SuziQoregon's 2014 Reading and occasional other nonsense (part 3)

Hi! Thanks for stopping by - enjoy the view of Multnomah Falls, grab a book and stay a while

This photo is timely because a few days after I took this back in January that bridge partway up the falls was damaged by a falling boulder and just reopened this week.

This is my first year with the 75 Books group and I'm having a blast so far.

I'm an avid reader and blogger (at Whimpulsive). I live in the suburbs of Portland, Oregon with The Hubster and two very spoiled cats.

I read a mix of audio, paper and ebooks. I tend to read mysteries and thrillers more than other genres. I also read a lot of graphic novels

I'm making an effort this year to make sure that in addition to the latest library books and purchases I'm also getting to the books on the bookshelves upstairs and books hidden in my ebook library.

I'm going to keep track to make sure that I'm routinely reading books from each of these categories.

• Review book (ARC or e-galley)
• Library book
• Book from my bookshelf
• Book from my ebook library
• Graphic Novel
• Section of a Chunkster

2014 Reading List

January
1. Bellman & Black by Diane Setterfield (e-galley)
2. Y: The Last Man Vol 7: Paper Dolls by Brian K. Vaughan (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. 1001 Nights of Snowfall by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)
4. The Gates by John Connolly (Library)
5. Shovel Ready by Adam Sternbergh (e-galley)
6. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs (Bookshelf, Review Book)
7. The Making of the African Queen: Or How I Went to Africa With Bogart, Bacall and Huston and Almost Lost My Mind by Katherine Hepburn (Library)
8. The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon by Alexander McCall Smith (Review Book, Audio)

February
1. Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan (Bookshelf)
2. Y: The Last Man Vol. 8: Kimono Dragons by Brian K. Vaughan (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. While Beauty Slept by Elizabeth Blackwell (Bookshelf, Review Book)
4. The Expats by Chris Pavone (Bookshelf)
5. Persuader by Lee Child (Bookshelf)

March
1. The Black Country by Alex Grecian (Bookshelf)
2. 100 bullets: Vol. 1: First Shot, Last Call by Brian Azzarello (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. The Serpent on the Crown by Elizabeth Peters (Audio)
4. Y: The Last Man, Vol. 9: Motherland by Brian K. Vaughan (Library, Graphic Novel)
5. Y: The Last Man, Vol. 10: Whys and Wherefores by Brian K. Vaughan (Library, Graphic Novel)
6. The Unwritten Vol. 8: Orpheus in the Underworld by Mike Carey (Library, Graphic Novel)
7. FBP: Federal Bureau of Physics Vol. 1: Paradigm Shift by Simon Oliver (Library, Graphic Novel)
8. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (ebook library, Chunkster
9. The Tomb of the Golden Bird by Elizabeth Peters (Audio)
10. Jack of Fables Vol. 1: The (Nearly) Great Escape by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)

April
1. A Circle of Wives by Alice LaPlante (Review book)
2. Hawkeye Vol. 2: Little Hits by Matt Fraction (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. Sweet Tooth Vol. 1: Out of the Woods by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
4. Pride of Baghdad by Brian K. Vaughan (Library, Graphic Novel)
5. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (Audio)
6. Cocaine Blues by Kerry Greenwood (Audio, Library)
7. The Accident by Chris Pavone (Review Book)

May
1. All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr (Review Book)
2. Fables Vol. 9: Sons of Empire by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. The Dark Horse by Craig Johnson (Library, Audio)
4. Empress of the Night by Eva Stachniak (Review Book)
5. No Place Like Oz by Danielle Paige (ebook)
6. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (Review book, ebook)
7. How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell (Library, Audio)
8. Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor (ebook)
9. Sweet Tooth Vol. 2: In Captivity by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
10. How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell (Library, Audio)

June
1. The Purity of Vengeance by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Review Book, ebook)
2. Sous Chef by Michael Gibney (Library)
3. Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson (Library, Audio)
4. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Library)
5. Jack of Fables Vol. 2:Jack of Hearts by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)

July
1. Sweet Tooth Vol. 3: Animal Armies by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
2. The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport (Review book)
3. Redshirts by John Scalzi (Audio)
4,Sweet Tooth Vol. 4: Endangered Species by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
5. Sweet Tooth Vol. 5: Unnatural Habitats by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
6. Identity by Ingrid Thoft (Review Book, ebook)
7. Fables Vol. 10: The Good Prince by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)
8. A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell (Audio)
9. The Unwritten Vol. 9: The Unwritten Fables by Mike Carey (Review Book, ebook)

August
1. The Fame Thief by Timothy Hallinan (Library)
2. Sweet Tooth Vol. 6: Wild Game by Jeff Lemire (Library, Graphic Novel)
3. One Kick by Chelsea Cain (Review Book, ebook)
4. Jack of Fables Vol. 3: The Bad Prince by Bill Willingham (Library. Graphic Novel)
5. The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (ebook)
6. How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny (audio)
7. The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz (Library)

September
1. How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell (Library, audio)
2. Fables Vol. 11: War and Pieces by Bill Willingham (Library, Graphic Novel)

Currently Reading







Currently Listening To

My Rating Scale

I realize that I've gotten a bit sloppy with assigning ratings over the past couple of years. This year I have resolved to make more thoughtful ratings. This has been my rating scale as posted on my blog since 2009 but I'm posting it here not only as information for others but as a reminder to myself to look at this carefully before assigning a rating to books I read.

- No stars – I couldn’t even finish it

- 1 star – I didn’t like it but I managed to finish it. I probably finished it out of some sort of misplaced sense of obligation due to having the book on a challenge list.

- 2 stars – It was OK. Not good, but seriously just OK. I probably kept reading hoping I would like it better or there was some plot point I had to know the answer to even though getting to that answer was maybe more work than pleasure.

- 3 stars - I liked it. I didn’t think it was great, but I thought it was good entertainment. Many of the series books I read are in this range – they’re enjoyable, but not great literature. These are books I might recommend, but only if I really know that your reading taste meshes with mine or if you already have an interest in the subject.

- 4 stars – I really liked it. I really think you might like it too. These are books I’d recommend but maybe with a caveat that ‘it’s not for everyone’. Many of these I pass along to The Hubster. I’m more comfortable recommending these books to a wide audience.

- 5 stars – It was amazing. I’d recommend this to just about anyone. These are the books that really made an impression and I’ll remember them for a long time. I’ve probably handed my copy to someone or said “you really should read this”.

2014 Challenges

The What's in a Name Challenge is a challenge I've participated in since the very first one 6 years ago. This year it's hosted by Charlie at The Worm Hole.

The challenge is to read a book whose title fits each of the categories during the year. These are the categories for 2014

The challenge runs from January to December. During this time you choose a book to read from each of the following categories (examples of books you could choose are in brackets):

A reference to time (Eleven Minutes, Before Ever After)
A position of royalty Empress of the Night
A number written in letters (The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms, A Tale Of Two Cities)
A forename or names (Rebecca, Eleanor & Park, The Unfinished Work Of Elizabeth D.)
A type or element of weather (Gone With The Wind, Red Earth Pouring Rain)
A school subject (The History Boys,Angelology, Mastering The Art Of Soviet Cooking)

Reading Bingo
I've decided to sort of unofficially participate in Reading Bingo this year. I'm not going to seek out any books but will just read what I want and see what happens.

I'll be using both cards but not limiting the second to YA books



Regular Bingo
More than 500 pages: Outlander
Forgotten Classic:
Book that became a movie: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Published this year: While Beauty Slept
Number in the title: 1001 Nights of Snowfall
Written by someone under 30:
Book with non-human characters: Pride of Baghdad
Funny Book:
Female Author: The Tomb of the Golden Bird
Book with a mystery: A Circle of Wives
One-Word Title: Fangirl
Book of short stories:
Set on a different continent: The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon
Non-Fiction:
First book by a favourite author:
Heard about online: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Best-selling book:
Based on a true story: Empress of the Night
Book at the bottom of TBR pile:
Book my friend loves:
Book that scares me:
More than 10 years old: Persuader
Second book in a series:
Blue cover: All the Light We Cannot See



Not Necessarily YA Bingo
Book with female heroine: Cocaine Blues
Book set in a high school:
Last of a trilogy:
Book with 'color' in the title:
First book in series: Just One Damned Thing After Another
Book set in the future: Shovel Ready
Book with a break-up:
Book without a love triangle:
Book that became a movie: How to Train Your Dragon
Book set in Paris:
Book set in the past: The Black Country
Book with magic:
Book set in summer:
Book with a dragon: How to Be A Pirate
Book that made you cry:
Graphic novel: Sweet Tooth Vol. 1: Out of the Deep Woods
Book based on a myth: Sea of Monsters
Classic YA:
Book with a Lion, Witch or Wardrobe:
Book with an incredible fight scene:
Book heard about online: Sous Chef
Book set in another world: No Place Like Oz
Book with epic love story:
Book with music:

Just saving this one last space for now in case I decide I need it.

Seriously my biggest trauma about starting a new thread is deciding which photo to use.

Juli, I don't know why you should worry about a photo. I love them very much. This one above is very impressive. Congratulations on your new thread and happy reading.

>8 Ameise1: LOL - I think it's because I know I'm going to have to live with it a while and I want it to be one I'll still like in a few weeks ;-)

:-)

Happy New thread, Juli! I got to see Multnomah Falls, a few years ago, for the first time and we hiked up there too. Gorgeous!

xoxo

>11 msf59: it is pretty - no matter what the season. Just a few weeks after I took that photo it was all frozen.

>12 richardderus: ;-)

No Place Like Oz by Danielle Paige



I recently purchased a copy of Danielle Paige's book Dorothy Must Die. Then I discovered that there was an ebook prequel novella available so I had to read it.

I not only enjoyed this novella all on its own merits but I'm not even more excited about reading Dorothy Must Die. Even though I hated the audio production of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz that I listened to a few weeks ago I was glad that I chose to re-experience L. Frank Baum's original story. This novella is definitely a follow up to the book and not the movie of The Wizard of Oz. There are characters and story from the original book that are referenced in this and while it’s probably not necessary to be familiar with Baum’s book it helps.

While Dorothy has been back from Oz two years, Time has passed differently in Oz so when she returns things have changed. By the end of this novella, Dorothy has changed quite a bit too. I am looking forward to continuing the story in Dorothy Must Die.

Congrats on your new thread and the very impressive photo topper.

I'm interested in Birdmen - let us know what you think of it!

Congrats on the new thread. Love, love, LOVE the photo topper. You chose well! Hope you ar planning all sorts of loveliness for the long weekend!

>15 Familyhistorian: Thank you

>16 drneutron: I'm not very far into Birdmen yet but I'll keep you updated.

>17 michigantrumpet: Thanks!! We have a nice mix of fun stuff, chores and relaxation time planned for the weekend.

The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin



What you need to know is that as soon as I finished this book I knew I’d be reading it again just so I could focus and highlight again all the small moments and phrases that spoke to my booklover’s heart.

This is just a lovely book. It’s got humor, sadness, joy and pain. It is utterly charming without being saccharine. I liked A.J despite his grumpiness. Amelia was just this side of too earnest at the beginning but I grew to love her. There is a hilarious scene early on when A.J. is telling her all his reason for not ordering various types of books.

Interspersed in between chapters are A.J’s notes about different books and stories and they are fun references to various classics and other books that often land on those “Books You Need to Read” lists.

As the book continued and some of the secondary characters became more important I found myself resenting the fact that I had to go to work instead of just sitting down and reading until I finished the book.

One of my favorite parts was when A.J and the Police Chief were discussing plans for a party”

“So it’s basically like a book party.”

“Yeah, sure.” Lambiase has never been to a book party.

“I hate book parties.” A.J. says.

“But you run the bookstore.” Lambaise says.

“It’s a problem.” A.J admits.

I fell in love with this book and it’s one I’ll be reading again. You should give it a try.

Hi Juli! I have The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry on my to borrow from the library list and I'm glad to see that it's a gooder. Perhaps I will have to bump it up a few notches. I didn't start reading a lot of mysteries or thrillers until I joined LT so will definitely have to check back on your thread to see other good book suggestion for that genre. :)

Hi Juli! Good review of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. I already have this on my WL. On the GN front, I highly recommend The Wrong Place and I just started American Widow, which is beautifully done but quite sad. I picked up Sex Criminals too, which I've been hearing good things about.

How is Comixology? I've heard some buzz about it.

Love your thread topper pic!

Great review of The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry. I won a copy of that one through Librarything's Early Reviewer program but sadly, it has never shown up. I will be checking out a copy from my local library because I really want to read that one and your review is the incentive I need to place a hold with my library and not wait for the ER book to arrive.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!

I love the topper! So gorgeous.

Happy new thread. Juli!

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

Hello there Juli! Great review on The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry I tried for that on the LT ER list but, alas, was not so lucky. You've inspired me to go,out in search of it!

Juli, is there any one talking about a Meet Up on June 21st? Isn't that what we were thinking.... I can't find the thread. I lost it. Help.

I'm still alive - it's just been an extra busy couple of weeks. Between being busy both at work and at home I really haevn't even been online much for the past couple of weeks. I'm beginning to work my way out of To Do List Hell and hope to be able to catch up here with reviews I've posted on the blog. I also want to carve out some time to catch up on thread reading and visiting folks.

As for reading - I'm nearing the end of Purity of Vengeance. I totally agree with others that this isn't the best of the Department Q books. It feels bloated and scattered and because of that I've been easily distracted from it. I'm down to less than 100 pages left so I'm ready to sprint to the end and move on to something new.

>20 jolerie: Yes you should bump up The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry it's just a lovely little book.

>21 msf59: Thanks Mark! I'll take a look at those GN recommendations. Always appreciate those. I did leave some info on Comixology on your thread before I disappeared before Memorial Day weekend. Hope you had a chance to check it out. I'll get to your threads in the next day or so to find out ;-)

>22 lkernagh: Thanks! I'm sorry to hear your ER copy didn't show up - it's definitely worth getting from the library.

>23 connie53: Thank you

>24 Ameise1: I always enjoy the little weekend treasures you leave - that one is just adorable.

>24 Ameise1: A.J. Fikry is absolutely worth seeking out!

>26 maggie1944: I see where you found the Portland Meetup thread. I'm not sure I'll be able to make it but I'll keep an eye on the planning and show up if I can.

Finished Purity of Vengeance last night. Haven't decided what to read next. I might go back to Birdmen which I set aside to focus on finishing the Department Q book. I might also pick up Sous Chef.

I've also got several graphic novels out from the library that are calling to me. Might be some time for a short attention span reading weekend.

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

>29 Ameise1: Oh Barbara that's just lovely!

So after all that talk yesterday of what I might pick up next I ended up starting The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes on my phone in the Starbucks line. Hardly got any reading time but once I finish the first story I'll pick up something else. This Sherlock is another series of short stories so it lends itself well to reading in between other things.

Juli, I've done nothing but lurk for the last few weeks so I thought I'd better start saying hi. I've read some good reviews of Sous Chef. It's on my wish list.

Lovely picture.

Hello there Juli. I got Sous Chef through the ER program and really liked it. My husband is reading it now and he also liked it. I'll be looking forward to hearing what you think.

Juli, I wish you a fantastic weekend.

Hi Juli!

Ah, Multnomah Falls. I do love that spot.

It's after 10pm and I must head to bed but wanted to swing by and say hello before I call it a night. I hope you have a great week!

Hello again after a much too long break from LT. It has continued to be a stretch of way too busy at work and at home.

We escaped this past weekend for a short but much needed getaway to Lake Tahoe. This was the view I woke up to both mornings.



Perfect for restoring my inner peace.

And now to attempt to catch up

>31 Oregonreader: I enjoyed Sous Chef. I watch a lot of cooking shows (Top Chef, etc.) and I got a lot of insight into the daily work life and background of the folks I see on these shows.

>32 michigantrumpet: I passed Sous Chef on to The Hubster and he's enjoying it too. In his business he deals with a lot of restaurants as customers so it's good insight for him too.

>33 Ameise1: Just lovely and peaceful as always Barbara. Thank you!

>34 EBT1002: I just saw that you are also unable to make a meet-up at Powell's this weekend. Hope we can work out another date for a get-together in the fall.

Now for a reading update. Since I last checked in I have finished Sous Chef and found it to be an interesting look at what goes on behind the scenes in a restaurant kitchen. I think it was a good first book as I venture into the world of Foodie and Culinary Arts books.

Since I last mentioned audiobooks (way back on the previous thread) I listened to the second How to Train Your Dragon book (How To Be A Pirate) by Cressida Cowell. It was delightfully narrated by David Tennant and just as much fun as the first book. I will definitely be continuing with this series but after two in a row I needed a change of pace.

I listened to Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson and enjoyed being back in Wyoming with Walt Longmire and the gang. I liked this one a lot and as always thoroughly enjoyed George Guidall's narration.

My current audiobook is Redshirts by John Scalzi. It's a thinly disguised take on Star Trek as told by the readily expendible crew members who often did not survive their excursions as part of the Away Teams. Wil Wheaton is the narrator which is perfect. My issue with this one is not with the story (which I'm enjoying) nor with the narration (as I said Wheaton is good). The problem I'm having is with the author's style for writing dialog. It's a repetitive
". . . ", A said
". . . ", B said
". . . ", A said
". . . ", B said
". . . ", A said
". . . ", B said
". . . ", A said
". . . ", B said
While that might not be as noticeable in print it becomes VERY noticeable when listening. I'm so pleased when the sentence format is varied or another word is used instead of "said". Nevertheless despite this writing style quirk I'm enjoying the story.

I'm close to finishing up reading Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. I loved Eleanor & Park and have heard good things about her other books (although not so much about her newest release). I've enjoyed this one and I'm looking forward to seeing how it wraps up.

I'm still only partway through both Birdmen and Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes and haven't touched either one in a while but plan to get back to both soon.

So . . . that's my update for now. I'm hoping to get the chance soon to catch up on getting reviews posted and visiting threads around here.

>37 SuziQoregon: Scalzi himself has said Redshirts is about those unlucky folks wearing red shirts in Star Trek. He's one of my favorite authors and when the money flows again, it's on my list.

I would go mad listening to that style of writing! Mad, mad I say!

Tahoe is so beautiful, and so very revivifying. Glad you got away!

*smooch*

>38 AuntieClio: I hadn't heard that - good to know

>39 richardderus: LOL and *smooches* right back at ya!

Finished another one last night. I liked Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. Not quite as much as I loved Eleanor & Park but it's good.

I started The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport. I've been looking forward to this one ever since I got it. I'm a total sucker for all things Romanov.

As for Redshirts the more of it I listen to the less I notice the dialog format quirk.

Hi Juli! Finally checking in. I LOVE the photo in #35. I have to add Fangirl to the list. I know Joe liked it too. Do you save your audiobooks to your computer? I had the last 4 Longmires saved on audio but now I ran out, after the Dark Horse. I think I also have a couple of his last ones saved too.
Once I finish an audiobook, I usually delete them, to save space.

Curious to hear your thoughts on Redshirts. I've had that saved on audio forever.

>35 SuziQoregon: Juli, what a wonderful place to wake up in the morning. Gorgeous.

I came back by to suck up some Tahoe. *aaahhh*

Happy Sunday, Juli.

>42 msf59: Thank you! I was lucky enough to get some great photos while we were there. I usually delete audiobooks from my computer to save space too. Exceptions are To Kill a Mockingbird narrated by Sissy Spacek and any that The Hubster might want to listen to soon.

At this point I'm partway through Redshirts and the . . .. said is still annoying but I'm enjoying the story enough that I think I'm learning to not notice it as much. I need to finish it before I can fully recommend or not recommend and I still might lean to suggesting print instead of audio for this one.

>43 Ameise1: It was. We were fortunate to have lovely weather while we were there.

>44 richardderus: Anytime my friend . . . I made it my wallpaper on my work computer.

Next up . . . Catching up on posting a bunch of reviews . . .

How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant



I do enjoy listening to the occasional children’s series on audio. So far the most successful choices have been those narrated by the amazing Jim Dale. When I heard that David Tennant narrated the How to Train Your Dragon series I decided to give it a try because I’d heard it was a fun series.

Let me say this. Before I’d even finished listening to the first CD of this book I went back to the library and got not only the next two books in CD format but I also picked up a print copy of this book so I could reread parts when I got home and also so I could see the illustrations,



David Tennant does a simply fabulous job of narrating this series!

Yes, it’s a middle grade book and the target audience is 8-12 years old but my inner 9 year old had a great time. I plan to make The Hubster listen to this on our next road trip because his not so inner 8 year old boy fits right into the target audience for this book.

I didn't even mind the sound effects and music between chapters because while those things are normally a distraction for me they fit with the style and typical audience,

The story was fun and simply a delight for my commute and running errands time for listening in the car. I didn't even mind traffic problems because I was giggling so much. I loved the character names, and the story. I learned some new insults that I’d like to try to work into my everyday conversation.

You shut up or I will tear you limb from limb and feed you to the gulls you winkle-hearted seaweed-brained limpet eating pig.

The books are short so they’re quick listens and for me they’ll make nice breaks between my typical audio mystery fare.

Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor



I don't get too caught up in the 'correct science' of time travel stories and I was encouraged to read this comment from the author at the beginning of the book:

I made all this up. Historians and physicists - please do not spit on me in the street.

I enjoyed the heck out of this one. It was fun and adventurous with some characters I liked and a few I despised. There were plenty of surprised along the way. Yes there are some huge leaps of logic, science and credulity but gosh darn it, it was fun.

Madeline Maxwell (Max) is invited by an old mentor to apply for a job at St. Mary’s and after a bit of a mysterious introduction she’s soon in training to become a member of the time traveling team.

Initially it all seems like a big fun adventure but soon the danger increases and she learns that it’s not all observing history and learning what really happened.

The book truly is just what the title suggests as “one damned thing after another” happens and I'm not going to say anything more because it would be spoilery. Mostly, I enjoyed the escapist story and will be reading the sequel.

Cannot WAIT for you to get to A Symphony of Echoes!!!

Sweet Tooth Vol. 2: In Captivity by Jeff Lemire



This second volume of this intriguing series was even more fascinating than the first.

Gus is shocked to learn that Jepperd has left him in a horrible place and his trusting nature is challenged as he learns more about what this place is. In the meantime Jepperd’s story is told primarily in flashbacks which show that he hasn't always been the mercenary he is now.

After setting up the initial scenario in the first volume this one does a great job of developing more of both the present day story and filling in some background.

It’s a gritty story with moments of tenderheartedness. The artwork is dark and a bit rough but that perfectly suits the story.

I can’t wait to dive into volume three to see where this story goes next.

>49 richardderus: I need to decide if that one is going on vacation with me later in July or if I'll need to read it sooner.

How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant



I enjoyed listening to the first of this series so much I started this second book right away.

Hiccup and his dragon Toothless once again had me laughing my way through my commute time. David Tennant's narration is just a delight.

The story begins with the young Vikings training to become Pirates. When "Alvin the Poor-But-Honest-Farmer" arrives on the scene he quickly gains the trust of Hiccup's father the chief of the tribe. Alvin soon has the Hairy Hooligans on a dangerous mission in search of the treasure of Hiccup's ancestor Grimbeard the Ghastly.

The adventure is fun. The story is over the top and full of humor that makes both 10 year old kids and me laugh.

I'm looking forward to continuing with this series. The books are short so they’re quick listens and for me they’ll make nice breaks between my typical audio mystery fare.

The Purity of Vengeance by Jussi Adler-Olsen



This series has been a bit up and down for me. I loved the first and the third but the second one was not one I liked nearly as well. They all include a primary cold case that Detective Morck and his associates Assad and Rose investigate. At the same time the ongoing stories of these three characters is as interesting to me as the primary mystery in each book. They all have a past that is slowly being revealed as the series continues.

This one landed in the interesting but I wish it was better category. The primary mystery bounced back and forth in time and at time became overly bloated with the details of Nete’s life and reason for exacting revenge on those she felt had wronged her. The story of Nete is alternated with Curt Wad’s story as well as the current goings on with the Department Q staff. There is also the ongoing story of the incident in which Carl’s partner was paralyzed and another detective was killed. Plus Carl is now named by his cousin as complicit in his uncle’s death years ago.

While the book was good and I enjoyed it I felt is was a bit bloated with too many storylines and as a result I found myself easily distracted from it. I think that’s part of the reason it took me longer than it normally would for me to read a book of this length.

The good news is that if the pattern so far with this series continues the next one will be excellent and I’m looking forward to reading it when it comes out in the fall.

>55 SuziQoregon: . . . and bought . . . thank you!!

Sous Chef by Michael Gibney



I'm glad I read this. It's interesting and informative. The second-person narrative feels like an attempt to draw the reader into the events of the day. That's probably a good choice for this book. I didn't like that choice at first but later I thought that third--person narrative would have lessened the feeling of urgency and involvement.

I liked the glossary in the back. Most of the terminology I was not already familiar with was included and I think that for the format of this book it made better sense to do the explaining in a glossary rather than in the midst of the narrative.

I learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes in a restaurant kitchen. I have a much better understanding about the lifestyle and work environments of the chefs I see competing on shows like Top Chef. I enjoyed learning about the routines and hierarchy of the various kitchen staff members.

I liked the format of the book in taking the reader through a busy Friday in an upscale restaurant. It began with the early morning opening and progressing on through service and after-work socializing to the opening for Saturday brunch. Mostly it made me thankful for my desk job and my weekday work schedule.

While I wouldn't classify this as a book I'd widely recommend to everyone I found it interesting. I would recommend it to people who have an interest in the workings of the restaurant industry and what it takes to be a chef. I passed it along to The Hubster and he seems to be feeling the same way. I think I made a good choice in selecting this book as my introduction to culinary memoirs and other similar books. I'm definitely looking forward to exploring more of this genre.

Junkyard Dogs by Craig Johnson narrated by George Guidall



I didn't want to wait too long to get back to this series after listening to The Dark Horse and I'm glad I didn't. I'm just barely over halfway through the series as it stands now. I'm hoping to be caught up before the next one is published.

As always I thought George Guidall's narration perfectly matched the feel and pace of Walt and the story. Even though I watch the TV series and enjoy that just as much as the books, it's George Guidall's voice that is Walt to me.

I was glad to see the series back home in Durant. I missed the presence from the regular cast of supporting characters in the last book. Their ongong stories are as important to me at this point as the particular mystery in any of the books.

As usual Johnson manages to toss in moments of wry humor in the midst of the death and danger. Sometimes it's because of the quirky characters and other times it's Walt's comments and observations.

The Doc walked me into the first examination room and closed the door. I glanced around and noticed we were the only ones there, that's why I'm a sheriff, because I notice things like that.

With the holding cells filled to capacity, I was forced to take a nap in my office, which never works because everybody can find me.

Other times I'm just taken with the way Johnson words things

Marie tucked the baby's blanket and folded her hands in her lap -- if the little guy was colicky, he was showing no signs of it this afternoon. I didn't make a conscious effort to talk but found words in my mouth with nowhere else to go.

This is definitely a series worth checking out if you haven't. I'm partial to the audio editions but I'm sure they're just as enjoyable in print.

What a beautiful picture.

>58 lilfries: Thank you! I enjoy taking and sharing photos here.

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell



I liked this book a lot. I'll admit that I liked Eleanor & Park a bit more but this one was good too. I'm far removed from the generation of present day college kids but I could still relate to a lot of the issues of being that age and totally out of your comfort zone and having to go it on your own without your familiar anchors. As with Eleanor & Park, Rowell manages to take characters who are intelligent but outsiders and make them relatable to me.

Cath's primary anchors have been her twin sister and their involvement with the online world of Simon Snow fan fiction writers and readers. Simon Snow is a bit like Harry Potter and a mix of magic and vampire story. Suddenly she's without Wren and she has no one with whom she feels comfortable. She's wary of telling anyone about her fanfic and even though it's a major source of comfort and validation for her (she has a huge following) she feels like she needs to hide that part of herself. Her roommate Reagan prods Cath with a bit of tough love and the first love story plays out with both warmth and humor.

I liked Cath and in many ways could empathize with her. As the book progressed and her and Wren's background was filled in she became even more sympathetic to me.

If you liked Eleanor & Park I’d recommend reading this one too.

And finally caught up (at least until I finish something else). I'm in the middle of a couple of longer books so I'll probably take a graphic novel break since I've got several out from the library.

...or you could read Roman Holiday, since it stands alone....

>62 richardderus: or both . . .

>63 SuziQoregon: That's the old fight! Rah!

Hi Juli! I want to get to Fangirl and Junkyard Dogs. We NEED an extra day or 2, added to the week. These books just keep piling up. Yikes.

>64 richardderus: - actually The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes is my current 'short story'ish reading. but as soon as I finish that Roman Holiday is on the schedule.

>65 msf59: yes you need to get to Junkyard Dogs it was good to have Walt back home in Durant with all the supporting cast making appearances.

So . . who else is watching The Musketeers on BBC America. Sunday's first episode was fun and I'm looking forward to the next episode.

As for reading - I finally broke away from my To Do lists yesterday and read Jack of Fables Vol. 2: Jack of Hearts I love the main Fables books and will read the Jack spin-offs but jeez - Jack is a jerk.

Juli, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

So another victim of Richard's warbling re the Chronicles of St. Mary's. We should start a class action suit! ;-) now we're reduced to counting the days until the next one is released. (25)

I, too, enjoyed Sous Chef. The second person narrative worked for me. This was one that got passed along to the DH, who liked it, too. Working in a high-end kitchen is definitely a young person's game, I think.

Loved the review on the Adler Olsen. That's a series I've enjoyed a lot. On to the wish list it goes!

>67 Ameise1: Oh Barbara - that's just lovely

>68 michigantrumpet: Yep - all Richard's fault. I need to read the second book and I'm plotting to get The Hubster to put the first one on his vacation reading list for later this month.

Jack of Fables Vol. 2: Jack of Hearts by Bill Willingham and Matthew Sturges



This second volume of this series had me remembering why I don’t like the character of Jack. I’ll continue with this spin-off series because I can alternate it with books from the main Fables series and I know that the stories do converge back together eventually.

In the meantime there are parts of the Jack story that are fun and interesting, but the problem is that Jack isn't one of them. He’s insufferable and a jerk. I do enjoy when his grand plans get thwarted but he always seems to pick himself up and remind himself how great he thinks he is and move on to another adventure as he tries to rebuild his fortune and power.

I did enjoy learning about how he became Jack Frost for a while.

I’m going to be very disappointed if Jack doesn't either get what’s coming to him or has a Grinch like change of heart somewhere along the way. In the meantime. I’m glad that next up for me is the next in the main Fables series.

We had a busy and fun weekend but there wasn't a whole lotta reading going on.

In fact there was a discinct Beer-ish theme to the weekend.

On Saturday we made our annual visit to the North American Organic Brewer's Festival. It's held the last weekend of June in a park in North Portland. We used to attend the big Brewers Festival at the end of July in Portland but that one has just become way too big and busy and therefore not nearly as much fun. This Organic Brewers Festival is a much smaller scale and we've gone for several years now with our friends and had a great time.



Besides - we were saving the planet!

Best I tasted this year
Fish Brewing's Organic Amber
Hopworks Totally Radler which was a Shandy (a blend of Organic HUB Lager and Organic Lemonade)
Lakefront Brewing Fuel Cafe Coffee Stout (certainly the perfect breakfast beer, right?)

There were several others that we had that were good but those were my favorites.

Yesterday we went to a baseball game. Our local minor league team is the Hillsboro Hops (yes that kind of hops) Their mascot is Barley the Hop. And Bridgeport created a special beer for the team called Long Ball Ale (and it's quite tasty)



It's a single A short season team so it's all young kids in their first years of pro ball so they're all trying really hard and get excited about every win. The team managment does a great job of making the ballpark and games a fun experience for all ages.



Last year was their first year in town and we went to a couple of games since the ballpark is close to our house. This year we got a mini-package of tickets for four games. It's fun and I'm looking forward to the rest of our games.



As I said, there wasn't much reading this weekend. I did read a bit more of The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport and I'm enjoying it but I'm predisposed to like pretty much anything about the Romanovs

I also started a GN, Sweet Tooth Vol. 3: Animal Armies series by Jeff Lemire I'm finding this series quite fascinating.

The baseball game sounds fun - excellent photos, too!

ETA: I hope this doesn't sound too strange, but I just have to say that your hair is *gorgeous*! You look so lovely in those photos!

Juli, thanks a lot for sharing all those wonderful photos. I love them. It looks like you had a gorgeous time. :-)

Your photographs sure captured the fun atmosphere. What a great good time.

Hope your July is excellent, and filled with only good books!

>71 SuziQoregon: Great pics, Juli. I LOVE going to minor, minor league games. Cape Cod League ball is big over her on the other coast.

Whew! Thank goodness you drank all that beer and saved the planet! Don't know what we'd do without you! ;-D

>72 scaifea: Thank you ;-)

>73 Ameise1: we did have a great weekend!

>74 maggie1944: Same to you !

>75 michigantrumpet: Yep - minor minor league ball is just fun! and LOL - just doing my part to save the planet.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 3: Animal Armies by Jeff Lemire



This series just gets more and more fascinating with every issue.

This time it opens with Gus in the Militia camp where his captors and scientists want to find our where he came from. Other human/animal hybrid children were born after the plague that killed much of the worlds population but Gus is too old to have been born after the plague. Is he (and the other hybrid kids) the key to the survival of the human race?

The clues to Gus’s past are generating more questions than answers at this point and the intriguing possibilities have me hooked. There are some seriously whacked out people in the remains of civilization.

Jeppard’s story in the meantime, is getting more answers but they are heartbreaking. He’s an angry man and the things he’s discovering are making him even angrier. At the same time however, he’s determined to help Gus.

Where this series will go next is clear at the end of this volume but the possibilities of what will happen there are wide open. I need to get volume 4 out from the library soon.

We have been meaning to get to the Hops since they opened, but somehow never have. Your pictures make it look like lots of fun.

Juli, I wish you a wonderful weekend.

Sweet Tooth sounds really bizarre...love the pics from the ball game!

>78 banjo123: Oh you should definitely try to get out to a Hops game. They're fun.

>79 Ameise1: Gorgeous!! Love those colors.

>80 richardderus: Thanks - the ball game was a lot of fun. Sweet Tooth is a bit bizarre, but in a very cool way.

The Romanov Sisters by Helen Rappaport



Having read many books about Nicholas II and his family there was a lot of familiar territory covered in this book. There were also some new insights that I enjoyed reading.

Although the title indicates the book is primarily about the four Grand Duchesses it’s really about the family. Many of the books out there focus on Nicholas, Alexandra and their hemophiliac son, Alexei and the strange monk Rasputin. This book almost makes Alexei a background presence but the girls parents are very much a part of this book.

Because they lived such insulated lives there is not a lot of information still available about these young women and their lives. Much of what is known is from memoirs of surviving family members and staff. Complicating the lack of information is the fact that much of the family’s personal papers were intentionally destroyed in the months leading up to their imprisonment and deaths.

Nevertheless this book does take bit of a different perspective on the history of the family. It is primarily about their non-public lives. It reinforces that despite their imperial titles and wealth, they lived simple and in many ways boring lives. Outside political realities and the need for security were a big factor but these were compounded by the secrecy about their younger brother’s medical condition and the efforts to keep it from becoming public.

Although the book does venture into some different territory it’s still limited by the limited information about some rather sheltered and isolated young women. It’s hard to feel like the girls are truly known any better but it was still an interesting book and one that people like me who are interested in the history of the Romanovs would like.

I would not necessarily recommend it as an entry into the tragic story of this family but it's an interesting perspective.

Redshirts: A Novel with Three Codas by John Scalzi



This book both interested and irritated me. The story was fun and interesting and the three codas at the end were excellent. They gave the story added dimension that worked very well.

There was a lot of humor in this but there was also some very heart tugging moments. It had all the fun of the old Star Trek episodes while making fun of it at the same time. It was in the three codas at the end that the mood changed. They added some closure to some story elements but were a definite departure from the feel of the main story.

My irritation was with the author's choice of dialog format. There were often sections of long conversations between two or more characters that always ran like this.
....., A said.
....., B said.
....., A said.
....., B said.

I began jumping for joy when the occasional "A asked" showed up. I'm wondering if this was less noticeable and irritating in the print version. It was very annoying at the begiinning. I think I learned to not hear it so much as the book continued because I really was enjoying the story. Every once in a while a long dialog section would take me out of the story again with the repetitive use of 'said' at the end of every sentence.

Despite the fact that Wil Wheaton does a good job of the narration the audio format has issues beyond his control and are the doing of the author. For that reason my recommendation is to read the print version of this. It really is a lot of fun in the same way the original Star Trek series was.

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

>83 SuziQoregon: Great review. I suspect the multiple "saids" are more noticeable in the audio version. Our eyes tend to gloss over all that, don't they? I love that the narrator was Will Wheaton!

BTW, I've spent quite a bit of time with your topper. Finally sent. Copy off to a family member who confirmed: My grandparents had a huge print of this view hanging over their fireplace. I knew it looked familiar! Lovely.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

>83 SuziQoregon: Juli, I must have just glossed right over the dialogue issues. I read it on my iPad. I'm glad you liked it.

>84 Ameise1: I always enjoy your weekend treasures.

>85 michigantrumpet: I'm sure it's much more noticeable in audio. Wil Wheaton was great as the narrator.

Oh that's just so cool about the connection between my topper photo and your grandparents!!

>86 AuntieClio: For that reason as much as I enjoyed listening to Wil Wheaton I'm kind of sorry I didn't read it in print.

And with that - yes I'm back after a lengthy absence. Just a crazy few weeks of busy followed by a week long vacation at the coast then back to an insanely busy week back home.

I'm finally getting time to breathe and we have a rare weekend with nothing on our calendar. I'm hoping to spend some of it updating my reading and reviews.

In the meantime - here's one of the reasons I didn't get nearly as much reading done while on vacation as I hoped. This is what I see from my reading couch.


We've gone to this same place for eight years now and every year I take a pile of books and then every few pages I have to stop and stare out the window. That's the back deck of the house in the foreground so you can see how close this is to the surf at high tide.

Anyway - I've missed you but I'm back and plan to be back in regular rotation on the threads again.

Glad to have you back! What a wonderful picture.

>88 SuziQoregon: Ohmygosh, that's gorgeous!

Welcome back, Juli. We missed you. Love the ballpark photos. Glad you are enjoying the Sweet Tooth series. I might be one behind. I have to check.
Opinion seems to be mixed on Redshirts. I might have to give it a try and see where I fall.

Have a great weekend and thanks again for the Rogue pix. Smiles...

>89 banjo123: Thanks - I think I'm past the chaotically busy part of the summer so I'm hoping to be more of a regular presence around here.

>90 scaifea: Thank you - I was just taking shots of the waves like crazy and didn't realize I'd caught the seagull until I downloaded the photos to my laptop.

>91 msf59: Thanks Mark, I've missed being in touch with folks. I'd have to recommend that if you're going to give Redshirts a try go for print.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 4: Endangered Species by Jeff Lemire



As I said after the previous volume, this series just gets more and more fascinating with every issue.

I enjoyed the way that the flashback stories of some of the characters were drawn by guest artists Nate Powell, Emi Lenox and Matt Kindt. It was an interesting and fun element.

The story continues to add interesting elements and surprises while at the same time keeping the focus on Gus and Jepperd and a handful of other characters,

More and more of both the backstories of recurring characters are revealed. There are also more clues and questions about both Gus's origin and what caused the plague.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 5: Unnatural Habitats by Jeff Lemire



This volume initially takes a detour to the past to an expedition to Alaska before returning to the original timeline of the story. This adds some fascinating elements and along with some potential connections it also adds many questions. Back in Gus and Jeppard's time things at what most of the group of travelers thought was a safe haven change quickly.

This one provided some answers to the mystery of the plague, the animal hybrid children and how all of this got started. At the same time however, the final volume has a lot to resolve and I cannot wait to read it.

The art in the Captain Thacker story is by Matt Kindt which helped give that story a distinct feel. The return to Gus and Jeppard's story returns to Jeff Lemire's now familiar gritty work.

Identity by Ingrid Thoft



It makes me happy when the second in a new series is just as good as the first. In Loyalty, Fina Ludlow's PI work for her family's law firm was personal. This time around it's not something involving a relative but Fina's family and their relationships are still very much a part of the story.

You need to know that things that happened in the first book are discussed openly in this second book. It can be read as a standalone but you will find out what happened in Loyalty.

I still like Fina! She's an investigator who almost exclusively works for her family's law firm. As a result she's somewhat a part of the family business yet still independent from it. She likes it that way. She definitely doesn't always agree with her father's reasons for taking cases or his actions but she does have some loyalty to the family.

Fina is tough, smart and sassy. She's got some great friends and some strained family relationships.

What she thinks is an investigation into identifying the sperm donor for Renata Sanchez's daughter soon turns into a murder investigation. It seems like everyone is lying and there are as more suspects than Fina can sort through.

The story builds and takes a few interesting turns along the way and it's a fun ride with Fina the whole way. I was extremely happy to see the author mention on Twitter that book three is with the publisher and she's working on number four. I'll be keeping my eye out for them.

If you have not read Loyalty, do yourself a favor and get to know Fina Ludlow. You’ll be joining me in eagerly anticipating Ingrid Thoft’s next book.

Hi Juli, just stopping by and waving!

>88 SuziQoregon: Good grief, how can you even think of reading with that right outside?

Hi Juli, I wish you a lovely Sunday.

At first glance, I read the cover of the Ingrid Thoft book as "Identity ThEft" because I've never seen that last name before.

I am also Steadfastly Ignoring your review.

>96 connie53: Thanks for stopping by ;-)

>97 AuntieClio: exactly - so distracting in an absolutely wonderful way.

>98 Ameise1: Lovely! Thank you.

>99 richardderus: LOLOL

Fables Vol. 10: The Good Prince by Bill Willingham



This is my favorite volume of this series yet. I have long been a fan of Flycatcher (the frog prince) so I was glad to see him take a starring role in a story arc. By taking the story into the lands of the dead some previously disposed of characters were able to make a reappearance. This definitely gave the story some fun and interesting turns.

After reading more comics and graphic novels lately I was pleased to relish the richness and detail of the artwork in this series. It's just so complex and interesting. There is so much story on every page far beyond the words of the story.

In addition to the main Prince Ambrose vs. The Adversary story there was a fun detour to an important birthday party for Snow White and Bigby Wolf's children. A long held secret is revealed to them.

I adore this series and was glad to return to the main Fables story after reading one of the Jack of Fables spinoffs. I need to get through the next Jack book soon so I can move on to Volume 10 of Fables

If you haven't started this series you should.

A Cast-Off Coven by Juliet Blackwell narrated by Xe Sands



This is a fun cozy series with a fun bit of a paranormal twist. Lily is a natural witch who has had a tough time in her life because of it. She's building a life in San Francisco and her vintage clothing store is doing well. A few close friends know she has an interest in witchcraft. For this reason she is asked to help find out if there is really a ghost at the San Francisco School of Fine Arts. Her payment is to be a the Victorian Era clothing that was discovered in a sealed off storeroom.

When the ghost hunting turns into a murder nystery Lily gets involved in the investigation. She discovers that there is an evil presence involved.

It's a light mystery and the witchcraft element adds some fun. I enjoy Lily's friends and her familiar (a goblin who disguises himself as a pot bellied pig in the presence of non witches) cracks me up.

In addition to the murder mystery, Lily is also learning some new information about her own past from "Aidan Rhodes, Male Witch". He's the one who brought her Oscar and he clearly has things he's not telling Lily. This ongoing storyline is interesting and I'm curious to see where it will lead.

Xe Sands narration of this series feels like a great fit since Lily tells the story. Sands uses a slight accent that fits with Lily's background growing up in Texas. She's easy to listen to and does a great job with voice characterizations for a variety of characters.

And that gets me caught up with reviews that I've written and posted on my blog.

Reviews coming soon of others I've finished

The Unwritten Vol. 9: The Unwritten Fables by Mike Carey and Bill Willingham This was an interesting crossover of two of my favorite comic series. It was a side trip off the main journey of both journeys but I liked it.

The Fame Thief by Timothy Hallinan is the third in his Junior Bender series about an Los Angeles burglar who becomes sort of a private investigator for the guys on the wrong side of the law.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 6: Wild Game by Jeff Lemire I finished this series up yesterday and then I needed a moment. No I needed several moments. Such a touching and unique story. I'm looking forward to more of Lemire's work. I checked out Underwater Welder from the library last week and I still need to read Essex County

Currently I'm still working my way through The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes and enjoying it a lot.

I'm about a quarter of the way throught Chelsea Cain's latest One Kick. I have enjoyed her rather brutal Archie Sheridan and Gretchen Lowell series but it's nice to see her branching out and getting a new series going. This one is the first in that new series featuring a woman who was abducted and held captive for several years as a child. She has grown up to become a martial arts expert who is obsessed with tracking down abducted children.

On audio I'm about halfway through How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny narrated by Ralph Cosham. It's been a while since I listened to the last book in the Three Pines series so it's nice to be back in familiar places with familiar characters. Besides I have a literary crush on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.

OK - I think that gets me caught up for the moment. Now I just need to get on with visiting threads around here.

The Blackwell series...

...

...NO. NO NO. NOT LOOKING.

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend full of reading.

Juli -- hope you are enjoying the "dog Days of August -- sunny, lazy and full of wonderful reading.

>104 richardderus: . . . Bwah HA HA!!!

>105 Ameise1: Oh Barbara I wish I was there right now

>106 michigantrumpet: I am! We've been busy but I'm managing to get some reading in and enjoying the nice weather while I can.

I need to update reviews and such around here but just haven't had the time to plunk myself down with the computer for a chunk of time.

Maybe by this weekend I can get back up to current stuff here.

In the meantime - a group of co-workers has planned a Happy Hour event after work today a block away from Powell's. It's like they're forcing me to go book shopping. I have a few recommendations from folks here I'm planning to look for.

Happy Hour next to Powell's? Of course, you have to go book shopping. You really have no choice in the matter. No one would blame you, especially not around here!

>108 michigantrumpet: see I knew you would understand.

I actually was good and made a list before I left the office so I could be efficient about my book shopping on the way to meet my co-workers.

I got three books all recommended by 75ers

Birds of a Lesser Paradise by Megan Mayhew Bergman

Agent ZigZag by Ben Macintyre

The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown

The last two I made sure that The Hubster looked at because I think he'll like both of them too.

Three books moved from the 'Maybe' collection to the 'You Library' collection.

I think The Boys in the Boat is an excellent choice for both of you to like! Good deal!

Hi Juli! Yay for happy hour near Powell's. I'm kinda jealous.

I've been on a Ben McIntyre reading spree this year myself. Good work at the bookstore!

>111 AuntieClio: I agree with AuntieClio. Except not "kinda" jealous. Flat Out Jealous.

Congrats on those wonderful trio of books. I've read all 3 this year and was crazy about all of them. Fine job, my friend.

I have read Junior Bender book and I wanted to get back that series. Maybe, for S & S?

I am nearly done with Unnatural Habitats. Lemire threw a twist into this one, huh?

>110 maggie1944: it does look interesting and I've heard such good things around here.

>111 AuntieClio: My company is moving to a different building at the end of this year and I'll be even closer to Powell's this could prove dangerous.

>112 michigantrumpet: Really? I'll have to check out his other books. They had a couple on the shelf at Powell's.

>113 maggie1944: Hee hee ;-)

>114 msf59: yep Unnatural Habitats surprised me a bit. I'm eager to hear your thoughts on the finale when you get to it.

I've enjoyed the Junior Bender books. I've got the latest near the top of the TBR stack. Definitely good for S & S

The Unwritten Vol. 9: The Unwritten Fables by Mike Carey, Bill Willingham et al.



I expected this to be a fairly self contained spinoff from both series and that's exactly what it felt like. I thoroughly enjoyed this blending of two of my favorite comics series. Both of them are full of literary references so it feels natural to have them intersect at some point.

While I have read all of the previous issues of The Unwritten I'm not anywhere near up to current releases with Fables. Because of that I'm sure that there were pieces of the Fables storyline revealed in this that I'll be reading at some point as I continue with the series. It really didn't bother me at all. I had enough familiarity with the characters and pieces of the history to not be baffled.

I think my favorite part was the discussion about how the world of Fables is a story in the reality of the Unwritten characters and vice versa.

It turns out that Tom Taylor ended up in the world of Fables because some of the Fables have summoned help in their war between good and evil. They are nearly as surprised as Tom Taylor when he (and his friends) turn out to be the help that arrives.

This is a departure from both series and while I don't know about the more recent Fables storylines I do know that in terms of The Unwritten this doesn't do a lot to advance the original story but it is a thoroughly enjoyable detour to a place where two of my comic worlds collide. I am guessing that the same is true from the Fables side.

The artwork is a lovely blend of the styles of both series. Peter Gross and Mark Buckingham have done a great job of staying true to each series and making it work together. Both series have a history of rich and complex artwork so they intertwine well.

As a fan of both series I liked it. If you only know Fables you might be a bit lost on the Unwritten side of things and the reverse is also true. If you are familiar with both series, I think you'll enjoy this one even though it's more of a joint side trip than a continuation of either journey.

The Fame Thief by Timothy Hallinan



I like Junior Bender. Yeah, he's a burglar but he's also a good guy who is trying to be a good father to his teenage daughter.

He just keeps getting pressured into investigative work. This time it's for an aging mob boss. The difficulty is that he's been asked to find out who was behind something that happened back in 1950. Who was behind ruining Dolores La Marr's reputation and career and why?

I enjoyed the way the story alternated between the present day investigation by Junior and the 1940's golden age of Hollywood story of Dolores. The more Junior digs the more trouble he finds. When people he's talked to start dying in ugly ways it turns out that Junior just might be in over his head.

Hallinan has created a flawed hero in Junior. As usual there are lots of twists and turns. There are also quite a few laughs. My favorite mystery series are those that blend action, humor and a hero I like. Hallinan has a winner with this series. I'm looking forward to reading the fourth soon.

Sweet Tooth Vol. 6: Wild Game by Jeff Lemire



This is finale of a fascinating post-apocalyptic series that has surprising gentleness and strength. While I was sad to have reached the end of Gus and Jepperd's journey the ending was exciting, wonderful, awful and surprisingly emotional.

Trying to explain this series to someone is difficult but Gus the part human, part deer boy is a gentle soul who will stick with me for a long time. His protector Jepperd and the rest of what became like a family to them throughout the series are wonderful characters and their story has been fascinating.

While not everything is wrapped up in a neat tidy bow, this ending to the series is quite satisfying. The epilogue worked well and the final pages left me near tears.

Lemire as both author and illustrator has been able to tell his story well. Although his drawing style is harsh compared to some other richly drawn and colored comics (Fables or Saga for example) but it is highly evocative. He conveys action and emotion so well and particularly for characters who don't (or rarely) speak.

This is a series I highly recommend and I'm looking forward to reading much more of Jeff Lemire's work.

One Kick by Chelsea Cain



I knew that if Chelsea Cain was involved the story would be disturbing and possibly gruesome. While not as gory as the Archie and Gretchen books there is plenty of stuff in this one that lands in the disturbing category.

Kick has issues. She's got several full subscriptions worth. It's what you might expect for someone who was abducted and held for five years as a child. Even after her rescue her experiences continued to affect not only her but her whole family.

Ten years after her kidnapping Kick is a martial arts expert and a crack shot. She can't keep herself from monitoring missing child cases and when she's asked to help the mysterious John Bishop track down a missing boy she hesitates but it's clear she's going to to along.

Chelsea Cain hooked me right away with this one. The prologue set up the beginning of Kick's backstory. Kick is the nickname she has chosen for herself as an adult after being known by one name by her family and another by her abductor. She's still trying to establish her own identity despite the widespread publicity of her story. Helped along by her fame-seeking mother. Kick's tough exterior is an attempt to create an armor protecting her still vulnerable side. I liked Kick equally as much as I wanted to slap her.

This first in a new series has a lot to accomplish in both resolving the current mystery and establishing Kick's backstory. Cain starts it with a thrill ride and keeps it spinning just this side of out of control the rest of the way. I will be watching for Kick's next adventure.

I just can't pick up another set of series! Yikes. I need to read a bunch of pages in The Bully Pulpit for my wonderful book group meeting in October. It is 750 pages! Big pages with small print! A heavy, big book; but, gad zooks girl you do tempt me with your descriptions. I think I'll have to at minimum put Jeff Lemire's books on my wish list.

You got me with that one!

Hi Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

>121 Ameise1: Thanks! What a lovely photo

Well I finished both my audio and my print book yesterday. Enjoyed The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. I had to take the long way home after errands to finish How the Light Gets In. I finished the book but the audio edition includes an interview with the author that I'll listen to next week. After that I'll start the newest in the series.

Tomorrow we're off to southern Oregon. We're seeing Richard III at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland tomorrow night. We'll also stop in at one of our favorite wineries while we're down there. Heading home Monday morning so it's a quick trip. Audiobooks for the trip are How to Be a Pirate and How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell narrated by David Tennant. I've already listened to the first one but The Hubster hasn't. On the way home the second will be new for both of us. It's a fun kids series that appeals to my inner 8 year old.

Jack of Fables Vol. 3: The Bad Prince by Bill Willingham



While Jack is not my favorite Fables character and I don't feel that this spin-off series is up to the level of the main Fables storyline I'm still reading it because it does link back together eventually.

That said, I actually enjoyed this installment of the series because Jack has a lot of things happen to him that rock his overly inflated ego quite a bit. That made me happy.

There were some very interesting developments in revealing some things about Jack's backstory. The fact that some of this came as a surprise to Jack made me laugh.

In addition intriguing tidbits were revealed about the Mr. Revise and his team who are chasing Jack.

While there is not a lot of action in this volume (Much of it is simply characters talking to each other) it goes a long way in developing characters and plot elements that should take this story deeper into the overall Fables world.

Jack will likely remain clueless about the whole thing.

The final section is a Halloween story about how Jack became Jack o'Lantern and was a lot of fun.

Had a whirlwind but fun trip to Ashland. Richard III was just as wonderful as I expected. The actor who played Richard was just excellent. We've seen him in several roles over the years and this performance was just as good as I expected it to be.

On the way down we listened to How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell - this was a re-listen for me but the first time for The Hubster. Yesterday on the way home we listened to How to Speak Dragonese which was new to both of us. This is a fun series and great for road trips. David Tennant does a great job with the narration.

I didn't get a lot of reading time over the weekend but I did finish Fables Vol. 11: War and Pieces by Bill Willingham last night.

A bad bout of insomnia had me up and reading at 3:30am (blergh). I decided it was time to start over with Birdmen by Lawrence Goldstone. This is an ER book I started earlier this year but got distracted and set aside. I decided to start it again in hopes that it won't fall prey to short attention span syndrome again.

Over the weekend I also started Meet Mr. Mulliner by P.G. Wodehouse. I like having a book of short stories on my phone and ereaders and it's been a while since I last read any Wodehouse.

At lunchtime today I plan to start The Competition by Marcia Clark. I have enjoyed this series so far and it works well for September Series and Sequels.

I have some of those attacks of "short attention span", too. Bummer.

It's been too long since I visited here. Your opening photo is breathtaking!!!!

>125 maggie1944: I've had them a lot this summer but I kind of feel like I'm getting my reading groove back.

>126 Whisper1: So nice to see you and Thank you!

So I started the audio of The Long Way Home this morning. I usually don't listen to series books back to back but with September Series and Sequels going on I'm trying to catch up on a few.

Because when you're already reading 3 books and an audiobook why not start yet another one at lunch?

Adding The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell to the currently reading list. I'm reading this one for a readalong with some fellow book bloggers this month.

The Sparrow! The Sparrow! I hope this book transports you, the way it did me, Juli! It is AMAZING! I think a Group Read is the perfect way to experience it too.

>129 msf59: your enthusiasm for the book had a lot to do with me signing up for the readathon so thanks for encouraging me. It's only been on my TBR list for 6 years!!

Hi Juli, I wish you a relaxed weekend.

I am glad you had fun in Ashland. We aren't getting down this year, and I miss it.

>131 Ameise1: Oh that's just lovely and so peaceful!

>132 banjo123: Sorry you aren't getting down to Ashland this year. Next year's list of plays is excellent. I want to see so many of them it'll be hard to pick and choose

And yes, I have added yet another book to my currently reading list. Perhaps I should call this "Short Attention Span September". I got talked into another readalong. This time it's The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. This is another that I have had on my list forever but just haven't read yet. It's fairly short so I said yes.

I'm actually enjoying bouncing back and forth among what I'm reading right now. It's a good variety and I'm enjoying them all.

The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz



Yes it's a bit (no a lot) over the top but I was had so much fun reading it I didn't care.

The Spellman's are a unique family and that's probably a good thing. Dad is an ex-cop. He and Mom started their PI business and the kids all grew up as both family members and employees. Then there's Uncle Ray with his drinking and gambling problems and random disappearances. Izzy's older brother is now an attorney but that doesn't mean he's completely away from the family business (and antics). Her teenage sister Rae isn't old enough to really work much on the family's jobs but that doesn't keep her from honing her skills with some free range spying.

When Izzy decides she's had enough of being followed and spied on by her own family she tells her parents she's quitting. They make her take on one last cold case.

This was a lot of fun just for fun's sake. A good portion of the book is spent establishing background and history but it finally gets going when Izzy's younger sister Rae disappears.

Lutz's style clearly shows her screenwriting background but that also works to give it some snappy and quick dialog and action. I'm looking forward to reading more of the Spellman family's adventures. Now that the background has been established in this first book it should be a fun ride.

How the Light Gets In by Louise Penny, narrated by Ralph Cosham



As always with this series, I thoroughly the audio version narrated by Ralph Cosham. Cosham's voice is Armand Gamache to me even though the books are not written in first person.

This one feels like Louise Penny is wrapping up several long brewing story lines from the series. There is a new mystery regarding the death of Myrna's longtime friend but that's only part of this book.

Along with this is the continuation of Gamache's years long battle of wills and wits with the corrupt leadership of the Sureté du Quebec. They're pushing him to retire and he's still trying to prove corruption in high levels. The threads go back years and Gamache's former protégé Beauvior has become a puppet of the wrong side of this intra-organizational war.

Penny weaves the mystery of the death (and identity) of Constance in and around the building tension of Gamache's efforts to determine exactly what his boss has been plotting. In fact, it's really a minor plot compared to the wrapping up of many stories that have been building over the previous 8 books in the series. There were several times while listening to this that I mentally applauded the author for surprising me with a plot twist.

Once again Ralph Cosham's narration was excellent. I can't imagine reading these in print after experiencing them in audio. This continues to be one of my favorite all time series.

I have already started listening to the next one (The Long Way Home) because after the buildup of tension and final chapters of this one I just had to see where Armand Gamache's story would go next.

The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle



These stories are great for when I have a few minutes here and there or as a break between longer books. I enjoy Watson's asides and comments about Holmes.

I don't think you need alarm yourself," said I. "I have usually found that there is was a method to his madness.

The stories are varied and do not follow a chronological order. It was interesting to meet Holmes' brother Mycroft and have him show up again to assist with an investigation. In one the answer is truly that "The butler did it".

Another of them is notable because of how Sherlock Holmes gets it completely wrong.

A couple of the stories are of Holmes first cases and took place before he met Watson. In these, rather than Watson telling the story as he experienced it he's simply telling the reader what Holmes told him..

The final story was the most fascinating to me since it was my first introduction to Professor Moriarty.

I am enjoying reading the Sherlock Holmes stories and books. I’m looking forward to the next one which is The Hound of the Baskervilles.

I really enjoyed The Hound of the Baskervilles especially because of the atmospheric feel to it.

Hi Juli, I wish you a lovely weekend.

I haven't been by for a while, I guess. Lots of great books! Glad to see you enjoyed The Spellman Files. It's a great series, easy and funny. Nothing too much ever happens. I just finished the last book this summer . I'm in line for the audio if the latest Gamauche book. I quite liked the last few since I listened on audio. Such a great narrator. I love the sound of the Hallinan series - that's one I'll have to look for. And finally, last night I started the audio of Haunting of Hill House. Perfect creepy fall book.

>137 maggie1944: Good to know. I've really enjoyed the Holmes stuff I've read so far.

>138 Ameise1: Oh I love the Giraffes!

>139 raidergirl3: Oh thanks for stopping by. Yes - easy and funny is a perfect description of the Spellman Files. Glad you're enjoying the audio of the Gamache series. Ralph Cosham just IS Gamache to me. The Hallinan series is a lot of fun. I've only read the first 50 pages or so of Hill House so far but hoping to get more of it read this week.

It's been a busy week and my reading has been in small spurts here and there.

I'm reading little bits of lots of things right now and that seems to be working. Yesterday while watching football I was reading mostly The Sparrow. I'm supposed to be halfway through for the readalong group and I'm not. Maybe I'll get some time to catch up this afternoon.

Big changes with my Book Blog coming tonight. I've been working with a blog designer for a new look and I'm also moving it to a self-hosted set up. I'm a little nervous and a lot excited about it. Hoping all goes well with the migration tonight. I'll post a link when it's all done and set up.

Fables Vol. 11: War and Pieces by Bill Willingham



Every time I think I have read my favorite of the Fables series I pick up the next one and change my mind.

This time around the war with the Adversary finally happens but not before a couple of side stories. First Boy Blue is finally ready to tell Rose Red how he really feels but has he been in the Friend Zone too long?

Next is a fun espionage tale starring my favorite spy, Cinderella. When you need a spy, Cinderella is the one you want to hire,

The rest of the the volume is the multi-part story of the final epic battle between the free Fables and the Adversary and his forces. It’s surprising, thrilling, and even amusing. The panel layout in the climactic scenes is multiple brightly colored vertical panels that are perfect for increasing the tension and immediacy as the action speeds up to the final moments on several battle fronts at the same time.

As the epilogue fills in the story amid the aftermath there are surprises and hints that despite the downfall of the Adversary things are not going to be smooth sailing in the Fables world.

If you haven't started this series you should.

Yep - just added another to the Currently Reading list. Queen & Country Vol. 1: Broken Ground by Greg Rucka. I needed a graphic novel in the mix and I've heard good things about this series. Besides Greg Rucka is a local guy.

If I keep adding I may never finish anything but I'm enjoying them all.

Got to the halfway point in The Sparrow for my group read. So glad i'm finally reading this - it's fascinating.

I got my blog all updated, redesigned and moved to Wordpress and I'm so happy with the results. I have a lot of cleanup of old posts to do (mostly photos to be fixed) but that's a long term project. In the meantime - It's all new and shiny and pretty so click on the photo and take a look:

OK - Today's treasure hunt was fun.

Took some random clicking but I finally found all 10.

Good for you! A couple of them are just eluding me.

Just stopping by to say hi. The Spellman Files sounds like fun reading that I would enjoy. I'll look for it.

Hi Juli! Finally back from vacation and it is time to visit some neglected threads. Hope you are doing well. My sister, who lives in Salem, is camping this weekend, at Lost Lake, near Mt. Hood. Have you heard of it?

I have only read the 1st 4 Three Pines books, so I NEED to get crackin'! I hope you are still loving The Sparrow. It is a game-changer.

"Whimpulsive" totally needs to be a word! Let's use it a lot! Whimpulsively in all contexts! I'm feeling terribly whimpulsive about this.

>145 banjo123: I really enjoyed the treasure hunt. Some were tough and one kept me guessing for quite a while.

>146 Oregonreader: It was a lot of fun. I plan to continue with the series.

>147 msf59: I'm still jealous of your vacation but it sounds like y'all had a fabulous time. I'm really enjoying The Sparrow, I took a break to read some of my others for a few days but I'm getting ready to dive back in to read the second half of it. YES! you need to get back to the Three Pines series - one of my all time favorites on audio.

>148 richardderus: LOLOL you crack me up!

I finished The Haunting of Hill House over the weekend. It had been on my TBR for ages but a group read finally got me to read it. It's not overtly scary but it definitely left me with an unsettled feeling and very happy that I have no plans to be anywhere near a creepy old house any time soon.

I really enjoyed the first volume of Queen & Country and plan to pick up the second and third volumes when I stop at the library tonight. Fun espionage stuff in graphic novel format.

Now that the big work of redoing my blog is behind me I need to make some time to catch up on posting reviews and catch up with tracking stuff here. The Hubster is out of town for a few days and I'm taking advantage of my quiet evenings to read instead. Maybe later this week . . .

Hullo :-)

Congratulations on the launch of your blog. I admire your committment to writing about books. I put it on my menu of frequently visited places although I don't know if I'll be able to to keep up. Maybe.... good intentions.

Juli, I wish you a fantastic Sunday.

>151 AuntieClio: well Hello right back!

>152 maggie1944: Thanks - I certainly never expected to be blogging this way eight years later when I started what I thought was going to be an online book journal to share with a few friends and family. I'm excited to revise and revamp the blog and shake things up a bit.

>153 Ameise1: Oh that's jus lovely

I finished a couple of books since I last posted. I did finally finish The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell for my group read the other day. I'm so glad I finally read it. The writing is just beautiful. It felt like a dense book because of things it made me ponder. I'll need to let this one simmer in my brain for a few days before I attempt to write up a review.

On Sunday I had a road trip to meet up with some friends and finished listening to The Long Way Home by Louise Penny narrated by Ralph Cosham. I loved this book. I could kick Louise Penny for making me weepy about a character who has been my least favorite throughout the series. Since the previous book wrapped up a lot of long term story lines this one makes a great place for folks to step into the series if they don't want to start at the beginning. It works well as a new beginning.

Then this morning I was saddened to hear that Ralph Cosham passed away yesterday. Louise Penny posted it on Facebook. I loved his narration of this series and to me he WAS the voice of Armand Gamache. His death feels like the loss of two good friends at the same time. Whover picks up the narration duties as the series continues has some big shoes to fill.

I saw that notice from Louise, too. Very sad. I know she will be challenged to find another voice talent to serve her stories well.

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

Just stopping by and waving Hi!

Hi Juli! Just checking in. I am also sorry to hear of Cosham's death. He was a perfect Gamache.

It sounds like you loved The Sparrow. Looking forward to your thoughts...Smiles.

Just a quick Hello for now - Hope to be able to get back in the next day or so to begin some real updates.

>155 maggie1944: I know - I'll be very curious to see who they get to continue with the series.

>156 Ameise1: Oh what a cool photo!!

>157 connie53: Thanks Connie! Waving back!

>158 msf59: Yes I did enjoy The Sparrow. Thanks for encouraging me to read it. I'll be posting my review soon when I get a chance to do the "Great Fall Thread Update of 2014" ;-)

I got as far as updating my currently reading so there's that . . .

I'm really enjoying Birdmen: The Wright Brothers, Glenn Curtiss, and the Battle to Control the Skies. It's about the early days of aviation and it goes beyond just the Wright Brothers. I did not know about their feud with Glenn Curtiss.

Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art by Scott McCloud was highly recommended by several friends. As a relative newbie (the past couple of years) to graphic novels and comics it's a good background book and I'm learning a lot.

Meet Mr. Mulliner is my current phone book for when I get stuck waiting in line or have just a few minutes while standing on the train. I love Wodehouse and before this I'd only read a couple of the Jeeves and Wooster books so exploring some of his other characters is lots of fun.

Hell is Empty is the next in the Walt Longmire series for me. I'm sad that the TV show has not been picked up for an additional season but I hear that the producers are shopping it to other networks. I hope someone picks it up. We really enjoyed the TV show and I love the audio editions of the books.

Juli, I wish you a gorgeous weekend.

Happy Saturday, Juli! Love your current reading list. I should get my mitts on Understanding Comics. I have heard it is very good. (Looks like my library has it. Yah!) I also need to get back to Sheriff Longmire. I have read 5.

Speaking of GNs, I started Trillium, the new Lemire and it's very good.

I'm listening to the Long Way Home right now and didn't realize the narrator had died. How sad. I've enjoyed listening to the last couple books more than reading.
I also have Tana French's The Secret Place, but it's on 7 day loan so I must rush through it. Loving the mysteries!

>161 Ameise1: Oh Barbara that's just lovely!

>162 msf59: I'm enjoying all my current reads even though I didn't read a single page of any of them yesterday. We had friends over and a full afternoon and evening of watching college football. I'm hoping to spend some time with Understanding Comics after we get the weekly shopping errands done today.

>163 raidergirl3: I've only listened to the Louise Penny books so I'm a bit anxious about who they will choose to narrate them in the future. Hope it's someone I like.

I read the first Tana French book and loved it. The second is on my shelf but I haven't read it yet. I really want to get back to that series.