Deborah ( vancouverdeb) thread #4

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Deborah ( vancouverdeb) thread #4

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1vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 13, 2018, 11:29 pm

2vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 13, 2018, 10:44 pm


3vancouverdeb
Modifié : Nov 18, 2018, 7:54 pm

January
1) SomeOne by Alice McDermott {USA) 4 stars
2) Slow Horses by Mick Herron (UK) 4 stars
3)Three Souls by Janie Chang (Canada ) 4.25 stars

February
4)Dead Lions by Mick Herron ( UK) 3.75 stars
5)The Grave's a Fine and Private Place: A Flavia de Luce Novel by C. Alan Bradley ( Canada) 5 stars
6)The Boat People by Sharon Bala N 4 stars
7)The Bat: The First Inspector Harry Hole Novel by Jo Nesbo (Sweden) 4 stars

March
8)Forgiveness by Mark Sakamoto (Canada) 4 stars
9)Three Things About Elsie by Joanna Cannon (UK) 5 stars
10)The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett ( USA) 4 stars
11)Miss Burma by Charmaine Craig (USA) 4.5 stars

4vancouverdeb
Modifié : Nov 18, 2018, 7:48 pm

April
12)To Die but Once: A Maisie Dobbs Novel by Jacqueline Winspear (USA) 4 stars
13)Sing, Unburied, Sing by Jesmyn Ward (USA) 4 stars
14)The Idiot by Elif Batuman (USA) 2. 5 stars
15) A Boy in Winter by Rachel Seiffert (UK) 3.8 stars
16) When I Hit You by( India/UK) Meena Kandasamy 4.5 stars

May
17)The Home for Unwanted Girls by Joanna Goodman( Canada) 4 stars
18)It Begins in Betrayal by Iona Whishaw( Canada) 4.5 stars
19)Mr. Flood's Last Resort by Jess Kidd (UK) 4 stars
20)Educated: A Memoir by Tara Westover ( USA)4.25 stars

June
21)Himself: A Novel by Jess Kidd (UK) 4 stars
22)Come from Away by Genevieve Graham ( Canada) 3.5 stars
23)The Birdwatcher by William Shaw ( UK) 4 stars

5vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 12:21 am

July
24)Tides of Honour by Genevieve Graham ( Canada) 3 stars
25)House of Dreams: The Life of L. M. Montgomery (USA) by Liz Rosenberg 4 stars
26)Salt Lane by William Shaw (UK) 3.8 stars
27)Dear Mrs. Bird: A Novel by A.J. Pearce( UK) 3.8 stars
28)The Trick to Time by Kit de Waal( UK) 4 stars

August
29)Clock Dance by Anne Tyler (USA) 3.75 stars
30)Warlight: A novel by Michael Ondaatje ( Canada ) 3 stars
31)Convenience Store Woman by by Sayaka Murata L 3.5 stars

September
32)The Death of Mrs. Westaway by Ruth Ware (UK) 3.75 stars
33)A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapeña {Canada) 3.6 stars
34)Transcription: A Novel by Kate Atkinson( UK) 4.25 stars

6vancouverdeb
Modifié : Jan 2, 2019, 4:57 am

October
35)A Sorrowful Sanctuary by Iona Whishaw ( Canada) 3.75 stars
36)Washington Black: A Novel by Esi Edugyan (Canada) 4 stars
37)Harbour Streetby Ann Cleeves (UK) 4 stars

November
38)The Crow Trap ( Vera #1) by Ann Cleeves (UK) 4stars

December
39The Comforts of Home: Simon Serrailler (9) UK 4. 25 stars

7vancouverdeb
Modifié : Jan 2, 2019, 4:58 am

Female Authors 32

Male Authors 7

Authors Nationality
American 8
UK 12
Taiwanese - Canadian 6
Canadian 10
India/UK 1
Japanese 1

Where the Story took Place
USA 6
UK 15
China 1
Sri Lanka/ Canada 1
Canada/Japan 1
Burma 1
Ukraine 1
India 1
Canada 7
Ireland 2
Japan 1
Barbados/USA 1

8vancouverdeb
Oct 13, 2018, 10:42 pm

spare

9vancouverdeb
Oct 13, 2018, 10:43 pm

Welcome to my new thread! Please drop a star. I hope to catch up some of the reading I've done in my absence and then get around to your threads . Thanks again for your many kind thoughts and hugs. It's so much appreciated!

10Familyhistorian
Modifié : Oct 13, 2018, 11:09 pm

Happy new thread, Deborah. It is good to see you posting on your own thread again!

11vancouverdeb
Oct 13, 2018, 11:26 pm

>9 vancouverdeb: Nice to be back, Meg! Just trying to remember how to resize images . Never easy for me! :-)

12vancouverdeb
Oct 13, 2018, 11:34 pm



Tides of Honour by Genevieve Graham . Canadian . A historical novel about the Halifax Explosion, but it was a light weight bit of fluff. 3 stars.

13vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 6:48 am



This was a fabulous read! I loved the Anne of Green Gables books in my youth and this was a wonderful but rather sad biography about L.M. Montgomery. Highly recommended , if you are a fan. House of Dreams: The Life of L. M. Montgomery by Liz Rosenberg Ironically written by an American and billed as YA, but I doubt that many YA would read it. 4 stars

14vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 13, 2018, 11:51 pm



Salt Lane by William Shaw. This is the second in the series that began with The Birdwatcher . I enjoyed it, as did my husband, but The Birdwatcher was the better book. I look forward to the 3rd in the series. I'm not sure when it will be out. Recommended. Mystery / police procedural, quite atmospheric. 3.8 stars

15vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 6:48 am



Despite the rather cheesey cover, this was a fun romp during WWI1 From the Guardian in the UK " A jolly romp through London in the blitz sounds like an unlikely idea for a novel, but Dear Mrs Bird is full of poignant moments that cut through the froth of its narrator’s voice...And though at times the book seems like an Evelyn Waugh pastiche crossed with a Radio 4 comedy drama, complete with hilarious misunderstandings and some dodgy dialogue, Emmy is truly charming. When her upper lip finally wobbles, the reader’s will, too....In the end, the novel’s spirit is madly winning, and its foregrounding of wartime women seems spiffingly modern."

4 stars

Dear Mrs Bird by A.J. Pearce Highly recommended.

16vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 12:00 am



From the 2018 Bailey Women's Longlist, I just loved this quirky tale. I also enjoyed her previous book, My Name is Leon.

The Trick to Time by Kit de Waal 4 stars

17vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 12:06 am



I do enjoy Anne Tyler very much. Clock Dance might appeal more to an older audience, such as myself. Not as good some her previous works, but still a solid 3. 8 stars

18vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 12:12 am



From the Man Booker Long List 2018 . It was okay, but nothing special, I thought. Atmospheric and interesting, but it really lacked much of a plot or character development. I don't need a plot driven book, but this just kind of stalled out for me. I've never been a fan of Micheal Ondaatje, so no big surprise, but I hoped for more. Warlight 3 stars.

19vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 6:49 am



Convenience Store Woman by Sayaka Murata was a quirky read that not everyone will enjoy. But I found it very intriguing. It is translated from the Japanese and features a somewhat challenged woman who works as a Convenience store clerk. It's a short book at about 150 pages and a worthwhile read. 3.5 stars.

20vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 12:20 am



The Death of Mrs Westaway by Ruth Ware was my first read by this author. It's a mystery / suspense, told in the present time , though it is very atmospheric and somewhat gothic in feel, so it seemed like it took place in an earlier time. Recommend. Lots of fun! 4 stars.

21vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 12:24 am



A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena. This a Canadian author and this is a suspense / mystery novel. It was enjoyable, but nothing special. I preferred The Death of Mrs Westaway.

3. 5 stars

22vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 12:25 am

Back later to catch up on three more books I have read.

23figsfromthistle
Oct 14, 2018, 6:01 am

Happy new thread. Glad to see you back

24susanj67
Oct 14, 2018, 6:32 am

Happy new thread, Deborah :-) I agree with you about Warlight - it didn't grab me at all.

25karenmarie
Oct 14, 2018, 8:09 am

Happy new thread, Deborah, and glad to see you back. I've missed you.

26jessibud2
Oct 14, 2018, 8:16 am

Happy new thread, Deb, and welcome back! I have Dear Mrs. Bird sitting in the pile on my floor. Good to hear it has a good recommendation from you. I also have another book (as yet unread, but waiting to be!) about the Green Gables era, called Before Green Gables, billed as a prequel to Anne of Green Gables. I will have to try to get to it sooner rather than later.

27Ameise1
Oct 14, 2018, 8:59 am

Happy new thread, Deb. I'm glad you're back.

28BLBera
Oct 14, 2018, 9:04 am

Happy new thread, Deborah. I love all the mini reviews!

29Carmenere
Oct 14, 2018, 9:13 am

Happy New Thread, Deborah! Like Beth >28 BLBera: I love and appreciate your mini reviews :0)

30jnwelch
Oct 14, 2018, 9:41 am

Happy New Thread, Deborah! Love the toppers.

31rosalita
Oct 14, 2018, 10:30 am

Welcome back, Deborah! I am intrigued by Dear Mrs. Bird; I'll have to look for that one in the library.

32ChelleBearss
Oct 14, 2018, 2:51 pm

Happy new thread! Glad to see you back!

33charl08
Oct 14, 2018, 2:59 pm

Happy New one Deborah. Lovely to see you back. I was a fan of the Ondaatje, but no reason everyone has to be one! Dear Mrs Bird sounds intriguing, I will have to have a look for it.

34brenzi
Oct 14, 2018, 4:57 pm

Hi Deborah. Good to see you posting😊

35vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 6:03 pm

>23 figsfromthistle: Thanks Anita, it's good to be back!

>24 susanj67: Yes, Warlight was a disappointment to me too. But it was decidedly better than Cat's Table, which is the only other book that I've read by Ondaatje. I guess we are not " his type" :-) I did watch the movie , The English Patient back in the day, and it was okay, but perhaps dragged a bit. LOL!

>25 karenmarie: Lovely to see you, Karen! Thanks!

36vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 6:13 pm

>26 jessibud2: Shelley, I'm really enjoying the CBC series on Anne of Green Gables. Supposedly it's not your " mother's Anne of Green Gables" and it flashes back to some of what is supposedly Anne's life in an orphanage prior to living at Green Gables. It's a darker version than the books, or the Meghan Fellows version. I'm going to have to look into Before Green Gables. I'm already eager to read Marilla of Green Gables, which is coming out later on this month. It is supposedly Marilla's story. Can you tell that I'm a Anne of Green Gables fan?:-)

>27 Ameise1: Hi Barbara! I'll have to pop by your thread soon and check on that hand of yours. I hope it is healed up by now.

>28 BLBera: Thanks Beth! They are mini- reviews, that's for certain. Just what pops into my head regarding the books I've read over the past while.

>29 Carmenere: Great to see you, Lynda! Indeed, super mini reviews ;-) Just my quick impressions of the books in question

37vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 14, 2018, 6:20 pm

>30 jnwelch: Joe, great to see you! I'm afraid it took me a bit to create my toppers, having forgotten how to size and even grab them from the web. I know you also enjoyed Convenience Store Woman. I think I may have undersold here on my thread.

>31 rosalita: Julia, I think you , and most people would enjoy Mrs Bird. It's a lot of fun with some substance. I suppose I've been gravitating towards a bit of fun lately.

>32 ChelleBearss: Hi Chelle! And you are back to work ! Wow! I've been enjoying the pictures on facebook of Chloe and Elissa. I'll be by soon to check on your reading adventures.

38vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 6:25 pm

>33 charl08: I found Mrs Bird at the bookstore, but later found it was in Costco! Is that good or bad? I'm not sure, Charlotte. Yes, we can't all like the same authors or books. Ondaatje and the famous Margaret Atwood are just not my type. Perhaps I'm not a true Canadian? ;-) I must admit , Warlight was atmospheric and it was not a terrible slog, unlike some of Atwood's books.

>34 brenzi: It's good to be back, Bonnie. Thanks!

39vancouverdeb
Oct 14, 2018, 6:29 pm

I still have 3 more books to create mini reviews for

Transcription by Kate Atwood - see Joe's review for an excellent review.

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan which I enjoyed far beyond my expectations

Sorrowful Sanctuary by Iona Wishaw.

I plan to that later on and then get around to other's threads.

40jessibud2
Oct 14, 2018, 6:42 pm

>36 vancouverdeb: - You mean the series Anne With an E? I have see previews but haven't watched it yet. I also heard an interview with the guy who plays the black character. He said he was so honoured to have that role as there definitely would have been Black people in PEI at that time so it is wonderful that their part of the story be told. I really should watch it. I'll see if I can find it On Demand so I can watch from the beginning.

41raidergirl3
Oct 14, 2018, 7:49 pm

I'm loving Anne With an E! From the Hip opening theme, to the terrific RH Thompson as Matthew, the little Anne is perfect. They do flashback to Anne's horrible life before GG, (Budge Wilson wrote the very good Before Green Gables). I'm debating about the new Marilla book.
Season 1 is on Netflix, and season 2 is live on CBC Sunday nights. I watch it later on the CBC app.

I saw both musicals this summer - Anne of Green Gables, and Anne and Gilbert. I just love both of them and all the songs. I'm picky about my Anne stuff, but I approve of the adaptations in these editions. Everytime I read Anne of GG, I love it more.

Welcome back. Can't wait to see your Transcription review. I'm on hold at my audio library.

42jessibud2
Oct 14, 2018, 9:34 pm

>41 raidergirl3: - I tuned in for a bit tonight. That opening theme song is the Tragically Hip! And RH Thompson is one of my all-time favourite actors!! I had forgotten that he was also in the original,, with Megan Follows, too.

43msf59
Oct 14, 2018, 10:01 pm

Happy New Thread, Deb. Love the Snoopy toppers and I love the flurry of books. I have Clock Dance waiting in the stacks. Some of my LT pals liked Warlight and I have been a fan of his work, so I will give his latest a try.

I also have a copy of Transcription waiting nearby and I have requested Washington Black from the library.

Great to see you posting, my friend.

44Whisper1
Oct 14, 2018, 11:01 pm

>17 vancouverdeb: Hi Deb. I've been MIA alot this year of reading. Regarding Anne Tyler, when I first stumbled upon Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant, I thought I had to read every single book she wrote. I found that the later ones lacked the poignancy of the earlier writings. I started A Spool of Blue Thread but it didn't hold my interest.

Thanks for your comments about her recent book.

45drneutron
Oct 15, 2018, 3:05 pm

Happy new thread!

46johnsimpson
Oct 15, 2018, 3:33 pm

Happy new thread Deborah my dear, that is a really good list of your reads I must say. So nice to see you back posting again, you have been missed my dear. Sending love and hugs to you and the family from the pair of us dear friend.

47FAMeulstee
Oct 15, 2018, 6:45 pm

So good to see you back, Deborah, happy new thread!

48mdoris
Oct 16, 2018, 1:55 am

Lovely to see you and all the fabulous book reviews. Happy new thread Deborah.

49jessibud2
Oct 16, 2018, 2:23 pm

Deb, am I remembering correctly that you once mentioned that your background, going back a few generations, is Icelandic? If so, I just started a book I bet you would find interesting. It's called Letters to Icelanders by Canadian writer Betty Jane Wylie. In it, she explores her own Icelandic roots (her grandparents) through a series of letters. Quite creative, the format, and also, just plain interesting how she discovers what she calls memories of things she never experienced and familiarity with people and places she never met or visited. I am liking it a lot so far. Just started it yesterday.

She has written a number of books so your library may have it. It was published in 1999. Hmm, I hope it isn't out of print. It's been sitting on my shelves for a long time.

50brodiew2
Oct 16, 2018, 4:29 pm

>36 vancouverdeb: >40 jessibud2: >41 raidergirl3: I'll jump in on the 'Anne With An E' love, Deb. I started watching last weekend with my kids and became hypnotized by the lyrical unsettling, yet also optimistic production. I also thing the lead performances are absolutely brilliant. I am nearly done with Season 1 and have Season 2 to go. I'm glad you are enjoying it.

51Familyhistorian
Oct 20, 2018, 2:12 am

Good reviews, Deborah. I have both the Ruth Ware book and the Mrs. Bird book on my shelves - both Costco books. (All that means is they are slightly cheaper than bookstore prices.)

52vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 6:11 pm

>40 jessibud2:

>41 raidergirl3:
>42 jessibud2:
Shelley and Elizabeth, yes, I mean Anne with an E. I started watching it last season and have carried on watching it this season. I really love it! It is darker than the original Anne of Green Gables and initially I felt it was not very true to the books. But I really enjoy the different and darker take on Anne of Green Gables. And yes, The Tragically Hip at the start . I found the Marilla of Green Gables in the store yesterday, so I grabbed it. It looks like an easy read. I'll let you know what I think , but I had to purchase it. Thanks Elizabeth for the hint of Before Green Gables. I keep an eye out for that.

53vancouverdeb
Oct 21, 2018, 6:16 pm

>43 msf59: Great to see you , Lone Ranger. You will likely enjoy Warlight. It was not bad, but not anything special for me. But I did not care for Cat's Table either, so he's not my author, I suppose. Clock Dance was sad, but enjoyable. I'm a big fan of Anne Tyler. I'm sure you will love Washington Black - to my surprise I did really enjoy it myself.

>44 Whisper1: Thanks for stopping by , Linda. I'm sorry that you did not enjoy A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler. I just loved it, but she is an author I have enjoyed over the years. I hope you are feeling okay. Take care.

>45 drneutron: Thanks Jim and thanks for running the 75 group!

54vancouverdeb
Oct 21, 2018, 6:32 pm

>46 johnsimpson: Love and hugs to you and Karen, John. I hope your year of reading chunksters is going well. Those big boys , as Mark calls them, can eat up a lot of time! I peeked over on your thread just now and I see you are discussing house prices in your area. Housing is crazy here too. I think we may almost on par with London England, as far as prices go. You really cannot find a detached house in my area for less than close to two million dollars. An most often those are so called " knock downs." - that is to say, some one will purchase a 40 year old house just for the land and demolish it to create a new and bigger home. People here are willing to purchase a micro apartment, at say 350 to 400 square feet. We are fortunate to own our townhouse outright. It's nothing special and it's in need of a facelift, but it's nice to have paid off our mortgage before my husband retires.

>47 FAMeulstee: Great to see you, Anita. I hope the thyroid medication is gradually being adjusted such that you are feeling better.

>48 mdoris: Thanks , Mary! Lovely to see you! I was out doing a bit of shopping for Christmas yesterday and picked up several books for Melissa, our grand daughter. Two are nursery rhyme books, and the third is one I've heard good things about, Llama Llama Pyjama. I hope she will enjoy them. I know you love to gift your grandies with books too. She is taking baby swimming lessons! I'm not sure how my anxious daughter in law squares up swimming lessons for babies with the need to use sanitizer to touch our granddaughter, but I'm not asking. Gradually they are getting less anxious, I think. :-)

55vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 7:51 pm

>49 jessibud2: Excellent memory, Shelley. Yes, on my mom's side it is " pure " Icelandic. Despite that, I must admit that no one looks very " nordic' . Perhaps my grandma did. But Icelander's pillaged Ireland and England and other shores way back when, so dark hair is not uncommon among Icelanders. My grandma has the classic blue eyes, high cheek bones and blonde hair, but not so my Icelandic grandpa. Hallstein and Helga . Letters to Icelanders sounds fascinating, but yes, it is out of print. I had a look around. Thanks for thinking of me.

>50 brodiew2: Brodie, thanks for chiming in with Anne With an E love! I'm looking forward to tonight's installment. It is unsettling compared to the original books, but so fascinating. I agree, the lead actors are wonderful. I'm so glad that you and your kids are enjoying together.

>51 Familyhistorian: Good to know, Meg, that you found Mrs Westaway and Mrs Bird on your shelves. I've read on your thread that possibly your townhouses are slated for demolition in favour of a highrise? I think you mentioned that you will get a condo ? I hope it will be nice and spacious - and have the same wonderful view that you have now.

56vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 7:42 pm



I love Kate Atkinson's books and this was no exception. It's the story of eighteen year old Juliet Armstrong. She is reluctantly recruited into the world of MI5 and Espionage in 1940. I loved being transported back into the world of spies, and I think that Kate Atkinson told this story with a bit of a wink of fun towards spy stories written in the past. Yes, there are men slipping folded newspapers onto benches, and minutes later another man picks up that newspaper. A wonderful read and a page turner.

Transcription 4.25 stars.

57vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 7:07 pm



Sorrowful Sanctuary is the 5th entry into the Canadian cozy mystery series that I discovered last year. It's a historical mystery that takes place post WW11, near Nelson BC. This time round Lane Winslow happens upon a dying man in a sinking rowboat. Inspector Darling and Constable Ames are quick to pick up on the case, but as usual Lane does a lot of the footwork. What is the meaning of the red swastika lapel pin found close to the dying young man?

Though I enjoyed this entry to the series, it was the least strong of the series that I have read. A bit of a disappointment after her previous books. Somehow the plot lagged and the previous character arcs were a bit stagnant. Still, I look forward to the next in the series.

3.5 stars.

58jessibud2
Oct 21, 2018, 7:17 pm

>54 vancouverdeb: - Oh Deb, the Llama, Llama books are wonderful. There are several and sadly, the author, Anna Dewdney, passed away a few years ago, from cancer. She was relatively young and I was very sad to hear that. I bought several of the books for my cousin's daughter when her first baby was born. She now has 2 kids and they still love them. Here is the website for Anna Dewdney's books (I just noticed that her own site is no longer up)

http://www.llamallamabook.com/

The lyrical text is something all kids love, and her illustrations are just gorgeous and wonderful.

59vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 7:43 pm



Washington Black by Esi EDugyan was book I was prepared to dislike. However, it is on the 2018 Man Booker shortlist and also on two Canadian Literature Prize lists, so I dutifully picked it up and anticipated a slog of a read.

I understood it to be a book about black slavery in 1830's Barbados. That part grabbed me, but the idea that slave would escape in the unlikely craft pictured on the front of the book, did not call to me. Further, I understood this to be an " adventure tale " that spanned from Barbados to the Arctic , to London , Morocco,Canada and more , and that added up to a book that I did not anticipate enjoying. And at just over 400 pages, I was not looking forward to this.

However, I was surprised. I loved it! Somehow it all worked, magical realism and an adventure story. That's usually a recipe for disaster for me.It turned out to be a page turner, and while I certainly got a terrible look at slavery in Barbados, I think this book was about more than that. I think Esi Edugyan also asked the question, who among us is really free?

It was on it's way to a 4.5 star read, but the abrupt and ambiguous ending put it to a 4 star read for me.

Hghly recommended.

60vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 21, 2018, 7:41 pm

>58 jessibud2: Shelley, I had no idea that the author, Anna Dewdney had passed away. How sad! That just makes the books more valuable. I'll keep an eye out for more of Llama , Llama books for Melissa. Thanks for that info.

61figsfromthistle
Oct 21, 2018, 9:15 pm

Great reviews here!! Can't wait to read Washington Black. Since you enjoy Kate Atkinson's novels, I am moving her book further up on my reading list. I currently have A God in Ruins in my collection. Have a wonderful week :)

62jnwelch
Oct 23, 2018, 6:18 pm

Hi, Deborah. I love that quick take on Transcription - I had the same reaction. Like figs, I'm looking forward to getting to Washington Black.

63jessibud2
Oct 23, 2018, 6:44 pm

>58 jessibud2: - Deb, on that link I posted, if you scroll down a bit, there is a lovely video created by her partner, about an award created in honour of Anna Dewdney. Also, he tells about her background and how the Llama, Llama books got started. And how she was all about the bond and connection between parent and child, when reading together.

64brodiew2
Oct 24, 2018, 8:52 pm

Hi Deb! I hope all is well with you!

>59 vancouverdeb: Washington Black looks interesting. I like the cover and your review demands I look into it further.

65EllaTim
Oct 25, 2018, 5:37 am

>59 vancouverdeb: Good review. Nice to have a book surprise you like that!

66vancouverdeb
Oct 27, 2018, 6:07 pm

>61 figsfromthistle: Anita, I hope you enjoy Kate Atkinson and Washington Black. I sure do!

>62 jnwelch: Joe, I know you enjoyed Transcription too and I hope you enjoy Washington Black.

>63 jessibud2: Thanks for the link, Shelley. I really enjoyed it . I purchased a couple more Llama Llama books for Melissa, thinking of Christmas coming up. But will I wait to hand them over to her? ;-)

67vancouverdeb
Oct 27, 2018, 6:09 pm

>64 brodiew2: Such a brief and personal review I did, Brodie. I hope you enjoy Washington Black.
>65 EllaTim: Ella, It really is wonderful to start a book that you are reading out of obligation, and find that you actually enjoy it! That was a pleasant surprise, indeed.

68banjo123
Oct 27, 2018, 6:55 pm

Good to hear that you liked Washington Black. It is firmly on my list.

69vancouverdeb
Oct 27, 2018, 7:20 pm

>68 banjo123: I hope you enjoy Washington Black. At least I've read one book from the Booker Shortlist!

70vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 27, 2018, 10:20 pm



This is the first I've read in the the Vera Stanhope mystery series by Ann Cleeves. It was off the shelf, I'm proud to say. I rarely read a series out of order, but this was an exception and one I really enjoyed. It's number six in the series , and I found the mystery and the characters very engaging. It's slow burning mystery with great characterization. The story takes place in the atmospheric town of of Mardle . Detective Joe Ashworth is riding home with his daughter on crowded metro when an older lady seems to have fallen asleep. But no, she has been stabbed. DI Vera Stanhope soon joins Detective Ashworth in the quiet , but rather down and out town.

I have read several other books by Ann Cleeves in the Shetland Island series, but I much prefer the Vera Stanhope series. In the dark and rainy fall, it's fun to have a mystery series to fall back on. I'm glad I landed on this one. Anne Cleeves really succeeds in writing about the every day and in doing that, creates a cracking good crime novel. It's a slow burner.

Harbour Street 4 stars.

71vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 27, 2018, 10:19 pm

I''m currently half through the first in the Vera Stanhope series, The Crow Trap and very much enjoying that. Also off the shelf! :-)

72vancouverdeb
Oct 27, 2018, 10:19 pm

I just read a great review of The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson. It's a new series, separate from his " Dark Iceland " series, featuring Detective Inspector Hulda Hermannsdóttir of the Reykjavik police . I put a hold on it at the library.

73mdoris
Oct 27, 2018, 10:33 pm

Just put The Darkness on reserve at the library and I'm #26 for one copy. Oh boy, a big wait! I love the Vera DVD series. The actress playing Vera is outstanding, Brenda Blethyn.

74charl08
Oct 28, 2018, 8:16 am

Sounds like you are having fun buying Xmas books Deborah. I do love spending time looking at picture books for gifts. I have yet to see a bad review of Transcription - I liked it, (although I am most excited about the new Jackson Brodie).

75Ameise1
Oct 28, 2018, 8:20 am

>59 vancouverdeb: Great review. I bought this one for Marina's book adventskalender.
Happy Sunday.

76vancouverdeb
Modifié : Oct 28, 2018, 6:13 pm

>73 mdoris: Well, it looks like I am #10 for one copy at for The Darkness, Mary. Maybe they will get in more than one copy at both of our libraries? I've yet to watch the Vera DVD series. I'll have to wait to read more of the Vera books.

>74 charl08: Yes, Charlotte, I am having fun looking for picture books for Melissa, Charlotte. I am excited about a new Jackson Brodie too. It's been a long time.

>75 Ameise1: Happy Monday, Barbara! I hope Marina enjoys Washington Black. I am sure she will!

77raidergirl3
Oct 28, 2018, 6:47 pm

Wait, what? A new Jackson Brodie? How did I miss that news? I’m excited!

78vancouverdeb
Oct 29, 2018, 6:00 pm

>77 raidergirl3: Elizabeth, there is no " official information " about the new Jackson Brodie that I can find online, but with the release of Transcription, Kate Atkinson visited a lot of places around the globe, including Vancouver, and stated that she had another Jackson Brodie book in the works. I can't wait either!

79Berly
Nov 2, 2018, 12:36 am

>56 vancouverdeb: I love Kate Atkinson, so I will keep an eye out for Transcription. : ) It's nice to see you back here.

80vancouverdeb
Nov 2, 2018, 10:54 pm

>79 Berly: Do keep an eye for Transcription, if you like Kate Atkinson. I really enjoy her works.

81EllaTim
Nov 3, 2018, 8:13 am

>76 vancouverdeb: The Vera DVD series is great, I loved the actress. I saw the series first, before I read a book, and couldn't help picturing her in the book. Wondering if she'll match the image you have of Vera after reading the book first.

82vancouverdeb
Nov 3, 2018, 7:45 pm

>82 vancouverdeb: I'd like to watch the Vera DVD series, Ella. I almost afraid to do so until I've read her books, in case I spoil the books for myself. Yes, an interesting idea to watch at least on episode to see if my image of Vera is similar to what the DVD's portray.

83vancouverdeb
Modifié : Nov 3, 2018, 7:54 pm

I finished The Crow Trap by Ann Cleeves and very much enjoyed it. It was a touch overlong, I thought, at a little over 500 pages. But Ann Cleeves is great at bringing characters to life, creating an atmosphere , as well as intricate plotting. . A series that I am glad I discovered.

4 stars.

84vancouverdeb
Modifié : Nov 3, 2018, 7:58 pm

I seem to be in the mood for mysteries lately, and just started The Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson . It is translated from Icelandic and is new series , The Hidden Iceland series. His last series was the Dark Iceland series. This seems very promising in the first few pages.

85FAMeulstee
Nov 4, 2018, 4:56 pm

>83 vancouverdeb: Sounds good, Deborah. Glad you enoyed.
I have read her Jimmy Perez (Shetland) books, will get to Vera Stanhope some day.

86Familyhistorian
Nov 4, 2018, 5:05 pm

>84 vancouverdeb: I hope it is a good one, Deborah. I just put it on hold at the Vancouver Library and I am number 59 on the list - word must be getting around!

Glad you liked Transcription. Kate Atkinson read from it at the Vancouver event and the passage she read sounded very humourous. I have the book on my shelves but read the first in the Jackson Brodie series recently because the audience was so enthused when she admitted that she had already finished the fourth in the series.

Nothing further has happened about the sale of my strata so I am not sure what is going on with that but I do know that I will not be looking for a condo to live in. Apartment living is not my idea of home.

87msf59
Nov 4, 2018, 5:41 pm

Happy Sunday, Deb. Loving Washington Black. I may finish it tomorrow. It goes in so many directions, that I would have never guessed. She is such a terrific writer.

88vancouverdeb
Nov 4, 2018, 11:23 pm

>85 FAMeulstee: Anita, I read about three of the Jimmy Perez series, but I much prefer Vera Stanhope by Ann Cleeves. At the rate you are reading , you'll be into the Vera Stanhope books in no time .

>86 Familyhistorian: It seems very promising so far, Meg. We had a family birthday party for my sister today, so it was a busy day. I'm going to watch Anne with an E on CBC ( I have it PVR'd) so I have not gotten far in The Darkness yes. Until my birthday in January my sister and I will be the same age :-) I think if we could afford a big enough condo in Steveston - right in Steveston by the water, well, I could manage condo living just fine. But not in a high rise. I loved the Jackson Brodie series by Kate Atkinson. I think she is a brilliant writer.

>87 msf59: I'm glad my warbling paid off, Mark! Washington Black was so different than I expected too and I loved it too!Glad you as well.

89drneutron
Nov 5, 2018, 12:58 pm

>87 msf59:, >88 vancouverdeb: Yup, Washington Black is awesome! At least through the first 5 chapters or so. 😀

90johnsimpson
Nov 5, 2018, 4:48 pm

Hi Deborah my dear, hope all is well with you and the family and send love and hugs to you all from both of us dear friend.

91ChelleBearss
Nov 11, 2018, 8:40 am

Hi Deb, glad to see you back online!
Love the books you've been posting lately. I haven't read anything by Anne Cleeve, yet :)

92EBT1002
Nov 18, 2018, 1:25 am

Hi Deb!
>83 vancouverdeb: The only Ann Cleeves I've read is Raven Black and I liked it. I want to acquire and read The Crow Trap because I loved the BBC series, "Vera."

P and I are talking about a one-nighter to Victoria over the Christmas break. We'll be in Seattle for a few days and could take the Clipper and just spend one day walking about. Visit the bookstore, have high tea, walk around Beacon Hill Park and along the waterfront.... all our favorite things.

93Familyhistorian
Nov 24, 2018, 10:51 am

>88 vancouverdeb: Wow, you and your sister are close in age. You must have driven your mother crazy! Are you all ready planning your granddaughter's Christmas presents? Have a great weekend, Deborah.

94Berly
Nov 26, 2018, 1:44 pm

I've added Washington Black to my LT Christmas WL!!

95karenmarie
Déc 20, 2018, 9:49 am

Hi Deborah! I saw that you posted on the scavenger hunt thread - I hope you're doing well and enjoying the holiday season.

96charl08
Déc 21, 2018, 3:09 am

Thank you for the card! So lovely to hear from you.

97Familyhistorian
Déc 21, 2018, 9:26 pm

Hi Deborah, I hope you have a wonderful holiday season and get to enjoy a lot of time with family!

98Carmenere
Déc 22, 2018, 7:02 am

Hoping your holidays are filled with good friends and good books

99SandDune
Déc 22, 2018, 4:23 pm



(Or in other words, Happy Christmas, to you and yours!)

100figsfromthistle
Déc 23, 2018, 8:14 am



May your Holiday be bright and merry :)

101johnsimpson
Déc 23, 2018, 3:45 pm

Hi Deborah, we wold like to wish you, Dave and the family a very Merry Christmas and festive season and send seasonal love and hugs from both of us dear friend.

102EBT1002
Déc 23, 2018, 11:26 pm

Hi Deborah. I know from FB that it has been a tough couple of weeks for you. Hang in there. And....


103Ameise1
Déc 24, 2018, 7:46 am

104ChelleBearss
Déc 24, 2018, 11:45 am

Sorry to see that things have not been well. I hope you find some relief over this holiday season and have a good visit with your family


105lkernagh
Déc 24, 2018, 2:02 pm

Hi Deb, joining the others in spreading holiday cheer here on your thread. Wishing you and your family peace, joy and happiness this holiday season and best wishes for 2019!

106PaulCranswick
Déc 25, 2018, 5:04 am



Happy holidays, Deb

107msf59
Déc 25, 2018, 9:13 am



^I hope you have a great holiday with the family, Deb. I know Dave is having a bad time. Is there any improvement? Keep us updated.

108Donna828
Déc 26, 2018, 11:49 am



I'm thinking of you, Deborah, as your Dave recovers from his fall. It makes the holiday season stressful…try to focus on your granddaughter as she experiences the magic of Christmas…(((Hugs)))

109jessibud2
Déc 26, 2018, 12:21 pm

Oh, Deb! I am so sorry to hear that Dave had a fall! I am not on facebook so only learned of this here. Hope recovery is swift and that you can still enjoy the holiday

110johnsimpson
Déc 31, 2018, 8:48 am

Hi Deborah, I hope that Dave is recuperating well my dear and that you and the family had a good Christmas. We would like to wish you and Dave and all the family a very happy new year and hope that 2019 is a good one. Sending love and hugs to you all from both of us dear friend.

111thornton37814
Déc 31, 2018, 11:53 am

112karenmarie
Déc 31, 2018, 2:11 pm

Hi Deborah!

I'm sorry to hear that Dave had a fall. I hope that he's doing better.



Wishing you a new year filled with joy, happiness, laughter, and all the wonderful books you could wish for.

113brodiew2
Déc 31, 2018, 2:54 pm

114Berly
Déc 31, 2018, 6:12 pm



Happy New Year's Eve!! May next year be happy and healthy. And filled with books!

115Ameise1
Jan 1, 2019, 10:30 am



I wish you from my heart a healthy 2019 filled with happiness, satisfaction, laughter and lots of good books.

116jessibud2
Modifié : Jan 1, 2019, 11:46 am

Happy new year, Deb. New year, fresh start. May it be a good one and a healthy one for you and your family.
{{hugs}}