humouress hoping for third time lucky (second thread) in 2012!

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humouress hoping for third time lucky (second thread) in 2012!

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1humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:32 am







Review posted
✔              1)  Castle in the Air by Diana Wynne Jones
✔              2)  Persuasion by Jane Austen
✔                                3)  Love in the Time of Dragons by Katie MacAlister
✔              4)  Harpist in the Wind by Patricia A. McKillip
✔                   5)  Foundation by Mercedes Lackey
✔              6)  Furies of Calderon by Jim Butcher
✔                   7)  Debt of Bones by Terry Goodkind
✔              8)  The Chronicles of Pern : First Fall by Anne MCaffrey
✔                   9)  Intrigues by Mercedes Lackey
✔             10)  Witch Week by Diana Wynne Jones
✔             11)  Mystic and Rider by Sharon Shinn
✔             12)  Hairy Maclary Scattercat by Lynley Dodd
✔                      13)  Magic Kingdom for Sale - SOLD by Terry Brooks
✔             14)  No Dogs Allowed! by Sonia Manzano
✔                      15)  Jack the Giant Killer by Charles de Lint
✔                 16)  Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
✔                 17)  Drink Down the Moon by Charles de Lint
✔                 18)  Red Star Rising by Anne McCaffrey (a.k.a. DragonsEye)
✔             19)  Academ's Fury by Jim Butcher
✔                      20)  The Glass Dragon by Irene Radford
✔             21)  A Thousand Words for Stranger by Julie E. Czerneda
✔                 22)   The Magicians Guild by Trudi Canavan
✔                 23)   Changes by Mercedes Lackey
✔                 24)  The Magician King by Lev Grossman
✔             25)  The Thirteenth House by Sharon Shinn
✔                     26)  The Perfect Princess by Irene Radford
✔                     27)  The Phoenix Unchained by Mercedes Lackey and James Mallory
✔                 28)  Lord John and the Hand of Devils by Diana Gabaldon
✔                     29)  The Book of Dreams by Traci Harding
✔                     30)  Heir to the Shadows by Anne Bishop
✔                     31)  The Loneliest Magician by Irene Radford
✔             32)  The Gilded Chain by Dave Duncan
✔                 33)  Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells
✔             34)  Gone Wild : an endangered animal alphabet by David McLimans
✔                 35)  The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie
✔             36)  Dark Moon Defender by Sharon Shinn
✔            37)  There's Nothing to Do on Mars by Chris Gall
✔                  38)  Ultimate Spider-man : Death of Spider-man by Brian Bendis and Mark Bagley
✔             39)  Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
✔                 40)  Max's Dragon Shirt by Rosemary Wells
✔             41) Temeraire by Naomi Novik (a.k.a. His Majesty's Dragon)
✔             42) Tashi by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔             43) Tashi and the Giants by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔             44) Tashi and the Ghosts by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔                 45) Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott
✔             46) Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn
✔                 47) An Unexpected Apprentice by Jody Lynn Nye
✔             48) Tashi and the Genie by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔             49) Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild
✔             50) On Basilisk Station by David Weber
✔                  51) Max Cleans Up by Rosemary Wells
✔             52) Tashi and the Baba Yaga by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔             53) Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon
✔             54)Tashi and the Demons by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
55) Tashi and the Big Stinker by Anna Fienberg & Barbara Fienberg
✔                 56) Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn
✔             57) Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome
✔                 58) Froggy Fable by John Lechner
✔             59) Magic Beach by Alison Lester
✔                     60) Architecture & Design Library : Island Style by Jim Kemp
✔             61) Mister Monday by Garth Nix
                  62) City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
✔                 63) Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey
✔                  64) Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix
✔                 65) The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop
66)
67)
68)
69)
70)
71)
72)
73)
74)
.
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75) LT threads (because I spend so much reading time on them, instead of on books. But they're fun)



{ Some topics for my personal reference :
Basic HTML
Basic HTML 2012
How to do fancy things in your posts

What we are reading threads:
Juvenile and Young Adult
Science Fiction and Fantasy
Fantasyland October

My wikipage, to keep track of book bullets: http://www.librarything.com/wiki/index.php/User:Humouress }

coloured stars :

I'm also including books I read to my kids because they do take up my reading time - even the ones I read to my toddler, because he usually asks for them to be re-read five times in a row quite happily (I think I'm creating another book-monster!); and because I'm hoping it'll help me reach my 75 book mark this year.

I'm tweaking things a bit as I go along. You can click on the list number of the book to go straight to my review within this thread or the previous one (or click the title and go to the work page, where I usually post my review, at some stage).

2humouress
Editado: Dez 21, 2012, 12:19 am

Book list (first thread) :

12345678910,

1112131415,1716181920,26,31,

212223242527282930

32333435363738

(second thread):
39,4540

414243444647484950

51525354555657585960

6263

3humouress
Editado: Nov 4, 2012, 7:32 am

39) Little Women by Louisa May Alcott



This is the classic children's story, loosely based on Louisa May Alcott's childhood in Massachusetts, of a year in the lives of the four March sisters. Pretty Meg is the eldest at 16, but the heroine is tomboyish Jo. The two younger girls are quiet Beth and 12 year old Amy, who is still something of a child. Though of 'one of our first families', the Marches have fallen on hard times, and in addition, Mr March has joined the army and is away from home. In spite of longing for easier times, the girls and their mother help those less fortunate than themselves, both materially and emotionally. They make friends with Laurie and his grandfather, who are their neighbours, and include them in their adventures.

The story of the sisters is enchanting in itself, and draws you in. The girls - Jo especially - get into and out of scrapes, from which their mother usually draws a lesson, to encourage them to be better people. I remember being outraged alongside Jo whenever she got into trouble, when I read this as a child myself. It also offers a glimpse of life in America in what was the Victorian era in Britain.

I think this is a well written story for children; as a child, I was passionately involved in Jo's ups and downs in life, although I don't think I fully understood Meg's embarrassment when she didn't have as nice clothes as her friends to wear to a party. The hardships the family had to go through were part of the background to the story, but didn't oppress the atmosphere. Mrs March's lessons probably went straight over my head; re-reading the book as an adult, they seem slightly preachy, though they are incorporated fairly well into the fabric of the story.

On the language front, it was amusing to note that a lot of linguistic quirks I normally associate with pre-war British literature made their appearance, such as "there's a good fellow".

All in all, still a good 'un to read.



45) Good Wives by Louisa May Alcott

Little Women ended happily, and Good Wives takes up the story of the March family three years later. As indicated by the title, the girls and their friends grow up and enter adulthood, and there are several marriages. It's not smooth sailing all the way, however. Jo still has to deal with the consequences of her boisterous ways, and there is grave illness in the family (cue tissues).

This story follows on from Little Women, and was written mainly because Little Women was such a success. As such, it is less autobiographical. Apparently, "Jo should have remained a literary spinster, (like Alcott herself) but so many enthusiastic young ladies wrote to me clamorously demanding that she marry Laurie or somebody, that I didn't dare refuse, but out of perversity went and made a funny match for her."

There is heartache as well as joy in this book, and if you search the web you'll find it has engendered a lot of debate, both learned and passionate, over a variety of subjects.

Although Little Women is a complete story in itself, this is an interesting book to read, to find out what happened to the March family, and they often come bound as one book.

4humouress
Editado: Set 30, 2012, 11:30 am

40) Max's Dragon Shirt by Rosemary Wells



This is yet another story in parallel with the television series about the two rabbits, Max and Ruby, which my 3 year old made me (and everyone else in the house) read over and over again.

Max's blue dungarees are looking very disreputable, and their mother has given his older sister Ruby $5, which is exactly enough to buy him another pair in the sales. But Max, of few words, desperately wants a dragon shirt ... What will happen when Ruby takes him into the crowded department store?

My little one loves the book and the television series, and I believe we have seen this episode. These books tell light stories that are fun, and funny. Four stars.

5ronincats
Set 23, 2012, 1:35 pm

Ready for company yet?

6humouress
Set 23, 2012, 2:04 pm

Come on in!

I don't have much to put on the first posts; I just needed to make a note of which books I wanted to review.

7drachenbraut23
Set 23, 2012, 2:07 pm

Hi Nina - congrats to your new thread - and being 1/2 to 75. So, where is the coffee and the cake?

8humouress
Editado: Set 23, 2012, 2:18 pm

9drachenbraut23
Set 23, 2012, 2:28 pm

*Beam* Thank you soooooooo much, that looks so yummy. I wish that would be real. *sigh*

10ronincats
Set 23, 2012, 2:28 pm

Yum, yum. I'll have some comestibles while I wait for your reviews...

11humouress
Editado: Set 24, 2012, 2:31 am

Bring a fork; pull up a chair.

Right now, I'm packing (as usual, at the last minute). Internet access will be intermittent, so you may have to wait a while for reviews; sorry. In the meantime, enjoy the refreshments. (As for real, it's good for the calorie count this way) :-D

12bluesalamanders
Set 24, 2012, 8:33 am

Wow, that cake looks amazing!

13alcottacre
Set 24, 2012, 8:34 am

Checking out the new thread, Nina!

14humouress
Set 24, 2012, 9:47 am

>12 bluesalamanders:: Why, thank you, blue. I made it myself ;-)

>13 alcottacre:: Hi, Stasia! Thanks for dropping by.

15drachenbraut23
Set 24, 2012, 12:48 pm

Wherever you are going, I wish you a great time Nina. Enjoy!

And thanks for the coffee and cake - it was delicious.

16lunacat
Set 24, 2012, 2:33 pm

That looks like the kind of cake I'd love. I get bored of food really quickly, even if its good, so I'd be fed up of a cake after the first slice.

So I'll take it all please ;)

17humouress
Set 27, 2012, 11:21 am

Just a quick check-in. My husband came back on his overseas trip, and brought me moon cakes. Yum! I managed to wear away 4.3 kilos over the past several weeks, but by the time we get back, I'm sure I'll have it all to do again. *sigh*

Here we are in Melbourne, and I've managed to introduce my husbands cousins to LibraryThing; they're very excited about the cataloguing function. Just wait 'til they discover the rest of it. I'm hoping I'll get a chance to raid the bookshops here. In fact ... I don't think I've celebrated my Thingaversary properly, yet. Good (excuse).

18Whisper1
Set 27, 2012, 12:54 pm

It sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Melbourne. Moon Cakes = yummy?

19jolerie
Set 27, 2012, 10:20 pm

A flutter of new threads in the past couple of days!

Ahhh, I remember eating moon cakes when I was little. I think maybe I over did it because now I don't think you could pay me money to eat them. Except, I still LOVE the egg in the middle of some of them, which is perfect because my husband hates them. All his moon cakes usually come with a egg shaped hole in the middle. :)

20drachenbraut23
Set 28, 2012, 12:53 am

Hi Nina *waving* over the far far ocean *grin*. Great that you are having such a great time, and yes - why don't raid the book shops?

WHAT are moon cakes?

21humouress
Editado: Out 1, 2012, 4:28 am

Mooncakes = very yummy!

My favourite:

22drachenbraut23
Set 28, 2012, 5:33 am

THAT does look and sounds VERY yummy!

23alcottacre
Set 28, 2012, 8:15 am

Ah, the pictures of mooncakes will not come through here at the office. Rats. It is probably just as well since I will gain weight just looking at them!

24humouress
Set 29, 2012, 9:07 am

>23 alcottacre:: Sorry; I was trying to get the images off the internet using my husband's iPad, while we were away, and I couldn't get them to stick. Hopefully, it's sorted out now.

25humouress
Editado: Out 1, 2012, 9:15 pm

>16 lunacat:: Leave a little for everyone else, please, Jenny! Of course, I've got the rest of all the cakes, and only put a slice out :-)

>17 humouress:, 20: Had a great time in Melbourne, and now we're back. Unfortunately, both kids are a bit under the weather, but I'm sure they'll be fine, soon. We spent half our time with relatives, and the rest spoiling ourselves in a hotel in the city. Didn't have time to raid the book shops, so I compromised by buying a book from the airport bookshop.

>19 jolerie:: I see you have a Jack Sprat routine going, Valerie. I can't help you, because my moon cakes come with white chocolate in the centre. :-)

26PaulCranswick
Set 29, 2012, 3:10 pm

Nina - Don't know why your thread continuation managed to unstar itself but luckily I have found you again. Congratulations on the new thread from deliciously mooncake laden Kuala Lumpur and wishing you the very best of weekends.

27humouress
Editado: Out 2, 2012, 1:00 am

41) Temeraire by Naomi Novik (a.k.a. His Majesty's Dragon)



I picked this up from the library after seeing lots of rave reviews of the series on LT, for which I thank everyone who mentioned it. I have to agree; this is a great book!

This is the first book in the Temeraire series, and it introduces us to Captain William Laurence, a lieutenant in his majesty's navy at the time that Britain was trying to prevent Napoleon invading. It is, however, an alternate history, in which there are dragons. There are not many, so the animals are valuable, but the men who handle them (aviators) are considered the lowest branch of the armed forces. The book is divided into three parts; the first part introduces us to Laurence, fast rising in the navy - until he inadvertently finds himself in harness to a dragon, to whom he gives the name Temeraire. The second part is about the training that Laurence and Temeraire undergo and how they integrate themselves into their new lives as aviator and dragon, and the third part sees them going to war in defence of the realm.

Almost any dragon books written now, I find, will give a nod (unconscious or otherwise) to Anne McCaffery's dragons of Pern; Novik's dragons only have one captain at a time (for the lifetime of that captain), to whom they give their utmost devotion - even through neglect and ill-treatment. However, her dragons are longer-lived than humans, so they will accept a new captain when the present one dies, often one from the same family. They are also much larger than Pernese dragons, who only have one rider (though they can carry several people). Each dragon is, effectively, an air-ship; apart from the captain, they have riflemen, lookouts, signalmen and crew-members on board who are responsible for the weight distribution on the dragon and first-aid in the air.

Temeraire was captured in the egg from the French, and as he is an unknown breed, he and Laurence explore his full potential together. He is highly intelligent (unlike some other dragon breeds) and insatiably curious, as well as dextrous in the air, and as a mid to heavy weight dragon, a valuable fighter. Laurence, a younger son of a lord, is a dedicated naval officer in a career that is just barely respectable in his father's eyes. By doing his duty and reluctantly harnessing a dragon, he has fallen even further and given up all career prospects; but he finds unexpected recompense in joining the Corps and in his relationship with Temeraire.

I found this a compelling story, full of action and easy to read ... very easy to find myself still reading, long past my bedtime. For all that he's as big as a sailing ship of the time, as a dragonet harnessed to Laurence, at times Temeraire reminded me of my children who are growing up and finding their way in the world.

This is a very well written book, with a lot of attention to language. The first part of the novel compares well against Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott; if it weren't for the dragons, it would be easy to believe, from the language and the behaviour of the characters, that it had been written in the time it is set. Of contemporary books that try to do this, this is the only one I've read that works. However, in the second part, some characters are written more in P.G. Wodehouse-style, and by the third part it flows between Austen-type English and straight description in modern American; but this is merely an observation of mine, and not a criticism.

I've enjoyed this story so thoroughly, I'm giving it 5 stars, and going out to get more.



N.B. (further to my Google research). Laurence named Temeraire (meaning 'bold') after a ship of the Royal Navy. 'The Fighting Temeraire' defended Nelson's ship, HMS Victory, at Trafalgar and was itself named after Third Rate HMS Téméraire, which had been captured from the French and retained its name. Rather appropriate!

28humouress
Out 2, 2012, 2:00 am

>26 PaulCranswick:: Hi, Paul. Nice to see you over here again.

29humouress
Editado: Out 4, 2012, 10:10 am

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

Kim Gamble deserves a mention for his clever pencil illustrations, which are interspersed throughout the text, or sometimes take a whole double page.

,

42) Tashi

1- Tashi

This is the story that introduces us to Jack and his new friend Tashi, he of the enormous quiff, who seems to come from China. With the phrase "Well, it was like this ..." we know we're going to hear another instalment of Tashi's adventures. There's a good mix of everyday life, such as when Jack and Tashi share their school lunch, and outrageous adventures that are told matter-of-factly, for which you need to willingly suspend disbelief. Perfect for the target audience, as attested by the fact that Tashi books are very popular in my kid's primary schools.

Not to mention that Jack is constantly exasperated by his dad (oh, so familiar). It's a short story, wonderfully illustrated (we like the invisible Tashi), though probably not as cohesive as the stories that follow.


2- Dragon Breath

Tashi meets a dragon who is lonely because he's eaten up his family, but maybe a taste of little boy might cheer him up ...

Again, the outrageous is stated matter of factly, and the illustrations are wonderful. I like the last one, where the characters of Tashi's story wander through the garden as Jack and Tashi walk home oblivious. Hmm, so maybe Tashi does make up his stories.


30humouress
Editado: Out 8, 2012, 9:18 pm

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

43) Tashi and the Giants

1- Tashi and the Giants

Tashi had tricked a dragon, who was friends with the 'fee fie fo'ing, dumpling-cooking giant, Chintu; and so Chintu promised to take revenge on Tashi for him. How is Tashi going to outwit someone as big as a mountain?


2- The Bandits

When bandits took shelter in Tashi's village for the night, the Bandit Chief's wife noticed that he looked like her son, who had sailed away on a pirate ship, so the bandits took Tashi with them when they rode out. How did Tashi escape, in spite of Me Too's threats with his deadly nose-hair plucker? Jack's dad could never guess correctly.


31lunacat
Out 2, 2012, 9:11 am

Hehe - love seeing the Tashi books, as our youngest boy cat is called Tashi. Although most of the time he's referred to as Tashi-terror!

32humouress
Out 2, 2012, 9:31 am

That's a coincidence; or is he named after Tashi the character?

33lunacat
Out 2, 2012, 9:55 am

Nope, pure coincidence. He was named because Tashi means auspicious or blessing in Tibetan, and as he was extremely lucky when we found him, it seemed appropriate :)

34humouress
Out 2, 2012, 10:01 am

Aha! Maybe Tashi in the books is Tibetan, then. Some of the mythology in the stories seemed near-Eastern, rather than Oriental, but the illustrations have the traditional Chinese-style rooves, with the watchamacallems.

35humouress
Out 2, 2012, 10:10 am

Rehearsals are going ... okay. Last night, we went through from start to finish and ended at almost midnight. Dress rehearsal will be on the weekend, so we're starting to get a bit nervous. The dance routines are coming together, thankfully (even the tap) - apart from the last minute changes.

36humouress
Out 3, 2012, 11:47 am

Full rehearsal again. Umm ...

37drachenbraut23
Out 6, 2012, 2:19 am

Hi Nina,
Lost you and found you *grin*. Glad to hear that you had such a great time on your holliday, and now it's rehearsals again? So, where are the promised pics .... with swinging.... dancing..... hitting brooms and lovely women on them?

I wish you a great weekend with your family :)

38humouress
Editado: Out 6, 2012, 10:11 am

Thanks, Bianca. Welcome back. I'm still catching up on various threads, very busy with rehearsals; today was supposed to be 2 dress rehearsals, but we went through just once, and tightened up a few things that needed work. Monday will be another dress rehearsal, and we go on on Friday! So it's been a bit busy, and I've not been around much.

Plus ... I wandered over to FictFact, since everyone is talking about it. I'm still entering my series, but I found and followed you, to see how things work over there. It does take quite a while to enter everything.

I was hoping to steal photos off the website, but there aren't any yet; I suppose they'll only go on after the show. Since we're in dress rehearsals now, I spend most of my time backstage in the green room, especially as I'm only chorus, so I haven't taken any, myself. I'm happy not being a lead; they have lines to learn as well as song and choreography. I'm still dropping my mop, which is what my broom has now turned into - but we've come up with a strategy. I think I've got the tap sorted out, now (I spent ages yesterday practicing in the house, and then had to scrub all the lines the metal soles left on the tiles)

39PaulCranswick
Out 6, 2012, 10:13 am

Nina - there is a small army of us developing over at fictfact. Look me up, please do. Have a lovely weekend and I hope your feet are not too sore with all that dancing.

40jolerie
Out 6, 2012, 11:15 am

Oh no! Nina has been sucked into the Fanfict abyss as well! ;)
Haha, I was over there for a bit, checked it out, logged like 3 books and decided it was too much work for me at the moment. Plus, I really don't need another website to get addicted to since the bulk of my day is sucked dry by LT anyways.

Yum! White chocolate centres?? Now that I've never tired before...

41humouress
Out 6, 2012, 2:35 pm

>39 PaulCranswick:: Thanks, Paul, will do. Could stand one of your famous foot massages.

>40 jolerie:: You're right, Valerie; it does take forever to log series and books on. I was resisting, because I spend so much time on LT, too, that I'm rather behind target for my 75, but it seemed everyone was talking about it, so I just popped over for a quick look .....

42lunacat
Out 6, 2012, 2:37 pm

A quick look that lasts several hours ;)

43humouress
Out 6, 2012, 2:45 pm

News on the kids front: when one decides to behave, the other decides to play up (OK, not news for anyone who has kids, I know); but they suddenly seem to have swapped personalities. My eldest lost 2 teeth last week, one bottom and then one top, to match it, so now there's an extra large hole. In the meantime, we suspect our youngest is teething one of the big ones, and is correspondingly misbehaved.

This week, three of us in the musical society have birthdays, so one of the other ladies brought a cake in, and everyone sang 'Happy Birthday'. When I finally got home this evening (it was an all-day rehearsal), my eldest was brimming with a secret, which he begged me not to ask about, so he couldn't give it away (he used to be, and now my youngest is, the one to meet me at the door so he could be the first to let the cat out of the bag!). He could still barely contain himself, and I know that there's something hidden in the oven, which was moved from the fridge - but I love surprises, so I'm not going to test him, or sneak a peek. My youngest had gone down for a nap, so I suspect he doesn't know that there's a secret to be told.

44humouress
Editado: Out 6, 2012, 2:48 pm

>42 lunacat:: I have to agree with you there, Jenny. And I've still got half the alphabet to go!

45drachenbraut23
Out 7, 2012, 5:39 am

Good morning,
stalking you now as well on fictfact :) I still haven't entered all off my series. According to LT I still have about 300 to enter.

May I assume, that it was your birthday yesterday as your child had a surprise for you in the oven? If that should be so I wish you a belated and very "Happy Birthday".

As I only have one child - I consequently have only to deal with the problems of one. And this ONE I have got can already very exhausting at times. *grin* That's kids - and that's why we love them so much.

I wish you good luck with the rehearsals and hope you manage to steal some lovely photos for us to see you in action.

46humouress
Editado: Out 9, 2012, 11:15 am

Thanks, Bianca. Actually, my birthday is on Monday, 8th October 19XX 20XX ;-) Here, in Sydney, I'm just a quarter hour into it.

Despite the fact that it's the first day back to school (consequently, I'll be completely frazzled in the morning trying to find bits and pieces), the kids & I drove into the CBD - picking up my sister on the way - and went to a beautiful restaurant for dinner. It's sandwiched between the Harbour Bridge and Luna Park, just above an Art Deco style (my favourite) swimming pool, and all glass so we had a great view of the lights and Opera House, with trains rumbling over the Bridge almost above our heads - to my kids delight. And would you believe there were 2 sets of fireworks in separate parts of the harbour, at different times? The waitress didn't know why, but obviously, it was for me :-) We were late back, as we did a quick drive around that part of the harbour to see the sights, and then dropped my sister back, so we were rather late home. But (so far! - wait till the morning) very worthwhile.

ETA - I have to tell you that when you have a second, the troubles multiply more than twofold, because when you're paying extra attention to one, the other feels left out and plays up. Or they fight with each other. But, as you know, kids are more blessing than anything and the good times much much more than make up for the bad.

47Morphidae
Out 7, 2012, 9:52 am

And it doesn't end once the siblings grow up either.

One day when my adult brother and I were visiting mom, she heard us squabbling in the other room:

"Cut it out!"

"Would you stop kicking me!"

etc.

She came charging into the dining room where we were both sitting.

On opposite ends of the table.

Quietly reading our newspapers.

She got SO mad as us for faking the squabble. We cracked up. It had taken her years to catch on that most of the time we were just pulling her leg.

48humouress
Out 7, 2012, 9:57 am

That's terrible, Morphy :-)

49ronincats
Out 7, 2012, 10:08 pm

Happy Birthday! I hope you are having a great one.

50Whisper1
Out 7, 2012, 11:11 pm

Happy, Happy Birthday to you!

51humouress
Editado: Out 9, 2012, 11:10 am

>49 ronincats:: Thank you, Roni. I did have a great birthday, thanks.

>50 Whisper1:: Thank you, Linda. That's a wonderful graphic. I'm sure it'll be making me feel uplifted for a long time, yet.

It's just past midnight, and just got back from rehearsals; Wednesday will be the final one before we go on! After the usual first day of term kerfuffles, dropped the kids off at school and took the train in to the CBD. I wandered around a bit, treated myself to high tea, and spent the rest of the afternoon in Abbey's - which is the biggest fantasy bookshop (it does everything else, too, but fantasy is usually hard to find in 'normal' shops) I've found over here. So far. And as the train went over the Harbour Bridge, I caught a glimpse of the restaurant we were in last night - maybe even our very table!

52lunacat
Out 8, 2012, 4:25 pm

#47 Love the fake squabble

And what a lovely evening out it sounds like you had. Very jealous :) Good luck with the final rehearsal!

53humouress
Out 8, 2012, 9:01 pm

>52 lunacat:: Thanks, Jenny.

54humouress
Editado: Out 11, 2012, 1:36 pm

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

44) Tashi and the Ghosts

1- Tashi and the Ghosts

Jack tells the story of how Tashi got involved with ghosts, on the very same night he escaped from the bandits' camp. As usual, his mum and dad get into the spirit of things. When ghost monsters threatened Tashi's village, he went to see his father's Younger Brother to find out why - and came up with one of his cunning plans.
And, at the end, Jack's family are treated to delicious ghost pie, made from a secret recipe.


2- The Mountain of White Tigers

Just one moon later, Tashi found himself in a sticky situation with a truly wicked Baron. He visited his favourite auntie, Li Tam, to find her under threat of eviction from her landlord, the Baron, who also increased everyone else's rents. Now the Baron was very rich, and was rumoured to have hidden his treasure in a deep cave at the top of The Mountain of White Tigers - which are said to be the fiercest kind. So Tashi came up with a clever idea to help the villagers buy their own houses.



55jolerie
Out 9, 2012, 12:32 pm

Happy Belated Birthday, Nina!!

So what surprise was baking and waiting for you in the oven??

56PaulCranswick
Out 9, 2012, 1:42 pm

Nina sorry to be very belated in my birthday wishes (how does everybody know the birthdays btw?)
Foot massage promised at the earliest opportunity in compensation.
As a twin I now look back on my childhood and feel so sorry for my poor mum and all she had to put up with from the unruly combination aligned often against her. She did a great job with help from my Gran but very little from dear old Dad.

57drachenbraut23
Out 9, 2012, 2:25 pm

Yes, you still didn't tell us what the surprise in the oven was!

58humouress
Out 9, 2012, 8:27 pm

Thank you, Valerie.

When I got back from the city, I found that my mum had helped the kids bake a cake (which was - presumably - what was hiding), and they had iced it (and their tongues were funny colours, too). So they all sang 'Happy Birthday', and we cut it. It turned out very moist. Most of it has disappeared already, mainly into their two tummies.

59humouress
Out 9, 2012, 8:41 pm

>56 PaulCranswick:: Thanks, Paul (we're all psychic, as it happens).

Fortunately, my husband does help out with the kids (though, at the moment, I'm at my parents', which is a mixed blessing. They help out, but they also spoil the kids). Of course, you help Hani. Right?

>57 drachenbraut23:: Actually, Bianca, I wrote a reply 5 minutes after Valerie asked; but I just opened LT to find it still waiting to be sent. Must have fallen asleep *blush*

I had been hoping to make a cake myself with the kids, but when I came back from rehearsal on Saturday (which was an all day-er), there were intriguing smells in the air (though there was pizza on the table). Then my eldest met me at the door and begged me not to ask him about his secret (and this is better than he used to be, remember), and later on, he went looking for the 'something'. His face went through all kinds of interesting expressions, but he said "OK" when I told him I was planning to make cakes with him ... so I had a clue about what was happening. So I thought I'd better drop the idea, especially if the oven was already occupied with 'something'.

On Monday, I'd intended picking them up from school, but I was late getting back, which probably gave them the opportunity to put icing on (there were colourful bowls not quite scraped clean about the place), and put candles on (very important, because my youngest pointed out that was his doing). And in the meantime, my husband had sent roses, champagne and chocolates. What more can a gal ask for?

60PaulCranswick
Out 9, 2012, 9:27 pm

Nina ....erm yeah right! I think I do my part - she thinks I could do more - methinks she is probably right. Your husband sounds like a real keeper - roses, champagne and chocolates - SWMBO is awkward and hates flowers, doesn't drink and keeps chocolates an inordinate time in the fridge and goes barking mad when someone else finishes them off (normally Belle or I).

61alcottacre
Out 9, 2012, 9:43 pm

The Tashi books look very good! I am going to have to see if I can find them at the local library.

A 'Happy Belated Birthday' from me too! :)

62humouress
Editado: Out 9, 2012, 9:47 pm

>60 PaulCranswick:: Yeah ... I'll keep him.

Oh, if Hani doesn't want her flowers, send them to me! And her chocolates - for safe keeping. Of course. Oh... barking mad, does she? Maybe not, then. My dad usually finishes mine off.

63humouress
Out 9, 2012, 9:47 pm

>61 alcottacre:: Thank you, Stasia. We cross posted; congratulations on your exam results (I added onto my posts, by which time several people, including you, had posted; so just in case you miss it.)

The Tashi books might be a bit hard to find; they are written by Australian authoresses, but hope you do manage to.

64drachenbraut23
Out 11, 2012, 8:42 am

Sooo, it was a CAKE what a lovely surprise from you little troublemakers. Wish you a lovely weekend Nina.

65MickyFine
Out 13, 2012, 5:23 pm

Belated happy birthday!

66humouress
Out 14, 2012, 8:36 am

>64 drachenbraut23:: Yes, the cake came out nicely. Thanks for your wishes, Bianca.

>65 MickyFine:: Thank you, Micky. I'm greedy; I'll take wishes anytime. :)

67humouress
Editado: Out 14, 2012, 8:48 am

So; this was opening weekend, and my husband flew in for the first two nights. The kids joined him on both nights, and sundry other family & friends turned up, too, which was nice. Though I think it made me more conscious; every time I missed a dance step, I happened to glance into the front row (where they all were). Today was a matinée, and I felt more relaxed, I think, having two shows under my belt; plus we had a bigger audience, who got more of the jokes. I don't know about the rest of the cast and crew, but I think the whole thing is getting more polished.

I just found out (after rehearsing together for 4 months) that another of the cast members was in the same maternity ward as me at the same time, and I think we even talked to each other; but I had such bad pregnancy brain (and haven't recovered yet), that I can't be absolutely sure. But isn't it a small world?

68ronincats
Out 14, 2012, 12:36 pm

Glad your production went so well! How long does it go on?

69drachenbraut23
Editado: Out 14, 2012, 4:31 pm

Congrats that your production is going well - so when are you providing us with some pics or at least a link?

"Pregnancy Brain" - not recovered yet? - I am still not revovered after 13 years. *large grin*

70humouress
Out 15, 2012, 12:07 am

>68 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni. We're playing Friday and Saturday nights for the next two weekends, and Sunday matinée next weekend. Please come and watch ;)

>69 drachenbraut23:: Thanks, Bianca. We'll get photos etc towards the end, so I should be able to put something up soon. Oh dear - 13 years?; it's only almost 4 years since my last bout; do we ever recover?

71humouress
Editado: Out 18, 2012, 11:31 pm

46) Reader and Raelynx by Sharon Shinn



This is the story that closes the major story arc in the Novel of the Twelve Houses series, though there is one more book to follow, Fortune and Fate.

Raelynxs are almost mythical large cats, swift, lethal and impossible to kill; but one is caged on the palace grounds at the request of Queen Valri, who is the only one who can keep it under control, although Cammon and Senneth were able to manage it as a young cat.

The Reader of the title is Cammon, the last of the six companions (Senneth, Tayse, Kirra, Donnal, Justin and Cammon) who started their adventures together about a year previously in Mystic and Rider. Being a reader, he can sense his friends and their well-being anywhere on the island of Gillengaria, and is a powerful enough mystic to convey strong emotions to them. He is a happy go lucky lad, studying to use his powers (for good) at the capital, Gosenhall, when he is called in to protect the heir, princess Amalie, as suitors and assassins come to the palace. Those loyal to King Baryn are trying to prevent an impending civil war, so Senneth mobilises the mystics of Gillengaria while Tayse marshals the King's Riders in defence .

As ever, I couldn't wait to find out what happened next. There are hints about the countries outside Gillengaria, and forgotten gods and goddesses who bequeath talents to more than just the mystics. Shinn gives us political alliances, battles, mystical powers, friendships, romances ... and wraps it up with glimpses of duelling deities.

The loose ends have been tied up (which always makes me happy), and I'm feeling sated, but reluctant to leave her world; it's a good thing there's that one more novel.

72drachenbraut23
Out 18, 2012, 7:12 am

*just lurking* to see how are you doing. *Wave* at Nina :)

73humouress
Out 18, 2012, 1:15 pm

Hi, Bianca!

I'm lurking myself, on all the threads, to try to save time, so I can get my 75 in before the end of the year. Really, I should give up reading LT threads to have any hope ... but I can't, I can't!

74humouress
Editado: Out 20, 2012, 9:36 am

47) An Unexpected Apprentice by Jody Lynn Nye



Tildi Summerbee, a smallfolk less than half the size of a human, suddenly lost her family to an attack by unnatural creatures. Rather than be married off, she decided to take up her brother Teldo's apprenticeship with the human wizard Olen. While she was studying with the wizard, news came of events that could spell the end of the world, and Tildi found herself uniquely qualified to join the quest to prevent such a fate.

It could be because my reading time was fragmented, but I found the first quarter of this story quite gentle and meandering. Once Tildi reached the wizard Olen, and then started her quest, the pace picked up a bit, and there were some interesting points. The ending did seem a bit rushed, but I hadn't realised that this is the first book in a series.

75PaulCranswick
Out 19, 2012, 3:03 pm

Nina - look forward to seeing what you made of An Unexpected Apprentice. Have a wonderful weekend.

76humouress
Out 19, 2012, 3:15 pm

Thanks, Paul. In the meantime, you can see what I thought of Louisa May Alcott's Good Wives, at the top.

77humouress
Out 20, 2012, 9:11 am

Just back from our 5th performance, and winding down. We've got 3 performances to go, and I'm very happy with the experience. Last night, one of our leads had to rest her voice, as she had a throat infection, so someone else had to stand in for her. Fortunately, another member of the musical society (who is one of the cast members' daughters) had done the play before (as a different character) and did a stellar job on short notice. I think we all put an extra effort in, too, and another cast member's youth group came to watch, so we had a very appreciative audience - as a result of which, I think we did a better job, too. I think we did just as well today, but the audience was smaller and quieter; which, after last night, was a bit disappointing.

But, as I said, I'm very happy with it overall. Of course, the first couple of nights, I was nervous, and I had family and friends in the front row; but now I'm relaxed about it and I know what I'm doing. I think I've finally got the dance steps down (touch wood). I'm even trying to catch up on my overdue library books, backstage, between routines.

We took some photos backstage, so if I can get a copy off someone, I'll try and post it. (I never have a camera handy when I should. I mean, with battery and film, ready to go)(And by film, I mean memory space).

78humouress
Editado: Out 23, 2012, 8:44 am

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

48) Tashi and the Genie

1 - Tashi and the Genie

Tashi tells the story of the day he found an inept, lazy genie and met his Uncle Tiki Pu for the first time.



2 - Tashi and the Stolen Children

Jack tells the story of how Tashi went back to the old country for a holiday, and had to rescue some of the villagers from the dastardly warlord, while nearly falling back into his clutches. Jack's dad has concerns about the warlord's smelly socks.


79jolerie
Out 22, 2012, 6:33 pm

Great to hear that despite a little setback, everyone was able to pool your efforts together to make a successful performance. :)

I know what you mean about all the books that could be read if less time were spent on LT, but then where would I get all my book recommendations from?? It's all about balance I guess and the company is too good to miss out on! And, of course we all celebrate each book read, whether we reach that number or not!

80Whisper1
Out 22, 2012, 6:50 pm

Stopping by and waving hi.

And, I agree, we celebrate each book without counting the numbers. Books = enjoyment!

81drachenbraut23
Out 23, 2012, 4:18 am

Hi Nina,
congrats on your performance and hopefully some pictures soon? (Sorry, I know I am nagging *wide grin*).
I definately read considerably less, since joining this group - but what - at least it's fun :)

82humouress
Out 26, 2012, 9:36 am

Sorry, folks - been a busy week. I was frantically baking and icing a cake for our library's competition (I thought it was to celebrate the National Year of Reading, but they seem to have had it in prior years) called 'Books 2 Devour', which involves making edible books. Plus we had people over for lunch, which put everything back by 24 hours. And then the kids wanted to help - you know how that goes!

>79 jolerie:: Thanks, Valerie. Absolutely, the company is great. Not to forget the books - of course.

>80 Whisper1:: Hi, Linda. Nice to see you up and about, so to speak.

>81 drachenbraut23:: Hi, Bianca. We apparently get a souvenir DVD at the end of the run, so pictures soon. (Having said which, I probably still haven't sorted out my baby photos - so give it 8 years or so ...)

So tonight was the penultimate performance, and it's been great working with all these people. I can see why actors get all 'lovey' and 'dahling'. After tomorrow, we may not meet again, which is a bit sad. Although there is talk of a tour (one night only, though). Apparently, Sunday would usually be 'bump-out', but there's so little set to clear up that we'll most likely sort it out tomorrow; and then that'll be it.

Ah well. Next stop - BROADWAY!!!

83drachenbraut23
Out 28, 2012, 7:28 am

Wow, so I assume that you made a cake which looked like a book?

BROADWAY - that it will be :) :) :) :)

Wish you a great Sunday Nina.

84humouress
Out 30, 2012, 7:07 am

Thanks, Bianca. Actually, I made a cake that looks like a scroll. I'm trying to find a link, but I don't think it's up, yet.

So; we've finished our run, and we had our end of season party, which was a bit bitter-sweet. We worked together for 4 months, quite intensely at the end, and I may never see them again. I'd like to do the next play with the society, but it's not until May, and I might not be here for that. We'll see.

85humouress
Editado: Out 30, 2012, 9:22 am

49) Ballet Shoes by Noel Streatfeild



This is a delightful children's classic that stands the test of time, although it is set in London between the wars, when the queen was still Princess Elizabeth.

Sylvia's Great Uncle Matthew (Gum, for short) has disappeared off on his infamous travels, leaving behind three babies that he picked up while on his fossil-hunting expeditions. They are Pauline, Petrova and Posy, who call themselves Fossils, and make a solemn vow to make their name worthwhile by performing a service to their country, as (being adopted) their name belongs to no-one else, and is truly their own. Unfortunately, Gum - having no sense of time - has only provided enough money to last for 5 years, and Sylvia is eventually forced to take the children out of school and to take in boarders to make ends meet.

Even though they have to 'save the penny and walk', the girls have adventures. Their boarders help with their education, including helping them go to stage school, where they all have different attitudes and aptitudes.

Noel Streatfeild has captured the interaction between the adults and children beautifully, balancing stern Nana's proprieties against the children's youthful zeal. I found myself smiling almost the whole time I read this book. Although I could see it from a slightly different perspective as an adult, it captivated me as much as it had when I read it as a child myself. Part of its charm, I think, is that it captures the innocence of childhood in a bygone era.

An excerpt (the children, aged about 6, 8 and 10, are taken to meet Madame Fidolia of the stage school) :

Madame kissed her.
'You are the first compatriot of mine to come to my school. I will make a good dancer of you. Yes?'
Petrova scratched at the floor with her toe and said nothing; she daren't look up, for she was sure Pauline would make her laugh.
'And this is Posy,' said Sylvia.
Posy came forward and dropped the most beautiful curtsy.
'Madame,' she said politely.
'Blessed lamb!' Nana murmured proudly.
'Little show-off!' Pauline whispered to Petrova.


Very well worth reading, and very well worth going back to re-read.

86Morphidae
Out 30, 2012, 7:54 am

I have Ballet Shoes on my TBR Someday list. Glad to see you enjoyed it.

87humouress
Out 30, 2012, 8:00 am

>85 humouress:: Move it right up, Morphy. At under 250 pages, good for a quickie read. You've still got time this month!

88PaulCranswick
Out 30, 2012, 9:59 am

Nina - Your run to Broadway done for a while (wait while that Superstorm thingie passes on before treading the boards over there) I trust that you are as pleased with yourself as we are all proud of you and awaiting some photos of the play!

89humouress
Out 31, 2012, 8:51 am

>88 PaulCranswick:: Thanks, Paul. I did enjoy it.

Will get around to photos soon.

90humouress
Editado: Nov 4, 2012, 10:57 pm

50) On Basilisk Station by David Weber



This is the first book in a series set in the future about Honor Harrington of the Royal Manticoran Navy, Manticore being a planetary system (in which all the planets are named for mythical beasts) light years away from Earth. Honor, who lives up to her name, is assigned a new starship and then given an almost impossible job. Having carried it out, nonetheless, she incurs the displeasure of those higher up in the ranks, and is sent to Basilisk Station, which protects an interstellar jump gate junction. Basilisk Station, being a point of political ambiguity, is considered one of the lowest assignments for a ship. Honor has to contend with an executive officer who - though she can sense his potential - hasn't stepped up to the mark, a crew (which had been on the Fearless before she took over) who resents its new captain for being responsible for their less than savoury posting, a superior officer at Basilisk Station whom she's had a run in with before ... well, she's got her work cut out.

And then they find that there may be something underhand going on on Medusa, a planet in the Basilisk system. And Honor and her crew of the disgraced Fearless find themselves in a race against time to avert ... what? They don't know yet, but it could be big. It could be very big.

I really, really enjoyed this book. I borrowed it from the library, but by halfway through, I had made plans to buy the series, even though I rarely venture into science fiction. There are political manoeuvrings, tactics, battle strategies, fight scenes, chase scenes - you name it. I admit I found it a bit slow going at times, but that was because I was trying to understand the technical aspects (the scientist in me, I suppose). They are explained well and they sound completely feasible, even though they haven't actually been invented yet.

An excellent start to the series. Highly recommended.

91ronincats
Nov 4, 2012, 10:44 pm

Yes, the first 6 or so Honor Harrington books are good story-telling. After that, the politics takes over and the breadth of covering a galaxy worth of action slows many of the books down. But it's a fun series.

92humouress
Nov 4, 2012, 10:59 pm

Thanks, Roni. Maybe I'll try and get the first 6, then, and see how it goes. Mind you, they're quite old, so I don't know how easy that will be! What a shame; I've seen this series around on and off for years, but I wasn't feeling like reading sci-fi then.

93ronincats
Nov 4, 2012, 11:12 pm

If you enjoy them, you will probably also enjoy Elizabeth Moon's series.

94humouress
Editado: Nov 5, 2012, 4:04 am

Thanks for the recommendation; but ... um ... any particular series? She seems to have written quite a few. I have got, and read, The Deed of Paksenarrion - though it's been a while, and due for a re-read, but that's Fantasy.

Maybe it's time to broaden my horizons. I've been happily munching though the Vorkosigan saga, and I've got the first of David Feintuch's Seafort saga, Midshipman's Hope - which I enjoyed, but for some reason neglected to continue with. And I've been through a lot of Anne McCaffery's books, apart from her Pern series, but that's probably about it.

95humouress
Editado: Nov 5, 2012, 10:04 am

51) Max Cleans Up by Rosemary Wells



Another one my little guy spotted in the library. He seems quite taken with this series of books, which is based on the children's television series 'Max and Ruby', about two rabbits. Ruby is the more responsible older sister, while Max is her younger brother (probably equates to preschoolers) who doesn't talk much. He does have a mind of his own, however, and usually finds creative ways around Ruby's sensible planning.

Max's sister Ruby decides to tidy up his room and throw away the rubbish, but Max doesn't want to give up all his treasures. His pocket comes in handy when Ruby isn't looking.

As with the other two books we've read (and reviewed), this book is easy to read to preschoolers, with a large illustration (primarily drawn but with some fabric too) and a couple of sentences on each page. And it's fun and entertaining. And my little guy keeps coming back for more, so it must be working for it's target audience.

96PaulCranswick
Nov 5, 2012, 6:17 am

Probably not surprising Nina but I haven't heard of the Honor Harrington series. It seems that more than 2000 have the book which is certainly respectable. Not entirely surprised to see Morphy and Dejah amongst those that share the book with you though.

97humouress
Nov 5, 2012, 6:20 am

Well, Paul, glancing through your mammoth list of books this year, you're not really into Fantasy & Sci-Fi, which are pretty much what I stick to, almost exclusively. Straight and narrow for me.

98humouress
Nov 5, 2012, 6:28 am

Woo hoo! Crossed the 50 mark; puts me ahead of previous years. Only another 24 to go - which requires me to beat my record and read 12 books each in the last 2 months. Maybe this year, it'll be third time lucky.

99humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 7:34 am

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

52) Tashi and the Baba Yaga

1 - Tashi and the Baba Yaga

Jack's dad is in bed with a cold, but perks up when Jack starts another Tashi story, of the time when Tashi went to investigate when strong winds blew Baba Yaga's house into town, and got invited in for Boy-Baked-In-A-Pie. Do you remember your Russian folklore? (And did you notice there's a house that looks like it came from Tashi's hometown outside Jack's window?)



2 - Gone!

Dad gets out of bed to hear Tashi tell this one, of the time when all the chickens in the village disappeared. Tashi suspected the wicked Baron (he whose treasure was guarded by white tigers); but there's a River Pirate involved as well.

Loving the illustrations; the gates to the Baron's house look just like him! And the stories are simply, but well, written.



100ronincats
Nov 5, 2012, 7:00 am

The one starting with Hunting Party is a favorite of mine, the Serrano series, and then her newer one is the Vatta's War series. But you know, if you've already read the Paks trilogy, Books 1-3 of a 5 book sequel are out and they are every bit as good as the original! Quite different in tone, of course, from the military sci-fi.

101humouress
Nov 5, 2012, 7:07 am

Thanks, Roni. On the (ever-growing *sigh*) list they go!

102humouress
Nov 7, 2012, 1:02 pm

>100 ronincats:: I'll have to investigate the library properly for Elizabeth Moon. A quick glance the other day didn't turn up much.

Thanks to you, and my favourite bookshop throwing a party with 20% discount, I bought the first 6 Honor Harrington books. (They weren't the only books I splurged on, but most of the rest were language books to - hopefully - teach the kids)

103humouress
Nov 7, 2012, 1:05 pm

Just had to share; the kids are asleep and the monitor is on. I just heard my little guy giggling away and talking in his sleep. I love that (mainly because it's so rare).

104humouress
Editado: Nov 7, 2012, 10:04 pm

>82 humouress:-84: The photos of the cakes for the library competition are up. Have a look!

We had to make an 'edible book'; i.e. base it on a particular book. Most people made cakes, but 'Water Babies' used blue jelly / jello. Mine was 1,001 Arabian Nights. It was a bit of a rushed job in the end, but won second prize in its category.

105jolerie
Nov 8, 2012, 7:03 pm

Congrats on reaching 50, Nina! Exceeding our own personal best is a great target. :)
I've read more books each and every year since I've joined this group!

106ronincats
Nov 8, 2012, 10:18 pm

Ooh, great cake!

107humouress
Nov 9, 2012, 6:04 am

>105 jolerie:: Thanks, Valerie. I'm determined to make it to 75 this year, by hook or by crook.

>106 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni. I wasn't sure if the picture would come through.

108drachenbraut23
Nov 9, 2012, 6:14 am

HI Nina,
what a stunning cake you made and second place is fabulous. I can't see how that cake could be rushed, to me it actually looks like it was a huge amount of work.

Congrats on reaching 50 books *big smile*

And least not last I am very much looking forward to see the pics of your performance. :)

109humouress
Nov 9, 2012, 6:40 am

Thanks, Bianca, for the praise and the congratulations.

OK, OK, I'll hunt down those performance photos. ;-)

110PaulCranswick
Nov 10, 2012, 2:09 am

Cake sounds great! Have a great weekend.

111humouress
Nov 11, 2012, 8:24 am

Thanks, Paul.

So nice to see so many of you on the LOCATION WIKI. Thanks for joining.

112humouress
Nov 11, 2012, 5:12 pm

Did some back-'loguing last night, and discovered I already have Elizabeth Moon's Trading in Danger, so it doesn't matter that I couldn't find any of the first books of her series at the library.

113humouress
Editado: Nov 14, 2012, 8:24 am

It's a day late, because I was out and about yesterday, and then forgot :-/

114drachenbraut23
Nov 14, 2012, 3:42 am

Hi Nina, the location wiki was such a great idea. I do hope that even more people are going to put their names down. I think it is so interesting to see, where the people you communicate with are located.

Still waiting *taptaptap* *big smile* - but don't feel pressured!

115lunacat
Nov 14, 2012, 6:19 am

Gorgeous picture.

I lost a great-uncle in WWII, but he has always been a big part of our lives through talking and remembering him.

It makes me so sad to think of all those lost, and full of pride that so much is still done to honour those who have fallen in war.

I remember visiting a WWI museum in France, where I saw a fact that has stuck with me since then, and always will. WWI was supposed to be the Great War, the war to end all wars, and yet since November 11th 1918, there has not been a single day where war has not been occurring somewhere in the world. It seems to be a primitive nature of humans to fight with others, and yet you'd think that with all our technology and so-called progress, we could manage to talk instead of kill. I guess not.

116humouress
Editado: Nov 14, 2012, 8:27 am

>115 lunacat:: I don't know of anyone in our family who was lost, but my parents' lives were disrupted a great deal as children during WWII. I don't know why those two wars should affect me so much; I think it's the tragedies and sacrifices ordinary people went through. Our play was rehearsed and performed in the Memorial Hall, and there are two boards up listing the lives lost in each of WWI and WWII. It's not a huge list, but even now, it's not a big town, so that number would have affected everyone, I suspect. It made me pause every time I glanced at them.

Like you, Jenny, I wish people would learn to stop the killing.

DON'T MAKE WAR - READ BOOKS!!

117souloftherose
Nov 14, 2012, 3:58 pm

#85 I loved Ballet Shoes when I read it. I've been meaning to track down some more Noel Streatfeild books.

#90 And the Honor Harrington series is one I've been meaning to start but I've sort-of told myself I should finish one of my other series first... Glad it was good though!

#104 Wow - that is a very impressive looking cake! I'm not surprised to hear it did so well :-)

DON'T MAKE WAR - READ BOOKS!! Amen

118drachenbraut23
Nov 15, 2012, 3:38 am

*big smile* Agreed DON'T MAKE WAR - READ BOOKS!

Have a lovely day Nina!

119humouress
Editado: Nov 17, 2012, 8:15 am

53) Trading in Danger by Elizabeth Moon



Kylara (Ky) Vatta is at the top of the honour corps of the Slotter Key (her home planet) Spaceforce Academy. A few short months before graduation, she is made a scapegoat and dismissed from the Academy in disgrace.

Although shocked and upset by this abrupt end to her lifelong dream, Ky slips back into the life she was born and bred to. Her interstellar merchant family, who had not been keen on her joining the Naval Academy, send her into space on a straightforward milk run as the captain of her own ship until the fuss dies down at home. But mindful of the Vatta family motto - 'trade and profit' - and with her own sense of adventure, Ky ends up in the middle of a situation that calls on all her military training to keep her crew and herself alive.

The first part of the story, with Ky's home life and long days in transit in space on a trading run, doesn't have much action, but the pace does pick up when she takes her ship off their pre-planned route in search of extra profit.

I enjoyed this book, and I liked the strong sense of family that comes through.

N.B. You may want to know what an ansible is, since they (or, rather, lack of them) play a large part in the story.

From Wikipedia : An ansible is a fictitious machine capable of instantaneous or superluminal communication - coined by Ursula K. Le Guin in Rocannon's World.

120humouress
Nov 17, 2012, 6:51 am

>117 souloftherose:: Ballet Shoes was fun, wasn't it, Heather? I've only read the first of the Honor Harrington books, but (on the strength of Roni's recommendation!), have bought the first half of the series. And I'm glad you liked the cake, thank you.

>118 drachenbraut23:: Thanks, Bianca!

121humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 10:22 pm

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

55) Tashi and the Big Stinker

1 - Tashi and the Big Stinker

The kids loved this one! Chintu the Giant's Only Brother comes to visit, and causes havoc in Tashi's village. Mrs Chintu isn't too keen, either, because he never stops eating, but Chintu won't send his Only Brother away; so Tashi comes up with a plan. Let's just say there were beans involved ...



122humouress
Nov 18, 2012, 6:05 am

Continuing on from Valerie's thread, where we had a mini-discussion about our small kids and what they say and do; today I overheard my youngest very kindly explaining to his grandmother "My dad was born before me" ! Unfortunately, he's not quite as strong on the rest of the family chronology.

123drachenbraut23
Nov 18, 2012, 6:26 am

Good morning Nina,

hehe I love that one "My dad was born before me"! I love that how little one's express themselves and how they form opinions at a very early age.
I remember when Alex was about five years old, my sister took him out to Hastings, with some collegues of hers. On their way back, her collegues were discussing some religious topics, to be exact - they were looking at the messages conveyed by different religions. Once they came to discuss Satan/Lucifer, Alex jumped into the discussion and told them that HE thinks that Satan is a HERO. My sister said that everyone just looked completely flubberhghasted for a moment and then told him that he must be mistaken, because HE is evil. Apparently Alex just looked at them and said NO and explained very kindly that Satan ridds the world of all evil people, which is a good thing, and if you have a good heart you just can't be tempted to do evil things. My sister and her collegues are still talking about this conversation today, because they thought it was so interesting. *grin*

I wish you and your family a great Sunday!

124humouress
Nov 18, 2012, 6:45 am

Good morning, Bianca. That is funny; a rather ... unique take on things!

Unfortunately, Sunday is almost over now, here; but it was a good day. I managed to get in a few games of badminton and I may be improving (which is to say, not as bad as I've been recently, but not as good as my memory insists I used to be lo these many years ago), and then took the kids out to catch up with most of the other ex-cast members for lunch, which was fun.

Hope your Sunday is great, too. Good night from Down Under!

125Morphidae
Nov 18, 2012, 7:53 am

>123 drachenbraut23: I love that story and the way of looking at Satan.

126humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:33 am

56) Troubled Waters by Sharon Shinn



Hmm; this is a hard one to evaluate. While a good story, it didn't live up to my expectations of a Sharon Shinn book, based on The Twelve Houses series of hers, so I think it may suffer from the comparison in this review. At the moment, it is a stand-alone book, although I see from her website that she's planning to release a sequel in 2013 (tentatively titled Heir to Air).

In the country of Welce, when a baby is born, three random blessings are chosen for it. Except for three extraordinary blessings, these blessings fall under one of five elements ( elay - air / soul; hunti - wood / bone; sweela - fire / mind; coru - water / blood; torz - earth / flesh) and foretell the personality of the child.

Zoe Ardelay has been living with her father in political exile, who, at the beginning of the novel, has just died. Numb with grief, she is surprised but doesn't resist when an advisor of the king comes to her village to take her back to the capital, Chialto, to marry the king.

There are Five Families who lead politics, each led by a prime, and each connected to one of the five elements. Zoe's father was of the Ardelay clan, who are sweela (fire and mind), while her mother was of the Lalindar clan who are coru (water and blood). Zoe discovers that she is the coru prime and gradually finds that she wields elemental (being able to affect water and blood) as well as political powers. How will she adapt to life at the palace, and learn how to use her new-found powers for the good of the kingdom?

Although it was an engaging story, I didn't fully empathise with the heroine - mainly, I suspect, because she didn't behave the way I would have. I thought she used her powers a bit haphazardly, and not completely ethically. It could have been written that way intentionally though, since (as pointed out in the story) she hadn't had a chance to be trained properly.

I was also not completely satisfied by the romantic plot. Having loved the romance in Summers at Castle Auburn enough to go out and buy a heap of Sharon Shinn books based on that and an LT recommendation, I was expecting something more.

That said, it was still an engaging story, and I'll be looking out for the sequel. As ever, Shinn writes well; her world-building is good and her characters are nicely drawn.

127humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:33 am

57) Swallows and Amazons by Arthur Ransome



A children's classic (which I first read as a child myself), set in a time between the world wars when life was simpler and holidays were idyllic.

Four young children, spending their summer holidays up on a farm in the Lake District with their mother and baby sister, get permission to go camping by themselves on a nearby island. With their father - currently on duty at sea - in the Navy, they are all adept at sailing the small boat, Swallow, belonging to the farm; and nautical terms abound.

Styling themselves Captain John, First Mate Susan, Able Seaman Titty and Ship's Boy Roger, they have a glorious time, especially when they discover pirates - actually local sisters Captain Nancy and Mate Peggy of the Amazon. Together, the six children have adventures, meeting 'natives' (everyone else) and involving Captain Flint (Nancy's and Peggy's uncle Jim).

A thoroughly enjoyable book.

128humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:33 am

58) Froggy Fable



Another one my 3 year old fell in love with. A frog lives quietly and alone by his pond, but then other animals move in, which upsets him. It is only when something momentous happens that he realises how much he loves his home - even with all the changes.

According to my 3 year old, he liked it because everything changed, and he liked it when the frog came home.

129humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:34 am

59) Magic Beach by Alison Lester



This is another picture book my toddler picked up, about a day that a family of children spend at the beach with their parents and baby brother.

I like the way every other page describes an aspect of the beach, starting with
"At our beach,
At our magic beach,"

like splashing in the waves on the shore, or building sand castles; and then the next page expands it with imagination and adventure, to riding white horses onto the beach, or saving their brother from dragons attacking castles.

Every page is accompanied by richly detailed illustrations. We quite enjoyed following the hats through the successive illustrations, and identifying the characters and what they were doing, until they fell asleep safely in bed at the end of the day.

130drachenbraut23
Nov 26, 2012, 2:17 am

Good morning Nina :) Thank you very much for your kind words pertaining the recovery of my baby sister.

Looking forward to the removal of your work in progress sign and therefore your thougts in regards to Troubled Waters. Looks very much like a book I would enjoy.

131humouress
Nov 27, 2012, 7:29 am

You're welcome, Bianca. It was nice to read that it worked out well. After we had left school and moved on to university (and my family had, in fact, moved out of the area), we heard that my sister's best friend who was also one of my best friends' sister, had caught G-B. Sadly, their story did not end well, which is why I'm very happy for your family.

Hoping to review Troubled Waters tonight :-)

132humouress
Editado: Nov 30, 2012, 5:40 pm

On the good news side, I have achieved my ambition - after many years - of acquiring an LBD; I've been on the lookout for one since reading Coco Chanel's opinion on it. Being petite, and still carrying some baby weight (yes, it's been 9 and 4 years, but still), it's not the easiest thing to find something that looks good.

This weekend, we went on a picnic, which was held by my mum's school's Old Girls Association for Christmas. It was a nice day, and we got to see my cousin who is over from London; but it was the first scorcher of the year. The forecast predicted 31 degrees, but the car dashboard read 38 when we left. I spent most of my time trying to sit in the shade - after palming off babysitting duties on my long-suffering cousin (he's one of the babies of our generation of the extended family). All the insects seemed very attracted to my elbows, for some reason; and finally, when we were packing up, I picked up a bee sting. Well, it's the third time in my life, so I should be getting used to it, now, but it's very itchy. But I can empathise with Amber, who is also going through the wars at the moment.

On the way to / from the picnic, we passed a memorial to the horses of the Light Brigade who were lost in WWI, and never returned to Australia, of poles with something resembling a horse tail on top. There was one pole to each horse, and we estimated several hundred poles. It was quite sobering.

133drachenbraut23
Nov 27, 2012, 2:39 pm

Hello Nina, thank you! I do understand how horrible it must have been for your friends family to loose a child like that. The horrible thing about GBS is that it very often it is so acute and you never know how severe it can be. It's only about 10% of people who get the really severe cases and about 5% who die. Because my sister didn't respond to the therapy we didn't know for quite a few weeks which way it will go.

I love your LBD story and admire anyone wearing one. I never would *shudder* but I do love to wear dresses on top of flared trousers :)

Aside from the very naughty insects and the bee your picnic sounds like it was fun. :)

I am also looking forward to your review on Troubled Waters :)

134Morphidae
Nov 27, 2012, 9:41 pm

I think I missed something. What is GBS? I'm getting a few different answers via Google.

135humouress
Nov 28, 2012, 1:09 am

I abbreviated it to G-B or GBS because it's 1) hard to spell and 2) I'm a bit superstitious and icky about such things. :) But pop over to Bianca's thread for a story that has a good outcome.

136humouress
Editado: Dez 2, 2012, 6:59 am

(unfinished)
The Spanish Bride by Georgette Heyer



I picked this one up for the Regency challenge, expecting Heyer's usual romance. It is, in fact, a fictionalised account of part of the Penninsular Wars, based on the true story of Harry Smith, fighting under Wellington. I glanced at that part of Smith's autobiography on the internet, and Heyer has followed it faithfully, even using some of his expressions almost word for word. I'm afraid I gave up reading The Spanish Bride about a fifth of the way in, due to time constraints, as I'm still hoping to get to 75 this year.

It starts with one of the sieges of Badajos in 1812 by the British, fighting French troops. The Spanish citizens, hoping to avoid harsh treatment, had ceded the town to the French; however, the rank and file of the troops under Wellington felt that their allies should not have surrendered so tamely and proceeded to sack the town after their victory. Heyer's account states the destruction fairly explicitly, which their officers, although deploring it, did not attempt to prevent.

Out of this destruction came two highborn Spanish ladies, seeking protection from the British. The older, a married lady, asked for safe passage away from Badajos. The younger, her fourteen year old sister who had been brought up in a convent, Harry Smith (almost ten years her senior) married two days later - the two having fallen violently in love with each other on first sight, according to Heyer's account. After her marriage, Juana Smith travelled with the army and was adored by Smith's brother officers.

The military details of the siege of Badajos were quite thoroughly covered, as well as how the army travelled and where they camped during the summer following that victory. Glancing ahead, I found that the emphasis of the book seemed to be on the details of the military campaign; and since I had been looking for a quick, light read, I gave up at that point.

As far as I did get, Smith seemed to be portrayed as Heyer's usual 'devil-may-care paragon of every physical prowess' (although, as he is based on a real person, he is physically slight and wiry, rather than tall and muscular) which usually irritate me, and Juana as the usual Regency miss, submissive to her lord and master - though she is portrayed a bit more endearingly.

On a historical note, the Smiths do seem to have had a long and happy marriage, and Harry Smith later received honours. At some point, he served in South Africa, and the city of Ladysmith (made famous by the choral group Ladysmith Black Mambazo) - amongst other places - is named for Juana.

137jolerie
Nov 30, 2012, 1:46 pm

Just wanted to drop by to say hi, Nina! :)
The things our little ones say just tickles me to no end. I'm going to enjoy them as much as I can until the day they start speaking in full sentences and pronouncing everything correctly.

138humouress
Nov 30, 2012, 5:41 pm

Hi, Valerie!

Don't worry - even when they start speaking in full sentences, the 'wonderful'(?) things they say keep coming. :-)

139humouress
Editado: Nov 30, 2012, 5:42 pm

OK, Bianca; review is up! ;-)

140MickyFine
Dez 1, 2012, 6:08 pm

I've been super behind on your thread, Nina, but I'm cheering you on to reach that 75 before the end of this month! :D

141humouress
Dez 1, 2012, 8:53 pm

Thanks Micky; I'm still hopeful!

142drachenbraut23
Dez 1, 2012, 11:16 pm

Hi Nina, found the review. Thank you! I think I really have to check that author out next year *smile*. It does sound very promising.

I also cheer you on to make 75 to the end of the month! Go for it - Go for it - you can do it Nina *very big smile*.

Wish you and your family a lovely weekend!

143humouress
Dez 2, 2012, 2:47 am

>137 jolerie:: Mind you, though he speaks in full sentences, and has wonderfully complex thoughts, we're still working on the 'pronouncing everything correctly' front.

I've recently started realising that my 3 year old uses an 'oy' sound instead of an 'eye' sound. He's barely been to Nu Joisey except for the airport, but he gets hit in the 'oy', and he likes the story of the Loion and the Mouse, for instance. I suspect it's one of those cute things he does that I've got to work on to correct. *sigh*

144humouress
Editado: Dez 2, 2012, 2:49 am

>142 drachenbraut23:: Thanks, Bianca. The same to you and your family, even though you're away from them again. Hope you survive 'the Big Freeze'!

145drachenbraut23
Dez 2, 2012, 3:51 am

Good morning :) :) So far "The Big Freeze" is -3 degree celsius hehe and my collegues were whining already this morning.

*smile* don't worry Nina he is only three and I am sure your little one he will get there eventually and for the time being - well, I think as you said yourself, it is extremely cute when they speak like that. hihi and Loion does sound cute :).

146humouress
Dez 2, 2012, 5:52 am

Hi, Bianca. It's now night-time here, and well past the boys' bedtime, but as it's a weekend (though they have school tomorrow) they're not settling down (I can hear them on the monitor).

I grew up just outside London, and - since the UK is surrounded by water - temperatures tend not to fluctuate as much as Germany, or even US eastern seaboard (Manhattan, DC etc). It was rare for it to fall below 0, even at night. And white Christmases we only dreamed of.

We lived in Manhattan for a couple of years, and our first one there was a white Christmas. We drove back into the city from Maryland on Christmas day to find it covered in snow, and no traffic; it was awe-some. I mean, literally, we saw about six moving cars (including a couple of limos) from entering the city to getting back to our apartment. This is a city which still has traffic at two and three in the morning. It was like London on the day of Princess Diana's funeral.

I found it amusing that my husband's brother and wife lived in Massachusetts, which is much colder, but when they visited, it was too cold for them, in spite of the fact that they keep their windows open at night, even in winter. My husband used to walk to and from work, which was down 32 streets and across about 5 avenues; but they had their cars in internal garages, so they got into their car inside, drove to work, and got out in garages, so they weren't exposed to the environment.

Just reminiscing ...

147MickyFine
Dez 2, 2012, 5:29 pm

I can't imagine not having white Christmases. That was such a big part of my childhood (and continues to be in my adulthood). Hope you get to experience them a little more often now. :)

148humouress
Dez 3, 2012, 2:12 am

Actually, no.

This year, we're in Sydney (Down Undah), and I'm very confused. Everyone's talking about the Christmas / summer holidays; there are Christmas paraphernalia with snow, snowflakes, snowmen, warmly dressed Santas, talk of traditional Christmas barbecue lunches, heading to the beach ...

149drachenbraut23
Dez 3, 2012, 3:44 am

HI Nina, I can see why you are confused hehe. I would be! Although, we hardly ever have white Christmas in Germany anymore, it's still cold winter weather. I would find it really odd to have "summer" hot Christmas!
Christmas paraphernalia with snow, snowflakes, snowmen, warmly dressed Santas, talk of traditional Christmas barbecue lunches, heading to the beach ... LOLOL THAT just doesn't fit. I probably couldn't stop giggling!

I found your story about your BIL very entertaining and remember my first proper snow in London ever, the streets were as empty as you described it :) Where abouts "outside" of London did you grow up Nina?

150humouress
Editado: Dez 3, 2012, 4:23 am

We moved around a bit, so I grew up all over Greater London, in various Home Counties; but we always had an 'O1' number (there used to be a program called 'Oh One for London' at the time) - until they changed it to 081 and then 0181.

ETA: we used to go skating at Streatham; I think you said you're in Clapham now? (Sorry - terrible memory. I blame it on pregnancy-brain. Unfortunately, once I lost it, I never found it again; been looking for more than 3 years now :) )

151humouress
Dez 3, 2012, 4:28 am

I've been bitten by the performing bug! I took my son to audition with me for the same theatre group, as their next production will be a pantomime, and we're still waiting to hear.

I also applied to try out for 'Les Misérables', but unfortunately, so many people have already applied that they've closed the auditions. :( Probably a good thing - that theatre is rather further away, and I doubt my parents would be happy doing too much more baby-sitting.

152humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:34 am

60) Architecture and Design Library : Island Style by Jim Kemp



I saw this as I was walking out of the library, flicked through it, and picked it up since I wanted to get some ideas for my house.

The book is filled with large, gorgeous pictures of various aspects of design, colour and furniture inspired by island decor from places like Bali, Hawai'i and the Caribbean islands. Apart from an explanation of each photograph, there isn't too much text to detract from the pictures, so it's quite easy to read (and look at).

I did come up with one or two ideas, but since I'm not planning to rebuild my house, or change major pieces of furniture, this book (though fun to look through) was not really helpful for me in this instance. But it would make a good coffee table book.

153MickyFine
Dez 3, 2012, 5:14 pm

>148 humouress: Ah yes. One of my mom's favourite miniseries is The Thornbirds and I was always really baffled by the Christmas scenes with everyone in summer wear. Just so outside my realm of experience. Hopefully the Christmas barbecue is tasty to make up for the weirdness of hot weather and no snow, Nina.

154humouress
Dez 4, 2012, 8:12 am

Thanks, Micky.

I remember one of the first Christmases I was in Sydney. I was still living in London, and I used to go in to central London a lot. I was used to the Christmas light-up all the way along Oxford and Regent Streets, and doing Christmas shopping in the heart of the city after the sun went down; in fact, as it got closer to Christmas, the shops would stay open late, and I'd trudge up and down, all snug in my winter coat and scarf ...

So when I came to Sydney that Christmas, I went into Sydney CBD to browse around the shops. As it gets dark late, being high summer, there were no decorative lights along the streets. There were decorations up, but along the lines of huge shiny stars that would catch the sunlight. Of course, inside the malls, there were the usual lights and so on. Suddenly I realised that all the shops were shut (no late-night shopping; of course, this was quite a while ago) and the streets were almost deserted - closing time had taken me unawares, because of all the sunlight! It was quite ... disorientating.

155MickyFine
Dez 4, 2012, 5:21 pm

That would be truly surreal. I definitely associate Christmas with it getting dark early. Right now in my part of the world, the sun goes down at around 4:15 in the afternoon.

156humouress
Dez 4, 2012, 8:25 pm

My kids grew up in the tropics, where their bedtime is usually around dusk. Now that it's quite light in the evenings, my youngest wonders why he has to go to bed when it's still daytime. (Hmm - maybe that's why their bedtime has been getting later and later. Didn't occur to me before)

I remember when the clocks were set back to GMT, I didn't like knowing that when I left work, it would be dark outside already.

157humouress
Editado: Dez 5, 2012, 10:22 pm

(Trial : water freezes at 0°C)

Yay. Finally.

ETA: ... got the degree sign working

ETA: more trial.
`¡€#¢∞§¶•ªººº
Aha! option(mac) plus 0 gives me º. Much easier.

158humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:34 am

61) Mister Monday by Garth Nix



The first in The Keys to the Kingdom series; in the children's / YA section.

The Will of the Great Architect was sundered and scattered across the universes, and the Trustees have usurped its power.

Seventh-grader (13 year old?) asthmatic Arthur Penhaligon was supposed to die, just after Mister Monday, a Trustee and the Master of the Lower House, gave him a strangely shaped Key. But Arthur didn't die, and now the Key belongs to him. Mister Monday (depicting the sin of sloth), however, wants his Key back, and sends his minions into our universe to try and get it back from Arthur. As people around him start to fall sick, the only way Arthur can save the ones he loves - and the rest of the world - is to go into a mysterious house that only he seems to be able to see, and try to stop the plague at its source.

This book was a real page turner, well written, with strange events happening thick and fast. The inside of the House is fantastic, and it doesn't behave like a normal house; travel between floors is by lift, but there are no physical lift shafts, and a room can look like a garden or a city or the side of a volcano. I should think this story hits target audience fairly well. Although events are wrapped up quite neatly at the end of this book, there is obviously more to the overarching story - and I've already borrowed the next in the series, Grim Tuesday.

159humouress
Dez 7, 2012, 5:02 am

Oh! My baby is reading! And he tries to read everything; we'll be in a lift or some other innocuous place, and he'll start sounding out the letters, so I have to spin wildly round to try and identify what he's reading. Maybe he'll turn out to be a bookworm too.

Ohhh - proud mama ;)

160MickyFine
Dez 7, 2012, 4:18 pm

*big grin for the proud mama and the awesome new reader*

161PaulCranswick
Dez 7, 2012, 10:19 pm

Nina - the seasons are a funny thing and I miss them far more now that I don't get to have em. Have a wonderful and not overly hot weekend.

162humouress
Dez 7, 2012, 11:37 pm

Thanks, Micky :-D

Thanks, Paul. The week was cool (my son had a pool party at his friend's house yesterday, and his friend's mum had watched the forecast drop from 32º down to 24º over the course of the week. It was as overcast as an English day - but of course, all the boys ended up in the pool anyway); but the weekend is already starting to feel hot and stuffy.

163humouress
Dez 13, 2012, 5:56 pm

Wish me luck; I'm about to decorate a birthday cake. It's an ice-cream cake, it's the middle of summer, and I don't have a freezer shelf big enough. But that's fine ...

Right; put it off as long as I can, I think. Here goes.

*disappears, panicking slightly*

164ronincats
Dez 13, 2012, 6:47 pm

Luck!

165drachenbraut23
Dez 13, 2012, 10:50 pm

HI Nina,
Good Luck with the cake :) You are probably finished by now?
Oh well, you are going to swim in the pool - NO, I AM NOT ENVIOUS - *sob*. In the UK finally "The Big Freeze" arrived with - 3 degree during the daytime and in Germany, we have got lots of snow. I do like snow, but I definately don't like the cold *sniff*

Wish you a great weekend Nina :)

166humouress
Dez 14, 2012, 7:12 am

>164 ronincats:: Thanks, Roni!

>165 drachenbraut23:: Um ...thanks, Bianca? ;-)

Now I've finished. At least for the time being. The venue the party will be at has a big freezer, and they said I could put it in if I could get it there before they closed at 10 tonight. Party is Sunday, but they're closed tomorrow.

So I tried to do as much as I could before turning on the air-conditioning and getting the ice cream out, and the kids got bored with no attention from me (and drove me crazy with their antics and squabbles). But it still melted. And then half of if collapsed. Did a rescue job on it, and it kind of looks something like what I wanted it to ... hoping I'll have time on Sunday morning to smarten it up some more.

167humouress
Dez 16, 2012, 5:00 am

Phew! Done and dusted. Pulled another all-nighter for the second cake, had the parties today, which were successes (from my point of view, anyway). The cakes worked, the ice-cream cake was all eaten (in spite of my trying a new eggless cake recipe, since there were some vegetarian guests, and the boys are happy. And I'm good (as they say here) - until next year.

And finished City of Ember, a YA book. Will review later.

168humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:35 am

62) City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

This is a YA story, set in the City of Ember, which was created by the Builders and stocked with provisions. However, the provisions are starting to run out, and the electricity which powers the street lights which create the difference between day and the pitch black of the night is failing. The people of Ember are starting to worry.

Lina Mayfleet is in the graduating class of the school. On the last day, along with all the other 12 year olds, she gets her Assignment, which is the job she has been assigned for the next three years. She has ambitions of doing something important to help Ember, but she is assigned a boring job. Doon, however, wants to swap with her,

Together, they

169humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:35 am

63) Redoubt by Mercedes Lackey



This is the fourth book in the Collegium Chronicles series, and continues to follow Mags's life as a Trainee Herald in the days when the three colleges of Heraldic, Bardic and Healing have just been split up, and moved into their new buildings. The focus is on Mags's day to day life, and the first quarter of the book is about the wedding of the heir, as well as a couple of other friends. Once life is back to normal after the holiday and celebrations, there is more on Mags's training and development as a spy for Nikolas, and his undercover personas in the city of Haven. Then there is the excitement of another kidnapping and the rescue efforts.

I have to agree with other reviewers; the story doesn't move events forward very much, but it is a pleasant read. We do find out a bit more about Mags's mysterious history (which I've been intrigued by), and a little bit about life over the Karsite border. The accents that irked me in previous books are mostly sorted out. We did revisit Mags's past in the mines yet again, and although it fell into context later on, I couldn't help feeling that Lackey was trying to horrify the reader, but - knowing it is fantasy and not based on real life - I couldn't connect with it.

All in all, it was another light but engaging book which was fun to read. The story wraps up most of the loose ends quite neatly, so it's not obvious if there will be more books in the series.

170MickyFine
Dez 18, 2012, 5:17 pm

>168 humouress: Think there's a broken tag in here somewhere, Nina. Would love to read the rest of your review. :)

171ronincats
Dez 18, 2012, 6:34 pm

I just finished this one too, Nina, with much the same reactions.

172humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:35 am

64) Grim Tuesday by Garth Nix



The second in The Keys to the Kingdom series; in the children's / YA section.

The first part of the Will of the Architect has been restored. The Key to the Lower House has been recovered, but the Trustees - now the Morrow Days - are plotting to get it back.

Arthur Penhaligon has just returned home after winning the Key from Mister Monday. Just one minute into Tuesday (although six months have passed in the House), he finds himself in the thick of things again, as Grim Tuesday, ruler of the Far Reaches of the House (whose associated sin is greed) goes on the offensive. This time, Arthur's family members suddenly face financial crises through no fault of their own, and Arthur realises he has to go back into the depths of the House to save them. Once there, he finds that the foundations of the House, and so those of all creation, are under threat from encroaching Nothing; and he finds himself pitted against Grim Tuesday in a race for mastery of the Second Key.

This book was as intriguing, although possibly not quite as action-packed as the first instalment. Looking forward to more!

173humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:35 am

65) The Shadow Queen by Anne Bishop

I've read the first two books in the 'Black Jewels' series, and picked this up because it seemed to be a stand-alone story about different people, set in the same world. I didn't feel that I was missing anything by not reading the intervening books, although I realised later that the events related to those in Queen of the Darkness.

The first quarter of the book, though, was about the main characters from the series, Jaenelle, Daemon, Saetan and co. - who, unfortunately, irritated me as much as ever. I'm not quite sure why; I think it's because they're both paragons and martyrs and a little bit whiney, though they're almost all-powerful. Plus, while I enjoy a good laugh as much as the next person, these folks end up collapsed on the floor with laughter more times in this one book than I have in my life, at things that are amusing, but not hilarious.

Those parts aside, I liked the rest of the story, which is about Theran Greyhaven, the last scion of the ruling family of the Territory of Dena Nehele in the realm of Terreile, looking for a Queen to rule the Territory after the corrupt Queens had been cleansed from the land. The Territory is unstable, having suffered civil war after the cleansing, between the Blood (those with magical powers) and landen (those with no magic). Terreile is in a plane of existence close to Earth, but Theran request a Queen from the realm of Khaleer, which is closer to the realm of Hell, as she would be trained in the old ways and traditions of the Blood, which have been lost in Dena Nehele over the centuries of corruption and war.

The Dene Nehele part of the story was interesting, with the new Queen setting up her court, while the males had to learn the Protocol of making up that court. There was a gentle romance, too, with a bit of a twist, and we learned the history of the situation in Dena Nehele. I enjoyed that part of the story; however, I'm still confused about the hierarchy and how things work. For instance, Cassidy is a Queen, but she doesn't come from an aristocratic family and she wears a rose jewel (one of the lighter ones) which means her magic isn't very powerful. I think I'm going to have to start the series again and ask for a tutored read! I wish there was some kind of guide or preface. It took me until halfway through the second book to realise there were three planes of existence (Khaleer, Terreile and Hell).

The part of the story with the original cast - I don't know; it irritates me the way Regency romances or Bollywood films tend to. There were a couple of parallel storylines that had nothing to do with the Dena Nehele story, which seemed to be meant to invoke horror-filled pity for Daemon and Saetan, but which did nothing for me. I'm willing to give it another go, and continue with the series - at a later date.

Enjoyable story, but irritating in parts. I think it rates three and a half stars.


174ronincats
Dez 24, 2012, 9:19 pm


Glitterfy.com - Christmas Glitter Graphics


I want to wish you a glorious celebration of that time of year when we all try to unite around a desire for Peace on Earth and Good Will Toward All. Merry Christmas, Humouress!

175drachenbraut23
Dez 25, 2012, 9:10 am

Hi Nina, well I think Anne Bishop doesn't appeal to everyone. I absolutely loved her series and read them already twice (hm, maybe more often).
I am back in Germany now to spend Christmas with my lovely boy :)

Just stopping by to wish you a wonderful, magical, lovely Christmas with your family.

176MickyFine
Dez 25, 2012, 1:27 pm

Merry Christmas, Nina!

177PaulCranswick
Dez 30, 2012, 8:39 pm

Nina - I have loved keeping up with you in 2012. Happy New Year to you and yours and hope to see more of you in 2013.

178ronincats
Dez 31, 2012, 5:28 pm



Here's to a great new year ahead, Nina!

179souloftherose
Jan 1, 2013, 4:01 am

Happy New Year Nina!

180humouress
Editado: Jan 10, 2013, 8:17 am

From The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi by Anna Fienberg and Barbara Fienberg, illustrated by Kim Gamble.

,

54) Tashi and the Demons

1 - Tashi and the Demons

Tashi rescues a princess who has been kidnapped by demons; but then they catch Tashi. Can he trick his way out of their clutches?



2 - The Magic Bell

Tashi's village had a magic bell from time immemorial that tolled warnings when danger threatened, and had saved the villagers more than once. But the River Pirate returns in search of Tashi, and steals it. Tashi has to go after him and rescue the bell.



181ronincats
Jan 10, 2013, 10:30 pm

Were these from 2012?

182humouress
Jan 10, 2013, 11:19 pm

Yes. I was just tidying up and closing down this thread (I still have a couple of reviews to put in), and discovered I hadn't listed this one. I'm reading The Great Big Enormous Book of Tashi with my son. It's a collection of all 32 Tashi books written up to that point, but each story just has it's title. If you look at the individual books, each book has the story of the title and a second one. Anyhow, in all of that, I hadn't finished my reviews, and hadn't realised I missed this book / these two stories. Puts me one closer to the golden 75, but still not enough!

Thanks for noticing what could have been a faux pas. :)

183ronincats
Jan 10, 2013, 11:20 pm

De nada!

184humouress
Editado: Jan 12, 2013, 8:17 pm

From our Nunsense play:



I know I promised this a long time ago, but when they gave us our photo CDs at the end of our run, they asked us not to put it on the net. But I finally discovered this already on the web.

By the way, I'm the pretty one in the habit.

PS - looks like we're all in our tap shoes!

185MickyFine
Jan 12, 2013, 7:09 pm

Well, you look just fab in that habit. :D

186humouress
Editado: Jan 12, 2013, 8:15 pm

*blush*

;0)

187ronincats
Jan 14, 2013, 12:19 am

I see what you meant about swinging those brooms around!