BOOK: Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel

I have to confess: I am a science geek. I love science, heck, I teach physics, and everyone hates physics in school.

Short story:
On our Mediterranean cruise last summer, we had a day stop in Florence. We (my mom, sister and I) were on a guided tour for the afternoon, and had some free time before we would meet for the 1.5 hour bus ride back to the ship. What to do? The Accademia is the art museum with the statue of David, among other outstanding works of art, and how could we pass this up? However, there is often a several hour wait to get into the museum. By the way, Michelangelo wanted the statue of David in the square to represent the little people, the citizens of Florence, against the tyranny of the aristocrats. It is still there, so we got to see it, but only a copy. Did you know that the statue is David, as in David and Goliath? I didn't.

If we tried to go to the art museum, there would not be enough time to really see anything. Then, we saw there was a science museum, Istituto e Museo di Storia Della Scienza, just around the corner. Hmm. My Engineer sister and me, the physics teacher think, that might be fun! We tentatively ask our tour guide, "Is there much of a line up to get into the science museum? Will we have to wait very long?" She dismissively snots, "Oh, no. Nobody goes to there. No lineup."

We had a great time! We saw Galileo's middle finger! and his original telescope! I was so excited. We would have enjoyed it more had it been air-conditioned, but seeing all these scientific artifacts was so amazing. Even our nonscientific mother found it fascinating, for about an hour, which is all we spent there. I think they are missing out on a souvenir market, because I would have loved to buy some posters, and mementos, especially since the monitor lady wouldn't let me take pictures. I found that out after I got this picture of the ramp he used to see the effect of gravity. If I had known I would only get one picture, I would have taken it of his telescope. That he first saw the moons of Jupiter from!!

So. Since I love science, the nonfiction challenge gave me the perfect opportunity to read Galileo's Daughter, by Dava Sobel. I read her book Longitude, earlier in the year and was anxious to read this next book. Now, I don't want to mislead people. Because I really enjoyed the book, but it wasn't a page turner. There were parts that were dry, but overall, due to my science-love, I enjoyed the book. I used it as my 'day reading' book. Not a going to bed and being enthralled story. But an interesting, sitting up, have to think a bit, type of book.

The book has several aspects to it. It is foremost a biography of Galileo Galilei, but told through letters found, that were written by his eldest daughter, Virginia. She was unmarriageable, since she was born of an affair, so Galileo put her in a convent, with her sister. One other son of this union became legitimate, but he seemed quite a disappointment. Virginia, or Suer Marie Celeste, was the child that kept the most contact and was certainly the most capable. It was from the point of view of their relationship that was the most interesting part of the book, beside showing what a little of everyday life in early 1600s Tuscany was like.

The relationship between the Church and science is also explored, as well as Galileo's famous trial and punishment. The politics and religion that were involved in those days, wow. And for those who aren't aware, Galileo was tried for supposedly promoting Nicolai Copernicus' heliocentric view of the planets. Now he certainly agreed with Copernicus, but the book Galileo wrote skirted his promotion of it, by arguing against Copernicus by showing the problems with all the evidence that was available to show that the Earth actually revolved around the sun. Since the evidence supports Copernicus, it was certainly a weak argument, but Galileo felt he never supported, in writing.

Galileo was a tough, fascinating scientist, mathematician to the Medici family, professer at Padua, and devoted father to Suer Marie Celeste and her monestary. I think I'd like to have my own copy of this book, for reference. And, I want to go back to Italy!

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday

Well, after last week’s record-breaking number of responses (92 last time I checked–an all-time BTT record), I was tempted to use this week’s question to ask what you all thought about Harry Potter 7–but since a decent proportion of you weren’t going to be reading it at all, that seemed unfair. So instead . . .
Who’s the worst fictional villain you can think of? As in, the one you hate the most, find the most evil, are happiest to see defeated? Not the cardboard, two-dimensional variety, but the most deliciously-written, most entertaining, best villain? Not necessarily the most “evil,” so much as the best-conceived on the part of the author…oh, you know what I mean!

I'm going with Volde... He Who Must Not Be Named. JK Rowling created such an evilness with him and all the Death Eaters. Not only was he terrible, unconcerned with whatever collateral damage occurred as he pursued his goals, but he also inspired others, Hitler-like, to be evil at all costs. They had a spell, that would identify the location of anyone who even said his name aloud... Talk about control.

There are other characters in literature, that will not come to my brain right now, who have been evil, very evil, in little ways, or to one person, but Voldemort is on such a large scale, that I have to pick him.

BOOK: Murder on a Girls' Night Out by Anne George

How appropriate that I finish the Southern Reading Challenge during a heat wave here in PEI. I'm sure it isn't as hot as Alabama can get, but we are not used to having 31 degrees (Celsius!) temperature. I am glowing like a Southern belle today.

Great mystery here with the sisters, as Mary Alice impulsively buys a country bar, and then the former owner is promptly killed. Sensible sister Patricia Anne narrates the story as the sisters look into the murder, somewhat. Between trying to set up their daughters, attending political fundraisers, and putting up fall preserves, the girls, who do not appear related other than their ability to read each others thoughts, are involved in the investigation up to their proper shoes and important necklaces. This was a great little mystery, and wonderful humorous, slice of southern life. There are many more books in this series, and they make a great single day read.

I started this last night, waiting in front of the library to meet booklogged and her husband, who were visiting PEI. We had a great seafood supper - chowder for booklogged and me, Oysters Rockefeller for her husband, and a wonderful visit. As we came out of the restaurant, a marching bagpipe band walked down the street. They were then headed to see Anne of Green Gables, the musical. I forgot to check if they had Kleenex before they saw the show. They left PEI today and are headed in a general way to Utah now. Have a safe trip, youse guys.

BOOK: The Year of Secret Assignments by Jaclyn Moriarty

Very cute young adult novel that I borrowed from the school library for the summer. The gimmick in the narrative is that the whole story is told from written works of the characters: Lydia's writing notebook, Cassie's diary, emails, and assorted letters between the three girl main characters and the three boys from the rival school they are given as 'penfriends'. The setting of Australia was just different enough, but at the same time, shows that teenagers are the same everywhere. There was lying, dates, pranks, revenge, love, loss, and growing up all around. Quite an enjoyable, light read.

BOOK: The Princess of Burundi by Kjell Eriksson

Winner of the Swedish Crime Academy Award for Best Crime Novel

Great little police procedural, set in Sweden. A local man is killed, and the police try to solve the crime. This feels like it could be a series, with many police officers with their own personalities and stories. There was a comment on the inside cover, comparing this to Ed McBain's 87th Precinct books (which I loved!!) and then, a character makes reference to Carella, the main cop of the 87th books. That was neat. And the story was good, with enough twists to keep you on your toes, enough characters and other back stories and plenty of suspense. At times I wondered if there had been a book previous to this one, but I couldn't find any information to suggest that. There was a lot of information about the police officers, referring to their last case, so it felt like a sequel. But it wasn't so vague or confusing to make the story hard to follow.

I also picked this book because of the setting, and it didn't disappoint. I got a great sense of everyday life in Sweden, even if the place names and people were not what I was used to. But that is why is is fun to expand horizons this way. The next novel in the series is called The Cruel Stars of the Night, and I may have to request that at the library.

BOOK: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by JK Rowling

I didn't plan to read this right away, but I was too afraid of seeing something online, and I also wanted to be able to read what got written by other people. Putting a spoiler alert for me on a post is like telling a little kid not to touch the candy. And now my son can read it and have someone to talk to about the story.

review: excellent

Now I must go have a nap.

QUIZ: What book are you?

You're Ender's Game!
by Orson Scott Card
To you, most everything is a game. It's summertime, and the living's
easy. Even when there's a war on, it's just a game to you. But even though you've
historically been able to meet every challenge, there are some doubts about what lies
ahead. Are you sure you're up to the next test? Don't forget to pay attention to your
siblings.


Take the Book Quiz
at the Blue Pyramid.

I guess I really need to read this book. It's been at the back of my conscience, as a book I'd like to get to. It is on the top 50_books list of reads, one of my unofficial challenges. I thought that challenge was a long term project, but I think I'll manage everything this year except for LoTR, which I have no intention of reading anytime soon. I tried The Hobbit a few times at my Dad''s insistence, but couldn't get into it. (I haven't even seen the movies! gasp)

BOOK: Killer Swell by Jeff Shelby

--- A Noah Braddock Mystery---

At one point, I was feeling so overwhelmed with the reading challenges, I had given myself permission to not complete the mystery challenge. Just to ease the load, since it required six books by new to me mystery authors. But then, suddenly, things fell into place and here I am on the fourth mystery. I found it by searching the library for a book that had 'kill' or 'killer' in the title, because I needed a book that started with K for the alphabet challenge. Suddenly, I could kill two challenges with one book, appropriate for a murder mystery!

This would be a drug store paperback novel, which I tend to read super fast, because I can scan so much of the description. However, and I don't usually do this, I saw this mystery as a movie in my head, complete with a role for Matthew MacConnaghy. There is a lot of surfing in this book, so he'd be great. And since he's not someone I usually ogle, I cast him as the sidekick. The lead, will be, well, I don't know actually, because I never see the character, just their aura, as it were. I can't decide, but I'll know it when I see him. He's cute, and a surfer, but a little damaged, and a wise ass.

About the mystery, it was good, kept me reading and felt like a great summer book. The setting was San Diego, and I think Shelby did a good job, because I really felt the place. And for those interested, there is a sequel, Wicked Break. I'm not running out to get it, but I wouldn't turn it down either.

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday

• Okay, love him or loathe him, you’d have to live under a rock not to know that J.K. Rowling’s final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, comes out on Saturday… Are you going to read it?
  
• If so, right away? Or just, you know, eventually, when you get around to it? Are you attending any of the midnight parties?
  
• If you’re not going to read it, why not?
  
• And, for the record… what do you think? Will Harry survive the series? What are you most looking forward to?

Yes, I'm going to read it. It is on order and will be delivered Saturday. I won't get it right away, because my 9 year old son wants it first. I'll get to it within the month I imagine. Mostly because I will be afraid to go online until I've read it, and I don't want to know anything before I read it. I imagine, however, that will be very difficult. This will be the first time my son will have read the book first, and I'm not sure how well he'll be able to not let anything out.

I hope Harry will survive but I haven't given it much thought and I trust JK Rowling. I mostly hope that Snape will be vindicated, and be as good as Dumbledore always insisted. That is my bigger concern, more than if Harry survives. It is very possible that Harry can't survive, but I really want Snape to be on the good side.

BOOK: Arthur & George by Julian Barnes

I am so glad I just finished reading The Hound of the Baskervilles. At times I felt I was reading Arthur Conan Doyle's biography, and the line between fiction and nonfiction has become very blurred for me. Much of what I read will become my belief about Doyle, even though I know it shouldn't. Barnes writes in a note at the end of the book that quotes and excerpts from newspapers are all factual.

This is the story of two men, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and George Edalji, one a famous writer, and one a quiet solicitor wrongly accused of a crime. I found the prose compelling and enthralling as I read the life story of both men, and how they eventually met, and how their stories became entwined. Doyle comes off as priggish and arrogant as his character, Sherlock Holmes. Edalji, son of a Parsee Vicor, is very British as well, with his stiff upper lip and resignation to his fate.
Barnes is very ambitious with his story, and I quite enjoyed it. It felt a little weak at the end, as he tried to connect the ideas of faith, and spiritism and the characters. It was rushed in content and yet slow at the same time. However, overall, a great read, with meticulous details and a wonderful telling of an obscure event in British history. Barnes is now two for two with me, having read and enjoyed A History of the World in 10.5 Chapters.

from the Guardian (UK) " Arthur & George is Julian Barnes's inventive account of a true and important miscarriage of justice... What Barnes adds to the tale--it was cause celebre of its day--is imagination, insight, passion, and of course his beautiful writing."

BOOK: Shakespeare's Landlord by Charlaine Harris

This is a brand new series for me, and I think I'll be reading more. I came across it reading some reviews for the Southern Reading Challenge, but it's more for the Summer Mystery Challenge for me. It has everything you need for a good mystery series: a wounded yet tough as nails female narrator, two possible male love interests, and a mystery to investigate, reluctantly, by our narrator. On top of these standard requirements, it is southern, so I know that we need a small town, this one is in Arkansas, colourful and nosy characters all over the town, and unusual names like Pardon Albee, and Bobo Winthrop. I'm sure I saw more books in the library starring Lily Bard, so I better go request a few more books. See, her name is Bard and she lives in Shakespeare.


I used to love finding a mystery series that was new, because it made finding books at the library so much easier. Mystery series writers also tend to be quite prolific, so there are always more books to look for. And it amazes me how many of these mystery series are around, and that I haven't heard of so many of them. Hopefully, I'll find the time to read all these great books. They really are my comfort food of reading.

BOOK: Restless by William Boyd

I received Restless by William Boyd from randomhouse to read and review. And who can turn down a good book? This is going to be a mystery book by a new author for the Summer Mystery Reading Challenge. Mysteries have always been my default genre and I am enjoying this challenge a lot, but it isn't helping my to-be-read pile as many mysteries are the beginning of a series and then there are so many new books. So, the fact that Restless is a stand alone book was a big plus for it. However, the mystery in this book is, How well do you ever know anybody? And How can you ever trust anyone when you are working as a spy?
This spy thriller is set during World War II and present day England. In the 1970s, Sally Gilmartin suddenly reveals to her daughter, in the form of a manuscript, some of her role as a spy for Britain during the war. The story takes place back and forth, past and present, as both Gilmartins deal with the aftermath of double crossings and confusion over who is really whom.
Can't say much more, because mysteries aren't mysteries if you know what happens. I read this book quickly and got all caught up in the spies. It was just enough double crossing that I could truly follow and not be utterly confused, as spy thrillers often do to me. I liked the mother's part of the story better, but both parts are needed because the war story was never resolved. Overall great book, I'll look for another Boyd book to read.

BOOK: A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

ha ha ha ha ha
I don't know what I thought this book was going to be about, especially as it was a Pulitzer Prize winner for Fiction in 1981. Often, award winning books are, important or precious. This was more of Seinfeld meets Abbot and Costello. How have I never heard of Ignatius J Reilly before? Because he is a character like no other in popular fiction and hopefully not in real life either. I was feeling a little of the eccentricity of Kramer crossed with the boorishness of George Costanza. So I laughed. A lot.
The story behind the novel is quite tragic. Toole wrote the book and tried to get it published for years. After his suicide, his mother persevered and the book was eventually published, but this is the only book by Toole. Full of interesting characters, Ignatius spreads havoc wherever he goes. A thirty year old still living home in one of the most dysfunctional mother-son relationships, Ignatius is educated, and delusional. His adventures begin when his mother insists he needs to get a job to help out with money.
As Ignatius goes through several jobs he meets more interesting characters. (Quite honestly, all these southern books are scaring me a little. I know there are stereotypes at play, but are southerners truly this strange? I remember the old Burt Reynolds comedy with oddballs wandering around and thinking, how strange. Does nobody work? How many eccentrics can be in one small town?) All the characters and their seemingly disparate lives will eventually be connected, just like the best of the Seinfeld episodes. New Orleans is a character itself, but I couldn't help thinking how different the city is probably now after Hurricane Katrina.
I loved all the minor characters, especially Patrolman Mancuso and his undercover assignments, and the sub story involving the homosexual community on Bourbon Street, not that there is anything wrong with that. I seemed unusual for a book written in the sixties to include such references; it felt more modern.
This counts for my third Southern Reading Challenge book and it is also an Award Winning Book for that challenge. Well worth the read and a nice diversion in the summer.

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

1. In your opinion, what is the best translation of a book to a movie?
2. The worst?
3. Had you read the book before seeing the movie, and did that make a difference? (Personally, all other things being equal, I usually prefer whichever I was introduced to first.)

And, by all means, expand this to as long a list as you like. I’m notoriously awful myself at narrowing down to one favorite ANYTHING. So, feel free to list as many “good” or “bad” movie-from-books as you like. (Heaven knows that’s what I’ll be doing….)

Good Question.

1. Shawshank Redemption, Stand By Me, and Misery are three Stephen King books that have been excellently made into movies. A lot of books have been translated very well into movies: To Kill a Mockingbird, the Harry Potters, Anne of Green Gables, Bridget Jones' Diary,

2. I tend to avoid the worst; you can usually tell by the trailers. Some King books have been terribly translated: Firestarter and Pet Semetary comes to mind.

And some movies, I'm too scared to see, in case they ruin my book memory: It, The Stand. And I don't know how the movie Cheaper By the Dozen related to the book at all.

3. Sometimes I've read the book after I know the movie is coming out, because "must read book before seeing movie". The book adds so many layers of background that add to the movie experience, but then the characters are already cast and already the book-reading experience has been altered. I know I've seen movies where I appreciate all the other knowledge I have from reading the book. However, good movies will stand on their own and I have seen movies first and then read books and very often I've liked the movie better. But The Princess Bride book and movie are both excellent. It would be one of the few I've seen the movie first.

After seeing movies I've searched out the book, like Devil in a Blue Dress.

And the winner is..... Rob Reiner, best adapted from a book director (The Princess Bride, Misery, Stand By Me)

This was just too hard. I know I've forgotten some really good book/movies. I couldn't seem to think beyond Stephen King books. I didn't even think of any children's books/movies and there are tons of them

BOOK: The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle

Classics are classics for a reason. This was immensely readable, and a mystery I've heard about and never read. Sherlock Holmes is perfect - arrogant and confident and right. 'Elementary', Dr.Watson narrates, so we don't know anything that Watson doesn't and he doesn't know what Holmes is doing or thinking. An interesting perspective. My book from the library had what must be the smallest font legally allowed, and the smallest space between lines - everything was crammed into 128 pages. However, I persevered and the mystery and suspence had me turning the pages through squinting eyes and anxious nerves. I thought it might be more cliched, but no. Good writing, good plot, and good characters are why we call this book a classic.

This counts as my first classic for Kathrin's Summer Classic Challenge, and also an early entry for the 15 books/15 decades challenge (1900s).

BOOK: The Bone People by Keri Hulme

1985 Booker Prize Winner




The Awards Challenge began July 1, and this was my first read. I hope all the books will be this good. It wasn't an easy read, with characters like Kerewin, Joe, and Simon and their somewhat unorthodox relationship. In addition, the prose was unique and could be difficult, but for some reason, I easily let myself go and floated along on the lyrical, magical words. I quickly understood who was thinking or speaking in the unusual style of Hulme's writing. The Maori words and phrases list at the back also helped, but didn't need to look that often as the meaning was usually clear.
Joe is a widower and foster parent to Simon, a mute child with severe behaviour problems. They suddenly enter Kerewin's life and Tower home which is all the more amazing as she is an artist and hermit, happily miserable in her own world. This unusual threesome quickly bond, but it is a difficult relationship as all three seem used to pushing people away. It is a difficult life to read, with much violence and drinking.
Overall, I really liked the book. The writing especially carried me along, and even when the book became mystical and, to me, vague, I still was able to feel connected to the story. A line I particularly liked was

A hook to his jaw and a hook in his thumb and a kind of hook in my heart, by God

And while I can't say the characters were terribly likeable - there were mean streaks in each of them, I still rooted for the three of them together. There was about much Maori legends and the New Zealand setting was powerful. Hulme does a great job of bringing the reader to her land and her Maori culture. This was a book unlike any other I've read.

Here's the wikipedia link with some great info; I didn't see all the parallels to Christianity when I read the novel, but the information might be spoilerish if you haven't read the book yet.

BOOK: Uglies by Scott Westerfeld

I knew this book was popular because there are 6 or 7 copies of each part of this trilogy in our high school library. At the last minute, I grabbed a copy for the summer and I'm glad I did. It wasn't on my list for the Dystopian challenge, but it certainly counts. I'll be getting Pretties and Specials before the summer ends.

It's several centuries after our world, the Rusties, has died out. In this future world, to ensure everyone is treated equally, sixteen year olds are given an operation to become pretty. Tally can't wait for her operation, to become pretty and join the parties and fun life in New Pretty Town and leave the Ugly Town she's been living in. Then, just before her birthday, Tally's new friend Shay, tells Tally that she is running away and doesn't want to be pretty. Tally is conflicted, but the authorities find out and give her few options. I won't tell anymore than that, but I haven't put this book down since I picked it up for a *short* diversion from the very intense book The Bone People. So much for a short diversion.

Uglies is a young adult book, and quite an easy read and somewhat predictable, but I was needing some brain candy. Just like I enjoy Captain Crunch every few months for breakfast, I was needing some easy reading. Uglies was a big old bowl of Captain Crunch.
.

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

What with yesterday being the Fourth of July and all, I’m feeling a little patriotic, and so have a simple question:What, in your opinion, is the (mythical) Great American Novel? At least to date. A “classic,” or a current one–either would be fine. Mark Twain? J.D. Salinger? F. Scott Fitzgerald? Stephen King? Laura Ingalls Wilder?
It doesn’t have to be your favorite book, mind you. “Citizen Kane” may be the “best” film, and I concede its merits, but it’s not my favorite. You don’t have to love something to know that it’s good.
Now, I know that not all of you are American–but you can play, too! What I want from you is to know what you consider to the best novel of YOUR country. It might be someone the rest of us haven’t heard of and, frankly, I think we’d all like to get some new authors to read.
In fact, while we’re at it–I’m curious about the geographical make-up of this meme. So, while you’re leaving your link to your post, tell us where in the world you are! (For the record, I’m in New Jersey, USA.)

This was tough! The quintessential Canadian novel? We have a lot of great writers, and I'm sure many people will chose a Margaret Atwood novel. The novelist I would pick woud be Pierre Burton, even though I haven't read any of his books. (yet! I'm sure I will, but they are epic in scope and large in size) How do we define ourselves? Oh, we spend hours and hours of the CBC's days trying to answer this question. We have a bit of a complex you see, living next door to our large neighbour. I spent all day comtemplating this question.

I'm going to go with Bernice Morgan's novel Random Passage and the sequel, Waiting for Time. Together, they encompass our rough history with nature, and also our desire to know our history, where we came from and who we are. Random Passage is a story of the outposts of Newfoundland, as a woman comes to investigate her heritage. It is told in flashback and describes the very primitive life of the fishers in Newfoundland and how they eked out a living. I read these books about ten years ago and remember really enjoying them.
Canada - recognizing our history, dealing with nature, and vast in scope.

CHALLENGE: Montgomery vs Austen

Which book would you pick up? Anne of Green Gables or Pride and Prejudice?
Which is the better love story? Anne and Gilbert or Elizabeth and Mr Darcy?
Which made the better musical? Anne or, oh yeah, there is none!



My biases are showing here. Over at The Book Mine Set, John Mitford is having the Great Wednesday Compare again, and I'm afraid the Austenites will take over. They mobilized themselves last week to defeat Edgar Allen Poe, and while I have no problem with that, I'm afraid they will beat LM Montgomery this week, and I don't want that to happen. So, if you are going to support LM, and only if, you should head over there and vote. I'm kidding. John has been comparing for a few weeks now, with some very interesting battles.

I think the reason I'm concerned, is this 'mobilizing action'. Jane beat Poe quite handily. I remember a similar bracket competition at livejournal that got taken over by the Serenity crew, which is OK, but it was a small cult TV show and movie, and it was beating everything that came near it, which really didn't represent the masses, in my opinion. John, I think, recognizes that mobilizing potential and is capping the winning at 5 weeks. I don't mind if Jane wins on her merits, but Montgomery should hold her own for several reasons:

• Montgomery has captured a slice of late 19th century Canadiana
• Anne and Gilbert go on to have 7 more books, so you actually get to see what happens
• Emily represents a completely different story than Anne's, darker and sadder
• she's Canadian
• Anne resonates with so many girls (at least 5 of us at Something About Me chose Montgomery books to represent us)
• Montgomery so wonderfully describes PEI, that people make pilgrimages here every year
• LM lead a tortured, sad life. She should at least get this

So head on over and vote with your heart. (Keeping in mind, some rabid Austenites are voting en block) Go LM Montgomery!

BOOK: Alentejo Blue by Monica Ali

I just spent a lovely week in the Alentejo region of Portugal, living among the locals, as well as with a few British tourists, and a few ex-pat Brits as well. Each person I met told me a little about their life, but it's funny how they see each other. It is so easy to label someone as 'trouble', or 'know-it-all' or 'nosy' based on a few characteristics. Once you meet the person, and realize why they are, or are not, the way they are, it all changes. As Joao, an old wise man of the village said, "There's more than one way to look at it."
I stayed until the fall festival occurred. At the same time, Marco, a cousin and former resident returned home, successfully from abroad. It was a great festival, lots of food and music, but everyone was there and there were some personality fireworks. Some people stayed, some people left, and then, life continued.

QUIZ: How Canadian are You?

I meant to post this yesterday! I was too busy going to a Canada Day party. Yeah, that's the reason.

You are 100% Canuck!

You rock, you are an almighty Canadian through and through. You have proven your worthiness and have won the elite prize of living in a country as awesome as Canada. Yes I know other countries think they are better, but we let them have that cuz we know better than they do, eh?

How Canadian Are You?
Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

BOOK: The Echo Maker by Richard Powers

I'm somewhat conflicted about reviewing this book, because I know it is an award winner (National Book Award, 2006) and it was recommended by 3M for the Something About Me Challenge. And I can see why it was an award winner, but I think I read it at the wrong time of the year, when my brain has essentially ceased functioning at the end of June. There were some big ideas in this novel - who are we? how is memory of a person compare with their reality? the trust we have in the people around us? And these big ideas would take a lot more thought than I was prepared to give them.

Mark has been in a car accident and when he awakes from his coma, he believes his sister has been replaced, an imposter. This is called Capgras syndrome and Dr Weber, a reknown cognitive neurologist, comes to investigate.

There were several levels to this novel: the cranes which return to Kearney, Nebraska each year; Mark's recovery and dealings with his sister and their past life; the mystery of what happened to Mark on the night of the accident; Dr Weber's tentative hold on reality in his own life; the different syndromes associated with brain injuries; and the existential questions of self and memory. I mostly enjoyed the mystery of the accident and the note that was left for Mark in the hospital. I found my mind wandering during sections about the cranes and about Dr Weber and his problems. It could have been shorter and I wouldn't have missed much of the filler. Mostly, I didn't connect with the characters and found their actions difficult to understand, especially Mark's sister.

I also enjoyed the setting of Nebraska and feel the author did a great job of describing the feel and mood of the location. The science background describing the different symdromes was also very interesting, as was the mystery of the accident and the Capgras syndrome. I wanted to finish the book and never contemplated not finishing, but it was a little long, and I read three other books after I started this one because I couldn't read this very fast. The pages really dragged in parts and I had to concentrate to get through the novel. I blame much of this on me and my tired head this month.

This was a NYT Notable Book of 2006, and while I enjoyed much of the story I don't think I'll be looking for another of Powers' books for quite a while.

UPDATE: June Books

An amazing total for June, because it is a very busy month at work for me. Challenge reading is continuing, and it seems at the end of each month I start worrying about getting books finished, reading a big list, and then I remember: it's all for fun. It doesn't matter whether I finish a challenge or not, it's about reading great books and enjoying them.

Total books read: 12 8 fiction, 4 nonfiction
Books Read for Nonfiction Challenge: 3
Books Read for Southern Challenge: 2
Books Read for Something About Me Challenge: 2
Books Read for Summer Reading Round 2: 3
Books Read for Dystopian Challenge: 1
Books Read for NYT Notable Books: 2
Reading Across Borders : 2

Best New Author : Larson, Vowell
Best New Series: Miss Julia, Stephanie Plum
Best Book: The Devil in the White City; So Many Books, So Little Time

the list:
67. The Echo Maker - Richard Powers
66. One for the Money - Janet Evanovich
65. Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
64. Zlata's Diary - Zlata Filipovic
63. Good Intentions - Joy Fielding
62. The Translator - Leila Aboulela
61. Quite a Year for Plums - Bailey White
60. The Devil in the White City - Erik Larson
59. So Many Books, So Little Time - Sara Nelson
58. Flowers for Algernon - Daniel Keyes
57. Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind - Ann B Ross
56. Assassination Vacation - Sarah Vowell

BOOK: One for the Money by Janet Evanovich

It's always exciting to find a new mystery series. This was my first book in the summer mystery, new-to-you author read. I've been reading good things about this series, and it was a great summer read.
Stephanie Plum is new to the bounty hunting business, and she is on a steep learning curve trying to bring in Morelli, a cop accused of murder who has jumped bail. The novel follows Stephanie as she tries to bring in Morelli, but she goes way back with him, and you can feel the heat on every page. (I have a crush on Morelli already.) There is a lot more humor in the mystery than I expected and it means I will be looking for the next book in the series. I enjoy a mystery with humor; it balances all the blood and bombs and guns. I love how this series has catching titles: One for the Money, Two for the Dough, Three to get Deadly, ... The thirteenth book has just been released and I've been noticing reviews already.
First book of summer vacation.

BOOK: Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

In the year 632 AF (after Ford) we are shown around the Central London Hatching and Conditioning Centre. This Utopian society values technology, and has used science to perfectly create its population, Alpha, Betas, Gammas, Deltas, and Epsilons. We are introduced to a few characters - Bernard, Hemholtz, Lenina, Henry Foster and Mustapha, and we see how sex is very casual and not used for procreation at all, how soma is the drug of everyone, used to deal with anything unpleasant, and how the children are conditioned to be perfect members of the society. Bernard and Lenina go to a Reservation and bring back a Savage, who has not been exposed to this "brave new world" but to our type of life, with marriage and love and passions and Shakespeare. The Savage becomes a novelty and has trouble fitting in.


I really enjoyed this book, although it started to drag for me near the end. I have been surprised at how some aspects of these dystopian novels have predicted the way societies have evolved. This novel focused on the consumerism, DNA manipulation, and drug use that are certainly issues today, and this was originally published in 1932. As a society, we are looking for a soma, a cure-all to prevent any bad feelings or pain. Commercials teach our children that any pain ( Extra Strength) or discomfort (Tum, Ta tum tum) needs to be eliminated and we have just the thing for you!
I liked how Shakespeare is used to represent all the emotions and feelings that have been eliminated in the Fordian world, and the explanation of how all diseases, including old age and death, have been eliminated by science. This novel will give you plenty to think about.

BOOK: Zlata's Diary by Zlata Filipovic

Zlata's Diary: A Child's Life in Sarajevo was my fourth book in the Nonfiction Five Challenge. I originally planned to read one nonfiction a month, but I got crazy in June and read three. This was a children's book and a quick read, but it certainly was powerful, making me appreciate the peaceful atmosphere we live in. It's one thing to live in fear of terrorists, but to live in a war zone is quite a different matter all together.
Zlata was eleven when she began writing in her diary. Soon after, was broke out in Sarajevo. The entries in her diary change from homework, music and friends, to cities being bombed, no water or electricity, and keeping track of family and friends as they flee or are killed. Even visiting relatives across town is dangerous due to the snipers and bombing. The entries continue for two years as Sarajevo is destroyed and Zlata's life becomes smaller and smaller. Nothing to do, nothing to eat, nowhere to go.

As a book, this was OK. Written by an eleven year old, telling about her life, it was rather repetitive. However, the book is still very powerful in giving an insider and child's view of living through a war zone. Not pretty. She is compared to Anne Frank, and she herself talks about being like Anne so from the beginning there is an awareness of writing about war. About three quarters of the way through, her diary began to be published, and I found it so strange that the journalists would come to interview her, bring her some food and then leave. Zlata and her family were left to listen to the bombs and try to find food, water and heat. Eventually, Zlata's family was removed from Sarajevo and the war did eventually end. I know Canadian peace keepers spent a while in Sarajevo and I would like to read more about what happened there. The Serbs, Croats and Muslims were fighting, killing each other and this is where Slobodan Milosovic (almost convicted of war crimes) spread his good cheer. So much to learn about. This nonfiction challenge is just adding to my reading list.

BOOK: Good Intentions by Joy Fielding

I finished Good Intentions by Joy Fielding last night. I haven't read a good paperback novel in a while and I raced through it, even though I found the men infuriating, which was probably the point. I'm not sure what genre to call this book, it is almost a chick-lit type of book - woman happy in her life, husband is an ass, she eventually wakes up to this fact. The characters were a little predictable, but I still wanted to find out what was going to happen and the plot flew along.

Lynn is getting her life together after her husband had left her and their two children. Renee (rhymes with Beanie) is her lawyer, with her handsome, rich psychiatrist husband. Both are about to have a disturbing summer. Lynn gets a phone call from Marc, the ex-husband of the wife her husband left her for. She finds herself attracted to him which of course could get messy. Renee's manipulative teenage step-daughter is arriving for the summer, as is her suicidal sister. Both women are successful in their careers, and yet put up with domineering, bully husbands. Renee's was especially annoying to me, but I was pretty sure the outcome, so I kept reading.

This was a great, fast read. Nothing too deep; it would be a perfect beach read, and it is set in Florida, so the heat of the sun at the beach would be make you feel you were right there, watching the show.

There was a great Canadian reference to Wayne and Shuster and their famous Julius Caesar skit. We were just talking about that at work last week:" I said, Julie, don't go."

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday
Since school is out for the summer (in most places, at least), here’s a school-themed question for the week:
Do you have any old school books? Did you keep yours from college? Old textbooks from garage sales? Old workbooks from classes gone by?
How about your old notes, exams, papers? Do you save them? Or have they long since gone to the great Locker-in-the-sky?

I sure do have some old textbooks, down in the basement, in a box, that hasn't been opened in years, but has been dutifully moved several times. I even have a box of my brother-in-law's old accounting textbooks. He's supposed to come get them. huh?
The best part of the box of textbooks, is that my husband and I were both chemistry majors, so we have TWO of every book. Organic, inorganic, phys chem, biochem, everything. We keep meaning to get rid of all these books.
I do, however, use my old calculus book, as I now teach it in high school and it was an excellent reference. I keep mine at home and took my husband's to school. We also still have our Norton Anthologies, and we took different courses, so we have two different anthologies, which is actually excellent.

I believe I kept a few exemplar examples of old assignments, and on the occasions I clean, I find them, remember them longingly, and repack them for the next trip down memory lane. Of course I've started saving some of my kids stuff. But there are three of them, and the junk work they generate is mountainous.
[I am actually, at this minute, cleaning out my classroom, and hopefully, throwing out mountains of paper, when I am not distracted by this shiny computer and plans for lunch]

CHALLENGE: 2nds Challenge

Joy can't get enough of hosting these challenges. As soon as the Nonfiction Five ends, she is planning a 2nds challenge . For everyone discovering new authors and wanting to read another one, this is the challenge for you. The challenge is to pick three books, to be read from October through December, of an author you have read one book previously. This is so easy for me. I went to examine my stack of books beside my bed and immediately found three books that fit this challenge. There are many more I can think of, so I'm copying Jill, and making an alternate list as well. From my shelf:

• The Plague by Albert Camus ( I read The Stranger and really enjoyed it)
• Monkfish Moon by Romesh Gunesekera ( I read The Reef)
• In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant ( I loved The Birth of Venus)

My alternate list includes, but not limited by:

• Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (I read Half of a Yellow Sun)
• The Boleyn Inheritance by Philipa Gregory ( Loved The Other Boleyn Girl)
• Number the Stars by Lois Lowry * a Something About Me choice (I read The Giver)
• something by Jodi Picoult (My Sister's Keeper)
• The Lady in the Lake by Raymond Chandler (The Big Sleep)
• Miss Julia Takes Over by Ann B Ross (Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind)
• The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera ( I read Ignorance)
• another book by Orhan Pamuk ( I read Istanbul )

I could keep going. Other than the Sarah Dunant novel, all these are from this year. I've discovered so many great authors this year!

BOOK: The Translator by Leila Aboulela

The Translator is a simple love story, about finding faith and about the life of an exile. Sammar is a Sudanese widow living and translating in Scotland. She begins coming out of a four year mourning period due to the attention of Rae, an expert on Islam and the Middle East. Sammar has been, I hesitate to say living, but going through the motions in Scotland while her aunt/mother-in-law raises her son in Sudan. Rae begins to bring her back to life and Sammar begins to come alive. Her faith in Islam is a stumbling block and the book details her awakening as she returns to Sudan, but she doesn't fit in there either.

I felt so much sympathy for Sammar as she tries to fit in everywhere - she never fit in to Scotland, and her return to Sudan is rough as they see her as an outsider. The writing was lovely and the two countries are wonderfully described. This is a gentle story, more of a character study, but the settings are important too. I prefer a little more story, less lyrical writing, but I enjoyed the book each time I picked it up, and I really enjoyed Sammar and would have liked to know her. She was a strong woman, but her life is so different from mine, in so many respects. I would like to read more about Islam and I enjoyed how her faith guided all her decisions.

BOOK: Quite a Year for Plums by Bailey White

Simple little story, not much happens. It was what I would call, with my limited experience, a typical southern story. Quirky characters, full of setting and not much really happened. I enjoyed reading about Roger and his extended ex-family, and some of the neighbours during a year in their southern Georgian town. Thankfully there was a list of characters and I relied heavily on it for the first few chapters, trying to keep everyone straight. White's writing was wonderful and "heartbreakingly tender, often hilarious". Reading this book reminds me of other southern experiences and characters, like The Golden Girls, and Junebug (movie starring Ben McKenzie.) I don't often identify with the characters, but they are unusual and interesting to read. Is there a crazy person in every small southern town? They seem to be tolerantly amused by their neighbours, not judged. Themes of nature and change and tolerance; gentle read.
Here's a better review than mine, which sums up the book excellently: a review

BOOK: The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America is really two stories in one: the mass murderer, Dr H Holmes and the World Fair of Chicago in 1893. Both happened in the same place and at the same time, so their overlap makes for a fascinating read. Larson, interestingly, mentions Capote's In Cold Blood as a book he read to see how Capote set the tone and mood of a mass murderer's story. I just read that last month.

The World Fair of 1893 changed so much in America. Larson does an amazing job of connecting many the people and events, and I felt the same way I did after reading In Cold Blood: the details! Buffalo Bill Cody, Shredded Wheat, Ferris Wheels, the Titanic, AC electricity, even Disneyland can be connected to this huge world event. At the same time, the Holmes story of a serial killer was chilling. I really enjoyed this well written nonfiction book and learned a lot. I want to go to Chicago now, and see some of the landmarks mentioned. I had to read this quickly as I needed to return it to a student, so I felt more pressure to get this done, but still enjoyed the diversion. There was mention of the McKinley assassination, which now connects all three books I've read for the Nonfiction Challenge: In Cold Blood, Assassination Vacation and The Devil in the White City.

also reviewed by Laura at reading reflections

UPDATE: Spring Reading Thing Challenge

Katrina has asked that everyone write a wrap-up post about the Spring Reading Thing. I finished this up a while ago, but she even gave some homework questions to complete! Sometimes school work can be fun however. Here's my list, including links to each review:

1. Reef by Romesh Gunesekera (completed March 24, 2007)

2. The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler (completed March 25, 2007)

3. A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (completed March 29,2007)

4. History of the World in 10.5 Chapters by Julian Barnes (completed April 6, 2007)

5. The Virgin Suicides by Jeffery Eugenides (completed April 13, 2007)

6. His Dark Materials Trilogy by Philip Pullman

book 1 The Golden Compass (completed April 26, 2007)

book 2 The Subtle Knife (completed April 29, 2007)

book 3 The Amber Spyglass (completed May 22, 2007)

What was the best book you read this spring? I can't pick, because the books were so different, and each have different assets. Mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, . . .
What book could you have done without? The Virgin Suicides didn't do it for me, partly because I loved Middlesex and it wasn't nearly as captivating.
Did you try out a new author this spring? If so, which one, and will you be reading that author again? Ironically, the only author I had read before was Eugenides. I plan to read another of Gunesekara, Adams, Barnes, and Chandler. I even have the books for each of these picked out.
If there were books you didn't finish, tell us why. Did you run out of time? Realize those books weren't worth it? I debated not finishing The Amber Spyglass, but I'm so glad I did because the ending was fantastic. Also, how could I not finish the third book in a trilogy?
Did you come across a book or two on other participants' lists that you're planning to add to your own to-be-read pile? Which ones? I'm sure I did, but I can't remember where I got them or from whom. I've been making such a big list of books to read, I think I'm in denial from where they came from.
What did you learn -- about anything -- through this challenge? Maybe you learned something about yourself or your reading style, maybe you learned not to pick so many nonfiction books for a challenge, maybe you learned something from a book you read. Whatever it is, share! I learned I only like to commit to one book per month for a challenge, and I wouldn't pick a trilogy again, because what if you don't like it?
What was the best part of the Spring Reading Thing? the pretty button!!
Would you be interested in participating in another reading challenge this fall? oh probably!
Any other thoughts, impressions, or comments. Thanks a lot Katrina, you were a great hostess

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday
Do you cheat and peek ahead at the end of your books? Or do you resolutely read in sequence, as the author intended?
And, if you don’t peek, do you ever feel tempted?

Once upon a time, I would have said "never". But I've gotten older, and I must confess that I can not say never. It is not often, but the reasons are varied. NEVER in a mystery. But if I'm feeling really icky about a character and their chance to survive, I might peek to see if I can see their name in a glance at the end. I guess I've never read the end, just taken quick glances to see if I can see a name and that they will survive until the end.
The only book I read the last few pages of, actually read, was On the Road by Jack Kerouac because I couldn' t stand it. I wanted to see if anything actually happened, but alas, still the same boring stuff. So I stopped reading it. Both things were very hard to do: read the end, and stop reading.
I'm not morally opposed to peeking, I would certainly eat my cookies before supper, but I don't do it often.

BOOK: So Many Books, So Little Time by Sara Nelson

I declare that today was the perfect summer day. I don't expect to have such a wonderful day again all summer. We had nothing that had to be done, no where we had to go. The weather was absolutely ideal - mid 20s, slight breeze, sunny. I mean, it was perfect. The kids were around, in and out, sprinkers going, balls thrown, neighbour kids around, climbing trees, teasing brothers, the works. Barbeque steak, baked potatoes with sour cream and green onions (we never have those on hand that are not expired) for supper. We walked up to Tim Horton's after supper to get some donuts for dessert. And my school work is left until tomorrow, mercifully guilt free.

And since the kids are getting older, they can play somewhat unsupervised. I was able to swing on the deck swing, and read So Many Books, So Little Time all day. It was the perfect book for today - I could read a bit, turn on the sprinkler. Read a bit, turn off the sprinkler. Read a bit, get cold drinks for everyone (Corona for me!) And I read the whole, wonderful book today. Nelson herself would say that reading is all about timing! timing! timing! and location! location! location! See, I had both today. Nelson chronicles her year of reading, and how she responds to the books, and how fluid the process of picking and reading books is. Of course, I identified as a reader to many of her statements and feelings about books. That feeling of: it's not just me.

She covers the same type of areas as Nick Hornby did in The Polysyllabic Spree, another book I completely enjoyed. This book was recommended several times in our Something About Me Challenge - sally, a.book.in.the.life, and vasilly. I can see why, and I would put I book like this on my list too. I can't believe I didn't add Hornby's. Nothing profound or startling, just nice.

Wonderful book, wonderful day. le sigh

BOOK: Flowers for Algernon by Daniel Keyes

So many reasons to read this book: booklogged sent it to me, it is on the banned book reading list, katrina just read it, and I picked it for the Summer Reading Challenge Round 2. And it was a great read. I heard it was a tearjerker, and I usually cry quite easily in books so I was surprised that nary a tear fell. Still an excellent read and well worth the story.

Charley is a mentally retarded aldult chosen for experimental surgery to make him a genius. Previously only experimented on animals, Algernon the mouse was the most successful trial. Against the ethics of science today, the surgery is done on Charley without seeing how Algernon ends up, or what the long term effects of the operation are. Charley becomes smarter, intellectually very quickly and the book is about how he has to grow emotionally as well. As he deals with his past life, the reader is left to wonder how much better off he was after the surgery. Algernon begins to fail and Charley is left to see his future.

So many issues are brought up I can see why this is a high school novel. I read it very quickly and would recommend it. As Charley begins to see his life with his increased intelligence, your heart just breaks for him. Banned, I imagine, due to Charley's increased sexual awareness and the references to his affairs.

QUIZ: Which Green Gables character are you?

Surprise, surprise. (I think everyone gets Anne. )

Which Anne of Green Gables character are you?

You are most like Anne Shirley. You love to day dream, read romance novels, and TALK! Yet, you are starving for love and attention, that is, till you come to Green Gables and meet Matthew, Marilla, and Mrs. Lynde.
Take this quiz!

MEME: Booking Through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday
Almost everyone can name at least one author that you would love just ONE more book from. Either because they’re dead, not being published any more, not writing more, not producing new work for whatever reason . . . or they’ve aged and aren’t writing to their old standards any more . . . For whatever reason, there just hasn’t been anything new (or worth reading) of theirs and isn’t likely to be.
If you could have just ONE more book from an author you love . . . a book that would be as good any of their best (while we’re dreaming) . . . something that would round out a series, or finish their last work, or just be something NEW . . . Who would the author be, and why? Jane Austen? Shakespeare? Laurie Colwin? Kurt Vonnegut?

Isn't there a prequel that's been written for Anne of Green Gables? Of Anne's life before she came to PEI? If that had been written by LM Montgomery that would be so excellent.

My first thought was Montgomery, and then I thought of Maeve Binchy, because I really love her books; similar in many ways to Montgomery, not surprisingly. Now that I've covered my bases, and answered several authors, I'll change my mind and pick Harper Lee. To Kill a Mockingbird is such a great book, it's too bad she never wrote anymore. She's still alive, but never published another book. The literary world is at a loss for that.

BOOK: Miss Julia Speaks Her Mind by Ann B Ross

How perfect, that as I began reading the first book for the Southern Reading Challenge, the weather here turned steamy. Well, as steamy as PEI can get, which means humid and a little windy. We are finally able to wear shorts. Miss Julia is a delightful little read, not too heavy and just the right amount of humor. I knew I was hooked into the story and characters when I realized I was wondering what would happen between Julia and Sam, her lawyer, and how she would finally solve some of her problems.
Julia Springer is a recent widow, and she discovers her late husband's infidelity when his mistress drops off his son at her door and asks her to take care of Little Lloyd. Poor Julia has to deal with this shocking revelation in her small southern town, with its standards and 'southernness', which I am getting a feel for even after just one book. Complicating the situation is the minister across the street who feels he/his church should have the money Miss Julia inherited. Miss Julia led a sheltered, simple life before her husband died, and she learns to think for herself, act herself, and look after herself and the assorted characters in her life. She grows up a lot in this book, even though she is in her sixties, and while everything gets resolved, Julia still has a way to go. I will look for the next book in this series, especially when I need a nice, light, enjoyable, nothing to get worked up about, book.

BOOK: Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell

I'm not sure what I thought this book would be about. I'd seen Vowell on The Daily Show and found her humorous. When I signed up for the Nonfiction Five reading challenge, I added this to my library list, figuring it would be funny. And it was.

Vowell is somewhat obsessed with presidential assassinations and she focuses here on Lincoln, Garfield and McKinley and their assassins. She literally goes on assassination vacations. She goes on daytrips, finds plaques all over America and through some very interesting observations and droll commentary, I learned more about American history and some old guy presidents than I ever knew. And she did a great job of writing a history book full of facts and connections - for example, Richard Todd Lincoln was present at, or near, all three of those assassinations- without losing my interest. She doesn't explain things linearly and it makes for a very chatty, enjoyable read. I imagine if you were American and knew even a little about these characters, you would enjoy the book even more.

Vowell makes some interesting connections to current events and presidents, since the more things change, the more they stay the same. History repeats itself. There was mention of the Chicago World Fair, the subject of another book Devil in the White City by Erik Larsen which is making me want to read that as a book for this challenge. I borrowed the book from a student and the fact that the Chaicago World Fair was mentioned so often in this books means it is fate (McKinley was shot at the world fair in Buffalo) that I read it.

UPDATE: May Books

I just get finished a few challenges and then I sign up for a whole bunch more. As long as this is fun, I'll keep playing. A good month of reading; it seems that the books I pick for challenges, because they are ones I've heard about from other readers, have been excellent quality. My standards of a good book are going up.

Total Books Read: 9
Books Read for Once Upon a Time Challenge: 4, and completed!
Books Read for Banned Book Challenge: 1
Books Read for Spring Reading Thing: 1, and completed!
Books Read for Reading Across Borders: 2
Books Read for the Dystopian Challenge: 0
Books Read for Chunkster Challenge: 2, and completed!
Books Read for top 50_books challenge: 2.5
Books Read for Something About Me Challenge that hasn't really started yet: 1
Books Read for NonFiction Five: 1

New Authors that I want to read again: Capote, Adichie, Picoult
Best books: Half a Yellow Sun, Good Omens, My Sister's Keeper
Best Scary Book: Coraline
Funniest Book: Good Omens

The List:
My Sister's Keeper - Jodi Picoult
Good Omens - Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman
The Amber Spyglass - Philip Pullman
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupery
The Swallows of Kabul - Yasmina Khadra
In Cold Blood - Truman Capote
A Man Without a Country - Kurt Vonnegut
Half of a Yellow Sun - Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Coraline - Neil Gaiman