thornton37814's 2015 Category Challenge - thread 4

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thornton37814's 2015 Category Challenge - thread 4

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1thornton37814
oct. 15, 2015, 7:20 pm



This photo was made about a week ago as the three little kittens were on their way to live with me. I hope you'll be seeing frequent photos of them as they become a bit less shy.

Time for a new thread. I'll begin with a review of my categories based on Board Games.

Category 1: Hi Ho! Cherry-O = Books Borrowed from a Friend. (Just to explain - I never owned this game, but my neighbors across the street did. We played it a lot.)

Category 2: Scrabble = Library Books. (These can be physical books, e-books, or audiobooks. They just have to be borrowed from the library. I just wanted something that required the use of a reference book such as the dictionary for the library category.)

Category 3: Clue = Books I Own. (These will probably mostly be books that are already in my library, but I will allow any book that I purchase and read this next year in physical form or any book gifted to me which I read to be included. Clue was my favorite game growing up, and since mystery is also my favorite genre, it just kind of fits.)

Category 4: Operation = E-books. (Operation is about as close to an electronic game as we had back then, even if it was battery-operated, I think. These will be books on my Kindle or iPad. It will also include ARC e-galleys that I read, generally on my iPad.)

Category 5: Risk = Challenge Books. (These will be books I read for challenges such as the British Author Challenge or American Author Challenge. A lot of these are authors with whom I am not familiar, so I'm definitely taking a risk by reading them.)

Abandoned Books will go in a Sorry Category. I hope it doesn't get too full.

2thornton37814
Editat: des. 16, 2015, 11:16 pm

Category 1: Hi Ho! Cherry-O - Books Borrowed from a friend



1. All the Crazy Winters by Deborah Adams - completed 21 Feb 2015
2. The Stately Home Murder by Catherine Aird - completed 3 Apr 2015
3. Chickahominy Fever by Ann McMillan - completed 1 May 2015
4. Murder on Lexington Avenue by Victoria Thompson - completed 11 May 2015
5. Beethoven's Tenth by Brian Harvey - completed 24 Jun 2015
6. The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey - completed 10 Jul 2015
7. Red Bones by Ann Cleeves - completed 3 Aug 2015
8. The Footsteps at the Lock by Ronald A. Knox - completed 6 Aug 2015
9. Death at Buckingham Palace by C. C. Benison - completed 10 Aug 2015
10. Brat Farrar by Josephine Tey - completed 9 Sep 2015
11. The Last Mayan by Alan Graham - completed 10 Sep 2015
12. For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen - completed 30 Oct 2015
13. A State of Independence by Caryl Phillips - completed 11 Dec 2015
14. Murder at Hatfield House by Amanda Carmack - completed 14 Dec 2015
15. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall - completed 16 Dec 2015

3thornton37814
Editat: oct. 15, 2015, 7:25 pm

Category 2: Scrabble - Library Books (Part 1 of 3)



1. Polish Classic Recipes by Laura Zeranski and Peter Zeranski - completed 23 Jan 2015
2. The Strange Library by Haruki Murakami - completed 24 Jan 2015
3. Day of Vengeance by Jeanne M. Dams - completed 29 Jan 2015
4. In the Dead of Winter by Nancy Mehl - completed 31 Jan 2015
5. Square Meals: America's Favorite Comfort Food Cookbook by Jane Stern and Michael Stern - completed 31 Jan 2015
6. Library Lily by Gillian Shields - completed 5 Feb 2015
7. Walking a Literary Labyrinth: A Spirituality of Reading by Nancy M. Malone - completed 11 Feb 2015
8. The Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude - completed 13 Feb 2015
9. Relish: My Life in the Kitchen by Lucy Knisley - completed 3 Apr 2015
10. Before You Plan Your Wedding . . . Plan You're Marriage by Greg Smalley and Erin Smalley - completed 7 Apr 2015
11. The Invisible History of the Human Race: How DNA and History Shape Our Identities and Our Futures by Christine Kenneally - completed 9 Apr 2015
12. The Secret River by Kate Grenville - completed 25 Apr 2015
13. Ming Tea Murder by Laura Childs - completed 30 May 2015
14. The Chinese Takeout Cookbook by Diana Kuan - completed 29 Jun 2015
15. Death by the Dozen by Jenn McKinlay - completed 29 Jun 2015
16. The Rabbi's Cat by Joann Sfar - completed 29 Jun 2015
17. Read and Buried by Erika Chase - completed 2 Jul 2015
18. The Fitzgerald Ruse by Mark de Castrique - completed 4 Jul 2015
19. Due or Die by Jenn McKinlay - completed 7 Jul 2015
20. The Cheshire Cheese Cat by Carmen Agra Deedy and Randall Wright - completed 14 Jul 2015

4thornton37814
Editat: oct. 15, 2015, 7:26 pm

Category 2: Scrabble - Library Books - Part 2 of 3



21. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein - completed 21 Jul 2015
22. Lila by Marilynne Robinson - completed 18 Aug 2015
23. A Spool of Blue Thread by Anne Tyler - completed 27 Aug 2015
24. The Green Road by Anne Enright - completed 30 Aug 2015
25. Locomotive by Brian Floca - completed 31 Aug 2015
26. Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter Brown - completed 2 Sep 2015
27. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Idle - completed 2 Sep 2015
28. Viva Frida by Yuyi Morales; photography by Tim O'Meara - completed 2 Sep 2015
29. Me--Jane by Patrick McDonnell - completed 2 Sep 2015
30. Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein - completed 2 Sep 2015
31. One Cool Friend by Toni Buzzeo; illustrated by David Small - completed 2 Sep 2015
32. Extra Yarn by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen - completed 3 Sep 2015
33. A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Melissa Sweet - completed 3 Sep 2015
34. The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Melissa Sweet - completed 3 Sep 2015
35. Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Rick Allen - completed 3 Sep 2015
36. This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen - completed 3 Sep 2015
37. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat - completed 3 Sep 2015
38. Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo - completed 4 Sep 2015
39. Journey by Aaron Becker - completed 4 Sep 2015
40. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue; illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski - completed 4 Sep 2015

5thornton37814
Editat: des. 29, 2015, 8:20 pm

Category 2: Scrabble - Library Books - Part 3 of 3



41. The Lion & the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney - completed 4 Sep 2015
42. Mr. Wuffles by David Wiesner - completed 4 Sep 2015
43. Blackout by John Rocco - completed 9 Sep 2015
44. Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Jon Klassen - completed 9 Sep 2015
45. The Noisy Paint Box: The Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky's Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock; illustrated by Mary Grandpré - completed 9 Sep 2015
46. A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip C. Stead; illustrated by Erin E. Stead - completed 9 Sep 2015
47. Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill; illustrated by Bryan Collier - completed 9 Sep 2015
48. All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon; illustrated by Marla Frazee - completed 9 Sep 2015
49. The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson; illustrated by Beth Krommes - completed 10 Sep 2015
50. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski - completed 27 Oct 2015
51. A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee - completed 27 Oct 2015
52. A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka - completed 27 Oct 2015
53. Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger - completed 27 Oct 2015
54. How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz - completed 27 Oct 2015
55. The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri - completed 13 Nov 2015
56. Died in the Wool by Ngaio Marsh - completed 19 Nov 2015
57. Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse - completed 19 Nov 2015
58. The Ghost Walker by Margaret Coel - completed 21 Nov 2015
59. Clouds Without Rain by P. L Gaus - completed 24 Nov 2015
60. The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse - completed 26 Dec 2015
61. Tied Up In Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh - completed 29 Dec 2015

6thornton37814
Editat: des. 31, 2015, 7:05 pm

Category 3: Clue - Books I Own



1. A Saintly Killing by Martha Ockley - completed 10 Jan 2015
2. Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas - completed 17 Jan 2015
3. Lending a Paw by Laurie Cass - completed 23 Jan 2015
4. Winter at the Door by Sarah Graves - completed 19 Feb 2015
5. The Mystery Writers of America Cookbook edited by Kate White - completed 9 Apr 2015
6. The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries by William R. Reynolds (touchstone unavailable) - completed 1 Jun 2015
7. Last One Home by Debbie Macomber - completed 17 Jun 2015
8. Your Sacred Yes: Trading Life-Draining Obligation for Freedom, Passion & Joy by Susie Larson - completed 20 Jun 2015
9. The Lost Garden by Katharine Swartz - completed 31 Jul 2015
10. Roads: Driving America's Great Highways by Larry McMurtry - completed 11 Aug 2015
11. Silver Linings by Debbie Macomber - completed 14 Aug 2015
12. Grandpa Green by Lane Smith - completed 31 Aug 2015
13. A Settler's Year: Pioneer Life Through the Seasons by Kathleen Ernst; photos by Loyd Heath - completed 6 Oct 2015
14. What in the World Is Going On? by David Jeremiah - completed 6 Dec 2015
15. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman - completed 19 Dec 2015
16. The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman - completed 21 Dec 2015
17. A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry - completed 30 Dec 2015
18. Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible - completed 31 Dec 2015
19. Favourite Welsh Recipes - completed 31 Dec 2015

7thornton37814
Editat: oct. 15, 2015, 7:29 pm

Category 4: Operation - E-Books - Part 1 of 3



1. Choosing Charleston by T. Lynn Ocean - completed 10 Jan 2015
2. The World Before Us by Aislinn Hunter - completed 1 Feb 2015
3. A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas - completed 1 Feb 2015
4. Praying with Paul: A Call to Spiritual Reformation by D. A. Carson - completed 16 Feb 2015
5. Biocode: The New Age of Genomics by Dawn Field and Neil Davies - completed 16 Feb 2015
6. The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley - completed 16 Feb 2015
7. Second Street Station by Lawrence H. Levy - completed 20 Feb 2015
8. Romancing Your Better Half by Rick Johnson - completed 21 Feb 2015
9. The Cons of Online Genealogy by Peggy Sue George - completed 27 Feb 2015
10. Under the Sheets: The Secrets to Hot Sex in Your Marriage by Kevin Leman - completed 10 Mar 2015
11. The Hurricane Sisters by Dorothea Benton Frank - completed 20 Mar 2015
12. Let's Learn About the Lord's Prayer by Catherine DeVries - completed 11 May 2015
13. Death in Salem by Eleanor Kuhns - completed 22 May 2015
14. Free Online Resources for North Carolina Genealogy Researchers in 2015 by Rucker Bennett - completed 16 Jun 2015
15. The Hog's Back Mystery by Freeman Wills Crofts - completed 21 Jun 2015
16. Leisure and Spirituality: Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Perspectives by Paul Heintzman - completed 22 Jun 2015
17. Lasting Love: How to Avoid Marital Failure by Alistair Begg - completed 25 Jun 2015
18. 100 Prayers for Your Marriage: Draw Close to Each Other & Closer to God by Darlene Schacht - completed 31 Jul 2015
19. 101 Questions to Ask Before You Get Engaged by H. Norman Wright - completed 31 Jul 2015
20. 101 Conversation Starters for Couples by Gary Chapman and Ramon Presson - completed 31 Jul 2015

8thornton37814
Editat: des. 28, 2015, 10:27 pm

Category 4: Operation - E-Books - Part 2 of 3



21. Thing I Wish I'd Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman - completed 7 Aug 2015
22. Edible DIY: Simple, Giftable Recipes to Savor and Share by Lucy Baker - completed 14 Aug 2015
23. History & Me by Education.com - completed 24 Aug 2015
24. Murder at the Inn by Penelope Sotheby - completed 31 Aug 2015
25. Murder in Bermuda by Penelope Sotheby - completed 31 Aug 2015
26. Adventures in Writing by Education.com - completed 2 Sep 2015
27. Keeping Christmas by Dan Walsh - completed 14 Sep 2015
28. The Christmas Joy Ride by Melody Carlson - completed 19 Sep 2015
29. Murder at the Courthouse by A. H. Gabhart - completed 25 Sep 2015
30. Boundary Waters by William Kent Krueger - completed 27 Sep 2015
31. Playing with Fire by Tess Gerritsen - completed 5 Oct 2015
32. Super Genes by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi - completed 16 Oct 2015
33. Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy - completed 4 Dec 2015
34. Murder by Matchlight by E. C. R. Lorac - completed 4 Dec 2015
35. Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree? by Mark Lawson-Jones - completed 28 Dec 2015

9thornton37814
Editat: des. 30, 2015, 4:08 pm

Category 4: Operation - E-Books - Part 3 of 3



36. The Nightingale Before Christmas by Donna Andrews - completed 29 Dec 2015
37. Fludd by Hilary Mantel - completed 30 Dec 2015
38. Art from Simple Shapes: Making Art from 8 Simple Geometric Shapes! by Rosa M. Curto - completed 30 Dec 2015
39. The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy: The Revolutionary 1805 Classic by Hannah Glasse - completed 30 Dec 2015

10thornton37814
Editat: oct. 15, 2015, 7:35 pm

Category 5: Risk - Challenge Books - Part 1 of 2



1. Nocturnes: Five Stories of Music and Nightfall by Kazuo Ishiguro - completed 13 Jan 2015
2. The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers - completed 13 Jan 2015
3. Family Album by Penelope Lively - completed 17 Jan 2015
4. Daisy Miller by Henry James - completed 6 Feb 2015
5. Brideshead Revisited by Evelyn Waugh - completed 26 Feb 2015
6. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters - completed 10 Mar 2015
7. Jamaica Inn by Daphne Du Maurier - completed 2 Apr 2015
8. The Sportswriter by Richard Ford - completed 6 Apr 2015
9. The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich - completed 10 Apr 2015
10. The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham - completed 10 Apr 2015
11. The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter - completed 15 Apr 2015
12. Night Train by Martin Amis - completed 2 May 2015
13. Main Street by Sinclair Lewis - completed 7 May 2015
14. The Pattern in the Carpet: A Personal History with Jigsaws by Margaret Drabble - completed 9 May 2015
15. A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess - completed 13 Jun 2015

11thornton37814
Editat: des. 11, 2015, 10:21 am

Category 5: Risk - Challenge Books - Part 2 of 2



16. Forever England: North and South by Beryl Bainbridge - completed 21 Jun 2015
17. The Gathering of Zion: The Story of the Mormon Trail by Wallace Stegner - completed 24 Jun 2015
18. Cat Dreams by Ursula K. Le Guin - completed 8 Jul 2015
19. A Visit from Dr. Katz by Ursula K. Le Guin - completed 8 Jul 2015
20. Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf - completed 13 Jul 2015
21. The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene - completed 3 Aug 2015
22. Boone's Lick by Larry McMurtry - completed 4 Aug 2015
23. The Italian Girl by Iris Murdoch - completed 4 Aug 2015
24. A Prayer Journal by Flannery O'Connor - completed 4 Sep 2015
25. The Long Song by Andrea Levy - completed 19 Sep 2015
26. Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury - completed 11 Oct 2015
27. The Lie by Helen Dunmore - completed 24 Oct 2015
28. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - completed 3 Dec 2015
29. The Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark - completed 5 Dec 2015
30. Restless by William Boyd - completed 11 Dec 2015
31. The March by E. L. Doctorow - completed 11 Dec 2015

** Note: The touchstone for #31 would not load so I've used hyperlinks.

12thornton37814
Editat: nov. 5, 2015, 7:48 pm

Sorry - Abandoned Books



1. Double Booked for Death by Ali Brandon - abandoned 16 Feb 2015
2. Un Lun Dun by China Mieville - abandoned 10 Mar 2015
3. Cloud Atlas by David Mitchell - abandoned 13 Oct 2015
4. The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh - abandoned 4 Nov 2015

13thornton37814
oct. 15, 2015, 7:39 pm

This thread is officially open for business. I'm not sure why the Risk Category touchstones wouldn't load with 20 on the first spot for it since I have 20 in all the other ones that are "full" with my broken down versions, but when I reduced it to 15, they all loaded. What's even sadder is that I had 49 things in the Scrabble category on the previous thread, and they all loaded! If anyone has a theory on what makes touchstones quit functioning on a post, I'd love to know what it is!

14VivienneR
oct. 15, 2015, 7:50 pm

Congratulations on the new thread, Lori. You've read a lot of books this year, it's nice to review them all again. I love the photo of the kittens and look forward to seeing them often.

15rabbitprincess
oct. 15, 2015, 7:59 pm

Happy new thread! Hope the kitties are continuing to settle in well.

16thornton37814
oct. 15, 2015, 8:10 pm

>14 VivienneR: I'm certain that you'll see them often as they begin to socialize more. I just wish they'd hurry up and consistently use the litter box.

>15 rabbitprincess: They are beginning to want me in the room with them and will meow loudly when I leave. However, they don't want me to touch them or pick them up yet. At least it is progress!

17cyderry
oct. 15, 2015, 8:46 pm

Lori,

You said you thought one wanted to be her Royal Highness so what about Princess, Queenie and Empress or was one a boy - Charming for the prince.

18thornton37814
oct. 15, 2015, 9:10 pm

>17 cyderry: Jeff and I will discuss names again after he gets back to Raleigh. He's conducting on site genealogical research this week. We're talking at night, but he's really tired after looking at microfilm all day.

19DeltaQueen50
oct. 15, 2015, 11:07 pm

Happy new thread, Lori!

20dudes22
oct. 16, 2015, 6:11 am

Happy new thread! Some interesting reads you've had.

re: touchstones not working. I've had this happen before too. I think I did "edit", then took out the last bracket and put it back in and saved again. Or I might have just done "edit" and changed nothing and saved. I don't really remember, but it can be frustrating. Maybe you could find out on in the "frequently asked questions" group.

21RidgewayGirl
oct. 16, 2015, 8:23 am

>13 thornton37814: I had that happen on my Club Read thread, where I have all the books I've read this year listed by year of publication. The touchstones worked in previous threads, but when I opened a new thread, they would no longer load. I'm hoping one day it's just fixed.

22mamzel
oct. 16, 2015, 11:53 am

Posting frustrations aside - happy new thread!
I don't have any problems with splitting the categories. I didn't even notice until you said something.
Have a nice weekend!

23VivienneR
oct. 16, 2015, 3:08 pm

>16 thornton37814: I'm assuming your kittens were separated from mother very early. The mother cat usually trains the kittens on litter etiquette. I've never had a kitten that wasn't already litter-trained, and some were very young.

I love all the names that are being suggested. I'm not so creative, all of mine had people names - Sebastian, Jeremiah, Oliver, Chrissie (a bimbo named after the character played by Suzanne Somers in Three's Company).

24thornton37814
oct. 16, 2015, 5:39 pm

>19 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy.

>20 dudes22: I'm glad it doesn't just pick on me.

>21 RidgewayGirl: One of the main reasons I opened a new thread was to be able to split the categories so that maybe the touchstones would work.

>22 mamzel: Thanks!

>23 VivienneR: Oh, they were in my brother's shop so they actually went outside by a panel instead of using a litterbox. I only had one outside the litterbox event while I was gone today, and since it was pretty dry, I'm assuming that it occurred early in the day.

I am happy to report that I got to scratch behind the ears and under the chin of all three kittens when I got home from work. When I left the laundry room, they meowed for me before I even made it the two paces to the stairs. I turned around and poked my head back in, and they all three stayed in their places and looked longingly at me! Awwww! I love my kitties.

25thornton37814
oct. 16, 2015, 7:29 pm



131. Super Genes by Deepak Chopra and Rudolph E. Tanzi

Date Completed: 16 Oct 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Genetics is a rapidly evolving field of study with so many discoveries that one must be dilligent to keep up. The authors have shown that they are well-versed in recent discoveries, even reporting on the recent epigenetics discovery that one's ancestors memories may be etched in our DNA. The first section with its focus on the science behind DNA and epigenetics is by far the most interesting. The authors attempt to apply the research to lifestyle choices in the second part. Unfortunately the authors seemed to be guided by and promoting New Age philosophies in this section and in the third section which focused on evolution. I would prefer to read a book on genetics that was a bit more neutral and did not promote Eastern religions and philosophies. The appendices were more interesting than the last two parts of the book. This review is based on on Advanced Review e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

Note: A discrepancy in subtitle between the LC record and the title page exists. I left off the subtitle intentionally since the book is not yet published.

26MissWatson
oct. 16, 2015, 9:04 pm

Happy new thread, and the kitties look so cute!

27RidgewayGirl
oct. 17, 2015, 10:49 am

A friend was just telling me that the cat next door is named Seppo Abramovich. She just had kittens.

28thornton37814
oct. 17, 2015, 9:22 pm

>26 MissWatson: They are adorable.

>27 RidgewayGirl: Are you going to get one or more the kittens? ;-)

29lkernagh
oct. 18, 2015, 11:07 am

Happy new thread, Lori! Love the new kitties.... soooo adorable.

30-Eva-
oct. 18, 2015, 3:32 pm

Happy new thread! The kittens are so cute! Not sure what I would name triplets, perhaps Huey, Dewey, and Louie - kittens tend to be as full of mischief as they are! :)

31RidgewayGirl
oct. 18, 2015, 3:46 pm

Lori, we have two, one of whom would very much like to be an only cat. So we'll get a dog or two when we get back, but we'll be a two-cat household. But kittens!

32thornton37814
oct. 18, 2015, 9:01 pm

>29 lkernagh: Lori, I love my kittens!

>30 -Eva-: One is female. Also I suspect Jeff wouldn't go for duck names. He rejected another set of names suggested by someone because they were bunny names.

>31 RidgewayGirl: They are so cute. Today one of them went after another's tail. Then that cat got confused and started chasing its own tail. Then another one went after another one's tail. The cat whose tail was being played with moved out of the way so that cat started chasing her own tail. It was so funny!

33-Eva-
oct. 18, 2015, 9:29 pm

You'd think it would be easier when you get to pick three names instead of being limited to just one, but that's not true, is it. My ex's cat was named "Puppy." There's no accounting for taste. :)

34thornton37814
oct. 19, 2015, 9:40 am

>33 -Eva-: Well, we've settled on one of the three names. He wants to go with names that match personalities rather than "triplet" names. The female is officially "Miss Bossy," but we are going to shorten it to "Miss B" for most purposes. One down; two to go.

35thornton37814
oct. 24, 2015, 1:23 pm



132. The Lie by Helen Dunmore

Date Completed: 24 Oct 2015

Category: Risk

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Daniel Branwell has returned to Cornwall after fighting in World War I. He lives with an old woman who dies. Instead of reporting the death, he buries her and pretends she is living so he can continue to live in her house. Like many, he suffered the loss of a close friend in the war. That friend was Frederick, and Daniel reconnects with his friend's sister Felicia after the war. He's also suffering from what we know today as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (or PTSD). We discover lies Daniel has told which make the reader question which parts of the narrative are true and which are not. Dunmore knows how to write a story that will keep readers' attention even if they dislike many or most of the characters. My reading brought to mind a conversation I recently had with a friend who had done her nursing practicum for psychiatric nursing at a Veterans Administration facility. She said it was a great place for that specialty because the soldiers suffering PTSD really did need to be there. It made me wonder how Daniel's life and end might have been different if the disorder and been recognized at the time and if facilities for treatment had existed.

36thornton37814
Editat: oct. 29, 2015, 10:02 pm

Time for another kitten post.



Sherlock (left), Barney (as in Fife, not the purple dinosaur) (middle), Mr. Bossy (or "Mr. B" for short) (right)

37rabbitprincess
oct. 24, 2015, 8:57 pm

Aw, those big eyes!!! Adorable!

38thornton37814
oct. 24, 2015, 9:12 pm

>37 rabbitprincess: They are sweeties!

39lkernagh
oct. 24, 2015, 10:21 pm

>36 thornton37814: - Super adorable! OMG, I want a kitten now. Too bad I live in a building that does not allow pets except for tenants that are grandfathered in. Oh, wait... I fall into that category. Looks like I need to have a kitten conversation with the other half.

They are adorable!

40thornton37814
oct. 24, 2015, 10:34 pm

>39 lkernagh: You do need a kitten (or several). They are so cute playing with one another.

41-Eva-
oct. 25, 2015, 9:05 pm

Aw, so lovely!!

42thornton37814
oct. 25, 2015, 11:13 pm

>41 -Eva-: They are, aren't they?

43mamzel
oct. 26, 2015, 10:41 am

That third picture looks like those paintings with the huge-eyed kitties.
The first one looks like he/she needs to grow into some big ears!

44thornton37814
Editat: oct. 29, 2015, 10:03 pm

>43 mamzel: Sherlock is the largest of the three kittens so he needs big ears. Mr. B has big eyes that are always watching you.

Their vet appointment is Thursday morning to get their shots. We'll set up appointments for spay and neuter then. I love my sweethearts! They are doing really well on the litter box for the most part. We had one incident last night, but it's probably my fault for not scooping out the litter box like I started to do. With 3 of them, I need to do it twice a day, even if they are using both of the ones down there. I'm trying to decide where I want to put the ones upstairs -- and if I'm going to put two or three up here. I can get by with only one of the two in the laundry room once I have them upstairs for the most part. I'll move food upstairs then too.

45thornton37814
oct. 26, 2015, 1:01 pm

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak pointed out (on Facebook) an article she wrote talking about Lisa See, author of several books. See has placed some supplementary materials on her website describing her research process for Chinese-American genealogy.

46VivienneR
oct. 26, 2015, 1:25 pm

The kittens are adorable!

Thanks for the interesting link regarding LT author Lisa See. I have two (three?) of her books but haven't got around to reading them yet.

47RidgewayGirl
oct. 26, 2015, 1:26 pm

The kittens are adorable! And you've done well choosing the names. As for litter boxes, I've heard one per cat plus one extra, but since yours get along, this probably would be overkill. We have three with two cats, but then one of them is very rarely used. But there's a lot of scooping going on. I'd like the cat who goes out to actually go out, but he'll come in to use the box, wretched creature that he is.

48DeltaQueen50
oct. 26, 2015, 7:01 pm

Your kitties are so cute, Lori and so tiny! I used to have two cats, they never actually got on all that well and the biggest fights were over lap-space! Since yours come from the same litter, perhaps there will be peace. Or perhaps they will just learn to do what Miss B says!

49thornton37814
oct. 26, 2015, 8:08 pm

>46 VivienneR: Yes. I am more anxious to read her stuff after seeing that article.

>47 RidgewayGirl: My brother has one that always asks to go outside when he needs to go. With some of the creatures we have in the area (especially the ferocious dogs next door), I would be uncomfortable doing that.

>48 DeltaQueen50: It's funny, but Sherlock has learned to stand up to Miss B. He may end up being the real boss. Barney is adorable, but his name suits him.

50thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 10:44 am



133. Red Sings from Treetops: A Year in Colors by Joyce Sidman; illustrated by Pamela Zagarenski

Date Completed: 27 Oct 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This illustrated poem takes a look at the seasons by examining colors in each. The strength of the book lies in the illustrations rather than the poem itself. The detail in the illustrations is definitely what garnered it the Caldecott honor.

51thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 11:05 am



134. A Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever by Marla Frazee

Date Completed: 27 Oct 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A couple of boys spend the week at a nature camp near the home of one of their sets of grandparents. The camp was a day camp, allowing the students to spend the evenings at the home of the grandparents. Even though the camp is billed as nature camp, it doesn't seem to be doing a very good job of exposing the children to nature. The children finally explored a little nature exploration on their own the final evening. I did not like using the first names of the grandparents. I would have preferred for them to be addressed as Grandma and Grandpa or some derivation of those respectful names. Young boys will probably enjoy the book and some of its silliness.

52thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 11:27 am



135. A Ball for Daisy by Chris Raschka

Date Completed: 27 Oct 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: The book has no words--only illustrations. It would be fun to have children tell you the story from the illustrations. Children can probably understand the dog's despair that his favorite toy "broke" and that the replacement isn't ever quite the same. Cute book!

53thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 11:40 am



136. Green by Laura Vaccaro Seeger

Date Completed: 27 Oct 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: Picture book that shows various shades of green. It utilizes cut-outs on the pages that are important. I loved this book, and I think young readers will appreciate it. It is deserving of its Caldecott honor.

54thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 12:01 pm



137. How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz

Date Completed: 27 Oct 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Based on the author's own experience during the Holocaust, it recounts a boy's fascination with a map his father brought home instead of bread when the family was poor in the land to which they had fled. The author's note tells that the family fled Poland and came to what is now Kazakhstan. While I'm not certain how the boy knew that the lands on the map had the features he imagined, it's a great story that hopefully will interest some readers in maps.

55mysterymax
oct. 27, 2015, 9:04 pm

>52 thornton37814: One of my favorites!!!

56thornton37814
oct. 27, 2015, 11:09 pm

>55 mysterymax: It is a cute book and won the Caldecott that year.

57thornton37814
oct. 28, 2015, 9:23 pm

Managed to get a selfie with all 3 on my lap this evening.

58MissWatson
oct. 29, 2015, 4:47 am

They are so cute when they open their pupils wide. Can they do it on purpose, like Puss-in-Boots in the animated movie?

59thornton37814
oct. 29, 2015, 7:53 pm

>58 MissWatson: I'm surprised I had them all in my lap and all looking at the phone or enough towards it!

60lkernagh
oct. 29, 2015, 9:20 pm

>57 thornton37814: - That is a bundle of happiness! Super AWE!

61thornton37814
oct. 29, 2015, 10:04 pm

>60 lkernagh: I love my "purr" babies!

62cbl_tn
oct. 29, 2015, 10:28 pm

Adrian says hello to the kitties. He likes cats.

63thornton37814
oct. 30, 2015, 11:05 pm

>62 cbl_tn: I'll be sure to tell them.

Tonight, they were engaged in chasing something imaginary under my legs -- or at least Sherlock and Mr. B were.

64thornton37814
oct. 30, 2015, 11:29 pm



138. For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen

Date Completed: 30 Oct 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Molly Murphy is now on her own as a detective since her mentor died. She does not want to keep working divorce cases which were her mentor's "bread and butter." She takes on a missing persons case when a man from Ireland hires her to find his daughter who had run off with a boyfriend he did not like. She is also hired by a garment factory owner to find who is stealing his designs and passing them along to a competitor. Molly finds herself in many dangerous situations from which she is sometimes rescued by Capt. Daniel Sullivan of the New York police department and sometimes by Jacob, a photographer she meets in the story. I haven't read the earlier books in the series, but I enjoyed this one fairly well. While others in the series are not high priorities, I might enjoy reading them if I can obtain them from the library.

65-Eva-
oct. 31, 2015, 4:35 pm

Kittens are just the best and so much fun to be around. They're adorable!

66RidgewayGirl
oct. 31, 2015, 4:40 pm

Has Miss B become Mr B?

67thornton37814
nov. 2, 2015, 5:47 pm

>65 -Eva-: They are.

>66 RidgewayGirl: Yes. The vet confirmed Miss B is Mr. B. Jeff and I discussed renaming and decided to just stick with the change of title. Mr. B was originally the most stand-offish of the bunch, but now that I'm addressing him properly, he is right there on my lap with Sherlock and Barney.

68thornton37814
Editat: nov. 2, 2015, 6:56 pm

Around 11 p.m. last night, I received a panicked message from a genealogy librarian in the area whose library was hosting a genealogy conference this coming weekend. The main speaker was injured and unable to travel. I spent this morning helping plan a genealogy conference at the last minute, but we've managed to fill all the slots. I was prepared to do all the subbing, if necessary, so cancellation of the conference would not be necessary. Fortunately, I found a couple of persons with whom the load can be shared. Now instead of just attending the conference, I'm presenting, but it's nice to know that I can pull off a conference line-up in a single morning.

69-Eva-
nov. 2, 2015, 10:51 pm

>68 thornton37814:
Way to roll with the punches! :) It's always nice to know that one has it in oneself to step up when needed - well done, you!

70mysterymax
nov. 3, 2015, 6:28 am

You are a librarian's dream come true!

71cyderry
nov. 3, 2015, 2:31 pm

72thornton37814
nov. 3, 2015, 6:33 pm

>69 -Eva-: Thanks.

>70 mysterymax: At least that one's for the day.

>71 cyderry: I'd let the kittens do it, but they are too busy running up and down the stairs.

73thornton37814
nov. 3, 2015, 6:33 pm

Cat Video

My kittens provided some entertainment for me this morning. I was shooting still shots when all of a sudden I realized I should be doing video instead. By that time, one of the kittens took a break for water, but all three get into the action before the end of this 2 minute clip.

ETA: I couldn't figure out how to embed it here. It should be available to all who click.

74cbl_tn
nov. 3, 2015, 7:13 pm

>73 thornton37814: They look like they're having a great time!

75thornton37814
nov. 3, 2015, 7:56 pm

>74 cbl_tn: Don't they? They kept me entertained for awhile. I realized I'd better get to the library and open it. Tonight they are running up and down the stairs. One turned on the TV. One played with the chords to the keyboard. They are having fun exploring.

76DeltaQueen50
nov. 4, 2015, 6:03 pm

Looks like all three enjoy a good tussle!

77thornton37814
nov. 4, 2015, 9:53 pm

>76 DeltaQueen50: Yes. I should have known. I'd just swept the floor and scooped the litter box.

78thornton37814
nov. 5, 2015, 7:50 pm



The Door by the Staircase by Katherine Marsh

Date Abandoned: 4 Nov 2015

Category: Sorry

Review: An orphan is adopted by a woman called Madame Z who has Russian roots. Her new home is near a town that seems to be full of "magic." Everything is so much better for Mary than it was before. Unfortunately this book had a little more Occultic content than I could handle so I abandoned it about 1/3 of the way through. I suspect readers who don't have the same issues that type of material would enjoy it. This review is based on an advance reader's copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation a review would be written.

79VivienneR
nov. 7, 2015, 3:16 pm

Loved the video Lori. Those three will provide a lot of entertainment!

80-Eva-
nov. 7, 2015, 7:43 pm

Those kittens are so adorable!!

81thornton37814
nov. 7, 2015, 10:04 pm

>79 VivienneR: They definitely entertain me.

>80 -Eva-: Aren't they?

82thornton37814
nov. 10, 2015, 9:04 pm

I've slowed down a bit on the reading. I've been too busy lately. I've started my Kingsolver book. I've got one ARC that I need to read and the two British author challenge books. This is going to be a busy week. I have a meeting in Nashville on Friday and will be driving over on Thursday. It will be the first overnight trip where the kittens have to fend for themselves for more hours than normal. I'll be sure to put out plenty of food and water for them. I'll come back Friday evening, but Jeff and I are going to meet up on Saturday just for the day so I'll have lots of driving that day. Then the next week, the kittens and I are heading to Mississippi for my niece's wedding. They will actually be visiting their birthplace but instead of having to be in the shop, they'll get to be in the house. It's going to be interesting to pack. I'll have more cat food and water bowls, scratching devices, etc. than I will my own luggage probably. Hopefully I'll have some time to read once I get to Mississippi or I'll never get everything read this month. Also, I'm going to have to try to get to the library before I leave town. I'm hoping I can either go Monday morning, but if not then, right after we make the trip to the vet for the second round of shots before leaving for Mississippi.

83mysterymax
nov. 11, 2015, 7:14 pm

Here' hoping that travelling with kittens works well!

84thornton37814
nov. 11, 2015, 9:44 pm

>83 mysterymax: Yes. I haven't traveled with them that far yet. They seemed to do pretty well coming up here with Andrea, Paige, and Gwen, so hopefully they'll be okay on the trip to Mississippi and back.

85VivienneR
nov. 11, 2015, 10:54 pm

Oh oh! Travelling with three kittens calls for more planning than travelling with three children! Have fun.

86thornton37814
nov. 12, 2015, 8:06 pm

>85 VivienneR: Thanks. Tonight is my first overnight trip without my kittens. I miss them so much. I mad sure they had plenty of food and water before I left.

87thornton37814
nov. 12, 2015, 11:05 pm

I downloaded an audiobook for the trip today and tomorrow. It's one of the Montalbano ones, and I'm enjoying it. This may be the only way I get anything "read" this month. I'm not finding much time for printed ones. I'm going to try to read a few chapters in the Kingsolver book before I drift off to sleep.

88thornton37814
nov. 13, 2015, 9:58 pm

I spent the drive home listening to an audiobook and didn't know anything about the horrible tragedy that was unfolding in Paris until I got home. Prayers for all.

89thornton37814
nov. 17, 2015, 4:24 pm

This has been a rough year for my family -- first my dad, then my brother, and now my uncle has died.

90mamzel
nov. 17, 2015, 4:35 pm

So, so sorry!

91LittleTaiko
nov. 17, 2015, 7:26 pm

I'm so sorry for you. That really is more then one family should have to deal with in one year.

92rabbitprincess
nov. 17, 2015, 8:12 pm

I am very sorry for your loss.

93sallylou61
nov. 17, 2015, 8:16 pm

I'm sorry that so many of your family members have died recently. You are in my thoughts.

94DeltaQueen50
nov. 17, 2015, 9:45 pm

I'm sorry to read this, Lori. Condolences to your family for yet another loss.

95thornton37814
nov. 17, 2015, 9:47 pm

>90 mamzel: Thank you.

>91 LittleTaiko: The cumulative effect is a bit overwhelming.

>92 rabbitprincess: Thanks.

>93 sallylou61: Thank you so much for your thoughts.

96MissWatson
nov. 18, 2015, 3:30 am

I'm so sorry for your loss. My condolences.

97dudes22
nov. 18, 2015, 5:43 am

I'm so sorry for your loss, Lori.

98AHS-Wolfy
nov. 18, 2015, 5:44 am

Sad to hear of another loss in your family. My condolences.

99thornton37814
nov. 18, 2015, 12:37 pm

100VivienneR
nov. 18, 2015, 6:29 pm

So sorry to hear of your loss, Lori. Coming all at once makes it so very difficult. Thinking of you.

101thornton37814
nov. 18, 2015, 9:58 pm

>100 VivienneR: Yes - this one was right on the heels of my brother. I saw the news about Doug Flutie losing both of his parents a few hours apart on the same day. Tragic!

102mamzel
nov. 19, 2015, 10:47 am

>101 thornton37814: The same thing happened to my godparents who had been married for almost forever. They died a couple of days apart.

103thornton37814
nov. 19, 2015, 8:26 pm

>102 mamzel: That has to be very hard for them to be that close together.

104thornton37814
nov. 19, 2015, 9:57 pm



139. The Age of Doubt by Andrea Camilleri

Date Completed: 13 Nov 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Montalbano happens upon a car in danger of being swept away in water. He rescues the woman who is meeting a relative arriving by yacht. It soon leads to a mystery involving the yacht, another vessel, the port police, and even distant parts. Being in a relationship with Livia does not keep Montalbano's eyes from trying to create a relationship with a female lieutenant from the port authority. It was interesting enough but not as believable as some in the series. I listened to this one, and Grover Gardener, the narrator, did a great job as usual.

105thornton37814
nov. 19, 2015, 11:05 pm



140. Died in the Wool by Ngaio Marsh

Date Completed: 19 Nov 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Inspector Alleyn happens to be in New Zealand during World War II and has the opportunity to investigate a death on a sheep farm. The cast of characters includes many good suspects, and Marsh does a good job creating suspicion with many. However, the hint for the perpetrator was a bit too obvious. Still there are interesting tidbits about sheep farming included, and the New Zealand setting is a nice change from American and British ones in so much detective fiction. I listened to this one on Blackstone Audio on Overdrive. The female narrator did a good job.

106thornton37814
nov. 19, 2015, 11:23 pm



141. Aleutian Sparrow by Karen Hesse

Date Completed: 19 Nov 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 2.5 stars

Review: Vera, an Aleut girl forced to relocate during World War II, tells the story of their days in Wrangell and Ward Lake. Emphasis was made that Americans were doing this to their fellow citizens and that excuses were being offered for the behavior. The internment experiences during World War II are tragic. We often hear stories of the Japanese, Germans, and Italians who were relocated, but the author wanted to share the story of the Aleuts. I listened to the audio book. I did not think the narrator did a good job. Her voice seemed to lack emotion to support the story. The book itself did not lend itself well to an audio read. Several of the chapters or subheadings are only about a sentence long so it seemed very choppy. Occasionally the words seemed to flow poetically, but it was soon interrupted by a short segment that lacked the same eloquence.

107lkernagh
nov. 20, 2015, 12:48 am

Slowly getting caught up here. My deepest condolences on your most recent loss. This has been a tough year for you.

108thornton37814
nov. 22, 2015, 9:47 pm

>107 lkernagh: It really has been tough.

109RidgewayGirl
nov. 23, 2015, 4:07 am

Catching up, too. Lori, I'm so sorry. That's a lot to deal with in a single year. Here's to a calm and peaceful 2016.

110thornton37814
nov. 23, 2015, 5:52 pm

>109 RidgewayGirl: Thank you, Kay. I'd like a completely different 2016.

111thornton37814
nov. 23, 2015, 9:03 pm

All three of my kittens love the basket of potholders and dish towels on the shelf in my brother's pantry.



I also want to share a short video of them having fun with the remnants of some of wedding greenery. I'd already removed the baby's breath since it is toxic to cats. https://www.facebook.com/lori.thornton/videos/812372009232/?l=133464225868956067...

112VivienneR
nov. 23, 2015, 9:19 pm

Oh my goodness, they are such sweet little bundles of fun.

113thornton37814
nov. 23, 2015, 9:20 pm

>112 VivienneR: They are so sweet!

114thornton37814
nov. 23, 2015, 9:35 pm



142. The Ghost Walker by Margaret Coel

Date Completed: 21 Nov 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: In this second mystery set on the Wind River reservation in Wyoming, Father John O'Malley happens upon a body when his Toyota breaks down. He is nearly run over by a person who was obviously not from the area but who reconsiders and gives him a lift. When the sheriff and Father John return to the scene, the body is gone. The only thing of which they are certain is that the body is Arapaho because of a necklace found at the scene. In the meantime the attorney Vicky Holden is dealing with a daughter mixed up with a guy she believes is supplying her. In the midst of it all, news is received that the mission will be closing. Lots of story lines all run together to make this an interesting installment. Certain aspects are dated. For example, cell phones would change the plot if written today. Stephanie Brush does a great job reading it on the audio version.

I listened to this one driving back and forth from my brother's home in Iuka to Starkville in Mississippi for the rehearsal (and the decorating for the wedding beforehand) and for the wedding (and pictures beforehand) of my niece. This was his first experience with an audio book. He was fascinated I could download them from my library and listen for free. After we finished, he wanted to know more about how it worked. We're going to check to see if his library offers them.

115-Eva-
nov. 23, 2015, 11:19 pm

So sorry to hear you have suffered yet another loss - sending all my wishes of strength and hope that your holidays get to be peaceful and that the kittens can bring a little smile to your heart.

116DeltaQueen50
nov. 25, 2015, 10:31 pm

Enjoy your Thanksgiving, Lori.

117thornton37814
nov. 28, 2015, 10:29 pm

>115 -Eva-: The kittens are very therapeutic.

>116 DeltaQueen50: It was nice.

118thornton37814
nov. 29, 2015, 9:50 pm



143. Clouds Without Rain by P. L Gaus

Date Completed: 24 Nov 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Professor Michael Branden, who works on the side with the sheriff's department, is trying to catch a couple of Amish youth who are robbing Amish buggies while wearing masks. As he is returning the borrowed buggy, he hears a call to the scene of an accident involving a truck and a buggy. The accident leaves more questions than answers, including the question of whether it could have been murder. Real estate developers have been less than honest in their dealings with many Amish and will soon foreclose on a number of Amish farms. A new bishop is concerned about the effects on his flock. All the angles of the story work together to create a satisfying read (or listen). The audio version is narrated by George Newbern who does a commendable job.

119thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 10:03 am



144. The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

Date Completed: 3 Dec 2015

Category: Risk

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: A minister takes his wife and four daughters to Congo to be missionaries at a time of political upheaval in the country. He's terribly ineffective as a minister, husband, and father. The book is told in alternating voices from the female voices. The reader learns a great deal about the influence of this upon each narrator. I don't necessarily believe Kingsolver intends this to be an anti-Christian book. She makes heavy use of the Bible and Apocrypha, particularly Bel and the Dragon, throughout. Rather, I believe she is showing what happens when Christianity is presented in a Pharisaical manner and lived out in such a manner that alienates not only those who need the Gospel, whether a native of a foreign country or a member of one's own family. Kingsolver's writing, as usual, is beautiful. This book did not resonate as well with me as some of the author's other books, but I suspect it is primarily due to the setting. I think I have finally figured out why books set in Africa generally have no appeal to me. Entirely too many snakes are present!

120thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 10:46 am



145. Brooklyn on Fire by Lawrence H. Levy

Date Completed: 4 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 2 stars

Review: Mary Handley is a female private investigator. When her brother is arrested for the murder of his girlfriend, an actress, she sets out to prove his innocence. The plot quickly weakens as the author begins dropping names of New York's upper crust, even engaging Mary to George Vanderbilt. It simply is not believable even though some of the novel is based on real events, and those characters are included, including the investigative team of Mary Handley and Superintendent Campbell. With the exception of the believability factor, the mystery itself is plotted well enough. The final few chapters leave an opening that many of the characters will make repeat appearances in future installments, once again being interviewed by Mary in her investigations. This review is based on an Advance Review Copy provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

121RidgewayGirl
des. 4, 2015, 12:00 pm

>119 thornton37814: Ha! So I was looking at your SantaThing entry, and thinking of books you might like and the first one I thought of, I had started to type in the title and then I thought, "Nope. There are snakes."

122thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 1:51 pm

>121 RidgewayGirl: Glad you skipped those snakes!

123thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 5:17 pm

The kittens and an orange.
Sherlock: I want that peeling. I'm certain. Why won't you give it to me?
Mr. B.: I sniffed it. I don't want it.
Barney: I licked Mommy's hands after she ate. We didn't miss anything.

124mamzel
des. 4, 2015, 6:49 pm

My brother and I tortured our Doberman with orange peels. He actually liked oranges but we (being brats) sometimes squirted the peels at him. He learned to always approach the segments from the side long after we tired of the game.

125thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 8:28 pm

>124 mamzel: I was a little afraid to give the orange peels. When I google "cats and orange peels," I discovered cats are normally repelled by their scent. They are recommended for keeping cats out of plants and gardens. Maybe I should have had some orange peels in the soil for the houseplant my kittens killed.

126thornton37814
des. 4, 2015, 8:33 pm



146. 464203::Murder by Matchlight by E. C. R. Lorac

Date Completed: 4 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This reprint from the Golden Age of Mysteries features the death of a man known as John Ward on a bridge. Although witnesses catch a glimpse of the murder, his identity is unknown. A small pool of suspects, most of whom reside in the house with the man known as Ward, are interviewed by Inspector MacDonald and his colleagues. Evidence points to "John Ward" being an assumed name and another identity is found for the man which begins to yield motives in the group. While some of the characters could have been a bit more developed, others are sufficiently developed. Although it is not a particularly complicated mystery, it is enjoyable. Dover Publications is doing a great service providing better access to this and other mysteries of the Golden Age. This review is based on an Advance Readers Copy provided by the author through NetGalley with the expectation a review would be written.

127thornton37814
des. 5, 2015, 3:32 pm

128DeltaQueen50
des. 5, 2015, 6:20 pm

I think you are onto something with your theory that there will be snakes in books set in Africa. Even if they aren't there on the pages, you just know they are lurking around somewhere!

129thornton37814
des. 5, 2015, 8:02 pm

>128 DeltaQueen50: Unfortunately they always seem to rear their ugly heads when I read the books.

130thornton37814
des. 5, 2015, 8:09 pm



147. The Mandelbaum Gate by Muriel Spark

Date Completed: 5 Dec 2015

Category: Risk

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: The year is 1961. Its a story of Israel and Jordan. It's a story of Jew, Arab, and Christian. Barbara became engaged to archaeologist who must first have his marriage annulled by the church before they can be married. To meet up, one must pass through the Mandelbaum Gate, a checkpoint between the Israeli and Jordanian parts of Jerusalem. We meet many characters in the course of the novel--a headmistress, an official with the English consulate, a brothel owner, a gift shop owner, a family running a travel agency as a front for other activities, and more. The book's genre is difficult to define, containing elements of religion, espionage, politics, and romance. While I appreciate the writing, the novel did not fully resonate with me.

131VivienneR
des. 5, 2015, 8:17 pm

I like Muriel Spark's writing but that one just doesn't appeal. I'm glad I read your opinion before trying it.

132thornton37814
des. 5, 2015, 8:25 pm

>131 VivienneR: I went for the one that was most accessible to me (library at work). I probably should have seen what other choices were available at the public library.

133thornton37814
des. 6, 2015, 3:20 pm

Kitten moment of the day: I heard all sorts of crashing around in my bathroom. This happens frequently when they are chasing each other throughout the house and end up in the bathtub, sometimes knocking off a bottle of something. The next thing I know, I'm looking in the hallway, and one of the kittens was chewing on the head of my razor. I quickly went and confiscated it before he could injure himself. I'm just glad I use Venus instead of something with less protected blades.

134rabbitprincess
des. 6, 2015, 3:33 pm

Aaaaa! Glad there were no injuries!

135thornton37814
des. 6, 2015, 3:46 pm

>134 rabbitprincess: Me too. A scary moment for me.

136thornton37814
des. 6, 2015, 5:40 pm



148. What in the World Is Going On? by David Jeremiah

Date Completed: 6 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Dr. Jeremiah takes a look at Biblical prophecy in light of world events, particular in regards to the Rapture, the Second Coming, and the Antichrist. The book was written seven or eight years ago, and so some parts, such as references to Bush being the current president, are dated. Some of the things he said would escalate did and continue to do so, such as Russia's efforts to regain her former republics. I would love to see a second edition of this book in light of all that is going on with ISIS and other things in the Middle East. While dated in some ways, it remains timely in others.

137thornton37814
des. 7, 2015, 11:02 pm

Before I went to work today, I put up the Christmas tree, but I didn't have time to decorate it. I wondered if it would survive three kittens, but I'm happy to report it was still vertical when I arrived home about 9:30 p.m.

138dudes22
des. 8, 2015, 5:58 am

Maybe there was nothing shiny to tempt them. When my border collie was a pup, we started putting our tree up on a table in front of the window instead of a full-size one on the floor. We liked it so much that we've continued to do it that way.

139khanPrasad123
des. 8, 2015, 6:40 am

S'ha suprimit aquest usuari en ser considerat brossa.

140mamzel
des. 8, 2015, 12:17 pm

When we had our happy Yellow Lab we had to forgo any ornaments at tail-level.

141RidgewayGirl
des. 8, 2015, 2:52 pm

Our tree has no glass ornaments on the bottom third. Luckily, our cat is now too large to climb it, but he does like to sit behind it with wild eyes, planning destruction.

142thornton37814
des. 8, 2015, 8:25 pm

>138 dudes22: One of my colleagues predicted it would come down once decorated.

>140 mamzel: I never thought about an issue with dog tails!

>141 RidgewayGirl: One of my ornaments was broken sometime between last Christmas and when I got them out today. I don't think it is replaceable either. It was my Cincinnati Reds one from when they swept the World Series back in 1990. At least it was my own stupidity for not wrapping it better instead of the kittens mischief.

143thornton37814
des. 8, 2015, 8:27 pm

One of the ornaments seems to be moving around an awful lot.



I am not sure the tree will last overnight. I see one ornament down at the moment (although I've already picked up a few).

144cbl_tn
des. 8, 2015, 8:29 pm

>143 thornton37814: I love that photo! I can't tell if that's Sherlock or Mr. B?

145thornton37814
des. 8, 2015, 9:24 pm

>144 cbl_tn: Sherlock. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because he's always the first to explore everything, but Mr. B tends to be the climber so I was surprised. Barney was batting some things pretty good earlier, but I didn't get my camera out in time to catch it.

146DeltaQueen50
des. 8, 2015, 9:44 pm

>143 thornton37814: Sherlock must be on the trail of a good mystery!

147thornton37814
des. 8, 2015, 9:55 pm

>146 DeltaQueen50: He made it about 3/4 of the way up the tree most recently. I think that tree is coming down soon. It is really shaking.

148rabbitprincess
des. 8, 2015, 10:18 pm

Awww! Add a Santa hat in Photoshop and you have yourself a perfect Christmas card photo! :)

149thornton37814
des. 8, 2015, 11:06 pm

>148 rabbitprincess: Cute idea! I'll have to get my nephew to do that though. My Photoshop skills are very limited.

150VivienneR
des. 9, 2015, 2:05 pm

Even without a Santa hat, it is a perfect Christmas card photo!

151thornton37814
des. 9, 2015, 4:04 pm

>150 VivienneR: I've had a lot of people tell me I need to use it on a Christmas card.

152dudes22
des. 10, 2015, 6:52 am

It certainly is a cute picture. He sort-of has a "how did I get here" look about him.

153thornton37814
des. 10, 2015, 5:36 pm

>152 dudes22: He's always getting in the tree. I've decided he's musical. He'd knocked down a saxophone ornament already. He climbed up in the tree for the very specific purpose of knocking down the harp about halfway up it. Then he went for a French Horn after that. Honestly, I only have about 8 musical instruments in the tree so his choices do seem to run in that direction!

154thornton37814
des. 10, 2015, 6:18 pm

I got a little bit of surprising news at the vet's today. Sherlock (the one in the Christmas tree photo) apparently has only one functioning kidney. His left one is about twice as big as the right one. The vet says he (and many other cats) get along just fine with one kidney. He told me several things to keep an eye on. When I take them for the neutering in February, he'll check him out again. I suspect that we'll make more frequent vet visits with him just to keep an eye on things. He's not too concerned at the moment because Sherlock is active, gaining weight, etc. I love my little detective, and I hate this for him so much! However, I'm going to keep my eye on him so he doesn't meet Reichenbach Falls too early in his life!

155VivienneR
des. 10, 2015, 7:07 pm

Wishing Sherlock - and his siblings - a long happy life. He was probably looking for his violin on the tree.

156cbl_tn
des. 10, 2015, 7:20 pm

Sorry to hear that about Sherlock! It doesn't seem to slow him down any.

157DeltaQueen50
des. 10, 2015, 7:53 pm

Glad to hear that this doesn't seem to slow him down any and that he is thriving. Give him an extra scritch from me!

158thornton37814
des. 10, 2015, 9:37 pm

>155 VivienneR: Quite possibly.

>156 cbl_tn: So far it isn't. Fingers crossed that he continues to thrive.

>157 DeltaQueen50: Will do. He's "King of the Mountain" right now on the scratching post perch.

159thornton37814
des. 11, 2015, 8:31 am



149. Restless by William Boyd

Date Completed: 10 Dec 2015

Category: Risk

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Sally Fairchild Gilmartin reveals her true identity (Eva Delectorskaya) to her daughter Ruth when she believes her life is in danger more than a quarter century after her work as a spy for Great Britain. She believes her daughter is the only one who can help her track down the person to whom she reported back then. She was nearly killed while on a mission in New Mexico by a member of her own team who is still alive. I am not a huge fan of the espionage genre although I tolerate it. This one reads quickly. I think the modern element in the novel weakened the plot although the story would differ somewhat to achieve resolution without the modern story.

160thornton37814
des. 11, 2015, 9:38 am



150. A State of Independence by Caryl Phillips

Date Completed: 11 Dec 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Bertram Francis returns to St. Kitts after living in England twenty years. He left the island after winning a scholarship to study abroad, expecting to be gone only three years. St. Kitts is gaining its independence in a few short days. Bertram expects his mother to welcome him, but she tells him to get out of her house. He discovers his brother died, and no one bothered to tell him. He expects his childhood best friend who is now an important official to welcome him, but he tells him to return to England. We find Bertram remembering the way things were and discover how things are now. It's a short read, but one that reminds the reader "You can't go home again."

161thornton37814
des. 11, 2015, 10:14 am



151. The March by E. L. Doctorow

Date Completed: 11 Dec 2015

Category: Risk

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Wishing I could say I loved this one, but ultimately it fell a bit flat. It's an account of Sherman's march to the sea through the eyes of a couple of former slaves, including one that could pass for white if her speech did not betray her, the daughter of an important judge who died as the march reached his home, and some minor characters whose stories are brief and not carried throughout the book. I listened to the book and that may hav been the biggest problem. It plodded along too slowly for me. The stories that comprise the novel appear well-written, but the pace made my mind wonder to other things and did not maintain my interest.

162thornton37814
des. 12, 2015, 4:11 pm



It's that time of year again. Our Living Christmas Tree will be live streaming at 7 p.m. Eastern time tonight (Saturday 12 Dec 2015) and tomorrow night (Sunday 13 Dec 2015) at http://www.fbcmtn.com

We'd love for you to join us in celebrating "Christmas Around the World."

I should be in the 5th row up on the left side as you are watching unless I get moved elsewhere at the last minute.

163casvelyn
des. 12, 2015, 4:59 pm

I did some genealogy research today and discovered that a 1st cousin 4x removed and his wife gave one of their sons the middle name Sherlock! Too bad he was born in 1892, because anyone who names their kid Sherlock must be worth meeting.

164thornton37814
des. 12, 2015, 10:04 pm

>163 casvelyn: That's interesting!

165thornton37814
des. 14, 2015, 5:31 pm



152. Murder at Hatfield House by Amanda Carmack

Date Completed: 14 Dec 2015

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3 stars

Review: Set during the time Bloody Mary ruled, this novel depicts Kate Haywood who works with Princess Elizabeth at Hatfield House where the tyrannical queen has placed her. Lord Braceton, in the Queen's service, comes to visit, and one of the men accompanying him is murdered. He arrives at the house accusing members of the household of the murder. More deaths occur. Kate's father, a musician, is arrested. Kate is one of the few members of the household Elizabeth trusts. She sets out to investigate. The novel is a blend of fictitious and historical characters. While it is enjoyable, too much of the action stretches the imagination. C. J. Sansom creates a more successful mystery set in this time period.

166thornton37814
des. 16, 2015, 11:17 pm



153. The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

Category: Hi Ho! Cherry-O

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4.5 stars

Review:What a delightful book for young readers! The Penderwick family -- father, four daughters, and dog -- are renting a cottage on Cape Cod for summer vacation. They enjoy fun adventures, make friends with the boy who lives in the main house, and occasionally take part in mischief. It has the feel of a simpler time and place although the setting is more current. It would make a great summer read for elementary readers who read at a third grade level or above.

167RidgewayGirl
des. 17, 2015, 2:27 am

I read The Penderwicks to my kids when they were in elementary school and we all enjoyed it quite a bit. The second book stumbles a little, but the third in the series is almost as good as the first.

168thornton37814
des. 17, 2015, 6:54 am

>167 RidgewayGirl: It was fun.

169Carmenere
des. 17, 2015, 7:00 am

Drat! I missed tuning in to your live broadcast. Did you enjoy it?

I've got The March simmering on my bookshelf but it just hasn't called out to me.

170thornton37814
des. 17, 2015, 7:15 am

>169 Carmenere: I enjoy doing the tree, but not standing in it for almost 2 hours several nights in a row. I'm suffering what I refer to as "Christmas Tree feet" at the moment. The March only got read because of the American Author Challenge.

171thornton37814
des. 19, 2015, 9:20 pm



154. The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

Date Completed: 19 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: This updated edition (2015) of Dr. Chapman's classic work on communicating love to a spouse makes the book just as relevant today as when it was first published. Couples need to identify each other's love language and express their love to the other through the recipient's love language. He discusses the temporal concept of "falling in love" and shows how lasting love is not built on this euphoric state but rather by expressing love to your spouse through his or her love language. A test to help determine one's language is included, but the author discusses other ways of determining it throughout the book. Sometimes the simplest concepts are the most difficult to learn and put into practice. The book stands the test of the time and would be beneficial to married couples everywhere. Editions for singles and children also exist.

172thornton37814
des. 19, 2015, 9:21 pm

I've officially finally filled all my categories. I'll keep going with overfilling them (since some are almost triple already anyway) until the end of the year.

173AHS-Wolfy
des. 20, 2015, 4:57 am

Congrats on completing your challenge!

174RidgewayGirl
des. 20, 2015, 6:46 am

Congratulations on finishing your challenge. I look forward to following your reading next year, especially if there are bonus cat pictures and stories included.

175dudes22
des. 20, 2015, 7:29 am

Congratulations on finishing your challenge! Like Kay, I look forward to more kitty pictures (and BBs).

176rabbitprincess
des. 20, 2015, 9:51 am

Congrats on finishing! :)

177VivienneR
des. 20, 2015, 11:35 am

Congratulations on finishing! It's been a great year. Three kittens added to the enjoyment.

178thornton37814
des. 20, 2015, 11:43 am

>173 AHS-Wolfy: Thanks.

>174 RidgewayGirl: Let's just throw in one of those "bonus" pictures this year.



Mr. B, the one in the middle is actually pawing at Sherlock and not asleep at all. Too bad a still picture doesn't capture the action.

>175 dudes22: How about a kitty video? Unfortunately the embed code wouldn't work here. You'll just have to click on the link.

https://www.facebook.com/lori.thornton/videos/816100172962

>176 rabbitprincess: Thank you!

179RidgewayGirl
des. 20, 2015, 12:05 pm

>178 thornton37814: Wonderful video. You really are their mama!

180thornton37814
des. 20, 2015, 2:44 pm

>179 RidgewayGirl: I've never had a cat that's done that before. I've read that it's because the mama cat weaned him too early. Some outgrow it; some do it for life. I'm hoping the suggested toy he's getting at Christmas will redirect the suckling. It's okay when I can get him to use my hand, but I'm constantly having to redirect him to it from my clothing or bedding. Having those wet is not fun!

181RidgewayGirl
des. 20, 2015, 2:57 pm

>180 thornton37814: Wool or sheepskin are often favorite objects upon which to "make biscuits" and suck. We have this one mohair blanket the cat adores. I leave it folded along the top of the sofa, where he likes to nap.

182thornton37814
des. 20, 2015, 5:40 pm

>181 RidgewayGirl: I guess I could get him his very own blanket.

183DeltaQueen50
des. 21, 2015, 1:18 am

Congratulations on completing your challenge, Lori.

184MissWatson
des. 21, 2015, 4:05 am

Congratulations on finishing your challenge. And thanks for the picture. So adorable!

185mysterymax
des. 21, 2015, 8:02 am

How you could finish your challenge and still watch those adorable kittens is beyond me, but congrats!

186thornton37814
des. 21, 2015, 11:05 am

>183 DeltaQueen50: Thanks, Judy!

>184 MissWatson: Thank you, and you're welcome. I'm always happy to post kitty pics!

>185 mysterymax: It's really been a struggle to finish the challenge this year! Those kittens do take quite a bit of my eye time.

187thornton37814
des. 21, 2015, 11:23 am



155. The Five Love Languages for Singles by Gary Chapman

Date Completed: 21 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: When I began reading this, I wondered how it would differ from his well-regarded book intended for couples. The singles edition contains more information about relating to family members and to co-workers and speaking their languages. Although the book does contain information on dating and applying the five love languages to relationships, the book is far broader, seeking to be a guide for all aspects of a single person's life. This book is on one of the course reserve lists at our university library, and I can see why the professor wanted to use it for the class. It is a great book for a college student or other young adult who is dealing with roommate issues, with dynamics in a work place, and with changed relationships in families due to moving out. Single parents will also find the information in the book useful. Older singles may find it easier to apply the principles in the book for couples than for this one, particularly if parents have died or if they do not have children of their own.

188thornton37814
des. 21, 2015, 8:20 pm

Sherlock is a big help wrapping gifts:

189cbl_tn
des. 21, 2015, 8:25 pm

>188 thornton37814: About as much help as Adrian is with packing!

190thornton37814
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 8:32 pm

>189 cbl_tn: They helped with that too. Mr. B was especially good with the zipper, but all three were good at helping me determine if room was still available in the suitcase or not.

191RidgewayGirl
Editat: des. 22, 2015, 4:38 am

192mamzel
des. 22, 2015, 12:27 pm

Congratulations on finishing yet another challenge. It's so much fun watching those kittens grow. Thanks for sharing. See you next year.

193lkernagh
des. 23, 2015, 11:05 pm

Getting caught up here and have to admit I love the kitten mischief your trio have been up to! I have my fingers crossed that Sherlock will continue to develop just fine with the one functioning kidney.

Congratulations on completing your challenge!

>178 thornton37814: - Love the "bonus" picture!

>188 thornton37814: - Looks like Sherlock 'helps' wrap gifts like my cat used to 'help' me read the newspaper or make the bed. :-)

194cbl_tn
des. 24, 2015, 9:11 am

Just checked in with Lori, who is in MS where there were bad storms and tornadoes yesterday. The worst storms missed her brother's where she's staying, but were close to her recently deceased brother's family. Her SIL is without power but otherwise OK. Lori's brother has limited wifi service so she isn't able to check in much when she's there.

195RidgewayGirl
des. 24, 2015, 9:42 am

Thanks for the update, Carrie!

196VivienneR
Editat: des. 24, 2015, 3:39 pm



Merry Christmas Lori!

197rabbitprincess
des. 24, 2015, 4:06 pm

Merry Christmas! Hope the weather improves.

198lkernagh
des. 24, 2015, 4:52 pm

Best wishes for the holiday season for you and your three adorable fur-kids, Lori!

199dudes22
Editat: des. 25, 2015, 7:16 am

Merry Christmas Lori!

200-Eva-
des. 27, 2015, 6:32 pm

Congrats on finishing the challenge! Always appreciate an update and photos of the kittens. Sorry to hear the news about Sherlock, but hopefully it won't affect him too much.

201thornton37814
des. 27, 2015, 11:59 pm

>191 RidgewayGirl: That cat is unnatural. I've never had a cat that would sit still that long.

>192 mamzel: I love watching them too! This morning my brother's Maine Coon, Charlie, was inside the BIG Amazon box that I'd brought all my gifts in. He began scratching himself which caused the box to shake. You should have seen Sherlock going over to investigate the box. I had to work really hard not to laugh out loud and scare Sherlock from going about his investigation but I succeeded.

>193 lkernagh: They are very entertaining. Charlie (my brother's Maine Coon) has been hissing at the kittens ever since they arrived until tonight. He and Sherlock finally stared each other down with no hissing. They must have finally called a truce. Charlie's been quite jealous. I'm sure he'll be glad to see the kittens go home in the morning.

202thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 12:03 am

>194 cbl_tn: Yes. My sister-in-law was without power 2 days. I shot some video footage of the tornado damage over her way when I went to visit her. I also saw some other damage but I was driving at the time so I couldn't do that. I only managed to get the video footage of the other because she drove when we went into town to eat at a new restaurant she wanted to try. The wifi tends to cut in and out at my brother's house when it is raining. The problems with Dish Internet, I guess.

>195 RidgewayGirl: Thanks for stopping by again, Kay!

>196 VivienneR: Thanks! Hope you had one too!

203thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 12:07 am

>197 rabbitprincess: It's rained off and on most of the day. I'm supposed to have storms for the drive home tomorrow. I guess I'm taking them with me. I really don't want to do that.

>198 lkernagh: Thanks! The fur babies said Santa was good to them. They got new toys, treats, and collars that they have all three managed to escape at some point. I think we now have them to the point they can't escape from them. However, the collars were my sister-in-law's present to them. I'm still trying to decide if I'm going to make them wear them all the time or not.

>199 dudes22: Thanks, Betty! Hope you had a good one.

>200 -Eva-: Sherlock still seems to be thriving. I think he'll be fine.

204thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 12:31 am

I need to review The Inimitable Jeeves which I finished on audio the day after Christmas. I'm kind of waiting until I have a better Internet connection when I get home tomorrow. It won't receive a very high rating.

205VivienneR
des. 28, 2015, 2:42 am

Lori, I hope your weather situation improves. I've no idea how close you are but when I saw the news on TV I thought of you and other LT friends.

And, I'll be looking for photos of three furry friends in their new collars!

206thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 7:30 pm

>205 VivienneR: I had rain non-stop (just about anyway) from Mississippi to home today. The water is really high in places. Sherlock has discovered window sills. He's quite fond of them.

207thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 8:18 pm



156. The Inimitable Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

Date Completed: 26 Dec 2015

Category: Scrabble

TIOLI Challenge: Challenge #13: Read a book by an author who has published at least 12 books

Rating: 2 stars

Review: I found this first installment of Bertie and Jeeves to be rather tiresome. The adventures sometimes featured Aunt Agatha, a friend named Bingo who had an uncle that also figure prominently, and a string of female acquaintances of Bingo's. I wonder if part of the reason I grew tired of it is the similarity in plot of several of the stories that loosely belong sequentially together and the continued "introduction" to some of the characters. It was first serialized and later put into book form. Jeeves does have a way of handling most any situation. I listened to the audio version of the book. I suspect others might enjoy it more than I did. I'm not much into gambling, and that was central to several stories.

208thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 10:25 pm

I'm totally excited! I'm getting the DNA book I requested from Early Reviewers!

209thornton37814
des. 28, 2015, 10:33 pm



157. Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?: The History of Christmas Carols by Mark Lawson-Jones

Date Completed: 28 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: If you love Christmas Carols, this is a book for you. It tells the story behind several Christmas carols as well as providing some overview chapters in the beginning. The carols included are "The Coventry Carol," "The Twelve Days of Christmas," "The Holly and the Ivy," "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing," "O Come All Ye Faithful," "Angels from the Realms of Glory," "Silent Night, Holy Night," "Once in Royal David's City," "Good King Wenceslas," and "In the Bleak Midwinter." While I wish other carols had also been included, the author does a great job treating the ones he did include.

210dudes22
des. 29, 2015, 7:06 am

>209 thornton37814: - I'm hoping this will be the last book bullet I take this year.

211thornton37814
des. 29, 2015, 9:39 am

>210 dudes22: That one wasn't even on my radar until I was trying to find Christmas e-books from my public library I could read over Christmas break. I actually thought I'd have more time to read than I did. People started arriving at my brother's house earlier than I expected so I just didn't have that time to read. None of the Christmas fiction books on my list were available. The ones they had were already checked out. I decided to just search on the word Christmas and see what showed up as available. I checked out that one and one other fiction title I'm currently reading.

212thornton37814
des. 29, 2015, 12:18 pm

After my sister-in-law bought my kittens collars for Christmas, they can no longer sneak up on me. I call them my "Jingle Cats."

213thornton37814
des. 29, 2015, 6:31 pm



158. The Nightingale Before Christmas by Donna Andrews

Date Completed: 29 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: It's almost Christmas in Caerphilly. Meg Langslow is coordinating the show for local interior decorators which is being held in a home that has ben empty for six years during a foreclosure process and which is bank-owned. When a decorator no one loves turns up dead, most of the designers end up being suspects. As more is learned about the man and about the house itself, additional motives are uncovered. It's always fun to visit with Meg and company, and this makes for a quick and fun Christmas mystery read.

214thornton37814
Editat: des. 29, 2015, 8:18 pm



159. Tied Up In Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh

Date Completed: 29 Dec 2015

Category: Scrabble

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Hilary Bill-Tasman owns a large country estate which is staffed by ex-convicts. Alleyn's wife Troy has gone there to paint a portrait. Hilary's aunt and uncle and their servant, Hilary's fiancee, and a couple others are among the guests. Hilary holds a Christmas pageant, and his uncle's servant disappears afterwards. Alleyn ends up coming for a visit when his wife reports strange goings-on. Although he tries to leave it to the local officials, he ends up on the case. I guessed the murderer fairly early on, but I still enjoyed the way it unfolded. I listened to the audio version of this book available on Overdrive through my public library. The narrator did a good job.

215thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 9:01 am

One of my friends posted this article to Facebook which I found interesting and relevant to LibraryThingers: http://www.vox.com/2015/12/29/10634416/reading-list-books

216RidgewayGirl
des. 30, 2015, 11:12 am

I really enjoyed the article. Thanks for posting it!

217thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 12:16 pm

>216 RidgewayGirl: You're welcome!

218thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 12:23 pm



160. Fludd by Hilary Mantel

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Mantel gives us a glimpse into the priesthood and into convent life in Fludd. The setting is Fetherhoughton, a rather miserable mill town. Father Angwin struggles with alcoholism. In fact, he really no longer believes in God. Fludd, who is believed to be the curate sent by the bishop to assist in the parish, arrives and insists upon changes. He even convinced the mother in charge of the convent to allow him to see into the room containing the belongings of the nuns as they entered convent life. We see the struggles and temptations faced by the nuns as well. Fludd is based upon an alchemist who lived in the late 1500s and early 1600s. I am a bit disappointed that none of the major characters are committed to their vows, but the novel is still quite worthwhile. The novel contains quite a few "sound bites" that are quotable.

219thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 3:04 pm



161. A Christmas Escape by Anne Perry

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: Charles Latterly visits the island of Stromboli to get away for Christmas. He meets a couple who doesn't get along, a retired Colonel, an author, and a young girl and her great uncle who takes charge. The owner of the hostel where they are staying assures them the volcano on the island is always rumbling but that the lava never flows their way. Soon one of the group disappears and is found dead. When murder is discovered, Charles is certain that the murderer is among those remaining. A volcanic eruption takes out two more of the group, but Charles is certain the murderer will be accompanying them as they make their way to the sea to escape. A quick and fun Christmas read! This book was received through LibraryThing's Early Reviewer program in exchange for a review.

220Chrischi_HH
des. 30, 2015, 3:56 pm

Trying to catch up again. Congrats on completing your challenge and thanks for sharing the article and the new kitten stories. They are so adorable!

221thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 3:59 pm

>220 Chrischi_HH: My kittens are quite the charmers!

222thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 4:07 pm



162. Art from Simple Shapes: Making Art from 8 Simple Geometric Shapes! by Rosa M. Curto

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: Using just a few basic geometric patterns, children learn to draw many things. Most of the patterns require a few additional strokes to complete the design. Some designs are more difficult than others. It's a great book for teaching children the art of drawing. I received an advance e-galley of the book from the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

223thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 4:10 pm



163. The Art of Cookery Made Plain and Easy: The Revolutionary 1805 Classic by Hannah Glasse

Date Completed: 30 Dec 2015

Category: Operation

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 4 stars

Review: It's difficult to review and rate a cookbook written for another time and place. As I read through the recipes, or perhaps I should call them receipts, I could not help but be thankful that much of the preparations that went into a meal at the turn of the 19th century are no longer required. We are able to go to the grocery store and pick up meat that has already been skinned, cut, and often deboned for us. Thanks to our transportation systems, foods that once were seasonal are often available year-round. This book must have been, as its title suggests, revolutionary for its time. It includes recipes that were inspired by the British West Indies and America. One can find recipes for haggis, moonshine, and lip balms, as well as the meats, vegetables, and sweets likely to be placed on the table. I could not help but think that Hannah Glasse must have been the Julia Child, or at least the Martha Stewart, of her time. This review is based on an e-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley for review purposes.

224RidgewayGirl
des. 30, 2015, 4:20 pm

I look forward to hearing about how the recipe for moonshine turns out!

225thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 4:20 pm

I know that I'll have at least one more book for the year. I'd like to find a short book that I can complete tomorrow to make it an even 165. I won't have much time for reading this evening. I'm attending the 25th Anniversary Concert of Greater Vision, a Southern Gospel group. It's a ticketed event, but it's being held at my church. The Mark Trammell Quartet will also be with them. Mark was the group's original baritone.

226thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 4:41 pm

Finally, they have posted this year's Living Christmas Tree online: http://fbcmtn.com/content.cfm?id=213&download_id=1284

The theme is "Christmas for All the World."

227mathgirl40
des. 30, 2015, 5:56 pm

Congratulations on finishing your challenge!

>223 thornton37814: That cookbook sounds really interesting. I love looking at old recipes.

228thornton37814
des. 30, 2015, 11:19 pm

>227 mathgirl40: Dover has reprinted it, but it is in the public domain. I checked, and it is available in multiple formats at Internet Archive.

229thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 9:39 am



164. Holy Bible: New American Standard Bible

Date Completed: 31 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 5 stars

Review: This isn't really a review. It is more like comments. The New American Standard Bible remains my favorite translation of the Bible. I received my first copy of it back in the 1970s, and it is well-worn. I used the One Year Bible reading plan on my iPad's YouVersion app. I had to switch to NASB almost daily because that particular plan wanted to make you read the New Living Translation. I'm not a fan of paraphrases so I had no desire to read the NLT although I understand it is more accurate than its predecessor, The Living Bible. I wanted to go back to the version I loved best. The NASB is known for its accuracy in translating the original languages. Some people find this to be troublesome because sometimes the wording becomes a bit awkward for the modern ear; however, I enjoy it, especially for Bible study, because it more accurately reflects the original intent of the Biblical passages.

One more comment: This is not the cover on my Bible. Mine is just black leather with faded lettering on the spine only.

230thornton37814
Editat: des. 31, 2015, 10:05 am

My SantaThing books arrived yesterday.



If you notice, there is a little paw appearing at the edge of the above photo. This is what soon happened:



SylviaC did a great job selecting books.

231RidgewayGirl
des. 31, 2015, 10:05 am

Hey, mom, didn't you know that pictures of kittens are more popular than pictures of books?

Looks like SantaThing did well for you this year. If you haven't read Tisha before, you're in for a treat. The corn on the cob scene always makes me laugh.

232thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 10:30 am

>231 RidgewayGirl: I got the book bullet on Tisha from someone here on LibraryThing. I'm looking forward to reading it. I actually could have gotten one with all 3 kittens and the books if I'd been fast enough instead of hoping for the right pose.

233VivienneR
des. 31, 2015, 5:13 pm

What's better than a photo of books? A photo of a kitten and books!

234VivienneR
des. 31, 2015, 5:13 pm

235thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 5:49 pm

>233 VivienneR: True! I have a feeling there will be lots of pictures of kittens and books -- or maybe full-grown cats before too long.

>234 VivienneR: Thanks so much. I'm thankful we don't have that much snow on the ground.

236thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 7:10 pm



165. Favourite Welsh Recipes

Date Completed: 31 Dec 2015

Category: Clue

CAT Challenge: None

Rating: 3.5 stars

Review: This little recipe booklet gives one an idea of the fare served in Wales. Lamb seems to be the favorite meat. Several of the recipes do not seem very palatable for most Americans; however, that is to be expected with almost any cuisine. I'm most likely to try something like the Potato Pie, Wedding Night Pasty, Welsh Rice Pudding, Welsh Beef Stew, Egg Whey, Dee Salmon Fish Cakes, or Welsh Border Tart. A few others sounded like something I'd try. The authors did tell a little about each recipe or about an ingredient in a recipe and its popularity in the Welsh culture. My favorite part of the book, however, were the watercolor paintings scattered throughout the book with scenes from Wales. While a book this small cannot be comprehensive, this one does a good job for its size.

237thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 7:17 pm

My reading for the year is complete. It is time to do the end-of-the-year meme which is based on books read in 2015.

Describe yourself: Walking a Literary Labyrinth

Describe how you feel: Restless

Describe where you currently live: The Strange Library

If you could go anywhere, where would you go: Choosing Charleston

Your favorite form of transportation: Locomotive

Your best friend is: Daisy Miller

You and your friends are: The Hurricane Sisters

What’s the weather like: Clouds Without Rain

You fear: Creepy Carrots

What is the best advice you have to give: A Prayer Journal

Thought for the day: Why Was the Partridge in the Pear Tree?

How I would like to die: Read and Buried

My soul’s present condition: Journey

238christina_reads
des. 31, 2015, 7:34 pm

>237 thornton37814: Haha, your "describe yourself" title is perfect!

239rabbitprincess
des. 31, 2015, 7:35 pm

Great meme answers -- I like the "how you would like to die" one in particular!

240thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 8:24 pm

>238 christina_reads: How could I resist that one?

>239 rabbitprincess: I had several options on that one, but I decided that was the best answer.

241thornton37814
des. 31, 2015, 9:26 pm

Best of 2015

Best Children's Picture Book: The Right Word: Roget and His Thesaurus by Jen Bryant; illustrated by Melissa Sweet
Best Children's/YA Book: The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
Best Cookbook: The Chinese Takeout Cookbook by Diana Kuan
Best Nonfiction: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
Best Fiction: (tie)
The Long Song by Andrea Levy
Red Bones by Ann Cleeves

Honorable Mentions:

Nonfiction:
The Cherokee Struggle to Maintain Identity in the 17th and 18th Centuries by William R. Reynolds
Leisure and Spirituality: Biblical, Historical, and Contemporary Perspectives by Paul Heintzman

Fiction:
The Antelope Wife by Louise Erdrich
The Moon and Sixpence by W. Somerset Maugham
The Secret River by Kate Grenville
The Hog's Back Mystery by Freeman Wills Crofts
The Fitzgerald Ruse by Mark de Castrique
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
The Lie by Helen Dunmore
Clouds Without Rain by P. L. Gaus

242lkernagh
gen. 1, 2016, 3:44 pm

>230 thornton37814: - Awe... super sweet photo of SylviaC!

243thornton37814
gen. 1, 2016, 5:52 pm

>242 lkernagh: That was Sherlock in the photo instead of SylviaC.

244thornton37814
gen. 1, 2016, 6:38 pm

For those who haven't found it yet, here's the link to my first 2016 thread: https://www.librarything.com/topic/206682