cyderry - give it a try

Don't forget to visit Cheli's Shelves.



I've only made over 100 the first year I was retired but since I have the 75 challenge and the US Presidents Challenge, I figured what the h..., I'll give it a shot. I have a lot of projects planned for 2009 but my reading list already had 80+ so I'll see what happens.

Cheli

The numbers are not as important as just enjoying the reading!

#1 Patriarch: George Washington and the New American nation
Author: Richard Norton Smith
Read: Dec 18 - Jan 1
Category: Biography
Pages: 448

WHAT AN AMAZING MAN! What a way to start the challenge!
I just finished Patriarch: George Washington and the New American nation. what a superb book! It was kind of hard to start but once the author got on a roll, it was great! There were so many things that I never knew that came out in this book. My review is kind of long (just click on the touchstone and you'll see it) but I wanted to do him justice. I would definitely recommend this book if you want to find out about the startup government and how it survived.
Cheli

#2 CREWEL WORLD
Author: Monica Ferris
Read: Jan 1 - 3
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 243

This is the first in a cozy mystery series that centers around needlecraft. Since I love mysteries and needlework, I was really looking forward to this and I wasn't disappointed. This book was well-written and well-plotted. I was surprised at the victim and was with Betsy the entire way wanting to solve the murder. I loved the way the little clues were left like breadcrumbs to help you figure it out.
My only problem-- it was over too fast!

#3 FRAMED IN LACE
Author: Monica Ferris
Read: Jan 3 - 4
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 256 ******

This is the second in the Cozy Needlecraft mysteries series and it was just as enjoyable and well-written as the first. The clues were subtly distributed throughout the storyline yet were there to be accumulated and put together so that the reader could solve the mystery along with Betsy.
Can't wait for the next one!

#4 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN:AN AMERICAN LIFE
Author: Walter Isaacson
Read: Dec 20 - Jan 5
Category: Biography
Pages: 907

ThIs biography of Benjamin Franklin really disappointed me. First of all I did not like the style of writing from W Issacson. It was very disjointed jumping from one thought process to another and back again. I felt that there were too many quotations in the early part of the book telling of his youth and his start in business. Toward the middle and end there were too many facts just put out like a grocery list. However, it was informative and I discovered that Mr. Franklin was indeed a remarkable Renaissance man with a sincere conscience that was geared to the benefit of all men.
Having been offered a patent for what is now known as the Franklin Stove by the Governor of PA , declining he stated "As we enjoy great advantages from the invention of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours and this we should do freely and generously."
Without his intercession at the Constitutional Congress, many believe that our government would not have been sucessful in developing as it did.
I can't say that I would recommend this book but I won't say that it was all bad.

#5 A STITCH IN TIME
Author: Monica Ferris
Read: Jan 5 - 8
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 256

This is the third in the needlecraft mysteries and was delightful. Just what a cozy mystery should be. Betsy has to deal with the return of her ex-husband, THE PIG, multiple attempts on her life and the revelation of matters related to her deceased sister all the while solving the mystery.
Totally enjoyable!

Hi Cheli -

The Washington book sounds very interesting. Good luck on the Presidents Challenge!

karenmarie

Book No#6 Mah-jongg: From Shanghai to Miami Beach
Author: Anita Luu
Read: Jan 8 - 10
Category: Fun
Pages: 176

What a delightfully informative book related to this ancient game! It was trully enjoyable to read about the history of this Chinese game which was adopted by so many nations that now it is international. This book details the history of the game as well as the designs of the tiles and rules of the game which differ between the US and the international society. If you play the game, it is truly enlighting!

7# John Adams
Book Author: David McCullough
Read: Jan 6 - 11
Category: Biography
Pages: 1123

It is a true shame that John Adams did not get the credit for which he was due because he was squeezed between the presidencies of Washington and Jefferson. This book by David McCullough displays the fortitude and greatness of the man who helped build our nation.
The narrative shows the life that started him on his road from his early life until his end. He is shown to be the true patriot, apparently hanging on to life to reach the 4th of July anniversary.
It amazes me how the author is able to bring to life not only President Adams' abilities as a diplomat but his attributes as a person, husband, father, grandfather.
I personally never really thought much about John Adams since he was so overshadowed by Washington and Jefferson. I now have had to rethink my appraisal and move him up on the greatness scale. His efforts throughout his life to always think more of what was better for the fledgling nation then for himself makes him indeed a great man. (4½*)

Have read the bio for Washington and Ben Franklin before this was extremely helpful in understanding the issues that effected his life.

#8 TWELVE SHARP
Book Author: Janet Evanovich
Read: Jan 8 - 12
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 432

For me, just saying Stephanie Plum's name brings a smile. She is a young woman who wants to seem independent but can't seem to manage her job (a Bond Enforcement Agent) or her love life. The two come together in this book when the daughter of her mentor (Ranger) is kidnapped apparently by Ranger and it sets her on path which is terrorizing and comical at the same. Having both of the men in her life (Joe and Ranger) competing to protect her one minute and seduce her the next, makes me laugh just when I want to cry. Her characters are fully fleshed out, (including Lula) all the details are integral parts of the plots. Stephanie may not be the greatest BEA but she's a hoot!

#10 NORTHANGER ABBEY
Book Author: Jane Austen
Read: Jan 13 - 14
Category: CLASSICS
Pages: 288

Definitely no Pride & Prejudice! too pompous and dragged.

I was terribly disappointed since I adore Pride and Prejudice.
I have another JA in My CLassics category for 999 ths year. Hope it's not as bad as this.

#9 LEAN MEAN THIRTEEN
Book Author: Janet Evanovich
Read: Jan 13
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 465

Lean Mean Thirteen is another Stephanie Plum cozy mystery and so again you laugh out loud at the antics of this incompetent bounty hunter.
Much as Stephanie detests her ex- husband, Dickie Orr, she agrees to plant some listening devices on him for Ranger in the office of his new law firm. Problems develop when after attacking him there, he disappears and she is a prime suspect when he is feared murdered. Mayhem evolves including Stephanie’s arch-enemy, Joyce Barnhardt, pointing the finger of blame at her, who insinuates Stephanie is after his money; an awful lot of money at that.
There are so many typical Stephanie/Lula situations that I nearly wet my pants several times but all is resolved, except of course, her love life.

re#10 - which is your upcoming Jane Austen? I haven't read NA yet, so I'm sorry to hear that it is less-than-wonderful.

#11 ON WHAT GROUNDS
Book Author: Cleo Coyle
Read: Jan 10 - 15
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 270

This book is the first in the coffeehouse mystery series. The characters are setup well with their interaction and motivations well-defined. At the same time the murder and subsequent investigation are cleverly interwoven with the coffeehouse daily routine.
The author has also interjected numerous coffee techniques and tidbits of coffee history.
However, I do feel that the character's motivations need to be a little more individualized - less of the standard "I'll force them to work and live together to get them back together" type thing. In future books I hope that the "love triangle" is a little better defined instead of just a vague feeling.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I wouldn't say that it was great. I look forward to seeing improvements in the future and possibly might even try some "good" coffee.

14>> I have Emma slated for later this year.

oh, Emma is tied with P&P as my favorite Austen novel! I think you'll like it.

#12 GRANDMA GETS LAID
Book Author: Ken Shakin
Read: Jan 15 - 16
Category: FICTION
Pages: 216

Barbara is a Grandmother to a snot-nosed obnoxious brat, her daughter is a June Cleaver wannabe, her son-in-law is a pompous ass,and her ex-husband is in the midst of a midlife crisis that's lasted too many years. No wonder she's drinks. This book is full of all the typical stereotypes and it has no life to it. The title suggests something fun but doesn't live up to it.

I gave it 1 star....defintely not worth the time.

Sorry you wasted your time on Grandma Gets Laid. Based on your review I won't bother.

karenmarie - in my opinion, you are definitely not missing anything. There are too many goods books out there, no need for you to waste your time on this one.

The title alone gives me the heebie-jeebies.

#13 KILLER HEAT
Book Author: Linda Fairstein
Read: Jan 16 - 19
Category: Mystery
Pages: 559

Killer Heat is the 10th in the series centering around Alexandra Cooper Asst DA for Special Victims in NYC. This book's main story line revolves around a serial rapist/murder and the efforts taken to apprehend the perpetrator. There is a subplot which is cleverly woven in to misdirect the reader and keep the tension throughout.
The characters have been well-developed over the previous 9 novels and interact as expected. The behavior of the central character is beginning to become a bit predictable and therefore, removes some of the suspense that could normally be generated in this type of plot. But all in all, I enjoyed the book.

#14 A magnificent catastrophe : the tumultuous election of 1800
Book Author: Edward J Larson
Read: Jan 15 - 21
Category: History
Pages: 335

The first true presidential campaign took place in 1800 when President John Adams running for re-election was opposed by his former friend, and Vice President, Thomas Jefferson. The difficulty of the era was that many of the states still had not determined a permanent method of electing their electoral college members making for tremendous battles behind the scenes.
The death of George Washington created additional problems for the Federalist party since many members at the tie were try to draft Washington back into public office.
Many future occupants of the White House were drawn into the controversy. (James Madison, James Monroe, as well as Supreme Court Justices John Marshall and John Jay.)
The book went to great detail explaining all the issues of the day and how the temporary governmental provisions for the election could result in different results.

A Magnificent Catastrophe sounds great, I'm adding that to the TBR. :)

I'm glad to see that you're enjoying the Monica Ferris mysteries. I really like them, too, and I don't even "do crafts."

This is one series where I'm up to date and now just read the new one as it comes out every year.

#15 SHOOTS TO KILL
Book Author: Kate Collins
Read: Jan 19 - 22
Category: Mystery
Pages: 336

Abby Knight gets herself into trouble without even doing anything. Her past comes back to haunt her in this mystery related to a young woman who Abby babysat years before. Her gut tells her things that Marco, her friend Dave, and the police can't realize until it is too late. I thought this mystery was fun wth all the twists related to Libby's quirks but I would definitely suggest that a new reader get the previous books in the series for the background.

#16 FEARLESS FOURTEEN
Book Author: Janet Evanovich
Read: Jan 24 - 25
Category: New Books in an Old Series
Pages: 423

Stephanie is up to her usual tricks and yet I still laugh uproariously throughout the story. After convincing Loretta Rizzi to turn herself in to be rebonded, Stephanie is forced to babysit Loretta's son because Loretta is unable to be rebonded.
These are the least of Loretta's troubles for as soon as she manages to be released she is kidnapped and held for ransom. Stephanie struggles to manage the events that continue to unravel around the Rizzo family members and continuing her security work with Ranger and her romance with Joe. She continually lands in one predicament after another but somehow muddles through in the end. For all the Plum series books, this is one of the better story lines.

#17 THOMAS JEFFERSON:GENIUS OF LIBERTY
Book Author: Joseph Ellis
Read: Jan 19 - 27
Category: Biographies/History
Pages: 182

This book revolves around the character, ideals, and reasons behind the unique accomplishments of our third President. He believed that the greatest of these was being the writer of the Declaration of Independence, authoring the Virginia statue for religious freedom, and founding the University of Virginia. Yet history shows other achievements that we hold just as great - his public service to the nation as Governor of Virginia, minister to France, Secretary of State, Vice-President, and President. As President he was instrumental in the Louisiana Purchase, the Lewis & Clark expedition,
Throughout the author endeavors to show the conflicts that Jefferson has between his own ideals and the political realities of the time.
Here was a man who abhorred inequality but possessed slaves.. A man who wanted to preserve the culture of the Native Americans but sponsored the Lewis & Clark expedition to ease expansion to the west, a patriot that strove for freedoms of equality, religion and the press. but reacted when his own transgressions were brought to light.
The man appears in the book to be a paradox - thinking one way and behaving another. Constantly in debt for purchases beyond his finances, he sells his entire book collection to the Library of Congress and then begins to start another library.
Thomas Jefferson was a great man for the time that he lived but I cannot believe that he deserves all the accolades that resound through the years.
The book was very difficult to read because it is interspersed with illustrations, cartoons of the era, and hypertexts of special passages. I believe that it would have been much better if the illustrations had been grouped at the end of the book or even in the middle not as they were.

I have conflicting feelings about the man and must read on.

#18 GETTING OLD IS MURDER
Author: Rita Lakin
Read: Jan 21 - 28
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 297

Gladys Gold known as Gladdy is aged 75 and an avid mystery reader. When her best friend, Francie, dies eating chocolate cake, Gladdy begins to suspect that there is a serial killer on the lose in her Florida retirement community. The story is amusing with all the antics of the elder generation as well as senior romance in bloom. The only shortfall is that all the minor characters have not been fleshed out sufficiently so there are moments of confusion. But overall, a thoroughly pleasant cozy for a snowy cold afternoon.

Sounds like fun.

#19 The Templar Legacy
Author: Steve Berry
Read: Jan 26 - 30
Category: Mystery
Pages: 544

When I finished this book, at first I was a little stunned. It didn't end the way I expected. Maybe that's why it was such an interesting novel. The author creates a highly imaginative story using certain facts and theories of others and weaves them together to generate a tale that holds your interest and at times takes your breath away.
Highly religious people may be offended by some of the aspects of this story, but I found fascinating in the same way as I enjoyed The Da Vinci Code.
In total, it was an entertaining adventure worthy of James Bond while and at the same time extremely disquieting in its theories.

#20 American Sphinx: The Character of Thomas Jefferson
Author: Joseph J. Ellis
Read: Jan 21 - Feb 3
Category: 4. Biographies/History
Pages: 365

Thomas Jefferson throughout this book appears as paradox, constantly revealed as a mass of contradictions between his written word and his actions. His flaws are specifically enumerated throughout.
He was apparently chosen to draft the Declaration of Independence since he was not an accomplished speaker and frequently used the written word in its place.
Early in his public career, Jefferson advocates the elimination of slavery, however as the years progress his standpoint shifts and he is dramatically quiet about his position on the difference between blacks and whites.
His personal debts influenced him so much that during his Presidency his goal was to eliminate the National Debt. Even while working toward this aim, he continued to overextend his personal expenditures with continuing construction at Monticello.
He was uncomfortable with situations that had any controversy and frequently set social situations to avoid any confrontations.
Jefferson often retreat into silence or propelled others to do his "dirty work" by simply mentioning something did not please him.
His administrative skills were lacking while he was Governor of Virginia leaving the state's fiscal standing in jeopardy. His stance on states' rights and slavery were trumped by the War between the States.
His disgust for a large central government advocated by Hamilton and his belief in the necessity of religious freedom continue to resound even today.
Critics over the years have "cast Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton in the lead roles of a dramatic contest between the forces of democracy and the forces of aristocracy."
How ironic that it was Hamiltonian methods by FDR that brought about Jeffersonian goals of economic equality.
"His life had always been about promise. And his enduring legacy became the most resonant version of the American promise in national mythology. But in his life, if not his legacy, there were some promises he could not keep."
Thomas Jefferson was multitalented - a writer, architect, diplomat. However, his greatest contribution to our nation, in my opinion, is his vision for the future and his determination to provide for western expansion and the continuation of the American Dream which he envisioned for all - "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."

You're really moving along, aren't you Cheli?

Good reviews. Two books about Jefferson?

Actually three - since A Magnificient Catastrophe was also about Jefferson. I have one more that I want to read and then I'm moving on to Madison!

#21 A Short History of Nearly everything
Author: Bill Bryson
Read: Feb 2
Category: Humor
Pages: 384 of 960

I have to admit that I did not finish this book. I couldn't listen to another disc. This book was FILLED and I mean FILLED with facts and data regarding all types of science - geology, astronomy, archeology, chemistry, physics as well as personalities involved in these areas. To say the least, it was boring.
The only thing that I have to compare it to, is the Bible area where you can find out who begat who and begat who and begat who - you get the idea.
I've heard that this writer is good so I will try another. Maybe I just got one that was not a topic for me.

I am a great big fan of Bill Bryson, but I wouldn't go near A Short History of Nearly Everything. I have devoured every one of his other books (except for the one about American English which does not seem to have been sold here in Canada) and laughed myself silly or just thoroughly enjoyed them. Do give him another try!

I've read Bryson's I'm a Stranger Here Myself and really enjoyed that. Not enough to pick up another, though I have thought about it.

American Sphinx sounds really interesting. I may make this my Jefferson pick. (I've read Washington and have the McCullough book for Adams.)

#22 Ultimate Unofficial Guide to the Mysteries of Harry Potter Analysis of Books 1- 4
Author: Galadriel Waters
Read: Feb 4 - Feb 7
Category: FictionPages: 412
This book reviews all the clues that are presented by JK Rowling in the first 4 Harry Potter books. It breaks the clues down as to specific for that book and/or related to the entire septology. The book also points out the connections between names and numbers to events and people. However, this book also leans more toward the UK versions of the book rather than the US version.
I liked the sections for each chapter where the action is paraphrased and then it is followed by the explanation of the clues. Then each chapter is summarized for oddities and questions raised.
This approach definitely makes you look at the books from a different point of view. However, I'm not sure that it really helps the appreciation of the story.

Cheli - I didn't even know there was such a book as your #22 - I just bookmooched it! I also bookmooched the same author's book 5 guide. Thanks. I don't need it to help me appreciate the story 'cuz the HPs are among my favorite books of all time, but it's interesting to see if there are things I missed or misinterpreted. I'm re-listening to the entire series. I'm at the beginning of book 4. I started on January first, and am listening to and from work.

I'm sorry you couldn't finish the Bryson book. I love his books, as do most people who responded to your review. I even loved A Brief History,but certainly didn't read it to retain all the facts - I just let them wash over me and tried to assimilate the flow of scientific discovery and his love of what he was talking about.

I would recommend In a Sunburned Country or A Walk in the Woods - they are hilarious, have tons of info, but don't overwhelm you with facts except in a fun sort of way.

#23 Crocodile on the Sandbank # 1 of Amelia Peabody Series
Author: Elizabeth Peters
Read: Feb 4 - Feb 8
Category: Mystery
Pages: 272

First in the Amelia Peabody series by Elizabeth Peters, Crocodile on the Sandbank introduces the reader to Amelia Peabody, a wealthy spinster of Victorian times, determined to see the world. In her first adventure, she meets up with a "ruined" young woman down on her luck at a time when Amelia needs a companion. Together the two set off for Egypt to see the Pyramids and Egyptian artifacts. The two ladies encounter two gentlemen in Cairo who allow them to join their expedition and dig. The book is well written since the plot builds and there is rarely a lull in the action. Full of historical background, the story does not lack for mystery or romance. The characters are vibrant and forceful. The heroine is witty and charming and the gentlemen are just what you expect for the time period. This book was delightful and informative while being very entertaining and I look forward to the next in the series.

#24 Quidditich through the Ages
Author: Kennilworthy Whisp (J K Rowling)
Read: Feb 8
Category: 7 Harry Potter and more
Pages: 55

This is a cute little book which documents the development of the greatest game on broomsticks! We hear stories of the beginning of the game as well as how the equipment has changed over the years. We are given a detailed list of the teams that play the game all over the world and the special moves used in the game. Remember if you want to play Quidditch, be sure to get a Firebolt!

#25 New Clues to Harry Potter: Book 5
Author: Galadriel Waters
Read: Feb 7 - Feb 9
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 165

This book, very much like its predecessor, reviews all the clues that are presented by JK Rowling in the Harry Potter and the Order of he Phoenix. It breaks the clues down to specific chapter for that book and/or shows how it is related to the entire septology. The book also points out the connections between names and numbers to events and people. Again, this book also leans more toward the UK version rather than the US version.
However, this edition for Book5 does not paraphrase the section of the chapter discussed but only shows the explanation of the clues. This manner makes it much harder to follow unless you have the actual book open with it.
ETA page correction

#26 The science of Harry Potter : how magic really works
Author: Roger Highfield
Read: Feb 8 - Feb 9
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 368

This book starts off slowly talking a lot of science and mathematics and you wonder, is this what it's going to be like throughout. But wait. It does get better. The writer eventually discusses the unique animals in Harry's world - Fluffy, hippogriffs, nifflers, - inferring that with the coming of gene manipulation such animals may one day exist. Potions are merely herbs, plants, and such that are used in their natural state while medicines are many times refinements of these same plants. Then there's Skele-Gro - that amazing elixir that will grow bones back. There is a Professor in NY who believes he understands how it works with special cells being activated... well you see what I mean. This book is full of "possible" explanations for the magical world of Harry Potter.

#27 The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Author: J. K. Rowling
Read: Feb 9
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 128

The Tales of Beedle the Bard was mentioned in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The introduction states that this version is a new translation by Hermione Granger from ancient runes.
There are five fairy tales in this book; The Wizard and the Hopping Pot, The Fountain of Fair Fortune, The Warlock's Hairy Heart, Babbitty Rabbitty and her Cackling Stump, and The Tale of the Three Brothers. Following each of the fairy tales are personal notes and analysis by Professor Dumbledore, the late headmaster of Hogwarts School.
These fairy tales are short and enchanting with morals that fit reasonably well into the universe of both Magic and Muggle.
Dumbledore's notes, however, are truly what makes this a unique and special treasure for those that are Potter fans. The witticisms by Dumbledore show his warmth and mischievous humor all the while seeing into the spirit of the wizard Harry Potter fans love and revere. The Tales of Beedle the Bard are a very welcome addition to any Potter collection. ETA typo

#28 My Man Jeeves
Author: P.D. Wodehouse
Read: Feb 9
Category: Humor/short stories
Pages: 120

This book is a group of short stories (Absent Treatment, Helping Freddie, Rallying Round Old George, Doing Clarence a Bit of Good, Fixing It for Freddie, and Bertie Changes His Mind) set in an earlier time of the 20th century. This was the first PD Wodehouse book that I have read and it was quite amusing with traditional British humor.

I've never read any Wodehouse but always thought it would be fun to do so. Yet another book to add to the list--not that I mind or anything.

#29 Notes from a Small Island
Author: Bill Bryson
Read: Feb 10
Category: Fiction(?)
Pages: 100

Okay I gave it 100 pages and I couldn't handle any more. This was one of the most boring books that I have "read" in a long time. It ranks right up there with A Short history of nearly everything by the same author. I guess I'm just not one of his fans.

#30 The Inimitable Jeeves
Author: P.D. Wodehouse
Read: Feb 11
Category: Humor/short stories
Pages: 244

This is a collection of short stories with Bertie Wooster and his "gentleman" Jeeves. These entertaining stories surround Bertie supporting the love issues of his friend who falls in love every other day with someone new. If you'd like a good chuckle, read on!

my very first Wodehouse, and my very favorite Wodehouse. I'm glad to see you liked it too! And wow cheli, you are flying through the reading this year! You'll hit 100 by April at this rate.

I don't think that I'm going to finish that quickly. I have a lot of fatties coning up un the next few months that will definitely slow me down. And thank God for audiobooks so that I can get other things done while I read.

#31 FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM
Author: J. K. Rowling
Read: Feb 12
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 64

This cute little book relates tales and descriptions of all manner of magical creatures. All the creatures are classified as to their danger level to Wizards and Muggles alike, and where they can be found. It is extremely interesting that there are 10 different breeds of dragons as well as beasts such as merpeople, centaurs and unicorns which were given the opportunity to be otherwise classified but preferring their privacy chose to be marked as "beasts".
According to this book, only fairies, leprechauns, and unicorns have r eceived favorable press by Muggles. Last, could it be that Bigfoot is really a Yeti?

#32 THE MAGICAL WORLDS OF HARRY POTTER
Author: David Colbert
Read: Feb 12- Feb 14
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 210

As you read the Harry Potter books, questions pop into your head and many are mirrored in this book.
Have witches always used broomsticks? Why do centaurs avoid humans? If Dumbledore is so powerful, shouldn't he fight Voldemort? What is the most important language for wizards? Why are Mirrors Magical? These questions and so many more are addressed in this book and some of the answers are surprising,
This book is a pleasant companion to the Harry Potter books.

#33 UNLOCKING HARRY POTTER
Author: John Granger
Read: Feb 9- Feb 15
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 312

This book is setup like a textbook to teach the reader how to interpret the hidden meanings that J K Rowlings inserts cleverly into all the Harry Potter books. 5 keys are used for the explanation.
After being tutored in narrative misdirection, the reader is sent to Alchemy 101 where you learn about the cycles of the series, the imagery, and the themes that carry through all the books. Finishing this course, next you move on the Hermione's favorite - Arithmancy.
Here the reader is educated in the balances that are needed with 4 being magical.
Harmony is needed in the 4 Houses at Hogwarts, 4 Horcruxes have to be found and destroyed by Harry, and 4 magical species (wizard, elf, goblin and centaur all represented in the Fountain of Magical Brethren destroyed in Order of the Phoenix) need to be united.
The reader is also taught that Alchemical works are in three stages - Black, White and Red. The black stage was highlighted in Rowlings' literary works by the death of Sirius Black. The white stage shows the purification of the characters and culminates with the end of Albus (white in Latin) Dumbledore. Are we then to expect danger for Rubeus (red) Hagrid in Book7?
Afterward we learn that Harry and Voldemort are twin opposites.
Harry has his Gryffindor spirit and the Slytherin horcrux scar while Voldemort is the Heir of Slytherin and bodily a Gryffindor because of the blood used at his rebirthing. Harry is the white side being pure of heart while Voldemort is the black side living in his own hell.
We are then reminded of the "hero's journey" in each book how Harry escapes #4 Privet Drive and his task to accomplish is defined.
Prejudice also is addressed when the author reminds the reader of the differences that are brought to the forefront in each book. We are reminded of the different treatments received by PureBloods(those that are poor vs. rich), half Bloods, and Muggle Born wizards as well as the differences in the magical species (wizard vs. elf, goblin and centaurs).
The five keys are then used to created SWAGS (Scientific Wise Ass Guess) for what will happen in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.
All in all, this was a very enlightening book and of all the books I have read on understanding the phenomenon and the hidden imagery, this was the best.

Now I'm ready for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows!

Hi Cheli - You're going to love it! I envy you reading it the first time.

I'm listening to book 4 again and am going to listen to 5,6, and 7 again! My work commute is fun right now.

#34 HARRY POTTER and the Deathly Hallows
Author: J.K. Rowling
Read: Feb 16- Feb 18
Category: Harry Potter and more
Pages: 969

There have been many reviews of this book already so I won't bore you with yet another. I will instead review my own reaction to the re-read of this book.
After absorbing numerous books which were written by authors to advise the reader how to find the answers that were hidden in the J K Rowling books about Harry Potter and his adventures, this book still held surprises for me.
I will admit that while I was reading this book, numerous times I heard in the back of head "Oh, yeah, that was the arithmancy , with the number 4" or "Hooray, the magical brethren are finally getting together with the wizards."
In addition, I saw themes that I didn't see the first time and wouldn't have seen the second without the guides that I read.
Probably overwhelmed by the climax the first time, there were sections in the book that I had completely forgotten, that answered so many outstanding questions.
In my opinion, J K Rowling should have a Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize and any other prize for literature that she can get. The Series is tremendous and so well-written. They are the books I would want with me if I were alone on a deserted island.

I really want to read Unlocking Harry Potter now. I still haven't had a chance to re-read Deathly Hallows - I lent the books to my mother, and just got them back. Cheli, I totally agree with you about Rowling. I know that a lot of people think she sucks, but I think she is a fantastic story-teller. All the details she put in! The first time I read Sorcerer's Stone, I was blown away by all the fun magical stuff - the wand selection, the floating candles, the enchanted ceiling, the talking pictures, etc etc. What an imagination!

You've inspired me! Time to re-read #7!

What she said. I've always been a fan of the HP series. It's so rare that even one book comes along that all ages can appreciate and enjoy, much less 7 in a row. I haven't re-read any since #7 first came out. Jennifer's right - time for a re-read. As much as I love Rowling's books, I've never been tempted to read any of the guide books. But after hearing your reaction to them, I will reconsider. Which one do you think is the most helpful?

I read the first HP book and thought it was ok but wasn't motivated to read any further. After reading Cheli's reviews, maybe I will give the second one a try.

Definitely Unlocking Harry Potter was the best guide. I thought it was the easiest to read and broke things down in a logical way. If you haven't read the schoollbooks (Quidditch through the Ages and Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find them as well as The Tales of Beedle the Bard I would suggest those too. They were a good background read and all three could probably be read in 1 or 2 days - they're only about 200 pages altogether (and not alot on each page and drawings). But definitely The Tales of Beedle the Bard before #7 it really helps.

I've been waffling about whether to get Tales of Beedle the Bard, but now I'll be going ahead with it. And Unlocking Harry Potter. Thanks for the recommendations.

I though Beedle was adorable. I loved Dumbledore's footnotes.

#35 Jefferson's Vendetta: The Pursuit of Aaron Burr and the Judiciary
Author: Joseph Wheelan
Read: Feb 16- Feb 20
Category: History / Presidents
Pages: 365

This book reviews Thomas Jefferson’s political actions from Governor of Virginia through his presidency. It amazed me all the actions that he took based on his political opinions.

Jefferson, in 1778 while governor, issued a Bill of Attainder for a Tory, Josiah Phillips, which basically said that Phillips was guilty of treason and condemned without a trial.

John Adams appointed "midnight" judges before he left office and since Jefferson didn't agree with their political leanings, he set out to eliminate them.
During the 1800 election, Jefferson cozied up to Burr to get the electoral votes from the state of NY however, when the election ended in a tie between Jefferson and Burr, Jefferson turned his back on Burr and made a deal with the Federalists (a deal that Burr had turned down). Jefferson then leaked out that the deal was made by Burr, but the Federalists involved gave depositions to the contrary but the information wasn't made public until after Jefferson's death.

Aaron Burr was by no means an angel, as evidence was discovered in the late part of the 19th century which showed that he conspired with General Wilkerson to incite war with Spain and take over Mexico and Spanish territories. The hostility between Jefferson and Burr reached a level where neither could turn back.
Those were supposedly in league with Burr were imprisoned without trials. Before he was shipped off to Baltimore where he was immediately released, a lawyer was also imprisoned who tried to help them.

Aaron Burr was brought before a Grand Jury in Virginia for possible indictment of charges of treason. TJ believed that he was trying to overthrow the government by attacking the Spanish holdings in the Americas and to take over the Mexican and southwestern territories. TJ and his cronies had informed General Wilkerson in New Orleans that Burr had a force of thousands when in fact, those that were to assist him in the "colonization" effort he was proposing, were more like 200.

During his "trial" efforts were made to subpoena President Jefferson because he refused to provide the defense with copies of certain documents.
Jefferson again showed his two faces when he replied to the subpoena invoking what is now called Executive privilege stating that "To comply with such calls would leave the nation without an Executive branch, whose agency, nevertheless, is understood to be so constantly necessary, that it is the sole branch which the constitution requires to be always in function." This statement completely ignores Jefferson’s own leanings that a weak central government was all that was needed.

Chief Justice John Marshall was to preside over the trial as he had the Grand jury. He had instructed the grand jury that treason had occurred "if a body of men be actually assembled for the purpose of effecting by force, all those who perform any part, however minute or however remote from the scene of the action, are to be considered as traitors."

Throughout the "trial" Jefferson's men tried to prove that there had been an overt act of treason on Burr's part. But the forthcoming indictments were made on information of a meeting of men when Burr wasn't even present.

Marshall was concerned that his instructions in a previous treason trial were not correct so for Burr's trial he wrote a decision on acceptable evidence for treason that was 44 pages.

Burr was found not guilty. However, Jefferson sought to have him tried in a different jurisdiction so great was his rage at the acquittal. TJ decided that the fault lay with Marshall and resolved that an amendment was needed to the Constitution so that judges could be removed for misconduct.

The Federalist Virginia Gazette wrote “History will hardly furnish an example of such oppressive tyranny as has been practiced under the administration of Mr. Jefferson.”

This is the last book that I am going to read about Thomas Jefferson.
I firmly believe that this man does not deserve the respect that he has been given over the years. Yes, he was a very talented diplomat. Yes, he was a patriot. Yes, he was a gifted writer. Despite these special attributes, he is not a man that I can admire or respect because of the actions that he took to place himself and his beliefs above all others.

This was an excelent book, I give it 4 stars.

#36 UNRAVELED SLEEVE
Author: Monica Ferris
Read: Feb 20 -22
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 256

This is the fourth mystery in the Needlecraft Mystery series by Monica Ferris. In this cozy mystery, Betsy Devonshire set off with her friend Jill to a relaxing weekend and stitch-in so that she can recuperate from her previous harrowing experiences. She runs into a woman who later disappears and there's the rub. No one else saw her but Betsy.
This was an entertaining storyline and well-constructed plot. Of the 4 books by this author that I have read, this so far, I think is the best.

#37 DEAD HEAT
Author: Dick Francis
Read: Feb 19 - Feb 25
Category: Surprise - Books I find and want to read
Pages: 511

Max Moreton owns a restaurant in Newmarket England. After a massive food poisoning incident at a racetrack dinner where he was the guest chef and a fatal bombing at a luncheon he was catering at the racetrack the next day, you would think that life couldn't get any worse. Not so in this extremely entertaining and well-written mystery.
Max sets out to clear his reputation of the mysterious food poisoning incident and finds his life turned upside in numerous ways before successfully resolving the issues.
I am definitely going to have to find more of the Dick Francis books. 4 stars!

I liked your review about the Dick Francis book. He is one mystery writer I haven't read. Maybe I will now!

This was the first book that I had read by Dick Francis. I had heard so many good things about his writing and now I understand. It really was a very well written book with a little of everything - suspense, humor, romance all in a welll-plotted book. I thought it was great. I think I'm going to put it on top of my best of the year so far.

You should, his books are really well researched, and the characters are very human. He's my favorite detective writer.

#38 THE SUMMER OF 1787: The Men who invented the Constitution
Author: David O Stewart
Read: Feb 22- Feb 28
Category: History
Pages: 330

At the time that our Constitution was written, there were many issues that were regionally at odds and numerous compromises were required before this magnificent document was complete. This book dealt with the historical events that the state delegations eventually agreed to and how the compromises were arrived at.
The most contentious issues were slavery (protection of this institution was a must for the southern states), fair representation (a monumental issue for the small states) and how the executive branch would be structured(no one wanted a monarch).
The personalities that took part in this momentous effort are not always remembered as they actually performed. For instance, James Madison, known as the Father of the Constitution was not selected for many of the significant committees and over 50% of the issues that he supported were not approved by the other delegates. George Mason refused to sign the Constitution. Few remember him as a founding father even though he spurred the revolution with the Fairfax Resolves in 1774, much of his writings for the Virginia Declaration of Rights were used in the Declaration of Independence, his compact with Maryland on behalf of Virginia started the Constitutional momentum, and his demand for amendments to the Constitution resulted in the Bill of Rights.
Gouverneur Morris actually was the delegate who took all the approved articles and amendments, and consolidated them into what we now know as the US Constitution. His concise style clarified issues that had been muddled from thousands of words to hundreds. Yet few know of his contribution.
Unfortunately our founding fathers would never know that the seeds that they sowed with compromise concerning the issue of slavery would eventually contribute to the Civil War.
A very good history lesson is provided in this account of the start of our nation.

#39 STILL LIFE
Author: Louise Penny
Read: Feb 23 - Mar 1
Category: Award Winner - Barry Award First Novel
Pages: 330

This murder mystery was beautifully crafted leaving the reader completely baffle until the end. The descriptions of the area were so realistic that you wonder if there really is a village like Three Pines. The characters are well fleshed out and contribute tremendously to the storytelling. I listened to the audio version of this book and it was excellent. The narrator had a voice that resonated mystery while carrying off the accents with real panache. I definitely am going to be looking for another in this series.

#40 COMFORT FOOD
Author: Kate Jacobs
Read: Mar 2 - Mar 4
Category: Favorites Author's books I haven't read yet!
Pages: 412

The premise of this book is a TV Chef who reaching the age of 50, is confronted by the network owner with a young, beautiful, ambitious newcomer who is to co-host her weekly program. The supporting characters are her grown children (with problems of their own), a reclusive neighbor, and few boyfriends who can't quite figure out whose girlfriend is whose. A comedy of errors ensues. I especially loved the teambuilding experience with everyone not wanting to participate and the camp counselor getting the participants involved in childish games. The characters are well-integrated and the plots twist are entertaining.
The finish was somewhat predictable but enjoyable just the same.

#69 - Another mystery writer for me to try - and I have Still Life waiting to be read.

#41 The BAD BEGINNING
Author: Lemony Snicket
Read: March 6
Category: Childrens Literature
Pages: 176

I had seen so many mentions of this book that I had to get it from the library immediately.

It is the story of three young orphans who are set up by incompetent adult care when they are orphaned. There is the banker who is too busy with his work to listen to the children, a evil cousin determined to abscond with their inheritance, and a kind hearted judge who doesn't see the problems.
I'm glad I listened to the recommendations and took the time to read this It was very entertaining.

Cyderry, I am halfway through the Series of Unfortunate Events. I just love their style and wit. Have you seen the movie? It is based on the first three books. I loved it.

#42James Madison: (The American Presidents Series)
Author: Garry Wills
Read: March 1 - March 8
Category: History
Pages: 164

This book, IMHO, does not do justice to either the man or the era in which he served, glossing over a number of critical aspects and continually stressing other aspects.
He was a great legislator but not a very competent executive. He had flaws which he apparently didn't recognize, or if he did was not willing to correct.
He involved this nation in an unnecessary war simply because he would not recognize his own limitations as an executive and was constantly trying to protect his own political party as well as listening to the advice of Jefferson rather than making his own decisions.
If I had to rank his abilities according to the information provided in this book, I would not be impressed with Madison in the slightest. However, I am willing to proceed to another more definitive biography before I make my final evaluation.

#43 THE INFERNO
Author: Dante Alighieri
Read: Feb 25 - Mar 8
Category: Classics
Pages: 354 (three translations)

I read this book/Poem because I had always heard about it but had never read it. So I challenged myself to read this book. I chose the Pinsky translation for my read. The story was very thought provoking, and disturbing as to whether any of it could true. As a born and raised Catholic, I chose the time of the read for the Lenten season since this is not the type of literature that I normally appreciate and I'm not sure that I do appreciate it. I do, however, acknowledge the talent of the writer and his imagination but I was disappointed by the amount of politics involved in the story.

#44 BALTIMORE BLUES
Author: Laura Lippman
Read: Mar 4 - Mar 10
Category: Surprise - Books I find and want to read
Pages: 336

Tess Monaghan, an unemployed ex-reporter, starts investigating the fiancée of a rowing friend as a freelance job to pay the rent. Knowing her hometown of Baltimore, she thinks this is going to be a simple "find out what she's up to" tailing, but it turns into a desperate effort to clear her friend of murder charges. The ensuing investigation gets dangerous and nearly deadly.
The characters are entertaining and the story develops into a real page turner
As a Baltimore native, it was fun to hear of the changes that I remember - Friendship Airport becoming Baltimore Washington International, Hutzlers no longer existing and the building becoming the Department of Human Resources, McCormick plant leaving the city and the smell of cinnamon no longer in air- all this while telling a story that could have been set in any big city but is beautiful set in the Author's hometown. Can't wait for more.

#45 THE WAR OF 1812: THE FORGOTTEN CONFLICT
Author: Donald Hickey
Read: Mar 3 - Mar 14
Category: HISTORY
Pages: 457

This book was filled with more information about the War of 1812 than I knew, but, I still believe that could have been related about actual battles. The fight between the Federalists and Republicans about the war was very well portrayed. What seems to be lacking is the involvement of regular people in the conflict and how it influenced them.
One item that was covered in this book that surprised me was the coverage of the Baltimore Riots. We all know that Baltimore was the site of the Battle of Fort McHenry from which our National Anthem was written. Even though I grew up in Baltimore, I was unaware that after war had been declared, there had been riots which were generated when the Federalist Newspaper was published and came out against the war. The details of the riots made me realize why Baltimore was not proud of this part of its history.
The book enumerates the statistical counts of injury and loss of life in various skirmishes. The book doesn't seem to run chronologically but jumps from topic to topic. In spite of this drawback, it is enlightening about this last conflict with Great Britain.

#46 The Lost Art of Towel Origami
Author: Alison Jenkins
Read: Mar 16
Category: Surprise - Books found at the library
Pages: 80

This book is filled with the step-by step instructions to make several amusing figures by using Bath towels, face towels, hand towels and washcloths combined with safety pins. Some of the unusual figures that are illustrated are birthday cake, fan, windmill, skyscraper, palm tree, flower, lips, and heart. Ones that would perfect to make for a child's bath time or sleep over would be la ladybug, angel fish, dog, swan, monkey or elephant.
Your overnight guests will be amused by the hilarious creatures that leave to welcome them to their sanctuary for the night.
This art form was first brought to my attention when I went on a cruise and each night a new creature greeted me when I returned to my cabin. It was one of the highlights of the trip because it was such a delightful surprise. Now anyone can do it themselves using this book.

#47 CHARM CITY
Author: Laura Lippman
Read: March 10 - March 19
Category: Award Winners
Pages: 377

This the second installment in Tess Monaghan series about an ex-reporter accidentally turned private detective. The series is set in Baltimore and the city life that is described throughout is charming - hence Charm City. Tess in this book is trying to investigate an unusual newspaper story that was printed without the proper editorial authority and could be libelous but before Tess can even get started with her investigation at the newspaper, the person involved turns up dead.
At the same time as she is enmeshed in this ethical dilemma, her uncle leaves a dog in her care after he is severely beaten. There is a subplot throughout the book where along with trying to solve the newspaper printing of the unapproved story, Tess is also trying to figure out why she is being followed , assaulted, and kidnapped.
As the story evolves, Tess finds blackmail, murder, and identify theft. The ending , for me was a surprise. The background of the city is what really brings this story to life, for me. The little details that tell a true life story could really be there behind the fiction.

#48 LETHAL LEGACY
Author: Linda Fairstein
Read: March 20 - March 21
Category: New Book in an Old Series
Pages: 560

This book, a further installment in the Alexandra Cooper series, centers around the New York City Public Library. A Conservator of rare books who is possibly sexually assaulted disappears after refusing to cooperate with an investigation. Alex's boss urges her to find the victim, Alex does just that but dead in the park.
The hunt that follows, leads Alex with her police comrades, Mike and Mercer, through the halls of the NY Public Library where a treasure hunt appears to be at the center of the murder. The investigation points to a special map of great historical significance. Anyone interested in in cartography and especially in the theft of maps from archives would be enthralled in this mystery.
Ms Fairstein focuses so much of story around the library and library procedures as well as the history of the NY Public Library. It was extremely enlightening for someone who loves to read but is not a librarian.
It was a delight to have this story with the characters we have grown to understand and care about show that even the quiet halls of the Public Library can turn deadly.

#49 JAMES MADISON: A BIOGRAPHY
Author: Ralph Ketcham
Read: March 14 - March 25
Category: Presidents
Pages: 384 of 747

This was a huge book. Let me just start with that because the volume that I had was over 700 pages. I closed it permanently at page 384. I couldn't take anymore of the style of Ralph Ketcham. When I started this book I had already read the biography of James Madison:(The American Presidents Series). I also had read a book on the writing of the constitution and one about the War of 1812. So I was looking for details when I picked up this book. And, yes, this book is filled with details, which would have been fine if they had been distributed with some semblance of order. However, throughout the pages that I read, the author was very disjointed and constantly jumps from one time period to another.
Again, this would be fine if it was in different chapters, about different aspects of Madison's life, but no, this happened in the same paragraphs and on some occasions the same long sentences.
This said, I could not in good conscience recommend this book to anyone, unless they were truly looking for a mountain of details concerning Madison's inability to decide on a career, his lack of a love life until he was 43, his health issues (mainly hypochondria), and his dependence on others both financially and emotionally.
Maybe the book got better after page 384, I'll never know.

I'm counting it as read since I went so far into it.

#50 SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Author: Elaine Viets
Read: March 11 - March 25
Category: Mysteries
Pages: 288

Helen has run away from a past that included a job with a six figure salary and a cheating husband to land in Florida doing a "Dead End Job" as a sales clerk in a ritzy women's boutique. It is an interesting premise and once the story actually starts to develop entertaining. As the story precedes, Helen overhears a murder for hire plot, sees drug sales, and finds blackmail plots all while trying to avoid discovery by her ex-husband and exposure by the police. She has to travel this mine field while trying to solve the murder of her former employer. Entertaining not great. Not sure that I will continue this series.

Way to go!

#51 LADIES OF LIBERTY: The Women Who Shaped Our Nation
AUTHOR: Cokie Roberts
Category: History/Biography
Pages: 512 listened to on audio

Ladies of Liberty shows the history of the United States through the eyes of some the most noted women of the historic age. The book starts at the time of the death of George Washington and sweeps over six presidencies, beginning with John Adams’s election in 1797 and ending with his son’s John Quincy Adam’s election in 1825. Using the personal correspondence of the women depicted, these women’s personal sacrifices are exposed along with their contributions to the success of an expanding nation.
The First ladies are not the only women represented in this book. Even though the primary women are Abigail Adams, Dolley Madison, and Louisa Adams, other notable women recognized are Sacagawea, Mother Seton, and Margaret Smith.
I was a little apprehensive when I realized that Cokie Roberts, the author, was actually going to be doing the reading (this book was on audio.). I was extremely pleased by her delivery and the enthusiasm with which she delivered the material. My only problem were with two small pronunciations but since they were quite frequent, it was a little irritating. (Cokie Roberts cannot pronounce New Orleans or Sacagawea properly. Both have a "ya" in her pronunciations.)
Nevertheless, this was an extremely enjoyable experience.

Great books and reviews, Cheli!

You're amazing, and keep up the good work!

#52 JANE EYRE
AUTHOR: Charlotte Brontë
Category: Classics
Pages: 592 listened to on audio

Although this book is deemed a classic, I was disappointed. I felt that the story was too over the top in many areas - Jane as the penniless orphan, Jane as the dowdy governess, Jane as the would-be bride, Jane as the surprise heiress. I'd heard so much about Mr. Rochester as a Romantic hero and all I saw was a self-important, self-indulgent man. Maybe back 150 years ago this was a great book, but I don't see it today.

Maybe I'm just not meant to read the classics.

I agree with you about some of the classics, especially the Victorian ones. We've read so many books like them since then that they've become cliched although they were new and daring for their times.

I read Jane Eyre in high school and remember loving it but have no desire to re-read it.

#53 WHO INVITED THE DEAD MAN?
Author : Patricia Sprinkle
Read : March 27 - April 1
Pages: 272

MacLaren Yarborough is a very busy lady. Her husband, Joe Riddley, recovering from a gunshot wound to the head, requires her nearly constant attention while he is re-educated to learn to perform every day tasks. At the same time, MacLaren has to take care of the family business and is a town magistrate.
To celebrate Joe Riddley's improvements and his 65th birthday, MacLaren throws a birthday party which ends up with an uninvited dead guest. Keeping the murder a secret while the party progresses, the judge manages to get the sheriff to start the investigation and keep her guests happy at the same time.
This mystery is complex and yet simple. Some of the events are predictable and others are surprising. I thought it was tremendously woven to combine these aspects and it was sheer pleasure to read. I definitely need to find the first two in this series. 4 stars

#54 SYMPATHY FOR THE DEVIL
Author : Jerrilyn Farmer
Read : April 2 - April 4
Pages: 398

I really enjoy cozy mysteries and this one I definitely enjoyed. I was hooked by the first page with such mouth watering descriptions of food preparations, I could smell it and I wanted to taste it! The story was brilliantly crafted interlacing the catering services with the mystery. The only drawback is there were no actual recipes. Ms Farmer needs to give the reader a chance to actual taste those treats she describes by providing the instructions for the food we can almost taste!
Definitely need to find the next in the Madeline Bean Culinary Mysteries!

#55 A PEOPLE'S HISTORY OF THE SUPREME COURT
Author : Peter Irons
Read : March 25 - April 7
Pages: 154

This book is a collection of the landmark cases of the Supreme Court as well as documentation of the thinking of the Founding Fathers at the time of the Drafting of the Constitution. It is divided into 6 parts and I am reading it in 3 sections (1787 -1842), (1857 - 1895), and (1895 - 1986) so that I can use it as background for the Presidents Challenge.
Part I is basically the development of the Constitution and the ratification process as well as the process taken to pass the Bill of Rights.

Part II, which I found very interesting, related the beginning of the Supreme Court and the political issues that surrounded the difficulties at its start. Part II also concentrated on the contribution made by Chief Justice John Marshall in protecting the concept that he believed was the reasoning of the Founding Fathers. At the start of John Marshall's tenure as Chief Justice, the influence of the Supreme Court was negligible, however, John Marshall turned that around by wisely avoiding poitical traps and concentrating on the issues of law. Many of the decisions of the Supreme Court during the Marshall years, were considered landmarks because of how the nation reacted to the rulings affecting the future laws of the land. It was also interesting to see how the lives of the Justices did or did not influence their rulings in the cases that were put before them. Parts I & II carried the time frame up until 1842 and there I will stop until next year when I will read Parts III and IV.

cheli, that's amazing that you can stop and hold off til next year. I'd either want to finish now or put it aside and forget it forever.

That book sounds good. I think he's the one who wrote a book about the people behind the landmark cases. I think that's right--I keep meaning to pick that one up.

Ah yes, the book I'm thinking of is The Courage of Their Convictions.

It really wasn't hard to stop. I'd read a few chapters every night before I went to sleep and when I reached the end of Part II, I realized that it was approximately where I was going to end the year (if I'm on schedule) with the Presidents, so I figured I didn't want to get confused by getting too far ahead.
This way I should stay in time synch with my presidents basically.

#56 A Catered Murder
Author: Isis Crawford
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 294

Libby and Bernie are two typical sisters fighting with each other constantly but also loving each tremendously. When Bernie runs home after finding her live in boyfriend with another woman, she is enveloped back into the family fold without a bat of the eye. Libby who takes care of the family bakery/catering business and their invalid father, is at the moment of Bernie's arrival trying to prepare for a large event at which are their friends will be in attendance.
The story progresses through the murder at the event and subsequent investigations that the sisters make to try to clear Libby's best friend of the murder charges.
The writing is entertaining but as mysteries go, the writer failed to give enough clues to make it possible for the reader to solve the mystery. The murderer was in the first few chapters and then did not appear again until the last 2 chapters. I give it only 2 ½ stars.

#57 Death at La Fenice
Author: Donna Leon
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 278

When a world famous conductor is discovered dead between acts at the La Fenice in Venice, Police Comissario (Chief Inspector) Guido Brunetti is called in to investigate. Discovering that the victim was poisoned by cyanide, Brunetti has several suspects. His interrogations take him throughout the city navigating not only through the canals and picturesque sights of Venice but also the dark side of his victim's past.
Guido Brunetti is a well-developed character with considerable aptitude in his profession shown by wry observations and discerning opinions. His family life should be mundane, but appears delightful and fulfilling as well as humorous (while playing Monopoly the Commissario's wife is shown as a compulsive thief).
This charming Italian Policeman unemotionally separates the complex tangles entwined in this squalid tale by using his abilities to read body language, long silences along with other psychological tools, and carefully devises an amazing and fulfilling solution.

#58 MOVING IS MURDER
Author : Sara Rosett
Read : April 7 - April 17
Pages: 264

Ellie Avery is a military wife. She has moved 4 times in the last 5 years but this time it's different. Elie is an organizer but it isn't as easy as it was all the other times because this move involves buying a house and a new baby. Arriving in their new town during a record heat wave, little Livvy makes Ellie wonder if she'll ever manage to get unpacked let alone settled.
Ellie meets her fellow Air Force wives at the first Spouse function and senses a little tension among some of the spouses. Later after her first base function, Ellie comes upon one of the other wives, dead in a ditch.
Trying to help the mourning husband, Ellie offers to take over the duties of organizing the upcoming garage sale, and this is what leads to enumerable clues and murder attempts as Ellie unravels all the clues that she finds.
One really cozy concept appearing in this book are Ellie's tips on how to make your move better organized and hassle free.

#59 DEAL BREAKER
Author : Harlan Coben
Read : April 3 - April 19
Pages: 511

This was the first in the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben. The plot centers around a cunning mystery of sex, murder and blackmail. Simon is a multi-dimensional character having been a sports figure turned FBI agent turned lawyer and ending as a sports agent. All these facets of his background come into play in this story where his prize client is involved in a possible murder. Simon's support staff include a college friend who enjoys playing enforcer while in appearance is MR. Preppie and a secretary/receptionist who used to be a wrestler.
The fact the Simon is not a detective or policeman or PI makes this series seem a bit more interesting because you wonder what other aspects of his background have you not been told yet. I will admit that I was surprised by the ending, I was not prepared for the solution even though I had an inkling of what was happening. Definitely entertaining!

#98: Deal Breaker sounds really interesting. Will have to see if they have it at my library. Thanks for the review! :)

#60 Mistletoe Murder
Author: Leslie Meier
Category: Cozy Mystery
Read: April 16 - April 23
Pages: 222

Lucy Stone is a working mother and I mean a working mother. By day she takes care of three children, at 5 she heads to work at the Country Cousins mail order facility were she has a shift until 1AM. One night needing a breath of cold air, Lucy finds the company founder dead in his car with the engine running. Since she is in at the beginning of the crime, Lucy proceeds to dig searching for the solution to this murder. The holidays are used as a backdrop for this cozy mystery and the family interactions and seasonal characteristics only blend the story together so that small parts make the whole entertaining and delightful.

#61 A CLUE FOR THE PUZZLE LADY
Author: Parnell Hal
Category : Surprise - Books I find and want to read
Pages : 288

I enjoy puzzles because what is a mystery if not a puzzle to be solved so when I ran across this series I decided it definitely was for me and that I'd start at the beginning. In this first of the series, the Puzzle Lady for the public world is Cora Felton, an elderly, grandmotherly type who is just what the syndicates want when they promote the "Puzzle Lady". But in fact, all the work is done by her niece, Sherry, who is trying to hide out from an abusive husband/ex-husband? and move on with her life. They settle in a small town in Connecticut and this is where our story begins.
I chuckled when the mystery started with the discovery of a dead body in the cemetery - how ironic! Not exactly the spot you think of for a murder. When the police chief starts the investigation (there are only 3 on the police force in this small town) by examining the pockets of the victim, he finds a scrap of paper that looks like a crossword puzzle clue. Not being particularly prepared for this type crime, Chief Harper turns to the Puzzle Lady to try to understand what the killer was trying to say with the clue.
Ms Felton has some vices which if known, could possibly end the Puzzle lady's syndications. Somehow Aunt Cora can smoke and drink and still manages to help the Chief Harper through the clues/nonclues and leads him to the solution with an amusing edge.
This cozy mystery is fun and entertaining and I'm definitely looking forward to more of the series.

#62 WINTER STUDY
Author: Nevada Barr
Category : New Books in an Old Series
Pages : 477

Due to the expected presence of wolves in Rocky Mountain National Park, District Ranger Anna Pigeon joins the Winter study at Isle Royale in Lake Superior where the wolves have been studied for 50 years. Homeland Security would like to open Isle Royale year round but decisions must be made to determine the feasibility due to weather conditions in the dead of winter. Mysterious and strange events which include a death by wolf attack, near drowning in Lake Superior, blackmail, and possible murder keep Anna actively working to preserve the lives of the team as well as herself. The story is completely chilling with weather conditions depicted throughout the story, but it's great read for any Pigeon fan.

#63 WHEN DID WE LOSE HARRIET?
Author: Patricia Sprinkle
Category : Cozy Mystery
Pages : 302

This is the second book by Patricia Sprinkle that I have read. (Who invited the Dead Man? was the third in this series I read first.) What catches me is her titles - When did we lose Harriet? Harriet somehow is the central character of this mystery but we only see her in the first two chapters. The remainder of the story has MacLaren Yarbrough searching for this young girl she has never met.
Mac comes home to Montgomery Alabama because her baby brother, Jake (late 50's) has a heart attack and is being ornery about having surgery. Mac is called upon to take his place at the teen center where she discovers a library book filled with $3000 cash. She determines that it belongs to a girl named Harriet and sets out to return them to the owner. Along the way she finds person after person, who can't even remember the last time that they saw Harriet and she is amazed at their lack of concern for someone that they are responsible for. Mac manages throughout her search to find out where Harriet got the money, what she wanted to do with the money, and eventually where to find Harriet. This is an excellently written mystery that confounds the reader until the very end. All the clues are subtly distributed throughout. I will definitely be looking for the next in the series.

#64 CANDY CANE MURDER
Author: Joanne Fluke
Category : New Books in an Old Series
Pages : 178

I was not aware when I got this book, that it was a collection of short stories so I am only reviewing the Joanne Fluke Candy Cane Murder, though I will say the other stories were entertaining. This Hannah Swensen mystery went a long the guidelines of the other HS mysteries. She finds the body and then gets involved investigating with her sisters and boyfriends. Her instincts lead her to the murderer but her realization of guilty party usually comes a bit late. What always amuses me is that Hannah ca never remember her cell phone!

#65 THE PRESIDENCY OF JAMES MONROE
Author: Noble Cunningham
Category : History
Pages : 246

This book centers mainly on the Presidency of James Monroe rather than a complete biography. The early years are summarized to give the reader an understanding of his qualifications and where he was coming from.
From the information in the book it appears that James Monroe was probably the first president to realize that the good will of the people could keep him in office. During his administrations, he undertook several long trips to see how the nation and its people faired. The first trip was to what was then called the East - what we now call the north - New England, New York, and Pennsylvania. By making this his first priority in his travels he was able to consolidate his position by befriending the Federalists even though he was a southern Republican. His second trip was to the South and western reaches of the Ohio Valley.
Conditions were not financial good during the first administration due to recovery from the war. Congressman Richard Johnson of Kentucky is quoted "the times for money are alarming and frightful. I have never seen a time before but when I could raise $1000 with less difficulty than I can now raise $100" "It is impossible to describe to you the distress in this country on account of circulating medium. Loans cannot be obtained from banks or individuals - both are calling in their debts by wholesale, and nothing can be purchased on credit."
The National intelligencer published "our markets are deluged with merchandise from foreign nations, while thousands of our citizens, able and willing to work, and capable of furnishing similar articles, are unable to procure employment." (Does any of this sound familiar?)
Besides the domestic issues of the day, Monroe also had to keep a wary eye open at the revolutions that were in progress in the areas to the south of the USA. These were what led to the Monroe Doctrine. I don't feel that 1 chapter is sufficient to cover that, so I will be reading a book dedicated to this aspect of his presidency.
Overall, a good basic book for a President that I don't think received enough credit for what he had to handle.

#66 A NOVENA FOR MURDER
Author: Sister Carol Anne O'Marie
Category : Cozy Mystery
Pages : 184

Having been raised in a Catholic environment (12 years of Catholic school included) I was intrigued to see how a nun could be a detective. The story centers around a murder at a Catholic college in San Francisco. Sister Mary Helen is a retired nun aged mid-seventies who recruits her fellow nuns to help her to investigate the murder of the history Professor because she believes that the police's chief suspect has nice eyes and couldn't be guilty.
Sister Anne and Sister Eileen aid Mary Helen while Sister Therese starts a novena to St. Dismas (the patron saint of murderers) to get spiritual assistance. The interactions between the nuns and the police are entertaining and the story is a definite for those who like the old style as well as some religious reminders.

#106: A Novena For Murder sounds like something I would enjoy. Thanks for the review! :)

#67 THE TIME TRAVELER'S WIFE
Author: Audrey Niffenegger
Read : May 4 - May 16
Category : Award Winners
Pages : 560

First I want to thank LisaMorr and tututhefirst for recommending this book because I really loved it.

Henry DeTamble is a librarian who involuntarily travels through time. He is drawn in place and time to Clare Abshire who throughout his life supports him by supplying his needs for physical assistance whether she is 6 , 16, or 32. The love affair of these two characters is so multi-dimensional that it is hard to conceive how Audrey Niffenegger managed to keep track of all the details while writing this book.

This book is extremely thought-provoking making the reader wonder if there really are people like Henry who are constantly popping from one time to another, seeing the world in different eras and unable to make changes for the betterment of man. What if there was a way to alter our genes and become time travelers ourselves, so that we could visit with our love ones that we've lost, and at least apologize for the shortfalls of our youths. Would we be brave enough to volunteer?

I know that a lot of people did not like The Time Traveller's Wife, for various reasons, but like you, I really loved it too.

#68 THE MALTESE FALCON
Author: Dashiell Hammett
Read : May 15 - May 17
Category : CLASSICS
Pages : 224
I seem to have trouble liking classics. I had heard that The Maltese Falcon was Dashiell Hammett's finest work, but if t is, I don't want to read another. I got through this book, that's about all I'll say because I felt that the writing was poor and that there was too much repetition of the actions and words that were used. If I read one more time about how he rolled a cigarette, I was closing the book and quitting right there. Besides the fact, I didn't think that it was much of a mystery.
I hope that this year I can find at least one new classic that I can enjoy.

#69 MISERY LOVES CABERNET
Author: Kim Gruenenfelder
Category : ER books
Read: May 5 - May 18
Pages : 358

First, I have to say that I loved this book. I smiled, I laughed uproariously, I grinned, I cried, I chuckled, I ran the entire gambit of emotions while enjoying this book.

The main character Charlie (female) is in her late twenties and watching the lives of her friends and family move forward while she appears to be treading water. So she decides to make a list of the lessons that she learns so that she can pass them along to her great-granddaughter (should she ever have one).

Charlie lives in Hollywood and her job is personal assistant to movie star, Drew Stanton, a spoiled, charmingly child-like character. She juggles her numerous jobs (cleaning the pool of hippo poop, assisting in the transformation of Drew's dressing room to a winter wonderland) with family and friend , occasions/events.

Charlie's main efforts are centered around her love life and her involvement with two different men - Jordan who goes off to Paris for a job and Liam the producer of Drew's current film. The ending is totally unexpected and leaves the reader wanting more. Definitely a book that I will revisit after I read more by this writer.

#70 CREAM PUFF MURDER
Author: Joanne Fluke
Read : May 18 - May 19
Category : New Book in an old Series
Pages : 288

Let's face it, who doesn't love a lady who is always trying to help others and bakes tremendous cookies at the same time. Hannah Swensen can take anything in the cabinet and make a treat out of it.

In the Cream Puff Murder, Hannah is fighting her own personal hell - she needs to lose weight so that she can fit into the special dress that her mother, Dolores, ordered for her to wear at the Book Launch Party that is planned for Delores' book.

With her sister, Andrea's help, Hannah sets to exercising at the new spa Heavenly Bodies. There she runs into an old rival- Ronnie Ward. Later when she discovers Ronnie's body in the Jacuzzi, Hannah works to clear Mike (one of her beaus), Lonnie (her sister Michelle's beau), and Bill (Andrea's husband).

While working on solving this mystery, Hannah also had a mystery at home - Moishe, her cat, has some strange eating habits and Hannah needs to figure out how she manages to empty her kitty feeder and still stay thin. The mysteries are entertaining and fun loving. Definitely a great cozy!

#71 HER ROYAL SPYNESS
Author: Rhys Bowen
Category : recommended books
Read: May 12 - May 21
Pages : 416

Georgie is Royalty. Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie still has her problems which haunt her even though she stands 34th in line to the throne. Her half brother is a duke with no money so she gets no allowance for her daily expenses. Her sister-in-law, FIG, is extremely frugal so when Georgia decides to head to London to escape the cold of family Scottish castle, she has no servants and no money for food. When Fig sends her a message that the Duke will be arriving and to make sure that the house is ready, Georgie finds that she can manage the light housework needed to open a house and advertises in the paper for her services.
Little does she realize that she will have to be cleaning up a lot more than dust covers and clean linens when she discovers a dead body drown in her own bathtub.
This book was witty and refreshing even though it is set in the 1930's. The characters are entertaining and cause the reader to cheer for the good guys. I really enjoyed the background settings and the information leaked of what life was like back then.

Thanks to ladyc72385 for the recommendation!

#72 DON QUIXOTE
Author: Miguel de Cervantes
Read : April 2 - May 23
Category : Classics
Pages : 1072

I have to admit that I had heard tremendous things about Don Quixote. I understood the idea of the book before I opened it and maybe that was part of my problem. My expectations may have been too high and this book, IMHO, fell short whe it comes to entertainment. I have to admit that I enjoyed the first part but when I got to Part II, that's where he lost me. Cervantes just seems to go on and on adding story after story that has nothing really to do with Quixote's quest. He really could have used a good editor. If I had stopped after Part I, I would have been fine with this book, but as it is it was just toooooooo longgggggg. Another disappointing classic. DARN!

cheri, I'm procrastinating right now, so I went through your library trying to get ideas of which classics you might enjoy. You seem into romances and mysteries, yes? And not the sort of Bronte-esqe romances.

Some ideas (mystery):
Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie, if you haven't already tried them.
Either The Woman in White or The Moonstone
some Dickens (Bleak House or The Mystery of Edwin Drood or even A Tale of Two Cities)

Some ideas (romance)
maybe one of those Gothic romance novels - like Lady Audley's Secret or The Romance of the Forest or other Ann Radcliffe novels.
Les Liasions Dangereuses
Gone With the Wind

The Three Musketeers is good. Any Dumas, really - The Count of Monte Cristo is my favorite.

I know you didn't ask for recs, but I hate to see someone have such a bad run of disappointing classics.

Jennifer,
Thanks for your interest in solving my problem.
I've already read Gone with the Wind, Sherlock Holmes, and Agatha Christie. I'm not sure about the Gothic romances since I didn't like Northanger Abbey or Jane Eyre. I've thought about A Tale of Two Cities and The Count of Monte Cristo but I didn't want two from the same author. So I'm trying out The Innocence of Father Brown and Black Beauty. But I'm s till looking for more, so let me know if you think of anything. Thanks again.

#73 POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS
Author: Augusten Burroughs
Category: Audiobooks
Pages: 304
Read: May 22 - May 27

This book is a collection of essays/short stories/memoirs surrounding the early childhood, of the author. Reviews had this book as being hilarious especially when read on audio by the author. This is the version that I checked out of the library. It missed with me. The stories are told in reverse chronological order which is a little strange - going from successful relationships to a loner; non-smoking Alcoholic in AA to a smoking drinker; gay relationship to young man looking at girls; The tales included telling of when he was a child, his reluctance to visit one grandmother (evil) after visiting the other (good) (If one of my grandmothers had a tooth fairy that gave $50 per tooth, I 'd think that the other was evil too.), spending over $600 a month on Nicorette gum when he quit smoking, and a crush on a female doctor as a child. A few of the short stories are extremely entertaining but the entire book wasn't worth its reviews that were raves. (IMHO)

I chose this book because my husband and I were going on a car trip to Richmond and we do audio books when we travel. My husband liked it better than I did. He gave it 3 stars.

#108 I'm also a fan of The Time Traveller's Wife. Regarding classic books, I don't read that many classics but have enjoyed Dicken's Our Mutual Friend.

#74 SCENT TO HER GRAVE
Author: India Ink
Category: Leaders
Pages: 390
Read: May 21 - May 30

India Ink has written a witty, often amusing and definitely complex amateur sleuth mystery. The central character is a martial arts expert who is a very feminine, spirited and independent woman. Trying to elude a bad relationship in Seattle, Persia Vanderbilt returns home to Gull Harbor and sets to work at her aunt's business, Venus Envy, a business that creates custom blended oils and spa services. At the beginning, Persia is blending an individual scent for Lydia Wang when Lydia (the Radiance Cosmetics Beauty Contest winner) gets into several altercations - one with her former boyfriend, Trevor, a employee of Venus Envy, another with the contest runner-up, Colleen. When Persia finds Lydia dead in the spa the next morning, and the murder weapon is one of Trevor's tools, Trevor becomes the chief suspect. Not believing in his guilt, Persia sets out to clear her employee and in the process nearly loses her own life. Since Lydia was such an abrasive personality and she had made so many enemies, it is difficult to choose just one person as the murderer and as the clues are revealed, the reader is able to solve the murder right along with Persia. I had to run out and get the next one, I enjoyed this one so much.

#75 THE QUILTER'S APPRENTICE
Author: Jennifer Chiaverini
Category: Crafts/Cooking in the background
Pages: 272
Read: May 27 - May 30

This is a heartwarming story of a young couple, Sarah and Matt, who must leave the only home that they've known to move to another town so that Matt can get work. His new job puts Sarah in the position of being unemployed for the first time and searching for a job in a tough market. While she is searching, the cranky elderly woman, Mrs. Compson, that Matt is work for offers Sarah a chance to earn some money helping prepare her family estate(Elm Creek Manor) for sale. Sarah agrees provided that Mrs. Compson teaches her how to quilt. During the daily quilting lessons, Mrs. Compson and Sarah develop a close friendship while revealing their own life stories/issues/problems.
The stories that are related are at times powerfully moving, and reminders of how our own errors can effect our lives. In total it is remarkable how this book can show that love and friendship can help overcome just about anything including past injuries and insults. The descriptions of the quilting processes that are intermingled throughout are fascinating. The only drawback is that at times, the character of Sarah seems a bit whiny. Hopefully, she'll out grow it in future books.

#120 I didn't stick with the series to the end, but I enjoyed this one quite a bit. Do you plan to pick up the others?

I picked this book up at the library just because I thought it would fit into my Craft/cooking category. I did enjoy it and will look for others in the series but I don't know when.

The other two I liked best were Round Robin and The Runaway Quilt - 2nd and 3rd in the series. After that, I thought they weren't as good and I began to lose interest. I think I only made it through maybe 6 books before giving up.

#76 GRIME AND PUNISHMENT
Author: Jill Churchill
Category: Leaders
Pages: 246
Read: June 1 - June 2

This is the beginning of the Jane Jeffrey series. Jane is a widow whose husband died a few months ago in an auto accident. While she tries to keep things on an even keel for her three children, Jane handles carpools, PTA meetings but has to replace her cleaning lady. She and her next door neighbor, Shelly, contact the Happy Helper, and hire Edith, who is highly recommended by other neighbors.
Edith calls in sick when she is due at Shelly's house on a day that Shelly is hosting a meeting, so a replacement is sent. When she comes home from doing her errands, Shelly frantically calls Jane over to her house because she has found Edith's replacement strangled with a vacuum cleaner cord.
Jane and Shelly work to figure out why the maid was dispatched.
It was entertaining, wouldn't say that it was the greatest.

#77 BLESSED IS THE BUSYBODY
Author: Emilie Richards
Category: New Writers
Pages: 272
Read: June 7

This was the first book that I read for the 12 hour mystery-thon. It had numerous entertaining moments and a well-crafted mystery that centered around a minister's family that lives in a small town in Ohio. It all starts with a naked body being found on the front porch of the vicarage. Aggie and her husband Ed have to ride the scandal as the police try to solve the murder that literally lands on their doorstep. The Women's Society for their church is not happy about the scandal and are tempted to relieve Ed of his position and then one of their own is murdered and things get even more complicated and Aggie sets out to clear her husband's reputation.

HOTEL PARADISE
Author: Martha Grimes
Category: ABANDONED
Pages: 85
Read: June 7

This was the second book that I picked for the 12 hour mystery-thon. I tried and read 85 pages but the story and style just couldn't grab my attention. I could never recommend this book to anyone. I do not see what the hype about this series could ever be about..

Thanks for the heads up about the Grimes series. I've avoided it so far, but for no good reason. (Mostly, I guess, a reluctance to begin a new series that didn't reach out and grab me in some way.) Now, I've got a reason to continue not reading her.

Tell more about your 12-hour mystery-thon. Sounds intriguing.

I've read a few of Martha Grimes' Richard Jury series years ago and thought they were ok.

I thought Hotel Paradise was part of her other, lesser-known series. I never had any interest in that other series.

At some point, though, I need to see where I left off and add a Richard Jury book to my reading list. I think there are something like 20 or 21 of them now.

Aha, thanks to LT, I discover that I read the first 8 and so can resume this series with The Five Bells and Bladebone.

Sandy,
So the first Mystery Read-A-Thon will take place June 7, 2009! And your challenge will be to read for 12 hours on this day

That's all there was to it. There are prizes (books that are going to be given away., but mainly it was just a chance to read.

Here's the link if you want to check out all the news.
http://mysteryreadathon.blogspot.com/

#78 DARK CHAMPION
Author: Jo Beverely
Category: Romance
Pages: 544
Read: June 4 - June 8

In medieval times, Bernard of Carrisford dies suddenly leaving his only daughter vulnerable to attack. The Treasure of Carrisford, as Imogen is known, flees her castle when the evil Lord Warbrick mysteriously invades the castle searching for her and its treasure. She escapes to her neighbor, Lord FitzRoger of Cleeve, and begs for his help to regain her home and defend her honor. Forced to realize that she needs a strong defender, Imogen agrees to wed the Lord of Cleeve in exchange for his assistance.

This story has several twists and turns but eventually the stubborn and independent people surrender to love.

This was my first romance of the year and it was a good one. I really enjoyed it not only for the romance but the story of the battles and imagery.

#79 MISTRESS OF THE ART OF DEATH
Author: Ariana Franklin
Category: LT Recommendation
Pages: 607
Read: June 2 - June 10

Four children have been tortured and horrifically murdered. Anytime you see a book that has this premise, you wonder where such a murdering monster hides. This monster is hidden in the folds of history. This book is set in 1171 medieval England, the small town of Cambridge. The townspeople believe that the Jews are responsible and force King Henry I to move all the Jews to protection within the royal castle fortress. King Henry has a vested interest in clearing the Jews because without their money lending and the taxes that they generate, the royal treasuries will be bankrupt.
How will the perpetrator be identified and brought to justice?
King Henry contacts the King of Sicily and asks for his finest master of the art of death, a medieval medical examiner. The doctor selected for the mission is Vesuvia Adelia Rachel Ortese Aguilar - A mistress of the Art of Death. Adelia and her companions-Simon, a Jew, and Mansur, a Moor- journey to England to uncover the serial killer who committed the Cambridge murders. A few of the problems that restrict Adelia's efforts to solve the murders are the superstitions of the time (women doctors are suspected of witchcraft) and her association with a Jew and a Muslim eunuch - foreigners who are not welcome in England. Adelia teams up with a tax collector, Sir Rowley and together the story evolves.

This book is a combination of Kay Scarpetta,CSI, and Sherlock Holmes. This tremendously well-crafted mystery is interwoven with an unusual love story as well as historical pageantry with multi-faceted characters that come to life on the page. The writing is at times thrilling, and other times humorous. It is amazing that the story can be both frightening and heart-warming.

#80 James Monroe:The Quest for National Identity
Author: Harry Ammon
Category : History
Pages : 706

James Monroe was the last of the Revolutionary Presidents. He served the United States during the War of Independence being wounded while scouting for the Battle Trenton, and during Washington's administration served in the US Senate and State Department. He represented the United States in France and Spain as he continued his diplomatic career (assisting in the negotiations regarding the Louisiana Purchase). He was also the Governor of Virginia and during the Madison Administration served as both the Secretary of State and the Secretary of War. With his election to the Presidency, Monroe's political career was complete.
Monroe was a very analytical man, who gathered all the information available before making momentous decisions. He regularly held meetings with all of his advisors (Cabinet members) and then would reflect on their viewpoints and analyze the ramifications of the proposed actions.
Perception was that Monroe was indecisive, however, it appears that he mainly used a delaying tacit to allow time for others to arrive at the same conclusions. He preferred unanimity within his Cabinet.
It was also assumed that because of John Quincy Adams' extensive diplomatic experience that Monroe allowed him to set the foreign policy, but it is shown in Adams' diaries that Monroe controlled the foreign policy and the direction of proposed discussions with foreign ministers of the time. One must remember that he too had diplomatic experience and had served 8 years as the Secretary of State.

Monroe questioned himself and wrote to Jefferson" Was it not proper for the US to encourage nations seeking their freedom while condemning those seeking to deprive others of their liberty? "

Monroe made the conscious decision that it was time for the United States to take a bolder stand on the international front and in 1823 during his annual "State of the Union" address, declared several paragraphs which stated that

1) "the occasion has been judged proper for asserting, as a principle in which the rights and interest of the United States are involved, that the American continents, by the free and independent condition which they have assumed and maintain, are henceforth not to be considered as the subjects for future colonization by any European powers." and

2) "We owe therefore, to candor and to the amicable relations existing between the United States and those powers to declare that we should consider any attempt on their part to extend their system to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous to our peace and safety."

At the time, it was referred to as the "American System". Now we know it as the Monroe Doctrine. This moral standing had no "imperial mission" behind it but served notice to all the nations of the world that the Americas were not to trifled with.

This is a very detailed biography of the 5th President. The author makes every effort to inform the reader of the accomplishments of the man as well as show his shortcomings.

On a personal note, I was not particular impressed with Monroe until I realized all that he had been through and accomplished in his lifetime. He reminds me a good deal of Washington in that he felt that the Constitution was to be adhered to fanatically and that the good of the Nation was more important than the good of his party. I was unaware that the "Monroe Doctrine" was actually part of the annual address to Congress in 1823. It was not a separate document but several separate paragraphs in his State of Union address and yet made such a definitive statement that it still serves as part of the United States foreign policy standards. It is sad that this man who put forth the policy that "protected" the Americas also was partially responsible for the Missouri Compromise that put us on the road to war.

How ironic, that the last of the Revolutionary Presidents also died on the 4th of July.

#81 THE INNOCENCE OF FATHER BROWN
Author: C.K. Chesterton
Read : June 13 -15
Category : Classics
Pages : 236


A classic collection of Father Brown short stories. The French master criminal Flambeau is repeatedly beaten by this unremarkable priest, before he decides to join Father Brown in solving a series of perplexing mysteries.
I won't say this was the greatest, but with my track record with classics, this was okay.

I keep hearing about Mistress of the Art of Death, and your review has convinced me I need to add it to my list!

Jennifer,
I really was surprised at how much I liked this book. The story was well-crafted and the characters were so believable. I hope you enjoy it.

#82 A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Author: Charles Osgood
Read : June 14 -16
Category : History/Humor
Pages : 239

We've all heard Harry Truman's saying about if it's too hot to get out of the kitchen, well this book is full of the quips and anecdotes from presidential elections from Harry Truman through Bush II and some are just as memorable. McGovern is remembered for saying "Three things beat me. Dirty tricks, tapped phones, and I lost 49 states." The quotes and stories are amusing and lighthearted.

My favorites that pertain to no candidates in particular are: Richard Harkness (newspaper commentator) "When it comes to facing up to serious problems, each candidate will pledge to appoint a committee. And what is a Committee? A group of the unwilling, picked from the unfit, to do the unnecessary. It all sounds great in a campaign speech." or humorist Caskie Stinnett's quote "take a second look at the candidate whose voice falters at the end of each page of his speech. He doesn't know, any more than you do, what's coming next."
On occasion we have had third party candidates that have added to the amusement. I liked the quote about Ross Perot. The National Review said "Ross Perot won't hire gays or adulterers for his administration. At last----a practical plan to shrink the size of the government." (Not my viewpoint, just an amusing quote.)

#83 MURDER UNCORKED
Author: Michele Scott
Read : June 7 -19
Category : Cozy Mystery
Pages : 219


Nikki Sands, an out of work actress, is waiting tables in Hollywood to make ends meet. She works at an upscale restaurant and has educated herself about wine pairings to increase her tip perspectives. One evening she shows off a bit of her knowledge, infuriating a blonde bimbo but intriguing her date. She gets fired for spilling wine on the bimbo, but is rescued by the hunk and learns that he is a winemaker from Napa Valley and is interesting in hiring her for marketing and general assistant staff support.

Nikki flies to Napa with Derek Malveaux where she is embroiled in a double murder investigation on the Malveaux Estate. Her one and only acting role seems to be coming alive - that of a Detective Sydney Martini. The story is complex but the writer allows the reader to gather the clues along with Nikki. Entertaining while providing recipes and wine pairings.

#84 THE SCARECROW AND HIS SERVANT
Author: Philip Pullman
Read : June 12 -19
Category : Cozy Mystery
Pages : 219


This book reminds me of The Wizard of Oz but rather than Dorothy trying to find her way back to Kansas and Auntie Em, the Scarecrow is trying to find his way to Spring Valley where he is supposedly the owner of all the land. The story starts out with the miraculous tale of how the Scarecrow comes to life and follows his adventures with his "servant" Jack, an orphaned boy who figures that he can't do any worse than starve to death.

It is a delightful, whimsical story which shows how perseverance and goodness will triumph over adversity.

Thanks to tututhefirst for the recommendation.

b>#85 THE WEDDING OF THE WATERS:
The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation
Author: Peter Bernstein
Read : June 16 -21
Category : History
Pages : 448

This book is divided into 5 sections - the vision, the action the creation, the path, the aftermath.
The first section of this book begins with identification of those people who believed that the expansion of the United States required the improvement of its waterways to allow for easier navigation from the Atlantic Coast to the interior. George Washington was interested in expanding the Potomac River usage (possibly because of his large Mount Vernon frontage on this river) and though there was a company founded to explore this possibility, it never came to fruition. Numerous others from Christopher Coles to Gouverneur Morris tried and failed in the attempts to get the project funded and started. Along with the proposed waterway expansion, this section also identified men who designed and improved the watercrafts that were to be used once this project was underway.
The second section addresses the funding and proposal. In 1807, President Jefferson, in his annual address to Congress, suggested that the government surplus of funds be directed to "canals, roads, education…" Congress commissioned the Treasury to submit a plan "to propose the opening of roads and making canals which as objects of public improvement, may require and deserve the aid of the government."
Albert Gallatin, the Secretary of the Treasury stressed in his report that for the volume of industry to increase with territorial expansion, a nationwide network of canals and roadways was essential for connections over the long distances. However, when the proposal was presented to the President requesting funds, Jefferson pointed to the Potomac (C&O Canal) and noted that it was unfinished for the last few miles but for a lack of $200,000 and New York wanted $10 million for a "350 mile canal through the wilderness - it is little short of madness". (Again an instance of Jefferson saying one thing and doing another.) New York resolved to proceed on its own.
Six New York commissioners undertook a 700 mile trek across the state in 53 days to gather the required details so that the NY legislature could be informed of what the project would entail. Several routes were under consideration -specifically one to Lake Ontario, the other to Lake Erie. Legislators frequently sided with the route that aided them either monetarily or politically. Finally, in March of 1811, the commissioners were authorized to arrange for funding, purchase the necessary land, and applied to Congress for additional funds. The project was on.
The War of 1812 had 2 effects on the Canal project. First, it delayed the progress because of the manpower that was routed to the war effort but two, it proved the need for a better communication and transportation system between the east coast and the western frontier. Only through rapid shipbuilding in Erie, PA was the access of the great lakes maintained by the US and not overtaken by the British.
After the war, legislatures both state and National held up the project until the official route of the canal was decided upon, and funding was in place.
Construction started on July 4, 1817 and as it progressed so did improvements to the construction process. Numerous inventions were found/discovered to speed the construction. Inventions for speeding the cutting down of trees, removal of tree stumps and even cement came with the construction of the canal.
In 1819, the nation suffered its first depression and thanks to the Canal project, NY state survived nearly unscathed. Unemployment, rampant elsewhere, was non-existent around the Canal construction, in fact employment was up 20%.
As the project progressed, political issues surrounded the finishing aspects - the location of the terminal on Lake Erie and how to handle a few of the final sections were just a few.
After the canal was completed, traffic increased in the first year from 2000 boats to 7000 boats. The time frame of traveling the distance from Albany to Buffalo was cut from 32 days to 5 days.
Weather caused some issues - the canal froze in winter and the spring rains caused flooding.
But towns sprung up overnight along the route and small villages turned into cities.
Farm productivity in western NY state and beyond expanded 30% by 1840 and eastern areas turned to dairy farming.
But the main impact of the Erie canal was the unification of the nation by the connection of the western areas to the eastern seaboard. Areas in the west could now ship their goods all the way to New York while receiving luxury items from the east that had not been available before.
This book was very informative but has a few drawbacks. At times it was very detailed in the descriptions of the building of the canal. For non-technical readers this would have been aided by drawings to help visualize what was being described. The writer also had a tendency at times to inappropriately report on the far future of NY state and how the Erie Canal was continuing, making the tale somewhat disjointed at these parts. Overall a very good book for background reading to this timeframe of US history.

#86 BUTCHER'S HILL
Author : Laura Lippman
Read : June 21 -24
Category : Award Winner -Agatha, Anthony, Shamus Awards
Pages : 416

Tess Monaghan has finally hung out her shingle but her new office is not in the best area of Baltimore. On one of her first days in operation, Tess has two new clients - Luther Beale and Jackie. Jackie wants to hire Tess to find the daughter she gave up for adoption 13 years ago. Luther Beale, known as the Butcher of Butcher's Hill wants to find five children who were friends of the boy he was convicted of killing. He wants to make restitution. Both cases appear pretty straight forward but they turn out to be far from it.
Jackie's case brings Tess face to face with facts that may be hard for her to reconcile emotionally and Luther's case gets a bit dangerous. I found it interesting the way that the stories was woven together even though they were separate cases.
It was a bit slow in some spots, but overall an interesting combination. I still enjoy seeing the references of my hometown, though listening on audio, I tend to want to correct the pronunciations at times.

#87 THROUGH THE FIRE
Author : Shawn Grady
Read : June 19 - 25
Category : ER books
Pages : 328

Aidan O'Neill is a fireman, his father was a fireman, he comes from a family of firemen and they all believed that they had gift - a gift of understanding the fire - where it was going to go, who it was going to harm, what it was going to devour. Aidan was sure of that gift until his father was killed in an arson fire. Then he began to question that gift.
For seven years he searched for the arsonist even after the fire department had put the search to bed. The arsonist had gone back to the shadows and was quiet. But now the arsonist was back, endangering Aidan's colleagues, his friends.
This is the story of a fireman who searches for the truth, trying to find the person who killed his father, who damaged these buildings, who frightened the people of the city that was his home. The conclusion is a bit shocking.

It's an interesting story but I wouldn't say that is always well-written. There are times when the writing appears to go off on a tangent and you wonder what's going on, and then it's back. You wonder why but it isn't cleared up for over 100 pages. The structure needs to be tightened up but overall an interesting read.

#88 THE GEOGRAPHY OF BLISS
Author : Eric Weiner
Read : June 21 - 27
Category : New Writers
Pages : 328

Have you ever heard of the study of happiness? I know that I hadn't until I read this book, I understand now, how addictive it could be to try and find a happy place, if, of course, I wasn't already happy and had an expense account to fund it.
This book gives statistics of happiness arrived at through vast research, for example:
Extroverts are happier than introverts;
optimists are happier than pessimists(who would have thunk?);
married people are happier than singles, though people with children are no happier than childless couples;
Republicans are happier than Democrats;
wealthy people are happier than poor ones; (do the last two go together?)
people with an active sex life are happier than those without; (Does that one go with the last two, too?
busy people are happier than those with little to do; it just goes on and on.

So the author sets out to explore the possibility that some places are happier than others. He starts out in Holland and after determining that part of the "happiness" allure to the Dutch nation is the legality of pot and prostitution, and their fondness for cycling, he moves on to Switzerland.

After all, Switzerland makes great Chocolate, what would make you happier? The insights presented for Swiss happiness appear normal in some instances (nature, mountains) and bizarre in other ( strict laws - no toilet flushing after 10PM but euthanasia is legal). Philosopher Bertrand Russell wrote "A certain amount of boredom is essential to a happy life" and the author concludes the Swiss reason for happiness is that they are boring. He moves on.

Next is Bhutan and Asian country in the Himalayas which actually has a national Happiness Policy and it is part of the national anthem. What would you expect being so close to the mythical Shangri-La.

The author visits Qatar where Happiness is a winning lottery ticket, Iceland where happiness is failure (a unique concept), Moldova which is at the bottom of the happiness scale (possibly because of the economic and cultural conditions since the Soviet breakup), and Thailand where the people are too busy being happy to think about happiness because they take life as it comes.
Starting his trip heading home, the author stops in India receiving the definition of Indian happiness being unpredictability, and Great Britain is happy with change. Finally arriving home the author determines that paradise is fleeting. If you find it, everyone else will too and then, it might not be paradise anymore. But, for most, Happiness is home.

#89 ON AGATE HILL
Author : Lee Smith
Read : June 24 - 28
Pages : 621

This book, set after the Civil War, is the life story of a woman, telling of the losses of her lifetime.

The premise is the finding, by a student, of the diaries and letters of a woman in a secret room in Agate Hill Plantation. As a child after her family is lost, Molly is taken in at Agate Hill, a plantation owned by her Uncle Junius and Aunt Fanny. After adjusting to her new environment under the care of her Aunt Fanny, Molly loses Aunt Fanny in childbirth. Her uncle becomes despondent and lets the plantation become rundown. Uncle Junius' sister comes to help with the running of the house bringing her granddaughter who becomes Molly's first and dearest friend. This friendship is the basis of the letters that are used as the narrative after Molly goes off to a girl's school.

The narrative continues with her travels to the opening a school in the Appalachian mountains, through her marriage, the death of children and husband, the coroner's trial, and her return to Agate Hill.

This book was interesting but I think it was a bit too long. It was disjointed in the section of Molly's original stay in Agate Hill. I think that it was unnecessary to have the student continually interrupting the storyline.

#90 FATALLY FLAKY
Author : Diane Mott Davidson
Read : June 28 - July 1
Category : Mystery
Pages : 474 pages

Bridezilla Billie is getting Goldy ready to tear her hair out. The bride has changed the date three times, the menu twice, and now in the middle of catering another wedding, Billie informs Goldy that she has added 50 additional guests for her wedding 2 days away which means that there has to be a venue change as well as more preparation cooking.

In the meantime, Goldy's old doctor is found dead at the bottom a ravine, which leads her dear godfather to investigating the cause. When he is found mugged at the reception for Bridezilla Billie, and later dies, Goldy takes over. Lead by clues from her godfather and her overwhelming need to find out what happens to her friend and loved one, Goldy gets involved in intrigue surrounding fraud, drugs and murder.
This was a quick read because the story kept drawing you further and further into the web before your intuition glistens. Davidson never fails IMHO!

#91 THE KITCHEN GOD'S WIFE
Author : Amy Tan
Read : June 28 - July 1
Category : Audiobooks
Pages : 416 pages

The Kitchen God's Wife is the powerful story of the personal hardships and struggles of a Chinese woman during the Chinese war with Japan. During the narrative, the reader gets a peek into this part of Chinese history as well as the culture and societal prejudices.

This overwhelming story tells of the degradation of an abusive husband and the triumph of the human spirit. It probes into the role of the Chinese culture of the time and how the secrets of families effect their members in unforeseen manners.

Winnie's forced by her "sister" to reveal all of her secrets to her daughter. Her life story is filled with misfortune and hope. At times depressing and at others inspiring, this entrancing, vibrant, elegant, and unforgettable tale of womanhood, fortitude, and love, is intertwined with light comedy and the curative power of truth.

Winnie's tale shows the inhumanity of arranged marriages and horrific treatment of women. As Winnie relates the events of her life before her emigration to a new life in the USA, the steadfast devotion and loyalty of her female friends support Winnie and aid her flight to freedom. In the end, their continued assistance bring her closer to her daughter at time when they both need each other.

This was a very difficult book to read because of the horror that is conveyed in this tale. If nothing else it makes you appreciate the freedom of our society and the blessings of our lives.

#92 THE PRIVATE DIARY OF MR. DARCY
Author : Maya Slater
Read : July 3 - July 8
Category : ER Books
Pages : 324 pages

Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite stories so when I saw an opportunity to see the tale from Darcy's side rather than Elizabeth's, I put in my name and was rewarded with is ARC copy. Knowing how the story evolves is both an advantage and disadvantage because the reader keeps waiting for certain portions of the tale to unfold. It was enlightening to see the story from another viewpoint but I think that it may also spoil some of the romance.
Why does it spoil the romance? In P&P we see Elizabeth's change of heart as she learns of Darcy's activities to save her family's reputation but in this book, you might wonder if Darcy is just trying to save his pride because of his own stupidity in handling the situation with Wickham.
In this book the author takes liberties with the character of both Darcy and Georgiana. Darcy is shown taking advantage of a housemaid at Netherfield, with his libertine friend Lord Byron, both of which contradict conversations that he has with Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice.
For Georgiana, Austen implies that she is rescued from Wickham before any permanent damage happens, however, Slater in this book, gainsays this by writing of the scene of her deflowering and Darcy's late arrival. Austen shows her as an obedient, quiet childlike young girl, while Slater portrays her as temperamental and calculating one moment and sweet and innocent another.
Lastly, I really didn't care at all for the section at Lord Byron's ancestral home.
I enjoyed the opportunity that this book presented, but I can't say that I liked the book. Placed beside the original story of Pride and Prejudice, it definitely falls short.

#93 A MIND OF MURDER
Author : P. D. James
Read : July 3 - July 8
Category : AudioBooks
Pages : 256 pages

Inspector Dalgliesh is called to the Steen Psychiatric Clinic when the body of the administrative officer is found stabbed to death in the records room. The building was completely locked up so there are only a limited number of suspects.
This book was originally set at the time when electro shock and LSD were used to help patients shed their inhibitions and assist doctors to indentify their problems.
There are numerous twists and turns and just when you think that the solution has been revealed, another twist leads down a different path.
Not a great mystery, but not bad either.

CONGRATULATIONS on your hot review for The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy.
Well done!~!
belva

Thanks belva! I didn't think anyone noticed.


#94 UNNATURAL CAUSES
Author : P. D. James
Read : July 10
Category : AudioBooks
Pages : 272 pages

The Adam Dalgliesh series continues in this book about the murder of a high profile mystery writer who is found dead in a dinghy. Closer examination shows that the victim's hands have been chopped off. Superintendent Dalgliesh wouldn't even have be involved in this murder if he hadn't been visiting his Aunt in Monksmere on the Suffolk coast.
The open lands, the steep cliffs, and the raging tides bring the setting off the Suffolk coast to life. Dalgliesh, who is not part of the investigation, must sit back and while the regional inspector handles the process of trying to discover what happens. The autopsy shows that the writer died of natural causes, but then what happened to his hands?
Dalgliesh does some of his own investigating and it leads to some interesting developments.
This is the third P.D. James book that I have read, and I'm not sure that I am going to continue the series. It may be the style or the out-of-date situations since they are written nearly 50 years ago. It was enjoyable, but maybe not memorable.

#95 THE SHADOW QUEEN, BOOK FIVE OF THE WORLD OF HETAR
Author : Bertrice Small
Read : July 9 - July 12
Category : Favorites Author's books I haven't read yet!
Pages : 496 pages

Magnus Hauk is dead, but with his dying words he places the safety of the kingdom of TERAH into the hands of his fairie queen, Lara, until their son is ready to rule. This is extremely unusually, since Terah does not recognize women for governing ability. Lara will be a Shadow Queen hidden behind the Regency Council of Taj's uncles.
While Lara works to prepare her son for his future, her oldest daughter is spirited off by unknown magic and Lara with the assistance of her mentor, Shadow Prince Kaliq, must find what is happening in Hetar and prevent further infiltration by the Dark Lords.
Lara has to deal with petulant children, evil and dark magic, and the overwhelming greed and self-indulgence throughout the kingdoms of the Twilight Lords and Hetar.
This is the fifth book in the exciting tales of Lara the Fairie woman who captures the hearts of mortals and magical creatures alike. The erotic fantasy shows how even in fantasy, mothers can safeguard their offspring only so much and no matter how they may want to protect them, their children as they grow will make their own decisions and their own mistakes.
Those who have never met Lara and the World of Hetar will be spellbound and while realizing that there are many more adventures that they have missed, will go searching for the previous volumes of this series.
This volume , as all previous series selections, does not fail to captivate the reader.

#96 MY SISTER'S KEEPER
Author : Jodi Picoult
Read : July 12 - July 16
Category : Surprise, Books I find want to read
Pages : 528 pages

This book lived up to my expectations and more. This family drama about the ethics of creating a child to serve as a living donor for another child and the ramifications of the situation for all the members of the family took my breath away. The detail of the different viewpoints in the family showing the parents driving need to save their sick child, the donor child's search for identity, the sick child's need to just be normal, and the "unneeded" child's search for recognition was heart-wrenching.
The writer also managed to interweave the feelings of the legal participants. The guardian ad litem's ability to see both sides of the issue - Anna's need to choose and Kate's parents need to help their sick child, no matter what, was effectively written, while her inability to make a recommendation mirrored Anna's feelings of being unable to prevent herself from waffling from continuing her lawsuit and ending it. The Judge's loss of a child reflects the fear of Sarah and Brian who have been battling to preserve Kate's life since she was 2. And of course, there is Campbell, Anna's attorney. His presence only serves to magnify denial - his regarding his medical issues and the family regarding the imminent death of Kate.
What I found particularly interesting was having the story told at different times by different characters. Since the story always seemed to be in the first person, as if the characters were talking directly to you, the reader, the story seemed much more captivating then if it had been told in the third person or constantly from the same point of view. Needless to say, I'm glad that I read this book, and hope that I am never put in such a situation. I'm just glad that I've signed my donor card, have you?

Jodi Picoult confronts a stormy real-life debate with a polished compassion, sympathy and understanding.

#97 DRAGONWELL DEAD
Author : Laura Childs
Read : July 13 - July 17
Category : Favorite Authors Books I haven't read
Pages : 290

Theodosia and her faithful friends of the Indigo Tea shop - Drayton and Haley - are confronted at an orchid auction they are catering with the untimely death of their friend Mark Congdon. Drayton is particularly affected since Mark and he were both Orchid collectors. As in the past, Theodosia doesn't set out to investigate the murder, but gets sucked in by circumstances. This mystery was the most action packed of the series so far, and a delightful read.

#98 A BLUSH WITH DEATH
Author : India Ink
Read : July 18 - July 19
Category : Followers
Pages : 272

Corporate espionage is the main theme of this Bath and Body mystery. Persia Vanderbilt and her Aunt Florence's business Venus Envy has competition from Bebe's Boutique and things are not gong well. The rose crop has been sprayed with a deadly insecticide, malicious rumors of poor quality ingredients are circulated, and their computer is hacked removing all records, but the theft of Persia's scent journal is the final disaster which forces Persia and company to set a plan in motion to resolve the murder of one of Bebe's associates and recover the scent diary.
This mystery was a little slow developing but had its moments. There were amusing moments with an adolescent Casanova, a new romance under development, and Persia's viewpoint on how to catch a man. Not a great book, but entertaining.

#99 THE LANGUAGE OF BEES
Author : Laurie R. King
Read : July 21 - 26
Category : Favorite Authors Books I haven't read
Pages : 712

How ironic that Holmes and Russell return after a nearly a year to their home in Sussex at the same time that they return to us after a 4 year absence. Back at their beginnings, Russell is again the apprentice to Holmes as beekeeper. Missing bees, however, have to take second place, when confronted with the surprise appearance of Damian Adler, Holmes' son.
Holmes must first reflect on this presence and then attend to the problem which brought the two together - the disappearance of Damian's wife, Yolanda with their 4 year old daughter, Estelle.

Disappearing into the night as Holmes frequently does, Mary is left to undertake the bee mystery. Finding a resolution that she feels will satisfy her husband, she heads to London to assist Holmes using her brand of logic (the feminine side).

Throughout her time with Holmes, Mary Russell has observed the strangest human behavior but this case, due to the family relationships involved, has its own kind of madness to observe. Russell employs her own special talents in the area of religious cults while delving into the skeletons in the closet of the missing young woman from Shanghai. The trail she must follow leads her to the Children of the Light and eventually the darkness that she must shatter.

I was disappointed that Russell was still lacking a bit in her self-confidence when she first arrived back, but understand her gradual return to self as the story progressed. I was glad to see that Mycroft had a larger part in this story. I particularly approve of the way Russell's concerns for Holmes' feelings were conveyed throughout. The story after the initial development was fast-paced and kept the reader driving or should I say "flying" to the end.

I regret that we had to wait four years for Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes to return to us. This series never fails to educate, entertain, and excite. I'm glad that the next is scheduled for 2010. As soon as I know the title, it will be on my wishlist.

#100 SUNRISE
Author : Jacquelyn Cook
Read : July 27-29
Category : Books I found I want to read
Pages : 293 (part history part fiction so I only took double pts, not triple)

History tells us that in 1849 William Butler Johnston, an elder railroad baron/banker, married Anne Tracy in Macon GA. SUNRISE brings their romance to life. The author has taken the journals and letters of this family and woven a tale of their lifelong love affair which started on their European Grand Tour honeymoon, endured the death of numerous children, family and friends, and survived the suffering of deprivation during the Civil War.

Johnston adored his Miss Annie so much that he built her "fairy castle" - the historical Johnston-Felton-Hay Mansion that still stands in Macon. The characters that the author has created in this book reflect not just the times but the spirit of the people. The characters were actually living breathing people who Ms Cook has given personality and feelings through extensive research.

This book read rather quickly, due to the fact that there were no long sweeping passages that you would expect from this genre bt read more like a journal telling the actually history of the time. There are a few times when it started to drag, but soon recovered and is well worth the time taken to read.
It's no Gone With the Wind, but since I enjoyed the historical information that was wound into the story so much, I rank it in good/great read category.

I did it! I finished 100 books!
I will continue to report my reading here for the rest of 2009.

congrats!

Well done!

#101 THE ALCHEMYST: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
Author : Michael Scott
Read : July 30-31
Category : New Writer
Pages : 375

I found this book simply because the title caught my eye and the title character was mentioned in the 1st Harry Potter book. That said, I had no expectations as to what the story was.
Nicholas Flamel was born in 1330 and is living in San Francisco in the 21st century running a book store. No, that's not a typo...along with his wife, Perenelle, Nicholas Flamel has been the guardian for over 700 years of the Codex, a book which has been sought by John Dee (a historical figure who was an advisor on astrological and scientific matters for Elizabeth I) who seeks the Codex for the power and devastation that it can wield.
Needless to say, Dee is the bad guy who conjures zombies, skeletons, creatures made of mud, and undead to try to defeat Flamel, Scathach (a very old warrior creature that looks like a punk rocker) and his saviors (15 year old human twins) who appear in prophesies in the Codex. Dee kidnaps Perenelle and gains the book but is missing 2 vital pages. The ensuing pursuit and battle is entertaining and the ending leaves the reader wanting more.

#102 A TALE OF TWO CITIES
Author : Charles Dickens
Read : July 18-Aug 1
Category : Classics
Pages : 544

Dickens style of comparing the opposites is the theme throughout this classic. His contrasts of the "best "and "worst "of times, "Light "and "Darkness, "and "hope "and "despair" mirror good and evil that will persist throughout the novel in characters and situations. Resurrection of the physical person of Dr. Manette and the spiritual of Sydney Carton by his personal sacrifice reflect this as well.
The full story runs a little slow for me but as Classic go IMHO, it is better than most.

#103 THE SERPENT'S TALE
Author : Ariana Franklin
Read : July 20 -Aug 3
Category : Audiobooks
Pages : 567

After reading the Mistress of the Art of Death, I had high expectations of The Serpent's Tale, the sequel. Ariana Franklin lived up to those expectations and a bit more.
The story is set approximately 2 years after the end of Mistress, and there are numerous changes that effect this story.
When the King’s paramour, Rosamund Clifford, dies supposedly by poison, Henry is suspicious of his estranged wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and sends his dependable Bishop of St. Albans, Rowley Picot to commandeer Adelia's services and determine exactly how his lover died. Only with clear evidence can civil war be averted and Adelia is the "man" for the job. Adelia's emotions are in the forefront when the Bishop arrives because Rowley's apparently moved on in his life after she had refused his marriage proposal while she has not been allowed to return to her home in Salerno.
After being persuaded that the king's wishes must be obeyed, Adelia (along with Glytha, the baby, and Mansur) accompanies Rowley to the nunnery at Godstow. Upon their arrival they are greeted with a dead body on the bridge which starts the unusual events that surround this mystery.
Rowley takes Adelia to the location of Rosamund's body but first they must traverse through the walled labyrinth which guards the tower. However, it is soon determined that it is not a labyrinth but a Maze and that the contingency that is there to examine the body cannot gain the tower without a guide. Finally reaching the tower, Adelia is beginning the examination of the body and surrounding area when Queen Eleanor appears so that she may gloat over her rival's demise while unknown to everyone, the victim's maid has been waiting in a hidden chamber to reek revenge. Adelia manages to save the queen's life, who promptly envelopes Adelia into her entourage while capturing Rowley and preventing his communications with the king.

Rowley escapes but we are not sure if dead or alive, and Adelia is taken along with the Queen back to the nunnery where after being snowed in, she proceeds to unwind all the threads of the mystery.
The mixture of medical science of the day, observations, and political intrigue along with startling subplots and historical flavor make this as enjoyable a read as the first. I'm definitely glad that I've already got my copy of #3 from the library in hand.

#104 JOHN QUINCY ADAMS; A PUBLIC LIFE, A PRIVATE LIFE
Author : Paul Nagel
Read : June 128 - Aug 6
Category : US Presidents, Histories, Biographies
Pages : 420

I have to admit that I knew hardly anything about John Quincy Adams (JQA) before I read this book. All I knew was that he was the 6th President of the United States and the son of John Adams, the 2nd President. I can no longer say that. This book was absolutely tremendous in telling the reader about the man, statesman, politician, son, husband, father, grandfather.
I won't try to convey all the information that Paul Nagel, the author, tries to give the reader. It would be impossible. What I will tell you is that this book tells you the history of man, who was brilliant, strove for perfection in himself, was ambitious yet scholarly and poetic, who wanted only the best for the nation that his father helped to birth.
What I will you is that there were so many moments in history that he touched and was part of and never received the credit that I think he deserved if what is in this book is true. I say that because most of the book is based on JQA's papers, journals, etc. and could be biased.
Did you know that he was part of the commission that handled the negotiations for the Louisiana Purchase, or that he headed the diplomatic corps that negotiated the treaty that ended the War of 1812? Did you know that he was Secretary of State at the time that Monroe Doctrine was issued (I believe he was the one that put the bug in Monroe's ear)?
All this said, I don't believe that he was meant to be President. Not that he wasn't qualified, he didn't have the temperament for the political side of the job and the manner of his election ( through the House of Representatives) didn't make it easier. After he was defeated for reelection by Andrew Jackson, he went on to a brilliant career in the House and was responsible for the protection of the Smithson bequest to the United States which we now have as the Smithsonian Institute.

As for the book, it was tremendously informative but it got weighed down by too many excerpts from his journal and sometimes there was too much detail. All in all,, I'd read it again if I knew nothing about the man, but now I think, I may know too much.

#105 MURDER ON ASTOR PLACE
Author : Victoria Thompson
Read : Aug 7 - 8
Category : Books I found out about on the Internet (LT)
Pages : 278

This is the first in the Gaslight Mysteries set in turn of the Century(1900) New York City. The central character is Sarah Brandt, a midwife who was born to the aristocracy but married "beneath her station" and now that she s widowed must earn her way in the world.
The mystery centers around a young woman who is strangled in a boardinghouse. Our heroine's involvement is that she recognizes the victim as being the sister of an acquaintance of her youth. Sarah makes every effort to assist Detective Sega rent Malloy in apprehending the murderer.
The twisting and turns which reveal social taboos of the day lead to a gruesome ending but not something that is surprising. IMHO, not a great mystery but readable.

#106 THE SILVER NEEDLE MURDER
Author : Laura Childs
Read : Aug 8-9
Category : Favorites Author's books I haven't read yet!
Pages : 260

This was the 9th installment of the India Tea Shop Mysteries and my first disappointment from the author, Laura Childs. I love this series but not this book. I still have questions even though I have finished and re-read the ending, I still have questions.
First of all, I knew who the killer was at page 100 simply because this person kept popping up without any need to be there. Second, there were numerous incidents throughout that were not explained at the end and the motive was definitely not clear. So all in all, even though I enjoyed the story, I didn't like to the book.

#107 BLACK BEAUTY
Author : Anna Sewell
Read : Aug 4-11
Category : Classics
Pages : 275

I have to admit that in my youth I never read Black Beauty. I wish I had. The style of this book, written in the first person, telling how the life of a horse can be pleasurable or miserable was truly delightful. It made me stop to think that it is a shame that so many people don't take into consideration an animal's feelings. Maybe if it was made mandatory reading for children, we wouldn't have mistreated animals in this world.

I agree, completely, with your Black Beauty review. I can even give you a data point in support of your hypothesis: I read it as a kid, and the idea of mistreated animals makes me physically ill. So see? You're right!

#108 Thyme of Death
Author : Susan Wittig Albert
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 308
Read: August 12-16

This book is the first in the China Bayles series. China is an attorney who has given up the high paced legal jungle to pursue the quiet town living of an herbalist. That's what she says, but she gets caught up in the investigation of a murder which the police see as a suicide of one of her best friends.

The story is well woven around the characters in the small town of Pecan Springs, TX. What amazes me is the way the writer leads the reader down a path leaving subtle clues but misdirecting you in other areas so that when the resolution comes to light, you say to yourself - DAH! I should have seen that, but everything points that other way. Definitely a series I want to continue.

#109 Death Qualified: A Mystery of Chaos
Author: Kate Wilhelm
Read: Aug 4 - 18
Category: Mystery
Pages: 438

Lucas Kendricks disappeared 7 years ago. Suddenly he's back after escaping a nightmare where he was "Tom" where he hadn't remembered his family in Oregon but before he has a chance to start his life over, he's dead and his wife is charged with his murder.
Barbara Holloway is in Arizona trying to live the simple life when she receives a phone call from her father and is dragged back into the legal world that she had left 5 years before in disgust, unable to agree with the bargains and compromises of defenders and prosecutors.
This book starts off in chaos and only seems to come together when the courtroom drama begins. There is way too much emphasis on the "chaos theory and psychological research" than a normal reader would want to know. This diversion encompasses most of the book but doesn't stop the reader from foretelling the conclusion. There are a few events at the end that re somewhat predictable.
The courtroom portion of the book was excellent, but the beginning and end left something to be desired.

#110 Carbs and Cadavers
Author: J. B Stanley
Read: Aug 17 - 19
Category: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 257

The Supper Club Mysteries starts with this book and is extremely entertaining. The entire premise, and one I find hits too close to home, is a group of "fatties" joining together to support each other as they try to lose weight. They title themselves the FLAB FIVE.

James Henry, the main character, is a divorced former professor from Wm & Mary who has an addiction to Cheese puffs and is carrying 50 lbs. of extra weight. He has returned home to Quincy Gap to care for his elderly father after his mother's death. James gets a job as a librarian and settles into what he considers a boring life which only drives him to his addiction more often than not. He feels friendless and alone so when the opportunity to make new friends and lose a few extra pounds is presented to him, he jumps at the chance not knowing what he is getting himself into.

At their first meeting, they are all distracted by sirens (one member works for the local sheriff) and plunge themselves into an investigation of the murder. Working together to both solve the mystery and lose weight, the dieters are melded together into close friends and band together to catch the killer.

The story is well-written and highly amusing with tales of diet cheating and buttons popping. I was completely engrossed in the story so I didn’t have to work about a “Cheese Puff Attack”. As a fellow dieter, my interest was held as to their progress and their setbacks along with the mystery. I look forward to a second helping - pun intended.

#111 The Edge of Desire
Author: Stephanie Laurens
Read: Aug 6 - 22
Category: Romance
Pages: 648

The Bastion Club is a series of romances revolving around aristocratic men who served in the special services during the Napoleonic wars and have returned to their "normal" lives and are settling down to love and marriage. This is the seventh installment and centers on Christian Allardyce, the 6th Marquess of Dearne and his lost love Lady Letitia Vaux Randall.
Letitia's husband George Randall is murdered and her brother Justin is the prime suspect, so She sends to her former lover for assistance in clearing his name. They haven't been together for 12 years but the sparks are still there and Christian is determined to discover not only the murderer but the reason why Lady Randall married her husband in the first place.
What surprised me about this book is that normally Ms Laurens writes a romance with a bit of intrigue, but this book has a full-blown mystery which she leads you through along with the characters, revealing the clues to you at the same time as the characters receive them. The reader searches at the same pace as Christian and Letitia not just for love and forgiveness but for resolution of the problem that keep them apart.
However, I do feel that Ms Laurens, in this book, seems to be stretching out the love scenes a bit too long. They are as steamy and sensuous as always, but drag in certain places. That doesn't mean that I'm not reading them, I am.
Can’t wait for the last of this series.

#112 Déjà Dead
Author: Kathy Reichs
Read: Aug 19 - 25
Category: Mystery
Pages: 411

This book, set in Montreal, Canada, centers around the efforts of Temperance Brennan to solve the brutal murders of 5 woman. It probably would have been easier for her if the Quebec police, namely Luc Claudel, believed her when she pointed out that there was a serial murderer on the lose. But since she is just an anthropologist and a woman to boot, she has a hard time showing them the connections that her instincts tell her are there.
It was thrilling to go with Tempe as she struggled to find all the connections of the different victims, so that she could finally give these women and their families peace found in the criminal being brought to justice, however, she may need to rethink her process in the future.
The characterizations are interesting, showing a previous existence which expands the readers knowledge of the characters, but doesn't get in the way while enhancing the plot. We see the strengths of the Temperance as well as her weaknesses which only make you more interested as she battles to protect herself and those she loves.
The details that are used throughout this book are extensive but sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. Constantly relating street after street didn't improve the story, but got to a point where it drove this reader a bit nuts, some editing here could have helped. I liked the way that French was interspaced (never overdone) with the English, giving it a nice French feel, or should I say Quebec feel.

#113 GUILTY PLEASURES
Author: Laura Lee Guhrke
Read: Aug 25 - 28
Category: Book Finds
Pages: 384

This is the story of an orphan woman, Daphne Wade, who presents herself to the Duke of Tremore in place of her father to catalog and repair ancient artifacts that are being unearthed on his estate. Daphne falls in love at first sight but the Duke doesn't even register that he is a woman.
The story is a typical romance and proceeds as the reader would expect. Nothing to write home about but entertaining in the normal romance genre way.

#114 The Lucky One
Author: Nicholas Sparks
Read: Aug 18 - 27
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 534

Have you ever held on to something simply because you thought it brought you good luck?
Logan Thibault was a marine in Iraq when he found a picture of a young woman wearing a T-shirt with the slogan Lucky Lady across her chest. He tried to find who it belong to, but when no one claimed it, he put it in his pocket. His luck began to change. He survived 3 tours in Iraq before he went home. His buddy from the marines felt that the picture had kept Logan safe and when his buddy was killed in a fishing accident in the boat right next to him, Logan began to think that he needed to find the girl.
Logan left his home in Colorado and starting walking… ending up in Hampton, NC. Along with his dog, Zeus, Logan not only found the girl, the reason that he was meant to find her.
I've read nearly all of Nicholas Sparks' books. I liked the idea of this one, but the beginning was slow and sometimes it was too wordy. I liked it, but not as well as some of his others.

#115 The CAPTIVE HEART
Author: Bertrice Small
Read: Aug 29 - 30
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 402

Alix Givet is the daughter of Queen Margaret's physician and as they are fleeing the Yorkists, the band of refugees seek shelter with Sir Udolf Watteson. Her father, ill, can go no farther, so a bargain is made where Alix will marry his son Hayle and the two will remain. However, Hayle doesn't want a bride, he only wants his mistress, so he mistreats Alix for the entire time that they are wed. Her father agonizes over her situation but dies before she is freed when Hayle's mistress dies and he kills himself, Alix is forced to flee when her father-in-law decides that he will marry her because he now needs an heir.
Setting off on foot by herself, Alix crosses the border to Scotland where she is found near dead and taken to the keep of a brooding border lord. The Love story that follows twists and turns to an unusual ending.
This was not one of Bertrice Small's better books. I saw a re-write of Skye O'Malley at the beginning and some of her other themes in the middle. The writing was a bit staid in this one, and the characters were not as well defined as normal. Normally, Small gets 4 stars from me, but this one is only a 3.

AUGUST RECAP

In August I was endeavoring to finish my first 999 Challenge and would have made it if I hadn't had to read a book for TUTUthe first before she went on her trip. (She really twisted my arm!) I read 14 books total and almost finished the 15th which is the last of the 1st 999.

A Tale of Two Cities
The Serpent's tale
John Quincy Adams : a public life, a private life
Murder on Astor Place
The Silver Needle Murder
Black Beauty
Thyme of Death
Death Qualified: A Mystery of Chaos
Carbs and Cadavers
The Edge of Desire
Deja Dead
Guilty Pleasures Laura Lee Guhrke
The Lucky One - Nicholas Sparks
Capitve Heart

I think I did pretty good because some of them were real fatties and took some time to read and I was lucky, there wasn't a bad book in the batch!

On Deck in September are:

Invitation to Murder
Motif for Murder
A Fatal Grace
Glossed and Found
Rhett Butler's People
A Royal pain
Andrew Jackson, his life and times
Beware False Profits
Let there be suspects
Evil in Carnations
Doll People
A Chardonnay Charade
The Lightning Thief
Petticoat Affair

As soon as I finish the last one for the 999 Challenge, I will be free to read whatever I want, whenever I want, so I'm trying to get my library books back under control and move ahead with my President's Challenge.

#116 MR CAVENDISH, I PRESUME
Author: Julia Quinn
Read: Aug 30- Sept 1
Category: Favorite Author
Pages: 384

MR. CAVENDISH, I PRESUME is the sequel to THE LOST DUKE OF WYNDHAM however, the latter is the story from Jack's POV and this book is from Thomas' POV.
Lady Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham, Thomas Cavendish since she was in the cradle. Just when things between are about to come to fruition, and they begin to take an interest in each other, along comes a long lost cousin who can supplant Thomas as the Duke.
The story evolves showing how this change in situation effects the Thomas Amelia and their relationship. The outcome is not different than in The Lost Duke of Wyndham, but there is a resolution that a reader of that book is not aware until after reading this one.
It was interesting to see the effects of the situation from both sides, however, as much as I adore Ms. Quinn's writing, this one fell a bit flat. The Heroine here (Lady Amelia) is very 2 dimensional and Thomas seems lonely and unable to become his own person until the ducal robes are removed. I think that this story would have been much better if all POV were hatched out in one book instead of rehashing in this one. Thomas and Amelia's story deserved better .

#117 INVITATION TO MURDER A Card-Making Mystery
Author: Elizabeth Bright
Read: Sept 1 - 2
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 212

Jennifer Shane has opened her own specialty Card marking store in Rebel Forge and on her first day of business runs into a few snags. Her first customer wants 400 custom hand made wedding invitations for her daughters' nuptials in less than a week. Jennifer takes on the commission but just as she is closing shop for the day, a wrong number plunges her into a murder investigation. (her brother is the town sheriff.)

This was a quick, lighthearted cozy mystery which introduced this series delightfully. It's not major literature, but fun and easy to follow. I hope to find another of these soon.

#118 MOTIF FOR MURDER, A Scrapbooking mystery
Author: Laura Childs
Read: Sept 3-5
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 264

Carmela Bertrand has reconciled with her bad boy husband and when he is kidnapped, she rushes to his Uncle Henry's house around the corner to get help only to find Henry shot dead. Who is after the Meecham family? What do they want other than the $5 MILLION ransom?

Carmela manages to rescue Shamus and then proceeds to get involved in the investigation of Uncle Henry's murder. While working on keeping her marriage together, Carmela works to honor Uncle Henry and avoid the murderer who has set an eye on her.

This book is filled with references to Post-Katrina conditions in New Orleans while at the same being action packed and entertaining. Of the 4 Scrapbooking mysteries, I would say that this is the best so far.

#119 ONLY YOU
Author: Deborah Grace Staley
Read: Sept 5 - 6
Category: ER / LT Recommendations
Pages: 207

This is a light-hearted romance set in the town of Angel Ridge, TN. The legend of the town has it that angels sit on the ridge and watch over the townsfolk and smile on true love.

Dr. Josephine Allen (Josie) grew up in Angel Ridge on the right side of town. She was a bookworm and when she went off to college she was supported by the MacKay Foundation who paid for her masters and PHD education in Library science and then she returned to her hometown to become the head librarian.
Cole Craig is the town handyman who comes to Josie's rescue when a pipe in her old home breaks and floods her kitchen. Needless to say, Cole is from the wrong side of the tracks.
The developing relationship between the two is that of a typical small town with its prejudices and innocence fighting each other. Will the Angels smile on Josie and Cole or will they have to fight their own battles?
I enjoyed this book and will try to keep an eye out for the next one.

#120 A FATAL GRACE
Author: Louise Penny
Read: Sept 1 - 7
Category: Audiobooks
Pages: 368

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache is once again sent to Three Pines to investigate a murder. CC de Poitiers is electrocuted while in the middle of a frozen pond watching a curling match on Boxing Day. How is that possible? Inspector Gamache sets to work determining the means, motive and opportunity of such a strange and intricate murder lead to unusual discoveries as well as bringing back painful memories of his previous time in Three Pines.
The characters and setting are so beautifully detailed. Drawn within the mystery are 3 dimensional characters that are funny, true-to-life, and people that you want to take to your heart and name as your friends. The reader understands how much Armand adores his wife, feels the hesitation of the new team members, and wonder along with the inhabitants of Three Pines as they try to understand the behavior of the victim and how it was the cause of the murder,
Gamache instills loyalty and respect from his team while working to inspire all those around him.

It took me a while to get into this book because I had to think back to the first one and it took several chapters to get to the point where I felt comfortable again with the characters. We are given a glimpse into the farther reaching aspects of Gamache's life with some hints leaving the reader hanging and searching for resolution in the future. The series is entertaining with a beautiful setting and heartwarming characters.

#121 RHETT BUTLER'S PEOPLE
Author: Donald McCaig
Read: Sept 2 - 12
Category: Romance
Pages: 795

I have been an enormous fan of Gone with the Wind since I first saw the movie and then realized after reading the book how much had been missing, so when I saw this book on the Library shelves, and saw that it was authorized by the Margaret Mitchell estate, I had to read it. I'm certainly glad I did. All those nagging questions that made me read and re-read GWTW, were finally answered to my satisfaction and delight.

This is the story based on the character Rhett Butler from Gone of the Wind. Rhett is the dashing, witty, rogue who scandalizes Atlanta and yet manages to win every lady's heart. In GWTW, Rhett just appears at the Wilkes Barbecue at Twelve Oaks, and then proceeds to get involved with all the characters of that book. This book which runs concurrently with GWTW answers all the behind the scenes questions that are just innuendos in GWTW.

Why was Rhett at the BBQ, how did he know the Wilkes', why was he 'not received' in Charleston homes even his own, what's his relationship with Belle Waitling? All these questions and so many more are detailed and explained through a riveting and poignant love story that is seen in a new light.

It's as if Donald McCaig, the author, sat down with Margaret Mitchell and said, I don't understand this point in GWTW, how did this happen and she explained it - every last detail. This book is so intertwined with the story of Scarlett & Rhett that you'd think that there would be no room for anyone else, but no Mr. McCaig (amazing that a man can write with such feeling) manages to tell the tales of not just Scarlett and Rhett, but his sister Rosemary, his friends, Melanie and Ashley, and even Belle Waitiling.

I can understand if some Southerners do not feel that their area came off in a good light in this book, however, since Mr. McCaig was dealing with pre-existing characters and events, it would have been extremely bad form to try to change them beyond how they were originally written. I have read other sequels and they did not appear to be as well researched or written as this book when laid alongside of Margaret Mitchell's original masterpiece.

Obviously, Donald McCaig studied and I definitely mean studied GWTW to find all the tiny incidents that reference there Rhett, his family and his character so that he could expound on them and broaden Rhett's persona to where it would rival Scarlett. They truly were a pair that belonged together. This book, in the same regard, belongs with Gone With The Wind.

Z#122 A ROYAL PAIN
Author: Rhys Bowen
Read: Sept 12 -13
Category: Follower
Pages: 462

Georgie, Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, returns in the second installment of this series still needing to work as a specialty domestic because of her lack of funds. The Queen, not knowing her dire circumstances, asks her to play hostess to the Princess of Bavaria that she wants to catch the eye of the Prince of Wales and get him out of the clutches of Mrs. Simpson.

Georgie has to have "staff" at Rannoch House so she enlists her Grandfather and his next door neighbor to play butler and cook. The princess arrives with her maid, Irmagardt, and chaperone, Baroness Rottenmeister and proceeds to wreak havoc wherever she goes being on site of three apparently unconnected deaths.

Georgie eventually discovers that there is a plot in the works by Communists but figuring out the details gets her into a few scrapes and threatening situations.

This book was just as enjoyable and entertaining as the first and I'll be sure to stop at the library for the next installment.

#123 THE SUMMER KITCHEN
Author: Karen Weinreb
Read: Sept 13-17
Category: New Writer
Pages: 336

I received this book courtesy of Authors on the Web where I requested 4 books and this is the first that I read. The synopsis of the plot caught my attention.
How would you like to be living the good life and without any warning have it all snatched away from you? The idea of this book is that Nora Banks has the good life. She has a Mercedes SUV, big house in the rich neighborhood in the suburbs, country club membership, travels wherever and whenever she wants, a nanny to watch the 3 kids, and a husband who makes big bucks and adores her. What more could a woman want? Nora finds in this book that those things are fleeting when her husband is arrested and convicted of securities fraud, and that security, honesty, and loyalty are more important. The women who had been her companions ad professed their friendship abandon and ignore her in her time of need. The only person who is steadfast is Beatriz their nanny. Somehow, Nora finds the strength and fortitude to prevail in a hostile environment and build her own success story.

I was really looking forward to an opportunity to a read a story about a strong woman, who was able to make it on her own despite horrendous circumstances. Unfortunately, that didn't happen. IMO, this story was badly written. It had poor pacing, slow in some parts and too fast in others and way, way too wordy. It's as if the writer was being paid by the word. The premise was good, execution, poor. I gave it 1½ stars.

#124 GRAVE GOODS
Author: Ariana Franklin
Read: Sept 9 - 21
Category: Follower
Pages:484

This murder mystery, set in 1176, is the third installment of the Mistress of the Art of Death series. As in the previous books were are introduced to the mystery first then the characters who will solve it.
In 1176, Glastonbury Abbey is virtually destroyed by a fire and during the efforts to clear the debris, a box is revealed with two skeletons who are widely believed to be Arthur and Guinevere. The superstitions surrounding Arthur have been reeking havoc for Henry II in Wales so he sends for Adelia at a time when she is fleeing her old home and has just joined Lady Emma of Wolvercote's entourage. Dragged away from Emma, Adelia is rushed to Henry in Wales only to receive instructions to return to where she was, to determine if the skeletons are truly Arthur and Guinevere.
Upon her return to the area of Glastonbury, Adelia is plunged into a threefold mystery - determining the identity of the skeletons, discovering the origin of the fire, and finding Lady Wolvercote and the rest of her entourage who seem to have vanished into the mist.
What Adelia and Rowley discover about all the mysteries is revealed through fast-paced dialogue and strong character growth which spurs the reader with a sharp and concentrated sense of time and place. The reader can actually sense the awe that the characters feel.
The multiple mysteries are interwoven so ingeniously that the reader just goes along with the flow as Adelia is buffeted from one question to another until all the answers are exposed for all to see.
I really liked this edition of the series because it seemed to tie the other books together and holds true more closely to the premise of the first book. I will definitely keep an eye out for the next one.

#125 ANDREW JACKSON, HIS LIFE AND TIMES
Author: H.W. Brands
Read: Sept 10 - 21
Category: Histories/Bios
Pages: 1,040

Andrew Jackson had an impressive résumé - he fought in the Revolutionary War, was an explorer, frontiersman, lawyer, judge, duelist, congressman, planter, military leader (Battle of New Orleans), President.
Yet with all his accomplishments, I'm not sure that he was a great man. He was extremely flawed. His quickness to anger and take offense, on many occasions threatened his life and propelled him into numerous duels one of which he carried the bullet close to his heart for most of his life. He was definitely not ambivalent, rarely considering anyone else viewpoint but his own.
He was, however, always extremely honest in business and even though he was a slave holder, he endeavored to keep negro families together and rarely mistreated his slaves. Jackson early in his business life rather than go into debt sold most of his property to pay his debtors.
Jackson, who rode the wave of his popularity from the Battle of New Orleans for the remainder of his life, was the first "people's President. "Like most of his predecessors, Jackson was extremely aware of the need to neutralize threats to the ongoing existence of the new United States but he also saw the need to protect the interest and liberties of the common man of which he was one. His devotion to his family and their peace of mind was always foremost in his thoughts.
Jackson, frustrated by his loss to JQA in 1824, after his election in 1828 recommended eliminating the Electoral College. His major term events surrounded nullification in SC and the battle he waged with Nicholas Biddle about the Bank of the United States. He also worked on expansion of the nation in Florida, Texas, and the Louisiana.
The book lack details of the controversial decisions that were made during his presidency or were lost in all the details that it did cover. The Trail of Tears and the Petticoat Affair got very little coverage.
I think that this was a good book for details of his life but found it lacking in certain areas. Maybe less time devoted to the duels he fought and more to issues during his presidency could have made it great.

i cant read the word challenge next to book in the same sentence. reading is a pleasure, not a race... im sorry i cant post anything positive about the "challenge", but life as it goes has reduced it self to time and ways of making the best out of it, taking adavantage of it. reading is stoping time, i cant run...

#185 Hi, laurenkressler - I see that you are new to LT - welcome!

I certainly understand what you are saying about reading being a pleasure and not a race to the finish. But just as we all take enjoyment from reading different books, so do we also enjoy reading in different ways. Many of us find that by challenging ourselves with self-determined goals, that our reading becomes even more pleasurable. For example, when I first joined LT, I was dissatisfied with the books I was reading and wanted an incentive to read more widely - more nonfiction, more classics, more books which would actually engage my brain. I could have changed my reading habits anytime, but I didn't until I joined one of the challenge groups here. In the challenge group I publically stated my goals and posted my progress and received encouragement from the friends I met here and was finally successful in making the changes I'd wanted all along.

I encourage you to look around at the groups here and begin following several that look interesting to you. Maybe a reading challenge doesn't have any appeal, but there are many groups where members simply talk about the books they're reading and it is a great way to receive recommendations about other books you might enjoy without any "scorekeeping".

This is a big place and can be confusing, but folks here are friendly so don't hesitate to ask questions.

Lauren,

Simply because the word Challenge is in a group title doesn't mean that it isn't a pleasure to me or others that are "signed up". We normally read a great deal and this is just one way that we have of tracking the books that we are reading and letting others know how we are progressing on the list of books that we WANT to read. I don't know about you but I hear about books or series of books and think , "Oo, I want to read that" so I add them to my wishlist and then I decide when they are going to make it to the top of the reading list. (I'm a very list oriented person.) I started out this year hoping that I would have the time to read 100 books and now because I have re-organized my schedule I'm looking at over 150. Believe me, it hasn't been a hardship at all.

**well, maybe when I was reading some of those classics, it was hard**

Anyway, I have found that the "Challenge" is really just a method, for me, to say to myself, make a change, do something a little different, who knows, maybe you'll find something new that you like. I did. The 999 challenge with the different categories pushed me into other areas and books that I normally never would have read. I enjoyed them so much that now, next year, I'm pushing myself a bit more with 101010 But if I decide that I'm tired of being pushed, I'll stop because you're right, reading is supposed to be enjoyable and that's why many of us here resolve not to read a book just to say that we read it, we have to want to read it, good or bad. Believe it or not I have abandoned several books this year because I just didn't like them and therefore, reading them wasn't fun.

I hope you always enjoy your reading!
Chèli

#126 THE DOLL PEOPLE
Author: Ann M. Martin and Laura Godwin
Read: Sept 22
Category: Leaders
Pages: 256

How many of us, as children, believed that our toys, dolls or stuffed animals, came to life at night when we were asleep or out of the house? The Doll People takes that childish faith and breathes life into the Doll Family and Funcraft family in this delightful tale.

For over 100 years the Doll Family has resided in the antique doll house and been playmates for four generations of young girls. When the family isn't at home or are asleep, the Dolls come to life and experience the same activities over and over. They have sing-along's at the old wooden piano and wonder around their own house. They cannot be caught moving or out of position because if they are, their punishment is 24 hrs of doll state - that's being unable to move. If there is a major offense they could end up in a permanent Doll state, OH NO!

Annabelle Doll, 8 years old, has not seen her Auntie Sarah doll in 45 years (these dolls don't age - we should all be so lucky). She finds her aunt's journal one day when she is in the library of the doll house and after reading it decides that Auntie Sarah must be somewhere "blending".

Annabelle decides that she wants to go looking for Auntie Sarah. Persuading her Uncle Doll to go with her, they sneak out in the night and discover that a new family is moving in next door. The story of the two families - one antique dolls and one modern dolls and the cultural differences is just perfect to make the reader smile with delight. The adventures that they get into are truly amusing - just what a child would dream up for their dolls.

I have to thank Whisper1 for the recommendation of this book. After the chunky reads I've done this month, I needed something light and playful and this fit the bill perfectly. This story was uniquely imaginative and thoroughly creative for everyone who as a child always imagined that their toys really were alive and had spirit. I still believe that my Teddy Bear talks to me even with the threat of a permanent stuffed state.

We should never loose that childlike faith in our toys - isn't it a shame so often we do.

I share what you say completely... challenge is a method...

#127 THE SUM OF HIS SYNDROMES
Author: K. B. Dixon
Read: Sept 23-24
Category: New writer
Pages: 127

I received this ARC book from Academy Chicago Publishers requesting a review. So I dutifully read it. I can honestly say that it is not a book I would have picked up at the bookstore or library because it is not my normal type of reading matter.
The premise of this book is a man writes notes while he's in the men's bathroom. That said, it is not short stories or anecdotes, mainly it is a montage of sentences that are disjointed and jumbled with a miniscule sense of an underlying story. David, (the guy in the bathroom) can't decide if he wants another job, a better job, an easier job, or if he wants a commitment with his girlfriend, if she deserves better, if she wants out.... It goes on an on like this and the only entertaining part was one blurb where I laughed. It was:

"Frederick Baker doesn't really care for his wife. I wonder what it's like to wake up every morning with someone you're not happy to see."

Overall, it was extremely depressing mainly because David was depressed and everything that he thought and wrote were from, what I believe is, that depressed point of view.
If you are overly happy and excited and need something to bring you down or put to sleep, this is your book. Just let me know and I will mail it you tout suite.

> 127 - Cheli -

The book reviewed Sum of His Syndromes by K. B. Dixon sounds like a real downer.

Your review, while succint, was pitch perfect as an antidote to having to read and review the book. Good job. Well done, Cheli.

I believe I will pass on this offer, however.

Smiling and keyboarding -

Ruth

PS Interesting post(s) to laurenkressler, a newer member here on LT. It is nice to read exactly the way we each enjoy reading and at our own pace. I too, do not care for speed, in and of itself. I do love having a record of books read and a personal goal to increase the number of books I read.

When I began the 75/2009 Challenge I had no earthly idea that I would be able to read that many books in a year. I'm now at sixty-five completed and two more under survelance, so to speak. Who knew?

#128 HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON
Author: Naomi Novik
Read: Sept 25-26
Category: AudioBooks
Pages: 356

Do you believe in dragons? This book is set at the time of the Napoleonic wars between Britain and France and center around the relationship and development of a dragon and his captain.

During a sea battle a British frigate captures a French sailing ship and discover part of their prize is a dragon egg. When the egg hatches the person to whom the dragon attaches himself, is thereafter his handler and basically gives up any chance at a normal life. This dragon attaches himself to the ship's captain. The book tells the tale of how the Captain and the Dragon Temeraire develop into a fighting team in the Aerial Corp for Britain.
It is delightful to see these wars from an alternate perspective which includes aerial attacks and transports by dragons of different species. The dragons which are treated as "bombers" in the Aerial Corps are separated in somewhat of a caste system according to their breed.

For children, I see this as a marvelous moral tale which not only shows the cruelty of war but of how mistreatment and prejudice toward others can be perceived. The surprise of the book, is that the dragon's species turns out to be a CELESTIAL, a very rare and magical species. This is the first in the series and I will be looking for the next one in the future. Delightful for children.

> 192 - Cheli -

Your review of HIS MAJESTY'S DRAGON is so good. I am very interested after reading your review. Don't know when ...but, I am adding it, so that I will remember when looking for a new book. I think you hooked me at "marvelous moral tale ... " Don't find a whole lot of author's who can write effectively about morality in this day and time.

Well done.

Ruth

#129 THE CHARDONNAY CHARADE
Author: Ellen Crosby
Read: Sept 22-28
Category: Followers
Pages: 254

Being a wine lover is the main reason while I started reading this series, but the stories and wine education have brought me back for more.
Lucie Montgomery is the owner of a vineyard in northern Virginia where after a political fundraiser Georgia Greenwood is found murdered in one of the fields. Georga's husband (a doctor) is Lucie's trusted friend and so she sets to work trying to prevent his arrest for his wife's murder. While Lucie endeavors to solve Georgia's murder, she has family problems and personal issues that she has to deal with.
The twists and turns that Lucie traverses in this mystery are cleverly interwoven with details of the wine making processes along with historical references. The solution was a surprise but when you reflect on the clues, you could see that it was in plain sight. The story was filled with solid writing, interesting characters, and entertaining plot twists. Interesting points of reference were maps of the vineyard and surrounding areas that were in the front of the book.

> 192 - Cheli -

This one looks good ... however, I believe I will begin with her first one The Merlot Murders.

I enjoy wine very much and am definitely in the still learning category. It is fun and we drink good tasting, inexpensive wine. My favorites are the sparkling wines, French or domestic.

You have interesting books, Cheli. I enjoy stopping by to see what you have read.

Later,

Ruth/WH

Wow, you've read so many great books! Putting quite a few on my TBR list now haha. Happy reading! :)

#130 THE LIGHTNING THIEF
Author: Rick Riordan
Read: Sept 29-30
Category: Leaders
Pages: 392

Do you love Harry Potter? Are you interested in mythology? Then you will enjoy this book.

This story takes the best parts of Harry Potter and mixes it with classic Greek Mythology (could this get kids interested in the classics?), adds a bit of a mystery and a good deal of action with strange creatures like a Minotaur, Satyrs, and Furies.

Percy Jackson, the central character who is ADD and dyslexic, is in the 6th grade at a boarding school for difficult children and has little inclination of his parentage until he accidentally(?) vaporizes his math teacher. At the end of the school year, he returns to his home and while taking a day trip with his mother, he is attacked by strange creatures. The story continues to expose Greek Mythology and reveal Percy's parentage and what he is needed to do.
The tale is fast-paced and entertainingly moralistic pitting good against evil, light against dark, weak against strong.

There is definitely a strong similarity to the Harry Potter stories, so if you didn't like Harry, you won't like Percy. Another Harry Potter, not quite, but definitely a fun read.

#131 STAMPED OUT
Author: Terri Thayer
Read: Sept 30 - Oct 6
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 381

April Buchert decides to head back to her roots when she discovers that her husband is a no goo scoundrel. She leaves everything in San Francisco and heads to her hometown of Aldenville, PA to try to put her life back together. Her father, owner of a construction company, offers her a job and a place to live in an old barn that he has restored and modernized. Besides the living space, he uses it for his office and it is just down the road from her mother's house.
The big job that Ed Buchert hires April is to restore a mural for an extremely particular client and April has difficulties since she's never doe this type of work before. Her father, working for the same client nearby, runs into his own difficulties when during demolition, a skull is found. Since her father's company did the original construction, he is a suspect.
April turns to her best friend Deana, and her Stamping Sisters Club to help her find out what happened so long ago and clear her father's name.
The book was enjoyable but not terrific. I had numerous issues -- the characters (some were never completely identified, April's appearance was never really fleshed out, names were not complete), the craft aspect was not very integral to the story other than getting the characters together, some of the characterizations were very trite, and insufficient clues. I doubt that I will read another in this series any time soon.

Hi, Cheli -

I believe that I will give Stamped Out a wide berth and spend my reading time elsewhere.

Did I tell you that I have a replica of my favorite befrom my childhood? He is named "Teddy" and is a beautiful back and white panda. Just saying. Brings me lots of comfort.

Have a good one, Cheli.

Ruth/womansheart

#132 BEWARE FALSE PROFITS
Author: Emilie Richards
Read: Sept 30 - Oct 9
Category: Followers
Pages: 468

Aggie Sloan-Wilcox and her husband, Reverend Ed Wilcox, have escaped Emerald Springs for a romantic weekend in New York City but one of Ed's flock track them down when her spouse goes missing in the same city. Using their time on the Big Apple to try and find Joe Wagner, Aggie and Ed find out more than they want and not the person for which they are searching.

Returning home, Aggie, at Ed's request, befriends Maura (Joe's wife) and continues to try to find the wayward spouse. Joe, who worked for the Food Bank, is missing on one of the most important days of the year and not available to help with the Food Bank's annual fundraiser. Hw many more requests for help could be placed at Aggie's feet - Now the obnoxious wife of the town's mayor has dropped dead at the chocolate fountain while attending fundraiser. Hazel Kefauver (the deceased) was not a popular person but how was she poisoned in front of everyone? AThe Mayor wants Aggie to look into it.

While trying to track down what happened to Joe and solve Hazel's murder, Aggie has a few minor mysteries to solve as well - what happened to the punch bowl and who is doing the construction in the dead of night at Junie's quilt shop? All this while trying to be a good wife, mother and friend.

The cozy mystery was absolutely delightful with all the twists and turns as well as the amusing situations that Aggie had to deal with.

Z#133 WREATH OF DECEPTION
Author: Mary Ellen Hughes
Read: Oct 10 - Oct 13
Category: Crafts in the background
Pages: 368

Jo McAllister, A recent widow, returns to her hometown to open a craft store with her best friend. On the day of the grand opening, the clown that she hired to greet the customers is found dead in the storeroom after the festivities. The police seem to zero in on her since the murder took place in her shop, with knitting needles from her stock. Jo feels that she needs to vindicate herself and with the help of her friends and the crafters that come to her different workshops, she finally figures out the culprit, but maybe a bit too late.

I loved the characters in this story. The way that the author used not just the older members of the small town but also Charlie, Jo's 15 year old godson, to wheedle information that Jo needed to solve the murder was very amusing. Jo's character especially was well-presented making her very believable and sympatric. I'm going to have to track down another of this series.

#134 MENU FOR ROMANCE
Author: Kaye Dacus
Read: Oct 13 - Oct 17
Source: LT ER program - review requested
Category: LT ER
Pages: 317

I really didn't know what to expect when I got this book through LT's ER program so I was pleasant surprised as I read this light-hearted romance and realized that there was another book that preceded this one. (I'll have to find it.) The title kind of threw me off because, though it ends in a romantic manner, I wouldn't really classify it as a typical romance, it was more the journey of two people to find themselves so that they could come together.

Meredith Guidry, the heroine, is in her mid-thirties and has had a "crush" on Major O'Hara (that's his real name) for 8 years while he worked with her. Since he doesn't seem to be interested in her, Meredith makes pledge to herself on New Years Day to make an effort to move on and find someone to share her life with. In the meantime, Major is harboring secrets, including his feelings for Meredith, which complicate matters. The journey that both characters take in this story is amusing, entertaining, and at points enlightening. A fun read.

#135 THE ALEXANDRIA LINK
Author: Steve Berry
Read: Oct 2 - Oct 17
Source: Public Library
Category: Audio Book
Pages: 462

This was a very complex book in that not only was it a complicated thriller, it was also full of history and political drama. Granted, the historical references in some instances were pure fiction, but it definitely held my attention and drove me to the conclusion.

The Alexandria Link is the second in the Cotton Malone mysteries by Steve Berry (a friend, I hear, of Dan Brown and his books are very much in the same vein). Cotton is a retired federal agent who is drawn back into a situation that he thought was buried. His son is kidnapped and the ransom request is not money. He must reveal the whereabouts of a person who he secreted away years before and only he knows where the person is. The evolving story is intricately woven between the search by Cotton and events that are handled by Cotton's former boss and his friend.

The Alexandria Link is the search for the lost library of Alexandria and the historical nuances are very compelling. Compounding this search with the political unrest of the Middle East, kept me intrigued. The only drawback was that at times it was difficult to follow because of the habit Mr. Berry had of jumping back and forth between different threads of the mystery.

#136 BENNY & SHRIMP
Author: Katarina Mazetti
Read: Oct 18 - Oct 20
Source: FSB Associates /Caitlin Price - ARC review requested
Category: Romance
Pages: 209

This is a tale of two lonely people who meet at a cemetery and "fall in love" but are completely incompatible as to their lifestyle and desires of what life has for them.
Fortunately, for me, it was a short book. I was ready to give up on it about 100 pages in, but decided to brave it for the duration. It wasn't my style of romance, it was very depressing because neither of the characters appeared to be happy with what was happening. I didn't care for the writing style - it was just too choppy.

#137 WHOSE BODY?
Author: Dorothy Sayers
Read: Oct 24
Source: Public Library
Category: Leaders
Pages: 156

This is the first of the Lord Peter Wimsey series by Dorothy Sayers. It was originally published before the depression and has a distinct style that still stands up by today's standards.

Lord Peter, an unemployed aristocrat, enjoys his hobby of investigating crimes and uses his social situation ( the son and brother of a duke) to help Scotland Yard inspectors solve some unusual crimes. In this story a naked man is found dead in the bathtub and the Dowager Duchess (Peter's mother) asks him to search for the killer. Peter's friend Inspector Parker is searching for a missing businessman and the two decide to swap cases not realizing what else has been swapped. Little do they know what lies ahead.

I have heard of this series, mainly through the PBS series (which I've never seen) and decided that this was the right time to try it out. The style is sharp and amusing. Even though the story is set nearly 100 years ago, it still held my interest and entertained.

#138 THE MAN WHO LOVED BOOKS TOO MUCH
Author: Allison Hoover Bartlett
Read: Oct 21 - 28
Source: Penquin Group for review
Category: New Writer
Pages: 258

John Gilkey is a thief, but not a normal thief, he steals rare books from anywhere and anyone and anytime. This is the story of a man who criminally and repeatedly steals rare books, not to read but because he felt that they made him a more important person if they were in his possession.

The narrative is by a writer who is researching a book about rare books and the criminals who market stolen tomes and reveals the rare book market in a strange light.

I had a very difficult time with this book for several reasons. First, at no point anywhere near the beginning is the reader given any idea of the tract that the story is headed - meaning I saw no plotline. I was about 75 pages into the book when I figured that no plot was the plot and just went with it.

Next, I wasn't sure whether the book was supposed to be about John Gilkey (the book thief) or Ken Sanders (who was a book security specialist) and worked to recover lost stolen books. I also did not like the way that the author/writer in the story kept trying to justify Gilkey's behavior or make it seem as if it was understadable considering his background.

Lastly, when I finally decided that Gilkey was the center figure, I came to that conclusion simply because the writer kept going on and on with him about how he stole this book and how he would steal that book. It got pretty boring toward the end. Informative to a degree but definitely not a keeper.

#139 CLOUDS OF WITNESS
Author: Dorothy L. Sayers
Read: Oct 31 - Nov 1
Source: Public Library
Category: Followers
Pages: 288

This mystery with Lord Peter Wimsey and his valet, Bunter, has them working diligently to clear Lord Peter's brother (the Duke of Denver) of a murder charge. The characters include not only the Duke of Denver, but Peter's sister Lady Mary, his Mother the dowager Duchess, colorful villagers, and a few political malcontents.
Again this mystery was written in the early part of the 20th century but it was still entertaining and challenging for the reader.

# 140 ACROSS THE ENDLESS RIVER
Author: Thad Carhart
Read: Oct 20 - Nov 3
Source: FSB Associates for review
Category: Romance
Pages: 320

This book is a fictional account of the life of Jean-Baptiste Charbonneau, the son of Sacagawea who was born during the great exploration of Lewis & Clark. Starting with a short account of the exploration, the story continues with the tales of his youth and visits to Europe (across the endless river= Atlantic Ocean).

The author includes numerous facts of Baptiste's life while weaving an entertaining though unverified story of his travels with Duke Paul of Württemberg. Mainly, the book strives to show the difference between the two worlds that he is part of - the Indian world from his mother and the European or civilized world from his father. It has a tendency to drag when the areas of Natural history were being discussed, but overall, it was entertaining and educational combined together. The love story that went throughout was definitely very understated.

#141 THE WIDOW OF THE SOUTH
Author: Robert Hicks
Read: Oct 19 - Nov 7
Source: Public Library
Category: Romance
Pages: 702

I didn't exactly know what to expect from this book and I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. This is the tale of the little recognized Civil War Battle of Franklin in Tennessee and how it affected the people in the town near the battlefield. It also brings to light the efforts that were made by the townspeople to preserve the cemetery and Carnton home where so many soldiers were taken after the battle.

This book appears to be a tribute to Carrie McGavock and her slave/friend Mariah. These two women of the south worked diligently to care for the wounded and to provide solace to the families of the soldiers who died in the battle.

Carrie McGavock is the normal southern woman, wife and mother. Before the battle, her life is filled with depression and grief related to the death of 3 of her young children. It seems that Carrie doesn't come alive until literally everyone around her is dying. The Confederate Army turns her home into a hospital and together, Carrie and Mariah work to ease the suffering of the survivors. Carrie becomes involved emotionally involved with Zachariah Cashwell, a Confederate sergeant who Carrie sends to the surgeon for a leg amputation. Their time together is cut short when Cashwell is sent to a Union prison. Carrie's spirit turns to protection of the cemetery where the Confederate soldiers are buried and she and her husband John work to have the soldiers reburied on the land when the original cemetery is threatened.

The historical facts are cleverly woven throughout the fictional story, enlightening the reader while enhancing the story.

Dear Chèli -

I thought this was an excellent book, also. Glad to hear that you enjoyed it, too.

With love,

Ruth

#142 THE PETTICOAT AFFAIR: Manners, Mutiny, and Sex in Andrew Jackson's White House
Author: John F. Marszalek
Read: Nov 3 - 9
Source: Public Library
Category: History
Pages: 304

Andrew Jackson was a man of deep moral principles and unfailing loyalty to his friends. When his wife Rachel, who had been much maligned during her marriage to Jackson, died before his inauguration, Jackson transferred his emotional support to his friend John Eaton and his wife Margaret Timberlake Eaton when her reputation was manipulated by the scandal of her marriage to Eaton before the required mourning period for her first husband had ended. The rules of mourning at that time required the widow to wear black for at least 2 years, not leave the house except for church, attend no social events. The widow wasn't even supposed to do any sewing because if she did she was not showing the proper amount of regard at loosing her spouse.
Margaret Timberlake lived with her family who ran a hotel and helped entertain the guests so she was constantly in view and socializing with men. For this fact, after her marriage to John Eaton (less than a year into her widowhood) Margaret Eaton was not considered by the other Washington wives as welcome into the polite society.

John Eaton had been a friend of Andrew Jackson's for more than 20 years and Jackson had selected him to be the Secretary of War. The other cabinet member wives refused to invite Margaret Eaton and her husband to social events and noticeably snubbed her at events held at the White House. Jackson took offense and through the first two years of his presidency tried to resolve the issues but was unable to. His solution was to start his cabinet over.

"The dissolution of the Jackson's cabinet, the only such event in American history, demonstrated the depth of the president's determination to have his way in the matter of Margaret Eaton."
"Andrew Jackson could never understand it, but it was he, not John C Calhoun, who made the snubbing of Margaret Eaton into the political cataclysm it became."

I found this book highly interesting showing that scandal and politics are not new bedfellows of the 20th century. I was also very surprised by the detail of the book since the 1000 page biography I had previously read about Jackson had very little about the Eaton Affair. I'm definitely glad that I took the time to read it.

#143 DEATH IN A STRANGE COUNTRY
Author: Donna Leon
Read: Nov 11 - 16
Source: Public Library
Category: Followers
Pages: 387

We return to Venice in this second of the series featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti as he is confronted with the death of a young American and a possible suicide of the doctor who identified the body. Since Brunetti's superior, Patta, wants the murder of the American resolved quickly, Guido goes to the American Army base in Vicenza to gather information on the victim and to try to determine why he was killed. When later he is handed on the case involving a mugging of a VIP and theft of expensive art, little does Guido know that the cases are connected and will result in an unusual ending.

I really enjoy these mysteries because Donna Leon serves up the clues in a slow and subtle way so that that the reader is going at exactly the same pace as the character. She delicately weaves the story introduces each element that is needed to resolve the mystery at the same time giving it the necessary importance and details to push the reader forward. Her interconnection of the characters and the story is quite masterful.

I have to admit that this story was so well-written that at times I truly believed that it could be happening and that really seemed so real that I wonder if Ms. Leon knows something that we all don't. Should we all be so trusting of a foreign government that doesn't behave the way we want? Should any country have carte blanche to behave in a manner that is not to the betterment of all mankind? This book definitely posed so very interesting questions about our or any society and made me stop and wonder. At the same time as I am wondering, I was wishing that I could visit all the places that she described with such vivid preciseness - the beauty of the city with the contrasts of its problems, oh well, maybe someday.

#144 THE CRUELEST MONTH
Author: Louise Penny
Read: Nov 18 - 20
Source: Public Library
Category: Followers
Pages: 387

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache returns to the village of Three Pines when Madeleine Favreau apparently dies of fright during a séance at the old Hadley house. The psychic holding the séance was on vacation in the small village but was that a coincidence or planned?

As Gamache gets deeper into the search for Madeleine's killer (she had been given poison) he must also face the consequences of his actions in his previous case against the popular head of the Sûreté du Québec for heinous crimes. His family is attacked in the newspapers and his son arrested in Paris as he works to clear not only his name but also solve the murder.

The book is filled with descriptions that draw you in and characters that make you want to meet them in reality with deeper and deeper characterizations. Subtly Penny weaves the details and grabs you by the throat until you can't put down the book until you know the answers to the questions that have you on the edge of your seat.

#145 Martin Van Buren and the Romantic Age of American Politics
Author: John Niven
Read: Nov 10 - 26
Source: Public Library
Category: History /Bios
Pages: 715

Martin Van Buren, eighth President of the United States, "may have been a conservative, an advocate of States Rights, an agrarian, a party regular, but he was overall a New Yorker, a Northerner, and a pragmatic politician." The Little Magician as he was called, ruled New York politics for the majority of his lifetime, manipulating the selection process of who would have what office, who would be supported and who would be denounced. Behind the scenes of numerous vital issues, MVB would work the state legislature negotiating the passage of legislation that had far-reaching effects.

On the national scene, Van Buren worked tirelessly in support of Andrew Jackson and served as his Secretary of State as well as Vice President. In these capacities, he traipsed through the quagmire of issues of the day - bank dissolution, abolition, Indian removal - frequently calming a volatile Jackson and preventing numerous catastrophes. Van Buren's Presidential candidacy was complicated not by the issues of the day, but the selection of a running mate.

Upon his election, he was confronted with the banking issues, a depression and costs of the Indian removal - all issues inherited from Jackson. Trying to use the concept of a subtreasury to combat the depression, VB was handicapped by a hostile congress.

Defeated when he ran for re-election, Martin VanBuren felt that the importation of voters by the Whig Party constituted election fraud. The following years he spent trying to rebuild the Democratic party which he had built in New York state. He was drafted in a later Presidential election to run for the Free Soil Party which advocated the end of slavery.

This book was overwhelming in the amount of details that were dispensed regarding the politics of the State of New York elections and national politics during the Presidencies of Jackson, Van Buren, Tyler, and Polk. Since this was titled to be a biography of Van Buren, I was disappointed with the amount of information about unrelated people and events regarding the political machine that MVB was credited to have created. It was also difficult to read because the print was smaller than normal so that 1 page was probably equivalent to 2 pages of a normal book, so 700 pages was really many more.

A description of Martin Van Buren which seems appropriate - " An American Statesman who with his faults, his weaknesses, his little vanities had made no little consequence on his state and his nation."

#146 DEADLY GREETINGS
Author: Elizabeth Bright
Read: Nov 20 - 28
Source: Public Library
Category: Crafts in the background - card making
Pages: 233

Jennifer Shane with her own shop, Custom Card Creations, is battling to stay a float with her new business even though Aunt Lillian is still "volunteering" her services in exchange for supplies. So when Aunt Lillian finds her a new studio apartment she signs on the dotted line before she is told about the resident ghost.

Jennifer learns to live with "her" but has other difficulties - an overzealous neighbor, a stalker, and an ex-fiancé trying to get back together. Then one of her best customers and a friend, Maggie, dies in what appears to be an auto accident. But Jennifer doesn't believe it because she received a handmade card from her dead friend stating that someone is trying to kill her.

Jennifer and Lillian work to figure out who killed Maggie while fighting off her various admirers.

# 147 A RULE AGAINST MURDER
Author: Louise Penny
Read: Nov 25 - 29
Source: Public Library
Category: Overflow - Follower, Audiobook
Pages: 581

Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec takes his wife of many years, Reine-Marie, to Manior Bellechasse in rural Quebec to celebrate their wedding anniversary. Their peaceful solitude is interrupted by the arrival of a dysfunctional family that includes Peter and Clara Marrow from Three Pines. Murder seems to follow the Inspector since the sister of Peter Marrow is found dead a little later so that the time which should have been peaceful and relaxing has turned deadly.

Gamache sends Reine-Marie to Three Pines which is just over the hill while the investigation proceeds. The personal relationship and their family interaction is more prevalent in this book as we learn of Gamache's family history.

The story is again intricately woven around the lives of the characters drawing the reader farther and closer with each page trying to determine how the mystery will be resolved and whose demons will be exorcised.

Since this book was set outside of Three Pines but incorporated Three Pine residents, the shift didn't bother me as much as I anticipated. However, it does make one stop and think, are Peter and Clara a major reason (that we haven't figured out yet) for all of these murders?

#148 MURDER AND SALUTATIONS
Author: Elizabeth Bright
Read: Nov 29 - Dec 1
Source: Public Library
Category: Overflow - Follower
Pages: 229

Jennifer Shane is named the Businessperson of the Year but before she can accept her award, the body of her sister's arch enemy and brother-in-law's mistress is found stabbed to death.

Jennifer is thrown into the investigation when her apartment building is torched and she takes it as a warning, maybe she knows more than she thinks she knows.

This is a delightful light and entertaining cozy mystery series, which even includes tips and tricks for making your own greeting cards.

#149 THANKSGIVING
Author:Janet Evanovich
Read: Nov 30 - Dec 1
Source: Public Library
Category: Romance
Pages: 243

Megan Murphy is a potter living in Williamsburg, Va. She supplements her income on the weekends by being a tour guide n the historical area. The story begins with a hungry bunny nibbling on her skirt and her confrontation with the owner, a handsome young pediatrician.

The story evolves into a light hearted romance complete with Patrick (the doctor) being caught by Megan's father wearing her pink chenille bathrobe and nothing else. It was utterly delightful. The antics surrounding the Thanksgiving dinner are enough to make you laugh until you cry.

Z#150 The Recipe Club: A Tale of Food and Friendship
Author: Andrea Israel and Nancy Garfinkel
Read: Dec 2
Source: FSB Associates for review and giveaway
Category: Overflow - New Writer
Pages: 358

All of us in our lifetime have somehow "misplaced" a friend or someone who was extremely important at one time in our lives. This is the story of two women who where best friends, who helped each other through puberty, adolescence, and much more and then due to a miscommunication, lost that closeness and drifted apart.

Lilly and Val are two enormously different people and yet you see, in this book, how a friendship that was forged in childhood could be integrated into adulthood. They shared everything, their differences and their similarities and struggled through the errors that we all make as we grow up.

I loved this book. I received it and I am so proud that this book was a first giveaway on my book blog. It was delightful, so much so that I couldn't put it down which is something that happens rarely for me. The story is told in the form of letters and e-mails and the Recipes that are included sound absolutely scrumptious. Makes me want to start a recipe club myself.

My only problem with this book was trying to decide where to shelve it - cookbooks or fiction - it would fit either.

I have finished this challnge 1½ tmes so this is the last of the books that I am posting here. I don't believe that I will be signing up for this challenge in 2010.