AuntieClio Reads in 2014 - Page 12

Skip the preliminaries

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Hi. I'm Stephanie, and I hit 75 books in August!

This is my second year with the 75ers and am really happy getting to know more of you. I live in Silicon Valley and 2014 has been a tough year.

I lost my part-time job and broke my wrist three weeks ago. If you can help, my fundraiser for surgery is http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-stephanie-pay-for-wrist-surgery.... Please pass the word, I really need help.

Big adoring praise and thanks to those who have helped, and continue to encourage me.

75er paraphernalia available here: http://www.zazzle.com/lunisea*

Running total

Monthly reading lists:
January reading list
February reading list
March reading list
April reading list
May reading list
June reading list
July reading list
August reading list
September reading list
October reading list
November reading list
December reading list

ROOTS - aiming for 50 read and out of the house



Last year I read 104 but I'm keeping my goal to 75 in 2014.
I hit 75 in August.



And as they go out, so too do they come in.
(includes 2 Pearl Ruled)

2014 Running Total
(updated at the end of each month)

2014 Total Books Read: 96
2014 Total TIOLI Books Read: 95
2014 ROOTs: 46

2014 Digital Read: 10
2014 Goes: 46
2014 Loaner: 1
2014 Stays: 39
2014 Undecided Status:

2014 Fiction: 71
2014 Non-Fiction: 24
2014 Poetry: 1

2014 New Book Categories:
Tudors: 3
60s: 1
Beats: 3
Women: 5
History: 2
Politics:
Religion:
Spirituality:
Photography/Creativity: 7
Business/Marketing: 4
Fiction (Familiar Author): 47
Non-Fiction (Familiar Author): 7
Thingadingy: 6
Other: 8

2014 Books Bought: 41
2014 Gifts: 80
2014 Downloads: 20

2014 ROOTs Read:

1. Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
2. Cinderella by Ed McBain
3. The Caine Mutiny by Herman Wouk
4. The Monkey and the Tiger by Robert Van Gulik
5. Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder
6. I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
7. Primitive Mythology by Joseph Campbell
8. Euthyphro, Apology, and Crito by Plato
9. Contact by Carl Sagan
10. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Universe by Douglas Adams
11. The Restaurant at the End of the Universe by Douglas Adams
12. Life, the Universe and Everything by Douglas Adams
13. Who Am I This Time? by Jay Martin
14. Dune Messiah by Frank Herbert
15. Children of Dune by Frank Herbert
16. God Emperor of Dune by Frank Herbert
17. Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
18. Heretics of Dune by Frank Herbert
19. A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula K. Le Guin
20. The Tombs of Atuan by Ursula K. Le Guin
21. Chapterhouse: Dune by Frank Herbert
22. The Farthest Shore by Ursula K. Le Guin
23. Negotiating With the Dead by Margaret Atwood
24. Indigo Slam by Robert Crais
25. Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
26. The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
27. The Rehearsal by Eleanor Catton
28. The Tiger's Daughter by Bharati Mukherjee
29. Girls of Riyadh by Rajaa Alsanea
30. Waiting for the Barbarians by J. M. Coetzee
31. The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
32. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow
33. The First Rule by Robert Crais
34. A Perry Mason Omnibus by Erle Stanley Gardner
35. How Few Remain by Harry Turtledove
36. Lincoln's Dreams by Connie Willis
37. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
38. The Shadow Dancer by Margaret Coel
39. Bellwether by Connie Willis
40. Old Man's War by John Scalzi
41. The Ghost Brigades by John Scalzi
42. Reviving Ophelia by Mary Pipher
43. The Last Colony by John Scalzi
44. The Children of Men by P. D. James
45. Playing Big by Tara Mohr
46. Permission Marketing by Seth Godin
47. Imperfect Birds by Anne Lamott
48. Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland
49. The Murder Room by P. D. James
50. Sunshine by Robin McKinley
51. Style, Style, Style by Andy Warhol
52. The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

Best/Most of 2014
Best of January:
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
I Am the Messenger by Markus Zusak

Most Fun of January:
Aloha From Hell by Richard Kadrey

Best of February:
Dust by Hugh Howey
after the quake by Haruki Murakami

Most Useful of February:
The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists by Eleanor Payson

Most Interesting of March:
Who Am I This Time? by Jay Martin

Best of March:
Dune by Frank Herbert
Nation by Terry Pratchett
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

Best of April:
Just One Damned Thing After Another by Jodi Taylor
A Second Chance by Jodi Taylor
The Robber Bride by Margaret Atwood
Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

Best of May:
The Story of Lucy Gault by William Trevor
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon
My Name is Red by Orhan Pamuk

Best of June:
Maus I, Maus II by Art Spiegelman

Most Fun of June:
White Fire by Douglas Preston & Lincoln Childs
Redshirts by John Scalzi

Best of July:
Cannery Row by John Steinbeck
A Trail Through Time by Jodi Taylor

Best of August:
Howl and Other Poems by Allen Ginsberg
The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Best of September:
The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles by Haruki Murakami
The Wolfman by Nicholas Pekearo

Best of October:
Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki by Haruki Murakami
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Best of November:
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Diaz
Midnight Cowboy by James Leo Herlihy
The Martian by Andy Weir

December:
Most Thought-Provoking: God's Problem by Bart Ehrman
Most Fun: Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland
Best: The Murder Room by P. D. James
The Night Guest by Fiona MacFarlane
Sunshine by Robin McKinley
The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Authors new to me in 2014:
Alsanea, Rajaa
Achebe, Chinua
Brown, Brene
Catton, Eleanor
Coetzee, J. M.
Diaz, Junot
Gardner, Erle Stanley
Ghosh, Amitav
Godin, Seth
Guy, John
Hearne, Kevin
Herlihy, James Leo
Kostova, Elizabeth
Lamott, Anne
Lane, Roger
Le Guin, Ursula
Martin, Jay
McCloskey, Deirdre
McFarlane, Fiona
McKinley, Robin
Miles, Barry
Mohr, Tara
Mukherjee, Bharati
Pamuk, Orhan
Payson, Eleanor
Pekearo, Nicholas
Rawlings, Marjorie Kinnan
Rowland, Diana
Sagan, Carl
Sloan, Robin
Spiegelman, Art
Stabenow, Dana
Stephens, Walter
Tannahill, Reay
Tatelbaum, Judy
Taylor, Jodi
Trevor, William
Turow, Scott
Turtledove, Harry
Weir, Andy
Warhol, Andy (I've decided to consider him a new to me author since I hadn't read anything by him before)
Willis, Connie
Yousafzai, Malala
Zafon, Carlos Ruiz

Proposed December Reading:
TIOLI # 1. Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - Catherine the Great (ine) - COMPLETE
TIOLI # 16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas - God’s Problem COMPLETE
TIOLI # 14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card
Mark of the Demon (non-human characters) COMPLETE
Penelopiad (book by a woman author) COMPLETE
The Murder Room (book with a mystery) COMPLETE
Sunshine (book with a one-word title) COMPLETE
TIOLI # 16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas – Cosmopolitan Greetings- COMPLETE
TIOLI # 22 Special Snowflake – read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - Style, Style, Style (fashion) COMPLETE

Completed December Reading
97. (S)(NF) - Catherine the Great: Portrait of a Woman by Robert K. Massie - TIOLI # 1. Read a book using a minimum three-letter part of the name "Madeline" in your book's title - (ine)
98. (S)(Poetry) - Cosmopolitan Greetings- Allen Ginsberg - TIOLI # 16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas
99. (S)(NF) - God’s Problem by Bart Ehrman - TIOLI #16. Read a book that has nothing to do with Christmas
100. (G)(F)- Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland - TIOLI #7. Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 (Thanks Tina!)
101. (G)(F) - The Murder Room by P. D. James - TIOLI #14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card (book with a mystery)
102. (G)(F) - Sunshine by Robin McKinley - TIOLI #14 Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card
(non-human characters)
103. (G)(NF) - Style, Style, Style by Andy Warhol - TIOLI #22 Special Snowflake – read a book about something you wouldn’t usually read - Style, Style, Style (fashion)
104. (G)(F)- The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane - TIOLI #7. Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 (Thanks Jacqui!)
105. (G)(F) - The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood - TIOLI #14. Read a book that fits a category on the 2014 Reading Bingo card (book by a woman author)

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New to the Stacks:
129. The Wind Through the Keyhole by Stephen King
130. Little Humans by Brandon Stanton
131. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
132. Incident at Twenty-Mile by Trevanian
133. A First-Rate Madness by Nassir Ghaemi
134. Night Guest, The by Fiona McFarlane

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December Total Books Read: 9
December Total TIOLI Books Read: 9
December ROOTs: 5

December Digital Read:
December Goes: 5
December Loaner:
December Stays: 4
December Undecided Status:

December Fiction: 5
December Non-Fiction: 3
December Poetry: 1

December New Book Categories:
Tudors:
60s:
Beats:
Women:
History:
Politics:
Religion:
Spirituality:
Photography/Creativity: 2
Business/Marketing:
Fiction (Familiar Author): 2
Non-Fiction (Familiar Author):
Other: 1

December Books Bought: 5
December Gifts: 1
December Downloads:

TIOLI's the name of the game! It's pretty much the only challenge I participate in. Frankly, I think y'all are crazy for putting so much pressure on yourselves by taking on so many challenges at once.

I obviously love lists, but I'm not big on end of the year lists or top anything lists. I won't tell you what to read unless you specifically ask for recommendations. I'm also not up on the recent releases.

Having said all that, I adore this corner of the book reading world. Welcome to my 12th thread.

Mark of the Demon by Diana Rowland - TIOLI #7. Read a book that you gave or received as a gift in 2014 (Thanks Tina!)

A new author and a new series for me. Rowland's Kara Gillian urban fantasy belongs on the shelves right next Kim Harrison, Richard Kadrey, and Stacia Kane.

Kara Gillian is a cop, and a summoner, which is frowned upon by polite society. One night a summoning goes awry, and a very sexy demi-god appears. As do the return of occult related serial killings. While trying to pretend she is just a cop, Kara figures out the occult nature if the killings and sets out to find the killer, who turns out to be a big surprise to everyone (including me) for a twisted revenge fantasy.

Kara is as flawed as my favorite urban fantasy heroes. Rowland's writing is smart and funny. I'm looking forwrd to reading what happens next.

Happy New Thread, Stephanie. Thinking of you - hugs xx

Hang in there, Stephanie. Things will get better for you. No more yelling in the shower at yourself!

Happy New Thread, Stephanie. Hope you are having a good weekend.

Happy New Thread, Stephanie!

Happy new week, Stephanie. I hope this holiday season holds some surprise moments of joy for you!

Lovely new thread, my friend!

I had a brain drizzle today and called my health insurance provider to ask about being re-instated. It is too late for this year but I do have insurance starting January 1, 2015 at a lower premium. The very nice lady emailed some things to me, including a temporary card.

I left voicemail at the surgeon's office to talk with them either about accepting my insurance or getting a referral to one who will. Obviously this a game-changer, and I still need help with expenses, but this makes things easier, I hope.

Keeping my fingers crossed that this works out for you and helps out.

Oh, yes! What >18 ronincats: said! All good wishes flying your way.

Keep my fingers crossed thst everthing will turn to the bright side. xx

Good news about the January insurance, Stephanie! Patience is the hardest thing sometimes. Are you still in pain?

Yes, I'm still in pain. It's mostly manageable. I've learned how to hold my arm to minimize it, Writing is out, as is gripping anything with my left hand. I only take a pain pill at night.

Today I spoke with the student loan people who administratively reset the clock for two months which gives me time to fill out the paperwork and give me another year's relief.

Still need to apply for disability.

Meg was over on Sunday and brought groceries. She also brought her fund raising wisdom and offered to contact people I used ti work with on my behalf. She also brought tons of love.

Yay for Meg!

I am so glad you are getting some RL support in the form of Meg. I hope your spreading the news a bit more widely will result in some more support for you medical expenses. And I hope you have some nice plans for the Christmas holidays, too. Continue to take really good care of yourself.

I'm glad that Meg was around. Hugs xx

The Murder Room by P. D. James

This was my first Adam Dagliesh mystery and I loved it. A small museum with a concentration on the inter-war years of 1919-1939 features The Murder Room, which itself specializes in infamous murders. Two murders occur which look like they're copy cats of two from The Murder Room.

At issue is the longevity of the Dupayne Museum. It was left to three siblings who all must approve renewing the lease or risk losing the museum altogether. Two of the siblings are trying to convince the third to change his mind and save the museum. Then the first murder occurs, and things are no longer straightforward. Of course, things are not straightforward, it's a murder mystery.

After reading The Murder Room, I now understand James' popularity and am happy tp jump on that particular bandwagon.

Steph! So glad to see the insurance news! Sounds like Meg is a gem! :)

PS -- on the Mark of the Demon book? I told you I had the second one ready to send you when you were ready, right? Well, I just got on here tonight and was entering my books and Sins of the Demon is book #4!!! Holy crap. Lisa is going to crap bc money is tight, we are going to NYC on Saturday, but I just ordered books 2 & 3. ;) Hey! I used thriftbooks.com so my total purchase was less than $10 and I have to be sure we are caught up and in the right order! How could I have done that? Anyway, I am rectifying it so you'll get all three of those at once after I read 2 & 3. I'm sorry for screwing that one up so badly!

Stephanie, I loved the reading of The Murder Room. Enjoy it.

We seem to have avoided the great rain ruination of my boxes of books. The roof tiles have a gap, but cannot be fixed until it dries out (of course). Uncle Eli brought a 12ft x 6ft plastic bag and placed over the shelves from ceiling to floor so my books won't get hit. So thankful it was that easy.

Thank goodness for the saving of the books!!!

Stephanie, I wish you a lovely weekend and Merry Christmas.

Dear Secret Santa, Your book arrived today but I won't know who are until Christmas Day. Jessica opened the note and read enough out loud to know you are a 75er. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindness.

Jessica was over today and helped with a few things and then took me to the post office and grocery store. I think I am all set to stay at home next week.

The surgeon's office called to let me know they don't accept Covered California insurance but gave me the name of one who might. I will call on Monday or Tuesday to see if I can at least get an appointment set up for January.

This is twice I've had to change direction because the doctor doesn't accept Covered California. I haven't asked why they don't.

Aaargh! {{{{Stephanie}}}

I'm glad your books are protected and that you have such good family and friends to help you.

Hope you find a doctor who accepts Covered California soon.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

A very happy Christmas and a good New Year, Steph!

Good news about the insurance situation. And I want to compliment all the people that come in to help!

Have a great holiday, Stephanie!

Forward motion! I now have an appointment with a doctor who accepts my insurance. 7 January's the day. I would appreciate your sharing the link to my fundraiser with others, I still need help meeting expenses.

http://www.youcaring.com/medical-fundraiser/help-stephanie-pay-for-wrist-surgery...

Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Another in the urban fantasy genre. Sunshine bakes famously cinnamon rolls at a diner owned by her stepfather. She's also talented, and untrained, in the magic arts.

One night, Sunshine drives out to the lake and is kidnapped by vampires. Imprisoned in a room with a different vampire, she begins ti recall some of her grandmother's teachings, Sunshine escapes. Saving herself, and the vampire, is just the beginning of Sunshine's confusion.

Vampires are the enemy. Period. But, as it turns out, maybe not so much.

McKinley does a great job of exploring the themes of prejudice and expectations, while telling the story of a young woman who thought she knew who she was. 4.5 stars, a half being taken off for spending too much time describing what it felt like to be sexually unsatisfied graphically. (It was a couple of paragraphs, but so graphic it made me go "ewwww."

I really liked Sunshine, Stephanie - hope you do too.

I like Sunshine too, Stephanie.

Here's to friends! May we never lack them.

Happy Christmas, Stephanie and may the new year bring you the happier times that you so very much deserve, lady! I'm rooting for you!

Steph, I hope the holidays hold all that you wish them to hold. A very happy new year to us all!

I'm so grateful to be a part of this lively community. Looking forward to more in 2015.

Doing the rounds with a festive Connie to wish you a very Merry Christmas full of joy, love and books.

Merry Christmas, Stephanie! I hope things begin to change for you. Fingers crossed...

On Christmas day, I will jump in to agree with >46 msf59:. Mark put it perfectly....

Merry Christmas, Stephanie. Here's to a happy and healthful 2015 for all of us.

And my unofficial Secret Santa is revealed to be Jacqui (jll1976) who sent Night Guest, The by Fiona McFarlane. Thank you Jacqui for your thoughtfulness!

Let the madness begin!

http://www.librarything.com/groups/75booksin2015

Hoping that you have a peaceful festive season, Stephanie leading up to an excellent 2015.

>51 PaulCranswick: Thank you Paul. I love that picture.

Style, Style, Style by Andy Warhol

Slight, vapid and banal. Random quotes from Warhol about fashion matched to some of his drawings. Whatever.

The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane

OMG, everyone needs to read this one! So fantastically good.

Widowed Rita lives alone in the home by the sea which she and her husband bought upon retirement. One day, Frida, who tells Rita is a carer provided by the government, appears. But, things are never as they seem.

While this was a wonderful read, and one I recommend to everyone, it was far too easy for me to figure out what was going on. So the twist wasn't really a surprise to me.

And there's still enough time left in the year for The Penelopiad

>54 AuntieClio: ;)

Belated seasons greetings. I'm also a Sunshine fan.

Stephanie, I wish you a lovely weekend.

Lunch in Japantown with Bohemima, and her lovely son Sean, this afternoon. Pictures to come. I'm so glad I got to meet them both, they're such good company.

:>}

We had a great time! Only wish we could have made it a bit longer.

>60 Matke: more time would have been fantastic

The Penelopiad by Margaret Atwood

Penelope sets the story of The Odyssey straight, telling it from her point of view. Atwood continues to delight me with her creativity as she gives voice to the adoring, loving, patient wife of Odysseus, and the twelve maidens he ruthlessly hung. I loved this book.

Before doing too much more on the 1st 2015 thread, I plan on writing the last few reviews. I'll start reading The Eagle Catcher by Margaret Coel but am not sure which side of the 1st its completion will fall on. Could be my first for 2015 or my ... ahem ... 106th for 2014.

Great accomplishment, Stephanie.

Happy New Year!

It has been a true joy to have met you this year, Steph! you are a truly special lady. I have a hunch 2015 will be a good year for you.

Have a safe and Happy New Year!

106!! Nicely done! Popping in to wish you the very best for 2015. It is bound to be a better year for you. And may I say it has been a pleasure to meet you this year. : )

>65 michigantrumpet: Perfect image. ; )

Happy 2015, Stephanie!