Thursday, September 23, 2010

Thursday Thirteen

Thirteen books I've read this year (but I've read many more than 13). The links on the books either take you to my full review of the book or to the author's page if it is available and I have not put a review on this blog.

1. The Christmas Train, by David Baldacci. This was my first Baldacci book and so far of the three I've listened to on audio tape it is my favorite. Aging war reporter Tom takes train trip across US and runs into old flame.

2. America's Women, by Gail Collins. My favorite nonfiction book so far this year. A wonderful synopsis of the struggles of women as well as an explanation of where we are today. I was left inspired and amazed.


3. The Girl Who Fell from the Sky, by Heidi Durrow. A biracial coming of age story with a hint of a mystery. Excellent characterization and a heartbreaking story.
 
4. Through Wolf's Eyes, by Janet Linkskold. Orphaned wolf-girl with magical powers returns to culture to fix majestic problems. First in a series; I read two others before giving out and taking a break from this line. I thought the first book was the best.
 
5. Wildwood Dancing, by Juliet Marillier. I love Marillier's books and this was no exception. Young girls go through a magic door to a magic kingdom. There are always consequences.
 

6. Hearts on a String, by Kris Radish. Five very different women are stranded in the same room in a five-star hotel. Laughter and a bit of a mystery ensues.
 
7. Sea Glass, by Anita Shreve. A thoughtful book set in the early 1900s and the Great Depression. Exquisitely written with wonderful characters and terrific setting.  Multiple themes of life, death, hope, love. This is a brilliant book, solid and sturdy as a New Hampshire fishing village.
 
8. The Help, by Kathryn Stockett.  A book that every southern woman should read. This is a story of race relations and the art of being a neighbor, among other things.
 
9. The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, by JRR Tolkien. Frodo saves the world and Aragorn becomes king. In between there is a lot of world-building and things to discover. The father of fantasy.
 
10. All Over the Map, by Laura Fraser. This memoir takes the reader to many different countries as the writer embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
 
11. The Blueberry Years, by Jim Minick. Memoir of a local blueberry farmer. Poetic prose and lots to think about.
 
12. Dune Road, by Jane Green. Okay beach read; a lot of redundancy in the writing.
 
13. Finger Lickin' Fifteen, by Janet Evanovich. I hadn't read a Stephanie Plum book in a few years, having tired of them. It was nice to revisit familiar character.
 
Thursday Thirteen is played by lots of people; there is a list here.  I've been playing for a number of years and this is my 157th time to do a list 13 on a Thursday.

12 comments:

  1. I do want to read the Blueberry Years at some point. I saw it in the Harvest Moon here in Floyd yesterday. Cool that it's set in Floyd.

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  2. Wish I could get into reading again like I did so many years ago. I always have good intentions, start them and after a few chapters never get back to it. But I do like to buy books because they look nice on the shelf and make it look as though I am a reader. LOL

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  3. Interesting list, of which the only one I've read it Tolkien.

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  4. I am jotting down these books! I have been trying to find a good book to read but never know what to get! Happy TT.. feel free to visit me! http://tammysweightlossjourney2010.blogspot.com

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  5. I loved the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and love Stephanie Plum. I hope #16 is on your list. The Help is on my TBR list.

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  6. I had my book club read The Help. It was really well received. It was excellent. Hands down, the best book we've read so far. Henry's Sisters by Cathy Lamb.

    Happy TT!!

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  7. I've read about 3 Baldacci books and have enjoyed all of them. The Help was an excellent read.

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  8. Sadly, I've not read any of these. I have the Tolkien books but I'm pretty sure I've only read The Hobbit. Not sure why I never read the others because I LOVED The Hobbit.

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  9. I haven't read The Help, but my mother and sister have and they both said it was great.

    I have, however, read LOTR - and found it amazing. I'll have to re-read the whole set again, soon. (When I find some time! Ack!)

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  10. Loved your list.I've enjoyed a few myself :)

    Have a great Thursday!
    http://harrietandfriends.com/2010/09/this-is-your-week-unmarrieds-and-singles/

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  11. Lots of good reads on your list, but my favorite is Finger Lickin' Fifteen.

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  12. An interesting selction of books. I have The Christmas Train in the TBR pile, hope to get to it in December, and read the Tolkien books eons ago. Thanks for visiting!

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