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Books 31-46
Jul. 26th, 2018 07:34 pm31-40: The St Mary's Institute series, by Jodi Taylor
The ninth book came out this year, and so I re-read 1-8 plus the short stories (which I'm counting as one book, since most of them actually came in a collection book). I thought I might not really enjoy it, because I've noticed that some of the twist got a little repetitive, but I actually did really like the re-read. Sure, there are some points that might have benefitted from a stricter outline for the whole series, but on the whole, reading them all in one go was definitely a good thing because I was reminded of all I loved about the series (especially how much you can tell the author loves fun with history) and the ninth book, featuring a bit of a different sort of plot, didn't disappoint at all - quite the contrary! Read the summer short story and now can't wait for the next book - whenever that comes out!
41-44: The Invisible Libary series, by Genevieve Cogman
I stumbled upon these on kindle during my holidays and downloaded the first one, not expecting all that much - but I was pleasantly surprised! These books are really neat, a sort of Urban Fantasy that has, at its core, the premise that there are multiple universes held together, in part, by a giant library that collects books from all the incarnations of worlds (all the worlds are sorts of variations on each other) trying to find unique books that define the universes. The heroine is a Librarian who kicks arse, and the books are real fun romps through different universes, with the promise of an over-arching mystery about the deeper, gritty secrets of the Library - unfortunately, since the series is far from ending and book 5 is coming out in December, I can't say yet whether the overarching mystery plot will hold up, but so far, I can definitely recommend!
45: Competence by Gail Carriger
I'd really been looking forward to this since I've quite fallen for her universe, and I wasn't disappointed at all. The adventure plot was not all *that* exciting, although nicely done, and the love plot was meant to be foreseeable, but the journey towards the resolution was very rewarding, because the character development was very convincing. There is a very very strong LGBT-positive vibe in the book that I found very refreshing, although of course it was obvious that the author also has an agenda there. But hey, I've read books with far worse agendas, and this was very diverting and didn't drift into preaching territory. I do hope she continues the series. I want, in particular, a story about Percy.
46: The Grand Sophy, by Georgette Heyer
I found this in a charity shop for a pound, and picked it up for nostalgic reasons, because it was one of my very first Heyer reads. I can't actually remember liking it this much when I first read it, but this time around, I really rooted for the main couple and couldn't stop reading even though I knew how it would end!
The ninth book came out this year, and so I re-read 1-8 plus the short stories (which I'm counting as one book, since most of them actually came in a collection book). I thought I might not really enjoy it, because I've noticed that some of the twist got a little repetitive, but I actually did really like the re-read. Sure, there are some points that might have benefitted from a stricter outline for the whole series, but on the whole, reading them all in one go was definitely a good thing because I was reminded of all I loved about the series (especially how much you can tell the author loves fun with history) and the ninth book, featuring a bit of a different sort of plot, didn't disappoint at all - quite the contrary! Read the summer short story and now can't wait for the next book - whenever that comes out!
41-44: The Invisible Libary series, by Genevieve Cogman
I stumbled upon these on kindle during my holidays and downloaded the first one, not expecting all that much - but I was pleasantly surprised! These books are really neat, a sort of Urban Fantasy that has, at its core, the premise that there are multiple universes held together, in part, by a giant library that collects books from all the incarnations of worlds (all the worlds are sorts of variations on each other) trying to find unique books that define the universes. The heroine is a Librarian who kicks arse, and the books are real fun romps through different universes, with the promise of an over-arching mystery about the deeper, gritty secrets of the Library - unfortunately, since the series is far from ending and book 5 is coming out in December, I can't say yet whether the overarching mystery plot will hold up, but so far, I can definitely recommend!
45: Competence by Gail Carriger
I'd really been looking forward to this since I've quite fallen for her universe, and I wasn't disappointed at all. The adventure plot was not all *that* exciting, although nicely done, and the love plot was meant to be foreseeable, but the journey towards the resolution was very rewarding, because the character development was very convincing. There is a very very strong LGBT-positive vibe in the book that I found very refreshing, although of course it was obvious that the author also has an agenda there. But hey, I've read books with far worse agendas, and this was very diverting and didn't drift into preaching territory. I do hope she continues the series. I want, in particular, a story about Percy.
46: The Grand Sophy, by Georgette Heyer
I found this in a charity shop for a pound, and picked it up for nostalgic reasons, because it was one of my very first Heyer reads. I can't actually remember liking it this much when I first read it, but this time around, I really rooted for the main couple and couldn't stop reading even though I knew how it would end!
Books 3-30
May. 1st, 2018 05:15 pm3-14: C.S. Harris, The Sebastian St. Cyr Series, 1-12
I'm not going to list all the titles separately :) Shem kept raving about this series so I tried it out since the first books were rather cheap on kindle. With the first two or so I wasn't convinced, but I kept going, and they really got much better. The mysteries are sometimes a bit too convoluted and you could start a drinking game with the scenes where Sebastian kills attackers in self-defense, but I really like most of the returning characters (except Kat, but she gets less annoying!), most especially Hero. I also like the slow-burning over-arching mystery about Sebastian's past and whatever Jarvis end-game might be.
15-25: Rhys Bowen, The Royal Spyness Series, 1-11
So when I finished with the Sebastian St. Cyr I wanted a new series to binge (still on the kindle, more thoughts about that later) and I stumbled on this one while browsing and remembered I always wanted to give it a try. I really loved this too. There are some weird plottings where too many dead herrings just make you wonder why they were ever introduced, but it's such a fun, fast-paced, light romp with such quirky recurring characters and a wonderful main man for our heroine (and a really lovely relationship development so far) that I was very quickly hooked. Can't wait for the next book to come out this summer.
26: Sophie Kinsella, My Not So Perfect Life
I was at a loose end after the two series' and picked this up from the library. It was nice, rather. I liked how the happy-ever-after developed, not the stereotypical "Surprise, he was in love with her all along!"
27: C.S. Harris, Why Kill The Innocent (Sebastian St. Cyr 13)
So of course I had to get this when it came out :) It took me a bit to get into it, but I did like it as a new installment. Just a bit disappointed that the new puzzle pieces about Sebastian's past and what happened in the Jarvis household were few and far in-between. Guess I'll have to wait till the next one.
28: T.C. Boyle, The Terranauts
Ugh. This was one of those books that try too much and end up being just a disappointment. I was really interested in the premise, and it was nicely-enough narrated, but when I was through with it I felt that I had missed something. It was like the author built up to a big climax that just never happened because he decided to end the book just before it was to go down, as if he couldn't be bothered any more. Also, none of the characters were likeable, which wouldn't have been a big thing, but it was written as if we were to sympathise with them.
29: Ethan Cross, Spectrum
Another disappointment this one. Unevenly paced, far too much telling-not-showing, contradictory (and not in the good way) characters that just aren't engaging, weak mystery and somehow the author seems to think that white people are an oppressed minority in South Africa. Total waste of time.
30: Petra Hülsmann, Wenn Schmetterlinge Loopings fliegen
I needed a brain cleanser after #29 and this was just what the doctor prescribed. It's a German romantic comedy. Not at all the innovative, "edgy" stuff that 28 & 29 tried to be, but guess what? Believable characters with real chemistry (with each other and the reader), good pacing, well-tied plot and no weirdly racist messages in the subtext.
About the kindle reading:
Objectively, what's not to love about the kindle? I love that I can get all the books, instantly, it's on my phone so I almost always have them all with me, can read wherever, and unless they're brand-spanking newly out, the books are cheaper. It's ideal for bingeing longer series and I used the hell out of that. However - big HOWEVER - it just doesn't feel like the real thing! I just love having to hunt down a book in the library, having to lug it around with me and it just feels like a much more real experience when I have it in my hands and can turn the actual pages and feel like I'm reading an actual *book*. I do know that I will continue to use the kindle app (there's a few series that I'm still having an eye on - I'm also very open to suggestions! - has anyone read the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bown, or anything by Deanna Raybourn?) - I think it's going to be very useful too when I go on holidays - but I do need me some real books too!
I'm not going to list all the titles separately :) Shem kept raving about this series so I tried it out since the first books were rather cheap on kindle. With the first two or so I wasn't convinced, but I kept going, and they really got much better. The mysteries are sometimes a bit too convoluted and you could start a drinking game with the scenes where Sebastian kills attackers in self-defense, but I really like most of the returning characters (except Kat, but she gets less annoying!), most especially Hero. I also like the slow-burning over-arching mystery about Sebastian's past and whatever Jarvis end-game might be.
15-25: Rhys Bowen, The Royal Spyness Series, 1-11
So when I finished with the Sebastian St. Cyr I wanted a new series to binge (still on the kindle, more thoughts about that later) and I stumbled on this one while browsing and remembered I always wanted to give it a try. I really loved this too. There are some weird plottings where too many dead herrings just make you wonder why they were ever introduced, but it's such a fun, fast-paced, light romp with such quirky recurring characters and a wonderful main man for our heroine (and a really lovely relationship development so far) that I was very quickly hooked. Can't wait for the next book to come out this summer.
26: Sophie Kinsella, My Not So Perfect Life
I was at a loose end after the two series' and picked this up from the library. It was nice, rather. I liked how the happy-ever-after developed, not the stereotypical "Surprise, he was in love with her all along!"
27: C.S. Harris, Why Kill The Innocent (Sebastian St. Cyr 13)
So of course I had to get this when it came out :) It took me a bit to get into it, but I did like it as a new installment. Just a bit disappointed that the new puzzle pieces about Sebastian's past and what happened in the Jarvis household were few and far in-between. Guess I'll have to wait till the next one.
28: T.C. Boyle, The Terranauts
Ugh. This was one of those books that try too much and end up being just a disappointment. I was really interested in the premise, and it was nicely-enough narrated, but when I was through with it I felt that I had missed something. It was like the author built up to a big climax that just never happened because he decided to end the book just before it was to go down, as if he couldn't be bothered any more. Also, none of the characters were likeable, which wouldn't have been a big thing, but it was written as if we were to sympathise with them.
29: Ethan Cross, Spectrum
Another disappointment this one. Unevenly paced, far too much telling-not-showing, contradictory (and not in the good way) characters that just aren't engaging, weak mystery and somehow the author seems to think that white people are an oppressed minority in South Africa. Total waste of time.
30: Petra Hülsmann, Wenn Schmetterlinge Loopings fliegen
I needed a brain cleanser after #29 and this was just what the doctor prescribed. It's a German romantic comedy. Not at all the innovative, "edgy" stuff that 28 & 29 tried to be, but guess what? Believable characters with real chemistry (with each other and the reader), good pacing, well-tied plot and no weirdly racist messages in the subtext.
About the kindle reading:
Objectively, what's not to love about the kindle? I love that I can get all the books, instantly, it's on my phone so I almost always have them all with me, can read wherever, and unless they're brand-spanking newly out, the books are cheaper. It's ideal for bingeing longer series and I used the hell out of that. However - big HOWEVER - it just doesn't feel like the real thing! I just love having to hunt down a book in the library, having to lug it around with me and it just feels like a much more real experience when I have it in my hands and can turn the actual pages and feel like I'm reading an actual *book*. I do know that I will continue to use the kindle app (there's a few series that I'm still having an eye on - I'm also very open to suggestions! - has anyone read the Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bown, or anything by Deanna Raybourn?) - I think it's going to be very useful too when I go on holidays - but I do need me some real books too!
Book 2: The Essex Serpent
Mar. 28th, 2018 07:39 pm2: The Essex Serpent, by Sarah Perry
Part of the reason why it took me so long to get books read this year was that I had started this late in December and it just took me a long time to read it. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but it's one of those books where you really want to savour every line.
I'm not even sure how to describe it without giving too much away. When I was reading it, I was constantly wondering if it would turn out to be an Urban Fantasy Novel, a character study, a murder mystery, a novel of manners or something else altogether.
The premise of the book is that in an out of the way Essex village, there is a mysterious reptile(ish) animal that may or may not be killing people on the coast. Drawn there is a London widow, who herself brings a whole cast of characters in contact with her.
It's an incredibly vivid, detailled, many-facetted story of the late Victorian times, with a rich cast of characters and a lot of surprising developments.
While reading, I was wondering if she'd manage to keep it all together and give us a satisfying solution/ending, but in the end, she did.
I should think quite a few of you might enjoy reading it - little caveat tho: there is adultery, I know some of you don't like that cropping up. It's actually plot-relevant though and I found I could make my peace with it.
Now I'm reading my way through the Sebastian St. Cyr series - almost caught up just in time for the new book to come out in April. I'll write more about that, and reading on the Kindle app (very mixed feelings about that!!) when I'm done with it.
Part of the reason why it took me so long to get books read this year was that I had started this late in December and it just took me a long time to read it. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but it's one of those books where you really want to savour every line.
I'm not even sure how to describe it without giving too much away. When I was reading it, I was constantly wondering if it would turn out to be an Urban Fantasy Novel, a character study, a murder mystery, a novel of manners or something else altogether.
The premise of the book is that in an out of the way Essex village, there is a mysterious reptile(ish) animal that may or may not be killing people on the coast. Drawn there is a London widow, who herself brings a whole cast of characters in contact with her.
It's an incredibly vivid, detailled, many-facetted story of the late Victorian times, with a rich cast of characters and a lot of surprising developments.
While reading, I was wondering if she'd manage to keep it all together and give us a satisfying solution/ending, but in the end, she did.
I should think quite a few of you might enjoy reading it - little caveat tho: there is adultery, I know some of you don't like that cropping up. It's actually plot-relevant though and I found I could make my peace with it.
Now I'm reading my way through the Sebastian St. Cyr series - almost caught up just in time for the new book to come out in April. I'll write more about that, and reading on the Kindle app (very mixed feelings about that!!) when I'm done with it.
Dear Summer,
Oct. 5th, 2016 07:42 amOkay, Summer, I know you and I had a lovely Time. But then you just up and left me without even saying goodbye. And guess what? I'm not the kind of girl to cry after you. I've got Autumn now and I'm embracing it. I'm wearing all the shawls you never wanted me to wear, and the boots, and I got myself new handbalm, which you never cared about, and cooking all the soups you always spoiled. So you know, whatever. Goodbye and be happy elsewhere. I don't need you.
Books 8-20
May. 31st, 2016 11:23 am(Or, part two of the long-overdue book backup)
8. As Chimney-Sweepers Come To Dust, by Alan Bradley
I liked this, but I didn't love it as much as previous Flavias. I feel that all that background-y stuff about the secret organisations is becoming a bit ... weird? Thoughts, anyone?
9. Total Control, by David Baldacci
10. The Target, by David Baldacci
11. First Family, by David Baldacci
Okay, so the first one of these was mildly enjoyable mostly for retro-fun and the big bad turning out to be a Trump By Another Name, but I hated the second and have no idea why I even read the third. Yeah, no. Not going to read again. Too dumb.
12. Tuesday's Gone, by Nicci French
I read the first one in this series last year, and if I recall correctly, found it mostly okay but not that intriguing. I liked the second one much better, especially the way that the over-reaching arch was set up.
13. The Taming of the Queen, by Philippa Gregory
This is the one about Kateryn Parr. It was enjoyable, mostly, but a few things were a bit weird. Like when she basically had Kateryn quote the Tilbury speech to Elizabeth, implying that she made it up all along.
14. Waiting for Wednesday, by Nicci French
15. Thursday's Child, by Nicci French
16. Friday on my Mind, by Nicci French
I continue to like the series, and wait for my library to have the Saturday book. I was a bit disappointed though about the Sandy development in Thursday and Friday, I feel that the character deserved more. Still very nice mysteries though.
17. The Shepherd's Crown, by Terry Pratchett
Oh, Pterry. I will miss you.
18. Call the Midwife, by Jennifer Worth
Absolutely fascinating to see where the idea for the show started and Jennifer Worth is a really interesting narrator (though she could have benefitted from a better editor). But is it sacrilege to say I like the nuns on the show better?
19. The Sacred Art of Stealing, by Christopher Brookmyre
Two thumbs up! Very enjoyable, irreverent read. Not for the faint of heart :)
20. Thin Air, by Ann Cleeves
I think what I like best about the Shetland mysteries is not the crime story but the fact that they always make me want to emigrate to the Shetlands.
Whew! All caught up now!
8. As Chimney-Sweepers Come To Dust, by Alan Bradley
I liked this, but I didn't love it as much as previous Flavias. I feel that all that background-y stuff about the secret organisations is becoming a bit ... weird? Thoughts, anyone?
9. Total Control, by David Baldacci
10. The Target, by David Baldacci
11. First Family, by David Baldacci
Okay, so the first one of these was mildly enjoyable mostly for retro-fun and the big bad turning out to be a Trump By Another Name, but I hated the second and have no idea why I even read the third. Yeah, no. Not going to read again. Too dumb.
12. Tuesday's Gone, by Nicci French
I read the first one in this series last year, and if I recall correctly, found it mostly okay but not that intriguing. I liked the second one much better, especially the way that the over-reaching arch was set up.
13. The Taming of the Queen, by Philippa Gregory
This is the one about Kateryn Parr. It was enjoyable, mostly, but a few things were a bit weird. Like when she basically had Kateryn quote the Tilbury speech to Elizabeth, implying that she made it up all along.
14. Waiting for Wednesday, by Nicci French
15. Thursday's Child, by Nicci French
16. Friday on my Mind, by Nicci French
I continue to like the series, and wait for my library to have the Saturday book. I was a bit disappointed though about the Sandy development in Thursday and Friday, I feel that the character deserved more. Still very nice mysteries though.
17. The Shepherd's Crown, by Terry Pratchett
Oh, Pterry. I will miss you.
18. Call the Midwife, by Jennifer Worth
Absolutely fascinating to see where the idea for the show started and Jennifer Worth is a really interesting narrator (though she could have benefitted from a better editor). But is it sacrilege to say I like the nuns on the show better?
19. The Sacred Art of Stealing, by Christopher Brookmyre
Two thumbs up! Very enjoyable, irreverent read. Not for the faint of heart :)
20. Thin Air, by Ann Cleeves
I think what I like best about the Shetland mysteries is not the crime story but the fact that they always make me want to emigrate to the Shetlands.
Whew! All caught up now!
4: Imperium, by Robert Harris
5: Lustrum, by Robert Harris
6: Dictator, by Robert Harris
I really liked this series. I know a lot of what went into it had to be guesswork by necessity, but it was pretty meticulously matched to historical detail as far as I can tell, and I really liked the analysis of Cicero as a character. I also very especially liked how the narrator was a slave and was pretty honest about how he had it good, but it still essentially sucks to be a slave and that it's nice that Cicero and the like can forget he is a slave, because he himself can't, but at the same time the narrator is treating slavery as the everyday occurence it was in Ancient Rome. It all rang very true.
7: Leibniz, Newton und die Erfindung der Zeit, by Thomas de Padova [title literally translates to 'Leibniz, Newton and the Invention of Time,' there doesn't seem to be an English translation, unfortunately]
This was an altogether brilliant book. It was such a unique take on the cultural history of the 17th and early 18th century and also featured a lot of the mathematical and physical principles that went into the measuring of time in a way that even I could understand most of it. And then it also was a very interesting biography of the titular characters.
More books to come :)
5: Lustrum, by Robert Harris
6: Dictator, by Robert Harris
I really liked this series. I know a lot of what went into it had to be guesswork by necessity, but it was pretty meticulously matched to historical detail as far as I can tell, and I really liked the analysis of Cicero as a character. I also very especially liked how the narrator was a slave and was pretty honest about how he had it good, but it still essentially sucks to be a slave and that it's nice that Cicero and the like can forget he is a slave, because he himself can't, but at the same time the narrator is treating slavery as the everyday occurence it was in Ancient Rome. It all rang very true.
7: Leibniz, Newton und die Erfindung der Zeit, by Thomas de Padova [title literally translates to 'Leibniz, Newton and the Invention of Time,' there doesn't seem to be an English translation, unfortunately]
This was an altogether brilliant book. It was such a unique take on the cultural history of the 17th and early 18th century and also featured a lot of the mathematical and physical principles that went into the measuring of time in a way that even I could understand most of it. And then it also was a very interesting biography of the titular characters.
More books to come :)
(no subject)
May. 10th, 2016 09:30 amWut, I never updated my booklist after book 3? Gah, I thought I had. I have all of them jotted down in my agenda, but it's gonna take a while to transfer. I so smart, yes.
Sheesh
Sheesh
2016: Books 1-3 & book goals
Feb. 16th, 2016 02:46 pmBook 1: The Second World War, by Antony Beevor
Because I clearly haven't learnt my lesson from last year, this one was one gigantic big tome that took me almost six weeks to read. How am I ever going to approach Shem's book-numbers? Other than that, it was frightfully interesting and I learnt tons.
Book 2: The Martian, by Andy Weir
I'm normally not at all into sci-fi, but Marie gave it such an interesting review that I wanted to try it. I did really really like it! Objectively, there were a few rough edges to the writing and with all the sci stuff, I have no clue if it would actually have worked or was bullshit especially that spaceship that couldn't just return to Mars? But obviously it made sense within the story. And subjectively the book was a total page-turner!
Book 3: The Ghost, by Robert Harris
That was an intriguing political thriller with a twisted ending! Also, Blair. That guy basically is Blair by any other name. Just saying.
As for 2016 book goals, I seem to be in the mood for a lot of non-fiction right now. I don't feel any urge towards anything supernatural right now, or anything romance-like. All I have on my reading pile right now is either gritty suspense thriller or gritty non-fiction. My goal is to expand the horizon a little :)
Because I clearly haven't learnt my lesson from last year, this one was one gigantic big tome that took me almost six weeks to read. How am I ever going to approach Shem's book-numbers? Other than that, it was frightfully interesting and I learnt tons.
Book 2: The Martian, by Andy Weir
I'm normally not at all into sci-fi, but Marie gave it such an interesting review that I wanted to try it. I did really really like it! Objectively, there were a few rough edges to the writing and with all the sci stuff, I have no clue if it would actually have worked or was bullshit especially that spaceship that couldn't just return to Mars? But obviously it made sense within the story. And subjectively the book was a total page-turner!
Book 3: The Ghost, by Robert Harris
That was an intriguing political thriller with a twisted ending! Also, Blair. That guy basically is Blair by any other name. Just saying.
As for 2016 book goals, I seem to be in the mood for a lot of non-fiction right now. I don't feel any urge towards anything supernatural right now, or anything romance-like. All I have on my reading pile right now is either gritty suspense thriller or gritty non-fiction. My goal is to expand the horizon a little :)
2015: Books 79-82
Feb. 16th, 2016 02:32 pmOkay, let's pretend it's 6 weeks earlier, right? I totally wasn't lazy in updating my book list AT ALL.
79: The Royal Mess, by Mary Janice Davidson
It started getting really repetitive. And so much insta-love from constant boning. It was a neat idea, but it's clear it wasn't going to go anywhere new.
80: The Green Road, by Anne Enright
Uhm. Difficult to say. I liked it, but I couldn't love it. It's certainly a good book, might even be a great one, but it just didn't speak to me. I couldn't have cared less about anything in it. Still, for all that, I don't regret reading it. For those interested, it's a book taking apart a family in 1980s up to contemporary Ireland. It's well done. It's just not a voice resonating with me.
81: High Rising, by Angela Thirkell
My brother lent me this, it's another of his obscure literature finds. It was a very fun, light-hearted book, didn't take itself too seriously. Nice little romp in the 1930s English countryside.
82: To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis
I gave myself this book as a Christmas present and OMG loved it SO SO MUCH!!!! Why didn't y'all tell me sooner I had to read this one?
So, all in all, 82 books in 2015. Certainly not my highest number, but then again, it took me a whole bloody month to read that French book alone ... and I'm certainly happy with most of the books I read that year, so there's that :)
79: The Royal Mess, by Mary Janice Davidson
It started getting really repetitive. And so much insta-love from constant boning. It was a neat idea, but it's clear it wasn't going to go anywhere new.
80: The Green Road, by Anne Enright
Uhm. Difficult to say. I liked it, but I couldn't love it. It's certainly a good book, might even be a great one, but it just didn't speak to me. I couldn't have cared less about anything in it. Still, for all that, I don't regret reading it. For those interested, it's a book taking apart a family in 1980s up to contemporary Ireland. It's well done. It's just not a voice resonating with me.
81: High Rising, by Angela Thirkell
My brother lent me this, it's another of his obscure literature finds. It was a very fun, light-hearted book, didn't take itself too seriously. Nice little romp in the 1930s English countryside.
82: To Say Nothing of the Dog, by Connie Willis
I gave myself this book as a Christmas present and OMG loved it SO SO MUCH!!!! Why didn't y'all tell me sooner I had to read this one?
So, all in all, 82 books in 2015. Certainly not my highest number, but then again, it took me a whole bloody month to read that French book alone ... and I'm certainly happy with most of the books I read that year, so there's that :)
Books 70-78
Dec. 15th, 2015 08:59 am70: Blue Monday, by Nicci French
It was an ok crime novel. I thought it got a bit weird towards the ending, but okay. It was fun reading about the shrink's daily life. I kept imagining my own shrink.
71: Foxglove Summer, by Ben Aaronovich
I really loved that one. It started a bit slow but I really liked how it went then. I wish though we'd learnt more about the over-arching mystery of the series, it wasn't really all that present in this one. When's the next one out?
72: The Bride Wore Size 12, by Meg Cabot
I love this series. It's pure brain candy. But it kept irking me that I felt I hadn't read the one previous to this and was missing out on things.
73: Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer
The last one in my mini-Heyer re-read and I still liked it tho of course no Regency Buck :)
74: Size 12 and Ready to Rock, by Meg Cabot
So I got this because I thought I hadn't read it, but then half-way through I realised I *had* read it and just forgotten half the stuff and, okay, that was all very irritating but not really the series' fault.
75: The Royal Treatment, by Mary Janice Davidson
Objectively, this series isn't really all that. But it's amusing and funny and fast-paced to read. It's a bit like The Royals (worst TV series ever) but intentionally funny and non-sensical. But the plotting could do with some help and the constant humping (sometimes graphic) gets a bit annoying.
76: Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes
Apparently this book has been hyped a lot? A colleague of mine was raving about it. I raced through it and enjoyed reading it but in the end realised I didn't really like it. Some things were neat, but I hated the overall resolution and found I couldn't like the male lead. It gets even more complicated because the plot hangs on an issueAssisted Suicide and I have complicated and partly conflicting opinions about said issue and I felt that this book partly tried to proselytise me very unsubtly. I can see why this book got hyped, but I don't like it and Will Traynor is an arse.
77: The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean, by David Abulafia
This was for a uni course, partly, but I liked the idea so much I got the whole book and read it and I can really only give it thumbs up! Abulafia sometimes is veering on the edge of too-snarky-for-a-historian, but it's a very amusing read and he has a really unique perspective on historical connections and presentation and I learned a lot.
78: The Royal Pain, by Mary Janice Davidson
See above for #75. Same opinion still holds.
It was an ok crime novel. I thought it got a bit weird towards the ending, but okay. It was fun reading about the shrink's daily life. I kept imagining my own shrink.
71: Foxglove Summer, by Ben Aaronovich
I really loved that one. It started a bit slow but I really liked how it went then. I wish though we'd learnt more about the over-arching mystery of the series, it wasn't really all that present in this one. When's the next one out?
72: The Bride Wore Size 12, by Meg Cabot
I love this series. It's pure brain candy. But it kept irking me that I felt I hadn't read the one previous to this and was missing out on things.
73: Bath Tangle, by Georgette Heyer
The last one in my mini-Heyer re-read and I still liked it tho of course no Regency Buck :)
74: Size 12 and Ready to Rock, by Meg Cabot
So I got this because I thought I hadn't read it, but then half-way through I realised I *had* read it and just forgotten half the stuff and, okay, that was all very irritating but not really the series' fault.
75: The Royal Treatment, by Mary Janice Davidson
Objectively, this series isn't really all that. But it's amusing and funny and fast-paced to read. It's a bit like The Royals (worst TV series ever) but intentionally funny and non-sensical. But the plotting could do with some help and the constant humping (sometimes graphic) gets a bit annoying.
76: Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes
Apparently this book has been hyped a lot? A colleague of mine was raving about it. I raced through it and enjoyed reading it but in the end realised I didn't really like it. Some things were neat, but I hated the overall resolution and found I couldn't like the male lead. It gets even more complicated because the plot hangs on an issue
77: The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean, by David Abulafia
This was for a uni course, partly, but I liked the idea so much I got the whole book and read it and I can really only give it thumbs up! Abulafia sometimes is veering on the edge of too-snarky-for-a-historian, but it's a very amusing read and he has a really unique perspective on historical connections and presentation and I learned a lot.
78: The Royal Pain, by Mary Janice Davidson
See above for #75. Same opinion still holds.
Books 62-69
Nov. 2nd, 2015 11:54 am62: The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova
Okay, I'll admit I picked this mainly because it was one quid at Oxfam. I expected a pretty standard vampire novel, but I really liked this one much more than I thought I would. It's very well plotted and right up until the ending, very nicely paced (the ending felt a little bit rushed though) and has a couple of very interesting twists that kept it from being standard. I really enjoyed reading it. My only complaints would be that the ending is that little bit rushed, and that it left a few too many lose ends. I don't mind not everything being tied up neatly, but with one or two things I did wonder why they had been brought up at all if they were never going to be resolved. Still, thumbs up.
63: Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer
Got this from Caro and I really liked it. Surprisingly, I didn't catch on to the endgame until quite late in the book, and even then I was hoping for it rather than expecting it to happen.
64: Secret Place, by Tana French
I really like her mystery novels but they seem to get gloomier and gloomier all the time. This one was really good but such a depressing ending!
65: Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer
Okay, so Cotillion brought with it an urge to reread some favourite Heyers and of course this one tops the list. Objectively, I know that the hero is a total creep, but I can't help it, I put on my rose-tinted glasses all the time and just love this novel to bits. It's my guilty pleasure.
66: Life after Life, by Kate Atkinson
Shem's description of this sounded just like my cup of tea and when she was gushing so much about it I knew I had to get it too, and luckily the library had it. I wasn't disappointed. Like Shem, I found the beginning a bit slow to get into, but then it really took off and it was awesome. It's not exactly time-travel, but it touches similar questions as good time-travel novels do and on top of that one of my other favourite topics, alternate universes caused by tiny changes. I loved it!
67: Career of Evil, by Robert Galbraith
As I said to my brother, I really really liked this one, but I liked Silkworm - the second in the series - even better. Also, I think JKR really enjoys diving into the gruesome and gory that she couldn't put into her at least nominally children's books. So, fair warning about that. This book is really gory and amputated limbs feature. I never had the feeling though that it was for shock value. It's just a very gruesome story. Also, in true JKR manner, she left it on a bit of a cliff-hanger - not about the mystery, but the personal story of the main characters (which was really nicely developed) - GRRRR!
68: Venetia, by Georgette Heyer
Something to calm my nerves after the JKR ;) When we were talking about Heyers during the DU, Julie said this was her favourite and talked about why and since it's been years since I read this I wanted to re-read with Julie's analysis in mind and she's right. Venetia really is a total kick-ass heroine and her and Damerel's relationship is awesomely honest. The only reason why this isn't my favourite Heyer is that it isn't Regency Buck because my brain is weird.
69: The Job, by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
I've grown a bit tired of her Stephanie Plums but I do like this new(ish) series and this one wasn't a disappointment. Pure escapist fast-paced action, but nicely done.
Okay, I'll admit I picked this mainly because it was one quid at Oxfam. I expected a pretty standard vampire novel, but I really liked this one much more than I thought I would. It's very well plotted and right up until the ending, very nicely paced (the ending felt a little bit rushed though) and has a couple of very interesting twists that kept it from being standard. I really enjoyed reading it. My only complaints would be that the ending is that little bit rushed, and that it left a few too many lose ends. I don't mind not everything being tied up neatly, but with one or two things I did wonder why they had been brought up at all if they were never going to be resolved. Still, thumbs up.
63: Cotillion, by Georgette Heyer
Got this from Caro and I really liked it. Surprisingly, I didn't catch on to the endgame until quite late in the book, and even then I was hoping for it rather than expecting it to happen.
64: Secret Place, by Tana French
I really like her mystery novels but they seem to get gloomier and gloomier all the time. This one was really good but such a depressing ending!
65: Regency Buck, by Georgette Heyer
Okay, so Cotillion brought with it an urge to reread some favourite Heyers and of course this one tops the list. Objectively, I know that the hero is a total creep, but I can't help it, I put on my rose-tinted glasses all the time and just love this novel to bits. It's my guilty pleasure.
66: Life after Life, by Kate Atkinson
Shem's description of this sounded just like my cup of tea and when she was gushing so much about it I knew I had to get it too, and luckily the library had it. I wasn't disappointed. Like Shem, I found the beginning a bit slow to get into, but then it really took off and it was awesome. It's not exactly time-travel, but it touches similar questions as good time-travel novels do and on top of that one of my other favourite topics, alternate universes caused by tiny changes. I loved it!
67: Career of Evil, by Robert Galbraith
As I said to my brother, I really really liked this one, but I liked Silkworm - the second in the series - even better. Also, I think JKR really enjoys diving into the gruesome and gory that she couldn't put into her at least nominally children's books. So, fair warning about that. This book is really gory and amputated limbs feature. I never had the feeling though that it was for shock value. It's just a very gruesome story. Also, in true JKR manner, she left it on a bit of a cliff-hanger - not about the mystery, but the personal story of the main characters (which was really nicely developed) - GRRRR!
68: Venetia, by Georgette Heyer
Something to calm my nerves after the JKR ;) When we were talking about Heyers during the DU, Julie said this was her favourite and talked about why and since it's been years since I read this I wanted to re-read with Julie's analysis in mind and she's right. Venetia really is a total kick-ass heroine and her and Damerel's relationship is awesomely honest. The only reason why this isn't my favourite Heyer is that it isn't Regency Buck because my brain is weird.
69: The Job, by Janet Evanovich and Lee Goldberg
I've grown a bit tired of her Stephanie Plums but I do like this new(ish) series and this one wasn't a disappointment. Pure escapist fast-paced action, but nicely done.
(no subject)
Oct. 31st, 2015 06:39 pmNot such a good year for the JAOctGoHoNo, this one, but I managed to just finish at least one of the stories I planned. Not sure if it's any good, but at least it's there.
In case you didn't see it in the TR, there's gonna be a wee little soiree tonight in Chat at 9 pm GMT (10 CET and I guess 4 EST? Not sure with all that daylight saving). Do look in if you happen to have time and feel inclined!
In case you didn't see it in the TR, there's gonna be a wee little soiree tonight in Chat at 9 pm GMT (10 CET and I guess 4 EST? Not sure with all that daylight saving). Do look in if you happen to have time and feel inclined!
Where's your Magna Carta at?
Oct. 18th, 2015 10:37 amI know we've all not been the most active this year, Hallowe'en-wise, but this is your reminder that it's two more weeks!
How're you all faring? Anyone got any successes to tell about? (Please do, we need something to cheer us on!) Me, I've got a neat (I hope) plot idea, no story title, two paragraphs written, and no idea how to continue. On the plus side, it's Emma. Fingers crossed.
Who needs a hand/an inspiration/a plot bunny?
And where are the drowned Darcies when one needs them???
How're you all faring? Anyone got any successes to tell about? (Please do, we need something to cheer us on!) Me, I've got a neat (I hope) plot idea, no story title, two paragraphs written, and no idea how to continue. On the plus side, it's Emma. Fingers crossed.
Who needs a hand/an inspiration/a plot bunny?
And where are the drowned Darcies when one needs them???
It‘s that time of year again!
Time to start another round of the good old JAOctGoHoNo, that great collection of all stories horror, terror, nonsense and pirates that has come to be what we all love best about Hallowe‘en!
We‘re all used to seeing Kay‘s name here, but the sad truth of it is, our dear leader has no internet connection this year and has handed thesceptre pitchfork to us (that is, Shemmelle and me). We hope to prove worthy of this honour and will certainly do our best!
So! Let‘s do her proud and get the ball rolling. Your ever-mean hostesses have settled on a wonderful theme for this year because of the special anniversary we‘re celebrating. This year is going to be all about 800 years of Magna Carta!!
What‘s it going to be for you? Medieval Emma with Mr Knightley the Baron drafting the Carta? Sir Walter Elliot the local squire receives a copy of the Carta? Maybe there is a map in invisible ink on the back of one of them and Marianne Dashwood discovers it! Is there a band of vampires/werewolves/pirates/dentists after the Magna Carta and only Fanny Price can stop them? Let the plot bunnies run wild!
Whom do I have to ask if I can enter?
No one! Just come along and join the fun! JAOctGoHoNo is for everyone – the more, themerrier scarier! There is a group of people who participate almost every year (and some who always promise to write something, but still haven‘t delivered Yeti No.3 - just saying!), but new faces/fangs/masks are always welcome! If you feel this is the thing for you, just go along with it! There‘s no registry, no entry, no deadline – if you can make it, great. If you can‘t make it, well, that‘s a shame, but we won‘t hold it against you. JAOctGoHoNo is about the fun, not the contest. And if you can‘t write a story this year, doesn‘t mean you can‘t still have fun in the comments, and maybe share a plot bunny or two.
But I know nothing about the Magna Carta! How can I still participate?
Nothing easier than that! Go with your imagination – write whatever tickles your horror fancy – just make sure to reference the Magna Carta somewhere. Did you know that apparently there are pubs called the Magna Carta? Maybe that‘s where your gang of zombies meets every Wednesday! Or is Magna Carta the password necessary to get into the speakeasy/open the mummy‘s tomb/unlock the doomsday device – share ideas in the comments!
Is there anything I‘m not allowed to write?
Well, yes, and no. Anything that is a no-go on the DWG the other 364 days of the year, is still a no-go on Hallowe‘en. Anything else that comes to your mind, however absurd, twisted, scary, not-so-scary, is a definite go-go! You can‘t put a price on horror and you can‘t stick a definition on the JAOctGoHoNo! Just write whatever you like.
I‘m new to this! How do I go about it?
As with the rest of it, it‘s easy. Find a theme. Plot a story. If you‘re stuck, need inspiration or a proof-reader, ask in the comments. Everyone likes to share their gruesome ideas! Hopefully, your story will be done by 31st October, whenever that is in your end of the world. If your computer clock says 31st October, you‘re good to go! Post your story to the DWG message board. Use a scarified posting name (the Simpsons Hallowe‘en name thing). IMPORTANT: Please make it clear who is lurking behind the mask, so that our wonderful archivers will know how to archive the story. (Old hands: please use the names you‘ve used previously, to make it easier!) Then, enjoy yourself! Read the other stories – comment early, comment often, you know you want to! Maybe look into chat – most years, Her Grace, Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, manages to set up a little party there.
Can I drown Darcy dead?
Absolutely! There is never a JAOctGoHoNo where you can not do that!
Anything else I need to know?
Nope. That‘s all. If you have any questions, however, feel free to ask! We only bite on Fridays, and never before tea.
If you know of anyone of the old crowd who'd like to know about this, direct them here!
Oh, and I've made a Magna Carta for Dummies post in the TR, if you feel completely lost.
Time to start another round of the good old JAOctGoHoNo, that great collection of all stories horror, terror, nonsense and pirates that has come to be what we all love best about Hallowe‘en!
We‘re all used to seeing Kay‘s name here, but the sad truth of it is, our dear leader has no internet connection this year and has handed the
So! Let‘s do her proud and get the ball rolling. Your ever-mean hostesses have settled on a wonderful theme for this year because of the special anniversary we‘re celebrating. This year is going to be all about 800 years of Magna Carta!!
What‘s it going to be for you? Medieval Emma with Mr Knightley the Baron drafting the Carta? Sir Walter Elliot the local squire receives a copy of the Carta? Maybe there is a map in invisible ink on the back of one of them and Marianne Dashwood discovers it! Is there a band of vampires/werewolves/pirates/dentists after the Magna Carta and only Fanny Price can stop them? Let the plot bunnies run wild!
Whom do I have to ask if I can enter?
No one! Just come along and join the fun! JAOctGoHoNo is for everyone – the more, the
But I know nothing about the Magna Carta! How can I still participate?
Nothing easier than that! Go with your imagination – write whatever tickles your horror fancy – just make sure to reference the Magna Carta somewhere. Did you know that apparently there are pubs called the Magna Carta? Maybe that‘s where your gang of zombies meets every Wednesday! Or is Magna Carta the password necessary to get into the speakeasy/open the mummy‘s tomb/unlock the doomsday device – share ideas in the comments!
Is there anything I‘m not allowed to write?
Well, yes, and no. Anything that is a no-go on the DWG the other 364 days of the year, is still a no-go on Hallowe‘en. Anything else that comes to your mind, however absurd, twisted, scary, not-so-scary, is a definite go-go! You can‘t put a price on horror and you can‘t stick a definition on the JAOctGoHoNo! Just write whatever you like.
I‘m new to this! How do I go about it?
As with the rest of it, it‘s easy. Find a theme. Plot a story. If you‘re stuck, need inspiration or a proof-reader, ask in the comments. Everyone likes to share their gruesome ideas! Hopefully, your story will be done by 31st October, whenever that is in your end of the world. If your computer clock says 31st October, you‘re good to go! Post your story to the DWG message board. Use a scarified posting name (the Simpsons Hallowe‘en name thing). IMPORTANT: Please make it clear who is lurking behind the mask, so that our wonderful archivers will know how to archive the story. (Old hands: please use the names you‘ve used previously, to make it easier!) Then, enjoy yourself! Read the other stories – comment early, comment often, you know you want to! Maybe look into chat – most years, Her Grace, Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, manages to set up a little party there.
Can I drown Darcy dead?
Absolutely! There is never a JAOctGoHoNo where you can not do that!
Anything else I need to know?
Nope. That‘s all. If you have any questions, however, feel free to ask! We only bite on Fridays, and never before tea.
If you know of anyone of the old crowd who'd like to know about this, direct them here!
Oh, and I've made a Magna Carta for Dummies post in the TR, if you feel completely lost.
Books 57-61
Sep. 16th, 2015 09:08 am57: Dr Johnson's London, by Liza Picard
Had borrowed this from Caro last year so really needed to finish it and it didn't disappoint. Very quirky look at particular bits of 18th century London with lots of interesting tidbits.
58: Blackout, by Connie Willis
59: All Clear, by Connie Willis
Can I even say anything new about those, other than that I loved them? I don't think I could come up with anything other than gushing about everything. Like so:OMG COLIN!!!!!
60: Poseidon's Gold, by Lindsey Davis
Managed to find this one in the really, really odd second-hand bookshop in Brighton with the bombsite cellar. Because I have a weak spot for Falco and Helena and am slowly building up my collection of them, although I'd previously read this from the library. Still very nice though. I think they definitely get better too if you read them in order and really see their relationship grow.
61: WARP: The Hangman's Revolution, by Eoin Colfer
This was quick and fun and all that - it's just that any time travel book read after Connie Willis will have very large footsteps to follow in ...
Had borrowed this from Caro last year so really needed to finish it and it didn't disappoint. Very quirky look at particular bits of 18th century London with lots of interesting tidbits.
58: Blackout, by Connie Willis
59: All Clear, by Connie Willis
Can I even say anything new about those, other than that I loved them? I don't think I could come up with anything other than gushing about everything. Like so:
60: Poseidon's Gold, by Lindsey Davis
Managed to find this one in the really, really odd second-hand bookshop in Brighton with the bombsite cellar. Because I have a weak spot for Falco and Helena and am slowly building up my collection of them, although I'd previously read this from the library. Still very nice though. I think they definitely get better too if you read them in order and really see their relationship grow.
61: WARP: The Hangman's Revolution, by Eoin Colfer
This was quick and fun and all that - it's just that any time travel book read after Connie Willis will have very large footsteps to follow in ...
(no subject)
Aug. 20th, 2015 09:06 amhttp://m.livejournal.com/read/user/ohnotheydidnt/97500444/comments#comments
Oh Karma, You Sweet Sweet Girl dog.
Oh Karma, You Sweet Sweet Girl dog.
Posted via m.livejournal.com.
