Ellen (EBT1002) reads her way to retirement - 6
Ceci est la suite du sujet Ellen (EBT1002) reads her way to retirement - 5.
Discussions75 Books Challenge for 2021
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3EBT1002
I'm a bit ambivalent about rating books. I feel like my ratings are nonscientific and therefore inconsistent. Also, I too often find that I rate a book based on my immediate reaction but am later surprised as I recall it with either more or less affection than the rating seems to indicate. But I do like being able to look back and get a sense of how a book landed on me at the time I read it, so I persist with these stars in most cases.
= Masterpiece, took my breath away.
= Stunning.
= Excellent.
= Very good.
= Good.
= Average.
= Bad.
= Very bad.
= Don't bother.
Of course, it still holds true that I'm rarely going to complete a book earning fewer than two stars but I reserve the right to rate them based on my experience.
= Masterpiece, took my breath away. 
= Stunning. 
= Excellent. 
= Very good. 
= Good. 
= Average. 
= Bad.
= Very bad.
= Don't bother.Of course, it still holds true that I'm rarely going to complete a book earning fewer than two stars but I reserve the right to rate them based on my experience.
4EBT1002
COMPLETED IN JANUARY
1. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars
2. Jazz by Toni Morrison 3.5 stars
3. Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey (audio) 5 stars
4. Magical Negro by Morgan Parker unrated (poetry)
5. Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen 4 stars
6. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson 4.5 stars
7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones 5 stars
8. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls 3.5 stars
9. News of the World by Paulette Jiles (reread) still 5 stars
10. The Boy in the Field by Margot Livesey 4 stars
COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY
11. The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer 4 stars
12. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 3.5 stars
13. Paradise by Toni Morrison not yet rated
14. The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips 4 stars
15. The Long Song by Andrea Levy (reread) still 4 stars
16. The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths 4 stars
COMPLETED IN MARCH
17. How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C. Pam Zhang 3 stars
18. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley 3.5 stars
19. Unclay by T.F. Powys 3.5 stars
20. From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell
21. The Survivors by Jane Harper 4 stars
22. The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths 4 stars
23. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi 3 stars
24. Frederica by Georgette Heyer 4 stars
1. The Women of the Copper Country by Mary Doria Russell 5 stars
2. Jazz by Toni Morrison 3.5 stars
3. Memorial Drive: A Daughter's Memoir by Natasha Trethewey (audio) 5 stars
4. Magical Negro by Morgan Parker unrated (poetry)
5. Squeeze Me by Carl Hiaasen 4 stars
6. The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson 4.5 stars
7. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones 5 stars
8. Mrs. Caliban by Rachel Ingalls 3.5 stars
9. News of the World by Paulette Jiles (reread) still 5 stars
10. The Boy in the Field by Margot Livesey 4 stars
COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY
11. The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer 4 stars
12. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman 3.5 stars
13. Paradise by Toni Morrison not yet rated
14. The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips 4 stars
15. The Long Song by Andrea Levy (reread) still 4 stars
16. The Stone Circle by Elly Griffiths 4 stars
COMPLETED IN MARCH
17. How Much of These Hills Is Gold by C. Pam Zhang 3 stars
18. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley 3.5 stars
19. Unclay by T.F. Powys 3.5 stars
20. From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell
21. The Survivors by Jane Harper 4 stars
22. The Lantern Men by Elly Griffiths 4 stars
23. Mr. Fox by Helen Oyeyemi 3 stars
24. Frederica by Georgette Heyer 4 stars
5EBT1002
COMPLETED IN APRIL
25. Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn 4 stars
26. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane 4.5 stars
27. Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March 3.5 stars
28. Consent by Annabel Lyon 4.5 stars
29. How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House: A Novel by Cherie Jones 4 stars
COMPLETED IN MAY
30. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar 4.5 stars
31. In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty 4.5 stars
32. Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu 4.5 stars
33. No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood 4 stars
34. Land of Careful Shadows by Suzanne Chazin 4 stars
35. Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves 3.5 stars
36. Outlawed by Anna North 3.5 stars
37. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters 4 stars
38. The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel 4.5 stars
COMPLETED IN JUNE
39. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams 4 stars
40. Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy 5 stars
41. The Cold Millions by Jess Walter 4.5 stars
42. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue 4 stars
43. The Kindest Lie: A Novel by Nancy Johnson 3 stars
44. The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey 3.5 stars
45. Summerwater by Sarah Moss 4.5 stars
25. Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Kawai Strong Washburn 4 stars
26. Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane 4.5 stars
27. Murder in Old Bombay by Nev March 3.5 stars
28. Consent by Annabel Lyon 4.5 stars
29. How the One-Armed Sister Sweeps Her House: A Novel by Cherie Jones 4 stars
COMPLETED IN MAY
30. Homeland Elegies by Ayad Akhtar 4.5 stars
31. In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty 4.5 stars
32. Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu 4.5 stars
33. No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood 4 stars
34. Land of Careful Shadows by Suzanne Chazin 4 stars
35. Cold Earth by Ann Cleeves 3.5 stars
36. Outlawed by Anna North 3.5 stars
37. Detransition, Baby by Torrey Peters 4 stars
38. The Secret to Superhuman Strength by Alison Bechdel 4.5 stars
COMPLETED IN JUNE
39. The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams 4 stars
40. Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy 5 stars
41. The Cold Millions by Jess Walter 4.5 stars
42. The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue 4 stars
43. The Kindest Lie: A Novel by Nancy Johnson 3 stars
44. The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey 3.5 stars
45. Summerwater by Sarah Moss 4.5 stars
6EBT1002
COMPLETED IN JULY
46. Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss 5 stars
47. The Death of Vivek Oji: A Novel by Akwaeke Emezi 4.5 stars
48. The Center of Everything by Jamie Harrison 4 stars
49. All Systems Red by Martha Wells 4 stars
50. Intimations: Six Essays by Zadie Smith 4.5 stars
51. An Old, Cold Grave by Iona Whishaw 3 stars
52. Fortune by Lenny Bartulin
COMPLETED IN AUGUST
53. The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen 4.5 stars
54. The Distant Echo by Val McDermid 4 stars
55. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson 5 stars
56. A Passage North: A Novel by Anuk Arudpragasam 3.5 stars
57. In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes 4.5 stars
COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER
58. Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford 4.5 stars
59. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy 4 stars
60. Second Place by Rachel Cusk 3 stars
61. Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy 5 stars
62. China Room by Sunjeev Sahota 4 stars
63. Leonora in the Morning Light by Michaela Carter 3.5 stars
46. Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss 5 stars
47. The Death of Vivek Oji: A Novel by Akwaeke Emezi 4.5 stars
48. The Center of Everything by Jamie Harrison 4 stars
49. All Systems Red by Martha Wells 4 stars
50. Intimations: Six Essays by Zadie Smith 4.5 stars
51. An Old, Cold Grave by Iona Whishaw 3 stars
52. Fortune by Lenny Bartulin
COMPLETED IN AUGUST
53. The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen 4.5 stars
54. The Distant Echo by Val McDermid 4 stars
55. A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson 5 stars
56. A Passage North: A Novel by Anuk Arudpragasam 3.5 stars
57. In a Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes 4.5 stars
COMPLETED IN SEPTEMBER
58. Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford 4.5 stars
59. The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy 4 stars
60. Second Place by Rachel Cusk 3 stars
61. Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy 5 stars
62. China Room by Sunjeev Sahota 4 stars
63. Leonora in the Morning Light by Michaela Carter 3.5 stars
7EBT1002
COMPLETED IN OCTOBER
64. The Secret Place by Tana French 3.5 stars
65. The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed 4 stars
66. Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
67. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 3.5 stars
68. Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft by Samantha Silva 4 stars
69. Square Haunting by Francesca Wade 4 stars
COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER
70. The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner 4 stars
71. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro 4 stars
72. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 4.5 stars
73. The Years, Months, Days: Two Novellas by Lianke Yan (Author), Carlos Rojas (Translator) 3.5 stars
74. The Art of Losing: A Novel by Alice Zeniter (Author), Frank Wynne (Translator) 3.5 stars
75. Stella by Takis Wurger 3.5 stars
COMPLETED IN DECEMBER
76. Appleseed: a Novel by Matt Bell 4 stars
75. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
76. Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia 4.5 stars
77. Arcadia by Lauren Groff 4 stars
78. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
79. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger 4 stars
80. The Promise by Damon Galgut 4 stars
64. The Secret Place by Tana French 3.5 stars
65. The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed 4 stars
66. Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
67. The Midnight Library by Matt Haig 3.5 stars
68. Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft by Samantha Silva 4 stars
69. Square Haunting by Francesca Wade 4 stars
COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER
70. The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner 4 stars
71. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro 4 stars
72. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 4.5 stars
73. The Years, Months, Days: Two Novellas by Lianke Yan (Author), Carlos Rojas (Translator) 3.5 stars
74. The Art of Losing: A Novel by Alice Zeniter (Author), Frank Wynne (Translator) 3.5 stars
75. Stella by Takis Wurger 3.5 stars
COMPLETED IN DECEMBER
76. Appleseed: a Novel by Matt Bell 4 stars
75. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
76. Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia 4.5 stars
77. Arcadia by Lauren Groff 4 stars
78. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
79. Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger 4 stars
80. The Promise by Damon Galgut 4 stars
8EBT1002
AlphaKIT (my only formal challenge this year)
January......P M
✅ -- Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey
✅ -- Jazz by Toni Morrison
✅ -- Magical Negro by Morgan Parker
February.....T K
✅ -- The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips
✅ -- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
March.....U R
✅ -- Unclay by T.F. Powys
✅ -- From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell
April.....A W
✅ -- Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Washburn, Kawai Strong
✅ -- Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
✅ -- Homeland Elegies by Akhtar, Ayad
May.....I N
✅ -- In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty
✅ -- Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
✅ -- No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
June.....C D
✅ -- The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
✅ -- The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
✅ -- The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
July.....S O
✅ -- Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss
✅ -- The Death of Vivek Oji by Emezi, Akwaeke
August.....V J
✅ -- The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
✅ -- The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen
September.....F L
✅ -- Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
October.....H E
✅ -- Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
✅ -- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
November.....B Y
✅ The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner
✅ The Years, Months, Days: Two Novellas by Lianke Yan (Author), Carlos Rojas (Translator)
December.....G Q
✅ Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
✅ Arcadia by Lauren Groff
Yearlong.....X Z
✅ -- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
✅ -- How Much of These Hills Is Gold by Zhang, C Pam
January......P M
✅ -- Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey
✅ -- Jazz by Toni Morrison
✅ -- Magical Negro by Morgan Parker
February.....T K
✅ -- The King at the Edge of the World by Arthur Phillips
✅ -- The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
March.....U R
✅ -- Unclay by T.F. Powys
✅ -- From Doon with Death by Ruth Rendell
April.....A W
✅ -- Sharks in the Time of Saviors by Washburn, Kawai Strong
✅ -- Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
✅ -- Homeland Elegies by Akhtar, Ayad
May.....I N
✅ -- In the Morning I'll Be Gone by Adrian McKinty
✅ -- Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu
✅ -- No One Is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
June.....C D
✅ -- The Cold Millions by Jess Walter
✅ -- The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
✅ -- The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue
July.....S O
✅ -- Signs for Lost Children by Sarah Moss
✅ -- The Death of Vivek Oji by Emezi, Akwaeke
August.....V J
✅ -- The Distant Echo by Val McDermid
✅ -- The Unseen by Roy Jacobsen
September.....F L
✅ -- Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
October.....H E
✅ -- Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
✅ -- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
November.....B Y
✅ The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner
✅ The Years, Months, Days: Two Novellas by Lianke Yan (Author), Carlos Rojas (Translator)
December.....G Q
✅ Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia
✅ Arcadia by Lauren Groff
Yearlong.....X Z
✅ -- The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo
✅ -- How Much of These Hills Is Gold by Zhang, C Pam
9EBT1002
Personal Reading Challenge: Every winner of the Booker Prize since its inception in 1969
1969: P. H. Newby, Something to Answer For
1970: Bernice Rubens, The Elected Member
1970: J. G. Farrell, Troubles (awarded in 2010 as the Lost Man Booker Prize)
1971: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State
1972: John Berger, G. -- DNF
1973: J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krishnapur
1974: Nadine Gordimer, The Conservationist ... and Stanley Middleton, Holiday
1975: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Heat and Dust
1976: David Storey, Saville
1977: Paul Scott, Staying On
1978: Iris Murdoch, The Sea, The Sea
1979: Penelope Fitzgerald, Offshore
1980: William Golding, Rites of Passage
1981: Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children
1982: Thomas Keneally, Schindler's Ark
1983: J. M. Coetzee, Life & Times of Michael K
1984: Anita Brookner, Hotel du Lac
1985: Keri Hulme, The Bone People
1986: Kingsley Amis, The Old Devils
1987: Penelope Lively, Moon Tiger
1988: Peter Carey, Oscar and Lucinda
1989: Kazuo Ishiguro, The Remains of the Day
1990: A. S. Byatt, Possession: A Romance
1991: Ben Okri, The Famished Road
1992: Michael Ondaatje, The English Patient ... and Barry Unsworth, Sacred Hunger
1993: Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
1994: James Kelman, How late it was, how late***
1995: Pat Barker, The Ghost Road
1996: Graham Swift, Last Orders
1997: Arundhati Roy, The God of Small Things
1998: Ian McEwan, Amsterdam
1999: J. M. Coetzee, Disgrace***
2000: Margaret Atwood, The Blind Assassin
2001: Peter Carey, True History of the Kelly Gang
2002: Yann Martel, Life of Pi
2003: DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little
2004: Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
2005: John Banville, The Sea
2006: Kiran Desai, The Inheritance of Loss
2007: Anne Enright, The Gathering
2008: Aravind Adiga, The White Tiger
2009: Hilary Mantel, Wolf Hall
2010: Howard Jacobson, The Finkler Question
2011: Julian Barnes, The Sense of an Ending
2012: Hilary Mantel, Bring Up the Bodies
2013: Eleanor Catton, The Luminaries
2014: Richard Flanagan, The Narrow Road to the Deep North
2015: Marlon James, A Brief History of Seven Killings
2016: Paul Beatty, The Sellout
2017: George Saunders, Lincoln in the Bardo
2018: Anna Burns, Milkman
2019: Margaret Atwood, The Testaments, andBernardine Evaristo, Girl, Woman, Other
2020: Douglas Stuart, Shuggie Bain
2021: Damon Galgut, The Promise ***
***On my shelves
I'm going to keep this post going so I can keep track but I admit I'm less committed to finishing the whole list than I once was.
1969: P. H. Newby, Something to Answer For
1971: V. S. Naipaul, In a Free State
1972: John Berger, G. -- DNF
1973: J. G. Farrell, The Siege of Krishnapur
1974: Nadine Gordimer, The Conservationist ... and Stanley Middleton, Holiday
1975: Ruth Prawer Jhabvala, Heat and Dust
1976: David Storey, Saville
1977: Paul Scott, Staying On
1980: William Golding, Rites of Passage
1981: Salman Rushdie, Midnight's Children
1982: Thomas Keneally, Schindler's Ark
1983: J. M. Coetzee, Life & Times of Michael K
1986: Kingsley Amis, The Old Devils
1988: Peter Carey, Oscar and Lucinda
1991: Ben Okri, The Famished Road
1993: Roddy Doyle, Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha
1994: James Kelman, How late it was, how late***
1999: J. M. Coetzee, Disgrace***
2003: DBC Pierre, Vernon God Little
2004: Alan Hollinghurst, The Line of Beauty
2006: Kiran Desai, The Inheritance of Loss
2007: Anne Enright, The Gathering
2010: Howard Jacobson, The Finkler Question
2019: Margaret Atwood, The Testaments, and
2021: Damon Galgut, The Promise ***
***On my shelves
I'm going to keep this post going so I can keep track but I admit I'm less committed to finishing the whole list than I once was.
10EBT1002
The 2021 Booker Prize Long List, or ‘The Booker Dozen’, of 13 novels, is:
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam
Second Place by Rachel Cusk
The Promise by Damon Galgut
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
An Island by Karen Jennings
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
China Room by Sunjeev Sahota
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
The Short List
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam
The Promise by Damon Galgut
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam
Second Place by Rachel Cusk
The Promise by Damon Galgut
The Sweetness of Water by Nathan Harris
Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
An Island by Karen Jennings
A Town Called Solace by Mary Lawson
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
China Room by Sunjeev Sahota
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
Light Perpetual by Francis Spufford
The Short List
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam
The Promise by Damon Galgut
No One is Talking About This by Patricia Lockwood
The Fortune Men by Nadifa Mohamed
Bewilderment by Richard Powers
Great Circle by Maggie Shipstead
11EBT1002
National Book Award Nominees
▶️ Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (Scribner)
Matrix by Lauren Groff (Riverhead)
Abundance by Jakob Guanzon (Graywolf)
Zorrie by Laird Hunt (Bloomsbury)
▶️ The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (Harper)
▶️ The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. (G. P. Putnam’s Sons)
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (Riverhead Books)
The Souvenir Museum: Stories by Elizabeth McCracken (Ecco)
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott (Dutton)
▶️ Bewilderment by Richard Powers (W. W. Norton)
▶️ = On My Shelves
I've not yet read any of the books on this list.
▶️ Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr (Scribner)
Matrix by Lauren Groff (Riverhead)
Abundance by Jakob Guanzon (Graywolf)
Zorrie by Laird Hunt (Bloomsbury)
▶️ The Love Songs of W. E. B. Du Bois by Honorée Fanonne Jeffers (Harper)
▶️ The Prophets by Robert Jones, Jr. (G. P. Putnam’s Sons)
Intimacies by Katie Kitamura (Riverhead Books)
The Souvenir Museum: Stories by Elizabeth McCracken (Ecco)
Hell of a Book by Jason Mott (Dutton)
▶️ Bewilderment by Richard Powers (W. W. Norton)
▶️ = On My Shelves
I've not yet read any of the books on this list.
12EBT1002
Currently reading:
Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom and London Between the Wars by Francesca Wade
And Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro just came available via the library so I'll be downloading that and reading it this coming week as well.
Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom and London Between the Wars by Francesca Wade
And Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro just came available via the library so I'll be downloading that and reading it this coming week as well.
15msf59
Happy New Thread, Ellen. Looking forward to hearing about those current reads. I am enjoying Bewilderment at the moment.
16SuziQoregon
Happy New Thread Ellen!
18EBT1002
68. Love and Fury: A Novel of Mary Wollstonecraft by Samantha Silva
The chapters in this wonderful novel alternate between Mary narrating her life story to her second daughter (a Mary who would in her own right become rather famous), and the story of her last 11 days as experienced by the midwife who helped bring that daughter into the world. Both stories (and, of course, they are really one story) are engrossing and beautifully told. We meet the loves of Mary's life, and feel her longing for independence and self-authorship, even as she learns to crave and value true intimacy between equals. The backdrop of dramatic history, including most notably Mary's first-hand witness to the Terror of the French Revolution, is subtly woven through her most personal memories, providing texture and tension but never undercutting the main arc of narrative interest.
I've been gaining interest in historical fiction and this is just the ticket.
The chapters in this wonderful novel alternate between Mary narrating her life story to her second daughter (a Mary who would in her own right become rather famous), and the story of her last 11 days as experienced by the midwife who helped bring that daughter into the world. Both stories (and, of course, they are really one story) are engrossing and beautifully told. We meet the loves of Mary's life, and feel her longing for independence and self-authorship, even as she learns to crave and value true intimacy between equals. The backdrop of dramatic history, including most notably Mary's first-hand witness to the Terror of the French Revolution, is subtly woven through her most personal memories, providing texture and tension but never undercutting the main arc of narrative interest.
I've been gaining interest in historical fiction and this is just the ticket.
19BLBera
Love and Fury sounds great, Ellen. I will look for a copy. I loved Klara and the Sun; I was really sorry it didn't make the shortlist.
I love your topper. Happy new thread.
Square Haunting is one I loved.
I love your topper. Happy new thread.
Square Haunting is one I loved.
21jessibud2
Happy new one, Ellen! Love the toppers! I recently read the GN of the second Mary, in Mary's Monster and now I am intrigued by the book you mention in >18 EBT1002:!
23Caroline_McElwee
>18 EBT1002: Adding this one to my list Ellen.
Love the topper. Such lack of chaos, I'll never achieve it.
Love the topper. Such lack of chaos, I'll never achieve it.
25streamsong
Happy New Thread, Ellen!
Good to catch back up with you. I'm glad you had a good time in Yellowstone. I would love to see a wolf, too. I have never seen a live one, although I think I heard one howling along my creek a few years back. (insert your favorite OMG emoji here).
I also currently have Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom and London Between the Wars home from the library. I thought I might have to return it unread, so I'll be anxious to see what you think.
I really enjoyed Klara and the Sun and hope you do, too. If you haven't already read The Code Breaker, I'd recommend it, because we are sooooo close to making Klara no longer a work of fiction.
Good to catch back up with you. I'm glad you had a good time in Yellowstone. I would love to see a wolf, too. I have never seen a live one, although I think I heard one howling along my creek a few years back. (insert your favorite OMG emoji here).
I also currently have Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom and London Between the Wars home from the library. I thought I might have to return it unread, so I'll be anxious to see what you think.
I really enjoyed Klara and the Sun and hope you do, too. If you haven't already read The Code Breaker, I'd recommend it, because we are sooooo close to making Klara no longer a work of fiction.
26richardderus
Greetings, Ellen. Your post #226 last thread? Genius.
What a maroon.
*smoochings* for a happy new thread
What a maroon.
*smoochings* for a happy new thread
28FAMeulstee
Happy new thread, Ellen!
29charl08
Happy new thread Ellen. I'm tempted by >18 EBT1002:
30Berly
Happy new one! Have you started Klara and the Sun yet? I LOVED that one.
31karenmarie
Happy new thread, Ellen!
32alcottacre
Happy new thread, Ellen!
>18 EBT1002: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!
>18 EBT1002: Adding that one to the BlackHole. Thanks for the recommendation!
33figsfromthistle
Happy new one!
34laytonwoman3rd
>3 EBT1002: I know I've read it before, but revisiting your comments about rating books this time prompts me to say that is very much how I feel about the process. 5 stars and 2 stars are easy to assign (I've never finished what I would consider a 1-star read), but the middle ground is spongy and I'm never satisfied there--is it a 3? a 31/2? a 4?
35benitastrnad
>34 laytonwoman3rd: & >3 EBT1002:
I right there with both of you. I find that I give a huge amount of 3's to my books, and 5's are very rare. However, maybe that is the way it should be. After all, most things are average and not every book can be above average.
I right there with both of you. I find that I give a huge amount of 3's to my books, and 5's are very rare. However, maybe that is the way it should be. After all, most things are average and not every book can be above average.
36Familyhistorian
Happy new thread, Ellen. I enjoyed Square Haunting. I hope you are enjoying it too.
37PaulCranswick
>34 laytonwoman3rd: It is why I stopped doing it, Linda. You are right in that 5 star and 2 star reads speak for themselves but the in-betweeners are tough. I am agog at some of our pals who can rate something a 4.2 or a 3.6 - they must have a method but it is beyond my ability to do that.
38EBT1002
Over the weekend I finished Square Haunting by Francesca Wade, my final book of October, on Halloween. It was an excellent 4-star literary biography of five women, each of whom lived for some period of time in Mecklenburgh Square in London. H.D., Jane Ellen Harrison, Dorothy L. Sayers, Eileen Power, and Virginia Woolf are five creative and, in their time, radical women who wanted authorship of their own careers, credit for their intellectual work, and the freedom to love without subsuming their lives to any man or societal constrictions. Well-researched and narratively engaging, this unique blend of biography, history, social commentary, and personal exploration is a worthwhile investment of time. I learned and enjoyed.
39EBT1002
Currently reading:
The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner, recently nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. My copy was a gift from a colleague, the author's sister. It took all my will power to set it aside this morning to go to work!
The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner, recently nominated for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction. My copy was a gift from a colleague, the author's sister. It took all my will power to set it aside this morning to go to work!
40EBT1002
I still have Klara and the Sun on loan from the library but I'm not sure I'll get to it before it's due back. I may have to purchase it once it comes out in paperback.
41lauralkeet
>38 EBT1002: I learned and enjoyed
Me too, Ellen. I knew little to nothing about most of the women in that book, and their stories were fascinating.
Me too, Ellen. I knew little to nothing about most of the women in that book, and their stories were fascinating.
42Caroline_McElwee
>38 EBT1002: Glad you enjoyed this one Ellen.
43BLBera
>38 EBT1002: I was pretty sure you would enjoy this one, Ellen. Did you add any books to your WL? I bought one by Power.
45charl08
>38 EBT1002: Oh, I loved this one. A fascinating book, and one that made me want to know more. An achievement in itself, that.
46LovingLit
>2 EBT1002: aw :) Our little Gabby takes no time in inserting herself between me and my laptop whenever I seat myself on the comfy couch.
>10 EBT1002: I love hearing about the Booker long and short list every year. I haven't prioritised reading the lists for a few years now, but still aim to collect the winners as I come across them second hand.
>10 EBT1002: I love hearing about the Booker long and short list every year. I haven't prioritised reading the lists for a few years now, but still aim to collect the winners as I come across them second hand.
47EBT1002
I've finished a couple of books, both of which I recommend.
71. The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner is the story of the aftermath of an elementary school shooting. It's told largely from the perspective of Otto, father of Liam who has been severely injured in the shooting and whose survival is in question for most of the novel. Otto's grief and horror are complicated and exacerbated by the small but insistent host of deniers, people who accuse him of lying for the government, alleging that the shooting never occurred but that Liam never existed. Otto's rage provides a pinpoint target for his fractured emotions. This novel is almost brash in its exploration of the harshest realities of loss, terror, and living in our sometimes unfathomably careless society. Four stars.
71. The Book of Otto and Liam by Paul Griner is the story of the aftermath of an elementary school shooting. It's told largely from the perspective of Otto, father of Liam who has been severely injured in the shooting and whose survival is in question for most of the novel. Otto's grief and horror are complicated and exacerbated by the small but insistent host of deniers, people who accuse him of lying for the government, alleging that the shooting never occurred but that Liam never existed. Otto's rage provides a pinpoint target for his fractured emotions. This novel is almost brash in its exploration of the harshest realities of loss, terror, and living in our sometimes unfathomably careless society. Four stars.
48EBT1002
72. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo gets 4.5 stars. Told in loose verse, it's the story of Xiomara Batista, an Afro-Latina teenager growing up in Harlem with her twin brother, her avidly religious mother, and her present/absent father. Xiomara's struggles with the religious education she is receiving are accelerated when she meets a boy and starts to fall in love. Committed to the principles of her faith, she nonetheless questions everything and refuses to pretend to a sincerity she does not feel. She writes. She writes every day, sometimes all day. When her English teacher encourages her to join the Poetry Club at school, the course of her life and that of her family is dramatically altered. A delightful read.
49EBT1002
Regarding the little discussion about ratings, I totally agree with Linda in >34 laytonwoman3rd:. I think my most common rating is four (4) stars, which I call "excellent." Lucky me, most things I read feel excellent when I finish. Then I have a little conversation with myself and I want to make 3.5 stars my most common rating. I mean, surely most things I read are "very good" rather than "excellent," n'est-ce pas?
In the end, I figure it matters little. When I give something five stars, you know it knocked my socks off. When I give it 4.5 stars, it was in my usual territory but with that little extra something that makes me want to strongly encourage others to read it. If I rate something below 3 stars, I'm pretty much saying "don't bother" to anyone whose reading taste is similar to mine.
In the end, I figure it matters little. When I give something five stars, you know it knocked my socks off. When I give it 4.5 stars, it was in my usual territory but with that little extra something that makes me want to strongly encourage others to read it. If I rate something below 3 stars, I'm pretty much saying "don't bother" to anyone whose reading taste is similar to mine.
50EBT1002
I realize I may not have shared my reactions to Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro or Square Haunting by Francesca Wade. I'm chuckling because I gave both books four stars (see >49 EBT1002:).
Klara and the Sun is classic Ishiguro: creative, thought-provoking, deceptively simple in its telling. Klara is an "AF," an Artificial Friend, developed to keep her owner company, to provide extra safety, assistance, and engagement. Josie is the 14-year-old girl who chooses Klara. Josie is mysteriously but seriously ill and we very gradually learn about the underlying nature of this illness through Klara's vision of the world. That vision is oddly wise, but fraught with logical errors one might expect to find in a being with artificial intelligence. Klara and the Sun subtly provides a rather horrifying glimpse of a cynical future and offers us a compelling non-human character.
I now see that I did offer up some comments on Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom, and London Between the Wars in >38 EBT1002:.
Klara and the Sun is classic Ishiguro: creative, thought-provoking, deceptively simple in its telling. Klara is an "AF," an Artificial Friend, developed to keep her owner company, to provide extra safety, assistance, and engagement. Josie is the 14-year-old girl who chooses Klara. Josie is mysteriously but seriously ill and we very gradually learn about the underlying nature of this illness through Klara's vision of the world. That vision is oddly wise, but fraught with logical errors one might expect to find in a being with artificial intelligence. Klara and the Sun subtly provides a rather horrifying glimpse of a cynical future and offers us a compelling non-human character.
I now see that I did offer up some comments on Square Haunting: Five Women, Freedom, and London Between the Wars in >38 EBT1002:.
51richardderus
Hi Ellen! Glad these latest two are meeting your needs. *smooch*
52EBT1002
A sweet ginger cat just leapt onto my lap. I can blame my absence from LT on my busy job but the honest truth is that Carson is somewhat to blame. He really likes my lap and that means I end up reading instead of being on the laptop computer.
More soon folks. The Seahawks play this afternoon so I'll make some rounds to others' threads during that time.
More soon folks. The Seahawks play this afternoon so I'll make some rounds to others' threads during that time.
53EBT1002
So I think my next read is going to be The Years, Months, Days by Yan Lianke. It will fulfill the "Y" for my AlphaKIT challenge.
Have I mentioned that I really want to avoid committing to challenges in 2022? I would love to participate in several group reads, though.
Have I mentioned that I really want to avoid committing to challenges in 2022? I would love to participate in several group reads, though.
54msf59
Happy Sunday, Ellen. Hooray for The Poet X & Klara. I am also a big fan of both. Thanks again for The Fortune Men. I enjoyed it.
55BLBera
As usual, great comments, Ellen. I loved The Poet X and Klara and the Sun. I'll add the Griner to my list. I'm with you regarding avoiding challenges. However, I would be open to a group read.
56laytonwoman3rd
>49 EBT1002: Thanks for the nod, Ellen! I think of a 3 star read as a "C" grade. Perfectly OK, nothing to be excited or proud about. But at this point in my reading life, I've had enough of "perfectly OK", and want more of the better stuff. Of course, it's harder to impress me as "better" than it used to be, because I've read so much!
>41 lauralkeet: Otto and Liam sounds like a toughie. I believe I remember reading somewhere that "your son never existed" was a charge leveled at a real victim of one of those horrific events. Maybe it happened more than once. Monstrous.
>41 lauralkeet: Otto and Liam sounds like a toughie. I believe I remember reading somewhere that "your son never existed" was a charge leveled at a real victim of one of those horrific events. Maybe it happened more than once. Monstrous.
57quondame
>56 laytonwoman3rd: I use 2.5 for that. 3 is if I found something to like but might not recommend it unless it was the sort of potato chip or popcorn book book I knew someone fancied. Also for books I felt had some worth but significant flaws or tropes I take exception to.
58alcottacre
>38 EBT1002: Already in the BlackHole, so I get to dodge that BB!
>47 EBT1002: Added to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Ellen.
>48 EBT1002: I have already read - and loved - that one. If you have not read Acevedo's Clap When You Land , I can recommend that one too.
>50 EBT1002: Completely agree with your assessment of Klara and the Sun offering a "compelling non-human character." I thought the book was terrific.
I hope this next week treats you well, Ellen!
>47 EBT1002: Added to the BlackHole. Thanks for the review and recommendation, Ellen.
>48 EBT1002: I have already read - and loved - that one. If you have not read Acevedo's Clap When You Land , I can recommend that one too.
>50 EBT1002: Completely agree with your assessment of Klara and the Sun offering a "compelling non-human character." I thought the book was terrific.
I hope this next week treats you well, Ellen!
59EBT1002
>54 msf59: Hi Mark. I'm glad you enjoyed The Fortune Men. I think this year's Booker list was pretty good all round.
>55 BLBera: Hi Beth. I don't know what it will look like but I'd love to do a good handful of group reads in 2022. That said, I don't want to sign on to any challenges that tie me down in advance. So it will be interesting to see how that all shakes out.
>56 laytonwoman3rd: I don't know how common the denial of school shootings is, nor honestly how aggressive the deniers are in confronting and harassing families who have lost young ones to the shootings. I have heard of it, and I don't doubt the aggressiveness depicted in Otto and Liam given how divisive our country is and how prone people are to conspiracy theories. In any case, apart from the subject matter, Otto and Liam is a wonderful exploration of the relationship between a man and his son, and of the internal chaos wrought by unfathomable grief.
>55 BLBera: Hi Beth. I don't know what it will look like but I'd love to do a good handful of group reads in 2022. That said, I don't want to sign on to any challenges that tie me down in advance. So it will be interesting to see how that all shakes out.
>56 laytonwoman3rd: I don't know how common the denial of school shootings is, nor honestly how aggressive the deniers are in confronting and harassing families who have lost young ones to the shootings. I have heard of it, and I don't doubt the aggressiveness depicted in Otto and Liam given how divisive our country is and how prone people are to conspiracy theories. In any case, apart from the subject matter, Otto and Liam is a wonderful exploration of the relationship between a man and his son, and of the internal chaos wrought by unfathomable grief.
60EBT1002
>57 quondame: I sometimes wish I were a bit less generous with my stars, but then I figure I'm promoting good books in a sort of roundabout way, so I try to let it go and trust my instincts. I wonder what would happen if my rating system didn't use numbers of stars (if I simply eschewed the LT rating function) and just used a verbal system. Ha. Interesting idea but I do like being able to look back at a book I read a few years ago and getting at least a sense of how it landed on me.
>58 alcottacre: I'll add Clap When You Land to my own Black Hole, Stasia. The Poet X was my first by Acevedo and I believe she has several other works out there.
>58 alcottacre: I'll add Clap When You Land to my own Black Hole, Stasia. The Poet X was my first by Acevedo and I believe she has several other works out there.
61EBT1002
I have a crazy week ahead of me. Monday and Tuesday are just regular days. Wednesday I go to work, have an 8am and a 9am meeting, then drive to Spokane to catch a plane for Portland. Rent a car, drive to Vancouver, WA (just across the river from Portland), check into my hotel. I'm having dinner with colleagues Wednesday night. We'll all be in Vancouver for the Board of Regents meeting on Thursday and Friday morning. Friday mid-morning I go back to PDX, fly back to Spokane, then drive back to Pullman in time for a 4:30 meeting with a couple of donors. Then to the President's box for the Friday evening football game. I won't get home until around 11pm on Friday and I predict I will be exhausted! But then it will be the weekend. :-)
62EBT1002
My copy of The Years, Months, Days actually contains two novellas. I read the first (yes, it's called The Years, Months, Days) today and it was so dismal. I believe it is a parable but parables are on the list of things I don't understand with confidence. Translated from the Chinese, it's the story of The Elder, a man who chooses to stay behind when all the other villagers flee in search of food during a terrible drought and famine. At seventy-two years old, he simply does not believe he can survive the journey. So he stays behind with his old blind dog and focuses on surviving and on nurturing a single corn plant to maturity. Yan Lianke messes with the senses; his poetic prose suggests that colors can be heard, that the very sunlight has weight and audible substance. It's not a cheerful story but it all works in a way that is terribly moving and somehow oddly uplifting. The second novella is called "Marrow." I'll start it tonight although we also plan to watch the Adele special. :-)
63alcottacre
>61 EBT1002: I hope it turns out to be a good "crazy" week and not a hellish one!
64lauralkeet
>61 EBT1002: I'm exhausted just reading that post, Ellen. But I can sense your work-related enthusiasm and motivation, and that makes me happy.
65BLBera
I hope your week goes well, Ellen. You will be ready for a good book and a glass of wine when you get home.
66richardderus
>62 EBT1002: Sounds like a truly wonderful read. I'm hit! Bibliomedic! I'm hit!
>61 EBT1002: Like >64 lauralkeet:, I need a lie-down after just reading that, so we'll see you when you stop having land-sickness from the lack of being in motion.
>61 EBT1002: Like >64 lauralkeet:, I need a lie-down after just reading that, so we'll see you when you stop having land-sickness from the lack of being in motion.
67Caroline_McElwee
>61 EBT1002: Good luck with your crazy week Ellen. I hope it all runs smoothly.
68EBT1002
I started reading The Art of Losing by Alice Zeniter last night. Translated from the French, it’s historical fiction set in Algeria and France. I want to stay home all day to read it!
69Caroline_McElwee
>68 EBT1002: Love a book that makes me feel that way Ellen.
70BLBera
>68 EBT1002: That does sound interesting.
71richardderus
>68 EBT1002: She's in high school and already won a Goncourt?! Amazing!
72EBT1002
I love this line in The Art of Losing:
”War marches on under cover of euphemism.”
”War marches on under cover of euphemism.”
73Berly
>61 EBT1002: That did not leave any spare time for a Porltand LT visit. Dang it! Hope the meetings went. It's almost the weekend!
75richardderus
War does indeed rely on euphemism. Now it's taken itself into the libraries of the country: https://bookriot.com/censorship-news-11-19-21/
Have a relaxing and lovely recuperative day off. *smooch*
Have a relaxing and lovely recuperative day off. *smooch*
76quondame
>75 richardderus: Yes, like calling people troops. I hate that. Also resources, which I don't mind for employees, but only when there aren't lives on the line.
77richardderus
>76 quondame: Depersonalization is the capitalist way.
78quondame
>77 richardderus: It probably is the totalitarian way as well, or is capitalism the totalitarian?
79richardderus
>78 quondame: Not infrequently the two systems are indistinguishable.
***
Ellen, 2021's Olive Editions are still available and for a whopping $10 each!! I recommend Beasts of No Nation pretty highly.
***
Ellen, 2021's Olive Editions are still available and for a whopping $10 each!! I recommend Beasts of No Nation pretty highly.
81jnwelch
Hi, Ellen. I’m so glad The Poet X was a hit for you! That’s onevof my favorite YAs from the last few years. Like Stasia, I enjoyed her Clap When You Land, and I thought her With the Fire On High was excellent.
As they say, I think she’s “an author to watch.”
As they say, I think she’s “an author to watch.”
82alcottacre
Happy Sunday, Ellen!
>68 EBT1002: That one sounds interesting! I hope it proves to finish as well as it has begun.
>68 EBT1002: That one sounds interesting! I hope it proves to finish as well as it has begun.
83Berly
I have bad news for you. It's Monday again.
Good thing you are liking your job, even if it is taking a lot! Wishing you a great week. And it will be short because, well, Thanksgiving. You can do it!!
Good thing you are liking your job, even if it is taking a lot! Wishing you a great week. And it will be short because, well, Thanksgiving. You can do it!!
84magicians_nephew
Was it Stalin who said that "One man's death is a tragedy, but ten thousand's soldier's death's is just a statistic"
85richardderus
Hiya Ellen! Hope you and P are well and happy, and you're going to eat deliciously tomorrow.
*smooch*
*smooch*
86PaulCranswick
A Thanksgiving to Friends (Lighting the Way)
In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road
At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.
Ellen, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving
In difficult times
a friend is there to light the way
to lighten the load,
to show the path,
to smooth the road
At the darkest hour
a friend, with a word of truth
points to light
and the encroaching dawn
is in the plainest sight.
Ellen, to a friend in books and more this Thanksgiving
87Berly
Ellen, I am so very grateful for you, my wonderful friend and other twin here on LT. : ) I am so happy that you are enjoying your new position, although sad that now you won't retire and move down here for another year. Oh well. You are worth waiting for. xoxo
I wish you and P happiness and health on this day of Thanksgiving. And cookies. : )
89alcottacre
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Ellen. Happy Friday!
91EBT1002
>75 richardderus: Thanks for that link, Richard. It's a good reminder that most of the challenges to school library contents are coming not from "insiders," but from Dark Money and - mostly - right wing activists determined to control the narrative. In the small town of Omak, Washington, the local public library is proposing to close because of anti-maskers who have become downright aggressive in challenging librarians who are enforcing the governor's orders.
I've finished the long novel, The Art of Losing: A Novel, by Alice Zeniter (translated from the French), about the Algerian War. It was good (3.5 stars) and I learned a lot.
Now I'm reading Stella by Takis Würger, set in Berlin in 1942. One note: in February of that year, Jews in Germany were prohibited from owning pets. They were already prohibited from sitting down on public transportation. I keep thinking that if we believe such things cannot happen here, we are simply deluding ourselves.
I've finished the long novel, The Art of Losing: A Novel, by Alice Zeniter (translated from the French), about the Algerian War. It was good (3.5 stars) and I learned a lot.
Now I'm reading Stella by Takis Würger, set in Berlin in 1942. One note: in February of that year, Jews in Germany were prohibited from owning pets. They were already prohibited from sitting down on public transportation. I keep thinking that if we believe such things cannot happen here, we are simply deluding ourselves.
93EBT1002
>79 richardderus: Thanks for the reminder, Richard. I ordered copies of Beasts of No Nation based on your recommendation along with Uncle Tom's Children.
94EBT1002
To all my visitors -- Kim, Beth, Richard, Susan, Joe, Stasia, Jim, Paul, Shelley, Judy -- thanks for visiting and thank you for the Thanksgiving messages. BIL, SIL, and Dear Nephew came over for the holiday. We spent several hours on Thursday putting together our feast, then spent about 25 minutes eating it, then cleaned up. Yesterday we went for two walks and then watched the Apple Cup. Our family are all Huskies fans so we had a friendly rivalry going. The Cougars won 40-13 so P and I had to demonstrate our very best sportsmanship etiquette. The Huskies had won the last seven in a row, so we felt a bit of freedom to cheer and such. And, to be honest, the Cougs have been through such a year, it is good to see them coming on strong at the end of the season. They will go to a bowl game and in my new role I will be attending. P is pretty excited about that. :-)
As I noted above, The Art of Losing took many hours to read. Having a house full of chatting people slowed me down even more. Everyone in this group is a reader but we were never all reading at the same time.... Anyway, I'm glad I read it. Now I'm on to the much shorter Stella by Takis Würger. I think both of these novels were on a list of "Best Historical Fiction of 2021" or something. Anyway, this one is also headed for a very good rating.
Next up: Appleseed by Matt Bell, just downloaded from the library. I know it has gotten some love around this LT community.
As I noted above, The Art of Losing took many hours to read. Having a house full of chatting people slowed me down even more. Everyone in this group is a reader but we were never all reading at the same time.... Anyway, I'm glad I read it. Now I'm on to the much shorter Stella by Takis Würger. I think both of these novels were on a list of "Best Historical Fiction of 2021" or something. Anyway, this one is also headed for a very good rating.
Next up: Appleseed by Matt Bell, just downloaded from the library. I know it has gotten some love around this LT community.
95BLBera
It sounds like you had a great Thanksgiving, Ellen. I've added The Art of Losing to my list.
96richardderus
>94 EBT1002: A terrific holiday, then, with some good book-buying for lagniappe!
Really eager to know what you think of Appleseed.
Really eager to know what you think of Appleseed.
97lauralkeet
Happy belated Thanksgiving, Ellen! It sounds like a really nice holiday. I, too, had an imbalance between eating time and cleanup time. We've been enjoying leftovers though.
98vivians
Oh that prep time! we were supposed to be 15, then 4 dropped out (my nephew's 2 year old had a Covid exposure at daycare), then because those 4 cancelled another 3 decided their drive wasn't worth it......24 hours of cooking for 8 people but at least there are leftovers!
99EBT1002
>95 BLBera: It was a really relaxing and fun Thanksgiving, Beth. It is my favorite holiday.
>96 richardderus: I'm about a quarter into Appleseed, Richard, and it is SO good. I love the three threads, curious to see how they merge. So far, it is heartbreaking, imaginative, and totally absorbing.
>97 lauralkeet: I love Thanksgiving leftovers, Laura. Tonight we have our third meal of the usual items. Yesterday we had homemade turkey soup with lots of veggies. YUM.
>98 vivians: Hi Vivian. It sounds like you will be eating leftovers for even longer than usual! Sorry so many had to, or chose to drop out of the occasion. I fear we are in for more of that with our old buddy Omicron.
>96 richardderus: I'm about a quarter into Appleseed, Richard, and it is SO good. I love the three threads, curious to see how they merge. So far, it is heartbreaking, imaginative, and totally absorbing.
>97 lauralkeet: I love Thanksgiving leftovers, Laura. Tonight we have our third meal of the usual items. Yesterday we had homemade turkey soup with lots of veggies. YUM.
>98 vivians: Hi Vivian. It sounds like you will be eating leftovers for even longer than usual! Sorry so many had to, or chose to drop out of the occasion. I fear we are in for more of that with our old buddy Omicron.
100EBT1002
75. Stella by Takis Wuger Translated from the German by Liesl Schillinger
Based on the story of a real person, Stella, who pursued and betrayed other Jews in Berlin during WWII. This fictionalization is told from the perspective of a young wealthy Swede, Fritz, who goes to Berlin early in 1942 and stays the whole year because he falls in love with Stella. The two of them are introduced by Tristan, a charming man with expensive taste. Fritz finds himself off balance as he works to maintain the trio of friends, even as Germany's darkest evil manifests on a daily basis. This is a love story and a war story, but also an exploration of betrayal beyond comprehension. It's a short novel but its dark honesty hits hard.
Based on the story of a real person, Stella, who pursued and betrayed other Jews in Berlin during WWII. This fictionalization is told from the perspective of a young wealthy Swede, Fritz, who goes to Berlin early in 1942 and stays the whole year because he falls in love with Stella. The two of them are introduced by Tristan, a charming man with expensive taste. Fritz finds himself off balance as he works to maintain the trio of friends, even as Germany's darkest evil manifests on a daily basis. This is a love story and a war story, but also an exploration of betrayal beyond comprehension. It's a short novel but its dark honesty hits hard.
101FAMeulstee
>100 EBT1002: Congratulations on reaching 75, Ellen!
103BLBera
>100 EBT1002: This sounds interesting. And, hooray for reaching 75!
106figsfromthistle
Congrats on reading 75 books!
107Berly
75!! Whoohoo!
We've been enjoying all our leftovers as well. It's one of the best things about Thanksgiving. : )
We've been enjoying all our leftovers as well. It's one of the best things about Thanksgiving. : )
108Caroline_McElwee
Yay for 75 reads Ellen.
109Familyhistorian
Congratulations on reading 75, Ellen!
110ronincats
Trying to catch up. Huzzah for hitting the 75 book mark, Ellen. I am getting close but not making much forward progress at the moment.
111Berly
TwinE--I found my list of books I bought when we went to Powell's together....which ones did you also get?
Perfect Little World: A Novel by Kevin Wilson
The Thirty Names of Night: A Novel by Zeyn Joukhadar
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune--read it
In Our Time by Hemingway
The Butterfly Lampshade: A Novel by Aimee Bender--read it
Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell--on my TBR
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy--we read this one together. Loved it!
The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig
Second Place: A Novel by Rachel Cusk--was it this one?
Perfect Little World: A Novel by Kevin Wilson
The Thirty Names of Night: A Novel by Zeyn Joukhadar
On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous: A Novel by Ocean Vuong
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune--read it
In Our Time by Hemingway
The Butterfly Lampshade: A Novel by Aimee Bender--read it
Doc: A Novel by Mary Doria Russell--on my TBR
Once There Were Wolves by Charlotte McConaghy--we read this one together. Loved it!
The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig
Second Place: A Novel by Rachel Cusk--was it this one?
112EBT1002
>111 Berly: The remaining shared purchase is The Thirty Names of Night. What are your thoughts about timing for reading it?
113EBT1002
>111 Berly: I've read the one by Cusk -- I may have encouraged you to purchase it. 😀
114richardderus
Howdy do! I'm racing through on the superfast so I can get back to The Gentle Art of Fortune Hunting...such a terrific read.
As was Appleseed! I adored Chapman. Author Bell made him so very vivid for me. It made the whole book 3/4-star better than it would've been otherwise!
I hope you and P have some fun plans for Yule, which is *eeep* in a week!
As was Appleseed! I adored Chapman. Author Bell made him so very vivid for me. It made the whole book 3/4-star better than it would've been otherwise!
I hope you and P have some fun plans for Yule, which is *eeep* in a week!
115Familyhistorian
I think Richard is rushing the season a bit on us. I hope that you have plenty of time off over the Christmas season, Ellen.
116ArlieS
>100 EBT1002: Belated congrats on reaching 75.
117Berly
>112 EBT1002: Does February work for The Thirty Names of Night? And, yes, I think you talked me into the Cusk purchase--I knew there was one that you book bulleted me with in the store. LOL
118Caroline_McElwee
I hope 2022 is a year with special moments Ellen.
119EBT1002
Hi everyone. Here is my plan for 2022:
No monthly challenges.
As many shared/group reads as appeal.
MORE time keeping up with LT friends!
In that vein, I'm starting the list of shared reads here:
January: Red Clocks by Leni Zumas -- with Kim and Beth
February: Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar -- with Kim
No monthly challenges.
As many shared/group reads as appeal.
MORE time keeping up with LT friends!
In that vein, I'm starting the list of shared reads here:
January: Red Clocks by Leni Zumas -- with Kim and Beth
February: Thirty Names of Night by Zeyn Joukhadar -- with Kim
121Berly
>119 EBT1002: Well, so far this sounds great to me, obviously! : )
122charl08
>119 EBT1002: Well this sounds like fun. I look forward to the tempting reviews.
123EBT1002
I've been doing some great reading so far in December although it has been a bit slower than I would like:
76. Appleseed: a Novel by Matt Bell 4 stars
75. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
76. Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia 4.5 stars
77. Arcadia by Lauren Groff 4 stars
I'm currently (and finally!) reading Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger. It's quite enjoyable so far.
We have a jigsaw puzzle going on the dining room table and I've been pretty exhausted in the evenings so there has been watching of Jeopardy! (I am a HUGE fan of "JeopardAmy," the current champion) and the latest season of Shetland and some old mind candy in the form of Death in Paradise.
After today I have the next four days off. Then I work Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (but almost no meetings as the university is closed for the week and most people are using annual leave). Then off Thursday. Friday, New Year's Eve, we fly to Fairbanks and get picked up on New Year's Day to spend three nights at Borealis Basecamp. Cross your fingers that we get to see the Aurora Borealis! Predictions are for temps to hover right around zero while we are there, but we have a dogsled adventure and a back-country snow machine excursion scheduled. Other than that I expect to hang out in our igloo and read.
76. Appleseed: a Novel by Matt Bell 4 stars
75. Pet by Akwaeke Emezi 4 stars
76. Of Women and Salt by Gabriela Garcia 4.5 stars
77. Arcadia by Lauren Groff 4 stars
I'm currently (and finally!) reading Iron Lake by William Kent Krueger. It's quite enjoyable so far.
We have a jigsaw puzzle going on the dining room table and I've been pretty exhausted in the evenings so there has been watching of Jeopardy! (I am a HUGE fan of "JeopardAmy," the current champion) and the latest season of Shetland and some old mind candy in the form of Death in Paradise.
After today I have the next four days off. Then I work Tuesday and Wednesday of next week (but almost no meetings as the university is closed for the week and most people are using annual leave). Then off Thursday. Friday, New Year's Eve, we fly to Fairbanks and get picked up on New Year's Day to spend three nights at Borealis Basecamp. Cross your fingers that we get to see the Aurora Borealis! Predictions are for temps to hover right around zero while we are there, but we have a dogsled adventure and a back-country snow machine excursion scheduled. Other than that I expect to hang out in our igloo and read.
124richardderus
>123 EBT1002: So cool!! Have a wonderful trip! *smooch*
126Caroline_McElwee
>123 EBT1002: That all sounds great Ellen. Crossing fingers for the AB.
127laytonwoman3rd
>123 EBT1002: Oh, I hope you do get to see the Aurora, but you're very brave to camp out in Alaska in December, igloo or no igloo!
We're big fans of Amy, the current Jeopardy phenom too. I do wonder if she's getting a little tired of Ken Jennings's comparisons to his winning streak.
We're big fans of Amy, the current Jeopardy phenom too. I do wonder if she's getting a little tired of Ken Jennings's comparisons to his winning streak.
128EBT1002
>124 richardderus: Thank you, Richard!
>125 SandDune: Thanks so much for the holiday wishes, Rhian!
>126 Caroline_McElwee: Right now the forecast is for mostly cloudy skies when we're in Alaska, Caroline, but I know that can change!
>127 laytonwoman3rd: I do feel a bit brave heading into the freezing cold of the north country, Linda, and a bit brave (foolish?) for getting on a plane at this juncture in the pandemic. I'm vaccinated and boosted, but omicron is a bit scary. My KN95 will be my friend.
Yeah, I'm a Ken fan, too, but he could just praise her and let it go at that. We got caught up in the Kennedy Center Honors last night so tonight we'll have two recorded matches to watch! And I'll be on vacation! Yay!
>125 SandDune: Thanks so much for the holiday wishes, Rhian!
>126 Caroline_McElwee: Right now the forecast is for mostly cloudy skies when we're in Alaska, Caroline, but I know that can change!
>127 laytonwoman3rd: I do feel a bit brave heading into the freezing cold of the north country, Linda, and a bit brave (foolish?) for getting on a plane at this juncture in the pandemic. I'm vaccinated and boosted, but omicron is a bit scary. My KN95 will be my friend.
Yeah, I'm a Ken fan, too, but he could just praise her and let it go at that. We got caught up in the Kennedy Center Honors last night so tonight we'll have two recorded matches to watch! And I'll be on vacation! Yay!
129EBT1002
I've joined the "75 Books Challenge for 2022" Group, but I won't start a new thread until closer to the New Year.
130katiekrug
Nice to "see" you, Ellen!
I'm sitting at my in-laws with my MIL and The Wayne and just showed them the website for Borealis Basecamp, and we are all super intrigued... I hope you and P have an amazing time and get a spectacular show!
I'm sitting at my in-laws with my MIL and The Wayne and just showed them the website for Borealis Basecamp, and we are all super intrigued... I hope you and P have an amazing time and get a spectacular show!
132EBT1002
>130 katiekrug: Thanks Katie. We're super excited about the adventure in the north country. I'll definitely report back and hopefully I will have photos of the Aurora Borealis to top off my threads!
>131 Carmenere: Thanks so much Lynda. And to you and yours, as well!
>131 Carmenere: Thanks so much Lynda. And to you and yours, as well!
133Berly
Ellen--So excited for your trip and crossing my fingers you get to see the Aurora Borealis!! Your other winter adventures sound awesome too. Don't forget your books!
136EBT1002
Oh, and I'm starting to learn Spanish using Duolingo app. It's kind of fun!
Of course, so far all I can say is things like
I drink water.
She eats apples.
He is a boy.
He eats bread.
She is a woman.
You drink milk.
but it's a start!
Of course, so far all I can say is things like
I drink water.
She eats apples.
He is a boy.
He eats bread.
She is a woman.
You drink milk.
but it's a start!
137EBT1002
>135 Berly: Other than the dog sled and back country snow machine adventures, I'm not leaving that igloo. Oh, and to go to the restaurant to eat. There is that.
138BLBera
>136 EBT1002: Muy bien. Hay que empezar con algo sencillo. :)
I hope you see wonderful lights and take lots of pictures for your 2022 thread.
I hope you see wonderful lights and take lots of pictures for your 2022 thread.
139Familyhistorian
Have a wonderful vacation, Ellen. You deserve the time off!
140lauralkeet
Ellen, your new year's adventure sounds amazing! I can't wait to hear all about it.
141karenmarie
Hi Ellen!
I haven't visited in way too long, but wanted to stop off and wish you and P a
I haven't visited in way too long, but wanted to stop off and wish you and P a
142witchyrichy
Best wishes to you and yours for now and the new year!
144ArlieS
>136 EBT1002: I've played around with Duolingo a bit. If you are anything like me, you'll find that Duolingo is not enough on its own - you'll hit a frustrating plateau.
I don't recall where you are located, but the absolute best way to learn is to find a patient person who already speaks the language well. (They need to be patient enough not to immediately switch to English when you get lost.)
I find I also need a grammar primer to supplement Duolingo, a good dictionary (in your case English-Spanish and Spanish-English), and some kind of aid to memorization (paper flash cards, or any spaced repetition app - I use Anki).
I also like to collect things like simple puzzles for language learners; reading primers, etc. etc. I don't need them, but I find them fun.
Good luck with your Spanish, and even if it never gets beyond "I drink water", or my limited set of functional Spanish phrases ("no habla espanol", "no basura", "gracias"), you are still having fun and stretching your brain. And once you get farther along, you'll have the delight of attempting to read works in their original language, or at least compare the original with a translation.
I don't recall where you are located, but the absolute best way to learn is to find a patient person who already speaks the language well. (They need to be patient enough not to immediately switch to English when you get lost.)
I find I also need a grammar primer to supplement Duolingo, a good dictionary (in your case English-Spanish and Spanish-English), and some kind of aid to memorization (paper flash cards, or any spaced repetition app - I use Anki).
I also like to collect things like simple puzzles for language learners; reading primers, etc. etc. I don't need them, but I find them fun.
Good luck with your Spanish, and even if it never gets beyond "I drink water", or my limited set of functional Spanish phrases ("no habla espanol", "no basura", "gracias"), you are still having fun and stretching your brain. And once you get farther along, you'll have the delight of attempting to read works in their original language, or at least compare the original with a translation.
145msf59
Merry Christmas, Ellen! Borealis Basecamp?? That sounds absolutely awesome! I can't wait to hear about it. Wow!! Enjoy!
146richardderus
May all your surprises be good ones this Holiday season.
147PaulCranswick
Have a lovely holiday, Ellen.
149streamsong
Borealis Basecamp sounds extremely wonderful. (If it was possible to write that sentence in green font, green it would be).
My nephew is doing an internship at a marine biology statation in Seward. He recently posted some great northern lights photos. I hope you have a similar experience!
My nephew is doing an internship at a marine biology statation in Seward. He recently posted some great northern lights photos. I hope you have a similar experience!
150Berly
These were our family ornaments this year and, despite COVID (yes my daughter came down with Omicron Christmas Eve), a merry time was had by all. I hope the same is true for you and here's to next year!! And I am learning French again on Duolingo! Love it.
151EBT1002
>138 BLBera: I have no idea what that says. But I can tell you I have a passport in my suitcase. ;-)
>139 Familyhistorian: and >140 lauralkeet: Thanks Meg and Laura!
Thanks to Karen, Karen, and Roni for the holiday greetings!
>144 ArlieS: That sounds about right, Arlie. I am enjoying learning some basics but I know at some point I'll need to actually use the language. P knows quite a bit of Spanish, having spent two years in Ecuador in the Peace Corps way back when, so we've messed around a little with it. There is a relatively large Latino population in eastern WA so I have lots of colleagues who are bilingual. I have thought about one of them, in particular, who I know would be gracious and patient and helpful. It's a bit awkward since I'm high enough in the food chain that most people either report to me or (more likely) report to someone who reports to me, but I think that doesn't have to be an obstacle.
I never expect to be able to read literature in Spanish, but I love the idea of some primers. I bet I can get my paws on a couple of those just for fun. I would like to be able to engage in some basic conversation with colleagues and be a bit self-sufficient when we are finally able to travel internationally, but mostly I'm just enjoying stretching my brain. Thanks for the tips! I'll keep folks posted on my progress.
>139 Familyhistorian: and >140 lauralkeet: Thanks Meg and Laura!
Thanks to Karen, Karen, and Roni for the holiday greetings!
>144 ArlieS: That sounds about right, Arlie. I am enjoying learning some basics but I know at some point I'll need to actually use the language. P knows quite a bit of Spanish, having spent two years in Ecuador in the Peace Corps way back when, so we've messed around a little with it. There is a relatively large Latino population in eastern WA so I have lots of colleagues who are bilingual. I have thought about one of them, in particular, who I know would be gracious and patient and helpful. It's a bit awkward since I'm high enough in the food chain that most people either report to me or (more likely) report to someone who reports to me, but I think that doesn't have to be an obstacle.
I never expect to be able to read literature in Spanish, but I love the idea of some primers. I bet I can get my paws on a couple of those just for fun. I would like to be able to engage in some basic conversation with colleagues and be a bit self-sufficient when we are finally able to travel internationally, but mostly I'm just enjoying stretching my brain. Thanks for the tips! I'll keep folks posted on my progress.
152EBT1002
Mark, Richard, Paul, Susan - thank you all for the holiday wishes!
>149 streamsong: I have long wished we could change the font color on LT posts, Janet! It turns out that closer to the equinox is a better time of year for Aurora gazing, but the prediction for the first two nights we'll be there is for "moderate activity." Fingers crossed!!
>149 streamsong: I have long wished we could change the font color on LT posts, Janet! It turns out that closer to the equinox is a better time of year for Aurora gazing, but the prediction for the first two nights we'll be there is for "moderate activity." Fingers crossed!!
153EBT1002
It may be a bit of a cheek, but it's December 29 and I'm going to shift to the 2022 group now. I may not get my thread set up until after the new year but I'll be un-starring 2021 threads and checking in with new threads!
154richardderus
>153 EBT1002: *snort* I did it on the 22nd, so I'm one sure vote in favor.
155EBT1002
For my 2022 thread when I get to it, making note of Beth's favorite fiction works of 2021 that I haven't yet read. Can you say "next year"?
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
The Performance by Claire Thomas
Night Waking by Sarah Moss (*on my shelves)
The Seed Keeper b Diane Wilson
Secrets of Happiness by Joan Silber
Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller
The Sentence by Louise Erdrich
The Performance by Claire Thomas
Night Waking by Sarah Moss (*on my shelves)
The Seed Keeper b Diane Wilson
Secrets of Happiness by Joan Silber
Unsettled Ground by Claire Fuller
156EBT1002
>154 richardderus: LOL -- we're all managing the traffic this time of year as best we can, right? *smooch*
157ffortsa
>153 EBT1002: I'm about to do the same thing (and you might not see this, of course, if you hold to your plan).
158Berly
>155 EBT1002: I am reading The Sentence in mid January! Crossing fingers for sky activity....
159EBT1002
>157 ffortsa: I see it and I didn't stick to my plan. I am at work and it's vewy, vewy quiet.....
>158 Berly: I am in a loooooong queue for The Sentence so I don't think I'll get to it in January. Unless I decide to buy it. hahaha
>158 Berly: I am in a loooooong queue for The Sentence so I don't think I'll get to it in January. Unless I decide to buy it. hahaha
160BLBera
Yay! I get my own posting on your new thread! :)
The Spanish says: Very good. You should start with something simple.
The Spanish says: Very good. You should start with something simple.
161ursula
>151 EBT1002: ...I have lots of colleagues who are bilingual. I have thought about one of them, in particular, who I know would be gracious and patient and helpful. It's a bit awkward since I'm high enough in the food chain that most people either report to me or (more likely) report to someone who reports to me, but I think that doesn't have to be an obstacle.
It doesn't! Morgan is finding that his students like to test him with some Turkish from time to time, which could be awkward but honestly they are enjoying that he is learning.
It doesn't! Morgan is finding that his students like to test him with some Turkish from time to time, which could be awkward but honestly they are enjoying that he is learning.
162PaulCranswick
Forget your stresses and strains
As the old year wanes;
All that now remains
Is to bring you good cheer
With wine, liquor or beer
And wish you a special new year.
Happy New Year, Ellen.
