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3GeorgiaDawn
Happy New Year to you!
5GeorgiaDawn
Thank you, drnewt!
6hobbitprincess
Found you! Woohoo! I can't remember how to do links the cool way, but here's a link to my thread, I think: http://www.librarything.com/topic/147117.
7GeorgiaDawn
Thanks! I have you starred!
8GeorgiaDawn
1. Captain Vorpatril's Alliance by Lois McMaster Build
Ivan Vorpatril, a bachelor always with a beautiful girl on his arm, is on the planet Komarr as part of his duty with the government of Barrayar. While on Komarr, Ivan is asked by an Imperial Security agent to watch a particular young lady who may be in danger. True to Ivan's nature, he sets out to make the lady's aquaintence and shield her without knowing her name or what sort of danger was involved. Ivan gets more than he bargained for when he learns the true identity of the young lady and finds himself under investigation by the Komarrans.
This book takes place on the same worlds as Bujold's other books, but Ivan Vorpatril is the main character as opposed to Miles Vorkosigan. There was a great deal of background information that was important for readers unfamiliar with the series. Once I got past that portion, I enjoyed the book very much.
Ivan Vorpatril, a bachelor always with a beautiful girl on his arm, is on the planet Komarr as part of his duty with the government of Barrayar. While on Komarr, Ivan is asked by an Imperial Security agent to watch a particular young lady who may be in danger. True to Ivan's nature, he sets out to make the lady's aquaintence and shield her without knowing her name or what sort of danger was involved. Ivan gets more than he bargained for when he learns the true identity of the young lady and finds himself under investigation by the Komarrans.
This book takes place on the same worlds as Bujold's other books, but Ivan Vorpatril is the main character as opposed to Miles Vorkosigan. There was a great deal of background information that was important for readers unfamiliar with the series. Once I got past that portion, I enjoyed the book very much.
9GeorgiaDawn
2. To Say Nothing of the Dog by Connie Willis
This is the second book in Connie Willis's time travel series, but I read it last. Out of the four in this series, this was my least favorite. The other three (Doomsday Book, Blackout and All Clear) were serious books with a bit of comic relief here and there. I found To Say Nothing of the Dog silly when compared to the other three. In this book, time travel seemed to be an almost trivial thing with the main characters willing to break the rules to make things more convenient. Based on conversations here in LT and my RL friends, my opinion is in the minority. This book is the favorite in the series for many.
This is the second book in Connie Willis's time travel series, but I read it last. Out of the four in this series, this was my least favorite. The other three (Doomsday Book, Blackout and All Clear) were serious books with a bit of comic relief here and there. I found To Say Nothing of the Dog silly when compared to the other three. In this book, time travel seemed to be an almost trivial thing with the main characters willing to break the rules to make things more convenient. Based on conversations here in LT and my RL friends, my opinion is in the minority. This book is the favorite in the series for many.
10GeorgiaDawn
3. Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen
I really enjoyed this book! It was a innocent and sweet, a nice change of pace for me. Thank you, Morphy, for sending this via SantaThing!
4. Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
My son wanted me to read this book and loaned me his copy. Like most (if not all) this is a complicated and somewhat depressing book.
5. The Shining by Stephen King
I haven't read The Shining in many years. With the sequel coming out this year, I thought a reread was in order.
(I'll get back with reviews later.)
I really enjoyed this book! It was a innocent and sweet, a nice change of pace for me. Thank you, Morphy, for sending this via SantaThing!
4. Sirens of Titan by Kurt Vonnegut
My son wanted me to read this book and loaned me his copy. Like most (if not all) this is a complicated and somewhat depressing book.
5. The Shining by Stephen King
I haven't read The Shining in many years. With the sequel coming out this year, I thought a reread was in order.
(I'll get back with reviews later.)
12Morphidae
I'm so glad you liked Garden Spells! It's one of my favorites.
13GeorgiaDawn
#11 scaifea - Yes! Danny is grown up in the sequel.
14GeorgiaDawn
6. Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
This is the second book in the All Souls Trilogy. Shadow of Night takes Diana Bishop and her husband, Matthew Claremont, back in time. They hope to discover a way for Diana to control her magic and find the book Diana discovered in her time. Diana and Matthew are convinced the book holds answers to their questions concerning the existence of special creatures.
I enjoyed this book more than the first. I did find it strange that Diana could so easily fit into the past and not raise more eyebrows. Still, I found their journey very interesting. I hated to see it end!
This is the second book in the All Souls Trilogy. Shadow of Night takes Diana Bishop and her husband, Matthew Claremont, back in time. They hope to discover a way for Diana to control her magic and find the book Diana discovered in her time. Diana and Matthew are convinced the book holds answers to their questions concerning the existence of special creatures.
I enjoyed this book more than the first. I did find it strange that Diana could so easily fit into the past and not raise more eyebrows. Still, I found their journey very interesting. I hated to see it end!
15Whisper1
I enjoyed Garden Spells. Have you read any of her other books?
16Morphidae
Interesting. What did you like more about the second book? I found it kind of draggy and not a lot of plot. I much preferred the first book.
17GeorgiaDawn
Whisper1, I have not read more of her books, but I do plan to!
Morphy, it did drag some in places. I enjoyed following Diana as she learned about her magic and grew as a witch.
Morphy, it did drag some in places. I enjoyed following Diana as she learned about her magic and grew as a witch.
18GeorgiaDawn
7. Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card
I love this book! I've read it several times, but this was my first time listening to the book. So much about Ender is heartbreaking and heroic at the same time. I've read most of the sequels. The only other book in the Enderverse that I really like is Ender's Shadow. I'll will follow up with it soon.
I love this book! I've read it several times, but this was my first time listening to the book. So much about Ender is heartbreaking and heroic at the same time. I've read most of the sequels. The only other book in the Enderverse that I really like is Ender's Shadow. I'll will follow up with it soon.
19GeorgiaDawn
I'm back in a slump and not reading much. I blame it on several things: grading too many papers, Downton Abbey, trying to sort through my mother's things, Downton Abbey, going to bed earlier, Downton Abbey. You get the picture.
8. Oh, Myyy! There Goes the Internet by George Takei
I found this book very entertaining. There is a great deal of humor mixed in with serious topics. Takei talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly of social networks.
8. Oh, Myyy! There Goes the Internet by George Takei
I found this book very entertaining. There is a great deal of humor mixed in with serious topics. Takei talks about the good, the bad, and the ugly of social networks.
20Whisper1
Add me to the list of Downton Abbey fans. I'm hooked. Do you think there will be a season four?
22GeorgiaDawn
Whisper - I'm watching Season Three now on the PBS website. I do hope there is a Season Four! I'm too wrapped up in the families for them to leave me stranded! I love to watch Maggie Smith in her role. She is awesome!
Morphy, I hope you enjoy the book!
Morphy, I hope you enjoy the book!
23streamsong
I can't get into the chatroom anymore, either. :(
Everyone here has convinced me to try DA--Season 1 is the next up on my Netflix queue.
Everyone here has convinced me to try DA--Season 1 is the next up on my Netflix queue.
24GeorgiaDawn
I'm all caught up with the current episodes. I highly recommend DA!
I tried to get into chat last night and could not. Maybe next week.
I tried to get into chat last night and could not. Maybe next week.
25GeorgiaDawn
9. Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
This is the only other book in the Enderverse that I care for. It is a parallel novel to Ender's Game from another child's point of view. The movie that is supposed to come out late this year takes parts from Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow.
This is the only other book in the Enderverse that I care for. It is a parallel novel to Ender's Game from another child's point of view. The movie that is supposed to come out late this year takes parts from Ender's Game and Ender's Shadow.
26GeorgiaDawn
10. Etiquette & Espionage by Gail Carriger
This is the first book in Carriger's new Finishing School series. It takes place approximately 20 years before the Parasol Protectorate books. The Finishing School series shares some of the same characters as the Parasol Protectorate, but these are written for young adults.
Sophronia Temminnick is a 14 year old who embarrasses her mother by her outlandish behavior. She likes to see how things work and can never keep her dresses neat and clean; how dare she do such things! When Mrs. Temminnick has the opportunity to send her daughter off to Finishing School, she jumps at the chance. Sophronia dreads the idea, but soon discovers that this is a very different kind of finishing school. Social skills are important, but only if you can also hide a body.
Etiquette & Espionage is a fun, lighthearted book that I enjoyed very much. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
This is the first book in Carriger's new Finishing School series. It takes place approximately 20 years before the Parasol Protectorate books. The Finishing School series shares some of the same characters as the Parasol Protectorate, but these are written for young adults.
Sophronia Temminnick is a 14 year old who embarrasses her mother by her outlandish behavior. She likes to see how things work and can never keep her dresses neat and clean; how dare she do such things! When Mrs. Temminnick has the opportunity to send her daughter off to Finishing School, she jumps at the chance. Sophronia dreads the idea, but soon discovers that this is a very different kind of finishing school. Social skills are important, but only if you can also hide a body.
Etiquette & Espionage is a fun, lighthearted book that I enjoyed very much. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
27fairywings
I've been enjoying the Parasol Protectorate books, so I'm sure I'll love these one's too, must look for them I think :)
28GeorgiaDawn
Yes, do give this series a try!
29GeorgiaDawn
11. Beautiful Darkness by Kami Garcia
This is the second book out of four in the Beautiful Creatures series. In this installment, Lena is on the verge of having to choose between being a Light Caster or Dark Caster as her Seventeenth Moon approaches. No matter which choice she makes, people will die. Ethan, Lena's mortal boyfriend, begins to have a better understanding about his place in the supernatural world and what part his mother played prior to her death. Lena and Ethan both face physical and emotional journeys as they find their way through the Caster Tunnels that run under portions of South Carolina and Georgia.
This book started out very slow for me, but quickly picked up. Ethan has a very strong role in this book and is able to take a stand for himself rather than always being in Lena's shadow.
Small Rant - On a side note, the name of a town in Georgia is mispronounced in the audio version. I understand that only people who live in the area would catch the mistake, but it irritated me especially since the story is set in South Carolina and Georgia. The town is Cairo, Georgia. Yes, it it spelled like Cairo, Egypt. In Georgia it is pronounced Kay-Row. - End of Small Rant
This is the second book out of four in the Beautiful Creatures series. In this installment, Lena is on the verge of having to choose between being a Light Caster or Dark Caster as her Seventeenth Moon approaches. No matter which choice she makes, people will die. Ethan, Lena's mortal boyfriend, begins to have a better understanding about his place in the supernatural world and what part his mother played prior to her death. Lena and Ethan both face physical and emotional journeys as they find their way through the Caster Tunnels that run under portions of South Carolina and Georgia.
This book started out very slow for me, but quickly picked up. Ethan has a very strong role in this book and is able to take a stand for himself rather than always being in Lena's shadow.
Small Rant - On a side note, the name of a town in Georgia is mispronounced in the audio version. I understand that only people who live in the area would catch the mistake, but it irritated me especially since the story is set in South Carolina and Georgia. The town is Cairo, Georgia. Yes, it it spelled like Cairo, Egypt. In Georgia it is pronounced Kay-Row. - End of Small Rant
30GeorgiaDawn
12. Die Trying by Lee Child
13. The Runner by W.J. Davies
I'm packing for a weekend get away so I'll write a little about these later. I did enjoy both!
13. The Runner by W.J. Davies
I'm packing for a weekend get away so I'll write a little about these later. I did enjoy both!
31GeorgiaDawn
14. Third Shift - Pact by Hugh Howey
This is the final book in the Wool series to be followed by Dust. I love this series! The Runner above is a short story about this world that Hugh Howey built.
The environment outside of the silo is toxic, or so they are told. No one knows of any world other than living in their lone silo and existing on the recyclable materials they have on had. Each one has a job. Some are mechanics, others are cooks, farmers, or teachers. Some even work in IT and seem to have control of everything and everyone Nothing escapes the eye and ears of IT. When a person is convicted of a crime, they must clean. They leave the safe confines of the silo, the only world they know, and go outside to clean the sensors that send images back of the ruined landscape. These people never return.
After decades of living in the silo, some are bound to question the living conditions. Who build the silo? Why are they there? Are their others like them? Those questions are the biggest crime anyone can commit. Silence is the only way to survive.
This is the final book in the Wool series to be followed by Dust. I love this series! The Runner above is a short story about this world that Hugh Howey built.
The environment outside of the silo is toxic, or so they are told. No one knows of any world other than living in their lone silo and existing on the recyclable materials they have on had. Each one has a job. Some are mechanics, others are cooks, farmers, or teachers. Some even work in IT and seem to have control of everything and everyone Nothing escapes the eye and ears of IT. When a person is convicted of a crime, they must clean. They leave the safe confines of the silo, the only world they know, and go outside to clean the sensors that send images back of the ruined landscape. These people never return.
After decades of living in the silo, some are bound to question the living conditions. Who build the silo? Why are they there? Are their others like them? Those questions are the biggest crime anyone can commit. Silence is the only way to survive.
32GeorgiaDawn
15. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn Just when I had it all figured out, Gillian Flynn threw in another twist! I enjoyed this much more than I expected.
(I have to catch up on these reviews!)
(I have to catch up on these reviews!)
33GeorgiaDawn
I'm falling so far behind in my reading and reviews. I must catch up!
16. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
I loved this book! I'm excited about the next one.
17. Treason by Orson Scott Card
Meh.
16. The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King
I loved this book! I'm excited about the next one.
17. Treason by Orson Scott Card
Meh.
38GeorgiaDawn
21. A Letter of Mary by Laurie R. King
I've only read three books in this series, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. In this one, Mary and Sherlock are thrown into the middle of yet another murder. Both of their lives are put in jeopardy when unidentified persons search for a valuable artifact at the Holmes residence. The murder and the search are, of course, linked.
22. Red Lory by Dave Newell
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this book. The main characters consist of a struggling doctor, his office manager, and the wife of a dying patient. The paths of these three individual converge in a small town where every one sees everything. Each of the three have considerable baggage that they are trying to overcome and leave behind. I enjoyed reading the book, but I wanted more resolution. I did like the way the author showed subtle changes in the characters as the book progressed. I felt completely different about all three at the end of the book. You want to follow this book with something happy and fun.
23. The Marching Morons by C. M. Lornbluth
The Marching Morons was an Amazon Deal of the Day a few weeks ago. It was originally published in 1951. The book was okay, but not great.
The story takes place in the future and shows a world where intelligence is quickly becoming extinct. The premise is that intelligent people have had fewer children over the years while the less intelligent, or the "morons," have continued to populate the world. The more intelligent ones are trying to maintain control over society. A man from the past is woken up after many years of suspended animation. Using his past experience as a less than reputable real estate broker, he proceeds to try to fix the problem with the population. His help does come at a steep price
I've only read three books in this series, but it's quickly becoming one of my favorites. In this one, Mary and Sherlock are thrown into the middle of yet another murder. Both of their lives are put in jeopardy when unidentified persons search for a valuable artifact at the Holmes residence. The murder and the search are, of course, linked.
22. Red Lory by Dave Newell
I'm still not quite sure how I feel about this book. The main characters consist of a struggling doctor, his office manager, and the wife of a dying patient. The paths of these three individual converge in a small town where every one sees everything. Each of the three have considerable baggage that they are trying to overcome and leave behind. I enjoyed reading the book, but I wanted more resolution. I did like the way the author showed subtle changes in the characters as the book progressed. I felt completely different about all three at the end of the book. You want to follow this book with something happy and fun.
23. The Marching Morons by C. M. Lornbluth
The Marching Morons was an Amazon Deal of the Day a few weeks ago. It was originally published in 1951. The book was okay, but not great.
The story takes place in the future and shows a world where intelligence is quickly becoming extinct. The premise is that intelligent people have had fewer children over the years while the less intelligent, or the "morons," have continued to populate the world. The more intelligent ones are trying to maintain control over society. A man from the past is woken up after many years of suspended animation. Using his past experience as a less than reputable real estate broker, he proceeds to try to fix the problem with the population. His help does come at a steep price
39GeorgiaDawn
24. How to Negotiate Everything by Lisa Lutz
This is a short book for children that was inspired by a character in The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. It was a fun, quick read that explains how to go about negotiating with parents.
25. This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
This book is about a society that is perfect in every way, as long as you don't mind a computer program making every decision for you from the day you are born until the day it decides you should die. Chip dares to think how his life might be different. Even thinking this way could cause society to see him as sick or incurable. He must decide if he is willing to risk everything, even life itself, to be different and change society.
26. To The Stars by George Takei
In his autobiography, George Takei discusses his personal life, his journey to becoming an actor, and finally his role as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek. Takei was a young child when he and his family were forced into the internment camps during WWII. Rather than remaining bitter and beaten, he followed the example his parents set for him and became a politically active member of society. While pursuing his dream to be an actor, Takei met Gene Roddenberry. He never dreamed what that initial meeting would mean to his future. From the experiences of his early life to the set of Star Trek, I found Takei's story fascinating!
This is a short book for children that was inspired by a character in The Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz. It was a fun, quick read that explains how to go about negotiating with parents.
25. This Perfect Day by Ira Levin
This book is about a society that is perfect in every way, as long as you don't mind a computer program making every decision for you from the day you are born until the day it decides you should die. Chip dares to think how his life might be different. Even thinking this way could cause society to see him as sick or incurable. He must decide if he is willing to risk everything, even life itself, to be different and change society.
26. To The Stars by George Takei
In his autobiography, George Takei discusses his personal life, his journey to becoming an actor, and finally his role as Mr. Sulu on Star Trek. Takei was a young child when he and his family were forced into the internment camps during WWII. Rather than remaining bitter and beaten, he followed the example his parents set for him and became a politically active member of society. While pursuing his dream to be an actor, Takei met Gene Roddenberry. He never dreamed what that initial meeting would mean to his future. From the experiences of his early life to the set of Star Trek, I found Takei's story fascinating!
40GeorgiaDawn
I'm now reading through Cloud Atlas and Breakfast of Champions, but it's slow going. My son suggested I read both. I may have to take on something lighter for now.
I'm spending my summer in and out of the NICU waiting room. (My daughter-in-law had an emergency c-section at 27 weeks.) You would think I would be getting some reading done, but I'm finding it difficult to concentrate. It seems I've spent two years not being able to concentrate! I'm turning into my students!
I'm spending my summer in and out of the NICU waiting room. (My daughter-in-law had an emergency c-section at 27 weeks.) You would think I would be getting some reading done, but I'm finding it difficult to concentrate. It seems I've spent two years not being able to concentrate! I'm turning into my students!
41GeorgiaDawn
Catching up -
28. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Finally made it through. I read this because my son highly recommended the book. It was fair, but I struggled to stay interested.
29. Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
I'm just not a Vonnegut fan. This is another that my son recommended.
30. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
I listened to this book. I thought Heart-Shaped Box was fantastic and was hoping the same for this book. In my opinion, it fell short of Hill's previous works.
31. The Last Word: A Spellman Novel by Lisa Lutz
Loved this one! This is the last in The Spellman novels. Lutz tied up most of the loose ends, but left a few threads out there to be considered. In this final installment, Izzy is faced with life changing decisions. Just when you think she is finally a responsible adult, Izzy returns to her old ways. I laugh my way through all of Lisa Lutz's books.
32. Isabel Spellman's Guide to Etiquette: What is Wrong with You People by Isabel Spellman and Lisa Lutz
I have many passages in this book highlighted. I especially like her take on etiquette where revolving doors are concerned. "Don't."
28. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell
Finally made it through. I read this because my son highly recommended the book. It was fair, but I struggled to stay interested.
29. Breakfast of Champions by Kurt Vonnegut
I'm just not a Vonnegut fan. This is another that my son recommended.
30. NOS4A2 by Joe Hill
I listened to this book. I thought Heart-Shaped Box was fantastic and was hoping the same for this book. In my opinion, it fell short of Hill's previous works.
31. The Last Word: A Spellman Novel by Lisa Lutz
Loved this one! This is the last in The Spellman novels. Lutz tied up most of the loose ends, but left a few threads out there to be considered. In this final installment, Izzy is faced with life changing decisions. Just when you think she is finally a responsible adult, Izzy returns to her old ways. I laugh my way through all of Lisa Lutz's books.
32. Isabel Spellman's Guide to Etiquette: What is Wrong with You People by Isabel Spellman and Lisa Lutz
I have many passages in this book highlighted. I especially like her take on etiquette where revolving doors are concerned. "Don't."
