Walklover's 75 Book Challenge for 2014

Discussions75 Books Challenge for 2014

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Walklover's 75 Book Challenge for 2014

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1walklover
Jan 2, 2014, 2:46 pm

Starting with The Goldfinch - and thoroughly enjoying myself. Looking forward to many wonderful reads this year.

2drneutron
Jan 2, 2014, 4:33 pm

Welcome!

3DorsVenabili
Jan 2, 2014, 9:22 pm

Hi Debbie! Good to see you here! I look forward to following your thread this year, as I think I heard from a little bird that you're going to be a bit more active.

4richardderus
Jan 2, 2014, 11:51 pm

Hello Debb...can't believe I beat your husband to your thread! I've got The Goldfinch glowering at me from the face of Mt. TBR, and I confess the size is daunting to my achy wrists.

5wilkiec
Jan 3, 2014, 5:47 am

Hi Debb and happy new year!

6jnwelch
Jan 3, 2014, 11:09 am

Hey there, walklover! Happy New Year! Glad you're having such a good time with The Goldfinch. She must have just tripped over something with that second book. Hope to see you in person some time.

7walklover
Jan 3, 2014, 8:29 pm

Richardderus - I have trouble with large/heavy books too - reading The Goldfinch on my Kindle and that makes it much easier.

Happy New Year to you all - looking forward to getting to lots of books on my own TBR pile.

8DeltaQueen50
Jan 5, 2014, 2:28 am

Hi Debbie, I have The Goldfinch patiently waiting on my Kindle as well. Great to hear that you are enjoying it.

9scaifea
Jan 5, 2014, 12:51 pm

Hi, Debbie! Boy, there sure is a whole lotta buzz about this Goldfinch book around these parts, with so many 75ers reading it... Maybe it needs to find it's way onto my wishlist...

10luvamystery65
Jan 6, 2014, 3:17 pm

I found your thread Debbie and I look forward to visiting here this year. The Goldfinch sounds really good but I've got, Ceremony Spenser #9 up next. Yes, Hawk is in it! Ha! Your reputation precedes you. Your book pusher other half got me started on this series. I read one a month with Donna (Donna828) and Mamie (crazymamie).

11walklover
Jan 6, 2014, 5:39 pm

As you know, the more Hawk, the happier I am. I plan to eventually reread some Spenser novels. Right now, I'm starting the Tannenbaum Karp novels from number 1. Thought I'd read them all, but I definitely missed some from the beginning. Concentrating solely on The Goldfinch right now - it's so engrossing.

12wilkiec
Jan 10, 2014, 8:43 am

Have a wonderful weekend, Debb!

13walklover
Jan 10, 2014, 8:44 am

I finished The Goldfinch last night - a spectacular book. I would recommend it all around. Caution - it's very long, but so engrossing that you will have a hard time putting it down.

14walklover
Jan 10, 2014, 8:46 am

Thanks for the weekend wishes. Joe and I have a Bulls game tomorrow night and then I'll be going to a Live Lit show on Sunday - brand new one - I'll be telling in their April show. Hope your weekend is a great one as well.

15walklover
Modifié : Jan 19, 2014, 6:56 pm

16seasonsoflove
Jan 10, 2014, 9:50 am

You finished The Goldfinch?! How was it?!

17jnwelch
Jan 10, 2014, 9:57 am

So glad you enjoyed The Goldfinch so much, o wondrous one. You've convinced me - when that grubby, book-snatching child of ours lets go of it, I'll read it, too.

18seasonsoflove
Jan 10, 2014, 10:38 am

1) Hey! (hee hee)
2) I'm already over 150 pages in-its too big to carry to work so I'm devouring it when I'm home.

19luvamystery65
Jan 10, 2014, 10:53 am

Ooh I was wondering about The Goldfinch. Good to know it is spectacular. Looks like you have your own little built in book club. Fun!

I looked up the Butch Karp series and it sounds intriguing. I will put it on my list of series to explore down the road.

20walklover
Jan 10, 2014, 11:32 am

I LOVED The Goldfinch!!!! I totally was "in" every scene - she grabs you and won't let go. Planning to meet with a group of friends to talk about it - but not until February - will be hard to wait that long. Good thing Joe and Becca are going to read it too.

Make sure to read the Karp books in order - things definitely build from book to book and the characters really develop through each one.

21walklover
Jan 11, 2014, 9:18 am

Just finished The 12th of Never by James Patterson in a day. After reading The Goldfinch for nine glorious days, I needed an easy read - and what is easier than a book filled with 3-4 page chapters - that I really enjoyed. It's one of his Women's Murder Club mysteries - good characters, worth the time.

22DorsVenabili
Jan 13, 2014, 10:28 pm

I keep hearing good things about The Goldfinch. I'm so glad you loved it! And so enthusiastically too!

23luvamystery65
Jan 13, 2014, 10:55 pm

Debb I finished Still Life by Louise Penny and I'm an instant Gamache fan. Sir Richard and that Book Pusher husband of yours have been raving about them forever.

24maggie1944
Jan 17, 2014, 12:00 pm

I have now found your thread, and starred it. And wish you a very Happy New Year. Your books sound interesting but I'm ducking all BBs for now. Too many books staring me down right now

To Be Read books can be very intimidating if they are not given their due, sooner or later

Ha!

25walklover
Modifié : Jan 19, 2014, 7:05 pm

3. Immoral Certainty by Robert K. Tannenbaum
4. Die Trying by Lee Child
5. Before We Destroy Each Other by Dennis Frymire

26maggie1944
Jan 19, 2014, 7:28 pm

You seem to be on a roll. Good reading of mysteries, is it?

27jnwelch
Jan 19, 2014, 7:56 pm

Thank you for reading Die Trying out loud. Phew! Reacher was able to save the day.

28walklover
Jan 19, 2014, 8:35 pm

The funny thing is that I didn't read mysteries at all until I met Joe. Now I'm an avid mystery reader.

Book number 5 on my list is flash fiction written by someone from the Chicago Live Lit community - a very interesting collection.

Happy that all ended well for Reacher.

29walklover
Jan 20, 2014, 2:22 pm

30msf59
Jan 20, 2014, 2:45 pm

Hi Debbie! How are you stranger? Are you enjoying the holiday? I am so glad you enjoyed the Goldfinch. I have it saved on audio and should try to get to it.
Funny, I picked up a copy of Good Kings Bad Kings at ALA and it has been sitting on my Must Read Now Shelf ever since. How was it?

31walklover
Jan 26, 2014, 10:01 am

Hi Mark - doing fine except tired of this weather. Joe and I just came in from shoveling and I leave to pick up Becca and Sherlock in a few minutes. With the extreme cold coming on again, we think it's best if they stay here cuz her old apartment is hard to heat in that kind of weather. As you we'll know, I definitely recommend The Goldfinch. Can't wait to hear what you have to say. I got my copy of Good Kings Bad Kings at ALA as well. I enjoyed it - I worked with kids like that when I was a speech therapist, but never really knew anything about the workings of the institutions Susan writes about. Definitely not in my top ten books, but I would recommend you give it a try.

33walklover
Jan 27, 2014, 3:54 pm

34jnwelch
Jan 27, 2014, 6:32 pm

Off to a great start on the reading in 2014, oh beauteous one. Glad you enjoyed Glazed Murder. I know the Butch Karp series is really good, too.

35walklover
Fév 8, 2014, 1:39 pm

36walklover
Fév 8, 2014, 1:41 pm

Thanks for the gift of Glazed Murder, Mr. Joe. Maybe when we're both feeling better, we'll treat ourselves to some tasty doughnuts. :)

37richardderus
Fév 8, 2014, 1:45 pm

Hi Debbi, sorry to hear you're ill. Joe smacked me with Glazed Murder a while back but *I* didn't get a copy from him. Has to do with not being married to him, I suspect.

38walklover
Fév 8, 2014, 1:54 pm

Richard- I just realized you live in Hempstead. I did my undergraduate degree at Hofstra.

39richardderus
Fév 8, 2014, 1:57 pm

Really?! It's a nice campus, and there are so many things good about having a college in your area for cultural activities.

Hempstead isn't the garden spot of Long Island, but it's slowly making the effort to de-slum itself. I approve.

40DorsVenabili
Fév 11, 2014, 12:48 pm

Hi Debbie! Stopping by to say hello. I hope you're feeling better and staying warm.

Also, LT Rhonda recommended James Patterson's Sail , so I think I'll try it. Do you know this one? I've never read him.

41walklover
Fév 11, 2014, 5:15 pm

Hi Kerri - Good to hear from you. My recovery is much slower than I would like - but I actually got about 4 hours of work done today.

Becca and I are both big James Patterson fans - I particularly like his series involving Alex Cross (which should be read in order) and his Women's Murder Club series. I've read a number of his others as well, but didn't recognize Sail when I checked it out just now. Let me know what you think. Becca and I also get a kick out of the short length of his chapters.

42maggie1944
Fév 11, 2014, 5:26 pm

I am glad to hear you are on the path of recovery. Do take good care of yourself. I know work is important, but health is more important. I am sending you all the good health whammies I've been able to corral.

43walklover
Fév 11, 2014, 6:47 pm

Thanks, Karen. I haven't been hit this hard or this long in quite a few years. One day down with nothing to do is fun - but it took three+ days before I even felt like reading. This horrid weather is definitely not helping my mood at all - but Mr. Joe has done a great job of taking care of me.

44msf59
Fév 11, 2014, 7:24 pm

Hi Debbi- Good to see you posting. I will move Good Kings Bad Kings up in the stacks.

Hope to see you in April for the Meet-Up!

45walklover
Fév 12, 2014, 10:12 am

Hi Mark - I have the April date in my calendar and my fingers crossed.

46walklover
Fév 12, 2014, 10:13 am

47jnwelch
Fév 12, 2014, 11:46 am

You finished it! How did you like the Cornwell? How are you feeling?

48walklover
Fév 12, 2014, 6:35 pm

I thought it was pretty good, but felt that she really laid it on thick with a lot of (to me) uninteresting technical stuff. I want to learn from her books - her field fascinates me - but if personally have limits. I thought she did a really great job of wrapping up the storyline. I love Scarpetta and Benton and Lucy - and would have liked more of their interactions throughout the book rather than mostly during the last third or so.

49walklover
Fév 12, 2014, 7:23 pm

50scaifea
Fév 15, 2014, 1:01 pm

Oooh, what did you think the the Gaiman?

51walklover
Fév 15, 2014, 4:10 pm

Very odd - so I loved it - and loved the illustrations!

52scaifea
Fév 16, 2014, 1:42 pm

>51 walklover:: I felt exactly the same way about it! Ha!

53walklover
Fév 20, 2014, 8:14 pm

54walklover
Fév 26, 2014, 8:25 pm

55seasonsoflove
Fév 27, 2014, 9:46 am

Did you like it?

56jnwelch
Fév 27, 2014, 12:27 pm

What the talented person above asked.

57walklover
Fév 27, 2014, 1:28 pm

I did like it. Some interesting characters - and fun being in Las Vegas from a distance :). Thanks for giving it to me, Becca. Not sure if I'd read the next one in the series, though.

58jnwelch
Fév 27, 2014, 2:01 pm

Good - and I know you liked The Princesses of Iowa.

59seasonsoflove
Fév 27, 2014, 3:10 pm

I'm glad you enjoyed it-I would love to borrow it sometime :)

60walklover
Fév 28, 2014, 8:32 am

I'll put it in the Becca bag.

61seasonsoflove
Fév 28, 2014, 12:51 pm

Thanks Momma!

62maggie1944
Mar 1, 2014, 8:34 am

You guys are cute. I think now that I've had the fun of meeting mother, father, and son we should arrange for the daughter to come to Seattle, too, and let me meet her!

63walklover
Mar 1, 2014, 8:44 am

Hopefully, Becca will be there this summer to visit her bro.

64seasonsoflove
Mar 1, 2014, 5:23 pm

I'm definitely hoping to visit Seattle this summer, and would love to meet you :)

65walklover
Mar 2, 2014, 10:41 am

66walklover
Mar 4, 2014, 8:15 am

67luvamystery65
Mar 4, 2014, 9:45 am

Happy Tuesday Debb! Did you like Cinder enough to continue the series?

68walklover
Mar 4, 2014, 10:24 am

Absolutely! I'm definitely caught up in the characters and the conflicts.

69luvamystery65
Mar 4, 2014, 10:50 am

Enjoy them. Here is a link to two prequel short stories for Cinder & Scarlet. http://www.marissameyer.com/books/short-stories/

70jnwelch
Mar 4, 2014, 1:04 pm

So glad you enjoyed Cinder, walklover! If you like that one, you'll like the others, too.

Hope you comment on Greyhound a little bit some time, as that sounded like an interesting one.

>69 luvamystery65: Thanks for that link, Roberta. I've got it bookmarked for later.

71walklover
Mar 5, 2014, 10:44 am

72walklover
Mar 5, 2014, 10:52 am

Thanks for the link, Roberta. I'm hoping to be able to read them on our trip to Seattle.

Joe mentioned I should comment on Greyhound since I spoke so highly of it to him. It was one of those books I picked up on Kindle for $1.99 because it looked interesting. It most definitely was and I thoroughly enjoyed the read. It tells the tale of a young boy with a mother more interested in her own life and what she can get out of it than in the lives of her children. When Sebastien's mother has found yet another ne'er do well to marry - one who doesn't like children - she puts him on a Greyhound bus alone at 3 am with $40.00 in his pocket to make a three fay trip to his grandmother's where he will live until his mother wants him again (his sister is already there - having refused to come home the last time their mother sent them away). Soon into the story he meets Marcus - a wonderful older man who befriends him and literally saves his life. I never got tired of the journey, as I was so caught up in Sebastien's musings and the adventures he experienced.

73luvamystery65
Mar 5, 2014, 11:16 am

Bam! You just got me with Greyhound! It's available to borrow on the Kindle lending library so thanks for being a budget friendly book pusher. ;-)

74walklover
Mar 5, 2014, 12:29 pm

Can't wait to hear what you think.

75jnwelch
Mar 5, 2014, 12:36 pm

Oo, Kindle lending library. You've been urging me to try that, Ms. walklover. This might be a good opportunity.

Thanks for the comments. Greyhound sure sounds good.

77maggie1944
Mar 8, 2014, 2:16 pm

I may have to try the lending library, too.

I hope you have started Scarlet - I will love to chat with you about this series.

Happy traveling! and I hope your young man keeps you happy while your are in our fair city.

78walklover
Mar 8, 2014, 10:23 pm

Haven't started it yet. Saving it for when I get home.

Having a wonderful time with Jesse - and am very happy!!! Looking forward to seeing you.

79walklover
Modifié : Mar 14, 2014, 4:20 pm

80maggie1944
Mar 11, 2014, 8:33 am

So much fun to see you again, and I loved buying books with the good advice I received from you and yours. I look forward to the next good Meet-Up at EBBC.

81EBT1002
Mar 11, 2014, 10:21 am

Debbi, it was delightful to meet you and Joe, as well as your charming son! Thanks for meeting up with Karen and me. I do hope to come to your reading tomorrow evening.

82walklover
Mar 11, 2014, 2:59 pm

It was a treat to see both of you. What a great evening! Hope to see you both tomorrow night at Rain City.

83EBT1002
Mar 12, 2014, 1:34 pm

Debbi, I'm going to miss the reading tonight. I would love to hear you and Jesse, but I'm absolutely worn ragged from the past week of full evenings. I know you'll be fabulous (and, more importantly, that you'll have a great time!).

84maggie1944
Mar 12, 2014, 3:49 pm

Can I echo what Ellen says.... and add: break a leg!

85walklover
Mar 12, 2014, 6:06 pm

Will miss you both!

86walklover
Mar 14, 2014, 4:24 pm

21. Tragic by Robert K. Tannenbaum

I really enjoy all the Tannenbaum books involving Butch Karp and am having lots of fun finding ones I haven't read yet - and rereading old favorites. I truly enjoy the relationship and story lines around Butch and his wife, Marlene and their three children - and that's what I missed in Tragic - not enough family. But I would still definitely recommend this book - the attention to detail in the court scenes is terrific and very interesting.

87jnwelch
Mar 14, 2014, 9:04 pm

So glad you're finding ones you haven't read in that Butch/Marlene series you've enjoyed so much!

88walklover
Mar 24, 2014, 8:00 am

22. The Burning Girls by Veronic Schanoes
23. Stolen in Paradise by Toby Neal

90jnwelch
Mar 30, 2014, 12:18 pm

How's New York? I want to get to Burning Girls.

91maggie1944
Mar 30, 2014, 12:21 pm

I love the title, "Chocolate Shoes and Wedding Blues". It would be a cause for the blues if one had to wear chocolate shoes?

92walklover
Avr 7, 2014, 9:47 am

The chocolate shoes were edible - with fortunes inside. I definitely got hungry reading this one.

Thanks so much for Monument Men. I put it in a safe place all ready for my recovery period. Really appreciate it.

93walklover
Avr 7, 2014, 9:55 am

26. Allegiant by Veronica Roth

27. The Last Runaway by Tracy Chevalier

I picked this one up because I really enjoyed Girl With the Pearl Earring - and was not disappointed. It's the story of a young girl, Honor Bright, from England who travels with her sister to America to live with her sister and her fiancé. The sister dies before they arrive at their final destination and Honor has to contend with distant, angry and put upon Adam and his sister Abigail - and everything new in America. But more importantly, she comes into direct contact with the Underground Railroad - and has choices to make that directly affect her life and that of the man she marries and their baby girl, Comfort.

94jnwelch
Avr 7, 2014, 4:25 pm

You've caught my attention with that Tracy Chevalier, Hon. Perhaps I could borrow it some time?

95seasonsoflove
Avr 7, 2014, 5:46 pm

Great review Momma! I would like to borrow that book after Dad please :)

96walklover
Avr 7, 2014, 7:03 pm

That's a yes to both of you. It's a pretty fast read - I started it Saturday and finished it Sunday night.

97msf59
Avr 7, 2014, 8:14 pm

Hi Debbi- I haven't been by in ages. Bad Mark! I am so glad you finally jumped on the Cinder bandwagon. I loved the first 2 and look forward to Cress, which I have saved on audio.
Your DH, is enjoying the Rosie Project. You might like that one too.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.

98maggie1944
Avr 7, 2014, 8:15 pm

>92 walklover: - glad the Monument Men could find a good home with you. Enjoy!

99walklover
Avr 13, 2014, 3:27 pm

Hi Mark - reading Scarlet now - and loving it. See you guys soon.

100walklover
Avr 13, 2014, 3:32 pm

28. The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes - a lovely children's book that should be read by all ages.

29. The Cursing Mommy's Book of Days by Ian Frazier - so excited to find this on the bargain table at Eliot Bay because Joe and I heard Frazier read a few years ago and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Well - this book was a tremendous disappointment - repetitive, boring and full of what I consider filler. I would not recommend this book at all.

101scaifea
Avr 14, 2014, 1:41 pm

>100 walklover:: I'm a big fan of The Hundred Dresses, too. So glad that you enjoyed it!

102jnwelch
Avr 14, 2014, 2:07 pm

I need to read The Hundred Dresses - among other things, I'm curious as to why it was carried at the Tenement Museum. I need not to read The Cursing Mommy's Book - what a shame.

103wilkiec
Avr 18, 2014, 8:28 am



Happy Easter!

104rosalita
Avr 20, 2014, 7:04 pm

Debbi, it was nice to meet you yesterday! You and Joe are a pair of good eggs (to keep with the Easter theme). :-)

105msf59
Avr 20, 2014, 10:29 pm

Debbi- I was so glad you made it to the Meet-Up. We had such a good time with all of you. Riley says hi!

106jnwelch
Avr 21, 2014, 12:03 pm

Thanks for a great meetup and wonderful weekend, walklover!

107walklover
Avr 22, 2014, 10:46 am

>104 rosalita:: So good to meet you, Julia. I had a terrific time at the meet.
>105 msf59:: Thanks for hosting such a good time, Mark. Please give my love to Sue - and a good belly rub to Riley.

108walklover
Modifié : Avr 22, 2014, 10:49 am

30. Scarlet by Marissa Meyer - definitely held it's own as the second book in the trilogy. Looking forward to reading Cress

109walklover
Modifié : Avr 22, 2014, 10:51 am

31. Gone by James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge-
for those of you who like Patterson, I would definitely recommend this one.

110lindapanzo
Avr 22, 2014, 12:50 pm

So nice to meet you at Mark's house the other day, Debbi.

111seasonsoflove
Avr 22, 2014, 12:57 pm

Ooo I don't think I've read Gone, will have to look into that one at some point.

112walklover
Avr 22, 2014, 6:19 pm

>110 lindapanzo: - You too, Linda. Hope to see you again soon.

>111 seasonsoflove: - I got it from the library and as you well know, it's a quick and easy read. Do you want me to hang on to it for you (not due until May 8th, I think)

113walklover
Modifié : Avr 29, 2014, 11:50 am

32. The Giver by Lois Lowry
I reread this because the movie is coming out - and it moved me just as much this time as the first time. Plan to read the ones that came after as well.

114walklover
Modifié : Avr 29, 2014, 12:08 pm

33. Fifth Avenue, 5 A.M. by Sam Wasson
A great nonfiction read about Audrey Hepburn and the making of Breakfast at Tiffany's. It also fills us all in on the changing role of women at that time - and the lives of many others involved in the film and Hepburn's life. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

115jnwelch
Avr 29, 2014, 6:43 pm

You've got me intrigued with Fifth Avenue, walklover. And I need to see the Breakfast at Tiffany's movie! How I missed that one is beyond me.

116jolerie
Avr 29, 2014, 7:27 pm

Loved The Giver and totally didn't know a movie was coming out! Thanks for the heads up. :)

117walklover
Avr 30, 2014, 6:46 pm

>116 jolerie: It has Jeff Bridges as the Giver - and Meryl Streep playing I don't know who. Looking forward to it. I just ordered her next book in the "series".

>115 jnwelch: I will definitely watch that with you - it will mean so much more this time around for me since reading the book.

118scaifea
Mai 1, 2014, 11:59 am

>117 walklover: As far as I'm concerned, Jeff Bridges can do no wrong. Plus, I loved the book, too, so I'm looking forward to the movie!

119luvamystery65
Mai 1, 2014, 10:40 pm

>114 walklover: I have the audio book of Breakfast at Tiffany's narrated by Michael C. Hall. I've listened to a short piece of it and I'm trying to squeeze it in this month. I loved the movie so I'll try to find Fifth Avenue, 5am.

>117 walklover: Meryl Streep plays the leader of the community. I loved The Giver and the three books that come after. Lowry knows how to tell a good story.

120walklover
Modifié : Mai 4, 2014, 5:34 pm

34. Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry - book two in the quartet - and I liked it as much as The Giver. Lowry has a gift for building worlds that are quite believable. I so admire her talents.

35. Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott - a well-written handbook for writers. I learned so much about how to examine my own writing, how to improve it - and how to enjoy the process.

121walklover
Modifié : Mai 5, 2014, 7:21 pm

122jolerie
Mai 5, 2014, 7:23 pm

Okay, I really need to get on that second book then since I loved The Giver so much. Do you plan on reading the rest of the books in the quartet?

123msf59
Mai 5, 2014, 8:15 pm

Hi Debbie!! I am with Valerie, I loved The Giver but did not follow through on the others...yet.

124walklover
Mai 5, 2014, 10:08 pm

>122 jolerie: I ordered the last two as soon as I finished Gathering Blue. She's an amazing writer.
>123 msf59: Mark - you will really enjoy them.

125jnwelch
Mai 6, 2014, 11:03 am

I need to get on that, too, o beauteous one. I'll try to read Gathering Blue soon. So many good books to read! Congrats on finishing Bird by Bird.

126walklover
Mai 6, 2014, 5:13 pm

>125 jnwelch: Why thank you, o handsome one. The other two Lowry books arrived today - hard to decide if I should read the next one or the astronaut book (haven't had a minute to read yet today).

127jnwelch
Mai 7, 2014, 9:33 am

>126 walklover: I'm already into the in Death book from the library, but I'll be interested in both the Lowrys and the astronaut book once you're done.

128walklover
Modifié : Mai 12, 2014, 9:51 am

37. Rules of Summer by Shaun Tan - I love this author/illustrator. He is able to say so much with so few words and his illustrations always take you to another world. I'm particularly fond of his book, The Arrival.

129maggie1944
Mai 14, 2014, 2:57 pm

Hey, Debi, how life treating you? Lots of good books you are reading! Great!

130jolerie
Mai 14, 2014, 7:04 pm

The Arrival was my first Shaun Tan as well and nothing I've read of his after that has quite measured up to that one. Definitely will keep "reading" his other books because he is such an amazing storyteller and artist.

131walklover
Mai 18, 2014, 2:41 pm

>129 maggie1944: - Hi Karen - life is going well. Pretty busy, but having a good time. How about you and your pups?
>130 jolerie: - I think Shaun is a genius. Wish I had half of his talents.

132walklover
Modifié : Mai 18, 2014, 2:44 pm

38. An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth by Col. Chris Hadfield - our son, Jesse, read this and really enjoyed it so I thought I'd give it a try. I truly enjoyed it - learned so much about the space program, but also some good life lessons from the Colonel.

133maggie1944
Mai 19, 2014, 8:07 am

Hi back at you! I have been over busy for a little while and am moving into a new kind of over busy with some extra "physical" training classes. Sigh.

The pups are great! Greta Garbo had a big "grooming" on Saturday and now looks like a new dog! All shiny and slick. Benny is fine, as he always is. Such a happy dog he puts me to shame.

134luvamystery65
Mai 29, 2014, 1:29 pm

Debbi I am sending many positive thoughts and well wishes for a continued recovery of your surgery. I hope you are able to enjoy some wonderful reading while you heal.

135maggie1944
Mai 29, 2014, 3:29 pm

I thought I'd look in on you and see how you are doing. Joe is doing a great job letting us know you are progressing well, but I am wondering how you are feeling. Was the surgery a "success" and all that's left to do is recover from it?

I hope so. And I hope the recovery from here on is smooth and rapid! and complete!

136connie53
Mai 30, 2014, 4:43 pm

Found you and starred you, Debbi. I hope you will recover soon from your sugery. Joe gave us some updates about your progress.

137jolerie
Mai 30, 2014, 4:57 pm

Hope your recovery is going well Debbi! Sending you a multitude of healing vibes. :)

138richardderus
Mai 30, 2014, 5:06 pm

Happy to hear via Our Good Cafe Proprietor that you've been able to sit outside and even concentrate. Steady steady as she goes, and much enjoyable off-duty time.

139rosalita
Mai 30, 2014, 5:59 pm

Word around LT is that you are slowly on the mend, Debbi. I hope that continues and you are back on your feet soon!

140msf59
Mai 31, 2014, 7:31 am

Hi Debbi! How are you? Getting stronger every day? Sure hope so, my friend. Gentle Hug...

141EBT1002
Juin 1, 2014, 7:55 pm

Hi Debbi! Wanted to swing by and wish you a speedy recovery. I trust that Joe is taking good care of you and bringing you cups of tea and a new book to read whenever you need one.

142walklover
Juin 3, 2014, 7:05 am

I wanted to thank you all for your good wishes and thoughts. I'm making progress in my recovery and feeling sooo much better than I did the first few days. Joe is taking excellent care of me - I couldn't ask for a better caregiver.

I've been a major multitasker in the past - and am trying to use this time of forced slowdown to transition from that to someone who takes on life one step/one task at a time. A very interesting journey.

143maggie1944
Juin 3, 2014, 7:10 am

Oh! I am so happy to see you posting this morning. Major milestone in your recovery journey.

I hope it continues to progress to complete and total recovery. I also hope you are getting some good reading in.... have a great week, ms. walklover. And soon you'll be up and walking all over the place again.

144walklover
Modifié : Juin 3, 2014, 7:30 am

I finally began to be able to concentrate enough to read a book about four days ago. Before that, even articles in People were too long. :)

39. The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessaro
40. I Forgot to Remember by Su Meck

145maggie1944
Juin 3, 2014, 7:42 am

I remember that "stage" of recovery from my first hip replacement surgery. I'd read a paragraph or two from a magazine article, and then I'd watch a little TV (Animal Planet in those days), then fall to sleep for a bit, and then maybe a page in a book, and fall back to sleep, and then a little TV, and then an arduous trip to the bathroom, and fall back into the bed to sleep some more. Ha ha ha

"this too shall pass"

146jnwelch
Juin 3, 2014, 9:33 am

Good to see you posting again, ms. walklover. Happy to hear that you found an excellent caregiver - they're worth their weight in gold, aren't they? I know the second, Meck book was the memoir of a woman who lost her memory in an accident. What was The Perfume Collector?

Thank you for the walk to the corner this a.m. I'm glad you're starting to be able to do that again.

147jolerie
Juin 3, 2014, 11:28 am

Awww...you guys are so sweet! It's wonderful to see you are well enough to post Debbi and even better that you can do some reading as well. Take care! :)

148rosalita
Juin 3, 2014, 5:07 pm

Glad to see you are getting better every day, Debbi!

149walklover
Juin 5, 2014, 8:54 am

>146 jnwelch: - The Perfume Collector was really enjoyable. It dealt with the creation of a specific perfume - by following the lives of two women, one from the 20s and one from the 50s.

150walklover
Modifié : Juin 5, 2014, 9:01 am

41. The Last Days of California by Mary Miller - the book covers a family's trip cross country to try to convince people the Rapture is coming. The narrator is the youngest child in the family - a family that keeps the truth from each other most of the time. I found the book an easy read, but lacking in substance.

42. Blossom Street Brides by Debbie Macomber - a fun read - one I would call a fluff read - which is just what I needed. Pretty formulaic - you know it will have a happy ending for all - but still enjoyable.

151richardderus
Juin 5, 2014, 11:32 am

The Perfume Collector is a subject that fascinates me...the creation of scents, the passions they evoke and create...and I don't like perfumes! Mostly they make me itch.

So pleased to know you're back in the reading swing. It makes recovery so much less boring to be able to feed your mind, eh what?

152maggie1944
Juin 5, 2014, 2:13 pm

Delighted as Richard describes above. Yay! I love slow recovery which requires much reading. Ah, well, if you don't like the "slow" part you can ditch it. But Recovery + Reading = good deal!

153scaifea
Juin 6, 2014, 7:46 am

Lovely to see you posting - sending even more fast-healing thoughts your way.

>146 jnwelch: *snork!* Adorable.

154walklover
Juin 9, 2014, 10:58 pm

43. Messenger by Lois Lowry - not going to say anything except I highly recommend Lois Lowry's books to all - but do read them in order.

155maggie1944
Juin 10, 2014, 9:44 am

Oh, Dang! Debbi, I really have been doing pretty good in not buying more books. I may just have to go to the library today. Your teaser above, >154 walklover:, is very hard to ignore.

I hope this is a sign that you are feeling much closer to normal..... I'll send you some Heal Quick mojo in your direction!

156walklover
Juin 13, 2014, 1:00 pm

Thanks, Karen. I'm improving a bit every day - just have to remember not to push too hard or the next day is a loss.

157walklover
Juin 13, 2014, 1:03 pm

44. Every Trick in the Book by Lucy Arlington - Becca and I both really enjoy genre mysteries - this is one she picked up for us at Printers Row. Not every one is worth the read - but this one definitely is. It involves a literary agent, her police officer boyfriend, her psychic mother and a FDA murders. Fun read!

158rosalita
Modifié : Juin 13, 2014, 1:09 pm

>157 walklover: Now that sounds like a good time! Onto the wishlist.

Edited to add: You didn't say it was the second in a series, Debbi! Doggone it, I am supposed to not be starting any more new series. :-)

159jnwelch
Juin 13, 2014, 1:09 pm

>157 walklover: Do you think that's one your hubby might like? The literary agent part, plus your enjoying it so much, makes me wonder.

>156 walklover: Good point. Remember not to push too hard. :-)

160maggie1944
Juin 13, 2014, 2:03 pm

Just take it as it comes, and rest all day on some days. Good plan. You will recover well, no doubt.

161seasonsoflove
Juin 13, 2014, 6:18 pm

Ooo yay glad one of the ones I picked was good! I will definitely trade you for that one :)

I'm getting ready to start Fundraising the Dead , another one I picked up at Printer's Row this year.

162walklover
Juin 26, 2014, 7:45 am

Once again, thanks for the continued good thoughts. I'm feeling stronger every day - still getting quite tired much earlier than I'm used to, but I'm trying to pay close attention to what my body is telling me.

163walklover
Juin 26, 2014, 7:57 am

45. Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan - given to me by a neighbor after I saw her reading it. She felt it was fun, but fluff - and I agree - and would not recommend it because there are a lot of other "fun" books that would be a stronger read.

46. Undetectable by M. C. Soutter - read this one on my Kindle. I really enjoyed the first 7/8 of the book and it kept my interest as it described what was happening to the lead character - a man who woke up with no knowledge of the last three months of his life, but with many new skills and troubles. The big problem for me is that the ending was so "happily ever after" and much too abrupt.

164maggie1944
Juin 26, 2014, 7:58 am

One nice thing about being tired is that you can happily take naps!

I genuinely hope the recovery continues as it should and that in the meanwhile you are able to do more reading than you usually do.

165jnwelch
Juin 26, 2014, 11:34 am

I like your capsule reviews, walklover. Glad you're feeling stronger and you're paying attention to what your body tells you. Lots of rest seems like a good idea, doesn't it?

166walklover
Juin 30, 2014, 11:54 am

47. Now I See You by Nicole C. Kear - This book, which has just been featured as a Best New Book in People magazine is terrific. It's the story of a young woman given a diagnosis of retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 19 - and how she deals with that diagnosis - and keeping it a secret - for many years - all while fulfilling a bucket list. When she meets the man she eventually marries, has children and her vision dims to the point of her truly needing help in her daily activities, she finally faces the fact that people must be told - but that that will not and does not mean that her life will not be full of all the best there is to find. It's truly inspiring. What was especially fun for me was how well she described motherhood and all that goes with it - and how I could relate to so much of that without having the extra added loss of vision. A disclaimer - Nicole is my brother's daughter-in-law. I haven't met her in person yet, but cannot wait until that finally happens.

167connie53
Juil 5, 2014, 4:16 pm

That makes the book the more special, Walklover.

168maggie1944
Modifié : Juil 6, 2014, 11:31 pm

Debbi, I finished reading The Language of Flowers and want to thank you for encouraging me to pick it up from Elliott Bay Books. It took me a long time to get into it but that was not the book's fault entirely. I did find the jumping around in time to be a bit confusing but that's probably due to the fact that I was reading it int he bathtub and only a page or two each time. This weekend I finally had time to really jump into it and then I could not put it down! Lovely book.

169walklover
Juil 12, 2014, 6:51 pm

So glad you enjoyed The Language of Flowers and that you had a nice long time to just read.

170walklover
Juil 12, 2014, 6:54 pm

48. A Hardboiled Murder by Michelle Ann Hollstein - a lighthearted genre mystery that I would not recommend.

171walklover
Juil 12, 2014, 7:14 pm

49. She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Jennifer Finney Boylan - a wonderful memoir by a transgendered professor of English at Colby College. She takes you through her life step by step - from her birth as James Boylan through her acceptance of her true self. It is wonderful - funny, heartwarming, moving.

172walklover
Juil 15, 2014, 10:05 am

50. Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley - I don't often read graphic novels, but I'm very glad I read this one. It's a delightfully humorous life history told through love of and experiences with food (and there's a related recipe at the end of every chapter).

173jnwelch
Juil 15, 2014, 1:26 pm

Lots of good reading, o lover of walks! So glad Relish worked for you, as I know it's a rare day in May (or July) when you read a graphic novel. Unlike that cuckoo husband of yours.

174jnwelch
Juil 18, 2014, 3:41 pm

Did you ever go to the Williamstown Theater Festival back in your Pittsfield days? michigantrumpet (Marianne) wondered. She likes it a lot.

175walklover
Juil 18, 2014, 6:10 pm

Never got there - always wanted to. Milt reviewed plays there for many many years. I spent most of my summer theater time working at the Berkshire Playhouse.

176walklover
Modifié : Juil 20, 2014, 2:01 pm

51. A Three Dog Life by Abigal Thomas - about a woman in her 50s whose husband (her third - so they haven't been married that long) is struck by a car while out walking the dog. He suffers a very severe traumatic brain injury and their lives - together and separately - are changed forever. Well written and enjoyable - but a bit confusing regarding each of their children - who just seem to pop up during the narrative. Would recommend - read it on Kindle - a bargain book.

177rosalita
Juil 20, 2014, 2:02 pm

You've been doing some good reading, Debbi. I'm glad your recovery seems to be going so well.

178walklover
Juil 20, 2014, 2:06 pm

52. Son by Lois Lowry - the last of the 4 books in the "series". When I reread The Giver recently, I had no idea there were three more books to follow. Having finished them all, I wish there were many many more to come. This last one was as beautiful as the others, with Lowry returning to worlds already visited and tying together all the stories. I don't want to reveal too much because I want you all to read them. Enjoy!

179seasonsoflove
Juil 20, 2014, 4:44 pm

At some point, after I read some more of the books on my shelves, I would love to borrow Son , as I've read the other three.

180maggie1944
Juil 20, 2014, 8:51 pm

Great to see you posting, and I love Lowry's work, and am glad you found it.

181jnwelch
Juil 21, 2014, 9:41 am

>178 walklover: I didn't know there were others beyond Giver, Hon, and your strong endorsement of them has convinced me. I plan on reading the second one after I get done with what I'm reading now.

182walklover
Modifié : Juil 28, 2014, 2:01 pm

>179 seasonsoflove: seasonsoflove: I'm definitely keeping them all, so they'll be here whenever you want.

>180 maggie1944: maggie1944: I'm so glad I found it too. I have so thoroughly enjoyed all four of the books. Hope things are well and happy with you.

>181 jnwelch: jnwelch: Looking forward to you - and Becca - reading them so that I can talk about them more.

183walklover
Modifié : Juil 28, 2014, 2:09 pm

53. What Was She Thinking? by Zoe Heller - the second title is "Notes on a Scandal" and that is exactly what the book is - the notes of one woman on the affair that her friend ( who is in her 40s) is having with a fifteen year old student. I'm not sure where the heck I found this book - and the subject matter is something that makes my skin crawl, but it is a very well-written story (fictional, by the way) with great character development.

54. Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline - I started this on Saturday and only put it down when I absolutely had to - and finished it on Sunday. It's the story of a teenage girl about nine months from aging out of the foster care system and a ninety-one year old woman who had been one of the children from New York who was gathered up and put on the Orphan Train. They come together because of community service hours that must be met to keep the girl out of juvie - but from a wonderful bond - each teaching the other many things about life and taking chances.

184jnwelch
Août 7, 2014, 9:45 am

Happy Anniversary, walklover!

I'm enjoying Orphan Train at your recommendation.

Looking forward to seeing you tonight!

185walklover
Août 9, 2014, 11:48 am

55. Death on Daytime by Tash Bell - I'm not even going to write a review of this genre mystery, except to say that there are many, many more much better written ones out there. Don't waste your time on this one - I'm sorry I did.

56. The Diary of a Single Parent Abroad by Jill Pennington - A husband and wife decide to uproot and move with their children to Italy. Sounds great - already uprooted - the husband leaves the family - and Italy - for the woman he's been having an affair with for many years. An interesting tale of a woman struggling to make it on her own in a foreign country and with very little money.

186walklover
Août 19, 2014, 1:05 pm

57. Someday, Someday, Maybe by Lauren Graham - I picked this up because I'm a huge fan of Graham's work on The Gilmore Girls and Parenthood - and I'm very glad I did. She writes of a young woman who has given herself a three year deadline to "make it" in New York and the story opens with three months left. Having a niece and some friends in theater, I felt that Graham's writing was honest and hit the mark. It's an easy read - definitely a hammock or rainy day recommendation.

58. Lost Lake by Sarah Addison Allen - Joe introduced me to this author and I have loved every book of hers that I've read. She captures the feel of the time, the community and the people every time. This one really speaks of the power of connections in our lives - and how many of them are very hard to break - and how many of them can save us - from others and from ourselves.

187walklover
Août 19, 2014, 1:10 pm

59. We Were Liars by E. Lockhart - After Jnwelch and seasonsoflove both ripped through this book in a day each, I knew I had to give it a try - and I did the same. It's wonderful - and I highly recommend it. Will let their reviews stand and just say - put aside a day and put it in your hands.

188jnwelch
Août 19, 2014, 2:25 pm

Oh good, you finished Lost Lake! Nice description of it. Eesh, that mother-in-law!

I'm pretty sure you and I passed the baton with We Were Liars, both starting and finishing it on the same Sunday. Talk about a fast read!

189maggie1944
Août 20, 2014, 8:56 am

I think I will have to label this thread "dangerous to your pocketbook". I am punctured by book bullets after reading only a handful of messages. Yikes! *runs off clutching her bag to her breast*

190walklover
Modifié : Août 29, 2014, 8:40 am

>189 maggie1944: maggie1944 - Glad you've enjoyed my book listings. It was so nice to read three books in a row that I truly enjoyed and would recommend. Hope all is well with you.

191walklover
Août 29, 2014, 8:45 am

60. Matrimony and Murder by Lois Lamanna - a murder mystery - "okay" - but there are many more I would recommend before this one.

61. Coming Clean by Kimberly Rae Miller - an excellent memoir written by the daughter of a hoarder. She really portrayed the effects a life in houses of squalor can have on a child, but still managed to help the reader understand why she still loves her parents so very much. A very good read.

192walklover
Août 31, 2014, 10:11 pm

62. if i stay by Gayle Forman - A terrific book that thoughtfully tells the story of a young woman who is the only survivor from her family after a horrific car accident kills her parents and brother. She is in a coma throughout most of the book - and must come to terms as to whether she will decide to live and face life without her family or die.

193seasonsoflove
Sep 1, 2014, 9:26 am

You're on a reading spree! I love it!

194walklover
Sep 1, 2014, 11:00 am

Thanks, sweetie! #62 is in the Becca bag - ready for you!

195seasonsoflove
Sep 1, 2014, 11:02 am

Yay!!

196jnwelch
Sep 1, 2014, 9:49 pm

So glad you enjoyed If I Stay, Hon. How are you liking Cress?

197walklover
Sep 2, 2014, 7:26 am

Once I got all the female characters straight again, I really started to enjoy it!

198jnwelch
Sep 2, 2014, 3:33 pm

:-)

199walklover
Sep 5, 2014, 6:46 pm

63. Cress by Marissa Meyer - having read Scarlet and Cinder, I couldn't wait to read this one - and now I can't wait to read the next one, Winter. Would highly recommend the series!

200msf59
Sep 5, 2014, 6:53 pm

Hi Debbi! I haven't been by in ages but I wanted to tell you to have a wonderful trip to London. I am sure you guys will have a fantastic time.

Glad you liked Cress. I plan on getting to that one soon. Hugs!

201walklover
Sep 5, 2014, 10:04 pm

Thanks, Mark. So excited about the trip!! Hope to get a lot of good reading in on the plane.

202walklover
Sep 18, 2014, 6:52 pm

Season to Taste or How to Eat Your Husband by Natalie Young - I made it through the first 36 pages - you shouldn't even bother.

203walklover
Sep 18, 2014, 7:00 pm

64. Foreclosed by Traci Tyne Hilton - a not very good genre mystery - still not quite sure why I felt compelled to finish it.

65. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon - a wonderful book about a woman transported to a time 200 years ago. It hooked me right from the start and I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

66. The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters - While waiting for an asteroid to hit and possibly destroy Earth, Detective Hank Palace still feels the need to solve what he thinks is a murder - even though everyone else classifies it a suicide. Really enjoyed this one and excited that I still have two books left in the trilogy.

204drachenbraut23
Sep 25, 2014, 6:46 am

Haha, I see that Season to Taste or How to Eat Your Husband which did sound extremely funny from the title and blurb - didn't turn out to be anything at all. To give up after 36 pages this must have been either incredible boring, or so exaggerated that it must have been irritating.

Up for something different? I can highly recommend The Girl with all the Gifts a book which might surprise you despite the theme. I am almost finished.

On a different note did you see Emma Watson's full speech at the UN? I thought she was absolutely amazing.

205walklover
Oct 2, 2014, 11:30 am

>204 drachenbraut23: drachenbraut23 - I think both of your guesses about that book are correct. What a disappointment. Thanks for the recommendation - will definitely take a look at it. I haven't listened to the whole speech yet, but definitely plan to asap.

206walklover
Modifié : Oct 2, 2014, 11:48 am

67. The White Masai by Corinne Hofmann - This was one of the books I picked up in London. It's the fascinating and well-told story of a white European who falls in love with a Masai warrior while on holiday with her boyfriend in Kenya. You get it all - life in the bush, the treatment of women, their marriage and the birth of their baby, his intense jealousy which eventually causes the demise of the marriage and her "escape" from Kenya (women could not travel without the permission of their husband). I thoroughly enjoyed it and plan to continue Corinne's story with her book, Back from Africa.

68. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion - Joe recommended this one to me and he was absolutely right in doing so. It's a wonderful love story contained in a tale of a man who has trouble fitting in - and makes us all wonder just how much "fitting in" should matter over staying true to yourself as an individual. Looking forward to The Rosie Effect.

69. The Maze Runner by James Dashner - I first picked this up because the movie looked really interesting, but I wanted to read the book first. So glad I did. It sucked me in and I couldn't stop reading. Full of adventure, dystopia, "family", suspense - truly enjoyable. I've already put the next one in the series on my Kindle.

70.Ink, Red, Dead - a Kiki Lowenstein Mystery by Joanna Campbell Slan - A simple genre mystery as a break from the more serious books I was reading. The genre was scrapbooking and the story was interesting and fun.

207drachenbraut23
Oct 2, 2014, 5:11 pm

I enjoyed The Maze Runner as well, but haven't come round to read the second in series yet. It's so terrible but I get so easily distracted by other books.

208jnwelch
Oct 3, 2014, 3:22 pm

So glad you had a good time with The Rosie Project! Thanks for letting me know there'll be another one. I really enjoyed those characters.

You're going to lead the way on the Maze Runner series. I enjoyed that first one, but never got further. Look forward to hearing what you think of the next one.

White Masai sounds like quite an amazing story.

209ffortsa
Oct 5, 2014, 12:43 pm

Hi Debbi. I've caught up on your thread in celebration of the new year. Lots of interesting books mentioned, I see.

I wish you and your family L'ShanaTova.

210maggie1944
Oct 5, 2014, 5:13 pm

I love LT. I wish you and your family L'ShanaTova, too. To start anew is always a gift, right?

211walklover
Oct 10, 2014, 9:20 am

Thanks for the New Year's wishes. This is going to be an exciting year for the whole Welch family - looking towards growth, changes, excitement, happiness - and a new daughter-in-law.

212walklover
Oct 10, 2014, 9:24 am

71. Takedown Twenty by Janet Evanovich - I read the first Evanovich right after Joe came home from work and told me he had laughed out loud on the train while reading it. So glad I did. The characters are well-formed and you can't wait to see what each of them will be doing - or will have done to them - I never tire of them. Becca and I are at odds as to who the lead character should hook up with - but I just hope the books keep coming so that we never truly find out which one Stephanie chooses. Read these in order - it's a delight.

213walklover
Oct 19, 2014, 8:17 am

72. Etched in Sand by Regina Calcaterra - a memoir of five siblings whose lives were lived in a hell created by their indescribably disturbed mother. Very difficult to read at times because of the descriptions of the violence, but well worth it to be reminded of the needs of many children in our world - and the good and bad sides of the foster care system.

73. The Child Taker by Conrad Jones - the title speaks for itself. This is a book (fictional mystery) about child trafficking - not a book for everyone, but I thought the mystery was well-written.

74. Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan - the next in the series after Sarah, Plain and Tall. A simple book, beautifully written. I think it does us all good to read books like this to be reminded that everything doesn't have to be complicated and sophisticated. The books absolutely need to be read in order - and take less than an hour each.

214jnwelch
Oct 20, 2014, 3:17 pm

>213 walklover: Couldn't agree more on Skylark, oh beauteous one.

One away from 75 - exciting!

215walklover
Oct 24, 2014, 8:30 am

75. Roxaboxen by Alice McLerran - it was quite appropriate that I chose a children's book for my 75th - and this children's book in particular. I'm in the process of shopping my own picture book to publishers and writing a middle grade novel. Also, I am very involved in Chicago's Live Lit scene - writing and performing creative nonfiction - and this book is based on a true story - as is my picture book. I really enjoyed Roxaboxen and the illustrations by Barbara Cooney.

216drneutron
Oct 24, 2014, 10:13 am

Congrats! And I hope you can get a publisher interested in your book, too!

217jnwelch
Modifié : Oct 24, 2014, 11:12 am

Yay! What Jim said. Congratulations on 75!

I liked that one (Roxaboxen) a lot, too. Looking forward to seeing yours published.

218kidzdoc
Oct 24, 2014, 11:07 am

Congratulations, Debbi!

219maggie1944
Oct 24, 2014, 12:57 pm

This news makes me happy. 1. You've hit a big goal! Congratulations; and 2. You have been bitten by the write a book bug, and now are looking for helpers. May you find the best helpers you can have as soon as possible. The Universe is on your side! You know.

220seasonsoflove
Oct 24, 2014, 5:44 pm

Congrats on 75 Mom!!

221scaifea
Oct 25, 2014, 9:10 am

>215 walklover: Charlie and I just read this one not too long ago and *loved* it! Glad you did, too.

222jolerie
Oct 30, 2014, 2:01 pm

Congrats on reaching 75!!

I completely agree with you that all the books in The Giver series are good reads. I have yet to read The Son but I already know that I'm going to like it based on my reaction to the first 3 books. All 5 star reads for me.

I really enjoyed The Maze Runner. It was one of those I just couldn't put down books, but the subsequent books went off in direction I totally didn't expect... Will be curious to see what you think. :)

223walklover
Nov 16, 2014, 10:17 am

Sorry it's taken me this long to reply to everyone -
>216 drneutron: Thanks, Jim - the picture book is just about on it's way to a bunch of publishers and I've finally gotten back to,working on the middle grade novel. Fingers crossed!

>217 jnwelch: Hello and thanks to my biggest fan!

>218 kidzdoc: Thanks, Darryl - Hope you're reading this while you wear your wonderful hat.

>219 maggie1944: Thanks, Karen - The bite from the writing bug can often be painful, but I do love it.

>220 seasonsoflove: Hey there, cutie! It's such fun reading some of the same books and comparing. Such fun at dinner and the show last night - thanks for being my date.

>221 scaifea: Thanks, Amber. Roxaboxen was a suggestion from Joe - guess it pays to listen to him...sometimes.

>222 jolerie: Thanks, Valerie - Haven't started the second Maze Runner book yet. Thought that would be a good one for over the holidays.

224walklover
Nov 16, 2014, 10:35 am

76. Take the Monkeys and Run by Karen Cantwell - a free Kindle mystery that was fun and a very easy read - which I needed at the time. A decent mystery and an interesting side story.

77. Too Quiet in Brooklyn by Susan Russo Anderson - another free Kindle mystery. In this one,Fina finds a dead woman and shortly after discovers that the dead woman's grandson has been kidnapped. This ends up being tied to the murder of her own mother. I found this one interesting and, again, an easy read.

78. Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky - I was lucky enough to be in a writing group with Ami when she had just begun this book, so I saw and commented on the first chapters of the book. I've been so anxious to see the completed book as I was overwhelmed by Ami's talent and the way she handled the subject of the novel. The book, which I read almost non-stop for a day, is an extraordinary piece of work. I know Joe already reviewed the book, so I won't do it again. I'll just say that I feel everyone should read it - all ages. Can't wait to hear what you think.

79. Top Secret Twenty-One by Janet Evanovich - I have read every one of this series and always enjoy myself. For those in the know, this one has a lot of Ranger and Lula - which makes me very happy. It's always a fun read - and I would recommend you start with the first one so that you really get to know the characters. Let me know - Morelli or Ranger - what's your vote?

80. Countdown City by Ben H. Winters - Thank you to the person who recommended the first book in this series, The Last Policeman to Joe. We have both thoroughly enjoyed the series - and are anxious to read the last installment of the trilogy.

225jnwelch
Modifié : Nov 29, 2014, 12:54 pm

>224 walklover: Good to have read some of those with you. Still hoping Gracefully Grayson gets even more widely read. How cool that you were in a workshop with Ami Polonsky! Seems like a really nice woman, too.

At some point we need to pick up World of Trouble, the conclusion of The Last Policeman, right?

226walklover
Nov 30, 2014, 6:51 pm

>225 jnwelch: jnwelch: Definitely want to read the last book. I'd be okay to wait awhile, though. So much on the TBR shelves, tables, floor....

227walklover
Nov 30, 2014, 6:58 pm

81. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I don't quite know why, but I'm having difficulty figuring out how to describe this book. It involves a competition, love, friendship, loyalty, mystery, death, life - and tents made of ice and paper and fire..... If you aren't particularly fond of circuses (like my husband), please don't let that stop you from reading this marvelous book.

228drachenbraut23
Déc 1, 2014, 3:29 am

>227 walklover: Agree with you Debbi, such a marvelous book. This was one of my fave books of last year. I loved that it was so descriptive, which made it so easy to imagine the whole circus environment. :)

229jnwelch
Déc 1, 2014, 11:28 am

Well, you intrigued me with The Night Circus, and it's good to hear it's a fave of Bianca, too. Someone already added it to my TBR - how did that happen?

230walklover
Déc 4, 2014, 8:18 am

82. Just the Pits by Jinx Schwartz - an okay Kindle freebie - but there are many more much better mysteries out there.

83. Tea-Totally Dead by Jaqueline Girdner - Boring, repetitive -would not recommend .

231jnwelch
Déc 4, 2014, 10:12 am

Too bad, although I do like the title of Just the Pits.

232walklover
Déc 7, 2014, 10:48 am

84. Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? by Roz Chast - a wonderful memoir about dealing with her parents in their last year's. It's a hard subject and she deals with it quite honestly, but with great humor. Her art is terrific!

233jolerie
Modifié : Déc 25, 2014, 1:14 pm

From our family to yours!

234scaifea
Déc 25, 2014, 6:30 am

Happy Christmas!

235kidzdoc
Déc 25, 2014, 9:47 am



Happy Holidays, Debbi! I had a blast with you and Joe in London in September, and I look forward to spending more time with both of you in the near future.

236drachenbraut23
Déc 25, 2014, 12:46 pm



Debbi, wish you, Joe and your family a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!

237walklover
Jan 4, 2015, 5:08 pm

>233 jolerie:: Thanks, Valerie! Wishing you a very Happy New Year!

>234 scaifea:: Best wishes to you and yours, Amber.

>235 kidzdoc:: A very Happy New Year to you, my friend. We're hoping to get you to Chicago for a visit.

>236 drachenbraut23:: Thanks, Bianca. I hope the New Year brings you much joy!

238walklover
Modifié : Jan 4, 2015, 5:21 pm

85. Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon - I am hooked on this series. As soon as I finished this book (#2), I bought the next one for my Kindle.

86. An Appetite for Revenge by Jennifer L. Jennings - A pretty simplistic, but enjoyable, freebie mystery from Kindle.

87. The Frozen Thames by Helen Humphreys - Recommended by my own personal reviewer, Joe. I loved this book and its depictions of life by and on the Thames over more than 7 centuries.

88. The Breeders by Katie French - A minor dystopian novel. I enjoyed it, but would really not recommend it as there are many books in the same genre that are a lot better.

On to setting up my 2015 75 book thread!

239maggie1944
Jan 5, 2015, 8:37 pm

I loved The Frozen Thames, also. It is very unique and I loved that I felt attached to characters only described in a very few pages.

Happy New Year, Debi. I'm sorry we have lost the good reason for you and Joe to visit Seattle often. But not never, I'm hoping.

240walklover
Jan 24, 2015, 1:22 pm

>239 maggie1944:: a belated Happy New Year to you! The next few months are quite busy for us, but hope we get to visit again soon.

241walklover
Jan 24, 2015, 1:23 pm

Please visit me on my 2015 thread.

242jnwelch
Jan 25, 2015, 6:49 pm

243walklover
Jan 26, 2015, 9:45 am

>242 jnwelch:: Thanks, Joe!

244jnwelch
Modifié : Jan 26, 2015, 12:32 pm