You'll love this one...!! A book club & more discussion

Debra wrote: "I got some more books to add to my TBR list from you, Connie. Good books! Thanks!"

I am so glad, Debra! I hope you love them! Have you read Wiley Cash? I think you would love it as much as I did. I am in love with this book!!!

Red : Red cover: Author's last name begins with R

A Sight For Sore Eyes Ruth Rendell

30 points for sixth book completed in task
4 points for 432 pages
4 points for all the Rs in title and author's name

38 points for task
2626 points to date

I just requested it from my library, but won't get it in time to read it for orange. Someone has it checked out! Darnit!

Debra wrote: "I just requested it from my library, but won't get it in time to read it for orange. Someone has it checked out! Darnit!"

I don't believe it! What rotten luck! Maybe there will be another event it will work for soon. You just have to read it!

Indigo: Indigo cover: published 1952

East of Eden John Steinbeck

30 points for ninth book completed in task
5 points for 691 pages
10 points published 1952

45 points for task
2671 points to date

Connie wrote: "Debra wrote: "I just requested it from my library, but won't get it in time to read it for orange. Someone has it checked out! Darnit!"

I don't believe it! What rotten luck! Maybe there will be another event it will work for soon. You just have to read it! "

Yeah. If all else fails, I'll read it after the end of the year! hahaha.... I'm sooo addicted to challenges, it's ridiculous, really!

Debra wrote: "Connie wrote: "Debra wrote: "I just requested it from my library, but won't get it in time to read it for orange. Someone has it checked out! Darnit!"

I don't believe it! What rotten luck! Maybe ..."

I know exactly how you feel. It is more a completion with myself, but I really enjoy completions!

I do hope you get to read it!

I don't know why you think that, Judy, but I certainly appreciate it more than I can say!

Actually, I think you are the amazing one! A fantastic leader! I just read. LOL

Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/26

Lost In Translation Nicole Mones

30 points for twenty-eighth book completed in task
3 points for 366 pages

33 points for task
2704 points to date

Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/26

Too Close to the Sun: The Audacious Life and Times of Denys Finch Hatton Sara Wheeler

30 points for twenty-ninth book completed in task
3 points for 320 pages

33 points for task
2737 points to date

Gaeta1 wrote: "Connie wrote: "Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/24

A Thousand Orange Trees[bookcover:A Thousand Orange Trees]Kathryn Harrison

30 points for twenty- sixth book completed in task


5 poin..."

I really enjoyed this book, but it is very dark. It is about the Spanish Inquisition, so it is not an easy read for someone who is squeamish. Some of the torture methods of the Inquisition are described in detail. I like something that is different and yet gives a somewhat realistic picture of what could have occurred. For me it is a 5 star book; however, I know some people will hate it.

Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/26

A Cup of Light Nicole Mones

30 points for thirtieth book completed in task
3 points for 304 pages

33 points for task
2770 points to date

That's more than a book a day. Amazing!

Janice wrote: "WOW is right.

I'm tired. Just thinking about tracking everyone's progress... talk about a make work project. *whine* :)"

You made the bed, as they say. I feel sorry for ya, tho. What a huge and daunting task!

Gaeta1 wrote: "Connie wrote: "Gaeta1 wrote: "Connie wrote: "Or
ange: Orange cover: August read 8/24

A Thousand Orange Trees[bookcover:A Thousand Orange Trees]Kathryn Harrison

30 points for twenty- sixth

I like her books as a rule, but I was also repulsed by The Kiss. I think there could have been a better way for her to have worked through her rape than have published that book. However, it did generate a lot of publicity at the time, so I guess people who had never read her books learned who she is

Indigo: Indigo cover: published 1928

Lady Chatterley's Lover D.H. Lawrence

30 points for tenth book completed in task
3 points for 380 pages
10 points published 1928

43 points for task
2813 points to date

Orange: Orange cover:August read 8/28


The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Rebecca Skloot

30 points for thirty-first book completed in task
3 pointsfor 362 pages

33 points for task
2846 points to date

Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/29

The Smell of Oranges Jill Chan

30 points for thirty-second book completed in task
10 points for title and cover requirements met
2 for 62 pages

42 points for task
2888 points to date

You know, I should break down and read this book. I've been hemming and hawing for so long, and asking people their opinions. I should just do it.

Janice wrote: "You know, I should break down and read this book. I've been hemming and hawing for so long, and asking people their opinions. I should just do it."

Are you talking about Henrietta Lacks? I've had it as a potential read for various challenges, including the perfect fit Orange, but always skirt around it also. Now I have it marked for the October non-fiction Toppler. Maybe, as you say, "I'll just do it" then!

I am in another group doing the Buddy Read, and my buddy chose The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks for me to read for September. I gave it 4 stars. I hovered between 3 and 4, and finally went with 4 because of the research and the fact that the book is well written.
It is a compelling story and stranger than fiction, but I did get tired of her family whining and wanting to sue everyone. Instead of being proud of their mother and how she had helped millions of people through research, they became bitter and angry. It was a sad and depressing situation. Of course, the doctors were to blame, too. But I don't think they intended to financially harm Henrietta's family since Johns Hopkins and the original doctors received no money for the research from Henriette's cells. However, the doctors did not communicate well with the Lacks family. I liked reading the science part of the story, but the part of the story about Henrietta's decendents wasn't an enjoyable read for me. It was a short fast read, and afterwards, I am glad I read it.
Did you read it, Judy? If so, what did you think?

You said it very well, Connie. Loved the science; the personal family stuff, not so much. Very interesting and well-written stranger-than-fiction story.

I agreee Gaeta1. I felt she got too close to the family members to get information and got sucked into their lives. I could not deal with all the whining and what's in it for me attitude.

I had a cooking accident a couple of years ago, and my clothes caught on fire. I had third degree burns on my back and under my arms and was in the burn hospital off and on a little over 2 1/2 months. I gladly signed consent forms for doctors at the burn hospital to take photos and tissue to use in teaching classes for burn docs and in research. I certainly never expect any money from any research, and I never expect to know exactly how the doctors at the burn hospital use my donations. I just want it to help someone in the future. That is what research is all about. Also, having medical people in my family probably makes a difference in how I view things of this nature, but this is just my humble opinion.

Wonder what Henrietta would have thought of all the fuss. She seemed like such a nice person.

That is an interesting thought, Debra.

Judy, I love hearing another's viewpoint. It is always interesting to get a discussion going.

Almeta wrote: "Janice wrote: "You know, I should break down and read this book. I've been hemming and hawing for so long, and asking people their opinions. I should just do it."

Are you talking about Henrietta..."

Maybe we can do it as a buddy read for the toppler. Judy is bound to have some points for buddy reads.

Janice wrote: "Maybe we can do it as a buddy read for the toppler. Judy is bound to have some points for buddy reads. ..."

I'm in!

Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/30

Loving Frank Nancy Horan

30 points for thirty-third book completed in task
3 points for 384 pages

33 points for task
2921 points to date

Yeah, I agree that Hopkins did not treat Henrietta and her family honestly or ethically.

Gaeta1 wrote: "Connie wrote: "Orange: Orange cover: August read 8/30

Loving FrankNancy Horan

30 points for thirty-third book completed in task
3 points for 384 pages

33 po..."

I didn't take away a good feeling for him either. He seems rather self-absorbed to me. I also see the remoteness you refer to. He seems to be a man driven by his art, but can you imagine living in one of his houses? Sublime! Living art!

Judy wrote: "What did you think of The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks?" I loved this one. It is amazing! I say read it!

Orange: Orange in title: August read 8/31

Five Quarters of an Orange Joanne Harris

30 points for thirty-fourth book completed in task
3 for 320 pages
5 points for cover and title requirements (cover is light orange)

38points for task
2959points to date

Judy - another fan here! I don't necessarily agree, but I can understand where the family was coming from. Here they were, poor, while hearing about all the money being made by companies that took advantage of the Hopkins guy (can't remember name) giving cells to those who requested them. And, learning of all the medical advances that resulted, the family couldn't even afford medical coverage. Also, remember that Henrietta and husband were related (inbreeding not that uncommon in that family), and there was little education, contributing to a lack of understanding.

One of those "it's a small worls" moments - My dad, who's 9 years younger than Henrietta would be, grew up in Virgilina, VA, about 5 miles outside of South Boston, and in Halifax County. He knows where Clover is/was - his school played the school in Clover in sports. And his family also took their tobacco to South Boston. Dad knew of a lot of Lacks' in that area, all white, but with Henrietta and Day's mixed heritage, I wonder if some of them might have been their relatives.

jaxnsmom wrote: "Judy - another fan here! I don't necessarily agree, but I can understand where the family was coming from. Here they were, poor, while hearing about all the money being made by companies that too..."

Gosh! That is amazing about your family's connection to the area and the Lacks family. It is a very small world indeed! Sounds like one of those six degrees removed kind of things.

Sixth Rainbow: 50 points
Green: Green cover: Nonfiction

Ex Libris: Confessions of a Common Reader Anne Fadiman

30 points for sixth book completed in task
2 points for 162 pages
5 points for memoir

37 points for task
3046points to date

Six rainbows already with 4 months to go. LOL!

Amazing!

Blue: Blue cover: physical book

My Name is Mary Sutter Robin Oliveira

30 points for seventh book completed in task
3 points for 364 pages
5 points for betrayal

38 points for task
3084 points to date

Speedy Gonzalez!

Judy, you are so creative! Cute and accurate poem!

Love it, Judy! :) Poor Connie - she does put up with a lot of teasing.

Many of books. Some books I read.
___
nawozy dla plantatora.

Yep, 100% admiration!

Judy wrote: "Our Connie reads so fast,
It leaves us YLTO-ers aghast.
If you ask her if she read a book
she says, "Let me take a look."
Then says, "Oh, I read that an hour ago,
Since then I've devoured a hundred..."

Judy, thank you for such a sweet little poem especially for me! I am amazed by your ability to jot down a poem in just a minute! However, I'm not as fast as you think. I just have more free time to read. ; )
Writing poetry so easily is an awesome gift!
Love you!

Thanks to all of you! You make me blush! ; ) I may read fast but not quite as fast as Judy implies in her poem. I only wish! LOL

Blue: Blue cover: physical book

Faceless Killers Henning Mankell

30 points for eighth book completed in task
2 points for 280 pages

32 points for task
3116 points to date

Red: Red cover:Author's last name begins with R

The Hanging Garden Ian Rankin

30 points for seventh book completed in task
3 points for 384 pages
2 for each r in title and author's name

35 points for task
3151 points to date

Wow Connie. Have you thought of how many points you might accumulate?!?!

I think any competitions from now on based on number of pages will have a special rule for you - every 1000 pages you read will count as 300 pages, or you have to only listen to audiobooks :D Or you have to read with only one eye open, or be standing on your head. Any of those sound good to you? Seriously, I am so envious. I think of how many more books you'll read, and how wonderful that is. Keep reading and enjoying those books!

Wow! You gave The Hanging Garden. I had not read any of Rankin's books. I may have to start.

Anytime I see his books on this site, I think of the Rankin Family which were (may still be) a fabulous music bank here in Canada. I remember rocking out to their music at a local concert a number of years back.

Yellow: Yellow cover: Setting Italy

The Name of the Rose Umberto Eco

30 points for seventh book completed in task
5 points for 502 pages

35 points for task
3186 points to date