CynthiaA’s Comments (group member since Jan 08, 2013)

CynthiaA’s comments from the Mount TBR 2013 Reading Challenge group.

Book 11. A Blade of Grass by Lewis Desoto. **** Completed June 11/13.

I got this book through bookmooch in July 2008.

There was so much to admire in this novel, I enjoyed it very much. Desoto uses language like a painter uses colour. Sparingly in some places, vibrantly in others, resulting in an image that shows us more than people, more than a place. Desoto creates beauty and violence, home and isolation, hope and despair, love and hatred, loyalty and abandonment, freedom and imprisonment. This story is set during the apartheid years of South Africa's history, and I admire the way Desoto avoids stereotypical depictions of both whites and blacks. Thoroughly enjoyable.

The fact that this is Desotos first novel makes it all the more admirable.

C. wrote: "Cynthia, you are what I call a fair reviewer. :) Stars mustn't be allotted for being a preferred genre, nor subtracted for 'sounding dated'. All is modern when written! You acknowledge this pie..."

Thanks, Carolyn. Some of my favourite books are those that have devotees and detractors, so I know that everyone won't agree with me. That's what makes reading such an enjoyable activity for me -- discussing what I liked or didn't like with people who love reading as much as I do. If we all agreed, it would be a boring discussion! If you search my shelf deep enough you will find a few unkind reviews.

Book 10: Possession by A.S. Byatt. *** Completed June 2nd 2013.

I received this book from Bookcrosser ApoloniaX in June 2009.

This book took me forever to get through. I was engaged enough to want to know what happened next, but not engaged enough to want to spend hours with it. I found the poems and letters to be dull and distracting and often taking tangents that weren't relevant to the overall plot. Still, the story itself was good and I do have to acknowledge the author's skill. Just because Victorian romantic poetry isn't my preferred subject matter, I am impressed with Byatt's abilities.

Book 9: Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson. ***. Completed April 21, 2013

I received this book from Bookcrosser Colleenk in May 2010.

Bryson is both amusing and crotchety in this book which is part travel journal and part social commentary. There are things I like very much about Bryson's writing style and this book in particular. His observation skills are very keen, but are honed in on things that might not be of primary concern to readers who are planning a first journey to Great Britain. He certainly has a sense of humour and can be self deprecating with it on occasion, but he can also turn his acerbic bite on others and the intensity tends to lose its humorous edge. Bryson doesn't suffer fools lightly, so you should beware should you ever meet him not to say something he deems foolish, or you shall be book fodder for a future rant of some sort. That being said, his use of language is wonderful (even with a few unexpected expletives thrown in) and some of my favourite parts are where he discusses language and words. I did learn some fascinating things and have tucked away a few ideas for any upcoming trip to the UK.

My key criticism of this book is that it was not accompanied by a map that marked all of Bryson's stops or routes. Yes, there was a wee map of the UK that marked the key cities of London, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, etc. but heaven forbid I should want to know where Blackpool or Bleanau is. Knowing that a town is in Wales, or is on the west coast isn't sufficient for someone who wants to truly follow Bryson's journey. I actually followed on Google maps, but I am a keener that way.

I will definitely read more by Bryson, even though this isn't my favourite of his offerings.

The Queen's Fool by Philippa Gregory. **** completed April 6/13.

I acquired this book through bookmooch in 2009. Gregory is my favourite historical fiction writer and I enjoyed this tale set during the reign of Queen Mary Tudor, daughter of Henry VIII.

Book 7: The Rebels of Ireland by Edward Rutherford. **** finished March 19/13

This book was a gift to my husband about five years ago, and I always meant to read it. I always enjoy Rutherford's novels and this one didn't disappoint. My only complaint is that it was too long!

Donna, just finished Rebels yesterday
. Three weeks. It has put me 2 books behind, but it was worth it. Did you enjoy Bending the Boyne? It sounded fascinating, especially since I am on an Irish kick!

Donna, I am reading Rebels of Ireland right now... finished Princes a few years back. I'm about 200 pages in and its good... but you are right about it being long in places. Whew! It may take a few weeks!

Book 6: The Patron Saint of Liars by Ann Patchett. Completed February 23/13. ****

This book was gifted to me by Bookcrosser lauraloo29 in June 2012.

This was a lovely story, character driven with a strong sense of setting. Really enjoyed it.

Book 5: Self by Yann Martel. ***

This book came to me from Bookcrosser aunt-sophie, in September 2009.

I am not sure what I expected, but this wasn't it. This book drove me crazy, it dragged and dragged in places, only to be redeemed by sections of pure brilliance. But in the end, I decided it was worth it.

I have Dragon's Lair and Here Be Dragons. Although I can't currently find Here Be Dragons. I hope I didn't lend it to a non-returning friend!

Dragon's Lair is part of a trilogy, I think... I will have to track down the other titles. Thank heavens for public libraries!

Quite timely, Miranda, given the bones discovery this week. I have a Penman book on my Mt. TBR. Do you think her titles should be read in order?

Book 5: Strangers by Taichi Yamada. ***

This book was sent to me by Bookcrosser amidabutsu in January 2010.

It was ok. Quite different from what I might normally read.

Book 4: One for my Baby by Tony Parsons ****

This book was sent to me by Bookcrosser Avores in September 2009.

I really liked this book. More than I expected to, actually. It was sweet without being treacly. It was sentimental without being trite. It was familiar without being obvious. It was observant and thoughtful without being preachy. It was, simply, a nice story.

Book 3: Bird by Bird. Some advice on writing and Life. By Anne Lamott ****

The book was sent to me from Bookcrosser DVG in May 2010.

I am not a professional writer. It is more of a hobby for me. But I still really really enjoyed Anne Lamott's advice on being a better writer. Much of her advice plies to all disciplines, not just writing. I hope to read more by her

Book 2: Jacob's Room by Virginia Wolff. Completed 01/16/13. ***

This book was gifted to me by Bookcrosser Christina82 in July 2009.

I really wanted to like this book, but alas I did not. I appreciated it, yes. Both for its unique style of portraying a main character solely from the impressions of others, and also for its beautiful prose. I can even say that I enjoyed reading certain sections purely because of the language. But it was too much work for too little reward for me to like it in its entirety.

Book 1: Cloudstreet by Tim Winton. Completed 01/07/13. ****

This book was gifted to me by Bookcrosser lauraloo29 in May of 2012. It had been on my wishlist since 2005.

This was a lovely book. Rich in detail, rich in characters. It shows a part of Australian life we dont often get to see here in North America. Very well done.

OK, so I'm off! I'm not sure I can achieve 48 books, but I am sure going to give it my best shot!

As long as I stick to TBR books, I will be doing a good thing, regardless of whether I reach the numerical goal.

Yay! I might be to fit all my books on the existing bookshelves if I stick to this!

Hello, Bev and everyone. I'm Cynthia from Brantford, Ontario, Canada. I am aiming for Mt Ararat, and that would put me about 1/4 through my personal TBR. Brantford is host to one of the largest annual charity booksales in Ontario. Last year I bought twelve books for $8. But in 2008, I bought 75 books for $40. I still have more than half of them unread. Yep. Guess why I still have a leaning TBR!

I am also a member over at Bookcrossing, which results in an enlarged book collection as well. At least it helps me whenI need to find new homes for the books I have read.

I don't currently have my TBR listed on goodreads, as I have always maintained that it is way too much work to enter it all at once.

As a secondary challenge to myself, I have put myself on a book purchase restriction for at least 6 months. I can accept gifts or trades, but I cannot purchase any new books. Which means I must forgo this year's booksale. Probably not a bad thing.

Thanks for organizing such an interesting (and adaptable) challenge. I look forward to everyone's achievements, including my own! :o)