Decembre 2009 Book Challenge

[NewCrunchyDaddy]

Is it really December? It can't really be December, can it? Really? It is? *sigh*

Now, repeat after me...

So, just by way of clarification (for comers both new and old), new and improved guidelines for the Book Challenge Thread are as follows:

1) Post the books you read ... or not
2) Post a recommendation ... or not
3) Number your book ... or not
4) Make a goal ... or not
5) Have fun with books (This one, unfortunately, is MANDATORY)


So, with that, avante, allons-y and a happy reading December to everyone!


2008's Threads can be found HERE
January's Thread can be found HERE
February's Thread can be found HERE
March's Thread can be found HERE
April's Thread can be found HERE
May's Thread can be found HERE
June's Thread can be found HERE
July's Thread can be found HERE
August's Thread can be found HERE
September's Thread can be found HERE
October's Thread can be found HERE
November's Thread can be found HERE

[raksmama]

I am listing these books I read in November but did not post

Two for the Dough by Janet Evanovich. http://www.evanovich.com/novels/novel/35
This is the 2nd book in the Stephanie Plum series, a series that was recommend to me on this forum that I did not think I would like but totally LOVE. They are so entertaining, funny, suspenseful, light, without being trashy or mindless. I recommend them!

Spirtwalk by Charles De Lint http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/...alk-desc01.htm
This sequel to Moonheart http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/...art-desc01.htm
I would only recommend it if you read Moonheart. Moonheart is a great novel, but IMO but Spirtwalk is not as strong and is really only for those who want to see what happens to the Moonheart characters.

The Summoning by Kelley Armstrong http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com/aSummon.htm
Another YA (I discovered teen books because of The Twilight Saga !)
Very good,well written and scary! Really! I was afraid I’d get bad dreams but could not stop reading!

Now I am reading De Lint again a Novel called Yarrow.
http://www.sfsite.com/charlesdelint/yarrow-desc01.htm
I think De Lint is a fantastic writer. I don’t understand why he is not better known. I only recently discovered him myself.

[Bufomander]

Bryan -- on purpose this time, right?

[kangamitroo]

The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane by Katherine Howe

the book goes back and forth between 1690s Salem MA (witch hunt time) and 1990s MA (protagonist working on her PhD). the author has a background in colonial history and i felt she did well in bringing the 1690s to life. the story is suspenseful and that kept me going. as always seems to happen, i found the historic part more interesting than the contemporary characters.

caveat: annoying habit of sometimes writing dialogue phoenetically, in attempt to capture a greater Boston accent (e.g. "ovah heah" for "over here"). as a Bostonian i found this both distracting and condescending.
caveat#2: minor characters, such as a clerk in a wicca/magic supplies store, and also a police officer, are drawn very stereotypically. again

[NewCrunchyDaddy]

Originally Posted by Bufomander

Bryan -- on purpose this time, right?

Actually no. In fact, since I had taken French classes so recently and since my wife speaks French, it took me a while to even figure out what was wrong.


I think I'll leave it.

[jadedqueen123]

Well, I was thoroughly enjoying "The Great Influenza" and was about 3/4 through it when I got the email that the library was holding a book for me. So I pick it up today and of course it is only a two week loan so now I have to cheat on the influenza book and get started on this one. I hate it when that happens. So anyways now I am reading "Every Man Dies Alone"~by Hans Fallada. Here is the Amazon review...


Starred Review. This disturbing novel, written in 24 days by a German writer who died in 1947, is inspired by the true story of Otto and Elise Hampel, who scattered postcards advocating civil disobedience throughout war-time Nazi-controlled Berlin. Their fictional counterparts, Otto and Anna Quangel, distribute cards during the war bearing antifascist exhortations and daydream that their work is being passed from person to person, stirring rebellion, but, in fact, almost every card is immediately turned over to authorities. Fallada aptly depicts the paralyzing fear that dominated Hitler's Germany, when decisions that previously would have seemed insignificant—whether to utter a complaint or mourn one's deceased child publicly—can lead to torture and death at the hands of the Gestapo. From the Quangels to a postal worker who quits the Nazi party when she learns that her son committed atrocities and a prison chaplain who smuggles messages to inmates, resistance is measured in subtle but dangerous individual stands. This isn't a novel about bold cells of defiant guerrillas but about a world in which heroism is defined as personal refusal to be corrupted.

[cathe]

The Lacuna by Barbara Kingsolver

Well, I was at the bookstore treating myself to a book last week and grabbed this one. Unfortunately, didn't love it. It was okay. Some parts really good, some parts dull. I think history buffs would like it.

It was a the story of a guy with a white father and Mexican mother. Lives part of his life in the US and part in Mexico. Ends up a famous writer but then is ousted as a communist (though he isn't) during the McCarthy era . . . spans a lot of history, he works for Trotsky in Mexico, and for the US government during WWII.

[cathe]

Your Family Constitution by Scott Gale

Another so-so book. While I loved the idea of a family constitution, the book is mostly telling how bad the author's life was before the constitution and how wonderful it was after the constitution. It's finally in the last few pages that we actually get to see what it is . . . really this could have been an article rather than a book.

[kaliki_kila]

105. Brooklyn By Colm Toibin

Committed to a quiet life in little Enniscorthy, Ireland, the industrious young Eilis Lacey reluctantly finds herself swept up in an unplanned adventure to America, engineered by the family priest and her glamorous, "ready for life" sister, Rose.

I thought this book was very quiet and restrained, like the other books I have read that won the Booker or got shortlisted like this one. It reminded me of how Ian McEwan writes. It's nice. The last part had my stomach tied in knots and I was glad for the ending, but I wish he would have gone on to explain in more detail what happens.

[mammastar2]

Originally Posted by jadedqueen123

Well, I was thoroughly enjoying "The Great Influenza" and was about 3/4 through it when I got the email that the library was holding a book for me. So I pick it up today and of course it is only a two week loan so now I have to cheat on the influenza book and get started on this one. I hate it when that happens. So anyways now I am reading "Every Man Dies Alone"~by Hans Fallada. Here is the Amazon review...


Starred Review. This disturbing novel, written in 24 days by a German writer who died in 1947, is inspired by the true story of Otto and Elise Hampel, who scattered postcards advocating civil disobedience throughout war-time Nazi-controlled Berlin. Their fictional counterparts, Otto and Anna Quangel, distribute cards during the war bearing antifascist exhortations and daydream that their work is being passed from person to person, stirring rebellion, but, in fact, almost every card is immediately turned over to authorities. Fallada aptly depicts the paralyzing fear that dominated Hitler's Germany, when decisions that previously would have seemed insignificant—whether to utter a complaint or mourn one's deceased child publicly—can lead to torture and death at the hands of the Gestapo. From the Quangels to a postal worker who quits the Nazi party when she learns that her son committed atrocities and a prison chaplain who smuggles messages to inmates, resistance is measured in subtle but dangerous individual stands. This isn't a novel about bold cells of defiant guerrillas but about a world in which heroism is defined as personal refusal to be corrupted.

I'll be really interested to know what you think of that one! I've read his "Little Man, What Now?" years ago, and saw some coverage of Every Man Dies Alone when it was released this year. I hadn't realized how fascinating the author's own story is; I understand the novel is also based on a true story. Gosh.

But, in the meantime...

#72 - The Mystery at Lilac Inn by Carolyn Keene

Yes, I read another one of my kiddo's Nancy Drews. Just what I needed!

[cathe]

Jungle Crossing by Sydney Salter

This juvenile novel was about a 13 year old girl on a vacation in Mexico with her family. She'd rather be with her friends and is quite a grump about being there but through a teen tour thing, she ends up learning about the Mayan culture and something about herself as well.

The girl kind of got on my nerves--she was so negative and even mean to her sister and this Mexican boy. The best part was this story that the boy made up about a Mayan "elite" who is captured and made a slave.

[Jenifer76]

Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson (YA book)

When Floss's mother and stepfather announce they are moving to Australia for six months, Floss has to decide whether to go with them or stay home with Dad--inept, but loving and always lots of fun. And how will her choice affect her friendship with her popular but not-so-loyal best friend, Rhiannon?

[kangamitroo]

went to the library to pick up my reserve item: Fantastic Mr. Fox on audio for dd (we read it 4 times this week, i hit my limit!). well, they surprised me with The Time Traveler's Wife. i requested it so long ago i had completely forgotten about it! i guess that will be next.

[Peppermint Poppies]

The Ellie Chronicles #1: While I Live
The Ellie Chronicles #2: Incurable
The Ellie Chronicles #3: Circle of Flight
... all by John Marsden

This series is the sequel series to the "Tomorrow When the War Began" series. They are young adult novels, set in rural Australia.

The Ellie Chronicles occur after Australia's invasion and subsequent colonisation. Ellie and her teenage friends are involved with vigilante attacks against enemy militia.
Great novels, probably not quite as good as the first series, but that would be a seriously hard act to follow!!

[Daffodil]

#21 - A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid

A short, angry book about the small island of Antigua, where Kincaid grew up. She has a lot to be angry about - a history of slavery and colonialism, and the corrupt government that arose after Antigua's independence from England.


#22 - The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Stories about people from Earth who go to Mars and what they find there (including glimpses of the people who were already living there.) I liked it a lot.

[NewCrunchyDaddy]

Originally Posted by Daffodil

#22 - The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury

Stories about people from Earth who go to Mars and what they find there (including glimpses of the people who were already living there.) I liked it a lot.

One of my most favorite books of all times.

[kaliki_kila]

106. The Three Theban Plays by Sophocles

(translated by Robert Fagles) Was very easy to read and I got to read the story behind the Oedipus Complex.

[NewCrunchyDaddy]

Originally Posted by kaliki_kila

106. The Three Theban Plays by Sophocles

(translated by Robert Fagles) Was very easy to read and I got to read the story behind the Oedipus Complex.

We read Freud in my Literary Critical Theory class this quarter and it was fascinating to learn more in depth about Freud's theories and Oedipal Complexes and what not. For example, did you know that a Freudian Slip is "when you say one thing but mean your mother"?

[kaliki_kila]

Originally Posted by NewCrunchyDaddy

For example, did you know that a Freudian Slip is "when you say one thing but mean your mother"?

107. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by JK Rowling

[kofduke]

Holes, Sachar

Stanley Yelnats is unjustly sent to Camp Green Lake where he and other boys are sentenced to dig holes to build character. Stanley learns the warden has them digging holes for something else- but what?

#1 Fresh from the Vegetarian Slow Cooker, #2 Moosewood Restaurant New Classics, #3 Autobiography of God, #4 The Ghost Orchid, #5 The Poe Shadow, #6 Knit One Kill Two, #7 Citizen Girl, #8 The Fourth Bear, #9 The Third Secret, #10 Change of Heart, #11 Guardian Angels, #12 The Gore, #13 The Undomestic Goddess, #14 From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil T. Frankweiler, #15 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, #16 Blood Memory, #17 A Thousand Splendid Suns, #18 Then we Came to the End, #19 - Feed, #20 - Paper Towns, #21 - The Sparrow, #22 - Swim, Bike, Run, #23 Field Notes from a Catastrophe, #24 Pillars of the Earth, #25 The Geographer's Library, #26 Lady Killer, #27 Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, #28 The Abstinence Teacher, #29 Under the Banner of Heaven, #30 Duma Key, #31 The Portrait, #32 Dirty Blonde, #33 Death Gets a Time-Out, #34 Kiln People, #35 Baudolino, #36 Memories of my Melancholy Whores, #37 Sculpting Her Body Perfect,#38 Property Of, #39 A Brief History of the Dead, #40 Jane Austen in Scarsdale, #41 The Known World, #42 Disarming the Playground, #43 Little Bee, #44 The Sustainability Revolution, #45 Darling Jim, #46 Not Buying It, #47 Snow Crash, #48 What I talk about when I talk about running, #49 Needled to Death, #50 Unconditional Parenting, #51 Sepulchre, #52 Season of the Witch, #53 Seven Types of Ambiguity, #54 Poe Audio Collection, #55 There is No Me Without You, #56 The Lightning Thief, #57 True Detectives, #58 Let the Northern Lights Erase your Name, #59 Darwinia, #60 Make it Now, Bake it Later, #61 Slow Cooker Handbook, #62 Stop and Smell the Rosemary, #63 Emeril's TV Dinners, #64 Holes, #65 Angels of Destruction