LauraBrook tries to pull out some ROOTS
DiscussionsROOT - 2013 Read Our Own Tomes
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1LauraBrook
I'm back for more uprooting yet again, and am keeping my goal from 2012 of 100 books read from my shelves.
I read 52 out of my planned 100 ROOTS in 2013
Current TBR stack: 880 as of November 21, 2013802 as of January 2, 2013 ; 787 as of December 1, 2012
If I read 8 or 9 ROOTS a month, I can do this challenge, easy-peasy. My own personal rules are that if I own it, regardless of when it came into my possession, it counts. Also, if I deaccession books from my shelves, un-read, those count too. Basically, as long as a book is either read or out the door, it counts. I've too many (!!) that need reading, and lots of those are books that I'm pretty sure that I'm not going to keep but might as well read since I already have them, so why make things harder than they need to be? Isn't that what life is for? ;)
I read 52 out of my planned 100 ROOTS in 2013
Current TBR stack: 880 as of November 21, 2013
If I read 8 or 9 ROOTS a month, I can do this challenge, easy-peasy. My own personal rules are that if I own it, regardless of when it came into my possession, it counts. Also, if I deaccession books from my shelves, un-read, those count too. Basically, as long as a book is either read or out the door, it counts. I've too many (!!) that need reading, and lots of those are books that I'm pretty sure that I'm not going to keep but might as well read since I already have them, so why make things harder than they need to be? Isn't that what life is for? ;)
3DeltaQueen50
Hi Laura, as always it's great to see someone with a bigger TBR than mine! (I am catching up though - slightly over 500 and growing)
Good luck with your challenge.
Good luck with your challenge.
4LauraBrook
Well, it helps to have a life-long book addiction. :)
Good luck to both of you!
Good luck to both of you!
6Tanglewood
I think you're brave to keep track of your unread books as I'm too scared to find out what my number might be. This way I can pretend it's very reasonable, and I that shouldn't feel too bad about a few more book purchases.
7NielsenGW
I think that's one of the many areas in life where ignorance is bliss. I know my TBR pile is in the hundreds at least, but as long as there's space on the shelves, the mountain will grow. Cheers!
8dudes22
I finally decide to break down and add my TBR pile to LT; I kept buying the same books at library sales because I couldn't remember if I had them or not. Purusing the list when I'm picking my next book helps keep me aware (generally) of what I've got.
9tloeffler
Your TBR is only just a little bit bigger than mine is. Good to know I'm not the only one with a ridiculous number of unread books on my shelves. Oh well. We're well-prepared in case there is a World-Wide Book Famine.
10LauraBrook
Hello! After Christmas, I have at least another 10 books to add to the shelves (not counting anything I've received through PaperbackSwap, simply because I can't remember when I actually got each book). I keep hoping to just go through my shelves and pull any title that I no longer want to read - every time I start, I look at the covers and read the descriptions, think "well, maybe....", and put it back. Since it gets me nowhere, the only thing I'm going to do is try and shuffle some titles around and make a point to keep better tabs on where each one lives. Right now, oy!
TLo, we are most definitely prepped for the WWBF!
TLo, we are most definitely prepped for the WWBF!
11dudes22
Laura - That's how I ended up with so many on the TBR. I'd go to library sales thinking I'd pick up a few books to put on Bookmooch and then when I got home and started to enter them, I'd read the back and think maybe I'd read it first. haha! That and people here (not mentioning any names) who sucked me into the whole cozy mystery genre ;)
14LauraBrook
Oh ladies, library sales and cozy mysteries are 2 guaranteed express train tickets to an excess of TBRs. *smirk* They're the reason for at least a few dozen titles on my shelves.
15saraslibrary
I really should join this group (I'm like most of you--I have hundreds of unread books that I own), but I'm already doing two groups, so I'll just lurk on yours, Laura. Deal? ;)
16LauraBrook
Deal, Sara!
And I've FINALLY gotten one off of my shelves!
Book 1: Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie
An ER book, this one didn't do anything for me. There were too many issues with the "time travel" aspects not lining up, and too much Drama and Teenage Angst, not to mention that it felt fairly bloated with historically accurate details. 2 stars, and while I'm keeping it for now, I'll probably most likely say adieu in the near future.
And I've FINALLY gotten one off of my shelves!
Book 1: Winter Shadows by Margaret Buffie
An ER book, this one didn't do anything for me. There were too many issues with the "time travel" aspects not lining up, and too much Drama and Teenage Angst, not to mention that it felt fairly bloated with historically accurate details. 2 stars, and while I'm keeping it for now, I'll probably most likely say adieu in the near future.
17FAMeulstee
First one down!
Sorry it was not a likable one...
Sorry it was not a likable one...
18DeltaQueen50
Yeah for getting that first one done, Laura. Now you need to grab another from your shelves and get that ticker moving!
19LauraBrook
17: That's okay, as long as it's done, I'm a happy gal.
18: Yes ma'am! See below...
Book 2: Under the North Light: The Life and Work of Maud and Miska Petersham by Lawrence Webster
An ER book, and a beautiful one at that. I'd never heard of this prolific couple before (though their illustrations feel familiar), which is a shame, as their influence on children's literature, illustration, and publishing is not to be underestimated. Truly lovely, and a pleasure. 4.25 stars, a keeper
Book 3: Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern
My purse book for the last couple of months, it was high time I just sat down and finished it off (next time remind me not to pick a 500+ page book for my purse)! Epistolary (including emails, IM's, notes, letters, faxes, etc) and charming, romantic, honest, funny and real, this tells the life-long story of a boy and girl who have been best friends since they were 5 and all of their horribly timed attempts at finally getting together and being the couple that everyone else in their life sees they should be. A sweet book, and while I'll keep it for now I may get rid of it later on. 4 stars
And, I'm working on 4 more titles, so hopefully before the month is out they'll be listed here too!
18: Yes ma'am! See below...
Book 2: Under the North Light: The Life and Work of Maud and Miska Petersham by Lawrence Webster
An ER book, and a beautiful one at that. I'd never heard of this prolific couple before (though their illustrations feel familiar), which is a shame, as their influence on children's literature, illustration, and publishing is not to be underestimated. Truly lovely, and a pleasure. 4.25 stars, a keeper
Book 3: Love, Rosie by Cecelia Ahern
My purse book for the last couple of months, it was high time I just sat down and finished it off (next time remind me not to pick a 500+ page book for my purse)! Epistolary (including emails, IM's, notes, letters, faxes, etc) and charming, romantic, honest, funny and real, this tells the life-long story of a boy and girl who have been best friends since they were 5 and all of their horribly timed attempts at finally getting together and being the couple that everyone else in their life sees they should be. A sweet book, and while I'll keep it for now I may get rid of it later on. 4 stars
And, I'm working on 4 more titles, so hopefully before the month is out they'll be listed here too!
21tloeffler
Go, Laura! Under the North Light looks interesting--I'll have to check it out!
22DeltaQueen50
You go girl!
23connie53
When I'm reading all your ROOTthreads I'm so happy I only read translated books. It prevents me from running to the bookshop every other day ;-))
24LauraBrook
Thanks, ladies! Connie, that is a good thing for your TBR list - and pocketbook! ;)
Book 4: Esio Trot by Roald Dahl
Cute book about a man in love with his downstairs neighbor, who apparently only has eyes for her small pet tortoise. Kind of unethical and maybe a little stalker-ish from a modern POV, it's sweet story of long-unrequited love and filled with wonderul illustrations by Quentin Blake. 3 stars, and out the door!
Book 5: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
Ugh. I know that this is a product of its' time to some extent, but it's really quite racist, and has A LOT more descriptions of hunting and animal killing than I would have thought possible. I suppose if I read it upon publication, or I was a big ol' racist, or I was a boy who was into adventure stories, I would've like this more. As it is, I can only say that I'm glad to cross it off of my list (and the 1001, etc, lists that it's on) and get it out of my house! I regret picking it for my Classics book club. A generous 1 star, and OUT THE DOOR!
Book 4: Esio Trot by Roald Dahl
Cute book about a man in love with his downstairs neighbor, who apparently only has eyes for her small pet tortoise. Kind of unethical and maybe a little stalker-ish from a modern POV, it's sweet story of long-unrequited love and filled with wonderul illustrations by Quentin Blake. 3 stars, and out the door!
Book 5: King Solomon's Mines by H. Rider Haggard
Ugh. I know that this is a product of its' time to some extent, but it's really quite racist, and has A LOT more descriptions of hunting and animal killing than I would have thought possible. I suppose if I read it upon publication, or I was a big ol' racist, or I was a boy who was into adventure stories, I would've like this more. As it is, I can only say that I'm glad to cross it off of my list (and the 1001, etc, lists that it's on) and get it out of my house! I regret picking it for my Classics book club. A generous 1 star, and OUT THE DOOR!
25saraslibrary
Esio Trot isn't my favorite Roald Dahl book either, and I definitely agree with it being a little stalker-ish. King Solomon's Mines doesn't sound like something I'd like; thanks for the heads-up! :)
26LauraBrook
Yeah Sara, I'd avoid it at all costs if I were you. :) Nice to have a book you need to avoid, isn't it?
27LauraBrook
Book 6: Torcello, the Jewel of the Lagoon by Giovanni Musolino
I was trolling through my To Read list here on LT and since this was one of the titles I first added, I decided to whip through it and get it off of my shelf. Well, it was a very quick read as it's in Italian! I skimmed it (it's similar to Spanish, which I had for 6 years in school) and I think I got the gist. It's a tourist book for Torcello, an island on the Northern end of Venice that's lightly populated and has a lovely old church, a cathedral, and 2 palaces that are still left for visitors to see. (Wikipedia has an interesting and helpful entry, if you're interested.) This book is interesting both for the photos and text itself, and to also see what "older" guidebooks are like. 3 stars, and I guess I'll keep it for now.
Book 7: Chivalry by Neil Gaiman
This audio short story was really fun and delightful! I found it on Audible, and since it was short (duh) and was narrated by Christina Pickles (who has a lovely voice), I thought "what the hell" and bought it. This was my first Gaiman book, and it was so pleasant, funny, and individual, I don't know how I've managed to avoid his stuff before this. (Don't worry, I have Neverwhere and M is for Magic from the library, and another of his audio short stories ready to go.) Chivalry is the story of an old lady who finds the Holy Grail at her local OxFam shop, and after it's home, who comes a'callin' for it. Christina does a perfect job (it's a live recording, so you hear the audience laughing, etc), and I suspect that I'll listen to it again. 4.25 stars, and a keeper since it's a 27 minute audible download
I was trolling through my To Read list here on LT and since this was one of the titles I first added, I decided to whip through it and get it off of my shelf. Well, it was a very quick read as it's in Italian! I skimmed it (it's similar to Spanish, which I had for 6 years in school) and I think I got the gist. It's a tourist book for Torcello, an island on the Northern end of Venice that's lightly populated and has a lovely old church, a cathedral, and 2 palaces that are still left for visitors to see. (Wikipedia has an interesting and helpful entry, if you're interested.) This book is interesting both for the photos and text itself, and to also see what "older" guidebooks are like. 3 stars, and I guess I'll keep it for now.
Book 7: Chivalry by Neil Gaiman
This audio short story was really fun and delightful! I found it on Audible, and since it was short (duh) and was narrated by Christina Pickles (who has a lovely voice), I thought "what the hell" and bought it. This was my first Gaiman book, and it was so pleasant, funny, and individual, I don't know how I've managed to avoid his stuff before this. (Don't worry, I have Neverwhere and M is for Magic from the library, and another of his audio short stories ready to go.) Chivalry is the story of an old lady who finds the Holy Grail at her local OxFam shop, and after it's home, who comes a'callin' for it. Christina does a perfect job (it's a live recording, so you hear the audience laughing, etc), and I suspect that I'll listen to it again. 4.25 stars, and a keeper since it's a 27 minute audible download
28LauraBrook
Book 8: Girl With A One-Track Mind by Abby Lee
Based on her popular blog (with the same name?), this is a year-long diary of her sexual life. I think I picked this up after I read Belle de Jour: Diary of an Unlikely Call Girl a few years ago, and was first on my PaperbackSwap list as oldest TBR that someone had wishlisted. It's filthier than I expected (and not in an E.L. James way), open and honest, and while it was sometimes a bit shocking (just at how different people's lives can be) it was a fun, quick read. There wasn't the same wondering and excitement between Abby and Blog Boy as there was for me with Belle and her best friend who happens to be a boy, and overall it was fine for what it is. The author has another book out that chronicles her life after a newspaper reveals her real name (both her name and any and all men and women she sleeps with are given fake names too) and how her life turned upside-down, she lost her job, and how she picks herself back up again. If I come across it, I'll read it, but I won't be seeking it out. 3 stars, and it's out the door! (By the way, I've since watched her give a few interviews and talks online, and she make great points and a hell of a lot of sense about the way women's sexuality is portrayed in the publishing world and otherwise - kudos to her!!!!)
Book 9: The Seventh Month by Lisa Gardner
This audiobook short story is a freebie on Audible right now, so with nothing to lose, I downloaded and listened. I don't know if it was me or the story itself, but I didn't feel much of anything about this book. A female detective (in her 7th month of pregnancy, natch) gets involved as a consultant in a movie about a serial killer and then finds herself hunting down the real deal. I suppose it's supposed to be kind of twisty with a big reveal but it was yawn-inducingly obvious whodunit for this raised-on-mysteries gal. It seemed too long as it was and it was under 2 hours. 1.5 stars, and thank God it was free! Will be deleting from my iTunes account ASAP.
Based on her popular blog (with the same name?), this is a year-long diary of her sexual life. I think I picked this up after I read Belle de Jour: Diary of an Unlikely Call Girl a few years ago, and was first on my PaperbackSwap list as oldest TBR that someone had wishlisted. It's filthier than I expected (and not in an E.L. James way), open and honest, and while it was sometimes a bit shocking (just at how different people's lives can be) it was a fun, quick read. There wasn't the same wondering and excitement between Abby and Blog Boy as there was for me with Belle and her best friend who happens to be a boy, and overall it was fine for what it is. The author has another book out that chronicles her life after a newspaper reveals her real name (both her name and any and all men and women she sleeps with are given fake names too) and how her life turned upside-down, she lost her job, and how she picks herself back up again. If I come across it, I'll read it, but I won't be seeking it out. 3 stars, and it's out the door! (By the way, I've since watched her give a few interviews and talks online, and she make great points and a hell of a lot of sense about the way women's sexuality is portrayed in the publishing world and otherwise - kudos to her!!!!)
Book 9: The Seventh Month by Lisa Gardner
This audiobook short story is a freebie on Audible right now, so with nothing to lose, I downloaded and listened. I don't know if it was me or the story itself, but I didn't feel much of anything about this book. A female detective (in her 7th month of pregnancy, natch) gets involved as a consultant in a movie about a serial killer and then finds herself hunting down the real deal. I suppose it's supposed to be kind of twisty with a big reveal but it was yawn-inducingly obvious whodunit for this raised-on-mysteries gal. It seemed too long as it was and it was under 2 hours. 1.5 stars, and thank God it was free! Will be deleting from my iTunes account ASAP.
30saraslibrary
#26: Nice to have a book you need to avoid, isn't it? -- I was going to say yes, until you had to go and read Girl With a One-Track Mind. :P And the Neil Gaiman short, "Charity", sounds good, but I'm not really into audiobooks, so phew! At least I dodge that one. Sorry to hear The Seventh Month wasn't so good.
31LauraBrook
I'll send you GWAOTM once my friend is finished reading it - it may be a couple of months, though, and I'll check in with you again before I send it. I heard that Chivalry (that's the right name, not Charity - oops) is in a book of his short stories called Smoke & Mirrors, so you could read it that way!
Thanks, Lori! I'm hoping I can get another one or two out before the end of the month!
Thanks, Lori! I'm hoping I can get another one or two out before the end of the month!
32saraslibrary
That would be totally cool. Thanks, Laura! :) And even better--I own Smoke & Mirrors, so I'll actually get to read the story. Sweet!
33LauraBrook
A very sad 1 down for me in the month of February...
Book 10: Moominpappa's Memoirs by Tove Jansson - nothing outstanding or magical about this Moomin adventure. Will keep it just because I have some others in the series. 3 stars
Book 10: Moominpappa's Memoirs by Tove Jansson - nothing outstanding or magical about this Moomin adventure. Will keep it just because I have some others in the series. 3 stars
34LauraBrook
Book 11: A Regency Invitation to the House Party of the Season by Nicola Cornick - an easy and entertaining read for the wee small hours of the morning when I couldn't get back to sleep. 2.5 stars, and out the door!
Book 12: A Passage to India by E.M. Forster - The central issue and racial prejudices were very hard for me to take, despite the wonderful writing. Will hang on to it for now, in the hopes of a re-read somewhere in the future. 3 stars
Book 12: A Passage to India by E.M. Forster - The central issue and racial prejudices were very hard for me to take, despite the wonderful writing. Will hang on to it for now, in the hopes of a re-read somewhere in the future. 3 stars
35LauraBrook
Book 13: Moominsummer Madness by Tove Jansson - the usual Moomin madcappery, and I think I need a break from them for awhile. 3 stars, and I'm keeping only because I seem to be collecting them.
Book 14: Soulless by Gail Carriger - so much Victorian steampunk super- (and preter-) natural goodness, I can't wait to read more in the series! 4.25 stars, keeper
Book 15: Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky - funny, snarky, honest memoir of a life spent working in high-end hotels. Really great, and I hope that he writes more! 4 stars, keeper
Book 16: The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond - So compulsively readable I could hardly believe it. This story of her life from city-loving-Singleton through the birth of her first child was fascinating and it felt like she and I were just sitting around, having a conversation. 4 stars, keeper
Book 17: Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - it's been at least 10 years since I last read a Thursday Next book, so while some details were a bit fuzzy, I thoroughly enjoyed my return to the Next world. 4 stars, keeper.
Book 14: Soulless by Gail Carriger - so much Victorian steampunk super- (and preter-) natural goodness, I can't wait to read more in the series! 4.25 stars, keeper
Book 15: Heads in Beds by Jacob Tomsky - funny, snarky, honest memoir of a life spent working in high-end hotels. Really great, and I hope that he writes more! 4 stars, keeper
Book 16: The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels by Ree Drummond - So compulsively readable I could hardly believe it. This story of her life from city-loving-Singleton through the birth of her first child was fascinating and it felt like she and I were just sitting around, having a conversation. 4 stars, keeper
Book 17: Lost in a Good Book by Jasper Fforde - it's been at least 10 years since I last read a Thursday Next book, so while some details were a bit fuzzy, I thoroughly enjoyed my return to the Next world. 4 stars, keeper.
37LauraBrook
I'm still here! Right about the time I checked in here last one of my jobs got insanely busy, I'd just gotten into the groove of my second job, and I got hired at my third. Needless to say, I haven't been reading much (outside of children's picture books and graphic novels), but there have been a couple from my own shelves that have gotten finished in the last few months.
Book 18: Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners by Josephine Ross. Cute and charming, though I think the watercolored illustrations were almost better than the book itself. 3.5 stars, keeper
Book 19: Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin. Funny and crass and surprisingly heartwarming. 4 stars, keeper
Book 20: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. Excellent and a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be one of my favorite series! 4.5 stars, keeper
Book 21: Sizeable Rflections ed. by Shelley Bovey. Really lovely collection of essays about living as a large woman. Uplifting, though a bit dated, and helped me to feel better about myself. 4 stars, keeper
Book 22: Changeless by Gail Carriger. Lots of fun, this second in the series is just as good, if not better than the first! 4 stars, keeper
Book 23: Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington. I liked it a lot better than I'd expected to (it was an ER win), and it was interesting to see what her life has been like since it's so different from my own. 3.75 stars
Book 24: The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde. Another quirkily cheeky Thursday Next book. 3 stars, keeper
Book 25: The Resurrectionist by James Bradley. Meh. Another ER win, to me the description sounded better than the book itself. The author has done a remarkably accurate job with all of the drawings (assuming that things like centaurs actually exist), but the story wasn't enough to really draw me in. 2.5 stars, and out the door!
Book 26: No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer. DNF, couldn't get into it and I didn't know what was going on after 100 pages, and couldn't make myself care. I think it was more a bad timing issue than my part than anything else. 1.5 stars and out the door!
Book 27: The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston. An intriguing true story about an Italian serial killer, and what happened to Mr. Preston and Mario Spezi while they were researching the case. 4 stars, and out the door!
Book 28: A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey. The first Tey that I've actually finished (despite 4 other attempts) and I really really liked this book! I didn't see the ending coming, which was refreshing, and the setting was right up my alley. 4.25 stars, keeper
Book 29: Death By Darjeeling by Laura Childs. I didn't like this one too much. Overly formal language, pacing that never quite seemed right, and not a surprise as to whodunnit, I'm glad to have finally for once seemed to have gotten myself out of reading a long series! 1 star, out the door!
Book 30: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. One of my childhood favorites, though it's a bit darker than I expected. 4 stars, and a keeper of course
Book 31: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. A wonderfully refreshing return to Three Pines, one of the few fictional places that I'd like to live. Though grim and full of darkness, it was a wonderful story. 4.25 stars, keeper
I think that's everything! Wish there were a few more to list, and that there were a few more than I wasn't keeping, but them's the brakes! :)
Book 18: Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners by Josephine Ross. Cute and charming, though I think the watercolored illustrations were almost better than the book itself. 3.5 stars, keeper
Book 19: Official Book Club Selection by Kathy Griffin. Funny and crass and surprisingly heartwarming. 4 stars, keeper
Book 20: The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King. Excellent and a wonderful start to what I'm sure will be one of my favorite series! 4.5 stars, keeper
Book 21: Sizeable Rflections ed. by Shelley Bovey. Really lovely collection of essays about living as a large woman. Uplifting, though a bit dated, and helped me to feel better about myself. 4 stars, keeper
Book 22: Changeless by Gail Carriger. Lots of fun, this second in the series is just as good, if not better than the first! 4 stars, keeper
Book 23: Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington. I liked it a lot better than I'd expected to (it was an ER win), and it was interesting to see what her life has been like since it's so different from my own. 3.75 stars
Book 24: The Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde. Another quirkily cheeky Thursday Next book. 3 stars, keeper
Book 25: The Resurrectionist by James Bradley. Meh. Another ER win, to me the description sounded better than the book itself. The author has done a remarkably accurate job with all of the drawings (assuming that things like centaurs actually exist), but the story wasn't enough to really draw me in. 2.5 stars, and out the door!
Book 26: No Wind of Blame by Georgette Heyer. DNF, couldn't get into it and I didn't know what was going on after 100 pages, and couldn't make myself care. I think it was more a bad timing issue than my part than anything else. 1.5 stars and out the door!
Book 27: The Monster of Florence by Douglas Preston. An intriguing true story about an Italian serial killer, and what happened to Mr. Preston and Mario Spezi while they were researching the case. 4 stars, and out the door!
Book 28: A Shilling for Candles by Josephine Tey. The first Tey that I've actually finished (despite 4 other attempts) and I really really liked this book! I didn't see the ending coming, which was refreshing, and the setting was right up my alley. 4.25 stars, keeper
Book 29: Death By Darjeeling by Laura Childs. I didn't like this one too much. Overly formal language, pacing that never quite seemed right, and not a surprise as to whodunnit, I'm glad to have finally for once seemed to have gotten myself out of reading a long series! 1 star, out the door!
Book 30: Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig. One of my childhood favorites, though it's a bit darker than I expected. 4 stars, and a keeper of course
Book 31: The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny. A wonderfully refreshing return to Three Pines, one of the few fictional places that I'd like to live. Though grim and full of darkness, it was a wonderful story. 4.25 stars, keeper
I think that's everything! Wish there were a few more to list, and that there were a few more than I wasn't keeping, but them's the brakes! :)
39saraslibrary
Not much reading? Pshaw! :P You've been busy, girl. I'll have to look for some of those. Thanks! :)
(P.S. Glad you're still among the living. ;)
(P.S. Glad you're still among the living. ;)
40LauraBrook
Book 32: A Rule Against Murder by Louise Penny
Excellent, and the slight change of location was refreshing. I just adore these people and these books - up next is book#5 in the series, and I hear that she kills off one of the main characters and that a lot of people aren't happy about it. I think I know who it is, and if it IS who I think it is, it's okay by me. Anyways, A Rule Against Murder had me wondering whodunit the entire time - really good! 4.5 stars, keeper!
Book 33: Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
Many thanks to Eva for sending this wishlist book my way. In her very Miranda way, she's very funny and awkward, and while I thought 18 year old Miranda popping in was very annoying at first, I quickly began to anticipate her appearance. I can really relate to Miranda (both the 38 and 18 year old versions), and I hope she writes more books! 4.3 stars, and a keeper. (If you can, I'd listen to the audiobook version if it's at all possible - I honestly can't imagine reading this in physical form.)
Book 34: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
I honestly don't know what to say about this book right now. It's very unusual, and clever, and filthy (not in a "good" way), and totally screws with your head. Ugh. At this point, all I can say is that I'm glad that I can say that I've read it. 2 stars
Excellent, and the slight change of location was refreshing. I just adore these people and these books - up next is book#5 in the series, and I hear that she kills off one of the main characters and that a lot of people aren't happy about it. I think I know who it is, and if it IS who I think it is, it's okay by me. Anyways, A Rule Against Murder had me wondering whodunit the entire time - really good! 4.5 stars, keeper!
Book 33: Is It Just Me? by Miranda Hart
Many thanks to Eva for sending this wishlist book my way. In her very Miranda way, she's very funny and awkward, and while I thought 18 year old Miranda popping in was very annoying at first, I quickly began to anticipate her appearance. I can really relate to Miranda (both the 38 and 18 year old versions), and I hope she writes more books! 4.3 stars, and a keeper. (If you can, I'd listen to the audiobook version if it's at all possible - I honestly can't imagine reading this in physical form.)
Book 34: House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
I honestly don't know what to say about this book right now. It's very unusual, and clever, and filthy (not in a "good" way), and totally screws with your head. Ugh. At this point, all I can say is that I'm glad that I can say that I've read it. 2 stars
41rabbitprincess
Yay! A Rule Against Murder is my second-favourite Louise Penny :)
42LauraBrook
Okay, then I have to ask - which is your favorite Louise Penny?
43rabbitprincess
Bury Your Dead, which is book 6. It's set in Quebec City so definitely a change of locale from Three Pines!
44LauraBrook
Nice! Can't wait to get to them all. Have you read her new one yet? It just came out on Tuesday...
45rabbitprincess
Not yet. I still have the previous one, The Beautiful Mystery. I buy the books but like to wait until they come out in trade paperback, because I am cheap :P
46LauraBrook
I'm cheap too, but I did just splurge to buy a signed copy of the newest one. I was supposed to go and see her speak this past Tuesday, but it was incredibly hot and humid, my plans for her signing were changed (last minute, to what I'd previously heard and made my schedule according to), and since I knew she was so close by and let's face it, I'm a book slut, so I stopped at the bookstore (Boswell's Books in Milwaukee, in case you were wondering) and grabbed a copy before they were all gone.
47dudes22
Book 4 is next for me - good to know they're still going strong.
"Book slut" - love it! Perfect name for some of us.
"Book slut" - love it! Perfect name for some of us.
48alphaorder
Ah, I was going to ask you about the event, but sounds like you didn't make it. Glad you got a signed copy!
49LauraBrook
Book 35: The Road to Burgundy by Ray Walker
An ER book, it was a light, positive, envy-inducing story about Ray, his obsession with wine, and his dream of going/moving to France to have his own winery coming true. A lovely addition to the move countries and have a wonderful life genre, of which I'm a fan. 3.5 stars, keeper for now.
I'm really realizing that I have got to STOP bringing home books from work (please ignore the 10 I just checked out on Friday) and instead tackle ones I already own. I am out of secret storage space, aside from bookshelves/stacks in the middle of the floor, so I need to get moving on my own. Part of the problem, aside from spending hours every week in my library and hearing about all sorts of new books from my co-workers there, I've been spending more time lurking here on LT and on goodreads, and my paperbackswap/half.com purchases have been faster and furiouser than ever. Ugh. I think it's time for me to "skim-read" more often, and maybe have a little more time not working too.
An ER book, it was a light, positive, envy-inducing story about Ray, his obsession with wine, and his dream of going/moving to France to have his own winery coming true. A lovely addition to the move countries and have a wonderful life genre, of which I'm a fan. 3.5 stars, keeper for now.
I'm really realizing that I have got to STOP bringing home books from work (please ignore the 10 I just checked out on Friday) and instead tackle ones I already own. I am out of secret storage space, aside from bookshelves/stacks in the middle of the floor, so I need to get moving on my own. Part of the problem, aside from spending hours every week in my library and hearing about all sorts of new books from my co-workers there, I've been spending more time lurking here on LT and on goodreads, and my paperbackswap/half.com purchases have been faster and furiouser than ever. Ugh. I think it's time for me to "skim-read" more often, and maybe have a little more time not working too.
50connie53
So recognizable Laura, not the library part but the LT and GR part. To much time spend there instead of reading.
51MissWatson
How true that is. And all the books you buy and which you would never have known about if it hadn't been for LT...
52LauraBrook
I know! It's so nice to have the company of you lovely ladies in this predicament. I mean, I adore this problem, but it is a problem. And I came home to another PBS-requested book just now, so I don't see an end in sight, really.
53LauraBrook
I went out of town last week and didn't visit the book store the one day we went shopping - I know! My friend had to check me for a fever (I was okay), but I figured that since I brought about 35 books with me for a 4 day trip that I shouldn't add to the weight I was already hauling around. I'm shocked at myself!
Book 36: Coffee With Mozart by Julian Rushton
Cute, and ultimately, just okay for me. It's an interesting series in which someone "interviews" various (long deceased) famous people at different points in their life as a sort of a memoir/biography thing. It's the first of the series that I've read, and while it was good, it didn't make me want to rush back and read it. In fact, even though it's a small thing, I had to make myself finish it. Would be a cute gift item for a classical music person. 3 stars, and out the door for me!
Book 37: Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly
An unusual entry into the vampire canon of literature (and written in the 1980's too, so it's an earlier one, comparatively), with a vampire hiring a doctor in Victorian London to help investigate who is murdering vampires during the day. A little dark and humorous, and for me, it was a little jerky in its pacing. However, there are many more raving fans on most every book review site, so take this mini-review with a grain of salt. If it sounds interesting to you, by all means, snatch up whatever copy you can find as I understand it hasn't been in print for awhile. 3 stars, and it's already on its' way to the East Coast!
Book 38: Notes From The Hard Shoulder by James May
I love love love "Top Gear" and the band of idiots that star on the show. James May (AKA Captain Slow) seems to be the most relatable of the bunch to me, and it seems like we would have an interesting and varied discussion on all manner of things. This collection of his newspaper and magazine columns and articles was a bit of a let-down to me, then. Yes, it's mostly about cars, which don't normally interest me that much, but for some reason, I was hoping for a couple of entries to be about something else. My fault, and not the books, for my disappointment. James is a good writer, and his voice in print is much like his speaking voice - things two things are not necessarily related for some people. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I had expected to. 3.5 stars, and I'm unsure if I'll keep it or not.
Book 39: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
On my shelf for probably a decade, it was finally time for me to pick it up. I'm so glad that I did. Most friends of mine, when hearing that I was reading this book, launched into a tirade about how much they hate Tony and his smug arrogance, and his TV show, and etc etc etc. While some of that is certainly true occasionally, I found myself defending him over and over again. Yes, he is/was arrogant and smug, but can't you see past that (even for a teensy bit) to read this book? He's mellowed a bit over the years, and he'll be the first to point out his flaws and mistakes. Usually arrogance is one of my biggest "peeves" that will infuriate me, but I don't mind it on him. Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the chapter that's a day in the life of a chef and the post-book interview at the end. I don't think I could get into one of his fiction books (too grim and tough for me), but I really like when he tells his own story. 4.25 stars, and a keeper! I'll be getting A Cook's Tour in the mail some time next week, and I can't wait to dig into it!
In some strange (and sorely overdue) way, I'm managing to read more of my own books lately than library/borrowed books. It's about time! I think it also helps that I didn't attend (and therefore, didn't read) the last two books in my Classics book club, and for my other book club I couldn't finish the previous book (too dramatic and time-jumpy) and the next one is my pick and I own it. I keep toying with the idea of quitting both groups just so I can read what I want and not have as much of a schedule - lord knows that LT gives me enough new material every day, not to mention all of the challenges I seem to join - but I can't bring myself to do it.
Book 36: Coffee With Mozart by Julian Rushton
Cute, and ultimately, just okay for me. It's an interesting series in which someone "interviews" various (long deceased) famous people at different points in their life as a sort of a memoir/biography thing. It's the first of the series that I've read, and while it was good, it didn't make me want to rush back and read it. In fact, even though it's a small thing, I had to make myself finish it. Would be a cute gift item for a classical music person. 3 stars, and out the door for me!
Book 37: Those Who Hunt the Night by Barbara Hambly
An unusual entry into the vampire canon of literature (and written in the 1980's too, so it's an earlier one, comparatively), with a vampire hiring a doctor in Victorian London to help investigate who is murdering vampires during the day. A little dark and humorous, and for me, it was a little jerky in its pacing. However, there are many more raving fans on most every book review site, so take this mini-review with a grain of salt. If it sounds interesting to you, by all means, snatch up whatever copy you can find as I understand it hasn't been in print for awhile. 3 stars, and it's already on its' way to the East Coast!
Book 38: Notes From The Hard Shoulder by James May
I love love love "Top Gear" and the band of idiots that star on the show. James May (AKA Captain Slow) seems to be the most relatable of the bunch to me, and it seems like we would have an interesting and varied discussion on all manner of things. This collection of his newspaper and magazine columns and articles was a bit of a let-down to me, then. Yes, it's mostly about cars, which don't normally interest me that much, but for some reason, I was hoping for a couple of entries to be about something else. My fault, and not the books, for my disappointment. James is a good writer, and his voice in print is much like his speaking voice - things two things are not necessarily related for some people. I enjoyed this book, but not as much as I had expected to. 3.5 stars, and I'm unsure if I'll keep it or not.
Book 39: Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain
On my shelf for probably a decade, it was finally time for me to pick it up. I'm so glad that I did. Most friends of mine, when hearing that I was reading this book, launched into a tirade about how much they hate Tony and his smug arrogance, and his TV show, and etc etc etc. While some of that is certainly true occasionally, I found myself defending him over and over again. Yes, he is/was arrogant and smug, but can't you see past that (even for a teensy bit) to read this book? He's mellowed a bit over the years, and he'll be the first to point out his flaws and mistakes. Usually arrogance is one of my biggest "peeves" that will infuriate me, but I don't mind it on him. Anyways, I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the chapter that's a day in the life of a chef and the post-book interview at the end. I don't think I could get into one of his fiction books (too grim and tough for me), but I really like when he tells his own story. 4.25 stars, and a keeper! I'll be getting A Cook's Tour in the mail some time next week, and I can't wait to dig into it!
In some strange (and sorely overdue) way, I'm managing to read more of my own books lately than library/borrowed books. It's about time! I think it also helps that I didn't attend (and therefore, didn't read) the last two books in my Classics book club, and for my other book club I couldn't finish the previous book (too dramatic and time-jumpy) and the next one is my pick and I own it. I keep toying with the idea of quitting both groups just so I can read what I want and not have as much of a schedule - lord knows that LT gives me enough new material every day, not to mention all of the challenges I seem to join - but I can't bring myself to do it.
54LauraBrook
I am seriously behind on this challenge! Not good at all. At least I'm down to only 10 books checked out from work (at the library), and since my Mom has essentially moved in (my Dad passed away last week), I'm really realizing just how many "excess" books I have sitting around on nearly every flat surface. Something's gotta give. Instead of pulling items off of my shelves, my goal will be to tackle my random small piles that are all over the place. Like my stack of 9 next to the couch, and the 8 sitting under my stereo, and the dozens in piles on my dining room table. *sigh* At least Mom and I were both struck by the reading bug, so she doesn't mind either. But the fact that I'm running out of room to move around in some areas is not a good thing. Ordinarily, I wouldn't mind (or probably even notice), but I'm feeling the need to purge a bit and make some small changes.
Book 40: The Conference of the Birds by Peter Sis
Another great book by Sis, where his artwork is just as important, if not more than, the words themselves. Not my favorite of his, but a very good one that I'd recommend reading if you find a copy. 4 stars
Book 41: The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
An excellent middle-grade book that had me whipping through the pages and surprised at nearly every turn. Of course this is the start to a series, but if you like middle-grade/YA books that feature girl friendships, re-dos of fairy tales and that kind of thing, or even just tales about boarding schools, I really highly recommend this book! 4.5 stars
Book 42: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Only okay for me. I listened to this book, and while I normally really enjoy the narrator, I had a hard time getting into this one. I'll give the second book in the series a shot at some point, but I'm not rushing out to do so. 2.5 stars
Book 43: Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait
A slightly dated (early 1990's) cozy mystery, and the start to a series, something about this seemed a little off to me. The pacing or something? At any rate, my Mom liked this more than I did, and while she has read the next 2 in the series, I'll eventually get around to reading the rest of them. 3 stars
Book 44: And Another Thing: The World According to Clarkson, Volume 2 by Jeremy Clarkson
I know he's a bit of an idiot and an orangutan, but darn it, I really like him. I love Top Gear, and all of the guys, and I really like the way he writes. Even though we may not agree on everything, I like reading about his viewpoint, and he's always good for a laugh. I'll be looking for more of his books for sure. 4 stars
Book 45: How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran
My God, do I love this woman! She's smart, and funny, and thoughtful, and sincere, and sarcastic, and I just adore her. She has absolutely found a new super-fan in me. I recommend listening to an audio version if you can find it, as she narrates it herself, and her phrasing and emotion can't be beat. 5 stars, and I'll be giving copies of this book to my friends this Christmas for sure!
Book 40: The Conference of the Birds by Peter Sis
Another great book by Sis, where his artwork is just as important, if not more than, the words themselves. Not my favorite of his, but a very good one that I'd recommend reading if you find a copy. 4 stars
Book 41: The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
An excellent middle-grade book that had me whipping through the pages and surprised at nearly every turn. Of course this is the start to a series, but if you like middle-grade/YA books that feature girl friendships, re-dos of fairy tales and that kind of thing, or even just tales about boarding schools, I really highly recommend this book! 4.5 stars
Book 42: Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
Only okay for me. I listened to this book, and while I normally really enjoy the narrator, I had a hard time getting into this one. I'll give the second book in the series a shot at some point, but I'm not rushing out to do so. 2.5 stars
Book 43: Shadows at the Fair by Lea Wait
A slightly dated (early 1990's) cozy mystery, and the start to a series, something about this seemed a little off to me. The pacing or something? At any rate, my Mom liked this more than I did, and while she has read the next 2 in the series, I'll eventually get around to reading the rest of them. 3 stars
Book 44: And Another Thing: The World According to Clarkson, Volume 2 by Jeremy Clarkson
I know he's a bit of an idiot and an orangutan, but darn it, I really like him. I love Top Gear, and all of the guys, and I really like the way he writes. Even though we may not agree on everything, I like reading about his viewpoint, and he's always good for a laugh. I'll be looking for more of his books for sure. 4 stars
Book 45: How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran
My God, do I love this woman! She's smart, and funny, and thoughtful, and sincere, and sarcastic, and I just adore her. She has absolutely found a new super-fan in me. I recommend listening to an audio version if you can find it, as she narrates it herself, and her phrasing and emotion can't be beat. 5 stars, and I'll be giving copies of this book to my friends this Christmas for sure!
55rabbitprincess
I loved How to Be a Woman! Have to get hold of the audio (and my own print copy; I borrowed it from the library). Thanks for the tip :)
57LauraBrook
55: It's so good, rp! Hope you got a hold of it!
56: Thank you, Connie. It's even harder now as my Mom was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, so him not being around to help is more keenly felt. But he has shown up in dreams this last week, and we got through Christmas, so it's not quite as horribly painful as before.
******************
I think I may be done with this challenge for this year. I've just set up my thread for next year (http://www.librarything.com/topic/163112), and will try to go through and see if I've read anything that was on my shelves in the last monthish.
Book 46: The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer
Really lovely little book with photos and vintage illustrations of some of her personal spaces. 4.5 stars, and a keeper so I can ogle over it again and again.
Book 47: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Good, and I was surprised at how much the Disney cartoon of my youth matches the story. 3.25 stars, and a keeper just because it's in a big book of gathered short stories and I haven't gotten to the rest of them yet.
Book 48: Nanny McPhee Returns by Emma Thompson
So much fun! Great to listen to (narrated by Emma herself!) and I loved the fact that this alternated chapters - one was the story, and the next would be Emma's diary that she kept during the filming. Excellent. 4.25 stars
Book 49: Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman
An ER win, I was surprised by both how much I enjoyed the story and by the events of her strange, money-filled life. Can't wait to get a hardcover copy to stare at the color pics! 4.25 stars
Book 50: Henrietta's War: News from the Home Front 1939-1942 by Joyce Dennys
Simply wonderful! I received the second book in this "series" as an ER win a couple of years ago, and I've been saving this slim gem for a time when I knew I could really savor it. Endless hospital and doctor visits, and my Mom living with me part-time for emotional support proved just the right situation for this book. I can see myself happily reading both books again in the future, Joyce and her neighbors and their war stories are (perhaps strangely) too fascinating and comforting to miss out on another visit. 4.5 stars
Book 51: The Lottery and 7 Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
This was a nice collection, but I was never quite sure when one story ended and another began, nor do I know which stories were in this collection. Oh well. Enjoyable, if sometimes confusing. 3 stars, and will be deleted (as it's an audiobook).
Book 52: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
A totally charming 1920's story of a young lady going to college, trying to be a write, and find love, told through vintage photos and text. Very charming, and I loved that each page was simply filled with pictures. The pages flew by, and I'm going to hunt out Ms. Preston's other works now for sure. 4.5 stars, and a keeper.
And, I think that's it for 2013! Not awful, but I could have really done better, especially over the summer months. Oh well, I'm still getting a few out of the door, and at least I'm trying! See you all next year!
56: Thank you, Connie. It's even harder now as my Mom was recently diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer, so him not being around to help is more keenly felt. But he has shown up in dreams this last week, and we got through Christmas, so it's not quite as horribly painful as before.
******************
I think I may be done with this challenge for this year. I've just set up my thread for next year (http://www.librarything.com/topic/163112), and will try to go through and see if I've read anything that was on my shelves in the last monthish.
Book 46: The Private Realm of Marie Antoinette by Marie-France Boyer
Really lovely little book with photos and vintage illustrations of some of her personal spaces. 4.5 stars, and a keeper so I can ogle over it again and again.
Book 47: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving
Good, and I was surprised at how much the Disney cartoon of my youth matches the story. 3.25 stars, and a keeper just because it's in a big book of gathered short stories and I haven't gotten to the rest of them yet.
Book 48: Nanny McPhee Returns by Emma Thompson
So much fun! Great to listen to (narrated by Emma herself!) and I loved the fact that this alternated chapters - one was the story, and the next would be Emma's diary that she kept during the filming. Excellent. 4.25 stars
Book 49: Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman
An ER win, I was surprised by both how much I enjoyed the story and by the events of her strange, money-filled life. Can't wait to get a hardcover copy to stare at the color pics! 4.25 stars
Book 50: Henrietta's War: News from the Home Front 1939-1942 by Joyce Dennys
Simply wonderful! I received the second book in this "series" as an ER win a couple of years ago, and I've been saving this slim gem for a time when I knew I could really savor it. Endless hospital and doctor visits, and my Mom living with me part-time for emotional support proved just the right situation for this book. I can see myself happily reading both books again in the future, Joyce and her neighbors and their war stories are (perhaps strangely) too fascinating and comforting to miss out on another visit. 4.5 stars
Book 51: The Lottery and 7 Other Stories by Shirley Jackson
This was a nice collection, but I was never quite sure when one story ended and another began, nor do I know which stories were in this collection. Oh well. Enjoyable, if sometimes confusing. 3 stars, and will be deleted (as it's an audiobook).
Book 52: The Scrapbook of Frankie Pratt by Caroline Preston
A totally charming 1920's story of a young lady going to college, trying to be a write, and find love, told through vintage photos and text. Very charming, and I loved that each page was simply filled with pictures. The pages flew by, and I'm going to hunt out Ms. Preston's other works now for sure. 4.5 stars, and a keeper.
And, I think that's it for 2013! Not awful, but I could have really done better, especially over the summer months. Oh well, I'm still getting a few out of the door, and at least I'm trying! See you all next year!
58connie53
Laura, such sad news about your mom! I hope that she wins this battle.
Good luck on your 2014 challenge too.
Good luck on your 2014 challenge too.
59LauraBrook
Thank you, Connie! I'm confident that she can beat this, if only her brain would cooperate and stay more positive. I know it's a lot to ask, but her stress and anxiety levels are crazy-high and seemingly out of control whenever she's not around someone like myself or one of her friends. It's understandable, but impossible to talk with any kind of logic or reason with her. I'm not trying to be harsh, just trying to get her to see the bigger picture every once in a while, and that this situation is just temporary. It's frustrating all around. But, we're working on it!
