75 Book Challenge 2011

Well, I'm going to give it a shot again this year since you are all so insYou are all such avid readers and between the book reviews and the conversations I was amused for all of 2010. I'm sure I can't go wrong this year either. I hope to get a bit closer to my goal though. Last year I only reached 33 but I didn't include magazines which I read a great deal of and I won't add them this year either but I have a new approach to getting more reading done so we shall see...I hope you all enjoyed your holidays and it is great to be back. I am still not on the computer at home but have to come to the library to get on here. Soon I can remedy this I hope but until then...

Hey mmignano! Maybe if we read just all books with dogs we'd make our goals.! I was in the 50 group last year and finished with 44. But nooooo., don't leave it at that, I have to up myself even when I fell short! = )

Just popping in to say hi! I have finished one but I'm not sure of the format I want to use this year......I'll be back..Good Luck!

Welcome back!

Itgreat to be back and I'm getting so excited I want to go home and read so I can start adding to my list! Anyway my daughter is coming over for supper so I must go home and put the chicken in the oven. See you all soon I hope. My goal is to finish "Fall of Giants" tonight and start another book tom'w. I feel like if I state it it is more likely to happen! Also, everybody at home has to leave me alone. What do you think the likelihood of that is with 5 dogs and 3 cats and a need to be fanatically clean? Yeah, that's what I thought...

Hi Mary Beth!

Checking in!

Welcome back, Mary Beth!

#1-Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
I highly recommend this book for anybody who likes Follett or enjoyed Pillars of the Earth
**** 4 stars out of 5

#8: I did not care for Pillars of the Earth, so I am giving that one a pass. Glad to see that you enjoyed it though, Mary Beth, and that your reading year is off to a good start!

#2-Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson
***3 stars out of 5
Although a bit long I did enjoy this memoir. The author and narrator does rewarding, difficult work and the dog is sweet and lovable. A good one for dog lovers!

I have a pint-sized bookshelf next to my bed and beneath and to the left and right of the shelf more books are piled. These books are those I feel most interested in reading before the rest. As I acquired them over the last year I selected those I wanted to read the most. There are approximately 100 books there so I am going to use them for my Books off the Shelf Challenge and for my 75 Book Challenge. Here is a partial list-in no specific order-
1-The Ice Weaver-Margaret Lawrence
2-The Good House-Tananarive Due
3-Mrs. Lincoln and Mrs Keckly-Jennifer Fleischner
4-4647302::The Northern Clemency-Philip Hensher
5-The Life of Elizabeth I-Alison Weir
6-The Crimson Petal and the White-Michel Faber
7-13804::The Courage Consort-Michel Faber
8-3977881::The Man Who Created Sherlock Holmes-Andrew Lycett
9-8282::We Need to Talk About Kevin-Lionel Shriver
10-8049095::Who is Mark Twain?-by Mark Twain
11-Mark Twain-by Ron Powers
12-73995::The Book Thief-Markus Zusak
13-73919::A Certain Slant of Light-Laura Whitcomb
14-73919::A Certain Slant of Light-Cynthia Thayer
15-A Private Hotel for Gentle Ladies-Ellen Cooney
16-The Fetch-Laura Whitcomb
17-241779::The Floating Book-Michelle Lovric
18-8427033::Dracula the Undead-Dacre Stoker/Ian Holt
19-The Road to Wellville-Oraghessan Boyle
20-The Geographer's Library-John Fasman
21-106961::March-Geraldine Brooks
22-Robbing The Bees-Holley Bishop
23-5174::The Shadow of the Wind-Carlos Ruiz Zafron
24-3654792::The Lace Reader-C. Brunon
25-A Spot of Bother-Mark Haddon
26-The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime-Mark Haddon
27-My Life in the Middle Ages-James Atlas
28-4622661::The Garden of Last Days-Andre Dubus
29-5168949::The Hour I First Believed-Wally Lamb
30-Paris Trout-Peter Dexter
31-5532643::The Flying Troutmans-Marianne Toews
32-17860::Don't Let's Go To The Dogs Tonight-Alexander Fuller
33-Brick Lane-Monica Ali
34-The Tender Bar-JA Moehringer
35-Beautiful Boy-David Sheff
36-In The Woods-Tana French
37-The Awakening-
38-Memorial-Bruce Wagner
39-Fair Warning-Robert Olen Butler
40-The Dance of the Dissident Daughter-Sue Monk Kidd
41-Memoir From an Ant-proof Case-Mark Helprin
42-The Good Neighbor-William Kowalski
43-The Gargoyle-Andrew Davidson
44-Life of Pi-Yann Martel
45-The Magicians-Lev Grossman
46-The Oyster Singer-Larry Sandadove
47-Interpreter of Maladies-Jhumpa Lahiri
48-Unaccustomed Earth-Jhumpa Lahiri
49-The Namesake-Jhumpa Lahiri
50-2294::Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius-Dave Eggers
51-Carrion Comfort-Dan Simmons
52-The Tenderness of Wolves-Stef Penney
53-The Postmistress-?

Hi Mary Beth

Starred your thread and I'm really looking forward to your posts. I'm anxious to hear what your impressions are re. a Certain Slant of Light. I loved this book.

Did anybody notice I have two by the same title? Which one is the one you liked? My daughter had a favorite one. I am at a local library right now and it seems I have been running a slight fever lately, probably due to an infection in my gum. But the library is so hot, I mean about 80 degrees! It is literally sickening! I keep dozing off.

I'm trying to read through all of the new 75ers lists etc. and I truly feel so sick here at the library that I am going to go home and go to bed. I definitely feel as though I have a fever and a headache and I feel very woozy almost delirious. So I guess I'll get back when I can and I hope my dogs are in the mood to curl up on the bed with me and wait till the husband gets home. He always takes such good care of me.

Sorry to see that you're not feeling well. I hope you feel better soon!

I like your list of books on your shelves. I've only read one of them -- The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time. My son has high-functioning autism, and that book interested me because it's written from the POV of someone on the autism spectrum. I enjoyed it because so many of the mannerisms of speech and personality reminded me of my son.

Your library reminds me of the library where I work -- many of the patron areas are too warm, in order to have other areas of the library warm enough for those who have to work in them all day. (Not a very good heating system.)

I hope you are feeling better, Mary Beth!

Hi, Yes, I'm feeling better but I did go home that day, crawl into bed and sleep for the rest of the day and night. I don't know what was wrong but I think the heat there just made it worse. I was running a temp and the 85 degree heat there did not help. I did not think I was going to make it out the door and then on the way home I almost drove off the road twice because I almost fell asleep. Well, the n ext day I felt fine and got a great deal done...so go figure. Yes tymfos, I have heard good things about "The Curious incident..." and I'm looking forward to reading it.

Wow that's quite a list of books you have lined up. I have read and highly recommend The Book Thief, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and In The Woods - all top-notch reads for me.

#18: I am glad to hear you are feeling better!

Hey MaryBeth,
I am a great fan of The Book Thief. I just finished The curiuos Incident and enjoyed the perspective from which it was told. The Lace Reader was a quick, easy read and The Shadow of the Wind was not so quick bot so difficult to put down.
Now look how many that leaves me to investigate!
Have a good week now that you feel better.

Wow, you guys are giving me a lot to look forward to!

#3-Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry. This was a YA audiobook my husband and I listened to about zombies. Nicely written, I would suggest it for adults and young adults both.I haven't had much time on the computer but hope to be here tom'w to do my reviews and catch up. Until then!MB

#4-A World Denied by Joanna O'Neill (LT Author) Truly enjoyable book! I would suggest reading the first in the trilogy "A World Invisible" although the second book stands on its own but you will cheat yourself of the pleasure of reading both and coming to know the delightful characters Rebecca, Michael, Connor and more.Watch for my review!

#23: I did not realize that Maberry had written a young adult book. Thanks for the mention, MaryBeth.

#24: I will look for that one too!

Hi There Mary Beth

I hope all is well with you. I'm anxiously awaiting your review.

#5 is Rain Gods by James Lee Burke-an audiobook that my husband and I listened to together. Burke has great gritty characters and situations and his readers have rough, gruff voices with southern accents. They are fun to listen to and really give the flavor of the south and the tough detectives and/or lawmen solving the crimes and surviving their own difficult lives.
For fans of James Lee Burke's hard-core detectives with a heart, Rain Gods does not fail to deliver. In fact, he gives us excellent characters, fully prepared to show us the best and worst the world has to offer. His female characters providhis male characters the ballast they need as they struggle with Burke's usual contest between good and evil. but as always the line is not easily drawn. Hackberry Holland, the 74 year old sheriff doubts that Pam Tibbs his deputy should settle for him but she stands fast. Pete Flores, an Iraqu war vet has Vikki Gaddis to stand firm for him after he becomes unwittingly involved in a horrendous murder scheme, and Esther Dolan, Nick Dolan's wife shows him a side of her personality he never suspected was there when it comes to fighting for his life against vicious gangsters he has crossed.
As usual, Burke's story revolves around the question of good and evil and we watch most of his characters juggle the consequences, and whether they can live with themselves based on their decisions. It's what Burke does best. Depending on the reader's preference though, his detailed descriptive discourses can cause the reader to get bogged down in the scene until suddenly the light breaks through the cloud and we realize that we are deeply invested in the decisions these characters have to make to be able to look themselves in the face, to be able to face those better than themselves partners goading them on to do the right thing. Because that is what a James Lee Burke novel does. It paints the scenario, filled with true to life characters, imperfect but searching for peace in theri life. And the choices are never easy because the villain is always there to remind you how close the line is to be crossed. I always enjoy Burke's novels, finding them exciting, filled with colorful language, exciting situations, characters living life to its fullest and circumstances that put them in peril of losing what they hold dear. Read one, listen to one, just don't miss it, you won't regret it!
#6 The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey is here
Review of The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating
The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating" is a delightful read. Bailey manages to be both whimsical and profound in this small book. During an illness that has the author fighting for her survival, a friend bestows the gift of life on the author by presenting her with a snail. By learning how the tiny mollusk eats, sleeps and moves, the reader takes the journey of recovery, both physical and emotional with Bailey.
Using the snail as a metaphor becomes a perfectly sound literary device under Bailey's deft pen. The snail's slow-paced life reflects Bailey's own physicality, her need to slow down all processes to cater to the illness that is ravaging her. She is unable to stand upright, to walk, or to care for herself. The snail is self-sufficient, gliding through its daily offices and is in fact a hermaphrodite and as such is capable of producing its own offspring. How Bailey must long to care for herself to that extent. But rather than envy the snail, Bailey admires its simple mode of survival, using complex scientific processes in the most basic ways to survive.
Providing the reader with snail trivia both entertaining and didactic, Bailey paints the picture of a season spent with a creature who helps her to understand that there are ways that each of us find to fill our place in the world, wherever it may be at that moment. The snail, in his terrarium and the author in her bed, provide the simplest of aid to each other, and ultimately, one of the most important, companionship.
#7 Fall Asleep Forgetting an Lt author's book is done also. I recommend both of those and you can find them with my reviews on the link on my profile page.
Review of Fall Asleep Forgetting-
Georgann Packard's book "Fall Asleep Forgetting" was an enjoyable reading experience for several reasons. First, her character development was authentic and ingenious. Each character held the reader's interest, leaving questions about how they came to the point in their life that brought them to the trailer park. The setting itself allows for scene after scene of circumstances affected by the trailer park itself, on the Eastern tip of Long Island. The action occurs across one summer and through the journal entries of one character and the involvement of the other characters. I felt as though each character was thoroughly believable and Packard's writing would have held my interest if it was not already intrigued by the character's themselves. It is often written like a prose poem with lovely images. Sometimes Packard writes such vividly painful scenes that the reader is captivated not only by the story but by its connection to reality. This book is difficult to describe and is worth reading so pick up a copy.

#4-A World Denied Both books, "A World Invisible" and "A World Denied" navigate the characters as well as the reader through clues, large and small, annoyingly clever and frustratingly vague, but necessary to protect the entrance to parallel worlds. These worlds can be entered accidently or left by their inhabitants as well.
In "A World Denied" Jack and the tallixer, a young boy and his pet?, enter our world through a gap in "Ferry House" where three Dons have lived guarding the way in and out (the gap)of the parallel world for ages. Circumstances prevailed allowing Jack and his pet tallixer to come through the gap. Now Rebecca and Connor have to make right what they see as their responsibility to both our world and the world within the gap, the "World Invisible".
O'Neill's characters have a wonderful rapport, though not always won easily. As the relationships develop with the other characters, Stella, Aunt Edie and Geoffrey, the reader senses that they are as important as the action of the book, the effort to protect the gap includes concern for both the world wiothin and the world without. Rebecca and Connor struggle with their relationship while needing to work together they find themselves forced to face their true feelings for each other. But that is as far as I will take you. Don't miss this one. I can't wait for the last book in the trilogy.

Hello to you.

Thumbs up from me on your review of The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating. How did you find this delightful book?

#27: I have only read one of James Lee Burke's books, the first in his Dave Robicheaux series. I really need to get back to the series. I will have to see if my local library has them in audio form.

Message 29- Hi Linda- I found that at my local library. It was delightful. I just faound a discard book aboput a turtle that seems similar. I will let you know about that also. I'm trying to move my reviews onto this page. I have so little time when I come here.

Message 30-See if you can get one read by Will Patton. I really enjoy him. He was coach in Remember the Titans, the football movie.

#32: Will do! Thanks for the input, Mary Beth.

#9-Little Bee by Chris Cleave
#10-Sleep, Pale Sister by Joanna Harris
#11-Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen Mccullough

And as always I will be back to do my reviews, as I would like to spend some time looking at my friends on their 75 book lists. See you later Oh and Happy Valentine's Day!

glitter-graphics.com

Mary Beth
I'm curious regarding your thoughts on Anthony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullogh

And I am curious about the Joann Harris book

I'll be doing reviews on both but I am enjoying both in very different ways.The Harris book is one to cuddle up with in that Gothic horror sort of way and the Mccullough is just chock full of historical information that while some may be imagined seems very close to how people probably thought and functioned at that time. She seems very smart to me, that Colleen!

I've enjoyed your reviews. I hope you've also found time for your own writing. I am still failing at that but ever hopeful to do better this week, this month, this year. I look forward to hearing more about books and authors completely new to me.

Mr Review of Sleep Pale Sister by Joanne Harris. This is not one of her more well-known books, in fact I happened across it one day at the library never having heard of it before. I am glad I didn't miss it though, and I would categorize it a quick read.
Sleep Pale Sister is a page-turner. It is a Gothic horror story involving the classic elements of obsessive love, passionate desires driving erratic behavior, mystical potions and magical spells invoking ghosts, harmful to some, helpful to others. I found Joanne Harris' book to be one of those the reader will cuddle up with, tucked up with a warm blanket, a steaming mug of tea and a purring cat. With a lusty wind blowing outside, it is a quick read and the dreamlike sequences that carry the reader through the story are never less than mesmerizing, enchanting and powerful. While it is a horror story, it says a great deal to the reader about love, that between a child and mother and husband and wife, between friends and lovers. Effie, the child-bride is groomed for and eventually marries Henry Chester, a painter with a penchant for very young girls. Soon after they marry though, Henry becomes disillusioned with his bride, who by now, has modeled for Henry dozens of times. His masterpiece though is finally achieved through his obsession with a ghost-child brought to life through Effie and the ghost-child, Marta's, own tortured mother. Saying more will give away the plot and it is crucial that the reader follow the twisted path that Henry takes during drug-induced stupors, twisted dream states and sensual scenes drawn by Harris' skillful pen. The writing I found to be exceptional, the story true to life while carrying the reader in a dream-like state through the horror scenes. If you like a quick read, full of images and frightening realities, don't miss this. The characters, though full of flaws, ring true and as Harris hands each character their own chapter to narrate, the reader gets to know each one by their motivations and weaknesses. Although the ending may not come as a surprise, the delight for the reader is in the story we are told. ( )

#11-Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough-Although I am usually intrigued by historical fiction, as it can make some dry history a bit more interesting by providing some colorful characters, I can't say that about this book. It seemed quite long and I felt, in need of editing. McCullough can usually be counted on to be accurate in her historical facts, but the book seemed too long. If the reader is going to lose interest, the story will never be told, no matter how factual it is. Cleopatra was interesting but Antony seemed rather blah and I was not drawn to either of them to find out what drew them to each other. I was expecting more of a love story but while there was a great deal of information, regarding military and political facts that drove Cleopatra and Anthony to behave as they did, I didn't notice much that indicated a great love between them.

#12-The Tenderness of Wolves-I'll be back with my review!

I will be back with 4-5 reviews, don't despair I am keeping up with my reading even if I'm not on the computer as much as I would like to be. Presently I'm reading the boxed set of The Chronicles of Narnia and Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan. Ive never read her and she is delightful! I don't know how I missed her all these years. I have 3 or 4 of her books though so I plan on reading them all. I finished Little Bee and have a review. What an intense book. Also listening to The Glass Rainbow, a Dave Robichaux mystery (mispelled?) by James Lee Burke audiobook. Please come back for my reviews because I enjoyed most of what Ive been reading and want to share that knowledge.

*waits patiently*

#9-Little Bee is succinct and touching, crisply moving along to its startling climax. Cleave brings the reader into the unlikely relationship between a Nigerian refugee and the married mother of a little boy who refuses to remove his Batman outfit. As the editor of a scandolous womans magazine she is entitled to free trips and similar perks and so takes a vacation to Nigeria where her life becomes unalterably tied to Little Bee's. The book moves quickly and honestly had my stomach in a knot, feeling the way I am accustomed to feeling when I watch an action or horror film, nervously anticipating what will happen next. That is a huge accomplishment in a book, with only words to convey what movies have special effects to blast us with, scene after scene.In a brief book, Cleave makes a powerful statement that the reader will not be likely to forget soon. I highly recommend this book. 266 pages-paperback

#13-The Night Journal by Elizabeth Crook. Crook did a great deal of research for this book on a subject likely unfamiliar to most readers. The emotional impact of the book is not so unfamiliar though; a love triangle, the love of and for a child and the intensity of long-hidden secrets coming to the light of day. Meg Mabry, grand-daughter of Claudia Bass begins to read the diary or "night journal" of Hannah Bass, Claudia 's mother, and part of a love triangle. The journal and its history has an effect on the modern day people trying to understand its implications. While I enjoyed the obvious dedication to accurate historical detail by the author, I felt the book was too long. There was a great deal that could have been left out and I think that falls on her editors. A much cleaner book , trimmed of its excess would have had much more impact at the end. Still, the story and its characters provided a unique premise. While I would recommend this book, I don't recommend it highly. 451 pgs.-paperback

Library is closing so I'll be back tom'w I hope with several more reviews, including # 11 Tenderness of wolves which I loved!

#11-The Tenderness of Wolves-I enjoyed this book more than any others in the past year. It had an unusual premise and characters with depth causing the reader to question motives all across the board. For those who enjoy the atmosphere of a book, Penney provides wonderful touches as the story takes place both inside and a great deal of time out in the wilds of Canada. The background story provides the mystery and the characters interaction serves to draw the reader in as they try to prove their innocence in the murder of one character and the disappearance of another. Deeply touching in parts, the relationship between the main characters, a mother and her son, merely skims the surface as the reader plunges into the story, along with the journey through the wild for the possible killer. As the woman and her guide go deeper into the wild on their search, much is revealed about her relationship with her son and his father and others in the isolated community. I highly recommend this book! Don't miss it! You might consider it a winter read though, the kind of book you snuggle up with, a cup of hot chocolate close at hand,wrapped in a fleecy blanket.

#14-The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke- I listened to this on audiobook with my husband. Burke is one of our favorite authors and his Dave Robichaux stories are also our favorites. Clete Purcell, Dave's sidekick is so amusing! You never know what is going to come out of his mouth. Some of Burke's story-lines are not as intriguing as others but this is one of the more entertaining ones. I always enjoy his bad guys because they seem to be the kind of people you could meet any time, but definitely hope you don't. Dave's daughter is a constant presence; he saved her from a submerged helicopter in which her parents died and he became her foster father. His new wife, Molly, is a reformed nun. Much of the action takes place all over New Orleans, making for a fabulous setting. It contributes to the eerie often mysterious and frightening mood which Dave finds himself in while pursuing his adversaries. In "Rainbow" his daughter becomes involved with some shady characters who may be responsible for the deaths of some young women. As always, Clete finds himself involved with one of the female players,who may or may not be involved also. I highly recommend this on audiobook as read by Will Patton , who I see as the Dave Robichaux character. His voice is perfect. Other readers do not entice me nearly as much and I have passed some of those over after listening to the first cd and realizing the gentleman could not pull it off like Mr. Patton. If you enjoy reading a good mystery, pick this one up.

#15-The Magician's Nephew-by C.S. Lewis-This is the first book of the Chronicles of Narnia. Having become acquainted with the main characters through the excellent movies produced over the last few years, theirs are the faces I put to those in the book.The first book has not been made into a movie, but in it we meet Aslan and the people and animals that inhabit Narnia.We see Aslan awaken Narnia and how he appoints animals and people with their different roles, such as King, Queen, etc. The nature of Narnia, as relates to its purpose reminds me of a show I saw on PBS about a small group of cloistered nuns whose prayers are intended to provide a layer of protection for the rest of the world. Watching this show bought to mind the comparison of Narnia and its inhabitants as a sort of cloistered society whose presence is intended to protect us from ourselves,i.e.;harm. The characters are funny and the animals amazing, the other-worldly creatures such as Queen Jadis are overwhelming in their indestructible nature. The reader finds themselves glad that Aslan is in charge of their moving about, as much as he can be with human interference. Read it to find out what that means. I highly recommend it. It is a fast read. 202 pgs-paperback

Update-
1)-Fall of Giants by Ken Follett
2)-Scent of the Missing by Susannah Charleson
3)-Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry
4)-A World Denied by Joanna O'Neill
5)-Rain Gods by James Lee Burke
6)-The Sound of a Snail Eating by Elisabeth Tova Bailey
7)-Fall Asleep Forgetting by Georgeann Packard
8)-A World Invisible by Joanna O'Neill
9)-Little Bee by Chris Cleave
10)-Sleep Pale Sister by Joanne Harris
11)-Antony and Cleopatra by Colleen McCullough
12)-The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney
13)-The Night Journal by Elizabeth Crook
14)-The Glass Rainbow by James Lee Burke
15)-The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis

I really need to get to The Tenderness of Wolves! I had the book set aside to read earlier this year, but never managed to get to it. Thanks for the reminder, Mary Beth.

Don't miss it Stasia! Tenderness... is fantastic, one of my favorite reads this year, an unusual premise with complicated characters and an amazing setting.

#16-Saving Fish From Drowning by Amy Tan I watched a documentary on PBS on the making of Amy Tan's novel,"The Bonesetter's Daughter into a musical. Despite owning several books by Amy Tan, including "The Bonesetter's Daughter" I was not inclined to read anything by her for no other reason than being unfamiliar with her work. I chose to read "Saving Fish From Drowning" based on the flyleaf. It sounded entertaining and a lighter read than the dramatic and moving memoir-like story that the musical is based on. As I became aware of her talent and the sensitive touch her presence and suggestiond lent to the production, I became more curious about her books. I was suprised at the flyleaf when it said the narrator would be a ghost. As it turns out she is a ghost and has a wry sense of humor and still manages to fulfill her role as tour guide for her group of friends. I'll be back to finish this-library closing

#55: I own Saving Fish from Drowning. I will have to see if I can locate my copy.

It was a fun read and I have several others by her that I plan to read now. However, they seem to have more serious subject matter, but if she puts the slant on them that she put on "Saving..." then they may lighten up some. I just bought about ten books from our local hospital gift shop where they sell used books and accept donations so I brought two bags full and left with one bag full. Quite a few good ones that I had my eye on recently but didn't want to buy at full price so...yay! I didn't bring my written review for "Saving..." so I can't finish it but I will next visit to the Library. Now I'm off to read some of your threads fellow 75ers.

Congrats on the haul from the hospital gift shop! What did you get? Inquiring minds want to know :)

I have read several of Tan's books including SFFD and enjoyed them all. I would love to take a trip like the characters in SFFD through Asia.

I read The Joy Luck Club when it first came out and great;y enjoyed it. And then I listened to The Hundred Secret Senses, which I also liked a great deal. However, I have never sought her works, just read them as opportunity arose. I'm adding The Tenderness of Wolves to my reading pile. Thanks for the lovely reviews!

I can't give your reviews a thumbs up because I don't see them on the book pages...

I popped in for a minute but I don't have time to send my reviews over but I will be sure to do that the next time I get on. Thanks for reminding me justchris

OK some of my reviews have been moved over and I'll try to do that as I write them from now on.
#17-Dracula by Bram Stoker I am listening to this on what is called a playaway from the local library. It is like an MP3 player.
I have, at this point, read Dracula twice, watched several movie adaptations and now listened to it on the playaway. My favorite movie adaptation is the one starringGary Oldman and Keanu Reeves as being the most faithful to the story. If you have'nt read it yet, I highly recommend it. If you are a horror fan, particularly the old-fashioned type, this will delight you. Told through the eyes of several different characters, the reader will enjoy the various viewpoints and the descriptive talents of Stoker. The atmosphere is important to the feeling of horror that grows as the story progresses. In fact, in my opinion, that is the reason the story is so enjoyable. Every aspect of the development of the story is carefully tended to and the reader is privy to the feelings and experiences of more thatn one of the characters and so able to understand the growing horror that befalls them. I'm stopping here since the library is close to closing but I may return to add to this review as this is by far one of my favorite horror stories. Don't miss it if you are at all inclined to dip into the original vampire story that delighted readers long before Twilight.

#18-Tinkers by Paul Harding-will be back to review
# 19Scandalous Women by Elizabeth Kerri Mahon- back to review later
#20-Middlemarch by George Eliot-back to review later

#64: I have not heard of the Mahon book so I look forward to your review of that one.

I have the e-book of Dracula and your review is making me want to read it more!

#19-Scandalous Women by Elizabeth Kerri Mahon is a quick read but chock full of detail, the kind that makes you want to go back for more. I think every one of the women in this book probably has a delightful biography somewhere for an interested reader to find more in-depth information. Some of the women I was less familiar with so it was nice to get a snippet of information on them. She spent equal time on most of the women in the book, but often there was more information historically speaking for research purposes. I think the book does justice to each woman and the research seems to have been carefully done. I especially liked reading about Joan of Arc and the mistresses of important men that I had not known even existed. Strange that the men would get involved with such brazen women who were sure to be careless with their privacy. Anyway, there are more than enough stories to choose from and each one reflecting the tenor of the times in which the woman lived and and loved. You can pick it up at your local library as I did.

#20-Middlemarch-by George Eliot. I am disappointed to say I did not enjoy the reading of Middlemarch that was on the playaway from the library. Possibly I am just too preoccupied with puppy care to appreciate it. Middlemarch was one of my favorite books of all time so I highly recommend it but I have to admit the reading of it (by another person)left me confused with so much information. Maybe it is one of those books that defies progress and refuses to be presented in any other form. By all means read it if you have never done so and try to listen to it if you prefer that method, but don't miss it one way or the other.

#21-The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot-I am reading this currently and enjoying it. I will be back to review it as it is time to drive my daughter to work and the puppies need to eat first. They are recovering from a bout with coccidia which prevone from being sold. We are not having much luck finding good homes for them. They are lovely puppies! Well, pick up this book or wait for my review. I think it is pretty popular right now and I second that motion. It is written by a woman who clearly cares about the family of Henrietta Lacks and her compassion shows throughout the book. It is interesting scientifically and on an emotional level also. Written in a way that makes it easy for the laymen to understand it still contains a great deal of scientific information explaining what Ms. Lacks cells contributed to the scientific and medical community without her recieving proper credit for her role. The author seeks to repair the damage done by prior journalistic attempts to tell the story and to give the family the opportunity to tell their side of the story and how they felt wronged for such a long time. Maybe this review will be enough to encourage you to read this story about a courageous family and a writer sincere and brave enough to face down their anger and bring their story to light.

#67: My local library does not have that one. Too bad, since it looks right up my alley. I am glad to see you enjoyed it so much, Mary Beth!

#68/69: I have already read and enjoyed both of those. I cannot imagine trying to listen to Middlemarch myself. I think I will just stick to it in the print medium.

#70- Try to get your hands on that one Stasia. It was wonderful.

#21-Dracula by Bram Stoker
#22-Bag of Bones by Stephen King
#23-Moonlight Mile by Dennis Lehane
I'll be back to review after Hurricane Irene. Hope I can get some reading done during the storm but I admit I'm quite nervous.

I hope you and yours are all battened down for the duration!

#22-Bag of Bones by Stephen King.
It has been quite some time since I have picked up a SK book. There are several reasons for that. I much prefer his older books-Salem's Lot, The StandMisery, although I think it was right around the time Misery was released that I started to lose interest. I did listen to Duma Key and quite enjoyed it, but until I came across Bag... I haven't read him of late. While Bag... is one of his older books now it is new to me. I enjoyed it from the first word until the last. One scene near the end literally made me cry, actually shed tears. I have been known to laugh out loud at certain books but seldom do I cry. That said, I passed the book on to my 23 year old daughter and she didn't care for it at all and disappointedly gave it back to me. I firmly believe that we readers enjoy our reading selections based on many factors, not the least of which is time and place. A reader must be in the correct frame of mind for the particular tome they are delving into. They must be attuned to the author's tone, the book's setting and the method of delivery. I often give the example of Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. I read it several times for school and on my own but I never enjoyed until I got it on audiobook. For some reason it fell deftly in order. all the myriad aspects of the "two cities" making sense finally, like a jigsaw puzzle when the final piece slides into place. It became one of my top 5 favorites, but took its sweet time getting there. I find King's books have a similar method of appeal to me. I dare say despite my review there will be those that don't care for it still but at another time may find it entertaining. I found its haunted aspect convincing, its narrator endearing and its leading characters of interest, drawing me back into the story daily anticipating danger from spirits and living threats alike. The setting , always important in King's books is part of the pleasure for me. Sar Laughs, the haunted house in this story, is fascinating and truly frightening. I could believe that it empowered its ghostly inhabitants with the ability to convey messages that kept the story moving along. I found myself wondering at "things that go bump in the night" at my own home. Try this one and see if you like it. Just try to determine if you are in the mood for a scary story, a story that depends on historical details and human frailty to carry you breathlessly to an ending rife with the failings of man causing their own downfall.

Nice review, Mary Beth!

#24-In the Woods by Tana French-not quite done with this so I'll be back to review

All the praise was just. "In the woods" was all that and a bag of chips. I did have some complaints though. Each character was well drawn and remained true to their personality throughout. My complaint is with the fact that several people seemed to be left hanging without resolution but since her next book has these characters in it I guess there was good reason . The dialogue was fantastic and the story just complicated enough. I always like when there is something for me to learn,in this case,police procedure and archeology.The author clearly does her homework and I admit to being amazed that this is her first book. There is nothing that would make me think that . If you like a mystery, you'll like this. I'm on to her next book "The Likeness" now.

#25-The Likeness by Tana French. I enjoyed French's second book equally as much as her first. The main character was taken from the first book and the reader learns much more about her here. The story line is fantastic, and while unlikely that Detective Cassie Maddox could find her doppelganger, no less pose amongst her closest friends as her, French is capable of convincing the reader with her careful writing and the emotional responses she elicits from her readers. For instance, the author describes the house that Detective Maddox takes up residence in as an emotional draw on her, a spell she nearly falls under as she investigates her unrelated twin's murder. She derives great comfort from her surroundings and her new friends and we fear she may succumb to the attraction of a home life beckoning with its cozy rooms, comfortable conversation, charming landscape and community mealtimes. But French's characters are strong, motivated professionals. Here, I think the story is the thing. It is not unlike atale, where the right thing is the hard thing to do. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it despite the unlikely premise of the doppelganger.

#26-Faithful Place by Tana French-

#27-Raymond Carver, A Writer's Life-by Carol Sklenicka
#28-Dangerous Ambitionby Susan Hertog
#29-A Game of Thronesby George R.R. Martin
#30-Beatrix Potter, A Life In Natureby Linda Lear
#31-The Queen of the Night by J.A. Jance
#32-Swan Peakby James Lee Burke
#33-Crusader's Cross by James Lee Burke
#34-The Echo-Maker by Richard Powers

I will be back to do all my reviews on another night. It's getting late and the puppies need to be fed!

#35-Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs
#36-The Lantern by Deborah Lawrenson
Friday Night Knitting Club reminds me of a book that tells me a story similar to my own with some different details added. The characters lead lives similar to any one of our lives. Work, family, babies are born, the story is in the way we can relate to and understand those day-to-day facts. We can sympathize with Georgia, a single mother, in her daily struggles to raise her daughter well. We can look ahead and connect with Anita and her relationship with her son, who is ready to ensconce her in a nursing home. And we can remember or feel now the passion of a budding romance. Friendships with all their hazards take front and center. Relationships wither or grow. If you enjoy a book like this, FNKC is a good read, as you see the issues worked out, etc., but what makes this book special is that the author makes us really care for her characters. I found myself anxious to find out if Georgia would allow her daughter's father back into her life, as well as her daughter's life. Interspersed with explanations of knitting instruction, the author connects the act of knitting with pulling your life into shape, much like sizing a sweater.By the end of the book, I discovered how deeply I cared for each character in this book. I think you will, too.

Dangerous Ambition by Susan Hertog- To be brutally honest about this book, I found it depressing and thus difficult to plow through it. The two women, Rebecca West and Dorothy Thompson, were unlucky in love and their careers were successful enough to make them recognized for their work, but it was their personal lives that suffered. Perhaps it has something to do with their struggle to be heard during a time when women were best seen and not heard, which is a practice difficult for a modern women to grasp. The men they chose as companions were either abusive verbally, physically or both. They often abused alcohol and had difficulty accepting that the women were successful in their own right. While it is true that both women found happiness at different times in their life, it seemed that the choices they made to pursue their careers had a negative effect on both their lives and the lives of their families or mates. While this is not the fault of the biographer certainly, it seems that the subject matter left her little choice but to portray their lives truthfully, unless Hertog tended to lean towards emphasis on the negative. So, in short, I found this difficult heavy reading and while it seemed to be thoroughly researched, and well-written the material itself tended to bring me down whenever I got a few more pages into it. If the reader is interested in the information this book contains, then they will find a well-researched book ,ut I think a lighter biography could be found, if the goal is to read about the lives of successful women.

#37-Dead Men's Boots by Mike Carey

#38-Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin-
Over the years I have read fantasy but not a great deal. I'm not familiar with what makes up a fantasy novel, its standard attributes. What Martin's book Clash of King's has, seems to fit the bill, though. There are Kings and Queens, Knights, commonfolk,dragons and battles between the various blood-lines that inhabit the book. The battles are, not surprisingly, over possession of multiple castles, hostages, and obtaining land. Also, much is made of retaining homor, but nobody behaves very honorably to obtain their goals. There is so much treachery that the reader is always surprised at the turn of a page when the deceit is revealed. One of Martin's more successful techniques is his vivid description of the clothing worn by his characters. It paints such a vibrant picture of every scene that it helps to bring the reader into the scene. The dialogue, while fitting and seemingly approprate, is not so difficult that the reader cannot understand it. What can be difficult is keeping all the family loyalties and connections straight. The action throughout the story is consistent, battles and travels fairly frequent and helpful in moving the story along. The fact that I look forward to each subsequent book in the series proves to me that the books are a success. Run don't walk to get this series.

#39-The Corn Maiden by Joyce Carol Oates

What did you think of Clash of Kings?

If you are considering reading the series run don't walk to get the series. I am on the third book now Storm of Swords and have been told by a good LT friend that it is the best yet.They are jam-packed with fantastic characters, and painstaking details. The action is unceasing and the double crossing takes your breath away. I bought the paperback set at Costco for 19.99. Don't miss it!

I was wondering if you liked the book. I read the first four books in the series earlier this year. Aren't they great? I'm going to wait a while to read the 5th book.
That's a good deal on the paperback set.

VioletBramble, Yes I really love the series. I will get the last Dance of Dragons but was hoping for it to come out in paperback. I am on book three right now and have been told it is the one filled with the most action, in terms of things happening to resolve different crises building up to the climax in this book.

My review for A Game of Thrones-

This 1st book of 5 is guaranteed to pique your interest in picking up the rest of them. Not only is the story enthralling but Martin's descriptions of the clothing, the castles and the land in which the book's action takes place is vivid and thorough.
The story unfolds through the voices of many of the main characters given a chapter each. In discussing the style Martin has chosen, the device of seeing the action through the eyes of people from both sides of the struggle for power, a fellow reader has suggested the story could be read by completing each character's chapters to the end. That led me to wonder if the author hadn't written the book that way, then divided the chapters up accordingly.
Whatever the case, if you are a fan of historical fiction, and fantasy, don't miss this. The fully developed characters and the pageantry of the settings, the details of the food,and drink, the characters clothing, grand and ragged, are equalled only by the suspense Martin builds as each character spins their interpretation of events. This book left me eager for the next in the series, which I began promptly, not even taking a break.

I've been given the first three books for Christmas, am looking forward to starting them soon! Thanks for the review!