Member: Talbin

Thanks, Tracy, for your prompt response. I'm a bit too tired right now to attempt this, but will give it a go tomorrow.

I learned about Christine Falls from another site and am somewhat anxious to try it. Of course, I could say that about a large number of books. I see you have Richard III up in the near future. It's one of my favorites, even though I think there's a good bit of Tudor propaganda in it. A lovely read with some fascinating characters.

Thanks again for your help.

posted by bohemima at 10:47 pm (EST) on May 1, 2009

Your reviews are wonderful: both entertaining and informative. And you're sooooo helpful...

Er, yes, now that you ask, I do have a tiny question: how do you make the link from your review to your posting? You know, so that the word "review" shows up in blue and links directly to that review? I tend to be verbose and hate typing things twice. Any help you could give me with this would be greatly appreciated.

posted by bohemima at 8:14 pm (EST) on May 1, 2009

After I saw your huge comment I felt bad for asking! What a kind person to take the time to share all that with me.
I tried it this morning and it worked! The only thing is that it links all the words underneath it to the last book pictured. But it is good enough for me so I thank you very much!

I am only in the bird section of Early Spring, but I agree with your review so far. For me it has been more learning than review (as it was for you), so I've gotten a lot out of it.

Thanks again for your help!

posted by PaperbackPirate at 1:04 pm (EST) on Apr 5, 2009

Glad Bill's enjoying his reading!

I love egrets of all types--beautiful birds.

That muchacho is going to get rich on me and my hibiscus weakness, let me tell you.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 11:18 am (EST) on Apr 4, 2009

I like how you can show us what you recently read and what you're about to read with thumbnails. Would you mind sharing with me how you did that?

P.S. Your dog is super cute!

posted by PaperbackPirate at 1:08 am (EST) on Mar 27, 2009

Thanks for the info on how the forum works, Would it be okay if I just cut and paste the same post content into the "Week of ..." post?

I'm a newbie in case you couldn't tell and really do appreciate learning about a good easy way to participate in the forums.

I am having such a great time using LT. I truly enjoy every free moment I can spend here on this community of readers and leaders.

With love,

Womensheart aka Ruth Craig, Tallahassee, FL

posted by womansheart at 10:05 am (EST) on Mar 26, 2009

What is it with these dogs--do they collude or something? You should see Fred in the morning when it's pitch black outside, Im trying to get in a little time on the computer, and he is whining away for his morning hugs, and then--The Look. The Look is the tragic stare of the Abandoned Lab at 5:45 am, who knows that we're never EVER going out for a walk again, ever and that waiting until it's light enough out so that I can see where I'm going without killing myself is an unacceptable reason for the delay, which of course is tantamount to rank betrayal of the contract between dog and human.

Maybe if Brix visited, he and Fred could entertain one eanother, a thought.

Joyce

Oh, and for our eavesdropper friend, Rob: IMO, Sherman was the better writer, but that may be personal bias. I have both Grant's and Sehrman's memoirs in the LoA editions and I love them. Sherman was probably more articulate.

posted by Joycepa at 6:53 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

Hi, Tracy. Forgive me for eavesdropping. Very rude, I know! I just wanted to say that I'm a bit more than 600 pages into James M. McPherson's Battle Cry of Freedom, and I think it's a great book. The writing is marvelous, and it's extremely thorough. It's the third volume of the Oxford History of the United States that I've read (the first two being Robert Middlekauff's The Glorious Cause, on the Revolutionary War period, and Daniel Walker Howe's What God Hath Wrought, on the period from 1815 to 1848). I think McPherson's book is the best of the three. I highly recommend it.

I already own the Library of America volume of Lincoln's writings, but reading McPherson makes me want to get the LoA volumes of Grant's and Sherman's memoirs, even though I'm not a big fan of military history.

Rob

posted by rbhardy3rd at 6:42 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

I'm coming over here often enough that I get to gaze at that wonderful photograph of Brix! Pretty soon, I'll be laying plans to kidnap the guy. :-)

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 2:02 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

You know, Tracy, there is something seriously wrong with my brain--here we are, yakking away about Shelby Foote--and I completely forgot about his short novel, Shiloh! It's not your standard novel structure but it is good and given Foote--every paragraph is historically accurate.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 2:01 pm (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

Hi, Tracy--

I think the 3 Shaara novels--Gods and Generals, Killer Angels, and The Last Full Measure-- are excellent. I don't have too much fiction because the history, to me, is so much more exciting! Those 3 are all about the fighting itself. There are a few others that deal with the effects of the war on others, but I'm not sure that that's what he's after. I really loved Coal Black Horse, which is a coming-of-age story and is no romance but is written in the beginning almost as prose poetry. Check out my review on that one to see if you think Bill would like it.

Jill Treme also really liked Sweetsmoke, which is on my list to buy--it's about a slave during and I think somewhat after the war.

Beyond that, I'm really not aware of any good novels simply because I find the history better than the fiction in this area. You might suggest Sherman's memoirs; he did write about his time before the war, but that was fascinating, too, as among other things he was the head of a school in Louisiana that became, I think, LSU, and was the only one who accurately predicted the dimensions that the war would take--everyone called him crazy, but he was dead on. It's not a novel but it reads like one!

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 5:42 am (EST) on Mar 9, 2009

Tracy, it wasn't a Virago but it was in really good condition at a used bookshop, so I scooped it. Alice Munro, one of our pre-eminent writers, says it is one of the most important books written, so that's a must read!
Tui

posted by tiffin at 12:35 pm (EST) on Mar 2, 2009

I was reading your comments in the "if everybody's read it" thread, and your comments on English departments & Dickens made me think of a book: Richard Russo's Straight Man. Have you read it? It's one of the funniest books I've read, and genuinely touching as well. Re: Dickens: the protagonist's father, a Great English Professor, rails against Dickens (not for reasons you might expect, either); later in the book, this is used to great effect (both poignant and funny).

posted by Medellia at 4:28 pm (EST) on Feb 24, 2009

Tracy--I had already read--I think on amazon--that publication date had been pushed back to October of this year. I'm amazed at the unmitigated gall of readers who harass writers--where do they get the nerve?

Well,we'll just have to wait.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 4:38 am (EST) on Feb 20, 2009

Tracy,

Sharpe vs. Aubrey/Maturin...well, I enjoy them both, so I'll try to describe the differences (other than land vs. sea) and you can choose.

I give an edge to O'Brian on plain writing ability. No doubt he can make you "see" a scene. He's also much better at giving you a feel for the period in time and the environment of the character (in this case, ships). You get a real picture of the 18th and early 19th centuries in his books. Cornwell's books are simply about the characters and, except for obvious clues such as he's fighting Napoleon's army, they really could be set in any period without much change.

On creating wonderful characters, I call it a draw. Sharpe & Hakeswill vs. Aubrey & Maturin...all are well-realized and fully-rounded characters.

Cornwell gets the nod when it comes to action. His books are quick, there's always something going on, etc. O'Brian's books are a bit more slow-paced...he'll spend half the book setting up the story and the ship-to-ship battle occurs at the end. Cornwell gets you started much earlier in the book and keeps it going.

So, in summary, if you don't care about land vs. sea, and are only choosing one:

* Choose O'Brian if you want a historical action novel.
* Choose Cornwell if you want a historical action novel.

What I'd really recommend is you try both Master and Commander and Sharpe's Tiger and see which one grabbed you more...then continue with that series.

Hope this helps.

-Tad

posted by TadAD at 8:39 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2009

I meant to respond to your post on my thread the other day re the Sharpe series...got distracted and forgot. It really is an enjoyable series of books if you like historical action novels. Cornwell does a good job of getting colorful characters in front of you. I found that I just wasn't getting around to them, so I made the decision that they are my commuting audio books and that is working well. It took me a bit to find the right reader, but now I'm loving them.

Looking at your favorite authors, I wasn't so sure whether historical action appealed to you, but I saw you had read Captain Alatriste and had a good opinion of it, so you might like the Cornwell stuff.

On a side note, I see you have Things Fall Apart and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle coming up. I loved the first and really liked the second...though, by the end of it, I was ready to stop since it became a trifle repetitious in the last few chapters.

--Tad

posted by TadAD at 12:23 pm (EST) on Feb 17, 2009

I'm simply amazed at how closely you and I (theoretically) rated the Harry Potter books! Except that I rated Goblet of Fire higher. It's my favorite.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 7:54 am (EST) on Feb 16, 2009

I loved [Things Fall Apart]. In a strange way it somewhat reminded me of Hemingway--it's concerned in part with what it means to be a man and how one fits into one's society. Of course, there are many other issues addressed. Just a great book.

You've helped me before with a couple of issues. Would you mind terribly helping me again? How do use strike-through--I can't seem to find the right combination of symbols to make it happen. And how do I create a link in my 999 or 75 to my reviews? I hate to chew my cabbage twice---that is, I hate to type stuff twice, especially if it's lengthy. Actually, as a former teacher I often chew my cabbage twice, to the probable madness of many of my friends.

Thanks for great posts and the help you give everyone. Love the Helper Badges you have.
Bo

posted by bohemima at 7:18 am (EST) on Feb 11, 2009

I just come here to look at the dog. That silly silly look makes me laugh every time. Actually, I really came to tell you that the Sarah Russell William Morris needlework book arrived and it is just beautiful PLUS it has really interesting biographical stuff in it about him. So thank you for the good recommendation.
Tiffin

posted by tiffin at 8:01 pm (EST) on Jan 15, 2009

Oooh needlepoint! :) I too have Lady of Quality and found it fine but unexecptional. Hope the life change transition is going as easily as possible. I remember those stress tests (any job change in last year? any change in relationship? change in diet? etc.). I always test out mental! LOL

I'm doing this study with a friend (via internet) now in the States, Lord Where Are You When Bad Things Happen. Actually, she's begun and I'm dragging my feet... We both had similar and devastating experiences overseas and decided to tackle this as a positive step rather than just wallow, steep, avoid...

Now I'm aware life change is not all bad! I do find it's almost always stressful and just dropped by to say I was thinking about you. -- Susan

posted by suslyn at 2:08 am (EST) on Jan 14, 2009

I don't do as much gardening as I'd like -- I mostly work and drive my children around, it seems! I did get out today, though, and plant sweet peas and some tulip bulbs that had been sitting around neglected for a while. We often have a false spring in the bay area in January, and this weekend was definitely it -- I think the temps were in the 60's. I used to grow lots of vegetables, but mostly I find we don't eat them (it's hard to eat all the tomatoes you grow when you are the only true tomato lover in a family of four!) Now I pretty much just enjoy my flowers. My 94 year old neighbor has a double lot, and he still farms it and feeds the whole neighborhood. He's amazing! My boys love to go next door and dig up fresh carrots.

Liz

posted by aviddiva at 9:49 pm (EST) on Jan 10, 2009

Tracy, I'll send Elizabeth to you soon. I hope you like it -- I did! I do like Willa Cather quite a bit, although I haven't read much. My Antonia was a serendipitous find -- there is a book shelf at the recycling center near my son's school, and there it was, a lovely, unread Reader's Digest Worlds Best Books copy, faux leather binding on lovely paper. I could tell it was meant for me.

Gardening, reading, music and cooking... Viragos... that sound like me! And you live near Minneapolis, where I was born (though I didn't live there long.) Are we secretly related?

Liz

posted by aviddiva at 8:15 pm (EST) on Jan 9, 2009

You know, that is the darnedest cutest picture you have of Brix! Every time I look at it, I laugh--he's such a little flirt!

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 4:41 pm (EST) on Jan 8, 2009

I'm not sure I've ever even heard of Cather's The Professor's House! I'm in the process f collecting her books.

What's happening--have you decided to accept that job yet?

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 4:40 pm (EST) on Jan 8, 2009

Welcome to The Highly Rated Book Group!

We are so glad you could join us for some great book reads!

vintage_books

posted by vintage_books at 9:30 pm (EST) on Dec 24, 2008

oh look at that silly face in the photo! I love him (?) Talbin.
Tiffin

posted by tiffin at 11:33 am (EST) on Dec 24, 2008

Welcome to the 2009 75 Books Challenge group. Thanks for joining in!

posted by drneutron at 8:20 am (EST) on Dec 12, 2008

i am so glad to see that you are still Here..and will let you know when i finally get to these babies...my TBR is, currently, about knee-high and i am panicking..i owe reviews for all of them.....Bleeech

JUDE

posted by jdthloue at 3:00 pm (EST) on Dec 9, 2008

Finally got two Barbara Comyns titles...WHO WAS CHANGED AND WHO WAS DEAD and THE VET'S DAUGHTER......haven't seen you posting lately....but then i have not been doing so...as often either...hope all is well
JUDE(from WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW?)

posted by jdthloue at 12:18 pm (EST) on Dec 9, 2008

Loved your review of WHO WAS CHANGED AND WHO WAS DEAD.....Virago offers such great titles! my interest is piqued....my TBR pile grows...thank you much, you

JUDE (from WHAT ARE YOU READING NOW? group)

posted by jdthloue at 12:20 pm (EST) on Oct 30, 2008

Hi, Tracy!

What is this literary hoopla about Kristin L's book, anyway? seems to me as if it appeared out of the blue and everyone was talking about reading it--although you're the first one I'e read, so far, who is actually in the process.

I have about a half dozen books going at once and am grimly trying to get down to a mere two or three.

we are in the last month of the real rainy season; November, it starts to dry out, and December is a transition month. I'm harvesting sweet potatoes right now--it may be that I'll never plant the things ever again--ye gods, they take over! i will be getting ready to seed tomatoes and melons in a little while, now that I'm freeing up the better of my two raised beds from sweet potato vines.

Fred's dermatitis is a real problem. We've just switched shampoos, taken him off regular dog food and on to lamb and rice (and may make another switch to food especially for dogs with skin problems. poor baby--he's getting bathed every 2-3 days. We had to give him Bendryl last night fro his rash, and it did calm down some. It's been a real problem.

Other than that, I successfully fought off a sore throat by relaxing and reading, a truly tough life, if you get my drift! :-)

glad to hear that things are ok, just a busy schedule.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 12:39 pm (EST) on Oct 5, 2008

Hi, Tracy,

What's happening? Looks like you've been too busy to read much.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 7:08 am (EST) on Oct 4, 2008

Thanks for that helpful explanation! I work as a librarian for Anoka County Library in Youth Services/Childrens. I have two LT listings - the active one is Anokaberry, a mock newbery listing. This LT account houses all the books from the blog Anokaberry.
http://anokaberry.blogspot.com/
Thanks again and I'll do my best to get into our LOCAL regularly!

posted by anokaberry at 7:36 am (EST) on Sep 29, 2008

Hello, Tracy! Good to hear from you. And welcome to the slightly demented Virago Modern Classics group!:) Do you ever come down to Northfield these days? We moved here in 1990, so we missed overlapping with you by a few years. I'm only teaching at Carleton temporarily, but my wife is the chair of the classics department. I love Carleton...so much that I feel slightly traitorous to my own alma mater, Oberlin.

Drop by sometime. The bookstore is lovely...although I've harvested most of the Viragos myself!

Rob

posted by rbhardy3rd at 8:55 am (EST) on Sep 26, 2008

Tracy:

Looks like you received a nice batch of books, not just the one you were waiting for!

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 4:49 pm (EST) on Sep 13, 2008

Hi Tracy--

Just read your review of Toni Morrison's book Love and came by to take a look at your library. We share 50 books. We also share two favorite authors, Cather and Morrison. Love the photo of Brix. My husband and I are the sole proprietors of "Niko," a poodle shih tzu mix inherited from our daughter. I am infinitely thankful for Niko every single day. I admire your strategy for cataloging on LT. I didn't give much thought to what I was going to include in mine--I was too excited with the prospect of creating a virtual library. (What? You mean I can list every book I ever read? Wow! Let me at it!!) Good to meet you.

Suzanne

posted by srubinstein at 10:39 am (EST) on Sep 13, 2008

Tracy:

Fortunately, I do have the book so I don't have to put in some rush order! :-)

I had Tipping the Velvet sent to our local post office. I need to get up there to see if it's arrived. it might have, but it's hard to say. this is the first time I've had books shipped directly here. if this works out, it's a LOT cheaper than through my courier service. but it will take longer--up to 3 weeks.

I'll let you know when I get it.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 8:27 am (EST) on Sep 13, 2008

Tracy:
I have [Shadow of the Wind]--very interested to see your rating. What did you like about it?

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 7:17 pm (EST) on Sep 12, 2008

Tracy: Thanks for the recommendation! I'll be looking to get it. I should get Tipping the Velvet within the next week to 10 days, if all goes well.

Hugs to Brix!

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 3:39 pm (EST) on Sep 7, 2008

Tracy:

Where did I get the idea that they were part of a series? from somewhere on LT. Oh well--sounds like it's not to worry in any event!

You can garden all year round here, and yes, so close to the equator our temps don't vary much. Lettuce, spinach and the like are NOT easy to grow here; about the only chance you have is during the rainy season. Other stuff grows, but in some cases, like tomatoes, you have to protect against so much rain.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 2:48 pm (EST) on Sep 6, 2008

Thanks for the update, Tracy, on Fingersmith. Tipping the Velvet is the first in the series, and that's had some good reviews, too. I have that coming internationally, as a test to see what that's like having it shipped directly here, so it'll be a bit before I get it. sounds like it's a really good series.

all's well, really--been loafing around!

How's the garden continuing? Must be getting towards the end of the season for tomatoes where you live unless you have an exceptionally long late summer.

Joyce

posted by Joycepa at 6:51 pm (EST) on Sep 5, 2008