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SU11 Reading w/Style Completed Tasks - Summer 2011
The Hanging Tree by David Lambkin 2 starsI would not have finished this but for the love I have of the recommender and her high praise.
I consider myself one who possesses a fairly decent vocabulary. I decided early to overlook the frequent use of scientific words. I still havent gotten around to looking up Miocene and Plistocene, or whatever words are close to those that are geologic time frames. But there were other descriptive words that I couldn't be bothered looking up - the word used repeatedly in the last 50 pages was contrapuntal. And now that I've looked up this last word, I think it was used incorrectly.
The author seemed to be afflicted with Attention Deficit Disorder. By that I mean there were at least three stories in the book, two of which were related, the third was not related to the others. This might have been fine except that every once in awhile the author seemed to want to go off on some sort of Kenyan travelogue. This wasn't entirely bad as some of the descriptions were good enough for me to feel the African desert heat. Still, I would have preferred sticking to the story.
+10 Task
+ 5 Review
Grand Total = 30
I forgot to add 5 points for oldies for Time Machine.The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights by Anonymous
+10 Task
+5 Oldies
Post total: 20 points
Grand Total: 40 points
Neither Here Nor There by Bill Bryson +10 task points
total points: 20
Summer readingI have read The Girl She Used to Be by David Cristofano.
10 points
Review:
This is the story of a girl whose family witnessed a murder when she was very young. She has been in the witness protection program for twenty years. After being bored with her current identity (time after time) and “requesting” a new life, she tires of running. Melody is ready for her life to begin, to make memories and relationships…this is the story of her attempt to do just that. The characters are lively and memorable..and the story line is unique…the ending is not all nice and neat. It has humor, romance, drama, and just a little action. It was a nice little peak into the witness protection program as well. I really enjoyed it!
+ 5 points
= 15 task points
Total Summer Reading Points: 60
The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley+10 Task
25pts - Grand total
In the back, in the acknowledgements, the author mentions my favorite little Independent Bookstore, Murder by the Book (in Houston) and the people that own and work there. They are so great and arrange so many cool author book signings.
Red Hot Lies (Izzy McNeil Mystery #1) by Laura CaldwellPostcard Killers by James Patterson
Whiskey Sour (Jack Daniels Mystery #1) by JA Konrath
Shakespeare's Champion (Lily Bard #2) by Charlaine Harris
Sew Deadly by Elizabeth Lynn Casey
Apple Turnover Murder by Joanne Fluke
10 points for each task
Total points: 60
Summer ReadingI read Stumbling Into Grace: Confessions of a Sometimes Spiritually Clumsy Woman by Lisa Harper.
+ 10 points
Review:
This is my favorite “devotional” book that I have read in a long time. There is a common organization to the topics and they are relevant, interesting commentaries on today’s issues for women. The author does a great job of introducing each topic, then relating it to a story from her own life, and then further exploring it through Biblical principles and examples. While the lessons were deeper than a “daily devotion” book, they are really understandable and lend themselves to deeper exploration and also to group study. I love it! I cannot wait to read more by this author!
+ 5 points
= 15 points for the task
Total Summer Reading Points: 75
First Post: 1) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This novel completely surprised me. I did not know the background of the story prior to starting to read it. From the beginning the story captivated me and I was intrigued to see what would actually happen through out the story and how it would end.
One of my favourite aspects of the story was the lack of a timeline. There was no passing of seasons just day and night. It didn’t matter how long they had been walking just that they got up each day to do it.
I have never had a story make me reflect and think so much about my own mortality and choices that future generations may have to face. For those reasons I would highly recommend others to read this story. For those reasons I gave this novel 5 Stars.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Task Total: 15 Points
2) Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants by Ann Brashares
+ 10 Task
Task Total: 10 Points
3) The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares
+10 Task
Task Total: 10 Points
4) The Apple Turnover Murder- Apple Turnover Murder Bundle with Key Lime Pie Murder, Cherry Cheesecake Murder, Lemon Meringue Pie Murder, and an EXTENDED excerpt of Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
+ 10 Task
Task Total: 10 points
5) Devil's Food Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke
I find that the Hannah Swensen novels can go back and forth between a really good one and one that is just so so. In my opinion the Devil's Food Cake Murder was a vast improvement on the Apple Turnover Murder. The storyline was a little thicker and the murder was actually a bit tricky to solve which for those of us who have read a Hannah Swensen novel before can understand that they are not always tricky to solve.
Devil’s Food Cake has a good flow to the story, it takes place within a week span and Joanne Fluke does pull off the week span this time around. Not too much is happening around town so it is a believable timeline. The events that happen in the personal lives of the main characters are gripping as per usual.
I would recommend this novel to anyone who has enjoyed a Hannah Swensen novel in the past.
+ 10 Task
+ 5 Review
Task Total: 15 points
Grand Total: 60
The Silent Land by Graham JoyceI listened to the audiobook read by John Lee. I can't commit on how well it was read because I listened to it sped up and that makes everything squeaky. My home library recently got downloadable audiobooks and this was one of the books that didn't have a waiting list. I didn't read anything about it except that it was a fantasy novel and I'm happy I didn't because I got to go through the characters' explanations about what had happened to them with them instead of waiting for them to get to the point. Even though it was so short it kind of dragged a little bit, but it was decent.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
This is the 7th book in a 13 book series, which includes one book of short stories. The next one book comes out on July 26th and I'd like to be caught up before then. Looking back at the series, I can see why people don't like the first couple of books, even though at the time I thought they were good. The later ones where you've gotten to know the characters and Butcher has gotten into his stride are much better. With a lot of series the author tells all the story they have in the first couple books and then the rest stagnate. So far these books aren't like that.
+10 Task
Grand Total= 60
Summer ReadingI read Growing Up Amish: A Memoir by Ira Wagler.
10 points
Review:
I learned so much about the Amish culture from this book. I have read accounts from people outside of the culture, but this was my first experience to read a story written by someone who was actually a part of the culture. The author did a beautiful job of describing the many facets of Amish culture, even the ones he did not understand. I really enjoyed reading about his struggles as he left and returned to the faith, finally making his decision and finding his way. This book left me wanting to know more about Wagler’s life…and that is the most you can want from any book….to be left wanting more.
+5 points
= 15 task points
Total Summer Reading points: 90
The Whistling Season by Ivan DoigThis is a quite enjoyable read, but not literature. Doig paints a wonderful picture of the one-room schoolhouse on the prairie and life on a homestead in the Montana east of the Rockies. In fact, the narrator is writing from the perspective of 1957 just after the Sputkik launch and is remembering his childhood in a particular school. As the State Superintendent of Schools, he seems willing to write the eulogy for this education setting.
This was exactly what I needed to be reading just now, but unfortunately, this is a fairly predictable narrative. Solidly 4 stars, but perhaps at the lower half of my 4 star ratings. While I'll be willing to read more from the author, I'm not going to run hell bent for the bookstore to do so.
+10 Task
+ 5 Review
Grand Total = 45
Arow wrote: "First Post: 1) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This novel completely surprised me. I did not know the background of the story prior to starting to read it. From the begi..."
Arow, I loved The Road too. While the story was not the most uplifting, it had me in its grip. Many people do not like it, I think its a book you either love or hate. Glad you enjoyed it.
I read The Encounter: Sometimes God Has to Intervene by Stephen Arterburn.10 task points
Based on two true stories, The Encounter is a fictional account of a man's quest to find out about his real mother. Given up for adoption at the age of four, Jonathan has dealt with anger issues his entire life and feels that this is the basis of all of his issues. He wants to find out why he was given up for adoption. I really enjoyed the story, but felt that the ending was rushed...I don't want to give anything away, but I really think the last few chapters could have been expanded and made for an even better read. Other than that, I really did like the book. As an adoptive parent, I think it speaks to the child and the adult. It is not only about finding answers, but also about finding yourself, your family, and your faith.
+5 Review
= 15 task points
Total Summer Reading: 105
I have admired Libba Bray since I met her at the national library conference in Chicago a couple of summers ago. She was so genuinely enthused about the huge signing line waiting for her that she sat right down on the floor to meet everyone and was especially careful to meet her teen fans. She has an excellent and biting sense of humor, and that came through in Going Bovine which was out as an ARC at conference time, and which definitely shines through in her newest book, Beauty Queens. Just take a close look at the cover and you’ll see that the book is going to be something completely different from anything you have read before. The book follows the beauty pageant contenders who survive a plane crash on a deserted island. At first, they try to keep up with their Beauty Queen status, but secrets and events begin to conspire against them. It’s a wild and often funny ride and I really enjoyed it.
+10 Task
+ 5 Review
Task Total: 15
The Finishing School by Muriel Spark
+10 Task
The Winter Ghosts by Kate Mosse
+10 Task
Total this Post: 35
Grand Total: 95
The Sea, the Sea by Iris Murdoch+10 Task
A Room With a View by E.M. Forster
+10 Task
+5 Oldies (pub 1908)
Breathless by Dean Koontz
+10 Task
Lincoln at Gettysburg: The Words that Remade America by Garry Wills
+10 Task
Post Total: 45
Grand Total: 165
The Summer Tree by Guy Gavriel Kay***
I enjoyed this book quite a bit. Based on the two Guy Gavriel Kay books I have read, I think I will continue to find his work enjoyable, but hardly world-changing or meaningful. This book has a definite "Narnia for older people" feeling to it, which I found charming. It had its silly moments, some jarring, but also managed to be frequently touching. Basically, it's well-done for a fun, light fantasy read. I recommend it to people who like their fantasy light on dragons, with some magic, but leaning towards mild character development.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Task Total: 15
Twilight of the Superheroes: Stories by Deborah Eisenberg
****
Deborah Eisenberg was recommended to me by a good friend who probably said it best when he said he loves her prose, but there's something about the stories that never seems to come together completely. The stories in Twilight of the Superheroes: Stories are beautifully woven tapestries of words, often heartbreaking or melancholy, but there is something that keeps them from being exactly perfect. Not that I can explain what that is or what I would do differently. Maybe it is even a sign of their greatness that they leave one wanting something more.
Task Total: 15
Post Total: 30
Grand Total: 160
Out of Orbit: The Incredible True Story of Three Astronauts Who Were Hundreds of Miles Above Earth When They Lost Their Ride Home (2007) by Chris Jones (Paperback, 288 pages)3.5 stars
I was surprised when I first started reading this book. I had expected it to be more technical. Instead, alot of the book was "how does it feel", and I wondered, how does Chris Jones know how it feels? Reading the acknowledgements, I found out -- the astronauts involved were thanked for being "particularly generous with their time".
The frame of the book was this: After Columbia burnt up in the atmosphere on February 1, 2003, the American shuttle fleet was grounded until the cause of the disaster could be determined (and corrected). The International Space Station had 3 astronauts on board (2 Americans and 1 Russian). The astronauts had expected to use an American shuttle to return home; now that was not going to happen; how do they get home?
Most of the text was involved in telling the "back story" -- brief biographies of the astronauts; anecdotes from the American space program; and a brief history of the Soviet space program. The author additionally goes into detail about life aboard the International Space Station, including "how does it feel" to see the stars from the space station, unclouded by atmosphere (and ... how does he know this? ah, that's right, the astronauts were "particularly generous with their time".)
The last chapter was a play-by-play description of the 3 astronauts flight from the International Space Station on board a Russian Soyuz capsule until they were home safe and sound.
Parts of the book dragged for me, and just when I was about to put it down, Mr. Jones would insert a rather interesting space program anecdote, and I would keep reading.
+ 10 Task
+ 05 Review
Task Total: 15
Total Summer Reading: 15 points
The Tower of Beowulf (1995) by Parke Godwin (Hardcover, 246 pages)2 stars
Parke Godwin stayed very close to the actual plot of the epic poem Beowulf. There's Grendel and Heorot Hall, just like the original poem. The changes the author made: added a backstory to Grendel and his mom; added romance; and, added a Christian monk (who became the moral authority in the novel). Each change made by Godwin moved the tale from a pagan tale of blood and glory towards a Christian fable (a process admittedly begun by the Christian monks centuries ago who wrote down the epic, pagan poem). The result didn't quite work. There were too many pagan elements to be a satisfactory Christian fable; and too much of the pagan elements were removed to stay true to the original poem. Still, it was an OK book read, especially for those who are unfamiliar with the original Beowulf poem.
+ 10 Task
+ 05 Review
Task Total: 15
Total Summer Reading: 15 + 15 = 30 points
Quicksand (1967) by John Brunner (Hardcover, 240 pages)3 stars
The majority of the novel reads like a mainstream novel about a troubled psychiatrist trying to unravel the mystery behind a naked girl who was discovered wandering in the woods near a mental hospital. She speaks a language no one understands and doesn't seem to recognize commonplace items such as telephones or automobiles. As the novel progresses, the clues about her origin become more intriguing, even as the psychiatrist's personal life is falling apart. Interesting novel. The last 30 pages or so reads like a completely different novel. (view spoiler)It seemed to me that Brunner had a cool idea, wrote up most of the cool idea into this novel, and then didn't know how to end it. [4 * book, minus 1 star for the last 30 pages, making it 3 *]
+ 10 Task
+ 05 Review
Task Total: 15
Total Summer Reading: 15 + 30 = 45 points
Tobey wrote: "Arow wrote: "First Post: 1) The Road by Cormac McCarthy
This novel completely surprised me. I did not know the background of the story prior to starting to read ..."
Tobey, I completely agree. I am almost hesitant to recommend it to people for that reason.
Hippolytus by EuripidesThis is a Greek tragedy about Hippolytus, Theseus, and Phaedra. Phaedra is Theseus's second wife, and Hippolytus is Theseus's son with his first wife. Aphrodite makes Phaedra fall in love with Hippolytus and then tragical stuff happens. It won first prize for a trilogy play at the Dionysia festival in 428 BCE. Lists of the plays and winners from the Dionysia festival have survived, and are how we know about a lot of Greek plays. My favorite Euripedes play so far is Alcestis because it has Heracles in it, with Medea a close second. This one was okay. I read the Moses Hadas translation.
+10 Task
+5 Oldies (428 BCE)
+5 Review
Grand Total= 80
The Man of Property: The Forsyte Saga, first published 1906+10 Task
+ 5 Oldie
Grand total = 60
I'm actually reading the entire series with a group in a Kindle version, and won't review any of it until entirely finished. But this is a relatively quick read, sort of a soap opera (I keep wondering who would be Erika Kane), and quite enjoyable.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee+10 Task
Saturday Night and Sunday Morning by Alan Sillitoe
+10 Task
Mrs. 'Arris Goes to Paris by Paul Gallico
+10 Task
Madame Tussaud: A Novel of the French Revolution by Michelle Moran
+10 Task
Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
+10 Task
Post Total: 50
Grand Total: 215
Liz M wrote: "Spring Snowby Yukio Mishima
+10 points
Grand Total: 60 points"
Did you like this, Liz? It looks sort of like a Japanese Forsyte Saga, but I might be interested.
Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy by L.A. Meyer+10 Task
The Night of January 16th by Ayn Rand
+10 Task
+ 5 Oldies (1940)
Task Total: 15
Cornhuskers by Carl Sandburg
+10 Task
+ 5 Oldies (1918)
Task Total: 15
Points This Post: 40
Grand Total: 135
You Know When the Men Are Gone by Siobhan FallonThis was Colleen's group read for the last challenge. It's a collection of fictional short stories based off the author's experience living in an army base while her husband was away. The first story "You Know When the Men Are Gone" was my favorite, so I can see why they named the collection after it. I didn't like the wife in one of the stories at all, but I returned the book and can't remember which one it was. She told her husband it was his duty to provide for her (and their child, but that's different). I thought it was selfish thing to say.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Grand Total= 95
No Impact Man: The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet, and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process (2009) by Colin Beavan (Hardcover, 288 pages)+ 10 Task
Task Total: 10
Total Summer Reading: 45 + 10 = 55 points
Sorry, I should delete this comment, but just in case anyone saw it, you're not crazy, it was here.
Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "Liz M wrote: "Spring Snowby Yukio Mishima"
Did you like this, Liz? It looks sort of like a Japanese Forsyte Saga, but I mig..."
It`s not a Japanese Forsyte Saga -- only one generation and one misguided romance is involved. The characters have internal ruminations on religion, philosophy, and society, allowing the author to embed mini essays in the text. However, the writing at times is stunning. (And apparently I only have 43 words to say about this novel).
+5 oldies (pub. 1914)
Kokoro: Hints and Echoes of Japanese Inner Life by Lafcadio Hearn
+10 task
Grand Total: 70 points
Stupid ebook LIED to me about what book I was reading!
I read The Midnight Club by James Patterson.10 points
Honestly, when I first began this book, I wasn’t sure if I would like it or not. I was afraid that all of the cop vs. gangsters vs. bad cops vs. crime lords would be too much for my taste. I will admit that I was very pleasantly surprised! This book moved so quickly and flowed so well, it was very easy to follow. The action and drama kept me interested throughout the book. There was also a little romance, some heartbreak, and of course, a whole lot of suspense! I highly recommend it…especially if you are already a James Patterson fan!
+ 5 points
= 15 Task points
Total Summer Reading points: 120
Assassin's Quest by Robin HobbAssassin’s Quest is the third installment in Robin Hobb’s Farseer Trilogy and while I really enjoyed this trilogy, I didn't care much for how the book began. I wasn’t sure which direction it was taking but Hobb put the spin on it that I wanted and all was right with the world. In this Farseer series she has written a story with well devloped, likeable characters and strong plotlines and while the characters were numerous, the story kept to the same main storyline unlike many fantasy series that break off into separate but eventually intertwining stories. While there was a serious passage of time in this third installment, Hobb’s writing did not dictate that and it was smooth and flowed nicely. I highly recommend this series to any fantasy fans out there.
+10 Task
+5 Jumbo (757 pgs)
+5 Review
Task Total=20
Grand Total=20
"Game of Thrones" by George R R Martin+10 task
+5 Jumbo (835pp)
+5 Review http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13...
total: 60
Rashomon and Other Stories by Ryūnosuke Akutagawa
+5 oldies (all stories were written before 1927)
+10 task
Grand Total: 85 points
All the Lives He Led (2011) by Frederik Pohl (Hardcover, 349 pages)Task total: 10 points
The Barbie Murders (1980) by John Varley (Paperback, 260 pages)
This is a collection of 9 stories, all written by John Varley, and all published originally in various science fiction magazines during the 1970s. The title story "The Barbie Murders" was amazing, a 5 * classic style science fiction story. "Good-bye, Robinson Crusoe" and "Picnic on the Nearside" were good, too. The other 6 stories were easily read and easily forgot. "Equinoctial" was over-long and its central idea has been done better elsewhere. I'd recommend picking up the collection and reading the cover title story; then skimming or skipping the others.
+ 10 Task
+ 05 Review
Task Total: 15
Total Summer Reading: 55 + 10 + 15 = 80 points
The Burning Wire, Jeffery DeaverThis book is another installment of the Lincoln Rhyme series from Jeffrey Deaver. I enjoyed the plot for this book and the characters are becoming very familiar after having read so many of the books. Although there was a lot of technical jargon with the electricity and how the crime scenes were actually rigged, it did not detract from the story itself. I am especially enjoying seeing how Rhyme and Sach’s relationship is evolving as well. I recommend this book to anyone who is already a Lincoln Rhyme fan, or to anyone who is into psychological thrillers. I am looking forward to reading the next one!
+ 15 points
Total Summer Reading points: 120
The Devil in the Junior League, Linda Francis Lee.I probably should not have enjoyed this book as much as I did….but it is very much Desperate Housewives meets the Mississippi Country club. I know the dialogue and expressions were trite, but I could not help but laugh. The story line is basically a rich, junior league woman is betrayed by her high society husband (and most of her friends)…she is forced to rely on the help of her “not so high society” neighbors to seek revenge from her ex-husband for stealing her money. It was a great little entertaining read! I recommend it for poolside or beach reading! Ha!
+ 15 points
Total Summer Reading Points: 135
Jack: Secret Vengeance by F. Paul WilsonAs a big fan of the Repairman Jack series by F. Paul Wilson, the newest installment in his Young Jack series is a no brainer. This series takes the reader back to when Jack was a teenager and thus begans his Repairman ways. Jack: Secret Vengeance introduces us to a few characters and sheds some light on some situations. I find it very interesting to read these novels of when he was a youngster after reading the books written of him as an adult but as always, Wilson leaves me wanting more of this very engaging, fast paced and enthralling series! For newcomers though, I’m not sure whether I’d recommend reading the YA books first if you decide to delve into it.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Task Total=15
Grand Total=35
Pretty Little Liars by Sara Shepard (Lexile 760)I listened to the audiobook read by Cassandra Morris. This was a cute little soap opera-ish book. I has a cliff-hanger at the end, so if you get into it you should have the next one in the series ready. I'm expecting the next one to have short time a skip and save the reveal of what happened at the end of the first for the middle of the book. Don't tell me if I'm wrong. I couldn't relate to any of the characters, but I can rarely relate to the characters in soap operas. They usually seem too sociopathic and selfish for real people.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Grand Total: 110
Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow+10 Task
Emma by Jane Austen
+10 Task
+5 Oldies (pub 1816)
Sharkman Six by Owen West
+10 Task
Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead by Tom Stoppard
+10 Task
Innocent by Scott Turow
+10 Task
Summer by Edith Wharton
+10 Task
+5 Oldies (pub 1817)
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
+10 Task
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
+10 Task
Post Total: 90
Summer Grand Total: 305
This thread is making my tbr list even longer!
Dune Messiah by Frank HerbertI purchased this book at a library booksale. This is the second book in the Dune series and liked the first one much better. This was was too obsessed with who was sleeping with who, while the first one had more political intrigue. This one is also pretty short and the character whose viewpoint I enjoyed reading the most didn't get a POV. I know someone who says the odd ones in this series are better, and that 5 is the best one. I'll continue reading this series because the Dune franchise has an entire mythos built around it.
+10 Task
+5 Review
Grand Total: 125
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Reading with Style
Books mentioned in this topic
Garden Spells (other topics)Corduroy Mansions (other topics)
Bloodhound (other topics)
Summer (other topics)
The Song of Roland (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Sarah Addison Allen (other topics)Alexander McCall Smith (other topics)
Anonymous (other topics)
G.K. Chesterton (other topics)
Daniel Tammet (other topics)
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Task: 10 pts
Review: 5 pts
Post Total: 15
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Harry Potter, #7) by J.K. Rowling 759pp.
Task: 10
Review: 5 pts
Jumbo (over 500pp): 5 pts
Post Total: 20
Challenge Total: 120
(Krista -- fixed the musketeer review)