BOOK: Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling, (4 hours, 37 min)

This book and Bossypants will be forever linked in my mind. Both are written by hilariously funny women (Tina Fey and Mindy Kaling) and both audio versions are (in my opinion) the way to listen to them. They are essentially stand-up routines by non stand-up comedians. It happens that I listened to both books, and hearing the funny women read them adds a lot to the experience. Both are a series of essays and thoughts by two of the funniest women in show business.

Kaling is best known for The Office (I haven't watched her new show on Fox yet) and actually wrote one of my favorite episodes, "The Injury". It seems timely that I was listening to this book as The Office wrapped up it series. (Btw, great last season of the show. I love that they finally dealt with the documentary, and had Jim and Pam have some bumps, but ultimately their love shone through. Plus Dwight and Angela belong together.) I watched the show from the very hilarious beginning.

Kaling is surprisingly normal, and disproves the adage that comedians deal with the tragedy of their youth in their comedy. Not only did she have a pretty normal life, she relishes and appreciates her family and their normalcy. A few of the essays that stood out to me were her defence of marriage as evidenced by her parents, her confusion over the attraction of one night stands, and why is it best not to peak socially in high school. She is very funny, and observant, and my only complaint is that is wasn't long enough. I could have listened for several more hours.

BOOK: Miss Hargreaves by Frank Baker

Miss Hargreaves by Frank Baker, 305 pages

Miss Hargreaves is the last of the Bloomsbury 'pretty cover' books I bought back in 2009. It was different, and maybe a little too long. Here's a librarything link to all the books in the series. (The Bronte's Went to Woolworths was the most fun of the bunch!)

Miss Hargreaves is the story of two young men (early 20s) who foolishly make up an elderly lady, who suddenly then appears in their life in real life. Written in 1939 it describes a different England. The main character is an organist in the Cornford Cathedral, and some of the music and church life could easily have been cut out.

The premise is funny, and seeing the boys react to her answering their letter and showing up was good. But that wears after a while. The middle part of the book, up to the point where they realize they have to 'get rid of her' somehow, dragged a bit. But then the ending was good again.

BOOK: The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley

The Firebird by Susanna Kearsley, 466 pages

review copy from Simon&Schuster Canada;
Canadian Book Challenge

This was my first book by Canadian author Susanna Kearsley, but not her first. The Firebird is her ninth novel, and the notes at the end suggest that some of the characters have come from a previous novel. Colonel Patrick Graeme was a major character, and based on a real person, from The Winter Sea. He is a minor character here, and while other characters are also based on real people, the main character in the present is fictional.

The Firebird has two stories - a present day art historian with a gift of sight, and a early 1700s story of a Scottish girl and how she ends up in Empress Catherine's Russian court with a potentially valuable artifact. The historical Jacobite's provide the backdrop to the past.

Nicola and her gift of sight felt a little forced to me as a method to 'see' the history of Anna and how and why she moved from Scotland and ended up in Russia. Nicola and her ex-boyfriend (and clearly going to be her new one) Rob, who also has the sight, can conveniently fast forward through history to see the scene they are interested in. Other than that weird little skill, I liked the book. The historic story of Anna and the Jacobites and the Russian court of early 1700s was really good. Kearsley writes great historic fiction, and I hated being brought back to the present day romance. I now want to read another book from the Russian court or one of Kearsley's Jacobite intrigue novels.

BOOK: The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri

The Dance of the Seagull by Andrea Camilleri, 5 h 40 min

translated by Stephen Sartarelli, narrated by Grover Gardner
book 15

I've been reading, and enjoying this series since I discovered it in 2006. Camilleri keeps writing, and Sartarelli tries to keep up with the translating, and it is one of the few books I buy as soon as a new one is released. I missed this latest book's release date, and happened to notice it as an audiobook at the library. Hmm. It was only about 5 hours, just about the length I like to listen to without feeling rushed, so although I generally prefer nonfiction on audio, I decided to give it a try.

Wow. Listening to it gave me a whole new appreciation for Inspector Salvo Montalbano, and his devoted and patient police officers. In this one, Mimi Agiello goes missing. (I'm not a very auditory person, which is why I haven't taken to audio books so much. I have no idea how names are spelled from listening.) Montalbano is beside himself with worry, and becomes very focused on finding Mimi and solving the case of who kidnapped him. I was actually able to pick up on some clues a little better on the audio for some reason, and the mystery just zoomed along. Montalbano and Livvie will be making a decision about their future soon I think, and Salvo wasn't quite as depressed about being old this book.

Camilleri is having lots of fun playing with the meta in this book. Montalbano has been made into a television series in Italy, and our character complains at one point of the filming and his worry of running into the actor playing him on the show. Later, Montalbano muses how only Camilleri knows the ending. Between these references, Montalbano One and Montalbano Two fighting over philosophical decisions, and of course, Catarelli's continual mangling of whatever language he speaks, I spent quite a bit of time chuckling in the car.

I don't know if it was the new format, or Camilleri really stepped up the mystery plot, but it's not often that the 15th book in a series is one that I've enjoyed as much as any in the series. I'm now hoping to listen to the next book (20 books have been written in Italian) as well.

BOOKS: April Reads

Without meaning to, I took quite the tour of England this month. Life After Life was the last book I read in March, where the same (British) life was relived over and over. I then proceeded to read about England over and over in April, through different time periods and cities, but mostly London. I even consciously tried to change settings for my last book, but ended up reading about a creepy serial killer. Some months I manage great reviews for every book I read; some months get recaps.

25. Speaking From Among the Bones by Alan Bradley, 358 pages

book 5 of 6 in the Flavia de Luce series
1950s England, and our heroine, the crime-solving teenage Flavia is enmeshed in crimes again. I read this at the first of the month, and can't remember the mystery! No wait, they are digging up the church relics, and the missing organist is found under the church. Really, the mystery is only a small part of these books - Flavia, her sisters, her father, the local police, are the main attraction. And all anyone will remember after reading this book is the final, cliff-hanging sentence! Bradley hasn't ended a book like that before. Can't wait for the next book! (though not completely surprised at the revelation)

26. The Forrests - Emily Perkins reviewed here

27. Where'd You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple, 326 pages

Orange Shortlist 2013 (Women's Prize for Fiction)

This was a wonderful change of pace book. Fast action (epistolary books are low on description, high on action) as the disappearance of Bernadette is investigated. A Seattle mother is hiding out somewhat after an early in life, brief success as an architect. I liked Bernadette; I liked how the minor characters (the gnats, mothers at the private school)  also played big parts, and didn't stay stereotypes, but showed growth as well as providing humour. Add in a cruise to Antarctica and it was a fun week-end read.

28. N-W by Zadie Smith, 304 pages

 Orange Shortlist 2013 (Women's Prize for Fiction)

Modern Northwest London. Four characters from the same neighbourhood whose live somewhat intersect. Each gets a very different style (from stream of consciousness, no quotations to regular quotation style narrative) and it all came together quite nicely. We get to see each character from different points of view, from how they appear to be successfully living compared to the reality. The first section is the hardest to read, but I recommend persevering through it. It made sense after the fact, and added to the book in retrospect. I'd try another Smith.

29. Pardonable Lies by Jacqueline Winspear, 384 pages (book 3 of 10)

 Here's a series that got ahead of me. I bought this third book a number of years ago, and for some reason, I was remembering these books as slow going. Instead, I raced through Maisie's adventure as she explored the psychic world to prove to a widower, who promised his dying wife, that he'd find out if their son truly died in France in the war. Although it is 1930, the effects of the first war are still strongly felt in England and France. Maisie is getting close to facing some dilemmas regarding her love life, and is discovering there is more to her mentor, Maurice, than she originally knew.

I'll be reading the next book sooner rather than later.

30. Birdman by Mo Hayder, 448 pages (book 1 of 5)

I have to watch Criminal Minds with just one eye on the television. Half my brain can only pay attention because of how disturbing the serial killers the team chases are. Birdman could easily be on Criminal Minds, he's that creepy. This first book in the Jack Caffrey series may be my limit of how far I can read the creepy. I plan to read another one for sure, as there are only 5 in the series as of now, which feels like I can catch up with this one. I liked the main detective. It's another cop whose brother disappeared as a child.
And I spent more time in a London setting.

Cheer-ee-o London, I'm sure I'll be back!

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up a Book

Top Ten Words/Topics That Instantly Make Me Buy/Pick Up A Book

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted at The Broke and the Bookish, and there is a different topic posted each week. Head over to see what other participants have posted.

Epistolary - so many books fit this category and I nearly always enjoy. Best example: Bridget Jones

Small British Village - may or may not contain a murder, but that pushes it up the list

two (or more) sisters - here's a list at librarything of books with sisters

mystery - bonus if it is a mystery from another country, or one I haven't read before.

police procedural - this started with the Ed McBain 87th precinct books

parallel histories - I can't even think of a good example, but I know I enjoy back and forths. It by Stephen King is kind of what I'm thinking of. Maybe more parallel stories, or different narrators is what I mean here.

modern Dublin - thanks Maeve Binchy!

historical fiction - not all historical fiction, but this topic will certainly make me look twice at the book, especially if there is a crime. Brother Cadfael by Ellis Peters is an excellent example

orange prize nominated - makes it easy to select a book if I know it has been nominated

Canadian- I know this is actually really broad, but I do enjoy reading different authors from around the country. Our country is pretty big and multicultural, so this encompasses almost everything.

BOOK: The Forrests by Emily Perkins

The Forrests by Emily Perkins, 340 pages

Orange Longlist 2013 (Women's Prize for Fiction)

I persevered through The Forrests, and finally finished. Ringing endorsement, eh?

Jenny wrote a post about the unified theory of her reading tastes. You should check out her theory - it helped me realise what it is about books I don't like. (Well, I've essentially copied hers). I don't enjoy books where the characters are not put into a situation where they are forced to make a decision, or deal with a difficulty or show some growth. Books where characters just float along and do some thinking, combined with a lack of writer's 'readability for my brain' are books that I end up not enjoying. I can handle one or the other, but both? Me and the book are in trouble.

That would be my problem with The Forrests, because I did have problems. Most of the interesting action happened between chapters, and the (eventual) main character just seemed to float through life. The point of view, with no one's thoughts or viewpoint stressed (what's that actually called?), also made it difficult to connect with anyone at all. (And I know it is cliche to say I didn't connect with characters.) For an example of the missing action, at one point, Dorothy has had a number of kids, becoming quite agoraphobic, and quite obese. At the start of the next chapter, she is swimming at a local pool, and the comment is made that she had been dieting for the past two years. What?

Dorothy is one of four Forrest children, and we follow her life. The detail in the beginning chapters,  about all the kids as the family moves to New Zealand, did not lead me to realize that it was Dorothy, and her entire life that we'd be following.There were lots of sad things, some good things; a regular life.

I didn't actually hate it, and there were chapters where I did get into the story. I respect what the author has written and why it would be nominated for The Woman's Prize for Fiction, but overall, not a story that I enjoyed enough.

BOOK: Life After Life by Kate Atkinson

Life After Life by Kate Atkinson, 478 pages

review copy from Random House Canada

 "What if we had a chance to do it again and again," Teddy said, "until we finally did get it right? Wouldn't that be wonderful?"

First of all, this is not Groundhog Day, the movie. Ursula Todd is not reliving the same day, but she does get to live her life over and over. Each time, at some critical point, her life takes a turn. The people in her life stay the same, but different things happen each time, after 'darkness falls'.

The two world wars in England are lived over and over, with lots of chances for death. Ursula has deja vu eventually, as she somehow knows she needs to do things to prevent the deaths of her loved ones. London during the blitz is so ripe for reading about, and I do enjoy that setting.

It was fun as the book moved on to see the same people and same events, but from different views of Ursula's life, depending on how this world was going. Sometimes she might have been killed by the bomb that landed during the blitz, sometimes she was the ARP worker saving the same house and people from the bomb, sometimes she was nearby, sometimes she was in Germany instead. The essence of the other characters stayed the same in her various lives - she is always close to her sister, her aunt always comes to the rescue.

Atkinson is a wonderful writer, with a good sense of humor, and the ability to keep different characters and plot lines interconnected, and satisfying, by the end. I've loved all the books she's written (I haven't read two early books yet) but I so look forward to them. I'm not sure if I like this one better than Behind the Scenes at the Museum. Life After Life was more enjoyable during the reading but by the end of Behind the Scenes at the Museum, I was blown away by how it all came together. Life After Life was a bit of a let down, since how can the story ever end? But the ride was fabulous.

BOOK: Wild by Cheryl Strayed

Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail by Cheryl Strayed, 316 pages

review copy from Random House of Canada

Cheryl Strayed wrote this memoir of her time hiking the Pacific Crest Tail in the 1990s. She decided to walk the 1000 mile trail after her mother had died (quickly) of cancer when Cheryl was just twenty-one. In the few years after the death, her marriage broke up, and her step-father and siblings grew apart; the trail was a chance to rely on herself, and come to terms with her behaviour and grief.

She kind of planned for the hike, but not in a way that was terribly useful. Her family had been outdoorsy, but nothing that approached her adventure. The community that she ran into on the trail was nearly all friendly and congenial and her biggest fears were the wildlife. A trip today without a cell phone is almost unimaginable.

The book reads very easily, and could almost cause a reader to think a hike would be a fun idea. Almost, except for her feet which were raw and blistered the whole trip, the weight of carrying a pack, and dealing with unplanned detours. Strayed connects her past life and mistakes with how she came to terms with her present life, and is pretty upfront about herself and her decisions. It would be a great read for someone who liked adventures, self-growth, and seeing how far a person can push themselves when under duress. She was an person heading on a downward spiral, so there is sex and drug talk, but I enjoyed getting to know her.

Next to try: Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Woods which chronicles the east coast version of walking the Appalachian trail.

BOOK: The Spellman's Strike Again by Lisa Lutz

The Spellman's Strike Again by Lisa Lutz, 390 pages

book 4 of 5 in series

The Spellman's are silly fun, and back to their antics in the fourth installment. Izzy whines about her crazy family narrates the story again, and I am sensing some actual growth in the thirty-two year old. Some of the silly pranks between family members are being treated a little more seriously. The story is told in various reports, with her amusing footnotes, and references to previous editions (now available in paperback!).

The funniest part of this book was the case where Izzy was investigating a missing butler for an eccentric old client. She installs one of her out of work acting pals as the temporary butler, but he goes all method actor, and becomes a classic English butler, even at home with his partner, forgetting to do much of the investigating she wants. 

There is one more book, but the story feels like it could have ended here, with a lot of wrap-ups to various characters and plot lines. Lutz includes a more serious aspect of wrongful conviction , as Izzy and her sister Ray both take on the case of a prisoner that appears innocent. The ability to test for DNA has proven a lot of wrongful convictions.  There is even a short article about how a person could help at the end, after the quizzes on her brother, and the dossiers on each character. There are a number of cute extras like this that make this series a lot of fun. They are quick to read, and pretty funny, and are only vaguely of the mystery variety.

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Books I Recommend The Most

The topic for Top Ten Tuesday today is the books I recommend the most. A lot of factors go in to offering a book as a recommendation, especially knowing the type of books that the other person already likes to read. Not everyone likes mysteries, but those who do should try Indridason or Deon Meyer for some international type. Mostly, recommended books are very readable with a catchy plot. I'm all about a great story.
Check out The Broke and the Bookish for more Top Ten Lists.

1. Pope Joan by
Great historical fiction full of adventure and women doing cool sneaky stuff, like learning and helping and leading people.

2. Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I sent this one around the staff room last year and everyone liked it - male and female. Plus, it's a beautiful cover.

3. Quiet by Susan Cain
Highly recommended for all introverts, and even those who aren't. Hey, that's pretty much everyone. I listened to this one on audiobook, and loved it. It's good for teachers of introverts as well.

4. The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman (just read this weekend)
I'm only beginning my mission of spreading the word about this one, but I gave it to a colleague the day after I finished it.

5. Arnaldur Indridason's Icelandic mystery series
I recommend this for mystery fans as something a little different with the Iceland setting. I've gotten a few readers hooked on the series.

6. The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
Such a great nonfiction narrative I feel safe recommending this to anyone. Very engaging, with all the aspects that Skloot covers.

7. Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Helen Simonson
The sweetest romance you can read. It has British village, family fights, aging, and immigration.

8. Life As We Knew It by Susan Beth Pfeiffer
This is a young adult book, but the suddenness of the incident (the moon is struck by an asteroid) and the ensuing effect on Earth will stay with you as a scary possibility. 

9. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
Oh, Ishiguro will take you in and break your heart. This is a gem.

10. Clara Callan by Richard Wright
It's the books that sneak up on you when you have no idea what they are about that I find are the ones I want to recommend. Clara was such a book.

BOOK: The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman

The Light Between Oceans by M.L. Stedman, 343 pages

Australian Book Challenge; Orange Longlist 2013

So good! I'll be recommending this to many readers in the next few months.

First, the historical and technical details of a lighthouse worker off the southwestern coast of Australia in the 1920s, a WWI veteran, were very good. The setting was realistic and the sense of the ocean greatness felt so real. The romance and marriage of Tom and Isabel and their life on the isolated island was touching. The repercussions from the first world war permeate all the characters in the story.

Then, the tragedy or bad decision by Tom when a baby washes up on shore (it made sense in the book) comes back to haunt Tom and Isabel. I was back and forth between who I felt was in the wrong (nobody?) It was a terrible situation especially for Lucy, the child. My heart broke for everyone. Parental love for a child is a strong, and parents will make decisions to protect their child.

This is going to make a fabulous movie, and everyone will be in tears.

BOOK: Skippy Dies by Paul Murray

Skippy Dies by Paul Murray, 664 pages

Ireland Reading Challenge; Booker Longlist 2010

Skippy dies in the first sentence, so that is no surprise. The rest of the book gets us to that point, and looks at the repercussions after the fact.

Teenage boys at boarding school in Dublin in the 2000s so we have: girls, girls with eating disorders, drugs, geeks, priests, bullies, teachers, sex with girls, teenagers being apathetic, teenagers with varying interests, physics (that was a cool surprise!), cell phones, sexting, divorces, parents even more immature than their children; a little bit of everything, with a strong helping of sex and drugs.

Murray covers a lot of ground with his readable novel. The teenagers and their angsty confused world. The teachers/adults who are their own microcosm of high school with bullies and self-esteem issues. Confusing the issue, many of the teachers are former Seabrooke alumni, coming back to teach with former classmates and teachers and all the previous relationships inherent in that. The relationships and inner thoughts all rang very true for me.

My only issue was with the acting vice-principal character, and only because I hated him so much, which only speaks to how well the character was written. That type of arrogant, ambitious, self-centered control-freak bully can be so impossible to deal with. Watching him make decisions only based on how it served him best, and living the 'old-boys' network makes you realize what obstacles are in place in many work-places for people not in the circle. He made some very infuriating decisions and judgments and every time he was in the book, I hated him.

But the other characters were good and I liked the book.

 also reviewed: jackie at farmlane books; jenners at life with books; 


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BOOK: The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville

The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville, 400 pages

Orange Prize Winner 20014; Australian Author Challenge

Two awkward middle aged professionals meet in a small town in Australia and attempt to find love.

Or rather, love finds them. It's not as sweetly romantic sounding as that one line; the engineer who loves concrete and the museum curator are more likely on a collision course. Each is brought to town to deal with the local old bridge. One to fix it (with concrete!) and the other to possibly preserve it. Each is so entirely awkward within their own skin, and concerned about how they fit in amongst the rest of the people (whom they see as well-adjusted) that it is amazing they look up and out enough to actually meet.

The story is very slow, especially the first half. I enjoyed the second half much more. Each of the characters spends lots of time in their head, going over past love affairs and their deficiencies. But there is someone for everyone, if they can just get out of their own heads long enough to notice that other person.

CHALLENGE: Once Upon a Time VII

It's the first sign of spring, online if not in the actual world around here. Carl is hosting his seventh annual Once Upon a Time event, running during the spring season - March 21st until June 21st.

Fairy Tale, Folklore, Fantasy and Mythology

Some years I have more interest in fantasy/fairy tale type books than others. (The fall RIP is the one where I have no problem and lots of  interest in reading books.) Last year I read seven books. This year looks like a Journey for me:

By signing up for The Journey you are agreeing to read at least one book within one of the four categories during March 21st to June 21st period. Just one book. If you choose to read more, fantastic! 

The Books I Have Around Here:
Anasi Boys by Neil Gaiman
Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult and her daughter
Well of Lost Plots by Jasper Fforde
The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster


The Book I Actually Read: 
1.

CHALLENGE: Science Book Challenge

 

The annual science challenge hosted Jeff at Scienticity. I get my reminders from Melanie at the Indextrious reader  thanks Melanie!

Rules =

Read 3 (or 3.14!) science books during 2013, then tell us and others about the books you've read--why you liked them or didn't like them--and help spread science literacy.

Jeff states that the general theme this year is  "Science & Culture". 

Your books should have something to do with science, scientists, how science operates, or the relationship of science with our culture. Your books might be popularizations of science, they might be histories, they might be biographies, they might be anthologies; they can be recent titles or older books, from the bookstore or your local library. We take a very broad view of what makes for interesting and informative science reading, looking for perspectives on science as part of culture and history.

Possible Books:
Force of Nature: Ernest Rutherford
Waves by Susan Casey
The Great Influenza by John Barry
something by Mary Roach (Packing for Mars)

Books Read:
1. The Calculus Diaries by Jennifer Ouellette
2. 

 

BOOK: Astray by Emma Donoghue

Astray by Emma Donoghue, 280 pages

Canadian Book Challenge (Donoghue is living in Canada, but is herself an immigrant from Ireland)

The mark of a talented writer is one who writes in very different styles and keeps the reader interested. Donoghue of Room fame, also writes historical fiction (The Sealed Letter) and now short stories, Astray. Although I guess this is still historical fiction, and like The Sealed Letter, each story is based on a true incident.

The concept of each story is part of what makes this a fun read. After each story, there is a note, which explains from where Donoghue was inspired - a single sentence in a newspaper article, Charles Dickens' letters, London Times articles, or even published memoirs or biographies. Waiting to see what part might be real, or how Donoghue teased out a fictional account of real people made each story even better. Then, the overarching theme of 'astray', geographically or morally, of immigrants coming or going, connects the stories furthur. Fans of historical fiction and short stories should investigate this collection.

sidenote: I am averaging one Canadian authored short story collection a month in 2013. Kinda weird.
January - Whirl Away by Russell Wangersky
February - Dressing Up for the Carnival by Carol Shields
March -  Astray by Emma Donoghue
Putting some pressure on me for April, aren't you Alice Munro?

Astray is also (favourably) reviewed: Joy at thoughts of joy; karen at morsie reads; carrie at nomadreader;

BOOK: Moloka'i by Alan Brennert

Moloka'i by Alan Brennert, 384 pages

Wonderfully epic novel of both the twentieth century, and the life of a Hawaiian girl who contracted leprosy. We see how life being a leper changed with changing attitudes (which in some ways mirrors today's treatment of AIDS/HIV patients) and how life for everyone changed - movies, airplanes, electric lights. American world war two involvement is also covered, from Pearl Harbour to Japanese internment camps and the modern history of Hawaii to statehood.

Rachel is just a young child of seven when she is sent to the leper colony on the Hawaiian island of Moloka'i. Torn from her family, her resilient spirit eventually allows her to build a life on the island, while always dreaming of a cure. Brennert throws a lot of history and information into his novel, but it flows very well.  The progression of Rachel through childhood, teenage years, and into adulthood and the characters she meets are all layered and developed. The whole situation was terrible, and many places in the book brought me to tears, but it is ultimately an uplifting and happy book. And now I want to go to Hawaii!

also reviewed: ramya's bookshelf;

TOP TEN TUESDAY: Series I'd Like To Start But Haven't Yet

Top Ten Series I'd Like To Start But Haven't Yet: Sadly, this list was far too easy to generate. I probably could have also done a list of 'series where I want to read the 2nd book in the series'. I'll save that for another day. Check out The Broke and the Bookish for future lists, and the find all the other participants.

1. Mo Hayder's Jack Caffery series (5 books)

2. Laurie R King's Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes series (12 books)

3. George RR Martin's Game of Thrones series

4. Karin Slaughter's series with Georgia (3 books), Will Trent, and Sara Linton

5. Kate Ellis' Wesley Peterson mysteries (17 books)

6. Amitov Ghosh's Ibis Trilogy

7. Michael Stanley's Assistant Superintendent David 'Kubu' Bengu (3 books)
A new Botswana series to take the place of my Precious Ramotswe

8. Ariana Franklin's Mistress of the Art of Death (5 books)
ETA: Oops, already started. It's great too!

9. Declan Hughes' Ed Loy mysteries (5 books)

10. Anchee Min's Empress Orchid series (2 books)

BOOKS: February Reads

http://blogdelanine.blogspot.ca/2012/02/february-desktop-calendar.html

Some months I get more reviewed than others. Some months I don't. Those months get posts like this, with short thoughts. Short month, short thoughts! perfect

Best books: Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, and I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I've Ever Had by Tony Danza.

7. The History of Love by Nicole Krauss, 254 pages

Orange Prize shortlist 2006 The History of Love - Nicole Krauss

A little confusing in the time line for me, several different stories which all connected up. Survivors of the Holocaust, writers, an obscure book. Many readers love this book and I can see why, but it didn't quite wow me.





8.  Lola's Secret - Monica McInerney  see review

9. Dressing Up for the Carnival by Carol Shields, 210 pages

Canadian Book Challenge

There was a chapter from Unless; a while story without the letter I, (but inexplicably with one word that did - did it ever stand out!). This was an okay collection with a few stories that are sticking with me, other than those two. I enjoy them as I read them, but some really get into the writing process and if I were an English major, I'd probably love.



 

10. The Calculus Diaries: How Math Can Help You Lose Weight, Win in Vegas, and Survive a Zombie Apocalypse by Jennifer Ouellette, 310 pages The Calculus Diaries - Jennifer Ouellette

Sadly, much less about calculus than I expected, but the author takes very different life situations, and shows how math or calculus could be used to apply. She writes in an easy style, and explains the science and math and why they are useful. Lots of history, and I'd easily recommend it to people.

11. Mistress of the Art of Death by Ariana Franklin, 461 pages

Twelfth century England is always a fun time - lots of political history, and the church. Reminds me of the Brother Cadfael books, but a little less cozy. A 'doctor of death' is brought over from Italy to clear the Jews of Oxford from the deaths of some children. She has to fight many prejudices clearly, but also develops a romance. It was involved, had a great mystery, was gory, and a romance. Excellent historical mystery!






12. The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight - Jennifer E. Smith see review

13. I'd Like to Apologize to Every Teacher I Ever Had - Tony Danza see review

14. A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainain - Marina Lewycka, 235 pages
 2005 Orange shortlist

Not at all what I was expecting, but it was a darkly humorous good book. Two women get involved when their widowed father brings a young gold digger to England from Ukraine and marries her. One daughter was born before the second world war in Ukraine, the other was born in England after the war, and their vastly different family situations colours how they view their parents and each other. Eventually more of their family history before and during the war is revealed.

15. The Black Ice - Michael Connelly, 368 pages Harry Bosch #2

Harry is not invited to investigate the suicide of a fellow cop in LA, but when would that stop Harry? Harry Bosch continues his lone wolf style of investigating, annoying his bosses, meeting the ladies, and searching for some peace in his soul.
Bosch is a easy reading series, with a great main character, good intricate plots. Connelly has written almost twenty books in this series, plus 2 or 3 other interlocking series.