tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-375337042024-03-13T06:07:28.148-07:00Framed's 2006 Book ReviewsA list of reviews I've done during 2006. Books are rated from 1 to 5, with 5 being a stellar read. Book reviews with a 5 rating are bolded.Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1168824133484672132007-01-14T16:20:00.000-08:002007-01-14T17:22:13.830-08:002006 Books Read<table id="HB_Mail_Container" style="styleDocument: [object]" height="100%" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%" border="0" unselectable="on"><tbody style="styleDocument: [object]"><tr style="styleDocument: [object]" height="100%" unselectable="on" width="100%"><td id="HB_Focus_Element" style="styleDocument: [object]" valign="top" width="100%" background="" height="250" unselectable="off"><div style="styleDocument: [object]">Here is an alphabetic listing of the books I've read since I started my book blog in April. The format is title, author, date reviewed originally, and my rating of the book. If you want to read the review, just scroll down until you find the date. I've copied review plus comments from my Framed and Booked blog, leaving out the bookcover pictures. The books I liked the best are bolded.</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]"><strong style="styleDocument: [object]"></strong> </div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">1. <strong>Abraham Lincoln by Benajmin Thomas, July 30, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">2. Almost Sisters by Nancy Anderson, et.al., July 18, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">3<strong>.</strong> Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner, June 24 Rating: 3.75</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">4. Baby<strong> </strong>Proof by Emily Giffin, November 8, Rating: 4</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">5. The Bartimaeus Trilogy (3 Books) by Jonathon Stroud, August 17, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">6. The Bean Trees by Barbara Kingsolver, December 26, Rating 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">7. Brainiac by Ken Jennings, November 28, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">8. Breathing Lessons by Anny Tyler, May 20, 2006, Rating: 2</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">9. Burned by Carol Higgins Clark, October 5, Rating: 1</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">10. Chamomile Mourning by Laura Childs, October 9, Rating: 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">11. Chile Death by Susan Wittig Albert, October 2, Rating: 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">12. Chocolate Therapy by Dianne Crabtree, October 7, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">13. Cold Company by Sue Henry, June 26, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">14. Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier, June 4, Rating: 4</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">15. A Covington Christmas by Joan Medlicott, May 20, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">16. Devils Corner by Lisa Scottoline, October 13, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">17. <strong>The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by Jean-Dominque Bauby, August 19, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">18. A Door in the Woods by James Dashner, July 18, Rating: 3.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">19. Enchantment by Orscon Scott Card, October 23, Rating: 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">20. Face Down Before Rebel Hooves by Kathy Lynn Emerson, October 29, Rating: 4</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">21. Girl with a Pearl Earring by Tracy Chevalier, September 14, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">22. <strong>The Girl in Hyacinth Blue by Susan Vreeland, May 26, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">23. The Glass Blowers by Daphne du Maurier, October 21, Rating: 2.75</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">24. Good Grief by Lolly Winston, August 22, Rating: 3.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">25. <strong>The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, November 5, Rating: 5+</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">26. Great Feuds in History by Colin Evans, October 26, Rating: 3.75</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">27. History of Love by Nicole Krauss, November 10, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">28. <strong>Hundred Secret Senses by Ami Tan, July 12, Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">29.Justice Hall by Laurie R. King, December 7, Rating: 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">30. <strong>I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven, November 14, Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">31. In Her Shoes by Jennifer Weiner, September 1, Rating: 1.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">32. Lady and the Unicorn by Tracy Chevalier, July 1, Ratig: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">33. Letter from Home by Carolyn Hart, November 12, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">34. <strong>Life of Pi by Yann Martel, December 20, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">35. A Love Like Lilly by Kay Lynn Mangum, September 9, Rating: 4</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">36. Martin Eden by Jack London, December 30, Rating: 3.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">37. <strong>The Meaning of Everything by Simon Winchester, August 28, Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">38. <strong>Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden, August 10, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">39. <strong>The Moonstone by Wilkie Colllins, September 23, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">40. Murder at Five Finger Point by Sue Henry, June 26, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">41. My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart, December 30, Rating: 3.75</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">42. O Susannah by Karen T. Walker, May 22, Rating: 2</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">43. <strong>Opposite of Fate by Ami Tan, July 12, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">44. Pigs in Heaven by Barbara Kingsolver, July 21, Rating: 4.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">45. <strong>A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, November 21, Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">46. Prayers for the Assassin by Robert Ferrigno, November 2, rating: 4.25</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">47. <strong>Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, August 17, Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">48. Pudd'nhead Wilson by Mark Twain, September 7, Rating: 2.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">49. The Railway Children by E Nesbitt, August 21, Rating: 4</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">50. The Red Tent by Anita Diamant, June 5, Rating: 3.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">51. Running with Scissors by Augusten Burroughs, June 29, Rating: 1</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">52. <strong>The Screwtape Letters by C S Lewis, May 20, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">53. The Stars Can Wait by Jay Basu, October 6, Rating: 3.5</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">54. Summer Sisters by Judy Blume, September 9, Rating: 2</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">55. <strong>To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, December 12, Rating: 5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">56. Until I Find You by John Irving, April, Rating: 3</div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">57. <strong>Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks, April, Rating: 4.75</strong> </div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><div id="hotbar_promo"> </div></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="styleDocument: [object]"> </p><p> </p>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1168221727130482612007-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:002007-01-07T18:02:07.133-08:00My Brother Michael by Mart Stewart Dec 30, 2006**Mary Stewart is a well-known romantic suspense author. This book is an excellent example of the genre. After reading a few pages, I stopped to check to see when the book was written (1959) because the dialog seemed dated. But for a book that was written 47 years ago, it holds up quite well.<br />**Camilla Haven is an English tourist visiting Athens who writes to her friend that nothing ever happens to her. Then she accepts the keys to a black car to be driven to Delphi from a stranger, and finds many things happening. Along the way, she meets Simon Lester (what a name for our romantic hero) and become entangled in an old murder mystery and quest for treasure. I like how Stewart builds her characters: you come to know that Camilla is a quiet, retiring beauty, Simon is an intellectual with hidden strength, resourcefulness and talents, etc. These traits are revealed slowly as the story unfolds. And the way she describes Greece!!!! Add it to my list of places to visit. The book was a fun and quick read. Each chapter was headed by a quote from an ancient Greek author. My favorite:"What a personage says or does reveals a certain moral purpose; and a good element of character, if the purpose so revealed is good. Such goodness is possible in every type of personage, even in a woman." Aristotle: The Art of Poetry**This is a book I inherited from my aunt Betty. It's fun to imagine what she thought as she read it. Read this book if you want to escape to an exotic locale and lose yourself in a light romance and a suspenseful tale.<strong>Rating: 3.75</strong><br /><a name="comments"></a><br />4 Comments:<br /><a name="c116752779155668512"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I actually remembered the storyline of this book, which is very unusual for me. I enjoyed it, too. I even remember the hair along the hairline bristling when I read Aristotle's quote. Too funny! <a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116752779155668512"> </a><br /><a name="c116759976943990639"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />Framed ~ FYI...Ken Jenning's has posted his "disclaimers" regarding his book on his blog. Thought you'd be interested in that being that you read it. :)<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Book, I can see your lips curling at that quote. I thought it was hilarious and right in line with the Greek men in the book's attitude to women. Joy, Thanks, I went and read his disclaimer here: http://www.ken-jennings.com/blog/ Wow, he really had to account for a lot of distortions, didn't he? What's the world coming to? Still, it's an interesting website. He's pretty anal.<br /><a name="c116782889233938622"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/19556806" rel="nofollow">TB-)</a> said...<br />Thanks for this, read this years ago and had quite forgotten about Mary Stewart...CheersFramedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1168221439216197492007-01-07T17:55:00.000-08:002007-01-07T17:58:16.843-08:00Martin Eden by Jack London Dec 30, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">~~~~~I've had this book for several years. The first time I made the mistake of reading the introduction by Paul Berman, a literary critic, first. It ruined the book for me because I knew before starting that the book was going to be depressing. After reading a few pages of the actual story, I didn't want to go any farther and quit. So this go-around, I skipped the introduction and forced myself to read the whole thing. And it was a struggle at times until there came a time when I started rooting for Martin to fulfill his dreams. Martin Eden is a sailor from the lower-lower class who meets Ruth, an upper middle-class gentle woman, and falls immediately in love. In order to become worthy of his love, Martin sets out to educate himself. He finds he has a brilliant intellect and learns and grows in leaps and bounds. His work ethic enables him to accomplish so much in such a short period of time. Eventually, against her better judgment, Ruth returns his love, probably more for his physical spendor because she never ceases to feel superior to him mentally and socially. Martin soon realizes that intellectually he is far superior to most of those in Ruth's world but it doesn't lessen his love for her. His ambition is to become a famous writer and he realizes that ambition too late, only after Ruth has broken off with him. The tragedy of the story is that after working so hard, Martin no longer fits in his former world and is no longer enchanted with Ruth's world. Having finally realized fame and fortune, he is left aimless and alone.<br />~~~~~While I didn't really enjoy this book, (too much philosophy) I did appreciate some of its conclusions. I found Martin Eden to be an unforgettable character. I'm glad I finished it and I liked it better than I ever imagined I would. London was a gifted writer and it's probably those skills that made the book a better read than I anticipated. Still, I don't think I will ever read it again. I've included a few quote that illustrate some of Eden's thinkings and also examples of London's great writing:<br />~~"He could not find an adequate motive in Mr. Butler's life of pinching and privation. Had he done it for love of a woman, or for attainment of beauty, Martin would have understood. God's own mad lover (Eden) should do anything for the kiss, but not for thirty thousand dollars a year. . . . . Thirty thousand a year was all right, but dyspepsia and inability to be humanly happy robbed such princely income of all its value."<br />~~"The world's judges of music may be all right. But I am I, and I won't subordinate my taste to the unanimous judgment of mankind." Something we should all remember when we don't like the same book that everyone else is raving about.<br />~~"The erasure of summer was at hand. Yet summer lingered, fading and fainting among her hills, deepening the purple of her valleys, spinning a shroud of haze from waning powers and sated ruptures, dying with the calm content of having lived and lived well."<br />~~"He saw the members of his own class and the members of Ruth's class, directing their narrow little lives by narrow little formulas--herd-creatures, flocking together and patterning their lives by one another's opinions, failing of being individuals and of really living life because of the childlike formulas by which they were enslaved."<br /><strong>Rating: 3.25</strong><br /><br />3 Comments:<br />booklogged said...<br />Some nice quotes. "I am I, and I won't subordinate my taste to the unanimous judgemnt of mankind" I'll remember that.<br /><br />nessie said...<br />Sounds like my kind of book actually. I like the ones with liminal characters that can never be catagorized. Thanks!<br /><br />Framed said...<br />Cassie reminded me that I've only had the book for a year. It just feels longer.<br /></div><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167679955421286382007-01-01T11:30:00.000-08:002007-01-14T17:37:01.876-08:00Life of Pi by Yann Martel December 20<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">---This book was recommended by my daughter, Cassie. In fact, she has reviewed several interesting books on her blog, Scads of Books, (see link at the side) that I need to read. I haven't been disappointed yet. "Life of Pi' is an excellent story with so many different components. It begins with Pi's life in India as a zookeeper's son, explains hilariously how he comes up with his abbreviated name, and tells great stories about the animals in the zoo. He is very pro-zoo. The book is also very religious; not for any one particular religion but about the existence of God. In fact in the author's notes, he claims this story will make you believe in God. After losing his family in a shipwreck, Pi must learn to survive on the open seas for 277 days with only his wits and a bengal tiger. I found the story to be so compelling. And Martel writes beautifully. I have 13 book darts marking quotes that I really liked. (I think that's a record.) Here are some of my favorites:<br /><span style="color:#3366ff;">"If we, citizens, do not support our artists, then we sacrifice our imagination on the altar of crude reality and we end up believing in nothing and having worthless dreams."</span> Author's Notes<br /><span style="color:#33cc00;">"If you take two steps towards God, God runs to you."<br />"These people fail to realize that it is on the inside that God must be defended, not on the outside. They should direct their anger at themselves. For evil in the open is but evil from within that has been let out. The main battlefield for good is not the open ground of the public arena but the small clearing of each heart."<br /></span><span style="styleDocument: [object];color:#3366ff;" >"Faith in God is an opening up, a letting go, a deep trust, a free act of love--but sometimes it was so hard to love. . . .Despair was a heavy blackness that let no light in or out. It was a hell beyond expression. I thank God it always passed. . . The blackness would stir and eventually go away, and God would remain, a shining point of light in my heart. I would go on loving."<br /></span><span style="color:#33cc00;">" 'Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?'<br />'We're just being reasonable.'<br />'So am I. I applied my reason at every moment. Reason is excellent for getting food, clothing and shelter. Reason is the very best tool kit. Nothing beats reason for keeping tigers away. But be excessively reasonable and you risk throwing out the universe with the bathwater.' "<br /></span><span style="color:#3333ff;">"To me, religion is about our dignity, not our depravity."<br /></span>-- I am adding my recommendation for all to read this wonderful book. It's a fantastic story about courage, love, resourcefulness, strength and weakness.<br /><strong>Rating: 5<br /></strong>7 Comments:<br /><a name="c116666898436757260"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/13979896448183348883" rel="nofollow">Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather)</a> said...<br />This has been on my TBR Mountain for quite awhile...seems like it should make a jump to the top of the list sometime soon!Heatherwww.thelibraryladder.blogspot.com<br /><a name="c116667670637895701"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />Did we read the same book? When I put it on my list of books I hated, my husband reminded me of some really terrific passages. Now you've added several more. I probably didn't catch all, or any, of the symbolism, but I don't think I'll bother rereading it to see. I'm glad you liked it.<br /><a name="c116668334635159512"></a><a href="http://paperdietbooks.com/" rel="nofollow">Stacey</a> said...<br />Great pick - I really loved this book. I felt something in me change, everso slightly, while reading it. Big thumbs up.<br /><a name="c116670997059996693"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />After reading this book, I wished I had appreciated it more while I was actually reading it because afterwards, I found it to have the greatest lasting effect on me than any other fiction book I read. Oddly enough, I only rated it a 4/5 at the time, but the impact of how it made me think for months and months earns it a 5 in my memory!I agree Framed, definitely a fantastic story!<br /><a name="c116673753282465106"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15818786098417686889" rel="nofollow">ML</a> said...<br />I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It kept me facinated and not wanting to put it down.<br /><a name="c116684545674249086"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Thanks for all your comments. I'm glad so many of you also liked the book. Booklogged, you are usually right on with your books, but I never forget that you liked "Poisonwood Bible." Actually, I forgot that you didn't like this one.<br /><a name="c116723406827907385"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/08345657431432380804" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />I loved this book! Gave it a 9/10 rating. Yann Martel is an excellent story-teller. Since this was in my Top Ten for 2003, I'll have to post my review. Lots of great passages that I marked, too!<br /><br /></div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" unselectable="on" height="1"><div id="hotbar_promo" style="styleDocument: [object]" align="center"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote style="styleDocument: [object]"></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167679745865166242007-01-01T11:26:00.000-08:002007-01-14T17:48:15.666-08:00The Bean Tree by Barbara Kingsolver December 16<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">When I started this book, I had to go get my book "Pigs in Heaven" by Kingsolver to make sure I wasn't reading the book for the second time. But no, Pigs is a sequel to "The Bean Trees." I should have read them in the correct order, but, oh well. You can read my review on Pigs: <a href="http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/12/page-123-meme.html">http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/12/page-123-meme.html</a><br />It was good to get know Taylor and Turtle better and find out the rest of the story. Alice, Taylor's mother, isn't involved as much in this book which is too bad. I really liked that character. But Taylor quotes her sayings quite often:<br />"Even a spotted pig looks black at night. This is another thing Mama used to tell me quite often. It means that things always look different, and usually better, in the morning."<br />I really like Kingsolver's descriptions. She doesn't waste words and is not the least flowery, but she still gets a sharp image across.<br />"I loved fishing those old mud-bottomed poonds. Partly because she (Alice) would be proud of whatever I dragged out, but also because I just loved sitting still. You could smell leaves rotting into the cool mud and watch the Jesus bugs walk on the water, their four little feet making dents in the surface but never falling through. And sometimes you'd see the big ones, the ones nobody was ever going to hook, slipping away under the water like dark-brown dreams."<br />There's another great descriptive paragraph in my "Page 123 Meme" just below this post.<br />Turtle, the little girl, is fascinated with vegetables and notices that wisteria vines have bean-looking pods left after the flowers die, hence the name, bean trees. At the end of the book, they read a horticulture book that explains how rhizobia, little bugs, live on the roots of the vine, enabling it to thrive in poor soil. "It's like this," I explained to Turtle. "There's a whole invisible system for helping out the plant that you'd never guess was there." I loved this idea. "It's just the same as with people. The way Edna has Virgie, and Virgie has Edna, and Sandi has Kid Central Station, and everybody has Mattie. And on and one." The wisteria vines on their own would just barely get by, is how I explained it to Turtle, but put them together with rhizobia and they make miracles.<br />Pretty great lesson on how we depend on and need each other. Kingsolver is a good storyteller and shows great humor. I liked this book but not quite as much as 'Pigs". But definitely read this one first, it just makes more sense.<br /><strong>Rating: 4.25<br /></strong>3 Comments:<br /><a name="c116639368166313095"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I love Barbara Kingsolver. She hasn't hadn't anything new out for several years. I wish she'd get a new out there.Love the spotted pig quote - Things look different, and usually better, in the morning.What's up next?<br /><a name="c116641414847560750"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I reading "Life of Pi." It's very funny which I guess I hadn't planned on. Also learning lots of interesting things about animals. I'm guessing there's more to it than this. I'm only on page 48, but, so far, I'm liking it.<br /><a name="c116646502455242848"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />It's been years and years since I read these books of Kingsolver's. Loved them so much and really should read them again someday. Thanks for sharing the lovely passages.<br /></div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" unselectable="on" height="1"><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167679581321768822006-12-12T11:23:00.000-08:002007-01-14T17:59:09.296-08:00To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">***I am fifty years old and asking myself why I've never read this book before. It is such a beautiful story, incredibly well-written, humorous, tragic, and a wonderful tale of growing up. The narrator of the story is 6-year-old Scout Finch who tells of life in a sleepy southern town, running around with her brother, Jem, and summer friend, Dill. To read of how these children grow up in the 30's and lose their innocence of human nature and, at the same time, have it reaffirmed was a moving experience. Atticus Finch is another memorable character, full of dignity and integrity. At first, you see him as an older father of young children who is seemingly absent-minded and indifferent. As the story progresses, you realize how much he truly loves his children and wishes to teach them to become principled adults. I imagine that when the book was published in 1960, at the beginning of the Civil Rights movement, it created quite a stir. I'm impressed that Lee won a Pulitzer Prize for it. I especially liked the comparison she made to Hitler's bigotted treatment of the Jews to the way the people of Maycombe treated the town's black population. The message is still just as pertinent to our way of life now.<br />***At the end of the book, Scout and Atticus are discussing a story he had just read to her,<br />"An' they chased him 'n' never could catch him 'cause they didn't know what he looked like, an' Atticus, when they finally saw him, why he hadn't done any of those things . . . Atticus, he was real nice . . . ."<br />His hands were under my chin, pulling up the cover, tucking it around me.<br />"Most people are, Scout, when you finally see them."<br />***I really loved this book. I fully understand why it is considered an American classic. I've not loved every Pulitzer Prize book I've read, but this one truly deserved it. Now, I want to see the movie. No, I haven't seen it either. And Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch, splendid casting!!!!<br /><strong>Rating: 5<br /></strong>14 Comments:<br /><a name="c116598540528148665"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I know I'm stretching calling this a "K" title, but it is my list.<br /><a name="c116602473424744453"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323" rel="nofollow">SuziQoregon</a> said...<br />I think it qualifies as a K title :-) I re-read this for the first time in years as part of my A to Z list this year. I was amazed all over again how great this book was. I hadn't read it since I was a teenager.I've heard that there's a new audiobook version out that's read by Sissy Spacek - I'd love to hear her read this.<br /><a name="c116603243552865592"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />I read this for the first time a few years ago (in my 40s) and loved it, too! What a gem of a book. The movie's quite good, too. Enjoy!<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14612340863090247579" rel="nofollow">Lisa</a> said...<br />I have tried to read this book at least 1,000 times (ok maybe a SLIGHT exaggeration) but have never gotten into it. I don't know why. I have a brain block for it or something! Anyway, it's inspiring to hear two of you reading it for the first time in mid-life -- so maybe I'll still get to it. I should just put it on my TBR list, and then the pressure's on!! :)<br /><a name="c116605447455769873"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />O drat it all - I just posted a comment and blogger lost it! So aggravating when that happens.Anyway, a lovely review, Framed. I haven't read this since I was teenager. Now I want to read it again. Gregory Peck plays the perfect Atticus.<br /><a name="c116606357346297492"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />The movie is great. In class I played the 'victim' it was soooo amazingly fun. I actually got casted in the school play for doing that...I got the 50th anniversary edition for Christmas one year and it made the most amazing present. I was so happy to receive it even though I owned a trade edition. Its one of those books you wanna have a hardcover for because its just that good.<br /><a name="c116607548165415310"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />SusieQ - I love Sissy Spacek. Les - I'm glad I'm not the only one who missed out on this book in high school. I probably appreciated it more now than I would have then.Lisa - I thought it started out a little slow and the change in my interest level was so gradual that I can even pinpoint when I really got into it.Book - Are you being profane on my blog? I think much worse when my comments get swallowed up in blog world. Thanks for the compliment.Nessie - I watch movies so little but I really want to see this one. I love Gregory Peck.<br /><a name="c116614895275146347"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27657508" rel="nofollow">Tristi Pinkston</a> said...<br />A friend of mine recently told me that Harper Lee and Truman Capote were friends growing up, and that "To Kill a Mockingbird" is the story of Harper growing up and that Dill is Truman Capote. Sort of interesting!<br /><a name="c116619434153261527"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />Wow! I am gonna check up on that. Will post if I find any information on it. It would unbelievable no?<br /><a name="c116620350854854419"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/24257730" rel="nofollow">Bellezza</a> said...<br />To Kill A Mockingbird was required reading, and still is, at our High School. I think that may be a bit young, because it is such an outstanding book. It has too many important concepts that teenagers might miss. I agree with you, on what an awesome book it is. Oh, and by the way, Chicago made it their book of the year to read a few summers ago.<br /><a name="c116620935369977802"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735195" rel="nofollow">Cassie</a> said...<br />Truman Capote and Harper Lee were friends and I've heard the same thing that a character is patterned after him and that he did the same thing with her in one of his books. I thought it was Boo Radley though.<br /><a name="c116620941831466632"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735195" rel="nofollow">Cassie</a> said...<br />oh and Framed I'm glad you realized about your title. That was the first thing I thought to comment about but your right, it is your list.<br /><a name="c116627557306060235"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />You are not alone. I picked this up only a few years ago. It definitely was a winner with me as well! :)<br /><a name="c116673766762228730"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15818786098417686889" rel="nofollow">ML</a> said...<br />I loved this book! After I read the last sentence, I wanted to start reading it all over again.Also, you're not the only "late" reader of this book. I only just read it last year.</div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" unselectable="on" height="1"><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167679332461136432006-12-07T11:20:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:03:31.800-08:00Justice Hall by Laurie R King<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">It's been so long since I've done a book review. It's just a busy time of year not a book that took forever to read. Justice Hall is part of a mystery series. My advice is to start with the first book and read them in order. I think I would have enjoyed this book even more had I done that. There are a lot of references to previous mysteries that I was clueless about. That's my disclaimer, now I can say that I really like this mystery. Mary Russell is the younger wife of Sherlock Holmes--yes, the Sherlock Holmes. I don't know how much younger, probably information contained in another book. But they have a collaborative marriage in which they work together to solve mysteries and it's a fun relationship to read about. The story takes place in the 1920's after the lst World War. Justice Hall belongs to a old friend who just inherited it. Of course, they knew this friend as someone else and had no idea that he was a member of one of England's finest families. The way King describes the actual home is fantastic. I enjoyed reading about this time period and how societal mores are changing. The actual mystery involves finding out how the previous heir to the dukedom died and if anyone caused the death to take place. (I'm trying not to give too much away.) There are some very interesting plot twists that just make the book that much more interesting. I would like to read more of King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series. This one was a well-written, well-thought-out mystery.<br /><strong>Rating: 4.25</strong><br />5 Comments:<br /><a name="c116554824534358894"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />Crazy! Like I have said never really got into mysteries but Sherlock was always a favorite for sure. I hate when you end up reading the series out of order. Once I was looking at a chunkster in the bookstore and bought it. It was Diana Gaboldon's VOYAGER which was the third book of her series. I went back and read the first two but it was not the same to be sure! :(<br /><a name="c116556433799895176"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I was fortunate enough to start with the first in this series. I have really enjoyed them all. King is quite a deliberate writer, there are parts that seem a bit slow, but it all helps the feel of the mystery and the time period. And by the end of the book you are completely satisfied. I know the first one in the series is The Beekeeper's Apprentice, I loose track after that.So you're ready to start on 'K'. I'll have to go back and see what your K reads are. You are nearly half way through the alphabet. Good for you!<br /><a name="c116556465314675829"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />Your next two look like ones you're going to enjoy: To Kill a Mockigbird and The Beantree.<a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116556465314675829"> </a><br /><a name="c116569440655187772"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18482965" rel="nofollow">Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather)</a> said...<br />I hadn't heard of this author before. Sounds like it was a good read.<br /><a name="c116590265441658386"></a><a href="http://darkorpheus.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Dark Orpheus</a> said...<br />I love Laurie R. King. I appreciate how she always try to find something new to inject into her stories. Glad you like this book.</div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167679192227698402006-11-28T11:08:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:07:30.050-08:00Brainiac by Ken Jennings<div style="styleDocument: [object]"align="left">^^^Last month, I had the opportunity to hear Ken Jennings speak at the Great Salt Lake Book Festival. I wrote a blog about it here: <a style="styleDocument: [object]" href="http://lifesapicture.blogspot.com/2006/10/great-salt-lake-book-festival.html">http://lifesapicture.blogspot.com/2006/10/great-salt-lake-book-festival.html</a>. He was well-spoken, funny and very enlightening. Needless to say, I bought the book.<br />^^^The book is very different from most books I read. It's not really a story, certainly not fiction, more of a fact book. But Ken Jennings wrote this in such a charming, fascinating way. What a fun read. Yes, the story of his 75 appearances on Jeopardy is the main theme, but that story is surrounded but the whys and wherefores of the trivia world. Each chapter is titled with a question: "What is Ambition?", "What is Erudition?", "What is Juxtaposition?", for example. The narration of each chapter includes about ten trivia facts which you can try to answer or just turn to the end of the chapter like I did. Jennings traces the beginning of the trivia craze and how it has phased in and out of our society. He follows the old TV quiz shows, college quiz bowls, pub quiz mania, Trivial Pursuit, and the many volumes written about trivia. There are so many funny stories included in this book, and Jennings did make me laugh many times. I am not a trivia fanatic in the least, but I will read this book again in a few years and see if I can remember any of those questions. Probably not. Here are some of Jennings' thoughts about trivia and trivia geeks:<br />~~~"If trivia is a fad, it's certainly a pesky one. Like the Terminator, Halley's comet and genital herpes, trivia just keeps coming back."<br />~~~"If a quiz bowl player volunteers to tell you the story of his "best buzz" ever, it's not going to involve a few bottles of Smirnoff Ice and a band that was, like, really jammin'. It's going to be about the time his team was down thirty points on the last question, and he "buzzed in" and answered "mitochondria" after just two or three words, and single-handedly converted the entire bonus question to win the game!"<br />~~~"Trivia, in other words, is the bait on the fishing rod of education. By the time you realize what you've swallowed, you're hooked."<br />~~~"Trivia reminds us that truth is stranger than fiction, that the universe really is a brilliant and mysterious place. In the midst of our humdrum daily routine, trivia can be a bolt out of the blue, reminding us how weirdly wonderful life really is. "<br />~~~"Not all trvial facts are trivial, and even the trivial ones might come in handy someday. Even trivia like 'Opossums have thirteen nipples' might mean something to somebody. If nothing else, it's a matter of life and death to the thirteenth opossum."<br />^^^I enjoyed Brainiac a lot and learned many interesting facts that may or may not be useful. Unlike Ken Jennings, unfortunately, I am doomed to forget most of it. But I'll have this book as a reference. I recommend this book for when you need to read something completely different from the fiction/nonfiction story genre.<br /><strong>Rating: 4.5<br /></strong>6 Comments:<br /><a name="c116481046129734126"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />Great review! This is a book my Trivial Pursuit champion of a husband would love. One more gift to go under the tree. :)<br /><a name="c116481481738822275"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735195" rel="nofollow">Cassie</a> said...<br />I really want to borrow this from you someday along with many others. Sheesh my TBR list is growing and I don't even have a list yet.<br /><a name="c116481659732751994"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />As a kid I used to love to watch Jeopardy & my dad's friends would say that if I could answera a question that he could not get I would get 5$ & if I answered a question he got WRONG then I got 20$. How could I not have fond memories??...<br /><a name="c116506922827050512"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/3641323" rel="nofollow">Colleen Gleason</a> said...<br />This sounds like a great book, something my husband and/or father in law might enjoy for Christmas.Thanks for the review!(PS I used to read the Death on Demand series years ago...and wished there was a store like Death on Demand that I could visit!!)<br /><a name="c116508109615967379"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />By the way, I work with a group that has the same title as your post. So a member at a meeting while surfing went gaga over this. www.brainiac.degadesign.com<br /><a name="c116537443783112270"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I wonder when I'm going to get to my copy of this book?! I so enjoyed hearing him talk. He looks so quiet and well, 'brainiac' but he was so funny. The book sounds wonderful. It's nice to know there is someone in the world who, when she buys a book, actually reads it. Hats off!</div></td></tr></tbody>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167678449206422052006-11-21T11:04:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:11:51.246-08:00A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">---There is so much to say about this book. Let me start with the things I didn't like, a couple of these are really petty. First, I borrowed this book from the library. It's a hard back book but the front cover is damaged and very flimsy. You'd be amazed at how annoying that was. (I did say petty, didn't I?) Second, this is the cover of the edition that I read. A picture of John Irving. Keep in mind, this is the third John Irivng book I have read and while he is a very nice-looking man, I know that he has a twisted mind. And his eyes in the picture follow you everywhere. It creeped me out. He's staring at me as I write this. Don't ask me why I didn't just turn the book over. I'm not that smart. Third, there is a lot of political posturing in the book. A great deal of it deals with the Vietnam War which is a huge piece of the story and probably something I need to learn more about. But the greatest diatribe is against the Reagan administration in the late 1980's. The book was published in 1989. It didn't seem very relevant to me now. Besides I'm not very political so that part left me cold.<br />---So, what did I like about the book. WELL, I could go on and on. It really is a great book. Irving is a master at creating odd and quirky characters, but Owen Meany is arguably the most compelling and memorable character I have ever read about. And the story touches on so many different subjects: faith, death, friendship, love. Throughout the book, Irving tells about so many different occurrences, places and things; and, then at the end, he ties it all together beautifully and so unexpectedly. The end just blew me away. I plan on reading the book again someday because I'm sure I will look for clues that I completely missed this time. But maybe the surprise is better. There were so many great quotes. Here are a few of my favorites:<br />---"It's a no-win argument--that business of what we're born with and what our environment does to us. And it's a boring argument, because it simplifies the mysteries that attend both our birth and our growth."<br />---(Owen Meany always talks in all capitols) "THE POINT IS, GOD DOESN'T LOVE US BECAUSE WE'RE SMART OR BECAUSE WE'RE GOOD. WE'RE STUPID AND WE'RE BAD AND GOD LOVES US ANYWAY."<br />---(Talking about Marilyn Monroe) "THOSE FAMOUS, POWERFUL MEN--DID THEY REALLY LOVE HER? DID THEY TAKE CARE OF HER? IF SHE WAS EVER WITH THE KENNEDYS, THEY COULDN'T HAVE LOVED HER--THEY WERE JUST USING HER, THEY WERE JUST BEING CARELESS AND TREATING THEMSELVES TO A THRILL. THAT'S WHAT POWERFUL MEN DO TO THIS COUNTY--IT'S A BEAUTIFUL, SEXY BREATHLESS COUNTRY, AND POWERFUL MEN USE IT TO TREAT THEMSELVES TO A THRILL!"<br />---"You've witnessed what you call a miracle and now you believe--you believe everything. But miracles don't cause belief--real miracles don't make faith out of thin air; you have to already have faith in order to believe in real miracles."<br />---"Although the sun had set, vivid streaks of vermilion-colored light traced the enormous sky, and through one of these streaks of light, I saw Owen's plane descending--as if, wherever Owen Meany went, some kind of light always attended him."<br />---The book begins with an interesting introduction written by the author. I love reading what authors have to say about their work. It gives me a greater insight into what I'm reading. This introduction also gave me an idea for "Buy a Friend a Book Week" in January. So visit me again then to learn more.<br />---I'm also adding that the humor in the story is wonderful. The Christmas Pageant was hilarious and the Volkswagon incident had me rolling on the floor.<br />Rating: 4.75<br />12 Comments:<br /><a name="c116417929671270859"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12044394341877375419" rel="nofollow">Alyson</a> said...<br />Yeah! I'm glad you liked it. I didn't really enjoy the amount of politics in this book either, but the rest of the story is so wonderful that I look past that. I think this is one of my favorites because Owen is such an endearing character, and because the ending suprised me as well. I've already read this one twice, and I already want to read it again.<br /><a name="c116418550307640244"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I don't know what I was thinking when I didn't pick this for From the Stacks Challenge. Maybe I can read it for the Chunkster Challenge. It is a chunkster, isn't it?You are moving right along on the alphabetical read. Probably about 1/3 through and you didn't start so long ago.Love reading your reviews.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />I've read this twice. Once in 2000 and again in 2005. It was on my Top Ten List for 2005 and I posted a review <a href="http://lesleysbooknook.blogspot.com/2006/09/prayer-for-owen-meany.html" rel="nofollow">here</a>. There are so many wonderful quotes! I posted one in my review, but I have dozens highlighted in my book.<br /><a name="c116426182707345278"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Alyson, I'm so glad you recommended this book. It's the only reason I read it and I really did love it. I may have to buy my own copy so I can mark it up. Book, you do need to read it. It would qualify as a chunkster. Les, I loved your review. I alos enjoyed the comments.<br /><a name="c116428496552428793"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529" rel="nofollow">Lotus Reads</a> said...<br />Goodness, yes, that is an unusual cover isn't it? It's not often you come across a book with the author's face, even if its a good-looking one, splashed across the cover like that! :)Great review, Framed - I have always wanted to read this book, but after reading what you have to say I am even more inclined to do so.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />This one's still on my get-to-it-soon list. Actually, it has been for a long time. It's great to read yet another positive review! I just gave my last read a 4.75 and I thought I was being odd when I did so. It's also kind of nice to see someone else give an in-between rating. I don't know what to think of the author's face. It's a nice one, but surely they could have come up with something better.<br /><a name="c116451883059637658"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/04182423080676677535" rel="nofollow">Nessie</a> said...<br />when i read this in high school I was flying. the entire class read it and we kept on bringing it up during parties and get togethers. Its one of those books that creeps up on you throughout your life (this is 5 years later anyways...) which makes it a classic for me<br /><a name="c116455052031558000"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />I thought I already responded to this one, but evidently I didn't.I want to read it, but need to wait. Now to find out that it's a chunkster...ugh! It may have to wait a little while longer. :(My first chunkster is going to be THE LONESOME DOVE (McMurty), maybe this will be the second. We'll see.<br /><a href="http://www.libromancy.org/" rel="nofollow">Sara</a> said...<br />I've owned this one for a while and haven't gotten around to reading it yet. I'm going to bring it to the top of the stack now after reading your review. Luckily I won't have all of your problems with the creepy author photo since mine just has a plain blue cover. Huzzah!<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/24257730" rel="nofollow">Bellezza</a> said...<br />I have a hard time appreciating John Irving; I just don't get him!But, my son and I loved the movie "Simon Birch" which was based on this novel. And, of all John Irving's novels, this one is the one I like best. I read A Widow for A Year, and was singularly nonplussed. I think he's just too deep for me. Or, something.Thanks for commenting on my blog, I really enjoy your visits.<br /><a name="c116511491181855767"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Belleza, I definitely like this book better than anything else of his that I've read. I don't plan on reading another unless I get rave recommendations like I did with Owen Meany.<br /><a name="c116550470401781385"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/6704288" rel="nofollow">michelle</a> said...<br />Owen Meany is one of my all-tme favorite books. I try and space out re-readings to keep it fresh but always find myself coming back to it.Owen is just the most unique character I have ever read and every time I revisit this book I find something new to love that I had missed before.Glad you enjoyed it!Michelle<a href="http://jimnshelle.net/books" rel="nofollow">Overdue Books</a></div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1167678249849459932006-11-14T10:59:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:15:02.040-08:00I Heard the Owl Call My Name by Margaret Craven<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">**My mother recommended this book, and I am so glad I followed her advice. It's just a small book but what a beautiful story of love, acceptance, giving, and dying. Craven really captures the majesty of the Pacific Northwest and her description of a dying culture is both sad and profound. There are really two themes involved in this book, the story of a dying young man and how he finds himself through giving to others, and the plight of Native Americans who fight the world outside in trying to maintain their own culture even though so much of this culture has already been lost. She is very realistic about how cultures change and grow. We see the inevitability of this even though it seems quite tragic. And the story of Mark Brian is so poignant and moving.<br /><strong>Rating: 4.75</strong><br />5 Comments:<br /><a name="c116356907619081939"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12044394341877375419" rel="nofollow">Alyson</a> said...<br />I also read this book because your mother recommended it. I really enjoyed it as well. Your done with your "I" title, does that mean you're reading A Prayer for Owen Meany next? Is that still your "I" author book? I'm excited for you to read it. I love that book!<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/11/i-title.html#116356907619081939">10:37 PM</a> <a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116356907619081939"></a><br /><a name="c116365206652368453"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/00651016653247142255" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I read this book because your mother recommended it, too.One of these fine months I absolutely have to get to Prayer for Ownen Meany. I know, I'll put it on my chunkster list.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/11/i-title.html#116365206652368453">9:41 PM</a> <a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116365206652368453"></a><br /><a name="c116372829474251046"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Yes, I am reading Owen Meany, but no comment at this time. I don't believe in "spoilers." It definitely qualifies as a chunkster.<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/11/i-title.html#116372829474251046">6:51 PM</a> <a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116372829474251046"></a><br /><a name="c116383141085431053"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12044394341877375419" rel="nofollow">Alyson</a> said...<br />Chunkster? Does that mean it's a thick book, or is that some new TBR list you guys are making?<br /><a title="comment permalink" href="http://framedandbooked.blogspot.com/2006/11/i-title.html#116383141085431053">11:30 PM</a> <a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116383141085431053"></a><br /><a name="c116406472041241856"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />I bought this one for my son and I don't recall whether or not he got around to reading it, but it looked really good. Thanks for the review. Now, I know I'll have to take the time to read this one, some day!Alyson: Chunkster means a thick book. I'm hosting a "Chunkster Challenge" from January to June, to motivate those of us who are intimidated by big books to get some of them read. :)</div></td></tr><tr unselectable="on" hb_tag="1"><td style="FONT-SIZE: 1pt" height="1" unselectable="on"><div id="hotbar_promo"></div></td></tr></tbody>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163399117244343522006-11-12T22:23:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:19:34.236-08:00LETTER FROM HOME by Carolyn Hart November 12, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">*I bought this book because I have always enjoyed Hart's "Death on Demand" mystery series. They are easy to read, light, humorous mysteries involving Death on Demand store owner, Annie Darling and her gorgeous husband, Max. But this book is completely different. The tone is much darker; the mystery is complicated and tragic.<br />*G. G. Gilman is a world-famous journalist who receives a letter that takes her back many years to the summer when she was fourteen and working her first newspaper job during WWII. That is the summer when Gretchen Grace Gilman, while helping her friend, Barb, finds the strangled body of Barb's mother, Faye. The rest of the book deals with how her small Okalhoma town gives in to gossip, panic, and rigid judgment. Gretchen strives to report the facts which include the good character of the murdered woman even if few in the town will not accept that "she asked for it." As Gretchen tries to help her friend, take care of her aging grandmother, and accept her widowed mother's new friend; she must also learn the integrity of a reporter who reports the truth and stands by her words. It isn't until the end of the book that you learn the truth of the murder in a twist that took me by surprise.<br />*Hart wrote this book beautifully and won the Agatha Award. If you want to read a thoughtful and interesting mystery, I highly recommend this one.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">5 Comments:<br /><a name="c116341881726708690"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />I like the blurb under your title. It's so true. I only read one Amy Tan and didn't care for it and never ventured to try another.LETTER FROM HOME sounds like one I'd like to look into. Glad to see you are having good reads!<br /><a name="c116343963124032958"></a><a href="http://www.book-girl.info/" rel="nofollow">iliana</a> said...<br />I'm always on the lookout for new mysteries so I will add this one to my list. Great review.<br /><a name="c116347638406752732"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />Sounds like one I'd like, too. I've already added Hart's Death on Demand series to my list at your recom. What's one more?! Is it going to make the whole thing topple? JK The list grows exponentially on a daily basis. I've decided this is my new hobby - collecting titles of books. You should try it!<br /><a name="c116353540166266110"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18482965" rel="nofollow">Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather)</a> said...<br />You are really zipping along on the Challenge!! Great review!!<br /><a name="c116549130261032350"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15970095" rel="nofollow">Kucki</a> said...<br />I have read this as I like the Dead on Demand mysteries and you recommended it and I did like it quite a bit. The back and forth is one of the devices of writting that I tend to enjoy. Time travel in it's early stages... Thanks for the review.<br /></div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163357125785594552006-11-12T10:44:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:23:46.163-08:00THE HISTORY OF LOVE by Nicole Krauss November 10, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">This is a very complex story. I was very confused through the first third of the book. Then I started to see that the threads of different stories were becoming intertwined and I needed to find out how. Leo Gursky is an unforgettable character. He is so well-drawn that I had to check that this book was really written by a woman. She describes an elderly, lonely forgotten man so beautifully. The other main character is Alma Singer, a teenage girl, completely different from Leo, but just as memorable and believable. There are several other interesting characters in the book, but the way Krauss plays them into the story, maintaining a mystery that isn't resolved until the final few pages, is incredible. I was amazed how she pulled all the strings together. The ending is stunning. I thought when I read the book that it would be a love story. I read a review that said it is really about loneliness and the need to feel a void left empty by lost love. I can see that. And the story is really very sad, but sometimes funny, and even joyous. Another reviewer recommended: "It's best not to put the book aside for a few days, but rather read it straight through with only short breaks. Trying to recapture the story is challenging. It's not a light beach read." I think I would have enjoyed the book more if I had been able to do that. So read this book when you want something thought-provoking, quirky and completely different from any other book you've read, and when you have some time to devote to it. I will definitely read it again.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.50<br />6 Comments:<br /><a name="c116321687841538817"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I am rereading this right now because I'm leading the book club review this month. I was afraid I wouldn't enjoy it as much as the first time, especially having just finished The Book Thief, but I'm enjoying it immensely. Just finished the first part with Leo. He is such a crack-up. And so well written. I'm glad you liked the book. I always feel a certain intrepidation recommending books.<br /><a name="c116325006189941956"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />"...thought-provoking, quirky and completely different..." For some reason this one never landed on my TBR list. It's going on now. Thanks! :)<br /><a name="c116325176443619783"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/02081192215823615529" rel="nofollow">Lotus Reads</a> said...<br />I heard a dramatized version of this book on BBC Radio 4 when it first came out and it certainly did sound like a wonderful book and since your review confirms it,I really must put it on my TBR list!<br /><a name="c116328674597602810"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />"...the story is really very sad, but sometimes funny, and even joyous." This sounds like a description of The Book Thief! I've heard such wonderful comments about this book and even checked it out from the library (but other books won me over and I had to return it unread). It sounds like one I may have to own. Perhaps that will motivate me to get on the ball and read it! Lovely review.<br /><a name="c116333878068354262"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/06046532245054911248" rel="nofollow">jenclair</a> said...<br />I've been resisting this one...not sure why. Your review may make me reconsider.<br /><a name="c116404315463361644"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/14612340863090247579" rel="nofollow">Lisa</a> said...<br />Oh, thanks for the review! I can't wait to read this one! By the way, would you mind telling me where you get these jpegs that show the book upright and slightly open?? I would like to post them like that on my site, too, but I can never find these kind of images. Thanks!!<br /></div></strong>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163357059401325392006-11-12T10:42:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:26:39.216-08:00BABY PROOF by Emily Giffin November 8, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Granted I had just finished "The Goose Girl" which I loved, and I thought this would be another of those modern, high-powered, woman stories that I haven't really enjoyed in the past, so I'm glad that I liked it anyway.<br />Claudia does not want children, has never wanted children, and at the age of 32, has about decided she will never find a man who agrees with this life-style choice. I love this one quote:<br /><em>"A long conversation about baby naming ensued, a topic I find to be ridiculous and tiresome unless you have a nine-month deadline in the works. Discussing baby names when you're not even pregnant is almost as ridiculous as laying claimg to a name."</em> I had to laugh because I did this, still think of names for grandbabies who are not yet in the works and I know several others who are also guilty.<br />Continuing on, she meets Ben. Of course, they fall in love and get married. Two years later, Ben reneges on their agreement and pressures Claudia to reproduce. Now I can't truly understand not wanting kids since that's the best thing I've ever done, but I found myself getting impatient with all the people in this book who pressured Claudia to have kids. After all, she is a modern, high-powered, very intelligent woman. Get off her case, for crying out loud.<br />Another funny quote about Raymond Jr. who is about 4-months old: <em>"Raymond Jr. clutches Ben's thumb, and I wonder how I'm supposed to compete with a stunt like that. </em>The kid is good." The marriage ends and the rest of the book tells how Claudia copes along with the support of her two sisters (what would we do without sisters?) and her best friend. I liked the humor in the book and found it to be a very enjoyable read. The lesson I learned is that you know you truly love someone when you will do absolutely anything to make them happy. The question is, do Claudia and Ben figure that out? You'll have to read to find out.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">4 Comments:<br /><a name="c116305903277643963"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12044394341877375419" rel="nofollow">Alyson</a> said...<br />I must say I've never fallen into the trap of naming my not-yet conceived children. I think I'm the only girl out there that doesn't have at least one boy and one girl name picked out. I always thought I was weird, but at least now I know there's a fictional character who didn't do that either.<br /><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/6704288" rel="nofollow">michelle</a> said...<br />Nice review. I'm not sure that I would have picked this one up on the shallow basis of title and cover (I'm not the only one judging books by their cover, right?) but it seems like I might have missed out. Thanks for the review and congrats on crossing one off the list!Michelle<a href="http://jimnshelle.net/books" rel="nofollow">Overdue Books</a><br /><a name="c116317522956571762"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18482965" rel="nofollow">Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather)</a> said...<br />I really like your review! This one sounds hilarious. I'm in the opposite boat...can't find a man who wants children!<a title="Delete Comment" style="BORDER-TOP-STYLE: none; BORDER-RIGHT-STYLE: none; BORDER-LEFT-STYLE: none; BORDER-BOTTOM-STYLE: none" href="http://www.blogger.com/delete-comment.g?blogID=30712145&postID=116317522956571762"> </a><br /><a name="c116507051039356312"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/8311923" rel="nofollow">Sheri</a> said...<br />I discovered Emily Giffin earlier this year when someone suggested her first book Something Borrowed to me. She loved the book and made it sound like a fun and enagaging read, she had thatlook in her eye that I get when I've read something REALLY good that I really want soemone else to read, it was very convincing...and who am I to dismiss something just because it's beeen classified as "chick lit?" I gave it a try and LOVED it, then I ran to the store and grabbed the sequel Something Blue which was just as enjoyable. If you liked Baby Proof, you should really give Something Borrowed, and Something Blue a try.I want to read Baby Proof soon, I'm glad you reviewed this.</div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356956620440772006-11-12T10:41:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:29:31.776-08:00THE GOOSE GIRL by Shannon Hale Novemer 5, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]"><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">What is there to say about this book except for WOW. I loved it. It took me a little while to really get into it because I had just finished "Prayers for the Assassin" and this was soooo different. But by the end, I realized it had a lot of the same elements: a great map, intrigue, conspiracy, violence, suspense, and romance. Truly, what more could you ask for? And, lo and behold, there is more because Shannon Hale is an exceptionally gifted author. She writes so beautifully. She took an old Grimm's fairy tale (one I had never heard) and transformed it into one of the best books I've ever read. I could scarcely put it down and was so sad when it ended. I can't wait to read the next two books in the series. In fact, I was surprised at how amazing her writing is after seeing her at the Book Festival. She was thoughtful, thought-provoking, and very funny, but I didn't really catch a full glimpse of her talent with words. I'd heard raves from my sister and niece but I still wasn't prepared for the beauty of her prose. Here's an example:<br />"The river birches were leafing brilliant--hundreds of thin, gold coins dangling from their arms. It was perfect, as though their green leave had been a falsehood all those months and just now the trees showed their realness, their pure autumnal yellowness. Ani felt a stirring, a hope, a winged thing waking up in her chest and brushing her heart with its feathers."<br />Isn't that just how you feel in the midst of a gorgeous autumn scene? And the magic of Ani is described so fantastically. Hale makes it almost ordinary because it is so believable. I'd love to see this book made into a movie just to see that final scene where Ani commands the winds. But a movie probably couldn't capture that moment as well as Hale's words. Just let me add my recommendation to that of other bloggers who have reviewed this book: You must read it!<br />Rating: 5+</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">8 Comments:<br /><a name="c116276711664962659"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12044394341877375419" rel="nofollow">Alyson</a> said...<br />This book is at the top of my Christmas Break reading list. I'm really excited to read it because everyone who has reviewed it has nothing but wonderful things to say about it.<br /><a name="c116276804695934105"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323" rel="nofollow">SuziQoregon</a> said...<br />Obviously I need to look for this one :-)<br /><a name="c116278399867904595"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />The timing was perfect for a G book just after being to Hale's presentation at the SLC Book Festival. It's nice to hear that you enjoyed it.<br /><a name="c116284276586765471"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735195" rel="nofollow">Cassie</a> said...<br />Hey I think the title should be "G Title" not "G Author" You know I'm always here to point out your mistakes. I'm excited to read this book too. Don't know when I will since book club seems to take up so much time and I don't read books very fast. by the way look for my review of my latest book soon.<br /><a name="c116287210436216252"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Whew, thanks for pointing that out, Cassie. I'm reading the G Author right now. Alyson & SusieQ: You will love this book. It's a great story on top of the wonderful language. Very magical.Book, thanks to you and Katie for recommending this so highly.<br /><a name="c116290303359071899"></a><a href="http://www.thewrittenword.wordpress.com/" rel="nofollow">Stephanie</a> said...<br />Oh, another book to check out! Thanks for the review.Stephanie<br /><a name="c116290415249689164"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />If I remember correctly, Booklogged's review stated that this was a YA book. I'm telling you...we need to be searching those YA bookshelves more often; they obviously have some terrific books that we could be missing! I'm not big on Fairy Tales, but I'm going to look into this one.<br /><a name="c116310851450963186"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Joy, I see this more as a book about growing within yourself than just a fairy tale. It's far and away the best YA book I've ever read.<br /></div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356868359816782006-11-12T10:40:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:33:12.890-08:00PRAYERS FOR THE ASSASSIN by Robert Ferrigno November 2, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">From <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0000AJLX9/">Bookmarks Magazine</a><br />"Prayers" marks a departure for Ferrigno, whose previous books focused on life in contemporary Southern California. In Ferrigno's neo-Orwellian world, Mount Rushmore has disappeared, LAX has become Bin Laden International, and midday prayers interrupt the Super Bowl. Critics expressed different ideas about the plot, using words such as "preposterous," "credible," and even "ordinary" to describe it. There's no doubt, however, that Ferrigno raises important questions about religious freedom while handling the subject of Islamic faith with great insight and evenhandedness. If the plot sometimes overwhelms character development, he still allows his creations to air their own opinions without moralizing. In sum: a fast-paced thriller with timely appeal.<br />Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.<br />This review summarized this story quite well without giving anything away. I found it a little hard to buy into most Americans converting to Islam when Israeli forces supposedly wipe out NYC and DC with nuclear bombs. But you can set that aside and just read the book for the story, which I really enjoyed. It's a futuristic, intriguing thriller set in the year 2040. The hero, Rakkim, is a ex-Fedayeen soldier who sets out to rescue his girlfriend from unknown dangers. Soon we realize who the danger is, and you meet Darwin, the assassin. (What kind of a name is Darwin for a villain? One character says it's appropriate because of that other great 20th century villain named Darwin.) Anyway, Darwin is one great villain, as evil as they come, a psycopath and ego-maniac, but still a great villain. I enjoyed the book and found it hard to put down. It was interesting to read on Amazon that the book's sales were greatly influenced by bloggers: political, military, religious, no mention of book bloggers. The author also posted notes on Amazon and, now I find that this is part of a trilogy. I enjoyed reading his comments and may make time to read other Ferrigno books. An extra bonus for this book was that I found it at B & N for $3.00. I bought it because of the great map showing the new configuaration of the former United States. Most of the county is called the Islamic Republic, while the Southeast is the Bible Belt. So the book has it all, a great map, intrigue, conspiracy, violence, suspense, and romance. What more could you ask for?<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.25</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">5 Comments:<br /><a name="c116255454356820656"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />Wow! You are cruising through the alphabet!!! Glad to see you are reading some books that you enjoy. That's always a good thing. :)<br /><a name="c116257146458218275"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />With that high of a rating, I better add this one to my list. Oh, my heck! This is a good review - you sold me on the book. May I borrow it someday?<br /><a name="c116257601509068723"></a>Anonymous said...<br />May I BORROW it? Hey cheapie, it's now out in paperback and worth every penny. trust me, i wrote it.Robert Ferrignowww.prayersfortheassassin.com<br /><a name="c116261321711185798"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Joy, good to hear from you again. I'm spending way too much time reading, but I am enjoying it a lot.Book, sure you can borrow, but apparently the author would prefer tht you buy your own. Anonymous, maybe if you can find yourself at the next Great Salt Lake Book Festival, we'll all buy your books and get your autograph.Thanks for visiting. I'm looking forward to the next two books.<br /><a name="c116266619763411014"></a>Anonymous said...<br />I hope you realize I was kidding. Doubt I'll be at the Book Festival, I'm holed up with an April 1st 2007 deadline to deliver the manuscript for the next one. I do appreciate your interest in my work.bestRobert </div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356782061553752006-11-12T10:38:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:35:35.513-08:00FACE DOWN BEFORE REBEL HOOVES by Kathy Lynn Emerson October 29, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">I believe this is the sixth book in the Elizabethan mystery series, so I am totally reading it out of order but it fits my A to Z list. This is an interesting book with a number of historical details. I did have to suspend my belief a little because of the number of strong, opinionated, and liberated women in the story. I don't think women had quite that much freedom in Elizabethan times unless you were the queen. Having said that, I'm sure the story wouldn't have been as good if all the female characters had been under the thumb of the men around them. It's a great mystery read, entertaining intrigue with some suspense and romance. The heroine, Lady Appleton, is in peril throughout much of the book, but her friends rally to keep her safe. If you like to read cozy mysteries, this book qualifies. I'm not sure I loved it enough to read the rest of the series, but we'll see how I feel when I finish A to Z and want to read a mystery.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">2 Comments:<br /><a name="c116222764269606339"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />Darn, I'm sorry you didn't enjoy it more. This is one of my favorite series. Just goes to show we don't all enjoy the same things. Variety in books and people are the spice of life.<br /><a name="c116226277215879977"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I enjoyed it a lot. Just not a 5.<br /></div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356686207038072006-11-12T10:36:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:37:39.633-08:00Great Feuds in History by Colin Evans October 26, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">GREAT FEUDS IN HISTORY Ten Struggles that Shaped the World<br />By Colin Evans<br />This is another book I bought because it looked interesting and was on sale and I would never have read because it kept getting pre-empted by more intriguing books. Thanks to my A to Z challenge, I made myself read it and it was very interesting. I learned all kinds of trivia and some good names for our family "Name Game." The author claims these high-stakes personal contests are history's most significant human struggles. I'm not sure I agree with all that and that they all shaped the world, but they are pretty compelling. Here is a list of the ten feuds included in the book:<br />1. Elizabeth I vs Mary, Queen of the Scots. They fought over the crown of England. Elizabeth was the obvious winner as Mary ended up losing her head.<br />2. Parliament (Oliver Cromwell) vs Charles I. This fight was over the divine right of monarchy. Charles felt that since he was the king, he should be able to do anything he wanted. Oliver Cromwell disagreed. Parliament won as Charles also lost his head. (It's scary being in a feud, isn't it?) Cromwell ruled the country for years, but eventually died alone and depressed.<br />3. Aaron Burr vs Alexander Hamilton. These two both wanted to be president in the worst way. Neither achieved that goal as Burr shot and killed Hamilton in a duel which effectively killed his political aspirations.<br />4. The Hatfields vs the McCoys. "Sad to say, the feud by which all others in America are judged and perhaps the single most famous feud in history, had its origins in nothing more quarrelsome or momentous than an old razorback hog." This feud ends in a draw but not until several family members are killed.<br />5. Stalin vs Trotsky. This feud centers on who would succeed Lenin and control the USSR. Stalin is the obvious winner as he was clearly more ruthless, but just barely. Trotsky is exiled and then assassinated.<br />6. Roald Amundsen vs Robert F. Scott. In a Norwegians vs the English race to be first to reach the South Pole, Amundsen wins because of his attention to detail and better knowledge of the terrain. Scott reaches the Pole several weeks later but he and his party freeze to death on the way back.<br />7. Duchess of Windsor vs the Queen Mother. At stake was the crown and the British empire. The Queen Mother triumphs as England refuses to have a twice-divorced American "tramp" as their queen.<br />8. Bernard Montgomery vs George Patton. Both wanted to known as the greatest Allied general of World War II. While they were both great generals, they also were egotistical and arrogant and this feud cost the lives of thousands of soldiers. I'd call it a draw.<br />9. Lyndon B. Johnson vs Robert F Kennedy. Wow, these two really despised each other. You know the story, Johnson refuses to run for a second term and Kennedy is shot while campaigning to replace him.<br />10. J Edgar Hoover vs Martin Luther King. This was a fight over the civil rights movement. Hoover pulled out all the stops and tramped over all kinds of constitutional rights to discredit King. And while King was cut down in the prime of his life, his legacy in history certainly far outshines that of Hoover.<br />>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br />This book was a great way to pick up a little bit of history in short vignettes. I enjoyed the format and learned a lot.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 3.75 </strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]"><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">2 Comments:<br /><a name="c116196664413963070"></a><a href="http://www.superherohistorians.com/" rel="nofollow">Jnorr</a> said...<br />Thanks for the book review, I'll check it out. To let you know, Burr could have been president in 1800. He tied with Jefferson and the Federalists wanted to make him president. He could have made deals to make him president, but he didn't. Pretty interesting, really.<br /><a name="c116216842203629789"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />jnorr, I read about that. I guess I'm glad he didn't win. Jefferson makes such great copy. Burr seems quite despicable looking back over 200+ years, but Jefferson had a nubmer of faults also. I enjoy reading about that time period.<br /><br /></div></strong>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356570236600382006-11-12T10:34:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:40:11.156-08:00ENCHANTMENT by Orson Scott Card October 23, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">I really loved this book, and I found that suprising. Years ago, I read one of Card's science fiction and hated it, but this book was great. It's a fairy tale, but let me share some lines from the book that give you an idea what kind of fairy tale:<br />"After all the fairy tales he had read and studied, the one possibility he had never entertained was this: That they might be true, or have some basis in truth. That the world might actually admit such possibilities as giant magical bears that could throw stones, as enchanted women who could lie forever in a coma waiting for . . . ."<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />"Western stories ended with getting married and living happily ever after. And Russian fairy tales went far beyond that--to betrayal, adultery, murder, all within that romantic marriage that the wanderer stumbled into. The old tale of Sleeping Beauty might end happily in French or English, but he was in Russia, and only a fool would want to live through the Russian version of any fairy tale."<br />This fantasy "fairy tale" has all the key elements: a sleeping beauty, magical spells, a wicked witch, knights, kings and princesses. It also has time travel, a hijacked jet liner, plots to preserve written stories to be found 11 centuries later, the decathalon, a broken engagement, an ancient language, a scholar of that ancient language, the early conversion of pagans to Christianity, Judaism, etc. Hopefully you will want to read this book just to see how all this potpourri blends. This was such a fun read that I finished the book more quickly than I would have imagined. I'm not going to try to describe the story, it would take forever, but here are a couple of quotes I enjoyed:<br />"Since the truth can never be know, a wise woman learns to become a connoisseur of lies, choosing only the best and most satisfying to suround herself with. I sink into my lies like feather beds, and they keep me safe and warm.<br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br />"If only, if only. No matter how much power she had, there was always something else to wish for."<br />One thing I found disconcerting at the beginning of the book was that Card was quite critical of men. There were a few really disparaging remarks that just hit me as odd. I didn't notice these remarks as I read further, so I'm probably just splitting hairs.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">3 Comments:<br /><a name="c116166817503790394"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />So glad you enjoyed it. Reading your review and these engaging quotes makes me want to read it again. My memory's so poor that I'll probably only recognize little glimpses.<br /><a name="c116171605572687398"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17735195" rel="nofollow">Cassie</a> said...<br />this book sounds really interesting. I'll have to add it to my list...when I get around to making one.<br /><a name="c116187808925306827"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />I'll have to write this one down. I enjoyed Ender's Game but disliked the second in the Ender series and stopped at that point.<br /></div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356455991158682006-11-12T10:33:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:42:10.386-08:00THE GLASS BLOWERS by Daphne DuMaurier October 21, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">I picked this book up at the library when I was looking for my "D" author. I really wanted a Kate DiCamilla book, but it was out. When I turned to du Maurier, I really wanted "Rebecca", but it was out, so I settled on this book. I should never settle. While it was an interesting book because of the history it contains on the French Revolution, it was not a very compelling read. This is a story about a family of glass-blowers; three sons and two daughters, narrated by Sophie, the fourth child and the oldest daughter. The narration begins with the two parents and follows them and their family through the French Revolution and about fourteen years after. It reminded me of the dangers of the mob mentality, whipped into a frenzy by unsubstantiated rumors, much like the Salem witch trials, the Mormon expulsion from Missouri, and the whole history of Anti-Semitism. Pretty scary stuff. However, this book is quite bland. I've lost interest in reading "Rebecca". However, I did find one quote that may appeal to all you school teachers.<br />"Here, in the rue des Bons Enfants, were no molten glass, no rods, no pipes; the glass blowers did not stand before the fire, blow-pipe in hand, breathing life into the slowly expanding vessel. Instead, there were children, their personalities malleable, awaiting development, and my brothers must guide them as surely and as steadily as they had once shaped liquid glass, bringing to fullness and maturity a rounded and balanced human being. "<br />This quote kind of lets you know how the family business ends up. I did find the perspective of the Revolution from the peasants' point of view interesting enough to want to see the new movie about Marie Antoinette to learn more.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 2.75</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">5 Comments:<br /><a name="c116154041969002049"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />That's too bad you couldn't find DiCamillo, because it probably would have been a better read. I loved Desperaeux. I appreciate that I don't need to add The Glass Blowers to my list. Now you're on to an E title? Just checked your list. I hope you enjoy Enchantment.BTW my Lisa Scottoline book finally came in at the library! I know, "Wonder of wonders, miracle of miracles..."<br /><a name="c116162080927790378"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />Thanks for the review. I just finished a collection of short stories by du Maurier, which I enjoyed quite well. I'll steer clear of this one, though!<br /><a name="c116164965653425555"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />I've read quite a few du Maurier books - some I loved and a couple of them nearly bored me to tears. I'll give this one a skip. I'd advise you to keep Rebecca on your list, though - it's one of my all-time favorite books and I've found you simply can't judge du Maurier based on some of her other novels.<br /><a name="c116166135894500833"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Booklogged and Les, it was interesting but only so-so. I know you have too many other great books to bother with this one. I love helping someone save some reading time.Bookfool, I will keep Rebecca on the back burner based on your recommendation. I wish I had read it instead.<br /><a name="c116353641924015916"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27657508" rel="nofollow">Tristi Pinkston</a> said...<br />Rebecca is without a doubt one of the best books I've ever read. Definitely, definitely go back and read it.</div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356378680348822006-11-12T10:32:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:45:30.636-08:00DEVIL'S CORNER by Lisa Scottoline October 13, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">Vicki Allegretti always wondered what it would feel like to look into the barrel of a loaded gun, and now she knew. The gun was a black Glock, nine millimeter, and it was aimed at her right eye. Vicki observed the scene out-of-body, as if it were happening to a girl with a better sense of humor. Wonder if black guns make you look thinner, she thought."<br />So begins my first experience at reading Lisa Scottoline. I could quit my review right now and you would want to read this book because of that great opening paragraph. Scottoline was recommended to me by Booklogged, who has great taste in books (except Poisonwood Bible). Vicki Allegretti is an Assistant US Attorney who gets caught up in the most convoluted chain of events which almost gets her fired and/or killed. Of course, she solves the crime with a lot of help. I like that she is not always right and sometimes does really stupid things. Isn't it nice when the heroine is human. The action is fast-paced, the main characters grab your attention, and the book is hard to put down.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]"><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">7 Comments:<br /><a name="c116100099691014298"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />Hi Framed!I heard this one and enjoyed it, but didn't rate it as high as you. I have come to discover that listening to a book makes a huge difference for me.Also, I liked that she made mistakes, too. Her plans followed a "normal" train of thought, but...oops! :)<br /><a name="c116101760305005783"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18482965" rel="nofollow">Orange Blossom Goddess (aka Heather)</a> said...<br />I like humour in a mystery so this one sounds like it might fit the bill.<br /><a name="c116102153037025690"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I'm glad you liked it. When you finish your alphabetical lists you'll have to try Scottoline's series about the lady lawyers. I wish our library would get in her latest book, Dirty Blonde, although it's ratings aren't as good as her others.<br /><a name="c116110221976160447"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />I've only read one of Scottoline's (hmm, Killer Smile, I think) and thought it was quite good. Even have a couple of favorite quotes from it.<br /><a name="c116122748063040436"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I own one more of Scottoline's books but I'm putting off reding any more until "The List" gets smaller. Book, I just purchased four of Diane Gabaldon's books at Bittercreek Books. Kathy let me know I was missing two. Did she think I was going to read them all that night? Hopefully she will get those two in before I read these four sometime in the next ten years.<br /><a name="c116164985558257766"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />I was a fan of Scottoline when she was still a new author (discovered her when she was on her second book) . . . and then I went through my mystery-avoidance phase, so I've fallen behind. This is the second enthusiastic review I've read of Devil's Corner, this week - will have to shove this one to the top of the piles and get back into reading Scottoline. She does have a fantastic sense of humor (and she's a nice person, also). Thanks!<br /><a name="c116166151988115352"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I have one more book by Scottoline in my library, "Courting Trouble." I hope it's as fun to read as this one was.</strong></div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356318363029402006-11-12T10:30:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:48:04.746-08:00CHAMOMILE MOURNING by Laura Childs October 9, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">Tea Shop owner, Theodosia Browning, is very put out when rain forces her to move her tea table indoors at the Poet's Tea. She is even more put out when one of the guests fall over the balcony above and lands in the middle of her almond tea cake.(Recipe included) So begins the 6th of the Tea Shop Mystery series. This book reminds me why I love to read mysteries by female authors. They are light, funny, and have interesting characters. How can you not enjoy a book whose characters sport such names as Jory Davis, Theodosia's boyfriend, Drayton Connelly, her partner, Earl Grey, her dog, Jester Moody, Delaine Dish, Maribo Pratt, and Gracie Venable? Great names. And it was a good mystery that kept you guessing right up to the end. The story is set in Charleston, adding that city to my list of places to visit. An added bonus is recipes for some of the dishes mentioned: Strawberry biscuits, cranberr-orange bread, raspberry chocolate chip muffins, cinnamon apple scones and blueberry sour cream muffins. To keep you reading, Childs leaves bits of the story untold, such as the fate of Theodosia and Jory's relationship. I definitely plan to read more of this series. And it wasn't hard starting in the middle. Childs also writes a scrapbooking mystery series. Something to look into.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.25</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">6 Comments:<br /><a name="c116052170704082222"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />Hmmmm, sounds interesting. And a scrapbooking mystery series...better yet!<br /><a name="c116053699130511086"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323" rel="nofollow">SuziQoregon</a> said...<br />I've read and enjoyed the first two in this series for many of the same reasons you've mentioned. I'm also familiar with many of the Charleston locations. I visited there several times while my brother was stationed there (Navy) many years ago. I'd love to get back to Charleston for another visit and I've got Shades of Earl Grey (#3) on my 'read pretty soon' list.<br /><a name="c116056779002386577"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />You've piqued my interest. I don't know if I've ever read a "cozy" but this sounds perfect, especially since I love to cook/bake. It also sounds like one I may want to buy to give to a few friends for Christmas. Thanks for the lovely reveiw.<br /><a name="c116058968499564287"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Les, "Cozy" is a perfect word for this series. It would be great to sit back with this book, wrapped in a quilt on a foggy day, with hot chocolate.<br /><a name="c116059058559122808"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />Not chamomile tea? ;)<br /><a name="c116079188974877621"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />I love cozies, although I don't get around to reading many. This one sounds terrific. I particularly love the name Theodosia. Believe it or not, I had an aunt by that name. Everyone called her "Ted". LOL</div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356233800961512006-11-12T10:29:00.000-08:002007-01-15T08:07:51.580-08:00CHOCOLATE THERAPY by Dianne Crabtree October 7, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">One day, I was browsing through the Deseret Book Store and spied this title. How could I resist? It looked like a fun, thoughtless read and basically, that is what it was. However, I've read any number of LDS fiction books involving middle-aged women whose children have become monsters with the onset of puberty and who are struggling with an imperfect life compared with most every other woman in the story. So, my thoughts after starting the book were, "Read that already." I did finish it though. It was, at times, humorous and had good messages: Be yourself, no one's perfect, family is the most important thing in life, etc., etc. I did enjoy the fact that the main character hides her chocolate bars from her family and brings them out whenever a friend needs consoling. (Hmm, it seems like I know someone who hides her Mystic Mints) Once I accepted the fact that this is a formulaic book and just went it, it was okay. Disappointing but okay. Dang, that is three less-than-stellar reads in a row. Things have got to pick up soon.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 3</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">6 Comments:<br /><a name="c116028519443017882"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />The title does call out and grab your attention, doesn't it? After that less than stellar rating, I think I'll grab a chocolate instead. Care to join me?<br /><a name="c116032265329419190"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />Chocolate...did someone mention chocolate!?!<br /><a name="c116034018200997391"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15684635" rel="nofollow">Les</a> said...<br />You're following the alphabet in order (author's name) right now, aren't you? Too bad since The Book Thief's author's name is Zusak! Perhaps you should work your way through the alphabet backwords! Then you'd be sure to read something fantastic.<br /><a name="c116034572628470895"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />I believe I ate chocolate while I was reading the book. Peanut Clusters are my favorite brand of therapy. May if I do BAFAB in January, I should ask for chocolate bribes. Nah, I have to give them up. I'm a strong woman, I can do this. Les, I'm reading A to Z, first A title, A author, B title, B author, etc. So the Book Thief is my 52nd book to read. It is my incentive to read fast. I've read some bowsers lately, and hoping they improve soon. Okay, bowser is strong. They have just been disappointing.<br /><a name="c116034611753989735"></a>Anonymous said...<br />looks tastyThere are many books you can find in the global Network shops. I will show you the way you can find the most popular and the most interesting bestsellers.<a href="http://the-best-books-over-the-net.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">LINK HERE</a><br /><a name="c116051921455943811"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I ran across the pronunciation and definition for a meme and since we were discussing it recently, I thought I'd let you know.meme n (mëm): A unit of cultural information, such as a cultural practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. From the Greek mimëma, something imitated, from mimeisthai, to imitate.</div><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356159156535572006-11-12T10:27:00.000-08:002007-01-14T18:54:20.113-08:00The Stars Can Wait by Jay Basu October 6, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]">Fifteen-year-old Gracian Sofka is a stargazer. The year is 1940 in German-occupied Poland. Gracian sneaks out after curfew to watch the constellations, but his brother, Pawel, catches him and stops his dangerous activity. Stargazing is what helps Gracian deal with the harsh realities of his life. But as Pawel tells him, "The stars can wait, boy, that's all they ever do." Pawel then gives Gracian a telescope which moves him to a whole new level of astronomy which he can do from his bedroom window. He is also able to watches Pawel's furtive movements night after night at the edge of the forest.<br />This is Jay Basu's first novel, and he has a fantastic way with words. I marveled at his analogies and the beauty of expressions in this book. Here's a few examples:<br />~~"The dreaminess had him and he imagined himself rising up into the expanse until he was nothing but another pinprick dancing above the world. Then a meteor shower on the nothern rim of the trees sent out five or six trails reaching out and dying back, as if a golden hand had risen through the distance and tried to grasp hold of the night, and Gracian was lost completely to the wonder."<br />~~"There were days when the boy felt the stories humming in the frozen air, spoken not through voices but through secret glances exchanged in the street, looks of fear and suspicion and distrust shot between those who had lived together for many years as neighbors. "<br />~~"He became nothing but the act of listening, and such was the force of this transformation that Gracian felt that the very walls and the benches and the lockers all about him listened too."<br />~~"If only there was a way of reconciling the two. To see truly and with both eyes together. Than what secret might be unveiled? What story might at last be told? But even in the urgent beating of his mind and of his heart, he knew this to be impossible. It was the fate of man to see with eyes unlike the stars. Eyes weighted to earth, their scope always stopping short of forever."<br />As beautifully as the story is told, and, in spite of Basu's lyrical use of the language, I didn't really enjoy this book, at least not the actual story. Maybe, my attention kept getting caught by the wonderful prose and I would stop and think, "Wow, that was a great analogy," or "I can't believe how well he described those feelings." The fact is, it's hard to read a story about that era without being depressed and it ends tragically anyway. And as I finished the last sentence, my thought was, "I don't get it." I guess I'm not much of a deep thinker. If I were to read the book again, it may become clearer, but I don't see me reading it again. Even so, I look forward to Basu's next book, hoping it will strike a different chord in me.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 3.5</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">2 Comments:<br /><a name="c116024956751529911"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />First off, I'm surprised: This is not The Sea by some B author! What made you change your mind?Until your last paragraph I was so thinking I wanted to read this book. It was sad that the storyline wasn't any better. Oh well, I guess I don't need to add yet another book to the growing TBR list. Seems like I add 3 and take away one.<br /><a name="c116027859765487500"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />This is the book I actually picked. The Sea is by John Banville and I also own it. I wish I had read it instead, but I will get to it eventually. Jenclair has an interesting review of it. (I think it's Jenclair)</div>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163356059984831022006-11-12T10:26:00.000-08:002007-01-15T08:17:03.023-08:00BURNED by Carol Higgins Clark October 5, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">I liked the first Carol Higgins Clark book I read and lost interest in the Reagan Reilly series as I read more. I find Clark's humor to be quite mean-spirited. The characters are two-dimensional: Reagan, her mother, father and fiance are all very intelligent and extremely attractive human beings and the rest of the cast fall quite short of anything close to their perfection. "Burned" is no different. I do like the character, Reagan Reilly, and her family. Why does everyone else have to be so laughable, inept, crass or just plain bad. The mystery is flat and the reader doesn't really care who committed the crime; and there are several crimes going on here besides the murder. Let's just say I was glad to finish and now I will be giving the book away. I didn't even care enough to find the book cover that matched my book for this post.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 1</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]">3 Comments:<br /><a name="c116016548168367220"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I agree. I wanted to like her books but I just didn't.<br /><a name="c116018201054350880"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/27575004" rel="nofollow">Joy</a> said...<br />So sorry for your disappointment. The good news is the next book can virtually only go up! :)<br /><a name="c116018893898705378"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/25614743" rel="nofollow">Bookfool</a> said...<br />Sorry you didn't enjoy the book. I've never read Clark, but I understand the feeling; I felt rather the same way about Victoria Laurie's second psychic mystery (can't remember the title). The character was snarky but fun in the first book, downright nasty and stupid in the second. I'm going to give her another chance (or two) because I really liked the first book, but I'm giving myself a good long break between the two! Hope your next read is more entertaining!</div><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37533704.post-1163355990592999032006-11-12T10:25:00.000-08:002007-01-15T08:19:51.206-08:00CHILE DEATH by Susan Wittig Albert October 2, 2006<div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">This is the seventh book in the China Bayles mystery series. I have read most of the others & enjoyed them. China was a high-powered defense attorney in Austin or Houston or Dallas??? who got tired of the rat-race and cashed in her pension and bought a herb store, Thymes and Seasons, in the small town of Pecan Springs, Texas. These books are filled with characters brimming over with Texas idiosyncracies. "Chile Death" tells about a man who dies of analyphylactic shock while judging a chili contest. He is deathly allergic to nuts and someone has snuck a few in his sample. In fact, his last words are, "Aw, nuts." Isn't that hilarious? So China solves the murder along with her friend and business associate, the very eccentric but beautiful Ruby, and China's boyfriend, McQuaid, who is recovering from a gunshot wound. The book has lots of facts about chiles (the plant) and a recipe for chili (the food). By the way, "Texans never make chili with beans unless they're looking for a fight." As the above murder illustrates, peanuts are out also. But you will be disgusted by what some Texans do put in their Texas red. (Do I sound Texan enough?) Albert writes with great humor and fun characters. This book was an easy, light-hearted read. It reminds me why I love to read mysteries.<br /><strong style="styleDocument: [object]">Rating: 4.25</strong></div><div style="styleDocument: [object]" align="left">4 Comments:<br /><a name="c115984466374951078"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323" rel="nofollow">SuziQoregon</a> said...<br />Oh this sounds like a fun series. I hadn't heard of these before, but might have to check into them.. . . and The List grows . . .<br /><a name="c115992097631700355"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/18749790" rel="nofollow">booklogged</a> said...<br />I didn't realize you were going to do an A author and then an A title. That's a fun way to do it. Still don't know if I can be that organized or disciplined. I agree with you - I love mysteries, too. I'm enjoying a Susanan Appleton right now.<br /><a name="c116008860559363162"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/23558874" rel="nofollow">Framed</a> said...<br />Suzie, I decided adding to the list is part of the fun. More books to dream about. Book, I'm not sure why I'm going this way but so far, it is working. It's hard but I'm not letting myself get distracted by all those great books everyone else is reading. I think I like to read something different than everyone else is at the time. I'm afraid my opion will be colored by the reviews I read. But then, I'll always be months behind too.<br /><a name="c116179517352342926"></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/15552565982732943323" rel="nofollow">SuziQoregon</a> said...<br />I just had to stop in and tell you that I started Thyme of Death last night. I'm only about 30 pages into it so far, but I'm liking it a lot. Thanks for telling me about this series!</div><blockquote></blockquote>Framedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13703547279309902320noreply@blogger.com0