75 Books...More or Less! discussion
Archive (2010 Completed)
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JanB's 2010 book list
#3 The Christmas Dog by Melody CarlsonSweet and predictable. At 177 pgs it's a quick read. I picked it up mainly because the dog on the cover kinda looks like my Tucker :-)
3 already Jan. You are awesome. What is that, a book a day. You go, girl!
JanB wrote: "Yay...2 books already read in 2010. It feels a little like cheating since both were started in 2009 :-D#1. From Dead to Worse (audio) I love the audio version of the Sookie Stackhouse books by ..."
Shadow of the Wind is such a great book. I heard Zafon just came out with a new book--The Angel's Game, but I haven't checked it out yet.
Jillian, a friend of mine read it and liked it better than Shadow of the Wind. That's pretty high praise!
Wow. That does say a lot for it. I'm excited to read it.
#4. U is for Undertow by Sue Grafton. I've been a huge fan since A is for Alibi and haven't totally given up hope, especially after last year's excellent T is for Trespass. But in this installment where was her editor?! There were plot holes you could drive a truck through. The book was WAY too bogged down in detail. The story was frequently interrupted by descriptions that read like a Wikipedia entry. I really don't need to know the stats and history of every area Kinsey visits. Missing was Kinsey's humor and quirks. And Henry...I love him but he only made a brief appearance. All in all, a bit of a disappointment.
Jan,U is for Undertow is one of the last books I read in 2009. I agree with you about the book being way too bogged down in detail. I do still enjoy Kinsey as a character though. I, too, noticed Kinsey's humor and quirks were a bit muted this time. I attributed it to her "getting older" (slightly, anyhow). Remember when she used to cut her own hair?
I do remember! lol. I do hope her lack of humor in this book is not due to her getting older, because that means it will be missing from the next 5 books too! Maybe it was due to all the drama with her family?
Yes, it was a bit too serious (and tedious) with all the family issues. I suppose it's Grafton's way of rounding out Kinsey's back story some more. But I, too, would welcome more humor and quirkiness back again. I remember how the one basic black dress used to be almost another character. I'll still read the rest of the series, anyway!
I agree, and I'll continue with the series too!
Now I'm bummed! I've got U in my 2010 TBR pile. So sad that you didn't like it. But as I've read all the others and I'm sure I'll want to read the last five I guess I'll muddle through with it. Have you noticed that it kind of goes in spurts. T is for trespass was amazing, but I didn't like the one before that much. HMMM is there a pattern to that? Not sure what it means, though? lol
Michele, I almost gave up on the series after a couple so-so books, then was blown away by T is for Trespass so my expectations for "U" were high. I'll be interested to hear your thoughts after you read it!
#5. Brooklyn, A Novel by Colm Toibin. 5 starsNot a feel-good book and the writing style is spare (quite deliberate I think) but I turned the last page last night and I can't stop thinking about it, especially after talking to a friend whose mother is an immigrant who also had to leave her parents and country at a young age to start a new life in the U.S. I was tempted to be a little hard on Eiliss until I thought about how very young she was, alone in a strange country and expected to adapt and assimilate with very little support and no sympathy for weakness (such as homesickness). Hard to imagine in our "bare it all and let it all out" culture. This novel would be an excellent choice for book clubs.
So good to read your comments on this one Jan. Sounds like one I'll be adding to the TBR list.
I read Brooklyn last year. I, too, enjoyed it and I remember noting how spare the prose was. Initially, I didn't think it would build to anything, but, as you say, the story stayed with me.
#6 Cherries in Winter: My Family's Recipe for Hope in Hard Times by Suzan ColonA quick little read. Ignore the "hardships" of Suzan's and it's a heartwarming story of resilience, hope, and optimism during hard times along with a reminder that poverty of spirit is the worst kind of poor. 4 stars
#7 Dead and Gone by Charlaine HarrisI've read one and listened to the rest in this series. I definitely recommend them as audiobooks. The entire series is pure fun.
#8 Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L Swanson5 stars
Terrific non-fiction that reads like a bestseller suspense novel. This one kept me reading into the wee hours of the night. Highly recommended.
JanB wrote: "#8 Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer by James L Swanson5 stars
Terrific non-fiction that reads like a bestseller suspense novel. This one kept me reading into the wee hours of the n..."
I'm glad this one's good... I've got it on my TBR :)
#9 204 Rosewood Lane by Debbie Macomber3 stars
This was just OK, a little too romance for my tastes but she leaves a bit of mystery at the end so I will likely continue with the series when I need something light and quick in between meatier books.
JanB - "Manhunt" is on my TBR list, too!
#10. Eat for Health by Dr Joel Fuhrman5 stars
This should be a must-read for everyone. Not a "diet" book but a way of eating that has been proven to be the healthiest in the world. The evidence is well-researched and cited. Book #2 of the set is a recipe book. My husband and I have tried many of them and found all to be delicious.
#11 Tea Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith4 stars
One of my favorite audiobook series. The narrator, Lisette Lecat, has a beautiful lilting accent that adds such a rich dimension to the story and characters.
JanB wrote: "#10. Eat for Health by Dr Joel Fuhrman5 stars
This should be a must-read for everyone. Not a "diet" book but a way of eating that has been proven to be the healthiest in the world. The evidence is..."
Jan, I added this to the group bookshelf. I'm very interested in getting this one!
Kay wrote: "JanB wrote: "#10. Eat for Health by Dr Joel Fuhrman
5 stars
This should be a must-read for everyone. Not a "diet" book but a way of eating that has been proven to be the healthiest in the world. Th..."
Kay, I think you'd like it. Along with Eat to Live, his first book.
12. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordI had high hopes due to some rave reviews but I found it a chore to read. The setting and time period was intriguing but I was expecting a meatier, more literary book on the subject of the Japanese interment during WWII. I found the dialogue/feelings/actions unrealistic for a 12 year old. The plot was simplistic and predictable and ultimately I just didn't care anymore. My book club meets this week to discuss it and I'm looking forward to hearing other's thoughts.
JanB wrote: "12. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordI had high hopes due to some rave reviews but I found it a chore to read. The setting and time period was intriguing but I was expecting a..."
Sorry to hear this one didn't match up to your axpectations! =( I hate when that happens! I have it on my "Someday I'll get to" list and now I am really curioous how I will like it....hmmm...maybe I should scratch this one off the ever growing list.
Joy wrote: "JanB wrote: "12. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordI had high hopes due to some rave reviews but I found it a chore to read. The setting and time period was intriguing but I ..."
Joy, oh no, don't remove it from your tbr list due to my review! Other people have obviously enjoyed this book, it just wasn't my cup of tea. Doesn't mean it won't be yours. I think you should read it so we can have a conversation about it :-D
13. Breathless by Dean Koontz2 stars
I am a big Koontz fan but this book was a huge disappointment. 2 stars is probably being overly generous.
JanB wrote: "Joy wrote: "JanB wrote: "12. Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet by Jamie FordI had high hopes due to some rave reviews but I found it a chore to read. The setting and time period was intrigu..."
You've convinced me! back on the list it goes! =)
Good! I'll look forward to your thoughts. I'm meeting with my book club tonight to discuss it and can't wait to hear their opinions.
JanB wrote: "Good! I'll look forward to your thoughts. I'm meeting with my book club tonight to discuss it and can't wait to hear their opinions."Have fun!! =)
14. Little Bee by Chris Cleave (audio)4 stars
Joy wrote: "JanB wrote: "Good! I'll look forward to your thoughts. I'm meeting with my book club tonight to discuss it and can't wait to hear their opinions."Have fun!! =)"
Everyone in my club liked Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet. While it won't be a favorite of mine there were themes that made for great discussions.
15. Noah's Compass by Anne Tyler4 stars
If you like Anne Tyler you will like this novel although I wouldn't recommend you start with this one if you are unfamiliar with her work.
16. Saving CeeCee Honeycutt by Beth Hoffman
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Andrea wrote: "Jan - what did you thing of Saving CeeCee Honeycutt? It look like something I might like when I saw a review in a magazine."Andrea, A couple people whose opinion I value highly recommended it and I love southern fiction, so I thought I would love it as well. However, I didn't care for it and struggled to finish it. This blogger's review pretty much sums up my feelings and says it better than I can:
http://lesleysbooknook.blogspot.com/
17. My Man Jeeves by P.G. Wodehouse4 stars
This is early Wodehouse and I understand his middle ones are even better. I found this audio book highly enjoyable with the humor standing the test of time.
For Kindle users this is free (as is Right Ho, Jeeves, which I downloaded last night).
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Andrea wrote: "jan, I read the review you directed me too and I can see why the book might fall short of being great if it does not offer a lot of substance. I'll buy this one used or get it from the library! Thanks"Andrea, I'll look forward to your thoughts on it!
18. The Piano Teacher by Janice Y.K. Lee4 stars
Great book! I listened to the audio version. Loved the narrator.
19. The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafon4 stars
Wow, can this guy write! It's just as well-written as The Shadow of the Wind. This is a story that begs to be discussed after the last page is turned. If you like a story all tied up neatly at the end this isn't the book for you.
20. Wench by Dolen Perkins-ValdezHistorical Fiction
5 stars
WOW! I loved this book! Eloquent and beautifully written. Tawawa House is located in Ohio and was a summer retreat where southern slaveholders often brought their slave mistresses. (It now exists as the oldest private university for African-Americans.) The story revolves around the friendships among 4 female slaves and offers excellent insight into the complicated relationships among the masters and slaves as well as between the slaves themselves. Their experiences, hopes, dreams and their often heartbreaking choices made for graphic, often difficult reading at times, yet I couldn't put it down. A haunting read and one I won't soon forget. Highly recommended.
21. The 19th Wife by David EbershoffHistorical fiction
A generous 3 stars
I may have liked this book better in print than audio. At times it was a bit dense and seemed to go on and on and on, especially toward the end. I would have liked to have skimmed. Overall I didn't like the book as much as I thought I would.
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Andrea, Have you read Shadow of the Wind?
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Andrea, I did too. Angel's Game is as well written, but very different! A friend of mine liked it better than Shadow. It would be hard for me to choose!
#1. From Dead to Worse (audio) I love the audio version of the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris. The narrator is fabulous and nails the character. This is the 8th book in the series...one more to go. I recommend them for a light fun read. Sookie's wit makes me laugh out loud.
#2. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. 4 stars. Wow...what a read. Beautiful writing. I have a couple niggling complaints which lost it a star from me but overall I highly recommend this book.