

>87 FAMeulstee:: Thanks for the recommendations, Anita. I will see if my local library has either of those!

89PaulCranswick
mrt 5, 2017, 9:26 pm

Hope that you have had a good weekend, Anita. xx

90ronincats
mrt 5, 2017, 9:42 pm

Hi, Anita! You inspired me to check my stats. This will be my post 25, 736! Have a great week and give Ari the usual hug from me, please!

91Ameise1
mrt 6, 2017, 12:48 am

Happy new week, Anita.

92scaifea
mrt 6, 2017, 6:42 am

>85 karenmarie: Karen: Don't care for Tommy and Tuppence?! *gasp* I won't tell our Border Collie that (she's named after one of them)...

Hi, Anita!!

93msf59
mrt 6, 2017, 7:02 am

Hi, Anita! Hope you had a good weekend, filled with with plenty of reading.

94FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 7:27 am

>88 alcottacre: If you get them, Stasia, I will read them with you.

>89 PaulCranswick: Thanks, Paul, yes I had and Monday started well.

>90 ronincats: Ari thanks you, Roni. You are way mory chatty than I am ;-)

>91 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara, I hope your return to work goes well.

>92 scaifea: There are more Tuppence's I guess? Hi Amber!

>93 msf59: Thanks, Mark, I finished two books and today #74. So today or tomorrow I'll fininsh #75!

95lunacat
Bewerkt: mrt 6, 2017, 7:39 am



It will certainly be a great week as you'll hit #75 already! Go you!

96FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 7:41 am


book 74: Aan de rivier by Steven Herrick
own, translated, YA, awarded, Eervolle vermelding 2008, TIOLI #12, original title By the river, 234 pages

A YA novel in verses. Australia, 1960s, Harry Hodby lives in a small town with his brother Keith and his father. His mother died 7 years ago, when he was 7 years old. Life is tough here, and so are the people of the town.

Written in poetic sentences, the harsh life of an adolescent boy is described. Very good read.

97FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 6, 2017, 8:22 am

>95 lunacat: I hope to get to #75 today, Jenny, as today is also my 9th Thingaversary!

98lunacat
mrt 6, 2017, 8:21 am

>97 FAMeulstee: That would seem extremely apt! I hope you manage it. And Happy Thingaversary. What a perfect double celebration day for you :).

99FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 6, 2017, 8:23 am

>98 lunacat: Thank you, Jenny!
If I don't finish Tegenvoeters (Dutch translation of A sunburned country), Jenny, I can easily read Lieve oma Pluis, a short Dick Bruna book as #75.

100Berly
mrt 6, 2017, 8:25 am

>97 FAMeulstee: Happy Thingaversary and Congrats on making 75! I am sure you will make it any minute. ; )

101PaulCranswick
mrt 6, 2017, 9:12 am

Happy Thingamybob from me too and I am waiting expectantly to see what propels you to 75 books first this year.

102karenmarie
mrt 6, 2017, 9:15 am

Wow, Anita! Thingaversary AND 75 books read on the same day. Fantastic.

>92 scaifea: Thank you, Amber! Ignorance is bliss and I wouldn't want your Border Collie to have bad feelings for me.

103ChelleBearss
mrt 6, 2017, 9:52 am

Happy Thinga and #75! Exciting!

104drneutron
mrt 6, 2017, 11:48 am

Congrats to both 75 and a Thingaversary!

105FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 12:19 pm


book 75!: Tegenvoeters by Bill Bryson
from the library, translated, non-fiction, TIOLI #2, original title In a sunburned country, 382 pages

Bill Bryson at his best, telling his adventures in Australia, with lots of humor and without being grumpy.
With some history of the country, the terrible poisonous creatures that live there, descriptions of the landscapes and larded with funny and serious facts and anecdotes.

106FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 12:25 pm

>100 Berly: Thanks, Kim, it took a little bit longer, but I just finished #75 :-)

>101 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul, Thingamybob... I suppose that is an English word too LOL!

>102 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen, it is a happy day.

>103 ChelleBearss: Thank you, Chelle, exciting indeed!

>104 drneutron: Thanks, Jim, I never reached #75 so early.

107Ameise1
mrt 6, 2017, 12:26 pm

Congrats on reaching 75, Anita. Well done, lady. :-)

108jessibud2
mrt 6, 2017, 12:27 pm

>105 FAMeulstee: - Congratulations, Anita, for all your big news and numbers!

I often wondered how humour such as Bryson's translates. Sometimes, humour is such a subtle thing, but Bryson is one of my all-time favourites and it's good to hear that, for you, at least, he translates well! I have read many of his books, including this one and loved them all. Except his most recent; he was definitely grumpy in that one

109FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 2:19 pm

>107 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara, if you had told me a year ago I would reach 75 in March, I would not have believed.

>108 jessibud2: Thank you Shelley.
Yes, Brysons humor translates well, and most of the time I can laugh aboiut his grumpy rands, but his books are better without. I can imagine that in England there is more to be grumpy about ;-)
I have read 7 of his books.

110foggidawn
mrt 6, 2017, 4:01 pm

Congrats on your first 75 of the year!

111FAMeulstee
mrt 6, 2017, 6:29 pm

>110 foggidawn: Thanks Foggi, indeed there will probably be more this year ;-)

112PaulCranswick
mrt 6, 2017, 6:40 pm

>105 FAMeulstee: Well done, Anita!

113vancouverdeb
mrt 6, 2017, 7:49 pm

Amazing! Already 75 books read, Anita!Congratulations! Oh, and Happy Thingaverasay!

114scaifea
mrt 7, 2017, 6:50 am

>102 karenmarie: You're welcome, Karen! She *can* hold a grudge, that one...

Hi, Anita! Congrats on 75 - that's amazing!!

115lunacat
mrt 7, 2017, 6:58 am

Congratulations for yesterday - 75 books read and a Thingaversary. And here's to many more of both :).

116FAMeulstee
mrt 7, 2017, 7:35 am

>112 PaulCranswick: Thank you, Paul.

>113 vancouverdeb: Thanks, Deborah, it was a memorable day.

>114 scaifea: Thank you, Amber.

>115 lunacat: Yes there is probably more to come, Jenny, I hope this kind of reading will go on forever!

117harrygbutler
mrt 7, 2017, 7:59 am

>105 FAMeulstee: Congratulations on hitting 75, Anita! And on your Thingaversary!

118karenmarie
mrt 7, 2017, 9:13 am

Hi Anita! I hope you're having a lovely day.

119FAMeulstee
mrt 7, 2017, 3:08 pm

>117 harrygbutler: Thank you, Harry!

>118 karenmarie: Thanks, Karen, a bit of cleaning and a lot of reading, perfect day :-)

120FAMeulstee
mrt 7, 2017, 4:07 pm


book 76: Het dansende licht by Tonke Dragt
own, Dutch, YA, TIOLI #6, no translations, 104 pages

Six fairytales by Tonke Dragt, with illustrations of six well known illustrators.

121FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 7, 2017, 4:20 pm


book 77: Lieve oma Pluis by Dick Bruna
own, Dutch, picturebook, awarded, Zilveren Griffel 1997, TIOLI #1, English translation Goodbye Grandma, 25 pages

Grandma has died. Nijntje (Miffy) and her family say goodbye at the funeral. Nijntje visits Grandma's grave.

122charl08
Bewerkt: mrt 7, 2017, 4:17 pm

Gosh that seems like a very gloomy Miffy. I didn't realise those books tackled such serious topics...

Congrats on the 75 books - glad we share the thingaversary, if not quite the totals.

123FAMeulstee
mrt 7, 2017, 4:19 pm


book 78: Boris Beer by Dick Bruna
own, Dutch, picturebook, awarded, Gouden Penseel 1990, English translation Boris Bear, 25 pages

Boris Bear is in the woods to find wood for his fire. He takes the wood and chops it. After diner he lights the fire and reads until bedtime.

124EllaTim
mrt 7, 2017, 4:26 pm

Wow, 75 books read, in just over 2 months. And your 9th Thingaversary, good figures for you!

>120 FAMeulstee: I love Tonke Dragt, but this book I didn't know, are this original fairy tales, her own? Or rewritings?

125FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 7, 2017, 4:34 pm

>122 charl08: Yes it is a bit gloomy, Charlotte, but also very sweet. I think it is a good way to help the little ones to cope with death. There are more good picture books about death, neighbors have my copy of Frog and the Birdsong to help their 3 year old after their dog was euthanised.

Thanks, you are still reading a lot, your work has slowed it a bit down, but still respectable numbers!

126FAMeulstee
mrt 7, 2017, 4:30 pm

>124 EllaTim: Thank you, Els.

I love Tonke Dragt too, I have nearly all her books :-)
These are her own fairytales, some have been published before in Het gevaarlijke venster, one was never published before and one was written as TV-play in the 1960s.

127PawsforThought
mrt 7, 2017, 4:46 pm

>121 FAMeulstee: Oooh, Miffy! I wanted to go to the Miffy shop when I was in Amsterdam last year but it was so out of the way and I didn't have time. Some day.

128sirfurboy
mrt 8, 2017, 4:40 am

>121 FAMeulstee: I didn't realise until recently that Miffy was originally Dutch. My children used to love these.

129FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 8, 2017, 6:04 am

>127 PawsforThought: There is even a museum dedicated to Miffy in Utrecht :-)

>128 sirfurboy: Yes, Miffy is originally Dutch, to us she is Nijntje. She had different names in different languages, but most of the world know her as Miffy.

130scaifea
mrt 8, 2017, 6:28 am

We only have the first Miffy book, but Charlie and I both just love her.

131FAMeulstee
mrt 8, 2017, 6:53 am

>130 scaifea: Yes Amber, Miffy is adorable I had one or two Miffy books when I was young.

132FAMeulstee
mrt 8, 2017, 7:01 am


book 79: Chocolade oorlog by Robert Cormier
own, translated, YA, awarded, Vlag en Wimpel 1983, TIOLI #13, original title The chocolate war, 234 pages

Jerry recently lost his mother to cancer. After her death he and his father move to a new place. It is difficult at his new school, lots of bullying, a gang that makes the rules and teachers going along with it.

I was a hard read, I don't like bullies and I don't like violence. It is probably a very good book, but I did not relly enjoy it.

133msf59
Bewerkt: mrt 8, 2017, 7:05 am



^Hooray for hitting our magic number, Anita!!

134foggidawn
mrt 8, 2017, 8:38 am

>132 FAMeulstee: I felt the same way about that one. I had to read it for a young adult literature class in library school, because it's an example of "early" young adult literature (from when it was first being distinguished as something separate from juvenile or adult), but that didn't make me like it more!

135lunacat
mrt 8, 2017, 9:11 am

>132 FAMeulstee: Yup, I felt the same way. I was bullied a lot at school so it wasn't exactly the escapist read I needed. I've never tried it again to see if I could appreciate it now I'm further removed from my school days.

136sirfurboy
mrt 8, 2017, 9:17 am

>132 FAMeulstee: I read the Chocolate War many years ago, and agree it is a hard read. A depressing book, but also a challenging and thought provoking one. I have never had any desire to re-read it, but neither do I regret having read it.

137FAMeulstee
mrt 8, 2017, 3:56 pm

>134 foggidawn: >135 lunacat: >136 sirfurboy: Well, I am glad I am not alone about The chocolate war!

>134 foggidawn: It might be even harder if you HAVE to read it, at least it was voluntary for me. It was part of my project to read all my childrens/YA books and deciding wich to keep. This one is going to be culled.

>135 lunacat: I don't think I could have finished it when I was younger, Jenny, I was bullied too and even all these years later I still cringe when I read about it...

>136 sirfurboy: Yes, it is thought provoking, but in a depressing way, there is so little hope... I saw on LT there is a second book (not transtated into Dutch), maybe that one ends more positive?

138johnsimpson
mrt 8, 2017, 4:06 pm

Congrats on reaching your 75th book my dear, is this the earliest date that 75 books read has been reached, it is some achievement my dear friend.

139sirfurboy
Bewerkt: mrt 9, 2017, 6:13 am

>137 FAMeulstee: Well, I have not read the sequel either, so I don't know, sorry.

A thought occurred to me. How is "chocolade" pronounced in Dutch? Is that the normal Dutch ch sound, or, because it is a borrow word, does it sound like English or the French "chocolat"?

When I read the title I assumed the French pronunciation but now I am unsure.

ETA:

I can't believe I have never heard anyone mention chocolate in Dutch!

140FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 9, 2017, 10:40 am

>133 msf59: Oh, sorry, I missed you Mark, thank you!!

>138 johnsimpson: Thanks John, I am the earliest this year. Stasia (alcottacre) has been earlier in other years (half February in 2009 and 2010).

>139 sirfurboy: The "ch" in chocolade sounds like "sj", indeed more like the French "chocolat". We have many borrowed French words.
That is strange, we Dutch do consume a lot of chocolate, not only as sweets but also chocolate milk & hot chocolate in winter :-)

141scaifea
mrt 9, 2017, 6:39 am

I read The Chocolate War a year or two ago and loved it. It's difficult, yes, but so well written, I thought. Really engrossing. I get why it would be troubling for some, though. Cormier's stuff tends to be that way, I think.

142FAMeulstee
mrt 9, 2017, 6:49 am


book 80: Zoon by Karl Ove Knausgård
from the library, e-book, autobiography, TIOLI #15, English translation Boyhood Island: My Struggle Book 3, 443 pages

In the third book of "My struggle" Karl Ove Knausgård describes his childhood years in primary school and the first years in middle school. He lives in a small town on an island. Where his early years are mostly situated in his own neighborhood, growing older he expands his surroundings. His relationship with his father is very difficult. For many years he suffers from anxiety.

I still enjoy reading Knausgård, but my ratings go down 1/2 a * with each book... The first one was really great, but somehow knowing his style makes it less exiting.

143FAMeulstee
mrt 9, 2017, 6:56 am

>141 scaifea: Yes he is a great writer, Amber, the book wouldn't be so disturbing if he wasn't. Did you ever read the sequel?

144FAMeulstee
mrt 9, 2017, 1:54 pm


book 81: Winterdieren by Bibi Dumon Tak
own, Dutch, YA, awarded, Gouden Griffel 2011, TIOLI #5, no English translation, 137 pages

Book with descriptions of 23 animals living at the Northpole and/or Southpole. From polar bear to emperor penguin, from krill to bowhead whale, all these animals have specialised to survive in extreme cold. With beautiful illustrations by Martijn van der Linden.

145johnsimpson
mrt 9, 2017, 4:14 pm

Hi Anita, hope you have had a good week so far my dear and thank you for the kind message regarding Amy.

146karenmarie
mrt 9, 2017, 6:02 pm

Hi Anita! Eighty books so far. You are a wonder!

147ronincats
mrt 9, 2017, 9:41 pm

Whoa! A belated Happy Thingaversary, Anita, and congratulations on blowing past the 75 book mark already!

148alcottacre
mrt 9, 2017, 9:44 pm


149scaifea
mrt 10, 2017, 6:42 am

>143 FAMeulstee: Anita: To be honest, I didn't know there was a sequel! I may get round to it someday.

150FAMeulstee
mrt 10, 2017, 3:06 pm

>145 johnsimpson: Thanks, Paul, I am still busy with the spring cleaning, and worked a bit in the garden today, as the weather was nice.

>146 karenmarie: Thank you, Karen, don't feel like a wonder ;-)

>147 ronincats: Thanks, Roni, I have no idea how long this speed reading will last, but I do enjoy it!

>148 alcottacre: Thank you, Stasia!

>149 scaifea: I didn't know either, Amber, but saw it when I edited the book.

151Whisper1
mrt 10, 2017, 3:32 pm

>96 FAMeulstee: Hi Anita. I checked my library to find that I've already added this one. I hope my local library has it.

Happy Weekend!

152EllaTim
mrt 10, 2017, 5:00 pm

>144 FAMeulstee: Winterdieren looks beautiful, just for the illustrations.

You made me curious about the chocolate war, but also hesitant, does it resemble Lord of the flies? Cause I really hated that. I know children can be cruel to each other, but I don't like books where this is the only perspictive, and nothing redeeming it.

153PaulCranswick
mrt 11, 2017, 9:04 am

Wishing you a splendid weekend, Anita. Rate you are going, there will be no books left for you to read in the Netherlands soon!

154countrylife
mrt 11, 2017, 9:32 am

>44 FAMeulstee: : I'm impressed with your reading of Celia Garth, Anita! I can only read in ONE language!

155figsfromthistle
mrt 11, 2017, 10:40 am

Just catching up with your thread. Congratulations on reaching the 75 mark! :)

156FAMeulstee
mrt 11, 2017, 3:01 pm

>151 Whisper1: Hi Linda, I hope you can find a copy of By the river.

>152 EllaTim: Yes the illustrations are beautiful, here the illustration with the muskox:


I haven't read Lord of the flies, so I can't compare. There was nothing happy at the end of The chocolate war, I am going to give my copy away, I can send it...

>153 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, I am not afraid to run out of books soon. When I was young I managed to read all childrens/YA books of the small library in the village I lived back then, but the library here is much larger no way I can read them all ;-)

>154 countrylife: Thanks Cindy, being active many years on the internet has improved my English. But it still takes way more time to read a book in English.

>155 figsfromthistle: Thank you, Anita.

157Ameise1
mrt 11, 2017, 3:04 pm

Happy weekend, Anita. We had a beautiful spring day. I hope you had one, too.

158FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 11, 2017, 3:30 pm


book 82: De Boeddha in de wereld by Pankaj Mishra
from the library, translated, non-fiction, , TIOLI #11, English title An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World, 415 pages

What started as a travel along places where Buddha lived, becomes much more. From the teachings of Buddha, to ancient Greek and western 19th century philosphers and the development of India.
Pankaj Mishra came from a small village in India, he wants to be a writer and starts without any knowledge of the Buddha or Buddhism. Exploring history he finds that Buddhism once was the major religion of India and that the teachings of Buddha took place in turbulent times.
I can't really categorise this book, it is a travelogue, a biography of Buddha, exploring the different kinds of Buddhism, an exploration of philosophical roots of present day western world, a look at the development of India as a independant nation, and some spiritual reflection. And all of this from a very different, non-western perspective.

159FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 11, 2017, 3:32 pm

>157 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara, today was a bit chilly, but yesterday we had a spring day.

160Berly
mrt 12, 2017, 12:48 am

Hi Anita--Hoping you have a wonderful day!! I read The Chocoloate Wars a few years back. A good, but hard read for sure. I like the Bruna books though!

161FAMeulstee
mrt 12, 2017, 1:58 am

>160 Berly: Thank you Kim, agree on both.

162FAMeulstee
mrt 12, 2017, 3:01 am

Franks aunt passed away last night.

Frank is in Rotterdam, as his sister came over from the USA last week to visit her aunt a last time. They went to visit her together yesterday.

163Berly
mrt 12, 2017, 3:11 am

Anita--I am so sorry to hear about Frank's Aunt. I am glad his sister made it over in time to be with her before she passed. Best wishes to all of you.

164Ameise1
Bewerkt: mrt 12, 2017, 4:50 am

I'm so sorry for your loss, Anita. I know that you have visited her recently and told us how difficult it is due to her dementia but it is always hard to let a loved one go. My thoughts are with you and Frank. Love and hugs xx

165FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 12, 2017, 7:45 am

Thanks Kim and Barbara, it was expected but somehow always a shock when it happens... :'(
The funeral will be Tuesday, so from Monday to Wednesday we will stay in Rotterdam, Frank is booking the hotel right now.

Here a picture of aunt Nel before she suffered from dementia.

166BBGirl55
mrt 12, 2017, 8:24 am

Sorry to hear about your loss I send hugs.

On a happyer note congraz on reaching the magic 75+.

167msf59
mrt 12, 2017, 8:32 am



^Here is some color for your Sunday, Anita! Sorry, to hear about your Aunt.

168jessibud2
mrt 12, 2017, 8:59 am

My condolences too, Anita, to you and Frank. Losing a beloved family member is never easy, whether or not it is expected. It is good that Frank's sister was able to make it on time

169charl08
mrt 12, 2017, 9:31 am

So sorry to hear about your aunt. >158 FAMeulstee: Sounds like a fascinating read.

170scaifea
mrt 12, 2017, 10:09 am

I'm so sorry about Frank's Aunt, Anita. I'll be keeping you both in my thoughts.

The Mishra book sounds really interesting - I think I'll need to add it to my list...

171kidzdoc
mrt 12, 2017, 11:18 am

Please send my condolesences to Frank, Anita.

I'll start planning my June trip the week after next, and finalize it once my group's May schedule is published. I'll probably spend a week or so in Amsterdam before I fly to Bilbao, and IIRC the Holland Festival will take place in Amsterdam in early June.

172countrylife
mrt 12, 2017, 1:08 pm

My condolences to you and your family on the passing of Frank's aunt. No matter the circumstances, releasing a loved one is so hard.

173karenmarie
mrt 12, 2017, 1:24 pm

Anita, I, too, am so sorry to hear about Frank's Aunt passing away. Sending hugs and condolences to you and your family.

174figsfromthistle
mrt 12, 2017, 1:42 pm

I am so sorry for your loss.

175EllaTim
mrt 12, 2017, 3:04 pm

Hi Anita, my condolences to you and Frank, and your family of course. Good that his sister was there in time to see her.

>156 FAMeulstee: Thanks for the beautiful picture! And also thanks for the offer of sending the book, but I don't think I'd enjoy it. Maybe a library in the neighbourhood?

Isn't it nice to have a big library to borrow from? I grew up with a small village library as well. Two bookcases for young children, three for older children. It was funded by the catholic church, so no Annie M.G. Schmidt for us, she was on the taboo list, can you imagine?

176johnsimpson
mrt 12, 2017, 4:39 pm

Hi Anita, we both send our condolences to you and Frank on the sad loss of his aunt. Even though as you said it was expected it is still a shock and we are both thinking of you both at this sad time my dear, sending love and hugs to you both.

177lunacat
mrt 12, 2017, 4:45 pm

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I am glad to see that both Frank and his sister were able to be there to say goodbye to her. It's those things that count in the end.

178drneutron
mrt 12, 2017, 8:04 pm

Yep, so sorry for your loss.

179LovingLit
mrt 12, 2017, 10:56 pm

>105 FAMeulstee: is the Bill Bryson one an old one, or a new one? I seem to recall one about Australia already.

My condolences too, regarding the death in your family.

180vancouverdeb
Bewerkt: mrt 12, 2017, 11:39 pm

I am so sorry to hear of passing of Frank's Aunt Nel. My sympathy to you and Frank and the family.

181FAMeulstee
mrt 13, 2017, 2:43 am

>166 BBGirl55: >167 msf59: >168 jessibud2: >169 charl08: >170 scaifea: >171 kidzdoc: >172 countrylife: >173 karenmarie: >174 figsfromthistle: >175 EllaTim: >176 johnsimpson: >177 lunacat: >178 drneutron: >179 LovingLit: >180 vancouverdeb:

Thanks Bryony, Mark, Shelley, Charlotte, Amber, Darryl, Cindy, Karen, Anita, Els, John & Karen, Jenny, Jim, Megan and Deborah.
We are leaving for Rotterdam today, the funeral will be tomorrow.

A lot to do today, as on Wednesday are the elections and we won't be home in time to vote. So today before we leave we have to go to the city hall to get voting passes, so we can vote outside our own city.

>169 charl08: >170 scaifea: I hope you both get to Pankaj Mishra's An End to Suffering: The Buddha in the World.

>175 EllaTim: Annie M.G. was very subversive in the eyes of the eshtablishment back then.

>179 LovingLit: It is an old Bryson, also published as Down Under.

182FAMeulstee
mrt 13, 2017, 3:06 am


book 83: De geest op de rotswand by Ann O'Neil Garcia
own, translated, YA, awarded, Vlag en Wimpel 1986, TIOLI #14, original title Spirit on the Wall, 146 pages

A clan in the ice age, a child is born. The mother is ready to kill her newborn daughter, as her legs are crippled. The grandmother, Mat-Maw, rescues and raises the child. Eventually the clan turns against them and they have to leave.

183FAMeulstee
mrt 13, 2017, 3:17 am


book 84: Blote handen by Bart Moeyaert
own, Dutch, YA, awarded, Zilveren Griffel 1996, TIOLI #14, English translation Bare hands, 94 pages

Two boys wander around at New Years Eve and get in trouble when one of them accidentally kills a duck. The owner of the duck kills the boy's dog. The boys want revenge.
Didn't like this one, the dog dies in the first chapter :-(

184scaifea
mrt 13, 2017, 6:33 am

>183 FAMeulstee: Oh, boy, that sounds *terrible*! Yeesh.

185DianaNL
mrt 13, 2017, 7:12 am

Gecondoleerd Anita.

186msf59
mrt 13, 2017, 7:28 am

Have a safe trip to Rotterdam, Anita.

187harrygbutler
mrt 13, 2017, 8:00 am

>162 FAMeulstee: My condolences to you and Frank and your family, Anita.

188Ameise1
mrt 13, 2017, 10:59 am

I hope it's quiet now in Rotterdam after the awful weekend. Be careful and stay safe, Anita.

189ronincats
mrt 13, 2017, 6:08 pm

I am also sending my condolences to you, Frank, and your family, Anita. My thoughts are with you all.

190jnwelch
mrt 13, 2017, 6:16 pm

My condolences regarding Frank's aunt, Anita.

191alcottacre
mrt 13, 2017, 6:16 pm

>158 FAMeulstee: Sounds fascinating. Into The BlackHole it goes!

I am sorry to hear about the death in your family, Anita. Please extend my condolences to Frank as well.

192PaulCranswick
mrt 13, 2017, 7:38 pm

Anita this is the 1,000th post on your threads this year; well done!

My condolences to you and Frank on the passing of his auntie.

193vancouverdeb
mrt 13, 2017, 8:17 pm

I was thinking of that trouble in Rotterdam , Anita. Safe travels and my best to you and Frank and family.

194karenmarie
mrt 14, 2017, 11:54 am

Have a safe trip too, and I hope you're able to vote. I heard a bit about the election on NPR this morning and thought of you.

195PaulCranswick
mrt 14, 2017, 7:20 pm

The Netherlands is very much in the news at the moment. Most Dutch people that I know are what our American friends would term as liberals but the election upcoming is clearly one which will define your futures as our Brexit referendum did ours. Take good care. xx

196SandDune
mrt 15, 2017, 4:15 pm

Sorry to hear about Frank's aunt as well, Anita.

197FAMeulstee
mrt 15, 2017, 6:18 pm

>184 scaifea: Yes it was terrible, Amber, I rarely give a book 2 stars...

>185 DianaNL: Thanks Diana.

>186 msf59: Thank you Mark, we came just back home.

>187 harrygbutler: Thanks Harry.

>188 Ameise1: Yes is was quiet in Rotterdam, Barbara. Franks was having a beer with a friend right across the street of the Turkish consulate on the evening of the demonstration. He just missed the trouble later that evening, as they went away before that happened. That evening his aunt died...

>189 ronincats: Thanks Roni.

>190 jnwelch: Thanks Joe.

198FAMeulstee
mrt 15, 2017, 6:27 pm

>191 alcottacre: Yes it was, Stasia, I hope it gets out of The Black Hole one day ;-)
And thank you.

>192 PaulCranswick: Thanks & thanks Paul, I would have missed the 1000th without you.

>193 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, the past days were quiet and easy in Rotterdam. We are safely back home now and Franks sister is back in the USA.

>194 karenmarie: Thanks Karen, we changed our voting-papers on Monday morning for a voting-pass that was valid at any voting-place. We voted in Gouda.

>195 PaulCranswick: It looks like Wilders did not win as much as we feared, Paul, but it looks like the left has lost...

>196 SandDune: Thank you Rhian.

199FAMeulstee
mrt 15, 2017, 6:39 pm

We are back home.

Monday evening Frank and I went to the funeral home to see aunt Nel for the last time. She looked peaceful, but awfully thin...
The funeral was on Tuesday morning and later that day Frank and his sister went to the notary to give Frank the legal power to settle the inheritance. There isn't much left, but it has to be legally settled. I went to the market with Ari in the afternoon and bought two books.
Today (Wednesday) our friend Guido came with two friends and a van to the nursery home, where aunt Nel lived for over 4 years, to empty her room. We went to Gouda, where Guido lives and voted there. Guido made us dinner and after that we went home.
On our way home my father called, my mother had fallen and they were on their way to hospital, as it was thought she might have broken a bone. Half an hour ago my father called again that they were back home, my mom did not break anything...

Now we are all tired (Ari included) and nearly ready to go to sleep a nice long sleep in our own beds.

200EllaTim
mrt 15, 2017, 8:21 pm

Hi Anita, long and tiring day, I'm glad your mother was allright!

201Whisper1
mrt 15, 2017, 8:58 pm

Hello Dear Friend. I'm thinking of you. What a lot of issues in your life. Big Hugs to you. I also am glad that your mother is allright. And, I am sorry to learn of the passing of Frank's Aunt.

202Berly
mrt 15, 2017, 10:50 pm

Anita--What a tough week. Hang in there. Sending best wishes.

203Ameise1
mrt 16, 2017, 1:55 am

Oh dear, take care, Anita. You really had a tough time. Thinking of you and yours.

I'm glad to hear that Frank didn't got into the demonstration bulk.

204FAMeulstee
mrt 16, 2017, 4:00 pm

>200 EllaTim: Thank you, Els, so are we.

>201 Whisper1: Thanks, Linda, it was a lot to cope with. Luckely we have some quiets days now.

>202 Berly: Thank you, Kim, it was a tough week, we are happy with some rest now.

>203 Ameise1: Thanks, Barbara, we all are happy to be home again, Ari included.
Yes, Frank was glad he left the place just in time!

205FAMeulstee
mrt 16, 2017, 4:22 pm

Reading wasn't much the last days. I took De gebroeders Karamazov (The brothers Karamazov) with me to Rotterdam, but only read 200 pages (the 1st book of 4). I am not sure I like it, but maybe I will like it more later on. At least I hope so, with 750 pages to go ;-)
Today I started something lighter: Het laatste lijk (Cadfael 2) by Ellis Peters, and that feels better, although I am reading a bit slower than usual...

206FAMeulstee
mrt 17, 2017, 2:13 pm

Five days between finishing books, that hasn't happened before this year.


book 85: Het laatste lijk by Ellis Peters
from the library, translated, mystery, Cadfael 2, TIOLI #7, original title One corpse too many, 218 pages

Second Brother Cadfael book, after taking Shrewsbury King Stephen orders that the 94 men who defended the town must be hanged. When Brother Cadfael comes to help with the burial of these men, there are 95 corpses instead of 94. He gets permission of the king to find out what happened.
In this book Hugh Beringer is introduced, who will be a part of the cast in the next books.

207Ameise1
mrt 18, 2017, 3:54 am

Hapoy Saturday, Anita. Here it's a rainy and windy day.

208PaulCranswick
mrt 18, 2017, 6:54 am

>206 FAMeulstee: That is just the sort of book to read after a tough week.

Have a lovely and relaxing weekend, Anita.

209vancouverdeb
mrt 18, 2017, 8:24 am

Happy Weekend, Anita! We too are having a rainy , windy day and many of them. I am quite weary of it. My son and his wife are travelling today from Iceland to Copenhagen and then onto Amsterdam on Wednesday, I think it is. They are back home next Sunday. They are sure having a whirlwind of a trip. I'll know more about the time they are having once they get home.

210karenmarie
mrt 18, 2017, 11:00 am

Hi Anita! I'm glad things went well re the funeral and legal issues. I'm sorry your mother fell, but am glad she didn't break anything.

I hope you, Frank, and Ari are having a restful, peaceful weekend.

211johnsimpson
mrt 18, 2017, 4:57 pm

Hope you are having a restful weekend Anita my dear.

212FAMeulstee
mrt 19, 2017, 4:44 am

>207 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara, it is the same weather here, happy Sunday!

>208 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul. Yes, the Cadfael mysteries are cosy reads.

>209 vancouverdeb: Thank you, Deborah. There is rain and wind all around, including Copenhagen...

>210 karenmarie: Thanks Karen, we were glad it all went smoothly. We are having some quiet days now, Frank starts working again Tuesday night.

>211 johnsimpson: Thank you, John, the same to you.

213Ameise1
mrt 19, 2017, 5:09 am

Happy Sunday, Anita. Today, it's dry but cloudy. Our garden was happy to get some rain.

214FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 19, 2017, 7:04 am

 

Two YA books about painters in the Dutch Golden Age (17th century). Originally there was a third book planned, but these two didn't sell well and the third book was cancelled.

book 86: Hoe schilder hoe wilder : Leiden by Miep Diekmann
own, Dutch, YA, awarded, Vlag en Wimpel 1987, TIOLI #3, no translations, 192 pages
 We follow two boys in Leiden, Bastiaan and Andries, who both want to be painters. Andries gets drawing lessons from Gerrit Dou and Bastiaan is working after school hours at an artshop, where he learn a lot about many painters like Hendrick Avercamp, Lucas van Leyden and Rembrandt van Rijn. His favorite painter is Hendrick Vroom who paints ships and battles at sea.


book 87: Hoe schilder hoe wilder : Haarlem by Miep Diekmann
own, Dutch, YA, TIOLI #3, no translations, 248 pages
 In the second book Bastiaan starts his painting education in Haarlem at Hendrick Vroom's place. He meets Frans Hals and the female painter Judith Leyster. After a trip to Amsterdam his friend Andries comes to Haarlem too.


The books are illustrated with paintings of many famous painters. It nicely explains the developments of Dutch painting in the 17th century. I learned about a painter/printartist I hadn't known before Hercules Seghers, some of his etchings are almost like impressionists painted centuries later:

215FAMeulstee
mrt 19, 2017, 5:48 am

>213 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara!
Indeed the garden is happy with some rain. Over here it is very windy with some rain again, a day to cuddle up inside. But first I have to walk with Ari, he doesn't mind this weather ;-)

216charl08
mrt 19, 2017, 6:21 am

>214 FAMeulstee: What a shame the third book was canceled - they sound great.

217FAMeulstee
mrt 19, 2017, 12:25 pm

>216 charl08: Indeed, Charlotte. The writer started this project because there were no youth books about this subject. She worked together with an art historican. I wonder if the manuscript for the third book is still around at the publisher....

218lunacat
mrt 19, 2017, 1:53 pm

219EllaTim
mrt 19, 2017, 2:06 pm

>217 FAMeulstee: Wouldn't that be something. I would love to read those books. Art and history together. And another YA I'd never heard of.

>218 lunacat: Nice reminder!

220FAMeulstee
mrt 19, 2017, 3:39 pm

>218 lunacat: Thanks Jenny :-)

>219 EllaTim: The two books I read are easely found at www.boekwinkeltjes.nl, Els, just fill in the title "Hoe schilder hoe wilder". Many copies of the first book (Leiden) and a few of the second book (Haarlem). The books are large, A4 format, but might fit in "brievenbus post".

221alcottacre
mrt 19, 2017, 3:41 pm

>214 FAMeulstee: What a shame that they did not complete the series. It sounds like a fascinating project.

Happy Sunday, Anita!

222FAMeulstee
mrt 19, 2017, 5:46 pm

>221 alcottacre: Indeed Stasia, and sadly none is translated either :(
I am so happy you are back, happy what is left of your Sunday ;-)

223vancouverdeb
mrt 19, 2017, 11:42 pm

We had a lovely , sunny warm weekend, Anita! I got an Instagram picture of Copenhagen today and it looks like the " kids" are enjoying their days in Copenhagen. Wishing you a good week ahead.

224Ameise1
mrt 20, 2017, 2:12 am

Wishing you a wonderful start into the new week.

225FAMeulstee
mrt 20, 2017, 5:21 am

>223 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, I hope you enjoyed your sunny weekend. I am sury Poppy didn't mind to walk without her raincoat ;-)
Over here still wind and rain, but it should get better later in the week.

>224 Ameise1: Thank you, Barbara, the same to you.

226scaifea
mrt 20, 2017, 6:35 am

Happy new week, Anita!!

227msf59
mrt 20, 2017, 6:59 am

Hi, Anita! Hope you had a nice weekend, filled with book reading.

228cal8769
mrt 20, 2017, 7:22 am

What a great topper. It would be great to sit and figure out what each means.

229lunacat
mrt 20, 2017, 7:36 am


230FAMeulstee
mrt 20, 2017, 9:22 am

>226 scaifea: Thank you, Amber, I hope for an uneventful week.

>227 msf59: Thanks, Mark, I finished two books and returned to The brothers Karamazov today.

>228 cal8769: Thank you, Carrie, it was a very nice exhibition. Some parts were too crowded to stand watching a painting for a long time, but we spend some more time at the less crowded areas.

>229 lunacat: Thanks, Jenny :-)

231FAMeulstee
mrt 21, 2017, 9:38 am


book 88: De gehangene van Dartmoor by Michael Jecks
from the library, translated, mystery, Sir Baldwin 3, TIOLI #15, original title A Moorland Hanging, 311 pages

Third Sir Baldwin book, in 14th century England Sir Baldwin and bailiff Simon Puttock solve mysteries.
A villain has run away from his owner and went to the community of tin miners, who work under protection of the King. This man is found hanging on a tree, but Sir Baldwin finds out he wasn't killed by the hanging. There is plenty of suspects, the landowner and his sons, and a lot of rival miners.
All is tied neatly together at the end, good and cosy mystery.

232vancouverdeb
Bewerkt: mrt 21, 2017, 9:11 pm

I hope you are able to find The Stone Angel in the Netherlands, Anita. My son and daughter in law will be in Amsterdam now until Saturday, I think it is, and then they home again. It will be great to see them and hear about all of their adventures.

233FAMeulstee
mrt 22, 2017, 6:54 am

>232 vancouverdeb: Your son and his wife are lucky, the weather turned into nice and sunny :-)
I just got the Dutch translation of The stone angel from the library as e-book and hope to read it soon.

234FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 22, 2017, 8:26 am


book 89: Tegenstroom by Peter Robinson
from the library, translated, mystery, DCI Banks 3, TIOLI #15, original title A necessary end, 304 pages

Third DCI Banks book, set in the late 1980s, in Yorkshire.
A policeman is killed during an anti-nucleair demonstration that went out of hand. DCI Alan Banks has to work under an old acquaintance from the London PD: "Dirty" Dick Burgess, who is brought in to help with the investigation. Burgess believes everyting can be solved by intimidation, Alan Banks disagrees, but can't openly let down his temporary chief.

DCI Alan Banks is a nice, complicated and believable character. I am looking forward to read the next book :-)

235EllaTim
mrt 22, 2017, 7:54 am

>Hi Anita, wishing you a nice sunny reading day.

>220 FAMeulstee: Good tip! I will have a look there.

Inspector Banks sounds interesting, and a nice cover as well. Five stars, I'm going to try this series.

236charl08
Bewerkt: mrt 22, 2017, 8:20 am

>234 FAMeulstee: I love that cover. Really atmospheric. I think there is a UK TV series of this character too.

237vancouverdeb
mrt 22, 2017, 9:46 am

I'm delighted to hear that you found a copy of The Stone Angel so easily at your library, Anita. I was pleased to receive a picture of my son and DIL at "Zaanse Shans." They are smiling broadly and have their feet in two great big pairs of wooden clogs. It looks they are having a lot of fun! :)

238FAMeulstee
mrt 22, 2017, 2:19 pm

>235 EllaTim: Thanks Els, it was nice and sunny today :-)
I started De blauwe tweeling a cozy mystery by Jan & Sanne Terlouw. I need some lighter reading in between De gebroeders Karamazow...

>236 charl08: Yes I know, Charlotte, I have watched some episodes of the TV series. The books are even better :-)

>237 vancouverdeb: If the book is available as e-book, I can get it with a few clicks on my computer, Deborah :-)
Glad to hear your son and his wife are having a good time here.

239magicians_nephew
mrt 22, 2017, 4:09 pm

The Brother Cadfeal books are rather fun - though the later books have a certain sameness to the plots that lessens the fun.

History tells us that Stephan was King and Empress Maud was a usurper - but it wasn't always that clear back in the day.

240karenmarie
mrt 22, 2017, 6:06 pm

Hi Anita! I hope your week is as 'uneventful' as you desired above. Books, relaxation, etc. I hope.

241LovingLit
mrt 23, 2017, 4:03 am

>238 FAMeulstee: I can get it with a few clicks on my computer
Well now. That is convenient, isn't it? You best do that then :)

The Peter Robinson mystery sounds like a satisfying read for you! I love a good solid 4-star rating.

242FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 23, 2017, 10:56 am

>239 magicians_nephew: Yes they are fun, Jim, the TV adaptions with Derek Jacobi were fun too.
I am not very familiair with English history, but only time tells who the good and bad girls/boys are.

>240 karenmarie: Going well, Karen, nothing to mention, except reading some books & a bit of gardening :-)

>241 LovingLit: It is a great system, Megan, I didn't know this existed when I got my e-reader last year. It is very convenient and easy to lend e-books from the national library. I think they can lend more copies at once, so every e-book is always available.
I started reading Peter Robinsons DCI Banks series in January and read one each month, all three were 4-star books for me.

243FAMeulstee
mrt 23, 2017, 11:05 am


book 90: De blauwe tweeling by Jan & Sanne Terlouw
from the library, e-book, Dutch, mystery, Reders & Reders 4, no translations, 285 pages

The fourth book with Job Reders and his daughter Leonie. Two blue diamonds, some murders, a legacy and a French family. Job and Leonie need a lot of time to figure this one out.

Not available in English.

244FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 25, 2017, 7:11 am


book 91: Stilte by Shusaku Endo
own, translated Japanese, historical fiction, TIOLI #2, English title Silence, 233 pages

17th century Japan, two Portugese catholic missionaries travel to Japan, where christianity is forbidden. The story tells about persecution, choices, struggles and questions of faith.

I didn't like the main character, I kept wondering why he went to Japan at all.

245charl08
mrt 24, 2017, 2:49 pm

>238 FAMeulstee: Even better than the TV? I should check it out.

I looked at Silence in the bookshop today, but it was a TV tie in edition and I don't like them!

Wishing you a great weekend.

246johnsimpson
mrt 24, 2017, 4:42 pm

Hi Anita, hope you have had a good day my dear and wishing you a relaxing and enjoyable weekend dear friend. Sending love and hugs from both of us.

247FAMeulstee
mrt 24, 2017, 6:37 pm

I am still reading The brothers Karamazov, and hope to finish it tomorrow....

>245 charl08: Mostly I prefer text over images, Charlotte, I hope you like the DCI Banks books too, when you gt to them. Some UK readers complain in the reviews about the fact Robinson uses an imaginary city instead of a real city. I didn't mind :-)
Happy weekend to you too!

>246 johnsimpson: Thanks John, the same to you and Karen!

248msf59
mrt 25, 2017, 7:11 am

Happy Saturday, Anita. Happy Reading! Enjoy your weekend.

249FAMeulstee
mrt 25, 2017, 7:36 am


book 92: De gebroeders Karamazow by F.M. Dostojewski
own, translated Russian, classic, TIOLI #2, English title The brothers Karamazov, 959 pages

Fjodor Karamazow is the father of 3 legitimate sons (by two wives) and an illegitimate son, who works as a servant at his place. Fjodor isn't a nice man, he never cared for his children and is only looking for pleasures in life. He seeks the love of a certain woman, as does his oldest son, Dmitri. But Dmitri is engaged to a lady in town, and with this lady his brother Iwan fell in love... The youngest brother, Aleksej, lives in a monastry, and is send into the world by his spiritual father after he dies.

I had trouble reading the first 1/2 - 2/3 of the book. Very long arguments about religion that I didn't care about. The characters are all overly dramatic and the women are all terrible. Of course these women are victims of their time, but none of them was likable. For the first half of the book I would have given a generous 3 stars, as it improved after that I give 3 1/2 stars. If you want to read one Dostojewski, you better read Crime and punishment.

250FAMeulstee
mrt 25, 2017, 7:38 am

>248 msf59: Hi Mark, you came along while I was crafting my review for The brothers Karamazov... I hope to return to happy reading now ;-)
Happy Saturday to you!

251charl08
Bewerkt: mrt 25, 2017, 9:28 am

The imaginary city is an interesting thing. I do quite like a crime novel with a strong sense of place. Although the plot has to be good too.

252FAMeulstee
mrt 25, 2017, 9:06 am

>251 charl08: The plots are good, Charlotte.
The stories take place in Eastvale, Yorkshire, the place Eastvale is modelled on North Yorkshire towns such as Ripon and Richmond. I can understand he did this, as the writer lives in Canada, so he is not able to check out each place he mentions. Nowadays with the internet it would be easier, but he started the series in the 1980s...

253kidzdoc
mrt 25, 2017, 5:50 pm

Wow, your reading tear is impressive, Anita!

254PaulCranswick
mrt 25, 2017, 8:35 pm

>249 FAMeulstee: Wow! 92 books and you have done that mighty tome, The Brothers Karamazov too. I am so impressed, Anita.

Your observation on why Banks created Eastvale is also very perceptive.

Have a lovely weekend.

255EllaTim
mrt 26, 2017, 7:53 am

Hi Anita, Sorry to read you didn't like the Brothers Karamazov. Must have been a slog, because it's such a wordy book, and to finish it when you don't really like it... kudos.

Hope you find some happier reading soon.

256Ameise1
mrt 26, 2017, 8:14 am

>234 FAMeulstee: It's still on my TBR pile.

Happy Sunday, Anita.

257FAMeulstee
mrt 26, 2017, 5:55 pm

Spend most of the day working in the garden today. It has been sunny weather the last week and sadly the weeds do like this weather. So I am trying to get them out before the seeds can spread... I also took some time to read :-)

>253 kidzdoc: Thanks Darryl :-)

>254 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul, I try to read one Russian a month.
I just thought that was a logical explanation why he created Eastvale.
I think it is Happy Monday to you by now ;-)

>255 EllaTim: Thank you, Els, yes it was a bit of a slog, but I am very happy it is finished now. I don't like to give on a book ;-)
Yes, I did find better readings, next one not so much, but after that one it got better.

>256 Ameise1: You will get to it one day, Barbara.
Happy Monday to you :-)

258FAMeulstee
mrt 26, 2017, 6:05 pm


book 93: De dag van de geitenman by Betsy Byars
own, translated, YA, awarded, Zilveren Griffel 1978, TIOLI #6, original title After the goat man, 104 pages

Ada and Harold are playing Monopoly on the porch, when Figgy meets them. Figgy lives with his grandfather, the Goatman. He was forced to leave his property to make room for a highway. He used to walk around in town with his two goats following him, so he got his name. When Figgy thinks his grandfather is in trouble, he goes to Harold and Amy for help.

259alcottacre
mrt 26, 2017, 6:13 pm

>234 FAMeulstee: You remind me that I need to get back to that series!

260FAMeulstee
mrt 26, 2017, 6:23 pm


book 94: De weglopers by Victor Canning
own, translated, YA, awarded, Vlag en Wimpel 1983, TIOLI #8, original title The runaways, 211 pages

Samuel Miles has run away from the reform school, where he was, falsly accused of theft. Yarra is a cheeta, she has run away from a reserve. We follow both, running away at the same day. How they both find the same place to hide for the rain. Later their paths split.
A compelling story, with vivid descriptions of the English landscape and the wilderness where Yarra ends up.

261FAMeulstee
mrt 26, 2017, 6:25 pm

>234 FAMeulstee: I have only read three books from the series, Stasia, I like them very much. How many did you read?

262vancouverdeb
mrt 26, 2017, 7:06 pm

I hope you continue to enjoy The Stone Angel, Anita. It takes a bit of getting into, or so I found, but it is a very rewarding read .

263Ameise1
mrt 27, 2017, 1:10 am

Good morning, Anita. Wishing you a good start into the new week.

264LovingLit
mrt 27, 2017, 2:26 am

You are piling up the books this year, Anita!!

265FAMeulstee
mrt 27, 2017, 6:32 am

>262 vancouverdeb: I just finished The stone angel, Deborah, and liked it very much. I am going to look out for her other books.

>263 Ameise1: Good afternoon, Barbara, we are going to a bookshop this afternoon, the Dutch bookweek has started. If you buy books this week, you get a free bookweek-book :-)

>264 LovingLit: Yes I am, Megan, and I love it!

266scaifea
mrt 27, 2017, 6:35 am

Happy new week, Anita!

267FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 27, 2017, 7:11 am


book 95: De stenen engel by Margaret Laurence
Found on Deborahs thread (vancouverdeb), from the library, e-book, translated, Canadian, TIOLI #4, original title The stone angel, 284 pages

90 year old Hagar Shipley grew up in Manawaka, in the Canadian prairie. ‎Now at the end of her life she is getting forgetful, her memories of the past are more vivid that present day life. Hagar is a difficult woman, raised harsh by her father, she was harsh to everyone she loved.
I was surprised how modern this beautiful story felt, as it was written over 50 years ago (1964).

It is the first book of four, I will look out for the next books.

268msf59
mrt 27, 2017, 7:04 am

Hi, Anita! The Stone Angel sounds very good. I also have it on the list, after Deb warbled about it.

269FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 27, 2017, 7:14 am

>266 scaifea: Thanks Amber, the same to you!

>268 msf59: Hi Mark, yes it is good, read it!
Deborah warbled for good reason :-)

270charl08
mrt 27, 2017, 7:33 am

>267 FAMeulstee: Sounds like a great read Anita. What's the bookweek book this year? I love this initiative, I think it's such a good idea.

271Ameise1
mrt 27, 2017, 8:11 am

>265 FAMeulstee: Oh, that sounds lovely.

272karenmarie
mrt 27, 2017, 9:58 am

Happy Monday, Anita!

Your reading continues to impress me with the variety. I'm sorry you didn't like The Brothers Karamazov. I admit to having great difficulty with Russian authors.

273jnwelch
Bewerkt: mrt 27, 2017, 5:21 pm

Hi, Anita.

Our daughter and I were just talking this weekend about how some people just don't like The Brothers Karamasov. She and I both did like it, but you've got plenty of company. (I've actually read it twice, and may do it again some day). Sorry it didn't work for you.

274FAMeulstee
mrt 27, 2017, 1:11 pm

>270 charl08: Yes it was a very good read, Charlotte. This years bookweek book is Makkelijk leven (Living easy) by Herman Koch.

>271 Ameise1: It was lovely, Barbara, we went to Almere as there is a better (and larger) bookstore.

>272 karenmarie: Thanks Karen, happy Monday to you too!
Don't be sorry, I didn't love The brothers Karamazov, as I am glad I have read it. The only Russian I really loved was Dokter Zjivago.
Crime and punishment and War and peace were decent 4* reads.

>273 jnwelch: Thanks Joe, I am glad others do love The brothers Karamazov. I am happy to have read it, but don't think I will ever do a re-read ;-)
And I didn't give up on Dostojewski, I just liked Crime and punishment better, and The idiot is still on my list to read.

275FAMeulstee
Bewerkt: mrt 27, 2017, 1:27 pm

We went to bookstore "Stumpel" in Almere to buy some books during the bookweek, to get the free bookweek book.
We found two lovely books and went to pay them seperately, so we got TWO bookweek books. This because with the bookweek book you can travel for free by train next Sunday and we want to go to Groningen to see the Rodin exposition in the Groninger museum :-)

Verzamelde werken 2 : Gedichten by Boris Pasternak
A new book in the Dutch "The Russian library" with the poetry of Boris Pasternak translated in Dutch togetherwith the original Russian text.

Het nieuwe vogels kijken by Kester Freriks
Second birding book by Kester Freriks with over 200 rare birds, we liked his first book Vogels kijken where he described 300 birds living in the Netherlands.

Makkelijk leven by Herman Koch
The free bookweek book, twice.

276Trifolia
mrt 27, 2017, 2:07 pm

Hi Anita, Boekenweek is fun, isn't it? What a clever idea to buy your books seperately :-) I guess and hope trains will be full next sunday, with booklovers from all over the Netherlands. Enjoy your visit.

277charl08
Bewerkt: mrt 27, 2017, 3:16 pm

I love the idea of trains full of booklovers.

I am reading Life and Fate at the moment, and I like it a lot. I have not read much Russian literature, so not a lot to compare it to. But definitely easier than The Master and Margarita.

278jnwelch
mrt 27, 2017, 5:22 pm

Oh my, our daughter and I loved The Master and Margarita, too. There's probably something askew with us.

279FAMeulstee
mrt 27, 2017, 5:50 pm

>276 Trifolia: Yes it is fun, Monica, and very Dutch to get most out of it ;-)
In previous years Frank used the bookweek book to travel by train to Rotterdam to visit his aunt. The trains never were very full on these days.

>277 charl08: Thanks Charlotte, I will report how many others we spot in the train Sunday.
It looks like the library has a copy of Life and fate available, if it is still there tomorrow I will pick it up to read with you.

>278 jnwelch: Or something askew about me... Well the least we can say is that our tastes are different, Joe. Any other Russians you both loved? ;-)

280vancouverdeb
mrt 27, 2017, 8:17 pm

Anita, you are such a fast reader! I am so delighted that you enjoyed The Stone Angel. I've also read A Jest of God by the same author, part of the " Manawaka Cycle" as the author calls it, and eventually I intend to read them all. I think there are 4 or 5 books that take place in Manitoba that are written by Margaret Laurence. I agree with you, in a sense The Stone Angel is quite like what a similar present day struggle might be for a family and individual.

281nittnut
mrt 27, 2017, 8:48 pm

Just passing through and waving hello. :)

282jnwelch
mrt 27, 2017, 9:12 pm

>279 FAMeulstee: Any other Russians you both loved? ;-) Yes - Gogol! Dead Souls is great, as are his short stories, like "The Overcoat" and "The Nose".

Turgenev, not so much. Yes also to Solzenitzyn.

283karenmarie
mrt 28, 2017, 6:02 am

Hi Anita! I, too, love the idea of a train full of booklovers.

284alcottacre
mrt 28, 2017, 6:16 am

>261 FAMeulstee: I did not get far into the series at all. I am not sure how many I read, but certainly not above 3 or 4.

285scaifea
mrt 28, 2017, 6:39 am

Hello, Anita!

>282 jnwelch: Oh! Gogol! Yes!

286EllaTim
mrt 28, 2017, 11:12 am

Hi Anita, Good for you, getting the bookweek book in time.

I predict that the trains will be very full:) What with the beautifull weather, and lots of people liking Herman Koch. Rodin in Groningen, I'll remember that, my husband loves Rodin a lot.

The Stone Angel sounds good!

287FAMeulstee
mrt 28, 2017, 3:28 pm

>280 vancouverdeb: Thanks Deborah, yes I read fast these days. I have the next book A jest of God from the library.

>281 nittnut: Hello Jenn *waving back* :-)

>282 jnwelch: Thanks Joe, Gogols Death souls is on my list and so is Turgenev.

>283 karenmarie: Yes, Karen, it is a nice gesture in the bookweek one day of free train travel.

>284 alcottacre: Then I hope you get back to it, Stasia, I liked them very much.

>285 scaifea: I hope to get to it next month, Amber.

>286 EllaTim: I think not everyone with the bookweek book will travel by train Sunday, Els, but probably more with this nice weather :-)
Looking forward to see the Rodin exposition. Long time ago I visited the Rodin museum in Paris, don't remember much, only that I liked his statues.

Dit onderwerp werd voortgezet door Anita (FAMeulstee) reads on in 2017 (5).