inge87's 15-in-15: Life on the Big Screen, Part III

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inge87's 15-in-15: Life on the Big Screen, Part III

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1inge87
nov. 4, 2015, 5:38 pm



It's November, which means it's time for the holiday edition of my 15-in-15 thread! And no, it doesn't look life this in Texas right now. But no one wants to look at pictures of marshy-looking pastureland, so let's get going!

2inge87
nov. 4, 2015, 5:38 pm

Categories
1. Twelfth Night/Henry V – Classic Fiction (pre-1920)
2. Medicine Man – Environmental Science
3. Star Wars – Fantasy/SciFi
4. Princess Mononoke – Graphic format
5. Rob Roy – Historical Fiction
6. A Man for All Seasons – History
7. The Last Waltz – Memoirs
8. The Third Man – Mysteries
9. Once – New Fiction (2000 to Present)
10. Koyaanisqatsi – Other Non-Fiction
11. The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October – Recent Fiction (1970 to 1999)
12. Chariots of Fire – Religion
13. A Hard Day's Night – Retro Fiction (1920 to 1969)
14. Out of Africa – Travel
15. Babe – YA/Juvenile fiction

3inge87
Editat: des. 10, 2015, 12:18 pm



1. Henry V/Twelfth Night – Classic Fiction (pre-1920) – COMPLETED 12/10

1. Patricia Brent, Spinster by Herbert Jenkins - 1918 (2)
2. Queen Eleanor and Fair Rosamond by Mrs. Oliphant - 1890 (4)
3. The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan - 1915 (3)
4. The Four Men: A Farrago by Hilaire Belloc - 1911 (4)
5. The Good Comrade by Una L. Silberrad - 1907 (5)
6. The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett - 1901 (5)
7. Twelfth Night, or What You Will by William Shakespeare - 1602 (3)
8. The Hound of Heaven by Francis Thompson - 1893 (3)
9. The Turnip Princess and Other Newly Discovered Fairy Tales by Franz Xaver von Schönwerth - 1850s (3)
10. Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 by Ernest Lawrence Thayer - 1888 (3)
11. The Huron Carol by St. Jean de Brébeuf - c. 1642 (4)
12. The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear - 1871 (3)

4inge87
Editat: des. 3, 2015, 5:57 pm

5inge87
Editat: des. 30, 2015, 5:25 pm



3. Star Wars – Fantasy/SciFi – COMPLETED 4/18

1. Snow Comes to Hawk's Folly by J. Kathleen Cheney (4)
2. Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews (3)
3. Snowfall by J. Kathleen Cheney (3)
4. Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews (3)
5. Brother Petroc's Return by S.M.C. (3)
6. Wildalone by Krassi Zourkova (3)
7. Magic Burns by Ilona Andrews (4)
8. Magic Strikes by Ilona Andrews (4)
9. Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (4)
10. Magic Slays by Ilona Andrews (3)
11. Vision in Silver by Anne Bishop (3)
12. Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis (3)
13. The Dragon's Child: Two Short Stories by J. Kathleen Cheney (3)
14. The Dragon's Pearl: Three Short Stories by J. Kathleen Cheney (3)
15. The Eretik by J. Kathleen Cheney (3)
16. Touching the Dead: Three Short Stories by J. Kathleen Cheney (4)
17. A Natural History of Dragons by Marie Brennan (3)
18. Wide Open by Deborah Coates (4)
19. The Bullet-Catcher's Daughter by Rod Dunchan (4)
20. A Wind in Cairo by Judith Tarr (3)
21. Scarlet Devices by Delphine Dryden (3)
22. Glamour in Glass by Mary Robinette Kowal (3)
23. The Shores of Spain by J. Kathleen Cheney (4)
24. Lady of Magick by Sylvia Izzo Hunter (2)
25. The Hanged Man by P. N. Elrod (3)
26. Cold Magic by Kate Elliot (3)
27. Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews* (3)
28. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews (3)
29. Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews (4)

6inge87
Editat: nov. 10, 2015, 8:51 pm



4. Princess Mononoke – Graphic Fiction & Non-Fiction – COMPLETED 11/10

1. A Bride's Story, Volume 1 by Kaoru Mori (4)
2. The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume 1 by Alan Moore (3)
3. The Property by Rutu Modan (4)
4. Jane, the Fox, and Me by Fanny Britt & Isabelle Arsenault (5)
5. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volume 2 by Naoko Takeuchi (4)
6. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volume 3 by Naoko Takeuchi (3)
7. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volume 4 by Naoko Takeuchi (3)
8. Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Volume 5 by Naoko Takeuchi (3)
9. Just So Happens by Fumio Obata (3)
10. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 1 by Hayao Miyazaki (3)
11. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 2 by Hayao Miyazaki (3)
12. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 3 by Hayao Miyazaki (3)

7inge87
nov. 4, 2015, 5:42 pm



5. Rob Roy – Historical Fiction – COMPLETED 11/1

1. The Frog Earl by Carola Dunn (3)
2. Lady of Quality by Georgette Heyer* (5)
3. Black Sheep by Georgette Heyer* (5)
4. Helena by Evelyn Waugh (4)
5. Hobson's Choice by Harold Brighouse (4)
6. A Tapestry of Lives, Volume 1 by Jean Sims (4)
7. Only a Promise by Mary Balogh (3)
8. The Reluctant Widow by Georgette Heyer* (3)
9. The Right Line of Cerdic by Alfred Duggan (3)
10. Cotillion by Georgette Heyer* (3)
11. Cousin Kate by Georgette Heyer* (4)
12. Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard (3)

10inge87
Editat: des. 6, 2015, 9:47 pm



8. The Third Man – Mysteries – COMPLETED 8/2

1. Dog on It by Spencer Quinn (3)
2. The Devil Takes Half by Leta Serafim (3)
3. Sidney Chambers and the Shadow of Death by James Runcie (4)
4. Dead Man Walker by Duffy Brown (3)
5. The Attenbury Emeralds by Jill Paton Walsh (4)
6. The Père-Lachaise Mystery by Claude Izner (3)
7. The Montmartre Investigation by Claude Izner (2)
8. The Cornish Coast Murder by John Bude (3)
9. A Dangerous Mourning by Anne Perry (3)
10. The Sins of the Wolf by Anne Perry (3)
11. Rock with Wings by Anne Hillerman (3)
12. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers (4)
13. The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay (3)
14. Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon (4)
15. In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward (4)

11inge87
Editat: des. 17, 2015, 7:26 pm



9. Once – New Fiction (2000 to Present) – COMPLETED 12/17

1. Fall with Me by Jennifer L. Armentrout - 2015 (2)
2. Once We Were Brothers by Ronald H. Balson - 2013 (3)
3. Bittersweet by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore - 2014 (4)
4. The Misogynist by Piers Paul Read - 2010 (3)
5. The Awakening of Miss Prim by Natalia Sanmartin Fenollera - 2013 (3)
6. The African Equation by Yasmina Khadra - 2011 (4)
7. Dictatorship of the Dress by Jessica Topper - 2015 (3)
8. Kate's Progress by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles* - 2013 (5)
9. Practically Perfect by Katie Fforde* - 2006 (3)
10. Persuasion, Captain Wentworth and Cracklin' Cornbread by Mary Jane Hathaway* - 2014 (4)
11. Pride, Prejudice, and Cheese Grits by Mary Jane Hathaway - 2014 (3)
12. Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter - 2015 (2)

12inge87
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 8:08 pm

13inge87
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 4:37 pm



11. The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October – Recent Fiction (1970 to 1999) – COMPLETED 12/20

1. The Tamarind Seed by Evelyn Anthony - 1971 (4)
2. Ending Up by Kingsley Amis - 1974 (2)
3. No Holly for Miss Quinn by Miss Read - 1976 (2)
4. Village Affairs by Miss Read - 1977 (3)
5. The White Robin by Miss Read - 1979 (3)
6. Village Centenary by Miss Read - 1980 (3)
7. Summer at Fairacre by Miss Read - 1984 (3)
8. Mrs. Pringle of Fairacre by Miss Read - 1989 (2)
9. Changes at Fairacre by Miss Read - 1991 (3)
10. Farewell to Fairacre by Miss Read - 1993 (3)
11. A Peaceful Retirement by Miss Read - 1996 (3)
12. Exclusive by Sandra Brown - 1996 (3)

14inge87
Editat: des. 30, 2015, 5:26 pm



12. Chariots of Fire – Religion – COMPLETED 3/9

1. Uniformity with God's Will by St. Alphonsus Liguori (4)
2. Turning to Tradition: Converts and the Making of an American Orthodox Church by D. Oliver Herbel (4)
3. Saint Athanasius: Defender of the Faith by Michael Davies (5)
4. The Didache (3)
5. Why Must I Suffer? by Fr. F. J. Remler (2)
6. Epistle to Diognetus (3)
7. Searching for and Maintaining Peace: A Small Treatise on Peace of Heart by Jacques Philippe (3)
8. The Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians by St. Polycarp of Smyrna (3)
9. The Letters of Ignatius of Antioch by St. Ignatius of Antioch* (3)
10. Dominus Est—It Is the Lord! Reflections of a Bishop of Central Asia on Holy Communion by Athanasius Schneider+ (4)
11. Remaining in the Truth of Christ: Marriage and Communion in the Catholic Church by Robert Dodaro, OSA (Ed.) (4)
12. First Apology by St. Justin Martyr (3)
13. On the Unity of the Church by St. Cyprian of Carthage+ (3)
14. The Life of the Right Reverend Ronald Knox by Evelyn Waugh (4)
15. The Life of Anthony by St. Athanasius of Alexandria+ (3)
16. On the Mysteries (Theological and Dogmatic Works) by St. Ambrose of Milan (4)
17. Pius XI: the Pope and the Man by Zsolt Aradi (3)
18. Holiness for Housewives (And Other Working Women) by Dom Hubert Van Zeller (3)
19. The Little Book of the Blessed Virgin Mary: Model of Christians, Cause of our Joy by Raoul Plus, SJ (3)
20. Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament: Readings for the Month of May by St. Pierre Julian Eymard (3)
21. Finding Confidence in Times of Trial: Letters of St. John of Avila by St. John of Avila (3)
22. A Champion of the Church: St. Peter Canisius, SJ by William Reany (4)
23. Small Catechism for Catholics by St. Peter Canisius (4)
24. Reclaiming Catholic Social Teaching: A Defense of the Church's True Teachings on Marriage, Family, and the State by Anthony Esolen (4)
25. Saints and Ourselves: Personal Studies by Philip Caraman, SJ (ed.) (3)
26. Saints and Ourselves: Second Series: Personal Studies of Favorite Saints by Philip Caraman, SJ (ed.) (4)
27. The Authority of Women in the Catholic Church by Monica Migliorino Miller (4)
28. The Choice of the Family: A Call to Wholeness, Abundant Life, and Enduring Happiness by Jean Laffitte (3)
29. Eleven Cardinals Speak on Marriage and the Family: Essays from a Pastoral Viewpoint by Winfried Aymans (ed.) (3)
30. Champion of Truth: The Life of Saint Athanasius by Michael E. Molloy (3)
31. St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red by Fr. Godfrey Poage, CP (3)
32. Das Evangelium der ehelichen Treue: Eine Antwort auf Kardinal Kasper by Rainer Beckmann^ (4)
33. Sankt Martin by Sebastian Tonner^ (4)

15inge87
Editat: des. 7, 2015, 8:28 am



13. A Hard Day's Night – Retro Fiction (1920 to 1969) – COMPLETED 12/6

1. Der Dom by Gertrud von le Fort^ - 1969 (3)
2. Robinson by Muriel Spark - 1958 (3)
3. Charlotte Cross and Aunt Deb; or, the Queerest Trip on Record by May Hollis Barton - 1931 (3)
4. August Folly by Angela Thirkell - 1936 (3)
5. Wildfire at Midnight by Mary Stewart* - 1956 (4)
6. A Decent Birth, a Happy Funeral by William Saroyan - 1949 (2)
7. Airs Above the Ground by Mary Stewart* - 1965 (4)
8. The Running Foxes by Joyce Stranger* - 1965 (5)
9. Still Glides the Stream by Flora Thompson - 1948 (3)
10. Summer Half by Angela Thirkell - 1937 (3)
11. Hymnen an die Kirche by Gertrud von Le Fort^ - 1924 (4)
12. Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell - 1938 (4)

16inge87
Editat: des. 18, 2015, 3:16 pm



14. Out of Africa – Travel – COMPLETED 12/18

1. Heirs to Forgotten Kingdoms: Journeys Into the Disappearing Religions of the Middle East by Gerard Russell (4)
2. There is Only the Earth: Images from the Armenian Diaspora Project by Scout Tufankjian (4)
3. The Land Where Lemons Grow: The Story of Italy and Its Citrus Fruit by Helena Attlee (4)
4. The Crossing Place: A Journey Among the Armenians by Philip Marsden (4)
5. The Spirit-Wrestlers by Philip Marsden (4)
6. The Fault Line: Traveling the Other Europe, From Finland to Ukraine by Paolo Rumiz (3)
7. Forgotten Land: Journeys Among the Ghosts of East Prussia by Max Egremont (4)
8. Germania: A Personal History of Germans Ancient and Modern by Simon Winder (3)
9. Saint Among Savages: The Life of St. Isaac Jogues by Francis Talbot, SJ (4)
10. In Franco's Spain: Being the experiences of an Irish war-correspondent during the Great Civil War which began in 1936 by Cap. Francis McCullagh (3)
11. Goodbye to A River by John Graves (5)
12. The Emperor Far Away: Travels at the Edge of China by David Eimer (3)

17inge87
Editat: nov. 17, 2015, 10:09 am



15. Babe – YA/Juvenile fiction – COMPLETED 10/28

1. A Stitch in Time by Penelope Lively (4)
2. Astercote by Penelope Lively (3)
3. The Agency: Rivals in the City by Y. S. Lee (3)
4. Dream a Little Dream by Kirsten Gier (3)
5. The Changeling Sea by Patricia A. McKillip (4)
6. A School for Unusual Girls by Kathleen Baldwin (3)
7. Rook by Sharon Cameron (4)
8. My True Love Gave To Me: Twelve Holiday Stories by Stephanie Perkins (ed.) (2)
9. Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne (4)
10. The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Grahame (3)
11. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell* (4)
12. Sword and Serpent by Taylor Marshall (3)
13. The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski* (5)

18inge87
Editat: des. 18, 2015, 3:24 pm

Currently Reading:
Marked for Death
Clementine

Total books read so far: 228

Top of the TBR Stack:
Fashioning the Body
God's Traitors
Unterwerfung^
Wayfaring Strangers

20inge87
nov. 4, 2015, 6:14 pm

Okay, I think we're good to go!

21rabbitprincess
nov. 4, 2015, 10:01 pm

Lovely thread topper, and happy new thread!

22mathgirl40
nov. 4, 2015, 10:28 pm

Happy new thread, and you got me with a BB in your previous thread, for Island on Fire. I've always been fascinated with volcanoes. I really enjoyed Simon Wincester's Krakatoa and I think I'll like this one just as much.

23MissWatson
nov. 5, 2015, 4:56 am

Happy new thread! I had that Star Wars poster up on my walls at one point in history...and now Han Solo is going to be back. I'm not sure I really want this. Some very interesting books in your "Best of" list!

24mamzel
nov. 5, 2015, 11:18 am

What a wonderful way to finish off the year!

25inge87
nov. 5, 2015, 12:30 pm

>21 rabbitprincess: Thanks!

>22 mathgirl40: Thanks, it sounds like Island on Fire will be right up your alley.

>23 MissWatson: Thanks. I'm avoiding that movie like the plague right now. Maybe if it gets good reviews I'll think about it, but the prequels were bad enough. I don't want to get burned twice.

>24 mamzel: Thanks!

26lkernagh
nov. 5, 2015, 8:53 pm

Happy new thread! I love nostalgic images like your thread topper. So perfect for this time of year. Makes me want to curl up beside a fireplace with a steaming mug of hot chocolate topped with whipping cream.

>19 inge87: - Great "best of (so far)" list! Reminds me that I am still on the look out for a copy of The Bullet Catcher's Daughter. Interestingly, I never seem to think about lemons when I think of Italy. I think of tomatoes and olives, but lemons. Now I am curious to read the Attlee book.

27inge87
Editat: nov. 5, 2015, 9:50 pm

>26 lkernagh: Thanks, it's Currier and Ives, which I always think of as particularly seasonal even though they made all kinds of engravings.

The phrase The Land Where Lemons Grow comes from a Goethe poem that gets quoted in one of the chapters about Sicily. In fact, the book talks about all kinds of citrus fruit cultures in Italy from lemons to oranges to citrons. But before I read it, I really only thought of lemons in terms of the Amalfi Coast.

28inge87
nov. 7, 2015, 11:06 am



Champion of Truth: The Life of Saint Athanasius by Michael E. Molloy

Categories:
Chariots of Fire

Keywords:non-fiction, American non-fiction, religion, Christianity, saints, Athanasius of Alexandria, biography, hagiography, Arianism, exile, Roman Empire, Egypt

Champion of Truth is a short biography of the life of Saint Athanasius, the Bishop of Alexandria who played an instrumental role in the defeat of Arianism. The author is an Eastern Orthodox priest and book does lean towards hagiography; however, this is not entirely his fault. Very little in terms of actual history has come down to us from the chaotic period in which Athanasius lived, so much must be either guessed at or taken from ecclesiastical sources. But Athansius lived a life so incredible that it would probably always seem a bit far-fetched. More oddly, background details about Roman Egypt, the city of Alexandria, and Roman Christianity are put set at the end of the book in appendices, instead of integrated into the main text. The author even suggests that in some cases the reader may want to read these sections first! It's rather strange, but doesn't detract too much from the overall work.

Recommended for those interested in the life of one of Christianity's great historical figures.

First Line: Saint Athanasius was born in a tumultuous age.

29inge87
nov. 7, 2015, 11:10 am



Tobit's Dog by Michael Nicholas Richard

Categories:
Rob Roy, HistoryCAT

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, historical fiction, Christian fiction, Catholic fiction, Biblical retellings, Great Depression, Prohibition, North Carolina, racism, anti-semitism, lynching, journeys, imprisonment, death, persecution, injustice, visitors from afar, faith, family, stubborn mules

Tobit's Dog takes the Biblical story of Tobit and sets it in Depression-era North Carolina. Life was not easy for anyone in those days, but, as African Americans, the Messager family has it particularly bad. Especially since the sheriff has made it clear that he has it in for them. When a local boy appears to have been lynched, Tobias Messager travels with the local minister to take the body down, since law enforcement won't. This lands him (and his mule) in prison. Meanwhile his son Tobit Messager, who is training as a mechanic meets a distant cousin from Louisiana who wants him to travel with him to collect a debt owed to Tobias. In the course of his journey Tobit will uncover great injustices and right some very great wrongs. And then he has to come home again.

A nice piece of historical fiction. Richard does not shy away from the cruelties of the age, and this is definitely not a cozy novel. Another issue is that the dog on the cover looks nothing like Tobit's dog (Okra) as described in the book. Biblical retellings can be tricky, but this one is mostly successful. Recommended for fans of Catholic fiction, Biblical retellings, and historical fiction set in the early 20th century South.

First Line: A flood of scent unfolded around Okra.

30inge87
nov. 7, 2015, 11:16 am



St. Maria Goretti: In Garments All Red by Fr. Godfrey Poage, CP

Categories:
Chariots of Fire, HistoryCAT

Keywords: non-fiction, religion, Christianity, Catholicism, saints, biography, hagiography, first communion, holiness, forgiveness, murder, death, Maria Goretti, martyrdom, Italy, Pilgrimage of Mercy

St. Maria Goretti is a short biography of the short life of St. Maria Goretti, who was murdered at the age of 12 in the course of a rape attempt and later become the youngest official saint of the Catholic Church. She forgave her murderer while dying in the hospital and he later repented of his act and became a Capuchin lay brother after leaving prison. Originally published in 1950 in conjunction with her official canonization, the book has held up well because the story was well-documented to begin with. My edition also contains her canonization speech by Pope Pius XII as well as another speech about her that he gave to youth, along with an forward by the priest responsible for bringing her relics on tour to the United States in 2015 along with a novena and a couple other prayers associated with her. The power of forgiveness is perhaps the most important lesson to be learned from St. Maria's life, and that is something that modern society really does need to learn.

Recommended for anyone interested in the life of this most relevant of saints.

First Line: "Assunta, I tell you, we'd do better to leave this place," Luigi exclaimed.

31-Eva-
nov. 7, 2015, 7:55 pm

Happy holiday edition thread!!

32inge87
nov. 8, 2015, 4:29 pm

>31 -Eva-: Thanks!

33inge87
Editat: nov. 17, 2015, 12:21 pm



Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 1 by Hayao Miyazaki

Categories:
Princess Mononoke, SFFCAT, HistoryCAT

Series: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1/7)

Keywords: fiction, Japanese fiction, manga, post-apocalyptic fiction, ecological fiction, poisonous spores, giant insects, war, invasion, death, environmental destruction

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 1 is the first volume of the manga that was adapted as the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The film was actually made before the third volume was published, but the plot is mostly the same up until that point. Nausicaä is the princess of the Valley of the Wind, protected by the evils of the post-apocalyptic fungal forests by fresh winds coming off the sea. Once mankind had achieved great things but their ambition ruined them and the world in which they live. A world now inhabited by poisonous spores and giant insects. Nausicaä's world is turned upside down when an airship from a nearby kingdom crashes in the Valley of the Wind and brings the troubles of the outside world into her isolated homeland. She is given no choice but to leave and face a destiny outside of her people. But just what that would be is anyone's guess.

If you liked the movie you should read the manga. Recommended for those who enjoy older mangas or those with environmental themes.

First Line: These are the marks of an Ohmu's teeth . . . I'm sure of it.

34inge87
Editat: nov. 17, 2015, 12:21 pm



Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 2 by Hayao Miyazaki

Categories:
Princess Mononoke, SFFCAT, HistoryCAT

Series: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (2/7)

Keywords: fiction, Japanese fiction, manga, post-apocalyptic fiction, ecological fiction, poisonous spores, giant insects, war, invasion, death, environmental destruction, battle campaigns, psychic powers, prophecies, superstitions

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 2 is the second volume of the manga that was adapted as the film Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. Nausicaä has left her home in the Valley of the Wind to join the Torumekian Empire in its battle against their rivals the Doroks. Her inner idealist quickly comes into conflict with the realities of her situation, but her spirit inspires everyone she encounters, including those who should be her enemies. The Doroks believe that she is the one mentioned in their prophecy, who will come dressed in blue and save them all. But is this really true?

If you liked the movie you should read the manga. Recommended for those who enjoy older mangas, those with strong female leads, or those with environmental themes.

First Line: We're through the roof of the canopy!

35AHS-Wolfy
nov. 11, 2015, 4:25 pm

Nausicaä is definitely my favourite Ghibli movie. Managed to see a remastered version at a film festival last year. Glad to hear the source material is enjoyable too!

36inge87
nov. 12, 2015, 10:31 pm

>35 AHS-Wolfy: The movie is one of my favorites too. It follows the first volume fairly closely and then begins to separate from the manga's plot in the second because the movie needed an actual ending, and the manga still had a long way to go. By the third volume (the first published after the movie came out), the plot has moved in a completely different direction. It's fun and a nice change from the Sailor Moon that I had been reading.

37inge87
nov. 14, 2015, 8:05 am



Saint among Savages: The Life of Saint Isaac Jogues by Fr. Francis Talbot, SJ

Categories:
Out of Africa

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, history, religion, Christianity, Catholicism, saints, biography, hagiography, Jesuits, missionaries, Hurons, Canada, New France, Mohawks, war, torture, martyrdom

Saint among Savages tells the remarkable story of St. Isaac Jogues, a French Jesuit who was killed by Mohawks while serving as a missionary in New France. Coming from a upper middle class life in Orleans, he knew from an early age that he wanted to be a priest and serve abroad as a missionary to risk his life in order to save souls. Along with several others, collectively known as the North American Martyrs, he followed his dreams and met death in the American wilderness. Living with the Huron people in what is now Ontario, he was captured by Mohawk warriors and tortured and held captive for over a year. He escaped back to France with help from the Dutch in New York, and remarkably insisted on going back to New France, even though he knew what he might be facing. Besides Jogues' life there is also a lot of material about the lives and customs of the Native American peoples who lived along the St. Lawrence River. All-in-all, it's an exciting read about a fascinating man who gave everything for his faith, including his life.

First Line: Orléans was at peace.

38inge87
nov. 17, 2015, 12:21 pm



Overcoming Sinful Anger: How to Master Your Emotions and Bring Peace to Your Life by T. G. Morrow

Categories:
Koyaanisqatsi

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, anger management

Overcoming Sinful Anger is a short, readable guide to anger management from a Catholic perspective. It is full of good advice and practical tips in on how to reduce and eliminate sinful anger from your life. Anger itself is a reaction, not a sin. Sinful anger is the kind that lingers and festers inside of you and makes people miserable. Besides general advice there is also advice for spouses dealing with significant others and parents for dealing with children. Overall, a good overview of an important topic that affects everyone.

First Line: Years back a husband told me that his wife said to him one evening when she was feeling stressed, "Get me a glass of wine."

39inge87
Editat: nov. 17, 2015, 12:22 pm



Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 3 by Hayao Miyazaki

Categories:
Princess Mononoke, SFFCAT, HistoryCAT

Series: Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (3/7)

Keywords: fiction, Japanese fiction, manga, post-apocalyptic fiction, ecological fiction, poisonous spores, giant insects, war, invasion, death, environmental destruction, psychics

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, Volume 3 finds Nausicaä travelling deep into Dorok territory. War is all around her and she does not like the bloodshed. But what can she do? Meanwhile, the Dorok government is concerned that old stories about a figure in blue are being believed again. They use their psychic powers, but still Nausicaä eludes them. Until of course the battle really begins and choices have to be made.

This volume was more about setting up the next story arch and getting Nausicaä to Dorok than moving the plot along. However, Nausicaä makes some important decisions at the end and we meet her next challenge, who is a strange being indeed. This is the part where the manga really diverts from the film, so if you haven't been reading the books, you'll want to start with volume 1.

First Line: <Stay away from me!!>

40inge87
Editat: nov. 17, 2015, 12:56 pm



Casey at the Bat: A Ballad of the Republic Sung in the Year 1888 by Ernest L. Thayer

Categories:
Henry V / Twelfth Night

Keywords: poetry, American poetry, baseball, picture book, Caldecott Honor Book

Casey at the Bat is probably the most famous baseball poem besides Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Concerning one teams attempt to make a comeback at the bottom of the ninth and their star player's battle at the plate, it's cultural impact in the sport is great. The edition I read was illustrated by Christopher Bing and won a Caldecott Honor. However, I can't help thinking that the set up is designed to appeal more to nostalgic adults than to children. For one, the illustrations are busy: imitation newspaper articles with clippings and other ephemera stacked on top. There are a lot of words in small print about things like racism and the Negro leagues that are not really going to appeal to the picture book set. But the poem is worth reading, even though I'm not sure the illustrations truly succeed, so I'll still give it three stars.

Every baseball fan should read the poem, just not necessarily this edition.

First Line: The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day;
The score stood four to two with but one inning more to play.

41mamzel
nov. 17, 2015, 2:22 pm

>40 inge87: I love reading this aloud.

42inge87
nov. 17, 2015, 4:19 pm

>42 inge87: As a dramatic poem, it's second-to-none. You feel like you're at a baseball game.

43inge87
Editat: nov. 18, 2015, 4:56 pm



Infectious Madness: The Surprising Science of How We "Catch" Mental Illness by Harriet A. Washington

Categories:
Koyaanisqatsi

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, science, health, medicine, mental illness, viruses, bacteria, infections

Infectious Madness is an interesting work of popular science exploring the connections between conditions such viral and bacterial infections and mental illness. The connection between cats, Toxoplasma gondii, and schizophrenia is fairly well-known, but there are many other similar situations where an infection causes mental illness. The illness is just the result of brain damage caused by the infection. Unfortunately the science of the brain and mental illness was not well understood or even studied scientifically until fairly recently, because mental illnesses were seen as a sign of personal issues. Also, it is often impossible to gain a clear diagnosis until after the sufferer has died. But this is changing and the theories and discoveries are fascinating.

Highly recommended for anyone who likes cutting-edge popular science that pushes us past our preconceptions into the realm of possibilities.

First Line: Gazing into the night sky with its seemingly numberless stars evokes our sense of infinity, but if you seek the ultimate multitude, look closer to home.

44mamzel
nov. 19, 2015, 10:44 am

Did they discuss the rumored link between vaccinations and autism?

45inge87
nov. 19, 2015, 5:36 pm

>44 mamzel: She only references it briefly, because she felt that there was enough in print on that subject (or so she says and she does recommend a recent book on that subject, On Immunity). The Infectious Madness's focus is more on things like how infections like Influenza or strep can cause mental illness, and related issues such as how the body handles infections and autoimmune disorders. My sister is on the record that patients with UTIs are her least favorite because it makes them crazy, so the philosophy behind the book rings true to me.

But then again, I find this kind of cutting edge medicinal theory fascinating. Hence why the one thing that seems to have stuck with me from Ice, Mud and Blood (a book about climate change) is that the prevalence of Diabetes I among people of Northern European descent compared to other populations may be a holdover from an evolutionary advantage in the last ice age.

For context, here is Infectious Madness's table of contents:

1. Germ theory redux : the acquisition of mental illness
2. The fetus as battleground : early exposure and psychiatric fate
3. Growing pains : "catching" anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Tourette's
4. Gut feelings : the brain in your belly
5. Microbial culture : pathogens and the shaping of societies
6. Winning at evolutionary chess : strategies to outwit pathogens
7. Tropical madness : infection and neglect in the developing world.

46inge87
Editat: des. 1, 2015, 6:49 pm



Das Evangelium der ehelichen Treue: Eine Antwort auf Kardinal Kasper by Rainer Beckmann^

Categories:
Chariots of Fire

Keywords: non-fiction, German non-fiction, religion, Christianity, Catholicism, marriage, divorce, remarriage, communion, sacraments, dogma, obedience, Cardinal Kasper

Das Evangelium der ehelichen Treue (English: The Gospel of Marital Fidelity) is, as the subtitle would suggest, a personal response to Cardinal Kasper's statements about Catholics who have divorced and remarried receiving communion. The author is himself a divorced Catholic, who decided after his wife left him that he could not in good conscience begin a new relationship even though she did and all his friends said he should. Of all the books to have come out of the Synod of the Family debacle, this is by far the best of them, along with the Five Cardinals Book. It manages to combine an accessible explanation all of the required theological issues while never forgetting that there are actual lives involved here. It's just the kind of thing that Ignatius Press would publish, and who knows, maybe one day they'll bring out a translation.

First Line: Die Diskussion über den Umgang der katholischen Kirche mit Gläubigen, die sich nach einer ersten katholischen Eheschließung getrennt und zivilrechtlich ein zweites mal geheiratet haben, wird intensiv geführt.

(My paraphrase: The Catholic Church's handling of believers, who marry in the Church, get divorced, and then marry a second time in a civil ceremony, has been the subject of intense discussion.)

47inge87
des. 1, 2015, 6:08 pm



The Santa Klaus Murder by Mavis Doriel Hay

Categories:
The Third Man, HistoryCAT

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, mystery, golden age mystery, murder, family, country estates, Christmas, bad Santa, UK edition

The Santa Klaus Murder tells the story of a happy family Christmas gone very, very wrong. Of course, as the reader knows from the very beginning, the happy family is anything but. Between the controlling patriarch and the secretary that everyone thinks has designs on his fortune, no one is particularly happy to be at Flaxmede. Especially after Santa kills Dad. But in a house where everyone has a motive, who decided enough was enough? The poor inspector has to figure that out, luckily the actor lover of one of the dead man's daughter has volunteered his aid. Or is he just trying to cover up his own role? You'll have to read on to the end to find out.

A fun golden age murder mystery with the perfect amount of Christmas spirit. If you think your family's holidays are miserable, Hay's book will set you straight. Highly recommended.

First Line: I have known the Melbury family since the time when Jennifer, the youngest daughter, and I climbed trees and built wigwams together in the Flaxmere garden.

48rabbitprincess
des. 1, 2015, 6:23 pm

>47 inge87: And a very nice cover on that one! I like the British Library Crime Classics for that reason. Very smartly designed.

49inge87
des. 1, 2015, 6:30 pm



The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey by Susan Wojciechowski

Categories:
Babe

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, children's fiction, picture books, Christmas, wood carving, mourning, nativity scenes, happiness

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey is probably the favorite of all the various Christmas books I was read to as a child. Jonathan Toomey is a wood carver in a small New England village, who suffered a great loss in the past and has buried his pain beneath a gruff demeanor. Then one day a widow, newly moved to town with her son, commissions a nativity set to replace one she lost in the move. What happens next will change all of their lives.

Did I mention I love this book? I always imagined it set in some obscure European outpost, but reading it again as an adult who lived in western Massachusetts for four years, it's very clearly set somewhere in or near Vermont. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good story full of Christmas inspiration.

First Line: The village children called him Mr. Gloomy.

50inge87
des. 1, 2015, 6:45 pm

>48 rabbitprincess: I love their covers too. They set the golden age mood perfectly.

51inge87
Editat: des. 3, 2015, 10:38 am



Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon

Categories:
The Third Man, HistoryCAT

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, mystery, golden age mystery, trains, blizzards, empty houses, murder, Christmas

Mystery in White finds a group of strangers travelling together in a third-class train carriage stranded in a blizzard. Deciding to leave the train behind, they stumble over land and end up at a that is clearly awaiting guests—and completely empty. Just whose house is it and why is it empty? And what is with the dead bodies that keep turning up? Sometimes a situation is just too good to be true. It's a feeling that gets more than one of our travellers wishing they had stayed on the train.

When the weather outside is frightful, sometimes the fire leads to things that are not so delightful. A thrilling Christmas mystery with just the right sense of dread. Highly recommended.

First Line: The Great Snow began on the evening of December 19th.

52inge87
Editat: des. 3, 2015, 5:40 pm



Ice, Mud and Blood: Lessons from Climates Past by Chris Turney

Categories:
Medicine Man

Keywords: non-fiction, British non-fiction, science, climatology, climate history, climate change, ice ages

Ice, Mud and Blood (which I consistently read as Ice, Mudblood, which sounds like a book by Draco Malfoy) is an attempt to understand the future of Earth's climate by looking at its past. And what a past it was: sometimes much warmer, sometimes much colder than our climate today. But just because it survived those periods does not necessarily mean it was easy or that we would want to do so again if we can avoid it. This is something that has been done before (and will certainly be done again), but author does provide some interesting insights. For example, diabetes type 1 is probably a genetic hold-over from when having too much sugar in your blood helped people survive freezing ice age climates. Written in an accessible style, it's perfect for anyone with an interest in the subjects of climate history or climate change, no matter how much background they have. Highly recommended.

First Line: Imagine a world of wildly escalating temperatures, apocalyptic flooding, devastating storms and catastrophic sea level rise.

53inge87
Editat: des. 3, 2015, 6:01 pm



When the Mississippi Ran Backwards: Empire, Intrigue, Murder, and the New Madrid Earthquakes by Jay Feldman

Categories:
Medicine Man

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, science, earthquakes, history, American history, Native American history, Missouri, Kentucky, Mississippi River, New Madrid Earthquakes, war, War of 1812, murder, slavery, natural disasters

When the Mississippi Ran Backwards tells the story of the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811 to 1812. Centered around the village of New Madrid, Missouri, along the Mississippi River, these were the most powerful earthquakes to hit the United States in recorded history. Besides the story of the earthquakes themselves, the author tells the story of a slave murder committed by Thomas Jefferson's nephews in Kentucky that was only uncovered due to bad luck and earthquakes, of the first steamboat voyage down the Mississippi, and of Tecumseh and his attempt to rally Native American tribes against the expansionist United States. All in all, it's interesting stuff, although the book just seems to be missing something to make it really spark. But if you're interested in the New Madrid earthquakes, it may be a good place to start.

First Line: Accompanied by an entourage of Shawnee, Kickapoo, and Winnebago warriors, the Shawnee chief strode decisively through the Creek village of Tuckhabatchee.

54inge87
des. 5, 2015, 11:15 am



Summer Half by Angela Thirkell

Categories:
Hard Day's Night, HistoryCAT

Series: Barsetshire (5/29)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Barsetshire, boarding schools, boys schools, teachers, family, a daughter who can't say no, awkward engagements

Summer Half is the story of what happens when Colin Keith decides he need to get a job on top of reading to be a barrister. It turns out that boarding school, especially a boarding school for boys, can be a pretty insane place. It doesn't help that one of the pupils has a chameleon and that another is Tony Morland (for a quote from his younger self in High Rising, click here). But the biggest problem of all is Rose, the headmaster's daughter who can't help getting engaged. Her latest victim is one of Colin's fellow teacher, but she seems to have her mind set on getting Colin's attention too, much to everyone's dismay. If he can only make it to the end of summer half, then he will be free to escape to London and barrister-dom; however, that might be easier said than done.

Another quirky Thirkell Barsetshire novel. Even she admitted it was not very realistic, but it is fun in its own way. Recommended for fans of Thirkell's novels or those who enjoy books set in boarding schools.

First Line: The sudden collapse into complete senility of that licensed old imposter, Mr Bradford, had made it possible for the new headmaster to make some changes in the staff and replace him by a young man, not long down from the University, and Colin Keith was the man.

55inge87
Editat: des. 5, 2015, 11:30 am



Return of the Gar by Mark Spitzer

Categories:
Medicine Man

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, science, biology, environmental science, gar, aligator gar, Arkansas, Louisiana, Texas, fishing buddies, travel, television, activism

Return of the Gar is supposedly a book about gar, an ancient and rather spectacular family of fish that hunts in the waters of North and Central America as well as the islands of the Caribbean. Or did before it was wiped out in much of North America by people who believed it has bad for fishing. Spitzer apparently wrote the first book about gar and got a lot of television publicity about it. So now he's written this one, which unfortunately seems to be less about gar than about his travels and his fishing buddies who all call each other by ridiculous nicknames the way men do. If you are interested in gar, whether aligator gar or one of its smaller cousins, and want to read a book, you may be stuck with this one. But honestly you'd be better off visiting one in person at an aquarium or zoo (or the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center if you ever find yourself near Athens). You'd certainly gain an actual understanding that way, which is more than I can say about Return of the Gar.

First Line: The number one question I get asked about gar is why I'm so interested in them.

56inge87
des. 5, 2015, 11:51 am



Hymnen an die Kirche by Gertrud von Le Fort^

Categories:
Hard Day's Night, HistoryCAT

Keywords: poetry, German poetry, auf deutsch, religion, Christianity, Christian poetry, devotional poetry, liturgical year, God and the soul

Hymnen an die Kirche (English: Hymns to the Church) is a volume of devotional poetry focused on the soul's relationship to God. Published a couple of years before the author converted to the Catholic church, you can see the beginnings of that process in the work. Overall, it's an excellent work, but sadly it doesn't appear to have been translated into English.

First Line: Die »Hymnen an die Kirche« stellen ein Zwiegespräch dar.

(My translation: The "Hymns to the Church" represent a dialogue.)

57inge87
Editat: des. 5, 2015, 1:23 pm

November Round-Up!

Books Read: 19

Category Challenge

167 of 180 read - 92.78% done (true total 212 books)

9 of 15 categories completed - 60% done

Individual Categories
1. Twelfth Night/Henry V: Classic Fiction (pre-1920) - 10 - 83.33%
2. Medicine Man: Environmental Science - 12 - 100%
3. Star Wars: Fantasy/SciFi - 25 - 100%
4. Princess Mononoke: Graphic format - 12 - 100%
5. Rob Roy: Historical Fiction - 12 - 100%
6. A Man for All Seasons: History - 16 - 100%
7. The Last Waltz: Memoirs - 11 - 91.67%
8. The Third Man: Mysteries - 14 - 100%
9. Once: New Fiction (2000 to Present) - 11 - 91.67%
10. Koyaanisqatsi: Other Non-Fiction - 18 - 100%
11. The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October: Recent Fiction (1970 to 1999) - 7 - 46.67%
12. Chariots of Fire: Religion - 32 - 100%
13. A Hard Day's Night: Retro Fiction (1920 to 1969) - 11 - 91.67%
14. Out of Africa: Travel - 9 - 75%
15. Babe: YA/Juvenile fiction - 13 - 100%

Challenges
HistoryCAT - 9
SFFCAT - 3

Genre
Fiction - 10 - 52.63%
Non-Fiction - 9 - 47.37%

Sources
ILL - 4 - 21.05%
Irving PL (book) - 4 - 21.05%
Me (last month) - 3 - 15.79%
Me (other) - 2 - 10.53%
Me (this month) - 2 - 10.53%
Work - 2 - 10.53%
Corsicana PL - 1 - 5.26%
Irving PL (e-book) - 1 - 5.26%

Authors
Male - 12 - 70.59%
Female - 5 - 29.41%

Edition Language
English - 17 - 89.47%
German - 2 - 10.53%

Original Language
English - 14 - 73.68%
Japanese - 3 - 15.79%
German - 2 - 10.53%

Series
Stand-Alone Books - 15 - 78.95%
Series Books - 4 - 21.05%

Ratings Distribution
1 star - 1 - 5.26%
2 stars - 1 - 5.26%
3 stars - 11 - 54.81%
4 stars - 5 - 29.41%
5 stars - 1 - 5.26%

Average Rating
3.21

Best of the Month



Fiction: Mystery in White by J. Jefferson Farjeon

Non-Fiction (tie): Das Evangelium der ehelichen Treue: Eine Antwort auf Kardinal Kasper by Rainer Beckmann & Saint Among Savages: The Life of St. Isaac Jogues by Francis Talbot, SJ

58thornton37814
des. 5, 2015, 12:49 pm

Lots of good reading here!

59DeltaQueen50
des. 5, 2015, 6:31 pm

I am currently reading Mystery In White and really enjoying it!

60inge87
des. 5, 2015, 7:47 pm

>58 thornton37814: thanks!

>59 DeltaQueen50: It's a great book, featuring what must be one of the most unsettling Christmas experiences ever. British Library Crime Classics has re-published two more of his books, Thirteen Guests and The Z Murders, that I'm hoping to get to in 2016.

61rabbitprincess
des. 5, 2015, 9:55 pm

>60 inge87: The Z Murders was fun. Hope you like it! :)

62inge87
des. 6, 2015, 3:35 pm

>61 rabbitprincess: Thanks, It's something to look forward to in 2016. :)

63DeltaQueen50
des. 6, 2015, 5:56 pm

>60 inge87: >61 rabbitprincess: I had never heard of J. Jefferson Farjeon before reading about Mystery In White here on LT, but I am now a fan will definitely be looking to pick up any of his others that are available!

64inge87
Editat: des. 6, 2015, 7:50 pm

>63 DeltaQueen50: I hadn't either (although I had read a book by his sister, Eleanor Farjeon), but he's certainly worth discovering. It's interesting how some authors remain in print, while others disappear for years until some publisher decides to bring them back.

65inge87
Editat: des. 12, 2015, 4:25 pm



The Huron Carol by Saint Jean de Brébeuf

Categories:
Henry V/Twelfth Night, HistoryCAT

Keywords: poetry, Canadian poetry, Wyandot poetry, Christmas poetry, Christmas, nativity, New France, Hurons

The Huron Carol is a seventeenth century carol originally written in the Wyandot (Huron) language by the French Jesuit missionary Saint Jean de Brébeuf. The English lyrics describe Nativity narrative while using Native American situations and concepts. The illustrations in my edition, by Frances Tyrrell, capture the mood quite nicely while remaining respectful to the traditions involved. There is also a very good note at the end discussing the carol's history and the illustrator's philosophy behind creating the illustrations and the book. Overall, it's a lovely edition and a very good addition to anyone's collection of Christmas picture books.

First Line: 'Twas in the moon of wintertime
When all the birds had fled,
That mighty Gitchi Manitou Sent angel choirs instead;
Before their light the stars grew dim,
And wandering hunters heard the hymn:
"Jesus your King is born, Jesus is born, In excelsis gloria!"

66inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:04 pm



In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward

Categories:
The Third Man, HistoryCAT

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, mystery, thriller, police procedural, Derbyshire, kidnapping, murder, genealogists, family, secrets, suicide, cold cases

In Bitter Chill is a compelling thriller set in the cold Derbyshire winter. In 1978, two girls were grabbed on their way to school. Only one lived to stumble out of the woods and she could never remember a single detail about what happened once they were in their kidnapper's car. Thirty years later, the mother of the missing girl commits suicide in a local hotel and then a teacher is found murdered near where Rachel (the survivor) was discovered. Is there a connection to the cold case? Has the kidnapper emerged to kill again? Police reopen the case and begin to discover leads that suggest Rachel is the key, but why? Rachel is now a local professional genealogist, and the events lead her to investigate too. Maybe one day she'll finally remember the things that her mind has tried so hard to forget—or maybe she'll finally meet the fate she escaped from as a girl. You'll have to read on to find out.

An excellent debut, I look forward to the author's future book. Highly recommended for fans of the genre and those who enjoy good stories.

First Line: Detective Inspector Francis Sadler watched the heavy clouds gather through the window and cursed the role that central heating had played in dislocating him from the elements.

67inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:06 pm



Pomfret Towers by Angela Thirkell

Categories:
Hard Day's Night, RandomCAT

Series: Barsetshire (6/29)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Barsetshire, house parties, matchmaking, family, shyness, narcissistic artists, publishing, estate management, romance

Pomfret Towers is the story of a house party at the estate of the same name and the effects it has on the members of several Barsetshire families. The Earl of Pomfret's wife is back home from the Continent and her husband has decided to throw a house party full of young people to amuse her. Shy little Alice Barton is among them. Most of the book consists of her (mis)adventures while away from home, along with the attempts of Hermione Rivers to outwit her publishers and to get the earl's heir for her daughter. If you've read Thirkell before, you can imagine much of what goes on, but it is a higher level than most of her work and by far the best, I think, since High Rising. Recommended for Thirkell fans and those who enjoy stories about the things people get up to at house parties.

First Line: Nutfield is quite the most delightful town in that part of England.

68inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:08 pm



Cold Magic by Kate Elliott

Categories:
Lay of Nimrodel

Series: Spiritwalker Trilogy (1/3)

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, fantasy, alternative history, ice age climate, elemental magic, cold mages, family, secrets, arranged marriages, assassination attempts, prejudice, oppression, rebellion

Cold Magic begins the story of Catherine Hassi Barahal, a normal Phoenician girl in Northern Europe in a world in which ice age conditions still exist and much of history has changed as a result. Her normal life ends when a man turns up and claims her, as the eldest Hassi Barahal daughter, as his wife. But what is going on and what are her aunt and uncle hiding. And who is this stuffy cold mage (a wielder of cold magic) that she has married? Suffice to say some truths will emerge that many had tried to keep hidden and it will be all Catherine can do to stay alive to the end of the book.

A fun alternative history fantasy. It will be interesting to see where the author takes this.

First Line: The history of the world begins in ice, and it will end in ice.

69inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:10 pm



Mrs. Pringle of Fairacre by Miss Read

Categories:
The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October, HistoryCAT

Series: Chronicles of Fairacre (17/20)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Fairacre, Mrs. Pringle, cleaning, family, bad legs

Mrs. Pringle of Fairacre is a kind of rehash of the Mrs. Pringle story arcs as told by various Fairacre residents within a Christmas frame narrative. If you've been reading the Fairacre series to this point, then you will have heard this before. So this is probably for Mrs. Pringle fans or Miss Read completists only.

First Line: It is snowing again.

70inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:14 pm



The Owl and the Pussycat by Edward Lear

Categories:
Henry V/Twelfth Night

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, poetry, nonsense verse, picture books

The Owl and the Pussycat is a well-known nonsense poem about an owl and a cat who go out to sea and get married. The point is that it sounds nice rather than that it makes sense. It's fun and that's what matters. I'm less keen on Anne Mortimer's illustrations. There's just something odd about them and they don't quite fit. But if you're looking for something to read aloud, The Owl and the Pussycat is certainly a good choice.

First Line: The Owl and the Pussy-cat went to sea
In a beautiful pea green boat,
They took some honey, and plenty of money,
Wrapped up in a five pound note.

71inge87
des. 14, 2015, 3:17 pm

In Franco's Spain: Being the experiences of an Irish war-correspondent during the Great Civil War which began in 1936 by Cap. Francis McCullagh

Categories:
Out of Africa

Keywords: non-fiction, Irish non-fiction, travel, memoir, war correspondents, history, Spanish history, Spanish Civil War, pro-nationalist POV

In Franco's Spain is an Irish war correspondent's memoir of a year spent in Civil War Spain among the Nationalists. The book is worth reading for the preface alone in which McCullagh announces that this is to be his last war, " . . . not because I am too old—I am only sixty-three—but because I am frightened by the sort of thing into which revolution and war are developing . . ." (p. vii) "It seems to indicate that we are on the eve of a throw-back to those appalling wars of extermination, so common in antiquity, wars in which women and children were slaughtered as a matter of course, and whole nations literally wiped out" (p. ix). All of this was written in 1936 and 1937 and yet he seems to instinctively know that the horror of the Second World War was right around the corner.

The book itself reveals the banality of existence in a war torn country with currency issues and overzealous press minders. McCullugh does not have a lot of fun or excitement, but he does meet some interesting (and not-so-interesting) people. However, as an insight into how many Europeans came to support Franco, a man now derided in history as an arm of Hitler and a destroyer of human rights, it is very good.

For those interested in alternative views and first-person accounts of the Spanish Civil War. Highly recommended.

First Line: Ten days before General Franco unfurled the standard of revolt in the market-place of Melilla, I passed that fortress in a vessel going from Majorca to Gibraltar, and, in the merciless gale of an African sun, it looked profoundly somnolent and peaceful.

72mamzel
des. 14, 2015, 3:28 pm

>67 inge87: I love that cover!

73inge87
des. 14, 2015, 4:08 pm



Goodbye to a River: A Narrative by John Graves

Categories:
Out of Africa, HistoryCAT

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, Texan non-fiction, travel, memoir, dachshund, Brazos River, Palo Pinto Co., Parker Co., Hunt Co., Somervell Co., Weatherford, Granbury, Possum Kingdom Lake, Lake Whitney, canoe trips, history, American history, Texas history, Comanches, ranchers, farmers, migration, environmental degradation, dams

Goodbye to a River is the story of the author's three week trip down the Middle Brazos river in 1957 from the Possum Kingdom Dam to Lake Whitney. He took the trip to say farewell to a river that he knew was going to change (there were plans to put five new dams on it). But the book is more than just a story about a man and his dachshund and a canoe trip down a river. It is a history of the people and places that make up that stretch of Western Texas, from the Comanches to the present day. I've always lived one river east of the Brazos and only really know it from Waco (south of the end of Graves' trip), but this book makes me want to go northwest and see what is left (a good swath was inundated by Lake Granbury but not all of the dams ended up being built). Graves unveils the secrets of a time that was gone even when he was writing, and a people that were even then leaving for better pastures.

Highly recommended for those interesting in travel memoirs, western Texas, environmental and local histories, and really really good books.

First Line: Usually, fall is the good time to go to the Brazos, and when you can choose, October is the best month—if, for that matter, you choose to go there at all, and most people don't.

74inge87
des. 14, 2015, 4:09 pm

>72 mamzel: All of the Virago Thirkell editions have really nice retro-styled covers.

75Chrischi_HH
des. 14, 2015, 6:03 pm

>66 inge87: It's soon Christmas, but you just don't stop shooting BBs. Added to my list!

76inge87
des. 15, 2015, 1:10 pm

>75 Chrischi_HH: In the immortal words of baseball legend Yogi Berra, "It ain't over till it's over".

77inge87
des. 21, 2015, 7:39 pm



Changes at Fairacre by Miss Read

Categories:
The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October

Series: Chronicles of Fairacre (18/20)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Fairacre, teaching, life changes, Beech Green, commuting

Changes at Fairacre finds Miss Read moving from her cottage in Fairacre to nearby Beech Green in order to keep an eye on her old colleague and friend Dolly Clare. The new commute to work brings new neighbors and new challenges, while many of the old challenges in Fairacre remain the same. Plus there's Dolly's health to worry about. But somehow Miss Read pulls through as usual.

Definitely not one to start with, because you can feel the author beginning to wrap the series up, but if you've enjoyed the previous books you'll want to pick this one up.

First Line: Spring came early to Fairacre that year.

78inge87
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 7:47 pm



Farewell to Fairacre by Miss Read

Categories:
The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October

Series: Chronicles of Fairacre (19/20)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Fairacre, teaching, life changes, Beech Green, commuting, health issues, retirement

Farewell to Fairacre finds Miss Read enjoying her cottage in Beech Green and considering what she wants to do with her life. She loves teaching, but she is also beginning to feel her age. On the other hand, she has attracted a pair of rival suitors. Having never wanted to marry before (no matter what Amy might think), Miss Read can't quite see why she would want to now. And then something happens that seems to make all her decisions for her.

You can feel the series end approaching, so anyone who hasn't read the previous books won't want to start here.

First Line: The first day of term has a flavour that is all its own.

79inge87
des. 21, 2015, 7:56 pm



A Peaceful Retirement by Miss Read

Categories:
The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October

Series: Chronicles of Fairacre (20/20)

Keywords: fiction, British fiction, Fairacre, life changes, Beech Green, retirement, friendship, determined suitors

A Peaceful Retirement covers the beginning of Miss Read's life after teaching. She's not entirely sure what she wants, but she knows she needs to do something. Every one her her friends has a suggestion, and they keep her quite busy. But ultimately only she knows what will make her happy, whether it is marriage, friendship, idleness or occupation. And in this case, one end may bring another beginning.

This is the last Fairacre book, and as such an end rather than a beginning. The book feels a bit weird because it has a different illustrator than the rest of the series, but those who have loved the rest of the series will not want to miss the finale.

First Line: When I retired, after many years as headmistress of Fairacre School, I received a great deal of advice.

80inge87
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 8:12 pm



Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring by Jan Greenberg, Sandra Jordan, & Brian Floca

Categories:
Koyaanisqatsi

Keywords: non-fiction, American non-fiction, children's non-fiction, picture books, music, dance, modern dance, Martha Graham, creative process, Appalachian Spring

Ballet for Martha is one of those picture books that I can picture adults coming up with but not children actually wanting to read. For one, it's wordy and uses an advanced and often subject-specific language that requires a lot of explaining for young readers. Secondly, none of the subjects have particular appeal to the picture book set: Martha Graham, Appalachian Spring, and the creative process are not going hold young attention spans. But an adult reader who likes those things and picture books may like it, I don't know.

A picture book about the creation of the modern ballet Appalachian Spring, flip through it first if you're curious but otherwise skip it: there are much better picture books out there.

First Line: The dancer and choreographer.

81inge87
Editat: des. 21, 2015, 8:28 pm



The Seven Good Years: A Memoir by Etgar Keret

Categories:
The Last Waltz

Keywords: non-fiction, Israeli non-fiction, biography, memoir, writers, family, birth, death, terrorism, war, Tel Aviv, travel, writing, fathers and sons, siblings, humor

The Seven Good Years is the author's memoir of the seven years between the birth of his son and the death of his father. And what a crazy seven years they are. Told in a series of vignettes, we experience Keret's life as a family-man, an Israeli, and a world-travelling writer. His zany, manic sense of humor is ever-present and finds a way to make even the most serious moment lighter. But I imagine that his wife has to put up with a lot.

Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys good writing, is interested in contemporary Israeli life, or likes humorous memoirs.

First Line: "I just hate terrorist attacks," the thin nurse says to the older one.

15-in-15 Category Countdown: 12 down, 3 more to go!

82MissWatson
des. 23, 2015, 7:01 am

Happy holidays! And thanks for all the book bullets, I'm looking forward to next year's season!

83inge87
des. 24, 2015, 4:44 pm

>82 MissWatson: Merry Christmas to you too!

84rabbitprincess
des. 24, 2015, 5:27 pm

One of the perils of having two yearly groups is that I post Christmas wishes in the wrong thread. Meant to wish you a merry Christmas here. :)

85inge87
Editat: des. 24, 2015, 8:36 pm

>84 rabbitprincess: It happens. :) Merry Christmas!

86inge87
des. 25, 2015, 9:47 am



Merry Christmas, everyone!

87-Eva-
des. 27, 2015, 7:10 pm

>81 inge87:
That was one of my top 3 reads of the year.

88inge87
des. 28, 2015, 2:03 pm

>87 -Eva-: I really liked it too, and may have liked it more if I had read it earlier in the year when I wasn't rushing to finish categories. The Seven Good Years is one of the best memoirs I've read recently, even if God or Nothing is a lock for "best of the cat" this year.

89inge87
des. 28, 2015, 2:06 pm



Magic Dreams by Ilona Andrews*

Categories:
Star Wars

Series: Kate Daniels (4.5/10)

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, fantasy, urban fantasy, Atlanta, magic, shapeshifters, demons, Asian culture, romance, possession, murder, revenge

Magic Dreams is a novella featuring Jim and Dali and focusing on Asian magical traditions in Atlanta, of which Dali is the resident shifter expert. Someone or something has started murdering cat shifters, and it looks like Jim will be the next victim. Will Dali and her magical skills be enough to save him? You'll have to read this novella to find out.

This was originally published in the novella collection Hexed, so if you've read that book, you've read this story before. But it's a good one, so why not? There are only vague allusions to Kate and her various activities, so I guess you could read it without having read any of the series' books, but it's probably more enjoyable with some background.

First Line: I peered through the windshield of my '93 Mustang.

15-in-15 Category Countdown: 12 down, 3 more to go!

90inge87
des. 28, 2015, 2:09 pm



Falling Like Snowflakes by Denise Hunter

Categories:
Once

Series: Summer Harbor (1/?)

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, romance, Christmas, Maine, heroine on the run, cute traumatized kids, murder, secrets, family, corruption

Falling Like Snowflakes is a rather cliched romance-suspense novel, in which a traumatised woman from an abusive marriage flees to the wilds of Maine with her even more traumatized son just before Christmas. Naturally they have car trouble in the middle of nowhere and naturally some nice people take them in and the woman gets to meet her happily-ever-after in the flesh. But trouble has followed our heroine to Summer Harbor, will she survive Christmas or become another casualty of the holiday season?

I like the odd romance novel, some of them are quite good, but this one was just average. If you like stories where the heroine is running for her life (literally) and the hero gets to help save her, then you'll like this one. If you don't then you won't.

First Line: It was amazing, the depth of courage a mother could find when the life of her child was on the line.

15-in-15 Category Countdown: 13 down, 2 more to go!

91inge87
des. 30, 2015, 1:02 pm



The Emperor Far Away: Travels at the Edge of China by David Eimer

Categories:
Out of Africa

Keywords: non-fiction, British non-fiction, travel, China, politics, ethnic minorities, journalists, Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan, Wa State, Manchuria

The Emperor Far Away is journalist Eimer's account of his travels to the edges of Chinese civilization: Xinjiang, Tibet, Yunnan Province, and Manchuria. Always staying one half-step ahead of the Chinese authorities, he manages to meet an astonishing number of people and see a great number of things that the Chinese government would probably prefer he didn't (he had to use a secret second passport to even enter Tibet as it is closed to journalists). Overall, it's an excellent book to areas that few know about or have access to. If you've ever wondered about what life is really like for Uyghurs, Tibetans, or any of the dozens of Chinese minority groups, you'll want to pick this one up. The same goes for anyone interested in modern China or interesting travel narratives.

First Line: For almost 400 years, the fort at Jiayuguan marked the end of the known world for the Chinese.

15-in-15 Category Countdown: 14 down, 1 more to go!

92inge87
des. 30, 2015, 1:10 pm



Exclusive by Sandra Brown

Categories:
The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, thriller, political thriller, journalists, politicians, corruption, assassination, murder, betrayal

Exclusive is the story of a journalist who gets the interview of a lifetime, when the First Lady agrees to sit down with her on television. What she doesn't expect is the allegations of murder she'll hear. She also doesn't think about the consequences of following up on those suggestions. All of a sudden she's a target and so is the First Lady. But just who wants her dead and what is he hiding? You'll have to read to the end (the very end) to find out.

I struggled with rating this one, because while it is a decent thriller, it is not a very good Sandra Brown thriller. I expect better of her than what this book delivers. For Brown completists only.

First Line: "You're looking well, Mrs. Merritt."

15-in-15 Category Countdown: 15 down, 0 more to go!!!

93inge87
des. 30, 2015, 5:24 pm

With Exclusive I officially completed my 15-in-15 challenge! There's still a few more books to be reviewed, but I've subconsciously started keeping the good stuff for 2016 and my new challenges. While you can find my 16-in-16 thread here, I'll still be hanging around here until the end of the year.

94christina_reads
des. 30, 2015, 5:51 pm

Congratulations! Also, you may have hit me with a BB for The Emperor Far Away.

95rabbitprincess
des. 30, 2015, 6:34 pm

Hurray, congratulations!

96inge87
des. 30, 2015, 8:59 pm

97inge87
des. 31, 2015, 11:15 am



Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews

Categories:
Star Wars

Series: Innkeeper Chronicles (1/?)

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, online serial, fantasy, humor, magic, Texas, innkeepers, aliens, vampires, werewolves, giant apes, murder, assassination, shih-tzus, intergalactic despots, interplanetary AAA ratings, missing parents

Clean Sweep is a novella originally published online in serial format. Set in fictional Red Deer, Texas, it details the intergallactic adventures of Dina. Dina is an innkeeper, the guardian of an inn where aliens stay while they are visiting Earth. Since they must be neutral or risk losing rating stars and potential guests, the fact that someone or something is killing local dogs is a big problem. Toss in a few vampires and a werewolf who doesn't know the first thing about werewolf history or culture and things get even more exciting. But Dina doesn't want exciting. She just wants her inn to stay safe and maybe get a few more guests.

Lots of characters in this one, from Dina's shih-tzu of doom to her inn's mello yello and funyon-loving resident despot-in-exile. I can't wait to see what Dina gets up to next.

First Line: Brutus was dead.

98inge87
des. 31, 2015, 11:18 am



Silver Shark by Ilona Andrews

Categories:
Star Wars

Series: Kinsmen Series (2/2)

Keywords: fiction, American fiction, novella, science fiction, romance, psychics, war, refugees, secrets, trust, loyalty, cyber-security

Silver Shark is the story of a war refugee who finds herself on a new planet after her side loses a long and costly war. But Claire has more to worry about than the average refugee, because she is keeping a deadly secret: she is a psycher and never should have been allowed to leave her planet alive, much less be accepted as a refugee on her new planet. It doesn't help that her new boss is also a powerful psycher, who may be her salvation or her downfall. Because when it comes to refugees they may be offered a new start, but that doesn't mean that their old lives won't come back to haunt them.

For those who like their romance with a hint of science fiction. If you like Ilona Andrews, you will love this. Highly recommended.

First Line: Claire awoke early.

99inge87
des. 31, 2015, 11:21 am



Sankt Martin by Sebastian Tonner^

Categories:
Chariots of Fire

Keywords: non-fiction, German non-fiction, auf deutsch, juvenile non-fiction, picture book, religion, Christianity, saints, Martin of Tours

Sankt Martin (Saint Martin) is a picture book covering the life of Saint Martin of Tours, who is a much bigger deal in Germany than in most English-speaking lands. It covers his entire life, with a focus on his childhood, the famous incident with the cloak, and retirement from the army. What really makes this book though is the lovely watercolor illustrations by Johanna Ignjatovic they perfectly balance beauty and accessibility to tell Saint Martin's story to those who can't read the text yet. Highly recommended.

First Line: Martin wurde vor vielen hundert Jahren in Ungarn geboren.

(My translation: Martin was born many centuries ago in Hungary.)

100-Eva-
des. 31, 2015, 7:37 pm

Congrats on finishing!!

101lkernagh
gen. 1, 2016, 2:09 pm

Congratulations on completing your challenge!

102inge87
gen. 1, 2016, 4:13 pm

103inge87
Editat: gen. 1, 2016, 5:24 pm

December Round-Up!

Books Read: 21

Category Challenge

180 of 180 read - 100% done (true total 233 books)

15 of 15 categories completed - 100% done

Individual Categories
1. Twelfth Night/Henry V: Classic Fiction (pre-1920) - 12 - 100%
2. Medicine Man: Environmental Science - 12 - 100%
3. Star Wars: Fantasy/SciFi - 29 - 100%
4. Princess Mononoke: Graphic format - 12 - 100%
5. Rob Roy: Historical Fiction - 12 - 100%
6. A Man for All Seasons: History - 17 - 100%
7. The Last Waltz: Memoirs - 12 - 100%
8. The Third Man: Mysteries - 15 - 100%
9. Once: New Fiction (2000 to Present) - 12 - 100%
10. Koyaanisqatsi: Other Non-Fiction - 19 - 100%
11. The Tamarind Seed/The Hunt for Red October: Recent Fiction (1970 to 1999) - 12 - 100%
12. Chariots of Fire: Religion - 33 - 100%
13. A Hard Day's Night: Retro Fiction (1920 to 1969) - 12 - 100%
14. Out of Africa: Travel - 12 - 100%
15. Babe: YA/Juvenile fiction - 13 - 100%

Challenges
HistoryCAT - 4
RandomCAT - 1

Genre
Fiction - 13 - 61.9%
Non-Fiction - 8 - 38.1%

Sources
Austin PL (e-book) - 7 - 33.33%
Irving PL - 5 - 23.8%
Corsicana PL - 3 - 14.28%
Me (this month) - 2 - 9.52%
Work - 2 - 9.52%
ILL - 1 - 4.76%
Me (other) - 1 - 4.76%

Authors
Female - 7 - 46.67%
Male - 7 - 46.67%
Both - 1 - 6.67%

Edition Language
English - 20 - 95.24%
German - 1 - 4.76%

Original Language
English - 19 - 85.72%
German - 1 - 4.76%
Modern Hebrew - 1 - 4.76%
Wyandot (Huron) - 1 - 4.76%

Series
Stand-Alone Books - 11 - 52.36%
Series Books - 10 - 47.64%

Ratings Distribution
1 star - 1 - 4.76%
2 stars - 3 - 14.29%
3 stars - 9 - 42.86%
4 stars - 7 - 33.33%
5 stars - 1 - 4.76%

Average Rating
3.19

Best of the Month



Fiction: In Bitter Chill by Sarah Ward

Non-Fiction: Goodbye to a River by John Graves

104inge87
gen. 2, 2016, 12:06 am

Pretty much everyone has found my 2016 thread, but if you haven't, it's right here. So goodbye 2015, and welcome new year!

105paruline
gen. 2, 2016, 6:46 pm

Congratulations on completing your challenge! See you on the 2016 thread :)