Bryanoz's Reads in 2012

Have read 100+ books the last two years so it is about time I lobbed into this group.
Have some themes going :
- Am working my way through Burt's The Novel 100, only read six in 2011 so if I am ever going to finish will
try to read twenty, am up to the 40's with Beckett's Molloy almost finished.
- Have a few hundred of my own unread books languishing on the shelves, they would like to be read.
- Want to tackle Erikson's Malazan book of the Fallen fantasy series of 10 novels.
- My reading challenge this year is William Gaddis' The Recognitions.

Will list the books I have read with a short review/comment, I don't write long reviews because I would rather be reading. Any comments and suggestions are very welcome, I look forward to browsing in other threads and getting plenty of good reads.
May we all have a great 2012 with many great reads !

Ahh, you've moved house. Accidentally found you while browsing through some favorite threads on the 100 list. Even though I read 105 books last year, I don't have much hope of making that total again this year so will just stick with the 75's group for now. Good on you for officially upping your goal.

I love that Burt's 100 list but still have only read 8 books out of the whole 100! I own so many more and really should get more read this year I think. Here's to a great reading year!

Welcome to the 100 group!

Welcome. The Malazan series is also on my list for 2012 (at least the first book is, if I like it I will try to find the rest). And I have to check out those other two lists for sure.

Welcome to the 100 group! I love the Malazan books and I hope to finish off the series this year. Here's to a great year of reading ahead of us!

Welcome to the group! I did read the first four Malazan novels a few years ago, and I can't believe I haven't returned to them yet...

Looking forward to your reads!

#2 Hi Leonie, I've moved but I will still keep an eye on you in the 75ers.
There are some great reads in The Novel 100 but some I don't understand how they could be on that list, hope you enjoy all of them that you read. How are you going with the George Martin series, did you get to A Clash of Kings. ? Hope you have a great 2012.

#3,4,5,6 Thanks for the welcome, hope I can make a useful contribution.
I read the first Malaazn Gardens of the Moon a year ago, enjoyed it, so will reread it and then work throught the others, maybe one a month. First I have to finish the Bakker series, get to the Rothfuss books, and fit in Gormenghast and Tigana sometime this year.
Great to see some fantasy fans in this group !

1. The Judging Eye, by R. Scott Bakker.

Bakker's first three books formed the 'Prince of Nothing' series, and this book continues the series, set 20 years later. I won't go into the story-line in case others want to read the series in the future but will say that I enjoy Bakker's style of writing. He has a philosphical bent and this comes through clearly in these books. There is action, intrigue, and twists, but the pace is slower (say than George RR Martin) and more intricate, thoughtful, deeper maybe. This style makes the books a slower read (if you want to keep track of what is going on) but more satisfying I find.
I was bemused to read the librarything reviews of this book which went like :
"I couldn't get into the book and didn't finish it ; it might have helped if I had read the earlier books."
I hope anyone interested in this series begins with the first one The Darkness That Comes Before.

I notice some members of this group put the cover of the book in their review, how do they do that ?

<img src="image URL" />

That should do the trick!

You do need to make sure it is uploaded somewhere, like your own site, or a hosting service like imageshack. I have my own site, so I have no idea how those hosting services work, but I believe they are pretty easy.

Oh, I grab the images from LibraryThing itself - from the work page, right click on the cover, then (depending on browser) choose "info" or "copy image URL" or "view image info" (yeesh, they never make it easy, but that should cover you, I think; you may have to copy it from a second window).

I just do an image search on google and open the image in it's own window and copy the url from there. Seems to work. Yes, definitely Clash of Kings will be read soon although I like the slow pace I'm reading the series, I'm aiming to finish up just as the next book is being released!

Oh yeah, of course :D I never think about the easy ways of doing things ;)

Thanks I'll give it a try.

2. Molloy, by Samuel Beckett.

I read this because it is listed in The Novel 100 (I'm not sure where exactly as I have lent my copy to a friend but it is somewhere in the 40's).
Published in 1951 Molloy apparently caused a sensation, and it is obvious why. This is not a story as we are used to, but simply a narration/monologue presented in two sections. The first from the perspective of Molloy, an old, infirm man, and the second from Moran, a younger man who is sent to find Molloy.
Compounding this is the very sparing nature of the writing, it is really pared down to basics -
"It is midnight. The rain is beating on the windows. I am calm. All is sleeping. Nevertheless I get up and go to my desk. I can't sleep."
Altogether the message seems to be one of confusion, frustration, and despair; not an easy or pleasant read but once I got used to the style I found this an interesting and thoughtful novel.
Molloy is the first of a trilogy, followed by Malone Dies and The Unnamable. My library doesn't have the 2nd or 3rd books but I'll happily read them when I come across them.
Next Novel 100 read is The Tin Drum by Gunter Grass, I read this many years ago, enjoyed it very much and looking forward to the reread.

Interesting book, I admit I have never yet read Samuel Beckett.

I think that style of writing would take some getting used to, it is very succinct. I have this list here and it puts this book exactly at number 40, you have a good memory!
http://www.adherents.com/people/100_novel.html

#17 Thanks Leonie, there is a new edition of The Novel 100 where he adds another 25 books and changes the order of many of the books including Molloy, my guess is 43 !

Another question about book cover images - how can U make them smaller, say half the size of the above 'large' cover ?

So, it's The Novel 125 now? :)

To resize, just add in:

<img src="image URL" width="100" />

That will resize the image to 100 pixels wide, the height will be automatically adjusted. Or for 100 pixels high with width automatically adjusted:

<img src="image URL" height="100" />

If you know both height and width :

<img src="image URL" width="100" height="100" />

Thanks for the resizing info wookiebender, I'll try that.
Yes it is Novel '125' now, increasing at a faster rate than I'm reading them !

3. 1Q84, by Haruki Murakami.

I am an ardent Murakami fan and from the first page couldn't help being drawn into his latest novel.
Chapters alternate betwen the two principal characters Aomame and Tengo and as the connections between these two characters gradually build, and their world becomes stranger and darker, this novel becomes unputdownable !
Murakami's ability to present the ordinary as somehow alive and mysterious is one of reasons I enjoy his writing, and this trait is fully realised here.
Thoroughly enjoyed this novel which at 623 pages is longer than his usual books,but allows Murakami to take his time, adding depth and detail to this wonderful story !
Note : my novel is Books 1 and 2, Book 3 is due sometime this year, hurry up publishers to release the conclusion !!
4.5*

This image thing is not working !?

Is it a LT image? I have had problems with those before...

A tip, I believe in the US version of 1Q84 all parts re released already. Or if not in the US version, then in the UK version, I always forget which is which. Anyway, it will be worth the wait, I loved the whole thing.

4. The Invention of Hugo Cabret, by Brian Selznick.

This is a charming story of 12 year old Hugo who is scratching out a living in a busy train station in 1931 Paris. There are mysterious machines, hidden pasts, early film-making and much more.
Selznick is also an illustrator and this book includes 284 pages of his drawings, contributing to the atmosphere of this delightful story. Very suitable for children.
4*

Hugo Cabret was a fascinating read. I'm looking forward to the movie version too.

I've also got IQ84 on my list for this year. I have loved the other Murakami's I read.

I had never heard of The Novel 100 before. Thanks for the recommendation.

Cheers judylou, I came across The Novel 100 at my library about 3 years ago, looked through it and found I had read very few of the arguably best novels ever !?
So being a sucker for lists and reading challenges I decided to start at #1 Don Quixote and read through the list. I'm into the 40's, read many great books (Don Quixote, The Pickwick Papers, Middlemarch, etc., wondered how some of them could possibly make that list, notably Finnegan's Wake, and am enjoying the challenge.
(Of course Burt's reasons for his decisions and background for each novel adds to the reading).
Last year the 2nd Edition was published, adding another 25 to the list, though the title stays the same !?

The Hugo movie begins here in a few weeks, I'll be there, and I am sure you will love 1Q84 !

5. Finbar's Hotel, by Dermot Bolger.

A friend lent me this book which is about one night at Finbar's Hotel, in Dublin. Interestingly this book is composed of 7 chapters, each written by a different author and it is left to the reader to work out who wrote which chapter.
The authors are Dermot Bolger, Roddy Doyle, Anne Enright, Hugo Hamilton, Jennifer Johnston, Joseph O'Connor, and Colm Toibin.
Of these authors I have only read Anne Enright's The Gathering so I would only be guessing who wrote what (though I reckon Roddy Doyle wrote the first chapter Benny Does Dublin !).
There is some humour and some touching moments in these stories, I found it a reasonable read.
3*

Hi Bryan, I love Hugo Cabret and think it is an annual reread for me. Looking forward to the movie as well. And thank you for the Murakami review, very nice and as one who has not read anything by this author, I now realize I need to get on and read some!

re. images, go back to your post in 'Edit' and double check the code. In a couple of my postings last week I had the same think happen and when I went back I noticed that the " marks had been changed to ' ones. Once I put the quote marks back, it worked again. A weird bug.. could be the same thing here..

btw, started Clash of Kings and loving it!

I gave my niece The Invention of Hugo Cabret for her 12th birthday yesterday and got a text message this morning (from her mum's phone) saying it was the BEST book ever and she'd stayed up until nearly midnight finishing it! (I totally rock!)

My kids are really looking forward to the movie (as am I!) but I think Miss Boo might be a bit young for it, she still gets rather frightened too easily. Not sure how to break it to her...

Regarding the images, the URLs seem to not be correct:

iQ84: http://pics.librarything.com/picsizer/ed/a5/eda5f78b6f67e915931484d5a77434d414f4... gives me a 404 error
Hugo: http://www.the%20inventionofhugocabret.com/images/hugo_intro.cover2.jpg - the domain does not exist.

I'm a big fan of The Invention of Hugo Cabret and the Murikami was just put on my wishlist after a review by cameling in the 75 book challenge group.

Are you using the LT cover from the work page for your URLs?

{img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0439813786.01._SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg"} would give you Hugo.

replacing the curly brackets with arrows .

Substitute "http://images.amazon.com/images/P/4103534222.01._SX140_SY225_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg" in for 1Q84.

# 28 Leonie, I think The Wind-Uo Bird Chronicle is a good book to start with Murakami, glad to hear you are enjoying A Clash of Kings, you have more joy (and some frustration) to come with Martin's series.
Thanks for the image info I'll try it.

# 29 Thanks for the headsup re the images I'll check that. I have Wonderstruck sitting on my desk so am looking forward to that.

# 30 Thanks ronincats I'll try those. Hope you enjoy 1Q84 !

This is the year I am meant to be cutting right back on new book buying, due mainly to the shelves of books I bought last year and haven't read, and a frightening Visa bill.
So I lasted until January 8th, buying
1Q84 : Book 3, by Haruki Murakami, thanks for the info divinenanny,
so while I was ordering that I thought I might as well get a couple more...
Who fears Death ?, by Nnedi Okorafor my library doesn't have this World Fantasy Award winner, and
I am Half-Sick of Shadows, by Alan Bradley, latest instalment in the life of the indomitable Flavia de Luce.
Will try to hold off buying any more new books until February ????

6. The White Luck Warrior, by R. Scott Bakker.

This novel is the second in his second trilogy 'The Aspect-Emporer' series, the first novel The Judging Eye was my first read of this year, and a good one.
Well The White Luck warrior is even better, characters we have journeyed with from the beginning - Achamian, Esmenet, and Kellhus ( not so much of Kellhus) continue to evolve, and newer characters Mimara, Sorweel, and Kelmomas step up and become fascinating.
Bakker's writing has inproved significantly in this novel, his descriptions flow effortlessly around steadily building tension ......... I suspect the next book will be out for Christmas and it is going to be good !
4*

Oh, good luck with holding off the book buying. It's tough.

I'm allowing myself unlimited library books (well, as unlimited as I'm allowed); while books that I need to read for a bookgroup or group read, etc, can be bought new without any quibbles/guilt; and I haven't quite worked out the second hand book rules, but they won't be as harsh as the new book rules. :)

So, sorry, R. Scott Bakker, but you're not fitting into my tough new book buying regimen, no matter how interesting you sound. (Wah!)

I agree with your book rules, my trouble is it is easy to borrow 5 or more library books, which become priority reads because they have to be returned, so my own books languish.
Occasionally both my local libraries sell some of their stock very cheaply so I can buy as many of those as I want, but I am trying to be more selective with new books.
The Bakker books would probably be at your library when you are looking for a new fantasy series.

7. The Sense of an Ending, by Julian Barnes.

Haven't really enjoyed a Booker winner since John Banville's The Sea in 2005, so I wasn't confident with this 2011 Booker winner, especially with its diminutive (150 Pages) size.
So I was pleasantly surprised to find The Sense of an Ending is a sensitive, poignant account of an elderly British man looking back at key events in his past, endeavouring to make some sense of it all, and attempting to make restitution with an old relationship.
The inside cover states "Laced with trademark precision, dexterity and insight" with which I agree, there are also several humorous moments.
Enjoyable, easy read.
4*

That is maybe the best review of The Sense of an Ending that I have read so far and I am sold, will keep an eye out for it.

I had a book ban on myself last year but probably ended up buying about 100 books so it wasn't too effective. So, this year I'm just focusing on my own books, if I buy more so be it - they were meant to be, but I have the same problem as you in that library books take priority so I plan to limit them this year. Having said that, I still have 6 library books from December that I have to finish soon!

Oh yes, you have to be okay with returning library books unread, otherwise it does all get out of hand rather. I was eyeing off my library books this morning, trying to work out which ones I could cope with being returned unread... Sadly, it was very few! :)

Nice review of The Sense of an Ending, I thought it was one of the better Bookers of late.

#37 Thanks Leonie, at least you can feel ok about borrowing The Sense of an Ending from the library, it only takes a couple of hours to read !

#38 Thanks wookie, I tend to borrow the books, sit them on the shelf for a few weeks and then return them, at least they had a little holiday from the library !

8. Buddhism Without Beliefs, by Stephen Batchelor.

This is a concise guide to what the Buddha taught and the importance of applying it, minus the extraneous beliefs and practices that have accumulated as Buddhism has become a religion.
Easy to read and very useful guide.
3.5*

9. The Tin Drum, by Gunter Grass.

This is a reread for me, but as it was the next Novel 100 book and I enjoyed it the first time, good excuse to read it again.
Published in 1959, this was the German writer's first novel, and he has certainly created a compelling, and at times disturbing story.
Oskar, a 30 year old Polish dwarf, narrates his life so far from his bed in a mental hospital, covering events in Poland from the early 1900's to the 1950's. Sounds a bit dry but Oskar's life has been quite extraordinary.
At times dark, particularly with the rise of Nazism in the 1930's, there is also much humour, distortions of reality, adventure, and sympathy for the indefatigable Oskar and many of the characters.
I will leave the details of Oskar's short stature, his musical ability, and glass blowing to those embarking on this memorable novel.
Grass has written many novels and I must get around to reading something else he has authored, any suggestions ?

10. Cafe Scheherazade, by Arnold Zable.

A beautifully written story of Polish Jewish refugees of WW2, who manage to settle in Melbourne, Australia, and run the Cafe Scheherazade.
The subject matter is sometimes horrific, but Zable's storytelling ability brings out the wonder and hope of these people's lives and loves. Recommended.

11. The China Study, by T. Colin Campbell and Thomas M. Campbell.

This is a nonfiction book concerned with nutrition and its role in human health.
Campbell is a life-long scientist who conducted an extensive survey of diet and disease in more than 2,400 Chinese counties. Comparing this information with western health research enables the authors to draw many significant conclusions about how the standard western diet contributes to many diseases.
Interestingly the author presents reasons why this important information is not well known by the public or most doctors.
This is a well written, informative book, valuable reading for anyone interested in health, and particularly for anyone diagnosed with a health issue who is looking for an alternative to standard medical advice.

12. 1Q84 Book Three, by Haruki Murakami, 364 pgs.

Murakami's rivetting story of Aomame and Tengo continues, as they try to find each other in an altered world.

The weird character Ushikawa is featured more prominently in Book 3, which deepens the mystery.

I hope this is not the ending of the story as there are many questions unanswered, but even if 1Q84 is finished I have enjoyed reading and experiencing this mysterious and fascinating world.

13. The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss, 722 pgs.

www.thebestfantasybooks.com rank this book 3rd out of its top 25 and many of the reviews I've read rave about Rothfuss' first fantasy novel.

Well I don't consider this novel in the league as A Game of Thrones or Gardens of the Moon but still enjoyed it very much.
The retired hero Kvothe recounts his life story of struggle, danger, young love, and education. A simpler tale than Martin's and Erikson's but still a very interesting, humorous and sometimes wise story.
Enjoyed this and have the sequel The Wise man's Fear sitting on the shelf.

Oh, I must get to The Name of the Wind! It's been neglected on my shelves for a while.

Some nice reading going on here!

Hi Bryan, great to see you got the Rothfuss book read. I agree it's not as epic as Martin but it is certainly quite different in it's own right and not another fantasy clone which I really enjoyed.

Thanks wookiebender.

Thanks Leonie, I agree and am looking forward to the sequel.

JANUARY REVIEW.

Read 13 books, 395 page avge.

Novel 100 books read : 2 happy with that.

Own books read : 5 out of 13 ok with that.

Books from friends read : 2 happy with that, 2 to go.

Best read : 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami.

14. The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, 277 pgs.

Listed at 42 in The Novel 100, Burt describes this 1850 novel as America's first undisputed masterpiece, but I just cannot see its apparent greatness.
I found the author's prose difficult to enter, muddying a somewhat simple story, and was quite happy it is a short novel.

Just bought the new Peter Carey novel The Chemistry of Tears !

*envy*!

Cheers wookiebender, I was also looking for Margo Lanagan's new book Sea Hearts, her highly original fantasy, like her Tender Morsels is always great reading !

15. One Day, by David Nicholls.

This modern and popular novel is a very good read - funny, romantic, and moving !
From the back cover -
"Emma and Dexter meet on the night of their graduation. Tomorrow they must go their separate ways.
So where will they be on this one day next year ? And the year after that ?
And every year that follows ?"
Made into a movie which I haven't seen, but the novel is an easy and good read !

Excellent, I have a copy of that somewhere in the house. Looked like a good fun entertaining read.

16. Autumn Laing, by Alex Miller.

Late last year my local book shop - Matilda Book Shop, Stirling, Adelaide Hills (very nice, friendly, independent place !), had the popular Australian author Alex Miller along to talk about his new book and sign copies.
I had only read Lovesong, and Journey to the Stone Country and had enjoyed these so was happy to go along.
Alex was quietly spoken and quite entertaining, he remarked on the number of men present and commented
" Stirling, where men read" which was nice.
He described the subject of his new book as loosely based on the Australian artist Sydney Nolan and Australian art which didn't sound very interesting to me but I was there so had to buy the book !?
Anyway I needn't have feared......Autumn Laing is brilliant !!
Alex Miller is one of those rare writers who can make the back of a cupboard a fascinating, dynamic place full of possibilities, and his talents are on full display in this powerful story of love, betrayal, creativity, and loss.
Just a wonderful, wonderful book, I haven't read Carey's The Chemistry of Tears yet but it will need a miracle to stop Miller's Autumn Laing from snaring the Miles Franklin Award this year !

17. As it is in Heaven, by Niall Williams.

Beautifully written love story, set in Ireland, a withdrawn man finds love and music.

Oh, I'm looking forward to Autumn Laing! (It's scheduled for October for my bookgroup read.) I'm also looking forward to The Chemistry of Tears, although I wasn't so impressed with Carey's last book, Parrot and Olivier in America.

Wookie hope you don't wait until October to read Autumn Laing !
I tend to agree with you on Peter Carey, although I did think Parrot was an improvement on Theft and My Life as a Fake.

18. Terry Pratchett - the Spirit of Fantasy, by Craig Cabell.

Noticed this new book at the library and as a huge Pratchett fan I borrowed it !
Terry Pratchett is the hugely popular author of the fantasy/humour Discworld series and more recently being well-known for his public struggle with early-onset Alzheimer's disease.
Cadell's biography/ discussion has plenty of interesting information, particularly about Terry's early years of writing and detailed lists of films, plays, and collector's guide.
Cadell has his own opinions about some of Terry's works which I feel get in the way at times, such as spending some pages justifying his idea of how to differentiate fantasy, sci-fi, and horror, but I am bound to enjoy any book with this subject matter !

Have the day off, plan to read a sizeable chunk of the 994 page The Wise Man's Fear !

There's a book bullet--but Amazon doesn't have it available yet. Lucky you to happen upon the Terry Pratchett book in your library!

Oh, I've been meaning to revisit Pratchett lately. It's been a while. (And a very grumpy friend of mine recently discovered him and loved him, which reminded me of all the good stuff he's written.)

Bryan, it might be until October before I pick up Autumn Laing! I've got so many books to read as it is! (And, gah, all the copies are out at the library, with a small stack of reserves, so I definitely won't be reading it before May at least...)

Haven't read Theft or My Life as a Fake. I do have Jack Maggs and True History of the Kelly Gang on Mt TBR somewhere, though. I've heard they're both excellent.

wookie as long as you do get to Autumn Laing, I'm confident you'll love it !

I've been rereading Terry's books over the last 3 years, his stuff is always worth a reread, sign of a great writer.
Plus I always buy his new books, unfortunately his output is slowing down with his illness, but his work is still great.

With Peter Carey I enjoyed his earlier works Bliss, Illywacker, Oscar and Lucinda, plus The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, and True History of the Kelly Gang.
I've always thought his Tristan Smith book was very underrated, and trust you will enjoy his Kelly Gang book !

Speaking of Australian fiction I enjoyed Roger McDonald's The Ballad of Desmond Kale a couple of years back, have you read that one ?

I did read The Ballad of Desmond Kale, but I think you liked it more than I did. Far too much about sheep for this reader. :)

Many years ago I read his 1915, the ABC had a good adaptation that was screening with lots of fanfare. I remember liking it. And I've got his The Slap (no, not Tsolkias' The Slap) on the TBR shelves somewhere too.

I do seem to buy more Australian literature than I read. :}

19. The Wise Man's Fear, by Patrick Rothfuss, 994 pgs.

This considerable book is the second volume in Rothfuss' Kingkiller Chronicle, the first being The Name of the Wind, my 13th read for this year.
Kvothe continues his life story in this fascinating tale of magic, music, coming of age, and adventure, which starts a little slow and gradually builds foreboding tension.

A net search says the 3rd volume is 'The Doors of Stone', due for publication May 2013, going to be good !

I am so jealous ;). I have The Wise Man's Fear pretty high up on my wishlist. Just not high enough to justify spending 20 pounds or 30 euros on it.

divinenanny I think the cheaper, smaller version is due soon according to bookdepository, if that helps.

20. The Koran, Penguin ed., 435 pgs.

I have been meaning to read this for years and have finally managed.
It is not my place to be critical of others' beliefs, but I found the text to be less than inspiring.
Enough said !

Oooooh. I need to find an excuse to get that book ;)

21. Adventures of a Cat-Whiskered Girl, by Daniel Pinkwater.

I'd never heard of Daniel Pinkwater but will be looking for more of his books after reading this very inventive and entertaining book.
Readers will encounter Big Audrey the cat-whiskered girl, the terrifying (?) Wolluf, mousetrap soup, the muffin man, and many more amazing characters and happenings.
Written for children and adults, a fun, crazy, and happy adventure, I cannot imagine girls 10+ not loving this story.

I am so pleased you enjoyed The Wise Man's Fear. Now the big wait begins for the final part of the trilogy. Oh, and I just looked at some Daniel Pinkwater books at our library site and ordered four of them. You got me with the line: "I cannot imagine girls 10+ not loving this story." There's 3 such girls in this house alone so I just had to, obviously.

Hope you and your girls enjoy Pinkwater's writing, the Cat-Whiskered Girl reminded me of James Kennedy's The Order of Odd-Fish, which you put me onto !!

22. Nostromo, by Joseph Conrad, 409 pgs.

Published in 1904, and ranked 44 in Daniel S. Burt's The Novel 100 (which I am gradually working my way through), I wasn't particularly taken by this novel.
Nostromo is set in South America, where a silver mine causes political angst and disputes between the owners and workers. As revolutionaries approach the famous character Nostromo is entrusted with the silver treasure, which mysteriously disappears.
I found the story slow and uninteresting, and obviously couldn't see what all the acclaim is about.
F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote
"I'd rather have written Conrad's Nostromo than any other novel", I can think of many more I would rather have written.

23. Big Mind - Big Heart, by Dennis Genpo Merzel, 189 pgs.

Kind of a combination of Zen Buddhism and voice dialogue which I don't quite get.
The book comes with a cd which I haven't listened to yet, hope that helps !?

24. Sea Hearts, by Margo Lanagan, 343 pgs.

Margo Lanagan is the acclaimed fantasy writer of a number of short story collections, notably Black Juice, and the extraordinary novel Tender Morsels, which won the World Fantasy Award in 2009.

Sea Hearts is newly published and continues her theme of original, disquieting, and compelling fantasy.

On Rollrock Island a sea-witch finds she has a unique affinity with the seals that inhabit the island and this ability (which I won't describe here, you need to read to find out !) brings the people of the island a heavy cost.

Highly recommended for anyone interested in a totally original and unsettling fantasy.

I don't know where she gets her vision from, but long may she continue !

25. The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern, 387 pgs.

I got the recommendation for this book from someone on this challenge and thank you, because this is a great fantasy read !
Entranced by the language and mystery, the reader gradually comes to understand the role of the circus in the story of Celia and Marco.
Teenagers and adults will enjoy this story, it reminded me of Susannah Clarke's Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell and if you enjoyed either, you may well enjoy the other !?

Ahhh! I can't take it anymore! The Night Circus is up next!

Yeah, I'm about to crack and buy Sea Hearts. This is proving to be an exceptionally dangerous thread.

Bryanoz's review of Sea Hearts is bringing The Sooterkin to mind, for some reason. It's been a long time since I read it, though. And looking through my shelf, it looks like I gave it a low rating. Maybe an unrecommendation is brewing, here?

# 75 allthesepieces you will love The Night Circus, and if you do and if you haven't read Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell, put it on your TBR list !

# 76 wookie hope you like it, and thanks for the compliment !

#77 I don't know what The Sooterkin was about, confident Sea Hearts will get a better rating !?

I've got The Sooterkin on Mt TBR, I'm wondering if maybe I should read that one while waiting for payday and the ensuing shopping frenzy trip at the local bookshop... Hm, reviews aren't great on LT, maybe I should read it so I can decide whether to toss it on the bookcrossing pile or not. :)

26. Who Fears Death, by Nnedi Okorafor, 384 pgs.

This is fantasy set in a future postapocalytic Africa where there is still drought and tribes are still at war.

Onyesonwu is a girl whose life circumstances mark her to be rejected by almost all, but she discovers a magical ability that promises to protect her and her world, but also threatens to destroy the same.

I enjoyed this fantasy with a difference (which incidentally won the 2011 World Fantasy Award), the African storytelling reminding me of Ben Okri's The Famished Road.

Okorafor doesn't hesitate to incorporate aspects of African culture and traditions in this story, making it at times a confronting read, but the author's poetry and spirit, plus the sheer verve of Onye herself, make this an affirming and magical read.

27. Fathers and Sons, by Ivan Turgenev, 336 pgs.

This early Russian classic was published in 1862 and seemed to usher in a wave of great Russian literature, with Crime and Punishment published in 1866, and War and Peace three years later.
While not having the scope of the two later works Fathers and Sons is quite an interesting read.
The sons coming home after years of study are questioning the old ways, particularly the radical Bazarov who is an adamant nihilist, questioning everyone and everything.
All are not impressed by this new and somewhat condescending approach, and Turgenev investigates the effects of ideological change on established lives in this novel.
Burt's The Novel 100 ranks Fathers and Sons as the 45th best novel and that seems about right to me.

A very dangerous thread, this one. I have added quite a few books to the list and look forward to what you read next.

Thanks judylou !

28. I am Half-Sick of Shadows, by Alan Bradley.

The fourth and latest in the Flavia de Luce series ( first being The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie).
This one has a Christmas flavour and perhaps due to the author having to meet a deadline, seems a little rushed.
Fans will have already devoured this and enjoyed Flavia's ongoing war with her sisters, intricate knowledge of chemistry and poisons, and brilliant murder-solving ability.
Bradley's humour shines in this deservedly popular series, the fifth will be Seeds of Antiquity due early 2013, and more are planned after that, great news !

Phew, at least I already own The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, so it doesn't have to be added to the wishlist. :) Although the others may be, in a while...

Oh, FYI, I'm most of the way through The Sooterkin (mentioned above) and it's good, but not great. Took a while to get into, had far too many words. I do like my paragraphs to have the occasional full stop somewhere in the middle, at least. But I'm into the swing of it now. (Quick précis: a woman in Hobart, early 19th century, gives birth to a seal pup. Large cast of interesting characters, wordy in a 19th century sort of way.) Still very tempted by Sea of Hearts...

wookie when you are looking for a light, humorous read give 'Sweetness' a try, but be warned you may become a Flavia fan !
If you end up liking The Sooterkin I'll read it, but regardless I say be tempted by Sea Hearts ! Have you read her Tender Morsels ?

I'm glad you liked Who Fears Death. I have it sitting here in my tbr pile and you just moved it higher up.

Hope you enjoy Who Fears Death ronincats, when I come across anything else she has written I'll be reading it.

Jan / Feb Review.

28 books read, on target to exceed 126, last year's total, happy with that.

Average of 388 pages per book, happy with any number over 350.

Read 12 of my books, and 16 loaned, ok with that.

5 Novel 100 books read, very happy !

Best Reads so far :

1Q84, by Haruki Murakami
Autumn Laing, by Alex Miller
Sea Hearts , by Margo Lanagan
The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern

Overall a good two months of reading, may March be a great month of reading for us all !!

I completely missed that Margo Lanegan had a new book out! Cheered me up no end :)

Also a reasonably newish short story collection Yellowcake !

29. Jamrach's Menagerie, by Carol Birch.

I read divinenanny's review of this book, and my library had it sitting on the shelf !

Set in 1857 in East End London, where 8 year old Jaffy Brown encounters an escaped tiger, inexplicably touches it on the nose, and is rescued by Mr Jamrach the embarrassed owner.
Jaffy goes to work for Jamrach and finds he has a way with animals, and empathy for their captive situation.
Years later Jaffy joins an expedition to the Dutch East Indies to capture a dragon, which goes terribly wrong ; the survival of Jaffy or anyone else is highly problematical.
Birch has crafted an interesting story with a likeable main character, be warned there are some harrowing scenes in the second half of the book which are not for the light-hearted !

I read that one a little while ago and found that I could not get into it. The characters just didn't interest me.

Did you like it Bryan?
I think I read your reaction (or somebody else's who was similar) so I was apprehensive when I read it. Maybe this is one of those books that you either like, or not, not much in between.

I wasn't a fan of Jamrach either. Good bits, but it didn't hang together well for me. The whaling scenes were fascinating, though! And then followed that up with That Deadman Dance that had more whaling, and then recently The Sooterkin with even more whaling! Bit over whaling scenes, right now.

ETA: Yep, that means I won't be returning to Moby Dick any time soon. ;)

# 93 judylou I quite liked the characters, must be my English heritage !

# 94 I sort of liked it divinenanny, I've always been into animals, particularly reptiles, so I enjoyed the dragon quest.
The author really highlighted the anguish of wild animals being in captivity, which is important although perhaps not 'enjoyable' to read, plus the terror of gradually dying in those small boats was harrowing though rivetting reading.
I am an inbetweener with Jamrach's Menagerie.

# 95 wookiebender may I suggest Andrea Barrett's The Voyage of the Narwhal !!

Yeah. It wasn't a fun story, with gruesome details about humans and animals alike. What I liked was how realistic it all sounded. The writer didn't try to sugar-coat anything, not about the store, the collecting, the dangers and the realities.

bryanoz, I'm thinking your reading collection shares far too much in common with my reading collection! I do have The Voyage of the Narwal on the shelves. Somewhere.

wookie, jump on a whale watching boat at Eden like I did late last year. You will never get enough of them!

# 97 I agree divinenanny, very realistic, which is an important part of a good story.

# 98 wookie my poor old copy has been sitting there neglected for years, hope you treat your books better !
By the way thanks for adding my collection to your 'Interesting Libraries', I had forgotten about that
feature of librarything. I choose to think of our similar libraries as a good thing !

# 99 Whale watching by boat sounds great judylou, humpback whales are here in Sth Australia in June - August,
our winter, but I don't know of any watching via boat here, will be at Shark Bay, WA next July/August, might see
some there !?

Enjoying rereading Gardens of the Moon, settling into the Malazan 10 book saga.

New Garth Nix novel for older readers, a 'standalone space opera' A Confusion of Princes. Good news for fans of The Old Kingdom series !

Ooh, thanks, Bryan! The Nix is one I'll definitely want to see.

Judy, I did get to see whales from Byron Bay a couple of times - most recently just last July, there on school holidays with the kids. It'd be great to get up closer to them, from the coast it's more or less just a "see that tiny splash way out there! that's a whale!!". Amazing creatures.

Bryan, far too many books of mine have lain around neglected for YEARS before I finally get around to reading them. Hence the sort-of-moratorium on book buying this year for me. Also because there are SO many books in the house, I feel better if I read the shorter ones (quicker to read, get through Mt TBR faster, etc) which means I neglect the big chunksters. Been too long since I started the Malazan books! I must take a deep breath and pick up book 5 soon. (And Neal Stephenson's Baroque Cycle, of course.)

And total SQUEE! over a new Garth Nix, I loved Sabriel very much. But didn't finish the Mister Monday series, it was a bit too young for me.

# 102. You are very welcome ronincats, Should be good !

# 103. Wookie I agree with you with the Monday series, his older writings stronger.
I expect to get to the fifth Malazan late Aprilish if peer support would help !

Thanks, but I shan't be reading anything chunky in April, I'm already booked in for David Copperfield for then. I think one chunkster per month is about all I can deal with. :)

I have Gardens of the Moon on my TBR pile, part of my 'buy-part-one-of-a-series' spree of last year. I need to start it, but like Wookie I am focusing on short and sweet at the moment.

# 105 No worries wookie, hope you enjoy David Copperfield, one of my favourite Dickens.

# 106 Hope you enjoy Gardens of the Moon divinenanny, I've almost finished it and although I am a little confused (Nothing unusual there !?) it is quite a ride !

Funnily enough, Mr Bear came home yesterday with a book from the library - a retelling of Dickens' classic tales, done in a graphic novel style. He'd previously picked it up in the classroom and had read some of it, but needed some help making sense of it all. (I don't blame him!) I read him the Oliver Twist retelling (I already knew 80% of it from the bits of the movie musical I've seen over the years), but told him he was going to have to get his Dad to read David Copperfield and Great Expectations because I was going to be reading them myself and am spoilerphobic! (I'm recording the BBC adaptation of Great Expectations for when I'm finished reading it. Er, maybe I should start reading sooner rather than later...)

Wookie there is also Dickens' The Pickwick Papers, Nicholas Nickleby, Bleak House, and Dombey and Son, all great tales in my opinion !

30. Buddha, by Karen Armstrong.

Karen Armstrong is a well-regarded author of many spiritual books and this brief but thorough biography of the Buddha is a useful account.
Her use of a wide range of sources, decipherable glossary, and discerning eye add to its worth.

31. Gardens of the Moon, by Steven Erikson.

First book in 'The Malazan Books of the Fallen' series, and Erikson doesn't bother with any introduction, the reader is thrust into the action, and has to work out who is who and what is going on.
I was happy to be left to decipher the story but was confused at times, interestingly bestfantasybooks.com claims

"Those used to the standard epic fantasy tale may find themselves bewildered halfway through the first book. The strange world, enigmatic characters, and vastness of the story can be confusing, BUT persevere and the Malazan Book of the Fallen becomes something incredible. By the time you are a couple of books into the series, you'll be hopelessly addicted."

Onto the story, there is much war, magic, humour, tyranny, and intrigue, with the Bridgeburner gang quietly scheming in the background rigging some demolition job or another.
With a host of hundreds of characters I needed to consult the 'dramatis personae' regularly, and I am keen to follow the fortunes of some of the characters in the nine novels and various novellas to come.
Epic fantasy, a solid first book, and looking forward to the next.

Don pointed out that one of the challenges in reading the Malazan books is that we get no inner dialogue. We have no idea what people are thinking about, and have to judge everything on their behaviour. Quite true!

I find Dickens rather a challenge too, for different reasons. (So... many... words...) I did read and enjoy A Christmas Carol last year, and have one aborted attempt at The Old Curiosity Shop. I liked what I read of that, but not enough to actually get more than 1/3 or so of the way through. I think I chose a bit of a dud though, so onwards and upwards with 2012's planned reading of Great Expectations and David Copperfield!

The most confusing thing I found about Gardens of the Moon was that there was a map at the beginning of the book, but I couldn't find any of the place names mentioned in the introductory chapter anywhere on it! I got quiet frustrated as I kept looking through it trying to figure out where these places were and it was only later that I figured out they were on a completely different continent. At one point I even checked the map in the second book Deadhouse Gates which of course was a map of yet another different continent.

Man that was annoying. But I absolutely adore the series.

I read the first book and couldn't even find a garden on a moon.

# 112 wookie I hadn't realised there was no inner dialogue, thanks for pointing that out, i'll look for that in the next one.
I agree that to really appreciate Dickens requires a different kind of reading, perhaps a couple of chapters a day with a fine wine, and lots of patience !

# 113 iftyzaidi I agree with the map !, I stopped looking for places when I couldn't find any of them.

# 114 Good point Ian ! I found the whole moon thing confusing, maybe it is explained later, maybe not.

32. A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway.

I had an ulterior reason for reading this novel, my Book club has The Paris Wife in a few weeks, where apparently Hemingway appears, and as I have never perused any of his stuff, I thought I would appear quite well read !
Plus Farewell is ranked 77 in The Novel 100 so another good reason to read it.
Anyway I thought A Farewell to Arms was at best an average read. Apparently quite autobiographical, the story involves an American who volunteers for the Italian ambulance service during the First World War. Amidst the dry descriptions of soldiers and warring there is romance and tragedy, all handled rather disinterestedly by the author in my opinion.
Burt comments that Hemingway's great strength is the short story but that he still deserved to be included in the Novel 100, the logic of this escapes me.
I'll read something else of H's before further critisism, am thoroughly enjoying Peter Carey' new book !

Hemingway does seem to split readers. I tried To Have and Have Not as a teenager (being a fan of the Bogart/Bacall movie) and hated it. Many years later, I read A Movable Feast and really enjoyed it. I've got A Farewell to Arms somewhere in the house, must get to that soon and see if my initial negative reaction was to his writing, or because I was too young that first time around.

33. The Monk and the Philosopher, by Jean-Francois Revel & Matthieu Ricard.

Matthieu Ricard was a French scientist who became a Buddhist monk, wrote the popular Happiness : A guide to developing Life's most important Skill, and known as' the world's happiest man' based on a science-mind study.
His father is the philosopher Revel and this book is the record of their discussions on philosophy, metaphysics, history, happiness, and more.
Matthieu explains Tibetan Buddhism from his western perspective. a good read for anyone interested in spiritual matters.

re: Hemingway; my favorite is For Whom the Bell Tolls, and I DO really like his short stories. Have A Farewell to Arms on my headboard as we speak.

34. The Chemistry of Tears, by Peter Carey.

This novel begins powerfully with loss, confusion, and despair.
Carey entwines the modern Catherine, a museum curator, with the diary of Henry Brandling from 1854 and the remains of a mechanical swan.
I was enthused by the enthralling opening and Catherine's desperate attempts to copewith devastation, but gradually became becalmed by the sections on Henry and his struggles to have the machine made for his son.
Still a good read.

Struggling through Deadhouse Gates which is not grabbing me like I hoped.
Started The Paris Wife which is good so far.

Question - if I want to add a book to the Librarything site, such as Sea Hearts which I cannot add to my library as the 'Add Books' function cannot find it, how would I do that ?

Oh, I found Sea Hearts okay, I think I used the National Library of Australia as a source. It usually has the Australian books that haven't yet been published overseas. Or ones that have a different title, I guess (Sea Hearts comes up as The Brides of Rollrock Island here).

If you can't find it using a library/Amazon as source, you can add it manually: http://www.librarything.com/addnew.php (the link's on the Add Books page, on the left under "Other Options").

thanks wookie, I've got a few books that don't come up so that manual option sounds good, I think Brides of Rollrock Island was a novella so maybe a different book ? Thanks again.

35. The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain.

Read this one for our book club, we all enjoyed the story, felt that Hadley was very patient, and that Ernest was an insecure, selfish fellow.
One of those fiction books that read as if the author was reaaly there, and well worth a read, particularly for those interested in 1920's Paris, a time of great creativity.

36. Living the Mindful Life, by Charles Tart.

"A handbook for living in the present moment", based on Gurdjieff and Tibetan Buddhist teachings, contains some interesting exercises for developing awareness.

37. Deadhouse Gates, by Steven Erikson.

Second in the Malazan Books of the Fallen series and I really wanted to enjoy this .....but didn't ....?
Of course a lot happens - war, intrigue, interesting fantasy/magic, but I found it confusing and didn't identify with the characters particularly so it all fell a bit flat.
I'm going to hold off reading the 3rd book for a while, there is plenty of other fantasy waiting, not to mention Garth Nix's A Confusion of Princes, which I have just bought !

38. The Trial, by Franz Kafka.

Reread for me, ranked 46 in The Novel 100 and certainly deserves a rank in the top novels.
Right from the famous opening sentence,
"Somebody must have made a false accusation against Josef K., for he was arrested one morning without having done anything wrong.", the reader is on an exasperating, but rivetting ride.
In Kafka's bleak novel Josef is trying to work out what is happening, and trying to find someone who can help him, echoing some of our own frustrations with life.
On his deathbed Franz Kafka made his friend promise to destroy his unpublished manuscripts, including The Trial, thankfully his friend ignored his request and Kafka's works survived.
Must get to his The Castle and Amerika soon.

39. A Dirty Job, by Christopher Moore.

Somewhat humorous fantasy about a man unwittingly recruited to save the world from dark forces.....

40. Graceling, by Kristin Cashore.

I enjoyed this young adult fantasy set in a world where some people are born with a 'grace', an exceptional skill, and Katsa is a girl with the grace of killing.
This is Cashore's first published novel and she has written an interesting story with adventure, romance, and a twist or two, this would be a good read for teen girls with this independent, powerful, thoughtful main character.

Have been holidaying on the River Murray : canoeing, walking, eating and drinking (too much), and some reading.

41. The Etched City, by K.J. Bishop.

A reasonable western type fantasy following two characters, Raule, a female healer with a conscience, and Gwynne, a bounty hunter/cowboy type who are chased to the city Ashamoil where things become complicated.
An ok read.

42. Blow on a Dead Man's Embers, by Mari Strachan.

I really enjoyed Mari's first novel The Earth Hums in B Flat, so was happy to hear her next novel had been published.
This is the story of Rhiannon Davies whose husband has returned from the 'Great' war but is haunted by his experiences. As she tries to help Davey she learns about her self, her family, and her community.
Was hooked by the story, enjoyed the characters, great read !

Oh yes, I enjoyed Graceling, and thought The Etched City had good moments but didn't quite work for me. And hurrah for good comments for Blow on a Dead Man's Embers, that's on my wishlist!

I'm confident you will enjoy the Embers book wookie !

43. Encouraging Words, by Robert Aitken.

A collection of the Zen teacher Aitken Roshi's teachings during retreats, and other thoughts and deliberations on the best way to establish Zen Buddhist practice for lay people in the Western world.
Very encouraging for anyone on this path !

44. The Floating Opera, by John Barth.

Friend lent me this, I had never heard of John Barth, but I am glad I have made his acquaintance because this a great read !
Barth's first novel, published in 1956, and what an original, intelligent, and surprising novel !
On the surface The Floating Opera sets out one day in the life of Todd Andrews, but like all fine literature there is much more here.
Also have his The Sot-Weed Factor here, a more considerable tome, can't wait to get into it.
Isn't it great when you find a new author you enjoy !

I liked Ember's latest book, but didn't think it was as special as her first one.

Thanks for the thought judylou, I can't remember much of the first novel except I liked it, and as I liked the second I'm calling them even, although you are probably right.

45. A Confusion of Princes, by Garth Nix.

Garth's newest book for teens, and after his excellent 'The Old Kingdom' series, an eagerly awaited release.

Set in the far future, Khemri is a prince, separated from his parents and destined to rule along with millions of other princes, all for the Empire, which encompasses much of the galaxy.

Beginning with his idealised and selfish notions, Khemri finds out what being a prince really means.

Garth has set up an interesting premise and there is plenty of action here but Khemri, other characters, and the story seemed somewhat forced to me. When thinking about it afterwards I was left with the feeling of having played an online space game - good graphics but little character.

46. Mateship with Birds, by Carrie Tiffany.

Carrie Tiffany's first novel Everyman's Rules for Scientific Living was set in rural Australia, shortlisted for many awards, and an interesting story.
Mateship with Birds is her second novel, also set in country Australia. We follow a family of kookaburras through the eyes of the dairy farmer Harry. Betty and her two children move next door, and the two stories of the belligerent birds and the confused humans run concurrently.
An ok story, last section has been dropped in with no lead-up which didn't help.

47. The Book of Mu, by James Ishmael Ford & Melissa Myozen Blacker.

Comprehensive book of Zen Buddhist teachings on the koan Mu, for those into spiritual matters - brilliant !

48. The Education of Robert Nifkin, by Daniel Pinkwater.

Having enjoyed the originality of his Adventures of a Cat-whiskered Girl I expected more from this 'teen dork at high school' story, amusing in parts.

49. Original Dwelling Place, by Robert Aitken.

Zen Buddhist essays ; the old Roshi Robert Aitken has left a great legacy of teachings.

50. The Sot-Weed Factor, by John Barth.

This is a sizable novel, 806 pages, and because it is based in the late 17th century, Barth has gone to the trouble of writing it in 17th century English, such as,
"For five guinea I could fill thy bed with trollops !".
This is the story of Ebenezer Cooke, an innocent, naive Englishman who is appointed 'Poet and Laureate' of Maryland in the New World. Taking himself and his position very seriously he is beset by pirates, swindlers, whores, natives, and a seemingly endless procession of problems in this thoughtful and amusing farce.

51. Goliath, by Scott Westerfeld.

This novel completes Scott's Leviathon trilogy, a young adult steampunk version of the First World War.
The story is told through the experiences of Alek, an Austrian Prince, and Deryn, a British girl who wants to join the Air Service.
Underlying the characters is the fascinating opposing strategies taken by the two warring sides ; the Central Powers (or Clankers) with their reliance on machines versus the Allies (Darwinists) who use genetically altered creatures.
Enjoyed the story, great to see it resolved nicely, the altered animals were fascinating, illustrations by Keith Thompson excellent !

52. Bring Me the Rhinoceros, by John Tarrant.

53. Buddhism is not what you think, by Steve Hagen.

Two Zen Buddhist books, recommended for those interested in such things.

Re: Daniel Pinkwater - I'd give him some more chances with his earlier books. Robert Nifkin is one that you like a lot more after being familiar with the early stuff and with Pinkwater's own life (his essays are hilarious!).

The Snarkout Boys books are two of my favorites and Borgel is just amazing, but any of the ones in his four or five novel collections are golden. You can also download numerous audiobooks for free from this website: http://www.pinkwater.com/podcast/audioarchive.php

Pinkwater reading Pinkwater is heaven. I sincerely recommend listening to the Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death and Borgel.

Hmm, Mateship with Birds has gone down my wishlist ranking a bit. I really should read Everyman's Rules for Scientific Living, that's on a shelf somewhere nearby...

Sorry to hear that the latest Garth Nix is a bit meh, I've been looking forward to that one. And I'm missing him today at the Sydney Writer's Festival, which has been an enormous washout for me this year. Just haven't made a single event! Botheration.

Thanks Mabith I'll look into those Pinkwaters, I have his The Neddiad and The Yggyssey here to read.

wookiebender sorry to hear the writer's festival hasn't worked out, sometimes real life gets in the way of our reading / writing lives.

54. How to be Free, by Tom Hodgkinson.

Fun, alternate approach to working less and living more.

bryanoz, a friend did point out that RN were streaming sessions live, so I did end up catching a bit of it after all: Jeanette Winterson, and The Hare With Amber Eyes. I was pretty chuffed to get to listen to those. I'm sure they have other sessions podcast, now to find time to find them!!

55. Lolita, by Vladimir Nabokov.

No.47 in Burt's The Novel 100, and a reread for me, this is of course a controversial and at times confronting read.
Nabokov has managed to write a compelling piece of literature concerning perhaps the most damning topic of all - child sexual abuse.
This novel is not for all, but there is humanity and compassion here.

56. Suffering is Optional, by Cheri Huber.

57. When You're Falling, Dive, by " ".

58. The Fear Book, by " ".

Three books on awareness leading to happiness by the Zen teacher Cheri Huber, recommended.

59. Kraken, by China Mieville.

China Mieville has delivered another original, creative, and intelligent fantasy. Based in modern London, a giant squid housed at the Natural History Museum suddenly disappears, plunging the Curator and London into a bizarre world of cults, assassins, and mayhem.
The reader can't help but admire Mieville's ideas and enjoy a very inventive, original novel.

Oh, I've just been craving some Mieville! Maybe I should search out Kraken at the bookshop.

Wookie, do, I loved Kraken, a great Mieville to crave.

Not to forget his new novel Railsea, apparently involving a train and giant moles, geared more for teenagers.
Haven't got this yet, am waiting until Terry Pratchett's new novel is published in a week or so to raid the bookshop.

Oh, I'm eyeing off Railsea too, I did enjoy his previous YA, Un Lun Dun.

Wow, it's great that Pratchett keeps on writing. I must dust off some of his books and re-read them.

The biggest problem with LT is that I keep on getting so many new recommendations that I can't get back to my old favourites! Luckily Mr Bear has requested The Hobbit as the next book we read together, so that should get re-read before the movie comes out this Xmas. I hope he likes it!

Have been reading but slack with the listing/reviews.

60. My Name is Mina, by David Almond.

Prequel to Skellig that explains who the weird character Mina is, beautifully written, enjoyed this very much.

61. Kevin the Troll, by Doug MacLeod and

62. Tumble Turn, also by Doug.

YA novels, written with Doug's great humour.

63. Sea of Ghosts, by Alan Campbell.

Unique fantasy, very interesting, first in trilogy.

64. The Outcasts, by John Flanagan.

First in the Brotherband Chronicles, YA fantasy, similar to his Rangers Apprentice series, with a viking flavour.

65. Foundling, by D.M. Cornish.

First book in the Monster Blood Tattoo series, this is young adult fantasy, quite detailed world and characters, enjoyed this story of the foundling Rosamund, will be reading the next book.

66. Radical Happiness, by Gina Lake.

Read the ebook version, got some insights from this work, similar to Eckhart Tolle, so supplements his work nicely.

Nice to be on holidays, local library has book sale on tomorrow, happy days !

Oh, I liked Foundling too, lovely illustrations. I've got the third somewhere, must pick it up sometime rsn...

Cheers wookiebender, I've got the 2nd one here, not sure when I'll get to it, got a pile of shortlisted Aust. Children's Book Council books to read.

67. Monstrous Regiment, by Terry Pratchett.

Am slowly rereading the Discworld series and this is one of my favorites. A stand alone book following the fortunes of Polly Perks who enlists in the army to find her brother, and together with some interesting recruits is thrust into war.
Humorous, wise, insightful, intelligent - great read !

68. Ishmael and the Hoops of Steel, by Michael Gerard Bauer.

Shortlisted by the Children's Book Council of Australia for older readers, this is the third in the 'Ishmael' series.
Ishmael and friends navigate years 11 and 12 with very predictable results.
Fans of the earlier books may enjoy this one but I found it too predictable with a few humorous moments not enough to redeem it.

69. The Appointment, by Herta Muller.

Published in 2001, set in Communist Romania, a factory worker is summoned to an interrogation session.
Similar to a Kafka novel, the author creates a sense of fear and despair that makes this novel a compelling read.
Muller was awarded the 2009 Nobel Prize for Literature.

70. Mrs Dalloway, by Virginia Woolf.

Published in 1925, this was Woolf's fourth novel.
Basically the novel is concerned with a day in June in London, involving two main characters - Clarissa Dalloway the socialite,and Septimus Smith the traumatized war veteran.
Rather than a simple story, much of the novel consists of the thoughts and memories of the characters, this 'interior approach' marking this novel as a significant event in the history of the novel.
A reasonable read as well, and ranked as 48 in Burt's The Novel 100.

71. Join Me, by Danny Wallace.

Very funny true story of how Danny Wallace accidentally started a cult/collective and then had to work out something for the joinees to do.
His Yes Man is also a very funny read.

72. The Golden Day, by Ursula Dubosarky.

Short listed for Children's Book Council Award for older readers, a short (149 pages) and interesting story set in Sydney in 1967.
A class of eleven school girls and their teacher go on a visit to a local garden when the plot suddenly thickens.
Well written story that keeps the reader's interest from the first page.

73. The Songlines, by Bruce Chatwin.

Had this book on the shelf for many years, should not have taken so long as this is a great read.
Chatwin travels to central Australia finding out about 'songlines', invisible pathways enabling the aboriginal people to navigate their way around Australia and also back in time.
Chatwin also includes his notes pointing to our nomadic origins, very interesting reading !

74. Fromelles, by Carole Wilkinson.

This is an informative account of the First World War battle involving the deaths of thousands of Australian soldiers.
I have little interest in war accounts but it is good to know more about it.
Designed for older students, shortlisted for CBCA

75. The Golden Door, by Emily Rodda.

The people of Weld are under attack from monsters called skimmers, and when those who went beyond the Wall to destroy them don't come back, the younger Rye realises he must make the journey.
Plenty of monsters, magic, villians, and twists make this an enjoyable read for upper primary readers and older.
First in the Three Doors trilogy, shortlisted for the CBCA.

76. The Truth About Verity Sparks, by Susan Green.

Susan Green has written a very good, engaging story about a poor, foundling girl in late 1800's London.
Verity has an unusual ability to find lost things, and this talent leads her on many adventures.
A mysterious story where the reader is unsure what will happen next, younger readers (and older) will enjoy this novel.

77. Reamde, by Neal Stephenson.

An average sized Stephenson novel at 1044 pages, it takes a couple of hundred pages to set the scene and then all hell breaks lose in this realistic thriller with online gaming, hacking, and terrorism featuring.
Though sizable it is very readable, Stephenson sacrificing some of his usual complex writing style to produce a page-turner.

78. Lamplighter, by D.M. Cornish.

Second in the fantasy Monster Blood Tattoo series, continuing the adventures of Rossamund Bookchild.
Here he is training as a prentice-lighter and as in the first book Foundling he finds intrigue and trouble regularly.
A large part of the charm of these books is the detail ; Cornish has obviously put considerable time into the background and planning of his Monster realm, hence the 116 page Explicarium - a glossary and appendices.
Very enjoyable read ; will be reading the third book in the series Factotum soon.

79. Crow Country, by Kate Constable.

An interesting story, set in recent rural Australia. Sadie and her mother move back to the town her mum grew up in, and Sadie experiences time slips back to the 1930's, where a murder is committed and covered up.
The local crows are also pivotal in this intriguing story principally about racial prejudice then and now.
Recommended.

80. A Straight Line to My Heart, by Bill Condon.

YA novel, Tiffany has just finished school, lives in small country town, eccentric family, doesn't get boys,.... An ok story with meaning and humor. Opening sentence
"There's nothing quite as good as folding up into a book and shutting the world outside."

81. The Dead I Know, by Scot Gardner.

Some of my Short listed CBCA reads have been hohum but not this one ! For older readers this is an absorbing and at times gripping story about a young man coming to grips with death, life, trauma, kindness, and much more.
Will be reading Gardner's other novels.

82. The Long Earth, by Terry Pratchett &Stephen Baxter.

The first collaboration of these two authors has produced a fine science fiction novel. I haven't read any of Stephen Baxter's works but Pratchett's influence is obvious and rewarding, with profound concepts being the subject of both amazement and satire, notably the use of the humble potato to power a device that enables the user to 'step' to an alternative Earth.
Can't say this novel wowed me like I wanted it too but still the arresting concept of endless earths and the possible consequences of easy access to them by most people is an intriguing concept.
Pratchett fans will have this novel on their must read list, for others this novel is worth a try.

83. The Spook's Apprentice, by Joseph Delaney.

This is quite a good fantasy novel for children. Thomas Ward is the seventh son of a seventh son so is apprenticed to the local Spook, whose role is to protect people from the harmful supernatural beings such as witches, ghosts, and boggarts.
Easy read, maybe a little scary for young readers, well written, and first of many in the series. The next book in this series is The Spook's Curse and I'm happy to read it.

I have the whole Delaney Spook's Apprentice series... they were all free for the kindle last summer and I got them all. I've read the first two or three and they are very good and a bit scary as well.

Thanks clif_hiker I see there are many in the series, I'll read the next one and see. I did like the character Alice so hopefully she continues.

84. The Prague Cemetery, by Umberto Eco.

Eco's novels are challenging reads (for me anyway) and this one is certainly a challenge.
Set in Paris 1897, Simonini (the one fictitious character in the novel) is motivated by his hatred of the Jews to produce the book 'Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a hoax that claims the Jewish people are scheming to take over the world.
This novel also includes Freemasons, devil worship, conspiracy theories, secret police, and more.
Rich in characters, ideas, and events, I didn't find this novel a page turner but as in Focault's Pendulum, one must admire the depth of knowledge/research that is apparent here.

85. Wonder, by R.J. Palacio.

Enjoyed this novel about August Pullman, who is born with a 'terrible facial abnormality' and has been homeschooled.
But his parents think it is time for him to begin 5th Grade at a regular school, so with much trepidation by him and his family he begins school.
Frank and moving story, good read for parents, older kids, just about everyone !

86. The Dumas Club, by Arturo Perez-Revete.

Not sure how to describe this novel, here is the back tract,
'In the world of rare books everything has its price. But when the book is a satanic tract, the currency is not money but life.'
An interesting thriller based on the works of Alexandre Dumas, particularly The Three Musketeers, which I haven't read, Dumas fans would get more from this work, but I still found it interesting.
Filmed as 'The Ninth Gate'.

87. All That I Am, by Anna Funder.

Winner of the 2012 Miles Franklin Award, and a powerful read.
This is an account of those socialist Germans who worked against Hitler's rule in the 1930's, their escape to England, and their attempts to warn the British about German plans.
Told from two characters' perspectives (and I did get mixed up at times), this is a gripping account of courage and principle against an insidious darkness.
Recommended.

Oh, I've seen "The Ninth Gate", and I do like the Perez-Reverte novels I've read. (Must admit, the best thing about the movie was the rare book porn.) Will keep my eye open for that one...

I loved All That I Am, I hope you did too! I went to see her at a SWF event the other night (yeah, it's not the festival any more, but they still do events when they have a visiting author), and it was good, she had a cheerful natter with Anne Summers.

Was it you who loved The Street Sweeper? I can't see it in this thread, but I did think it was you. Sigh, faulty memory. (At any rate, I'm halfway through, and it's a contender for best book for me this year, and WHY DID IT NOT GET A BOOKER NOMINATION??)

I like the sound of No 85. I'll just head over to add that to the wishlist. I still haven' read All That I Am, but I will, I promise I will. And wookie, I was one of those who read and raved about The Street Sweeper, and like you I wondered where all it's nominations were.

wookiebender I haven't read The Street Sweeper but if judylou and you recommend it, straight on the wish list !

88. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making, by Catherynne M. Valente.

Enjoyed this creative, imaginative, whimsical fantasy.
September is a bored 12 year old who is willfully spirited away to Fairyland, encountering many fascinating characters and of course weird adventures.

I do enjoy this type of imaginative, almost bizarre fiction, similar books are
The 13 1/2 Lives of Captain Bluebear, by Walter Moers
Adventures of a Cat-Whiskered Girl, by Daniel Pinkwater
The Order of Odd-Fish, by James Kennedy

Does anyone know of similar type fiction I might not be aware of ?

89. The Spiderwick Chronicles, by Holly Black & Tony DiTerlizzi.

Initially published as 5 separate books, beginning with The Field Guide, this book combines the five books into one volume, and given that each book was 100 pages or less, this works well.
Fantasy for the young, illustrations by DiTerlizzi certainly add to the experience.
Three children and their mother move to an old house. The kids find an old book which opens up a new world of fantastic beings, adventure, and danger.
Good introduction to fantasy for children, might be frightening for the very young.

90. Ancient Light, by John Banville.

Great novel by a brilliant writer !
An elderly actor remembers his teen years and unsettling first sexual experiences, whilst dealing with a family tragedy, and being cast in a film.
Banville is just a great writer who finds poignancy anywhere and everywhere, loved this novel !

Ah, Judy, thanks for clarifying my appalling memory. :) Bryan, yes, add it to the wishlist!

Can't help on the YA fantasy titles, I know none of them (although I have heard of the Valente, and I'm keeping half an eye out for it).

ETA: Ahah, Bryan, it was you who recommended Autumn Laing, which I will be reading for bookgroup in October. And it was Judy who recommended The Street Sweeper, which I read for bookgroup this month. I think that's how I got muddled: same bookgroup, same "I'll read it in a few months!".

wookiebender I have reserved The Street Sweeper at my library, thanks for that !
Hope you enjoy Autumn Laing I have found readers either loved it (me !), or couldn't get into it, we'll see !?

91. Factotum, by D.M. Cornish.

Third and most recent in Cornish's Monster Blood Tattoo series of fantasy novels for younger readers.
Rossamund is firmly back with the monster hunter Europe and they undergo various travails as he learns more about his origins.
The intricate details of this well-thought out world and it's characters make this series of book quite engaging.

Cornish writes on his website that the next book will be about some other aspect of this fascinating world, will be reading it !

92. Jane Eyre, by Charlotte Bronte.

I must be one of the few who had never read this classic, but Daniel S. Burt ranks it as the 52nd best novel so read it I have.
Published in 1847, this story of a strong, principled woman who struggles but eventually finds a happy, fulfilled life is a very good story, no wonder it has been popular for the past 160 years !

Hurrah, I love Jane Eyre!

93. Railsea, by China Mieville.

China Mieville's newest novel for young adults and older, and what an imaginative feast it is !
Mieville's experimental nature means he writes in different genres, and in Railsea he takes up the classic Moby Dick and reinvents it in fantasy mode.
Sham Soorap is a trainee doctor aboard the moletrain Medes who experiences his first moldywarpe (giant mole) hunt. His captain is determined to kill the enormous ivory mole Mocker-Jack that took her arm many years ago.
Here are pirates, trains, bizarre beasts, angels, and much more in this weird but compelling high adventure on the Railsea.

Do you think you need to be familiar with Moby Dick to get the best out of it?

Not really clfisha, I think as long as you know that in Moby Dick Captain Ahab is driven to get revenge on the white whale that took his leg, at the expense of all else.
I wasn't a fan of Moby Dick, I thought it began brilliantly but got mired in endless details of whale anatomy and hunting, then ended abruptly.
Hope you enjoy Railsea clfisha, let me know how it goes !

94. Family Matters, by Rohinton Mistry.

Ok story of an Indian family dealing with an old and injured man who is looked after by various family members.
Much preferred his A Fine Balance.

95. At Home, by Bill Bryson.

Following his excellent A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson takes a close look at our private lives, centering on the rooms in our houses.
Informative, witty, entertaining ; a great read !

Am away on a 2 week 4wd trip to the Centre, not sure I'll get much reading done but I am taking some books, mainly for security ! Hope everyone is well and getting time to read !

Travel safely and good reading!

Thanks ronincats, didn't read one page in 10 days !
An exhausting trip with wonderful country and wildlife marred by an uncomfortable vehicle and a crap tour guide.
Making up for it now with rest and reading.

96. Acacia, by David Anthony Durham.

Published in 2007, Acacia: the War with the Mein is the first novel in a fantasy trilogy.
This is epic fantasy involving assassination, war, betrayal and revenge, and more.
Each chapter is written from the perspective of one of the characters giving it a somewhat 'Song of Ice and Fire' feel, and although it is not as epic as Martin's work, Acacia is certainly good enough to be enjoyed by fans of this genre.
Will be reading the rest of the series, next one is The Other Lands.

Been a while since I visited! I must get a copy of Railsea, and isn't it funny how you never get any reading done while on holidays...

Very true wookiebender, hope you enjoy Railsea, certainly another original work by Mieville.

New books to be published in next few months !!

Dodger by Terry Pratchett, in a few days.

The Twelve, by Justin Cronin, sequel to The Passage, due mid October.

The Labyrinth of Dreaming Books, by Walter Moers, due early November.

Some great reading is looming !!

Ack, no more new books, I can't keep up with the ones I've already bought!

wookiebender I can't keep up either but keep these great new books coming !!

97. The Sisters Brothers, by Patrick deWitt.

This fascinating novel is a western with a difference.
It concerns notorious killers the Sisters brothers Charlie and Eli and their attempts to find and kill a man their boss wants dead.
Eli is the narrator of this story and he begins to question their life of killing and drinking.
Humorous, off beat, dark, this is a gritty, compelling read, of course recommended.

Oh, I loved The Sisters Brothers, looking forward to your review! Popped into the bookshop tonight, needing some book therapy, and it was a horrible decision. Talulla Rising; a new Jake Arnott fantasy novel (can't remember title!); new Pat Barker; new Jeanette Winterson; new Ian McEwan; argh, too much choice!

I got out with just two: Moon Over Soho and Autumn Laing, both are near the top of the reading stack! I think you highly recommended Autumn Laing already? If not you, it was someone here!

I enjoyed The Sisters Brothers, an unusual and fascinating read, and it was me who raved about Autumn Laing, hope you also enjoy it.
I guess there are more new books being published coming up to Christmas, my visa looks like it will never be paid off !??

YAY! Can't wait for The Twelve!

I also liked The Sisters Brothers. An innovative story. And I have Autumn Laing downloaded and ready to go.

Went the bookshop to pick up Dodger by Terry Pratchett, in new was A Guide to the Beasts of Africa, by Nicholas Drayson, sequel to his excellent A Guide to the Birds of East Africa !

98. I Hunt Killers, by Barry Lyga.

Written for young adults but definitely a full-on and gripping read for adults as well.
The end-note says it better than I can ...
' Jazz is a likable teenager. A charmer, some might say.
But he is also the son of the world's most infamous serial killer, and for Dear Old Dad, "Take Your Son to Work Day" was year-round. Jazz has witnessed crime scenes the way cops wish they could - from the criminal's point of view.
And now, even though Dad has been in jail for years, bodies are piling up in the sleepy town of Lobo's Nod. Again.
In an effort to prove murder doesn't run in the family, Jazz joins the police in the hunt for this new serial killer. But Jazz has a secret - could he be more like his father than anyone knows ?'
A powerful, disturbing, page turner, not for the faint hearted but a rewarding read for those who can handle a dark, menacing story.

99. The Other Lands, by David Anthony Durham.

Acacia was the first in this fantasy series ( see my read number 96), The Other Lands is the sequel, and a worthy follow up as well.
I won't go into details as information on characters could be a spoiler for anyone wanting to read the first book, but this is epic fantasy with intrigue, twists, deaths, and war. An unsuspected but seemingly insurmountable threat emerges, and I am very keen to read the finale The Sacred Band.

Sounds like a good series. I have passed it on to my husband who has been looking for some new authors.

Cheers judylou, some more fantasy I have enjoyed that your husband might not have heard of :
The Darkness That Comes Before, by R. Scott Bakker, 5 books in the series so far.

The Warded Man, by Peter Brett, 2 in series so far.

Perdido Street Station, by China Mieville.
And slightly darker,

The Terror, by Dan Simmons.

And of course A Game of Thrones, by George R. R. Martin if he hasn't read the greatest fantasy series ever yet !!

Just remembered The Name of the Wind, by Patrick Rothfuss !!

He has read The Name of the Wind and is pressing me to read them as well. I will, eventually. He likes a series so I will pass on the Bakker and the Brett books, and might I say, of course he has read the Martin books (even I am about to start Book 3 of that particular series!!!) but he didn't like Mieville at all.

Thanks so much for your suggestions.

Oh, I've got The Name of the Wind near the top of Mt TBR as well. Too many good books out there!

Have you seen this review of the sequel to The Name of the Wind, The Wise Man's Fear?

# 214 Cheers judylou, I've just remembered Margo Lanagan's Tender Morsels as an excellent and original fantasy novel to add to the list.

# 215 hope you enjoy it wookiebender, lots of people loved it, I thought it was good but not exceptional.

# 216 Thanks Ian, an interesting and not totally inaccurate review ! Have you read the sequel, what did you think ?

As fate would have it . . . I am 3/4 of the way through Tender Morsels} right now! It is a wonderfully disturbing story.

#217 I've avoided both books. I'm not a fan of fat fantasies, and Rothfuss's look like particularly egregious examples.

#218. judylou her recent Sea Hearts is just as wonderful and disturbing !

#219 Ian are there more modest fantasies that you approve of !?

100. The Street Sweeper, by Elliot Perlman.

Judylou and wookiebender recommended this novel and I am very grateful that they did, for The Street Sweeper is one of the best novels I have read in recent years !

The US civil rights movement, the Nazi holocaust, the fragile thread holding our lives from disaster, chance encounters that have dramatic effect, heroic sacrifices, appalling cruelty and amazing kindness ; this is a sweeping, moving account of our history and humanity, beautifully told by Elliot Perlman, who Lire (France) describes as "One of the 50 most important writers in the world", and they may well be right.

I'm pleased that you like this wonderful, wonderful book.

#219 Certainly :-)

Isles of the Forsaken and Ison of the Isles by Carolyn Ives Gilman. Lens of the World, King of the Dead and Winter of the Wolf by RA MacAvoy. The Lost Steerswoman by Rosemary Kirstein. A Princess of Roumania, The tourmaline, The White Tyger and The Hidden world by Paul Park. The Dragon Griaule by Lucius Shepard. The Year of Our War by Steph Swainston. Colours in the Steel by KJ Parker. (I'd actually like to read more of those last two.) Lord of Stone by Keith Brooke. The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass by Philip Pullman. The Chosen and The Standing Dead by Ricardo Pinto...

Oh, and I forgot to mention M John Harrison's Viriconium books. And The Grail of Hearts by Susan Shwartz. And the Earthsea books, too, of course...

#216, I love reading that review! He/she is so right! I read the book, loved it (I love both), but the review is true. :D

#223 Thanks Ian, I have read KJ Parker's Devices and Desires years ago and enjoyed it, of course Pullman's trilogy is high on my best ever list. The rest I haven't encountered but will find and read, thanks !

#225 divinenanny I know what you mean, isn't it amazing how we can love a book and yet agree with a bad review of it ! Ah, this weird but wonderful world of reading !

Time for a new thread I guess ! Thanks to anyone who has dropped in and read, commented, suggested, and supported !