SusanJ's 75 Books Challenge - Thread 1
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Discussie75 Books Challenge for 2018
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1susanj67
Hello, and welcome to my first thread for 2018.
I'm Susan, a Kiwi living in London for the past 23 years. During the working week I'm a lawyer so I love nerdy legal stuff, which crops up in more books than you might expect.
Over the past few years I've started to read a lot more non-fiction, so my reading is now more balanced between F and NF than it typically has been. I think I spend more *time* reading NF than F, but NF books tend to be longer and more complicated than a quick novel.
While I have been reading mostly from the library, I do have a fair few books that I've bought (mostly for the Kindle) and I need to keep my eye on those so that I actually read them instead of just accumulating them. This year I want to focus on reading my own things (famous last words).
Here are my tickers. I'm aiming for 75 books in 2018 as I want to read some NF chunksters and I also want to read more magazines and internetty things. I can feel a bit pressured by a stack of library books, so I'm going to take it easy (and yes, I can hear that laughing from the cheap seats).
I'm Susan, a Kiwi living in London for the past 23 years. During the working week I'm a lawyer so I love nerdy legal stuff, which crops up in more books than you might expect.
Over the past few years I've started to read a lot more non-fiction, so my reading is now more balanced between F and NF than it typically has been. I think I spend more *time* reading NF than F, but NF books tend to be longer and more complicated than a quick novel.
While I have been reading mostly from the library, I do have a fair few books that I've bought (mostly for the Kindle) and I need to keep my eye on those so that I actually read them instead of just accumulating them. This year I want to focus on reading my own things (famous last words).
Here are my tickers. I'm aiming for 75 books in 2018 as I want to read some NF chunksters and I also want to read more magazines and internetty things. I can feel a bit pressured by a stack of library books, so I'm going to take it easy (and yes, I can hear that laughing from the cheap seats).
2susanj67
Books read during 2018
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
2. Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
6. Radical Technologies by Adam Greenfield
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
2. Snow Blind by Ragnar Jonasson
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
6. Radical Technologies by Adam Greenfield
3susanj67
A couple of years ago I started a new NF challenge, which is to read the non-fiction winners of the Pulitzer prize. I stole this idea from Reba, who was doing a fiction challenge (and has now finished it. Hi Reba!) This is a long-term project, rather than something to be completed in a year or two. If I can't find the relevant non-fiction winner easily in the UK, I propose to substitute the winner of the history category.
Last year I didn't make great progess, so I'd like to read at least five this year.
Here's the full list:
2014 Toms River: A Story of Science and Salvation by Dan Fagin
2010 The Dead Hand: The Untold Story of the Cold War Arms Race and Its Dangerous Legacy by David E. Hoffman
2009 Slavery by Another Name: The Re-Enslavement of Black Americans from the Civil War to World War II by Douglas A Blackmon
2008 The Years of Extermination: Nazi Germany and the Jews, 1939-1945 by Saul Friedländer
2006 Imperial Reckoning: The Untold Story of Britain's Gulag in Kenya by Caroline Elkins
2005 Ghost Wars by Steve Coll
2004 Gulag: A History by Anne Applebaum
2003 A Problem From Hell: America and the Age of Genocide by Samantha Power
2002 Carry Me Home: Birmingham, Alabama, the Climactic Battle of the Civil Rights Revolution by Diane McWhorter
2001 Hirohito and the Making of Modern Japan by Herbert P Bix
2000 Embracing Defeat: Japan in the Wake of World War II by John W. Dower
1999 Annals of the Former World by John McPhee
1996 The Haunted Land: Facing Europe's Ghosts After Communism by Tina Rosenberg
1995 The Beak Of The Finch: A Story Of Evolution In Our Time by Jonathan Weiner
1994 Lenin's Tomb: The Last Days Of The Soviet Empire by David Remnick
1993 Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words That Remade America by Garry Wills
1992 The Prize: The Epic Quest For Oil, Money & Power by Daniel Yergin
1991 The Ants by Bert Holldobler and Edward O Wilson
1990 And Their Children After Them by Dale Maharidge and Michael Williamson
1989 A Bright Shining Lie: John Paul Vann and America in Vietnam by Neil Sheehan
1987 Arab and Jew: Wounded Spirits in a Promised Land by David K Shipler
1986 Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families by J Anthony Lukas
1986 Move Your Shadow: South Africa, Black and White by Joseph Lelyveld
1985 The Good War: An Oral History of World War Two by Studs Terkel
1984 The Social Transformation Of American Medicine by Paul Starr
1983 Is There No Place On Earth For Me? by Susan Sheehan
1981 Fin-De Siecle Vienna: Politics And Culture by Carl E Schorske
1980 Godel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid by Douglas R Hofstadter
1979 On Human Nature by Edward O Wilson
1978 The Dragons of Eden by Carl Sagan
1976 Why Survive? Being Old In America by Robert N Butler
1974 The Denial of Death by Ernest Becker
1973 Fire in the Lake: The Vietnamese and the Americans in Vietnam by Frances Fitzgerald
1973 Children of Crisis, Vols. II and III by Robert Coles
1972 Stilwell and the American Experience in China, 1911-1945 by Barbara W Tuchman
1971 The Rising Sun by John Toland
1970 Gandhi's Truth by Erik H Erikson
1969 The Armies Of The Night by Norman Mailer
1969 So Human An Animal by Rene Jules Dubos
1968 Rousseau And Revolution, The Tenth And Concluding Volume Of The Story Of Civilization by Will and Ariel Durant
1967 The Problem of Slavery in Western Culture by David Brion Davis
1966 Wandering Through Winter by Edwin Way Teale
1965 O Strange New World by Howard Mumford Jones
1964 Anti-Intellectualism in American Life by Richard Hofstadter
1963 The Guns of August by Barbara W Tuchman
4susanj67
Last year I did the Better World Books reading challenge, which was mostly fun. This year I'm doing the Popsugar challenge https://www.popsugar.co.uk/smart-living/Reading-Challenge-2018-44211686 and I've started sketching out my choices for each category. As I read them, I'll add the covers here.
15. A book about feminism - The Women's Room - COMPLETED
5. Nordic noir – Snow Blind - COMPLETED
Still to read
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
2. True crime
3. The next book in a series you started
4. A book involving a heist
6. A novel based on a real person – Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you – The Greenlanders
8. A book with a time of day in the title – Evening Stars
9. A book about a villain or antihero – The Sunne in Splendour
10. A book about death or grief – Stiff
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym - The Mill on the Floss
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist -
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Alexander Hamilton
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you – Things Fall Apart
16. A book about mental health -
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift – The Buccaneers
18. A book by two authors – something by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
19. A book about or involving a sport – Defending Hearts
20. A book by a local author -
21. A book with your favorite color in the title – The Colour Purple
22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Burgess Boys
23. A book about time travel – 22/11/63
24. A book with a weather element in the title – The Snow Child
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title – The Wolf Border
27. A book set on a different planet – Artemis
28. A book with song lyrics in the title – Amazing Grace: The Great Days of Dukes
29. A book about or set on Halloween -
30. A book with characters who are twins - East of Eden
31. A book mentioned in another book –
32. A book from a celebrity book club - Manhattan Beach
33. A childhood classic you've never read – Anne of Green Gables
34. A book that's published in 2018 - Young and damned and fair : the life and tragedy of Catherine Howard at the court of Henry VIII
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner – Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
36. A book set in the decade you were born – O Strange New World
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to – The Romanovs
38. A book with an ugly cover – The Good War
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges – A book that's been on Mount TBR too long – Through a Glass Darkly
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school –Texas (James Michener)
2. A cyberpunk book - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory –
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - something by Susan Mallery
8. A microhistory – The Witches: Salem, 1692
9. A book about a problem facing society today - The Age of Inequality
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - OK y'all - recommend!
15. A book about feminism - The Women's Room - COMPLETED
5. Nordic noir – Snow Blind - COMPLETED
Still to read
1. A book made into a movie you've already seen
2. True crime
3. The next book in a series you started
4. A book involving a heist
6. A novel based on a real person – Blonde by Joyce Carol Oates
7. A book set in a country that fascinates you – The Greenlanders
8. A book with a time of day in the title – Evening Stars
9. A book about a villain or antihero – The Sunne in Splendour
10. A book about death or grief – Stiff
11. A book with a female author who uses a male pseudonym - The Mill on the Floss
12. A book with an LGBTQ+ protagonist -
13. A book that is also a stage play or musical – Alexander Hamilton
14. A book by an author of a different ethnicity than you – Things Fall Apart
16. A book about mental health -
17. A book you borrowed or that was given to you as a gift – The Buccaneers
18. A book by two authors – something by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child
19. A book about or involving a sport – Defending Hearts
20. A book by a local author -
21. A book with your favorite color in the title – The Colour Purple
22. A book with alliteration in the title - The Burgess Boys
23. A book about time travel – 22/11/63
24. A book with a weather element in the title – The Snow Child
25. A book set at sea
26. A book with an animal in the title – The Wolf Border
27. A book set on a different planet – Artemis
28. A book with song lyrics in the title – Amazing Grace: The Great Days of Dukes
29. A book about or set on Halloween -
30. A book with characters who are twins - East of Eden
31. A book mentioned in another book –
32. A book from a celebrity book club - Manhattan Beach
33. A childhood classic you've never read – Anne of Green Gables
34. A book that's published in 2018 - Young and damned and fair : the life and tragedy of Catherine Howard at the court of Henry VIII
35. A past Goodreads Choice Awards winner – Astrophysics for People in a Hurry
36. A book set in the decade you were born – O Strange New World
37. A book you meant to read in 2017 but didn't get to – The Romanovs
38. A book with an ugly cover – The Good War
39. A book that involves a bookstore or library
40. Your favorite prompt from the 2015, 2016, or 2017 POPSUGAR Reading Challenges – A book that's been on Mount TBR too long – Through a Glass Darkly
Advanced Reading Challenge
1. A bestseller from the year you graduated high school –Texas (James Michener)
2. A cyberpunk book - Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?
3. A book that was being read by a stranger in a public place
4. A book tied to your ancestry
5. A book with a fruit or vegetable in the title
6. An allegory –
7. A book by an author with the same first or last name as you - something by Susan Mallery
8. A microhistory – The Witches: Salem, 1692
9. A book about a problem facing society today - The Age of Inequality
10. A book recommended by someone else taking the POPSUGAR Reading Challenge - OK y'all - recommend!
5susanj67
I have a few series on the go, so in this post I'm going to list them so that I don't forget where I'm up to. Reading in order is important to me :-)
Series I have started and still have squillions to go *happy sigh*
I'm going to list these in date order, because why not.
Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder (about 100 BC)
Roman Blood
Ruth Downie's Medicus (Britannia, 108)
Medicus
Terra Incognita
Priscilla Royal's Eleanor, Prioress of Tyndal (East Anglia, 11th century)
Wine of Violence
Ellis Peters' Cadfael (Shropshire, 1135 - 1145)
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Bernard Knight's Crowner John (Devon, 1190s)
The Sanctuary Seeker
The Poisoned Chalice
Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt (Egypt, 1908)
The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet
Mal Sjowall's Martin Beck
Roseanna
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Agent Pendergast
Relic
Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae
Cold Granite
Dying Light
Broken Skin
Flesh House
Blind Eye
Series I'm caught up with and waiting for the next one *tapping foot*
Lee Child's Jack Reacher, obvs
C J Box's Joe Pickett
Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway
Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Agency
Abir Mukherjee's Sam Wyndham
Series I have started and still have squillions to go *happy sigh*
I'm going to list these in date order, because why not.
Steven Saylor's Gordianus the Finder (about 100 BC)
Roman Blood
Ruth Downie's Medicus (Britannia, 108)
Medicus
Terra Incognita
Priscilla Royal's Eleanor, Prioress of Tyndal (East Anglia, 11th century)
Wine of Violence
Ellis Peters' Cadfael (Shropshire, 1135 - 1145)
A Morbid Taste for Bones
One Corpse Too Many
Bernard Knight's Crowner John (Devon, 1190s)
The Sanctuary Seeker
The Poisoned Chalice
Michael Pearce's Mamur Zapt (Egypt, 1908)
The Mamur Zapt and the Return of the Carpet
Mal Sjowall's Martin Beck
Roseanna
Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child's Agent Pendergast
Relic
Stuart MacBride's Logan McRae
Cold Granite
Dying Light
Broken Skin
Flesh House
Blind Eye
Series I'm caught up with and waiting for the next one *tapping foot*
Lee Child's Jack Reacher, obvs
C J Box's Joe Pickett
Elly Griffiths' Dr Ruth Galloway
Vaseem Khan's Baby Ganesh Agency
Abir Mukherjee's Sam Wyndham
your thread.9The_Hibernator
Happy Reading!
10susanj67
>9 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel - you too!
12susanj67
>11 drneutron: Thanks Jim!
13Crazymamie
Dropping a star and looking forward to more adventures with you in 2018, Susan.
>6 susanj67: This is one of my very favorite quotes!
>6 susanj67: This is one of my very favorite quotes!
14avatiakh
Will try to keep up with your thread this year. I also have similar goals - to read my own books and a tad more nonfiction.
16Familyhistorian
Ooh, you typed out the Pop Sugar Challenge. It was a challenge to get it to cooperate for me. I am looking forward to following your reading adventures in 2018!
19susanj67
>13 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! I love that quote :-)
>14 avatiakh: Hi Kerry! I will find yours and star it.
>15 Berly: Hi Kim - love all those stars!
>16 Familyhistorian: Meg, there's a version in this thread on Goodreads, which I copied and pasted: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/19017622-post-your-2018-reading-lists. I am looking forward to it, but I'd like to include some more NF.
>17 SandDune: Thanks Rhian!
>18 Eyejaybee: Thanks James - I'm hoping they're not *too* intriguing, but the cyberpunk one is going to be...different!
OK, time to find you all. I am back home after half a day in the office - that was enough for my mousing arm, particularly as I'm officially on holiday.
>14 avatiakh: Hi Kerry! I will find yours and star it.
>15 Berly: Hi Kim - love all those stars!
>16 Familyhistorian: Meg, there's a version in this thread on Goodreads, which I copied and pasted: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/19017622-post-your-2018-reading-lists. I am looking forward to it, but I'd like to include some more NF.
>17 SandDune: Thanks Rhian!
>18 Eyejaybee: Thanks James - I'm hoping they're not *too* intriguing, but the cyberpunk one is going to be...different!
OK, time to find you all. I am back home after half a day in the office - that was enough for my mousing arm, particularly as I'm officially on holiday.
20RebaRelishesReading
I've got you starred. Ready for 2018.
21libraryperilous
Oh, it looks like you are starting the Cadfael books this year? They're my favorite historical mystery series, and one I really recommend people read in order. Cadfael's opinions on The Anarchy evolve throughout the series, even as his friendships with a couple of other men strengthen. The last book, Brother Cadfael's Penance is one of my all-time favorite novels. I would have loved it anyway, but reading the books in order deepened the emotional impact.
The Crowner John series looks v. interesting.
Happy 2018 readings!
>15 Berly: I really want this decor.
The Crowner John series looks v. interesting.
Happy 2018 readings!
>15 Berly: I really want this decor.
22susanj67
>20 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba!
>21 libraryperilous: Diana, welcome! I've read the first two Cadfael books so far. I always read *everything* in order (ditto watching TV series :-)), and the list is intended to remind me where I'm up to without having to check the LT series pages all the time. The Crowner John books are interesting although the author is pretty misogynistic when it comes to the female characters. They have no depth. The nerdy legal stuff is very good, though.
>21 libraryperilous: Diana, welcome! I've read the first two Cadfael books so far. I always read *everything* in order (ditto watching TV series :-)), and the list is intended to remind me where I'm up to without having to check the LT series pages all the time. The Crowner John books are interesting although the author is pretty misogynistic when it comes to the female characters. They have no depth. The nerdy legal stuff is very good, though.
23michigantrumpet
Starred you, Susan. Looking forward to following your various challenges this year!
25LovingLit
>3 susanj67: this is my favourite post of all the 2018 posts I have read so far! I will be sure to come back to it and check my own NF Pulitzer reading against it!
This one from the 60s looks good, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, I'd love to see a revised edition to account for todays tumultuous political times.
Eta: all I have read from you list is The Swerve and Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.
This one from the 60s looks good, Anti-Intellectualism in American Life, I'd love to see a revised edition to account for todays tumultuous political times.
Eta: all I have read from you list is The Swerve and Pilgrim at Tinker Creek.
26Berly
>19 susanj67: I think you need to respect your holiday and stay home and rest that arm!
>21 libraryperilous: I really like your LT name. ; )
>21 libraryperilous: I really like your LT name. ; )
27katiekrug
Hi Susan! So if you have a post dedicated to the Pop sugar challenge, does that mean I don't have to start a dedicated thread? Just wondering.....
28Familyhistorian
>27 katiekrug: Does one post equate to a thread? I don't think so.
31libraryperilous
>26 Berly: Thank you. :)
(It took me ages to come up with a bookish username.)
>22 susanj67: Ah, thanks for the warning. I have a low tolerance for that if there aren't enough other things to interest me in the novels (cough, GoT). So, I'll give the first one a try and see if the nerdy legal stuff or other things pique enough of that interest.
(It took me ages to come up with a bookish username.)
>22 susanj67: Ah, thanks for the warning. I have a low tolerance for that if there aren't enough other things to interest me in the novels (cough, GoT). So, I'll give the first one a try and see if the nerdy legal stuff or other things pique enough of that interest.
34susanj67
>23 michigantrumpet: Hi Marianne :-)
>24 Helenliz: Thanks Helen!
>25 LovingLit: Megan, your post will motivate me to cross a few more books off! I'm part-way through Common Ground at the moment, but I have been for a while.
>26 Berly: Kim, I'm doing OK - I have come home at 2pm for the last couple of days, before the pain tips over the edge to "won't go away". I wish I could do that every day :-)
>27 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Um...well...
>28 Familyhistorian: Meg, precisely!
>29 katiekrug:, >30 Berly: LOL - Katie, thanks for doing it. Yours is much better than what I was vaguely thinking about putting up on the 1st if you didn't want to :-)
>31 libraryperilous: Diana, the first one is definitely worth a look. Crowner John is one of the first coroners appointed under a new regime which resurrected the office after several hundred years without coroners.
>32 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie!
>33 katiekrug: Ahhh :-) It looks lovely, and I have left a message to add to the post count. help it along. Thank you :-)
>24 Helenliz: Thanks Helen!
>25 LovingLit: Megan, your post will motivate me to cross a few more books off! I'm part-way through Common Ground at the moment, but I have been for a while.
>26 Berly: Kim, I'm doing OK - I have come home at 2pm for the last couple of days, before the pain tips over the edge to "won't go away". I wish I could do that every day :-)
>27 katiekrug: Hi Katie! Um...well...
>28 Familyhistorian: Meg, precisely!
>29 katiekrug:, >30 Berly: LOL - Katie, thanks for doing it. Yours is much better than what I was vaguely thinking about putting up on the 1st if you didn't want to :-)
>31 libraryperilous: Diana, the first one is definitely worth a look. Crowner John is one of the first coroners appointed under a new regime which resurrected the office after several hundred years without coroners.
>32 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie!
>33 katiekrug: Ahhh :-) It looks lovely, and I have left a message to add to the post count. help it along. Thank you :-)
37Crazymamie
*grin*
38susanj67
>35 Crazymamie:, >36 katiekrug:, >37 Crazymamie: Love it! Thanks Mamie. I really don't know why anyone considers us bad influences, do you? I'd say we're...motivational.
40susanj67
>39 katiekrug: But, but - I have been already! I was considering posting my list and asking for suggestions, but thought it might look a bit needy before 1 Jan.
41katiekrug
I just meant throughout the year... :)
I don't think it's greedy. I am going to post my ideas for the PopSugar one sometime soonish (I am technically at work today so can't have too much fun!).
I don't think it's greedy. I am going to post my ideas for the PopSugar one sometime soonish (I am technically at work today so can't have too much fun!).
42susanj67
>41 katiekrug: Well, I might post tomorrow then. I think I'll work at home as there is weathergeddon forecast, and I'm not sure even London will escape. I have to read many, many pages of documents, and I'd rather do it sitting in my electric chair (as my Dad described his recliner) than in my office.
43thornton37814
Dropping my star. I don't remember which Cadfael books I read and which I didn't. I wouldn't mind reading the entire series in order again, but I don't know that I'll get to them.
44susanj67
>43 thornton37814: Hi Lori! I think there are so many great series out there that I will never reread anything!
45thornton37814
>44 susanj67: That's the way I am, but I may do so with the Cadfael series, but over a long time.
46Crazymamie
>38 susanj67: Yes. Totally motivational.
47katiekrug
>38 susanj67: and >46 Crazymamie: - More like totally delusional.
48susanj67
>45 thornton37814: Lori, at least they all seem to be available as ebooks now, which might make finding them easier. I think my library has them all.
>46 Crazymamie: Katie, I'm going to stick with motivational :-)
I sort of want it to be 1 January now so that I can start moving my empty tickers along. Having everything set at zero is a bit of a downer.
>46 Crazymamie: Katie, I'm going to stick with motivational :-)
I sort of want it to be 1 January now so that I can start moving my empty tickers along. Having everything set at zero is a bit of a downer.
49charl08
>48 susanj67: I'm stealing this as the reason not to set up a new thread.
Just so you know...
Just so you know...
50Fourpawz2
Hi Susan! I'll be along for the ride again this year and of course I'll be watching your reads closely. Hoping to knock off a few more you-recommendations....
51FAMeulstee
Happy reading in 2018, Susan!
52The_Hibernator
Happy New Year! I wish you to read many good books in 2018.
53susanj67
>49 charl08: Charlotte, I see you're here now :-)
>50 Fourpawz2: Hi Charlotte! I hope to read some interesting things for your list :-)
>51 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! I must come and find you too.
I've been finishing up on my 2017 thread, where my total is 162 books for the year, so pretty good. I will finish The Women's Room tomorrow (because it's due back at the library on Tuesday and I can't renew it) and it will be the first book in my PopSugar challenge. I've also got to finish Orientalism in the next few days, and I've just started Radical Technologies, which is the first of the Verso books that I've loaded into Overdrive so they are all there looking at me, just waiting to be read. No more hiding away in "Documents" on the Kindle, and starting at page 1 every time they're opened.
>50 Fourpawz2: Hi Charlotte! I hope to read some interesting things for your list :-)
>51 FAMeulstee: Thanks Anita! I must come and find you too.
I've been finishing up on my 2017 thread, where my total is 162 books for the year, so pretty good. I will finish The Women's Room tomorrow (because it's due back at the library on Tuesday and I can't renew it) and it will be the first book in my PopSugar challenge. I've also got to finish Orientalism in the next few days, and I've just started Radical Technologies, which is the first of the Verso books that I've loaded into Overdrive so they are all there looking at me, just waiting to be read. No more hiding away in "Documents" on the Kindle, and starting at page 1 every time they're opened.
54susanj67
>52 The_Hibernator: Thanks Rachel!
58PaulCranswick
Happy New Year
Happy New Group here
This place is full of friends
I hope it never ends
It brew of erudition and good cheer.
59susanj67
>55 Ameise1: Thanks Barbara!
>56 ronincats: Thanks Roni :-)
>57 BekkaJo: Hi Bekka! I only saw them on TV, but yes, they did :-)
>58 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
Finally I can start my new tickers! I've been reading this for a few days, on and off, but I had to finish it today because it's due back at the library tomorrow.
I'm not sure how this feminist classic escaped me when I was at University, and reading lots of feminist books, but somehow it did. Anyway, I'm glad to have finally caught up with it. Set in the 1950s and late 60s/early 70s, it is dated in a way (the characters studying at Harvard apply themselves to reading hard things for days, for example, with no distractions from screens - a world that seems as far away as the Dark Ages now) but still very relevant in many other ways. In particular, it is notable (and depressing) how many of the women's problems discussed in the book are still problems today. Yes, we sit in boardrooms and perform surgery, but, as #metoo has shown us, much hasn't changed. We do all these things in the knowledge (I think) that we are there under sufferance (a point made in respect of women leaders by Marilyn French in the 2006 introduction to my edition of the book). If we just disappeared from those roles overnight, I doubt the men would even notice.
I was particularly interested in French's definition of feminism in her introduction - "women are human beings who matter as much as men. That is all that feminism claims. As human beings, women have the right to control their own bodies, to walk freely in the world, to train their minds and bodies, and to love and hate at will." That says it all, really. The book *is* a bit long, but definitely worth the time.
>56 ronincats: Thanks Roni :-)
>57 BekkaJo: Hi Bekka! I only saw them on TV, but yes, they did :-)
>58 PaulCranswick: Thanks Paul.
1. The Women's Room by Marilyn French
Finally I can start my new tickers! I've been reading this for a few days, on and off, but I had to finish it today because it's due back at the library tomorrow.
I'm not sure how this feminist classic escaped me when I was at University, and reading lots of feminist books, but somehow it did. Anyway, I'm glad to have finally caught up with it. Set in the 1950s and late 60s/early 70s, it is dated in a way (the characters studying at Harvard apply themselves to reading hard things for days, for example, with no distractions from screens - a world that seems as far away as the Dark Ages now) but still very relevant in many other ways. In particular, it is notable (and depressing) how many of the women's problems discussed in the book are still problems today. Yes, we sit in boardrooms and perform surgery, but, as #metoo has shown us, much hasn't changed. We do all these things in the knowledge (I think) that we are there under sufferance (a point made in respect of women leaders by Marilyn French in the 2006 introduction to my edition of the book). If we just disappeared from those roles overnight, I doubt the men would even notice.
I was particularly interested in French's definition of feminism in her introduction - "women are human beings who matter as much as men. That is all that feminism claims. As human beings, women have the right to control their own bodies, to walk freely in the world, to train their minds and bodies, and to love and hate at will." That says it all, really. The book *is* a bit long, but definitely worth the time.
60katiekrug
>59 susanj67: - Happy new year, Susan.
Sounds like that one will tick off the "Book About Feminism" box quite nicely on the PopSugar challenge :)
Sounds like that one will tick off the "Book About Feminism" box quite nicely on the PopSugar challenge :)
61susanj67
>59 susanj67: Thanks Katie :-) Yes, I have just updated my challenge post, and I'm about to post over on the challenge thread, with a few more suggestions :-)
63susanj67
>62 charl08: Charlotte, well I may have alienated half the population with that review, so I don't know...
I have 80 pages to go with the Said. Part of me thinks I could read them this afternoon. Another part just wants to hit Netflix.
I have 80 pages to go with the Said. Part of me thinks I could read them this afternoon. Another part just wants to hit Netflix.
65souloftherose
Happy new year Susan!
>59 susanj67: The Woman's Room sounds like an important book and also kind of depressing.... I'm not sure if that's a book bullet for me or not!
>59 susanj67: The Woman's Room sounds like an important book and also kind of depressing.... I'm not sure if that's a book bullet for me or not!
66Familyhistorian
The Woman's Room sounds like an important book with which to start off the new year, Susan. Looks interesting.
68rosalita
>59 susanj67: Happy New Year, Susan! I read The Women's Room ages ago, when I was too young to really "get" it, I think. Your comment that it is still all-too-relevant today is depressing, but true.
69susanj67
>64 rosylibrarian: Thanks Marie!
>65 souloftherose: Heather, it's particularly depressing at the moment, I think. My mood wasn't helped yesterday because I was watching one of those "Year in review" programmes on TV and they had the OMG what has the US *done*? segment, which included the "Grab them by the *****" quote. From the so-called leader of the free world. Elected *after* that went public.
>66 Familyhistorian: Meg, it has made me want to get back into feminist writing. Reading it, I mean :-)
>67 Berly: Thanks Kim!
>68 rosalita: Julia, in a way I'm glad I read it now rather than earlier, because I think I would have assumed that life would be different for people born when I was. And it has been to a degree, but not enough.
2. Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
I read this for the "Nordic noir" category of the PopSugar challenge, but then I read Mamie's review (thumbed!) which questions whether this is really noir. So I'm counting it for the time being, but if something more noir-ish crosses my path, I might swap it out. It's set in a small town in Iceland, which I'm looking forward to seeing on Google Earth at some point, but the actual plot didn't do a lot for me. It seemed quite simple (particularly compared to the Stuart MacBride books I have been hoovering up lately) and it read up really quickly. Given the clamour of other books out there, I'm not sure I'll continue with the other two. The elibrary did, however, recommend a couple of others based on this one, and I saw the Michael Ridpath series that I started last year or in 2016 (also set in Iceland), so I'll get the next one of those.
>65 souloftherose: Heather, it's particularly depressing at the moment, I think. My mood wasn't helped yesterday because I was watching one of those "Year in review" programmes on TV and they had the OMG what has the US *done*? segment, which included the "Grab them by the *****" quote. From the so-called leader of the free world. Elected *after* that went public.
>66 Familyhistorian: Meg, it has made me want to get back into feminist writing. Reading it, I mean :-)
>67 Berly: Thanks Kim!
>68 rosalita: Julia, in a way I'm glad I read it now rather than earlier, because I think I would have assumed that life would be different for people born when I was. And it has been to a degree, but not enough.
2. Snowblind by Ragnar Jonasson
I read this for the "Nordic noir" category of the PopSugar challenge, but then I read Mamie's review (thumbed!) which questions whether this is really noir. So I'm counting it for the time being, but if something more noir-ish crosses my path, I might swap it out. It's set in a small town in Iceland, which I'm looking forward to seeing on Google Earth at some point, but the actual plot didn't do a lot for me. It seemed quite simple (particularly compared to the Stuart MacBride books I have been hoovering up lately) and it read up really quickly. Given the clamour of other books out there, I'm not sure I'll continue with the other two. The elibrary did, however, recommend a couple of others based on this one, and I saw the Michael Ridpath series that I started last year or in 2016 (also set in Iceland), so I'll get the next one of those.
70Ameise1
Sorry that it didn't worked for you. I suppose I liked it better because the days in Iceland during winter are mostly dark. I don't like when there isn't enough daylight. I think the author had put this kind of atmosphere into his characters and that was made good.
71thornton37814
So many challenges . . . so little time. I decided I couldn't do the PopSugar challenge and really get to everything I want to read from my wish list so I'm sticking to doing a few challenges such as MysteryCAT, AAC, BAC, IAC, and RandomCAT, and only participating in those if I want to on a certain month. I think I got hit by Mamie's book bullet on Snowblind too, but I knew I wasn't getting to it right away. I may like it a bit better than you do, simply for the atmosphere.
72Crazymamie
>69 susanj67: Oh! Thanks for the thumb, Susan. Like Barbara, I loved the atmosphere of the book, and I love what Barbara said up there, "I think the author had put this kind of atmosphere into his characters and that was made good." I would totally agree with that. I do plan on reading the next one this year, and I'll be interested to see what kind of character growth has occurred, as it is set five years after the events of the first book.
73charl08
>63 susanj67: I think your review is a balanced one, Susan.
I'm not sure what the definition of noir is, exactly. I guess I'll have to work it out before the end of the year. Temptingly, I found kindle's deals include the first book of lots of different crime series, including Jackson Lamb, so I've picked up Slow Horses.
I'm not sure what the definition of noir is, exactly. I guess I'll have to work it out before the end of the year. Temptingly, I found kindle's deals include the first book of lots of different crime series, including Jackson Lamb, so I've picked up Slow Horses.
74susanj67
>70 Ameise1: Barbara, I did really like the sense of "place" in the book (and all the cold weather :-) )
>71 thornton37814: Lori, good plan! I keep seeing a BingoDog board, which looks tempting...
>72 Crazymamie: Mamie, gosh that is a long gap in the narrative. Maybe I will give it a try after all :-) I do want to look up the town on google Earth to see what it's really like.
>73 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. One of the ladies at work who is a few years older than me remembered reading it years ago and we had a chat about how much has NOT changed. "I'm going on the march if he comes," I said, taking the name of the US President in vain, but I couldn't get her to agree to come along. I'll have to find a young person to go with. Maybe Booky Work Friend, although she is actually 37. Still, that's young for me :-) Somehow I missed all those Kindle books, so I must go and have a look. I bought Dan Jones's one about the Templars the other day.
I returned a couple of books to the library at lunchtime and borrowed nothing. Ooh. (Queen Victoria and her matchmaking is still sitting on the new NF shelf, unborrowed since they put it there). The Bank of England one is still there - heh. Maybe once I've finished the Edward Said. *Mental note to self: Finish the Edward Said.*
>71 thornton37814: Lori, good plan! I keep seeing a BingoDog board, which looks tempting...
>72 Crazymamie: Mamie, gosh that is a long gap in the narrative. Maybe I will give it a try after all :-) I do want to look up the town on google Earth to see what it's really like.
>73 charl08: Thanks Charlotte. One of the ladies at work who is a few years older than me remembered reading it years ago and we had a chat about how much has NOT changed. "I'm going on the march if he comes," I said, taking the name of the US President in vain, but I couldn't get her to agree to come along. I'll have to find a young person to go with. Maybe Booky Work Friend, although she is actually 37. Still, that's young for me :-) Somehow I missed all those Kindle books, so I must go and have a look. I bought Dan Jones's one about the Templars the other day.
I returned a couple of books to the library at lunchtime and borrowed nothing. Ooh. (Queen Victoria and her matchmaking is still sitting on the new NF shelf, unborrowed since they put it there). The Bank of England one is still there - heh. Maybe once I've finished the Edward Said. *Mental note to self: Finish the Edward Said.*
75thornton37814
>74 susanj67: BingoDog never tempted me.
76susanj67
>75 thornton37814: Well Lori, you are more of a cat person :-)
77BLBera
Happy New Year, Susan! I loved The Woman's Room. I read it years ago. It might be an interesting reread. I look forward to following your thread again this year and getting many new suggestions, especially for nonfiction. I think almost all of my nonfiction reading last year was due to you.
78thornton37814
>76 susanj67: It's just the thought of having that many of year's reads taken up by something I might or might not really want to read.
79LovingLit
>59 susanj67: hurrah! I really enjoyed that one too :) Glad you got to finish it before it was due back!
80susanj67
>77 BLBera: Thanks Beth! Yes, I think it would be a good reread. I'm casting about now for other things to catch up a bit - the relevant section at the library had about three things in it - The Female Eunuch, The Feminine Mystique and something else, and I have at least read those. I hope I can come up with some good NF recommendations this year!
>78 thornton37814: Lori, I know what you mean. Some of the challenges have categories so narrow, and of so little interest to me, that I just can't be bothered. As it is, I'm going to struggle with "cyberpunk" for the PopSugar one.
>79 LovingLit: Hi Megan! Yes, it was a bit of a marathon to finish it in time, but my own fault for taking out too many long ones at the same time.
I'm reading Radical Technologies at the moment, and it is *excellent*. I'm about 20% of the way through it, but it's going to be a "very highly recommended" when I come to review it. I'm glad I worked out how to get my Verso books into Overdrive, although it's super-easy, so "worked out" should really be "paid attention to the blooming obvious" because now, when I go to look something up in the elibrary, 15 covers are beaming up at me saying "Read us first!". And it just might work.
>78 thornton37814: Lori, I know what you mean. Some of the challenges have categories so narrow, and of so little interest to me, that I just can't be bothered. As it is, I'm going to struggle with "cyberpunk" for the PopSugar one.
>79 LovingLit: Hi Megan! Yes, it was a bit of a marathon to finish it in time, but my own fault for taking out too many long ones at the same time.
I'm reading Radical Technologies at the moment, and it is *excellent*. I'm about 20% of the way through it, but it's going to be a "very highly recommended" when I come to review it. I'm glad I worked out how to get my Verso books into Overdrive, although it's super-easy, so "worked out" should really be "paid attention to the blooming obvious" because now, when I go to look something up in the elibrary, 15 covers are beaming up at me saying "Read us first!". And it just might work.
81BekkaJo
*I will not add Pop-sugar challenge*
*I will not add Pop-sugar challenge*
*I will not add Pop-sugar challenge*
I wish I listened to my brain...
*I will not add Pop-sugar challenge*
*I will not add Pop-sugar challenge*
I wish I listened to my brain...
82charl08
>80 susanj67: Can I recommend Testosterone Rex? Please?
83susanj67
>81 BekkaJo: Oh, come on Bekka, join us! Katie's created a whole thread and everything :-)
>82 charl08: Charlotte, definitely! In fact, the library catalogue promised it was on the shelf over the road, but it doesn't seem to be. I have reserved it.
>82 charl08: Charlotte, definitely! In fact, the library catalogue promised it was on the shelf over the road, but it doesn't seem to be. I have reserved it.
84Crazymamie
Happy Wednesday, Susan. I would recommend Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep for your cyberpunk book - it's my favorite PKD book. SO far. And it's under 300 pages, so a quickie for you. I know that cyberpunk is totally not your thing, but the book is an iconic one in the genre, and the Blade Runner movies are based on it, so there is that.
85susanj67
>84 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie! That sounds perfect. I've seen people talking about it on LT but didn't realise exactly what it was about (and I've never seen Bladerunner...) I will update my list right now :-)
86BekkaJo
>83 susanj67: I kinda caved the other night and started working out how my current reading challenges could be plugged in to cover off a number of them, and what I'd read for the rest.
The abyss beckons!
Oh and adding my thumbs up for Do Androids dream of Electric sheep - great read.
The abyss beckons!
Oh and adding my thumbs up for Do Androids dream of Electric sheep - great read.
87katiekrug
I've been worried about the cyberpunk prompt, too. The Wayne suggested Neuromancer but the description made me cringe. I found a short story by James Tiptree called The Girl Who Was Plugged In which seem to count (barely) as cyberpunk. And bonus - it's only about 30 pages :)
88drneutron
Well, if you're looking for cyberpunk and don't want to deal with Neuromancer, try Snowcrash or nearly any of Neal Stephenson's books. Tad Williams also has a series - City of Golden Shadow is the is first one, I think. And LTers tagged Ready, Player One as cyberpunk pretty frequently... 😁
89katiekrug
Oooh, if I can use Ready Player One then I am all over that! Thanks, Jim!
90susanj67
>86 BekkaJo: Bekka, welcome to the abyss! And thank you for the additional Sheep thumb. That looks weirder written down than it did in my head.
>87 katiekrug: Katie, 30 pages sounds enticing :-)
>88 drneutron: Thanks Jim!
>89 katiekrug: Yay! I don't know enough about video games to "get" that one, I don't think, but it's good to know that there is a choice.
I read an excellent article yesterday about a new book called A Lab of One's Own: Science and Suffrage in the First World War and I must reserve it immediately. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/03/lab-ones-own-science-suffrage-firs... Somehow I must do this without filling up all my reserve slots with other stuff, because that is one of my resolutions. Wish me luck.
>87 katiekrug: Katie, 30 pages sounds enticing :-)
>88 drneutron: Thanks Jim!
>89 katiekrug: Yay! I don't know enough about video games to "get" that one, I don't think, but it's good to know that there is a choice.
I read an excellent article yesterday about a new book called A Lab of One's Own: Science and Suffrage in the First World War and I must reserve it immediately. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2018/jan/03/lab-ones-own-science-suffrage-firs... Somehow I must do this without filling up all my reserve slots with other stuff, because that is one of my resolutions. Wish me luck.
91Helenliz
>90 susanj67: on title alone that's a bullet!
92susanj67
>91 Helenliz: Helen, yes, it's very clever. Alas, it isn't even hovering in the "Ordered" category in the library catalogue. But she has written several others, including Pandora's Breeches, about women and science in the Enlightenment
93libraryperilous
>59 susanj67: Definitely adding this one to the TBR. And >90 susanj67: this one. Sigh. Stop it.
I think Radical Technologies is one of the Verso books I snagged for $1 when they had a summer Kindle sale. But, as I don't like actually reading books on my Kindle, I've not even looked at any of the (whispers) numerous titles I purchased.
I think Radical Technologies is one of the Verso books I snagged for $1 when they had a summer Kindle sale. But, as I don't like actually reading books on my Kindle, I've not even looked at any of the (whispers) numerous titles I purchased.
94susanj67
>93 libraryperilous: Hi Diana! Sorry about those two book bullets there :-) I love the Verso sales, and have actually done reasonably well reading the books, but not for the past couple of sales, which is why I have 15 waiting for me.
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
Oof, this is hard. Hard and long, or maybe it just seemed long since it was so hard. It was written in 1978 when apparently everyone likely to read it spoke French, because there are yards of untranslated quotations in French, and it helps if you have a good knowledge of French Orientalist writers, particularly for the second part. Said looks at how (and why) the "Orient" was made a subject of study by the west (particularly England and France) and why the west thought that the Orient could only be understood through the eyes of westerners (which made it very easy to argue that territories should be colonised for their own good). There was a lot in it that was very interesting, and an afterword from 1995, but we are now in rather different times, and complaints about e.g. the misinterpretation of Islam as all about violence look a bit feeble in the days of ISIS and their "caliphate", and indeed the atrocities carried out by Islamic fundamentalists in western countries all the time.
3. Orientalism by Edward Said
Oof, this is hard. Hard and long, or maybe it just seemed long since it was so hard. It was written in 1978 when apparently everyone likely to read it spoke French, because there are yards of untranslated quotations in French, and it helps if you have a good knowledge of French Orientalist writers, particularly for the second part. Said looks at how (and why) the "Orient" was made a subject of study by the west (particularly England and France) and why the west thought that the Orient could only be understood through the eyes of westerners (which made it very easy to argue that territories should be colonised for their own good). There was a lot in it that was very interesting, and an afterword from 1995, but we are now in rather different times, and complaints about e.g. the misinterpretation of Islam as all about violence look a bit feeble in the days of ISIS and their "caliphate", and indeed the atrocities carried out by Islamic fundamentalists in western countries all the time.
95BekkaJo
>94 susanj67: Well done for finishing! I don't think I ever did. From what I can remember of it and studying it back in... I think 2001 (2002? I forget), it felt dated then. I imagine way more so now. I'll admit it provided some interesting lines of study from a literary point of view, but I was more interested in the narratives themselves than his point of view. You may have guessed this wasn't my favourite module...
96susanj67
>95 BekkaJo: Thanks Bekka! I had to renew it twice, but the last renewal was only on Thursday, so at least I didn't reach the five-renewal limit :-) I found all the French literature part really heavy going. It was better at the beginning and at the end, but it feels very incomplete because of the passage of time.
Now I have no library books. OMG! I'm going to continue with Radical Technologies this afternoon, and then tomorrow I'm starting a new Sunday thing which is going to be things other than books - magazines, documentaries, stuff on the www (not makeup videos). But it's interesting - I've had no library books except the Said for a few days now and I've started slacking. Maybe that pile of due dates really does serve a purpose! Also, it doesn't help that I've started watching Weeds on Netflix. I watched the first series (maybe the first two) years ago and then lost track of it on TV, or maybe it went to a Sky channel, so I've started from the beginning again and there are 102 episodes. Fortunately half an hour each, and they're still being made.
Now I have no library books. OMG! I'm going to continue with Radical Technologies this afternoon, and then tomorrow I'm starting a new Sunday thing which is going to be things other than books - magazines, documentaries, stuff on the www (not makeup videos). But it's interesting - I've had no library books except the Said for a few days now and I've started slacking. Maybe that pile of due dates really does serve a purpose! Also, it doesn't help that I've started watching Weeds on Netflix. I watched the first series (maybe the first two) years ago and then lost track of it on TV, or maybe it went to a Sky channel, so I've started from the beginning again and there are 102 episodes. Fortunately half an hour each, and they're still being made.
97Helenliz
>96 susanj67: Susan! No library books!! Are you feeling OK???
I checked out 3 today, and have 2 already, so at least someone is supporting their library.
I checked out 3 today, and have 2 already, so at least someone is supporting their library.
98Fourpawz2
Hi Susan! I loved City of Golden Shadow when I read it last year - it was one of my four favorite books. It was long, but satisfying.
Was horrified to see the headline on my phone this morning, when I woke up, that Trump has now described himself as a "stable genius". Am afraid to read the story that goes with it, yet. Maybe later in the day when I am stronger :)
Was horrified to see the headline on my phone this morning, when I woke up, that Trump has now described himself as a "stable genius". Am afraid to read the story that goes with it, yet. Maybe later in the day when I am stronger :)
99susanj67
>87 katiekrug: Helen, it does feel a bit strange being totally free to choose whatever I want to. I'l have to see whether I get used to it. I want to start some fiction but can't decide which one. Thank you for supporting the library though :-)
>98 Fourpawz2: Charlotte, I'll see if the library has that one, as they don't seem to have Electric Sheep at an easy-to-reach branch. I would recommend not watching the Trump news - it's been playing over and over here (and there is gardening on QVC which explains why I can't just change channels, at least until the Radley show at 4pm) and he sounds entirely deranged. Mind you, I don't like Michael Wolff either, so one way or another I am not buying the book, particularly as all the best bits are being discussed on the news anyway.
>98 Fourpawz2: Charlotte, I'll see if the library has that one, as they don't seem to have Electric Sheep at an easy-to-reach branch. I would recommend not watching the Trump news - it's been playing over and over here (and there is gardening on QVC which explains why I can't just change channels, at least until the Radley show at 4pm) and he sounds entirely deranged. Mind you, I don't like Michael Wolff either, so one way or another I am not buying the book, particularly as all the best bits are being discussed on the news anyway.
100BLBera
Hi Susan - A Lab of One's Own sounds wonderful. How many reserves are you allowed? I think we can have ten for e-books. I don't know if there are limits for real books.
I've always found Said a bit of a challenge... Good of you to finish it.
I've always found Said a bit of a challenge... Good of you to finish it.
101BekkaJo
>96 susanj67: No library books??? Swoon.
I have currently maxed out four cards (kids, mine, hubbys). Most of that is the kids stuff, but I do have six or... maybe 8 on there.
I have currently maxed out four cards (kids, mine, hubbys). Most of that is the kids stuff, but I do have six or... maybe 8 on there.
102susanj67
>100 BLBera: Beth, I think 12 for hard copy and 5 for ebooks. I do feel fairly smug having finished the Said - between that and doing my tax return I may soon be unbearable :-)
>101 BekkaJo: Bekka, I got an email this morning to say that Testosterone Rex was waiting for me, which means it must have been there yesterday when I popped in, but I didn't even think to look. However, I have it now. And FOUR cards? That's pretty impressive!!
There was a new display in the library this morning, which went like this. It was a poster in the middle of some books which all had cut-out moustaches on their covers, and it said:
"We
{a larger cut-out moustache}
you to read these books"
I wish I'd taken a photo. Anyway, I looked and looked, and then I asked FLA, who was putting out the newspapers, what it all meant. Any guesses before the big reveal?
>101 BekkaJo: Bekka, I got an email this morning to say that Testosterone Rex was waiting for me, which means it must have been there yesterday when I popped in, but I didn't even think to look. However, I have it now. And FOUR cards? That's pretty impressive!!
There was a new display in the library this morning, which went like this. It was a poster in the middle of some books which all had cut-out moustaches on their covers, and it said:
"We
{a larger cut-out moustache}
you to read these books"
I wish I'd taken a photo. Anyway, I looked and looked, and then I asked FLA, who was putting out the newspapers, what it all meant. Any guesses before the big reveal?
103BekkaJo
We 'must ask you' ?
Cos if so that's a monumentally BAD pun!
4 cards = 30 books (12 on an adult, 8 on a kids)
Cos if so that's a monumentally BAD pun!
4 cards = 30 books (12 on an adult, 8 on a kids)
104susanj67
>103 BekkaJo: Bekka, yes, that was it. "It doesn't make sense," I said to FLA, but that's the state of English in east London for you. 30 books! What a lovely booky household you are :-)
105Crazymamie
>103 BekkaJo: 4 cards = 30 books (12 on an adult, 8 on a kids) Highway robbery! We can have 50 items per adult card. I have no idea what kids can take out since all of mine are adults.
I got the moustache pun right away. *groan* So what were the books?
I got the moustache pun right away. *groan* So what were the books?
106susanj67
>105 Crazymamie: Mamie, I like to think it would have been easier if I'd seen the word and not just the picture...There were various books - nothing themed or related to the other books. Basically just whatever fairly new stuff they could cobble together from the returns trolley to save re-shelving them, I think. Boy, I would run it differently if I was in charge.
Just did a survey for work. At the end there was free text box. Ha! I feel much better now. I wonder whether I could take it again...
Just did a survey for work. At the end there was free text box. Ha! I feel much better now. I wonder whether I could take it again...
107BekkaJo
>105 Crazymamie: Wow! I'd have lost track in days... I'm already on the hunt for some of Will's. Hoping they are in the car...somewhere...
108Crazymamie
>107 BekkaJo: Well, I've never actually had 50 items out all at one time, but I like knowing that I could.
Bummer, Susan - I was hoping for a theme. And yes, you would have gotten it if you had seen the word. I have complete faith in you.
Bummer, Susan - I was hoping for a theme. And yes, you would have gotten it if you had seen the word. I have complete faith in you.
109susanj67
>107 BekkaJo: Bekka, I hope they turn up. I had another dream about missing library books the other night - scary.
>108 Crazymamie: Mamie, that is kind of you :-) One of them was Lincoln in the Bardo, which has been kicking around the shelves for a while, despite winning things. But all I could see was the moustaches and all I could wonder was what they meant. Thank goodness I asked FLA or I would still be wondering. Oh, and ps - I *have* seen those references to reading out of order on your thread, missy...
>108 Crazymamie: Mamie, that is kind of you :-) One of them was Lincoln in the Bardo, which has been kicking around the shelves for a while, despite winning things. But all I could see was the moustaches and all I could wonder was what they meant. Thank goodness I asked FLA or I would still be wondering. Oh, and ps - I *have* seen those references to reading out of order on your thread, missy...
110Crazymamie
*runs*
111susanj67
>110 Crazymamie: Well, as long as you're running back to the beginning of the series, I suppose that's OK :-)
112susanj67
News just in: It turns out that potato chips in "Flame-grilled steak" flavour are suitable for vegetarians. The ingredients are "Pototoes, sunflower oil, flame-grilled steak flavour". Yay! This is great news for those days when the variety lines in the vending machine are stuck on e.g. chicken, bacon and maple syrup and steak.
113Crazymamie
>111 susanj67: Well...I was thinking...it will be the first book in the series for me...*blinks*
114RebaRelishesReading
Love the pun -- but then I generally love puns so no surprise there :)
115susanj67
>113 Crazymamie: Mamie, yeah, Order doesn't work quite like that :-)
>114 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, but it's terrible! Also it must be so confusing for people whose English isn't great. Mind you, Tower Hamlets is bidding to be a borough of culture, so maybe that's why. But there already *is* a culture of sharia law, honour killings and forced marriages, plus schoolgirls running away to join ISIS, so it beats me why we need any more.
>114 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, but it's terrible! Also it must be so confusing for people whose English isn't great. Mind you, Tower Hamlets is bidding to be a borough of culture, so maybe that's why. But there already *is* a culture of sharia law, honour killings and forced marriages, plus schoolgirls running away to join ISIS, so it beats me why we need any more.
116libraryperilous
re: Said, I was very into him back in the day when I was plotting a career as a professor of comp lit focusing on post-colonialism in the Middle East. It's been ages since I've read his works. I wonder if I'd think they held up.
117charl08
I love that pun Susan!
I am very jealous of the four library cards.
Hope you are enjoying the Testosterone Rex. I was thinking I might try and make up a true and false game based on it for our suffrage celebration.
I am very jealous of the four library cards.
Hope you are enjoying the Testosterone Rex. I was thinking I might try and make up a true and false game based on it for our suffrage celebration.
118RebaRelishesReading
>115 susanj67: ???? Puns are culture now?
120Crazymamie
Susan? SUSAN! SUSAN!
Do we need to send out a search party?
Do we need to send out a search party?
122LovingLit
>80 susanj67: 15 covers are beaming up at me saying "Read us first!"
Oh I hear you sister!
>111 susanj67: LOL!
I love puns, mainly for myself, but also now because the kids get a real kick out of them. Those Christmas cracker jokes are *full* of them, and they really made us laugh on the day.
Oh I hear you sister!
>111 susanj67: LOL!
I love puns, mainly for myself, but also now because the kids get a real kick out of them. Those Christmas cracker jokes are *full* of them, and they really made us laugh on the day.
124susanj67
LOL! You gals! Sorry - crazy week - so crazy that I haven't even been able to lurk and watch people read stuff out of order *stern look*. It might be calming down now.
>116 libraryperilous: Diana, I'm not going to rush to get more of his, but the subject was interesting.
>117 charl08: Charlotte, it's sitting next to my chair, unopened so far, but I hope to get to it over the weekend. It *is* very brand new and lovely :-)
>118 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I think in a sort of "look at us, we're a whiz with language" sort of way.
>119 charl08: Charlotte, alas!
>120 Crazymamie:, >121 Crazymamie: Mamie, I'm still giggling :-)
>122 LovingLit: Hi Megan! I was reading an article in NZ Geographic on the weekend, and your Dad had taken the pictures :-) It was a top trending article about the Manapouri river, but it seemed to be from 2009. It was good, though. I love a good Christmas cracker pun but I'm not sure I'd want to be the person thinking them up. The first couple of hours might be fun, but after that...
>123 charl08: Charlotte, ha! He found me!
Well, I have read nothing, watched virtually nothing and been nowhere except at my desk and in endless meetings. So, nothing to report from here :-) Oh, but I tried the cleanser from my last Beauty Box and it is gorgeous: http://sukiskincare.com/exfoliate-foaming-cleanser/ And I get my Surface Pro next week, so that will be exciting. I need to tidy up my office for the switchover as they do it while we're in training. Strangers at my desk!
Thank y'all for checking on me :-)
>116 libraryperilous: Diana, I'm not going to rush to get more of his, but the subject was interesting.
>117 charl08: Charlotte, it's sitting next to my chair, unopened so far, but I hope to get to it over the weekend. It *is* very brand new and lovely :-)
>118 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I think in a sort of "look at us, we're a whiz with language" sort of way.
>119 charl08: Charlotte, alas!
>120 Crazymamie:, >121 Crazymamie: Mamie, I'm still giggling :-)
>122 LovingLit: Hi Megan! I was reading an article in NZ Geographic on the weekend, and your Dad had taken the pictures :-) It was a top trending article about the Manapouri river, but it seemed to be from 2009. It was good, though. I love a good Christmas cracker pun but I'm not sure I'd want to be the person thinking them up. The first couple of hours might be fun, but after that...
>123 charl08: Charlotte, ha! He found me!
Well, I have read nothing, watched virtually nothing and been nowhere except at my desk and in endless meetings. So, nothing to report from here :-) Oh, but I tried the cleanser from my last Beauty Box and it is gorgeous: http://sukiskincare.com/exfoliate-foaming-cleanser/ And I get my Surface Pro next week, so that will be exciting. I need to tidy up my office for the switchover as they do it while we're in training. Strangers at my desk!
Thank y'all for checking on me :-)
126Helenliz
>124 susanj67: hurrah, a Susan sighting. Sorry your week has been such pants. Hoping for a relaxing weekend.
128Crazymamie
Oh, good! Charlotte's expert found you! Sorry you have been so busy with work, but it's lovely to see you report in. We missed you, Susan.
130BLBera
Susan - It sounds like you need a relaxing weekend. I've been thinking about you as I just started Under Another Sky - you recommended that one, right?
131susanj67
>125 BekkaJo: Hi Bekka! It wasn't a great one, but it's over now, yay. And I have the Surface Pro to look forward to.
>126 Helenliz: Thanks Helen. So far pretty relaxing - even the supermarket wasn't too busy.
>127 charl08: Thanks Charlotte.
>128 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie.
>129 katiekrug: Hi Katie - I'm doing my best :-)
>130 BLBera: Beth, yes, I did recommend that one. I hope you enjoy it.
I started Testosterone Rex today and I'm about a third of the way through and really enjoying the author's droll tone:
The Name of the Rose downloaded itself last night, reserved from the library so I read a bit of that but sent it back. Too wordy and complicated for me. I'll have to find something else for the allegory category of the PopSugar challenge.
>126 Helenliz: Thanks Helen. So far pretty relaxing - even the supermarket wasn't too busy.
>127 charl08: Thanks Charlotte.
>128 Crazymamie: Thanks Mamie.
>129 katiekrug: Hi Katie - I'm doing my best :-)
>130 BLBera: Beth, yes, I did recommend that one. I hope you enjoy it.
I started Testosterone Rex today and I'm about a third of the way through and really enjoying the author's droll tone:
"I have to say that none of the many mathematicians and scientists I know do their research in a way that brings to mind a caveman chasing a bush pig with a spear, but of course things may be done differently in Glasgow."
The Name of the Rose downloaded itself last night, reserved from the library so I read a bit of that but sent it back. Too wordy and complicated for me. I'll have to find something else for the allegory category of the PopSugar challenge.
132charl08
I really liked her writing Susan - you've reminded me I meant to look out for her earlier books too.
I went shopping in local town shopping centre. Argh. It was so busy I just wanted to go straight back home again.
I went shopping in local town shopping centre. Argh. It was so busy I just wanted to go straight back home again.
133libraryperilous
>131 susanj67: Awww, I love The Name of the Rose, but, yes, very wordy and needlessly allegorical in places. It's the Middle Ages, dude, we know everything is supposed to be a sign from God.
134katiekrug
>131 susanj67: - I'm planning on Lord of the Flies for the allegory prompt. It's also a banned book, so double bonus!
135Helenliz
>131 susanj67: that's a shame, I loved The Name of the Rose. It is quite dense, so I can understand it not being everyone's cup of tea.
Glad you're having a more relaxing weekend after a nasty week.
Glad you're having a more relaxing weekend after a nasty week.
136susanj67
>132 charl08: Charlotte, I'd like to read some more of hers too. Another great recommendation from you! I just went down to the mall at Surrey Quays, which is never very busy, but Tesco is usually busier than it was. At least the pallets of Quality Street have disappeared.
>133 libraryperilous: Diana, yes, I got that impression right from the beginnng!
>134 katiekrug: Katie, great suggestion! I don't think I've read it, although I did once have to read a bit of it for a sight reading class at a speech and drama competition. I love your multiple categories!
>135 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I just need something easier at the moment.
Good heavens, the justice secretary is looking at judicially reviewing the parole board (dreadful rapist about to be set free, for overseas readers). I've never seen that before. I don't know why they can't just rearrest him as soon as he gets out, and try him for the other 100 alleged crimes. Someone should judicially review the CPS for their feeble decision that it would all be too hard.
>133 libraryperilous: Diana, yes, I got that impression right from the beginnng!
>134 katiekrug: Katie, great suggestion! I don't think I've read it, although I did once have to read a bit of it for a sight reading class at a speech and drama competition. I love your multiple categories!
>135 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I just need something easier at the moment.
Good heavens, the justice secretary is looking at judicially reviewing the parole board (dreadful rapist about to be set free, for overseas readers). I've never seen that before. I don't know why they can't just rearrest him as soon as he gets out, and try him for the other 100 alleged crimes. Someone should judicially review the CPS for their feeble decision that it would all be too hard.
137Helenliz
>136 susanj67: dreadful rapist that's a masterly piece of understatement if ever I saw one. Is Englishness rubbing off on you? He's a candidate for locking up & throwing away the key, imo. News report said "unprecedented" but then they like long words and sometimes have short memories.
At out local Asda (where I popped to buy chocolate & golden syrup to make chocolate cornflake cakes) they were flogging Quality Street & Celebrations tubs off at £3 a pop. I did resist... I've not finished the chocolate we did get for Christmas yet!
At out local Asda (where I popped to buy chocolate & golden syrup to make chocolate cornflake cakes) they were flogging Quality Street & Celebrations tubs off at £3 a pop. I did resist... I've not finished the chocolate we did get for Christmas yet!
138susanj67
>137 Helenliz: Helen, yes, I read the news about the parole board's decision and shortly afterwards got an email update from a barrister's chambers about a case in which someone had been imprisoned for a breach of the Data Protection Act. He'd put a list of former colleagues and their salaries etc on the internet as a revenge thing after he was fired from his job. And the sentence? Eight years. About the same as Worboys has served for ruining the *entire lives of countless women*. Sometimes there literally are no words. Well done with Asda - I should take a stroll down to the one near work if I ever get a lunch hour again, which at this point is looking doubtful.
139drneutron
Shame about The Name of the Rose, but I understand. It's style can be a bit of a chore. But in the end I really really liked it!
140thornton37814
>131 susanj67: I abandoned The Name of the Rose the first time I tried to read it. I picked it up later and really enjoyed it, giving it five stars. Maybe you can try it at another point and find a similar experience.
141libraryperilous
There's always The Phantom Tollbooth for a digestible allegory. Or the LotR books for a chunkier one!
re: Worboys, I remain appalled (but not astonished) that men (and probably women) on the Parole Board think he won't reoffend. People will do anything to convince themselves rape's an accidental thing that happens because of sexual attraction. But nope, no systemic misogyny to see here, none at all.
re: Worboys, I remain appalled (but not astonished) that men (and probably women) on the Parole Board think he won't reoffend. People will do anything to convince themselves rape's an accidental thing that happens because of sexual attraction. But nope, no systemic misogyny to see here, none at all.
142susanj67
>139 drneutron: Jim, I've wanted to read it for a while, and thought it sounded like my sort of thing, but not for right now.
>140 thornton37814: Lori, maybe I will. I'm feeling a bit all over the place at the moment as things are so busy at work.
>141 libraryperilous: Diana, I've heard of The Phantom Tollbooth but don't think I've ever seen it. And re Worboys, the chair of the parole board panel that freed him is a woman, apparently. Maybe she's Catherine Deneuve. There was another sickening case recently where the offender had been released from a life sentence after doing exactly the same thing before, and he got another life sentence with a seven-year minimum. I got as far as looking up the address to complain to the Attorney General (who can refer sentences to the Court of Appeal if representations are made by disgusted members of the public) but didn't trust The System not to make my name available to the offender, who will no doubt be back out again very soon.
Today in no-book Sunday I have watched the three-parter on Queen Jane Grey with the excellent Helen Castor (broadcast this past week on the BBC, and amazingly my PVR recorded all of it), and gone through various newpaper supplements cutting things out and putting the rest in the recycling. I also looked up a lot of books in the library catalogue, and some of them may have fallen onto my reserve list, and that's not counting The 50 Best Crime Novels from the Times at the end of last year. Ahem. Tonight is the documentary in which the Queen talks about her coronation (I am excited about this, as we seldom actually hear her talking unscripted), and then episode 4 of McMafia, which is really good.
>140 thornton37814: Lori, maybe I will. I'm feeling a bit all over the place at the moment as things are so busy at work.
>141 libraryperilous: Diana, I've heard of The Phantom Tollbooth but don't think I've ever seen it. And re Worboys, the chair of the parole board panel that freed him is a woman, apparently. Maybe she's Catherine Deneuve. There was another sickening case recently where the offender had been released from a life sentence after doing exactly the same thing before, and he got another life sentence with a seven-year minimum. I got as far as looking up the address to complain to the Attorney General (who can refer sentences to the Court of Appeal if representations are made by disgusted members of the public) but didn't trust The System not to make my name available to the offender, who will no doubt be back out again very soon.
Today in no-book Sunday I have watched the three-parter on Queen Jane Grey with the excellent Helen Castor (broadcast this past week on the BBC, and amazingly my PVR recorded all of it), and gone through various newpaper supplements cutting things out and putting the rest in the recycling. I also looked up a lot of books in the library catalogue, and some of them may have fallen onto my reserve list, and that's not counting The 50 Best Crime Novels from the Times at the end of last year. Ahem. Tonight is the documentary in which the Queen talks about her coronation (I am excited about this, as we seldom actually hear her talking unscripted), and then episode 4 of McMafia, which is really good.
143charl08
Fifty best crime novels? *shakes fist* darn paywall!
After yesterday's excitement, enjoying a fluffy blanket.
After yesterday's excitement, enjoying a fluffy blanket.
144susanj67
>143 charl08: Charlotte, lol :-) I was going to say I'd post you the article, but it would no doubt be easier just to type them in a post, so I will do that. Stay tuned...
145susanj67
The 50 Best Modern Crime Novels* by Marcel Berlins
*Some of these are books in the middle of a series, and y'all know my thoughts on that sort of thing...
American Justice
LA Confidential by James Ellroy
Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell
Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Blacklist by Sara Paretsky
The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly
One Shot by Lee Child
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
British cops
Black & Blue by Ian Rankin
The Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid
Laidlaw by William McIlvanney
An Unkindness of Ravens by Ruth Rendell
He Died With His Eyes Open by Derek Raymond
Devices and Desires by P D James
Bones and Silence by Reginald Hill
Nordic noir
The Laughing Policeman by Mal Sjowall
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Blessed Are Those Who Thirst by Anne Holt
Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason
Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow by Peter Hoeg
The Man Who Smiled by Henning Mankell
The rest of the world
The Broken Shore by Peter Temple
Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith
Icarus by Deon Meyer
Havana Blue by Leonardo Padura
Irene by Pierre Lemaitre
Murder in the Central Committee by Manual Vazquez Montalban
This Night's Foul Work by Fred Vargas
Cabal by Michael Dibdin
Spies and wars
The Levanter by Eric Ambler
Berlin Game by Len Deighton
Night Soldiers by Alan Furst
Harry's Game by Gerald Seymour
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr
Kolymsky Heights by Lionel Davidson
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carre
The lawyers
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
The Partner by John Grisham
Psychological
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly
Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith
Humour
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen
Dead Lions by Mick Herron
Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard
The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri
Long ago
Two for the Lions by Lindsey Davis
Dark Fire by C J Sansom
Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters
The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson
The American Boy by Andrew Taylor
*Some of these are books in the middle of a series, and y'all know my thoughts on that sort of thing...
American Justice
LA Confidential by James Ellroy
Cruel and Unusual by Patricia Cornwell
Black Cherry Blues by James Lee Burke
Mystic River by Dennis Lehane
Blacklist by Sara Paretsky
The Concrete Blonde by Michael Connelly
One Shot by Lee Child
Black Water Rising by Attica Locke
British cops
Black & Blue by Ian Rankin
The Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid
Laidlaw by William McIlvanney
An Unkindness of Ravens by Ruth Rendell
He Died With His Eyes Open by Derek Raymond
Devices and Desires by P D James
Bones and Silence by Reginald Hill
Nordic noir
The Laughing Policeman by Mal Sjowall
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo
Blessed Are Those Who Thirst by Anne Holt
Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason
Miss Smilla's Feeling For Snow by Peter Hoeg
The Man Who Smiled by Henning Mankell
The rest of the world
The Broken Shore by Peter Temple
Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith
Icarus by Deon Meyer
Havana Blue by Leonardo Padura
Irene by Pierre Lemaitre
Murder in the Central Committee by Manual Vazquez Montalban
This Night's Foul Work by Fred Vargas
Cabal by Michael Dibdin
Spies and wars
The Levanter by Eric Ambler
Berlin Game by Len Deighton
Night Soldiers by Alan Furst
Harry's Game by Gerald Seymour
The Pale Criminal by Philip Kerr
Kolymsky Heights by Lionel Davidson
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John Le Carre
The lawyers
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
The Partner by John Grisham
Psychological
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
The Poison Tree by Erin Kelly
Ripley Under Ground by Patricia Highsmith
Humour
Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen
Dead Lions by Mick Herron
Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard
The Potter's Field by Andrea Camilleri
Long ago
Two for the Lions by Lindsey Davis
Dark Fire by C J Sansom
Monk's Hood by Ellis Peters
The Devil in the Marshalsea by Antonia Hodgson
The American Boy by Andrew Taylor
147Crazymamie
Me, too!
Happy Sunday to you, Susan!
Happy Sunday to you, Susan!
149LovingLit
>124 susanj67: wow, that is cool! (that you recognised it was my dad's photos in the piece).
Cool crime list(s)- I like the way they are categorised, with the possible exception that "rest of the world" is so small :)
Cool crime list(s)- I like the way they are categorised, with the possible exception that "rest of the world" is so small :)
150libraryperilous
Cool list, but odd to me that Monk's Hood is the Cadfael pick. It's the weakest entry in the series, I think.
151RebaRelishesReading
Mornin' Susan. Hubby asked me to ask you if ingredients for Mexican food are easily available in the U.K. (tortillas, for example). So...I've asked :)
152susanj67
>146 drneutron: Some of them do look good, Jim :-)
>147 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Sunday was pretty good, although today has made up for it...
>148 charl08: Charlotte, I've read fewer than 14 but I have read a few. And I got the first in one of the series out of the elibrary last night...
>149 LovingLit: Megan, yes, you'd think the rest of the world would be bigger, somehow.
>150 libraryperilous: Diana, I haven't got that far with the series yet, but I will adjust my expectations accordingly.
>151 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba! Yes, Mexican ingredients are easily available in all the big supermarkets. Of course, they might be what passes for Mexican in the UK rather than what you would get in Mexico or southern California. In a conversation with the roomie the other day, when I asked whether Chicken Madras should be renamed Chicken Chennai, she said no, "because that dish is an entirely British invention so you can call it what you want." So that was me told.
ETA: Here is the search result for "mexican" on the Tesco website: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/search?query=mexican
There is a sound installation in the square outside (far down) which sounds like a cross between whale music and bells. I just want to wallop someone. I'm not sure that was the effect they were going for.
>147 Crazymamie: Hi Mamie! Sunday was pretty good, although today has made up for it...
>148 charl08: Charlotte, I've read fewer than 14 but I have read a few. And I got the first in one of the series out of the elibrary last night...
>149 LovingLit: Megan, yes, you'd think the rest of the world would be bigger, somehow.
>150 libraryperilous: Diana, I haven't got that far with the series yet, but I will adjust my expectations accordingly.
>151 RebaRelishesReading: Hi Reba! Yes, Mexican ingredients are easily available in all the big supermarkets. Of course, they might be what passes for Mexican in the UK rather than what you would get in Mexico or southern California. In a conversation with the roomie the other day, when I asked whether Chicken Madras should be renamed Chicken Chennai, she said no, "because that dish is an entirely British invention so you can call it what you want." So that was me told.
ETA: Here is the search result for "mexican" on the Tesco website: https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/search?query=mexican
There is a sound installation in the square outside (far down) which sounds like a cross between whale music and bells. I just want to wallop someone. I'm not sure that was the effect they were going for.
153charl08
Susan, I've just discovered noise cancellation headphones. Wonderful. Now I can hear my audiobooks over the traffic npise walking to work.
Good luck with your new series!
Eta or even Noise. This phone is inventing my own private language.
Good luck with your new series!
Eta or even Noise. This phone is inventing my own private language.
154katiekrug
>145 susanj67: - Oooh, great list! I have several on my shelves/Kindle already. And I just started Black Water Rising yesterday on the plane and it's excellent!
155susanj67
>153 charl08: Charlotte, that will push your numbers up even further!
>154 katiekrug: Katie, yes, I enjoyed that one too.
My Beauty Box arrived last night after a delay of 11 days, which saw lots of people grumbling on Twitter at the lack of communication from the company (they nevertheless sent me three emails in the time it was delayed, encouraging me to buy stuff) so it was nice to get it, as I am always paranoid that mail will get stolen. Actually where I live that is not paranoia. But anyway! The items included an eyelash primer, which is very exciting as I have never tried one of those https://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/3d-lash-primer, and five other things which are now queued up waiting to be tried. There are a couple of cleansers and a hair mask and a toner and a serum, all with the theme of "Beauty forward".
But otherwise yesterday was 12 hours at my desk, and today looks like it will be the same or longer.
>154 katiekrug: Katie, yes, I enjoyed that one too.
My Beauty Box arrived last night after a delay of 11 days, which saw lots of people grumbling on Twitter at the lack of communication from the company (they nevertheless sent me three emails in the time it was delayed, encouraging me to buy stuff) so it was nice to get it, as I am always paranoid that mail will get stolen. Actually where I live that is not paranoia. But anyway! The items included an eyelash primer, which is very exciting as I have never tried one of those https://www.modelcocosmetics.com/shop/3d-lash-primer, and five other things which are now queued up waiting to be tried. There are a couple of cleansers and a hair mask and a toner and a serum, all with the theme of "Beauty forward".
But otherwise yesterday was 12 hours at my desk, and today looks like it will be the same or longer.
156charl08
12 hours! Oh goodness me. This is your reminder to get up and walk around the office a bit, if you haven't done it in a while...
I brought some scones as well
Beautiful shiny new copy of Rise Up Women arrived from the publisher today. So pretty!
I brought some scones as well
Beautiful shiny new copy of Rise Up Women arrived from the publisher today. So pretty!
157susanj67
>156 charl08: Ooh, thanks Charlotte. I could eat that entire display. I'm actually standing up at the moment - I wasn't making enough use of my sit/stand desk so I am trying to do better. I love the sound of that book, and also the self-published romance series you mentioned on your thread.
158Crazymamie
>156 charl08: That's lovely!
Susan, I hope that work slows down a bit for you soon. On the beauty box front, I did not even know that there was such a thing as eyelash primer.
Susan, I hope that work slows down a bit for you soon. On the beauty box front, I did not even know that there was such a thing as eyelash primer.
159RebaRelishesReading
>152 susanj67: Thanks Susan! I've forwarded the info to him. Interesting that Old El Paso still seems to dominate. When I lived there in the 70's they were the only game in town but they only had a handful of products. Now it's quite a list, including fresh tortillas it looks like.
Hope your work settles back down soon!
Hope your work settles back down soon!
160susanj67
>158 Crazymamie: Mamie, I had heard of them but haven't tried one. I don't dare until the weekend, just in case it's a disaster.
>159 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, yes, I think we even had Old El Paso in NZ but that was a long time ago so I may be remembering incorrectly. But you will definitely get fresh tortillas here - all the supermarkets have their own-brand breads as well as the branded ones.
Today was the training for Windows 10/Office 2013. "You may be familiar with Windows 10 from home," said the trainer. I didn't dare confess that I'm still running Windows Vista. And we got the Surface Pros, which are beautiful. They even come with a pen to write on the screen (a thought which makes me wince) but I tried it and, being a lefty, it just causes havoc with the tool bar, so I can't see myself using that a lot. It comes with a Belkin neoprene case and it fits into my Kipling backpack (just) so I will take it home tonight and hook it up to the wi-fi and see what happens. I suspect what will happen is that I will start answering emails and "agile working" will turn out to be 24/7 working. But it is very pretty...
>159 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, yes, I think we even had Old El Paso in NZ but that was a long time ago so I may be remembering incorrectly. But you will definitely get fresh tortillas here - all the supermarkets have their own-brand breads as well as the branded ones.
Today was the training for Windows 10/Office 2013. "You may be familiar with Windows 10 from home," said the trainer. I didn't dare confess that I'm still running Windows Vista. And we got the Surface Pros, which are beautiful. They even come with a pen to write on the screen (a thought which makes me wince) but I tried it and, being a lefty, it just causes havoc with the tool bar, so I can't see myself using that a lot. It comes with a Belkin neoprene case and it fits into my Kipling backpack (just) so I will take it home tonight and hook it up to the wi-fi and see what happens. I suspect what will happen is that I will start answering emails and "agile working" will turn out to be 24/7 working. But it is very pretty...
161Crazymamie
Hooray for the shiny new Surface Pro, Susan! And please do keep me informed about the primer.
Guess what? It's snowing!! In Southern Georgia!
Guess what? It's snowing!! In Southern Georgia!
162charl08
>160 susanj67: Susan, not sure if this is what you meant by the tool bar, but in case
How to move the Windows Taskbar from its default position or reset it to its default position - https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/253679/how-to-move-the-windows-taskbar-...
How to move the Windows Taskbar from its default position or reset it to its default position - https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/253679/how-to-move-the-windows-taskbar-...
163ChelleBearss
>145 susanj67: That's an excellent list! I'll have to save that for later. I've actually read quite a few from it!
Enjoy the beauty box! I had tried something similar here called Ipsy but I found I didn't end up using a bunch of the stuff they sent so I cancelled it.
Enjoy the beauty box! I had tried something similar here called Ipsy but I found I didn't end up using a bunch of the stuff they sent so I cancelled it.
164susanj67
>161 Crazymamie: Mamie, that's amazing! Is there enough to make a snowman? :-) I will report on the primer - if I'm not in court tomorrow I might risk it a few days early. Not that I can actually remember what day tomorrow is.
>162 charl08: Thanks Charlotte - I'll have a look at that site for other things too. I meant toolbar in the sense of the ribbon along the top - fonts, spacing etc - but it's probably possible to move everything if I just pay attention and experiment.
Someone (a partner, fortunately) asked whether we were allowed to watch Netflix on them and the trainer said that they are being given to us for business purposes and that's all she could say, but it struck me that playing around with something is the way you learn how to use it, rather than starting a giant document from scratch up against a deadline. I suspect there will be a bit of Netflixing going on if people take them home. I can't wait to try the library's magazine app on it. Very sadly, the change over meant that all my bookmarks disappeared. so that's a bit of a pain. I mean, I had actual work-related stuff bookmarked for goodness sake. And the papers. And the BBC news website. Naturally LT was the first thing I looked up and bookmarked again.
>162 charl08: Thanks Charlotte - I'll have a look at that site for other things too. I meant toolbar in the sense of the ribbon along the top - fonts, spacing etc - but it's probably possible to move everything if I just pay attention and experiment.
Someone (a partner, fortunately) asked whether we were allowed to watch Netflix on them and the trainer said that they are being given to us for business purposes and that's all she could say, but it struck me that playing around with something is the way you learn how to use it, rather than starting a giant document from scratch up against a deadline. I suspect there will be a bit of Netflixing going on if people take them home. I can't wait to try the library's magazine app on it. Very sadly, the change over meant that all my bookmarks disappeared. so that's a bit of a pain. I mean, I had actual work-related stuff bookmarked for goodness sake. And the papers. And the BBC news website. Naturally LT was the first thing I looked up and bookmarked again.
165susanj67
>163 ChelleBearss: Chelle, I hope you get some more suggestions from the list :-) I've been getting the box for three months now and it's a good mix of things - none of which I would have thought to try on my own (although sometimes that's because I would never spend e.g. £20 on a lip gloss) but I am going to keep an eye on what I'm using, because I know what you mean - there are only so many tiny tubes of stuff you can deal with if they're not your thing.
166BekkaJo
Gotta love a shiny new computer :)
Though do make sure it doesn't turn into 24/7 working - that way madness lies! And it really gets in the way of reading...
Though do make sure it doesn't turn into 24/7 working - that way madness lies! And it really gets in the way of reading...
168susanj67
>166 BekkaJo: Bekka, yes, I do already love it :-) I might even consider a new case for it.
>167 Crazymamie: Mamie, that is very cute :-) Maybe you could at least put your winter coat on and go outside for some steps - it might be a rare opportunity to wear it!
The man asked me if I just wanted my two screens or whether he should add the Surface Pro as a third screen. I said two would be fine, but already I want three. Dangnabbit!
>167 Crazymamie: Mamie, that is very cute :-) Maybe you could at least put your winter coat on and go outside for some steps - it might be a rare opportunity to wear it!
The man asked me if I just wanted my two screens or whether he should add the Surface Pro as a third screen. I said two would be fine, but already I want three. Dangnabbit!
169susanj67
Yay! Here I am online at home, connected to the wi-fi and to all my work stuff. Hmmm. Quite complicated to set it all up, but I got there and will shortly detach the keyboard and try it in tablet mode. Ooh :-) I think I'll get it a proper mouse as the track pad thing is v annoying but there is a USB slot for a mouse so that should be fine.
170Helenliz
>169 susanj67: how exciting, the technology works! Laptop I got with my new job has a touch screen, but you can't detatch the screen, so I'm not too sure I see a use for it.
Now, the trick is to NOT work every hour of day and night, just because you can. At least a desktop you can leave in the office. I work from home and have to be quite firm in shutting the study door and not popping back to check mail and the like. Did that in my last job and it just about frazzled me, so lesson learnt for me and friendly advice for you. Otherwise I might have to try and Paddington stare....
Now, the trick is to NOT work every hour of day and night, just because you can. At least a desktop you can leave in the office. I work from home and have to be quite firm in shutting the study door and not popping back to check mail and the like. Did that in my last job and it just about frazzled me, so lesson learnt for me and friendly advice for you. Otherwise I might have to try and Paddington stare....
171susanj67
Helen, I will try and be good, but is nice to have a decent keyboard, and even the one on the tablet is pretty good. I hate typing on my phone in the evenings for any length of time. I can't make it do the arrows for post numbers so I have to work that out. They are there, but they won't appear on the screen. But I've just downloaded the latest BBC History mag and it is beautiful when the tablet is turned around to portrait orientation. None of this will be good for my book totals...
172susanj67
>171 susanj67: Aha! I was looking in the wrong place. Very pleased to have worked that out before seeking help.
173susanj67
Eyelash primer update: it does make my lashes look longer, but it is also making my eyes water. I'll give it another try on the weekend but I think it will be a fail. I also need to check it (and my mascaras) against this list of ingredients for plastics:
Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Nylon (PA) and Nylon.
"Microbeads" in toiletries are no longer allowed to be manufactured for sale here, and the sales ban starts in June, but apparently these other plastics (commonly found in things promising to extend or lengthen lashes) are just as damaging to marine life.
Polyethylene (PE), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) and Nylon (PA) and Nylon.
"Microbeads" in toiletries are no longer allowed to be manufactured for sale here, and the sales ban starts in June, but apparently these other plastics (commonly found in things promising to extend or lengthen lashes) are just as damaging to marine life.
174RebaRelishesReading
I'm so fascinated by your continuing experiments with make-up and skin care products. Because I'm lazy, I'm hoping you'll make a full report of what you decide is worth keeping long-term at some point :)
175charl08
>173 susanj67: Yikes. More plastic? I can just about cope with the Number Seven sensitive mascara, but only in the winter. Naked eyelashes!
Hope you're having fun finding out what the new toy can do.
Sorry "serious work gadget" can do...
Hope you're having fun finding out what the new toy can do.
Sorry "serious work gadget" can do...
176susanj67
>174 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, I can certainly do a report! I'll collect my thoughts and post something later on what I've tried so far.
>175 charl08: Charlotte, it hadn't occurred to me that mascara might be an issue until I read it on a blog, but it seems that anything that lengthens or wows or looks like false lashes etc might be a problem. Anyway, I have found this paper on intentionally added microplastics in products, which I might read later http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/39168%20Intentionally%20adde... There will never be a world in which I *don't* use mascara, but I'll try to look for the ordinary un-wowy versions that just add colour and not fantastic effects.
I have thrown the eyelash primer out after I got home last night desperate to take my face off, which I never usually do till bedtime.
Work calmed down to the extent that I have the day off - yay! I *must* try and finish a couple of books - it is 19 Jan and my grand total for the year is 3 so far. Very poor.
>175 charl08: Charlotte, it hadn't occurred to me that mascara might be an issue until I read it on a blog, but it seems that anything that lengthens or wows or looks like false lashes etc might be a problem. Anyway, I have found this paper on intentionally added microplastics in products, which I might read later http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/39168%20Intentionally%20adde... There will never be a world in which I *don't* use mascara, but I'll try to look for the ordinary un-wowy versions that just add colour and not fantastic effects.
I have thrown the eyelash primer out after I got home last night desperate to take my face off, which I never usually do till bedtime.
Work calmed down to the extent that I have the day off - yay! I *must* try and finish a couple of books - it is 19 Jan and my grand total for the year is 3 so far. Very poor.
177libraryperilous
Yes, enjoying the beauty product posts. I'm still a junkie for reading about makeup and skin care, even though I've pared my own items down to just a handful. Still miss living near Kiehl's. It and Aedes de Venustas will be two of the first places I hit up when I move back to NYC later this year.
178RebaRelishesReading
Glad your works has calmed a bit. Hope you enjoy your day off and get a nice patch of reading time.
179Helenliz
>176 susanj67: that's a horrible feeling, wanting to scrub your skin off to remove it. I had a blusher that did that, had it for ages and suddenly my face took against it.
How is the day off? And a Friday too, nice planning.
How is the day off? And a Friday too, nice planning.
180susanj67
>177 libraryperilous: Diana, I didn't have too many products until I started the Beauty Box and bought a beauty Advent calendar, and those are keeping me busy :-)
>178 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. I have managed to read a bit.
>179 Helenliz: Helen, the day seemed to go very quickly...but it was nice not to be in the office.
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo
This is my fourth finish of the year so far, which is...very slow. It's the first one in the Martin Beck series, which was mentioned in the list from The Times that I posted further up the thread. It's set in 1962, so it is almost historical fiction, and this is the series that is supposed to be the start of Nordic Noir/Scandi crime etc. I think I'll keep going with it, but not in a "read them all at once" sort of way.
I also read another chunk of Testosterone Rex, which I should finish tomorrow. And there's a book waiting at the library for me, so that will provide a due date to motivate me :-)
>178 RebaRelishesReading: Thanks Reba. I have managed to read a bit.
>179 Helenliz: Helen, the day seemed to go very quickly...but it was nice not to be in the office.
4. Roseanna by Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo
This is my fourth finish of the year so far, which is...very slow. It's the first one in the Martin Beck series, which was mentioned in the list from The Times that I posted further up the thread. It's set in 1962, so it is almost historical fiction, and this is the series that is supposed to be the start of Nordic Noir/Scandi crime etc. I think I'll keep going with it, but not in a "read them all at once" sort of way.
I also read another chunk of Testosterone Rex, which I should finish tomorrow. And there's a book waiting at the library for me, so that will provide a due date to motivate me :-)
181susanj67
Beauty quest update
In this occasional series I'm going to review the products that I've tried so far from the Look Fantastic Beauty Box subscription and the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent calendar.
1. Shay and Blue fragrance in Blood Oranges https://www.shayandblue.com/fragrances/citrus/blood-oranges.html The Advent calendar had a 10ml size of this in it, and it is GORGEOUS. I will definitely be buying it again once I've finished the sample, and it comes in various other products too. It is my favourite thing so far.
2. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm http://www.marksandspencer.com/super-size-moringa-balm-200ml/p/p22424210?prevPag... - I loved this rich balm with a scent a bit like 4711, which is an ancient childhood memory for me (it was the scent that Air New Zealand used for their sachet wipes, and I would get the occasional one when my Dad came back from a business trip - very rare in the 70s). It's a ridiculous price, but I'll keep an eye out for promotions as a couple of the reviews mention special offers.
3. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser https://www.lookfantastic.com/suki-exfoliate-foaming-cleanser-120ml/10796566.htm... - this was in December's Beauty Box and the concept was a little bit terrifying, but it is a beautiful product and I couldn't believe how lovely my skin felt after trying it. The exfoliating element means that it's not an everyday one, but two or three times a week would work. I still have a bit of the sample left.
4. Korres Wild Rose Advanced Repair Sleeping Facial http://www.marksandspencer.com/wild-rose-sleeping-facial-cream-40ml/p/p22405123?... - I love the texture of this cream, which is very light, but the results are amazing. The only downside is the scent - it no doubt costs a fortune but it smells like a value set from Poundland. I put it on the first night and thought "ewww" but my skin looked so good the next morning that I stuck with it. I won't buy it again unless they bring out a different scent or unscented one, but it really works.
5. Tarte foundation brush - I bought a beautiful set of Tarte brushes in an amazing sale on their website over Christmas, and I was particularly keen to try the foundation brush, as lots of the vloggers use them. It really does change the way foundation goes on, and gives a lovely finish. Definitely a win! There is also a powder brush and three eye brushes, so I have plenty to try.
In this occasional series I'm going to review the products that I've tried so far from the Look Fantastic Beauty Box subscription and the Marks & Spencer Beauty Advent calendar.
1. Shay and Blue fragrance in Blood Oranges https://www.shayandblue.com/fragrances/citrus/blood-oranges.html The Advent calendar had a 10ml size of this in it, and it is GORGEOUS. I will definitely be buying it again once I've finished the sample, and it comes in various other products too. It is my favourite thing so far.
2. Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm http://www.marksandspencer.com/super-size-moringa-balm-200ml/p/p22424210?prevPag... - I loved this rich balm with a scent a bit like 4711, which is an ancient childhood memory for me (it was the scent that Air New Zealand used for their sachet wipes, and I would get the occasional one when my Dad came back from a business trip - very rare in the 70s). It's a ridiculous price, but I'll keep an eye out for promotions as a couple of the reviews mention special offers.
3. Suki Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser https://www.lookfantastic.com/suki-exfoliate-foaming-cleanser-120ml/10796566.htm... - this was in December's Beauty Box and the concept was a little bit terrifying, but it is a beautiful product and I couldn't believe how lovely my skin felt after trying it. The exfoliating element means that it's not an everyday one, but two or three times a week would work. I still have a bit of the sample left.
4. Korres Wild Rose Advanced Repair Sleeping Facial http://www.marksandspencer.com/wild-rose-sleeping-facial-cream-40ml/p/p22405123?... - I love the texture of this cream, which is very light, but the results are amazing. The only downside is the scent - it no doubt costs a fortune but it smells like a value set from Poundland. I put it on the first night and thought "ewww" but my skin looked so good the next morning that I stuck with it. I won't buy it again unless they bring out a different scent or unscented one, but it really works.
5. Tarte foundation brush - I bought a beautiful set of Tarte brushes in an amazing sale on their website over Christmas, and I was particularly keen to try the foundation brush, as lots of the vloggers use them. It really does change the way foundation goes on, and gives a lovely finish. Definitely a win! There is also a powder brush and three eye brushes, so I have plenty to try.
182thornton37814
>180 susanj67: I liked that one when I read it about 4 years ago.
183susanj67
Lori, did you continue with the series?
It's rainy here today and last night was freezing* so it seems like a good day to stay inside and finish a book or two. I read a good review of David Kynaston's book about the Bank of England recently, so if it's still on the shelf at the library I think I'll get it on Monday. I have one waiting which is a re-creation of the Jarrow March of 1937 but it doesn't seem like a very chunky read.
*in UK weather
It's rainy here today and last night was freezing* so it seems like a good day to stay inside and finish a book or two. I read a good review of David Kynaston's book about the Bank of England recently, so if it's still on the shelf at the library I think I'll get it on Monday. I have one waiting which is a re-creation of the Jarrow March of 1937 but it doesn't seem like a very chunky read.
*in UK weather
184charl08
Weather forecast is wet wet wet here Susan. I swam yesterday and am really feeling it today, so I don't see much movement in my future today. Maybe tomorrow!
185Helenliz
>183 susanj67: the scientist in me says that statement is literally correct, water was frozen when I left this morning, the temperature over night was, indeed, freezing. It was raining when I went shopping this morning; so agree with the plan for the day, stay in with a good book. And maybe catch up on some ironing, but that's less fun.
I have far too many books on the to read pile and yet another one sitting in the library waiting for me. Work trip this week means I should get some reading done next week. Flying involves an awful lot of sitting around waiting...
I have far too many books on the to read pile and yet another one sitting in the library waiting for me. Work trip this week means I should get some reading done next week. Flying involves an awful lot of sitting around waiting...
186susanj67
>184 charl08: Charlotte, I agree - tomorrow is soon enough to do anything :-)
>185 Helenliz: Helen, I always think I will get more reading done while travelling than I actually do. Or maybe that was just last time. It is *still cold* and yet only London cold, not say, Minnesota cold. But I can't warm up.
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
The subtitle of this book is "Unmaking the myths of our gendered minds" and the author looks at lots of research showing that "boys will be boys" is not really the case insofar as physical differences are concerned, but that the reasons for the roles taken on by men and women are much more complicated than men having lots of testosterone and women very little. I did find it quite hard, particularly in the last section, but it was a worthwhile read.
>185 Helenliz: Helen, I always think I will get more reading done while travelling than I actually do. Or maybe that was just last time. It is *still cold* and yet only London cold, not say, Minnesota cold. But I can't warm up.
5. Testosterone Rex by Cordelia Fine
The subtitle of this book is "Unmaking the myths of our gendered minds" and the author looks at lots of research showing that "boys will be boys" is not really the case insofar as physical differences are concerned, but that the reasons for the roles taken on by men and women are much more complicated than men having lots of testosterone and women very little. I did find it quite hard, particularly in the last section, but it was a worthwhile read.
187RebaRelishesReading
>181 susanj67: Thanks for the report, Susan. It had a double benefit for me because following the link to the Mooring Cleansing Balm led me to find out that Marks & Sparks has a U.S. web page now.
188EBT1002
Hi Susan. I'm adding Testosterone Rex to the wish list. It looks interesting.
"...it seems like a good day to stay inside and finish a book or two." Yep.
"...it seems like a good day to stay inside and finish a book or two." Yep.
189susanj67
>187 RebaRelishesReading: Reba, goodness, I didn't know that :-) I had a look and it even looks different to the UK one. They also have one for NZ, which I must tell my friend about. They used to ship there for a very low fee, but they didn't previously have a website in NZ$.
>188 EBT1002: Ellen, yes, I think I made the right choice staying inside!
6. Radical Technologies: The Design of Everyday Life by Adam Greenfield
This is one of my Verso books, which took me a while to read because there was no due date. But it's an excellent look at what changing technologies mean for us. The author looks at things as diverse as 3D printing, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the use of algorithms, which made decisions based on criteria that we can't really know or understand. It's a thought-provoking read.
>188 EBT1002: Ellen, yes, I think I made the right choice staying inside!
6. Radical Technologies: The Design of Everyday Life by Adam Greenfield
This is one of my Verso books, which took me a while to read because there was no due date. But it's an excellent look at what changing technologies mean for us. The author looks at things as diverse as 3D printing, self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, virtual reality and the use of algorithms, which made decisions based on criteria that we can't really know or understand. It's a thought-provoking read.
190Berly
Hoping you warm up soon! I may get Rex someday if I run across a cheap copy. Hope you are having fun with the Beauty Quest. Happy Saturday!
191SandDune
>183 susanj67: It is horrible weather isn't it? We were thinking of having a day out somewhere tomorrow but it's going to rain or sleet all day apparently! We might go to Cambridge to do a bit of shopping instead. New cushions are needed...
192thornton37814
>183 susanj67: I sort of forgot about the series. Occasionally I'll see one and think, "I need to find the next in the series," but then it falls off my radar. Your review, however, did make me add the next one to the wish list in Overdrive. Maybe I'll get to it when it shows up as available, and I'm searching for something to read!
193libraryperilous
>181 susanj67: Ooooohhhhhh
194susanj67
>190 Berly: Thanks Kim! It feels a bit warmer today but it started snowing on me in between the library and the supermarket, so I may just be wearing better clothes.
>191 SandDune: Rhian, it's certainly doing that down here. I hope you found the cushions if you got out :-)
>192 thornton37814: Lori, that's one of the reasons I started my series post at the top of my thread, because I'm a bit forgetful like that too. There are a couple of others I dimly remember but not enough to add them :-)
>193 libraryperilous: Diana, I'm going to save my empties to remind myself what I've tried. The beauty vloggers do this and then do a whole video talking about whether they would buy the thing again. Y'all are SO lucky that LT doesn't have a video function :-)
Today in no-book Sunday I have watched the first two parts of A House Through Time, which is excellent. It's like Who Do You Think You Are, but it's about a house and all the people who've lived in it through the years and what they were doing, with excursions into broader social history. It's about a house in Liverpool, but I think anyone in the UK would like it and anyone overseas who's into social history. It's a BBC programme so might perhaps show up on BBC America at some point.
Then I went to the library, where I picked up Long Road From Jarrow, which had come in on reserve, and had a look at a display of Sunday Times bestsellers. Most were displayed cover-out, but the very bottom shelf was spines-out, and I noticed How To Survive a Plague, which I was tempted to move up because it's so good. And then right at the end of the shelf I saw Manhattan Beach. Yay! I may even have said this out loud as I snagged it.
But there was no sign of the David Kynaston book on the Bank of England in the new NF display. I looked it up in their catalogue app and it was showing as available to borrow, so I asked about it when I was getting my books issued (all the machines being broken and no-one caring). I showed the library lady the record in the app, which had a picture of the book, the author, title and Dewey number. I explained that it had been with the new NF but had disappeared, and I'd checked the shelf and it wasn't there either. She wrote down the title, interrogated the computer, wrote down the Dewey number and said she could show me where that was. "No," I said, "it's not on the shelf." She then looked mystified, as if wondering what else I could possibly expect. "Have you seen it, perhaps?" I asked. "It's brand new and very expensive." But no. She asked if I'd checked all the displays, because she wasn't sure what they all were (despite walking past them every morning when she arrives, presumably). She then suggested that perhaps someone in the library was sitting reading it somewhere, but the only patrons in there were eating lunch and preparing to nap the afternoon away, or shouting and thumping one another (kids, in the latter case, although in Tower Hamlets you can never assume). So I think someone has stolen it. So sad. This is why we can't have nice things. The Jarrow March book does look excellent and I'm a bit tempted to start it, but I bought the Sunday Times at Waitrose when I went there afterwards, so I should make my way through that. It's FREE with £10 of shopping, which is such an amazing deal that I always think it's some sort of mistake and won't work next time.
>191 SandDune: Rhian, it's certainly doing that down here. I hope you found the cushions if you got out :-)
>192 thornton37814: Lori, that's one of the reasons I started my series post at the top of my thread, because I'm a bit forgetful like that too. There are a couple of others I dimly remember but not enough to add them :-)
>193 libraryperilous: Diana, I'm going to save my empties to remind myself what I've tried. The beauty vloggers do this and then do a whole video talking about whether they would buy the thing again. Y'all are SO lucky that LT doesn't have a video function :-)
Today in no-book Sunday I have watched the first two parts of A House Through Time, which is excellent. It's like Who Do You Think You Are, but it's about a house and all the people who've lived in it through the years and what they were doing, with excursions into broader social history. It's about a house in Liverpool, but I think anyone in the UK would like it and anyone overseas who's into social history. It's a BBC programme so might perhaps show up on BBC America at some point.
Then I went to the library, where I picked up Long Road From Jarrow, which had come in on reserve, and had a look at a display of Sunday Times bestsellers. Most were displayed cover-out, but the very bottom shelf was spines-out, and I noticed How To Survive a Plague, which I was tempted to move up because it's so good. And then right at the end of the shelf I saw Manhattan Beach. Yay! I may even have said this out loud as I snagged it.
But there was no sign of the David Kynaston book on the Bank of England in the new NF display. I looked it up in their catalogue app and it was showing as available to borrow, so I asked about it when I was getting my books issued (all the machines being broken and no-one caring). I showed the library lady the record in the app, which had a picture of the book, the author, title and Dewey number. I explained that it had been with the new NF but had disappeared, and I'd checked the shelf and it wasn't there either. She wrote down the title, interrogated the computer, wrote down the Dewey number and said she could show me where that was. "No," I said, "it's not on the shelf." She then looked mystified, as if wondering what else I could possibly expect. "Have you seen it, perhaps?" I asked. "It's brand new and very expensive." But no. She asked if I'd checked all the displays, because she wasn't sure what they all were (despite walking past them every morning when she arrives, presumably). She then suggested that perhaps someone in the library was sitting reading it somewhere, but the only patrons in there were eating lunch and preparing to nap the afternoon away, or shouting and thumping one another (kids, in the latter case, although in Tower Hamlets you can never assume). So I think someone has stolen it. So sad. This is why we can't have nice things. The Jarrow March book does look excellent and I'm a bit tempted to start it, but I bought the Sunday Times at Waitrose when I went there afterwards, so I should make my way through that. It's FREE with £10 of shopping, which is such an amazing deal that I always think it's some sort of mistake and won't work next time.
195souloftherose
>194 susanj67: By coincidence I have just downloaded the first three episodes of A House Through Time so I'm very glad to hear you enjoyed it.
>194 susanj67: Sorry to hear about the David Kynaston book - I find it so annoying when the library catalogue says a book is in my local branch but I can't find it. Hopefully someone put it back on the wrong shelf rather than stealing it but...... Also baffled as to why the librarian didn't seem to care.
>194 susanj67: Sorry to hear about the David Kynaston book - I find it so annoying when the library catalogue says a book is in my local branch but I can't find it. Hopefully someone put it back on the wrong shelf rather than stealing it but...... Also baffled as to why the librarian didn't seem to care.
196BLBera
Susan! You are working way too hard. I LOVE the Martin Beck series. The ten books were written by journalists to show how Swedish society was changing. Each one is better than the previous one. I think I might want to read the series again.
Thanks for posting the mystery list. I think we could all come up with 50 equally good books.
Thanks for posting the mystery list. I think we could all come up with 50 equally good books.
197ronincats
Whew! All caught up here, but it took a while. Have a great week, Susan--hopefully with a little more down time.
198LovingLit
>155 susanj67: 12 hours at your desk! Sheesh, that seems excessive.
I am always paranoid that mail will get stolen.
Me too, parcels, just sitting there? They must be very appealing. Our home baked biscuits that my dad' partner baked for the kids (post-chicken pox) never arrived. I mentioned it to dad, and he checked his records and discovered that they had been addressed to #8 instead of #18! oops. The package had his return address, including a phone number, but the people never called which was a bit of a shame.
I am always paranoid that mail will get stolen.
Me too, parcels, just sitting there? They must be very appealing. Our home baked biscuits that my dad' partner baked for the kids (post-chicken pox) never arrived. I mentioned it to dad, and he checked his records and discovered that they had been addressed to #8 instead of #18! oops. The package had his return address, including a phone number, but the people never called which was a bit of a shame.
199susanj67
>195 souloftherose: Heather, I think you'll love the series - it's really well done, although I wonder whether they just picked one house and crossed their fingers that it would be interesting, or looked at a few just in case.
>196 BLBera: Beth, that definitely makes me want to continue with the Beck series! I must add it to my series post, and then I'm committed :-)
>197 ronincats: Hi Roni! This week should be better, I think.
>198 LovingLit: Megan, I'm more worried about Royal Mail than the neighbours. If something makes it into the building then it's safe - it's the sorting office that's the weak link in the chain. There have been some awful cases of mail theft in the papers over the years. My first Kindle disappeared virtually as soon as it left the Amazon warehouse (shipping them in a box with "Kindle" all over it probably wasn't the wisest move) but they made me wait two weeks before they sent another one.
Office 2013 looks less alien than it did last week, but there's still too much on the screen. I did manage to get rid of the "preview" words from the emails, although when I say "I", actually my secretary showed me how to do it. We both changed the display font from teeny to readable - it turns out the "View" tab holds all sorts of secrets.
>196 BLBera: Beth, that definitely makes me want to continue with the Beck series! I must add it to my series post, and then I'm committed :-)
>197 ronincats: Hi Roni! This week should be better, I think.
>198 LovingLit: Megan, I'm more worried about Royal Mail than the neighbours. If something makes it into the building then it's safe - it's the sorting office that's the weak link in the chain. There have been some awful cases of mail theft in the papers over the years. My first Kindle disappeared virtually as soon as it left the Amazon warehouse (shipping them in a box with "Kindle" all over it probably wasn't the wisest move) but they made me wait two weeks before they sent another one.
Office 2013 looks less alien than it did last week, but there's still too much on the screen. I did manage to get rid of the "preview" words from the emails, although when I say "I", actually my secretary showed me how to do it. We both changed the display font from teeny to readable - it turns out the "View" tab holds all sorts of secrets.
200charl08
I agree, A House through time is excellent, although I have to restrain myself from gnawing knuckles in envy at all the archives where he gets to go work 'in the stacks' (even if it just is for the camera) rather than the public reading rooms. Also at that beautiful Georgian house! I have his latest book Black and British and still haven't opened it. Unimpressive (on my part, not his).
201Helenliz
>194 susanj67: >195 souloftherose: >200 charl08: I'm recording the whole lot, then I'll watch them together. I like series binges; so much more satisfying than having to wait a week for the next installment.
202BLBera
I thought you might appreciate this. I was congratulating myself on finishing a library book, so I took advantage of the mild weather yesterday and walked to my library to return it (about a twenty-minute walk). Well, I returned my book but came home with three. So, I got some steps in.
203Familyhistorian
You have such great shows like "Who Do You Think You Are?" and "A House Through Time". I just wish that I could access them but they are not available here. *sigh*
204susanj67
>200 charl08: Charlotte, yes, the archives do look gorgeous. And I love all the obscure museums/collections he goes to.
>201 Helenliz: Helen, yes, it would work well on a chilly Sunday. Like the Netflix experience, but at no additional cost :-)
>202 BLBera: Beth, I did appreciate that! And well done on the steps. As for the books, well, you're among friends :-)
>203 Familyhistorian: Meg, sorry to hear that they're not picked up by your own broadcasters. There are calls from time to time for the BBC to make itself available worldwide on a subscription basis, which I think would be a great idea.
Another reserve has come in for me at the library (the new Mary Shelley biography) so I'll head over at lunchtime, and perhaps see if I can find FLA to discuss the missing Kynaston book. Of course, if he does say OMG I found that this morning in the teen vampire section* then I will be in a bit of a pickle as I have enough out but will feel obliged to borrow it nonetheless.
*I'm not saying there is actually a teen vampire section. But anything is possible.
>201 Helenliz: Helen, yes, it would work well on a chilly Sunday. Like the Netflix experience, but at no additional cost :-)
>202 BLBera: Beth, I did appreciate that! And well done on the steps. As for the books, well, you're among friends :-)
>203 Familyhistorian: Meg, sorry to hear that they're not picked up by your own broadcasters. There are calls from time to time for the BBC to make itself available worldwide on a subscription basis, which I think would be a great idea.
Another reserve has come in for me at the library (the new Mary Shelley biography) so I'll head over at lunchtime, and perhaps see if I can find FLA to discuss the missing Kynaston book. Of course, if he does say OMG I found that this morning in the teen vampire section* then I will be in a bit of a pickle as I have enough out but will feel obliged to borrow it nonetheless.
*I'm not saying there is actually a teen vampire section. But anything is possible.
205thornton37814
Reading all the comments about stolen parcels. Mine usually eventually show up, but I've had a few become lost for a few weeks before showing up. They now have some "safe" places where you can have packages delivered, at least in larger cities. I know people who use this system. My niece picks hers up a Walgreens (pharmacy), I believe. Most packages arrive via UPS rather than USPS, and I'm usually home by the time they deliver.
206Crazymamie
>204 susanj67: I really like to think that there is a teen vampire section.
New Mary Shelley biography?
New Mary Shelley biography?
207libraryperilous
My hold on Manhattan Beach came in yesterday and I am soooooo excited. I hope you enjoy your read of it, Susan.
208susanj67
>205 thornton37814: Lori, they have a few of those "safe place" delivery options here too, including the local Post Office. I can also get package at the office, although I try not to do that in case their patience runs out :-)
>206 Crazymamie: Mamie, it's In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Samson. It's getting quite a few reviews over here and I know a bit about Mary Shelley because of Romantic Outlaws, so I thought I'd get it even though I hated Frankenstein.
>207 libraryperilous: Diana, I was very surprised to see it just sitting there :-) I thought I would have to reserve it to get a newish, cleanish copy, and yet this one looks fine.
I only caught a glimpse of FLA at the library and didn't feel I could go chasing after him. The Kynaston book is still showing as available, but it's still not there. Now I want it more than anything else, which is silly.
>206 Crazymamie: Mamie, it's In Search of Mary Shelley by Fiona Samson. It's getting quite a few reviews over here and I know a bit about Mary Shelley because of Romantic Outlaws, so I thought I'd get it even though I hated Frankenstein.
>207 libraryperilous: Diana, I was very surprised to see it just sitting there :-) I thought I would have to reserve it to get a newish, cleanish copy, and yet this one looks fine.
I only caught a glimpse of FLA at the library and didn't feel I could go chasing after him. The Kynaston book is still showing as available, but it's still not there. Now I want it more than anything else, which is silly.
209Crazymamie
Thanks for that! And you are reminding me that I have Romantic Outlaws in the stacks. I loved Frankenstein when I read it, but that was MANY years ago - either high school or middle school. I have no idea if it would hold up for me or not.
210ChelleBearss
We have community mailboxes in our town, no door to door delivery now. So most of my parcels fit in the parcel boxes so I don't usually have boxes on my porch to be stolen. Only when it's delivered via Purolator or UPS do they get left on the porch. Thankfully I haven't had one taken yet.
211susanj67
>209 Crazymamie: Mamie, I'm not going to suggest you revisit it :-) Interestingly, while I think it is fairly well known that it was written as part of a holiday project when the four vacationers were stuck inside in bad weather, I read recently that it was the famous "year of no summer" due to the eruption of Mount Tambora. Still, they were staying next to a lake in Italy. I'm not going to go all sympathetic.
>201 Helenliz: Goodness Chelle, no deliveries! New Zealand has moved to only some days a week (I think three or four) but they seem to have multiple postal carriers, so I still had to check the letterbox every day when I was out there. We still have six day delivery, but when I came to the UK there were two deliveries every day, and even that was far fewer than the seven or eight in Ye Olden Days. Of course, London was smaller then :-)
Well, I came home early as the pain got me, but then had to log on to answer a query so I may as well set up a new thread. I willl never get as many threads as Amber if I don't change at every 200 posts :-)
>201 Helenliz: Goodness Chelle, no deliveries! New Zealand has moved to only some days a week (I think three or four) but they seem to have multiple postal carriers, so I still had to check the letterbox every day when I was out there. We still have six day delivery, but when I came to the UK there were two deliveries every day, and even that was far fewer than the seven or eight in Ye Olden Days. Of course, London was smaller then :-)
Well, I came home early as the pain got me, but then had to log on to answer a query so I may as well set up a new thread. I willl never get as many threads as Amber if I don't change at every 200 posts :-)
Dit onderwerp werd voortgezet door SusanJ's 75 Books Challenge - Thread 2.
