Karen O's Book-a-Rama in 2016!

Welcome to the first page of my 2016 reading thread!

I've been with the 75-bookers for several years now, and I enjoy so much the camaraderie and book talk that happens here. I'm very glad to join with you all again!

The year 2015 was a terrific year for reading. I find myself reading pretty much as the spirit leads, although I participate in the Take It or Leave It project and have a great time doing that. I participated in the American Author Challenge and the British Authors Challenge, and plan to continue with them (as the spirit leads). A long-term project of mine is to accomplish reads from the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" book, so that may guide my reading a little. What directs my reading more are my friends here on LT, so keep those recommendations coming!

This is my eighth year participating in the 75 Books Challenge. In 2009, I read 94 books; in 2010, I made it to 148!; 153 in 2011; 160 in 2012; 114 in 2013; 92 in 2014; and 109 in 2015. I hope to be reading even more in the new year.

Here's a ticker to keep track of my 2016 reads :




Here's a ticker to keep track of my progress with "1001 Books":




Here's where I'll list the books I read, starting with (the number at the end of each line represents the post number where I placed my "review" for the book):

1. Uprooted by Naomi Novik - 2
2. Devotion: A Rat Story by Maile Meloy - 6
3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling, ill. Jim Kay - 7
4. The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #16) by Alexander McCall Smith - 10
5. Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir by Carrie Brownstein - 15
6. Digging to America by Anne Tyler - 17
7. The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked by David H. Caldwell - 18
8. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny - 21
9. The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story by Susan Hill - 27
10. Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall Smith - 28
11. Akimbo and the Lions by Alexander McCall Smith - 28
12. Akimbo and the Crocodile Man by Alexander McCall Smith - 28
13. Akimbo and the Snakes by Alexander McCall Smith - 28
14. Akimbo and the Baboons by Alexander McCall Smith - 28
15. Ru by Kim Thuy - 29
16. The Lewis Chessmen: New Perspectives, ed. by David H. Caldwell - 34
17. Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt - 35
18. Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland by Bryan Sykes - 38
19. Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring by Stefan Petrucha - 41
20. The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie - 44
21. The Story of My Tits by Jennifer Hayden - 45
22. Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean - 46
23. The Cleverness of Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith - 49
24. A Brutal Telling by Louise Penny - 50
25. Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse - 53
26. The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin - 54
27. After Alice by Gregory Maquire - 55
28. Winter (Lunar Chronicles #4) by Marissa Meyer - 56
29. My Kitchen Year by Ruth Reichl - 57
30. Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill - 59
31. Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games by Joe Hill - 59
32. Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy (Book 200 of 1001) - 60
33. Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt - 61
34. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout - 62
35. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys - 63
36. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates - 64
37. The biblical Book of Daniel - 65
38. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick - 66
39. The Relic Master: A Novel by Christopher Buckley - 67
40. Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 1 by Kiira Yumi - 68
41. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (Tales from Deckawoo Drive, Vol. 1) by Kate DiCamillo - 69
42. Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows by Joe Hill - 70
43. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary - 71
44. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny - 74
45. Endpoint and Other Poems by John Updike - 75
46. Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary - 79
47. Without: Poems by Donald Hall - 80
48. American Primitive by Mary Oliver - 81
49. Adam Bede by George Eliot (Book 201 of 1001) - 82
50. Black Widow #1 by Nathan Edmonson - 83
51. Locke & Key: Keys to the Kingdom by Joe Hill - 84
52. Pax by Sara Pennypacker - 92
53. The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration into the Wonders of Consciousness by Sy Montgomery - 98
54. A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny - 100
55. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig - 101
56. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - 102
57. A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor - 105
58. Black Widow, Vol. 2: Tightly Tangled Web by Nathan Edmondson - 106
59. Black Widow, Vol. 3: Last Days by Nathan Edmondson - 107
60. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection by Marissa Meyer - 109
61. Life as a Daymaker: How to Change the World Simply By Making Someone's Day by David Wagner - 110
62. Locke & Key, Vol 5: Clockworks by Joe Hill - 113
63. Locke & Key, Vol 6: Alpha & Omega by Joe Hill - 114
64. The Mating Season by P. G. Wodehouse - 115
65. Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal - Jeanette Winterson - 116
66. Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape - Peggy Orenstein - 117
67. Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson - 118
68. Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini - 123
69. Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler - 124
70. Preacher, Vol. 2: Until the End of the World by Garth Ennis - 125
71. Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck- 126
72. Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust by Loic Dauvillier - 127
73. Crossing Places (Ruth Galloway #1) by Elly Griffiths - 128
74. Aquavit: And the New Scandinavian Cuisine by Marcus Samuelsson - 129
75. Night by Elie Wiesel - 130
76. The Mystery of the Missing Lion (A Precious Ramotswe Mystery) by Alexander McCall Smith - 136
77. New American Table by Marcus Samuelsson - 137
78. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes - 139
79. Dear Mr. You by Mary-Louise Parker - 140
80. So That Happened: A Memoir by Jon Cryer - 141
81. Preacher, Book One by Garth Ennis - 142
82. The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa by Marcus Samuelsson - 143
83. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King - 144
84. Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo - 151
85. Preacher, Book Two by Garth Ennis - 152
86. LaRose by Louise Erdrich - 153
87. Finders Keepers by Stephen King - 154
88. Preacher, Book Three by Garth Ennis - 155
89. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by J.K. Rowling - 156
90. After You: A Novel by JoJo Moyes - 157
91. The Janus Stone (Ruth Galloway #2) by Elly Griffiths - 158
92. A Room Full of Bones (Ruth Galloway #3) by Elly Griffiths - 159
93. A Dying Fall (Ruth Galloway #4) by Elly Griffiths - 160
94. The Outcast Dead (Ruth Galloway #5) by Elly Griffiths - 164
95. Chance Developments: Stories by Alexander McCall Smith - 165
96. Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter by Alison Hansel - 166
97. Preacher Book Four by Garth Ennis - 167
98. Preacher Book Five by Garth Ennis - 168
99. Preacher Book Six by Garth Ennis - 169
100. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi - 170
101. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney - 171
102. Oranges are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson - 172
103 What is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi - 173
104. First Love by Joyce Carol Oates - 174
105. The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths - 175
106. A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota ed. Sun Yung Shin - 176
107. Grief Is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter - 177
108. Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon - 178
109. Furiously Happy by Jenny Lawson - 181
110. The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer - 182
111. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren - 185
112. Cider with Rosie (Book 202 of 1001) by Laurie Lee - 186
113. The Chinese Gold Murders by Robert Van Gulik - 187
114. Seven Brief Lessons in Physics by Carlo Rovelli - 190
115. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 1: New Rules by Christos Gage - 191
116. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 2: I Wish by Christos Gage - 192
117. Precious and Grace (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #17) by Alexander McCall Smith - 193
118. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 3: Love Dares You by Christos Gage - 196
119. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 4: Old Demons by Christos Gage - 197
120. Hag Seed by Margaret Atwood - 198
121. Jeeves in the Offing by P. G. Wodehouse - 199
122. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl - 200
123. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley - 201
124. Tamara Drewe by Posy Simmonds -202
125. Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo (Harry Hole #2) - 203
126. End of Watch (Bill Hodges #3) by Stephen King - 204
127. Nutshell: A Novel by Ian McEwan - 208
128. The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell - 210
129. The Fallen Man by Tony Hillerman - 211
130. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo - 212
131. Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Global Super Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else by Chrystia Freeland - 213
132. Blindness by Jose Saramago - 214
133. Buffy Season Ten Volume 5: In Pieces On the Ground by Christos Gage - 222
134. Angel & Faith, Vol. !: Live Through This by Christos Gage - 223
135. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman - 224
136. Angel & Faith, Vol. 2: Daddy Issues by Christos Gage - 225
137. Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon - 230
138. I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This by Bob Newhart - 231
139. Red Planet by Robert Heinlein - 232
140. Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy - 235
141. Un Lun Dun by China Mieville - 236
142. A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving (Book 203 of 1001) - 239
143. Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs - 240
144. Mao II by Don DeLillo (Book 204 of 1001) - 244
145. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor (Book 205 of 1001) - 245

Here's where I'll keep track of what I'm reading for the:

2016 American Author Challenge:

January- Anne Tyler - Digging to America - completed
February- Richard Russo - Straight Man - maybe in March?
March- Jane Smiley - Moo - maybe in April?
April- Poetry Month - Endpoint and Other Poems by John Updike, Without: Poems by Donald Hall, American Primitive by Mary Oliver - completed
May- Ivan Doig - The Whistling Season - completed
June- Annie Proulx - The Shipping News - November?
July- John Steinbeck - Travels with Charley: In Search of America - completed
August- Joyce Carol Oates - First Love - completed
September- John Irving - A Prayer for Owen Meany - completed
October- Michael Chabon - Gentlemen of the Road - completed
November- Annie Dillard
December- Don DeLillo - Mao II - completed

Here's where I'll keep track of what I'm reading for the 2016 British Author Challenge:

January - SUSAN HILL & BARRY UNSWORTH - The Woman in Black by Susan Hill - completed
February : Agatha Christie & William Dalrymple - The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie - completed
March : Ali Smith & Thomas Hardy - Far From the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy - completed
April : George Eliot & Hanif Kureishi - Adam Bede by George Eliot - completed
May : Jane Gardam & Robert Goddard
June : Lady Antonia Fraser & Joseph Conrad - The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad - maybe in July?
July : Bernice Rubens & H.G. Wells - Tono-Bungay? (one of the few I haven't read)
August : Diana Wynne-Jones & Ian McEwan - Nutshell by Ian McEwan (read in November!) - completed
September : Doris Lessing & Laurie Lee - Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee - completed
October : Kate Atkinson & William Golding
November : Rebecca West & Len Deighton
December : WEST YORKSHIRE writers
Wildcard : Rumer Godden and George Orwell

My 2003 "Books Read" list (casually kept, and probably incomplete): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2003-reading-list.html
My 2004 "Books Read" list (see above caveats: things get better!):
http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2004-reading-list.html
My 2005 "Books Read" list (most pathetic list yet): http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2005-reading-list.html
My 2006 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2006-reading-list.htm
My 2007 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2007-reading-list.html
My 2008 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2008-reading-list.html
My 2009 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2009-reading-list.html
My 2010 "Books Read" list : http://librata.blogspot.com/2012/04/karens-2010-reading-list.html

Here is a link to my last thread from 2011: http://www.librarything.com/topic/122919

Here is a link to my last thread from 2012: http://www.librarything.com/topic/138897

Here is a link to my last thread from 2013:
http://www.librarything.com/topic/156012

Here is a link to my thread from 2014: http://www.librarything.com/topic/163564

Here is a link to my thread from 2015: https://www.librarything.com/topic/186139

Good reading to you!

1. Uprooted by Naomi Novik

I hadn't read any books by this author before, but I loved this one. Magic, and love, and a fantastical world of trees and culture clash. A little too much blood and violence for my taste, but it was a compelling read. A great book to start off the year with!

>2 klobrien2: I have that one on my Read Soon shelves - I'm glad to see that you liked it!

Welcome back!

>3 scaifea: Hi, scaifea! I definitely could see re-reading Uprooted. I really hope for this to be a series (fingers crossed).

>4 drneutron: Thank you for that welcome, and for all you do for the 75Bookers! You are the glue (ooh, that's not a pretty picture) you are the beautiful ribbon that holds the group together!

And thank you both for visiting!

2. Devotion: A Rat Story by Maile Meloy

This itty-bitty little book (3" x 4") was on my sorting cart last night at the library, and I was immediately ensnared by its gimmicky little size and plot outline. It's an unsettling story of what can happen if you buy a house without researching it thoroughly. Creepy, almost horror, but very entertaining and it took about five minutes to read. I will look into other books by the author.

3. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: The Illustrated Edition by J.K. Rowling, ill. Jim Kay

Beautifully illustrated, and lovingly crafted book made the story by Rowling even better. A real treat to read on many levels.

>7 klobrien2: I got this for Christmas, and I just love it so much! The illustrations are gorgeous - even the small ones add so much to the story. I love the Diagon Alley ones, and the Quidditch ones too.

Happy new year, Karen!

>2 klobrien2: Uprooted was one of my favourite books last year. Glad you enjoyed it.

>7 klobrien2: I've been eyeing the new illustrated HP but not sure I want to get hooked on buying new editions of all the book's although the first one looks gorgeous.

>8 Cait86: I know! It was such a good read (and I've read the original a few times). The characters looked just different enough from the film actors, so their faces seemed fresh and new. I loved Diagon Alley, too, and the illustrations of the ghosts were just gorgeous.

Did you see how many people have this book in their LT catalogs?

>9 souloftherose: I probably heard about Uprooted from you! If so, thank you so much! Do you know if there will be more books featuring the characters from the book?

And, there will be illustrated version of all of the Harry Potter books?? That would make me very happy. I read a library copy of the this one--I suppose I could be happy doing that going forward...but I might have to have my own copies :)

Thank you both for stopping by to chat! I'm always just thrilled to see people who have visited. I'm pretty sure that I have both of your threads starred, but I will make sure of that. It's taking a while to catch up in 2016!

4. The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine by Alexander McCall Smith

Charming read, as always. This is the 16th in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series--just boggles my mind. The books stay fresh, and are a real treatment for world-weariness or book-weariness!

Hi Karen! I've heard so many good things about Uprooted, I should really check it out.

Hope you had a good weekend!

>10 klobrien2: I haven't heard anything about a sequel to Uprooted but I would be happy to read more about the characters. And now that you mention it, I might just be assuming that they are going to do illustrated versions of all the HP books - I don't think I read that anywhere for definite. But the books are so popular and it seems that everyone has loved the new illustrated edition of book 1 that I guess I'd assumed they would do all the others....

>12 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Hope you like Uprooted, if you get a chance to read it. The author has another magic/dragons series which I'm thinking of looking into.

>13 souloftherose: It would be a treat to have them all illustrated! But when you think of how the later books got bigger and bigger, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone was the shortest in length, the logistics of illustrating the bigger books are a little staggering. I guess we will wait and see!

Thank you both for stopping by to chat!

5. Hunger Makes Me a Modern Girl: A Memoir by Carrie Brownstein

Carrie Brownstein is one of my favorite writers/actors (I adore the Portlandia series), and I knew that she was a member of the seminal rock band, Sleater-Kinney, but that's about all I knew about her. I don't think I've ever even heard a Sleater-Kinney song (something I'm rectifying with a bunch of requested CDs from the library).

This memoir is interesting, and Brownstein is a good writer. At times the book bogged down a little, but maybe a little more judicious editing would have helped. I have the feeling that Brownstein would be a little difficult to manage, at times.

A good look into the Pacific Northwest rock scene of the '90s, although the group recently reunited to make a new album, so they're not completely done yet.

Update: I'm really enjoying the Sleater-Kinney CDs I've been listening to. They are truly rock 'n' roll, strong, and loud. I am a new-found fan.

I am fascinated by the Lewis Chessmen (see picture at the top of my thread). I was so disappointed when I requested Ivory Vikings: the only picture of these very visual pieces is that on the cover.

What I needed were some other books, ones with pictures (or should I say, "pitchers" :) ). I ordered a few books from ILL, and they came to me today from the U of Minnesota. Lovely books (I've taken a quick gander).

The Lewis Chessmen: Unmasked by David H. Caldwell, and The Lewis Chessmen: New Perspectives ed. David H. Caldwell.

Now, the perfect reading situation might be having the illustrated books in front of me when I read the strictly textual Ivory Vikings.

I just LOVE ILL!

Update: Reading the more-definitive books first has been a real help. Now (2/16/16) I'm back into Ivory Vikings and understanding it a LOT better. Ms. Brown makes a new thesis in "IV," that the chessmen were made by one person, Margot the Adroit, who lived in Iceland. This flies in the face of all of the accepted understandings about the Chessmen. It makes a lot more sense now!

6. Digging to America by Anne Tyler

I read this for the American Authors Challenge. I've read other Tyler's before, and have really liked them. This one I really liked, as well. With plot lines of immigration, adoption, family, what it means to be American, there is a lot to think about and FEEL about.

7. The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked by David H. Caldwell

Wonderful coverage of the Lewis Chessmen, with as much detail (and probably more) than you'd ever want. Not a huge book, but jam-packed with photographs and charts. Terrific introductory look at the Chessmen.

Interesting. I'm about 1/3 of the way through Ivory Vikings, also about the Lewis chessmen!

Yes! I am fascinated with the Lewis Chessmen, but that book has no pictures! I actually requested it again from the library, so I plan to read it, but this time referring to another volume that is mostly pictures. I'll be interested to know what you think about Ivory Vikings.

Thanks for stopping by and chatting!

8. A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny

I don't know why it takes me so long to commit to reading one of this series, because I love them so much when I'm in the reading. Champing at the bit to read the next one, The Brutal Telling.

>21 klobrien2: Ooh, The Brutal Telling is a really good one...

>20 klobrien2: Yeah, there were only 5 pictures or so in Ivory Vikings - Huh? The author made much of the commonalitites in design and artistry, but no examples? Besides that, I thought the book was very good, if a bit of a mishmash with chapters on chess in the North, trade in walrus ivory, political relations across several hundred years, etc.

>21 klobrien2: I take long breaks between books in this series too, and I don't know why either - I love them. The Brutal Telling is great, but I thought the following one, Bury Your Dead, was the best so far.

>22 souloftherose: and >24 Cait86: Ooh, I can't wait. I actually liked A Rule Against Murder just fine, but know that others haven't liked it as much (maybe because it's not primarily set in Three Pines). I've so much to look forward to!

>23 drneutron: I've got Ivory Vikings home with me again, so I'm going to give it another go, if for nothing else than the way the author claims that the creator of the figures was female. Thanks for your insights into the book!

Thank you all for stopping to chat! I love getting posts on my thread!

Hope you have a great week ahead, Karen!

>26 The_Hibernator: Thanks, Rachel! And you too!



9. The Woman in Black: A Ghost Story by Susan Hill

Wonderfully eerie ghost story! Just spooky enough, and I loved the writing. I wonder if the movie version with Daniel Radcliffe would be something to watch? I think I'll track it down.

10. Akimbo and the Elephants by Alexander McCall Smith



11. Akimbo and the Lions by Alexander McCall Smith



12. Akimbo and the Crocodile Man by Alexander McCall Smith



13. Akimbo and the Snakes by Alexander McCall Smith



14. Akimbo and the Baboons by Alexander McCall Smith

Juvenile books from one of my favorite authors, Alexander McCall Smith. These were lovely, with wonderful adventures for Akimbo, the son of a ranger at an animal reserve in Africa. Akimbo gets to go along with the adults and learn about the wildlife of his home, and he often saves the day with his bravery and his smarts. Great illustrations, too!

15. Ru by Kim Thuy

I'm not officially participating in the Canadian Author Challenge, but this one looked good (and short!) so I picked it up. I loved it! It reads almost like poetry, with short vignettes of life in Vietnam, in a refugee camp, and then in Canada. I read this at about the same time as I was reading Digging to America so the juxtaposition of the immigrant experiences was illuminating (ooh, lots of big words there!)

Hi there, Karen! *Hugs* :)

Hi! I know I don't say much on anyone's thread, but I visit your thread a lot! Usually good for a chuckle, it is. I'm working my way through the threads, so I'll catch up with you soon. Thanks for stopping by to chat. And, *hugs* to you, too!

Couple of shared reads this last month, Karen. I haven't read much by McCall Smith but you seem to be rattling them off.

Hi, Paul...yes, he's one of my favorite authors. And he is very, very prolific. Luckily, the books read quickly and leave your brain feeling fresh and clean.

Thanks for stopping by!

16. The Lewis Chessmen: New Perspectives ed. by David H. Caldwell

This tome was way more scholarly and detailed than I needed at this time, but I scanned it all. It was fascinating to see the depth at which these beloved treasures are examined and analyzed. Along the way, the history of the Western Isles and Scandinavia gets some time here, too. Both this book, and The Lewis Chessmen Unmasked (see above) are getting me ready to attack Ivory Vikings again.

17. Undermajordomo Minor by Patrick deWitt

A fun read, but sad and melancholy, too. I would call this "magical realism," maybe. It is a little difficult for me to describe, and that's usually a sign (for me) that this was a good book. I would love a sequel, but I don't know if that's in the works.

>35 klobrien2: What did you think of Undermajordomo Minor? I read The Sisters Brothers by the same author a few years ago and thought it was just okay.

I liked it (Undermajordomo Minor) but it sure was strange. It's the kind of book that sticks with one. I'm behind on my reviews, but this one is requiring a little "steeping" anyway! I'm more interested in reading The Sisters Brothers, to see how it compares.

Thanks for stopping by!

18. Saxons, Vikings, and Celts: The Genetic Roots of Britain and Ireland by Bryan Sykes

Fascinating reading! I love the history, the contemporary humor and insights, the science behind using genetics to try to puzzle out where people come from. Very readable and interesting. I started reading The Seven Daughters of Eve a while back and for some reason, never finished it. Now I'll have to get back to that again!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Ooh, that's gorgeous! Thank you!

19. Papercutz Slices: Harry Potty and the Deathly Boring by Stefan Petrucha

Well, I am quite the eclectic reader, ain't I?! This little kids' graphic novel was very funny, and they did quite a good job at distilling the Harry Potter books into a few pages. Great detail (watch Harry's scar) and humor that is funny for grown-ups, too (at least for grown-ups who like Harry Potter books).

>38 klobrien2: I read The Seven Daughters of Eve. I have an electronic copy of DNA USA. The one you read is on my TBR list, but it's one I'll have to purchase, so I'm trying to read what I own or what is at the library first.

Hi, thornton37814! I had started The Seven Daughters of Eve once, but abandoned it. I really want to read that now that I've read the "Saxons" book. Sykes mentioned his Adam's Curse, also, so I guess I have to put that on my TBR, too. Oh, and now, DNA USA (thanks for the "heads up"!)

So many books, so little time, right? Thanks for stopping by!

20. The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie

Nice little treat of a cozy murder mystery. A LOT of characters; the reader is kept busy trying to keep them all straight! Love the Miss Marple character.

I read this for the British Author Challenge - February.

21. The Story of My Tits by Jennifer Hayden

Amazing graphic novel. I rated it a strong 5 stars, and I usually don't think of graphic novels deserving of that many stars. This one is funny, sad, so full of truth and courage that it makes one's heart hurt. I would highly recommend this for all readers, especially women, and most especially women who have dealt with or are dealing with breast cancer. Top notch work.

22. Pete the Cat: Valentine's Day is Cool by Kimberly and James Dean

Lovely "Pete the Cat" book. Fun plot with gorgeous, color-drenched illustration. A feast for the eyes.

>46 klobrien2: You must have gone to McDonald's too!

>47 thornton37814: McDonald's as in fast food? I had to go Google "Pete the Cat" and "McDonald's" to find out that McDonald's was giving away books with Happy Meals. What a great idea! But I got my copy from the library--where I'm really "Lovin' It."

Thanks for pointing this out to me! My opinion of the Golden Arches has gone up!

23. The Cleverness of Ladies by Alexander McCall Smith

I looked for this book in vain at my local libraries until I found out that it's strictly a UK-type thing, part of a reading program called "Quick Reads" which seems to have been meant to increase adult literacy and reading for fun. Great idea!

Four stories about "clever ladies"; I'd read the Precious Ramotswe story and the La's Orchestra excerpt before, but two were new to me (Georgina the hotelkeeper and Fabrizia the shopkeeper). Nice little collection of stories, definitely a quick and easy read.

24. A Brutal Telling by Louise Penny

Now I know why some call this their favorite Three Pines. Great story; I was kept guessing up until the end (and I still have my doubts :) ). I'll be reading the next installment, sooner rather than later.

>48 klobrien2: Yes. I got that particular "Pete the Cat" book and the "Paddington" one at McDonald's during their giveaway earlier this month!

They are wonderful books!

25. Joy in the Morning by P. G. Wodehouse by P. G. Wodehouse

I adore the P. G. Wodehouse books, and I'm working my way through them (slowly but surely). This one was the expected treat; there is such a love of words and the rhythm and humor of dialogue.

I meant to read this for last year's BAC, but better late than never!

26. The World of Ice & Fire: The Untold History of Westeros and the Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin

Beautifully illustrated book, made to order for die-hard fans of the Game of Thrones books. Got terribly dull and over-detailed, often, made it a slog to finish. I guess I'm kind of a casual fan of the series, because this was WAY too much, too much. But the illustrations were gorgeous, and the book is physically lovely to read -- huge pages, padded cover, wonderful paper.

27. After Alice by Gregory Maguire

I thoroughly enjoy Maguire's books. This one dragged a little at times, and I didn't find the ending wholly satisfying--seemed very abrupt and left things unresolved (like life?)

But I often found myself chuckling at the writing, the massive vocabulary, and the sheer fun with words that Maguire gives us here (in homage to the original "Alice" stories of Lewis Carroll).

28. Winter by Marissa Meyer

The fourth (and final?) book in the Lunar Chronicles series. Very satisfying tie-up to the series, and I am sure that I will be rereading at some point. Although not all of the books were as strong and clearly-written as this book, they all had their charms, and the main characters (three young women and their three young men) finally sorted themselves out as distinct characters in my mind.

Very nice conclusion to an entertaining series.

29. My Kitchen Year: 136 Recipes That Saved My Life by Ruth Reichl

Wonderful cookbook/memoir/lifewriting by Ruth Reichl, the former editor of the late Gourmet magazine. This is a beautiful cookbook, distinctively different from other cookbooks I've come across. Beautiful photography, simple statements of the author's life in the year following the demise of the magazine. The cooking advice is top-notch, with advice for shopping, preparation, cooking for the season and for the locale. This might be a book I need to have on my cookbook shelf.

Listen to what Alice Waters (no slouch in the food department herself) sys about the book:

Ruth is one of our greatest storytellers. No one writes as warmly and engagingly about the all-important intersection of food, life, love, and loss. This book is a lyrical and deeply intimate journey told through recipes, as only Ruth can do.

Have a wonderful Easter.

30. Locke & Key, Vol. 1: Welcome to Lovecraft by Joe Hill



31. Locke & Key, Vol. 2: Head Games by Joe Hill

I really like the first two books in this graphic novel horror/dark fantasy series. The books are really pretty spooky, the writing and illustration are imaginative and well-done. I'll definitely be continuing with the series.

32. Far from the Madding Crowd by Thomas Hardy

I've reached 200 books in the "1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die" list!

I really enjoyed this book, though it did seem to bog down a little in places. I adored the character of Gabriel Oak, the shepherd/bailiff/farmer who is the main proponent, and the counterpart to the beautiful/intelligent/passionate Bathsheba. The dialogue was gorgeous: I usually don't like speech done in dialect, but this was very sensibly done and the idioms were just lovely. Great love story, with lots of insight into the rural English countryside.

33. Bug in a Vacuum by Melanie Watt

Excellent kids book about a literal bug in a real vacuum (cleaner), but it's a great way to explain the "five stages of grief" to a kid (heck, to an adult as well). Very nice illustrations, with lots of "I Spy" objects around and opportunities for side discussions. Charming book.

34. My Name is Lucy Barton by Elizabeth Strout

I really enjoyed Olive Kitteridge, and this book has the same fine writing (clear and crisp). Very sad revealing of a dysfunctional family and a poor upbringing.

35. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys

I loved this collection of short stories, all placed during the forty times that the Thames has frozen over. Wonderful mix of history, drama, humor.

36. Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates

Beautifully written, eloquently stated. The author first gives us his personal history and philosophy, then presents analysis of recent conflicts. I read this for my real-life "Racial Equity" book club at the library where I work. This is my favorite of the books that we've read, and we've read some very good books.

37. The biblical Book of Daniel

I read this to create a shared read for a March TIOLI challenge. I've read the book before (I've read the Protestant canon of the Bible a few times). The book has always struck me as very mystical and historical. A few of the episodes, of course, I first heard tell of in Sunday School (Daniel in the Lion's Den, e.g.). This was a fun, change-of-pace read.

38. Finding Winnie: The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear by Lindsay Mattick

Lovely Easy book about "Winnipeg," the Canadian bear who found herself in Europe during WWI (her rescuer was an army veterinarian). Wonderful true story, with lots of primary source materials, and a very nice presentation.

39. The Relic Master: A Novel by Christopher Buckley

The best book I've read in a long time! Buckley is one of my favorite writers, and this is my favorite of his books (so far). Great satire, romance, history, so much in the one book! Definitely a re-read.

40. Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 1 by Kiiro Yumi

Well, I thought I'd try a manga for the TIOLI challenge this month. This might have been the wrong one to try, but I read it because others were reading it, and it sounded like a fun concept.

The story was very junior-high-ish, and the drawing so-so. I found it very disconcerting to be reading right to left (through the pages) but left to right on an individual section or page. I could live with that, I guess, but I will wait a while before trying another manga.

41. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo comes through again, although the illustrator, Chris van Dusen, certainly has a lot to do with the success of the book. Funny story, brightly told, with some returning characters from Deckawoo Drive. Lovely kids book.

42. Locke & Key, Vol. 3: Crown of Shadows by Joe Hill

This graphic novel series is proving to be very scary! Terrific plot, due to Joe Hill; fantastic drawings, from Gabriel Rodriguez. I've got the next in the series already requested from the library.

43. Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

Another series that I never read when I was little. I don't know why I missed out on so many traditional kids books; I was always reading when I was a kid. I guess I was reading other books. So now I have to make up for lost time!

Loved this Beverly Cleary, and I will want to read more. I've got Henry and Ribsy started already. I love that little girl, Ramona.

>67 klobrien2: I have not read any of Buckley's work, but this sounds like fun.

It was really excellent--funny, smart, educational, romantic...it would be a wonderful introduction to Buckley for you!

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

44. Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny

This really did turn out to be one of my favorites in the series so far. Lots of history, the Quebec separatist conflict, and three story lines, woven masterfully throughout, made the book a joy to read. I loved the follow-up to the last book, with Beauvoir as the protagonist; the case of the murder in Quebec City, where Gamache is pulled in to help the local police; and the recollection of the events that blasted the Surete.

45. Endpoint and Other Poems by John Updike

Bittersweet little collection of poems from Updike, written during his last years of life, assembled only weeks before he died. His final book. The opening set, "Endpoint," does seem like his analysis and farewell, and he is courageous in confronting the end of his life, and inspirational to his readers who may be dealing with their own mortalities.

The poems that follow "Endpoint" are a great assortment of funny, profound, "homely" (as in "the day-to-day") and "global" (he did his share of traveling). Updike isn't afraid to make a poem talking about the dirt and smudges of life. Very truthful and brave.

Here's one of my favorite stanzas, from "Endpoint":

Be with me, words, a little longer; you
have given me my quitclaim in the sun,
sealed shut my adolescent wounds, made light
of grownup troubles, turned to my advantage
what in most lives would be pure deficit,
and formed, of those I loved, more solid ghosts.

>74 klobrien2: Bury Your Dead is my favourite in the series so far too. I loved the change of location to Quebec City, while still maintaining the Three Pines connection too.

-64. Hi! I'm in a similar book club at the library that I work at. I'm curious what other books you have read as part of it. We have read Between the World and Me and Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race by Debby Irving.

>77 gkur: Really? Are you in Ramsey County, Minnesota? :)

The first book we read was Citizen: An American Lyric by Claudia Rankine -- a little book of poetry with huge impact. We also read Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race. Between the World and Me is our third book.

Can't wait to see what we read next!

Thanks for stopping by! I'm going to go make sure that I have you "starred."

46. Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

Lovely little Beverly Cleary, one I don't think I ever read although it was my little brother's favorite book when he was little. Love that dog Ribsy!

47. Without: Poems by Donald Hall

Achingly beautiful poems about love and loss. I will surely look for more collections from this poet, and from his wife, a poet whose sickness and death is chronicled here. Heartbreaking but worth the ache.

48. American Primitive by Mary Oliver

Lovely poems featuring nature, love, friendship. I'll definitely want to read more poetry from this author. I've had such good reading with the American Author Challenge April Poetry read.

Here's is one of my favorites:

SPRING

I lift my face to the pale flowers
of the rain. They're soft as linen,
clean as holy water. Meanwhile
my dog runs off, noses down packed leaves
into damp, mysterious tunnels.
He says the smells are rising now
stiff and lively; he says the beasts
are waking up now full of oil,
sleep sweat, tag-ends of dreams. The rain
rubs its shining hands all over me.
My dog returns and barks fiercely, he says
each secret body is the richest advisor,
deep in the black earth such fuming
nuggets of joy!

49. Adam Bede by George Eliot

Well-told, beautifully-written, although it got bogged down in a few spots (a few discussions of Methodist religion, easily skimmed over). I loved the atmospheric writing, and the great character portraits. Even the dialect was bearable--my favorite word was "headpiece" (brain)--it made me laugh every time I encountered it. The author shows a real love of language, especially spoken language. Book 201 out of 1001 Books I Must Read!

50. Black Widow #1 by Nathan Edmondson

I thought this was well-done and it kept my attention. It was a little confusing to me at times, but that could be because I'm not up on the Marvel universe. I'd read another one, for sure.

51. Locke & Key: Keys to the Kingdom by Joe Hill

The Locke & Key graphic novels are really great--well-drawn, well-told, and truly scary at times. I've got the last two books home from the library and can't wait to get to them to see how things turn out.

>78 klobrien2: I'm in Boston, MA, I haven't heard of Citizen: An American Lyric, I'll have to look that up!
-Greta

>83 klobrien2: I've been enjoying the Black Widow GN's - what did you think of it?

Glad you're enjoying the Locke & Key books. I found I don't like Joe Hill's prose...he feels forced and non-subtle to me. I bet his graphic novels would be more to my liking.

>83 klobrien2: Speaking of Black Widow, I saw 'CA:Civil War' this weekend and had so much fun. Great movie!

>86 souloftherose: I thought the Black Widow I read was well-done and it kept my attention. It was a little confusing to me at times, but that could be because I'm not up on the Marvel universe. I'd read another one, for sure.

Thanks for stopping by to chat!

>87 The_Hibernator: I'm kind of a fan of Joe Hill (well, I've only read two of his books - Heart-Shaped Box and 20th Century Ghosts). The Locke & Key graphic novels are really great--well-drawn, well-told, and truly scary at times. I've got the last two books home from the library and can't wait to get to them to see how things turn out. I hope you give them a look!

Great to see you here!

>88 brodiew2: It was good, eh? I'll add it to my list of movies to see this summer, up close and personal. Thanks for the tip!

52. Pax by Sara Pennypacker

Excellent juvenile book, with some pretty mature rumination on war (the real costs of it), fathers and sons, community and solitude. And some wonderful foxes who steal your heart. Some very nice drawings, excellent prose, and great stories.

He ran as foxes are meant to run--compact body arrowing through the air at a swiftness that rippled his fur. The new joy of speed, the urgency of coming night, the hope of reunion with his boy--these things transformed him into something that shot like liquid fire between the trees.

Thanks to smiler69 for prompting this read!

Happy new week Karen!

92: Love the cover! :)

Hello, you two! Thanks for the nice wishes, and I agree with you about the cover to Pax, Stephen. Thanks for stopping by to chat! I'm making my rounds, so I'll see what you two have been up to. Ta-ta!

Stopping by to wish you a lovely weekend, Karen.

Thanks, Paul! I hope yours was nice, too! Thanks for stopping by.

53. The Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery

Wonderful book, both in its subject matter, and in the author's writing. Montgomery writes so clearly, yet so personally. We get to know her co-workers, aquarium visitors, scuba divers, and, yes, even the octopuses that Montgomery came into contact with. The author is incredibly descriptive of the sea creatures (not just the eight-armed), the environments (both natural and man-made). I couldn't wait to read the next page!

Book include several pages of color photographs, a nice bibliography, and an index.

Isn't this a wonderful image (of the continuous chain of a species through time): "'You are standing beside your mother, holding her hand. She is holding her mother's hand, who is holding her mother's hand....' Eventually the line stretches three hundred miles long and goes back five million years, and the clasping hand of the ancestor looks like that of a chimpanzee." (Montgomery says that this image comes via Elizabeth Marshall Thomas, who got it from Richard Dawkins (another chain, there!))

Here is another of my favorite passages: For who would want to leave this vast, teeming blue world? Surely its waters could wash away sorrows, heal all brokenness, restore all souls.

Loved this book; I think I need to find an earlier book of the authors, The Good Good Pig: The Extraordinary Life of Christopher Hogwood.

>92 klobrien2: Pax looks good. My son (9) has read a fair amount of historical fiction and some war related. I think the fox perspective would be a different way to look at things.

>98 klobrien2: I'm glad you enjoyed Soul of an Octopus. It sounds like and interesting look into sea life with a compelling emotion traction.

Have a great Monday!

54. A Trick of the Light by Louise Penny

Another great read in the Inspector Gamache/Three Pines mystery series. It's nice to be back mostly in Three Pines. Interesting stories of recovery and AA; insights into the Quebec art world. I found myself not wanting to put the book down!

55. The Whistling Season by Ivan Doig

I read this for the May American Authors Challenge. I hadn't read any Doig before, but I'm pretty sure that there is more Doig in my reading future. Very sharp depictions of places and people, of a way of life, of a time in American history/recent past. Really enjoyed this book.

56. The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Beautiful story of a couple of damaged little kids and the woman who saves them (well, they do a fine job of saving her, as well). Set during the bombing of England that took place during WWII; a very clear picture of life during the times that made it come more alive to me than anything I've ever read. And this is a Juvenile book! I KNOW that I'll be reading this one again.

>102 klobrien2: I'm so glad that you liked this one - I loved it, too!

Hi, scaifea! Yes, I probably learned about that book from you! Thank you!

57. A History of the World in 100 Objects by Neil MacGregor

Such a nice mix of artifacts and historical analysis, with no snobbishness at all! The artifacts chosen for this book are all in residence at the British Museum; the author was/is the current director at the museum.

The structure of the book made it very easy to pick up at odd moments (in fact, it is a fairly chunky book, so reading it at short stretches made a lot of sense, physically). Great documentation for further study; different areas of the world and timeframes are presented.

Here's one of my favorite quotes:

When you use the words 'traders and raiders', one group of people above all springs to mind: the Vikings. Vikings have always excited the European imagination, and their reputation has fluctuated violently. In the nineteenth century, the British saw them as savage bad buys - horn-helmeted rapers and looters. For the Scandinavians, of course, it was different: the Vikings there were the all-conquering heroes of Nordic legend. The Vikings then went through a stage of being seen by historians as rather civilized - more tradesmen and travelers than pillagers. The recent discovery of the Vale of York hoard makes them seem a little less cuddly and looks set to revive the aggressive Vikings of popular tradition, but now with a dash of cosmopolitan glamour. The truth is that's what the Vikings have always been about: glitz with violence.

58. Black Widow, Vol. 2: The Tightly Tangled Web by Nathan Edmondson

The artwork is very good; the plot moves around and gets a little confusing sometimes. Also, a lot of violence here. Still, a very readable book.

59. Black Widow, Vol. 3: Last Days by Nathan Edmondson

Aww, this is the last in the series! Still quite enjoyable, nicely done.

>104 klobrien2: Ha! Maybe, but lots of 75ers have been reading that one, so I can't confidently take the credit. It *is* a lovely book, isn't it?

60. Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection by Marissa Meyer

I've read the entire Lunar Chronicles series, and have enjoyed it for the far most part. This collection of short stories, however, did wonders for wrapping things up and providing closure to all of the characters and to the world that the author created. The stories almost act like mortar, filling in the cracks, explaining things, expanding on plot points, helping in the "healing." If you've read the series, definitely read this collection!

61. Life as a Daymaker": How to Change the World Simply by Making Someone's Day by David Wagner

Sweet little book about living one's life in a very positive, selfless way. Lots of good ideas about treating others well, finding personal happiness in the simple acts of making other people happy. Definitely re-readable!

Be kind. Everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. (John Watson)

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion. (Dalai Lama)

Simple, but workable!

Happy new week Karen!

Thanks, Rachel!

62. Locke & Key, Vol. 5: Clockworks by Joe Hill

This one, and the next were more fine issues of the series; well-written, and beautifully drawn. Eerie and scary at times, very memorable.

63. Locke & Key, Vol. 6: Alpha & Omega by Joe Hill

64. The Mating Season by P. G. Wodehouse

Gosh, I love P. G. Wodehouse. I seem to always adore the Wodehouses I've read. This one was maybe a little slower-paced than usual. The physical book was difficult to find, and I finally found a kind of beat-up copy at the Minneapolis library. If you like the silliness and wordplay of Wodehouse, you'd like this one. If you take a chance on it, I hope you like it!

Now, I've seen the "Jeeves and Wooster" TV series, with Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, and I just enjoy the heck out of it. So now when I read Jeeves and Wooster books, I'm visualizing scenes from the televised show in my mind's eye. Since the show was so good, and cleaved so closely to the books (I think), I don't mind at all.

Definitely, give the book a go. There are a lot of romantic couples in the book, so it takes a while to get them sorted out, but that may add to the delicious confusion and farce later on.

(I pulled these last paragraphs from a later post, as you will see)

65. Why Be Happy When You Can Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson

This was a heartbreaking, ultimately inspiring memoir. Winterson has such a gift with words and ideas.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

Poetry is easier to learn than prose. Once you have learned it, you can use it as a light and a laser. It shows up your true situation and it helps you cut through it.

I began to realize that I had company. Writers are often exiles, outsiders, runaways and castaways. These writers were my friends. Every book was a message in a bottle. Open it.

66. Girls & Sex: Navigating the Complicated New Landscape by Peggy Orenstein

An amazing book, full of insights into youth culture, but also into modern popular culture. The writing flows so nicely, and the ideas are presented logically and clearly.

67. Yes, Chef: A Memoir by Marcus Samuelsson

I've been reading a few memoirs lately, and really enjoying them. I've admired Samuelsson for his cooking and his renown as a chef, but this book gives us his back story. Very interesting and informative. The author doesn't hold back from sharing the less-than-stellar things he's done, but he's such a likable guy, we understand and forgive. I'm looking up all of Samuelsson's books (mostly cookbooks).

>115 klobrien2: I look forward to your thought on The Mating Season.

>119 brodiew2: I seem to always adore the Wodehouses I've read. This one was maybe a little slower-paced than usual. The physical book was difficult to find, and I finally found a kind of beat-up copy at the Minneapolis library. If you like the silliness and wordplay of Wodehouse, you'd like this one. If you take a chance on it, I hope you like it!

>120 klobrien2: I appreciate it, Karen. I've eyed this book many times over the years, but never partaken. I'll let you know if I do.

(Moved these comments about The Mating Season up to the appropriate place)

68. Troublemaker: Surviving Hollywood and Scientology by Leah Remini

I've always liked Leah Remini's acting and sassy characters. Turns out that she can write, too! This was a great read, full of the infuriating whackiness that is Scientology, but also stories of family, friends, and love.

69. Vinegar Girl by Anne Tyler

Excellent retelling of "Taming of the Shrew." Very likable characters (especially the "Vinegar Girl"). And this is one of a series (Hogarth Shakespeare)! I have to read the other ones!

70. Preacher, Vol. 2: Until the End of the World by Garth Ennis

I'm really enjoying "The Preacher" television show, so I decided to read the graphic novel on which it is based. Good reading--lots of violence, though.

71. Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck

I've read a lot of Steinbeck, and really enjoyed most of them. This little "travel book" was the best thing that I've read so far this year, and probably for a long while before that. Such a great mix of travel, humor, philosophy, nature, and description to the best of the author's ability. Loved it! I've got a couple of road-tripping sisters who would probably really like this as much I did.

Just a few snippets of his writing (I'm reining myself in because they're just so much that is good.

Steinbeck begins his travel journal like this:

When I was very young and the urge to be someplace else was on me, I was assured by mature people that maturity would cure this itch. When years described me as mature, the remedy prescribed was middle age. In middle age I was assured that greater age would calm my fever and now that I am fifty-eight perhaps senility will do the job. Nothing has worked. Four hoarse blasts of a ship's whistle still raise the hair on my neck and set my feet to tapping. The sound of a jet, an engine warming up, even the clopping of shod hooves on pavement brings on the ancient shudder, the dry mouth and vacant eye, the hot palms and the churn of stomach high up under the rib cage. In other words, I don't improve; in further words, once a bum always a bum. I fear the disease is incurable. I set this matter down not to instruct others but to inform myself.

Most of the way through his journey:

From start to finish, I found no strangers. If I had, I might be able to report them more objectively. But these are my people and this my country. If I found matters to criticize and to deplore, they were tendencies equally present in myself. If I were to prepare one immaculately inspected generality it would be this: For all of our enormous geographic range, for all of our sectionalism, for all of our interwoven breeds drawn from every part of the ethnic world, we are a nation, a new breed.

Steinbeck ended his trip (and this book) with a swing through the Deep South back home to New York. He described the racial unrest that was breaking the country and my reading of this book could not have been more timely, considering the unrest and heartbreak that is wrenching the USA today. Steinbeck had no easy answers, but was willing to witness events and to engage in conversation, so maybe that is his answer.

Can't say enough good about this book!

72. Hidden: A Child's Story of the Holocaust by Loic Davillier

Beautifully-written and -illustrated. Excellent way to tell children about some horrible things.

73. Crossing Places: A Ruth Galloway Mystery by Elly Griffiths

First in the Ruth Galloway Mystery series. I just loved this book! I'm in it for the duration, I think. Intelligent, brave, funny archeologist meets intelligent, angry, manly cop. What's not to like?

74. Aquavit: And the New Scandinavian Cuisine by Marcus Samuelsson

Now I'm reading through Samuelsson's cookbooks. This one is gorgeous--with lovely, lovely photographs and recipes filled with information and explanation.

75. Night by Elie Wiesel

I'm so glad to have hit my "75" with this book. I'm still mulling over this one; I'm thinking that it will take a while. Immensely powerful, so heartbreaking.

Congrats! :)

Thanks! I've been considering a reread of Harry Potter, thanks to you! Those books have layers, don't they? I did a reread before the release of the last one, and they seemed so new to me even then.

Thanks for stopping by!

Congrats!

132: Definitely! They are also utterly unputdownable, so it's a nice boost to the reading numbers. :P

>133 drneutron: Thanks, Doc!

>134 Ape: Except they're so BIG! Good thing they flow as well as they do.

So do you have Harry Potter and the Cursed Child pre-ordered or requested at your library? Just a few more days!

Thanks to you both for visiting!

76. The Mystery of the Missing Lion (Precious Ramotswe series) by Alexander McCall Smith

This series is terrific!. Beautifully and humorously written, exciting plots, evocative descriptions. And Precious is the main character--she is intelligent, and the author empowers her to solve problems and create harmony. Beautiful woodcut illustrations on nearly every page. Lovely!

77. New American Table by Marcus Samuelsson

I love these cookbooks by Samuelsson! This one showcases the food of the USA, with its "salad bowl" of ethnic cooking traditions. Samuelsson mixes ingredients and spices from all of the different places he's been (and he's been all over!) The book is really an ode to America, its people, and its food.

And the photography is terrific! Not just food, but people and places--it's a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.

Nope, I don't have any plans for The Cursed Child. I definitely want to get my hands on a copy asap, and I definitely want to own a copy, but I'm going to have to wait until after it is released.

78. Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

I finally caved and read this one, and loved it. I don't know why I hesitated, maybe because of the "Romance" label, maybe because I didn't know enough of the plot. It was a heartbreaking story, yet with humor and beauty. I am becoming an activist for disabled rights, however!

79. Dear Mr. You by Mary Louise Parker

Parker is an excellent writer, and this book, an assortment of "letters" written to males that the author has encountered in her life, is a very good read. She doesn't name names, so one has to do some googling to find out exactly who she is writing to, so there is the added enjoyment of puzzling it out.

Beautiful letters to her father, her grandfather, others.

80. So That Happened: A Memoir by Jon Cryer

I've been reading a fair number of autobiographies and memoirs! This one is excellent--Cryer is a very good writer, and keeps his comments fair and descriptive. Lots of photos.

81. Preacher Book One by Garth Ennis

Have been watching the "Preacher" TV series, and really enjoying it, so thought I'd read the series of comic books/graphic novels upon which it is based. It's a great series--the writing is good, the drawing is fantastic, and there is a great mix of humor and philosophy.

82. The Soul of a New Cuisine: A Discovery of the Foods and Flavors of Africa by Marcus Samuelsson

More beautiful photos and writing from the great chef, although I didn't find many recipes here that sounded appealing to me (and Samuelsson himself confessed to some difficulty with some of the ingredients used in the traditional cuisine). A vibrant glimpse into the people and cultures of Africa.

83. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

I'd wanted to get at this trilogy for a while, and finally took the plunge. I'm a long-time fan of King, but it has been a while since I've read his books. This book did not disappoint; lots of tension, horror, likable (and grossly unlikable!) characters.

>141 klobrien2: I'm glad you enjoyed Cryer's memoir, Karen. I thought it was fantastic as well.

>144 klobrien2: Mr. Mercedes is on the audio TBR list. I've heard good things.

I really enjoyed both of those books. I'm glad you liked So That Happened: A Memoir. Cryer seems to have such a great attitude--self-deprecating, not mean towards others.

And Mr. Mercedes! I got so caught up in the book that I raced through it. And now I'm reading the next in the series, Finders Keepers. I'll have to look for the audio version of at least the first one!

Thanks for visiting!

>146 klobrien2: I have to admit I had a hard time with Cryer's character, Alan Harper, over time, and finally, quit watching 'Two and a Half Men'. I found Cryer himself to so much more down to earth. I realize actor's are not the characters they play, but Alan was hard to take. It was interesting to hear his take on the character and they inside line on Charlie Sheen's meltdown.

I had a hard time with the whole concept of "Two and a Half Men," and here we learn that they meant the show to be as cringe-worthy and "wink-wink" as it was. I stopped watching it, too, but because of the overall tone. And I am NOT a prude by any stretch, the show was just too smarmy sometimes.

It was great to recall Cryer's overall career, and personal life. And, yes, like you say, the inside scoop on Charlie Sheen.

I'm not a prude, but I don't like smarmy shows either. I just don't find that sense of humor particularly funny. It's not disapproval so much as eye-rolling boredom. :)

Yes, I agree completely and am ROFLing! (not really, but your comment made me smile!)

84. Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamillo

I'm a real DiCamillo fan, I guess. I liked the spunky Raymie very much, and the plot of this book is sad but heartwarming at the same time.

85. Preacher, Book Two by Garth Ennis

Another great episode in the Preacher series.

86. LaRose by Louise Erdrich

Beautiful book. I don't think I've ever been disappointed in an Erdrich book. She writes with such grace, humor, and respect for her characters.

7. Finders Keepers by Stephen King

The second book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. This one grabbed me right away, and kept me in suspense all the way through.

88. Preacher Book Three by Garth Ennis

These graphic novels are all so top-notch, with excellent drawing and writing. There is a bit of violence and sex, even some supernatural, but it's all a lot of fun to read.

89. Harry Potter and the Cursed Child by Jack Thorne

Well, I'm a completest, so I had to read this play, of course. I'd read so many whines about it, but I found it compelling and was glad to have read it. I'd love to see it enacted someday.

90. After You by Jojo Moyes

A great follow-up to Me Before You. It's kind of funny/great to know that the author didn't want to leave her audience devastated/hanging as to what.happened.next...it is a sequel, but it's also a wonderful standalone book (although I would really think it's better to read this one after the first).

91. The Janus Stone by Elly Griffiths

My fascination with Elly Griffiths' Ruth Galloway books continues with this, the second in the series. I just love the whole concept of archeology/crime thriller, business relationship/boiling beneath the surface. Ruth Galloway is such a likable character, and Griffiths really does a great job at describing the physical location, eerie and ancient.

92. A Room Full of Bones by Elly Griffiths

I was reading these books one after the other; couldn't get enough.

93. A Dying Fall by Elly Griffiths

These "Ruth Galloway" books are like crack to me (I imagine, I have no experience of crack itself). I can't stop from reading the next one, especially since they're all on my library's ebook stash. Thoroughly enjoy the plot, the characters, the writing.

Hello, Karen! I hope all is well with you on this Thursday morning!

Happy weekend!

Hi, brodiew2 and Hibernator! Thanks for stopping by. I keep up with both of your threads, though I am more of a lurker than a poster, I guess. See you around!

94. The Outcast Dead by Elly Griffiths

95. Chance Developments: Stories by Alexander McCall Smith

A set of stories by the author (he's one of my favorites, and very prolific). I like to see him trying different things, although I love his series. These stories were nicely done.

96. Charmed Knits: Projects for Fans of Harry Potter by Alison Hansel

Something different for me; a book of knitting projects for the Harry Potter fan (or their parent, aunt, etc.) Most were above my pathetic skill level, but several I could see attempting. A fun book to read through.

97. Preacher Book Four by Garth Ennis

Continuing on with the Preacher graphic novels; they're all fun and very well written and drawn.

98. Preacher Book Five by Garth Ennis

99. Preacher Book Six by Garth Ennis

100. When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

I'm glad this was my 100th read of the year! So compelling: very sad, but triumphant in its telling. I'll write more later. And I'll catch up with all of my "reviews"--I've been reading up a storm, but I need to have some closure for each read. And I like all of the pretty little pictures. ;)

101. The Nest by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney

A novel about family and the legacy that is left when a parent dies. The characters were beautifully done, and their relationships rang so true to life.

102. Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson

103. What Is Not Yours Is Not Yours by Helen Oyeyemi

Well, this was kind of a slog. I guess it just wasn't my cup of tea. A set of stories, some involving the dreaded "magical realism." I'd heard such good things about the book, but I had to force myself to finish.

104. First Love by Joyce Carol Oates

Eerie, painful book about growing up, and being used (abused?) by a pedophiliac cousin. Dark and disturbing, "gothic" in its approach and topic.

105. The Woman in Blue by Elly Griffiths

Oh, good, back to something more enjoyable. But now there aren't any more Ruth Galloway books until next year!

106. A Good Time for the Truth: Race in Minnesota ed. Sun Yung Shin

Excellent book, a set of essays from all cultures and colors. My Racial Equity book club read this collection. I found it so helpful to see racial inequality from a variety of points-of-view.

107. Grief is the Thing With Feathers by Max Porter

A beautiful, achingly-sad book, but so true and honest.

Moving on, as a concept, is for stupid people, because any sensible person knows grief is a long-term project. I refuse to rush. The pain that is thrust upon us let no man slow or speed or fix.

108. Gentlemen of the Road by Michael Chabon

I'd read this a few years ago when it was serialized in the NYTimes. Liked it then, and liked it now, when it is more easily "consumed" when you don't have to wait a week between episodes.

>178 klobrien2: Probably my fave of his. What did you think of it?

>179 drneutron: I loved it, both times (this is my second read). I so appreciated Chabon's gift of language and humor. And characterization.

Thanks for stopping by!

109. Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson

Very funny, very sad at times. The author has lived with mental illness all her life, but has come to terms with it, using modern medicine, and a great sense of humor. Honest and intelligent.

110. The Girl With the Lower Back Tattoo by Amy Schumer

Schumer is one of my favorite comics; she's frank and coarse at times, but always funny. And she's not mean--if she's poking fun, it's usually at herself. I enjoyed this autobiography. Hopefully there will be other books?

111. Lab Girl by Hope Jahren

Another autobiography, but Jahren is a scientist, and describes an entirely different world. Interesting insights into botany and the scientific approach, and the life of a dedicated scientist. By the way, Jahren also deals with mental illness, but it has not kept her from success in her field.

112. Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee

I read this for the British Authors Challenge, but I have been meaning to read it for years. I don't know why I never got past the first thirty pages before, because the writing is gorgeous and so evocative of the places and people described. There is a lot of beauty, but also cruelty and sadness--just like life itself?

113. The Chinese Gold Murders by Robert van Gulik

Very interesting read; the book is set in 18th-century China, and the author is Dutch. It took me a while to get into the mindset of the book, but once there, I really enjoyed it. I need to be reading more in the series!

You've really been powering through these books, Karen!

I've really been enjoying the reading! I usually have several books going at once, so they seem to finish up about the same time. Except for something like A Prayer for Owen Meany, a big book that I've been working on for months. Oh, well. I join in with the "Take It or Leave It" challenges every month (that's been going on like six years now!) and that has expanded the range and depth of my reading immensely. I highly recommend the TIOLI challenges.

And, now, I need to go back and at least put little "reviews" by all of this reading. I saw someone else had simplified life by just putting a star rating by each book; I might do something like that.

Thanks for stopping by!

I loved A Prayer for Owen Meany hopefully you're liking it? I guess maybe not so much if you're taking several months to read it, lol.

I have Furiously Happy on my phone. I contemplated reading it this month, but I have too much else going on.

Hi, Rachel! I am *really* liking "Owen" but it is a hefty thing--I'm over halfway now, and I'm sure I'll finish it in November. I have it on my Nook so that is a tremendous help.

Furiously Happy was great--the author is so funny, but not afraid of being serious so the reader will, indeed, laugh and cry during the reading (which can be embarrassing if you happen to be in public). Easy to read in "chunks," though.

I'm going after her first book now--Let's Pretend This Never Happened.

Thanks for stopping by!

114. Seven Brief Lessons on Physics by Carlo Rovelli

I loved this, but I also hated the slowness of my brain in understanding many of the concepts presented here. The author does a bang-up job in what he's doing, though. This would be worth a reread, to see if things sink in a little further.

115. Buffy Season Ten, Vol. 1: New Rules by Christos Gage

The Buffy graphic novels continue to be very well-done, and I enjoy them a lot. Like candy for the brain.

116. Buffy Season Ten, Vol. 2: I Wish by Christos Gage

117. Precious and Grace by Alexander McCall Smith

The latest in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series. Really liked it--these books are such a balm for the weary reader.

Good morning, Karen!

>189 klobrien2: I listened to 2/3 of Let's pretend this never happened before stopping. It was funny, but I got overstimulated toward the end.

>190 klobrien2: this also looks interesting. Many years ago I picked up a book titled About Time. I kept for a long time because I fully intended to read it, but never did. I'll take look at this one? Or is this book about Physics at all?

Hi, brodiew2!

Thanks for stopping by and chatting! I haven't started "Let's pretend" yet, so I'll be interested to see how I do with it. And the "Seven Brief Lessons" is actually about physics. I really had to concentrate hard, and then I don't think I retained more than a percentage of the physics. But the author is such a good writer; the essays almost read like poetry at times. The essays are small in words, but big in ideas, but their shortness in length did make it easier for me to concentrate. Definitely, give this one a try.

118. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 3: Love Dares You by Christos Gage

119. Buffy, Season Ten, Vol. 4: Old Demons by Christos Gage

120. Hag-Seed by Margaret Atwood

This book is a reworking of Shakespeare's "The Tempest," part of the Hogarth Shakespeare series. It's actually presented as a play within the "play"--the actors in the play are in a prison, and their performing is part of their work to prepare to be out of prison. I pretty much love anything that Atwood writes, and this book was no exception.

121. Jeeves in the Offing by P. G. Wodehouse

Tasty Jeeves and Wooster. These books make me break out in giggles, even if I'm reading in public. I'm hopeful that I wouldn't get kicked out of the library once the authorities would see what I was reading. I'm nearing the end of the Jeeve and Wooster canon (how can that be?!) but I suppose I can always reread, or try some of the author's other series.

122. Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

I had never read this as a child, and I'm glad I read it now. I actually had watched the movie version (with Gene Wilder) and really liked it, so decided to give the book a read. Funny, sad, goofy.

123. Thrice the Brinded Cat Hath Mew'd by Alan Bradley

I liked this book in the series much better than the previous one, As Chimney Sweepers Come to Dust. That one had Flavia in Canada, away from her home and her family, a fish out of water. Now she's back home, although she never sees her father, who is sick and in hospital, and she rarely sees her sisters. Her character is as delightful and determined as ever, though, and the read is fun.

124. Tamara Drewe by Posy Simmonds

I saw the movie that is based on this graphic novel, so then, of course, I had to read the graphic novel. It was well-drawn, well-written, fun to read.

125. Cockroaches by Jo Nesbo

126. End of Watch by Stephen King

The last book in the Bill Hodges trilogy. Gosh, I loved this series. Stephen King still knows how to keep the suspense taut, and the characters totally terrifying. Bill Hodges was a hero of the first order.

See you are whizzing through the books as usual Karen. Cockroaches is the only Harry Hole book I have still to read.

Hi Karen! Happy Thanksgiving. I just looked up where you lived because I wanted to make sure before I gave you this:



I had no idea you lived in MN! I live in Richfield, so we're not that far apart. We should have a meetup sometime.

Thanks, Rachel! That sounds great! I've read your posts about book clubs with Morphy and Twin Cities events, so I realized you were in MN.

I've been pushing the reading this month, because I'm trying for a sweep of the Take It or Leave It challenge, and that's 15 different challenges this month. I'm getting there!

Thanks again for stopping by!

127. Nutshell by Ian McEwan

I really liked this book; it was so innovative and well-written. It is supposedly a retelling of "Hamlet," but the "first person" narrator is an unborn fetus. It sounds goofy, but it was intriguing.

>205 PaulCranswick: Hi, Paul! Dashing to make a TIOLI sweep this month--I'm about as close as I've ever been.

Cockroaches was good; its depiction of life in Thailand was strong (I hope it was accurate). I've only read the first two Harry Hole books, and I'm sure I'll continue with them.

Thanks for stopping by!

128. The Black Pearl by Scott O'Dell

A YA adventure story set in Mexico. I read it for a Take It or Leave It challenge.

129. The Fallen Man by Tony Hillerman

I need to read more Tony Hillerman. This one was interesting, well-paced, well-written.

130. Harry Truman's Excellent Adventure: The True Story of a Great American Road Trip by Matthew Algeo

I loved this road-trip adventure, and I feel like I really got to know Harry and Bess Truman a little better. Clever structure to the book.

131. Plutocrats: The Rise of the New Super Rich and the Fall of Everyone Else by Chrystia Freeland

132. Blindness by Jose Saramago

Awesome book. It reminded me a bit of Lord of the Flies, another book that addresses how civilization falls apart.

Whew! Marathon reading to finish up my books for this month's Take It or Leave It (TIOLI). I swept all fifteen challenges this month, and I'm "Top Newt" (most shared reads; if there are no last-minute changes). I really need to get my book "reviews" up-to-date (definitely before year-end) and looking forward to the new year's reading.

I'm at 132 books read now, which is far more than I read last year. My goal for December is to break 160, the number of books that I read in 2012. That might not be feasible (29 books?!) but I'll have fun trying.

Congratulations on your TIOLI sweep, Karen, and on so many shared reads!

Good luck on breaking your record :-)

How'd you like Blindness. I thought it was fascinating.

>216 FAMeulstee: Thanks, Anita! And, triple congratulations to you for your triple sweep! I think I'll be back to my normal reading for December, though. I'll have a sweet memory of doing the sweep, and having a lot of shared reads. See you around TIOLI!

>217 The_Hibernator: Hi, Rachel! Blindness is fascinating, for sure. I had seen the movie a while ago, and had attempted the book once before and got grossed out and had stopped early on. This time, pushing on through, I understand why the book is considered so good, and Saramago so talented a writer. It's still a difficult book (not for the squeamish) and unusually written (basically one big, run-on paragraph). I am glad that I read it.

Thanks for stopping by to chat--it's always a treat to have visitors!

>218 klobrien2: I do the same, Karen, I have been neglecting the houshold chores a bit last month to get more reading time. So I have to catch up there this month ;-)

I haven't read the Sunday papers (we get three) from LAST Sunday! haha I"ll be catching up with life!

133. Buffy Season Ten Volume 5: In Pieces on the Ground by Christos Gage

Getting up-to-date on the Buffy series; still really liking them.

134. Angel & Faith, Vol. 1: Live Through This by Christos Gage

This is another series that's been going on and I never knew! Angel and Faith were other characters in the Buffy television show, and here they carry on in the graphic novel universe. Written by the same author as the Buffy series.

135. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Loved this book about the cantankerous Ove; he seems so familiar to me because of the people I've known. But the character of Ove is full of surprises, and the reader should never think that she has him all figured out. Ove is a hero, a truly good man. Loved this book.

136. Angel & Faith, Vol. 2: Daddy Issues by Christos Gage

>224 klobrien2: Did you like A man called Ove, Karen?

I LOVED it! Ove is like so many people that I know, I felt like I knew him personally. The book was funny, sad, sweet--I'm itching to start his My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry.

Have you read A Man Called Ove? If so, did you like it?

Thanks for stopping to chat!

I read it earlier this year and loved it too, Karen, so much that I bought my own copy.
And now my husband is reading it.

I haven't read any others by Backman yet.

Ooh, saving a recipe from Scafea's thread, given by 71DeltaQueen50. These are the bars I grew up knowing as "Prayer Bars." I was leery of the recipe Mom had because the filling contains raw eggs, never cooked. Here, with custard powder, problem solved!

>45 klobrien2: scaifea: Yes, Amber, Nanaimo Bars do have coconut in them. I gather that coconut is not a favorite ingredient of yours.

>50 klobrien2: lauralkeet: That recipe looks good but I think this one is a little closer to the original:

INGREDIENTS

1 cup graham cracker crumbs
1/2 cup sweetned flaked coconut
1/2 cup sweetned shredded coconut
1/3 cup finely chopped walnut halves
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 egg lightly beaten

Filling:
1/4 cup butter
2 tablespoons custard powder
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups icing sugar
2 tablespoons milk (approx.)

Topping:
4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
1 tablespoon butter

In bowl, stir together graham crumbs, coconut, walnuts, cocoa powder and sugar. Drizzle with butter and egg; stir until combined.

Press crumb mixture into parchment paper–lined 9-inch (2.5 L) square metal cake pan. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until firm, about 10 minutes. Let cool in pan on rack.

Filling: In bowl, beat together butter, custard powder and vanilla. Beat in icing sugar alternately with milk until smooth, adding up to 1 tsp (5 mL) more milk if too thick to spread. Spread over cooled base; refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Topping: In heatproof bowl over saucepan of hot (not boiling) water, melt chocolate with butter. Spread over filling; refrigerate until almost set, about 30 minutes.

With tip of knife, score into bars; refrigerate until chocolate is set, about 1 hour. (Make-ahead: Wrap and refrigerate for up to 4 days or overwrap in heavy-duty foil and freeze for up to 2 weeks.) Cut into bars.

** When my Mom makes them she melts dark chocolate squares for the topping but if you prefer a sweeter topping then the semi-sweet squares also work. The custard powder that we use is called Bird's Custard Powder.

137. Notorious RBG by Irin Carmon

Great biography of the Supreme Court justice; we see her strength, her wit, her intelligence. The book reads a little web-pagey at times, and I found that distracting. It was fun to see the different interpretations of, and homages to Ginsburg, and interesting to see that she has found such fans in the younger generation.

138. I Shouldn't Even Be Doing This by Bob Newhart

Always one of my favorite comedians and actors, and now writers! His intelligence and humor come through loud and clear, as does his "niceness."

139. Red Planet by Robert Heinlein

A classic old-school science fiction novel. The plot and characters seemed so real to me that I'm sure I read this when I was in my first SF reading frenzy, in high school (which was MANY years ago). Heinlein was a champ at creating worlds and characters, but also translated his own politics and leanings into those of his creations. Oh, well.

Good luck Karen with trying to get as close as you can to 160 books.

I am having a go to emulate your TIOLI sweep of last month but I am falling gradually behind schedule.

Hi, Paul! I'm glad I made the sweep last month because I am not going to make it this month! I am concentrating on finishing the books where we may have a shared point (although I'm not sure how the other folks are doing).

I probably won't hit 160 books unless I read a LOT of graphic novels or kid's books on New Years' Eve (hehe). But I am happy with the reading I've been doing this year, anyway.

Thanks for stopping by to chat! Have a wonderful new year!

140. Words in the Dust by Trent Reedy

A very good portrayal of life in post-Taliban Afghanistan, as seen through the eyes of a young girl. So interesting to see the clash of cultures, of new ideas and old ideas.

141. Un Lun Dun by China Mieville

I LOVE Mieville's books! He has a way of creating brand-new worlds like no one else I've read. This one reminded me of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, in that a young girl encounters a new world full of strange-looking and -acting characters, and has to find her way home. I'll be looking for more Mievilles to read.

Wouldn't it be nice if 2017 was a year of peace and goodwill.
A year where people set aside their religious and racial differences.
A year where intolerance is given short shrift.
A year where hatred is replaced by, at the very least, respect.
A year where those in need are not looked upon as a burden but as a blessing.
A year where the commonality of man and woman rises up against those who would seek to subvert and divide.
A year without bombs, or shootings, or beheadings, or rape, or abuse, or spite.

2017.

Festive Greetings and a few wishes from Malaysia!

Thank you, Paul, that is gorgeous! I will try to do my part to make that year happen, for everyone, every where.

God bless you in the new year!

_.jpg"> A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving

This is probably the best book I've read all year (and it took me quite a few months to finish; it's a bit of a chunkster). The denouement (sp?) is wonderful; the humor, intelligence, and spirituality of the book will stay with me for a long time. I'm sure there are more John Irving books in my future.

143. Tales of the Peculiar by Ransom Riggs

Kind of a prequel to Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children, this one is a collection of stories about "peculiar" people and animals. Lots of fun, and the physical book is a beauty! Look at that cover, with the gold leaf on the dark green. I need to catch up with the Miss Peregrine series!

Hi Karen,
We just shared 3 reads at TIOLI, so I thought I'd come by and say hello. Well, I just started A Man Called Ove and I'm just about done Bob Newhart, but I have every intention of finishing both! I quite liked Words in the Dust as I finish up my YA Sync audiobooks from the summer.
Happy New Year!
Elizabeth

Hi, Elizabeth! I really enjoyed the books I joined you to read! That's one of my favorite things about TIOLI--it expands the range of books that I would think of reading, to an immense degree. I'm looking forward to another year of TIOLI! Happy New Year to you as well!

Looking forward to your continued company in 2017.
Happy New Year, Karen

144. Mao II by Don DeLillo

I hadn't read any DeLillo before, but I really liked this one. I found DeLillo to be an excellent writer writing about interesting things--and I wasn't really sure how everything would tie together, but it did, into a complete whole. DeLillo will go on my "read more of this" list.

145. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor

My final book for the year, a lovely story of a young girl and her desire to not leave home. A little gem.

Another year of reading has come to a close. I had so many good reads this year! Only a few duds, and then, it was undoubtedly partially my fault. I managed to read 145 books, which is a big improvement over last year's 109 books. I read a fair number of graphic novels and kids books, but I also read some chunkier novels and non-fiction; it all evens out. I'll be back at the "75 bookers" next year!

Happy reading in 2017, Karen, see you in the 2017 group!

And, even so, here is a link to my newly-created thread in the 2017 75-bookers group: http://www.librarything.com/topic/245357# ! Hope to see you there!