Goodreads All Sorts discussion

Books in my Green Challenge: :[book cover:The Giving Tree|370493]
:
The Green Ripper The Valley of Amazement

hi Laurel.. how are you? just thought I would stop by and say hello to you...The book The Giving Tree sounds very interesting.Have you finished it yet? What was it about?

Hi and Welcome to the group!

I say in the introduction that you enjoy historical and non fiction, I do also! Have you read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,I really enjoyed! Also if you have any historical fiction or non fiction recommendations please feel free to leave in my corner AJoy's.

April wrote: "I say in the introduction that you enjoy historical and non fiction, I do also! Have you read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,I really enjoyed! Also if you ha..."

hi April... how are you? I see your out visiting as I am... have a great evening.

Denisa wrote: "hi Laurel.. how are you? just thought I would stop by and say hello to you...The book The Giving Tree sounds very interesting.Have you finished it yet? What was it about?"

Hi again. The Giving Tree is a lovely children's literature book, suitable for all ages. It is about a little boy who, at various ages in his childhood, and as an adult, makes many visits to this lovely tree near his home. Each time the tree shares something of itself with the boy, right through childhood into manhood. To tell you more would likely spoil the emotional impact of the story, but it moves many to tears when read as an adult. I have colleagues who have used it in high school classes, for various purposes. I wrote a short review of its impact in my life. I do not know if we need to be friends for you to see it, but I am happy to oblige. I used it in the green cover challenge because it has such a powerful message, and it is really a timeless book and message. Hope this helps. Happy to chat again.

Laurel wrote: "Denisa wrote: "hi Laurel.. how are you? just thought I would stop by and say hello to you...The book The Giving Tree sounds very interesting.Have you finished it yet? What was it about?"

Hi again...."
anyone can see all reviews by clicking on the book title or searching... I think I will add it to my want to read list... it sounds like a great book to read and add to my library..

April wrote: "I say in the introduction that you enjoy historical and non fiction, I do also! Have you read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,I really enjoyed! Also if you ha..."

Hi April. I have not read the book you mentioned, but I will add it to my list. I am in a gr group called World War 2 Readers. There is a phenomenal amount of material available there, as well as some very knowledgable people. I have contributed much yet, but I did sign up for a May read. You might want to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion. Talk to you soon.

Reading the Alphabet Self Challenge

A- TheDressmaker- Kate Alcott
B- The Invisible Wall -Henry Bernstein, The Glass Coffin- Gail Bowen
C - The Drop - Michael Connolly
D- Chopping Spree - Diana Mott Davidson, April Fool - William Deverell
E- the Black Dahlia - James Elroy
F- Engagement at Beaufort Hall - Jane Feather
G- Riders of the Purple Sage- Zane Grey, Eat, Pray, Love- Elizabeth Gilbert
H- Deeper Than the Dead- Tami Hoag
I - Turning Angel - Graham Isles
J- Season of Darkness - Maureen Jennings
K- The Rosary Murders - William X. Kienzle
L- The Secret Rescue: The Untold Story of Medics and Nurses Behind Enemy Lines, by Cate Lineberry
M - Killer's Choice- Ed McBain
N - No Certain Rest- Jim Lehrer
O
P - Step on a Crack -James Patterson
Q - The Mistress of Rome - Kate Quinn
R- The Lake Ching Murders - Davis Rotenberg
S - A Cold Day For Dying - Dana Stabenow
T -
U
V - The Lime Pit - Jonathan Valis
W - New York Dead - Stuart Woods
X
Y
Z -The Book Thief -Markus Zukas

I have to thank Michael who gave me the idea of "reading through the alphabet". Once I have completed the alphabet, I'll start over.

Kate Quinn Dana Stabenow
Rest|1622077https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


Books to read for this challenge: authors starting with O. T, U. , X., Y.,


O:

U:
Y;
bookcover:The Glass Coffin|488820
bookcover:The Book Thief|1118668]
No Certain Rest[bookcover:No Certain Rest|1622077https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Hi Laurel, just found your corner. Nice one.

Welcome to this fantastic group. There are some really lovely people here and in my opinion, it is one of the most sociable groups that exists in Goodreads (from what I have observed in the other groups I am a member of).

That said, it was the first group I joined when i first started with group reads and is still my favourite.

Katherine wrote: "Hi Laurel, just found your corner. Nice one.

Welcome to this fantastic group. There are some really lovely people here and in my opinion, it is one of the most sociable groups that exists in G..."

I agree

Denisa,

You stalking me?

Katherine wrote: "Denisa,

You stalking me?"

:) (thats the only one I know in terms of shortcuts by the way. usually use the app

Katherine wrote: "Denisa,

You stalking me?"
maybe

Katherine wrote: "Katherine wrote: "Denisa,

You stalking me?"

:) (thats the only one I know in terms of shortcuts by the way. usually use the app"

or maybe you are staking me? lol

I was here before you :)

Sorry Laurel, I do apologise for Denisa's behaviour. Watch out for her. She 'visits' everyones corner on a regular basis but I'm starting to 'wonder'. ????? :)

Hi Laurel,
What are some Civil War books you recommend (fiction and non-fiction)?

Jon wrote: "Hi Laurel,
What are some Civil War books you recommend (fiction and non-fiction)?"

Hi, Jon. I will post a list for you tomorrow, of both books I have read, and want to read. Do you have any particular area of interest? I am from Canada, so I do not have a bond with either the North or the South. I am interested in most aspects, except for battle plans. Look forward to talking to you.

Katherine wrote: "I was here before you :)"

yes I guess you were here first but..... I new you would come here I have been watching your steps. lol

Katherine wrote: "Sorry Laurel, I do apologise for Denisa's behaviour. Watch out for her. She 'visits' everyones corner on a regular basis but I'm starting to 'wonder'. ????? :)"

yes Laurel I did visit often and sometimes chat with your visitors...
Canada is simply beautiful!!! You are so lucky to be there every day...
I know you like historical and non fiction, some of it I like but fiction is my chosen read.
Going to bed now... ts 1:46 am... wondering what I am doing still up.

Night Katherine and Laurel..

Thanks Laurel, looking forward to that.

I'm quite fond of the Southern generals, especially Lee. That said, I'm interested in everything and would like to first have a decent general grasp of the entire war before I decide to concentrate on a specific aspect. I'm also a big fan of Lincoln.

I used to live in Canada but lived most of my life in the US (NJ and Cali). How did you become interested in that war?

Jon wrote: "Thanks Laurel, looking forward to that.

I'm quite fond of the Southern generals, especially Lee. That said, I'm interested in everything and would like to first have a decent general grasp of the ..."
I am off to bed, but I will tell you tomorrow. Bye.

Thanks for the suggestion of the group. I am also reading thru alphabet once is just historical fiction or non fiction (which is a challenge for another group I 'm in) and once any books I want!

Kyle ~Special K: Rebel Leader~ wrote: "Good morning everyone!"

Good morning Kyle again... are you stalking me? I don't mind if you ARE.

My dad is a huge Civil War buff. We had family on both sides, since the family is from Missouri.
I think because it was shoved down my throat so much as a kid, I have no interest in it now.

In fact, I had a history lesson every night at the dinner table (which, in fact, still happens when we gather for a big meal!) and now I prefer fantasy over realism.

Jon wrote: "Thanks Laurel, looking forward to that.

I'm quite fond of the Southern generals, especially Lee. That said, I'm interested in everything and would like to first have a decent general grasp of the ..."
I have been interested in the CW for a long time, dating back to my university days, studying several different streams of history -British, (we are still part of the Commonwealth, and didn't branch out on our own until 1867) American, Russian & German, and lastly Ancient Rome. Simultaneously, I took whatever lit courses I could that matched up with the periods and themes I was studying. Our Canadian history seemed to me to be so "ordinary". I realized later that that was not the case. Anyway, I was entranced by the personalities of the CW, and started my journey by reading tons of CW fiction. Then, I found Macpherson, and I was hooked! Next came Shelby Foote, all 3 his huge volumes, then his Shiloh. My husband and I watched Ken Burns' series, and began planning trips to CW sites in the US. We have been to Richmond and Charleston, and Fort Sumter. My husband is a very good amateur photographer, and we take tons if pictures when we travel, which I use it create scrapbooks, complete with lots of research to complete my layouts. As we visited different sites, I started buying CW books, and my collection has slowly increased. My husband is retiring soon, so we have planned several long road trips across the US. He shares my interest, which makes it really enjoyable. We intend to visit all major battlefields and other important locations.

We are planning to do a two week road trip to Virginia, in the fall. And then, of course, there is Gettysburg! Can't wait to go there!

As to personalities of the CW...Lincoln, Lee, Grant, Longstreet, and Chamberlain, to name a few. I have Mary Chestnut' s diary/book, and a biography of Varina Davis waiting to be read. Very interested in the women of the period, and many aspects of social history of the time. Was blown away when we saw theC.C.S. Hunley, and the graves of the crew at a cemetery in Charleston.

I could go on.... I also have a great interest in WW2, so have collected material relating to that as well, and of course, fiction for that period.

Hope that gives you some idea, read fiction relating to Ancient Rome & Egypt, too. I love the past! I forgot to add that I am really interested how the CW changed life in America eg. advancements in medicine, public health care ie the Sanitation Committee, changes in techology & weaponry etc.

April wrote: "I say in the introduction that you enjoy historical and non fiction, I do also! Have you read Unbroken: A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption,I really enjoyed! Also if you ha..."

Hi, April. As it turns out, this book is on my TBR list, since it came up on my recommendations on GR. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks again for the suggestion.

April wrote: "Thanks for the suggestion of the group. I am also reading thru alphabet once is just historical fiction or non fiction (which is a challenge for another group I 'm in) and once any books I want!"

A very cool premise, to use the alphabet, but specifically for a specific genre. Another project to consider. Too many books, not enough time!

Jon wrote: "Hi Laurel,
What are some Civil War books you recommend (fiction and non-fiction)?"

I have a CW shelf that you can look at, fiction and nonfiction. There are more TBR' s than read, I'm afraid! I can also suggest a few, if you like. Let me know.

I hope you enjoy it, I did!

Series I Want to Collect (from scratch, or I have 1 or 2 of a series): Ian Fleming's 007 series, any Dick Francis, Lawrence Block's Bernie Rhodenbarr, Perry Mason series, Stephen Saylor's Rome series, Jack Whyte's Celulod series.... to be continued! Now I am
adding Randy Wayne White's Doc Ford series, Phyllis Smallman's Sherri the bartender-restaurant owner series.

Books for May Reads:Faithful Placeby Tana French #3 The Secret Rescue: An Untold Story of American Nurses and Medics Behind Nazi Lines Code Name VerityNo Silent Night: The Christmas Battle For Bastogne

Laurel, you need to put your nomination in the thread for May nominations. Doesn't work from your corner

Thanks, Katherine. The Tana French book was supposed to end up in the box where
I wrote May reads.I am making a list since I have more than one book to read in May for my groups.I haven't moved it yet.
I appreciate the tip. I'll fix it.

Hi Laurel, thank you very much for all the great information.
It would be nice to travel through the historic sites one day. I'm glad you found someone who shares your passion :)
As you saw, I started Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era and I'm about a third of the way through. Wonderful book. Unfortunately, it's in my apartment and not with me where I'm staying now. I also have the first Foote volume.

I really want to take a year off sometime and just read books about the Civil War and Lincoln all day.

Jon wrote: "Hi Laurel, thank you very much for all the great information.
It would be nice to travel through the historic sites one day. I'm glad you found someone who shares your passion :)
As you saw, I sta..."

Hi, Jon. You are welcome. Take a look at my CW shelf. Regarding many of the books that are there that I have not read, I usually have a reason for adding them. Many of them come from CW theme magazines that we buy... Huge output of Lincoln related books because of the recent anniversary, and to coincide with the movie coming out.

Yea, I looked at the shelf earlier; lots of great books you have there. Some were already on my TBR shelf.

I have a 4 volume biography of Lincoln written by the poet Carl Sandburg. Found them at a library sale in very good condition.

Have you read Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer?
If not then you should check it out. I really liked it. As the title alludes, it's about catching John Wilkes Booth.

Jon wrote: "Yea, I looked at the shelf earlier; lots of great books you have there. Some were already on my TBR shelf.

I have a 4 volume biography of Lincoln written by the poet Carl Sandburg. Found them at a..."
Thanks, Jon. It looks good. I added it to my TBR list.

New Personal Challenge: a new take on the Road Trip USA Challenge

Around the World Challenge: read as many books as I can from different countries-no time limit-too many other challenges right now. Country named is the setting. Date completed to be added.

Canada:

Egypt: China

Scotland:

Ireland: In the Woods- Tana French, completed May 14/13
England: Wild Horses- Dick Francis, completed May 22/13
Norway: Faceless Killers- Henning Mankell

Africa:
Australia:



Turkey:
Unites States:
Uruguay:
Afghanistan:
Albania: completed June 7/13
France: , completed June
Tibet:

WW2 Fiction:
Already read: Black Cross

WW2 Fiction TBR:
]

Hi Laurel, some interesting books you have there. I don't read too much history, although I really should read more. I seem to always be watching WW2 and civil war TV shows in the background when I'm reading though!!

Hi, Pink. Nice to speak with you. I have a Civil War shelf, as well as a WW2 shelf that you might want to check out. I can tell you a little about most of the books, including some that I haven't read yet. Happy to chat any time, or do the friend thing. I love to talk about books- historical fiction, nonfiction, mysteries, old Hollywood...I have joined quite a few groups, too. Can talk about historically- themed movies, too. Love Westerns also. Thanks for visiting my corner. Come back soon! We'll chat.

Laurel wrote: "Reading the Alphabet Self Challenge

A- TheDressmaker- Kate Alcott
B- The Invisible Wall -Henry Bernstein
C - The Drop - Michael Connolly
D- Chopping Spree - Diana Mott Davidson
E
F- Engagement at ..."

Hello, Laurel. Nice corner and great idea. I have quite a few friends who are doing an Alphabet challenge this year. It really knocks books off the TBR!!

Both of my kids loved Make way for Ducklings and The Giving Tree. I read the first and they read Giving on their own. I think their libraries are almost as big as mine.... but not quite, hahahha.

Thanks for the kind comments. Kids with great personal libraries are such a boon for teachers! I have a large collection after 21 years of teaching kids from Grades 1 through 6. Now I get to share them with folks like you here on GR, which is a treat, plus share them with my grandchildren. You can never have too many books, whether you are a kid or retired, like me.

I like the challenges. To me half the fun is researching the books or finding them. The Road Trip one is cool, so I decided to do an around the world one, since I love historical fiction and history. Both genres take me off to many locales, not to mention my mysteries, love of old Hollywood ( the era of Bogie, Bacall, Grant, Stewart, Fonda and Hepburn), and Ancient Rome & Egypt.

I love organizing my books, almost as much as I love reading and finding them!

I truly believe that you are giving your children one of the greatest gifts a parent can give a child-a gift of loving books, learning and the sheer joy of reading. I taught far too many kids who were not as lucky,

Look forward to chatting again, and am happy to add another friend with similar feelings.

All the best to you and your family.
Laurel

WW2 Completed Nonfiction:
A Helmet For My PillowJuno: Canadians at D-Day, June 6, 1944The War: An Intimate History, 1941-1945

WW2 Nonfiction I Want To Read: John CostelloThe Pacific War

Just read The Giving Tree for the 1st time on Friday. Readed to A(4) made me tear up.