Christina reads in 2013, part 3

Welcome to my third (and probably final) thread for the 2013 Category Challenge! My challenge is basically structured like a pyramid, and the number of books per category is based on the numerical values of playing cards in a deck. My ultimate goal is 85 books, and I'm well on my way!

Categories:

A. Wallbanger = a book over 1,000 pages. I'm planning on Boswell's Life of Johnson, which has been sitting unread on my shelves since college. My unabridged Oxford World Classics edition has 1,402 pages, excluding introductory material and appendices. I'll probably read this throughout the year, a little bit at a time.

2. Deux Dumas = I read some Alexandre Dumas in my early teen years, but since I didn't know anything about the historical context, I don't think I really understood what was going on! I'd like to revisit The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers now that I'm an adult; hopefully I'll get more out of them this time.

3. Quest for Camelot = Mary Stewart's Merlin trilogy. I've had it for a while and have heard it's good, so this is the perfect time to finally read it.

4. Don't Shoot the Piano Player = Westerns. I don't think I've ever read a Western before, and I'm looking forward to tackling a few of the most popular books in the genre.

5. True Story = nonfiction history and biography any nonfiction.

6. The Grand Tour = books set in places I've never been. It won't be hard to find books that fill this category, since I've barely been anywhere!

7. Shgakespeafe = books inspired by Shakespeare in some way. The category name is based on Jasper Fforde's Shakespeare clones in the Thursday Next series. Books in this category might have titles based on Shakespeare quotes or plots taken from one of his plays. Some connections may be more...direct than others.

8. Little Grey Cells = mysteries published before 1960. Who doesn't love a vintage Golden Age mystery? I'm also sadly underexposed to the noir genre.

9. Murder Ain't What It Used to Be = historical mysteries. I've got tons of these sitting unread on my shelves, so I don't anticipate any problems with this category.

10. A Kind of Magic = books with wizards, sorcery, magic, and/or supernatural occurrences. This category will cover most fantasy, as well as magical realism and gothic/ghost stories.

J. The Kids Are All Right = young adult books. I enjoy YA and tend to read it quickly, so this should be a fun category!

Q. Is This a Kissing Book? = romance and chick lit.

K. Ye Olde Historical Fiction = should be pretty self-explanatory. :)

A. Wallbanger

1. James Boswell, Life of Johnson

2. Deux Dumas

1. Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo
2. Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers

3. Quest for Camelot

1. Mary Stewart, The Crystal Cave
2. Mary Stewart, The Hollow Hills
3. Mary Stewart, The Last Enchantment

4. Don't Shoot the Piano Player

1. Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove
2. Patrick deWitt, The Sisters Brothers
3. Charles Portis, True Grit
4. Mary Doria Russell, Doc

5. True Story

1. Jonathan Eig, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig
2. Ben Macintyre, Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory
3. Meg Keene, A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration
4. Judith Martin & Jacobina Martin, Miss Manners' Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding
5. Chris Baty, No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days

6. The Grand Tour

1. Anna Gavalda, Hunting and Gathering (France)
2. Tayeb Salih, The Wedding of Zein (Sudan)
3. Etgar Keret, Suddenly, a Knock on the Door (Israel)
4. Matt Beynon Rees, The Collaborator of Bethlehem (Palestine)
5. Luis Fernando Verissimo, The Club of Angels (Brazil)
6. Dai Sijie, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (China)

7. Shgakespeafe

1. Anne Fortier, Juliet (Romeo & Juliet)
2. Kathryn Miller Haines, The Winter of Her Discontent (Richard III)
3. Isaac Marion, Warm Bodies (Romeo & Juliet)
4. Michael Innes, Hamlet, Revenge! (Hamlet)
5. Poul Anderson, A Midsummer Tempest (A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Tempest, Shakespeare generally)
6. Seanan McGuire, Chimes at Midnight (Henry IV Part 2)
7. Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes (Macbeth)

8. Little Grey Cells

1. Patricia Moyes, Dead Men Don't Ski (1958)
2. Georgette Heyer, Death in the Stocks (1935)
3. Anthony Berkeley, The Poisoned Chocolates Case (1929)
4. Georgette Heyer, Behold, Here's Poison (1936)
5. Isaac Asimov, A Whiff of Death (1958)
6. Ellery Queen, The Roman Hat Mystery (1929)
7. Georgette Heyer, They Found Him Dead (1937)
8. Edmund Crispin, The Case of the Gilded Fly (1944)

9. Murder Ain't What It Used to Be

1. J.J. Murphy, Murder Your Darlings
2. Patricia Wynn, The Birth of Blue Satan
3. Charles Finch, A Death in the Small Hours
4. Stefanie Pintoff, In the Shadow of Gotham
5. Rhys Bowen, Royal Blood
6. Amy Patricia Meade, Million Dollar Baby
7. Ellis Peters, An Excellent Mystery
8. Charles Finch, An Old Betrayal
9. Kate Ross, Whom the Gods Love

10. A Kind of Magic

1. Erin Morgenstern, The Night Circus
2. Claudia J. Edwards, Taming the Forest King
3. Marie Brennan, A Natural History of Dragons
4. Rachel Aaron, Spirit's End
5. Sarah Addison Allen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon
6. Maggie Stiefvater, The Dream Thieves
7. Robin McKinley, Shadows
8. Gail Carriger, Curtsies & Conspiracies
9. Cheryl Mahoney, The Wanderers
10. China Miéville, Un Lun Dun

J. The Kids Are All Right

1. Lauren Morrill, Meant to Be
2. Alicia Thompson, Psych Major Syndrome
3. Gail Carriger, Etiquette and Espionage
4. Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park
5. Sarra Manning, Adorkable
6. Diana Wynne Jones, Fire and Hemlock
7. Robin LaFevers, Grave Mercy
8. Huntley Fitzpatrick, My Life Next Door
9. Robin LaFevers, Dark Triumph
10. Talia Vance, Spies and Prejudice

Q. Is This a Kissing Book?

1. Gemma Burgess, The Dating Detox
2. Kristan Higgins, The Best Man
3. Jill Shalvis, The Trouble with Paradise
4. Jennifer Crusie, The Cinderella Deal
5. Gemma Burgess, A Girl Like You
6. Jennifer Echols, Star Crossed
7. Sophie Kinsella, Wedding Night
8. Jennifer Echols, Dirty Little Secret
9. Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl
10. Kristan Higgins, The Perfect Match

K. Ye Olde Historical Fiction

1. Phillip Rock, The Passing Bells
2. Hilary Reyl, Lessons in French
3. Peter Ho Davies, The Welsh Girl
4. Jude Morgan, A Little Folly
5. Sharon Kay Penman, Time and Chance
6. Lauren Willig, The Ashford Affair
7. Dorothy Dunnett, Niccolò Rising
8. Samuel Park, This Burns My Heart
9. Lauren Willig, The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
10. Sharon Kay Penman, Devil's Brood

Since we've reached the halfway point of 2013, it seems like a good time to list my top 10 books of the year (so far)! Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Anna Gavalda, Hunting and Gathering — A beautifully written novel set in contemporary Paris. I really liked the romance in this one, but I also loved the contemplative, philosophical tone of the novel. I also enjoyed the movie, “Ensemble, C’est Tout,” which stars Audrey Tautou and Guillaume Canet.

2. Gail Carriger, Etiquette & Espionage — The first book in Carriger’s new series about a finishing school that trains young ladies to be extremely well-mannered spies. It’s a lot of fun, and I love the steampunk elements of the setting. Plus, Carriger has a light, breezy, tongue-in-cheek style that’s very easy to read.

3. Jonathan Eig, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig — I don’t often read biographies, but this was a very well-written and well-researched look at one of baseball’s greatest legends. I really got a sense of Gehrig’s personality and felt the impact of his tragic death. The book also gives a lot of interesting background on the evolution of baseball in the early 20th century.

4. Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park — A poignant coming-of-age novel about two outsiders who fall in love. I tend to gush when talking about Rainbow Rowell, so I’ll just say that this book is totally swoonworthy and romantic! Loved the ’80s setting as well.

5. Jude Morgan, A Little Folly — A comedy of manners set in Regency England, reminiscent of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer. While many authors attempt to imitate a 19th-century style, Morgan is one of the few who succeed.

6. Diana Wynne Jones, Fire and Hemlock — A retelling of the folk ballads “Thomas the Rhymer” and “Tam Lin,” with a really interesting twist: the heroine is a seemingly ordinary girl with two sets of memories. A couple aspects of the plot didn’t sit well with me, but overall I loved the writing style and was entranced by the magic of the story.

7. Robin LaFevers, Grave Mercy — First in a YA series featuring convent-trained assassins in medieval Brittany. I loved the world of this series, especially the historcial elements of political intrigue, and there’s a good romance too. Not great literature, but certainly a fun read!

8. Patricia Wynn, The Birth of Blue Satan — A mystery that basically combined everything I love in a novel: an interesting historical setting (Jacobite rebellions in the 1700s!), a dashing hero, a slow-building romance, and a murder mystery all rolled into one!

9. Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo — A classic story of revenge, but also a brilliant satire of Parisian society in the mid-19th century. This is a huge book that took me forever to read, but it was definitely worth it!

10. Ben Macintyre, Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory — An incredibly fascinating (and true!) account of a British intelligence operation that helped turn the tide of World War II. I can’t believe I have two nonfiction titles on this list, but this book is so interesting and easy to read! Definitely recommended for anyone at all interested in espionage or WWII.

Looking forward to more great reads in the second half of 2013!

You're making great progress!

@ 17 -- Thanks! I still haven't started Life of Johnson yet, though...my new plan is to get everything else out of the way and then have a Very Boswell December.

Book #46: Charles Finch, A Death in the Small Hours
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: Alpha (F -- I read this in June)

Victorian gentleman and amateur detective Charles Lenox has largely given up sleuthing in the pursuit of other interests. A rising member of Parliament, he's just been asked to give the opening speech for the next session -- a very great honor that fills him with both pride and anxiety. But when his uncle, a well-to-do country squire, writes him a letter describing some recent acts of vandalism, Charles is tempted to return to his previous life of detection. He eventually accepts his uncle's invitation, reasoning that a little time away from London will give him the peace and quiet necessary to work on his speech. When petty vandalism escalates to murder, however, Charles must use all his former skills to uncover the sinister secrets lurking within his uncle's village.

I always enjoy the Charles Lenox mysteries, but I think this one is a bit of a weak link. My biggest complaint is that the mystery is very perfunctory and almost uninteresting. Although the solution was creative, with the appropriate number of red herrings and so forth, I just didn't seem to care about it very much! To be fair, the main purpose of the book seems to be Charles' internal development rather than the external mystery: he is beginning to learn that being a member of Parliament isn't the dream career he thought it would be. I do love Charles' character and am interested to see what will happen to him next; I was also very glad to see more of Dallington and would love to see him take a central role in upcoming books! Overall, I definitely plan to continue the series, but this is not one of the strongest installments.

Book #47: Meg Keene, A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration
Category: True Story
CATs: Random (wedding-related words -- I read this in June)

Meg Keene, creator of the blog A Practical Wedding, here sets forth her philosophy of weddings, which basically boils down to a few simple principles: (1) It's not the greatest day of your life -- or at least it shouldn't be! (2) The only requirement for a perfect wedding is that you end up married at the end of it. And (3) it doesn't have to cost your entire life's savings! This book discusses wedding planning in light of these principles, from the engagement to the big day to the marriage that follows. It doesn't delve too deeply into the details; for example, you're not going to find a list of inexpensive-yet-chic venues or bakeries or stationery vendors here. Rather, this book takes a big-picture look at some of the most common wedding-related stressors and offers common-sense advice on how to rise above them.

Lately I've been very into wedding-related things. I watch all those bridal shows on TLC -- "Say Yes to the Dress," "Four Weddings," "I Found the Gown," etc. I'd like to blame some sort of external pressure, but I'm afraid I just like romantic stories and pretty dresses! While I enjoy these shows, though, I often find myself thinking that the women on them must be insane. Spending thousands of dollars on a wedding dress? Throwing a fit because the bridesmaids' dresses don't perfectly match the table linens? It's a strange world we live in, folks. Well, this book is a wonderful antidote for all the wedding craziness out there! It really puts the wedding celebration in perspective without underrating the importance of marriage. It also offers advice on how to deal with the inevitable problems, like financial constraints and meddlesome relatives. I'm not married or engaged right now, but if and when I do take the plunge, I'll definitely be referring to this book again!

Those first four principles sound like it should be sent out once a month to couples to be, and as the wedding approaches to their parents as well. Very sensible.

I love the last image on your previous thread Christina!

Agreed with SouthernKiwi. Great pic!

@ 21 -- Good idea, cammykitty! I definitely think this book would help engaged couples and their families to keep things in perspective.

@ 22, 23 -- Thanks! I saw that image a while ago and liked it, so I knew just where to look when I needed a "moving" picture for my thread!

Migrating over to your new thread, Christina. Love the top ten list! Very nice review of A Death in Small Hours. I do enjoy the Charles Lennox series but it has lost some interest for me now that he is a rising member of Parliament. I also miss the focus the earlier stories had on some of the other characters - Dr. Thomas McConnell, etc, although, if I remember correctly, McConnell does put in an appearance in this book.

Lori, totally agree about Thomas McConnell! One of the things I loved about the earlier Lenox books was that they actually spent some time on secondary characters like the McConnells and Dallington. This book, on the other hand, focused mainly on Lenox himself, with little insight into anyone else. I'm hoping that Lenox will realize that Parliament is not the career for him and just quit! Maybe then the future books won't be in his head so much.

Happy new thread! Glad to see Op Mincemeat on your best-of list for the first half of the year :) Here's to more good reads in the second half of the year (when did it become the second half already?!).

I too am migrating over here. Good to see that Hunting and Gathering ended up on your top 10 - I did get very fond of those characters.

@ 27 -- I know! This year has really flown by. And Operation Mincemeat was such a great read -- I've already bought Double Cross and plan to read it for the 2014 challenge!

@ 28 -- Glad you made it, Eva! I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Hunting and Gathering. I own another Gavalda novel, French Leave, and now I'm thinking I should read it sooner rather than later!

(Edited to fix touchstones.)

Hi Christina, I'm joining in the migration to your new thread. I have been planning to read something by Ben Macintyre so such a long time, I really hope I can get to him soon.

DQ, I hope you enjoy Macintyre when you get to him! Operation Mincemeat is really a very quick read...not that I'm trying to sway you or anything... ;)

I love the 3 principles of a practical wedding - especially #2! My grandma used to say that all that mattered was that the marriage "stick". After we'd celebrated our 25th anniversary (several years afterwards) I told my husband not to take anything for granted - that it was too soon to tell whether this marriage was really going to last. Our daughter also loves all those wedding shows - including Bridezilla. We told her that if she EVER acted like that we'd disown her.

I started when my daughter was very young dropping hints about eloping. Monsieur and I had a civil wedding and then enjoyed a special dinner with friends. I think the suggestion has stuck. Still no wedding in the works in any case.

@ 32 -- Absolutely right! The marriage is so much more important than the wedding. As for "Bridezillas," I always think the grooms should be able to watch the footage before marrying the crazy brides...might cause them to reconsider!

@ 33 -- Haha, eloping certainly does have its appeal!

When I was a kid, I wanted a fairy-tale wedding with a poofy dress and dancing 'til midnight and all the rest, like a Disney movie or something. Now that I'm an adult, I've realized that only three things are really important to me: very traditional vows, real flowers, and cake. Just about everything else that typically goes along with a wedding I either don't care either way about or actively despise (I hate getting dressed up, planning complicated things, getting up on a stage in front of people, and having my picture taken.)

If I didn't want (or rather, require) a religious ceremony, I'd just show up at the courthouse on a random Tuesday for sure.

Christina, your list of top ten reads was very interesting. I've added quite a few to my wish list, along with the Finch book. I should probably look for the wedding book also since I lie awake at night and worry about how we will ever afford weddings for the 3 daughters we have left that are single!

@ 35 -- Was I the only little girl who didn't really dream about her wedding at all? I suppose I'm making up for it now, though! :) Sounds like you have the right idea -- prioritize what's important to you, and don't bother about all the other stuff!

@ 36 -- Thanks! I'm really enjoying Charles Finch's series...you should definitely start with the first book, A Beautiful Blue Death. And yes, I'd definitely recommend A Practical Wedding to anyone who wants to plan a wedding that doesn't break the bank!

You are not the only one. My parents eloped and I thought it was a much better story than if they had a big wedding. My dad attended a military academy that didn't allow the cadets to marry. My mom was at his graduation pregnant with me. I never had a desire for a poofy white dress et al.

@ 38 -- That is a good story! I'm not knocking the poofy white dress...it's what some women want, and there's nothing wrong with that. But it is definitely not what I would prefer!

I was one of those girls who dreamed of a perfect wedding, and I was young enough when I got married that it was still important to me, so I had it - the exact spring wedding I imagined, with bridesmaids in pale yellow chiffon - in the middle of winter!

Both sets of grandparents eloped - both my grandfathers lied about their age as neither was 21, which was required back then. My grandma told a story about after they were married - secretly - back in the early 1920's. Grandma was a farm girl who had moved to the city and lived alone in a little house. After they were married, Grandpa came to her house. And didn't leave by the 10pm curfew. Her neighbors, knowing her to be a single woman, called the police who came to the door and interrupted the newlyweds. *ahem* Grandma had to show her marriage certificate to the police officer to keep him from arresting my grandfather. That was my favorite story of hers, I think!

I've never dreamt about weddings either. The planning would be much too stressful and I don't like being the centre of attention.

>40 sjmccreary: Too cute!

@ 40 -- Aww, what a great story about your grandparents! I also love that you stuck to the wedding you wanted even though the time of year wasn't ideal. :)

@ 41 -- That does seem to be a consensus among engaged women -- the planning often takes on a life of its own!

@40 - what a great story!

We did the traditional wedding. It was more of a fun family reunion more than anything else.

Book #48: Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers (trans. Richard Pevear)
Category: Deux Dumas
CATs: none

This classic novel, whose title is somewhat misleading, follows a young solider named D'Artagnan who travels from his native Gascony to Paris in order to join the musketeers, an elite military force that serves the king. D'Artagnan naively believes that he will swiftly realize his dream and make his fortune, but his simple goal soon becomes much more complicated. Through a series of accidents he befriends the three most prestigious musketeers, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis. He also becomes involved in the struggle between King Louis XIII and Cardinal Richelieu, the two most powerful men in France. As a would-be musketeer, D'Artagnan is the king's man, but his loyalty wavers when he meets the beautiful Milady, one of the cardinal's most influential spies. With the help of his three friends, D'Artagnan must foil Milady's sinister plot while fighting his own attraction for her.

I actually read this book when I was 12 or so, but I'm very glad I read it again now that I have at least some knowledge of the historical context! I find it very interesting that Dumas, who was writing in the 19th century (shortly after the Napoleonic era), chose to set this story during the 17th-century wars of religion, a similarly tumultuous time for France. But even without the bigger picture, this book is quite simply a rollicking good read! It's a long book, but the story is gripping and seems to fly by. The strength of the book is definitely its plot; by contrast, the characters aren't developed very well. It's fun to watch D'Artagnan and the musketeers interact with each other, but they're essentially stock characters (Athos is the noble one, Porthos is the buffoon, etc.). And Milady is an extremely flat villain who is Pure Evil (tm) through and through. In my opinion, the scheming cardinal is by far the most interesting character! Regardless, I really enjoyed this book and would love to read the rest of the series...one of these years!

I am looking forward to re-reading The Three Musketeers next year. While I remember watch movie adaptations of the story at a young age, I didn't read it for the first time until I was already in my 20's, and pretty much lost my heart to the story in one fell swoop, until The Count stole it. It is crazy how romantic I can get over some of the classics, but they are just so darn good! ;-)

I really should get around to reading The Three Musketeers one of these days. Especially as I enjoyed The Count of Monte Cristo so much.

@ 46 -- Lori, any suggestions for a good movie version of The Three Musketeers? I don't think I've ever seen a film adaptation!

@ 47 -- Wolfy, if you liked The Count, I definitely think you will like Musketeers also. It's not quite as complicated, so it reads even more quickly!

>48 christina_reads: - my favourite is the Richard Lester version with Oliver Reed, although it's a tad silly

I have Three Musketeers on the potential list for next year. I read it when I was a kid, but I believe it was an abridged version for children. I loved The Count when I read it this year, so I'm looking forward to more Dumas.

->49 psutto:
That one is brilliant!!

ETA: I went to thumb your review, but it's not on the book page. :(

Well, the 1973 adaptation Pete mentioned is a bawdy romp.... and a really good bawdy romp at that! Expect the puns the characters drop to be.... well.... a bit cheesy, in *roll the eyes* kind of fashion, but the scenery and the wardrobes are great.

My personal favorite is actually the 1993 Disney production staring Charlie Sheen, Kiefer Sutherland, Chris O'Donnell, Oliver Platt and .... get ready for it.... Tim Curry. I love Tim Curry movies so I am super biased in favor of this one. ;-)

>51 lkernagh: - that's quite a good adaptation also

@ 49, 51 -- Thanks for the movie recs! I'll probably just see what's on Netflix and go from there. :) I do love a good cheesy '70s flick, and I also love Tim Curry! If I do get my hands on something to watch, I'll be sure to mention it.

@ 50 -- Eva, hope you like The Three Musketeers as much as you liked The Count! And thanks for the intended "thumb"...my review isn't on the book page because I don't own the book, but I'll go put it in my "read but unowned" collection!

Excellent - it has been thumbed! I particularly enjoyed that "Pure Evil™" -- I may have to borrow that. :)

Eva, I definitely stole Pure Evil (tm) from someone else...it really does describe certain villains perfectly!

I may have another movie recommendation for you in a couple of days.... or not. This weekend we are planning to watch the 2011 adaptation directed by Paul W.S. Anderson. This one seems to have a strong fantasy angle to the story, which I like based on the trailer. Curious to see if this works.

@ 56 -- Fantasy elements??? Not sure how I feel about that...I'll definitely be interested to hear your thoughts!

Tim Curry? I'm definitely in! Will have to track down the movie once I finish reading the book - hopefully this month.

The 2011 adaptation of The Three Musketeers was fun but not great. If you don't like ships a la Pirates of the Caribbean becoming airships and steampunk-styled Gatling guns, it is a movie you can miss guilt free. The only good parts were the fight sequences and the elaborate wardrobes, IMO. The box office attraction of Orlando Bloom as the Duke of Buckingham and Mila Jovovich as double agent Milady (seriously, free agent would describe her better!) doesn't save the movie from being just another Three Musketeers movie.

@ 59 -- Thanks, Lori! The steampunk stuff does sound kind of intriguing...I mean, it's not at all relevant to the plot of The Three Musketeers, but it could be fun! :) If I ever come across the the movie, I might watch it, but I certainly won't go out of my way to track it down.

Book #49: Judith Martin & Jacobina Martin, Miss Manners' Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding
Category: True Story
CATs: none

In this book, which is apparently a revised and updated version of her earlier books on the subject, Miss Manners tackles the fraught subject of wedding etiquette. The modern wedding industry tends to use the term “etiquette” to justify a countless number of expensive, stressful, time-consuming tasks. But Miss Manners maintains that etiquette is just a fancy word for treating people with respect — and it has nothing to do with save-the-dates, unity candles, or wedding favors. Using her trademark saucy style, she answers questions on a variety of wedding-related topics and explains that a truly proper wedding is one that leaves both the betrothed couple and the guests as relaxed and joyful as possible.

I had never encountered Miss Manners before, and she definitely has a very distinctive style — sort of a tongue-in-cheek Austenesque tone. I can see how it would get on some people’s nerves, but I absolutely loved it! I also learned a lot of really interesting things about so-called wedding “traditions” that were unheard-of a generation ago. For example, here’s Miss Manners’ remark to a bride who was concerned about wedding favors: “Who told you that you had to give out wedding favors? Etiquette has never thought of weddings as comparable to children’s birthday parties where the guests might need consolation for not being the center of attention.” The problem is, even if favors are unnecessary, most people expect them and will think you’re rude if you don’t provide them. So I’m not sure how useful this book ultimately is…but it’s still a very entertaining read!

Book #50: Etgar Keret, Suddenly, a Knock on the Door
Category: The Grand Tour
CATs: none

This collection of short stories is a strange mixture of realism and fantasy, comedy and tragedy. Keret is an Israeli author, and several of his stories reflect the current struggles of that country; one of them begins with a conversation in a restaurant and ends with a suicide bombing. But there is no grand political pronouncement in these stories, and ultimately they're not about politics. Rather, they depict universal human experiences like sex, friendship, death, love, loneliness, chance, and fate. My favorite story in the collection ("What, of This Goldfish, Would You Wish?") starts with politics but ends somewhere else entirely, as a documentarian interviews both Jewish and Arab residents of Israel and meets a man with a magic goldfish. Most of these stories are dark, and many are surreal, but all of them offer a fascinating perspective on the human condition.

I don't often read short stories, and I'd certainly never read anything by Keret before, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this collection. Keret's style is very understated and direct, which works well in his fantastical stories especially; it's as though he's telling a joke with a completely deadpan expression. I also think the stories as a whole are very well-crafted, with endings that are resonant and satisfying but don't necessarily tie everything up too neatly. I definitely teared up on more than one occasion! As usual, a few of the stories didn't quite work for me -- the titular story in particular was a bit too clever for its own good -- but overall I was very impressed with this collection and plan to read more by Etgar Keret.

Keret is one of my all-time favorites - very glad to hear you enjoyed. Highly recommending everything else he's written! :)

Good to know, Eva! :) I definitely first heard about Keret on LT, so this is quite possibly all your fault!

July recap:

Another slow month for me. Technically I've only finished 5 books, but I am SO CLOSE to the end of In the Shadow of Gotham that I'm counting it anyway! :) I'm planning to finish it tonight after work, so it'll still be part of my July total. Anyway, here's what I read this month:

Alexandre Dumas, The Three Musketeers -- Deux Dumas (2/2)
Judith Martin & Jacobina Martin, Miss Manners' Guide to a Surprisingly Dignified Wedding -- True Story (4/5)
Etgar Keret, Suddenly, a Knock on the Door -- The Grand Tour (3/6)
Sophie Kinsella, Wedding Night -- Is This a Kissing Book? (7/10)
Sarah Addison Allen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon -- A Kind of Magic (5/10)
Stefanie Pintoff, In the Shadow of Gotham -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (4/9)

I also completed my second category this month, Deux Dumas. I'm very happy that I only have one enormous book (Boswell's Life of Johnson) left for this year!

Here's me trying to catch up with July reviews...

Book #51: Sophie Kinsella, Wedding Night
Category: Is This a Kissing Book?
CATs: Random (travel)

Lottie Graveney is certain that her boyfriend Richard is going to propose, so when his "big question" for her turns out to involve frequent flyer miles, she's absolutely devastated. Still reeling from the subsequent breakup, she gets a call from her ex-boyfriend Ben, with whom she once spent an amazing summer on the Greek island of Ikonos. Ben is still as gorgeous and fun as Lottie remembers, and he even says he wants to get married. So Lottie and Ben decide to have a quickie wedding and fly to Ikonos for a whirlwind honeymoon. But Lottie's older sister Fliss thinks this is a terrible decision, and the only solution is to follow them to Ikonos and stop them from consummating the marriage. Can Fliss prevent Lottie from making the biggest mistake of her life without losing her own chance at happiness?

I normally enjoy Sophie Kinsella's light, breezy brand of chick lit, so I was excited to get my hands on a copy of this latest book. It was a fun, fluffy read, but ultimately I didn't like this one as much as I wanted to. Lottie and Fliss take turns narrating the story, and I think the novel lacks focus as a result. There's just so much going on, between Lottie's romantic turmoil and Ben's questionable motives and Fliss' difficult divorce and Richard's change of heart...it was just too many threads to keep track of, especially in such a fast-paced novel. There are ultimately two romantic plotlines, and neither of them is sufficiently developed. Also, I had a lot of trouble with Fliss' character; while her original intention of protecting her sister is good, she uses a lot of underhanded methods to get her way. Another character does call her out for this behavior, but that didn't stop me from being frustrated for a big part of the novel. All in all, this is a decent beach read, but I'm glad I didn't spend any money on it.

Hurray for finishing another category! :) Good luck with the Life of Johnson!

@ 67 -- Thanks...I'll definitely need that luck! :)

>66 christina_reads: Hmm, I thought something was missing from Twenties Girl, as well. While the madcap romps were entertaining, I could never see why the guy wanted to be with the protagonist. And there was never much of a connection between the two. I wonder if Kinsella is tired of writing romances?

RG, I just find Kinsella a bit hit-or-miss. I really liked I've Got Your Number, but Wedding Night (and, I agree, Twenties Girl) fell flat. Her formula can get a bit annoying after a while, too -- all her heroines seem to be incredibly flighty/ditzy, so it's hard to see why the heroes find them appealing.

Yay for an other category down and I am looking forward to your thoughts regarding In the Shadow of Gotham.... that was an impulse buy for me earlier this year that I haven't gotten around to reading yet.

I have enjoyed the couple of Kinsella's books I have read so far so sorry to learn that this one wasn't as good as some of her other books.

Lori, I've fallen behind on my reviews, but the short version is that I quite enjoyed In the Shadow of Gotham. It didn't blow me away, but it was well done, and I plan to read the next book in the series. A fuller review will be coming one of these days...

Since I'm still behind on reviews, I thought I'd share some other bookish news: I have finally joined the e-reader revolution! I've been very reluctant to buy an e-reader because I just like having physical copies of my books. I love the way they look and feel and smell (yes, I'm one of those), and I didn't want to replace my sizeable book collection with one little device. BUT I finally caved...there was a good deal on the Nook Simple Touch, so I went for it! So far I'm pleased with my purchase; I like that I can download any e-book that's in epub or PDF format, and I like the way the device looks and feels. My rule is that I will only use the Nook for (1) free books or (2) books that are hard or impossible to find in physical form. So far I've been loading up on free e-books from Girlebooks and Book Depository, and I'm very excited!

I still haven't bought an e-reader but do read books in e-format on my tablet and phone

I have a Simple Touch as well and it's great!

The NOOK Blog has a free book every Friday - not always great selections, but I have gotten a few off the wishlist (and onto Mt. TBR) that way.

Also, your local library probably has an e-collection as well.

Congrats on the e-reader purchase, Christina! I am still sitting on the fence on purchasing an e-reader. Right now I read epubs on my iPod Touch, which is great for downloading ebooks from my local library collection that are in epub format, but I cannot read PDFs. So far I have been able to satisfy my book in my purse needs this way quite nicely but I can see where at some point I will need to get my act together and go shopping for an e-reader, especially now that my dad has joined the e-reader world!

Enjoy the e-reader! I love having mine. It's great to take with me so that if I finish a book while I'm out, I have another on hand!

I've been using the Overdrive app on my iPad to read ebooks from the library but am not convinced I need to purchase an ereader or pay actual money for ebooks :P In any case, playing with a new gadget is always fun, so enjoy! :)

Despite my complaints about e-books*, I did just buy my brother's Kindle, since he wasn't using it anymore** so that I can read all the hard-to-find classics that I've gotten free from Amazon without getting migraines from overuse of my computer. Although, I have seriously considered requesting interlibrary loans of books (that I want to read anyway) that my library has in e-book format only, as a form of protest against their decision to buy more e-books and fewer books. But I'm not really mean enough to actually do it.

*For example: They aren't really books. Books have physicality. They are electronic documents that contain the same text as the actual book, but they are NOT books.

**Funny story about that. My brother has never been much of a reader. He bought a Kindle, thinking that it might give him an incentive to read more. He discovered that he actually likes reading now that he's an adult, but also discovered that he vastly prefers paper books to electronic ones. Hence my purchase of a slightly-used, very cheap Kindle.

I own a Kindle, but it wasn't my idea. My family never knows what to get me for Christmas and it was there idea. I was originally cool to the device, but have gotten fond of it. It's nice to travel with and there are all sort of things available for free if you don't mind reading old stuff. (I don't) I also like it for reading long books; I think, somehow, it makes them go faster.

#79 - They aren't really books. Books have physicality. They are electronic documents that contain the same text as the actual book, but they are NOT books.

... and that is how I justify and convince my other half (the techno geek) why I need bookshelves full of physical books, and electronic storage capacity on my devices for e-books. ;-)

Saw this the other day and thought since we're discussing e-books to stick it here for discussion...

http://www.roughtype.com/?p=3590

I think I'm probably the opposite case to what he's talking about in that I found no reason to get an e-book reader but once I had a tablet I happily downloaded books onto it to read via a variety of apps. I'm of the Betamax/VHS debate feel at the moment wondering what format will win out (hoping it won't be .mobi!)

@ 74, 82 -- psutto, if you can get books on your tablet, no point in buying an e-reader, I say! Interesting link, also. I very much agree with this: "The e-book may turn out to be more a complement to the printed book, as audiobooks have long been, rather than an outright substitute."

@ 75 -- Thanks for the tip, Eva -- I am definitely interested in finding ways to get free e-books! :) Also good to know that you love your Nook Simple Touch....makes me more confident in my purchase!

@ 76, 81 -- Lori, I do like my Nook so far, but I'm not totally comfortable recommending it yet, so I don't know what to tell you! Sounds like you have a good system in place already!

@ 77 -- Thanks, cmbohn! Sadly, I haven't done much reading on the Nook yet, mostly because none of my e-books actually fit with this challenge...

@ 78 -- rabbitprincess, I totally agree! Sounds like you're already covered on the e-book front, so no need to pay actual money.

@ 79 -- Haha, casvelyn, free is good! The major appeal of the e-reader, to me, is the ability to read those hard-to-find classics and books that are out of print.

@ 80 -- Bjace, nice to know you warmed up to your Kindle! I like the idea of reading huge tomes on an e-reader...not only would the book seem to go faster, but I wouldn't have to lug a giant physical book around with me!

Congrats on the new e-reader! I've had one for about 2 1/2 years and I've only purchased two books during that time. The rest have been free downloads - some promotional giveaways from publishers and lots from Project Gutenberg. I occasionally borrow ebooks from the library.

@ 84 -- cbl_tn, that is totally my plan as well! I need to look into how to borrow books from the library.

I'm not a big e-book person, preferring the physical book, but I do like it when I travel. Once a year, my husband and I go away somehwere and just sit on a beach and read for a week. I used to pack 10-12 books at least and he's pack some too so I could read some of his. Now with extra fees for weight and such, an e-reader is so much better. (And I still check out any books left in the "library" where we stay and have been know to bring a couple home.

@ 86 -- Haha, good point about extra weight in the luggage! I don't normally mind hauling several books in a carry-on bag, but I can see how the e-reader would make travel a bit more convenient.

Book #52: Sarah Addison Allen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: none

When 17-year-old Emily's mother dies, leaving her an orphan, Emily moves in with her grandfather in her mother's hometown of Mullaby, North Carolina. Almost immediately, Emily begins to notice strange things about the town -- starting with the fact that her grandfather is literally a giant who stands over 7 feet tall. Then there are the mysterious lights that appear outside her window at night, which nobody seems to want to talk about. But most importantly, Emily soon discovers that the entire town is hiding a secret about her mother, something that has the potential to change Emily's life forever.

I'm starting to suspect that Sarah Addison Allen is a sorcerer of some kind; her novels all have this luxurious, magical quality that transcends ordinary experience. Or to put it less pretentiously, I love her books, and this one is no exception! I enjoyed the glimpse of life in a small town, with all its idiosyncratic personalities and inexplicable traditions. My favorite character was Julia, Emily's next-door neighbor and the best baker in town. There's plenty of romance and mystery in this book, and it's a perfect read for a lazy summer afternoon. This is not my favorite novel by Sarah Addison Allen -- that would be The Sugar Queen -- but it was still a lovely experience. Can't wait for her new book, which is coming out next year!

Congrats on the e-reader, Christina. I agree that it is a useful tool but, for me, will never take the place of real books.

You've just reminded me that it's been far too long since I've read a Sarah Addison Allen book!

On the e-reader subject, I started out with a kindle then moved to using my iPad. I read both physical books and e-books.

When I first started reading on a kindle I would grab the top corner to turn the page. I hope I am not alone. :-)

@ 89 -- DQ, I love Sarah Addison Allen! I've now read all her books, which is sad because now I have no new ones to discover. Luckily, she's supposed to be coming out with a new book next year!

I am used to my ebook but I still have piles of paper books to read (and I doubt I'll ever stop buying books). I would like to recommend, for those of you with aging parents, to consider buying one for them. Two years ago I bought one for my dad, 82 years old then. He has really enjoyed using it since. The convenience of buying books without leaving the house and being able to adjust the font size are two major pluses. Just an idea for Christmas shopping.

I love mine so much! Most of my book purchases now are ebooks. I still have stacks and stacks of paper books, but it's great to be able buy new books and know that they won't take up room on the shelves. The ones I buy in paper are ones that I want autographed or that I know someone else in my family will want to read.

@ 92 -- mamzel, I love the idea of buying an e-reader for my grandmother...in theory. But this is a woman who has yet to use her DVD player, even though my mom wrote down very detailed instructions for how to operate it! I think she's just not interested in "new" technology. But she does love to read large print books!

@ 93 -- cmbohn, the thought of less overcrowded shelves is tempting. But who am I kidding, I'll probably just buy another shelf!

I still prefer physical books. Owning a book on my kindle isn't at all like owning an actual copy! Still, I use my kindle all the time -- it's great when my SO wants to go to sleep while I'd like to keep reading. And being able to check a book out of the library at 2 am while wearing pajamas is delightful.

@ 95 -- RG, that is a very good point!

Book #53: Stefanie Pintoff, In the Shadow of Gotham
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: Award (Edgar for Best First Novel, 2010 -- I read this in July)

After the tragic death of his fiancée, Detective Simon Ziele needs to get out of New York City. He joins the police force of a small town north of the metropolis, hoping that the work will be a respite from the suffering he's left behind. But when a well-to-do young woman is brutally murdered -- in her own house, in broad daylight -- Ziele discovers that he can't fully escape the violence and tragedy of his past. He receives the help of a criminal psychologist at Columbia University who believes that one of his own research subjects may be responsible for crime. Ziele is skeptical about the psychologist's methods but accepts his help in hunting for the main suspect. But as they search for the man, Ziele is forced to return to New York City and confront some of the memories of his past.

This book had been sitting on my shelf for years, so I'm very glad I finally took the time to read it! I haven't read many books set in turn-of-the-century America, but it's certainly a fascinating setting for a murder mystery. This book takes full advantage of the setting, frequently mentioning the Tammany Hall political machine and exploring the gap between rich and poor. The mystery itself was fine but not particularly surprising; I didn't guess "whodunit," but I came up with a solution that, frankly, I would have enjoyed more than the actual answer! Nonetheless, I liked Simon Ziele and plan to continue with the series. I would definitely recommend this book to fans of historical mysteries.

Book #54: Jennifer Echols, Dirty Little Secret
Category: Is This a Kissing Book?
CATs: Random (families)

Bailey Mayfield grew up playing classic country songs with her sister, Julie. They’d always planned to pursue a music career together, with Bailey on her fiddle and Julie playing guitar. But when a big record company signs Julie — and only Julie — Bailey is left out in the cold. She’s not even allowed to play music in public anymore because it might damage Julie’s career. Now Bailey is living in Nashville with her grandfather, and the only place she can play her fiddle is at the local mall, where she accompanies country musician impersonators. Everything changes, however, when Bailey catches the eye of Sam Hardiman, a fellow musician who wants Bailey’s fiddle in his band. He also seems to want Bailey herself, but will his dreams of stardom come between them? And will Bailey be able to follow her own path without ruining her sister’s life?

After being disappointed by Echols’ adult romance, Star Crossed, I’m happy to say that I really loved this book! I’m a sucker for plots that involve music and musicians, so this particular novel was right up my alley. I loved the descriptions of the Nashville music scene, which really made me want to experience it for myself! And of course, Echols does teen drama and swoony romance so well; Sam might be my favorite hero yet! I wasn’t totally crazy about the storytelling structure, though. We meet Bailey significantly after the record company snubbed her in favor of her sister, but we don’t really learn what’s happened to her until much later in the novel, so there are a lot of allusions to Bailey’s past that don’t make sense initially. I understand that writers do this to build suspense, and it can be effective, but here I just found it confusing. Still, that’s my one issue with a book I otherwise loved. YA and/or romance fans should definitely check it out!

Nice review of In the Shadow of Gotham, Christina. Now I am very happy I found this one at the last annual book sale I was at and decided to grab it. ;-)

@ 99 -- Lori, definitely a good book sale purchase! I'll look forward to seeing what you think of it.

"is this a kissing book" still makes me smile :-D

In the UK libraries haven't really got to grips with e-books and my mum is a big library goer and doesn't really buy books so I think although the font thing and weight of the books etc would be good I just don't see her using one. Which is a shame....

I recently picked up a copy of In the Shadow of Gotham. Glad to know it's worth reading.

@ 101 -- Sorry to say I won't be using the "ksising book" category next year...I decided to relate all my 2014 category names to a common theme. Sadly, I couldn't find a way to make them all "Princess Bride" quotes. (Although I hereby encourage anyone else to try and make this work!)

@ 102 -- Hope you enjoy In the Shadow of Gotham, RG!

Hi Christina, just dropping by to get all caught up. Congratulations on your new e-reader - that's something I haven't yet felt to the need to purchase :-)

@ 104 -- Yay, thanks for stopping by!

I'm still behind on reviews, but I couldn't resist this meme that's been going around: "If you could eat dinner with 7 fictional characters, who would you choose and where would they sit? Picture a circular table where you are situated between guest #1 and guest #7." Like many of you, I'm limiting my guest list to characters from books I've read for this challenge. Here's who I would invite:

1. Eli Monpress (from Spirit's End by Rachel Aaron) -- He's bright, cocky, and unbelievably charming. He'd definitely be excellent company...I'd just have to keep my eye on him to make sure he doesn't take off with my valuables!

2. Miss Gwen (from The Passion of the Purple Plumeria by Lauren Willig) -- She's a self-proclaimed spinster and one tough cookie, but she has a soft heart underneath. I think she'd scold Eli but privately find him hugely entertaining!

3. Aramis (from The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas) -- He's a dashing French musketeer with a pious streak, which would intrigue Miss Gwen...they'd probably spend the whole dinner trying to worm state secrets out of each other!

4. Dorothy Parker (from Murder Your Darlings by J.J. Murphy) -- I think she'd really enjoy flirting with Aramis and shocking the whole table with her biting witticisms.

5. Prince Rupert (from A Midsummer Tempest by Poul Anderson) -- Not only would he be another person for Dorothy to flirt with, but he'd also have a lot of interesting tales to tell about the English Civil War. (And he'd tell them in iambic pentameter!)

6. Mattie Ross (from True Grit by Charles Portis) -- No party would be complete without this precocious, no-nonsense girl. She'd demand to be told, in detail, how Prince Rupert commandeered a steam train for use in battle.

7. Eli Sisters (from The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt) -- He and Mattie could trade stories about their experiences in the Wild West. Plus, he has a unique take on the world that would be very interesting to hear about over dinner.

Yay, Mattie! Very nice dinner party.

@ 107 -- I would have loved to put Flavia de Luce next to her, but sadly I haven't read any of her this year!

Aramis - what a great choice! To bad I won't be re-reading The Three Musketeers until next year, otherwise I would have invited Aramis and placed him across the table (well, sort of across the table) from Augustus McCrae!

I also wanted to add Flavia but I haven't reading any of her books this year either!

Eli Sisters strikes me as someone who is likely to be smelly. Are you sure you want to sit so close to him?

@ 109 -- Lori, Aramis and Gus McCrae would probably have some interesting conversations!

@ 110 -- Hmm, good point, RG. Hadn't really thought through that aspect of things. :) But I suppose, as the hostess, I'm obligated to take one for the team.

Aramis! He was my favorite musketeers. Love that choice.

@ 112 -- I agree! He seemed to be a more complex character than the others, and much more aware of the complicated political situation he was in.

Book #55: Charles Portis, True Grit
Category: Don't Shoot the Piano Player
CATs: none

In the postwar American West, Mattie Ross is a girl on a mission: her father has been killed by one of his drunken hired hands, and she's determined to avenge his death. Despite being only 14 years old, Mattie has utter faith in her own ability to achieve her goal. As she arranges her father's burial rites, she demands to know the name of a U.S. Marshal with "true grit" -- someone who will be able to hunt down her father's killer and exact retribution. Thus Mattie sets out with Rooster Cogburn, who is technically on the side of the law but whose own past is murky at best, and a Texan cowboy named LaBoeuf, who is hunting the same man for a different crime, on a quest for justice and revenge.

Though I don't normally read Westerns, I'm very impressed with the ones I've been reading this year! The best part of this book is Mattie's voice, which is completely distinctive and very funny, often unintentionally. For example, here's a tidbit in which Mattie asks the sheriff about the various U.S. Marshals who could help her:

The sheriff thought on it for a minute. He said, "...The meanest one is Rooster Cogburn. He is a pitiless man, double-tough, and fear don't enter into his thinking. ... Now L.T. Quinn, he brings his prisoners in alive. He may let one get by now and then but he believes even the worst of men is entitled to a fair shake." ... I said, "Where can I find this Rooster?"

Another thing I found fascinating about this novel was its exploration of law in the Wild West. Near the beginning of the book, Mattie transcribes the trial of a man whom Rooster Cogburn had caught, complete with lawyers' arguments and objections. It's easy to see that, in the world of this novel, the law is largely ineffective and irrelevant to the men whose job is enforcing it. Perhaps that's why Mattie feels such a strong urge to personally ensure that justice (as she sees it) is done. I'd definitely recommend this book as a quick, adventurous read that raises some thought-provoking questions.

Book #56: Poul Anderson, A Midsummer Tempest
Category: Shgakespeafe
CATs: none

Set during an alternate version of the English Civil War, this novel follows Prince Rupert of Bohemia, one of King Charles' most valiant allies. Unfortunately, Charles is losing his war against the Puritans, and after a particularly brutal battle, Rupert is captured by a Puritan nobleman and placed under house arrest. He immediately begins plotting his escape, but fate steps in when he meets his captor's beautiful niece, Jennifer. The two of them end up fleeing the Puritan's house together and receiving help from an unlikely source: Oberon and Titania, the king and queen of Faerie. They encourage Rupert to find the lost treasure of Prospero, whose magical artifacts will help the king's cause; but Rupert must brave many dangers before he can fulfill his quest.

There are so many clever, ingenious concepts at work in this book that it's almost too hard to list them all. First there is the obvious debt to Shakespeare: in this world, he is not merely a playwright but also the Great Historian, so everything he wrote is factually true. (Bohemia even has a sea coast!) Thus, this book is full of all the wonderful Shakespearean plot devices -- faeries, star-crossed lovers, uncouth jesters, shipwrecks, and a very unusual tavern, to name a few. My favorite thing was realizing that several of the characters actually talk in iambic pentameter. Sure, it makes the style a bit choppy and stilted, but the characters talk in iambic pentameter! Add in a discussion of parallel universes, some trains, and angry Puritans getting their comeuppance, and I'm sold! I'd definitely recommend this one if you're interested in the premise.

Hurray, True Grit! I love Mattie's voice. Hailee Steinfeld did a fantastic job playing her in the recent adaptation :)

A Midsummer Tempest sounds really interesting. I'll have to seek it out.

@ 116 -- Crazily enough, I still haven't seen either of the "True Grit" movies! I do plan to watch them at some point this year, though. Good to know that the remake does Mattie justice!

@ 117 -- If you like the premise, I definitely think you'll like the book! The style can be a bit awkward at times, but the sheer cleverness makes up for it!

The 2014 Category Challenge group is up and running! Check out my thread HERE! (Can you tell I'm excited?) Of course, I still have to finish this challenge before I can dive into next year's...but it's nice to have something to look forward to, right? :)

It is taking all of the resistance I have to not race over to the 2014 group... of course this has been an absolutely crazy month for me, making me neglect my reading so the guilt will keep me firming in 2013 for a while.

Okay... I did take a quick sneak peek at the group last night but that's it! ;-)

Lori, embrace the madness! :)

> 121 - ... still resisting (although, I did take another sneak peek just now)! ;-)

Book #57: Lauren Willig, The Passion of the Purple Plumeria
Category: Ye Olde Historical Fiction
CATs: none

In the eyes of the world, Miss Gwendolyn Meadows is the fiercely protective chaperone of Miss Jane Wooliston, who is currently one of the belles of Parisian society. But since Jane is also the elite British spy known as the Pink Carnation, Miss Gwen's duties also include strategy, swordsmanship, and a taste for the dangerous work of espionage. Miss Gwen thrives upon the excitement of her double life, but she is forced to return to England when Jane's younger sister goes missing from her prestigious boarding school. A second girl has also disappeared: the youngest daughter of Colonel William Reid, an officer of the British East India Company who has recently returned to England to reunite with his daughters. Now Miss Gwen and Colonel Reid must work together to find the missing girls -- and fight their increasing attraction to one another, because Miss Gwen is all too aware that her clandestine activities are the probable reason for the girls' disappearance.

This is the 10th book in Lauren Willig's Pink Carnation series, and as I expected, it was a fun Regency romp complete with legendary Indian treasure, a meeting of the Hellfire Club, and a sinister French master spy. I like the fact that Willig chose a more mature hero and heroine for this installment of the series; it lent a bit of substance to the story, although the book still retains the series' trademark light and fluffy tone. Miss Gwen is in her 40s and has long despaired of ever finding romance, so the relationship between her and Colonel Reid is particularly sweet and satisfying. I also liked how Willig is starting to gather the loose threads from some of her earlier books; for example, Colonel Reid is the father of Alex Reid from The Betrayal of the Blood Lily, and some of the events of that novel are relevant to this story. I am really hoping that Jack Reid, the black sheep of the family, is a hero in one of the future Pink Carnation books! All in all, I'm still enjoying this series and will continue to read more by Willig.

Book #58: Matt Beynon Rees, The Collaborator of Bethlehem
Category: The Grand Tour
CATs: none

Omar Yussef, a teacher at the Dehaisha refugee camp in Bethlehem, is a fussy, polite, middle-aged man with a combover. He's the last person anyone would ever expect to make trouble, especially in the politically charged atmosphere of Bethlehem, where one wrong step (literally or figuratively) could place him and his family in lethal danger. But when a prominent Palestinian freedom fighter (or terrorist, depending on whom you ask) is shot just outside his own home, Omar can't help getting involved -- especially when his friend George Saba, a Christian and therefore a convenient scapegoat, is arrested for the killing. Omar knows that George is innocent and even finds evidence proving that he could not have committed the crime. But Omar's friend the police chief is unwilling to investigate the matter further, since clearing George's name would anger the militant Palestinians who champion the dead man as a martyr. So Omar resolves to investigate on his own; but the more he digs into the events surrounding the murder, the more he risks his own life.

I don't know if I can say I liked this book...it's very dark and very serious, and "liking" doesn't seem like an appropriate response to it. But I'm extremely glad I read this novel, because it introduced me to a setting and a conflict that I honestly know very little about. The book does a wonderful job of depicting everyday life in Bethlehem, where the threat of violence is omnipresent and where the voices of extremism are much louder than the voices of moderation and peace. I really appreciated that the book does not paint either Israelis or Palestinians as the "bad guys," but rather focuses on the struggles of individual people to do the right thing (or not) in a terrible situation. This novel is technically a murder mystery, but I found the detective work to be the least interesting part of the story. The urgency of the plot comes not from the hunt for the killer, but from Omar's race against time to save his friend George. Overall, I found this book a fascinating read and will probably seek out more mysteries featuring Omar Yussef.

The Collaborator of Bethlehem is such a great story isn't it. I just love how Rees manages to make those characters so real it seems you could run into them in the street - well, in a street in Bethlehem at least. :) I can highly recommend the next one in the series, A Grave in Gaza, if you feel you want to continue reading about Omar Yussef.

Ooh, good to know, Eva! I'm sure I will try A Grave in Gaza at some point...not until 2014 at least, though! :)

August recap:

Funny, I always seem to find myself 2 reviews behind when the end of the month rolls around. But August was a decent reading month for me...I even finished my third category, Ye Olde Historical Fiction! Here's what I read:

Jennifer Echols, Dirty Little Secret -- Is This a Kissing Book? (8/10)
Charles Portis, True Grit -- Don't Shoot the Piano Player (3/4)
Poul Anderson, A Midsummer Tempest -- Shgakespeafe (5/7)
Lauren Willig, The Passion of the Purple Plumeria -- Ye Olde Historical Fiction (9/10)
Matt Beynon Rees, The Collaborator of Bethlehem -- The Grand Tour (4/6)
Sharon Kay Penman, Devil's Brood -- Ye Olde Historical Fiction (10/10)
Georgette Heyer, Behold, Here's Poison -- Little Grey Cells (4/8)

Onward to September and the final quarter of the year!

ETA: And by "quarter" I obviously mean "third"...math is hard!

Book #59: Sharon Kay Penman, Devil's Brood
Category: Ye Olde Historical Fiction
CATs: Random (families -- I read this in August)

Henry II, with the help of his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has created one of the vastest empires known to Europe, and the time has come to parcel it out among his sons. As the oldest, Hal will succeed his father as king of England and will also rule over the French duchies of Normandy and Anjou. Richard, Eleanor's favorite son, will inherit her lands as Duke of Aquitaine. Geoffrey will become Duke of Brittany through marriage to a prominent heiress. But even though all three boys have grown up, Henry still holds onto the reins of power, convinced that none of them are truly ready to rule in their own right. His sons' lack of independence soon breeds resentment, and Henry is shocked by its consequence: with the help of their mother, they openly rebel against him. This novel is the story of the conflict between Henry and his sons, between Henry and Eleanor, and between the boys themselves, as their struggle for power leads to almost constant warfare throughout Europe.

I've been enjoying Penman's Plantagenet series, and I think this is my favorite installment so far. It's hard to believe that the major events in this novel actually happened...there's just so much drama! I also found the portrayal of Henry and Eleanor's (adult) sons to be fascinating. Geoffrey was my favorite, which will probably surprise any fans of "The Lion in Winter"; but based on Penman's depiction, I think he would have made the best king. Sure, he was self-serving and manipulative, but so was everyone else in the book! At least he had a good strategic mind with an ability to make long-term plans, and he managed to win over the Breton nobles so that he could rule Brittany competently. The overarching conflict between Henry and his sons was both sad and frustrating. It seemed to come down to a total lack of communication skills and an inability to see the other side's point of view. (Hmm, sounds familiar....) I'm glad I finally read this book, and I look forward to reading Lionheart in the future.

Great review, and informative. I have Penman's Cruel As the Grave on my shelf without realizing it was part of a series.
I'm a big fan of The Lion in Winter and Geoffrey is my favorite of the sons in that.

@ 129 -- I really need to watch "The Lion in Winter" again! I own the DVD, so I really have no excuse. And yes, Cruel as the Grave is book #2 in the Justin de Quincy series...The Queen's Man is book #1. I think you probably have to read them in order, since there are several recurring characters and story arcs.

Ok, that's going on the list then and thanks for letting me know. And I have that DVD too; John Castle, Anthony Hopkins and Timothy Dalton all in the same movie- sweet!!! Even if Dalton was skinny as a broomstick.

Henry II is my favorite British King, probably because he was portrayed by Peter O'Toole in two films, so I have no idea why I haven't read this series. Richard and John were very flawed in The Lion In Winter so I can see why Geoffrey would be every ones favorite even though he was manipulative. Thank you Christina for the review.

@ 132 -- craso, if Henry II is your favorite, you should definitely read this series! In my opinion, Penman has a great talent for making the Middle Ages come to life.

Book #60: Georgette Heyer, Behold, Here's Poison
Category: Little Grey Cells
CATs: Alpha (H -- I read this in August)

Gregory Matthews is a domestic tyrant and an all-around unpleasant man, so none of his family members are particularly grieved when he suddenly dies after eating a rich dinner. Everyone, including the local doctor, is ready to accept a verdict of death by heart failure, until the dead man's overbearing sister insists on a post-mortem. When the autopsy reveals that Matthews was actually poisoned, however, the family is thrown into turmoil. The taint of suspicion touches everyone, from the victim's sister-in-law, who lives in his house, to his heir, the sophisticated and sarcastic Randall Matthews. Inspector Hannasyde of Scotland Yard is on the case, and he soon finds Randall's attitude suspicious; meanwhile, Randall claims he is working on his own to discover the murderer. But will he or the police succeed before the guilty party kills again?

I've been reading Heyer's mysteries in publication order, and overall I've been enjoying them (though not as much as I love her Regency romances!). Sadly, I think this novel is my least favorite so far. Heyer's greatest strength isn't crafting suspenseful mysteries; rather, she excels in creating vivid, likable characters and witty dialogue. In this book, though, I just didn't find the central characters very likable or interesting. Randall in particular got on my nerves; while Heyer has successfully done similarly urbane, dandified characters in her romances, in this case I found him more irritating than intriguing. The romantic storyline also felt undeveloped and unsatisfying. This book wasn't a terrible read, by any means, but I'd recommend one of Heyer's other mysteries instead.

Book #61: Luis Fernando Verissimo, The Club of Angels (trans. Margaret Jull Costa)
Category: The Grand Tour
CATs: Alpha (V)

The narrator of this short book, Daniel, is a member of a very exclusive society of gourmands: He and nine other men regularly meet at each other's houses to feast on the most delicious, exotic, flavorful meals they can create. The club hasn't met recently due to some bad blood between the members, but then Daniel meets the mysterious chef Lucídio, who agrees to cook for them. The club members all converge on Daniel's apartment and are delighted to find that Lucídio's cooking is the best they've ever tasted. But then one of the guests mysteriously dies the next day -- and the meal Lucídio had prepared was that guest's favorite dish. The club continues to hold more dinners, and another member dies after each one. Yet for some reason, Daniel and his friends can't resist experiencing these exquisitely perfect meals, even with the knowledge that each bite could be their last.

From the moment I read the epigraph of this creepy little novel, I was hooked: "All desire is a desire for death. -- A possible Japanese maxim." Verissimo wasn't being lazy in his attribution; the saying is actually referenced in the novel, and it highlights Daniel's unreliability as a narrator. From the start, he warns us that he might be making up the whole story, and then he goes on to give a brief philosophy of the detective novel. So you'll know within the first two pages whether you'll like this book or not; I thought it was weird and thought-provkoking and very good! My library shelves it in the mystery section, which doesn't make sense to me, since "whodunit" is clear from the outset (well, kind of). But watching the motives slowly unfold was interesting and surprisingly suspenseful. I should also point out that this book is set in Brazil, and the main characters are a great microcosm of Brazilian society. I enjoyed this book a lot and would definitely recommend it, as well as Verissimo's other novel, Borges and the Eternal Orangutans.

I have yet to try out Heyer's mysteries. I do love her regencies, which is probably why I am hesitant to follow her into her other publication forays..... I fear disappointment.

I was hooked when I read Verissimo's The Club of Angels back in 2010 and was crushed to learn that my local library did not have Borges and the Eternal Orangutans, a book I have also failed to find in my bookstore forays. Glad to see you enjoyed The Club of Angels!

@ 136 -- Lori, I do (generally) like the mysteries also, but it's important to view them as Heyer first and mystery second. She uses a lot of the same character types as she does in her romances, and there's always a love story too! But the mysteries themselves, while competently written, aren't particularly inventive.

Also, I'm super excited that someone else in this group has read The Club of Angels! Wasn't it great?! Hope you are able to find Borges somewhere...it is definitely worth reading if you can get it!

Club of Angels is awesome! Verissimo has such a great grasp of his characters and the story he is conveying that you cannot help but just let the book take you along for the journey. My snapshot summary:

This intriguing book is more like a murder mystery told in reverse and a morbid satire of the sins of gluttony. It is the whys behind the murders that makes this story such a fascinating read, along with the outrageous characters and dialogue.

I'd totally agree with that summary...love the "murder mystery told in reverse" description!

I shall have to give The Club of Angels a try - sounds fascinating!

I wasn't planning on attending the National Book Festival, but when a friend invited me, I couldn't resist! We didn't stay very long, but we did get to hear Don DeLillo and Margaret Atwood speak. I particularly enjoyed Atwood's talk; she was very funny and engaging. I haven't read any of her books (shamefully, I know), but I'm definitely planning to try one now! Any suggestions?

Book #62: Rhys Bowen, Royal Blood
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: none

Lady Georgiana Rannoch, still both royal and impoverished, is desperately searching for a way to make ends meet -- especially when her brother Binky and his odious wife Fig come to London expecting her to feed and house them. So when the queen suggests that Georgie represent the British crown at a royal wedding in Romania, she jumps at the chance for a taste of adventure and temporary freedom from her financial woes. When Georgie arrives at the royal palace -- which is inevitably located in Transylvania -- she is impressed by its suitably gloomy and gothic atmosphere. But when one of the wedding guests, an unpopular Bulgarian dignitary, is poisoned during the house party, it's up to Georgie to discover the murderer before the tragedy escalates into an international incident.

I started this series a few years ago but lost track of it somewhere along the way, so I'm glad I finally decided to pick up the next book! I really enjoy the light, breezy tone of this series. Georgie is an extremely likable protagonist, a bit silly sometimes, but also full of spunk. I also love the 1930s setting, which allows for glamorous evening parties but also hints at the international strife that will soon erupt into World War II. The mystery plot itself is very slight, with a solution that basically comes out of nowhere; but since I enjoy the setting and characters, I can forgive a relatively weak plot. I definitely wouldn't recommend the book as a stand-alone novel, but fans of historical mysteries and cozies should give this series a try!

With Atwood the question becomes, "So what do you like?" My favorite is The Robber Bride, a modern retelling of the fairy tale, The Robber Bridegroom, but there's dystopia (Oryx and Crake, The Handmaid's Tale), historical (Alias Grace), short stories (Wilderness Tips and several others) and a feminist retelling of a greek myth (The Penelopiad). Come on in, the water's fine.

My favourite Atwoods have been Alias Grace and the Handmaid's Tale, but all the ones I've read have been worthwhile. I've not read RidgewayGirl's favourite, The Robber Bride, yet but it's on my shelf. I've also enjoyed some of Atwood's non-fiction, especially In Other Worlds: SF and the Human Imagination. I too have seen her speak, and what impressed me was how quick her mind was and how eloquently she could speak on a variety of subjects. I'll bet it would be fun, though perhaps very intimidating, to have her as a lunch guest.

The only Atwood book I have read is her non-fiction book Payback: Debt and the Shadow Side of Wealth. I highly recommend reading the last chapter in that one, if anything, as it is a very funny take on a modern day Scrooge being visited by the Ghosts of Earth Day Past, Present and Future.

I saw this decision scheme over on another thread..... maybe it will help you decide on which Atwood book you might consider reading first?

@ 143, 144, 145 -- Thanks for the input, ladies! I am particularly enjoying that flow chart...I'll definitely consult it when I'm ready to read some Atwood! :)

I love the flowchart! Brilliant.

It looks like the chart was created by a big Atwood fan. I'll throw in my recommendation for The Penelopiad. As a long time fan of the Odyssey story, it was a cool twist. I actually read most of it aloud to my daughter who was feeling ill when I had started it.

Once again I find myself 4 reviews behind, but I'm hoping to catch up within the next couple of days! In the meantime, those of you who haven't looked at the 2014 challenge group yet should really do so! There's already a ton of discussion, particularly about group reads and CATs. The conversation about what CATs to have next year is very active right now, and I believe voting is going to start soon, so do join in if you have suggestions or opinions!

This weekend is my library's semi-annual book sale! I am now poorer by $20 but richer by the following:



Ludmilla Petrushevskaya, There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby
Ben H. Winters, The Last Policeman
Louis Bayard, The Black Tower
Meg Keene, A Practical Wedding
Cheryl Sawyer, The Winter Prince
Rex Stout, Fer-de-Lance/The League of Frightened Men
Amanda Foreman, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire

Good haul! I shall be interested to know what you think of The Last Policeman.

Nice haul! I read The Black Tower earlier this year and really liked it. I'll be looking for more of Bayard's books.

@ 151 -- I think The Last Policeman was an LTER book a while ago, and it piqued my interest back then. I really love the premise...hope the execution lives up to it!

@ 152 -- Good to know! I really like the time period this book is set in, and the plot about the missing Dauphin intrigues me.

Great book haul! I like the title of the Petrushevskaya book: There Once Lived a Woman Who Tried to Kill Her Neighbor's Baby. The Black Tower is a great read, as is Bayard's Mr. Timothy... a completely different type of story to read at Christmas time. ;-)

Woo-hoo book sales! Good haul, and it reminds me that my library sale is in 3 weeks.

@ 154 -- Lori, her books all have great titles! I'm so intrigued by this one: There Once Lived a Girl Who Seduced Her Sister's Husband, and He Hanged Himself: Love Stories.

@ 155 -- Glad to remind you, mstrust! :) I'll probably head back to mine tomorrow...Sunday is half-price day!

Today was half-price day at the book sale, so of course I had to return! (Mass-market paperbacks were $0.25! The flesh is weak, I tell you!) And of course, I came out with the following (sorry for the blurry picture):



Hannah March, The Devil's Highway and A Distinction of Blood
Michael Innes, Death at the President's Lodging and Hamlet, Revenge!
Eric-Emmanuel Schmitt, The Most Beautiful Book in the World
Bernard Cornwell & Susannah Kells, The Fallen Angels
Stefanie Pintoff, A Curtain Falls

The grand total for 2 days is $25.50 and 14 books.

$25.50 for 14 books is an awesome deal!

Lori, I agree! I'm especially happy that everything is in fairly good shape...no bent/ripped covers, stains, or funky smells!

Wanted to remind everyone that we're discussing the structure of next year's challenge over at the 2014 group. We are currently voting on next year's CATs, so if you have opinions or suggestions, please head over and share them!

Thanks for mentioning that, Christina.

What a great haul. I'd like every single of those books, except for the ones I already have.

September recap:

I can't believe September is over, you guys! I've fallen even further behind on reviews and blogging, but I'm still plugging away at this challenge! Here's what I read this month:

Luis Fernando Verissimo, The Club of Angels -- The Grand Tour (5/6)
Rhys Bowen, Royal Blood -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (5/9)
Mary Stewart, The Hollow Hills -- Quest for Camelot (2/3)
Isaac Asimov, A Whiff of Death -- Little Grey Cells (5/8)
Seanan McGuire, Chimes at Midnight -- Shgakespeafe (6/7)
Amy Patricia Meade, Million Dollar Baby -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (6/9)
Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl -- Is This a Kissing Book? (9/10)

I also read a chunk of Boswell's Life of Johnson, but I still have a long way to go! It looks like my current read, The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater, will be my first book for October.

As we move into the final quarter of 2013, I need to read 18 more books to complete my challenge. I should be able to do this without too much trouble...hopefully I'll have a little time for "free" reading as well!

@ 161 -- No problem, RG! And yeah, I'm very pleased with my haul this time. Lord knows when I'll actually have time to read them...

I just got Fangirl for my library. It sounds pretty interesting. Did you like it?

@ 164 -- mamzel, I really, really, really liked it! I'm a big fan of Rainbow Rowell in general, and Fangirl definitely lived up to my expectations.

Book #63: Mary Stewart, The Hollow Hills
Category: Quest for Camelot
CATs: none

Picking up right after The Crystal Cave left off, this book follows Merlin from the day Arthur was conceived to the day he became high king of Britain. Although Merlin helped Uther Pendragon to marry Ygraine, he is currently out of favor with the king. Yet when Uther needs advice about what to do with his unborn child, Merlin is still the first person he consults. If the child is a boy, Uther must recognize him as the king's son, just in case he is unable to produce a legitimate heir. At the same time, however, he must keep the boy far away from his court, both to protect him and to get him out of the way in case there should be another son with a better claim to the throne. Merlin suggests sending the child to one of Uther's loyal knights, where he will be raised as a foster child ignorant of his true parentage. Meanwhile, Merlin becomes Arthur's friend and protector, teaching him all he needs to know in order eventually to take his rightful place as the king's heir.

I wasn't terribly impressed with the first book in this series, The Crystal Cave, but I actually liked this book more. It starts off slowly, but once Arthur is born, the book picks up and gets significantly more interesting. Unsurprisingly, I enjoyed the political machinations aspect of the book more than the mystical aspect; I found Merlin's visions and prophecies a little boring! I did like watching the relationship between Merlin and Arthur unfold, though, and I look forward to seeing how it continues in the next book. Overall, I'm glad I decided not to give up after The Crystal Cave, and I'm a little more excited about The Last Enchantment than I was before.

After reading and enjoying Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting, I have a bit of difficulty picturing her writing an Aurthurian series, even though I understand those books appear to be what she is more well known for than her romantic suspense stories.

Lori, I have to admit, I much prefer Stewart's romantic suspense novels to her Arthurian books! There's really no romance in the latter, and nearly all the characters are men. But having read the first two Merlin books, I'm interested enough to read the third one. (There's also a fourth, The Wicked Day, but I don't own that one, so I probably won't bother to read it.)

Book #64: Isaac Asimov, A Whiff of Death
Category: Little Grey Cells
CATs: Random (lab lit -- I read this in September)

Professor Louis Brade is a middle-aged chemistry professor whose biggest problem is his ongoing struggle for tenure. But his life gets much more complicated when one of his students, Ralph Neufeld, is found dead in the research lab. Outward signs point to an accident; Ralph was preparing an experiment at the time, and he might have accidentally used a poisonous chemical instead of the identical-looking harmless one. But Professor Brade knows that Ralph was a meticulous chemist who would never have made such a mistake. He is reluctant to voice his suspicion that Ralph was murdered, however -- especially when it becomes clear that Brade himself is a promising suspect. Can Brade discover the cause of Ralph's death, clear his name, and avoid becoming the murderer's next victim?

I was surprised and delighted to discover that Isaac Asimov also wrote detective novels! And I have to say, I was very impressed with this mystery. I enjoyed the academic setting, and although chemistry plays a large role in the story, it's very easy for non-scientists to follow as well. I also liked Brade as a main character, mostly because of how normal he is compared to other fictional detectives: He's an intelligent but not brilliant professor, and he has a happy-ish marriage that nevertheless has its fair share of conflict. Finally, I really loved the policeman in this case, whose breezy manner conceals a very sharp mind. The interplay between the policeman and Brade was one of my favorite parts of the book. Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to fans of older mysteries, and I plan to look for more of Asimov's detective stories.

Book #65: Seanan McGuire, Chimes at Midnight
Category: Shgakespeafe
CATs: none

October Daye, faerie knight and private detective, is making it her mission to get goblin fruit off the streets of San Francisco. More potent than any human drug, goblin fruit will cause a human or changeling to become addicted with just one taste; its victims will become swallowed up in their dreams, wasting away and eventually dying. When Toby discovers the corpse of yet another changeling addict, she decides to petition the Queen of the Mists for help. But instead of listening to Toby's arguments, the queen promptly exiles her, giving her only three days to get out of town forever. Reeling from shock, Toby nonetheless decides to fight back -- and soon discovers some interesting details about the queen's accession to her throne.

This book is yet another wonderful installment of the Toby Daye series. I don't actually read a lot of urban fantasy, but I was hooked on these books from the beginning. I love Toby's hard-boiled, self-deprecating voice, and it's easy to root for her even when she's getting herself into ever more dangerous situations. I think this book in particular was an excellent showcase for all the secondary characters: from Tybalt and May to Quentin and the Luidaeg, everyone seems to have a moment to shine. Also, the mystery of Quentin's background is finally revealed! This is definitely more of a "plot" book than a "character" book, though; it's Toby's race against time to avoid banishment that drives the story forward. Overall, this is another strong installment of a great series -- can't wait for the next one!

Hi Christina, that was a great book haul you got at your library sale. I notice the Rex Stout in there and now feel like picking up one of his immediately. I am getting very close to the end of my challenge and I'm looking forward to some "free" reading.

Thanks, DQ! I'm definitely looking forward to some "free" reading as well, but I still have 16 books to go! Hopefully I can finish them all before the end of December. I could really use some comfort reading right now!

I've been very busy these past several weeks, so I've fallen behind with my thread and with LT in general. I'm still reading, but I'm SO behind on reviews! Here are the ones I still need to write:

- Million Dollar Baby by Amy Patricia Meade -- Cute story, but the writing style wasn't great, so I probably won't continue with the series.
- Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell -- Loved this!
- The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater -- I'm now officially hooked on the Raven Boys series.
- Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress by Dai Sijie -- A well-written book with an interesting setting (China during the cultural revolution).
- Shadows by Robin McKinley -- Disappointing, considering how much I love most of her other books.
- The Roman Hat Mystery by Ellery Queen -- Fairly good vintage mystery, although a certain aspect of the solution was terribly jarring to modern sensibilities.
- No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty -- A funny and informative guide to participating in NaNoWriMo.

I'm hoping to write more thorough reviews soon, but that's the general idea. :) I now have 13 books left to read for this challenge...the end is in sight!

Are you going to write a novel this year?

Yes, I am! Consider this my official announcement, fellow LTers: I am going to participate in NaNoWriMo this year. For those of you who may not know, National Novel Writing Month is an event that takes place every November, in which participants commit to writing a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. I've signed up for it a few times in the past but have never really committed to it. Well, this year I'm committing! If you're doing it also, please let me know (and find me on the website -- I'm christina_reads over there too). I'd love to cheer you on! :)

Of course, this probably means I'll be devoting even less time to LT for the next few weeks...ah well, I'll make up for it in December!

How exciting, Christina. Good luck and good writing!

Seconding Judy's comment - good luck with your NaNoWriMo!

Have a great time with NaNoWriMo! I've meant to give it a shot, but haven't gotten around to it yet.

50,000 words in 30 days?! Wow, that's full on. Good luck Christina, what an exciting challenge.

Thanks, everyone! And Eva, perhaps this is your year? ;)

It's so very tempting to sign up, but I know my schedule for November isn't going to accommodate it, unfortunately. :(

@ 181 -- Yeah, it's annoying how November is typically a very busy month!

Book #66: Amy Patricia Meade, Million Dollar Baby
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: none

Marjorie McClelland is a mildly successful mystery novelist trying to make ends meet during the Great Depression. Creighton Ashcroft is a wealthy Englishman who has recently purchased the grandest estate in Marjorie's town. Though they come from two different worlds, Creighton is immediately attracted to the author and offers to help her with her latest book. Marjorie accepts his help, and they soon settle into a daily routine, which is shockingly interrupted by the discovery of a skeleton on Creighton's property. Creighton and Marjorie call the police immediately, but Creighton regrets this action when the extremely handsome lead detective appears on the scene and competes for Marjorie's attention. Can this trio of detectives discover what happened to the dead person? And will Creighton be able to win Marjorie's heart away from his attractive rival?

Being a fan of the classic country house mystery, I was excited to read this book, which is first in a series set in 1930s New England. Unfortunately, I just wasn't impressed by the writing style. The dialogue was awkward and clumsy, and there was too much "showing" rather than "telling." I was also annoyed by the rapid shift in Creighton and Marjorie's relationship; at first, he seems to be merely attracted to her, but about halfway through the book he suddenly feels deep and lasting love. I found the change very abrupt, and I couldn't figure out why he was so interested in her after a few superficial conversations. I do think the setup of the series is interesting and unique -- it's not every day you have three sleuths embroiled in a love triangle while they attempt to solve crimes! However, the execution just wasn't good enough for me to continue with the series.

>175 christina_reads:: I'm going to do NaNoWriMo too! (I'm also mathgirl40 on the site.) I won my first year but fizzled out halfway through last year. I'm not much of a "serious" writer, but I see this event as a good opportunity to practice my writing and it's really loads of fun. I'm trying to finish up as much of my "obligation" reading as I can before Nov. 1.

Good luck to you, mathgirl! I'll be sure to find you on the WriMo website.

Book #67: Rainbow Rowell, Fangirl
Category: Is This a Kissing Book?
CATs: none

Cath and her twin sister Wren have always been close, and they've especially bonded over their love of Simon Snow, a Harry Potter-esque series of books with a huge fan base. Cath is even writing a slash fanfiction novel about Simon and Baz (think Malfoy from the HP books), with some help from Wren. But now that they're starting their freshman year of college, Wren wants to branch out and meet new people -- which means she doesn't want to be Cath's roommate. Which means Cath is all alone in a strange place, with a painful amount of anxiety and no idea where the dining hall is. Cath's only solace is hiding out in her dorm room and writing fanfiction, but slowly she begins to make friends and come out of her shell. She even meets a boy and experiences the shock of falling in love for the first time. But can Cath embrace these new experiences and emotions without losing the person she's always been?

I've absolutely loved both of Rainbow Rowell's previous novels, Attachments and Eleanor & Park, so I had high expectations for this book; happily, I wasn't disappointed! Cath is a character I can really relate to, as I think most readers and book bloggers can. She knows what it's like to get lost in a fictional world and really engage with the characters in a book. I also really liked the way fanfiction is portrayed from various perspectives. There's Cath, who uses it as an outlet for creative expression; her roommate and friends, who think it's weird; her creative writing professor, who views it as plagiarism; and a devoted fan of Cath's work who eagerly awaits each new installment of her fanficiton. The romance is very well done, as always, and I loved watching Cath slowly let down her defenses. I wasn't nuts about all the excerpts from the Simon Snow books and Cath's story, but other than that, I really enjoyed this book!

Book #68: Maggie Stiefvater, The Dream Thieves
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: none

***Warning: SPOILERS for The Raven Boys!***

Ronan Lynch has the unusual ability to steal objects from his dreams. This doesn't seem very strange to his group of friends, but then, they're not exactly normal either. Gansey is obsessed with finding the medieval Welsh king Owen Glendower, Adam has made a strange bargain with a magical forest, Noah is a ghost, and Blue lives in a house full of psychics. Although they're all working together on the Glendower quest, Ronan is more preoccupied with his own talent and how it might be linked to his family's past. He's also being drawn into the orbit of another Raven Boy with a bad reputation and a reckless thirst for danger. But the greatest threat of all seems to come from the sinister Grey Man, who is hunting for something -- or someone -- that can bridge the gap between dreams and reality. Only Ronan's friends stand between him and the darkness that awaits...who will prevail?

While I enjoyed The Raven Boys when I first read it, I wasn't completely sure that I cared enough about the story or characters to continue with the series. This book, however, sold me; I'm now committed to reading the entire series as it comes out. Stiefvater is an excellent writer, with a sparse yet poetic way of describing things that I really admire. Also, since this is book #2 in the series, the characters and world have already been established, so there's an opportunity to dig deeper into Ronan's and his friends' backstories. It doesn't hurt that this book features Ronan heavily; he's definitely my favorite of the Raven Boys, and his story arc in this book is compelling. I can't wait to see what happens to him and the other characters as the series continues!

Book #69: Dai Sijie, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress (trans. Ina Rilke)
Category: The Grand Tour
CATs: none

This slight novel tells the story of two young Chinese men who are sent to a remote mountain village to be "re-educated" during the cultural revolution of the 1970s. Both youths are talented individuals; the unnamed narrator plays the violin, and his best friend Luo is a master storyteller. Despite these gifts, however, they soon feel oppressed by the overwhelming boredom of their new lives, where they are forced to perform manual labor from dawn to dusk. But two unexpected events soon occur, changing the course of their lives forever: they discover a hidden cache of Western classics translated into Chinese, and they meet a beautiful young seamstress who steals both their hearts.

This is a very short book, and it honestly felt more like a tableau than a novel to me. The setting is described vividly with meticulous prose, but nothing much happens. I think I was expecting the book to be more overtly political, since the author was himself "re-educated" during this time period and ended up leaving China for France. But while the cultural revolution certainly isn't praised, the boys' lives aren't portrayed in a particularly negative light either. Also, their exposure to Western culture isn't always a good thing; in fact, their relationship with the seamstress is irrevocably altered by her exposure to European literature. So I was very interested by the ambiguities in the novel, but the plot and characters didn't particularly grip me. I'd like to read another novel (or nonfiction work) about this time period, which seems like it would be rich in dramatic material.

October recap:

From an unexpected furlough to a whirlwind cross-country trip, I feel like I've been through the wringer this month! When did autumn become such a busy season? Fortunately, I think life is stabilizing somewhat (although we are heading into the holiday season...), and I'm excited about finishing up my challenge in the next two months! Anyway, here's what I read in October:

Maggie Stiefvater, The Dream Thieves -- A Kind of Magic (6/10)
Dai Sijie, Balzac and the Little Chinese Seamstress -- The Grand Tour (6/6)
Robin McKinley, Shadows -- A Kind of Magic (7/10)
Ellery Queen, The Roman Hat Mystery -- Little Grey Cells (6/8)
Chris Baty, No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days -- True Story (5/5)
Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes -- Shgakespeafe (7/7)
Mary Doria Russell, Doc -- Don't Shoot the Piano Player (4/4)

I'm finishing off my categories slowly but surely, and now I have just 11 books to go! Looking forward to the light at the end of the tunnel...

11 book left to complete your challenge is awesome, Christina!

Thanks, Lori! I'm pretty optimistic, although I still have a huge amount of Life of Johnson to read...oh yeah, and NaNoWriMo is going to devour a large part of my reading time this month! So we'll see. :)

So, a busy fall, NaNoWriMo in November, and the holidays after that... I'm thinking mid-January is when you get to take a breather. :) Holding my thumbs for all you NaNoWriMo-ers, though - perhaps next year will be my year.

Mid-January? But the 2014 challenge will be under way by then! ;) And thanks for the NaNoWriMo support...I'll certainly need it!

Book #70: Robin McKinley, Shadows
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: Random (darkness -- I read this in October)

At first glance, Maggie seems to be an ordinary teenage girl: she loves animals, hates algebra, and thinks there's something wrong with her new stepfather, Val. But it's not just Val's funny Oldworld accent or terrible taste in shirts that worries Maggie. It's the fact that he's always surrounded by shadows that don't make sense; they're the wrong shapes, and there are far too many of them to be natural. To make matters worse, Maggie has started to notice some troubling things about her hometown in Newworld -- unexplained phenomena that almost look like breaks in reality. Eventually Maggie confronts Val and learns some unpleasant truths about Newworld and its way of dealing with unnatural occurrences.

I've been a huge fan of Robin McKinley's since the first time I read The Hero and the Crown in elementary school, so I was ecstatic to learn that she'd written a new book, even if it wasn't the long-awaited continuation of Pegasus. However, I'm sorry to say that I was very disappointed in this book. It does contain many of the classic McKinley touches, such as a wonderful canine companion, a no-nonsense heroine with plenty of gumption, and (less happily) a magical system that is never fully explained. But overall, I felt let down by this story; there were a lot of very interesting threads running throughout the novel, but they were never gathered together in the end. I'm not sure whether a sequel is planned or not, but some further resolution of the story definitely seems necessary. I can't help but wonder if McKinley was attempting to write her version of the dyptopian YA novel that is so popular nowadays. All I can say is, I vastly prefer her older books!

Book #71: Ellery Queen, The Roman Hat Mystery
Category: Little Grey Cells
CATs: Alpha (Q -- year-long)

In 1920s New York City, crowds have been thronging to see the latest Broadway hit, a sensationalist gangster play complete with flashing lights and gunfire. But little did the audience members of the Roman theater suspect that a real murder would be committed during the second act! Inspector Richard Queen of the local police is on the scene almost immediately, with his curious son Ellery in tow. In examining the victim's body, they soon discover an interesting anomaly: despite being dressed in full evening clothes, the dead man wasn't wearing a top hat. The police scour the Roman theater from top to bottom and search all the audience members as they leave the premises, but the hat is nowhere to be found. While Inspector Queen and his fellow police detectives identify the corpse and discover his involvement in a blackmailing scheme, Ellery applies himself to the mystery of the missing hat -- and deduces the identity of the murderer as a result.

I really enjoy classic mysteries from the early 20th century, so I was excited to read this first Ellery Queen novel. Overall, I was very impressed with the mystery plot itself; the solution is tight and hangs together well, although part of the motive is concealed from readers until the very end. (Historical racism is also an aspect of the solution, which can certainly be offputting for contemporary readers.) I also liked the way in which the police were depicted as they investigated the murder: far from being bumbling idiots, they approach their job intelligently and methodically. I was especially tickled by the introduction of the district attorney as a character. Most mystery novels focus solely on catching the killer -- never mind if s/he can actually be convicted in a court of law! I wasn't as impressed with the characterization of the detectives, however. Inspector Queen was more central to this book than Ellery, but he didn't seem to be consistently depicted, and Ellery was barely fleshed out at all. Presumably, though, more character development occurs in subsequent books, and I'd certainly be willing to read more Ellery Queen novels.

Book #72: Chris Baty, No Plot? No Problem!: A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days
Category: True Story
CATs: none

This book, written by the creator of NaNoWriMo, explains the origin of his crazy idea to write a 50,000-word novel in 30 days. Its target audience is those creative, literature-loving types who often say to themselves, "Someday I'd like to write a novel," but who haven't actually done anything to make their dream happen. Baty's central point is that the best way to write a novel is just to sit down and write it -- and to give yourself an impossibly short deadline so that you can't let procrastination or perfectionism get in the way. This book introduces the concept of NaNoWriMo and offers a guided tour of each week, complete with tips from people who have successfully hit the 50,000-word target in the past. It also offers suggestsions for how to keep motivated, what to do when you get stuck, and how to conquer your pesky Inner Editor.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I am participating in NaNoWriMo this month (and am already falling behind in my word count, due to an incredibly busy first weekend!), so I seized the opportunity to read this book before all the madness began. I really enjoyed Baty's breezy, tongue-in-cheek tone, which underscores the fact that this is a ridiculous undertaking that is highly unlikely to produce quality work. I also found several of his suggestions helpful, particularly the idea of finding time to write every day by making a schedule and eliminating nonproductive activities. I know I can waste several hours a day doing nothing but watching TV or puttering around the apartment...but now I'm going to spend those hours writing intead! I should say, though, that this is not a good resource for learning about the craft of writing. Other than very basic definitions of plot, setting, and characters, this book doesn't offer advice about style or improving the quality of your writing. I'd recommend it to people who are interested in doing NaNoWriMo, but those who want a more general writing guide should look elsewhere.

Good luck, and keep writing!

@ 197 -- Thanks! I'm planning to do a marathon catch-up session this weekend, since I'm pretty behind schedule right now...

Book #73: Ray Bradbury, Something Wicked This Way Comes
Category: Shgakespeafe
CATs: Award (Bram Stoker), Random (darkness)

A week before Halloween, Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show creeps silently into Green Town, Illinois, in the middle of the night. To most of the town's inhabitants, the show is a carnival like any other, with its sideshows, rides, and circus freaks. But 13-year-old best friends Jim Nightshade and Will Halloway suspect that something more sinister is at work. The carnival seems to lure unwary visitors into its depths, and those who fall under its spell will never be the same again. It's up to Jim and Will -- and Will's father, an unassuming librarian who worries about his age and his relationship with his son -- to uncover the dark secret at the heart of the circus and to prevent it from ensnaring more victims.

I don't usually read horror novels, but I was interested in this book because of its classic status (and, frankly, because of its Shakespearean title). Unfortunately, this novel really didn't work for me, but the problem wasn't the story at all -- it was the writing style. The prose is gratingly faux-poetic, overblown, and melodramatic. Words are often used in unconventional ways (nouns being used as verbs and the like), which can be an effective stylistic choice, but in this case I found it incredibly distracting. I also found the dialogue completely unrealistic and stilted. It's a shame, because I actually do think the basic story is fascinating and could have been very effective in the right hands. I'm definitely not enthusiastic about trying more Bradbury after this -- and I'm wondering how well Fahrenheit 451 would stand up to a re-read!

I had similar feelings to you about Something Wicked and I'm just glad that it wasn't my first Bradbury. I read Fahrenheit 451 just a couple of years ago (not a re-read though) and thoroughly enjoyed it. I've also read his Martian Chronicles which I also liked quite a lot.

@ 200 -- Phew, good to know! I really liked Fahrenheit 451 when I read it as a teenager. Perhaps I'll try The Martian Chronicles if I ever have a desire to read more Bradbury.

I read Something Wicked a few months ago and really liked it, though I also found much of the dialogue outdated or maybe unrealistic, especially between the two boys. I put it down to the time the book is set (around the turn of the last century?) but it could well be that Bradbury hadn't hung out with kids in a long time.
I read Fahrenheit 451 last year and liked it too. The writing there is more straightforward, so maybe Bradbury changed his style depending on the plot.

@ 202 -- I'm glad you enjoyed Something Wicked This Way Comes more than I did! I don't know why I reacted so strongly to the dialogue, since an old-fashioned prose style doesn't normally bother me.

#201 I can recommend The Martian Chronicles as well. Read it a few years back and enjoyed it very much.

Thanks, craso! I am planning on a science fiction category next year...

Book #74: Mary Doria Russell, Doc
Category: Don't Shoot the Piano Player
CATs: none (I read this in October)

This is a novel about the legendary Doc Holliday, known to history for his involvement in the infamous Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona. But this book isn't about that particular historical event; rather, it's about who Doc Holliday really was, or at least who he might have been. It starts with John Henry Holliday's childhood in Georgia: how he survived the aftermath of the Civil War and Sherman's march; how he loved music and the finer things in life; and how he was profoundly affected by his mother's death. It describes how he became ill with the disease that eventually killed him, and how his health forced him to seek a more arid climate out West. Finally, it depicts his life in Dodge City, Kansas, and the friendships and relationships he formed there, particularly with Kate Harony -- an educated, passionate, and temperamental whore -- and with a taciturn lawman named Wyatt Earp.

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and this book is a perfect example of why. It brings the Wild West to life in an extremely vivid way, particularly the struggles of a frontier town in an era where the law offered very little protection to its citizens. I was fascinated by the political machinations at work in Dodge, where social issues like prostitution and Prohibition were intimately entangled with the local economy, and where political elections were often decided over a hand of cards. The characters in this book are as well-depicted as the setting: I felt like I truly got to know Doc and Wyatt, what made them tick, and how they managed to rise above their time while also being defined by it. They are both admirable characters, but Russell doesn't shy away from describing their very real flaws. Overall, this book transported me to another time, and I absolutely loved it. Definitely one of my top reads of the year!

Book #75: Georgette Heyer, They Found Him Dead
Category: Little Grey Cells
CATs: none

This book begins, as so many classic British mysteries do, with an ill-fated party at an English country house. Silas Kane is celebrating his 60th birthday, but many of his guests aren't in a particularly happy mood. His heir, Clement, is desperate to get his hands on a piece of the older man's fortune -- especially because his beautiful but materialistic wife, Rosemary, is threatening to leave him. Meanwhile, Silas' neighbor and business partner is eager to interest him in an investment opportunity, but so far he has stubbornly refused to consider the deal. So when Silas is discovered dead the day after the party -- having apparently fallen over the cliff where he habitually took a walk every evening -- there is no shortage of suspects to consider. And when Clement is shot in the study shortly afterwards, it seems clear that a murderer is at work. Once again, Inspector Hannasyde of Scotland Yard must untangle the various motives in play and discover the identity of a ruthless killer.

I've been steadily working my way through Heyer's mysteries, and this book is a typical example. I always enjoy Heyer's witty dialogue and hints of romance, although in this book the love story is very peripheral to the main plot. The mystery itself is fine, though there's nothing particularly surprising for those who read a lot of detective novels. As always, the strength of Heyer's books is her characters, and there several great ones here, from the self-absorbed Rosemary Kane to the exuberant young Timothy Harte, who is overly eager to assist the police in solving the murder. I should note, however, that while Inspector Hannasyde is a recurring character in Heyer's mysteries, he is definitely not the protagonist; each individual book tends to revolve around the victim and the suspects much more than around the detective. Anyway, I definitely liked this book overall, but there's nothing that makes it particularly stand out to me.

Hi Christina, I also totally feel in love with Doc when I read it. It was my first Mary Doria Russell but most certainly won't be my last!

Doc was one of my best reads of 2012. Glad you enjoyed it, too.

@ 208 -- DQ, I'm already planning to read another Mary Doria Russell, Dreamers of the Day, this year!

@ 209 -- RG, after seeing so many positive reviews of Doc on LT, I just had to try it for myself!

Yaaaaay glad you liked Doc! It was excellent.

Doc is high on my to-read list - you've just pushed it even higher!

Nice review of Doc! I just finished Russell's Children of God, the sequel to The Sparrow and liked both enough to want to read more of Russell's works. Maybe I'll try this one next.

Good luck with NaNoWriMo! I'm doing OK with word count, but I've definitely had to cut down on the reading. I'm trying to catch up by listening to audiobooks while I do laundry and dishes.

I am definitely keeping Doc on my radar. I have heard good things about it from a few different sources now which is always a good thing.

I also just read your review of They Found Him Dead, thinking along the lines of the MysteryCAT for next year, which category/categories would that one fit in do you think?
edit: just read the review again - you say it is a classic British.

I've had Doc on my list since I heard the author speak on NPR one day. And I keep seeing good reviews here. Have to move it closer to the top, I guess.

Yay, I'm glad to be convincing people to read Doc! It's definitely worth the read. I borrowed a copy from the library but am thinking I probably need to own it for myself!

@ 214 -- Roro8, yes, I'd say it's a classic/Golden Age mystery, as well as a British mystery. And I'd also say it's a detective novel, since a Scotland Yard inspector solves the case. There's lots of overlap with those 2014 CATs!

Had never heard of Doc but based on all the glowing recommendations! I feel compelled to add it to my wishlist.

@ 217 -- Yay! I think you won't regret it.

Book #76: Mary Stewart, The Last Enchantment
Category: Quest for Camelot
CATs: Random (pilgrims)

This third book in Stewart's Merlin saga picks up right where The Hollow Hills left off: Arthur has just been crowned High King of Britain, and now he must confront the various threats to his kingdom. He immediately engages in battle with the Saxons and attains victory after victory, but the more serious dangers to Arthur's kingship come from within. First, Morgause has managed to hide away Mordred, the son she conceived during her incestuous liaison with Arthur, who will ultimately be Arthur's doom. There's also the necessity of ensuring the succession, which means Arthur must find a bride. And finally, some of the northern kings are chafing under Arthur's rule, so he faces internal rebellions as well as external threats. Through all of this, Merlin remains by Arthur's side to give him advice, friendship, and the occasional prophecy.

My biggest feeling on finishing this book is one of relief -- I'm finally done with this trilogy! (Yes, there is a fourth book, The Wicked Day, but I don't own that one and have no intention of reading it.) It's not badly written at all, but it moves so slowly that I couldn't wait to be done! I think the pitfall of telling Arthur's story from Merlin's point of view is that (at least in this version of events) Merlin likes to go off by himself to read or tend his garden or visit foreign lands, so he's not by Arthur's side during all the interesting parts. There's almost nothing in this book about Arthur's knights, or his relationship with Guinevere, or most of the famous legends of Camelot. In short, I found this book -- and the series as a whole -- pretty boring, although maybe Arthur enthusiasts would enjoy it more. Personally, it's not something I ever need to read again.

I loved Stewart's Nine Coaches Waiting but I think I will pass on her Arthurian series. I love the Arthurian legend but some books just don't do it for me. ;-(

Lori, I loved Nine Coaches Waiting also! Stewart's romantic suspense novels are really good reads in general. I think part of my disappointment with her Arthurian series is that my expectations were too high. Also, I'm not particularly interested in the Arthurian legends (not that I'm UNinterested; it's just not one of my enthusiasms), so I didn't have that interest to keep me motivated.

I have very fond memories of reading all of Mary Stewart's romantic suspense novels, along with those of Madeline Brent and Victoria Holt, but the Arthurian legend has never interested me enough to read much about it. Now, there are several books in the house on the topic, because my SO loves that stuff.

@ 222 -- Why have I never heard of Madeline Brent before? I'll have to check her out! I've read a couple of Victoria Holt's books, and I've been meaning to read more...I think Mistress of Mellyn is on my shelves already!

My favorite of Brent's novels is The Long Masquerade. What ever happened to that genre? Does anyone write romantic suspense of that kind anymore?

I'm not sure, RG. I have read a few contemporary novels that might be classified as "romantic suspense," but they're a lot heavier on the romance...really more like romance novels with a thriller-type subplot.

Book #77: Gail Carriger, Curtsies & Conspiracies
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: none

After the events of Etiquette & Espionage, Miss Sophronia Temminick is back at Mademoiselle Geraldine's finishing school, where young ladies learn to finish...anyone or anything. Sophronia learns that she has received top marks in her espionage classes, which causes resentment among the other students, even her close friends. Meanwhile, she discovers more information about the crystalline valve prototype that caused so much trouble in the previous book. While she tries to learn more about the valve's purpose, it quickly becomes evident that she's not the only interested party -- and that her best friend Dimity might be in danger because of it. While Sophronia attempts to put her clandestine skills to good use, she must also cope with the arrival of boys from a rival academy -- including one who flirts with her most scandalously! Will Sophronia be able to protect her friend and solve the mystery, all while trying to listen to her confused heart?

This second book in Carriger's Finishing School series is another fun Victorian romp with steampunk trappings. The world of these books is fascinating and very entertaining, with its steam-powered "mechanimals" and rules of supernatural etiquette. This book even furnishes a few specific alternate-universe facts, such as that the telegraph was introduced a few years ago but failed dismally. These tidbits help to anchor the novel's plot a bit more in reality, which is important because most of it is so entirely silly! If you're not familiar with Carriger's schtick, be prepared for a lot of riduculous names and pseudo-British witticisms. I personally enjoy the silliness, but your mileage may vary. I also quite like Sophronia, a delightfully practical, self-assured heroine who doesn't let little things like rules or restrictions prevent her from satisfying her curiosity. My only complaint is that I'm still very confused about the valve and the various parties involved. No one's motives are clear yet, which makes it hard to know whether Sophronia is doing a good job or not. But I'm still definitely planning to continue with the series to find out!

I am still working my way through Carriger's Parosal Protectorate series but I am looking forward to starting her Finishing School series, although I might just wait a little longer for more books to get published.... ;-)

Fair enough, Lori! I think there are ultimately supposed to be 4 books in the Finishing School series. So far I am enjoying it more than Parasol Protectorate, which I also liked.

Book: Mary Doria Russell, Dreamers of the Day
Category: none!
CATs: Random (pilgrims)

This novel, set in the early 20th century, is narrated by Agnes Shanklin, a schoolteacher who has spent her entire life caring for her domineering mother. But when the influenza pandemic of 1918 carries off most of her family, including Mumma, Agnes finds herself unexpectedly inheriting a substantial sum of money. Though she is grieved by the multiple deaths in her family, she is also finally free from Mumma's influence. Impulsively, she decides to see the world and books a trip to Egypt. There she meets several prominent British officers and diplomats, who are in Cairo to come to an agreement on Middle Eastern policy. Agnes is drawn into their social circle and mingles with the likes of Winston Churchill and Thomas Edward Lawrence, now famously known as "Lawrence of Arabia." She also meets a German called Karl Weilbacher, who is handsome, kind, and attentive, but may not be all that he seems. Ultimately, the people Agnes meets and events she witnesses in Egypt will have a profound effect on the rest of her life.

After finally reading and loving Doc, I was eager to try another book by Mary Doria Russell. This one was very readable, and the insights into the Cairo Conference of 1921 were fascinating. It's a historical event that still has obvious ramifications for our world today, covering issues such as a Jewish homeland in Palestine, the territorial boundaries of new nations like Iraq, and the amount of influence Western countries should continue to have in the Middle East. I enjoyed Russell's depictions of real historical figures in this book, particularly Churchill, wo made me laugh even at his most exasperating. I didn't like this novel nearly as much as Doc, however, mostly because I found it too preachy. Agnes is an extremely opinionated character, and due to a strange framing device in the novel, she narrates from a quasi-omniscient perspective. Because of this, she judges the events of her time from a 21st-century point of view, which I find very irritating in historical novels. And since Western involvement in the Middle East is still a very complex and controversial issue, I didn't appreciate Agnes' more simplistic perspective. But even though this aspect of the book rubbed me the wrong way, I think it's still worth a read for people interested in the time period or in the creation of the modern Middle East.

Looks like I have options for when I finally do dip into a Russell book, Christina. Great review of Dreamers of the Day!

Thanks, Lori! I'm definitely interested in reading more by her.

Book #78: Ellis Peters, An Excellent Mystery
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: none

In the summer of A.D. 1141, two Benedictine brothers seek refuge at the Abbey of Saints Peter and Paul in Shrewsbury. They have fled the city of Winchester, where their former abbey has gone up in flames, a casualty of the civil war between King Stephen and Empress Maud that still rages on. The older of the two refugees, Brother Humilis, is obviously a nobleman -- and just as obviously dying from a mortal wound sustained many years ago in the Crusades. The younger man, Brother Fidelis, is mute, but he tends his fellow traveler with astonishing devotion. Brother Cadfael, due to his knowledge of herbs and their healing properties, spends a lot of time with these two brothers and eventually discovers that there is more to their story than meets the eye. Meanwhile, Cadfael also investigates the disappearance of a beautiful young woman who intended to become a nun but never arrived at her convent.

This book is the eleventh installment of the Cadfael series, but I think it can largely function as a stand-alone; newcomers to the series wouldn't get lost if they jumped in here, though I still recommend starting with A Morbid Taste for Bones. These books are always comfort reads for me. I love the historical setting of a medieval monastery, and I enjoy seeing how Cadfael's small world is affected by larger historical events. I also like the fact that these mysteries are firmly on the "cozy" end of the spectrum; there is often murder, but it's never grisly, and there's also romance and humor and a lot of lovely descriptions of monastic life. As for this book in particular, I definitely enjoyed it, but I'm pretty sure I read something about the solution to the mystery ahead of time, because it definitely didn't surprise me. In fact, I think the resolution is fairly predictable even if you haven't been spoiled. However, I still liked this book a lot and look forward to the next installment of the Cadfael series!

I was casting about for something to order on my Kindle and thought about continuing with the Cadfael series. Unfortunately Amazon is not very friendly listing the books in order and I didn't want to turn on my computer. I felt so silly not willing to spend the time to figure it out but it's their loss. I'll get to Cadfael some day.

@ 233 -- Haha, I totally understand that; sometimes you just don't care enough to bother. Of course, I definitely do recommend more Cadfael, so I'd suggest checking out Fantastic Fiction to get the series order.

I admit to having devoured all of the Brother Cadfael books back in my high school/ university days.... mostly for the historical 'coziness' of the stories! The whole Stephen and Maud feud was also great reading.

I'd read a couple of Cadfael mysteries a long time ago and enjoyed them and really should pick up more. I also liked the TV series with Derek Jacobi.

My SO and I read all of the Cadfael books when we were living in England and driving around the area. You are all making me want to dig one or two out to reread now!

I don't think they need to be read in any particular order. It's not like there is a slow developing love interest or anything like that! And changes to the lives of secondary characters is a minor enough note to not need to be followed in order.

@ 235 -- Lori, I've been reading the Cadfael series since high school at least! I keep letting multiple years go by between each new installment, which is crazy because I really do love the series!

@ 236 -- Yes! More Cadfael! :)

@ 237 -- RG, it's true that the series order doesn't matter all that much. I think the first book I read in the series was actually #4, St. Peter's Fair. There are a few story arcs that span multiple books, but one certainly wouldn't be majorly spoiled by reading out of order.

Book #79: Cheryl Mahoney, The Wanderers
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: none

Jasper is a wandering adventurer-for-hire, fighting monsters and rescuing damsels in distress -- for a fee. He stays in one place just long enough to collect his reward; he never sticks around for the happily-ever-after part. He doesn't want any emotional entanglements, and he's got a whole list of Rules to keep him suitably detached. But when a seemingly ordinary battle against an evil magician introduces Jasper to a talking cat, he finds himself breaking Rule 18 (always travel alone) and making a friend in the process. Things get even more complicated when one of the damsels Jasper rescues demands to join him on his adventures. Julie is determined, thirsty for adventure, and desperately afraid of her (literal) witch of a mother. As Jasper, Julie, and Tom the cat continue to travel in search of wrongs to right, Jasper finds it harder and harder to follow the Rules. Will this unlikley team be able to conquer their personal monsters and find their way to their own happy ending?

This is the debut novel of a blogger I follow, Cheryl Mahoney at Tales of the Marvelous. It's always a little nerve-wracking to read a book by someone you know -- even someone you only know on the Internet -- but I'm happy to say that I found this book absolutely delightful! I loved Jasper as a protagonist, with his stubborn practicality and his long list of Rules. I like that he's brave but not foolhardy; he knows that walking away from a fight you can't win is sometimes the best choice. Julie is also a wonderful character, strong and capable but also legitimately fearful of her mother's evil magic. Since she's not invincibly tough all the time, I found her more relatable than many fantasy heroines. I also loved the world of this novel, which operates on fairytale-esque principles, but with some interesting twists. For example, third sons are normally fated to succeed on quests, but sometimes the son in question doesn't quite have what it takes to get things done. Then there are the Good Fairies, who are actually much more dangerous than Bad Fairies when crossed. Ultimately, all I can say is that I finished this novel with a huge smile on my face. I would definitely recommend it to fans of this genre!

I've only seen the Cadfael TV-series (which I loved), but the books are absolutely on the wishlist!

Oh, you definitely need to read the books, Eva! The good news is that they're very short, quick reads -- perfect for filling out a mystery or historical fiction category! ;)

November recap:

Gah, December is here! Only 31 30 days before the end of 2013 and the end of my challenge! Here's what I read in November:

Georgette Heyer, They Found Him Dead -- Little Grey Cells (7/8)
Mary Stewart, The Last Enchantment -- Quest for Camelot (3/3)
Gail Carriger, Curtsies & Conspiracies -- A Kind of Magic (8/10)
Mary Doria Russell, Dreamers of the Day
Ellis Peters, An Excellent Mystery -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (7/9)
Cheryl Mahoney, The Wanderers -- A Kind of Magic (9/10)
Charles Finch, An Old Betrayal -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (8/9)
Edmund Crispin, The Case of the Gilded Fly -- Little Grey Cells (8/8)

Still need to catch up with a few reviews, as I didn't spend much time online over the Thanksgiving holiday. But I'm happy to say that I only need to read three more books to complete my challenge! And yes, one of them is Life of Johnson, so it will still be a fight to the finish…but I'm optimistic! :)

With only 27 days left in 2013 (I know, right?!), it's time to plan my endgame. Fortunately, I only have a few more books to read for this challenge, and I think I can do it! Here's the plan:

1. Finish Un Lun Dun, which I'm currently about 2/3 through.
2. Read Asleep in the Sun by Adolfo Bioy Casares, which I am reading for a different challenge...sadly, it doesn't fit into one of my remaining slots for this one! But it's a short book, so I'm hoping it will go quickly.
3. Read Whom the Gods Love to complete my "Murder Ain't What It Used to Be" category.
4. Finish Life of Johnson, in which I have 1188 pages to go.

Obviously, step 4 will be the biggest obstacle, but it should still be manageable, especially once I've completed the other steps and can focus solely on Boswell. I'm even hoping to finish the challenge a little early...maybe I'll be able to squeeze in some"free reading" before next year!

I'm trying to do the same thing- reading my Christmas themed books while trying to fill in my challenge categories.
Good luck!

Thanks, mstrust, and same to you!

Good luck! I plan to finish one book tonight. Then I'll have 4 to go. We can do it!

Book #80: Charles Finch, An Old Betrayal
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: none (I read this in November)

***Warning: Mild spoilers for previous books in the series.***

Charles Lenox, Victorian gentleman and Member of Parliament, thinks he has left his former life as a detective behind. But when his aristocratic protégé, John Dallington, asks him for help with a prospective client, Charles is eager to lend a hand, leaving his work in the House of Commons behind. Since Dallington is laid up with a bad cold, Charles agrees to meet the prospective client in his place; but before Charles can make contact with the client, a young woman named Grace Ammons, she is scared away by a mysterious man. Eventually Charles learns that Grace has connections to Buckingham Palace, and he suspects a possible plot to steal the priceless items within it. But when the man who frightened Grace Ammons is later found murdered, Charles realizes that the plot against the palace is more shocking and deadly than he ever imagined.

This is the seventh Lenox mystery, and in my opinion, the series is still going strong. One of my biggest complaints about the last couple installments has been the neglect of the secondary characters, but this book gives them a lot more attention. There is a significant subplot involving Charles' medical friend, Thomas McConnell, and Dallington (my favorite character!) is also prominently featured. I also largely enjoyed how the mystery plot unfolded in this book; unsurprisingly, the murder and the threat to Buckingham Palace turn out to be connected, and there are many clever twists and turns along the way. But I think my favorite aspect of this novel is how it ends: there are a lot of big changes for Lenox and his friends in this book, and in my opinon, they're changes for the better. I'm really looking forward to seeing where the series goes from here!

@ 246 -- BookLizard, yes we can! Good luck!

Great review of An Old Betrayal, Christina! I agree with you.... the series is still going strong. Book 7n in the series was a great way for Finch to get back to his characters and the focus on detection (with Victorian civilities) that I loves so much in the earlier books in the series.

Exactly, Lori! I'm really pleased with where Lenox ends up at the end of the novel, and I'm excited to see where life will take him next.

Once again -- and hopefully for the last time this year -- I am behind on reviews, but I now have just ONE BOOK to finish to complete my challenge! Life of Johnson will be tough, since I still have 1081 pages to go…but if I read 60 pages per day starting tomorrow, I will finish on December 31. So close, and yet so far!

Oooooo good luck!!!

You can do it, Christina!

You can totally do that! And think of what a sense of accomplishment you'll start the new year with.

go, go, go!!!

You can do it! Read ahead on the weekends if you can to give yourself a bit of a cushion. But most importantly. enjoy yourself! I know if it feels too much like work or something I have to do, I don't enjoy it as much.

Go, girl, we all know you can do it!

Thanks, all! :) I'm feeling pretty optimistic, although I probably won't have much time for "free" reading afterwards. But oh well, I have some fun books slated for 2014!

It's Jane Austen's birthday today! In honor of this momentous occasion, I wanted to draw your attention to a new Emma adaptation. It's a webseries called Emma Approved, and it depicts Emma Woodhouse as a super-confident matchmaker and lifestyle expert (whatever that means). Her self-proclaimed goal is to make people's lives better, and she boasts that she never fails. But her business partner, Alex Knightley, doesn't always approve of her methods....

So far, I'm really enjoying the adaptation...there are 21 videos as of today, with new installments being posted on Mondays and Thursdays. If you enjoyed the Lizzie Bennet Diaries, I definitely recommend this series as well!

They were showing a version of Emma on PBS last night. Delightful!

>259 christina_reads: Thanks for the tip! I did like The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, although I started so late that I never did catch up.

@ 260 -- Aww, I love that version of Emma! (I assume it's the one that came out fairly recently, with Romola Garai and Jonny Lee Miller, right? Although come to think of it, I love all the film versions of Emma!)

@ 261 -- Oh, I am totally re-watching The Lizzie Bennet Diaries right now! :) All the videos are still on YouTube, hint hint...

Book #81: Edmund Crispin, The Case of the Gilded Fly
Category: Little Grey Cells
CATs: none

In 1940s England, a theater troupe converges upon Oxford to produce a new play by acclaimed playwright Robert Warner. One of the actresses, Yseut Haskell, is a beautiful girl who has attracted many admirers, but her outward appearance masks a cruel and self-absorbed personality. The other people involved with the play are frankly sick of her attitude, especially when she begins to stir up trouble within the company. So it's not particularly surprising when Yseut is subsequently found murdered -- in fact, nearly everyone in the theater company expresses relief that she's finally gotten what she deserved. In the midst of this tense situation, Oxford don Gervase Fen uses his passion for criminology and his friendship with policeman Sir Richard Freeman to investigate the murder. As he talks to the various suspects and uncovers some unpleasant secrets, he begins to wonder whether exposing the murderer is really the best course of action.

This is a fairly typical Golden Age mystery, and as a fan of that genre, I enjoyed this book. I found Gervase Fen entertaining, although he wasn't as prominent in the book as I expected he'd be; much of the story is told from the viewpoint of Nigel Blake, a young man who becomes involved with the theater troupe and falls in love with one of the actresses. I can see why Crispin chose that approach, though, because Fen claims to have solved the murder within three minutes of viewing the body! I also found Fen's qualms about exposing the murderer very interesting. In many mysteries, it's taken as a matter of course that the murderer should be unmasked and brought to justice; however, in this case the victim is a truly unpleasant person, and many of the characters think that the murderer did them a favor. Finally, I was struck by the fact that this really doesn't feel like the first book of a series; there are several allusions to Fen's past cases, and as I mentioned before, his character isn't particularly fleshed out. Nevertheless, there are a few more Gervase Fen books, and I'll probably seek them out at some point.

Book #82: Kristan Higgins, The Perfect Match
Category: Is This a Kissing Book?
CATs: Random (author I've read before)

Practical, reliable Honor Holland has been in love with her longtime best friend, Brogan Cain, since high school. But when she goes to the gynecologist on her 35th birthday (because that's the kind of girl she is), the doctor tells her that she should think about having children soon if she wants to be a mom. Honor realizes it's time to get serious about her love life, but her hopes for a romance with Brogan are dashed when he rejects her. Meanwhile, Tom Barlow is a British college professor whose visa is about to expire. He's desperate to stay in America to be near his "almost-stepson" Charlie -- even though Charlie is a sullen, withdrawn teenager who seems to want nothing to do with him. With a little help from some matchmaking friends and family, Honor and Tom decide to form a marriage of convenience; this will enable Tom to stay in America, and Honor will get a chance at motherhood. But all too soon, sparks start flying between them. Can Honor and Tom move past their baggage and insecurities to turn their fake relationship into something real?

I'm a big fan of Kristan Higgins' light, witty contemporary romances, and this book is no exception. It's a sequel of sorts to The Best Man, and there are welcome cameos from Honor's sister, Faith, and the rest of the Holland clan. I really like books that feature big, rambunctious, mostly functional families; it's very rare in fiction, unfortunately, and I found it a refreshing change. I also tend to enjoy the "fake relationship becomes real" romantic trope, although here I was a little confused about the setup. Honor agrees to marry Tom on the condition that they will both give the marriage a real effort, to see if something can grow between them. But that seems like an awfully big risk to take, especially since Honor is hoping to get a child out of the deal. Aside from that, though, I have no complaints! The romance is very well-written and well-developed, as usual in a Higgins novel. There are a few "adult" scenes, but nothing too explicit. I even liked Charlie, even though I usually hate the way children are portrayed in adult novels (too precocious, too sickeningly sweet, too much of a blatant plot device rather than a real character). All in all, I'd definitely recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance! You may want to pick up The Best Man first, but it's definitely not necessary to follow this book.

Re book 81, I studied Love Lies Bleeding in a mystery fiction class and quite liked it. And The Moving Toyshop is a classic!

Thanks, RP -- good to know that Crispin's subsequent books are enjoyable!

That's great that you are so close to finishing your challenge. How is that page count going? I bet you are on target.

Roro8, right now I am on page 589 of the Boswell (of 1402 pages total). So yes, I'm basically on target for my 60 pages per day...hopefully I can keep it up until the end of the month!

Book #83: China Miéville, Un Lun Dun
Category: A Kind of Magic
CATs: none

Zanna and Deeba, two seemingly ordinarly pre-teen girls, are suddenly thrust into an unfamiliar world when they follow an umbrella into a dark London basement and emerge in Un Lun Dun. Un Lun Dun is an "abcity," part of a universe that parallels our own but has many significant differences. (For example, giraffes aren't exactly harmless herbivores in Un Lun Dun....) At first, Zanna and Deeba only want to go home; but they soon learn that Un Lun Dun is under attack by the evil Smog, and Zanna is supposed to be the "Schwazzy," or chosen one, who will fulfill an ancient prophecy and defeat it. The girls are willing enough to help, but when their first encounter with the Smog goes terribly wrong, it's up to Deeba, rather than the chosen Zanna, to save the day.

This was my first encounter with Miéville, and I'm thinking it won't be my last. If you enjoy detailed world-building and clever puns, this is definitely a book for you! The world of Un Lun Dun is wildly inventive, from the trash-can warriors known as "binjas" to the flying buses to the "extreme librarians" who populate the abcity. You may think the book sounds a lot like Gaiman's Neverwhere, what with the alternate London setting, but I was actually reminded a lot more of Jasper Fforde. The plot itself is rather predictable, but it's still a fun ride to follow Deeba as she figures out who her real allies and her real enemies are. Some may find the book a bit preachy on the issue of environmentalism -- the villain is literally called Smog, after all -- but since this book is aimed toward younger readers, I suppose the message shouldn't be too subtle! All in all, I found this book very entertaining, and I'm interested to try some of Miéville's adult novels now.

Very happy to see your first Mieville experience was a good one, Christina! I highly recommend Perdido Street Station but if you want a taste of Mieville's writing breadth, I would suggest his short story collection, Looking for Jake..... with the caveat that it is best to stagger your reading of the stories as bit. ;-)

Good to know, Lori! I will look into both of those books…I know I've heard a lot of positive buzz about them on LT!

Book: Adolfo Bioy Casares, Asleep in the Sun (trans. Suzanne Jill Levine)
Category: none!
CATs: none

Lucio Bordenave is a fairly ordinary, contented man who lives with his wife, Diana, and an old servant called Ceferina. His life is not without problems, however, and most of them center around Diana, who is very high-strung and always seems to be unhappy about something. Lucio protests that he loves his wife and is generally happy in his marriage...but when a doctor from the nearby sanatorium suggests that Diana might benefit from a short treatment there, Lucio finds himself agreeing. Diana accordingly goes to the mental hospital, and when she returns, she is joyful, loving, and contented. At first, Lucio is pleased with Diana's "cure," but eventually he begins to feel that something is not quite right. But when he attempts to get more information from the mental hospital, he is propelled into a nightmarish state of confusion that culminates in his learning the shocking truth.

This is my first book by Bioy Casares, and I've read almost no South American literature, so I honestly had no idea what to expect. Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by this weird little novel. I really liked the narrative structure: Lucio is the narrator for most of the book, and the first page reveals that he is writing to an old acquaintance for help -- so you know right away that something has gone terribly wrong. The framework also inevitably raises questions about Lucio's reliability; is he lying, or has he possibly gone mad from worrying about a perceived difference in his wife that doesn't really exist? An interesting ambiguity is maintained for most of the novel, but in the end -- fortunately, from my point of view -- the truth is revealed. I'm not opposed to ambiguous endings in certain circumstances, but I'll admit that in general, I prefer to have some level of closure. I also want to note that most editions of this book have HUGE spoilers in the cover blurb; the NYRB edition is an especially egregious offender. For this reason, I'd encourage people to avoid plot synopses as much as possible and go into the book "blind"; I promise you'll enjoy it more that way!

I likely won't be online tomorrow, so I just want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!


glitter-graphics.com

"The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it."

Merry Christmas, Christina!

Have a lovely holiday, Christina.

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Thanks to all! I had a wonderful Christmas and hope you all did too! Perhaps surprisingly, I didn't receive ANY books as gifts...but I did get a Barnes & Noble gift card, as well as an Amazon Prime membership! So I did pretty well, book-wise. :)

Book #84: Kate Ross, Whom the Gods Love
Category: Murder Ain't What It Used to Be
CATs: Random (author I've read before)

Alexander Falkland, one of the darlings of English society, has just been murdered -- bashed over the head with a poker in the middle of a party at his own house. The Bow Street Runners are at a loss to discover the killer; after all, who would want to murder a man who was universally liked? When the official investigation goes nowhere, Alexander's father enlists the help of Regency dandy/sleuth Julian Kestrel. As a man of Alexander's own social class, Julian has unique access to his friends and associates that the Bow Street Runners could never obtain. Julian agrees to take the case, but he warns Alexander's father that unpleasant truths might emerge. And indeed, the further Julian digs into Alexander's life, the more shocking secrets he uncovers, including several motives for murder.

I absolutely loved the first two books in the Julian Kestrel series, and I'm thrilled to be able to say that I loved this one as well! The strength of most mystery series depends on the protagonist, and Julian Kestrel is a wonderful sleuth: intelligent, intuitive, willing to cooperate with the police (a rare trait!), and always impeccably dressed. I also think this book is very well-plotted. Obviously there is more to Alexander Falkland than meets the eye, but the various twists and turns of the plot kept me in suspense until almost the very end of the book. My only problem with the book is that I really liked one particular character who ended up doing a horrible thing in the course of the plot. Because of this, the resolution of the mystery wasn't completely satisfying for me; but I suppose that's a testament to the author for making me care so much about that character! In short, I'd definitely recommend this book (and the entire series) to anyone who enjoys mysteries or historical fiction!

Where have I been that Ross' Julian Kestrel series has completely missed my radar screen, until now that is?!

Wonderfully enticing review, Christina and you can blow on your fingers nails and polish them against the shoulder of your shirt as having successfully hit me with a series BB. ;-)

Lori, you are in for a treat! Sadly, there are only 4 books in the series because the author has passed away. The first one is Cut to the Quick, although it's not strictly necessary to read them in order. It's nice to be on the giving end of a BB instead of the receiving end, for a change! :)

Book #85: James Boswell, Life of Johnson
Category: Wallbanger
CATs: none

James Boswell and Samuel Johnson were unlikely friends: Boswell was a young Scottish nobleman with a penchant for drinking and whoring, while Johnson was poorer, much more devout (in theory, at least), and a good 30 years older. Yet throughout the course of this monumental work, Boswell describes his reverence for Johnson's intelligence, morality, and literary talents -- a reverence so extreme that Boswell took notes on almost every conversation he ever had with the older man. As a result, this biography is stuffed full of Boswell's personal anecdotes, letters both to and from Johnson, and first-person accounts of other contemporaries who knew him. Near the end of the book, Boswell states: "The character of Samuel Johnson has, I trust, been so developed in the course of this work, that they who have honoured it with a perusal, may be considered as well acquainted with him." And indeed, anyone who reads this book will come away with an extremely vivid picture of a remarkable man.

This book is so huge and deals with so many things that I don't quite know what to say about it. At first I was very intimidated, both by its length and by Boswell's flowery 18th-century prose. But even though it's not a quick read, this book contains a wealth of fascinating details about Johnson and the age in which he lived. I was struck by how literary the 18th century was, in the sense that seemingly anyone with a claim to intelligence was churning out books and pamphlets. In that way, Johnson's time is very similar to our own, where everybody can (and does) publish blogs, tweets, and other forms of instantaneous literature. I was also fascinated by Johnson's unique character; though intelligent, he was often pompous, narrow-minded, and abrasive. I frequently found myself underlining various Johnsonian sayings that were wise, or funny, or both -- but I would have hated to be forced to converse with him! Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the time period or who enjoys very thorough biographies!

And with that, I HAVE FINISHED BOSWELL, and also my 2013 Category Challenge!



I will be back later with a December recap and an overall challenge recap…but for now, I am just going to revel in the fact that I finally completed my challenge with just one day to spare!

Woohoo! You did it!

@ 284 -- Thanks! Yes, I finally did…looking forward to 2013 2014 now! :)

ETA: Wow, my brain just cannot accept that 2013 is virtually over!

December recap:

I didn't read a lot of books this month, but I sure did read a lot of pages! Here's what I read in December to complete my 2013 challenge:

Kristan Higgins, The Perfect Match -- Is This a Kissing Book? (10/10)
China Miéville, Un Lun Dun -- A Kind of Magic (10/10)
Adolfo Bioy Casares, Asleep in the Sun
Kate Ross, Whom the Gods Love -- Murder Ain't What It Used to Be (9/9)
Loretta Chase, Knaves' Wager (re-read)
James Boswell, Life of Johnson -- Wallbanger (1/1)

Onward to 2014! :)

2013 CATEGORY CHALLENGE RECAP

Total (challenge) books read: 85

Favorite category: Surprisingly, my two favorite categories were Westerns ("Don't Shoot the Piano Player") and nonfiction ("True Story"). I really liked everything I read in both of them, despite the fact that I hardly ever read in those genres!

Least favorite category: Mary Stewart's Arthurian saga ("Quest for Camelot"). I'm glad I finally read those books and got them off my shelves, but they were such a slog!

Biggest accomplishment: Boswell's Life of Johnson, by far! A college prof gave it to me way back in 2007, and now I can finally say that I've read it!

*****

Top ten books of the year (in no particular order):

1. Anna Gavalda, Hunting and Gathering -- I'm a sucker for a good love story, and this one is charming and somewhat philosophical and Parisian!

2. Jonathan Eig, Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig -- I don't read a lot of nonfiction, and I don't really care much about sports, but I really loved this fantastic biography of one of baseball's greatest legends.

3. Rainbow Rowell, Eleanor & Park -- What can I say about this book? It's teen romance the way teen romance SHOULD be done.

4. Robin LaFevers, Grave Mercy -- Medieval Brittany! Forbidden love! Political intrigue! Killer nuns! This book pushes so many of my happy buttons, it's ridiculous.

5. Alexandre Dumas, The Count of Monte Cristo -- I'll admit, it was tough going at times. But this classic tale of revenge is so suspenseful and well-plotted that I don't begrudge a minute of reading the complete and unabridged edition. Thanks to the group read for helping me make it through!

6. Ben Macintyre, Operation Mincemeat: How a Dead Man and a Bizarre Plan Fooled the Nazis and Assured an Allied Victory -- I can't quite believe it, but TWO nonfiction books made it onto my top 10 list this year! This is one of the most readable, entertaining books about WW2 espionage that I can imagine.

7. Maggie Stiefvater, The Dream Thieves -- While not destined to become one of my all-time favorite books like The Scorpio Races, this book is further evidence of why Stiefvater is awesome and should keep writing dark, tortuous romantic fantasy forever.

8. Mary Doria Russell, Doc -- This book is not only a great Western (and I don't really care about Westerns) but a great work of historical fiction. I felt transported to Dodge City in the late 19th century, and it was one heck of an interesting ride!

9. Cheryl Mahoney, The Wanderers -- I just really liked this book, which reminds me of the excellent fantasy novels I read as a teenager that introduced me to the genre.

10. Kate Ross, Whom the Gods Love -- Honestly, why aren't ALL novels about Regency dandies who also solve murder mysteries? I mean, seriously.

*****

This concludes my 2013 Category Challenge. I hope to see everyone over at the 2014 group! My thread is HERE, if you want to stop by!

Congratulations, Christina!

Congratulations! What a good range of books! Just off to see your 2014 Challenge.

You had some great books this year.

Congrats on the finish.

Congrats on completing your challenge!

Hip Hip Hooray! Congratulations on finishing the challenge.

WOO HOO! Congratulations - on to 14!

Congratulations! You deserve two cakes-one for finishing the challenge and another for finishing Boswell!

Hurraaaaaaaay!!! Congratulations! Just in the nick of time :D

Thanks, everyone! :) Mstrust, I really should bake or buy myself two cakes, shouldn't I? Because I haven't eaten enough junk food over the holidays yet.... And RP, I am a huge procrastinator in general, so I guess it's not surprising that it took me until December 30 to finish!

Congratulations! 85 books read is a great achievement!

Thanks, paruline!

Good on you Christina. Great effort. I'll catch up with you in your new thread.

Thanks, Roro8 -- looking forward to seeing you there!