Xmas was good for books!

Since I haven't had time to read anything longer than a magazine article in the last two weeks, I'll give you a view of what books I'll be reading in the future:

Received for Xmas:
Darkfall - Dean Koontz (Just started this)
Eva Luna and Zorro - Isabel Allende
Autobiography of a Face - Lucy Grealy
A Long Way Down - Nick Hornby
A Peace to End All Peace - David Fromkin

Book Club for the next few months:
Assassination Vacation - Sarah Vowell
Ragtime - E.L. Doctorow
Salt: A World History - Mark Kurlansky

Books acquired at book club's book exchange:
The Broker - John Grisham
African Nights - Kuki Gallmann
The Invisible Circus - Jennifer Egan
Punished by Rewards - Kohn

Been sitting on the shelf waiting for the right mood (in no particular order):
The Call of the Wild and White Fang - Jack London
The Christmas Box -Richard Paul Evans
Bite - CJ Tosh
Adam Bede - George Elliot
The Cloister Walk, Dakota and Amazing Grace - Kathleen Norris
Under the Banner of Heaven - Jon Krakauer
East is East - TC Boyle
The Best American Nonrequired Reading 2004
The Prince of Tides - Pat Conroy
Selected Fiction - Henry James
The Time of Our Singing - Richard Powers
The Twins of Tribeca - Rachel Pine
Revelation - L Christian Bailing
Heat from Another Sun - David L Lindsey
The Winter of Our Discontent - John Steinbeck
Affinity - Sarah Waters
Secret Love - Bart Schneider
Stolen Lives - Malika Oufkin
Dearest Friend, A life of Abigail Adams - Lynne Withey
Africans in America, America's Journey through Slavery
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M Pirsig
The End of the Dream - Ann Rule
Killer Smile - Lisa Scottoline
The King of Torts - John Grisham
Skinny Dip - Carl Hiaasan
One True Thing - Anna Quindlen
Time to be in Earnest - PD James
Love Frustration - RM Johnson
Sappho's Leap - Erica Jong
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
Sixth Precinct - Christopher Newman
Protect and Defend - Richard North Patterson
Family Orchard - Nomi Eve
PG County - Connie Briscoe
Blood Memory and The Footprints of God - Greg Iles
Five Quarters of the Orange - Joanne Harris
Reign of the Rat - Gil Smolin
Fool's Errand - Robin Hobb
Shadowmarch - Tad Williams
The Innocent - Harlan Coben

Take the Canolli - Sarah Vowell

This book accompanied me to my Aunt Marcella's funeral, as well. I heard her on NPR a few years ago and she was cracking me up, so I looked up some of her books. People had left good reviews, so I ordered Take the Canolli. Then it sat on my shelf while other books caught my attention. Needing something light for the trip, I packed it along.

One morning, I found myself hanging out in Starbucks, waiting for my Aunt Joyce to wake up for our morning walk on the beach. Seated between some professors and a sleeping student, I listened to dance music and found myself laughing out loud. I didn't even mind the stares. The beginning of this book was laugh out loud funny. I found myself talking it up to complete strangers (as well as my family). As the book progressed, it turned to more grin and amusement from its laugh out loud origins. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Vowell.

This will be staying in the library (and for that matter, I sent it as a Christmas gift). We are reading Assassination Vacation for book club in January, I can't wait.

Havana Heat - Carolina Garcia-Aguilera

I took this book when I traveled for my aunt's funeral. I wanted something silly and lighthearted. It delivered on that expectation. A Cuban PI living in Florida - who of course needs to sneak into Cuba and back. It was predictable, but enjoyable. It's part of a series and I think I am a few books out of order. I would probably read other ones if I find them used, but I won't buy them new.

This will be passed on and will not remain on the shelf.

Brother Odd - Dean R. Koontz

I love Dean Koontz books and this book reminded me why. It was funny and scary, with twists and turns, I found myself racing toward the end. In between, I was pausing to laugh out loud or read a passage to Higgy. It's the return of Odd Thomas - and while I like Koontz's non-series books, I am glad he finally wrote a series. It's nice to have a familiar character to go with all the strange happenings.

It'll go on the shelf after I get it back from Mom (Happy b-day Mom!).

The 5th Horseman - James Patterson

I received this one as a birthday gift a few weeks ago. After the massive (almost 4,000 page) Otherland quartet, I needed some light reading. This one fit the bill. It was a nice combination of mysteries - several all wrapped up into one, which really gave it good pacing and kept it moving. With different parts of the story ending while others ramped up, it kept you from guessing the culprits because who knew it would wrap up so early in the book?

A fun addition to the Women's Murder Club, it'll stay on my shelves with the others.

Otherland: 3 & 4 - Tad Williams

So after being on the edge of my seat for weeks, I finally know how it ends! More characters are introduced in these volumes and battles are won and lost. It was a great read and it has enough different characters and details that I can definitely see myself reading it again.

Death Comes for the Archbishop - Willa Cather

A book club meeting on Thursday forced me to put down the "Otherland" series so that I won't feel guilty at the meeting. I still feel bad about "The Lemon Tree". Having heard from the book club organizer that Cather was her husband's favorite and from my mother that she could barely make it through Cather's work, I was unsure what to expect. I found the writing poetic at times, but also a bit impersonal. It almost had the feel of a non-fiction book - somewhat detached. While I feel I learned something about the life of a Bishop in New Mexico during the late 1800s, I didn't feel attachment to Father Latour. It was romanticized life in the west and while it wasn't distasteful, it wasn't fully satisfying either.

Since, I bought this as a compilation of several books by Cather in one volume, I'll read a few others before making a decision on whether it stays.

Otherland: River of Blue Fire

In the second book of the series, the main characters are living their entire lives in the virtual reality world - "Otherland". In this way, Williams brings his fantasy writing to sci-fi. Entire worlds created were making me laugh out loud. One "world" is called "Kitchen" and it is based on those old cartoons where all the characters are household goods - Chief Strike Anywhere is off to save his son "Little Strike" who has been stolen to light a cannon - yes, they are both matches! These worlds made the chase hilarious and scary depending on the world, but a fast paced book. While this volume had a more tidy ending than the first, I can't wait to get to the next one.

Otherland: City of Golden Shadow - Tad Williams

I had read this book before, but never finished the series. I spent the beginning of the book thinking - oh yeah! I remember that and the latter half thinking, how did I forget this? I have enjoyed Williams writing in the past, but this series is one with many heros and many villains. I am not usually a fan of science fiction, preferring fantasy, but I am able to get around the futuristic nature of it and feel connected to the characters. In this world, virtual reality has taken over much of the entertainment - and many lives. But something is happening to the children. They are falling into a coma - with no known cause and none recover. In the first book we are introduced to the main characters - Renie and !Xabbu being the main two. As the book was coming to a close, I wondered how Williams would wrap up the ending to lead to Volume 2. Turns out he doesn't! The end of the book is like the end of a chapter - no neat closing to tide you over until the next book. Luckily, I already have it.

This book is staying on the shelf until I complete the series and make a decision.

Ice Man - Wynn Morgan

I wanted some light reading for the trip to Vegas - nothing taxing, something for sitting next to the pool or in the whirlpool tub. Looking at the bookshelf of things to read, I saw Ice Man - thin, cheesy 70s art - perfect! And it fit the bill even after I had finished it. A story about a NY cop who is tracking the killer of the Mafia hit men - taking out the best in the business without any errors. It was fast paced and I was even surprised by who the killer was. If you see this on the used book store racks or at a garage sale, it is well worth the $1.

I would probably have added it to the bookshelf, except I think it is still in the hotel.

On another note, the amazon.com description of this book is incorrectly linked to a non-fiction book with the same title by Anthony Bruno.

California Uncovered: Stories For The 21st Century - Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni (Editor)

Yet another book club selection, this time it's the Sacramento Bee Book. A collection of short stories, excepts from novels, and a few poems sounded like a nice selection. I thought it would be something I could easily pick up and put down. Each story is about someone living in California - almost all told from the point of view of immigrants and from different time periods. I thought the idea was good, but I found that I missed the feel of short stories. Only one of the excerpts from a novel left me feeling satisfied. I found myself dreading the next story.

I did find a couple of quotes -
"At some point in your story grief presents itself.
Now, for the first time, your room is empty, not merely unoccupied."
- D.J. Waldie, from Holy Land

"There bodies don't work, their minds have wandered off to meet old friends and new horizons, and their own families treat them like they are idiots."
- Laila Halaby, The American Dream

"Money, though, is an illusion with green faces. I think this is so money has a personality - like the way our dieties end up with traits like the rest of us. People create money then they let money create them."
- Luis J. Rodriguez , "My Ride, My Revolution" from The Republic of East L.A.

If nothing else, I think I found a couple new authors. I am curious to read the rest of the story.

The Lemon Tree - Sandy Tolan

This was the first book club book I ever went to the meeting for where I had not read the book. The lone woman who read it inspired me to give it a chance. A friend got it from the library and I borrowed it.

The concept of the book was great - telling the story of the Israel / Palestine conflict through two families who lived in the same house; the Palestinian one who built it and the Israeli one who later moved into it. I thought I wanted to know the history of Israel - to understand why the conflict never seems to get better. Faced with the mess the British started and that the rest of the world allowed to happen, I can't believe that it hasn't been worse. What country would allow immigration to cause a 50% population increase in a matter of a few years?

Reading the history (I only made it to the early '70s) was extremely depressing. I can't believe how many stupid moves both sides have made. The Israelis couldn't have done much more to breed hatred and the Palestinians couldn't have done more to focus on what they lost, not on what they still had. Maybe if I had read the entire book, I wouldn't have such a pessimistic view of the situation, but based on my reading, I have no faith this conflict will end.

The book has been returned to the library. Maybe, some day, I'll try it again.

Omnivore's Delimma– Michael Pollan

Another hard cover book for book club - this year's "One Book" for UC Davis. Since it is the UC Davis Alumni book club, they feel obligated to read the "One book" each year. If only the UC Davis folks would pick something cheaper. Yes, I know, I really need to start getting these books from the library.

I really enjoyed the beginning of the book; learning about the evil of corn. Cheap corn has become the cornerstone of the US food supply and the implications it has on the environment and the nutritional value of our foods are staggering. Can you imagine trying to engineer carnivorous salmon to eat corn? Did you realize that the amount of omega-3 in beef has declined and the level of omega-6 increased as beef have been fed corn rather then the grass intended for them? How many of the tongue-twisters on your ingredient list are traced back to corn?

From there it progressed to how the definition of organic was decided and how that definition now allows for organic farms that deplete the soil almost as much as the big business farms. From there it moves to a sustainable farm. Unfortunately, there are no solutions, just more questions. The sustainable farm was enlightening, but even Pollan states it isn't feasible to feed the entire country this way. Who would want to go from being a corn farmer, working only a portion of the year with the aid of tractors, and convert to one where you work day and night - moving chickens and cows while planting a variety of crops to rotate?

The book was great when it was discussing factory farming, the rise of big business "organic", the ideal of a sustainable farm, but falls when it reaches the hunting and gathering section. Pollan seems to have a lost his message when he learns to hunt and works on identifying edible mushrooms - there were still interesting facts, but it was hard to get through the psycho-babble.

It has changed my eating habits, I am trying to do a better job buying organic - thinking about what I am eating and where it came from.

I've already passed the book on to a friend, and I think several friends are sick of me talking about the evil of corn.

His Dark Materials Series - Philip Pullman

A few years ago a friend of mine told me they were going to make a movie of the Dark Materials series. She spoke of the series as if I should have known them and read them as I was growing up. When I was looking for a gift for a pre-teen neice, I picked up The Golden Compass – seripitiously reading it before wrapping it. I enjoyed it, reading it quickly in one night; intending to pick up the rest of the series as a future gift. I don't think she ever started The Golden Compass. Now I am buying her gift certificates to her favorite clothing stores, having given up on finding a book she'll read.

A few years passed and I found the entire series at a used book store. The price was right – used and at a store where I have credit. I was in the mood for some light fiction –something to read on a flight. I packed up the entire series for the long weekend.

I quickly fell into the story – suspending disbelief at the thought of a young girl and her daemon traveling the worlds, rescuing friends, and changing the course of history. I enjoyed the theological commentary, the literary references (maybe it was my recent reading of The Dante Club?), and the themes of friendship, self-reliance, and the power of intuition combined with thinking. Some of the thoughts were obvious, but I found enough hiding under the surface to enjoy them.

This series will join the others on the shelf. I think I'll enjoy reading them with my son when he is older.

Questionnaire answers

1. A book that has changed your life: I think I'll start with Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman. The first book I remember reading. We forgot it at one of my parent's friends houses once - they had to buy another copy. I think every book that you read changes you a little, gives you a different perspective to think about.

2. A book you have read more than once: Most recently, Folly by Laurie King. First time I read it aloud with my husband (then boyfriend) as we drove across country. But I think I have read it 3 or 4 times. But there are entire series of books I have read multiple times - sometimes with a series, I go back and start at the beginning before I read the newest installment.

3. A book you would want on a desert island: I'd pick a compilation book of poetry. Something akin to a college text with lots of different poets or portions of plays. Poetry is something that I can read over and over again and find something new each time. I don't read a lot of it because I need to take the time to really think about each word - but being on a desert island, I'd finally have the time. My other option would be some book about how to get off the island.

4. A book that made you laugh: Any of the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich has made me laugh out loud - multiple times usually.

5. A book that made you cry: Most recently, Truth & Beauty by Ann Pachett.

6. A book you wish you had written: Luckily, I don't have any ambition to write. But if I could write, I'd want to write like Sherri S. Tepper.

7. A book you wish had never been written: There are books I wish I hadn't bothered to read, but none that I wish had never been written.

8. A book you are currently reading: The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan. It's for the UC Davis Alumni book club. Hopefully someone besides me will finish the book this month.

9. A book you have been meaning to read: My mom's favorite book is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. I tried reading it in the past, but put it down and never found the energy to pick it back up. I feel like I should try again. Maybe I'll recommend it for book club; then I'll feel obligated to finish.

The Dante Club - Matthew Pearl

Another one of those books sitting on my shelf staring at me, begging to be read. The cover did nothing for me, and the name - well, let's just say, this was definitely passed on to me by someone else. I have taken it off the shelf before, but never cracked it open. The opening is a foreword saying that this story needs to be investigated - reminding me of the opening of other books - the Holmes books by Laurie King, Bridges of Madison County (yes, I read that...). It was not a promising start. The book was a little slow to get going - impressive since it starts with a murder. The beginning of the book has two separate story lines and the back and forth nature of the chapters takes a little getting used to. As the story lines converge, the book gets better.

I enjoyed the story - it is always interesting to have literary figures investigating a murder. I just don't picture poets dashing about the countryside trying to solve crime. But I supposed the mid-1800s was a different time.

I won't be keeping this in the library, but I would read other books by this author. And, I will be passing this one on the others to read.

Atonement - Ian McEwan

Another one of those trade paperbacks, the ones that you know indicate LITERATURE - something more serious than a mystery, fantasy or romance. On my 3 shelves of books to reads, these trade paperbacks comprise at least half. The worst part of my books to read shelves is that most of them were given to me, the only thing I know about it as I select a book is its size and cover art. With so much literature facing me, sometimes I dread randomly selecting a book. I feel too tired for a book that will make me think - I long for the book that forces me to turn off my brain or else risk figuring out the ending in the first 20 pages...

So, it was with mixed feelings that I started Atonement. I picked it up in the midst of a migraine - one that was bad enough to keep me from sleeping, but not bad enough to keep me from reading. I made it through the first chapter before I felt ready for sleep. I wondered a little about what was to come, but it wasn't enough to keep me up. But the next time I picked it up, I had to force myself to stop before today turned to yesterday.

Written mainly from a budding author's point of view, I found the characters fun and likeable - although definitely fallible. I appreciated the idea of watching a scene and imagining what everyone else was thinking - trying to determine what really happened with only a minute or two watching. The writing is beautiful - I can picture the house, the fountain, the island - and all the characters going about their business. Although, it is only in books that I hear a mother called by her first name and not mom, mother, ma, or the like. This is a book about using an incomplete set of facts and finding the story to match. Pretty much what each of us do every day.

I'll be loaning this out and hoping for it's return. I would like to read it again in a year or so just to see if it is as good the second time.

Demolition Angel - Robert Crais

Fun murder mystery that was good airplane reading. Nothing special, very cliche, but still enjoyable. I'll pass it on - not worth reading again.

The Historian - Elizabeth Kostova

Page turners should never be this long! I kept telling myself, I would put it down at the next chapter, then find myself continuing on anyway. I became afraid to pick it up, because I knew I wouldn't want to put it down.

Kostova provided a fantastic journey though Europe and the Middle East - including history along with the exciting search for Dracula. Maybe the next time I read it, I'll be better able to put it down for a break. It's definitely staying in the library.

Honeymoon with My Brother - Franz Wisner

I already wanted to travel before I read this book - but now I REALLY want to travel. I already have times when I want to quit my job and find a way to live without one, but this book made me REALLY want to throw it all away. Of course, I don't have a $77K bonus to fund my travels or a house I can make $250K selling... so I guess I will have to continue dreaming.

This book reminded me of my friend Melodie - she actually did this. Took a year off and visited the world - ok, not sure about South America... Of course, when she came back to work, the work travel was too much - she just wanted to stay home.

The style of writing reminded me of the e-mail messages she would broadcast to friends - that she still broadcasts on her blog. The kind of writing that makes you feel like you need to pack a small bag and go see the world. The kind of writing that makes even the scary times (robbed or held at knife point) seem like humorous stories to tell at a party later.

I'll pass this one on the friends and see if it comes back. If it does, I'll keep it. I don't know if I can have this kind of inspiration in my house all the time.

White Teeth - Zadie Smith

Not gonna finish it - after 100 pages, I just don't care. I can't tell you the name of the characters - just that it is a Bengali and Englishman who became friends during WWII and now live near each other with their much younger wives.

It is already in the box of things to give away, donate, or throw away.

The Optimist's Daughter - Eudora Welty

Extremely well written story of the days leading up to and after Lauren's father's death. It showed the grieving process - without being a tear jerker. I am still processing this one, so I don't know what to say. I don't think I'd read it again (even though I was motivated to finish it in less than a day), but it was definitely good enough to pass on to others.

Daughter of Fortune - Isabel Allende

I read Daughter of Fortune for two reasons - it had been sitting on my shelf of stuff to read for quite a while (passed on by Mom) and the UC Davis Sacramento Alumni Book Club chose it for July. Always a bonus when the book group picks something I planned to read. I had picked it up before and never made it past page 10; even considered adding it to the donate pile unread. Turns out I would have missed a great book. Having forgotten Allende's style, I was pleasantly surprised at how well she was able to combine historical information and character background without losing the flow of the story. Her character descriptions made it clear what she thought of the British in Chile, at one point stating that English arrogance made English women puckered as they aged. Seeing this attitude sprinkled throughout the book made me smile in the middle of otherwise ordinary scenes.

In addition, I loved the pre-knowledge of different events that will occur after the end of the book. As I read the passage, I was looking forward to a continuation of the courting later in the book, but when it was over those characters were still on opposite ends of the Americas. There were several of these spread throughout; giving the book life after it's end.

I would read this again and recommend it to others. Now, I just have to make room in the "A" section for it's permanent home.

Therapy - Jonathan Kellerman

After a few stumbles in recent attempts, Therapy got the Alex Delaware series back up to par. With his new girlfriend, Dr. Delaware is out psychoanalyzing his way through Sturgis's investigation. Nothing exciting happening on the character stories - just a nice simple multiple homicide, that of course ties into a few other homicides. In mystery series it seems that only serial killers and homicidal maniacs are killing. The crime, the victims, and the families are the focus - as it should be - and they definitely provide a variety of personalities. Unlike The Art of Detection, the story moves along quickly, with only a few slower spots. The complex relationships between the characters provide the twists and turns. This was the perfect end to my mystery novel reading spree. I'll pick something more substantial next time.

It's on the shelf, prepared to fit in with the rest of the series. If it hadn't been good, the rest of the series would have joined it in the box for the used book store.

Twelve Sharp - Janet Evanovich

Brain candy - these books are pure brain candy. As always, I found myself laughing out loud and having to suspend disbelief. When you need to turn your brain off for a few hours or are in need of a laugh, this series delivers. As with the rest of the series, it is a combination of slapstick, mystery, and romance. And really, you have to read them to believe the plot lines anyway. It hit the spot.

It's already on the shelf next to numbers one through eleven.

The Art of Detection - Laurie R. King

King wrote one of my favorite books - Folly. I've enjoyed all of her books, some more than others. The Art of Detection is a mystery story inside a mystery story. Unfortunately, while it is an enjoyable read (and one I could see reading again), it was not the fast paced, can't put it down read I was in the mood for.

As a long awaited return to the Martinelli detective series, I enjoyed the update to the character's life. The mystery was a nice twist - and with the Holmes expert dead, this ties the series back to King's other series about Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes. The pacing of this novel was reminiscent of the Russell/Holmes books as well - slower starting, more background, more set up - less action.

It'll join the rest of her books on the shelf.

Darkness / Scepters - L.E. Modesitt, Jr

Continuing in the Corean series, I just completed Darkness and Scepters. Nice enjoyable fantasy - nothing spectacular. I like the writing style, and unlike much of what I have read recently, it has had more to think about. These aren't as interesting as his other series, but I do like the new recurring themes: yes, it is unfair, but those who are the best at a job need to do it anyway; think in the long term for the world, not just the short term of what's best for you; don't let big business rule, or have a large influence on the government.

There are also the standard fantasy points - reluctant hero who accomplishes the impossible over and over again, evil race coming to conquer the world, creatures with magic (called Talent) dying out, and land barren of life. Then, of course, unscrupulous merchants, power hungry leaders, and only one leader worth following. But it is enjoyable.

Since I like his style, I'll keep the Corean Chronicles in the library - the 2nd and 3rd were better than the first - a trend I hope will continue.

The Husband - Dean Koontz

I am one of those people who happen to really enjoy Dean Koontz. I know when his new books are coming out - and I have been known to make the clerk go in the back and get the book if it's not on the shelf when I go to buy it on it's release date. Higgy brought me the Forever Odd Koontz book to read while I was in the hospital - even making a special trip to the store to pick it up. With all that said - The Husband really wasn't one of the good ones. It's not bad, but it was disappointing. The closest comparison in Koontz reading was Intensity. I think I have come to expect more than just a suspense/action story - and that was all The Husband provided. Yes, there was a little child rearing philosophy and love, of course, is able to conquer all, but it really felt like he was writing on autopilot. Maybe a 2 books a year schedule is too much after all this time?

It'll go on the shelf with the rest of the Koontz collection, but if I ever purge to just my favorites it won't make the cut.

On Basilisk Station - David Weber

On the advice of Higgy, I have started the series of Honor Harrington. The first book in the series was a very enjoyable read - more an action book set in space than the science fiction I normally choose. I tend to read science fiction and fantasy for the politics, cultural set up and what the society in the book implies about US society. In this case, the only commentary seemed to be related to expansion - and how the politics of the Manticorian empire haven't kept the aboriginal society safe from exploitation - and at the same time haven't kept the border secure. But, looking at it from an action standpoint - I did enjoy it.

In some ways Honor struck me as a female version of Clive Cussler's Dirk Pitt. Both get into bad situations and find ways out. However, with On Basilisk Station, I did find myself rapidly turning the pages and waiting to see how it played out. I will admit, I knew what was coming; but I often find the way authors get to the expected end point enjoyable, even when I know what is coming.

Considering that some series pick up in quality after the first couple and others slowly decline with each book, I can't make any statements on the series yet. However, I do plan to continue with the next book - after I finish that Dean Koontz!

Seabiscuit - Laura Hillenbrand

Yes, even though I have yet to finish the requirements document )because I decided to go back and analyze it before I bothered to finish the first pass), I read Seabiscuit in my spare time. I love well written non-fiction. The first part of the book took me a little while to read - a day or two, but then I couldn't put it down. Hillenbrand did a wonderful job of mixing information about horse racing, the time period, and the characters. It flowed nicely - I even found myself reading sections aloud to Higgy while I read - always a good sign.

I know I skimmed over some of the details, so I look forward to reading this book again. Hopefully, she will find the energy and interest to write another one.

Oh - and more posts should be coming - I had a productive trip to the store - one Dean Koontz, 2 L.E. Modesitt's, a Laurie King, and the first book in a series by David Webber that Higgy recommended.

Reqiurements document - DCF & ECM Teams

Most of my reading the last two weeks has been for work. While I was out for 5 months, they were defining the requirements (or at least attempting to) for the next release of the project. It's a difficult read, although it does seem to have something for everyone.

• A little non-fiction - descriptions of pertinent functions;
• some mystery - what did they mean by that? what are they trying to accomplish?;
• fantasy/sci-fi - can it read your mind and do it for you?.

You would think that 2 weeks of looking at it, I would have made it through the 140+ pages. Unfortunately, I made it to about 110, then started back at the beginning - rewording, adding comments. But now it is 170+ pages... I'll never finish.

Truth & Beauty - Ann Patchett

I read this book at the wrong time. It is beautifully written (but I think that of all her work) and contains some thought provoking comments, however it was not what I should have read the week before I went back to work. This account of the friendship between Ann and Lucy Grealy, which ended with Lucy's death, is truly heartbreaking at the end. You know from the start that she is going to die, but it is painful to watch her fall apart. From the beginning of the book she is a fighter, if insecure. She is one of those folks with a great facade hiding what she feels is her true worth. You see it in her relationships, romantic and otherwise; her dependency on the encouragement, support and love of those around her.

I can't imagine going through life as she did - chemo as a child, living without a lower jaw, being unable to eat easily, being a person everyone notices based on an odd appearance, experiencing so many surgeries to attempt to fix the jaw. In the end, I figured the cancer or one of the surgeries would be what ended it. I didn't see the downward spiral into drugs. But I knew that once she started taking them, she wouldn't have the strength to stop.

While this is enjoyable to read, it left me emotionally drained. Unlike a sad movie which I can watch over and over, I don't reread the sad book. I'll pass it on to someone.

In a Lonely Place - Dorothy B. Hughes

Do you remember all those pulp fiction novels - the ones that started mass paperback books? Many of those were written by women. The start of writing each genre of books with a different name. There's a new series of reprints - Femmes Fatales Women Write Pulp, and this is my first experience with it.

I enjoyed Philip Marlowe and this was very much in the same style. A serial killer story, but not like most of the ones they tell today. This was written from the point of view of the killer, nothing new nowadays. The difference was the absence of anything after the killer meet the victim. It would describe the meeting and then he would be returning home. The next day he would read about his crime in the paper. He is friends with one of the detectives working the case, so he has an inside view of how the investigation is going. All in all, it was well done. As good or better than much of what is written today.

I'd read it again. It goes on the shelf and it will be available to borrow.

The Closers - Michael Connelly

The return of Bosch! Nothing much to say about this one, it was an expected installment of a returning character. I enjoy the police procedural and I have enjoyed this particular series. Nothing spectacular in it. I figured out who did it early, just waited for how they would figure it out. Of course, as a reader you do have the advantage of knowing that they don't introduce characters early without a reason. Seems they always end up involved in the end.

Since, I do tend to reread entire series it will stay on the shelf; a fun & easy read.

The Great Fire - Shirley Hazzard

The Great Fire reminded me of a period film - light and fluffy love story with soaring vistas and precise language. Emotional undercurrents everywhere, but nothing explicit.

It was a book that carried me along, but required me to pay a little bit of attention. Things weren't always obvious if just scanning the pages. Unfortunately, it also lacked for a sense of urgency until near the end. I was able to put it down for several days without feeling the need to pick it up.

It was an enjoyable read, with several possible topics to discuss - 17 vs. 34 in dating/marriage, peacetime impacts on soldiers used to war, friendship, affairs, parental attachment. It could really be a great book club book. And bonus for those with discriminating tastes - it won a National Book Award.

The Hours - Michael Cunningham

After a nice easy read, I thought I would pick up one that I had heard mixed reviews of. Some hated it, others loved it, and some were indifferent. I have to say I am in the Loved It category. It was like reading 3 short stories at the same time - the closest I could come to the way I watch 2 or 3 TV programs at a time. The short story aspect came from each character getting the story of one day in their life.

But the reason I loved it was that for the first time in years, I found myself wanting to underline passages.

"She could live on; she could perform that final kindness." - As if, she would be giving up her last chance for suicide.

"The green silence." - A much better way to picture death - all leafy green and fresh, and really not that silent.

"She herself is trapped here forever, posing as wife."

"Like his father, what he wants most ardently is more of what he's already got... Like his father he senses that more of this is precisely what they may very well not get."

This one will stay in the library, I would like to read it a few more times. Maybe next time, I'll keep a pencil nearby...

Update 5/30: Passed it on instead.

Legacies - L.E. Modesitt, Jr.

After giving up Yogi, I decided to go with a book I thought I'd enjoy; the first in a series by an author I like. L.E. Modesitt, Jr. has written the Saga of Recluse series (my favorite fantasy series) and the Spellsong Cycle series in addition to the Corean Chronicles, some one-off novels and science fiction. For some reason, I stayed away from the Corean Chronicles under the impression that it was more science fiction. I'm not a huge fan of science fiction - I find myself skimming through descriptions of space travel, planet locations, technology in ways that I don't in fantasy. Something inherently easier to understand in using a horse for transportation - at least it takes less time to read about the horse.

Legacies is told from the point of view of a young man (he's in his early 20s at the end of the book) who, of course, has magical Talent and is wise/mature beyond his years. Definitely a cliche in the fantasy genre. I enjoyed the book, but found myself reading over battle after battle. Overall, he is learning something new each battle, but it was an overwhelming amount of war for me. I like my fantasy with more small scale skirmishes and less full on clashes.

On the other hand, this series is definitely set to last for a while. After the first book, I still don't understand the hierarchy and politics of the different lands; while I understand the Talent of the main character, it is still left to determine whether there are others with similar facilities. The way the information about the land emerges is well done - through conversation and observation. Many of the fantasy genre just give a few paragraphs here and there narrating what they think you need to know. In this book, it comes out through questions to his grandfather, mother, friends, captors, etc. in addition to his thoughts about what he sees around him.

It wasn't something I couldn't put down, but it was one that had me thinking about how it would evolve as I was reading. One I would find myself thinking about when I wasn't reading it. I think I'll pick up the next in the series. If nothing else, I think Higgy would enjoy it.

Autobiography of a Yogi - Paramahansa Yogananda

A year ago, my new chiropractor told me I needed to read Autobiography of a Yogi. I picked it up soon after my visit (my shoulders definitely all fixed!) and proceeded to put myself to sleep with it. Since I never finished it, it sat with unbroken spine where it could mock me - within view of my desk. Whenever I think of going back to the chiropractor, I think - but I never finished that book he told me to read. As if he's going to remember recommending it???

Now that I have finally found a yoga studio I like (I've been to 5 classes in the last 8 days - and I am hoping to make it to class again tonight), I thought I would pick it up again. I have made it further than I did last time. Past the Tiger Swami, and the Swami with 2 bodies. Now he has finally become a yogi - has his own school and everything. But it is still putting me to sleep.

At this rate, it might be easier to find another chiropractor than to finish this book.

A Walk in the Woods - Bill Bryson

The UC Davis Aggies book club picked A Walk in the Woods as the March selection, so I re-read it quickly prior to the meeting. I don't remember hating it or loving it the first time around. But this time, the only lingering thought I had was that he must have had a lot of time or a lot of researchers working for him. I enjoyed the sections on history, ecology, and the park service. I found those sections more engrossing than the ones detailing the hike. Of course, his research sections were written with a definitely point of view (global warming, park service neglect, and globalization are going to ruin the trail).

One of the women at the meeting pointed out that all of the women he mentions in the book get made fun off or seem almost cartoonish. Personally, I thought that he treated everyone that way. I think he only mentioned a few people without insulting them or exaggerating their habits.

Overall, not a terrible book, but reading it twice was one too many times.

Next month, they are reading Moby Dick. I think I'll pass.

Dr Seuss's ABC, A Wocket in my Pocket and Toot & Puddle

I always remembered Dr. Seuss fondly. So fondly that I even attributed my favorite book, Go Dog Go to him (really, P.D. Eastman). I have enjoyed reading them to my son - even if he just likes to look at the bright colors and hear my voice. The best part of these books is that after you have read them a few times you can make up your own if you need to find something to babble. It's easy to come up with made up words that rhyme with whatever you happen to see - "Is that a Trib in the crib? Or a Planket on your blanket?" Or words that start with the different letters - "Big B, little b, what begins with b? bawling baby, b, B, b..." Of course, when he gets older, he'll tell me I'm saying it wrong or I missed a word, but it works for now.

Another favorite of mine is Toot & Puddle by Holly Hobbie - it's a Pig Tale. One pig stays home and the other pig travels the world from Feb - Nov. This one is great because it only have a few words, with lots of explanatory pictures. For instance, one page just says - Presenting Puddle at Pocket Pond. But the pictures show an ice skating Puddle pig - spinning and jumping. It becomes one of those books that can be short or long depending on attention span - usually mine.

Bastard out of Carolina - Dorothy Allison

I have been meaning to read Bastard out of Carolina since I read the reviews of the movie. This is the kind of thing I can't take on screen, but can read about. In the end, I really shouldn't have even read it. While extremely well written with great characters, it is keeping me awake. Knowing that girls really do grow up with this kind of life and that mothers really let it happen to their girls just bothers me. At least Bone has a loving extended family, but it doesn't seem enough.

It's one of those things I think about more now. People always say they worry more about their girls, because they want to keep them safe from the evil that men do. I worry about raising a boy who ends up doing the evil. It seems somehow easier to keep your daughter safe, than to keep your son from doing terrible things. Or maybe I just feel that way becuase I have a son?

This won't be staying in the library - and I don't know if I can bring myself to pass it on. It'll go in the bottom of the box while I try to keep the images out of my head.

Gypsy Moth Circles the World - Sir Francis Chichester

In the effort to clear some room on the bookshelves, Higgy and I have gone through fiction A - F and removed all books that we won't re-read or never read in the first place. This leaves me with a stack of 29 books that were on the shelves but never read. At least now I know what I'll be reading for a while...

I have not read much adventure - just one about the first trip across Antarctica (Shackelton?). That probably explains why this was in the fiction section instead of nonfiction. I don't even know where I got the book from. It's old enough that it advertises its price of 95 cents.

I recently read about Chichester's record setting solo sail around the world - Plymouth, UK to Sydney to Plymouth (back in the 60s when he was 65!). Only one port of call - with months alone in between. I don't know how he could handle the solitude - although I guess he was kept pretty busy with the ship. I know NOTHING about sailing, so most of the terms - gybe, mainsail, etc. went by me. What's the difference between a jib and a working jib? But even without a clue to what problem he was experiencing, I still felt the urgency of the problem - the feeling that things weren't as they were supposed to be. I found myself racing to turn the page to find out how things turned out. Would he have to add an extra port? Would he make it at all after capsizing?

I had always wondered why people would take these trips. It appears to be because they can - and they have the money to try. I did come to like Chichester, his ability to handle all the mishaps. But I really wondered what he was thinking in designing his ship - how could he not stand up for the design he wanted? How could he end up in a ship that weighed twice what he wanted, with several prototypes for essential functions? On the other hand, I guess that is the kind of thing I do to people at work all the time. At least my prototypes will only cost a company money, not put someone's life in danger.

While it was a enjoyable read, I don't think it's worth of a permanent home in the library - but it does deserve to be passed on to a friend rather than a book store.

How to be Alone - Jonathan Franzen

I enjoy short stories and articles, but I tend not to read them. Most short stories and articles are in a collection and I have a tendency to read straight through from beginning to end. But, I find that with short stories and articles I need to stop and think about each individual story - spend that few minutes at the end of a story to think about what it had to say or avoided saying. I usually take that time at the end of a novel, but I don't when it comes to short stories. It's like I treat the entire collection as a novel, rather than each individual story as it was originally intended. Knowing this about myself, I tend to pick up and then discard collected works several times before finishing. That is how it is with How to be Alone. I started reading it a few months ago while in a Dr waiting room. I made it through the first 2 stories - one of which stuck with me a little. It was about his experience with his father's decline due to Alzheimer's disease. This was the first time I had read a well written account of living with this disease, I could really feel the experience from both the perspective of the author and his father. The feeling of slow decline, of slow decay, and of watching others see you suffer. But in some ways, it makes me feel I could handle being afflicted with this disease - not that I welcome it.

When I picked it up this time, I read 3 more articles. The first was an article originally written for Harper's about the decline of serious literature. I was offended by many of the items in this article. The belief that only reading that is "hard" can be serious literature. I believe that any literature that makes you think - whether the reading is easy or difficult - should be considered serious. Literature does not need to be about the current world - in fact I often think that "hard" literature was not well written. I'm sorry, but if I can't make it through the book, then it doesn't matter if your point was well informed or insightful. I think serious literature is any book that stays with you, one that you think of in your daily life or one that changes the way you see situations. So many people treat mystery, science fiction, and fantasy as "easy" literature. However, a genre does not provide anything other than plot classification. A mystery novel could be making political statements or provide insight into a class of society. Science fiction and fantasy often provide views of how the world could be with different society stratification, different political systems, or altered religious beliefs. These books make me think about the society they propose and the implications of it. But of course, they would not be considered serious.

The other article that I found interesting was the one about the US Postal Service in Chicago. Having always lived in the suburbs, I have never really had troubling experiences with getting my mail. Ok, a few problems when I lived in Alexandria, VA, but all in all, not bad. With the changes in delivery methods (e-mail, fax, FedEx), I don't know how the post office can provide such bad service in cities and let it continue even in the face of congressional hearings. I found this article disturbing - a detailed look at everything government service can do badly. The things that if it was a private business would result in lawsuits and going out of business. But I think the post office is one of those services that need to be offered. I worry about privatizing this service - hopefully USPS will get itself together.

Winter House - Carol O'Connell

A disappointing read. For now I'll keep it, for the completionist in me. I do have all the other books in the series. I'll try the next one and if I don't like that one, the entire book is out in the purge.

The crime was 50+ years old with all the living players in one house after many years apart. From beginning to end, there was only one part that left me quickly turning pages. The rest of the time, I could easily put it down. I can't quite put my finger on what was different about this one versus the others. The crime was astonishing - 9 murders by ice pick, only children surviving. But I never really cared for any of the characters new to this book. Of the main recurring characters, I have always preferred Riker, and he didn't have much play in this book. Instead there was focus in Charles Butler. Maybe that made the difference, focusing on a psychatrist co-star rather than the detective?

I did like the rather loose ending. Yes, the investigation was tied up neatly (if, unethically), but the relationship between the recurring characters has been thrown out of balance. Maybe if these relationships start to be more interesting, it will keep the rest of the series alive?

Magazines - the choice for a car ride

After finishing up the end of my Goodkind books - which it turns out has at least one more book (yet to be published in paperback...) - we were off on a road trip.

For some reason, as an adult, I have gained some level of motion sickness - especially when I read in the car. So, rather than reading books in the car, I tend toward magazines. With a large backlog in my living room, I brought "Parenting", "Cooking Light", "Business 2.0", and "O, the Oprah Magazine". Parenting is a recent addition to the house, while the rest have been arriving monthly for years. I used to read every article in Bus 2.0 and O, but lately I haven't bothered - more skimming them before putting them aside. Cooking Light has varied, some months I read everything and make several recipes, other times I'm done in a hour or less.

Parenting - now, this is a magazine that is definitely developed for parents. I think the longest article was 3 pages - with pictures. A perfect car ride read. I didn't learn much, except that moms are stressed (DUH!) and that after 4 months, you don't have to burp your baby - they have figured out how to do it themselves! Actually, I learned from cousin, Jen, that in Tonga they don't burp their babies at all - so maybe I can start skipping it now? Probably not, because he does get fussy when he has a burp percolating. I am sure there were other things of interest, since I did read most of it. But nothing else stayed with me.

Business 2.0 - now that I am not working, I read less and less of this magazine. Actually, the less I enjoy my job, the less I read of this offering. I don't know if the quality is suffering or my interest is waning - probably both. If nothing else, it is the only business magazine I can read every month. I do enjoy the cool gadgets section, maybe someday when I am rich (HA!), I'll be able afford some of them. As I sit here, I can't remember a single article. It's only been 4 days - not a good sign.

Cooking Light - This month the focus was on soup - and, boy, do I have some inspiration for dinner this week. It was raining when I read it and it's supposed to continue all week, maybe that's why I dog-eared so many recipes? Not only did they sound good, they even contain some of the least used veggies from our CSA farm box. I've found ways to use kale and chard - items that normally decompose before they are tossed rather than find their way into recipes. I think I may try Ribollita with Herb Pesto, but it would require a trip to the store. Or maybe Red Lentil Mulligatawny with Apple-Celery Salsa? Again, I'd need to go to the store... I think I'll make a list.

O - just started and the thing sticking out most so far is the beautiful, comfy-looking green cashmere throw blankets - like I'll spend the money for those... Then there was an article about how stress affects skin problems - new dermatology clinics that include therapists or combo therapist/dermatologists. I haven't reached the reading section. I normally add something profiled to my Amazon wish list each month... we'll have to see.

Now that I am home, I started Carol O'Connell's Winter House. So far it is interesting, but not can't-put-it-down exciting. Another one of those books that are part of a series. Mallory is a sociopath - who happens to use her personality for good - working as a detective for NYPD. Not a bad series, and having such an unbalanced person makes for entertaining interactions with the other characters.

Sword of Truth, cont.

After a day spent catching up on TiVO, I am still in the midst of book 9. But I think I failed to convey the communism of the series accurately in the previous post. It would be what communism would be if it were mixed with religion. My understanding of the communist countries was that they tried to outlaw religion as well. In the books, the belief is that all the suffering to make things equal for all in this life will earn reward in the next life. Similar to most of the organized religions of today, but with the twist that you don't strive to live to the best of your ability in this life, your duty is to aid all those in need around you. You are expected to do all you can for those who have less than you, even if it is a detriment to you.

The ways this belief manifests itself through the novels makes it more a religious crusade. Those who speak against this ideal are then dealt with as an enemy of the state.

Also, after speaking with Higgy on this, these books aren't a waste of time. They have made me think a little about the doctrines of both sides in the struggle. But, I doubt I will again choose to read them. Even though I read the first books in this series several years ago, I was able to remember most of the salient points. So, I would not get as much enjoyment out of them the next time through.

Sword of Truth novels, Terry Goodkind

I am trying to get rid of some of what I have in my library, so have been rereading things to determine if they are worth keeping. In this vein, I have been re-reading and finishing the Sword of Truth series - I had started with Wizard's First Rule years ago -and kept up for the first 3 books, then I went on to read other things. Later I went back and read book 4 and I bought book 5, but I don't really remember reading it. So, I started back at the beginning and purchased the remainder of the 9 book series. I just started book 9, Chainfire.

I have enjoyed reading them - but they do get a little preachy. It is about the evils of communism - which considering it was started in the 80s is probably the original idea. By book 9, you are really getting hit over the head with how the idea that everyone should be equal and be able to prosper is really something that will suck the life out of everyone. There are new ideas to learn in each book - one rule for each book. For instance, in book 8 - the rule is Deserve Victory - the idea that you need to live your life such that you deserve the good things that come your way (usually as a result of your own hard work).

The fact that there many female characters is encouraging, but of course of the 4 main characters, Richard, Kahlan, Zedd and Jagang, only one is a woman. Many of the 2nd tier of characters are female, so I guess that is an improvement. Unfortunately, rape is a constant throughout the novels. Very few of the female characters have been able to avoid it during the 8 books I have read so far, a lovely implement of torture. That is one of the problems I have with the series.

Another problem I have with the series is that I doubt that the books could stand on their own. Book 7, Pillars of Creation, would be highly confusing for anyone not familiar with the series. The book is a break from the rest of the series in that it is from the perspective of the side of "evil." Unfortunately, at the end, when the character realizes she is indeed on the wrong side in this struggle, I don't think there was enough justification for her decision. Yes, she had seen the brutality of the Imperial Order, but would it have been enough for her to see that the D'Haran side was just - or would it have been a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils? Having read the rest of the series, I felt that it relied too heavily on the reader being familiar with the Imperial Order and D'Haran Empire.

So, for now, I don't think these books will be remaining in my library for another reading - but maybe book 9 will redeem them all.

Why blog?

I have a hard time figuring out what I would want to blog. Most of the things I think about, I keep to myself. So finding something that I want to share with everyone is hard enough. I also think I would miss the give and take of an actual conversation. People reading the blog would feel closer to me (at least in theory, since they know some of what I am thinking), but it is a false sense of familiarity. And I would be missing the part I enjoy most - the interaction with people.

So, I think I'll start with writing about what I am reading. Feel free to let me know if you want to post about what you are reading too.