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  • Book 41: Evermore by Alyson Noel

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    A good short read to a new series. I can't say I loved it, but it wasn't too bad.

  • This to me was a perfect summer read...

    Posted by Lins, 4 years ago

    I just finished "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. Let me start of by saying that i loved this novel. Gruen has an beautifully honest way of writing, a sophistication that was refreshing. The characters in this book were intricate and exciting and honest and I could go on and on. At first the book didnt grab me but once I was a little further into it, it became a book that I would stay up until 1 am reading because it was an adventure I didnt want to leave.
    This is one of those books that stays with you when you're done. I was a little sad to be rid of Jacob and the travelling circus that he's a part of, but im glad I took part in the adventure.
    4.5/5

    Book 69 - If Tomorrow Comes - Sidney Sheldon

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

    34, 35, 36

    Posted by Amanda Augustine, 4 years ago

    34. The Vanished Man - Jeffery Deaver
    Fifth in the Rhyme series, this book takes us through the illusions of a magician hitman. Redirections and the slight of hand, kept me assuming that the mastermind was one person, and he finally gave me what I believed....or did he?

    35. The Twelfth Card - Jeffery Deaver
    Sixth in the Rhyme series, we follow Rhyme and Sachs on a journey back through history at the time of slavery in the late 1800's. A killer is out for a young African-American teenager, who you don't really know why he wants to kill her until the end. It was an okay fast read.

    36. The Cold Moon - Jeffery Deaver
    Seventh in the Rhyme series, we follow Rhyme and Sachs on the trail of the man they call "The Watchmaker". Always one step ahead of them, the person who hires him to kill and evade police is a surprise from a previous book. I'm sure we'll see The Watchmaker again.

  • Books I Read (Listen to) In August

    Posted by Bookworm, 4 years ago

    49) The Lucky One by Nicholas Sparks (Audio Book) 5/5
    50) Little Earthquakes by Jennifer Weiner (New Author) 4/5
    51) Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah (Audio Book) 5/5
    52) 7th Heaven by James Patterson (Audio Book) 5/5
    53) A Breath of Snow and Ashes by Diana Galabon (Audio Book) 5/5
    54) World Without End by Ken Follett (Audio Book) 4/5
    55) You Can Run by Carlene Thompson (New Author) 3/5
    56) 8th Confessions by James Patterson (Audio Book) 5/5
    57) Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood (Audio Book) 3/5
    58) Love Story by Erich Segal (New Author) 5/5
    59) Thanksgiving by Janet Evanovich (Audio Book) 4/5
    60) Atonement by Ewan McEwan (Audio Book) 3/5
    61) Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson (Audio Book) 4/5
    62) Between The Tides by Patti Callahan Henry (New Author) 5/5
    63) Skylight Confession by Alice Hoffman (Audio Book) 3/5
    64) Sister & Brother by Joanna Trollope (Audio Book) 2/5
    65) The Geometry of Sisters by Luanne Rice (Audio Book) 4/5

  • #17,18, 19, 20, & 21

    Posted by Mary Ellen Anaka, 4 years ago

    #17 The Physick Book Of Deliverance Dane
    by Katherine Howe
    I enjoyed most parts of this book. The Salem Witch Trials have always intrigued me. This story is based on them and on the present day. Connie Goodwin is clearing out her Grandmother's home, when she comes across a key and a piece of paper with Deliverance Dane written on it. Enter the Salem witch trials--- the more Connie looks into the past, the more she uncovers, and the more questions she has. This book has a little bit of everything---mystery & romance. Katherine Howe's own ancestors's were accused witches. I give it a 3/5.

    #18 Dark Places by Gillian Flynn
    This author has written an amazing book. There are so many twists and turns-- keeps you guessing right to the very end. I absolutely loved it. Libby Day was 7 years old when her mother and two sisters were brutally murdered. Her testimony helped convict her teenage brother Ben, of the savage murders of her family. Twenty-five years later, a secret club called the "Kill Club" contacts Libbey and pays her to answer their questions --which she does-but she has questions of her own. Was Ben really guilty or was it her low-life father? The story is told by Libby, Ben, and their mother Patti Day. You won't believe the ending. Put this on your Too READ Pile, you won't be sorry. She also wrote another book called, "Sharp Objects". After reading "Dark Places", I will definately be looking for her 1st novel.

    #19 The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff
    We read this book for our book club and we all agreed that we loved this book. It raised questions about the Mormon Church, The Firsts in the year of 1875. It also raised questions about Brigham Young, one of his wives , Ann Eliza Young, and Polygamy, past and present.
    The story goes back and forth in time. Jordon Scott's (present day) mother has been arrested and charged with the murder of his father. All of this intertwines with the past. Jordon is on a mission to try and A very interesting read. I learned much about the Mormon and the Firsts, about Polygamy and it had me wanting to learn more. I would rate this book 5/5.

    #20 The Lace Reader by Brunoni Barry
    I truly enjoyed thes book. The Lace Reader takes place in Salem, and centers around a family of Salem women that read Lace--they see your future in the patterns of the lace. Towner Whitney has been away from Salem for awhile but comes back home because of the disappearance of two women, one being her aunt. The story weaves in and out, giving clues, then creating more questions, and the mystery of past and present unfold. Towner certainly has a troublesome time ahead of her. Each secret she uncovers, helps her to unravel the mysteries of the past and the present. Story telling at it's best. I would give this a 4/5. The ending was brilliant and totally unexpected.

    #21 Raven Black by Ann Cleeves
    This was a Bargain Book that I picked up at Chapters and I'm so glad I did.
    This was a terrifc read. A teenager is found strangled in the remote hamlet of Shetland Islands. Inspector Jimmy Perez is in charge of the case. He finds that their are many secrets to unravel. Magnus Tate, is the one that everyone suspects murdered the girl, as he is mental challenged and a little bit on the odd side. He had previously questioned about another missing little girl years before, and that case was still open, as the body was never found. Catherine Ross, the murdered teen---Inspector Perez starts to track when she was seen last, who she was seen with, who talked to her--boyfriends, friends, father, neighbours, anyone who would have had contact with her. This was a very well written thriller. Mystery at it's best. Good Read at a BARGAIN PRICE of $4.99.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #11- Marie Antionette: The Royal Diaries by Kathryn Lansky

    Posted by Hannah, 4 years ago

    Marie Antionette: The Royal Diaries by Kathryn Lansky

    This book was a very interesting book in the Royal Diaries series. Marie Antionette sounds like a very interesting person. I'm really glad I read the book because I'm usually not into books like that. I don't have much to say about it, because its hard to without giving the book away but I do TOTALLY recommend the book!

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #26 - 28 2 chick lit and 1 yoga

    Posted by Eileen, 4 years ago

    Engaging tale of ordinary lives

    #26 Friday Nights, Joanna Trollope

    A group of five women, held together by retired civil servant Eleanor, meet on Friday nights and break out of their isolation. Eleanor simply walks out of her house one day and asks two of the women over, and the 'club' takes over from there. The women's lives take new directions, and the novel explores the different kinds of roles available to women today.

    Enjoyable and full of the details of ordinary lives.

    #27 Icing on the Cake, Laura Castoro

    This is really bad. But also kind of enjoyable. It's a cookie cutter plot, but I liked the heroine, Liz, who is trying to keep her business, a bakery, afloat. Liz and I are both in our forties, both trying to keep businesses afloat. Now if only my ex-husband millionaire would die accidentally and accidentally leave me millions, enabling me to fix everything and get back at the husband-stealing, tanned and big busted Brandi at the same time.

    #28 The Wisdom of Yoga, Stephen Cope

    Cope explores the ancient philosophy behind yoga by telling the story of four friends who lived at his yoga ashram and how yoga helped them through life dilemmas. Cope also explores Patanjali's text the Yoga Sutra. This is philosophical rather than just inspirational, so not really self help. Excellent and well written - I could follow it without knowing a whole lot about yoga.

  • Yay! 50!

    Posted by Lisa Voss, 4 years ago

    #49 The Maze Runner by James Dashner. A terrific new teen novel coming out in October. Thomas wakes up in an elevator and remembers only his first name and nothing else. When the doors open he is surrounded by boys just like himself who welcome him to the Glade. I'm not going to write anything else about the story except to say its suspenseful and fast paced. I found it very good even though I'm very far from being a teen.

    #50. The 19th Wife by David Ebershoff. This book flips between the story of Ann Eliza Young the 19th wife of Brigham Young and Jordon Scott, the son of another 19th wife accused of murder in the present day. I enjoyed both stories although some parts of Ann Eliza's tale was a little tedious - a certain letter written by her son and some ramblings of Brigham Young but all in all it was a good, interesting book.

  • 43 and On

    Posted by Lisa Voss, 4 years ago

    #43. The Night Watch - Sarah Waters. A tale beginning in 1947 and going back to 1940 set in London this book tells the story of 4 people - 3 women and 1 man who connect in various ways. I liked this book although I am not used to reading a book involving mainly homosexual, in this case, lesbian relationships.

    #44. Crooked Little Vein by Warren Ellis. A twisted little tale. That's all I'll say except I did like it.

    #45. Living Dead in Dallas by Charlaine Harris. Enjoyable vampire tale. Second one in the series.

    #46. Club Dead by Charlaine Harris. Third Sookie Stackhouse book.

    #47. Dead to the World by Charlaine Harris. Fourth in the series.

    #48. Black Orchids by Gillian Slovo. This is the story of Evelyn and Emil, a British woman and Sinhalese man who marry in Ceylon in the 1950's. They move to England and discover life is not great for families who are half black and half white. I read this in one day and quite liked it although I was disappointed with Evelyn as a character.

  • #10- Wicked

    Posted by Hannah, 4 years ago

    Wicked by Gregory McGuire

    This summer, I have read SO little books. I've tried to read, but I just CANT! Im on my 10th summer book and thats it! Im kind of frustrated about that. This book was really good though. The book Wicked is written by Gregory McGuire. I do recommended it :)

  • Reader's Block...

    Posted by ChrisM, 4 years ago

    I don't know about anyone else, but I've had a hard time reading this month. I've picked up and started about 3 books and nothing has really captured my interest. This rarely happens to me. I mean, my tbr shelf is chockablock, and everything on the shelf has been chosen by me...so clearly I must WANT to read these books.

    So- do you ever suffer from reader's fatigue? What do you do to start your reading motor? If you start a book that doesn't pique your interest in the first 50 pages, do you abandon it forever or set it aside to try again later?

  • Ive never read this little EVER!

    Posted by Lins, 4 years ago

    So these past few months have been the most stressful months of my life. I was working 44 hours a week, moving to the country, and still trying to be an active mom. So because of all of this i ended up with readers block lol. I have managed to only FINISH 3 books since April. I finished the twilight series with BREAKING DAWN which as everyone else has said was good. Lots of fun and yada yada. I also read MY SISTERS KEEPER which was good but not great. I hated the mother so much that I found it hard to read at times. Great story, strong characters, desent writing. My first Jodi Picult novel and most likely my last.
    Thirdly was The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold. I loved this book. I found the main character to be so real so vivid that it really made me go "wow this could be someone I know." I did find however as with The Lovely Bones that it started to lose me towards the end. She really stretches it out and almost takes the realism out of the book. But I enjoyed it thoroughly and recommend it to anyone!

    Book 40: Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    Another amazing sequel in the Vampire Academy series! Blood Promise was definitey worth the wait, and now I have to wait AGAIN for Spirit Bound, the next book, to come out in May 2010.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #42-#43, The Christmas Quilt & The New Year's Quilt

    Posted by Kay, 4 years ago

    I am still enjoying this series. These 2 books repeat a lot of what the reader already knows if they have been reading the series. No matter, they both provided more details on Sylvia's life. I did enjoy The Christmas Quilter a bit more because of the insight on Sylvia's life when she was younger. I also enjoyed reading about family traditions and how they came to be.

  • #'s 50 & 51 --The Bone Cage (A Re-read) and Black Out (a new[for me] Mystery Writer)

    Posted by Joanna, 4 years ago

    #50 -- The Bone Cage by Angie Abdou -- I very seldom re read a novel but make an exception for this book not only because I enjoyed the story line but because the author is my daughter. The Bone Cage is the story of two athletes and their quest for gold at the Olympics but more about how sport and the body defines one and how the end of a sporting career changes the way a person is seen by themselves and others

    Following is an excerpt from the University of Toronto Quarterly Review

    "The question of how much we will sacrifice or endure for the sake of our careers is a theme that runs through several of the novels and stories published this year. One of the most interesting reflections on this idea can be found in Angie Abdou’s The Bone Cage, which looks at the world of Olympic-calibre athletes. The novel follows Sadie, a twenty-six-year-old competitive swimmer, and Digger, a thirty-year-old wrestler in the months leading up to the 2000 Olympics, in which both will be competing for the first – and probably the last – time Digger and Sadie are drawn to each other because they alone understand the toll taken by the gruelling training routines, the sacrifice of ‘normal’ experiences, and the relentless focus on the ‘intense burning desire to be a 'champion.’ They also share the knowledge that, as their careers come to an end, there is very little left for them on the other side of the Olympics; they are ‘at the pinnacle of such an acute limited excellence that everything afterward will savour of anticlimax.Win or lose.’ Sadie, in particular, is realistic about her chances, noting sardonically that she is ‘only’ the tenth-best swimmer in the world, and therefore has no real chance of winning a medal. Reading this novel against the backdrop of the Michael Phelps– dominated coverage of the Beijing Olympics, I found my attention increasingly drawn to those athletes without million-dollar endorsement deals, the ones who, after the Olympics, will return home to near-obscurity and relative poverty."

    Angie's book is included in university Sport Literature courses across Canada and the USA. For anyone interested in sport and the Olympics it is definitely worth reading.

    5*****

    #51 -- Black Out by Lisa Unger -- I seem to be reading a lot of Mysteries lately -- this is the first novel I've read by Unger and I throughly enjoyed this novel . There are some interesting views on our current day society -- the following is a quote -- we are at a motel where a murder has just been committed
    "He found the whole thing exciting, even though it couldn't be good for business to have a room cordoned off by crime scene tape ---- these days everyone thought they were living in a reality television show. People seemed to have trouble differentiating between what was really happening and what was happening on television."

    This mystery is filled with psychological suspense, it keep you wondering what really happened until the last page. I will be reading Unger's other novels.

    4****

    • 2 people found this helpful

    #38 - Killer Heat - Linda Fairstein 5 / 5

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 4 years ago

    Another gritty thriller

    This one really went with our heat wave! Fairstein continues to amaze me - she is an incredibly talented author with the ability to create mental images using the written word. Another of her topnotch thrillers, one that touches upon all your senses. These novels are so good that I wonder why someone hasn't attempted to put them on the screen - oops, too realistic and intelligent as well as engrossing! This is an excellent series for anyone who really enjoys a gritty thriller with a heroine!

    #37 - Professional Cooking - Wayne Gisslen (4th Ed)

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 4 years ago

    This is a more recent edition, but all the answers you might need & then some.

    4.5 / 5 : Yes, the Julie & Julia read sent me off in another direction - discussion of Cooking! In 1999, this was a required text for my daughter's culinary arts program. Didn't have a MtAoFC handy, so I decided to take a small detour in my reading...more info here than perhaps a neophyte w/pans might want, but well presented & definitely informative! Also very tho't-provoking (don't ask). Maybe I will just get a MtAoFC to add interest to my twilight years (no this isn't a vampire reference...).
    It is really amazing how many tangents can form just due to reading the reviews in this group. Mille merci.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 39: Destined for an Early Grave by Jeanienne Frost

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    I think this is the fastest I've ever read. I finished this one in a few hours, which is really, really fast for me. This book had so many twists and events happening, it just held you on till the very end, still greedy for more. This is the best one so far in the series, and I can't wait for the fifth book to come out! :)

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #36 - Non-fiction... but 4.5 / 5 anyway : Ecological Gardening

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 4 years ago

    Definitely a 'gardening' keeper!

    #36 - Ecological Gardening - Marjorie Harris
    Good ideas...actually very good information. Informative without being preachy. Ideas that I hadn't seen & updated info on some that I have tried. Have now added it to my gardening reference shelf & my daughter wants a copy...what else can I say?

  • Book 38: At Grave's End by Jeanienne Frost

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    Another great sequel to the series. At Grave's End had more twists than the other two books and it kept your eyes glued to the pages. Can't wait to get started on the fourth book. :)

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 68 - Summer On Blossom Street by Debbie Macomber

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

  • 66 - 70

    Posted by Cathy, 4 years ago

    66. A Jest of God -by Margaret Laurence
    This is my favorite Margaret Laurence novel, the story of a destined-to-be-a-spinster teacher experiencing her first intimate relationship and how it changes her life.

    67. The Constant Princess -by Philippa Gregory
    Fascinating story of Henry VIII’s first wife, Katherine. I enjoyed it a lot, but I wish Gregory would have gone further and detailed her downfall as Henry’s eyes wandered.

    68. True Confessions of Adrian Albert Mole, Margaret Hilda Roberts and Susan Lillian Townsend -by Sue Townsend
    Townsend is funny and I enjoyed the book, though the collection of writings was a little odd.

    69. I Love Yoga -by Ellen Schwartz
    Although geared toward teens, I appreciated this book's detailing some of the history of yoga and the names of the more common poses. While I have been doing yoga for years, I just followed pose instructions without any knowledge about them.

    70. How Not to Act Old -by Pamela Redmond Satran
    For those of us fifty-ish in age, this humour book is an eye-opener about the young and ourselves - and remarkably accurate.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 37: One Foot in the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    A great sequel to the first book, One Foot in the Grave was hot and steamy, action packed and full of surprises. Loved it. :)

  • time flies

    Posted by Virginia, 4 years ago

    i kept meaning to post, but then i'd read instead;P the next 20 that i've read, so i'll keep reviews short:P

    59-61/115 the Farseer Trilogy (Assassin's Apprentice, Royal Assassin, Assassin's Quest) by Robin Hobb
    great, satisfying fantasy:) slight continuity errors between 1st and 2nd, but i don't think i would've noticed/cared if i hadn't read them back to back. Really like this author:) also, assassin is a fun word;)

    62 Lost by Gregory Maguire
    i really like his take on fairy tales, not so much on other things:P also wasn't expecting the modern-dayness, and didn't like it.

    63 the Foretelling by Alice Hoffman
    good YA fantasy:) Amazonia can be done really badly, but this wasn't:)

    64 Fantasy: The Best of the Year, 2008 Ed. Rich Horton
    a nice collection, i quite liked a few stories, and most others were enjoyable

    65 My Sister's Keeper By Jodi Picoult
    Good, but not Brilliant! I find her kinda predictable, if only in that you expect some big weird twist, which detaches me from the characters, in case it happens to one i particularly like:P she'll be a take-out-from-the-library author from now on:P

    66 Pride & Prejudice & Zombies by Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
    This was Brilliant!:D So fun and quirky. I have to confess, i haven't read P&P, but if it's as easy to read as this (or even mostly), i'll love it:)

    67 The Guernsey Potato Peel and Literary Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows
    Excellent!! i can't add anything to what's already been said here, but i Loved it:D

    68-70 Transmetropolitan # 1-3 by Warren Ellis & Darick Robertson
    My bf loves this series, so i read it for him, but quickly came to enjoy it too:) rather crude, but also smart and pointed.

    71 Farthing by Jo Walton
    another Excellent book. love the style, love the topic, everything. Not perfect, but Brilliant:D

    72 The Time Machine by HG Wells
    I was lost in some of the technical jargon at the beginning, but went with it and enjoyed the rest of it.

    73 Snowfall by Sharon Sala
    fluffy mystery, but enjoyable

    74 Acheron by Sherrilyn Kenyon
    i wanted to like it, really i did... but the second half is written very melodramatically, and badly (sentence might make sense, but not how she means it, for example). i'm intrigued by the worlds she's made, but i don't think i could handle her writing again (i read 2 others before, but thought i didn't like them coz the mood i was in).

    75 Lucky Man by Michael J Fox
    so honest and real. gives me even more respect and like for him. really want to read his next one now....

    76 Medicine Road by Charles de Lint
    aaahhh:) i think de lint can do no wrong:P smart, funny, refreshing, hopeful book:) oh yes, and please join my group Fans of Charles de Lint!!

    77 Tales of Beedle the Bard by JK Rowling
    fun, light, enjoyable, just as it should be:)

    78 Saddle up: Thoroughbred Horse Stories selected by Christine Pullein-Thompson
    Made me feel 12 again:P a good collection of stories for any horse lover, although her definition of thoroughbred and mine seem to differ;)

    now i'm rereading Harry Potter, so it'll be a little while before i post again, but not near as many books;)

    • 3 people found this helpful

    August 56, 57 and 58

    Posted by Christine L, 4 years ago

    1. ABANDON by Blake Crouch. It's 1893 and the gold rush is at its end. On Christmas Eve the entire population of a town disappears. Fast forward to current day, Abigail Foster and her estranged father go to the town to find out what happened. This was a good page turner.

    2. THE CUTTING ROOM by Louise Welsh. A auctioneer is hired to dispose of the belongings of a recently deceased gentlemen. While clearing out the attic he discovers a stash of pornographic pictures. This leads him and the reader on a trip through the dark side of pornography. An interesting read although the book borders on homosexual erotica.

    3. FAMILY TREE by Barbara Delinsky. A happily married couple is about to experieince the birth of their first child. However when their daughter is born her skin is darker than anticipated. He can trace his roots back to the town's founding fathers and she has an unkonwn family history with a few skeletons in the closet. Where did this child's skin colour come from? Unkonwn ancestry? An affair with a neighbour? Definitely a good story and it was good enough to stand on its own without the sidetrips into being politically correct.

  • Catching up in August (after a slow summer)

    Posted by Denise Nielsen, 4 years ago

    I spent the first week of August visiting friends in NB and, other than on the plane, having no time to read. I spent the second week of August at the cottage, and reading a book every single day. Bliss.

    46. Marrying the Sea by Janice Kulyk Keefer - Blogged about this at viewfromtheglen.blogspot.com/2009/08/marrying-sea.html

    47. In Defense of Food by Michael Pollen – Very much enjoyed this book, and it challenged the way I think about some foods while reaffirming that there are lots of things that are good about the way we eat

    48. YouBeMe – a compilation of stories/memories of teenage girls that were intriguing

    49. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies by Jane Austen and - this made me laugh. Wasn’t sure it would as I am a Jane fan and am not a zombie fan. Loved the “bookclub” questions at the end. Agree that if this becomes a trend (to mix classics with zombies or werewolves etc) it would become really tiresome – but the first one at least has the benefit of being a unique take on a classic.

    50. The Church of the Old Mermaids by Kim Antineau – never really got enthralled by this book, but at the end found it tied a lot of things together in my mind for me – things to do with loving life and dancing under the moon.

    51. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon – reviewed this one before.

    52. Five Go To Demon’s Rocks by Enid Blyton – caught up with my childhood in the guise of my daughter who is plowing through my old, not politically corrected (like the new versions) copies of Enid Blyton’s classic series. Loved it still.

    53. The Shack by William Paul Young – Came highly recommended, and though I can see how it might answer some spiritual questions, it didn’t really for me. But I enjoyed the book nonetheless

    54. The Princess Bride by William Golding – It was at the cottage, we watched the movie, I re-read the book one stormy evening. It holds up well.

    55. The War of Art by Steven Pressfield – this was a book about overcoming creative resistance (ie: writer’s block) that a writer friend lent me. Interesting read.

    56. Three Cups of Tea by Greg Mortensen – the true story of this adventurous man who made good on his promise to build schools. An uplifting and inspiring book.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #'s 47, 48 & 49 Assortment of Fiction all by Women Authors

    Posted by Joanna, 4 years ago

    #47 Where White Horses Gallop by Beatrice MacNeil

    This family saga type story of the effects of WWII on the families and solders from a small town in Cape Breton was sad and brings home the terrors and evils of war. This is a period in Canadian history that I enjoy reading about;both fiction and non fiction. The events from this war has had lasting effects on many Canadian families.

    If any group members would suggest other books centered on this period I would appreciate the suggestions.

    I enjoyed the book although I found some of the writing too flowerly!!! but I really enjoyed the story.

    3 1/2 ***

    #48 Another Thing to Fall by Laura Lippman

    A murder mystery tied to the production of a TV series being filmed in Baltimore. I enjoy mysteries and would recommend this book and author to anyone who likes mysteries. For some reason I have always liked mysteries by female writers.

    3 1/2***

    #49 Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks

    This novel is fiction based on the true story of a Village in England which was hard hit by the Plague of 1666. Well written story which holds the readers attention.

    Brooks is a former journalist and I found this book very enjoyable.

    4****

    • 1 person found this helpful

    This could be hard!

    Posted by Charity, 4 years ago

    I'm known for not being a big Canadian author lover, so this could be a challenge.

    1. Favourite Canadian author? Thomas Wharton

    2. Favourite Canadian novel? Salamander by Thomas Wharton

    3. Favourite Canadian nonfiction?

    4. Favourite Canadian picture book? ?

    5. Favourite Canadian YA or juvenile chapter book? Anne of Green Gables

    6. Favourite Canadian science fiction or fantasy book? Ysabel by Guy Gavriel Kay

    7. Favourite Canadian romantic fiction? ha ha

    8. Favourite Canadian mystery? It's not listed as mystery, but "The Tongues of the Dead" by Brad Kelln

    9. Favourite Canadian graphic novel? Zombies Calling by Faith Erin Hicks

    10. Favourite Canadian book blog?

    11. Favourite Canadian fictional character?

    12. Favourite movie based on a Canadian novel or story? Anne of Green Gables

    13. Favourite Canadian short story? Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe stories

    14. Favourite Canadian poet? Anne Carson

    15. Favourite Canadian poem? Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson

    16. Favourite Canadian play?

    17. Favourite novel by an established Canadian author? Salamander by Thomas Wharton (what exactly qualifies you as "established"?)

    18. Favourite novel by an up-and-coming Canadian author? The Impact of a Single Event by RL Prendergast (I think I just answered my own question)

    19. Favourite Canadian book award? Giller

    20. Favourite Canadian publisher?

    21. Favourite Canadian humorous book? Vinyl Cafe Diaries by Stuart McLean

    22. Favourite Canadian newspaper?

    23. Favourite Canadian magazine or journal?

    24. Favourite Canadian dystopian novel? Handmaid's Tale by Atwood

    25. Favourite Canadian epistolary novel? The Impact of a Single Event by RL Prendergast (and yes, I did have to look up what epistolary meant)

    • 4 people found this helpful

    Catching up!

    Posted by Charity, 4 years ago

    August has been a little more productive so far, and I am still currently ahead of last year.

    #40 is a Graphic Novel
    Stitches by David Small - this is a memoir of a young boys dark childhood. Small's imagination must be the only way he survived his upbringing and the events that occured while he was young. Centering around a mysterious surgery that leaves him basically incapable of speaking, Small looks back at how his early years formed him into the adult he is today.

    #41 is S for Scott
    The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. Fact One: Nicholas Flamel was a real person, so Scott did not just run off with a random Rowling character. Fact Two: this book was in the works well before Harry Potter became such a hit. Fact Three: if you enjoyed Harry Potter, you will enjoy this title too. Scott weaves a current story with mythological and historical characters in a quest to protect a book that could destroy the world as we know it.

    #42 is a Graphic Novel
    X Men: Phoenix Rising - This title was older than I was anticipating. It is actually a collection of the original comics that were published during the original Dark Phoenix storyline. This means that the art is a little more dated than I normally like, but the storyline was strong and it was interesting to get a glimpse at the history of the various Marvel characters.

    #43 is V for Vanderbilt
    Obsession by Gloria Vanderbilt. ARGH! I was so excited. An erotica title with a truly intriguing cover, it had me at hello. But I was foiled again, and I should have seen it coming when I saw that the cover artist was Chip Kidd. I am a huge fan of his work and when he was credited with the cover (which isn't normally done) AND thanked by the author I should have known that my love for this book would go no further than the cover. A very disappointing read, not living up to its cover nor its placement in the erotica genre. Blech.

    #44 is I for Ingram
    The Science of Everyday Life by Jay Ingram - If you told me I would be more enthralled by a science book than an erotica title I probably would have laughed at you. Well, look at you being right, I take that laugh back and allow you to laugh at me. This title was immensely interesting and Ingram really has a knack for discussing science in a way that non-science fans can grasp and enjoy. If you read this book, you will see everyday events such as yawning and walking in a whole new light. So good!

    • 3 people found this helpful

    Wow, so far behind!

    Posted by Charity, 4 years ago

    I haven't gotten a chance to post here for a while. Time to do some catching up.

    July was not a productive reading month at all, as I choose a large book and then a particularly dense and confusing book which both took up the greater part of the month.

    #37 is G for Pauline Gedge
    Child of the Morning - in telling the story of Hatshepsut, the first female Pharoah of Egypt, Gedge is detailed in her research and descriptive narrative. You feel transported to the edge of the Nile as Hatshepsut struggles to fulfill her destiny.

    #38 is a Graphic Novel
    X-Men Noir: A new look at the world of the XMen where the lines of good and evil are blurred as our favourite super heroes live out their lives in a classic Noir style world where the cops are questionable and you never know who to trust.

    #39 is H for Aldous Huxley
    The Doors of Perception & Heaven and Hell - the rock group The Doors came up with their name from the title of this book. This makes a lot of sense, as the book is mainly about the awakening of the subconscious through various methods, most prominently the use of mescaline, or peyote. I am still confused about this book, and I wonder if maybe my subconscious was awakened enough to grasp what Huxley was talking about. If you are thinking about reading a Huxley book, I would recommend his fiction over his philosophy.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 36: Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    Hot, suspenceful and action-packed, Halfway to the Grave was a fun read that left me greedy for more. I'm now reading the second book in the series, One Foot in the Grave. ;)

  • 5th OCTET

    Posted by Booktasia, 4 years ago

    33. The Secret Garden – Frances Hodgson Burnett – 5/5 Child 5+

    Loved this book. It could teach us all something about relationships and how to act towards one another. Mary and Dickon set out to recreate the beautiful secret garden and bring the sick boy, Colin, with them. Since he is in a wheelchair he needs Dickon to push. Finally Colin finds the strength and hope to get better.

    34. Ivy & Bean – Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall – 5/5 Child 6+

    Really liked the story and the pictures. Whatever Ivy (the goodie two shoes) can do, Bean (the bad one) tries to do better. A friendly rivalry. The interactive questions are nice too.

    35. Coventry - Helen Humphreys 5/5 - Fiction

    A story that stretches over two wars – unusual friendships, unusual circumstances. Harriet has loved twice in her lifetime and has lost both her loves. A mother’s quest (Maeve)putting her own life in danger to return to London to find her son, only to learn he has been killed. Harriet and Maeve’s lives are forever entwined.

    36. Kane & Abel – Jeffrey Archer – 4/5 – Fiction

    Two people grow up from different sides of the fence and make great fortunes. However, they end of hating each other because of unusual circumstances until the day they die.

    37. Good Omens – Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman 2.5/5 – Fantasy

    A good book with allusion to modern day icons and the apocalypse. Not really my kind of book.

    38. Untamed – Nora Roberts – 3.5/5 – Chick Lit

    Jo, the lion trainer is afraid of losing her beloved circus to the heir Keane. Even before she has met him, she doesn’t like him. Keane has fallen head over heels in love and is willing to give her the circus and walk away.

    39. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian – Marina Lewycka – 4.5/5 – Fiction

    One of the best books I have read. A gold digger enters a family’s life, the husband is too weak to fight back so the daughters have a go at ousting the gold digger, Valentina. Slight reference to usefulness of tractors, but the main plot deals with the family and their secrets of the past.


    40. Pride and Prejudice – Jane Austen – 4/5 – Classic

    You have to read this book! Amazing as ever. Few have failed to be charmed by the witty and independent spirit of Elizabeth Bennet (aka Jane Austen). Her early determination to dislike Mr. Darcy is a prejudice only matched by the folly of his arrogant pride. Their first impressions give way to true feelings in a comedy profoundly concerned with happiness and how it might be achieved. Loved it and how women were supposed to act in the time.

    **BBC 100 Books to Read 2003

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Book 67 - Swimming Pool Sunday by Madeline Wickman

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

  • My #35 is not up to its PR

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 4 years ago

    Not up to its Hype, unfortunately

    #35 - Julie & Julia - Julie Powell 2.5 / 5
    Gave this one a 2.5/5 -because very easy to put aside - a 'vanity' book perhaps. Certainly, Julie is not the "Chris Rock of Cuisine" as indicated on the back of the book. Redeeming feature: got me interested in Julia Child again - have ordered a couple of bios to read. So there was a benefit from this otherwise ordinary beach read. BTW, I was reading this in the woods of Northern Ontario & very glad that I have others with me. Will see the movie (love Ms. Streep).

  • My Answers to the Canadian Literature Questions

    Posted by Wendy Middleton, 4 years ago

    I have answered the questions that I could, but having never read a Canadian graphic novel nor a blog, I was unable to complete those questions. I also couldn't think of a Canadian epistolatory novel. I am sure that I may have been able to answer some of the other questions, but nothing came to mind right away.

    1. Favourite Canadian author? Rohinton Mistry

    2. Favourite Canadian novel? Barney’s Version by Mordecai Richler

    4. Favourite Canadian picture book? Paddle to the Sea by Holling C. Holling

    5. Favourite Canadian YA or juvenile chapter book? Jacob Two-Two Meets the Hooded Fang by Mordecai Richler

    6. Favourite Canadian science fiction or fantasy book? The Fionavar Trilogy by Guy Gavriel Kay

    11. Favourite Canadian fictional character? Dunstan Ramsey from Fifth Business by Robertson Davies

    12. Favourite movie based on a Canadian novel or story? Away from Her (Thanks Cathy. I couldn't recall any at first, but I cheated and looked at your answers!!)

    13. Favourite Canadian short story? The Age of Lead by Margaret Atwood and Tricks by Alice Munro

    14. Favourite Canadian poet? Leonard Cohen

    15. Favourite Canadian poem? David by Earl Birney

    16. Favourite Canadian play? The Drawer Boy by Michael Healey

    17. Favourite novel by an established Canadian author? Barney’s Version, and also A Fine Balance by Rohinton Mistry

    18. Favourite novel by an up-and-coming Canadian author? Come, Thou Tortoise by Lisa Grant

    19. Favourite Canadian book award? The Giller Prize

    22. Favourite Canadian newspaper? The Globe and Mail

    23. Favourite Canadian magazine or journal? Zoomer

    24. Favourite Canadian dystopian novel? Oryx and Crake by Margaret Atwood, as well as Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale

    21) Up To No Good

    Posted by Virtopia, 4 years ago

    3/5 . . . Nice story line, but lack of a good ending.

    I enjoyed this book a lot, but I was EXTREMELY disappointed with the ending. If it was a good twist, then I would've been satisfied, but it made no sense to me whatsoever. I'm almost tempted to see if I can return the book for a refund. Oh well, time to move onto the next . . .

  • #30-The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    Posted by Christine, 4 years ago

    "A spellbinding amalgam of murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue". What a fantastic read. I had a hard time putting it down and found myself sneaking around for a few more pages to read. The characters were so endearing. It's about Mikael Blomkvist, a crusading journalist recently at the wrong end of a libel case, hired to get to the bottom of Harriet Vanger's disappearance...and about Lisbeth Salander (whom melted my heart), a 24 yr old pierced and tattooed genius hacker possessed of the hard-earned wisdom of someone twice her age--and a terrifying capcity for ruthlessness to go with it--who assists Blomkvist with the investigation. There are some gruesome acts of violence which were disturbing for me, and the ending left me wanting to jump in my car, and drive as fast as I can to the nearest Chapter's bookstore to purchase the sequel of this book which is titled "The Girl who played with Fire". 5/5

  • #29-The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and her niece Annie Barrows

    Posted by Christine, 4 years ago

    The letters comprising this small charming novel begin in 1946, when single, 30-something author Juliet Ashton writes to her publisher to say she is tired of covering the sunny side of war and its aftermath. When Guernsey farmer Dawsey Adams finds Juliet's name in a used book and invites articulate—and not-so-articulate—neighbors to write Juliet with their stories, the book's epistolary circle widens, putting Juliet back in the path of war stories. The occasionally contrived letters jump from incident to incident—including the formation of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society while Guernsey was under German occupation—and person to person in a manner that feels disjointed. But Juliet's quips are so clever, the Guernsey inhabitants so enchanting and the small acts of heroism so vivid and moving that one forgives the authors for not being able to settle on a single person or plot. Juliet finds in the letters not just inspiration for her next work, but also for her life. I am very happy that I took Elizabeth Gilbert's advice (which is found on the back of the book) and treated myself to this book. 4.5/5

  • #28-The Other Boleyn Girl by Philippa Gregory

    Posted by Christine, 4 years ago

    This story portrays the Boleyn-Howard family in a way that has not been seen in history. It is inspired by the life of Mary Boleyn, Anne's sister. Gregory depicts the divorce of one of the most significant marriages in history-that of King Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon. This book inspired me to watch the tv miniseries "The Tudors". What a great production. I enjoyed the book very much. I will be seeking Philippa Gregory's sequels to this story-The Queen's Fool, The Virgin's Lover, The Constant Princess, The Boleyn inheritance and The Other Queen.
    4.5/5

  • #27-Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    Posted by Christine, 4 years ago

    This sequel to Gabaldon's Outlander contains elements of romantic fiction, historical fiction and science fiction. The stories center around a time travelling 20th century nurse (Claire Randall) and her 18th century husband (Jamie Fraser). We learn about the 1745 Jacobite Rebellion and the bloody battle of Culloden. I struggled through the war section of the book, and I had to drag myself to open the book many times. I have the third book (Voyager) shelved in my home library in my TBR section, and it will be awhile before I pick it up. I am getting a little bored with Jamie Fraser. I know it is hard to believe, but it is true ladies. 3.5/5

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Up to 65!

    Posted by Cathy, 4 years ago

    61. Three to Get Deadly -by Janet Evanovich
    Stephanie Plum is always fun!

    62. Please Don’t Feed the Daisy -by Beverly West and Jason Bergund
    Daisy is a chihuahua with a weight problem: this is the story of how she gained the weight and, along with her owner, learned a healthier lifestyle. Part memoir, part cookbook, part diet book, part pet manual, this book was fun to read!

    63. The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole Aged 13 3/4 -by Sue Townsend
    The trials and tribulations of a British teenage boy growing up in the eighties. Funny with a lot of reality.

    64. Heroic Measures -by Jill Ciment
    A slice of life novel covering a weekend in the life of an elderly couple coping with a real estate crisis, a terrorist threat in New York, and the illness of their little dachshund. Well written. This book is on O Magazine’s Summer Reads list.

    65. Nineteen Minutes -by Jodi Picoult
    The story of a school shooting from the perspectives of many characters. Jodi Picoult - I am impressed!

  • Answers to Canadian Literature Questions

    Posted by Cathy, 4 years ago

    1 Favourite Canadian author?
    Carol Shields

    2. Favourite Canadian novel?
    Crow Lake -by Mary Lawson



    3. Favourite Canadian nonfiction?
    The Dionne Years -by Pierre Berton 



    4. Favourite Canadian picture book?
    Day in Life of Canada 



    5. Favourite Canadian YA or juvenile chapter book?
    The Secret World of Og -by Pierre Berton


    6. Favourite Canadian science fiction or fantasy book?
    Pattern Recognition -by William Gibson 



    7. Favourite Canadian romantic fiction?
    I do read romance, but I can’t recall one written by a Canadian. 



    8. Favourite Canadian mystery?
    The Rain Barrel Baby -by Alison Preston (and the rest of her mystery novels set in Winnipeg). 



    9. Favourite Canadian graphic novel?
    Never read a Canadian graphic novel. 



    10. Favourite Canadian book blog?
    Don’t read many blogs; favorite website is this one! 



    11. Favourite Canadian fictional character?
    Anne of Green Gables
    


    12. Favourite movie based on a Canadian novel or story?
    Away From Her (based on Alice Munro’s short story) 



    13. Favourite Canadian short story?
    Alice Munro is my favorite short story writer, but I don’t have a particular short story to call my favorite. 



    14. Favourite Canadian poet?
    Don’t read much poetry.



    15. Favourite Canadian poem?
    See above. 



    16. Favourite Canadian play?
    Haven’t seen a play in years.



    17. Favourite novel by an established Canadian author?
    A Jest of God -by Margaret Laurence 



    18. Favourite novel by an up-and-coming Canadian author?
    Last Summer at Barebones -by Diane Mason



    19. Favourite Canadian book award?
    Governor General’s Award for Fiction 



    20. Favourite Canadian publisher?
    Vintage Canada



    21. Favourite Canadian humorous book?
    How to be a Canadian -by Will and Ian Ferguson



    22. Favourite Canadian newspaper?
    Don’t read newspapers.



    23. Favourite Canadian magazine or journal?
    Canadian Running

    24. Favourite Canadian dystopian novel?
    Don’t think I have read one written by a Canadian author...suggestions?



    25. Favourite Canadian epistolary novel?
    Clara Callan -by Richard Wright

    Reads #30 thru #34

    Posted by Shanie [Raksha], 4 years ago

    #30 - 1st to Die : James Patterson 4.5/5
    Really enjoyed his YA series & had read Along Came a Spider, but had passed on other titles. Decided to look into the Women's Murder Club series (found the tv renderings really good). Not reading more Patterson was definitely my loss! He has mastered the sick, quirky plot twist. Immediately started on 2nd Chance! Definitely recommend this read : 4.5 / 5

    #31 - 2nd Chance - James Patterson w/ Andrew Gross 5/5
    Reading this book is like listening to the full concert performance of Ravel's Bolero! It builds from crescendo to crescendo - each chapter is bolder, more visceral. Frankly anyone who reads mysteries & passes on this one will definitely missed out on one of the best. I gave this one 5 out of 5 for this reason.

    #32 - The 3rd Degree - James Patterson & Andress Gross 4/5
    Patterson is definitely a talented, forceful spinner of tales. 3rd Degree is presented in a staccato, explosive format - yet also with pathos. For me, it reflected many memories of the 60s & 70s! For those not around then...well, look up some sources on the era - particularly recommended in view of the present state of the World Stage at the moment. Well worth the read!

    #33 - 4th of July - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 5 / 5
    Nothing is EVER what it seems! #4 in the Women's Murder Club was so engrossing that I resented having to sleep! I wanted no interruptions in this read - even sent spouse for take-away so that I could keep on reading! Why on earth did I take so long to start reading this series????

    #34 - The 5th Horseman - James Patterson & Maxine Paetro 7 / 5
    Famine, Death, Pestilence & War - but the 5th horseman is Man (& frankly, is also the most dangerous). Read this in ONE sitting! I was in awe of Patterson's masterful twists & subplots. 5 maple leafs were not enough, so I added 2 more. If you read only 1 out of this series, this absolutely must be the one! I'm already "chafing at the bit" for the next 3 in the series!

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Book 66 - Family Tree by Barbara Delinsky

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

  • Questions about Canadian Literature

    Posted by ChrisM, 4 years ago

    Here's another group of questions, which I nabbed from susanflynn.blogspot.com/

    Have fun!

    1. Favourite Canadian author?

    2. Favourite Canadian novel?

    3. Favourite Canadian nonfiction?

    4. Favourite Canadian picture book? ?

    5. Favourite Canadian YA or juvenile chapter book?

    6. Favourite Canadian science fiction or fantasy book?

    7. Favourite Canadian romantic fiction?

    8. Favourite Canadian mystery? .

    9. Favourite Canadian graphic novel?

    10. Favourite Canadian book blog?

    11. Favourite Canadian fictional character?

    12. Favourite movie based on a Canadian novel or story?

    13. Favourite Canadian short story?

    14. Favourite Canadian poet?

    15. Favourite Canadian poem?

    16. Favourite Canadian play?

    17. Favourite novel by an established Canadian author?

    18. Favourite novel by an up-and-coming Canadian author?

    19. Favourite Canadian book award?

    20. Favourite Canadian publisher?

    21. Favourite Canadian humorous book?

    22. Favourite Canadian newspaper?

    23. Favourite Canadian magazine or journal?

    24. Favourite Canadian dystopian novel?

    25. Favourite Canadian epistolary novel?

  • #45 & #46 -- Two Great Children's Books by Canadian Authors

    Posted by Joanna, 4 years ago

    #45 -- Zorgamazoo by Robert Weston

    This amazing book is completly written in Ryhme, I have included a short excerpt.

    "Are You a Believer in Fanciful Things? In Pirates and Dragons and Creatures and Kings?

    Then sit yourself down in a comfortable seat, with maybe some cocoa and something to eat, and I'll spin you the tale of Katrina Katrell, a girl full of courage (and daring, as well!), who down in the subway, under the ground, saw something fantastical roaming around ...

    What was it she saw? I'd rather not say. (Who's ever heard of a Zorgle, anyway?)

    But if you are curious, clever and brave, if intrepid adventure is something you crave, then open this book and I'll leave it to you to uncover the secret of ZORGAMAZOO!"

    THANK YOU LISA

    Lisa Voss had this childrens book in a post and I thought it sounded interesting and purchased a copy to read to my Grandson [he is a bit young]. I read parts to him this summer and I'm sure he would have sat through the entire book but I didn't want to be the one explaining what lobotomy meant. He loved the rhymes. and I really enjoyed the whole thing -- story, rhymes,drawings etc

    4 1/2 ****

    #46 -- Bradley McGogg The Very Fine Frog by Robert Weston with illustrations by Rachel Berman [both have ties to Canada]

    AN enjoyable story about Bradley the frog who lives in a log in a bog -- beautiful pictures and great rhymes -- this one my Grandson (who is just over 2) had memorized by the time he went home. It definitely appeals to little boys especially the frog eating buckets of bugs,

    Oliver would give it 4****

  • 44 -- After River by Donna Milner

    Posted by Joanna, 4 years ago

    After River --- I really enjoyed this novel and look forward to reading Milner's next book.

    After River is written by a Canadian and takes place in Canada. The story makes one think about families and acceptance of those who may be different than us in many ways. It makes us realize how much better it is for things to be out in the open rather than hidden; especially our feelings as often hidden (or things which we have kept to ourselves) will hinder / hurt important relationships.

    O story which keeps the reader engaged and I would highly recommend this book.

    After River has been published in eight countries as well as Canada,

    4****

    20) Pecking Order

    Posted by Virtopia, 4 years ago

    I really enjoyed this book. As someone who plans to start her own business in the upcoming years, it really gave me a lot of insight in things that I will have to deal with when the time comes. Ivan David, the main character, was around my age when he started the business and he did simple things to start the business and took great risks and I enjoyed that most about the story. The one setback was that it was way too long for my liking; it didn't need to be that long at all, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.

  • Book 65 - To Have and To Hold by Jane Green

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

    #9- Beacon Street Girls #14- Crush Alert

    Posted by Hannah, 4 years ago

    Crush Alert- Annie Bryant

    Wow, now, when I look at this title, it seems so...so....weird. So, the Beacon Street Girls are having a Valentines Day at the school, and everything goes wacko. We all know. It's kinda obvious just by looking at the cover. It was a good book, but it was just like SO many other things I either have read or seen on TV, (most likely on TV...) but still, it was good. It really was good.

    Book 35: Cirque du Freak Manga Vol. 2 by Darren Shan and Takahiro Arai

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    The second manga book in Darren Shan's Cirque du Freak saga; as good as the first one. :)

    Book 34: The Knife of Never Letting Go by Patrick Ness

    Posted by Midnight Sunrise, 4 years ago

    An amazing book; I couldn't put it down at all. The story was beautifully crafted and the twists left you hungry for more. Here's my review:

    www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Knife-Never-Letting-Go-Chaos-Patrick-Ness/9780763645762-555235-Review.html

  • #41 - Still Alice by Lisa Genova

    Posted by Kay, 4 years ago

    What a powerful novel!!! This novel deals with a subject (alzheimers) that is frightening to so many. It is the fear of the known that becomes the unknown. Alice is quite the character and shows her strength in her daily living after she is diagnosed. This novel describes how this disease has such long reaching tentacles that touch and reach into others lives, spirits and memories. I hope this novel is never made into a movie. Its strength lies in its writing and the interpretation of each word, sentence, chapter. I don't believe the emotions that are brought to the fore front could ever be duplicated by watching a screen. Lisa Genova should be very proud of her contribution to the information regarding this topic.

  • Something to Ponder

    Posted by Lady Ethereal Butterfly, 4 years ago

    This article from the LA Times is interesting. I think a lot of us will be able to relate to what David Ulin has to say about the distractions of life and how reading can become something you have to work to achieve. The comparison of reading to meditation seems particularly true to me.

    www.latimes.com/features/books/la-ca-reading9-2009aug09,0,1920172.story

    People from this community have mentioned going through reading ruts, and I can honestly say that I’ve had to force myself to pick up a book and read at times. It's always very rewarding though when you get back into it. Thankfully I only feel distracted from reading occasionally for short periods of time.

    Any thoughts on the article, anyone?

  • The Winter Vault - Anne Michaels

    Posted by Julie Woo, 4 years ago

    Anne Michaels wrote Fugitve Pieces, which was my favorite book from University, so I was very excited to read The Winter Vault.
    Part one begins with married couple, Avery and Jean in Egypt. Avery is in charge of moving a temple so it will not be destroyed by a new dam. During their time in Egypt Avery and Jean are very close especially when Jean learns she is pregnant.
    Part 2 takes place when they return to Canada. Due to their tragic loss Jean and Avery grow apart. The main focus of part 2 is Jean coming to terms with her loss, and how it affects her marriage.
    Part of the reason why I enjoyed Fugitive Pieces so much is the writing style. The novel is written beautifully and so is The Winter Vault. This is part of the reason why I enjoyed this novel. It wasn't a page turner, and I was able to put it down, but I still highly enjoyed it.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    #40 - All the Colours of Darkness

    Posted by Kay, 4 years ago

    This book was a bit of a disappointment. That being said, I could not seem to put in down hoping that it would get better. I like the characters Banks and Cabbott. However, there was just too many unbelievable threads and not all of them were needed. In one book, Robinson has dealt with homophobia, cold war, taliban, MI5, MI6, murder, jealousy, rage, terrorist's plot, etc.... Just too much. This book did not need to be 400 pages. I would continue to read Robinson because his books are a hit and miss and I would not want to miss one that is worthy of time spent reading it. 3/5

    • 2 people found this helpful

    Book 64 - Baby Trail - Sinead Moriarty

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

  • # 22 - 25 Two novels, a thriller and a Buddhist book

    Posted by Eileen, 4 years ago

    Captivating civil rights tale

    #22 The Help, Kathryn Stockett

    A historical novel set in the deep south during the civil rights era. The story follows the lives of two black maids and one young white woman, Skeeter, as they move through their lives in a small town. Skeeter is waking up to the realities of race and justice and sets out to document the lives of the black maids in her town, an explosive venture that must be kept top-secret.

    I was drawn into this one immediately by the very strong and likable characters. Minny with her unstoppable 'big mouth', Aibileen with her kindness and children's stories about 'Martian Luther King' who is green, and Skeeter with her thwarted ambitions as a journalist make great characters.

    Recommended by some in this group, and I further recommend it. I also learned some things about the civil rights struggles that were new to me.

    #23 The Patron Saint of Liars, Ann Patchett

    Unhappily married Rose is pregnant and runs away from her husband to a Catholic home for unmarried mothers, telling them she is unmarried. Rose has her daughter but stays on at the home as cook.

    The story is told from three points of view - Rose, her daughter's and her new husband's. I found the book interesting but not as compelling as Patchett's other books, which I loved. I found the character of Rose really problematic - she is distant, does not confide in anyone, yet people love her helplessly and long for her attention. Why? I did not see the attraction of Rose. She remains mysterious to the end in a way I found unsatisfying.

    #24The Dead Hour, Denise Mina

    Junior reporter Paddy Meehan unknowingly witnesses a murder in progress one night. Paddy defies police corruption to find the truth. Not bad - fast style and Paddy is an original and feisty heroine. I also enjoyed the Scottish setting and the situation and views of a Catholic working-class woman struggling to make it in a hostile world.

    #25 Happiness is an Inside Job, Sylvia Boorstein

    This one describes a Buddhist path to a happy and engaged life. Boorstein emphasizes that a felt connection with self and others is the way to happiness. This book has a very easy, conversational style with lots of stories to illustrate the points, and is basically a joy to read.

  • 17 - 23 It's been a while ...

    Posted by Peachy TO, 4 years ago

    I'm back after a three month hiatus. Planning my wedding and illness have kept me from my hobbies, and as such I have not written a single book review, nor have I even picked up a book until the last couple of weeks. Boy have I missed reading! I never really appreciate how much it's a part of my life until I take some time off. I have also truly missed reading entries from this group, and look forward to catching up on others thoughts by looking at some of the archives in the near future.

    I do hope to write full reviews for these titles eventually, but in the interim here's what I've finally read.

    17. The Book Thief - Markus Zusak ... It was interesting to see a German perspective on the war, one that I can sympathize with. A beautiful tale about love, compassion and the importance of words.

    18. The Wave - Todd Strasser ... Basically a very telling sociology experiment conducted at a high school, with shocking results. This story sends a message about authority and our willingness to follow instead of lead.

    19. Me & Emma - Elizabeth Flock ... I did eventually get interested in this story, but I was disappointed in the writing with having heard it compared to one of my favourite books, Bas*ard Out of Carolina, of which it didn't come close to. An interesting twist at the end gives it some flair though.

    20. The Tipping Point - Malcolm Gladwell ... This was my first Gladwell, and although I hear it is the least interesting of the three he's written, I found it quite enjoyable. I found it was especially fascinating to think about how connectors, mavens and salespeople can permeate social epidemics through our vast and highly interconnected world.

    21. Still Alice - Lisa Genova ... A heart-wrenching and inspirational story, one that so many of us who have been touched by dimentia can relate to. A very affecting read.

    22. Be Careful Who You Love - Diane Dimond ... Yes, slightly trashy, but it's been on my shelf for ages and his passing had me curious to find out all that he had been accused of. I'm of the mind that Dimond has devoted herself to making money off of Jackson and his story, but if only half of what she printed in this book about his inappropriate behaviour with children is true, that's more than enough for me. Yes, he was one of the MOST talented artists of our time, but I can't ignore paedophilia, period. Society on the other hand, not so much.

    23. Last Exit To Brooklyn - Hubert Selby Jr. ... Whoa, I still can't get over the honesty in these pages. A sordid side of American culture in the 50's, comprised of poverty, prostitution, alcoholism, drugs, sexual perversion - a far cry from Leave it to Beaver. This book must have had a lot of people up in arms with its publication. Not for the faint of heart, to be sure.

    • 3 people found this helpful

    If I had a table...

    Posted by Cathy, 4 years ago

    I would display a few of my favorite books, but mostly books that represent my favorite authors.

    1. The Time Traveler’s Wife -by Audrey Niffenegger
    A well-crafted, fascinating love story.

    2.The Lovely Bones -by Alice Sebold
    Much reviewed and worth the read.

    3.The Corrections -by Jonathan Franzen
    The author reached so far into his characters’ minds and lives, I was amazed.

    4.The Other Boleyn Girl -by Philippa Gregory
    Historical fiction at its best.

    5. The Dive from Clausens Pier -by Ann Packer
    The premise (that the guy you want to break up with is suddenly injured) makes it worth the read.

    6. Talk Before Sleep -by Elizabeth Berg
    I love Elizabeth Berg and this is one of her best.

    7.The Amateur Marriage -by Anne Tyler
    Anything by Anne Tyler is a guaranteed good read.

    8. A Map of the World -by Jane Hamilton
    Another wonderful author.

    9. Dead by Sunset -by Ann Rule
    I enjoy the true crime genre, and Ann Rule is its queen.

    10. Little Women -by Louisa May Alcott
    Classic.

    11. A is for Alibi -by Sue Grafton
    The first book in a great series.

    12. A Prayer for Owen Meany -by John Irving
    Irving is an amazing writer.

    13. Bridget Jone’s Diary -by Helen Fielding
    Chicklit at its best.

    14. Astonishing Splashes of Color -by Clare Morrall
    Nicely written.

    15. Ghost Girl -by Torey Hayden
    Torey Hayden writes amazing true stories about troubled children.

    16. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince -by JK Rowling
    As well as the whole Harry Potter series.

    17. Shopaholic Takes Manhattan -by Sophie Kinsella
    Kinsella is hilarious and this is an enjoyable series.

    18. The Good Mother -by Sue Miller
    Another of my favorite authors.

    19. One True Thing -by Anna Quindlen
    Great author!

    20. Me Talk Pretty One Day -by David Sedaris
    He is so funny!

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Five more...

    Posted by Cathy, 4 years ago

    56. The Beginning Runner’s Handbook -by Ian MacNeill and the Sport Medicine Council of British Columbia
    This is one of the best starter instructional running books I have read. If you are beginning a running program from scratch, I recommend it. (Yes, I realize this is a reading group, not a running group.)

    57. Dead Until Dark -by Charlaine Harris
    I enjoyed this book, though vampire fiction is not my thing. I liked the mystery and the vampire details were amusing.

    58. The Growing Pains of Adrian Mole -by Sue Townsend
    I look forward to reading the entire Adrian Mole series. This book was both funny and a sad statement on society.

    59. Black Wave -by John and Jean Silverwood
    Although this is in the sailing section of the bookstore, it is as much a story of a family as it is of the sea. It is an interesting tale of coping with life (including an alcoholic’s relapse) and surviving shipwreck disaster. I found the documentary on CBS (I think it was an installment of 48 Hours Mystery) just as good as the book.

    60. Bone -by Marion Woodman
    Journal of a woman’s spiritual journey as she comes to terms with cancer, life, and death. Definitely a different perspective on coping, but a little too out there for me.

  • Books read so far in 2009

    Posted by Maggie61, 4 years ago

    I thought I posted before, but I can't find it so here's the books I've read so far in 2009 - stars are beside the better ones
    1. Knit Two - Kate Jacobs **
    2. Crossroads - Belva Plain
    3. Book of the Dead - Patricia Cornwell
    4. Moon Shell Beach - Nancy Thayer **
    5. The Associate - John Grisham
    6. Broken Pieces - Carla Cassidy
    7. Three Weeks to Say Goodbye - C. J. Box **
    8. Handle with Care - Jodi Picoult **
    9. Shutter Island - Dennis Lehane
    10. Still Life - Joy Fielding
    11. My Sisters - Amy Roth
    12. While my Sister Sleeps - Barbara Delinsky
    13. Just take my Heart - Mary Higgins Clark **
    14. Long Lost - Harlan Coben **
    15. Secrets - Jude Devereaux
    16. After River - Donna Milner ** - my definite favourite so far this year
    17. The Beach St. Knitting Society and Yarn Club - Gil McNeil
    18. Sunset Bay - Susan Mallery
    19. Misery Loves Cabernet - Kim Gruenfelder
    20. Among the Dead - Kevin Wignall
    21. Eclipse - Stephenie Meyer **
    22. Look Again - Lisa Scottoline **
    23. The Wind Comes Sweeping - Marcia Preston
    24. Dark Places - Gillian Flynn (not near as good as her first one Sharp Objects)
    25. Run for your Life - James Patterson
    26. Summer on Blossom St. - Debbie Macomber **
    27. Before the Storm - Diane Chamberlain **
    28. Intent to Kill - James Grippando **
    29. Hide and Seek - Fern Michaels
    30. Dune Road - Jane Green ** -good but not as good as some of hers
    31. Dead Until Dark - Charlaine Harris
    32. The last Child - John hart
    33. Vampire Diaries - 1 - The Awakening
    34. Vampire Diaries 2 - The Struggle
    35. The Cheater - Nancy Taylor Rosenberg **
    36. The Academy - Bentley Little **
    37. Be Mine - Laura Kasischke
    38. Hollywood is like high school with money - Zoey Dean **
    39. The Neighbor - Lisa Gardner **
    My goal was actually for 100 this year, I'm thinking I'm not going to make it, but I'll do 50 for sure!

    The Last Book Covers

    Posted by MacFly, 4 years ago

    The last of the book covers from my previous post in case anyone wants to check them out.

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Catching Up

    Posted by MacFly, 4 years ago

    12. The Pages by Murray Bail - intertesting but I didn't really care for it.
    13. The Book of Negroes by Larence Hill - a terrific book! I loved it!
    14. The Boys n the Trees by Mary Swan - a lot of questions were unanswerd at the end but I enjoyed the book.
    15. Through Black Spruce by Joseph Boyden - a very good book, worthy of winning the Giller Prize.
    16. Shoot Me by Lesley Crewe - I enjoy all of Crewe's books. Light and easy reads and very funny and well written.
    17. Any Known Blood by Lawrence Hill - another good one by Hill. I enjoyed the first one on this list more but this was also a very strong book.
    18. Confession by Lee Gowan - my first by this author and I quite enjoyed it. Tough subject matter well handled.
    19. Roadside Crosses by Jeffrey Deaver - another Kathryn Dance novel full of twists and turns. Great mystery.
    20. Dismantled by Jennifer McMahon - an unusual book with a hint of the supernatural.

  • 37: God Bless J.K. Rowling

    Posted by Marion Abbott, 4 years ago

    Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone - J.K. Rowling

    It was so delightful to watch a number of my students count down the days until the opening of the latest Harry Potter film. As a group they dressed in costume (lovely wizard robes, ties and wands of course!) and attended the midnight premiere. (the mothers that drove them back and forth were exhausted for a week afterward!) One of my students graciously loaned me her entire Potter film collection so I could refresh my memory before seeing the latest one, which introduced my young son to the evils of Voldemort and my husband to the incredible world Rowling created, which inspired me to re-read the series this summer ...

    Having read this book before, and having seen the film countless times (thanks to my son's new-found obsession!), it still made me laugh out loud and I still tear up when Harry receives his photo album from Hagrid at the end.

    How can we ever thank Ms. Rowling enough for the joy she has given to so many of us?

    ... now I'm going to read a Robin Cook thriller to 'cleanse my mental palette' before moving on to the next Potter adventure ...

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Holiday Monday...

    Posted by ChrisM, 4 years ago

    Well, it is here in New Brunswick. And it's rainy, (I know, I know- when hasn't it been raining this summer in NB?!) so I've been reading some of my favourite blogs and finding new ones. Anyway- I found a great new blog, Savidge Reads, and he had a terrific idea...

    Although I am new to his blog, I think he might work at Waterstones (a beautiful book chain in the UK). He suggested a virtual reader's table (picture the Hot Fiction table at Chapters/Indigo- only the books on it have been chosen by you!)

    So, if you could put 20 books on a table for readers...what would those books be and why?

    Read Savidge's post here:
    savidgereads.wordpress.com/2009/07/21/the-readers-table/

    See my Reader's Table here:
    booksandfood.wordpress.com/2009/08/03/my-readers-table/

  • Book 63 - Three Weeks with My Brother - Nicholas Sparks

    Posted by Unknown User, 4 years ago

    -Message Deleted-

  • 26 The Golden Compass

    Posted by Ligeia, 4 years ago

    The book was intriguing and made me want to read more. However, the end frustrated me. I believe that even when a book is in a series it should also be able to stand alone- with it's own conflict being resolved. In this book I enjoyed the bears, and how Lyra seemed to be finding herself . It was in the last chapter when we see Lord Asriel and Mrs. Coulter and wonder why that was thrown in? Did it really advance the story? I felt it complicated things leaving me, the reader, with endless amount of question by the end of the book. Smart if you want the person to read the next books because of these questions but also seems to cheapen an otherwise marvelous book.

    Also- the golden compass movie was a VERY good representation of this book. I think I enjoyed both the same amount which is rare for me.

> Read more posts from: July 2009 or September 2009

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