fuzzi's 2014: Weeding Out Those Tenacious ROOTs!

I'm in!

Hello! Nice to see you!

Good to see you here, Fuzzi.

Welcome and good luck! :)

2014 ROOT To Read List
At least it's something to start with...

At the Edge of Space: Brothers of Earth / Hunter of Worlds by C. J. Cherryh
Brothers of Earth - Read and reviewed
Hunter of Worlds - Not yet read

The Autobiography of Foudini M.Cat by Susan Fromberg Schaeffer

Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini - Read and reviewed

A Dog About Town by J.F. Englert

A Dog of Flanders by Ouida

Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman by Gladys Aylward - Read and reviewed

The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean - Read and reviewed

The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans - Read and reviewed

How to Find God's Will: ...in 3 simple steps by Josh Wood

In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham

Jesus in Beijing by David Aikman

Joy in the Morning by Betty Smith

Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson - Read and reviewed

Persuasion by Jane Austen

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy - Read and reviewed

When Christ and His Saints Slept: A Novel by Sharon Kay Penman

Updated November 16th

Nice list, Fuzzi.

Thank you, Connie.

Of course, it is subject to change at any time, depending on my whim...

Now that looks like a fun list.

Hi fuzzi. Good luck with your challenge.

Thank you, rainpebble!

Good luck with the challenge, fuzzi! Nice list.

Thanks tymfos!

Great list! I really loved Persuasion when I first read it years ago...it may be time for a re-read!

Glad you're back!

It's almost the end of the month, and I've not read one ROOT book.

This trend will have to cease...

But you've done some fine reading in the 75 challenge! All reading is good. Anyway, what about that Foudini M. Cat book? It looks like a good, shorter book. :)

I vaguely remember Joy in the Morning with warm fuzzy feelings. You've got some good sounding reading on your list.

Go, go, go! You can find a ROOT, Fuzzi! Go, go, go.!!

I found one, and am reading The Scarlet Pimpernel!

Thanks Merryann. I do want to read BOTH of those books, but neither appeals to me right now...

All I know about The Scarlet Pimpernel I learned from Daffy Duck. I look forward to a more mature opinion of this classic! Happy reading!

Oooh, now I want to go watch the Scarlet Pimpernel movie version with Ian McKellen as Chauvelin. I found it quite a fun read as well (though sometimes perhaps a bit overwrought). Looking forward to hearing what you think of it!

Sadly my only brush with The Scarlet Pimpernel was also Daffy Duck's The Scarlet Pumpernickel.

>20 Merryann:, 22 What, not even that gorgeous Leslie Howard movie?

I recall seeing part of the Leslie Howard movie, and seeing the Daffy Duck version, but can't remember details.

At this time, I am really enjoying the book, however. :)

The Scarlet Pumpernickel with Daffy Duck (sorry, no video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GcXwgaBFDGg
(1935 version with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU2RLwEsxT4&list=PLCB415D861BCEAB6A
(1982 version)

Enjoy!

I love that you have both the Scarlet Pimpernel and Captain Blood on your list! I read Captain Blood some time back and enjoyed it tremendously. I can recommend Lady Molly of the Scottland Yard by Baroness Orczy, too.

There's a Daffy Duck version of The Scarlet Pimpernel? And Ian McKellen played Chauvelin in another version? Very good to know!!

kittytm, I'm working on reading all the classics I've never read. I got a bunch done last year, and am continuing to read them in 2014.

I loved Errol Flynn's movie version of "Captain Blood" as a youth, but have not seen it in years. :)

rabbitprincess, I didn't know about the 1982 movie until a few posts ago...

I plan on reading The Scarlet Pimpernel sometime this year, too! I look forward to reading your thoughts on it.

I have seen the 1982 movie (with Anthony Andrews and an unbelievably gorgeous Jane Seymour), and I'm a big fan of the original Broadway musical (which came out in 1997, I think), starring Douglas Sills, Christine Andreas and Terrence Mann (swoon!)

I enjoyed Errol Flynn movies when I was growing up and "Captain Blood" was one of my favourites but I really love "The Scarlet Pimpernel". I have seen a few versions but don't remember seeing the Daffy Duck version. I must confess that I never read the book. I must do that sometime. The other Baroness Orczy book sounds interesting as well.

I am getting more and more interested in this book! I'm glad you're enjoying it. :)

Done!

Review to follow...

And it was a quick read, too! I shall read the review when you post it.

The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy

This was one of "the classics" that I chose to read in 2014. And I am glad that I did.

The Scarlet Pimpernel has history, action, romance, devotion, evil, and suspense all stirred together in a light-hearted romp through England and France during the time of the French Revolution.

Can the famous Pimpernel be warned in time of his betrayal by one close to him? Or will the dastardly representative of the bloodthirsty French Republican government, Chauvelin, triumph, and bring his quarry to meet Madame Guillotine? Keep reading to find out...

That's one cliffhanger, persuasive review. Okay, it's going on the 'to be reads'. Please don't ever decide to sell me life insurance or a time share vacation.

LOLOL, Merryann. I can only "sell" that which I believe in. ;)

Whew! :)

Well done. Fuzz!

Thanks, connie53. One down...

And one month later, I now have read three more ROOTs:

The Chosen by Chaim Potok
This was one of my mother's favorite books, but despite recommendations from her and others, I never read it...until this week. What a shame.

The story is of two Jewish teens during World War II: one is Hasidic, the other is of a more liberal sect, and yet, they find common ground and become friends.

This was a fascinating read, both due to the author's knowledge and understanding about the Jewish faith and his ability to submerge the reader into the culture of the time. You feel for Danny, raised by a rabbi father who does not speak to him except when debating Talmud, destined to follow in his father's position despite interest in a more secular occupation. The story is told from the perspective of Danny's friend, Reuven, whose father is also a Jewish scholar, but an antithesis of all that is Hasidic.

I lost a lot of sleep this past week, not wanting to put a marker in my place in order to get some sleep. Highly recommended...and don't wait thirty years to read it, as I did!

*****
The Promise by Chaim Potok
This book continues the story of two friends, Danny the Hasidic and Reuven the Orthodox Jew, who we first met in The Chosen.

Reuven is studying to become a rabbi, but struggling with open hostility from his teachers who oppose modern methods of explaining difficult passages in the Talmud. Without their approval, he cannot become a rabbi, yet he will not be dishonest about his beliefs in order to achieve his goals.

Danny is a psychology student at Columbia University. Part of his studies include working with emotionally and mentally disturbed children. When the son of Reuven's mentor and friend requires evaluation, Danny finds himself doubting his knowledge and abilities.

Excellent novel about people and their relationships, especially when complicated by polar opposite beliefs in religion.

*****
Brothers of Earth (by CJ Cherryh) takes us into unknown space, with a human stranded on a planet of beings on the verge of war.

As I read, I found myself thinking, "This is like a SciFi/Fantasy version of Shogun"!

Ms. Cherryh, please consider that comment as a compliment.

Next up, another Chaim Potok book, My Name is Asher Lev.

Wow, Fuz, in a short month you have read more ROOTs then in the longer month of Januari! Very good job.

Thanks, Connie. I really liked The Chosen, so reading The Promise was natural to follow.

I'm so glad you reviewed these books. I have The Promise on a shelf and was sort of feeling 'blah' about giving it a try. May have even parted with it without reading. Now I'm quite enthused!

Great, Merryann! Did you read The Chosen? It's the first book, The Promise is the second.

Third Chaim Potok book has been read, and it's my first 5 star of 2014!

It's also my fifth ROOT read.

My Name is Asher Lev by Chaim Potok

Superb.

The author has drawn a detailed and convincing portrait of a gifted child, driven to draw, paint, and express himself through art, to the bewilderment and anger of his parents. This is not a simple story, but deep, reflective, and full of inner turmoils of a young man who cannot hold back his flood of creativity, even though it may shatter the world of his family, his heritage, and his faith.

6th ROOT read, Amy and Laura.

Way to go! Keep rooting those ROOTs!

Thank you!

I've been rooting in spurts this year...

Good stuff, Fuzzi! I love Chaim Potok's books.

shinyone, I borrowed The Gift of Asher Lev from the library... :)

>49 fuzzi: I've been rooting in spurts this year...

How appropriate -- that's kind of how I am with doing weeding in the garden!

But don't the weeds accumulate faster than books?

Oh, wait...nevermind... ;)

Working on #7, Captain Blood!

And Captain Blood has been ROOT'd out!

Captain Blood by Rafael Sabatini

This week my intent was to read Captain Blood, considered a classic, and a book that's been sitting on my shelves/e-reader for far too long.

I enjoyed Captain Blood, partly for the story, and partly for the verbal fencing. I loved how the title character was able to handle those who were under the impression that they were "somebody". Even the uncle of the love interest, Arabella, can't match wits or swords with Peter Blood.

The arrogance of the aristocracy of the time period is well portrayed, and the passages describing the battle tactics and life on the ship were interesting. None of the descriptions were distracting from the plot, which sailed right along. I was surprised to discover that this book was over 300 pages...it read much like a substantially shorter story.

Recommended.

Good job, Fuz!!

Thanks Connie! I'm working on #8, Kidnapped...

Finally catching up on fellow ROOTers.

Love your reviews!
So glad you liked both Scarlet Pimpernel, and Captain Blood. I totally agree with you about the verbal fencing.
I believe my mother read Chaim Potok, too. His is a name I recognize and your review of The Chosen makes me think I will add it to my infamous to read list.
One of the things I use LibraryThing for is keeping track of my -to-read list. Much better than the notebooks I used to shlep around with me. (I generally didn't add any annotation, and I sometimes forgot why the book was on my list!

kittytm, I love sorting and organizing (cataloging!) my books...when I joined LT I did not expect to have SO many good recommendations!

Kidnapped is done, on to #9...but what will it be?

Note: with one week to do in the first quarter, I have read 8 ROOT books, but since my goal for the year is 40, I'm actually 2 books behind on where I should be by 3/31/14.

Time to get cracking...

Congrats on your 9th ROOT!

Thank you, MissWatson!

Time to get cracking...

You can do it!!!! :)

Hey! This is great...a ReadaThing Challenge

Drop Everything and Read Day ReadaThing (April 6-12)

I've signed up here: http://www.librarything.com/topic/171418#4593409

I was thinking that this would be a great opportunity to knock out a couple more ROOT books.

Care to join me?

Read #9!

Hurray! :D

:D

I like readathings, but I think I skip this one. It's not a real good time for me to read a lot.

>45 fuzzi:, Sorry to be so long in answering, fuzzi. I haven't read The Chosen yet, but it's added to the TBR now. I'm assuming I need to read it before The Promise?

Congratulations on all your reading! I'll be joining you in the readathing...gotta get over there and choose my days and times.

>70 Merryann: I would recommend you read The Chosen before The Promise: the basis for the friendship is in the first book.

See you at the ReadaThing. :)

Thanks for mentioning ReadaThing! I forgot I need to go pick my days/times. Better do that right now...

Started reading Port Eternity this morning, on the bus...

#10 Port Eternity by CJ Cherryh

This is a short novel about what happens when a ship gets lost in between galaxies, in a 'no man's land', and is unable to escape. The characterizations of the engineered servants and the "born" owners is interesting, and develops as the story progresses. I found myself sucked in and wondering how it was all going to turn out. I dropped it 1/2 a star for a less than satisfying ending, not typical of this author. Recommended.

#11 Wild Horse by Glenn Balch

I have to start this review by saying I really enjoy books by Glenn Balch. His "horse/dog" books are not geared down to children, but can be read at either a juvenile or adult level.

I've read a couple books in this series but never book number 1, Wild Horse (aka The Stallion King). From the early pages of the story, I can see where the author set the stage for several books to follow. We meet Ben and Dixie, Steve and their parents who own the Tack Ranch. In this book we also are introduced to the horse trainer, "Gaucho" from South America.

The story, about a young man (Ben is about 13) and his younger sister, Dixie (love her independent spirit!) who monitor a wild horse herd several miles away from their ranch, in the wilds of Idaho. A new stallion has taken over, a huge black horse with obvious good breeding. They name him "King", and are cheered by the idea of his progeny helping to improve the "broomtails/scrubs" breeding of the area.

But when men arrive with intent to either capture or kill King, Ben and Dixie try to come up with a plan to save him.

Good story, nice characters, not sweet but real. Recommended.

#12 Swamp Cat by Jim Kjelgaard

Andy Gates lives on his own land, deep in the swamps. While he manages to make enough money trapping and doing odd jobs, he plans a way to make the swamp pay better. His main obstacle is Luke, a man who can't let go of the feud between their families. Andy's main ally and friend is Frosty, an extraordinarily independent cat.

Good read, with lots of information about wildlife.

This one has been on my iPad for two years, yippee!

I just finished a very old ROOT also. It sure does feel good to read one that's been waiting so long, doesn't it, especially when it's a good book!

Oops! I read one ROOT in May, and forgot to add it!

#13 Lost Horse by Glenn Balch

Horse-runner Tom Sample shows up at the Tack Ranch one day, with a smirk on his face and a stranger in tow, Andy Blair. Andy's thoroughbred colt was stolen several years back, and he's never given up hope that he'd be found one day. Tom suggests that the wild horse, King, is Andy's long-lost colt, and offers to catch the wild stallion...for a fee, of course.

Ben and Dixie try to come up with a plan to keep King free and wild. Barring that, they intend to do anything to protect the wild herds from injury or worse, as Tom and his gang strive to capture King, no matter what it takes...including killing wild horses...

#14 Billy Sunday: Evangelist of the Sawdust Trail by Rachael M. Phillips

I've heard much about Billy Sunday, the Christian evangelist from the early 1900s, but I discovered much more while reading this book, Billy Sunday: Evangelist of the Sawdust Trail.

One thing I really liked was that the author did not whitewash Mr. Sunday, making him into some holy prophet. Billy Sunday was a child from a broken home, and was always getting into trouble. For several years he and his brother lived in an orphanage, as his widowed mother was unable to provide for them. As an adult he played professional baseball, at the time that the leagues were getting started.

A chance encounter with a missionary led him to become a born-again Christian. Eventually, his faith would take him to become an evangelist, holding huge meetings in which thousands of people attending would come forward to repent and become Christians.

But not all went well for Billy: his children went astray despite their parents' faith, and he struggled with doing what was right versus wanting to help them out of their troubles.

Not a preachy book, but an interesting one. It made the legendary figure much more human. I plan to reread it at a later date.

FYI: this one has been on my shelves for over TEN years...!

Then it's a ROOT by all means!

>80 connie53: yes, it is!

And now, ROOT #15...

The Horse Whisperer by Nicholas Evans

I really enjoyed this book, about how people handle pain and loss, and survive. It grabbed me from the first ten or so pages, and I found it difficult to put down. My only complaint is that the author found it necessary to insert somewhat graphic descriptions of sex in several situations. Aside from that, it is recommended.

Oh, I've skipped posting my ROOTs as I have read them...oh well.

Here they are (reviews can be accessed by clicking on the title or going here: http://www.librarything.com/profile_reviews.php?view=fuzzi):

#16 Gladys Aylward: The Little Woman (autobiography)

#17 Rescue Dog of the High Pass by Jim Kjelgaard

#18 Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card

#19 QB VII by Leon Uris

#20 The River by Gary Paulsen

#21 His Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

---

ROOT #22: Jim Elliot: Missionary to Ecuador (not rated, not completed)

I gave this book 62 pages of reading, and I'm still not very interested in this young man and his situation. It's a shame, because I thoroughly enjoyed another book in this series about Billy Sunday, see post 79, above.

It will be donated to our church's library. Perhaps someone else might enjoy it.

Next ROOT is one I just started reading, and enjoying, Those Who Love by Irving Stone. It was one of my mother's favorite books. She died 20 years ago, and her copy has been on my shelves since then, unread.

What a great physical memory of your mother, a book! I hope you enjoy it.

>83 Tess_W: I am loving it, thank you. :)

#23 Those Who Love by Irving Stone

Superb.

The author notes that it took 4 1/2 years of research and writing to complete this biography of John and Abigail Adams, and it shows. But this story is never dry, stuffy, or boring. The Adams are real, fleshed-out, living and breathing people. Their love story is beautiful, enviable, not sappy, nor overly sweet.

If you want to read about true courage, determination, and drive...if you want to see true friendship, love, and lifelong commitment, find a copy of Those Who Love and a place to hide, until you're done reading. You won't want to put it down...I didn't!

#24 The Guns of Navarone by Alistair MacLean

I have enjoyed watching the movie The Guns of Navarone on numerous occasions, but never read the original book, not until now.

And as much as I like the movie, I equally like the book, which is different from the film in many areas.

The author drew me into the story, immersed me deep within the players, and kept me turning page after page, even though technically I already knew the ending. I got lost, for a time, on a small island, some 70 years ago.

I am definitely going to try other books by this author.

I'm glad to see Alistair MacLean still holds up. He was a favorite of mine growing up, but it's been years since I've read him. If you are looking to double up again, you should read Force 10 From Navarone and then watch that movie too:)

>87 tottman: thanks! I've actually seen the movie based on Force Ten From Navarone, and thought it was one sequel that compared favorably with its predecessor.

#25 Wolf Brother by Jim Kjelgaard

This is the story of a young Apache, raised in the east, but driven to return to the West, to his people and their ways. I thought that the author did a good job portraying both sides of the Apache vs. US Army conflicts.

This is definitely worth a reread.

#26 The Enforcer by Jack Burbridge

Jack has a violent temper and a desire to "go his own way", and has been like that since he was a child.

As an adult "Happy Jack" becomes an "Enforcer", a thug who collects protection money for an organized crime syndicate. He takes pleasure in hurting people, stealing, and generally breaking every law on the books.

But then one day Jack meets a cop with a difference, and this Enforcer's life will never be the same.

I appreciated this story of the bad guy who has it all, yet one day realizes that he needs something more than life can give him...and turns from crime to God. The story wasn't contrived, but came across as honest and sincere.

#27 Stolen Pony by Glen Rounds

Last night I read this book. It is a simple story that lovers of horses, dogs, cowboys, and the like, should also enjoy. It is about a pretty pony that is stolen by horse thieves, but abandoned once it is discovered that the pony is blind. Assisted by his friend, a dog, the pony tries to find his way home. Cute story, I liked it.

Woo! Thirteen ROOT books left to read, in four months...or 3.25 books per month, or approximately .8 books per week...I know I can do it!

Yes, you can!

Yes of course you can!!

Thank you, both.

One week later, no ROOT read, yet...

But you will . . . :)

>96 tymfos: I'm working on one, today. It sounds a little familiar, so I might have read part of it before...we'll see.

Two three more completed:

#28 Coyote Song by Jim Kjelgaard

#29 Fanny Crosby: the Hymn Writer by Bernard Ruffin

#30 Maggie By My Side by Beverly Butler

#31 A Nose for Trouble by Jim Kjelgaard

After a five year absence, Tom arrives back in his old mountain town, intent on just catching up, not staying long. After acquiring a horse, and being adopted by a half Bloodhound named Smokey, things get interesting...

Someone is decimating wildlife populations, and it's up to Tom and Smokey to "read the signs" in order to catch the perpetrators. Good, above average read by this author.

Two ROOTs culled from my library with no real interest in trying to read them again:

Dragonsbane (this just didn't interest me, maybe I've gotten too old to appreciate it?)

The Book of Horses (I tried reading this little book by a favorite author, but it was really aimed at pre-teen horse lovers, about what type of pony to get and how to ride it...it just didn't interest me)

Total books ROOT'd: 33

Almost there! Good job.

So close!

So close, yet not one ROOT read, to date, in October.

None have appealed to me...

Two ROOTs in October:

The Black Fawn by Jim Kjelgaard

Red Fox by Charles G. D. Roberts

To date: 35

Challenge: 40

Five to go!

Well on your way to that goal!

You're getting close!

>105 Tess_W: >106 tymfos: yes, I am, I just can't get slack at this point...

#36 Wyoming Summer by Mary O'Hara

The author of perennial favorite My Friend Flicka tells us of one summer at her Wyoming ranch.

While the author relates events during this particular summer, it is not formatted as a daily journal. Amongst the routine of ranch life she interjects passages of her thoughts and dreams, of memories from times past, of childhood illnesses and visits to foreign places. Through it all, we read of her passion for music, her drive to create compositions worthy of publication. And we meet and grow fond of those in her life: the boys who spend time at the ranch for riding camp, the indigent men who are willing to labor until their need for liquor is too strong to resist, her military husband who has a soft spot for nature's beauty, and the non-human characters who live, and sometimes die, in the wilds of the American West.

I really liked this book, but need to meditate upon it some more before I read anything else.

Go, Lor, Go!

I'm not sure I've read Wyoming Summer . I've always though it would be interesting to read her memoir about the inspiration for her Flicka books.

It was. As I read, I saw references that she would later use in her Flicka books. These memoirs were written before the novels many of us love.

#37 A Family of Foxes by Eilis Dillon

This is a charming story about a group of boys whose home is a small island off the coast of Ireland. The local population is fixated on superstition and myths, with an especial hatred and animosity aimed at foxes, mainly for the supposed magical powers the animals wield.

When the four young friends come across a pair of silver-furred foxes in the surf, survivors of an accident at sea, they plan to keep the foxes as long as they can, without breathing a word to anyone else. But how can they house, feed, and water the animals? And how long can they keep the foxes' existence a secret from those who would kill them?

An enjoyable book, with enough detail about the island and its inhabitants to make it sound authentic. Recommended for all ages.

#38 completed. :)

#39 in the works, currently reading The Bronze Bow.

I love The Bronze Bow!

>114 Tess_W: I am enjoying it, thanks!

#39 The Bronze Bow has been completed:

I wasn't sure I was going to like this book, even though it had been recommended. It is the story of Daniel, a youth in Israel during the Roman occupation, and as it progressed, I found myself enjoying how the characters were developed. I also had vivid pictures in my mind of the people, the settings, as if I were watching a movie. Well done!

If you've read Ben Hur, it is similar in some ways, but not as if the author borrowed from Lew Wallace's classic tale. Good read.

I DID IT!

#40 The Island by Gary Paulsen

The Island is a tale of discovery, of a young teen spending his days on a small island, observing and meditating upon what he sees, and how it makes him feel. Wil writes and paints, while his family and the locals try to figure out what is "wrong" with him. An interesting and thoughtful read.

Woo hoo! Congratulations!

Way to go!!

Thanks!!!

Congratulations!

Yeah! Congrats on reaching your goal!!

Thank you, both!

A very happy Christmas and a good New Year.

Same to you, connie53!

Congrats on reaching your goal! Hope your Christmas was happy, and your New Year will be the best yet!

>126 tymfos: thank you for your congratulations and kind comments. I've had a lot of time "off" and at home, so it's been really nice. :)

Congrats on reaching your goal!

You made your goal! Great job! Happy New Year. :)

::dancing::