digifish books in 2009

Complete List of Books Read (discussed in the threads below):

1. La's Orchestra Saves the World by Alexander McCall Smith
2. A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian by Marina Lewycka
3. Mariana by Monica Dickens
4. Wanting by Richard Flanagan
5. Something Fresh by PG Wodehouse
6. Nella Last's War by Richard Broad (Ed.)
7. Leave it to Psmith by PG Wodehouse
8. Notes from the Hard Shoulder by James May
9. Lark Rise to Candleford by Flora Thompson
10. Guide to the Birds of East Africa by Nicholas Drayson
11. Can You Forgive Her? by Anthony Trollope
12. Portugese Irregular Verbs by Alexander McCall Smith
13. Blandings Castle by PG Wodehouse
14. Nella Last's Peace by Patricia Malcolmson (Ed.)
15. The Miracle at Speedy Motors by Alexander McCall Smith
16. Phineas Finn by Anthony Trollope
17. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith
18. Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
19. The Woodlanders by Thomas Hardy
20. A Passage to India by EM Forster
21. Summer Lightning by PG Wodehouse
22. Heavy Weather by PG Wodehouse
23. Right Ho, Jeeves by PG Wodehouse
24. Someone at a Distance by Dorothy Whipple
25. A House to Let by Charles Dickens (Ed.)
26. The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs by Alexander McCall Smith
27. Sprig Muslin by Georgetter Heyer
28. How to Get Things Really Flat by Andrew Martin
29. Less than Angels by Barbara Pym
30. The Code of the Woosters by PG Wodehouse
31. Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell*
32. At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances by Alexander McCall Smith
33. The Eustace Diamonds by Anthony Trollope
34. Young Men in Spats by PG Wodehouse
35. Village School by Miss Read
36. A History of the World in Six Glasses by Tom Standage
37. Around the World in 80 Days by Jules Verne
38. Joy in the Morning by PG Wodehouse
39. Mansfield Park by Jane Austen
40. Beatrix Potter: The Extraordinary Life of a Victorian Genius by Linda Lear
41. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
42. The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
43. Uncle Fred in the Springtime by PG Wodehouse
44. The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West
45. The Housekeeper and the Professor by Yoko Ogawa
46. Maisie Dobbs by Jacqueline Winspear
47. One Pair of Hands by Monica Dickens
48. The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim
49. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith
50. Phineas Redux by Anthony Trollope
51. Nightingale Wood by Stella Gibbons
52. Little Boy Lost by Marghanita Laski
53. Glass of Blessings by Barbara Pym
54. Evelina by Frances Burney
55. Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome
56. Frost in May by Antonia White
57. Miss Buncle's Book by D. E. Stevenson
58. When the Emperor was Divine by Julie Otsuka
59. The World of Pooh by A. A. Milne*
60. The Snow Geese by William Fiennes
61. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood by David Benedictus
62. Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray
63. Howards End is on the Landing by Susan Hill
64. Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim
65. Anne of Green Gables by LM Montgomery
66. The Solitary Summer by Elizabeth von Arnim
67. Jewel in the Crown by Paul Scott
68. Saplings by Noel Streatfeild
69. Psmith in the City by PG Wodehouse
70. The Cloudspotters Guide by Gavin Pretor-Pinney
71. Brief Lives: Charles Dickens by Melissa Valiska Gregory
72. The Great Western Beach by Emma Smith
73. The Mating Season - PG Wodehouse
74. Kitchen Essays by Agnes Jekyll
75. No Fond Return of Love by Barbara Pym

*re-read

Welcome!

Hi digifish - you are starred and all ready to go....

At least you did not pee on the spot like fourpawz! Welcome to the group!

Thanks for the welcome messages!

Here beginneth the reading:

1. La's Orchestra Saves the World - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction (Popular), 224 pages

A stand-alone novel from one of my favourite authors. The story is set in Suffolk during the Second World War. When her marriage fails, La (Lavender) moves to country, befriends a few of the local villagers and meets a Polish worker (Feliks) with a hidden past. Midway through the book, La forms an orchestra for members of a nearby air base and for local residents, while other events involving Feliks create a dilemma for La.

Compared with McCall Smith's series writing, I found this to be mildly disappointing. The plot feels hurried, some details are glossed over or simply non-existent (e.g. regarding the 'Orchestra') and the characters are rather pallid, failing to make any strong impressions. Nevertheless, the book has some of the hallmarks of vintage McCall Smith with feel-good charm and sentimental, old-fashioned overtones. While I found the book mildly entertaining I am looking forward to getting back to the infinitely more interesting world of Mma Ramotswe and friends!

Rating:

2. A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian - Marina Lewycka.



Fiction (Popular), 325 pages (8.8 hours)

I listened to an unabridged audio version of the book which was read exceptionally well by Sian Thomas. The early parts of the story are hilariously funny in places, but after a while the humour starts to wear a bit thin as the sisters becomes increasingly callous towards Valentina. The recalling of the family's prior experiences in Ukraine adds sombreness to the latter part of the book. I stuck with it to the end, largely to find out what became of the family. Overall, funny and very poignant in places, but probably not a book I would re-read.

Rating:

3. Mariana - Monica Dickens.



Fiction (Popular), 377 pages

A Persephone Classics edition by the great-granddaughter of Charles Dickens. Published originally in 1940, the story centres around Mary, as she reflects on her life - the upbringing by her mother and actor uncle, memorable holidays and childhood crushes, education and time spent at drama school, and later affairs of the heart both in England and in Paris.

The introduction to Mariana aptly describes the book as 'hot-water bottle' reading. Full of lovely personal descriptions of a wonderful childhood and early adulthood, this is certainly a delightful book in all respects!

Rating:

#7 digifish: I love the sound of 'hot-water bottle' reading (I may have to go out and buy one just for the occasion). I will put Mariana on Continent TBR. Thanks for the recommendation!

I'm definitely interested by Mariana! I didn't even know about Dickens grand-daughter being a writer, too. I'm always curious about the children and grand-children of famous authors who decide to write as well!

You're welcome, folks :) Monica Dickens also wrote some good autobiographical works - One Pair of Hands was recommended to me, but I'm still looking for a copy.

4. Wanting - Richard Flanagan.



Fiction (Historical), 256 pages

In his latest novel, Australian author Richard Flanagan explores the issue of conflict between reason and wanting using historic events and persons from the mid-19th century. Sir John Franklin, governor of Tasmania and his wife, Lady Jane adopt a young Aboriginal girl, Mathinna. The Franklins view the adoption as an experiment in civilisation of the indigenous people, believing that ingrained desire can be controlled or suppressed. When the experiment fails, Sir John disappears on an Arctic expedition to the North-West Passage. A a decade later, when the crew is accused of cannibalism, Lady Jane appeals to Charles Dickens for help in clearing her husband's name. Dickens, at the pinnacle of his career, is dealing with his own personal and marital problems and becomes obsessed with the Franklins' story. In collaboration with his friend Wilkie Collins, Dickens produces and stars in the play, 'The Frozen Deep'.

I decided to read 'Wanting' after hearing Richard Flanagan interviewed on Radio National in December 2008. Overall, it was a fairly disturbing book and much of the symbolism didn't really work for me, although I appreciated Flanagan's writing which was concise and well-crafted. The official book website, www.richardflanaganwanting.com.au is worth a look for the insightful historical information and background research.

Rating:

5. Something Fresh - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages (7.5 hours)

In 2008 I read quite a few books in Wodehouse's 'Jeeves and Wooster' series. This year I've decided to take a short break from them and make a start on the 'Blandings' series.

I listened to an unabridged audiobook of 'Something Fresh', read by Jonathan Cecil*. This is the first in the Blandings series and introduces us to the dottery old Lord Emsworth and his hapless son the Hon. Freddie Threepwood. There are also the ever efficient secretary Baxter, and Beach, the head butler at Blandings Castle. Things at Blandings go delightfully awry when a prized scarab belonging to American millionaire, J Preston Peters (Freddie's future father-in-law) goes missing and a couple of writers get involved in its recovery, hoping to get their hands on a £1,000 reward. As always, Wodehouse never fails to entertain, and I am looking forward with eagerness to more of the Blandings series.

(* Minor quibble with Cecil's reading - his Tennesee accent for J Preston Peters is not very convincing! :)

Rating:

Wanting sounds like a fascinating book. I am putting it on my tbr list. Thanks for the great review. Have you read any other work by Flanagan? I read his last novel (The Reluctant Terrorist ?), which I found to be a good, but not outstanding book.

>Hi aruba ~ I haven't read Flanagan's other works yet. The Sound of One Hand Clapping is sitting neglectfully on my bookshelf. I will get around to reading it one day! But I will have to 'psych' myself up, apparently it is also pretty depressing.

I read The Sound of One Hand Clapping and it's a good read. I liked The Unknown Terrorist (remembered its correct name) better, probably because it was much more relevant to the events of the day, had interesting characters, and was somewhat of a thriller. The Sound of One Hand Clapping is more of a dysfunctional family novel.

I'm enjoying your thread. Thx.

>16 suslyn: Thank you, suslyn!

6. Nella Last's War: The Second World War Diaries of 'Housewife, 49' - Richard Broad (Ed.)



Non-Fiction (Memoir), 320 pages

In September 1939, at the outbreak of World War II, Nella Last, a 49-year old British housewife began writing a journal as part of the the Mass Observation Project. She continued her diary for almost 30 years and it was later edited and published as two volumes, Nella Last's War and Nella Last's Peace.

Nella Last was married to a shopfitter, William Last and had two sons, Arthur and Cliff. The family lived in the northern English town of Barrow-in-Furness. In this first book, Nella chronicles in great detail how the everyday lives of family, friends and neighbours were affected by the War, local bombings, rations and other personal deprivations. She also reveals, often with great candour, her innermost feelings and perceptions on marriage, family, her son Cliff's involvement in the War and and the voluntary work she participated in outside the home. Throughout this fascinating memoir, Nella comes across as a generous and compassionate spirit who, despite frequent poor health, was dependable and resourceful and cared selflessly for the needs of others during the War.

Rating:

#18: That book sounds like something I would really enjoy, digifish. Thanks for the review and recommendation!

>18 digifish_books:: Hmmm, that sounds like it could be enjoyable. Thanks.

The BBC apparently made a TV adaptation of the book in 2007 but I am yet to see it. More info about the diary can be found on the BBC History website - http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/british/britain_wwtwo/nella_last_01.shtml

I've just brought Part 2, Nella Last's Peace home from the library and hope to get round to reading it soon...

7. Leave it to Psmith - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages (8 hours)

The second book in the Blandings series and the fourth in the Psmith series. This is by far the best Wodehouse novel I've encountered so far (and I hope, one day to have read them all!). The humour and the writing are wonderfully clever. Another great unabridged audio recording by Jonathan Cecil.

Rating:

I really need to read Wodehouse!

Another endorsement to dig into the Wodehouse TBRs. I always imagined that the humour would date, but obviously not.

You spurred me into action: I bought a copy of Leave It to Psmith. I plan to read it this week--I need something to make me laugh and help me unwind in the the evenings!

Wodehouse humour probably is a bit dated. But then... so am I ;)

Not!! digifish. Dry your youthful eyes, now.......

Good solid humour must surely be dateless?

Talking of humour, I am reading Nick Hornby's latest book criticisms Shakespeare wrote for the Money. Frankly disappointed with his humour for the first time - and I have read all his other books. His previous two collections caught me with a sharper funny bone, perhaps. I am a great fan of deprecating humour.

Just started A few Quick ones an audio book -P.G. Wodehouse. I actually took the long way home from my pool workout today so I could finish one of the stories. I had never read any Wodehouse, and can now say (as in the old cereal commercial)....try it...you'll like it!

...try it...you'll like it!

Indeed! I got hooked on Wodehouse as soon as I heard Jonathan Cecil reading My Man Jeeves. The stories work really well as audiobooks and the reading is usually very funny :)

And I got hooked on Wodehouse when my daughter saw, then bought the soundtrack to the "renewed" "By Jeeves," a very cute musical.

My mooched copy of Enter Jeeves: 15 Early Stories just arrived today. It's my first Wodehouse so I'm quite excited. I'm not sure if it's a good place to start, but I figured anything with the word "early" in its title must be a good place (?) - I'd figured I'd start at the beginning.

I got so hooked on Wodehouse after only one volume A Few Quick ones that we ordered the first series of Jeeves and Wooster from Netflix...we're settling down tonite to watch it (at least the first couple episodes....)

>10 digifish_books: Hi, digi: abebooks.com lists 10 copies of One Pair of Hands available in Australia.

>31 girlunderglass: girlunderglass ~ I haven't read Enter Jeeves but I would imagine the stories are also in other of the Jeeves books. And they are all very funny so it sounds like a good starting place.

>32 tututhefirst: tutu ~ I am yet to see that TV series. My library has a copy on DVD so I should check it out!

>33 stringcat3: stringcat ~ thanks for the info.!

8. Notes from the Hard Shoulder - James May.



Non-Fiction (Humour), 224 pages

I originally borrowed this from the library for my husband to read, but since we are both fans of "Top Gear" I ended up reading it too.

The book consists of a very witty bunch of newspaper column articles by Top Gear's "Captain Slow" discussing cars and car-related subjects, from cup holders to Icelandic driving adventures and the follies of trying to save fuel. Overall, the writing is somewhat less acerbic than that of Jeremy Clarkson, but equally as humourous. Recommended reading for car buffs or James May fans!

Rating:

9. Lark Rise to Candleford - Flora Thompson.



Fiction/Non-Fiction (Memoir), 544 pages

A trilogy of short novels; a mix of fiction and semi-autobiographical memoir of rural Oxfordshire life and its changing social customs at the end of the 19th century, as seen through the eyes of young Laura. Taken as a whole, the book reads more like a sentimental memoir or even a social history/anthropology text than a work of fiction. There is quite a bit of repetition, very little dialogue and no 'plot' as such and therefore the book is quite dissimilar in tone and structure to the recent BBC adaptation.

Rating:

10. A Guide to the Birds of East Africa - Nicholas Drayson.



Fiction (Humour), 202 pages

Quaint 'comfort-lit' involving comb-overs, dancing and the Kenyan crested guineafowl :) Thank you to LT member, TadAD for the recommendation!

Rating:

Some great reading here, digifish! I am rapidly writing books down to add to the Continent.

I have those last two books waiting for me on my TBRs. Thanks for the recommends.

We also love Top Gear - and I think the tall guy has also written a book or two. I also heard him apologizing for calling Brown a one-eyed idiot!!

Jeremy Clarkson, Kiwi. He called Brown a "one-eyed Scottish idiot", which didn't go over well with a lot of people. But he also has said that it didn't matter if their stunt drivers got hurt because they're all French, so he's fairly egalitarian with his insults. Sorry, digi, thread back.

I can't bear Clarkson, I drive as little as I possibly can, and I don't watch TV as a rule, so it is at great personal cost that I admit I also, um, love Top Gear. (I don't really have much choice since I live in a household with two small boys and one grown man - at least he claims he is - who adore it.) Actually I think probably Captain Slow is my favourite so I may look out for book no. 8 - thanks!

digifish

I'm not sure how I missed your thread, but found it this evening and I'm glad I did!

You have many delightful reads and I enjoy your reviews. For now, I'm adding Mariana by Monica Dickens and Leave it to Psmith by PG Wodehouse.

Wodehouse is an author mentioned frequently here on LT. Since I've not read any of his, I'm wondering if you recommend I begin with Leave it to Psmith or if there is a different one that I should read.

Most of what Clarkson says doesn't sit well with most people. He is the king of political incorrectness ;D

>42 Whisper1: Whisper ~ thank you for your kind words! If you are new to Wodehouse my suggestion is to start with a book from the Jeeves series (which is more popular than the Blandings series). The Inimitable Jeeves or Carry On, Jeeves may be good for starters, they are collections of short stories. After these, there are the full length novels such as Thank You, Jeeves.

come to think of it, I believe another LT challenge member mentioned this series as well.

Thanks for taking time to respond to my question.

And, I'm glad I found your thread! The 2009 challenge group is so much larger than the 2008 bunch.

11.Can You Forgive Her? - Anthony Trollope.



Fiction (Classic), 848 pages

The first in Trollope's acclaimed "Palliser" series, in which the reader is asked whether he/she can forgive the young Alice Vavasor for her continual acceptance and subsequent jilting of two very different suitors. While the book contains some memorable scenes and a few strong, well-drawn characters (including Lady Glencora and George Vavasor), it is simply too long and by the end it is the reader who should be 'forgiven' for losing count of the number of times the capricious Alice changes her mind.

Not my favourite Trollope. Too tedious in places, but essential reading for the Trollope completist.

Rating:

12. Portugese Irregular Verbs - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction (Humour), 144 pages (4 hours)

First book in the "von Igelfeld Entertainments" series. A short audiobook, read brilliantly by Hugh Laurie about the humorous misadventures of the pompous and socially inept academic, Dr Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld. The narration is a treat and the vignettes are particularly funny for anyone who has had the pleasure of encountering such academics :)

Rating:

digifish--I've never read anything by Trollope. Where would you recommend starting? Thanks.

>48 arubabookwoman: aruba ~ I started with the Barset series, i.e. The Warden and Barchester Towers. These are relatively short books. Or there are Rachel Ray and Doctor Wortle's School which are not part of any series. The only book I don't recommend starting with is The Way We Live Now - very long and quite dry in places (same with Can You Forgive Her? :)

Lots of discussion at the LT Trollope group if you need further suggestions - http://www.librarything.com/groups/trollopeloversuniteo#forums

Digifish, just a note to say that I am currently reading Mariana thanks to your recommendation and enjoying it thoroughly. It is so very English!

A lot of great books on this list! I've taken notes. I've read quite a bit of Jeeves & Wooster by Wodehouse but never tried his other stuff. I think I will look for Leave it to PSmith to add some variety! I picked up used copy of History of Tractors in Ukranian last month and plan to read it for light reading this summer. I love Anthony Trollope but I agree about Can You forgive Her. I thought the other Palliser novels were better.

I'm glad I found your thread!

>50 alcottacre: alcottacre ~ glad to hear you are enjoying Mariana! :)

>51 MusicMom41: MM41 ~ thanks for stopping by! I have subseuqently enjoyed AT's Phineas Finn. So it'll be Eustace Diamonds up next...

As you can see I haven't updated this thread lately. I've been too busy reading all the other interesting threads (AND adding to the TBR)!

I'm leaving off the Blandings Castle series this week, while I dip into Right Ho, Jeeves. It is very funny, I just love Wodehouse's humour :D

digifish

I've mentioned this on several threads--but in case you missed it: If you enjoy Wodehouse I suggest you try Three Men in a Boat by Jerome K. Jerome if you haven't already read it. I read that last month and loved it!

>53 MusicMom41: Thank you, Carolyn! You've reminded me that Three Men in a Boat is sitting in my TBR pile :) My edition includes the sequel, Three Men on the Bummel. I enjoyed Jerome's other book, Idle Thoughts of an Idle Fellow.

digifish

Now, I thank You. I'll have to track down those other two JKJ books! I was totally captivated by the one i read.

Don't forget Robert McCrum's excellent bio! Wodehouse: A Life

Oh, dear, I've gotten very behind with my posts here... Too many distractions at the moment!

13. Blandings Castle - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 320 pages

The full title being "Blandings Castle and Elsewhere", this is a collection of short stories concerning the usual crowd at Blandings Castle as well as one Bobbie Wickham story and five Mulliners of Hollywood stories which I basically skipped over, since I am only interested in Blandings at the moment. As always the humour and wit are there thanks to Lord Emsworth and his beloved prize-winning pig, the Empress of Blandings.

Rating:

14. Nella Last's Peace - Patricia Malcolmson (ed.)



Non-fiction (Memoir), 290 pages

The book is a continuation of Nella Last's diary which she wrote for the British Mass Observation Project starting in 1939 (see Nella Last's War above. Not quite as compelling as Part 1, there is a decidedly melancholic tone to her writing, perhaps because the end of the war didn't necessarily mean 'peace' for everyone or the end of problems, both physical and emotional. Nella has much to contend with - how to spend her days meaningfully now that the volunteer services are no longer needed, coping with her husband's moodiness and increasingly reclusive behaviour and the challenging situations and disappointments faced by her family, neighbours and friends.

After reading the book, I enjoyed listening to an (abridged) audiobook version, read by Imelda Staunton, which was featured on BBC Radio 4 in December 2008.

Rating:

15. The Miracle at Speedy Motors - Alexander McCall Smith



Fiction, 260 pages

Hmmm.....a little disappointing! By no means a terrible book, but the storyline is pretty lacklustre and the vibrant personalities of Mmas Ramotswe and Makutsi come across as rather sullen compared with usual.

Rating:

16. Phineas Finn - Anthony Trollope



Fiction (Classic), 752 pages

Book number two in the acclaimed "Palliser" series, this is Trollope at the 'top of his game' - an engaging plot, romance aplenty, a little humour and some very noteworthy characters, both male and female. Minus half a point for the boring (political) bits.

Rating:

I have not gotten to the Palliser series yet since I have not even finished with the Barchester series *sigh* One of these centuries . . .

digi - did you watch the Foyle's War series, starring Michael Kitchen? If not, I think you'd enjoy it, based on many of your books posted here. My husband now wants to visit Hastings, where it was filmed, he was so taken by it. The series ran for 4 years.

Foyle's War - one of my favorites! Who could not love Michael Kitchen in that role? I heard rumor of consideration of continuting with Foyle, post WWII - any substance to that, I wonder.

Trollope languishes on my TBR pile - Barchester and Palliser as well.
:-(

My local library has most of the 'Foyle's War' DVDs, so I will check them out. Thanks!

I have to agree with you regarding The Miracle at Speedy Motors. I started the book and gave up on it early on. It didn't hold my attention.

I've given up on McCall Smith - he's just phoning it in now.

>65 Whisper1: Glad I wasn't the only one, Linda!

... which leads me to Book No. 17!

17. Tea Time for the Traditionally Built - Alexander McCall Smith*



Fiction, 260 pages

This latest installment in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series appeared at my local library much sooner than I had anticipated, something to do with McCall Smith's recent visit to Australia no doubt! ;) Like The Miracle at Speedy Motors I rate it at 3.5 stars, i.e. mildly entertaining but nowhere near as enchanting as the previous books in the series. I can't help but wonder if the series has suffered a little with the author devoting so much attention to La's Orchestra and Corduroy Mansions in 2008. Since I am now up-to-date with the Ramotswe series I will focus on the von Igelfeld books and plan to start on the Dalhousie series later this year.

Rating:

* I am definitely in a bit of reading rut this year - mainly reading Trollope, Wodehouse and McCall Smith! (and almost NO non-fiction!).

Orangeena: Foyle's War is definitely coming back for three post-WWII episodes (woohoo!). They're currently being written.

Oh no! How horrible! A reading rut of Trollope, Wodehouse, and McCall Smith! You poor baby ;-)

All kidding aside, I'm so glad that all three authors are/were so incredibly prolific. I'm just starting on Trollope (reading The Warden right now), so I have volumes and volumes of wonderful ahead of me.
*does dance of joy*

>58 digifish_books:: just in case you hadn't seen it, Faber Finds are bringing out more of the Mass Observation volumes in print - may be worth a look.

>69 jfetting: hehe :)

>70 FlossieT: I didn't know that. Thanks, flossie!

18. Ella Minnow Pea - Mark Dunn



Fiction, 205 pages

I saw this book being mentioned quite a bit among LT members (and 68 reviews!), so I thought I'd give it a bash. In the first half of the book the concept of certain letters of the alphabet being banned from use was interesting and entertaining but I became a little bored with it by the end. But it was certainly a welcome change from my usual 'reading rut' ;)

Rating:

19. The Woodlanders - Thomas Hardy



Fiction (Classic), 465 pages

Fantastic! Nobody does passion and tragedy quite like Thomas Hardy. And if you're into audiobooks I recommend Samuel West's unabridged reading. Perfect for autumnal reading by the fireside, with a glass of fresh apple cider to hand.

Rating:

20. A Passage to India - E.M. Forster



Fiction (Classic), 416 pages

I'll admit I scampered through this so that I could watch the movie!

Rating:

#73: An Hardy I have not yet read! Thanks for the mention - I will be looking for it.

More Wodehouse!! :)

21. Summer Lightning - P.G. Wodehouse



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages

Summer Lightning was first published in 1929 (and entitled Fish Preferred in the US). It forms part of the Blandings Castle saga, and is the third full-length novel in the series after Something Fresh (1915) and Leave it to Psmith (1923).

The Earl of Emsworth's beloved prize-winning pig, The Empress of Blandings has disappeared, throwing the Castle into immediate chaos. Among the suspects are Galahad Threepwood, the Earl's brother, who is completing his rather scandalous memoirs which threaten to embarass just about everybody; the ever-efficient Baxter, former secretary to Lord Emsworth and Sir Gregory Parsloe-Parsloe, Emsworth's chief rival in prize-winning pigs. Even Beach the Butler is suspected. Meanwhile, deceptions and impostors abound as additional visitors arrive at the Castle and romantic interests are further complicated.

I am yet to read a bad Wodehouse novel. The writing here is marvellous and the humour sparkles. The Blanding series for me is every bit as entertaining as the more popular Jeeves stories.

Rating:

And don't you just love the names he comes up with? Galahad Threepwood. It's perfect.

You are doing some great reading here, digifish. Hardy is one of my favourite authors - but I have also missed The Woodlanders - another one TBR!!

Actually the last three on the TBR - although I do admit to having tried to read E.M. Forster in the past and struggled a tad!

I had to read The Woodlanders in school for my English class but, unfortunately, I can't say I remember much about it. I have this sort of liked-it-but-didn't-love-it memory attached to it, but not much beyond that. Of course I might have that feeling about the class in general, who knows? It's all a big mess in my head. I will look for the audiobook to try and refresh my memory. Thanks for the review!

> 72 Read Ella Minnow Pea when it first came out and had the same reaction - the gimmick wore off quickly.

Finally found you, digifish, after searching the 50 Book Challenge for you fruitlessly!

Leave it to Psmith is my all-time favourite Wodehouse, and I'm so glad you listened to the Jonathan Cecil version. It's also the best of the Psmith novels, but it's well worth reading the others as well. Psmith as a character is unrivalled in my opinion.

Summer Lightning was my very first Wodehouse. Make sure you follow it up with Heavy Weather!

You recommend some good stuff here, I am really going to try Trollope and Hardy in earnest now. I've been disadvantaged in E.M Forster; my first contact with his work was his non-fiction Aspects of the Novel. He struck me then as being incredibly high-brow and arrogant, and I developed an instant hate for him which I'm having trouble overcoming. But I want to start getting over it, and A Room with a View, so highly thought of here on LT, is on my TBR mountain. After that, I'll try Passage to India, I promise...

I'm always underwhelmed by Forster and find (gasp!) I like the movies of his books quite a bit better than his writing.
His characters often seem rather vague and ill-defined and I find it hard to be drawn into caring much about what happens to them.

Passage suffers greatly in comparison to Jewel in the Crown, IMHO, but of course, the Scott series is a 4 book saga, so I suppose the comparison is unfair.

I don't mind EM Forster's novels but I don't exactly love them either. His books seem to make good movies, although in A Passage to India I found Adela Quested very irritating, esp. after her loopy reaction in the Marabar Caves. It reminded me of those silly, hysterical girls in the movie, A Picnic at Hanging Rock.

I finished Heavy Weather and Right Ho, Jeeves a few days ago and will endeavour to post about them shortly.

As for Hardy, I have returned to his novels after a break of almost 20 years! So I'm definitely overdue for a re-read of Tess, Far From a Madding Crowd etc. But I plan to read more of his lesser known works next. I have Two on a Tower and The Return of the Native awaiting.

Thanks for all the comments here!

Have you read Jude the Obscure? It's my favorite Hardy, though probably his darkest.

#84: It's also my favorite Hardy, Deborah, which only goes to show that you have good taste, lol.

I didn't find Jude the Obscure to be Hardy's best. Sue Bridehead's behaviour and the tragedy overload at the end seemed difficult to believe.

Are you going to review Sprig Muslin? You mentioned reading it on a another thread.

>87 ronincats: Still formulating an opinion on it, roni ....

22. Heavy Weather - P.G. Wodehouse



Fiction (Humour), 336 pages

Yet more Wodehouse! The story is basically a sequel to Summer Lightning with the plot still involving the pig (Empress of Blandings) and the disappearance of Gally's memoirs. I listened to an unabridged reading of the book by Jeremy Sinden (rather than by my favourite, Jonathan Cecil), but I soon got used to the narration. Maybe I tuned out a little towards the end but I found myself a bit confused with the sub-plots of a few of the secondary characters.

I followed up by reading The Crime Wave at Blandings, a very funny short story in the Blandings series involving Lord Emsworth's grandson and an air gun :D

Rating:

23. Right Ho, Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse



Fiction (Humour), 305 pages

The happiness of two of Bertie Wooster's pals hangs in the balance. Eccentric newt-fancier, Gussie Fink-Nottle (or is it "Spink-Bottle"? ;) is trying unsuccessfully to woo the dreamy Madeline Bassett, while old school-friend Tuppy Glossop is hoping Angela isn't serious about breaking off their engagement. Bertie, returning from a Cannes vacation has a minor disagreement with Jeeves over a new jacket and decides he doesn't need Jeeves's help and can manage his friends' affairs of the heart perfectly well on his own. Bertie is duly summoned to Brinkley Court, where the couples are staying and where Aunt Dahlia is having problems of her own with feisty chef, Anatole. Can Bertie be relied upon to sort things out? Fortunately, Jeeves is still working behind the scenes to set matters straight...

I am reading the Jeeves and Wooster stories and novels in the order they were published and Right Ho, Jeeves is by far the pick of the full-length novels so far. I especially loved Gussie's speech at the prize-giving ceremony at Market Snodsbury Grammar and the scene involving Anatole and the skylight. Classic Wodehouse buffoonery!

Rating:

24. Someone at a Distance - Dorothy Whipple



Fiction, 420 pages

While the plot here is far from unique, (middle-aged man's crisis devastates his perfect marriage), Dorothy Whipple has a certain knack of drawing the reader inexorably further into the story while slowly and calmly revealing the deeper layers of her characters. The novel is moving and compulsive and I can see why Whipple is such a favourite at Persephone Books.

After reading the book I enjoyed listening to an abridged reading of Someone at a Distance by Deborah Findlay which was featured on the BBC radio program, 'Book at Bedtime'.

Rating:

#91: Looks like another good one, digifish! I will look for it.

25. A House to Let - Charles Dickens, et al.



Fiction (Classic), 97 pages

A collaborative short story/novella by Dickens with contributions by his buddies, Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell and Adelaide Anne Procter. First published in 1858.

When an elderly widow, Sophonisba, is advised by her doctor to move to London she quickly becomes obsessed with the empty house across the street her own, after seeing an eye peering out from the window. Her long-time admirer, Jabez Jarber, and her servant, Trottle, compete to unravel the mystery of this 'house to let'. Various intriguing stories of former tenants are revealed, until the issue is resolved in the final chapter when the house is let.

An unabriged audiobook from LibriVox, read by Ruth Golding.

Rating:

26. The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction (Humour), 128 pages (4 hours)

A sequel to Portuguese Irregular Verbs. More social gaffes and assorted antics from Dr Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld as he travels from Arkansas to the Vatican. Another unabridged audiobook narrated by Hugh Laurie, with cute musical interludes between chapters.

Rating:

I see you have given Sausage Dogs four stars. How does this series compare with others of McCall Smith? I am a huge fan of Precious Ramotswe and Isabel Dalhousie and like the goings on at 44 Scotland Street as well - Verbs and Sausage Dogs I have not yet gotten into.

McCall Smith is amazing - he writes female characters with the understanding and authenticity that many authors completely miss. His wonderful fiction series would be laudable alone but to think he is an academe and writes and teaches medical law and ethics too!

I loved the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, Orangeena. Very droll but never mean.

I haven't started the Dalhousie series, but have read all of the Ramotswe and Scotland St books. The humour in the Portugese Verbs series is quite off-beat but I enjoy it because the rather pompous egotist Dr von Igelfed is not unlike academics I've encountered in the past :)

27. Sprig Muslin - Georgette Heyer.



Fiction (Romance), 275 pages (10 hours)

I am new to Georgette Heyer and, upon reflection, Sprig Muslin was perhaps not the best of her work to start with. I listened to an unabridged audio version, read by Sian Phillips. I found some of the narration overly affected and cloying and as for the novel itself, I didn't care much for the character Amanda, who as a bit of a silly, manipulative little miss, with all the trouble she caused! ;P All up, the experience wasn't bad enough to put me off trying another Heyer romance and there were a few witty, tongue-in-cheek moments. I will probably look for a printed version for my next Heyer novel.

Rating:

28. How to Get Things Really Flat - Andrew Martin.

(Touchstone is not working. Click on the book cover below).



Non-fiction (Domestic Science/Humour)

A humorous consideration of ironing, cleaning, laundry, shopping and other domestic activities by British author and 'house-husband', Andrew Martin. Highly entertaining and educational, with plenty of useful tips for both men and women. Another good book I discovered thanks to BBC Radio 4!

Rating:

Your latest looks like a fun read, although I am not sure that I want to read about housework. Is it very funny or more of a self-help kinda book on the male-female dynamic at home??

Not sure if I would find that book particularly interesting. I do enjoy the fact that it is written by a man, and a man that actually does housework.

For some guys, the book probably falls into the self-help category. It pokes fun at housework in general while also answering those really important questions such as "Do I need to bother about the controls on the Iron?" and "During dusting, where does all the dust go?" ;) The author is rather self-effacing, happy to admit that his motto at home is "I Think, Therefore I Drop My Clothes in a Heap".

Ohhh....I like that motto!

29. Less than Angels - Barbara Pym.



Fiction, 256 pages

Lives and loves of a group of academic anthropologists. Not as good as some of Pym's other novels, such as Excellent Women and Jane and Prudence.

Rating:

30. The Code of the Woosters - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), (7 hours)

Another wonderful Jeeves and Wooster story, read by Jonathan Cecil. This time, Bertie gets mixed up in the theft of an antique cream jug and implicated in the disappearance of a policeman's helmet and a small leather-covered notebook. The writing and humour are top-notch and while the plot does get rather complicated towards the end, it is worth persisting as a little secret about one of Bertie's foes is revealed in the last few pages.

Rating:

My favorite Pym is Quartet in Autumn. Have your read it?

106> aruba ~ I don't have Quartet in Autumn yet. It is on the to-be-purchased list :) Thanks for the recommendation!

>106 arubabookwoman:: I really loved that one, too arubabookwoman! It was more moving than her usual work, I thought.

31. Cranford - Elizabeth Gaskell.



Fiction (Classic), (7 hours)

A re-read, this time as an unabridged audiobook which was narrated with sensitivity by Clare Wille. There is much to like about Mrs Gaskell's novellas, and as well as Cranford I happily recommend Cousin Phillis and Mr Harrison's Confessions.

Rating:

I love Cranford!! I would also like to add Wives and Daughters to the recommendations list (though it's definitely a novel, not a novella). I've never heard of Mr Harrison's Confessions - must look that one up!

>110 ChocolateMuse: CM ~ Have you seen the TV adaptation of Cranford...I think it was on the ABC recently? It is based on three of Gaskell's novels - Cranford, Mr Harrison's Confessions and My Lady Ludlow. I enjoyed Judi Dench as Miss Matty and Imelda Staunton as Miss Pole.

> 111 I saw it - really liked it. Was a bit confused until I realized it wasn't based on Cranford alone. The entire cast was superb.

> 111 digifish ~ I knew it existed (though didn't know it was based on other stories too) and have been wishing I could see it. I believe the DVD's out already, but I can't afford it, so I'm hoping the library will get it. I would love to see it, though I'd have to read the other two stories first!

So maybe one day...

>99 digifish_books: just bought a copy of How to Get Things Really Flat "for my husband" today :-) (it's in inverted commas because I know that he will never ever read it: he and I have this relationship whereby I buy him books, and he acknowledges and appreciates the gesture on the basis of the jacket, blurb and author reputation, but then never actually reads it. That's fine, as I usually, oddly, find I would like to read them myself....)

>114 FlossieT: I like that strategy! :)

32. At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction (Humour), 128 pages (4 hours)

Unabridged audiobook, read by Hugh Laurie. A sequel to The Finer Points of Sausage Dogs, starring Professor von Igelfeld. More absurd silliness, but not quite as good as the previous installments. I am heartened to learn, however, that AMS will be reviving this series next year :)

Rating:

33. The Eustace Diamonds - Anthony Trollope.



Fiction (Classic), 800 pages (4 hours)

Oh dear...this was very tough to get through! And on a couple of occasions I almost gave up completely. Trollope fills up the first 400 pages with relentless repetition about Lizzie Eustace being a 'bad egg', he just goes on and on about her. The plot only got moving in the final third, by which time I was very frustrated. The book does redeem itself in the final section, so I can at least award it a few stars :P I am looking forward to the next Palliser book, Phineas Redux which, I am told, is much more interesting.

Rating:

34. Young Men in Spats - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages (6 hours 45 mins)

A collection of 11 short stories, the funniest of which are "Goodbye to All Cats" and "Uncle Fred Flits By", the latter featuring Pongo Twistleton and his Uncle Fred.

Another delightful narration by Jonathan Cecil.

Rating:

35. Village School - Miss Read.



Fiction, 208 pages

English village life in the 1950s, as seen through the eyes of a school headmistress. Quaint and charming enough, though I'm not convinced I'll want to read the entire Fairacre series. An easy read but not overly engaging.

Rating:

36. A History of the World in Six Glasses - Tom Standage.



Non-fiction, 312 pages

Covers the development and cultural/historical significance of beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola. Entertaining and very readable.

Rating:

37. Around the World in 80 Days - Jules Verne.



Fiction (Classic), 220 pages (8 hours)

The classic travelogue, brought to life by Jim Dale's captivating narration.

Rating:

Looks like you have been having a lot of reading fun lately, Laura!

Laura, haven't seen a post from you in quite a while. Hope all is well.

Hi tiffin, thanks for your post! I've been a bit slack with posting here... and its mid-winter and 'flu season here in Australia so things are little slow :)

As long as you haven't fallen off the edge of the world and are ok down there. Good to hear a peep from you.

38. Joy in the Morning - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages (7 hours)

Of course, this was very similar to other books in the Jeeves & Wooster series with the usual dilemmas for Bertie and friends, but I had fun with it nonetheless. I usually listen to Wodehouse on audio (narrated by Jonathan Cecil) while doing housework or gardening and they are a great way to liven up an otherwise ordinary day.

Rating:

39. Mansfield Park - Jane Austen.



Fiction (Classic), 496 pages

Well, it's taken me an eternity, but I've finally gotten around to reading all of Austen's major works. Weirdly, MP, Emma and Northanger are probably my favourite Austens.

Rating:

40. Beatrix Potter - The Extraordinary Life of a Victorian Genius - Linda Lear.



Non-fiction (Biography), 608 pages

Very detailed biography of the famous children's author and campaigner for Lake District preservation. Potter was also a talented amateur mycologist, highly skilled illustrator, enthusiastic farmer and devoted wife and daughter. A long book but very well-written. Linda Lear has clearly done an immense amount of research. Everything you ever wanted to know about Beatrix Potter, and then some.

Rating:

#129: I read a very good book on Potter several years ago. I will look for this one as well. Thanks for the recommendation, Laura.

>130 alcottacre: Stasia, I think the US edition is titled Beatrix Potter: A Life in Nature.

#131: I found that out when I was looking for it, but thanks for the confirmation.

Adore Wodehouse, especially in the summer for some reason. Bravo re the Austens! One of the few authors I reread regularly; they never pall, do they. The Beatrix Potter looks very interesting. You're up to some good things here, Digi!

I would be interested in your opinion on the Standage book. I think he has been nominated for a prize or two but I see that you only gave his book 31/2 stars.

Nice to see your posts again, digifish.

>133 tiffin: Thanks tiffin! I'll be posting about Uncle Fred in the Springtime shortly, which I read in autumn (which of course was spring in the other hemisphere) ;P

>134 kiwidoc: Kiwidoc, I marked it down for a few reasons. Overall, the treatment of each beverage was fairly superficial and yet there was quite a bit of repetition in the 'Beer' section. A fun read, but not brilliant.

41. The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins.



Fiction (Classic), 720 pages

Read for the 'Group Reads - Literature' group in June '09. Only fractionally less compelling than The Moonstone, which I 'blasted' through last year and could not put down. Loved the cast of superbly drawn characters in The Woman in White esp. Marian Holcombe and Uncle Fredrerick Fairlie. A recommended page-turner!

Rating:

I love Wilkie Collins - both Moonstone and Woman in White are favorites. I also have The Dead Secret - haven't touched it yet though - have you read that one?

>137 orangeena: I haven't read any other novels by Collins yet. No Name and Armadale are in my To-Read list.

>129 digifish_books:: This looks like a book i would enjoy. Thanks for review, have added it to my wishlist.

>139 LittleWish: You're welcome :)

42. The Sunday Philosophy Club - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction, 304 pages

An enjoyable combination of the best of both of McCall Smith's worlds - amateur detectives and Edinburgh. And the length of the book is spot-on too, just as you are starting to wonder if Isabel Dalhousie is just an interfering, busy-body the 'mystery' gets resolved and you find yourself heading off to the shops to grab the next installment in the series :)

Rating:

Re Austens, Mansfield Park is among my favourites too - the unnassuming timid character who nevertheless stands rock-firm for her principals is never seen in fiction today, and was usually preachy and saccharine in older fiction - but in MP, I think Fanny is a hero. Her character and dilemma really appeal to me.

"...the unnassuming timid character who nevertheless stands rock-firm for her principals..."

I love that line, Chocolate Muse! I also love characters like that. Reminds me a bit of Jane Eyre, actually...

43. Uncle Fred in the Springtime - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 256 pages

Rating:

Loved the part where Uncle Fred poses as Sir Roderick Glossop and dispenses psychiatric advice at Blandings Castle :D

44. The Return of the Soldier - Rebecca West.



Fiction, 112 pages

OK, but it didn't exactly 'blow me away'...

Rating:

45. The Housekeeper and the Professor - Yoko Ogawa.



Fiction, 192 pages

A well-written book which re-affirmed my dislike of maths and complete disinterest in baseball ;P

Rating:

46. Maisie Dobbs - Jacqueline Winspear.



Fiction, 320 pages

This one goes in the 'Clunkers of 2009' category.

Rating:

47. One Pair of Hands - Monica Dickens.



Non-fiction (Memoir), 220 pages

Amusing chronicle of Monica Dickens career as a cook-general/domestic after being kicked out of drama school. Thanks to LT member 'stringcat3' for recommending this! I have since purchased One Pair of Feet.

Rating:

48. The Enchanted April - Elizabeth von Arnim.



Fiction, 360 pages

Finally got around to reading this after seeing the movie in 1992. Delicious.
And I have Elizabeth's German Garden lined up for later this year.

Rating:

#147 Hi Laura--I've just started Maisie Dobbs and haven't yet decided what I think of it, but it has been well received here on LT and by lots of folks in this group. It seems a little unrealistic so far. What was it that you didn't like about it? Just curious.

>150 loriephillips: lorie, I felt the story was completely implausible and the characters irritating (esp. the overdone cockney guy, Billy Beale). And all that 'new-agey, intuition' stuff was pretty lame. Reviews on LT seem mixed.

Hi Laura--I've finished Maisie Dobbs this morning and I can't disagree with your assessment, but I think I liked it a little more than you did. Here's the review on my thread if you're interested: http://www.librarything.com/topic/67943

#147: Sorry you did not enjoy Maisie Dobbs more, Laura. I rather like the series. Oh, well, different strokes and all that.

#149: I really need to get my hands on a copy of that one! Maybe my next library trip . . .

Too bad you did not like the Ogawa book - which is waiting for me after a few enthusiastic reviews. I also do not like baseball but like math.
Great selection of books recently, digifish.

>154 kiwidoc: Maybe that's half the reason it's so popular, because baseball is involved ;)

#144: I have to get my hands on that Wodehouse. I really like the Blandings Castle ones.

I loved the Ogawa book. I can't say too much because my review of it is going up on Belletrista when it goes live. I'll put the link on my thread when it's live.

Finally caught up with you. I am planning to read more Thomas Hardy next year and I had never heard of The Woodlanders. I'll be on the lookout for it. Have you read Under the Greenwood Tree? That one and Far from the Madding Crowd are my favorites so far.

I prefer the Barsetshire Chronicles by Trollope over the Phineas Finn series, although I enjoyed some of the ones in that series.

I must try The Blandings series after your great reviews.

Thanks for a pleasant evening. :-)

Oooh, visitors! :)

I read Under the Greenwood Tree last year and found it be one Hardy's more charming novels, not as gritty or depressing as his usual stuff. The Woodlanders is very atmospheric and a great 'autumnal' read.

As for Wodehouse, in some ways I prefer The Blandings series over the Jeeves books, they are slightly less predictable and tend to feature a greater array of minor characters; 'The Empress' included. And Uncle Fred is a hoot!

I finished Phineas Redux last month and agree that the Barchester series is more enjoyable, although the characters of Phineas and Madame Max-Goesler are quite fascinating. For me the series lacks consistency, Phineas Finn was good, The Eustace Diamonds not so good. I was going to start The Prime Minister this month but need a break from the politics, so I am diverting to The Bertrams, which is about a couple of Oxford graduates.

...and the BBC did a delightful TV production of Under the Greenwood Tree a few years ago which I enjoyed - almost as much for the lovely music as for the story.

Besides Under the Greenwood Tree and Far from the Madding Crowd the only other Hardy I've read is Tess. I own three more and plan to read one next year. They are Jude the Obscure, The Return of the Native and The Mayor of Casterbridge. Any recommendations?

Jude the Obscure is my favorite.

There have been some excellent film adaptations of Mayor.

#160: Jude the Obscure is my favorite Hardy.

I'm keeping a tally--2 for Jude and 1 for Mayor--the movie. :-)

Thanks christi, stringcat & Stasia!

No, Jude is tooooo depressing! I'll vote for The Mayor :)

I vote for The Mayor too! And if you watch the movie get the one with Ciaran Hinds.

Between the two - defo the Mayor.

Thanks for all the input! My husband says I can never make a decision--but you all have helped a lot. I will read Mayor 1st (4 votes) and then I will read Jude (only 2 votes--but "the favorite Hardy" for those voters). :-D

As for the Native, I have an audiobook version read by Alan Rickman. I put it aside after the first chapter. I don't know whether its the book itself or the way he's reading it but I just couldn't get into it at all.

I did notice that one didn't get any votes. I may try it later--we'll see how I like the other two. I probably should reread Tess also. I might like it better now that I'm older and more realistic. (not that I'm not still a "romantic" at heart) :-)

>169 digifish_books:: I have that audiobook too--I got exactly halfway and then stopped. I think it was external circumstances instead of the story or the way he read it, though. I must admit, however, that I did not appreciate the occasional singing of folk songs.

It may be too late to vote, but my favorite Hardy is definitely Jude the Obscure.

Jude the Obscure seems to be a book that one either loves or dislikes. Everyone who voted for it said it was a favorite! I will definitely read that one now just to see where I fall! :-)

>166 jfetting: Yup - the Ciaran Hinds production is excellent. Jean Marsh plays the old woman at the fair who gets him drunk in the first place.

49. Friends, Lovers, Chocolate - Alexander McCall Smith.



Fiction, 297 pages
Rather mediocre. I will stick to the Ramotswe and Scotland St series for now and give Isabel a miss...she is rather too self-righteous for mine.

Rating:



50. Phineas Redux - Anthony Trollope.



Fiction (Classic), 688 pages

OK, so I didn't read ALL 688 pages, I skipped some of the really boring political bits. Arguments over reform bills are simply too uninteresting. At the end of the day one just wants to know what happens to Phineas and his devoted female groupies.

Rating:

#175: I need to get back to Trollope. Thanks for the reminder!

re Phineas Redux

"I skipped some of the really boring political bits."

lol

That's probably why you liked this one better than Eustace Diamonds. :-)

51. Nightingale Wood - Stella Gibbons.



Fiction, 400 pages

A Virago Modern Classic reprint of a forgotten romantic comedy 'fairytale', originally written in 1938. Less zany than her more famous 'Cold Comfort Farm' but just as witty. An enjoyable read. Does Virago intend to republish more of Gibbons' novels? Let's hope so!

Rating:

52. Little Boy Lost - Marghanita Laski.



Fiction, 240 pages

Forgive the cliche but this was 'unputdownable' (despite the main character nearly driving me to distraction)! A turbulent story of a man searching for his lost son in post-war France. Another solid read from Persephone Books.

Rating:

53. Glass of Blessings - Barbara Pym.



Fiction, 256 pages

I didn't like this as much as Pym's other novels. In fact, it was almost too subtle and a little depressing in parts. There are a few funny moments - Wilfred Bason, an eccentric housekeeper and the disappearance of a Faberge egg, for example. But the protaganist, the bored and restless Wilmet Forsyth is, for me, one of Pym's least likeable characters. Ho-hum!

Rating:

54. Evelina - Fanny Burney.



Fiction (Classic), 512 pages

I listened to an unabridged audiobook version narrated by Judi Dench, Geoffrey Palmer (two of my favourite actors/readers) and Finty Williams (Dench's daughter) as Evelina. The narration was excellent but the novel (consisting of 70+ letters) was way too long.... I might need some convincing to take on Cecilia anytime soon ;)

Rating:

55. Three Men in a Boat and Three Men on a Bummel - Jerome K. Jerome.



Fiction (Humour)

Three Men is great fun, I enjoyed the many Wodehouse-style anecdotes (which reminded me of the Mr. Mulliner stories). I still have the Bummel part to finish off....

Rating:

#178/179: Adding both of those to Planet TBR.

#182: I read Three Men in a Boat earlier this year and loved it. I did not know that there was another Three Men book. I will have to find a copy!

Just wanted to note that there's a marvelous film of The Woodlanders featuring Rufus Sewell. I was inspired to once again try reading Hardy, but failed in the attempt that time. *sigh* The film, however, is worth seeking out.

I really must get to the Three Men in a Boat, digi.

(I am a self confession Hardy addiction, BTW).

> 179 Glad to hear that, digi, as it is on my to read this year list! Have you read The Victorian Chaise-Longue by Laski? I found it unputdownable, too.

>184 Prop2gether:, 185 I will look out for the film, thanks! I'm hoping to re-read Far From the Madding Crowd next month. And then The Mayor or maybe Tess. I would also like to catch up with the latest (2008 BBC) adaptation of Tess.

>186 marise: I haven't read The Victorian Chaise-Longue marise. It could be a bit too sci-fi for me, not sure... :) I would like to read The Village, though.

Much as I love Trollope and especially the Palliser series, I have always found this novel tedious. It's long and it's boring. Each time I pick it up, I think that it can't possibly be as bad as I remember it. And every time I have to force myself to finish it before moving on to the next volume.

Hi digi, just letting you know that I'm listening to the LibriVox recording of Barchester Towers at the moment and am wondering what in the wide world took me so long! It's magnificent!

And I am so so lucky that almost all of Trollope is yet before me... all I've read is The Warden apart from this. *happy sigh*

>188 OldRoses: Which one did you mean? I didn't find Phineas Redux as tough-going as Can You Forgive Her? or Eustace Diamonds.

>189 ChocolateMuse: Rena, glad you are enjoying Barchester Towers Andy Minter rocks! :)

56. Frost in May - Antonia White.



Fiction, 224 pages

Virago Modern Classics' first novel. It was OK.... not sure if I enjoyed it enough to continue with the rest of the series.

Rating:

57. Miss Buncle's Book - D.E. Stevenson.



Fiction, 344 pages

Hilarious English village tale about a woman who wrote a book about a woman who wrote a book. I wouldn't be surprised to see Persephone Books add this one to their classics list eventually.

Rating:

58. When the Emperor was Divine - Julie Otsuka.



Fiction, 160 pages

Thank you to Cariola, Alcottacre and others who recommended this little gem! The writing is beautiful.

Rating:

59. The World of Pooh - A. A. Milne.



Fiction (Children's), 316 pages

A perennial favourite. I can still remember reading this for the first time as a child and feeling devastated that it had to end!

I re-read this in preparation for the 'sequel' which was released this month (see below).

Rating:

60. The Snow Geese - William Fiennes.



Non-fiction (Memoir), 200 pages

Loved this, thank you to lindsacl for recommending it. I need to seek out a copy of The Snow Goose, ASAP!

Rating:

61. Return to the Hundred Acre Wood - David Benedictus.



Fiction (Children's), 200 pages

A Pooh sequel of sorts. David Benedictus is no A.A Milne but this is a reasonable effort and the illustrations are similar to Shephard's drawings. But it lacks the charm of the original stories and the older Christopher Robin isn't very convincing, but at least its not Disney! ;P

Rating:

I'd just put the Benedictus in my basket for an order at Red House Books but am now getting cold feet... was it really that bad?? (I know you gave it 3 stars, but I wanted at least a 4-star read out of it to make it worth buying :-))

>61 alcottacre: It gets pretty good ratings on Amazon UK though a few people seem angry that a sequel was allowed in the first place. It wasn't terrible, but having read the originals immediately prior probably meant I was more sensitised to its weaknesses as a sequel. I can't speak for other Pooh fans; you'll need to try it for yourself :)

#192: I am adding Miss Buncle's Book to the BlackHole. It sounds like something I would love. Thanks for the recommendation, Laura.

Ditto what Stasia said!
You've been reading some good books lately!

>191 digifish_books:: I've read two of the three books that follow Frost in May and have enjoyed them more the first. I'd try one more before giving up on it altogether!
>195 digifish_books:: I'm glad to see you enjoyed The Snow Geese. I found it quite meditative.

>199 alcottacre:, 200 Thanks! Hope you enjoy Miss Buncle.

>201 lauralkeet: I did quite enjoy Antonia White's style, but the subject matter didn't grab me. OK.... I will give The Lost Traveller a go :)

62. Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray.



Fiction (Classic), 31 hours

A magnificent novel, expertly narrated by John Castle (the 31 hours of audio seem to fly by!). I hope to read more of Thackeray next year (e.g. History of Pendennis or Henry Esmond).

Rating:

63. Howards End is on the Landing: A Year of Reading from Home - Susan Hill.



Non-Fiction (Memoir), 288 pages

This book seems to be the 'flavour of the month' in the blogosphere at present. I had some minor 'issues' with it, but enjoyed it nonetheless :)

Rating:

64. Elizabeth and Her German Garden - Elizabeth von Arnim.



Fiction/Semi-autobiography, 224 pages

I read the ebook version as the only copy at my library is now two weeks overdue (*rolls eyes* ;)

EvA has become one of my favourite authors this year; I'm quite partial to her acerbic wit.

Rating:

I have Howards End is on the Landing on order now from the Book Depository and hope to receive my copy sometime soon.

I read The Enchanted April by Elizabeth von Arnim earlier this year and enjoyed it a lot. I will look for Elizabeth and Her German Garden as well. Thanks for the recommendation, Laura.

>206 alcottacre: Stasia, make sure Howards End is on the Landing doesn't get lost in 'the black hole', I'm looking forward to seeing what you think of it! :)

I meant to ask - did you download the audio version of Vanity Fair or borrow it from the library? Whose version is it? I would like to give it a listen myself.

I will try and get to Howards End is on the Landing as soon as I get it so it does not end up wallowing in the BlackHole, lol.

>208 alcottacre: Stasia, I bought & downloaded Vanity Fair from Audible. It is the unabridged version narrated by John Castle and produced by BBC Audiobooks (2008).

OK, thanks for the info!

65. Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery.



Fiction (Classic), 250 pages

A highly enjoyable book and one which I unfortunately never got around to reading as a (red-haired) youngster! I listened to an unabridged audio version, narrated by Barbara Caruso.

Rating:

66. The Solitary Summer - Elizabeth von Arnim.



Fiction, 208 pages

Rating:

67. The Jewel in the Crown - Paul Scott.



Fiction, 480 pages

Unabridged audiobook narrated by Sam Dastor. A fine novel, the first in Scott's Raj Quartet, which was adapted for television in the 1980s.

Rating:

68. Saplings - Noel Streatfeild.



Fiction, 377 pages

Rating:

69. Psmith in the City - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction, 160 pages

Rating:

70. The Cloudspotter's Guide - Gavin Pretor-Pinney.



Non-fiction (Science), 320 pages

Rating:

Some nice recent reading, Laura. I have both the Raj Quartet and The Cloudspotter's Guide in the BlackHole already. I am sure I will get to them one of these centuries.

71. Brief Lives: Charles Dickens - Melissa Valiska Gregory.



Non-fiction (Biography), 112 pages

Rating:

72. The Great Western Beach - Emma Smith.



Non-fiction (Memoir), 384 pages

Excellent memoir of a childhood spent in Cornwall, between the two World Wars.

Rating:

73. The Mating Season - PG Wodehouse.



Fiction (Humour), 304 pages

Rating:

74. Kitchen Essays - Agnes Jekyll.



Non-fiction, 264 pages

Rating:

Are you going to be joining us for the 2010 challenge, Laura? I hope so!

75. No Fond Return of Love - Barbara Pym.



Fiction, 256 pages

A wonderfully witty gem from a much overlooked writer.

Rating:

Wow, perfect timing!

Thanks Stasia & Zoe!

2009 SUMMARY

With only 7 hours left in my part of the world I have only just made the 75 in time before the year ends!

Compared with 100 books in 2008, I am well down this year yet I have almost identical proportion of fiction to non-fiction (i.e. 83% Fiction and 17% Non-fiction).

As usual, there was quite a bit of Wodehouse, McCall Smith, Pym and Anthony Trollope. New authors included some outstanding ones, including Dorothy Whipple, Monica Dickens, Elizabeth von Arnim, DE Stevenson, Linda Lear, William Fiennes and, last but not least, William Makepeace Thackeray :)

BEST FICTION FOR 2009:

5 Stars

Vanity Fair - Thackeray
Leave it to Psmith - PG Wodehouse
Right Ho, Jeeves - PG Wodehouse

RUNNERS UP (FICTION)

4.5 Stars

Mariana - Monica Dickens
The Woodlanders - Thomas Hardy
No Fond Return of Love - Barbara Pym
Miss Buncle's Book - DE Stevenson
Phineas Finn - Anthony Trollope

(There were also 24 Four-Star Books!)

BEST NON-FICTION FOR 2009:

4 to 4.5 Stars

The Snow Geese - William Fiennes
Beatrix Potter - The Extraordinary Life of a Victorian Genius - Linda Lear
The Great Western Beach - Emma Smith
Nella Last's War - Richard Broad (ed.)
One Pair of Hands - Monica Dickens

Looks like you had a very good reading 2009, Laura!

Please join us for the 2010 group, would you?

>219 digifish_books: ooh, I LOVE the look of book #72 - can think of several people who would really enjoy it.

And congratulations on a really great reading year, especially with all those 5- and 4.5-star books - wow. (And on hitting the challenge, of course!)

>229 FlossieT: Thanks, Rachael! As a result of that book Newquay and the Great Western Beach are on my list of must-see destinations in England, should I ever return!

Stasia, I'm not sure yet whether I will be joining the Challenge in 2010 as I'm hoping to return to work and/or move house in the next 3 to 6 months. Things could become chaotic fairly quickly, so I will be just visiting the group for now.

>230 digifish_books: Newquay is a bit trashy nowadays, I'm afraid - just up the road from my husband's grandmother, so we go there virtually every summer. But there are some really gorgeous beaches, it is true, and the landscape is incredible.

Congrats!

Happy New Year, Laura! Good luck with the job and house situation in 2010. Drop in on us often, OK?