The KITCHEN II - We're still here!

Forum75 Books Challenge for 2008

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The KITCHEN II - We're still here!

Dieses Thema ruht momentan. Die letzte Nachricht liegt mehr als 90 Tage zurück. Du kannst es wieder aufgreifen, indem du eine neue Antwort schreibst.

1avaland
Sept. 17, 2008, 4:58 pm

The other thread was getting kind of long, so I thought I'd post a new one.

Come on in for a cup of whatever you need, we're still in the kitchen!

Now here's a few probing questions: If you look at your reading (that's right, you need to scroll through your thread), do you find that the books you read reinforce your values or comforts you in some way; or, does it challenge what you believe and shake you up a bit? Do you think you are looking for something in the books you read?

For example, when I was working at the bookstore I had two fellow reading employees who read very specific things. 1. X read only books with happy endings, generally books with a lot of violence and sex. 2. Y read only mysteries and perhaps a few that would be considered thrillers.

I might speculate and say that Ms. X wants to believe we live in a gentle world of happy endings despite reality and that Ms. Y read mysteries because in them a disordered world is made orderly. There is nothing wrong with these reading habits, it's just an interesting observation. Perhaps I'm getting too analytical here:-), perhaps too general. What does your reading say about what you might be looking for? (and is it easier to make broad general statements about others as I have done than it is about oneself? and, if so, please feel free to use my reading list as an example).

Shall I get out the wine now or would you just like to brew the tea a little longer? :-)

2alcottacre
Sept. 17, 2008, 5:05 pm

I am all for brewing tea a little longer, since I do not imbibe in drinks of the alcoholic variety. As far as the questions you put forth avaland, although I would like to believe I am expanding my reading horizons, I think most of my reading does fit into what I would call my "comfort zone".

What does my reading say about what I might be looking for? - I have not got a clue because I read all over the place . . .and even more so now that I have joined LT. For the most part, I like my world orderly which I think is why I read so many mysteries as well as history. Does that make any sense?

3drneutron
Sept. 17, 2008, 5:16 pm

I tend to read in general categories for fiction - fantasy, sf, horror, other types of speculative fiction, thrillers, etc. But LT, and especially this group, has really expanded my choices. With nonfiction, I tend to read lots of different kinds of things, with the exception that I sometimes avoid authors with axes to grind. This is mostly because I think these authors aren't reliable in fact presentation or analysis.

Another factor in my choices lately has been the technological innovation adopted by my local library. They publish a daily RSS feed that lists all the new works added to the catalog over the previous day, with key words and links to descriptions and reviews. I can keep lists of all the catalog items I'm interested in on their site, then when I get ready for books, I can request items with a few clicks and go pick them up at my local branch. So I'm seeing things I might not have picked up in browsing and trying out some things that would have been a stretch earlier.

4alcottacre
Sept. 17, 2008, 5:44 pm

#3 drneutron: I am so jealous of that RSS feed you have from your library. I visit my library at least twice every week, so I make good use of their resources, but we are not lucky enough to have the RSS feed.

5ThePam
Sept. 17, 2008, 5:47 pm

I have a friend, Avaland, that just fessed up that he always reads the last chapter first. If it doesn't have a happy ending, he doesn't read it.

...all kinds :o)

6drneutron
Sept. 17, 2008, 6:17 pm

#4 - we pay for the privilege. I live in a heavily taxed state and county. But the services are generally good!

7avaland
Sept. 17, 2008, 8:04 pm

>5 ThePam: I have a friend (a former psychologist no less!) who also reads the end first but then reads the book anyway. Go figure.

>2 alcottacre: Well, the next question would be: how would you describe your comfort zone? Or what would be something that fell outside your comfort zone?

I like to think that I am an adventurous reader at this point in my life and I like to think my reading reflects this (at least with fiction). I like to explore. But, of course, I don't know how my reading might look to others. Certainly there are kinds of books I have no interest in at all (epic fantasy would be one). I have had 'eras' where I have read huge amounts of SF and mysteries and not a lot else (like when I had three small children at home and worked full-time at night). I've evolved as a reader over the decades (and decades). My nonfiction reading reflects the subjects I'm interested in; literary criticism and essays, social issues, women's studies, social history, local history, other cultures, some science and nature.

So, 'comfort zone' for my fiction reading might be a misnomer.

8Whisper1
Sept. 17, 2008, 8:17 pm

WOW! What a very interesting question. There is no simple answer, which is why it is such an interesting concept.

Since joining LT, I've expanded my reading quite a lot. Previously, I primarily read historical biographies and historical fiction and was stuck in anything having to do with British history, Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn and all the other wives.

Since reading the posts here, I've discovered young adult fiction. And, a very interesting thing happened which challenged me. I wanted to take a break from a busy fall academic schedule and decided to go to the faculty dining room for soup at lunch time. I am currently reading the Sharon Creech book Ruby Holler and when I took this with me to read, I was aware that people naturally were looking at the title. Ok, I admit that for a split second I was concerned that co-workers would wonder why I was reading a young adult book instead of something "academic"... And this made me realize my own bias and silliness. I smiled thinking of all the many things I've learned since joining this group.

I continued to read and enjoyed the soup and the book.

9FAMeulstee
Bearbeitet: Sept. 18, 2008, 9:56 am

I can't read (or watch) anything too thrilling, like Stephen King, I get nervous. Actually it is more the combination of violence, thrilling and something that could happen in real life (in my mind). Thrilling and long ago or in fantasy is easier.
I like YA and historical fiction, but since I am only reading again since Januari, I'm still exploring. I re-read a lot too, books I loved before, nice to meet "old friends" again, I usually remember only half of what I have read before, so there are always new things in re-reads.

10Whisper1
Sept. 18, 2008, 11:25 am

Hi Fameulstee

I am like you in that I don't want to read something too violent and or thrilling. In particular, I don't want to watch a movie or read a book having to do with the harming of innocent children and/or animals.
I get so upset I stop reading the book or stop watching the movie. Cugo was the last Stephen King book I read and after that I could read no more of his stuff.

11FAMeulstee
Sept. 18, 2008, 4:59 pm

hi Whisper1
it is strange how abuse of the innocent (children/animals) strikes so much. I have the same.
When I was young I hide behind the couch when something on tv was too thrilling.

12avaland
Sept. 23, 2008, 8:29 am

Some refreshments here in the kitchen: Australian Lamingtons . . .



13Whisper1
Sept. 23, 2008, 8:37 am

Diese Nachricht wurde vom Autor gelöscht.

14Whisper1
Sept. 23, 2008, 8:37 am

These look very good...I rejoined weight watchers so I hate to think how many points one of these treats would be.

ok, I have to ask, is that coconut on the outside and cake on the inside...oh my!

15avaland
Sept. 23, 2008, 9:08 am

It's a sponge cake dipped (?) or spread with chocolate and coated with a fine coconut. Having recently been introduced to them, I can say that they are a light dessert (as in not heavy or too rich).

Here's a question while we have our mouths full:

How do you choose the next book you are going to read?

a. Impulsively, it's whatever looks good at that moment.
b. Emotionally, it's whatever I'm in the mood for at that moment.
c. Rationally, it's the next book on the list.
d. Communally, it's the book everyone else seems to be reading.
e. Geographically, it's the book closest to where I am when I need to read
f. Medicinally, it's what I should be reading.
g. Passively, it's been decided for me (i.e. classes)
h. Other . . .

16rachbxl
Sept. 23, 2008, 10:48 am

Hmm, interesting question. For me it's a mixture of a and b, and it's definitely NOT c or d (the fact that everyone else seems to be reading it is more likely to make me NOT want to read it). Like everyone else here, I guess, I have a groaning TBR shelf, and I tend to pick whatever I fancy at the time from there, which means that some books have been sitting there unread for years - but I know their day will come! I can't choose "rationally" because for me so much depends on timing.

17FAMeulstee
Bearbeitet: Sept. 23, 2008, 2:33 pm

For me it is most most a and b, sometimes d. Although "everyone is reading that one can also turn me against a book.
I just bought Kirstin Lavransdatter for a group read here on LT, but ever since the first Harry Potter came out, there were too many people who said it was a must read... and I don't do very well on things I must do ;-)

And then there is h, other: reading a book and then the sequels, or would that be called rationally?

18ms.hjelliot
Sept. 23, 2008, 3:28 pm

Well, I think a and b are the same thing really...whatever looks good at the moment and whatever mood I'm in. That is how I choose most of the time, but c does figure into it somewhat, when I've got a certain theme for a month like Halloween or Valentine's Day, etc. ;)

19ThePam
Sept. 23, 2008, 4:44 pm

Count me in as another contrarian. Unless it's a group-read I've signed up for, I tend to not want to read what 'everybody else' is reading.

20torontoc
Sept. 23, 2008, 9:28 pm

I am an "a" and "b" reader. I look at my book piles and see what appeals at the moment. Sometimes when I have read on a particular theme- I like to continue the same subject if possible- for example after reading a historical fiction book I will go to a biography or history on the same subject.

21blackdogbooks
Sept. 23, 2008, 10:46 pm

uhhhh......is all of the above a possibility.

22cal8769
Sept. 24, 2008, 1:27 am

I'm mostly an 'a' and 'b'er but lately I have added 'c' ,too. I have been sticking a TBR book from the mountain in with my ARC's, library and loaned books just trying to make a dent. (It isn't working) Oh well, it was worth a shot.

23alcottacre
Sept. 24, 2008, 6:29 am

I am mostly a "c" reader because I have so many library books out - I have to keep a list and make sure I get them back on time! I am also very much of a "b" reader - if I am not in the mood for it, it does not matter if the book is next on the list or not, lol.

24dihiba
Sept. 24, 2008, 6:56 am

I am a "b" reader most of the time - sometimes "a" and sometimes "c" because about once a month I try to read a book I have had for a year or more - but I still go by what I'm in the mood for.

25avaland
Sept. 24, 2008, 7:56 am

I am mostly an 'a', 'b' and sometimes an 'e' reader. Although I try to premeditate and take books with me everywhere, sometimes I forget and one has to read the book that's there (i.e. the bathroom, the car, beside the bed even). But, mostly it's an a or b. Definitely I'm with Rach, not a 'd' reader (I have not read HP, for example). I have read some 'popular' books (i.e. Da Vinci Code, Lovely Bones) but I read them before they were published.

Having said all that, some of my reading, because of research, is 'c' or 'g'. But I'm enjoying it so it's not a burden.

I avoid 'f', 'should'. Life is too short.

26FlossieT
Sept. 24, 2008, 8:25 am

All of a through e!

a-b used to be my standard mode of operation.

At the moment it's mostly c as I took a stack out of the library over the summer and am still working through them - have just renewed 4 for the last possible time. (An aside: sure I read on someone's thread that they have *75* books checked out of the library!! wow. I am only allowed to take out up to 12 at a time...)

d has also happened a bit more recently, mainly when "everyone else" = "people in this group on LT" :-) If a book that I've had on my TBR list for a while crops up with positive remarks in a couple of threads on here, I may bump it up the list as it's really nice to discuss it with other people. Also, I have been Booker-list reading recently, so technically I guess that's dictated by what "other people" are reading!

e is for my desperation-OMG-I'm-stuck-somewhere-without-a-book purchases. My print habit is bad enough that if I am facing a period of more than half an hour's downtime and have somehow forgotten to bring a book or finished the one I have with me quicker than expected (examples: late-night train journeys, son's chess tournaments, cancelled coffee date), and I have access to a bookstore, I will buy a new book, regardless of the number on the shelf at home. Jane Harris's The Observations and Joseph O'Connor's Redemption Falls have both made their way into my collection on this basis (along with, um, a few others that also happened to be in the bookstore 2-for-1 or 3-for-2 promotion...)

27Whisper1
Sept. 24, 2008, 9:02 am

What a great question....Thanks for posing this.

My reading patterns and selections have changed since joining LT. I admit that while I may have a book in the queue next in line, if I read a recommendation that sounds fascinating, I go to that book next instead of the original one intended.

For example, I was slated to read the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society and then Alaskabookworm listed a wonderful description of We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson and I started to read that one.

so, I guess the answer to the question for me is A and B.

28streamsong
Sept. 24, 2008, 9:24 am

I was strictly a and b--an impulsively/emotionally reader. But there were sooooo many good books that I was 'saving for later' and not getting to. Seems like I would continually choose fluff when I chose my next book.

But LT has helped me organize a bit.

So now I'm **trying** to read things from my physical tbr pile--although it just keeps growing and growing and groaning along.

I'm in a couple of book groups (online and real life) to help me stretch my reading wings as it were--and so those books have been decided for me. I'm in a couple of themed group reads here on LT--which help me get to some books on MT TBR. And I have time to read a fluff or two each month.

I'm a happy camper right now--except for my audiobooks which fall into 'whatever the library has available' and so are mostly impulse listens.

29Fourpawz2
Bearbeitet: Sept. 25, 2008, 12:17 pm

Lately I've been a little g - letting people from Go Review That Book pick for me, but usually I am h, i.e. I pick something very different from what I just finished. From a love story to historical fiction (male viewpoint), classic fiction to fantasy, etc., etc. Even when I make my non-fiction choices, I try to make the next book one from a completely different time period. Except for when I discovered Outlander and the George R.R. Martin Fire and Ice books, I've never read series books one after the other or even two books in a row by the same author.

30avaland
Sept. 25, 2008, 4:14 pm

>29 Fourpawz2: ah, then that is: i. Pythonically. "And now for something completely different"

31FlossieT
Sept. 25, 2008, 5:40 pm

Oh, yes! I am in a Python place after finishing the Palin Diaries (reminds me, I must go back to my post and (a) correct the title (b) get the touchstone to work).

I used to have a definite tendency to read an author in their entirety if I discovered and liked them, but now I tend to move on to something different, unless the book is actually one of a series. Although really enjoying One Good Turn at the moment (better than Case Histories), enough to make me think I might order When Will There Be Good News? from the library. Even though I sternly told myself NO MORE LIBRARY BOOKS until after Christmas so I can make a dent in the unread books on my shelves....

My real downfall is that we have a clearance bookseller in Cambridge that has regular warehouse sales (a couple of times a month), in which very nearly everything (not the kids' books, and not the big glossy coffee table books) is a pound (i.e. about $2). They stock remainders from big UK publishers of literary fiction like Canongate, Faber, Granta...

"Unfortunately", aforementioned warehouse is approximately a 2-minute cycle ride from my house.

32Fourpawz2
Sept. 26, 2008, 1:03 pm

Wow - I'm Pythonic. Not sure what it is, but I like it. (I think.)

33Whisper1
Sept. 26, 2008, 1:24 pm

FlossieT
I smiled when I read your comment that you have a definite tendency to read an author in the entirety...I do the same thing.

I've read many Joyce Carol Oates books the last few months and each time I go to the library I'm tempted to check out just one more of hers.

34FlossieT
Sept. 26, 2008, 3:34 pm

Wow, Whisper - surely you will never stop if you keep that up with JCO?? Doesn't she turn out at least a book a year (and they're still good)?

35avaland
Sept. 26, 2008, 7:47 pm

Whisper & Flossie, I believe JCO is up to 53 novels & novellas, 31 collections of short fiction, 8 poetry collections, 12 collections of essays or nonfiction, 8 drama collections, 5 YA novels and 3 children's books.

http://jco.usfca.edu/works/index.html

If all the other authors in the world would stop writing, I could keep up with JCO! Although, I'm not sure I want to read too many back to back.

36Whisper1
Sept. 26, 2008, 10:14 pm

Thanks for making me smile at the end of a long and tedious work week!

I had no idea JCO had that many publications....
I know her books take a big chunk of space at my local library.

Sometimes I do need a break from her books because she does tend to get dark and gloomy.

37flissp
Sept. 28, 2008, 2:28 pm

I think this question is revealing quite a lot about the people on this list!

I've never heard of JCO - what sort of thing does she write? (Hmm, I'm not sure I should be asking - my current TBR pile is ridiculous)

I'm mostly an a or b type of person, but I definitely have c - e moments - like a couple of you, I do tend to go through phases for particular authors - and read everything I can lay my hands on... So I sometimes just have to stop and make myself read something a bit different.

I don't often read the book that everyone else is reading (although I quite often will eventually, just to see what all the fuss was about - hence reading The Da Vinci Code, which I never would have read otherwise and still wonder why I did). Mostly though, this is because I have my head in the clouds a lot of the time and I don't notice the hype. I read the first 3 Harry Potter's when I was on my gap year, basically because I like that kind of thing for a bit of brain relief and then tried to tell my (10 years younger) cousins that they might enjoy these books I'd found when I was in the US, only to be laughed out the house!.

I also do have a bit of a pile of books I feel I _should_ read one of these days (mostly non-fiction), but I'm not very good at actually reading them. I'm afraid a lot of my scientific reading (which I don't list here as it's mostly papers rather than books) fits into the f category...

I want to add a category though - when I go to a new place, I like to read books about/from the place I'm visiting... Oooh and when my family, or mates with similar reading tastes recommend something, I'll usually read that (although not always immediately).

Oooh and FlossieT - where's this Cambridge clearance place??? And do you know about the Oxfam bookshop in Saffron Walden? They've usually got a pretty good selection (went a bit mad the other day).

38FlossieT
Sept. 28, 2008, 4:23 pm

fliss, the clearance place is Galloway and Porter - the warehouse is just down Cherry Hinton Road, about 100 yards from Budgens. Next sale is on 11 October - they're having them more often at the moment; I heard from a friend that the shop in town is really suffering since the Grand Arcade as people can't be bothered to go into town "proper" any more. very sad. It's definitely worth a look.

39avaland
Sept. 29, 2008, 11:51 am

Here's another subject of interest. Covers.

Look at the nearest pile of books (yours) or consider the last five to ten books you read or recently purchased. Did the book cover art have anything to do with your choosing that book? Be honest (I don't think anyone is entirely immune to marketing and artwork).

There are sophisticated covers, covers sporting classic paintings, shiny foil covers, bright colorful covers, plain covers, modern covers, old-fashioned-looking covers, covers with people on the front, movie tie-in covers, very dark covers. . .

40flissp
Bearbeitet: Sept. 29, 2008, 12:34 pm

absolutely does! i love the old orange penguins particularly.

i also have a lot of random buys - whether i pick a book up in the first place quite often has a fair bit to do with the cover (besides the name of the author, or an interesting title), shamefully! i tend to steer clear of tie-in covers, (don't know why), and anything with someone looking whistful on the front - or those pink girly book covers... but i do like bright colourful ones.

you can tell quite a bit about how someone wants to market a book from the cover though, can't you?

Edited to add - thanks Rachel - don't know how I've never noticed Galloway and Porter, bearing in mind how close I live these days! I shall have to put that date in my diary...

41avaland
Bearbeitet: Sept. 29, 2008, 12:55 pm

I love book covers but I don't think I'm overly influenced by them these days. When I shop at a library sale everything is spine up usually and it's the authors that attract my attention first. When I shop on Amazon, it's either me searching for a specific book or looking at something on the list of 'those who bought this book, also ...' (I suppose I might have been influenced by covers there). It's when I'm leisurely browsing in a physical bookshop that a cover might attract me to a book. I don't do as much of that kind of browsing as I used to. Still, a tasteful or clever cover does get my attention.

I do know what I don't like: I never buy a movie tie-in cover, I avoid covers with endorsements from Oprah and Today's Show or any other media entity, I don't buy books whose covers repel me.

42Whisper1
Sept. 29, 2008, 1:18 pm

#37
Joyce Carol Oates is worth the read. I warn you though, at times, she writes about gloomy subjects.

I had to take a break from her for awhile, but I'm reading a lot of her stuff this year.

43alcottacre
Sept. 29, 2008, 2:32 pm

#41 avaland: I do know what I don't like: I never buy a movie tie-in cover, I avoid covers with endorsements from Oprah and Today's Show or any other media entity, I don't buy books whose covers repel me.

I totally agree with you on that. As a matter of fact, I will go out of my way to find a cover that does not have the endorsement, movie tie in, what not on it, if it is a book I truly want to read.

For the most part, covers play very little part in whether I purchase a book or not. Mostly I am looking for particular books or authors, so I do not really pay attention to the covers.

44torontoc
Sept. 29, 2008, 3:12 pm

I must admit- I do look twice at a nice cover- I have in my TBR pile Michael Chabon's book of non-fiction, Maps and Legends- it has a spectacular cover-actually three. But I do know that nice illustrations do not guarantee a good book- I really hated Landscape with Tea by Milorad Pavic and the hardcover version has a beautiful cover!

45FAMeulstee
Sept. 29, 2008, 5:09 pm

Most books we have bought the last few months came from a online second hand bookshop, so we only saw the covers when the books arrived, Kirstin Lavransdatter had an awfull cover, I really don't know if I had bought it when I would have seen that fist.
We always buy with my wishlist in hand, so mostly covers don't matter much.

In times we had much more money to spend on books, we would go to our bookshop once or twice a month and then covers could matter, some covers make you pick up a book and chances are you buy the book.

46FlossieT
Sept. 29, 2008, 6:06 pm

Completely agree with avaland - most books I've already made up my mind to read before I see the cover on the strengths of reviews/recommendations/previous 'form'! But I am almost certainly influenced by cover design when browsing in bookstores - and more shamefully, by what's been put out on the tables; I find it really tiring to browse spines, so anything turned face outwards already has extra points in its favour (I wish it wasn't so, but it is).

There was an interesting article in the Bookseller about cover design a couple of weeks ago, specifically comparing UK and US - there's a summary on its blog. It is a big issue in the UK because, famously, Richard and Judy's book club supremo, Amanda Ross, has been known to insist on changes to jacket design as a condition of selection for the club list.

47avaland
Bearbeitet: Sept. 29, 2008, 10:08 pm

Secret - the booksellers know about the face-out thing:-) It's proven that it sells books. . .

Off to read that blog, sounds interesting.

eta, I don't believe that's true about UK covers being more market-driven. The US is certainly just as market-driven, imo. They do have different audiences, of course. Of course, the first two examples that come to my mind are:




US Cover on left, UK on right. We bought the UK edition of Saturn's Children. We were both offended by the US cover even though the main character is a fembot (and they spent oodles having Pixar come up with that). I actually sent a note to Ace books to tell them we were going to do that. We bought the UK edition of Perdido because it was a first. I love the artwork. I also find the US cover very striking. By the time the third book came out both the UK and US covers were the same. Of course, both of these are 'genre' books.
However, the difference between, say, the Atwood covers are interesting also. I just picked up the Bloomsbury hardcover at a library sale even though I have a US edition on the shelf. I find the cover so interesting (it didn't scan well because of the gloss, I think).

48FlossieT
Sept. 30, 2008, 11:09 am

I just hate to be manipulated like that when I'm shopping, though :-( I'd really like to be dedicated enough as a browser to spend time really looking through the shelves (or, who knows, talking to the booksellers....) but I just can't seem to find the time...

49avaland
Sept. 30, 2008, 1:09 pm

>48 FlossieT: I know what you mean. I still like to browse a good poetry section though, it's near impossible to shop for poetry online (imo). I've never given much thought at all about the covers of poetry books!

But when you consider the two Atwood covers above, one has to wonder about the book inside. Both covers, while very different, have equally mythic qualities.

50blackdogbooks
Sept. 30, 2008, 8:58 pm

I just picked up a copy of the UK version of The Robber Bride and I had no idea it was a UK edition. I think I like that cover better. It has a superior 'creep' quality!

51Fourpawz2
Okt. 1, 2008, 12:51 pm

I can honestly say that the cover does not influence me (unless I am in an actual bookstore and then I am definitely attracted to a book 'cuz of the cover). I do not care if it is a movie tie-in book - the price is my main concern. I am very attracted to small books - The Island of Lost Maps was one of those - however that was an after purchase attraction as I had no idea that it would be so attractive until it arrived. Oh, yes - and those orange Penguin books are the best. They feel right, they look right - to me they are just perfect. Hmmm. All this talk of "attraction" on my part. It sounds as if I might have another kind of issue with books - I wonder if I can meet the book of my dreams on Match.com.

52avaland
Okt. 1, 2008, 3:54 pm

>51 Fourpawz2: then you need The Man in the Picture, a beautiful little book:-)

53FlossieT
Okt. 1, 2008, 5:14 pm

While we're on covers, just in case you didn't already know of it: The Penguin Paperback Spotters' Guild is worth a browse :-)

54Prop2gether
Okt. 1, 2008, 7:20 pm

Oh what fun reading this thread has been! Avaland, I didn't realize you'd moved here and had missed the ongoing discussions. But, in case anyone's interested...

I usually read three or four books at a time, generally in different genres, until one "hooks" me and I read doubletime to finish it. Since I'm always carrying a book in my bag, that one has to be small enough to fit in the bag, and not weigh too much for a long walk. Maybe silly--but that's how I've read some really great books, classics and YA among them.

I choose my next books probably mostly on mood. Since my father passed away in July, I've had trouble concentrating on books more than 250 or 300 pages in length, but my genre choice will be based either on my TBR pile and what looks interesting, my book club selection, or something I've heard about either here or from a friend. Reviews won't make or break a selection for me, but will guide me to an author or a work I'll check out.

I'm a compulsive list reader in some respects though, and this year's reading shows some of that: the various mystery series I'm reading, the authors I've liked (Muriel Sparks, William Trevor, John Barth) that I first read this year, and my favorites.

However, I won't buy an edition of a book when I don't like the cover art. Kinda silly, I guess, but if I have to look at the cover and don't like it--I don't want to keep it around and I don't want to pass it on to friends.

Fun discussion--looking forward to the next question.

55Fourpawz2
Okt. 2, 2008, 11:05 am

#52 - It's on the list, avaland. I put it there because of the recommendation, but was pleased afterward to see how small it is.

56avaland
Okt. 2, 2008, 4:33 pm

>54 Prop2gether: I"m fresh out of questions:-)

57Whisper1
Okt. 2, 2008, 4:43 pm

Here is a question:

In our vast reading, I'm curious regarding the characters we most are drawn to. For example, I am fascinated by Anne Boleyn. She was spunky, crafty, assertive, astute, clever, a "tad" conniving and a product of her particular time in history (the Tudor era.)

What particular character or character(s) do you find you most identify with when reading a book?
And, what are those characteristics that draw you to this person?

58rachbxl
Okt. 3, 2008, 2:27 am

I like that question, Whisper! I'm going to go away and think about it.

In the meantime, I came a bit late to the discussion on covers: at the moment, I don't think I'm influenced by the cover at all, but that's perhaps only because of my circumstances - I live in a non-English-speaking country, where thanks to the high numbers of expats there's a thriving market in second-hand English books. I'm just grateful to get the books I want; if I let covers come into it, then I'd be reliant solely on the little Waterstones in Brussels.

Interesting to note, though, that when it comes to French novels (to which I do have unrestricted access here), the covers don't seem to be as important as they are for English-language publishers, and there's rarely any choice. I can think of at least one French-language publisher which doesn't use any cover illustrations at all (I quite like these plain covers, except for the fact that they don't tell you anything about the book on the back, either!)

59avaland
Okt. 3, 2008, 9:59 am

This is a tough question to answer without separating it from the research I'm doing. Yep, I'm going to have to think about this also. Good question, Whisper!

60Fourpawz2
Okt. 3, 2008, 12:46 pm

Hmmmm - that is a toughy. I guess the word that comes to mind first is - flawed - be they male or female. (But that's my reaction after only a minute or so's thought on the subject. A little more thought and I might change it.)

61Prop2gether
Okt. 3, 2008, 7:28 pm

I guess I'm drawn to "spunky" females. In high school, it was Heinlein's Friday, and evolved into the more romantic heroines of Mary Stewart, then on to some very smart and independent PIs from Sue Grafton and Sara Paretsky. They share characteristics with historic women like Anne Boleyn, but I had more fun with Catherine the Great. One of the first books I read about women was stories of women who were firsts: first American physician, first writer, etc.

If the female characters are poorly drawn, I usually get bored with the writer. Most of my favorite writers do well with female characters.

62avaland
Okt. 7, 2008, 4:00 pm

I'm not sure I'm drawn to characters as much to story, although they are often inextricably linked. In my research, I am drawn to women who have been restricted or confined in some way. Might be jail, might be gender roles. My pleasure reading is less easy to assess. The last few novels have had characters being reflective, looking back over their lives in attempt to come to terms with some or all of it and then take some sort of action, if only just moving on; OR, at least, they eventually get to that point.

Prop, I was never terribly impressed with Friday (but then again I tend to mix her up with the woman in Greg Bear's Queen of Angels).

63Prop2gether
Okt. 7, 2008, 8:38 pm

Well, Friday was in my high school "anything by Heinlein" stage. Presumably, she was simply the first of many here. I do want a good story as well, including, crazily enough, good grammar and writing styles. The book can be full of jargon or colloquy so long as there's consistency of style. I'm not so picky about happy or sad endings, or horror or sweetness.

64avaland
Okt. 9, 2008, 7:49 am

Hey! We are all in a cartoon!

http://wondermark.com/d/442.html

65drneutron
Okt. 9, 2008, 9:34 am

*snerk* bibliophibians...8^}

66TrishNYC
Okt. 9, 2008, 5:50 pm

Hey Guys,
Sorry to interrupt, I just wanted to let those of you who are interested know that the early reviewers program has as one of its selections a book called Rocket Man. If any of you are interested, please PM me. I got my copy today directly from the publisher and they asked me to spread the word. All you have to do is read it and review it.

67alcottacre
Okt. 11, 2008, 6:49 am

#64 avaland: Love the cartoon! I am raising one of the biobliophibians, who is currently 17, and outreads me.

#66 TrishNYC: I would read the book, but I cannot do any reviewing (I never know what to say). Sorry I cannot help.

68deebee1
Okt. 20, 2008, 9:34 am

A teacher, 2 donkeys, and 4,800 books...

An inspiring book story from today's International Herald Tribune. Read on...

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/20/america/20burro.php

69alcottacre
Okt. 20, 2008, 10:35 am

What an inspiration! Thanks for sharing the story, deebee1.

70akeela
Okt. 20, 2008, 10:40 am

Indeed! Thanks for sharing the story, Deebee.

71Fourpawz2
Okt. 29, 2008, 2:47 pm

FlossieT mentioned the Secret Santa thing on my thread, so I emailed Abby to ask her about it and just heard back from her. She says that they are just starting to talk about doing it and that she's hopes they will.

72avaland
Okt. 29, 2008, 3:03 pm

I think they considered it a success last year, so I don't know why they wouldn't, unless they are short of help or something. Must go bug Abby now as I'm hoping this year they will have 'anonymous giving'.

73FAMeulstee
Okt. 29, 2008, 7:36 pm

Something completely different: thanks everyone, because it seems my ability to read is really back to stay, I am thinking to be a member of our local library!

This is a hughe step for me (being phobic in many ways), my husband is willing to help me step by step :-)
In the library I can lend the great recommendations I get here and if I like a book so much that I want to own it, I always can buy it later ;-)

74alcottacre
Okt. 29, 2008, 9:23 pm

#73 FAM: What a tremendous step for you! Good luck (and congrats as to the supportiveness of your spouse). I know that your local library would appreciate your input and you will get much out of the library as well.

75FAMeulstee
Okt. 30, 2008, 3:46 pm

thanks alcottacre for understanding :-)
I will report if it works out.

My last library visits were over 25 years ago...

76FAMeulstee
Nov. 12, 2008, 4:29 pm

I did it today!

I am a member of the library of Lelystad now, and took my first 4 books home !!

Well I started a new era in reading LOL

77drneutron
Nov. 12, 2008, 4:57 pm

Congrats! What did you bring home?

78FAMeulstee
Bearbeitet: Nov. 12, 2008, 5:14 pm

thanks Jim
People of the wolf and People of the fire by W Michael Gear. I like the Jean Auel books and was curious if I might like these too, but did not want to buy them.
Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier

and my husband started reading Sanctuary so we took that too, it is a new translation, we have an older one.

I have a membership limited to 4 books, but can upgrade to 8 books when needed.

I decided to enter the books I read from the library tagged &bibliotheekbook (=library book).

Started People of the wolf and it looks like a nice, not too heavy read.

And I am making a new list, next to my wishlist, books I want from the library, most titles come from this group.

79drneutron
Nov. 12, 2008, 5:20 pm

Good books!

I'm curious. There are different plans for your library? At our public library, I can have up to 30 items per library card checked out at any given time. Is this a private or public lending library?

80FAMeulstee
Nov. 12, 2008, 5:25 pm

It is a public library, for 22 euro a year you can lend max 4 books, for 33 euro a year you can lend max 8 books.
For children (up to 15 years) it is free and reduced rates for 16-24 year and 65+

81drneutron
Nov. 12, 2008, 5:35 pm

Got it. Our system is a bit different. The library's free for county residents, but it gets funded through property taxes in our local county. So every county within every state has a different system. Since the library is locally funded, each system varies in quality, features, selection, amenities, etc. I live in a very well-educated, affluent suburb of Washington, DC, so the library is fantastic. And I make heavy use, since this is also a heavily taxed county. I want to get my money's worth!

82FlossieT
Nov. 12, 2008, 5:50 pm

The libraries in the UK are also free, except for when you're borrowing CDs/DVDs/videos, in which case there's a per-item charge and a more limited loan period.

You usually can't borrow more than around 10 items at a time though: my local library lets me borrow 12 at once for three weeks each plus two renewals (if no one else has requested them). I also belong to Camden library in London, but as I have yet to borrow a book from them I'm not actually sure what the limits are!

83ronincats
Nov. 12, 2008, 6:09 pm

I don't know how I missed this thread all this time! Here I am in the kitchen, though, and I want to answer all the questions, if I can remember what they were!! First, I tend to read in a genre when life is stressed, which is most of the time. I am a school psychologist working in very poor schools, dealing with issues that are very stressful for my elementary school students, plus lots of reports to write nights. Then in the fall I teach a course for the university as well. I've noticed that the more stressful things get, the more comfort reading I do. As the stress lets up, I get more venturesome. I am a b reader, what fits emotionally. I usually have a non-fiction going along with the fiction, although I have had trouble getting that going this fall. The non-fictions are usually historical or religious. And I like multi-dimensional characters who are interesting and compassionate, and I like stories that are not complete downers. I have difficulty with torture and absolute cruelty and also with books that make me feel miserable from crying so much. And congratulations, FAMeulstree, for your big step. I work with students with anxiety issues a LOT, and so understand how big a step that is!

84FAMeulstee
Nov. 12, 2008, 6:23 pm

glad you found us here ronincats, and thank you!
Anita

85porch_reader
Nov. 12, 2008, 6:27 pm

FAMeulstee - I'm thrilled to hear about your trip to the library. I've always been a big fan of libraries, and I'm glad that you are getting the chance to enjoy yours.

86alcottacre
Nov. 12, 2008, 11:45 pm

Congratulations on making it to the library, FAM! Good job for both you and your hubby.

I know one thing - if I was limited to only 4 books from the library, I would be there every day. I think I have 93 checked out right now (there may be some hiding somewhere that I do not know about). My library has a max of 100 per card.

87TrishNYC
Bearbeitet: Nov. 13, 2008, 12:11 am

Hey ladies and gentlemen. Sorry to interrupt. I somehow ended up with two copies of an ARC of The Weight of a Mustard Seed by Wendell Steavenson. It comes out March 2009 and I guess the publisher really, really wants me to read it so they sent me two copies :) Anyway one is up for grabs and I will give it to anyone who wants it. You don't have to write me an essay on how wonderful I am or why the Trojan war was fought over my beauty or name three of your children after me. Just leave me a message on my page and I will send it to you. I am willing to send anywhere around the known universe and Mars. Wait scratch that, I don't think they do media mail for Mars. So if you live on Mars and want this book, you will just have to get Scotty to beam you down here to get it.

Alcottacre-- this of course does not include you. I know you are from another planet but I am willing to send it out to your galaxy.

***I feel like I just violated so many astronomy facts with the above post. Someone, somewhere is incensed right now. Alrighty folks drop me a line.

88alcottacre
Nov. 13, 2008, 12:21 am

#87 TrishNYC: While I do appreciate the offer for you to ship the book to me here past the Alpha Centauri star system, I am afraid the postal costs would eat you alive, so I will pass.

Honestly, though, I am terrible at doing the reviews and prefer to leave that to more capable hands than mine.

89TrishNYC
Nov. 13, 2008, 1:58 am

LOL Alcot :) Alpha Centauri...that is priceless.

By the way let me clarify. Whoever gets the book does not need to write a review. I have my copy which I will read and review. The other copy is just a freebie and the publisher will not even know whoever gets it has it. So whoever wants it can take it and put it on a shelf for another two years, its no prob. I am the only one obligated to write a review.

90FAMeulstee
Nov. 14, 2008, 4:31 pm

>85 porch_reader:: porch_reader & >86 alcottacre:: alcottacre
thanks!

Yes Stasia I can understand...
Even worse: in my youth I was only allowed 2 books from the library and went there almost every day. Back then I was very disappointed you could not return lended books the same day ;-)

91FlossieT
Nov. 14, 2008, 5:58 pm

Nothing to do with libraries but my inner pedant will not be satisfied until I've said it to someone.... Just seen the title of the new Obama book.

Surely it should be 'Change In Which We Can Believe'? This is the kind of nonsense up with which I will not put etc etc

(sorry. Please feel free to absolutely stop speaking to me now, yes, I really, really am that sad.)

92drneutron
Nov. 18, 2008, 12:40 pm

I just noticed that our little group is third on the list of most active groups over the last 7 days behind the Green Dragon and Hogwarts Express, two very active groups. So apparently we've been chatty! Check it out on the Groups tab...

93TadAD
Nov. 18, 2008, 3:02 pm

Especially since both of those forums have a high percentage of non-book threads.

94ronincats
Nov. 18, 2008, 3:12 pm

And ESPECIALLY since they have over 1500 and 1000 members respectively, compared to our 177. We Rock!

95blackdogbooks
Nov. 18, 2008, 4:56 pm

I am gonna go outside and do some victory laps!!!!

96TrishNYC
Nov. 18, 2008, 6:09 pm

Whoa...look at us go. Have I mentioned that I love this group? Yeah, I really do. I have tried to join other groups but I find that this is the only group where I feel at home and genuinely like everyone.

97FAMeulstee
Nov. 19, 2008, 5:07 pm

>92 drneutron:: drneutron
I noticed too, we are a chatty bunch these days ;-)

98avaland
Nov. 19, 2008, 5:20 pm

If you're not reading, this is what some people do with their books:

http://www.offbeatearth.com/dont-like-reading-other-uses-for-books/

99ronincats
Nov. 19, 2008, 5:28 pm

Those are neat, avaland (as long as it's not my books). I liked the bookshelf with "Off Balance", "Out of control" and "Out of Order".

100Prop2gether
Nov. 19, 2008, 5:50 pm

OMG--memories of making Christmas trees out of Reader's Digests arise! And serving dishes out of 78 records.

101FAMeulstee
Nov. 19, 2008, 6:35 pm

>99 ronincats:: ronincats
completely agree with you, not with my books and I like that bookshelf too

>100 Prop2gether:: Prop2gether
hey, I never thought that you could do something like that with Reader's Digests LOL

102FlossieT
Nov. 19, 2008, 7:00 pm

Oh, those are very cool. Thanks, Lois!

103Prop2gether
Nov. 19, 2008, 7:02 pm

#101--It's all in how you fold the 200 pages, glue the front to the back, and then spray paint the entire tree--gold and silver are very popular, with a star on top.

104TadAD
Nov. 19, 2008, 7:08 pm

>100 Prop2gether:: We used to make angels out of them. Fold the top corner down, fold the end in. Do two and glue them cover to cover. Then add a styrofoam head and wings cut out of another RD cover. Spraypaint the whole thing. Christmas fun for the whole family. ;-)

105TrishNYC
Nov. 20, 2008, 12:19 am

Gosh, I always feel like there is always a great conversation going on in here and in come I to interrupt with something unrelated. Please forgive me in advance but I just had to vent and ask for advice from all of you. So I read and reviewed an advanced copy of The Book of Nonsense(sorry wrong touchstone) a little while back. Since the book was sent to me directly by the author, I sent my review to the author and we had a cordial exchange with him even saying he would gladly send me the next book in the sequel when it was out. Anyways, I just got an email from him today and here is what he said :
Hello friends of Nonsense!

If you could, I'd love it if you'd go here and "reply" with more protest about this bad review. Charge!! (Advice from my publicist.)


He then includes the website where this supposedly negative review was posted. Before even clicking on the website, I was surprised that an author would be so personally invested in refuting every negative review. I totally understand that authors pour heart and soul into their work but why this need to be offended by each individual negative review? The book has many positive reviews on Amazon.com and probably the same on other website and blogs. Why this need to marshal together the "fans" of the book to bombard someone who did not like the book? I was so annoyed by the author's request and it made me kinda lose respect for him. His request had the opposite reaction from me and rather than harangue the poor woman who just wrote a review, I offered her support. So do you guys think I should tell him what I really think of his request or just ignore his email. By the way here is the blog/website that started this whole foolishness.
http://lesasbookcritiques.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-of-nonsense.html

106alcottacre
Nov. 20, 2008, 12:59 am

I think I would tell the guy he needs a new publicist! Does he not realize that reviews are strictly a matter of opinion and that everyone is entitled to theirs? I do not think it's worth your time and energy.

107alcottacre
Nov. 20, 2008, 12:59 am

Speaking of time and energy, the people in message 98 obviously have too much of both, lol.

108avaland
Bearbeitet: Nov. 20, 2008, 8:27 am

>105 TrishNYC: I'd tell the author exactly how you feel. Such a blatant attempt to manipulate suggests he's not a professional and neither is his publicist. I was trying to find the book on Amazon to see who the publisher is, but couldn't find it.

eta, >103 Prop2gether: don't forget the glitter! (wasn't there glitter?)

109Prop2gether
Bearbeitet: Nov. 20, 2008, 2:20 pm

#105 Bless Tad and BDB for coming to my corner when I was similarly blasted on a 75er thread a month ago! In that case, the author threatened to report me for LT violations for "bad mouthing" his ER book. The author apparently was so totally wrapped up in getting good reviews that he had no perspective or ability to distinguish between saying the story was okay, but the writing was not the best. (In fact, I passed the book on to a friend without comment and she hated it.) I was stunned by the vitriolic nature of the response, but felt so much better to have back-up from gents who said essentially--back off, buddy. We're all friends here. Thanks guys!

110TrishNYC
Nov. 20, 2008, 2:18 pm

Prop2gether--Whoa, I missed that one. What the heck is wrong with some people? You write a book, people read it. Some like it, some hate it, some are meh about it. Unless you are 5 and wrote a book, then I would understand being crushed by negative reviews because of a lack of maturity. Sorry to hear about your experience. I somehow missed that one.

Thanks Alcot and Avaland, I appreciate your advice. I will write him a reply but I need a day or two to calm down cause honestly I was really insulted that this author thinks that he can get me or any of his readers to do his dirty work. His email has really put me off his book and I am skeptical that I will read any more of his stuff. By the way Avaland, the book is, The Book of Nonsense by David Michael Slater. Its a YA book.

111drneutron
Nov. 20, 2008, 4:01 pm

Yeah, I'd tell him how you feel. It can be done in a nice way. And then if he reacts badly, make a rule in your email software to automagically delete all his future emails. You'll never have to look at them again! 8^}

112avaland
Nov. 20, 2008, 4:13 pm

I think both of you should report your experiences to Abby. If it is a trend from authors of a certain publisher or a certain vanity press, then LT may want to adjust their ER program to exclude such amateurs. I don't know how LT 'sells' the ER program to publishers and authors, but they might decide they need to tweak the sell, if need be, so authors understand that they're not buying an endorsement. Could be just the individuals but I'd tell your stories to Abby.

113FAMeulstee
Nov. 20, 2008, 4:25 pm

I am sorry you got into this mess.
I would tell him how you feel that everyone is entitled to have his/her opinion.
Let us know how he reacts to that, and never feel that you interrupt the converstation here, we are here for you too!!!
hugs
Anita

114Prop2gether
Bearbeitet: Nov. 20, 2008, 5:14 pm

Avaland, thanks, I will report it, especially in light of the fact that the publisher (and it is a vanity press) specifically enclosed a tear sheet of ER instructions. I had not thought about doing that until TrishNYC's comment on this thread of her experience and your suggestion. Thanks for the nudge.

115blackdogbooks
Nov. 20, 2008, 8:32 pm

Posting a little late to this conversation.

First, Prop2gether, no problem. The author was way outta line. And, as the doc suggested, I tried to be fair and kind in my response to the author on your thread. The reason is because if you respond in kind to someone like that, you typically only make them more intractable. That's not to say that approaching someone in such a manner is successful; in fact, it is probably rarely so. But, at least, if there is a chance, you may connect with the author and get them to see that they are a little too emotionally invested.

On the other hand, the ones to whom you will never connect will not care what tone the message is written in. So, TrishNYC, try the kind message and then do as the doc says and don't engage him further. If he responds nastily and you engage, he will know that he can get to you some more and it will go on.

Good idea from Avaland also to report all of this to Abby. I am sure she has the contact info for just the right person to make someone cease and desist!

116ThePam
Nov. 22, 2008, 8:13 am

Also coming in late here. Where is this author attack? I've not enough coffee and can't find it.

There's a thread on the bloggers group page where I like to add Authors Behaving Badly.

117TheTortoise
Nov. 22, 2008, 12:50 pm

>98 avaland: avaland - now I know what to do with all my double-parked books: build a tower in the middle of my study!

>105 TrishNYC: Trish - I thought the review was reasonable and well-balanced - what's the author's problem! Its just someone's opinion.

- TT

118suslyn
Nov. 22, 2008, 12:52 pm

oh poop I really need to read this thread and the prequel...

119suslyn
Nov. 24, 2008, 8:23 am

Thought this would be a good place to say this:

You guys are one of the nicest groups of people I've ever "met." Thank you. I know it wasn't *for* me, but that doesn't stop me from being grateful. Gee, and it's even the season for it :)

Hope you all have a super Thanksgiving week. After 9 feasts I prepared alone for the past years, I'm taking a break this year. Another American in they city, one of last years' invitees, will join us for dinner at the Hard Rock Café! The pic on my post is from last year's dinner.

Bless you all.

120TheTortoise
Nov. 24, 2008, 9:15 am

>119 suslyn: Susan, I agree with you "You guys are one of the nicest groups of people I've ever met." What a great group this is! Really enjoying being a part of this group and reading all the great reviews, comments and friendly chat.

- TT

121Prop2gether
Nov. 24, 2008, 1:35 pm

For the curious, the author was involved in Wolson's thread, entries 91 through 99, but I've written to Abby about it. It was quite a stunner, but the guys were quite the white knights there (aw shucks! you can blush now), and I really appreciated it. This is really quite motley crew of readers, and we do seem to band together when appropriate.

122avaland
Nov. 24, 2008, 1:49 pm

>121 Prop2gether: Prop, somewhere I just saw a mention of ER books and noting which books are from self-published authors (aka 'vanity presses'). Or it was about allowing such authors to give copies away to LTers but in a way so they aren't breaking the terms of service by spamming us all. It was probably on the "Site Talk" group as I was over there reading the discussion about this year's Secret Santa. I also read a spamming thread, so it could have been either.

123Prop2gether
Nov. 24, 2008, 2:12 pm

So it would seem to be a more common practice than we thought....sad, but not surprising.

124FlossieT
Nov. 27, 2008, 5:02 pm

This comment bears no relation to any of the preceding, but I promise I'm not going to whinge about grammar.

I know that several of you have been enjoying The Uncommon Reader recently. What you would say to Alan Bennett if you met him at a party?

125FlossieT
Nov. 27, 2008, 5:28 pm

PS and Happy Thanksgiving to you all, by the way. Hope you have had a lovely day! Over here it's been raining, a lot.

126Whisper1
Nov. 28, 2008, 12:11 am

Hi Flossie
In PA (Pennsylvania) it is cold, cold, cold. My shetland sheep dog, Simon, loves it. He sits on the deck, nose in the air, long sabled fur blowing in the wind, enjoying the chill.

A good day to you.

Linda

127suslyn
Nov. 28, 2008, 9:43 am

Well if it's weather reports you want ;->, here's ours. The cold blew away last night to leave a very pleasant, no jacket required, sunny afternoon. This means the flies came out, so the cats are basking on the balcony and keeping an eye out for their next victims.

128TheTortoise
Nov. 28, 2008, 10:34 am

> 124 "What are you doing gate-crashing my party"

Then I would throw him out!

Oooooor, Hello Alan, so kind of you to invite me to your party!

- TT

129drneutron
Dez. 3, 2008, 10:36 pm

130avaland
Dez. 4, 2008, 9:08 am

wow, you are quick!

131drneutron
Dez. 4, 2008, 9:11 am

I was already planning to do it yesterday evening, you just gave me a bit more encouragement! 8^}

132TheTortoise
Dez. 4, 2008, 2:48 pm

Does this remind you of anyone?

Books to the ceiling,
Books to the sky,
My pile of books is a mile high.
How I love them! How I need them!
I'll be an old woman by the time I read them.

133alcottacre
Dez. 4, 2008, 3:05 pm

#132 TT: Yeah, me, unfortunately . . .

134cal8769
Dez. 4, 2008, 3:32 pm

I thought it was me!

135MusicMom41
Dez. 4, 2008, 3:36 pm

Come on, TT. I'm not an "old" woman! merely mature ;-) (And I do need them!)

136laytonwoman3rd
Bearbeitet: Dez. 4, 2008, 5:08 pm

#126 Hi! I'm Linda too, and my Sheltie named Callie also likes the breezes blowing through her fur. She'd love to meet Simon some day.




I think I'll do the 75 Book Challenge next year, having hit 70 this year (over on the 50 Book Challenge Group), with a month to go.

137drneutron
Dez. 4, 2008, 9:06 pm

Welcome! Come on over to the '09 group!

138TheTortoise
Dez. 5, 2008, 6:35 am

>135 MusicMom41: Ok MM, insert "merely mature" for "old woman"! But of course, it wasn't you! She knows who she is!

- TT

139MusicMom41
Dez. 5, 2008, 12:59 pm

TT

Yeah--we know who she is and we are all jealous of her! So we try to bask in her reflected glory. ;-)

140MusicMom41
Dez. 5, 2008, 4:23 pm

Diese Nachricht wurde vom Autor gelöscht.

141Eat_Read_Knit
Dez. 6, 2008, 5:28 pm

Just dropping in to say hi. I joined the 2009 group, and then thought, heck, there's still three weeks of 2008 left, I might as well join that one too. I've been watching the group for a few months, and picking up lots of recommendations.

142alcottacre
Dez. 7, 2008, 12:23 am

#141: Welcome, CatyM! Hope you enjoy your stay with us over the next couple of weeks and in the upcoming year!!

143suslyn
Dez. 7, 2008, 9:15 am

Welcome Caty!

144Eat_Read_Knit
Dez. 7, 2008, 10:19 am

>142 alcottacre:, 143 - Thanks!

145TheTortoise
Dez. 7, 2008, 10:38 am

Welcome Caty! What are you reading?

- TT

146Eat_Read_Knit
Dez. 7, 2008, 10:43 am

>145 TheTortoise:

Thanks! At the moment, I'm in the middle of The Tenant of Wildfell Hall and Dry Store Room No.1. I've been dabbling in the opening pages of The Remains of the Day and If on a winter's night a traveller and trying to decide which one to read next.

147TheTortoise
Dez. 7, 2008, 12:54 pm

>146 Eat_Read_Knit: Caty: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read and The Remains of the Day is simply splendid! Don't know the other two.

- TT

148FlossieT
Dez. 7, 2008, 7:03 pm

Hi Caty! Nice to get another Brit on here :) (Am I allowed to be that parochial without being stripped of something?). I, very superstitiously, have not yet set up a 2009 thread so I for one will be clinging to the 2008 group until Big Ben begins striking (and quite possibly long afterwards if my ability to write the correct date on my cheques is anything to go by). Definitely not too late to join.

149MusicMom41
Dez. 8, 2008, 2:38 pm

Welcome CatyM!

I will be interested to know what you think of Tenant of Wildfell Hall. I plan to read at least one Ann Bronte in my 999 challenge--she's the only Bronte I haven't read and I own two of her books. The Remains of the Day is also on my tbr list--I own that, too. Will you post reviews on your 75 challenge thread?

I love getting nudges for books to try! I assume you will be in the 2009 75 Challenge Group--see you there!

150MusicMom41
Dez. 8, 2008, 2:41 pm

#148 FlossieT

Oh, Flossie! Come on and take the plunge! If you wait too long, unless you are lurking already you will have too many posts to read to catch up in January! I believe the new "motto" is it's not the numbers but the discussions that count!

151FlossieT
Dez. 8, 2008, 3:57 pm

MusicMom, I've joined the group and am following - just not posting myself :)

152suslyn
Dez. 8, 2008, 4:10 pm

people are already posting there?!! I hope you mean just starting their threads. I did that, but that's all. I was so excited to start 2009 fresh and to have a chance to stay current on the threads. bother

153MusicMom41
Dez. 8, 2008, 4:23 pm

Most of the posting is in the "introduce yourself" thread. some of the other threads have "opening sttements" of goals and so on in them.. No one is posting books yet, of course.

I just want to be able to keep up with more of the challenges than i could this year--starting late there was no way I could get to everyone when they all had 200 or more unread posts one each thread! This year I want to be able to keep up.

154suslyn
Dez. 8, 2008, 6:37 pm

me too -- yours, musicmom, is prime example. I was halfway through twice!!, loving it, and it just keeps growing away from me. Joining in Oct I guess I just had to be a bit more dedicated to get everybody's read.

155Whisper1
Dez. 8, 2008, 11:32 pm

HI to all
I've returned tonight after a very long twelve hour trek from Beavercreek Oho to Easton, PA! I was computer less and very involved with my grandchildren, but want to say I've missed the communications with all of you and hope to have time in the next few days to read all the threads.

I hope everyone is well. I image Stasia has read 100 books since I left Thursday. (I'm smiling of course.)

Message #141. Welcome!

Message #136.. Wow..two things in common, our name and our love of shelties! Thanks for the photo.

Message #129..Thanks for staring the 209 thread. I'm weary tonight, but will check this tomorrow. I appreciate your efforts.

156alcottacre
Bearbeitet: Dez. 8, 2008, 11:38 pm

#155: No, I didn't - I read 200, lol.

157cal8769
Dez. 9, 2008, 8:33 am

*bows to alcottacre*

158TheTortoise
Dez. 9, 2008, 11:28 am

>149 MusicMom41: MM. The Tenant of Wildfell Hall is one of the most beautifully written books I have ever read. You only have two of Anne's books, you should try and get hold of all her other books!

>156 alcottacre: Stasia you are such a slacker!

- TT

159alcottacre
Dez. 11, 2008, 3:21 am

#158 TT: Case of the pot calling the kettle black, huh? Where is chapter 2 - everyone is anxiously awaiting!!

160TheTortoise
Dez. 11, 2008, 9:56 am

>159 alcottacre: Stasia, I have been working extremely hard - before lunch I added a comma and then after lunch I took it out! (Thanks for that Oscar!)

Chapter two has got to be brilliant before I launch it on my unsuspecting but faithful fans, otherwise I might lose their interest! I have it all worked out in my mind just need to translate it on to paper. As Eric Morcambe once said to Andre Previn: "I played all the right notes but not neccesarily in the riight order!" Getting the words in the right order is key.

- TT

161flissp
Bearbeitet: Dez. 12, 2008, 8:45 am

Hi all, general query: I'm looking for a biography of Galileo (this has been on my mind a while now - I saw a very good production of "The Life of Galileo" (Brecht) at the NT at the start of the year and it piqued my interest) - does anyone have any recommendations??

edited to add: or any books to steer clear of?

162TheTortoise
Dez. 12, 2008, 11:54 am

>161 flissp: fliss, Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel is excellent. Highly recommended.

- TT

163Prop2gether
Dez. 12, 2008, 1:36 pm

Ditto on Galileo's Daughter--I got caught up in something else, but it is a fascinating study, using her letters to him (his to hers were destroyed by her abbess/prioress on her death).

164alcottacre
Dez. 12, 2008, 4:41 pm

#161 flissp: If you check here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei at the end of the article, there is a whole list of references. You might be able to get one of the true biographies.

Oh, and I ditto too on Galileo's Daughter (as well as Sobel's earlier book Longitude)

165suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 3:18 pm

Went shopping today and, of course, wandered through the books. There is one stack of English books. LT and you guys here especially have certainly influenced me!! I walked away with 2 classics which should end up fulfilling part of my 999 challenge next year. Thanks :)

166MusicMom41
Dez. 14, 2008, 3:56 pm

#165 suslyn

Don't tease! WHAT classics did you walk away with?

167suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 4:21 pm

lol Chaucer's Canterbury Tales for one. I don't remember the other at the moment. Hey if you pray, please pray for our health. Steph, the husband, has a fever now. In 8 years of marriage his hands and feet have never been cold. They're ice. I found him wearing his robe in bed, curled up in fetal position. I climbed in with him trying to warm him up. After being thoroughly roasted, I left him to get our heavy winter down comforter to put on top of the other one already there. He's still icy cold, except for his head which is burning up.

I usually catch everything that walks by, and we have flights to the States Friday morning.

168drneutron
Dez. 14, 2008, 4:23 pm

Ouch! I'll definitely remember you guys in my prayers.

169suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 4:43 pm

Thanks -- just checked on him and he's still freezing. I think I'm going to have to crawl back into the oven and see if I can help him get warm.

170MusicMom41
Dez. 14, 2008, 4:43 pm

suslyn--

We will certainly be praying for a quick recovery for your husband and for you to stay well. Keep us posted!

171dihiba
Dez. 14, 2008, 5:18 pm

I have had a really bad cold for the past 5 days, so I can relate. Hope he gets better soon and you don't catch it!

172suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 5:30 pm

Thanks guys --

Dihiba -- your's is one of the threads I just didn't get to this year (I joined at the end of Oct.) I'm looking forward to starting fresh in 2009 and keeping up with everybody from the beginning!

173suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 5:31 pm

>171 dihiba: Hope you're feeling 100% soonest!

174dihiba
Dez. 14, 2008, 5:36 pm

It looks like the 2009 list will be busy! I hope I can keep up : )

175Whisper1
Dez. 14, 2008, 7:13 pm

suslyn
How are you? How is your husband?

176suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 7:30 pm

Thanks for asking. Steph's no longer cold, but is burning up and covered in sweat (and I just ironed that duvet cover!). So I'm going to try to get some more fervex (supposedly flu-fighting) down him. The good thing is he goes right back to sleep if he wakes or is woken up. He's not taken a sick day that I can remember but I hope to convince him to work from home when his alarm goes off in 3 hours. There's no reason he should share his disease with the office AND he needs to get better.

I've got a scratchy throat and headache, but that's kind of normal for me. My allergies have been acting up, but that's no surprise (dust allergy -- I was a cleaning fiend this weekend for a party, cat allergy -- they sleep with us, feather allergy -- steph's pillow and duvet... and, truly, the list goes on for my allergies and the way I offend them!)

Guess I'll take the fervex too just in case...

177alcottacre
Dez. 14, 2008, 7:55 pm

#176: Susan, I will put both of you in my prayers!

178Whisper1
Dez. 14, 2008, 8:50 pm

ditto to Stasia's prayers.
Steph's illness sounds serious.
And allergies are not fun either. I hope you both are better soon.

179suslyn
Dez. 14, 2008, 9:02 pm

Thanks -- I woke and drugged him, telling him I didn't want him to go to work. His alarm goes off in less than 2 hours at which point I'll reiterate. I actually think he got this Friday nite. A couple was at the same house warming party we went to. They were supposed to come to our place for Sat's tree decorating party (which was a blast, by the way), but cancelled due to illness with their kids... I'm guessing the bug was passed then.

180suslyn
Bearbeitet: Dez. 15, 2008, 12:56 am

Well his temp is 100.4 and he's going to work. ETA: It's down from last night. Thx for the prayers.

181alcottacre
Dez. 15, 2008, 12:53 am

I was hoping he would be doing better today. I think he's crazy for going to work.

182suslyn
Dez. 15, 2008, 12:58 am

me too! but what are you going to do? He said 'it's 37.8 and 37 is normal.' so i looked up the conversion and it's not outrageous, but a short time ago he was just burning up! Oh well... hopefully he won't infect the office!

PS Sorry for littering the kitchen in this non-literary way!

183alcottacre
Dez. 15, 2008, 1:04 am

I certainly hope he doesn't infect everyone in his office!! If they are like me, they would much rather the sick people stay home and get well.

As far as littering the Kitchen is concerned, the Kitchen is open to all subject not just books. Doesn't everybody spend time in the kitchen just chatting?

184TheTortoise
Dez. 15, 2008, 6:33 am

Suse, Glad to hear the crisis is over. Hope you keep well.
Shot up a quick prayer for both of you!

- TT

185cal8769
Dez. 15, 2008, 9:14 am

We care about the people in the kitchen not only what they read.

Hugs to anyone who needs them.

186MusicMom41
Dez. 15, 2008, 1:38 pm

suslyn

I'm still praying--these things linger if you don't get them stamped out. Especially if it is flu.

I'm also praying about your allergies--I have a major problem with that also and know how it can slow you down and impact your life.

Hopefully you will both be healthy by the time you leave on your trip!

187suslyn
Dez. 15, 2008, 8:40 pm

Thank you. Steph's stomach was a bit unsettled tonight, but it wasn't a big deal. He went to bed at a very reasonable hour. I've had a pretty serious headache on and off all day. only 3 days left to finish prep for leaving. We drug ourselves through IKEA tonight hoping to knock some things off the list. Got the glasses for the party our housesitter will have while we're gone. But couldn't find sheets for the guestbed... Got a file cabinet but not the one I wanted, etc. All in all things appear to be on their way up -- but I do feel in need of prayer so I thank you all again.

188Whisper1
Dez. 15, 2008, 10:43 pm

suslyn

This is a quickly written message to say I've been thinking of you and Steph and hope that your trip will bring much needed rest and healing.
Happy Holidays to all.
Linda

189MusicMom41
Dez. 15, 2008, 10:45 pm

suslyn and Steph

Prayers are with you--try not to do too much so you have a chance to recover before you go!

190flissp
Dez. 19, 2008, 12:46 pm

suslyn - sounds like an extremely nasty bout of the flu - hope the drugs worked and you're now both much better!

TT, Prop2gether & alcottacre, thanks for the Galileo recommendations, David Sorbel added to the list for next year! Will have to check out that website too...

191Prop2gether
Dez. 19, 2008, 1:42 pm

It's Dava Sobel--or you will have problems finding the books! She's a terrific writer.

192flissp
Bearbeitet: Dez. 22, 2008, 5:01 am

thank you! ...and you would think that in my line of work i would be more aware of getting people's names wrong...!

...edited to add Happy Christmas/Holidays to everyone (in case they don't check in much over the holidays!)!

193avaland
Dez. 25, 2008, 7:59 am

I brought up the group this morning and gasped at the number of posts on everyone's threads I was behind, so I decided I had best post here. It's been a fun year, hasn't it?

Here's wishing all of you a wonderfully Happy New Year and some very excellent reading in 2009!!!!

194FAMeulstee
Dez. 25, 2008, 5:08 pm

Yes it has been fun, it still is fun :-)

Just a couple of days to go and I wanted to tell you all how lucky I feel to have found you this year!!

Anita

195Whisper1
Dez. 25, 2008, 9:15 pm

Merry Christmas to all!

Lois, many thanks for the posts from beautiful New England.

Fam
Thanks again for introducing me to YA books. This was one of the highlights of 2009.
I'm reading The Fire Eaters by David Almond. Thus far it is holding my interest.

Thanks to all for the wonderful recommendations.

196TadAD
Dez. 29, 2008, 3:01 pm

Apropos of nothing...

I wanted to talk about the 999 Group and went to post but realized that I have absolutely no desire to post there. The LTers I know are here and this is where I want to chat about things...even if they aren't 75er related.

MusicMom41 talked me into joining the book club group and I will participate there, but the thought of managing two complete "free-for-all" threads is overwhelming.

It basically talked me out of doing 999 even though I was considering it for purposes of forcing myself to diversify the reading even more.

197MusicMom41
Bearbeitet: Dez. 29, 2008, 3:30 pm

Ya know, TadAD--you can make categories for yourself on the 75 thread to broaden your reading. Come up with the categories and we will be happy to fill them for you! ;-)

ETA I'm so glad you will be with us on the group read of The Coffee Trader. I think you will enjoy that group.

I know what you mean about too many threads to juggle! I will have to cut back some in 2009 to accomplish my goals--I have a lot a "tomes" to read next year and not much wriggle room for "fluff." I'm doing the 999 but mainly I will be reading the 75 threads on a regular basis because I know I get great ideas from here and I can process only so many great ideas!

198TadAD
Bearbeitet: Dez. 29, 2008, 3:47 pm

LOL, I have some "internal" categories. I may even write them down once I get going on the 2009 75er Group and check them off as I go.

I've sort of done that the last few months with international reading. I started a private Reading Globally effort to move the mix a bit away from US/British authors. I just keep track here for my own purposes since haunting Reading Globally would have the same problems as haunting 999...basically, I'd just be using it as a checklist rather than a discussion.

The discussions are what makes this group interesting, not just raw listing of books. I get very depressed if there's a day where I have nothing to say on anyone's thread or someone doesn't say something about a book I've read. That's when I start non sequitur threads like this one... :-)

Edit: Whoops! Needed to close that tag.

199MusicMom41
Dez. 29, 2008, 3:58 pm

TadAD

I just checked out that link--I love it! Are those the books that you have read globally? I've read several of them, have a couple on my 999 list and own a couple that I will move "up" on the TBR.

Have you read Leap of Faith by Noor Al-Hussein? I have access to a copy of that book (with no due date) and have been considering it for my biography/memoir category.

Did you like Infidel by Ayaan Hirsi Ali? It was one of my top reads for this year. Reading Lolita in Tehran was a top read in 2007 for me. I have really enjoyed reading about women in Muslim countries--eye-opening! And the latter book is also a "book about books"--one of my favorite categories of reading!

200TadAD
Dez. 29, 2008, 4:44 pm

Yes, those are the books I've read so far that I'm using to "tick off" countries. I have my own particular definition of what makes a book eligible for this purpose, so a lot of books I've read that are about this country or that one don't qualify.

I read Leap of Faith for Jordan. I liked it but didn't love it. The drama in her life is sort of second-hand, if you will. Other than the death of her husband at age 64 (young, but not unduly so), she's led a rather charmed life. The drama is all in the glimpses you get of the mideast turmoil. I'd have liked a bit more of it.

I liked both Infidel and Reading Lolita in Tehran. However, both infuriated me: not the author or the writing...the societies in which the women found themselves.

201MusicMom41
Dez. 29, 2008, 4:57 pm

"However, both infuriated me: not the author or the writing...the societies in which the women found themselves."

I couldn't agree with you more. When I read Three Cups of Tea I felt it was nice to see that in some places Muslim men can see the importance of educating girls and listening to their wives. For me, it helped to balance the picture a little--although I know that in many places Muslim women have no status at all except what is due to their husbands. And sadly, many of them think this is the way it should be!

202TheTortoise
Dez. 30, 2008, 6:53 am

>198 TadAD: Tad, I agree with you about having too many groups - to solve that I keep my categories on my profile page - check it out. That way I can read categories and post only on the 75 thread. I have more than 81 books and more than 9 categories to choose from!

- TT

203suslyn
Dez. 30, 2008, 12:34 pm

>198 TadAD: & >202 TheTortoise:
I too am only going to post on 75 except for titles on the 999. It's just going to be a place for the list for me. I'm sure I'll miss a lot on other folks' posts there, but...

204blackdogbooks
Bearbeitet: Dez. 31, 2008, 6:12 pm

TadAD, I will try to make sure and post something for you often......I don't want any depression laid at my doorstep.

Thought you guys would like this from Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury:

"The kitchen, without doubt, was the center of creation, all things revolved about it; it was the pediment that sustained the temple."

205FAMeulstee
Bearbeitet: Dez. 30, 2008, 6:18 pm

MusicMom and TadAD
I picked up Reading Lolita in Teheran at the library today.
I don't think I can read Infidel, Ayaan Hirsh Ali left a bad taste for me when she left our country.

BDB: I love that quote!

206FlossieT
Dez. 30, 2008, 7:44 pm

I've had Reading Lolita in Tehran in my pile for a little while but have just moved it up to tie in with desires to read more about that world region and more books about books. Also seem to have read a lot of books that quoted extensively from Lolita recently...

Isn't it funny the way books 'speak' to each other? I guess I should be no more surprised than I am that my brother and I, or my children, came from the same genetic stock, and yet are TOTALLY different characters.

207Whisper1
Jan. 3, 2009, 7:12 am

Rachael...I enjoyed your comment regarding genetic stock....it is so true!

TadAd, I agree with you regarding Leap of Faith

Blackdogbooks. I really like that Bradbury quote..thanks.